Current news at westminster
January/February Newsletter here
Westminster Culinary Kids
Westminster will be offering Saturday morning cooking classes for kids 7 to 11 years old. They’ll learn 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 breakfast recipes geared for their age group. The cost is $10 per child to cover materials and to support REACH programs. The first class is March 16. For more information contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Game Night!
Families and kids are invited to this month's Game Night in the REACH wing of the education building, Friday, February 22, from 6-8pm. There'll be card games, board games, foosball, and food and snacks. Come check out the new digs in the former nursery school area, and enjoy an evening of fun, food and fellowship. All ages are invited and encouraged to bring a friend!
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Every month, on the last Tuesday at 7pm, people who are “parenting their parents” or caring for an elderly loved one meet in the social room for conversation, mutual support, and information sharing. The Elder Care Conversation Circle is facilitated by Susan Marteney and Jill Fandrich, and is open to the community. On February 26 and March 26, the group will meet for general conversation and updates. A number of group members are reading the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, and will join the Westminster Book Group to discuss it on April 25.
Contemplative Hikes
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. On Saturday, February 23, from 1 to 3 pm, we will hike at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. This will be easy to moderate in difficulty, though heavy snowfall may make it more challenging. RSVP is required. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331).
Thursday Night Small Group
In this adult small group, we will meet together to discuss scripture and life, share some snacks and great conversation as we grow together. The group will meet for 3 weeks to study and discuss diversity and inclusiveness in the Church. Topics include poverty, ethnicity, and sexuality. Each week is a stand-alone topic so you are invited to attend one, two or all of the groups. The time is 6-7:30pm on the remaining dates: Thursday February 21 and 28. For more information contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Wednesday Noon Study
The Wednesday Noon Study is experiencing the spiritual discipline of visio divina, which means "divine seeing, using a photograph or work of art as the focus for meditation. Reflections based on the Psalms prompt discussion and conversation in the hope that, as we prepare for Lent, we will be awakened to a new awareness of God's beauty and presence. The group meets in the conference room of the Education Building on Wednesdays at noon. Feel free to bring a lunch!
Ash Wednesday
On March 6, Westminster Church will observe Ash Wednesday with a soup supper (provided by the Membership Committee) 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 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 a cross, of the hope we have in Christ.
Lenten Study Opportunities
Lent is a season of study, reflection, and repentance that leads us to the promise of hope in Easter. Many Christians observe a period of moderation and spiritual discipline, setting aside time for intentional reflection on the life, death, and teachings of Jesus. You are invited to two study opportunities during Lent; read more at the links below:
Wednesday evening Soup and Study series beginning March 10:"Living Out Matthew 25"
Sunday Adult Forum series beginning March 13: "Lent 4.5 Christian Simplicity"
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.
Sunday School
Children in grades K through 3, and 4 through 7 meets in the REACH wing (first floor of the education building) during the education hour with teachers Chris Patch (grades 4-7) and Andrea and Aaron Creighton (grades K-3). Childcare for infants and toddlers during the education hour is in the new toddler room of the REACH wing.
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 Women
Westminster Women will be meeting on Tuesday, March 19 in the Social room at 1:30 pm. Our program entitled "Traveling With Susan" will be a power point presentation given by Susan Marteney. Susan has traveled to many unusual and exotic places, which you can enjoy from a comfortable chair, seeing amazing photos of places you might like to visit.
Blue Shirt Sunday
The first Sunday of Lent, March 10 is designated “Blue Shirt Sunday” by the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program. Blue shirts are worn by PDA mission volunteers wherever they are called to work shoulder- to-shoulder helping people in need. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is supported by the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, which Westminster will collect and dedicate on Palm Sunday. If you have a PDA “blue shirt,” wear it to church on March 10!
Harriet Tubman Day Prayer Service
Join the Auburn community in embodying the living legacy of Harriet Tubman, as area churches come together for second annual Harriet Tubman Day Prayer Service on March 9, at 4 pm, at the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ (103 Fitch Ave.). Special honors will be paid to Pauline Copes Johnson, descendant of Harriet Tubman, who will share her testimony with us. The following day, March 10, you are invited to the Equal Rights Heritage Center at noon for special Harriet Tubman Day learning events. That evening, you are invited to Auburn Public Theater for a poetry and music jam.
Worship Retreat: Finding God's Voice
Join Pastor Patrick, seminary student Shavonn Lynch, and worship chair Jill Fandrich on Saturday, March 30, 10 am - 2 pm, at Westminster, for a dynamic spiritual retreat and practical training, designed to help us reconnect with the heart of worship, as we listen for God's voice in our own voices. Drawing upon our collective experiences and insights, we will reflect on what makes worship meaningful, inspiring, and Spirit-led. With Patrick's help, participants will discover new gifts and confidence for worship leadership, Scripture reading, and preaching. This will be especially helpful for our liturgists. But the experience will also deepen our capacity to participate in life-giving, God-centered worship, and to envision such worship for Westminster. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Patrick.
Membership Growth Retreat
All church members and friends are invited to a Membership Growth Retreat on Saturday, April 6 from 10am to 2pm at the church. Pastor Patrick and members of the Membership & Evangelism Committee will lead the retreat to help everyone learn how we can better care for each other and how we can welcome others into the family of God that is Westminster Church. Lunch will be provided. Please come and invite others!
Gilchrist Scholarship Application Deadline
April 1 is the deadline for Westminster college students to submit their applications (new or continuing) for Gilchrist Memorial Scholarships. The guidelines and application are here.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
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.
Westminster Culinary Kids
Westminster will be offering Saturday morning cooking classes for kids 7 to 11 years old. They’ll learn 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 breakfast recipes geared for their age group. The cost is $10 per child to cover materials and to support REACH programs. The first class is March 16. For more information contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Game Night!
Families and kids are invited to this month's Game Night in the REACH wing of the education building, Friday, February 22, from 6-8pm. There'll be card games, board games, foosball, and food and snacks. Come check out the new digs in the former nursery school area, and enjoy an evening of fun, food and fellowship. All ages are invited and encouraged to bring a friend!
Elder Care Conversation Circle
Every month, on the last Tuesday at 7pm, people who are “parenting their parents” or caring for an elderly loved one meet in the social room for conversation, mutual support, and information sharing. The Elder Care Conversation Circle is facilitated by Susan Marteney and Jill Fandrich, and is open to the community. On February 26 and March 26, the group will meet for general conversation and updates. A number of group members are reading the book Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, and will join the Westminster Book Group to discuss it on April 25.
Contemplative Hikes
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. On Saturday, February 23, from 1 to 3 pm, we will hike at Montezuma Wildlife Refuge. This will be easy to moderate in difficulty, though heavy snowfall may make it more challenging. RSVP is required. Please contact Patrick (pastor@westminsterauburn.org, 315-253-3331).
Thursday Night Small Group
In this adult small group, we will meet together to discuss scripture and life, share some snacks and great conversation as we grow together. The group will meet for 3 weeks to study and discuss diversity and inclusiveness in the Church. Topics include poverty, ethnicity, and sexuality. Each week is a stand-alone topic so you are invited to attend one, two or all of the groups. The time is 6-7:30pm on the remaining dates: Thursday February 21 and 28. For more information contact Chris Patch at 315-664-0782 or by email ChrisPatchTMT@gmail.com.
Wednesday Noon Study
The Wednesday Noon Study is experiencing the spiritual discipline of visio divina, which means "divine seeing, using a photograph or work of art as the focus for meditation. Reflections based on the Psalms prompt discussion and conversation in the hope that, as we prepare for Lent, we will be awakened to a new awareness of God's beauty and presence. The group meets in the conference room of the Education Building on Wednesdays at noon. Feel free to bring a lunch!
Ash Wednesday
On March 6, Westminster Church will observe Ash Wednesday with a soup supper (provided by the Membership Committee) 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 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 a cross, of the hope we have in Christ.
Lenten Study Opportunities
Lent is a season of study, reflection, and repentance that leads us to the promise of hope in Easter. Many Christians observe a period of moderation and spiritual discipline, setting aside time for intentional reflection on the life, death, and teachings of Jesus. You are invited to two study opportunities during Lent; read more at the links below:
Wednesday evening Soup and Study series beginning March 10:"Living Out Matthew 25"
Sunday Adult Forum series beginning March 13: "Lent 4.5 Christian Simplicity"
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.
Sunday School
Children in grades K through 3, and 4 through 7 meets in the REACH wing (first floor of the education building) during the education hour with teachers Chris Patch (grades 4-7) and Andrea and Aaron Creighton (grades K-3). Childcare for infants and toddlers during the education hour is in the new toddler room of the REACH wing.
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 Women
Westminster Women will be meeting on Tuesday, March 19 in the Social room at 1:30 pm. Our program entitled "Traveling With Susan" will be a power point presentation given by Susan Marteney. Susan has traveled to many unusual and exotic places, which you can enjoy from a comfortable chair, seeing amazing photos of places you might like to visit.
Blue Shirt Sunday
The first Sunday of Lent, March 10 is designated “Blue Shirt Sunday” by the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Program. Blue shirts are worn by PDA mission volunteers wherever they are called to work shoulder- to-shoulder helping people in need. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is supported by the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering, which Westminster will collect and dedicate on Palm Sunday. If you have a PDA “blue shirt,” wear it to church on March 10!
Harriet Tubman Day Prayer Service
Join the Auburn community in embodying the living legacy of Harriet Tubman, as area churches come together for second annual Harriet Tubman Day Prayer Service on March 9, at 4 pm, at the Apostolic Church of the Lord Jesus Christ (103 Fitch Ave.). Special honors will be paid to Pauline Copes Johnson, descendant of Harriet Tubman, who will share her testimony with us. The following day, March 10, you are invited to the Equal Rights Heritage Center at noon for special Harriet Tubman Day learning events. That evening, you are invited to Auburn Public Theater for a poetry and music jam.
Worship Retreat: Finding God's Voice
Join Pastor Patrick, seminary student Shavonn Lynch, and worship chair Jill Fandrich on Saturday, March 30, 10 am - 2 pm, at Westminster, for a dynamic spiritual retreat and practical training, designed to help us reconnect with the heart of worship, as we listen for God's voice in our own voices. Drawing upon our collective experiences and insights, we will reflect on what makes worship meaningful, inspiring, and Spirit-led. With Patrick's help, participants will discover new gifts and confidence for worship leadership, Scripture reading, and preaching. This will be especially helpful for our liturgists. But the experience will also deepen our capacity to participate in life-giving, God-centered worship, and to envision such worship for Westminster. Lunch will be served. Please RSVP to Patrick.
Membership Growth Retreat
All church members and friends are invited to a Membership Growth Retreat on Saturday, April 6 from 10am to 2pm at the church. Pastor Patrick and members of the Membership & Evangelism Committee will lead the retreat to help everyone learn how we can better care for each other and how we can welcome others into the family of God that is Westminster Church. Lunch will be provided. Please come and invite others!
Gilchrist Scholarship Application Deadline
April 1 is the deadline for Westminster college students to submit their applications (new or continuing) for Gilchrist Memorial Scholarships. The guidelines and application are here.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
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.