Click link for information on

Middle School Retreat

News Flash!

Resourceful Ideas

Serving Together in Mission

We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Survivor - Heart Attack! 

Can You and Your Tribe Survive When Forces in the World Attack You and Your Faith?

The Presbytery of Tampa Bay announces its Annual Middle School Retreat at Cedarkirk.

November 6-8.  Friday is optional for groups wanting to come and do group building (dinner is available). The Rev. Jim Hatch will be our Keynote Speaker on Saturday.

Main retreat begins Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and concludes by 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.

To register you need these items:  Registration Form,  Cedarkirk information, Cost Options, Group Information and the Flyer.

Registration forms and payment are due in the Presbytery Office by October 29.  Please be sure all information is sent to Carol Walker.  Questions?  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Carol.

Top

News Flash!

End-of-Year Training-Rescheduled!

December Presbytery Meeting

Free Lunch!

Space for Rent

Great Happenings at Cedarkirk

Presbyterian Women Update

Save the Dates!

Important End Of Year Training has been rescheduled! Now we will gather on Monday November 16, 8:30-5:00 p.m.  For all who handle money in your church - treasurers, bookkeepers, financial secretaries, etc.  There are many rules and regulations governing non-profit bookkeeping and knowing how to successfully and properly close out the year is important (and changes each year with new IRS regulations).  Come Monday November 16 for a day to review the critical information needed for proper bookkeeping.  Cost is $25 per person ($20 for two or more from the same church) and includes lunch, snacks and all materials.  We must have your RSVP by November 11.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the office or call 813-868-4800 for more information.  Download and print the flyer and information form here.

Congratulations to Maximo Presbyterian Church! Our Maximo brothers and sisters were recently honored by the US Commerce Association as the 2009 best of St. Petersburg places of worship! Each year, the US Commerce Association (USCA) identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

The next Stated Meeting of the Presbytery will be Thursday December 3, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater.  The docket and other information for the meeting will be available by email in November.  Remember we do not bring printed copies, so please plan to print out your docket prior to the meeting.  If you wish to receive your docket in your email, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us and we'll add you to the list.  All churches with email addresses and all pastors receive one automatically.  You must print out or forward the information for your elder commissioners.

If you enjoy fun musical comedy, consider coming to (free) presentations of Fractured Folktales at Northwest Presbyterian Church, October 22-24 at 7:30 p.m. and October 25 at 2:00 p.m..  Donations will be accepted.  Northwest is located at 6330 54th Ave NW, St. Petersburg, FL.  Reservations requested - 727-823-7252.

BOARD OF PENSIONS - Free SEMINAR and LUNCH November 11

Calling all treasurers, business managers/administrators, bookkeepers, pastors, Christian educators –  any who have a need to know or are charged to administer the Board of Pensions benefits program at your church.  Board members (pastors/educators) should note that you, not your bookkeeper or financial person, are responsible for knowing and understanding your account and ensuring accuracy.  This seminar will help.  

Clark Simmons, Regional Representative for the PC(USA) Board of Pensions, will speak from 9:30 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday November 11, 2009, and host lunch at no charge immediately following the seminar.  

Subject matter will include:
·    Employee Classifications
·    Traditional vs. Affiliated Benefits Programs (ABP)
·    www.pensions.org
·    Benefits Connect
·    New Members Packet
·    31.5% Dues
·    403b(9) Retirement Savings Plan
·    Retirement Packet
·    Vacancy Dues
·    BoardLink Online Dues Payments
·    Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches
·    Imputed Income

Register by contacting our Event Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by November 5 with the following information:
Name, Church Position
Church you serve
Phone
Email

There is such a thing as a free lunch.  See you November 11.

Don't get left behind! Remember to turn your clock back.  Sunday November 1 is when Daylight Savings Time ends.  Should you forget, you will be an hour early for church!

Each week your Presbytery Staff prays for our churches, their staff, our General Assembly, for those celebrating birthdays in the coming week, and anyone who has asked for prayer. Each month we will share with you the churches we are praying for and invite you to join this ministry of prayer for each other.  During October we are praying for:

McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church - Bartow
First Presbyterian Church - Brandon
Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale
First Presbyterian Church - Brooksville
Bethel Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
Church of the Reconciler - Clearwater
Hope Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
Northwood Presbyterian Church - Clearwater

Space for Rent at the Kelly Road Mission Center. Space is Available at the Presbytery of Tampa Bay Office for Meetings of Organizations

In order to be better stewards of the resources of the presbytery, the Trustees have approved the rental of space in the presbytery office building for groups who need a place to meet. Preference (and reduced rates) will be given to Presbytery of Tampa Bay congregations. If you are part of a non-profit organization that needs meeting space, please pass this news along.

The presbytery office building has three conference rooms and a large chapel/meeting room. It is located one mile west of the Tampa airport. There is a nearby hotel which will offer special rates for overnight groups. A number of restaurants are nearby, and catering is available. Rental rates are based on several factors.  Member churches of the Presbytery have first priority and receive the lowest rates (begin at $15), non-Presbyterian or non-Presbytery churches start at $25 and non-profit organizations, $30, all for four hours or less.  Each area (Chapel, Conference Room, Annex or full west wing) has rates according to the organization and how long the space will be used. Click here to see the complete rate chart. 

In addition, there is a furnished office in the west wing (14 feet x16 feet) which will rent for $300 per month. This includes utilities, desk, chair, credenza, restroom, kitchen, and refrigerator. Additional (optional) services include telephone/fax/internet services for $100 per month.

For further information, please contact Cheryl Valdebenito at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 813-868-4800, or visit our website at www.presbyteryoftampabay.com.

New Beginnings For Pastors October. 28-29.
The Presbytery of Tampa Bay annually sponsors an event to help pastors new to the presbytery get acclimated.   It’s for any pastor who became a member of the presbytery within the past year, no matter what their service or how long they’ve been ordained.  The topics covered help them get to know the resources in the presbytery and also cover issues of sexual misconduct and how to have a healthier congregation.  If a pastor could not attend the event their first year, they may take part in this one, which will be held at the Holiday Inn SunSpree in St. Petersburg.  For details call or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it the presbytery office.  It should be noted this event is held here, but includes new pastors from all six Florida presbyteries, in addition to the executive staff from each.

Fall Events at Cedarkirk

Kairos Retreat (High School or Young Adult)            Open Dates
Kairos, or "special time with God", is a retreat focusing on traditional spiritual disciplines and developing ways to enhance one's devotional life.
This weekend is committed to exploring and expressing faith through art, lectio devina, play, guided meditation, silence, prayer, and song; just to name a few options.
These retreats are intentionally designed for small groups. It is for this reason we are keeping an open calendar for individual youth or young adult groups to book a private retreat. Come join us for the sole purpose of devoting time to God in a way that is counter to today's fast-paced, highly-stimulated culture.
Please call or e-mail to customize your event. Cost, lodging, and program will vary according to your needs.

Christmas Retreat - for those summer campers who just can't get enough!  December 18—20
Christmas International House - help provide an American Christmas experience to an international student who can't travel home during break.   Dec. 18—Jan. 2
Confirmation Retreats - a great way to build relationships and connect with other youth in confirmation.  March 5—7 or  March 12—14, 2010.

For the above listed events or any other questions, please don't hesitate to call 813.685.4224 or check our website at www.cedarkirk.org.  Download the Registration form for these events here.

For registration information on any of these events, please contact Karin Dale at Cedarkirk - 813-685-4224 or by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN  Annual Fall Helpshops were a big hit! 

Our 2009 Fall Helpshops were held at First Church, Zephyrhills, Thursday, September 10, with approximately 100 women present and again on Saturday, September 12, with 50 at First Church, St. Petersburg.  Training classes for officers, Mission Outreach, crafts and more were held.  There were many positive comments about the events, from the pastors’ teachings on Joshua that began the sessions, to the delicious lunches served at the end.  Our offering, totaling a generous $377, was divided between Beth-El and Cedarkirk. 

We are so grateful to those who worked so diligently at both churches to make the women feel welcome and provide so well for us.  It is just one of three events each year when women from all over the Presbytery can get together to fulfill the PW Purpose:
to engage in Bible study, reach out to others, and enjoy the caring fellowship that is so vital in witnessing to the promise of God’s kingdom.  It is our prayer that we were able to do that.

Please put the following on your calendar:  Annual Gathering, Saturday, February 20, 2010, at St. Andrew, Sun City Center, and our Spring Retreat with Peace River Presbytery April 26-28, 2010, at DaySpring Conference Center, Ellenton.  All women are invited.  Your church PW Moderator or contact person will have more information soon.

Newsletters Please. Presbyterians are connectional people and your presbytery wants to know what great things are happening in your congregation. Please be sure to add us to your newsletter mailing list. Our surface mail address is 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa, FL 33615. Email newsletters to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We will include events of interest to all, if we get them well in advance. The newsletter deadline is the second Monday each month. November 9 is our next deadline. Articles can be sent in word or email format. Clip art is also welcome, please contact us - we have a large library already and may have what you want!

Top

It's not too late! We have ONE 2009-2010 Presbyterian Planning Calendar available for sale - $8.00, first come first served.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Save The Dates!

Coming to Cedarkirk:

Challenge to Change - The perfect mission trip program for youth groups.  -  Year-round

The Inn Door A holiday retreat for homeless women and families.    TBA

The Presbytery Council will meet on Monday November 9, 10:00 a.m. at the Presbytery office.  All committee reports/motions etc for the December Presbytery meeting are due to the office not later than November 4.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions.

Free Lunch! The Board of Pensions will host a free lunch for anyone who is a member of the Board of Pensions to discuss important matters related to the Plan.  Wednesday November 11, 9:30a.m. to noon.  Clark Simmons, our Regional Representative will present this event.  If you are a member of the Board or are responsible for reporting financial information you need to attend this event. Please R.S.V.P. not later than Thursday November 5 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

St. Mark's Presbyterian Church will welcome Paul Saik, Christian recording artist on Sunday November 15, 3:00 p.m.  St. Mark's is located at 7922 SR 52, Hudson, FL  727-863-5646.

The Winter Stated Meeting of Presbytery will be at Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday December 3.

Vacation Bible School Preview Party! Saturday January 9, 2010 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Resource Center.  Cokesbury will be here with many different options for your summer vacation Bible school curriculum.  Enjoy refreshments, fellowship and browsing.

Super Saturday for Leadership will be Saturday January 23, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland.

APCE (Association of Presbyterian Church Educators) annual meeting will be January 27-30, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  We have an offer of transportation by church bus for any from our Presbytery planning to go.  Hotel registration can be made on-line - www.apcenet.org.  Register on-line NOW to secure your place in the best room and classes.

Souper Bowl '10 will be February 7, 2010.

Resourceful Ideas

If you enjoyed my report at the recent Presbytery meeting, you know I was tossing out ideas and used some yarn balls for fun.  I had six when I started, but only three were recovered at the meeting.  If you have one, please return to me-no questions, no problems, I just want to keep my fun equipment together!

New! New! New!

The winter quarter of We Believe, Wee Believe, FAQ and Faith Questions is here for review.  We have a good selection of quality curriculum materials to help you choose what is best for your church.  Let us help you plan an excellent Christian Education program.

H1N1 Flu:  A Guide for Community and Faith Based Organizations is a free download from www.flu.gov and is also available already printed from the Resource Center.  The flu is already affecting many people and churches can be proactive in helping educate about the flu, the vaccine and promoting prevention.

Living The Questions DreamThinkBeDo is an exciting addition for churches wishing to reach out to young adults.  A twelve week DVD study, this will help young adults talk about Christianity and deepen their faith.  Please call or email to reserve use, this resource is sure to be in demand!

Embrace Grace by Liz Curtis Higgs is aimed at helping women realize that we need to take the second step.  God forgives us and we need to forgive ourselves, which sometimes seems impossible.  God is grace and we can take the step to free ourselves.

Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers by Joan Gray is a brand new book that aims to help elders and deacons claim not only practical leadership, but more importantly spiritual leadership in the congregation.  There is work to be done, but by growing in spiritual leadership more will be accomplished as elders and deacons walk alongside their pastors serving Christ together.

The Thoughtful Christian always has great new studies.  www.thethoughtfulchristian.com.  Just in time for the season:  Halloween Lesson Plans for Sunday School If you are looking for a Halloween lesson plan for Sunday school we have an adult and youth study for your use this October. This week we're launching a study for youth titled, "Trick or Treat: What Youth Should Know about Halloween." Last year we launched a study for adults titled, "Trick or Treat: What's Halloween About?"  New for adults:  H1N1: History, Risk Factors, and Prevention. Just how much should we worry about—and what can we do to prepare for—H1N1, or “swine flu”?  This study would make a great weekday offering for your Wednesday night program.  “The United Nations: History, Accomplishments, and Current Challenges, is another new study for adults and could complement the many studies that have been published to help us understand places like Indonesia, Cuba and Iran.

Explore these and other resources on the web - www.presbyteryoftampabay.com.  You can click on Webrary (Webrary is our on-line, searchable catalog!) on the right hand side.

Do you need help with teacher training?  Choosing curriculum?  Need ideas for adult classes?  We can help!  Leslee Kirkconnell is a Certified Christian Educator and will lead workshops based on your need.  She can also consult with your Education (or Stewardship or Worship or....) Committee as you plan and dream and hope.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

You are the RIESEN we are here - Resourceful Ideas Enabling Service Education & Nurture! Contact Leslee Kirkconnell or Carol Walker at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 813-868-4800.

Top

Serving Together in Mission

Serving in Mission does not always mean leaving home.  Help is needed in your Resource Center.  Volunteers can help with routine tasks and should be comfortable using computers.  An hour or two once a week or once a month will be much appreciated and helpful.  Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

Top

We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Heritage Grants

Retirement Seminar for Board of Pension Members

We Cannot Agree.....

Continuing Education Opportunities

Looking to preserve your history? You may be eligible if you:

*are a PCUSA congregation of 250 members or less

*are a congregation at least 50 years old

*are interested in preserving your history

*are looking for financial assistance with microfilming your records

You may be able to receive a Heritage Microfilming Grant.  An award of up to $300 is given annually by the Presbyterian Historical Society to encourage and support preservation microfilming of official records (as defined by our Book of Order - G-9.0406 and G-10.0300).  The deadline is October 31. If you are interested, your Clerk of Session must submit an application that includes:

1.  a letter describing the condition of the records, where they are currently stored and any information about where they were stored previously, why the records are important to the congregation;  plans the congregation has for preserving future original records and the financial need of the congregation.

2.  an inventory of the records.

3.  a copy of the congregation's most recent annual budget.

Submit your application to the Heritage Microfilming Grant, Presbyterian Historial Society, 425 Lombard St. Philadelphia, PA  19147-1516.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 215-627-1852.

The Board of Pensions is sponsoring a Holistic Retirement Planning Education Seminar November 17-18 at Port Orange Presbyterian Church in Port Orange, Florida.  Growing into Tomorrow.....Today will explore transition issues in health, lifestyle and finances for church professionals.  Those servants within 10-15 years of retirement can make changes now to positively affect retirement.  Registration is on-line through the Board of Pensions - go to www.pensions.org, search 'Growing into Tomorrow...Today" and click on the first link.  Click Register and follow the instructions (you will need to register for the Port Orange event).  Registration ends October 23 and is limited to the first 30 participants.  The event is free, but participants must make own travel and housing arrangements.  Meals and refreshements provided for $24.

We Cannot Agree....is the consensus of the Special Committee to Study Issues of Civil Unions and Christian Marriage.  The special committee was authorized by the 2008 General Assembly and unanimously approved its preliminary report, which consists of the words, "we cannot agree."  Read the full article here.

All of us need time away to relax, refresh, learn, worship and recreate. Here are opportunities available for Clergy, educators and more:

Columbia Theological Seminary:

Save the Date: January 26-28 Emergence NOW (January Seminars 2010) featuring speakers and workshop leaders Bruce Reyes-Chow, Philip Clayton, Phyllis Tickle, Tony Jones; Barbara Brown Taylor will preach two services. Registration is open NOW! Limited housing is also available on campus – must register separately.

A complete listing of courses and events may be found at http://www.ctsnet.edu/LL/Events.aspx.

Pittsburgh Theological Seminary announces a Doctor of Ministry program that will meet at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg.  Parish Focus, Pastor/Theologian for the 21st Century will bridge the Word with the world. Brochures are available from the Resource Center.  For admission or other information, contact The Rev. Susan Kendall who directs the program for the seminary.  Call 412-441-3304 x2112 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Montreat Conference Center has wonderful opportunities year 'round.  Visit www.montreat.org for information or to register.  Early registration is discounted on many conferences.

Top