Dear Presbytery Family,
Stay Connected by joining in prayer, highlighting resources, learning about upcoming events, and sharing updates from the Coordinating Council.
|
|
This week we join together in prayer for those affected by COVID:
God of Mystery, we come to you today with open hands, open hearts, and hope. We ask for resources and relief for those across the world affected by COVID. Protect all those in danger and all those who help.
O Merciful One, comfort the widowed, those imprisoned and the sick. Embrace the isolated. Give strength to the caretakers. Protect our unvaccinated children. We pray for vaccine equality and accessibility worldwide. Let us recognize your call for each of us to look after one another, to serve not our own but one other’s best interest.
Be with those silently enduring and healing from physical and mental traumas, chronic pain and illnesses that are not seen by the naked eye. Ease their sense of isolation and let them know they do not suffer alone.
Help us to have the strength to pay attention to what we need to this week, to be able to say no when our limits are reached and to be tender with ourselves when rest is necessary. Gracious God we thank you for the life you give, for your patience, guidance and your love that you lavish upon us. Amen.
Ministry Partners:
We also join in prayer for our minister members who provide special leadership and care during these challenging times as they serve in the ministry of chaplaincy: Vicki Bossout, Ina Boyd, Scott Brooks-Cope, Glen Busby, Janice Clark, Jean Goodwin, Do In Kim, Jess McCrosky, and Tina Sweet.
|
|
Welcome to Lisa Wells, Office Manager!
Lisa Wells began work as our new Office Manager on July 26. Lisa brings a background in accounting and looks forward to getting to know our presbytery and synod family. She is married to Jeff, and they enjoy spending time with their daughter and grandchildren. Please extend a warm welcome to Lisa at lisa@staugpres.org.
Employment Opportunties
Highlands United Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville has recently posted an opportunity for an Interim Pastor. Visit our classifieds page for this opportunity and others at our churches. The presbytery also has an opening for an Area Relationship Coordinator to provide focused relational support for our presbytery's ministers who serve in a validated ministry or are in an at-large status.
|
|
Presbytery Meeting Update
The Presbytery of St. Augustine held a called meeting on July 22, at noon, by Zoom. Updates were provided in several ministry areas, including Presbyterian Women and Montgomery Conference Center. Holly Dillon Inglis presented the news about “How to Be a Hybrid Church” as well as an invitation to submit grant requests and apply for volunteer service to the presbytery and the General Assembly. In addition, the presbytery approved a minor change to the stated clerk’s terms of call and approved the election of the Administrative Commission for the Middleburg Presbyterian Church that will respond to the session’s letter about closing the church. Finally, the stated clerk read the decision of the presbytery’s Permanent Judicial Commission in a disciplinary case involving a minister member.
Grant Request Deadline is July 30
The deadline to apply for a grant from the presbytery's designated funds is quickly approaching. Learn more about the available funds and download the application from our website. The Coordinating Council will begin reviewing applications soon.
We Are Seeking Volunteers!
Most of the presbytery's ministry is done through teams and commissions made up of wonderful volunteers! Applications to serve in these elected positions are now open. We are also seeking commissioners and a young adult advisory delegate for the General Assembly to be held in the summer of 2022. Use the buttons below to access the “Application to Serve” or the “GA webpage” for all the details. The application deadline is August 12.
|
|
How to Be a Hybrid Church |
Save the dates for this 3-part workshop series on How to Be a Hybrid Church! The series is sponsored by the presbytery and presented by Christen Kinard of Digital Congregations. Workshops will be held on Thursdays, September 9, 16 and 23, from 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. via Zoom. Churches are encouraged to identify a team of participants to attend this series. Registration will opens on Monday, August 2.
|
|
|
Presbytery Wide Reading - God, Improv and the Art of Living
As reported in May, presbytery members are encouraged to read God, Improv and the Art of Living, by the Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana. The book is about embracing improvisation as a spiritual and life practice. Click on the book cover for information shared at the May meeting. Watch for more information soon about opportunities to explore these principles further.
|
|
Resources and Opportunities
|
|
Scripture
Coordinating Council Chair Edd Norris invites the presbytery to share in the reading and study of scripture. You are invited to read Philippians 1:1-11.
Presbyterians for Earth Care National Conference, August 1, 8, and 15
Starting on Sunday, August 1, everyone is invited to attend “Creation Care Buffet: Come to the Table” which is the Presbyterians for Earth Care’s online national conference on Sundays, August 1, 8, and 15. Worship and Bible study will be from 4:30 pm EDT – 6:00 p.m. EDT, followed by a dinner break, with workshops from 7:00 p.m. EDT to 8:30 p.m. EDT. The cost is only $20 per Sunday or $50 for all 3 Sundays with scholarships available. Details (conference schedule, workshops descriptions and leaders’ bios,) can be found by clicking here and on the Presbyterians for Earth Care website (where you can register!).
|
|
Matthew 25 Congregations
We are excited to report that three more churches have recently become Matthew 25 Congregations: Community Presbyterian Church, Atlantic Beach, Ft. Caroline Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville, and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Orange Park. Thank you for your commitment to the Matthew 25 Initiative by embracing one or more of these three focuses to build congregational vitality, dismantle structural racism, and eradicate systemic poverty.
Is There Enough?
Is There Enough? is a 5-session curriculum for children dealing with the issue of hunger, with Biblical themes addressing our responsibility to share. There are lesson plans for preschool, kindergarten – second grade, and upper elementary ages. Learn more about this Presbyterian Mission Agency resource.
Book Bundles Highlighting Matthew 25
The PCUSA is offering free children’s books for children to support at-home faith formation. Churches are encouraged to apply to receive the books to distribute to families with young children. Each of the books being offered highlights aspects of the PCUSA vision of being a Matthew 25 faith community. Learn more here.
|
|
-
August 14, 2021, 9:00 a.m. - Audire Spiritual Formation Program Orientation via Zoom
-
August 28, 2021, 9:30 a.m. - Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering at Montgomery Center
-
September 9, 16, 23, 2021, 2:30 p.m. - How to Be a Hybrid Church workshop series via Zoom (see information above)
-
October 5, 2021, 9:30 a.m. - Fall 2021 Presbytery Stated Meeting
-
November 4-6, 2021 - APCE SOAP Regional Gathering at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simon's Island, GA
|
|
Blessings,
Edd Norris, Chair of Coordinating Council
Joe Albright, 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
