October 2026 Newsletter
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,
As I wrote last month, we are sharing in a sermon series based on the Book of Acts for the next several weeks. This is not accidental! Among the most pressing matters for Christian life and community is understanding discipleship and the call to live as disciples of Jesus Christ! If you join a local Church, your first priority is not to the congregation, to the building, or even to the ministries that the congregation offers to the community, it ought to be to Jesus. I don’t think many people who call themselves Christian would argue that. One of the reasons I remain glad to be a United Methodist is the way we have laid claim to our mission: “The mission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Local churches and extension ministries of the Church provide the most significant arenas through which disciple-making of the Church provide the most significant arenas through which disciple-making occurs.” That is a strong statement of what the Church ought to be!
Hamburg UMC, Four Corners UMC, and Versailles UMC are not just gatherings of people who love each other and who may be open to inviting new people to be a part of the community–they are (as all United Methodist congregations are supposed to be) places where anyone can meet Jesus, grow as followers of him, and grow in grace in ways their lives look more like his, so the world around us is different because of how we live in it. We are privileged to be a part of this work together, and to have a ministry like Sparks of Hope (which is, in most ways, a kind of extension ministry) to offer opportunities for people to experience the grace of God in Jesus Christ, to become disciples, and to continue to grow into the new life he offers us freely!
Acts gives us a window into the life of the early Christian community, into the way our earliest forebears understood what it meant to be disciples of Jesus after the Ascension, and how they announced the reign of God that could transform both individuals and the world. It tells us stories of persecution, of compassion for each other and strangers, and of growth driven by living differently because if Jesus is Lord that means his ways are more important than whatever the rest of the world tells us matters. Yet, the earliest disciples lived within the Roman empire, many in Judea, among both followers of the God of Israel and those who had no idea what God had commanded Israel to be as a light to the nations. I am excited to share these stories with you until November, and to pick up again after Epiphany so that together we might learn to follow Jesus more boldly in our current world.
One of the most profound challenges for me in the New Testament is the way generosity played out in the early Church. The followers of Jesus shared meals, they shared time, they shared money, and they even collected to care for other local communities and the poor in their midst! Acts talks about it, the early Church invented the office of Deacon to support the community in caring for those most in need (Acts 6). If we only had the New Testament, the call for us to share of our time, our talents, and our treasure so the world could see Christ’s reign at work among us would be profound. However, outside sources speak of the way Christians in the Roman world shared among themselves to assure no one was hungry, and no one was left behind, and tell stories of Christians caring for those with terrifying diseases when Roman doctors and nobles fled to the hills (lepers, always, and those suffering from deadly plagues when they struck). This is what we are called to be in the world–the kind of people who quietly care for those struggling with hardships in life, with social stigmatization, with fears and anxieties, with poverty, with illness, with addiction, not because it benefits us, but because that’s the way of Jesus.
I’m sure there were times early Christian communities struggled financially. Paul repeatedly asked Christians to collect for the church in Jerusalem, whose need to help those in their care must have exceeded local resources (1 Cor 16:1–4; 2 Cor 8:1–9:15; Rom 15:14–32 ). Today, we are invited to give to provide for the ministries of our local congregation, and through our budget, through our Missions giving, through special giving to Sparks of Hope, through Special Sundays, and through our Ministry Shares that support the work of our Annual Conference (and through it other churches in our area) and the General Church. In November, we will have three weeks of special emphasis on Stewardship with our Consecration Sunday when we hope to have pledged estimates of giving to support the work of Christ and His Church on November 22. This year, that is the celebration of Christ the King, the Sunday before Thanksgiving, and a wonderful time to commit ourselves to the mission of Christ before Advent begins and to prepare for the 2027 budget year.
This year has not been without financial challenges for us either. A loophole in the tax code allows tax-exempt properties to remain on the tax roll for a year following the application for tax exempt status (based on taxable status date). Next year, the parsonage will be free of town, county, and school taxes, but this year the continuation of those payments have created a financial hardship for us (the cost of paying and housing your pastor has been about the same, with those factored in, as when paying housing allowance, but next year and following years we will see a real savings to the budget as a result of the purchase). Additionally, some other unexpected costs have left us farther behind than expected this year. If you have been blessed financially in ways that allow you to help offset that this year, I would invite you to prayerfully consider doing so. Recognizing ongoing financial challenges, the Church Council, SPRC, the Board of Trustees, and the Finance Committee have been working diligently to explore creative ways to reduce the cost of offering ministry to the world and to strengthen giving and explore creative ways to increase revenue to provide for our ministries. This may lead to some difficult decisions to manage the costs of resourcing ministry in terms of staff and facilities use, but I hope will also lead to exciting new opportunities for connecting with our community and the world.
If you are a regular giver to Hamburg UMC, you will be receiving a letter from the Finance Committee and from me in early November, inviting you to prayerfully consider your part in financially supporting our shared ministry to Hamburg and the wider world. I hope you will see that as an invitation to live out discipleship in your financial life of giving, as your prayers, presence, service, and witness are lived out in worship, study, hands on ministry and sharing your faith in other parts of your life as well. God is faithful, and walks with us in all aspects of our lives, and for that we can be grateful!
Serving Christ, with you,
Pastor David Nicol
Important Announcements from the Church Office
The Church Office will be closed on Monday October 19th
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, Wednesday, Friday 8am-3pm
Tuesday/Thursday: Closed
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
HUMC CELEBRATES OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS
DONNA SUMMERS Oct 11
SHE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM HER CHURCH FAMILY
Book Club kicked off this year’s reading season with a discussion of Jack Mayer’s Life in a Jar. The difference one person can make for many others is shown in dramatic detail. Netflix is offering Irena’s Vow. It’s a different Irena but a compelling story of courage in the face of evil and one woman’s life-saving efforts to save Jews during the Nazi occupation of Poland.
Our schedule for the next few months follows (4th Monday, 10:30 am) and subject to change with holidays! Stay tuned!
October 26: The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
November 23: The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick (see The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan which was a bestseller in 1963)
December 28: The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
January 25: Her Hidden Genius by Marie Benedict (anyone ever hear of Rosalind Franklin?)
We welcome men and women to our discussions about a wide range of books and we’re always looking for different subjects and genres. Please join us! For those of you not able to come in person, Cristina has the Zoom link so just give her a call (716) 648-8080).
Church Council
August 24, 2026
Present: Pastor David, Rollin Shoemaker, Jerry Schneggenburger, Caroline Schneggenburger, Matt Edie, Bob Cook, David Rood, Rick Park, Cheryl Bell, Dan Paskie, Pat Adema, Emily Slocum
Pastor David opened with a prayer.
Rollin made the motion to approve the minutes of July 27, 2026. Bob seconded the motion. Motion approved.
Matt reported that there has been a positive $1,000 change to our budget status, but nothing else is significantly changed in the last month. HUMANGO made $100 more than budgeted. Pat reported that the basket and gift card raffles and silent auctions were successful. There were a few new people who helped with HUMANGO. Pat Adema, and Paul and Sue Gagne are stepping away from HUMANGO. We thank them for all the work done over the years to make this a successful fund raiser.
Matt also reported that Finance will be meeting in September. Agenda items will include the stewardship campaign and the ongoing audits.
Rick reported that a new safe has been ordered and should be delivered soon.
Rollin continues to work on the windows campaign summary. He hopes it will be completed next month.
Pastor David is hopeful that the parsonage open house and dedication can be held at the end of September.
Rick reported that a new monitor for the fire doors will be installed on Friday at a cost of $1,000.
Emily reported that Cristina has researched work room printer lease options to replace the Xerox lease we currently have. Emily presented lease with Usherwood which would be 5 years and save us $900 over the length of the lease. Trustees will look into this.
Dave Rood reported that the roof repairs are being completed.
Rollin hopes to be able to reschedule the cancelled August 22 Bison game outing.
Rick and Rollin reported that research is being done to recoup the property tax we had to pay on the Center Street purchase due to errors made by the lawyer who handled the purchase. They are drafting a letter to that attorney to begin the process of receiving that reimbursement. It will be delivered before the statute of limitations runs out.
Jerry reported that Sparks is working on how to handle the Voices of Addiction program scheduled for Sept.13, It conflicts with a Bills game.
Pat reported that the Little Lamb 2 year old class is full with a waiting list. UPK may affect enrollment in the multi age class going forward. She also gave the news that Lisa and Laura will be resigning at the end of the year so a search will begin to fill those positions for the next school year.
GROW will begin on Sept. 16.
Matt reported that we received a $20,000 donation to be used in specific ways. He will be meeting with the donor to discuss exactly how the donor intends to direct the money and how to invest it. Safe Sanctuary training is a possible use. Pastor David is researching dates to schedule the training.
Pastor David held a Zoom meeting with a company that helps churches utilize unused spaces for creating revenue. He will speak with the DS about this possibility, and hopefully have a proposal for our next meeting.
Our next meeting is scheduled for September 28, 2026.
David Rood closed with a prayer.
Respectfully submitted.
Cheryl Bell
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
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
Please join us with any project you are working on. The more the merrier.
Contact Anne Brown with any questions
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!
We always appreciate your help for the
Homespun Holiday Bazaar
And the shopping fun is Nov. 6-7
Let the holiday shopping begin at the popular Homespun Holiday Bazaar Friday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Note that this year Friday hours are extended by one hour for your shopping pleasure!
United Women in Faith hosts the annual event and proceeds benefit ministries in our church, our Hamburg community and across Western New York, and often the church budget. A total of $4,750 was contributed to nine organizations from the 2025 bazaar proceeds.
Did you know that anyone involved at Hamburg UMC has the opportunity to join in and help make the bazaar a success! We can’t do this without a little bit of help from you and we are truly grateful for all of your support. We love your help with baking, crafts, set up before the bazaar and break down Saturday after 2 p.m. and Sunday about 11:45 a.m. Sign-up sheets will be in the Gathering Space on the counter. Thank you!
The bazaar will feature community vendors, handcrafted items from our UWF and church members, our large Granny's Attic area; lots of delectable baked goods including pies, cookies, coffee cakes and more, and our famous pecans and fruitcake for sale.
All of this fun is only about one month away! Yay!
BAKE SALE COMING - NOVEMBER 6-7
AT THE UNITED WOMEN OF FAITH’S BAZAAR
One purpose of the United Women of Faith is to support missions that help women and children. The bazaar helps us accomplish this goal. Part of the bazaar is the bake sale, and it’s not too early to start baking!!
Little pie tins will be on the counter at church for pies to be made and frozen. People ask for pies of all kinds and all sizes: apple, blueberry, peach, raspberry, pumpkin, pecan, rhubarb, mincemeat.. but please no cream pies (prohibited by health inspector). Quick breads, cookies, sweet rolls, pastries are all good sellers. (Cakes don’t sell very well).
Whatever you can contribute will be appreciated. Sign-up sheets will be on the counter in a few weeks and more details will be coming.
If you have any questions, talk with Barb Meader or Amy Rydholm
(716-548-4139 or 585-429-0038)
RETIRED MEN’S FELLOWSHIP
The Retired Men’s Fellowship will be gathering for lunch on Tuesday, October 20 at 12 noon at ZJ’s Restaurant in the Hamburg Village Plaza. All retired men of our church are invited. Come and bring a friend for good fellowship and good food. Come and share your joys and concerns.
Any questions? See Dick Caldwell.
Dick Caldwell, facilitator
Supporting Youth Mission: Phoebe’s Journey to Thailand
We are excited to announce that one of our own youth Phoebe has been selected to participate in the UMC North East Jurisdiction Mission of Peace trip to Thailand in February 2027! Building on her experience at the Global Young Persons Convocation in Ireland, this mission trip offers a wonderful opportunity to put faith into action through cultural immersion and community service.
To help cover travel, meal, and airfare expenses (totaling $5,200), a GoFundMe page has been established. Following her return, Phoebe looks forward to once again sharing her reflections and experiences with the congregation and the congregations of the Southern Tier Circuit.
To help Phoebe reach her fundraising goal of $5,200 for airfare, meals, and travel, please consider making a gift:
Donate online via her GoFundMe Page
Make out a check to Hamburg UMC (Memo Line: Mission of Peace)
Your prayers, encouragement, and support for our youth are deeply appreciated!
Adult Sunday School
John Meader’s Adult Sunday School class has resumed. We’re studying Rev. Tom Berlin’s book “Courage” which examines the life of Jesus, what true courage is, and how God works through those who step out in faith.
Books are provided and all are welcome to join for discussion and fellowship.
Sunday mornings at 9am in the church parlor.
Tai Chi is back to in-person practice in the Fellowship Hall
2026 Coffee Hour Schedule
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)
