November 8, 2023

Greetings Presbytery Family,

As the crisp winds usher in a season of gratitude, may this newsletter be a beacon of inspiration, connecting us in faith and community as we reflect on the blessings that abound in our presbytery family. This edition of Staying Connected introduces a new CRE training program, announces the upcoming Service of Ordination for Carter Grant and shares information about upcoming events taking place around the presbytery.

News From Around the Presbytery

Scriptural Reasoning Series

Embark on a journey of inter-faith dialogue through the Scriptural Reasoning series on November 14, at Jacksonville's Istanbul Cultural Center, at 6:30 p.m. This unique approach brings people of different faiths together to read and reflect on their scriptures, not seeking agreement but exploring texts and their interpretations across faith boundaries. It's about learning to 'disagree better' and fostering deeper understanding and respect. Rev. Dr. Jonathan Swanson, from Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church, will moderate. Register here for this free event.

Update on Designated Funds

The Coordinating Council has set a deadline for submitting a grant application for an award from Designated Funds. The application deadline is November 15. For more information, click here.

Prayer Corner

Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:

Arlington Presbyterian Church

Pastor, Joe Medearis

Clerk, Robbie DeFalco

Ordination of Carter Grant

The Mission Presbytery celebrates God's call on Carter Suzanne Grant to be ordained into the ministry of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) on Sunday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m. CST, at University Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX. Join the celebration on Zoom. (Meeting ID: 894 1943 7166)

Thankful Pies

Enjoy a taste of Montgomery this season! Order your Thankful Pies online or by mail no later than November 9 (include payment payable to Montgomery Center). Each pie is $25, or 4/$85. Options include Dutch apple, citrus cream tart, bourbon pecan and mocha chess.

Pick-up or delivery to your home church will take place November 20 through 22. There is a minimum of 5 pies per church for delivery.

Christmas Under the Oaks

The Third Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks will take place, at Montgomery Center, on December 2. Enjoy an evening of decadence at Montgomery Center as they celebrate God's provision throughout the year and support the upcoming year's programming. Learn more about the event and register here.

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• December 2 – 3rd Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks
• January 3-5, 2024 – Winter Camp
• January 20, 2024 – Back Together Again
• January 20, 2024 – Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering
• February 3, 2024 – Winter Stated Meeting
• March 1-3, 2024 – Montgomery Youth Retreat

Resources

NEW Training Program: What is (WHO is) a CRE?

A Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is a congregationally based ruling elder who has demonstrated skill for church leadership and has successfully completed CRE training. The role of the CRE is an expansion of the office and work of the ruling elder. The Book of Order states that “commissioning ruling elders to limited pastoral service” is a way that a presbytery nurtures the covenant community of disciples of Christ (G-2.1001).

The Presbytery of St. Augustine is launching a new CRE training program in 2024! If you feel called to be better equipped to serve beyond your home congregation, or if you know someone who might have interest, please plan to attend an Inquiry Session, Saturday, February 4, 2024, immediately following the Winter Presbytery meeting at Montgomery Camp and Conference Center. An overview of the program will be provided along with time for Q&A.

If you have any questions, please email Jerie Lukefahr or Cliff Lydada.

Year End Giving Webinar

Elevate your church's impact with a free year-end giving webinar on November 15, at 12:00 p.m. Click here to register.

Presbyterian Women

Save the Date

Save the Date for the Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering on January 27, 2024, at Montgomery Center. The keynote speaker will be Olive Mahabir, author of our current Bible study. More details to come!

Presbyterian Women Justice and Peace Calendar for November

• November 6 -12 - Children’s Book Week
• November 12 - Hunger and Homelessness Sunday
• November 13 - World Kindness Day
• November 13 - J&P Book Discussion Group online
• November 20 - Universal Children’s Day
• November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Key Events

• November 11 – Veterans Day (POSA Office Closed)
• November 14 – Scriptural Reasoning Series in Jacksonville
• November 23 – Thanksgiving (POSA Office Closed)
• December 2 – 3rd Annual Gala: Christmas Under the Oaks at Montgomery Center
• December 22 – POSA Office Closed (in observance of Christmas Eve)
• December 24 – Christmas Eve
• December 25 – Christmas Day (POSA Office Closed)
• January 20, 2024 – Back Together Again Officer Training at Montgomery Center
• January 24-27, 2024 – Come All Who are Thirsty APCE Annual Event in St. Louis, Mo.
• January 27, 2024 – Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering at Montgomery Center
• February 3, 2024 – Winter Stated Meeting at Montgomery Center
• March 1-3, 2024 – Montgomery Youth Retreat

Positions Available In Our Presbytery

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

Blessings,

Susan Rose, Moderator of the Presbytery

Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk

David Rollins, Lead Presbyter