Dear Friends of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery,
Welcome to this week's edition of our e-letter, Presbytery Matters. Our goal is to highlight things going on throughout the Church: within our Presbytery, in our congregations, as well as in the Synod of the Northeast and across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We hope that these are things that will be helpful, informative, challenging, encouraging and supportive. In other words, we hope that these things will matter. Your input is valued, and your comments are always welcomed.
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A Cozy Christmas Tradition
First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus gifts pajamas to students
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For many years, the members of First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus have been giving pajamas to students at the Kirk Street after school program in Syracuse. The mission committee acquires a list of names with age and size and creates an angel for each. Members of the congregation each take an angel. Each pair is wrapped with a personal note, and delivery takes place before Christmas. |
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We want to hear about the mission stories from our Presbytery's worshiping communities. What mission work are you involved in? How are your members working in the community? What story would you like to share with others in the Presbytery?
Send any mission stories from your congregation that you would like to share to: CaySyrNews@gmail.com.
Deadline is 12 p.m. on Wednesdays for the current week's edition of
Presbytery Matters.
We want to share your stories, missions, activities and more. Also, make sure to like our Facebook page by clicking the "Facebook" icon at the top of this newsletter.
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Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery |
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In our prayers together this week:
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Please pray for the Rev. Debra Thomas after the death of her mother, Evelyn Hirst. Please keep the Hirst family in your prayers. Evelyn will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Read her obituary HERE.
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Pray for the family and friends of the Rev. Roger Pohl who passed away on January 29th. He was the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville for 24 years. Calling hours for Rev. Roger Pohl will be at Falardeau Funeral Home, Baldwinsville, NY on Friday, February 3rd from 4:00pm-7:00pm. A Memorial Service will be held here at First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville this Saturday, February 4, at 10 a.m.
- Rita Hooper (First United Fulton) is happy to announce she has finally gotten rid of her arthritic encrusted and badly worn hip and replaced it with a bright shiny new one. She is hoping to once again walk some trails in the ADKs, visit with her PW Sisters and celebrate life! Please keep the prayers going so she can reach her goals.
- Please pray for Sue Doran, former Presbyterian Communicator. Sue’s husband Jim passed away last week.
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Please keep the families, friends and classmates of Brexialee Torres-Ortiz and Ava Wood in your prayers. Brexialee, 11, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Syracuse on January 16th and days later Ava, 14, was killed in an apparent murder-suicide by her father. Both tragedies have left two school communities in mourning.
- Please keep all those who are battling sickness in your prayers. COVID, the flu, cold viruses and stomach viruses are continuing to impact so many in our churches and our communities.
- Please keep Communications Coordinator Sarah Buckshot in your prayers. She's 35 weeks pregnant with her second set of twins, who are due to arrive on Valentine's Day. Please keep her in your prayers as she deals with complications due to another high risk pregnancy.
- Please pray for Frank Campagna from the Cazenovia Church. Frank was diagnosed with cancer. Please keep him, his doctors and his family in your prayers.
- Please pray for everyone who is struggling with their mental health and mental illnesses.
- Keep all those who battling cancer in your prayers. Please ask God to be by their side and to be with their doctors and families.
In the cycle of prayer our Presbytery, please pray for these congregations, faith communities, and individuals: Amboy Belle Isle; First, Auburn; Westminster, Auburn; United Ministry of Aurora; First, Baldwinsville.
If you'd like to share a particular joy or concern with the Presbytery, please contact: CaySyrNews@gmail.com. Please note, prayers will be featured for three weeks, unless a specific time frame is requested.
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We held a Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse at 6:00 p.m. on January 31, 2023 on Zoom.
Here are some highlights from the meeting:
- Our Stated Meeting started at 6 p.m. by our Moderator, the Rev. Garrett Anderson.
- Garrett promoted the Congregational Learning Day and encouraged folks to register. Please see information below.
- A worship service was held to start the meeting.
- We welcomed the Rev. Justin L. Marple, the new pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Chittenango, and the Rev. Kirsty Dickson-Maret, the new pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Baldwinsville.
- All motions passed during the meeting, including the Leadership Team's support for the Young Adult Volunteers at the New York City site.
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The Leadership Team's motion for a Proposed New Structure was approved. Learn more: Proposed New Structure.
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We welcomed Beth Broadway and Marwah Alobaidi from Interfaith Works. The pair gave a presentation regarding how the mission funds from the Presbytery, seven congregations and individuals have been used over the past year. Learn more below.
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Linda Russell gave an update of her Korea Peace Appeal Report and provided the following webpage for more information: Click Here.
- The Nominating Committee nominated Ann Wiley as the next Treasurer of the Presbytery for a 3 year term. Her nomination was approved unanimously. She will start May 1st.
- The meeting ended at 8:33 p.m.
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Congregational Learning Day - March 4, 2023 |
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Registration is now open: Register HERE
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Interfaith Works (IFW) President/CEO Beth Broadway, and the Director of Resettlement Marwah Alobaidi gave a wonderful and moving presentation to the Presbytery on Tuesday, January 31st regarding how the mission funds from the Presbytery, seven congregations and individuals have been used over the past year.
Here’s a very brief summary:
IFW has assisted those who were rent and utilities insecure during the height of the pandemic preventing 104 people from being homeless. Also, funds were used for refugees placed with IFW who needed first month’s rent (was $700 but now nothing under $1,300/month) plus a security deposit. All sources from the County would not cover security deposits. The Presbytery provided both safety nets and foundations for many refugees to “start over.” The populations served included: Afghans, Congolese, Syrians, Central Africa refugees.
For example, we heard the story (and saw the picture) of a Syrian family whose electricity and gas were cut off in cold December of 2021. If IFW had waited to go through all the red-tape of procuring county funds it would have taken too long and the family would have suffered. However, IFW was able to immediately use the Presbytery mission funds and restore the families heat and light the next day.
IFW first uses funds from County resources and then uses the Presbytery/congregation funds to fill in necessary gaps. Good management!
IFW has used approximately half of what was granted. By filling in the gaps in increments of $300-$2,000(per family) at a time they can spread out the mission funds across many people’s needs be it utilities or rent security.
CLICK HERE to view full presentation it is in a PDF format.
THE NEED CONTINUES
Now that refugees from Ukraine are flowing in IFW continues to expand its refugee assistance program and needs support from congregations and individuals who can assist with the startup needs of single individuals and families. See the list below of items needed this month. For more information please contact Marwah Alobaidi at malobaidi@ifwcny.or or call 315-449-3552 (x-219)
Also, volunteers are needed at the warehouse to help sort and log donations. The location is 1717 Townsend St Syracuse and donations can be given on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s.
Please contact Jennie Prouty, Volunteer Coordinator of the Center for New Americans jrpouty@ifwchy.org or call 315-449-3552 (x128) to drop off items and the times they are open.
- High-Chair Trays
- Tall Waste Cans
- 15-Gallons Trash Bags
- Rubber Spatulas
- Baby Wash-Cloths
- Hooded Baby Towels
- Children Sippy Cups
- Pillow Cases (Children and Adults)
Thank you for your support and kindness,
Social Justice Committee
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In the absence of a Resource Presbyter, please contact the following individuals:
And, as always, questions regarding church polity, minutes, parlimentary procedure should be directed to our Stated Clerk, Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye (statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org)
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Tuesday, February 7, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EST
Leader - Rebekah Simon-Peter
In this fascinating webinar, learn from Rebekah Simon-Peter, author of Forging a New Path: Moving the Church Forward in a Post-Pandemic World, lessons from pandemics past. The church has successfully weathered pandemics before. Discover the top three takeaways from history. And how you and your people can benefit from them. Leave with actions steps you can put into place.
Thursday, February 16, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EST
Leader - Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund
Join author, advocate, and pastor Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund for conversation, stories, and practical steps about how faith communities can offer support and hope to children, teens, and their families living with mental health challenges.
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FUN TIMES: The Liverpool First Presbyterian Church held a taco lunch and bingo party on Sunday. The event was sponsored by the deacons and featured great food, fellowship and fun times!
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Do you live-stream your service on Sundays?
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We are compiling a list of live-stream links to feature in Presbytery Matters. This will allow others to join in on your services.
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Join in on these services virtually on Sundays:
Faith United Oswego - Live on Zoom (Meeting ID: 207 196 571)
Isaiah's Table will send a link for people to join our hybrid worship at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Send email to isaiahtable@gmail.com by Friday evening.
Scipioville Presbyterian Church - Live on Zoom (Meeting ID: 836 3163 8403
Passcode: SPC13147)
More to come...
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The Manor is an affordable senior living community located at 49 West Genesee St. in the village of Skaneateles. It is intended for well seniors and includes all meals prepared by our staff. All suites include a private bath. Internet access and cable TV are included in the price. The Manor is located within the heart of the Village and is a short walking distance to lake-side parks. It is located on bus route serving the central New York and Syracuse vicinity. Local transportation services are available.
The Manor is a non-profit mission of the First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles and is operated by an independent board of directors. It is maintained through the volunteer efforts and monetary donations of the church and community members who take a personal interest in The Manor and its residents, visiting and hosting regular social gatherings and holiday events.
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Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, Stated Clerk, can be reached by emailing statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org OR by calling or texting (315) 604-8535. Ben will be out of the office from Monday, December 26, 2022 through Monday, January 9, 2023.
Sarah Buckshot, Communications Coordinator, can be reached by emailing caysyrnews@gmail.com. Sarah will be on vacation from Sunday, December 25th to Saturday, December 31st.
Please Note: Our new address change -- PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214 -- also applies to mail sent to the Bookkeeper.
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Solo Pastor at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church in DeWitt
Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church is currently seeking a sole pastor who is spiritually grounded, intellectually curious, compassionate, and forward-thinking. PHPC has a history of community engagement and a commitment to social justice. Our congregation thrives on preaching that enriches and propels us to expand our thinking and motivates action. We are nourished through inspiring music and the loving nature of our faith community. We seek someone who is flexible, has a sense of humor, and flourishes in contexts where collaboration in leadership is the norm.
Position tasks include worship leadership & preaching, pastoral care, oversight of Christian education, moderating the Session, representing the congregation to outside groups that use our facility, assisting committees with guidance and insights as needed, participating and motivating members to become more active in social justice and mission projects.
PHPC was formed in 1956 in a suburb of Syracuse, NY. The church is located less than five miles from Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University, along with other institutions of higher education, multiple hospitals, and successful manufacturing facilities. The church is also situated within a very strong K-12 school system. We enjoy the benefits of a city with close proximity to the Finger Lakes, a pleasant drive to the Adirondacks, and a multitude of hiking and biking options in the immediate area, including those associated with the Erie Canal corridor. Onondaga County is on the cusp of major growth due to its selection as the site for an investment of $100 billion over ten years by Micron computer chip company. Finally, Syracuse was recently identified by FEMA as the safest city in the U.S. from natural disasters.
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Administrative Assistant
Jamesville Church seeks energetic administrative assistant, 10 hours/week, $15/hour. Perfect for someone with children in school! Mature faith, skilled in MS Office, people lover, self-starter, good planner, team player, problem solver, task finisher.
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Are you hiring?
If your church is hiring in 2022 or still looking to fill a position from 2021, please send a new or updated announcement and job description to Communication Coordinator Sarah Buckshot at caysyrnews@gmail.com
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Annual Meeting - Saturday, May 6, 2023. Time and Location TBA
Stated Meeting - Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. Time and Location TBA
Stated Meeting - Saturday, September 16, 2023. Time and Location TBA
Stated Meeting -Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
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Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
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Stated Clerk reacts to video of altercation between Memphis police and Tyre Nichols
J. Herbert Nelson calls on communities and the church to change policing in this country
Tyre Nichols was a father, son, friend and co-worker. But on Jan. 7, he became the face and victim of the latest violent clash with law enforcement. He was 29 years old.
The release of body camera and surveillance video last week shows that Nichols was stopped by police near his home in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was brutally beaten and kicked. Based on the video released by authorities, they continued to beat him until he could not stand. There appeared to be no urgency to administer medical attention.
Law enforcement once again took on the role of judge, jury and executioner. It didn’t have to be that way. Now, a child has lost a father, a mother has lost a son and a community mourns another life needlessly taken by those who are sworn to protect them. We keep seeing this play out over and over again as names like George Floyd and Breonna Taylor come to mind.
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What does it mean to be a PC(USA) Peace Church?
Focus of webinar is how to define and discern one’s way to becoming a Peace Church
By Scott O’Neill
Presbyterian News Service
The Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Militarism Working Group held its first Connecting the Dots webinar in 2023 on Wednesday, discussing what it means to be a Peace Church within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Moderator Ben Daniel, pastor at Montclair Presbyterian Church in Oakland, California, opened the session by noting that talking about what it means to be a Christian in a time of war is an important conversation to have.
Tongue in cheek, Daniel shared his personal experience with a “brilliant” sermon he preached to his congregation back in 2003 opposing the invasion of Iraq by U.S. forces. He came to realize after the fact that his timing was poor.
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P.O. Box 438, Syracuse 13214
(315) 632-5698
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"I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them
bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
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