C hurches C reating C ommunity C NEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN THE CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES IN AMHERST TAKE ONE - IT’S FREE! C C C C N the April 2011 hes h C reatin g C ommunit y C C the AND WILLIAMSVILLE by Kathy Reandeau I’m not sure what I expected when I visited Crossroads Lutheran Church in Snyder to learn about their week- long sheltering of homeless families. What I didn’t expect was the sound of children laughing and playing. Unfortunately many of us think of the homeless as a certain segment of our society - by themselves, mostly men, maybe some war veterans, or possibly those with mental health issues - but not families. Yet here they were - three families secure for the evening with the support of local churches. The families included an immigrant couple with five children, a mom with her five year old son, and another mom with two teenage boys - twelve people who weren’t worried about where they were sleeping that night thanks to Crossroads and Family Promise of Western New York. My journey began when I visited the South Buffalo headquarters and Day Center for Family Promise. The local division, one of 161 nationwide, is a non-profit organization that serves transitionally or episodically homeless families throughout our community. Their mission is to unite religious and other organizations in responding to the needs of homeless families. Its goal is to keep families together while they work toward having a home to call their own. I met Jim Tamol, Executive Director, who told me that families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Homelessness disrupts every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children’s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members. The average age of the homeless in America is only eleven years old. On any night in Erie County there are between 1800 and 2000 homeless men, women and children. Over thirty percent of the homeless population is families. Of those in homeless families, 64% are children. Families become homeless for reasons such as the economy, unemployment, acts of nature, domestic abuse, or immigration problems. Family Promise works with host congregations like Crossroads, which shelter up to three families for one week at a time, four times per year. Families are carefully screened before entering the program. The host site provides lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner and hospitality. Other churches pitch in with meals and support. Each morning the Family Promise van transports families to the Day Center where guests receive mail, children catch the school bus and those with jobs head to work. Thanks to all those who support our efforts!!! We continually strive to gracefully inform the community with the events and stories in our community. It is FREE for churches and community groups to post articles and to list community events. To comment, submit ideas or for questions, contact us at: We are now on Facebook. Look us up: CCC Bulletin. We will post the events and the paper on-line there for everyone too see!!! DEADLINE FOR THE JUNE BULLETIN WILL BE MONDAY, MAY 23RD (716) 240-1038 or [email protected]Hello Hello Hello Crossroads Lutheran Church Welcomes Family Promise of WNY
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C hu rches C rea t i ng C ommun i t yCNEWS, EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS IN THE CHURCHES AND COMMUNITIES IN AMHERST
TAKE ONE - IT’S FREE!
CCCCN
the April 2011
hes h C rea t i ng C ommun i t yC Cthe
AND WILLIAMSVILLE
by Kathy ReandeauI’m not sure what I expected when
I visited Crossroads Lutheran Church in Snyder to learn about their week-long sheltering of homeless families. What I didn’t expect was the sound of children laughing and playing. Unfortunately many of us think of the homeless as a certain segment of our society - by themselves, mostly men, maybe some war veterans, or possibly those with mental health issues - but not families. Yet here they were - three families secure for the evening with the support of local churches. The families included an immigrant couple with five children, a mom with her five year old son, and another mom with two teenage boys - twelve people who weren’t worried about where they were sleeping that night thanks to Crossroads and Family Promise of Western New York.
My journey began when I visited the South Buffalo headquarters and Day Center for Family Promise. The local division, one of 161 nationwide,
is a non-profit organization that serves transitionally or episodically homeless families throughout our community. Their mission is to unite religious and other organizations in responding to the needs of homeless families. Its goal is to keep families together while they work toward having a home to call their own.
I met Jim Tamol, Executive Director, who told me that families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population. Homelessness disrupts every aspect of family life, damaging the physical and emotional health of family members, interfering with children’s education and development, and frequently resulting in the separation of family members. The average age of the homeless in America is only eleven years old. On any night in Erie County there are between 1800 and 2000 homeless men, women and children. Over thirty percent of the homeless population is families. Of those in homeless families, 64% are children.
Families become homeless for reasons such as the economy, unemployment, acts of nature, domestic abuse, or immigration problems.
Family Promise works with host congregations like Crossroads, which shelter up to three families for one week at a time, four times per year. Families are carefully screened before entering the program. The host site provides lodging, breakfast, lunch, dinner and hospitality. Other churches pitch in with meals and support. Each morning the Family Promise van transports families to the Day Center where guests receive mail, children catch the school bus and those with jobs head to work.
Thanks to all those who support our efforts!!! We continually strive to gracefully inform the community with the events and stories in our community.
It is FREE for churches and community groups to post articles and to list community events. To comment, submit ideas or for questions, contact us at:
We are now on Facebook. Look us up: CCC Bulletin.
We will post the events and the paper on-line there for
895 North Forest Road, WILSunday Protocol of WorshipMorning Manna - 8:30am
Legacy Leadership Institute - 9:40am
Celebration Service - 11:00amLatter Rain - 6:00pm
PRESBYTERIAN
Amherst Presbyterian Church
151 South Youngs Road, AMHSunday Worship 10:30am.
North Presbyterian Church300 North Forest Road, WIL
Worship in the Chapel – 8:30amWorship in the Sanctuary –
10:45am
UNITED CHURCHof CHRIST
St Stephen United Church of Christ
8520 Tonawanda Creek Road, EAST AMH
Sunday, 10:30 AMCoffee Hour 10:00 AM
we are now on facebook.
look us up: CCC bulletinwe will post the events and the paper on-line there for everyone to see!!!
oUr Goal iS to MaKe SUre oUr ClientS are 100% CoMPletely SatiSfieD.
Denis A. KitchenAttorney & Counselor at Law
DENIS A. KITCHEN, P.C.8899 Main StreetWilliamsville, New York 14221Telephone 716.631.5661.Fax 716.631.0613Email: [email protected]
2 — CCC Bulletin — May 2011
The Day Center provides internet access to seek out employment, housing, day care and other benefits to get started on the path toward stability. They are required to look at three apartments each week and
keep Social Services appointments. After a long day of school, work, and hunting for jobs or apartments, families return to the host church. Evening hours are relaxing times, as they would be for any family. The day ends with the family together under one roof.
“Each family is unique,” said Jim. “We help come up with steps they can take to achieve independence. We empower and don’t enable. My job is to help access resources needed to achieve those goals.” Families stay in the Family Promise program from 45-90 days, with a follow-up period of usually up to a year. Other services Family Promise provides include a financial literacy program, mentoring, and literacy classes.
At Crossroads Lutheran Church, I met with Sam Blatz and Maxine Johnson in the fellowship hall’s kitchen. They were cleaning up after dinner, with the sounds of happy children echoing through the room. They said the church has participated in this program for several years, but this is the most people that have stayed with them. Family Promise provides training and backup for the churches involved. Churches providing support include Christ the King, University Presbyterian and Christ United Methodist Church.
Sam said their interaction is different with each family. Sometimes they will interact with the children, sometimes they just listen, and sometimes the family spends quiet time on their own. Two volunteers from the church stay overnight to assist with any special needs. Food is available for breakfast and to pack for lunches. She said the families usually help clean up and cook, as it feels like a comfortable home ritual.
When asked why they do this, Sam and Maxine replied that it is part of the church’s outreach
ministry. “We feel we’re giving something to our community. While some might have the perception that homelessness is an urban problem, this demonstrates that it is a local problem, affecting people right here.” It may sometimes feel like homelessness is too big an issue to tackle, but Sam said it’s emotionally gratifying to even help just one person for one day. They hope to inspire other churches to get involved.
When asked how others could help, Jim said that Family Promise needs monetary contributions; items from its wish list; volunteers who can help with financial literacy, provide support at the Day Center, or serve on the board; and more churches to become a host or support site. Crossroads Lutheran
suggested that good, quality portable air mattresses would
be useful. Jim emphasized that this is a non-denominational program. Any church that wants to have an impact on the homeless situation in our backyard is welcome to contact him and become involved.
May 2011 — CCC Bulletin — 3
Outfit Yourself For SpringProm Dresses, Mother of the Bride Dresses and
eVery SUnDay 9:45-10:30aM*Coffee Caféamherst alliance Church3915 Millersport hwy., aMh (689-9832)Join us for fellowship, coffee and donuts before our Sunday service. everybody welcome!
eVery SUnDay7:30-9PM*new young adult bible Studynorth Presbyterian Church300 north forest rd, wlM (632-1330)are you 18-30s looking to meet other young adults at north Church? Please join us for a bible study, fellowship, and refreshments on Sundays
from 7:30-9pm at Peter & tara Martin’s home in eggertsville. Questions? email tara at [email protected].
eVery tUeSDay 8:00PM*Vintagethe Chapel at Crosspoint500 Crosspoint ParkwayGtZVl (631-2636)Vintage College-age young adults Ministry “Vintage” – the college-age/young adult group. live music- honest dialogue- real people. Join hundreds of other 18-20 somethings every tuesday night at 8pm for the best night of your week! for more information contact wes aarum. www.vintagetruth.comtUeSDayS & thUrSDayS
2:00-8:00pm*Classic Guitar with Mir aliCalvary episcopal Church20 Milton St., wlM (633-7800)
eVery weDneSDay6:15-9:00pm *MoVithe Chapel at Crosspoint500 Crosspoint ParkwayGtZVl (631-2636)the MoVi movement gathers every wednesday night in the Crosspoint theatre, at the Crosspoint campus, from 6:15-9:00pm. teens should expect that every wednesday when they leave they are equipped
EVENTS
4 — CCC Bulletin — May 2011
P.O. Box 1704Williamsville, NY 14221Ph: 716-908-1608 or 716-631-0705simpli� [email protected]� edsolutionsofwny.com
MAY 2011and encouraged for the weeks journey ahead. this will happen through music, small groups, and discussions from the bible and more.
eVery thUrSDay 5:30pm*Church night out randall baptist Church6301 Main St. wlM (634-9800)Pizza Dinner - $3 adults, $1 kids (reservations required)
eVery thUrSDay 7:00pm*MoSaiC- Singles Ministrythe Chapel at Crosspoint500 Crosspoint ParkwayGtZVl (631-2636)The Chapel Singles Ministry provides an environment that encourages Christ-Centered living through Biblical teaching, fellowship, and service. We meet on Thursday nights at 7:00pm.www.thechapel.com/mosaic
eVery thUrSDay 7:00pm*Divorce Carethe Chapel at Crosspoint500 Crosspoint ParkwayGtZVl (631-2636)Divorce hurts! We’re not interested in the whys and hows and whats of your divorce, or to condemn or criticize. We’re interested in providing a forum where, in an environment of accountability built on unconditional acceptance, each person can face the issues of divorce with dignity and hope. www.thechapel.com/divorcecare
eVery SeConD fri. of the Month, May 13th *Golden eaglesthe Chapel at Crosspoint500 Crosspoint ParkwayGtZVl (631-2636)The Golden Eagles Ministry exists to encourage worship and service for those over age 55. Monthly group gatherings provide a social setting for interaction, companionship and spiritual growth. This interaction is a luncheon event. Monthly luncheons are held the second Friday of every month in the Fireside Room at our CrossPoint location. These luncheons and gatherings provide an opportunity for fellowship, fun and food in a light-hearted atmosphere, enabling everyone to become acquainted. For more information, contact Skip Hartman at 716-631-2636 x204. eVery friDay 9:00am*weekly radio broadcast Zion Dominion Church of God895 n forest rd., wlM (250-7040)listen to our radio broadcast, every friday at 9:00am on wUfo 1080aM
eVery friDay 5:30PM*youth Group amherst Sonrise Church –nazarene849 north french rd., aMh (691-7795)
MonDay, May 2nD 7:00pmwomen of williamsville wow Meetingwilliamsville United Methodist Church5681 Main St, wlM (634-4801)
MonDay, May 9th “harmonia” Concert and receptionCalvary episcopal Church20 Milton St, wlM (633-7800)
SUnDay May, May 15th 4:00 pmniagara frontier District laity banquetwilliamsville United Methodist Church5681 Main St, wlM (634-4801)Samuel’s Grande Manor
SUnDay May 15th, 4-6:00pmturkey Dinner and fundraiseramherst Presbyterian Church151 S. youngs rd, aMh (633-4656)Turkey dinner and fundraiser for Youth Mission trip
tUeSDay, May 24th fundraiser wine and appetizer receptionCalvary episcopal Church20 Milton St, wlM(633-7800)Fundraiser wine and appetizer reception at The Riviera Theatre including meet and greet with the Kingston Trio
SatUrDay, May 28th Kids night at Churchamherst lutheran Church5125 Main St, wlM (632-4185)One Saturday each month, children are invited to join their families at the 5pm jazz worship. During worship, the children are invited to be part of an “informal band” and accompany the music. The pastor will invite the children to join him in the Bible story. AFTER worship- fun, fellowship and food for the kids and “kids at heart.” The lobby and our indoor recreation area is wide open for some spontaneous children and adult activity. Pizza and drink is provided. KNAC will meet typically the last weekend of each month in 2011.
thUrSDay, May 26th 11:00amCCC radio Program wJJl1140Hear our monthly radio program on WJJL1140 at 11am on the last Thursday of every month. We are featuring the churches, community events, outreach programs and interviews.
CAPITAL FINANCIAL SERVICES4043 Maple Road, Suite 101A, Amherst, NY 14226Phone: 716.995.2971 • Fax: 716.995.2973Toll Free: 1.800.778.5159 • Cell: 71.310.9294
Michael J. PalazzoSr. Investment Executive
Investment Advisor RepresentativeRegistered Representative of and Securities offered through Berthel Fisher & Company Financial Services, Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Financial Services is an independent entity and not associated with Berthel Fisher &
Company Financial Services inc.
CCC radio ProgramHear our monthly radio program on WJJL 1440 at 11:00 on the last Thursday of every month. We are featuring the churches, community events, outreach programs and interviews.
May 2011 — CCC Bulletin — 5
by Kathy ReandeauFirst Presbyterian Church and the Network of
Biblical Storytellers, WNY Guild will welcome the renowned Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling Company from Rome, Italy for a free performance on Friday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. The church is located at One Symphony Circle in Buffalo (near Kleinhans Music Hall). Using their unique method of creative-theatrical storytelling, the troupe will perform the controversial and passionate story of King David and Bathsheba and “I Alone Love You,” the story of Mary Magdalene and Peter.
David and Bathsheba is the emotional retelling of the most shocking and controversial story of the Bible: the story of a forbidden burning passion, the story of a cruel murder, the story of a lost child. Universal and extreme, it is the story of the never-ending struggle of humankind trying to reach God. Their story inspired across the centuries great artists of all disciplines - from painters to poets, from musicians to Hollywood directors. But nothing makes it as real and incredibly contemporary as its original oral storytelling form.
Peter and Mary Magdalene couldn’t have been more different...their dislike was palpable...still they had in common the most important thing of their life: their love for Jesus. He was a fisherman with a common life and a family. She was a common
harlot with a life of distress and misery. They meet Jesus “by chance” and He becomes the central figure of their lives and changes them forever. “I Alone Love You” is a story of Jesus seen through the eyes of two people who loved Him on earth.
Paola Balbi and Davide Bardi, co-Artistic Directors from the Storytelling Company bring these tales to life through their emotional performances. With laughter, tears, words, music and dance, they tell these stories of Biblical power and humanity. Roughly translated as “tell me a story,” Raccontamiunastoria is the most established storytelling company of Italy and organizer of the International Storytelling Festival in Rome. The Group is housed in the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo in Rome and run by the Augustinian Fathers.
A free will offering will be taken following the performance. First Presbyterian Church was the first faith community in Buffalo. Founded in 1812, it is often referred to as the “Mother of All Buffalo Churches.” They are pleased to welcome this opportunity for all Christians to gather under one roof to hear these Biblical stories. Further information on the Raccontamiunastoria Storytelling Company may be found at www.raccontamiunastoria.com. Further information on the event or First Presbyterian Church may be
obtained by contacting Maria Patrick Oakley at 884-7250 or visiting the church’s web site at www.firstchurchbuffalo.org.
6 — CCC Bulletin — May 2011
Italian Storytelling Company Coming To Buffalo
if you have an event or article you would like to submit to the CCC bulletin contact us at:
(716) 240-1038Deadline is the 23rd of every month.
We are Christian brothers and servant leaders (Greek: sundoulos) in our homes, churches and communities. We invite Faithful women and families to work with us in our various ministries. Consider adding your gifts to the Christian Family at our events. We offer educational opportunities, Christian Fellowship, Ministries to Prisons, and serve as a Parachurch Ministry working alongside Pastors and Church groups.
Prior to the 1997 Promise Keepers Conference at Buffalo’s Rich Stadium, a few men began to pray for God’s direction and leading concerning their desire to bring interested
Christian men from the Western New York community together for these primary reasons:
1. To challenge and exhort men to diligently pursue our call to be strong men of faith and character and disciplers of other men. By focusing on men’s issues, we draw special attention to our role as servant leaders in our homes and churches.
2. To periodically call these men together (who make up the church of Western New York) in order to intentionally, continuously and purposefully build mature, long-lasting, prayer-based and accountable relationships that cross over all racial, cultural and denominational barriers. These relationships, empowered by the Holy Spirit, will reflect the oneness described in Christ’s intercessory prayer to the Father ( John 17:20-23). (Cf
3. To be a resource for extensive men’s leadership training designed to produce and reproduce leaders in the local churches.
4. Our ultimate purpose is to witness the mighty hand of God on
the male leadership and churches of our Western New York community. As we engage in a unified outreach to city and suburbs, it will so positively affect the moral, social, educational and economic conditions that those in spiritual darkness will be drawn to and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sundoulos Ministries
FAST FACTS• Officially Sundoulos Inc., we’re incorporat-ed as a non-profit group 501.c.iii.• The Core Group meets monthly to pray, plan and promote. Visit the Sundoulos Core page for details and photos.• Our volunteer network “United Outreach Ministry” includes over 30 churches whose men, women and youth are committed to working together on short-term projects to build God’s Kingdom.• We are supported by individuals, groups and Churches providing funds to add to our ministry. We are blessed as we are a blessing! Thank you for your prayers and support.
Contact us at:(716) 685-9973Visit our website:
www.sundouloswny.org
May 2011 — CCC Bulletin — 7
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Mark 9:23
“If you can” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.”
To submit ideas, articles or greetings, call us at (716)240-1038 or [email protected].
Amherst Meals on Wheels, Inc. is a private non-profit agency that was established in 1975 and continues to be responsible for provision of home-delivered meals to the elderly and handicapped in the Town of Amherst. The program is operated by Amherst Senior Services under contract with Amherst Meals on Wheels, Inc.
The program is committed to delivering nutritional meals to the homebound in the Town of Amherst through the assistance of dedicated volunteers. Another facet of the program is to ensure the emotional and physical well-being of participants.
370 John James Audubon ParkwayAmherst, New York 14228-1142