January 29, 2025,

Greetings Presbytery Family!

In 1997 fresh out of seminary, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Augusta, Georgia called me as their Associate Pastor. Covenant was and is a great church and it was the perfect place for me to begin my ordained ministry. Covenant allowed me to learn, grow, and develop in ways that went deeper and beyond the classroom or internships. I fell in love with both the church and the city of Augusta. It didn't hurt that once a year Augusta was transformed by the beauty and the magic of the Masters Golf Tournament.

In 2000 I was called to be the Head of Staff at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Decatur, AL. Transitions are part of ministry. It meant saying goodbye to a place, a community, and people that I loved. I have found memories of my time in Augusta and on the shelves in my office are two gifts they gave me when I departed. I have a basketball that all of the youth autographed for me and a wooden keep sake that looks like the Bible. Inside the wooden book are numerous pictures and trinkets. I recently found myself thumbing through the photos and reminiscing. It is great to look back and remember, but important to know we are called to continually move forward.

During my time at Westminster, I helped guide the church through a capital campaign. The theme of the campaign was, "Celebrating Yesterday, Preparing for Tomorrow." We should all be willing to take the time to remember the past, to celebrate the positive things that have transpired, and to be informed by our history so that we move forward better prepared for the road ahead. I believe doing so fits well with one of our mantras as Presbyterians, "Reformed and Always Reforming." Where is reformation happening in your church and in your life?

As I have traveled around the 19 counties and more than 17,000 square miles where our 53 congregations serve Christ, I have been encouraged and inspired. Our witness is strong, but it could be stronger. The good news is together we have the gifts, wisdom, and energy to make that happen. I know that God in Christ will continue to be served well in our region by PCUSA churches for many years to come.

Peace,

David

News From Around the Presbytery

Communications

The Presbytery of St. Augustine is in the process outsourcing some of its communications. If you have items for the newsletter, please send them to our Lead Presbyter David Rollins at david@staugpres.org or Lisa Wells our office manager at lisa@staugpres.org. We ask for your patience and grace as we make the transition.

Presbyterian Youth Triennium

July 28 – July 31, 2025

Louisville KY

The Presbytery of St. Augustine is planning to send a delegation of youth and their adult advisors to this event in July. For the first time, Triennium will be held in an urban, convention center setting, with accommodations at nearby designated hotels. Accordingly, we are inviting students who are currently in 10^th, 11^th and 12^th grade to attend. (Younger students will have an opportunity to attend Triennium 2028.) Young adults aged 19-23 can register to attend as part of the work crew that will make it all happen. Adult advisors are also welcome to attend. Costs to attend are estimated to be approximately $1,000 per person (registration, air and ground transportation, double-occupancy accommodation, and meals.) Presbytery funding will cover approximately one-third of these costs.

For more information or to register to attend, please contact Vickie Bossuot at wbossuot@aol.com.

Prayer Concern: Laura Smith Gordon passed away on January 20, 2025. Laura was a former Associate Executive Presbyter for the Presbytery of St. Augustine, and she went on to serve as a Development officer with The Presbyterian Foundation. A memorial service will be held this Friday January 31, 2025, at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville at 11:00. Please be in prayer foe Laura's family and all who knew and loved her.

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.

Prayer Corner

Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:

Bethlehem Presbyterian Church

Leadership

Rev. Joshua Brayley Stated Supply Pastor

Julianne Browning Clerk of Session

Presbyterian Women

Annual Gathering

The 41 Annual Gathering of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of St. Augustine at Montgomery Center on January 25, was a huge success. Pictured below are members of the Presbyterian Women's group from High Springs who gathered at camp on January 23, 2025, for Bible Study, fellowship, and to help prepare the space for the annual gathering.

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



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

·       Feb. 1, 2025 - Winter Stated Presbytery Meeting at Montgomery Center

·       Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, 2025 - Spring Youth Retreat at Montgomery Center

·       Apr. 21 to 24, 2025 - Easter Respite at Montgomery Center

Synod of South Atlantic

Home | Synod of South Atlantic

Key Events

• Feb. 1, 2025 - Winter Stated Presbytery Meeting at Montgomery Center

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