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:
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Please pray the Fulton community over the tragic loss of Rylee Bartlett and Brady Niver.
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Please pray for the Rev. Patrick Heery and his family as they make plans to move to Cincinnati this summer to be closer to family. Please pray for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn as they make plans for an interim pastor and a search process.
- 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: Northminster, North Syracuse; Onondaga Hill; Faith United Church of Oswego; Presbyterian Church of Otisco; New Hope, Parish
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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A Mother’s Day prayer inspired by womanist theology
Daniel Heath pens a prayer for Mother's Day that names the abuse of women and lifts it up to God.
Mother God, we give you thanks for another day. We are grateful for a time set aside to honor motherhood. Earth’s history has been formed by mothers like Mother Mary and Mother Theresa, surrogate and foster mothers, godmothers and fairy godmothers. We even acknowledge motherhood in nature with mother hens under the care of Mother Earth. Today we ask your acute attention upon all current, trying, and future mothers gathered here, one by one and name by name. You know their stories. You know their needs. Remove all sources of sorrow, scars and fear that they may live more fully into your promises.
For all current mothers, we pray that you surround them with abundant support. We pray for attentive partners and spouses, faithful worshiping communities and prompt support services. We pray that each one would be equipped to expose the pain they carry, knowing that silent suffering is not a virtue. Help each to know that motherhood is a call and not only a result. Help us to call out abuse for them and with them for the enslavement that it is in all their forms, psychological, verbal, physical and otherwise.
For all trying mothers, we pray that each would embrace agency over their bodies. We pray against any person, situation or thought that would prevent the freedom to make decisions regarding their own bodies. We pray for mothers who have experienced miscarriages and other losses while waiting.
Finally, we pray for future mothers in our midst and everywhere. We pray your protection against violations to their bodies at parks, in churches, schools, homes, and places of work. We pray against any unhealthy notion that abuse is God’s will.
We now call out the names of abused women aloud and in our hearts whose healing we seek from you…
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Happening Today
Attention: Active and retired clergy, COM liaisons, church treasurers and plan administrators
Please join your Board of Pensions church consultant, the Rev. Luke Choi, for an interactive “Benefit Talk” zoom event on Thursday, May 11 from noon to 1 p.m. to hear about the recent Board announcements, including new changes with the Assistance Program (Minister Debt Relief, Minister Educational Debt Assistance, Emergency Assistance, Adoption Assistance, Transition-to-College, Income/Housing Supplements, Retiree Medical Grant, Clergy Wellness Program, etc.). There will also be plenty of time for attendees to ask any questions regarding benefits, terms of call, transition, retirement, and other related topics. Active and retired clergy, COM liaisons, church treasurers and plan administrators are highly encouraged to join this meeting.
Zoom information
Meeting ID: 814 4701 8880
Passcode: 692440
One tap mobilee
+16468769923,,8144701880#,,,,*692440# US (New York)
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Zoom information will be available soon. |
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An Annual Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held on May 6, 2023.
Here are some highlights and notes about the meeting:
- The meeting was held in person only at First Presbyterian Church of Chittenango.
- The meeting began with a worship service.
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All of the Docket and supporting materials are available HERE.
- The Rev. Garrett Anderson talked about Christian Nationalism event on Wednesday, June 7th at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church. See poster above and invite your friends. The event is in person and a Zoom link will be available soon.
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The Stated Clerk, the Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye lead the discussion and voting on the proposed amendments to the Book of Order. All amendments were approved.
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MOTION PASSED: To dissolve the Leadership Team. Pursuant to the new structure adopted at the January 31st 2023 meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse, and to dismiss the members of the Leadership Team with gratitude.
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Elder Gordie Howard was thanked for his service. Watch video on Facebook.
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MOTION PASSED to form an Administrative Commission for First Presbyterian Church of Chittenango.
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MOTION PASSED: COM moves the approval of the following Elders, who have successfully completed approved communion training, to serve communion in their home churches under extraordinary circumstances as guided by the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse policy Ruling Elders Serving Communion.
Doug Russell, Baldwinsville
Lynda Fauler, Liverpool
Ed Fauler, Liverpool
Karen Fey, Liverpool
Tim Fey, Liverpool
Fred Harle, Jamesville
Bernie Epperson, Chittenango
Patrick Olsson, Morrisville
Dan Thomas, Weedsport
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MOTION PASSED: To provide an alternative Biblical exegesis exam by means of an oral Bible study using the January 2023 materials and proctored by Elder Neil Rotach (Kings Ferry) and Rev. Steve Plank for Candidate Daniel DeBrucker-Cota.
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Elder Bill Newell was elected as acting vice moderator. If you have suggestions for nominations for the position, please reach out to Shavon Lynch at lynchshavonn@yahoo.com
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MOTION PASSED: Move the authorization of the Presbyterian Peace Network (PPNK) to serve communion at its annual meeting in August 2023.
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LOST & FOUND: It was discovered that someone left their travel coffee mug in a pew in the sanctuary. It is in our lost and found. Contact the church office to arrange for picking it up.
- We celebrated the ministries of Rev. Patrick Heery and Rev. Jenna Heery. We will miss you! Watch YouTube video below!
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Practical Resources for Churches Webinars |
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Thursday, May 11, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Beth Mueller
Learn how "A Common Sense Guide to the Enneagram for Youth Ministry" can help you - as an adult working with young people—understand yourself as a leader and cultivate a broader awareness of the motivations and obstacles of others. Drawing upon her decades of experience with the Enneagram and ministry with young people, Beth Mueller will help you see how this book can be a tool for better ministry and relationships. A Common Sense Guide to the Enneagram for Youth Ministry also introduces the Intimacy Triads, developed by Beth to help us better understand our intimate relationships with God and each other.
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM ED
Leader - Paul Palumbo
It seems the whole world is experiencing loss, much of it un-grieved. While Peace at the Last was developed for ministry with the dying, it is becoming much more as it is used in wider settings. Peace at the Last will guide you, with renewed hope, through the fear of death into extravagant love as you embrace the journey toward death with, or in remembrance of, a loved one. Alone or with friends, family and yes, even young children, share Peace at the Last and find comfort, closure and release.
We will begin with a short discussion on ways to use the Peace at the Last book / Liturgy, and then will do the liturgy together (all of this will take 30-45 minutes). Those who can stay and wish to process the liturgy together will move to an unrecorded zoom meeting.
Peace at the Last emerged out of congregational need and experience at Lake Chelan Lutheran Church in Chelan, Washington. The creative team includes Pastor Paul Palumbo, composer and musician Rolf Vegdahl, artist Wendy Schramm, and the Lake Chelan Lutheran congregation.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leaders: Patti Berner & Rev. Traci Smith
HR can be stressful and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be!
This webinar is best suited to small to medium size churches where HR is decentralized, and the pastor, along with a discreet, knowledgeable and professional team of volunteers handle these important tasks. Recruiting, hiring, and dealing with "sticky situations" are some of the areas we'll cover. You will learn our Top Five Best Practices, get some starter templates and feel more empowered to meet your next HR challenge with confidence.
Patti has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson at EPC (Elmhurst Presbyterian Church) in Elmhurst, Illinois. Left wanting more? Terrific! Call Patti at (312) 286-4606 or email, Patti.Berner@gmail.com.
Traci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author of the bestselling Faithful Families series of books. Traci’s passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be fun, easy to fit into daily life, and accessible to all. Visit her at traci-smith.com. In this webinar Traci will be acting with her “pastor hat” on. Patti and Traci have worked together for years and both have a passion for helping to demystify HR challenges.
Patti and Traci are speaking out of their own professional experience working with a variety of different churches from their respective consulting work and experience. Their opinions do not represent the views of any particular church or denomination with which they are affiliated.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Bonnie Ives Marden
This webinar will equip and empower ministry leaders to talk about money and raise funds for their ministries by cultivating donors and building relationships.
Bonnie Ives Marden's passion is strengthening the leadership and stewardship dimensions of organizations especially congregations, agencies and boards. Trained in organizational development, behavioral sciences, mediation and leadership skills, she learns best by doing and invites others to do the same! Every retreat, workshop or seminar, webinar or presentation she offers provides practical and experiential engagement. Her diverse experience and extensive knowledge about churches and people, plus group process skills, are woven into each customized offering created to fit your vision.
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New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars
You can take this training any time during the year
3 - 4:30 PM
10 - 11:30 AM
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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?
droppable-1673496502490
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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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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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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Trying on a new pair of glasses
Living Waters for the World’s Steve Young suggests paying attention when the Holy Spirit nudges us
By Steve Young
Living Waters for the World
Special to Presbyterian News Service
I’ve been thinking lately about glasses. Not the drinking kind, more like the seeing kind. Yet not the ones we use to improve our vision, but those we wear that color our perception. What I’ve come to learn after taking 60 trips around the sun is that we all wear these kinds of glasses, no exceptions — well, maybe other than God — I imagine that God sees purely, no glasses required; we humans, not so much.
Yes, we all have at least one pair of these glasses — some of us have several different pairs lying around. We’ve picked them up throughout our lives, from parents and teachers, from our friends and churches. Sometimes, we choose glasses that inspire us, that make us feel joy. And sometimes, we had a pair of glasses we really loved, until someone or something came along and crushed them right in front of us. We are lost, trying to find a pair that fits, or hurt and angry and choose our next pair accordingly.
Glasses of perception are offered insistently from our favorite media outlets, preferred political party, and our card-carrying groups of affiliation. We don’t just strive to “sing from the same hymnbook” — we love to look through the same prescription of glasses. It feels good to flock together, to belong, to know that we’re right and therefore …
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SDOP disburses more than $100K in grants to seven self-help projects
National committee visits community partners in Morganton, North Carolina
By Margaret Mwale
Self-Development of People
Special to Presbyterian News Service
The national SDOP enables members and non-members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to form partnerships with oppressed and disadvantaged people to help them achieve self-sufficiency.
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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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