Hurlbut Church

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Join Us for Advent & Christmas!

November 23, 2025
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We have a ton of stuff going on this year during Advent and Christmas. We’d love for you to join us at any or all of these events!

Preparation

We have two events to help us prepare our church and our hearts for the season of Advent and the coming of Christ.

Hanging of the Greens will take place immediately after worship on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30th. A make-your-own sub sandwich bar will be provided for lunch, and you can stop to eat any time before, during, or after helping us decorate the building for Christmas.

If you’d like, you can stick around after decorating to watch the Bills game together in Truesdale. Bring a snack to share, or a dessert for lunch!

Our annual 24-Hour Prayer Vigil will take place the following weekend, beginning at 3pm on Friday, December 5th and ending at 3pm the next day.

Worship

Our regular worship service will continue as usual through the season of Advent. We gather at 10:45am in the Sanctuary and online, and we serve Communion every week.

Our annual Christmas Pageant will be on the Third Sunday of Advent, December 14th, during worship.

Our annual Lessons & Carols service will be the following week, December 21st, during worship.

All are welcome to celebrate the birth of Christ with us on Christmas Eve at our 7pm Candlelight Christmas Service.

Bible Study

Just like last year, several of our local United Methodist churches are gathering together for a cooperative Advent Bible Study! The study guide we’ll be using is called simply “Advent,” and it’s by Derwin Gray. Susan Hardy, our District Lay Leader, is teaching.

The study will gather at Mayville UMC (81 S Erie St.) from 2 to 3pm on Mondays from November 24th through December 22nd. You need not have attended a previous session to join. All are welcome!

Music

As mentioned above, our Lessons & Carols service will be on the Fourth Sunday of Advent (the 21st) during worship.

We also have two Christmas concerts being planned, one around the middle of Advent, and one near the end of Christmastide. Stay tuned for details!

Our It’s Still Christmas Concert will feature John Cross and the big band, as well as a few of Hurlbut’s own musicians. The tentative date is January 3rd.

Church Updates

Our Wesleyan Heritage

November 18, 2025
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This summer, our Senior Pastor went with a group of young United Methodist clergy to England for a Wesley Heritage Tour. Our October sermon series was based on this trip, and we thought you might want to see some photos relevant to the topics covered in those sermons:

Week 1: Epworth & the Roots of Methodism

The Epworth Market Cross

The Epworth Market Cross on a cloudy day. The streets dominate the photo, with a few buildings behind. The stone marker for the crossing is visible in the distance.

Many English towns organised the market in the shape of a cross, as a reminder to conduct one’s business with Christian ethics.

Many included a stone marker, with a small raised platform, on one corner. John Wesley preached from the one here in Epworth on numerous occasions.

You can see the marker in the center of the photo, covered in crocheted red poppies in honour of VJ Day. Poppies are associated with veterans in the UK because of the poppies that grew on Flanders Fields after WWI.

The Old Rectory

The rector, or head priest, of the Epworth parish church lived at this rectory. During the early part of John’s life, that rector was his father, Samuel Wesley.

When John was only 5 years old, the previous building’s thatched roof caught fire and burned almost entirely to the ground. John barely survived when a bystander saw him in the upstairs window and rescued him.

Samuel was convinced it was a parishioner who’d lit the fire. The parish would have paid for a modest new home, but Samuel went into debt to rebuild it in brick.

The Grave of Samuel Wesley

John’s father was buried right outside the church he served for forty years.

When Samuel’s successor refused to allow John to preach inside the church because he was both too popular and too “enthusiastic”—i.e., too emotional—John stood on top of his father’s grave that evening and preached from there.

Visitors can no longer stand on top of the grave, but they do provide a chair for photos.

Week 2: Oxford & the Holy Club

The University Church at Oxford

The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin serves the entire community of Oxford University, all its colleges, and the surrounding city.

During his ministry, John Wesley preached three challenging sermons to the students and professors of his time. In one, he charged the congregation to be “altogether Christians,” rather than “Almost Christians.”

After the third sermon criticised the spiritual apathy of the university community, he was never asked to preach there again.

Christ Church Cathedral

John and Charles Wesley were both students at Christ Church, one of the many colleges that make up Oxford University.

The college church is the city’s cathedral (the seat of the bishop) and has been associated with high-church Anglicanism since before the Wesleys’ time.

Both Wesleys were ordained as priests of the Church of England in this cathedral, in 1728 (John) and 1735 (Charles).

Lincoln College, Oxford

After completing his studies, John was elected a fellow of Lincoln College. As a fellow, he was responsible for research and teaching, and he lived on the grounds.

One of the offices in the College has been set up to mimic what Wesley’s study might have looked like during his time there. A bust on the outside wall marks the space.

It was in his Oxford study that John convened the meetings of the “Holy Club” his brother had started not long before.

Week 3: Field Preaching in Bristol

Hanham Mount

Originally just a simple hill, this grassy spot in Bristol was the birth of Methodist field preaching.

George Whitfield, an early Calvinist Methodist, invited John to join him in preaching to the coal workers in the area who did not have easy access to church life. At first, John “could not reconcile [him]self to this strange way of preaching,” but it soon became an integral part of the Methodist movement.

Set on the current stone pulpit is the simplified version of John’s words, “I look upon all the world as my parish.”

The New Room

As the Methodist movement grew, the need for a home base of sorts grew as well. This “New Room” in Bristol was that home base.

Though not a church, this meeting house saw many Methodist gatherings, and preachers stayed in the bedrooms upstairs while working from the Bristol circuit. From the windows in the dining room, John could look down and listen to preachers in training.

Preachers staying here were expected to gather daily for regular worship and communal meals, in order to build deep relationships with one another and keep them spiritually grounded.

Charles Wesley’s Home

From 1749 to 1771, Charles Wesley lived in this Bristol townhouse.

The home is kept up today as a museum containing artefacts related to Charles and his family, such as the harpsichord in the family music room, or his desk in the attic.

His son, Samuel Wesley, named for John and Charles’ father, was born here. The younger Samuel became a prolific composer and organist, and was at times called “the English Mozart.” His own son Samuel Sebastian Wesley became a composer as well, and some of his tunes are in our hymnal to this day.

Week 4: London & Aldersgate Street

Aldersgate Street

Outside the London Museum stands a flame-shaped monument marking the moment that John Wesley experienced his “heart strangely warmed.”

It’s uncertain exactly where the house on Aldersgate Street was, but on May 24, 1738, just three days after his brother had his own similar experience, John went to a prayer meeting.

As they read from Luther’s Preface to Romans, John suddenly felt God’s grace more personally and concretely than he ever had. He later said it almost felt like he hadn’t been Christian at all until then.

City Road Chapel

The first actual Methodist house of worship was built on the site of an old cannon foundry in London.

It still serves as an active Methodist Church. Wesley’s Chapel is currently led by its first female Superintendent Minister, the Revd Dr Jennifer Smith, though women have preached there since 1926.

Beneath the church is a museum of artefacts from Methodist history all over the world. John Wesley is buried in the small garden behind the chapel, and his mother Susanna is buried in the cemetery across the street.

John Wesley’s Home

For the last several years of his life, John Wesley lived in the home within the courtyard of the City Road Chapel.

The window of his prayer closet overlooked the chapel building, and one can imagine him praying for the many Methodists who saw this as their home.

John continued to preach regularly until the last year of his life. After that his health began to fail—and yet he was out preaching just days before his death. On his deathbed, his friends were with him singing. His last words were, “The best of all is, God is with us.”

Church Updates, Worship
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Fund our Mission to Guatemala!

May 29, 2025
thejsource

19 workers from 3 United Methodist churches will be going to Guatemala this July, and two of them are from our own church family!

The mission trip is sponsored by Catalyst Resources International, and will involve building three homes for families in need. Each church is teaming up to raise the $5700 needed to build and furnish each house, and there are two ways you can help!

On Tuesday, June 10th, we’ll have a Taco Tuesday fundraiser in Truesdale Hall. You can stop by any time from 5–7pm to eat tacos and make a donation toward the mission fund.

Call the church office (716-357-4045) by June 3rd to let us know you’re coming! RSVPs aren’t required, but they’ll help us make sure we have enough taco supplies.

You can also support the mission trip by sponsoring Grant’s bike ride to Cincinnati in June! Consider sponsoring him by the mile, or contributing a flat amount toward the mission. To do so, just include “Guatemala” on the memo line of your check, or on an envelope containing your cash donation.

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Schedule for Lent 2025

March 3, 2025
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A crown of thornes made of sticks and dried palm leaves lies flat on a purple brocade cloth.

The Lenten season is upon us once more. As we prepare to reflect on our lives and our work as people of God, take a moment to mark your calendars for these special worship and fellowship opportunities:

Mardi Gras Pancake Dinner: March 4 – 5 pm – Truesdale Hall
Join us for our annual pancake dinner to celebrate the final day of the Epiphany season. We’ll be “burying the Alleluia,” so bring your creative spirit to help us colour Alleluia pages for Easter morning.

Ashes-to-Go: March 5 – 12 pm – Scott St. Entrance
No time for a full worship service this year? Stop by the Scott St. side door on your lunch break, from noon to 2 pm, to receive your ashes for the start of Lent. The Sanctuary will be open all day as well—spend as long as you like in meditation and prayer for Ash Wednesday.

Palm Sunday: April 13 – 10:45 am – Sanctuary
Shout Hosanna and wave some palms with us as we celebrate Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem and prepare our hearts for the events of Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday Communion: April 17 – 7 pm – Sanctuary
We will begin the Great Three Days with a service of Taizé-style music and Holy Communion. As always, all are welcome at this open table.

All-Night Prayer Vigil: April 17–18 – Sanctuary or at home
As he prayed in the garden, Jesus asked his disciples to stay awake with him. From the close of Maundy Thursday worship to the beginning of the Good Friday service, we will keep watch in that spirit. You can sign up for an hour of the vigil on the sheet in Truesdale Hall, and you can pray from the church or from home. There will be prayer materials available in the Sanctuary to assist you.

Good Friday Tenebrae: April 18 – 7 pm – Sanctuary
We will mark the crucifixion and death of our Lord with a service of darkness (tenebrae) based on the Seven Last Words. You are invited to join us for music and reflection on this holy day.

Easter Sunrise Vigil: April 20 – 7 am – Palestine Park (by the lake)
Dress warm and join us at the lake to celebrate the first service of Easter! We will be using a shortened form of the Easter Vigil service, which includes lighting the Paschal fire and Christ Candle, reading the history of salvation through the Hebrew Scriptures, and a reading of the Resurrection story. We’ll have breakfast at the church at the end!

Easter Morning Worship: April 20 – 10:45 am – Sanctuary
We’ll be in the Sanctuary at our usual time to celebrate the Resurrection with music, flowers, and Holy Communion. Join us as we give thanks to our Risen Lord!

Worship

CA Wildfires: How to Help

January 14, 2025
thejsource

We watch with worry and grief as wildfires continue to rage in the LA area, and our hearts go out to our fellow United Methodists and others facing evacuations and loss.

If you are looking for ways to help those impacted the fires, we encourage you to donate through the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Through UMCOR, we as a denomination are often first on the ground in the midst of natural disasters, wars, and other crises. UMCOR works with local partners both in the States and abroad to best meet the needs of the communities they serve.

The overhead costs for UMCOR are funded in full by our (and others’) apportionments so that every dollar you donate goes directly to help folks on the ground.

UMCOR Donation Info

Give online: Select “USDR-California Wildfires” in the dropdown
Give through Hurlbut: Designate cash or check to Advance #901670 – California

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Chautauqua’s UM House is Hiring!

September 12, 2024
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Photo of the front lawn of the United Methodist House. Large trees stand between the viewer and the large House porch.

Each summer, the denominational houses of the Chautauqua Institution host numerous visitors to the grounds. The United Methodist House is currently seeking applicants to serve as Hosts for the House, beginning in the summer of 2026.

If you feel you have a gift for organisation, administration, and hospitality, we encourage you to consider applying by filling out the application form and submitting the required materials by December 31st.

Couples are strongly encouraged to apply, rather than individuals, as the job requires the time and energy of two people. Applicants should be able to commit to at least three summers of hosting (2026–2028), and will ideally have 1–2 weeks available in the summer of 2025 for training with the outgoing Hosts.

If you have any questions about the application, you can email Rev. Rachel.

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Safe Haven Congregation

January 23, 2024
Zach Stahlsmith

Hurlbut Church is now a Safe Haven Congregation. This means the Hurlbut community has committed to remaining in the United Methodist Church and offer RADICAL HOSPITALITY to anyone whose church closes or has chosen to disaffiliate or close. Regardless of our theological leaning, as United Methodists, we are all encouraged to follow the example in Acts 2 of the community of Jesus’ followers caring for each other – a diverse community that is ready to receive unity as a gift from God.

Logo of Safe Haven Congregations. The graphic is a light navy blue circle in which is outlined a lighthouse on a cliff beside the ocean. The logo reads, "Safe Haven Congregation. A place of hope, healing, and wholeness."

Safe Haven Congregations will:

  1. Provide a welcoming place to belong during this time of grief and transition, which might be for just a season or for a lifetime. This includes a safe space with caring relationships, listening hearts, and unconditional love within a congregation that is confident it is remaining in The United Methodist Church.
    1. Provide all forms of pastoral and laity-driven care.
    2. This may also include providing physical space for “Remnant” groups to gather as they consider what it looks like to stay together.
  2. Offer ministry opportunities in which to engage – or not. There will be no pressure.
    1. Worship: Providing worship opportunities, whether online or in person. These services will intentionally engage and welcome new people into their midst. They will also include the sacraments of communion and baptism.
    2. Discipleship: Creating space to learn and grow through small group gatherings, Bible studies, and prayer opportunities.
    3. Mission: Inviting fellow United Methodists into opportunities to serve through hands-on ministries. These might include anything that involves making a difference and sharing the love of God with others.
  3. Organize local Remaining UMC groups by proactively finding and connecting with individuals and groups displaced by disaffiliating churches.
  4. Connect individuals or groups with Conference and District resources to help them discern their next steps as they consider a new church home.

Safe Haven Congregations will be there for you during this transition, whether you are an individual or a group of people who have become displaced or churchless because of closing or disaffiliation. As you consider what is next, specific pathways you may choose will continue to emerge as the Conference, Districts, and local churches come together to be The Connection at its best.

Church Updates

Summer Worship!

June 23, 2023
Zach Stahlsmith
Don’t forget, Hurlbut Memorial Community United Methodist Church provides an 8:30 am Sunday communion service every week during the Summer Assembly season.

We offer Communion, community, reflection, and will be finished in time to get you to your favorite denominational house service.

Join us in the Sanctuary, on our Facebook page via Facebook Live
on our YouTube Channel,
or right here on our website!

Worship

Message from Pastor Paul

October 26, 2021
hurlbut

FROM THE PASTOR-

THE RETURN OF A REV…

Greetings in the name and spirit of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Many of you reading this may wonder why, after some years away, I have returned to live among you for the next year and a few months. You are not alone. I, too, have wondered the same. Well, it is about a list of “REs”.

Quite frankly, I am persuaded this is not my idea but reflects a desire of God. We should, of course, be quite humble in assuming a directive we receive is from God. Thus, when the spirit first moved me I talked it over with Natalie and took your former District Superintendent, Larry Baird, into my confidence. (It was Larry who first brought me to Hurlbut in 2008). I shared with several others, as well with these questions: What do you think? Is this a good idea? Do you think I am spiritually and mentally up to this call to help this congregation refocus their life in this location? Most comments were generally positive, although one ministerial colleague said quite bluntly, “Not a good idea, you are too old!”

Nonetheless, here I am, out of mothballs as one described it.

Beloved of God, we do face a new world from the one that greeted us in 2008.

More and more people in our culture are distanced from religious bodies. Many of us are, quite frankly, older. COVID dealt us a serious blow. Religious needs and affiliations change and persons we care for go elsewhere to satisfy those needs. Old and recent wounds to to the spirit have driven some away. We share, as well, in the divisions within our society where stresses and fractures in families and communities are serious and rupture long standing relationships. We just cannot depend on old and established ways of going about business to help us stay the course. As one Christian writer has said, “we face adaptive challenges”.

My prayer life intensified as I pondered this call. One message from God was this, “I cannot guarantee you any results. But, I will be with you.”

So, I, and you all who share in a call to do the work of ministry, can at least take assurance that God’s promise to be with us is not “fake news”. Daily I pray for God’s assistance and the wisdom on my part to discern God’s will for my life in this time. With God, I share the passion to REfocus, REnew, REshape, REform, REvitalize, REconcile, REenergize, REorient, REgrow, and Refamiliarize ourselves in the biblical witness that leads us to in faith and hope and love our community of faith.

If you are one, even from a distance, who is led to share in our call to discipleship, we cherish your support.

If your call is elsewhere, we will give you our blessing and hold you in prayer, and ask you to pray for us.

One word… these days are going to be challenging. They are also going to be exciting.

You see, God is calling us to REbirth!

To God’s glory. Amen.

Paul

Church Updates