PresidentMatt Coté

Vice PresidentJennifer Goehle

SecretaryLee DrydenTreasurer

Ellen PancoeFinancial Secretary & Report

Ginny HohlBuilding & Grounds

Larry King & Rick BoschChristian Education

Don Reidell & Jason EkbergFinance

Nicole Lawniczak & Ginny HohlMutual Ministry

Lee DrydenPersonnel

Megan ManningC.J. Ullrich

Social MinistryEllen Lochead & Judy Nitchke

StewardshipRev. Marsha Irmer

Welcoming/FellowshipJudy Nitchke

Worship & MusicMatt Cote & Lee DrydenPermanent Endowment

C.J. UllrichCemetery

Jenn Goehle

A NOTE FROM PASTOR SCOTT

February

2020 This is hard. Life in the coronatimes is difficult. It is tough time to be oldand a tough time to be young. It is a tough time to be working and a toughtime for those looking for work. It is a tough time for those close toretirement or retiring and it is a tough time to be starting a career. It is atough time to be a pre-schooler, a tough time to be a highschooler, and atough time to be a grad-student. And, it is a tough time to be teaching on alllevels. This is tough.  

It is hard being pregnant right now or sick right now. It is hard to be homealone and it is hard to be home with constant roommates. It is hard on kids,hard on teens, hard on young adults, hard on middle adults, and hard onolder adults. It is hard on essential workers and hard on all those who haveto be creative with their work. (Keep in mind I have not even touched on theethical and political realities facing our country right now.) Life is hard.  

Therefore, it should go as no surprise that it is a hard time to practice ourfaith in the ways that we were accustomed. These are difficult days andreligion has not been extended an abstention from the challenges. On thecontrary, life for Christians (and many believers of other faiths) iscomplicated right now too.  

What I hope we can keep in mind is perspective. While it is easy to getdown and feel sorry for ourselves, in reality, the struggles of the church inthe midst of the coronacrisis pale in comparison to what Christians haveendured for centuries. Our forebearers were persecuted for their faith. Somewere fed to lions. Others were burned at stakes. Some were tortured for theenjoyment of cruel leaders. 

For many Christians going to church was never, ever easy. For some, itinvolved miles of walking (yes, barefoot and uphill both ways). In manyplaces Christians still risk their lives to worship. In some countries itremains illegal to practice Christianity. Even prior to the corona,faithfulness to Jesus has divided households, ended relationships, andupended reality.

Christians have dealt with devastating circumstances that make our currentsituation seem more like an inconvenience more than anything else.Churches have been burned by racists, leveled by natural disasters, andbombed by terrorists. Worshipping communities have been imprisoned. Notto mention, this is not the first pandemic the church has gone through (andthose Christians couldn’t Zoom with each other or worship online).

ST. JOHN CHURCH SERVANTS

August2020

CONTINUED ON FOLLOWING PAGE

Picnic Tables (by the playground)The Historical Garden (which has its own benches)The Tent (behind the church)

We are encouraging all ministries and groups of the congregation to usethe church grounds as a gathering place.

We have:

We ask that all gatherings be limited to one hour and that groupsreserve the space by notifying the church office 24 hours in advancevia email to stjohnamherst@gmail.com.

All gatherings must be socially distant. At this point in time, followingthe guidance and recommendations from governing authorities, masksmay be removed when seated outdoors 6’ apart.

In the event that you require access to the building masks completelycovering nose and mouth must be worn at all times.

All of which I offer to encourage patience and endurance as we continueour faithfulness in the midst of this pandemic. I will be the first to saythat I have lamented the cessation of public worship but let me also bethe first to say that our struggles as 21st century Americans pale incomparison to the struggles of Christians through the centuries andaround the globe. If this is our “lot”, we still won the Christian“lottery.”  

In his parting words to the disciples Jesus said, “I have said this to you,so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have troubles,but take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 

Jesus knew that we would face troubles, adversity, hardship, andstruggle. He never promised it would be easy. However, he did promisepeace in the midst of it all. Moreover, he reminded his disciples to havecourage, despite the troubles they faced, because he has overcome theworld. 

This is hard… and tough… and difficult… and frustrating. But it is alsoan opportunity to practice what we preach – to practice faithfulness,gentleness, patience, understanding, forgiveness, and love. It is a time tobe still and despite it all to know… it is well. Really, it is… becauseJesus has overcome the world.

In the Way,PSDH

Men's MinistryZoom MeetingsThe Men’s Ministry is still going

strong! All are welcome to join us

via Zoom or in-person. Zoom

meetings are Monday and Thursday

nights at 7pm, and in-person

meetings under the tent take place

Saturdays at 10am. Contact Rick

Bosch (rickseab@gmail.com) for

more information.

All are invited to join us Wednesday

nights at 7pm for Bible Study in the

Historical Garden area. Please bring

your own chair.

Contact Lee Dryden

(Dryden@buffalo.edu) for more

information.

OUTDOOR GATHERINGINFORMATION

Outdoor BibleStudy

COUNCIL UPDATEDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 the church council met under the tent on the church grounds to discuss theministry of our congregation in light of the coronavirus pandemic. One of the biggest considerations waswhen to resume in-person, public worship. We discussed the protocols mandated by the state and reviewedthe practices in place at local congregations who have returned to worship.

The general consensus of the council was to postpone in-person, public worship in the sanctuary untilSeptember 20, 2020 at the earliest. While this date may seem arbitrary, it has increasingly been identified bycongregations across the country as an appropriate date to return to church buildings.

Many council members felt a longing to return to worship but felt as though the restrictions currently inplace would not satisfy our spiritual needs. It was noted that the longing to return to worship was a yearningto share in fellowship, hospitality, friendship, and community. Unfortunately, worship in the midst of thispandemic does not lend itself to any of those things. Fortunately, there are sensible and appropriate means toshare in fellowship and build community in other ways.

We are encouraging all ministries and groups of the congregation to use the church grounds as a gatheringplace. We have picnic tables by the playground, benches in the historical garden, and the tent in the back.We ask that all gatherings be limited to one hour and that groups reserve the space by notifying the churchoffice 24 hours in advance. In addition to our groups meeting outdoors, we will also hold prayer servicesand bible studies under the tent as the weather permits. All gatherings must be socially distant. At this pointin time, following the guidance and recommendations from governing authorities, masks may be removedwhen seated outdoors 6’ apart. In the event that you require access to the building masks must be worn at alltimes.

The church doors will remain open on Sunday mornings from 8:30-10:30AM. The weekly liturgy is printedand available at the door to assist with personal prayer. We ask that all those who use the church facilitywear masks and maintain social distancing.

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted every facet of our life together and has certainly impacted theworship of our church. We hope that during these unsettling times that our church can continue to find waysto carry out our mission and ministry in new and creative ways.

The council members contact information can be obtained in the directory or by emailing the church officeat stjohnamherst@gmail.com. If you have any questions or thoughts, please reach out. We are here to serve.

In Christ,

The St. John Church Council

In-person worship resumesSeptember th.

Stay tuned for details!

20

Enter the St. John campus via Main St.Stop at the distribution station located on the patio outside of the main entrance. You will receive a small bottle of wine, six wafers, a printed liturgy, and a blessing. Please have Tiger's Den donations packed in boxes or bags and loaded in the trunk of your vehicle forvolunteers to remove.Exit on Hampton Hill Drive 

On Sunday, August 9th we have the opportunity to celebrate Holy Communion via Zoom from 10:30 -11:00AM. We will be distributing the elements of bread and wine by creating a drive-thru in our mainentrance. The pick-up times will be Friday, August 7th from 11AM - 1PM and Saturday, August 8thfrom 10AM - noon. 

The instructions for pick-up can be found below. Please do not exit your vehicle. All appropriate measureshave been taken to safeguard your health and will be followed throughout the distribution process. Incoordination with our communion element pick-up, we will also have a drop-off for the Tiger's Den FoodPantry. The Tiger's Den is specifically requesting side dishes, healthy snacks and paper products.

If you would like communion, but do not have access to Zoom, please contact the main office and we willcoordinate some other means of distribution. Detailed instructions for care of the elements, the worshipprocedure, and a printed liturgy will be distributed at the pick-up. 

Here are the instructions for pick-up:

We will send out instructions for worship via email during the week of August 2nd.

HOLY COMMUNION - AUGUST 9TH

The following have donated recently: Midge Davis, Bill Westley

In Memory of George Manthey: Jerry and Sue Szykowny, Bill Westley       In Memory of Carl Pete Sirface: Kristen Silveri

Thank you for the following donations to St. John.

Many members have generously given to the support of Covid-19, including some who have donated multipletimes.

Thank you also to those members who have made contributions to the Memorial Fund.     

Expansion of workforce development programs for our employeesRemodeling of GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center to ensure the best possible resident experiencesAcquisition of land for the advancement of our mission

Dear Pastor Scott and St. John,

Thank you very much for your gift in support of our 2020 Leadership Council campaign. Over the past twentyyears, our Leadership Council campaigns have raised over $7.2 million dollars for the Niagara LutheranHealth Foundation, and your compassion and generosity makes all this possible!

This year's Leadership Council campaign will also help to support other important new initiatives, such as:

Thank you again for your faithful support of Niagara Lutheran Health Foundation!

Sincerely,

David. E. McMullen, Executive Director of Development and Marketing

THANK YOU!

Dear Friends,

I want to thank all for your thoughts and prayers following my motorcycle accident on May 23rd.  That daystarted like so many others prior - beautiful weather day, numerous chores done that morning, will take ashort one hour M-C ride and then come back for a family cookout to celebrate my 65th birthday. 20 or sominutes from home, in Niagara County, I was dealt with a situation that required me to turn and brake hardto avoid collision.  No collision and I stayed on the bike as it slid down the road - both good for me.  I neededambulance transport to ECMC and admission there for two days.  Cracked bones and bruises on my left sideand I was allowed to leave on May 25th.  Covid19 provided me the home nursing I needed (from familymembers shut out from work).

So one's life can take a turn for the worse in a second.  I realize now that anything I did to advance / moveback my timing by one second that day (same for the other vehicle) and that day would have been normal.  Myfavorite synopsis statement these days is "It is what it is" and I use it to explain any mystery as to why asituation arose.  At the end of the day, I'm involved in an accident that I'm happy did not turn out worse than itdid.  Take and appreciate the good medical care I received, heal up and return to a more normal life.

So my condition now is that I can return to work on a limited basis and with just one more follow-up Dr. visitin a couple months.  I'm a lucky man is how I end any discussion of my accident.  I do appreciate the cardsand wishes received.  They certainly help.  I ask that we all grow in the area of prayer and support for all whosuffer pain, whether through injury, illness or advanced age infirmity.  May God bless all, there are many inneed.

Norm Hirschey

Keegan Kruszynski 8/4

Kristen Stohl 8/4

Jennifer Ekberg 8/5

Elaine Dust 8/6

Angela Menzies 8/8

Ryan Boling 8/8

David Brock 8/9

Collin Reid 8/10

David Otterstein 8/10

Hailey Martin 8/11

Hannah Martin 8/11

Leslie Tobia 8/11

Benjamin Allen 8/12

Marilyn Utz 8/12

Bob Williams 8/13

David Nitchke 8/14

Barb Bennett 8/15

Clayton Merlihan 8/15

Megan Suszynski 8/16

Julie Johnson 8/18

Christian McMullen 8/19

Michele Kubik 8/19

Eric Bogart 8/20

Lori Schonrank 8/20

Jacob Kachelmeyer 8/21

Joel Hirschey 8/21

CONNECT WITH US ONLINEJoin us on Facebook & Instagram (@stjohnlc) to connect during the week.

Our new website: sjlcamherst.com is an easy place to find our worship resources, hymns, videos,make prayer requests, contact the office, and give online.

Congratulations Nick Masi on becoming the newest eagle scout for our troop. And thank you

for your eagle scout project building the fence by the playground. Blessings on your future.

AUGUST BIRTHDAYSDavid Steinhilber 8/22

Sandra Ekberg 8/22

Shawn Campbell 8/22

William Bulmer 8/22

Nicholas Slaper 8/24

Donna Moore 8/25

Lisa Leach 8/25

Karen Caton 8/27

Ray Hohl 8/27

Alaina Szykowny 8/28

Elizabeth Stohl 8/29

Penny Favale 8/31

Hospitalized and Homebound Colleen Gunning, Ann Henry

Healing, Comfort & Special ConcernsJennifer Ekberg, Sue Liptak, Norm Hirschey, Merv Moore, Sheila Figel, Ellen Manthey, GordonSteinhilber, Jerry Szykowny, Chuck McCarty, Ed Utz, Judy Yendall, Wayne Yendall, Marilyn Utz,John Sivak, Ruth Bertini

Sister Barbara Stafford, friend of Pastor IrmerJen Diakun, daughter of Kate and Jim OlsonMary Mussell, family of Susan HadalaCarol Traina, daughter-in-law of Rich and Bobbie TrainaChristie Guadagno and Sandy Williams, Sisters of Bobbie TrainaJohn Fullam, Husband of Lois Robinson FullamChelsea Ellis, friend of Meghan Hardy            Kimberly Kalfahs, granddaughter of Yvette HallerSamuel Boggs, uncle of Meghan HardyLinda Schriver, friend of Mary KoehnekeMarion Campbell, mother of Barb KingJanice Cash, daughter of Lois RobinsonJan Vincent, sister of Deb FrancisAlanna Traub (age 8), friend of Marsha IrmerBilly Byers, cousin of Kenneth and Anne Dehn

For those alone in their homes during this time of isolation. 

For unity, peace, and the welfare of the whole church. 

For those entrusted with medical research and development. 

Compassion for teachers, healthcare workers, parents and those responsible for planning care for the safetyof our loved ones during the pandemic. 

The homeless, hungry, cold and lonely. 

Those victimized by any form of violence, abuse, coercion, and addiction. 

Military: Jed Breitsch, Tim Bryk, Jeremy Burgett, Mike Ferguson, Trevor Louth, Hunter Misner, MichaelMommertz, Kurt Mommertz, Brandon Nadasio, Matt Newman, Drew Steinhilber, Kurt Wasilewski, JohnWendelin, Jacob Roy, James Gregory, Nicholas Ford, Ben Hoyt, Zachary Beers

Names will be kept on the prayer list for 4 weeks, if you need your loved one on for longer please letthe office know and we will be glad to keep them on. 

ST. JOHN PRAYER LIST

Rev. Dr. Scott D. Hannon, Pastor | Rev. Charlie Greene, Visitation Pastor

Dawn Schregel, Music Director | Cindy Lin, Organist/Accompanist

Meghan Hardy, Administrative Assistant | Jared Bulinski, Sexton

St. John Lutheran Church of Amherst

6540 Main Street

Williamsville, NY 14221

716-632-6557 | stjohnamherst@gmail.com | www.sjlcamherst.com

STAFF

O God, where hearts are fearful and constricted, grantcourage and hope. Where anxiety is infectious and

widening, grant peace and reassurance. Whereimpossibilities close every door and window, grant

imagination and resistance. Where distrust twists ourthinking, grant healing and illumination. Where spirits are

daunted and weakened, grant soaring wings andstrengthened dreams. All these things we ask in the name

of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.