Current news at westminster
March/April Newsletter here
Easter Sunday: April 21
The Resurrection of Our Lord will be celebrated at two services on Easter. The sunrise service will begin at 6am on the front sidewalk of the church around a lantern, from which we will light candles to bring the light of the resurrection into the chapel for liturgy and Communion by intinction. Coffee and donuts will be provided in the social room following the service. At 9:30am our traditional Easter service will be held in the sanctuary with readings, sermon, festive music and Communion by intinction. An Easter egg hunt for kids will be held in the sanctuary following worship.
Westminster Culinary Kids
Westminster will be offering Saturday morning cooking classes for kids 8 years old and up. They’ll learn the basics of knife skills, cooking and baking techniques, and organizing prep work. The class will cover fundamental kitchen skills, focusing on measuring, mixing, working cleanly and safely in the kitchen, and exploring cooking techniques, while following breakfast recipes geared for their age group. The cost is $15 per child to cover materials and to support REACH programs. Scholarships are available. The next class is May 4, 10-12:30. Spaces are limited so reservations are necessary; contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Children's Worship Center
The Children's Worship Center offers an age appropriate worship experience for children ages 3 years old through grade 2, based on the Montessori model. Children learn to experience God's presence through hearing Bible stories and responding to them. Storyteller Noel Lardeo and a trained greeter welcome children to this unique space every Sunday morning following the pastor's time with children in the sanctuary. The Worship Center is located right outside the sanctuary doors.
Sunday School
Children in grades K through 3, and 4 through 7 meets in the REACH wing (first floor of the education building) during the education hour with teachers Chris Patch (grades 4-7) and Andrea and Aaron Creighton (grades K-3). Childcare for infants and toddlers during the education hour is in the new toddler room of the REACH wing.
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Every month, on the last Tuesday at 7pm, people who are “parenting their parents” or caring for an elderly loved one meet in the social room for conversation, mutual support, and information sharing. The Elder Care Conversation Circle is facilitated by Susan Marteney and Jill Fandrich, and is open to the community. In April, the Elder Care Circle will join the Westminster Book Group on Thursday, April 25 at 7pm to discuss Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. (They will not meet on the last Tuesday of April.)
Contemplative Hikes
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and our selves. There is great meaning to be found in experiencing God's creation in all four seasons, so don't let the wintry weather deter you. On Saturday, April 27, from 10am-12pm, the hike will be at the Montezuma Wildlife Rescue, enjoying spring wildflowers and the songs of the thousands of birds that call Montezuma home. The trail is easy to moderate. RSVP is required. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331).
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. Snacks, games, fun and a dinner are provided. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's April 21 column: "Living the Easter faith through service"
Patrick Heery's March 24 column: "Why the cross is a sign of faith"
Chris Patch's February 24 column: "Why is Westminster offering kids' culinary classes?"
Patrick Heery's January 27 column: "It's ok to be faithful failures"
Jill Fandrich's December 29 column: "The Work of Christmas"
Patrick Heery's December column: "Is it Christmas yet?"
Jill Fandrich's November 4 column: "The ordinary holy lives of saints"
Patrick Heery's October 7 column: "How paternity leave made me a better father"
Jill Fandrich's Sept 9 column: "How storytelling helps us believe"
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 App Tithe.ly in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
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. 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.
Easter Sunday: April 21
The Resurrection of Our Lord will be celebrated at two services on Easter. The sunrise service will begin at 6am on the front sidewalk of the church around a lantern, from which we will light candles to bring the light of the resurrection into the chapel for liturgy and Communion by intinction. Coffee and donuts will be provided in the social room following the service. At 9:30am our traditional Easter service will be held in the sanctuary with readings, sermon, festive music and Communion by intinction. An Easter egg hunt for kids will be held in the sanctuary following worship.
Westminster Culinary Kids
Westminster will be offering Saturday morning cooking classes for kids 8 years old and up. They’ll learn the basics of knife skills, cooking and baking techniques, and organizing prep work. The class will cover fundamental kitchen skills, focusing on measuring, mixing, working cleanly and safely in the kitchen, and exploring cooking techniques, while following breakfast recipes geared for their age group. The cost is $15 per child to cover materials and to support REACH programs. Scholarships are available. The next class is May 4, 10-12:30. Spaces are limited so reservations are necessary; contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Children's Worship Center
The Children's Worship Center offers an age appropriate worship experience for children ages 3 years old through grade 2, based on the Montessori model. Children learn to experience God's presence through hearing Bible stories and responding to them. Storyteller Noel Lardeo and a trained greeter welcome children to this unique space every Sunday morning following the pastor's time with children in the sanctuary. The Worship Center is located right outside the sanctuary doors.
Sunday School
Children in grades K through 3, and 4 through 7 meets in the REACH wing (first floor of the education building) during the education hour with teachers Chris Patch (grades 4-7) and Andrea and Aaron Creighton (grades K-3). Childcare for infants and toddlers during the education hour is in the new toddler room of the REACH wing.
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Every month, on the last Tuesday at 7pm, people who are “parenting their parents” or caring for an elderly loved one meet in the social room for conversation, mutual support, and information sharing. The Elder Care Conversation Circle is facilitated by Susan Marteney and Jill Fandrich, and is open to the community. In April, the Elder Care Circle will join the Westminster Book Group on Thursday, April 25 at 7pm to discuss Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. (They will not meet on the last Tuesday of April.)
Contemplative Hikes
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and our selves. There is great meaning to be found in experiencing God's creation in all four seasons, so don't let the wintry weather deter you. On Saturday, April 27, from 10am-12pm, the hike will be at the Montezuma Wildlife Rescue, enjoying spring wildflowers and the songs of the thousands of birds that call Montezuma home. The trail is easy to moderate. RSVP is required. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331).
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. Snacks, games, fun and a dinner are provided. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's April 21 column: "Living the Easter faith through service"
Patrick Heery's March 24 column: "Why the cross is a sign of faith"
Chris Patch's February 24 column: "Why is Westminster offering kids' culinary classes?"
Patrick Heery's January 27 column: "It's ok to be faithful failures"
Jill Fandrich's December 29 column: "The Work of Christmas"
Patrick Heery's December column: "Is it Christmas yet?"
Jill Fandrich's November 4 column: "The ordinary holy lives of saints"
Patrick Heery's October 7 column: "How paternity leave made me a better father"
Jill Fandrich's Sept 9 column: "How storytelling helps us believe"
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 App Tithe.ly in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
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. 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.