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Dear Presbytery Family,
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, may the light of hope and the bonds of faith guide our presbytery towards a year filled with spiritual growth, unity and God's abundant blessings. This edition of Staying Connected provides an update about upcoming events such as Back Together Again, the 40th Annual Gathering of the Presbyterian Women and the Winter Stated Meeting.
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Basking in the Light
By: Rev. Dr. David Rollins
Matthew 5:14-16
New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
I love to watch the dawning of a new day. There is something truly spectacular about seeing the sunrise and listening to God’s creation come alive. When I am able to soak in those moments with Libby (my wife) by my side and a good cup of coffee in my hand, I am inspired and humbled. Libby and I both really enjoy spending time at the beach, watching the sunrise and looking for dolphins (one of God’s best creations in my honest opinion). Basking in the light, and the beauty of God’s handiwork can be a catalyst for a great day and a reminder that we are stewards of creation and the Good News.
Read more here.
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News From Around the Presbytery | |
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From the Lead Presbyter
Back Together Again
A Training Event for those involved in Church Leadership
Elders, Sunday School teachers, Church Staff, etc.
We would like to encourage your participation in our upcoming leadership training. We have made a number of announcements in our Wednesday Staying Connected, but wanted to make sure you were aware of the opportunity. Montgomery Center is hosting our Back Together Again event on Saturday, January 20, 2024. There are a variety of workshops being offered. You can find all the details on the Montgomery Center website www.montgomerycenter.net
Please share this with anyone in your church that might be interested, especially elders.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. David Rollins
Lead Presbyter
Presbytery of St. Augustine
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Back Together Again
Our “Back Together Again” event is next week! This will be a joyful return to a time of shared learning and fellowship among all members of our presbytery.
What: This event will inspire and equip leaders. It is our prayer that, during our time together, you will be inspired and come away with practical tools to strengthen your ministry.
Who: Elders, Sunday School teachers, Church Staff etc.
When: Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Montgomery Center.
Registration: Registration is $35.
Click here to register.
Click here to pay.
Workshops
Morning
- Clerk Training
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Charlie Evans, Stated Clerk
- Employment in the Church
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Suzi Lemen, Owner of DCSI
- Church Website Development
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Jessi Higginbotham, Associate Pastor at St. Giles PC
- Youth Initiative Update
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Bill Hoff, Pastor, Young Life Staff, Mental Health Counselor
- I'm an Elder. Now what?
- Craig Davies
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. David L. Rollins, Lead Presbyter
Afternoon
- How to Read Financial Statements
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John Ragsdale, Treasurer of the Presbytery of St. Augustine
- Book of Order and Robert's Rules in 75 Minutes
- Sandra Hedrick
- Preaching for Lay Leaders
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Jessi Higginbotham, Associate Pastor at St. Giles PC
- I'm an Elder. Now what?
- Craig Davies
Learn more about the workshop sessions here.
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Winter Stated Meeting
The Winter Stated Presbytery Meeting will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., at Montgomery Presbyterian Conference Center. To register, click here. See you in February!
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An Evening of Spiritual Renewal and Music
Lakewood Presbyterian Church will host an evening of spiritual renewal and music with David LaMotte on February 3, at 7:00 p.m. There are no tickets or reservations required for this event. The Hapa Li Hawaiian Cuisine food truck will be there at 5:30 p.m. They will also receive a special offering, during the concert, that will benefit UCOM UrbanServ Inc.
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Opportunity to Serve
The Board of Trustees (BOT) carries out an important function: to care for all the properties held in trust by the congregations of the presbytery. What does this mean? It means they review requests for loans to congregations and all requests to sell or lease real properties held in trust by the congregation. The BOT meets once a month on the fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom. The chair provides meeting-related documents ahead of time, so trustees have ample opportunity to read materials, come prepared with their questions and keep meetings to 60 minutes or fewer. The BOT has been particularly busy the last couple of years as some congregations closed and some requested loans. It’s an ebb and flow, a ying and yang, if you will; the sale of a property provides funds to other ministries so they may thrive. Approving a loan often means there is something exciting happening. They don’t know what’s in store for 2024, but whatever may come, they strive to serve faithfully, always seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit.
Three current trustees are rotating off the board, one has moved to another presbytery, there are two vacancies for the class of 2025 and one nomination for the 2026 class, leaving them short (too short) of members. Please prayerfully consider serving as a trustee for the 2025 and/or 2026 class. This is serving God’s people in another way. If you “feel the call to serve,” contact Ana Lugo-Berrios.
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Prayer Corner
Please pray for the Lord to guide the following church (its staff and session) this week:
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Leadership
John Tucker
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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. Please share this information with your PW members.
Click here to view and print the flyer (for paper registration).
Click here to register online.
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News From Montgomery Center | |
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Summer Camp
Registration is open now for Summer Camp 2024.
Special Features:
- Day camp programs are for children ages six to 10, and run Monday through Friday.
- New this year is Science Camp for ages eight to 11.
For more information about 2024 Summer Camp, click here.
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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.
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Flagler Forum
You're invited to enjoy a pre-forum gathering in beautiful Markland House at Flagler College on Friday, February 9, from 4:00 to 5:45 p.m. (drop-in). Connect with other PC(USA) youth ministry professionals and volunteers before the Flagler Youth Ministry Forum kicks off and enjoy some refreshments. Contact Rev. Rachel McNeal for more information.
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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.
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Positions Available In Our Presbytery
Check out the many ministry opportunities throughout our presbytery here.
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Blessings,
Susan Rose, 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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