At these Southern Tier churches, 2024 marks 'Year of Joy'

There’s a Year of Joy underway in the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York.

Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, said the idea came about with changing times in the world over the last several years, such as what’s happening in Palestine and Israel now. But it is closer to home too.

“People who are suffering the ramifications of COVID and the people talking about the sense of loss of what the church used to be and what it is,” Bishop Duncan-Probe said.

The pandemic closed the doors to in-person worship for a time. Yet the use of technology allowed others who hadn’t been in church in years to take part via the internet now, the bishop said.

According to the website of the diocese, there are more than 11,000 Episcopalians in 82 congregations between the Pennsylvania and Canadian borders. Based in the Syracuse area, the diocese includes the cities of Binghamton, Elmira and Utica.

So where does the inspiration for a Year of Joy come from? In part from words of the Episcopal burial liturgy: “characterized by joy and the certainty that neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities nor faith present or to come separate us from the love of God.”

Bishop Duncan-Probe said now “seems like the perfect time to draw close to that.”

“Concurrent with grief and suffering is joy. The joy coming in the mourning with understanding,” she said, ”no matter what has beset us it’s that joy, that deep knowledge that God is in the midst. God is not shaken by what has been happening in the world but God’s love continues on.”

Joy is often misunderstood as a celebration while there is a spiritual meaning and a re-imagining now, Bishop Duncan-Probe said.

“Joy is that moment amid and after the sorrow when we know that God is with us,” the bishop added, “It bolsters us up and prepares us for continuing the journey.”

Bishop Duncan-Probe notes the anger and frustration and fear that’s been happening in the last few years. While people have been saying whatever they wish to others, she suggests that people set a different course.

More: Husband continues volunteer effort in wife's honor: 'One person can make a difference'

“I hear people saying — lots of people — ‘I just don't have any more bandwidth for more people who are hurting,’” Bishop Duncan-Probe said.

The bishop suggested people are lacking joy.

“Because when we feel that joy and when we feel that we can make a difference, there is no lack of energy, and so that inhabiting that space becomes more possible,” the bishop said.

The bishop said it is important for the individual to consider how they can relate to others.

“It starts in the quietness of (our) own heart,” the bishop said, “to not be overcome by the sorrow of the world.”

The diocese provided information on the Year of Joy. It describes how they’re inviting parishes and communities to “live in joy amidst whatever struggles and pain may still be around and among us.”

The focus includes caring for creation, celebrating LGBTQ people and identities, and working to heal divisions and separations between peoples.

It connects with their diocesan vision called A World Healed by Love and mission of Learning to Love God, One Another, and All God's Creation.

While the Year of Joy is taking place with those in the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, Bishop Duncan-Probe looks to reach the wider community.

“My hope is that they would be inspired to do one act of love or kindness through another. That they would be inspired to consider that God loves them and is inviting them to be about love in this world that is hurting and so desperately in need of that healing grace,” the bishop said.

“This is our turn. This is our turn to speak the words of hope. It's our turn to set the model. It's our turn to say the things that need to be said to bring hope and of course, joy.”

For more information: The Episcopal Diocese of Central New York, cnyepiscopal.org, 315-474-6596, office@cnyepiscopal.org

If you have a story for the Faith column which runs twice a month, send an email faithpressconnects@gmail.com

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: At these Southern Tier churches, 2024 marks 'Year of Joy'