January 10, 2023
Dear Presbytery Family,

We greet you today with blessings in this New Year! This edition of Staying Connected introduces the name of the new Stated Clerk nominee, highlights important information for session clerks and features new upcoming events.
Meet Rev. Evan "Charlie" Evans
Nominee for Presbytery Stated Clerk
Following a national search, Rev. Evan "Charlie" Evans has been nominated for election on February 4, 2023, to serve as the Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of St. Augustine. Charlie previously served as Stated Clerk of the Presbytery of Western Kentucky for 10 years and is the current Stated Clerk of the Synod of Living Waters. He is on the roll of Honorably Retired ministers in Mid-Kentucky Presbytery. Read more here.
New Year's Tasks for Session Clerks
By Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk
Thank you to all of our session clerks for your faithful service! This is a reminder of the "dates to remember" within the first 46 days of the year (click here for full document on our Clerk's Resources Page). Also, please note that we will have a "help/reminder workshop" about entering statistical reports at 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 21, via Zoom. To register, email Sandra Hedrick by Wednesday, January 18. Here are the important dates:
  • Unified Giving Pledge Card or Enter Pledge Online -- as soon as possible to the Office Manager Lisa Wells or online here.
  • Necrology Report -- date extended to January 16, return scanned form, by email, to Sandra or online here.
  • Statistical Reports -- enter into the General Assembly Portal by February 16.
Many Positions Available In Our Presbytery
Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.
Welcome Dana Riley
Associate Pastor for Community Outreach at Riverside
Dana Riley began her work as Associate Pastor for Community Outreach on January 2, 2023. Dana, who was a candidate for ministry under our care, has an M. Div. and a Masters of Theology from Columbia Theological Seminary. Previously, she served as Coordinator of Connection at Palms Presbyterian Church and a pastoral intern at Palms and at Geneva. We welcome Dana to the ministry and will announce her ordination and installation date soon!
Winter Stated Presbytery Meeting
The Winter Stated Presbytery meeting will be held on Saturday, February 4, at 9:30 a.m., at Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center. The offering for this meeting is designated for Mutual Mission. For more information view the notice of the meeting, and to register, click here. See you in February!
Lead Presbyter Search Underway
The Lead Presbyter Search Committee met twice during the Advent and Christmas seasons and is well on its way to completing out Mission Information Form to be circulated throughout the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our new Synod Executive, Valerie Young, will be joining the committee for its next meeting at Montgomery and will be walking with us through the search process, as she did with several presbyteries in the Synod of the Sun.
More News From Around The Presbytery
Lake Shore Church Final Services
Lake Shore, on Jacksonville's Westside, held its last regular Sunday morning service on January 1. It was also the last sermon delivered by the Rev. Dr. Steve Hulsey before his entry into full, honorable retirement, where he plans to relax and work on his golf game.

The service was filled with tears, hugs, joy, celebration and much thanksgiving for all Christ has done in their midst. Many former members and three former pastors returned to join with the congregation.
Service of Thanksgiving and Dissolution
The presbytery, through its commission, will hold a Service of Thanksgiving and Dissolution, at Lake Shore, on January 15, at 3:00 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Kathy McLean, a former pastor, preaching the service. Everyone in our presbytery is invited to show your appreciation to the people of Lake Shore and to give thanks to God for the church’s life and witness. There will be a reception, hosted by the congregation, following the service.
Prayer Request Upon the Death of Mary Mickel's Mother
It is with heartfelt sympathy and condolences that we share the news that Mary Mickel's beloved mother, Mary L. Turner, went to her eternal home peacefully on December 28, 2022. Mary Mickel (Ruling Elder of Woodlawn Presbyterian Church) was the 2018-2019 Moderator of the Presbytery of St. Augustine. Her mother’s Homecoming Celebration was held on January 4 in Winnsboro, S.C. Remembrances may be sent to Mary T. Mickel and Family, 1951 Raley Creek Drive East, Jacksonville, FL 32225. Please keep the Mickel Family in your prayers.
Updates from the Presbyterian Women
From PW Moderator Daryl Mullee
  • Save the Date: The Annual Gathering - Saturday, January 28, 2023, at Montgomery which will be hosted by Riverside's PW. Click here to register online.
  • New Moderator needed: Daryl will not be serving following the Annual Gathering.
Share Your Events
We would be happy to publish your event in the coming weeks! Email [email protected] with the dates and details.
Resources
A Year with Matthew for a Matthew 25 Church: 2022–2023
This resource prepared by the Office of Theology and Worship connects the Gospel readings from Revised Common Lectionary Year A with the Matthew 25 invitation’s priorities. Check it out here.
PC(USA) 2023-24 Scholarship Applications Open!
In 2022, 147 students were awarded a total of $665,000 under this needs based program. Do you know someone who should apply in 2023? The opportunities and requirements are explained in this PC(USA) news story
Beginning Your Planning for Lent?
Here are some early resources! Send your ideas to [email protected].
Conferences and Learning Opportunities
2023 APCE Conference
January 25-28, 2023 The Association for Partners in Christian Education's Annual Event. Check it out!

Flagler College Youth Ministry Forum - February 10-11, 2023
Registration is OPEN. View it here.

Association of Smaller Congregations Annual Conference
March 2-5, 2023 Epworth by the Sea. View registration information here.
Key Events
Blessings,
Jerie Lukefahr, Moderator of the Presbytery
Sandra Hedrick, Stated Clerk
Joe Albright, Chair of Coordinating Council
Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.