Dear Friends of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery,
Welcome to this week's edition of our e-letter, Presbytery Matters. Our goal is to highlight things going on throughout the Church: within our Presbytery, in our congregations, as well as in the Synod of the Northeast and across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). We hope that these are things that will be helpful, informative, challenging, encouraging and supportive. In other words, we hope that these things will matter. Your input is valued, and your comments are always welcomed.
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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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Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery | |
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In our prayers together this week:
- 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: Isaiah’s Table, Syracuse; Korean Church of Syracuse; Park Central, Syracuse; Robinson Elmwood United Church, Syracuse; First, Weedsport; Whitelaw
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.
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A prayer for World Communion Sunday
The first Sunday in October is designated as World Communion Sunday. Recognized by the PC(USA) as well as other denominations, it celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our siblings around the world.
Prayer by Molly Spangler
Read full prayer in Presbyterian Outlook - Click Here
| ALL SMILES: The Rev. Brian Copeland was installed on Sunday afternoon as the pastor at Weedsport First Presbyterian Church. | |
From the Interim Resource Presbyter | |
Presbyteries in Conversation | |
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“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:
- What do members value in their Presbyteries and churches?
- What are their expectations of continued collaboration?
- 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:
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
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In 2022, the 225th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. overtured to radically change the composition of the Book of Order formally called “The Rules of Discipline” to new governances under the heading, “Church Discipline.” Those presently serving on session, especially clerks of session, are strongly encouraged to familiarize yourselves with these changes.
The Synod of the Northeast is hosting a one day gathering on October 17th at First Presbyterian, Skaneateles to train Presbyterian leaders, committee members, elders, clerks and all others who might benefit from this training.
The gathering will be led by Flor Vélez-Díaz, manager of Judicial Process for the PCUSA. Registration is required. Click Here to Register
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Announcements from our Interim Resource Presbyter | |
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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
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Photo of the Week: Youth Spotlight! | |
YOUTH MILESTONE: Third graders at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn received their first “real Bible” Sunday morning, a spark NRSV edition of their very own! | |
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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!
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Practical Resources for Churches Webinars | |
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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?
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Restorative Conversations
Date: December 12th, 2023
Price:
- $139 if registering as an individual or a group up to 3
- $124 if registering as a group of 4 or more
Location: Online via Zoom
Workshop Description:
This one-day workshop introduces church leaders to the key concepts of circle processes and ways in which circles can be used within their congregations. Restorative conversations are useful when working through difficult or polarizing topics, processing shared painful experiences, building community, and dealing with certain levels of conflict in the church setting.
Register Here
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Journey Toward Healing
Date: December 18th, 2023
Price:
- $99 if registering as an individual or a group up to 3
- $84 if registering as a group of 4 or more
Location: Online via Zoom
Workshop Description:
In this workshop you will gain a better understanding of your own conflict style, what the congregational mediation process looks like, how to find healing in mediation, and explore different conflicts.
Register Here
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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
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Join in on these services virtually on Sundays:
Faith United Oswego - Live on Zoom (Meeting ID: 207 196 571)
Isaiah's Table will send a link for people to join our hybrid worship at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Send email to isaiahtable@gmail.com by Friday evening.
Scipioville Presbyterian Church - Live on Zoom (Meeting ID: 836 3163 8403
Passcode: SPC13147)
More to come...
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The Rev. Kathleen Dain, Interim Resource Presbyter, can be reached by emailing KDain@cayugasyracuse.org or by calling (315) 551-0413.
Sarah Buckshot, Communications Coordinator, can be reached by emailing caysyrnews@gmail.com or by calling (315) 877-8271.
Our Address: PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214
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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.
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Two East Syracuse churches seek to share Presbyterian pastor
The Collamer United Church and the First United Church of East Syracuse are two separate churches seeking to share a full-time solo Presbyterian pastor. Our churches are both located in East Syracuse, New York, only 2.3 miles apart. We are both united Presbyterian and Methodist denominations. We are blessed to have a hard-working core of active participants in both churches who manage the church business, coordinate the worship services (one at each church building), and hold mission events. We are working together and sharing some staff and resources. We believe this to be a very supportive environment. In addition, we believe that Central NY can provide an attractive quality of life, with our parks, culture, and quality schools.
The pastor’s duties would include worship leadership and preaching, pastoral care, oversight of Christian education, moderating the Sessions, guidance with mission projects, and representing the congregation to outside groups. We are mindful that we are two churches and do not expect a pastor to provide full-time services to each church.
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Are you hiring?
If your church is hiring in 2022 or still looking to fill a position from 2021, please send a new or updated announcement and job description to Communication Coordinator Sarah Buckshot at caysyrnews@gmail.com
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Stated Meeting - Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
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Around the Synod of the Northeast | |
Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) | |
A classic board game offers up a teachable moment for Presbyterians for Earth Care
The Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo discusses how a simple rule change can alter outcomes in a big way
By Mike Ferguson
Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Dr. Neddy Astudillo, an eco-theologian and Presbyterian pastor who coordinates the Climate Justice and Faith Spanish online program at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, went to two sources — Matthew 20:1-16, the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard, and a landmark study using the board game Monopoly — to offer Friday’s sermon during the hybrid Presbyterians for Earth Care conference.
In “When the Rules are Fair, But the Game Isn’t,” Prof. Muktha Jost and two others write about students playing the classic board game but with one alteration to the rules: players enter the game based on their race, with Black students playing for more than an hour before white students can join in. By the time the white players begin play, virtually all the properties have been purchased and they’re dotted by plastic houses and hotels. Jost’s paper reports white players losing their motivation to play a game they see as rigged and which they have little chance of winning.
Continue reading...
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Presbyterian Publishing launches new Advent book on hospitality
‘Stay Awhile’ reminds us to take time for the season’s necessary preparations
By Westminster John Knox Press
Special to Presbyterian News Service
While the world tries to rush us into Christmas, decorating the day after Halloween and packing it all up once the gifts are opened on December 25, Advent is a season of preparation that — like our holiday gatherings themselves — takes time and care.
Think of the anticipation that comes with hosting loved ones for Christmas dinner: We begin by extending an invitation. We make plans, and as the event draws closer, we begin our preparations. Ultimately, we open the door and welcome our guests, and that is when, finally, we celebrate. Advent should feel the same way, a time to make ready for the long-awaited event of Christ’s birth.
In “Stay Awhile: Advent Lessons in Divine Hospitality,” pastor Kara Eidson presents a banquet table of inspiration for Advent, including weekly reflections for personal and small group use, brief daily devotions, and ideas to involve the whole congregation. Congregational resources include liturgies, sermon starters, children’s moments, and even a no-rehearsals-needed Christmas pageant.
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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