October Worship Calendar
Sun., Oct. 6: World Communion Sunday
Sat., Oct. 12: All-Church Field Day, Location in flux, 5pm
Sun., Oct. 13: Stewardship Kick-Off Sunday with Breakfast
6pm: Pregnancy & Infant Loss Vespers Service
Sun., Oct. 20: Blessing of the Animals at Noon and 5pm
Sun., Oct. 27: Reformation Sunday
Sun., Nov. 3: All Saints Sunday
Save the Dates:
Sun., Dec. 8: Living Nativity 5:30-6:30
Wed., Dec. 18: Jolley Trolley at Wed Night Dinner
See pgs 4-5 for Dates of Concerts at PCPC
See pg. 12 for Wed. Night Dinner Menus
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
The Stephen Ministry/Congregational Care Committee is offering a 6-week Grief Support Group Sundays 4-5:00 pm from October 13-November 17. We will meet in the Library (3rd floor, middle building, next to the PW Room). We will be using the book Good Mourning by Alan Hugh Cole Jr. to guide our conversation. In the meantime, and year-round, please know the Stephen Ministers are there to listen to you or a loved one as they travel through any form of grief If you or someone you know is in need of a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear, talk with Pastor John DeBevoise to have a Stephen Minister assigned to you You don’t have to travel this journey alone.
Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 20th 12 and 5pm in the Courtyard
Each year, PCPC holds a “Blessing of the Animals” near the date of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. The pastors will be blessing animals in the Courtyard Sunday, October 20th for the pets of any member of the congregation. You may bring your leashed or caged animals at 12pm or 5pm for a blessing.
Sun., October 13th: Pregnancy and Infant Loss Vespers Service in Chapel
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. Pregnancy and infant loss affects 1 in 4 women. This means many families in our congregation know this loss. At the 6:00 Vespers Service October 13th, we will honor the loss and, through prayer, support the healing process.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
This year
’
s Faith Formation theme is “At the Table.”
At the Table: All are welcome.
At the Table: All are loved.
At the Table: All learn.
At the Table: All serve.
At the Table: All belong.
Come to any worship service Sun., Oct. 6 to support our 2nd graders who have completed Welcome to Worship classes as they take part in the communion liturgy, helping to serve us the bread and juice.
3rd Grade Bible Presentation and Education for Children and Adults
We will present Bibles to All 3rd Graders in All Services on October 27
Then... from 12:15-2:45pm: An important component of receiving Bibles is understanding what they contain, how they are organized, and how we use them 3rd Graders will have a special “Bible Blitz” class led by Allison Kelly, Anna Shuford, and Friends. 4th graders who missed it last year are also invited to attend. Rev. John Reiter will teach Bible Blitz at the same time with parents and adults interested in learning the basics of the Bible.
Justice Seekers for 4th and 5th graders meets every Sunday between now and Nov. 17 in the Courtyard at 4:00. We are exploring life At the Table through scripture, service, and fellowship. On October 6th, we’ll be BAKING BREAD in the Fellowship Hall in fitting with this year’s theme.
Parents’ Night Out Friday, Nov. 1
5:30-8:30pm
This is an opportunity for parents to have an evening out while children (infant - 5th grade) enjoy a fun night at the church. The evening will include a pizza and fruit dinner, recreation, a bible story, and a movie. We offer this at no cost, but parents MUST register before the deadline of Mon. Oct 28th. Registration opens October 1st at palmaceia.org/kids.
PLAY GROUPS ON THE PLAYGROUND
provide a fun and safe environment for all children where parents, carers, or grandparents can enjoy playing on our fenced outdoor playground. All are welcome!
Upcoming Dates, all from 4-5:30:
Mon., October 7
Tues , October 15
Thurs., October 24
Mon., November 4
Extending Christ’s Table on Service Hour Sunday
A large room of souls of all ages gathered on Labor Day Weekend for Service Hour Sunday to package and bless 150 bags of basic necessities The bags went to local ministries serving people who are hungry and without homes Bob Coates and Stann Givens with Faith Cafe shared how our donations and actions extend Christ’s table into the community daily with needed food and clothes. We pray we reflect God’s Kingdom where At the Table: All are welcome, all are loved, all are fed, and all belong. Bags were distributed to Faith Cafe, Love INC, and Kindness Matters.
Music and Movement continues each Wednesday from 5:10-5:40 in WM 202/204 for birth-PreK3. Come anytime! Save the Date: Living Nativity Sun., Dec. 8 from 5:30-6:30pm
MUSIC NOTES
Children’s Choirs: October 2024
Children's Choirs rehearse on Wednesdays from 5-5:45pm.
Pre-K4 through 1st Grade (Joyful Noise Choir): Meet in Westminster 210 from 5-5:45pm. Led by Sarah Stichter, Kelly Slovinac, and Pat Handly.
Grades 2-5 (Junior Choir): Meet in Sanctuary 5-5:45pm. Led by Nancy Callahan & Ashley Greenfield. Questions about children's choirs? Email Callahan@palmaceia.org.
Junior Choir Worship singing dates:
Sunday, October 20, 11:00 Service
Sunday, November 17, 11:00 Service
Sunday, December 15, 11:00 Service
Sunday, December 24, Family Service
(Time TBD, likely 4:30pm but subject to change)
Joyful Noise Choir Worship singing dates:
Sunday, October 13, 9:00 Service
Sunday, November 10, 11:00 Service
Sunday, December 8, 11:00 Service
Sunday, December 24, Family Service
(Time TBD, likely 4:30pm but subject to change)
Save the Date: All Choirs Ride the JOLLEY TROLLEY December 18 at 4:15! Followed by Christmas Eve Choir Rehearsal at regular times.
TAMPA ORATORIO SINGERS FALL CONCERT
Mozart’sGreatMassinCMinor
Sunday,November10at4:00pmintheSanctuary
Mozartcreatedthisgloriouspieceasamassofthanksgiving.The Great Mass in C Minor isalayered,shimmeringtapestryofsound.Thispiece featuressoaringandfiligreedsolosandaneightvoice-partchorus.Itwas onlyperformedonceduringMozart’slifetime,andistodayconsideredhis finestreligiouswork.ProfessionalsoloistsRobynRocklein,Todd Donovan,SusieSpatafora&EricFerringwillbefeatured,alongwith orchestra.NancyCallahanwillconducttheperformance.Complimentary ticketsareavailabletoPCPCmembersinthechurchoffice.
TOS SAVE the DATES Carols of the Season Dec.8at4:00pm Handel’s Messiah Dec.9&10at7:00pm
Florida Wind Band Concert: “The Old Street Lamp”
Sunday, October 20 at 6pm in the Sanctuary
The talented musicians of the Florida Wind Band and guest narrator will draw you into an aural journey of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Old Street Lamp " Your instrumental tour guides through the tale will be a flute, oboe, clarinet, and harp The narrator will travel along your side as you experience the most respectable old lamp, which had seen many, many years of service, and was now ready to retire.
Save the Date:
Florida Wind Band Christmas Concert
Dec. 11 at 6:00 pm
The Oct 20 concert is free, but tickets are required to hold your seat. Click or scan the QR code for your ticket.
The Chancel Choir’s *Other* Ministry
Did you know the Chancel Choir has a new ministry? Besides sharingtheirbeautifulmusicwithuseverySunday,theynowshare God’sbeautywithothersthroughouttheweek.
Foralittleoverayearnow,theflowersthatenhancetheChanceland NarthexonSundaymorningscontinuetobringcheertoPCPC membersduringtheweek. Members of the choir divide the flowers left by the generous donors into smaller vases and deliver them on Mondays. Todatetheyhavedeliveredover200arrangements!
Ourmemberswhomaybe mourning the loss of a loved one, battling an illness, recovering from surgery, or those who can't worship in person or may be celebrating a special 90+ birthday may receive some flowers toremindthemtheyarelovedbytheir PCPCfamily.
Ifyouwanttobeinvolvedwiththisbeautifulministry, you can donate flowers for the Chancel or Narthex through Susan Frost inlovingmemoryorinhonorofalovedone,andthenchoosetoleavethe arrangementsforthechoir’sflowerministrythefollowingday.Yourbeautifuldonationwillbeenjoyednot onlyonSundaymorningbutinhomesthroughouttheweek.YoumaycalloremailSusanFrostinthe churchofficetoreserveaSundayforyourflowerdonation:SusanFrost@palmaceia.org.
Another way to help their ministry is by donating vases you are not using. Ifyouhave8”-10”vases youdon’tneed,pleasedropthemofftothechurchoffice.Onedaytheywillbefilledwithbeautifulflowers anddeliveredtooneofyourchurchfamilymemberslettingthemknowtheyarerememberedandloved.
We want to thank our Chancel Choir for sharing their beautiful music and now their caring outreach! 5
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
There are several opportunities for Adult Faith Formation this fall: SUNDAY MORNINGS, 10-10:50am in EM 307/308
SUNDAYS
Navigating an Election
October 6th – October 20th in EM307/308 and on Zoom
As we travel though another contentious and noisy election cycle, the pastoral team invites you to join a discussion about our lives together as Christians and citizens of this country:
How do we get along with those whom we disagree?
What are healthy ways to handle our anxiety?
What is the church’s response to such a polarized world?
SUNDAYS
Life According to Teenagers
October 27th – November 17th in EM307/308 and on Zoom
For parents of teens, for parents with teens on the horizon, for grandparents, and for anyone else who desires a greater empathy for our young people. This four-week course will lead us to a better understanding of the world of teenagers -how they navigate social media, anxiety, faith, and relationships. Rev. Ken Hubbell will lead this informative and engaging class.
MONDAYS
Followers of the Way
Mondays at 11:30 in Fellowship Hall (ongoing)
Lunch ($5) is served starting at 11:30, meeting begins at 12:15, and we adjourn by 1:00.
WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Theology Book Club
Wednesdays at Noon on Zoom (ongoing)
Interested in reading a variety of books and engaging in conversations about theology? You are invited to meet with a collegial group of seekers as they explore different authors and perspectives in how we understand and experience God. These weekly meetings are on Zoom at Noon on Wednesdays. The group is currently reading Thomas Merton’s New Seeds of Contemplation. To be added to the weekly email list and receive the Zoom link, please contact Dianna Williams in the church office at (813) 253-6047 or diannawilliams@palmaceia.org.
“What’s the Least I Can Believe And Still Be A Christian?” (What Matters Most)
Wednesdays, September 4 – October 16, 6:15-7:15 pm in the Hospitality Room
Reading Martin Thielin’s text by the same title, this seeks to answer the question, “What matters most?” as we explore 10 things Christians do and do not need to believe. Taught by Rev. John Reiter.
PCPC’s WEEKLY PODCAST OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAITH FORMATION
A First Look at The Lectionary and The Lectionary Call-In Podcast
Did you know that PCPC pastors and scholars gather each week to explore lectionary texts and consider how God continues to speak to us through the scriptures today? These conversations, found at palmaceia.org and on YouTube, are recorded and made available for listening at your convenience.
Presbyterian Women
The Presbyterian Women of PCPC meet in two different groups at two different times All women of the church are welcome to join!
The daytime group meets the second Monday of each month in the PW room beginning at 1:00 with lunch, followed by Bible Study
The evening group meets the second Monday of each month in members’ homes, beginning at 6:30 with a social hour/dinner, with study starting at 7:15, and ending by 8:30. For locations, email Susan Frost or Betty Street: bnstreet.street@gmail.com.
The first and last meetings of the year (September and May) for both groups and all women of the church are always general membership meetings held in the Fellowship Hall
This year ’ s study book is Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkeurt The church office may have a few copies left if you still need one They are $15 98 – Contact SusanFrost@palmaceia org or call 813-253-6047 to inquire if any copies remain
Other PW events:
Friday, December 6 at 9:00 am: Help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas! This is a congregation-wide invitation and anyone is welcome Potential new members, visitors, students home from college, etc
Saturday, December 7 at 10:00 am: Christmas Coffee, Location TBD
In the Arms of God
Reflections from The Montreat Women’s Connection Conference Aug 7-14, 2024 by
Sara Mickelson
“BEAR!” the whispered voice said pointing out the back door. The whispered voice repeated “That IS a bear!” That was the wakeup call for the women lodging in the cabin on the first morning in Montreat, NC. Not what you might expect to hear from the dark kitchen first thing in the morning but confirmation that God will surprise you and what a great way to start the Women's Connection Conference!
Tie That Binds
Come join several of the Presbyterian Women as we knit or crochet baby caps for the preemies at Tampa General Hospital. We meet Tuesdays from 3-4:30pm in the Hospitality Room weekly until mid-December. No experience is required.
PEACEMAKING OFFERING SCHOOL SUPPLIES DRIVE SUCCESS!
Peacemaking Offering:
Collected Sept. 15-Oct. 6
This year's Peacemaking Offering goes to Haiti and EWST in Poland.
In Haiti, funds will enable Haitian medical teams to reach more vulnerable populations amid Haiti's ongoing crisis
In Poland, in response to the Ukraine war, EWST Seminary (the largest theological, Protestant, educational center in Poland) will use our offering funds to hire a Ukrainian psychologist to support refugees, primarily women and children, who have faced trauma.
Donate at palmaceia.org/give and select “Peacemaking Offering” from the dropdown menu.
Thank you for getting local students ready for school once again this year through our annual backpack and school supplies drive! Over 160 stuffed backpacks went to two underserved elementary schools in the Tampa Bay Area, FED students, and Beth-El Farmworker Ministry Thank you to the 13+ volunteers who helped us stuff backpacks!
The excitement and relief in the children’s (and their parents’!) faces when they get their backpacks is priceless. What a gift to know they would not be without supplies on the first day of school Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
Thank you for your Donations to Faith Café!
Faith Café’s Clothing Drive was a rousing success. You all exceeded expectations by delivering enough clothing to help meet the monthly demand of 1,500 items. A Big Thank You! Remember…
Homelessness In Tampa Is Not An Event. It continues every day. Faith Café needs clothes year-round. There is a need for both men ’ s and women ’ s casual clothes, socks, underwear, t-shirts, pants shorts, and more Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, disposable razors are welcomed. Next time you are cleaning out your closet and cabinets, think about Faith Café. All donations* can be left in the church office year-round.
Faith Café still needs volunteers 7 days a week. You can sign up by going to faithcafetampa.org/volunteer You can be a big part of the solution for homelessness
*Please no furniture, as PCPC cannot accommodate furniture donations at this time.
COVENANT CIRCLE AT PALMA CEIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
What is the Covenant Circle? Many years ago, PCPC created the Covenant Circle to quietly recognize those individuals and families who remember PCPC in their estate planning: will, charitable remainder trust, life insurance, designated assets, etc. Large and small gifts have been equally welcomed, both during the giver’s lifetime and following their passing. Covenant Circle never requests the amount or details of a gift. Donors may stipulate their gift be used for a particular mission, or be applied to the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Foundation, in support of all missions. Your PCPC Covenant Circle committee honors the generosity of those who remember PCPC in their estate planning.
Estate planning attorneys and financial advisors tell us that, often, their clients have great intentions but simply forget to name their favorite charitable organization in their estate planning Fortunately, this oversight is easily correctable. Contact your attorney, financial advisor, and/or family members to add PCPC as one of your beneficiaries. Giving back to your church is a tangible way of acknowledging how much PCPC has meant to you and your family.
Become a Covenant Circle member. We invite you to make your intentions known to Pastor John DeBevoise. You will be added to our Covenant Circle roster, receive a Covenant Circle pin, and receive invitations to periodic informative luncheons. We warmly extend our invitation to become a member of PCPC’s Covenant Circle
THANK YOU FOR REMEMBERING PCPC IN YOUR ESTATE PLANNING.
All Electronics Drive November 3
In celebration of the fourth anniversary of supporting HEF and local students, and in keeping with PCPC’s Earth Care commitments, we ’ re planning an ALL ELECTRONICS Drive on November 3rd. Any electronic item will be accepted, working or not! (Please no CRT monitors or tube TVs ) PCPC’s All-Electronics Donation Drive is in support of Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) and our Feeding Every Disciple (FED) families HEF distributes working computers to public school students and also gets credit for recycled equipment towards refurbished computers. Since November 2020, we ’ ve collected thousands of pounds of used computer and electronic equipment, both working and not, for recycling or refurbishment, and gifting to needy students in Tampa! As always, please remove passwords and personal data prior to donating In the meantime, computers are still being accepted at the church office. Thanks so much for caring for our neighbors and for the earth!
YOUTH at PCPC
Middle School trips are for rising 7th-9th graders and High School trips are for rising 10th graders - c/o '25 grads.
Registration for YOUTH SUMMER TRIPS Opens October 2! palmaceia.org/youth
Youth Group meets on Wednesday nights: Middle School 6-7:30pm in the Gym High School 7:30-8:45pm in the Youth Room
In addition to Youth Group, we have two other weekly offerings for Youth students: MnMs (Monday Night Meetings) is our High School Bible Study option. On Monday evenings from 7:30-8:30pm we meet in the Couch Room (Eastminster 204), and cycle through three postures of learning: body, mind, and spirit
LIFT (Loving & Leading in Faith and Truth) is our Sunday morning offering during the Faith & Fellowship Hour for Middle Schoolers On Sunday mornings from 10:05-10:45am, Middle School students gather in the Couch Room (Eastminster 204), where we have lessons and conversations about being a leader in the church, and practice intergenerational service alongside the children's and adult ministry programs at PCPC.
Follow us on Instagram @pcpc.youth for online sign-ups, programming updates, youth group photos, funny videos, and more!
WEDNESDAY NIGHT DINNER
Wednesday Night Dinners are served every Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall between 5:00 and 6:15. All are welcome, and no reservations are needed. The cost is $5/adult, $3/child, or $15/family. You can pay in advance by scanning the QR code below or go to palmaceia.org/give and choose “Wednesday Night Dinner” from the dropdown menu.
Upcoming Meals*:
Oct. 2: Chicken Dijon Divan
Oct. 9: Smothered Pork Chops
Oct. 16: Tuscan Chicken
Oct. 23: Fishes and Loaves
Oct. 30: Taco Bar
Nov. 6: Red Beans and Rice w/ Sausage
Nov. 13: Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Nov. 20: Thanksgiving Feast
Dec. 4: Lasagna
Dec. 11: Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
Dec. 18: Red Chili/Green Chili /PB&J & Jolley Trolley
*subject to change pending grocery availability
