Presbytery Matters

March 19, 2026

Welcome to this week's edition of our e-letter, Presbytery Matters.

Mission Stories

Serving with Purpose

Members of the LaFayette Columbian Presbyterian Church and the Otisco Presbyterian Church volunteered at the Samaritan Center on Saturday, helping serve a meal and support community members in need.

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!

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Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery

In our prayers together this week:

Please keep Doug Russell, of Baldwinsville Presbyterian Church, in your prayers as he battles cancer. Pray for strength, healing, and peace for Doug and his loved ones during this difficult time.
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 Cuba.
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: Northminster, North Syracuse; Onondaga Hill; Faith United Church of Oswego; Presbyterian Church of Otisco; New Hope, Parish

You're Invited!

Stated Meeting

A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Scipioville Presbyterian Church and on Zoom. Thank you to Scipioville for hosting the meeting and providing a delicious lunch!

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

The meeting started at 10 a.m.
A worship service was held.
The Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye delivered a powerful message. Watch it here.
Our Lead Presbyter, Rev. Greg Garis, and our Assistant to the Lead Presbyter, Rev. Mary Anderson, led us in a meaningful time of communion. It was a special moment of reflection, faith, and community, and we are thankful for their leadership and presence with us.
Stated Clerk the Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye thanked all the churches for submitting their statistics.
MOTION APPROVED: The Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse reaffirms the Administrative Commission for Hannibal Church with Rev Garrett Anderson, Roger Dilmore and Victor Jenkins as members. The commission has been granted Original Jurisdiction which includes the ability to transfer the property and dissolve the congregation.
MOTION PASSED: To suspend SR 12 and for those members of Human Resources to work jointly with the Personnel Committee of Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley to review and assess staffing needs and make recommendations to the presbyteries, provide for supervision, update policies, and conduct annual performance reviews for the Presbyteries of Cayuga-Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley.
Thank you so much for the delicious lunch provided and prepared for Scipioville Presbyterian Church members and Simply Cookie!
The social justice committee invites everyone to attend the viewing of the “Where Olive Trees Weep." See information below.
MOTION PASSED: That the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse approve the webinar "Introduction to April 3 Massacre and its Memorials" presented by Professor Merose Hwang on August 31, 2025 as a resource to be submitted to General Assembly (PC-Biz) In support of our overture "On the Jeju 4.3 Tragedy in South Korea." Professor Hwang presented this webinar to the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) in conjunction with the Korea Peace Journey held in October 2025. The webinar can be found on the Home page of www.PPNK.net
The meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.

Meeting Papers:

Docket

Committee on Representation Report

Election Bylaws

Focus & Coordination Team

Human Resources Committee Report

January 2026 Draft Minutes

Overture on Embargoing Israel

Paper Dolls to Free Families

Lead Presbyter Report

Synod of the Northeast Overtures

From the Focus & Coordination Team

You're Invited To Join Us May 16 for a

Joint Gathering of Our Presbyteries

Members and friends of the Presbyteries of Cayuga-Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley are warmly invited to a joint gathering on Saturday, May 16, at First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia. This special event is designed as a time of fellowship, conversation and learning as we come together across our presbyteries.

The gathering will run from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. for registration and informal conversation. All members of both presbyteries are encouraged to attend -- come one, come all!

The day will offer opportunities to build new friendships, learn more about one another’s ministries and share ideas and questions about the life of our presbyteries. Participants will also hear about the recent merger between the Lehigh and Lackawanna Presbyteries, offering insight and perspective that may help inform conversations within our own region.

This gathering is sponsored by the Focus & Coordination Team, and lunch will be provided. A $5 donation per person is welcomed to help offset the cost of the meal.

To help us plan for lunch, please RSVP by emailing Lorrie Cooney at ljcooney1@gmail.com and include your name and the church you are affiliated with.

Your presence and voice are important. We hope you will join us for this meaningful time of connection and shared conversation.

Attention Churches: Download bulletin to invite your members.

Word Document

PDF

Got Church Trivia? We Want It!

Help Make Our “Get to Know Our Presbyteries” Trivia Game a Success

At our May 16 Presbytery Gathering, we’re setting aside time for connection and relationship-building with a fun “Get to Know Our Presbyteries” Trivia Game and we need your help to make it great!

We’re looking for fun, unique, and little-known facts about your church or presbytery. These could be interesting historical details from your archives, memorable stories, amusing anecdotes, or present-day trivia that others might not know.

We’ve already gathered a few great stories and are excited to share them, but we need more trivia to make the game a success!

Take a few minutes to gather your church’s hidden gems and surprising facts and send them in.

Submit your trivia to: Lorrie Cooney at ljcooney1@gmail.com

If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to see what stories you share!

Church Spotlight

Spotlight on First United Church of Fulton from the Assistant to the Lead Presbyter, the Rev. Mary Anderson

For many years in Fulton, two active congregations stood on opposite corners of South Third and Utica Streets: First Baptist Church of Fulton and First Presbyterian Church of Fulton and Granby. By the early 1990s, both churches were facing smaller membership and limited resources. In 1995, after decades of shared Sunday School, summer worship, and joint activities, the two congregations voted to merge. Rev. Al Wollenberg, then Interim Pastor of the Presbyterian Church, guided the process. In 1997, the merger became official, forming First United Church of Fulton, with Rev. David Nethercott (American Baptist) as the first installed pastor.

A Legacy of Mission and Community Service

Both congregations brought strong traditions of mission work. During World War II, members wrote letters to servicemen and women, knitted and sewed for the war effort, and supported global mission relationships in China, Korea, Japan, and beyond.

They hosted Scout troops, helped form the Fulton Council of Churches, and participated in the Men’s Ecumenical Forum of Fulton. Their commitment to justice included actions such as the 1969 boycott of California table grapes in solidarity with farm workers.

Pastoral leadership also shaped their community impact. One pastor helped launch what became Oswego County Opportunities, now one of the largest social service agencies in the region.

The Story of the Buildings

The Presbyterian congregation traces its roots to 1818, moving five times—four for expansion and once after a fire -- before completing their current building in 1883. They elected their first woman elder in 1967. The Baptist congregation began in 1814, eventually building their distinctive cobblestone church at Third and Utica under the leadership of Rev. Peter Woodin, a skilled carpenter and pastor who also built churches both physically and Spiritually in Central Square, Hannibal, California, and South America.

First United Church Today

Today, First United continues its long tradition of caring for the Fulton community. The church hosts a Saturday sack lunch program, the ecumenical Kranky Men’s Kafe on Wednesdays, and maintains a Blessing Box. This winter, they launched Keep Fulton Warm, hanging mittens, scarves, and hats outside for anyone in need. Located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city -- rich in history but facing economic challenges -- the congregation is discerning its next steps, seeking pastoral leadership, and exploring how best to use its building and resources. Through every chapter, First United Church of Fulton has remained committed to serving God, loving neighbors, and strengthening the Fulton community.

2026 Virtual Benefits Summit

Attention Pastors, Members of Personnel and Finance Committees:

Below is a message from the Rev. Luke Choi, Church Consultant for the Synod of the Covenant, Western New York presbyteries, Korean American presbyteries, and KPCA

Greetings,

By now, you’ve probably received an invitation to the Benefits Regional Summit events held in various cities across the country from the Board of Pensions. Since none of these locations are within a reasonable driving distance from you, I’ve decided to host our own condensed version of the Benefits Regional Summit virtually in partnership with the Presbyteries of Cayuga-Syracuse, Geneva, and Susquehanna Valley.

So, join us for this informative virtual town hall, through which I hope to provide important updates and insights into the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and related programs offered by the Board of Pensions to you the pastoral leaders and the congregational benefits decision-makers.

2026 Virtual Benefits Summit for Cayuga-Syracuse/Geneva/Susquehanna Valley

Thursday, April 23, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Please Register in advance for this meeting

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Among the topics you will hear about are:

Medical Plan cost trends and changes in the healthcare system
Dues package subsidies that would ease financial burdens for congregations, pastors, and their families
Plans and programs that support those who serve the Church, including Assistance Program enhancements such as the new Child Care Support

You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

Wishing God’s best for you,

Luke

Around the Presbytery

Steeple Coffee House presents Loren and LJ

We’re happy to have Loren and LJ Barrigar back at Steeple Coffee House!

Loren, a long-time friend of Steeple Coffee House, is a highly skilled guitarist and singer whose guitar playing and composing have been significantly influenced by renowned guitarists Chet Atkins and Tommy Emmanuel. He has composed melodies for television shows such as “ER” and “The Young and The Restless,” as well as a Christmas CD featuring legendary musicians BB King and Patti Labelle.

LJ, a self-taught musician, has been playing with his father in a finger-picking duo for the past six years. Heavily influenced by his father’s music and the guidance of his father’s friend and performing partner, Mark Mazengarb, LJ has become a virtuoso guitarist.

Loren and LJ have embarked on extensive tours across Central New York and beyond, captivating audiences with their performances. Their shows have taken them to various states, including Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Arkansas. Audiences are enthusiastic and often return to local shows, cultivating a loyal fan base.

If you like serious finger-picking guitars, then you’re in for an amazing show!

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

When: Saturday, March 28^th - Show starts at 7:30 PM and runs until 9:30 PM. Doors open at 7:00 PM

Cost: Suggested donation is $15-20 (cash) includes refreshments