In our prayers together this week:



• Please pray for everyone who is fighting a cold, virus or illnesses.
• 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: minister members of the Presbytery who are engaged in specialized ministries, who are at-large members, or who are retired

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.

We hope you can join us for this special evening!

7 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023

Zoom Link:

https://zoom.us/j/92703649541?pwd=NUsycXZFNEV3VWp0aWFLbmNNYlEvQT09

Dr. Towner was ordained at First United Presbyterian. Prior to her ordination, she worked at East Genesee Street (now the Korean Church) and remembers when the sanctuary was dedicated. Her ordination was featured in Life Magazine. Prior to ministry, she was a photographer at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.

Your Story

If a photo is worth a thousand words, than a video is worth a million!

The Rev. Kathleen Dain can be reached via email at KDain@cayugasyracuse.org or phone at (315) 551-0413.

"Let all who have ears listen"

“Mr. Cellophane. Mr. Cellophane should have been my name. Mr. Cellophane. ‘Cuz you can look right through me. Walk right by me. And never know I’m there!” Amos sings these words in the musical “Chicago” to express his sad feelings of being unnoticed. He feels unseen. Unheard. Unimportant. As Mr. Cellophane, Amos dresses like a sad clown, invisible to everyone around him. He feels transparent.

Transparency is often used as a buzzword for communication, repeatedly expressed among members of the presbytery as something we need to do more -- and better. Transparent and good communication is not a passive event. It’s a two-way street. It is more than quietly receiving information through a newsletter, on a website or through social media.

Good communication involves give and take, hearing and listening. It also requires a response.

Jesus said “Those who have ears, listen!” He didn’t say “Those who have ears, hear and do nothing.” No. Jesus asked people to hear what he had to say. To listen. And to respond. Later, James would say “Be hearers and doers of the Word.” (James 1:22) Unless we truly listen and respond in the doing of the Word, Jesus’ message goes in one ear and out the other. Our “faith, without works, is dead.” (James 2:26)

Transparent communication allows us to “be in the room where it happens” (another musical reference -- see Hamilton if you haven’t already!) Otherwise, we feel like Mr. Cellophane, unheard and unseen. Transparent communication is clear, open and honest. J. Hutchison defines it as, “the act of both good and bad information being shared upward, downward, and laterally in a way that allows all to see the why behind the words.” What are these words that we say as congregations and commissioners that make up the presbytery? And what is the why behind them?

As the body of Christ, we say words that profess our faith. As a presbytery, we say words in vision and mission statements that help guide us to live out our faith. As congregations and individuals, we put our words into action. Transparent communication between the congregations and members of the presbytery will help us all to express to the people in the communities in which we live (and beyond) the “why behind the words” that we say and the work that we do in Christ’s name.

The churches in our presbytery are often engaged in putting their words into action through wonderful ministries and missions that too often go unseen or unheard. We may think we’re being transparent in our communication. We think, “Everyone is aware that our church is engaged in the important ministry of ___________.” (fill in the blank) “We’re known for the work we do with ___________.” (fill in the blank) And after all, “everyone” knows we always do a turkey dinner in the fall or a rummage sale in the spring, right? But the truth is, not “everyone” does know these things. Unless we make the effort to communicate intentionally and repeatedly, the work that we do can become as transparent as cellophane -- unseen, unheard and unknown. The “why behind the words” remains hidden.

Over the years, the presbytery has done many listening sessions and surveys. There may be more opportunities for your voice to be heard in the months to come. But we hope you don’t passively wait to be asked to share your opinion. The Vision & Strategy Committee wants to hear your voice, opinions and thoughts. We also hope that you will help us in our work to increase communication within the presbytery by sharing what’s happening in your church. 

Our Communications Coordinator is ready to update your church information on the website, highlight the people and ministries of your congregation, advertise your events in the e-news and on social media, share prayer concerns, highlight the work of our pastors and lay leaders, and more. In this way, we will have communication that is truly transparent, as we share the “good and bad information upward, downward, and laterally” so that no one, and no church, will feel like Mr. Cellophane. May the light of our presbytery and all of its members shine transparently bright. To God be the glory.

Rev. Deb Thomas

Chair of V & S committee

revrndeb@gmail.com

In 2022, the 225^th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. overtured to radically change the composition of the Book of Order formally called “The Rules of Discipline” to new governances under the heading, “Church Discipline.” Those presently serving on session, especially clerks of session, are strongly encouraged to familiarize yourselves with these changes.

The Synod of the Northeast is hosting a one day gathering on October 17^th at First Presbyterian, Skaneateles to train Presbyterian leaders, committee members, elders, clerks and all others who might benefit from this training.

The gathering will be led by Flor Vélez-Díaz, manager of Judicial Process for the PCUSA. Registration is required. Click Here to Register

Menu: Ham, Scalloped Potatoes, Hubbard Squash, Peas, Banana Bread, Pumpkin Pie!

BLESSING OF THE PETS: Robinson Elmwood United Church held a Drive-Through Blessing of the Animals on Wednesday.

Susquehanna Valley Presbytery organized the following workshops for Small Churches and you're invited to join:

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!

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?

New York State Sexual Harassment Prevention Training Webinars

You can take this training any time during the year

charlaine@prcli.org

Thursday, October 26, 2023

2:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Restorative Conversations

Date: December 12th, 2023

Price:

• $139 if registering as an individual or a group up to 3
• $124 if registering as a group of 4 or more

Location: Online via Zoom

Workshop Description: 

This one-day workshop introduces church leaders to the key concepts of circle processes and ways in which circles can be used within their congregations. Restorative conversations are useful when working through difficult or polarizing topics, processing shared painful experiences, building community, and dealing with certain levels of conflict in the church setting.

Register Here

Journey Toward Healing

Date: December 18th, 2023

Price:

• $99 if registering as an individual or a group up to 3
• $84 if registering as a group of 4 or more

Location: Online via Zoom

Workshop Description: 

In this workshop you will gain a better understanding of your own conflict style, what the congregational mediation process looks like, how to find healing in mediation, and explore different conflicts.

Register Here

Do you live-stream your service on Sundays?

We are compiling a list of live-stream links to feature in Presbytery Matters. This will allow others to join in on your services.

Please send links to CaySyrNews@gmail.com

First United Church Fulton seeks pastor

First United Church Fulton is a small Presbyterian and American Baptist congregation, 40 minutes north of Syracuse. They are seeking a pastor who is looking for a part-time, interim, bridge, tentmaker position. 

The church's last permanent pastor retired 8 years ago. Since then they have had two transitional pastors, Covid, one short time, installed pastor and a series of Sunday pulpit supply.

"Flexibility and change have become our middle name," according to a church spokesperson.

Please contact Rick Casella at rickccasella@gmail.com or (315) 440-9115 for more information. First United Church Fulton is located at 33 South Third St in Fulton.

Westminster, Auburn seeking Temporary Pastor 

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn, NY is seeking a full-time Temporary Pastor to work with the church while it seeks a new installed pastor. The church will consider a part-time position with responsibilities and compensation negotiated and adjusted accordingly. 

Position tasks include worship leadership and preaching, moderating the Session, pastoral care, serving as head of staff, administrative leadership, assisting boards, committees, and teams, and other duties as needed (funerals/weddings, representing the congregation with outside organizations, assisting with communications, occasional leadership of educational programs, assisting with mission, outreach, evangelism efforts, etc). 

Effective Salary will be commensurate with experience, with benefits and mileage to be included as negotiated individually. Starting date will be on or before January 1, 2024. Please send a letter of introduction and resume to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William St, Auburn, NY 13021 Attn: Temporary Pastor Search Team or by email at office@westminsterauburn.org. More information about the church can be found at www.westminsterauburn.org or facebook.com/westminsterauburn.

Stated Meeting - Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 7 p.m. on Zoom.

Help Wanted: Stated Clerk of the General Assembly

Stated Clerk Nomination Committee seeking candidates with flexibility in a season of change



By Fred Tangeman

Office of the General Assembly

Last week, the Stated Clerk Nomination Committee (SCNC) released an updated job description that was last posted in 2015.

“The Stated Clerk will offer constitutional and spiritual leadership for the life and witness of the church and exercise pastoral authority over concerns of the church in times of crisis,” reads the updated description. “The Stated Clerk is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s chief ecumenical officer and its primary representative in national and international interchurch and interfaith organizations and speaks to and for the church in matters of faith and practice in accord with the beliefs, policies, and actions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).”

The Stated Clerk Nomination Committee will select its nominee no later than 60 days before the opening of the 226th General Assembly (2024). The full assembly will then elect the next clerk to a four-year term.

The Rev. Dr. Sallie Watson, SCNC moderator, said, “The task of our committee isn’t that different from the last Stated Clerk Nomination Committee,” which ended with the selection of recently retired stated clerk the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II. “We’re bound by standing rules, which give us deadlines for nominating a candidate. But in other senses it’s not the same at all.”

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The call of Matthew 25 is heard in distant lands

The Sewing Center Project is launched in North Pakistan to help incarcerated people provide for their families upon their release

By Dr. Hans Hallundbaek

Special to Presbyterian News Service

The Jesus call, “I was in prison, and you did not visit me,” is heard even in Pakistan, a Muslim country one-third the way around the world, where the sun rises nine hours earlier than it does in the Eastern Time Zone in the United States.

It is a country where Christianity, even as the third largest religion in Pakistan, makes up only 1.3% of the population. Pakistan is slightly larger than Texas, and densely inhabited, with a population of 241 million versus 31 million in the Lone Star State.

The Jesus call is heeded in this foreign land because courageous Christians living there have for centuries proclaimed the message of God’s love and forgiveness. They do so in harmonious cooperation with Islam, the official religion of Pakistan, protected by the country’s Constitution and practiced by 96.5% of the population. The remaining 3.5% practice Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism and other religions.

This story relates to one brave, resolute man who is not just a bleeding-heart Sunday morning Christian, but a person who learned the Jesus message the hard way.

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