November 8, 2022
Dear Presbytery Family,

This week we continue to share news, events, resources, and opportunities to participate in the life of the Presbytery of St. Augustine.
Presbytery Giving
The pledge cards are beginning to come in! Click here for a sample letter and pledge card. As we plan ministry and mission in 2023, we are grateful for every pledge and gift!
Session Clerk Resources Open to All
Sharing resources was a focus of the session clerk workshop last week. Click here to view the session clerk resource page. If you have questions, email Sandra Hedrick anytime.
Just In from Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery!
From PW Moderator Daryl Mullee
  • Save the Date: The Annual Gathering - Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Montgomery.
  • Can your church host this gathering at Montgomery? Your tasks would be: serve as registrar, prepare the booklet of support materials, provide a Continental Breakfast, and create the centerpieces that will be taken home via a drawing. 
  • Pastor needed to lead the worship service on January 28 followed by the business meeting, workshops and activities. 
  • New Moderator needed. Daryl will not be serving following the Annual Gathering.
  • Baskets Needed: Can you make a basket to auction off at the Montgomery Winter Gala on December 10? (you don't have to have a PW group to contribute).
Flagler College Youth Ministry Forum - February 10-11, 2023
only $50/person. Group rates available. Registration coming soon.
Keynoter Angela Gorrell will be speaking on the integrated nature of mental and spiritual health. This is a wonderful opportunity for youth ministers, youth volunteers, pastors and anyone who is passionate about youth ministry.
Workshops topics include: You’ve Volunteered to Help With Youth – Now What?
Unconditional: Developing wholehearted ministry with LGBTQIA+ Youth
Fostering Meaningful Connections – The Reason to Bring All Ages Together
and more!
News From Montgomery Center
Winter Gala, December 10
Montgomery is hosting our second annual Winter Gala on Saturday, December 10 from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. This year's theme is Roaring 20's, brought to life by the Bold City Classics jazz and swing band. Come out for an evening of dancing and fellowship, raising funds for the future of Montgomery. $85 per person, or $650 for a table of 8. Call today to order your tickets! 352-473-4516

  • Monday Night Dinner, Nov 14, 5:00-7:30 pm
  • 3rd Friday Workday, November 18
  • Thankful Pies Fundraiser Orders Due by November 10! Dutch Apple, Citrus Cream Tart, Bourbon Pecan and Mocha Chess! Order online here
  • Gala, Dec 10, 5:30pm
  • Spaghetti Dinner, December 16
  • Elf Run 5k and 1-mile youth run, Dec 17, 9am.
We need you! There are volunteer opportunities for all skills and abilities at every event!
More News From Around The Presbytery
Cathedral Arts Project Igniting a Spark!
Read more here about the arts education program in Jacksonville led by the Rev. Kimberly Hyatt. "To impact a child’s life for the positive is always the most important accomplishment," Hyatt said. "Children carry themselves differently when they realize they have the power to solve problems and create something good if they work hard enough."
Photo: Kristine Cherek board chair (left) with The Rev. Kimberly Hyatt (right) as Hyatt receives 20-year award.
Pastor Position Posted for Highlands United; New Interim Positions Coming Soon
Do you know about our presbytery classified page? We expect to add a posting for two new interim positions soon. Check out this page, and feel free to share it! 
Board of Pensions Dues Increase 
“Effective January 1, 2023, medical dues will increase 2%, from 27% to 29%, bringing total dues for the Pastor's Participation benefits package to 39% of effective salary, up from 37%.” This is the 2023 dues breakdown.
Dawn Mayes To Be Installed at First Fernandina Beach
First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach warmly welcomes our presbytery family to be a part of the installation of the Rev. Dawn Mayes on Sunday, December 4, at 4:00 p.m., with a reception to follow. Rev. Mayes has come to us from National Capital Presbytery, where she served a church in Virginia. Click here for installation service details.
Resources
What! Christmas Is On Sunday?!
We would love to share some great ideas for a joyful Christmas service on Sunday, December 25 this year. More than 10 years will go by until this happens again. Send your ideas for Christmas 2022 to [email protected] so that we can include them. Thank you!
Christmas Joy and Other Special Offerings
This year’s information and materials for the Christmas Joy Offering can be found here.
Board of Pensions Assistance Expansion
We received this update from the Board of Pensions regarding the expansion of the minister assistance program as of January 1, 2023.
Handy Lectionary Tool - Weekly and Daily
The PC(USA) has a lectionary tool for everyone to use? Check it out here.
Apply for a Small Church Grant by November 15 (Deadline Extended)
The presbytery has additional funds for small church grants. View more information here.
PCUSA Calendars Are Still Available
$12 if mailed or $10 to pick up. Enjoy a liturgical calendar that has references to other resources! Order online

Liturgical Colors Chart for 2023
Many worship leaders bookmark or download this chart and use it often! Do you have your copy yet?
Conferences and Learning Opportunities
2023 APCE Conference
January 25-28, 2023 The Association for Partners in Christian Education's Annual Event. Check it out!

Association of Smaller Congregations Annual Conference
March 2-5, 2023 Epworth by the Sea. View the flyer here
Key Events
  • November 10 – Deadline to order Thankful Pies order online
  • November 24 – Thanksgiving Day
  • December 10 Christmas Gala at Montgomery Center
  • December 16 Montgomery Spaghetti Dinner, 6:00 pm
  • December 17 Montgomery Elf Run 5k and 1-mile youth run, 9:00 am 
  • December 25 – Christmas Day
  • January 25-28, 2023 – APCE Annual Event, Birmingham, AL
  • January 28, 2023 – PW Annual Gathering at Montgomery Center
  • February 4 – Winter Stated Presbytery Meeting, Montgomery Center
  • March 2-5, 2023 – Association of Smaller Congregations Annual Conference, Epworth by the Sea
  • May 2 Spring Stated Presbytery Meeting
Blessings,
Jerie Lukefahr, Moderator of the Presbytery
Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk
Joe Albright, Chair of Coordinating Council
On Behalf of the Coordinating Council
Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.