Dear Presbytery Family,
We hope you enjoy this week's Staying Connected as we continue to experiment with a more regular publication and briefer format. This week's focus is on Matthew 25.
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Pray for Our Congregations, Ministries and PCUSA Focus Sundays
Murray Hill Presbyterian Church – 100 years of ministry
First Presbyterian Church of High Springs – 125 years of ministry
(March 13)
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Responding to the Crisis in Ukraine
Join us for an engaging conversation with Ellen Smith, World Mission’s regional liaison for eastern Europe on Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. Because of her many connections in Russia and Ukraine, Ellen is receiving information about the desperate situations with refugees who have few places to go, yet also of their courage and resilience in the face of the ever evolving chaos. There is also heartache and grief in Russia. We look forward to Ellen joining us for a Zoom presentation and sharing about this humanitarian crisis and how the church can best respond.
Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m.
Meeting ID: 881 5189 5723
You will enter through the waiting room
To join by phone, dial 301-715-8592
and enter the Meeting ID
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PDA Ukraine Emergency Appeal
In the midst of the chaos, there are sibling churches and ecumenical partners who are already providing assistance with basic items for survival. The Presbyterian Disaster Association’s appeal in response to the situation in Ukraine will include both financial and technical assistance as the network of faith communities providing humanitarian assistance grows in the months ahead.
March 13 is Self-Development of People Sunday
Self-Development of People (SDOP) enters into partnerships with community groups of low-income people that want to change their lives and communities. The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People is a ministry that affirms God’s concern for humankind. Resources for this special emphasis Sunday can be found at 2022 SDOP Sunday Resource
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Digging Deeper: Eliminating the Causes of Hunger
Following the example of Christ, many creative ministries offer food for those experiencing hunger or poverty. At the same time, we seek to change the underlying conditions so that fewer people need emergency food assistance, and so that people can provide for the well-being of themselves and their families. The Presbyterian Hunger Program has collected a list of ideas for congregations and others who feel called to serve in ways that help eliminate the root causes of hunger. Information about six areas of hunger response is also available.
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Mr. Rogers Day
March 20 has been designated by the PCUSA as Mr. Rogers Day. Visit our website for a variety of resources to recognize his ministry of peace, compassion and education. The next episode of Being Matthew 25 celebrates Mr. Rogers! Join the celebration on Thursday, March 17 at 1:00 pm EST on the PCUSA Facebook Page or YouTube channel.
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The Educate a Child Toolkit
Educate a Child, Transform the World is a response to the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) which “launched a church wide initiative to improve, equip and connect, and improve the quality of public education for 1,000,000 children in the U.S. and globally.” Supporting children and their families who face economic challenges also addresses issues of racism and poverty. Utilizing the Educate a Child tools are one way to be an actively engaged congregation doing the work of being a Matthew 25 congregation.
Responding to the Racial Incident at Presbyterian College
The core message of the gospel is love – God’s great love for us and God’s command for us to love one another as God has loved us. When we encounter behavior that is antithetical to the gospel message of love, expressions of hatred, exclusion, or racism, we have an opportunity to speak out against such behavior. The recent incident at Presbyterian College involving the Howard University lacrosse team is disturbing and also provides an opportunity to respond as people of faith and in the spirit of Matthew 25.
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Additional Lenten Resources
Journey to the Cross, the devotional series for Lent for youth & young adults, returns to the devotional website and app, d365.org. This series features scripture, prayer, and meditative thoughts accompanied by gentle music.
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News from Montgomery
Montgomery Center is sponsoring a wonderful fish fry on Fridays during Lent (March 4 - April 15)! From 4:30 to 7:00 p.m., guests may enjoy fried fish, shrimp, hush puppies, two side dishes that change weekly, dessert and a drink all for $10 (fish) or $12 (fish & shrimp combo). Bring your family and friends to camp and enjoy fun family friendly games and music with dinner. If you can't stay, they are offering to-go meals. Flyer to share!
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Service of Commissioning at Kirkwood
The presbytery will celebrate the commissioning of ruling elder Yvan Kelly to special pastoral service to Kirkwood Presbyterian Church on March 6 at 3:00 p.m. Participate in person at Kirkwood or via Zoom. Click here for details.
How Many Commissioners Do YOU Send to the Spring Stated Meeting?
At each Spring Stated Meeting, several churches are asked to send one additional commissioner to the meeting to help ensure parity of ruling and teaching elders. This list is in effect for one year. The churches asked to send additional commissioners beginning May 3 are Covenant, Crescent City, Dunnellon, Fairfield, Faith, Fernandina Beach First, Fort Caroline, Fort King, Gainesville First, Geneva, Grace, and Green Cove Springs First. The following churches will no longer send one additional commissioner: Branford, Calvin, Community and Countryside. The baseline for sending commissioners is one for churches up to 500 members and two for churches of 500 members or more. Thank you!
Pastoral Openings
Several churches in our presbytery are seeking installed or stated supply pastors. New listings include Program Director for Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center. More information can be found on our classifieds page.
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Upcoming Events
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March 6, 3:00 p.m. – Commissioning of Dr. Yvan Kelly at Kirkwood
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March 10, 6:30 p.m. – Conversation with Ellen Smith, World Mission’s regional liaison for eastern Europe about Ukraine
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March 18-20 – Conference for Smaller Congregations at Epworth by the Sea
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April 17 – Easter Sunday
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April 29 – May 1 – "Light the Fire" Youth Retreat at Montgomery Center
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May 3 – Presbytery Spring Stated Meeting at Montgomery Center
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June 18 – July 9 – 225th General Assembly, Louisville and Zoom
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October 4 – Presbytery Fall Stated Meeting
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Blessings,
Joe Albright, Chair of Coordinating Council
Jerie Lukefahr, 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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