Hamburg United Methodist Church 116 Union St Hamburg, New York, 14075 (716) 649-8080 Sundays at 10 am
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Dear Saints,
I am almost glad I delayed writing this letter until the eve of the newsletter being delivered. After weathering a global pandemic when in full-force, and several waves of subsequent outbreaks, I’ve finally succumbed to COVID-19’s 2024 strain. While I don’t recommend it, I’ve had a relatively mild case. The end of September has seen a wave of cases sweep through the Hamburg UMC congregation as well. Of course, I ask that you pray for healing for all affected, and encourage all of you to take reasonable precautions to avoid illness yourself, if only to avoid spreading it to others! I had planned to get my annual Flu and COVID shots the Friday after I tested positive–that didn’t happen, but I assure you it will as soon as I can.
While this is an important topic, I don’t really want to focus on COVID vaccines, but on God’s grace. Today, I was blessed to hear Chris Klimecko preach, Chris and Dave Rood lead the congregation in song, and the Rev Dr Ewart Morris lead the congregation in celebrating Communion! All of this happened rather last-minute, as I was ill, as was Jeannine, and our other four retired clergy were all unable to be present. Not only does God provide, but God provides for all of us abundantly! The Church, at its best, functions as the Body of Christ when we are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and take on the task the Body needs that God has gifted us to fulfill. I am thrilled to recognize that the Church can continue to be a healthy community of Grace without me present!
Our Charge Conference is coming soon, November 16, from 10:00-12:00 at Springville UMC. The quarterly Circuit meeting will be immediately following worship at Versailles on November 10. I will provide further information about what business we need to conduct to be ready for the following week by email shortly.
I would be remiss if I did not ask for prayers for our new District Superintendent, the Rev Mary Kelly, who will be installed at a service on November 2, beginning at 3:00 at Springville UMC. And of course, I encourage all of you to be in prayer for the upcoming elections this November, that God would grant wisdom to all who vote and all who are elected.
Serving the Risen Christ, with you,
Pastor David Nicol
Announcements from the Office
The start date for Bell Choir has been postponed by one week and will now begin on Tuesday, October 8th, at 7 p.m.
Additionally, the Tuesday night anthem rehearsal has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 8th, at 6:00 p.m.
Hamburg UMC and Hamburg United Women in Faith will be hosting the Fall 2024 Clergy Gathering
Thursday October 10, 2024
9:30am - 12:00pm
All pastors, CLMs, deacons, church hires, and all retired clergy are welcome to join this time of worship and fellowship. Register with the district office.
Agenda
9:30 -10:15 Fellowship
10:15 - 10:45 Worship
10:45 - 12:00 Business
__________
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
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS AT HUMC
May your day be as special as you are!
Donna Summers OCT 11
408 Mill Street #112
Williamsville, NY 14221
SHE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM HER CHURCH FAMILY
CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
WEDDINGS: Amy M. Numrich and Taylor D. Sentz
were married September 7, 2024 at Spring Lake, Lockport
Prayers for God’s love to bless them with love and joy for future years.
Missions/ Outreach Meeting
The next Missions/Outreach Committee meeting will occur
on Monday, October 14 at 7:00 PM In the Library.
Questions to Caroline Schneggenburger
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:
October: The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
November: The Radium Girls by Kate Moore
December: First Ladies by Marie Benedict
Book Club is Zoom-friendly. Contact Karen Klimecko for more information
WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY – OCTOBER 6, 2024
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Around the globe, countless gifted and qualified people face financial obstacles that hinder them from preparing for the vocation God has given them, especially youth and young adults. For ethnic students who will be the first generation in their families to attend college, or for those people of color who haven’t historically had access to resources that make higher education possible, the road toward education has often been unwieldy.
What would it look like if the church today imitated Jesus’ affirmation of the full dignity and God-given potential of all women and men—especially those who’ve historically been assigned to the world’s margins? On World Communion Sunday, October 6, your giving can help to provide scholarships for national and international graduate students whom God has gifted to learn and to serve.
As a small child, Mary Grace Galapon labored as a housemaid in exchange for food and clothing. Yet, allowed to attend church, she found hope. As a member of The United Methodist Church, your giving on World Communion Sunday has allowed this deaconess, of the Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference, to pursue an education that is now changing her community as she works to eliminate poverty. Mary Grace’s work, and the impact of hundreds more like her, are possible because you give.
You can give your gift on World Communion Sunday to make education and vocational impact possible for more students, like Mary Grace. You can help to equip gifted and qualified students from around the globe to become the world-changers God created them to be.
Your gift for World Communion Sunday can be given on October 6 or any other time during October with your regular offering by check or electronically. Offering envelopes will be with the announcement sheets as you enter the sanctuary and at the Welcome Center in the Gathering Space.
Coffee Hour Schedule October- Church Council
November- Trustees & Columbarium
December- Sarah Circle
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, October 15 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 to request prayer for yourself or for someone else you may call Barb Meader at home (number 716-648-1273), call or text her cell (number716-548-4139), or call Cristina at the church office (716-649-8080), and we will add your request to the weekly prayer list. You could also email Barb at Bmeader712017@gmail.com.
“Prayer, Care and Share” is a group of people who have committed to pray every day for requests made. An updated list of requests is emailed to members each Monday. In an emergency, you can call and we will relay the request immediately using our phone chain.
Members also pray daily for and send out cards of encouragement monthly to our homebound members and those living in nursing homes. We send cards to those experiencing lengthy illnesses. On the first Wednesday of each month, PCS meets at church at 10:0am in the library.
James 5:16 says “…Pray for one another”.
Philippians 4:6-7 “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.”
If you would like to be a part of this daily prayer ministry or have questions about it, talk to Barb or another member. If you know of someone in our church family who would appreciate receiving a card of encouragement or get well, please let Barb know.
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