Presbytery of Tampa Bay

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Light on the Task Force Report

New and Exciting!

Resources for You

Mission Matters!

Positively Presbyterian

The Task Force is Listening

The Task Force on the Future of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay invites you to attend listening sessions in August.  The first will be Thursday August 12, 1:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Brandon.  The second is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.Thursday August 19 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater.  These listening sessions are an opportunity for members of the Task Force to be present to answer questions about the report and to hear your concerns.  You are invited to attend one or both sessions and they are open for anyone in the presbytery.  Copies of the report can be downloaded here.  Also available is the model, in chart form.  Be sure to get the Substitute Motion as well. 

The Light Still Shines!  Saturday August 21 will be a Teacher Training Event for all who teach or lead Christian Education in the church.  (Our Super Saturday for Discipleship is shifting to March in 2011)  Come to Faith Presbyterian Church in Seminole for a morning of inspiration, training and fellowship.  Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., Worship at 9:00 a.m. and two workshop blocks from 9:15-12:00 noon.  Lunch will end our time together.  Child care for nursery through 5th grade will be available for pre-registered (only) children.  $15 for the morning, $10 for each child.  Click on the picture for registration forms and information. 

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New and Exciting

Are You Ready?

Church Treasurer Alerts

Witnessing to Christ in the World

Prayer List

Cedarkirk

Save the Dates!

Hurricane Season is upon us and is predicted to be significantly more active than these past few years.  Is your congregation ready?  Do you have a plan for your church to protect what you can and contact members after a storm? Does the Presbytery have current contact information so we can reach out to churches in affected area to help determine needs?  Get up-to-date information here.  Much of what homeowners should do also applies to churches.  Be sure you are ready!  If you want to check your contact information, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call us (813-868-4800). 

Here are three important articles especially for Church Treasurers/Business Administrators:

From the Board of Pensions:  It is important for church treasurers and business administrators to update their church or employing organizations’ Retirement Savings Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Adoption Agreement whenever they make any changes that affect the plan. This includes changes to employer contribution amounts or eligibility requirements.  If you have questions about the Adoption Agreement, please contact the Board at 800-773-7752 (800-PRESPLAN).

Golden Rules of Church Finance Management by Keith Hamilton of Lifeway Christian Resources.
Almost every day the news tells of another corruption scandal. Corruption in America has become so commonplace that many Americans are now assuming even some of the most trusted institutions are corrupt. The church is not lost in this growing lack of trust in the American society.  The church cannot afford to be reactive, but must be proactive in managing its finances above reproach.
The following golden rules should exist in a fellowship to help counterbalance today’s culture of mistrust regarding the management of church finances:

1.    Individuals managing the church’s finances should first be respected as spiritual leaders and then as financial leaders.
Often, churches ask individuals to serve in these trusted leadership roles because of their positions of leadership in the community and business world. However, their spiritual maturity should be considered first and foremost before asking them to help manage the church’s finances. Questions should be asked about their personal devotional life and witnessing efforts. Also, a leader should be called by God to serve in these important leadership roles. The future direction of the church often falls on these individuals who manage the church’s finances.

2.    The church’s money must be managed with the highest integrity possible.
There should be not even a hint that the church finances are not being managed above reproach. For instance: churches should adopt a policy that any purchases over a certain dollar amount must be placed up for competitive bidding; the church should not award its insurance coverage to a particular company just because the agent is a member of the church.  A church member who is an agent should welcome competitive bidding as an opportunity to show how he or she is helping the church. The “good ole boy” system does not have a place in today’s church.

3.    If requested, detailed financial reports showing the church’s total income and expenditures must be compiled and available for inspection by members.
Creating detailed financial reports can be difficult. How much information is too much information? Detailed financial reports are a balancing act. While the church staff’s compensation might need to be kept confidential for various reasons, the other aspects of a church’s finances should be made available to church members who would like this information. Detailed financial reports can be made available through an annual financial review or on a monthly basis to interested church members.  It does not seem to matter how often the detailed financial reports are made available, but it is important that they are accessible.

4.    Financial checks and balances must exist in the receiving, counting, depositing, disbursing, recording, and reporting of the church’s income and expenditures.
The church treasurer should not be involved in the receiving, counting, and depositing of church funds. Traditionally, the role of the church treasurer is to disburse, record, and report how the church is managing its funds. Also, the same person should not be the only one involved in the receiving, counting, and depositing the church’s funds week after week. If possible, the church should create a rotation system of unrelated individuals to serve in the receiving and counting of its income.

In managing the church’s finances, financial leaders must always remember that the church assets are God’s resources and the finances must be managed so that God is honored in this important aspect of His work. The world is looking for “things” to trust. How will God’s church measure up?

From the IRS:  Two recent national developments may benefit your church business office in 2010, depending on the structure of your ministry. One relates to the health care reform act, and the other, hiring incentives.  Details are below and more can be found on the noted IRS websites. Consulting with your tax accountant may make clear any questions that develop.

New tax credit for small businesses and nonprofits. 
The IRS announced on March 31 that the recently passed health care reform act provides for a new tax credit in 2010 for smaller businesses and tax-exempt organizations that pay certain health insurance premium costs for employees.   For eligible organizations, the credit is "refundable," meaning that even if an organization has no taxable income, it may receive a refund for the credit.  Read the full story....

Witnessing to Christ in the World is a  feature where we highlight snapshots of our congregations and ministries.  If you don't see your church here, make sure we get your newsletter!  Some events are past, some are coming and all are invited.

McLeod Memorial (Bartow's small church with a big heart) is pleased that Elder Mike Marchman was recently honored as Presbyterian Man of the Year by the Executive Board of the National Council of Presbyterian Men.  He was endorsed and nominated by the Session.  Congratulations! 

A Patriotic Picnic is in the works for First Presbyterian Church in Crystal River July 18.  Fun and casual fellowship is on the menu along with hot dogs.  FPC will also host the Presbyterian Women Helpshops in September. 

Northwest Presbyterian Church in St. Petersburg invites you to an Open House on Sunday July 25.  From 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. enjoy refreshments, fellowship and see their beautiful new mural (and talk with the artist).  See the flyer.

Hot summer weather is a great time for swimming!  First Presbyterian Church in Haines City hosts family swim dates during the summer at a local pool.  Everyone is invited to bring a picnic lunch and friends to enjoy the water and great fellowship.   

FPC in Lake Alfred is a big mission supporter.  One of their younger members is active in 4-H and has decided to make his service project one that benefits Heifer Project.  He's collecting money for an Ark ($5000) as a way to help those in need become self-sufficient while benefitting their community. 

Money is often a concern for us and FPC in Palm Harbor will be offering Financial Peace University classes beginning in September.  This intensive class will help participants learn to manage their money more effectively, increase their giving and be more responsible with the gifts God has given. 

Christ Presbyterian Church in Largo opens their doors for scrapbookers to come once a month from 6 p.m. to midnight. Folks are encouraged to bring their materials and a snack to enjoy fellowship while scrapbooking.  Those who want to learn are welcome also.  Vonnie can give more information - 727-424-1575.

Families enjoy fun together when Tims Memorial plans their Family Fun Nights.  Themes include Super Bowl Parties, Chili Cook-Off, Vacation Bible School, Father-Daughter Dances and more.

Keystone Presbyterian Church in Odessa has a Parish Nurse who will check blood pressure and help with prescriptions.  They also continue their commitment to good health by sponsoring free exercise classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays. 

There is much to celebrate at First Presbyterian Church in Safety Harbor!  On July 4 they rededicated themselves to the worship and service of God during worship and then enjoyed fellowship with an indoor picnic.  Despite their recent troubles, God is doing a new thing and we can all celebrate!

Bayshore Presbyterian is commited to reaching out in love to neighbors in need.  The Outreach Committee is quite active with their Thanksgiving Food and Christmas Gift Drives.  They also made 15 baby quilts for the NICU at St. Joseph's Hospital.  Currently they are supporting a local family through Tampa Bay's Child.  What a wonderful witness to Christ! 

The folks in Zephyrhills find fun ways to invite folks to church.  On August 21 they will host a Neighborhood Party on their lawn.  Games, a Bouncy castle, face painting, a reptile show, and more along with free food.  The fun begins at 5:00 p.m. 

Hope Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven recently offered CPR training for members.  Although usually expensive, the church defrayed much of the cost from their Bazaar.  You never know when you might need such important training!

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 July and August we are praying for:

Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church - Winter Haven
Hope Presbyterian Church - Winter Haven
Parson Memorial Presbyterian Church -Yankeetown
First Presbyterian Church - Zephyrhills
First Presbyterian Church - Auburndale
First Presbyterian Church - Bartow
McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church - Bartow

First Presbyterian Church - Brandon
Presbyterian Church of Bloomingdale
Bethel Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
Church of Reconciler - Clearwater
Hope Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
Northwood Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
Trinity Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
First Presbyterian Church - Crystal River
First Presbyterian Church - Dade City

Cedarkirk News

 Be sure to mark your calendars and make your plans to attend these events:

Labor Day Family Retreat, September 3-5.  This also coincides with Homecoming, Saturday September 4.  A great weekend to enjoy family time, meet friends old and new and have fun with all the Cedarkirk 'trimmings!' 

Connections:  Faith & Practice is a new program for young adults, October 1-3.  Connect faith and everyday life through speakers, fellowship, sharing and worship.

Senior Adult Retreat is scheduled for October 19.  A fun day of great food, fellowship and a memorable program.

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

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.

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 , or check our website at www.cedarkirk.org.

 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.  August 9 is our next deadline. Articles can be sent in word or email format.

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Save The Dates!

The Light Still Shines!  A day of fellowship and training for all who teach children, youth and adults.  Saturday August 21 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Seminole. 

ARMSS (Association of Retired Ministers, Their Spouses and Survivors) Convention is September 9-12 in Bloomington, Minnesota.  Called to a Lifetime of Service -- God's Plan OR Ours.  For more information contact Ginny Nyhuis, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Network (POAMN) annual conference is October 12-15 in Orlando, Florida.  Online registration is available at www.poamn.org. 

Coming to Cedarkirk:

 Labor Day Family Retreat, September 3-5.  Homecoming will be part of this special weekend on September 4, so if you can't do all weekend, you can come for Saturday fun!  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Gathering - September 24-26 - is for middle and high school youth groups. 

Connections:  Faith & Practice October 1-3.  This NEW event is for young adults (20-30's single or married).

Senior Adult Retreat October 19.

Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 813-685-4224 for more information.

Resources for You!

Your Resource Center is one of the best in the whole denomination!  Your Resource Center Director and Educator is seeking to visit your congregation.  She can do a Minute for Mission, lead Sunday School, plan a Wednesday night program, work with your Christian Education Committee and more.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to arrange your individualized visit!

New!  New!  New!

Verbo de vida:  En coordinación con la Editorial de Ministerios Congregacionales de la IP (EEUUA) y el Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico, The Thoughtful Christian ha adaptado veintiún estudios existentes para servir a nuestros compañeros/as hispanos/as en Cristo. Nuestros estudios no sólo son traducidos--han sido adaptados para reflejar y enriquecer la sensibilidad cultural única de nuestros hermanos y hermanas hispanoparlantes. Nuevos estudios de Verbo de Vida se desarrollarán en forma continua, haciendo que TheThoughtfulChristian.com sea un excelente recurso para las congregaciones con miembros hispanos y con programas de alcance. Todos los estudios pueden ser comprados individualmente. Lo mejor de todo es que estos nuevos estudios han sido incluidos en nuestro precio especial inicial de tan solo US $150 de suscripción anual hasta el 31 de agosto de 2010. Si necesita ayuda técnica con el sitio Web o ayuda para realizar su pedido, comuníquese con This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Being Reformed:  Faith Seeking Understanding is the brand new adult mini course curriculum from Congregational Ministries.  Each six week study includes a leader's guide and a participant's book.  Current topics are:  Theology for Presbyterians (a study of key tenets of Reformed Theology);  John Calvin:  Founder of the Reformed Tradition (why he is still important today);  Discipleship:  The Way of Jesus (sanctification and how we live);  Worship as Evangelism (examining our worship practices);  and Islam and Christianity (learning about our own beliefs so we can engage in meaningful dialogue).  These are available for review check out (purchase through the PCUSA Store - www.store.pcusa.org.

Asi Creemos is the Spanish language version of We Believe.  Beginning this fall, Asi Creemos will be a free download from the PCUSA website.  Both the Teacher's Resource and Take Home Sheets will be available free. The Class Resource Pack can be purchased for $20 and is needed each quarter.  Order or download here.

Let Us Reason Together - Christians and Jews in Conversation edited by Joseph D. Small and Gilbert S. Rosenthal.  Since 2005 the PCUSA and National Council of Synagogues have consulted together focusing on understanding the relationship between Christians and Jews.  This book is the result of those consultations and addresses theological concepts of the relationship God intends for us.  We are invited to widen the circle of conversation and understanding. 

As summer moves quickly toward fall, what help do you need with your plans for your education program?  Teacher Training?  Curriculum help?  On Saturday August 21, the Education Committee of the Presbytery is offering a morning event for teachers and others involved in Christian Education.  Those who teach at any level, from nursery through adult, will find help and inspiration.  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at Faith Presbyterian Church in Seminole.  Click here for registration information. 

The Thoughtful Christian always has great new studies.  www.thethoughtfulchristian.com.   After more than two months of oil gushing into the Gulf, tempers are flaring, local businesses are failing, the environment’s taking a beating, politicians are posturing, and all that most of us can do is watch the videos of the leak and shake our heads and wonder how could this have happened?  "Gulf Oil Disaster 2010: Initial Responses"  - a brand new study will help us consider the issues and will help us keep things in perspective in the months and years to come as we deal with the aftermath of this disaster. Visit The Thoughtful Christian website to see the many studies they offer, in addition to free materials for everyone. 

Have you checked out The Presbyterian Leader? Similar to the Thoughtful Christian, it is an online resource for pastors, elders, deacons, educators, musicians, worship leaders and other congregational leaders.  The Resource Center has several studies that can be examined in house.  New!  Special Deal!  All current subscribers will receive a free extension through August 31, 2010 as a “thank you” for their loyalty, their invaluable feedback, and their patience!  New subscribers who sign up between July 1st and August 31st will enjoy a limited-time-offer annual subscription rate of just $75, a substantial savings from our standard rate of $99.  www.presbyterianleader.com. 

What help do you need?  Choosing curriculum?  Need ideas for adult classes?  Training for teachers?  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

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.    We're here to serve you Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.  You can also call or email your questions/requests and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

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.

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Mission Matters!

First Church Dunedin Forges New Relationship

Beth-El Needs our Donations

What is Your Mission?

Let us pray for our churches as they engage in mission.  Both St. Andrews, Dunedin and Faith Church, Seminole are in Honduras serving Christ as they answer the needs of the people.  Pray for safe travels for the teams and that they and their hosts may know the presence of God as they meet together! 

Connections in Christ Grow in Belize for FPC Dunedin.

From June 8th through June 15th  the Rev. Vicki ByRoade and three others from the congregation worked in mission in Lords Bank in Belize.  God brought First Church the Lords Bank Community Church together beginning in 2006, thanks to a scholarship given the Pastor of Lords Bank. 

This year’s trip was just a part of what we are hoping will be a long standing relationship.  Greg Long and Welch Agnew worked with the pastor and young men from the church and the community to provide a basketball court, which has been a dream of the community for twenty years.  Laura Connelly and Vicki taught preschool for three days and developed and taught classes for parents of teens, parents of preschoolers and a class on self-esteem for teenage girls.  In addition we began a Bible Study based on the Horizons Study “Jubilee”, copies of which many of you provided.

The team plans to share pictures and stories at a potluck dinner gathering at church sometime in August.  We would love to have you join us.  Check our website fpcdunedin.org for the date and to read our daily updates to the congregation.  And in the meantime, check out YouTube.com/Kingdomkidspreschoolbelize to see just a bit of our ministry there.

Time to Help Beth-El with School Supplies.  Beth-El Farmworker Ministry is asking for donations to help children get ready for school.  Backpacks and School Supplies are needed for distribution for the 2010-2011 school year. Donations will be given out in early August, along with grade appropriate supplies. Be on the lookout for summer sale ads for the following:

1. Notebook Paper
2. Glue Sticks
3. Crayons
4. Pencil Cases
5. Folders
6. Colored Pencils
7. Rulers
8. Scissors
9. New Backpacks
10. Or Gift Cards to Walmart…..

Donations should be taken to the Wimauma campus, 18240 Highway 301 S, Wimauma, by late July.  Visit their website for more information.

Many churches "do" Mission during the summer.  What is your congregation up to this year?  Let us know by emailing us a summary of your activities and we'll highlight the good work being done in the name of Jesus Christ!  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it today.

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Positively Presbyterian!

General Assembly Wrap Up

Board of Pension Update

Finally!  The New Website is Here!

Stated Clerk's Statistical Report

Learn, Grow, Refresh

The 219th meeting of the General Assembly is now history.  Many decisions were made over the course of July 3-10 in Minneapolis.  Some we have read in the media.  The tough work of interpreting these decisions as we prepare to vote in our Presbytery must now begin.  The Presbyterian Outlook has a camera-ready bulletin insert that you can purchase for download to help your Session, members and friends understand what happened during GA.  Correct information is crucial to understanding and the discussions that will come as we vote and implement new ways.  Click here to purchase. 

If you are a retired member of the Board of Pensions be sure you use Benefits Connect to check your payment history.  Just click register for Benefits Connect, or go to the Pensions.org homepage and click the “Register” button under the Benefits Connect logo.  The Board of Pensions website is a great source of information for all members - plan details, documents, forms, all kinds of helpful information is posted for members. 

Don't miss these replays!  More than 400 middle governing body representatives gathered this spring for the annual Regional Benefits Consultations. These meetings provided an opportunity for the representatives to receive Benefits Plan and investment updates from the Board of Pensions, as well as the latest information from the General Assembly Mission Council, the Office of the General Assembly, the Presbyterian Foundation, and the Board of Directors of the Board of Pensions. A special session on healthcare reform was also held. In addition, the consultations were a forum in which the representatives exchanged ideas with the Board.

Replays of the plenary sessions, as well as the pre-conference workshop, are now available on the e-learning page of Pensions.org. These on-demand Web modules combine audio recordings of the speakers with their presentation slides.We hope you will take time to review the presentations and ask that you share them with others in your organization.

Stated Clerk releases PC(USA) 2009 statistics
Total membership stands at 2,077,138, down 3 percent.

The Office of the General Assembly has released the 2009 statistics of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The report includes a comparative summary of the membership, a summary of receipts and expenditures for the past four years, and other statistical information.  As of 2009, the total membership of the PC(USA) is 2,077,138, a roughly 3% decrease, or 63,027 members, from the previous year.

The Rev. Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, said the latest statistics contain both good news and bad.
"The good news is that adult baptisms rose for the first time in at least four years, and the overall number in membership losses was the lowest it has been in the last decade," Parsons said. "The discouraging news is that while we’re gaining members, we’re still playing catch-up with the rate of decline." Read more.....

Check out the newly launched denominational website, www.pcusa.org. The new site was unveiled at the General Assembly meeting on Saturday, July 3. Response includes great excitement at the dynamic and flexible content designed for easy navigation of the site.
New interactive tools incorporated into the website will aid users to share ideas about ministry, creating an ongoing conversation and source for mission.
The home page is designed to serve as a gateway to the church, with stories of Presbyterians and their love for the church, an introduction to the PC(USA) for first-time visitors, helpful links to popular links and new tools for finding events, news and information, resources and products available for purchase in the church store.
The redesign was years in the making, and is now available for use by the whole church for the furthering of the mission of Jesus Christ.  Be sure to visit and check it out!

Seminaries, Montreat and More 

Make Disciples of All Nations - the National New Church Development Conference, August 10-12, Don Cesar Beach Resort, St. Petersburg, Florida.  This is the national conference, sponsored by the PCUSA, designed to help new churches, pastors, spouses and lay leaders gain the skills they need to suceed.  Five training tracks are available and there will be ample opportunity to network, fellowship and worship.  Shawn Lovejoy is the keynote speaker, the Rev. Dr. Alice Ridgill will lead worship and music come to us from Dexios.  Click here to register. 

Columbia Theological Seminary:  

The most recent edition of At This Point from Columbia Seminary is now available.  This free journal is only available online - www.atthispoint.net and is a theological investigation in church and culture.  The current issue is Speaking of Children and focuses on the issues of testing in schools and what the church can learn.  Click here to read more.....

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

Columbia Seminary has a full schedule of opportunities for retreat, reflection and spiritual growth.

 Union Presbyterian Seminary:

Note the new name!  Union Theological Seminary/Presbyterian School of Christian Education is now Union Presbyterian Seminary.  Coming this fall to the Charlotte campus will be Eugene Peterson, leading Faith Seeking Understanding, October 8-11.  More information on all upcoming events is available here. 

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