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Greetings Presbytery Family!
As we embrace the beginning of summer, may we find renewed inspiration and strength in our shared faith and community, looking forward to the blessings of this vibrant season ahead. This edition of Staying Connected has a special announcement about Montgomery Camp, shares information about Training Thursdays and provides details about upcoming events from around the presbytery.
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News From Around the Presbytery | |
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FREE Books
It was once said, "The best things in life are free." The Presbytery of St. Augustine received a large library from a retired clergy person. We invite you to come by the presbytery office sometime within the next three weeks, go through the boxes and take anything that will strengthen your ministry. If you are just beginning in ministry, or are a CRE that would like to expand your library, now is the chance to do it for FREE.
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Flourishing Together Series
South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church's Civic Engagement Committee invites you to attend their Flourishing Together series on June 5 and June 12. They will be reading and discussing Dr. Nathaniel Glover's Striving for Justice: A Black Sheriff in the Deep South. Dr. Glover has served as both sheriff of Duval County and as president of Edward Waters University.
For more information, please contact the church office by email or phone at 904.396.0567.
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Youth Participation Survey
Last fall the Youth Ministry Team was able to gift $100,000 to six churches through the generosity of an anonymous donor. These gifts were made possible by participation in the annual youth ministry survey per the donor’s wishes. This year we will, again, be sharing the donor’s gifts with six churches. To be eligible, your church must complete the survey! If you have even one youth in your church, your congregation is eligible. We look forward to hearing about the participation of young people in your congregation.
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Important Information on Paying Exempt Employees
There has been a major announcement from the Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division that affects churches that employ exempt employees. The DOL announced that effective July 1, 2024, the new minimum salary amount required is $43,888. The minimum will be raised to $58,656 effective January 1, 2025. There are possible court injunctions that may affect the implementation; however, churches affected should have a plan. For more information, watch this free 30 minute webinar.
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Clergy Gatherings
Our most recent cluster gatherings have been a huge success. Save the dates, below, for the next round of gatherings. More information about locations are coming soon. If you are planning to come, please let David Rollins, Lead Presbyter, know.
- Gainesville Area -- August 12, 12:00 p.m.
- St. Augustine Area -- August 21, 12:00 p.m.
- Jacksonville -- Area August 22, 12:00 p.m.
- Ocala area -- August 28, 11:30 a.m.
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Immersion Trip to the Border
Memorial PC will be leading an Immersion Trip to the Border October 15 through 22. Those who go on the trip will have the opportunity to witness the work of Frontera de Cristo and its ministry partners, learn about the root causes of migration and go on a desert hike with Agua Para la Vida. The trip is $700 and includes lodging and meals (airfare not included).
The registration deadline is August 1 and the final balance will be due September 1. For more information, click here or email Julie Reffel.
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Cuba Pastor's Retreat
Plans are underway for a pastor's retreat with the Matanzas Presbytery in February 2025! More information about specific dates and costs will be available this fall. If you are interested, please start your passport renewal process as soon as possible if needed.
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VBS
Vacation Bible School is coming up! We'd love to hear about your themes and exciting activities that you have planned. Send photos and information to communications@staugpres.org.
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CRE Program
Do you know an elder that feels called to serve by regular preaching and church leadership? If so contact Cliff Lyda for more information about the CRE program.
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Prayer Corner
Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:
Kirkwood Presbyterian Church
Leadership
Yvan Kelly
Frances Collins
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We are a Matthew 25 Presbytery
Join the Presbytery of St. Augustine for a Gathering around Matthew 25 on Saturday, June 1, at Memorial PC, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. There will be special guests from PC(USA) with breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon. The cost is $30 per participant, and that includes the cost of lunch. Click here to register. For more information, contact Julie Reffel.
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Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Vital Congregations
Join ministry leaders for support, explore the Seven Marks of Vital Congregations and share ideas, dreams, challenges and resources. The conversation will take place May 29 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Register Here!
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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 May 23 and 30 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register Here!
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Special Offerings Review Task Force Town Hall
There are some recommended changes coming out of the Special Offerings Review Task Force that will be brought before the GA in a few weeks. A Town Hall is being held, which will allow people to ask questions and hear the proposed changes. The public Town Hall will be held on June 5, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. The meeting will also be recorded. To register, click here.
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Training Thursdays
Resources: How to Find Them
Save the date for a new training series brought to you by the Training Team. The first webinar session will be Resources: How to Find Them on June 6. Click here to register. Sessions will be recorded and available to view at later times.
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Leading During Transition: The Art of Transitional Ministry
Are you leading your congregation through a time of change and transition? Change and transition are all around us. Changes occur in staff, finances, membership trends, neighborhood dynamics and cultural attitudes. Church leaders must encourage the congregation to adapt and find ways to be effective and faithful in ministry among all the changes. As part of the Transitional Ministry Educational Consortium, The Art of Transitional Ministry, at Montreat, is a week designed for clergy, COM members and others sensing a call to transitional or interim ministry as well as those looking for tools to help them lead God’s people through times of change.
This event takes place August 11 through 16, 2024. Click here to learn more and to register.
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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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Montgomery Camp Named Top Summer Camp in America
Montgomery was, recently, named one of the nation's top summer camps by Newsweek magazine! Read more here.
For information about 2024 Summer Camps or information about joining the summer staff, click here.
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Cruising with Montgomery
Do you love Montgomery? Do you enjoy cruising? You can now combine those passions on an Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Caribbean Princess. This cruise departs from Port Canaveral on January 6, 2025, with ports of call Nassau, San Juan and Grand Turk, returning to Port Canaveral on January 12. Staterooms start at $494 and are filling fast! A portion of your cruise fare will be given back to support the vision and mission of Montgomery Center. Don't wait to book. Come vacation with us!
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Justice and Peace Calendar
Click here to view the 2024 PW Justice and Peace Calendar.
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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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Responding from the Heart: A Guide to Church and Community Recovery
This is a FLAPDAN webinar that will take place on May 30 from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. Click here to register.
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First Wednesday Sack Lunch
Share and learn about resources and best practices on a new topic each month! The next First Wednesday Sack Lunch meeting will be June 5, and the topic is Women in Ministry. Click here to register.
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Southeast Region National Black Presbyterian Caucus Conference
Save the date for the Southeast Region National Black Presbyterian Caucus Conference that will take place July 19 through 20, in Jacksonville.
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Sabbath by the Pool
The 2024 Sabbath by the Pool: A Continuing Education Event for Women will take place on August 5, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event includes yoga, spiritual direction, good food and good conversations. Priority registration for women in the Synod of South Atlantic is now through June 30. Click here to learn more. Click here to register!
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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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