October 22, 2025

In the Presbytery of St. Augustine Our mission is " to support our faith community, so that together we are a greater witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ!"

News From Around the Presbytery

Dear Presbytery family:

Please keep the family of Elder Ralph Moulder in your prayers. Ralph was a faithful member of FPC of Starke and was an active part of our Presbytery for many years. Ralph served as our Moderator, on our Commission on Ministry and, most recently, on the Training Team. Born on Christmas Day in 1945, Ralph passed away on October 13, 2025.

Here is the link to Ralph’s obituary with information about his Service of Witness to the Resurrection, to be held on October 25 at 1:30 at FPC of Starke:

https://www.jonesgallagherfh.com/obituaries/Ralph-M-Moulder-Age-79-Of-Starke?obId=45868369

Are you someone who works with youth? Are you looking for a way to connect with other youth leaders in our Presbytery to connect, to learn, to share, and to pray with and for one another? We would love to start back up a quarterly meeting of youth leaders in our Presbytery to meet and support one another.

Youth Leaders: we would love to get your input as to a day/time that would work for you! Right now, we are planning on having our first meeting in November. If you are interested in joining this group of youth leaders, please fill out this doodle poll to let us know your preferred day/time: Youth Leaders Gathering - Doodle

If you have any questions, please contact Brooke Tucker: faithformation@hupcjax.org or Jamie Shires: jshires@hbpcusa.org

Office Closed

Please be aware our office will be closed on Wednesday, October 22nd. We will be back to return calls & emails and greet you the following business day.

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

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 made available closer to the event for those who have registered.

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.

Thanks to all who have registered. The deadline has passed.

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

Please keep the family of Elder Ralph Moulder in your prayers. He passed away on October 13, 2025.

Continue to keep Olive Mahabir in your prayers.

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

First Presbyterian Church, Perry

John David Bryant, Pastor

Church Spotlight

First Presbyterian Church, Perry

Florida First Presbyterian Church in Perry was founded in 1905 to be a blessing to the people of Taylor County. Over the years, our congregation has grown from the first 5 members in a small wooden church to our present campus to serve members and the community.

Serving has been especially important in the last two years of surviving 3 hurricanes and the closing of two large businesses. With the leadership of Pastor John David Bryant and active committees we provide worship, Bible studies, fellowship and mission service.

Members are involved in community service like leading Soup for the Soul at the town pavilion and summer lunches for children. We send Pastor Bryant and leaders to Via de Cristo retreats twice a year. For many years members have participated in Medical Missions in Jamaica. This year we have started Little Sparks Children’s Ministry. It is a Tuesday-Thursday morning program for 2 and 3 year old children.

Please visit us on Plantation Road Sunday mornings at 9:30 for Bible study and worship at 11:00. Be our guest at Family Night Supper at 6:00 on Wednesday. You will be welcomed by God’s family that will extend the love of Christ.

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.

💡 Healing Solutions Conference

October 24–26

Hosted by Mighty Oaks CCC, this event explores healing and wholeness in body, mind, and spirit. Learn more and register:

👉 wholeholyhealthyandhappy.com/healingsolutions

❄️ Montgomery Winter Camp

December 30–January 2

Ring in the new year with campfires, worship, games, and friends! Early bird discount available through October 15.

👉 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

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.

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

In the Presbytery of St. Augustine Our mission is " to support our faith community, so that together we are a greater witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ!"

Office Closed

Church Spotlight

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First Presbyterian Church, Perry