March 19, 2025

Lent is a sacred season of reflection, growth, and renewal—a time to move with purpose and intentionality toward deeper faith and transformation. It is not merely about giving something up but about making space for something greater: a stronger connection with God, a renewed spirit, and a heart attuned to love and grace.

Many years ago, my wife (Libby) and I decided to give up meat for Lent. I remember thinking I would never want to see black beans and rice again. I was especially grateful for each Sunday (which reminded us of the resurrection and was an opportunity to enjoy a hamburger and a reprieve). However, it was not something that moved the needle for me in terms of a deeper connection to the divine. I think that is because while I was committed to giving something up, I had not added a spiritual practice or navigated the days with as much intentionality as I could have. It is easy to get distracted on one hand, or on the other hand so focused on what our professional roles expect from us that we don't spend the time and energy we should attending to our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Lent can be a time of recalibration. It can be a season that leads to renewal. A lot can happen in 40 days.

Each day presents an opportunity to walk with mindfulness, choosing acts of kindness, moments of prayer, and sacrifices that draw us closer to the divine. Where have you seen the beauty of God's creation this past week? Have you seen someone share kindness and compassion in a way that touched your soul? When we embrace Lent with an open heart, we allow ourselves to be reshaped, refined, and strengthened in ways that prepare us for the joy of Easter.

As we journey through these forty days, let us remember that every challenge and sacrifice is an invitation to grow in faith and compassion. Whether through fasting, prayer, or acts of service, our intentional choices become a reflection of Christ’s love in the world. Even in moments of struggle, grace abounds, reminding us that transformation is not about perfection but about drawing nearer to God, one step at a time. With each act of devotion, we move closer to the hope and renewal that await us, emerging from Lent with hearts full of purpose and spirits prepared to embrace the promise of resurrection.

Peace,

David

News From Around the Presbytery

Communications

Receptionist

We have hired a new receptionist and look forward to introducing her to you in the near future. While the position is different than our former communications director, the receptionist will be our liaison to the Communicatons and training team. Once she has settled in, she will be helping to craft and distribute the newsletter. We are still working on 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

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.

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 Dunnellon

Rev. Jeff Welch Pastor

Teresa Faust Clerk of Session

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

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