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St. Matthew’s United Church of Christ

at 5289 McKinley Parkway in Hamburg, New York

Building Relationships with God’s Love for Over 140 Years

January 2012 Newsletter

JANUARY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Bible Study 9:00 Sunday School 9:30 Sunday Worship 10:30 Coffee Fellowship 11:30

Sunday, January 1 ~ First Sunday after Christmas

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40

Sunday, January 8 ~ First Sunday after Epiphany

Lectionary Readings: Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11

Sunday, January 15 ~ Second Sunday after Epiphany

The Sacrament of Christian Baptism

Lectionary Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 John 1:43-51

Saturday, January 22 ~ Third Sunday after Epiphany

The Sacrament of Christian Baptism

Lectionary Readings: Jonah 3:1-5, 10 Psalm 62:5-12 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 Mark 1:14-20

Sunday, January 29 ~ Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Lectionary Readings: Deut. 18:15-20 Psalm 111 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 Mark 1:21-28

A nursery with audio and visual participation is available above the sanctuary for infants with parents.

Childcare is provided for children 2 years old through 2nd

grade following the Children’s Message.

Please join us for coffee fellowship immediately following Sunday worship.

Grace Notes

January is a very full month here at St. Matthew’s. On January 8th

, we will

resume Sunday School and Adult Bible Study. On January 15th

, we will gather

together for worship and the sacrament of Christian baptism. On January 22nd

, we

will welcome another child into our church through the sacrament of baptism. At

the conclusion of worship on January 22nd

, we will hold our annual meeting, and

on January 29th

, we will hold a new member class from noon to 3 p.m.

As we begin 2012, none of us can predict what the future will hold. With all of

you, I take great comfort in trusting and serving the God who holds us in his

loving hands. We will begin a new chapter in our journey together as a church on

January 22nd

, as we gather for our annual meeting. This is an important event in

the life of our church. At this meeting the congregation will have the opportunity

to reflect on the past year and the plans we have for the new year. At the end of

the meeting, we will vote to accept reports about our life together in 2011 and on

the proposed budget for the new year of 2012.

It is vital that all of us who call St. Matthew’s Church our spiritual home support

the ministry and mission of this faithful congregation with our time, talents and

treasure. Without you, there can be no church gathered here at St. Matthew’s. We

have a wonderful blessing in the life we live together here at St. Matthew’s as we

follow after Christ. When the body of Christ, our church, calls for our support in

any way, let’s all joyfully answer, ―Here I am, Lord!‖

I look forward to all that the Holy Spirit will do in, with and through us in this

new year. May you and your loved ones be richly blessed by our God whose love

knows no end.

Happy New Year! See you in worship!

Yours in Christ,

~ Pastor Dick

Help Wanted!

St. Matthew’s is looking for a Director of Christian Education. This position, of such

importance in the lives of our children, takes approximately 10-12 hours per week. Duties

include coordination of Sunday School classes, Sunday School curriculum review,

supervision of acolytes, chairing the Board of Christian education meetings, and planning

other events such as vacation Bible school, youth group and youth mission activities. This is

a compensated position. Please see Pastor Hanks for details.

CAREGIVERS - Do you know someone in need of a Care Giver service? A call to the

church office (649-1532) or to the coordinator of a particular aspect of service needed will

initiate the process of finding a volunteer caregiver ready to serve. Karen Kaitanowski,

General Coordinator, 649-7824 (house/yard work), Sue Rich, 649-0061 (drivers), Michelle

Kemp 648-6259 (meals).

CAN YOU HELP? - Members of the church generously help one another during sickness

and other difficult times through the church’s caregivers. More assistance is needed in

providing meals, transportation and other care. Can you help? Please fill out a form,

available in the Narthex, or call Karen Kaitanowski, General Coordinator, at 649-7824.

Thank you!

EMERGENCY FAMILY FUND

When a member of the church family is in need, please

talk with Howard Rich or Karen Kaitanowski.

♦ CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

On Sunday, January 22nd

, St. Matthew’s will hold its

annual congregational meeting.

Please be sure to mark your calendar so you can participate in

the discussion and vote on our annual reports and our 2012 budget.

♦ NEW MEMBER CLASS

On Sunday, January 29th

, from noon to 3 p.m. in the church parlor,

a class will be offered for those new to the church and wondering about membership.

All are welcome. Lunch will be provided

(please R.S.V.P. to the church office at 716-649-1532 or

Pastor Hanks at stmattucc@verizon.net).

My comfort in my suffering is this:

Your promise preserves my life.

- Psalm 119:50

Christian Education

Christmas Pageant Hopefully everyone enjoyed our annual Christmas Pageant. While the

story never changes, the children of St. Matthew’s somehow manage to always bring us a

reminder of the true meaning of the Christmas season. Thanks to all of the children for their

hard work. You all did a great job. A HUGE thank you to Norm Wahl for sharing his

incredible musical gifts with us. We could not have done it without you. Again, thank you

so much!

Cornerstone Manor Thank you to all who contributed to this year’s Middle School mission

project for the Cornerstone Manor. Many items were donated and we were able to make a

very generous delivery. Thank you to everyone for supporting this worthy cause.

Cookbooks The 100th

Anniversary Cookbooks are here and ready for purchase. The cost is

$15 and the proceeds will benefit our youth group mission programs. See Tammy Kruszka

or Holly Dobrick to purchase your copy. Don’t wait to make your purchase – there are only

a limited number available.

Blessings, Tammy Kruszka

Christian Education

Winter 2012 Adult Bible Study

Please join us as we explore God’s Word given to us in the Holy Scriptures.

All members and friends of St. Matthew’s UCC

are welcome to partake of this time of fellowship, sharing and learning.

Here’s the schedule for Bible Study with Pastor Hanks this winter:

~Sunday morning at 9:00, beginning January 8th

~Thursday morning at 9:30, beginning January 12th

~Friday morning Men’s Bible Study at 7:30, beginning January 13th

The Thursday and Sunday classes will study the Gospel of Mark. This class will

help guide you to a deeper understanding of St. Mark’s Gospel, and bring the

scripture narratives to life through in-depth study, reflection, and thought-provoking questions.

The Friday morning Men’s Bible study will resume their study of St. Paul’s Epistles. Please join

this group of men as they share a time of fellowship that offers coffee, conversation, study and

prayer.

New Member Class New to the Church? Want to Know More? Wondering About Membership?

Date: Sunday, January 29, 2012

Time: 12:00 — 3:00 p.m.

Place: Church Parlor

A group of us will meet on Sunday, January 29, to talk about the Christian faith and how it is lived

out in a local congregation - this congregation. Lunch is provided and all are welcome. R.S.V.P. to

the Church Office (716-649-1532) or Pastor Hanks (stmattucc@verizon.net) so we can plan lunch.

Questions? See Pastor Hanks. (If you’re interested but cannot make this date, please let us know.)

In Galatians 6, Paul tells us to "carry each other's burdens, and in this way you

will fulfill the law of Christ." At St. Matthew's our Stephen Ministers are

trained and organized to do just that. They provide one-to-one care, prayer,

and support to those who are going through a difficult time. The Stephen

Minister doesn't try to solve problems; rather, they listen, care, pray and help

the care receiver find their path to healing and wholeness. All caring

relationships are confidential.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the care of a Stephen Minister, contact Lyn Rich,

648-2165.

Musical Notes

LET US MAKE A JOYFUL SOUND UNTO THE LORD!

On December 11, 2011, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, our St. Matthew's Chancel Choir was honored

by a gift from Sally Harrington in memory of her daughter, Susan Gervase. Sue was our previous

Minister of Music, and the gift included ten Christmas pieces for the choir by Sue's favorite choir

composer, John Rutter. Sally also presented beautiful choir folders (which hold each singer's music

for the week), emblazoned with a memoriam to her daughter. Finally, Sally also gave us choir

books for a collection of songs by the Christmas carol composer Alfred Burt. The choir performed

Rutter's beautiful "Christmas Lullaby" on that Sunday, and on Christmas Eve. The music and the

folders will provide wonderful music and memories for years to come.

The Chancel Choir did a beautiful job at the Christmas Eve service. The singers put a lot of effort

into learning quite a number of harmony parts, and performed them very well. Supplementing the

choir were two young ladies who flew back to Buffalo for Christmas from their out-of-town

endeavors, Natalie Stormer and Ashley Hanks. Natalie and Ashley each sang several very moving

solo pieces, and choir members Don Ruff and Sharon Mooney also contributed wonderful solos.

Sue's son Joe added triumphant trumpet descants to many of the carols.

The choir's performance of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" recalled the tune's origin as a 15th

Century chant. Similarly, their performance of "Silent Night" evoked that carol's original rendition.

"Silent Night" was written on Christmas Eve 1818, as a simple carol that could be accompanied by

guitar (possibly the organ was broken). Sharon Mooney sang the first verse in the original German,

accompanied by Tom Schaner on guitar.

The choir provided a wonderfully enhanced Christmas spirit to the congregation. However, what's

even nicer than hearing a good choir is being in one! We have room for more good and faithful

singers. Please let me know if you're interested.

See you Sunday …

Norm Wahl

Our Church Family

Remember…

Homebound Margaretha Dubrowskij, Lois McMoil, Peggy LaVett

Adult Residence Ethel Deuchler, Eugene Behringer, Helen Wise, Maxine Helm, Stella Williams

Those in Military Service Matthew Barrett (USMC) Tyler Jordan (USMC) Kameron Kuczka (USAF)

Randy Kryszak, (Army) Elie Shaw (Navy) Donald Hamann (Army)

Steve Hope (Army) Mike Powers Gary Shull (Army)

Matt Hayes (Marines) Ken York (Air Force)

BIRTHDAYS FOR THE

MONTH OF JANUARY!

1 Nicholas Cullis

2 Ryan McMillan

3 Tyler Jordan

4 Brook Lynn Clausell, Clayton Errington 5 Donn Mergenhagen

7 Virginia Mackey

8 Paul Rich

12 Stella Williams

14 Kimberley Hamm

16 Andrea Larson

17 Jane Duewiger

20 Sharon Mooney

21 Gail Burdick 22 Abigail Zelle

24 Pastor Hanks

26 Barbara Middaugh

28 Connor Neureuter

31 Paul Federmann

IN OUR PRAYERS

Jennifer Funk - Frank Norwood - Ryan

Nurmi - Robin Kester - Jack Johnson -

Suzie Harvey - Dick Gillette - Evonne

Mauser - Carol Rich - Ken Plotz - Don

Chapman - Dan Licker - Ethel

Deuchler - Dorothy Snow

INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP - If you or someone you know has a need for our

prayers, call Pastor Hanks (649-1532), Dolly Errington (823-6210) or Jane Duewiger (649-2085).

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. - John 15:12

THANK YOU!

Gin and I extend our deepest thanks

and love to you for the many ways you

reach out to us all year, but in

particular at Christmas. Your love and

generosity fill our hearts. It is a joy to

serve with you here at St. Matthew's.

We wish you all every blessing in this

New Year.

~ Pastor Dick, Gin and Ashley

Missions and Outreach

CIA CAROLING

Thanks to Howard Rich for capturing these pictures of the event!

Missions and Outreach

CIA CAROLING – Thank You! Thank you to all who participated by singing and/or baking cookies. We were able to share

cookies, Christmas carols and fellowship at 10 local group homes. We had a great turn-out this year

with 144 carolers of all ages! It looked like Sunday evening worked for many to be able to

participate. For many people this has become a favorite holiday tradition. The residents at the

group homes also look forward to this evening, particularly the cookies! Thanks, Susan Rich

Thanks for your “Thank Offering” On Sunday, November 20

th, we collected our annual Thank Offering.

We are pleased to announce we were able to give $160 each to

Kathleen Mary House and Union Presbyterian Food Pantry.

Thank you for keeping your little bank handy to deposit your daily coins.

Notes of Thanks to St. Matthew’s

From the Kathleen Mary House

Dear Members of St. Matthew’s:

On behalf of the women and children who reside at the Kathleen Mary House, I want to thank you

for your recent donation of $160 from your annual Thank Offering. You can't imagine how grateful

we are for your support of the Kathleen Mary House and we will use this donation in the best way

possible to honor your giving. Saying "thank you" almost seems not enough to express our sincere

gratitude. You continue to confirm my faith that angels walk among us every day.

Merry Christmas!!!

Very truly yours,

Sharon E. Wroblewski

Executive Director

From the Union Presbyterian Church, UPC Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry

Dear Friends:

Thank you for your recent donation of several bags of food. You have been so faithful in donating

to our food pantry. We can’t thank you enough. We have had an increase in the number of

individuals (and families) who come to our pantry for food. You have been a great blessing to our

pantry. Merry Christmas. God bless you.

Darlene Cebulski, Food Ministry

Church News HELP OUR YOUTH GROUP As a fundraiser for our youth group – who are planning mission and conference trips – we are

having a bottle and can drive. During January and February, please help by depositing your bottles

and cans in the basket provided in the downstairs hallway. If you have any questions, please

contact Sue Rich at 574-5865.

FOOD PANTRY MINISTRY

Please remember to bring in a bag of non-perishable groceries on the first Sunday of each month to

help feed the hungry of greater Hamburg. We are also in need of volunteers to bring the food items

to the Union Presbyterian Church food pantry in Blasdell once a month throughout 2012. Please

look for the sign-up sheet on the downstairs bulletin board or see Shirley Jones to volunteer.

BY THE NUMBERS: ACTUAL YEAR-TO-DATE FINANCIAL THROUGH November 30, 2011

Actual Income $133,267

Actual Expenses $131,320

Net Gain $1,947

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR MAIL SLOT LATELY?

We will soon be cleaning out the mail slots, so please take a moment to check yours for any items

including the newsletter and your weekly offering envelopes.

SUNDAY SCHOOL ENVELOPES AND RECORDING

Beginning in January 2012, I am looking for someone to take over the distribution and recording of

money that comes in from Sunday School children. I will be happy to get you started.

Thank you. Pamela Kaznica

ROSES ON THE ALTAR

The church family would like to celebrate with members when a new baby or grandchild comes into

the world. Please contact Pamela Kaznica, 823-2568, about a new arrival so that a rose can be

placed on the altar and an announcement put in the bulletin.

~ January 2012 ~ St. Matthew’s UCC 5289 McKinley Parkway in Hamburg, NY 14075 716-649-1532 officestmattucc@verizon.net

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

10:30 Worship/

Communion

11:30 Coffee Fellowship

Happy New

Year!

2 Annual Reports

due

3

4 Stephen Ministry

4 10:30 AA

7 BCE

5

7 Choir Rehearsal

7:30 OA

6

7

8 9:00 Bible Study

9:30 Sunday School

10:30 Worship

11:30 Coffee

Fellowship

9

10

7:30 Church

Council

11 10:30 AA

12 9:30 Bible Study

7:30 OA

13 7:30 Men’s Bible

Study

14

15 9:00 Bible Study

9:30 Sunday School

10:30 Worship

11:30 Coffee

Fellowship

11:45 Youth Group

16 17

4 Stephen Ministry

18 10:30 AA

19 9:30 Bible Study

7 Choir Rehearsal

7:30 OA

20 7:30 Men’s Bible

Study

21

22 9:00 Bible Study

9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship 11:45 Congregational

Meeting

MESSENGER ARTICLES DUE

23

24

7 Quilters

25 10:30 AA

26 9:30 Bible Study

7:30 OA

27 7:30 Men’s Bible

Study

28

29 9:00 Bible Study

9:30 Sunday School

10:30 Worship

11:30 Coffee

Fellowship

30 31

Happy New Year to All!

Sundays in January

PEACE BE WITH YOU!

LAY READERS January 1 Perry Kaupa

January 8 Cheryl Larson

January 15 Tracy Meyers

January 22 Nancy Jankowski

January 29 Linda Velazquez

ACOLYTES January 1 Trevor Hoffritz

January 8 Jack DeMeo

January 15 Isabella DeMeo

January 22 Nicole Rich

January 29 Gigi Raymond

CHILD CARE January 1 No childcare

January 8 Robynn & Jeff Rich

January 15 Andrea & Joe Capasso

January 22 Kimberly Hoffritz

January 29 High School Youth

USHERS: TEAM # 1 Andy Federmann, Leader

Clayton Errington

Steve Jankowski

Keith Kanaley

Christian Kanaley

Donn Mergenhagen

Jeffrey Rich

Kurt Rich

Luke Rich

Tom Schaner

COFFEE FELLOWSHIP January 1 TBD

January 8 TBD

January 15 TBD

January 22 Annual Meeting

January 29 TBD

ALTAR GUILD Sue Rich

ATTENDANCE 2010 2011

NOV 117 114

DEC 112 114 143 129 159 158 154 161 64 70

COLORING PAGE FOR THE KIDS!

John Baptizes Jesus

Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3

St. Matthew’s UCC

S5289 McKinley Pkwy.

Hamburg, NY 14075-3925

_____________________________________________________

Church Office: 716-649-1532 email: officestmattucc@verizon.net

Pastor Richard Hanks 716-649-0821 email: dick.hanks@yahoo.com

Minister of Music, Norman Wahl email: normwahl@gmail.com

Director of Christian Education, Tammy Kruszka, 716-648-0343 email: bcestmatt@verizon.net

Custodian, Steve Jankowski, 716-826-0012

Website: stmattsucc.org

St. Matthew’s Insurance Memorial Fund- Marilyn Rich, 716-649-6979

Mission Statement:

Believing that Jesus Christ is Lord as attested by Holy Scripture, we have been called together in his

body to rejoice in His love, to know His peace, to strengthen and share our spiritual gifts, and to

witness the Gospel in prayer, word and deed.

The church is completely accessible.