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Sunday, November 30: First Sunday of Advent (HOPE)
10am Advent MAKING Event with Children & Families in Fellowship Hall
Monday, December 1
4-5:30 Play Group on the Playground
Friday, December 5
9:00am Presbyterian Women (and anyone else!) help decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas
Wedneday, December 3
5-6:15 Wednesday Night Dinner: Lasagna
Friday, December 5.
9am: Presbyterian Women Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas
Saturday, December 6
10am Presbyterian Wome Christmas Coffee at Mars
Martin’s Home: 2805 W. Parkland Ave.
Sunday, December 7: Second Sunday of Advent (PEACE)
5:45 & 6:15: Living Nativity Scenes in the Courtyard - Stop by any time between 5&7!
Monday, December 8
7:00pm Tampa Oratorio Singers Messiah
Concert in Sanctuary (Doors open at 6)
Tuesday, December 9
4-5:30pm Play Group on the Playground 7:00pm Tampa Oratorio Singers Messiah Concert in Sanctuary (Doors open at 6)
Wednesday, December 10
5-6:15pm Wednesday Night Dinner: Beef Stroganoff
Thursday, December 11
10am Bel-Mar Community Christmas Gathering at PCPC
Sunday, December 14: Third Sunday of Advent (JOY)
10-12pm Rise Against Hunger (sign up at palmaceia.org/events)
6:00pm Trinity Handbells Christmas Vespers Concert
Wednesday, December 17
4pm Children’s Choirs ride the Jolley Trolley
5-5:45pm Children’s Choirs rehearse as usual
5-6pm Red Chili/Green Chili/PBJ’s and Bring a batch of Christmas cookies to share!
5-7pm Jolley Trolley offers Christmas
Caroling rides around the neighborhood
Sunday, December 21: Fourth Sunday of Advent (LOVE)
6:00 pm Longest Night Service at the Stable in the Courtyard
Bring a donation for those who live on the streets 6:40pm Vespers Service of Remembrance in the Chapel Participants are invited to light a candle and call the names of those they miss This service is particularly meant to support the actively grieving at Thanksgiving and Christmas
See Christmas Eve Calendar Below
Thursday, December 25: Christmas Day! Church office closed
Wednesday, December 31: 6pm New Year’s Eve Service: Come casual or dressed up! This worship service will end with steeple bell ringing, sparkling grape juice, and fireworks in the Courtyard.
Adult Faith Formation
Voices of Advent Sundays, November 30-December 21 10-10:50am in EM307/308
This class will explore several Biblical stories and how they shape our lives and Christmas celebrations. We will reflect on how Advent is a season of hope and consider what it means to celebrate God's promised presence with us. Matthew Skinner's book by the same title will serve as a companion to this study and copies are available in the church office
Presbyterian women
HELP DECORATE THE SANCTUARY FOR ADVENT
Friday, December 5 at 9am
PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN CHRISTMAS COFFEE
Saturday, December 6 at 10am Home of Marsha Martin: 2805 W. Parkland Ave.
This festive occasion provides a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas season and meet and visit with women of our church.
Art in Advent Wednesdays, December 3 & 10 10-10:50am in the Art Room (Westminster, 2nd floor)
Join us during the first two Wednesdays in Advent for a special faith formation experience exploring the rich Christian symbols that shape our celebration of Advent and Christmastide Together, we’ll discover the meaning behind familiar signs of the season and how they point us toward the coming of Christ. Our time together will include an opportunity to express your creativity as we craft reminders of faith, hope, joy, and love
Bel-Mar Community
Christmas Gathering
The Bel-Mar Community will host its annual Christmas Gathering on Thursday, December 11 at 10:00 am in the Bel-Mar Room at PCPC.
Light refreshments will be provided. All are invited
DISH DINNER
PCPC’s new Fellowship Group for ages 50's, 60's, and 70's
Tuesday, December 9 at 6pm
Donna and Hal Morrison’s House 4407 W Watrous Ave withThe Vine
UsetheQRcodetosignupfor whatpotluckitemyoumight bring.
Pleasealsobringa nonperishablefoodtobe donatedtothoseinneed.
Children & Families
November 30th is our “Advent MAKING Event” in the Fellowship Hall from 10-10:50am Children, families, and all ages can join us to create wreaths for “seasoned adults,” and take one home for yourself to, as well as an Advent devotional guide.
The Living Nativity is Sunday, December 7. It’s all happening in the Courtyard this year. Come experience the birth of Jesus with live characters, animals, and music with stable presentations at 5:45 and 6:15 pm. Enjoy cookies, beverages, and fellowship. Open to the community!
From birth to 5th grade, children may participate in being a star, angel, shepherd, or wise men in both presentations or just one Youth (6th-12th) may serve as scripture readers, and adults as costume helpers, guides, cookie bakers, and drink and cookie servers
Contact Allison Kelly if you can volunteer to welcome our community, You can also sign up at palmaceia.org/kids.
Rise Against Hunger
On Sunday, Dec 14, we’ll have our annual Rise Against Hunger service project in the Fellowship Hall from 10-12 for all ages Sign up to help pack over 10,000 meals in two hours. Event has a maximum capacity, so sign up today at palmaceia.org/events! We also need people to help with setup from 8-9:30am
Play Groups on the Playground upcoming dates are Mon., Dec. 1; Tues. Dec. 9, Mon., Jan. 5, & Wed., Jan. 14.
TOUCH THE WATER BAPTISM EDUCATION & BEHIND THE SCENES
January11at10am
TouchtheWaterisaone-hourclassforfirst graderstolearnmoreaboutwhatBaptism means.
Childrenandtheir parentsexplore Jesus’ Baptismand remembertheirown withareaffirmation ofBaptismalvows. TheBaptismGuild willgiveoffera behind-the-scenes lookathowBaptisms happenatPCPC.We begininthe sanctuaryandendin WM202.
Children & Families
What dates do recurring activities meet Over the Holidays?
Music and Movement:
Dec. 3: Meets at 5:15pm
Dec. 10: Meets at 5:15pm
Dec. 17: Does not meet; Ride the Jolley Trolley instead!
Dec. 24: Does not meet; come to Christmas Eve Services instead! (Times on pg. 2)
Dec. 31: Does not meet; come to 6pm
New Year’s Eve Service instead!
January 7: Normal weekly meetings resume
Faith and Fellowship Hour:
Nov. 30: Meets at 10 in Fellowship Hall as a Family Service Hour for all ages
Dec. 7: Meets at 10am
Dec. 14: Does not meet. Come to Rise Against Hunger (sign up required! This event fills up!)
Dec. 21: Meets at 10 in Chapel
Dec. 28-Jan. 18: Christmas Break
F&F Hour Resumes Jan. 25th
Justice Seekers:
Nov. 23-Dec. 28: Christmas Break. Check out all our Sunday activities over Advent and join in those instead! If you need ideas of how to get involved, email Anna@palmaceia.org.
January 4: Meets at Dairy Joy at 4:00
January 11: Normal weekly meetings at PCPC resume
Children’s Choirs:
Dec. 17: Children’s Choirs rehearse; Time TBA as this is Jolley Trolley Night
Dec 24 & 31: No Joyful Noise OR Junior Choir rehearsals
Joyful Noise Upcoming Singing Dates: December 7 at 11am December 24 at 4:30pm January 18 at 11am
Junior Choir Upcoming Singing Dates: December 14 at 11am December 24 at 4:30pm
January 11 at 11am
The GIVING TREE CHRISTMAS around the WORLD
For almost two decades, PCPC has supported a Christmas giving program initiated by Bill Wallof, Dean of the Chapel, to “purchase” gifts for others in the world This program was expanded to reach the villages our church works with in Mombin Crochu, Haiti, and San Francisco, Honduras, where medical clinics serve those often unseen in the world today, as well as Health Access Connect, which brings medical equipment to villages in need in Uganda.
Since 1995, we have sent groups to Haiti, and, more recently, to Honduras, to support small medical clinics there, sharing hope and healing In Uganda, much needed medical care is made possible by medical kits delivered to outlying villages in need
Starting November 30 and going through December 21, tables will be set up in the Courtyard each Sunday where you can share the gifts of Christmas with others and receive an even greater gift for your heart
You may “purchase” goats, chickens, help deliver clean water, medical and prenatal care, support treatment of malnutrition, offer school support, send critical medical equipment, and more
Online orders will also be possible at www villageparntersinternational org These purchases will be given to those most needy by hospital and organizational leaders, as the love of this time is shared near and far. .
BOXES of HOPE
In response to the tremendous increase in community food demand on Metropolitan Ministries this holiday season, you'll have an opportunity to fill Boxes of Hope for local residents in need.
You'll find boxes in several locations around the campus, so please pick up one or two ! Each cardboard box has a shopping list attached to it for your use in shopping. We'll be taking them to the Metropolitan Ministries Holiday Tent before Christmas, so be on the lookout for the delivery date. Thanks for your kind generosity in providing for our neighbors.
Giving Trees are up around the church campus! Please support this year ’ s Giving Tree by selecting a tag from one of the Christmas trees in the Fellowship Hall, Narthex, or the gym The recipients of your generosity this year will be Guardian ad Litem, FED, Created, Beth-El, and the McClain home residents. You can also mail or drop off monetary donations/gift cards at the church office. We are also in need of large gift bags and tissue paper
Please return gifts unwrapped, with tag attached, to the church office by Sunday, December 7. You can contact Shannon Pierson at spierson22@yahoo com or 813-731-1910 if you have any questions
A “Thank you” from the Polish Seminary
The Polish Seminary (EWST) extends its thanks to its long-time friends at Palma Ceia Presbyterian for the special offering funds it recently received. EWST is a unique institution in Eastern Europe, providing ecumenical Christian educational opportunities and serving many of those most in need both in Poland and even in Ukraine The contribution PCPC made to EWST’s current financial challenges could not have been more timely, and for that, EWST gives thanks both to God and to its friends at PCPC. In addition to the financial support, EWST wants to express its great appreciation for the decadeslong partnership it has enjoyed with PCPC and looks forward to continuing to serve Christ’s Church together for years to come.
MUSIC Tampa Oratorio Singers present Handel’s Messiah
MON., DECEMBER 8 and TUES., DECEMBER 9 AT 7:00 PM
No tickets required
Members of the PCPC Chancel Choir and the St Petersburg College Chorus join The Tampa Oratorio Singers for the annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” Professional soloists Todd Donovan (bass) Anders Namestnik (tenor) Susie Hellman Spatafora (soprano) and Thea Lobo (alto) will be featured during the concert, along with professional orchestra
This year’s performance will include the anthems “Love’s Pure Light” by Elaine Hagenberg and Mack Wilberg’s “First Nowell”, along with congregational carols. Arrive early to enjoy candlelight and a string prelude by the orchestra. Seating is general admission.
Trinity Handbells Christmas Vespers Concert
with guest artists
SUN., DECEMBER 14 at 6:00PM in the Sanctuary
Concert to benefit Kindness Matters
No Tickets Required
Offering to be Collected
Cookies & Cider in the Courtyard to Follow
Accepting Donations of:
Dark hoodies
Underwear
Instant coffee
Sweatpants
Small blanket
...for those who live on the streets
* Financial donations also accepted *
3501W.SanJose,Tampa,FL33629
Phone(813)253-6047
www.palmaceia.org
ADVENT 2025
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Prayer for Advent
God of Expectation, fill us with your hope.
We, your people, are fragile. Vulnerable.
Weary from waiting.
We’ve been waiting Lord for test results, reconciliation, a break from Mother Nature, healing, for war and violence to cease, for so many things…
We’ve been waiting Lord.
Grant us the patience, the humility, the courage, to enter this Advent season with hopeful expectation
May every shimmering light serve as a reminder we are not alone, we are loved, some things are worth waiting for.
Faithful God, thank you for waiting for us.
A Season of Thanks and Generosity
We are deeply grateful for everyone who has pledged to support our 2026 ministries If you haven’t had a chance, there’s still time to participate. Your year-end pledge is an act of gratitude that helps fund our pastors, programs, and missions for the year ahead Complete your pledge by December 31 at palmaceia.org/pledge or drop it off in the church office.
Year-End Financial Tips
For tax purposes, all 2025 charitable gifts must be in the church office or postmarked no later than December 31 Please indicate if your gift is from a QCD, DAF, or family charitable foundation. To donate stock to be credited during this 2025 tax year, PLEASE begin the process now. Contact Kelley finance@palmaceiaorg for transfer instructions st
The Finance Committee asks for your help in preparing PCPC’s operating budget for the coming year by submitting your 2026 pledge as soon as possible. If you make an early payment on your 2026 pledge, PLEASE be sure to note “2026 General Fund”. If you set up recurring credit/debit card or ACH payments to the 2026 General Fund, please have your payments end in December 2026
Thank you for your generosity and continuing support of PCPC.
