Dear Friends of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery,
Welcome to this week's edition of our e-letter, Presbytery Matters. Our goal is to highlight things going on throughout the Church: within our Presbytery, in our congregations, as well as in the Synod of the Northeast and across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We hope that these are things that will be helpful, informative, challenging, encouraging and supportive. In other words, we hope that these things will matter. Your input is valued, and your comments are always welcomed.
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Hocus Pocus with a Focus
On Sunday, October 22nd, United Ministry of Aurora hosted Hocus Pocus with a Focus, in partnership with Create Kindness Parents organization and the Aurora Free Library.
More than 100 kids attended a fun-filled afternoon of activities and fun, including hip hop lessons and a performance in the sanctuary, Halloween yoga (great fun as the kids did yoga acting out a Halloween story about trees,) an amazing balloon artist, pumpkin ring toss, and so much more!
Southern Cayuga High School students tabled a fund raising display for the Southern Cayuga Backpack program that supplies food-filled backpacks for kids facing food insecurity at home. Over $700 was raised for this much needed program.
Children of all ages had a great time coming together in community while also supporting a good cause.
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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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Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery | |
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In our prayers together this week:
- Prayers for Neil Rotach and family on the death of her brother.
- Please pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
- Keep all those who battling cancer 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.
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Applications are now being accepted for the Benevolent Care Grant Funds.
“The purpose of this fund shall be to provide benevolent grants to assist in the care of elderly persons within the bounds of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery.”
Criteria:
- Applications must be submitted by churches/sessions/boards or institutions. If an institution, a worshiping community within the Presbytery must indicate concurrence with the request.
- A financial need must be clearly stated. i.e., sample budget
- Grants will be awarded for benevolent care of the elderly residing within the bounds of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery.
Download Application HERE
Applications must be received by November 1 each year.
Please email the completed Application Form to:
Lynn Jacques at lmjacques@verizon.net
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A Stated Meeting of the presbytery has been called for Tuesday, November 14 at 5:30 p.m. This will be a hybrid meeting. The physical meeting will take place at the First United Church of East Syracuse. Zoom information and other online attendance information will be sent at a later date.
Registration will occur by email to statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org and can be sent anytime before November 12. Requests to be excused can also be sent to the same email.
ALL REQUESTS FOR DOCKET TIME AND ALL MATERIALS/REPORTS ARE DUE BY 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 2.
This is not a flexible deadline and no items or requests will be accepted after the deadline expires.
All requests for time, materials, and requests to be excused can be sent to statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org
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From the Interim Resource Presbyter | |
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What issues would you like addressed by these leaders that would be helpful to your congregation? The presbytery recently received a grant from the PCUSA towards church transformation. How can these financial resources be used to effectively live into our vision as a Matthew 25 presbytery? Below, is a brief survey to determine your interests and willingness to participate.
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Interim Resource Presbyter Announcements | |
Your Story
If a photo is worth a thousand words, than a video is worth a million!
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Under the new guidelines from the Book of Order, boundary training is required every three years for: Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Certified Christian Educators (CCE), Certified Christian Ruling Elders (CRE) and Inquirers before moving to candidacy.
The presbytery has contracted with SafeGatherings https://safegatherings.com for the online boundary training course. To learn more, or to register for the course, please contact your committee chair or the interim resource presbyter.
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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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Vision & Strategy Committee | |
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Did you miss last week’s announcement? The Worship service at next month's stated meeting is one you won’t want to miss! Mark your calendar for Nov. 14 at 5:30pm and plan to attend in-person, if possible, so that you can be sure to experience a very special worship service that we hope will inspire and nurture your spirit in a new and creative way.
Here’s this week’s “corny clue” to give you a hint at what we have planned. Try to guess what we will happen.
The choir will sing
And so will you
It’s not just a hymn
The V.M. will lead through
Worship Planning Workgroup:
Karen Wolff
Lynn Jacques
Mary Heather Harrington
Neil Rotach
Deb Thomas
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The next "Can We Talk?" gathering will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27th 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 pastors and CLP's or for folks who are about to retire. First-timers are always welcome!
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Doug’s To Go Fundraiser
Wednesday, Nov. 1st
11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church Parking Lot (Erie Drive)
To benefit Weedsport Good Samaritan Fund
BAKE SALE
Phone orders until 4 pm (day of sale): 607-753-9184 ext. 2
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The Collamer United Church is very pleased to announce that it will present a public
Drive-Thru Only
Chicken & Biscuit Dinner
On Saturday, November 4, 2023.
Serving will be from 4:30 P.M. through approximately 6:15 P.M.
The church is located at 6865 Fly Road in Collamer (East Syracuse), just South of the intersection of Fly Road and Route 298 (about 2 miles East of Carrier Circle, or take Exit 7 off from Route 481).
This delicious chicken dinner will include homemade biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh cooked vegetables, and dessert.
Collamer Church is well-known for its great cooks.
Tickets may be purchased at the door.
$13.00 for ALL adults
$6.00 for children under 10
(We apologize but we cannot accept credit cards)
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Susquehanna Valley Presbytery organized the following workshops for Small Churches and you're invited to join:
Saturday, Oct. 28, 10am–12pm, “Finding Our Way Through This Year’s Advent Lectionary” presented by Rev. Allen Presby — in person at Nineveh Presbyterian Church, 2997 NY Route 7, Nineveh, NY 13813, or on Zoom.
Thursday, Nov. 16, 7–8:30pm, “Fresh Expressions for Small Rural Congregations” presented by Rev. Shannon Kiser — on Zoom or come to an in-person watch party*.
AND
Church Manual of Operations workshop
Tuesday, October 24, 7pm at Masonville Federated Church or on Zoom
Mark your calendars and check back next week for Zoom information!
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Practical Resources for Churches Webinars | |
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Now and Next for Youth Ministry
Thursday, November 2, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Leader - Deech Kirk
What does the latest research tell us about children, youth, and families? What does it all mean as we approach youth ministry in our post-Covid era? Deech Kirk of the Center for Youth Ministry Training describes some of the common challenges confronting youth ministry today and some of the characteristics of the newer, innovative ministry models that are taking shape.
Mission Possible for the Small Church: Simplifying Leadership & Structure
Thursday, November 9, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Leader - Kay Kotan
Small churches also have what we refer to as a superpower that large churches can’t touch: the ability to be highly relational from the get-go. Too often, small churches concentrate on what they can’t do. We offer this resource to lift up what small churches can do! For example, smaller churches have greater percentages of participation, giving, and engaged members than larger churches, according to the 2020 FACT study. Unfortunately, many resources for churches and church leaders are created for larger churches.
This resource has been created specifically for the small church to learn how to leverage their superpowers and live into their callings as vital, healthy churches having God-sized impact in their communities.
Holy Work with Children: Children’s Spirituality
Thursday, November 16, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Leader - Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen
Children are theologians with the ability to recognize and respond to God’s presence in their lives. Listening to the stories of children helps us to understand how children make meaning out of God’s presence and reveals tools that children use as they claim their faith. With this knowledge, adults can then better promote and encourage children’s spiritual growth.
● How does listening to children teach us about God and faith formation?
● What wisdom and insight do children offer to all of us by how they seek understanding of God and God’s presence in their lives?
● How can we guide and support the children in our communities in this work?
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Restorative Conversations
Date: December 12th, 2023
Price:
- $139 if registering as an individual or a group up to 3
- $124 if registering as a group of 4 or more
Location: Online via Zoom
Workshop Description:
This one-day workshop introduces church leaders to the key concepts of circle processes and ways in which circles can be used within their congregations. Restorative conversations are useful when working through difficult or polarizing topics, processing shared painful experiences, building community, and dealing with certain levels of conflict in the church setting.
Register Here
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Journey Toward Healing
Date: December 18th, 2023
Price:
- $99 if registering as an individual or a group up to 3
- $84 if registering as a group of 4 or more
Location: Online via Zoom
Workshop Description:
In this workshop you will gain a better understanding of your own conflict style, what the congregational mediation process looks like, how to find healing in mediation, and explore different conflicts.
Register Here
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Do you live-stream your service on Sundays?
We are compiling a list of live-stream links to feature in Presbytery Matters. This will allow others to join in on your services.
Please send links to CaySyrNews@gmail.com
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Join in on these services virtually on Sundays:
Faith United Oswego - Live on Zoom (Meeting ID: 207 196 571)
Isaiah's Table will send a link for people to join our hybrid worship at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Send email to isaiahtable@gmail.com by Friday evening.
Scipioville Presbyterian Church - Live on Zoom (Meeting ID: 836 3163 8403
Passcode: SPC13147)
More to come...
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The Rev. Kathleen Dain, Interim Resource Presbyter, can be reached by emailing KDain@cayugasyracuse.org or by calling (315) 551-0413.
Sarah Buckshot, Communications Coordinator, can be reached by emailing caysyrnews@gmail.com or by calling (315) 877-8271.
Our Address: PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214
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Seeking a Creative and Caring Pre-School Teacher
Friends in Faith Christian Preschool is seeking a compassionate, and creative individual to team teach three-year-olds. Individuals who love working with children and creating an educational experience that develops curiosity and kindness for others should apply. The position requires experience working with children, a commitment to modeling love and respect, knowledge in child development, and effective communication skills.
The position is 8 to 10 hours per week with a salary range of $15.50 to $16.00 per hour. Please submit resume to Tracie Folley, Director, Friends in Faith, 603 Tulip Street, Liverpool, NY 13088 or fifcps@gmail.com
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First United Church Fulton seeks pastor
First United Church Fulton is a small Presbyterian and American Baptist congregation, 40 minutes north of Syracuse. They are seeking a pastor who is looking for a part-time, interim, bridge, tentmaker position.
The church's last permanent pastor retired 8 years ago. Since then they have had two transitional pastors, Covid, one short time, installed pastor and a series of Sunday pulpit supply.
"Flexibility and change have become our middle name," according to a church spokesperson.
Please contact Rick Casella at rickccasella@gmail.com or (315) 440-9115 for more information. First United Church Fulton is located at 33 South Third St in Fulton.
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Westminster, Auburn seeking Temporary Pastor
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn, NY is seeking a full-time Temporary Pastor to work with the church while it seeks a new installed pastor. The church will consider a part-time position with responsibilities and compensation negotiated and adjusted accordingly.
Position tasks include worship leadership and preaching, moderating the Session, pastoral care, serving as head of staff, administrative leadership, assisting boards, committees, and teams, and other duties as needed (funerals/weddings, representing the congregation with outside organizations, assisting with communications, occasional leadership of educational programs, assisting with mission, outreach, evangelism efforts, etc).
Effective Salary will be commensurate with experience, with benefits and mileage to be included as negotiated individually. Starting date will be on or before January 1, 2024. Please send a letter of introduction and resume to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St, Auburn, NY 13021 Attn: Temporary Pastor Search Team or by email at office@westminsterauburn.org. More information about the church can be found at www.westminsterauburn.org or facebook.com/westminsterauburn.
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Two East Syracuse churches seek to share Presbyterian pastor
The Collamer United Church and the First United Church of East Syracuse are two separate churches seeking to share a full-time solo Presbyterian pastor. Our churches are both located in East Syracuse, New York, only 2.3 miles apart. We are both united Presbyterian and Methodist denominations. We are blessed to have a hard-working core of active participants in both churches who manage the church business, coordinate the worship services (one at each church building), and hold mission events. We are working together and sharing some staff and resources. We believe this to be a very supportive environment. In addition, we believe that Central NY can provide an attractive quality of life, with our parks, culture, and quality schools.
The pastor’s duties would include worship leadership and preaching, pastoral care, oversight of Christian education, moderating the Sessions, guidance with mission projects, and representing the congregation to outside groups. We are mindful that we are two churches and do not expect a pastor to provide full-time services to each church.
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Are you hiring?
If your church is hiring in 2022 or still looking to fill a position from 2021, please send a new or updated announcement and job description to Communication Coordinator Sarah Buckshot at caysyrnews@gmail.com
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Hybrid Stated Meeting - Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom at in-person at First United Church of East Syracuse.
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Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | |
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#GivingTuesday on Nov. 28 will celebrate the collective power of Presbyterian generosity
Presbyterians are invited to join in global day of giving to benefit Christ’s mission
By Emily Enders Odom
Mission Communications
LOUISVILLE — #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving which falls this year on Nov. 28, is a day when Presbyterians are once again invited to be radically generous on behalf of a world in need.
Originally launched in 2012 on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, #GivingTuesday was intended to be a philanthropic response to the consumer-driven holidays of Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
“In this season of gratitude, Giving Tuesday gives us an opportunity to continue practicing gratitude to God by supporting the ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” said Kathy Lueckert, president of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), A Corporation.
Continue reading...
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Hospital bombing in Gaza Strip draws strong reactions from General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations
Members received an update from regional liaison
Rick Jones & Fred Tangeman
Office of the General Assembly
The General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations (GACEIR) gathered with heavy hearts in Louisville as war continued in Israel/Palestine this week. In a Zoom conference call requested by the committee, Douglas Dicks, Regional Liaison to Israel, Palestine and Jordan, gave an update and some history to the group.
More than 20 years ago, Dicks took a six-member team into the Gaza Strip, where they visited the Al Ahli Arab Hospital, the site of a recent missile or rocket strike that killed hundreds in the escalating war between Israel and Hamas. The visit was the beginning of a new relationship between a Presbyterian church and the hospital.
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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