In this issue: Bishop DeDe urges support for refugees and immigrants. Plus: Photos from the 14th Mission of Miracles, Youth Skating Weekend, MLK Day of Service in Liverpool, and more. February 2, 2017.
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image description: the masthead of The Messenger. The words "The Messenger Newsletter of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York" and the square diocesan cross logo are overlaid on an image of one of the finger lakes in autumn

Bishop DeDe: "Jesus has charged us to serve the most vulnerable among us." 


Dear People of Central New York,
As Christians, we are diverse in our opinions and perspectives, but we are all united by our desire to follow Jesus Christ and to live out our baptismal vows to "seek and serve Christ in all persons." Jesus has especially charged us to serve "the least of these," the most vulnerable among us.

Below, you'll find statements and resources from the Episcopal Church and our partners encouraging your support of refugees and immigrants, who are among the most vulnerable members of our human family. I urge you to engage in prayerful discernment about how you and your congregation may be called at this time to serve and welcome refugees and immigrants in our communities. And I pray that we will all continue to build one another up, share one another's burdens, and encourage one another to act with courage and compassion.
Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe
Bishop of Central New York

Resources for Supporting Refugees and Immigrants


Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.

Letter to Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner from CNY Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe

Statement from Episcopal Migration Ministries Director, the Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson.

Episcopal News Service: "Episcopal Church expands its stand with refugees, immigrants and the undocumented."

Letter from InterFaith Works CEO Beth Broadway.
The Episcopal Public Policy Network has announced a major advocacy campaign in support of refugees. Over the next TWO MONTHS, call your national, state, and local elected officials at least FOUR TIMES to let them know you welcome refugees.

Get a script and information about finding phone numbers to call.

Around the Diocese

Bishop DeDe: "God has given us a spirit of love and power." 

In a new video message released last Friday, Bishop DeDe reflects on how Christians can follow Jesus in times of change, and speaks about recent changes in the diocesan offices. Watch now or read the transcript

Youth From Ten Parishes Enjoy Diocesan-Wide Skating Weekend

Thirty-two young people from ten Central New York parishes enjoyed a weekend of winter fun—and a visit from their bishop—at St. Paul's Church in Syracuse this past Saturday and Sunday. Activities included ice skating at Clinton Square Ice Rink. Check out more upcoming youth events in the Diocese

St. Matthew's, Liverpool hosts MLK Day of Service


On January 16th, St. Matthew’s Church in Liverpool held their annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service and Learning. Community members joined parishioners to take part in various service projects. Volunteers made scarves, sandwiches and cookies to send to the Samaritan Center. They also baked communion bread for St. Matthew’s services, made cards to send to parishioners, and read books and watched movies about the life and legacy of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a great day serving God and our community!

14th Mission of Miracles Continues

The 14th Mission of Miracles from Central New York to our Companion Diocese of El Salvador continues this week. Volunteers, including physicians, nurses and students, are helping the local Salvadoran healthcare team provide medical, dental and psychological care to hundreds of Salvadorans. 
Mr. Bill Dawson of Christ Church in Manlius and Dr. Roberto Flores, a dentist serving on the medical team of the Diocese of El Salvador, display a new portable dental unit. The unit, donated by the Skaneateles Rotary Club, was delivered to the Salvadoran medical team by the 14th Mission of Miracles.
Volunteers provide counseling and medical services to Salvadoran families. 

The Rev. John Martinichio to Serve as Secretary of Convention


The Rev. John Martinichio has accepted Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe's invitation to serve as Secretary of Convention for 2017.

The 149th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York will be held on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 10-11, 2017 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Liverpool. 

Parish Audits/ Risk Assessments

Each parish, chapel and institution of the Diocese of Central New York is required to conduct an annual audit/ risk assessment in accordance with the most current method of The Episcopal Church Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs. Audits are due in the diocesan office each year on September 1st for the previous calendar year.

Michael Kauffman, the diocesan-retained CPA who had been performing parish risk assessments, is retiring this year. The CPA firm D'Arcangelo & Co., LLP, which performs the audit for the Diocese of Central New York, has agreed to take on parish risk assessment work at the same rates Michael Kauffman had charged. A risk assessment for Type I, II or III parishes costs approximately $1,500, and a limited number of $700 scholarships are available.

Visit the diocesan website for CPA contact information and additional information about audit requirements and scholarships

Ash Wednesday Services and Ashes-to-Go


Please use this online form to submit a listing of your parish's Ash Wednesday services and Ashes-to-Go locations (one service per submission, please). Submitted services will be listed on the diocesan website and promoted through a diocesan social media advertising campaign (similar to our Christmas campaign). The submission deadline is February 21, 2017

Announcements & Events

Diocesan-Wide Announcements & Events

Dates & Deadlines: A list of important upcoming diocesan dates & deadlines is available here
Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross Retreat: Richard Rohr and "A New Reformation"

The Upstate New York chapter of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross offers an overnight retreat on "a spirituality for troubled times."

Get complete details for the retreat and information about the Society

When: Friday, Feb. 17th (afternoon) through Saturday, Feb. 18th (after lunch)
Where: St. Margaret's House & Ecumenical Center, 47 Jordan Road, New Hartford.
Cost: $73 includes overnight accomodations and three meals, or $13 per meal commuter rate.
2016 Parochial Reports Due March 1st

The Episcopal Church has mailed information about 2016 Parochial Reports to each parish. The mailing includes a card with the parish’s UEID and PIN, instructions, and a cover letter from The Rev. Canon Dr. Michael Barlowe of The Episcopal Church. Please visit the website of The Episcopal Church to download these materials.

Complete your Parochial Report online (filing began in January 2017).
Central New York Cursillo Events

Cursillo is an experience and a continuing faith community helping Christian adults to live out their baptismal vows.

Cursillo "Cabin Fever" Event
When: Friday, Mar. 24th, 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Where: St. Matthew's Church, 900 Vine Street, Liverpool.

Cursillo Weekend
When: Thursday, May 4th through Sunday, May 7th.
Where: Casawasco Camp & Retreat Center, 158 Casowasco Drive, Moravia.

Cursillo Grand Ultreya Picnic
When: Saturday, Jul. 15th, 11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Where: Dwyer Memorial Park, Preble. 
Habitat for Humanity Mission Trip to El Salvador

Mr. Kip Coerper of St. James' Church in Skaneateles will be leading a Habitat for Humanity Mission Trip to El Salvador (our Companion Diocese) from May 27 to June 4, 2017. Learn more about the trip, and how to volunteer.

Youth & Young Adults

Applicaton Deadline Announced: EYE 2017 (Episcopal Youth Event)

EYE is a national event and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for teens in grades 9–12 and their adult leaders. The single largest gathering of youth in The Episcopal Church, EYE typically draws up to 1,200 people. Bishop DeDe will attend with our group from Central New York.

Registration for EYE 2017 is only available through the Diocese of Central New York's application process. Space is limited. The application deadline for youth and for adult chaperones is Wednesday, Feb. 15th; a $100 deposit is required for each application.

Please visit the diocesan website for details and to download the application package.

Questions may be directed to Kristen and Tory Blum, Co-Coordinator and Coordinator for Youth Ministry, at tblum@cnyepiscopal.org.

When: Monday, Jul. 10th to Friday, Jul. 14th. Application deadline is February 15th. 
Where: The University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma. 
New Beginnings Weekend (grades 6–8)

Details and applications available at cnyepiscopal.org/new-beginnings.
  • Team member (leader) applications due Feb. 25th.
  • Participant applications due Mar. 4th.
When: Friday, Mar. 17th to Sunday, Mar. 19th.
Where: St. Paul’s Church, 117 Main Street, Owego.
Happening Weekend (grades 9–12)

Details and applications available at cnyepiscopal.org/happening.
  • Team member (leader) applications due Feb. 18th.
  • Candidate (participant) applications due Mar. 3rd. 
  • Prayer community (support) applications due Mar. 17th. 
When: Friday, Mar. 31st to Sunday, Apr. 2nd.
Where: Casawasco Camp & Retreat Center, 158 Casowasco Drive, Moravia.

Funding for Ministry: Grants and Loans


New Year, New Ministries! Need a hand? See upcoming grants and loans below; an expanded list of diocesan and churchwide funding opportunities is available at cnyepiscopal.org/funding
Thursday, Feb. 2nd: Energy Audit Implementation Grants

Details and application information

Grantor: The Foundation of the Diocese of Central New York

Grant Purpose: Matching funds of up to $1000 for parishes of the Diocese planning to implement NYSERDA energy audit recommendations in 2017.
Thursday, Feb. 2nd: Foundation of the Diocese Grants & Loans

Details and application

Grantor: The Foundation of the Diocese of Central New York

Grant/Loan Purpose: Grants of up to $10,000 and loans (varying funding levels and terms) to Episcopal parishes and institutions of the Diocese for programs, ministries, facilities, and debt refinancing.
Friday, Feb. 3rd: Roanridge Trust Award Grants

Details and application

Grantor: The Roanridge Trust of The Episcopal Church

Grant Purpose: Supporting ministry in small towns and rural areas.
Friday, March 3rd: United Thank Offering Grants

Details and application

Grantor: The United Thank Offering (The Episcopal Church)

Grant Purpose: Funding for new ministries and new ministry positions; 2017 focus is reconciliation, evangelism and The Jesus Movement. 
Friday, March 31st: Five Marks of Mission Block Grants

Details and application

Grantor: The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York

Grant Purpose: Funding for projects and ministries related to one of the Five Marks of Mission.

In Our Parishes

Used Prayer Books Available (Free)

St. James' Church in Skaneateles has about 45 used copies of The Book of Common Prayer in fair condition. They are free to any church or organization that would like to pick them up. 

Deadline: Pick up before February 28th.
Contact: Please e-mail Mr. Kip Coerper if interested, or call the church office at (315) 685-7600.
Trinity, Lowville: Stone Soup Supper
 
All are welcome to enjoy this free community meal of hot dogs and chili.

When: Thursday, Feb. 9th, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Where: Trinity Church, 5411 Trinity Avenue, Lowville. 

The Wardens, Vestry And
People of Grace Episcopal Church
Invite You To A Eucharist To Celebrate
Father Donald W. Matthews
On His 25th Year of Ordination 
And To Honor His Ministry
As He Begins Medical Retirement

Saturday, February 11, 2017
One O'Clock In The Afternoon

Grace Episcopal Church
375 West Church Street
Elmira, NY 14901

Reception Immediately Following In The Parish Hall

Contributions for the Retirement Gift May Be So
Designated And Mailed To The Parish
 
Grace, Carthage: Chatterbox Gathering
 
Join us for good food and good music with Tribe Judah.

When: Sunday, Feb. 19th, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chatterbox Diner, 266 State Street, Carthage. 
Non-Violent Civil Disobedience Training (coordinated with the Anti-Racism Committee)

As Christians, we are called to resist acts of violence and discrimination in our midst. But as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. knew so well, we can’t do it without training. This workshop, led by Professor Todd May of Le Moyne College,  will give us the essentials in preparing ourselves for non-violent civil disobedience, and an occasion to begin organizing to respond publicly to potential acts of violence and degradation against racial,  ethnic, and sexual minorities in our communities.

Complete details on the diocesan website.

When: Wednesday, Feb. 22nd 7:00–9:00 p.m.
Where: St. David’s Church, 14 Jamar Drive, DeWitt (Parish Hall, far right entry, please park in lot). 
Cost: Free of charge.
RSVP: By Feb. 20th to The Rev. Kate Lufkin Day at kblday@gmail.com.
Grace, Baldwinsville: Mardi Gras Jambalaya Dinner

A community Jambalaya Dinner (including jambalaya, cornbread, dessert, and beverage) will benefit VFW Post 153 Veterans Food Pantry. 

When: Tuesday, Feb. 28th, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
Where: Grace Church (church undercroft), 110 Oswego Street (Route 48), Baldwinsville. 
Cost: Tickets are $8 per person, available at the door; children age 5 and under eat free. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the VFW Post 153 Veterans Food Pantry. 
St. John's, Oneida: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Join us for our community Pancake Supper (including pancakes, bacon, sausage and applesauce). 

When: Tuesday, Feb. 28th, 4:30–7:00 p.m.
Where: St. John's Church, 341 Main Street, Oneida.
Cost: Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $3 for children age 6–12, and childern age 5 and under eat free.

Churchwide

Episcopal Volunteers in Mission Program for Adults

Is God calling you to go out into the world to “seek and serve Christ in all persons?” To meet neighbors you never knew you had?

Episcopal Volunteers in Mission are adults (age 30 and over) serving with mission partners throughout the Anglican Communion for six months to a year. Learn more and apply to the program
Order Episcopal Relief & Development Lenten Meditations by Feb. 15th

Episcopal Relief & Development's printed daily Lenten Meditations devotional is a popular resource for congregations. Devotionals must be ordered by February 15th to ensure they will arrive in time for Ash Wednesday, March 1st. 

Learn more and place an order online or call 1 (866) 937-2772.

Community

7th Annual World Interfaith Harmony Assembly: "Love is the Answer"

Join InterFaith Works of Central New York and Women Transcending Boundaries as we spread the message of harmony and tolerance by showcasing and celebrating the many faith traditions in Central New York. 

This event is free and open to the public.

When: Monday, Feb. 6th, 6:30–8:00 p.m., reception to follow.
Where: University United Methodist Church, 1085 East Genesee Street, Syracuse.
Upcoming Workshops at the Spiritual Renewal Center

Register online at spiritualrenewalcenter.com or contact the Center at (315) 472-6546 or mail@spiritualrenewalcenter.com.

Events take place at the Spiritual Renewal Center, 1342 Lancaster Avenue in Syracuse, unless otherwise noted.

Human Suffering and the God of Love with the Rev. Dr. Mark Lawson. Thursday, Feb. 16th, 7:009:00 p.m.

"A Lamp Unto My Feet" 24-Hour Retreat at Christ the King Retreat Center (500 Brookford Road, Syracuse). Friday, Mar 3rd, 6:00 p.m. through Saturday, March 4th, 7:00 p.m.

Gospel of Mark with Mr. Jim Krisher. Thursdays, Mar. 16th, 23rd, and 30th and April 6th, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Quick Links

Diocesan Website
Diocesan Calendar
Prayer Calendar
Important Dates & Deadlines
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