Community Newsletters June 2009
| June 2009 |
 |
 |
 |
Click link for information on
We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.
Budget Shortfall Creates Major ChangesA pastoral letter from Gerry TyerRecently the presbytery received an email from the Task Force on the Future of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay chaired by Mike Loudon. It reported that our $200,000 income shortfall (discussed at the December 2008 presbytery meeting) has not been overcome with increased giving by our churches. This will require major cuts in personnel and mission. Funding for both full-time associate executive positions will end this year. Support for Cedarkirk Camp and Beth-El Farmworkers will be reduced by half. The report looks to next year and anticipates a reduction in the Resource Center Director position to half-time in 2010. The report recommends that I continue to do the work of both executive presbyter and stated clerk. An option will be given to our two associates, Susan Snedeker-Meier and Mary McKey. They may choose (A) to conclude their work on June 15 and receive six months of severance, or (B) continue to work full-time until December 2009 (without any severance at that time). The task force hopes that a single half-time associate position could be funded in 2010. Mary McKey has indicated her interest in Option B. Susan Snedeker-Meier will decide after presbytery votes. Cedarkirk and Beth-El receive significant funding from the presbytery budget, although both have other sources of income. All the other agencies and mission programs supported this year will not receive funding from the presbytery budget in 2010, if income projections remain the same next year. All this will be voted on at the May 28 presbytery meeting. Changes in How We Do Presbytery Such a dramatic reduction of staff will require a change in the way the presbytery fulfills its mission “to serve congregations and conduct mission beyond the capacity of a single church.” In the past, executive staff members have played a major role implementing and administering the work of our presbytery committees. In the future, we will need a new model. For now, committee chairs, secretaries and members need to assume some of the tasks previously performed by staff. The Emotions of Grief All of us who are close to these developments in the presbytery are experiencing the emotions associated with grief and loss. The stages of grief identified by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross are: · Denial (this isn't happening to me!) · Anger (why is this happening to me?) · Bargaining (I promise I'll be a better person if...) · Depression (I don't care anymore) · Acceptance (I'm ready for whatever comes). When many of us hear this news, we can’t believe we may actually lose two key staff members and reduce financial support for two key mission programs. Then, a common reaction is to get angry at the situation – and it is normal to seek someone to blame. After a while we begin to bargain by asking, “Have we tried everything we can to raise the money so we won’t have to cut the budget?” As we come to grips with the reality of the economic situation, sadness overtakes us – and perhaps a little self-pity. Ultimately, if we keep moving forward, the Lord leads us to a new place, and we begin to accept the losses and changes. It is important to remain sensitive to each other’s journey through this cycle of emotions. Not everyone proceeds through these stages at the same pace. We need to be gentle with each other. Crisis = Danger + Opportunity You recall the old saying from China: “The written character for crisis in the Chinese language is a combination of the words for danger and opportunity.” Everyone close to the recent developments in the presbytery sees the crisis. We see the danger. We see the disruption of life as we have known it. What we do not yet see clearly is the opportunity. The world is changing; the church is changing; how we do mission is changing. Old ways of being church no longer work. The corporate church is becoming de-institutionalized. A modern generation is finding new ways to live out the gospel. The Walk of Faith Leads through Fog To walk in faith means sometimes our path enters a foggy patch where we can only see a few feet ahead. At those times we can’t see our final destination, but faith enables us to walk on through the gloom, knowing that God can see the end. All we truly need to see is a short distance ahead and faith to keep going. We prefer to see a clear path all the way to the end. But all we really need is faith in the fog. Our God is a God of the Past, Present and Future When major change or disruption happens, it is difficult for most people to adapt. However, if we remember difficult times in our past, we know that we made it through with the help of God. In the midst of turmoil, it’s easy to lose sight of the truth that God never abandons us, and God has a plan that is unfolding – even if we cannot see it yet. Remember, the people of God sometimes spend time in a wilderness before they find the way into the Promised Land. We remember how God led us in the past. If we open ourselves, we can sense the Spirit of God with us today. And I believe Christ is already in our future beckoning us forward. News Flash!Nominations for 2010 General Assembly
Fiscal responsibility in a time when “the rocks are showing” invokes prudence, as most people know from their own personal financial dealings. That well-known phrase “Kick it Up a Notch” seems more appropriate today than ever. What are the two things we typically look at when cash flow is tight?
This challenge we’re facing gives us an opportunity to step into a gray area (i.e. but we don’t do it like that here) that may lead to interesting possibilities if we let it. Financial constraints typically cause most people to consider other options…so, you can be sure that right now there are conversations happening all over this presbytery -- people are brainstorming to formulate what change might look like here. Extra! Extra! Presbytery staff is considering a number of ideas, Read all about it. Group purchasing programs One local example -- a conversation that started with “What can we do about wind storm coverage?” over a year ago morphed into a complete risk management bid package with two national risk management firms partnering for the benefit of all the Tampa Bay and the Peace River churches. Over 80 churches responded by asking for quotes and we are discovering the percentage of savings to range from 5% to over 30%. Did everyone get into the program? No, everyone has to make a decision right for them; yet we anticipate that a large enough mix will participate, to make it worthwhile in the aggregate. In addition, it allows a new outside-the-box concept (for churches) to take seed. And we foresee growth to other places/organizations over time. As we “spread the risk”, the prices should be further lowered enough in future years that others will want to engage. This could result in an even larger and significant savings. Opportunity: Consider an expense category that would most benefit your church -- Healthcare insurance, office supplies, telephone service, computer maintenance? Why not make your preferences part of the equation. Can you recommend any vendors that would be willing to participate? Do you have experience in this area and be willing to volunteer your time to acquire vendors, etc.? Email me your level of interest. In addition, a survey of potential needs will soon be available and we hope each church will take the time to share their thoughts. Increasing revenue can be fun Presbytery Attendance Requirements In Order To Be G.A. Commissioners
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 May our churches were: Good Samaritan Church - Pinellas Park
Please let your members know of the Presbytery's newsletter. Anyone with access to email can sign up for our monthly e-news. They just need to send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it requesting inclusion and we'll add them. Please also keep us up to date on your email address. If you change yours, please let us know so we can change our list also. For those who have members who do not have or want email access, we include a link for a printable pdf --please print and copy for them to read. 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. June 8 will be 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! SURVEYING SENIORS ~ UNDERSTANDING THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF SENIOR ADULTS Save The Dates!
Cedarkirk Events: (*indicates a new event) Challenge to Change - The perfect mission trip program for youth groups. - Year-round Office Cleaning and Details - the Presbytery Office will be closed July 6-11 so the staff can get caught up on the many details of our life together. Although we will be in the office, we will not be taking phone calls, so please contact us prior to the 6th for routine matters. For information, please contact Cheryl at 813-868-4800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . ACS Technologies Training - July 20-24, to be held at the Kelly Road Mission Center. This 5 day event (register at http://www.acstechnologies.com/training/article128301.htm ) is essential for those who use ACS software to manage financial and membership information. Best of all it's right here. Super Saturday for Discipleship (Note our NEW name, formerly Christian Education) Friday August 21-Saturday August 22. Friday afternoon is a time for Educators to gather with our Keynote Speaker - this year we look forward to welcoming Anne Wilson, Educator and Director of Family Ministry from Northwoods Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX. Saturday we'll gather at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Dunedin for Keynote, workshops, fellowship and more. (Our name change to Discipleship from Education reflects our belief that our event helps us nurture disciples and leaders and is for all who serve Christ in the Church, not 'just' for Sunday School teachers.) The fall Stated Meeting of Presbytery will be Thursday October 1 at First Presbyterian Church in Inverness. Mission Super Saturday will be October 10. Middle School Retreat is November 6-8 at Cedarkirk. Fair Trade Festival is Saturday November 14 at Cedarkirk. Our Festival will include Fair Trade, Socially Responsible living, activities for children and much more. If your church offers alternative ideas for Christmas - Equal Exchange, Ten Thousand Village items, SERVV, Heifer Project, etc, we want to know! For information, send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Help us be green! Save those unwanted CDs or DVDs for an art project. You can send or bring to the Presbytery office anytime (even drop in our drop box).
Your Resource Center has a new name! The Discipleship Resource Center of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. This was decided by the Education Committee at its recent meeting as a way to help us begin to market and expand our reach to non-Presbyterian Churches in our area and beyond. We have the best utilized Resource Center in our denomination and it is time we shared our good news with others. But we need your help! If you have experience in marketing/promotion we are looking to form a task force to help with this endeavor. We already have couple people with interest and experience, but are looking for several more. We also need to know who you know in your community at other churches who would benefit from knowing more about what we offer. Please call or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Leslee. This is YOUR Resource Center and you have helped to make it great, so let us hear YOUR ideas for growing our reach and usage! Do You Have Questions About Planning? Need help figuring out what curriculum to use? Want help with Youth Ministry? Call us! Your Resource Center staff is here to suggest resources, help with planning and can lead training workshops for you! Leslee Kirkconnell is a Certified Christian Educator with many years of experience in the local congregation and is ready to help you as you plan Christian Education, Vacation Bible School, officer training, youth ministry and more. Carol Walker is a leader in her church's Christian Education program and an elder and is able to help as well. Please call or email with your questions and let us help you.
New! New! New! If you are have Senior Adults in your church (everyone does!) or serve as chaplain in one of our retirement homes, you need to know about a new website - www.autumnsaints.com. There are study resources (some freebies), a newsletter and more. The creator, Sandra Escontrias, spent many years serving as Director of Family Ministries at First Presbyterian Church in Deland, FL and now enjoys focusing on this important demographic in retirement. We have two studies (downloaded from Autumn Saints) for mid-life through older adults. Mom and Pop, from the Life in Review study, looks at how we can reflect on our upbringing and work toward appreciating our parents. The Hand You Were Dealt celebrates our uniqueness, as created by God. The Thoughtful Christian has released new studies - The Green Study Pack is now available. This six session study helps us understand the practical concerns we need to know about global warming and what we can do. New for Youth is Loving Your Enemy. How are we to love someone we don't even like? Can I be a Christian if I hate someone who has harmed me? These questions are important to our youth and even adults! The Thoughtful Christian has also reduced their subscription rates! Want to know more? Visit www.thethoughtfulchristian.com. 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. Enjoy our new website look! Do you Twitter? Twitter is a way to stay connected through short (140 or fewer characters) updates you send by email or text. The LOGOS System Associates have found a great way to connect with families using Twitter! Heartfelt News is connecting with parents (or anyone who wants to connect on issues of parenting, raising children and youth and more). Now, every Tuesday evening from 8-9p [EDT], heartfeltparent will host Parents on Twitter for parents who want to talk with others about raising Christian children, and who want to share challenges, solutions, and resources. Join Parents on Twitter by going to Twitter and opening a free account, then finding and following heartfeltparent (follow the #hfp hashtag) If you have questions, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it (you can also follow her!).
There's always more to our story than we can include here. Come visit the Resource Center and let us help you with your ministry. 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.
Presbyterian Conservation Corps If you are looking for a unique mission opportunity for youth or adults, consider The Duvall Home. Located in Glenwood, Florida (near Deland), this special place provides care for those who are developmentally and physically challenged. In addition to the covenant relationship with the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Home has also established strong partnerships within the local community to ensure continued involvement by our residents, allowing them to lead a life filled with independence and dignity. The Home is an ideal retreat for the many youth groups that stay with us each year. Groups of all sizes are needed to help with maintenance, landscaping, painting, cleaning and a wide variety of other projects that come up throughout the year. We can individualize each and every project based on your specific availability and capability. For more information about getting your group involved, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1-888-445-4722 x 126. Did you know there is a Presbyterian Conservation Corps? The PCC is a Christian community responding to God's call through applied eco-stewardship. They seek to train and inspire young adults (18-24) in the ways of eco-stewardship within the context of the Christian faith. There are two events - Eco Stewards West beginning in Allenspark CO, July 5-12 and Eco Stewards Midwest, August 2-9 beginning at Stronghold Retreat Center in Oregon, IL. Scholarships are available (program fee is $250). For more information, visit www.presbyterianconservationcorps.org. The Malawi Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. is gathering information on churches that have a relationship with Malawi, either through support of Mission Co-Workers, having members who are from Malawi, etc. The Network is also hosting a conference from Thursday August 13 - Sunday August 16 at Simpsonwood Conference Center in Atlanta. If you are connected to Malawi, please let them know! You can contact Julie Burton at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 918-582-3077 or Phyllis Wezeman at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 574-234-4159. Visit the Network website at www.malawinetwork.org.
Your Presbytery Office sells Equal Exchange Coffee, tea, chocolate and more, along with merchandise from SERVV. Our purpose is to raise awareness of fair trade issues and how congregations can make a real difference in the lives of people around the world. Purchasing fair trade items guarantees a certain level of income to the farmers and artisans from whom we purchase. For instance, when we buy coffee or other items from Equal Exchange, the farmers who grew the coffee beans (all shade grown) receive a minimum per pound price, no matter what the world coffee market does. There are no middle 'men' or steps in fair trade. Farmers are part of cooperatives that deal directly with Equal Exchange, thus ensuring more money going to the hard working individuals who produced the product. We invite you to sample what we sell, see the items from SERVV and learn more about how easy it is for congregations to participate in fair trade projects! We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.Continuing Education Opportunities
Did You Know? The Office of General Assembly has a new website for Member Referral Services? When one of your members moves to a new community, you can go online and fill out the information for their new residence (no more mailing in cards!). This will enable area Presbyterian Churches to be in immediate contact with them, welcoming them to their new community, to church activities and more. This is an easy and wonderful evangelism tool that too many churches never utilize! Go to: www.pcusa.org/oga/mbr-referral-svc.htm.
Where's John Calvin? We will observe the 500th anniversary of his birth this year with several events. A special time is being planned for our fall Presbytery meeting to be held at First Presbyterian Church in Inverness October 1. In celebration of Calvin's birthday, Joseph Small, from the Office of Theology and Worship writes, "many Presbyterians greet the news that 2009 will mark the 500th anniversary of John Calvin’s birth with a yawn, a roll of the eyes, or even a derisive snort. Why are we so dismissive of our forebear in the Reformed tradition? It's not too late to register for the Montreat Calvin Jubilee, July 8-11 and join a wonderful array of scholars and preachers. Sponsored by the Office of Theology & Worship, Montreat & Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, participants will enjoy a festive occasion with Christians from several denominations. Top Calvin scholars, inspiring worship, panel discussions, a birthday celebration and more! Montreat is handling lodging & meals - 1-800-572-2257 x 339 and for registration contact Nicole Gerkins at 1-888-728-7228 x 5029 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The Church is ALIVE! God is moving in the lives of our young adults who are convinced the PCUSA is more than political controversy and small churches getting smaller. There's a new website called "The Church is Alive" www.thechurchisalive.com. The purpose of the website is to be a place where videos of exciting things happening in our churches can be posted. Our Moderator, the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow has a special video invitation under the 'About' tab. Be sure to also watch the video on Church of All Nations in Minnesota. The church IS alive! The Outreach Foundation of the Presbyterian Church is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Begun in 1979, the Outreach Foundation was the vision of a small group of pastors and elders to provide a way for congregations to establish personal relationships with our missionaries and projects in a way that would increase overall mission giving. For 30 years the Foundation has been building relationships centered in Jesus Christ that have led to evangelistic mission for the salvation of humankind. Some of our churches support mission workers who receive funding from the Foundation. The Foundation relies on congregations and individuals for its funding ($6.3 million in 2008) and does not receive money from General Assembly. If you are interested in becoming more closely connected with our mission workers and projects, contact them at 615-778-8881 or visit www.theoutreachfoundation.org. The Resource Center has a Vacation Bible School supplement for children from The Outreach Foundation, to connect our children with God's work in the world. Do you enjoy reading for spiritual growth? Check out Hungry Hearts, available online, or you can request a print version be mailed. Produced by the Office of Spiritual Formation of the PCUSA, each quarterly issue is packed with articles designed to deepen your spiritual life. The current edition is entitled, "Praise Twice: Prays Twice." From the link you can see all the great resources available for feeding that hungry place in your soul. All of us need time away to relax, refresh, learn, worship and recreate. Here are opportunities available for Clergy, educators and more:
Adults need spiritual nurture too! Way Points is a cooperative effort of Presbyterian Camp and Conference Centers committed to providing high quality experiences for adults. A sample of offerings - 'experience musical and spiritual traditions in the Southwest-drums and songs of the Rio Grande pueblos (Ghost Ranch); 'Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes' (Crestfield Camp & Conference Center); "The Art of Stained Glass' (Calvin Center) and many more! Visit the website - www.way-points.org for more information or to register.
Faithful Mission in a New Age: Montreat Summer Lecture Series – July 20-24, Convocation Hall at Montreat, from 2:30 – 3:30 each afternoon. For more info, visit the Montreat website. On Campus July 27-29 - Reclaiming Congregational Song (Summer Scholars 2009) – featuring Yale University associate professor of sacred music Patrick Evans. Montreat Conference Center has wonderful opportunities year 'round. alt7 is a conference for PCUSA clergy under age 40. The Power At Work Within Us is designed to help younger clergy connect for spiritual renewal, mutual encouragement and great worship. Our own Loli Ros Reiter will be leading along with our Moderator, the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow. Youth Conferences begin June 7; Worship and Music June 21-June 28 and June 28-July 4; Christian Life Conference, July 4-7 and more. Visit www.montreat.org for information or to register. Early registration is discounted on many conferences! Soulfeast July 12-16 will be a Lake Junaluska, North Carolina. Sponsored by the Upper Room, this Spiritual Formation event will refresh, relax, reconnect you with God. All ages will find a spiritual feast under the leadership of Trevor Hudson, Vance Ross, Marjorie Thompson & Jasmine Smothers. Visit www.UpperRoom.org/soulfeast or call 1-800-972-0433 for more information. Montreat's Wee Kirk Conference will be October 19-21. Those who lead small Presbyterian congregations will find inspiration, information, motivation, encouragement, rest and refreshment. Register online at www.pfrenewal.org.
|
Committee on Ministry Update: At its last meeting the Committee:
WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SUMMER?
Seniors, Keen Agers, Prime Timers, Senior Saints, TNT (Tried-N-True), or Super Seniors. What all of these names have in common is that they describe ministries that are intentionally focused on adults in their golden years.
Witherspoon Press and the Theology Worship and Education ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) produced an awesome DVD on the life and legacy of John Calvin. 
Latest Events
| Thu, Aug 5th, @9:30am - 01:30PM COM Meeting |
| Thu, Aug 5th, @10:00am - 02:00PM CPM Meeting |
| Thu, Aug 19th, @10:00am - 02:00PM ECD (Evangelism and Church Development Committee |
| Fri, Aug 20th, @10:00am - 12:00PM Education Committee meeting |
| Sat, Aug 21st, @8:30am - 12:30PM The Light Still Shines! |
| Thu, Sep 9th, @9:30am - 01:30PM COM Meeting |
| Thu, Sep 9th, @10:00am - 02:00PM CPM Meeting |
| Thu, Sep 30th, @9:00am - 03:30PM Qtr 3 Stated Meeting |