by Rob Schemerhorn

On the Sunday after Epiphany, the scripture reading is always the familiar story of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. In the Presbyterian tradition, we generally baptize children, usually infants.  In other faith traditions, persons are baptized when they are old enough to understand for themselves what the sacrament means, that God is accepting them as one of his own. Baptism creates a deep tie for the baptized and their church. It is certainly a very important moment in anyone’s life, regardless of what age it happens.

All four of the gospels recount Jesus’ baptism. They begin with John saying he was not the Messiah but was merely preparing the way. John said he recognized Jesus as the Savior and felt unworthy to baptize him. After the baptism, the heavens opened and God confirmed that Jesus was indeed the chosen one. Three of the four gospels have Jesus going into the desert for 40 days and nights, being tempted by Satan, and then returning to choose his disciples and begin his ministry.

We know this familiar story, and we accept it, often without thinking much about it. But really, it is an outlandish thing to do! What would you think if your 30 year old brother, or son, or friend, suddenly up and said ‘Oh, by the way, tomorrow I’m quitting my job as a carpenter, going to see that weirdo out by the river Jordan people have been talking about, and then spend the rest of my time here on Earth wandering around trying to explain to people what God really wants them to do for the sake of their own salvation.” Perfectly normal, right?

No, that’s probably not what we would think. We would think, “Why? Why leave a quiet, comfortable life, at the rather advanced age of 30 or so [remember life spans were quite a bit shorter 2000 years ago] and go do this thing? Why?”

The answer, I think, is that God needed a change in the way he dealt with us. The prophets had prophesied, the judges and kings had ruled, the nation of Israel had risen and fallen and risen and fallen many times. But the people were stuck when it came to their faith. What are the 6 words of a failing institution? “We’ve always done it that way.” God chose Jesus to forge a new understanding of his intentions, towards his people and how they should interact with each other.

The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of his ministry. We know that in his time he was considered a radical, someone who didn’t necessarily follow “the Rules”. He was all about change. Even our denomination is always changing. Ever hear the phrase ‘The reformed church, always reforming’? I think Jesus would like that phrase.

In some ways I regret not being able to recall my own baptism. For my little infant self, I couldn’t know how important a moment this was. God claimed me as an infant, and I have accepted his love. But I wonder, have I really changed?

This has been a time of change for our church. We have had 3 temporary pastors in the past 18 months, each of them with their own style. It was enjoyable; switching things up occasionally keeps the experience fresh. In February we will welcome our new pastor. There will be change. We’re all eager to see what they might be. Congregants have hopes and dreams they want to see come to fruition. Some of those hopes hearken back to our traditions, some are looking forward to innovative solutions to new challenges. Come what may, things will be different. We will change.

January is the time when many of us make resolutions aimed at improving our lives. Eat healthier, get regular sleep, clean out that closet in the back room. Here is mine- “Don’t be afraid”. I’m not going to be afraid of speaking up, or being kind, or saying no. One of the joys of getting older is being less afraid of what others think of you. There is no reason for being afraid of change.
​
 The life and work of this church, this congregation will go on as long as we embrace, adopt and accept the idea that change is inevitable. Jesus knew it. He was called to be the voice that led to one of the greatest changes in history. While we may not remember our own baptism, there is no need for a ceremony for you to make a change in your life. When all else fails, try forgiveness. Be kind. Remember everyone seeks acceptance. Jesus showed us what love is. Resolve to be a person who changes with intent and the love of Christ in your heart.
 
Rob Schemerhorn is a lifelong member of Westminster Church, a Ruling Elder, and Clerk of Session. He is recently retired from Jordan Elbridge School District, after a long career as a Physics and Earth Science teacher, track coach and official. 

December 21 is the longest night of the year, the Winter Solstice, when darkness arrives in late afternoon and lasts into the next morning. Where we live, it’s not only dark but cold. The trees are barren. The ground is frozen (or muddy). And the long winter is just beginning to creep its way to spring.
 
We know the astrological and scientific significance of the Winter Solstice. It’s the time when earth’s rotation causes half of the earth to be tilted as far away from the sun as it can be. The earth gets the least amount of light and warmth at this point, making December 21 the shortest day and longest night of each year in the northern hemisphere. Then slowly, things change, with more light each day.
 
Long before “organized religion,” ancient people celebrated the solstice. They built monuments that were giant calendars, positioned so that the sun would rise in a specific point on them on the day of the solstice. We still marvel at Stonehenge in England, Newgrange in Ireland, Machu Picchu in Peru, the temple of Karnak in Egypt, and Chichen Itza in Mexico. These massive structures were intentionally and precisely built by ancient people to celebrate the sun thousands of years before the birth of Christ.
 
So what does the solstice have to do with Christmas, the Christian holiday on December 25 which celebrates the birth of Jesus? It’s an interesting relationship. Jesus’ birth story is told in the gospels, and includes the various details which we associate with nativity scenes— born in a manger to Mary with her betrothed husband Joseph by her side, surrounded by animals, visited by “lowly” shepherds, hailed as king by choirs of angels, and given gifts by visiting magi who followed a bright star to find him. One noticeable fact which is lacking in biblical accounts is a date, or even a season. No one knows when Jesus was born.
 
The early Christians didn’t celebrate the birth of Jesus; his death and resurrection at Easter were their main focus. In the fourth century, Pope Julius I added the Feast of the Nativity to the calendar as a holy day on December 25, the date probably chosen to piggy-back on solstice celebrations to increase the likelihood that people would celebrate the new holiday.
 
There were many reasons this was a good fit. Christianity, like many religions, uses the imagery of light a lot. Jesus told his followers, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Tying Jesus’ birth to the time of year when light was gradually reappearing in the darkest of times was a beautiful image which made sense to ancient people and still does to us today.
 
My church, Westminster Presbyterian, has for 20 years offered a Service of the Longest Night on December 21. It is a service which offers a message of hope and peace to people who may be in a dark place in their lives. We recognize that Christmas is not always a “holly, jolly” time for many people. Some are experiencing loss, pain, illness, loneliness, confusion, or despair. Some are just exhausted from the demands of work, family, and meeting the Hallmark movie expectations for a perfect home and holiday. Some want to hear a message that lifts up the countercultural side of the Christmas story, that Jesus was born to an unwed mother, surrounded by working animals and smelly shepherds, scorned by political leaders, and completely unlike what a “newborn king” was expected to be. Some come to support others who are in a dark place in their lives, knowing that we all go through dark valleys on our life journeys.
 
We invite everyone to come to the Longest Night Service, which will be led by Rev Joseph Tagliaferre on Saturday December 21 at 7pm. We hope it conveys the message of John 1:5 that “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness shall not overcome it.” Knowing that every day after this one will be just a little bit lighter brings hope and peace to those who need it.

by Jill Fandrich

​I’ve heard all the excuses why people don’t bring their children to church —“It’s boring”, “I don’t want them indoctrinated”, “We’re too busy”, “It’s just for old people”. I’d like to give you some of the reasons why children should be in church.
 
I’m speaking from first-hand experience here. I went to church as a kid, our three children came every Sunday, and now I bring my grandson with me. My church, Westminster Presbyterian, has a small but faithful core of young children who are there most Sundays. Families have a variety of options—the Children’s Worship Center, a “Prayground” in the sanctuary, and a nursery. My grandson loves church. If he were writing this article, his reasons would include “There are lots of cookies.”
 
Yes, cookies are important, but there are other good reasons for children to come to church. Here are a few.
 
Churches are intergenerational. There are few places these day where children can mingle with other kids (older and younger), teens, adults who aren’t their parents, and older folks. My grandson is greeted by name when he walks in the door, and has several good “friends” who are in their 70s and 80s. The children who come to Westminster are valued and loved members of the church family.
 
Churches are safe places for children to ask hard questions. In a recent Sunday School class I taught for older elementary children, the kids asked lots of questions about what happens when someone dies. It wasn’t the lesson we had planned, but several had lost grandparents in recent years, and once they started asking questions, they really wanted to talk! I didn’t have answers, but we wondered together. Their thoughts were beautiful and profound. There are few places where these kinds of conversations can happen.
 
Churches expose children to different kinds of music. Has your child ever heard a pipe organ? A bagpipe? A choir that sings in four-part harmony? Handbells? A chant? Besides music class in school, has your child ever sung with others? Churches are one of the few places where people sing together! It’s a beautiful thing when voices of all ages rise in song.
 
Churches introduce children to the concept of the divine. Even the youngest of children can begin to know God as an expression of unconditional love, awe, and mystery. They can understand at their own level. One of the things I love most about my church is that it welcomes questions more than it offers answers. No matter where any of us are in our faith journeys, we find something in church to help us along the way.
 
Churches help children respect others while also being themselves. I grew up in the “children should be seen but not heard” era. I’m glad to say that my church has moved beyond that. We welcome children in worship, and embrace their wiggles, whispers, dances, and loud amens. At the same time, children learn that church is a place where we walk slowly, speak softly, and respect that others need a quiet place to talk to God. In our fast-paced, screen-based world, church is a place where everyone, including children, can slow down and find peace and calm.
 
Churches teach, by word and example, about loving others. Westminster is a “Matthew 25 Church,” which means we actively embrace God’s command to care for the most vulnerable and hurting members of our society. Even the youngest members of our church learn to bring food for the food pantry, put coins in the offering plate or box, give away their outgrown coats, visit nursing homes, and help with service projects.
 
Churches let kids do very grown-up things. Our children participate in worship and service in meaningful ways. They read scripture, sing or play instruments, carry communion elements, and carry the light of Christ (a real candle!) into and out of worship.
 
Church sometimes gets a bad rap for being “boring” for kids. That couldn’t be further from the truth at Westminster. How can you not love a place with songs, stories, and endless cookies? A place where you’re valued and loved?  A place where everybody knows your name and is happy to see you?
 
I can’t think of a better expression of God’s love than being in a place where you feel welcome, safe, and cherished. That’s what children, and hopefully everyone else, will find at church.

By Shelley Pantoliano

         There is a saying that goes: “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” I have to say that I don’t completely agree with this! There are many things we might be afraid of, but when faced with a specific fear, it’s easier said than done to try to convince ourselves that if we just weren’t afraid, the situation that is causing the fear would vanish.

         We all have fears, fears that change as we go through life, from childhood fears like the fear of the dark or going to kindergarten, or even the fear of imaginary monsters under the bed, to fears like loss of independence or failing health in our later years.

What fears are you struggling with right now? Do you feel alone as you are struggling with your fears?

         I want to share with you my most ironic fear: the fear of speaking in front of an audience. When I was in school and had a class that required an oral report, I would rather have taken a zero than get up in front of my classmates and give a presentation. And yet, I ended up becoming a Pastor.

         I entered the Lay Ministry Program through the United Church of Christ in the late 90’s. However, it took me a year to actually begin the program once I sensed a call to ministry. Can you guess why? Yup – I was afraid. What scared me the most was the preaching requirement.

         The pastor at my church was a wonderful mentor to me as I made my way through the program. At one point, she asked me to fill in for her for 2 Sundays when she would be on on vacation. I would be required to preach! 

         When I arrived at church that first Sunday, I found on the pulpit an angel ornament with a tag on it with the words from Philippians 4:6: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” My mother had left it there for me. I was comforted by her thoughtful gesture, and I made it through the service without throwing up or passing out!

         When I got home from church, sitting on my porch was a still-warm pan of apple crisp that my Aunt Jean had made. She worked nights at a nursing home and couldn’t be there to support me in person. She came home from a long night of work, baked the apple crisp, and left it for me with a note.

         You see, we are never alone on this journey through life. As people of faith, we believe that God is with us throughout our lives, in the good times and the fearful times, but there are times when we are struggling, and it seems as if God is silent. We pray and we pray, and God is silent…or so we think.

         In the Gospel of Mark, we can find the story of Jesus and his disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat when a ferocious storm comes upon them suddenly. The disciples, overcome with panic and fear, forgot two important things as the boat was battered about by the waves: first, that Jesus was with them; and second, that they had each other.

         How many times during struggles in life do we call to God for relief from our fears and it feels as if God hasn’t heard us? Think about a time when you were struggling, and then, someone unexpectedly reached out to you. Maybe they sent you a car, or brought you a plate of cookies, or invited you over for a cup of coffee and conversation. And it wasn’t until later that you suddenly realized that God DID hear you, and it was through that person that God acted.

         My community of faith, Westminster Presbyterian Church, is what is known as a Matthew 25 church, which means we reach out to the community by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick and imprisoned as Jesus commanded. It is at the very heart of this congregation to be the hands, voice, and feet of Jesus in this world.

         But one of the greatest blessings of this congregation is how we take care each another. We build one another up, step up in times of trouble, and celebrate times of joy. We reach out to each other through meal trains, cards, phone calls, and many other ways. We celebrate baptisms, graduations, weddings, anniversaries.

         We are a diverse group from many different backgrounds and life experiences, just as Jesus’ disciples were also a diverse group. Matthew was a tax collector; Luke was a doctor; Peter, James, and John were fishermen; Simon the Zealot was a political activist. Yet they learned from Jesus about the importance of loving each other through the lens of God’s unconditional love. They shared what is called an Agape love – a love not based on romantic feelings, but based on a kind of love that is selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial.

         Our faith community comes together each week to worship God and to experience with thankfulness what it’s like to be part of a vibrant faith community that loves one another with that same unconditional Agape love.

         When you are facing difficult times, who has stepped up for you? Who has been by your side through those times of fear and uncertainty? Who walks with you through your life journey, so you don’t feel alone? Take a moment to give thanks for the people God sends your way who travel with you, and be ready to offer a comforting presence for them when they are having their own struggles. 
​
         Remember, my friends: we are all in the boat together, whether the waters are calm or the waters are rough. We are never alone because we have God and we have each other.

By Paul Dungey

At Westminster Presbyterian Church, the people of the church elect Elders and Deacons, who with the minister of word and sacrament, “exercise spiritual discernment” and “have responsibilities for the life of a congregation to serve the church in its many ministries.”
 
As an Elder, I had the opportunity to lead our Sunday worship service at Westminster recently. In the preceding days, I found myself lying in bed, wide awake, in the wee hours of the morning discerning the subject matter for the message I would give. I pondered the Psalm 19 reading and considered the many ways in which God reveals His glory to us.
 
The Psalmist writes: “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.”
 
My mother nurtured in my siblings and I an appreciation for the beauty of flowers. Mom used her gifts and talents to create watercolor paintings of floral arrangements. Beyond seeing the beauty of a flower, one can see God’s divine plan revealed in its design. 
 
In an article titled Flowers & the Fibonacci Sequence, Cat Haglund explains that “each plant packs as many petals, leaves, and seeds into the available space” enabling the plant to “maximize their exposure to the sun.” Consider how this marvelous design pairs so efficiently with the plant’s capability to convert sunlight into nutrients for growth via the process of photosynthesis. Surely, God’s divine plan is evident in His handiwork!
 
Consider your life experiences and the ways that you have heard God’s voice or felt God’s presence. The Psalmist encourages us to look carefully for the ways that God reveals His glory to us in this reading from Psalm 46. God says: “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” The Psalmist also gives us this assurance: “The Lord Almighty is with us!
 
People, for generations, had been anticipating the coming of the Messiah with great expectations. In Jesus’s time, his cousin John, the Baptizer, went before him proclaiming what had been prophesized in the Old Testament reading from Isaiah 40. “A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
 
Jesus, God’s son, was sent by God to go out amongst the people to proclaim God’s glory and divine purpose. The people heard Jesus as he spoke about how each person should love God with all one’s heart, soul and mind. Jesus taught that we should love not only our neighbors, but we should also love our enemies. 
 
By his side, the disciples and the people would see Jesus lay his hands on people to heal their infirmities, drive out demons, and restore life. When people came to Jesus for healing, or to speak with him about God’s divine purposes, Jesus looked into their hearts and helped them to find true faith and trust in him as the Messiah, and in God, the one who sent him.
 
God’s divine plan, through the work of His son Jesus, is to save us from the penalty of death for our sinfulness. John 3: 16-17 explains it this way: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son so that anyone who believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.”
 
O God, bless us and help us to understand your divine purpose. Help us to use our eyes to see and our ears to hear. May your glory be revealed in our hearts so we may be healed.

Paul Dungey is a life-long member and Ruling Elder of Westminster, chairs the Worship Committee, sings in the choir, and is actively involved in service and mission, including prison ministry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Meals on Wheels, scouting, and mission trips in other states and countries. 

I was saddened to read of the sudden closure of Holy Family Church earlier this summer. Faced with building problems that presented safety concerns, the church closed with very little notice. Although I am sure that the church’s leaders were diligently dealing with the property needs for a long time, the closure took many by surprise. It was Auburn’s oldest Catholic Church, a beautiful, historic place of worship and former school.
 
I can only imagine how I would feel if that were to happen to Westminster. Our church is just as old and just as massive as Holy Family, and we face many of the same issues—masonry repair, a very old slate roof, moisture damage, a mostly empty education building, and a shrinking population who attend church. We diligently maintain our property, but sometimes the needs are daunting.
 
Whenever Auburn loses another historic building, social media is full of outcries. “My parents were married there!” “I went to school there!” “How could ‘they’ let this happen?” While I understand these sentiments, I have to be blunt-- nostalgia doesn’t pay the bills.
 
Catholics and Presbyterians have different styles of administration, and I can’t comment on how these decisions were made at Holy Family. I can sympathize with those who had to make this difficult decision as well as with those who were affected by it. Big, old buildings, as much as we love them, are challenging.
 
Our church was built in 1869. The sanctuary seats 500. The 3-story education building was added in the 1930s to house the Sunday school classes for a congregation that at the time numbered in the thousands. Those were the years when “everyone” went to church. Churches were the hub of social life as well as religious life. Youth groups thrived. But over the years, church membership declined, not just at Westminster but in mainline churches everywhere. We now describe ourselves as “a small church in a big building.”
 
Our congregation now has a membership of 170 people. Our average worship attendance is about 75 people, including those who worship online. Our membership skews older. We have some young families, but we know many churches have no children at all. Our members represent a broad socio-economic range, and they support the church to the best of their abilities. The financial base is smaller than in years past, while expenses continue to rise. With careful planning and good stewardship, we hold our own and consider our church finances stable, if not thriving.
 
Do we need the huge building we have now? No. Could we be a church in a smaller space or no space at all? Yes. Are maintenance and repairs a major part of our budget? Yes. Would the money be better spent helping people in need? Maybe. Is our building a legacy or a burden? Honestly… both. But the reality is that we do have this building and it is both our identity and our ministry. So the real question, what should we do with it?
 
Our church serves God. The church’s value is not that it is beautiful or historic, although it is both. More importantly, it is a place that speaks of God’s presence in the very center of our city.  It opens its doors to the community and is a spiritual home to people who go out those doors to love and serve others.
 
One of our challenges (and opportunities!) is to find new ways to use our buildings both to further our mission and to provide income. We love to share our space with non-profit organizations and partner with them in service. We’d like to do that more.
 
We believe our building is worth preserving. Over the years, in addition to routine maintenance, we restored our Tiffany window, rebuilt and restored our historic pipe organ, repaired our bell cradle, and abated water damage by redirecting storm drainage and installing gutters. We conducted a facilities study to determine the top, medium, and lower priority projects to address over the next five years and we are working hard to address those needs, thanks to diligent and hard-working Property and Finance Committees. We are grateful that our small congregation “keeps the faith.”
 
When the cornerstone was laid in 1869, it was said, “This church will stand as a sermon in stone which will preach to those who tread these streets 500 years from now.” We are called to fulfill these words, and  we pray for God’s help and the help of the community to do so.

By the Rev. Joe Tagliaferre
April 29th of this year, I woke up early in the morning at my home in Jefferson City Missouri where I have been living for a couple years and have begun to take root. I was happily driving coach bus after having been a pastor for 40 years. Was I retired from ministry? Maybe? But God had other plans.

That morning at 7:33 CT I received the following message on Facebook messenger from Jill Fandrich at Westminster: “Hi Joe, I am reaching out to see if you are still doing any temporary/bridge/transitional pastor work in the summers when you are not driving teams around. And if so, would you be interested in talking to us about spending some time in Auburn as a temporary pastor while we continue to search for an installed pastor. I know that kind of comes out of the blue but I saw you were doing some temporary church work in previous summers in the Midwest.” 

Thanks Jill. So after I recovered this message from Jill a question came to mind. I asked, “Why me?” But not in the mindset of, “Woe is me, why me?”  Not “Why in the world would God send me to Auburn, NY?”  I actually lived in Auburn for a few years seventeen years ago.

It was more like, “God are you really going to do this good thing for me? Why me?What did I do to deserve something good?” You see, I planned on spending my summers in New York two years from now when I retire. My son and his family live in Rochester NY and I have grandchildren to spoil. And the added bonus is that I love bass fishing, and started tournament fishing when I was here seventeen years ago. So, bass fishing has been on the agenda as well. How did God know that?    

I ask that question tongue in cheek, because I believe God is all knowing. The older I get, the more I realize that I cannot predict Gods plan for my life. I try, and I whine when it does not go my way, but God’s plan always is the best plan!
For me, returning to Auburn, is like Groundhog Day! I’m reliving past experiences.  I’ve already tapped into some of my previous joys. Besides connecting with some old friends, I’ve been pleased to note that Reese’s Dairy is still open and still has my favorite cone, the Creansicle Twist.

I can still find fresh fruit at Morgan Half Acre Produce (and some really good Zucchini Bread). And I’ve also found some new things.  Heart and Hand Pie Shop and Bakery will be a new regular stop!
I have to admit returning to Auburn is like living a part of my life all over again, not unlike what happens in the movie, Groundhog Day.  The only difference is that it’s a much more pleasant experience for me! I am enjoying my return to Auburn, many things have not changed, and some have.

All in all, it’s a pleasant experience to be back and a blessing to join in the ministry of Westminster Presbyterian Church as their temporary pastor. Plus, being close to the family and good bass fishing are true bonuses! God’s plans often exceed our hopes and expectations! He knows! God is good! 

The Rev. Joe Tagliaferre is the Temporary Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, providing pastoral leadership while the church searches for a permanent pastor. Joe has a BS from Geneva College, an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and a M.Div from Pittsburgh Seminary. He has served 12 churches in an interim position as well as other churches in other capacities in his 40 year career as a pastor. In between churches, Joe drives coach buses for college sports teams in the midwest! 

by Jill Fandrich

​We’ve built a Prayground at Westminster!
 
No, that’s not a typo. We’ve added a new family-friendly space in our sanctuary where children and families can worship together comfortably. It has child-size seating and tables, with quiet activities that relate to the worship service.
 
The Prayground is located near the front of the sanctuary on the side aisle. It’s intentionally placed near the front so that children can see and hear what is happening on the chancel. There was a fair amount of discussion over where the Prayground should be built. We decided against the traditional notion that kids should sit in back where they’re less of a distraction. We wanted the kids up front so that they’d be part of the congregation, able to see and hear what’s going on.  
 
Although we’d love to take credit for the idea, Praygrounds have been popping up in churches for a few years now. They became especially popular post-Covid, when traditional Sunday School classes all but disappeared. Praygrounds recognize that children belong in worship and that they learn best by involving them in worship alongside their families and their church family.
 
Praygrounds also show that when we say “We welcome everyone” that we mean it! All churches say they are welcoming, but the worship hour (especially the sermon) can be a challenge for wiggly children and bored teens (and also for their parents). Rather than resort to bringing a book or tablet to distract children, Praygrounds help engage children in worship. Parents (or grandparents or caregivers) sit with their children rather than send them to another room. By worshiping together, children learn to follow the bulletin, find hymns in the hymnal, say the responses, and participate in the sacraments. The Prayground provides some additional resources to help, such as age-appropriate bibles and lectionary-related bulletins, which help children tune in and get more out of the service.
 
We built our Prayground by taking out some of the pews along the north wall of our sanctuary. It was a joint project by members of the Christian Education, Worship, and Property Committees. After installing new carpet, we brought in some adjustable height tables which we already had from our former nursery school. One is low enough for very young children and the other can be raised for bigger kids. We included some pews and chairs for adults to sit in, so that families can be together in the Prayground space.
 
Next step was the fun part—adding the resources! We already had a lot of the materials for children which we had kept on bookshelves in the back of sanctuary—Bible picture books for young children, Bibles for youth with larger print and study helps (there’s even a graphic novel format Bible!), large print hymnals, activity books of Bible stories, coloring sheets, crayons, colored pencils, manipulatives (pipe cleaners, finger labyrinths, prayer beads), and some quiet games and puzzles to learn books of the Bible and the Lord’s Prayer. We also subscribe to a series of children’s bulletins which correlate to the lectionary readings. We’re adding some new resources, like Tangrams, and water paint books, and sermon notes worksheets.
 
We were able to create the Prayground at minimal cost, using furniture and resources we had on hand. Most of the furnishings were from the former Westminster Nursery School which closed in 2018. It is good to see these items back in use with a new generation of kids! We also received a generous $2000 grant from the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse to help with the costs of new carpet and resources.
 
We opened the Prayground on June 16, just in time for the summer months when we put some of our other educational programs on hold. We blessed the new Prayground on Baccalaureate and Christian Ed Celebration Sunday, and it was well received by kids, parents, and congregation members alike!
 
We continue to offer other options for children too, including the nursery, the Children’s Worship Center, and intergenerational activities, like a recent Lego build where kids interpreted the Exodus story with Legos. The Prayground is a new option for families who want to worship together with their children in the sanctuary, helping us answer Jesus’ call to “Let the children come!”

​by Shelley Pantoliano
            What comes to mind when you hear the word "ordinary"? Something routine? Something unimpressive? A day that passes without anything new or different happening?
            In the church liturgical year, we are currently in the season of Ordinary Time.  What does that mean? It's a different kind of season than the rest of the liturgical year.  During the season of Advent, we look forward to the celebration of Christ's birth and all the events that take place during that season: greening of the church, lighting of the Advent candles each week, singing beloved Christmas hymns, a candlelight service with lit candles in a darkened church.
            Lent is an important season that follows Advent and Epiphany, and is a time when we focus on our relationship with God. We eagerly prepare for the joy of the resurrection on Easter and the church is filled with fragrant spring flowers and joyful hymns celebrating the Risen Christ.
            But Ordinary Time is a season in the church when there are no celebrations like Christmas and Easter.
            So what is Ordinary Time? Rev. Kathleen Log Bostrom, a Presbyterian USA pastor, explains Ordinary Time in this way:  "Ordinary Time comprises all the days not marked by a specific season. It stretches on for 27 to 29 Sundays...or 33 to 34 partial weeks depending on how early or late Easter falls on the calendar and whether the year has 52 or 53 weeks. There is something about the word 'ordinary' that fits.  Not in the sense of dull or boring, but as an 'in-between' season."
            So the word "ordinary" actually fits this time of the liturgical year, but it is not a time that is routine or common. It's a time to step back and rest in a season that offers a glimpse of our faith when we are not caught up in the whirlwind of seasons like Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.
            The scriptures used during this time point us to the theme of Ordinary Time. The readings describe Jesus' day to day life: his travels with his disciples, his times of teaching, his interacting with those on the fringes of society. Jesus' first miracle was performed (reluctantly on his part) at a wedding where he was enjoying the festivities with his mother and other guests.
            Ordinary Time is when we become aware of how our faith is woven into the very fabric of our everyday lives: time spent with family and good friends, enjoying the outdoors while gardening or taking walks, following daily routines that give us a sense of consistency and balance.
            As we go about our daily lives, we are given opportunities to live out our faith doing things as simple as helping your neighbor carry groceries into their house, offering a kind word to someone who looks as if they're struggling, calling a friend who is still grieving a loss.
            This spring, I had the opportunity to experience what could have been considered an "ordinary" moment, but instead has become a daily event that gladdens my spirit. We all become aware of the birds returning in the spring, but that may seem ordinary because it happens every year and it's not new or exciting.
            But one morning, I noticed a robin perched on the railing of our deck. Though we frequently have birds in our yard, I had never seen one on our deck. He started coming back every morning, perched on our deck, singing his sweet melody. A robin, an ordinary bird, has become a symbol of joy for me, a reminder of God's creation all around me.
            Are there ordinary things in your life that could take on deeper meaning? Maybe the conversation you have with your child as you drive them home from school could become a time of deeper listening and sharing. Washing dishes after a meal while the rest of your family is preoccupied with other activities becomes an opportunity to pray for the concerns on your heart.
            When I was growing up, there was plaque over the kitchen sink with a poem on it by Klara Munkres titled "The Kitchen Prayer".  This is part of that poem:
Lord of all pots and pans and things,
since I've not time to be
A saint by doing lovely things
or watching late with Thee
Or dreaming in the dawn light
or storming Heaven's gates
Make me a saint by getting meals
and washing up the plates.
 
I read this poem often as I washed the dishes (grudgingly at times). It speaks of how even the daily, ordinary events in our lives can be times to reflect on the presence of God in those things that we might consider ordinary.
            My friends, where in your daily lives can you find the presence of God? What small, seemingly ordinary things can open your heart and spirit to a God who walks with us every moment?  May every day bring you awareness of the holy, even in those things that may seem ordinary, but are truly far from ordinary.

by Jill Fandrich

Sunday, May 19, is Pentecost, the end of the season of Easter which began this year on March 31. Eastertide lasts 50 days, during which liturgical readings and music recall the stories of the risen Jesus. The season of Easter celebrates the promise of resurrection.
 
The season of Easter comes to an end on Pentecost, an end which is actually another beginning. The bible tells us that after appearing to his disciples in the weeks following his resurrection, the risen Jesus ascended directly to heaven, leaving the disciples once again facing the loss of their leader. They were afraid and unsure of what the future would bring. They gathered in locked rooms, awaiting the “helper” that Jesus promised them would come. Pentecost celebrates the arrival of that helper-- the Holy Spirit.
 
Pentecost is sometimes called the birthday of the Christian Church, because it marks the time when Jesus’ disciples went from being a ragtag group of followers to leaders in their own right who would bring God’s message to others.
 
The story of Pentecost is found in the second chapter of the New Testament Book of Acts. The apostles were gathered in a room in Jerusalem in the days following Jesus' ascension, confused and frightened about their future. The story says that as they were gathered, a great wind filled the room, flames rested above their heads, and they began speaking in other languages. But even though they spoke in many languages, everyone could understand each other. The wind and flames represented the coming of the Holy Spirit, and the speaking in “tongues” the power of God to be experienced and heard by all.
 
The mighty rush of wind, the flames, and the speaking in tongues drew a large crowd, many of whom were travelers in Jerusalem for a Jewish festival. The story says that people were amazed that they could all understand the apostles, no matter what language they were speaking. But some mocked the apostles, saying they were drunk, or as the King James Bible says, “full of new wine.” The Apostle Peter defends the apostles saying, in effect, “We’re not drunk. It’s only 9:00 in the morning!”
 
The story relates that 3000 people received the spirit and were baptized that day. The term “Christian” was not used at that time, but it was actually the beginning of the Christian church. The early church grew to include people from many cultures. They worked together to support each other, shared their belongings, took care of the poor and weak, and used their gifts and talents to be the body of Christ in a world in which Jesus no longer existed in bodily form. They were “filled with the Holy Spirit” so that God was still among them in a new way.
 
My church celebrates Pentecost every year, and it is a day of celebration. Red is the color of Pentecost, so worshipers wear red clothes and the sanctuary is decorated with red paraments, red flowers, and red streamers. Sometimes we hand out balloons or pinwheels to represent the wind, or children make red crowns to represent the flames that appeared over the apostles’ heads. Some churches have a big birthday cake to celebrate the “birthday of the church.”
 
This year on Pentecost, we will have a special guest in worship. Aliona Abramova, a citizen of Ukraine who has been living in Auburn for two years, will lead the Lord's Prayer in Ukrainian during the service, and after worship, will offer her perspective on life and traditions in Ukraine and the war which has been raging for over two years. She escaped from her home country but her husband remains there. Aliona’s presence at Westminster on Pentecost Sunday is a reminder that God is present in many lands and cultures and languages.
 
Pentecost is a favorite church holiday for me. Christians understand God in three different ways—God as Creator, Jesus as God incarnate, and the Holy Spirit as an unseeable, but real, presence. Our trinitarian understanding of God gives us three ways to express how God interacts with humankind. I resonate with all three, but the Holy Spirit is how I best understand God-- an unseen, mysterious, and powerful presence.
 
We invite you to celebrate Pentecost at Westminster on May 19 at 9:30am!

Jill Fandrich is a Ruling Elder at Westminster, who also coordinates the church's communications (website, social media, newsletter, etc). She is currently co-chairing the Pastor Nominating Committee, which is seeking a new installed pastor at the church.