PCPC Life: LENT 2023

PCPC LIFE LENT 2023

WHAT IS ASH WEDNESDAY?

Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 22nd this year, is the traditional beginning of the ancient Christian season of Lent, the six-week period leading to Easter. Ash Wednesday emphasizes Christian repentance, the setting aside of the old self, and the placing on of the new behaviors in Christ. As a part of those new behaviors Christians have placed a special emphasis on renewing practices of prayer, bible study, and Christian living. It is a period of preparation. Like many churches, PCPC will hold Ash Wednesday services.

A Visit From Our Polish Friends

On Sunday, February 26th, our friends, Wojciech Szczerba and Marek

Kucharski, will return to PCPC. During the worship services, they will make a brief presentation about the EWST school's year-long and ongoing efforts to assist the war-stricken people of Ukraine. Then, at noon, PCPC will provide a light lunch at which Wojciech and Marek will give a fuller update on the situation, followed by an opportunity for questions and answers.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. It is estimated that 8.1 MM Ukrainians have crossed the border into Poland during the past year. Presently, about 3.2 MM Ukrainians continue to live in Poland, though more than 1 MM of them lived in Poland before Russia invaded their country With funds from various sources, including PCPC, EWST has been able to provide Ukrainians housing, food, clothing, medicine, workshops, summer camps, and more. Some of the many ways EWST, working with several churches and Christian charities, has reached out to the Ukrainian people include: Working with a US clothing manufacturer, EWST has received 2 shipments of clothing (30,000 items for spring/summer and 40,000 for fall/winter) for people in Ukraine.

2 EWST students, who also are paramedics, have taken an ambulance full of medical supplies to Ukraine and transported disabled and wounded people back to Poland.

EWST has provided Polish classes to Ukrainians and psychological counseling for refugees, as well as giving food and housing assistance. In addition, Wojciech and Marek will speak briefly about the widespread secularization of Europe and Poland and its effects on EWST and on seminary education in general throughout the continent.

AN INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION: FLORIDA WIND BAND CONCERT AT PCPC MARCH 26 AT 6PM

Throughout recorded history, music has played an important role in celebrations. Whether people are dancing the night away to let off steam, memorializing the life of a loved one, or simply enjoying a concert, music is there to rejoice, eulogize, and comfort. The repertoire includes pieces that are beloved to global audiences including Shostakovich's "Festive Overture" (Russia), Grainger's "Scotch Strathspey and Reel" (Scotland), and Brahms' "Blessed Are They" (Germany), alongside newer works such as Giroux's "Evening Snow At Kambara" (Japan), and Day's "Havana" (Cuba). The American work on this performance is Ticheli's masterwork "Blue Shades," which is one of the most performed wind band works of the past decade.

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS: DVORAK’S “STABAT MATER” TOS

CONCERT AT PCPC APRIL 2 AT 6PM

The Tampa Oratorio Singers will present Dvorak’s “Stabat Mater” at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 2 at 6:00 p.m. Written in 1877, this deeply moving piece is Dvořák’s first work on a religious theme. The movements are based on the 13th century Latin poem describing Mary’s compassion standing before the cross.

This piece is a meditation on loss and faith, taking listeners on an emotionally honest journey through grief to spiritual healing, concluding with a radiant, optimistic ending. Professional soloists Susie Hellman Spatafora (soprano), Robyn Rocklein (alto), John Kaneklides (tenor) and Todd Donovan (bass) and orchestra will join the chorus. Nancy Callahan will conduct this performance.

Interested in Joining PCPC?

Upcoming Membership Meetings at 10am

February 26

March 26

April 30

May 28

PCPC’s New Member Class is for anyone who has an interest in learning more about Palma Ceia Presbyterian, its ministries, and membership. Some people who attend this new members class have a desire to become members of PCPC, and decide to join at the end of the class. Others attend the class simply as part of their exploration toward learning more about the ministries that PCPC has to offer individuals and families

All are welcome in the Hospitality Room next to the chapel, and we look forward to seeing you Email susanfrost@palmaceia org if you have any questions or to let us know you plan to attend

Adult Faith Formation

Sunday Morning Classes, 10-10:50am in EM307/308

Sunday, February 26: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual

Discipline: Sabbath led by Allison Kelly

The season of Lent is a time for growth in faith through prayer, spiritual discipline, and self examination. This series will be an introduction to a variety of spiritual disciplines that can transform the way we view the world and God.

Sunday, March 5: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual

Discipline: Fasting and Intentional Eating led by Rev. John Reiter

Sunday, March 12: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline: Mourning led by Rev. Chuck Jones

Sunday, March 19: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline: Hospitality led by Rev. Chuck Jones

Sunday, March 26: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline: Prayer led by Rev. Bill Hull

Sunday, April 2: An Invitation to a Life of Spiritual Discipline: Body and Aging led by Lee Barks

Upcoming Books: March 21: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

April 18: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

May 16: The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

Women's Sunday Evening Bible Study

Women of all ages are invited to join together online for this Bible Study. This study usually gathers every other Sunday at 7pm on Zoom for fellowship, prayer, and conversation on the lectionary text for the day. If you’d like to be placed on the study email list contact Pastor Nicole Abdnour: nicole@palmaceia.org.

Upcoming Meeting Dates: Feb. 19, Mar. 5, Mar. 19, Apr. 16, Apr. 30

Lectionary Call-In Podcast

You can tune in weekly and hear four PCPC Bible scholars discussing the Gospel reading for the upcoming Sunday. Those sharing in the dialogue include Charles Willard, Sara Mickelson, Bill Hull, and Don Upton a great group It’s like meeting them for coffee and Bible study and listening in They record every Tuesday morning, and discussions last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Podcasts and videos are posted on Tuesdays.

WELCOME TO PCPC, REV. JOHN REITER: DIRECTOR FOR ADULT FAITH FORMATION

Welcome to PCPC, Rev. John Reiter: Director for Adult Faith Formation

John began his ministry with PCPC on Feb. 15! John is a graduate of USF and received his Masters of Divinity and Masters of Christian Education from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, VA. He grew up a child of the First Presbyterian Church of Brandon, FL and heard a call to ministry while serving at Cedarkirk (our presbytery camp and conference center) in his college years. Following seminary, John served Presbyterian camps in VA (Massanetta Springs), SC (Bethelwoods), and Florida, where he most recently served as the Executive Director at Cedarkirk for 13 years. Prior to joining the staff at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, John served as the Interim Associate Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Winter Haven. PCPC is excited to have John join our team! If you’d like to send him a welcoming email, you may do so at johnreiter@palmaceia.org.

Daily Lent Devotional Available Starting February 22

This year, we will be offering daily devotionals from The Presbyterian Outlook during Lent. Email communications@palmaceia.org if you would like to receive those daily emails. Printed booklets will also be available for pickup at the entrance to our worship spaces and the front office beginning 2/22.

Faith & Race Tour A Limited Number of Spots Remain

An opportunity to explore the history of the Civil Rights Movement and to learn how people of faith worked for justice as they played out in Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. We will explore these cities that were important sites of protest, engagement, and victory. We will visit the places where history unfolded and the museums and memorials were erected to commemorate that history.

Montreat Women's Connection

August 11-13, 2023

This conference is a chance for women to connect with old and new friends, a time to care for oneself; a time for space and Sabbath. PCPC has a limited number of spots to attend this conference in the mountains of Western North Carolina where we will join other women for powerful and authentic worship led by women, space for honest and faithful conversation, and allowing time for discernment and renewing rest. Contact Pastor Nicole (nicole@palmaceia.org) if you are interested in attending.

Sign Up Now!

PALMACEIA.ORG/YOUTH

Mondays: 7:30-8:30pm: Talking Pts. A gathering for high schoolers where we engage in discussions about philosophy, theology, and scripture (pts). We meet in the Youth Great Room.

Wednesday Youth Groups: Youth groups are our fun, formative gatherings that revolve around teaching and building community.

6-7:30pm: Middle School Youth Group

7:30-8:45: High School Youth Group

Sunday Mornings: Formation X is our Sunday morning offering during the faith & fellowship hour.

10 Th

CHILDREN & FAMILIES MINISTRY

REMEMBER THE ANNIVERSARY OF YOUR BAPTISM - SPLASH HOUR!

MARCH 11 AT 11 at Kate Jackson Park Splash Pad

For children & families who were baptized between 2020-2023. We look forward to gathering to celebrate and remember our baptisms together. All children who attend this one-hour event will receive a Blessing Bowl and a Baptism Anniversary Milestone. No signup needed!

LORD'S PRAYER AND LENT

Sun., Mar. 19 at 10:00 am in WM202

At "Lord's Prayer And Lent," all ages are invited to experience Jesus’ prayer through stations including scripture reading, "wonderings," reflection, and prayer. Through the use of inclusive language and meaningful theology, children have opportunities to explore belongingness and connectedness with each other, the world, and God, like we learn in The Lord's Prayer. This event will end with an outreach effort as we write to our PCPC college-aged students to remind them that they are still in community with us during the season of Lent.

WORSHIP WONDERINGS

March 26th 10:00 am in the Sanctuary

Kindergarten-age children and a parent are invited to have an introduction to the worship spaces and explore a few elements of Worship. Meet in the Sanctuary and the Children & Families team will lead you around!

SUNDAY MORNINGS FOR CHILDREN AT PCPC

Faith & Fellowship Hour for Pre-K3-1st graders and 2nd-5th graders:

10:00am - All ages gather in Chapel for singing

10:10am - Bible story

10:15am - Sent out with teachers to classrooms by age group:

Pre-K3 & Pre-K4 EM 102; K-1st WM 207; 2nd & 3rd WM 210; 4th & 5th WM 206

10:50am - Parents pick up in classrooms

MUSIC & MOVEMENT

5-5:30PM ANY WEDNESDAY WHEN THERE IS WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER

M&M is a class offered for children infants through 3 years. This time together includes songs, rhythmic rhymes, movement, and instrument play. Activities are informal, nonperformance-oriented experiences appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers–regardless of their own musical ability.

VBS 2023 will be June 5-9, 9am-12pm

This year’s theme is “Ready, Set, Move!”

VBS Volunteers Needed!

If you can volunteer, please email Mary Taggart: marymactaggart@hotmail.com

Volunteers can place their children in VBS Nursery, through entering Pre-K4.

Drop-Off VBS is only for Pre-K4 - 5th Grade

Sign-Up is at palmaceia.org!

COMPASSIONATE OUTREACH

Your Contributions To The Peacemaking Offering Are Making A Difference

In September and October 2022, the Session of PCPC approved designating the annual Peacemaking Offering to support relief efforts related to Hurricane Ian damage A portion of our collection went to Wintergarden Presbyterian Church in Port Charlotte. They recently wrote us, saying:

Computer Donation Update

Wintergarten was able to purchase a storage container to store the building's contents while they demolish and rebuild. After that, it will be used as a walk-in refrigerator and storage for their food pantry

We’re continuing to accept computers for donation to Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) and 2022 was our best year yet! A total of 89 items were donated, including 21 laptops, 38 tower computers and other electronics.

Laptops in operating condition were promptly transferred to local students in need, and those that weren’t still had value for HEF! The electronics recycler gives HEF credit towards refurbished computers for local students

They partnered with Missions on Wheels to host long-term recovery teams, and now have a bunk trailer with 16 beds, a shower trailer with 7 showers, and a hospitality room. Wintergarden hosted their first recovery team in December.

Over the past year, HEF has placed refurbished computers in the hands of 120 students, supported by generous donations from PCPC!

Just bring computer donations to the Church Office anytime Sunday through Friday 8AM –5PM, and remember:

• Please remove any passwords and your data before donating.

• Flat-screen monitors are the ONLY monitors accepted –please no CRT monitors.

• Contact John Wells (jdwells01@gmail.com) with questions.

"The financial gift from the Palma Ceia’s Peacemaking Offering that we received is allowing us to pivot and live into our current mission and expand our mission during this season."

COMPASSIONATE OUTREACH

Wintergarden is now in the demolition and rebuilding phase of recovery.

The Sunday after Hurricane Ian, Wintergarden began holding "Breakfast Church" outdoors. The congregation gathers for a meal, fellowship, scripture, a message, and song. They say Breakfast Church has been a huge part of their grieving and healing process.

The Longest Night

On a cold night in December, a group gathered around the stable at the church, sitting in a semi-circle as the darkness ended the day. The Longest Night, December 21, has been celebrated at PCPC for over 18 years, as, on this night, those who live on the streets are acknowledged and lifted up in prayer In a moving ceremony, holding candles for light, 93 names were read of those who left this earth in 2022, those homeless and often invisible As Pastor John said, each name was given to them by someone who loved them And so they were remembered

Attendees brought blankets, sleeping bags, and warm clothes to be shared with those who remain on the streets.

The pastor, Rev. Devon Andrews, personally adds:

Nicole’s dissertation was a beautiful guide for me through this process; and continues to be words of affirmation for me and our community as we move forward. Now we can continue to worship, we are constantly creating avenues for grieving, healing, hope, and seeing the good that will come through all of this.

Thank you, Palma Ceia, for your generous support of the Peacemaking Offering.

On a freezing Saturday morning in early January, these gifts given by you, were passed put in the early dawn, giving warmth to those who otherwise were without. All the items were needed, and the gratitude felt is something we share now with all who have helped

Know that your gifts gave not only physical warmth, but also spiritual warmth, as those who received them felt your love May we remember how each of us is a precious gift of God

Thank you

Thanks to your generosity, we raised $910 this year in our Souper Bowl of Caring efforts! The money has already been donated to Meals on Wheels. Thank you!

SERVERS NEEDED AT FAITH CAFE

UPCOMING DATES: SUN., MARCH 12 AT 4:30, FRI., MARCH 31 AT 10:30

PCPC has committed to staff the entire Faith Café on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Volunteers are also needed when there is a 5th Friday in the month, from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. You can sign up to volunteer online at faithcafetampa.org/volunteer.

MEALS ON WHEELS DRIVERS NEEDED

From PCPC’s Witness and Service Committee:

The need for Meals On Wheels of Tampa volunteers is growing. Join the team to deliver meals to senior and homebound neighbors in Greater Tampa. Volunteer as often as your schedule allows. A volunteer shift takes about 60- 90 minutes. Mon-Fri opportunities for individuals OR groups are available. Volunteer drivers must be 18 or up, complete an application, and attend a short orientation in person or virtually. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicle and gas Community service hours are available for students delivering with an adult. Once a month Saturday opportunities are also available—a wonderful time to volunteer with your family!

Applications & More Info:

www.mowtampa.org

SEEKING GODLY PLAY VOLUNTEERS

www.palmaceia.org/godly-play

When you volunteer as a Godly Play shepherd, you are signing up to help share the stories of our faith with our children ages 3K-1st grade. Volunteers assist in welcoming each child onto the the rug, helping to guide and direct children by engaing with the story, sharing a feast (snack), and sending them out as they reconnect with their families. There are three times available to assist us on Sunday mornings, and you don't have to commit long-term!

https://www.palmaceia.org/godly-play/

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO PARTICIPATE IN WORSHIP

Children are welcome in all of our worship services at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church and we invite them to participate in meaningful ways. We are experimenting with this signup to provide opportunities in three worship services (8:30, 9, and 11) for children of any age to participate.

For the Sanctuary Worship Service, children may greet, pass out bulletins, or take up the offering. See Susan Peacock in the Narthex when you arrive early to help.

In the Connection Service, children are invited to lead off the Lord's Prayer and Apostles' Creed along with the pastor. For this service, arrive at 9am and sit near the front so that the pastors can find you easily and invite you to come forward at the designated times to share the mic.

Questions? Allison@palmaceia.org

SILVER FITNESS!

Beginning Tuesday, March 7th, 2-2:45pm, PCPC is excited to invite you to join us as we have fun, fellowship, and get fit all at the same time! Our very own certified YMCA exercise coach, Tom Little, will lead us with weights, stretch bands, and balance balls in the Game Room, 2nd floor of Westminster, right above Fellowship Hall. We have the equipment, we just need you! (Feel free to bring your own equipment if you prefer.) Looking forward to keeping fit with you! Questions? Call Jeanne Rowe at the church, (813) 253-6047 x 222.

www palmaceia org/godly-play