Current news at westminster
Click here for the May, June, July newsletter
Interim Update
Westminster is currently in an interim period between called pastors. The Rev. Joe Tagliaferre is providing temporary pastoral leadership through December 2024. In addition to temporary pastoral leadership, many church leaders are faithfully doing the work of the church. The PNC was elected by the congregation to search for a new pastor and meet weekly on Thursdays. They are currently reviewing matches made through the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the denomination’s matching site for churches seeking pastors and pastors seeking calls, and following up with candidates with whom they’d like conversation. Please keep the PNC members in your prayers as they go about this important work. Read more about the interim period here.
Loose Offerings
We designate the "loose offerings" each week to local organizations and programs which serve the community and people in need. Contributions are made in the offering box in the narthex, 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. The rest of the Sundays in July, the loose offerings support Matthew House.
Options for children and families
The Prayground is a family-friendly area along the north wall of the sanctuary which allows children and their adults to worship together in a space that lets kids engage in worship using quiet, worship-related, age-appropriate activities. Children of all ages (with their grownups) are invited to use the Prayground. Nursery care is also available for infants and toddlers in the education wing, and the Children’s Worship Center is open following the Time with Children throughout the summer for children age 3 through grade 2. We welcome everyone to worship at Westminster and encourage families to avail themselves of any of the options that work best for them.
Outdoor Worship July 14
Sunday, July 14 (weather permitting), we will be worshiping outdoors on our front lawn! Bring a lawn chair (if you can) and join us for worship in the sunshine with the sounds of birds (and passing cars) surrounding us. It’s great to worship God outside our doors in the center of the city! If you’d like to help, come early to help put out chairs and set up the sound system.
Worship Center Training
Are you interested in helping in the Children’s Worship Center as a greeter or substitute storyteller? On Sunday July 14 following worship, we will have a short adult forum about the Worship Center, led by Miss Noel and Miss Caitlyn and featuring a video which explains this unique offering. We will be holding a Worship Center training on Sunday afternoon August 4 from 1-5pm with Genia Lasda, an experienced trainer of the Young Children and Worship program. We’d love to welcome more Worship Center leaders to the team. Please let Noel Cregg know if you are interested.
Deacons Prayer Service July 17
The Deacons will hold their bi-monthly Service of Prayer and Healing on Wednesday July 17 at 5:30pm in the chapel. These services are open to everyone (church and community) who would like prayers offered for themselves or others.
Summer music
Our choir takes a well-deserved break during the summer, but we will enjoy special music each week by soloists, duets, and small ensembles (vocal and instrumental). Lori Rhodes Pettit is scheduling summer music. Speak to her if you are interested in offering your talent this summer.
Summer pickleball
Westminster’s pickleball players have moved outdoors for the summer, playing Monday and Friday mornings starting at 9:00am at the Casey Park courts. They welcome everyone to join them, regardless of experience. Talk to Linda MacKay for more info.
Summer Picnic and Meet & Greet
Ted O'Hara and Bronwyn O'Connor invite everyone to their home on Cayuga Lake for a summer picnic and an opportunity to get to know Pastor Joe Tagliaferre on Sunday July 28 starting at 4:30pm. RSVP by July 21 on the sign up sheets in the narthex. Please bring your own lawn chair, beverages, and a dish to pass. Hot dogs, rolls, condiments, and paper products will be provided.
New Church Picture Directory
Substantial interest has been expressed in a new picture directory for our church. Now we need people to work on this project. Skill sets needed are: ability to take a good picture (portrait), basic graphic design ability (or willingness to learn), and ability to use a simple computer program to enter the photos and names. If you can do any one of these, please let Donna Riester know of your willingness to be part of the team.
July Contemplative Hike
Brian Teucke leads monthly contemplative hikes at area parks and nature trails throughout Central New York. He has planned a great variety of hikes through the end of the year, which allow participants to experience God in the glory of the sun, trees, water, and flowers with which we are blessed in our beautiful environment. The July hike will be Saturday, July 20 at 10am at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville.
Faith-Filled Steps: New Meditative Walks at Hoopes Park
Join us at Hoopes Park in Auburn which offers a nicely accessible setting for a slow/meditative walk led by Kim Amidon. Walk will include devotional readings along with mindful steps focusing on the senses. Portion of walk will occur in silence, and portion in silence or conversation, as one chooses. We will meet at the fountain behind the clubhouse on the following Saturdays: July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26 at 9:00 am, “light rain or shine”.
ARISE Adaptive Design
In April, our loose offerings supported the ARISE Adaptive Design program, which uses everyday materials to create customized equipment and devices for children and adults who have disabilities. Program Director Connor McGough has visited Westminster twice to explain the work of the Adaptive Design program, bringing great examples of the creative and unique devices which have been created. Several members have expressed interest in participating in an Auburn-area build day for the Adaptive Design program. We are collecting names of interested individuals, and Connor will try to make this happen. If you have an interest or would like more information, speak to Linda Russell.
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!
Children’s Worship Center
What is the Children’s Worship Center? It’s a place for children to worship God! Following the children’s message kids ages 3 years through grade 2 are invited to join story tellers Caitlyn Clink and Noel Cregg for a song, story, meditative work time and prayer. The stories are told chronologically beginning with Old Testament stories in the fall, and follow the church year.
Presbyterian Heritage
We honor our Presbyterian heritage by remembering our history and celebrating our roots. Foundational to our faith as Reformed Christians are 12 creeds, confessions, and catechisms, which represent historic statements of faith from early times through the present. We are displaying in the narthex the banners which represent our creeds and confessions, adding one each week throughout May and June. Details about each banner are available in the narthex and here.
Home Communion
The Deacons visit with homebound members and friends, bringing communion to those who are unable to come to church. If you or a family member would like this, please email Melanie at [email protected].
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.
2024 columns:
Jill Fandrich's July 13 column: We have a Prayground!
Shelley Pantoliano's June 8 column: Far from ordinary
Jill Fandrich's May 12 column: Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit
Rev. Pam Masten's April 14 column: Easter and the Total Solar Eclipse
Jill Fandrich's March 17 column: Inside our search for a new pastor
Rev. Pam Masten's February 18 column: Winter and Lent Reflections
Jill Fandrich's January 21 column: The changing nature of Christian Education
Older columns can be found here
Take a virtual tour!
Ever wondered what goes on inside of our big beautiful buildings on William St? Learn more by taking a virtual tour! Check it out 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!
Personal Care Pantry
The Personal Care Pantry is looking for volunteers to host the once-a-month Give-away days on the last Wednesday of each month from 10 am - 12 noon. Guests may select from a variety of items such as soap, cleaner, TP, deodorant and more. Westminster volunteers assist with selection from a cart and bagging; there is no need for record keeping. Personal care items are purchased with funds from the Mission Committee. If interested in hosting one Wednesday or picking up the items at a local store, contact Anne Malvaso or Susan Marteney.
Coat Tree
The Mission Committee has set up the Coat Tree in the hallway of the Education Building 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. Please hang your coats on the rack and place winter hats, gloves and scarves in the boxes below.
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 Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (2022)
Click here to read the 2023 Annual Report
Interim Update
Westminster is currently in an interim period between called pastors. The Rev. Joe Tagliaferre is providing temporary pastoral leadership through December 2024. In addition to temporary pastoral leadership, many church leaders are faithfully doing the work of the church. The PNC was elected by the congregation to search for a new pastor and meet weekly on Thursdays. They are currently reviewing matches made through the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), the denomination’s matching site for churches seeking pastors and pastors seeking calls, and following up with candidates with whom they’d like conversation. Please keep the PNC members in your prayers as they go about this important work. Read more about the interim period here.
Loose Offerings
We designate the "loose offerings" each week to local organizations and programs which serve the community and people in need. Contributions are made in the offering box in the narthex, 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. The rest of the Sundays in July, the loose offerings support Matthew House.
Options for children and families
The Prayground is a family-friendly area along the north wall of the sanctuary which allows children and their adults to worship together in a space that lets kids engage in worship using quiet, worship-related, age-appropriate activities. Children of all ages (with their grownups) are invited to use the Prayground. Nursery care is also available for infants and toddlers in the education wing, and the Children’s Worship Center is open following the Time with Children throughout the summer for children age 3 through grade 2. We welcome everyone to worship at Westminster and encourage families to avail themselves of any of the options that work best for them.
Outdoor Worship July 14
Sunday, July 14 (weather permitting), we will be worshiping outdoors on our front lawn! Bring a lawn chair (if you can) and join us for worship in the sunshine with the sounds of birds (and passing cars) surrounding us. It’s great to worship God outside our doors in the center of the city! If you’d like to help, come early to help put out chairs and set up the sound system.
Worship Center Training
Are you interested in helping in the Children’s Worship Center as a greeter or substitute storyteller? On Sunday July 14 following worship, we will have a short adult forum about the Worship Center, led by Miss Noel and Miss Caitlyn and featuring a video which explains this unique offering. We will be holding a Worship Center training on Sunday afternoon August 4 from 1-5pm with Genia Lasda, an experienced trainer of the Young Children and Worship program. We’d love to welcome more Worship Center leaders to the team. Please let Noel Cregg know if you are interested.
Deacons Prayer Service July 17
The Deacons will hold their bi-monthly Service of Prayer and Healing on Wednesday July 17 at 5:30pm in the chapel. These services are open to everyone (church and community) who would like prayers offered for themselves or others.
Summer music
Our choir takes a well-deserved break during the summer, but we will enjoy special music each week by soloists, duets, and small ensembles (vocal and instrumental). Lori Rhodes Pettit is scheduling summer music. Speak to her if you are interested in offering your talent this summer.
Summer pickleball
Westminster’s pickleball players have moved outdoors for the summer, playing Monday and Friday mornings starting at 9:00am at the Casey Park courts. They welcome everyone to join them, regardless of experience. Talk to Linda MacKay for more info.
Summer Picnic and Meet & Greet
Ted O'Hara and Bronwyn O'Connor invite everyone to their home on Cayuga Lake for a summer picnic and an opportunity to get to know Pastor Joe Tagliaferre on Sunday July 28 starting at 4:30pm. RSVP by July 21 on the sign up sheets in the narthex. Please bring your own lawn chair, beverages, and a dish to pass. Hot dogs, rolls, condiments, and paper products will be provided.
New Church Picture Directory
Substantial interest has been expressed in a new picture directory for our church. Now we need people to work on this project. Skill sets needed are: ability to take a good picture (portrait), basic graphic design ability (or willingness to learn), and ability to use a simple computer program to enter the photos and names. If you can do any one of these, please let Donna Riester know of your willingness to be part of the team.
July Contemplative Hike
Brian Teucke leads monthly contemplative hikes at area parks and nature trails throughout Central New York. He has planned a great variety of hikes through the end of the year, which allow participants to experience God in the glory of the sun, trees, water, and flowers with which we are blessed in our beautiful environment. The July hike will be Saturday, July 20 at 10am at Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville.
Faith-Filled Steps: New Meditative Walks at Hoopes Park
Join us at Hoopes Park in Auburn which offers a nicely accessible setting for a slow/meditative walk led by Kim Amidon. Walk will include devotional readings along with mindful steps focusing on the senses. Portion of walk will occur in silence, and portion in silence or conversation, as one chooses. We will meet at the fountain behind the clubhouse on the following Saturdays: July 27, August 24, September 28, October 26 at 9:00 am, “light rain or shine”.
ARISE Adaptive Design
In April, our loose offerings supported the ARISE Adaptive Design program, which uses everyday materials to create customized equipment and devices for children and adults who have disabilities. Program Director Connor McGough has visited Westminster twice to explain the work of the Adaptive Design program, bringing great examples of the creative and unique devices which have been created. Several members have expressed interest in participating in an Auburn-area build day for the Adaptive Design program. We are collecting names of interested individuals, and Connor will try to make this happen. If you have an interest or would like more information, speak to Linda Russell.
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!
Children’s Worship Center
What is the Children’s Worship Center? It’s a place for children to worship God! Following the children’s message kids ages 3 years through grade 2 are invited to join story tellers Caitlyn Clink and Noel Cregg for a song, story, meditative work time and prayer. The stories are told chronologically beginning with Old Testament stories in the fall, and follow the church year.
Presbyterian Heritage
We honor our Presbyterian heritage by remembering our history and celebrating our roots. Foundational to our faith as Reformed Christians are 12 creeds, confessions, and catechisms, which represent historic statements of faith from early times through the present. We are displaying in the narthex the banners which represent our creeds and confessions, adding one each week throughout May and June. Details about each banner are available in the narthex and here.
Home Communion
The Deacons visit with homebound members and friends, bringing communion to those who are unable to come to church. If you or a family member would like this, please email Melanie at [email protected].
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.
2024 columns:
Jill Fandrich's July 13 column: We have a Prayground!
Shelley Pantoliano's June 8 column: Far from ordinary
Jill Fandrich's May 12 column: Pentecost celebrates the Holy Spirit
Rev. Pam Masten's April 14 column: Easter and the Total Solar Eclipse
Jill Fandrich's March 17 column: Inside our search for a new pastor
Rev. Pam Masten's February 18 column: Winter and Lent Reflections
Jill Fandrich's January 21 column: The changing nature of Christian Education
Older columns can be found here
Take a virtual tour!
Ever wondered what goes on inside of our big beautiful buildings on William St? Learn more by taking a virtual tour! Check it out 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!
Personal Care Pantry
The Personal Care Pantry is looking for volunteers to host the once-a-month Give-away days on the last Wednesday of each month from 10 am - 12 noon. Guests may select from a variety of items such as soap, cleaner, TP, deodorant and more. Westminster volunteers assist with selection from a cart and bagging; there is no need for record keeping. Personal care items are purchased with funds from the Mission Committee. If interested in hosting one Wednesday or picking up the items at a local store, contact Anne Malvaso or Susan Marteney.
Coat Tree
The Mission Committee has set up the Coat Tree in the hallway of the Education Building 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. Please hang your coats on the rack and place winter hats, gloves and scarves in the boxes below.
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 Holy Conversations strategic visioning report (2022)
Click here to read the 2023 Annual Report