Current news at westminster
Click here for the January/February 2023 newsletter
Click here for the 2022 Annual Report
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
As we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the post-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 both in-person worshipers and worshipers attending from home. Livestream worship is on Facebook Live. In the summer, we will worship outside as often as possible, weather permitting. Masks are optional, and we have resumed congregational singing and fellowship time following worship. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
Upcoming Sermons
Feb. 5: "Let your light shine," a Scout Sunday sermon
Feb. 12: "The church of our ancestors," a special sermon about Westminster's finances and future
Feb. 19: "The search for the soul," a Transfiguration Sunday sermon sleuthing out the location and nature of the soul
Feb. 22: "Stardust," an Ash Wednesday sermon about the hopeful possibilities of remembering we are dust
Feb. 26: "Who is your Lord?" the first in a Lenten sermon series on Confirmation questions, exploring how we make decisions
Special Meeting of the Congregation February 12
Session, in collaboration with the Finance and Property Committees, has called a special congregational meeting to discuss the financial future of the church, budget deficits, capital needs, the theology of stewardship, and the creative and hopeful paths God is inviting us to take. We'll get a preview of these issues at the annual meeting on January 29, when the budget is presented, giving us a couple weeks to reflect. On Sunday, February 12, at 10:30am immediately following worship, we will gather again in the sanctuary for a more thorough presentation and discussion. Since the corporation will be taking no formal action at this meeting, we will be able to offer a hybrid experience, inviting participation both in-person and online. Here are the documents with details about the capital projects which are priorities at Westminster:
Click here for the assessment of our buildings and capital project recommendations, from the architectural firm Beardsley.
Click here for the slideshow summary of the Beardsley report.
Children’s Worship Center
What is the Children’s Worship Center? It’s a place for children to worship God! Following the children’s message kids ages 3-8 are invited to join story teller Noel Cregg for a song, story, meditative work time and prayer. The stories are told chronologically beginning in the New Testament and follow the church calendar.
Join the Westminster Choir
Start off the new year in song and fun! Westminster’s vocal choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the upstairs choir room adjacent to the choir loft. Adults and teens are welcome.
Ministry Teams
What is this new Ministry Team process all about!? You’ve heard that we are experimenting with a new way to plan worship, Christian Education, Mission and fellowship, but how does it work? Does it replace committees? Can you really sign up for short term commitments? How is it going? Read more here!
Loose Change Offering
It has been our practice for many years to designate the loose change in the offering plates to local organizations and programs which serve the community and people in need. Contributions are made in the offering box in the narthex, by mailing checks to the office, or through online giving on the church website. Westminster's February loose change offering will support Cub Scout Pack 40 and Scout Troop 43, helping families pay their dues and organizational fees.
Ash Wednesday
On February 22, Westminster Church will observe Ash Wednesday with a Communion service in the sanctuary at 7pm, both in-person and online via Facebook Live. Pastor Patrick will mark the hand or forehead of each worshiper saying the words, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes remind us of our mortality, and, because the mark is in the shape of the cross, of the hope we have in Christ. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a spiritual time of repentance, reconnecting with God, and joining Christ in his walk to the cross and beyond, to resurrection.
There will be a drive-through for ashes from 5 to 6pm for anyone unable to attend the service in person. Simply pull your car up to the archway between the church and education buildings, and you will receive a blessing in ashes; extra-long cue tips will be available for anyone wishing to avoid contact.
Refresh women's spirituality group
Refresh invites any interested women to explore the Bible. Refresh women pray, chat, study, share, care and pray again. The Refresh women will be exploring, for 6 months (January- June 2023), faith based words. So you might ask yourself, “What are faith based words”? Faith based words are GRACE, HOPE, PEACE, JOY, PIETY, PRAISE, FORGIVENESS, FAITH, TRUST, and many more. They meet the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 A.M., meeting approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the discussion. For more information, contact Bronwyn O'Connor.
Gilchrist Scholarship Deadline
April 3, 2023 is the deadline for Westminster college students to submit an application to receive a new or continuing scholarship from the Douglas J. Gilchrist Memorial Scholarship Fund. The applications and guidelines can be found on the Westminster Church website (Education page) or they may be picked up in the church office. Please note that first year applicants need to submit letters of recommendation with their applications, and will be interviewed by the committee.
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.
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
Click here to read the Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (2022)
Click here to read the 2021 Annual Report.
Citizen Columns
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen.
2023 columns:
Jill Fandrich's January 22 column: Sharing our faith through stories
2022 columns:
Patrick Heery's December 25 column: The Seriousness of Christmas
Beverly Miller's November 27 column: God, the church, and how they help when your husband dies
Audrey McNally's October 30 column: A season of caring, sharing, and preparing
Patrick Heery's Nov 6 column: What good does baptism do?
Ernie DeCaro's September 4 column: Sharing our light with others
Kim Patch's August 7 column: Four Steps to a Thriving Community
Jill Fandrich's July 10 column: The epistles address the early and the present church
Chris Patch's June 12 column: Pride Month represents positive change
Rev. Patrick Heery's May 15 column: Where you're already home
Audrey McNally's April 17 column: Auburn churches host sacred music concerts in May
Jill Fandrich's March 20 column: Taking a Sabbath rest
Rev. Larry Bell's February 20 column: Life after retirement a world of possibility and purpose
Catherine Fessenden's January 23 column: Get comfortable with the uncomfortable
Older columns can be found here
Journey through the Bible
Last year, we took a journey through the Bible. Together, we discovered its wonderful stories and learned about this ancient text and its often surprising meaning and relevance for our lives today. We suggested readings to do at home, and also provided links to videos and other resources which tell the stories in different ways. We designed this series so it can be done at any time, whenever and wherever you're able, so if you didn't participate last year, you can start it now! Our biggest hope is that you find new and wonderful ways to bring the Bible into your daily life, sharing it with family and friends, and reading it in private study. 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. Read more about the "Journey through the Bible" here.
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.
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 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.
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.
Click here for the 2022 Annual Report
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
As we navigate the ever-changing terrain of the post-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 both in-person worshipers and worshipers attending from home. Livestream worship is on Facebook Live. In the summer, we will worship outside as often as possible, weather permitting. Masks are optional, and we have resumed congregational singing and fellowship time following worship. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
Upcoming Sermons
Feb. 5: "Let your light shine," a Scout Sunday sermon
Feb. 12: "The church of our ancestors," a special sermon about Westminster's finances and future
Feb. 19: "The search for the soul," a Transfiguration Sunday sermon sleuthing out the location and nature of the soul
Feb. 22: "Stardust," an Ash Wednesday sermon about the hopeful possibilities of remembering we are dust
Feb. 26: "Who is your Lord?" the first in a Lenten sermon series on Confirmation questions, exploring how we make decisions
Special Meeting of the Congregation February 12
Session, in collaboration with the Finance and Property Committees, has called a special congregational meeting to discuss the financial future of the church, budget deficits, capital needs, the theology of stewardship, and the creative and hopeful paths God is inviting us to take. We'll get a preview of these issues at the annual meeting on January 29, when the budget is presented, giving us a couple weeks to reflect. On Sunday, February 12, at 10:30am immediately following worship, we will gather again in the sanctuary for a more thorough presentation and discussion. Since the corporation will be taking no formal action at this meeting, we will be able to offer a hybrid experience, inviting participation both in-person and online. Here are the documents with details about the capital projects which are priorities at Westminster:
Click here for the assessment of our buildings and capital project recommendations, from the architectural firm Beardsley.
Click here for the slideshow summary of the Beardsley report.
Children’s Worship Center
What is the Children’s Worship Center? It’s a place for children to worship God! Following the children’s message kids ages 3-8 are invited to join story teller Noel Cregg for a song, story, meditative work time and prayer. The stories are told chronologically beginning in the New Testament and follow the church calendar.
Join the Westminster Choir
Start off the new year in song and fun! Westminster’s vocal choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the upstairs choir room adjacent to the choir loft. Adults and teens are welcome.
Ministry Teams
What is this new Ministry Team process all about!? You’ve heard that we are experimenting with a new way to plan worship, Christian Education, Mission and fellowship, but how does it work? Does it replace committees? Can you really sign up for short term commitments? How is it going? Read more here!
Loose Change Offering
It has been our practice for many years to designate the loose change in the offering plates to local organizations and programs which serve the community and people in need. Contributions are made in the offering box in the narthex, by mailing checks to the office, or through online giving on the church website. Westminster's February loose change offering will support Cub Scout Pack 40 and Scout Troop 43, helping families pay their dues and organizational fees.
Ash Wednesday
On February 22, Westminster Church will observe Ash Wednesday with a Communion service in the sanctuary at 7pm, both in-person and online via Facebook Live. Pastor Patrick will mark the hand or forehead of each worshiper saying the words, “You are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The ashes remind us of our mortality, and, because the mark is in the shape of the cross, of the hope we have in Christ. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a spiritual time of repentance, reconnecting with God, and joining Christ in his walk to the cross and beyond, to resurrection.
There will be a drive-through for ashes from 5 to 6pm for anyone unable to attend the service in person. Simply pull your car up to the archway between the church and education buildings, and you will receive a blessing in ashes; extra-long cue tips will be available for anyone wishing to avoid contact.
Refresh women's spirituality group
Refresh invites any interested women to explore the Bible. Refresh women pray, chat, study, share, care and pray again. The Refresh women will be exploring, for 6 months (January- June 2023), faith based words. So you might ask yourself, “What are faith based words”? Faith based words are GRACE, HOPE, PEACE, JOY, PIETY, PRAISE, FORGIVENESS, FAITH, TRUST, and many more. They meet the second Saturday of each month at 10:00 A.M., meeting approximately 1-2 hours, depending on the discussion. For more information, contact Bronwyn O'Connor.
Gilchrist Scholarship Deadline
April 3, 2023 is the deadline for Westminster college students to submit an application to receive a new or continuing scholarship from the Douglas J. Gilchrist Memorial Scholarship Fund. The applications and guidelines can be found on the Westminster Church website (Education page) or they may be picked up in the church office. Please note that first year applicants need to submit letters of recommendation with their applications, and will be interviewed by the committee.
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.
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
Click here to read the Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (2022)
Click here to read the 2021 Annual Report.
Citizen Columns
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen.
2023 columns:
Jill Fandrich's January 22 column: Sharing our faith through stories
2022 columns:
Patrick Heery's December 25 column: The Seriousness of Christmas
Beverly Miller's November 27 column: God, the church, and how they help when your husband dies
Audrey McNally's October 30 column: A season of caring, sharing, and preparing
Patrick Heery's Nov 6 column: What good does baptism do?
Ernie DeCaro's September 4 column: Sharing our light with others
Kim Patch's August 7 column: Four Steps to a Thriving Community
Jill Fandrich's July 10 column: The epistles address the early and the present church
Chris Patch's June 12 column: Pride Month represents positive change
Rev. Patrick Heery's May 15 column: Where you're already home
Audrey McNally's April 17 column: Auburn churches host sacred music concerts in May
Jill Fandrich's March 20 column: Taking a Sabbath rest
Rev. Larry Bell's February 20 column: Life after retirement a world of possibility and purpose
Catherine Fessenden's January 23 column: Get comfortable with the uncomfortable
Older columns can be found here
Journey through the Bible
Last year, we took a journey through the Bible. Together, we discovered its wonderful stories and learned about this ancient text and its often surprising meaning and relevance for our lives today. We suggested readings to do at home, and also provided links to videos and other resources which tell the stories in different ways. We designed this series so it can be done at any time, whenever and wherever you're able, so if you didn't participate last year, you can start it now! Our biggest hope is that you find new and wonderful ways to bring the Bible into your daily life, sharing it with family and friends, and reading it in private study. 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. Read more about the "Journey through the Bible" here.
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.
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 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.
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.