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Community Newsletters December 2008 Newsletter
Community Newsletters December 2008 Newsletter
| December 2008 Newsletter |
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NEXT PRESBYTERY MEETING...Thursday • December 4, 2008 9:00 a.m. (8:30 a.m. Registration) KEYNOTE: Diana Butler Bass St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Childcare: Call the church office (727-734-5493)by November 26. Reminder to Pastors: Your attendance is expected at all meetings
Diana is an author, speaker and independent scholar specializing in American religion and culture. Her PhD in Religious Studies is from Duke University. She has authored six books, including Christianity for the Rest of Us. Currently she is a Senior Fellow at the Cathedral College of the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Diana regularly consults with religious organizations, leads conferences for religious leaders, and teaches and preaches around the country. In speaking about who she is, Diana says, “I am an author who explores the dimensions of religion and spirituality in today’s world. I write books, columns, and blogs, all aimed to help people understand faith - both analytically and personally. “I am a teacher and speaker working to educate both people of faith and the general public about the importance, the depth, and the complexity of religion and spirituality in history, culture, and political life. “I am a person of faith, a Christian, who attempts to live the generative, inviting, inclusive and transforming practices at the heart of Christianity that can heal the world.” (from www.dianabulterbass.com) Diana and her husband Richard live in Alexandria, Virginia. In her spare time she enjoys mystery novels, wine-tasting, walking, Duke basketball, art museums, quiet evenings at home, and interesting conversation with people who want to change the world. We look forward to welcoming Diana Butler Bass at our December Presbytery meeting and hearing the words of wisdom she will bring. Please note that the presbytery office has several of her books available for purchase.They will be available at the presbytery meeting as well. For purchasing information, contact Leslee Kirkconnell at . This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
Christmas Gift AlternativesWhat are you giving this Christmas? As we come closer to the holy season of Advent and Christmas, we will be bombarded by retailers hoping we will spend money on stuff for others. Consider giving Alternative Giftsthis Christmas! The Presbytery office has a special display of Alternative Giving opportunities that enable you to help others while giving a gift to a loved one. Some of the items you can purchase include: Equal Exchange coffee, tea and chocolate, scholarships for children at Beth-El to attend summer camp, scarves to support girl's education in Pakistan, Palestinian olive oil, Society of St. Andrew, Thornwell Home for Children and more.Come by the Presbytery office anytime between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday to buy gifts that make a difference. These items will also be available at the December 4 Presbytery meeting at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Dunedin. For questions about our Alternative Market, please call Mitch Webb at the presbytery office, 813-868-4800 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
RESOURCEful Ideas for Congregations!Thank you for allowing us to serve your resource needs in 2008! It has been a joy to get to provide books, videos, curriculum, training and more over this year. I look forward to helping more in 2009 – call to set up training, consultation with Christian Education committees, help in setting up child protection policies and much more.The gift you give your congregation! It’s time to renew membership in your Presbytery Resource Center. As you finalize your 2009 budget, don’t forget to include your membership fee. Due to rising shipping costs, we have raised our fees for the first time in many years. The fee is based on size: up to 250 members pay $45; 251-500, $75; 501-1000, $110; 1001+ pay $140.00. Any church that wishes to borrow but is not a member will pay $5.00 per resource plus the actual shipping cost. Most churches find the membership is the best deal as it gives unlimited access to any member for the year. We’d love to have your fee by January 31, 2009. Reminder about due dates – resources are normally checked out for 45 days (6 weeks). If you need more time, we are happy to extend the time as needed. If a resource has been reserved by someone else, it cannot be extended and we will notify you of this as soon as possible. We appreciate timely returns, but if you can’t get it back to us when due, just let us know when to expect it. We’re happy to be flexible, but appreciate hearing from you also.  We’re looking for a few good men and women! The Resource Center is looking for some volunteer help. If you have an hour or two you can give (weekly, monthly or even occasionally) we have a place for you. We’re a great option for youth who need service hours! We’re updating and reorganizing some materials. If you love God and are looking for a way to serve Jesus, give us a call. In return you will enjoy a relaxed work environment, lots of love, appreciation and free coffee!New! New! New! The 2009 Yearbooks for Prayer and Study for Children and Adults are here (orders will be distributed separately). If you wish to preview these books, they are available through the Resource Center. The Children’s Mission Yearbook makes a wonderful gift for families to teach about serving God through mission and also teaching about the PC(USA). Winter Quarter curriculum for We Believe and The Present Word is also available. These can only be checked out for a limited time so others can preview. (Please call us if you want consultation on curriculum choices for your Christian Education program.) The Thoughtful Christian has an Advent Study available – Advent Through the Eyes of Those Who Waited. This four week study moves through Isaiah, John the Baptist, Mary and Elizabeth as those who waited for the coming of the Messiah. The Resource Center can let you preview a piece of this study – if you wish to use it, you must order it on-line from www.thethoughtfulchristian.com. The four week study is $18. Be sure to also check out the studies available on popular culture; coming soon is a study on Reality TV. Also consider the great studies for youth – a new film study on I Am Legend is now available. We have lots of great Advent & Christmas resources at the Resource Center. Consider these: Parables for Christmas by John Killinger; Kneeling in Bethlehem by Ann Weems; Cloth for the Cradle – Worship Resources for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany; Lighted Windows: Advent Reflections for a World in Waiting and much, much more! Explore these and other resources on the web – www.presbyteryoftampabay.com. Click on Resources, Resource Center and then Webrary. Email or call us and we’ll send you your choices! And remember – you are the RIESEN we are here – ResourcefulIdeas EnablingService Education and 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.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
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From Our Justice & Peacemaking CommitteeThe Commandment to Love – for Families and the Family of God:
If anyone boasts, “I love God,” and goes right on hating his brother or sister, thinking nothing of it, he [or she] is a liar. ... The command we have from Christ is blunt: Loving God includes loving people. YOU'VE GOT TO LOVE BOTH! (I John 4:20,21) A FAMILYPLEDGEOFNONVIOLENCE:Approach of the Advent/Christmas season is an excellent time to place emphasis on living peacefully and constructively in our homes.To assist in achieving that goal is a FAMILY PLEDGE OF NONVIOLENCE, created by Jim and Kathy McGinnis from the Institute of Peace and Justice in St. Louis, Missouri.The McGinnises founded the Institute in 1970, an inter-faith center promoting peace and justice through education, social action, and prayer. They are nationally-known Peace Education consultants, authors, workshop presenters, family life resource leaders, and peace educators. And they are the parents of three adult children and three young grandchildren, qualifying them as the founders and international coordinators of their Parenting for Peace and Justice Network.See more information and resources at www.ipj-ppj.org. Here is the Family Pledge of Non-Violence, which includes this Introduction and the following seven commitments: “Making peace must start within ourselves and in our families.
All members of the family must commit themselves, as best they can, to become non-violent and peaceable people.”
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MAY YOU EACH, in your own way, discourage the purchase of war toys and violent games as Christmas gifts this year! * * * * * * * * * * * Treasurers: Please remember to send 75% of your Peacemaking Offering to the Presbytery before December 31st. Churches keep 25% for local church use. Top |
Cedarkirk/Christmas International House Needs Your Help in Partnering a Ministry of Hospitality to International Students“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some peopleentertained angels without knowing it.” Heb. 13:2 Cedarkirk is hosting 20 international students through the Christmas International House program this December. Students enjoy spending time with other students and seeing the sites of Florida, but a highlight of their experiences is spending time with families over Christmas. Won’t you consider hosting a student or two from December 23rd (afternoon pick-up) until the 27th (afternoon drop-off)? Perhaps a few families in your church could join together to share the joy of Christmas. You can helpin any of the following areas:
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A Delightful, Old-Fashioned Christmas Concert
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Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) CelebrationOn November 30, the Sunday after Thanksgiving and the one-year anniversary of CIW's historic 9-mile peaceful march through Miami to Burger King's HQ, you are invited to Immokalee to celebrate the inauguration of the CIW's Community Center. The event starts at 3pm and will feature a guided tour, refreshments, and an all-around enjoyable time.Please RSVP to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 937-903-6312 by November 20 if you are able to attend. Top |
Summer Camp at Christmas?Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center is pleased to announce their annual Christmas Retreat will be held December 19-21 for all campers in grades 3-12. The retreat is made up of two different programs, a Junior Retreat (for those currently in grades 3-5) and a Mid-High and Senior High Retreat (for those currently in grades 6-12). The retreat will include traditional summer camp activities, such as Bible Study, climbing wall, canoeing, games, archery, zip lines, songs and arts & crafts -- all with a unique holiday twist. Focus in Bible Study and worship will be the meaning of Advent, the Christmas story, and what the birth of Jesus means for us today. Campers will stay in heated accommodations with their counselors and will have lots of time to see old friends and make new ones, too.Retreat begins with check-in from 6-7pm on Friday and ends with a closing programat 1:30pm on Sunday. Cost for program, lodging and meals is $110. Scholarships are available. Contact Cedarkirk at 813-685-4224 (www.cedarkirk.com) for complete details. This event always fills quickly, so please register early. Top |
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...to Rev. Tom McGrath, Pastor at Hope PC in Winter Haven, who has been invited by Westminster John Knox Press to be a contributing author for its new Bible Study Commentary series, Feasting On the Word. Volume two, just published, includes three essays by Rev. McGrath on the Psalms (our Resource Center has this resource!). Three additional essays have been requested for volumes to be published in 2009. …to everyone at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville. Twenty years after dedicating that facility, church leaders, employees, and special guests gathered on October 29 to celebrate the center's anniversary. The celebration included a worship and communion service in the center's chapel and a combined 20th anniversary/staff service awards event, held in the center's atrium. The 1987 General Assembly in Biloxi voted to locate the national office in Louisville after the two branches of the church united to create the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1983. Further details about the construction of the center and this celebration can be found athttp://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08788.htm. |
Souper Bowl '09
Are you Souper? Souper Bowl '09 will be Sunday, February 1. In 2008, PC(USA) youth groups around the nation raised $864,337 to feed hungry people. They collected 209,633 pounds of food for food banks. 18,239 Presbyterian youth participated from 2,269 registered groups. Is your Youth Group registered? |
Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) Early Bird Registration DueAPCE Annual Conference Registration is due! The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators annual conference is in San Antonio, TX, January 28-31, 2009. Early-bird registration ends November 28.APCE is one of the best conferences in the denomination and is a wonderful benefit to educators, youth leaders, pastors, lay people - anyone interested in and passionate about Christian Education in the church. A number of people are going from our presbytery, so please let us know if you'll be joining us so we can connect in San Antonio! There are workshops on many topics. More information is available at www.apcenet.org. Top |
Another Cedarkirk Opportunity for Youth
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News, Anyone? Do you have news to share? This newsletter is for the Presbytery of Tampa Bay's churches to learn important information about the Presbytery, denomination and each other. If you have an event that is of interest to other churches and would like it included in our e-news, please send the information to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
.Our deadline is the second Monday each month with publication by the end of the month, so think ahead! (An event happening in the middle of the month must be received two months earlier.) Put us on your newsletter mailing list. We like to receive newsletters from our churches and accept newsletters by email or US mail. The Presbytery reserves the right to edit submitted information for content and appropriateness of inclusion. Send your electronic newsletterto This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Via US mail, to Presbytery of Tampa Bay, 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa FL 33615-5019. Top |
College ScholarshipsThe National Presbyterian College Scholarship is available for students who attend one of 62 Presbyterian-related colleges or universities. Applicants need to:
For further information, go to www.pcusa.org/financialaid. Top |
A Call to FastPresbyterians are being invited to engage in a monthly church-wide fast to discern faithful responses to the global food crisis. The call to action comes as some 854 million people around the world are going hungry.The fasts will typically take place on the first weekend of each month, beginning Friday evening and ending with Communion or a communal meal on Sunday. Interpretive materials, Bible studies and worship resources are available at www.pcusa.org/foodcrisis. Top |
Disaster Response UpdateRecovery is continuing in the wake of hurricanes that slammed the Caribbean, the US Gulf Coast and points further north in September. A national response team was sent to Houston the week after Hurricane Ike struck to assess damages. Disaster officials announced plans to build one or more new "volunteer villages" in Texas to house work teams that come to help with the massive rebuilding effort. Several existing volunteer villages or temporary houses (pods) were destroyed during the storms.Millions of people in the Caribbean region lost homes and livelihoods in this year's hurricane season. Especially hard hit were Haiti and Cuba. In Cuba, some 350,000 homes were severely damaged and 30,000 were completely demolished. Total damage to the island was estimated at $3-4 billion. The destruction of crops in Haiti has left 2.3 million people at risk of hunger. Storms came only months after food riots triggered by rising prices erupted across the county. You can help!
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Montreat Young Adult Intentional Community Underway, Applications Being AcceptedApplications are being accepted now for the Winter 2009 program of the new Young Adult Intentional Community at Montreat Conference Center.Beginning January 8, 2009, and continuing through April 30, participants will explore (1) living in community, (2) spiritual practices, and (3) service learning as a way of discerning vocation and faithful discipleship. Each community member will devote twenty hours a week to Montreat Conference Center and will commit to a covenant developed by the entire group that could include, but is not limited to daily prayer, group spiritual direction, shared meals, and trips to other Christian communities.“It’s important to have group input in developing the covenant,” said the Rev. Lynn Webber, program guide for the community.“The program is new and much of what we learn now from these early community members will help us in guiding future communities.”She went on to add that a small monthly fee of $150 will be required to cover the cost of utilities for the home community members will share.In addition to their service hours at the conference center, community members will be encouraged to find employment in the area.To learn more about the Young Adult Intentional Community at Montreat Conference Center, visit the conference center Web site, www.montreat.org, for an application that can be completed and mailed or emailed as an attachment.The first-round deadline for submitting an application is November 25. Top |
More Montreat News...Montreat Conference Center has published its dates for 2009 conferences, Many, especially the Youth Conferences, fill very quickly. There are conferences for college students, youth leaders, older adults, Christian Education, and much, much more!Montreat is a special place - anyone who has been there understands the very real sense of God's presence in our mountain retreat center. Visit their website (www.montreat.org) to learn about the wonderful conferences or how you can just visit Montreat for a personal or church retreat. Top |
A Touch of Humor
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Presbytery CommitteesBeth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc.
Contact Dave Moore, Executive Dir. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Bills & Overtures Chair: James Welch This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Camps & Conferences Contact John Reiter, Executive Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Committee on Ministry Chair: Ken Gruebel This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Committee on Preparation for Ministry Chair: Joy Laughridge This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Council Chair: Jean Cooley This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Education Chair: Tim Black This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Evangelism & Church Development Chair: Geoff Kohler This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Investigating Committee Contact Norm Hatter This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Mission Outreach and Funding Chair: Mona Bagasao This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Nominating Chair: Carol Cagwin This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Permanent Judicial Commission Chair: Emily Peacock This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Personnel Chair: Kevin Morris This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Professional Support Co-Chairs: Ray Spigarelli This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Phyllis Keith This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Representation Chair: Kitty Rawson This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Response Coordination Contact Gerry Tyer This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Stewardship Chair: Sue Moore This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Trustees President: Gordon Bowles This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it The Nominating Committee is always looking for folks to fill positions on our committees. If you're interested in serving on any of the above committees, please contact Mary McKey, Associate Executive for Nurture, at 813-868-4800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Top |
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The Presbytery of Tampa Bay
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