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4/17/26 News Flash

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read


Hamburg United Methodist Church

116 Union St

Hamburg, New York, 14075

(716) 649-8080

Worship Sundays at 10 am





What is Native American Ministries Sunday?

Native American Ministries Sunday is one of six churchwide Special Sundays designated to support ministries and causes important to the entire United Methodist Church. On this day, we come together to honor and support Indigenous peoples and communities. It’s a day to recognize the rich gifts, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans to both society and the Church.


Why Does It Matter?

Many people—both in society and within the Church—lack understanding of Native American life, culture, and spirituality. Native American Ministries Sunday helps bridge this gap by celebrating Indigenous heritage and empowering Native voices in ministry.

Native American Ministries Sunday matters because it addresses the critical shortage of Native American pastors and trained leaders, helping ensure that Indigenous communities have strong representation and leadership within the Church.


Support the Ministry

Give using the offering envelopes in the gathering space or donate online at donate.gcfa.org/nams.


What Does My Giving Support?

Special Sundays give us a chance to focus our prayers and support on important ministries all year long—uniting our gifts to multiply our impact. Your generosity strengthens Native leadership and sustains ministry across the connection. Funds are distributed in three key ways:

  • Annual Conference Ministries (50%)


    Half of the funds collected remain in your annual conference to support local Native American ministries through the work of the Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM). 

  • Scholarships (25%)


    A quarter of the money funds scholarships for Native American students pursuing ordained or licensed ministry at approved theological schools. 

  • Programs (25%)


    The remaining funds support programs that develop new Native ministries, including mentoring, economic empowerment, and leadership development initiatives.

When Is Native American Ministries Sunday Celebrated?

Most churches observe Native American Ministries Sunday in the spring, usually on the third Sunday after Easter, April 19, 2026.

How Can I Be Part of the Ministry?

You can be part of this ministry by giving, sharing its impact, and supporting the education and leadership of Native American pastors and community leaders.



Julia Platt Memorial Scholarship

Submission Deadline April 30, 2026


  • Prerequisites for the consideration of an award

    1. Membership in a United Methodist Church

    2. A senior or high school graduate enrolled in a college, university, or trade school.

    3. Under 26 years old, as of May 31st

    4. This Scholarship excludes enrollees in a second bachelor or graduate degree program.

    Required Documents

    Scholarships will be awarded in person on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Hamburg United Methodist Church. Recipients will receive an email invitation and are expected to attend the ceremony to receive their scholarship. Please make arrangements to be present and avoid scheduling conflicts.


Adult Sunday School

John Meader's Adult Sunday School will continue 9am in the Parlor


All are Welcome


    

NEW H.U.M.C ‘s Book Exchange


Effective immediately any member may On your honor Take one book leave/one book from our book case located on the mezzanine 2nd floor by the elevator.

(This experiment has no connection with the Church Library

located off the Gathering Space)


These will be books you personally own and trade

for one available in the bookcase. If you have other current in good condition books you wish to donate they would be appreciated to maintain this experiment.


Thanks for helping. Any question ask Pam Walters or Jerry Schneggenburger






Ongoing Fundraiser For Little Lamb

Please consider donating your empty bottles and cans to the Bottle & Can Redemption Center at 4255 Clark Street in Hamburg. Thank you!



Tai Chi is back in person in the fellowship or Zoom Weather Dependent, Please contact Caroline Schneggenburger for details.

Due to continued technical issues with Facbeook Live, We will be streaming solely to Youtube for the foreseeable future.


Please make sure to "Like" and "Subscribe"


COFFEE HOUR COMMITTEES


JANUARY- DECEMBER 2026

APRIL: NO COMMITTEE- volunteers needed

MAY : SPRC

JUNE: FINANCE

JULY : TRUSTEES

AUGUST:PRAYER CARE SHARE

SEPTEMBER: COLUMBARIUM

OCTOBER: MEN’S GROUP

NOVEMBER: FINANCE

DECEMBER: SPRC



Groups are to provide goodies/ snacks

each Sunday of the month they are scheduled.


CALLING FOR COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS

Did you know HUMC has committees whose members volunteer to host coffee hour once or twice a month? Most of these volunteers are on several committees where they are repeatedly hosting to provide goodies each Sunday.


We are opening this ministry up to Individuals or families who would be willing to occasionally be hosts or hostesses.


It’s simply making coffee, lemonade, bringing homemade or store bought items, and cleaning up afterwards.


A sign-up sheet is located on the counter in the gathering space, outside the front office

Where you can pick a Sunday of your choosing.

Would you consider joining in this time of fellowship?


Please get in touch with Sue Gagne with any questions.

Order of Worship

Sunday, April 19, 2026 10 am

Google Meet Dial-In: 617-675-4444  PIN: 301 463 603 6721#


ANNOUNCEMENTS


CALL TO WORSHIP

We come together, walking along the long road of faith.

Our hearts are heavy, and the way is often unclear.

Look! A stranger joins us, opening the Word and lighting the fire within.

Stay with us, Lord, for the evening is at hand.

The bread is broken; our eyes are opened!

We have seen the Lord! Let us worship with joy!



OPENING HYMN: “Because He Lives” #364 UMH


OPENING PRAYER

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the 

fire of your love. 

Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be created. 

And you shall renew the face of the earth. 

O God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit did instruct the hearts of 

the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit, we may be truly 

wise and ever enjoy your consolations. 

Through Christ our Lord. Amen.


Scripture "Luke 24: 13-35”


Emmaus Testimonies


PRAISE BAND: Lord I Lift Your Name on High #2088

    Heart of Worship

             Come Holy Spirit Come


PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE PEACE 

TITHES & OFFERINGS tithes.hamburgumc.org/Give

DOXOLOGY “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow” #94 UMH


The Great Thanksgiving

Please See Slides for Spoken Responses


THE LORD'S PRAYER

SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP 

CLOSING HYMN: “Here I am Lord” #593

BENEDICTION


4/3/26 News Flash

  • Apr 3
  • 4 min read


Hamburg United Methodist Church

116 Union St

Hamburg, New York, 14075

(716) 649-8080

Worship Sundays at 10 am


Julia Platt Memorial Scholarship


Submission Deadline April 30, 2026


  • Prerequisites for the consideration of an award

    1. Membership in a United Methodist Church

    2. A senior or high school graduate enrolled in a college, university, or trade school.

    3. Under 26 years old, as of May 31st

    4. This Scholarship excludes enrollees in a second bachelor or graduate degree program.

    Required Documents

    Scholarships will be awarded in person on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Hamburg United Methodist Church. Recipients will receive an email invitation and are expected to attend the ceremony to receive their scholarship. Please make arrangements to be present and avoid scheduling conflicts.


Sunday School Lenten Bible Study:

There will be no Adult Bible Study this Sunday.


Bible Study will resume on April 12th.



OUR LAST LENTEN FISH FRY OF THE SEASON

HAMBURG UNITED METHODIST CHURCH116 Union Street, Hamburg, NY. 716-649-8080.

  

TIME:  4:30 to 7..WEEKLY FISH FRY:  VOLUNTEERS WANTED 


(SEE RICK PARK – OR SIGN UP BY THE OFFICE)


              EVERY FRIDAY UNTIL EASTER


Delicious Battered or Broiled Fish (Or) Battered Shrimp (Or) Chicken Finger Dinner, Plus Coleslaw, Bread / Butter, Fries, Beverage and Home-Made Dessert! All This For Only $19. DINE IN or TAKE-OUT. For The Kids: Chicken Sandwich With Fries Also Available ($8)

 

 

    

NEW H.U.M.C ‘s Book Exchange


Effective immediately any member may On your honor Take one book leave/one book from our book case located on the mezzanine 2nd floor by the elevator.

(This experiment has no connection with the Church Library

located off the Gathering Space)


These will be books you personally own and trade

for one available in the bookcase. If you have other current in good condition books you wish to donate they would be appreciated to maintain this experiment.


Thanks for helping. Any question ask Pam Walters or Jerry Schneggenburger






Ongoing Fundraiser For Little Lamb

Please consider donating your empty bottles and cans to the Bottle & Can Redemption Center at 4255 Clark Street in Hamburg. Thank you!



Tai Chi is back in person in the fellowship or Zoom Weather Dependent, Please contact Caroline Schneggenburger for details.

Due to continued technical issues with Facbeook Live, We will be streaming solely to Youtube for the foreseeable future.


Please make sure to "Like" and "Subscribe"


COFFEE HOUR COMMITTEES


JANUARY- DECEMBER 2026

APRIL: NO COMMITTEE- volunteers needed

MAY : SPRC

JUNE: FINANCE

JULY : TRUSTEES

AUGUST:PRAYER CARE SHARE

SEPTEMBER: COLUMBARIUM

OCTOBER: MEN’S GROUP

NOVEMBER: FINANCE

DECEMBER: SPRC



Groups are to provide goodies/ snacks

each Sunday of the month they are scheduled.


CALLING FOR COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS

Did you know HUMC has committees whose members volunteer to host coffee hour once or twice a month? Most of these volunteers are on several committees where they are repeatedly hosting to provide goodies each Sunday.


We are opening this ministry up to Individuals or families who would be willing to occasionally be hosts or hostesses.


It’s simply making coffee, lemonade, bringing homemade or store bought items, and cleaning up afterwards.


A sign-up sheet is located on the counter in the gathering space, outside the front office

Where you can pick a Sunday of your choosing.

Would you consider joining in this time of fellowship?


Please get in touch with Sue Gagne with any questions.

Order of Worship

Sunday, April 5, 2026, 2026 |Easter Sunday 2026|  10 am

Google Meet Dial-In: 617-675-4444  PIN: 301 463 603 6721#


ANNOUNCEMENTS


CALL TO WORSHIP

This is the good news—

The grave is empty,

Christ is Risen.

Hallelujah!

This is the good news—

The light shines in the darkness,

And the darkness can never put it out.

Hallelujah!

This is the good news—

Once we were no people,

Now we are God’s people.

Halleluah!

Christ is our peace,

The indestructible peace

We now share with each other.

Hallelujah!


OPENING HYMN: ”Christ the Lord is Risen Today” #302 UMH


OPENING PRAYER: 

In the peace of the risen Christ, let us pray to the Lord: that our risen Savior may grant us victory over all our enemies seen and unseen. 

That he may crush beneath our feet the prince of darkness and all evil powers. 

That he may raise is up with him in heaven

That he may fill us with the joy of his holy and life-giving resurrection

That he may provide through us for those who lack food, work and shelter

That by his love, wars and famine may cease through all the earth

That isolated and persecuted churches find fresh strength in the gospel

That all those who have gone before us in the faith of Christ 

may find refreshment, light and peace

Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen


CHILDREN’S MESSAGE


Scripture:”Acts 10: 34-43 Matthew 28:1-10” Read by: Rose Caldwell

Sermon: “The New Creation has Come: The Old Enemies are Defeated” Rev. Dr. David Nicol


Choir Anthem: “Great is the Lord”


PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

THE PEACE 

TITHES & OFFERINGS tithes.hamburgumc.org/Give

DOXOLOGY “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow” #94 UMH

The Great Thanksgiving

Please See Slides for Sung Response


THE LORD'S PRAYER

SHARING OF BREAD AND CUP 

CLOSING HYMN: “Up from the Grave He Arose” #322 UMH


BENEDICTION

Christ is Risen!

Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!


April 2026 Newsletter

  • Apr 1
  • 8 min read


Hamburg United Methodist Church 116 Union St Hamburg, New York, 14075 (716) 649-8080 Sundays at 10 am

Also Streamed Via Facebook Live & Youtube




Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

It’s almost Easter. Lent comes and passes, Forty Days of fasting and focus on our relationship with Christ soon crash into Holy Week. This last week, I was reading a Facebook post about the question of the “Three Days” in the Gospels. There was an argument fueled by limited understanding of Greek and of the Jewish mind-world that led to an argument about how long Jesus was buried. The traditional understanding is that the Last Supper was Thursday after sunset (so, Friday by Jewish time), the crucifixion ended by 3pm (still Friday), he was buried before sunset and the Sabbath (still Friday), the Sabbath passed (ending at sunset on Saturday), and on the Third Day he rose from the dead (anytime after sunset on Saturday is Sunday by Jewish reckoning). The women came to the tomb early on the First Day of the Week (Sunday by both Jewish and Roman reckoning). A very confident individual argued that this timeline couldn’t be right because Jesus needed to be buried for three FULL days, and seemed to be using modern/Roman reckoning of days starting and ending at midnight.


Holy Week each year is a drama, based on the biblical narrative of Jesus’ last week, death, and resurrection. We begin with the Palms on Sunday, and many sources offer other pieces of the puzzle, including the cleansing of the Temple and other events that transpire as the week progresses. Our worship follows the pattern, reliving the events of the week, not so much re-enacting. We wave palms to find ourselves in the story, we wash feet and share communion to join ourselves to the celebration of the Last Supper, we reflect on the Cross on Friday, and on Sunday we celebrate the Resurrection and all that means in a transformed world. This part of the week has, traditionally, been what the Church calls the Triduum, the three days.


Triduum is a funny Latin construction–it’s a singular-plural. It isn’t the usual way of saying “three days,” that would be dies tertius. Triduum means something more like “the three-Day,” something that is inseparably linked as a single event. 


This year, on April 2, we will have Maundy Thursday services at Hamburg UMC and Four Corners UMC, both at 7:00 PM. On Friday April 3, there will be a commuted service at 3pm at Hamburg UMC and an ecumenical service at Saint James UCC at 7:00 PM. I hope you will be in worship on the Sunday before, and also at either Four Corners at 9:00 AM or Hamburg at 10:00 AM to celebrate Easter and the resurrection of Christ!


We are not just called to understand the Bible, but given the gift of reliving and inhabiting the sacred story in special ways this time of year. I look forward to sharing these celebrations with you as we draw closer to God in Christ.



Serving Christ, with you,


Pastor David Nicol





Important Announcements from the Church Office



As a reminder Please make sure to check your local TV listings for closings now that we are in the winter season.

Hamburg UMC Closures will also be posted via email and Facebook.

__________


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!!

Jeannine Vanwey: Music@hamburgumc.org

Patrick Fitzgerald: AV@hamburgumc.org

Cristina Glover: Office@hamburgumc.org

Church Council

February 23, 2026


Present: Pastor David, Rollin Shoemaker, Caroline Schneggenburger, Jerry

Schneggenburger, Bob Cook, David Rood, Rick Park, Cheryl Bell, Dan

Paskie, Lynda Sentz, Pat Adema, Emily Slocum, Jason Krell

Dan opened the meeting with a prayer.


Bob made the motion to approve the minutes of November 24, 2025. Rick

seconded the motion. Motion approved.


Matt emailed a Finance Committee report. We are off to a little of a slow

start due to higher than anticipated utility costs and property taxes. The

National Fuel bill has almost doubled. He and Dave Vesneske reviewed

the Windows account. The excess money from the windows pledges had

to be spent on various projects so there was none left to transfer to

Missions. Perhaps the Trustees may be able to budget a small amount to

support Missions in the coming years if they so desire.


Jerry reported that we still need to be diligent in watching our energy

usage. Rick said that the new thermostats are able to detect when people

are not using a space and should revert to preset temperature.

Rick reported that part of the roof is leaking and will need to be replaced.

We are looking at approximately a $10,000 repair. He will have contractors

review and submit estimates.


Rick reported that the Chairperson of Trustees is Rick Park, and the Co-

Chairperson is Rollin Shoemaker.


Our snow removal expenses are high. Rollin reported that there may be a

bid system in place for next year.


Pastor David will email a committee nominee list to Church Council.


Rick reported that Vastola has been in to look at a controller in one of our

boilers. He will contact other contractors to repair various other boiler


issues. Once everything is addressed and repaired our heating bill should

be lower.


Emily reported that we have just received a property tax bill for the

parsonage of almost $6,800. This includes the school taxes that we never

received a bill for. She will get in touch with the appropriate tax people in

the Town of Boston to explain that we never received a school tax bill, and

perhaps the late fees can be waived before she pays the bill. It will be paid

before March 16, 2026. Pastor David said that the parsonage should not

receive tax bills after March1, 2026. He will check to clarify the tax exempt

status.


Jason reported that Sandy will go out on disability leave for about a month,

and then Kevin will go out on disability leave for about 4 months. Jim Flynn

and Abraham Nicol will substitute for Kevin.


Rick reported that there are no issues with Little Lamb.


Lynda reported that AA is using the Sparks building for their meetings on

Sundays. They will be making monetary donations for the use of the

building. On April 23, 2026, Sparks will be cohosting a Pastoral Response

Conference to help clergy appropriately respond /assist people in addiction.

This will be a full day of speakers. Lunch will be provided.


Our next meeting is scheduled for March 23, 2026.

David Rood closed with a prayer.

Respectfully submitted.

Cheryl Bell



Hosting a Baby Shower to benefit Buffalo families!

Our church’s United Women in Faith group, which particularly supports women and children, will host a “Baby Shower” after the worship service on May 3 to benefit Harvest House in Buffalo. We are inviting all HUMC members and friends to join in and help families in need through this fun, simple venture.


Harvest House provides an extensive baby and children’s ministry that ensures families living in poverty can access essential children's resources that foster growth and well-being. Harvest House helps more than 700 children each month, giving them clothing and necessities, as well as access to other crucial services. At the Baby & Children's Ministry mothers, fathers, grandmothers, and other caregivers, "shop" free of charge for items their children need.


Here’s how simple the “Baby Shower” will be on May 3


BEFORE SERVICE: Bring an item or two (no wrapping needed), if you are able, and place it in the Gathering Space in front of the windows near the Sanctuary entrance.


DURING SERVICE: Listen to Brandy Loveland, president and CEO of Harvest House, talk about the baby and children’s ministry and some of their many other programs that benefit those in need. In 2024, for example, Harvest House served 32,418 individuals with a total economic impact of $44 million to the community.


AFTER SERVICE: Enjoy a piece of baby shower cake at Coffee Hour!

What can you contribute?


Critical Needs - Currently

Pants for boys and girls, sizes 4T-14 (can be gently used)

  • Children's underwear, sizes 4T-14 (must be new)


New Only

  • Diapers (cloth & disposable)

  • Unexpired formula & baby food

  • Mother’s personal care items

  • Breast Pumps


New or Gently Used (All Seasons)

  • Clothing & Pajamas sizes preemie to big kid size 14/16

  • Infant & children’s bibs, socks, tights

  • Children’s shoes and boots

  • Children’s coats, hats, and gloves

  • Children’s backpacks & lunch bags


Baby Gear: (Please place any screws, bolts, & instructions in a plastic bag and attach to your donation)

  • Car seats & boosters within 5 years of manufacture

  • Bassinets, pack n play cribs, toddler beds with mattresses within 5 years of manufacture

  • Strollers, baby carriers, exer-saucers, walkers

  • Highchair/booster seats

  • Baby bottles & children’s cups, dishes, forks, spoons

  • Infant & toddler towels & washcloths

  • Baby bathtubs & potty chairs

  • Diapering supplies & diaper bags

  • Changing tables

  • Toy organizers/storage

  • Infant Toys

  • Educational Toys

  • New or Like New Stuffed Animals





Ongoing Fundraiser Little Lamb Fundraiser:


Please consider donating your empty bottles and cans to the Bottle & Can Redemption Center at 4255 Clark Street in Hamburg. Thank you!


RETIRED MEN’S FELLOWSHIP


The Retired Men’s Fellowship of Hamburg UMC will gather for their monthly lunch on Tuesday, April 21 at 12 Noon at ZJ’s Restaurant in the Hamburg Village Plaza. Come and share your joys and concerns. All retired men are invited. Come and bring a friend for good fellowship and good food.


Any questions? See Dick Caldwell.


Dick Caldwell, facilitator


Dive into a Good Book- Join the HUMC Book Club.

Book Club will meet on Monday April 27th at 10:30am in the Library.


The April book Selection was not shared with the office in time for inclusion in the newsletter.



Book Club is Zoom-friendly. Contact Karen Klimecko for more information


Tai Chi is back to in-person practice in the Fellowship Hall



2026 Coffee Hour Schedule

APRIL: Volunteers Needed

MAY : SPRC

JUNE: FINANCE

JULY : TRUSTEES

AUGUST:PRAYER CARE SHARE

SEPTEMBER: COLUMBARIUM

OCTOBER: MEN’S GROUP

NOVEMBER: FINANCE

DECEMBER: SPRC


Groups are to provide goodies/ snacks

each Sunday of the month they are scheduled.


CALLING FOR COFFEE HOUR VOLUNTEERS

Did you know HUMC has committees whose members volunteer to host coffee hour once or twice a month? Most of these volunteers are on several committees where they are repeatedly hosting to provide goodies each Sunday.


We are opening this ministry up to Individuals or families who would be willing to occasionally be hosts or hostesses.


It’s simply making coffee, lemonade, bringing homemade or store bought items, and cleaning up afterwards.


A sign-up sheet is located on the counter in the gathering space, outside the front office

Where you can pick a Sunday of your choosing.

Would you consider joining in this time of fellowship?


Please get in touch with Sue Gagne 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.






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)

2345
ABOUT US

It is the mission of HUMC to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to spread His Gospel through the full commitment of all our resources.

ADDRESS

116 Union St.

Hamburg, NY 14075

716-649-8080

​

office@hamburgumc.org

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© 2018 by Hamburg United Church

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