June 21, 2023

Dear Presbytery Family,

We greet you with warmth and love on this first day of summer. This edition of Staying Connected features new events and provides updates from around the presbytery.

News From Around the Presbytery

Sabbath By the Pool

A Women in Ministry Event

Are you ready for a day of rest and renewal before the end of the summer? Join us for Sabbath by the Pool at the home of Synod Executive Valerie Young, in Jacksonville, Fla., on July 31, between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. This is a drop-in event and lunch, snacks and drinks will be provided. 

We are considering reserving a hotel block close to Valerie's home to allow women from throughout the Synod to attend. Travel grants may also be available.

Please register by Wednesday, July 25. The address will be sent by email on Friday, July 28. 

Update From the Coordinating Council

As we await the arrival of a new Lead Presbyter, please contact the Stated Clerk, Charlie Evans, who will direct you to the appropriate person, ministry, committee or team to assist with your question. Our Presbytery Moderator, Susan Rose, and/or the Moderator of the Coordinating Council, Jerie Lukefahr, can field questions as well. For pastoral care matters, please contact your Area Relationship Coordinator. The presbytery website provides current contact information.

Matthew 25 Church

PC(USA) has released a brand new video to help Matthew 25 congregations and communities with next steps. Watch the video below and learn more about next steps here.

The New Church Leadership Connection

For all call seekers and all churches in the search process, please take a look at this important article about changes to the Church Leadership Connection (CLC), our Presbyterian call system.

CLC specializes in assisting pastors, committees on ministry, committees on preparation for ministry, executive presbyters, stated clerks, pastor nominating committees and clerks of session. The new CLC includes a task-based interphase that allows calling organizations more flexibility carrying out steps involved in hiring a pastor; automated information sharing between call seekers and organizations; expedited application submission and approval; easy withdrawal from consideration by candidates; and easy notification of decisions by calling organizations. The new system also has an improved look and user experience, including a dashboard with to-do tasks and notifications from CLC staff members.

Tractor Fund Challenge

Montgomery Center recently purchased a tractor to help maintain the road, keep the beaches clean and handle some of the heavy work on their 167 acres. Several individuals and churches have donated to help offset the cost of the purchase. To cover the entire cost, Montgomery Center is challenging the presbytery to help raise the remaining $12,000. To make a donation to the Tractor Fund, click here.

Share this flyer with your congregation!

Summer Camp is Underway!

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• June 16 through July 28 – Summer Camp
• September 21-22 – FISH 2.0: Ministry Workers Retreat

Key Events

• June 23-25 – School of the Laity
• July 4 – Independence Day
• July 28 – Summer Camp ends at Montgomery Center
• August 26 – Presbyterian Women Summer Gathering at Montgomery Center
• September 21-22 – FISH 2.0: Ministry Workers Retreat at Montgomery Center
• September 24 – Arlington Presbyterian Church's 70th Anniversary Service at Arlington, 10:00 a.m.
• October 3 – Fall Stated Presbytery Meeting at St. Giles Presbyterian Church