Dear Presbytery Family,

Stay Connected by joining in prayer, highlighting resources, learning about upcoming events, and sharing presbytery updates.  
Prayer
This week we join together in prayer for:

Church:
Arlington Presbyterian Church and Peace Presbyterian Church, Rev. Joe Medearis, Pastor, members of the sessions and the congregations.

Larger Church:
Churches and presbyteries in the east and the west that have suffered from the recent named storms and blazing fires that have caused damage and loss around our country.  Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is responding.
Presbytery News
Fall Stated Presbytery Meeting
Our Fall Stated meeting is a few weeks away. Register now for the meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 5, beginning at 9:30 a.m., via Zoom.  Click here for the registration form and links to the initial email invitation and our electronic meeting guidelines. If you have questions about the meeting or the docket, contact our stated clerk, Sandra Hedrick at sandra@staugpres.org.
Registration is Open for the Annual Session Clerk Workshop
The annual workshop for our session clerks, led by Sandra Hedrick and Ed Kelly (stated clerk and assistant stated clerk) will be held on Zoom on Tuesday, October 12, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 16, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. (same workshop, two dates/times). Register here.

Pastoral Openings
We have openings for an associate pastor (Riverside), pastor / head of staff (First Fernandina Beach) an interim pastor (Highlands United), and a part-time stated supply pastor (High Springs). If you know colleagues who might be interested in these positions, please refer them to our presbytery classifieds webpage.
New Online Directory Coming Soon!
The presbytery’s new online directory will launch in just a few weeks! This online tool will be a way to Collaborate, Care and Connect! The new system is computer, tablet and mobile friendly and will allow easy look-up of churches, ministers and presbytery leaders. Watch for details, instructional videos, and more, as we get ready to go live!
Highlands Regional Ministry Center Re-Dedication and Open House
Presbytery members are invited to celebrate with the Highlands Regional Ministry Center at its Re-Dedication and Open House on Saturday, October 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The re-dedication worship service will begin at 10:00 followed by tours of the building. Come and meet the staff and volunteers of the nonprofit ministries that are doing incredible work in the Gainesville community. The Highlands Regional Ministry Center is located at 1001 NE 16th Ave., Gainesville. Watch for more information coming soon.
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 2 Corinthians 8: 16-24.
Christian Educators – Request from the Office of the General Assembly
To assist in connecting with Christian educators, the Office of the General Assembly is gathering information for the purpose of sharing denominational updates on resources and Christian formation opportunities. Whether you are a pastor, employee, volunteer, or retiree in the field of Christian Education, click here to start this short 5-minute survey.
 
Presbyterian Foundation Day of Learning – October 12
This webinar on Managing and Stewarding Church Property is free and offers three sessions. You can register by clicking here.
11:30 am EST - Defining Mission, Vision and Values in Managing Real-Property Assets
2:00 pm EST - Considerations in Property Use, Re-Purposing, and Partnering
5:30 pm EST – Overview of Understanding Finances Related to Property

Best Practices on Building Use by Outside Groups
Click here to read advice on church lease and covenant issues from PC(USA) General Counsel Mike Kirk. Because all states are different, it is important to consult with a Florida attorney when entering into agreements relating to your real property. Our stated clerk and assistant stated clerk can help with polity questions, including when presbytery approval is required. 
REvangelism Online Conference – November 1-3
The REvangelism Conference is designed to take you on a deeper journey into faith: into the lives of others, into justice, hope, and the wonder of God. Together we will practice habits of Evangelism that will engage us in the gospel of good news — God’s justice and reconciliation for the world. For more information about the conference and registration, visit REvangelism | Montreat Conference Center. Montreat is hosting the program in partnership with Theology, Formation & Evangelism ministries in the Presbyterian Mission Agency
SOAP Regional Event Moved to Zoom
The Synod of South Atlantic Puerto Rico Region of APCE (SOAP) Regional Event, Totally Outside the Walls: Faith Formation Post-Pandemic, scheduled for November 4-5 has been moved entirely to Zoom. With the help of GNTV, the folks who produced the APCE annual 2021 event, you are invited to gather together safely and reconnect with colleagues in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico. The registration fee is $75, with some scholarship assistance available. Click here for registration and details.
Upcoming Events
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.