March 6, 2024

Greetings Presbytery Family,

As we journey through the transformative landscape of Lent, may our hearts be stirred by the promise of redemption, our minds enlightened by deeper understanding and our souls nourished by the grace of God's abiding presence. This edition of Staying Connected shares information about directory updates, resources about MissionInsite and upcoming events taking place around the presbytery.

News From Around the Presbytery

The Church in a Secular Age

All are invited to Palms Presbyterian Church for a very special event on Saturday, March 9, as they welcome Dr. Andrew Root as a visiting theologian for a weekend.

Andrew Root is a professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the author of numerous books, including most recently Churches and the Crisis of Decline and When Church Stops Working. He brings a wealth of both theoretical knowledge and practical perspective to some of the most pressing challenges facing congregations today.

On Saturday, at 6:00 p.m., there will be dinner and a presentation from Dr. Root. He will also preach the following morning at the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. worship services. The Saturday evening event is free, but registration is strongly encouraged. For more information, contact the church office at 904-246-6427.

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, this Sunday, March 10, at Highlands United Presbyterian Church at 4:00 p.m.

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.

Prayer Corner

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

Fort King Presbyterian Church

Leadership

Nancy Copeland

Presbyterian Women

Women's History Month

Test your knowledge of women's history with this PW Puzzler.

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• 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

Easter Respite

Find respite after the busy season of Lent and lean into the peace that passes understanding after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Montgomery will host a time of Easter Respite April 1 through 4, with free lodging for pastors, Christian educators, music directors and other church leaders. You are welcome to stay for one day or as many as needed. Click here for more information and to reserve your spot.

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

Feature Camp: Night Owl Camp

Night Owl Camp is for ages 12 to 17. It features plenty of late night activities along with traditional camp activities. There will be lots of glow sticks, additional late night snacks to fuel the night activities and sleeping in. Campers develop a richer, fuller camp experience as they examine their faith among peers.

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. 

Key Events

• March 9-10 – School of the Laity at Epworth by the Sea
• April 1-4 – Easter Respite at Montgomery Center
• May 14 – Meeting of the Presbytery at Silver Springs Shores PC (In-Person Only)
• 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