Welcome to this week's edition of our e-letter, Presbytery Matters. | | | |
THIS SATURDAY! JOIN US!
Joint Gathering of Our Presbyteries
| | Please join us — registrations appreciated, but your presence is by far the most important part of our gathering! | |
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.
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.
Church Address: First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia 27 Albany Street (Route 20) Cazenovia, NY 13035
It will be busy Saturday in Cazenovia. To help with parking and traffic, carpooling is strongly encouraged whenever possible. View Parking Map.
Parking:
- Parking attendants will be on site to guide you to available spaces.
- Accessible and mobility‑friendly parking is located directly behind the church.
Additional Parking Locations:
- Wendell House (Cazenovia College) – 3 Sullivan Street
- Risman Hall – Cazenovia College campus area
- Public parking lot behind Community Bank off Route 20
- Street parking along Albany Street and nearby side streets
Please allow a few extra minutes for parking and walking, especially if you plan to use one of the satellite lots. We’re grateful for your flexibility and look forward to a meaningful day together.
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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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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!
| | Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery | | |
In our prayers together this week:
- Please pray for 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.
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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: United Church of Fayetteville; First United Church of Fulton; Jamesville Community Church; First, King Ferry
| | Help Us Keep Our Presbytery Records Current! | |
We’ve made the Church Information Form easier than ever — it is now completely digital.
Each church is asked to complete the updated form so we can maintain accurate contact and leadership information throughout the presbytery.
✅ Takes only a few minutes
✅ Easy online submission
✅ Helps us serve your congregation better
Please click the link below, complete your church’s information, and submit the form.
Church Information Form
Once submitted, it will be automatically sent to the Stated Clerk’s office.
A Microsoft Form version is currently under development but is not yet ready for publication.
Please complete this form as soon as possible. This will become an annual process moving forward.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org.
If you or your church do not have access to the digital form or the necessary technology --or if you know of a congregation that does not -- please let me know. I will gladly provide a physical copy of the form.
Thank you all for your cooperation. I truly appreciate it.
Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye
Stated Clerk
Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse
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Dear Clergy,
You are warmly invited to a clergy gathering on Tuesday, May 19, at 12 p.m. at Liverpool Presbyterian Church.
Salads will be provided, and if you have a favorite salad you’d like to bring and share, please feel free to do so.
We are also pleased that Greg Garis, Lead Presbyter, will be joining us for this time of fellowship and conversation.
In addition, we invite everyone to bring one helpful resource you use in ministry -- something practical, meaningful, or inspiring -- that you can briefly share with colleagues.
Please email Rev. Mary Anderson, Assistant to the Lead Presbyter, at asst.presbyter@gmail.com to let her know if you are able to attend.
We look forward to being together.
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Once upon a time, a young man named Jacob, went on a journey to find his purpose in life. He ended up camping under the giant sequoias of California, and after several days of meditation, he felt a calling to connect people to the soil and to food. After many jobs, he landed in Syracuse taking on the job as Executive Director of Salt City Harvest Farm (SCHF) in Kirkville.
On Friday, May 8, members of the Cayuga-Syracuse and the Liverpool First Presbyterian Social Justice Committee met with Jacob Gigler-Caro, and Chittenango Church Elder. Jacob gave a tour of the farm and explained how most of the land is divided in ⅛ acres. New American farmers with an agricultural background grow foods native to their homeland for a small rental fee. They sell 60% of their crops back to SCHF. 25% of the 60% goes to the CNY Food Bank and the rest is sold at the Regional Market in Shed C.
The SCHF is growing in its mission and in his six years as executive director, Jacob and his staff have also grown their profit margin steadily. The land they use has been donated by the owners of 60 acres. The owners are now preparing to sell the entire 60 acres and SCHF will begin a fundraising campaign to be able to buy the land to grow this mission.
The Social Justice Committee would like to support this enterprising mission, Salt City Harvest Farm, in growing culture, and community alongside the New American Community through the cross-cultural exchange of food traditions with access to farmland, education, and economic opportunities.
- Pray for the staff and farmers
- Pray for the board as they set up a fundraising campaign
- Stop by and visit the farm and see what it is all about.
- Buy food at the Regional Market from SCHF in Shed C.
- Volunteer with one of the many committees that support the work of SCHF.
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Update on Awareness of the Plight of Palestine
In March, a viewing of “Where the Olive Trees Weep” was held at Liverpool First Presbyterian, sponsored by the Cayuga Syracuse Social Justice Committee. Several churches were represented including Chittenango, Pebble Hill, Cazenovia and Liverpool. Rev. Monica Stryon presented the documentary and over a soup dinner, facilitated discussion. Conversation was passionate and new awareness was established.
The Social Justice Committee strongly recommends other churches who are interested watch this documentary. Monica would be happy to join you in facilitating discussion as well. In order to view this documentary, please contact Rev. Garrett Anderson (revgarrettanderson@gmail.com) who has access to the subscription for viewing.
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Kairos Palestine II:
A Congregational Study Guide
This resource invites congregations into a sacred dialogue with the Kairos Palestine II document—a living confession born from the heart of Palestinian Christian suffering. To study it during Lent, that ancient season of preparation and renewal, is to walk the path of baptism once more: to rediscover what it means to pledge our faith in Christ and to boldly renounce the sin and evil alive in our world today. Download Free PDF Copy.
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In light of the Supreme Court's recent decision to dismantle the 1965 Voting Rights Act, we are reminded of the General Assembly's decisive stance on voting rights, first approved by the 218th General Assembly in 2008 and reaffirmed by the 225th General Assembly in 2022.
The resolution, "Lift Every Voice: Democracy, Voting Rights and Electoral Reform," states the PC(USA)'s clear opposition to attempts at voter suppression, expressions of white supremacist and white Christian nationalist ideologies, and efforts at the state level to subvert legal elections. It recognizes the role of gerrymandering and the corrupting power of money in electoral and governing processes and calls for election finance reform. It denounces the intimidation of election officials and workers and calls on law enforcement agencies and lawmakers to enforce and strengthen laws to protect them. Read the full resolution here.
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LaFayette Columbian Presbyterian Church
Corner of Route 11 And Route 20, LaFayette
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Steeple Coffee House presents Dave Novak and the PartyNuts
Dave Novak and the PartyNuts formed in 1978 (as Novak’s Assorted PartyNuts). Original members Dave Novak, John Dancks, and Mike Kallet were joined by Ed McBarron (in 1989), JT Hall (1995), and Don Williams (2014).
From Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Johnny Cash to Neil Diamond, Roy Orbison, the Beatles, and Motown, the Dave Novak and the PartyNuts 6-piece ensemble will provide great tunes and a great time. They are all unapologetically NUTS!
Dave Novak plays guitar and vocals. He formed his first band, the CAZCATS, in 1961 with John Dancks. Dave also plays with the FABCATS, MONTERAYS, and the DAVE NOVAK 5. He was inducted into the SAMMY Hall of Fame in 2008.
John Dancks, the most in-demand bassist in the area, plays with various local bands, including The CADLEYS, QUATRO, and DEAD to the CORE. JD was inducted into the SAMMY Hall of Fame in 2013. Mike Kallet plays keyboards, guitar, and vocals. He’s also a member of the FABCATS. Ed McBarron, the band’s drummer and vocalist, also keeps time with the LIUZZO BAND. JT Hall leads his own original jazz group, the JT HALL JAZZ CONSORT, and has been a stalwart of the local music scene for nearly as long as Novak. Don Williams, a virtuoso saxophonist and flutist, plays with the CNY SONGBIRDS and BLUE AVENUE.
It promises to be a fabulous night of music!
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, May 23rd - Show starts at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 9:30 p.m. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation is $15-20 (cash) includes refreshments
| | Instead of Chicken BBQs, have you ever tried Turkey BBQ? It's delicious. | | Save the Date: Presbyteries learning event in Geneva | | |
Leadership Transitions; Succession Planning for Church Leaders
Thursday, May 14, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Financial Transparency That Builds Trust (Not Anxiety)
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Church Bullies
Thursday, June 11, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
Life After Publisher: Mastering Page Layout with Affinity
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT
Leader – Jo Nygard Owens
When Giving is Flat; Faithful Response Beyond Panic
Thursday, June 18, 2026
2:00 – 3:00 PM EST
Leader – Keith Clark-Hoyos
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How to contact our Lead Presbyter, the Rev. Greg Garis
Email: leadpresbyter@cayugasyracuse.org
How to contact our Assistant to the Lead Presbyter, the Rev. Mary Anderson
Email: asst.presbyter@gmail.com
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
How to contact our Bookkeeper, Kristin Schierer
Email: finance@cayugasyracuse.org
More information is linked below:
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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
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Now Hiring: Church Ministry Assistant
First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles is seeking a Church Ministry Assistant who will play a key role in supporting the life and mission of the church through both administrative leadership and ministry coordination. This position oversees daily office operations, manages communications and scheduling, and provides essential support to pastors, staff, and volunteers.
In addition, the role partners closely with the Christian Education Committee to plan and lead children’s programs and support broader educational ministries. This individual helps create a welcoming, organized, and spiritually nurturing environment for the congregation while ensuring ministries run smoothly and effectively.
All interested parties should email their resume and cover letter to Pastor Mike at revhill@skanpresby.org by May 15th.
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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. If the position remains open after 3 weeks, please resubmit.
Thank you, Sarah Buckshot, Communications Coordinator.
| | Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | | |
Amid difficult immigration realities, immigrant church leaders gather to strengthen ministry and connection
Regional gathering strengthens relationships, shared leadership, and support for immigrant leaders in the PC(USA)
Perched above the blue waters of Lake Tahoe, 43 leaders from immigrant churches and new worshiping communities gathered April 27-30 at Zephyr Point Conference Center for the Western regional Friends on the Journey gathering.
Representing 13 countries including China, Brazil, Mexico, South Korea, Kenya, Madagascar, Egypt, Indonesia, Congo, Guatemala, Peru, Uganda and the United States, participants came together to strengthen relationships, develop leadership capacity, and encourage one another in the demanding work of ministry across cultures and immigrant communities.
The gathering was hosted by 1001 New Worshiping Communities, the New Church Development Commission in the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, and the Presbytery of San Francisco, with leadership shared by Accents, a collaborative network of PC(USA) leaders that includes the Rev. Gad Mpoyo, the Rev. Dr. Lindsay Armstrong, the Rev. Dr. Rafael Viana, and the Rev. Sam Kim. The group works nationally to build resilient immigrant churches, strengthen cross cultural partnership and support emerging immigrant leaders across the denomination.
Continue reading...
| | The Rev. Jihyun Oh, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Executive Director of Presbyterian Life & Witness, has issued a statement mourning the 18 people who have reportedly died in immigration detention this year and recognizing "their personhoods and the sacredness of their lives." Read the full statement here. | |
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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