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At the presbytery meeting on August 27, 2022, you bid farewell to Libby Shannon as she moved to Minneapolis to serve as Transitional Executive Presbyter in the Presbytery of the Twin Cities Area, and you welcomed me as your incoming General Presbyter. It’s been almost one year since that presbytery meeting and soon it will be one year from the day (September 20, 2022) on which I officially joined you in this role.
Over the past year, I’ve:
- learned we have 8 churches in hurricane evacuation zones A & B,
- preached 15 times,
- attended worship in 34 churches,
- met with pastors 49 times,
- met with sessions, PNCs, or other groups 14 times, and
- travelled over 4500 miles – it’s a big presbytery!
But that’s not all!
I spent a day at Cedarkirk for Summer Camp, helped with the Thanksgiving food distribution at Beth-El, met some of our ministry partners from Honduras at the Honduran Mission Partnership gathering, met many of our retired teaching elders at the Board of Pension Retiree Luncheons, and participated in the annual gathering of Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay.
By the time Sept. 20, 2023 arrives, I will have had contact with all 58 congregations and all 6 New Worshiping Communities.
As I visit with pastors, sessions and congregations, I see God at work in and through each community of faith, regardless of size or location. We are ministering through feeding ministries, clothing ministries, a bicycle rehab ministry, refugee/immigration assistance ministries, early childhood education and after school programs, justice work, mental health initiatives, and through all of us seeking to understand what it means to be the church where we are.
So what’s next? Look for more to come on:
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an upcoming Leadership Summit on Saturday, October 21 for members of all commissions, committees and task forces of the presbytery to explore what God is now calling us to do and be as the Presbytery of Tampa Bay,
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"On the Road” visits to each region of the presbytery with opportunity for casual conversation, questions, intentional business, connecting with me as your General Presbyter and probably Stated Clerk Bill Wildhack, too, and
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quarterly opportunities for virtual conversation with some of the most innovative minds in the PC(USA).
At the meeting last week, I told you that I read the words of John O’Donohue every day as I begin work – words which were first shared with you by Libby Shannon in 2022:
May the sacredness of your work bring healing, light and renewal to those who work with you and to those who see and receive your work.
May it be so as we continue this journey together!
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Rev. Dr. Holly J. Dillon
General Presbyter
(813) 868-4800, opt. 1 (landline only; no text messages)
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My work 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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I'm not going to take the space to list all the things that have come in over the last few weeks about events coming up in September and beyond --- or next week! --- AND made it into this issue of the eNews, but I do encourage you to keep scrolling because there are some interesting items here (one of them is a 40% discount for elders and deacons on certain items at the PC(USA) Store 😏).
By the way, if you're reading in a web browser or on a phone, be sure to look for the "[Message clipped] View entire message" link right after the eNews stops awkwardly without getting to the part where I thank you for reading all the way to the end.
Blessings,
Bill
Rev. W. A. Wildhack III
Stated Clerk and Manager of Communications
(813) 868-4800, opt. 2 (landline only; no text messages)
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SUMMARY of the August 17 Stated Meeting of the Presbytery |
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The summary contains actions taken by vote or unanimous consent at our recent stated meeting, along with additional detail or notes from reports of officers, commissions, and local mission partners.
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The offering collected as part of our August Stated Meeting supports Beth-El |
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We've dedicated any offering collected in conjunction with our August Presbytery meeting to support the important work of the Beth-El Farmworker Ministry.
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And you can still add to it through the end of August:
We'll transfer all donations made to "Presbytery Meeting Worship Offering" at the link above through Thursday, August 31, 2023, to Beth-El at the start of September.
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For ongoing support of Beth-El in addition to this offering and the year round support we send them through our Presbytery's general mission giving, you can visit Beth-El's own online donation page and set up a recurring gift.
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Note: Our online giving is handled by the Presbyterian Foundation’s Online Giving Program, hosted at a unique link on Vanco’s eservicepayments.com website with no monthly fees.
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226th General Assembly of the PC(USA) |
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The 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) meets June 25 - July 4, 2024. |
Are you interested in serving as a commissioner to General Assembly or do you know someone who might be interested?
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From the link above:
Why Serve as a Commissioner or Advisory Delegate?
God calls commissioners and advisory delegates to serve the church because of the unique gifts and abilities that make up who you are. As a commissioner or advisory delegate, you will join with others in discussing important topics and issues that have the power to form and reform both the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and beyond. Together you will discern where Christ is calling the church.
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Click here to visit the 226th GA's website. There's not a lot there (yet!), but you can also sign up for the On the Road to GA newsletter and follow Spirit of GA on Facebook.
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Interested in nominating yourself or someone else? Want to learn more about that process in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay?
The Presbytery of Tampa Bay must elect two RECs, two TECs, and may also elect one YAAD at our November 2, 2023, stated meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
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Protecting Places of Worship |
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Protecting Places of Worship - Fall Religious Observance Security Briefing, Tuesday, August 29, 3:00-4:30 p.m. EDT |
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Federal Emergency Management Agency and interagency partners, invites you to a webinar for the faith-based community where you learn about Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence (cisa.gov) and much more!
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
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INVITATION: Fall Religious Observance Security Briefing...
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in partnership with the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Federal Emergency Management Agency and interagency partners, invites you to a webinar for the faith-based community...
Read more
content.govdelivery.com
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More resources from the PC(USA) for creating safe ministries |
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Creating Safe Ministries
God intends for the church and its ministries to be a safe place for all encounter God and grow into lives of service and fulfillment. We are called to... Read more "
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
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Support PDA’s response to Hawai‘i wildfires |
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Support PDA's response to Hawai'i wildfires
As we see the news and hear the stories of the devastating fires consuming parts of Maui, Hawai‘i, our hearts are broken and filled with sadness. Authorities are calling these fires the deadliest natural disaster in state history. More than . . .
Read more
22542400.hs-sites.com
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40 Days of Prayer: A Reflection on Addiction, Recovery, and Community |
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LIVE TAMPA BAY Faith Leadership Community invites faith leaders to be a part of this Recovery Month observance, August 31-October 9 |
Faith Leaders from different faith traditions, who pray in different ways, from diverse communities across the Tampa Bay Region, will be offering prayers on Facebook Live at 7:00PM every night beginning August 31 (International Overdose Awareness Day), going through Recovery Month (September) and ending with a final prayer on October 9 (Indigenous People’s Day).
This is a community-wide campaign to unite congregations and communities in prayer. Many people in our congregations and communities are struggling with alcoholism, addiction, or other behavioral health issues, and they need a breakthrough in their lives. Others are new to recovery and may feel isolated or alone.
Time: 7pm nightly
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Interested in being one of the forty faith leaders to share a 2-3 minute prayer about addiction and recovery as part of this Recovery Month observance?
Rev. Sam Picard of the Missio Dei NWC and a community engagement coordinator for BayCare Behavioral Health writes:
I’d be happy to talk more about it with anyone who has questions, but people who would like to pray can fill out the form without talking to me as well.
Thanks very much,
Sam
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Diana Butler Bass visits Clearwater September 15-17 |
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Trinity Presbyterian Church of Clearwater, First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin, and Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor join together to host a weekend of teaching, sharing, and preaching with Diana Butler Bass! |
The weekend includes opportunities to interact with Diana Butler Bass on Friday evening and Saturday morning, and to hear her preach in worship on Sunday morning.
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Hope for Ukraine Concert Tour visits First Presbyterian Church of St. Petersburg on September 17 |
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First Presbyterian in St. Petersburg invites you to join them on Sunday, September 17, at 4:00 p.m. for a special concert event. |
From First, St. Petersburg:
The women’s chorus of Ukraine’s Kyiv Symphony Orchestra and Chorus invites you to a concert on Sunday, September 17 at 4:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg. These singers are touring the southeastern United States to raise funds to support their mission for humanitarian aid for widows, orphans, and war victims. Giving food, clothing, blankets, transportation, camps for children, and one-on-one support are just a few of the activities they have undertaken.
While in Tampa Bay, the chorus has asked First Presbyterian Church to collect donations for their humanitarian mission. All donations go directly to Music Mission Kyiv, a not-for-profit organization. 90% goes to humanitarian aid, 10% to the chorus’s administrative costs.
There are several ways you can financially support their humanitarian relief mission:
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- Write a check to FPC-St. Pete with 'Ukrainian Concert' in the memo line. Please mail to First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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- Write a check to Music Mission Kiev and please mail to First Presbyterian Church. Address above.
You can download the Hope for Ukraine Tour concert flier by clicking here (or on the image above).
All donations are tax-deductible. There will also be a freewill offering taken during the concert.
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Check out the August issue of re:RE |
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"When we come together in prayer and fellowship, the Spirit moves in powerful ways, guiding us toward greater understanding and deeper connection."
G-2.0104 of the Book of Order tells us that God gives ruling elders suitable gifts for the particular service to which they are called. But, how are ruling elders also using their gifts beyond the walls of the congregation - in the service to the larger church, as well as the world, within their community, at their workplaces, and at home? The fourth in a set of articles that focuses on ruling elders as they serve has been posted for your reading and use.
Throughout the next two years, monthly articles will alternate between these real life glimpses into the varied ways that ruling elders are serving within congregations and ministries throughout the country and a deep dive into the the ways ruling elders discern and measure the life of a congregation through the ministry of members.
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Leader Formation Resources
Discounts for Ruling Elders and Deacons
Those serving in the ordered ministries of the church, particularly those called to serve as ruling elders and deacons in the PC(USA), serve vital roles in the life of the congregations and councils of the denomination.
As a part of the process of the ecclesial formation of these leaders, the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation have partnered to provide particular books and resources to aid in the ministries of these leaders at a significant discount when ordered through the PC(USA) Store.
For curated lists of the selected books and the promotional code to receive 40% off, click here.
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Presbyterian Hunger Program invites you to a book study in September and October |
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From the link below:
Anyone can sign up to participate in the study of “The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery” by Sarah Augustine. The study will take place on Zoom each Tuesday from Sept. 12 through Oct. 10.
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Book study by Presbyterian Hunger Program and partners...
The Presbyterian Hunger Program and its Global Solidarity Network will begin a five-week book study in September to help people gain a better understanding of the Church's complicity in colonization and the exploitation of Indigenous land,...
Read more
www.presbyterianmission.org
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Unfamiliar with the "Doctrine of Discovery"?
Read more on the Presbyterian Mission Agency website about an action taken by the 222nd General Assembly (2016) calling the church to "confess its complicity and repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery," and for a review of the history of the doctrine and the writing of a report on the doctrine."
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Savannah Presbytery offers new "School of the Laity" classes in October |
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Fall Offerings include
- Old Testament Survey,
- History, Mission & Polity, and
- Survey of World Religions
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WHAT: Three courses to choose from at the October 2023 Session
WHERE: Epworth by the Sea, Saint Simons, Georgia OR online via Zoom
WHEN: Saturday, October 7th at 8:30 AM through Sunday, October 8th at 3:00 PM
COSTS: $110 tuition for everyone PLUS accommodations & meal fees for those
participating in-person
The School of the Laity courses are held hybrid with both online (via Zoom) and in-person participants. In-person classes are held at Epworth By the Sea on St. Simons Island, GA. Participants can join a small cohort beginning each June and complete the full two-year program or can take a singular course as their schedule permits.
There are pre-course assignments for each course shared on the registration brochure. March and October Sessions begin early Saturday morning and conclude late Saturday afternoon while June Sessions begin on Friday evening and continue through late Sunday afternoon. For more details click here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Marty Susie, SOL Registrar, at (800) 616-3671 ext. 703 or msusie1@savannahpresbytery.org. |
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Save the Date:
Association of Smaller Congregations returns to St. Simons Island at the end of February
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Please consider adding February 29 - March 4, 2024 to your calendar. |
We'll let you know when we know more. In the meantime, check out the ASC's website for updates and info on prior conferences.
Note: The Association of Smaller Congregations (ASC) of the Synod of South Atlantic, PC(USA) considers all churches and their members within the ecclesiastical bounds of the Synod of South Atlantic having 200 or fewer members as members of the ASC.
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Rhonda Alvarez at Lake Seminole writes, "I am so hopeful that there is a congregation who would enjoy using the booklets for their Bible Study this fall." If you can use them, please reach out to Rhonda by clicking here.
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Good Samaritan Church in Pinellas Park is clearing out spaces and finds itself with "many hymnals and many collection plates and communion plates that maybe another church would benefit from," and wrote asking if we happened to know of any churches in the area that need or might like more of either. Well, we do know of a few churches with members who see our eNews --- so here we are!
If you or someone you know might need or want any of these, please contact Jayms Battaglia, Good Sam's Office Administrator, by email or calling 727-544-8558.
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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.
If you know that a position listed here has been filled, please let us know!
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***NEW***
Communications Coordinator (Part Time)
This position will require 14 to 16 hours per week in support of the ministries and membership of the church.
The Communications Coordinator will be required to build slides in ProPresenter, design the weekly online newsletter using Mailchimp, maintain social media platforms including website and Facebook and perform basic clerical and administrative duties. Applicant should possess excellent written and oral communications skills. A high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of two years related experience is preferred.
We request that candidates submit a letter of application and current resume that includes three references via email to VPCapplications@gmail.com. |
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Director of Contemporary Worship (Part Time)
Northwood Presbyterian Church, 2875 State Road 580, Clearwater, FL. 33761, seeks a part-time Director of Contemporary Worship to provide key leadership in the planning and preparing of its contemporary multi-generational worship service along with pastors, staff and volunteer musicians/technicians.
Click here to review the position description. Applications and inquiries should be sent to the pastor, Rev. Dr. E Chris Curvin; click here to send him an email or call the church office at
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Director of Christian Education (Part Time)
Hope Presbyterian Church, 2110 Cypress Gardens Blvd Winter Haven, FL 33884, is looking for a part-time Director of Christian Education to work with them to create, lead, and coordinate a comprehensive program of education and nurture for persons of all ages.
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Music Ministry Associate (Part Time)
The Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor (PCPH), 2021 Nebraska Avenue, Palm Harbor, FL 34683, seeks a part-time Music Ministry Associate to join our music ministry. The Music Ministry Associate assists the Director of Music in the implementation of music ministry initiatives. They focus on the day-to-day success of music ministry at PCPH via involvement in programs, performance, and engagement with the PCPC congregation. The successful candidate is comfortable singing as a soloist and as part of a group in front of a congregation. Preference is given to candidates with proficiency in piano, guitar, or other chorded instruments.
Click here to review the position description, requirements, and additional information. This position pays $15/hour and works approximately 10 hours per week (Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings required). Interested candidates should email their performance resume and a link to a video or audio recording of themselves performing to info@pcph.org. For more information about PCPH, please visit the church at the link above or on Facebook.
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Youth Director Position (Part Time)
Forest Hills Presbyterian Church in Tampa is looking for a new Youth Director to organize, facilitate, and evaluate the Faith Formation of their middle and high school students in collaboration with the Christian Education committee.
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Book of Order 2023-2025 is available now |
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It's been four years since we had a new one of these, and it shows! |
Changes to The Constitution of The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Part II, Book of Order 2023-2025, including an entirely new section called Church Discipline (replacing the former Rules of Discipline section) went into effect on Sunday, July 9, 2023.
If you would like a free copy of Book of Order 2023-2025, you can download a PDF of the book from the PC(USA)'s Constitution webpage as it was published in book form or as a text only version on letter-size pages.
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The download of the book form turns out to be over 35 MB in size. If you'd like a smaller version around 2.5 MB in size, click here for one made from the larger file but with less detail in the cover graphics.
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Both versions of the PDF include active links from the table of contents along with bookmarks to help navigate quickly to the right page.
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Paperback versions of the Book of Order can be purchased from the PC(USA) Store at this link. (Combining orders with neighboring congregations can reduce the price and save on shipping.)
Look for boldface print throughout to find the changes from the last edition.
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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! |
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As always, thanks for reading all the way to the end! -- Bill |
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