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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Annual Turkey BBQ supports church's mission projects |
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The First Presbyterian Church in Mexico held its annual BBQ on Saturday and it was a sellout!
The popular event had 80 pre-orders by noon. It's one of the church's biggest fundraisers of the year. The church supports many community endeavors including a food pantry and annual Christmas drive to support area families.
Photos of Chef Dean by the Rev. Kathleen Dain, Interim Resource Presbyter.
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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: 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.
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Yuriy Lifanse, a PC(USA) International Peacemaker and a leader in the Community of Sant’Egidio Ukraine, offers a prayer for peace. Read More...
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From the Interim Resource Presbyter |
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Who is my Neighbor?
One of the favorite parts of my work are the opportunities to meet the members of our presbytery. I have witnessed heartfelt thanks from members to their departing pastor, stood alongside other congregations as they navigate difficult transitions, and listened to countless stories of what the church means to them. Throughout these conversations, I am constantly reminded of our connectedness as the body of Christ.
Last weekend while visiting our northern congregations, Pastor Karen of Mexico Presbyterian Church pointed to the tall white steeple. “The steeple used to be lighted,” she said. “It served as a beacon to guide the underground railroad toward the pathway to freedom.” That work metaphorically and theologically continues today. We are called as presbyters to be a beacon of hope in the name of Christ.
Karen’s congregation, like so many in our presbytery, continues that tradition through the building of sustainable partnerships within the community. Yet, how are we building partnerships within our presbytery? The rains earlier in the week severely impacted communities within our presbytery. Our neighbors in Mexico saw roads and buildings flooded. Even the church sustained some minor flooding. How can we as a presbytery help? Is there a youth group looking for a summer mission project? A collection that can be taken. I recall a number of years ago serving a small congregation in Florida that collected supplies for clean-up buckets for PDA (Presbyterian Disaster Assistance). The congregation did not have the capacity to volunteer for many physically demanding projects, but they could help in other ways. There are countless ways we can connect as the greater church outside the boundaries of our buildings from mentorship opportunities, engagement in social and civil causes, to food and clothing drives.
Since arriving last month as your interim resource presbyter, I’ve been traveling through our presbytery to get a better grasp of “who” we are -- the opportunities we offer and challenges we face. I hope these visits can be an encouragement and sounding board on how we can better serve and collaborate with one another. Please call or email me if you’d like me to visit your congregation. We can do so much more together than could ever be achieved on our own.
In Christ’s Peace,
Kathy
Rev. Kathleen Dain
Interim Resource Presbyter
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Announcements from our Interim Resource Presbyter |
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Pastors Pause
In his article, “Moving from Solitude to Community to Ministry,” Henri Nouwen reflects on the importance of intentional times of reflection and prayer. As ministers, actively serving congregations, times for prayer and reflection can often become lost in a sea of program responsibilities.
Pastors Pause is an invitation to join with other ministers in our presbytery for a time of worship and fellowship. Pastors Pause will be held on Wednesday, August 9th with a 10:30 a.m. gathering and 12 p.m. lunch at Fayetteville United on East Genesee Street.
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Continuing Education Opportunity for Clergy
Montreat Conference Center is offering a continuing education opportunity to clergy on October 9-12, 2023 in North Carolina.
Here's more from the website:
"As we emerge from our homes and return to our places of worship, we’ve discovered a world that has fundamentally shifted. While some transitioned from the pew to the couch to engage and nurture their spiritual lives, others disappeared altogether. Longstanding trends of declining church membership accelerated during the pandemic and have found exhausted church staff working harder than ever to connect with their congregations. Habits changed, theology was challenged, and connections were severed, pointing to an unavoidable truth: The church we know is at a critical crossroads.
As we gaze upon the pews, what truths have been revealed about our Church? Who has returned to worship? Who has come, maybe for the first time? Who is missing? How will these new realities for our programs, finances, and mission be sustainable? Where does our faith lead to hope for what is to come? Is it possible to see these challenges as possibilities – as a “Holy Shift?” "
Holy Shift participants will explore the implications of this seismic ground shift and learn to navigate the possibilities in a church where God’s call on our lives grows louder and deeper. LEARN MORE HERE.
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Vision & Strategy committee |
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A quiz from the Vision & Strategy committee...
Which comes first? Vision or resources?
At first glance, this may seem like a chicken and egg question. Without vision, we don’t know what resources we need. Without resources, vision cannot be enacted. Without vision, we may be unwise and waste the resources that we have. Without resources, vision remains a wish or a dream, instead of a reality. But if we approach the question from the standpoint of faith, we know there’s a clear answer. Vision must come first. This wisdom is reflected in our new presbytery structure, which now includes the Vision & Strategy committee, just beginning its mission.
In his article, “5 Ways to Abolish a Scarcity Mindset at Your Church,” Carey Nieuwhoff unequivocally states that “vision comes before resources.” Viewed in the light of scarcity versus abundance thinking this makes a lot of sense for both churches and presbyteries alike. When we focus on what we don’t have, we fall into the trap of scarcity thinking that causes us to become fearful, which in turn, causes us to focus on preserving and protecting what little resources we have. This can cause us to close our minds to the possibilities that God sets before us. Everything changes, however, when we remember that we worship a God who promises abundance. This is not to say that we should be irresponsible or unwise stewards of our resources. Neither does it mean we should fall into the equally dangerous trap of following what is known as the “prosperity gospel” with the greed and excesses it entails. But it does mean that if we are faithful to seek the vision God sets before us, and take a leap of faith to make it a reality, we can rest assured that we can trust God to provide the resources we need.
“Vision,” says Nieuwhoff, answers the questions:
- What problem are we solving?
- What does a better future look like?
- What is it you feel called to accomplish?
As we continue to envision what the presbytery will look like in the future, what we will accomplish and what problems we will solve, may it help to remember that we have faith in a God who provides manna in the wilderness, turns water into wine, multiplies loaves and fish, offers thirst quenching water, gives blessings “shaken down and pressed together” and cups that overflow with goodness and mercy. Indeed, we worship a God who brings abundant life from the emptiness of loss and death. When we operate from a sense of abundance, everything is possible! With a clear vision, we can trust God for the resources to accomplish great things for God’s work.
Please continue to pray for the Vision & Strategy committee and don’t forget to share with us the visions for our presbytery that you receive.
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things in all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor. 9:8
May God’s blessings abound,
Rev. Deb Thomas
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Preaching Basics Course for Laity Coming This Fall
If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, this may be just what you’re looking for!
Ruling elders/lay leaders:
- Do you have a message of faith, a Scriptural insight, or inspirational word that you’d like to share with your church family?
- Is there a sermon inside you that you feel led to preach, but aren’t sure how to go about it?
- Have you ever wanted to give your pastor a much-needed break by offering to preach the sermon on a Sunday morning (with or without their presence), but lack the tools or confidence to volunteer?
Pastors:
- Are you experiencing the added stress and responsibilities in this unusual time of ministry?
- Have you experienced the shortage of pulpit supply substitutes that has caused you to delay or change your vacation plans?
- Would you love to have someone from within your congregation that you could call on to fill in to help preach from time to time—even if it’s just to relieve you of the time needed for sermon preparation during a busy week so that someone else can preach on Sunday morning while you lead the rest of the worship service?
This previously postponed course is a series of classes designed for lay leaders to give tools for sermon preparation, writing and delivery, along with a foundation of basic Presbyterian/Reformed beliefs. Watch for details to come soon! Note: In order to participate, laity must have the recommendation of their pastor and/or session.
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Don’t miss your chance!!! The PCUSA 2024 Planning Calendars will be available in September.
To order through the presbytery and receive the bulk rate, please contact Lisa Bricault at Liverpool First Presbyterian: lfirstpr@twcny.rr.com or 315-457-3161.
Please let Lisa know:
- what congregation you represent
- how many calendars you are ordering (each PCUSA pastor receives a free calendar so don’t over order)
- email and phone number
You will receive a bill in the late summer or fall with payment instructions. We are hoping that the calendars will be available for pick up at the September presbytery meeting.
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Westminster welcomes a new Temporary Pastor
Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn is pleased to announce the arrival of the The Rev. Dr. Stacy Smith as its Temporary Pastor beginning August 1! Stacy will be with the church for a four-month period August through November to provide full-time pastoral leadership.
"I am thrilled to join in ministry with the people of Westminster, even for this short amount of time," Smith said in an article to the church. "Through the interview process, I have loved meeting with several church members, and enjoyed a rich conversation with Rev. Patrick about the work and worship of your community."
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The First Presbyterian Church of Baldwinsville is pleased to announce that the Syracuse Lions Club will be hosting a FREE visual screening for adults and children at the Baldwinsville church on Monday, July 17th in its Christian Education Building. The event will be held from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The Lions Club utilizes a RetinaVue 700 camera that allows them to detect different pathologies of the eye, including diabetic retinopathy and amblyopia. The Club will also assist with optometry consultations and the acquisition of glasses, if required. The screening takes only five to ten minutes. This is a wonderful opportunity for preventative care for the community, and a way to assist those who might not otherwise be able to take care of their eye health.
For questions, please contact Lion Doug Russell at (315) 9522136 or dgr899@aol.com.
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Book Release: N. Scott Cupp's "Come and See for Yourself" on sale now
N. Scott Cupp, a retired Cayuga-Syracuse pastor, has released his book "Come and See for Yourself The Gospel -- As if for the First Time." The book is on sale now.
About the Book:
People have been telling the story of Jesus ever since he was resurrected. In Come and See, author N. Scott Cupp offers a new perspective on this great story. Presenting a simplified narrative, it tells the gospel story from beginning to end in a chronological way unlike any other.
Answering a host of questions that arise throughout, Dr. Cupp shares the story as if meeting Jesus for the first time. Who was he, really? Did he really walk on water? Did he actually heal all those people? What was his message? Was he killed because he was proclaiming peace and love? Was he the message or the messenger? What is the message of the gospel for today, and how does it impact our world?
Presenting an understanding of Jesus’s life, Come and See for Yourself supplements what you’ve read and learned in your prior Christian studies. Dr. Cupp lets you decide what to think of the messenger.
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Practical Resources for Churches Webinars |
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Thursday, July 27, 2023
4:00 - 5:00 PM EDT
Leader - Jon Anderson
God continues to create in our lives, our congregations and our communities every day. Faithful innovation is part of God's creating work. Small Town and Rural Ministry requires both sustaining and disruptive leadership to serve the Gospel and fuel the love of all our neighbors.
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New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars
You can take this training any time during the year
1 - 2:30 PM EDT
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
2:00 - 3:30 PM EDT
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM EST
3:30 - 5:00 PM EST
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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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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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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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This month's needs include:
- Tall kitchen garbage cans
- Dish strainers
- Twin sheet sets
- Twin and double blankets/comforters
- Toiletries (shaving cream, razors, deodorant, shampoo, soap, bathroom tissue, women's hygiene products)
- Cleaning supplies (laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, dish soap)
- Laundry baskets
Contact Rhonda Butler for drop off locations and times. Rhonda can be reached at
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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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People who are both Presbyterian and Indigenous can find joy and meaning in both worlds
The Rev. Martha Sadongei is the most recent guest on ‘A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast’
By Mike Ferguson
Presbyterian News Service
The Rev. Martha Sadongei encourages Native American siblings who follow Christ to blend their faith with their Indigenous practices, and she had a ready story to illustrate just how during last week’s episode of “A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast,” which can be heard here. Sadongei comes in at the two-minute mark.
Sadongei recounted the story of attending a Kiowa Gourd Dance in Oklahoma with a cousin. That morning the two attended a worship service that included communion, then headed to the dance grounds afterward. “To hear that strong singing, to see men and hear them shake the gourds and feel the cool breeze — I got shivers, the same shivers I get when I know the Spirit is moving within me,” Sadongei told Catoe and Doong. “I told my cousin it’s the same Spirit that was at table this morning when we took communion. Then she said, ‘Look!’ It was the pastor [who’d led worship that day], dressed in his regalia and dancing the Gourd Dance.”
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Ways churches can respond to extreme heat and climate change
Creation Justice Ministries webinar offers tips, ideas and precautions as communities swelter
By Darla Carter
Presbyterian News Service
With climate change and other factors contributing to scorching conditions in various parts of the world, Creation Justice Ministries hosted a recent webinar to help churches spring into action, from becoming cooling centers to advocating for environmentally friendly legislation. Watch the recording of the webinar here.
One example came from the Rev. Sylvia Harris of Wesley United Methodist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. The church converted a dormant preschool into a cooling and respite center in the city’s south mountain area, where many people struggle with the effects of systemic oppression, homelessness and poverty. With the help of seed grants, community partnerships and some donated labor and goods, the center has given people — and their pets — a cool, comfortable place to stay while also providing food, showers, a laundry facility, and referrals for other services, such as housing.
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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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