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Our Mission:
To identify and strengthen leaders 
so that every congregation
makes new and mature disciples for Jesus Christ.

(Only 25 of you had already RSVP'd when I pressed "send" on this email.)
This Thursday (10/24) is the 2-week deadline . . .
. . . for reports, dietary needs, organizational display reservations, and other advance info for the November 7 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay!
Our next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery is on Thursday, November 7, at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven --- and here are Important reminders and details for minister members of the presbytery, moderators and clerks of session responsible for being sure commissioners are elected to take part, and others who plan to attend out next meeting.

A few key reminders:
  • Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, 637 6th St NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881 (click here for map and directions), so you should have plenty of time to get there and sign-in before the meeting starts at 9:00 a.m.
  • It's time to assign commissioners if you haven't already. Consult this document for your church's number of Ruling Elder commissioners. 
  • First time commissioners can get an idea about what happens at a presbytery meeting by watching a recording of an orientation session to an earlier meeting at any time.

Revised ONLINE RSVP/Excused Absence form:  Please help us be better stewards in working with our host church to plan more accurately for refreshments and lunches by  clicking here and filling out an online RSVP form to let us know you’ll be attending.
  • Using the online RSVP form will also make it easier for us to follow-up with you on any dietary restrictions or childcare requests so we can attempt to accommodate your needs in cooperation with the host church.
  • If you can't access the online form, you can also let us know you’ll be attending by contacting Ann Marie in the Presbytery office at office@pbty.com or (813) 868-4800.
  • Need an excused absence? Minister members and session commissioners who cannot attend the Presbytery meeting should request an excused absence by filling out the same online form as early as possible—but no later than the day before the meeting, please!
  • For excused absences, you can also send me an email at statedclerk@pbty.com.

Please remember that Thursday, October 24, is the regular, two-weeks-before-the-meeting deadline for:

If you need childcare during the meeting, as I said two weeks ago, our deadline to make arrangements with the church for childcare (and provide time for our host church to obtain any needed background checks) was NOON on Thursday, October 17, one week earlier than usual before the meeting. If you still need childcare and didn't reply by last week, contact Ann Marie in the Presbytery office at office@pbty.com or (813) 868-4800 before 4:30 this Thursday (Oct 24) to see if you can be added.

We plan to publish the meeting docket via eNews distribution and on the Presbytery website on Reformation Day, Thursday, October 31 (also known by some as All Hallows Eve 🎃 )

Blessings,

Bill

Rev. William A. Wildhack III
Acting Stated Clerk

P.S. Remember your phone or browser may not automatically show you the whole newsletter. As you scroll down, watch 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!
Two Sundays, two installations!
Welcome Larry Rush as pastor of Trinity, St. Petersburg, on October 27
Rev. Lawrence ''Larry" C. Rush, Jr. will be installed as the new pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg on Sunday, October 27, at 3:30 p.m.

Trinity is at 2830 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 ( Click here for map and directions .)
Invitation to Fullerton Installation
First, Lakeland, welcomes John Fullerton as pastor on November 3
Rev. Dr. John H. Fullerton, Jr., will be formally installed by the Presbytery of Tampa Bay as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 3.

First, Lakeland, is at 175 Lake Hollingsworth Dr, Lakeland, FL 33801 ( click here for map and directions .)
And a "farewell" party
An important update from Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center
John Reiter photo
As some of you may have heard, Rev. John Reiter, our Executive Director, will be leaving in late November. Though we are definitely saddened to see him go, we are excited for the next chapter in his life. Here's a brief statement from John about his departure:

"I am a firm believer in call. Just as I felt called by God to come to Cedarkirk in 2006, I now feel that I am being called to explore ministry in the church setting. Cedarkirk has meant so much to me in my own personal and spiritual journeys, as well as the lives of my entire family. This place has been and will continue to be one of deep friendships, happiness, and love. It has been an incredible honor, privilege, and joy to serve as Executive Director of Cedarkirk and I am excited to pass that privilege on to the next Executive Director of this special place apart. Our Board of Directors is already hard at work preparing for transition and listening for Gods call as they consider Cedarkirk’s future leadership. Thank you for the opportunity you have given me to serve in this place that is so special to me. May God bless you all and fill our journeys with joy and peace."

Please join us as we recognize and celebrate John's dedication and service to Cedarkirk's ministry over the past 13 years. We will be meeting at the Pavilion from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM for a dedication and light dinner. Enjoy a hot dog bar with gourmet toppings, chips, drinks, and time to chat with John.

Please RSVP by email to camps@cedarkirk.org or by phone (813-685-4224, ext. 2) today!
Ministers of Word and Sacrament: don't forget the 2019 Ministry Survey!
For ministers of the Word and Sacrament from Research Services
Dear Colleague:

Presbyterians frequently want to know more about the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ministers of the Word and Sacrament who help lead our denomination. The Minister Survey 2019 is an ambitious effort to learn more about these important church leaders; all PC(USA) ministers (retired and not retired) are being asked to participate.

OPTION 1   If you are a minister, please click below and respond to the survey.
 
 
Hay una versión de la encuesta en español. Tan pronto como comience, habrá instrucciones sobre cómo cambiar el idioma al español.
 

한국어 버전의 설문 조사가 있습니다. 설문 조사를 시작하자마자 언어를 한국어로 변경하는 방법에 대한 지침이 제공됩니다. 시작하려면 여기를 클릭하십시오.

 
 
OPTION 2   If you are  not  a PC(USA) minister, please share the link below with anyone you know who is a PC(USA) minister.
 

This survey may take up to 45 minutes to complete. There is information within the survey about how to set the survey up so that you can stop and come back to where you left off.

Responses to the survey are anonymous in that no Research Services staff can tell who has responded or how you have responded. 

If you have already completed the Minister Survey 2019, please do  not  respond to the survey a second time.
 
Questions? Contact Research Services at  research@pcusa.org  or (800) 728-7228, ext. 5077.

Summaries of the responses by all ministers will be shared. This information will help Presbyterians gain a better understanding of the life and work of ministers like you and help PC(USA) agencies better serve your needs.

Thank you in advance for your participation.

Blessings as your fall ministries move forward.

In Christ,

Susan Barnett, PhD                           Perry Chang, PhD
Coordinator, Research Services        Research Analyst
Congregations for Conservation
Florida Congregations for Conservation Forum
Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 W. San Jose St. Tampa, FL 33629 ( click here for map and directions) is hosting a Conservation Forum to explore, network, & launch this campaign. on Sunday, October 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Click here or on the image of the flyer to download a full-size PDF, and contact Will Wellman at will@palmaceia.org for more information
Two opportunities to hear Dori Hjalmarson - Honduras Mission co-worker 
Mission Co-worker Dori Hjalmarson will be visiting First, Lakeland, on Sunday, November 3 and the Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale on Tuesday, November 5
Dori Hjalmarson, a third-generation Presbyterian minister called to mission service in her family, will be visiting and speaking about her work in Honduras. Dori works to accompany the leaders and people of the Presbyterian Church of Honduras as they participate in theological education and organizational development as a relatively new denomination in a country riven with violence and poverty. Dori thinks of herself as a chaplain, listening reflectively and actively. She doesn’t often teach, but walks with those who are learning. Doesn’t lead, but is a friend to those who do. She seeks to be a pastoral presence to the leaders of a church striving to be a light in darkness, a city on a hill.
First up, at First Lakeland on Sunday, November 3 . . .
Dori will be visiting and speaking about her work in Honduras at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801 ( click here for map and directions), on Sunday, Nov. 3rd, at a potluck lunch in "Room A" at 11:45 a.m. following the 10:30 a.m. worship service. 

All are welcome to come to the 10:30 a.m. service and her talk, and are invited to bring a covered dish to share if possible.

For questions or more information, contact Nancy Bertram at bertramfl@gmail.com or (863) 660-7150.
Then, PCOB in Brandon invites you to "Come join us for Dori, Dessert & Drinks" on Tuesday, November 5 . . .
Join Dori at PCOB, 1:30-3:00 p.m., to hear her talk about her mission work as chaplain, teacher and friend of leaders, pastoral presence to pastor for those in Honduras. You can find Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale at 710 E Bloomingdale Ave, Brandon, FL 33511 ( click here for a map and directions).

For questions or more information, contact the church office at office@pcob.us (813) 654-3699.
It's Concert Season at Peace Memorial
FALL BACK IN LOVE, Sunday, November 10 at 3 p.m.
Concertgoers will be tapping your toes as you enjoy your favorite love songs from the Greatest Generation, including selections by Cole Porter and George Gershwin. Plus, the combo will share a great medley of tunes to honor our Vets. The Suncoast Jazz Classic (Nov. 22-24 on Clearwater Beach) assisted with booking this band and attendees at the concert at Peace will be offered discounts for the fest at which this great combo will be a featured band. 

A powerful opportunity for reflection
If you are in one of the many predominantly-white Presbyterian congregations across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) . . .
. . . chances are that racism isn’t a topic that gets addressed from the pulpit unless there’s a major news event of a hate crime. Many people avoid talking about racism for a number of reasons: worry that they will say the wrong thing, the belief that avoiding the subject will make race less significant or the fear of creating conflict in the church.

Read more below . . .
Helping churches talk about racism

90-minute Presbyterian Outlook webinar Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT (with on-demand video replay available after the live event) Presented by Carolyn B. Helsel If you are in one of the many predominantly-white Presbyterian...

Read more
pres-outlook.org
Coming soon . . .
Fall Craft Fair at Village Presbyterian, November 2
From Village Presbyterian Church:

The Women of Village Presbyterian Church are hosting the 6th Annual Craft Fair, on November 2, 2019, from 9am-3pm, at Village, 13115 South Village Drive, Tampa, FL 33618; (813) 961-4115.

A nice variety of crafts will be offered......seasonal home decor, jewelry and accessories, woodworking, baskets, plants, yard art and so much more. 

The Men of the Church will again be serving sandwiches and drinks and the youth will sell coffee and seasonal wreaths. Proceeds will go to mission projects.

Visit the church website for more on this and other ministries at Village.
Updates from our covenant partners
Thanksgiving at the Farm

Once again, Beth-El Farmworker Ministry will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner at a local farm, but we can't do it without your help! We need volunteers to help prepare and serve the meal. We also need donations of food.

Read more
us11.campaign-archive.com
Beth-El's October Newsletter is here!
Kathy Dain, Executive Director at Beth-El, reflects on "home" in this month's newsletter. Here's a taste:

"For nearly five years I have called Beth-El home. It has been a place of immeasurable grace for myself and for many who have sought refuge from the challenges of daily life. I have indulged in countless tostadas prepared by our dear Maria. I have cheered for our young children taking the first steps into adulthood, and wept beside those who mourn. It is home for myself and for many whose own home seems uncertain."

Click here to read Beth-El's October Newsletter for more of Kathy's reflections and updates on all that's happening at Beth-El!
Fusion Youth Retreats: November 8-10 & November 15-17, 2019

Bring your youth group to Cedarkirk for a weekend of worship, outdoor exploration, and fellowship with other youth groups! This event is open to both middle- and high-school students and will incorporate large-group worship, small-group...

Read more
cedarkirk.org
Cedarkirk Christmas Retreat 2019!

You don’t have to wait a whole year to see your counselors and friends or do all of your favorite summer camp stuff! The Christmas Retreat brings you a little bit of summer camp in the winter! Join us for a weekend of fun, faith-building, fellowship, and fantastic food as we learn about – and prepare for – the birth of Christ and what that means for our lives today. This is also a great chance to bring a friend and introduce them to camp!
Dates: December 20-22, 2019

cedarkirk.org
Capital Campaign Updates
Tampa Bay Presbytery Challenge
On behalf of everyone at Cedarkirk, we would like to thank those individuals, churches and organizations who stepped up to the Tampa Bay Presbytery Challenge. We are pleased to report that we have exceeded the goal, raising nearly $110,000.

Benches, Rocking Chairs, Bricks and More
We currently have several special ways you can support Cedarkirk's Capital Campaign.

Purchase a Cedarkirk Rocking Chair or Special Garden Bench
Cedarkirk's grounds provide ample opportunities to enjoy the gift and beauty of God's creation. These rockers and benches will be placed on Cedarkirk's property in scenic locations for you, your family, and so many others to enjoy. Commemorative Rockers are $1,500 and Benches are $2,500.

Commemorative Brick Walkway Project
The purchase of a brick will help us successfully raise the funds needed to construct Cedarkirk's new dining facilities, administrative offices, renovations to Cedar Lodge and the building of the next adult friendly retreat cottage. These bricks will be part of a walkway leading to the entrance of the new dining hall!

Click   here  for information on how to order a rocker, bench, or brick online.

For more information on our Capital Campaign, please contact  Julie our Capital Campaign Director; visit our  website ;  or, contact the camp office at 813-685-4 224.

Coming events from other organizations
Burchenal Lecture Series – Fall 2019
The Center for Spiritual Life at Eckerd College invites members of the presbytery to attend this upcoming lecture: 

On Wednesday, October 30 , Jesuit priest, Father Greg Boyle, will talk about "The Power of Extravagant Tenderness." Father Greg is the founder of Homeboy Industries in Los Angeles, the largest gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. 

The event is free and open to the public.
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). For a larger version of the flyer, click here.

For more info, visit the SOAP site at http://apcesoap.org/ and the registration site at https://foothillspresbytery.org/soap-registration/
Employment Opportunities
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!
Facebook ad for new assoc pastor
"The First Presbyterian Church of Inverness, Florida, has a brand new Associate Pastor position open. Check out our MIF on the CLC Opportunity Search! MIF #: 20182.AD0”
From the Ministry Information Form ( click here to jump right to the full MIF) :

The people of our church are very warm and loving, and we are seeking an Associate Pastor whom we can love and who will love us, as we all grow in the grace, hope, joy, and love of the Lord together. We are praying that God will send us a new Associate Pastor who has a vibrant faith in Jesus Christ, a contagious enthusiasm for the gospel, and a deep commitment to the PC(USA). Spiritually-grounded, self-motivated and self-differentiated, our Associate Pastor will need to be able to relate well to youth, children, and families, both inside and outside the church. The ability to teach, communicate clearly, accomplish tasks, think creatively, collaborate with staff and volunteers, utilize social media, preach and lead worship, engage meaningfully with the unchurched, and offer compassionate pastoral care and counseling to a wide spectrum of people will also be important areas for the Associate Pastor to excel in. A life of prayer, lots of energy, and a sense of humor will help too.
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry Logo
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry seeks new Executive Director
From the Ministry Information Form ( click here to visit the full MIF) :

How will this position help you to reach your vision and mission goals?
The Executive Director is responsible for the spiritual, fiduciary, and administrative vision of the ministry. He/she is the prime development officer of the corporation providing oversight and vision for programming and funding. These responsibilities include soliciting donations from donors, overseeing grant writing process, and organizing fund raising events. The director is also responsible for identifying economic and demographic trends within the Wimauma community to ensure the mission’s objectives of ‘feeding mind, spirit, and body' are being fully realized within the scope of services offered by the corporation and its mission partners.

Beth-El Farmworker Ministry is a Presbyterian mission in covenant partnership with Peace River Presbytery and the Presbytery of Tampa Bay of the PCUSA and the Mission Ministry Team of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
New position: Associate Ministry Relations Officer
Robert Hay, Jr., Senior Ministry Relations Officer at the Presbyterian Foundation writes:

The Presbyterian Foundation is looking for more ways to support you and the congregations in your region. We have a created a new position called Associate Ministry Relations Officer that will be an additional deployed staff to serve our region. This person will work closely with me and with Olanda Carr (my colleague who serves the Mid-Atlantic region) to help us to provide more resources to you.  I have attached the job posting . This is an exciting opportunity that I hope will allow us at the Presbyterian Foundation to continue to serve you and the church more.

PT Director of Music
Presbyterian Church of Seffner

The Presbyterian Church of Suffer is looking for a part-time Director of Music to begin this summer, and is offering a salary of $9,000 - $12,000.

Read the full position description here. If you have questions after reading it, contact Patty MacEwen at lokatemom@hotmail.com or at The Presbyterian Church of Seffner at 813-689-4412.

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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).

For the most recent information regarding this position and how to apply, please visit the church's Job Postings page at: https://www.largocpc.org/job-postings

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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."

Read more about the program, requirements, and how to apply by reading the position description here .

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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!
Have an idea for the bi-weekly eNews? Send it to statedclerk@pbty.com with "eNews" in the subject line. 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. The next issue is scheduled for Thursday, October 31, with the docket and meeting materials for the presbytery meeting. But, there'll still be room for more, so please get things to me by Monday, October 28!
Thanks for reading all the way to the end! -- Bill