Welcome to this week's edition of our e-letter, Presbytery Matters. | |
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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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We are asking our churches to share this newsletter with your members each week. Click the button below to forward the email or to obtain the newsletter link.
Thank you!
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Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery | |
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In our prayers together this week:
- Pray for all those impacted by the wildfires in California. We pray that for the residents, first responders and all of God's creatures.
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Prayers for Westminster Presbyterian Church's former pastor Cyndie Crowell and her church Trinity Presbyterian of Pasadena, CA. Cyndie and Rob have had to evacuate their home because of the wildfires, as have many members of their congregation.
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Please keep the Rev. Debra Thomas in your prayers. She had surgery last month after suffering a painful shoulder dislocation and a severe broken arm from a fall. Deb thanks everyone for the continued prayers and support.
- Pray for those who are struggling with the holiday season.
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Pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
- All those in Sudan.
- All those in Ukraine.
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All those in Lebanon.
- All those in Israel and Gaza.
- All displaced people.
- All those who are homebound.
- All those who battling addiction.
- Keep all those who battling cancer and other chronic illnesses 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: minister members of the Presbytery who are engaged in specialized ministries, who are at-large members, or who are retired
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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 stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 on Zoom. Papers from the meeting are linked below. Here are some highlights from the meeting:
- The meeting started at 6 p.m.
- Lots of good news was shared, including the announcement of a new pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn. The Rev. Adam M. Demetros will begin on February 3, 2025. Pastor Adam was enthusiastically approved by the congregation in a meeting held following worship on December 8, 2024.
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A Worship Service was held with prayers read by Elder Neil Rotach and the Rev. Michael Hill. Elder Lynn Jacques gave the message entitled "Come, Let Us Go to the Other Side.” In the message, Lynn talked about moving the Presbytery forward and for all of us to remember that God is in the boat with us and He will never leave us.
- Stated Clerk Paul Rack reminded Clerks of Session that Church Statistical Reporting is happening now through February 10th! (See announcement below)
- The motions presented by Human Resources regarding the Stated Clerk's contract and the Communication Coordinator's salary were both approved.
- The Benevolent Care Grant Fund were discussed and approved. There was $11,838.00 available in the fund. We received six applications requesting financial assistance through the program. The money was distributed as follows:
1) Amboy Belle Isle $200.00
2) Collamer United Church $500.00
3) Health Tapestry $1400.00
4) Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church $1500.00
5) Westminster Manor $3,238.00
6) Presbyterian Manor $5,000.00
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Contact the moderator, the Rev. Michael Hill, if you're interested in serving on the five-person committee that is exploring the merger. Email revhill@skanpresby.org to express your interest.
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The Social Justice Committee's report included an event that is happening tonight - Thursday, January 16th. “Supporting Immigrant Families in our Community” virtual workshop will be held on Zoom at 7:30 p.m.
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ATTENTION: Moderators and/or Clerks of Sessions:
Greetings & Happy New Year! I hope you all had blessed Nativity celebrations! It’s just about Epiphany, which means it is time for session clerks to do the Annual Statistical Report for the General Assembly.
While I know it can be a hassle, the stat report is one of the ways we stay connected to each other as a denomination; it gives an annual snapshot of of where we are, so we may better and more realistically move into the future together.
Congregations can begin filing their Session Annual Statistical Reports (SASRs):
Statistical Reports are due by February 10, 2025.
Please email me if you have any questions, need help, or can’t remember your log-in information. My personal email is best.
I look forward to working with you all throughout this Statistical Report Season.
In Christ,
Paul Rack
Stated Clerk, The Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse
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SAVE THE DATE: Retreat for Ministers, Commissioned Pastors/CREs, and Lay Preachers
Friday May 9 – Saturday May 10 at Camp Whitman on Seneca Lake
This invitation is being extended to all seven presbyteries of the Upstate New York network: Albany, Cayuga-Syracuse, Genesee Valley, Geneva, Northern New York, Susquehanna Valley, and Utica.
We’re looking forward to this opportunity to get to know our colleagues in ministry as we enter into a time of greater collaboration across geographic boundaries. Stay tuned for more details to be announced in the coming weeks!
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Attention Churches: Do you need event graphics created for social media and online use? Communications Coordinator Sarah Buckshot can help create graphics for you to share online. Do you need a Word Document or PDF converted to an image file for better sharing online? Sarah can help. Please don't hesitate to reach out and request a graphic at anytime! Sarah can be reached at caysyrnews@gmail.com
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Background checks for incoming Ministers of the Word & Sacrament are now conducted through Praesidium.
https://www.praesidiuminc.com
To request a background check, please contact your COM liaison.
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WHAT CAN YOU DO?: The Palestine Justice Network of the Presbyterian Church is hosting Baha Hilo, an educator and activist from Bethlehem on a speaking tour across the U.S. He is joined by Marietta Macy who has traveled extensively in Palestine. On January 11, they spoke at the United Ministry of Aurora on “What’s Going On and What You Can Do,” an explanation of the basic historic and present situation and how individuals and groups can help. | |
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Our Address: PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214
Click Here for Staff Contact Information
Click Here for a list of Live Streams from our churches
Click Here for a list of Past Editions of Presbytery Matters
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Reaching New People in New Ways in a Traditional Established Church
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 DATE CHANGE
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Leader – Brett DeHart
New offerings such as Messy Church, Dinner Church, Single Parents, and Recovery offer traditional established churches the opportunity to reach new people in new ways without blowing up what we already love. At first though, these can be perceived as a threat to the way we've always done things. Thus, starting and sustaining new offerings requires a grace-filled approach. In this webinar, Rev. Brett DeHart reveals a transformative seven-action process proven to galvanize set-in-their-ways congregations forward into a new adventure.
You'll learn how to:
· Maximize the gift of desperation.
· Create an environment where tradition and innovation together ignite vitality.
· Move your dream from passionate fire to fruition.
Funding Fresh Ministry Initiatives
Thursday, February 6, 2025
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Leader – Brett DeHart
God has put a big dream on your heart to reach new people in new ways. Sadly, that fire is quickly doused when you think about paying for it. This workshop will equip you with the tools and confidence to pursue your God-given vision without limitations. Rev. DeHart will guide you through proven methods to go beyond your operating budget to tap into alternative sources of funding. Never let money dictate the scope of your reach ever again!
You'll learn how to:
· Identify and leverage diverse funding streams beyond the operating budget.
· Cultivate a culture of generosity within your congregation year-round.
· Change the way your congregation considers giving by way of the Generosity Pathway.
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Help Wanted: Church Organist for Rural Country Church
Position: Church Organist/Pianist
Location: Whitelaw Presbyterian Church, Canastota NY
Job Type: Part time - 5 hours weekly
"Whitelaw Presbyterian Church is seeking a skilled and dedicated organist to enrich our worship services with music. This role involves accompanying weekly services, special ceremonies (such as weddings and funerals), and family choir rehearsals 6:30 pm on Thursday. We are looking for someone who is musically proficient, dependable, and passionate about enhancing the worship experience through music."
Key Responsibilities:
- Play organ for weekly services and special church events
- Select and arrange hymns and music pieces in coordination with church leadership
- Support choir rehearsals 6:30 pm on Thursday
- Perform basic maintenance of the organ and report any issues
Qualifications:
- Proficiency in organ performance, sight-reading, and music selection
- Previous experience in a church setting is preferred
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Commitment to regular attendance and participation in church services and events
Compensation: Depends on Experience
How to Apply: Interested candidates are asked to call Donna Chapman, CLP at (315) 447-9196. Auditions will be part of the selection process.
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Northville United Presbyterian Church seeks pastor
Northville United Presbyterian Church (NUPC), nestled in the bucolic village of Northville, New York is searching for a vibrant, compassionate part-time to full-time Pastor to lead and accompany us on our quest to becoming better Disciples of Christ. Located on the Great Sacandaga lake in the beautiful Adirondack Park of Upstate New York, we are a small but active congregation serving the Lord and community in various outreach and inhouse programs who desire a forward-thinking pastor to preach the teachings of Christ and relate them to our daily lives. Our pastor will also shepherd our efforts in our music program, develop programs to attract youth and minister to the needs of the elderly in our midst. Read More...
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Are you hiring?
If your church is hiring, please send an announcement and job description to Communication Coordinator Sarah Buckshot at caysyrnews@gmail.com
Please Note: Hiring announcements will run in Presbytery Matters for 3 weeks and then moved to our website. If you have a hiring announcement from 2023 and are still looking to fill it in 2024, please send a new announcement.
Thank you, Sarah Buckshot, Communications Coordinator.
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Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | |
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Celebrating the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
PC(USA) national staff hears words of comfort from Dr. Dianna Wright, who directs Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
Ahead of the Saturday start of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Dr. Dianna Wright spoke during Wednesday’s online Chapel Service on the importance of people of faith declaring both “I believe” and “we believe.”
Wright, the PC(USA)’s Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations, used John 11:17-27 as the text for her homily during worship. That’s the passage provided by the World Council of Churches in its resource “Do you believe this?” designed to help Christian faith communities around the world seek unity, both in the week to come and throughout the year. The brothers and sisters of the Monastic Community of Bose in northern Italy prepared the resource.
Colleagues throughout the Interim Unified Agency joined Wright in leading online worship for more than 40 PC(USA) national staff members. This year marks the 1,700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea, the first ecumenical council of the Christian church, which produced The Nicene Creed.
Continue reading...
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Now that Epiphany is over, it’s time for preachers to think about Lenten sermons
The Synod of the Covenant offers a helpful webinar
Presbyterian preachers looking ahead to nailing down their Lenten sermon topics were rewarded this week during the Synod of the Covenant’s monthly preaching workshop, offered this month by the synod’s executive, the Rev. Dr. Chip Hardwick.
Appearing on the webinar from his home, Hardwick noted his Christmas decorations are still up, “and yet it’s already time to start thinking about Lent,” he said, launching the Preparing for Lent 2025 workshop attended by nearly 30 people. Hardwick helped webinar participants get up to speed on the coming Lenten season, which starts with Ash Wednesday on March 5, by playing a recording of “What Wondrous Love” sung by the St. Olaf Choir.
He began by asking participants — frequent preachers in faith communities within the synod as well as preachers serving in other places — about a favorite Lenten memory. One participant recalled his college years, when some of his fraternity brothers gave up beer for Lent. The problem from this preacher’s perspective was they decided to substitute hard liquor for beer. “I told them they weren’t quite grasping the idea of sacrifice for Lent,” he quipped.
Another recalled participating in the musical “Celebrate Life!” during his youth. Hardwick had the same experience growing up. “We saw the impact it had on people during the Lenten season,” the participant explained. It also made an impact on the young singers, he said.
Continue reading...
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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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