God is always upending the status quo. Examples abound in Scripture. Abraham and Sarah were visited by three “men” (two angels and the Lord) who told them they would have a son. Abraham was 99, and Sarah was 90. Their status quo was altered with a baby one year later.
In Isaiah 43, the people of Israel are dominated by Assyria, and they anticipated going into exile. But God tells them,
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
Saul (later Paul) was persecuting the early Christians, including participating in the stoning of Stephen. While traveling to Damascus, the Lord appeared dramatically, and Saul (Paul) had an instantaneous conversion. While his conversion was quick, it took time for the early church to accept him. They had to alter their under-standing of Paul as the one called to be God’s voice to the Gentiles.
My status quo was upended when I was called to be the pastor of this church. It involved arranging for movers, looking for a place to live, learning my way around the region, and adapting to the culture of the church.
I learned several status quos had been upended. The First Presbyterian Church of Utica had moved from its long historical location on Genesee Street. The Whitesboro Presbyterian Church had closed. There were lots of intense feelings around both experiences.
There are numerous other signs that we are in a season of change with the “upending of the status quo.”
The Presbytery has voted to transfer the deed of 1 Elm Street to our congregation. This change brings with it new challenges and opportunities. In preparation for winter, we are already moving toward improvements with a new roof. A “wish” list of needs throughout the building has been drafted and is in the process of being prioritized for future improvements.
While it’s been 1 ½ years, your pastor is still new. (For some it may feel like an eternity.) In this short time, I am grateful your leaders approved moving me from halftime to three-fourths time. Every leader brings their own personality and experiences that impact mission and ministry in a church.
The minister of music is now salaried.
Intentional hospitality has become a priority. Guests will decide to return to a church worship service in the first seven to ten minutes. Our intentionality increases the possibilities that they will.
Seeds of Hope (SOH), while now a separate 501(c)3, continues to be a major mission partner. This is illustrated by the staff of this church providing the majority of leadership and administrative support to raise funds through Mohawk Valley Gives the week of September 14 with a focus on September 18th. Last year $10,000 was raised with a goal of $15,000 this year. We address the high levels of food insecurity in our region among families by supporting SOH.
Another mission focus was Angel Tree. Clothes, toys, and a Christmas meal are provided for several families. The names are provided by a social worker from the Westmoreland Elementary School. During the Lenten series this past spring, the same social worker told us there was more we could do to help underserved families in the community through the school. We are focused on helping school staff and teachers address student needs. We learned that 50% of the students came from families who are considered working poor.
Disciple-making is intentional with a Prayer Chain, Disciple Bible Study, and a Study Series based on The Chosen. Much more will come in the near future through Plentiful Gifts, which provides training opportunities for our leaders to enrich and expand our mission and ministry.
Events are being planned by the Fellowship Team that focus on inviting people from the region, not only our congregation. Outreach has been planned for the community, such as Trunk-or-Treat, with additional ideas in consideration. We are no longer on Genesee Street. We want to know our immediate neighbors.
All the above reflect new horizons for ministry. This includes a new name that looks to the future for God’s plan for our church but also looks back to learn from and celebrate the history of both congregations. (Find the Pastor’s full article in the September 2026 Newsletter posted to the website.)