November 13, 2024

Greetings Presbytery Family!

As we enter this season of gratitude and reflection, may we all inspire each other in our shared journey of faith. This edition of Staying Connected offers an uplifting testimony from the immersion trip, updates about the PW Annual Gathering and information about upcoming events to help you stay connected.

News From Around the Presbytery

Immersion Trip to the Border  – Testimonies from the Border

Five members of Memorial PC formed a delegation to visit Frontera de Cristo partners in ministry on the Mexican border towns of Douglas, Arizona, and Aqua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico for a week of immersion in October. The experiences included seeking understanding, engaging in spiritual practices, visiting ministry sites, celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Frontera de Cristo and enjoying God’s creation. Each member of the delegation reflected on these experiences while continually returning to the question, “What is God’s will for the border?” 

Click here to read a reflection by Priscilla Durkin titled, Building Relationships and Bridges rather than Walls.

If you are interested in having the delegation share their experiences at your church, contact Julie Reffel.

Back Together Again (Again)

Save the date for Back Together Again (Again)! The event will take place on January 11, 2025, at Montgomery Center from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This is a day to gather from all ends of the Presbytery of St. Augustine to join together in fellowship, learning how to best serve the church locally and in the world through church officer training and spiritual development. Stay tuned for workshop listings! Registration can be found here.

Call to Serve

Are you called to serve God at the presbytery level? Several of our committees have positions that we need to fill to carry out our mission. We are looking for ruling elders and teaching elders that have time and energy to serve Christ beyond the local church. For more information, please contact Beth Touchton, Volunteer Management Committee Chair, or David Rollins, Lead Presbyter.

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:

Trinity Presbyterian Church

Leadership

Jane Pellmann

Dan Wells

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. The cost is $30. View and print the event flyer to share with your Presbyterian Women! Click here to register online. Early registration ends January 10.

Justice and Peace Calendar

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

Mission Haven

Click here to read updates from Mission Haven in their newsletter Haven Happenings.

Montgomery Center

Christmas Under the Oaks

Enjoy an evening of decadence, at Montgomery Center, as they celebrate God's provision throughout the year and support the upcoming year's programming. They will reflect on all those who have brought life to the ministry throughout the years and discover ways to branch out and support this vital ministry.

Both childcare and lodging is available for the evening. Individual tickets are priced at $90 and a table for six is priced at $500. Click here to purchase tickets.

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). The camp experience will include spiritual development and some traditional camp activities such as archery, climbing wall, arts and crafts and more! 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 Winter Gathering
• Feb. 28 through Mar. 2, 2025 – POSA Spring Youth Retreat
• Mar. 7, 2025 – Fish Fry Fridays Begin

Learning Opportunities

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 next First Wednesday Sack Lunch will be on December 4, 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 December is Racial Justice/Social Witness.

Click here to register.

Key Events

• 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