Activities for Youth and Adults
We welcome you to explore the many ways that people
of all ages can become involved in the life of the church.
Worship & Music
We have Ushers, Deacons, Altar Guild, a Prayer Chain, and individuals who visit the sick and shut-in. A prayer partner is available to pray with people, confidentially, after the worship service.
During the pandemic, we have a Cantor who leads the congregation in singing hymns. Our choir is not meeting in person, but we have had several recorded choir songs, produced by our organist. We incorporate many styles of music to enhance the service.
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:
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As acolytes, youth light altar candles.
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Those who take music lessons may play their instrument, working our music director.
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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.
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.
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 are 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.




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.


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. For example,
(pre-pandemic), they organized the church's participation in the annual Lutheran Charities evening at the Bisons.

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.
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.
Check at church for the current schedule.
