Category: Church News

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.)

Summer is upon us. This is a time for enjoying the outdoors, going on vacations to see family or sights, and time at the camp. The Bible contains many examples of times when people stepped away from the work routine. It’s true, Moses did not book an Airbnb at the Red Sea, and Jesus did not have a cottage on Lake Galilee. However, the Bible teaches the value of taking a break with the weekly Sabbath. It established seasonal rhythms and times for family travel. In the Bible, there were three major pilgrimage feasts (Passover, Shavuot, Sukkot) annually. Families traveled to Jerusalem. They gathered, feasted, and celebrated. It was basically a road trip to renew their relationship with God and reconnect with others.

The result is a lightened schedule on the church calendar. Meetings like the Session stay on the calendar, but there are fewer meetings and fewer events. The events are typically more “relaxed.” However, the lightened schedule allows time to plan and prepare for the busy fall. There are some  important upcoming opportunities, which you can read more about in the July Newsletter.  – Pastor George

We live in crazy times. This includes hate crimes at Jewish synagogues and Islamic centers but also at universities, schools, residential areas, retail areas, and night life. Protest marches organized to be peaceful turn violent.  We are frustrated with deep political polarization. Social  media fuels hatred with false narratives and mean-spirited  reactions to other posts. Wars keep happening and are hard to interpret as having a clear and beneficial purpose. Extremists dominate political parties and many civic organizations. The cost of living keeps climbing with no relief in  sight. Trust has eroded for most professions. Forty-nine percent of Americans feel angry on any given day.  

I could go on, but I am depressing myself, and I am certain you as well. Even as people of faith who worship a God of love, we find ourselves distraught by all the chaos around us. How can we experience the Christian faith to rise above the madness around us?  The “Fruit of the Spirit” passage above sounds idyllic and only possible for people living in isolation. In reality, Paul was writing to a church living in chaos. The region was a melting pot of nationalities and religions at odds with each other. Anarchists wanted to overthrow Rome.  The church was dealing with false information about how to be a follower of Christ. Freedom in Christ was leading to ungodly, disturbing, and immoral behavior.  This is illustrated by a list Paul provided in Galatians 5:19-21.  “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft;  hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, wild partying, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”   Goodness! Written almost 2,000 years ago and yet, very descriptive of life around us today.   

For the next three months of Summer, the messages on Sunday will focus on finding and experiencing the “Fruit of the Spirit” amid all the distractions and chaos. Even in the craziness, there can be “love, joy, and  peace.” Join us every Sunday at 10:00! Consider this your personal invitation.  

“There is a time for everything.” That is the theme of Ecclesiastes 3. Many of us know these words from the Byrds’ 1965 song, “Turn! Turn! Turn!” Pete Seeger wrote the lyrics, but the Byrds made it popular. Other artists who recorded it include Judy Collins and Dolly Parton.

The song reflected significant changes taking place in the culture. A generation rose up against the Vietnam War. The Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum. Music was changing, with screaming teens (girls?) responding to the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Rolling Stones. The National Endowment for the Arts supported creative endeavors. Television had replaced radio. News media began to dominate the airwaves. This was an era of the second wave of women’s rights—advocating for equal pay in the workplace, reproductive rights, and challenges to traditional gender roles. Free love also challenged traditional mores surrounding sexuality.

Every generation faces changes that can be challenging or beneficial. Easter represents a significant shift in its time. During Holy Week, at the Lord’s Supper, Jesus said, “This cup is the new covenant.” Previously, He stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” His Easter resurrection meant hope and salvation not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles. He was bringing change that ultimately carried the Gospel from Israel to the entire Roman Empire.

First Presbyterian Church has seen more than its share of changes. These changes can be traced to many factors, including shifts in culture. Regretfully, Whitesboro Presbyterian Church closed, and First Presbyterian Church in Utica had to sell its building. Worship styles have evolved, including their level of formality and the genres of music. The focus has transitioned from children and families to serving a more senior population. This is not right or wrong, but reflects efforts to adapt to the culture. Pastoral transitions also bring change. “There is a time for everything” (Ecclesiastes 3:1–14).

What’s next? Where is God leading us as a church in faithful service to one another and the community? We now enter the Easter season, when the disciples spent time in prayer, waiting for the gift Jesus promised. That promise was fulfilled at Pentecost. Will you pray with me that the Spirit of God would empower us to be bold and courageous in the direction God is calling us to go and what God is calling us to do next?

Let us pray…

Pastor George

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us  throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us  run with perseverance the race marked out for us…” (Hebrews 12:1)  

In early versions of the Bible, the word “witnesses” was translated as  “saints.” All Saints Day was established to remember all the “saints” who  have passed to the next life, but their “witness” helps Christians to “persevere in the race marked out for us.” The original author of Hebrews was not establishing a special day in the church year, but it became a key verse as the church established “All Saints Day.” “All Hallowed Eve,” or Halloween, is the making sacred or hallowed of the saints and martyrs in the early church in preparation for All Saints Day. Vigils the night before are common for church holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving.   There are many theories on the origins of Halloween. Like many Christian holidays, their historical roots are cloudy, with the intentions of the church and parallel pagan festivities. One theory is that Halloween and All Saints  Day came from a Celtic harvest festival, specifically from the Irish.

Check out the October Newsletter (posted here on the church website) for a short summary of Halloween and All Saints Day.  The summary is provided to encourage us to share our church with others. Yes, we at the First Presbyterian Church will have an “All Saints Sunday” on November 2.  

We are also planning “Trunk or Treat” on  October 31st. It is a wonderful time for kids of all ages. But it is so much more.  “Trunk or Treat” is an excellent opportunity to meet our neighbors. I hope you will come and contribute to the hospitality for which the First Presbyterian Church is known. Let’s greet and welcome our neighbors!  ~ Pastor George   

What are some ways that we can better connect with others on a wider and deeper level?  

While it is often simpler and easier to interact with people on a superficial basis, the spiritual side of us responds to real connection.  

Think about ways to connect more, both within and outside the church.

Rev. Cooper started his ministry with us in January, moving to Upstate NY after living most recently in Florida. He has luckily adapted well to the abrupt change in climate! He has hit the ground running with focus on mission, membership, and Christian educational activities. Welcome, George!!

Welcome to the New Year! As we wish Pastor Mark a fond farewell in his well-deserved retirement, we look ahead to where God is leading us. To co-opt some of Mark’s words to us, “We will listen for the Spirit’s voice whispering words filled with blessings.” We will start the year with three Sundays of guest preachers – Rev. Ed Townsend on Jan 5th, Certified Lay Preacher Barb Shuck on Jan 12th (Epiphany Sunday), and Larry Beasley from the Utica Presbytery on Jan 19th. Then we look forward to welcoming the Rev. George Cooper, our new Pastor, starting on Jan 26th. Here’s to 2025!