A big thanks to those who joined us for the Spring Stated Meeting. Thank you to Riverside Presbyterian Church for hosting. Read highlights from the meeting here.

Congratulations to Jessica Means, who was awarded the C. Howard Wallace Endowed Award for Excellence in Old Testament Studies during the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary commencement exercises. The award is presented to graduating seniors who plan to do graduate work in biblical studies and/or travel in biblical lands.

Palms Presbyterian Church, Riverside Presbyterian Church and South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church are partnering to bring two screenings of Carolyn Crowder’s At the River to Jacksonville May 10 and 11.

At The River is a feature length documentary about a certain time and place in the deep south. In the Civil Rights era of the 50s and 60s, many Presbyterian ministers stood on the banks of the cultural river of segregation and white supremacy. They opted not to stir the waters in their congregations and communities by speaking out. However, a few young southern Presbyterian ministers did brave those currents through sermons, community organizing and by participating in marches and protests. They faced dangerous, hate-filled consequences for these actions. At The River chronicles their lives and their decisions, as well as director Carolyn Crowder’s first-hand experience as a young, white southern girl from Montgomery, Alabama. During those mean and turbulent times, these ministers, through their love and example, had a huge impact on her life in helping her overcome her southern racist brainwashing.

Admission is free for both events, however, guests should register for the screening that they plan to attend. The film is appropriate for youth age 16 and older. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the screening beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday May 10 at South Jacksonville Presbyterian - Register here

Thursday, May 11 at Palms Presbyterian Church - Register here

Memorial Presbyterian Church will host TEDx Mental Health Awareness Speaker, Dennis Gillan, on Wednesday, May 10, at 6:00 p.m. in their sanctuary. You are invited to join them for dinner at 5:15 p.m. The cost for dinner is $7.00.

Dennis Gillan is an ordinary guy with and extraordinary story of perseverance. After years of self-imposed silence regarding the suicide deaths of his brothers, Dennis shares his story of survival, strength and hope.

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

Thank you to all of our teachers in the presbytery! We are grateful for all that you do.

Fort King Presbyterian Church, recently, celebrated it's eleventh year as an Earth Care Congregation. On Earth Day, they had an outside worship service and dedicated a bird bath as a part of the celebration.

We'd love to see unique ministries, activities and events that your congregation does this summer. Send your photos to gabrielle@staugpres.org.

Meet Nancy Carlton, our Presbyterian Women Moderator.

Nancy has been a lifelong member at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, and she also works as both the Meals on Wheels Coordinator and the Administrative Assistant at Riverside Presbyterian Church.

Save the Date for the Annual Presbyterian Women Summer Gathering and 2023-2024 Bible Study Kick-Off. The event will be held on August 26, at Montgomery center from 9:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Bible Study will be lead by Rev. Dana Riley and Emily Heeg.

Join us every 3rd Friday, at Montgomery, for a workday! Projects range from construction and plumbing to cleaning and organizing. Can't make it on a Friday? Call the Montgomery office to schedule your service day for any time, 352-473-4516.

On May 23, PC(USA) will be offering the first of three programs in the new 2023 online workshop series on the Matthew 25 main foci. The May 23, workshop will focus on eradicating systemic poverty. Gather with Presbyterians — across the country and around the world — to share and learn five spiritual practices (worship, learn, relate, act and share) as well as resources and activities that Presbyterians engage to end poverty. Walk away with practical tools and ideas for next steps! Facilitators will be national staff and mid council leaders who sit on a monthly PC(USA) Matthew 25 consulting team on eradicating systemic poverty. Advance registration is required by clicking here. 

This webinar takes place on Tuesday, May 23, from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. It is free of charge and will be recorded for those who cannot attend in person. Sign-up here.

The upcoming courses for the Savannah Presbytery School of the Laity are: Intro to Reformed Theology; Intro to the Bible; and Practical Ministries. This event will take place June 23 through 25, at Epworth By the Sea on St. Simons Island. Please register by June 2.

We would be happy to publish your event in the coming weeks! Email Gabrielle@staugpres.org with the dates and details.

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.