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

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.

05/15/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026

THE DAY AFTER YESTERDAY

See photo from the Memorial below

Yesterday, Buffalo commemorated the fourth anniversary of the racist shootings at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue. Politicians, community leaders and family members of the victims spoke at a memorial service while others participated in a day of service.

Following the killing of ten Buffalo Citizens at the Tops Market on May 14, 2022 crowds of people gathered, food was distributed and many promises were made for future help and investments.

During that time, I recall hearing from a parent whose child was killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The parent spoke of the crowds of people showing up and the donation of thousands of stuffed animals. Then, within a month, the crowds disappeared, and people moved on. They were left alone to deal with their grief and address school violence.

Something similar happened in Buffalo. Soon the crowds of people disappeared as people moved on with their lives and companies and organizations reassessed the commitments they made. Yes, an annual commemoration is held each May 14th, a community group continues to work on a permanent memorial, and a foundation is focusing on long-term solutions. But….

The Tops Marking shooting, racism, and the long-term neglect of the East Side of Buffalo are complicated to say the least. Besides, there are so many other competing issues at the local, state, national, and international levels, and of course, the cost of gas. It is like when confronted with the hard realities of hunger, we donate a can of food and then move on, feeling like we have done something.

I recall following the Rodney King incident a number of us concerned about police reform in Buffalo began meeting. I recall meeting after meeting, engaging in endless discussions, unable to decide where to begin. At that point, someone suggested that we begin doing something. We began joining together every Saturday morning to clean up vacant lots on the East Side of Buffalo, while continuing to meet. We had no illusion that our Saturday morning clean-up would produce police reform. However, this bringing together of our hands, heads and hearts led us do find ways to address police reform together. We were able to make some real contributions to police reform in Buffalo.

Do not get lost in despair. Be faithful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month, or a year, It is the struggle of a lifetime.

John Lewis

**************
Is your house of worship a member of the Network of Religious Communities? Join the NRC. now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/4d00Eq9pRHu6QVeQ

Is your religious organization a member? Join the NRC now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/Xyq0M1dA7H5LNgiM

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

Please make a 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. NRC hunger assistance programs. (SNAP & Food Pantry.)
6. Please support the Network of Religious Communities.

**************************
NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
May 17, 2026
On this program Dr. Stan Bratton, Executive Director of the Network of Religious Communities, talks with The Rev. Francis X Mazur about his personal and vocational journey from Buffalo’s Old First Ward, to Father Baker Catholic High School in Lackawana, to ordination to the Priesthood, to being appointed to St. Amelia’s Parish in Tonawanda, which led him to becoming the Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Buffalo.

Father Butch, as he likes to be called, shares the story of his mother choosing to name her son Francis Xavier and about he and two Mexican sisters being bullied and told to "go back home"; experiences that had lasting impressions on his life. He shares that seminary life was a formative and rewarding period, characterized by discipline, camaraderie, sports, travel and singing. He talks about joining a vibrant clergy association with Protestant Churches and a Jewish synagogue whose meetings fostered dialogue and collaboration while at St Amelias. This instilled in him the importance of strengthening friendships across faith communities and led to his appointment as the Ecumenical Officer of the Diocese of Buffalo, beginning a whole new phase of his journey.

This is part one of a two-part interview.

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 15th - May 21st, 2026

Christianity:
May 21st: Ascension (E). Is the anniversary of Jesus’s ascension into heaven

Judaism
21st. Eve of Shavuot: Shavuot celebrates receiving God’s Torah on Mount Sinai

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

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

*********************
7:00 pm Monday May 16th, 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 Bahá’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

************************
6:30 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

**********************************
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/

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

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 the 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

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

05/08/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2026

Response received from a reader of last week’s Executive Director’s remarks.

When I Despair by Mahatma Gandhi

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it—always.

Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian lawyer, anti-colonial nationalist and political ethicist who employed nonviolent resistance to lead the successful campaign for India's independence from British rule and in turn inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world.

**************
Is your house of worship a member of the Network of Religious Communities? Join the NRC. now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/xecr45avZYIy1T6P
Is your religious organization a member? Join the NRC now.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/VJIdOFYoRPWcXW6n
Has your denomination renewed it membership for 2026?
https://www.dropbox.com/t/IiqEz6SEwAhymgKD
*****************************
Please make a 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.
4. A message from the National Assembly of the Bahá’ís
5. NRC hunger assistance programs. (SNAP & Food Pantry.)
6. Please support the Network of Religious Communities.

**************************
NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
May 10, 2026
On this program, Rabbi Adam Scheldt, Adam Scheldt Wellness, talks with Zahava Fried, who is completing her training as a Jewish Cantor.

Zahava Fried shares her remarkable journey of faith, identity, and community service. The conversation centers on Zahava’s adoption, formative Jewish experiences, musical development, and resilience through personal and professional transitions—including multiple conversions and the impact of COVID. Key insights highlight the power of music as a vessel for prayer and community, the importance of inclusivity in spiritual leadership, and the mutual enrichment between clergy and their
communities. The dialogue is warm, reflective, and deeply rooted in the celebration of religious diversity and personal narrative.

Zahava believes music creates a container for prayer, capable of holding grief, gratitude, longing, and joy simultaneously. Her personal journey reflects this philosophy, with music serving as an anchor during moments of uncertainty and transition. Music, for Zahava, bridges differences and fosters community. She sees it as a means for people to connect across diverse backgrounds, remember their identities, and reach together toward something intangible yet deeply felt, reinforcing its communal and spiritual significance.

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 8th - May 14th, 2026

Christianity:
14th. Ascension (W). The anniversary of Jesus’ ascension into heaven.

Other:

May 8th World Red Cross Day

May 10th: Mother’s Day (US and Canada)

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

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Friday May 8th and Monday, May 11, 2026

Buffalo Bells 10th Anniversary Celebration

You are invited to a free, family-friendly Handbell Concert

See flyer

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7:00 pm Monday, May 11th, 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

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8:30 am to Noon Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Spiritual Care Day of Learning
Hospice & Palliative Care Buffalo
225 Como Park Blvd, Cheektowaga 14227

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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

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6:00 pm Saturday May 30, 2026
Network of Religious Communities Youth Alliance
Bowling Party.

See flyer

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

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

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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

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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]

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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.

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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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