Dear Presbytery Family,
Stay Connected by joining in prayer, highlighting resources, learning about upcoming events, and sharing presbytery updates.
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This week we join together in prayer for:
Church
Pray for the following churches and our Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) who serve as their pastors: Tommy Lane – McIntosh, Shirley Mergan – Mikesville, Yvan Kelly – Kirkwood, Bea Newhart – Fairfield, Debbie Pangrass – Marion Oaks, Joan Wells – Williston.
Larger Church
Prayers for Holly Dillon Inglis and Sandra Hedrick and other presbytery leaders who are gathering at Ghost Ranch in New Mexico for an enriching program sponsored by the Association of Mid Council Leaders and Association of Stated Clerks.
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Celebration
Congratulations to Jessi Higginbotham and Wil Stead on the October 17th birth of William David Stead, at 5 lbs. and 15 oz, and 18 inches long. “Liam” is looking forward to getting to know his big sister Violet and the St. Giles Presbyterian Church family. Welcome to our newest presbytery member!
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Installation of Becca Putman
The Rev. Rebecca (Becca) Lawson Putman, will be installed as Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gainesville on Sunday, November 7, at 4:00 p.m. The Service of Installation will be in-person (with limited attendance to allow for social distancing) and via Zoom. If you wish to attend in-person, reservations are required and may be made by completing this survey. The service will also be recorded, and the recording will be shared on Facebook and by request after the service. Click here for the invitation, and watch for another email next week. Read more about Becca in our website story.
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Welcome Rev. Priscilla Durkin, ARC for Validated and At-Large Ministers
Welcome to our newest Area Relationship Coordinator for Validated and At-Large Ministers, the Rev. Priscilla Durkin. Priscilla comes to us from the Presbytery of Western North Carolina with over 30 years experience in ministry, as a pastor in a congregational and chaplaincy settings. As an area relationship coordinator, Priscilla will reach out to our at-large ministers and ministers serving in validated ministries for encouragement, support, and connection. We are excited to add this position to our presbytery staff and to welcome Priscilla to our wonderful team of area relationship coordinators.
From the Presbytery Training Team: A New Resource for Leadership Training
If you’re seeking a new approach for training ruling elders and deacons, look no further. Coming Alive in Christ is a comprehensive and adaptable resource based on the ordination vows made by leaders in the PC(USA). It is free. It is downloadable. It can be tailored to fit your specific context. Click here for a demonstration of a 15-minute training session. You are also invited to check out the new “Educational Tools” page on the presbytery website. Questions? Contact a member of the Training Team: Rev. Rebekah Hutto, Ricky Kirby, Jerie Lukefahr, Oday Mickel, or Ralph Moulder.
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Council Update on the Presbytery-Wide Book Reading
Earlier this year, the Coordinating Council was excited to share an opportunity for a presbytery-wide book reading that included a workshop/presentation by the author. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, MaryAnn McKibben Dana, author of God, Improv and the Art of Living, is unable to join us for an in-person improv workshop. But we can all begin to add “improv” to our daily lives. We suggest that you do this exercise today, from among the 25 exercises she offers in the back of her book, or use one with your session or small group:
Ask yourself a simple but hard question: What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail? What do you feel called to do, even if you may fail?
Presbyterian Women Opportunity
Our Presbyterian Women circles have been invited to create theme baskets for the silent auction at Montgomery Center’s “Christmas Under the Oaks” Gala on December 4 (see details below). This is an opportunity to support Montgomery Center and be creative! Email Daryl Mullee with any questions.
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2021-2022 Presbyterian Planning Calendars
The presbytery office has a few more of the 16‐month calendars available at the discounted rate of $12.00 each which includes shipping and handling. Click on the calendar image to order your calendar(s).
Session Clerk Resources
Over half of the 50+ session clerks serving our churches met recently via the annual “session clerk workshop”! If you missed the event, you can still find many session clerk resources on our website. Our stated clerk is planning a short program in December or January on “how to enter the annual church statistical report.” If you have ideas for other short programs, email Sandra Hedrick at sandra@staugpres.org.
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News from Montgomery Center
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It's Time to Order "Thankful Pies"
Montgomery Center’s Annual Pie Sale is currently underway to bring in the holidays! Choose from small-batch Chocolate Chess, Citrus Cream Tart, Bourbon Pecan Pie, or Sweet Potato Pie hand-crafted by Chef Jared Lane. The deadline to order is Tuesday, November 16, 2021; delivery dates are November 22 thru 24. Please see the order form with more information and email office@montgomerycenter.org with any questions.
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Christmas Under the Oaks
Nestled deep in the roots of North Florida awaits a treasure of God’s beauty. Camp Montgomery at Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center has weathered many storms since "Dr. Mont" introduced Christian-based youth activities in Keystone Heights more than 50 years ago. We prepare our hearts to be filled with new voices, new leaders, and new opportunities! Everyone (young and old) who has received the gifts and benefits of this treasure is asked to participate in ensuring Montgomery's vitality for years to come.
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We are kicking off a $1,000,000 capital campaign December 4, 2021 at the center’s First Annual Gala celebration “Christmas Under the Oaks” to revitalize the campgrounds and support new youth programs. Embrace fellowship together in a night of Christian entertainment provided by actor/country singer Wade Hunt Williams and comedian Hal London, enjoy Christmas carols by the piano, laughter by the fire, and dining prepared by Chef Jared Lane. We wrap up with a silent auction of new treasures waiting to be discovered. Everyone has a seat at the table and every penny counts! Join us to share memories and celebrate praise in the Christian tradition. Please RSVP by November 20, 2021. Seats are $75, and tables of 6 are $500 and come with a promotional opportunity for whoever purchases the table. Click here for the registration portal or use the QR code.
Volunteer Opportunities at Montgomery
Montgomery Center has a new full time Maintenance Director, John Raimer, and it is working to bring our camp back to Glory! John is looking for help with both materials and labor from church work groups and individuals. Some projects include:
- installing shingles on the single story clinic roof
- pressure washing
- replacing wood on benches
- drywall repair
- building a fire pit
- building steps, and
- multiple landscaping projects
Also on the “wish list” are basketball backboards, a new Stihl handheld gas blower, and someone with a tractor and tiller to till the volleyball area and some beach areas. Email John Rainer at maintenance@montgomerycenter.org to volunteer!
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Resources and Opportunities
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Scripture
Coordinating Council Chair Edd Norris invites the presbytery to share in the reading and study of scripture. You are invited to read 1 Peter 5: 1-11.
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Safety at Houses of Worship Webinar
You are invited to attend a two-hour zoom conference about “Safety at Places of Worship” to be held this Thursday, October 28, beginning at 1:00 p.m. View the flyer for this program sponsored by the FBI in collaboration with the U.S. Attorney's office for the Middle District of Florida and the Department of Homeland Security. Click here to register via Zoom.
Matthew 25 and Education
The online Matthew 25 program series continued with a program around the issue of education in light of the denomination’s commitment to Matthew 25. Watch the hour-long video and be inspired to get involved with education in your community.
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Blessings,
Edd Norris, Chair of Coordinating Council
Joe Albright, Moderator of the Presbytery
Holly Dillon Inglis, Ministry and Mission Coordinator
Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk
On Behalf of the Coordinating Council
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Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.
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