March 12, 2025

Leaning into Lent

Lent is a time of reflection, sacrifice, and spiritual growth. Here are 10 creative practices to engage in during Lent:


1.      Lenten Art Journal – Create a daily or weekly art journal reflecting on scripture, prayers, or personal reflections using drawings, paintings, or collages.


2.      Prayer Walk Photography – Take a daily or weekly walk, capturing photos of nature or moments that remind you of God’s presence, then reflect on them in prayer.


3.      Sacred Music Playlist – Curate and listen to a playlist of hymns, worship songs, or instrumental music that helps deepen your Lenten meditation.


4.      40-Day Gratitude Letters – Write a short letter or note each day to express gratitude to people who have impacted your life.


5.      Fasting Through Creativity – Instead of giving up food or social media, try fasting from negative thoughts by creating a daily affirmation or painting a symbol of hope.


6.      Scripture Calligraphy or Doodling – Practice hand-lettering or doodling a Bible verse each day to internalize its message artistically.


7.      Minimalist Challenge – Declutter one item per day and creatively repurpose or donate it, connecting the act to letting go of spiritual burdens.


8.      Acts of Kindness Jar – Fill a jar with 40 small, creative ways to bless others (e.g., leave an encouraging note in a book, bake for a neighbor, create a small artwork to gift).


9.      Poetry or Prayer Writing – Write a poem or personal prayer each day reflecting on your spiritual journey during Lent.


10. Creative Silence Retreat – Dedicate time for silent reflection while engaging in a creative practice like knitting, sculpting, or woodcarving to center your thoughts on God.


*This list was borrowed from a free on-line resource*


News From Around the Presbytery

Communications


Receptionist

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. Our new receptionist should be with us in the near future. Once we onboard that person, we will introduce to him/her in Staying Connected. We are still working on outsourcing the website and know there are several updates that need to happen. Thanks so much for your patience during this process.


Handbells For Sale: We have a set of 27 used Schulmerich Handbells in their original cases for sale. They are all polished, in relatively good working order, and have a good sound to them. Asking $2500-$3000 or best offer. Contact First Presbyterian Church of Williston at 352-734-0055


Continuing education opportunity

Please use the following link for information and registration for a one-day retreat on Gestalt Pastoral Care.

March 14 2025 Opening to Grace Retreat Flyer.docx

Godspell at St. Giles Presbyterian Church

Shows March 28, 29, 30 and April 4, 5, and 6. Go to their website for all the details.

https://www.stgilesfl.org/godspell


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 10th, 11th and 12th 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.


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.

Resources: Jerie Lukefahr recently attended a workshop at APCE facilitated by a pastor in NE who has put together podcasts for Bible study use - for free. "Abundant Harvest: Midwest Ministry Hub" (FPC Hastings NE) Thought this might be worth sharing with the presbytery. https://midwestministryhub.org/


Congregations around the country that are on the front lines of welcoming all and providing sanctuary are beginning to deal with the reality that the landscape has shifted. If you are part of one of those congregations this may be useful https://pcusa.org/how-we-serve/global-engagement/immigration


Many years ago, I learned a wise approach to sharing resources and educational opportunities. I provide what I am able noting the resources are available to all but not required by any. It is reflected in the statement, all may, some will, none must. Use whatever is helpful in your particular ministry context and we will continually look for ways to resource our congregations.


Prayer Corner

Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church this week:

First Presbyterian Church Crescent City

Rev. Don Mossa Temporary Supply Pastor

Don Brown Clerk of Session

Ongoing Prayers for Charlie Evans our Stated Clerk as he proceeds through cancer treatment.


We are sad to announce the death of Rev. Reginald V Parsons former Executive and Stated clerk of the Synod of South Atlantic. Rev. Parsons passed away on Tuesday March 11, 2025. Please remember his wife Sharon and the entire family in your prayers. No funeral arrangements have been made at this time.




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

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