October 16, 2024

Greetings Presbytery Family!

May this week's newsletter bring you encouragement as we continue our journey together in faith. This edition of Staying Connected includes a special announcement, new learning opportunities and upcoming events to help you stay connected.

Area Relationship Coordinator Update

Congratulations, Susan!

We are excited to announce that Susan Takis will be the ARC for Area 4. Susan brings joy and enthusiasm as well as the gift of already knowing a great deal about people in the area.  

Click here to learn more about Susan.

News From Around the Presbytery

From the Stated Clerk

Twice a year, the presbytery offers the opportunity to apply for grants from Designated Funds. Click to view the information and application for these grants. This deadline is November 11. All applications must be submitted to Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk, by the deadline dates via email or mail.

Presbyterian Planning Calendars

The 2024-2025 Presbyterian Planning Calendars are now available. The price is $15 per calendar. Click here to order.

Prayer Corner

Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:

South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church

Leadership

Adam Anderson

Jessica Means

Greg McMillan

Learning Opportunities

PC(USA) Moderator's Conference

The 2024 Moderators’ Conference will be hosted by the Co-Moderators of the 226^th General Assembly (2024), along with the Office of the General Assembly, November 14 through 16 at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville. Synods and presbyteries are encouraged to send their moderator, vice moderator and/or moderator-elect so that they can benefit from preparing for their term of service with peers from across the denomination. Registrants can expect worship, a variety of workshops, and an introduction to practical skills such as parliamentary procedure and other aspects of leading meetings. 

For those who cannot travel, there is an online option. The in-person fee is $160 (includes the opening reception, Friday lunch, Friday dinner, and Saturday lunch, all provided at the Presbyterian Center), and online is $80. For more information and to register, click here. (The deadline to register was changed to October 23.)

SOAP Regional Event

Registration for the regional SOAP event is now open! The event will take place on November 9. This event is for educators, youth leaders, paid staff, volunteers and pastors. Registration is $35, and lunch will be coordinated at each host site. Click here to learn more and to register.

Opening to Grace Retreat Day

The Opening to Grace Retreat Day will take place on Friday, November 22, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Riverside Park United Methodist Church. This retreat will allow ou to experience a model of healing ministry that integrated Gestalt growth work with spiritual companioning and healing prayer. Gestalt Pastoral Care trusts that God desires to heal holistically in a way that is unique to each person.

The cost is $75 for a full participant and lunch is provided. for more information, contact Susan Silhan. Click here to register.

Synod of South Atlantic

First Wednesday Sack Lunch

The First Wednesday Sack Lunch for November will be on November 6, at noon. A monthly Zoom conversation will allow you to learn and share resources and best practices on a new topic each month. The topic for November is Mental Health Ministries.

Click here to register.

Upcoming Topics:

• December - Racial Justice/Social Witness

Presbyterian Women

Annual Gathering

Save the date for the 41 Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of St. Augustine! The event will take place at Montgomery Center on January 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Justice and Peace Calendar

Click here to view the 2024 PW Justice and Peace Calendar.

Montgomery Center

Winter Camp

Camp Montgomery Winter Camp will take place January 3 through 5, 2025. Children ages 6 to 16 are welcome to attend at the cost of $220 per camper. There will also be an opportunity for youth ages 17 to 18 to participate as a Winter Counselor in Training (CIT). For more information, click here.

Summer Camp 2025

Registration for Camp Montgomery Summer Camp 2025 is now live! Click here to view the schedule and learn more about the various camps. Register today with a special early bird discount.

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• Dec. 6, 2025 – 4th Annual Gala
• Jan. 3 through 5, 2025 – Winter Camp
• Jan 6 through 12, 2025 – Cruising with Montgomery
• Jan. 11, 2025 – Back Together Again (Again)
• Jan. 25, 2025 – PW Annual Gathering
• Feb. 28 through Mar. 2, 2025 – POSA Spring Youth Retreat
• Mar. 7, 2025 – Fish Fry Fridays Begin

Key Events

• Nov. 6 – Synod of South Atlantic First Wednesday Sack Lunch
• Nov. 9 – SOAP Regional Event
• Nov. 14 through 16 – PC(USA) Moderator's Conference
• Nov. 22 – Opening to Grace Retreat Day
• Dec. 4 – Synod of South Atlantic First Wednesday Sack Lunch
• Dec. 6 – Montgomery Center's 4th Annual Gala
• Jan. 3 through 5, 2025 – Winter Camp at Montgomery Camp
• Jan 6 through 12 – Cruising with Montgomery
• Jan. 11, 2025 – Back Together Again (Again) at Montgomery Center
• Jan. 25, 2025 – PW Winter Gathering at Montgomery Center
• Feb. 1, 2025 – SOAP Regional Event

Positions Available In Our Presbytery

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

Blessings,

Steve Crowley, Moderator of the Presbytery

Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk

David Rollins, Lead Presbyter