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V5N11Nov08
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WELCOME TO THE E-NEWSLETTER OF
A periodic publication of events in the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., the Synod of South Atlantic and the Presbytery of Tampa Bay
Vol. 5, No. 11 ~November, 2008
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| In This Issue |
Click link for information on: |
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Paul Borden will be Keynoter at Super Saturday for Leadership (January 24) |
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Cheapest Financial Training in Town! (November 18) |
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Senior Adult Fall Fun Day, November 3 |
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Middle School Retreat, November 14-16 |
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Next Presbytery Meeting, December 4 |
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Congratulations |
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RESOURCEful Ideas |
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Seeks Your Help! |
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Interim Pastor Training, January 12-16 |
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This Month at Eckerd College |
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Christmas International House |
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Youth Mission Encounter at Cedarkirk, January 18-19 |
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Thornwell Home for Children News |
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Montreat Young Adult Intentional Community Underway |
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From Our Justice & Peacemaking Committee |
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PC(USA) News Around the World |
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A Touch of Humor |
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Daylight Savings Time Reminder |
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Presbytery Committees |
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Presbytery Moderator, Vice-Moderator and Staff |
Paul Borden will be Keynoter at Super Saturday for Leadership!
SAVE THE DATE... January 24, 2009 First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland
Dr. Paul Borden, author of Direct Hit, is the executive for the American Baptist Churches in Northern California. During the 1990s, 80 percent of the churches in his region were declining in members. Only 20 percent were growing. Within five years they turned decline into growth. Today, 80 percent of the churches are growing with new members. He tells the remarkable story in his book, Hit the Bullseye.
The REACH Initiative of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay is based on Paul Borden’s “clustering churches together for growth” model. A dozen churches have signed up for the first year of Tampa Bay’s REACH Initiative. They are meeting monthly in cluster groups, receiving special training, sharing peer learning, and holding each other accountable for growth. Our presbytery executive staff members are serving as facilitators of the program.
Dr. Borden has demonstrated that mainline congregations can be turned around to become models of healthy and growing congregations. They can overcome the usual excuses that “our churches are too small,” or “we have too many older people,” or “property is too expensive.” Dr. Borden helped congregations adopt a powerful formula of biblical strategies, courageous leadership, and hard work. And the turnaround took less than five years! His keynote address at Super Saturday will help us translate these principles into a Presbytery setting for the 21st Century.
Prior to serving as a denominational executive, Paul Borden was the pastor of three congregations which grew under his leadership. He also taught leadership and evangelism at Denver Seminary. He is a dynamic speaker in great demand throughout the country. Recently he led Salvation Army church leaders in Australia into a program to revitalize their outreach ministry.
Super Saturday for Leadership provides valuable teachings and tools that can be drawn upon for leadership ministry in churches. Anyone interested in learning new skills, sharpening existing ones, and/or helping their congregation grow in a healthy way should plan to attend. Workshops will be offered throughout the day on a variety of topics; there are bound to be several to peak everyone's interest.
Further details/brochure/registration information will be available soon.
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You Don’t Want to Miss This Cheapest Financial Training in Town!
A year-end training event will be held at the presbytery office on Tuesday, November 18, 8:30am-4:30pm. Whether you are a paid or unpaid staffer (volunteer), if you have the authority and/or responsibility for the financial business of the church you should attend this workshop. It will be a how-to for both the "newbie" and seasoned veterans. Some of the topics to be covered include: per capita, mission needs, legal requirements, 1099's, W-2's, 941's, and fund accounting vs. budget accounting.
Registrations postmarked by November 1 are ONLY $20 per person. After November 1 the cost is $25. Fee includes lunch and snacks. Additional information and the registration form are available at www.presbyteryoftampabay.com (go to the Events/Seminars/Workshops page).
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Senior Adult Fall Fun Day
"Surfin' the Age Wave"
Monday, November 3 10:00am-2:00pm
Cedarkirk Camp & Conference Center
Featuring: LaDonna Scruggs Chaplain at Florida Presbyterian Homes
Additional information and registration form available at www.presbyteryoftampabay.com (go to the Events/Seminars/Workshops page). Please register before October 27, 2008. Top
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Friday-Sunday, November 14-16 (Friday night is optional)
At Cedarkirk Camp and Conference Center
Guest Speaker: Brent Smith Young Life in Clearwater
All middle school students and their church leaders/volunteers are invited to participate in this retreat. Middle-schoolers will not want to miss this unique opportunity for deepening their relationship with God and other Christian teens through study, fellowship and conversations.
For additional information/registration form go to www.presbyteryoftampabay.com (Events/Seminars/Workshops).
Questions? Call the presbytery office at 813-868-4800 or contact Rev. Mary McKey at
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or Carol Walker at
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NEXT PRESBYTERY MEETING...
Thursday • December 4, 2008
9:00 a.m. (8:30 a.m. Registration)
St. Andrews Presbyterian Church 705 Michigan Blvd. • Dunedin, FL 34698
Childcare: Call the church office (727-734-5493) by November 26.
Reminder to Pastors: Your attendance is expected at all meetings of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. If you need to be excused, please send an email to
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and
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or call the presbytery office and speak to Norm Hatter or Carol Walker.
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...to First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven, whose Advent Cookbook was the subject of an article in the October issue of Presbyterians Today. Recipes are from staff and church members.
…to Shelby Dale of First PC in Brandon and Kevin McIntosh from Village PC in Tampa who have been nominated to receive the Presbyterian College Outstanding Church Youth Leader Award (2008-2009). There are a total of forty-one nominees for this year’s award, which offers a $2,000 scholarship over four years at Presbyterian College for all nominees and a $10,000 scholarship over four years at Presbyterian College for the overall winner. All nominees, their parents and representatives from their home churches will be invited to attend Youth Day on Saturday, November 15, 2008 when the winner will be announced during half-time at the PC football game. Additional information on Presbyterian College, Youth Day 2008 or the Outstanding Church Youth leader Award can be obtained at www.presby.edu or by contacting Dr. Jim Simpson, Director of Church Relations, at 864-833-8268.
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RESOURCEful Ideas for Congregations!
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! 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!
Are your Advent plans in place yet? We have great ideas and resources for Advent as well as devotional guides to help prepare for Christmas. Consider offering a wreath-making workshop to encourage members to share daily devotions. Ideas! Magazine has a wonderful Candlelighting liturgy for Advent. Also the 2008 Advent Devotional guide "Proclaiming the Good News of God’s Peace" is available from Presbyterian Distribution Service. Call or email Leslee Kirkconnell for specific information.
It’s not too early to think about VBS for next summer! The 2009 curriculum Discovery Canyon will be coming to the Resource Center soon. The PCUSA mission project will benefit the Menaul School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one of our racial-ethnic schools. Let us know if you would like a workshop to explore this or other VBS curriculum.
New! New! New!
Are you aware of the issue of Domestic Violence? All of our congregations have families affected by domestic violence – we just don’t always see it. The Resource Center has a number of resources to help congregations understand and respond in loving ways to this problem. Keeping the Faith (also in Korean & Spanish) is for women suffering with abuse and wondering where God is. God’s Reconciling Love is for pastors and educators who need information and resources to help. Opening The Door is particularly for those who do premarital counseling. Talking about the tough issues before the wedding can help identify or stop a potential problem before it starts. Homes with domestic violence are abusive for children as well. It is a difficult problem we don’t like to discuss, but for the sake of the kingdom we must. Also, if your church does not have a Child Protection Policy, call us for a starter ‘kit’ of information.
In My Heart I Carry A Star is a new book by Derek Maul. Enjoy stories to guide you during Advent, as you seek the Savior who unites us.
Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry and Starting a Non-Profit at Your Church by Joy Skjegstad offer ideas for finding funding for your ministry. Grants can be an excellent way to fund programs, and Joy’s book details how to find and write winning proposals.
Be sure to check out our resource collection on-line. As new items are added they are immediately accessible on the web. From our home page (www.presbyteryoftampabay.com) click on Resources, then Resource Center. From there enter the Webrary and start browsing. Then just call or email and we’ll get your resources to you.
And remember – you are the RIESEN we are here – Resourceful Ideas Enabling Service Education and Nurture! Contact Leslee Kirkconnell or Carol Walker at
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or call 813-868-4800.
 Visit our Resource Center! Monday-Friday 9am-4pm
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) Seeks Your Help!
The devastation caused by Hurricane Ike in mid-September was massive – nearly on the scale of Katrina, but with a much broader path of destruction. Nearly 100,000 homes were destroyed and lives uprooted in the United States alone. Caribbean nations like Haiti and Cuba not only lost homes, but saw crops wiped out and infrastructure obliterated. The immediate and long-term recovery needs are immense.
As with every disaster, Presbyterians are on the ground in Texas, Louisiana, Haiti, and other places impacted by Ike – distributing food, clearing debris, providing shelter, meeting human needs wherever they are found. Throughout the United States, Presbyterians are eager to help. Our hearts respond to the scenes of lives uprooted, and we long to lend a hand – either volunteering with hands-on work, or providing financial support to speed the recovery efforts. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance serves as a conduit for this response – quickly assessing the damage and channeling aid to the places where it is needed most.
This has been an extraordinary year for disasters. In the first nine months of 2008, PDA has responded to 35 disasters in 40 presbyteries here at home, and with our partners to another 12 disasters worldwide. In the wake of all this, the need is greater than ever – and PDA is pulling out all the stops in their efforts to respond.
Financial contributions for 2008 hurricane relief efforts can be sent to the presbytery office with the memo of "Hurricane Relief - DR000184." Top |
Interim Pastor Training, Level 1, Level II and Spouse Track
January 12-16, 2009 at Calvin Center in Hampton, Georgia
This is an excellent opportunity for Interim Pastors to learn skills such as how to say hello and good-bye in healthy ways, how to help congregations heal, and gain tools for understanding their congregation. Seminar staff includes Harris Schultz, Carol Shellenberger, Jan Schultz and Rollin Tarter who have a combined wealth of expertise in the area of Interim Pastor ministry.
Registration deadline is November 15, 2008. To download a brochure/registration form, go to www.calvincenter.org/calendar.html.
For more information or to request a brochure please contact Calvin Center directly at 770-946-4276 or
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This Month at Eckerd College...
Center for Spiritual Life Lecture Series
The Center for Spiritual Life is proud to announce a lecture by Dr. Tod Linafelt, Professor of Hebrew Scripture at Georgetown University, author and Eckerd Alumnus, on Tuesday, November 4 at 7:30pm in Wireman Chapel. The lecture is entitled, "The Wizard of Uz: Job, Dorothy, and the Limits of the Sublime.
For more information on events at The Center for Spiritual Life, go to www.Eckerd.edu/csl.
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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 people entertained angels without knowing it.” Heb. 13:2
This December, Cedarkirk is hosting 20 international students through the Christmas International House program. Cedarkirk has partnered with Christmas International House (CIH) for many years since the 1970’s and look forward to many years to come.
In the last 5 years 405 students applied who were not placed in the program. In 2007, Cedarkirk, with 17 students, was the fifth largest program out of 40 sites throughout the United States. You can see the importance of our acceptance of these 20 students in 2008.
We need your help. The 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 help us make this year and the years ahead a success by helping in any of the following areas:
- Host a student(s).
- Help with shuttle service to and from the Tampa airport/bus station.
- Financial support
- Help with hosting a day during the students stay at Cedarkirk (December 18th through January 2nd, excluding days they are with families on the 23rd-27th).
- Ask your church to pray for safe travel for students and a positive witness of hosts.
Quotes from prior students:
- I will be friends with my host family forever.
- I have a second family and best friends in the U.S.
- I want to make an organization like this in my country.
- I learned the importance of international exchange and the importance of peace. I came home a changed person.
- They cared about me just like my family.
Help us show care and love just like “their own families” during this Christmas season. Please contact Mark Orendorf at Cedarkirk at
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or 813.685.4224 if you have any questions. You can also learn more about Christmas International House and what it means to be a host by visiting www.christmasih.org. Top |
Another Cedarkirk Opportunity for Youth Mission: Encounter January 18-19, 2009
Your youth want to serve...you want to give them the opportunity!
All youth groups (grades 6-12) are invited to attend Cedarkirk's first Mission Encounter Retreat in January. During Mission Encounter, Cedarkirk strives to not only provide opportunities for mission, but also to provide the tools.
This retreat is an opportunity for youth and leaders to explore our call to engage in mission, discover mission opportunities all around us, and have opportunities for fellowship, discussion, and worship with other youth from around the state.
For more information, contact Cedarkirk at 813-685-4224.
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Thornwell Home for Children News
You may be aware of at least some of the wonderful things that happen at The Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, South Carolina. Staff and volunteers at Thornwell have taken care of children and youth in need since its founding on October 1, 1875 (that's 133 years!).
Did you know that they care for children from several states, including Florida? Thornwell is currently housing 11 children from Florida, ranging in ages from 3 to 17 years old. Children who come to Thornwell often have many obstacles to overcome, including sleep and speech disorders, academic challenges, and the inability to make friends.
Thornwell Home for Children is excited to announce that there is now a special edition of news on their Web site specifically geared for Florida folks. Check it out at www.thornwell.org/news.php (make sure you click the red tab). For general information about Thornwell, go to www.thornwell.org. You can also contact Susan Sampson, Director for Resource Development, at 863-682-1900 or
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. Susan has an office at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.
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Montreat Young Adult Intentional Community Underway, Applications Being Accepted
Applications 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.
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From Our Justice & Peacemaking Committee
Christ's Way of Meeting Adversity: "I say to you that listen - Love your enemies, Do good to those who hate you, Bless those who curse you, Pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27-28)
Rev. Tim Simpson Challenges Presbytery:
Tim Simpson (Presbyterian minister, teacher, editor, pastor and speaker) from Jacksonville shared a powerful peace message with nine groups in the Presbytery between October 1-8 (at Forest Hills and Palma Ceia in Tampa, an emerging church in Pinellas, Super Saturday for Mission in Lakeland, Maximo in St. Pete, Bloomingdale in Brandon, Good Samaritan in Pinellas Park, and First Dunedin).
Representing the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program of General Assembly, and sponsored by our Justice & Peacemaking Committee, Tim used the Gospels, early church historians, and interpretations of scripture to substantiate that "nonviolent peacemaking was central to Jesus' message to his early followers and to the early church for 300 years. It was definitely not a side-dish to them and should not be to us today." His proclamation was clear and invigorating, even when responding to timely questions.
Peacemaking Offering Responses Requested
Now that your Peacemaking offering has been received (probably on Worldwide Communion Sunday in October), please let us hear from you - in two respects.
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What Have you Done or What Are You Planning to Do with the 25% that rightfully stays in your local church? How have you used that money in recent years? Which local peace project are you planning to support with this year's offering? What you report may well be a spark to help some other congregation with their peace planning and witness. Our committee will network your ideas to other churches. Send your report to
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or mail toJustice & Peacemaking Committee, 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa FL 33615-5019.
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Do You Need Financial Assistance With A Local Church Peace Project?For a grant application, write to
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or mail to Justice & Peacemaking Committee, 4704 Kelly Road, Tampa FL 33615-5019.
Perhaps you have a peace project in mind that will require more than your 25% of the Peacemaking offering (which you keep for use in your own church). Well, our Justice & Peacemaking Committee is offering assistance for such a dilemma. We want to receive an explanation of your project and what amount of money you would need to make it possible. Then perhaps we'll be able to help you with funds that we have. Please give it some thought and planning.
TREASURERS: Please remember, after keeping 25% of your Peacemaking Offering for local church use, send the remaining 75% to Presbytery before December 31st.
QUOTE: "We look forward to the time when the power to love will replace the love of power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace." -William Ellery Channing
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PC(USA) News Around the World
Violence Against Christians in Iraq
News agencies have been reporting on the violence against Christians in Iraq. There has been a Christian presence in Iraq since the first century. The five Presbyterian Churches of the Presbyterian Assembly of Iraq are located in Mosel, Kirkuk, Baghdad and Basra, where courageous elders and church leaders have been praying, studying Scripture, worshipping and meeting the needs of the refugees.
According to a recent Presbyterian News Service article, hundreds have fled Mosel since the most recent slate of killings began. The Mosel Church, according to the Rev. Duncan Hanson “is the oldest Presbyterian Reformed church in Iraq." Haitham Jazrawi, current pastor of the Kirkuk church, recently wrote requesting prayers for Iraq, the people in general, and especially the city of Mosul (known also as Nineveh) and the Christians there.
To read more, go to http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2008/08755.htm.
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A Touch of Humor
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Daylight Savings Time
Ends at 2:00am on
Sunday, November 2
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Presbytery Committees
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc. Contact Dave Moore, Executive Dir.
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Bills & Overtures Chair: James Welch
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Camps & Conferences Contact John Reiter, Executive Director
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Committee on Ministry Chair: Ken Gruebel
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Committee on Preparation for Ministry Chair: Joy Laughridge
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Council Chair: Jean Cooley
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Education Chair: Tim Black
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Evangelism & Church Development Chair: Geoff Kohler
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Investigating Committee Contact Norm Hatter
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Mission Outreach and Funding Chair: Mona Bagasao
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Nominating Chair: Carol Cagwin
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Permanent Judicial Commission Chair: Emily Peacock
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Personnel Chair: Kevin Morris
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Professional Support Co-Chairs: Ray Spigarelli
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and Phyllis Keith
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Representation Chair: Kitty Rawson
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Response Coordination Contact Gerry Tyer
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Stewardship Chair: Sue Moore
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Trustees President: Gordon Bowles
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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
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The Presbytery of Tampa Bay
4704 Kelly Road Tampa, FL 33615-5019
Phone: (813) 868-4800; (800) 733-7889 www.presbyteryoftampabay.com
Moderator Craig Miller,
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Vice Moderator Helen Huntley,
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Executive Presbyter Gerry Tyer,
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Associate Exec. for Mission Susan Snedeker-Meier,
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Associate Exec. for Nurture Mary McKey,
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Stated Clerk Norm Hatter,
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Office/Financial Manager Cheryl Valdebenito,
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Resource Center Director & Certified Educator Leslee Kirkconnell,
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Events Coordinator Karen Porter,
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Information/Technology Coordinator Mitch Webb,
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Hospitality/Logistics Coordinator & Education Assistant Carol Walker
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Latest Events
Sun, Mar 14th, @2:00pm - 04:30PM Beth-El Open House Wimauma |
Tue, Mar 16th, @1:30pm - 03:00PM Called Presbytery Meeting |
Thu, Apr 8th, @9:30am - 01:30PM COM Meeting |
Thu, Apr 8th, @10:00am - 02:00PM CPM Meeting |
Sun, Apr 11th, @2:00pm - 04:30PM Open House - Mision Peniel, Immokalee |
Thu, May 6th, @9:30am - 01:30PM COM Meeting |
Thu, May 6th, @10:00am - 02:00PM CPM Meeting |
Thu, May 27th, @8:30am - 03:30PM Spring Meeting of Presbytery |
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