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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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 keep the family of Communication Coordinator Sarah Buckshot in your prayers. Her parents' home in Nedrow caught fire early Monday morning. 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.
- Pray for all those impacted by the recent flooding and tornado in our communities.
- 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: 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. Please note, prayers will be featured for three weeks, unless a specific time frame is requested.
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From the Resource Presbyter |
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Vision & Strategy committee |
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The Miracle Question
What if a miracle occurred while you were sleeping and you woke up this morning to find that everything in your life is just perfect? All your concerns and problems have been solved, and everything is just the way you always hoped it would be. What would your life look like?
That’s the “miracle question.” It’s a counseling technique commonly used to help people find direction when they are stuck or overwhelmed. Sometimes we can’t see beyond the things that are troubling us in the here and now. That can cause a feeling of despair, making us uncertain of which way to turn, what to do. The burdens we carry in the present may feel heavy, keeping us from moving forward into the future. But when we ask ourselves the “miracle question,” even if the answer is totally unrealistic, the possibility of hope for a new day is unlocked. When that happens, we are no longer stuck, frozen in the dark pit of our present-day troubles, and instead can now see a glimmer of light showing us the path to follow so that we might move towards a better tomorrow.
After asking the miracle question, the next question is “What first step can you take toward making just one small part of your miracle answer a reality?” You may not be able to stop the divorce from happening, or be restored to full health, or bring your loved one back from the dead, but you might take a step towards finding peace with your loss. You might take a step towards finding joy in remembering the good times of the past. You might take a step towards finding hope in imagining what your life will look like tomorrow, or next week, or next year. And then take another step. And another. Until you find yourself walking into a new reality in gratitude to God who has walked beside you every step of the way, even if you didn’t realize it during those dark times of despair and hopelessness.
In discerning a vision for what the presbytery might be like for future generations, we can easily become stuck in despair over change and loss, even dysfunction and problems, over the years. We can also become paralyzed from moving forward because there are so many things to think about, so many things that might be “fixed” or done differently, so many possibilities for future mission and ministry, that we can easily become overwhelmed or fearful. Perhaps it’s time to ask the miracle question.
If all of us who make up the presbytery -- the churches, congregations, members, elders, and pastor -- woke up tomorrow and the presbytery was perfect, being the best that it can be, what would that look like? How would the presbytery help those who are a part of it to be the best that that they can be? If all was perfect, how would presbytery be doing its best work internally and also externally, within the community? What would this mean for relationships, connections, ministry and mission, social justice and peace and the vitality of the presbytery as we faithfully work together to live into the Gospel of Jesus Christ? We all profess to worship a God who works miracles. What would our miracle be?
Give this some prayerful consideration and share your miracle answers to me or to any member of the Vision & Strategy committee. Then be ready to help us take the steps toward making the vision of a healthy, strong, actively faithful presbytery a reality.
May God’s miraculous grace and peace abound.
Rev. Debra Thomas,
Chair of V & S
315.657.0147 (text or call)
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Announcements from our Interim Resource Presbyter |
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Snacks and lunch will be provided.
Registration opens at 9 a.m. and the training will start promptly at 9:30 a.m.
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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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Pastors gathered from the four corners of our presbytery for a time of reflection and renewal.
The morning worship service was followed by lunch at Green Lakes State Park.
The next Pastors Pause will be held on November 15th
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Fun & Fellowship
Twenty Presbyterians, Bapterians, and Methoterians enjoyed an evening at the ball park in Syracuse. The group represented about five churches.
"We screamed 'Let’s go Mets!', ate hot dogs, met some new people and saw ‘C-S Presbyterians' in lights," said Rita Hooper, who organized the event. "Our only disappointment was that the Mets lost."
Hooper said everyone had a great time!
"Perhaps we shall do another Presbytery Fun Event ... with more time to get the word around!"
Thank you Rita for organizing such a fun gathering!
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Preaching Basics Course for Laity Coming This Fall
Registration is open for this series of 6 classes designed to give preaching tools for sermon preparation, writing and delivery, along with a foundation of basic Presbyterian/Reformed beliefs. You must have your pastor recommendation in order to take the class. Session recommendation is needed if your church is currently without a pastor. Please talk to your pastor/session ASAP if you’re interested in signing up for the class. Classes begin October 1.
Contact Rev. Deb Thomas at revrndeb@gmail.com for course info, guidelines & expectations, and registration form.
Note to Pastors: please be thinking of members in your congregation you might ask to consider taking this class and look for an email from Deb with attachments including the forms listed above.
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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.
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HANDS ON LEARNING: Noel Cregg teaches in the Worship Center at Westminster Presbytery Church in Auburn.
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Practical Resources for Churches Webinars |
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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
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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?
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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. She will be on vacation from Sunday, July 30th to Saturday, August 5th.
Our Address: PO Box 438, Syracuse, NY 13214
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Office Manager Needed for the United Church of Fayetteville
310 E. Genesee Street
Fayetteville, NY 13066
Approximately 12 hours per week;
8 hours in July & August
- Coordinate operations of church office
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, social media, technology & microsoft skills required for weekly worship bulletins, website entries, streaming slides and database.
- Must be self-motivated, organized, exhibit teamwork & confidentiality; some training available
- $20 per hour
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Job Description at www.theucf.org
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If Interested, please email employment@theucf.org with a cover letter & résumé)
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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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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 Synod of the Northeast |
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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:
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Around the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) |
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The good, bad and in-between as depicted by Hollywood actors and biblical authors
‘Good vs. Evil 2: The Sequel!’ was a fun and thought-provoking Synod School class
By Mike Ferguson
Presbyterian News Service
Once the American Film Institute came out with its list of the 100 most memorable heroes and villains, the Rev. Mark Bedford did AFI one better: He paired the top good and bad guys and gals Hollywood has to offer with scriptural passages to promote lively discussions during his “Good vs. Evil 2: The Sequel!” class held last month during Synod School.
“Movies present such dramatic and compelling examples of what’s right and wrong that they may overshadow what we’re supposed to learn about ethics in the Bible,” said Bedford, the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Sioux Falls, Iowa, and a longtime movie buff. “Instead, use the Bible and our faith to judge the ethical choices we see in the movies.”
“Good” is George Bailey staying in Bedford Falls in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” “Evil” is Voldemort killing Snape in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.”
However, “evil is part of everyone, so no one can be completely good,” Bedford noted. After Vietnam and Watergate, “movie ethics became more complex and nuanced. Heroes can do evil things to accomplish good goals. Villains can have positive motives for what they do. Good or evil are only shades on a spectrum, where no one is completely on one side or the other.”
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Service brings human side of Korean stalemate to light
Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations and partners pray for peace
By Darla Carter
Presbyterian News Service
The trauma and heartbreak of the Korean War continues to linger many decades after the signing of an agreement to end active military fighting on the Korean Peninsula.
Acknowledging the pain was a central part of a recent interfaith service at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Korean Armistice Agreement, which was signed on July 27, 1953, but did not end the separation of families on opposite sides of the border.
“The untold human cost, the tragedy of war, is still too real for many Korean families,” said Sue Rheem, Coordinator of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations (PMUN) and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Representative to the U.N.
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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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