Current news at westminster
Click here for the September/October newsletter
Ode to Joy Skinner Organ Restoration Campaign
This fall marks the beginning of a three-year capital campaign to help pay for the full restoration of our magnificent Skinner pipe organ (Opus 579) built in 1926. The Ode to Joy campaign was launched in August with church officers, and generous donations/pledges are coming in. In early September, all members and friends of Westminster Church were sent a special mailing, including a letter, brochure, and pledge card. Please read the Ode to Joy materials carefully and consider how you might joyfully respond. Through congregational and community support, foundational grants, and loans, Westminster Church's Skinner organ will continue to make a joyful noise to the Lord for many generations to come.
Worship online and in-person in September and October
The last time we were together in person for worship was March 15! Six months later, we are ready to cautiously resume in-person worship on the church’s front lawn at 9:30am for four Sundays in September and October.
We will alternate between in-person worship, which will be livestreamed on Facebook Live, and our highly successful online-only services from Patrick's study. Here's the schedule:
In-person worship will include some restrictions to keep everyone as safe as possible:
Real Talk
At 11 am on the Sundays we worship in person, Rev. Patrick Heery will host a Facebook Live sermon talk-back with open and frank conversations about faith. Much like the "Stump the Pastor" series in July, these virtual forums will combine prayer, music, Scripture, and interactive discussions, utilizing the comment feature on Facebook. You'll be able to pose questions and share thoughts and experiences related to the topic of the day. Part worship, part adult forum, "Real Talk" invites us to grow together in mind and soul, all in the intimate setting we have come to love these past many months.
Upcoming Sermons
Oct. 11: "Never good enough," a reflection on feeling overwhelmed and becoming enough
Oct. 18: Westminster's Domestic Violence Awareness Sunday
Oct. 25: "From Protestantism to Protest," a Reformation Sunday sermon
Sermons can be read here the week following each Sunday service.
Offerings
The ministry of the church continues, and it depends on your offerings. You can mail a check, set up automatic pay with your bank, or donate online. Don't forget our loose change offering either! In October, they support the Calvary Food Pantry Thanksgiving Meal project.
Refresh
All women of Westminster, as well as any interested friends, are invited to join the Refresh Women’s study group on Saturday mornings for virtual Zoom sessions. Anyone interested should email refreshwithin@yahoo.com for the Zoom invitation and the study questions. This is a time for women to connect, learn a little something about God’s Word, and share some prayer time and fellowship.
Contemplative Hike
Spent partly in prayerful silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and ourselves. On Saturday, October 31, from 10am to 12pm, we will take our annual 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 1). As the name suggests, Fort Hill does involve incline but is otherwise paved and easy. This has probably become our most popular walk, which involves the naming of loved ones and placing roses on graves. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Elder Care Support Circle
Are you parenting your parents? If you are caring for an aging parent, or concerned about a parent who is no longer independent, you can meet and talk with others who are walking the same path. The Elder Care Support Circle is a monthly gathering of folks who share information and support about navigating the world of elder care. Join the group pm the last Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the church social room. Wear a mask!
All Saints Sunday
November 1 is All Saints Sunday, when we remember people we love who have died this past year. At this time, we are planning an in-person service, but please be advised that could change. We are contemplating a number of changes in response to these unique times, including a special memorial of members. We will lift up any and all names that are important to you, however; they do not have to be members. As each name is read, a bell will be rung in their memory, while we focus our eyes on the Christ candle and the light that shines. You will also receive a stone, upon which you can write the name(s) of loved ones and then place in our memorial gardens. If you would like to submit a name, you can submit a form on the Sundays we worship in person or email the church (office@westminsterauburn.org, 17 William Street).
Citizen Columns
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen.
2020 columns:
Jill Fandrich's October 4 column: Being a sailboat church
Audrey McNally's and Jill Fandrich's September 7 column: Ode to Joy, Restoring Auburn's 1926 Skinner Organ
Jill Fandrich's August 9 column: Faith evolves through doubt
Kimberly Patch's July 12 column: Small acts bring change
Patrick Heery's June 14 column: Jesus says, Black lives matter
Patrick Heery's May 17 column: How the church's closing may be its salvation
Jill Fandrich's April 19 column: "Remaining a church through quarantine"
Audrey McNally's March 21 column: Brahm's Requiem: Comfort for the living
Kimberly Patch's February 23 column: "Following Jesus' response against domestic violence"
Jill Fandrich's January 26 column: "Change is a constant"
Older columns can be found here
Coat Tree
The Mission Committee has set up the Coat Tree in the hallway of the Education Building to provide coats, gloves, hats and scarves to members of our community in need of warm winter clothes. If you have gently used, clean coats (adult’s or children’s), please consider donating to the coat rack. Please hang your coats on the rack and place winter hats, gloves and scarves in the boxes below.
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!
Phased Reopening Plan
From Pastor Patrick Heery--
Exciting news! Westminster will be entering Phase Two of its reopening plan in September. Our first in-person outdoor worship service will be on Sunday, September 13, at 9:30 am, on the church lawn. Just in time for Rally Day!
After much faithful deliberation and in consultation with state and federal guidelines and the most up-to-date medical information, your Session voted to move forward in our reopening of the church. Since June 15, the church buildings have been open to staff and small, pre-approved gatherings. Our safety protocols have worked. We have stayed safe, and we have faithfully protected the most vulnerable among us. Now, Session believes that those safety protocols will allow us to take the next step in coming back together.
After September 6, Phase Two will allow for occasional outdoor services and larger gatherings (up to 50 people, never exceeding 50 percent room occupancy). During this phase, there will be no services in the sanctuary (unless weather forces us inside) and no social/coffee hour; all necessary precautions will be taken; and we will continue both our online worship and our mailings. During this time, we ask that anyone who believes they might be sick (with anything) to stay home; we also strongly encourage anyone with underlying vulnerable conditions to stay home. The worship of God will continue, just as it has these many months, in community with you, wherever you are.
This will be a time of learning. A time of discovering what works and what doesn't, what's faithful and what isn't. During this time, we hope you will share your feedback with us, so that we can continue to make the most responsible and faithful decisions for our congregation.
We have missed you so much. We are so excited at the prospect of being able to see you again, to worship God as the community of the gathered, to find peace and rest at the foot of the cross. But we also know that we have been doing that all along. We never stopped being the church. The gospel survived the cross; it has most certainly survived this. In fact, we have discovered new ways of being church, loving each other, and serving God. Whatever comes, know that you are held fast in the love of the One who made you, who searches you, and who goes before you.
Ode to Joy Skinner Organ Restoration Campaign
This fall marks the beginning of a three-year capital campaign to help pay for the full restoration of our magnificent Skinner pipe organ (Opus 579) built in 1926. The Ode to Joy campaign was launched in August with church officers, and generous donations/pledges are coming in. In early September, all members and friends of Westminster Church were sent a special mailing, including a letter, brochure, and pledge card. Please read the Ode to Joy materials carefully and consider how you might joyfully respond. Through congregational and community support, foundational grants, and loans, Westminster Church's Skinner organ will continue to make a joyful noise to the Lord for many generations to come.
Worship online and in-person in September and October
The last time we were together in person for worship was March 15! Six months later, we are ready to cautiously resume in-person worship on the church’s front lawn at 9:30am for four Sundays in September and October.
We will alternate between in-person worship, which will be livestreamed on Facebook Live, and our highly successful online-only services from Patrick's study. Here's the schedule:
- September 13: Outdoor Worship (also livestreamed and followed by "Real Talk" )
- September 20: Facebook Live Worship
- September 27: Outdoor Worship (also livestreamed and followed by "Real Talk")
- October 4: Facebook Live Worship and Zoom forum at 11am on
- October 11: Outdoor Worship (also livestreamed and followed by "Real Talk")
- October 18: Facebook Live Worship
- October 25: Outdoor Worship (also livestreamed)
In-person worship will include some restrictions to keep everyone as safe as possible:
- Masks will be required
- Seating will be physically distanced. Please bring your own lawn chairs for outdoor worship.
- There will be music but no congregational singing.
- There will be no childcare. Families are encouraged to worship together.
- Persons over 65 and those with health concerns or compromised immunity are encouraged to stay home and worship on line.
- There will be no transportation provided by the church.
- There will be no “coffee hour” or food.
- Communion will be offered at online services only.
Real Talk
At 11 am on the Sundays we worship in person, Rev. Patrick Heery will host a Facebook Live sermon talk-back with open and frank conversations about faith. Much like the "Stump the Pastor" series in July, these virtual forums will combine prayer, music, Scripture, and interactive discussions, utilizing the comment feature on Facebook. You'll be able to pose questions and share thoughts and experiences related to the topic of the day. Part worship, part adult forum, "Real Talk" invites us to grow together in mind and soul, all in the intimate setting we have come to love these past many months.
Upcoming Sermons
Oct. 11: "Never good enough," a reflection on feeling overwhelmed and becoming enough
Oct. 18: Westminster's Domestic Violence Awareness Sunday
Oct. 25: "From Protestantism to Protest," a Reformation Sunday sermon
Sermons can be read here the week following each Sunday service.
Offerings
The ministry of the church continues, and it depends on your offerings. You can mail a check, set up automatic pay with your bank, or donate online. Don't forget our loose change offering either! In October, they support the Calvary Food Pantry Thanksgiving Meal project.
Refresh
All women of Westminster, as well as any interested friends, are invited to join the Refresh Women’s study group on Saturday mornings for virtual Zoom sessions. Anyone interested should email refreshwithin@yahoo.com for the Zoom invitation and the study questions. This is a time for women to connect, learn a little something about God’s Word, and share some prayer time and fellowship.
Contemplative Hike
Spent partly in prayerful silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and ourselves. On Saturday, October 31, from 10am to 12pm, we will take our annual 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 1). As the name suggests, Fort Hill does involve incline but is otherwise paved and easy. This has probably become our most popular walk, which involves the naming of loved ones and placing roses on graves. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Elder Care Support Circle
Are you parenting your parents? If you are caring for an aging parent, or concerned about a parent who is no longer independent, you can meet and talk with others who are walking the same path. The Elder Care Support Circle is a monthly gathering of folks who share information and support about navigating the world of elder care. Join the group pm the last Tuesday of each month at 7pm in the church social room. Wear a mask!
All Saints Sunday
November 1 is All Saints Sunday, when we remember people we love who have died this past year. At this time, we are planning an in-person service, but please be advised that could change. We are contemplating a number of changes in response to these unique times, including a special memorial of members. We will lift up any and all names that are important to you, however; they do not have to be members. As each name is read, a bell will be rung in their memory, while we focus our eyes on the Christ candle and the light that shines. You will also receive a stone, upon which you can write the name(s) of loved ones and then place in our memorial gardens. If you would like to submit a name, you can submit a form on the Sundays we worship in person or email the church (office@westminsterauburn.org, 17 William Street).
Citizen Columns
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen.
2020 columns:
Jill Fandrich's October 4 column: Being a sailboat church
Audrey McNally's and Jill Fandrich's September 7 column: Ode to Joy, Restoring Auburn's 1926 Skinner Organ
Jill Fandrich's August 9 column: Faith evolves through doubt
Kimberly Patch's July 12 column: Small acts bring change
Patrick Heery's June 14 column: Jesus says, Black lives matter
Patrick Heery's May 17 column: How the church's closing may be its salvation
Jill Fandrich's April 19 column: "Remaining a church through quarantine"
Audrey McNally's March 21 column: Brahm's Requiem: Comfort for the living
Kimberly Patch's February 23 column: "Following Jesus' response against domestic violence"
Jill Fandrich's January 26 column: "Change is a constant"
Older columns can be found here
Coat Tree
The Mission Committee has set up the Coat Tree in the hallway of the Education Building to provide coats, gloves, hats and scarves to members of our community in need of warm winter clothes. If you have gently used, clean coats (adult’s or children’s), please consider donating to the coat rack. Please hang your coats on the rack and place winter hats, gloves and scarves in the boxes below.
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!
Phased Reopening Plan
From Pastor Patrick Heery--
Exciting news! Westminster will be entering Phase Two of its reopening plan in September. Our first in-person outdoor worship service will be on Sunday, September 13, at 9:30 am, on the church lawn. Just in time for Rally Day!
After much faithful deliberation and in consultation with state and federal guidelines and the most up-to-date medical information, your Session voted to move forward in our reopening of the church. Since June 15, the church buildings have been open to staff and small, pre-approved gatherings. Our safety protocols have worked. We have stayed safe, and we have faithfully protected the most vulnerable among us. Now, Session believes that those safety protocols will allow us to take the next step in coming back together.
After September 6, Phase Two will allow for occasional outdoor services and larger gatherings (up to 50 people, never exceeding 50 percent room occupancy). During this phase, there will be no services in the sanctuary (unless weather forces us inside) and no social/coffee hour; all necessary precautions will be taken; and we will continue both our online worship and our mailings. During this time, we ask that anyone who believes they might be sick (with anything) to stay home; we also strongly encourage anyone with underlying vulnerable conditions to stay home. The worship of God will continue, just as it has these many months, in community with you, wherever you are.
This will be a time of learning. A time of discovering what works and what doesn't, what's faithful and what isn't. During this time, we hope you will share your feedback with us, so that we can continue to make the most responsible and faithful decisions for our congregation.
We have missed you so much. We are so excited at the prospect of being able to see you again, to worship God as the community of the gathered, to find peace and rest at the foot of the cross. But we also know that we have been doing that all along. We never stopped being the church. The gospel survived the cross; it has most certainly survived this. In fact, we have discovered new ways of being church, loving each other, and serving God. Whatever comes, know that you are held fast in the love of the One who made you, who searches you, and who goes before you.