Riverside Presbyterian Church has just welcomed Ruth Elswood as its Parish Associate for Pastoral Care. In addition to pastoral care, this position coordinates the ministry of deacons and assists with worship services. In our presbytery, Ruth has served in several ministry roles, including parish associate at First Ocala and stated supply at Covenant. She is is also a member of the Presbytery Support Team (formerly known as the Care and Reconciliation Team). We give thanks to God for this new ministry relationship and know that it will be a blessing to all!

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

Moderator Susan Rose and the Mutual Mission Cuba Team are, currently, serving in the Matanzas Presbytery in Cuba. So far, they have visited the communities of Manguito, Perico and Jagüey Grande. Prayers for the work that they will do in the mission field.

Our Youth Ministry Team is working to analyze youth ministries at different churches. Please assist us by having your youth ministry leader, minister, session clerk or an office staff member complete the Youth Initiative Survey. Only one survey needs to be completed for each church.

Nancy was installed as the new PW Moderator at the Annual Meeting on January 28. Carol Graff will take on the role as secretary. A meet-and-greet event was held last week for their first meeting. They plan to meet quarterly going forward.

The PW held their Annual Meeting, on January 28, at Montgomery Center.

The Synod of South Atlantic Stated Meeting will be held Feb. 24 and 25, at Epworth by the Sea. Click here for more details about the workshops that will be available. For more information, please contact Lisa Lovelady by email or phone 904-356-6070.

The Riverside Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir sent the Jacksonville Jaguars off to Kansas City with a fun, unique arrangement as the team battled their way through the playoffs last month. "Duuuval," is a popular chant heard at sporting events in Jacksonville. Although the Jaguars lost in the playoffs, the arrangement is a win in our hearts. Check out the video here.

The presbytery, through its commission, held a Service of Thanksgiving and Dissolution, at Lake Shore Presbyterian Church, on January 15. Members of the presbytery, current and former members of the church and many friends were in attendance. The Rev. Dr. Kathy McLean preached a meaningful and heartfelt sermon, beautiful music was chosen and led by Tommy Carlton, Rev. Dr. Stephen Vance shared his memories of serving at Lakeshore and letters were read from other former pastors. It was a service of pure joy and gratitude for everything the Lake Shore Church has meant to the community over the years, even as tears were also shed that this fine church now ends its ministry and mission in Jacksonville.

The worship service was followed by a reception, in the fellowship hall, where many people shared remembrances with each other while purusing the many pictures and other memorabilia on display. Thanks be to God for the long legacy of ministry and mission experienced in this place over the years.

We would be happy to publish your event in the coming weeks! Email [email protected] with the dates and details.

Lenten Fish Fry Fridays will begin Feb. 24. They will take place, at Montgomery, each Friday during Lent from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. More information to come.

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 Camp - Family Camp

Registration for 2023 summer camp is now live! New this year is Family Camp, which takes place June 16 through 18. Family Camp features include:

Ready for a fun summer outdoors where you get to make a difference in children's lives? Montgomery is working to fill their summer staff positions. Click here to apply.

Here are some Lenten resources!

We'd love to see what your congregation is doing this Lenten season. Send your ideas to [email protected].

Liturgical Lessons, written and owned by Rev. Jessi Higginbotham, is offering members of the presbytery a FREE Maundy Thursday lesson and activity download. This lesson can be done with children, youth, adults, or as an individual. Click here to download the lesson.

The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation is introducing new resources throughout 2023. This year they are debuting Spanish and Korean resources first, with an intentional expansion of curriculum for children, adults and ordered ministry. In addition, there are bilingual aids that are accessible to English-speaking congregations. Presbyterian Publishing Corporation also offers free Spanish-language Christian education resources with topics focusing on the Bible or on Christian practices. Click here to learn more.

This resource prepared by the Office of Theology and Worship connects the Gospel readings from Revised Common Lectionary Year A with the Matthew 25 invitation’s priorities. Check it out here.

In 2022, 147 students were awarded a total of $665,000 under this needs based program. Do you know someone who should apply in 2023? The opportunities and requirements are explained in this PC(USA) news story. 

March 2-5, 2023 – Epworth by the Sea. View registration information here.

View Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center Here.

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.