Current news at westminster
The February, March, April newsletter covers Lent and Easter. You can read it here!
Small Groups and Opportunities for Involvement at Westminster (updated Aug 2025)
Lent
Lent is a period of reflection and repentance that leads us to the promise of hope in Easter. Lent lasts for 40 weekdays, reminding us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness as he prepared for his public ministry. Many Christians observe a period of moderation and spiritual discipline during Lent, setting aside time for intentional reflection on the life, death, and teachings of Jesus. This can happen individually, with your family, and within the faith community. You are invited to take part in worship, education, and mission activities as you prepare your hearts this Lenten season at Westminster.
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
We offer a hybrid worship experience that engages both in-person and online worshipers, creating a single, unified community that stretches across pews and data streams. Livestream worship is on Facebook Live. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
Lenten Soup & Study: Were You There?
Our annual Soup & Study will be held in the Social Room for five Wednesdays during Lent, beginning next week on February 25. Our study this year is a devotional titled "Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals" by Luke Powery. Each session will begin with a soup supper followed by the "study" session led by one of five different facilitators, who will will share scripture, song, reflection, and prayer based on one or more spirituals. Musical accompaniment will be provided by Donna Riester.
Upcoming Forums
Growing Healthy Soil & Nutritious Food: Erin Humphrey Konuma of Silver Tree Forest Farm will lead a forum following worship today March 8, exploring market gardening, permaculture and regenerative agriculture. Learn how those practices are implemented at Erin and Peter's diversified micro-farm located in the Hamlet of Owasco. www.silvertreeforest.com
Who is Jesus? On Sundays March 15 and 22, the forums following worship will focus on “Who is Jesus?” As we continue our journey through Lent and approach Holy Week, trying to answer the question “who is Jesus?” takes on great significance. Jesus himself asked “Who do people say that I am?” And then followed that by asking “who do you say that I am?” Join us as we explore what scripture has to say and discover how we might answer that question for ourselves.
Refresh Women's Group
Refresh Women’s Spirituality Group will meet in the social room on March 21 at 10. All women are invited to participate in the study Who is Jesus?, a Presbyterian Women's Horizons Bible Study. See Ann Wiley for a copy of the study guide, which is generally considered one of the best produced by Presbyterian Women.
Loose Offerings
We designate the "loose offerings" each month to local organizations and programs which serve the community and people in need. Contributions can be made in the collection plates, by mailing checks to the office, or through online giving on the church website. On the first Sunday of each month, loose offerings support the Calvary Food Pantry. In March, they support Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for kids have none. Their motto is "No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town."
Palms and Pancakes
Please join Westminster friends Sunday March 29 following Palm Sunday worship for a pancake breakfast in the Great Hall provided by the Christian Education and Membership Committees with assistance from the Deacons.
Holy Week and Easter
Holy Week marks the final week of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday, commemorating the last days of Jesus Christ's life, including His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, crucifixion, and resurrection. The week begins with worship on Palm Sunday, March 29. The congregations of Westminster and Auburn United Methodist Church will come together for two worship services during Holy Week. We will meet in the sanctuary of Westminster on April 2 at 7pm for the Maundy Thursday-Tenebrae Service. On Good Friday, April 3 at 7pm our churches will worship together in the sanctuary of Auburn UMC. Rev. Adam Demetros and Rev. Alan Kinney will lead these two services. Easter Sunday worship includes an Easter Sunrise worship service at 6:30am at the Emerson Park Canoe Launch. The Easter Morning worship service will be in our sanctuary at 9:30am, followed by an Easter egg hunt for the kids.
Theology on Tap
Interested in engaging in a faith filled conversation in a way that's meaningful in our modern day context? Join Westminster’s Pastor Adam Demetros for Theology on Tap -- a time of faith, fellowship, and fun in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere to take on life's biggest questions while enjoying a few craft brews. The meetings will vary somewhat in date and location, due to schedules, weather, and site availability. Mark your calendars for the next Theology on Tap meet-ups-- Tuesday, March 10, at 6pm at AT Walley's and Wednesday, March 11, at 1pm at Cafe 108!
Personal Care Pantry
On the last Wednesday of each month, our church opens its doors to distribute personal care items (which cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits) to anyone who needs them. There is a special need for women’s sanitary products. The PCP also welcomes donations of reusable shopping bags and 2026 calendars of any size (like the free promotional ones you get this time of year). A donation box is in the narthex.
Gilchrist Scholarship Applications
Applications for scholarships from the Douglas J. Gilchrist Scholarship Fund are due April 1, 2026 in the church office. Scholarships are for Westminster members attending accredited institutions of higher education.
Worship at Westminster Manor
On the first Sunday of each month, Westminster members lead worship at Westminster Manor, an adult home at 81 South St. At 3pm, residents gather in the front living room to sing hymns, hear scripture, and pray together. A member of the small group worship team delivers a homily message and the sacrament of communion is shared. All are invited to join with the faithful residents of Westminster Manor to share in worship and fellowship on Sunday, April 12, led by Shelley Pantoliano.
Stay in touch!
Do you receive the weekly “westminstergrams” which include details of Sunday worship and news of upcoming programs and events? If you’d like to be included in these Thursday morning e-mailings, let Melanie know at [email protected] or talk to Jill Fandrich at church. The presbytery also sends out weekly “Presbytery Matters” e-news which are great way to stay aware of what our local churches are doing and also our larger church at the presbytery, Synod, and national level.
Parking Passes
Members and friends who use the church parking lot during the week should pick up a dashboard pass in the church office during office hours. We are trying to control the use of our lot by unauthorized drivers; these passes will help us identify cars which are welcome in our lot.
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.
2025-2026 columns:
Jill Fandrich's January column: Churches and Libraries are Both Sacred Spaces
Jill Fandrich's December 20 column: Light in Darkness
Jill Fandrich's November 23 column: God is in the Details
Rev Adam Demetros' October 26 column: Learning to Find the Sacred Purpose of Those Who Do you Harm
Brian Teucke's September 28 column: We the People, Working for Change
Pastor Shelley Pantoliano's August 31 column: Where do you see God?
Jill Fandrich's August 3 column: Faith in the Footlights
Paul Dungey's July 5 column: The Holy Spirit Earworm
Rev Adam Demetro's June 8 column: Tearing Down the Walls
Jill Fandrich's May 11 column: What it means to be a Good Samaritan
Jill Fandrich's April 13 column: Holy Week and the Triumph of Love
Rev. Adam's Demetros' March 16 column: How do we hold all things together?
Jill Fandrich's February 16 column: Westminster welcomes new pastor
Rob Schemerhorn's January 18 column: Baptism and Change
The Citizen columns can also be read on our blog page.
Older columns can be found here
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!
Capital Projects
Our church is more than a building, but we also acknowledge that the historic edifice which houses our ministries is the home in which we meet, worship, work, and serve the community. That home, however, is over 150 years old, and in need of constant care and maintenance. In 2020, Westminster leadership decided to complete a comprehensive property conditions study to efficiently plan for building repairs and renovations. We felt this was the best way to be good stewards of our property and our limited financial resources, helping us prioritize projects in a multi-year plan. Using a grant from the Sacred Sites Program of the NY Landmarks Conservancy, we engaged the services of Beardsley Inc to complete the conditions study. They provided us with a comprehensive study in 2021, outlining an array of top, medium, and lower priority projects to address over the next five years. We quickly undertook the first phase to abate the water damage to our foundation and walls by diverting storm drainage and installing gutters and downspouts. This work was top priority to stop further damage, allowing us to then undertake further repairs. Further priorities are bringing certain items up to code (electrical, lighting, etc.), repointing the masonry where needed, and shoring up the sanctuary basement where needed. The heating system is also discussed as a future need. These are important for ensuring safety and for maintaining the integrity of the buildings’ structure. Here are the documents with details about the capital projects which are priorities at Westminster:
Click here for the assessment of our buildings and capital project recommendations, from the architectural firm Beardsley.
Click here for the slideshow summary of the Beardsley report.
Click here to read the 2024 Annual Report
Small Groups and Opportunities for Involvement at Westminster (updated Aug 2025)
Lent
Lent is a period of reflection and repentance that leads us to the promise of hope in Easter. Lent lasts for 40 weekdays, reminding us of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness as he prepared for his public ministry. Many Christians observe a period of moderation and spiritual discipline during Lent, setting aside time for intentional reflection on the life, death, and teachings of Jesus. This can happen individually, with your family, and within the faith community. You are invited to take part in worship, education, and mission activities as you prepare your hearts this Lenten season at Westminster.
Hybrid worship: One community together in spirit
We offer a hybrid worship experience that engages both in-person and online worshipers, creating a single, unified community that stretches across pews and data streams. Livestream worship is on Facebook Live. Join us in-person or online at 9:30am every Sunday morning!
Lenten Soup & Study: Were You There?
Our annual Soup & Study will be held in the Social Room for five Wednesdays during Lent, beginning next week on February 25. Our study this year is a devotional titled "Were You There? Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals" by Luke Powery. Each session will begin with a soup supper followed by the "study" session led by one of five different facilitators, who will will share scripture, song, reflection, and prayer based on one or more spirituals. Musical accompaniment will be provided by Donna Riester.
Upcoming Forums
Growing Healthy Soil & Nutritious Food: Erin Humphrey Konuma of Silver Tree Forest Farm will lead a forum following worship today March 8, exploring market gardening, permaculture and regenerative agriculture. Learn how those practices are implemented at Erin and Peter's diversified micro-farm located in the Hamlet of Owasco. www.silvertreeforest.com
Who is Jesus? On Sundays March 15 and 22, the forums following worship will focus on “Who is Jesus?” As we continue our journey through Lent and approach Holy Week, trying to answer the question “who is Jesus?” takes on great significance. Jesus himself asked “Who do people say that I am?” And then followed that by asking “who do you say that I am?” Join us as we explore what scripture has to say and discover how we might answer that question for ourselves.
Refresh Women's Group
Refresh Women’s Spirituality Group will meet in the social room on March 21 at 10. All women are invited to participate in the study Who is Jesus?, a Presbyterian Women's Horizons Bible Study. See Ann Wiley for a copy of the study guide, which is generally considered one of the best produced by Presbyterian Women.
Loose Offerings
We designate the "loose offerings" each month to local organizations and programs which serve the community and people in need. Contributions can be made in the collection plates, by mailing checks to the office, or through online giving on the church website. On the first Sunday of each month, loose offerings support the Calvary Food Pantry. In March, they support Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for kids have none. Their motto is "No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town."
Palms and Pancakes
Please join Westminster friends Sunday March 29 following Palm Sunday worship for a pancake breakfast in the Great Hall provided by the Christian Education and Membership Committees with assistance from the Deacons.
Holy Week and Easter
Holy Week marks the final week of Lent, leading up to Easter Sunday, commemorating the last days of Jesus Christ's life, including His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, crucifixion, and resurrection. The week begins with worship on Palm Sunday, March 29. The congregations of Westminster and Auburn United Methodist Church will come together for two worship services during Holy Week. We will meet in the sanctuary of Westminster on April 2 at 7pm for the Maundy Thursday-Tenebrae Service. On Good Friday, April 3 at 7pm our churches will worship together in the sanctuary of Auburn UMC. Rev. Adam Demetros and Rev. Alan Kinney will lead these two services. Easter Sunday worship includes an Easter Sunrise worship service at 6:30am at the Emerson Park Canoe Launch. The Easter Morning worship service will be in our sanctuary at 9:30am, followed by an Easter egg hunt for the kids.
Theology on Tap
Interested in engaging in a faith filled conversation in a way that's meaningful in our modern day context? Join Westminster’s Pastor Adam Demetros for Theology on Tap -- a time of faith, fellowship, and fun in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere to take on life's biggest questions while enjoying a few craft brews. The meetings will vary somewhat in date and location, due to schedules, weather, and site availability. Mark your calendars for the next Theology on Tap meet-ups-- Tuesday, March 10, at 6pm at AT Walley's and Wednesday, March 11, at 1pm at Cafe 108!
Personal Care Pantry
On the last Wednesday of each month, our church opens its doors to distribute personal care items (which cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits) to anyone who needs them. There is a special need for women’s sanitary products. The PCP also welcomes donations of reusable shopping bags and 2026 calendars of any size (like the free promotional ones you get this time of year). A donation box is in the narthex.
Gilchrist Scholarship Applications
Applications for scholarships from the Douglas J. Gilchrist Scholarship Fund are due April 1, 2026 in the church office. Scholarships are for Westminster members attending accredited institutions of higher education.
Worship at Westminster Manor
On the first Sunday of each month, Westminster members lead worship at Westminster Manor, an adult home at 81 South St. At 3pm, residents gather in the front living room to sing hymns, hear scripture, and pray together. A member of the small group worship team delivers a homily message and the sacrament of communion is shared. All are invited to join with the faithful residents of Westminster Manor to share in worship and fellowship on Sunday, April 12, led by Shelley Pantoliano.
Stay in touch!
Do you receive the weekly “westminstergrams” which include details of Sunday worship and news of upcoming programs and events? If you’d like to be included in these Thursday morning e-mailings, let Melanie know at [email protected] or talk to Jill Fandrich at church. The presbytery also sends out weekly “Presbytery Matters” e-news which are great way to stay aware of what our local churches are doing and also our larger church at the presbytery, Synod, and national level.
Parking Passes
Members and friends who use the church parking lot during the week should pick up a dashboard pass in the church office during office hours. We are trying to control the use of our lot by unauthorized drivers; these passes will help us identify cars which are welcome in our lot.
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.
2025-2026 columns:
Jill Fandrich's January column: Churches and Libraries are Both Sacred Spaces
Jill Fandrich's December 20 column: Light in Darkness
Jill Fandrich's November 23 column: God is in the Details
Rev Adam Demetros' October 26 column: Learning to Find the Sacred Purpose of Those Who Do you Harm
Brian Teucke's September 28 column: We the People, Working for Change
Pastor Shelley Pantoliano's August 31 column: Where do you see God?
Jill Fandrich's August 3 column: Faith in the Footlights
Paul Dungey's July 5 column: The Holy Spirit Earworm
Rev Adam Demetro's June 8 column: Tearing Down the Walls
Jill Fandrich's May 11 column: What it means to be a Good Samaritan
Jill Fandrich's April 13 column: Holy Week and the Triumph of Love
Rev. Adam's Demetros' March 16 column: How do we hold all things together?
Jill Fandrich's February 16 column: Westminster welcomes new pastor
Rob Schemerhorn's January 18 column: Baptism and Change
The Citizen columns can also be read on our blog page.
Older columns can be found here
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!
Capital Projects
Our church is more than a building, but we also acknowledge that the historic edifice which houses our ministries is the home in which we meet, worship, work, and serve the community. That home, however, is over 150 years old, and in need of constant care and maintenance. In 2020, Westminster leadership decided to complete a comprehensive property conditions study to efficiently plan for building repairs and renovations. We felt this was the best way to be good stewards of our property and our limited financial resources, helping us prioritize projects in a multi-year plan. Using a grant from the Sacred Sites Program of the NY Landmarks Conservancy, we engaged the services of Beardsley Inc to complete the conditions study. They provided us with a comprehensive study in 2021, outlining an array of top, medium, and lower priority projects to address over the next five years. We quickly undertook the first phase to abate the water damage to our foundation and walls by diverting storm drainage and installing gutters and downspouts. This work was top priority to stop further damage, allowing us to then undertake further repairs. Further priorities are bringing certain items up to code (electrical, lighting, etc.), repointing the masonry where needed, and shoring up the sanctuary basement where needed. The heating system is also discussed as a future need. These are important for ensuring safety and for maintaining the integrity of the buildings’ structure. Here are the documents with details about the capital projects which are priorities at Westminster:
Click here for the assessment of our buildings and capital project recommendations, from the architectural firm Beardsley.
Click here for the slideshow summary of the Beardsley report.
Click here to read the 2024 Annual Report