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: Northminster, North Syracuse; Onondaga Hill; Faith United Church of Oswego; Presbyterian Church of Otisco; New Hope, Parish

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.

A Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

The meeting will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport, 8871 S. Seneca St., Weedsport, NY 13166

Things to know:

• This gathering is in-person.
• Zoom option added, please see note below.
• Masking is optional

Things to anticipate:

• Approval of New Bylaws and Standing Rules
• First Read of the 2024 proposed budget
• Worship led by Stated Clerk Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye (his last time preaching as our stated clerk before he steps down on Nov. 30)
• Nominations including Vice Moderator
• Synod Update
• Update on Korean Peace Treaty Overture and Synod update

Papers for this meeting can be found below:

Updated Sept. 16 Docket and Materials

May 6 Minutes

June 6 Minutes

***PLEASE NOTE: Presbytery minutes are edited as part of the meeting process. Edits by email or other means WILL NOT be accepted prior to the meeting. This, my friends, is how the sausage is made.

Update: Zoom option added to meeting

In an effort to make future presbytery meetings available both in person and online, Cayuga Syracuse will be testing several applications at this Saturday’s meeting. Please note, while we are testing these applications for all to use in the future, only in-person commissioners votes be accepted at Saturday’s meeting. Those joining on zoom for this meeting will be for viewing purposes only.

The presbytery meeting can be viewed via zoom at:

https://zoom.us/j/96787615492?pwd=R2w1VWRMU2ZkbVFaUTBxMDF6UmVOUT09

Meeting ID: 967 8761 5492

Passcode: 068447

We will also be testing a multi-platform voting system. Prior to the meeting, please download Poll Everywhere on your smart phone or mobile device. On the day of the meeting, we will share a link in which you can participate in the voting. We are encouraging both in-person commissioners and those viewing on zoom to download this software.

Our hope is that we will be able offer hybrid meetings as early as this November. Your patience as we undertake these steps are greatly appreciated.

In Christ’s Peace,

           Rev. Kathleen Dain                 Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye

           Resource Presbyter                Stated Clerk

Resource Update

Since becoming your interim resource presbyter in June, I have visited 24 of the 35 congregations of our presbytery. At our presbytery meeting on Saturday, I will provide an update on what I have learned. Here are some highlights:

• I have submitted a grant proposal for $50,000 to the Presbyterian Mission Agency to support our work in church transformation.
• Under the new Book of Order [G-3.0106] that took effect on July 9, 2023, every church must have:
• A Sexual Misconduct Policy
• A Harassment Policy
• A Child and Youth Protection Policy
• An Anti-racism Policy

I am currently working with other mid-council leaders in creating an anti-racism policy template that our churches can adopt.

• The Presbytery has received two proposals to replace our existing website. The new website would repair broken links and provide both a public and private section that would include directories, committees, and useful forms. The existing website does not have the ability to add these features. The finance and property committee has determined available resources to fund this project.
• Proposal 1
• Proposal 2

I look forward to our continued work together.

In Christ’s Peace,

Kathy

Rev. Kathleen Dain

Interim Resource Presbyter

This week our resource presbyter, the Rev. Kathy Dain, visited with the members of the Korean Church as they began this year’s Boaz Ministry.

This feature is coordinated by The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com and InterFaith Works of CNY. At the May 23, 2019 meeting of the Leadership Team of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse, the Rev. Dr. Peter W. Shidemantle was appointed as the presbytery’s designated representative to InterFaith Works’ Round Table of Faith Leaders.



One of the reasons I love living in central New York is our change of seasons. Most years, not all years, we get the best of each of them – the warm, sunny days of summer; the beautiful colors and crisp air of autumn; the kind of winter wonderland that Johnny Mathis sings about (that dates me!); and spring that bursts with growth. I can’t imagine living where the four seasons aren’t so clearly and distinctly shown, and the cycles of life aren’t worked out in front of your eyes like they are around here.

I think the seasons of the year offer a window (or a lens) through which we might see the inward, or spiritual, life. That such a life exists for each of us is a central conviction of all religious – or spiritual – traditions. Just as there is an outward life, the life we see all around us, through which we walk, in which we work and play – so there is an inward life, the life of the heart and the will. What goes on in our inward life largely determines how we live our outward life. It is the source of meaning, the place where love comes from, and where it is received. In many faith traditions it is where we “hear” God’s word.

The inward life has to be nurtured. Just as an athlete must train for a competition, and the musician must practice for a performance, so the spiritual life requires training and practice if it is to grow and flourish. According to many spiritual traditions and spiritual teachers, the first step in that process is to “pay attention” – pay attention to the life around us and the life within us. As we move from one season to the next, we are given the opportunity to see anew, and to grow in love and understanding of each other.

The Rev. Dr. Peter Shidemantle is a retired Presbyterian minister living in Syracuse. He is co-convenor of the Round Table of Faith Leaders for InterFaith Works.

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 Small-Church Worship Strengths: Contact & Conversation

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Leader - Teresa J. Stewart

Explore two small-setting worship strengths. Each builds upon the participation advantage. Each creates a new expression for your community. And each is rooted in practices of the Early Church.

In this webinar, you’ll learn to shift worship from observation to collaboration with two powerful practices.

●    Worshiping with Conversation: Worship itself is a conversation--a call and response with God and the gathered. Discover how to include actual conversation to deepen worship.

●    Contact: Liturgy is literally the work of the people. Explore practices that put worshipers to work with hands-on, full-body, creative, collaboration. 

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

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?

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.

‘A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast’ looks at upstream ways for ending gun violence

The guest is the Rev. M. Courtenay Willcox of Tree of Life Church in Springfield, Pennsylvania

By Mike Ferguson

Presbyterian News Service

In her efforts combatting gun violence, the Rev. M. Courtenay Willcox prefers traveling upstream with her activism.

“For me, it’s easy,” the transitional pastor of Tree of Life Church in Springfield, Pennsylvania, said last week during the “A Matter of Faith” podcast hosted by the Rev. Lee Catoe and Simon Doong, which can be heard here. “You have to go upstream to interrupt things around gun violence before they start.”

That approach doesn’t “discount the importance of trauma-based therapy” and the impacts gun violence has on a victim’s family, friends and community, as well as the people who survive gun violence, according to Willcox. “Scripture says my responsibility to my siblings — in this case, people who are dying from gun violence — is to love God and love neighbor as yourself. What I see here in suburban Philadelphia, which is where I live, is that my neighbors are dying every day.”

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Presbyterian Hunger Program helps put on a summit focused on food systems and urban agriculture

Saturday’s workshops at the Presbyterian Center followed Friday’s farm and food tour

Together with partners including Food in Neighborhoods and Kentucky State University, the Presbyterian Hunger Program helped to put on an illuminating two-day conference on Friday and Saturday, “Weaving the Food Web: The People’s Summit on Food Systems and Urban Agriculture.” After visits to growing, training and feeding operations on Friday, Saturday’s workshops were held in the conference facility at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville.

Following Saturday’s small group brainstorming on ways to improve their community’s food situation, the 170 or so registered participants selected workshops to attend. One, on “Abolishing Food Apartheid Forever: Mutual Aid and Other Models,” featured five panelists:

• Juan Davis, a board member of New Roots, a grassroots food justice-focused nonprofit organization based in Louisville.
• Taylor Ryan, executive director and founder of Change Today, Change Tomorrow, a Black woman-led nonprofit that works on food justice, community engagement and public health issues with people in the most marginalized neighborhoods in Louisville.
• Vincent James, president and CEO of the Dare to Care Food Bank, which serves residents in 13 counties in Southern Indiana and Kentucky.
• Michael George, who with his sister operates 5^th Element Farms, which George called “a low-key grassroots urban operation” and is named for the founders’ love of hip-hop culture.
• Steven Edwards, who operates Hope Garden of Louisville, which among other things provides classes in yoga, tai chi, and gardening

“One focus for us is to scale efforts of equitable food access. I am a huge advocate of paying a living wage,” said James, who also pastors a church. “That would end a lot of challenges.”

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