November 6, 2024

Greetings Presbytery Family!


As we reflect on this week's events, may we all continue to seek God’s guidance in our journey forward together. This edition of Staying Connected features new information about the PW Annual Gathering, a special Call to Serve and includes updates about upcoming events to help you stay connected.

News From Around the Presbytery

David LaMotte Concert and Workshop

World renowned David LaMotte will be performing a concert at First Fernandina Beach on Friday, November 8, at 7:00 p.m. On Saturday, November 9, he will present a workshop on being neighbors, being together as the body of Christ and how we are changing the world simply by being in it, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. All are invited for a time of fun, fellowship and learning. There is no cost for the events, however, due to limited seating, registration is required.


Click here to register for the concert.

Click here to register for the workshop.

For questions, contact Julie Higbee at 904-261-3837.

Highlands Handbell Concert

Highlands United PC will host a handbell concert on Saturday, November 9, at 4:00 p.m. The concert will feature hymns, spirituals and even a few tunes by The Beatles. All are welcome to attend.

Coffee, Clergy and Conversation

An interfaith conversation will take place among clergy at Riverside PC on November 13, at 10:30 a.m. They will discuss the power of prayer and faith in society and in our greater community. This is a free event and brunch will be provided. This event is hosted in partnership with the Jewish Community Alliance and the Interfaith Center of Northeast Florida. Click here to register.

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.

Stained Glass Restoration Referral Needed

Palms PC is seeking a referral for a company that works with stained glass window restoration. Their sanctuary has a huge stained glass cross approximately 26 feet by 8 feet on the east wall within a wooden frame with repair issues. This is a delicate and big restoration project that requires special handing of the heavy but fragile stained glass which is very rare. If you have a person or company in mind that could help with a restoration such as this, please email the Facilities Manager, Alex Crawford.

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.

From the Stated Clerk

Twice a year, the presbytery offers the opportunity to apply for grants from Designated Funds. Click to view the information and application for these grants. This deadline is November 11. All applications must be submitted to Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk, by the deadline dates via email or mail.

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:

First Presbyterian Church of Starke


Leadership

Diane Wilson

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 the event flyer and 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.

Learning Opportunities

SOAP Regional Event

Registration for the regional SOAP event is now open! The event will take place on November 9. This event is for educators, youth leaders, paid staff, volunteers and pastors. Registration is $35, and lunch will be coordinated at each host site. Click here to learn more and to register.

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.

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 $60 and a table for six is priced at $320. 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). 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

Key Events

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

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.