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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Feeding the hungry during a 'perfect storm'
The director of the Interreligious Food Consortium (IFC) said we are in the midst of what she would call a "perfect storm" in the lives of our most vulnerable in our community.
"The government has reduced the benefits for those using Food Stamps while the inflation rates are still high, causing food prices to remain at a level sometimes unaffordable to those experiencing financial difficulty," said IFC Executive Director Kate Artessa. "Many of us in the food service industry feel that this will definitely cause people to need food pantries even more and hopefully they will not be afraid to take advantage of that at this time."
Members of the worshiping community of Robinson Elmwood United Church and Fairmount Community Church - UCC are making sure that those food pantries are stocked!
The IFC is a grassroots organization and a valuable resource in the extensive emergency food network serving the city of Syracuse and Onondaga County. Their goal is to build relationships to address food insecurity in our community.
The combined congregations of Robinson Elmwood United Church and Fairmount Community Church collect food monthly and have donated about 800 pounds of food to the IFC. The food is distributed to food pantries and other needy organizations.
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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:
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Please pray for the Rev. Patrick Heery and his family as they make plans to move to Cincinnati this summer to be closer to family. Please pray for Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn as they make plans for an interim pastor and a search process.
- Please pray for everyone who is struggling with their mental health and mental illnesses.
- 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: Columbian, LaFayette; First, Liverpool; First, Marcellus; First, Mexico; Morrisville Community Church
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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An Annual Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse has been called for 9:00 AM May 6, 2023.
PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION AND FELLOWSHIP WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 9:00 AM AND 9:30 AM WITH THE MEETING BEGINNING PROMPTLY AT 9:30 AM.
This meeting will be held IN PERSON at:
First Presbyterian Church of Chittenango
118 Arch Street
Chittenango, NY 13037
Things to know:
- This is an in-person meeting ONLY
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Elder and Minister Commissioner names can be submitted to statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org until May 4
- Requests to be excused can be submitted to the same email by the same date as above
Things to anticipate:
- Voting on Proposed Amendments to the Book of Order
- Worship with communion
- Updates on the New Structure implementation
- Updates on Korea Peace and Synod Commission
- Reports, motions, and Presbyterian good times!!!
Papers for this meeting can be found below:
I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE THINKING...there is only one link? Whhaaat?
Yes friends! This is the one document to rule them all!!! Through the magic of PDF technology, the Docket, Previous Minutes, and all documents/reports submitted to the Stated Clerk are merged into one file! Everything you need in one click!
***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.
Here is the link for the proposed amendments to the Book of Order in case you need it again.
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Guest Message: Communications Coordinator |
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My Mother Taught Me...
My mom taught me how to bake cookies, how to keep my faith in God and how to be a mother to my two sets of twins!
Mothers are our first teachers. They teach us everything from how to eat to how to walk and talk. Mother's Day is Sunday, May 14th and I thought it was a great time for all of us to reflect on what our mothers (or mother figures) taught us.
For me, the most important thing my mother taught me was how to be a mom. My childhood is full of amazing memories that I have now come to realize were meticulously created by my mother's hard work, determination and sacrifices. My mother taught me that being a good mother takes commitment, passion, love and lots of patience. With four babies under 18 months, I have never needed my mother's lessons, guidance and advice more!
In next week's Presbytery Matters we will highlight submissions from our readers. Send in a paragraph detailing the most important thing your mother taught you to caysyrnews@gmail.com by 12 p.m. Wednesday, May 10th. Photos are welcome but not required.
Communications Coordinator Sarah Buckshot
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The Presbytery voted to restructure itself in January 2023. This has opened up some amazing new opportunities to direct and serve our community as we move forward.
First and foremost, we are inviting people to serve on the Vision and Strategy Committee and the Nominating Committee. People will be elected to these two groups at the Presbytery meeting on May 5 in Chittenango. If you or someone in your congregation would be interested, please send names and contact information to Shavonn Lynch, Chair of the Nominating Committee: lynchshavonn@yahoo.com.
Future opportunities will include service on the Committee on Ministry, the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, and the Committee on Representation among others.
The Nominating Committee is great for anyone who enjoys the relationships and connections of the Presbytery and who values helping others discover their calling and gifts. The Vision and Strategy Committee is a totally new team and great for anyone who wants to dream, be creative, and move the Presbytery in a positive direction. Vision and Strategy will keep an eye on the "big picture" (or the mission, purpose, and vision) of the Presbytery, as guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ. To learn more about these and other committees, click here.
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5 Presbytery Clergy Retreat at Chautauqua: Former Resource Presbyter Karen Chamis, Beth DuBois, and Mary and Garrett Anderson were in attendance.
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Practical Resources for Churches Webinars |
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Thursday, May 4, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund
A WISE congregation has joined the mission to being Welcoming, Inclusive, Supportive, and Engaged in the Mental Health of the community and the wider world.
Thursday, May 11, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Beth Mueller
Learn how "A Common Sense Guide to the Enneagram for Youth Ministry" can help you - as an adult working with young people—understand yourself as a leader and cultivate a broader awareness of the motivations and obstacles of others. Drawing upon her decades of experience with the Enneagram and ministry with young people, Beth Mueller will help you see how this book can be a tool for better ministry and relationships. A Common Sense Guide to the Enneagram for Youth Ministry also introduces the Intimacy Triads, developed by Beth to help us better understand our intimate relationships with God and each other.
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM ED
Leader - Paul Palumbo
It seems the whole world is experiencing loss, much of it un-grieved. While Peace at the Last was developed for ministry with the dying, it is becoming much more as it is used in wider settings. Peace at the Last will guide you, with renewed hope, through the fear of death into extravagant love as you embrace the journey toward death with, or in remembrance of, a loved one. Alone or with friends, family and yes, even young children, share Peace at the Last and find comfort, closure and release.
We will begin with a short discussion on ways to use the Peace at the Last book / Liturgy, and then will do the liturgy together (all of this will take 30-45 minutes). Those who can stay and wish to process the liturgy together will move to an unrecorded zoom meeting.
Peace at the Last emerged out of congregational need and experience at Lake Chelan Lutheran Church in Chelan, Washington. The creative team includes Pastor Paul Palumbo, composer and musician Rolf Vegdahl, artist Wendy Schramm, and the Lake Chelan Lutheran congregation.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leaders: Patti Berner & Rev. Traci Smith
HR can be stressful and challenging, but it doesn’t have to be!
This webinar is best suited to small to medium size churches where HR is decentralized, and the pastor, along with a discreet, knowledgeable and professional team of volunteers handle these important tasks. Recruiting, hiring, and dealing with "sticky situations" are some of the areas we'll cover. You will learn our Top Five Best Practices, get some starter templates and feel more empowered to meet your next HR challenge with confidence.
Patti has a MBA in Organizational Leadership, had a successful career in the staffing and recruiting industry, and is owner of Johnston Solutions, founded in 2005, a HR consulting practice dedicated to small businesses and faith-based organizations. Currently, she is the Clerk of Session and has served for many years as the HR Team Chairperson at EPC (Elmhurst Presbyterian Church) in Elmhurst, Illinois. Left wanting more? Terrific! Call Patti at (312) 286-4606 or email, Patti.Berner@gmail.com.
Traci Smith is an ordained minister, mother of three, and author of the bestselling Faithful Families series of books. Traci’s passion is helping families find times for connection and spiritual nourishment amid the hustle and bustle of daily life. What began as a quest to help her own family has provided valuable insight for thousands of others. Traci believes faith practices should be fun, easy to fit into daily life, and accessible to all. Visit her at traci-smith.com. In this webinar Traci will be acting with her “pastor hat” on. Patti and Traci have worked together for years and both have a passion for helping to demystify HR challenges.
Patti and Traci are speaking out of their own professional experience working with a variety of different churches from their respective consulting work and experience. Their opinions do not represent the views of any particular church or denomination with which they are affiliated.
Thursday, June 15, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Bonnie Ives Marden
This webinar will equip and empower ministry leaders to talk about money and raise funds for their ministries by cultivating donors and building relationships.
Bonnie Ives Marden's passion is strengthening the leadership and stewardship dimensions of organizations especially congregations, agencies and boards. Trained in organizational development, behavioral sciences, mediation and leadership skills, she learns best by doing and invites others to do the same! Every retreat, workshop or seminar, webinar or presentation she offers provides practical and experiential engagement. Her diverse experience and extensive knowledge about churches and people, plus group process skills, are woven into each customized offering created to fit your vision.
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New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars
You can take this training any time during the year
3 - 4:30 PM
10 - 11:30 AM
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In the absence of a Resource Presbyter, please contact the following individuals:
And, as always, questions regarding church polity, minutes, parlimentary procedure should be directed to our Stated Clerk, Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye (statedclerk@cayugasyracuse.org)
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Do you live-stream your service on Sundays?
droppable-1673496502490
We are compiling a list of live-stream links to feature in Presbytery Matters. This will allow others to join in on your services.
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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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Please Note: Our new address change -- PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214 -- also applies to mail sent to the Bookkeeper.
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Solo Pastor at Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church in DeWitt
Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church is currently seeking a solo pastor who is spiritually grounded, intellectually curious, compassionate, and forward-thinking. PHPC has a history of community engagement and a commitment to social justice. Our congregation thrives on preaching that enriches and propels us to expand our thinking and motivates action. We are nourished through inspiring music and the loving nature of our faith community. We seek someone who is flexible, has a sense of humor, and flourishes in contexts where collaboration in leadership is the norm.
Position tasks include worship leadership & preaching, pastoral care, oversight of Christian education, moderating the Session, representing the congregation to outside groups that use our facility, assisting committees with guidance and insights as needed, participating and motivating members to become more active in social justice and mission projects.
PHPC was formed in 1956 in a suburb of Syracuse, NY. The church is located less than five miles from Syracuse University and Upstate Medical University, along with other institutions of higher education, multiple hospitals, and successful manufacturing facilities. The church is also situated within a very strong K-12 school system. We enjoy the benefits of a city with close proximity to the Finger Lakes, a pleasant drive to the Adirondacks, and a multitude of hiking and biking options in the immediate area, including those associated with the Erie Canal corridor. Onondaga County is on the cusp of major growth due to its selection as the site for an investment of $100 billion over ten years by Micron computer chip company. Finally, Syracuse was recently identified by FEMA as the safest city in the U.S. from natural disasters.
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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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Annual Meeting - Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 9 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Chittenango
Stated Meeting - Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. Time and Location TBA
Stated Meeting - Saturday, September 16, 2023. Time and Location TBA
Stated Meeting -Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
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Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
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Madison McKinney, a Native American and a Presbyterian, invites the church ‘to sit with me in this pain’ of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two-spirit people
McKinney, a Presbyterian Mission Agency board member, spoke to the PC(USA) national staff during Wednesday’s Chapel service
By Mike Ferguson
Presbyterian News Service
“I challenge you to sit with me in this pain, so that in this shared experience we can find the love that exists within our community, the church,” said McKinney, a member of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and a Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota Oyate tribal member who’s descended from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. McKinney spoke to the PC(USA)’s national staff during Wednesday’s Chapel service held online.
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PC(USA) church membership still in decline
Stated Clerk sees hope in new worshiping communities
By Rick Jones
Office of the General Assembly
The Office of the General Assembly released its annual statistics report this week and the downward trend in membership continues. For 2022, the PC(USA) reports a loss of 53,105 members, nearly 2,000 more than reported the year before. Current membership still stands at just over 1.1 million. There was also a loss of 108 churches last year, bringing the total to 8,705.
“We are not surprised by the numbers we are seeing. While the pandemic may be over, the impact on church membership is still being felt,” said the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA). “In the midst of the lower numbers, we continue to find encouragement in that new worshiping communities are still on the increase. We have added more than 20 in the past year, bringing our total to 267.”
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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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