Current news at westminster
Click here for the September/October 2022 newsletter
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 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!
Westminster Church to Host Pastor from Korea on World Communion Sunday
The Rev. Unzu Lee, PC(USA) Liaison to North Korea, South Korea, and Hong Kong, will visit Auburn October 1-2, 2022. She will join Patrick Heery in leading worship, and will serve as guest preacher, as Westminster Church joins churches around the world in the celebration of World Communion Sunday on October 2nd. October 2nd is also designated as Peace and Global Witness Sunday. Rev. Lee is a member of the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) and a strong, tireless supporter of efforts to end the Korean War. Following worship and refreshments, Rev. Lee will lead a forum program open to both church and community members. Rev. Lee is currently living in Korea. Her profile and recent newsletters can be found at:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/unzu-lee/
Upcoming Sermons
Oct. 2: World Communion Sunday with guest preacher Rev. Unzu Lee
Oct. 9: "Home is where you are," a sermon about adjusting our expectations
Oct. 16: "God is a mobile home," a sermon about unsettling times
Oct. 23: "The world's not safe," a sermon asking what we're called to do in the face of so much danger
Oct. 30: "Have you climbed a tree lately?" a sermon about those moments when you can't find God
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.
Choir rehearsals resume!
Music director Lori Rhodes Pettit is excited to announce that on Wednesday evening, September 14 at 7pm, weekly choir rehearsals will resume for adults and teens, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in the upstairs choir room adjacent to the choir loft. Along with traditional repertoire, the choir will be learning more contemporary, praise-based music to share the glory of God through song. Please contact Lori with any questions at (315)406-3417 or loripettit22@gmail.com.
Construction Notice
Work is underway at Westminster on our water abatement project, which will involve the installation of gutters as well as underground pipes to route water away from church structures. It's a big undertaking that will take place over the next two months. The driveway from Court Street to William Street, which passes under the archway, is excavated and inaccessible. In addition, the front door to the Education Building is still accessible for the moment, but not from the back parking lot. If you park in the back, you will need to enter through the youth wing (the former nursery school). On Sunday, you can park in the side lot off William Street and enter the front of the sanctuary without obstruction, or you can park in the back lot and enter through the back doors to the sanctuary, beside the playground.
Congregational Meeting October 9
A congregational meeting is called for Sunday, October 9, at 10:30 am (following worship) to elect elders, deacons, and 2023 at-large members of the Nominating Committee. Due to a change in New York State law, we are not allowed to conduct the meeting both online and in-person; we have to choose one or the other, whenever the corporation of the church is invoked (such as the election of elders who function as our trustees). Therefore, Session decided that the meeting will be in-person. We hope still to live stream the meeting so that our online members can still observe, but unfortunately, voting and discussion will be limited to in-person members. We apologize for this limitation.
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, October 29, from 10 am to 12 pm, we will take a special 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 6). As the name suggests, Fort Hill does involve some steep incline, but is otherwise paved and easy. This has probably become our most popular walk, which involves the naming of loved ones, placing roses on graves, and special stops at the graves of Harriet Tubman, William Seward, Henry Fowler (our founding pastor), and personal loved ones. Many join us who don't have relatives buried at Fort Hill but who wish to walk prayerfully for their loved ones. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Refresh
Refresh is a spiritual growth group for women that meets monthly to pray, fellowship, and study Scripture. The group is currently following the Bible study Matchless by Angie Smith. The next gatherings will be on Saturday September 10th and Saturday October 8th at 10 am in the church social room. If you are interested in attending or have any questions please contact Catherine Fessenden at catbird417@gmail.com.
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.
2022 columns:
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.
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 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!
Westminster Church to Host Pastor from Korea on World Communion Sunday
The Rev. Unzu Lee, PC(USA) Liaison to North Korea, South Korea, and Hong Kong, will visit Auburn October 1-2, 2022. She will join Patrick Heery in leading worship, and will serve as guest preacher, as Westminster Church joins churches around the world in the celebration of World Communion Sunday on October 2nd. October 2nd is also designated as Peace and Global Witness Sunday. Rev. Lee is a member of the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) and a strong, tireless supporter of efforts to end the Korean War. Following worship and refreshments, Rev. Lee will lead a forum program open to both church and community members. Rev. Lee is currently living in Korea. Her profile and recent newsletters can be found at:
https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/missionconnections/unzu-lee/
Upcoming Sermons
Oct. 2: World Communion Sunday with guest preacher Rev. Unzu Lee
Oct. 9: "Home is where you are," a sermon about adjusting our expectations
Oct. 16: "God is a mobile home," a sermon about unsettling times
Oct. 23: "The world's not safe," a sermon asking what we're called to do in the face of so much danger
Oct. 30: "Have you climbed a tree lately?" a sermon about those moments when you can't find God
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.
Choir rehearsals resume!
Music director Lori Rhodes Pettit is excited to announce that on Wednesday evening, September 14 at 7pm, weekly choir rehearsals will resume for adults and teens, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in the upstairs choir room adjacent to the choir loft. Along with traditional repertoire, the choir will be learning more contemporary, praise-based music to share the glory of God through song. Please contact Lori with any questions at (315)406-3417 or loripettit22@gmail.com.
Construction Notice
Work is underway at Westminster on our water abatement project, which will involve the installation of gutters as well as underground pipes to route water away from church structures. It's a big undertaking that will take place over the next two months. The driveway from Court Street to William Street, which passes under the archway, is excavated and inaccessible. In addition, the front door to the Education Building is still accessible for the moment, but not from the back parking lot. If you park in the back, you will need to enter through the youth wing (the former nursery school). On Sunday, you can park in the side lot off William Street and enter the front of the sanctuary without obstruction, or you can park in the back lot and enter through the back doors to the sanctuary, beside the playground.
Congregational Meeting October 9
A congregational meeting is called for Sunday, October 9, at 10:30 am (following worship) to elect elders, deacons, and 2023 at-large members of the Nominating Committee. Due to a change in New York State law, we are not allowed to conduct the meeting both online and in-person; we have to choose one or the other, whenever the corporation of the church is invoked (such as the election of elders who function as our trustees). Therefore, Session decided that the meeting will be in-person. We hope still to live stream the meeting so that our online members can still observe, but unfortunately, voting and discussion will be limited to in-person members. We apologize for this limitation.
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, October 29, from 10 am to 12 pm, we will take a special 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 6). As the name suggests, Fort Hill does involve some steep incline, but is otherwise paved and easy. This has probably become our most popular walk, which involves the naming of loved ones, placing roses on graves, and special stops at the graves of Harriet Tubman, William Seward, Henry Fowler (our founding pastor), and personal loved ones. Many join us who don't have relatives buried at Fort Hill but who wish to walk prayerfully for their loved ones. RSVP is requested. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331). Detailed information will then be provided.
Refresh
Refresh is a spiritual growth group for women that meets monthly to pray, fellowship, and study Scripture. The group is currently following the Bible study Matchless by Angie Smith. The next gatherings will be on Saturday September 10th and Saturday October 8th at 10 am in the church social room. If you are interested in attending or have any questions please contact Catherine Fessenden at catbird417@gmail.com.
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.
2022 columns:
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.