I started a journal here a while ago when I figured out I was going to move to Buffalo. I've been here one month now, and I would like to journal on a regular basis, so here goes.
I came to serve Lafayette Ave. Presbyterian Church as their new pastor. I accepted the call there because they are wonderful people, in a beautiful building, in a fantastic neighborhood. My wife and I bought a house nearby on Lexington.
Right now, the Church community is like a family. Everybody knows one another, and loves one another, but we don't always agree on everything. I like that. The family does, for the most part, agree that we are here to be a force for good in the Elmwood Village. We already put a lot of ourselves into Loaves and Fishes, but we hope to make a difference in whole lot of other ways.
The church building is in what I consider a perfect location. I would love to utilize it more fully. Send me a note if you would ever like to see what it's like. In addition to a great space for worship, there is a gym, classrooms, a social hall, and even a log cabin. Quite nice.
I have absolutely loved my month in Buffalo. Friendly people, lots of good food, and so much to do during the summer.
Anyway, the church will soon have a website if you want information about it. If you don't like Christians, or church, or whatever, I understand, but I am also quick to caution you not to believe the stereotypes. We're certainly not perfect, but we're also nothing like those people that were shouting at the pride parade. We do our best to love God and love our neighbors, following the way of Jesus. Other than that, we're pretty much like most other people.
The church gathers at 10am Sundays. If you want to know more about who we are, stop and visit or drop a note.
By the way, I won't always post about the church. I'm pretty excited about all the free music here this summer, and getting to know the improv scene, too.
Drew's Journal
My Podcast Link
06/05/2007 15:31 #39534
Ok. I am here.Category: intro
01/28/2007 16:44 #37902
This is nice . . .I like estrip so far. People helped right away. I will become a more regular reader/poster as I get closer to moving. Until then, Thanks!
imk2 - 01/28/07 20:30
hey drew, where you moving from? and why? is it a job move? i would start looking for a place to live in artvoice, (www.artvoice.com) that is where most of us look when we want to rent. and the apartments listed here are where most of us live. if you find something you're interested in, run it by us and we'll tell you more about it, i.e. where is the neighborhood, what kind of stuff is near it, how nice is it, etc. that is what (e:chico) and (e:chicoschica) did when they moved here not too long ago. good luck!
hey drew, where you moving from? and why? is it a job move? i would start looking for a place to live in artvoice, (www.artvoice.com) that is where most of us look when we want to rent. and the apartments listed here are where most of us live. if you find something you're interested in, run it by us and we'll tell you more about it, i.e. where is the neighborhood, what kind of stuff is near it, how nice is it, etc. that is what (e:chico) and (e:chicoschica) did when they moved here not too long ago. good luck!
01/26/2007 16:20 #37883
Coming soon . . .Moving to Buffalo and Elmwood area in the next couple months. This site seems like it might be helpful in getting to know the area and the people.
Anyway, if anyone wants to help me find a place to live, I think that will be task number one. I figure We (wife and I) will rent until we can buy.
We don't arrive until May, but we're trying to work on things ahead of time.
Anyway, if anyone wants to help me find a place to live, I think that will be task number one. I figure We (wife and I) will rent until we can buy.
We don't arrive until May, but we're trying to work on things ahead of time.
jsl - 05/23/07 13:03
Good luck on your move! I just noticed that you said you'd be moving in May... hope you found a satisfactory place, and let us know how it works out.
Good luck on your move! I just noticed that you said you'd be moving in May... hope you found a satisfactory place, and let us know how it works out.
chico - 01/26/07 20:55
Hi (e:drew) ! Welcome to the strip. Last spring/summer (e:chicoschica) and I did a lot of apartment hunting and we're happy to help in any way we can. And we found a great rental, a beautiful second-floor flat in a quiet neighborhood in the city, thanks to an (e:strip)per-- (e:libertad) (thanks again lib). So there's reason to believe that (e:strip) might actually help. :)
Hi (e:drew) ! Welcome to the strip. Last spring/summer (e:chicoschica) and I did a lot of apartment hunting and we're happy to help in any way we can. And we found a great rental, a beautiful second-floor flat in a quiet neighborhood in the city, thanks to an (e:strip)per-- (e:libertad) (thanks again lib). So there's reason to believe that (e:strip) might actually help. :)
leetee - 01/26/07 18:47
Welcome to (e:Strip) (e:Drew)
Yeah, what (e:Uncutsaniflush) said. We rented in Buffalo for 6 months while looking for a house to buy.
We noticed the closer to the strip, the more expensive... for both rental and purchase.
I am sure if you start asking questions about neighbourhoods, plenty of us (e:peeps) will chime in. :O)
I've heard there are some nice rentals on Richmond... i think (e:Carolinian) lives on Richmond, another new Buffalonian. (e:Chico) and (e:Chicoschica) are new to Buffalo, too!
Yay us for having faith in Buffalo and moving here!
Welcome to (e:Strip) (e:Drew)
Yeah, what (e:Uncutsaniflush) said. We rented in Buffalo for 6 months while looking for a house to buy.
We noticed the closer to the strip, the more expensive... for both rental and purchase.
I am sure if you start asking questions about neighbourhoods, plenty of us (e:peeps) will chime in. :O)
I've heard there are some nice rentals on Richmond... i think (e:Carolinian) lives on Richmond, another new Buffalonian. (e:Chico) and (e:Chicoschica) are new to Buffalo, too!
Yay us for having faith in Buffalo and moving here!
uncutsaniflush - 01/26/07 17:48
Welcome to (e:strip).
Good luck on your move to Buffalo. I think you will find people helpful with advice on the best places to live even if they don't always agree with each other.
Buffalo is a very inexpensive housing market compared to most of the U.S. If you are into older Victorian and Craftsman houses, bargains abound especially within the city limits of Buffalo.
I think your plan of renting while looking for the right place to buy is a good one. It's what (e:leetee) and I did a couple of years ago.
Welcome to (e:strip).
Good luck on your move to Buffalo. I think you will find people helpful with advice on the best places to live even if they don't always agree with each other.
Buffalo is a very inexpensive housing market compared to most of the U.S. If you are into older Victorian and Craftsman houses, bargains abound especially within the city limits of Buffalo.
I think your plan of renting while looking for the right place to buy is a good one. It's what (e:leetee) and I did a couple of years ago.
Hi, (e:drew). Welcome to Buffalo!
hi drew. welcome to the hood.
imk don't be a nerd!
oh crap! i didnt mean to say damn it!
damn it, i meant welcome
wecome (e:drew), good to have you here.
Welcome to the strip and to Buffalo
Welcome to Buffalo!
Welcome to Buffalo and estrip.
It is always nice to have new voices in this running with scissors dialogue at the site.
Welcome, Drew!
Hello - welcome to the site!
Summers in Buffalo are very underrated - I think you'll find yourself enjoying much of what out of towners don't see or hear about. If you are new to the area then I would highly recommend checking out the art festivals and the Taste of Buffalo in particular, since as far as I'm concerned besides the architecture and the people, the food is something that you'll really come to love.
If you like sushi, you have a fabulous takeout spot right on your street (Kuni's - reborn!) and on weekends at Bidwell and Elmwood we have the farmer's market, which I think you might enjoy checking out.
As far as religion goes, I think you'll find some variety of opinion here, with the definite exception of your stereotypical "holy roller." So I can't honestly say from A-Z (athiest to zealot)! There are no fans of Jerry Falwell's philosophy here, for example.
So you are aware if you are not yet, collective viewpoint of the people here leans mostly towards distrust of organized religion or just general ambivalence. What most people I think are offended by would be judging peoples lifestyles, personal characteristics, etc. in a malicious way based on a set of morals that they do not personally ascribe to. Generally speaking though most people here on estrip are friendly, good people that live their own lives and even tell some of the dirtier bits of their personal details through their journals at times. There is a wide variety of interests and perspectives.