Current news at westminster
The current newsletter covers July and August. You can read it here!
Summer Sabbath
We are excited to introduce a new Summer Sabbath series! Following the Time with Children, elementary age kids are invited to join Miss Cait and CE volunteers in the Worship Center room (transformed for Summer Sabbath) to hear and explore a variety of Old Testament stories through story, song, craft, and activity. The lessons are adaptations from a curriculum called Redeemed, Renewed, Reformed, created by Amanda Demetros. The lessons this summer will include Joseph’s Dreams, Baby Moses, Ruth, Esther, Samuel is Called, David & Goliath, The Fall of Jericho, Samson’s Strength, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and Jonah. On September 6, we’ll share a special lesson on how and why we worship to help kids better understand Sunday services. The Worship Center will re-open on Rally Day September 13.
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!
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. In June we'll gather Tuesday, July 28 at 6pm at Prison City North and Owasco Yacht Club on July 29 at 1pm.
Summer Contemplative Hikes
Join leader Brian Teucke and other “lovers of the trail” for monthly contemplative hikes to commune with God in nature, share fellowship with old and new friends, and exercise body and soul. The July hike will be Saturday July 11 at 9am at Pratts Falls, and Saturday August 15 at 11am at Green Lakes State Park. Here is the 2026 schedule.
New Hearing Assistance System coming soon!
Westminster will soon install a Bettear Auracast system to improve audio for people with hearing loss. It will work with all types of hearing aids as well as for anyone needing hearing assistance. Thank you to the Cayuga Community Fund, the Hearing Loss Association of America, and private donors for covering the complete cost of this system for us!
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 July, they will support the SPCA. Westminster member and deacon Jackie Darquea volunteers at the Finger Lakes SPCA, and says, “I’m constantly moved by the staff who care for animals in need. They give their hearts every day to ensure these animals receive shelter, healing, and a chance at a better life.” As Proverbs 12:10 reminds us, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” Supporting the SPCA is a beautiful way to live out this wisdom and extend God’s love to His creatures.
YMCA members to use church parking lot
Westminster’s Session has approved a 6-month agreement with the YMCA to reserve ten parking spaces along the fence in the church parking lot for YMCA patrons to use Monday through Saturday. The spaces will be designated with signage, and Y members must display a permit (issued by the Y) to park in the reserved spaces. Church members using the lot during the week are asked to park in the center rows or by the playground fence and should display a pink parking permit (issued by the church) to identify their vehicle.
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. A donation box is in the narthex. Monetary donations are also welcome as the need and the costs are rising.
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, August 9.
Rooted Good
Westminster’s Session has embarked on a congregational study called the “Good Futures Accelerator,” which empowers congregations like ours to align money and mission by exploring how to creatively use church buildings and property to further mission and build financial resilience. The Good Futures Accelerator, a program of “Rooted Good,” is designed to help churches generate new forms of income, reimagine the use of our buildings and land, and fulfill our mission and purpose in our community. Team members are Susan Marteney, Bob Davenport, Audrey McNally, Ashley Teucke, Jill Fandrich, and Eli Hernandez. For more information, visit www.rootedgood.org/good-futures.
Plant Swap July 19
Gardeners and lovers of plants are invited to Westminster's first Plant Swap on Sunday, July 19, 1-3pm in the social room. Bring cuttings, rooted plants, or plant related items to swap with others, and enjoy conversation and hints with others. Light refreshments will be available, compliments of Amanda Demetros. Come and bring other green thumbed friends!
Pulpit Exchange on July 26
Pastor Adam Demetros will lead worship on July 26 at the Sennett Federated Church and Sennett's pastor, the Rev. David Harris, will lead worship at Westminster on the same day.
A Blessing of the Animals
Westminster Presbyterian Church is planning a Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, August 29, from 11 am to 1 pm. The event will be offered in partnership with our neighbors at the Equal Rights Heritage Center, located at 25 South Street in Auburn, NY, at the corner of South and Lincoln Streets. It will take place during the Downtown Saturday Market, which runs from 9am to 1pm. Additional details will be shared in the weekly Westminstergram and on the church’s social media accounts.
Blessing of the Backpacks
As the new school year begins, we will offer a Blessing of the Backpacks during worship on Sunday, September 6 (Labor Day Weekend). Students, teachers, teacher aides, and school staff are invited to bring their backpacks, portfolios, briefcases, and lunchboxes as we bless them and their gear.
Refresh Women's Group
Refresh Women’s Spirituality Group is taking a break for the summer and will resume meeting on the third Saturday of September at 10am to continue their discussion of the study Who is Jesus?, a Presbyterian Women's Horizons Bible Study.
Rummage Sale Plans
The Rummage Sale is scheduled for Friday, October 2 from 5 – 8 during First Friday and Saturday, October 3 from 9 am – 1 pm in the Great Hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William Street. Accepted items are kitchen wares, dishes, pots and pans, seasonal decorations, books, small furniture, records, craft supplies, linens, antiques, framed art, various tchotchkes and so much more. No old textbooks! Sorting and pricing days will be scheduled in late September/TBD. If you are cleaning out things now, you may place items behind the curtain on the stage in the Great Hall. Do not leave items in the hallway downstairs. The proceeds will support Westminster's Personal Care Pantry.
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.
Small Groups and Opportunities for Involvement at Westminster (updated Aug 2025)
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.
2026 Columns
Rev Adam Demetros' July column: The Power of Grace to Build Community
Jill Fandrich's June column: Hike and Seek; Walking as a Spiritual Discipline
Rev Adam Demetros' May column: Passing the peace in a hurting world
Jill Fandrich's April column: The Names of Jesus
Brian Teucke's March column: A Presbyterian critique of empire
Audrey McNally's February column: Lenten series to focus on spirituals
Jill Fandrich's January column: Churches and Libraries are Both Sacred Spaces
2025 Columns
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 2025 Annual Report
Click here to read the 2024 Annual Report
Summer Sabbath
We are excited to introduce a new Summer Sabbath series! Following the Time with Children, elementary age kids are invited to join Miss Cait and CE volunteers in the Worship Center room (transformed for Summer Sabbath) to hear and explore a variety of Old Testament stories through story, song, craft, and activity. The lessons are adaptations from a curriculum called Redeemed, Renewed, Reformed, created by Amanda Demetros. The lessons this summer will include Joseph’s Dreams, Baby Moses, Ruth, Esther, Samuel is Called, David & Goliath, The Fall of Jericho, Samson’s Strength, Daniel in the Lion’s Den, and Jonah. On September 6, we’ll share a special lesson on how and why we worship to help kids better understand Sunday services. The Worship Center will re-open on Rally Day September 13.
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!
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. In June we'll gather Tuesday, July 28 at 6pm at Prison City North and Owasco Yacht Club on July 29 at 1pm.
Summer Contemplative Hikes
Join leader Brian Teucke and other “lovers of the trail” for monthly contemplative hikes to commune with God in nature, share fellowship with old and new friends, and exercise body and soul. The July hike will be Saturday July 11 at 9am at Pratts Falls, and Saturday August 15 at 11am at Green Lakes State Park. Here is the 2026 schedule.
New Hearing Assistance System coming soon!
Westminster will soon install a Bettear Auracast system to improve audio for people with hearing loss. It will work with all types of hearing aids as well as for anyone needing hearing assistance. Thank you to the Cayuga Community Fund, the Hearing Loss Association of America, and private donors for covering the complete cost of this system for us!
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 July, they will support the SPCA. Westminster member and deacon Jackie Darquea volunteers at the Finger Lakes SPCA, and says, “I’m constantly moved by the staff who care for animals in need. They give their hearts every day to ensure these animals receive shelter, healing, and a chance at a better life.” As Proverbs 12:10 reminds us, “The righteous care for the needs of their animals.” Supporting the SPCA is a beautiful way to live out this wisdom and extend God’s love to His creatures.
YMCA members to use church parking lot
Westminster’s Session has approved a 6-month agreement with the YMCA to reserve ten parking spaces along the fence in the church parking lot for YMCA patrons to use Monday through Saturday. The spaces will be designated with signage, and Y members must display a permit (issued by the Y) to park in the reserved spaces. Church members using the lot during the week are asked to park in the center rows or by the playground fence and should display a pink parking permit (issued by the church) to identify their vehicle.
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. A donation box is in the narthex. Monetary donations are also welcome as the need and the costs are rising.
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, August 9.
Rooted Good
Westminster’s Session has embarked on a congregational study called the “Good Futures Accelerator,” which empowers congregations like ours to align money and mission by exploring how to creatively use church buildings and property to further mission and build financial resilience. The Good Futures Accelerator, a program of “Rooted Good,” is designed to help churches generate new forms of income, reimagine the use of our buildings and land, and fulfill our mission and purpose in our community. Team members are Susan Marteney, Bob Davenport, Audrey McNally, Ashley Teucke, Jill Fandrich, and Eli Hernandez. For more information, visit www.rootedgood.org/good-futures.
Plant Swap July 19
Gardeners and lovers of plants are invited to Westminster's first Plant Swap on Sunday, July 19, 1-3pm in the social room. Bring cuttings, rooted plants, or plant related items to swap with others, and enjoy conversation and hints with others. Light refreshments will be available, compliments of Amanda Demetros. Come and bring other green thumbed friends!
Pulpit Exchange on July 26
Pastor Adam Demetros will lead worship on July 26 at the Sennett Federated Church and Sennett's pastor, the Rev. David Harris, will lead worship at Westminster on the same day.
A Blessing of the Animals
Westminster Presbyterian Church is planning a Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, August 29, from 11 am to 1 pm. The event will be offered in partnership with our neighbors at the Equal Rights Heritage Center, located at 25 South Street in Auburn, NY, at the corner of South and Lincoln Streets. It will take place during the Downtown Saturday Market, which runs from 9am to 1pm. Additional details will be shared in the weekly Westminstergram and on the church’s social media accounts.
Blessing of the Backpacks
As the new school year begins, we will offer a Blessing of the Backpacks during worship on Sunday, September 6 (Labor Day Weekend). Students, teachers, teacher aides, and school staff are invited to bring their backpacks, portfolios, briefcases, and lunchboxes as we bless them and their gear.
Refresh Women's Group
Refresh Women’s Spirituality Group is taking a break for the summer and will resume meeting on the third Saturday of September at 10am to continue their discussion of the study Who is Jesus?, a Presbyterian Women's Horizons Bible Study.
Rummage Sale Plans
The Rummage Sale is scheduled for Friday, October 2 from 5 – 8 during First Friday and Saturday, October 3 from 9 am – 1 pm in the Great Hall of Westminster Presbyterian Church, 17 William Street. Accepted items are kitchen wares, dishes, pots and pans, seasonal decorations, books, small furniture, records, craft supplies, linens, antiques, framed art, various tchotchkes and so much more. No old textbooks! Sorting and pricing days will be scheduled in late September/TBD. If you are cleaning out things now, you may place items behind the curtain on the stage in the Great Hall. Do not leave items in the hallway downstairs. The proceeds will support Westminster's Personal Care Pantry.
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.
Small Groups and Opportunities for Involvement at Westminster (updated Aug 2025)
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.
2026 Columns
Rev Adam Demetros' July column: The Power of Grace to Build Community
Jill Fandrich's June column: Hike and Seek; Walking as a Spiritual Discipline
Rev Adam Demetros' May column: Passing the peace in a hurting world
Jill Fandrich's April column: The Names of Jesus
Brian Teucke's March column: A Presbyterian critique of empire
Audrey McNally's February column: Lenten series to focus on spirituals
Jill Fandrich's January column: Churches and Libraries are Both Sacred Spaces
2025 Columns
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 2025 Annual Report
Click here to read the 2024 Annual Report