February Presbytery Meeting

Prayer

Resourceful Ideas

Around the Presbytery

Mission News and Opportunities

Around the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

Our next Presbytery meeting is Saturday February 28 9:00 a.m.

(Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.)

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
1239 Dell Webb Boulevard W
Sun City Center, FL 33573
Childcare: call the church office (813-634-1252) by Friday February 20.
Reminder to Pastors: Your attendance is expected at all meetings of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay. If you need to be excused, please send an email to or call the Presbytery office 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 .

On Saturday February 28 we will welcome the Rev. Paul Nixon as our Keynote Speaker. Paul has been with us before, in September, for our REACH Initiative meeting. We will be motivated and inspired by his time with us.

Paul Nixon is the pastor of Epicenter Church, a new Christian faith community focused on serving the people who live in the urban expanse of Washington D.C. A native of central Texas and southern California, Paul's adventure with Jesus began when he was a very small child, raised by Christian parents. When he was 15, Paul felt God calling him to be a pastor.

Today, Paul is a single dad, 45 years old, with a son in college. He has published three books related to the challenge of living out Christian faith in today's world, with a fourth in the works. For the past several years, Paul and his son lived on the coast of northwest Florida, where Paul served first on the leadership team of the 4000-member Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, and then as the founding pastor of Gulf Breeze Church's east campus, the Community Life Center.

(Published books: Fling Open the Doors: Giving the Church Away to the Community, Abingdon Press 2002. Healing Spiritual Amnesia, Abingdon Press 2004, I Refuse to Lead a Dying Church, Pilgrim Press 2007.)

Paul brings experience from a variety of Christian denominations through his leadership coaching work. In his personal spiritual journey, he has special ties to the world of United Methodists, Baptists and the United Church of Christ. When asked what denomination he is, he will usually just say, "I'm with Jesus."

Paul loves traveling, swimming, live theater and just savoring a good cup of coffee or glass of wine with friends, new or old. Don't be surprised to occasionally find him writing or working on his teaching, with a pocket Bible in hand, in the cheap seats at Wizards or Nationals games. You may find him in one of the many offbeat bookstores in the city - or in a little coffee shop somewhere. Paul is an extrovert, and sees most of the world as friends he has yet to get to know, so feel free to email him anytime - visit www.epicenterdc.org.

Prayer for a New Year

This prayer comes to us from The Reverend Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), from his monthly column to the church at large.

Lord, go with us as we travel once again into a new year. It stands before us like an untraveled road, full of promise and adventure. Give us the confidence to know you will be there, whether we travel far or wander on the scenic route.

We acknowledge that we are burdened with the scars and scrapes of the past year. Let them not hinder us from new opportunities to see stars and gifts that point us to a new reality.

Help us to remember the many times in days past when we were full of despair - how you never left our side, but sent your Spirit to quicken our hearts with hope and courage.

We will spend this new year with many people - some will be easy to love and others will be hard to like. Remind us that our witness for you should be that we see all people as your children and relate to them as sisters and brothers in Christ.

Strengthen our hands to do the work of bringing your justice and mercy to this world. Open our ears to the cries of the homeless, the hungry, the sick, and victims of war. Show us new opportunities to serve you with hammers, pots, medicine, and our own presence.

Give us the voice to be a ready witness to the good news of your son Jesus Christ. Break through our polite shyness and help us to share how much your gift of faith means to us. Let our eyes sparkle with the joy of your salvation.

Lord, grant us new vistas of faith. Give us a heart that experiences a mountaintop vision in the midst of our daily work. Show us the Christ in the other and help us to hear the wisdom of those on this pilgrimage with us.

In all things we give you thanks and praise.

Amen.

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Resourceful Ideas

Vacation Bible School will be here before we know it! Your Resource Center has kits and curriculum that can be borrowed for review as you make plans (all can be used for your event but must be reserved ahead of time). We make the preview kits available, but each church will need to purchase the necessary supplementary materials for teachers and students. We have current kits from the PC(USA) - Discovery Canyon; Abingdon (Cokesbury) - Camp EDGE as well as permanent (Under Construction - Habitat for Humanity) and prior year (Rainforest Adventure) kits and more. We also have a range of other children and youth resources that can help you create your own individualized Bible school experience.

Not sure what you would like to do? Plan to join us on Saturday February 21 at the Resource Center. We are hosting a VBS Open House from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. A variety of options will be available for your review and Cokesbury will be here with even more! See the related article in this newsletter.

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 are available to help you in your search for resources. Call or email us and let us help you.

Are you & your commissioners ready for the important voting coming at the February 28 meeting of presbytery? Booklets were distributed at our last meeting, but if you need more information or have misplaced yours, you can download from the PC(USA) website. Go to www.pcusa.org/generalassembly/amend.htm. There you will find the 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! The Resource Center also has some study resources, especially for thinking about Ordination Standards. Call or email for suggestions.

Feasts and Famines - Christians Think About Food. Columbia Theological Seminary produces an online journal - @thispoint. Find it at http://atthispoint.net. There may be no acts that are more common, more basic, or more weighed with social implications that the production and consumption of food. Yet few of us think about making and eating food from a theological perspective. Join the conversations as contributors help us think about what, why, how and with whom we eat. Attention Educators! There is a special link with resources for you. Back issues are also available. This is a free resource from Columbia Seminary.

Important Reminder! We love receiving our resources back from you when you are finished (and remember we can usually give renewals on items you need longer). Borrowers need to be sure they return the items so we will receive them. This means either dropping them in our always-available drop box at the Presbytery, sending by UPS or by insured First Class mail. If a resource is mailed without insurance and is lost, the borrower will be responsible for replacement cost. We have had several items come back to us in envelopes that were ripped or otherwise compromised. Please be sure all video material is in padded envelopes, boxes are even better.

New! New! New!

2009 Church & Clergy Tax Guide will be available in early February. Tax laws are complex and churches and members of the clergy are not exempt from paying taxes. This guide helps give solid information that is up to date for the current tax year. Please note this resource is a very limited check out (1 week, no renewals) so that as many as need to use it can before the April 15 deadline. After April 15, check out is for three weeks.

The Jesus Creed by Scot McKnight. This brand new DVD study is seven lessons on Loving God and Loving Others. Explore with the author the great Shema of the Old Testament and how it was transformed by our Lord into a focal point for spiritual maturity. Includes study guide. We also have the book by the same name which will be a good resource for participants.

The Thoughtful Christian has now made available for download their Lenten Study - Gospel Portraits of Jesus. This six session study examines the biblical names for Jesus and the titles for Jesus in the Gospels. Don Griggs is the author for this timely study. Samples are available from the Resource Center, you can purchase on line at www.thethoughtfulchristian.com. $26 for the entire study, free with annual subscription.

Explore these and other resources on the web - www.presbyteryoftampabay.com. Click on Resources, Resource Center and then Webrary. Email or call us and we'll send you your choices!

And remember - 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.

Vacation Bible School Preview Party! Plan to join us on Saturday February 21, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. at the Resource Center. A variety of VBS materials will be available for preview. Cokesbury will be here with additional options. Bring your teachers, education committee members, elders - anyone with responsibility for education in your church. Our Resource Center will be open for browsing in addition to exploring VBS options. Drop in anytime between 9-12.

Did you know? If you show videos at church - full movies or children's videos or even clips, you must have a license? The definition of ‘educational use' of video materials is extremely narrow. Even if you do not charge admission to ‘movie nights' you must have a license to show movies. Visit www.cvli.com for more information and to purchase the license you need. Having a license is not optional-if you show any videos, you must have one!

POINT is here to help you! Do you know who your POINT people are? POINT is Presbyterians Organized in Nurture & Teaching. Each presbytery has several POINT people who know how to help you make good choices about curriculum for your programs. The Presbytery of Tampa Bay has several active POINT people. Leslee Kirkconnell, Resource Center Director & Educator, Carol Walker, Resource Assistant and Hospitality Coordinator both work at the Presbytery Office (813-868-4800, 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 ). Kim Gunthner is the Director of Christian Education at Faith Presbyterian Church in Seminole, 727-391-0596 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and Carol White at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 727-734-5493. All have attended recent workshops by the denomination so they know what is brand new (and there is some exciting materials coming soon!). If you need help with curriculum, want consultation on your education program or training, call us - we're here to help you.

Souper Bowl is coming February 1! If you are planning to collect money or canned goods, please be sure to make your report to www.souperbowl.org. We would also like to tell the good news of what was collected through our churches, so please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your totals also. This is such a wonderful and easy mission project for all our churches and we want to celebrate your accomplishment.

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News from Around The Presbytery:

Were you aware that the 218^th General Assembly (San Jose) approved an overture calling the church to observe special times of worship known as ‘solemn' or ‘sacred' assemblies? In an overwhelming voice vote the assembly calls "each congregation and presbytery of the PC(USA) to gather in times set aside for spiritual renewal through special assemblies."

As the season of Lent approaches our presbytery faces economic challenges and the responsibility of deciding about constitutional amendments. The time is most appropriate for us to gather in solemn assembly; a time of worship, prayer and spiritual renewal. Such an assembly is planned for Thursday, February 26, at the First Presbyterian Church in Brandon. Please set this time apart to join with your sisters and brothers of Tampa Bay Presbytery participating together in adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. In obedience to our vows and the exhortation of Scripture to pursue peace, you are called. With the expectation that God will hear and heal, let us come. The solemn assembly begins at 10:00 AM and all who love the Lord, Jesus, and serve him in the churches of Tampa Bay Presbytery are invited to come.

Grace and Peace to you on behalf of the solemn assembly planning team: Tim Black, David Delph, Jim Hatch and Kathi Trautwein.

New Nomination Process for General Assembly Commissioners

The General Assembly of the PCUSA doesn’t meet until 2010 but it’s already time to begin seeking commissioners.

We – the Presbytery of Tampa Bay – have a new process, designed to solicit more input and lead to a slate of greater diversity. Here are the steps in that new process:

If you want a full copy of the new process, please call the Rev. Mary McKey at the presbytery office (813-868-4800) or e-mail her at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) proposal

Coming to Presbytery in February

If you or your church have any interest in the Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP) program, you’ll want to attend the February Presbytery meeting on Saturday, Feb. 28.

A detailed proposal for a CLP program for Tampa Bay will be given to the Council Feb. 9 for the presbytery’s first voting at the Feb. 28 meeting. A CLP is an elder of the PCUSA who undergoes special training in order to be commissioned by the Committee on Ministry to serve a church. (This is usually a smaller church that cannot afford a full time pastor, or an ethnic congregation that cannot find a pastor from their culture.)

A CLP leads worship, preaches the gospel, watches over the people and provides for their nurture and service. In some instances, with the approval of COM, they may also celebrate the sacraments and moderate session meetings. However a commission is only for one particular church and only for a specified time. It may not be transferred to another congregation.

For a copy of the proposal and its appendices, call the Rev. Mary McKey at the presbytery office, 813-868-4800, or e-mail her: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Endowment Seminars 2009

Presented by the Stewardship Committee of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay.

What are endowments? Why should our church set up endowments? What are the pitfalls to avoid? What can we learn from other churches? Find out the answers to these and other questions in these important and informative 90 minute seminars. Pastors, elders, trustees, members of finance committees and other interested persons should plan to attend one of these events.

So the committee can plan effectively, please call Sue Moore, Stewardship Committee Chairperson, 727-799-1250 a week ahead of the seminar you plan to attend. You are welcome to attend any of the following meetings:

Thursday February 19 6:00 p.m. Peace Memorial Presbyterian Church, Clearwater

Saturday February 21 10:00 a.m. Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor

Monday March 2 7:00 p.m. North Lakeland Presbyterian Church

Wednesday March 4 1:00 p.m. Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lakeland

Tuesday March 16 1:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, Inverness

Tuesday March 16 6:30 p.m. St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, Hudson

Monday March 30 7:00 p.m. Faith Presbyterian Church, Seminole

Tuesday March 31 1:00 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, St. Petersburg

Tuesday April 21 10:00 a.m. St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, New Tampa

Saturday April 25 10:00 a.m. First Presbyterian Church, Brandon

Are you on Facebook? This social networking internet program is coming soon to the Presbytery. There are already several groups on Facebook related to the Presbytery of Tampa Bay and soon there will be a group specifically for churches and people in our Presbytery. Once you join Facebook you can link up with friends all around the globe, share pictures, stories, send messages and much more. Our Presbytery group will enable us to reach new people who might not otherwise stop in a Presbyterian Church. We will advertize our events and encourage others to attend. It's a new way to become and stay connected. It will not replace our current connections, but be an enhancement. To join Facebook, go to www.facebook.com and sign up. It's free and you are in control of your information. Questions? Contact Leslee Kirkconnell at ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Carol Walker ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Doug McMahon ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). All are active users of Facebook and can help you navigate the startup!

Enjoy good books and enjoy great fellowship! Do you have a Book Club at your church? Several of our churches have active book clubs where members read and discuss good books on a regular basis. Church on the Bayou, First Presbyterian in Dunedin, Lakeview and Hope Presbyterian in Clearwater have active groups. Our Presbytery has a book group for clergy and educators as well. Groups can be varying size, but should be small enough to foster good discussion. Books chosen are often popular titles and can generate discussion over a range of topics, including theology. For more information about starting a book group, contact Martha Huntley, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you are clergy or educator in the presbytery and want information about the Presbytery group, contact Martha as well. The Presbytery group meets 3-4 times per year and includes sharing over lunch. Our next meeting will be Wednesday April 29, 12:30 p.m. at the Kelly Road Mission Center, and we'll be reading Eugene Peterson's book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society.

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. at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, 3501 San Jose, Tampa. 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 with the proceeds used to buy musical instruments for the primary school children of Papoli, Uganda, sponsored by PCPC. For more information, please contact Nancy Callahan, Director of Music at (813) 253-6047.

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. February 9 will be 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!

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Events coming at Eckerd College:

Burchenal Lecture Series Spring 2009

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10: Frederica Mathewes-Green

(Author of ten books on religion and popular culture; regular contributor to NPR's Morning Edition and Christianity Today; articles in the Washington Post, Smithsonian, the Los Angeles Times, Sojourners, and the Wall Street Journal)

The Lost Gospel of Mary: the Mother of Jesus in Ancient Texts

7:30 PM - FOX HALL

co-sponsored with the Colloquy Program of the Center for Spiritual Life

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Dr. Carol Fontaine

Internationally recognized feminist scholar in Hebrew Bible; Professor at Andover-Newton Theological Seminary; author; long time Human Rights defender; Henry Luce III Fellow in Theology, 2008-2009)

Text and Context: Sex in the Song of Songs

7:30 PM - FOX HALL

For more information on these programs, please contact Kimberland Griffin at 727-864-7752, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Save The Dates!

Cedarkirk is hosting two Confirmation Retreats this spring. March 6-8 & 13-15. For more information, contact Karin at 813-685-4224 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Shepherd's Sabbath is a FREE retreat for Clergy & Educators at Cedarkirk. April 13-15. For more information, call 813-685-4224 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . This event is offered to help the shepherds among us (ministers & educators) renew and refresh. The schedule is relaxed, allowing time to just be.

Alternative Christmas Market will be Saturday November 14 at Cedarkirk. SERVV, Equal Exchange, Fair Trade Olive Oil, gift making and more! Details to come, but save the date now!

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Mission News and Opportunities

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

"For surely I know the plans I have for you...to give you a future with hope." Jeremiah 29:11

All people impacted by the current violence in the Middle East are facing overwhelming humanitarian needs as a result of the continuing violence. The most basic needs-safe shelter, medical care, food, water, electricity-are well beyond the reach of many of those caught in the crossfire.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is in consultation with our partners in the region to make aid available to those most in need. When Jesus walked these very lands, by his words and his ministries he told all who would listen to care for the children, the old, the poor, the sick, the most vulnerable.

. . . In this moment of crisis, while leaders strive to find a path to lasting peace, our priority must be caring for those left vulnerable by the violence.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

GIVE to help the PC(USA) and our partners meet the physical needs of those in all the areas where violence leaves them vulnerable, and the emotional and spiritual needs of the many more who have been traumatized by that violence. Mail your church's gift to

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),

ChurchRemittance Processing,

P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA

15264-3700

or give through your congregation's normal giving channels. Write "DR000081-E1" on the check or remittance form so that we can ensure your gift is designated to meet these urgent needs. You can also giveonline at www.pcusa.org/pda/

PRAY for all those whose lives have been and continue to be affected.

STAY INFORMED with regular updates on the situation, how your church is responding, and to find available worship resources at www.pcusa.org/pda or by calling PresbyTel at 1-800-872-3283.

OUT OF CHAOS, HOPE

Honduras Mission Workshop

Christ instructed his Disciples to go out among the nations. As Disciples of Christ, many opportunities for sharing God's love exist at home and abroad The Presbytery of Tampa Bay has a partnership with the Presbytery of Honduras. Honduras is a very poor Central American country. Our brothers and sisters in Honduras relay their special needs so that mission teams can be organized to work with them.

An orientation session for all who are interested in participating in a Mission trip to Honduras will be held on Saturday, February 21 at Bloomingdale Presbyterian Church, 710 East Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, FL 33511. Registration and coffee will be from 8:30 - 9 AM with the program following. The program is also open to those who are interested in supporting the work in Honduras through contributions.

Please make reservations by calling any of the following: Peggy Argudo in Hillsborough County - 813/685-9484; Gene Aspy in Polk County - 863/299-2846; or Betty Wajdowicz in Pinellas County - 727/596-4740.

Looking for an easy way to make a big impact? Consider joining the Society of St. Andrew as they glean! Gleaning dates happen throughout the year, generally on Saturdays, and are an easy way for groups to help fight hunger. Gleaners come prepared with water, weather appropriate clothing (hats/sunglasses) including sunblock, insect repellant, snacks (if needed), gloves, and buckets or plastic grocery bags. Gleanings run from 8:00 a.m.-noon but there is flexibility. Weekdays can be set up per request. The upcoming schedule of gleanings in our area:

January 24 Knights Griffen/Thonotosassa oranges/50 trees 30-50 volunteers

January 31 Durant Rd/Plant City mixed citrus 5-10

February 7 Land O Lakes Krufka/Cabot Rd Temple oranges 30

February 14 Land O Lakes Krufka/Cabot Rd Temple oranges 30

February 21 Carrollwood/Kellingrew grapefruit/3 trees 2-3

February 28 Land O Lakes Krufka/Cabot Rd Temple oranges 30

April 4 Golden Valley/Valrico citrus tentative

For more information, visit www.endhunger.org/florida.htm Click on the gleaning calendar.

The Society of St. Andrew also sponsors Harvest of Hope Mission Work camps for Junior & Senior High, Intergenerational and College/Young Adults. They also host Alternative Spring Break in Jacksonville for individuals or groups. Call 1-800-333-4597 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information on these opportunities.

Youth Mission Trips are great ways to build faith, fellowship and help others. Check out New Wilmington Mission Conference at www.nwmcmission.org. The New Wilmington Mission Conference challenges youth with the Presbyterian tradition in Christ's church. NWMC uses its Presbyterian mission heritage to encourage a deep spiritual life of fellowship with God by promoting service and witness for Jesus Christ.

....Around the Presbyterian Church U.S.A......

Join us at the Big Tent! June 11-13, 2009 •Atlanta, Georgia

Big Tent is a first-of-its-kind event scheduled for June 11-13, 2009, in Atlanta under the theme, " ... and the word became flesh."

There will be some common meals and worship services, a shared exhibit hall, some common workshop sessions and a Saturday evening celebration event.

Ten Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ministries and groups will hold their conferences in conjunction with the Big Tent event: the Healthy Ministry Conference, the Presbyterian Communicators' Network Conference, the National Multicultural Church Conference, the Stewardship and Investment Conference, the Evangelism and Church Growth Conference, the National Elders Conference, the Peacemaking Conference, the PHEWA Social Justice Biennial Conference, the Racial Ethnic Convocation and the New Immigrants Ministries Convocation.

Registration is open -visit www.pcusa.org/bigtent. 1-888-728-7228 x 2417.

There are number of events surrounding John Calvin's anniversary, July 10, 2009, and you can find some of these on the web. See these for example:

In celebration of Calvin's birthday, Witherspoon Press and the Theology Worship and Education ministry of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) produced an awesome DVD on the life and legacy of John Calvin. http://www.pcusa.org/theologyandworship/calvin.htm (the Resource Center will soon have a copy of this DVD).

There's an article for IDEAS! Magazine titled "Giving Up Calvin for Lent," that you can find online at: www.pcusa.org/spiritualformation/givingupcalvinforlent.pdf

For big picture information check out this website: http://www.calvin09.org/home/home.html〈=2

See also this archived article from "Perspectives:" http://www.pcusa.org/oga/perspectives/aug07/calvins-legacy.htm

Plan now for the big party! And parties always need good food! Here's a recipe you can share with your congregation to celebrate: John Calvin's Geneva Style Trail Mix

2 ½ C oatmeal

½ C raisins

½ C sesame seeds (optional)

½ C shelled sunflower seeds

½ C unsweetened wheat germ (optional)

½ C dried apricots (or other dried fruit), finely chopped

½ C honey or syrup

¼ C oil (can substitute applesauce for lower fat version)

Combine dry ingredients except fruits and spread in 9x13x2 pan. Combine honey & oil (applesauce) and pour over. Bake at 300 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Remove and stir in fruit. Stir to prevent clumping. ~from Columbia Theological Seminary's Vantage Winter 2009 newsletter.

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Growing Christ's Church Deep and Wide

One of the greatest issues of concern in the Presbyterian Church is the decline of membership. Last year in 2007, we lost 57,572 active members. This is the largest numerical decline we have ever seen in recent history and every year the numbers get worse.

People often ask the Director for Evangelism and Church Growth what our plans are to reverse the decline. The fact of the matter is that the growth of the church is not dependant on any kind of strategic growth plan that comes from the national offices. Granted, our ministry area has influence on the outcome, but true growth to our denomination will only occur when local churches take the initiative to reverse the decline.

This past summer, the 218th General Assembly passed a resolution called "Grow Christ's Church Deep and Wide." This initiative encourages our church to grow in evangelism, discipleship, servanthood and diversity.

What gives us hope about this resolution is that it is a grass roots initiative where churches embrace the challenge to grow in the above areas. We hope this initiative sweeps across the nation where churches inspire other churches to the challenge of "Growing Deep and Wide." We are encouraging all participants to tell us their story of "Deep and Wide" through articles, pictures, and videos and to engage in dialogue with others who are doing the same. Hopefully this will encourage our church to reverse our declining numbers.

Jesus said to them, "Is a lamp brought in to be put under a bushel basket, or under a bed, and not on a lampstand? For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" - Mark 4: 21-23

Resources will be available from Louisville and from your Resource Center to help you as you seek to fulfill the Great Commission in Matthew 28. Visit www.deepandwide.net for stories, inspiration, blogs and more.

(This sounds similar to our REACH Initiative, and it is! All our churches should be considering how to grow deeper and wider, whether through participating in REACH or joining this grass-roots effort)

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

National Pastors Sabbath will be April 17-20 at Sawgrass Resort, Ponte Vedra, FL. www.pcusa.org/pastorsabbath. Walter Bruggeman is the keynote, and will be joined by J. Herbert Nelson & Frances Taylor Gench.

www.montreat.org has posted their 2009 Conference schedule. Worship & Music, Annual Recreation Workshop, Christian Education and more. Earlybird registrations are discounted!

Columbia Seminary sponsors numerous events throughout the year (as do all our seminaries). On March 21 the Center for Lifelong Learning will sponsor a workshop on issues addressing Latino Immigration. Visit www.ctsnet.edu/LL/events.aspx for more information.

What Are Presbyterians Made Of?

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