Delivering gifts of health, sight from CNY to Kenya

Johana and Doug Russell, of Baldwinsville First Presbyterian, just returned from Kenya on a missionary trip. Baldwinsville First Presbyterian collected boxes full of vitamins to be delivered there. 

Johana and Doug joined the Liverpool Baptist Church on the trip to screen eyes. While there Doug arranged for two Lions Clubs to do the follow up needs for the individuals found with abnormalities.

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

It's never too late to take part in the Lent 2025 Sharing Calendar! This calendar has easy activities and prayers to do during Lent. Download this free calendar today and use it for yourself or even with the children in your life.

Thursday: The right supplies make all the difference, whether you are growing crops or learning at school. Remember the last time you had the right tool for a project and make a gift as part of remembering.

Friday: Make up a mealtime prayer and use it during meals this weekend. Give a gift in thanks for the food you have.

Sunday: God, you say, “Come to the waters” and “Buy wine without money and bread without price.” Let us learn by your generosity, the gift of giving what we have to share. Amen.

Monday: Using the online map, find a Presbyterian Hunger Program partnership near where you live. Say a prayer for the people involved in the ministry there.

Tuesday: When rain is scarce, special collection systems are built to catch the water so it can be used for growing plants. Give a gift to help bring water to people when it doesn’t rain.

Wednesday: Electricity is usually the first utility that is lost in a storm. Can you identify a favorite Bible verse about light? Make a gift in honor of the verse.

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. His leg was recently amputated. Donations can be made online here. Also see event below. Cards can be sent to: Jerry Armstrong, 245 E. 63rd St. # 35G, New York, NY 10065
• 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: Our Presbytery, the Synod of the Northeast, General Assembly staff

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!

The Social Justice Committee of Cayuga-Syracuse is now meeting with the Justice in Ministry & Mission Team of the Susquehanna Valley Presbytery (now Joint Justice Team).

Jewish Voice for Peace Syracuse and the Syracuse Peace Council are pleased to offer a local screening of the Academy Award-winning documentary "No Other Land" on Thursday, April 3rd  at The Palace Theater 2384 James Street in Syracuse. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the film will start promptly at 7 p.m. Brief discussion to follow. Seating is first come, first served. The first floor seating of the theater is wheelchair accessible.

This extraordinary film has won several international awards and tells the story of residents of Masafer Yatta, a region in the Palestinian West Bank that has been a target of the Israeli military for decades. Residents in these villages are constantly evicted, terrorized, and have their homes destroyed by the Israeli military and Israeli settlers.

Please note: Online tickets are sold out so one must go early to see what is available at the door (no shows etc). 

In light of the current events in Palestine, a large number of filmmakers have made their films about Palestine available online for free. See the list on our website.

A message from Beth A. Broadway, President & CEO of InterFaith Works:

InterFaith Works of Central New York has been dedicated to affirming dignity for almost 50 years. Recently, our refugee work has been significantly impacted by changes in federal policies and funding. These changes have been swift and devastating.

The US Refugee Admissions Program is on pause. This means that no refugees are being admitted to the U.S. This action has devastating implications for tens of thousands of refugee families. It also affects communities nationally and internationally. Locally, these sweeping changes have directly impacted the lives of 71 people who were expecting to reunite in January with local family members already resettled in Syracuse. Their dreams of reunification have now been dashed.

 The US Refugee Admissions Program was rebuilt over the last four years, after it was substantially reduced between 2017 and 2020. In 2024, the program flourished, with over 100,000 people coming to the U.S. to start their new lives. In Syracuse alone, we worked alongside our partners at Catholic Charities and RISE to resettle 3,265 people, including a final effort, called “The Push.” 

“The Push” took place between November 6, 2024, and January 19, 2025, during which IFW brought 430 people to our community from all over the world! This effort was a proactive measure taken in anticipation of the cuts to refugee admissions and funding that we now see. Our staff worked tirelessly to set up apartments, secure furniture and winter clothing, provide job coaching, help families register and equip kids for school, and aid in meeting their medical needs. “The Push” was truly a community effort, and we are grateful to all the individuals and faith communities that helped, and also to those who provided meals to our staff who were working 16-hour days.

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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

The next "Can We Talk?" gathering will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025 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 clergy, clps, and retired Christian Educators - those who have served churches and those who have labored in other venues. First-timers are always welcome!

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. 

"MISSION MAKES US HAPPY": United Church of Fayetteville held a Mission Shirt Day on March 23rd to get "geared" up for mission!

How The Side Hustle Is Changing The Face Of Pastoring

Tuesday April 1, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 pm EST

Leader – Karl Vaters

We must stop treating bivo/covo pastors as second-tier ministers. They are the future. And the future is now. Most of our churches and denominations were designed with the expectation of a full-time pastor as the norm. For many generations it was possible for a church with just a few dozen people to fully support a minister and their family. Not anymore. In this talk, Karl Vaters, from Helping Small Churches Thrive, will share eight adjustments that congregations and pastors must seriously consider in the new reality of a side-hustle world.

Karl produces resources for Helping Small Churches Thrive at KarlVaters.com. His heart is to help pastors of small churches (up to 90 percent of us) find the resources to lead well, and to capitalize on the unique advantages that come with pastoring a small church – something virtually every pastor will spend at least some of their ministry years doing. He also believes that big and small churches can and should work together more often – to the benefit and blessing of everyone. Karl also hosts a bi-weekly podcast, The Church Lobby: Conversations on Faith & Ministry. Episodes feature in-depth interviews about the topics that concern pastors, especially those who minister in a small church context. Karl has served in small-church ministry for over 40 years, so he speaks and writes from decades of hands-on pastoral experience. He and his wife, Shelley have three children and two grandkids. 

Legal and Tax Considerations for Space Sharing Agreements

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT

Leader – Renato Matos & Alexandra Columbo

This webinar will explore important legal provisions to consider when negotiating Lease Agreements and Use and Occupancy Agreements. Special attention will be given to understanding potential tax consequences when churches share their space with third parties. 

Alexandra Columbo practices in the area of Real Estate, Corporate and Commercial Transactions, and Religious and Charitable Organizations. Alexandra represents religious and not-for-profit clients in various types of real estate transactions including sales and acquisitions of properties, long-term leases and other types of use agreements.

Alexandra regularly advises religious corporations and not-for-profit corporations on navigating the statutory approval process for the sale and other disposition of real property assets, including the submission of applications to the Office of the New York State Attorney General and the Supreme Court of the State of New York, pursuant to Not-For-Profit Corporation Law Sections 510, 511 and 511-a, and Religious Corporations Law Sections 12 and 18.

Renato Matos is the Managing Partner of the firm. Since joining the firm in 2009, Renato has primarily focused on the Real Estate and Religious and Charitable Organizations areas of our practice. Renato routinely represents religious and not-for-profit corporations on complex real estate transactions including purchases and sales, long-term ground leases, air rights transfers, joint ventures and affordable housing development projects.

Renato earned his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Hofstra University School of Law. In 2015, Renato was selected by the New York Law Journal as a Rising Star—one of 50 lawyers under the age of 40 who have established a record of accomplishments and demonstrated that they are top contributors to the practice of law and their communities. Renato is active in the community and regularly donates his time and expertise to numerous charitable organizations. He is president of the board of directors for the Council of Church Advisors.

Imagining Good Futures on Church Property

Tuesday May 6, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 pm EST

Leader - Mark Elsdon

The closure and repurposing of 100,000 church properties this decade presents both a crisis and an opportunity. What happens next is up to us. Churches often wonder how to better serve their neighbors and use buildings and land that is empty much of the week. Drawing upon stories from around the country and insights from his two books, Rev. Mark Elsdon, will help expand our imagination for what is possible using church buildings, land, and investment assets for housing and social enterprise projects that transform neighborhoods.

Rev. Mark Elsdon lives and works at the intersection of money and meaning as a serial social entrepreneur, strategic executive, and author. He is a national thought leader and speaker on subjects of faith-based impact investing, social enterprise, and property development. Mark is the author of We Aren’t Broke: Uncovering Hidden Resources for Mission and Ministry. and editor of the book, Gone for Good? Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition. Mark holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley; Princeton Theological Seminary; and the University of Wisconsin School of Business. He is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, USA and serves as co-founder of RootedGood and principal at Threshold Sacred Development. Mark lives in Madison, Wisconsin with his family.

Legacy Giving 101

Thursday May 8, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT

Leader – Cesie Scheuermann

Legacy giving is often called “low-hanging fruit.” People usually want to leave a gift to an organization they love – once they have gone to their great reward – but they don’t know how. Or worse, they aren’t asked. Universities, hospitals, and animal shelters do a great job of reminding and asking people to leave a gift in a will. But what about the church? In this one-hour webinar, you’ll learn how to start a basic legacy program for your congregation. It’s easier than you think..

Cesie Delve Schuermann - As a consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing, Cesie has helped raise more than three million dollars for numerous non-profit organizations. For more than 20 years, she’s been working with churches and non-profits to increase and celebrate generosity.  She is a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship and her Inspiring Generosity blog helps clergy and lay people learn about fundraising and overcome their fear of asking for money, and she loves thanking donors

Did you miss these webinars? Click for the recordings

Appreciative Inquiry: Finding your church’s positive core

Reaching New People in New Ways in a Traditional Established Church

Funding Fresh Ministry Initiatives

Nothing Special, It's Just Hard: Transformative Ministry in Every Setting

Talking with Kids About "These Times"

Reinventing your Church or your Ministry for 21st Century Agility

Has American Christianity Become a Threat to American Democracy?

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

How to contact our Stated Clerk, the Rev Ben Fitzgerald-Fye

Office Phone: 315-291-0360 (call or text)

Email: statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org

Mail received at:

Scipioville Presbyterian Church

Attn: Pastor Ben

3428 State Route 34B

Scipio Center NY 13147

More staff contact information is linked below.

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.

Through a Lens: Women’s History Month

‘Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations’ is a fitting theme to honor the Rev. Margaret Towner and other ‘firsts’



Editor’s note: In 2023, Presbyterian Historical Society was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities to digitize 22,500 photographs and supporting documents from the Religious News Service Photograph Collection. Work began during the summer months of 2023, and will continue through December 2025. Learn more about the project.

On March 19, Margaret Towner celebrated her 100th birthday.

If you are unfamiliar with her name, Towner was the first woman to be ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament in what is now the PC(USA). Her ordination took place in October of 1956. In a 1978 interview conducted by Ed Wicklein, in response to his query regarding her reception by the church, Towner mentions that she felt like a curiosity. “So, do you turn down opportunities to speak, because you feel like a curiosity,” she wondered aloud, “or do you go, because — even though you’re a curiosity, maybe by your presence and what you say you can help other women along the way.”

Towner’s “first” became a steppingstone for other women to balance on as they found their footing. Other “firsts” inevitably followed, more stones being laid along the path, linking each of the women below together in a powerful legacy: faithful women forging the way for future generations, across denominations.

1963: First woman officer

“An educator becomes the first woman ever to hold a regional Presbyterian office in Western New York.” In 1963, RNS shared this headshot of Dr. Harriet F. Montague alongside this headline.

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Montague had just been elected as vice moderator to the Western New York Presbytery, placing her “in line for election next year as moderator of a four-county area having 78 United Presbyterian churches.” Montague, along with being the ruling elder of the 150-year-old First Presbyterian Church of Buffalo, was a professor — at the time of her election as vice moderator, she was simultaneously serving as acting head of the mathematics department of the State University of Buffalo. Talk about a Renaissance woman!

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Are you prepared for more storms and wildfires?

Disaster experts remind churches and individuals to plan ahead

Deadly weather events in multiple states in recent days serve as a reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness, according to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Synod of the Sun Partnership for Disaster Recovery.

More than 40 deaths are being attributed to last weekend’s events, which included tornadoes, dust storms and wildfires, that wreaked havoc in states like Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi and Texas.

The National Weather Service has confirmed that at least 109 tornadoes touched down in the U.S. during a three-day outbreak from March 14-16, according to the Weather Channel.



One of the hardest-hit states was Missouri, where at least 12 people died after multiple storms and tornadoes impacted dozens of counties, according to the governor’s office. There also were numerous wildfires in Missouri, including some that damaged structures.

It has been “a very impactful several-day period,” said the Rev. Dr. Jim Kirk, PDA Associate for National Disaster Response.

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Have a Blessed Week!