|
Dear Presbytery Family!
Greetings in faith and fellowship as we come together to share our journey and strengthen our community. This edition of Staying Connected shares reflections on the Ordination of Jessica Means, provides updated information for the Fall Stated Meeting and also includes upcoming events and opportunities to help you stay connected.
| |
Fall Stated Presbytery Meeting | |
|
Register for the Fall Stated Meeting
The Fall Stated Presbytery Meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., at First Presbyterian Church of Palatka. Participation in the meeting will be in-person only.
The offering for the meeting will go towards the Interfaith Youth Program. This program provides short-term shelters for youth who have run away (or threaten to) or are truant. Click here to give.
To register for the meeting, click here.
Lunch will feature a Taco Bar and is $15 per person. To purchase lunch, click here.
|
|
|
CRE Question-and-Answer Session
Are you a ruling elder feeling the nudge of the Holy Spirit to become better equipped to serve the church? Five ruling elders from churches throughout the presbytery are, currently, engaged in training to become Commissioned Ruling Elders. They are taking online studies through the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, working at internships and attending in-person seminars on topics such as Vital Congregations.
If you are curious about what this might mean for you, please stay for a Question-and-Answer Session directly following the Stated Meeting. No reservation required.
|
|
News From Around the Presbytery | |
|
Ordination of Jessica Means
By: David Rollins, Lead Presbyter
On Sunday afternoon, September 15, 2024, South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church was full of energy, excitement, imagination, intelligence and love. The community of faith and people from around the Presbytery of St. Augustine gathered to celebrate the ordination of Jessica Means. If you are plugged into Facebook, you may have already seen some wonderful pictures of the worship service. Here are a few that highlight the celebration. On behalf of the Presbytery of St. Augustine, we welcome Jessica and are thankful that God has called her to share her gifts at South Jacksonville, sharing in ministry alongside Adam Anderson.
| |
|
|
PC(USA) International Peacemaker Visit
Zoughbi Zoughbi, Founder and Director of Wi'am, the Bethlehem Center for Non-Violence, will visit our presbytery September 26 through October 2. The opportunities to meet and hear from Zoughbi Zoughbi are below:
- September 27 -- Palestinian Dinner and Talk, Memorial PC at 6:00 p.m.
- September 28 -- Potluck Lunch and Talk with Islamic Center, Fort King PC at 12:00 p.m.
- September 30 -- Conversation, Westminster Woods at 2:00 p.m.
- October 1 -- Presbytery Meeting, Palatka First PC
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Ervin Bullock.
| |
|
From the Stated Clerk
Once a year, the presbytery offers the opportunity to apply for grants from the proceeds of the sale of church property. The information about this grant can be found here. This deadline is October 7.
Twice a year, the presbytery offers the opportunity to apply for grants from Designated Funds. Click to view the information and application for these grants. This deadline is November 11. All applications must be submitted to Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk, by the deadline dates via email or mail.
| |
|
Presbyterian Planning Calendars
The 2024-2025 Presbyterian Planning Calendars are now available. The price is $15 per calendar. Click here to order.
| |
|
Prayer Corner
Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:
First Presbyterian Church of Perry
Leadership
John David Bryant
Cindy Brown
| |
|
Training Thursdays
Join the POSA Training Team for our September Training Thursdays webinar! The webinar for September will be on “Church Employees and Independent Contractors.” Led by Suzi Lemen, uncover the best practices for identifying, managing and paying independent contractors who are paid via 1099s. Lemen will explain the laws that impact how churches must correctly compensate individuals and identify common mistakes to avoid when determining if an individual should be paid through church payroll. This session will also provide background information on the new ruling posted by the Department of Labor earlier this year and explore the six new factors to be considered when categorizing ICs.
This virtual training session will take place on September 26, at 2:00 p.m. Click here to register.
| |
|
School of the Laity
The Savannah School of the Laity will take place October 5 through 6. Courses are held both in-person, at Epworth By the Sea on St. Simons Island, and online, via Zoom. Click here for more information and to register.
| |
|
SOAP Regional Event
Registration for the regional SOAP event is now open! The event will take place on November 9. This event is for educators, youth leaders, paid staff, volunteers and pastors. Registration is $35, and lunch will be coordinated at each host site. Click here to learn more and to register.
| |
Opening to Grace Retreat Day
The Opening to Grace Retreat Day will take place on Friday, November 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Park United Methodist Church. This retreat will allow ou to experience a model of healing ministry that integrated Gestalt growth work with spiritual companioning and healing prayer. Gestalt Pastoral Care trusts that God desires to heal holistically in a way that is unique to each person.
The cost is $75 for a full participant and lunch is provided. for more information, contact Susan Silhan. Click here to register.
| |
|
Justice and Peace Calendar
Click here to view the 2024 PW Justice and Peace Calendar.
| |
|
Winter Camp
Camp Montgomery Winter Camp will take place January 3 through 5, 2025. Children ages 6 to 16 are welcome to attend at the cost of $220 per camper. There will also be an opportunity for youth ages 17 to 18 to participate as a Winter Counselor in Training (CIT). For more information, click here.
| |
|
Summer Camp 2025
Registration for Camp Montgomery Summer Camp 2025 is now live! Click here to view the schedule and learn more about the various camps. Register today with a special early bird discount.
| |
|
Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center
| |
|
Positions Available In Our Presbytery
Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.
| |
|
Blessings,
Steve Crowley, Moderator of the Presbytery
Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk
David Rollins, Lead Presbyter
| |
Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.
| | | | |
