Dear Presbytery Family,

As expressed in the letters written by Paul and others, we are grateful that the Lord is with us even though we are separated from one another.  We are also grateful for the signs of life and hope that you share as people of faith.  Even in our physical separation, we give glory to God who draws us together in the power of the Holy Spirit.  We are all in this together with God!  Rev. Joe Albright, our presbytery's Moderator Elect, offers a few words of encouragement. View here  

Here is some other encouraging news from around our presbytery:

  • People in the presbytery are meeting virtually to care, console, and actively support those who are hurt, sick, or feeling more isolated than normal.  The presbytery has contributed $2,000 to buy materials so that groups can sew protective masks.  David Lee continues to offer a Pastors’ Call In on Tuesday’s at 3 pm, and each week new folks participate.  Susan Lee, LCSW, hosts the Wellness Wednesday Live virtual “Comfort Community” each week at noon.  Here is a link to the current and comprehensive COVID-19 information posted on our website, which is www.staugpres.org.  Of particular interest might be this link to how churches can simply and safely receive online contributions through an offering of the Presbyterian Foundation.  If you’d like to talk to someone about setting up online giving, you can find your Ministry Relations Officer here. Our presbytery's own online giving platform will be available soon.

  • Congregations continue to thrive and create innovative ways to worship.  View here a glimpse of the variety found around the presbytery (and send us information you’d like to see posted to update this amazing list).  The Memorial church in St. Augustine has taken action to identify as a “Matthew 25” congregation.  Calvin Church in Jacksonville had most of their congregation attend “drive-up” worship for Easter Sunday. Highlands United is organizing a virtual Trivia Night as a fellowship event using Zoom. Send us your stories of following God’s Spirit into new ways of service, info@staugpres.org.

  • Individual people are finding specific ways to express God’s love for everyone.  Sewers are unite!  One of our Area Relationship Coordinators is sewing masks, and several churches in Jacksonville are working together to create masks.  One member at Woodlawn has personally sewn several hundred masks (and is not stopping).  Many, many people are participating in prayer chains and offering personal prayers for healing, hope, courage, compassion, and the powerful presence of our Living Lord with all in need.

  • For those who are still getting acquainted with the Zoom platform / application and would like to know more about it, we have prepared a Quick Start Guide to help!

Even in times of loss, and especially in times of disorientation, we proclaim, “Our help is in the name of the Lord, maker of heaven and earth!” (Psalm 124:8)  If you need help please call.  Contact information for real people, who really care about you, is listed here -  Presbytery Contact People .

More updates and information will be shared as we move forward in faith together. We continue to pray with Almighty God for our world’s health and wholeness and that the hope and compassion of our response is faithful to Christ’s Resurrection as God’s response to death and deep despair.
 
May the Lord’s grace and peace abide with you,
 
Diane Wilson, Chair of Coordinating Council
Edd Norris, Moderator of the Presbytery
Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk
Chris Lieberman, Relationship Coordination Director
On Behalf of the Coordinating Council