Dear Presbytery Family,

We hope you enjoy this week's Staying Connected with a focus on Matthew 25. The next issue focusing on Youth is scheduled for Tuesday, May 10 and will include highlights from the Light the Fire Retreat. We appreciate your input and feedback.
Pray for Our Congregations, Ministries and PCUSA Focus Sundays


Presbytery Moderator – Jerie Lukefahr

Coordinating Council Moderator – Joe Albright
225th General Assembly Updates

The 225th General Assembly of the PC(USA) begins on June 18. On May 3, our presbytery’s delegation (pictured above) was commissioned to serve! Ruling elder commissioners are Steven Crowley (First Palatka) and Connie Smith (South Jacksonville), and teaching elder commissioners are John Diller (Orange Park), Jennifer Hallberg (First Jasper). Sandra Hedrick (Stated Clerk) will be serving as Committee Assistant for the International Engagement Committee. We will introduce each of our commissioners in the upcoming Staying Connected newsletters. 
Matthew 25 Resources
Riverside Welcomes Visitors from Haiti and Fonkoze
Marie-Claire Dorcely and Rachel Pierre-Champagne with Fonkoze will be visiting Riverside Presbyterian Church (RPC) from Haiti May 21-22. Fonkoze is the leading microfinance lender in Haiti which RPC has supported financially and in person for many years. RPC will welcome Ms. Dorcely and Ms. Pierre-Champagne with a reception Saturday, May 21, from 5:00 until 7:00 at the Jacksonville Historical Society’s Old St Andrew’s (317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32202). On Sunday morning, from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. they will lead a special Sunday School Class to share how they are empowering Haitians. Visit the Fonkoze website to learn more about this award winning organization. Call Riverside Presbyterian Church at 904-355-4585.
Digging Deeper: Eliminating the Causes of Hunger
Following the example of Christ, many creative ministries offer food for people 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 are interested in serving in ways that help eliminate the causes of hunger. Information about six areas of hunger response is also available.
Through the Lens - Focusing on Matthew 25: Lessons & Activities that Challenge Our Eyes to Open Our Hearts
This downloadable resource for all ages includes seven lessons / stories to help us experience the teachings of Jesus on seeing - and serving - the hungry, thirsty, stranger, poor, sick and imprisoned. 
Re-examining the Theology of Mission
These resources invite us to re-examine our theology of serving and encourage us to move to a more relational model of mission. 
Freeing Congregational Mission: A Practical Vision for Companionship, Cultural Humility & Co-Development, written by B. Hunter Farrell, director of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary’s World Mission Initiative, and Balajiedlang Khyllep.
Hunter Farrell writes about the Five Hidden Superpowers of Congregational Mission Leaders in this Presbyterian Outlook article. 
More Statistics from Year-End 2021
By Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk
Here are a few more statistics gleaned from our presbytery’s annual report:
  • 3,787 - Total average weekly attendance (all congregations)
  • 490 - Ruling elders serving in 2021 (same)
  • 61 percent - Churches with both ruling elders AND deacons
  • 61 percent - Female members among total membership
About half of our congregations reported the age ranges of their membership in their year-end statistics. Here is what the numbers showed:
  • 26-40 years old - 20 percent
  • 41-70 years old - 60 percent
  • 71 and older - 40 percent
As we think of each individual reflected in these numbers, we give thanks to God for the many opportunities to share the gospel and serve Christ in the congregations that make up our presbytery.
Hurricane Season is Coming and it’s Time to Prepare!
The 2022 Hurricane Season is predicted to be above average once again and it’s time to begin our preparations. FLAPDAN shared a few tips for churches and individuals in their May update. The presbytery’s SAPDAC webpage has additional resources and links which may be helpful.
Pastoral Openings
Check out our classifieds page for full and part-time opportunities throughout our presbytery, including a new position for an Associate Pastor at Palms Presbyterian Church.
Highlands Regional Ministry Center Hosting Three Benefit Concerts
HRMC is hosting three concerts in the coming weeks to benefit their outreach programs!
  • On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 at 3 p.m., the Gainesville Community Band will play music from the Beach Boys to Broadway, and Sousa Marches in between. Click here to download and share the flyer.
  • On Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m. the Gainesville Metro Society 10 piece horn band playing tribute to the iconic music of great horn bands!
  • On Sunday, May 15 at 5 p.m., the ShabbaTones Chorus presents Jewish Choral Music through the Ages. Tickets are $15.00 with proceeds split between the Chorus and HRMC. Download and share the flyer and purchase tickets online at www.ShabbaTones.org/tickets
Mental Health Month
The delays in treatment for mental health conditions are longer than for many other health conditions. Getting screened increases the chances of getting treatment. Mental Health America has free, anonymous, and scientifically validated mental health screens at www.mhascreening.org. Share this information with your church or someone you care about to help reduce their burden.
News from Montgomery
Montgomery Center looks forward to welcoming you to Family Fun Day on May 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet some of the summer camp staff and have some traditional Montgomery fun!
Upcoming Events

  • May 8, 3:00 p.m. – Gainesville Community Band Mother's Day Concert at HRMC
  • May 14, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. – Family Fun Day at Montgomery Center
  • May 14, 8:00 p.m. – Gainesville Metro Society Horn Concert at HRMC
  • May 15, 5:00 p.m. – ShabbaTones Chorus Concert at HRMC
  • June 5 – Summer 2022 at Camp Montgomery begins!
  • June 18 - July 9 – 225th General Assembly, Louisville and Zoom
  • October 4 – Presbytery Fall Stated Meeting
  • October 17-19 – Pastor's Retreat in Daytona Beach, watch for details!
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
Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.