Current news at westminster
January/February newsletter here
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 presents bible stories using wooden figures, with a trained greeter assisting. Children respond with wondering questions, art, "feast," and are dismissed with a blessing.
Loose Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated for a particular cause each month. In January, the loose change offerings support Perform 4 Purpose, a local non-profit that engages over 40 young musicians from all over the the county in musical performances that help raise funds for community causes.
Wednesday Noon Study
The Wednesday-noon conversation and Bible study group is studying women in the Bible, understandings of gender, and feminine imagery and language used for God Bring a bag lunch, and join Patrick in the conference room 12-1pm every Wednesday.
Refresh
The Refresh women's group meets the third Saturday of each month at 10am. The Refresh women's group will join the larger community of women at a free women's retreat taking place at the Auburn Alliance Church Saturday, January 18 from 8am to 2pm. The event will include music, worship, small group discussions, and guest speakers.
Book Group
The Westminster Book Group meets monthly on the third Thursday at 7pm to discuss books which are suggested and led by group members, which leads to a diverse and fascinating array of literature and rich conversation. The next meeting is January 16.
Upcoming book selections are:
Read ahead in Doris Kearn Goodwin's Leadership in Turbulent Times, which will discussed in segments in January, February, March and April. The May 2020 book will be Island of Sea Women, by Lisa See.
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration
The 45th annual Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Citywide Celebration is Sunday January 19 at 3pm at Lakes Church, 138 Genesee St in Auburn. Please attend this beautiful gathering of Dr King's ongoing vision of a beloved community, bound in love, freedom, and justice.
Martin Luther King Jr Millennium Luncheon
The Auburn/Cayuga branch of the NAACP invites Westminster members to its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Millennial Luncheon Friday, January 24, at noon at the Sunset Restaurant. Awards will be presented, good food will be enjoyed, and the community will be strengthened in King's dream of a people unified in love and justice. Westminster is a proud lifetime member of the NAACP, and Pastor Patrick and Shavonn Lynch serve on its board. Luncheon tickets are $25 and are available at the door.
Contemplative Hike
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and our selves. There is great meaning to be found in experiencing God's creation in all four seasons, so don't let the wintry weather deter you. There is no peace on earth quite like the quiet of a snow-covered forest. Next Saturday, January 25, from 1 to 3 pm, we will take a special prayer walk at the lovely, and mostly flat, nature trail behind Cayuga Community College in Auburn. During this walk, we will stop periodically, practice mindfulness of God's presence, and pray for the new life that begins this year.
Elder Care Circle
Westminster's Elder Care Conversation Circle is a support group for people who are caring for aging parents, exploring the unique challenges of "parenting your parents" as they face medical issues, dementia, difficulties living independently, and more. The group meets the last Tuesday of each month for conversation, sharing, and support. The next meeting is January 28 at 7pm in the social room.
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. The Q Center meets in the youth room on the first floor of Westminster's Education Building. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Property Workdays
The Property Committee holds Property Work Days on the third Saturday of each month. The hard-working committee members always have a list of projects, which include work for skilled and unskilled workers alike. They always welcome additional volunteers on these workdays. Please consider volunteering on a workday. Talk to Robyn Warn if you have questions, or if you have free time at other times to work on some projects.
Children and Worship
Children are always welcome in worship at Westminster, but we also offer childcare with Chelsea Cater and Ethan Reilley in the social room for young children (newborn through age 2) following the pastor's time with children. Older children worship with their families; each week there are lectionary-related worksheets and other resources, including a variety of children's bibles, available to engage children in worship.
Annual Meeting January 26
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation/Corporation of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn, will be held in the Social Room on Sunday, January 26, at 10:30am immediately following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to review the annual reports of the boards, committees and staff of the church, review the 2019 financial reports and the 2020 budget, vote on the changes in the terms of the pastor’s call, and conduct any other business which might come before the congregation.
Scout Sunday
Many of Westminster’s children are involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. This is the fourth year we celebrate Scout Sunday, which is traditionally held on the Sunday before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day). We are inviting our church’s scouts, as well as members of their respective troops, to participate in Scout Sunday on February 2. Scouts, in uniform, will participate in various parts of the service.
Souper Bowl
Souper Bowl of Caring is a national movement of young people working to fight hunger and poverty in their own communities on Super Bowl Sunday, by taking a collection in soup pots. They give 100% of their donation directly to the local hunger-relief charity of their choice. Westminster youth have designated Calvary Food Pantry as the recipient of their collections. On February 2, they will be at the back doors of the sanctuary following worship to collect the Souper Bowl of Caring offering. Please give generously to help tackle hunger in Auburn.
Ash Wednesday
On February 26, Westminster Church will observe Ash Wednesday with a soup supper in the Social Room at 6pm, followed by a communion service in the sanctuary at 7pm. In addition to observing communion by intinction, Pastor Patrick will mark the hand or forehead of each worshipper 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 a cross, of the hope we have in Christ. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Patrick Heery's December 29 column: "Are Christmas angels real?"
Jill Fandrich's December 1 column: "Actively waiting during Advent"
Patrick Heery's November 3 column: "We should love God's earth better"
Shavonn Lynch's October 6 column: "A place to come alive"
Jill Fandrich's September 8 column: "What does 'All are Welcome' really mean?"
Kimberly Patch's August 11 column: "Creation Care is Self-Care"
Jill Fandrich's July 14 column: "Worship God outdoors"
Patrick Heery's June 16 column: "The pastor is proudly LGBTQ affirming"
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. Chelsea Cater and Ethan Reilley 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.
Coat Tree
The Mission and Stewardship Committee has set up the Coat Tree in the hallway of the Education Building again this season 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. Winter hats, gloves and scarves can be placed in the boxes below.
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 presents bible stories using wooden figures, with a trained greeter assisting. Children respond with wondering questions, art, "feast," and are dismissed with a blessing.
Loose Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated for a particular cause each month. In January, the loose change offerings support Perform 4 Purpose, a local non-profit that engages over 40 young musicians from all over the the county in musical performances that help raise funds for community causes.
Wednesday Noon Study
The Wednesday-noon conversation and Bible study group is studying women in the Bible, understandings of gender, and feminine imagery and language used for God Bring a bag lunch, and join Patrick in the conference room 12-1pm every Wednesday.
Refresh
The Refresh women's group meets the third Saturday of each month at 10am. The Refresh women's group will join the larger community of women at a free women's retreat taking place at the Auburn Alliance Church Saturday, January 18 from 8am to 2pm. The event will include music, worship, small group discussions, and guest speakers.
Book Group
The Westminster Book Group meets monthly on the third Thursday at 7pm to discuss books which are suggested and led by group members, which leads to a diverse and fascinating array of literature and rich conversation. The next meeting is January 16.
Upcoming book selections are:
Read ahead in Doris Kearn Goodwin's Leadership in Turbulent Times, which will discussed in segments in January, February, March and April. The May 2020 book will be Island of Sea Women, by Lisa See.
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration
The 45th annual Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Citywide Celebration is Sunday January 19 at 3pm at Lakes Church, 138 Genesee St in Auburn. Please attend this beautiful gathering of Dr King's ongoing vision of a beloved community, bound in love, freedom, and justice.
Martin Luther King Jr Millennium Luncheon
The Auburn/Cayuga branch of the NAACP invites Westminster members to its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Millennial Luncheon Friday, January 24, at noon at the Sunset Restaurant. Awards will be presented, good food will be enjoyed, and the community will be strengthened in King's dream of a people unified in love and justice. Westminster is a proud lifetime member of the NAACP, and Pastor Patrick and Shavonn Lynch serve on its board. Luncheon tickets are $25 and are available at the door.
Contemplative Hike
Spent partly in silence and partly in conversation, our contemplative hikes offer renewal as we reconnect with God, the earth, and our selves. There is great meaning to be found in experiencing God's creation in all four seasons, so don't let the wintry weather deter you. There is no peace on earth quite like the quiet of a snow-covered forest. Next Saturday, January 25, from 1 to 3 pm, we will take a special prayer walk at the lovely, and mostly flat, nature trail behind Cayuga Community College in Auburn. During this walk, we will stop periodically, practice mindfulness of God's presence, and pray for the new life that begins this year.
Elder Care Circle
Westminster's Elder Care Conversation Circle is a support group for people who are caring for aging parents, exploring the unique challenges of "parenting your parents" as they face medical issues, dementia, difficulties living independently, and more. The group meets the last Tuesday of each month for conversation, sharing, and support. The next meeting is January 28 at 7pm in the social room.
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. The Q Center meets in the youth room on the first floor of Westminster's Education Building. Have additional questions? Call the Q Center at (315) 475-2430 or email qcentercny@acrhealth.org.
Property Workdays
The Property Committee holds Property Work Days on the third Saturday of each month. The hard-working committee members always have a list of projects, which include work for skilled and unskilled workers alike. They always welcome additional volunteers on these workdays. Please consider volunteering on a workday. Talk to Robyn Warn if you have questions, or if you have free time at other times to work on some projects.
Children and Worship
Children are always welcome in worship at Westminster, but we also offer childcare with Chelsea Cater and Ethan Reilley in the social room for young children (newborn through age 2) following the pastor's time with children. Older children worship with their families; each week there are lectionary-related worksheets and other resources, including a variety of children's bibles, available to engage children in worship.
Annual Meeting January 26
The Annual Meeting of the Congregation/Corporation of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Auburn, will be held in the Social Room on Sunday, January 26, at 10:30am immediately following worship. The purpose of this meeting is to review the annual reports of the boards, committees and staff of the church, review the 2019 financial reports and the 2020 budget, vote on the changes in the terms of the pastor’s call, and conduct any other business which might come before the congregation.
Scout Sunday
Many of Westminster’s children are involved in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts. This is the fourth year we celebrate Scout Sunday, which is traditionally held on the Sunday before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day). We are inviting our church’s scouts, as well as members of their respective troops, to participate in Scout Sunday on February 2. Scouts, in uniform, will participate in various parts of the service.
Souper Bowl
Souper Bowl of Caring is a national movement of young people working to fight hunger and poverty in their own communities on Super Bowl Sunday, by taking a collection in soup pots. They give 100% of their donation directly to the local hunger-relief charity of their choice. Westminster youth have designated Calvary Food Pantry as the recipient of their collections. On February 2, they will be at the back doors of the sanctuary following worship to collect the Souper Bowl of Caring offering. Please give generously to help tackle hunger in Auburn.
Ash Wednesday
On February 26, Westminster Church will observe Ash Wednesday with a soup supper in the Social Room at 6pm, followed by a communion service in the sanctuary at 7pm. In addition to observing communion by intinction, Pastor Patrick will mark the hand or forehead of each worshipper 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 a cross, of the hope we have in Christ. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
Patrick Heery's December 29 column: "Are Christmas angels real?"
Jill Fandrich's December 1 column: "Actively waiting during Advent"
Patrick Heery's November 3 column: "We should love God's earth better"
Shavonn Lynch's October 6 column: "A place to come alive"
Jill Fandrich's September 8 column: "What does 'All are Welcome' really mean?"
Kimberly Patch's August 11 column: "Creation Care is Self-Care"
Jill Fandrich's July 14 column: "Worship God outdoors"
Patrick Heery's June 16 column: "The pastor is proudly LGBTQ affirming"
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. Chelsea Cater and Ethan Reilley 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.
Coat Tree
The Mission and Stewardship Committee has set up the Coat Tree in the hallway of the Education Building again this season 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. Winter hats, gloves and scarves can be placed in the boxes below.