Having trouble reading on a mobile device? Try turning off "dark mode" or viewing as a Webpage.
|
|
Well, I knew something would have to give . . . |
|
. . . and that "something" turned out be the eNews! |
We all knew that taking on the role of Temporary General Presbyter in addition to my regular service as stated clerk and manager of communications would mean that some balls would probably be dropped that wouldn't have when we had two different people splitting those responsibilities, but we didn't know which ones --- much less which ones would roll under the couch and out of sight. Now we know that the eNews was one of them!
Since the last regular eNews went out on March 23 with the summary of our March 17 presbytery meeting held at Cedarkirk, Libby Shannon and I wrote to all of our ministers once on the Friday before Palm Sunday, and I wrote to all of them again on May 17.
As I wrote to ministers across our Presbytery last week: While I'm grateful that some have noticed the absence of the eNews from your inboxes, the simple reality is that something had to give while serving as both stated clerk and temporary general presbyter adequately -- much less serving well!
But I haven't written to everyone else since the end of March! I've saved several things to share with you in my email and "Next eNews" collection in my browser --- some of which aren't out of date and are included below! --- but getting the eNews out kept getting overtaken by more pressing matters. We'll see how things go over the next few weeks for another eNews and maybe get back to a more regular schedule!
In the meantime, we've got some catching up to do, so please keep reading and scrolling, and we'll all see what ended up making it into this late-May eNews!
+ + +
Dear Church,
After writing the notes above and adding a link below to a prayer written in response to the recent shootings at a grocery store in New York and a PC(USA) church in California, news broke of the shooting at an elementary school in Texas --- which is being called the deadliest shooting at a U.S. elementary school since the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, CT.
As Christians in the United States, I believe we have to find a way to bridge the gap between the abuse of individual rights granted by our nation's constitution and the gospel of love for others we read in our bibles and are called to live out. These words from A Brief Statement of Faith in our Book of Confessions keep coming to mind this week whenever I see a news update:
In life and in death we belong to God.
+ + +
In a broken and fearful world
the Spirit give us courage
to pray without ceasing,
to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior,
to unmask idolatries in Church and culture,
to hear the voices of peoples long silenced,
and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace.
Lord in your mercy . . . help us find our way.
Blessings,
|
Rev. William A. Wildhack III
Stated Clerk and Temporary General Presbyter
(813) 868-4800, opt. 2 (landline; no text messages)
P.S. If you're an honorably retired minister, a chaplain with Sunday mornings free, or a minister member-at-large with some time to help out churches with some pulpit supply and part-time leadership while they go through transition, please give me a call or send me a note at bill@pbty.com. Thanks!
|
|
+ + +
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!
|
|
JUNE 9 SPECIAL PRESBYTERY MEETING |
|
The Coordinating Team has called a Special Meeting of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay via Zoom at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, 2022, for the following purposes: |
-
Examination of Candidate Zacharias Grant for ordination to serve in a validated ministry with Bethlehem Inclusive New Worshiping Community.
-
Consideration of the Plan for Union of Grace Presbyterian Church, Spring Hill, and St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, Hudson, to form Grace St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church
- Elections to fill various vacancies
-
Receive the 2021 Financial Audit if available by the time of the meeting
-
Authorize an administrative commission with the authority to assume original jurisdiction of a session no longer able to gather a quorum. (NOTE: This need was not yet known when we sent out the initial notice of the meeting to ministers and clerks of sessions the other day.)
Ministers and clerks of sessions (and those who help them in some church offices) were sent a separate notice of the meeting with more information, including how to let our office know who your church's ruling elder commissioner(s) will be and how ministers and ruling elder commissioners can register themselves in Zoom to attend and participate in the meeting.
We will have a live stream available on YouTube for observers and guests who will not be participants. You can find it there at this link: https://youtu.be/JHG1rCCoTnQ
|
|
Lord, in your mercy . . . |
|
The prayer at the link below was written and added to the eNews before the news broke on Tuesday afternoon about the shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. |
|
A prayer in response to the recent shootings in New York ...
God of grace, we lament the violence. For those who have no words... those holding themselves, rocking with each wave of grief... those planting both feet, seeking balance in crisis and chaos... those who moan, weep and wail the names of their...
Read more
pres-outlook.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Wednesday, The Presbyterian Outlook published a new hymn by Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette written in response to the school shooting on Wednesday. You can find the lyrics and sheet music at the link below.
Lord, in your mercy . . .
|
|
God, Our Nation Feels the Loss
PILOT 7.7.7.7.7 ("Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me") God, our nation feels the loss as our children pay the cost for the violence we accept, for the silence we have kept. Rachel weeps for children gone; God of love, this can't go on! Jesus, Lord, we hear...
Read more
pres-outlook.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
225th General Assembly:
Committee meetings in Louisville, full assembly meetings online
|
|
Read all about the business of the 225th General Assembly starting at its homepage on the web. From there, you can make a guest account on MyGA, where you'll find more information available to the public and a link to PC-Biz with all the official business documents being considered by the Assembly this summer.
You can also follow the General Assembly on the PC(USA)'s Facebook page and the General Assembly's Twitter feed.
+ + +
Also, please pray for the ruling elder commissioners (REC) and teaching elder commissioners (TEC) from the Presbytery of Tampa Bay and around the church, along with Young Adult, Theological Student, and Ecumenical Advisory delegates from all over as they gather on-site and online for this first-ever hybrid General Assembly.
Your Presbytery of Tampa Bay commissioners and their committee assignments are:
-
REC Kathy Sandy -- General Assembly Entity Policies and Procedures [GA-PAP]
-
REC Jonathan Owen -- Bills & Overtures [B+O]
-
TEC Denise Lay -- Standing Rules of the General Assembly [STAN] (filling in for Rev. Mike Peacock had to withdraw)
-
TEC Neddy Astudillo -- Immigration [IMM]
By the way, Rev. Shavon Starling-Lewis, one of the candidates for co-moderator this summer, is a daughter of both Trinity Presbyterian and Lakeview Presbyterian Churches in St. Petersburg. Read more about her, her co-moderator partner Ruth Santana-Grace, and the other co-moderator team, Josefina “Fina” Ahumada and Marilyn McKelvey Tucker-Marek, in this booklet.
|
|
HOMEPAGE - The 225th General Assembly
Welcome to the 225th General Assembly. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will make history in the summer of 2022 with the denomination's first hybrid General Assembly. This will be a time for worship, innovation, and a new vision for the PC(USA) . . .
Read more
ga-pcusa.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
'Indecent and Out of Order': A Pentecost Devotional marks the 10th anniversary of the 1001 New Worshiping Communities movement |
|
'Indecent and Out of Order' | Presbyterian Mission Agency
by Paul Seebeck | Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE - As a way of thanking the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for its support of 1001 New Worshiping Communities, leaders in the movement from across the country have put together a digital...
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Opportunities for Clinical Pastoral Education in our area |
|
Did you know that key players in three different Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) programs in our area are members of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay? |
Rev. Miguel Santamaria is a CPE Educator in BayCare's Clinical Pastoral Education Program, offering intern units at Morton Plant Hospital Association, Inc. sites in Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and New Port Richey along with St. Joseph's Hospitals in Tampa. Click below for BayCare's flyer on CPE opportunities.
|
|
Synod of South Atlantic Update |
|
|
|
The Synod held its Spring 2022 meeting at Epworth-by-the-Sea, April 28-29 |
David Shelor, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Dunedin continues to serve as moderator of the Synod of South Atlantic, which includes Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Early in the gathering, Joyce Lieberman, Synod Executive and Stated Clerk, announced her retirement at the end of this September.
|
|
Write your church's next chapter |
|
PROJECT REGENERATION from the Presbyterian Foundation can help a church discern God's will for its next phase and then move into it! From a flyer on the Foundation's website: |
What is God calling your church to do?
It’s a big question, and it’s one that takes time, prayer and discernment
to answer. An outside point of view is helpful – and that’s why
we’re here.
We’ve worked with hundreds of churches just like yours. As church financial experts, we offer a financial analysis, followed by listening sessions. We can share with you how we’ve worked with other congregations. While every congregation is unique, you can learn from the experiences of other churches and ministries. Whether your challenges revolve around property, giving, membership, or mission, we’re ready to help you write your church’s next chapter.
* * *
What is PROJECT REGENERATION?
Project Regeneration is a consultative service provided by the Presbyterian Foundation for churches and ministries. Our Ministry Relations Officers guide congregations through a process of prayerful discernment through a series of meetings, held on site or virtually, to help churches consider a strategic approach for the future. Our approach includes a financial analysis to assess the viability of ministry, followed by a collaborative, innovative process that invites everyone to fully participate. We will provide reading materials, serve as speakers, guide discussions and share stories with you that will help you decide what’s best for your church.
* * *
Learn more about Project Regeneration by clicking here and contacting Robert Hay, our Southeast Region Ministerial Relations Officer, by email or calling (855) 514-3152.
|
|
Looking for an excuse to go back to Cedarkirk? |
|
Learn more about Cedarkirk overall by visiting their homepage, and about their Capital Campaign plans here.
|
|
PC(USA) support for Ukraine refugees |
|
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance continues to support partners in Europe responding to the refugee and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and neighboring nations providing care and shelter. Funds donated to PDA are being used for emergency humanitarian aid such as food items, shelter, medicines, diapers, hygiene items, etc. |
|
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and calls from congregations and individuals asking how they can help. As the violence continues, the number of people being displaced internally and fleeing to neighboring countries increases by the day.
Read more
pda.pcusa.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matthew 25 video discussion guides available |
|
The final installment in the Engaging Matthew 25 Through Film series is out.
From the link below:
"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 Scripture passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor."
|
|
Final in the Matthew 25 video discussion series released ...
by Melody K. Smith | Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE - " Engaging Matthew 25 Through Film - Building Congregational Vitality " is a video guide that helps the reader answer the question: What is congregational vitality?
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
Because it's been a while since the eNews went out, some of the information below may be outdated and other listings have been removed. If yours is outdated or needs to run again, please send a note to info@pbty.com with all the information and we'll try to get it into an upcoming issue! |
|
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! |
|
**NEW**
The position will become available in July and will require 20 hours per week which will include facilitating online worship on Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The Office Assistant will support the ministries and membership of the church with excellent written and oral communication skills. A working knowledge of Power Point, Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher and internet and website skills including the ability to maintain church website and social media platforms are required. A working knowledge of IT systems is preferred. Applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years related experience.
We request that candidates submit a letter of application and current resume that includes three references via e-mail to VPCapplications@gmail.com.
|
|
Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs in New Port Richey is looking for a Youth Ministry Intern to begin in May or June of 2022 and to commit to one year with the option to reapply for a second year. This is a paid position - 15 to 20 hours per week / $200 per week.
This internship is for someone who desires to explore a possible calling to youth ministry and to strengthen ministry skills. The intern will be working closely with the Director of Family Ministry, Tracey Hollins. Tracey can be reached at (727) 810-1036.
|
|
- The Executive Assistant is to provide day-to-day advice and consultation to church Co-Pastors in regard to church operations and management. The position will require creative thinking and innovative initiative to assist in fully achieving the church’s vision and goals. Trinity Clearwater is a progressive congregation located in Clearwater, Florida, in a culturally diverse neighborhood and is actively involved in service missions at the local and world level.
|
|
Food for Thought ---
From Cringe To Cool: 11 Old-School Church Trends That Deserve A Second Look
|
|
The article at the link below from Karl Vaters, a pastor and prolific writer on helping small churches thrive, follows another recent posting he wrote called From Cool to Cringe: 10 Church Trends That Haven't Aged Well. While these are his views and may not be shared by all of us, there's some stuff worth having a conversation about in both pieces.
At the link below, he writes:
Now, let’s flip the script and take a much more hopeful look at ideas that go in the opposite direction. These behaviors and attitudes may have been considered naïve and passé by those chasing the latest trends, but they’re actually the essence of what we should do and who we should be. As a bonus, they’re also more likely to connect to new generations of unchurched people than the slick ideas that have a short shelf life.
|
|
From Cringe To Cool: 11 Old-School Church Trends That...
In my previous article, From Cool To Cringe: 10 Church Trends That Haven't Aged Well, I wrote about some used-to-be-cool ideas that may be past their expiration date (and a few that never were cool to begin with). Now, let's flip the script and...
Read more
karlvaters.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remember, there's always something to see on our Facebook page and the Presbytery of Tampa Bay website. Click the buttons below to start exploring! |
|
Have you found, "liked," and "followed" the Presbytery of Tampa Bay on Facebook yet? Click the button below to visit our Facebook page and be sure to click on "like" or "follow" to be notified of updates! |
|
The next regular issue of the eNews will come out after the June 9 called meeting of the Presbytery, but a special edition with meeting information will be out a week before the meeting.
Send me your ideas or announcements sooner rather than later, please. And, as always, thanks for reading all the way to the end! -- Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
