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Network of Religious Communities is an organization of religious communities (denominations, congreg

10/23/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, October 23, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. NRC news and announcements
2. Crossroads Radio Program October 25, 2026
3. Religious Holidays and celebrations this week
4. Upcoming interfaith/ecumenical events
5. From the archives
6. NRC hunger programs

********
PREPARING FOR WHAT MAY COME.

We are entering a period of increasing potential for conflict within and between religious communities in Western New York. On Saturday, October 24, early voting begins in New York State. On October 28th Israel will hold elections. On Tuesday, November 3rd, the US will hold elections. The US President is threatening a major attack on Iran following the US elections.

As we enter this period, I want to share with you the membership relations policy of the Network of Religious Communities. Although it was developed specifically for the NRC, you can adapt it for any religious organization in WNY.

DEMONSTRATE RESPECT:
Member organizations of the NRC agree to demonstrate respect for the faith tradition and core beliefs of all member organizations. This includes agreeing to:
*respect the religious beliefs and practices of the faith traditions of the member organizations.

*speak respectfully even there is disagreement over beliefs, policies and practices.

*seek to understand and discover solutions to problems.

*seek together the welfare of our community and region.

*never use the NRC as an opportunity to proselytize.

WHEN WE DISAGREE
There will be disagreements among member organizations. Sometimes the differences cannot be resolved within the NRC. When this occurs member organizations should generally agree to disagree and focus upon those things that can be accomplished together.

When there are serious disagreements between member organizations the following process should be followed.

First, the organizations should not support any form of attack upon individuals, families, religious leaders and religious organizations. This includes attacks in the public media, radio, TV, internet, newspapers etc as well as physical threats and intimidation.

Second, the organizations should arrange a meeting to address their differences face to face.

Third, they may invite the NRC to facilitate and or mediate a conversation and or dialogues between designated leaders from both organizations. They may also ask the assistance of the NRC in finding an outside mediator.

Fourth, having followed the process outlined above, they may ask the NRC to help resolve the matter at hand. However, we acknowledge that the NRC is not a judicatory body and has no powers of enforcement. The NRC will be guided by the principles of the common ground approach.

VOTE THIS YEAR. American democracy and our future may depend on you.

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

The 42nd Annual Appreciation Dinner will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 29th at The Grapevine, 333 Dick Road, Depew, N.Y.

This is a unique event at which local religious communities nominate deserving persons in their community to receive an award and then come together to celebrate their receiving the award.

This is not an NRC fundraiser. Our aim is for the dinner to break even. Hopefully, the NRC will receive income from ad sales in the Appreciation Dinner Journal.

Keeping the dinner cost reasonable has been a real challenge this year because of tariffs and inflation.

While the deadline has passed, it may be possible to add a few dinner reservations (Pasta Marinara only)

Call 716-912-5640 and we will see what we can do.

*********************
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.

******************
2. NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
Sunday, October 25, 2026

In this program, Stephen McKee of the Buffalo Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints talks with Anthony Dee of the Amherst Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The conversation traces Tony Dee's family and faith foundations, medical education, Air Force career, transition to dermatology, patient-centered care, teaching, religious service, and commitment to lifelong learning. Across these experiences, Tony presents medicine and church service as opportunities to serve Heavenly Father through humility, careful listening, compassion, and continual personal development.

Tony talks about growing up the youngest of five boys in Southern Idaho. He credits his parents with teaching him the importance of family, parenting and marriage. Although the family had limited financial resources, his parents prioritized meaningful experiences, including extensive travel across the Western United States, Alaska, and Mexico.

Tony recalls wanting to be a physician from a very young age. He attended Brigham Young University and the Medical College in Wisconsin through an Air Force scholarship. He planned to specialize in physical medicine, but the Air Force did not support his planned specialty; unexpectedly, he transitioned into flight surgery. Interning at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, then completed aerospace medicine training at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. He then moved to Nellis Air Force base in Las Vegas where he worked in a test and evaluation squadron flying with F-16’s and briefly served as the Thunderbirds’s flight doctor.

He loved the Air Force and flying, but increasing back problems led him to leave the Air Force and transition to dermatology. He began dermatology training at the State University at Buffalo and completed a fellowship at Roswell. He and his family remained in the Buffalo area after training, and he describes his life and career there with gratitude, saying, “I feel like I’m the luckiest person in the world.”

The conversation concludes with Tony Dee talking about his religious service calling, describing the Church as “the greatest thing in the world with his children and grandchildren following in importance.

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.

If you missed last week’s Crossroads: On this program, Dr. Stan Bratton, Executive Director of the Network of Religious Communities, talks with Pastor Garney Davis, Director of Spiritual Care, Erie County Medical Center.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/j7awsukLG2GYjwl4
***********************
3. Religious Holidays October 16, 2026- October 22nd
Hinduism
October 29th: Karwa Chauth: A fasting ritual observed by all married Hindu women.
****************
Other:
24th: United Nations Day
Disarmament week
******************
Upcoming Events that may be of interest to the Ecumenical/Interreligious Community of WNY

******************
Monday October 26, 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

********************
6:00 PM OCTOBER 29, 2026
NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES ANNUAL APPRECIATION DINNER.
The Grapevine, 333 Dick Road, Depew, N.Y.

Religious communities come together to recognize community saints in their own community.

*****************
8:30 am - 11 am Saturday November 14, 2026
Caregivers Workshop
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,1080 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209

see flyer

***********
Save the date
7 pm Monday, November 23, 2026
43rd Annual Multifaith Thanksgiving Celebration
*************
8:00 am Wednesday, January 6, 2027
Spirituality and Medicine Program with Jacobs School of Medicine

*************
From the archives.
Statements of WNY Religious Leaders published by the NRC on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 9/11

https://www.dropbox.com/t/9gHNCrZc2lclEAm4

*******************
6. NRC’S ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE

Helping the hungry is a foundational pillar across major religions. These teachings emphasize that feeding the poor is not merely an act of charity, but a way to honor the divine and serve others with love and mercy.

In 1972, the NRC responded to the teachings by opening a Food Pantry.
Our pantry continues to oﬀer emergency food assistance in 2026.

In 1986, we took a step forward by joining a statewide eﬀort to help
families and individuals obtain food stamps (now called SNAP). SNAP
enables persons to purchase nutritious food directly from local
supermarkets and farmer markets. It is a win-win for both the recipient
and the markets. Purchases made through SNAP return money to the
local economy.

Today the SNAP program and the NRC Nutrition Outreach program is under threat. Requirement of possible recipients have increased significantly and the federal and state reimbursements to organizations has decreased from 100% to 50%.

This means for the NRC to continue providing SNAP services for Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming Counties, under what is now called Nutrition Navigators Direct Services, we will have to raise $144,083.00 per year.

Join the effort to keep SNAP benefits alive in Western New York and Across the nation. Advocate for SNAP with your elected officials and contribute to the NRC SNAP Assistance program.

https://www.religiousnet.org/donation

****************
NRC ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
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 ([email protected]
Genesee County 585-815-5721 [email protected]

Wyoming County 585-456-4224 [email protected]

Niagara County. 716-520-6000
[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.

10/16/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, October 16, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. NRC news and announcements
2. Crossroads Radio Program October 18, 2026
3. Religious Holidays and celebrations this week
4. Upcoming interfaith/ecumenical events
5. From the archives
6. NRC hunger programs

****
VOTE!!!

Voting is a benefit of citizenship and a keystone of democracy. Many of our religious traditions teach that voting is a responsibility of those practicing their religion and many local religious communities urge their members to vote.

American elections are secure, reliable and accurate. Loud voices, particularly voices on social media, proclaim that there are many ilegal voters and that elections have been stolen. However, the evidence and the courts verify again and again and again that elections are accurate and trustworthy.

American elections are run by states and local communities. The US Constitution limits any role of the federal government in our elections. American elections are very decentralized.

So why do some citizens not vote?
Some say, “Why bother? All public officials are corrupt. Failing to vote only increases the power of the corrupt. And study after study shows that people do trust their elected public officials.

Some say, I’m just too busy to vote. In NY that is not an excuse. New York offers early in person voting from October 24th to November 1st.
https://elections.ny.gov/early-voting

Mail in ballots. Any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot.
https://elections.ny.gov/request-ballot

You can vote all day on Tuesday November 3rd in your local community.
https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

VOTE THIS YEAR. American democracy and our future depend on it.

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

The 42nd Annual Appreciation Dinner will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 29th at The Grapevine, 333 Dick Road, Depew, N.Y.

This is a unique event at which local religious communities nominate deserving persons in their community to receive an award and then come together to celebrate their receiving the award.

This is not an NRC fundraiser. Our aim is for the dinner to break even. Hopefully, the NRC will receive income from ad sales in the Appreciation Dinner Journal.

Keeping the dinner cost reasonable has been a real challenge this year because of tariffs and inflation.

Please consider nominating a person or persons from your religious organization and then join us as together we honor them together.

Nominations close Monday October 19th.

You can still order a meal for the dinner, but your choice is now limited to Pasta Marinara (meatballs on the table)

Place an ad in the Dinner Journal. Deadline is Octobeer 20th

Download essential dinner documents.
PLEASE NOTE THESE LINKS WILL EXPIRE 10-22-26

Download General Information Letter
https://www.dropbox.com/t/CyI3LuToMWkGKixy

Download Honoree Nomination Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/INDoX4AZTAxd1VR5

Download Ticket Order Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/euRm3BnLE2tmIO4e

Appreciate your honoree and organization with a Souvenir Journal ad
https://www.dropbox.com/t/t7NO7xrcHiQAU6VK

*******************
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.

******************
2. NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
Sunday, October 18, 2026

On this program, Dr. Stan Bratton, Executive Director of the Network of Religious Communities, talks with Pastor Garney Davis, Director of Spiritual Care, Erie County Medical Center. They talk together about recent changes at ECMC, trauma chaplaincy, the proposal to close certain Buffalo Public Schools, and Faith and Blue.

The discussion examines trauma-informed chaplaincy, nonjudgmental spiritual care, moral trauma and PTSD, law-enforcement chaplaincy, interfaith cooperation, community violence, school-community responsibility, and civic engagement. It presents chaplaincy as a form of support that requires professional boundaries, emotional resilience, regular debriefing, and care for both those receiving assistance and those providing it. Pastor Garney sees his role as bringing light not darkness into the most difficult situationl.

Pastor Garney calls us to work together to help the children in the Buffalo Public Schools. Caring for and educating our children is a challenge for all of us.

Pastor Garney Davis concludes by talking about Faith and Blue, the national effort to bring together law enforcement and the community.

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.

If you missed last week’s Crossroads: Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, Congregation Shir Shalom, Amherst, NY, talks with Rev. Bethany Russell-Lowe, Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/SdgBcoMUkgKJ9xa3
***********************
3. Religious Holidays October 16, 2026- October 22nd
Hinduism
October 18th: Saraswati Puja: The worship of the Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, art, music, and wisdom.

20th Dasara: Celebrates the victory of good over evil: Lord Rama over the demon Ravan.

Sikhism:
20th: Installation of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib. Celebrates the passing on of the Guruship to the Holy Scriptures by the Tenth Guru.

Other:
16th: World Food Day (UN)
******************
Upcoming Events that may be of interest to the Ecumenical/Interreligious Community of WNY

******************
6:30 pm Friday October 16, 2026
Social Determinants of Health
With Dr. Henry Louis Taylor
Durham Memorial AME Zion, 200 East Eagle St, Buffalo, NY

see flyer

8:30 am - 11 am Saturday October 17, 2026
Caregivers Workshop
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,1080 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209

see flyer

********************
11:00 am to 5 pm Saturday, October 17, 2026
No Kings Rally: Focus on Voting

see flyer

******************
Monday October 19, 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

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

6:00 PM OCTOBER 29, 2026
NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES ANNUAL APPRECIATION DINNER.
The Grapevine, 333 Dick Road, Depew, N.Y.

Religious communities come together to recognize community saints in their own community.

See information and download documents earlier in this newsletter

***********
Save the date

43rd Annual Multifaith Thanksgiving Celebration

8:00 am Wednesday January 6, 2027
Spirituality and Medicine Program with Jacobs School of Medicine

*************
From the NRC Archives.
Statements of WNY Religious Leaders published by the NRC on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 9/11

https://www.dropbox.com/t/9gHNCrZc2lclEAm4

*******************
6. NRC’S ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE

Helping the hungry is a foundational pillar across major religions. These teachings emphasize that feeding the poor is not merely an act of charity, but a way to honor the divine and serve others with love and mercy.

In 1972, the NRC responded to the teachings by opening a Food Pantry. Our pantry continues to oﬀer emergency food assistance in 2026.

In 1986, we took a step forward by joining a statewide eﬀort to help
families and individuals obtain food stamps (now called SNAP). SNAP
enables persons to purchase nutritious food directly from local
supermarkets and farmer markets. It is a win-win for both the recipient
and the markets. Purchases made through SNAP return money to the
local economy.

Today the SNAP program and the NRC Nutrition Outreach program is under threat. Requirement of possible recipients have increased significantly and the federal and state reimbursements to organizations has decreased from 100% to 50%.

This means for the NRC to continue providing SNAP services for Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming Counties, under what is now called Nutrition Navigators Direct Services, we will have to raise $144,083.00 per year.

Join the effort to keep SNAP benefits alive in Western New York and Across the nation. Advocate for SNAP with your elected officials and contribute to the NRC SNAP Assistance program.

https://www.religiousnet.org/donation

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

NRC ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
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 ([email protected]
Genesee County 585-815-5721 [email protected]

Wyoming County 585-456-4224 [email protected]

Niagara County. 716-520-6000
[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.

10/09/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, October 9 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. NRC news and announcements
2. Crossroads Radio Program October 11, 2026
3. Religious Holidays and celebrations this week
4. Upcoming interfaith/ecumenical events
5. From the archives
6. NRC hunger programs

************************************
Timely NRC Reminders

1. NRC Annual Appreciation Dinner Reservations deadline is nearing.
The deadline for being able to choose your meal for the Appreciation Dinner is October 15th. After that date, all dinner reservations will be Pasta Marinara. (See more below)

2. The latest NRC Youth Alliance Tour of Faiths will be held tomorrow, beginning at 2 pm at the Honorable Shirley Chisholm Library in Amherst. All are welcome. (See more below)

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

The 42nd Annual Appreciation Dinner will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, October 29th at The Grapevine, 333 Dick Road, Depew, N.Y.

This is a unique event at which local religious communities nominate deserving persons in their community to receive an award and then come together to celebrate their receiving the award.

This is not an NRC fundraiser. Our aim is for the dinner to break even. Hopefully, the NRC will receive income from ad sales in the Appreciation Dinner Journal.

Keeping the dinner cost reasonable has been a real challenge this year because of tariffs and inflation.

Please consider nominating a person or persons from your religious organization and then join us as together we honor them together.

Download essential dinner documents.
PLEASE NOTE THESE LINKS WILL EXPIRE 10-16-26

Download General Information Letter
https://www.dropbox.com/t/h3WRlVzVJegwN1W7

Download Honoree Nomination Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/2mfXD5bR2WyOpRcL

Download Ticket Order Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/aDm0KBX7g8bmm29a

Appreciate your honoree and organization with a Souvenir Journal ad
https://www.dropbox.com/t/t7NO7xrcHiQAU6VK

*******************
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.

******************
2. NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
Sunday, October 11, 2026

On this program, Rabbi Alex Lazarus-Klein, Congregation Shir Shalom, Amherst, NY, talks with Rev. Bethany Russell-Lowe, Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo. They talk about Rev. Bethany's journey from New England to Tucson, Arizona, to Buffalo, NY; the Unitarian Universalist Denomination; the Unitarian Universalist Church of Buffalo; and her interest in community involvement.

Rev. Bethany Russell-Lowe presents Unitarian Universalism as a post-Christian, principles-based faith whose diverse members are united less by shared doctrine than by a commitment to place love at the center of communal life. Reverend Bethany Russell Lowe explains how covenant, shared ministry, flexible worship, religious education, and productive conflict work shape the congregation, while also describing its broader vision for Buffalo: building relationships across neighborhoods, religious traditions, and differences through tangible justice-seeking action. The discussion also considers the minister’s role as a creative and relational partner rather than an unquestioned religious authority.

She concludes by talking about building intentional relationships with Elmwood and surrounding neighborhoods through listening, accessible public programs, shared events, and collaborative service.

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.

If you missed last week’s Crossroads: Rasul Khan, Past President of the Network of Religious Communities, talks with Dr. Husam Ghanim, Past President of the Islamic Society of the Niagara Frontier and a leader in the Muslim Community.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/VFeiMkV9j6wceeLw

***********************
3. Religious Holidays October 9, 2026- October 15th.
Hinduism
October 11th: Navratri: A nine day festival that honors the Mother Goddess in all her manifestations.

Other:
10th: World Mental Health Day (WHO)
12th: Indigenous Peoples Day
******************
Upcoming Events that may be of interest to the Ecumenical/Interreligious Community of WNY

******************
2 pm Saturday, October 10, 2026
Network of Religious Communities Youth Initiative Tour of Faiths
Baha'i Community Open House
Held at Hon. Shirley Chisholm Library, 350 John James Audubon Parkway, Amherst, NY 14228

see flyer

*******************
Saturday, October 10, 4-6 pm
New Moon Dance & Treat
Unitarian Universalist Church of Amherst
6320 Main Street, Williamsville 14221

Free Outdoor Event
URL: https://amherstlittlefreepantry.org/events/

Trunk or Treat for the kids and dance performances by the Wild Witches of Williamsville and Be Witched Buffalo!
Prizes for best costumes!
Refreshments for sale
Bring your own chair
Non-perishable food donations welcome (no glass,please!)
Monetary donations benefit Amherst Little Free Pantry

Please consider sponsoring a Dancer or making a tax-deductible donation
https://givebutter.com/witch-dance-2026-2nllpn

Contact: Marie Evans
[email protected]
(716) 863-8227

****************
October 10 - 11
The New York State Council of Churches is partnering with the National Faith Coalition to End Homeless to spread the work about “The Weekend to End Homelessness.

Homelessness is rising in communities across America. It has become one of defining moral questions of our generation.

That is the vision behind the National Faith Coalition to End Homelessness: to bring faith communities together, equip them with the tools and support they need, and move the conversation beyond temporary relief toward that larger question: What would it take for our society to end homelessness altogether?

Learn more: https://www.nfceh.org/weekend

******************
Monday October 12, 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

********************
6:00 pm Thursday October 15, 2026
NRC Board of Governors Meeting
1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209
For information email [email protected]

************************
October 17, 2026
Caregivers Workshop
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church,, 1080 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14209

see flyer

****************
6:00 PM OCTOBER 29, 2026
NETWORK OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES ANNUAL APPRECIATION DINNER.
The Grapevine, 333 Dick Road, Depew, N.Y.

Religious communities come together to recognize community saints in their own community.

See information and download documents earlier in this newsletter

***********
Save the date

8:00 am Wednesday January 6, 2027
Spirituality and Medicine Program with Jacobs School of Medicine

*************
From the archives.
Statements of WNY Religious Leaders published by the NRC on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of 9/11

https://www.dropbox.com/t/9gHNCrZc2lclEAm4

*******************
6. NRC’S ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE

Helping the hungry is a foundational pillar across major religions. These teachings emphasize that feeding the poor is not merely an act of charity, but a way to honor the divine and serve others with love and mercy.

In 1972, the NRC responded to the teachings by opening a Food Pantry. Our pantry continues to oﬀer emergency food assistance in 2026.

In 1986, we took a step forward by joining a statewide eﬀort to help
families and individuals obtain food stamps (now called SNAP). SNAP
enables persons to purchase nutritious food directly from local
supermarkets and farmer markets. It is a win-win for both the recipient
and the markets. Purchases made through SNAP return money to the
local economy.

Today the SNAP program and the NRC Nutrition Outreach program is under threat. Requirement of possible recipients have increased significantly and the federal and state reimbursements to organizations has decreased from 100% to 50%.

This means for the NRC to continue providing SNAP services for Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming Counties, under what is now called Nutrition Navigators Direct Services, we will have to raise $144,083.00 per year.

Join the effort to keep SNAP benefits alive in Western New York and Across the nation. Advocate for SNAP with your elected officials and contribute to the NRC SNAP Assistance program.

https://www.religiousnet.org/donation

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

NRC ESSENTIAL HUNGER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
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 ([email protected]
Genesee County 585-815-5721 [email protected]

Wyoming County 585-456-4224 [email protected]

Niagara County. 716-520-6000
[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.

(Please do not attach announcements to Network News. Send announcements in separate email.)

Address

1272 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY
14209

Telephone

+17168824793

Website

http://www.religiousnet.org/

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