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Happy Easter!
As we bask in the glow of Easter's joyous celebration, let us carry forward the transformative message of resurrection within our presbytery community. This edition of Staying Connected shares updates from the Stated Clerk, reminders about the Clergy Cluster Lunches and other upcoming events from around the presbytery.
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Updates from the Stated Clerk
2024 Presbytery Grants
In 2024, the Presbytery will be accepting applications for funds from two grants.
The first grant is the Designated Funds Grant. The application deadlines are May 13, and November 11. Click here to view the available funds for the May 13, round of applications, as well as an application for those funds. Please note that the Peacemaking and Pentecost funds are available for Presbytery Committees, Commissions and Teams. The Williams fund is available for congregations under 200 members.
The second grant is the Sale of Church Property Grant. Applications for this grant will occur once in 2024. The deadline for this grant is October 7. Click here to view the information/application form for this grant. Please note that this grant is available for all congregations, committees/commissions, members of the presbytery and ministries of the presbytery.
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Clergy Cluster Lunches
All clergy are invited to join the Lead Presbyter for a time of fellowship in April. Please see the dates, times and locations below. You are welcome to attend any of them that fit your schedule.
April 8 at noon -- Harry's | 110 SE 1st St. Gainesville, FL
April 17 at noon -- Metro Diner | 1000 S. Ponce De Leon Blvd. St. Augustine, FL
April 18 at noon -- True Food Kitchen | 5205 Big Island Dr. Jacksonville, FL
April 24 at 11:30 a.m. -- Cheddar's | 4065 SW College Rd. Ocala, FL
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News From Around the Presbytery | |
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Updates from the Lead Presbyter
The Lead Presbyter will be out of office April 9 and 10, to enjoy some time at the Masters Tournament.
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Blue Hymnals Available
St. Giles PC has several of the old blue hymnals, in great condition, that could use a new home. If your church is in need or interested, please contact Susan Rose.
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ICARE
In light of our shared concern for the pervasive issue of gun violence in our community, Joe Medearis invites you to the 2024 ICARE (Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation, and Empowerment) Nehemiah Assembly. This event is scheduled for April 15, at 6:45 p.m. at Abyssinia Missionary Baptist Church (10325 Interstate Center Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32218)
This assembly is a gathering aimed at uniting community leaders, citizens and elected officials to take a stand against gun violence and to explore effective strategies for making our community safer for everyone. It represents a unique opportunity to witness the work ICARE is undertaking to address this critical issue. All are invited to attend and are welcome to extend this invitation to anyone who would benefit from engaging with the work ICARE is doing.
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Check This Out!
In November, St. Giles PC received a presbytery grant to fund a Prayground in their sanctuary. A Prayground is a designated “family section” in the sanctuary for families with children that allows them to participate and enjoy worship together. The Prayground at St. Giles PC includes a children’s table, soft cushions to sit on the floor and plenty of (quiet) kid-friendly activities.
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Praygrounds have been popping up all over the country in churches that are looking for ways to include children and families in worship. Situated at the front of the sanctuary, one of the best things about the Prayground is it gives kids and families the best seat in the house – enabling them to engage and participate in every aspect of worship. For more information or questions about Prayground items, contact Jessi Higginbotham. | |
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Prayer Corner
Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:
First Presbyterian Church of Green Cove Springs
Leadership
Susan Takis
Ed Kelly
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Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Eradicating Systemic Poverty
Join ministry leaders for support and share ideas, dreams, challenges and resources. These conversations will take place each Thursday during the month of April from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register Here!
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Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Vital Conversations
Join ministry leaders for support, explore the seven marks of Vital Congregations and share questions, ideas, challenges and resources. The next conversation will take place on April 17 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Register Here!
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News From Montgomery Center | |
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Family Fun Day
Save the date for Family Fun Day, at Montgomery Center, on June 1. Swimming and archery will be available from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. for guests, and camp tours will be available at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. This is a FREE event.
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Camp Pastors Needed
Do you have a heart to reach young lives? Camp Montgomery is accepting applications to serve as Camp Pastor for a week of camp. This is a vital role in our camp ministry, ensuring a high quality, Christian camping experience. Camp Pastors provide leadership in the areas of Bible study, worship and spiritual growth. They start campers on their day by introducing the daily scripture and theme.
There is a need for a Camp Pastor June 23 through 28, and July 14 through 19. Please email program@montgomerycenter.org for more information.
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Summer Camp
Registration is open now for Summer Camp 2024.
For information about 2024 Summer Camps, click here
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Gift Card Collection
Presbyterian Women will be receiving a gift card offering at the Gathering in St. Louis. If you would like to contribute to this offering, please mail Lowe's, Target, Walmart or Amazon gift cards, with at least $10 or more on each card, to Nancy Carlton, PW Moderator. The gift cards will be given to Bethel Hills and Presbyterian Children's Homes and Services.
Nancy Carlton
2511 Sam Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32216
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Positions Available In Our Presbytery
Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.
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Blessings,
Steve Crowley, Moderator of the Presbytery
Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk
David Rollins, Lead Presbyter
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Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.
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