|
|
Our Mission:
To identify and strengthen leaders
so that every congregation
makes new and mature disciples for Jesus Christ.
|
|
|
|
. . . and that means hurricane season is almost here, too!
The Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (FLAPDAN) offers links to numerous resources, including sample disaster plans and ideas for protecting houses of worship on its resource page at
https://www.flapdan.org/resources. Of course, the
Florida Division of Emergency Management offers a lot of state-specific information at
https://www.floridadisaster.org/. Be sure to check your local emergency preparedness services, too!
With Easter and the May Stated Meeting behind us,
It's also time for clerks of session to finish preparations for the annual review of session minutes. I've recently sent a note out to the clerks in our Google group asking for help in setting sites and dates for regional review workshops and will be following up shortly with them and pastors of potential sites.
By the way, if you're a clerk of session and not a member of that group, please send me an email!
Of course, there's also still a little more time to submit an evaluation of the latest Stated Meeting of the Presbytery using the online form here:
http://presbyteryoftampabay.com/eval/ Thank you!
Blessings,
Bill
Rev. W. A. Wildhack III
Acting Stated Clerk
P.S. Have you submitted a job opening for posting here and filled the job?
Please scroll all the way down and check to see if we're still posting a job for you that's already been filled -- and then let me know! Thank you!
P.P.S. Remember as you scroll down to be watching for something near the end -- just after it seems the eNews ends awkwardly -- that looks like:
[Message clipped]
View entire message
If you see that in your browser or email program, click through the link to see the rest of the eNews!
(and, no, that
blue text
is not a live link in this P.P.S., just a sample of what to look for after scrolling further down!).
|
|
Update from the Presbytery of Tampa Bay Committee on Nominations and Representation
|
Chair Vicky ByRoade writes on behalf of the committee:
Believing that we have been tasked with a very important job, we invited Rev. Molly Casteel, Assistant Stated Clerk and Manager for Equity and Representation in the Office of the General Assembly, to facilitate a retreat for our committee. On Saturday, May 18th, almost the entire committee, as well as Patrice, our Coach Coordinator, gathered for the day at CedarKirk.
We believe we have done a reasonably good job of nominating people whose gifts are ones needed on each commission or committee. It has occurred to us, though, that our work to recruit representative elders and ministers could be improved. Using videos, power point, small groups and interactive discussion, Molly did an amazing job of creating for us a wonderful, educational, enriching and enjoyable retreat. She encouraged us, challenged us and reminded us that each of us, as children of God and as members of a church, has gifts to share with the Presbytery.
We, as a committee, vow to continue to improve our work by utilizing the things Molly shared with us. We can’t do it alone, though. We need each of you to know that you are an important part of this body; we need you to offer your voice and your leadership. We need you to volunteer or to recommend to us someone whose gifts you recognize.
To learn more about the Committee on Nominations and Representation or to recommend someone for service on a presbytery commission or committee, you can contact Vicky at
revmom@byroa.de
.
The image of a mosaic cross belongs to the General Assembly Committee on Representation; learn more about GACOR and its work by clicking
here
or on the image.
|
|
|
|
|
33rd Stated Meeting of the Synod of South Atlantic was held May 2-3
|
Commissioners, presbytery leaders, presbytery stated clerks, and guests gathered at the
New Life Presbyterian Church
in College Park, Georgia to discuss the mission and purpose of the Synod.
Click here to read the highlights
, including the text of actions taken to better refine the purpose "in community, through connections and relationships"
for the Synod of the South Atlantic through 2021.
|
|
Giving to the Pentecost Offering?
|
A gift to the Pentecost Offering helps the church encourage, develop, and support its young people, and also address the needs of at-risk children. 40% of the Pentecost offering can be retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community. The remaining 60% is used to support ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, including Young Adult Volunteers, Ministries for Youth, and Children-at-Risk.
For more on the Pentecost Offering, including resources for promoting it,
click here.
|
|
|
|
|
PCUSA Committee on Self-Development of People offers webinars on stopping the cycle of poverty
|
Sign up to join the Self-Development of People webinar
The Least of These: Engaging in the Work of Preventing and Alleviating Poverty as together we seek to stop the cycle of poverty.
- This webinar series challenges us to go beyond charity and take a more holistic view of poverty, equipping teams to create real and lasting change.
- Hear from leaders in the PC(USA) and in community development as you or your team are guided through core principles that go beyond charity and build relationships.
Consider participating even if you did not participate in earlier webinars in the series; each session is on a different theme. Remaining sessions:
- May 30, 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern time
- June 19,12:00 – 1:30 p.m. Eastern time
|
|
Korean-Language Web Portal
|
A message from Luke Choi, manager for Korean-Speaking Councils Support in Louisville:
"I am excited to announce that the
Korean-language webpage
for the PC(USA) has been launched as of May 1. This site will serve as a comprehensive, user-friendly, one-stop hub for news, events, resources, and links useful for Korean-speaking constituents in your presbyteries and synods, helping them to be better informed, equipped, engaged, and connected with their respective mid councils and General Assembly, as well as the national agencies and other related organizations."
|
|
|
In case you missed it . . .
|
|
Meet Libby Shannon, our new Emerging Ministries Associate Presbyter!
|
You may remember from reading the presbytery packet last week (you did read it, right?) that Libby is a lifelong Presbyterian and a lifelong Floridian who spent more weeks as a camper at Cedarkirk, a participant in summer workcamp, and Montreat Youth Conference attendee than she spent at home during the summers as a youth.
For the last nine years, she's served at Eckerd College, first as Associate Chaplain and Associate Director of the Center for Spiritual Life at Eckerd College, and then as Director of the Office for Advocacy and Gender Justice in addition to her work as a chaplain.
But, as approved by the Presbytery on May 4 and starting June 1st, Libby will be the Presbytery of Tampa Bay's first Emerging Ministries Associate Presbyter. In re-introducing herself to the Presbytery last Saturday, she spoke of her excitement to take on this new ministry, working with the Coordinating Team and Commission on Church Vitality in helping the Presbytery find new ways to connect and minister with our neighbors.
|
|
|
May 2, 2019
Hello,
Communication leaders from the six Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) agencies and Presbyterian Women, Inc. are developing a collaborative communication plan for the denomination to use in communicating with constituents in the Church and around the world.
The goal of this survey is to learn how the national communication offices can best serve congregations, mid councils, church leaders and members.
Your response to this survey will assist in developing a plan that will guide denominational communications with constituents in the Church and around the world. You are invited to share your thoughts and comments throughout the survey.
Click on this link to take the short survey:
The survey software estimates that most respondents will complete the survey in less than ten minutes.
Thank you for taking the time to help the connectional Church!
Sincerely,
Susan Barnett, PhD
Coordinator, Research Services
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exploring Missional Leadership Event
Wednesday, June 5
|
|
Presbytery of Tampa Bay Rays Day
Saturday, June 15, 1:10 p.m.
Free Rays hat for each group ticket AND free short-sleeve hoodie to all fans (while supplies last)
|
This year's Rays Presbytery Day is a Saturday afternoon game against the Los Angeles Angels. Lower Level Tickets are $30 (up to $60 Value), and you'll have an opportunity, as it says in the flyer, to hear "Rays Players speak about how faith got them where they are today and how it has impacted their daily lives."
Click here or on the image of the flyer for all the info!
|
|
|
|
|
Matthew 25 invites the PC(USA) to boldly live out Christ’s call
|
What is a Matthew 25 church?
Matthew 25:31–46 calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Convicted by this passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.
|
|
National Black Presbyterian Caucus
June 27-29 in Atlanta
|
From the flyer:
Registration is now open for the 2019 Biennial Convention to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, June 27 – 29, 2019 at the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead.
The theme of the of the 2019 Biennial Convention is “Seeking Racial Justice and Equity! Where Do We Go from Here?”
Click here
or on the image of the flyer for more information, including an updated schedule that came in since the last eNews..
|
|
|
|
|
At our May 4 Presbytery meeting, Norma Johnson, a member of the board of Villa International, introduced many of us to the work of Villa International, a partnership of seven Christian denominations described in its annual report to the Synod of the South Atlantic as “an ecumenical ministry of hospitality that offers affordable, safe, comfortable and convenient short-term housing, primarily to international healthcare professionals who come to study and conduct research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health, its hospitals and many of its related graduate research departments.”
Norma described the many ways Presbyterians support this ministry, and invites you to learn more about Villa International by
visiting its website.
|
|
|
|
Tampa Bay Presbyterian Women May Newsletter and PW Eco-justice Initiative
|
Find out more from Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay by
clicking here
to read the May 2019 issue of
Glad Tidings
.
|
|
Rev. Raymond Guterman, former pastor of Northwood in Clearwater and now an interim pastor in southern Georgia, is looking for a place for "three or seven or eight of us" to sleep on Friday, July 19, before they fly from Tampa on July 20 for a week of mission in Mexico. Rev. Guterman can be reached at (352) 817-8700 or by email at
dwguterman@gmail.com.
|
|
Developing an emergency plan for violence on church property?
|
|
|
Not quite so new, but very important!
|
|
|
|
In search of . . .
Commissioners and a Young Adult Advisory Delegate for the 224th General Assembly (2020) in Baltimore
|
The Presbytery's Nominating and Representation Committee (NRC) needs your help in preparing a slate of commissioners for election at our
November 2019 Stated Meeting.
While GA224 is just over a year away, it's time to think about nominating someone --
or yourself -- to serve as a commissioner or Young Adult Advisory Delegate.
The deadline for applying is September 19, 2019 -- but don't wait to the last minute to decide to apply!
Links to the NRC's GA224 Commissioner/YAAD Nomination Procedure and Application are right here:
|
|
|
|
Updates from local mission partners
|
|
 |
THANK YOU!
Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center would like to thank the churches of Peace River and Tampa Bay Presbyteries for their continued support of our camp and conference ministry. If you would like information on how you can support us, please call the camp office at 813.685.4224. For more information about Cedarkirk’s summer camp or year-round programs, visit our website at
www.cedarkirk.org
.
STILL TIME TO SIGN UP FOR SOME SESSIONS
Summer is rapidly approaching and camp is just around the corner! Another exciting summer of ministry is about to begin and we want you to be part of the fun! Camp programs offer a variety of activities and adventures: swimming, archery, canoeing, games, high ropes, climbing the rock wall, and forging new friendships. All of that, combined with energetic worships and engaging Bible studies make for an incredible and life-changing week. There is still time to register for a summer you’ll always remember. Pick up a camp brochure from your church office or visit Cedarkirk online at
www.cedarkirk.org
. Online registration is fast and easy. We look forward to seeing you at camp this summer!
Thank you for your support of the ministry at Cedarkirk!
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stepping out in faith at Beth-El in May's newsletter
|
In her introduction to the May newsletter, Executive Director Kathy Dain describes one of Beth-El's programs:
Step Up for Success is a mentorship program the mission began several years ago. The initiative works with individuals in achieving a shared goal that will lead to a more economically secure future. It might be learning a trade through vocational school, college, or achieving a life goal. Whatever the ambition, it is something that the student and mentor work on together that is realistic and attainable.
Young or mature, we want our neighbors equipped with the tools they’ll need for a more financially sustainable future, but we need your help. Won’t you please consider becoming a mentor to one of our Step Up for Success students? The hours are flexible, but the personal satisfaction boundless.
|
|
|
|
Florida Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Network (a.k.a. FLAPDAN) notes that April 10th marks six-months since Hurricane Michael made landfall and left destruction that "has not been seen in Florida since Hurricane Andrew devastated Homestead in 1992." FLAPDAN's latest newsletter ends with this word of gratitude:
"We are so thankful for the support of PDA, PCUSA churches from far and near and our Florida partner organizations coming together in disaster response and recovery. Together we can make a great impact to assist survivors and help rebuild communities."
|
|
|
|
|
"Created to Thrive" Conference
|
Rev. Peg Roy, pastor at First PC, Auburndale, passes along info on the 2019 "Created to Thrive" Conference in Houston, Texas on August 2-4, 2019 sponsored by CBE International (Christians for Biblical Equality).
The conference website says "God designed us to thrive as we live according to our gifts and calling. Explore God’s vision for thriving marriages, churches, and communities. Be equipped to bring that vision to life. Together, we can be part of the solution to abuse, trafficking, pornography, and more."
Find out more about the conference by
clicking here or on the "Register Today" image, and learn more about CBE and the rest of its work by
clicking here.
The Presbytery of Tampa Bay supported CBE International through the offering collected at the May 2018 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery. Peg Roy is a member of the Board of Directors of CBE International.
|
|
Presbyterian Women Bible Study Event with Eugenia Gamble, Saturday, August 10
|
PW Tampa Bay has announced a Bible Study event coming in August featuring Eugenia Gamble, author of this year's
Horizons Bible Study.
Click here for contact information and links to both the full flyer and the registration form.
|
|
|
Cedarkirk’s First Annual
Golf Tournament!
|
Come out for a fun day of golf and help support Cedarkirk’s effort to build a new dining hall strengthening a special ministry and setting a place for all. To register,
download a form and return it to Cedarkirk or contact Julie Poulin at
campaign@cedarkirk.org for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
The Art of yes, and . . .
When Church Doesn't Go According to Plans
|
The South Atlantic Puerto Rico region of the Association of Presbyterian Christian Educators fall workshop features Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana (Author of
God, Improv, and the Art of Living), with worship and music lead by Rev. Bill Carter (Presbybop Music). Fro a larger version of the flyer,
click here.
|
|
The eNews welcomes employment opportunity notices from our member churches and partner organizations. For more information about any of the items below, please contact the church or organization directly rather than the Presbytery office.
A request: If you've filled a position you posted here -- or if you know it's been filled -- please send an email to
statedclerk@pbty.com
so we can remove the post! Thank you!
|
|
Director of Student Ministries
First, Winter Haven
First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven is seeking an enthusiastic leader seeking a long-term relationship to continue the development and expansion of its middle and high school youth ministry program. This Christ-centered individual must be able to work well with and lead volunteers, coordinate youth programs, and have the ability to establish one-on-one and group relationships with our youth.
++++++
Youth Ministry Coordinator Christ PC, Largo
Christ Presbyterian Church in Largo is looking for a part-time youth ministry coordinator to serve 10-12 hrs/wk (
Sunday mornings; Wednesday evenings; other fellowship programs, special worship services, and special events as determined)
++++++
|
|
**NEW**
Church World Service
CROP Hunger Walks
Regional Ambassador
Church World Service is looking for a new Regional Ambassador to work on on a part-time, contracted basis (an estimated average of 3-4 hrs/week – much less off season) from August 1, 2019 – May 31, 2020, with opportunity for renewal.
.
++++++
Summer Youth Intern
Hyde Park Presbyterian Church, Tampa
Hyde Park Presbyterian Church in Tampa offers a summer internship program "to equip and train, producing growth in Christian faith and character, while also providing practical ministry experience through teamwork and leadership in the youth ministry program."
Among other requirements, according to the job description, "applicants must have completed their freshman year of college."
++++++
|
|
Staff-Member-in-Charge,
Before/After Care Program
Northwood PC, Clearwater
Northwood also has an opening for "an enthusiastic, team player as a Staff Member In Charge for our Pinellas County Licensed Before/After Care program."
++++++
Preschool Director Position
Northwood PC, Clearwater
Northwood Presbyterian Church has an open position for a Preschool Director. For more about this Interested individuals should send cover letter, resume and evidence of the required credentials to northwoodpcsearch@yahoo.com
++++++
Part Time Youth Director
McLeod Memorial, Bartow,
McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church has an opening for a part-time (12-15 hrs w/ exception to summer activities) youth director. For more details on the position, requirements, and contact info, please
click here
.
++++++
|
|
Florida Presbyterian Homes in Lakeland, FL, is looking for a new, full-time Chaplain. The CEO/Executive Director writes:
"Florida Presbyterian Homes is a wonderful organization and we seek a Chaplain that will engage and energize our residents, staff and volunteers on our individual and collective paths of faith and spirituality."
To read the full position description, including educational and professional requirements along with specific job functions, and to apply, visit FPH's Career Center Chaplain page by
clicking here.
|
|
Remember, there's always a lot of content on the Presbytery of Tampa Bay website, with info about all the presbytery commissions and committees, resources for clerks of session, news and announcements, and more. Click the button below to start exploring!
|
|
Deadline for submitting something to the bi-weekly eNews is
as early as possible
😉
but no later than Monday morning
the week it comes out.
(BTW, that's Monday, June 3, for the next regular edition.) Thanks
!
|
|
Thanks for reading all the way to the end! -- Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
