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Community Newsletters January 2009 Newsletter
Community Newsletters January 2009 Newsletter
| January 2009 Newsletter |
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WELCOME
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| In This Issue | Click link for information on: |
| Super Saturday for Leadership, January 24 | |
| IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage Rates | |
| End-of-Year Tax Tips | |
| Alternative Giving Is A Year-Round Activity! | |
| RESOURCEful Ideas | |
| Newsletters, Please |
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| Webinar: Winning Grants to Strengthen Ministry, Jan. 28 | |
| REACH Out - Grow Christ's Church Deep and Wide | |
| Proposed Amendments to the Constitution | |
| Commissioned Lay Pastor Program | |
| News from General Assembly | |
| Next Presbytery Meeting, February 28 | |
| Palma Ceia PC Concert Series Invites the Community | |
| Greetings from Beth-El | |
| Souper Bowl 2009, February 1 | |
| Youth Mission Encounter at Cedarkirk, January 18-19 | |
| Association of Presbyterian Church Educators, Jan. 28-31 | |
| A Touch of Humor | |
| Presbytery Committees | |
| Presbytery Moderator, Vice-Moderator and Staff |
Super Saturday for Leadership
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IRS Announces 2009 Standard Mileage RatesThe Internal Revenue Service issued the 2009 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes. Beginning on January 1, 2009, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:· 55 cents per mile for business miles driven
· 24 cents per mile driven for medical or moving purposes · 14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations The new rates for business, medical and moving purposes are slightly lower than rates for the second half of 2008 that were raised by a special adjustment mid-year in response to a spike in gasoline prices. The rate for charitable purposes is set by law and is unchanged from 2008. The business mileage rate was 50.5 cents in the first half of 2008 and 58.5 cents in the second half. The medical and moving rate was 19 cents in the first half and 27 cents in the second half. For the full story, visit: http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=200505,00.html.
In addition, Revenue Procedure 2008-72 contains further information on these standard mileage rates. Top |
DID YOU KNOW…?
Some End-of-Year Tax Tips…RAISING THE AWARENESS IN YOUR CONGREGATION
The economic stimulus package instituted in October included a provision for an IRA charitable rollover, which permits IRA owners who are 70½ or older to make direct gifts from their IRAs to qualified charities of as much as $100,000 per year without any negative tax consequences because it does not have to be declared as income. |
Alternative Giving Is A
Giving gifts is something we enjoy, and when we can give something that positively impacts more people, that’s even better. The Presbytery office is now offering the opportunity for you to purchase fair trade items at any time. We carry coffee, chocolate, tea and cranberries from Equal Exchange (www.equalexchange.com). We also have organic fair trade olive oil (cold-pressed, extra virgin) from Canaan (Palestine). Finally we have merchandise from SERRV (www.serrv.org). All these products are fairly traded, which means those producing them earn a fair wage for their efforts because we do not need to pay for ‘middle men.’ |
RESOURCEful Ideas for Congregations!Renewal Time! It’s time to renew membership in your Presbytery Resource Center. Our fees have increased slightly due to rising costs.The fee is based on size: up to 250 members pay $45; 251-500, $75; 501-1000, $110; 1001+ pay $140.00. Any church that wishes to borrow but is not a member pays $5.00 per resource plus the actual shipping cost. Most churches find the membership is the best deal, as it gives unlimited access to all members for the year. Thanks to all the churches who have already sent their memberships, and if you haven’t sent yours yet - we’d love to have it by January 31, 2009.We are here for you! Use us! Ask us! Let us come consult with you! Your Resource Center has many wonderful resources – books, video/DVD, curriculum, reference, Bible study and lots more. We also have people who can help you as you plan, teach, evaluate and dream. Leslee Kirkconnell is a certified Christian Educator and is available to meet with your committee to help in planning, training, dreaming and more. You can also have your committee meet at the Presbytery office and see the many wonderful resources yourself. Both Leslee and Carol Walker are available to help you in your search for resources. Call or email us and let us help you. At our last Presbytery meeting we enjoyed the wisdom of Diana Butler Bass. Her handouts are available in the Resource center – let us know and we’ll send them to you. We will soon have her keynote presentation available for check out. New! New! New! Power Xpress Curriculum (rotating workshops). We have three new units available in the Resource Center – Into the Promised Land (Exodus); 3,000 More (Pentecost/Acts); and Living as Caretakers (Genesis/ Stewardship). Designed for elementary children, this hands-on, active learning curriculum helps children really learn and understand the Biblical story. New Interpreter’s Handbook of Preaching – An excellent resource for all who prepare sermons. Scholarly and practical, there are articles on every facet of sermon preparation and delivery. The editors and contributors have produced guidelines that will lead to greater excellence and economy in preaching. “Here is something that works” not simply “Here is something to try.” This book also includes help for funeral and wedding sermons. Vacation Bible School – YES, it is time to think about summer plans! This year’s PC(USA) curriculum is Discovery Canyon – Explore the Wonders of the World. A preview kit is available through the Resource Center. Please note: If you plan to use this curriculum, you must order through Presbyterian Distribution Service. That way the materials will have the PC(USA) mission project, which will benefit the Menaul School in New Mexico. Note that we will check out the preview kit for review only – three weeks maximum. Tres Meses en la escuela de Juan – This new adult Bible study resource is in Spanish. Thirteen lessons will fill one quarter of Bible study needs. Students will gain skills in Bible study as they learn more about the Gospel of John. Are you REACHing out? Even if you aren’t (yet) part of our REACH initiative, we have wonderful resources to help you reach out to your community. A new and noteworthy book by John Jackson, God Size Your Church – Beyond Growth for Growth’s Sake is one such resource. What size is God calling your church to be? Sometimes we get caught up in thinking bigger is better, yet perhaps some discernment of the call of God to our congregation is what we need to engage. Explore these and other resources on the web – www.presbyteryoftampabay.com. Click on Resources, Resource Center and then Webrary. E-mail or call us and we’ll send you your choices! And remember – you are the RIESEN we are here – Resourceful Ideas Enabling Service Education and 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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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 33615-5019. 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, so if you have an event in February, we need it by our January 12 deadline for inclusion. Top |
Webinar: Winning Grants to
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REACH Out – Grow Christ’s Church
At General Assembly this year a new initiative was adopted – and it is almost identical to our REACH Initiative. Sponsored by the Evangelism and Church Growth mission area, we are challenged over the next two years to commit to growth in four areas:
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Proposed Amendments to the ConstitutionOur next presbytery meeting (Saturday, February 28, at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center) will be the time we discuss and vote on the proposed amendments to the constitution. Booklets with all the proposed changes were distributed at our December meeting of Presbytery. No more booklets are available from the Presbytery office, but if you lost yours or need an additional one, you can easily get one from the PC(USA) website, www.pcusa.org/generalassembly/amend.htm. There you will find links to download the booklet in English, Spanish or Korean. All those who will be able to vote on these important issues must have time to study, discuss and pray. Make sure your commissioners have all the information!Top |
Commissioned Lay Pastor ProgramThe Commissioned Lay Pastor training program is now available in Tampa Bay!All churches should have trained, competent leadership, yet not all can afford a full time Minister of Word and Sacrament. The Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) program is one way to help congregations have good leadership. Are you an Elder who would like to explore the possibilities of fuller preaching and teaching? One who completes the CLP program is eligible to be granted a local commission by the presbytery to lead worship, celebrate the Sacraments, preach the gospel, watch over the people and provide for their nurture and service. This commission is specific to a particular congregation or validated ministry designated by the presbytery. Candidates must complete the training program, passing the required examinations in Bible, Reformed Theology, Worship and Sacraments, Polity, Preaching, Pastoral Care and Teaching. Additional instruction is required for a Commissioned Lay Pastor to administer the sacraments, moderate a Session meeting, or perform a Christian marriage. More information is available in the Resource Center at the presbytery office. (Also see the Book of Order, G-14.0560 and following.) Top |
News from General Assembly Two dynamic training events are planned for 2009. The Stewardship Kaleidoscope II Conference is March 9–11 in Kansas City, MO. Key presenters are Shannon Webster and Laura Mendenhall. Visit www.heartlandpby.org/kaleidoscope. A national Stewardship & Investment Conference will be one of ten partner conferences at the Big Tent on June 11–13 in Atlanta, GA. Key presenters are Karl Travis and Rodger Nishioka. Visit www.pcusa.org/bigtent.Even though Stewardship season may be over, getting good ideas for your church is year ‘round. Giving magazine (with an eight-page annual stewardship campaign guide) is free by ordering online or through Presbyterian Distribution Services. The magazine is produced by the Ecumenical Stewardship Center of which we are partners. You can order online (www.pcusa.org) or by calling 1-800-524-2612. Top |
NEXT PRESBYTERY MEETING...Saturday • February 28, 2009 9:00 a.m. (8:30 a.m. Registration) KEYNOTE: Paul Nixon St. Andrew Presbyterian Church Childcare: Call the church office (727-734-5493) by February 21. Reminder to Pastors: Your attendance is expected at all |
Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Concert Series Invites the Community
The Westminster College Concert Choir is performing at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, January 13 in the sanctuary. Under the direction of Dr Robin A Lind, the choir will perform music from the Renaissance to Spirituals. Many of the 48 choir members plan to pursue careers as performers, teachers, church musicians and scholars after their studies at this independent, co-educational liberal arts college related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). There is no charge, but a free-will offering will be received.An Evening of Chamber Music features Franz Josef Mantini, Piano; Jim Connors, Cello; and Carolyn Stuart, Violin on Tuesday, February 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church sanctuary. In addition to Beethoven’s Piano Trio “The Ghost,” the ensemble will perform works by Piazzola, Handel and Halvorsen. There is no charge, but a free-will offering will be received. The proceeds will be used to buy musical instruments for the primary school children of Papoli, Uganda, sponsored by PCPC. For further information about these events, please contact Nancy Callahan, Director of Music, at 813-253-6047. Top |
Greetings from Your Farmworker Ministry!
 Beth-El's current newsletter, Beth-El News, is available from their Web site, www.beth-el.info. In this issue you will find news about their programs, ministry, expansion efforts, etc.As the economic condition has changed in our nation and across the world, so has the situation at Beth-El. The last issue of their newsletter focused on the growth that they were experiencing and just a few short months later, many of their programs are in peril. Please prayerfully remember Beth-El as they continue to minister to the poor and oppressed in the communities they serve. May you experience all the joys of this Advent season! Top |
In 2008 over 14,000 registered groups reported collecting $10,237,051 - all given to alleviate hunger. Of that figure, PC(USA) youth groups around the nation raised $864,337 to feed hungry people. They collected 209,633 pounds of food for food banks. 18,239 Presbyterian youth participated from 2,269 registered groups. Is your Youth Group registered? |
Another Cedarkirk Opportunity for Youth
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Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) ConferenceAPCE Annual Conference is coming, and it's not too late to register! The Association of Presbyterian Church Educators annual conference is in San Antonio, TX, January 28-31, 2009.APCE is one of the best conferences in the denomination and is a wonderful benefit to educators, youth leaders, pastors, lay people - anyone interested in and passionate about Christian Education in the church. There are workshops on many topics for youth ministry, education, theology and more. A number of people are going from our presbytery, so please let us know if you'll be joining us so we can connect in San Antonio! More information is available at www.apcenet.org. Top |
A Touch of Humor |
Presbytery CommitteesBeth-El Farmworker Ministry, Inc.
Contact Dave Moore, Executive Dir. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Bills & Overtures Chair: James Welch This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Camps & Conferences Contact John Reiter, Executive Director This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Committee on Ministry Chair: Ken Gruebel This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Committee on Preparation for Ministry Chair: Joy Laughridge This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Council Chair: Craig Miller This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Education Chair: Tim Black This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Evangelism & Church Development Chair: David Shelor This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Investigating Committee Contact Gerry Tyer This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Mission Outreach and Funding Chair: Mona Bagasao This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Nominating Chair: Bryan Mickle This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Permanent Judicial Commission Chair: Emily Peacock This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Personnel Chair: Kevin Morris This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Professional Support Co-Chairs: Ray Spigarelli This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Phyllis Keith This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Representation Chair: Amy Santamaria This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Response Coordination Contact Gerry Tyer This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Stewardship Chair: Sue Moore This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Trustees President: Gordon Bowles This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it 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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Top |
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The Presbytery of Tampa Bay
Moderator |
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