Current news at westminster
July/August Newsletter
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated toward a special cause each month. In August, they support Catholic Charities, specifically the Cayuga County Emergency Services program which helps with rental arrears.
Patrick on Family Care Leave
Our pastor, Patrick Heery, is on Family Care Leave until September 2 to care for and bond with his and Jenna's new son Emerson. Worship services will be led by guest pastors and lay leaders during this time, and member care will be attended to by elders, deacons, local pastors, and other members. Patrick will be available for emergencies. Call the church office at 315-253-3331 with any questions or concerns, and Melanie will put you in contact with the appropriate person to answer your questions or provide assistance. We are happy to give Patrick this precious time to be with his infant son.
Westminster Nursery School Closes
It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Westminster Nursery School, due to decreased enrollment. This was not an easy decision for the Westminster Nursery School Board, but was necessary due to financial reasons. This decision was made in full appreciation of the long history of Westminster Nursery School, its impact on the community, the great work and loving devotion of the staff, and the responsibility of the board to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. A full explanation can be read here in the letter that was sent to Westminster members in July.
Children and Worship
All ages are welcome in worship, and we also provide options for young children in nearby locations to the sanctuary. Older children (grade 3 and up) worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets, books, and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. Elena Thomas and Chelsea Cater provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room. In the summer, they also engage children through grade 2 with Summer Sabbath activities. We also have a Baby Corner in the sanctuary with rocking chairs to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together.
Chapel Open
Westminster Church is open weekdays, Monday-Friday, from 11:30am to 1:30pm for anyone looking for a place to reflect, meditate, pray, or simply have a few minutes of peace and quiet in the middle of hectic weekdays.
Summer Worship
It's summertime! Sunday School, adult forums, and the choir take much needed breaks, but worship continues at its usual 9:30am time. We'll usually worship in the sanctuary, but on four Sundays (weather permitting on July 1, July 15, August 5, and September 2), we'll be outside on the front lawn! Join us in the summer for relaxed worship and fellowship.
Rally Day!
September 9 is the day we begin the program year anew, complete with Patrick's return from Family Leave, the choir's return from summer hiatus, the annual church family photo, and an all-church picnic following worship. Jill Fandrich will take this year's group photo following 9:30am worship, and the picnic is provided by the Membership, Worship, and Christian Ed committees. You don't need to bring anything other than your smiling faces! It will also be "Invite a Friend" Sunday, so think about someone you know who would enjoy what you enjoy about Westminster. We've been talking all summer about how we share our faith in natural and authentic ways, and we hope that you are inspired to issue an invitation to a friend, family member, co-worker, or acquaintance to come to Westminster on Rally Day or any Sunday.
LGBTQ+ Support
The Q Center/ACR Health is partnering with Westminster Presbyterian Church to bring their support services to Cayuga County. The Q Center is in Auburn every 2nd and 4th Monday from 3pm – 7pm. There is also a parent group on the 4th Monday from 5pm -7pm. There will be snacks, games, fun and a dinner provided. The Q Center is a reputable organization with the most experience in counseling the LGBTQ+ youth population. These facilitated support groups are potentially life saving services that, up until now, have not been provided in Cayuga County. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Are you concerned that your parents aren’t safe in their home anymore?
Are you overwhelmed with helping with meals, medicines, hygiene, appointments?
Are you confused about the services available to help you help them?
Are you “parenting your parents”?
Come talk with others who are on this same journey at the Elder Care Conversation Circle, which meets on the last Tuesday of each month for conversation, sharing, and support. The Elder Care Conversation Circle meets September 25, October 30 (with presentation on "tips of the trade" for safely helping seniors with transfers, movement, etc), November 27, and December 18 at 7pm in the social room of Westminster Church. Sessions include general sharing and listening, and occasional outside speakers on topics of concern to the group.
Contemplative hikes September 22 and October 27
Join us for a time of renewal in the beauty of God's creation as we reconnect, in prayerful silence and conversation, with our spirits and the Spirit of our Maker. On Saturday, September 22, from 10am to 12pm, we will hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center (8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027). It's about a 40 minute drive from Auburn. This is a fairly flat and easy hike. Learn more about this park: www.onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center. Please note the $4 car entrance fee. On Saturday, October 27, from 10am to 12pm, we will take a special All-Saints-themed hike at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn. We will walk in memory of loved ones who have died and joined that great communion of saints (whom we will remember and celebrate in worship on November 4). As the name suggests, Fort Hill does involve some steep incline. Please speak with Patrick in advance (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Wednesday Noon Study is back!
Beginning September 12, at noon, you will have the chance to go deeper in your spiritual journey, every Wednesday. The Wednesday-noon conversation and Bible study group will meet in the conference room of the Education Building. Join us over your lunch hour as we talk about how Scripture and faith relate to our everyday living and current events. Feel free to brown bag your lunch. In September, we will begin a series on Jesus' parables—those mysterious teachings that are so central to our faith, so memorable, so life-changing, and yet so hard to understand. We'll discuss individual parables and explore their historical, literary, theological, and socio-political dimensions and various meanings. We'll also learn about different theories on how we should interpret, relate to, and live out Jesus' parables.
Cards to Shutins
Our church members who cannot attend worship love to hear from their Westminster friends. If you'd like to write a note to any of our shutins, there is a basket of cards in the narthex. Just leave your card there and the address and stamp will be added by the church office. Thank you for reminding our older members that they are close to us in our hearts and minds.
Evangelism 101
What is it about Westminster that you love? How does this church help you feel God's presence in your life? We bet you know someone who would like to experience what you do in this community of faith. Sharing your story could lead to inviting a friend to church. If you think that sounds hard, it's not. Over the next few weeks and months, we'll be talking about how to share your story in "Minutes for Evangelism" as we gain momentum for Rally Sunday on September 9 which will also be "Invite a Friend" Sunday. Stay tuned for more!
Traffic and Parking
Construction proceeds on the new regional welcome center which is being built across the street from the church. The city has created a 4-way stop intersection, traffic pattern, and pedestrian walkways in front of the church to make vehicular and pedestrian traffic safer. Please be aware of the changes around the church. To ease traffic congestion on weekdays, enter the church parking lot from Court Street and exit onto William Street. You can turn right or left from the exit, but cannot go straight while Lincoln Street is closed for the duration of the summer. Church members may use the church parking lot during the week when attending a church program or on church business. Permits are available from Melanie.
Prayer Shawls
The Westminster prayer shawl pantry needs re-stocking. If you knit or crochet and would like to help re-stock the Prayer Shawl pantry it would be very much appreciated. We have a small supply of donated yarn and we also have patterns. We just need willing volunteers. If you are interested and need yarn or a pattern, please contact Monta Faye Tuxill.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's August 12 column: "The good side of evangelism"
Jill Fandrich's July 15 column: "The Radical history of Sunday School"
Patrick Heery's June 17 column: "What would Jesus say about school shootings?"
Jill Fandrich's May 20 column: "How families can pass faith on to children"
Patrick Heery's April 22 column "When God calls your name"
Jill Fandrich's March 25 column "Telling the Holy Week stories to children"
Patrick Heery's Feb 25 column "Lent: The time is now"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 28 column "Westminster grant supports show based on neo-Nazi rally"
Audrey McNally's Dec 31 column "How sacred music has shaped my faith"
Patrick Heery's Dec 3 column "Where you'll find God this Christmas Eve"
Jill Fandrich's Nov 5 column "What comes after 'thoughts and prayers'?"
Patrick Heery's October 15 column "Finding the strength to fix our democracy"
Jill Fandrich's September 10 column "Church starting new caregivers group"
Patrick Heery's August 13 column "New Hiking Ministry Offers Renewal"
Jill Fandrich's July 16 column "The Redefinition of Missionaries"
Patrick Heery's June 18 column "Sabbath: a bus pass to paradise"
Patrick Heery's May 21 column "How does a pastor grieve?"
Jill Fandrich's April 23 column "The Gospel According to Flatland"
Audrey McNally's March 26 column "Discovering the Psalms"
Patrick Heery's Feb 26 column "Lenten Journey: Death and Beyond"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 29 column "Are We Ready For Another Reformation?"
Patrick Heery's Jan 1 column "When the Holidays Hurt"
Jill Fandrich's Dec 4 column "Need for Community and Conversation"
Annette Bell's Nov 6 column "Saints Among Us"
Patrick Heery's Oct 9 column "Does Auburn need a hero? No, it needs you"
Patrick Heery's Sept 11 column "Seeing Beyond Doom" (15th anniversary of 9-11)
Jill Fandrich's August 14 column "Auburn Youth Reflect on Triennium"
Patrick Heery's July 17 column "Where is God in times of violence?"
Jill Fandrich's June 19 column "Ordinary Time"
Patrick Heery's May 15 column "Why I Have Come to Auburn"
Jilll Fandrich's April 24 column "Church Doors Open Out,"
Dwain Lee's March 27 column "Saying Goodbye to Westminster."
Church App!
Check out Westminster's “app” to access events, calendar information, photos, lectionary readings, Facebook and Twitter posts, and more on your smartphone or tablet. To get the church app, search for Church Link App in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen
Calling all servers, cooks and dish washers to join the fun preparing a BBQ Picnic Supper and Ice Cream Social for guests at the Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen on Sunday, July 22 from 1 – 4 pm. Please wear closed toe shoes and shirts with sleeves. Ready to be part of the team? Call Susan Marteney by Sunday, July 15.
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated toward a special cause each month. In August, they support Catholic Charities, specifically the Cayuga County Emergency Services program which helps with rental arrears.
Patrick on Family Care Leave
Our pastor, Patrick Heery, is on Family Care Leave until September 2 to care for and bond with his and Jenna's new son Emerson. Worship services will be led by guest pastors and lay leaders during this time, and member care will be attended to by elders, deacons, local pastors, and other members. Patrick will be available for emergencies. Call the church office at 315-253-3331 with any questions or concerns, and Melanie will put you in contact with the appropriate person to answer your questions or provide assistance. We are happy to give Patrick this precious time to be with his infant son.
Westminster Nursery School Closes
It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of Westminster Nursery School, due to decreased enrollment. This was not an easy decision for the Westminster Nursery School Board, but was necessary due to financial reasons. This decision was made in full appreciation of the long history of Westminster Nursery School, its impact on the community, the great work and loving devotion of the staff, and the responsibility of the board to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. A full explanation can be read here in the letter that was sent to Westminster members in July.
Children and Worship
All ages are welcome in worship, and we also provide options for young children in nearby locations to the sanctuary. Older children (grade 3 and up) worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets, books, and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. Elena Thomas and Chelsea Cater provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room. In the summer, they also engage children through grade 2 with Summer Sabbath activities. We also have a Baby Corner in the sanctuary with rocking chairs to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together.
Chapel Open
Westminster Church is open weekdays, Monday-Friday, from 11:30am to 1:30pm for anyone looking for a place to reflect, meditate, pray, or simply have a few minutes of peace and quiet in the middle of hectic weekdays.
Summer Worship
It's summertime! Sunday School, adult forums, and the choir take much needed breaks, but worship continues at its usual 9:30am time. We'll usually worship in the sanctuary, but on four Sundays (weather permitting on July 1, July 15, August 5, and September 2), we'll be outside on the front lawn! Join us in the summer for relaxed worship and fellowship.
Rally Day!
September 9 is the day we begin the program year anew, complete with Patrick's return from Family Leave, the choir's return from summer hiatus, the annual church family photo, and an all-church picnic following worship. Jill Fandrich will take this year's group photo following 9:30am worship, and the picnic is provided by the Membership, Worship, and Christian Ed committees. You don't need to bring anything other than your smiling faces! It will also be "Invite a Friend" Sunday, so think about someone you know who would enjoy what you enjoy about Westminster. We've been talking all summer about how we share our faith in natural and authentic ways, and we hope that you are inspired to issue an invitation to a friend, family member, co-worker, or acquaintance to come to Westminster on Rally Day or any Sunday.
LGBTQ+ Support
The Q Center/ACR Health is partnering with Westminster Presbyterian Church to bring their support services to Cayuga County. The Q Center is in Auburn every 2nd and 4th Monday from 3pm – 7pm. There is also a parent group on the 4th Monday from 5pm -7pm. There will be snacks, games, fun and a dinner provided. The Q Center is a reputable organization with the most experience in counseling the LGBTQ+ youth population. These facilitated support groups are potentially life saving services that, up until now, have not been provided in Cayuga County. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Are you concerned that your parents aren’t safe in their home anymore?
Are you overwhelmed with helping with meals, medicines, hygiene, appointments?
Are you confused about the services available to help you help them?
Are you “parenting your parents”?
Come talk with others who are on this same journey at the Elder Care Conversation Circle, which meets on the last Tuesday of each month for conversation, sharing, and support. The Elder Care Conversation Circle meets September 25, October 30 (with presentation on "tips of the trade" for safely helping seniors with transfers, movement, etc), November 27, and December 18 at 7pm in the social room of Westminster Church. Sessions include general sharing and listening, and occasional outside speakers on topics of concern to the group.
Contemplative hikes September 22 and October 27
Join us for a time of renewal in the beauty of God's creation as we reconnect, in prayerful silence and conversation, with our spirits and the Spirit of our Maker. On Saturday, September 22, from 10am to 12pm, we will hike at Beaver Lake Nature Center (8477 East Mud Lake Road, Baldwinsville, NY 13027). It's about a 40 minute drive from Auburn. This is a fairly flat and easy hike. Learn more about this park: www.onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver-lake-nature-center. Please note the $4 car entrance fee. On Saturday, October 27, from 10am to 12pm, we will take a special All-Saints-themed hike at Fort Hill Cemetery in Auburn. We will walk in memory of loved ones who have died and joined that great communion of saints (whom we will remember and celebrate in worship on November 4). As the name suggests, Fort Hill does involve some steep incline. Please speak with Patrick in advance (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Wednesday Noon Study is back!
Beginning September 12, at noon, you will have the chance to go deeper in your spiritual journey, every Wednesday. The Wednesday-noon conversation and Bible study group will meet in the conference room of the Education Building. Join us over your lunch hour as we talk about how Scripture and faith relate to our everyday living and current events. Feel free to brown bag your lunch. In September, we will begin a series on Jesus' parables—those mysterious teachings that are so central to our faith, so memorable, so life-changing, and yet so hard to understand. We'll discuss individual parables and explore their historical, literary, theological, and socio-political dimensions and various meanings. We'll also learn about different theories on how we should interpret, relate to, and live out Jesus' parables.
Cards to Shutins
Our church members who cannot attend worship love to hear from their Westminster friends. If you'd like to write a note to any of our shutins, there is a basket of cards in the narthex. Just leave your card there and the address and stamp will be added by the church office. Thank you for reminding our older members that they are close to us in our hearts and minds.
Evangelism 101
What is it about Westminster that you love? How does this church help you feel God's presence in your life? We bet you know someone who would like to experience what you do in this community of faith. Sharing your story could lead to inviting a friend to church. If you think that sounds hard, it's not. Over the next few weeks and months, we'll be talking about how to share your story in "Minutes for Evangelism" as we gain momentum for Rally Sunday on September 9 which will also be "Invite a Friend" Sunday. Stay tuned for more!
Traffic and Parking
Construction proceeds on the new regional welcome center which is being built across the street from the church. The city has created a 4-way stop intersection, traffic pattern, and pedestrian walkways in front of the church to make vehicular and pedestrian traffic safer. Please be aware of the changes around the church. To ease traffic congestion on weekdays, enter the church parking lot from Court Street and exit onto William Street. You can turn right or left from the exit, but cannot go straight while Lincoln Street is closed for the duration of the summer. Church members may use the church parking lot during the week when attending a church program or on church business. Permits are available from Melanie.
Prayer Shawls
The Westminster prayer shawl pantry needs re-stocking. If you knit or crochet and would like to help re-stock the Prayer Shawl pantry it would be very much appreciated. We have a small supply of donated yarn and we also have patterns. We just need willing volunteers. If you are interested and need yarn or a pattern, please contact Monta Faye Tuxill.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's August 12 column: "The good side of evangelism"
Jill Fandrich's July 15 column: "The Radical history of Sunday School"
Patrick Heery's June 17 column: "What would Jesus say about school shootings?"
Jill Fandrich's May 20 column: "How families can pass faith on to children"
Patrick Heery's April 22 column "When God calls your name"
Jill Fandrich's March 25 column "Telling the Holy Week stories to children"
Patrick Heery's Feb 25 column "Lent: The time is now"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 28 column "Westminster grant supports show based on neo-Nazi rally"
Audrey McNally's Dec 31 column "How sacred music has shaped my faith"
Patrick Heery's Dec 3 column "Where you'll find God this Christmas Eve"
Jill Fandrich's Nov 5 column "What comes after 'thoughts and prayers'?"
Patrick Heery's October 15 column "Finding the strength to fix our democracy"
Jill Fandrich's September 10 column "Church starting new caregivers group"
Patrick Heery's August 13 column "New Hiking Ministry Offers Renewal"
Jill Fandrich's July 16 column "The Redefinition of Missionaries"
Patrick Heery's June 18 column "Sabbath: a bus pass to paradise"
Patrick Heery's May 21 column "How does a pastor grieve?"
Jill Fandrich's April 23 column "The Gospel According to Flatland"
Audrey McNally's March 26 column "Discovering the Psalms"
Patrick Heery's Feb 26 column "Lenten Journey: Death and Beyond"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 29 column "Are We Ready For Another Reformation?"
Patrick Heery's Jan 1 column "When the Holidays Hurt"
Jill Fandrich's Dec 4 column "Need for Community and Conversation"
Annette Bell's Nov 6 column "Saints Among Us"
Patrick Heery's Oct 9 column "Does Auburn need a hero? No, it needs you"
Patrick Heery's Sept 11 column "Seeing Beyond Doom" (15th anniversary of 9-11)
Jill Fandrich's August 14 column "Auburn Youth Reflect on Triennium"
Patrick Heery's July 17 column "Where is God in times of violence?"
Jill Fandrich's June 19 column "Ordinary Time"
Patrick Heery's May 15 column "Why I Have Come to Auburn"
Jilll Fandrich's April 24 column "Church Doors Open Out,"
Dwain Lee's March 27 column "Saying Goodbye to Westminster."
Church App!
Check out Westminster's “app” to access events, calendar information, photos, lectionary readings, Facebook and Twitter posts, and more on your smartphone or tablet. To get the church app, search for Church Link App in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen
Calling all servers, cooks and dish washers to join the fun preparing a BBQ Picnic Supper and Ice Cream Social for guests at the Salvation Army Miracle Kitchen on Sunday, July 22 from 1 – 4 pm. Please wear closed toe shoes and shirts with sleeves. Ready to be part of the team? Call Susan Marteney by Sunday, July 15.