Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY (2026)

06/05/2026

Archiving project update:

Over 100 years ago, religious education was fragmented.
A new file has been added to our collection on New York Heritage.

https://nyheritage.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16694coll110/id/17954/rec/5

These Minutes delineate the evolution of Protestant Sunday Schools in Erie County, New York to educate children and adults from a church by church approach in 1914, to a more consolidated, cohesive program by 1918.

The minutes describe the complications in creating a more efficient Sunday School system including the need for additional personnel due to the number of men and women involved in the WWI efforts.

During this time period, the Religious Education Committee of the Buffalo Federation of Churches was separate from the Sunday School Association and they worked together to improve the delivery of religious education in Western NY. They discussed training requirements (successful course completion including Bible Study and educational methodology and general psychology). They also emphasized finances and fundraising. Additional denominations were added in 1919 after ratifications approved (unspecified in these files) by the International Sunday School Association and Sunday School Council of Evangelical Denominations. They agreed to call the new venture the "Community School of Religious Education of Buffalo" administered by The Erie County Sunday School Association.;

They had a motto: "Ours, the responsibility for making the generation which follows us better, more efficient, and more useful to mankind than we have been". (see May 21, 1919).

They received accolades from the International Sunday School officials for the "rapid strides in Sunday School work in Buffalo."

They continued to expand staff and offerings to additional groups (children, older boys and girls, working with each community). They began consideration of a Religious Day School and summer camps. The Women's Bible Classes formed a Federation in early 1920. By mid-1920 the Erie County Sunday School Association began publishing a bi-monthly periodical known as the "Educator."

Who would have thought how comprehensive, research based and data driven they were back then?

06/05/2026

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, June 5, 2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

Not long ago, I was at an event when a man came up to me saying, “I could never support the Network because you are trying to merge religions.” I explained to him that the NRC respects the right of all religions to celebrate who they are within their particular tradition. Continuing, I said that our work is to foster understanding and cooperation between the various religious communities, not merge them. I’m not sure he was convinced, but he thanked me for taking the time to talk with him.

This incident brought to mind two other incidents that I believe illustrate the work of the NRC.

On this Sunday morning’s Crossroads, The Rev. Francis X (Butch) Mazur talks about the time when the Hindu Community approached the Town of Amherst to secure the right to build a Hindu Temple on North French Road. At first, the Hindu Community was met with distrust and opposition. Fr. Butch talks about his talking with Bishop Head about supporting the Hindu’s right to build a temple. He said Bishop Head wrote a letter supporting their application, and Fr. Butch presented it at the Zoning Board meeting. Fr. Butch continues saying, there was a misunderstanding about Hinduism and the Hindu community's right to worship in their own temple. Eventually the application was approved, and the Temple was constructed. That opened the door for other religious communities to construct their own houses of worship.

Before moving to Buffalo, I served as pastor of a multi-racial and multi-ethnic congregation in Rochester. On one Sunday morning, an event occurred that remains with me to this day. Margaret, who was from a traditional Italian family, was grieving her son, a church organist, who had just died of AIDS. Rose Marie, an “entrant” from Haiti, had just been notified that her son had been murdered in Miami, Florida. The two women sat together throughout the service, holding each other. They had different languages and cultures, but found a common bond.

The NRC is about fostering understanding beyond our religious, cultural, and political differences and offers the potential for mutual support even when our worldviews and politics divide us.

Stan Bratton (Dr. G. Stanford Bratton, Executive Director/CEO

***********************
Is your house of worship a member of the Network of Religious Communities? Join the NRC. now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/Cyh3zUWmA4RTa2Ch

Is your religious organization a member? Join the NRC now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/mnrHZZNh699x9Fa4

Has your denomination renewed its membership for 2026?
https://www.dropbox.com/t/RBrzRMgJMwk5dE8f

Please make a personal contribution to the Network of Religious Communities in 2026.

Help us build a vibrant Interfaith Community in WNY.
https://www.religiousnet.org/donation.
Or mail your check to: Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209.
***************
In this week’s issue, you will learn about:
1. Network of Religious Communities on the media this weekend.
2. Religious holidays and commemorations this week.
3. Upcoming events that may be of interest to the ecumenical/interfaith community.
4. Pope Leo calls to disarm AI
5. NRC hunger assistance programs. (SNAP & Food Pantry.)
6. Please support the Network of Religious Communities.

**************************
NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
June 7, 2026
This program contains the second of several conversations between Dr. Stan Bratton, Executive Director of the Network of Religious Communities, and Rev. Francis X . (Butch) Mazur, Chaplain, Erie County Medical Center, during which Fr. Butch talks about his personal journey and his ecumenical/interfaith service. In the first conversation, Fr. Butch talks about growing up in the City of Buffalo, attending Christ the King Seminary, which laid the foundation for his future pastoral work, and concludes with his service as Pastoral Associate at St. Emilia Parish and his appointment as the Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Buffalo.

This program begins with Fr. Butch talking about participating in monthly ecumenical and Interfaith clergy meetings that included several Protestant Ministers and a Jewish Rabbi, which led to his being appointed the Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Buffalo and the beginning of an exciting journey. He developed policies for collaborative wedding services for couples from different backgrounds, such as Catholic and Jewish Weddings. He was appointed to the Board of Buffalo Area Metropolitan Ministries (BAMM), an ecumenical/Interfaith organizations of denominations. He participated in Interfaith AIDS Memorial Services. Chuck White, the Executive Director of BAMM, connected him to a broader network of Catholics discussing ecumenical and interreligious affairs across the United States.

During this time, the Hindu Community was growing and decided to build a Temple. Their efforts experienced resistance from the Town of Amherst, stemming from a misunderstanding of Hinduism. Due to Father Butch’s experience of visiting India as a representative of his family, he was able to convince Bishop Head that the Hindu’s efforts should be supported. In the end, the permit was granted, and the temple was built. Following that, the Hindu Community joined BAMM, becoming the first non-Abrahamic religion to do so.

Father Butch talks about becoming President and then Interim Executive Director of BAMM following Chuck White’s departure. In conclusion, both Dr. Bratton and Father Butch emphasize the importance of open-mindedness in interfaith relations, encouraging participants to approach others with openness.

WTSS 96.1 (formerly WMXS) Sunday 6:30 a.m.
WBLK 93.7 - Sunday 7 a.m.
WYRK 106.5 - Sunday 6:30 a.m.
WBUF 92.9 - Sunday 6:30 a.m.

****************************
Religious Holidays June 5th - June 11th, 2026

Christianity:
7th: All Saints Day (E). Honors Christian Saints throughout the ages.

Other:
5th. World Environmental Day (UN)

***************

Upcoming Events that may be of interest to the Ecumenical/Interreligious Community of WNY

*********************
7:00 pm Monday June 8, 2026 Devotions and Dialogue.
You are invited to an online get-together where we pray for peace and discuss ways to create paths for constructive social change. All are welcome! Hosted by Dennis Smith, a member of the Baha’í community in the greater Buffalo area. Bring your favorite prayer or inspirational reading about peace.

The meetings are held every Monday evening from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87695430604?pwd=NFNdUPz5RdFEMpgfCgzGCfnoTEY5w2.1

Meeting ID: 876 9543 0604
Passcode: 443593

************************
6:00 PM Thursday, June 11, 2026
Board of Governors of the Network of Religious Communities
Hosted by The Buffalo Jewish Federation
Held at Jewish Community Center
2640 North Forrest Road, Amherst, NY
For information email [email protected]

*********************
6:00 pm Saturday June 13, 2026
Annual Meeting Muslim Public Affairs Council WNY
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo, NY
http://mpacwny.org/

Buy tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mpac-wny-21st-anniversary-banquet?utm_source=chatgpt.com

****************
4 pm Sunday, June 14 - Race Unity Day Picnic
The Bahá'ís will host their 45th Annual Race Unity Day Picnic, which all are invited to attend. The picnic will take place in Ellicott Creek Park, Pavillion 7, and it will run from noon to 4:00 p.m. Food will be provided. There will be music, speakers, activities for children.

See the flyer below for details.

*************************
11:00 am Saturday, June 20, 2026
Talk on Christian Science
Is Jesus’ Healing Work a Model for Today?
The Honorable Shirley Chisholm (Auburn) Library
350 John Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228

See the flyer

*************
5:00 pm Saturday June 20, 2026
NAACP 58th Medgar Evers Awards Gala

See the logo below

Buffalo Convention Center
buffalonaacp.org/event/58th-annual-medgar-evers-awards-gala

******************

The Board of Governors of the Network of Religious Communities has decided to postpone the Annual Appreciation Dinner until the fall of 2026.

********************
Pope Leo calls to “disarm” AI in major document, warns of technological threats to humanity.

Pope Leo used his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence, to articulate the church's position on a wide range of contemporary crises, including war, modern slavery, wealth inequality, the erosion of democracy, and the devaluing of human capacities.

He also apologizes for the Catholic Church’s participation in slavery.

Read Here:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-leo-xiv-encyclical-magnifica-humanitas-ai.html

****************
THE NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES OFFERS ESSENTIAL HUMAN SERVICES:

NRC OFFERS ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE
The Network of Religious Communities provides SNAP (Food Stamps) in Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming Counties. These are vital services since the level of poverty and hunger in Western New York is very high. Thanks to the support of member houses of worship and denominations the NRC is able to respond to real human needs.

For information and assistance call or email
Erie County 716-882-7750 (Deidra Emel)
[email protected]

Genesee County 585-815-5721 (Tina McGhan) [email protected]

Wyoming County 585-456-4224 (Suzanne Flierl) [email protected]

Niagara County. 716-520-6000
[email protected]

Read the 2025 NRC Hunger Programs Annual Report

https://www.dropbox.com/t/ehvPUCYKbVvKq3eW

*************************************
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE

Network of Religious Communities Food Pantry
(No zip code restrictions)
Tuesdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm.
(Halal food available)

1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 716-882-4793
Email: Kelly Kowalski: [email protected]

***********************************************

THE NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES NEEDS YOUR AND YOUR ORGANIZATION’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO CONTINUE ITS ESSENTIAL WORK.

PLEASE MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

Contribute on-line: https://www.religiousnet.org/donation

Mail contributions to Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

NRC is a 501c3 organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

***********************************

Items for the weekly Network News should be sent to [email protected] by Wednesday of each week.

05/29/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, MAY 29,, 2026

This past week, our community lost a remarkable citizen and community servant. Eula Ho**er was a stalwart member of the Calvary CME Church, the Buffalo Council of Churches, and the Network of Religious Communities. She partnered with Connie Eve to establish WHRD (Human Rights and Dignity); one of its programs provided housing for children and single women, with a focus upon those released from prison. She was a branch manager for the Bank of America.

Eula served as Treasurer and longtime chair of the NRC Annual Appreciation Dinner.

See photo.

**************
Is your house of worship a member of the Network of Religious Communities? Join the NRC. now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/FYPd0E6DGptfeATS

Is your religious organization a member? Join the NRC now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/mnrHZZNh699x9Fa4
Has your denomination renewed it membership for 2026?
https://www.dropbox.com/t/WWPl508y24mLZMDw

Please make a personal contribution to the Network of Religious Communities in 2026.
Help us build a vibrant Interfaith Community in WNY.
https://www.religiousnet.org/donation.

Or mail your check to: Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209.
***************
In this week’s issue, you will learn about:
1. Network of Religious Communities on the media this weekend.
2. Religious holidays and commemorations this week.
3. Upcoming events that may be of interest to the ecumenical/interfaith community.
4. Pope Leo calls to disarm AI
5. NRC hunger assistance programs. (SNAP & Food Pantry.)
6. Please support the Network of Religious Communities.

**************************
NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
May 31, 2026
On this program, Agnes Williams, Indigenous Women’s Initiatives, talks with Diana Lou Porter, a Mohawk elder and member of the Wolf Clan. They talk about Diana’s growing up in a vibrant indigenous community in Buffalo, being mentored by the community, and receiving spiritual guidance from elders who taught her Haudenosaunee ways, gratitude, and connection to the land and all beings. They talk about Diana’s work with WBFO radio and her 50 years of service with the Native American Community Services. The program underscores the importance of volunteerism, inter‑community solidarity, and spiritual continuity in sustaining Buffalo’s Native community.

Diana and Agnes talk about Buffalo functioning as a Crossroads for peoples from many nations, especially after the 1960’s-70’s during the relocation from reservations and boarding schools. They talk about urban indigenous communities facing many challenges (housing, cultural preservation), but demonstrate strong mutual support and reciprocity.

In closing, Diana emphasizes the enduring resilience of Indigenous peoples: “We have been here for thousands of years; we are still here, thriving, and sharing our way of life.”

WTSS 96.1 (formerly WMXS) Sunday 6:30 a.m.
WBLK 93.7 - Sunday 7 a.m.
WYRK 106.5 - Sunday 6:30 a.m.
WBUF 92.9 - Sunday 6:30 a.m.

****************************
Religious Holidays May 29th - June 4th, 2026

Baha’í
The Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh: At 4:00 a.m. on May 29 Bahá'ís around the world will observe the anniversary of the Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh who passed away in 1892 at the age of 74 years old in the outskirts of 'Akko, Israel.

Christianity:
31st: Pentecost (E) is the commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples following the ascension of Jesus.

Trinity Sunday (W) A celebration of the Christian understanding God in three persons (Father, Son & Holy Spirit)

Other:
29th. International Peacekeepers Day (UN)

***************

Upcoming Events that may be of interest to the Ecumenical/Interreligious Community of WNY

*********************
6:00 pm Saturday May 30, 2026
Network of Religious Communities Youth Alliance
Bowing Party
Knights of Columbus, 1530 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore, NY
Questions. Email [email protected]

See poster below
*******************
7:00 pm Monday June 1, 202 Devotions and Dialogue.
You are invited to an online get-together where we pray for peace and discuss ways to create paths for constructive social change. All are welcome! Hosted by Dennis Smith, a member of the Baha’í community in the greater Buffalo area. Bring your favorite prayer or inspirational reading about peace.

The meetings are held every Monday evening from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87695430604?pwd=NFNdUPz5RdFEMpgfCgzGCfnoTEY5w2.1

Meeting ID: 876 9543 0604
Passcode: 443593

************************
5:30 pm Thursday June 4, 2026.
NRC Executive Committee Meeting
Meeting held on Zoom. For information [email protected]

******************
6:00 PM Thursday June 11, 2026
Board of Governors of the Network of Religious Communities
Hosted by The Buffalo Jewish Federation
Held at Jewish Community Center
2640 North Forest Road, Getzville , NY
For information email [email protected]

*********************
6:00 pm Saturday June 13, 2026
Annual Meeting Muslim Public Affairs Council WNY
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo, NY
http://mpacwny.org/

Buy tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/mpac-wny-21st-anniversary-banquet?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Discount until June 1, 2026

****************
11:00 am Saturday June 20, 2026
Talk on Christian Science
Is Jesus’ Healing Work a Model for Today?
The Honorable Shirley Chisholm (Auburn) Library
350 John Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228

See poster below

************************
The Board of Governors of the Network of Religious Communities has decided to postpone the Annual Appreciation Dinner until the fall of 2026.

********************
Pope Leo calls to “disarm” AI in major document, warns of technological threats to humanity.

Pope Leo used his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence, to articulate the church's position on a wide range of contemporary crises, including war, modern slavery, wealth inequality, the erosion of democracy, and the devaluing of human capacities.

He also apologizes for the Catholic Church’s participation in slavery.

Read Here:
https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-05/pope-leo-xiv-encyclical-magnifica-humanitas-ai.html

****************
THE NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES OFFERS ESSENTIAL HUMAN SERVICES:

NRC OFFERS ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE
The Network of Religious Communities provides SNAP (Food Stamps) in Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming Counties. These are vital services since the level of poverty and hunger in Western New York is very high. Thanks to the support of member houses of worship and denominations the NRC is able to respond to real human needs.

For information and assistance call or email
Erie County 716-882-7750 (Deidra Emel)
[email protected]

Genesee County 585-815-5721 (Tina McGhan) [email protected]

Wyoming County 585-456-4224 (Suzanne Flierl) [email protected]

Niagara County. 716-520-6000
[email protected]

Read the 2025 NRC Hunger Programs Annual Report

https://www.dropbox.com/t/ehvPUCYKbVvKq3eW

*************************************
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE

Network of Religious Communities Food Pantry
(No zip code restrictions)
Tuesdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm.
(Halal food available)

1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 716-882-4793
Email: Kelly Kowalski: [email protected]

************************************************

THE NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES NEEDS YOUR AND YOUR ORGANIZATION’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO CONTINUE ITS ESSENTIAL WORK.

PLEASE MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

Contribute on-line: https://www.religiousnet.org/donation

Mail contributions to Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

NRC is a 501c3 organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

***********************************

Items for the weekly Network News should be sent to [email protected] by Wednesday of each week.

05/22/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026

MEMORIAL DAY 2026

(See photo)

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is a time for visiting cemeteries to remember those who died and those who suffered or continue to suffer the consequences of war. Originally known as Decoration Day, it began as an effort to honor those who died in the Civil War.

Recently, Memorial Day has been observed amid controversy. I do not mean a controversy about its commercialization, rather the revelation of uncomfortable truths about some of our nation’s founders and heroes and what to do with those truths.

Some would have us suppress uncomfortable truths; only then will we be able to feel the bond of love of country. I disagree, real love of country grows only when the full light of day falls upon us and we can see clearly. It is like the deeper love that grows in a marriage when the scales of romantic blindness fall off and we come to know our partner as they really are.

Memorial Day is a multiracial, multireligious day of mourning for “all those who died “while serving our country, and I would suggest also those who continue to suffer the consequences of war.

Let us not “whitewash” Memorial Day. Let us remember and mourn together those of all races and religions whose lives were cut short or damaged in service to our country.

**************
Is your house of worship a member of the Network of Religious Communities? Join the NRC. now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/CWjZA0GY4PDRbCKG

Is your religious organization a member? Join the NRC now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/moNM9L9bdiupuTr2

Has your denomination renewed its membership for 2026?
https://www.dropbox.com/t/lF9Lx17kDMCZy4JW

Please make a personal contribution to the Network of Religious Communities in 2026.
Help us build a vibrant Interfaith Community in WNY.
https://www.religiousnet.org/donation.

Mail your check to: Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209.
***************
In this week’s issue, you will learn about:
1. Network of Religious Communities on the media this weekend.
2. Religious holidays and commemorations this week.
3. Upcoming events that may be of interest to the ecumenical/interfaith community.
5. From the NRC Archives
6. NRC hunger assistance programs. (SNAP & Food Pantry.)
7. Please support the Network of Religious Communities.

**************************
NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
May 24, 2026
On this program, Stephen McKee, Buffalo Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, talks with Lori deAlba and Kristen Showalter, teachers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Seminary Program. Lori and Kisten talk about their personal backgrounds, their paths to becoming teachers in the seminary, their individual teaching methods, and the content and importance of the Seminary program.

Lori DeAlba is originally from Bountiful, Utah, a pioneer town near Salt Lake City. She moved to Western New York about 18 years ago after marrying Mark, who has three daughters from a previous marriage. Lori considers these daughters her own, and together they have eight grandchildren.

Kristen Showalter grew up in Idaho and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in elementary education. She married Jeff 27 years ago, and they settled in Clarence, New York. Kristen enjoys raising their family, which includes three daughters, two sons, and a dog.

Seminary is a four-year religious education program for youth ages 14-18. The curriculum rotates annually among the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Church History, ensuring that students study all standard works by graduation. Kristen and Lori each teach a class. One class meets Monday through Thursday from 6:00 to 6:45 A.M., with an alternate assignment on Friday. The Clarence class meets Monday through Friday, starting at 7:15 and finishing at 8:00 A.M., with Friday assignments allowing students to sleep in and complete work over the weekend.

The Seminary fosters camaraderie, with students supporting and cheering for each other regardless of ward or gender. This is especially important for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints youth who are often a minority in their schools. The conversation concludes with friendly farewells.

WTSS 96.1 (formerly WMXS) Sunday 6:30 a.m.
WBLK 93.7 - Sunday 7 a.m.
WYRK 106.5 - Sunday 6:30 a.m.
WBUF 92.9 - Sunday 6:30 a.m.

****************************
Religious Holidays May 22nd - May 28th, 2026

Baha’i
23rd: The Birth of the Báb. Baháʼís will celebrate the 183rd anniversary of the Declaration of of the Báb, the Forerunner of Bahá'u'lláh. His Declaration marks the beginning of the Bahá'í Era.

Christianity:
24th: Pentecost (W) is the commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples following the ascension of Jesus.

Islam:
26th: Day of Hajj: Commemorates the last revelation to the Prophet at Mount `Arafat shortly before his death.

27th: Id al-Adh`a: (Festival of Sacrifice). The concluding act of pilgrimage. As Abraham offered his son Ishmael, to God. Muslims offer sheep, goats and camels.

Judaism
22nd- 23rd. Shavout: Shavout celebrates receiving God’s Torah on Mount Sinai.

Other:
25th. Memorial Day in US.

***************

Upcoming Events that may be of interest to the Ecumenical/Interreligious Community of WNY

*********************
7:00 pm Monday May 25th, 2026
Devotions and Dialogue. You are invited to an online get-together where we pray for peace and discuss ways to create paths for constructive social change. All are welcome! Hosted by Dennis Smith, a member of the Baha’i community in the greater Buffalo area. Bring your favorite prayer or inspirational reading about peace.

The meetings are held every Monday evening from 7:00 to 7:45 p.m.on Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87695430604?pwd=NFNdUPz5RdFEMpgfCgzGCfnoTEY5w2.1

Meeting ID: 876 9543 0604
Passcode: 443593

************************
6:30 pm Tuesday, May 26, 2026
Ecumenical Prayer Service
St Benedict’s Church, 1317 Eggert Road (Corner Main & Eggert)
All are invited to join for prayer, Song and Biblical Readings

See flyer

**********************
6:00 pm Saturday May 30, 2026
Network of Religious Communities Youth Alliance
Bowing Party
Knights of Columbus, 1530 Kenmore Avenue, Kenmore, NY
Questions. Email [email protected]

See flyer

**********************************
5:30 pm Thursday June 4, 2026.
NRC Executive Committee Meeting
Meeting held on Zoom. For information [email protected]
6:00 PM Thursday June 11, 2026
Board of Governors of the Network of Religious Communities
Hosted by The Buffalo Jewish Federation
Held at Jewish Community Center
2640 North Forrest Road, Amherst, NY
For information email [email protected]
*********************

6:00 pm Saturday June 13, 2026
Annual Meeting Muslim Public Affairs Council WNY
Hyatt Regency Hotel, Buffalo, NY
http://mpacwny.org/

****************

The Board of Governors of the Network of Religious Communities has decided to postpone the Annual Appreciation Dinner until the fall of 2026.

********************
A Message from the National Spiritual Assembly of Bahá’ís in US

A Common Endeavor - Realizing the Promise of America

A message from the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States to All who hold the promise of America in their hearts. It is issued now as we prepare for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

At the Board of Governors meeting Lou Bergner shared this message with all those who were present. It is a message of hope to all who wish to build a unified community. Here is a link to a web site where you will find that document and a growing collection of related material. It is an invitation to enter into meaningful conversations that can inform all of our efforts to build community.

https://link.bahai.us/04-25-26

************************
From the Archives.
Founding of Meals on Wheels 1968

See article below

*********************************************

THE NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES OFFERS
ESSENTIAL HUMAN SERVICES:

NRC OFFERS ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE
The Network of Religious Communities provides SNAP (Food Stamps) in Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming Counties. These are vital services since the level of poverty and hunger in Western New York is very high. Thanks to the support of member houses of worship and denominations the NRC is able to respond to real human needs.

For information and assistance call or email
Erie County 716-882-7750 (Deidra Emel)
[email protected]

Genesee County 585-815-5721 (Tina McGhan) [email protected]

Wyoming County 585-456-4224 (Suzanne Flierl) [email protected]

Niagara County. 716-520-6000
[email protected]

Read the 2025 NRC Hunger Programs Annual Report

https://www.dropbox.com/t/ehvPUCYKbVvKq3eW

*************************************
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE

Network of Religious Communities Food Pantry
(No zip code restrictions)
Tuesdays 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Wednesdays 4 pm - 6 pm.
(Halal food available)

1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209 716-882-4793
Email: Kelly Kowalski: [email protected]

******************************************************

THE NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES NEEDS YOUR AND YOUR ORGANIZATION’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO CONTINUE ITS ESSENTIAL WORK.

PLEASE MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

Contribute on-line: https://www.religiousnet.org/donation

Mail contributions to Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

NRC is a 501c3 organization. All contributions are tax-deductible.

***********************************

Items for the weekly Network News should be sent to [email protected] by Wednesday of each week.

Address

1272 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY
14209

Telephone

+17168824793

Website

http://www.religiousnet.org/

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06/05/2026

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