In our prayers together this week:



• Please pray for Dave Sperling, elder from New Hope. He is recovering from health issues.
• Please pray for everyone who is struggling with their mental health, mental illnesses and addiction.
• Please pray for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.
• Keep all those who battling cancer in your prayers. Please ask God to be by their side and to be with their doctors and families.

In the cycle of prayer our Presbytery, please pray for these congregations, faith communities, and individuals: Port Byron Federated; First, Scipioville; Sennett Federated Church; First, Skaneateles

If you'd like to share a particular joy or concern with the Presbytery, please contact: CaySyrNews@gmail.com. Please note, prayers will be featured for three weeks, unless a specific time frame is requested.

You're Invited:

Installation of the Rev. Brian Copeland

at Weedsport First Presbyterian Church

The installation will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2023.

I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it?

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.



Isaiah 43:19 NRSVUE

Redefining the Mission Field

I am in Louisville this week with other mid-council leaders from around the country. A godly amount of our time has been spent on discerning ways we can collectively move forward as the people of God toward the 22^nd century. Yes, that’s right – the 22^nd century! Think about that for a moment. Most of us are children of the 20^th century who looked forward to what the 21^st century might bring. I doubt many of us could have imagined the unparalleled growth of technology back in 1983 when the two denominations of the North and South Presbyterian Church gathered to become one. Back then, compact discs and fax machines were considered cutting edge technology -- two technologies that today are considered mostly obsolete.

Now, consider for a moment, how our churches have changed over the last 40 years. Have they changed? How are we equipping the church for the next century? More importantly, what is getting in the way of achieving that hope? The obstacles are probably easy to name:

• Declining membership.
• Limited financial bandwidth.
• Lack of young adults and families to replenish an aging population.
• Lack of leaders, or leaders that are over-extended or burned out.
• Aging physical infrastructure. Buildings in need of major repairs.

The good news (if you want to call it that) is that these are not localized problems of one particular church or presbytery.

The better news is that these challenges are forcing us to re-evaluate how we are the church to a world that is still deeply divided; still in search of meaning; and still in awe of the mystery of our place in the cosmos.

How we respond as the church won’t come by means of quick fixes or fads, but certainly collaboration will be a key component. Collaboration can be problematic for many congregations whose history and identity are tied to one particular space. It can be problematic for presbyteries, too. Yet, the call to follow God’s call beyond the security of our four walls is as ancient as the call of Abraham.

In September 1956, the presbyteries of Cayuga and Syracuse merged to become the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse. One month later, on October 24, 1956, this new presbytery ordained Margaret Towner as the first woman in our denomination to the ministry of Word and Sacrament. Both of these events didn’t occur by happenstance, a great deal of forethought, prayer and planning turned these hopes into reality. Margaret was encouraged by the leaders of the presbytery to pursue the coursework that would qualify her for ordination even when a path for women in ministry had yet to exist.

Today our presbytery is again discerning a pathway of collaboration with our neighboring presbyteries. These discussions will take time, prayer, and our own share of “letting go.” Just as 40 years ago, two denominations unified to become one, we now stand at the crossroads of congregations and presbyteries discerning how we may unite. What benefits might be gained to the greater church if our presbyteries can share staff and resources? On the congregational front, what opportunities might there be if selling a property opens the door with fresh resources for emerging ministries? While much of this work has been tasked to your session elders and presbytery committees, your voice, prayers, and participation will be imperative to the future of our continuing mission in Central New York.

Over the next several months I will be setting up a series of listening sessions in different regions of the presbytery. This is your opportunity to share your hopes on how we can grow as the connectional church, and how the presbytery can support you in those efforts. In addition, please share your voice, prayers, and participation with the elders and presbytery leaders you’ve elected to help lead this journey.

The first listening session will be in Lafayette at Columbian Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, October 4^th from 10 a.m. to noon. I will be there with resources and to answer questions from renting the manse to some of our new mandated boundary policies. This is your opportunity to ask questions on the issues pressing in your congregations. It is also my opportunity to meet you.

In continuing these conversations, I am reminded of the moderator’s cross worn by the co-moderators of the General Assembly. The cross is actually two Celtic crosses from the island of Iona in Scotland. The crosses are riveted together symbolizing the 1983 union of the two Presbyterian denominations. The fragile nature of those rivets stands as a reminder that our work together must be thoughtful, intentional, and spirit led.

In Christ’s Peace,

Kathy

Rev. Kathleen Dain

Interim Resource Presbyter

“For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.” (Ephesians 4:4 NLT)

The grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you!

The presbyteries of Cayuga-Syracuse, Susquehanna Valley and Utica are in continuing discussions about how we might best fit together doing the work of God’s people in upstate NY. This includes exploring how collaborative partnership or even presbytery mergers could strengthen the vitality and sustainability of our common ministry in Christ Jesus. The wonderful diversity within our bounds has provided opportunities to do our own special work. Each of the Presbyteries and many of our individual churches have very strong and exciting Mission projects; some in areas of higher-than-average levels of poverty.

We believe that a deeper partnership among our presbyteries will ‘help the other parts to grow’ by:

• creating the spiritual energy of new relationships, new ways of seeing, thinking, and acting
• achieving operating efficiencies and effectiveness
• increasing missional impact through collaboration within and outside of the Presbyteries
• sharing best practices in ministry
• expanding ability to understand and address new challenges and opportunities.  

To help the whole body to be healthy and growing, it is important to make sure we understand the expectations of our Presbyteries and our churches. We will be asking for your help to provide information in three important areas:

1. What do members value in their Presbyteries and churches?
2. What are their expectations of continued collaboration?
3. What are the biggest opportunities to focus on?

We will be reaching out directly to our presbytery members in the next three months with the goal of having a rough draft of a way forward by early 2024.

We hope you’re as excited as we are about the possibilities for all of us, we who are God’s people, to work together in harmony as we move into the future.

If you have questions, please reach out to your presbytery representatives:

• Garrett Anderson, revgarrettanderson@gmail.com
• Laura Bailey, landcbailey@hotmail.com
• Kathy Dain, kdain@cayugasyracuse.org
• Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, pastorfitzfye@gmail.com
• Bill Newell, bnewell44@gmail.com
• Shawn Reyburn, sdreyburn@gmail.com
• Deb Thomas, revrndeb@gmail.com



In faithful service to Christ who joins us as one in the one Spirit,

The Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse

The Presbytery of Susquehanna Valleys

The Presbytery of Utica

The Synod of the Northeast

A Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at the First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport.

Here are some of the highlights:

• The meeting was held in-person and a Zoom option was added.
• We heard a first read of the 2024 proposed budget.
• Proposed amendments and edits to the Presbyter of Cayuga-Syracuse Theological Principles of Operation, Bylaws and Standing Rules have been approved by vote.
• Worship was led by Stated Clerk Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, which was his last time preaching as our stated clerk. He will step down from the position on Nov. 30.
• The job description for the stated clerk position was approved.
• Elder Lynn Jacques (East Syracuse) was elected Vice Moderator.
• New Business: Motion Passes to allocate $7,000 for the design/creation of a new website. The proposals are listed in Presbytery Matters. Our V&S Committee will select the proposal to move forward with for a new website design.
• Motion Passed: The Administrative Commission for the Hannibal Church moves that the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse assume original jurisdiction over the Hannibal Church and that the existing Administrative Commission be appointed session for the purpose of formally dissolving the Hannibal Congregation, overseeing the transfer of any restricted funds intended for Presbyterian use, transferring property, and providing guidance and care for existing Presbyterian Members.

Papers for this meeting can be found below:

Updated Sept. 16 Docket and Materials

May 6 Minutes

June 6 Minutes

Updates from Linda Russell, overture advocate / PPNK co-convener:

Korea Peace



First, let me say “thank you” to everyone who signed and helped collect signatures for the Korea Peace Appeal campaign. The Peacemaking Program in Louisville forwarded the final batches to the KPA officials this week. Our signatures, along with others from PC(USA) and other supporting faith groups and NGOs in the U.S., Korea and other countries, will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in New York City at the end of this month.

PC(USA) mission co-worker Rev. Kurt Esslinger will participate, along with representatives from the National Council of Churches in Korea, in two big events related to the Korea Peace Appeal that will occur in NYC at the end of September and beginning of October. The march/rally is open to the public and the workshop is open to connected organizations like our Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK)! There is a signup form link for the workshop below.

Kurt asks that “If you are in the NYC area and available, or if you have a friend around there, please see the below information and share it with NYC friends! You will find me and my Korean colleagues at these events!”

Korea Peace Rally & March in NYC:

Saturday, September 30, 2023, 2 to 4 p.m.

Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza -> Ralph Bunche Park, NYC

https://en.endthekoreanwar.net/posts/167

Civil Society Workshop for Korea Peace in NYC:

Sunday, October 1, 2023, 3:00 ~ 7:00pm

The Episcopal Church- National Office

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf9QCM5YjAd9dje9re4FSfbYjIFuXQNPLZcuDitjwISxGr25w/viewform

Peace & Global Witness Offering

In PC(USA) congregations the Peace & Global Witness Offering, which promotes peacemaking and reconciliation, is traditionally collected on World Communion Sunday, which this year is celebrated on October 7^th. This offering enables the church to promote the peace of Christ by addressing systems of injustice in our own communities and across the world. Our gifts help neighbors in need—those who live next door, down the street, or in another country. 50% of this Offering supports work being done by Presbyterians across the globe. The remaining 50% is shared by the local congregation and its regional mid-council.

However, Cayuga-Syracuse is special! Contrary to the split of 25% for the church and 25% for the mid-council advertised in the national promotional materials, congregations in the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse are entitled to keep 37.5% of the monies they collect for this offering. Several years ago, Presbytery made the decision to not collect its mid-council portion of 12.5% and to allow the church to keep that portion along with the church’s own 25%. Thus, each congregation in Cayuga-Syracuse keeps 37.5% to support peacemaking and reconciliation in their own community.

Our neighbors need us. Please give what you can to the Peace & Global Witness Offering.

Often-Seen Legal and Risk Issues with PCUSA Councils

From The Office of Legal & Risk Management Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.):

The Office of Legal & Risk Management Services does not represent congregations, presbyteries or synods, but gets questions from them and interacts with them in various ways. Our office repeatedly sees some of the same issues arise annually and has compiled a list of issues that we thought worth sharing so that councils might add them to their annual “to do” list. This information is not legal advice, it is merely information and guidance. To get legal advice on any of the issues, please contact your local attorney.

Download Annual To-Do List HERE

The next "Can We Talk?" gathering will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 22nd in the Lounge behind the Sanctuary at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church, 5299 Jamesville Road in Syracuse.

Coffee and goodies will be served.



The gathering is for retired pastors and CLP's or for folks who are about to retire. First-timers are always welcome!

Susquehanna Valley Presbytery organized the following workshops for Small Churches and you're invited to join:

Saturday, Sept. 30, 10–11:30am, “How Facebook Can Help Your Church Grow” presented by Ruling Elder John Fong — on Zoom or come to an in-person watch party*.

Saturday, Oct. 14, 10–11:30am, “How the Season of Advent Can Attract Visitors” presented by Rev. Phillip Blackburn — on Zoom or come to an in-person watch party*.

Saturday, Oct. 28, 10am–12pm, “Finding Our Way Through This Year’s Advent Lectionary” presented by Rev. Allen Presby — in person at Nineveh Presbyterian Church, 2997 NY Route 7, Nineveh, NY 13813, or on Zoom.

Thursday, Nov. 16, 7–8:30pm, “Fresh Expressions for Small Rural Congregations” presented by Rev. Shannon Kiser — on Zoom or come to an in-person watch party*.

AND

Church Manual of Operations workshop

Tuesday, October 24, 7pm at Masonville Federated Church or on Zoom

Mark your calendars and check back next week for Zoom information!

Two More Small-Church Worship Strengths: Co-Creator Gifts & Widening the Word

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Leader - Teresa J. Stewart

Small congregations don’t have the same limitations as big ones. Explore these two distinctive, deeply-forming strengths. Learn how to diagnose your local gifts and curate lavish worship with them.

In this webinar, you’ll learn to deepen worship with and for your community.

●    Co-creator Gifts: Worship is not limited to sitting, standing, and singing. Imagine new ways to include local interests and talents as actual worship gifts.

●    Widening the Word: Sermons are one way to proclaim the good news. But our tradition has so many others that can be celebrated in small settings.

Registration includes a guide and planning form for each of these strengths. With examples for an upcoming liturgical season.

Dementia Friendly Congregations

Tuesday, October 3, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT

Leader - Pat Baker

Join us to explore the difference between dementia and Alzheimer's as well as normal aging vs. dementia. We’ll look at the 5 key messages about dementia and how to communicate with someone who is facing the challenges of having dementia. Finally, we’ll delve into how your congregation can support people with dementia and their caregivers, and create a welcoming environment.

Making the Best of our Third Thirty

Thursday, October 5, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Leader - Chris Pomfret

Aging is a reality of life that unites all humans, irrespective of race, creed, location…. We tend to overlook the challenges of aging either by accident or design, and as a result, our later lives can be consumed by “surprises” or issues that could have been handled with prior preparation. Ignoring the realities of aging can also adversely affect the lives of our loved ones. It is imperative therefore that we strive to embrace our aging, especially in our Third Thirty (ages 60-90) and be at peace with the typical inevitabilities. The webinar will discuss how we can Pray, Plan and Prepare for our own aging journey so that the last chapters of our lives can be the best possible, both for us and our loved ones. Getting rid of our “stuff”, downsizing, discussing with our extended family our end of life wishes and discerning what God wants us to do with our post-retired life are just some of the topics that will be covered.

Gun Violence: How Churches Can Be a Part of Prevention

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Panelists - Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Rev. Dr. Sherry Molock, Rev. Deanna Hollas

Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan is the executive director of the Ohio Council of Churches. As an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Dr. Sullivan’s anti-death penalty activism stems from his interest in ending cycles of violence, a concern he has known all too well after the 1997 murder of his sister, Jennifer, in Cleveland, OH. Rev. Dr. Sullivan is an ardent supporter of civil rights, gun violence reduction, mental health advocacy, and LGBTQ+ rights. He has given leadership to numerous religious, civic, and social organizations in Ohio, Washington State, and other communities where he has resided and served. 

Rev. Dr. Sherry Molock, associate professor of clinical psychology at the George Washington University, has studied the impact of depression and trauma on young African Americans who attempt suicide. As a pastor at a predominantly Black church in Maryland, she’s heard the voices of parishioners in crisis, from mothers whose children have experienced violence to families struggling with mental health challenges. She’s the co-principal investigator (PI) of an innovative new program integrating churches into suicide-prevention efforts among Black youth. The project, dubbed “HAVEN: A Multi-Generational Suicide Prevention Program Embedded in African American Churches,” aims to head off a crisis of suicide among African American adolescents by building on deep-rooted connections between churches and communities.

Rev. Deanna Hollas is the Gun Violence Prevention Ministry Coordinator with the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship and a founding member of Everytown For Gun Safety’s Interfaith Advisory Council. In her role with the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship, Rev. Hollas empowers individuals and congregations across the Presbyterian Church (USA) denomination to embody Jesus’s call to love God and love neighbor by being informed and active in the prevention of gun violence.

Now and Next for Youth Ministry

Thursday, November 2, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Leader - Deech Kirk

What does the latest research tell us about children, youth, and families? What does it all mean as we approach youth ministry in our post-Covid era? Deech Kirk of the Center for Youth Ministry Training describes some of the common challenges confronting youth ministry today and some of the characteristics of the newer, innovative ministry models that are taking shape.

Mission Possible for the Small Church: Simplifying Leadership & Structure

Thursday, November 9, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Leader - Kay Kotan

Small churches also have what we refer to as a superpower that large churches can’t touch: the ability to be highly relational from the get-go. Too often, small churches concentrate on what they can’t do. We offer this resource to lift up what small churches can do! For example, smaller churches have greater percentages of participation, giving, and engaged members than larger churches, according to the 2020 FACT study. Unfortunately, many resources for churches and church leaders are created for larger churches.

This resource has been created specifically for the small church to learn how to leverage their superpowers and live into their callings as vital, healthy churches having God-sized impact in their communities.

Holy Work with Children: Children’s Spirituality

Thursday, November 16, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Leader - Rev. Dr. Tanya Campen

Children are theologians with the ability to recognize and respond to God’s presence in their lives. Listening to the stories of children helps us to understand how children make meaning out of God’s presence and reveals tools that children use as they claim their faith. With this knowledge, adults can then better promote and encourage children’s spiritual growth.

●     How does listening to children teach us about God and faith formation?

●     What wisdom and insight do children offer to all of us by how they seek understanding of God and God’s presence in their lives?

●     How can we guide and support the children in our communities in this work?

Do you live-stream your service on Sundays?

We are compiling a list of live-stream links to feature in Presbytery Matters. This will allow others to join in on your services.

Please send links to CaySyrNews@gmail.com

Westminster, Auburn seeking Temporary Pastor 

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn, NY is seeking a full-time Temporary Pastor to work with the church while it seeks a new installed pastor. The church will consider a part-time position with responsibilities and compensation negotiated and adjusted accordingly. 

Position tasks include worship leadership and preaching, moderating the Session, pastoral care, serving as head of staff, administrative leadership, assisting boards, committees, and teams, and other duties as needed (funerals/weddings, representing the congregation with outside organizations, assisting with communications, occasional leadership of educational programs, assisting with mission, outreach, evangelism efforts, etc). 

Effective Salary will be commensurate with experience, with benefits and mileage to be included as negotiated individually. Starting date will be on or before January 1, 2024. Please send a letter of introduction and resume to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St, Auburn, NY 13021 Attn: Temporary Pastor Search Team or by email at office@westminsterauburn.org. More information about the church can be found at www.westminsterauburn.org or facebook.com/westminsterauburn.

Stated Meeting - Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

GA Assembly News: Read Newsletter Here

PYT Production Team

A message from the Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium

Applications for the 2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium Production Team are still being accepted through September 30th.

This team of youth and adults from across the country will work together to create and carry out a new and unique vision for the next Triennium—taking place July 2025.

Please share this opportunity with congregations, youth, and adults in your community (and even consider applying yourself).

Learn more about the experience from actual Production Team members

Find general information and apply

Bundles and Cohorts

A message from the Office of Christian Formation

Psalms of Wonder book bundles -- Church leaders, are you looking for a way to support families and households in faith formation at home? The Office of Christian Formation has an offer of the new children’s book Psalms of Wonder for free to support at-home faith formation with children. Think creatively about how you can reach young children and their guardians. We have the book available in both English and Spanish book bundles of 10 copies. You may choose either or both bundles. The deadline to apply is October 15 and the books ship in November. Apply here. Or if it is helpful, share the Spanish application form for both bundles.

Fall Cohorts -- Cohorts from the Office of Christian Formation are available beginning in October for those interested in Youth Ministry, Ministry with Older Adults, Matthew 25, Vitality, Campus Ministry, and Faith Formation, as well as for CREs and Volunteer Faith Formation Leaders. There are two specific Spanish Language Cohorts. Registration closes September 15, so sign up soon. Find cohort descriptions and times as a part of the application here.