Hamburg United Methodist Church 116 Union St Hamburg, New York, 14075 (716) 649-8080 Sundays at 10 am
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We live in a complicated world. I wrote to you a month ago, and we discovered a break in our email communication to follow. I’ve asked that the January letter be added to this month, for any of you who may have missed it. Our situation has changed a little since then, but there’s too much good to recall as we enter 2025.
We have entered a new year, with a change in presidential administration, and a likely shift in a variety of federal policies. In many ways, this happens every four years and reflects the normalcy of American life—administrations come and go, and there are often changes in policy that make some of us very happy and raise concern for others. This time is no different. I want to make clear that while the Church has ethical positions on a variety of issues, we don’t expect to be of one mind across the board. I have always valued the diversity in our local congregations and the wider United Methodist community, and our ability to disagree with one another without being disagreeable.
On the last Sunday of January, I shared an open letter from the Council of Bishops, an international body that rarely addresses the whole Church with one voice. For some of you, their interpretation of our Social Principles relating to political communities and nations aligns with where you are, for others, it does not. In either case, I thought it was important to follow the request to share their statement with you that we might hear it together, regardless of whether we agree. Whatever you think about the current US political situation, I hope we can continue to foster an environment where we can follow Christ together and both agree on our core mission while disagreeing about other matters without being disagreeable.
For my part, I have never aligned closely with either major party, finding both wanting in meaningful ways when it comes to my understanding of our Christian calling to following Jesus. In the end, I’m a monarchist—I’m for King Jesus, and when the nations of the world follow the lead of the Prince of Peace, I’m all in, when they don’t I’m equally disappointed regardless of their affiliations. As I have told some of you privately, when asked, this changes the way I heard the Bishops letter—I expect the Church to speak to issues, and that all of us would also see shortcomings in whoever we see as the better imperfect choice to legislate for us, speak for us, and lead us.
In my last appointment, we fostered a safe place to share about difficult issues with a series of weekly conversations in the context of an additional prayer service and mealtime. Your Lay Leader, Dave Rood, has proposed a similar idea, and I want to support him in that and hopefully we can work together often to make that work—a way of sharing over challenging issues like poverty, race, immigration, addiction, and maybe some other issues so we can explore the scripture together, read any guidance from the wider Church, and listen to different perspectives without trying to change each others’ minds, while deepening our relationship with Christ and one another.
I want to thank you all for the privilege of being able to serve Christ with you. I hope we can develop and strengthen the ministries of our churches together in the year to come! I pray all of you are buoyed by the Christmas season and strengthened for the year to come! We are far better together, doing the work in our neighborhood for Jesus than struggling together at cross-purposes, entrenching in our divisions, or focusing on what separates us than when we focus on Who brings us together. I value your honesty and willingness to be seeking Christian life together, whether we always agree on where that leads us or not.
In Christ, With you,
Pastor David Nicol
Join Us in Reading Through the Bible in 2025
Would you consider reading through the Bible in 2025? Together as a church community, we can embark on this yearlong journey of faith and discovery. A Bible in a Year reading plan is available outside the church office and will also be published monthly in the newsletter. You can also access it online here: Bible in a year reading plan
Dedicating about 20 minutes a day to Scripture is a wonderful way to grow closer to God. Many who have done this discipline before share how it reveals surprising connections between different parts of the Bible and provides a deeper understanding of God’s love and guidance.
We hope you’ll join us on this meaningful journey of faith and exploration!
You can also Read and Listen to Today's Reading Online (FREE!)
Church Council
November 25, 2024
Present: Pastor David, Rollin Shoemaker, Caroline Schneggenburger, Jerry Schneggenburger, Bob Cook, David Rood, Ron Lesandro, Rick Park, Cheryl Bell, Dan Paskie, Rose Caldwell, Gail Harris. Attending on Zoom: Matt Edie, Lynda Sentz, Dianne Caldwell, Carolyn Montgomery
Pastor David opened with a prayer.
Dan made the motion to accept the minutes of October 28, 2024. Bob seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Ron reported on the email Matt sent regarding our finances to date. There is a projected surplus of $2,900, but that may be taken by having to reimburse hourly employees that have been underpaid. Matt and Emily are working on a 2025 budget. Pledges are coming in and most show an increase.
Rollin distributed a list of questions and concerns regarding the parsonage purchase. An extensive discussion was held. It was pointed out by Dave Rood and Pastor David that a building inspection would not have discovered the problems found after the drywall was removed.
The trustees have not been able to make a decision on whether to do a demolition and new build or fix the existing building until we present our plans to the town for approval. Pastor David will call the Parsonage Committee together to discuss plans to present to the town. Carolyn Montgomery suggested that a project manager, not Pastor David, be selected to be in charge of all decisions regarding the parsonage. Rick will present this to Trustees, and Pastor David will present to the Parsonage Committee. He will commit to having a person and plans by the middle of January. We will have more information by the next Council meeting on December 30.
Jerry reported that the parsonage building has been unlocked. Pastor David said he would make certain it is locked tonight.
Dave Rood reported that he will get Lynn Keiber, Dianne Caldwell, and his nephew, the photographer, together to work out plans for getting the pictorial directory done.
Some adjustments have been made to the sound system in the sanctuary. People reported that it seemed better. Pastor David and Patrick worked on the live stream sound and believe they have those issues fixed.
Caroline presented Lisa Rood’s concern that bathrooms aren’t available when the caregivers meet in the parlor on the days Respite is going on. Pastor David suggested several areas where the caregivers can meet that have access to bathrooms. Caroline will give Lisa those suggestions.
Rick reported that the dishwasher is working.
Rose reported that SPRC discovered that 2 staff members that are paid hourly have not been paid the up to date minimum wage. $2585 needs to be reimbursed to those employees.. Next year’s budget must include the new minimum wage for 2025 as well as a 3% increase for other staff members except the pastor.
Our next meeting is December 30, 2025.
David Rood closed with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted.
Cheryl Bell
Announcements from the Office
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As winter weather approaches please make sure to keep an eye out for
weather related closings for HUMC and Little Lamb Preschool :
on WIVB News 4 and WKBW Channel 7
As a general rule, if Hamburg And/ Or City Of Buffalo Public Schools are closed, then the Church and Little Lamb Preschool will also be closed.
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Content for the gathering space slide show is accepted weekly
and due on Wednesday Morning to the church office.
**Please note for repeating slides, the last Sunday it should be run.
Office hours
Monday- Thursday: 9am-2pm
Friday: 9 am-Noon
Email us!!
Pastor David: PastorDavid@hamburgumc.org
Jeannine Vanwey: Music@hamburgumc.org
Emily Slocum: Treasurer@hamburgumc.org
Patrick Fitzgerald: AV@hamburgumc.org
Cristina Glover: Office@hamburgumc.org
2024 HUMC Missions/Outreach Report to Congregation
Thank you for supporting this most important aspect of our commitment to Christ to reach out to all in need. The Committee distributed the following funds.
$ 1,500 Burundi Missionary
$ 1,500 Zimbabwe Missionaries
$ 5,500 UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)
$ 165 Student Sunday Special Giving
$ 95 World Communion Sunday Special Giving
$ 75 Human Relations Sunday Special Giving
$ 250 Peace With Justice Sunday Special Giving
$ 465 Native American Sunday Special Giving
$ 645 UMCOR Sunday Special Giving
$ 2,500 Seneca Street United Methodist Church
$ 2,000 Donation toward Deacan Dee Finch Compensation, Seneca Street UMC
$ 1,000 Eden Community Foundation for Tornado Relief
$ 1,300 FeedMore WNY
$ 2,500 Saints Peter and Paul Outreach (food pantry and emergency financial aid)
$ 500 Eden/North Collins Food Pantry
$ 500 Operation Good Neighbor Food Pantry
$ 500 Jehovah Jireh Food Pantry
$ 500 Lake Shore Food Pantry
$ 300 Blasdell Church of Christ Food Pantry
$ 300 Lincoln Memorial UMC Food Pantry
$ 1,073 Sparks of Hope Blessing Box Food Pantry
$ 1,100 Red Bird Mission
$ 1,000 Jensen’s Work Mission Travel Expenses to Red Bird
$ 1,500 Eight Days of Hope Disaster Relief
$ 1,000 Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief
$ 1,000 Churches in Action
$ 500 Cozy Quilts Ministry
$ 300 Buffalo Peace House
$ 1,000 Family Promise of WNY
$ 1,500 St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy
$ 500 Warm the Children
$ 2,500 Versailles UMC (used remainder of blizzard funds from Osterville UMC)
$ 1,355.14 Sandwich Ministry of HUMC
$ 36.16 Evans Bank Checks Purchased
$36,459.30 Total
In addition to monetary donations, you donated food and clothing to food pantries throughout the year. Seventeen Christmas gifts for Seneca Street UMC adult volunteers were donated through the Giving Tree organized by the Hurleys. The Jensens organized collection and sending of 57 Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Boxes. Thank You.
HUMC Missions/Outreach Committee: Caroline Schneggenburger, Ginger and Leo Jensen, Linda Sutton, Bob Stapf, Carlos Ortiz, Wendy and Dave Spaulding, Sharon Tiballi, Vicki Weixlmann, Jen Stahl, Tom Wojciechowki, Deb and Jim Hurley.
Dive into a Good Book- Join the HUMC Book Club.
We meet in the church library on the 4th Monday of the month at 10:30 am.
The following are the upcoming book selections:
February: West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge
March: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
April: Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
May: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
June: The Color of Water by James McBride
July: The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
We will break for summer in August and resume in September.
Book Club is Zoom-friendly. Contact Karen Klimecko for more information
Adult Sunday School
All are welcome to come join John Meader's Adult Sunday School Class, which meets every Sunday at 9:00 am in the parlor.
February 5th Session 5 of 9 Jeremiah 24-30
February 12th Session 6 of 9 Jeremiah 31-34
February 19th Session 7 of 9 Jeremiah 35-41
February 26th Session 8 of 9 Jeremiah 42-48
March 5th Ash Wednesday Service No Study
March 12th Session 9 of 9 Jeremiah 49-52
March 19th Session 1 of 1 Lamentations 1-5
March 26th Session 1 of 8 Ezekiel 1-8
April 2nd Session 2 of 8 Ezekiel 9-15
April 9th Session 3 of 8 Ezekiel 16-20
April 16th Session 4 of 8 Ezekiel 21-26
April 23rd Session 5 of 8 Ezekiel 27-31
April 30th Session 6 of 8 Ezekiel 32-37
May 7th Session 7 of 8 Ezekiel 38-43
May 14th Session 8 of 8 Ezekiel 44-48
Coffee Hour Schedule February 2025 - Finance
March 2025- SPRC
Groups are to provide goodies/ snacks each Sunday of the month they are scheduled.
Please get in touch with Sue Gagne or Joyce Spencer with any questions.
Medical Equipment Lending Closet
Hamburg UMC has a medical equipment lending closet. It is located in Room 18 in the basement. Please check the closet before purchasing wheelchairs, walkers, commodes, crutches, canes, etc. The equipment available constantly changes. If you have medical equipment you are no longer using, you may donate them. We cannot take soft items such as gauze pads, diabetic supplies, incontinence, bandages, etc. For questions, please call Caroline Schneggenburger at 716-289-0541.
RETIRED MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Retired Men’s Fellowship of Hamburg UMC will gather for their monthly lunch on Tuesday, Febuary 18at 12 Noon at at ZJ’s Restaurant in the Hamburg Village Plaza. All retired men are invited. Come and bring a friend for good food and good fellowship. Any questions? See Dick Caldwell, facilitator
Join us for a virtual fellowship! This group is a place to share prayer requests, devotions, concerns, joys, and even some humor with your church family. Join the Hamburg UMC Fellowship group on Facebook.
PRAYER CONCERNS?
If you would like someone added to our church prayer list, call or text Barb Meader at 716-548-4139 or email her at bmeader712017@gmail.com, or contact anyone who is a Prayer, Care, and Share member, or Cristina in the church office. Our ministry is to pray daily for the concerns that have been shared with us.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phillipians 4:4-7)
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