From the Buffalo News: Weather indignities: Lake-effect rain and lightning strikes

Lightning strikes and lake-effect rain became the latest by-products of our wet and nasty early days of August, but relief could be on the way, at least by the end of the week…

…lightning struck at least twice over the weekend, damaging a Lackawanna church Sunday afternoon, after a Chautauqua County man was struck by lightning while cutting his grass Saturday evening.

The Lackawanna lightning strike sparked a steeple fire at the Polish National Catholic Church, at Pulaski and Franklin streets in Lackawanna. City firefighters responding to the 2:50 p.m. alarm put the fire out quickly. Moderate damage was reported to the church.

On Saturday night, Amos N. Byler, 41, of the Town of Chautauqua, was struck on the back of his head and neck at about 7:45 p.m., while cutting his lawn with a sickle, officials said. He was taken to Westfield Memorial Hospital, then transferred to an Erie, Pa., hospital for further treatment.

I ask your prayers for Holy Trinity Parish, its people, and its pastor, the recently ordained Fr. Gary Spencer, as well as for the health and healing of Mr. Byler.