February 26, 2025

I can remember lamenting to one of my philosophy professors in college that I was having a difficult time getting a reflection paper to a point that I was pleased with it. Ph.D. Rumsey said, "that is why we have to have deadlines, no paper or project is ever totally finished." Part of what I heard in his words was there is always room for improvement. That resonates with me because of how I have always understood life and the gifts we have been given, that is we are all works in progress.

While our gifts and skills vary greatly from one person to the next, I believe we are called to grow and develop throughout our days. We may reach the limit of our ability or aptitude in some areas whereas others are ripe for further development. Growth rarely happens without dedication and practicing with a purpose. I was fourteen years old the first year I played organized basketball. I had some raw ability, but no experience. Every time I walked on the court, I brought tenacity and eagerness, but being young and inexperienced I fouled out of every single game. Following that season, I was in the gym and on the court playing basketball anytime I had the opportunity. I made a point of playing with people that were taller, more experienced, and much better ball players than me. The next year I had a coach that taught me a great deal, and I found a mentor in a friend and classmate. Over the next two years I found myself on an all-star team that traveled to other parts of the state of Alabama. It wasn't just the physical skills that improved but my knowledge of the game grew. A better basketball IQ and skill set didn't just happen, development was part of a process.

I spent a few summers serving as a counselor at Camp Maranatha when I was in college. It was there that I first heard a minister say, "yes God loves us and welcomes us no matter who we are or where we are, but God doesn't expect us to stay there." It makes sense that the one who created us wants what is best for us. God wants us to grow and develop. The journey of discipleship is lifelong. We are unique and the journey is different for every one of us, though the destination is the same. God understands we and the church are works in progress. Grace abounds as we develop and grow, and grace abounds when we falter and fall short. Or to state another way, God is good all the time, all the time God is good.

Peace,

David

Below you will find some images from our mission team in Cuba Julie Higbee, Amy Camp, and James Kendrick as well as our mission partners. I look forward to hearing about their experiences.

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

Out of Pocket: The Lead Presbyter will be attending the Synod of the South Atlantic meeting and journey event at Epworth by the Sea February 27--March 2. He will be limited in his ability to respond to phone calls and emails during this time.



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:

Countryside Presbyterian Church

Rev. Rhonda Link-Cummings Transitional Pastor

Mrs. Sue Reed Clerk of Session

We are sad to announce the death of Elizabeth Neale on February 3, 2025, at the age of 95. A lifelong faithful servant of the Lord, Elizabeth attended Union Theological Seminary and became Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church of Palatka in 1952. She and her husband, Rev. Dr. James Neale were instrumental in founding Faith Presbyterian Church in Melrose. Elizabeth was also active for many years with Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of St. Augustine, serving as president from 1984-1986.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church in Melrose on Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

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

·       Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, 2025 - Spring Youth Retreat at Montgomery Center

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

February is Black History Month

Black History Month originated as "Negro History Week" in 1926, created by historian Carter G. Woodson to encourage the study of African American history and was officially designated as Black History Month in February 1976 by President Gerald Ford, marking the entire month as a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans; the month of February was chosen due to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass falling within that time frame. The following link will take you to the National Archives where you can learn or be reminded about a number of the incredible people and the positive contributions made to society through the years. People in Black History | National Archives

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