Feature Story

A Note from The Rev. Canon Alissa Newton and Canon Team

Dear Friends in Christ,

This spring, the Canon team is pleased to invite you into a series of Online Learning Communities designed to support the shared work of ministry across the Diocese of New York.

We know that this is a time of both challenge and possibility for our congregations. Elevating local communities is the first of our Mission Priorities.

Equipping lay & clergy leaders is also a Mission Priority. Leadership is complex. Contexts are shifting. And yet, again and again, we see that when leaders gather—across congregations, roles, and regions—new clarity, creativity, and courage begin to emerge.

These Learning Communities are offered in that spirit.

Each gathering is designed as a space for practical tools, shared wisdom, and mutual support. Some are ongoing cohorts that will meet over several weeks; others are single-session workshops focused on a particular area of congregational life. Together, they reflect the breadth of ministry we share: governance, stewardship, property, formation, collaboration, and intercultural engagement.

This spring’s offerings include:

  • Support for wardens and treasurers serving congregations in transition
  • Monthly treasurer check-ins
  • A property-focused community
  • A series on models of collaboration in ministry
  • Confirmation preparation cohorts (adult, youth, and Spanish-language)
  • College for Congregational Development (CCD) continued learning
  • A cultural and multilingual ministry initiative
  • Vestry conversations engaging the Moses Report
  • A stewardship workshop for congregational leaders

These communities are open to clergy and lay leaders as appropriate to each topic, and we encourage you to share this invitation widely within your congregation.

We offer these not as programs to complete, but as spaces to join—places where we can think together, learn from one another, and strengthen the ministries entrusted to us.

Registration is open – for full descriptions, dates, and registration click here.

As always, if you have questions about which offerings might be most helpful for your context, please reach out to your Canon.

We look forward to gathering with you this spring.

Faithfully,

The Rev. Canon Alissa Newton, Canon to the Ordinary

The Rev. Canon Victor Conrado, Canon for New York City

The Rev. Canon Sam Owen, Canon for Westchester & Putnam Counties

The Rev. Canon Lisa Saunders Ahuja, Canon for Dutchess County

The Rev. Canon Tanya Wallace, Canon for Lay & Clergy Formation

The Rev. Canon Aaron Hudson, Canon for Vulnerable Congregations

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