November 12, 2025

News From Around the Presbytery

The Sacred Pause

Recently, 17 clergy from our presbytery gathered at Epworth by the Sea for a clergy retreat. The theme of this year’s event was “The Sacred Pause.” Together, we shared meaningful time in worship, fellowship, and thoughtful discussion—an opportunity to rest, reflect, and renew our spirits for ministry. 

As we spent time getting to know each other better I witnessed the deepening of relationships and the strengthening of our community. One of the promises we make when we are ordained is to be a friend among our colleagues in ministry. During this retreat new friendships were formed, old relationships were deepened, and mutual support was displayed. 

It has been a decade since an opportunity like this has been available in the Presbytery of St. Augustine. It was obvious that it was missing and is needed as we move forward in ministry. We will be scheduling events like this at least annually. If you are an ordained minister in this presbytery, we hope you will be able to join us next time. As our colleague Jeff Welch puts it, “The Presbytery is not merely an administrative body—it is the Church for pastors and those serving in pastoral capacities.” I consider it an honor and privilege to walk alongside you and serve Christ together on this journey. 

Peace, 

David 

If you know that you are coming please let David know by sending him an email at david@staugpres.org

Upcoming Clergy Cluster Gatherings

Mon. Nov. 17th Sonny’s BBQ

2700 N.E. Waldo Rd

Gainesville, FL

at 12pm

Tues. Nov. 18th Cheddars

4065 SW College Rd.

Ocala, FL

at 1pm

Wed. Nov. 19th Metro Diner

100 S Ponce De Leon

St. Augustine, FL

at 12pm

Thurs. Nov. 20th Scramblers

1500 University Blvd W

Jacksonville, FL

at 12pm

It is Thornwell Emphasis Month!

We are so grateful to have you as a church partner! Thornwell Emphasis Month represents a long-standing tradition of faithful friends who so generously advocate for Thornwell and bring awareness to the needs that exist within our communities. The need is great, but together we are transforming communities one family at a time. 

•  Thornwell has dedicated the entire month of November to celebrating its 150-year history, ROOTED IN FAITH! Partner with us to change communities one family at a time. Learn more or donate now at: thornwell.org/emphasismonth

Attention: Free Choir Robes

MPC has new choir robes and we're offering for free 55 robes to any church who might want them. Interested persons can contact Matt Daniel, Choir Director, at mdaniel@memorialpcusa.org.

Johnchoufong@gmail.com https://facebook.com/AskJohnFong#

Coming to Riverside Presbyterian

Starting November 18th

Sacred Ground

A film and reading-based dialogue series on race

and faith produced by The Episcopal Church USA.

It was developed to assist each of us to move

toward the vision of a Beloved Community where

all people are honored, protected, and nurtured as

beloved children of God.

Click here for more information

Mark your calendars for January 24th!

Discover, Grow, and Serve Together!

Mark your calendar for Equipped to Serve 2026, a full day of inspiration and learning on Saturday, January 24, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Montgomery Conference Center in Starke, FL. With four workshop sessions to choose from, you’ll find topics to enrich your faith, leadership, and ministry. Enjoy a delicious lunch, fellowship with Presbyterians from across the region, and return home renewed.

Registration is just $30 in advance online, or $35 in person the day of the event. Lunch included! Register today and be equipped to serve!

Registration link:

https://www.montgomerycenter.org/equipped

Keep the people of Jamaica in your prayers.

Continue to pray for Olive Mahabir.

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

Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church

Alan Cummings, Pastor

Wendy Lyon, Clerk of Session

Church Spotlight

Silver Springs Shores Presbyterian Church

In 1974, as our congregation was forming, the Candler PC had closed. Our congregation moved the sanctuary (built in 1886) the 5 miles to our present location. The two installed pastors, Rev "Bud" Armstrong and Rev. Alan Cummings have served the church for a combined 48 years. 

The church hosts 4 other worshipping communities every Sunday and during the week has a Child Care ministry, a Thrift Store Ministry, and hosts the after school program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club. We work closely with the local high school as we host the end of the year AP, IB, and AICS testing plus a variety of banquets. 

We celebrate Thanksgiving with a free community Thanksgiving Day dinner with all the food donated, prepared, and served by church volunteers. We also have a fun fundraiser each spring featuring our annual Camel Race. The funds raised are used to help pay for our solar panels. 

What’s Happening at Montgomery?

As the seasons turn, Montgomery is buzzing with energy! We’re thrilled to share the events coming up—some we’re leading, and others we’re blessed to host for our guests and partners. Mark your calendars and join us in the life of this place.

❄️ Montgomery Winter Camp

December 30–January 2

Ring in the new year with campfires, worship, games, and friends!

👉 Register now

🙌 Equipped to Serve: Presbytery Enrichment & Elder Training

January 24

A day of equipping and encouragement for church leaders. Registration is now open:

👉 montgomerycenter.org/equipped

🧘 Save the Date: Yoga Den Retreat

February 13–15

We’re excited to welcome Yoga Den for their first-ever retreat at Montgomery! Stay tuned for more details.

We are grateful for the many ways Montgomery continues to be a place of connection, growth, and renewal—whether through retreats, conferences, or good old-fashioned camp fun. We hope you’ll join us for one (or many!) of these upcoming events. Your presence helps make this community vibrant and alive.

See you soon at Montgomery!

Rebekah Rodgers

Executive Director | Montgomery Center

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,

Cliff Lyda, Moderator of the Presbytery

Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk

David Rollins, Lead Presbyter

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.

Staying Connected Archives