Click link for information on

Winter Meeting of Presbytery and A Good RIESEN to Join Us!

New and Exciting!

Resources for You

Our Call to Mission

We Are The Church

Winter Meeting of Presbytery - Saturday February 27

St. Mark's Presbyterian Church in Hudson

7922 SR 52

Hudson, Florida 34667

Registration and fellowship begin at 8:30 a.m.  The meeting starts at 9:00 a.m. and concludes by 3:30 p.m.  Childcare is available by calling the church, 727-863-5646 by Monday February 22.  Attendance at Meetings of Presbytery is expected.  If you need to be excused, please contact Carol Walker or Gerry Tyer or call 813-868-4800.  Lunch tickets will be sold during registration.  Checks should be made to the church.  Cost is $7.00 per person.  Reminder:  the docket will be available for download by February 12.  Paper copies will not be available at the meeting, so please plan to print yours ahead of the meeting.  If you wish to be added to the email list to receive notification when it is available, please click This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to send an email request.

This meeting's worship will include observance of the Lord's Supper and the Necrology report.  If you had elders (or a minister of Word and Sacrament) who died during 2009, please let the Presbytery office know by February 8.  You can call 813-868-4800 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it us.

“Churches, Challenge and Change”
Keynote Topic By the Rev. Del Poling

Del Poling is an ordained PCUSA minister who’s spent his career consulting with business, presbyteries and churches.  His client list includes Fortune 50 and 500 companies, the U.S. Air Force and Army, Chambers of Commerce throughout the U.S. and many small businesses and organizations in both the profit and nonprofit sectors.

He’s also served as executive coach and mentor to more than 50 company presidents and key executives in both the profit and nonprofit sectors. Managing change, increased effectiveness and organizational performance are among the areas of coaching issues.

Del’s  keynote will focus on the huge number of changes in our world that are sweeping over churches, and what can be done to work through those challenges, rather than being flattened by them.  He and his wife Janet live in St. Petersburg and over the years he has provided consulting help for churches in our presbytery, across the nation and for the national office of the PCUSA.

A Good RIESEN to Join Us!

On Tuesday February 9 from 5:30 -8:30 p.m. we will be hosting a gathering of Pastors, Educators and their spouses.  Come to the Resource Center, enjoy time for fellowship, fun and light refreshments.  This is our gift to you, a way to connect and meet those who serve Jesus Christ in our churches.  No business, strictly fun!  And here's the RIESEN:  Resources;  Interconnected through Christ;  Educators and Clergy;  Spouses welcome;  Evening of Fun;  No fee, No excuses.   Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions.   We look forward to welcoming you on February 9.

Top

New and Exciting

Good Financial News

Prayer List

Board of Pensions Luncheons

Great Happenings at Cedarkirk

Presbyterian Women News

Youth Director Needed

Save the Dates!

From Our Executive Presbytery and Stated Clerk, Gerry Tyer: The scriptures teach that faith is refined and developed during the wilderness experiences of life. The year 2009 was a wilderness journey for the Presbytery of Tampa. But like the Hebrew people of God, we believe we are on our way to a promised land. We are not there yet; however, the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire is leading us forward. The grace of God is sufficient for our needs. The hand of God is at work in our churches and our presbytery.

First, the bad news: Financial contributions from churches and individuals in the first half of the year required us to make significant and traumatic cuts in our budget at the May 2009 presbytery meeting. Two associate staff positions were eliminated. Contributions to Beth-El Mission and Cedarkirk Camp were cut in half. And we anticipated further cuts in 2010 – including reducing our resource center director to part-time. Susan Meier left the staff during her severance period to begin a new call in Ohio. Mary McKey continued working at the presbytery during her severance period.

Then somewhat good news: At our December 4, 2009 presbytery meeting, we learned of an outpouring of generosity by churches and individuals during the second half of the year. Not only were we able to finish 2009 without further cuts, we were able to fully restore the cuts to Beth-El and Cedarkirk though a special appeal. Also, we were able to adopt a budget for 2010 which would carry us through mid-2010 when the Task Force on the Future of the Presbytery will bring its final report on the mission, staffing and funding of the presbytery. This 2010 half-year budget will continue Mary McKey and Leslee Kirkconnell full time, and it will restore half of the 2009 cuts to Beth-El and Cedarkirk – which we plan to make up with another special appeal. However, when the 2010 half-year budget was adopted last month, we anticipated that the presbytery would spend $48,000 of reserve funds to balance the 2010 half-year budget.

Now, the really great news: The end-of-year contributions from churches and individuals are amazing! As of today, our 2009 Mission Benevolence giving by congregations is $585,800 – more than $35,800 above budget expectations! Our Per Capita contributions from churches are $10,000 above budget expectations! Also, due to belt tightening, we were able to significantly reduce expenditures below the reductions made in May 2009. The total savings of expenditures is more than $76,000.

Here’s the bottom line: The closing balance at the end of 2009 is $86,000 under budget. This means that the closing balance will carry us into 2010 without the use of reserve funds! Of course, to continue our success into 2010, our churches need to continue Mission Benevolence giving and Per Capital contributions.

Our financial picture has improved significantly, but we are not yet able to restore all the staff cuts and mission cuts made in 2009. But God is leading us toward greater generosity and more faithful stewardship. The Presbytery of Tampa exists to provide resources and services to our congregations and ministers. Together we can do more in mission than a single church can do alone. We believe in the importance of being connected. 2009 has taught us that when we pull together, we can accomplish much for the kingdom of God. May your ministry and the mission we share thrive in the New Year.

God Bless - The Rev. Gerry Tyer, Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk

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 February we are praying for:

First Presbyterian Church of Lakeland
North Lakeland Presbyterian Church
Presbyterian Church in the Highlands - Lakeland
Westminster Presbyterian Church - Lakeland
Christ Presbyterian Church - Largo
Highland Presbyterian Church - Clearwater
Tim’s Memorial Presbyterian Church - Lutz
Trinity Presbyterian Church of Seven Springs
Westminster Presbyterian Church - New Port Richey
Keystone Presbyterian Church - Odessa
Presbyterian Church of Palm Harbor
Good Samaritan Church - Pinellas Park
Korean Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church - Plant City
First Presbyterian Church - Port Richey
First Presbyterian Church - Safety Harbor

The Board of Pensions will be sponsoring two luncheons for retired members of the Board (clergy and lay) during February.  On Monday February 22 the gathering will be hosted by Northwood Presbyterian Church in Clearwater and on Wednesday February 24, First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland will be pleased to welcome our honorably retired members.  Clark Simmons, our Regional Representative, will review pension benefits, Medicare Supplements and the assistance program.  Held annually, this event is a good way to connect with other retired workers and to hear about how the Board continues to support those who served so faithfully for many years.  Reservations for lunch are required.  Attendees can return the postcard or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Please indicate which luncheon (Clearwater or Lakeland) and how many will attend.  The deadline is February 17.

Events at Cedarkirk

Summer Camp 2010 Registration Opens Soon: Reserve your child’s spot for summer camp now!  Please check our website (www.cedarkirk.org) for additional information and to register online.

Summer Staff Positions Available: We are now accepting applications for various positions on our 2010 Summer Camp Staff.  Visit our website (www.cedarkirk.org) to apply today!

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.

Confirmation Retreats - a great way to build relationships and connect with other youth in confirmation.  March 5—7 or  March 12—14, 2010.  The registration information is now available.  Click here to download.

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.

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 .

Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clearwater welcomes Donovan Peters on Sunday February 14, 3:00 p.m.  Donovan Peters is an accomplished and critically acclaimed pianist, keyboardist, singer and composer and will present a concert at the church.  Tickets are $5.00 and can be purchased at the door.  Call 727-446-6210 for more information.

The time for the “Changing of the Guard” is almost here. On Saturday, February 20, 2010, Presbyterian Women of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay will meet at St. Andrew Presbyterian in Sun City Center for our Annual Gathering. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. At 9:30 we will share worship and communion, then consider our proposed budget for 2010, elect and install new officers, including your new Moderator, Robin Powell. Ann Barnwell, the Synod of South Atlantic’s representative to PW Churchwide, will be our speaker, sharing about the future of PW. An important subject!
Each church has received a form to use to register their women who are coming. The cost is $7 each. The deadline is Wednesday, February 10. Be sure to talk to your PW Moderator about registering and bring a carload! We have a wonderful time - the fellowship is great! We hope to see you there!

Presbyterian Women Spring Retreat with Peace River Presbytery will be April 26-28, 2010, at DaySpring Conference Center, Ellenton.  All women are invited.  Your church PW Moderator or contact person will have more information soon.

Northwest Presbyterian Church is seeking a part-time youth director.  Some experience required.
Responsibilities:
•       Oversight of Junior High and Senior High youth programs. These programs
include worship, spiritual development, education, fellowship, discipleship,
evangelism, missions, leadership training and affirmation of youth and
support of parents of youth.
•       Plan, provide and coordinate leadership for youth activities that may include Junior and Senior High Sunday Youth Fellowship, Mission Trips, various outings, trips, weekend retreats, concerts, and periodic day and evening programming.
•       Attend meetings of the Christian Education Ministry.

Qualifications:
•       Be an energetic, committed Christian who is a confirmed member of the
Presbyterian Church, or holds beliefs in accordance with Reformed Tradition.
•       Be a Christian role model for youth to help develop leadership qualities and
personal development.
•       Have good administrative and creative abilities to plan and facilitate the
programs.
•       Have the ability to build personal relationships with the youth of the church
as well as provide discipline and structure
The Salary is $6000; 7 hours a week
For further information or to apply, contact Northwest Presbyterian Church, 6330 54th Avenue, N, St. Petersburg, FL  727/544-6613.
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA) is expanding its territory and accepting new members for 2010 -- and so is the local Sunshine Chapter.  We are an organization that focuses on educating men and women in the administrative ministry of church life…folks like business administrators, business managers, controllers, bookkeepers; also, those doing facility oversight relative to any exterior needs or infrastructure (technology, etc).

The next meeting of the Sunshine Chapter will be Thursday February 25, 11:30 a.m. at the Kelly Road Mission Center.

Our Subject will be:  NACBA Certification – What? When? How? Why? Who?
Live internet interview to appreciate what it means to be a certified church business administrator
and why that will make a difference in the ministry being served.  Speaker: NACBA Deputy Chief Executive Officer J. Phillip Martin, MA, CAE, FCBA

Lunch: Courtesy of two host vendors:
Mike Baker of Hoffmann Group (insurance)
Cary Carreno of AEA (energy audit experts)

Guests welcome.  RSVP: Vicki Dyel Fleming – This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  You may also contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

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 8 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

Save The Dates!

Trinity and Lakeview Presbyterian Churches in St. Petersburg are planning a Church Growth, Leadership Development and Church Transformation Workshop for March 19-21.  We look forward to welcoming the Rev. Dr. Lonnie Oliver, Pastor New Life Presbyterian Church in College Park, GA.  Dr. Oliver is also consultant to the Racial Ethnic & Women's Ministries Division of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.  This event will be FREE, registration information will be available soon.  Questions can be answered by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Have You Visted Beth-El? Come to an Open House on Sunday March 14, from 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. in Wimauma.  See the various ministries that help so many immigrant and migrant workers.  Get directions here.  You can also email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with questions.

Senior High Retreat! March 19-21 at Southwind in Ocala.  More information will be posted on the website and in the next newsletter.

Coming to Cedarkirk:

Shepherd's Sabbath April 5-7 - for church professionals who need a few days of Sabbath rest after the busy Lenten season.

Spring Bashes - April 16-17 and 23-24. Designed for 1st through 5th grade Sunday school classes to get a taste of Cedarkirk, this spring event is nothing but fun and joy.  In a short 24 hour period, kids will glide on zip lines, challenge themselves on the climbing wall, celebrate during worship, and play in the river.  Campers stay with leaders in rustic cabins after a late evening campfire including singing, storytelling, and s’mores.

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

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

Eckerd College is bringing reknowned author and lecturer Thomas Moore in February 2010.

A workshop on Saturday, February 20
"Soul and Spirit: Deeply Human and Open to the Mysteries"
To be held on the Eckerd campus; times and cost TBA

A lecture on Monday, February 22
"The Ecology of Everyday Life: Caring for Your World and Your Deep Soul."
7:30PM in Fox Hall, Eckerd College
The lecture is free and open to the public.

Thomas Moore's 18 published books include the bestseller Care of the Soul. His most recent book is Writing in the Sand: Jesus and the Soul of the Gospels. Soon to be published are Care of the Soul in Medicine and The Guru of Golf.

Space in the workshop is limited.  If you would like to be listed to receive more information as soon as it is available, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your contact information.

Resources for You!

Your Resource Center is looking for Very Special People.  If you have interest/skills in Library/Media Centers, we invite you to consider volunteering at the Resource Center.  Hours/days are negotiable, but comfort with computers and some understanding of how libraries function are important.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Invite your Resource Center Director to visit your congregation.  Have Leslee do a Minute for Mission in worship, or visit with your Session to promote the Resource Center, or come to your Christian Education committee meeting.  Having a Mission Fair?  Include your Resource Center and we'll bring a display.  Need a Wednesday night program?  Your Resource Center Director can bring fun and fellowship or do a Bible study for your group.  Call or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it !

It's that time of year! Time to renew your annual membership in the Resource Center.  We're holding our fees to current levels.  Bonus - if you bring a non-Presbyterian educator to the center and she or he decides to become a member, you will save 10%!  If you haven't sent in your renewal, please do so by January 30.  Reminders will be emailed out closer to the end of the month.  Thank you for all your wonderful support of your Resource Center!

Do You Have a License to Do That? Churches must have licensing to show videos, use certain music,, podcast worship services and more.  OneLicense.net can help with meeting that important legal requirement (Do you know the cost for using materials without a license?  It could be hundreds of thousands of dollars!!!)  Another website that can help get you legal:  Motion Picture Licensing Corporation.  If you need a license for your music use go to http://www.ccli.com/.  Anything that you use that is not in the hymnal in your pew must be licensed.

New!  New!  New!

Praise Party is a new Vacation Bible School kit from Cokesbury, especially designed for interracial and African American congregations.  Worshiping God with Head, Heart, Hands, Feet, and Soul!! will be a great way to reach out through your congregation to children and youth (and adults) who need to hear the good news of Jesus Christ!  VBS kits may be borrowed for use during your VBS, but each church must purchase the items needed for each student.

Other Vacation Bible School materials available include Clean Water for All God's Children, Living Waters for the World VBS notebook.  This resource helps children understand the necessity of clean water for life and health and how they can help.  Baobob, from Augsburg Fortress, will soon be here for review.  Baobob is an open invitation to be part of God's Great Get-Together.  This African-themed curriculum will help children learn about God and grow in faith.

Together Forever is a new children's book that helps children learn about death and grieving.  Especially helpful for children who have experienced death and loss.

The Thoughtful Christian always has great new studies.  www.thethoughtfulchristian.com. In 1986, the third Monday of January was established as a national holiday. This means that for the young people of today, the holiday recognizing and celebrating civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. has been in existence longer than they have been alive. Like many national holidays, however, there is a danger of it becoming part of just another long weekend. In this week's new study, Meet Martin Luther King Jr. participants will explore the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and then discuss the continuing impact of his life on the civil rights movement in the United States.  This coincides well with the new Youth Study - Meet Martin Luther King Jr. Honoring a Christian leader by practicing nonviolent action in service to others.

Studies are available individually or through an annual subscription.  Visit The Thoughtful Christian website to see the many wonderful studies they offer.

Should your church start a nonprofit?
A successful church program can become a “caged bird” -- constrained by the structure of a single congregation. By starting a separate nonprofit, a congregation can let its programs fly, writes Joy Skjegstad.  Read the full article here.  You can also check out the book, Starting a Non-Profit at Your Church by the author, available in the Resource Center.

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 will lead workshops based on your need.  She can also consult with your Education (or Stewardship or Worship or....) Committee as you plan and dream and hope.  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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

Our Call To Mission

Haiti Relief

Souper Bowl Recap

US Peace Memorial

Perspectives

Ecumenical Advocacy Conference

Relief for Haiti:  Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and has been struck by a devastating earthquake.  If you would like to give to help the relief efforts, you may give through your congregation, designate your gift for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Haiti Relief, or you can give directly,  http://www.pcusa.org/give/online/projectSelectAction.do?numberString=DR000064.  For those of our members who have gone to Haiti for mission work, there is keen awareness of just how bad the situation is.  Please pray for the people of Haiti and all those answering the call to bring relief.  Get your children involved! Church World Service provides kits that can be given to individuals - Baby Kits, Health Kits and more.  Gathering supplies for one or more type of kit would be an excellent way to help children contribute and understand that they can help bring God's love in the midst of suffering.  Go to their website for information. 

Are you seeking to broaden your awareness of the Global Church?
Are you interested in digging deeper into the Missional Calling of the Church?
Are you looking for a good mission-related option for Continuing Education this year?
If you answered, "Yes!" to any of these questions, you should consider taking part in Perspectives Leaders Intensive, August 15-21, 2010 to be held at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

Join with pastors and church leaders as we spend one week deeply considering God's mission for the church. This one week offers the full Perspectives class with challenging content, inspiring teaching, time for fellowship, and cross-cultural excursions in Pittsburgh.

For more information, contact Jen Haddox, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or  (412) 924-1440.   http://www.worldmissioninitiative.org/perspectives.htm

Souper Bowl '10 is Sunday February 7. If you are planning to participate, we'd like to report the collective impact in the Tampa Bay area.  Please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it your newsletter editor with the totals of how much money and how many canned goods you received (total cans by number or weight and dollars raised). Also tell us where you plan to send your offerings.  It will quickly become clear that every church makes a difference and all together we do great things, thanks be to God!  (Don't forget to report your totals to the Souper Bowl organizers - www.souperbowl.org. )

US Peace Memorial: Michael Knox, PhD, Professor at the University of South Florida, has come to the attention of the Justice and Peacemaking Committee and they would like to share with you a little about him and his mission.  Dr. Knox is promoting and has established a US Peace Memorial Foundation, for the purpose of building a Memorial to Peace in Washington D. C.  The purpose of the memorial is: “To demonstrate that advocating for peaceful solutions to international problems is an honorable and socially acceptable activity.” To promote peace by building a peace memorial dedicated to those who worked to promote peace in our past. To build a beautiful architectural site, which would stand among all the memorials dedicated to past wars that surround our nation’s capitol. To establish that there are other, better solutions to alleviate aggression and mistrust among nations than attacking our enemies.

Dr. Knox is a licensed clinical psychologist and a faculty member of the University of South Florida since 1986.  He is chairman of the Department of Mental Health, a tenured Distinguished Professor of Medicine, Global Health, Psychology and Aging and a Distinguished Professor of Mental Health Law and Policy.  Information about the U S Peace Memorial can be found at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  This peace memorial will honor the millions of people who have risked their lives and fortunes advocating for peace.

For more information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Member Justice and Peacemaking Committee, The Presbytery of Tampa Bay.

Save the Date - Ecumenical Advocacy Days Conference

The 2010 Advocacy Days conference will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Crystal City, VA, just outside of Washington, DC. The theme is, "A Place to Call Home: Immigrants, Refugees, and Displaced Peoples."

Visit the conference website to learn more and to register.

Top

We are the Church

Presbyterian Outlook Webinar - Preaching Through Lent

Self Development of People

Financial Aid Opportunities

Need Stewardship Ideas?  Want to go to Switzerland?  St. Simon's Island?  Pittsburgh?

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

Stewardship Kaleidoscope - Funding Mission Today and Tomorrow.  March 15-17 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  This Presbyterian Stewardship Conference will provide information, inspiriation and resources as we seek to be faithful in our use of the gifts we are given.  Featured presenters include Brian Blount, Kathryn Miree and Maggie Lauterer.  Stewardship can and should be joyful!  Registration is discounted until March 1.  Click here for more information and to register.  Brochures and information are also available in the Resource Center.  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship is planning their first ever convocation for the Stony Point Center, Stony Point, NY, April 15-17, 2010.  Visit their website for networking and conference information - www.presbypeacefellowship.org.

Local Church History Seminar April 22-25, 2010 at Stony Point Center in New York.  Great for local church historians, Presbyterian Women and more who want to learn more about Presbyterian history, managing and preserving local congregation's history, oral history, disaster preparedness and more.  Visit www.history.pcusa.org/cong/lchs/index.html for information. Scholarships are available for churches at least 50 years old, with fewer than 250 members and who have financial need.  Deadline is February 18.  Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

Unity & Reformed Heritage Seminar - Geneva, Switzerland April 5-12, 2010.  Continue your celebration of Calvin's Quincentennial.  Visit www.pcusa.org/dear/unity-seminar.htm for registration information.  This tour will feature visits to the Ecumenical Centre; worship at the Auditory, where John Calvin taught and John Knox preached, dialogue with leaders of the World Council of Churches and more.  Sponsored by the Office of the General Assembly and coordinated through the office of Ecumenical Relations.

The Association of Smaller Churches announces its annual conference, to be held at St. Simon's Island, GA, New Ways for New Days, May 3-5.  This 23rd annual event will help equip, educate and empower smaller churches for challenging new times.  You can download registration information here.

Columbia Theological Seminary:

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

Two Seminaries Offer Special Training For Youth Ministry Leadership
Columbia Seminary in Georgia and Princeton Seminary in New Jersey are now both offering special weekend study programs for those called to any form of youth ministry, whether ordained or lay leaders (volunteer or paid).  Information on both programs follows:

Columbia’s Youth Ministry Leadership Initiative
The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and Columbia Theological Seminary have designed a non-degree program, the Youth Ministry Leadership Initiative (YMLI), for pastors and lay leaders who are committed to developing strong church youth programs.
Participants in YMLI courses will gain a deeper understanding of their personal call to youth ministry and how that call can faithfully serve the life of the church. Courses provide the opportunity to network with others who are passionate about working with young people. Participants will learn from one another and the program, while gaining practical knowledge of how to work within the church to create theologically sound, enjoyable, innovative ministries for youth.
The YMLI curriculum includes two weekend retreats and six weekend courses, all held at Columbia Theological Seminary, in Decatur, GA. Leadership will include seminary faculty and staff, members of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta staff, and other experienced youth leaders and professionals.
Youth Leaders may enroll in as many courses as they want.  If they complete all eight courses they will be awarded a certificate of Training and Development in Youth Ministry.  For more information go to: www.ctsnet.edu, click on Lifelong Learning, then Youth Ministries Leadership. 

Princeton Offers Three Forms of Youth Programs
Princeton Seminary offers three different ways to grow in youth ministry leadership.  1) Pathways are one-day retreats in various parts of the nation for youth leaders and the youth they serve;  2) Youth Forums are two-three day study/discussion events, and 3) There is a new format called the Certificate in Youth and Theology Program.  Here are a few details:
It begins with a retreat that offers a whole-person approach to initiation into the certificate program.  The retreat will introduce participants to a practical theological approach to youth ministry and nurture the peer-to-peer relationships necessary for developing a cohesive cohort that will support participants through the program. 
The Certificate in Youth and Theology Program is designed for practitioners who want to extend their ministry and their credentials with further education about adolescent culture, Biblical theology, and healthy practices of youth ministry.  For more information on all three programs go to: www.ptsem.edu, click on Continuing Education and then select Institute for Youth Ministries.

Montreat Conference Center has wonderful opportunities year 'round.  Visit www.montreat.org for information or to register.  Early registration is discounted on many conferences. Coming soon - Solo Pastor to Multi-Staff Pastor Conference, Apirl 11-16;  Associate Pastors Conference, April 12-15;  Spring Spiritual Formation Retreat, April 15-18;  Arts and Sabbath:  The Montreat Artists Series, April 18-22;  Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training April 19-21.  Visit their website or call 1-800-572-2257 for more information on these or later conferences.

Top