news article

A city church in vibrant ministry

July 28, 2025 / By Rev. Merle Showers, University United Methodist Church in Buffalo / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

What do you do when you have a large city church building—but only a handful of United Methodist members? You ask for God’s guidance. And be ready: when you ask sincerely, you just might get an unexpected answer 

That answer began to take shape when people started approaching us at University United Methodist Church in Buffalo with a simple question: “Do you have space for our church?” At first, the response was straightforward—yes, we can rent you some space. But the requests kept coming. 

And then came a more profound question: Is this God’s answer? 

We came to understand this is not our building. It is God’s. We are not owners—we are stewards. It’s a large building, and we were not using it to its full potential. So why shouldn’t God’s children—those seeking a place to worship—find a spiritual home here? 

It started with one church, then two, then three. But soon, practical questions emerged: Who worships where—and when? Everyone wanted the sanctuary on Sunday morning. But we already worship there at that time. 

We have a chapel—could another congregation worship there simultaneously? Would it be too noisy? Eventually, we transformed our fellowship hall into a sanctuary. It was far enough away to accommodate simultaneous services. 

Then another church came. Their worship was quieter (well, give or take a few decibels). We welcomed them into the chapel. The third church? They were willing to wait until our service ended and then use the sanctuary. Another church was fine with meeting at 3 p.m. The next church was willing to meet on Saturdays, but the other churches all wanted a second day of prayer and fasting. So, we converted the parlor into a worship space. 

Who are all these congregations? 

Today, five churches, in addition to the United Methodist congregation, worship at University UMC. These communities are made up of African immigrants, each with their own language, traditions, and worship styles. Some worship in Swahili, some in French, others in languages unique to their communities. 

Sunday at University UMC is a vibrant, joyful expression of faith. Drums echo from multiple floors, often creating a spirited rhythm across the building. Members come and go throughout the day. The parking lot empties and fills again in waves. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., several hundred people gather here to worship God with full hearts and joyful souls. 

The ministry doesn’t stop on Sundays. A suburban church with members in the city holds Tuesday Bible study here. There’s space for a Narcotics Anonymous group, the Greater Buffalo Counseling Center, the Neighborhood Block Club, and others. 

This once-quiet building now hums with purpose. God’s purpose. 

And something beautiful has happened along the way: this ministry of hospitality has breathed new life into the United Methodist congregation, too. We had to let go of the idea that we “own” this building—and listen carefully for the answer to the prayer we dared to pray.