November 1, 2022
Dear Presbytery Family,

In this week's news, we share events and resources, highlight giving and grants, and welcome new (returning) minister member Roy Sharpe. Be sure to check out the Montgomery Center section, and order a pie!
Stated Clerk Position Posted
As the Rev. Sandra Hedrick completes over 10 years of service, the Presbytery of St. Augustine is seeking a new part-time stated clerk to be elected for a three-year term (see job description). Applications are due by December 1. Working a flexible schedule at the office, in the field, and at home, the stated clerk serves with other staff members and presbytery and church leaders “to support our faith community, so that together we are a greater witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ.” To apply, send your PIF/resume and cover letter to the search committee (Chair Steve Crowley) at [email protected] no later than December 1, 2022.
Open Position: Presbytery Communications Coordinator
Consider whether you or someone you know has these gifts and would be excited to serve in this position! Read the job description / apply here

Stewardship 2023 - Singing a New Song!
In his letters, Paul would often write a “thank you” for the faithfulness of the saints in every region that he had visited. This is a “thank you” for the gracious offerings of each of the churches in the Presbytery of St. Augustine as we support one another in mission and ministry. By now all of our churches should have received a giving letter and pledge “card” (read sample here) for your prayerful response. With these funds, let us “praise the Lord, and sing to the Lord a new song!” (Psalm 149:1) 
Say Hello to New Minister Member Roy Sharpe
by the Rev. Dr. Kathryn McLean
"In October, the Call Commission of the Presbytery of St. Augustine welcomed the Rev. Sharpe again into the life and ministry of our presbytery to serve as a part-time Stated Supply pastor of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Gainesville.... His main goal is to help foster a renewed spirit and energy in the life and ministry of the congregation. Roy cherishes the stimulation and rekindling of ministry and feels grateful to have been called to serve along the saints at Covenant PC."  Read the full article here
Apply for a Small Church Grant by November 15 (Deadline Extended)
The presbytery has additional funds for small church grants, and the deadline has been extended to November 15. View more information here. The Charles J. Williams Fund for repairs to small churches (less than 200 members) has $12,900 available. The Small Church Revitalization Fund has $1,600 available. View more information here.
Session Clerk Workshop This Week
The workshop for new and seasoned session clerks will be held this week on November 3 at 5:30 p.m. and November 5 at 9:00 a.m. (90 minutes - choose one or the other). Stated Clerk Sandra Hedrick and Assistant Stated Clerk Ed Kelly will update everyone on topics from “clerking basics” to “annual tasks and dates” to “what’s new.” Register here by noon on November 3 in order to participate.
Read a Letter From Jerie Lukefahr
Moderator of the Presbytery of St. Augustine and Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Fernandina Beach. Read the letter here.
News From Montgomery Center
Fall Fest
Thank you to all who came out to Fall Fest! (photos below) We enjoyed a beautiful day under the oaks with excellent food, fun games, and rides through camp.

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 Dinners, Nov 7 & 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
New and Simpler Remittance Form for Mission Giving
When your church sends funds to our presbytery office, a remittance form tells how they should be applied. This simplified form provides spaces for designating the funds to: unified giving, mission giving within our presbytery and the larger church, special offerings, and per capita apportionment. View and download the form here. Thank you for your continuing financial support of Christ’s mission through your presbytery and the larger church.
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.
Pastor Position Posted for Highlands Presbyterian Church
Do you know about our presbytery classified page? Check out this page, and feel free to share it!
Board of Pensions Dues Increase 
From the Board of Pensions: “Effective January 1, 2023, medical dues will increase 2 percent, from 27 percent to 29 percent, bringing total dues for the Pastor's Participation benefits package to 39 percent of effective salary, up from 37 percent.” This is the 2023 dues breakdown.
Presbytery Volunteers - Who is God Calling?
Looking for a Trustee with a real estate broker background and the next Moderator Elect
There are still spots to fill for the Class of 2025 and some vacancies in our presbytery teams and commissions. 1. Presbytery Trustees: would benefit from a real estate broker since two members with that experience are at the end of their terms. 2. The next Moderator Elect: should be a male ruling elder per our traditional rotation. Check here for more information and to offer to serve.
Resources
All Saints’ Day 
November 1 became the feast day for “all the saints” back in the 9th century. After the Reformation, many Protestant churches retained the day on their liturgical calendars. Because it rarely falls on a Sunday, its themes are often included in worship on the following Sunday, which is November 6 this year. The PC(USA) shares history and resources for All Saints’ Day on this web page. 
Bible Study: 10 Reasons… Why Presbyterians Are Like That 
“Why Presbyterians Are Like That” is a 10-session Bible study designed for college students and young adults. The Office of Christian Formation made this downloadable Bible study possible in partnership UKirk Collegiate Ministries to offer this series of downloadable PDF Bible studies based on one Presbyterian chaplain’s suggestion of ten reasons Presbyterians are the way we are. To learn more or for individual pdfs go to Ukirk.org.
Christmas Joy Offering 
This year’s information and materials can be found 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
Presbyterian Foundation Day of Learning: Church Finances - November 8
Engage in presentations and conversation about church finances and investments.
12:00 PM ET Understanding Budgets and Reports
2:00 PM ET Know your Fund Types: what are they and what are they for
4:00 PM ET Understanding Investments: strategies, trends, and concerns
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 3 and 5 – Annual Clerk Workshop on Zoom
  • 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
  • February 4 – Winter Stated Presbytery Meeting, Location TBD
  • March 2-5, 2023 – Association of Smaller Congregations Annual Conference, Epworth by the Sea
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.