Current news at westminster
May/June Newsletter here
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as African American Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The Auburn community will celebrate Juneteenth next Saturday, June 15, starting at 11am at the Equal Rights Heritage Center across the street from the church. Patrick Heery is one of the participants who will share remarks at noon. Join them and the whole community in celebrating freedom, equality, diversity, and social justice, with music, speeches, and wonderful food.
Parking Lot
The church parking lot is scheduled to be resurfaced this weekend. The lot will be closed from Saturday morning, June 15 through Monday morning, June 17. In the event of rain, we will set a rain date of July 13-14. On Sunday morning, June 16, please use the county parking lot next door to the church, the city parking garage, the city lot off Court St, or spaces on Court St.
Auburn's first Pride Week & Worship Service
The City of Auburn is organizing its first ever Pride Week for the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the protests that launched the modern LGBTQ equality movement. Events will take place throughout the week of June 23, culminating in a rally day at the Equal Rights Heritage Center on June 29 at noon. Our pastor, Patrick Heery, has the honor of serving on the planning committee. He will be facilitating a panel of LGBTQ people telling their stories and answering questions on Tuesday, June 25, at 7 pm. The next day, Wednesday, June 26, at 7 pm, Westminster will host Auburn's first interfaith Pride worship service, which will powerfully combine music, spiritual reflections, and testimonies. Westminster also has a painting by Blake Chamberlain on display in the narthex as part of the Pride Week Art Trail. Other events will include films, parties, a panel about parenting and family experiences, comedians, and a brunch. Join us, and help make history. Join us, and witness to the love of Auburn's only open and affirming Christian church.
Children's Worship Center
The Children's Worship Center offers an age appropriate worship experience for children ages 3 years old through grade 2, based on the Montessori model. Children learn to experience God's presence through hearing Bible stories and responding to them. Storyteller Noel Lardeo and a trained greeter welcome children to this unique space every Sunday morning following the pastor's time with children in the sanctuary. The Worship Center is located right outside the sanctuary doors. In the summer, Noel and Chelsea will lead Summer Sabbath during the worship hour.
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated for a particular organization each month. In June, they support the NAACP's efforts to distribute fully stocked backpacks to every child in Auburn who needs them.
LGBTQ+ Support
The Q Center/ACR Health is partnering with Westminster Presbyterian Church to bring their support services to Cayuga County. The Q Center is in Auburn every 2nd and 4th Monday from 3pm – 7pm. There is also a parent group on the 4th Monday from 5pm -7pm. Snacks, games, fun and a dinner are provided. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Westminster Culinary Kids
Westminster is offering Saturday morning cooking classes for kids 8 years old and up. They are learning the basics of knife skills, cooking and baking techniques, and organizing prep work. The class will cover fundamental kitchen skills, focusing on measuring, mixing, working cleanly and safely in the kitchen, and exploring cooking techniques, while following recipes geared for their age group. The cost is $15 per child to cover materials and to support REACH programs. Scholarships are available. The next class iss June 22, 10-12:30. Spaces are limited so reservations are necessary; contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Contemplative Hike
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, the monthly contemplative hikes offer renewal through connection with God, the earth, and ourselves. On Saturday, June 22, 10am-12noon, Patrick will lead a hike at Fillmore Glen Park, alongside beautiful waterfalls, streams, and pools. All are welcome to join us; RSVP is required by contacting Patrick at 315-253-3331 or pastor@westminsterauburn.org.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Kimberly Patch's May 19 column: "Can God be mother as well as father?"
Jill Fandrich's April 21 column: "Living the Easter faith through service"
Patrick Heery's March 24 column: "Why the cross is a sign of faith"
Chris Patch's February 24 column: "Why is Westminster offering kids' culinary classes?"
Patrick Heery's January 27 column: "It's ok to be faithful failures"
Jill Fandrich's December 29 column: "The Work of Christmas"
Patrick Heery's December column: "Is it Christmas yet?"
Jill Fandrich's November 4 column: "The ordinary holy lives of saints"
Patrick Heery's October 7 column: "How paternity leave made me a better father"
Jill Fandrich's Sept 9 column: "How storytelling helps us believe"
Jill Fandrich's August 12 column: "The good side of evangelism"
Jill Fandrich's July 15 column: "The Radical history of Sunday School"
Patrick Heery's June 17 column: "What would Jesus say about school shootings?"
Jill Fandrich's May 20 column: "How families can pass faith on to children"
Patrick Heery's April 22 column "When God calls your name"
Jill Fandrich's March 25 column "Telling the Holy Week stories to children"
Patrick Heery's Feb 25 column "Lent: The time is now"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 28 column "Westminster grant supports show based on neo-Nazi rally"
Audrey McNally's Dec 31 column "How sacred music has shaped my faith"
Patrick Heery's Dec 3 column "Where you'll find God this Christmas Eve"
Jill Fandrich's Nov 5 column "What comes after 'thoughts and prayers'?"
Patrick Heery's October 15 column "Finding the strength to fix our democracy"
Jill Fandrich's September 10 column "Church starting new caregivers group"
Patrick Heery's August 13 column "New Hiking Ministry Offers Renewal"
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."
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 App Tithe.ly in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
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 (grade 3 and up) worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets, books, and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. Elena Thomas and Chelsea Cater provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room. We also have a Baby Corner in the sanctuary with rocking chairs to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth, also known as African American Independence Day, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. The Auburn community will celebrate Juneteenth next Saturday, June 15, starting at 11am at the Equal Rights Heritage Center across the street from the church. Patrick Heery is one of the participants who will share remarks at noon. Join them and the whole community in celebrating freedom, equality, diversity, and social justice, with music, speeches, and wonderful food.
Parking Lot
The church parking lot is scheduled to be resurfaced this weekend. The lot will be closed from Saturday morning, June 15 through Monday morning, June 17. In the event of rain, we will set a rain date of July 13-14. On Sunday morning, June 16, please use the county parking lot next door to the church, the city parking garage, the city lot off Court St, or spaces on Court St.
Auburn's first Pride Week & Worship Service
The City of Auburn is organizing its first ever Pride Week for the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the protests that launched the modern LGBTQ equality movement. Events will take place throughout the week of June 23, culminating in a rally day at the Equal Rights Heritage Center on June 29 at noon. Our pastor, Patrick Heery, has the honor of serving on the planning committee. He will be facilitating a panel of LGBTQ people telling their stories and answering questions on Tuesday, June 25, at 7 pm. The next day, Wednesday, June 26, at 7 pm, Westminster will host Auburn's first interfaith Pride worship service, which will powerfully combine music, spiritual reflections, and testimonies. Westminster also has a painting by Blake Chamberlain on display in the narthex as part of the Pride Week Art Trail. Other events will include films, parties, a panel about parenting and family experiences, comedians, and a brunch. Join us, and help make history. Join us, and witness to the love of Auburn's only open and affirming Christian church.
Children's Worship Center
The Children's Worship Center offers an age appropriate worship experience for children ages 3 years old through grade 2, based on the Montessori model. Children learn to experience God's presence through hearing Bible stories and responding to them. Storyteller Noel Lardeo and a trained greeter welcome children to this unique space every Sunday morning following the pastor's time with children in the sanctuary. The Worship Center is located right outside the sanctuary doors. In the summer, Noel and Chelsea will lead Summer Sabbath during the worship hour.
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated for a particular organization each month. In June, they support the NAACP's efforts to distribute fully stocked backpacks to every child in Auburn who needs them.
LGBTQ+ Support
The Q Center/ACR Health is partnering with Westminster Presbyterian Church to bring their support services to Cayuga County. The Q Center is in Auburn every 2nd and 4th Monday from 3pm – 7pm. There is also a parent group on the 4th Monday from 5pm -7pm. Snacks, games, fun and a dinner are provided. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Westminster Culinary Kids
Westminster is offering Saturday morning cooking classes for kids 8 years old and up. They are learning the basics of knife skills, cooking and baking techniques, and organizing prep work. The class will cover fundamental kitchen skills, focusing on measuring, mixing, working cleanly and safely in the kitchen, and exploring cooking techniques, while following recipes geared for their age group. The cost is $15 per child to cover materials and to support REACH programs. Scholarships are available. The next class iss June 22, 10-12:30. Spaces are limited so reservations are necessary; contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Contemplative Hike
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, the monthly contemplative hikes offer renewal through connection with God, the earth, and ourselves. On Saturday, June 22, 10am-12noon, Patrick will lead a hike at Fillmore Glen Park, alongside beautiful waterfalls, streams, and pools. All are welcome to join us; RSVP is required by contacting Patrick at 315-253-3331 or pastor@westminsterauburn.org.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Kimberly Patch's May 19 column: "Can God be mother as well as father?"
Jill Fandrich's April 21 column: "Living the Easter faith through service"
Patrick Heery's March 24 column: "Why the cross is a sign of faith"
Chris Patch's February 24 column: "Why is Westminster offering kids' culinary classes?"
Patrick Heery's January 27 column: "It's ok to be faithful failures"
Jill Fandrich's December 29 column: "The Work of Christmas"
Patrick Heery's December column: "Is it Christmas yet?"
Jill Fandrich's November 4 column: "The ordinary holy lives of saints"
Patrick Heery's October 7 column: "How paternity leave made me a better father"
Jill Fandrich's Sept 9 column: "How storytelling helps us believe"
Jill Fandrich's August 12 column: "The good side of evangelism"
Jill Fandrich's July 15 column: "The Radical history of Sunday School"
Patrick Heery's June 17 column: "What would Jesus say about school shootings?"
Jill Fandrich's May 20 column: "How families can pass faith on to children"
Patrick Heery's April 22 column "When God calls your name"
Jill Fandrich's March 25 column "Telling the Holy Week stories to children"
Patrick Heery's Feb 25 column "Lent: The time is now"
Jill Fandrich's Jan 28 column "Westminster grant supports show based on neo-Nazi rally"
Audrey McNally's Dec 31 column "How sacred music has shaped my faith"
Patrick Heery's Dec 3 column "Where you'll find God this Christmas Eve"
Jill Fandrich's Nov 5 column "What comes after 'thoughts and prayers'?"
Patrick Heery's October 15 column "Finding the strength to fix our democracy"
Jill Fandrich's September 10 column "Church starting new caregivers group"
Patrick Heery's August 13 column "New Hiking Ministry Offers Renewal"
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."
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 App Tithe.ly in the App Store on your phone or tablet. Download the app (it’s free!), and then search for Westminster by zip code 13021.
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 (grade 3 and up) worship with their families in the sanctuary; there are lectionary-related worksheets, books, and other resources available at the back of the sanctuary to engage children in worship. Elena Thomas and Chelsea Cater provide loving care for infants and toddlers in the social room. We also have a Baby Corner in the sanctuary with rocking chairs to provide a cozy spot for parents to cuddle with their infants and be in worship together.