Pray for Our Congregations, Ministries and PCUSA Focus Sundays
Legacy Giving Sunday
(May 1)
Mental Health Month (May)
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Spring Stated Presbytery Meeting on May 3
For the first time in two years, we will gather together in person next Tuesday, May 3 for the Spring Stated Meeting, at Montgomery Center. The meeting begins at 9:00, but we may check-in as early as 8:15 to enjoy breakfast snacks and pre-meeting fellowship. A tasty lunch will be served for $10 per person. We will worship together, have a conversation about Matthew 25 ministry, hear updates on other presbytery ministries, and commission our General Assembly delegation. You are also invited to share your brief answers to the question "Who is Presbytery?" for an upcoming video that the Communications Team will be compiling. Click on the blue button to review and download the meeting agenda, docket and appendices on our website. All those attending are asked to register by Thursday using the red button below.
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Let’s Talk ... About Virtual Worshippers Who Become Church Members!
We’re continuing our Let’s Talk conversations on Thursday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m., with a focus on receiving and nurturing members who participate in church life online and in other “virtual” ways. Join us as we share strategies and ideas on incorporating these members fully into the life of the community.
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Thursday, April 28
6:30 p.m. via Zoom
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Meeting ID: 896 9677 3366
You will enter through the waiting room
To join by phone, dial 301-715-8592 and enter the Meeting ID
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Authentic Intentional Evangelism
The second mark of Vital Congregations, Intentional Authentic Evangelism, looks at how the church is sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ in ways that are intentional, authentic, and relational. Some questions churches may use to evaluate its evangelism are:
- How does your church practice intentional authentic evangelism?
- Why is intentional authentic evangelism important today?
- What challenges / obstacles stand in the way?
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8 Habits of Evangelism
Speaking of evangelism, the 8 Habits of Evangelism helps debunk the misunderstanding that evangelism is a dirty word! When evangelism is intentional and authentic to your community, and grounded in worship, sacraments, community, prayer, and teaching, then amazing transformation can occur! Explore the 8 Habits website to learn more.
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The Big Story: Is it possible to explain the Christian faith in three minutes? Check out James Choung’s new approach to evangelism. The Big Story 1 and 2 are great resources because they are a new fresh approach to the old traditional models of evangelism.
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Engage: This PCUSA curriculum offers an evangelism approach which helps churches become relevant again. As congregations learn how to share their faith they attract people to join them in following Jesus in God’s mission of transformation in neighborhoods and communities.
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What Our 2021 Year-End Presbytery Statistics Showed - Continued!
By Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk
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For a few weeks, we will continue to share some of the results of our 2021 statistics year. In addition to tracking our church membership, we also track our minister changes and report them to the PC(USA). Here are our minister changes during the year 2021:
- 152 - Ministers on the Membership Roll at 12/31/20
- 11 - Ministers Received from Other Presbyteries
- 2 - Ministers Ordained
- 5 - Ministers Deceased
- 2 - Ministers Dismissed to Other Presbyteries/Other Removals
- 158 - Ministers on the Membership Roll at 12/31/21
We also have six commissioned ruling elders serving our churches. Will you take a moment to lift up in prayer all of the men and women represented by these “statistics,” that God will bless them, their families, their health and well-being, and their ministries?
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Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
The Lombard Mennonite Peace Center, is offering an in-person Mediation Skills Training Institute from June 13-17 in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Check this out if you are a church leader who wants to learn how to deal more effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. Click here for details and registration. Scholarship support is available for up to half of the tuition fee.
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Legacy Giving Sunday Resources
The Presbyterian Foundation provides resources for promoting legacy giving in congregations. Palms Presbyterian Church shared this sample bulletin text that might be useful for your church. As always, contact your financial advisor, accountant, tax preparer, or estate attorney for advice that applies specifically to you.
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“Start spreadin’ the news…….”
No, Frank Sinatra isn’t coming to town. But some of his music is! There will be TWO benefit concerts at the Highlands Regional Ministry Center. Both concerts are FREE and open to the public! A free will offering will take place at each concert to help the Highlands Regional Ministry Center continue their service and outreach.
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On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8 at 3 p.m., the Gainesville Community Band will play music from the Beach Boys to Broadway, and Sousa Marches in between. The Gainesville Community Band is the official band of Gainesville, and this is the first time they will be playing in Highlands. Click here to download and share the flyer.
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For those who want something a little “hipper”, the Gainesville Metro Society will play on Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m. This is a 10 piece horn band playing tribute to the iconic music of great horn bands such as Chicago, Blood Sweat and Tears, Tower of Power, and Earth Wind and Fire. Watch for a flyer next week!
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Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month (MHM) and this year’s theme is “Back to Basics.” Churches are asked to help spread the message that it’s OK to talk about mental health. Watch our Facebook page to share our MHM posts. You can also download the Mental Health America’s MHM resource kit.
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News from Montgomery
Montgomery Center welcomes our presbytery's youth and youth leaders at this weekend's Light the Fire Retreat. Keep them in your prayers as their hearts and spirits are ignited to serve the Lord in community! Family Fun Day on May 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., is a great opportunity to meet some of the summer camp staff and have some traditional Montgomery fun! |
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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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