We hope you enjoy this week's Staying Connected with a focus on Youth. In recognition of Presbyterian Heritage Sunday on May 22, next week’s issue will highlight some of our historic churches.
Pray for Our Congregations, Ministries and PCUSA Focus Sundays
You are invited to view and sharethe highlights of our Spring Stated Meeting. Our next stated meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 4.
Light the Fire Retreat
Thanks to a presbytery designated fund grant, over 70 youth from seven congregations returned to Camp Montgomery for the first time since late 2019 for the “Light the Fire” Presbytery Youth Retreat from April 29 – May 1. Jimmy Steele, one of the retreat planners,shared these highlights.
Youth Resources
Montgomery Summer Camp
Summer Camp at Montgomery begins in less than a month with the first week of camps beginning June 5. There are still a fewsummer staff openings, so if you know of a college student looking for a fun opportunity to serve as a camp counselor, visit the Montgomery websiteto learn more and apply online. Questions? Email Nora Corbett atprogram@montgomerycenter.org.
Download, print and share these flyers about summer camp options (click on the graphic)!
P.S. Don't forget that Montgomery Center looks forward to welcoming you to
This Presbyterians Today articleon Our Kids and Mental Health describes how one church in Charlotte, North Carolina gathers high school students together to connect, do homework, have dinner together, and practice a mental health coping skill. The church is addressing the urgent need to support child and adolescent mental health in their community. Might your church be called to fill a similar role in your community?
No Youth “Youth Ministry”
We know that churches understand the importance for passing on their faith to young people. But some churches don’t have many young people – or none at all – within their walls or on their rolls. Still, there is a call to “go into the world” to reach the young people in the community and extended families of members of their congregation. ThisQuick Sheetfrom Presbyterian Youth and Triennium offers ideas and tips to explore this opportunity.
Follow Me Curriculum
The PC(USA) Office of Christian Formation and the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association are hosting a focused session on the Youth component of Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living! The session is May 10at 11:30 a.m. via Zoom and Facebook. We know that this is short notice, but the recording will be available on their Facebook page. No need for registration, justclick here to join on Zoomor visit theFacebook page.
Meet General Assembly Commissioner Connie Smith!
For the next few weeks, we will highlight one of our 225th General Assembly commissioners. Connie Smith is a ruling elder and long-time member of South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church. Connie is recently retired and is finding new ways to serve her community, including as a commissioner to the 225th General Assembly where she will serve on the International Engagement Committee.Read more
Children and Trauma
Did you know that children who experience trauma are approximately 1.3 times more likely to develop a mental health condition as adults than children who don’t experience trauma? Learn more about what plays a role in developing mental health conditions by downloading thisMental Health Month fact sheet.
Montreat Conference Center
Montreat Conference Center in North Carolina hosts many conferences and events throughout the year including the 2022 Montreat Youth Conferences. Visit https://montreat.org/eventsfor all the details and registration.
Upcoming Events
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
