Dear Presbytery Family, This week's Staying Connected includes Vital Congregation resources, General Assembly wrap up, opportunities to serve, and much more!

Pray for Our Congregations, Ministries and PCUSA Focus Sundays Palms Presbyterian Church San Mateo Presbyterian Church

225th General Assembly Wrap-Up Under the leadership of co-moderators Ruth Santana-Grace and Shavon Starling-Louis, the final plenary session of the 225th General Assembly concluded on Saturday, July 9. In an interview with Presbyterian Outlook, when asked about the future, the co-moderators reflected on their excitement about serving as ambassadors of hope, sharing the stories of our congregations, and being committed to “a theology of flourishing and abundance in a culture of scarcity.”

The Presbytery of St. Augustine joins in their hopeful spirit as it gives gratitude for the service of our commissioners, Stephen Crowley (RE - First Palatka), John Diller (TE - Orange Park), Jennifer Hallberg (TE - First Jasper), and Connie Smith (RE - South Jacksonville). We look forward to their own time of sharing at the Fall Stated Meeting.

Opportunities to Serve Your Presbytery Our committees, teams, and commissions can do the work of Jesus Christ with your leadership and participation. Do you enjoy teaching? Are you passionate about mission? There’s a place for you! See what others are saying about the life and work of the presbytery. Check out these opportunities and apply today!

Vital Congregations Resources

Spirit-Inspired Worship Spirit-Inspired Worship is worship that reflects a living relationship and active participation in the Triune God. Everyone has a place in this worship, which is not self-gratifying, stale ritual divorced of meaning, or consumer entertainment worship. Some questions churches may use to evaluate their worship are: How does your church practice Spirit-Inspired Worship? Why is Spirit-Inspired Worship important today? What challenges / obstacles stand in the way? Learn more about the Vital Congregations Initiative in our presbytery, and email Holly Dillon Inglis if your church would like to explore this further.

Preaching and Worship Planning Resources Speaking of worship … don’t forget to check out our Preaching and Worship Planning Resources website page! You may find resources that will spark creativity in your preaching and worship planning!

Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference Stewardship Kaleidoscope is September 26-28 AND it will be in Savannah. Registrants can attend in-person or virtually. The early-bird pricing ends at the end of July, so now is the best time to register! There is a special rate for first call pastors and there is also a group rate. Website / Registration

2022 Evangelism Conference The second mark of a Vital Congregation is Intentional Authentic Evangelism and the 2022 Evangelism Conference: Addressing Harm, Embracing Hope is a great opportunity! This hybrid event will be held online and in-person at Montreat Conference Center. Learn more about the conference and register on the Montreat website.

“Come Rest Awhile” for Ecclesial Health and Vitality! The presbytery is offering the opportunity to gather together and “Come Rest Awhile” at the clergy, CRE, and educator’s retreat which will be held October 17-19 at the El Caribe Resort and Conference Center in Daytona Beach. Registration will begin in early August through the presbytery website. Click here for a flyer and frequently asked questions.

Summer at Montgomery! Summer is drawing to a close. Before you know it, the kids will be back in school. Help your students finish the summer with a bang with Summer Camp at Montgomery Center! Openings are available for elementary through high school in weeks 5 and 6 (beginning July 24 and July 31). Already been and can't wait for next year? Register for a 2nd week and receive 10% off!

PDA Volunteer Host Sites Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) currently has seven host sites receiving volunteer teams to support rebuilding efforts in areas that have been affected by natural disasters. PDA encourages you to consider one of these sites for an adult or youth work group this year or in 2023. Click here for more details or visit the PDA website.

Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering The Fall Gathering of the Presbyterian Women will be held on Saturday, August 27, at Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center. Online registration will open later this week! The theme is Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God’s Gifts of Rest and Delight, which is the 2022-2023 PW Bible Study. Visit our website for more information about the bible study.

Women’s Retreat at Trinity Presbyterian Church Trinity Presbyterian Women cordially invite our Presbyterian Women for a one-day women’s retreat at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast on Saturday, October 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. Guest speaker Snowden McFall will lead the conversation about “Getting Fired Up for Your Next Chapter.” Click here for details and registration.

2022-2023 Presbyterian Planning Calendars Pre-order your 2022-2023 Presbyterian Planning Calendar through the presbytery office now! We have placed an order for the calendars and expect delivery by mid-August. The discounted rate is $12.00 each … or you can pick up in the presbytery office for $10.00 each. Click on the calendar image to order your calendar(s).

Employment Opportunities Visit our website’s classified page to check out a wide variety of employment opportunities. There are several positions open for youth / family / children's ministry in our congregations, including a new listing for a full-time Youth Director at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. There are also full and part-time pastoral openings, and other employment opportunities.

Upcoming Events August 5 – Summer 2022 at Camp Montgomery ends! August 12-14 – Women's Connection 2022 at Montreat Conference Center August 22-24 – Board of Pensions Well-Being Retreat at Montreat Conference Center August 27 – PW Fall Gathering at Montgomery Center September 26-28 – Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference 2022, Savannah, GA and online October 1-2 – Savannah School of the Laity, Fall Courses October 4 – Presbytery Fall Stated Meeting October 17-19 – "Come Rest Awhile" Retreat for clergy, CREs and educators in Daytone Beach October 30-November 1 – 2022 Evangelism Conference at Montreat Conference Center  November 3-5 – Educators Regional Gathering, “Playology”, Epworth by the Sea

Blessings, Jerie Lukefahr, Moderator of the Presbytery Holly Dillon Inglis, Ministry and Mission Coordinator Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk On Behalf of the Coordinating Council

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website. Staying Connected Archives