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We turned the page to a new year . . . |
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. . . but not as much has changed as many of us hoped. |
I heard someone last week refer to the date not as January 8, 2021 but December 39, 2020.
And, last week we saw something none of us have ever seen in our lifetimes and few ever imagined as violence, vandalism, death threats, and even deaths occurred on the grounds and in the halls of the Capitol of the United States -- and this week arrests are continuing across the country of people identified as having allegedly committed specific crimes there.
Meanwhile, when I checked last evening, the Mayo Clinic was reporting that every county in our presbytery is averaging 50-75 new cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 residents every day, with Hillsborough, Levy, Pasco, and Polk counties reporting the highest rate in the prior 24 hours, and Hillsborough and Polk counties reporting the highest total number of cases per 100,000 with both around 6,500.
Since our last eNews, we've also learned of at least two more of our pastors and their families who were quarantined for having been exposed to or tested positive for COVID-19, and mourned the sudden death just before Christmas of the music director at Trinity, Clearwater, Rosemary Collins. Many of you saw the story in the Tampa Bay Times or on local TV.
On the plus side, COVID vaccines are becoming more widely available (check your county government or health department for OFFICIAL information on how to get it in your area).
This is a hard way to turn the page from one year to the next.
A blog this week by an approved-for-ordination candidate I've known for her whole life (but who's no longer in this presbytery), reflected on things she's seen recently in the news that seem better suited to horror movies. But she's also been reading this week of Jesus' last night with his disciples, when he called them, as she put it, to "love with that all consuming ever giving service kind of love," and to measure love on the example Jesus set. And she reminded her readers of how familiar actions from that last night, which we remember in sacraments and other rituals, offer reassurance even today.
You can read the rest of her thoughts at this link --- and why she was reading about Holy Week in the first place here (hint: Easter-in-a-Basket, a.k.a. Holy-Week-In-A-Box)
Blessings,
Bill
Rev. William A. Wildhack III
Stated Clerk and Manager of Communications
(813) 868-4800, opt. 2
P.S. to ALL MINISTERS and CLERKS OF SESSIONS: look for a separate email shortly about a brief, special meeting of the Presbytery expected to be called for Friday, January 29, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.
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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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Click on each invitation to open a PDF with live links! |
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Installation of Robert Hill
Sunday, Jan. 17, 2:30 p.m.
Rev. Bob Hill arrived at Hope Presbyterian Church in Clearwater last January, but his installation service was postponed in the early days of safer-at-home orders and social distancing.
The YouTube link for the service will be available after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 17) at either the church's webpage or Facebook page. |
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Ordination of Rebecca Higman
Sunday, Jan. 24, 4:00 p.m.
Rebecca Higman was examined and approved for ordination at the August meeting of the Presbytery to a validated ministry as a chaplain resident at Tampa General Hospital.
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Ordination and Installation worship service offering supports inquirers and candidates in our Presbytery
The offering collected at all ordination and installation services of ministers of Word and Sacrament in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay helps fund scholarships administered by the Commission on Preparation for Ministry. These gifts help our inquirers and candidates with seminary tuition and associated educational expenses (books, paper, etc.), as well as living expenses during seminary.
Please be sure to select "PTB Candidate/Inquirer Seminary Scholarship Fund" in the donation box, and tell us which service you attended in the "Notes" field before you complete the transaction. Thank you!
By the way, you can also learn more about the Presbyterian Foundation's Online Giving Program while you're visiting our new page!
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Rev. Dr. James David Bigley
1932 - 2021
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We learned this week that Jim Bigley died on Saturday, January 9th, in Lakeland. His long-time friend, Mike Loudon, reminded us that Jim served as pastor at St. Andrew in Sun City Center for years and was briefly interim at First, Lakeland.
Mike also wrote that Jim was a native of New Castle, PA, who graduated from Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary with both BD and D.Min. He served churches in Ohio and PA and was Moderator of Shenango Presbytery. He was a retired Lt. Col in the US Army Reserve.
There will be no service held locally, and a graveside service will be conducted in Pennsylvania later this year. We'll share additional information as we get it.
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Rev. John Henderson Sinclair
1924 - 2021
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Pastor Alex Sosa of First Hispanic, Tampa, let us know that Rev. John Sinclair, an honorably retired member of Twin Cities Area Presbytery in Minnesota but long time resident of Tampa and part of First, Hispanic, died on Saturday, January 2, at home in Tampa. His obituary in the StarTribune in Minnesota notes that he "dedicated his life to God, family, and social justice," and that he "was an Eagle Scout, peace and justice activist, musician, world traveler, author, historian, avid reader, outdoors-man, and devoted family man."
Having served for more than 70 years as a pastor, missionary, and in his retirement here in Tampa, the Presbyterian News Service featured a story about him the other day, and he recorded a Living History about his missionary work in Latin America for the Presbyterian Historical Society. You can view both below.
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The Rev. John Sinclair dies in Tampa, Florida, at 96
by Kathy Melvin | Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE - The Rev. John Henderson Sinclair, 96, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) pastor for more than 70 years and an ardent advocate for peace and social justice, died in Tampa, Florida, on Jan. 2.
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
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Presbyterian Historical Society
Living History -- John H. Sinclair
John H. Sinclair speaks about his missionary work in Latin America, where he served as Regional Secretary of the UPCUSA Mission Board from 1960 to 1973.
View the video by clicking on it or here. |
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Association of Smaller Congregations Conference is online this year |
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REGISTRATION IS FREE THROUGH JAN 31 |
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.
Conference registration is free if registering by January 31 and $80 after that date.
To learn more about the Association of Smaller Congregations, click here. |
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Lessons from a year of ministry during COVID-19: The hybrid church is here |
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This new story from Presbyterians Today brings us five brief "lessons" from pastors in different settings about "hybrid church" with both online and in-person ministry and worship opportunities. |
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Lessons from a year of ministry during COVID-19
By Paul Seebeck | Presbyterians Today The one-year mark of the COVID-19 virus entering our lives is approaching. It is a virus that not only turned the world upside down, but also the church and its tightly held traditions. At the start of...
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
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An update and an invitation! |
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Cedarkirk Update
We hope this new year welcomed each of you with a sense of hope, faith, and lots of love. Many of you have asked questions about our financial status during the pandemic, so here is where we currently stand!
Though the past year was unusually quiet at Cedarkirk, we managed to end the year financially intact. While our income was half of what it has been in previous years, our expenses were halved as well. The income we did receive was, in large part, due to generous gifts from donors, as well as a PPP grant we received in April. Without the support of faithful supporters and the PPP loan, we would have had to make some significant cutbacks to staff and operational expenses.
We are eagerly looking forward to a post-pandemic environment when life at camp can return to something approximating what we're used to! Final plans are underway for what our summer camp programs will look like in 2021, and we are pushing most of our 50th Anniversary celebrations to the fall when (we hope!) COVID will be much less of a hindrance to gathering together.
We thank God for all of you and for your support as we endure this pandemic and explore new and virtual ways to be "a place apart to build up the body of Christ in love."
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"Facelift for the 50th" Work Weekends
In anticipation of our fall 50th Anniversary celebrations, we want to do some sprucing up around camp. We hope to take advantage of this time when we have limited guests to invite our friends to help with some work around camp!
You and your family are invited to join us from January 29-30 or February 26-27. Cedarkirk will provide breakfast and lunch on Saturday, as well as lodging on Friday night - you provide the labor! A slate of projects spanning a variety of skill levels will ensure that everyone will have a way to participate.
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January updates from Presbyterian Women |
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Hello 2021 from Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay |
Robin writes:
How is your New Year going so far?
Attached are the PWP newsletter, A document about social media use, and the remittance form.
Please read them and pass along the information as appropriate.
Treat Others the way You Would Like to Be Treated.
Robin
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Year of Leader Formation: Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons |
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As Christians, we are in a continuous process of growth in relationship with God, each other, and self. This is also true of those who have been called to serve in the ordered ministries of the church as ruling elders and deacons. Throughout 2021, resources specifically geared toward this ecclesial growth will be provided. Visit the Year of Leader Formation page and sign up to receive periodic updates of events and resources.
Read more about this in the story from The Presbyterian Outlook at the link below and by visiting the Ruling Elders webpage on the PC(USA) website.
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OGA to provide new training and investment in ruling...
(OGA) The roles of deacons and ruling elders have long been an important part in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) The parts they play in the life of the church may vary among congregations, but their significance cannot be overlooked.
Read more
pres-outlook.org
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One important question before investing in church technology: What do you want to accomplish? |
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One important question before investing in church technology
By Richard Hong | Presbyterians Today Technology is a tool. If you want to move your church forward, you need to invest in the right tools. And you only know what the right tools are if you know what you want to achieve.
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
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Online Clergy Self-Care and Education at Union Presbyterian Seminary |
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ONLINE EVENT: VIRTUAL CLERGY SELF-CARE RETREAT
JANUARY 30, 2021 @ 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
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This virtual retreat geared towards clergy and ministry care-givers will offer self-care practices attendees can embody in their personal lives. Tips for self-care techniques will be modeled to assist participants with building their own care regimen. Time and space will also be provided to discover encouragement amongst peers as well as experience rejuvenation within a supportive community of care-givers and care-seekers. The two-hour virtual retreat will include various elements, including presentations from the leaders on spiritual practice, small group work and large group discussion and sharing, as well as grounding exercises incorporating basic yoga techniques and the arts.
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ONLINE WORKSHOP: SOCIAL MEDIA DEEP DIVE FOR CHURCHES
Thursdays, January 21, 28, February 4, & 11 , 10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. EST
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This 4-part workshop is designed for anyone who communicates—or wants to communicate—on behalf of a church via social media. It will demystify social media platforms and teach you how to use them most effectively in connecting with your congregation.
Covering a range of topics to equip participants with practical resources and confidence to move forward, this course includes the four live lessons (along with their recordings and slides), a take-home tool sheet, and weekly office hours with workshop leader, Christen Kinard, for specific questions and concerns related to your own ministry context. Each live, online session will be 75 minutes in duration with a Q&A.
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Board of Pensions Webinar |
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Tax Tips: 2021 Tax Update and Federal Tax Return
Thursday, February 11, 2021, 2:30-3:30 p.m. ET
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This tax tips webinar will help you understand the following topics:
For all taxpayers:
- the 2020 Cares Act and impact on tax filing
- updates to Form 1040
- key credits and deductions
- tax-saving strategies for the coming year
- how to determine if you should prepare your own tax return or hire a tax professional
For clergy:
- W-2 accuracy
- clergy 1040 tax preparation narrative
- housing allowance
- business expenses
- SECA tax
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IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR CHURCHES REMITTING DUES TO THE BOARD OF PENSIONS:
Beginning with the March 1 invoice, the Board of Pensions will no longer send paper invoices in the mail to employers and individuals. Invoices will be available through BoardLink only. This change helps the Board reduce the need for onsite staff while continuing to provide timely and efficient service in a way we can all be proud of during these very challenging times.
If you have questions or need help, call the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).
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Save the Date
Virtual Advocacy Training - April 2021
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We'll share more info when we get it, but here's a heads up! |
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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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LARGO
Christ Presbyterian Church is looking for a new Church Secretary
Christ Presbyterian has an opening for a part-time (20hrs/wk) secretary. The current schedule of 9am-1pm on Monday through Thursday is subject to change.
For more on the position and the church, 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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Free HP 902 Ink Cartridges |
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Rev. Ginny Ellis writes that she has some HP ink cartridges to donate to a church or charity. Office Depot kept sending her the wrong ones, so they are still in their boxes: 2 HP 902 Black XL, 2 HP 902 Magenta, and 2 HP 902 Cyan. A church or ministry can just contact Ginny at tampaellis@yahoo.com and she says she'll send them right out!
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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 issue of the eNews will come out during the last week of January. Please send input and ideas to me before that!
Thanks for reading all the way to the end! -- Bill
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