Current news at westminster
July/August Newsletter
This Sunday's Bulletin
Chapel Open
Westminster Church is open weekdays, Monday-Friday, from 11:30am to 1:30pm for anyone looking for a quiet place to reflect, meditate, pray, or simply have a few minutes of peace and quiet in the middle of hectic weekdays. Stop in on your lunch hour or while running downtown errands. It's Westminster's gift to the community.
Blessing of the Animals
Westminster Church will have some fun with a Presbyterian-style “blessing of the pets” on Sunday, August 6, during the outdoor worship service starting at 9:30 am. The Blessing of the Animals will recognize the special bond we share with animal friends and companions, and will be blended into the morning worship on the church's front lawn at 17 William Street in downtown Auburn. All God’s creatures (two footed, four footed, no-footed, paws, claws, talons, or other) are welcome (on leashes or in carriers, please). Please share this invitation with pet-loving friends and acquaintances. For information, call 315-253-3331.
Summer Worship
It's summertime! Summer worship at Westminster is at the usual time (9:30-10:30am) generally in the sanctuary, but with a somewhat more relaxed "feel" to the service. On Communion Sundays (July 2, Aug. 6, and Sept. 3), we will worship on the front lawn (weather permitting) so dress casually and bring lawn chairs, if you prefer those to our benches and folding chairs. The Westminster Choir does not sing during the summer months, so each week there will be a special music offering that is a vocal or instrumental solo, duet, or trio. If you are interested in providing or recommending special music during the summer, please speak to Audrey McNally or Lori Rhodes-Pettit. There is no education hour in the summer, so you have more time to catch up with each other over cold drinks and treats during fellowship time following worship.
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 worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. For young children, Elena Madden and Chelsea Smith provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room and "Summer Sabbath" activities for children. We also have a new Baby Corner in the sanctuary, with rocking chairs and a playmat, to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together. The Children's Worship Center will reopen in September.
Contemplative Hikes
Westminster will be offering contemplative hikes with Pastor Patrick, starting in August. Whether you want to get outdoors, need a break from the commotion of life, or are feeling drained and disconnected, this hike is for you. It's perfect for the churchgoer longing for a deeper spiritual connection—and for the person who is wary of church and formal worship but is looking for something more in their lives. Our first hike will be Saturday, August 19, from 10 am to 12 pm, at Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia. It's about a 25 minute drive from Auburn. 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.
As a small group, we'll walk along the beautiful, tree-shaded gorge trail that meanders past shimmering waterfalls; our return hike will take the northern rim trail that winds through old growth forest. Spending part of the hike in silence and part in conversation, we'll find renewal as we become more mindful of our bodies, our thoughts, and the soil beneath our feet. Together, we will listen for what poet Wendell Berry calls "bird song in the quiet."
The only cost is the park entrance fee ($7 per vehicle). The hike will be moderate in difficulty, with some incline and steps, consisting of either stone or dirt paths. RSVP is required. Please speak with Patrick in advance (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided. Come prepared (insect repellent, sunblock, hiking boots, walking stick, drinking water).
Loose Offerings
Each month, the loose change (bills and coins) in the offering plates is designated for a particular organization or cause. On the first Sunday of each month, the loose offerings support the Calvary Food Pantry. The rest of the Sundays in July, the loose offerings support Matthew House, a home for the terminally ill in Auburn.
Westminster Nursery School Registration
If you or someone you know is looking for a great place to begin a child's education, consider Westminster Nursery School! Registration for fall classes is going on now, and there are openings in the Toddler, Preschool, and UPK classes. Call Director Tracy Blair for more information at 315-253-3961.
Sensory Mitts Ministry
If you are a knitter or a crocheter, you can help Westminster in our Sensory Mitts Ministry. A sensory mitt is a double thick mitt or muff made with embellishments attached inside and out in order to provide a stimulation activity for the restless hands of people with dementia, Alzheimer’s or autism. Making a mitt or muff is fast, easy and fun, even for you’re just a beginner. We’ll provide a pattern, instruction and yarn if you need it. For more information, contact Annette Bell by leaving a message at the church office 315-253-3331. A brochure with instructions is available here: Sensory Mitts. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month (except July) from 6:30-8:00 pm and welcomes new members. If you're a knitter or crocheter who is looking for some other options, we are also working on prayer shawls and on tiny hats, blankets and swaddles for stillborn babies (for the Pregnancy Loss Support Service at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester). Some pattern ideas are here: Bereavement Patterns
New Members!
On August 27, Westminster's new members will be recognized during worship and in the fellowship time following. We will have those new members already approved by session, formally welcomed into the church. And if you’re looking to find out how to become a member of Westminster and learn more about who we are as Presbyterians, mark your calendar for the new member’s class on October 1 and 8 after morning worship.
Elder Care Conversation Circle for "children" of aging parents
A new support group is forming this fall (the only one of its kind in Auburn) to give people caring for aging parents the opportunity to share information and experiences and to support each other as they "parent their parents." Watch for more information as details and dates are developed.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
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."
Worship Resources
The bookshelf in the back of the sanctuary is stocked with books and materials for all ages to use to enhance worship. Bible picture books and storybooks will help children engage in worship, and there are large print hymnals, resources for older readers, and tactile resources, like finger labyrinths, prayer beads, and pipe cleaners. We also offer weekly activity sheets geared to the lectionary readings, as well as crayons, colored pencils, and markers.
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. The weekly bulletin is also on the app.
This Sunday's Bulletin
Chapel Open
Westminster Church is open weekdays, Monday-Friday, from 11:30am to 1:30pm for anyone looking for a quiet place to reflect, meditate, pray, or simply have a few minutes of peace and quiet in the middle of hectic weekdays. Stop in on your lunch hour or while running downtown errands. It's Westminster's gift to the community.
Blessing of the Animals
Westminster Church will have some fun with a Presbyterian-style “blessing of the pets” on Sunday, August 6, during the outdoor worship service starting at 9:30 am. The Blessing of the Animals will recognize the special bond we share with animal friends and companions, and will be blended into the morning worship on the church's front lawn at 17 William Street in downtown Auburn. All God’s creatures (two footed, four footed, no-footed, paws, claws, talons, or other) are welcome (on leashes or in carriers, please). Please share this invitation with pet-loving friends and acquaintances. For information, call 315-253-3331.
Summer Worship
It's summertime! Summer worship at Westminster is at the usual time (9:30-10:30am) generally in the sanctuary, but with a somewhat more relaxed "feel" to the service. On Communion Sundays (July 2, Aug. 6, and Sept. 3), we will worship on the front lawn (weather permitting) so dress casually and bring lawn chairs, if you prefer those to our benches and folding chairs. The Westminster Choir does not sing during the summer months, so each week there will be a special music offering that is a vocal or instrumental solo, duet, or trio. If you are interested in providing or recommending special music during the summer, please speak to Audrey McNally or Lori Rhodes-Pettit. There is no education hour in the summer, so you have more time to catch up with each other over cold drinks and treats during fellowship time following worship.
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 worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. For young children, Elena Madden and Chelsea Smith provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room and "Summer Sabbath" activities for children. We also have a new Baby Corner in the sanctuary, with rocking chairs and a playmat, to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together. The Children's Worship Center will reopen in September.
Contemplative Hikes
Westminster will be offering contemplative hikes with Pastor Patrick, starting in August. Whether you want to get outdoors, need a break from the commotion of life, or are feeling drained and disconnected, this hike is for you. It's perfect for the churchgoer longing for a deeper spiritual connection—and for the person who is wary of church and formal worship but is looking for something more in their lives. Our first hike will be Saturday, August 19, from 10 am to 12 pm, at Fillmore Glen State Park in Moravia. It's about a 25 minute drive from Auburn. 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.
As a small group, we'll walk along the beautiful, tree-shaded gorge trail that meanders past shimmering waterfalls; our return hike will take the northern rim trail that winds through old growth forest. Spending part of the hike in silence and part in conversation, we'll find renewal as we become more mindful of our bodies, our thoughts, and the soil beneath our feet. Together, we will listen for what poet Wendell Berry calls "bird song in the quiet."
The only cost is the park entrance fee ($7 per vehicle). The hike will be moderate in difficulty, with some incline and steps, consisting of either stone or dirt paths. RSVP is required. Please speak with Patrick in advance (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided. Come prepared (insect repellent, sunblock, hiking boots, walking stick, drinking water).
Loose Offerings
Each month, the loose change (bills and coins) in the offering plates is designated for a particular organization or cause. On the first Sunday of each month, the loose offerings support the Calvary Food Pantry. The rest of the Sundays in July, the loose offerings support Matthew House, a home for the terminally ill in Auburn.
Westminster Nursery School Registration
If you or someone you know is looking for a great place to begin a child's education, consider Westminster Nursery School! Registration for fall classes is going on now, and there are openings in the Toddler, Preschool, and UPK classes. Call Director Tracy Blair for more information at 315-253-3961.
Sensory Mitts Ministry
If you are a knitter or a crocheter, you can help Westminster in our Sensory Mitts Ministry. A sensory mitt is a double thick mitt or muff made with embellishments attached inside and out in order to provide a stimulation activity for the restless hands of people with dementia, Alzheimer’s or autism. Making a mitt or muff is fast, easy and fun, even for you’re just a beginner. We’ll provide a pattern, instruction and yarn if you need it. For more information, contact Annette Bell by leaving a message at the church office 315-253-3331. A brochure with instructions is available here: Sensory Mitts. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month (except July) from 6:30-8:00 pm and welcomes new members. If you're a knitter or crocheter who is looking for some other options, we are also working on prayer shawls and on tiny hats, blankets and swaddles for stillborn babies (for the Pregnancy Loss Support Service at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester). Some pattern ideas are here: Bereavement Patterns
New Members!
On August 27, Westminster's new members will be recognized during worship and in the fellowship time following. We will have those new members already approved by session, formally welcomed into the church. And if you’re looking to find out how to become a member of Westminster and learn more about who we are as Presbyterians, mark your calendar for the new member’s class on October 1 and 8 after morning worship.
Elder Care Conversation Circle for "children" of aging parents
A new support group is forming this fall (the only one of its kind in Auburn) to give people caring for aging parents the opportunity to share information and experiences and to support each other as they "parent their parents." Watch for more information as details and dates are developed.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
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."
Worship Resources
The bookshelf in the back of the sanctuary is stocked with books and materials for all ages to use to enhance worship. Bible picture books and storybooks will help children engage in worship, and there are large print hymnals, resources for older readers, and tactile resources, like finger labyrinths, prayer beads, and pipe cleaners. We also offer weekly activity sheets geared to the lectionary readings, as well as crayons, colored pencils, and markers.
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. The weekly bulletin is also on the app.
