Current news at westminster
Click here for the March/April Newsletter
Online-Only Worship
With COVID cases still a concern and the difficulty getting vaccines, Westminster's Session is continuing online-only worship, with no public in-person worship, at least through Easter. Worship will continue on Facebook Live, and if you'd like help using this technology, please inform the church. Session will review this decision each month, and we will notify you when a change is made. At this time, the church buildings remain open to church business and small group gatherings. Please practice caution when visiting the church, wearing masks, distancing, using hand sanitizer, and staying home if sick or in contact with someone sick.
Upcoming Sermons
Feb. 21: "Orphaned," a Lenten sermon about parental death
Feb. 28: "Who am I now?" a Lenten sermon about retirement and other life changes
March 7: "Falling towers," a Lenten sermon about mid-life crises
March 14: "We are our memories," a Lenten sermon about Alzheimer's
March 21: "Living and dying with purpose," a Lenten sermon about mortality
March 28: "Holy, difficult bodies," a Lenten sermon about loss of control
April 1: A special Maundy Thursday service
April 2: A tenebrae Good Friday service
April 4: "He is not here," an Easter sermon about facing faith's hardest questions
April 11: Guest Preacher Shavonn Lynch
April 18: An extended, holy reading of the Easter Gospel interspersed with questions for reflection and silence
April 25: A special Earth Day service
Sermons can be read here the week following each Sunday service. We also have a new YouTube channel, where we are posting the video versions of sermons each week. Complete services are always available to watch on our Facebook page.
Lenten Sermon Series: Aging with God
Throughout Lent, the Rev. Patrick Heery will lead a six-part sermon series on discerning God's presence and guidance in the midst of getting older. Drawing upon years of pastoral counseling and upon resources such as physician Atul Gawande's excellent book "Being Mortal" and psychologist Alexander Levy's "The Orphaned Adult," this sermon series will explore topics such as Alzheimer's, life transitions, parental death, mid-life crises, healthcare decisions, and the loss of control. Together, we will walk with Jesus as he, and we, face difficult decisions, seeking God in the midst of getting older.
Lenten Soup and Study: Meeting God in the Ordinary
God is often at work through the ordinary: ordinary people, ordinary objects, ordinary grace. Through the ordinary, God communicates epiphanies, salvation, revelation, and reconciliation. It is through the mundane that we hear God's quiet voice. This year the Lenten Soup and Study will help us listen for that voice. It will take place on Wednesday nights at 6:30 beginning on February 24 and continuing through March 31. The study will be based on a devotional by Jill Duffield, Lent in Plain Sight. It's not necessary to read the book in order to participate, but if you'd like to, you may request a copy from the church (or obtain it on your own of course). We'll start at 6:30 to give everyone time to get supper. Please feel free to eat while we talk. From 6:30 to 7:00 we will discuss the devotions for a few days of that week, taking turns reading the Scriptures, and then summarizing Jill Duffield's thoughts and sharing our own. Families will be able to depart around 7:00 to get children into bed, and others will be able to stay and talk informally for a while if they would like. If you would like a copy of the book please check with the church office to be sure one is available (we can order more), and make arrangements to stop by to pick it up.
Offerings
The ministry of the church continues, and it depends on your offerings. You can mail a check, set up automatic pay with your bank, or donate online. Loose offerings in February support Cub Scout Pack 40 and Scout Troop 43. In March, they will support Friends Helping Friends in Cayuga County, and in April, they will support the Saturday Soup Kitchen at Sts Peter and John Episcopal Church. When you make your donation online, simply check the box "Loose change", or when you mail your check, write "Loose change"in the memo section.
Refresh
All women of Westminster, as well as any interested friends, are invited to join the Refresh Women’s study group on Saturday mornings for virtual Zoom sessions. The group is using Jill Duffield's devotional Lent in Plain Sight for its discussions, and they are encouraging participants to report "God sightings" they notice throughout the week. Anyone interested should email refreshwithin@yahoo.com for the Zoom invitation. This is a time for women to connect, learn a little something about God’s Word, and share some prayer time and fellowship.
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. 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. Do note, however, that for winter, we will shift our hikes to the afternoon, meeting at 1 pm. March and April hikes will begin at 10am.
Book Group
The Westminster Book Group will meet on Zoom the third Thursday of each month at 7pm to discuss the following books. Email ann@annlwiley.com for more information. The book group will resume in-person meetings when it is safe to do so. Upcoming books are:
January 21, February 18 March 18, Presidents of War, Michael Beschloss, chapters on World War I and World War II, led by Tony Gero.
Lent
Lent is the season of preparation before Easter. It is a time of study, reflection, and repentance that leads us to the promise of hope in Easter. Lent began on Ash Wednesday, which this year was February 17, and was observed with a drive-through imposition of ashes and an on-line service. Lent lasts for 40 weekdays (but does not include the six Sundays in that time because every Sunday is a “little Easter” celebrating Jesus’ resurrection). Many Christians observe a period of moderation and spiritual discipline (sometimes including fasting), setting aside time for intentional reflection on the life, death, and teachings of Jesus. This can happen both individually and within the faith community.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday: March 28
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, commemorating the day of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday worship will be livestreamed from the sanctuary at 9:30am.
Maundy Thursday: April 1
Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples and his commandment to "Love one another.” Worship will be livestreamed at 7pm, and communion will be shared virtually with worshiping using elements from their own kitchens.
Good Friday: April 2
Good Friday remembers Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion with a service of Tenebrae, which means “darkness” or “extinguishing of lights.” This service will be livestreamed from Patrick’s study at 7pm.
Easter Sunday: April 4
The Resurrection of Our Lord will be celebrated with two services on Easter. The sunrise service will begin at 6:30am and will be livestreamed from Patrick’s study. The 9:30am service will be livestreamed from the sanctuary, and will feature live music, readings, sermon, and communion.
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. The Ode to Joy campaign was launched last fall when members and friends of Westminster Church were sent a special mailing, including a letter, brochure, and pledge card. 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:
Shavonn Lynch's January 24 column: Women connect through Refresh
Older columns can be found here
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 Coat Tree is suspended until further notice due to Covid-19 concerns.
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!
Online-Only Worship
With COVID cases still a concern and the difficulty getting vaccines, Westminster's Session is continuing online-only worship, with no public in-person worship, at least through Easter. Worship will continue on Facebook Live, and if you'd like help using this technology, please inform the church. Session will review this decision each month, and we will notify you when a change is made. At this time, the church buildings remain open to church business and small group gatherings. Please practice caution when visiting the church, wearing masks, distancing, using hand sanitizer, and staying home if sick or in contact with someone sick.
Upcoming Sermons
Feb. 21: "Orphaned," a Lenten sermon about parental death
Feb. 28: "Who am I now?" a Lenten sermon about retirement and other life changes
March 7: "Falling towers," a Lenten sermon about mid-life crises
March 14: "We are our memories," a Lenten sermon about Alzheimer's
March 21: "Living and dying with purpose," a Lenten sermon about mortality
March 28: "Holy, difficult bodies," a Lenten sermon about loss of control
April 1: A special Maundy Thursday service
April 2: A tenebrae Good Friday service
April 4: "He is not here," an Easter sermon about facing faith's hardest questions
April 11: Guest Preacher Shavonn Lynch
April 18: An extended, holy reading of the Easter Gospel interspersed with questions for reflection and silence
April 25: A special Earth Day service
Sermons can be read here the week following each Sunday service. We also have a new YouTube channel, where we are posting the video versions of sermons each week. Complete services are always available to watch on our Facebook page.
Lenten Sermon Series: Aging with God
Throughout Lent, the Rev. Patrick Heery will lead a six-part sermon series on discerning God's presence and guidance in the midst of getting older. Drawing upon years of pastoral counseling and upon resources such as physician Atul Gawande's excellent book "Being Mortal" and psychologist Alexander Levy's "The Orphaned Adult," this sermon series will explore topics such as Alzheimer's, life transitions, parental death, mid-life crises, healthcare decisions, and the loss of control. Together, we will walk with Jesus as he, and we, face difficult decisions, seeking God in the midst of getting older.
Lenten Soup and Study: Meeting God in the Ordinary
God is often at work through the ordinary: ordinary people, ordinary objects, ordinary grace. Through the ordinary, God communicates epiphanies, salvation, revelation, and reconciliation. It is through the mundane that we hear God's quiet voice. This year the Lenten Soup and Study will help us listen for that voice. It will take place on Wednesday nights at 6:30 beginning on February 24 and continuing through March 31. The study will be based on a devotional by Jill Duffield, Lent in Plain Sight. It's not necessary to read the book in order to participate, but if you'd like to, you may request a copy from the church (or obtain it on your own of course). We'll start at 6:30 to give everyone time to get supper. Please feel free to eat while we talk. From 6:30 to 7:00 we will discuss the devotions for a few days of that week, taking turns reading the Scriptures, and then summarizing Jill Duffield's thoughts and sharing our own. Families will be able to depart around 7:00 to get children into bed, and others will be able to stay and talk informally for a while if they would like. If you would like a copy of the book please check with the church office to be sure one is available (we can order more), and make arrangements to stop by to pick it up.
Offerings
The ministry of the church continues, and it depends on your offerings. You can mail a check, set up automatic pay with your bank, or donate online. Loose offerings in February support Cub Scout Pack 40 and Scout Troop 43. In March, they will support Friends Helping Friends in Cayuga County, and in April, they will support the Saturday Soup Kitchen at Sts Peter and John Episcopal Church. When you make your donation online, simply check the box "Loose change", or when you mail your check, write "Loose change"in the memo section.
Refresh
All women of Westminster, as well as any interested friends, are invited to join the Refresh Women’s study group on Saturday mornings for virtual Zoom sessions. The group is using Jill Duffield's devotional Lent in Plain Sight for its discussions, and they are encouraging participants to report "God sightings" they notice throughout the week. Anyone interested should email refreshwithin@yahoo.com for the Zoom invitation. This is a time for women to connect, learn a little something about God’s Word, and share some prayer time and fellowship.
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. 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. Do note, however, that for winter, we will shift our hikes to the afternoon, meeting at 1 pm. March and April hikes will begin at 10am.
- On Saturday, February 27, 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.
- On Saturday, March 28, from 10 am to 12 pm, we will walk a portion of the Cayuga Seneca Canal Trail, including the Ludovico Sculpture Trail inspired by the women's rights movement. Our walk along the canal in Seneca Falls (about 20 minutes away) will mindfully place us in the presence of the women who have worked, and continue to work, for true equality.
- On Saturday, April 25, from 10 am to 12 pm, we will hike among the stunning waterfalls, canal, and beauties of the Keuka Outlet Trail near Dresden, about an hour away. Perfect for all skill levels, and dotted with scenic points, this hike will be lovely whether we have lingering winter or budding spring weather.
Book Group
The Westminster Book Group will meet on Zoom the third Thursday of each month at 7pm to discuss the following books. Email ann@annlwiley.com for more information. The book group will resume in-person meetings when it is safe to do so. Upcoming books are:
January 21, February 18 March 18, Presidents of War, Michael Beschloss, chapters on World War I and World War II, led by Tony Gero.
Lent
Lent is the season of preparation before Easter. It is a time of study, reflection, and repentance that leads us to the promise of hope in Easter. Lent began on Ash Wednesday, which this year was February 17, and was observed with a drive-through imposition of ashes and an on-line service. Lent lasts for 40 weekdays (but does not include the six Sundays in that time because every Sunday is a “little Easter” celebrating Jesus’ resurrection). Many Christians observe a period of moderation and spiritual discipline (sometimes including fasting), setting aside time for intentional reflection on the life, death, and teachings of Jesus. This can happen both individually and within the faith community.
Holy Week
Palm Sunday: March 28
Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday, commemorating the day of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Palm Sunday worship will be livestreamed from the sanctuary at 9:30am.
Maundy Thursday: April 1
Maundy Thursday remembers Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples and his commandment to "Love one another.” Worship will be livestreamed at 7pm, and communion will be shared virtually with worshiping using elements from their own kitchens.
Good Friday: April 2
Good Friday remembers Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion with a service of Tenebrae, which means “darkness” or “extinguishing of lights.” This service will be livestreamed from Patrick’s study at 7pm.
Easter Sunday: April 4
The Resurrection of Our Lord will be celebrated with two services on Easter. The sunrise service will begin at 6:30am and will be livestreamed from Patrick’s study. The 9:30am service will be livestreamed from the sanctuary, and will feature live music, readings, sermon, and communion.
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. The Ode to Joy campaign was launched last fall when members and friends of Westminster Church were sent a special mailing, including a letter, brochure, and pledge card. 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:
Shavonn Lynch's January 24 column: Women connect through Refresh
Older columns can be found here
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 Coat Tree is suspended until further notice due to Covid-19 concerns.
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!