Welcome to this week's edition of our e-letter, Presbytery Matters. | | | |
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 keep all the kids returning to school or starting school for the first time in your prayers.
- Please keep Camille Bach (Whitelaw Presbyterian) in your prayers during her breast cancer treatment and her recent move to Florida.
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Please pray for 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.
- 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.
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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: Columbian, LaFayette; First, Liverpool; First, Marcellus; First, Mexico; Morrisville Community Church
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Back to School Blessings
This week, children across Central New York returned to school. For some, it was their very first day ever and for others, their last "first day." You may have children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren who smiled big for their back-to-school photo as they climbed aboard the school bus, filled with excitement, hesitation ... or maybe a little of both.
As this new school year begins, we invite you to lift these children up in prayer. Ask God to watch over them, to keep them safe and to help them learn, grow and thrive in every way.
May this year be filled with discovery, joy and the guiding presence of God's love.
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A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6 p.m. on Zoom.
All requests for time on the docket and all supporting materials are due to the stated clerk by 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025. The stated clerk can be reached via email at statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org.
Zoom Registration Available Now: Register Here
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The Rev Ashley Detar-Birt, Program Director from the Center for Jubilee Practice, will be offering a presentation at our next Presbytery Meeting on September 17th. The presentation will be entitled: "What could Jubilee look like today?"
DeTar-Birt is the Program Manager for New York Unitarian Universalist Justice and an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She obtained her Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, an MA in Theater Arts from the University of Pittsburgh, and a BA in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. During her time at Union Theological Seminary, she received the Malcolm Boyd Veritas Award which recognizes promise for the work of social justice on behalf of the LGBTQ community. She currently serves on ACQ+E (the LGBTQIA+ Advocacy Committee) and has previously served on the Racial Equity Advocacy Committee and the Disparities Experienced by Black Women and Girls Task Force for the PC(USA). An outspoken advocate for youth ministry and social justice, Ashley is a former Co-Moderator of the Board of Directors for More Light Presbyterians and has written for the NEXT Church blog, Believe Out Loud, Illustrated Ministries, and more. She lives in the Bronx, NY with her wife, Rev. Emily DeTar Birt, on Munsee Lenape land.
This presentation is organized by the Social Justice Committee.
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We're Hiring: Assistant to Lead Presbyter for Transformation
The presbyteries of Cayuga Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley are seeking an individual to support the work of the Lead Presbyter as the two presbyteries begin their collaboration efforts in a merger process. They will work with the Lead Presbyter in spearheading these efforts between the two presbyteries, be capable of working with and assisting Pastor Nominating Committees in conjunction with the COM’s and develop and assist in elder, deacon and CRE training.
Qualities needed include a strong commitment to the vision of the presbyteries as they move forward, an independent thinker but also a team player, familiarity with the structures and committees of a presbytery, a clear communicator and a faithful disciple to the teachings of the good news of the gospel.
The successful candidate will be either a Teaching or Ruling Elder in the PCUSA. The position is 25 hours per week.
Read Job Description
Interested persons should forward their resume, cover letter and references to ldaboll1929@gmail.com.
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The Presbytery has bulk ordered 2025-2026 Presbyterian Planning Calendars to get a reduced cost. The cost is $12.50 per calendar.
Please note that the planning calendars have a new orientation: The calendar grid is now vertical instead of horizontal and will span across two pages for double the writing space for personal dates and notes. We have ordered 55 calendars, and they will be available on a first come, first served basis. Order Form: https://forms.gle/RB8XpA9Ft88bTcbz9
Questions can be directed to Kristin Schierer, Presbytery Bookkeeper at finance@cayugasyracuse.org.
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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!
| | From the Social Justice Committee | | |
Hope In A Time of Peril: Interfaith Webinar
Wednesday, September 10 at 6:00 pm
Across the nation and within our cities, immigrant families and allies are overcoming aggressive immigration raids, fear and uncertainty, and the real impacts of family separation with care and compassion.
Please join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for a webinar to learn about the latest federal updates, to understand how immigrant families are navigating the first six months into the Trump Administration and how people of faith are mobilizing boldly, to stand for welcome in a sea of change.
Join the Interfaith Immigration Coalition for a timely webinar and an inspiring opportunity for faith-driven advocacy. Register Here
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WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY
Liturgy resource for worship From Presbyterian Peace Fellowship (PPF) and Sabell Theology Center (Jerusalem) Download Here
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Hymnals Available
Westminster (Auburn) has multiple copies of the The Worshipbook (1972, hymns and liturgy) available to give away to any church, senior living center, organization who might want them.
Please contact office@westminsterauburn.org if you’re interested.
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Professional Development
July is a great time to evaluate, refresh, and prepare for the programmatic year ahead. Some of our favorite recorded picks to help you get the resources you need are:
Recorded Webinars: Ready to go whenever you have time! Pro tip- pop in an earbud, bring it up on your phone, and listen while you
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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.
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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 | 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
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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
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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 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.
| | Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | | |
Presbyterian hymn writer pens ‘Jesus, You Once Blessed the Children’
The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette prays that we, too, will bless children in Jesus’ name
Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has a new hymn, “Jesus, You Once Blessed the Children,” set to NETTLETON, the tune for “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”
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“This new hymn celebrates Jesus blessing the children,” she said in a statement. “It is a prayer that we, as followers of Jesus, will bless them, too, in his name— as we teach them the faith; as we protect them from gun violence; and as we create a cleaner, more just world for them to grow up in.”
“As the old children’s song goes, ‘They are precious in his sight,’ and since children are precious to Jesus, then he calls us to do everything we can to make the world a more loving, faithful, safe, and sustainable place for them to grow up. What are the ways we are willing to change, to be a blessing to them?”
She grants permission for free use of this hymn, including online, for local churches.
Jesus, You Once Blessed the Children
NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D ("Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing")
Jesus, you once blessed the children who were often pushed aside.
“God has given them the kingdom,” you proclaimed, arms open wide.
You call people to protect them and to make sure they’re all right.
May we bless the world of children who are precious in your sight.
May we share with them the gospel: In your love, you make us new!
May we help them to be faithful; may they turn in trust to you.
May we teach them love of neighbors in this world’s diversity.
May our love toward friends and strangers be examples that they see.
When our children ask for safety, may we give them what is good.
God, may weapons never hurt them in their homes or neighborhoods.
May we learn that second graders in their classrooms matter more
than the guns we fill our land with — that our nation clamors for.
May we work to stop pollution, may we counter climate change.
For the love of growing children, God, what will we rearrange?
Will we change our laws to save them? Will we try a whole new way?
May our actions bless the children as we build a better day.
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Legal service providers bring heart and compassion to serving immigrants
New online series from PDA provides insight into serving newcomers during a challenging period for the US
Mizari Suárez wakes up each day with a deep desire for a better community — one in which people truly love their neighbor.
It’s one of the driving forces behind her serving as executive director of Neighbors Immigration Clinic, a nonprofit law firm in Lexington, Kentucky that handles asylum cases and other legal work in dozens of Kentucky counties.
As a former undocumented immigrant, “I know how life-changing” having access to legal services can be “and what it can do for families and what it has done for my family, and I never forget that,” Suárez said. “Our immigrant neighbors deserve us to be the best and to really embody loving our neighbor and walking alongside them in these difficult times.”
Suárez was one of two featured speakers during a webinar offered last week by Migration Accompaniment Ministries (MAM), which is part of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Omar Salinas-Chacón, mission specialist for MAM, hosted the hour-long program, the first in a new series.
Continue reading...
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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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