August 20, 2025

News From Around the Presbytery

The planning calendars are here! They are $15 each, including shipping.

*Click on our payment link to order HERE to pay online.

*Or, you can mail us a check made out to:

Presbytery of St. Augustine

1937 University Blvd. W.

Jacksonville, FL 32207

*We are happy to report that this year's calendars have bigger spaces to write in- an improvement from last year!

*Still needed:

Substitute (temporary) Pianist 

needed for First Presbyterian Church of Williston

Williston, First is looking for someone to fill in as the pianist from the first Sunday in September through the last Sunday in October.

If interested, please reach out to

Sandra Landers at (352) 441-4026

Our Presbytery of St. Augustine in-C Directory is an amazing resource.

If you have a change in your church staff let our office know so that we can update the directory accordingly. If you notice there is information about your church or a person that in inaccurate and not up-to-date please reach out. https://info.in-c.net/

Upcoming Events

To register for FISH 2.0 Click HERE for full registration packet

Clergy Round-Table Discussion

A Clergy Round-Table discussion is set for Monday September 8, 2025, at Camp Montgomery 9:30-12:00 concluding with lunch. This gathering will begin with a brief devotional followed by table discussions with guiding questions about preaching and church leadership in today’s day and age.

Register HERE

SIGN UP HERE: Realm Link

The Sacred Pause 

You are Invited to a Clergy Retreat 

Nov. 2-4, 2025 

Location: Epworth by the Sea 

100 Arthur J Moore Dr, St Simons Island, GA 31522

The Sacred Pause is the theme for the Presbytery of St. Augustine’s Clergy, CRE, and Certified Educator retreat. We are encouraging you to join us to take a deep breath, to take a step away from the strains and stress of the ministry and make plans to be with us at Epworth By the Sea. Our retreat will take place November 2-4. We will begin with dinner on Sunday at 5:30pm and conclude with breakfast on Tuesday morning. The cost is $300 per person, which includes lodging and all meals. A schedule will be available closer to the event.

There will be times for worship (evening and morning prayers) and there will be plenty of space for fellowship and relaxation. Monday following breakfast and morning prayers there will be free time until dinner. Box lunches will be provided so you can find something to do that nourishes your soul. We will have some planned options available which you can join or form a group on your own.   

The call to ministry is a unique one and it is important that we spend time together with people who understand firsthand the joys and the struggles that are part of our lives. We believe that listening, learning, and supporting each other is essential for our self-care and strengthens us for our continued service to Christ. Please use the following link to register.    

This retreat is planned and hosted by: 

Julie Higbee Associate Pastor First Presbyterian Fernandina Beach 

Cliff Lyda Pastor at First Presbyterian Church Palatka and the Moderator of our presbytery 

David Rollins The Lead Presbyter for the Presbytery of St. Augustine 

The retreat is specifically for those involved in ministry. It is not a family retreat. *Childcare will NOT be provided.

REGISTER HERE

Please keep Olive Mahabir in your prayers. Olive is the pastor of Highlands United and is taking some time off due to recent health issues.

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

Memorial Presbyterian Church

Rev. Dr. W. Hunter Camp II, Pastor

Linda Hawkins, Clerk of Session

Church Spotlight

Memorial Presbyterian Church

Memorial Presbyterian Church is the oldest Presbyterian congregation in Florida. It was organized in 1824.The present sanctuary, given by Henry Flagler, partners with John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil, has been listed across news channels as one of the most beautiful protestant churches in America. Memorial is a thriving, multi-generational, mission-minded congregation.

Memorial has a 5,000 pipe Aeolian Skinner Organ that’s played each Sunday.

On multiple occasions, people have seen ghosts in the sanctuary.

Summer 2025 Wrap Up

Thank you for an unforgettable summer! It was a joy to spend this summer under the oaks with campers backed by your prayers of support. The days were long and hot, but the summer passed by so quickly. 

Summer 2025 Highlights

✨ 20 Summer Staff (6 returners), with many continuing in year-round roles and already signed on for Winter Camp and Summer 2026.

✨ 115 Campers attended overnight programs — 84 received scholarships and church sponsorships, totaling $47,000+ in aid thanks to donors and churches.

✨ Positive Finances – For the first time in recent history, summer programming operated without a net loss!

✨ Theme: Created to Care – Campers explored God’s creation and our call to respond with God’s love as stewards of the world.

✨ Volunteer Support – Special thanks to Rev. Adam Anderson, Jenny Tammera, Pastors Jimmy Griffin & Cathy Belles, Lindsey Anderson, and Ashley Nelson for their faithful leadership and care.

Help Wrap Up the Summer

As we reflect on this season, you can help Montgomery continue to grow:

• 📝 Parent Survey – Share your feedback here.
• ⭐ Leave a Review – Encourage others by leaving a review on Facebook or Google.
• 📣 Spread the Word – Tell your friends and family about Camp Montgomery!

Looking Ahead

🍂 Fall Fest – October 18 – Free community event with games, live music, and food.

🎉 Winter Camp – Dec 30–Jan 2 – Ring in the new year at camp!

📅 Summer 2026 Dates – Coming soon!

Other Camp News

🖥️ New Registration Software – Launching by October 1.

🌲 Girl Scout Troop 452 designed and built beautiful new trailhead signs for the Prayer Trail, Emerald Lake Trail, and connector trail. Thank you, Scouts!

Giving Back

💙 Nearly 3 out of 4 campers attended on scholarship this summer. Help us grow the fund so more children can experience faith-filled adventures in 2026:

Give Now

📦 Support year-round ministry and help replenish summer supplies by shopping our wish list:

Amazon Wish List

We are grateful for your continued support of the ministry of Montgomery. We look forward to welcoming you again soon for your next faith-filled adventure!

Be blessed,

Rebekah Rodgers

Executive Director

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.

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