Current news at westminster
September/October 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.
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.
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated toward a special cause each month. In October, the loose offerings support Westminster's efforts to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to area families through Calvary Food Pantry.
Book Study
A new 5 week study begins October 13, 5:30 - 7pm in the social room. We will be exploring the book A Credible Witness: Reflections on Power, Evangelism and Race by Brenda Salter McNeil, who argues that evangelism that only introduces people to Jesus is incomplete. Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, introduced here as Brenda's friend Sam, gives you the full picture of gospel reconciliation-—reconciliation to God and to each other. Contact Kim Patch for more details at 315-224-6884 or kimberlypatch@gmail.com.
Painting the Stars: Science, Religion, and an Evolving Faith
Every Wednesday evening through Nov. 13, 6:30-7:30 pm, you are invited to join a discussion at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles to explore the communion of science and faith and the promise of evolutionary Christian spirituality. Contact: 315-685-5048. Pastor Patrick will be joining these discussions, and leading a couple, as will other area clergy.
Masterworks Chorale at Westminster
The Masterworks Chorale presents its fall concert "Voices of Freedom" in Westminster's sanctuary on Sunday, October 27 at 4pm. The concert features new and traditional songs of hope, courage, and inspiration, including a tribute to Harriet Tubman. Tickets are $15; seniors $10 and youth (18 & under) free.
Harvest Dinner
On Saturday evening, October 26, at 5:00 pm, Westminster family and friends are invited to come together for the annual harvest dinner in the Great Hall. The membership committee is asking all to bring a dish to pass and enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, activities, music and much more.
Join the choir!
The Westminster choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings 7:30-9pm in the second floor choir room and welcomes new members! Talk to Lori Rhodes Pettit for more information.
Wednesday Noon Study
The Wednesday-noon conversation and Bible study group is engaged in a series on the Ten Commandments. It's called "Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments," and it examines the biblical context of each commandment, looks at how Jesus lived them out, and explores how we can live out our relationship with God and with another in a world ruled by other standards. Bring a bag lunch, and join Patrick in the conference room 12-1pm on Wednesdays through Thanksgiving.
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 October 29 at 7pm in the social room.
September Contemplative Hike
Monthly contemplative hikes offer renewal as hikers reconnect with God, the earth, and themselves. Led by Patrick Heery, this month's hike honors All Saints on Saturday, October 27, 10am to 12pm at Fort Hill Cemetary. RSVP with Patrick at 315-253-3331 or pastor@westminsterauburn.org for details.
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.
Veterans Book
Westminster's Veterans Book, which is displayed outside the memorial chapel, contains the names of Westminster members who have been honorably discharged from the US armed forces. Any members who would like their names added to the Veterans Book can fill out a form which is in the narthex, or talk to Kurt Lavin for more information.
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. 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.
Clothing collection for refugees
The Korean Presbyterian Church of Syracuse ministers to the local immigrant and refugee population with literacy and computer skills training, and also by providing clothing to the people they serve. Westminster Church is collecting new, or gently used and laundered clothing to be delivered to the Korean Church. All sizes are appropriate for the children but please only small and medium items for the adults. Items for all seasons are acceptable. A collection box is in the outer narthex.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
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.
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.
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.
Loose Change Offerings
The loose change in the offering plates is designated toward a special cause each month. In October, the loose offerings support Westminster's efforts to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to area families through Calvary Food Pantry.
Book Study
A new 5 week study begins October 13, 5:30 - 7pm in the social room. We will be exploring the book A Credible Witness: Reflections on Power, Evangelism and Race by Brenda Salter McNeil, who argues that evangelism that only introduces people to Jesus is incomplete. Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, introduced here as Brenda's friend Sam, gives you the full picture of gospel reconciliation-—reconciliation to God and to each other. Contact Kim Patch for more details at 315-224-6884 or kimberlypatch@gmail.com.
Painting the Stars: Science, Religion, and an Evolving Faith
Every Wednesday evening through Nov. 13, 6:30-7:30 pm, you are invited to join a discussion at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles to explore the communion of science and faith and the promise of evolutionary Christian spirituality. Contact: 315-685-5048. Pastor Patrick will be joining these discussions, and leading a couple, as will other area clergy.
Masterworks Chorale at Westminster
The Masterworks Chorale presents its fall concert "Voices of Freedom" in Westminster's sanctuary on Sunday, October 27 at 4pm. The concert features new and traditional songs of hope, courage, and inspiration, including a tribute to Harriet Tubman. Tickets are $15; seniors $10 and youth (18 & under) free.
Harvest Dinner
On Saturday evening, October 26, at 5:00 pm, Westminster family and friends are invited to come together for the annual harvest dinner in the Great Hall. The membership committee is asking all to bring a dish to pass and enjoy an evening of food, fellowship, activities, music and much more.
Join the choir!
The Westminster choir rehearses on Wednesday evenings 7:30-9pm in the second floor choir room and welcomes new members! Talk to Lori Rhodes Pettit for more information.
Wednesday Noon Study
The Wednesday-noon conversation and Bible study group is engaged in a series on the Ten Commandments. It's called "Love Carved in Stone: A Fresh Look at the Ten Commandments," and it examines the biblical context of each commandment, looks at how Jesus lived them out, and explores how we can live out our relationship with God and with another in a world ruled by other standards. Bring a bag lunch, and join Patrick in the conference room 12-1pm on Wednesdays through Thanksgiving.
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 October 29 at 7pm in the social room.
September Contemplative Hike
Monthly contemplative hikes offer renewal as hikers reconnect with God, the earth, and themselves. Led by Patrick Heery, this month's hike honors All Saints on Saturday, October 27, 10am to 12pm at Fort Hill Cemetary. RSVP with Patrick at 315-253-3331 or pastor@westminsterauburn.org for details.
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.
Veterans Book
Westminster's Veterans Book, which is displayed outside the memorial chapel, contains the names of Westminster members who have been honorably discharged from the US armed forces. Any members who would like their names added to the Veterans Book can fill out a form which is in the narthex, or talk to Kurt Lavin for more information.
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. 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.
Clothing collection for refugees
The Korean Presbyterian Church of Syracuse ministers to the local immigrant and refugee population with literacy and computer skills training, and also by providing clothing to the people they serve. Westminster Church is collecting new, or gently used and laundered clothing to be delivered to the Korean Church. All sizes are appropriate for the children but please only small and medium items for the adults. Items for all seasons are acceptable. A collection box is in the outer narthex.
Citizen Column
Westminster is featured in a monthly column in the Auburn Citizen. Here are:
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.