Hamburg United Methodist Church 116 Union St Hamburg, New York, 14075 (716) 649-8080 Sundays at 10 am
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Dear Saints,
It has been a couple of months since I offered an update on the Parsonage project at 52 Center Street. I continue to believe that we are blessed to have a property with such proximity to Hamburg UMC to house pastors for generations to come. A few months ago, I shared the following:
The Trustees and Parsonage Committee are committed to presenting HUMC with a plan for a low-maintenance, efficient, and comfortable home for your pastor today and your pastors in the future. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with a good team of folks to determine how best to move forward together. As of the time I am writing, the Trustees and Parsonage Committee have concluded that the costs to properly repair the Chambers House likely exceed the cost of replacement. The original structure has held up remarkably well, given some significant structural shortcomings, but renovation would require far more structural work than initially imagined. The second floor was not set on headers, instead the floor is attached, joist to stud, giving far less structural stability. We continue to be committed to seeking budget-neutral solutions that will avoid the need for a mortgage if possible, but the amount of work is likely to be more than initially expected. We will have more updates as they become available.
Recently, questions have been asked about the project. I am sorry to report, delays have occurred in the process of moving forward on this project, in part because the Trustees and Parsonage Committee determined that two plans needed to be developed. The first was simple, continued research into the cost effectiveness of remedying the structural abnormalities found once renovation began, the second for demolition and replacement. After consideration of the two plans in preliminary phase, the latter seems the better option—demolish and replace with a new structure. This was determined because the cost of the two projects would likely be similar, but a new build would allow us to meet all parsonage requirements from the denomination more easily (including handicap accessibility on the first floor, a first floor bedroom and full bath, and first floor laundry). However, setback requirements from property lines have shifted, particularly for the back of the lot, since the house was built. We are in the process of applying for a variance, which when approved will allow us to move forward with the rest of the project. In the unlikely event the town does not grant a variance for construction, we need to be ready to renovate, so work has been halted to avoid a vacant lot and further delay at that time.
I want to offer some clarity here—the Trustees opted to forgo an outside building inspection because we knew a series of things would be changed and updated once the property was purchased—including new electrical, new plumbing, and foundation repairs. The structural issue that has prevented us from moving forward with a rapid renovation could not have been foreseen, and the cost of an inspection seemed superfluous after the Board of Trustees (whose members could assess the issues we knew existed) had examined the property. I am going to work with the Parsonage Committee and Trustees to prepare a full progress report for the November Church Council meeting.
November also brings local, state, and national elections, including for President. I urge you to examine the issues of the day prayerfully and carefully, and to assess the values and character of all those who will be our elected leaders. The political climate in our country is more heated today than at any time in my lifetime—I pray for our leaders, and ask you to do the same, that regardless of our desired outcome we will continue to ask God to intervene in the lives of all our leaders to assure health and to offer clarity of mind to serve all members of our communities.
Serving the Risen Christ, with you,
Pastor David Nicol
Announcements from the Office
The Church Office will be closed November 28-29 for
Thanksgiving Break
We will reopen on Monday December 2nd.
Please keep a look out for the Friday Flash towards Mid- Late November as we will start publishing information regarding our Advent Programming.
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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
CHRISTMAS PLANTS
Poinsettia plants for Christmas will be available for purchase after the worship services Sundays, December 1, 8 and 15. A variety of plants – red, pink, white, marble and glitter – is available at a cost of $15 per plant. When purchasing your plant, you may designate the plant “in memory of” or “in honor of” someone special. The poinsettia plants will be on the altar for Sunday, December 22 and on Christmas Eve.
United Methodist Student Day – November 24, 2024
Across the country, the people of The United Methodist Church are serving the people God loves in Jesus’ name. We’re doing it at home, but so often we’d like to do more.
We want to serve those in other places who are suffering.
We want to offer spiritual words of hope and life.
And we want to be well-equipped to do both!
But the reality for most of us is that our responsibilities—home, family, work—don’t allow us to engage with every need we’d like to meet. Right now there are UMC young people—who might not have had the resources to attend a school of their choice, or, for some, any school at all—who’ve been sent by you into the world God loves because of your giving to United Methodist Student Day. When you give generously you are supporting these students as they prepare for a life that unites faith with knowledge.
Nurturing Christian Leaders Like Ricky Blue
The son of two addicted parents, Ricky Blue had grown up without much hope for a future. But when Ricky’s church family—Louisiana’s Luling UMC—raised $4000 for Ricky to begin college, hope was born. Then, the Gift of Hope Scholarship, made possible only by your generous giving to United Methodist Student Day, allowed Ricky to continue. Today Ricky is a certified candidate for ministry in the Illinois-Great Rivers Annual Conference.
When you support United Methodist Student Day, you make it possible for more students like Ricky to serve the world God loves. Offering envelopes will be on the table as you enter the sanctuary and at the Welcome Center beginning November 24. You can make your donation that day or any Sunday thereafter. You may also send your donation by check to the church or through online banking.
Church Council Minutes
August 26, 2024
Present: Pastor David, Matt Edie, Caroline Schneggenburger, Jerry Schneggenburger, David Rood, Rick Park, Cheryl Bell, Dan Paskie, Lynda Sentz, Dianne Caldwell
Pastor David opened with a prayer.
Dave R. made the motion to accept the minutes of June 24, 2024. Rick seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Matt reported that Humango was successful. We met our budget projection of $6,000. Utilities are running a bit favorable. We will have a chicken BBQ in September and perhaps an end of the year fundraiser. Right now he is projecting a surplus of $5,800 at the end of the year.
The windows dedication ceremony and luncheon will take place on Sunday, September 8, 2024.
Dave R. reported that there has been no change in the status of the pictorial directory.
Pastor David gave an update on the parsonage situation. There needs to be a plan to present to the town for granting of a variance for demolition of the building and rebuilding on the property. Right now the projected costs should be covered with no need to secure any outside loan. Pastor David will get the Trustees and the Parsonage Committee together to go forward with the plan to present to the town.
Rick reported that it appears that there is more compliance with our security measures.
Dianne reported that the Little Lamb renovations that have been worked on all summer are complete. The rooms will now be able to be locked for safety. Cleaning of the rugs and walls needs to be done. Rick said that there will be a carpet cleaner coming and Little Lamb will be done first. Dianne reported that that there is full enrollment this year. There will be 2 classes of 2 year olds with 10 in each class. The multi age class will consist of 3 and 4 year olds. If a nursery is needed during worship times the 2 year old room can be used. She is planning on inviting the congregation to tour the rooms some Sunday after worship. School will begin on September 9 with parent visitation, and then they will go to a regular schedule.
Jerry reported on the formation of a Beautification Committee. There are currently 7 members who have worked on turning the playground flower beds into grass. They are looking for more members.
Lynda reported that there will be Rejoicing in Recovery on September 21. Sparks is getting along without the director. A new one isn’t being sought yet.
Dianne asked that solid walkways to the pavilion be installed as it is difficult for those who use devices to assist them in walking to get there. Rick said that this is on the agenda to be done.
Caroline asked if we could get rid of the small freezer. Rick said that no, it is used during fish fries.
The interfaith picnic yesterday was very successful.
Our next meeting is September 23, 2024.
Dave R. closed with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted.
Cheryl Bell
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:
November: The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
December: First Ladies by Marie Benedict
Book Club is Zoom-friendly. Contact Karen Klimecko for more information
Coffee Hour Schedule November- Trustees & Columbarium
December- Sarah Circle
The 2025 Calendar Coffee Hour Schedule is in the process of being finalized and will be published beginning in December.
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, November 19 at Noon 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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