November 01, 2023

Greetings Presbytery Family,


Blessings abound as we gather in gratitude this November, rejoicing in the warmth of fellowship, the spirit of thanksgiving and the boundless grace that unites our presbytery family. This edition of Staying Connected shares information about upcoming events taking place around the presbytery.

News From Around the Presbytery

All Saints' Day

On November 1, All Saints’ Day is a day we celebrate believers of every time. It’s often a day we honor the faithful who have died during the past year in our own church communities. It’s a day of gratefulness for those that have passed away who shared their faith with us, and a time to reflect on how we can continue to share our faith with others.

Movie Night at Palms PC

Grab your popcorn! Palms Presbyterian Church is hosting an intergenerational movie night on Friday, November 3, at 5:00 p.m. The feature film is Disney's Coco. Invite a friend to enjoy this cinematic experience in diversity. A taco bar and snacks will be provided during the movie. Please register in advance here.

Daylight Saving Time Ends

Don't forget to change your clocks this weekend!

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, 2023. For more information, click here.

Prayer Corner

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

First Presbyterian Church of Alachua


Pastor, Gary Hardesty

Clerk, Karen Hardesty

News From Montgomery Center

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

Resources

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


Key Events

  • November Thankful Pies
  • November 1 All Saints' Day
  • November 5 Daylight Saving Time Ends
  • November 11 Veterans Day (POSA Office Closed)
  • November 14 Scriptural Reasoning Series in Jacksonville, Fl
  • 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
Previous Staying Connected emails are available on our website.