BETTER NEIGHBORS
Kenmore is a diverse, vibrant village, and we believe that God is calling this church to be:
Our Values
Better Neighbors Through Diversity
We celebrate the gifts and talents of all races and nationalities and seek to create equity and promote the dignity of all. We find this supported in scripture and in the teachings of Jesus, and didn’t Ethiopia become the first Christian nation in the world? And was not the Roman (not Jewish) centurion Cornelius the one who opened the apostles’ eyes to diversity and inclusion?
We rejoice in the full range of diversity of orientations and identities across humanity as being created by God, and we see this openness and love reflected all the way from the book of Genesis to the gospels and the rest of the New Testament. “I truly understand that God shows no partiality; but in every nation, anyone who is in awe of of God and does what is right is acceptable to God” (The apostle Peter in Acts 10. 35-35)
We believe that mental and physical ability comes in all shapes and packages and that everyone has unique gifts and talents to bring to the table. The Bible is full of people who were challenged physically or mentally: Saul the King had mental issues, the Patriarch Jacob was lame for much of his life, even Paul had his ‘thorn’. Our front parking lot, facilities and bathrooms are wheelchair friendly and induction loops are available for the hard of hearing, as well as large print monitors at the front of the sanctuary.
We recognize the deep struggles within, and support those who are striving to change their lives through 12 step programs, counseling and the grace of God and promise to walk with them on their journey. As in all things, Christ is our model in this: “[Jesus] was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd”. We recognize that none of us is perfect and whole; we all have gaps in our lives and with God’s help and each other’s we are growing stronger. Moreover, it is often in our brokenness that we can serve others best.
Better Neighbors Through Mission & Justice
For more than 40 years we have been feeding Kenmore through our FOOD PANTRY on the 3rd Saturday of each month, as well as through a 24/7 pantry outside the church. We are involved in the work of many local social justice groups, including International Institute, CROP walk, WNY Peace Center, Buffalo Gay Men’s Chorus, and Journey’s End Refugee services and we continue to broaden our scope.
Kids Sunday School during worship, Co-ed Cub Scouting and Boy Scouts, Sunday Front Porch Talks covering many topics for adults. Bible, book and movie studies and special events are part of our learning and improvement.
Better Neighbors Through Education
We are committed as a congregation to environmental change and improving the planet we all share. We have earned an EarthCare® designation from the PCUSA for our efforts and we continue to strive to be better stewards of the land, water and air in projects throughout the year
Better Neighbors Through EarthCare
Better Neighbors Through Art & Music
Whether you’re a singer, musician, gardener, knitter, poet, artist, cook or wood /metal worker, your creativity is what makes our world hum with joy and contributes to the continuing creation of God. Your gifts are welcomed!