We welcome you to explore the many ways that people

of all ages can become involved in the life of the church.

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Worship & Music

People serve the congregation as Deacons, and as members of the Altar Guild.

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We have a Cantor who leads the congregation in singing hymns. Soloists sing frequently while our choir is on pause. We incorporate many styles of music to enhance the service. 

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If you are interested in being a guest musician, please talk to the organist / choir director.  He can accompany you on the piano or the pipe organ.

We look for ways to involve children in the church service:

• As acolytes, youth light altar candles.

• Those who take music lessons may play their instrument, working our music director.

• Pre-pandemic, about twice a year we had special Children's Day services, in which kids take on adult roles of their choice. We will re-start this in the future.

Sunday School

Formal Sunday School is on pause during the pandemic.

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Instead, the kids come up to the altar area for a children's sermon, and then they can go with a volunteer to a space to play or do an activity during the adults' sermon.

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When formal Sunday School resumes, it will be for children ages 3+ and will take place immediately after the church service at 10:30 during the school year. We will again use a bible-based curriculum that includes fun, interactive age-appropriate lesson, activities, crafts and songs. Class will be 30 minutes long. Children will be able to attend any weeks that work with their family's schedule. Parents are always welcome to sit in on the classes. Visitors will be invited every week.

Also, when formal Sunday School resumes, parents can enjoy a cup of coffee in an adjacent room during Sunday School, and then their children / grandchildren join them for juice and a snack when Sunday School is finished.

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Youth Activities

Young people of all ages have many ways to be involved at Augustana. We have a flexible approach and like to create activities around the interests and talents of the youth.

Pictured is a pre-pandemic family game night (not pictured is the delicious take-out food!) We look forward to having family nights again when it is safe to do so. 

Lutheran Youth WNY

Children of Augustana and other area ELCA churches participate in Lutheran Youth WNY, which is a youth ministry program and resource mainly for youth in grades 6-12 . They also have some programming for children in elementary school. Activities vary by age level and include age-appropriate service opportunities, retreats, and faith-centered fun events.

Lake Chautauqua: LCLC

LAKE CHAUTAUQUA LUTHERAN CENTER, INC. is a ministry of the Upstate New York Synod of the ELCA.  It is a year-round center for outdoor ministry for children and adults. They are especially known for their residential summer camps for youth in grades 1-12.

Bible Study

Pastor Kopp leads bible study classes at times during the year.

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The classes are informative and discussion-oriented, and are open to all. Bibles are provided. They take place both in the church and via Zoom.

The next Bible study series is posted on the Home Page under Events.

Hope and Healing: Christian Cancer Support Group

Augustana offers a Christian Cancer Support Group.

The group is for anyone who is facing cancer, or who

has beat cancer and would like to give support to others. Meetings take place both in the church and on Zoom. The standard meeting time is the 4th Tuesday of each month from 3 - 4 pm. However, please let the group leader know you plan to attend in the event that the group needs to be rescheduled.

Just contact the church office: (716) 832-5720 / augustchurch@yahoo.com .

WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)

WELCA supports Augustana, the community, and the wider church in many ways, including organizing the winter clothing drive, and fundraising for charities. Many especially look forward to their chicken chowder and bake sales.

Men's Club

The men do work in the church, such as cooking Easter brunch, and they support charities and plan activities. They have a longstanding tradition of organizing our church's participation in the annual Lutheran Charities night at the Bisons, and are happy to be organizing this again in August 2022.

Coffee Hour

Groups or individuals take turns hosting coffee hour. Coffee hour is a great time to get to know people better and learn more about Augustana. Perhaps the conversation will help you think about what kinds of outreach and activities interest you, and maybe you have an idea you want to share.

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We are pleased to be able to offer Coffee Hour again every other week. Check at church for the current schedule.

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Sociables

Sociables is on pause during the pandemic. Their usual activities include going to plays and concerts, visiting sites in the community, and more.  All are welcome to join in when they resume.

Landscaping and Gardens

The grounds of Augustana are beautiful year round, thanks to volunteers who maintain the many trees, shrubs and garden plants.

Stay tuned for photos!