Capital Area Council of Churches

10/22/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

Did you know that one of our very own Fall Awards Dinner honorees is a published author? That's right! Phyllis Cardona!

Phyllis is the author of In My Truest Voice: Poems of Healing and Hope, a beautiful collection of personal reflections exploring life's challenges, faith, healing, and finding hope along the way.

And here's the exciting part! ❤️

We'll have a limited number of her books available during check-in at our Fall Awards Dinner!

For those lucky enough to arrive early, you'll have the opportunity to take home a copy with a suggested donation of just $20 to the Capital Area Council of Churches. Of course, additional donations are always welcome!

Books will be available on a first come, first served basis, so be sure to stop by the display when you arrive!

What a wonderful opportunity to celebrate one of our honorees, enjoy her inspiring work, and support the Council all at the same time!

📖 Want to learn more about Phyllis's book?

My poems have been my solace and my strength. They have helped me clarify and collect my thoughts when life shifted and I had to find my footing again. Because I wrote these poems for my own reflection, I did not dilute any reactions to the feelings that emerged. I did not avoid asking questions,...

10/21/2026

AWARDEE SPOTLIGHT: ERIC & DEBRA FAGANS

A lifetime of service, a heart for community, and a commitment to helping others thrive!

For Eric and Debra Fagans, serving others has never been just a calling, it’s a way of life.

Eric, an ordained Presbyterian minister, and Debra, an educator, have spent decades making a difference in communities across several states. From helping establish Habitat for Humanity affiliates to leading volunteer rebuilding efforts after Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, their dedication to serving others has taken many forms.

But their impact close to home may be one of their most inspiring chapters. In 2017, Eric and Debra founded The Wizard’s Wardrobe, a free, after-school, one-on-one tutoring program in Albany. Since opening its doors, the program has helped 83 children strengthen their reading, writing, and problem-solving skills.

Their commitment continues to grow. Debra works to address racism and strengthen community partnerships through her church, while Eric is developing a new initiative to support students’ families alongside the tutoring program.

Through faith, education, and hands-on service, Eric and Debra demonstrate how a commitment to helping others can transform lives and strengthen an entire community.

Please join us in congratulating Eric and Debra Fagans, recipients of CACC’s James & Pearl Campbell Peace and Justice Award!

THERE’S STILL TIME TO JOIN US!

Come celebrate Eric and Debra and our other outstanding honorees at CACC’s Annual Fall Dinner and Awards Celebration!

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | Italian Community Center, Albany

Get your tickets today!
https://capareacc.com/fallawards

For now, please join us in congratulating Eric and Debra Fagans by leaving a congratulatory message in the comments below.

10/20/2026

Welcome to our new followers!

We’re excited to see so many new faces in our CACC community, and we’re so glad you’re here!

The Capital Area Council of Churches is all about building bridges, bringing faith communities together, and sharing the good happening throughout the Capital Region.

We invite you to like, comment, and share our posts, spread the word about local events, and help us share messages of hope, kindness, and encouragement. Know someone who would enjoy being part of our community? Invite them to follow along, too!

Together, we can build bridges, lift one another up, and make a difference through faith and service.

Thank you for being here and being part of our community!

10/19/2026

AWARDEE SPOTLIGHT: THE REV. CN. WILLIAM R. HINRICHS

A lifetime of ministry, compassion, and service to others!

For nearly five decades, Father Bill Hinrichs has dedicated his life to serving others through faith, pastoral care, and community involvement.

As part-time Rector of St. John’s in Cohoes and Diocesan Chaplain and Transition Minister for the Episcopal Diocese of Albany, Father Bill supports congregations, clergy, and hospital chaplains through times of change, challenge, and healing.

His commitment to service extends beyond the church. Drawing on a deeply personal connection after losing both his mother and grandfather to Alzheimer’s disease, Father Bill has devoted years to supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. He also volunteers with several organizations, including the Capital Area Council of Churches, reflecting his commitment to ecumenical relationships and serving the wider community.

We are proud to recognize Father Bill’s many years of ministry, his compassion for others, and his dedication to bringing people together.

THERE’S STILL TIME TO JOIN US!

Come celebrate Father Bill and our other outstanding honorees at CACC’s Annual Fall Dinner and Awards Celebration!

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | Italian Community Center, Albany

Get your tickets today!
https://capareacc.com/fallawards

For now, please join us in congratulating The Rev. Cn. William R. Hinrichs, recipient of CACC’s Rev. Joyce Giles Pastoral Award, by leaving a congratulatory message in the comments below.