Isaiah 40:28-31 – Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary: his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
The prophet Isaiah called God’s people to return home and to lean forward with renewed strength. As these words ring in my ears, I sense many of your expectations for September and the hope of returning to “normalcy” at church. Realistically, we can’t go back in time to pre-COVID days—far too much has transpired. Yet, one thing remains the same – God is with us and calls us into community to praise, teach, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So with renewed vigor, I invite you to lean forward into a new normal at KUMC, where you will discover much of the familiar and an abundance of the Spirit’s inspiration and joy.
What is happening this fall at KUMC? I am so glad you asked!
Rally Day – September 11th - a call to return to Worship & Sunday School for all ages. Horizons and Corinthians will remain merged into one class. The Youth will enjoy new studies, exciting events, and make new friends with the City Stream churches (Metropolitan & Central Park UMC youth groups) and mission trip friends (Elma & Williamsville UMC youth groups). Children’s Ministries is bringing back Bible Times following the Children’s Moment in Worship. And, we will continue our all-church coffee break immediately after worship and followed by Sunday school for all.
Courageous Conversations - new this fall - a bi-monthly Sunday School class led by your pastors in the library. Discussion will cover current social issues and United Methodist beliefs as presented in a safe space honoring diverse views. Topics inspired by the SPARK community (young adults) and class participants. All are welcome.
Halloween Spectacular/Fall Festival – October 16, noon til 2:30pm - a major outreach event with elements of past Fall Festivals and a new twist with the SPARK Family Halloween carnival. KUMC will host a Fall Festival in the basement, including the Piecemakers’ Quilt sale, UWF pie sale, a chili and cornbread meal, and entertainment in the Family Life Center. Simultaneously, SPARK is sponsoring “Haunted Hallways” on the 3rd floor, by our Youth Groups. You won’t want to miss volunteering at this spectacular Halloween/Fall outreach event!
Dementia Respite Care – a social program that gives caregivers a much-needed break. Sponsored by Erie County Senior Services, free training for caregivers and volunteers will be provided by the Alzheimers Association on September 16th from 9:30 til noon in the KUMC Family Life Center. KUMC will then host a one-on-one Respite Care program on the 4th Wednesday of every month starting October 26th from 10:30am-2:30pm. Church and community volunteers are needed for this very meaningful and life-giving ministry. Contact Michelle Spencer or Pastor Becky, or call the church office to sign up or for further details.
God is always doing a new thing.
So come and see what exciting things God is up to at KUMC.
Leaning into the Spirit,
Pastor Becky
