December 6, 2023

Greetings Presbytery Family,

Welcome to this festive season of Advent, where the first week is ablaze with the comforting glow of hope. Let this candle be a beacon illuminating the path of anticipation and joy, guiding us towards a season of reflection, connection and the promise of brighter days ahead. This edition of Staying Connected shares updates from Presbyterian Women, information about upcoming holiday events and other updates from around the presbytery.

Holy Adventures

By: Rev. Dr. David N. Rollins, Lead Presbyter

Luke 2:5-7, “He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no place in the guest room.”   

We have just entered the season of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting, anticipating and preparing. We know what lies ahead. We have been on this journey several times. In this familiar territory, it is easy to get caught up in, or overwhelmed, by the busyness that Advent and preparing for Christmas brings. After all, there are cards to be sent, parties to go to, decorations to put up (in homes and churches), Christmas pageants to rehearse and perform and countless other things that clamor for our attention. There is much to celebrate, but in the middle of it all it is important to remember doing more doesn’t mean the season will be merrier. I hope that we will all give ourselves permission to say no, to let go of the things that don’t help us celebrate the birth of Christ or add light to the world. 

Read more here.

News From Around the Presbytery

Holiday Open House

The Presbytery of St. Augustine would like you to join us for our drop-in Holiday Open House on Wednesday, December 13, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please RSVP to Lisa.

The Heritage Singers of Jacksonville

Join the Heritage Singers of Jacksonville for their holiday concert series Oh, By Gosh, By Golly: An Evergreen Celebration of the Season!

• First Presbyterian Church of Green Cove Springs on Friday, December 8, at 7:00 p.m.
• South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church on Sunday, December 10, at 3:00 p.m.

Click here for more information.

Presbyterian Giving Catalogue

A Little Piggy Tote Bag is perfect for when you “head” to market, to market — and on the flipside — for taking your “pig-tail” home again, home again, jiggety jig. 

A gift of one — or a few — piglets can serve as a valuable safety net — a source of income for a family in need around the globe. When sold at market, a pig can be a pivotal source of income.

GIVE your gift by December 31.

Back Together Again

We’re thrilled to announce “Back Together Again,” a joyful return to a time of shared learning and fellowship among all members of the Presbytery of St. Augustine. Join us on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Montgomery Center for a day filled with opportunities to learn, connect and savor moments both old and new.

Click here to learn more about the workshops that will be available.

Annual Reporting

It's that time of the year again. For most Presbyterians, that means Advent and Christmas. For Clerks of Session, that means annual reporting!

Every Clerk of Session, in our presbytery, has been emailed information and forms about our annual reports. If you are a Clerk and did not receive this email, please let the stated clerk know at charlie@staugpres.org or 904-733-8277.

Prayer Corner

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

Community Presbyterian Church

Leadership

John White

Lisa Herrold

Presbyterian Women

40th Annual Gathering of the Presbyterian Women

The 40th Annual Gathering of the Presbyterian Women will take place on January 27, 2024, at Montgomery Center. The keynote speaker will be Olive Mahabir, author of our current Bible study.

Click here to view and print the flyer.

Click here to register.

Olive Mahabir is a fourth-generation Presbyterian and the first in her family to be an ordained minister. She was born on the island of Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean. In ministry for more than 20 years, she has pastored churches in Michigan, Atlanta and Jonesboro, Georgia. She’s a graduate of St. Andrew’s Theological College in Trinidad, the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Drew University in Madison, New Jersey, and Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia.

Winter Camp: Register Today

Register now for Winter Camp, which takes place at Montgomery Center January 3 through 5. Spaces are limited. Campers ages 6 to 16 are welcome to register.

For 17 and 18 year-olds who are considering applying to work on summer staff, apply to be a Winter Counselor in Training (CIT).

For more information about Winter Camp and CIT, click here.

Christmas Under the Oaks

Thank you to everyone who came out to support the third annual gala at Montgomery. A lovely time was had celebrating Christmas Under the Oaks.

Upcoming Events at Montgomery Center

• January 3-5, 2024 – Winter Camp
• January 20, 2024 – Back Together Again
• January 27, 2024 – Presbyterian Women Winter Gathering
• February 3, 2024 – Winter Stated Meeting
• March 1-3, 2024 – Montgomery Youth Retreat

Training and Resources

Christmas Joy Offering

During the season of Advent, we remember and reflect God’s perfect gift, Jesus Christ. This child, the Word made flesh, became one of us, so, through the Christmas Joy Offering, we honor this amazing gift by supporting leaders among us — past, present and future­. The Christmas Joy Offering supports retired ministers and church workers and their families through the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions and students in Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color as they pursue education and prepare to use their gifts in service to the church and world. Resources for interpretation of the Offering can be found here. 

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 3, 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 Lyda.

Association of Smaller Congregations Conference

The Association of Smaller Congregations (ASC) Conference: The Gift of Small promotes smaller congregations and highlights their unique beauty and immense potential. Despite their size these close-knit communities can nurture deep relationships and create a profound sense of belonging. In a world that claims that “bigger is always better,” smaller congregations know that passion and love define faith, not size. Smaller congregations can cultivate unity, and shared purpose, and become beacons of hope. Join the ASC at Epworth-by-the-Sea on February 29 through March 4, to celebrate The Gift of Small as we explore the powerful impact smaller congregations can and do have on the lives of individuals and communities. Learn more here.

PC(USA) Matthew 25 Summit

What does it mean to eradicate poverty; how can we begin dismantling systemic racism; how will we know if we are building a vital congregation? PC(USA) is offering an invitation to innovation and a chance to dialogue, learn with and grow with others in exploration at this first-of-its-kind event! The Matthew 25 Summit will feature innovative speakers, thriving ministries, transformative workshops and space to imagine what’s next! The summit takes place in Atlanta on January 16 through 18. Learn more and register here.

Key Events

• December 13 – POSA Holiday Open House, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• December 22 – POSA Office Closed (in observance of Christmas Eve)
• December 24 – Christmas Eve
• December 25 – Christmas Day (POSA Office Closed)
• January 16-18, 2024 – PC(USA) Matthew 25 Summit, Atlanta
• 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
• February 3, 2024 – CRE Training Program
• February 29 through March 3, 2024 – ASC Conference, Epworth-by-the-Sea
• 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