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Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse
5811 Heritage Landing Dr., 2nd Floor
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 632-5698
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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, 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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 Morrisville works to eliminate hunger with community food pantry
The Morrisville Community Church Food Pantry is a not-for-profit organization whose core function, and as part of the Morrisville Community Church mission, is to solicit, receive and distribute food items to families in need in our community.
The Food Pantry is an emergency program that provides three meals a day for three days. The pantry partners with the Food Bank of CNY in Syracuse in reaching the goal of distributing the proper amounts of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein foods. The pantry is available once a month and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The pantry also provides food outside of normal hours in the event of an emergency.
Our organization relies solely on grants, fundraisers, monetary and food donations to operate at the current location in the Cornell Cooperative Extension building, 100 Eaton St., Morrisville. Without these funds, the pantry would not be able to exist and could not continue the mission of working to assist in eliminating hunger.
A sudden emergency, a tragic house fire, job loss, families or retirees whose income is not enough to carry them through the month, the Food Pantry will be there and available to them.
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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 "Like us on Facebook" tab at the top of this letter.
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Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery
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 In our prayers together this week...
- Pray for the family and friends of Victoria Clark who died on Oct. 14. Victoria was an elder and church organist at the First Presbyterian Church of Marcellus for more than 50 years. A memorial service will be held at the church at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3.
- Pray for the victims of the deadly Pittsburgh synagogue shooting: Joyce Fienberg, 75, of Oakland; Richard Gottfried, 65, of Ross Township; Rose Mallinger, 97, of Squirrel Hill; Jerry Rabinowitz, 66, of Edgewood; Cecil Rosenthal, 59, of Squirrel Hill; David Rosenthal, 54, of Squirrel Hill; Bernice Simon, 84, of Wilkinsburg; Sylvan Simon, 86, of Wilkinsburg; Daniel Stein, 71, of Squirrel Hill; Melvin Wax, 88, of Squirrel Hill, and Irving Youngner, 69, of Mount Washington.
In the cycle of prayer for our Presbytery, please pray for these congregations, faith communities, and individuals:
our Presbytery (the Leadership Team, Work Groups, Committees, and Mission and Ministry Teams), the Synod of the Northeast, General Assembly staff
If you'd like to share a particular joy or concern with the Presbytery, please contact:
CaySyrNews@gmail.com.
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To have your photo considered for
"Photo of the Week," post it to your church's Facebook page and
tag the Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse's
Facebook page.
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Presbytery's Stated Meeting
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The Rev. Bill Carter and the Presbybop
musicians
Faith in a New Key
We welcome the Rev. Bill Carter and the Presbybop musicians to Presbytery's stated meeting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018, at United Church of Fayetteville, 310 East Genesee St., in Fayetteville.
Bill is pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania. Bill has graciously agreed to serve as guest preacher as he and "the gang at Presbybop Music" bring their music to our worship service. Presbybop Music exists to create jazz music that glorifies God, renews the Christian church and models the integration of faith and the arts. Bill and friends will greet us beginning at 9 a.m. for a time of gathering, music and conversation prior to the call to order and the call to worship. They join to help us infuse the life of faith with the swinging pulse of jazz.
Things to know:
- The gathering will begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and a special program at 9 a.m. followed by the call to order at 10 a.m.
- Lunch will be served at a cost of $7 payable at registration
- Internet service will be available
- Names of new commissioners may be sent to lsruss@aol.com for nametags
- Names for excused absences may be sent to lsruss@aol.com
- The gathering may be recorded and pictures will be taken
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Directions: The driveway immediately to the left of the church's front door is entrance only and leads to a parking lot behind the church. Street parking is also an option, but attendees are strongly cautioned to not park in a handicap space without the proper tags as ticketing is common.
Things to anticipate:
- "Report on the CNY Missional Structures Working Group
- Approval of 2019 Budget
- "Good News" from our Congregations and Worshipping Communities
- Best practices for event promotion by Communications Coordinator Sarah Buckshot
Presbytery gatherings are important opportunities to do business together, to worship together around Word and Sacrament, to learn together, and to connect with and engage in "one-anothering" with our sisters and brothers from throughout the Presbytery.
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 All pastors invited...
Who: All pastors
What: Brown-bag lunch
When: 12 p.m., Nov. 7
Where: Robinson Elmwood United Church, 126 S. Terry Road, Syracuse
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Message from the Korean Partnership Team of Cayuga-Syracuse
and the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea
PC(USA) mission co-worker the Rev. Kurt Esslinger, known to many of us in Cayuga-Syracuse, works with the National Council of Churches in Korea (NCCK) and their Reconciliation and Unification Department. The Rev. Esslinger is also the new coordinator for the
Ecumenical Forum for Korea (EFK). EFK is a forum hosted by the World Council of Churches that is based on face-to-face meetings between the NCCK of South Korea and the Korean Christian Federation (KCF) of North Korea (the federation of Protestant Christians officially recognized by the North Korean government).
Our partners as the National Council of Churches of Korea recently
sent an urgent letter asking for support and advocacy by the churches in the United States. "We ask you to advocate on our behalf to representatives and appointed officers in your government to honor our sovereignty and to allow us to take the lead on efforts for building trust, ending the war, and seeking reconciliation on our Korean peninsula. As our partners in Christ, you have testified to the work that God has been doing in bringing justice and ending military dictatorship in South Korea in the past, so we ask you now to raise your voices and help us to remove the obstacles that hinder our movement toward reconciliation and removing the shadow of war and destruction from our homeland."
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been in mission partnerships on the Korean peninsula for more than 130 years. And, since the signing of the armistice agreement to cease hostilities on the Korean peninsula, the church has advocated for a resolution to the conflict and peace and reconciliation in the Korean peninsula.
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 Benevolent Care Fund Grant Applications are due TODAY
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." (
Benevolent Care Fund Policy, found here.) Deadline is Nov. 1.
Criteria:
1)
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.
2)
A financial need must be demonstrated.
3)
Grants will be awarded for benevolent care of elderly residing within the bounds of Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery.
Please send the completed Application Form to:
or
Leadership Team
The Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse
5811 Heritage Landing Drive,
E. Syracuse, New York 13057
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REMINDER: Deadline to register is today
Pastor's Retreat with Ray Jones
Missional Discipleship: Following Jesus into
the lives of our neighbors
A time of learning, refreshing and community for pastors
Ray Jones is the acting director of Theology, Formation & Evangelism in the Office of Theology and Worship for the Presbyterian Mission Agenc
y
When: Nov. 14-16, 2018
Cost: $190 per attendee includes accommodations and meals. $55 for commuters.
Where: Christ the King Retreat House at 500 Brookford Road, Syracuse
Deadline: Registration closes
TODAY --
Nov. 1, 2018
Questions: Contact Naomi Kelly at (315) 369-8253 or naomikelly58@gmail.com
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LAST SESSION:
Annual Review of Session Minutes
Who: Clerks of Session
What: Annual review of session minutes
When: Review sessions scheduled for 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on each of the following Thursdays:
November 1 -- TODAY @ Westminster-Syracuse
What should I bring? - Session minutes for 2017 plus completed
Do I need to make an appointment? - No, simply choose one of the 10 gatherings most convenient for you.
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What: Election Night Roast Beef Dinner
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6
Where: Columbian Presbyterian Church, corner of route 11 & 20 in LaFayette
Cost: $12 for adults, $6 for children 6 to 12, Free for children 5 and younger
Homemade roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, coleslaw, applesauce, dinner rolls, beverages and pies.
Take-out available.
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 What: The First Presbyterian Church in Mexico hosts Apple Pie and Apple Crisp Sale
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (or until gone) Friday, Nov. 2
Where:
Kinney Drugs in Mexico
Cost: $12 for 9-inch Apple Pie & Apple Crisp or
$6 for 5-inch pies and crisp.
In addition to regular pies and crisps, the following are available: Sugar-free Pies & Apple Crisps made with Splenda, Reduced-sugar Apple Pies and Apple Crisp, No Sugar Apple Pies and Gluten-free Apple Crisps that must be ordered by Oct. 28 in advance by calling (315) 963-7902.
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 What: Harvest Turkey Dinner
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10 (eat in or take-out)
Where: Marcellus First Presbyterian Church, 1 East Main Street, Marcellus
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, Free for children under 5
More information: (315) 673-2201
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 What: Chicken & Biscuit Dinner
When: 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Where: The Collamer United Church at 6865 Fly Road in Collamer, just South of the intersection of Fly Road and Route 298
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 12 years old, Free for children under 5 years old.
Take-outs available
This delicious chicken dinner will include homemade biscuits, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh cooked vegetables,
beverage and delicious desserts.
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First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville is hosting a Spiritual Retreat
When: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17
Where: Education Center at the church, which is located on Route 48, just north of the village 4-corners
RSVP: Call (315) 635-9964
The Rev. Dr. Ginny Smith will led us in reflecting upon our own relationship with God as we explore the connection between the people in the Bible and our own lives.
With Ginny as leader, the retreat is sure to be interesting and thought provoking.
The event is free and open to the public.
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Got Turkey?
Tur
key dinners planned for Saturday Nov. 3
What: Tu
rkey Dinner
Where: Onondaga Hill Presbyterian Church
4797 Makyes Road, Syracuse
When: 2 p.m. until SOLD OUT
Cost: $10 for adults. $5 for children, 10 and under
More information: Call (315) 492-2692
Dine in or take out. Public welcome.
What: Annual Turkey Dinner
Where: First Presbyterian Church
8871 S. Seneca St., Weedsport
When: Dinning room starts serving at 5 p.m.
Takeout dinners available from 5 to 6 p.m.
Cost: $10 for adults. $4 for children, 5 to 10 years old. Free for children 4 and under.
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Interfaith Thanksgiving Gathering
What: "Gratitude: Common Ground"
Where: Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church
5299 Jamesville Road, Syracuse
When: 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 18
Participating Congregations:
- Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church - the Rev. Peter Shidemantle
- Congregation Beth Sholom - Chevra Shas - Rabbi Andrew Pepperstone
- Islamic Society of Central New York - Imam Mohammed ElFiki
This is the 20th anniversary of our Thanksgiving gatherings, this year joined by the Islamic Society of CNY
Refreshments with music by the Kenya Hora Klezmer Band to follow
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Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
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Raising generous children
Churches encourage giving in simple but effective ways
By Pam Greer-Ullrich
Presbyterians Today
The children practiced long and hard to sing their song on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. When the big day came, they clambered to the front of the sanctuary, listened to the first few plinks on the piano and watched for the nod to begin from their Sunday school teacher.
Give thanks with a grateful heart, give thanks to the Holy One ... give thanks ...
Along with the excitement, joy and anticipation of a new baby, parents often worry whether they can guide a child into becoming a healthy, happy and confident adult. Most would say they hope to raise a child who is kindhearted and generous - a child who not only can give thanks, but can also turn that thanks into acts of sharing. But how do you teach generosity to a child?
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Stated Clerk calls for end to the sale of assault weapons following mass shooting in Pittsburgh
PC(USA) grieves with Jewish siblings in "violent act of hate"
Office of the Stated Clerk
The news of the senseless shooting deaths of eleven worshippers in the Tree of Life Synagogue during worship in Pittsburgh this past weekend is a painful tragedy within our nation. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is deeply saddened that families and friends across the country are suffering senseless grief brought on by this violent act of hate. We grieve with Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and his congregants who intimately know the depth of pain under such circumstances.
We consider ourselves friends through our work together and now our common grief.
Our relationship as interfaith partners provides opportunities for dialogue, discernment, and reconciliation. Rabbi Myers is a known interfaith partner among Presbyterians both in Pittsburgh and around the country.
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5811 Heritage Landing Dr., 2nd Floor
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(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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