Current news at westminster
Click here for the August, September, October newsletter
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
We offer a hybrid worship experience that engages both in-person and online worshipers, creating a single, unified community that stretches across pews and data streams. Livestream worship is on Facebook Live. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
Refresh
The Refresh Women’s Spirituality Group will meet Saturday morning October 5 at 10:00am in the church social room to continue their discussion of “The Chosen.”
Singers and Ringers wanted!
The Westminster Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the second floor choir room. It also rehearses Sunday mornings at 9:00am before worship. The choir welcomes new singers! We are starting a handbell choir this fall, preparing music to play in Advent. The handbell choir will rehearse following worship on Sundays starting October 13. Talk to Lori Rhodes Pettit for more information.
World Communion Sunday October 6
World Communion Sunday recognizes our oneness as Christians around the world by celebrating communion on the same day. It is also Peacemaking Sunday, raising up the need to seek shalom among people, nations, and cultures. We will collect the Peace and Global Witness Offering on October 6, and we will welcome a special guest for a forum following worship. Professor Joe Regenstein from Cornell University will talk from the Jewish perspective about the interaction of food and faith, giving us an interesting take on the concept of communion as a symbol of world peace.
Hurricane Helene Relief
The impact of Hurricane Helene has been felt across multiple states. With the storm surge, wind damage, and flooding, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is actively responding with resources to support the many communities that are affected. Helene caused devastating damage in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Your generous gifts will bring hope and encouragement. You can contribute by writing a check to Westminster Church with “PDA- Helene” in the memo line, or by donating directly on the PDA website at this link: https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/hurricane-helene/
Loose Offerings
On the first Sunday of each month, our loose offerings will support Calvary Food Pantry. Begun originally as a mission project of the old Calvary Presbyterian Church, the Calvary Food Pantry continues to alleviate hunger in our community from its site at 52 Seymour St. In addition to financial donations, food donations are always welcome. Please leave non-perishable donations (please NO expired products) in the basket in the narthex.
Communion to shut-ins
We celebrate communion this morning. The deacons will deliver home communion to anyone who is unable to attend church. Talk to any deacon if you know of someone in need of home communion.
Upcoming Forum
On October 20 following worship, the Social Justice Small Group Ministry will sponsor an Adult Forum on the immigration situation at our Southern border. Nina Wickett and Jim McKeever will recount their experiences from their recent mission trip to San Diego and Tijuana. Please join them for this timely discussion.
Church History Course
Rev. Larry Bell is teaching a Church History course this fall at Westminster. Geared toward training lay leaders in the American Baptist Church, Larry is inviting Westminster members and friends to participate in the course at whatever level they choose. Auditing the course will be free. The hybrid classes will be offered both in person and online for 10 Monday evenings from 7-9pm starting October 7. Register through the church office at [email protected].
Coat Tree Moving to Calvary Food Pantry
The Coat Tree which has been housed at Westminster for many years is moving to Calvary Food Pantry at 52 Seymour St to provide “one stop shopping” for people in need of food and clothing. We will still support the coat tree through donations of warm winter outerwear; simply take your gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and missions for all ages and in all sizes to the food pantry. Call 315-252-7772 to schedule a drop-off. Thank you for keeping folks warm this winter!
Transitional Housing Needs
As you clean out cupboards, closets, and drawers, please consider donating used items that can help someone moving into transitional housing feel like they are home. Items needed include sheets and bedding for twin/full beds, dishes/utensils, pots/pans, hygiene products, dish/laundry soap, and towels/washcloths, and hand towels. There’s a table in the narthex for your donations!
New Members Class
There are several folks who have expressed an interest in joining Westminster. Pastor Joe welcomes others who might be interested in a new members class this fall. Talk to him, or email [email protected] to find out more.
Welcome Kaylee & Gerri
We welcome Kaylee Clink and Gerri Cregg to our Westminster family as our nursery care providers assisting Rhiannon on a rotating basis. Kaylee and Gerri come to us with lots of experience working with children. Both are looking forward to working with our little ones and we are pleased to have them join our Westminster family.
Assist with youth programs this fall!
The Christian Ed Committee and Noel are putting together a team of loving volunteers to assist our great CE staff in fall programming for children and youth. If you’re interested in being an occasional assistant in the nursery, Children’s Worship Center, or Worship & Wonder class, speak to Noel!
Notice of Congregational Meeting
A congregational meeting to elect elders, deacons, and at-large members of the Nominating Committee will be held immediately following worship on Sunday October 13, 2024.
We Aren’t Broke
After reading and discussing Mark Elsdon’s book We Aren’t Broke, the Session is recommending that more people read it as we ponder the church’s property and finances. The book proposes new ways to look at how churches can leverage their assets to further God’s work in the world. Copies of the book are available in the church office. Pastor Joe will lead a 2-part discussion of the book in Sunday forums later this year.
Interim Update
Westminster is currently in an interim period between called pastors. The Rev. Joe Tagliaferre is providing temporary pastoral leadership through December 2024. In addition to temporary pastoral leadership, many church leaders are faithfully doing the work of the church. The PNC was elected by the congregation to search for a new pastor and meet weekly on Thursdays. They continue to review matches made through the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the denomination’s matching site for churches seeking pastors and pastors seeking calls, and following up with candidates with whom they’d like conversation. Please keep the PNC members in your prayers as they go about this important work. Read more about the interim period here.
Presbyterian Heritage
We honor our Presbyterian heritage by remembering our history and celebrating our roots. Foundational to our faith as Reformed Christians are 12 creeds, confessions, and catechisms, which represent historic statements of faith from early times through the present. We are displaying in the narthex the banners which represent our creeds and confessions. Details about each banner are available in the narthex and here. We will celebrate Reformation Sunday on October 27!
Closed captioning on Facebook Live
Did you know you can turn on closed captioning for Facebook Live worship? If you are hard of hearing, or want to keep the volume low on your computer, or find that closed captioning helps you follow along better, just follow these simple instructions: https://www.facebook.com/help/427723640933279
Citizen Columns
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen.
2024 columns:
Paul Dungey's September 29 column: Eyes to see, ears to hear
Jill Fandrich's August 31 column: Are old churches a legacy or a burden?
Rev. Joe Tagliaferre's Aug 4 column: Return to Auburn is God's Plan
Jill Fandrich's July 13 column: We have a Prayground!
Shelley Pantoliano's June 8 column: Far from ordinary
Jill Fandrich's May 12 column: Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit
Rev. Pam Masten's April 14 column: Easter and the Total Solar Eclipse
Jill Fandrich's March 17 column: Inside our search for a new pastor
Rev. Pam Masten's February 18 column: Winter and Lent Reflections
Jill Fandrich's January 21 column: The changing nature of Christian Education
Older columns can be found here
Calendar at a glance!
October 6- World Communion Sunday with forum
October 7- Church History course begins 7:00pm
October 7- Worship Committee 6:30pm
October 13- Congregational Meeting to Elect Officers
October 13- Forum on church property updates
October 15- Newsletter deadline for Nov/Dec/Jan
October 13- Handbell rehearsals start at 10:45am
October 19- Contemplative Hike Robert Treman Park in Ithaca 11am
October 19- Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build 9:30am
October 20- Forum Nina Wickett and Jim McKeever on border mission work
October 20- Peace Concert 4pm (Genesee Street Voice and Masterworks)
October 26- Faith Filled Steps 9am Hoopes Park
October 27- Reformation Sunday with bagpiper
October 27- Stewardship Brunch after worship
Take a virtual tour!
Ever wondered what goes on inside of our big beautiful buildings on William St? Learn more by taking a virtual tour! Check it out here.
The Little Free Library
The Little Free Library in front of our church is always in need of good quality books for children, youth, and adults. You can leave donated books in the library itself or drop them off to the church office. And while you're there, check out the Little Free Library for some new reading material for yourself!
Personal Care Pantry
The Personal Care Pantry is looking for volunteers to host the once-a-month Give-away days on the last Wednesday of each month from 10 am - 12 noon. Guests may select from a variety of items such as soap, cleaner, TP, deodorant and more. Westminster volunteers assist with selection from a cart and bagging; there is no need for record keeping. Personal care items are purchased with funds from the Mission Committee. If interested in hosting one Wednesday or picking up the items at a local store, contact Anne Malvaso or Susan Marteney.
Capital Projects
Our church is more than a building, but we also acknowledge that the historic edifice which houses our ministries is the home in which we meet, worship, work, and serve the community. That home, however, is over 150 years old, and in need of constant care and maintenance. In 2020, we decided to complete a comprehensive property conditions study to efficiently plan for building repairs and renovations. We felt this was the best way to be good stewards of our property and our limited financial resources, helping us prioritize projects in a multi-year plan. Using a grant from the Sacred Sites Program of the NY Landmarks Conservancy, we engaged the services of Beardsley Inc to complete the conditions study. They provided us with a comprehensive study last year, outlining an array of top, medium, and lower priority projects to address over the next five years. We have already undertaken the first phase to abate the water damage to our foundation and walls by diverting storm drainage and installing gutters and downspouts. This work was top priority to stop further damage, and now we are able to can undertake further repairs. The proposed projects for 2023 involve bringing certain items up to code (electrical, lighting, etc.), repointing the masonry where needed, and shoring up the sanctuary basement where needed. These are important for keeping everyone safe and for maintaining the integrity of the buildings’ structure. Here are the documents with details about the capital projects which are priorities at Westminster:
Click here for the assessment of our buildings and capital project recommendations, from the architectural firm Beardsley.
Click here for the slideshow summary of the Beardsley report.
Click here to read the Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (2022)
Click here to read the 2023 Annual Report
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
We offer a hybrid worship experience that engages both in-person and online worshipers, creating a single, unified community that stretches across pews and data streams. Livestream worship is on Facebook Live. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
Refresh
The Refresh Women’s Spirituality Group will meet Saturday morning October 5 at 10:00am in the church social room to continue their discussion of “The Chosen.”
Singers and Ringers wanted!
The Westminster Choir rehearses Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm in the second floor choir room. It also rehearses Sunday mornings at 9:00am before worship. The choir welcomes new singers! We are starting a handbell choir this fall, preparing music to play in Advent. The handbell choir will rehearse following worship on Sundays starting October 13. Talk to Lori Rhodes Pettit for more information.
World Communion Sunday October 6
World Communion Sunday recognizes our oneness as Christians around the world by celebrating communion on the same day. It is also Peacemaking Sunday, raising up the need to seek shalom among people, nations, and cultures. We will collect the Peace and Global Witness Offering on October 6, and we will welcome a special guest for a forum following worship. Professor Joe Regenstein from Cornell University will talk from the Jewish perspective about the interaction of food and faith, giving us an interesting take on the concept of communion as a symbol of world peace.
Hurricane Helene Relief
The impact of Hurricane Helene has been felt across multiple states. With the storm surge, wind damage, and flooding, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is actively responding with resources to support the many communities that are affected. Helene caused devastating damage in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Your generous gifts will bring hope and encouragement. You can contribute by writing a check to Westminster Church with “PDA- Helene” in the memo line, or by donating directly on the PDA website at this link: https://pda.pcusa.org/situation/hurricane-helene/
Loose Offerings
On the first Sunday of each month, our loose offerings will support Calvary Food Pantry. Begun originally as a mission project of the old Calvary Presbyterian Church, the Calvary Food Pantry continues to alleviate hunger in our community from its site at 52 Seymour St. In addition to financial donations, food donations are always welcome. Please leave non-perishable donations (please NO expired products) in the basket in the narthex.
Communion to shut-ins
We celebrate communion this morning. The deacons will deliver home communion to anyone who is unable to attend church. Talk to any deacon if you know of someone in need of home communion.
Upcoming Forum
On October 20 following worship, the Social Justice Small Group Ministry will sponsor an Adult Forum on the immigration situation at our Southern border. Nina Wickett and Jim McKeever will recount their experiences from their recent mission trip to San Diego and Tijuana. Please join them for this timely discussion.
Church History Course
Rev. Larry Bell is teaching a Church History course this fall at Westminster. Geared toward training lay leaders in the American Baptist Church, Larry is inviting Westminster members and friends to participate in the course at whatever level they choose. Auditing the course will be free. The hybrid classes will be offered both in person and online for 10 Monday evenings from 7-9pm starting October 7. Register through the church office at [email protected].
Coat Tree Moving to Calvary Food Pantry
The Coat Tree which has been housed at Westminster for many years is moving to Calvary Food Pantry at 52 Seymour St to provide “one stop shopping” for people in need of food and clothing. We will still support the coat tree through donations of warm winter outerwear; simply take your gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and missions for all ages and in all sizes to the food pantry. Call 315-252-7772 to schedule a drop-off. Thank you for keeping folks warm this winter!
Transitional Housing Needs
As you clean out cupboards, closets, and drawers, please consider donating used items that can help someone moving into transitional housing feel like they are home. Items needed include sheets and bedding for twin/full beds, dishes/utensils, pots/pans, hygiene products, dish/laundry soap, and towels/washcloths, and hand towels. There’s a table in the narthex for your donations!
New Members Class
There are several folks who have expressed an interest in joining Westminster. Pastor Joe welcomes others who might be interested in a new members class this fall. Talk to him, or email [email protected] to find out more.
Welcome Kaylee & Gerri
We welcome Kaylee Clink and Gerri Cregg to our Westminster family as our nursery care providers assisting Rhiannon on a rotating basis. Kaylee and Gerri come to us with lots of experience working with children. Both are looking forward to working with our little ones and we are pleased to have them join our Westminster family.
Assist with youth programs this fall!
The Christian Ed Committee and Noel are putting together a team of loving volunteers to assist our great CE staff in fall programming for children and youth. If you’re interested in being an occasional assistant in the nursery, Children’s Worship Center, or Worship & Wonder class, speak to Noel!
Notice of Congregational Meeting
A congregational meeting to elect elders, deacons, and at-large members of the Nominating Committee will be held immediately following worship on Sunday October 13, 2024.
We Aren’t Broke
After reading and discussing Mark Elsdon’s book We Aren’t Broke, the Session is recommending that more people read it as we ponder the church’s property and finances. The book proposes new ways to look at how churches can leverage their assets to further God’s work in the world. Copies of the book are available in the church office. Pastor Joe will lead a 2-part discussion of the book in Sunday forums later this year.
Interim Update
Westminster is currently in an interim period between called pastors. The Rev. Joe Tagliaferre is providing temporary pastoral leadership through December 2024. In addition to temporary pastoral leadership, many church leaders are faithfully doing the work of the church. The PNC was elected by the congregation to search for a new pastor and meet weekly on Thursdays. They continue to review matches made through the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the denomination’s matching site for churches seeking pastors and pastors seeking calls, and following up with candidates with whom they’d like conversation. Please keep the PNC members in your prayers as they go about this important work. Read more about the interim period here.
Presbyterian Heritage
We honor our Presbyterian heritage by remembering our history and celebrating our roots. Foundational to our faith as Reformed Christians are 12 creeds, confessions, and catechisms, which represent historic statements of faith from early times through the present. We are displaying in the narthex the banners which represent our creeds and confessions. Details about each banner are available in the narthex and here. We will celebrate Reformation Sunday on October 27!
Closed captioning on Facebook Live
Did you know you can turn on closed captioning for Facebook Live worship? If you are hard of hearing, or want to keep the volume low on your computer, or find that closed captioning helps you follow along better, just follow these simple instructions: https://www.facebook.com/help/427723640933279
Citizen Columns
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen.
2024 columns:
Paul Dungey's September 29 column: Eyes to see, ears to hear
Jill Fandrich's August 31 column: Are old churches a legacy or a burden?
Rev. Joe Tagliaferre's Aug 4 column: Return to Auburn is God's Plan
Jill Fandrich's July 13 column: We have a Prayground!
Shelley Pantoliano's June 8 column: Far from ordinary
Jill Fandrich's May 12 column: Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit
Rev. Pam Masten's April 14 column: Easter and the Total Solar Eclipse
Jill Fandrich's March 17 column: Inside our search for a new pastor
Rev. Pam Masten's February 18 column: Winter and Lent Reflections
Jill Fandrich's January 21 column: The changing nature of Christian Education
Older columns can be found here
Calendar at a glance!
October 6- World Communion Sunday with forum
October 7- Church History course begins 7:00pm
October 7- Worship Committee 6:30pm
October 13- Congregational Meeting to Elect Officers
October 13- Forum on church property updates
October 15- Newsletter deadline for Nov/Dec/Jan
October 13- Handbell rehearsals start at 10:45am
October 19- Contemplative Hike Robert Treman Park in Ithaca 11am
October 19- Sleep in Heavenly Peace bed build 9:30am
October 20- Forum Nina Wickett and Jim McKeever on border mission work
October 20- Peace Concert 4pm (Genesee Street Voice and Masterworks)
October 26- Faith Filled Steps 9am Hoopes Park
October 27- Reformation Sunday with bagpiper
October 27- Stewardship Brunch after worship
Take a virtual tour!
Ever wondered what goes on inside of our big beautiful buildings on William St? Learn more by taking a virtual tour! Check it out here.
The Little Free Library
The Little Free Library in front of our church is always in need of good quality books for children, youth, and adults. You can leave donated books in the library itself or drop them off to the church office. And while you're there, check out the Little Free Library for some new reading material for yourself!
Personal Care Pantry
The Personal Care Pantry is looking for volunteers to host the once-a-month Give-away days on the last Wednesday of each month from 10 am - 12 noon. Guests may select from a variety of items such as soap, cleaner, TP, deodorant and more. Westminster volunteers assist with selection from a cart and bagging; there is no need for record keeping. Personal care items are purchased with funds from the Mission Committee. If interested in hosting one Wednesday or picking up the items at a local store, contact Anne Malvaso or Susan Marteney.
Capital Projects
Our church is more than a building, but we also acknowledge that the historic edifice which houses our ministries is the home in which we meet, worship, work, and serve the community. That home, however, is over 150 years old, and in need of constant care and maintenance. In 2020, we decided to complete a comprehensive property conditions study to efficiently plan for building repairs and renovations. We felt this was the best way to be good stewards of our property and our limited financial resources, helping us prioritize projects in a multi-year plan. Using a grant from the Sacred Sites Program of the NY Landmarks Conservancy, we engaged the services of Beardsley Inc to complete the conditions study. They provided us with a comprehensive study last year, outlining an array of top, medium, and lower priority projects to address over the next five years. We have already undertaken the first phase to abate the water damage to our foundation and walls by diverting storm drainage and installing gutters and downspouts. This work was top priority to stop further damage, and now we are able to can undertake further repairs. The proposed projects for 2023 involve bringing certain items up to code (electrical, lighting, etc.), repointing the masonry where needed, and shoring up the sanctuary basement where needed. These are important for keeping everyone safe and for maintaining the integrity of the buildings’ structure. Here are the documents with details about the capital projects which are priorities at Westminster:
Click here for the assessment of our buildings and capital project recommendations, from the architectural firm Beardsley.
Click here for the slideshow summary of the Beardsley report.
Click here to read the Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (2022)
Click here to read the 2023 Annual Report