August Already!?

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Programs are in the final stages of getting ready to start with the new school year.  Are you ready?  Your Resource Center is ready to help.

Don't miss Super Saturday for Education on August 23 at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Dunedin.  The deadline for registration is August 8.  After that the cost increases, so register NOW!  The Rev. Dr. Don Griggs will be our keynote speaker and he is one of the most respected Christian Educators ever!  Pastors, Educators, elders, deacons, anyone involved in leadership or considering leadership in the educational ministry of your church should plan to attend.  Join us in fellowship, worship and learning.  Registration forms are available on the website (www.presbyteryoftampabay.com) or from your church office or by calling the Presbytery (813-868-4800). 

Congratulations to Martha Huntley, who was given the Outstanding Contribution to Congregational Libraries award at the annual meeting of the Church and Synagogue Library Association (CSLA) annual meeting in Greenville, South Carolina on July 20.  Our Resource Center and churches have been so blessed because of the many years of hard work by Martha and she is most deserving of this award.  Thanks to Betty Edelman (President of the local chapter of CSLA) of St. Andrews in Dunedin for her hard work in nominating Martha! 

New in Your Resource Center!

Be Tween is the new PCUSA study for ‘tween agers.  Children in 5^th through early middle school are not children nor are they teenagers yet.  This solid study involves building Biblical knowledge and relationships among the students as well as with leaders, parents and the congregation.  Parents have help in understanding their ‘tween so the transition to teen is less traumatic. 

Simple Church by Thom Rainer & Eric Geiger is a new book with a not-so-new-message.  Jesus Christ spread the gospel easily, without complicated procedures.  As we move deeper into our REACH Initiative, you need simplicity to make disciples and Simple Church will help return us to what's really important without complexity.

It's not too early to think about 2009!  Disciplines - A Daily Devotional Guide for 2009 is available for preview (we have both regular and large print editions).  Daily readings of scripture, thoughtful reflections, spiritual exercises and more for those who seek a deeper relationship with God.  If you are looking for a meaningful small group study, a Discussion Guide can also be purchased. (These will be available for preview through fall-two lucky persons attending the December Presbytery meeting will win these books!)

Remember we are here to help you with your ministry!  We can do training for volunteers, help committees with curriculum choices and much more.  Consider having your next Christian Education committee meet at the Resource Center.  Enjoy a hands on time and personal attention.  Contact Leslee Kirkconnell or Carol Walker, 813-868-4800 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .