Welcome, Rev. James Junior Korantang!

During our Stated Meeting on Saturday, September 19th, Rev. James Junior Korantang was ordained as a teaching elder and officially welcomed into ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville.

During his examination, James shared that he knew as a young teenager that he wanted to serve in ministry. Raised in a Christian home, his mom was Presbyterian and his dad was Catholic. As James put it with a smile: “Mom won!”

James brings a depth of knowledge and a deep faith to his ministry. He has spent the past recent years serving congregations in the Atlanta area and will now begin his ministry here in Baldwinsville. He also shared that the snow will be a new experience for him!

As James steps into this new role, he will be mentored and guided as he continues to grow in his ministry. Those who participated in his examination spoke highly of his gifts and shared that he will be a wonderful asset to the presbytery.



Baldwinsville is excited to have you, James! We’re so glad to welcome you to our church, our presbytery and our community.

Read James' Faith Statement

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

Proposed Docket with links to papers

June 13, 2026 Minutes

July 30, 2026 Minutes

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

• Our Stated Meeting started at 10 a.m. Thank you to Whitelaw Presbyterian Church for hosting us!
• We opened our meeting in prayer and were warmly welcomed by Charlie, Whitelaw’s clerk, who shared a wonderful story as we begin our time together. As Whitelaw celebrates its 200th anniversary, the congregation opened a time capsule that had been buried 50 years ago. And the coolest thing they found inside? Faith. Fifty years ago, those who buried that time capsule had faith that we would be here today. And now, 50 years later, another time capsule has been buried, to be opened in 2076 when the church celebrates its 250th anniversary. "We have faith that we will be here,” Charlie said. “That’s Whitelaw faith.” What a beautiful testimony and a perfect way to begin our meeting.
• Ruling Elder Lynn Jacques delivered our message through the story of the Good Shepherd. She summed up the message in six simple, powerful words: Jesus cares. Jesus saves. Jesus calls. A beautiful reminder of the love, grace and calling of our Good Shepherd.
• The examination and ordination of Rev. James Junior Korantang was held. See above for more.
• Motion Passed: Move that the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse pay immigration costs for newly ordained Rev. James Korantang.
• Lead Presbyter, the Rev. Greg Garis, encouraged everyone to attend the next joint gathering of our two presbyteries. Information can be found below.
• We had quite an eventful lunch. It wasn’t just the delicious lasagna that made this gathering memorable. We also had a visit from the fire department after smoke was detected in the elevator room. Thankfully, everything was all good! It certainly made for a meeting we won’t soon forget. A huge thank-you to our volunteer firefighters for always being ready to respond when our community needs you. We are so grateful for your service and dedication!
• Huge thank you to Whitelaw for a delicious lunch!
• We honored and gave thanks for Pastor Donna Chapman as she celebrates her retirement after 16 wonderful years of serving Whitelaw Presbyterian Church. Pastor Donna has become so much more than a pastor, she has become part of the Whitelaw family, said Jill Kilts. Her faith, leadership, friendship, and love for this congregation have left a lasting mark on so many. We are deeply grateful for all she has given to Whitelaw and our presbytery, and we wish her every blessing in this next chapter.
• We commissioned elders this afternoon who completed Communion Training with the endorsement of their Sessions to serve Communion in their home congregations. We give thanks for their willingness to serve and for the ways they will help bring the sacrament to members of their congregations.
• Jill Kilts – Whitelaw Presbyterian Church
• Barb Ortman – Whitelaw Presbyterian Church
• Betty Armstrong – Whitelaw Presbyterian Church
• Carla Kinney – Cazenovia Presbyterian Church
• Frank McDowell – Northminster Presbyterian Church
• Leanne Heard – Liverpool Presbyterian Church
• Paul Dungey – Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn
• Vivian Hughes – United Ministry of Aurora
• We celebrated and gave thanks for George Carruth, who was commissioned as a Ruling Elder to serve in pastoral ministry at Northminster Presbyterian Church. We are grateful for George’s willingness to answer this call to serve and for the gifts, faith and leadership he brings to the ministry of Northminster. Please join us in celebrating George and praying for him, Northminster Presbyterian Church and the ministry they will share together. Congratulations, George, and blessings on this new chapter of service!
• We’re gathered after the meeting for a 90-minute workshop led by the Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt of the Center for Jubilee Practice. Ashley guided the group in a conversation about restorative practices and how the church can acknowledge and respond to harm, both from our history and in the present day. We’re grateful to the Social Justice Committee for organizing this opportunity for us to listen, learn and have meaningful conversations together. The workshop is being recorded and will be made available to the wider Presbytery for those who aren’t able to attend. Stay tuned!

An Invitation from the Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, pastor of Scipioville Presbyterian and your Spooky Stated Clerk 

I love horror movies!

Not just because I enjoy being scared -- although I do -- but because good horror has a way of bringing us face-to-face with things we would often rather avoid. The unknown. The thing we cannot see. The person we are afraid of. The darkness itself.

The Bible knows those fears too.

For four Thursday evenings, I’m opening our regular online Bible study to anyone who would like to join us for The Things That Scare Us, a special Halloween-season exploration of some wonderfully strange, difficult, and surprisingly timely biblical texts.

We’ll encounter Saul desperately seeking answers from the dead when God seems silent. We’ll descend into the depths with Job and the terrifying Leviathan. We’ll stand beside Ananias as God sends him directly toward a man he has every reason to fear. And finally, we’ll sit with Psalm 88—one of the darkest prayers in Scripture—before hearing John proclaim that the light still shines in the darkness.

I sometimes describe my Christian vocation through one of my favorite verses of Scripture: “Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” — Romans 13:12

But putting on the armor of light does not require us to pretend the darkness isn't real.

Perhaps it requires the opposite.

Perhaps faith gives us enough courage to look honestly at the things that frighten us -- not because Christians have an easy answer for every fear, but because we trust that there is nowhere we can go, nothing we can encounter, and no darkness we can name that lies beyond the presence of God.

You don't need to be a horror fan. You don't need to know much about the Bible. You don't need to belong to our church or any church. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and perhaps a willingness to be a little unsettled.

Thursdays at 7:00 PM on Zoom

Beginning September 24 and continuing through October 15

September 24 — The Unknown

Psalm 77:1–15 & 1 Samuel 28:3–25

October 1 — The Unseen

Psalm 46:1–7 & Job 41:1–11, 25–34

October 8 — The Other

Psalm 27:1–6, 11–14 & Acts 9:10–19

October 15 — The Darkness

Psalm 88 & John 1:1–5

Registration is free and open to everyone. Register once and you'll receive the Zoom information for the series:

Register for The Things That Scare Us: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/40kzmpJLTEe5MDC9IbPz1Q 

All who DARE are welcome.

— Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye

Pastor of Scipioville Presbyterian and your Spooky Stated Clerk 

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, 2026

Please email the completed Application Form to: Lynn Jacques at lmjacques@verizon.net

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.



RSVP by October 12, 2026

Please share our flyer with your congregation:

Download Full-Color Flyer

Download Printer-Friendly flyer

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.

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

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.”

⚠️ Scam Alert: Fraudulent Mexico Church Donation Requests

Please beware of fraudulent donation letters requesting funds for church repairs in Mexico, including painting, mold removal, and steeple restoration.

Do not respond or send money or personal information. The Presbytery is not soliciting donations through these postal requests for Mexico church projects or for any other church.



If you receive one of these letters, please disregard it and share this warning with others.

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 2:30 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.

PLEASE REGISTER HERE



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.

Synod stated clerk position: Part-time opportunity, remote work, community engagement

The Synod of the Northeast is seeking a Stated Clerk to join its leadership team. This part-time, remote position is open to a dedicated teaching elder or ruling elder who is passionate about fostering connections and upholding the values of the Synod. The Stated Clerk will play an integral role in supporting the Synod’s mission of justice and transformative faith while engaging with its wider community.

Those who feel called to this opportunity are encouraged to explore the position and consider how their gifts and experience might contribute to the Synod’s ministry.

Applications should include a cover letter, resume, and three references, and be sent to Lisa Baker at statedclerksne@gmail.com by October 15, 2026. Apply Here.