United Ministry Members Discover Modern Dairy Farming

Nearly 40 members and friends of the United Ministry of Aurora recently enjoyed an informative, fascinating, and fun tour of Aurora Ridge Dairy Farm.

Parishioners Bill and Penny Cook led the group through the farm, explaining the milking process, the care given to the cows, and the remarkable growth of technology in today’s dairy industry.

Aurora Ridge Dairy Farm is home to approximately 2,300 milking cows and 2,000 young cows. The farm also includes about 3,000 acres of corn, grass, and soybeans, which provide feed for the herd. Manure from the cows is injected beneath the topsoil, helping to reduce runoff into the lake while returning nutrients to the soil.

About 40 hardworking and highly skilled employees keep the farm operating throughout the year. Their work includes planting and harvesting crops, transporting feed, milking the cows, and caring for the cows and calves.

During the tour, visitors saw newborn calves, young “teenage” cows, cows awaiting their turn to give birth, and the milking cows. The group also visited the manure lagoon, where manure is stored beneath a plastic cover that keeps rainwater out.

One particularly interesting stop was the farm’s methane-burning system. Methane produced from the manure is captured and used to generate heat for the greenhouse, demonstrating another way the farm makes use of its resources while incorporating environmentally sustainable practices.

Throughout the tour, the group saw examples of ongoing improvements in technology and farming practices designed to support the health and care of the cows, employees, land, and environment.

The visit offered members and friends an opportunity to gain a greater appreciation for the work, knowledge, technology, and dedication involved in operating a modern dairy farm.

For everyone who attended, it was an impressive -- and thoroughly enjoyable -- visit.

Gathering for Restorative Practices: Listening, Learning, and Growing Together

Following the Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Whitelaw Presbyterian Church and via Zoom, members gathered for a 90-minute workshop led by the Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt of the Center for Jubilee Practice.

Ashley guided the group in a thoughtful conversation about restorative practices and how the church can acknowledge and respond to harm, both from our history and in the present day. The workshop offered an opportunity to listen deeply, learn together, and consider how restorative practices can shape the life and ministry of the church.

We are grateful to the Social Justice Committee for organizing this meaningful opportunity for members of the Presbytery to engage in learning and conversation together.

The workshop was recorded and is available for members of the Presbytery to view here.

Please note: This training video is being shared for internal training and educational purposes. Please do not share or distribute the video beyond the Presbytery without prior permission.

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

Began on September 24 and continues through October 15

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.

A GUIDE FOR CHURCH LEADERS

THE JOHNSON AMENDMENT

What your congregation can - and cannot - do during the 2026 election season

THE BOTTOM LINE: The Johnson Amendment remains in federal law for the November 3, 2026 election. The 2025 proposed settlement did not take effect, and the Fifth Circuit has not ruled on the pending appeal. Churches may speak boldly on public issues, but a 501(c)(3) congregation may not support or oppose a candidate for public office.

Read More...

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 TODAY!

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.”

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.