November 15, 2023

Greetings Presbytery Family,

Blessings abound as we gather in gratitude this week, embracing the warmth of fellowship and the spirit of thanksgiving within our presbytery. This edition of Staying Connected shares a list of publications and books written by our own clergy and teaching elders, Advent resources and information about upcoming events taking place around the presbytery.

News From Around the Presbytery

Clergy & Teaching Elders' Publications and Books

Have you ever been curious about the texts written by members of our presbytery? Looking for additional resources? Click here for a list of publications and books written by our clergy and teaching elders.

Prayer Corner

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

Bethlehem Presbyterian Church

Pastor, Joshua Braley

Clerk, Julianne Browning

Christmas Under the Oaks

The Third Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks will take place, at Montgomery Center, on December 2. Enjoy an evening of decadence at Montgomery Center as they celebrate God's provision throughout the year and support the upcoming year's programming. Learn more about the event and register here.

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• December 2 – 3rd Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks
• January 3-5, 2024 – Winter Camp
• January 20, 2024 – Back Together Again
• January 27, 2024 – Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering
• February 3, 2024 – Winter Stated Meeting
• March 1-3, 2024 – Montgomery Youth Retreat

Resources

NEW Training Program: What is (WHO is) a CRE?

A Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a congregationally based ruling elder who has demonstrated skill for church leadership and has successfully completed CRE training. The role of the CRE is an expansion of the office and work of the ruling elder. The Book of Order states that “commissioning ruling elders to limited pastoral service” is a way that a presbytery nurtures the covenant community of disciples of Christ (G-2.1001).

The Presbytery of St. Augustine is launching a new CRE training program in 2024! If you feel called to be better equipped to serve beyond your home congregation, or if you know someone who might have interest, please plan to attend an Inquiry Session, Saturday, February 4, 2024, immediately following the Winter Presbytery meeting at Montgomery Camp and Conference Center. An overview of the program will be provided along with time for Q&A.

If you have any questions, please email Jerie Lukefahr or Cliff Lydada.

Advent Resources

Looking for Advent resources? Click here to learn more about the resources by Liturgical Lessons.

Presbyterian Women

Save the Date - Winter Gathering

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!

Presbyterian Women Justice and Peace Calendar for November

• November 20 - Universal Children’s Day
• November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Key Events

• November 23 – Thanksgiving (POSA Office Closed)
• December 2 – 3rd Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks at Montgomery Center
• December 13 – POSA Holiday Open House, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
• December 22 – POSA Office Closed (in observance of Christmas Eve)
• December 24 – Christmas Eve
• December 25 – Christmas Day (POSA Office Closed)
• January 20, 2024 – Back Together Again Officer Training at Montgomery Center
• January 24-27, 2024 – Come All Who are Thirsty APCE Annual Event in St. Louis, Mo.
• 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.

Blessings,

Susan Rose, Moderator of the Presbytery

Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk

David Rollins, Lead Presbyter