October 18 2023

Greetings Presbytery Family,

As we navigate the changing seasons together, may the spirit of unity and shared purpose continue to guide and uplift us in our collective journey of faith and fellowship. This edition of Staying Connected shares updates about the Presbytery Support Team, updates from Validated Ministries, adorable photos from Blessing of the Animals services and information about upcoming events taking place around the presbytery.

News From Around the Presbytery

Meet Our Presbytery Support Team Committee

Click here to see who is serving on our Presbytery Support Team! Its members may be called on by the Coordinating Council or the Call Commission to serve as listeners, caregivers, mediators, problem solvers, counsellors and in other ways for the benefit of our congregations, sessions and other groups and relationships within the presbytery. The committee may be called on to respond to crisis, to disasters (in coordination with the St. Augustine Presbytery Disaster Assistant Commission) and to situations and issues that may be addressed without or before the election of an administrative commission.

Border Mission Trip

At the Fall Stated Meeting, Caly Fernandez, the Director of our PC(USA) Mission, Puentes De Cristo, in Hidalgo, Texas, presented a brief account of the services that the mission provides to immigrants on the US/ Mexican border. If you, or your congregation, would like to support that mission or would like to travel to the border for a mission trip, please contact Pastor Don Mossa at 508-688-7414. Please keep all those who live and work on our border with Mexico in your prayers

Pastor Appreciation

October is Pastor Appreciation Month! We'd love to see all the special ways you have cared for your pastor this month (or this year). Send photos to [email protected]. Need ideas? Click here to learn more.

Blessing of the Animals

Thanks for sharing your photos from your Blessing of the Animals services! Below are photos from Palms Presbyterian Church, Lakewood Presbyterian Church and First Presbyterian Church, Fernandina.

Update on Designated Funds

The Coordinating Council has set a deadline for submitting a grant application for an award from Designated Funds. The application deadline is November 15, 2023. For more information, click here.

Weekly Prayer Corner

Countryside Presbyterian Church

Clerk: Sue Reed

Please keep this congregation in your prayers this week.

Validated Ministries

Presbyterian Social Ministries

Presbyterian Social Ministries (PSMJax) is a leading partner in efforts to end homelessness and operates as the community distributor of clothing by building a community where everyone has the access to the essential goods and resources they need. Click here to learn more about their programs and volunteer opportunities.

Thankful Pies

Enjoy a taste of Montgomery this season! Order your Thankful Pies online or by mail no later than November 9 (include payment payable to Montgomery Center). Each pie is $25, or 4/$85. Options include Dutch apple, citrus cream tart, bourbon pecan and mocha chess.

Pick-up or delivery to your home church will take place November 20 through 22. There is a minimum of 5 pies per church for delivery.

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• October 28 – 2nd Annual Fall Fest
• November – Thankful Pies
• December 2 – 3rd Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks
• January 3-5, 2024 – Snow Winter Camp
• January 20, 2024 – Back Together Again
• January 20, 2024 – Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering
• March 1-3, 2024 – Montgomery Youth Retreat

Presbyterian Women

Save the Date

Save the Date for the Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering on January 27, 2024, at Montgomery Center. The keynote speaker will be Olive Mahabir, author of our current Bible study. More details to come!

Key Events

• October 28 – 2nd Annual Fall Fest at Montgomery Center
• November – Thankful Pies
• December 2 – 3rd Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks at Montgomery Center
• January 20, 2024 – Back Together Again Officer Training at Montgomery Center
• January 27, 2024 – Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering at Montgomery Center
• February 3, 2024 – Winter Stated Meeting at Montgomery Center
• March 1-3, 2024 – Montgomery Youth Retreat

Positions Available In Our Presbytery

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.