by Jill Fandrich

​Many organizations have slogans. A slogan conveys in just a few words what an organization is all about. It’s meant to be memorable, authentic, and catchy. It projects the image that the organization wants you to associate with it. Slogans are marketing tools. 
 
Should churches have slogans? 
 
My church does. About a year ago, Westminster Church began using the phrase “Where you’re already home” on its bulletins, social media posts, and logo. 
 
In one sense, slogans seem a little “slick” for churches. After all, it’s hard to distill two thousand years of Christian theology, dogma, and identity into a 4-6 word phrase. It might be especially hard for Presbyterians, who tend to love words. Presbyterians are more likely to overexplain things than they are to be concise. But still, we try. 
 
Because we are in an interim period between called pastors, we are doing a lot of self-examination. As we prepare to search for a new pastor, we want to make sure we understand who we are as a church, how we are called to do God’s work, and how we communicate that vision.
 
At a recent “listening session” with the congregation, we talked about our mission statement and our slogan. What does it mean when we say Westminster is a place “where you’re already home”?
 
Let’s break it down word by word. First, “where.” 
 
Westminster is not just its building. It’s more than the physical structure at 17 William St. We know that we can’t sit around and wait for people to come through our doors. Churches need to not only open their doors but also to get outside of them! We know that our church home is more than our building, as beautiful and beloved as it may be. Our home, and our love, extend into the community. God’s love is bigger than the walls of the church. 
 
Next, “you’re.” Who are we talking to when we say you? 
 
Basically, everyone and anyone. Westminster practices radical inclusivity. It is a core value that all God’s children are loved, valued, and respected. For many years, Westminster has had a Welcome Statement which includes this sentence: “We welcome persons of every race, gender, age, sexual orientation, family status, ability, and economic status into full participation in our faith community.” We are a diverse congregation in many ways, and we truly welcome everyone. To be honest, it isn’t always easy. But we work at it.
 
Next, that word “already.” 
 
The concept of “already” is actually a very theological one. We believe that God’s grace is not something we earn; it’s something that’s already been granted us. We believe that we can love one another because God already loves us. We believe that we are claimed as God’s own in baptism because even as infants, we are already a child of God.  So the one word “already” speaks volumes in our slogan. You don’t have to earn acceptance into the church family. You’re already there. 
 
And what about “home”? 
 
Hopefully, home conveys a safe, loving place where you feel like family. Home is relationships and community. Homes are places where you are loved unconditionally, where you can screw up but still be forgiven and welcome. Although sometimes we use the words “house” and “home” synonymously, they are not the same. “Home” can be anywhere one feels safe, loved, secure, and understood.  
 
It's easy for an old-timer like me to feel “at home” at church; I’ve been a Westminster member for 40 years. Many of the folks at our listening sessions, however, are pretty new to the church and it is interesting for me to hear their perspective. Most said that they felt “at home” the first time they came to Westminster and that was why they continued coming. 
 
We want our slogan to be more than a slick marketing tool. We want it to convey an authentic description of who and what Westminster is and strives to be. We want everyone, no matter where they are on their faith or life journeys, to find Westminster to be a spiritual home for them, a place where they feel the love of God and of others.
 
Maybe we should adopt a theme song too! The song from Cheers would be perfect—“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.” That’s what we mean by “where you’re already home.” 

by Brian Teucke
Greetings to all lovers of the trail! A few years ago, Westminster’s former pastor Patrick Heery introduced the concept of contemplative hikes. As an avid hiker who personally found God in nature, Patrick organized and led monthly hikes at area parks and trails, communing with nature and the God who created it. These hikes became a popular tradition for many and an important part of our faith lives. Patrick has been called to a new chapter in his ministry and family life, and thus I have the blessing and honor to pick up the torch to keep these hikes going. 
 
As the new coordinator of the contemplative hikes, I’d like to introduce myself and lay out some ideas for the future. My name is Brian Teucke, and I’ve been living in Auburn since October of 2021 with my better half, Ashley. We were blessed with the birth of our first child, Ruairí last year. We are both natives of Morris County, NJ, and have lived in Germany, Kansas (thank you US ARMY), and Virginia prior to coming to Auburn. Currently, I have the honor of working for SEIU Local 200United as a union representative, helping workers here in CNY. Ashley, Ruairí, and I LOVE being in nature. Ashley is very well versed in all types of plant, gardening, and landscaping knowledge and, like me, is a fierce advocate for the environment and climate justice. As for me, my admiration of the trails has blossomed into a love for trail running, racing, and hiking. When I’m not working or running, you can catch me playing Irish music with my Irish Rebel Band, The Connolly Column.
 
While my words will never do it justice, I understand very intimately how special it is to spend time in nature, and in particular, on the trail. Whether it is the life-giving fitness that keeps our bodies healthy, the meditation we can enjoy when immersed in the woods which helps bring health to our minds, or the spiritual connections we experience, these contemplative hikes are something that breathe life, healing, and joy into all of us. That is why it is so important to keep these contemplative hikes going strong!
 
The format of the hikes has worked very well so we’ll keep them the same for now. As they say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” We’ll start with a short devotion or reading, hike the first half in silence, gather at “half time” to reflect, and walk the second half as each sees fit (quietly or in conversation). The hikes are usually about 2-4 miles, and will usually be easy/moderate, with a few challenging ones occasionally. We’ll try to choose trails and parks within an hour’s drive from Auburn.
 
I want all people from all types of backgrounds (including health and fitness levels) to feel welcome and able to join us on contemplative hikes. This group has always been very positive, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming, and I’d like it to remain that way. As part of this pledge, I think this group has the capacity to become a wonderful Christian ministry which, if done in the style of our Westminster family, means that we can share our love of Jesus while also welcoming other faith traditions to come along and join us in a non-denominational setting. 
 
As a union man, I know that organizational democracy is a positive and important part of any group. What I mean by that is I do not want to be a rigid dictator as the new coordinator but rather a guide and facilitator for our adventures in the woods. This means that I invite everyone to share their ideas, concerns, or feedback with me so that this group can head in the direction that we’re all feeling good about. For instance, we might want to try snowshoes this winter or consider sharing a potluck or music following a hike. There are lots of possibilities for expanding this ministry! 
 
Upcoming hikes are: 
Sat, July 22nd, 10:00AM:  Green Lake State Park, Fayetteville 
Sat, August 26th, 10:00AM:  Robert H. Treman Park in Ithaca- Rim and Gorge Loop (4.5 mile loop that is challenging but no doubt my favorite trail and favorite views)
 
We ask for RSVPs (call the church at 315-253-3331) so we know who to expect. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any ideas, questions, concerns, etc. I’ll see you at the trailhead very soon!
 
Brian Teucke and his family are members of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn. A union representative for SEIU Local 200United, Brian spends his spare time hiking, trail running, racing, playing Irish music, and advocating for environmental and climate justice.
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