Current news at westminster
Click here for January/February 2022 newsletter
Click here to read the Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (Jan 2022), which will be discussed at length at the Congregational Annual Meeting on January 30, 2022.
Click here to read the 2021 Annual Report.
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
As we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the Covid pandemic, we are offering a hybrid worship experience that is engaging, meaningful, and Spirit-led for both in-person and online worshipers, creating a single, unified community that stretches across pews and data streams. Hybrid worship simultaneously engages in-person worshipers and worshipers attending from home. Livestream worship will be on Facebook Live. In person worshipers are expected to practice safety precautions (masks, hand washing and sanitizing, social distancing, etc) and there will be no singing, no handshaking or hugging, no coffee hour. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
January and February Sermons
Jan. 2: A special intergenerational Epiphany Readers Theater
Jan. 9: "Why was Jesus baptized?" a Baptism of the Lord sermon
Jan. 16: "Even Jesus needs a push now and then," a sermon about Jesus' first miracle
Jan. 23: Rev. Karen Chamis, from Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery, guest preaching
Jan. 30: "It's not about you," a sermon about the message that got Jesus thrown out of town
Feb. 6: "Empty nets," a Scout Sunday sermon about making a difference
Feb. 13: "Dangerous gospel" a sermon about costly discipleship
Feb. 20: "Does Christianity liberate or oppress?" a sermon about the dual use of "Love thy enemy"
Feb. 27: "The other nine," a Transfiguration sermon about the disciples not invited up the mountain
Sermons can be read here the week following each Sunday service. We also have a YouTube channel, where we are posting the video versions of sermons each week. Complete services are always available to watch on our Facebook page.
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.
Journey through the Bible
This year we are taking a journey through the Bible. Together, we are discovering its wonderful stories and learning about this ancient text and its often surprising meaning and relevance for our lives today. Throughout the year, we offer gatherings, readings, activities, and resources to explore the Bible at your own pace and level of interest. In-person education hours, originally scheduled monthly, are meeting as Covid precautions permit. In between the in-person sessions, we suggest readings to do at home, and also are sending links to videos and other resources which tell the stories in different ways. We can supply Bibles to anyone who needs or wants one. We have a variety of different translations and an assortment of story Bibles and other resources which we’d love to share. We've designed this series so you can join us, whenever and wherever you're able. But our biggest hope is that we'll all find new and wonderful ways to bring the Bible into our daily life, sharing it with family and friends, and reading it in private study. Read more about the "Journey through the Bible" here.
Annual Meeting January 30
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation/Corporation of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn, will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday, January 30, at 10:30am immediately following worship. Online participants may join the meeting on Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to review the annual reports of the boards, committees and staff of the church, review the 2021 financial reports and the 2022 budget, vote on the changes in the terms of the pastor’s call, and conduct any other business which might come before the congregation. A major focus of this year’s annual meeting will be to hear the report of the Holy Conversations Team and to reflect on their recommendations for the church.
Pride House
Pride House of New York is a youth program for teens and young adults ages 13-18, located at 17 William Street in Auburn New York. Our program and facility offer a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) teens, and their allies. Pride House is a place of acceptance and support where LGBTQ+ youth and their allies can come together and be welcomed as themselves, embrace their individuality, receive support, have fun, and connect with others. All events, programs, and services at Pride House are always free! Learn more about Pride House here.
Refresh
Looking for renewal and a deepened connection with God and other women? Join Refresh, which meets monthly on Zoom on the second Saturday at 10am on Zoom. The group is participating in the church's year long "Journey through the Bible," and Refresh meetings will be a monthly touching base with informal conversation about the Bible readings. In addition to study and discussion, Refresh invites personal sharing and prayer, fostering deep bonds of sisterhood and community.
Contemplative Hikes
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, January 29, at 1 pm, we will return to the Owasco Bluffs Nature Preserve, protecting over 1,100 feet of undeveloped, pristine shoreline of Owasco Lake. The short one mile trail features forested bluffs and meadows, ending at a wooded hillside with spectacular lake views. Learn more: www.fllt.org/owascobluffs. On Saturday, February 26, at 1 pm, we will hike at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, taking advantage of the excellent opportunity to see white-tailed deer, fox, small mammals and resident birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, cardinals, and chickadees. The refuge is about 20 minutes from Auburn. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided. RSVP is requested.
January Loose Change Offering
In January, the loose change offerings will support our next door neighbor, the Auburn YMCA-WEIU. The YMCA has been impacted enormously by Covid. The 162-year-old institution is a center for health, wellness, child care, social support, and togetherness, and serves people of all ages and abilities. It receives no government funding and is entirely funded by membership, program fees, and donations. The Y provides scholarships for those who cannot afford to pay membership fees. To donate online, click here.
Westminster Book Group
The book group meets the third Thursday evening of each month at 7pm on Zoom. It will discuss The Agitators by Dorothy Wickenden on January 20, 2022 and On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed on February 17. Both books are available from Seymour Library and the Finger Lakes Library System. To receive the Zoom link (or notification if plans change), email Ann Wiley at ann@annlwiley.com
Ode to Joy Skinner Organ Restoration Campaign
Westminster has embarked on a three-year capital campaign to help pay for the full restoration of our magnificent Skinner pipe organ (Opus 579) built in 1926. Please read the Ode to Joy materials 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.
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.
2021 columns:
Audrey McNally's December 26 column: Restoration of Skinner organ brings Christmas joy
Jill Fandrich's November 28 column: Journey through the Bible
Chris Patch's October 31 column: Pride House opens its doors to LGBTQ+ youth
Patrick Heery's October 3 column: The hope of World Communion Sunday
Shavonn Lynch's Sept 5 column: The problem with being colorblind
Kimberly Patch's August 8 column: People change, and so must the church
Jill Fandrich's July 11 column: Reflections on four decades of change
Patrick Heery's June column: A love letter to our Catholic brothers and sisters
Jill Fandrich's May 16 column: Put love into action on Day of Service
Patrick Heery's April 18 column: It's Easter and we've lost Jesus
Jill Fandrich's March 21 column: Finding God in the ordinary
Patrick Heery's February 21 column: Is Scouting worth saving?
Shavonn Lynch's January 24 column: Women connect through Refresh
Older columns can be found here
Handbell Choir
Lori Rhodes Pettit will resume rehearsals with the new handbell choir on Sunday February 6, with weekly rehearsals each Sunday following worship. This is a great time to join the group and give handbell ringing a try! Prior experience is not necessary, but ability to read music is helpful. Handbell choirs are a unique form of musical expression using chromatically scaled handbells of different sizes. The bells are laid out on a long table, and each ringer is assigned a musical score and one, two, or several bells. Each ringer plays their bell(s) on cue, making the choir one large musical instrument. Handbell choirs are making a comeback during pandemic times, as they are a safe way to participate in a group musical experience without using voice or wind instruments. Westminster has a 4 octave set of Malmark handbells, and will provide gloves and instruction in proper technique. For further information, call the church office at 315-253-3331 or email office@westminsterauburn.org.
Scouting Sunday
Westminster invites all scouts and scout leaders to worship with us on Sunday February 6 for our sixth annual celebration of Scout Sunday. Scout Sunday is traditionally held in early February near Scouting Anniversary Day, in honor of the 12th point of the Scout Law, which declares that a Scout is reverent. Scouts are invited to wear their uniforms, bring their families, and join with others to celebrate the many gifts that scouting brings to participants and to the community at large. Worship begins at 9:30am in the sanctuary.
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!
Personal Care Pantry
The Personal Care Pantry has reopened and 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.
Click here to read the Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (Jan 2022), which will be discussed at length at the Congregational Annual Meeting on January 30, 2022.
Click here to read the 2021 Annual Report.
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
As we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the Covid pandemic, we are offering a hybrid worship experience that is engaging, meaningful, and Spirit-led for both in-person and online worshipers, creating a single, unified community that stretches across pews and data streams. Hybrid worship simultaneously engages in-person worshipers and worshipers attending from home. Livestream worship will be on Facebook Live. In person worshipers are expected to practice safety precautions (masks, hand washing and sanitizing, social distancing, etc) and there will be no singing, no handshaking or hugging, no coffee hour. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
January and February Sermons
Jan. 2: A special intergenerational Epiphany Readers Theater
Jan. 9: "Why was Jesus baptized?" a Baptism of the Lord sermon
Jan. 16: "Even Jesus needs a push now and then," a sermon about Jesus' first miracle
Jan. 23: Rev. Karen Chamis, from Cayuga-Syracuse Presbytery, guest preaching
Jan. 30: "It's not about you," a sermon about the message that got Jesus thrown out of town
Feb. 6: "Empty nets," a Scout Sunday sermon about making a difference
Feb. 13: "Dangerous gospel" a sermon about costly discipleship
Feb. 20: "Does Christianity liberate or oppress?" a sermon about the dual use of "Love thy enemy"
Feb. 27: "The other nine," a Transfiguration sermon about the disciples not invited up the mountain
Sermons can be read here the week following each Sunday service. We also have a YouTube channel, where we are posting the video versions of sermons each week. Complete services are always available to watch on our Facebook page.
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.
Journey through the Bible
This year we are taking a journey through the Bible. Together, we are discovering its wonderful stories and learning about this ancient text and its often surprising meaning and relevance for our lives today. Throughout the year, we offer gatherings, readings, activities, and resources to explore the Bible at your own pace and level of interest. In-person education hours, originally scheduled monthly, are meeting as Covid precautions permit. In between the in-person sessions, we suggest readings to do at home, and also are sending links to videos and other resources which tell the stories in different ways. We can supply Bibles to anyone who needs or wants one. We have a variety of different translations and an assortment of story Bibles and other resources which we’d love to share. We've designed this series so you can join us, whenever and wherever you're able. But our biggest hope is that we'll all find new and wonderful ways to bring the Bible into our daily life, sharing it with family and friends, and reading it in private study. Read more about the "Journey through the Bible" here.
Annual Meeting January 30
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation/Corporation of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn, will be held in the sanctuary on Sunday, January 30, at 10:30am immediately following worship. Online participants may join the meeting on Zoom. The purpose of this meeting is to review the annual reports of the boards, committees and staff of the church, review the 2021 financial reports and the 2022 budget, vote on the changes in the terms of the pastor’s call, and conduct any other business which might come before the congregation. A major focus of this year’s annual meeting will be to hear the report of the Holy Conversations Team and to reflect on their recommendations for the church.
Pride House
Pride House of New York is a youth program for teens and young adults ages 13-18, located at 17 William Street in Auburn New York. Our program and facility offer a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) teens, and their allies. Pride House is a place of acceptance and support where LGBTQ+ youth and their allies can come together and be welcomed as themselves, embrace their individuality, receive support, have fun, and connect with others. All events, programs, and services at Pride House are always free! Learn more about Pride House here.
Refresh
Looking for renewal and a deepened connection with God and other women? Join Refresh, which meets monthly on Zoom on the second Saturday at 10am on Zoom. The group is participating in the church's year long "Journey through the Bible," and Refresh meetings will be a monthly touching base with informal conversation about the Bible readings. In addition to study and discussion, Refresh invites personal sharing and prayer, fostering deep bonds of sisterhood and community.
Contemplative Hikes
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, January 29, at 1 pm, we will return to the Owasco Bluffs Nature Preserve, protecting over 1,100 feet of undeveloped, pristine shoreline of Owasco Lake. The short one mile trail features forested bluffs and meadows, ending at a wooded hillside with spectacular lake views. Learn more: www.fllt.org/owascobluffs. On Saturday, February 26, at 1 pm, we will hike at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge, taking advantage of the excellent opportunity to see white-tailed deer, fox, small mammals and resident birds such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, cardinals, and chickadees. The refuge is about 20 minutes from Auburn. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided. RSVP is requested.
January Loose Change Offering
In January, the loose change offerings will support our next door neighbor, the Auburn YMCA-WEIU. The YMCA has been impacted enormously by Covid. The 162-year-old institution is a center for health, wellness, child care, social support, and togetherness, and serves people of all ages and abilities. It receives no government funding and is entirely funded by membership, program fees, and donations. The Y provides scholarships for those who cannot afford to pay membership fees. To donate online, click here.
Westminster Book Group
The book group meets the third Thursday evening of each month at 7pm on Zoom. It will discuss The Agitators by Dorothy Wickenden on January 20, 2022 and On Juneteenth by Annette Gordon-Reed on February 17. Both books are available from Seymour Library and the Finger Lakes Library System. To receive the Zoom link (or notification if plans change), email Ann Wiley at ann@annlwiley.com
Ode to Joy Skinner Organ Restoration Campaign
Westminster has embarked on a three-year capital campaign to help pay for the full restoration of our magnificent Skinner pipe organ (Opus 579) built in 1926. Please read the Ode to Joy materials 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.
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.
2021 columns:
Audrey McNally's December 26 column: Restoration of Skinner organ brings Christmas joy
Jill Fandrich's November 28 column: Journey through the Bible
Chris Patch's October 31 column: Pride House opens its doors to LGBTQ+ youth
Patrick Heery's October 3 column: The hope of World Communion Sunday
Shavonn Lynch's Sept 5 column: The problem with being colorblind
Kimberly Patch's August 8 column: People change, and so must the church
Jill Fandrich's July 11 column: Reflections on four decades of change
Patrick Heery's June column: A love letter to our Catholic brothers and sisters
Jill Fandrich's May 16 column: Put love into action on Day of Service
Patrick Heery's April 18 column: It's Easter and we've lost Jesus
Jill Fandrich's March 21 column: Finding God in the ordinary
Patrick Heery's February 21 column: Is Scouting worth saving?
Shavonn Lynch's January 24 column: Women connect through Refresh
Older columns can be found here
Handbell Choir
Lori Rhodes Pettit will resume rehearsals with the new handbell choir on Sunday February 6, with weekly rehearsals each Sunday following worship. This is a great time to join the group and give handbell ringing a try! Prior experience is not necessary, but ability to read music is helpful. Handbell choirs are a unique form of musical expression using chromatically scaled handbells of different sizes. The bells are laid out on a long table, and each ringer is assigned a musical score and one, two, or several bells. Each ringer plays their bell(s) on cue, making the choir one large musical instrument. Handbell choirs are making a comeback during pandemic times, as they are a safe way to participate in a group musical experience without using voice or wind instruments. Westminster has a 4 octave set of Malmark handbells, and will provide gloves and instruction in proper technique. For further information, call the church office at 315-253-3331 or email office@westminsterauburn.org.
Scouting Sunday
Westminster invites all scouts and scout leaders to worship with us on Sunday February 6 for our sixth annual celebration of Scout Sunday. Scout Sunday is traditionally held in early February near Scouting Anniversary Day, in honor of the 12th point of the Scout Law, which declares that a Scout is reverent. Scouts are invited to wear their uniforms, bring their families, and join with others to celebrate the many gifts that scouting brings to participants and to the community at large. Worship begins at 9:30am in the sanctuary.
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!
Personal Care Pantry
The Personal Care Pantry has reopened and 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.