May 6, 2026

In the Presbytery of St. Augustine Our mission is " to support our faith community, so that together we are a greater witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ!"

Time to Register:

Our Spring Stated Meeting will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Perry, FL on Saturday May 30th.

All details are found on our website.

Registering in advance by May 26th will help us prepare accordingly.

Click here for all the presbytery meeting information, registration & for the lunch payment link.

The Rev. Dr. Jim Black of Mayport Presbyterian Church is retired but he is also an author. He has a brand new book entitled "Thinking Christians And Our LGBT Neighbors." He is hoping to invite readers to revisit the Bible.

"Perhaps they may learn something they never thought about before. This may lead to more understanding and compassion due to more understanding."

- Jim Black

Some of his books are available for purchase on amazon. Click on the book images to order.

This year we would like to celebrate some of what each of our churches are doing in mission and ministry.

Have you published anything that may be helpful to pastors or churches? We would be happy to let others know.

If you have a mission project or outreach program that you would like to highlight, please send us a photo or two and a brief description of the effort.

Each week we will showcase a different ministry. Please email that information to Jennifer at reception@staugpres.org

Do you have students headed to college in Gainesville soon? Click here to read a letter from Trajectory College Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville.

2026 Cluster Gatherings

*Mark your calendar! Tentative Dates for the remainder of 2026:

May 18, St. Augustine Aug. 24, Jacksonville Nov. 16, St. Augustine

May 19, Jacksonville Aug. 25, St. Augustine Nov. 17, Jacksonville

May 20, Ocala Aug. 26, Gainesville Nov. 18, Gainesville

May 21, Gainesville Aug. 27, Ocala Nov. 19, Ocala

Are you part of a church in a rural setting?

Have you ever wanted to attend a conference that was designed specifically for your context? If so, check out the Rural Church Ideas Conference in Arkansas. There is no cost to attend and even the lodging is free, here is the link for more information:

https://townsquareco.org/the-rural-ideas-conference/

The Art of Transitional Ministry

August 16–21, 2026

Sponsored by Montreat Conference Center, in cooperation with the Transitional Ministry Education Consortium.

Have you ever considered transitional ministry as a vocation? Would you like to learn more about guiding congregations as they navigate the waters of pastoral change? If so, check out the link below for a continuing educational opportunity.

https://montreat.org/events/transitional-26

Rev. Larry Seymour passed away on Monday April 27th. Larry served for many years as a chaplain in a maximum security facility near Gainesville. He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his daughter Amy and his mother, Margaret Seymour. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Pray for the Lord to guide the following church this week:

Fort King Presbyterian Church

Bob Scott, Transitional Pastor

Nancy Copeland, Clerk

What’s Happening at Montgomery?

Help Us Get Ready for Summer at Montgomery

Camp is coming—here’s how you can be part of it

As we move closer to summer, there is a growing sense of anticipation. Cabins are being prepared, programs are taking shape, and staff are stepping forward to help lead what promises to be a meaningful season.

Summer camp doesn’t just happen—it is built, piece by piece, by a community that believes in its impact.

Camp Is Coming—And There’s Still Room

We are looking forward to welcoming campers for a summer filled with connection, growth, and faith.

If you’ve been considering camp for a child or youth in your life, there is still space available. We would love to welcome them.

👉 Learn more and register:

https://www.montgomerycenter.org/summer-camp

If your church is sponsoring campers this year, please email info@montgomerycenter.org, subject line Church Sponsorships, so we can coordinate updated invoicing. Please provide a contact person and email to ensure everything runs smoothly.

We’re Still Hiring Summer Staff

We still have a few openings—especially for cabin counselors, who serve at the heart of the camp experience.

Applicants must be 17+ with a heart to serve, a love for kids, and a willingness to grow in faith and leadership.

What’s especially encouraging this year is what we’re hearing from applicants:

“I can be a light—to other counselors and to campers… just being there when someone needs to talk or take a break.”

“Camp feels like a place where you can worship, learn, share your story, and connect. There’s just a lot of joy.”

If you know someone who would be a great fit, we encourage you to share this opportunity.

👉 Apply here:

https://www.montgomerycenter.org/summer-staff

This Work Is Shared

Every summer, something meaningful happens here.

And it happens because people like you choose to be part of it—by sending campers, encouraging staff, and helping this ministry continue.

We are grateful for your support and look forward to the season ahead.

In Christ’s Service,

Rebekah Rodgers

Upcoming Dates:

May 15-17: Camp Yoga Den

June 1: Staff Training Begins

June 14: Overnight Session 1 - Wilderness Camp, Night Owl, CIT & More

June 15: Day Camp Session 1 - Into the Wild

June 21: Overnight Session 2 - Sports Camp, You & Me, LIT & More

June 22: Day Camp Session 2 - Game On!

June 28: Overnight Session 3 - Explorer, STEAM, Challenge, & More

June 29: Day Camp Session 3 - Wonder Lab

July 13: Day Camp Session 4 - Once Upon a Camp

July 20: Day Camp Session 5 - Build it Big

July 27: Day Camp Session 6 - Time Travelers

October 10: Fall Festival

October 16-18: Fall Youth Retreat

November 13-15: Choose FI Jacksonville Retreat

Dec 30-Jan 2: Winter Camp

Rebekah Rodgers

Executive Director | Montgomery Center

88 SE 75th St, Starke, FL 32091

352-473-4516 | 352-514-5124

www.montgomerycenter.org

Come to Central Florida-

¾ Time Transitional Pastor

Are you feeling called to serve an active energetic congregation going through a time of transition? Are you still desiring to serve God, but also desire to have an extra day or two a week to spend time with your spouse, children, grandchildren or to enjoy a neglected hobby? Are you in need of BoP benefits usually associated only with fulltime installed positions?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you may the person God is calling to serve Countryside Presbyterian Church in Ocala, Florida. Countryside is a congregation who enjoys liturgically based worship that is buttressed by an excellent music program. Local mission is a life giving, energizing focus of the congregation. Compassionate pastoral care skills are necessary and appreciated by this congregation. The ability to creatively problem-solve, moderate and arbitrate will be valued during this time of transition.

Compensation will be based upon education, experience, candidate specific need and congregational resources. This position (while advertised in other forms) will not be listed on the CLC. Please contact Jeff Welch for a position description or if you have any questions. (352) 817-2534 or pastordunnpreschurch@gmail.com

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.

Synod of South Atlantic

Home | Synod of South Atlantic

Positions Available In Our Presbytery

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

Blessings,

Barbara Darby, Moderator of the Presbytery

Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk

David Rollins, Lead Presbyter

Visit our website here: https://www.staugpres.org/

Call us: (904) 733 - 8277

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.

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