This Week at Amherst Community Church: August 7-13, 2026

Welcome to the new Weekly Focus! While very little has changed, we are using a new software platform, so be sure to mark this address in your 'contacts' list so that it is delivered to your inbox. Also, please note that the bulletin and hymns are an attachment to the email rather than being embedded into the newsletter. We are grateful for your patience as we transition to our new software program.

From the Pastor

Hello, everyone who loves Amherst Community Church!

We've passed the mid-point of summer, and I am consciously trying to fully appreciate every sunny day. They won't last forever, but I know that the cooler, crisper days of autumn will also be delightful. This week was a personal reminder of how life passes by quickly. I started Medicare on Monday, so I guess I have joined the ranks of the truly senior citizens - ha! I'm so grateful to be alive and in decent health, and I am also grateful today for you and for the ways you bring vitality and goodness to our church family throughout the seasons of the year.

This Sunday, Kandace and I will begin a several-week worship series based on questions you submitted. The first message is on the topic of suffering: Why do bad things happen to good people? It's a question most people ask at one point or another, and we will consider the ways some have tried to answer it. Spoiler alert: There may be no simple answer that will satisfy everyone. Nevertheless, grappling with hard questions like this is important. I believe our faith can become more authentic when we lean toward the uncertainties of life rather than deny them. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this series as it unfolds.

Enjoy the rest of this beautiful week, and I hope to see you on Sunday!

Peace,

Rick

A Quick Pastoral Update

One of the exciting things happening around Amherst Community Church in recent months is an increased attendance and energy! We love this so much, and are so grateful that you have chosen Amherst Community Church as your spiritual home. We wanted to remind you that our two pastors, Kandace and Rick, are each serving a 1/4 time appointment and have divided the pastoral duties around their giftedness. While both share in the preaching and worship planning duties with joy, Kandace primarily handles administrative work; interfacing with Church Council and various teams and doing communication/branding work. Rick is gifted in pastoral care and spends his time in this area - visiting and working alongside the Congregational Care Team. If you have a pastoral need, including hospitalization or illness, please let us know so that we can best care for you.

Connect: Worship Information

Sunday, August 2, 2026 Worship

Join us this week in worship as we begin our new sermon series 'Ask the Pastor' with an exploration of suffering. Worship is at 10:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall with coffee and conversation following. Our services are livestreamed on our Facebook page. The weekly bulletin and hymns for this week are attached to this email.

Livestream Worship

Prayer Requests

Roger H. who is still recovering at home.

Keith R. whose surgery was successful last Tuesday, July 28. Prayers for further healing.

Prayers for Domenica for continued healing. For Doug who is in hospice, and for Dian who is receiving chemo.

For Lois who received a double lung transplant in February of 2025 and has been dealing with some complications.

Shirley W. prayers for further healing and strength at home.

For Katie who is dealing with back pain.

Prayers for Jini as she cares for her father.

For Marta's friends Pete and Linda who are dealing with serious health issues.

For David who is recovering from a recent stroke.

For Kevin who is dealing with serious complications from recent surgery.

Serve in Worship

Use the button below to serve in worship as an Usher, Greeter or Reader.

Needed for August

Scripture Reader – 23, 30

Ministry Opportunity

Wendy Swihart has been faithfully serving as coordinator for worship assistants for 10 years, in addition to singing with the choir and teaching Sunday School to our children. We are so grateful for her enthusiasm and wonderful spirit - but she is ready to lighten her load! We are looking for one or two folks willing to take on the task of coordinating the Worship helpers (ushers, greeters, readers). Is that you? Contact Pastor Kandace with any questions you may have, or to say ‘I’ll do it!” Thanks so much!

Email Pastor Kandace - Worship Assistants

Serve: Your Help is Needed This Saturday

After extensive work on our playground, we will be putting on the final touches this Saturday, August 8 weather permitting. We will be reinstalling playground equipment and building a gazebo. We plan to start at 9:00 a.m. and many hands will make for light work. Rain date is Saturday, August 15. Come and lend a hand!

Serve: Feed More Western New York

The response to our Summer Food Drive has been overwhelming! The FeedMore Barrel is overflowing, so we requested a second barrel, which FeedMore gladly delivered to church this week. Let's fill this barrel to the rim, also! Thank you so very much for your generosity as we help to feed our WNY neighbors in need.

Here's the list of FeedMore's most needed items:

Cereal; Peanut or other nut butters; Canned Tuna and Chicken; Canned Soups, Stews and Chili; Canned Fruit; Canned Veggies; Beans, Canned or Dried; Boxed Mac & Cheese; Pasta and Rice; Spaghetti Sauce; Baby Food, Formula, and Diapers

Calendar and Celebrations

Upcoming Events

Saturday, August 8, 2026 Playground Work Crew 9:00 a.m.

Sunday, August 9, 2026 Worship @ 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall

Birthdays

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

Brian Maltbie 02

Suzanne Sheard 05

Bradley Bardo 06

James Irish-Ryan 06

Jean Haller 07

Pastor Rick 08

Patricia Vershay 09

Wendy Falzone 12

Gordon Tussing 15

Louie McNeill 21

Karen Tomasello 22

Chinedu Isaiah Okoro 24

Dave Bandish 25

Sherry Huntley 25

Michael Ferguson 27

Emma Szalach 30

Thank you for being part of the Amherst Community Church family. We look forward to worshiping and growing together in faith. If you have any questions or need support, feel free to contact the pastors at the email addresses below; or call the church office at 716-834-9700.

Kandace Brooks, co-pastor pastorkandace@amherstcommunitychurch.org

Rick Danielson, co-pastor

pastorrick@amherstcommunitychurch.org

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