The Presbytery of Utica
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| Located in rural upstate New York, the 37 congregations with 4,609 members of the Presbytery of Utica need not look far for mission opportunities. Local communities are faced with the daily challenges of a declining economic base, and many live in poverty. However, Jesus’ commandment to love one another has been taken by the presbytery on a more far-reaching level. For over a decade, the presbytery has sponsored a Delaware mission trip for approximately fifty high school students and adults. The group partners with the First State Resource, Conservation and Development Council Inc. (RC&D) for a week in Sussex County repairing houses, putting on new roofs, and building ramps. All expenses are covered by presbytery support, fund-raising, congregational donations, and participant contributions.
For the past two summers, the workers have been warmly welcomed by the congregation of Lewes Presbyterian Church, where they camp in the comfort of the air-conditioned church. All food is prepared on site by a Martha’s Crew. The Presbytery Education and Nurture Committee serves as the coordinator. Volunteer co-chairs oversee all planning, fund-raising, and trip details. Each day includes a time of work, a time of Bible study and worship, and a time of play. RC&D board members and volunteers work side by side with the work crews. The nearby beaches are a real treat for these upstate New Yorkers who do not have many opportunities to enjoy the Atlantic Ocean. A highlight of the trip is a night off at Rehoboth Beach before the eight-hour trip home. The evaluations and highlights of the youth who participate are similar each year: “the warm feeling that you get when you know you’ve helped someone else,” “the new friendships that are formed,” and “the enriched feeling of growing closer to Christ through mission” top the lists. The Presbytery of Utica praises God for its ability to serve and grow in Christ’s name. |
 Presbytery Staff Rev. Martha Z. Miller, executive presbyter Elder Janet Evans, financial secretary Joanne Bolton, receptionist Rev. Edward Loper, stated clerk Elder Harry Young, assistant stated clerk PC(USA) General Assembly Staff Rev. L. Edwin Martin, DEDO Mike Masters, FDN Tiffany Mathis, BOP |
 I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long (Ps. 146:2). |
 Ps. 28, 54, 99, 146 Judg. 2:1–5, 11–23 Rom. 16:17–27; Matt. 27:32–44 |
