Mutual Mission
S.A.M.M. Report 2025 - Click HERE
The St. Augustine Mutual Mission Team oversees, coordinates and recruits participants in the various ministries of the Mutual Mission, in cooperation and consultation with our partner, the Jamaica Ecumenical Mutual Mission. It administers and is guided by the presbytery’s policy, “Activities of Ministers, Churches, and Session in Participating in International Missions.” It seeks to maintain and strengthen the mutual mission effort in Jamaica and other Caribbean countries and within the bounds of this presbytery. The committee plans ways for raising both funds and awareness in support of the mutual mission. On an annual basis, it submits its budget to the presbytery for approval.
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The ecumenical Mutual Mission is an association of members in St. Augustine Mutual Mission (SAMM), Jamaica Ecumenical Mutual Mission (JEMM), and Cuba, committed to Christ and the Gospel so that needs are mutually shared, responded to, and met.
The roots of the Jamaica mission partnership stretch back more than forty years in the Presbytery of St. Augustine. Ed Albright launched the Jamaica Ecumenical Mutual Mission in the 1970s with partners he met and recruited in Jamaica, guided by a deep desire to help the Presbytery become a truly missional body. Over the decades, the Jamaica partnership has continued to grow, adapt, and bear fruit.
The dental clinic remains a vital expression of this work, serving those in need through cleanings, extractions, fillings, and dentures. Bob Bell has participated in countless mission trips there, and several years ago he inspired Mark Poole to join the team. I give thanks to God for their years of dedication and service. Mark is pictured here on a recent trip.
Mutual Mission has since expanded beyond Jamaica into Cuba, widening the reach of our shared ministry. These mission partnerships provide us with meaningful opportunities to serve beyond our borders and remind us that our common calling is deeper and broader than the work of any single congregation.
I celebrate the many ways we are actively engaged in mission and ministry—both here at home and around the world.
Peace, David
Hearts and Hands Special Offering
“Hearts and Hands” is one of the Special Offerings of the Presbytery of St. Augustine. This special offering was formerly known as “2 Cents a Meal,” and many of our churches collect the Hearts and Hands offering each month in worship. This is your way to support and strengthen the mutual mission effort between church partners in Jamaica, Cuba, the presbytery, and many of our local congregations. Currently, we are celebrating 40 years in Mutual Mission. JEMM (Jamaica Ecumenical Mutual Mission) has inspired “hearts and hands” among followers of Christ so that needs are mutually shared, responded to, and met. Medical and dental teams travel and serve together in cooperation and consultation with our partners in the Caribbean. There are also youth and pastor exchanges. “Hearts and Hands” is really a grass-roots and spirit-filled partnership that you can proudly support. JEMM and the Cuba ministry are not funded by a presbytery line-item, but rather through designated donations. Funding relies on your generosity through the “Hearts and Hands” offerings which is placed in a designated account that helps to fund the work of JEMM. All of the teams that participate in the mission trips are self-funded or have churches that sponsor them.
Resources
Hearts and Hands Can Labels (Word file – Print on Avery Shipping Labels 8164)
Hearts and Hands Can Labels (PDF file – Print on Avery Shipping Labels 8164)
Contact
Comments? Questions? Want to know more or get involved? We’d love to hear from you! You can send us an email at mepoole356@yahoo.com.