Presbytery Meetings

Annual Meeting: June 13, 2026

The Annual Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Auburn and on Zoom. Highlights from the meeting are below and meeting papers are also linked.

  • Thank you to the First Presbyterian Church of Auburn for hosting our annual meeting and providing a delicious lunch.

  • As meeting guest arrived they enjoyed fresh, homemade apple fritters. Baker and First Presbyterian Church of Fulton member Debbie Tindall says her secret ingredient is prayer. She prays while she bakes, and she considers it part of her ministry. It’s a very delicious ministry indeed!

  • The Rev. Luke Choi joined the meeting on Zoom to give a Board of Pensions update.

  • Elder Lynn Jacques is giving a report of the Nominating Committee. There’s vacancies in the Class of 2027 and 2029 on COM. A motion to accept the slate of nominations was approved.

  • A worship service was held.

  • Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Shavonn Lynch on her installation as Moderator and the Rev. Courtney Steininger on her installation as Vice Moderator. We give thanks for their leadership, dedication and faithful service as they begin these important roles. May God guide and bless them as they serve the Presbytery and its ministries in the years ahead.

  • The Rev. Monica Styron delivered an inspiring message during worship this morning. We concluded our service by gathering at the Lord’s Table to share in Communion, reflecting on God’s grace, love and unity.

  • Moderator Rev. Dr. Shavonn Lynch is seeking churches interested in hosting our Presbytery stated meetings in 2027. If your church would be willing to host a meeting in January, March, May, June, September, or November 2027, please reach out to Rev. Lynch. Exact meeting dates will be available soon. Hosting a stated meeting is a wonderful opportunity to welcome colleagues from across the Presbytery and share your congregation’s hospitality and ministry.

  • Congratulations to George Reed on his installation as a Commissioned Ruling Elder for First Presbyterian Church of Mexico. George will be serving the congregation by providing pastoral leadership and care. We pray for God’s guidance and blessings as he begins this important ministry and faithfully serves the church and community.

  • Lead Presbyter Rev. Greg Garis delivered his report, which included him playing his guitar! See video on our Facebookp page.

  • Dr. Alic Czachowski (he/they) is joining us now via Zoom to share about their experiences as a transgender person. Originally from Liverpool, NY, Alic currently serves as the Senior Executive Director of Alice Health Promotion at Columbia Health, Columbia University. We are grateful for this opportunity to listen, learn and grow together. We hope to have a video available soon to share.

  • MOTION APPROVED: The Finance and Property Committee moves that the Presbytery use $20,000 of the Vanderkamp proceeds during 2026 to provide grants to congregations whose food programs offset the losses in SNAP benefits happening at this time. The application form will be developed jointly with Finance and Property, and the Social Justice Committee will manage the application process and awards in consultation with the Treasurer and the Finance Chair. Funds will be released through the bill payment process.

  • MOTION APPROVED: Re-election of Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye as Stated Clerk and approve contract for Stated Clerk.

  • MOTION APPROVED: Direct the Stated Clerk, in cooperation with Finance and Property, to craft a proposal for a Standing Committee on Church Transitions and Discernment to handle all financial and property matters related to church closings, property repurposing, use of church properties overall, and disputes and investigations related to financial matters and property matters that do not fall under Book of Order disciplinary procedures. Further, at the request of a sufficient number of elder and minister members, direct the Moderator to schedule an online Special Meeting for the presentation and consideration of the new committee.

  • The meeting ended at 2:44 p.m.

Meeting Papers:

Annual Meeting Docket
Assistant to the Lead Presbytery Report
March 2026 Draft Minutes
Nominations for Officers
Annual Report of the Stated Clerk
Parity Report
Lead Presbytery Report
Food Supplemental Motion
Food Supplemental Grant Application
Stated Clerk Contract
Treasurer's Report
COM Report
Temporary Pastoral Agreement
Finance and Property Annual Report
Vacancy Offset Policy

Stated Meeting: March 14, 2026

A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Scipioville Presbyterian Church and on Zoom. Thank you to Scipioville for hosting the meeting and providing a delicious lunch!

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

  • The meeting started at 10 a.m.

  • A worship service was held.

  • The Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye delivered a powerful message. Watch it here.

  • Our Lead Presbyter, Rev. Greg Garis, and our Assistant to the Lead Presbyter, Rev. Mary Anderson, led us in a meaningful time of communion. It was a special moment of reflection, faith, and community, and we are thankful for their leadership and presence with us.

  • Stated Clerk the Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye thanked all the churches for submitting their statistics.

  • MOTION APPROVED: The Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse reaffirms the Administrative Commission for Hannibal Church with Rev Garrett Anderson, Roger Dilmore and Victor Jenkins as members. The commission has been granted Original Jurisdiction which includes the ability to transfer the property and dissolve the congregation.

  • MOTION PASSED: To suspend SR 12 and for those members of Human Resources to work jointly with the Personnel Committee of Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley to review and assess staffing needs and make recommendations to the presbyteries, provide for supervision, update policies, and conduct annual performance reviews for the Presbyteries of Cayuga-Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley.

  • Thank you so much for the delicious lunch provided and prepared for Scipioville Presbyterian Church members and Simply Cookie!

  • The social justice committee invites everyone to attend the viewing of the “Where Olive Trees Weep." See information below.

  • MOTION PASSED: That the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse approve the webinar "Introduction to April 3 Massacre and its Memorials" presented by Professor Merose Hwang on August 31, 2025 as a resource to be submitted to General Assembly (PC-Biz) In support of our overture "On the Jeju 4.3 Tragedy in South Korea." Professor Hwang presented this webinar to the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) in conjunction with the Korea Peace Journey held in October 2025. The webinar can be found on the Home page of www.PPNK.net‍ ‍

  • The meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m.

Meeting Papers:

Docket
Committee on Representation Report
Election Bylaws
Focus & Coordination Team
Human Resources Committee Report
January 2026 Draft Minutes
Overture on Embargoing Israel
Paper Dolls to Free Families
Lead Presbyter Report
Synod of the Northeast Overtures

Stated Meeting: January 21, 2026

A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 on Zoom.

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

  • The Zoom was opened at 5:45 p.m. and the meeting started at 6 p.m. by our Moderator the Rev. Michael Hill.

  • Vice Moderator the Rev. Dr. Shavonn Lynch and Teaching Elder Courtney Steininger led us in a beautiful worship.

  • Worship included two songs you can watch on YouTube - Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone) and Christ's Love Moves the World.

  • The Stated Clerk, the Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye, reminds everyone that the deadline to submit Statistical Reporting is February 20th! See below for more details and access to the portal.

  • Our Lead Presbyter for Transformation the Rev. Greg Garis referenced a podcast with the Rev. Dr. Gil Rendle, which can be listened to here. Rather than mourning the decline of traditional church structures, Gil explores how disruption may be clearing space for new forms of faith and community to emerge.

  • Several overtures were discussed and all were confirmed by our Presbytery to be presented to the General Assembly. The following overtures were discussed and approved:

  • On In-Person Assemblies (from our friends at the Presbyterian Peace Fellowship)

  • On Prohibiting Non-Disclosure Covenants in Employee Relations (from Stated Clerk, Presbytery of the Pacific)

  • Green Future Endowment Fund

  • Regenerative Farming and Creation Care

  • Changing Course for a Green Future

  • Repudiate Christian Nationalism

  • Recognition that Israel has Violated the International Law Prohibiting Genocide

  • On the Jeju 4.3 Tragedy in South Korea

  • The contract for our Stated Clerk was extended until the annual meeting in June.

  • The schedule for stated meetings and future meetings of our Presbytery were discussed during New Business. Meeting locations are to be determined, but please save the following dates:

  • Saturday, March 14th -- Stated Meeting (In Person)

  • May TBD -- Joint Meeting with The Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley. (In Person)

  • Saturday, June 13th -- Annual Meeting

  • Saturday, September 19th -- Stated Meeting (In Person)

  • Wednesday, November 18th -- Stated Meeting (Zoom)

  • The meeting ended at 8:37 p.m.

Meeting Papers:

Docket
Consent Agenda
November 19, 2025 Draft Minutes
Statement of Activity - November 2025
Election Bylaws and Standing Rule Language
Budget Report - 12.02.2025
Statement of Financial Position 11.30.2025
Nominating Committee Report
Change Course for a Green Future
Focus and Coordination Team Update
Per Capita Report
On In-Person Assemblies
On Prohibiting Non-Disclosure Covenants in Employee Relations
On Taking Action to Repudiate Christian Nationalism and Affirm Our Faith
Overture, On the Jeju 4.3 Tragedy
Regenerative Farming and Creation Care
Recognition that Israel has Violated the International Law
Report from the Lead Presbyter
Summary of Overtures
The Green Future Endowment Fund

A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6 p.m. on Zoom.

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

  • Our meeting started at 6 p.m. via Zoom.

  • Moderator Rev. Michael Hill opened the meeting in prayer.

  • We shared good news from our congregations!

  • A wonderful worship service was held and led by outgoing Vice Moderator Lynn Jacques, Moderator Rev. Michael Hill and incoming Vice Moderator Rev. Dr. Shavonn Lynch.

  • The Rev. Dr. Shavonn Lynch was installed as the new Vice Moderator. She will serve a two year term.

  • We thanked outgoing Vice Moderator Elder Lynn Jacques for her service to the Presbytery.

  • During the Human Resources Committee update we learned that phone interviews have concluded in our search for the assistant to the Lead Presbyter for Transformation. The interview process is ongoing.

  • We received an update from the Social Justice Committee. Committee Meeting Minutes

  • We heard a first read of the 2026 Budget, see report below.

  • Motion Approved: Committee on Preparation for Ministry moves that Briana Vaught's status be updated to, “certified ready to call.” Brianna's biography and faith statement are below.

  • Elder Linda Russell gave an update of Korea Pacemaker and Synod.

  • The meeting ended at 7:26 p.m.

    Papers from Meeting:

    Docket

    Combined Special Meeting 8.14.25

    2026 Budget Report

    Briana Vaught Statement of Faith

    Briana Vaught Biography

    Per Capita Report

    Statement of Financial Position

    Statement of Activity

    Budget Report

    March Meeting Minutes *

    May Meeting Minutes *

    *Please note: The March & May meeting minutes were edited before/during the meeting.

A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 on Zoom. Papers from the meeting are linked below. Here are some highlights from the meeting:

  • The meeting started at 6 p.m.

  • Lots of good news was shared, including the announcement of a new pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn. The Rev. Adam M. Demetros will begin on February 3, 2025. Pastor Adam was enthusiastically approved by the congregation in a meeting held following worship on December 8, 2024.

  • A Worship Service was held with prayers read by Elder Neil Rotach and the Rev. Michael Hill. Elder Lynn Jacques gave the message entitled "Come, Let Us Go to the Other Side.” In the message, Lynn talked about moving the Presbytery forward and for all of us to remember that God is in the boat with us and He will never leave us.

  • Stated Clerk Paul Rack reminded Clerks of Session that Church Statistical Reporting is happening now through February 10th! (See announcement below)

  • The motions presented by Human Resources regarding the Stated Clerk's contract and the Communication Coordinator's salary were both approved.

  • The Benevolent Care Grant Fund were discussed and approved. There was $11,838.00 available in the fund. We received six applications requesting financial assistance through the program. The money was distributed as follows:

1) Amboy Belle Isle $200.00

2) Collamer United Church $500.00

3) Health Tapestry $1400.00

4) Pebble Hill Presbyterian Church $1500.00

5) Westminster Manor $3,238.00

6) Presbyterian Manor $5,000.00

  • Contact the moderator, the Rev. Michael Hill, if you're interested in serving on the five-person committee that is exploring the merger. Email revhill@skanpresby.org to express your interest.

  • The Social Justice Committee's report included an event that is happening tonight - Thursday, January 16th. “Supporting Immigrant Families in our Community” virtual workshop will be held on Zoom at 7:30 p.m.

A stated meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church of Skaneateles, 97 E. Genesee Street, Skaneateles, and on Zoom.

Thank you to the Rev. Michael Hill and the volunteers at the Skaneateles church for hosting us!

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

  • Our meeting started at 10 a.m. The Rev. Michael Hill opened us in prayer.

  • The Rev. Michael Hill, our moderator, recognized that 5 years ago the COVID-19 pandemic hit - closing church buildings! “We persevered! We are here today!” He recalled the fear we had of being able to continue worship services, including using Zoom for the first time! Zoom has now become a staple in our churches and keeping us connected! “We have persevered!” Amen! Thank you to the volunteers who make attending virtually possible during our meetings!

  • A Worship Service was held to start the meeting. Lynn Jacques blessed us with her beautiful voice by singing “On Eagle’s Wings.” The Rev. Paul Rack (our now former Stated Clerk) delivered our message. He stated that the only question our churches should be asking is: “How can we follow Jesus?”

  • Motion Passed: The Presbytery of Cayuga Syracuse, pursuant to the synod requirements for merger, establish a three-member team to meet with the three-member team from the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley to form a Visioning Committee to begin formal merger discussions. It is understood that these discussions will involve coordination with the various committees of and groups within the presbyteries. The members of the team will be Steve Plank, Lorrie Cooney and Steve Eidt.

  • Thank you to the Rev. Paul F. Rack for serving as our Stated Clerk! Happy Retirement!

  • The Rev. Ben Fitzgerald-Fye was installed as the Stated Clerk. Welcome back, Ben!

  • Rev. Luke Choi of The Board of Pensions of the PCUSA spoke at the meeting to remind churches that he can help them maximize the benefits that are available for ministers and church staff members.

  • Elder Linda Russell gave a Synod Update. See below.

  • We heard from members of the IFW Refugee Resettlement program who spoke about their experiences as recent refugees living in Syracuse. One woman who spoke was one of the many who received rent assistance from our Presbytery.

  • All Motions Passed: From the 226th General Assembly -- Amendments to the Constitution of the PCUSA and the Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing of Ministries. Here is a link to the book of amendments.

  • We offered a special prayer for our retiring ministers: Karen Chamis, Karen Green, Robert Langston and Deb Thomas. Have a blessed retirement filled with peace, relaxation and joy.

  • The meeting ended at 2:19 p.m.

Papers for Meeting:

Docket
January 2025 Minutes
Budget Report
Per Capital Report
Statement of Activity
Financial Position Statement
Terms of Call
COM Report
HR Report

A Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at Columbian
Presbyterian Church.

Here are some highlights from the meeting:

  • Thank you to LaFayette Columbian Presbyterian Church for hosting our stated meeting on a beautiful Saturday morning.

  • The meeting started at 8:30 a.m. with prayer and worship service.

  • Mary Heather Harrington and Neil Rotach from King Ferry Choir presented the Response in Song with “Thank you, Lord, For Your
    Blessing on Me.”

  • The Rev. Michael Hill (our moderator) is giving the message this morning. His message is entitled “Through the Eyes of Christ.”

  • Elder Linda Russell gave a report on the Synod Assembly, which was held in October. Emma Hill, our YAAD from Skaneateles, said the experience was awesome. She encourages more youth to get involved.

  • MOTION PASSED: A task force - a five member team - will be assembled to discuss the merger.

  • Moderator Michael Hill has announced the schedule for Stated Meetings for 2025

Wednesday, January 15: 6 p.m. on Zoom

Saturday, March 15: 10 a.m. at Skaneateles church and Zoom

Saturday, May 17: Time/Place TBD (Annual Meeting)

Wednesday, September 17: 6 p.m. on Zoom

Wednesday, November 19: 6 p.m. on Zoom

  • The meeting ended at 11:25 a.m.

Papers for this meeting can be found below:

Docket
Budget Report
September 16, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Committee on Representation Meeting Notes
COM Report
Budget vs. Actuals - As of 10/31/24
Statement of Financial Position Prev Year Comparison
Attendance

A special presbytery meeting was held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2024 on Zoom

The highlight of the meeting was the examination of Elder Dr. Shavonn Lynch for ordination to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament on September 15, 2024. This was unanimously approved! Congratulations on the next step, Shavonn! “What a good day for the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse!!

The meeting also featured the Commission of the Commissioners to the 226th General Assembly:

Marissa Saunders
Ruling Elder
Park Central Presbyterian

Ben Fitzgerald-Fye
Minister of the Word and Sacrament
Scipioville Presbyterian Church

The meeting lasted just under 1 hour. See papers below for more details:

Papers from the meeting can be found below:

Docket
January 22, 2024 Minutes
February 29. 2024 Minutes
May 6, 2024 Minutes
May 18, 2024 Minutes
Statement of Faith

A Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Cayuga-Syracuse was held on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at First Presbyterian

Church of Liverpool. Here are the highlights:

  • Rev. Anna Gheen (Cazenovia) led the body in a powerful worship service using First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament and drawing on her family’s heritage as members of a Cherokee tribe.

  • Rev. Luke Choi, Board of Pensions liaison, will hold two question and answer Zoom meetings for members of presbytery regarding all the new options for medical coverage for pastors beginning in 2025.

  • Approved a motion by the Hannibal Administrative Commission to transfer the Hannibal church property to the American Baptist Church of New York State. Approved a motion to receive the AC report and dismiss the AC with thanks at the conclusion of this transaction.

  • Elected Rev. Michael Hill (Skaneateles) as Moderator for a 2-year term. Elected 14 others to serve on various committees and commissions.

  • Approved a PILP loan to First Presbyterian Church of Liverpool for a roof replacement project.

  • Approved using $15,000 of unspent budget in the Resource Presbyter personnel line for a grant to be given to Interfaith Works-CNY for their Refugee Resettlement program.

  • Approved a $2,000 grant to Westminster Church-Auburn from the Vanderkamp Sale Proceeds Fund to be used to support the creation of a “Prayground” in their sanctuary.

  • Approved a request from the Korean Church of Syracuse to sell a piece of property with the proceeds to be dedicated to a mission project in the Lodi Street area.

  • Approved a request from the First Presbyterian Church of Weedsport to sell a portion of their land with the proceeds to be used to support the ministry of the church.

  • Discussed proposed policies on Anti-racism and Anti-harassment. Policies will be refined and brought to the next stated presbytery meeting.

  • Amended the Stated Clerk contract to run from May 1, 2024 through January 31, 2025.

  • Heard from Moderator Garrett Anderson on meetings held between leadership of Cayuga-Syracuse, Susquehanna Valley, and the Synod regarding a possible merger between Cayuga-Syracuse and Susquehanna Valley. During a time of discussion, Rev. Anderson invited and noted questions, concerns, and insights offered by the body which will be considered by Presbytery’s council. A motion regarding merger is planned for a special called meeting to be scheduled in June.

  • Discussed proposed draft of Bylaws Article III (Members and Other Participants in Meetings) and Article V (Meetings), and Standing Rule (SR) 5 (Administrative Action Committee), SR 6 (Congregational Development and Presbytery Connections Committee), and SR 7 (Coordinating Committee). Questions were raised, amendments offered, and draft approved as amended.

  • Per Bylaws Article III-c, effective immediately each church session is entitled to send one commissioner to presbytery with voice and vote.

  • Resource Presbyter Kathy Dain was thanked for her year of service and presented with a gift card. Kathy concludes her service on June 15.

  • Presbytery learned that Shavonn Lynch, Candidate Under Care, received her Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) degree in a commencement ceremony at Northeastern Seminary at Roberts Wesleyan University in Rochester on May 18. Congratulations to Dr. Shavonn Lynch! Shavonn has received a call to serve as Temporary Stated Supply Associate Pastor at Northminster Presbyterian Church and will be examined on the floor of presbytery at a special called meeting in June in preparation for answering that call. 

  • Outgoing Moderator Rev. Garrett Anderson conducted the installation of Rev. Michael Hill and Rev. Paul Rack as Presbytery Moderator and Stated Clerk, respectively.

Updates compiled by Linda Russell with much gratitude!

Visit our Facebook page for photos and more updates from Karen Chamis and Susan Wonderland.