A Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Whitelaw Presbyterian Church, 3085 Whitelaw Road W, Canastota, and on Zoom.

Sign-in will begin at 9:30 a.m.

Please note that we have a substantial amount of work to get done in our time together and the leaders and staff of the presbytery appreciate your punctuality and mindful review of material before the meeting.

Proposed Docket with links to papers

PLEASE NOTE: The documents for this meeting are linked in the document. Simply click the links and you get the document.

Optional 90-Minute Presentation: “Me, You, We: Conversations on Race from the Personal to the Communal."



Immediately following the Stated Meeting, at about 2:30 p.m., the Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt will offer an optional 90-minute presentation, "Me, You, We: Conversations on Race from the Personal to the Communal.” See below for more information.

Please use this form to register for the meeting.

Requests to be excused and Commissioner's names should be sent to the Stated Clerk via email statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org

Shall We Practice Jubilee?

The Social Justice Committee has invited the Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt of the Center for Jubilee Practice to join the Presbytery’s upcoming stated meeting for a time of discussion and conversation.

During the meeting, Rev. DeTar Birt will lead a discussion and Q&A titled “Shall We Practice Jubilee?” Following the stated meeting, she will offer a 90-minute workshop exploring restorative practices and ways the church can address historic and present-day harm. The workshop may also fulfill the anti-racism training requirement described in the Book of Order. The session will be recorded and made available for a wider showing to the Presbytery.

The Center for Jubilee Practice was founded in partnership with the Presbytery of Utica and Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary. The Center works with churches, mid-councils, and Christian organizations seeking to explore their legacy of liberation and develop restorative communal practices. Its work encourages churches to examine assumptions of Christian, cultural, racial, patriarchal, heteronormative, and cisnormative dominance while developing concrete tools for creating more equitable communities.

Rev. DeTar Birt serves as Program Manager for New York Unitarian Universalist Justice and is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She holds a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, an MA in Theater Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. She has been active in LGBTQIA+ advocacy within the PC(USA), including service with ACQ+E and previous work with the Racial Equity Advocacy Committee and the Disparities Experienced by Black Women and Girls Task Force. She is also a former Co-Moderator of the Board of Directors of More Light Presbyterians and has written for several faith and justice organizations.



Ashley lives in the Bronx with her wife, Rev. Emily DeTar Birt, on Munsee Lenape land.

The Social Justice Committee is excited to introduce Ashley to our presbytery. To learn visit the Center for Jubilee Practice's website.

Your Presbytery Needs You!

The Presbytery Nominating Committee is seeking volunteers to fill several important leadership positions. If you've been looking for a meaningful way to serve, this may be your opportunity.

Commission on Ministry

Three positions are also available on the Commission on Ministry, which meets monthly, primarily via Zoom.

Two New Committees

As per our Special Meeting on July 30, 2026, the Nominating Committee has been charged with finding individuals for two new Committees; the Standing Investigating Committee and the Church Transitions Committee. Information regarding these committees can be found here.

Do you know someone who would be a good fit for one of these roles? We would love to hear your recommendation. Better yet, if you feel called to serve, please let us know of your interest.

Please prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to serve. Your gifts, experience, and voice are needed as we continue the work of our presbytery together.

In His Service,

Lynn Jacques

Chair, Nominating Committee

lmjacques@verizon.net

315-263-9237

Joint Presbytery Gathering – Music & Mission

The Presbyteries of Cayuga‑Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley invite you to a special joint gathering focused on Music and Mission.

📅 Date: Saturday, October 17

🕥 Time: 10:30 am – 2:30 pm

📍 Location: Nineveh Presbyterian Church

2997 State Route 7

Nineveh, NY

Come hear inspiring music, enjoy mission snapshots from congregations across both presbyteries, and celebrate the creative ways our churches are serving their communities.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and be encouraged by the ministries happening all around us as we grow together and imagine what God may be calling us to become as one new presbytery in the future.  

There will also be a dedicated time to share the emerging vision for ministry that will guide our next steps.



Save the date and plan to join us!

Retiree Luncheon

You’re cordially invited to the Retiree Luncheon hosted by the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse/Susquehanna Valley and the Board of Pensions of the PC(USA). 

The event will feature an informational session on the latest Board updates pertinent to retired members, followed by lunch fellowship and an opportunity to reconnect with friends and colleagues.

📅 Date: Friday, October 30, 2026

🕥 Time: 10:30 am

📍 Location: United Presbyterian Church of Cortland

25 Church Street

Cortland NY 13045

Some of the topics to be discussed during the informational session, led by our regional Church Consultant Rev. Luke Choi, includes the new Post-Retirement Medical Plan, related resources & educational opportunities, transition, and Assistance Program.

Please kindly confirm by replying to Luke Choi (LChoi@pensions.org) with your full name (and your spouse’s name if attending), phone number, and home address. We hope you can join us for this meaningful time together.

For more questions, please email Luke Choi or Greg Garis, Lead Presbyter.

UPDATE ON PROGRESS...

Greetings in the name of Christ. Firstly, we wish to apologize for not sending more regular updates on the work that is being done by this team. Although we have been meeting throughout the summer months our meetings have been less regular and unevenly attended due to vacation schedules. We realized at our last meeting we were long overdue with an update and we pledge to do better as we move into the fall months.

Perhaps our biggest news to share is the grant we submitted to the Synod in May to help offset the costs of hiring a Merger Coordinator was approved. The Synod granted us $45,000 to assist in this hiring and has provided us with a representative to resource us. By the time this update reaches you we suspect the job description will have been shared with both presbyteries, surrounding presbyteries as well as other advertising outlets.

Based on the success of our last combined presbytery wide gathering we have begun planning another gathering. We are hopeful this can happen in 2026; stay tuned for details.

The Focus & Coordination Team has realized the importance of meeting with each Committee, Commission and “Leadership Team/Council” to hear their perceptions of the challenges and opportunities of a merger between the two presbyteries. These meetings are in the process of being conducted and we look forward to hearing their insights. We trust they will provide valuable information as we journey down this road together.

There have been some changes in the make-up of the Focus and Coordination Team so we wanted to list the members. If additional changes occur, we will be sure to convey this to you.

Staff Members:

• Rev. Dr. Greg Garis, Lead Presbyter for CS/SV,
• Rev. Mary Anderson, Asst. to the Lead Presbyter

Members from Cayuga Syracuse:

• Rev. Karen Chamis
• Rev. Lorrie Cooney
• RE Steve Eidt
• Rev. Adam Demetris

Members from Susquehanna Valley:

• CRE Libby Cudmore
• Rev. David Johnson
• RE Jeff Smith
• RE Robbie-Jean Rice

Please reach out to any of the members with any questions or input,

In Christ’s Service,

Focus & Coordination Team

Shared Merger Coordinator

Cayuga‑Syracuse Presbytery & Susquehanna Valley Presbytery (Upstate and Catskill Region of New York State)

Contract Position – One Year (with possibility of extension)

Purpose of the Position

The Shared Merger Coordinator supports two neighboring Presbyteries as they develop and implement a plan for formal merger. This role focuses on the detailed, practical, relational, and communication work required to bring Cayuga‑Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley Presbyteries together in a way that strengthens their shared ministry. The Coordinator will help guide the formation of one new presbytery -- honoring each presbytery’s history while cultivating a new, shared identity and a faithful witness to God’s reign in this region.

Accountability

The Merger Coordinator is accountable to the Lead Presbyter for staff oversight. They will also work closely with both presbyteries’ governing bodies in collaboration with the Focus and Coordination Team and the HR/Personnel Committee. A monthly summary of work will be submitted to the Focus and Coordination Team.

Key Responsibilities

Overall Coordination

• Develop and manage a comprehensive merger schedule that guides expectations, timelines, and committee work.
• Support Presbyteries,and leadership as they move toward a unified structure and shared mission.
• Work collaboratively with the Lead Presbyter, Assistant to the Lead Presbyter, Synod leadership, and Presbytery committees.

Manage the Four Dimensions of the Merger

1. Relational Merger

• Support the Focus and Coordination Team in creating opportunities for leaders and committees, to build deeper connections.
• Encourage shared identity formation and collaborative ministry.

2. Fiscal Merger

• Work with treasurers and accounting staff to assess both Presbyteries’ financial status.
• Facilitate the merging of financial records, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure clarity, transparency, and accuracy throughout the process.

3. Ecclesiastical Merger

• Collaborate with the Lead Presbyter and Stated Clerks.
• Coordinate with the Synod and the PC(USA) General Assembly Administrative Commission on Mid Councils.
• Support committees in meeting target approval dates:
• Initial approval: 2027 Synod Assembly
• Final approval: Quarterly meeting of the Administrative Commission on Mid Councils by end of 2027

4. Legal Merger

• Work with Presbytery attorneys to merge the two legal corporations in accordance with New York State law.
• Ensure compliance with all required filings, documentation, and legal processes.

Skills & Qualifications

The successful candidate will:

• Be a self‑starter who works well with others and provides structure, clarity, and direction during transition.
• Collaborate effectively with the Lead Presbyter, Stated Clerks, Moderators, Councils, and Committees of both Presbyteries.
• Bring a pastoral approach to problem‑solving, with sensitivity to diverse theological perspectives and cultural backgrounds.
• Manage multiple tasks simultaneously and maintain focus across several merger components.
• Be familiar with Presbyterian polity, including the Book of Order and presbytery governing documents.
• Understand financial and legal processes, working comfortably with treasurers, accountants, and attorneys.
• Maintain awareness of timelines and keep the merger process moving forward.

Terms & Compensation

• This is a contract position for a one‑year term, with the possibility of extension following a comprehensive review.
• Compensation is commensurate with experience.
• Travel and professional allowances will be provided.

Apply To:

Send resume and cover letter to asst.presbyter@gmail.com

Enneagram of Personality Group Class

taught by Rev. Garrett Anderson

Tuesdays 6:30 - 8 pm Sept. 15 — Oct. 27 (no class on Oct. 13)

Liverpool First Presbyterian Church

603 Tulip Street • Liverpool NY 13088

• For beginner AND experienced enneagram students
• Understand your gifts and blind spots of personality and how you are more than just a type
• Develop more compassion and less judgement for others and yourself
• Recognize your habitual responses to life
• Grow in developing a richer knowledge of yourself as a child of God
• ·Cost: FREE (a recommended type indicator assessment can be purchased for $20)
• Email revgarrettanderson@gmail.com if interested

Rev. Anderson is a certified enneagram instructor through the Shift Network.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS: First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus honored Herbert “Bert” Gooden with cake, ice cream, good wishes and lots of balloons after service on Aug. 2, a few days before his birthday of Aug. 5. At 100 years young, Bert is believed to be the longest-living member of the church.

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

Cayuga Syracuse Presbytery Food Supplemental Grant

In order to address the November 1, 2026 SNAP reductions that will affect millions of people across the country, including here in our Presbytery and communities, the Cayuga-Syracuse Social Justice Committee has set up the Cayuga-Syracuse Food Supplemental Grant. 

This grant is designed to provide emergency funding of between $500 and $1,000 to a Presbyterian church that is engaging or planning to launch a food assistance ministry for families, children and the impoverished in their community. Funding sources for the grant are the Vanderkamp Funds.

To qualify for this funding, a church must be seeking to meet an emergent or recently developed need for those who are impacted by SNAP reductions beginning November 1, 2026. This food assistance ministry must be directly provided by your church. 

Applications must be sent in to the Cayuga-Syracuse Social Justice Committee by October 1, 2026. Applications are to be sent to the Social Justice Committee via Leigh Anne Herd at laherd02@gmail.com.

Download application here

The Social Justice Committee will review all applications and churches will be contacted by mid-September whether their application was accepted or not. Grant money will be distributed November 1, 2026. 

Cayuga-Syracuse Food Supplemental Grant Structure

• Year One: Between $500-$1,000

Awarded based on a church’s launch or strengthening of ongoing food assistance ministries in their community

• Year Two: Between $500-$1,000 (by reapplication)

Awarded based on a church’s demonstrated progress, meaningful impact, and evidence that their ministry is making a difference

The Cayuga- Syracuse Presbytery Social Justice Committee is committed to nurturing and fulfilling Jesus’s call found in Matthew 25 – “Come, you are blessed by my Father; inherit the kingdom of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me ... As you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.”

Communion Training Opportunity for Two Presbyteries – Saturday, October 24

Ruling Elders from Cayuga‑Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley Presbyteries are invited to a joint Communion Training course led by Rev. Allen Presby, a beloved retired pastor from Susquehanna Valley known for his gentle teaching style and deep love for the sacrament.

The training will take place on Saturday, October 24, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at

United Presbyterian Church of East Guilford  2699 County Rd 35, Bainbridge, NY 13733. Participants will share pizza for lunch, and a good‑will offering will be available for those who wish to contribute toward the meal.



This course will cover the theology of communion, practical guidance for serving, and space for questions and conversation. Ruling Elders who complete training and are endorsed by their sessions -- and then commissioned by their presbyteries -- are authorized to preside at communion within their own congregations.

This gathering offers a wonderful opportunity for Ruling Elders from both presbyteries to learn, connect, and deepen their understanding of communion.

Help Us Keep Our Presbytery Records Current!

We’ve made the Church Information Form easier than ever — it is now completely digital.

Each church is asked to complete the updated form so we can maintain accurate contact and leadership information throughout the presbytery.

✅ Takes only a few minutes

✅ Easy online submission

✅ Helps us serve your congregation better

Please click the link below, complete your church’s information, and submit the form.

Church Information Form (Electronic Google Form)

Printable Church Information Form (PDF)

Once submitted, it will be automatically sent to the Stated Clerk’s office.

Please complete this form as soon as possible. This will become an annual process moving forward.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org.

If you or your church do not have access to the digital form or the necessary technology --or if you know of a congregation that does not -- please let me know. I will gladly provide a physical copy of the form.

Thank you all for your cooperation. I truly appreciate it.

Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye 

Stated Clerk

Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse 

The Synod of the Northeast is offering a hosting a 4-part monthly series called The Innovation Lab. 

They've designed this series with you innovators in mind. This series will offer really ministry innovation examples that can be adapted for your setting. Each month will feature guest speakers and grantees, and focus on topics of Innovation to brainstorming of new ministry possibilities and from vision to sustainability. Register Here.