Current news at westminster
December/January newsletter is here!
Small Groups and Opportunities for Involvement at Westminster (updated Aug 2025)
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!
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 December, they support the Christmas Joy Offering, and in January they will support the SS Peter & John Soup Kitchen.
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, January 4, led by Linda MacKay.
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.
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 monthly meetings will ordinarily be the last Tuesday of each month at 6pm at Prison City Farm and Brewery, 251 North St, Auburn. The December gathering is moved earlier in the month to December 16 at 6pm. Daytime Theology on Tap gatherings will also begin in December. The first will be Wednesday December 17 at 12 noon at Cafe 108.
News from Westminster Choirs
The Westminster Adult Choir will present the cantata, "Wondrous Night" A Cantata for Christmas by Eugene Butler on December 14 during morning worship. "Wondrous Night" is described as "Lyric melodies, sprightly carol settings, dramatic contrasts, and gentle harmonies weave a Butler tapestry of luscious choral color and musical sensitivity recommended for Christmas worship". The choir will participate in the Longest Night service on December 21. Christmas Eve and Sunday December 28 (Nine Lessons and Carols) will feature both the choir as well as soloists.
Longest Night Service
On the day of the winter solstice the Auburn community is invited to participate in the annual Longest Night worship service on Sunday, December 2 at 7:00pm. Held this year in the Metcalf Memorial Chapel, this worship service is intended to offer a safe, gentle space for those who may need to acknowledge their grief and find peace amidst the season’s celebrations.
Christmas Worship
Pastor Adam and the choir will lead a family-friendly candlelight service in the sanctuary at 5pm on Christmas Eve, December 24. Please come and bring your visiting family, friends, and anyone who’d enjoy this joyous celebration to welcome the Christ child! On Sunday December 28, the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols Service will tell the Christmas story in a series of readings, carols, and special music at the 9:30am worship service.
Epiphany and Degreening January 4
We will celebrate Epiphany on Sunday, January 4, with a procession of the Three Kings, “Chalking the Door”, and Epiphany hymns and readings to celebrate the arrival of the magi. Following worship, we invite everyone to stay and help “degreen” the church, carefully taking down the trees, greens, and decorations and storing them for next Advent. There will be a variety of soups, sandwiches, and treats provided!
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.
Advent Urban Hike
On Saturday, December 20, join Brian Teucke and other “lovers of the trail” for the last contemplative hike of the year, this one a little different—an Advent Urban Hike! Meet at the church at 11:30am December 20 to venture out on a one-mile walk around Auburn, ending with a hot beverage or drink of choice at a local establishment downtown. After December, monthly contemplative hikes will take a break for the winter. Watch for more information in the next newsletter about future hikes.
Annual Reports Are Due!
The Annual Report includes reports from committee chairs, staff, Small Group leaders, and board officers. Reports are due! Please send to Melanie at [email protected] by January 9. The Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 25.
Growing Healthy Soil & Nutritious Food
Erin Humphrey Konuma of Silver Tree Forest Farm will lead a forum following worship on January 11, 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
Healing and Wholeness Service
Westminster offers a prayer service for healing and wholeness every other month on the second Wednesday at 5:30pm in the church chapel. Organized and led by deacons, these services give the community a place to pray for themselves, others, our community, and the world. On January 14, the Healing and Wholeness service will be a candlelight service for those grieving unborn infant loss. Please invite friends and others who might need this support and care.
Social Justice Small Group
Westminster's Social Justice Small Group, which meets at 4:15pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month, endeavors to provide opportunities for congregants and community members to carry out the Matthew 25 mission in 3 areas of strategic focus- education, activism, and improving the material conditions of those in need. Throughout 2025, they have sponsored a variety of adult forums and lectures, and even a social justice themed movie and potluck night. To help address the material conditions of "the least of these," the SJSG has sponsored the "Safe and Warm" program at Westminster every Friday from 3-5. The SJSG warmly invites all of those looking to live out the Matthew 25 mission to get plugged in by emailing Brian Teucke.
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.
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 columns:
Jill Fandrich's December 20 column: Light in Darkness
Jill Fandrich's November column:
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
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, we 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 last year, outlining an array of top, medium, and lower priority projects to address over the next five years. We have already undertaken 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, and now we are able to can undertake further repairs. The proposed projects for 2023 involve bringing certain items up to code (electrical, lighting, etc.), repointing the masonry where needed, and shoring up the sanctuary basement where needed. These are important for keeping everyone safe 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)
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!
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 December, they support the Christmas Joy Offering, and in January they will support the SS Peter & John Soup Kitchen.
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, January 4, led by Linda MacKay.
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.
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 monthly meetings will ordinarily be the last Tuesday of each month at 6pm at Prison City Farm and Brewery, 251 North St, Auburn. The December gathering is moved earlier in the month to December 16 at 6pm. Daytime Theology on Tap gatherings will also begin in December. The first will be Wednesday December 17 at 12 noon at Cafe 108.
News from Westminster Choirs
The Westminster Adult Choir will present the cantata, "Wondrous Night" A Cantata for Christmas by Eugene Butler on December 14 during morning worship. "Wondrous Night" is described as "Lyric melodies, sprightly carol settings, dramatic contrasts, and gentle harmonies weave a Butler tapestry of luscious choral color and musical sensitivity recommended for Christmas worship". The choir will participate in the Longest Night service on December 21. Christmas Eve and Sunday December 28 (Nine Lessons and Carols) will feature both the choir as well as soloists.
Longest Night Service
On the day of the winter solstice the Auburn community is invited to participate in the annual Longest Night worship service on Sunday, December 2 at 7:00pm. Held this year in the Metcalf Memorial Chapel, this worship service is intended to offer a safe, gentle space for those who may need to acknowledge their grief and find peace amidst the season’s celebrations.
Christmas Worship
Pastor Adam and the choir will lead a family-friendly candlelight service in the sanctuary at 5pm on Christmas Eve, December 24. Please come and bring your visiting family, friends, and anyone who’d enjoy this joyous celebration to welcome the Christ child! On Sunday December 28, the traditional Nine Lessons and Carols Service will tell the Christmas story in a series of readings, carols, and special music at the 9:30am worship service.
Epiphany and Degreening January 4
We will celebrate Epiphany on Sunday, January 4, with a procession of the Three Kings, “Chalking the Door”, and Epiphany hymns and readings to celebrate the arrival of the magi. Following worship, we invite everyone to stay and help “degreen” the church, carefully taking down the trees, greens, and decorations and storing them for next Advent. There will be a variety of soups, sandwiches, and treats provided!
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.
Advent Urban Hike
On Saturday, December 20, join Brian Teucke and other “lovers of the trail” for the last contemplative hike of the year, this one a little different—an Advent Urban Hike! Meet at the church at 11:30am December 20 to venture out on a one-mile walk around Auburn, ending with a hot beverage or drink of choice at a local establishment downtown. After December, monthly contemplative hikes will take a break for the winter. Watch for more information in the next newsletter about future hikes.
Annual Reports Are Due!
The Annual Report includes reports from committee chairs, staff, Small Group leaders, and board officers. Reports are due! Please send to Melanie at [email protected] by January 9. The Annual Meeting will be Sunday, January 25.
Growing Healthy Soil & Nutritious Food
Erin Humphrey Konuma of Silver Tree Forest Farm will lead a forum following worship on January 11, 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
Healing and Wholeness Service
Westminster offers a prayer service for healing and wholeness every other month on the second Wednesday at 5:30pm in the church chapel. Organized and led by deacons, these services give the community a place to pray for themselves, others, our community, and the world. On January 14, the Healing and Wholeness service will be a candlelight service for those grieving unborn infant loss. Please invite friends and others who might need this support and care.
Social Justice Small Group
Westminster's Social Justice Small Group, which meets at 4:15pm on the 2nd Thursday of each month, endeavors to provide opportunities for congregants and community members to carry out the Matthew 25 mission in 3 areas of strategic focus- education, activism, and improving the material conditions of those in need. Throughout 2025, they have sponsored a variety of adult forums and lectures, and even a social justice themed movie and potluck night. To help address the material conditions of "the least of these," the SJSG has sponsored the "Safe and Warm" program at Westminster every Friday from 3-5. The SJSG warmly invites all of those looking to live out the Matthew 25 mission to get plugged in by emailing Brian Teucke.
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.
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 columns:
Jill Fandrich's December 20 column: Light in Darkness
Jill Fandrich's November column:
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
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, we 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 last year, outlining an array of top, medium, and lower priority projects to address over the next five years. We have already undertaken 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, and now we are able to can undertake further repairs. The proposed projects for 2023 involve bringing certain items up to code (electrical, lighting, etc.), repointing the masonry where needed, and shoring up the sanctuary basement where needed. These are important for keeping everyone safe 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