January 14, 2026

News From Around the Presbytery

It's time to register! Please join us:

*Please sign up by January 21st

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! Please be advised that our office will be closed on Monday, January 19th and will re open on Tuesday for regular hours.

Important Notice:

Last year The Presbytery of St. Augustine began the process of having all our active ministers go through Level 2 background checks. 

If you were not in the first batch you will need to have yours completed this year.  

Please be looking for an email as instructions will be sent out soon from First Choice Background Screening to those who will need to complete the process this year. 

If you already have completed a Level 2 background check where you are engaged in ministry you can have your employer send a copy to us at david@staugpres.org

Thanks in advance for helping us all stay in compliance with the presbytery’s policies.   

On a recent trip to Jamaica here is Mark Poole distributing checks to Rev. Jermain Gibson (JEMM Chairman) and Renee Mills (JEMM Executive Director) on behalf of Mutual Mission.

We have several authors in the Presbytery of St. Augustine. Jim Black has written a few books. His new book: The Naked Truth! A Life Well Lived and How you can help REUNITE AMERICA and a republication of Weddings & Funerals: The Good The Bad And The Ugly are both available on Amazon. You may find them to be helpful resources in ministry.

Saturday, January 31st, 2026

9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Montgomery Conference Center

Click here for all registration & event information:

https://www.staugpres.org/presbyterian-women

Ongoing event: Sacred Ground at

Riverside Presbyterian

*Select Tuesday evenings through April 14th-

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 the schedule & more information.

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

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Becca Putman, Pastor

Linda Clary, Clerk of Session

Church Spotlight

Westminster Presbyterian Church

* Westminster Presbyterian Church was officially organized in 1968. Initially the congregation met in homes and other venues until they were able to purchase a large parcel of land and construct a small building. Eventually, they outgrew that building.

* From its inception, Westminster has focused on outreach to the community, and the plans for the new and bigger building intentionally did not shortchange the outreach ministry. It seems that Westminster was a Matthew 25 church before there was such a designation. The cornerstone for the current building was laid in 1998, and the Glory of the Lord has continued to shine through the windows in our sanctuary ever since.

* We made lemonade out of the Covid restrictions and began Zoom access for our worship services which continues to expand access to the church.

* We remain committed to helping those around us who are in need of food or shelter, to support groups who rely on us for safe meeting venues, to small organizations who do big work for the Lord, and especially in these times, to supporting social justice causes in God’s name.



* We are a small but mighty congregation and all are welcome. Come and visit us!

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.

🙌 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

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

Visit our website here: https://www.staugpres.org/

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.

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