The Spring Stated Presbytery meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 2, at 9:30 a.m., at Riverside Presbyterian Church. For more information, view the notice of the meeting, and to register, click here. See you in May!

We are, currently, looking to fill the Lead Presbyter position. Our presbytery is well suited for our Lead Presbyter to thrive as our leader. If you feel led to nominate yourself or someone else that you think would be a great fit, please send that information along to search committee chair Bryant Anderson. This position as Lead Presbyter would be a great entry point into the world of middle governing body ministry. View the CLC version of the MIF here.

We are, currently, looking to fill the Area Relationship Coordinator position for Area 1 (Gainesville Regional Area). This presbytery staff position promotes communication, coordinates mission and fosters connectional relationships with pastors and churches in an assigned geographic area, strengthening the relationship between the churches and with the presbytery. This position is for Teaching Elders or CRE with commission in our presbytery, estimated eight (8) hours per week, reporting to the presbytery’s Lead Presbyter. For more information, or to apply, email Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk. Read the position description.

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

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.

Lakewood's Palm Sunday service included a procession, with palm branches, by the choir, children's ministry and Kelly the Donkey.

We'd love to see how your congregation is celebrating Earth Day. Send your photos to gabrielle@staugpres.org.

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.

Summer at Montgomery - Register Online for Summer Camp today!

Click here to see all of the amazing camp options that will be offered this summer, at Montgomery, and take a look at two of the featured options below.

(Please note these dates have been updated from previous Staying Connected.)

(Please note these dates have been updated from previous Staying Connected.)

Visit William Black Lodge! The mission of William Black Lodge is to provide a place for God's people to come for renewal, worship and fellowship in a comfortable environment surrounded by God's beautiful creation. Located in the heart of Montreat, PC(USA) Persons in Ministry can often stay for as little as $45 a night. Visit their website for more information.

Are you seeking a more vibrant ministry of pastoral care that does not solely rely on the pastor? Have you ever wondered what to say when visiting someone who is navigating cancer or a chronic illness? Do you find yourself struggling between how to validate people's emotions and how to assure them of the promises of God? Join us as we explore the care of souls in a congregational context and the role that ruling elders and deacons play in that important work. This Leader Formation Webinar will take place on April 27, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Registration is free, but you must register by April 19.

This webinar session offers concrete tips for putting Better Arguments principles into practice, as well as reflections about the opportunities and challenges related to bridging our nation’s divides. In each Principles to Practice training, we take a deep dive on one aspect of the Better Arguments approach. In this session, we will focus on the Third Principle of a Better Argument: Pay Attention to Context. The session takes place on April 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. This event is free, but registration is required.

View Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center Here.

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.