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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Joys and Concerns around the Presbytery |
|
In our prayers together this week:
- Please keep the family of Communication Coordinator Sarah Buckshot in your prayers. Her parents' home in Nedrow caught fire earlier this month. Fire and smoke has caused heavy damage, but they were able to make it out alive. Please pray to give them strength to get through the challenges that lie ahead.
- Please pray for those impacted by the wildfires in Maui.
- 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: Amboy Belle Isle; First, Auburn; Westminster, Auburn; United Ministry of Aurora; First, Baldwinsville
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.
|
|
All clerks of session and presbytery leaders
are highly encouraged to attend:
|
|
Snacks and lunch will be provided.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the training will start promptly at 9:30 a.m.
|
|
From the Resource Presbyter |
|
There’s No Place Like Home
Last weekend I was privileged to attend the 225th anniversary of King Ferry Presbyterian Church. Here is an example of a congregation whose roots extend almost as far back as the birth of our nation. There were testimonials from the children of former pastors and a ‘hymn sing’ ranging from the auld hymns to contemporary fare. I was particularly impressed to see members from other Cayuga-Syracuse congregations join in the celebration. Afterwards, Jean, a member of Scipioville and whose husband was the pastor in Aurora, told me, “I grew up here!”
On Sunday, I was able to worship at Park Central. This was perhaps the first time I’d been back since my ordination 12 years ago. As the sanctuary filled with choral music, I reflected on my days there, kneeling on the steps of the chancel, the laying of hands and hearing Andrew’s charge. As much as I was warmed by those memories, it was the joy of the present -- of a father claiming Park Central as his home and watching as his two young sons were bathed in the waters of baptism.
These two distinct congregations are a reflection of who we are as a presbytery -- hemmed together by the gentle thread of Jesus Christ.
There is plenty for our churches to worry about these days. Many of our friends and neighbors have not returned since the pandemic. A number of our congregations are journeying through a season of transition. There are worries about the budget or what our future might hold. Yet, that enigmatic thread that binds us together continues to hold.
What is your hope, and what can your presbytery do to support you in the journey? Beginning in September, I will be setting up a traveling office within the different regions of our presbytery. As I make my way around, I hope you’ll stop in for a chat, a comment or a question. As we reflect on our history and look toward our future, where are you seeing Christ at work in your life?
This rich tapestry of ours may seem threadbare at times, and yet, here we are, one body in Christ!
Kathy
Rev. Kathleen Dain
Interim Resource Presbyter
|
|
Last Call: Survey closes at midnight on Saturday, August 19th
|
|
Seeking delegates to the 226th General Assembly
The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA is the gathering place for commissioners from around the country to worship, serve, and collectively discern the will of God for the people of God. The General Assembly “reviews the work of synods, resolves controversies in the church, is responsible for matters of common concern for the whole church, and serves as a symbol of unity for the church.”
The 226th General Assembly, which is being held in Salt Lake City, Utah will take place from June 25, 2024 to July 4, 2024. This year the GA will be hybrid with both online and in-person attendance. From June 25th to 27th all commissioners and advisory delegates will attend their assigned committee meetings online (no travel is required). However, the General Assembly will require in-person attendance from June 29th to July 4th. During this time the assembly will meet to discuss recommendations and vote on matters that are brought to the attention of the assembly. More information regarding the 226th General Assembly can be found at the following website: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) - Resources - 226th General Assembly (2024) Fact Sheet (pcusa.org).
The work of the General Assembly is important for the life of the church body as a whole.
The Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse is looking for people interested in attending the 226th General Assembly as delegates. The presbytery needs a minister commissioner, minister commissioner alternate, an elder commissioner and alternate, and a youth delegate. If you are interested in serving as a commissioner or alternate, please submit your name and a brief explanation as to why you would like to represent Cayuga-Syracuse as a delegate. Names can be submitted to the Nominating Committee by September 4th. Email Shavonn Lynch at lynchshavonn@yahoo.com.
|
|
Announcements from our Interim Resource Presbyter |
|
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.
|
|
The draft bylaws and standing rules are available here:
Learn more about the draft bylaws from
Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, Stated Clerk HERE.
|
|
Presbytery Choir: It’s a GO!
Thanks to all who have responded positively with interest in forming a Presbytery Choir. We have the makings of a small choir to begin with, and still need a director, but it looks like we have enough people to get started.
Special thanks to Mary Heather Harrington (organist at King Ferry) for volunteering to organize and accompany. Please contact her at (607) 793-0430 or send an email to maryheatherharrington@gmail.com if you’d like to be a part of this new adventure.
Other accompanists are also welcomed to share and collaborate in planning. If you have already expressed an interest, Mary Heather has your contact info. You should be hearing soon about plans to possibly debut at the September presbytery meeting.
|
|
Breaking News! The Preaching Class for ruling elders/lay leaders is full. Registration is now closed.
If you missed your chance to sign up, the Rev. Debra Thomas may be able to squeeze one more person in. If that person is YOU, please let Deb know immediately. Text/call 315-657-0147 or email to revrndeb@gmail.com
Note: Due to the early and quick response filling up the class so early, your pastor or church leader did not receive the info that would otherwise have been sent out by the end of the month.
|
|
Marcellus First Presbyterian Church recently had a vestment (white/gold trim stole and robe) donated from a member of the congregation, in honor of her mother-in-law, Kathy Winoski. We would like to make certain that this beautiful donation is passed on in honor of this wonderful individual.
If you know someone who could benefit from this, please contact the church office by email at office@marcelluspc.com or call 315-673-2201. Thank you.
|
|
INCLUSION MATTERS: The Rev. Kathleen Dain, our Resource Presbyter, visited Pastor Barb recently at the United Church of Aurora and admired the church's stained glass windows. Pastor Barb pointed out one of the windows that depicts people of color. Pastor Barb shared a story about a group of students who toured the church and when they group came to this window a black student immediately recognized the repersentation of people of color in the stained glass.
|
|
Practical Resources for Churches Webinars |
|
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Pat Baker
Intentional ministry with and for older adults and caregivers is vital for healthy congregations. In this webinar, you’ll learn meaningful activities that can benefit the congregation as a whole as well as older adults and caregivers. You’ll also explore ideas for outreach to other older adults and caregivers in your community..
Thursday, August 24, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Heather Roth Johnson
Kids in Worship has become a hot topic for churches. After the pandemic, some folks let go of formal Sunday School, and opted to fully integrate kids and youth into the life of the congregation. It’s still a work in progress, but we have made cultural shifts to help families worship together and to help kids and youth find their voice in worship. Heather will share her insights, her fails, and what has worked, thus far.
Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Tom Sine
Many pastors and lay leaders in this post pandemic time are looking for creative ways: 1. to secure greater involvement from their laity: 2. to make a difference in their communities & 3. to engage their young people. This webinar will draw on concrete examples from Futures Creativity workshops and the book 2020s Forecast: Three Vital Practices for Thriving in a Decade of Accelerating Change.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Leader - Teresa J. Stewart
Small congregations have powerful worship strengths that can’t be used in big settings. Explore lavish worship that fits your gifts and reveals the kingdom of God already among you.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:
● How to start with your small-setting strengths instead of endlessly adapting resources that don’t fit.
● The difference between a performance approach and a participation approach to worship. (Spoiler alert: participation is an overlooked superpower of small settings).
● A new way of worship planning—the Stone Soup model—that increases lay participation, decreases planning time, and invites local gifts.
Registration includes Stone Soup planning forms. With examples for an upcoming liturgical season.
Tuesday, September 19, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
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.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
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.
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.
Thursday, October 5, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM
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.
Tuesday, October 17, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 PM EDT
Panelists - Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Rev. Dr. Sherry Molock, Rev. Deanna Hollas
|
|
New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars
You can take this training any time during the year
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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...
|
|
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
|
|
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.
|
|
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
|
|
Stated Meeting - Saturday, September 16, 2023. Weedsport. Time TBA
Stated Meeting - Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.
|
|
Around the Synod of the Northeast |
|
In 2013, the Synod approved its current New Way Forward vision. As a result, the Synod's governing structure and mission focus changed to emphasize developing networks, empowering young leaders, diversity and inclusion, and ministry innovation. Today, the Synod of the Northeast is asking the question about its impact in three areas strengths, connections, and areas of transformation.
"As the Synod plans for the future, hearing from you is essential as we consider a new vision."
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Research Services is conducting this survey on behalf of the Synod. The survey will take 10-15 minutes, and responses are due by midnight, August 20. Answers to this survey are confidential; no identifying information will be shared with the Synod. If you have any questions about the survey or technical difficulties, please contact Sean Payne in Research Services at sean.payne@pcusa.org.
Click here to complete the survey:
|
|
Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
|
Check out these events coming up in August:
Aug. 15: Matthew 25 Congregational Vitality webinar.
Aug. 22: Faith Formation Leader Connection.
Aug. 24: YAV Commissioning Service
|
|
|
Presbyterian Youth Triennium shares resources, talks up formation of its 2025 team
PYT will soon make a formal announcement
By Mike Ferguson
Presbyterian News Service
Together with Triennium registrar Analise Brown, Gina Yeager-Buckley, who’s the mission coordinator for Presbyterian Youth and Triennium, said Triennium staff is gearing up to launch “an exciting and busy season” which will include a formal announcement this fall about the location and other details of the 2025 and 2028 events, among the most transformational gatherings the PC(USA) offers.
“It’s fun to see the faces and dogs I know, our furry Christian education friends,” Yeager-Buckley said with a smile. “We love to talk about youth ministry and think about what’s happening and what you’re seeing and the resources you are finding helpful, relevant and fiery.”
|
|
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Presbytery of the Pacific respond to deadly fires on Maui
The Red Cross has asked PDA to be on standby with team of spiritual care providers
By Mike Ferguson
Presbyterian News Service
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is working with the Presbytery of the Pacific following this week’s fires that killed at least 106 people in Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui and also burned portions of south Maui and the island’s Upcountry region. Earlier this week fires also burned brush on the Big Island of Hawaii, but those fires have been largely controlled. After seeing the devastation in Lahaina, Hawaii Gov. Josh Green called it “the worst national disaster that Hawaii has ever faced.”
CBS News reported on Sunday that hundreds of people remain unaccounted for. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s administrator, Deanne Criswell, said that 150 FEMA personnel were on the ground in Maui, with more search and rescue teams on their way.
“It’s clear there will be significant long-term recovery needs,” said the Rev. Jim Kirk, PDA’s Associate for National Response. For the people who want to respond and don’t have the opportunity to provide donations or commodities right away, “there will be opportunities in the months and years ahead. That is hard for people to hear, because everyone wants to do something right now. The best thing to do right now is to wait and respond down the line.”
|
|
P.O. Box 438, Syracuse 13214
(315) 632-5698
|
|
"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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
