Current news at westminster
July/August Newsletter here
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
The end of the school and program year at Westminster marks the beginning of our summer worship schedule, which commenced on June 23. We'll continue to worship at 9:30 in the sanctuary on most Sundays, with outdoor services planned for July 7, July 21, August 4, and September 1. Communion by intinction will be celebrated outdoors on the first Sunday of each month. If you have lawn chairs, bring them to church or try to arrive early to help our property staff set up the church's folding chairs.
Westminster Manor Open House
Westminster Manor will hold an Open House on Saturday, August 10, from 10am to 2pm. Stop in for music, refreshments, and tours of the home at 81 South St. If you know of a senior who’s considering a move to a loving, caring independent adult home, this is the place for them!
Youth education planning
A second Christian Education Committee retreat will be held on Sunday, August 18, from 11am-1pm to discuss youth education, faith formation, and Sunday School. What do we want our children to learn and what is the church uniquely equipped to offer to children and families that secular activities can't? How can we integrate adult and youth education? All who have an interest in children and youth are invited, but we especially hope for input from parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers and others who are stakeholders. For more information, speak to Patrick Heery or Monika Salvage.
Contemplative hike August 24
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and our selves. On Saturday, August 24, from 10 am to 12 pm, 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 flat and easy hike. Please note the $5 car entrance fee. Anyone is welcome to join us, whether affiliated with the church or not. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Summer Sabbath
Infants through second grade can enjoy a fun new summer curriculum in the social room with Noel and Chelsea. The “Frolic” story book set will be used, telling stories with colorful animals covering topics such as making new friends, asking for help, being patient, calming down and taking a break, sharing, and our unique gifts. It helps young children explore their emotions and to pray to God for help. Each story ends with a prayer and includes an interactive activity as well as dance or movement. For children who stay in worship, there are many resources in the back of the sanctuary to help engage in worship. In addition to a variety of children’s Bibles and story books, weekly bulletins are provided with puzzles and activities related to the lectionary readings of the day. There are also quiet activities for fidgety hands for all ages.
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated for a particular organization each month. In August, they will support the Auburn Permaculture Park.
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. The Q Center meets in the youth room on the first floor of Westminster's Education Building. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Property Workdays
The Property Committee holds Property Work Days on the third Saturday of each month. The hard-working committee members always have a list of projects, which include work for skilled and unskilled workers alike. They always welcome additional volunteers on these workdays. Please consider volunteering on a workday. Talk to Robyn Warn if you have questions, or if you have free time at other times to work on some summer projects.
Presbytery meeting
The next stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse will be on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Faith United Church of Oswego (12 Mark Fitzgibbons Dr, Oswego, NY 13126). All are welcome to participate in the connectional life of Presbyterians!
Book Group
The Westminster Book Group takes a break for the summer, then resumes in the fall on the third
Thursday of each month to discuss these books:
September 19, Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor, led by Donna Hunt
October 17, Refugee by Alan Gratz, led by Aja Hahn
November 15, The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure, led by Robyn Warn
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's July 14 column: "Worship God outdoors"
Patrick Heery's June 16 column: "The pastor is proudly LGBTQ affirming"
Kimberly Patch's May 19 column: "Can God be mother as well as father?"
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. Chelsea Cater and Ethan Reilley 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.
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
The end of the school and program year at Westminster marks the beginning of our summer worship schedule, which commenced on June 23. We'll continue to worship at 9:30 in the sanctuary on most Sundays, with outdoor services planned for July 7, July 21, August 4, and September 1. Communion by intinction will be celebrated outdoors on the first Sunday of each month. If you have lawn chairs, bring them to church or try to arrive early to help our property staff set up the church's folding chairs.
Westminster Manor Open House
Westminster Manor will hold an Open House on Saturday, August 10, from 10am to 2pm. Stop in for music, refreshments, and tours of the home at 81 South St. If you know of a senior who’s considering a move to a loving, caring independent adult home, this is the place for them!
Youth education planning
A second Christian Education Committee retreat will be held on Sunday, August 18, from 11am-1pm to discuss youth education, faith formation, and Sunday School. What do we want our children to learn and what is the church uniquely equipped to offer to children and families that secular activities can't? How can we integrate adult and youth education? All who have an interest in children and youth are invited, but we especially hope for input from parents, grandparents, caregivers, teachers and others who are stakeholders. For more information, speak to Patrick Heery or Monika Salvage.
Contemplative hike August 24
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and our selves. On Saturday, August 24, from 10 am to 12 pm, 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 flat and easy hike. Please note the $5 car entrance fee. Anyone is welcome to join us, whether affiliated with the church or not. In fact, this would be a great opportunity to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Summer Sabbath
Infants through second grade can enjoy a fun new summer curriculum in the social room with Noel and Chelsea. The “Frolic” story book set will be used, telling stories with colorful animals covering topics such as making new friends, asking for help, being patient, calming down and taking a break, sharing, and our unique gifts. It helps young children explore their emotions and to pray to God for help. Each story ends with a prayer and includes an interactive activity as well as dance or movement. For children who stay in worship, there are many resources in the back of the sanctuary to help engage in worship. In addition to a variety of children’s Bibles and story books, weekly bulletins are provided with puzzles and activities related to the lectionary readings of the day. There are also quiet activities for fidgety hands for all ages.
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated for a particular organization each month. In August, they will support the Auburn Permaculture Park.
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. The Q Center meets in the youth room on the first floor of Westminster's Education Building. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Property Workdays
The Property Committee holds Property Work Days on the third Saturday of each month. The hard-working committee members always have a list of projects, which include work for skilled and unskilled workers alike. They always welcome additional volunteers on these workdays. Please consider volunteering on a workday. Talk to Robyn Warn if you have questions, or if you have free time at other times to work on some summer projects.
Presbytery meeting
The next stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse will be on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at Faith United Church of Oswego (12 Mark Fitzgibbons Dr, Oswego, NY 13126). All are welcome to participate in the connectional life of Presbyterians!
Book Group
The Westminster Book Group takes a break for the summer, then resumes in the fall on the third
Thursday of each month to discuss these books:
September 19, Holy Envy by Barbara Brown Taylor, led by Donna Hunt
October 17, Refugee by Alan Gratz, led by Aja Hahn
November 15, The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure, led by Robyn Warn
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Jill Fandrich's July 14 column: "Worship God outdoors"
Patrick Heery's June 16 column: "The pastor is proudly LGBTQ affirming"
Kimberly Patch's May 19 column: "Can God be mother as well as father?"
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. Chelsea Cater and Ethan Reilley 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.