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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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:
- 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: Isaiah’s Table, Syracuse; Korean Church of Syracuse; Park Central, Syracuse; Robinson Elmwood United Church, Syracuse; First, Weedsport; Whitelaw
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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First woman ordained as a Presbyterian minister celebrates 98th birthday
Margaret Towner was the first woman ordained as a Presbyterian minister on October 24, 1956 right here in Syracuse at First Presbyterian on Genesee Street. She celebrated her 98th birthday on March 19th.
Birthday cards can be sent to 7377 Scotland Way, #6203 Sarasota, FL 35238.
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The Can We Talk Group of retired pastors will meet at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 10:30 a.m.
The group will gather in the lounge behind the sanctuary. As usual, there will be coffee and goodies to go along with whatever is on your mind.
First-timers are welcome as are folks who have not been around for a while!
Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church is located at 5299 Jamesville Road in DeWitt.
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Around the 5 Presbyteries |
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Around the Synod of the Northeast |
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Nichol Burris joins the staff of the Synod of the Northeast as the new Administrative Coordinator. She will begin her service to the Synod on April 3, 2023. Nichol is a minister, coach, pastoral counselor, conference presenter, event planner, and experienced volunteer manager. She previously worked for Hartford HealthCare, Habitat for Humanity, and Community Presbyterian Church in New Castle, Delaware. Nichol’s acknowledgments include being a presenter for Volunteers of America and receiving the Distinguished Woman Award, National Action Network New York Chapter. Nichol studied theology at the International Christian University and received a doctorate and a master’s degree. Dr. Nichol lives with her husband, Rich, and children in Granby, Connecticut.
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Practical Resources for Churches Webinars |
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Tuesday, March 28, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Leader - Rev. Jennifer Butler
Remembering our history is a spiritual practice. We will examine how white Christian nationalism has shown up throughout history and how people of faith have organized to push back. These historic movements are models of how people of faith can respond to the current resurgence of white Christian nationalism. We must reclaim our faith to counter white Christian nationalism and cast a clear moral vision of a country where everyone can thrive.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
2:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Leader - Caroline Hamilton-Arnold
Wonder Awaits encourages children of all ages to use those senses and everyday activities to see the miracles of creation. Kids are encouraged to get close, get dirty, look carefully, look up, make art, make friends, be brave, be curious, be present, and be amazed — all activities we adults should do too, right? Learn how you might use the book with the children in your congregation.
Thursday, March 30, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Leader - Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart
What difference does our worship make? How is Christian liturgy a political task? We'll explore these questions and more in this interactive session about what it means to engage in a worship that turns the world right-side-up.
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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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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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Please Note: Our new address change -- PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214 -- also applies to mail sent to the Bookkeeper.
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Church Keyboard Musician at Park Central Presbyterian Church in Syracuse
Park Central Presbyterian Church in downtown Syracuse is seeking an experienced keyboard musician for its small, but growing, congregation.
The Church Keyboard Musician will play for all scheduled services of worship, providing hymn accompaniment, service music (prelude, postlude, music during communion, etc.), accompany instrumental and vocal soloists, and accompany choral singing.
The Church Keyboard Musician reports to the Director of Arts and Technology, and to the
Minister as head of staff. The position is part-time, requiring approximately eight hours per
week.
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Solo Pastor at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church in DeWitt
Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church is currently seeking a solo 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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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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MISTER ROGERS: The Rev. Patrick Heery opened worship Sunday morning at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn channeling another Presbyterian pastor -- Mister Rogers. He also found out singing and changing clothes simultaneously is harder than it looks!
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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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Remember, Presbyterians: God can bear our pain and anger
We need one another to process and heal
By Adele Crawford for Presbyterians Today
Special to Presbyterian News Service
Originally published July/August 2019
As I write, there are reports of yet another school shooting. The refrain “I never thought this would happen here” has become a mantra on the evening news. The circle of those experiencing trauma — or knowing someone who has — widens daily. In her book “Spirit and Trauma: A Theology of Remaining,” Dr. Shelly Rambo recalls standing in the backyard of Julius Lee, a retired member of the United States Air Force. It was after Hurricane Katrina and all that was left of his house were remnants of a washed-out foundation. As they stood there, Lee said, “The storm is gone, but the ‘after the storm’ is always here.”
Whether the trauma was caused by a human being or nature, what kind of faith do we need for “after the storm?”
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Presbytery welcomes transgender teens
Presbytery of New Covenant seeks to be ‘as inclusive as possible for all God’s children’
By Becky Ardell Downs for Presbyterians Today
Special to Presbyterian News Service
Originally published May/June 2021
Presbytery of New Covenant in southeast Texas has had a strong youth ministry for decades. A highlight has been its Youth Conclaves weekend retreats that are led by the youth themselves. These retreats are a time to meet other Presbyterian youth and a time to grow as disciples. Our presbytery also recognizes that youth is a time of exploration and identity formation — including gender or sexual orientation. This became apparent in February of 2020 when a request was received regarding a young person who was hesitant to attend a retreat weekend because of who she is. Katrina is transgender. She had attended the previous year when she hadn’t fully come out, and she stayed in the boys’ cabin. While she knew she didn’t want to stay there, she wasn’t sure she would be able to stay with the girls. The presbytery’s General Council made a quick decision, with a hastily written policy, that Katrina could attend and stay with the girls. We felt that, at the very least, she could feel comfortable, and we were covered legally. We knew, though, that inclusion of transgender youth in church events had to be addressed because there were more teens like Katrina among us.
A 2019 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report found that 2% of high school students identify as transgender. Thirty-five percent of transgender youth attempt suicide and 27% admit to feeling unsafe going to school. That’s why we included the following words in the final transgender youth policy: “In our work as a presbytery, our love for one another — especially those who are often excluded — is how we are known.”
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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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