July 2026 Newsletter
- Cristina Glover
- 12 minutes ago
- 10 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,
When I was in seminary in Boston, I was working as a youth minister for Fisk Memorial UMC in Natick, Massachusetts. In that role, I was invited to preach on a few occasions. Once, during Advent, I prepared a sermon where I pulled an illustration from House, a medical drama that was actively running on broadcast TV at the time. I knew not everyone was watching it, but it was part of the common cultural language–it was a popular prime-time show then! A brief explanation of the plot and a quote from the show that related to the text was current, contextual, and relevant (or so I hoped).
I’ve learned a lot about preaching since then, and I am sure I’m a better preacher than I was! The world has changed, though. There are fewer things that are current and broadly identifiable in the culture across the age spectrum. Part of that is the change in technology–we share fewer popular cultural references than in the past, and our news consumption is far more siloed. I have moved, over time, to far more historical illustrations of sermons because even if those are not always familiar to all of us, they are shared facts and shared stories that we can all access fairly equally. When I draw from other sources (music, art, movies, literature) I am sensitive that they are likely to speak more strongly to some parts of the gathered community than to others.
I believe that the biblical message is still valuable to all of us, but the tools to help us connect and anchor to those stories are now often less universal than even twenty years ago. I love Bible studies that provide room for discussing those things, but the nature of sermons makes dialogue more challenging. We also are living in contentious and sometimes conflictual times. What might have been heard as addressing social challenges in our society a generation ago, and attempting to find ways to hear the Gospel speaking into the culture are often masked by political divisions that prevent us from being able to hear the ways Jesus critiques all sides of modern political discourse. As someone who has never identified strongly with any side of the American political divisions, I find this challenging at times, but it is the reality in which we live.
One of the reasons I love serving with all of you is that I am not the only preacher! The variety of voices that are able to preach at least occasionally are a blessing for all of us. We approach the biblical text differently, we think about how to share the Good News differently, and we have different life experiences to share. All told, I value hearing those voices and I hope you do too! Every week, in each of our congregations, someone invites us to walk with Jesus, and each of those invitations is a little different. I am so glad the Grace of God is at work in our midst!
Serving Christ, with you,
Pastor David Nicol
Important Announcements from the Church Office
Summer Closures:
The Church office will be closed on Friday July 3rd with no staff reporting in observance of Independence Day. Although the Church will reopen on July 6th, the office will be working remotely to accommodate the GYPC Carpool Schedule.
Additionally The church office will be closed on July 10th due to Vacation Time Use.
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
Sandwich Ministry is an Outreach Program that represents HUMC people in action. Our church helping others in our community.
These families suffer from food insecurities, housing instability, lack of transportation and anxieties. We serve sandwiches and fruit to the people living in hotels within the Hamburg Area. Come Join Us!
We meet every Friday at 2:00 pm in the church kitchen. At 3:00pm we deliver to the families. At that time we offer hope and shine a little of God's love. This is God's grace to all.
We would like to thank our congregation for their prayers and support. We have the faith to continue. Sandwich Ministry operates on the generosity of individuals of our church who providing the supplies for the ministry.
Questions ask Ginger & Leo
Church Council
March 23, 2026
Present: Pastor David, Rollin Shoemaker, Bob Cook, David Rood, Ron Lesandro, Rick Park, Cheryl Bell, Dan Paskie, Lynda Sentz, Pat Adema, Emily, Slocum, Jason Krell
Pastor David opened with a prayer.
Jason made the motion to approve the minutes of February 23, 2026. Dave R. seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Ron reported that our budget has been negatively impacted by extremely high utility bills and unanticipated property tax bills on the parsonage. Our projected deficit may approach $50,000. Emily has received the property tax exemption certificate for the parsonage.
Our income steam is on track. Our apportionments are currently being paid in full,
Ron is exploring the possibility of reworking the pledge cards currently in the pews. He would like to include a QR code for donations. He will continue to look into this.
Pairing our expenses is an ongoing process. Ron has discussed the lease and use of our present copier/fax machine with Cristina. While this situation may be our best cost effective option he will continue to explore other plans and or machines in detail before making any recommendations. Pastor David reported that the fax machine still is utilized especially for Little Lamb. Pat reported that Little Lamb does pay an administrative fee for copies, etc.
Pastor David submitted a committee nominations list. There are 2 vacancies to be filled. One is on Finance, the other on SPRC.
Rick reported that the boiler is working. The valves which were somehow turned off are now turned on, and heat is being distributed. Congregation members will rebuild the pumps. He anticipates a $9,000. Check from our insurance company to start the roof repairs. Additional expenses will be submitted to Insurance. We will have to cover a $9,500 deductible. Some interior repairs will be completed by congregation members. He will look into whether any endowment funds can be used to help pay for these repairs.
Rick reported that Trustees will pay Missions some money each year to compensate for not receiving excess windows fund monies.
Pastor David reported that the coffee makers have been replaced with more efficient ones, and we are no longer on a coffee plan. Emily will break down what exactly is being purchased now.
Rollin requested that Trustee minutes be sent to Council. Rick will pass the request to Ken Weixlmann. The new Trustee officers are: Rick Park, Chair, Rollin Shoemaker, Vice Chair, Dave Vesneske, Treasurer, Ken Weixlmann, Secretary.
Jason had no SPRC news.
Lynda reported that Sparks of Hope will be hosting a Pastoral Response Conference on April 23, 2026. This is for clergy to get information on how to respond to people in addiction. She also reported that any money groups donate for the use of the Sparks building goes to the church.
Pat thanked Rollin for reading to the Little Lamb students. She encouraged anyone to volunteer to read. There will be a library display in October. Enrollment for next year is going well. Little Lamb is back to singing for the Respite group.
Rick reported that the Masons are merging with another group and will no longer meet in the church.
Emily asked for details on Sandy’s pay adjustment during her medical leave and Kevin’s information for his upcoming medical leave. Jason will give her that information.
Rollin reported that the Men’s Group will purchase an 8 burner grill. The Flea Market will be held during Burger Fest.
Pastor David and Rick will work on removing and transporting the dishwasher from the Gowanda Church building to Seneca Street Church.
Pat reported she collected $120 for the Legacy Endowment.
Rick and Bob made and seconded a motion to adjourn.
Dave R. closed with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted.
Cheryl Bell
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
Due to continued technical issues with Facebook Live, We will be streaming solely to Youtube for the foreseeable future.
Please make sure to "Like" and "Subscribe"
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!
HUMANGO IS COMING! RAFFLE BASKETS NEEDED
Once again, we are looking forward to having a fun and successful HUMANGO (Hamburg United Methodist Annual Golf Outing) fundraising event on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Your participation and donations will help make this a success.
We would appreciate individuals and groups of the church putting together a $50 themed Raffle Basket or providing a $50 gift card to an area restaurant or business. Completed baskets with shrink wrap and bows are greatly appreciated. Our committee will add the clear bag and bow if you cannot. Please label your basket and gift cards with the donor’s name and “For HUMANGO”. This ensures that we can thank each person or group for their donation and recognize them on the dinner placemat at the HUMANGO event at Byrncliff Golf Resort on August 16.
Please leave all baskets, by July 19, on the shelf in the church coat room. Gift cards can be given to Sue Gagne (716) 200-8996 or Pat Adema (716) 206-4687. The raffle baskets and gift cards will be on display in the Gathering Space on Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 9 where raffle tickets will be available for purchase. Sunday, August 2 is the Church Picnic at the Versailles Church.
Interested in golfing or attending the Awards Dinner on August 16, please inquire with Matt Edie, Rollin Shoemaker, Sue and Paul Gagne, Jason Krell or Pat Adema.
Thank you very much for your donations and support!
Pat Adema, Sue Gagne and the HUMANGO Committee
Sent from my iPhone
ANNUAL FLEA MARKET
SATURDAY, JULY 18
MERCHANDISE DONATIONS NEEDED!
We are looking for all kinds of donated goods including sporting goods, glassware, books, small appliances, knickknacks, pictures, CDs, jewelry, books, bookshelves, mirrors, tools, collectibles, coins, antiques, lamps and more.
Please take a look around your attic and basement and garage. We will be happy to sell your stuff and give you a receipt for donated goods (tax deductible).
Where do I leave this merchandise? In the gathering space at church, look for the corridor to the right of the coat room, and place your donations at the very end, back by the window.
WHEN? ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EVENT.
We can arrange for pickup for very large items. Thank you for helping us make our annual flea market successful once again.
HAMBURG UNITED METHODIST MEN'S FELLOWSHIP ROLLIN, 444-5537
We are sharing an evening VBS planned by Wayside Presbyterian Church, classes will be available for all ages Kindergarten to Adult. Please contact Wayside Presbyterian Directly with questions or concerns or to express interest in volunteering.
You do not need to be a member of Wayside Presbyterian Church to attend or volunteer—everyone is welcome! Bring a friend, neighbor, or family member and join us as we learn, grow, and connect together.
Register here:
RETIRED MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Retired Men will be having a special “July Event on Tuesday, July 21 at 12
noon. The event is a summer cookout to be held in the pavilion at the church.
Hamburgers, hot dogs, rolls and beverages will be provided as well as plates, cups and
eating utensils. Those attending are asked to bring a favorite food, snack or dessert to
share. Please notify Dick Caldwell if you plan to attend.
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HELP NEEDED
Calling all plant lovers. There is a need for someone to water the plants in and
around the church building on a weekly basis or as needed. It has been my joy to do
this for several years, but now I need to pass on this task. Contact me if you are able to
do this or have any questions. Dick Caldwell
Tai Chi is back to in-person practice in the Fellowship Hall
2026 Coffee Hour Schedule
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)
