The Episcopal Church of St. Alban the Martyr, Queens, N.Y.

09/13/2026

🏡❤️ HOMECOMING SUNDAY | Welcome Home!
Neither pouring rain nor gray skies could dampen the joy inside The Episcopal Church of St. Alban the Martyr today! ☔️❤️

Our church family came together for a beautiful Homecoming Sunday filled with worship, reflection, music, fellowship and thanksgiving—and what a wonderful way to begin another year of ministry together.

Today, Fr. Keith Voets offered a powerful reflection on the words of St. Paul in Romans 14, reminding us not to judge or despise one another over our differences. We belong to God, and ultimately each of us is accountable to Him.

What a fitting message for Homecoming. Church is a place where we come together—not because we are all the same, but because we are one family in Christ. ❤️
We also celebrated a very special milestone as young Robbie served at the altar for the first time, proudly assisting alongside his Papa, Fr. Keith. ✝️ What a joy to see another generation growing in faith and service!

Following worship, our incredible Hospitality Ministry welcomed everyone to a delicious Homecoming brunch, complete with fresh fruit and vegetables, warm porridge, eggs, sausage, rolls, cake and plenty of good conversation and laughter. 🍽️

And today we gave special thanks for Jonathan and his six and a half years of faithful ministry through music at St. Alban's. As Jonathan steps away to attend to family responsibilities, we send him forward with our prayers, gratitude and love. His gifts have enriched our worship and our parish family, and we are so thankful for the ministry he has shared with us. 🎶❤️
Homecoming also means looking forward. Families registered for Sunday School and Confirmation, our ministries are preparing for another year of service, formation and fellowship, and we are excited for all that God has in store.

The rain fell outside, but inside St. Alban's there was nothing but warmth. ❤️

Faith. Family. Fellowship. Welcome home.
May God bless the year of ministry ahead—and we'll see you next Sunday!

All are welcome.

09/12/2026

❤️ CALLED TO CARE | You're Invited
Caring for one another is at the heart of who we are as a church family.

As we continue renewing our Pastoral Care Ministry at St. Alban the Martyr, we invite you to join us for a special morning of prayer, fellowship and reflection as we explore what it means to “bear one another's burdens” and care for members of our parish family.

🙏🏾 Pastoral Care Prayer Breakfast
📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM
⛪ St. Alban the Martyr Parish Hall

We are delighted to welcome our guest speaker, The Rev. Leandra Lisa Lambert, Associate Rector for Social Justice and Reconciliation at Grace Church Brooklyn Heights.
Whether your gift is praying, calling, sending a card, visiting, providing a ride—or simply being present—there are many ways to care. ❤️

Come learn more about this important ministry and discover how you might be called to serve.
“Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
All are welcome. Bring a friend!

LoveInAction EpiscopalChurch CommunityOfCare

09/11/2026

September 11, 25 Years Later: A Reflection from the Rector

Twenty-five years ago, I was 22 years old and working at the front desk of a hotel in Windsor, Connecticut.

I remember our head housekeeper running in and telling us that a plane had hit one of the Trade Towers. We all ran into the lobby and gathered around the television. For the next several hours, we watched everything unfold live.

There are images from that day that will never leave me. One of the most vivid isn’t something I saw on television. It was watching one of our hotel guests realize that her apartment near the World Trade Center was in flames.

I’m not your typical patriotic person, and I’ve never been particularly moved by displays of patriotism for their own sake. But I remember shedding tears that night when members of Congress stood together on the steps of the Capitol and sang. Republicans and Democrats, together. I’m not sure we’ve seen a moment of national bipartisanship quite like it since.

Those of us who were old enough to understand what was happening probably remember something else too: the uncertainty. We didn’t know whether there would be another attack. We didn’t know where. We didn’t know if we were next. It was frightening.

I admit that I have mixed feelings about reliving September 11 every year. I’m not convinced that collectively re-traumatizing ourselves by replaying every horrifying image is necessarily healthy or helpful.

But remembering is important.

We should remember the nearly 3,000 lives taken that day. We should pray for their souls and for the families and friends who have carried that loss for 25 years. We should remember the first responders and ordinary people who ran toward danger to help strangers.

And, difficult as it may be, I believe we are also called to pray for the perpetrators—that when they stood before the great judgment seat of God, somehow their hearts were finally turned. I know not everyone will agree with that prayer. But for me, the Gospel does not allow us to decide that some souls are beyond the reach of God.

There are going to be a lot of feelings over the next 24 hours. Grief. Anger. Patriotism. Sadness. Fear. Perhaps even discomfort with the way we remember this day. Most of those feelings are legitimate, even when they contrast with someone else’s.

Twenty-five years later, though, I hope our ultimate prayer can be for peace—not for more war, more hatred, or more vengeance.

If September 11 taught us anything, surely one of those lessons was how suddenly everything can change, how fragile our lives really are, and how precious every human life is.

May the dead rest in peace. May those who still grieve find comfort. And may we finally learn to make peace with one another. 🕊️

09/08/2026

❤️ CALLED TO CARE | Why Pastoral Care Matters

What does it mean to care for members of our church family when they can no longer be with us regularly?
We caught up with Deacon Rickie Park to talk about the importance of Pastoral Care at St. Alban the Martyr—and the many ways each of us can help remind our sick and homebound parishioners that their church is still part of their lives.

A visit. A telephone call. A card. A prayer. ❤️
As Deacon Rickie reminds us, caring for others can bring joy not only to those we serve, but also to those who answer the call to serve.
And there's an opportunity to learn more!

🙏🏾 Pastoral Care Prayer Breakfast
📅 Saturday, September 26, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM
⛪ St. Alban the Martyr Parish Hall
🎙️ Guest Speaker: The Rev. Leandra Lisa Lambert

Come learn more about Pastoral Care, why this ministry matters, and the many ways you can be part of it.

There are many ways to care. Perhaps one of them is yours. ❤️

“Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
All are welcome.

09/06/2026

❤️ CALLED TO CARE | There Are Many Ways to Care
What does Pastoral Care look like at St. Alban the Martyr?

Sometimes it's visiting someone who is sick or homebound. Sometimes it's a telephone call, a handwritten card, a ride, a prayer—or simply reminding someone in our parish family that they have not been forgotten.

As we renew our Pastoral Care Ministry, we're reminded that caring for one another doesn't look the same for everyone. You don't have to do everything to make a difference. There are many ways to care:

🙏 Pray
☎️ Stay connected
💌 Send encouragement
❤️ Visit
🚗 Provide a ride
🤝 Lend a helping hand
✝️ Serve through Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is an extension of the worship, fellowship and love we share on Sunday—carried beyond the walls of our church to members of our parish family who need our presence and support.
Perhaps there's a place for you in this ministry. ❤️

“Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2
A caring church. A stronger community. Together in Christ.

08/19/2026

08/16/2026

☀️💙 WHAT A DAY AT ST. ALBAN THE MARTYR! 💙☀️

Our annual Community Health Fair was a tremendous success! More than 200 members of our parish and surrounding community joined us for a beautiful day of health, wellness, education, fellowship and FUN!

We were especially honored to welcome Bishop-elect Shoemaker of the Diocese of Long Island as our special guest. 🙏🏾

Throughout the day, an incredible group of healthcare providers, city agencies and community organizations connected our neighbors with valuable information and resources—from health screenings, mammograms and organ donation to nutrition, end-of-life care, legal services and so much more. 🩺🍎❤️

And we didn't just talk about healthy living—we got moving! 💃🏾🕺🏾 Our folks put on their dancing shoes, got those heart rates up with some dance exercise, and when it was time to bring those fans out... WHERE THEM FANS AT?! 🪭😂 We danced, laughed and had a TIME!

There was plenty more fun throughout the day, with refreshments, face painting, raffles featuring beautifully curated wellness and beauty baskets—and even a special visit from Darth Vader! 🌟

None of this would have been possible without our amazing St. Alban's volunteers, who served wherever they were needed—from refreshments and popcorn to raffles, hospitality, setup and everything in between. Thank you! ❤️

And a very special thank-you to Liesel Hall-Grant, who has spearheaded our Community Health Fair for the past four years. Your dedication to bringing health education and resources directly to our community continues to make an impact.

At St. Alban the Martyr, caring for our neighbors extends beyond our church walls. This is community. This is fellowship. This is love in action. ✝️💙

Thank you to every vendor, volunteer, visitor and community partner who helped make the day so special. We can't wait to welcome you back next August!

📸🎥 And we're not finished yet! Stay tuned for more photos, interviews and highlights from an incredible day.

08/10/2026

💙💚 HEALTHY FAMILIES. STRONGER TOGETHER. 💚💙

St. Alban the Martyr invites our parish family, neighbors, and the entire community to join us for our Community Health Fair! 🩺🌿

📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 St. Alban the Martyr Episcopal Church
116-42 Farmers Blvd., St. Albans, NY 11412

Come spend the day with us as we focus on healthcare management, prevention, education, and taking steps toward a healthier tomorrow.

And bring the whole family! ❤️ We'll have healthcare education and resources, music, giveaways & raffles, children's entertainment, and plenty of opportunities for fellowship and fun.

✨ This event is open to the community — so invite a friend, bring a neighbor, and come join us!

Because caring for our community means caring for the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. 🙏🏾

We can't wait to see you there!

08/10/2026

🎶 HYMNS OF FAITH | What’s Your Favorite Hymn? 🎶

Some hymns we sing. Others stay with us. ❤️

We asked members of our St. Alban the Martyr family to share their favorite hymn—and why it holds a special place in their hearts.

In this edition of Hymns of Faith, we hear reflections on “Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us” and “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by a little snippet of each. 🎵

Their reflections remind us that the hymns of our faith are more than melodies. They can hold memories, tell our stories, strengthen our faith, connect generations, and give voice to what is sometimes difficult to put into words.

Now it’s your turn! 👇🏾

What’s your favorite hymn—and why?

Share it with us in the comments. You might even inspire our next Hymns of Faith! 🎶❤️