Dear Presbytery Family,
Stay Connected by joining in prayer, highlighting resources, learning about upcoming events, and sharing presbytery updates.
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This week we join together in prayer for:
Church
Riverside Presbyterian Church and St. Demiana Coptic Orthodox Church – St. Demiana’s church building, located near North Main Street, burned on September 20, 2021, in the early morning. The church is thankful that no one was injured in the fire. Riverside Presbyterian church has welcomed St. Demiana to share its space on Sunday morning while St. Demiana’s construction plans are discerned. Please pray for St. Demiana’s priests, Father Daniel Azer Sous and Father Beshoy Dawood, and for their congregation, and for the congregation at Riverside as both churches worship in the same place during this difficult season.
Larger Church - October is Pastor Appreciation Month
If ever there was a year to observe Pastor Appreciation Month, it’s 2021. Appreciation affirms the holy call to serve all of God’s children. Showing appreciation also renews our pastors’ creativity and energy. This Presbyterian Today article shares practical ideas to show appreciation to your pastor. The presbytery Facebook page will also share ideas throughout the month. |
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Last Chance to Register for the Annual Session Clerk Workshop
The annual workshop for our session clerks is this week - 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). You may still register if you send an email to Sandra Hedrick at sandra@staugpres.org at least 24 hours before your chosen session. The workshop will be held on Zoom and led by Sandra Hedrick and Ed Kelly (stated clerk and assistant stated clerk).
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Fall 2021 Presbytery Meeting
The Fall Stated Meeting was held on Tuesday, October 5. Click here to read the Fall Stated Meeting Highlights.
Letter from MPCC Board Chair
In light of the recent resignation of Monica Williams as Executive Director of Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center, Montgomery Board Chair, Tommy Lane, writes this letter to the presbytery. Please hold the Montgomery Board, Monica Williams, and the staff of Montgomery Center in your prayers during this time of transition.
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Presbytery Connect Online Directory
The presbytery’s new online directory is now live! The new system is computer, tablet and mobile friendly and provides an easy way to look-up information on churches, ministers and presbytery leaders. Click here for details.
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FLAPDAN Update
We are grateful that the hurricane season has been relatively quiet for Florida this year, making conditions even better as the Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPAN) continues its long term recovery work. Read more in the FLAPDAN October update.
Employment Opportunities
In addition to several pastoral openings, our classifieds web page also lists openings for a part-time video technician (Hodges Boulevard) and full or part time hospital chaplain positions in Gainesville. If you know colleagues who might be interested in these positions, please refer them to our classifieds web page.
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Resources and Opportunities
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Scripture
Coordinating Council Chair Edd Norris invites the presbytery to share in the reading and study of scripture. You are invited to read Philippians 4:10-20.
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The Way of Spiritual Fortitude Seminar Series
This Fall 2021 seminar series, sponsored by 1001 New Worshiping Communities, features leading theologians and thoughtful spiritual directors offering wisdom from varied perspectives for sustained spiritual health and strength. The seminars will be held on Wednesday evenings, October 20, October 27, November 3, and November 10. Click here for more information.
Equipping Households with Young Children for Faith Formation
The PCUSA Office of Christian Formation is hosting a free webinar on Thursday, October 28, 3:00 – 4:30 pm (EDT), via Zoom, to explore strategies and learn new tips to support parents, guardians and family members to nurture faith in their homes. Click here for more information.
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REvangelism Online Conference –
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Lombard Mennonite Peace Center Workshops for Church Leaders
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center is offering “Conflict Transformation Skills for Churches.” on Wednesday, November 3, via Zoom. Click here for more information. They are also offering Healthy Congregations on Thursday, December 2, via Zoom. Click here for details.
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Beyond Pink & Blue: Family & Spiritual Care Conference
Presbyterian Women of the PC(USA) and the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii are sponsoring the Beyond Pink & Blue: Family & Spiritual Care conference on Saturday, November 6, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (PT), featuring three Presbyterian ministers -- Rev. Annanda Barclay, Rev. Jess Cook, and Rev. Erin Swenson as the keynote speakers. The host is Claremont Presbyterian Church in Claremont, CA. This is a hybrid offering designed for families, faith leaders and congregations, and you can register to view the livestream at no charge. For more information and to register, please contact Rev. Bear Ride, registrar, at bear.ride@gmail.com.
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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
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Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.
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