February 28, 2024

Greetings Presbytery Family,

As we journey through the solemnity of Lent, may our reflections deepen, our spirits be uplifted and our communal bonds grow stronger. This edition of Staying Connected shares information about directory updates, new resources about MissionInsite and upcoming events taking place around the presbytery.

Black History Month

Celebrating the richness of Black History Month, our presbytery recognizes the invaluable contributions, resilience and profound legacy of Black individuals within our community and beyond, as we continue to work towards our commitment to justice, equality and unity.

Lloyd Pearson (1921-2023) was the first African American moderator to serve at the Presbytery of St. Augustine. He also spent time serving at the Synod level. A longtime Jacksonville resident, he was very influential in the community. He was very active in the Civil Rights Movement and even attended the March on Washington in 1963. Throughout his life, he registered over 50,000 people to vote. He served as a voice who spoke out for those who had no voice.

He was a faithful member of Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, where he touched many lives with his calming presence. He is remembered for his loving kindness towards the younger generations, for helping others in their spiritual growth and for passing out Juicy Fruit gum to kids at church.

News From Around the Presbytery

Clergy Retreat Survey

As we begin to make plans for a clergy retreat, we are asking for your input on what would make a retreat worthwhile. Click here to complete our survey. Please make submissions by this Friday, March 1.

Directory Updates

Help us keep our directory up to date! If you or your church has had any changes, please send those changes to [email protected] so that we can update information in the directory.

Examples of changes may be, but are not limited to: email addresses, phone numbers, mailing address changes, worship service times, church office hours, staff changes, etc.

Service of Installation

It is with joy and thanksgiving that we invite you to participate in the service of installation

of Rev. Dr. Olive Mahabir.

Rev. Dr. Olive Mahabir is serving as Pastor of

Highlands United Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, Florida.

All are warmly invited to attend the Installation

with refreshments to follow. To help with planning, please RSVP by March 3.

Prayer Corner

Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:

Fort Caroline Church of Fernandina Beach

Leadership

Steve Hulsey

Beth Touchton

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• March 1 – Fish Fry Fridays
• March 1-3 – Spring Challenge Retreat
• March 8 – Fish Fry Fridays
• March 15 – Fish Fry Fridays
• March 22 – Fish Fry Fridays
• April 1-4 – Easter Respite
• June 1 – Family Fun Day

Family Fun Day

Save the date for Family Fun Day, at Montgomery Center, on June 1. Swimming and archery will be available from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for guests, and camp tours will be available at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. This is a FREE event.

Summer Camp

Registration is open now for Summer Camp 2024.

For information about 2024 Summer Camps, click here.

Resources

MissionInsight

As church leaders, you desire to invite everyone to a relationship with Christ. One big challenge is to know who is in your community so you can be relevant in your outreach. MissionInsite provides the information to understand the unique profiles of the people you need to reach both now and in the future. Click here to learn about the advantages of using MissionInsite.

One Great Hour of Sharing

One Great Hour of Sharing is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world. This year we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of this Offering, which started with a radio show in 1949. Typically received on Easter Sunday, which this year falls on March 31, the annual Offering supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program and Self-Development of People. All three programs work to serve individuals and communities in need to provide people with safety, sustenance and hope. Find resources here. 

Conferences and Learning Opportunities

Savannah Presbytery School of the Laity

Registration for the Savannah Presbytery School of the Laity March elective course, on Congregational Care, is now open. This event will take place March 9 through 10, at Epworth By the Sea on St. Simons Island. Click here to register.

The School of the Laity courses are hybrid with both online (via Zoom) and in-person participants. Participants can join a small cohort beginning each June and complete the full two-year program or can take a singular course as their schedule permits. Learn more about the School of the Laity here.

Key Events

• March 1-3 – Montgomery Youth Retreat: Deeply Loved
• March 9-10 – School of the Laity at Epworth by the Sea
• April 1-4 – Easter Respite at Montgomery Center
• June 1 – Family Fun Day at Montgomery Center

Positions Available In Our Presbytery

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

Blessings,

Steve Crowley, Moderator of the Presbytery

Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk

David Rollins, Lead Presbyter