Dear Presbytery Family,
We hope you enjoy this week's Staying Connected with a focus on Matthew 25. The next issue focusing on Youth is scheduled for Tuesday, April 12. We appreciate your input and feedback.
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Pray for Our Congregations, Ministries and PCUSA Focus Sundays
Ramadan, the holiest month of Islam, began April 2 and ends on May 1.
Passover begins on April 15 and ends on April 22.
Pray for the Muslim and Jewish communities.
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Reflection on Palm Sunday
By Dr. Yvan Kelly, Kirkwood Presbyterian Church
Passage: Mark 11:7-10
As the football team emerged from the tunnel and onto the field, they heard the cheers of the crowd, which grew louder and louder as the game began. As the game went on, it did not play out the way the fans had hoped. Their team fell behind and it seemed they would lose the game. Then, the boos began, and they rumbled through the stadium. The team was defeated and left the field with the echoes of the crowd’s displeasure in their ears. In a matter of only two hours the team had gone from potential heroes cheered by the crowd to a squad by those same fans.
As Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, and people spread their cloaks and palm branches along the path, they cheered him and the coming kingdom. However, the kingdom wasn’t what they expected. Jesus wasn’t the political leader come to vanquish the Roman oppressors as they hoped. Instead, he taught in parables about loving one another. By the end of the week, he would hear much more than boos. He would hear calls to crucify him. How quickly our loyalties can change if we don’t get what we want. How harsh can be our judgment if we don’t get our way. We need to see beyond what we think God must do, and be open to God’s will, mercy and mission, and our role in it.
What the people in Jerusalem didn’t realize was that Jesus’ crucifixion was not the end of the game. But that’s a story for next week.
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Spring Stated Presbytery Meeting Registration is Open
Registration is open for the Spring Stated Meeting on Tuesday, May 3, at Montgomery Center. We look forward to enjoying breakfast snacks and fellowship before the meeting. The meeting begins at 9:00, and the Rev. Jeff Beebe of Trinity, Palm Coast is our morning preacher. Montgomery will serve a tasty lunch for $10 per person, and Montgomery will provide childcare for children 2 and older by request. Ministers, ruling elder commissioners, and visitors may all register by clicking on the meeting registration graphic. Initial meeting notice
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When Did We See You, Ukraine?
Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and the Office of Presbyterian Youth and Triennium / PYT Beyond are hosting a webinar focused on connecting Presbyterian youth and young adults with youth worker and peacemaker, Alla Soroka, who lives and serves in Odessa, Ukraine. This will be a time of listening, open-eyed praying, storytelling, life sharing, and question asking. Join the live conversation on Sunday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m. or watch the recording.
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Presbyterian Giving Catalog
Many of our presbytery congregations give generously through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. Orange Park Presbyterian Church (OPPC) shared how their recent Giving Catalog donations are guided by the spirit of Matthew 25 and the church’s mission giving giving principles. Read more about their commitment to mission and ministry.
The Giving Catalog also offers activities and resources which encourage generosity and participation. Activities include Threads of Connection, Links of Love, and children’s curriculum and coloring sheets so your congregation can get involved.
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Being Matthew 25
The next episode of Being Matthew 25 will be Thursday, April 21, at 1:00 p.m. on the PCUSA Facebook page. This episode focuses on the idea of generational change and the ripple effect this transformation might have on our communities, houses of faith, and the world.
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Educational Opportunities |
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Recalibrating Mission: Leading in Mission Through the Disruption
Free Zoom Panel Discussion hosted by Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Wednesday, May 4, 7:30-9:00 p.m. ET
With the impact of COVID, many churches are struggling to find new ways to engage in God’s mission. So, how can we lead in mission in new ways amidst the disruption? Click here for details about the panel discussion and pre-registration.
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Awakening the Church to Social Justice
Online course hosted by the Leadership Institute of Union Presbyterian Seminary
Mondays, May 2-June 13, 6:00-8:00 p.m. ET
This continuing education course will expose participants to various forms and methods of enacting social justice within their own churches, ministries, and communities. Click here for details.
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Summer Camp Is Around The Corner
Who remembers campfire memories at Montgomery, bonding with new friends and singing songs together in shared fellowship? We do at Montgomery! And we invite you to join us in this year's summer camp preparations as we look forward to welcoming youth to experience Christian programs and lots of fun outdoor activities! You are invited to help us get ready and we'd love to partner with you in Christian fellowship with your church group, or as you meet new friends at camp. There are opportunities for everyone, young and old, and at all levels of ability. Please call or email our Maintenance Director, John Raimer, to discuss service opportunities at (850) 339-7559 (cell) or maintenance@montgomerycenter.org.
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Blessings,
Joe Albright, Chair of Coordinating Council
Jerie Lukefahr, 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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