We thank Ellen Smith, PC(USA) Mission regional liaison for Eastern Europe, who gave a special presentation about Ukraine for our presbytery last evening. One of the ways we can all help respond to the humanitarian crisis is by financial support through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. PDA works with partners on the ground to provide emergency support for survival needs as well as the longer-term support that will be required in the weeks and months to come. Read more here, and please donate today.
Montgomery Center’s Youth Retreat and Summer Camp!
Mark your calendars for Light the Fire Youth Retreat, April 29-May 1! Montgomery Center will be welcoming 6th to 12th graders for a weekend of fun, camp activities, fellowship, and worship. Register your youth group today by calling 352-473-4516 or emailoffice@montgomerycenter.org. Camp Montgomery is preparing to welcome campers of all ages to Summer Camp 2022 with new camper programs like Night Owl and Wild Water Adventure - registration is OPEN NOW! Visit our website for details and registration links!
Missing Voices Project
The Missing Voices Projectis a grant-funded cohort of Florida churches looking at the missing voices of young people on the margins of our society and churches. By listening to young people from the margins they are learning about youth ministry in ways that will challenge and transform us all. Justin Forbes, a candidate for ministry under the presbytery’s care, is the director of the Missing Voices Project, an extension of Flagler College's Youth Ministry Program. Check out the Missing Voices Project podcasts!
With the cancellation of Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2022, the programming emphasis will shift to PYT Beyond. Resources are being developed for regional cohorts of youth to engage in Bible studies and working with coaches on the “When Did We See You?” theme. When possible, they will work in partnership with camps and conference centers encouraging youth to go deeper into the Matthew 25 vision with their faith communities.Read moreabout the PYT Beyond vision and stay tuned for ways to get your youth groups involved.
News from Montgomery
Enjoy Fish Fry Fridays each Friday from 4:30 - 7 pm until Easter (rain or shine). The next (3rd Friday) Montgomery Work Day is on March 18th. Come to work, stay for the Fish Fry! RSVP with a heart to serve to maintenance@montgomerycenter.org. We hope to see you at a Montgomery Center event soon to experience the beauty of God's creation.
Congratulations to Kirkwood and Dr. Yvan Kelly!
The presbytery celebrated with Kirkwood Presbyterian Church this past weekend as Dr. Yvan Kelly, ruling elder member of Memorial, was commissioned to pastoral service at the church. Congratulations to all!
Pastoral Openings
Several churches in our presbytery are seeking installed or stated supply pastors. New listings include Associate Pastor for Geneva Presbyterian Church. Part-time pastor positions in the Gainesville area include the First High Springs and Covenant congregations. More information can be found on ourclassifieds page.
Thanks Susan Takis!
Rev. Susan Takis’ work with the Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates was highlighted in a recent PCUSA News article. Susan, pastor of First Green Cove Springs, currently chairs this committee of the General Assembly which manages the examinations process for candidates for Ministry of Word and Sacrament.
Training Opportunities and Additional Resources
March 27 is Matthew 25: Building Vital Congregations Sunday. As you plan worship and other activities for that Sunday, explore the resources found here.
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) is offering two Saturday trainings, online via Zoom, that are ideal for church groups (click on the links below for details):
Click here to see all of the LMPC upcoming events.
Good Stewards of God's Grace - A PC(USA) Leader Formation Webinar
March 30, 2022; 7:00-8:30 p.m.
As spiritual leaders in the congregation, deacons and ruling elders have vital gifts to offer in the leadership of worship. This webinar will help to equip ruling elders and deacons for particular roles and responsibilities as worship leaders in a variety of settings. The registration deadline is March 23, 2022, so that Spanish and Korean interpretation can be arranged as needed.Register for the webinar
Additional Lenten Resources
We continue to add additional devotional material to our Lent Resources webpage. Here are two more!
The Presbyterian Hunger Program strives to walk with people in moving toward sustainable choices that restore and protect all of God’s children and creation. Its Lenten calendar, Tread Lightly for Lent, is intended to create more mindful behaviors throughout the year.
