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.

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! 

In our prayers together this week:

• Please pray for Jerry Armstrong (Whitelaw Presbyterian) Jerry is 15 years old with recurrent bone cancer. He is now at Sloan Kettering in New York City and they are doing very aggressive treatments. He will be having some procedures, including having his leg amputated. 
• Jamesville Community Church is asking for prayers for Robert Anderson.
• Let us pray together for justice, peace and unity, especially during these times of turmoil and uncertainty.
• Prayers for peace for the people and country of South Korea.
• Pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
• Pray for all those who are struggling with current events in our community, in our country and around the world.
• The voiceless.
• All those who have been separated from their families.
• All those in America.
• Our brothers & sisters in Haiti.
• All those in Sudan.
• All those in Ukraine.
• All those in Lebanon.
• All those in Israel and Gaza.
• All displaced people.
• All those who are homebound.
• All those who battling addiction and their loved ones.
• 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.
• Please pray for all those who are dealing with the painful grief of losing a beloved family pet.

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

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. "

Sennett Federated Church invites you to join them for the Installation of its new minister, the Rev. David Harris.

The installation service is at 1 p.m. on March 30th at Sennett Federated Church, 7777 Weedsport-Sennett Road, Auburn, NY 13021.



Refreshments to follow the service.

Welcome, David!

A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, 97 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, and on Zoom.

Thank you to the Rev. Michael Hill and the volunteers at the Skaneateles church for hosting us!

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

• Our meeting started at 10 a.m. The Rev. Michael Hill opened us in prayer.
• The Rev. Michael Hill, our moderator, recognized that 5 years ago the COVID-19 pandemic hit - closing church buildings! “We persevered! We are here today!” He recalled the fear we had of being able to continue worship services, including using Zoom for the first time! Zoom has now become a staple in our churches and keeping us connected! “We have persevered!” Amen! Thank you to the volunteers who make attending virtually possible during our meetings!
• A Worship Service was held to start the meeting. Lynn Jacques blessed us with her beautiful voice by singing “On Eagle’s Wings.” The Rev. Paul Rack (our now former Stated Clerk) delivered our message. He stated that the only question our churches should be asking is: “How can we follow Jesus?”
• Motion Passed: The Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse, pursuant to the synod requirements for merger, establish a three-member team to meet with the three-member team from the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley to form a Visioning Committee to begin formal merger discussions. It is understood that these discussions will involve coordination with the various committees of and groups within the presbyteries. The members of the team will be Steve Plank, Lorrie Cooney and Steve Eidt.
• Thank you to the Rev. Paul F. Rack for serving as our Stated Clerk! Happy Retirement!
• The Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye was installed as the Stated Clerk. Welcome back, Ben!
• Rev. Luke Choi of The Board of Pensions of the PCUSA spoke at the meeting to remind churches that he can help them maximize the benefits that are available for ministers and church staff members.
• Elder Linda Russell gave a Synod Update. See below.
• We heard from members of the IFW Refugee Resettlement program who spoke about their experiences as recent refugees living in Syracuse. One woman who spoke was one of the many who received rent assistance from our Presbytery.
• All Motions Passed: From the 226th General Assembly -- Amendments to the Constitution of the PCUSA and the Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing of Ministries. Here is a link to the book of amendments.
• We offered a special prayer for our retiring ministers: Karen Chamis, Karen Green, Robert Langston and Deb Thomas. Have a blessed retirement filled with peace, relaxation and joy.
• The meeting ended at 2:19 p.m.

Papers for Meeting:

Docket

January 2025 Minutes

Budget Report

Per Capital Report

Statement of Activity

Financial Position Statement

Terms of Call

COM Report

HR Report

The Wurffel-Sills Scholarship & Interest-Free Student Loan Program, established to assist students with demonstrated financial need with their higher educational goals, is now accepting applications.



Applicants must be a member of any Presbyterian Church (USA) within the Synod of the Northeast. The application is open to full-time undergraduate students, full-time or part-time (at least half-time) students enrolled in seminary studies leading to a Master of Divinity (MDiv) or Master of Religious Education (MRE), and students enrolled in a seminary study program to fulfill Commissioned Pastor/Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) certification requirements. [Students taking non-credit courses and graduate studies (other than MDiv, MRE, or CRE certification) are not eligible to apply.] Applications are submitted online and can be found at www.synodne.org under the “Grants” drop-down menu.

Application deadline is April 30, 2025.

Korea Peace Journey: Have You Heard Our Cries?

The Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) invites you to join the Korea Peace Journey: Have You Heard Our Cries, October 21-30, 2025, led by Rev. Kurt Esslinger and Rev. Unzu Lee, former PCUSA mission co-workers. Participants will travel through South Korea from Jeju Island off the southern coast, north to cities, military bases and the Border Peace School along the DMZ. Participants will learn about the origins of the conflict and the effects of war on the country 70 years post armistice, will hear personal stories and connect with families affected by the war, will learn about ongoing peacebuilding efforts and barriers to peace, and will connect with U.S. and Korean peacemakers in our partner Presbyterian denominations in Korea. The trip is expensive, but programs and leadership are of the highest quality. Cost (not including round trip airfare to Korea) covers all programs, ground travel, hotels, meals, and in-country flights in Korea. A brochure, additional information, and registration can be found here. Registration deadline is May 1, 2025. For more information you may contact Linda Russell at 315-730-6930.

Peace Journey Brochure

Peace Journey Description

Registration Form

In July 2025, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will welcome thousands of its high school age youth and their adult youth workers to Louisville, Kentucky for four days of worship, recreation, bible study, outreach, and faith formation all around the theme of “As If We Were Dreaming”. New this year are two tracks for young adults.  Young Adults (YA) who are 19-23 years old can participate as part of the “Service Track,” (formerly known as Work Crew) working behind the scenes of the event, or “Leader Lens Track,” focused on developing leadership skills, theological exploration and experiences for a new kind of church leader.

The Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse is currently coordinating a delegation alongside other presbyteries in Central and Upstate NY. It is the expectation of this delegation to do a 2-day bus trip going to and from the event, departing on Sunday, 7/27 and returning home on Friday, 8/1. 

The Rev. Courtney Steininger has created an interest form for individuals to fill out if they have a youth or young adult interested in attending Triennium. This is not a commitment, but is necessary for coordinating with the other presbyteries.

Here is that form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1pHaHWbelyMFtxassjzg2Yft84RbdIof0IfrOr7Op4G8/edit

We would like to shine a spotlight on the amazing volunteers who answer the call at our Cayuga-Syracuse churches. If you would like to nominate a volunteer, please email caysyrnews@gmail.com and include the following information:

• Your Name
• Your Church
• Volunteer's full name
• Volunteer's email address
• Volunteer's duties
• Why you think this person should be spotlighted?

Nominated volunteers will be contacted via email to fill out a form and provide a photo. Spotlights will run in Presbytery Matters as they are received for the remainder of 2025.

If you have questions, please reach out to Communications Coordinator Sarah Buckshot at caysyrnews@gmail.com.

Undivide Us film at Auburn Public Theater 

UNDIVIDE US is a film and structured discussion meant to improve communication and understanding in a world where our differences sometimes overshadow our shared humanity. The film will be shown April 10 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Auburn Public Theater, with a brief break for drinks & snacks, then small group discussions from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Westminster Auburn and United Ministries of Aurora and other local churches as sponsors of this event. 

SERVING LOVE: Members of the LaFayette Columbian Presbyterian Church volunteered at the Samaritan Center in Syracuse on Saturday, March 15th. It was a very good day.

Inspire Change and Involve More People as Agents of Change

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT

Leader – Joy Skjegstad & Heidi Unruh

This session will focus on how to build momentum for change. One strategy is to raise awareness and challenge assumptions through education and storytelling. Also learn ways to engage more people in the work of deep change, with a focus on including groups that are often excluded or ignored.

Mandatory New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars

You can take this training any time during the year

charlaine@prcli.org

        Thursday, April 10, 2025

2 – 3:30 PM EST

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

WE'RE HIRING: Part-time secretary position in LaFayette

The LaFayette Columbian Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time secretary. Interested candidates must have basic computer skills, able to answer phones, work copier and meet with the public. The position is 12 hours per week, Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., but flexible. Hourly rate is $17. Please contact Cpresbyt@gmail.com or (315) 677-3293

HELP WANTED: Part-time Christian Education Coordinator in Baldwinsville

The First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville is seeking a part time Christian Education Coordinator. 

The paid position shall be 10 to 15 hours per week and will assist in developing Christian Education programs, materials, and classes for both adults and children. This position shall work closely with the pastor in the development of a church-wide Christian Education program for everyone.

Minimum Requirements:   Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively teach Reformed Theology with knowledge of a wide variety of curriculum. Must possess the necessary theological and spiritual insights in order to prepare and present youth education and activity programs. Ability to effectively prepare lesson plans, demonstrates high organizational skills and flexibility, and has the ability to maintain a good rapport with children, their parents, and within the wider community.

Preferred but Not Required: Experience in Godly Play methodology. Prior experience in Christian Education teaching.

If interested contact us at; The First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville, 64 Oswego St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027. Call 315-635-9964

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.

World Mission leader addresses questions regarding shift in global ministry approach

Reconfiguring the church’s international presence among top priorities

Last month, leaders in the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) announced a reimagining of how it approaches global ministry. The plan includes transitioning World Mission with a new vision that leaders believe will continue to build connections with PC(USA) partners domestically and around the world.

Presbyterian News Service recently talked with the Rev. Mienda Uriarte, interim deputy executive director in the IUA, to address some of the questions around the decisions to change this approach to global ministry. 

The PC(USA)’s approach to World Mission goes back decades. Why make this change now? 

The deep relationships formed through World Mission have been a source of joy, transformation and faithful service. This change in approach is not a reflection of a diminished commitment but an intentional effort to create a sustainable and authentic model for global ministry today and for tomorrow. This means creating a new form of ministry that will strengthen both the ecclesial and programmatic mission functions of the church. 

The goal is to: 

• Create a more missionally equitable and sustainable approach that honors the agency of global partners.
• Elevate the leadership of global partners in shaping ministry.
• Strengthen long-term partnerships through shared ministry models that reflect the evolving needs of the global church. 
• This is also taking place as part of the unification of the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency, agencies that have previously held different roles in global and ecumenical work.

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Workshop outlines the dos and don’ts of grant writing

The Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner gives away her decades of experience landing grants large and small

he Rev. Dr. Eileen Lindner, a seasoned and successful grant writer, led the informative “Grant Writing for Church and Community Projects” at the Synod of the Northeast’s “Connection to Transformation” conference, held last week at First Presbyterian Church in Jamaica.

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Lindner told the story of her then-three-year-old son swimming in a backyard pool while Lindner played lifeguard, read a book and sipped a glass of lemonade. He asked her for a swig, and she offered him the glass. “Mom, if I drink from this, will I catch your dreams?” he asked her.

“He meant ‘germs,’ of course,” she said. “Even 42 years later, I can still see that retreating back. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could take a sip from my drink and see what kind of person you’ll become? I still believe God invites us to catch the dream for who we’ll become.”

Then Lindner got straight to work. Her first piece of advice is to inventory the stockholders.

“Say we are in Ding-Dong, Pennsylvania, and we’re working [to open] a preschool for children with disabilities,” she said. How many such facilities are there in the community? What about the Ding-Dong Alliance? “They might be allies and assets to your work,” she said.

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Have a Blessed Week!