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.
|
|
United Ministry of Aurora held an Ice Cream Social recently to benefit the King Ferry Food Pantry.
Volunteers and participants had a blast! The youth of the church served the ice cream!
"We scooped, laughed, and played games, all while connecting with our community," organizers said.
The cherry on top? Together, the church raised an impressive $800 in support of the King Ferry Food Pantry!
|
|
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.
|
|
Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery |
|
In our prayers together this week:
- Please pray for everyone who is struggling with their mental health, mental illnesses and addiction.
- Please pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
- 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: First, Cazenovia; First, Chittenango; United Church of Collamer; Pebble Hill, DeWitt; First United Church of East Syracuse
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.
|
|
Highly recommended for clerks of session: |
|
Snacks and lunch will be provided.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the training will start promptly at 9:30 a.m.
|
|
Vision and Strategy Committee |
|
What does “vision” mean? Really? As the chairperson of the Vision and Strategy Committee, this question has been on my mind a lot lately. In the “olden days” -- you know, like back in the 1990’s -- my quest for an answer would have taken me to the bookshelf or the library. But being a sophisticated woman of the 21st century, I did the “modern” thing. I Googled it.
What I found was interesting. As you might expect, dictionary definitions include such things as “seeing with the eyes” or “anticipating what will come to be.” There was also a description of “imaginative conception” and “to picture mentally.” But then I noticed this: “an experience in which a personage, thing, or event appears vividly or credibly to the mind, although not actually present, often under the influence of a divine or other agency.” It included a note to compare with the word hallucination. (dictionary.com)
When we look to the Bible for a definition of vision, hallucination is not on the list. We do, however, find a number of explanations of how vision is received, including through inspiration, prophecy and dream. These visions were sometimes incredibly vivid, even supernatural experiences. But hallucination? No. Although there were people who certainly wondered at times if the prophets were hallucinating, given some of their strange behaviors and actions that illustrated their prophetic vision for God’s people. (Check out Ezekiel sometime.)
Proverbs has a lot to say about vision. In Proverbs 29:18a, we find a warning, “Where there is no vision, the people perish...” (KJV). Or as the NRSVUE says, “Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint...” The popular paraphrase, The Message, puts it this way: “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves...”
In Proverbs 19:21, we read, “The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.” (NRSVUE.) This is paraphrased, “We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.” (The Message)
And in Proverbs 16:3, we find these words of wisdom, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans (thoughts-KJV) will be established.” (NRSVUE). Or as the paraphrase renders, “Put God in charge of your work, then what you’ve planned will take place.”
When the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, they committed themselves to the work of the Holy Spirit. No longer afraid, they ran into the street to tell the good news, filled with excitement and speaking in tongues so that all could understand the words they had to share. The response of many who witnessed this moment, was that they must be drunk. Dictionary.com might say their words and actions were brought on by some kind of “hallucinatory agency.” But we who believe in the good news know what happened that day was a prophetic gift from the divine.
Peter says what the people are seeing is not a bunch of drunken folks spouting drunken nonsense, but the fulfillment of Scripture. He quotes the prophet Joel, saying “I will pour out my Spirit on all people; your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17) The vision the disciples shared that day changed the world.
Does God still give visions today? Or is the work we do as a presbytery to be based on nothing more than hallucination, “the human mind devising plans” (Prov. 19:21) brought on by wishful thinking for what we hope to be and do? Well, I think you know the answer to that. We are a people of faith. We are a people of hope. We are a people filled with the Holy Spirit that is poured out, causing God’s sons and daughters to prophesy. We are a people filled with the joyful expectation that God will use us to fulfill the vision we are given.
How will we discover the vision that God is setting before the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse? Jesus tells us in very simple terms. Seek God first. And he assures us, all the rest will fall into place. I hope you will help the members of the Vision and Strategy Committee in prayerfully seeking first God’s vision for the presbytery. And then, when we discover all that is “added unto us,” we will see the strategy that falls into place as we work together to make the divine vision a reality. Through this vision, may we live out God’s kin-dom on earth. May the Presbytery of C-S be a place where the love, justice and peace of Jesus prevails and the principles of Matthew 25 are shown in the life of our congregations, each of us connected to one another through the Lord, as the Vine is to the branches so that together we might truly shine Christ’s light in the world around us.
May joy abound,
Rev. Deb Thomas,
Chair V & S Committee
|
|
Thank you to all those who participated in the survey. The results and comments have been shared with the Vision and Strategy Committee. |
|
Seeking delegates to the 226th General Assembly
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA is the gathering place for commissioners from around the country to worship, serve, and collectively discern the will of God for the people of God. The General Assembly “reviews the work of synods, resolves controversies in the church, is responsible for matters of common concern for the whole church, and serves as a symbol of unity for the church.”
The 226th General Assembly, which is being held in Salt Lake City, Utah will take place from June 25, 2024 to July 4, 2024. This year the GA will be hybrid with both online and in-person attendance. From June 25th to 27th all commissioners and advisory delegates will attend their assigned committee meetings online (no travel is required). However, the General Assembly will require in-person attendance from June 29th to July 4th. During this time the assembly will meet to discuss recommendations and vote on matters that are brought to the attention of the assembly. More information regarding the 226th General Assembly can be found at the following website: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - Resources - 226th General Assembly (2024) Fact Sheet (pcusa.org).
The work of the General Assembly is important for the life of the church body as a whole.
The Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse is looking for people interested in attending the 226th General Assembly as delegates. The presbytery needs a minister commissioner, minister commissioner alternate, an elder commissioner and alternate, and a youth delegate. If you are interested in serving as a commissioner or alternate, please submit your name and a brief explanation as to why you would like to represent Cayuga-Syracuse as a delegate. Names can be submitted to the Nominating Committee by September 4th. Email Shavonn Lynch at lynchshavonn@yahoo.com.
|
|
Announcements from our Interim Resource Presbyter |
|
Continuing Education Opportunity for Clergy
Montreat Conference Center is offering a continuing education opportunity to clergy on October 9-12, 2023 in North Carolina.
Here's more from the website:
"As we emerge from our homes and return to our places of worship, we’ve discovered a world that has fundamentally shifted. While some transitioned from the pew to the couch to engage and nurture their spiritual lives, others disappeared altogether. Longstanding trends of declining church membership accelerated during the pandemic and have found exhausted church staff working harder than ever to connect with their congregations. Habits changed, theology was challenged, and connections were severed, pointing to an unavoidable truth: The church we know is at a critical crossroads.
As we gaze upon the pews, what truths have been revealed about our Church? Who has returned to worship? Who has come, maybe for the first time? Who is missing? How will these new realities for our programs, finances, and mission be sustainable? Where does our faith lead to hope for what is to come? Is it possible to see these challenges as possibilities – as a “Holy Shift?” "
Holy Shift participants will explore the implications of this seismic ground shift and learn to navigate the possibilities in a church where God’s call on our lives grows louder and deeper. LEARN MORE HERE.
|
|
Invitation: Protecting Places of Worship: Fall Religious Observance Security Briefing
Date: Tuesday, August 29, 2023
Time: 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Register in advance for this webinar:
This webinar will provide participants with a threat briefing ahead of the period of Fall religious observances and the “Protecting Places of Worship National Weeks of Action” in September. In addition, federal partners will share practical tools and resources to help strengthen the safety and security of places of worship & community spaces.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
For more information on available resources to protect places worship please visit:
|
|
The draft bylaws and standing rules are available here:
Learn more about the draft bylaws from
Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, Stated Clerk HERE.
|
|
Presbytery Choir: It’s a GO!
Thanks to all who have responded positively with interest in forming a Presbytery Choir. We have the makings of a small choir to begin with, and still need a director, but it looks like we have enough people to get started.
Special thanks to Mary Heather Harrington (organist at King Ferry) for volunteering to organize and accompany. Please contact her at (607) 793-0430 or send an email to maryheatherharrington@gmail.com if you’d like to be a part of this new adventure.
Other accompanists are also welcomed to share and collaborate in planning. If you have already expressed an interest, Mary Heather has your contact info. You should be hearing soon about plans to possibly debut at the September presbytery meeting.
|
|
Breaking News! The Preaching Class for ruling elders/lay leaders is full. Registration is now closed.
If you missed your chance to sign up, the Rev. Debra Thomas may be able to squeeze one more person in. If that person is YOU, please let Deb know immediately. Text/call 315-657-0147 or email to revrndeb@gmail.com
Note: Due to the early and quick response filling up the class so early, your pastor or church leader did not receive the info that would otherwise have been sent out by the end of the month.
|
|
Calling all retired pastors...
The next "Can We Talk?" gathering will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 25th in the Lounge behind the Sanctuary at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, 5299 Jamesville Road in Syracuse.
Coffee and goodies will be served.
The gathering is for retired pastors and CLP's or for folks who are about to retire. First-timers are always welcome!
|
|
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Northminster Presbyterian Church in North Syracuse celebrated the 95th birthday of member Jane Kinne recently. |
|
Practical Resources for Churches Webinars |
|
Thursday, August 24, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Heather Roth Johnson
Kids in Worship has become a hot topic for churches. After the pandemic, some folks let go of formal Sunday School, and opted to fully integrate kids and youth into the life of the congregation. It’s still a work in progress, but we have made cultural shifts to help families worship together and to help kids and youth find their voice in worship. Heather will share her insights, her fails, and what has worked, thus far.
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Tom Sine
Many pastors and lay leaders in this post pandemic time are looking for creative ways: 1. to secure greater involvement from their laity: 2. to make a difference in their communities & 3. to engage their young people. This webinar will draw on concrete examples from Futures Creativity workshops and the book 2020s Forecast: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in a Decade of Accelerating Change.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Teresa J. Stewart
Small congregations have powerful worship strengths that can’t be used in big settings. Explore lavish worship that fits your gifts and reveals the kingdom of God already among you.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:
● How to start with your small-setting strengths instead of endlessly adapting resources that don’t fit.
● The difference between a performance approach and a participation approach to worship. (Spoiler alert: participation is an overlooked superpower of small settings).
● A new way of worship planning—the Stone Soup model—that increases lay participation, decreases planning time, and invites local gifts.
Registration includes Stone Soup planning forms. With examples for an upcoming liturgical season.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Teresa J. Stewart
Explore two small-setting worship strengths. Each builds upon the participation advantage. Each creates a new expression for your community. And each is rooted in practices of the Early Church.
In this webinar, you’ll learn to shift worship from observation to collaboration with two powerful practices.
● Worshiping with Conversation: Worship itself is a conversation--a call and response with God and the gathered. Discover how to include actual conversation to deepen worship.
● Contact: Liturgy is literally the work of the people. Explore practices that put worshipers to work with hands-on, full-body, creative, collaboration.
Registration includes a guide and planning form for each of these strengths. With examples for an upcoming liturgical season.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Teresa J. Stewart
Small congregations don’t have the same limitations as big ones. Explore these two distinctive, deeply-forming strengths. Learn how to diagnose your local gifts and curate lavish worship with them.
In this webinar, you’ll learn to deepen worship with and for your community.
● Co-creator Gifts: Worship is not limited to sitting, standing, and singing. Imagine new ways to include local interests and talents as actual worship gifts.
● Widening the Word: Sermons are one way to proclaim the good news. But our tradition has so many others that can be celebrated in small settings.
Registration includes a guide and planning form for each of these strengths. With examples for an upcoming liturgical season.
Tuesday, October 3, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Pat Baker
Join us to explore the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's as well as normal aging vs. dementia. We’ll look at the 5 key messages about dementia and how to communicate with someone who is facing the challenges of having dementia. Finally, we’ll delve into how your congregation can support people with dementia and their caregivers, and create a welcoming environment.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Leader - Chris Pomfret
Aging is a reality of life that unites all humans, irrespective of race, creed, location…. We tend to overlook the challenges of aging either by accident or design, and as a result, our later lives can be consumed by “surprises” or issues that could have been handled with prior preparation. Ignoring the realities of aging can also adversely affect the lives of our loved ones. It is imperative therefore that we strive to embrace our aging, especially in our Third Thirty (ages 60-90) and be at peace with the typical inevitabilities. The webinar will discuss how we can Pray, Plan and Prepare for our own aging journey so that the last chapters of our lives can be the best possible, both for us and our loved ones. Getting rid of our “stuff”, downsizing, discussing with our extended family our end of life wishes and discerning what God wants us to do with our post-retired life are just some of the topics that will be covered.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Panelists - Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Rev. Dr. Sherry Molock, Rev. Deanna Hollas
|
|
New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars
You can take this training any time during the year
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
2:00 - 3:30 PM EDT
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EST
3:30 - 5:00 PM EST
|
|
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.
|
|
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...
|
|
The Rev. Kathleen Dain, Interim Resource Presbyter, can be reached by emailing KDain@cayugasyracuse.org or by calling (315) 551-0413.
Sarah Buckshot, Communications Coordinator, can be reached by emailing caysyrnews@gmail.com or by calling (315) 877-8271.
Our Address: PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214
|
|
Two East Syracuse churches seek to share Presbyterian pastor
The Collamer United Church and the First United Church of East Syracuse are two separate churches seeking to share a full-time solo Presbyterian pastor. Our churches are both located in East Syracuse, New York, only 2.3 miles apart. We are both united Presbyterian and Methodist denominations. We are blessed to have a hard-working core of active participants in both churches who manage the church business, coordinate the worship services (one at each church building), and hold mission events. We are working together and sharing some staff and resources. We believe this to be a very supportive environment. In addition, we believe that Central NY can provide an attractive quality of life, with our parks, culture, and quality schools.
The pastor’s duties would include worship leadership and preaching, pastoral care, oversight of Christian education, moderating the Sessions, guidance with mission projects, and representing the congregation to outside groups. We are mindful that we are two churches and do not expect a pastor to provide full-time services to each church.
|
|
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
|
|
Stated Meeting - Saturday, September 16, 2023. Weedsport. 9:30 a.m.
Stated Meeting - Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
|
|
Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
|
Free books available to equip faith formation in PC(USA) readers at home
Applications are open until Oct. 15 for English and Spanish versions of ‘Psalms of Wonder’
By Beth Waltemath
Presbyterian News Service
Organized in chapters titled “Songs of Wonder,” “Songs of Courage,” “Songs of Comfort,” “Songs of Joy,” “Songs of Protection” and “Songs of Love,” Wallace and the book’s artist, Khoa Le, share their renderings of these ancient poems “to help us remember that the psalms are songs.”
To encourage faith formation at home through equipping households and the worshiping communities that serve them, the Presbyterian Mission Agency is partnering with the Presbyterian Publishing Corp. to offer 10 copies of “Psalms of Wonder,” in either English or Spanish, free to those who apply by Oct. 15. Preference will be given to small congregations.
|
|
P.O. Box 438, Syracuse 13214
(315) 632-5698
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
