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It is so hard to believe that it's already been a year -- or only one year -- since "safer-at-home" orders became part of our lives. |
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This week marks one year since "safer-at-home" orders led to "It's Time" |
A year ago this Saturday, ministers, clerks of sessions, and others received a letter from Presbytery Coach and Coordinator Patrice Hatley that started with "It's Time." In one of the most difficult letters to church leaders she's ever written, she began with this:
"It’s time. We’re sorry but it is. We now urge you to suspend all in-person worship and other activities, regardless of how many individuals would be gathering. This is about being faithful to our calling. This about love and care for the people and communities we serve. It is not about not having enough faith and it is really, really not about the offering plate."
Patrice also wrote:
"Suspending in-person gatherings is not about fear vs. faith but about faithfully claiming pastoral authority and being accountable for making the wisest decisions as pastors, moderators, sessions, and chaplains as you lead and guide the witness of the communities where you live and serve. Have courage. Just do it. For the love of the One you serve. This is a Kairos moment."
We had no idea we'd still be having these conversations a year later. We couldn't imagine it. Few, if any, of us could. Or that the pandemic would hit so close to home for so many of us either in our churches and families. Or that the number of deaths across our nation would exceed 500,000 less than a year later as we remember hearing forecasts us up to 250,000 dead being derided as ridiculous a year ago. Or that we'd still be repeating some of the same words as people started asking about changes as vaccines became more available (but still limited)
I think we all owe a debt of gratitude to hospital, hospice, and eldercare chaplains who ministered where pastors and family members were not allowed to visit --- and who continue to do so.
As the availability of vaccines increases, though, it's still time to be careful. To be caring. To be patient. To continue to look out for each other. To be supportive of pastors and session members as they continue to strive to fulfill their obligation "not simply to reflect the will of the people, but rather to seek together to find and represent the will of Christ" as they reach decisions.
Before other news and updates below (including the summary of our February 26 Special Presbytery meeting) is some information from a commissioned ruling elder in another presbytery who retired from a career in immunocytochemistry (see below for more) before becoming an executive presbyter. She was quoted (accurately!) on Facebook recently on how increasing vaccination rates impact gathering for worship and has shared comments with us that she sent to her presbytery this week in response to the CDC's new Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People. (Hint: there's more to the story than the headlines.)
NOTE: The Summary of our February 26 Special Meeting and a heads-up about the April 29 Stated Meeting are near the end of this email.
Blessings,
Bill
Rev. William A. Wildhack III
Stated Clerk and Manager of Communications
(813) 868-4800, opt. 2
P.S. Did you miss our last issue of the eNews? Check it out here! And, no, you didn't miss the one that should have come in between then and now; the Special Meeting of the Presbytery happened instead.
P.P.S. for Clerks of Sessions and those who help them: THANK YOU for getting the Presbytery of Tampa Bay to 100% submission of the annual statistical report! This is a bit of a milestone for us since we haven't reached that level in a few years! THANK YOU!
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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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So what can I do with vaccinations…?!? |
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(and other “why can’t we just throw open the sanctuary” questions) |
And why was a Transitional EP writing about these things? A Presbyterian News Service story last August described her unexpected background in immunocytochemistry and how it helped in her new role, explaining that "The science of immunocytochemistry helps researchers determine which antibodies will bind to specific components in the body (proteins or antigens) to trigger an immune response that helps fight infection and build immunity." As Lisa said in the article, “It’s more than a bit weird to have worlds collide — an immunologist impersonating a presbyter during a pandemic unlike anything we’ve ever seen, and with the arsenal of science unleashed in understanding this thing.”
By the way, a post containing much of this same information Lisa sent in an email to a pastor in Oswego, NY, was shared in the "Happy to Be a Presbyterian" and "PC(USA) Leaders" groups on Facebook and can also be seen at this link.
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Education Opportunities for Leaders and Members |
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Save the Date: Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Tod Bolsinger - Leading the Church into the Post COVID
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The Synod of South Atlantic invites pastors and church leaders to save the date for an upcoming Church Leaders’ Forum with Tod Bolsinger on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 3:00 - 4:30 pm EDT via ZOOM.
Dr. Bolsinger is Senior Fellow at the De Pree Center and Associate Professor of Leadership Formation at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Canoeing the Mountains and Tempered Resilience.
The Synod also plans to offer the opportunity for participants to join a facilitated cohort group following the Forum.
More details to follow.
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Is your church reaching out to people with disabilities who are isolated? How can we prioritize PEOPLE over PROGRAM as we re-open our churches? |
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From the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center |
For those who have already taken our Mediation Skills Training Institute (MSTI), we are pleased to offer a new one-day event: the MSTI Refresher Course! Sessions are available on Tuesday, May 11 and Saturday, June 12. The fee is $99, and the event runs from 9:00am to 4:00pm Central Time.
The full five-day version of MSTI is also available on May 3-7, June 21-25, August 2-6, October 11-15, and November 15-19, 2021. The session in August will include the option for in-person attendance in the Chicago area.
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NOTE: The Presbytery of Tampa Bay and some of our churches have hosted Lombard training in our area several times over the years. LMPC is recognized by mid-council leaders across the PC(USA) as one of the best resources for the ministry of reconciliation in the country. Read more about who they are and what they do. |
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The Association of Smaller Congregations (ASC) will be hosting its annual conference online on March 19-20, 2021.
The keynote speaker will be Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana, writer, free-range pastor, speaker, and coach. Her most recent book, God, Improv, and the Art of Living, blends Scripture, psychology, theology, and pop culture in a wise, funny, down-to-earth guide to improv as a practice for life.
To learn more about the Association of Smaller Congregations, click here. |
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2021 WORSHIP & MUSIC CONFERENCE | presbymusic
This intergenerational conference is for children, youth, adults, pastors, directors, organists, pianists, guitarists, percussionists, ringers, worship leaders, choir members, and anyone who loves the worship and music of the church.
Read more
www.presbymusic.org
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Festival of Homiletics
Is the church really dying? Or is it dying to change? How can the church recapture what it was in the first century-a distinctive, confessional community, willing to stand against the status quo, to speak up against the empire, and to stand for...
Read more
www.festivalofhomiletics.com
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Compassion Peace & Justice Training Days |
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Imagine! God's Earth and People Restored
April 7-9 | Virtual Event
Join us to learn, organize and advocate around environmental justice! Compassion, Peace and Justice Training Days offer an opportunity to support this global movement centered on and led by the people and communities most vulnerable to climate impacts due to historic racial and colonial inequities. We continue to see how the historic reality of colonialism and structural racism has designed systems that live on today through environmental racism and a myriad of other injustices that grew out of the same evil roots. Throughout 2020, these systemic issues manifested themselves in the disproportionate number of racial and ethnic minorities who became sick with and died of COVID-19, as well as the continued extrajudicial killing of Black men and women.
The Earth and its people are groaning. We are called to respond.
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Ecumenical Advocacy Days
April 18–21
A little over a week later, join the larger faith community for Ecumenical Advocacy Days. This is a gathering of Christian advocates and activists to worship, delve deeply into the pressing issues of the day and lift our voices by speaking truth to power on Capitol Hill.
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Update from Presbyterian Women in PTB |
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PW's March "Glad Tidings" is here |
This month's newsletter includes reflections on the past year, a surprising PW Honorary Life Membership Award at Northwood, Mission Haven, and hurricane season, too. Click here or on the image to read your copy!
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Summary of the Special Meeting of the Presbytery held Friday, February 26 |
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Thank you to the nearly 100 minister members and ruling elder commissioners who participated! |
Our special meeting held on Zoom on February 26 may have set a record for attendance at a special meeting of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. Thank you for your willingness to work through some unexpected parliamentary steps and your support for making the position of Associate Presbyter for Emerging Ministries an ongoing part of the leadership of this presbytery.
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Stated Meeting, Thursday, April 29, 2021 |
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We'll be meeting online again -- but treated to worship and other updates from Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center as "Creation Speaks" |
As COVID-19 conditions evolve and CDC guidance continues to recommend even fully vaccinated people avoid medium or large-size gatherings, the Coordinating Team concluded at its meeting this week that we should plan to meet on Zoom instead of in-person at Cedarkirk. Though we might have hoped otherwise, we are not equipped for a safe, socially-distanced gathering of 100 or so people for a meeting of the Presbytery -- even outdoors. |
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Minister members of the Presbytery and Clerks of Sessions should watch for an email soon with more details about the meeting, registration, and orientation for first-time ruling elder commissioners
Remember:
- Minister members register only on Zoom
- Pastors/moderators or clerks of sessions must provide names and contact information for Ruling Elder Commissioners to our office before the commissioners register on Zoom.
More to come!
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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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BRANDON
First Presbyterian Church of Brandon is looking for a part-time paid Youth Director for the MS/HS Youth.
They write: The Youth Group is a growing group of awesome kids who are currently meeting weekly on ZOOM with a monthly in person meeting as well.
At FPCB our youth are very important members of our church, participating fully in the happenings of all aspects of our church.
We know God’s plan has a person who will use their creativity, energy, and solid faith to plan and implement opportunities for our youth to grow in their faith. This position is supported by an active Discipleship Ministry Team who tirelessly work to support and provide resources. The salary range is between $600 to $1000 per month, and does not include benefits.
If you would be interested in this position, please contact Lynn Pabst, Discipleship Ministry Chairperson at 813-294-0459 or saralpabst@gmail.com. A resume and two references (1 personal,1 professional) will be expected for all applicants |
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TAMPA
Forest Hills Presbyterian Church is searching for an Office Manager
Forest Hills needs a new Office Manager to serve as the initial point of contact and assistance for visitors, provides all forms of communications to the congregation, maintains all database information for the church and provides administrative support for all staff members.
For more on the church, the position, and the requirements, click here.
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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BRANDON
First Presbyterian Church of Brandon is looking for a part-time Facilities Manager
15-20 flexible hours per week ~ 3-4 workdays
$14-$16 per hour, paid bi-weekly
Responsibilities:
❖ Ensure buildings and grounds are properly cared for and maintained
❖ Coordinate outside groups using church facility/rooms for meetings
❖ Schedule all annual required inspections
❖ Support the FPC Brandon Preschool on maintenance and daily set-up needs
❖ Oversee the night custodian on building requirements and outside group needs
❖ Take phone calls professionally
❖ Provide first-level maintenance on facilities and grounds (handy-person stuff)
Contact David Rogers, FPC Brandon Personnel Manager ~ Leave Message at Church 813 689-4597; call will be returned ~ Visit www.fpcbrandon.org or First Presbyterian Church Brandon Facebook page for more about the church
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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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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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Our next regular issue of the eNews will come out the last week of March. Please send input and ideas to me before that!
Thanks for reading all the way to the end! -- Bill
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