Dear Presbytery Family,

Staying Connected each week by joining in prayer, highlighting resources, learning about upcoming events, and sharing updates from the Coordinating Council.  
Prayer
Lenten Prayer: 

The word “Lent” comes from the old English word meaning “spring.” Lent is springtime, a season for rebirth, rejuvenation, and renewal.  It is a time for the resurrection at Easter, a time for preparing for the new life to grow!

Lord, may we make time in our busy lives to find moments of reflection to gaze at your beauty and to rest in you so new life may grow in us. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.
Resources and Opportunities
Scripture
Coordinating Council Chair Edd Norris invites the presbytery to share in the reading and study of a scripture passage each week. This week you are invited to read 1 John 4:7-21.
Montgomery Center Summer Camp
Registration for Montgomery Center 2021 Summer Camp is open! Click here for details and share with youth / families that may be interested. Even if churches do not plan to send children to camp, we encourage churches to provide funds to Montgomery Center for camper scholarships so that all who wish can enjoy the summer camp experience. Contact Monica Williams at executive@montgomerycenter.org.


Earth Hour 2021 - Saturday, March 27, 8:30 p.m.
Learn more about how you and your family can recognize Earth Hour 2021 at www.earthhour.org. No matter where you are you can make an impact as collectively we speak up for nature.

Employment Opportunities
Check out our Classifieds / Employment Opportunities for current openings in our presbytery. If you have an opportunity that you would like to share, email the information to info@staugpres.org.
Coordinating Council Highlights
At its meeting on March 18, the Coordinating Council approved:
  • applying for a Mental Health Ministry Grant from the Presbyterian Mission Agency;
  • added an Area Coordinator position for validated and at-large ministers that will be advertised soon; and
  • is working on a process for using certain designated funds for current ministry by our committees, commissions and teams.
Matthew 25 Resources
Palm Sunday, March 28 is Build Vital Congregations Sunday

Introduction to PC(USA) Anti-Racism Policy Training
The Rev. Denise Anderson and the Rev. Shanea D. Leonard have presented antiracism training sessions for Presbyterians around the country. This virtual training will be held on Tuesday, March 23 at 6:00 p.m. and will focus on a basic introduction to concepts centered around racism and an in-depth look at the anti-racism policy of the church. Register for this Zoom conference.

Matthew 25 Program on Housing
The Matthew 25 online programming continues on Wednesday, March 24, at 2:00 p.m. The topic will highlight how all three areas of the Matthew 25 focus intersect around the subject of housing (Read more). Register in advance for this program.

Mark your calendar for future Matthew 25 events:
  • June 23 (Hunger/Eradicating Poverty/Congregational Vitality)
  • September 29 (Education/Dismantling Racism/Eradicating Poverty)
  • November 17 (Migration/Immigration)
Upcoming Events
  • Sunday, April 4 – Easter!


  • Tuesday, April 27 – 3:00-4:30 p.m. - Leading the Church into the Post COVID World, a Church Leaders’ Forum Zoom webinar sponsored by the Synod of South Atlantic, led by author and seminary professor, The Rev. Tod Bolsinger. Register today!

  • Tuesday, May 4 – 9:30 a.m. - Presbytery Spring Stated Meeting via Zoom



  • Tuesday, October 5 – Presbytery Fall Stated Meeting (TBA)
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
Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.