June 12, 2024

Greetings Presbytery Family!


Warm greetings to all members of our presbytery! We are excited to share this week’s updates with you. This edition of Staying Connected has Presbyterian Women updates, information about upcoming clergy gatherings and provides details about upcoming events from around the presbytery.

News From Around the Presbytery

St. Augustine Presbytery Disaster Assistance Commission

Hurricane season is here!

SAPDAC is hard at work getting ready for this season, which is predicted to be serious. Someone from the Commission or an Area Relationship Coordinator will be calling each church to check in and tell you about various hurricane resources. Many of those resources for congregations are on various websites including these:

 

Please take a look and get your church ready. Each church needs a plan in case disaster strikes. 

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. at Metro Diner (2130 SW 34th St.)
  • St. Augustine Area -- August 21, 12:00 p.m. at Metro Diner (1000 S. Ponce de Leon)
  • Jacksonville -- Area August 22, 12:00 p.m. at Scramblers (1500 University Blvd.)
  • Ocala area -- August 28, 11:30 a.m. at Cheddar's (4065 SW College Rd.)

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.

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.

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.

VBS

Vacation Bible School season is here! We'd love to hear about your themes and exciting activities. Send photos and information to communications@staugpres.org.

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.

Prayer Corner

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

First Presbyterian Church of Lake City


Leadership

Ken Goodrich

Janie Killian

Presbyterian Women

Annual Summer Gathering

Save the date for the 2024 Annual Presbyterian Summer Gathering and 2024-2025 Bible Study Kick-Off! This year's Summer Gathering will take place on Saturday, August 24, at Montgomery Center. The event will feature updates from the Churchwide Gathering in St. Louis, worship, officer training, team building fun and an overview of the new study by Amy Camp (Memorial PC).


The 2024-2025 Bible Study is, Let Justice Roll Down: God's Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation, by Patricia K. Tull.


The cost, for the Gathering, is $30 ($35 for day-of registration). Click here to register, and don't forget to share this information with your PW members.

Churchwide Gathering

Save the date for the Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women, in St. Louis, Mo., on August 8. This year's theme is, "Do everything in love."

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

Justice and Peace Calendar

Click here to view the 2024 PW Justice and Peace Calendar.

News From Montgomery Center

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

  • June 16 Summer Camp Begins

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.

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!

Synod of South Atlantic

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.

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!

Learning Opportunities

Women's Connection Conference

The Montreat Women's Connection Conference will take place August 9 through 11. Women's Connection 2024 will be a time for women to connect with old and new friends, a time to care for yourself; a time for space and Sabbath. Click here to learn more and to register.

Special Offerings Town Hall Update

If you were not able to attend the Special Offerings Review Task Force Town Hall, click here to access the recording.

Key Events

Positions Available In Our Presbytery

Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.

Blessings,

Steve Crowley, Moderator of the Presbytery

Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk

David Rollins, Lead Presbyter

Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.