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

09/04/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, September 4, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. NRC news and announcements
SNAP Kickoff, Riefler Applications, Appreciation Dinner
2. Crossroads Radio Program September 6, 2026
3. Religious Holidays and celebrations this week
4. Upcoming interfaith/ecumenical events
5. NRC hunger programs

See photo
Murali Osuraman, Hindu Cultural Society, presented a $15,000.00 check from the Asian Indian Community Foundation of WNY to Kelly Kowalski, Director, NRC Hunger Programs; Dr Stan Bratton, Executive Director, NRC; and Lou Bergman, President, NRC.

Last night was a big night for the NRC Hunger Programs. The Network of Religious Communities Board of Governors authorized the signing of a contract with the NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance to provide SNAP (food stamp) services in Erie, Genesee, Niagara and Wyoming even though the new contract reduced reimbursements from 100% to 50%.
To kickoff the compaign to raise $147,000 in additional funds to support the first year of the contract the Asian Indian Community Foundation of WNY presented the NRC with a check for $15,000.00.

See letter from Commissioner of NY Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance
https://www.dropbox.com/t/HuKU75wV8ALnFFO4

What is a Nutrition Navigator (by Kelly Kowalski)?
https://www.dropbox.com/t/kTnUf6RjHIykUW3L

Brief summary of the current SNAP callenge facing the NRC
https://www.dropbox.com/t/zvdaG8vo2FukFBc8

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

GOOD NEWS: 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.

Download Honoree Nomination Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/eciZ5A3SJFdGyABn

Download Ticket Order Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/wtjFncnZOvepG7Wn

Appreciate your honoree and organization with a Souvenir Journal ad
https://www.dropbox.com/t/4en5p0GzzNHRz8nX

General Information Letter
https://www.dropbox.com/t/o3goPScZHHXMD2NO
********************
RIEFLER ENABLEMENT FUND

REMINDER: The deadline for the 2027 Riefler Enablement Fund Applications are due Monday September 21, 2026.

Download the application and information documents here.

Application form:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/ZLwS7FbTXyVppEpm

Informational Letter:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/D3ksB41EdSe7sTRi

Priorities and criteria:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/KnB43aVTCOe48NC0

Budget Summary
https://www.dropbox.com/t/z7bOJXtsLFXSEINz

*******************
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.
**************
2. NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
Sunday, September 6, 2026

On this program, Dr. Stan Bratton, Executive Director, Network of Religious Communities, talks with Robin Raphael, the Network of Religious Communities Archiving Project Organizer.

The conversation connects Robin Raphael’s personal and professional history with the development of the Network of Religious Communities’ archival collection. It traces her move to Western New York, her 36-year career in school psychology, and later work organizing the Network of Religious Community's records. The discussion shows how an initially modest inventory project expanded into long-term preservation and digitization, revealing the Network’s history of religious education, community schools, moral reform, housing advocacy, social services, peace work, and broader community service.

Robin talks about growing up in Mount Vernon, Westchester County, NY, exploring the woods near her home and traveling by train into Manhattan. She recounts attending UB and earning a master’s degree in school psychology at St. Lawrence University. She worked as a school psychologist for 36 years, including positions in Akron and Williamsville and more than 20 years in the Sweet Home School District, serving students from preschool through high school.

She identifies listening, clarifying language, explaining evaluations without excessive jargon, and helping parents and teachers work together as essential practices. Her professional organization and board experience also taught her to conduct efficient meetings, recognize different leadership styles, and redirect lengthy discussions constructively.

After retirement, she organized the library collection from Temple Sinai after its move to Temple Beth Am and the formation of Congregation Shir Shalom. That experience contributed to her involvement in organizing the Network of Religious Communities’ archival collection.

The project began as an effort to inventory the papers of the Network and its predecessor organizations. With assistance from Hanna Kotzin, training through the Western New York Library Resource Council, and mentorship from Heidi Ziemer, Robin and volunteers listed box contents, numbered materials, and created organized storage using shelving strengthened by Yvonne Stocker and Jonathan Lawrence. A project initially expected to
take six months continued for nearly 11 years because of the collection’s size and the discoveries it continued to produce.

Robin shares some of their findings from 1863 to the present time. She discusses digitizing many of the original documents and uploading them to the New York Heritage website, newyorkheritage.org

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 Dr Agnes Williams, Indigenous Women’s Initiatives, talks with Granddell “Bird” Logan, Spokesperson for the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. They talk about the impact of the STAMP project.
https://www.dropbox.com/t/th8NqlqWdHA1ICCz
***********************
3. Religious Holidays September 4 - September 10, 2026

Hinduism
4th: Sri Krishna Jayanti: Celebrates the birth of Krishna

Other:
Monday, September 7th. Labor Day (US & Canada) The holiday pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers.

In 2026, workers are under threat from AI, Robotics, inflation, tariffs, the nonsensical trade war with Canada, and private Equity Investment firms. Labor Day not just marks the end of summer but a call to stand with those who work hard for a living.

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

******************
Monday August 7th, 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

********************
4:00 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2026
2026 4.5 mile Walk of Abraham begins at North Presbyterian Church, 300 N. Forest Road, Williamsville, and ends at the Islamic Center, 745 Heim Road, Getzville.

*********************
6:30 pm Wednesday September 16th and 23rd and 30th
What is Pope Leo XIV’s New Encyclical: Magnifica Humanitas?
Blessed Sacrament Church, 1029 Delaware Ave, Buffalo 14209

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

************************
5. 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 farmers' 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 are under threat. Join the effort to keep SNAP benefits alive in Western New York and Across the nation.

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 (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]

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.

08/28/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, August 28, 2026

IN THIS ISSUE:
1. NRC news and announcements
NRC and SNAP, Riefler Applications, Appreciation Dinner
2. Crossroads Radio Program August 30, 2026
3. Religious Holidays and celebrations this week
4. Upcoming interfaith/ecumenical events
5. NRC hunger programs

NRC AND SNAP: PAST, PRESENT AND,,,,,,,,,

SUMMARY NUTRITION OUTREACH INFORMATION AND SITUATION

The Network of Religious Communities has operated our Nutrition Outreach Program in cooperation with the federal government and New York State since 1986. Throughout that time, we have been required to apply for a SNAP (food stamp assistance) contract every four or five years. Each time, we have been awarded a contract with costs being reimbursed by the Federal Government (50%) and New York State (50%).

Under the contract, we promote SNAP, provide outreach to possible participants, help applicants assess their eligibility and apply for SNAP, including collecting any required documentation. Throughout the years, we have provided SNAP assistance in Erie, Genesee, and Wyoming Counties and sometimes Niagara County. Our most recent contract ran from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2026.

In February 2026, we were notified that a new contract would be offered for a period beginning on October 1, 2026, leaving a gap of three months without SNAP Services being offered. In late February, we were notified that the current contract would be extended through September 30, 2026, and that the extension would be funded.

One week before the end of the previous contract (June 30, 2026) we were notified that funding for the “gap” period is uncertain. We were encouraged to continue to program at our own expense if funds do not become available. At its June Board of Governors meeting, the NRC Board voted to continue the program for the “GAP” period at a cost of $40,000.00 even if we are not reimbursed for the expense.

In April 2026, we applied for a new SNAP contract, now called “Nutrition Navigators.” On July 30, 2026, we were notified by the NY State Oﬃce of Temporary Disability that we have been granted a new five-year contract, subject to approval by the NY Attorney General and Comptroller. However, the reimbursement rate had changed to 25% from the Federal Government and 25% from NY State. Under the approved grant, we are now required to cover $144,083.00 of the annual expense of the program.

Current situation. We are currently owed $204,373.98 for services provided under the previous contract. We have not received further information regarding funding for the Gap period, but we did receive donations of $6,480.00 from individuals toward the GAP funding. We have applied for several grants and have reached out to, and are reaching out to, New York State Legislators regarding the grant issues.

Our Nutrition Outreach Program is tightly integrated into the entire operation of the Network of Religious Communities. The program rents oﬃce space in our building and covers the majority of the annual audit costs. The Nutrition Outreach staﬀ provides staﬃng for our food pantry and provides numerous other services to the NRC.
8/26/20

************************************
GOOD NEWS: 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.

Download Honoree Nomination Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/YGQEEkptsw0lrqvP

Download Ticket Order Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/p7UfmcEu4smx3MZf

Appreciate your honoree and organization with a Souvenir Journal ad
https://www.dropbox.com/t/GplsbVpeb7Y0su9J

General Information Letter
https://www.dropbox.com/t/yUWot8wzt7HrIWNx

********************
RIEFLER ENABLEMENT FUND

REMINDER: The deadline for the 2027 Riefler Enablement Fund Applications are due Monday September 21, 2026.

Download the application and information documents here.

Application form:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/4zucZyxaEnnFefWd

Informational Letter:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/443ifSLXxiJTa9cw

Priorities and criteria:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/Ls5nRkQAEJDcFTao

Budget Summary
https://www.dropbox.com/t/7RbkWJEqsNM8vjJK

*******************
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.
**************
2. NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
Sunday, August 30, 2026

On this program, Dr Agnes Williams, Indigenous Women’s Initiatives, talks with Granddell “Bird” Logan, Spokesperson for the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. They talk about the impact of the STAMP project, near Albion, on the Tonawanda Seneca land and people. The conversation presents community concerns that the proposed data center and other industrial activities at the STAMP site could affect Tonawanda Seneca Nation sovereignty, treaty rights, water security, environmental practices, cultural continuity, and future land use. Granddell Logan emphasizes that consultation has not provided the Nation with meaningful authority, while also raising concerns about industrial noise, pollution, closed-loop cooling chemicals, groundwater and stream risks, the site’s departure from its advanced-manufacturing purpose, uncertain decommissioning,
and litigation involving the IDA.

Granddell says the Tonawanda Seneca Nation remains engaged in hunting, fishing, plant gathering, and other land-based customs, particularly in the Big Woods near
the STAMP site. He is concerned that industrial noise and pollution could affect these practices into the future.

Granddell Logan states that the Army Corps of Engineers presented the STAMP site to the Chiefs Council in 2009, and that tribal leadership opposed the location; he argues that later emails and phone calls did not constitute meaningful consultation because the Nation lacked a meaningful say in what occurred at the site.
He emphasizes that the Tonawanda Seneca Nation is a sovereign nation with its own governance and treaty responsibilities with the United States, citing the two row wampum, Article 6, Section 2, and the supremacy clause.

Logan distinguishes the proposed data center from the STAMP site’s intended advanced-manufacturing purpose, stating that a data center houses and processes data rather than manufacturing products and comparing the proposal with large-scale AI data centers in the United States and Indian country.

Agnes Williams and Granddell Logan invite persons to pray for them and to become allies of the Tonawanda Senaca Nation. They invite listeners to learn more at alliesoftsn.weebly.com

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 with Steve McKee and Lynn Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you can download and listen here:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/CK7zXtisoldxIxHY

***********************
3. Religious Holidays August 28 - September 3, 2026

Hinduism
28th: Raksha Bandhan: A festival in which married and unmarried girls and women tie amulets on the wrists of their brothers to ward off evil.

Sikhism:
1st: First Parkash: Commemorates the installation of the Adi Granth (first edition of the Sikh scriptures by the 5th Guru.

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

******************
3:00 pm Sunday August 30, 2026
N/RC Youth Initiative Ice Cream Social
1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

See flyer

******************
Monday August 31st, 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 Thursday, September 3, 2026
Network of Religious Communities Board of Governors Meeting
1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY
For information, email [email protected]

*****************
Opportunity to apply for a Clinical Pastoral Education Internship.

The accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at Sisters Hospital is an interfaith program where students learn to minister to people in crisis and spiritual needs. Students minister in hospitals, nursing homes and community sites.

Would you or anyone you know be interested in this supervised ministry internship?

CPE Program Dates

CPE Intern:
2026 Fall Unit: September 8, 2026, to December 28, 2026
*In-person and hybrid available

Please see the CPE Web pages for more detailed information below:
https://www.chsbuffalo.org/mission/clinical-pastoral-education

If you have any further questions please contact:
Nancy Koteras, Administrative Assistant III
CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education)
716-862-1374
[email protected]

*****************************
4:00 pm Tuesday, September 15, 2026
2026 4.5 mile Walk of Abraham begins at North Presbyterian Church , 300 N. Forest Road, Williamsville, and ends at the Islamic Center, 745 Heim Road, Getzville.

see flyer

*********************
5. 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 farmers' 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 are under threat. Join the effort to keep SNAP benefits alive in Western New York and Across the nation.

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 (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]

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.

08/21/2026

Honor Diversity. Work for the Common Good.

NETWORK NEWS FRIDAY, August 21, 2026

The Network of Religious Communities Youth Alliance of World Religions & Cultures invites youth of all ages to an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 30 @ 3:00pm at the NRC Building 1272 Delaware Ave. In Buffalo. Come enjoy some ice cream and make some new friends! See the flyer attached. Please RSVP by August 23 to [email protected]. Hope to see you there!

See flyer

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

GOOD NEWS: 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.

Download Honoree Nomination Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/1Hd2WEUEZ7ZJHuE6

Download Ticket Order Form
https://www.dropbox.com/t/p7UfmcEu4smx3MZf

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

General Information Letter
https://www.dropbox.com/t/oom1IV2COpqPA0pE

********************
REMINDER: The deadline for the 2027 Riefler Enablement Fund Applications are due Monday September 21, 2026.

Download the application and information documents here.

Application form:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/lPo0utxu2nyYrjWr

Informational Letter:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/0IuWlMeM1bvhewG7

Priorities and criteria:
https://www.dropbox.com/t/ZXcZ9DGiANVGsWxr
Budget Summary
https://www.dropbox.com/t/4MdG9whq6IEVCMfh

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

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.

***************
NRC ON THE MEDIA:
CROSSROADS RADIO PROGRAM
Sunday, August 23, 2026

On this program Stephen McKee, Buffalo Stake, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints talks with Lynn Ward, Amherst Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The conversation traces Lynn Wright’s life from his upbringing in the American Southwest through his education, marriage, missionary service in Japan, international career, Church leadership, family-history work, and eventual return to Western New York. It also highlights the family’s decision to resettle near their children, Lynn’s continuing ties to Japanese colleagues and friends, and the ways family history connects personal, religious, technological, and public interests.

Lynn grew up in Southern California and Southern Utah, including Blanding, a small town about 90 miles south of Moab near the Four Corners, Monument Valley, Canyonlands, Lake Powell, and Arches National Park. His wife, Jackie, was born in New Mexico and grew up mainly in Oklahoma; they were approaching 40 years of marriage and have a 34-year-old daughter and a 31-year-old son.

Lynn and Jackie moved to Clarence in September 2001 after he accepted a global sales director position with a Canadian company. They lived in the area for nine years before moving to Tennessee in 2010 because of a job change. After Lynn’s work became fully remote, the couple returned because both children wanted to live in Western New York and the parents wanted to support them.

Stephen and Lynn talk about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints support for Family History Research. This is particularly important because Church members believe families can be together forever. In that belief framework, members may be baptized and sealed as families through a temple ordinance, and research may help identify ancestors for whom such ordinances can be performed. However, the church’s involvement in Family History Research is not limited to church members. It is available to all who want to discover more about their own histories. In fact Ancestry.Com was started by church members. They also discuss RootsTech, the world’s largest inperson and online annual family history event.

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 which Dr. Stan Bratton talks with Pastor Garney Davis about his life Journey you can download and listen
https://www.dropbox.com/t/AePsWS8KkBc3gXnL.
***********************
Religious Holidays August 27 - 27, 2026

Islam:
24th: Mawlid al-Nably: Birth Anniversary of Prophet Muhammad

Zarathushti:
August 24th: Birth Anniversary of Prophet Zarathustra

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

******************
2 pm Sunday August 23, 2026
WNY Muslims Celebrate Awareness, Diversity & Service
This celebration brings together immigrant communities from South Asia, the Middle East, and Central Asia, fostering unity and cultural exchange.

Island Park, 5577 Main Street, Williamsville, NY 14221

Learn more: wnymuslims.org

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

Chautauqua Institution Assembly Lectures AUGUST 24th - 28th

10:45 am Daily Amphitheater August 24th - 28st.
The Importance of Gathering: A Collaboration with the Smithsonian Folklife Festival

2:00 pm Interfaith Lectures Aug 24th - 27th
Hall of Philosophy: The Importance of Gathering: Cultivating the Beloved Community: Leaders from multiple faith traditions explore how intentional gathering — in sacred spaces and beyond — strengthens bonds of compassion and justice

Learn More: https://www.chq.org/things-to-do/events/weekly-themes/week-nine-2026/
*********************
7:00 pm Monday August 24th, 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’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

****************
3:00 pm Sunday August 30, 2026
N/RC Youth Initiative Ice Cream Social
1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14209

The Network of Religious Communities Youth Alliance of World Religions & Cultures invites youth of all ages to an Ice Cream Social on Sunday, August 30 @ 3:00pm at the NRC Building 1272 Delaware Ave. In Buffalo. Come enjoy some ice cream and make some new friends! See the flyer attached.

Please RSVP by August 23 to [email protected].
Hope to see you there!

*********************
Opportunity to apply for a Clinical Pastoral Education Internship.

The accredited Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program at Sisters Hospital is an interfaith program where students learn to minister to people in crisis and spiritual needs. Students minister in hospitals, nursing homes and community sites.

Would you or anyone you know be interested in this supervised ministry internship?

CPE Program Dates

CPE Intern:
2026 Fall Unit: September 8, 2026, to December 28, 2026
*In-person and hybrid available

Please see the CPE Web pages for more detailed information below:
https://www.chsbuffalo.org/mission/clinical-pastoral-education

If you have any further questions please contact:
Nancy Koteras, Administrative Assistant III
CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education)
716-862-1374
[email protected]

*****************************
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. Join the effort to keep SNAP benefits alive in Western New York and Across the nation.

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 (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]

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
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+17168824793

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http://www.religiousnet.org/

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