- Oct 31
- 10 min read
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,
Happy Thanksgiving to you! The Church celebrates Thanksgiving far more often than once a year–that’s what Eucharist (one of our names for Holy Communion) means. Many of us will be gathering with families around large, bountiful tables this year, as we do most years. However, the world is often filled with shortcomings, challenges, and lack–including many of our neighbors–as we give thanks for our abundance, some will be hungry and others finding barely enough.
As we approach this holiday, and then the Christmas holiday that follows, perhaps this is a year to consider one of the original purposes of Advent. Apart from remembering the return of Christ, the season was used by Christians to prepare for the Christmas celebration much like Lent was used to prepare for Easter. In fact, in Medieval times, Christians fasted through Advent! The rose candle often used in our Advent wreaths for the third week had a parallel rose Sunday in Lent, both signifying a “lightening” of the fast.
I’m not inviting you all to observe Advent with a fast this year–in the secular calendar Christmas celebrations do not await sundown on December 24! I am inviting you to adopt a mindful season of preparation where what you do to bring festivity and joy to your own household sparks a response of giving a little toward those who this season might not have enough.
Last Sunday, I mentioned in a sermon that SNAP benefits would be running out for many of our neighbors–and I don’t care if you blame the Democrats, the Republicans, or the Loch Ness Monster–but as the Church (not just us, of course, but INCLUDING US) need to do all we can to assure our neighbors don’t go hungry next week.
I know we can’t close all the gaps, but please join me in prayerfully considering what we can do for our neighbors in these precarious moments. I hope each of our Churches will find some way to invite the neighborhood in to be blessed and nourished in the season ahead. The leadership at Sparks of Hope Recovery Ministry has already begun to collect turkeys and plan Thanksgiving meals for our neighbors who might otherwise go without–this and their annual Thanksgiving feast the week before Thanksgiving are a great start. Perhaps we can follow that with a day where we invite in the neighborhood for a free meal in one or more of our congregations in the next month might also be a great blessing to our neighbors whose food and financial security are suddenly upended?
I await ideas to bless each of our neighborhoods in the days to come!
In Christ, With you,
Pastor David Nicol
Your Advent-ure Awaits!
Join us for an Advent-ure on Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 am to noon. Families of all ages and sizes are welcome to prepare for the coming of Christ with activities, fun and a little learning. We'll share a light lunch together too.
Hello everyone,
I’m delighted to share that Music rehearsals will begin on Tuesday, November 4, 2025!
It’s been far too long since we’ve made music together, and I can’t wait to hear those familiar voices and bells ringing once more.
Rehearsal Details
Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Time: 6:00 p.m. for choir anthem rehearsal
7:00 p.m. for Bells!
Whether you’ve been part of our group for years or are joining for the first time, everyone is welcome. Please bring your enthusiasm and your joy for fellowship and worship through music.
I’m so looking forward to seeing you all and starting a new season of beautiful sound together.
Can't wait to see you all on Tuesday,
Jeannine VanWey
Adult Sunday School
John Meader’s Sudnay School class is continuing its study using
Max Lucado's "God Never Gives Up on You".
All are invited to join the discussion each Sunday at 9 am in the parlor.
Books are provided.
__________
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
Seneca Street Christmas Shoppe Collection
During the month of November, Hamburg UMC will be collecting items to support the Seneca Street Community Development Center’s Annual Children’s Christmas Shoppe, which gives neighborhood children the joy of choosing and wrapping gifts for their families.
This year, our church is focusing on gifts for Dads, Grandfathers, and Teenagers. Suggested donations include:
For Dads/Grandfathers: cologne, shaving cream/razors, flashlights, ice scrapers, socks, mugs with candy, travel mugs, wallets, cookies/candy, hats, gloves, headphones
For Teens: jewelry, candy/cookies, earbuds or headphones, lotion or body spray (for boys or girls), journals/drawing supplies, hair care products, travel mugs/water bottles, $5 gift cards (McDonald’s, Tim Hortons)
Additional needs include tape, gift name tags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, gift bags, and gift cards to cover last-minute needs
Please place donations in the collection bin in the coat room through the end of November. Donations will be delivered in early December in time for the Christmas Shoppe, held Saturday, December 6, 12–4 PM at Seneca Street United Methodist Church
Questions? Contact Jamie Ryder, Director of Operations, Seneca Street CDC, at jryder@senecastreetcdc.org
It's Almost Here!
A FEW IMPORTANT NOTES
The Homespun Holiday Bazaar hosted by the United Women in Faith is only days away: Friday, Nov. 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Admission as always is free and the building is accessible to all.)
Spread the word: Invite your family and friends to come!
We can only accept donations for Granny's Attic through Oct. 31. We thank you for your generosity of your preloved items! Remember, we request clean, high quality garage sale items.
Baked goods donations are much appreciated, from anyone who loves to bake. There is even a sign-up sheet on the counter in the Gathering Space.
If you can lend a hand for a short time to either set up or take down the bazaar, please check out the sign-up sheets on the counter in the Gathering Space.
Other highlights of the Bazaar include 15 community vendors for your holiday shopping pleasure, handcrafted items from our UWF and church members, our large Granny's Attic area, so many tempting baked goods including pies, cookies, coffee cakes and more. We will have pecan halves from Georgia for sale and the return of the popular fruitcake sale.
Remember, our soup and chili sale will include chicken noodle made by Ed Evenden, vegetable beef soup by Rick Park and chili by Paul Gagne! The 16 oz. takeout containers will be sold (cold) on the days of the bazaar (no pre-sale this year).
Why do we do all of this? With the proceeds, we are able to help ministries like our own Cozy Quilts, Seneca St. UMC, Hamburg's Warm the Children, and area organizations like Family Promise, Buffalo City Mission/Cornerstone Manor, Peace of the City, Harvest House, Journey's End Refugee Services, Project Mona's House and the Rural Outreach Center. Some years we have contributed to the church’s budget as well.
We can't wait to host everyone, and we look forward to making it happen together!
Every morning at Little Lamb begins with our prayer:
Good Morning, God
Thank you for this day
Good Morning, God
I’m glad I’m here today
Amen
The preschool year has gotten off to a great start as we all get to know each other and learn school routines. For many of our kiddos this is one of the first times they have been away from their primary caregivers. Much of the first few weeks is spent establishing trust with the children and their families- that they will be cared for, have fun and then their grown-ups will always pick them up at the end of our day!
Our two year old class has been enjoying mornings filled with sensory table play, play-dough, coloring and gluing, puzzles, snack and story time plus beautiful weather on our playground.
Our multi age class (3 and 4 year olds) has been doing much of the same and if you happen to come upon us in a hallway at church, I think you will be impressed by our semi-straight line of little learners that we have worked so hard to establish!
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, November 18 at 12 Noon at ZJ’s Restaurant in the Hamburg Village Plaza. At the September meeting, $39 was collected and donated to the sandwich ministry of our church. 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
Celebrating the Life of Fran Hawkins
Fran Hawkins passed away in February 2025 following a long stay at Elderwood facilities. The church family learned of her passing in July. To remember Fran is also to remember her devoted husband, Jerry — the two were inseparable in everything they did, including raising their three beautiful daughters.
A Legacy of Service and Creativity
Church Quilting Group:
Fran was a dedicated member of the volunteer quilting group, a talented circle of ladies who created beautiful quilts to raise funds for the church. It was common to see their work stretched across a large quilting frame in progress. Fran continued quilting at home for years, donating her creations to various groups for fundraising. Her exceptional sewing skills were also evident in the handmade paraments she crafted for the altar, lectern, and pulpit — a lasting and meaningful gift that continues to mark the changing seasons of the church year.
Homespun Bazaar:
Many will fondly remember Fran’s immense contributions to the long-running church bazaar. Together, Fran and Jerry transformed the Fireplace Room each year with stunning holiday decorations for the soup and pie lunches. At their own expense, they purchased exquisite “Ye Olde Worlde” Christmas figures and trimmings, rotating four themed sets to bring something new each season. Fran later gifted these decorations to the bazaar committee for continued use.
Her knitting was legendary — especially her original design of children’s sweaters that zipped up the back for easy dressing. These treasures, along with her mittens, hats, and booties, were always among the most sought-after items at the handcraft table. It’s easy to imagine Fran beginning work on the next year’s creations almost as soon as one bazaar ended. In recognition of her dedication, the handcraft corner was officially named in her honor four years ago.
Church Choir:
Fran and Jerry were among the longest-serving members of the HUMC Choir, faithfully singing for an estimated 30 to 40 years. Their absence left a noticeable gap in the choir loft — one deeply felt by all who shared in their ministry of music.
A Life Woven Into the Church
Everywhere you look within the church, you can see the touch of Fran and Jerry’s hands — in the decorations, the details, and the quiet tasks that kept things running smoothly. So much of what they did was behind the scenes, but their presence was felt in every corner. HUMC was truly blessed to have them both working among us, leading by example, and living out their faith through dedicated service.
Rest in peace, Fran and Jerry.
You are deeply loved, fondly remembered, and forever appreciated.
This article was lovingly written and submitted by friends of Fran Hawkins — Anne Brown, Alice Say, Laura McDade, and Mary Garrison Murray — who wished to ensure that her life, faith, and service were properly recognized and celebrated.
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!)
Dive into a Good Book- Join the HUMC Book Club.
Book Club will meet on November 24th 2025 at 10:30am in the Library
We will be discussing The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict
Upcoming Book Selections are:
December 22nd - The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Book Club is Zoom-friendly. Contact Karen Klimecko for more information
BAKED GOODS FOR NEXT WEEKEND’S
HOLIDAY HOMESPUN BAZAAR (NOV 7-8)
Thanks to all who signed up to bake. If you didn’t sign up, no worries – we'd love to
have your baked goods . If you haven’t made up your mind what to make: we suggest
quick breads, cookies, sweet rolls, coffee cakes, pastries, or pie . Please take your
baked goods to the church kitchen no later than 5pm Friday or by 9:30 Saturday
morning.
Please use transparent wrapping. If you would like to festively wrap your items without
obscuring them, that would be wonderful, but not necessary. Cookies are usually sold
by the dozen but it depends on the size, so you can let us do the packaging. Label any
item that contains nuts and label the kind of bread, cookie etc. if it is not obvious.
(delivery problem or have a question? Call Barb 716-548-4139 or Amy 585-429-0038)
Tai Chi is back to in-person practice in the Fellowship Hall
Coffee Hour Schedule
November- SPRC
December- Prayer Care Share & Cozy Quilts
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)
