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Thank you! 

In our prayers together this week:

• Please pray for Jerry Armstrong, 14, who is fighting cancer again. Jerry, who worships at Whitelaw, had bone cancer in his leg and completed treatments in November. Unfortunately, the cancer has already returned. He is hospitalized waiting to meet with the team of healthcare providers for the next steps. Please keep Jerry and his loved ones in your prayers.
• Pray for the Rev Adam Demetros and his wife Amanda as they move to Auburn this week to begin ministry at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
• Pray for all those impacted by the devastating fires in Upstate New York. Pray for all those who lost loved ones, who lost their pets and who lost their homes and all their belongings.
• Please pray for those involved in and impacted by the devastating plane/helicopter crash near Washington, D.C. that occurred Wednesday. Please send prayers to the loved ones of the victims of this unbearable tragedy.
• Pray for our country and all those who are scared and worried about their (or the people they love) freedoms, rights and livelihood due to changes in policies within our federal government. General Assembly Committee on Representation's Statement.
• 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.
• 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.
• All those who have been separated from their families.
• 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.

In the cycle of prayer our Presbytery, please pray for these congregations, faith communities, and individuals: Amboy Belle Isle; First, Auburn; Westminster, Auburn; United Ministry of Aurora; First, Baldwinsville.

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. "

FOR REVIEW: Book of Order Amendments

At the upcoming Stated Meeting of March 15, 2025, we will be voting on the proposed Amendments to the Book of Order, and the Ecumenical Agreement with the Episcopal Church, from the 226th General Assembly.

Here is a link to the book of amendments.

Stated Clerk Paul Rack invites presbyters and clerks of sessions to read and study them. 

Statistical Reports are due by February 10th

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):

• Go to https://www.pcusa.org/resources/statistics-lists/statistical-reporting-faq and click on "Access System".
• You will need to login using your church's username and password. If you do not know what that is, email me (paulrack@optonline.net) and I will send that information to you.
• The denomination has prepared a "Frequently Asked Questions" section to help: https://www.pcusa.org/resources/statistics-lists/statistical-reporting-faq (just scroll down the page a bit to see the FAQ list)
• I have attached a copy of the Guide for Statistical Reporting here.

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

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!

The joint Social Justice committee meetings of the Cayuga-Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley presbyteries have met several times since November. The groups are in the process of gathering information and attending webinar’s on various issues of concern.

IMMIGRANT FARMWORKERS

For example, several members attended the Cornell’s Farmworker Program called “Supporting Immigrant Families in our Community led by Mary Jo Dudley, Director Cornell Farmworker Program. If your congregation is interested in providing information to your members and/or immigrants please contact:



Mary Jo Dudley at 607-254-5194

Rev Bruce Gillette 607-744-0761

Rev. Monica Styron 978-8104028

CLIMATE REALITY



Elder Chris Burger (SV) is giving webinars on “Climate Reality’ to local and national groups.The Justice in Ministry & Mission of Susquehanna Valley, Rev. Bruce Gillette is a member of Presbyterian for Earth Care. They are sponsoring these webinars.

Here is the link to the webinar

Officer training for new Ruling Elders & Deacons

Officer training for new Ruling Elders & Deacons will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in-person "watch parties" at Walton United PC and at Union PC (Endicott), or remotely on Zoom.

The Rev. Pat Raube and theRev. Greg Garis will lead a training that is geared toward folks who are preparing for ordination as a Deacon or Ruling Elder, or those who were recently ordained. This training will also be a great refresher for anyone returning to active service as an officer in their congregation.

This training will be offered in hybrid format, with in-person “watch parties” at Union PC (Endicott) and Walton United PC as well as the option to join online via Zoom.

Please register at susvalpresby.org/register.

If your church would like to host another hybrid watch location, please contact Scott Kindig at cclefchair@susvalpresby.org or call the presbytery at 607-323-4477.

To join the meeting on Zoom, use this link: https://bit.ly/3Ve5mtR or call 1-646-558-8656. Zoom Meeting ID: 880 3204 2470, passcode: PSV

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.

Register and Learn More

Download Flyer PDF

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

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.

From Beth A. Broadway, President/CEO, InterFaith Works:

First, our sincere thanks to the many churches and church members who have been working on behalf of refugees and resettlement programs at InterFaith Works. The new Executive Order that suspends refugee resettlement for 90 days took effect on January 20^th and has begun to frighten and impact our refugee families here and across the nation. In one case, for example, where the adult children were on one plane, and their parents were on another. The children got here, but the parents were put on hold. Can you imagine how hard this is? Alas.

You are so active in this great humanitarian work and have been since the program started 45 years ago under Ronald Reagan’s presidency. We want you to know that we are not stopping our work! In the last 4 years, 7,265 people have been resettled in CNY and 400 of them were settled in just the last 4 months by our agency. We have called this “The Push” as we have pushed our staff to the limits to make sure that all these families could get a home, clothing, food, registration at school, and the first steps towards jobs and stability. Whether you have brought food to our staff who are working double shifts, participated in our massive coat drive, carried the year-end gift baskets to people’s homes, or volunteered directly with our families, everything you have done has made a difference.

InterFaith Works will be here for all these people in the next years as they start their lives over, and with your help, we will be able to give them the hope and new start that they seek here in the U.S.

Thank you, Presbyterians! We appreciate you and we need you!

Baby/Bridal shower? Organizational meeting? Yoga class?

Collamer United Church has a beautiful space for rent for your event!

The space's maximum occupancy is 140 with seating for 122 people. They also have a very nice commercial kitchen that is available for an extra charge. Please contact the church office for information at 315-463-4939.

Eboo Patel, founder and president of Interfaith America, is visiting Hendricks Chapel of Syracuse University on Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. Check our website for more details. This lecture is free and open to all!

New Breath Spirituality Center is pleased to offer a Spiritual Retreat to all who need

Space, Sabbath, Love, Retreat. For about $375 for food, lodging and Programming, join New Breath for "Loved By God' Spiritual Direction Retreat, to deepen your spiritual journey. Registrations due the end of February. https://www.newbreath.org

TODDLER TIME: Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church's Toddler Time students learned on Sunday that the Bible is God’s word! The new class keeps it very simple for 1-3 year olds! (Yes, this is Communication Coordinator Sarah Buckshot's daughter, Hazel!)

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

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.

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.

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...

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.

PC(USA) advocacy committee issues statement supporting Bishop Budde

Advocacy Committee for Women and Gender Justice say Budde’s courage and truth-telling has echoes in pioneering Presbyterian women

Throughout the history of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), women have faced adversity with courage and perseverance, breaking barriers to pave the way for future generations. Margaret Towner was ordained in 1956 as the first woman Minister of Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA). She faithfully served as a pastor and Christian educator, exemplifying steadfast determination.

In 1974, Katie Geneva Cannon became the first African American woman ordained in the Presbyterian church. Against all odds, she not only earned a postgraduate degree but also became a trailblazer in both the congregational and academic spheres. Rebecca Reyes was ordained in 1979 as the first Hispanic woman in the southern branch of the church, the Presbyterian Church of the United States, knowing the road ahead would be difficult. That same year, Elizabeth Kwon became the first Korean American woman Minister of Word and Sacrament after transferring her ordination to the UPCUSA. In 1987, Holly Haile Smith Davis made history as the first Indigenous woman ordained in the PC(USA).

These women, and countless others, faced challenges on the floors of presbyteries, within local congregations and in the broader church. Their perseverance has created a legacy upon which generations of women now stand. Recently, their strength was echoed on the floor of the 226th General Assembly, where women spoke boldly against injustice, ensuring that their voices were heard.

Continue reading...

Of chaplains and chapels

Presbyterian Historical Society has images from a dedication ceremony of the Air Force Academy Chapel

On Sunday, Feb. 2, Presbyterians are called to remember the ministry of Presbyterian chaplains and to celebrate the important roles they have played throughout history. And there have been many! 

If you are unfamiliar with what chaplains do, as Ministers of the Word and Sacrament, they serve with compassion and dedication and provide vital pastoral care, spiritual support and moral guidance to those in need. Today, the PC(USA) has 150 teaching elders serving as chaplains in various federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Veterans Affairs and the military.

In this installment of “unique and unexpected chapels,” we’re focusing on military chaplaincy: specifically, the American Air Force chaplaincy, which celebrated its 75th year in service in May 2024. 

Military chaplaincy was a topic of discussion as early as the 18th century — in fact, the first American military chaplaincy to be established was called into order by the Continual Congress of 1775. A monthly salary of $20 — a captain’s pay — was offered to those who became chaplains, which, at that point in time, could’ve been anyone: no formal ordination was required.



Continue reading...

Have a Blessed Week!