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Greetings Presbytery Family,
Warmest greetings to our presbytery family, may the bonds of fellowship and shared purpose continue to thrive as we journey together in faith and service. This edition of Staying Connected shares information about the passing of a member of our presbytery, updates for the upcoming Winter Stated Meeting and events taking place around the presbytery.
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Winter Stated Meeting
The Winter Stated Presbytery Meeting will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., at Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center. The offering is designated for summer scholarships at Montgomery Camp. Click here to give.
To register for the meeting, click here.
To purchase lunch, click here.
To register for childcare, click here.
Traffic Alert
For those traveling to our Presbytery Meeting on February 3, along SR 16 through Green Cove Springs, please be aware that the Shands Bridge, along that route, will be closed and a detour is in place. Here is a link to the full details from the City of Green Cove Springs. Please plan accordingly if this is your route to Montgomery Center.
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News From Around the Presbytery | |
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Dear Presbytery family,
Rev. Jeff DeYoe, former Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church, in Palm Coast, for 10 years, passed away on December 12. Many of you will remember Jeff as he was very active in the presbytery during his tenure at Trinity, including serving as Commissioner to General Assembly. Click here to view a copy of Jeff's obituary with information about a Memorial Service that can be attended in-person or live streamed. We give thanks for Jeff's time with us and pray for the peace and comfort of his loved ones.
Charlie Evans
Stated Clerk
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Opportunity to Serve
The Board of Trustees (BOT) carries out an important function: to care for all the properties held in trust by the congregations of the presbytery. What does this mean? It means they review requests for loans to congregations and all requests to sell or lease real properties held in trust by the congregation. The BOT meets once a month on the fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom. The chair provides meeting-related documents ahead of time, so trustees have ample opportunity to read materials, come prepared with their questions and keep meetings to 60 minutes or fewer. The BOT has been particularly busy the last couple of years as some congregations closed and some requested loans. It’s an ebb and flow, a ying and yang, if you will; the sale of a property provides funds to other ministries so they may thrive. Approving a loan often means there is something exciting happening. They don’t know what’s in store for 2024, but whatever may come, they strive to serve faithfully, always seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Three current trustees are rotating off the board, one has moved to another presbytery, there are two vacancies for the class of 2025 and one nomination for the 2026 class, leaving them short (too short) of members. Please prayerfully consider serving as a trustee for the 2025 and/or 2026 class. This is serving God’s people in another way. If you “feel the call to serve,” contact Ana Lugo-Berrios.
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Back Together Again
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Back Together Again event that took place last Saturday at Montgomery Center.
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Prayer Corner
Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:
Dunnellon Presbyterian Church
Leadership
Jeff Welch
Joh Lybass
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40th Annual Gathering of the Presbyterian Women
The 40th Annual Gathering of the Presbyterian Women will take place this Saturday, at Montgomery Center. The keynote speaker will be Olive Mahabir.
Click here to view and print the flyer.
Click here to register online.
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News From Montgomery Center | |
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Deeply Loved: Spring Challenge Retreat
Youth Retreat
We hear so often that God loves us. Those words sound great, but we often find it hard to sustain the feeling that we are loved today, always and forever. How can we hear those words again and protect them? Carry them with us in good times and in challenging times? During the Spring Retreat, we’ll discover ways that we hear God speak those words to us and develop ways that can fit into our busy schedules.
Who: This retreat is for youth in grades six through 12.
When: March 1 through 3
For more information, click here.
Share this event flyer with your congregations.
Register by February 23.
Register as an individual.
Register as a group.
Questions? Please send an email to program@montgomerycenter.org.
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Summer Camp
Registration is open now for Summer Camp 2024.
Day Camp
Day Camp offers a unique opportunity for children to experience the nurturing care provided by our staff during the summer months. Day camp includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and plenty of outdoor play! A typical day's schedule includes morning energizers, outdoor activities including archery, climbing wall, canoeing, swimming, small group Bible study and more! Themed weeks throughout the summer keep curiosity engaged and the spirit alive.
Register for Day Camp between now and February 15 to save $10 per registration.
Share this Day Camp flyer with your congregation.
For more information about all of the 2024 Summer Camps, click here.
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NEW Training Program: What is (WHO is) a CRE?
A Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a congregationally based ruling elder who has demonstrated skill for church leadership and has successfully completed CRE training. The role of the CRE is an expansion of the office and work of the ruling elder. The Book of Order states that “commissioning ruling elders to limited pastoral service” is a way that a presbytery nurtures the covenant community of disciples of Christ (G-2.1001).
The Presbytery of St. Augustine is launching a new CRE training program in 2024! If you feel called to be better equipped to serve beyond your home congregation, or if you know someone who might have interest, please plan to attend an Inquiry Session, Saturday, February 3, 2024, immediately following the Winter Presbytery meeting at Montgomery Camp and Conference Center. An overview of the program will be provided along with time for Q&A.
If you have any questions, please email Jerie Lukefahr or Cliff Lyda.
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Flagler Forum
You're invited to enjoy a pre-forum gathering in beautiful Markland House at Flagler College on Friday, February 9, from 4:00 to 5:45 p.m. (drop-in). Connect with other PC(USA) youth ministry professionals and volunteers before the Flagler Youth Ministry Forum kicks off and enjoy some refreshments. Contact Rev. Rachel McNeal for more information.
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Association of Smaller Congregations Conference
The Association of Smaller Congregations (ASC) Conference: The Gift of Small promotes smaller congregations and highlights their unique beauty and immense potential. Despite their size these close-knit communities can nurture deep relationships and create a profound sense of belonging. In a world that claims that “bigger is always better,” smaller congregations know that passion and love define faith, not size. Smaller congregations can cultivate unity, and shared purpose, and become beacons of hope. Join the ASC at Epworth-by-the-Sea on February 29 through March 4, to celebrate The Gift of Small as we explore the powerful impact smaller congregations can and do have on the lives of individuals and communities. Learn more here.
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Positions Available In Our Presbytery
Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.
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Blessings,
Susan Rose, Moderator of the Presbytery
Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk
David Rollins, Lead Presbyter
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Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.
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