- Mar 1, 2024
- 9 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 Saints,
Lent continues, though Easter is coming quickly! March 31, we celebrate Christ’s victory over death, and that dying itself no longer holds power over us.
This might be the most surprising and unsettling claim of Christian faith—that death is powerless and death shall die. John Donne, in one of his Holy Sonnets puts it this way:
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
For Donne, and for Christians across the centuries, we do not claim this as a spiritual escapism, some heaven we cannot picture, but as a reality witnessed in Christ, embodied yet transformed. The same future is promised to us, that what God has done in Jesus will be done for us all.
Paul expresses his hope in the resurrection in several places, not the least in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17. It is easy to be caught up in the image of being caught up at the sound of the trumpet—but what is key here is that when Christ comes to earth, it isn’t to catch us into the air, but to return with those who have died, and for us to be caught up and join the procession into the New Creation together. Paul imagines the resurrection as a victory parade! The last enemy, death itself, will be no more—Death itself shall die. And better than a ticker tape parade on Wall Street, trumpets, archangels, and Christ’s own command will reverse the power of the grave, creating the great reunion of the living and the dead so his Kingdom will have no end!
While Saint Francis of Assisi imagined “gentle death” as a sister to Christians, as the moment we enter the rest of Christ, he could do so only because the terror of dying has no power because of the resurrection. If Jesus died but now lives, our own death is but “one short sleep past, [and] we wake eternally.”
I hope you are continuing to draw close to God in this season of preparation so that this year Easter will be far more than lilies and bunnies, chocolate and signs of spring. This year, I hope we will find joy in the hope we have, that because Jesus has died and conquered death, each day we can live for him because living or dying, God is faithful and will raise us to life everlasting.
In Christ’s Service, with You,
Pastor David Nicol
May your day be as special as you are!
Mrs. Joyce Spencer MAR 26
Mission Hills Apt 26
4543 Camp Road
Hamburg, NY 14075
Mr. David Engberg MAR 26
4996 Waterford Lane
Hamburg, NY 14075
Announcements from the Office
The office will be putting together an announcement slideshow for the gathering space. Content 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
Lisa Link: ChristianEd@hamburgumc.org
Kathy Manguso: Treasurer@hamburgumc.org
Patrick Fitzgerald: AV@hamburgumc.org
Cristina Glover: Office@hamburgumc.org
CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
WEDDING: Charlene Alamesi and Orlando Thomas – February 3, 2024
Prayers for God’s love to bless them with love and joy for future years
Julia Platt Memorial Scholarship 2024
We are thrilled to announce that the Hamburg UMC Julia Platt Memorial Scholarship applications are now Open through May 31st. This scholarship honors the memory of Julia Platt and aims to support deserving individuals within our greater United Methodist congregation in their pursuit of higher education.
Multiple scholarship awards are available, with monetary amounts ranging from $250 to $2,000, depending on the number of applicants.
To be considered for this esteemed award, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:
Membership in a United Methodist Church.
Status as a senior or high school graduate enrolled in a college, university, or trade school.
Age under 26 years old as of May 31st.
Exclusion from enrollment in a second bachelor's or graduate degree program.
Required documents for application include:
High school transcript.
College transcript or acceptance letter.
Applicant photo.
Three submitted references.
Interested candidates can apply through the following link: Apply Now
Please help us spread the word within our Conference. Encourage eligible individuals to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
EASTER PLANTS
Easter plants (white and colored lilies, mums, hyacinths, tulips, and daffodils) will be available for sale on March 3, 10, and 17 after the morning worship service in the Gathering Space. Plants may be designated “in memory of”, “in honor of” or “for blessings received”. A listing will be printed for Easter Sunday distribution. Plants will be on the altar on Easter Sunday, March 31, and may be taken home that day or at a time that is convenient for you.
March Food Cupboard Collection
Throughout March, Spark's Food Cupboard will collect essential food items to support the Hamburg community. Your contributions make a significant impact on those who rely on this assistance.
Items to Purchase:
Canned Pasta Ie, Ravioli, Spaghetti & Meatballs, Beefaroni, Spaghetti-Os..etc
A designated basket labeled "SPARKS" will be placed in the Gathering Space for your convenience. Kindly place your donated food items in this basket and refrain from placing them directly in the cupboard outside Sparks. This arrangement will help manage the food inventory.
Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated. Let's come together to make a difference!
Thank you, Wendy and Dave Spaulding
Adult Sunday School
John Meader’s Adult Sunday School class meets each Sunday at 9 a.m. in the
Parlor. Presently, we are using Max Lucado’s book, Help is Here, and the
accompanying DVD to learn more about the Holy Spirit. All are welcome!
FUN FUNDRAISER FOR LITTLE LAMB PRESCHOOL Returning your cans and bottles can be an easy way to donate $$ to Little Lamb Pre-School. Just take them to Can & Bottle Return, 4255 Clark Street in Hamburg (next to the former Vara Cleaners), and designate your refund to Little Lamb. They keep the money on record and periodically send Little Lamb a check. Easy for you…easy for them…and much appreciated by Little Lamb Pre-School.
Book Club will meet on March 25, 2024, at 10:30 am in the Library
Upcoming Selections
March: The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
April: The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes,
Zoom is available for those who wish to attend virtually. Don't hesitate to get in touch with the church office to receive a link
Questions to Karen Klimecko
UMCOR Sunday - March 10, 2024
When disaster strikes around the globe, many people watching the drama unfold on their living room televisions feel entirely helpless. How could any one person make a difference in the wake of such widespread devastation? As responders around the globe scramble to help survivors, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, UMCOR, is prepared to act.
Since 1940, when UMCOR’s forerunner was established to meet the needs of those suffering overseas at the onset of World War II, we’ve continued to respond to those in desperate need throughout more than eighty countries around the world. Convinced that all people have God-given worth and dignity, without regard to race, religion or gender, we are assisting those impacted by crisis or chronic need. When we meet the needs of those who suffer we minister to Jesus.
Your generous giving to UMCOR Sunday underwrites UMCOR’s administrative costs and allows UMCOR to use 100% of all the funds given to humanitarian response and recovery efforts directly to communities in need. Gifts ensure UMCOR can respond directly swiftly to disasters around the world and be a source of hope and healing for those left most vulnerable.
Because you give, the United Methodist Church’s compassionate response to human suffering continues today:
When tornadoes ripped through Oklahoma, we responded
When children in Zimbabwe lost parents to AIDS, we responded
When a massive tsunami devastated lives in Japan, we responded
And when the next mass crisis occurs, we will be prepared to respond
UMCOR will be able to offer aid in Jesus’ name to those who suffer because United Methodists give through UMCOR Sunday. In fact, it’s your generous giving that allows us to respond when disaster strikes. Donations by electronic giving or personal check may be given on UMCOR Sunday, March 10 or any time thereafter.
Attention Church Members,
An opportunity has arisen to extend our hospitality to international students who are practicing Christians. These students are currently seeking host families through WNY AFS. If you're interested in opening your home and hearts to these individuals, please reach out to Carol Collins, who serves as the sponsored student coordinator.
It's important to note that all of these students are recipients of scholarships sponsored by the US State Department, as part of diplomatic initiatives.
To learn more or express your interest, feel free to contact Carol Collins at carol.collins.usavol@afs.org or give her a call at 716-570-4283. She resides locally in Hamburg.
Thank you for considering this opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students.
Hamburg UMC Memorials Committee 2022-2023 Report to Congregation
During 2022-2023 donations were received to honor the memory of:
Dick Bish
Kay Cornell
Judy and Manuel Gomez
Karen Cook
Bob Montgomery
Dorothy Rood
Sue Goodridge
Combining these donations with a previous balance,
the Memorial Committee was able to purchase the following for our church:
$ 203.99 The Library and Parlor were outfitted with equipment to make the rooms Zoom-capable.
$ 699.99 New computer for the Finance office.
$11,500.00 Pavilion constructed on HUMC green space
This leaves a Memorial fund balance of $1,383.01. We are grateful to all donors who have honored loved ones in a permanent way through the Hamburg UMC Memorial Fund.
Committee: Dianne Caldwell, Barb Meader, Judy Engberg, Karen McClure, Caroline Schneggenburger
Volunteer Opportunity: Meals on Wheels/ Feedmore WNY
As we step into March, we have a special opportunity to extend our hands of support to those in need through Meals on Wheels/FeedMore WNY. This program is a lifeline for many in our community, and your contribution can make a significant impact.
Details:
Date: Throughout March
Time: 10:50 AM (Please arrive on time)
Location: Hamburg Community Building (Red Building) on Prospect
How You Can Help: Volunteering is easy and fulfilling. It takes less than an hour of your time, and you'll be delivering not just meals but also a warm smile to those who may greatly appreciate it.
Contact Information: For more details and to sign up for this rewarding experience, please reach out to Jen Stahl at 716-481-9048 or via email at Jenstahl@verizon.net.
Let's come together as a community to make March a month of compassion and care. Your presence can brighten someone's day and make a real difference in their life.
Thank you for your willingness to serve and bring joy to our neighbors in Hamburg.
Coffee Hour Schedule
2024 | |
MARCH | Trustees/ Columbarium |
APRIL | Sarah Circle |
MAY | Mission Outreach |
JUNE | Finance/Endowment |
JULY | SPRC |
AUGUST | Prayer Care & Share |
SEPTEMBER | Men's Group |
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, March 19 at 12 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.
Dick Caldwell, facilitator
March Church Library Selections
The Promise of Spring by Leslie Gould. Heather Creek in Bedford is swollen with spring rains, and when slick pavement over the bridge sends a car into the water, Sam makes a dramatic rescue, saving a little girl and her grandmother from the rushing river. Christopher is hard at work learning his lines for the school play, and Emily discovers her mother’s long-forgotten diary under the floorboards of her bedroom where she gains a new understanding of her mother as a girl and the woman she is now. From the Heather Creek series, the reader sees the first hints of spring and the hope for a fresh start for everyone there.
The Final Days of Jesus by Andreas J. Kostenberger and Justin Taylor. On the day that Jesus entered Jerusalem, he boldly predicted that he would soon be put to death – executed on a cross, like a common criminal. So began the most important week of the most important person who ever lived. 2000 years later, the events that took place during Jesus’s last days still reverberate through the ages. Designed as a day-by-day guide to Passion Week, this book leads the reader to reexamine and meditate on the history-making, earth-shaking significance of Jesus’s arrest, trial, crucifixion, and empty tomb. Learn why it matters today.
Beneath the Cross by Patricia A. Pingry and Julie K. Hogan, Editors. The ancient tale of the death and resurrection of Jesus is retold in the voices of those who knew him and those who literally stood beneath the cross – men and women who were forever changed by him. These moving stories, interspersed with biblical passages, are illustrated with artwork reflecting centuries of Christian devotion. Follow those who followed him, see their tears and hear their prayers, and know with them “the wonders of his glorious love.”
Beginning in February and during March, we focus on the importance of Jesus’s last days and what they mean for our faith. March also includes the coming of spring as the earth begins to come alive after a cold winter season. Take some time to read one of these books or one of the many other books in our church library. You may find new insights, hope, joy, and the blessings of Christian love for your heart.
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 Barb Meader (648-1273) or email her at bmeader712017@gmail.com, or contact anyone who is a Prayer, Care, and Share member. Daily we lift 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.” (Philippians 4: 4-7)
