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The Presbytery of Tampa Bay

September 25, 2025

Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Helene made landfall, one of three storms that struck Florida’s west coast in the worst hurricane season Tampa Bay has seen in more than a century.

In the wake of Helene, and Milton ten days later, we saw a trail of chaos across the presbytery—uprooted trees, flooded homes, and shattered routines. In the aftermath and throughout the past year, we also witnessed hope emerge from the chaos.

Out of chaos, we see compassion rise. Out of destruction, we witness courage and resilience in recovery. In our grief and loss, we experience the deep truth that we are not alone. Like new shoots that rise from the broken earth, hope grows in the cracks left by the storm.

When The Church on the Bayou in Tarpon Springs realized that their facility could not recover from back-to-back storms, the congregation voted to sell the property. Now, almost a year later, as the congregation prepares for a farewell service in early November, they are restoring hope across the region by donating the proceeds from the sale of the property to local schools and nonprofits, including donations to other churches in the Presbytery who were also impacted by the storms.

In the language of faith, this is resurrection: that even in the face of destruction, God’s Spirit moves, calling forth life where there was loss. Hurricanes may bring chaos, but they cannot extinguish hope. May we continue to be a people who, even in the face of storms, bear witness to the One who brings life out of loss and hope out of chaos. Together, let us trust that God’s Spirit is still moving, still mending, and still making all things new.

Grace and peace,

Rev. Dr. Holly Dillon, General Presbyter

Polity “Back to the Basics” A Leader Formation Webinar:

Investing in Ruling Elders and Deacons

Focused specifically on the continued formation of deacons and ruling elders, this webinar will provide an overview of how the PCUSA is structured, the who, when, and how of decision-making, and the role of membership and ordination in the life of the church. The discussion will center on the polity framework that supports the work of councils within the broader community of faith, as well as the foundational theological convictions that underpin the polity.

October 23, 2025; 7:00-8:30 pm

Spanish and Korean interpretation available

Registration closes on October 15, 2025

Registration and more information available here

Are you an elder, minister, or young adult church member who will be between the ages of 18 and 23 years on June 22, 2026 (the date the General Assembly convenes)? Are you also interested in considering applying to serve as a Ruling Elder Commissioner (REC), Teaching Elder Commissioner (TEC), or Young Adult Advisory Delegate (YAAD) to the 227th General Assembly next summer in Milwaukee?  

Be sure to check out the GA227 FAQs and GA227 What to Expect documents with more information about the General Assembly and the role of RECs, TECs, YAADs, and other participants, as well as the schedule and the time commitment. You can also check out the General Assembly web site and sign up for the On the Road to GA newsletter for more information. 

Look for more information from our presbytery's Committee on Nominations and Representation soon on how to apply!

The attached chart is taken from Appendix C in the presbytery's new draft "All Hazards Emergency Operations Disaster Plan" that's being tested this hurricane season. If you're not already signed up for your county's emergency alerts, you can probably find out how in this document.

NOTE: This list of contacts is a work in progress. If you see anything that needs to be corrected or have questions about it, please reach out to Rev. John Scott, PTB's new Disaster Response Coordinator (DRC) at disasterresponse@pbty.com. You can also reach John by calling our office at 813-868-4800 and choosing option 5 from the voice menu.

FYI: This very part-time DRC position is funded for one year at a time by a grant from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and along with supporting our churches and ministries, John will be working with the Florida Conference of the UMC to support the new volunteer host site in Pinellas County for long-term recovery groups traveling to our area to assist in the ongoing recovery along the coast.

Oakhurst United Methodist Volunteer Host Site is now operational in Seminole, FL. They support the needs of Long Term Recovery Work Teams in Pinellas County. The Presbytery of Tampa Bay and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance are supporting their efforts. If you are interested in finding out more information on how your church can support this ministry opportunity please contact Rev John Scott at 

disasterresponse@pbty.com or at 813-308-9367. You can also scan the QR code in the flier to connect directly with the Oakhurst Volunteer Host Site for additional information.

To learn more about what the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team is doing, visit our website and be sure to say hello to them at our October 30th Presbytery meeting.

Revolutionizing Public Safety Communications

Tampa Beacon Channel establishes a direct, reliable, and resilient connection to the public using proven broadcast technology and Al to prioritize, localize, and translate critical safety information.

Ensures wide reach and accessibility regardless of language or geographic location.

BEACON disseminates credible public safety information across TV, radio, streaming and mobile devices 24/7/365, helping take today's Emergency Alerts System to the next level.

Visit the website here: Tampa Beacon Channel

Friends,

The Presbytery’s Committee on Racial Equity has developed a training workshop that will help people live into Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors by increasing the understanding of things that get in the way, things like racial animus, and giving folks the tools needed to navigate potentially “thorny” situations. 

Remember, many of us are required to participate in a one day antiracism workshop every three years and the next one is being given on Saturday October 18, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland.



Blessings and Peace,

Rev. Norman Hatter

PS: Pastors serving churches should be receiving a personal letter from Norm!

Next meeting: October 7th

Questions or interested in learning more about the Association of Smaller Congregations? Contact ASC President, Caroline Dennis, at cvdennis.wpcgwd@gmail.com

Hope Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven

2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884

Bridge Interim, Part-Time (30 hours, negotiable)

Hope Presbyterian has just completed a successful interim period and is actively searching for a full-time pastor. In the meantime, the church seeks an ordained PC(USA) or reformed pastor to serve as a bridge interim. The contract would be for a three-month interval, which could be extended if necessary. Either party can end the contract with 30 days’ notice. The position would include preaching each Sunday, moderating the session, some visitation, and preparation time for sermon writing. For additional information or to submit a resume, please contact Maria Roman at the Hope Presbyterian Church office by email maria@hopepreswh.org or by calling the office at (863) 324-6382.