Presbytery of Tampa Bay

Click link for information on

October is Presbytery Meeting and Mission Super Saturday!

News Flash!

Resourceful Ideas

Serving Together in Mission

We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Presbytery meets October 1 and Super Saturday for Mission is October 10.

Super Saturday for Mission

The Fall Stated Meeting of Presbytery is Thursday October 1. Registration and fellowship begin at 8:30 a.m.

First Presbyterian Church

206 Washington Avenue

Inverness, Florida

Child care is available by calling the church office, 352-637-0770 by Friday September 25.  Pastors, Elder commissioner and Certified Educators are expected to attend meetings of Presbytery.  If you need to be excused, please call 813-868-4800 and speak with This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Lunch tickets are $7 per person and will be sold during registration.  Checks are payable to First Presbyterian Church.

We look forward to a special day! During worship we will be celebrating John Calvin's Quincentennial.  This will be an inspiring time to celebrate our heritage and thank God for our Reformed witness.  Stan Ott will be our Keynote speaker following worship.

E. Stanley Ott is Founder and President of the Vital Churches Institute (VC).

As President, Stan's passion is the transformation of the mainline church. Stan teaches the principles of congregational vitality, transformation, missional endeavor, and leadership. His impact reaches thousands of folks throughout US and abroad through the Acts 16:5 Initiative, his published writing and his teaching engagements.

As pastor, Stan has over thirty years of first-hand knowledge of the hard work and challenges that lead to the blessings of being a transformational congregation that moves to new vitality.

Stan's Publications include:
·    "Twelve Dynamic Shifts for Transforming Your Church" (Eerdmans)
·    "Transform Your Church with Ministry Teams" (Eerdmans)
·    "The Vibrant Church: A People Building Plan for Congregational Health" (Regal)
·    "The Joy of Discipling: Friend with Friend and Heart with Heart" (Zondervan)
·    Vision for a Vital Church (Vital Churches Institute)
·    Small Group Life (Vital Churches Institute)
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Learn more about his ministry at www.vitalchurchesinstitute.com.  We will have several of Stan Ott's books for sale at the Presbytery meeting.

"Me?  The Missionary?"  Super Saturday for Mission is October 10 at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa.

Palma Ceia is located at 3501 San Jose, Tampa, Florida,  813-253-6047.

Come join other missionaries (yes, YOU are a missionary) and share how we can be more effective at spreading the love of God in Jesus Christ.  Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. followed by worship and keynote presentation.  Morning and afternoon workshops will be presented (you will choose your workshops on site) along with other mission-oriented activities.  We are pleased to welcome Doug Baker as our keynote speaker and itinerating missionary.

Doug Baker has been under appointment as a PC(USA) mission worker since 1979 and Elaine Baker since 1985. Though their roles have changed over the years of their ministry in Northern Ireland, their ministry has always served the cause of peacemaking and reconciliation.

In 2005 Doug was asked to serve as regional liaison for Ireland and the United Kingdom. In this role, he facilitates Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) support for programs, relationships, and activities involving partner denominations and agencies. This includes facilitating exchanges with work and study visits involving PC(USA)-related groups.

Doug continues in the role of site coordinator for the PC(USA)'s Young Adult Volunteer program in Northern Ireland. Read more about Doug and his ministry here.  Doug will be itinerating in our Presbytery and would like to visit your church!  Contact Jack Alwood, 727-842-4516 to see about scheduling a visit.

Do you wonder how you can do mission work, when you can't leave the country?  Then come and learn how we are all called by God to mission work!  Click here for registration information.  You can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Top

News Flash!

Educator Extravaganza!

Support Mission by Bargain Hunting

Space for Rent

Great Happenings at Cedarkirk

Important Financial Training

Nominations Needed!  Are You Being Called?

Save the Dates!

Educator Extravaganza will be Monday October 19, 9:30-11:30 in the Kelly Road Mission Center.  If you are involved in Christian Education in your church as staff or volunteer, please plan to come!  We will have refreshments, new items in the Resource Center for your browsing, representatives from Cokesbury, Tampa Christian Supply, and MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers).  Great door prizes - if you bring a non-Presbyterian colleague, you could win a free year of membership!  All non-Presbyterian educators will be entered in a drawing for free membership also.  We will have other prizes from our vendors and some free give aways from the Resource Center.  Come for the fellowship and to see what great resources we have for your programs.

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 September we prayed for:

St. John Presbyterian Church, Tampa
Village Presbyterian Church, Tampa
Church on the Bayou, Tarpon Springs
Temple Terrace Presbyterian Church, Temple Terrace
First Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven
Hope Presbyterian Church, Winter Haven
Parsons Memorial Presbyterian Church, Yankeetown
First Presbyterian Church, Zephyrhills
First Presbyterian Church, Auburndale
First Presbyterian Church, Bartow

Fall is a great time for bargain hunting. Many churches hold annual yard sales, bazaars or other activities in October and November.  This is a great way to support mission causes, as many give the money to mission - local and beyond.  Here is a list of what we know is coming up:

Lake Seminole Presbyterian Church Garage Sale - October 10, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  Also they will host a Craft Sale on Saturday November 7, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Forest Hills Presbyterian Church, Tampa, Arts and Crafts Bazaar, Saturday October 17, 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Crafts, yard sale items, fresh produce, plants and much, much more.

North Lakeland Presbyterian Church is sponsoring the 16th Annual Anchor House Golf Tournament.  Saturday October 17 at the Sandpiper Golf and Country Club in Lakeland.   Tee time 8:00 a.m.  $60 for non-members (includes green fees, lunch and donation to Anchor House).  Anchor House is a home for at-risk adolescent boys in Auburndale, Florida.

Grace Presbyterian Church, Spring Hill, Attic Treasure Bazaar, Saturday November 7.

Woodlawn Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg, Annual Bazaar, Saturday October 24, 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

First Presbyterian Church, Brandon, will hold its biennial ALMA Auction, Saturday November 14, to benefit Cedarkirk.

St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Dunedin will have their annual Pumpkin Patch beginning October 3 with proceeds benefiting youth and mission work.

Contact the churches directly for more information about these events.  Have an event coming in November not listed here?  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Space for Rent at the Kelly Road Mission Center. Space is Available at the Presbytery of Tampa Bay Office for Meetings of Organizations

In order to be better stewards of the resources of the presbytery, the Trustees have approved the rental of space in the presbytery office building for groups who need a place to meet. Preference (and reduced rates) will be given to Presbytery of Tampa Bay congregations. If you are part of a non-profit organization that needs meeting space, please pass this news along.

As you may know, the presbytery office building has three conference rooms and a large chapel/meeting room. It is located one mile west of the Tampa airport. There is a nearby hotel which will offer special rates for overnight groups. A number of restaurants are nearby, and catering is available. Rental rates are based on several factors.  Member churches of the Presbytery have first priority and receive the lowest rates (begin at $15), non-Presbyterian or non-Presbytery churches start at $25 and non-profit organizations, $30, all for four hours or less.  Each area (Chapel, Conference Room, Annex or full west wing) have rates according to the organization and how long the space will be used. Click here to see the complete rate chart. 

In addition, there is a furnished office in the west wing (14 feet x16 feet) which will rent for $300 per month. This includes utilities, desk, chair, credenza, restroom, kitchen, and refrigerator. Additional (optional) services include telephone/fax/internet services for $100 per month.

For further information, please contact Cheryl Valdebenito at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 813-868-4800, or visit our website at www.presbyteryoftampabay.com.

Are You Called? Do you have a heart for YOUTH MINISTRY?  If so, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Clearwater, FL, is looking for a part-time director of youth (20-25 hours/week), to begin as early as September 1, 2009.  We currently have a small youth group but have the potential to have many more youth participating with just a little encouragement and communication.  Does this sound like a match to your gifts?  If so, contact Sue Moore (727-433-1911), chair of the Christian Education Ministry, or forward a resume to her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fall Events at Cedarkirk

The Gathering (6th-12th grade) October 2-4, 2009
New for 2009! This youth event is in response to a request from our smaller churches. Though not limited to small youth groups, it is for 6th-12th graders and their adult leaders. This retreat will include large group time for games, worship, and activities plus small group free time for your kids to fellowship together.
The cost is $75 for two nights, 5 meals, and all activities (zip line, climbing wall, and river activities, weather permitting). Housing is in the rustic cabins and we ask for a 7 to 1 youth-adult ratio including a leader for each gender represented in your group.

Falltastic (2nd-5th grade) October 9-10, 2009
Just ask any past leader or participant about this program and you will hear fond memories of a 24-hour event packed with fun and faith. This is a great way for Sunday School classes to get to know one another and have a fun camp experience. This Friday to Saturday event includes lodging, meals, and as many activities we can possibly schedule for your young ones to do. Lodging is in the rustic cabins for that outdoor camping feel. However, with in-cabin fans, nearby rest rooms, and hot showers, there are enough amenities to help your kids stay adventurous and pleasant at the same time.
The cost for this event is $60 for one night, 4 meals and all activities. A 7 to 1 child-adult ratio is required as well as a leader for each gender in your group.

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 the above listed events or any other questions, please don't hesitate to call 813.685.4224 or check our website at www.cedarkirk.org.  Download the Registration form for these events here.

Senior Adult Retreat Our annual event for older adults.    October 27th -29th      

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 .

Two Important Financial Training Events are coming in October.   On Wednesday October 21, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. we will have End-of-Year Financial Training. Bookkeepers, Treasurers, Business Administrators - anyone with financial responsibilities in the church should plan to attend.  $25 per person, $20 for two or more from the same church.  Fee includes materials, lunch and snacks.  Register by calling the Presbytery office or emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Registration deadline is October 14.

ACS Technologies Training will be Monday October 12-Friday October 16, 8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Kelly Road Mission Center.  If your church uses ACS Software, this training is critical.  You can attend one day or all five, it depends upon what you need to learn about the software.  Pam Shives, our local ACS Trainer, will lead this event.  Register directly with ACS at www.acstechnologies.com/training.   Your fee includes light refreshments (lunch breaks and suggestions for restaurants will be available).  If you need overnight accomodations, contact the Presbytery office for our discounted rate at a local hotel.  Monday is People 101;  Tuesday is Groups 101; Wednesday is Mass Communication 101; Thursday is Giving 101 and Friday is Financials 101.  Pastors, Business managers, financial secretaries, treasurers, membership secretaries will all find this training invaluable.

Nominations Sought!

Presbytery Committee Vacancies – Is One For You?
The following committees of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay have at least two vacancies.  If you are interested in being considered for one of them – or in learning more about the ministry of that group – please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Rev. Mary McKey at 813-868-4800.

The Nominating Committee needs basic information about why you (or the person you suggest) should be considered for membership on the committee.  The committees are:
a)    Committee on Preparation for Ministry
b)    Education
c)    Investigating
d)    Mission Outreach & Funding
e)    Permanent Judicial Commission
f)    Representation
g)    Stewardship
h)    Trustees

Nominations for minister commissioners to GA must submit the required information by the deadline of October 5. Under a new policy approved by the Presbytery of Tampa Bay, ministers may put forward their own name for consideration, or others may suggest them.

Information on elder commissioners is handled through a separate process, involving churches on a presbytery rotation list.  They have been sent their information by e-mail and the postal service.  (Our presbytery is allowed three elder commissioners and three minister commissioners, with three alternates for each).

The following is a list of the information needed by Oct. 5 and the requirements for serving:
1) Provide in advance completed biographical/faith statement forms which will be used by the Nominating Committee to assist the Presbytery in knowing more about each nominee.  (The forms are available through the presbytery office.)
2) Be available to attend pre-assembly (or synod) training events and able to read required preparatory materials before the meetings begin.
3) Be available to attend all scheduled meetings of the General Assembly or Synod for which he or she is a commissioner.
4) Be able to answer in the affirmative all of the questions for commissioning to the meetings.
5) Provide a written report to the presbytery about their work as commissioners after the meetings have concluded.  Commissioners will be expected to provide their reports by the next stated meeting of the Presbytery after the GA or Synod has met.
6) Commissioners to General Assembly must also agree to serve on the Presbytery Bills and Overtures Committee from the time they are commissioned until the commissioning for the second General Assembly after the one they attended (In other words, about four years of service on the Bills and Overtures Committee).

If you have questions, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the Presbytery Office.

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. October 12 is 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!

Top

It's not too late! We have ONE 2009-2010 Presbyterian Planning Calendar available for sale - $8.00, first come first served.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Save The Dates!

Coming to Cedarkirk:

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

Christmas Retreat Our annual Christmas event for children and youth.  December 18th-20th

The Inn Door A holiday retreat for homeless women and families.    TBA

Christmas International House A hospitality and peacemaking retreat for international college students.    TBA

Middle School Retreat is November 6-8 at Cedarkirk.  We are excited to welcome the Rev. Jim Hatch (Pastor at FPC Bartow) as our keynote speaker!  Registration information is available on our home page.  Click for Registration form, Cedarkirk form, Group Information form, Cost Options and Event Flyer (you need all five).

Free Lunch! The Board of Pensions will host a free lunch for anyone who is a member of the Board of Pensions to discuss important matters related to the Plan.  Wednesday November 11, 9:30a.m. to noon.  Clark Simmons, our Regional Representative will present this event.  If you are a member of the Board or are responsible for reporting financial information you need to attend this event. Please R.S.V.P. not later than Thursday November 5 to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Winter Stated Meeting of Presbytery will be at Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater, Florida on Thursday December 3.

Vacation Bible School Preview Party! Saturday January 9, 2010 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at the Resource Center.  Cokesbury will be here with many different options for your summer vacation Bible school curriculum.  Enjoy refreshments, fellowship and browsing.

Super Saturday for Leadership will be Saturday January 23, 2010, at First Presbyterian Church, Lakeland.

APCE (Association of Presbyterian Church Educators) annual meeting will be January 27-30, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  We have an offer of transportation by church bus for any from our Presbytery planning to go.  Hotel registration can be made on-line - www.apcenet.org.  Event registration will be available mid-September.

Souper Bowl '10 will be February 7, 2010.

Resourceful Ideas

Educator Extravaganza! Monday October 19 we invite all who are involved in education in the church - educators, youth leaders, teachers, to join us for a morning of fellowship and fun.  9:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Kelly Road Mission Center.  We will have light refreshments, door prizes and more.  Bring an educator friend from a non-PCUSA church and get a chance to win a free year of membership!

Here's a great newsletter for families - Heartfelt News.  Produced by the LOGOS System Associates, each is packed with great ideas for families, help for parents, tips for sharing faith with children and more.  This edition highlights talking about money issues with your children.

Have you ever wondered about applying for a grant to help your ministry?  Joy Skjegstad is a nationally known writer and consultant helping churches win grants.  Her new article, "Are Grants the Answer?" is free and available online.  Go to http://faithandleadership.com/content/are-grants-the-answer and read the full text for yourself.  The Resource Center has a copy of her book, Winning Grants to Strengthen Your Ministry.

New! New! New!

The Phoenix Affirmations by Eric Elnes, offers a new vision for the future of Christianity.  Built on the three great loves revealed in the Bible, love of God, love of neighbor and love of self, disillusioned and spiritually homeless Christians can find a sense of hope in this joyful, tolerant and compassionate message.

John Calvin - Reformer for the 21st Century by William Stacy Johnson, is an excellent entry as we celebrate the quincentenniel of Jean Calvin.  Especially helpful for those with little knowledge of the works of Calvin, his continuing impact through the centuries becomes evident.  There is a discussion guide especially helpful for small groups.

No Act of Love is Ever Wasted by Jane Marie Thibault and Richard Morgan, offers those caring for persons with dementia a grounding in spirituality.  Often caring for those with diminished cognitive ability is demanding and exhausting. This book offers hope that even those suffering with dementia can grow spiritually and caregivers can be catalysts of God's amazing love.

New Curriculum options available in the Resource Center include the full fall line of both Witness and Spark.  Spark also has four volumes designed especially for those doing rotating workshops.  Spark offers a regular classroom and lectionary-based options.  These two curricula were a gift from the Synod of Florida/Bahamas Resource Center director, Irene Flynn.  The Discipleship Resource Center and the Lutheran Resource Center are partnering together to bring more resources to you!

The Thoughtful Christian always has great new studies.  www.thethoughtfulchristian.com.  Some of their new studies:  Kickoff!  The Ethics of College Sports.  Is College athletics a game or a business?  Also for parents - Modeling Love for the "Least of These." Our attitudes about justice are passed down to our children.  This study for parents of teens provides a look at the meaning of justice and everyday models for commitment to acting and living justly.  A new study pack for Advent has also just been released - Rejoice!  Reflections on Four Advent Hymns looks at some of our favorite carols and invites us to experience the words anew.      

The Presbyterian Leader Studies/resources can be downloaded for a fee or you can subscribe and have access to all published materials for a year!  Visit www.thepresbyterianleader.com.  Our Reformed Traditions by Louis Weeks and Elaine Barnett is an important addition to your officer training.  Simply put, the goal of this session is to acquaint church leaders with specific information about the theological and organizational model of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). A heavy emphasis on the historical roots and basic practices of the congregation is provided as a means of developing church leaders who not only know but can accurately and eloquently share their faith beliefs. This two-session study is an excellent primer for anyone who feels the call to a leadership position in the church.

Both The Thoughtful Christian and The Presbyterian Leader materials are available by subscription or you can purchase and download just the studies you want.

Is your congregation eligible for an “Excellence in Education Ministry Congregation Award?”
Each year Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education awards congregations for innovative ministry with special populations; ministry with children; youth ministry; Christian education; and outreach & social concern.  Since 1991, 71 churches in 26 states have received these awards.   Each of the five awards carries a $1,000 prize to support the congregation in its ministry.

For more information and to apply for one of the Union-PSCE Congregation Awards, you may download the brochure and application from http://www.union-psce.edu/alumni/Congregation-Awards.php, request an application by sending an e-mail to April Swofford at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 1-800-229-2990, ext 231
The application and instructions are only available electronically. The deadline for the 2010 Awards is November 1, 2009.

Developing Community Outreach Ministry Webinar, led by Joy Skjegstad (Alban Institute) will be October 7, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.  $39.  For more information or to register click here.  Learn the basic steps to developing new community outreach ministry, examine possible models, learn how to begin building relationships with key community groups and discuss strategies for involving the congregation in planning and implementation.

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.

Do you need help with teacher training?  Choosing curriculum?  Need ideas for adult classes?  We can help!  Leslee Kirkconnell is a Certified Christian Educator and able to help by leading 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

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.

Top

Serving Together in Mission

News from Beth El

Peacemaking Offering is Also World Communion Sunday

Mission Celebration '09

News from the Coalition of Immokalee Workers

New Missionaries Start in Honduras

Beth-El Farmworker Ministry has just finished a busy summer with many on campus mission groups and volunteers assisting with various programs.  Due to our reduced staff, the mission groups were a great asset in conducting VBS and our Back to School programs.  The weekly grocery bag distribution has averaged 600 families each week over the past three months.  Thankfully we have had sufficient food supplies to assist in this great need.

As you may be aware, our Board has voted to suspend Mision Peniel, our three year old ministry in Immokalee, due to the shortfall in revenue this year.   Even during the slow summer months in Immokalee, we have been blessed to be able to provide food and outreach to over 325 workers each Friday evening.  Pastor Miguel Estrada and his family, who have been with us since the summer of 2007, have been wonderful beacons of light for the Hispanic farmworker community.  Mision Peniel is the only Reformed tradition ministry for the Hispanic farmworker in Immokalee.

We will be hosting our Fourth Annual Housing Fair on Oct. 16th this year that is open to the entire local community.  Many Hillsborough County departments set up table displays to better inform the local community what is available through the county.   Additionally, other organizations
that are related to housing or that provide services also participate.

A Special Appeal for Covenant partners (Beth-El and Cedarkirk) is being conducted in both the Presbytery of Tampa Bay and Peace River Presbytery.  As of 9/15/2009, Beth-El has received $19,371 from the Presbytery of Tampa Bay and $11,123 from Peace River Presbytery yielding a total of $30,494 from the shortfall of $88,000. We are extremely grateful for the receipt of this funds to restore the reduced funds.  If you are able to make a donation, please be sure to note 'Special Appeal' on your check. 

Blessings to All!  Dave Moore, Executive Director
Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc

October 4, 2009 is World Communion Sunday.  It is also the day the General Assembly has set aside for the Peacemaking Offering.  You should have received information about this offering. If you need additional packets, please contact the Presbytery office - 813-868-4800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us.

Don't Miss Super Saturday for Mission! Saturday October 10 at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church in Tampa.  Come explore the theme, "Me?  A Missionary?"  See related article in this newsletter.  Registration information is available here.  Doug Baker will be in our presbytery for several days and wants to visit YOUR church.  Contact Jack Alwood, 727-842-4516 to schedule.  Hurry, as dates are filling up.

Are you passionate about mission?  Come join other passionate Presbyterians and celebrate what God is doing in the world.  Renew old friendships and form new ones that will strengthen you on your mission journey.  Experience a diverse church that stands united in our commitment to Christ's mission.  At Mission Celebration '09 you can connect with mission personnel, trip leaders, global partners and other Presbyterians involved in missions.  Come learn how to be more effective.  Be sent forth to embrace your unique calling to mission service and support.  October 22-24, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  Register online and get more information at www.pcusa.org/missioncelebration.

Another Major Grower Agrees to Pass on a Penny per Pound!

In June 2002, the Presbytery of Tampa Bay brought an overture to the 214th General Assembly calling for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to support the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) in a national consumer boycott of Taco Bell in order to improve wages and conditions in the fields of Taco Bell’s Florida-based tomato suppliers.  The GA overwhelmingly voted to support this overture and Presbyterians across the nation became active in calling on Taco Bell to ensure justice in the fields.

The boycott ended successfully in 2005 with a groundbreaking agreement between the CIW and Yum Brands (Taco Bell’s parent company) to directly improve tomato pickers’ wages by a penny per pound and to implement a code of conduct against abuses, including zero tolerance for modern-day slavery.  The CIW began an excellent working relationship with Yum Brands, which then expanded the agreement to all its brands, including KFC, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver’s and A&W Restaurants. Subsequently, McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, Whole Foods and Bon Appetit also reached agreements with the CIW to directly improve farmworker wages and working conditions. Most recently, East Coast Growers and Packers, a major Florida tomato grower, agreed to work with the CIW and these companies to pass on the penny per pound wage increase and implement the code of conduct!

Modern-day slavery and human trafficking are key issues addressed by the CIW and the companies above.   Unfortunately, there are other supermarkets that have yet to work with the CIW to foster fair wages and safe working conditions for the farmworkers who pick their tomatoes.  One of these is Publix.  Publix has publicly “declined to participate” in improving conditions for farmworkers. Furthermore, Publix continues to purchase tomatoes from the two growers implicated in the farmworker slavery case described above.

As people of faith, as Presbyterians, and as people who shop at Publix, we have the opportunity to call on Publix to work with the CIW to ensure an end to modern-day slavery and abuses in the fields.  Publix can join Whole Foods and other fast-food industry leaders in working with the CIW to support basic dignity for the farmworkers who pick its tomatoes. We invite you to learn more and join us in calling on Publix to do the right thing through any of the following activities:
·    Invite a farmworker to share about conditions in the fields with your congregation, youth group, or Sunday school class.
·    Keep your eyes and ears open for the CIW and Interfaith Action workshop at the Tampa Bay Presbytery Mission Super Saturday on October 10th. 
·    Send a letter or postcards to Publix encouraging them to improve wages and conditions for tomato pickers.  Contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for postcards and other educational materials.
·    Deliver a letter explaining your concern to the Manager of a Publix near you next time you go grocery shopping. Visit www.interfaithact.org/publix for a sample letter and  more information.

We look forward to working together to ensure that those who pick our tomatoes are treated with the dignity that all of God’s children deserve.  Don’t hesitate to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 239-986-0847; we would be more than happy to discuss how you and your congregation can join in supporting farmworkers.

Peace and blessings!
Kim Kavazanjian
Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida
www.interfaithact.org

Praise God!  Ashley and Mark Wright and their 3 children arrived safely in Honduras on August 21 to begin their mission service.

The Wrights are the first Presbyterian mission co-workers to serve with the Presbyterian Church of Honduras. They began their service in July 2009. They’re tasked with leadership and theological training, as well as promoting congregational self-sufficiency in the Honduran context. While their primary role is helping to build the capacity of local church leaders, the Wrights also nurture and resource the PC(USA)’s network of churches involved in mission work in Honduras. They're creating a Web site about their life in partnership.

Once part of the Mayan empire, Honduras is a now a sparsely populated, mountainous country in Central America, and one of the poorest in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout most of the last century it was ruled by various military dictatorships. After the end of the Cold War, Honduras, like the rest of Central America, moved toward democracy, but a military coup of democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya on June 28, 2009, has created a lot of tension within society and called into question the military's commitment to democracy.

The Presbyterian Church of Honduras consists of 20 churches located within a 60-mile radius from the capital city, Tegucigalpa. The church members are said to be so enthusiastic that many meet four days per week: Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday as well as Sunday.

Ashley recalls a particular moment of insight that occurred in India when she was only 10 years old.  “We were in New Delhi visiting the Taj Mahal and it was very, very hot. We had walked back up to the front along the flat pools, and were standing next to a man chopping sugar cane. He tossed the left-over ends into a huge pile on his left, and many children were scampering onto the pile looking for pieces that had any juice left in them. I started watching a little girl who was about 6 years old. She stopped in front of me and we stared each other up and down—I in my dress and shoes and hat and she in a dirty undergarment but with a gold stud in her nose. She was very thin, and from the way she tore into her small stump of discarded sugarcane she was obviously very hungry. For the first time, I realized how extremely blessed I was to have been born into my family in the United States and not into poverty in India. I realized at that young age that I was not put into the world to be a taker, but to be a person who gives and makes the world better.”

Mark tells about the time during his junior year abroad in 1986-87 when he was part of a group of American students who crossed the Berlin Wall and were hosted by a group of students in East Germany. The two groups defended their countries vigorously. Then, Mark reports, “As the evening wore on and our leaders went home for the night, we all began to talk and defend less and listen more. Words got easier, ideas and ideologies got softer, and we all began to be able to admit both the faults of and our love for our respective nations. A wall fell that day. Later, during graduate school at the University of Salzburg, I took another trip to Berlin and Checkpoint Charlie, where not long before the guns, dogs, and barbed wire had seemed so permanent and dangerous. This time, however, I borrowed a hammer and climbed on a stretch of that thick wall. I beat enough pieces of concrete off to fill a backpack and I brought them home when I returned to the United States. The funny thing is, I don’t know what happened to them. It seems that even the pieces of that wall have disappeared.”

Ashley and Mark have three sons—Ethan, Eliott, and Gabriel—who will accompany them on their assignment to Honduras. Ethan has created his own Web site and blog about his life as a mish kid.

Read more about their ministry on their PCUSA website - http://www.pcusa.org/missionconnections/profiles/wrightm.htm.  You can read their newsletters or send them an email.

Top

We are the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Where's John Calvin?

From Our Stated Clerk

Retirement Seminar for Board of Pension Members

Congregational Leadership

Continuing Education Opportunities

Special Invitation from our Lutheran Brothers and Sisters - REACH

Where's John Calvin? Plan to join the special celebration at our October 1 Presbytery meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Inverness.  John Calvin will be highlighted during our worship that morning.  See the related article above for registration information, although everyone is welcome to join us for worship around 9:00 a.m. that morning!  For additional information, visit http://www.pcusa.org/calvinjubilee/ for a listing of events, devotionals, information and more.  Calvin is still important and relevant today.  Don't miss this opportunity to help your members understand more about this giant of our faith!

Home improvement
A monthly column for the PC(USA) by the General Assembly stated clerk
by the Rev. Gradye Parsons,  General Assembly stated clerk

LOUISVILLE — The default television channel at our house is HGTV. It is a channel that focuses primarily on home improvement or home replacement.

The home improvements that are featured range from a new paint job and throw pillows to major renovations. Given that the improvements generally follow a life change of the home owner, the work is usually centered on a hope that new space will mean a new way of living.

This month, the proposed new Form of Government will be available for discussion across the church. To me, this work is like a home improvement project, not home replacement.

The basic structure of our Presbyterian life together — the foundation and load-bearing walls — is all there in the proposal. What is new is the remodeled space to allow the church to move into a new life together.

Why is improvement needed?
The current Form of Government is more than 25 years old. The world in which it was created is so different from today’s world in which we minister. Multicultural understandings, personal computers — digital everything — and the all-encompassing Web have created a very different context for ministry.

So, we need to renovate our polity space. We need to knock down some walls of regulation and build room to allow newness to happen. That newness could bring some new ways of living together and some new visions for our future.

The HGTV home improvement shows usually have three parts. First comes the sharing of vision between home owner and designer. Second, the home owner’s anxiety surfaces about the changes. Finally, the project is completed.

The Form of Government revision process has had similar stages. Perhaps we are nearing the final phase. I hope you will take the time to look over the proposal carefully.

Henry Ward Beecher said, “Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith.”

Let’s approach this renovation with the handle of faith.

The Board of Pensions is sponsoring a Holistic Retirement Planning Education Seminar November 17-18 at Port Orange Presbyterian Church in Port Orange, Florida.  Growing into Tomorrow.....Today will explore transition issues in health, lifestyle and finances for church professionals.  Those servants within 10-15 years of retirement can make changes now to positively affect retirement.  Registration is on-line through the Board of Pensions - go to www.pensions.org, search 'Growing into Tomorrow...Today" and click on the first link.  Click Register and follow the instructions (you will need to register for the Port Orange event).  Registration ends October 23 and is limited to the first 30 participants.  The event is free, but participants must make own travel and housing arrangements.  Meals and refreshements provided for $24.  If you need to mail in your registration, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at the Presbytery office.

All of us need time away to relax, refresh, learn, worship and recreate. Here are opportunities available for Clergy, educators and more:

Princeton Forum on Youth Ministry is November 3-5, 2009 at Kanuga Conference Center, in Hendersonville, North Carolina.  Explore hope.  Engage scripture.  Refresh your spirit.  Connect with other youth leaders.  Sharpen your skills for ministry.  Enjoy presentations by Rodger Nishioka and Kenda Creasy Dean.  Details can be found at www.ptsem.edu/iym.

Princeton Seminary announces the following: “Embracing the Latina/o Paradigm: Challenges & Opportunities for Effective Ministries in the PCUSA.” This event will take place at Princeton Theological Seminary from Friday, October 9 to Sunday, October 11, 2009. 

This conference will explore and acknowledge particular challenges that affect our ability to provide effective strategies in ministering to a community that remains disproportionately affected by poverty, low education levels, poor health and discrimination.  What opportunities and challenges can be identified where we as a collective body can faithfully strengthen our Hispanic ministry in a multicultural and multilingual society?    

Our keynote speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Carlos Cardoza-Orlandi, Professor of World Christianity at Columbia Theological Seminary and ordained minister with many years of parish experience.  We will also conduct several panel discussions with key practitioners in the ministry field.  Registration begins at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9th and the cost will be $250.00 which includes meals and accommodations.
The conference will be held in English and you may register on-line by clicking here: http://ptsem.edu/ce/coursepr10hlp501.php. Please make every effort to register by October 2, 2009. 

For more information on this viable conference you may visit any of the following websites:
http://ptsem.edu/ce/coursepr10hlp501.php;
https://our.ptsem.edu/ics/Campus_Life/Multicultural_Relations/Campus_Highlights.jnz

Columbia Theological Seminary:

October 9-11 YMLI (Youth Ministry Leadership Initiative) Beginning Retreat encourages participants to ask important questions about their particular call to youth ministry and youth ministry as a whole. Led by Rodger Nishioka and Neema Cyrus-Franklin.

October 1-4 Certificate in Spiritual Formation Immersion Experience: An Invitation to a Deeper Spiritual Life Participants will study the great spiritual traditions and classics including biblical, monastic and Reformed spiritualities, while doing personal reflection and journaling. This is the Introduction to the Certificate Program. Occasional students are welcome.

Save the Date: January 26-28 Emergence NOW (January Seminars 2010) featuring speakers and workshop leaders Bruce Reyes-Chow, Philip Clayton, Phyllis Tickle, Tony Jones; Barbara Brown Taylor will preach two services. Registration is open NOW! Limited housing is also available on campus – must register separately.

A complete listing of courses and events may be found at http://www.ctsnet.edu/LL/Events.aspx.       
For additional registration information, please contact the Lifelong Learning Registrar at 404.687.4587 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . (Please note NEW email address )

Montreat Conference Center has wonderful opportunities year 'round.  Visit www.montreat.org for information or to register.  Early registration is discounted on many conferences.  Arts and Sabbath is October 4-8 and Life Long Living is October 12-16.  Fall Spiritual Formation Retreat is October 22-25.

Montreat's Wee Kirk Conference will be October 19-21.  Those who lead small Presbyterian congregations, whether ordained or serving as a CLP or a leader in the congregation will find inspiration, information, motivation, encouragement, rest and refreshment. Rates are kept low by love gifts from larger congregations, enabling even the smallest congregations to afford this event (churches with fewer than 126 members pay $75, between 127-200 members it's $90). Register online at www.pfrenewal.org.

A Special Invitation from our ELCA brothers and sisters! If you are a REACH Church, you need this! The team at A Renewal Enterprise has been working with congregational and judicatory leaders across North America for the past 5 years. Our primary goal is to help people and the faith communities they care about be who they are and see what they have for the sake of doing what matters within the context of God’s loving mission in the world. We believe there is extraordinary power in this “clay jar” called the church! The practices and principles we teach as a part of our Renewable OrganizationTM system are designed to help leaders tap into that power and unleash it for good. That’s the theme of the one-day workshop called “Treasure in Clay Jars: The Renewable Organization for Faith-Based Groups” that we’ll be leading in Orlando on Tuesday, December 1,  2009. Up to three members of the synod staff are welcome to attend as our guests, at no charge. We are extending a similar invitation to judicatory leaders in other denominations. We would appreciate any help you can offer in getting the word out to pastors & congregational leaders in your synod...and also to your ecumenical friends and partners in Florida.

We’ll keep sending information about the workshop your way but, in the meantime, please visit our website at http://www.arenewalenterprise.com to get to know a little more about what we’ve been up to lately. And feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions as we prepare to kick off this 2009 tour. Thank-you!

Dave Daubert, Tana Kjos, Kelly Fryer
Managing Partners
A Renewal Enterprise, Inc.
312-698-8949
http://ARenewalEnterprise.com
“Growing Renewable Organizations for a Renewable World”

Top