FROM THE DESK OF . . .
Sunday, November 30 & Monday, December 1, 2025
From the desk of Pastor Ernie Green,
St. Paul Cemetery:
Last couple weeks you heard us announce that there is no more room for grave sales in our cemetery. Our present two-acre area that began burying in 1887, is sold out. What many do not know is that directly behind our cemetery is a one acre piece of land that is owned by the City of North Tonawanda and is a Potter’s Field that has been used to bury people who have no one to take care of their burial arrangements. Over the past 150 years or so, the property was owned by the Town of Wheatfield, the County of Niagara, and now the City of North Tonawanda. During those years, it appears as though burials took place there, but no one has any records of them. In other words, no one knows how many people are buried there, and for that matter, where on the property they are buried.
Directly behind the Potter’s Field is another two-acre piece of land almost identical in size and shape to the present cemetery. St. Paul was given that property in 1925 by a family for the purpose of extending our present cemetery. That would be a good thing for St. Paul, except, since we acquired the property, the State of New York came in and designated it as a protected wet land. As it stands, we can do nothing with property. We can’t remove any trees or vegetation or dig any graves.
This week I met with folks at City Hall who gave me information regarding how to request the ability to use our own property for the purpose of increasing (doubling) the size of our present cemetery. This will not be a quick process, but prayerfully, we may see some favorable results. Keep an eye open for future developments.
Cancer Care:
You’re probably all aware that over the past few months, Maryanne Novack and Cindy Green have been treated for breast cancer. They have both undergone surgery and neither of them requires chemotherapy. Maryanne is presently a couple of weeks into her radiation treatments. Cindy will begin her radiation on December 8. Thank you for your prayers and your concern during this time.
Roswell watch:
I have no idea what to think about my recent tests. I will meet with the Roswell Drs. on December 5, and I’m praying that they will give me some good news.
Advent blessings to you and your family, Amen.
Pastor Ernie Green
All are welcome at St. Paul Lutheran – Please allow God’s love to work in and through you to brighten the lives of members and visitors alike.
+ PRAYER CONCERNS for our St. Paul Family +
HEALING: Bill Baessler, Paul Baessler, April Carlin, Lorraine Carroll, Karen Cowell, Zachary Dawson, Bev Deer, Elijah Desouza, Miguel Diaz, Vicki Doucette, Dean Durow, Mildred Enney, Ryan Essenburg, Maureen Finch and her sister Colleen, Amy and David Fleischman, Bob Fritz, Aiden Gallineau, Cindy Green, Pastor Green, Anne Gross, Marlyn Gross, Margie Hadsell, Bonnie Haskell, Amanda Hughey, Loraine Jensen, Steve Keller, Paula Kopf, Pastor Dennis Krueger, MaryBeth Lee, Sue & Jeff Licht, Connie Maerten, Jackie Malinowski, Eunice & Jim Manth, Donna McKeown, Jason McNair, Mel Miller, Mike Mueller, Kathy Nagel, Maryanne Novack, McKenna O’Neil, Gloria & Bill Pittler, Doris Rae, Joy Rohring, Wayne Reichert, Jane Ruppert, Joe Sarzyniak, Leni Schofield, Randy Scott Chris Thomas, Audrey Truax, Deb Tyler, Kathy Warriner, Jean Watters, Frank Wendt, Gail Wolf, Shirley Wurl, Barbara Yates and her son, Ron.
AT HOME: Joyce Dolpp HEALTHCARE FACILITIES: Mary Jo Bishop
MILITARY: Matthew Daugherty, Eric Davis, Aaron Fix, Zachary Kijowski, Joe Kloc, Jack Lambros, Joshua Lindsley, Christopher Manth, Kyle Rae and Travis Shaffer.
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LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION (LWML) NEWS:
LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION (LWML) YOUNG REP: Looking for a young woman, preferably between the ages of 22-35, that could attend the Lutheran Women in Mission (LWML) 2026 Eastern District Convention, June 12-14,2026 at the Double Tree Resort in Lancaster, PA, as a Young Woman Representative(YWR). Transportation, registration, meals and hotel expenses will be paid by the district. If interested contact Marge Stoelting at mesandmds@yahoo.com.
- See the bulletin board in the Gathering Place for the most current Mite and Mission Grant Reports or go to the national web site organd the district web site east-distrlwml.org. Your continued prayers and support is greatly appreciated.
- For questions on any Lutheran Women in Mission news, you may contact either Bea Hapeman (716 -327-2400) or Marge Stoelting (716-693-7555).
***Mite boxes, Eastern District Newsletter, The LINK etc. can all be found on The Information Center in The Gathering Place.
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Confirmation Class Assignments – Thursday, December 4, 2025
First Year Class – Read “The Ten Commandments: The Tenth Commandment” Questions 66 -68, pages 91 – 93 from Luther’s Small Catechism.
Read Chapter 11 from The Story, “From Shepherd to King.” Attend church and complete a Worship Report Form.
Mentor Question: What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?
Second Year Class – Read “The Ten Commandments: The Tenth Commandment” Questions 66 -68, pages 91 – 93 from Luther’s Small Catechism. Complete Lesson 10 “The Ten Commandments: The Ninth and Tenth Commandments.” from Exploring Luther’s Small Catechism. Attend church and complete a Worship Report Form.
Mentor Question: What are you most thankful for this Thanksgiving?