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Our Mission:
To identify and strengthen leaders
so that every congregation
makes new and mature disciples for Jesus Christ.
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The Presbytery of Tampa Bay has committed itself to being a Matthew 25 Presbytery, putting intentional effort into each of the three focus areas of the Matthew 25 Invitation:
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Building congregational vitality by challenging congregations and their members to deepen and energize their faith and grow as joyful leaders and disciples actively engaged with their community, seeing new disciples engaged in ministry and longstanding believers develop in faith as the gospel of Jesus Christ is shared in word and deed.
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Dismantling structural racism by fearlessly applying our faith to advocate and break down the systems, practices and thinking that underlie discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of people of color.
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Eradicating systemic poverty by acting on our beliefs and working to change laws, policies, plans and structures in our society that perpetuate economic exploitation of people who are poor.
How is your church putting intentional effort into one or more of these areas? How might you do so? Send your ideas and updates to info@pbty.com with "Matthew 25" in the subject line.
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Thanksgiving is behind us, Advent is here . . . |
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. . . and Christmas is coming! |
Of all the holiday seasons I've spent all or part of in different places thanks to the Navy over the years, this is turning out to be the most different of all. While the Oasis Chapel (pictured with Christmas lights below) in the desert of southern Bahrain in the winter of 2001-2002 (and seeing Santa in a USCG motorboat visiting US Navy ships in port in Manama) was the farthest I've ever been from "home for the holidays," this year is the farthest I think any of us have been from "normal" for the holidays.
And, while I appreciate that different people approach different parts of Advent, Christmas, and the rest of this time of year with a mix of joy and sometimes apprehension in the best of times, this year is different for all of us.
As COVID-19 infection and hospitalization numbers are up in so many places around the country (including Tampa Bay) and again stretching hospitals and caregivers to their limits, we long for whatever normal was even as we try to find ways to include as much of it as we can while also looking out for each other and those around us in ways that avoid --- or at least try to mitigate as much as possible --- the risk of spreading the pandemic even further. A recent article in The Atlantic, titled " Sorry to Burst Your Quarantine Bubble," highlights some of the challenges presented by the idea of limiting contact to a "pod" or "bubble," including the different ways people use those words.
But . . .
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Thanksgiving still came, and we found ways to give thanks for something while connecting across the miles by Zoom on dinner tables in multiple states instead of traveling to one house from across the country.
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Advent still started last Sunday, which, as the Book of Common Worship (2018) puts it, is a word with "double significance, as in Advent we celebrate Christ’s coming into the world and look with longing for his coming again," and a season in which we "watch and pray with expectant hope for the establishment of God’s justice and the return of the Prince of Peace." We may not all get to be present in person for lighting Advent wreaths in church, but many of us are still lighting wreaths at home.(Check out my homemade wreath from an Advent-in-a-Box kit from Ferncliff below).
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Christmas is still coming and, even though it won't look like the packed Christmas Eve services at church of recent and distant memory, we will still give thanks that God's Word came to live among us and proclaim the everlasting news of great joy, bearing witness to the light that can't be overcome by darkness---or pandemic.
It's a different kind of holiday season this year. But God is with us in Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit just as God was with our ancestors in earlier times of pandemic, plague, war, and other challenges.
Blessings,
Bill
Rev. William A. Wildhack III
Stated Clerk and Manager of Communications
(813) 868-4800, opt. 2
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My work---and this newsletter---is supported by per capita funds from congregations in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, which also help unite all Presbyterians in sharing God’s love through mission and ministry. Thank you!
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In memoriam and celebration of life |
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Reverend Doctor Harold M. Brockus
September 26, 1937 - November 18, 2020
From his obituary:
Reverend Doctor Harold M. Brockus, age 83, passed away with peace in his heart on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL. Harold was born on September 26, 1937 to Harold E. Brockus and Lillian Ray Brockus of Independence, MO. He was a graduate of Yale University, McCormick Seminary and San Francisco Theological Seminary associated with UC Berkeley where he received his doctorate. Rev. Brockus was the proud pastor of Good Samaritan Church, a Presbyterian and United Church of Christ union congregation, in Pinellas Park, FL for 33 years. Rev. Harold Brockus believed God’s calling for him and those he inspired was through putting his faith into action bringing equal opportunities to all God’s children and supporting “justice for all” as stated in our U.S. Constitution’s Bill of Rights.
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VIRTUAL GATHERING REMEMBERING REV. HAROLD M. BROCKUS
Saturday, December 5, 4pm EST on Zoom
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From Good Samaritan Church and the Brockus Family:
Dear family, friends and colleagues of Rev. Dr. Harold M. Brockus:
We are sad to share news of the passing of Rev. Harold Brockus on November 18, 2020. Harold's extended "family" included many important communities who now share together in this loss. Good Samaritan Church and the Brockus Family invite you to join us for a casual, virtual remembrance time this Saturday, December 5th at 4pm Eastern Time. There will be time offered to share short stories honoring his life and work at this virtual gathering. For longer memory stories, we ask that you send printed stories to pastor.goodsam@gmail.com or to this Dropbox link.
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For information on connecting to the Zoom gathering, contact Pastor Jen Daysa at pastor.goodsam@gmail.com or 727-544-8558.
Please know that a larger, in person, ALL OUT CELEBRATION of Harold's life and work will take place once we can all gather safely at Good Samaritan Church together. Notices will be sent out to the community when that time comes.
Grace and peace to you,
Good Samaritan Church and the Brockus Family
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The promise of new vaccines isn't a reason to let your guard down.
The U.S. recorded over 3,100 COVID-19 deaths in a single day, obliterating the record set last spring, while the number of Americans hospitalized with the virus has eclipsed 100,000 for the first time and new cases are topping 200,000 a day, according to figures released Thursday.
The three benchmarks altogether showed a country slipping deeper into crisis, with perhaps the worst yet to come, in part because of the delayed effects from Thanksgiving, when millions of Americans disregarded warnings to stay home and celebrate only with members of their household.
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There's information and more resources on our COVID-19 webpage
We also post updates from time to time on our Facebook page -- and you don't even need a Facebook account to view it (though Facebook will nag you to create one, it's not necessary to see our posts).
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Matthew 25 Worship Service still available |
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‘Seeing Jesus’ is the theme of the Matthew 25 recorded worship service |
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The prerecorded complete worship service is now available for viewing and download at the link below. It is based on the Matthew 25 vision and draws from the Worship in a Matthew 25 Church resource available on the Matthew 25 website. Korean and Spanish versions of the recorded service should also be available on the same website now. Click below for more!
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'Seeing Jesus' is the theme of the Matthew 25 recorded...
by Melody K. Smith | Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE - "Blessed is the church that trusts in the grace of Christ to build congregational vitality," said Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart, Co-Moderator of the 224th General Assembly (2020)....
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
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An invitation to go deep into the heart of Christian anti-racism |
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An opportunity to join a small (8-10) cohort of ministry peers in monthly (January to October 2021) meetings to discuss, connect, and share |
Libby Shannon writes in sharing this opportunity:
We know continuing education will be important and challenging in the coming year. Please take note of this timely opportunity from Luther Seminary. As the Presbytery continues to live into the PC(USA)'s Matthew 25 invitation we hope not only will pastors take advantage of the wide variety of options across the country, but also be willing to share what you're learning with your colleagues.
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From an email several of us received about this:
How many times have you sung the words “I was blind but now I see?” If you’re like us, probably more times than you can remember, much less count. Have you ever stopped to think, though, “but now what?”
What good is sight if it doesn’t give us vision? A vision for what’s really going on around us, in private pain and public sorrow. And are we really healed - are we really something other than blind - if we see pain, oppression, and injustice and refuse to do something about it?
That’s why we’re bringing you a new learning community for Christian leaders who want to dive deep into the practice of Christian anti-racism. It’s called Spit and Mud: The Messy Miracle of Sight. Maybe you’ve come to terms with racism in your life, your church, or your theology and need a framework for tearing it down.
If that’s you, we have good news. We’ve partnered with the Rev. Dr. Fatimah Salleh to create a learning space to dive deeper into the work of anti-racism, activism through presence, and the building of beloved community.
Over the course of 10 months, from January through October 2021, she will be guiding small groups of leaders - people just like you - through this vital, complicated, and necessary work.
See below for more information!
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Spit and Mud Anti-Racist Learning Community
You may not have thought too much about racism before this year. Injustice and oppression might have just been concepts - things that hypothetical people hypothetically experience. But then something changed. Maybe police brutality seemed like an ...
Read more
faithlead.luthersem.edu
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Free Webinar, Wed, Dec 9, 11:00 a.m.:
Tackling the Top Year-End Tasks for 2020
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In this free, one-hour webinar from Church Law & Tax, renowned attorney, CPA, and senior editor Richard R. Hammar will update you and your church leaders on key tasks for correctly handling business expenses, housing allowances, charitable contributions, and other issues—all to ensure 2020 ends strong, and 2021 begins well. As a part of his presentation, Hammar will also cover key developments related to COVID-19, including the CARES Act, and the tax-related implications the pandemic poses for churches, ministers, and congregants.
Click below for more!
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You are invited to join the "Tackling the Top Year-End...
In this free, one-hour webinar from Church Law & Tax, renowned attorney, CPA, and senior editor Richard R. Hammar will update you and your church leaders on key tasks for correctly handling business expenses, housing allowances, charitable...
Read more
us02web.zoom.us
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Around the Presbytery of Tampa Bay |
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Glad Tidings for December is here from Presbyterian Women |
Check out this month's newsletter by clicking here or on the image of it! From this issue:
Thank God for today.
Open yourself to God’s surprises.
Do what is most important.
Accept that you can’t do everything.
You are blessed and loved.
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Enchanted Noel concert at Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale |
Astralis Chamber Ensemble --- Angela Massey, flute, and Alexis Colner, harp -- will present a magical evening of holiday music with works by Mozart, Saint Saens, and others.
This will be a "live only, limited seating" event with reserved seating, masks, and social distancing required.
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Holiday Handbell Choir Concert at Peace Memorial |
HOLIDAY BELLS - To awaken your holiday mood, our December program features the beautiful bells of the Suncoast Bronze Ringers. With 14 ringers, this wonderful bell choir will warm your hearts as they ring the most beloved and popular carols and songs of the season. The rich acoustics of the Peace sanctuary are perfectly suited to enhance the sounds of these handbells.
Due to COVID 19 procedures and social distancing, reserved tickets are now required. See below for all your options to hear this performance live or by link to our YouTube Channel.
The concert will be at Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church (the pink church downtown) 110 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater (corner of Pierce and Ft. Harrison).
Due to limited and socially distant seating, reserved tickets will be required this season. Please click here to reserve a subscription, buy single concert tickets or to hear the concert virtually via our YouTube Channel.
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Lake Alfred and Lake Hamilton:
"Mission is alive and well with our small churches."
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Mike Loudon shared some pictures and updates from these two churches he supports as the appointed moderator of the session. |
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Lake Alfred Church is collecting new toys and gifts for the Rudolph Roundup for Heartland for Children’s Christmas outreach for foster children. The outpouring of gifts has been phenomenal. The gifts stretch across the front of the sanctuary. There are 16 members, and 35 were in attendance last Sunday. |
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Lake Hamilton Church has 10 members, and on 5th Sundays is involved in a mission project. Last Sunday they put together gift bags and delivered them to Circle of Friends Ministry in Lake Wales, FL. This is a ministry for people with autism and other intellectual disabilities. I thought you would enjoy the pictures. Rev. Fred Halde, who regularly leads worship on the 4th Sunday each month at Lake Hamilton, arranges for the mission project. |
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We're happy to share openings among our member churches and ministries (and occasionally beyond). Send information about openings to info@pbty.com with "eNews - employment opportunity" in the subject line --- and be sure to let us know if/when you fill the position! |
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PALM HARBOR
Palm Harbor Presbyterian Church needs a new Part-Time Administrative Assistant
The Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor is interviewing for a part-time Administrative Assist to join our team. This position will require 20 hours per week, Monday – Thursday ($13.00 per hour). If interested, please contact personnel@pcph.org.
The Administrative Assistant (AA) will serve to support the ministries and the membership of the Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor through clear, creative, consistent, and authentic communications. The assistant will develop and manage the delivery of content relating to the events and programs of PCPH. Working closely with the Senior Pastor (SP) and the Pastoral Associate (PA), the Administrative Assistant (AA) will utilize a variety of channels targeted to our internal audience (congregation) as well as externally to the community. These channels include telephones, email, and printed collateral. This role reports directly to the Head of Staff (Senior Pastor).
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CLEARWATER
Northwood Presbyterian Church is searching for a Director of Schools
Northwood is looking for the right person to provide Christian Leadership, direction and daily support to the teaching staff, aides, children and parents involved in our fully NAEYC accredited and Pinellas County licensed preschool, VPK program and before/after school program serving children enrolled at Leila Davis Elementary School.
For more on the school, the position, and the requirements, click here. |
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Please don't fall for this scam! |
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Worshipers targeted by gift card scam
We're seeing a new spin on gift card scams. This time, scammers are pretending to be a pastor, rabbi, priest, imam, or bishop. They're asking worshipers for gift card contributions for a worthy cause. Appeals are often made by email, but we've...
Read more
www.consumer.ftc.gov
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By the way, because of increasing attempts to use the names and contact information of trusted ministers across the presbytery to scam others, our Pulpit Supply List webpage no longer displays the list, but includes information on how to contact the office for a copy.
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Your minister isn't emailing you to ask for gift cards -- and neither is Presbytery Coach and Coordinator Patrice Hatley! |
Your minister, youth minister, former minister, presbytery staff -- or pretty much anyone else you know -- will NEVER send you a cryptic message asking you to "help me purchase this gift cards at the nearest store around you and I will be pay you back as soon I’m back to my house today in cash or check" or anything else like that. (That's a quote from a recent scam email that wasn't really from who it said it was from!)
Never. Never ever.
Nor will they tell you to buy gift cards for any worthy cause while explaining why you have to do so NOW without calling and speaking to them personally first.
Please don't fall for it.
Click on the " Worshipers targeted by gift card scam" story for more, and please be especially attentive to any email that doesn’t look right to you or sound like the person it says it’s from. Please use contact information you already have to contact directly anyone who sends you an unusual request for help -- and NEVER click on “reply” in an unusual email!
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Have you found, "liked," and "followed" the Presbytery of Tampa Bay on Facebook yet? We post informational, inspirational, and sometimes thought-provoking items there fairly often --- and offer a Small Church Network Facebook Group linked from that page. Click the button below to visit our Facebook page and be sure to click on "like" or "follow" to be notified of updates! |
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Remember, there's always something new to see on our Facebook page and more at the Presbytery of Tampa Bay website. Click the buttons below to start exploring! |
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Our next regular -- and the last for 2020 -- issue of the eNews should come out during the week of December 14. Please send input and ideas to me before then, please!
Thanks for reading all the way to the end! -- Bill
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