This Week at Amherst Community Church: September 18-24, 2026

From the Pastor

Content

Dear Friends;

I returned home last night from my three-week Camino experience, and feel like I will be processing for years to come! I cannot even begin yet to put everything into words, and hopefully you will allow my Camino references to emerge slowly, thoughtfully, and with joy and care. Thank you for your prayers that upheld us and kept us walking! I am happy to be home, and extraordinarily grateful for the opportunity to travel, knowing that you were under Rick's wonderful care. I celebrate with you a successful 'Welcome Back' Sunday and look forward to the year ahead!

This Sunday I continue our series with the sermon 'See People as People.' While Rick was largely responsible for planning our annual sermon series this past year, there is such serendipity in the theme for this week, as it allows me to tell you about some of the endearing people we met along our path.

Can I say how excited I am that our families with children are gathering tonight at Royal Park for a Family Fun Night? This is a great opportunity to get to know one another and have some time to relax and enjoy our fall weather. Bring your own drinks and a dish to share - subs will be provided. The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. and you can contact Wendy Swihart (716-907-1701) if you need more information.

Finally - we will be hearing this Sunday about our participation in the Feed My Starving Children Food Packing Event on Saturday, October 24, 2026. Please mark your calendars now to sign up for this opportunity to serve. More information will be shared in the FOCUS in coming weeks.

Let's keep the energy and love flowing as we gather together in worship this week!

Blessings,

Kandace

Connect: Worship Information

Sunday, September 20, 2026 Worship

'See People as People' is our theme this week as we continue to explore the command to love extravagantly. Worship is at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary with coffee and conversation following in the Community Room. 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

Karen C. - prayers are needed during her hospitalization for breathing issues.

Pam - who is undergoing monthly chemo treatments for a recurring cancer.

Marylou - prayers for her recovery after back surgery.

Jean K. - who passed away last week. Jean was a favorite Meals on Wheels client. She will be truly missed.

Prayers for Kerrylynn who lost her Father in June.

Rose - who just moved into a new apartment.

Nathanael - a 6-year-old Make - A - Wish kid who recently went to Disney for his wish with his Mom & Grandmother. He enjoyed every single moment and thanks everyone for the experience.

Tracy & family - prayers for the loss of their Mother.

Karen & family - prayers for the loss of their niece.

Serve in Worship

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

Needed for September

Ushers – 20

Needed for October

Ushers – 4

Readers – 18, 25

Greeters – 4, 11, 18, 25

CHOIR

The Choir will resume singing in worship on Sunday, September 13! Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 10 at 7:00 PM. If you are interested in singing with us, please speak to Diane and we will have music ready for you at our first rehearsal. If you would like a refresher on reading music, Diane will be happy to meet with you!

BELL CHOIR

If you are interested in playing with Bell Choir during the holidays, please sign up on the door of the Choir Room with your phone number. We will need at least six people. If we have enough people, we will begin rehearsing in mid-October on Thursdays, probably at 6:00 PM.

SOLOISTS

If you play an instrument and would like to play a solo or duet during worship, please speak to Diane or sign up on the Choir Room door. Diane will contact you about a date and rehearsal time.

LITTLE ONES

We haven’t had a Children’s Choir in several years but would welcome the opportunity to have one! We have been blessed with having some young ones joining in worship with their parents for the last several months. Parents, please speak to Diane about the possibility of getting together after worship to learn to sing a song or play one on baby bells. Let the children come!

Serve: Harvest House Baby Shower

Support the 4th Annual Harvest House Baby Shower in September! ✨ The need is urgent. ✨ The impact is immediate. ✨ And you can be part of the solution. Serve is collecting for the Harvest House Baby Shower again this year! All throughout the month of September, bring in items from the most needed list and help us bless babies and families in need in our community. During announcements, you will hear some facts about why this collection is so important. We are also working on a way you can give monetarily online if you prefer so we can purchase a bigger ticket item. Stay tuned for that option coming soon! Most needed items: Diapers (newborn + sizes 4, 5, 6 urgently needed, Pull-ups size 2T-5T) Wipes & hygiene products (diaper rash cream, baby shampoo, lotion, baby wash) New socks & underwear (ages 3–14) Onesies & sleep sacks

Calendar and Celebrations

Upcoming Events

Sunday, September 20, 2026 Worship @ 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall

Birthdays

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Stephen Hall 1

Lisa Zimmerman 2

Emily Hall 7

Jini Rizzo 9

John Fitzery 10

Lily Brunner 18

Leslie Caruso 18

Mark Swihart 27

Ryan Nagy 29

Emilie Schachtner 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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