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,
Last month I offered an update on the Parsonage project at 52 Center Street, and invited all of you to attend worship and fellowship for the Versailles Picnic on August 4! By the time you are receiving this, the picnic will be just on the horizon! Please bring yourself and something tasty to share (perhaps a comfortable chair) and enjoy the time together!
Now, about the parsonage project: We are blessed to have a property with such proximity to Hamburg UMC to house pastors for generations to come. 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.
This summer brings celebrations of two weddings: Valerie Mejia and Steven Spaulding on July 28, and Lindsay Miller and Russell O’Callaghan on August 2. We also share in grief, while celebrating the lives of Don Conklin and Judy Black. Judy's Service will be held on Monday September 16th at 10:30am in the Sanctuary.
HUMANGO (the Hamburg United Methodist Annual Golf Outing and Dinner) comes on Sunday, August 18—Golfers and Diners wanted! I have never been a golfer, but I have been a diner, and the fun and fellowship have been a good thing for me. Also in Hamburg, on Sunday, August 25th at Noon, the Hamburg Clergy Alliance will be hosting a Barbecue at the Hamburg UMC pavilion at Noon. Let your Pastors grill for you, and spend the day getting to see or getting to know friends from Saint James, Hamburg Presbyterian, and we hope other area congregations!
Turning attention to the wider world, and particularly with upcoming elections and a polarized population, I want to invite you to pray for our country. My prayer is that people of Christian faith will be guided by the way of Christ, seeking to shape our world to reflect God’s justice and mercy, and that all of our neighbors will seek to discern the best choices for our communities, our States, and our Country to assure that all people might be assured equal opportunity to live free of fear, be treated equitably by their neighbors, and have the same opportunities to build lives and find happiness and wholeness.
Serving the Risen Christ, with you,
Pastor David Nicol
Hamburg UMC & Southern Tier Circuit Joint Worship & Picnic
Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 10:30am- in the Pavillion
11817 Main St
Versailles, NY 14168
The Joint Church Picnic will follow after the service.
Please bring folding chairs and a side dish to pass.
Announcements from the Office
August Staffing Notes
Cristina will be on vacation starting Wednesday, August 14, and returning on Monday, August 26, 2024.
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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
CHURCH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
IN REMEMBRANCE:
Donald E. Conklin Jr. – entered this life on April 12, 1939; entered the church triumphant July 9, 2024.
Megan M. Huttenlocker – entered this life March 7, 2000, entered the church triumphant July 13, 2024 – sister of David and Gretchen (Schneggenburger) Huttenlocker
Judith E. Black- entered this life on February 12, 1939; and entered the church triumphant on July 19, 2024. The Memorial Service is scheduled for Monday, September 16, 2024, 10:30 am, at Hamburg UMC Sanctuary.
Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends.
2024 Julia Platt Memorial Scholarship Awardees
The Julia Platt Memorial Scholarship stands as a testament to the enduring memory of Julia Platt, a cherished member of our greater United Methodist congregation. Established to honor her legacy of service and commitment to education, this scholarship aims to support deserving individuals within our community in their pursuit of higher education.
Sarah Edie is entering her senior year at the University of Vermont and will graduate with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. This marks Sarah’s fourth Julia Platt Scholarship, following in the footsteps of her brothers John and David, who also received four-year scholarships. Congratulations to the entire Edie family, who have made significant contributions to HUMC over many years.
In her application, Sarah reflected on her church involvement: “While my participation in our church has decreased in recent years, the community and its people have been crucial in my upbringing and college years. I've found mentors and friends here who have guided me to where I am today. My mom always believed that the HUMC community would enrich our lives, and this has certainly proven true. Sunday School, events with peers, and the presence of loved ones have all shaped my journey to success.”
Kameron Olden, from Lincoln Memorial UMC in Buffalo, NY, was unable to accept his scholarship in person due to mandatory orientation at Niagara University. He plans to visit HUMC in August to meet its members. Kameron is majoring in Computer Science and Criminal Justice. In his application, he shared: “My involvement in Lincoln Memorial Church, particularly with the First Fruits pantry and the Underground Railroad tour during Juneteenth, has deepened my understanding of community service and history. The values of education, service, and community engagement promoted by the United Methodist Church have inspired my pursuit of higher learning and my desire to make a positive impact through education.”
William Kelly, from Central Park UMC in Buffalo, NY, will begin his junior year at Oswego State with a major in Marketing. During The July 7th service, Will was pleasantly surprised to discover that many HUMC members had connections to Central Park UMC, where his mother, Pastor Mary Kelly, serves. In his application, he wrote: “Growing up deeply involved in the United Methodist Church has significantly influenced my outlook and aspirations for higher education. Interacting with dedicated, faithful individuals every week has motivated me. Many church members pursued higher education, and their conversations over the years have shaped my own educational goals.”
Noah Sterheim, son of Pastors Heather and Gregg Sterheim, will start his freshman year at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study Mechanical Engineering. Reflecting on his church and community involvement, Noah said: “Throughout high school, I've been actively engaged in church activities such as playing bass in the church band, assisting with worship services, and participating in various outreach programs like Clara’s Closet and community service projects. The Methodist Church's emphasis on service and community has strongly influenced my desire for higher education and my commitment to making a difference in the world.”
All these outstanding applicants received a $2,000 scholarship award. Each of them serves as a role model whom parents, friends, and UMC churches should be proud to know. We wish them well as they continue on their chosen paths and pray that they will remain ambassadors for Christ among their peers.
God Bless & God Speed,
Anne Brown
Julia Platt Memorial Scholarship Fund Chair
MESSAGE FROM UNITED WOMEN OF FAITH
Thank you for all your bake goods contributions for
our Bake Sale at Burger Fest! What an amazing amount
and assortment! Our grand total was $864. Thank you!
FLEA MARKET – 2024:
Our United Methodist Men's Fellowship would like to pass along a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who made our annual flea market a huge success once again! Perfect weather, tons of people and great food too.
Our net profit, which goes to community outreach and mission activities, was $2458 (due in part to the financial generosity of Leo / Ginger Jensen, Carlos Ortiz, Greg / Barb Crispell … and others). Thank you to everyone who donated merchandise!
Thanks to The Following Volunteers:
CHERYL BELL, PASTOR DAVID, BOB STAPF, GINGER JENSEN, LEO JENSEN, TOM WOJCIECHOWSKI, DAN PASKIE, DICK CALDWELL, GREG McCLURE, MARION SMITH AND THE SPARKS OF HOPE TEAM, CARLOS ORTIZ, GREG / BARB CRISPELL, STUART MAY, ORLANDO, JOE LAROTONDA, HARRY / BARB LOCKWOOD, JERRY / CAROLINE SCHNEGGENBURGER, PATRICK FITZGERALD, JIM KISKER, DAVE / LISA ROOD, GARY CAWTHARD, RICK PARK and OTHERS.
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.
Coffee Hour Schedule 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 is on a summer break and will meet again on Tuesday, September 17. 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.
