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 pastors Steve and Saunda Thomas as Steve is undergoing cancer treatments. Please keep them in your prayers and cards can be mailed to 130 Wade Hampton Dr., Beaufort, SC 29907.
• Please pray Jerry Armstrong (Whitelaw Presbyterian) Jerry is 15 years old with recurrent bone cancer that has spread to his esophagus. Please continue to pray more than ever for both Jerry and his family. Cards can be sent to Jerry Armstrong at PO Box 414 Wampsville, NY 13163.
• Prayers for peace for the people and country of South Korea.
• Pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
• 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: minister members of the Presbytery who are engaged in specialized ministries, who are at-large members, or who are retired

Greg Garis grew up in Southern California and was baptized and nurtured in faith by the faithful pastors and members of the First Presbyterian Church of Covina. In college, he became the part-time Jr. High Youth Director of his home church and was active in the youth ministry of San Gabriel Presbytery and the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii. 

         After graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Behavioral Science, Greg became an Intern/Consultant with the Youth and Young Adult Program office in the denominational offices in New York City.

Greg attended Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has served churches in Kentucky, New Jersey, Georgia and Texas. He received his Doctorate of Ministry degree from McCormick Presbyterian Theological Seminary in 2006. In April 2023, he began his call to be the Lead Presbyter for Transformation for the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley.

Greg is married to Lynn and they have two adult children. In his spare time, he enjoys watching Formula 1 racing and is a sim racer.

Dear Friends –

It is a joy to begin working on October 1st with Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery as a part-time Lead Presbyter. I hope to visit congregations and worship with them, and give a greeting on behalf of the Presbytery. I also hope to assist the CORD team and other committees and commissions as they do the work they are called to do.

At this time, getting an email for me is still underway. So please use greg@susvalpresby.org until an email can be set up for me. If there is something that I can assist with or suggest a resource for you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

Grace and Peace,

Greg 

Your F&C Team has been meeting regularly. Originally called the Vision Committee, we renamed ourselves as we believe the way forward is to focus on what the myriad needs are as we seek to merge our two presbyteries but just as importantly to coordinate with and seek the wisdom of the body.

We have been working on a vision statement while also keeping a keen eye on the strategies we will need to propel us down the road of this process. Our next step is to share our vision statement with the “councils” of both Cayuga-Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley in a joint meeting. Our intent is to then share our work with the two presbyteries seeking your feedback and counsel as well as hearing your questions and concerns in small group meetings.

After this period of information sharing and relationship building, we will begin the detailed work of developing a merger proposal for consideration.

Geneva Presbytery had expressed some interest in joining with our two presbyteries in exploring merger and in fact came to a couple of our meetings. However, at the present time they have decided to explore other options.

We ask that you hold us in your prayers as we continue to meet and strategize our way forward. We are excited and hopeful and it is our prayer that each and every member of our  presbyteries will choose to get involved in the coming months. We can all be assured there will be much to do and it is our goal to keep you informed of our progress as well as opportunities for involvement.

Draft Vision Statement:

We follow God’s call to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The presbytery will support this vision through dynamic collaboration with and support for our congregations and their leaders, encouraging them to reflect the Spirit’s gifts of love, grace and justice in their midst, in their communities and in the world at large.

FEEDBACK: Send your feedback to the committee by emailing Ricerobbiej@gmail.com

In anticipation of the Focus and Coordination Team of Cayuga-Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley Presbyteries to discuss a vision for a new Presbytery in the future, Greg Garis interviewed and videoed Presbytery, Mid-council, and GA staff to as they answered: What do you imagine the Presbytery to become in the future?

Watch Videos:

Mid Council and GA Leaders imagining the future of Presbyteries

Steve Huston structure of NENJ Presbytery

Sallie Watson

Rev. Cindy Kohlman

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:         

1. 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.
2. A financial need must be clearly stated. i.e., sample budget
3. 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, 2025

Please email the completed Application Form to:

Lynn Jacques at lmjacques@verizon.net

A number of the churches in Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery are without a pastor; and some of them have been without a pastor for quite a while. Some churches may have a supply pastor or a pastor that has a limited schedule. One of the issues of concern for these churches is that Bible Study may not happen when there isn’t a pastor.

First United Church of Fulton is one of those churches. They are undertaking a ‘test project’ to hopefully solve this issue for the Fulton Church and others in similar circumstances. Gail Banks, Certified Lay Pastor, retired has agreed to do a four week Bible Study beginning October, 8 at 7pm,via ZOOM entitled HEAR JESUS’S WORDS.

Before Retirement, Gail served Amboy-Belle Isle Church. She held weekly Bible Studies for that congregation. Also, she led several retreats for the women of Morrisville Community Church. In 2006 she served as Moderator of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery.

Throughout the years, Gail also preached at many churches as Pulpit Supply. If you as an individual or part of a church group are interested in taking part in this ‘experiment,’ or want more information, please contact Rita Hooper, 315-706-3564, twohoops2@gmail.com

It is hoped that if this experiment works we can continue it on into the future!



BETTER TOGETHER!

With Love and Gratitude, OHPC Honors Lou Ann Black’s 37 Years of Guiding Young Hearts in Faith

Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church joyfully kicked off a brand new school year of Christian Education with its annual Registration Sunday last weekend. The church family gathered in excitement as children and families signed up for another year of growing in faith together.

This special day also became a moment of heartfelt recognition, as Youth Educator Sarah Buckshot honored someone who has shaped the lives of countless OHPC children over nearly four decades: beloved Sunday School teacher Lou Ann Black.

This year marks Mrs. Black’s 37th year of faithfully teaching, guiding, and sharing God’s love with the youth of OHPC. In recognition of her incredible dedication, the church surprised her with a “Thank You Breakfast," a small but meaningful gesture to show their deep appreciation.

"We are incredibly blessed to have Lou Ann as part of our ministry," said Buckshot. "Her dedication and love continue to inspire us all!"



Mrs. Black’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of OHPC’s Christian Education program. Through her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith, she has left a lasting mark on generations of children—and on the hearts of everyone who has served alongside her.

As OHPC steps into a new school year, the church does so with joy, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to nurturing faith in its youngest members—standing on the strong foundation built by faithful servants like Lou Ann Black.

The Steeple Coffee House Rocks On!!

The Steeple Coffee House at the United Church of Fayetteville will host a name new to the venue. Cayley Sheehan, a sapphic singer from Syracuse, leads the vibrant, genre-bending band Cayley Sheehan & The Family. Blending alternative rock with the soul of bluegrass, the group is powered by a trio of talented gay women and a rotating cast of passionate local musicians. With an album on the horizon at the end of the year, Cayley continues carving out a bold, unapologetic space in the music scene.

C’mon out and hear an amazing band sing a variety of songs ranging from pop ballads to rock and roll!

Where: Steeple Coffee House is located in the United Church of Fayetteville at 310 E. Genesee St. in Fayetteville, NY. Plenty of free parking behind the church with access from E. Genesee St., Chapel St., and Walnut St.

When: Saturday, October 11th - Show starts at 7:30 PM and runs until 9:30 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM

Cost: Tickets are $15 (cash) and include refreshments.

GREAT PUMPKIN MISSION: Hannibal Community Church had a great time at member Donna Blake’s home for the “Pick a Pumpkin” event, benefiting the Hannibal Backpack Program! Thank you, Donna, for your generous hospitality and support!

Purple Church Reflections: Navigating Stewardship in an Age of Polarization

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT

Leader – Greg Allen-Pickett

Reclaiming Confirmation

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 pm EDT

Leader - Kirsten Trachsel

Online Presence in 2025 and Beyond

Thursday, October 9, 2025

7:00 – 8:00 PM EDT

Leader – Eric Seiberling

Cross-Cultural Ministries

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

7:00 – 8:00 PM EDT

Leader – Kim Pope-Seiberling

Resisting Erasure and Isolation as Pathway to Belonging

Thursday, October 23, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leaders - Craig Lemming, Erin Weber-Johnson



Practical AI for Churches

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader – Eric Seiberling

Full Day VBS - it's not that scary!

Thursday, October 30, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader – Kelsey DeCarlo

Can We Talk? What the Bible Can Teach Us about Dialogue in a Divisive Time

Thursday, November 6, 2025

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader – Rev. Dr. Leah Schade

Creating Ministries for Neurogent Families

Thursday, December 4, 2025

7:00 – 8:00 PM EDT

Leader – Kim Pope-Seiberling

Mandatory New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars

You can take this training any time during the year

charlaine@prcli.org

Thursday, October 16, 2025 

10:00 – 11:30 AM EDT

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 

4:00 – 5:30 PM EST

Tuesday, December 9, 2025 

2:00 – 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

Now Hiring | Finance Clerk

To apply for this position, submit a resume with references to Rev. SanDawna Ashley at sandawna.ashley@synodne.org. This is a part-time (15 hrs. week) position located in East Syracuse, New York. The applicant must live in the Syracuse, NY area. The position continuation is subject to a satisfactory 90-day orientation period and performance reviews. In accordance with New York State Law, this position is an “at will” employment. Position description: Synod Finance Clerk Position Description

Position Opening: Music Director

The Jamesville Community Church is seeking a part-time Music Director, who can play the organ, piano or guitar. The paid position is for an average of 7-9 hours a week. The

Director will assist the pastor with Sunday morning worship, special services, lead a

small choir and congregational singing and play both contemporary and traditional

worship music.

Competitive Salary.

Please prayerfully consider joining our faith community in worshiping God together.

Interested candidates can contact Church Office at 315-492-1465 or

admin@jamesvillecommunitychurch.org

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.

WNY Connection to Transformation

Building a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities

in Collaboration with the NY State Council of Churches

October 24-25, 2025

First Presbyterian Church - Ithaca

315 N Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY 14850

COST: $55

Register

Tell Your Church’s Story!

We’re collecting stories for the Mission Yearbook website and want to feature yours!

How is God at work in your congregation right now? Whether it’s a project, a transformative ministry, or a moment of spiritual growth, your story can inspire and uplift others across the Presbyterian community. Share your journey with us!



Learn more and submit your story here: https://hubs.ly/Q03Lhg0y0