Faith & Fellowship Hour Kickoff with Breakfast (10-10:50am)
Justice Seekers Resumes; Meet at Chill Bros. on Bay to Bay (4pm)
Pg. 2: Adult Faith Formation
Pg. 3: PW; Healing After Loss
Pgs. 4-5: Children & Families
Pg. 6-7: “Engineered With Love”
Pg. 8: Compassionate Outreach
Pg. 9: A Master’s Degree for Ms. Anna!
Pg. 10: Life of the Church
Pg. 11: Checking in with the Preschool; Meet John Yetto
Pg. 12: Summer Youth Pics!
Adult Faith Formation
As the kids go back to school, adults can keep learning, too! Here are some upcoming classes.
Sunday Mornings, 10-10:50am in EM 307/308
Koinonia & Meaningful Spiritual Practices
Sunday, August 24
Taught by John Reiter, this class will explore a number of spiritual practices and ways that we can deepen our relationship with God and one another. It will also provide an in-depth look at the upcoming Koinonia Spiritual Cohort opportunity beginning in September.
(See section below.)
Wishful Thinking
Sundays, August 31 - September 21
In Wishful Thinking, Frederick Buechner offers an innovative definition of 134 commonly used religious words. Robert Wierenga will teach a four-week series with each class exploring Buechner's fresh understanding of 10 different words.Copies of the book will be available in the church office
KOINONIA
Wednesday Evenings, 6:00-7:00pm in the Hospitality Room
Meet Our Mission Partners
Wednesdays, August 13 – September 3
Partnering with Witness and Service Committee, these classes will focus on several of our mission partners The series will take a deeper dive into a variety of our partners with an opportunity to hear from these ministries, learn more about their current efforts, needs, and challenges, explore PCPC’s history and connection with this ministry, and discover ways that you might be able to help
Tending the Wild Garding: Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit
Wednesdays, September 10 – November 12
Studying Eugene Gamble’s Tending the Wild Garden, this series will explore the meaning behind each of the spiritual fruits in Paul’s list, guiding us to cultivate our relationship with God and to uproot the "weeds" in our lives. Join us as we consider how the fruits of the Spirit might be living expressions of God’s love in each of us
Are you looking for ways to strengthen your faith and to grow in your relationships with others? The Koinonia Spiritual Cohort is a unique opportunity and small group ministry at PCPC. Throughout a ninemonth commitment (September through May), we ’ll explore various spiritual practices, meet in small groups, go on retreats, and grow deeper in our relationship with God and others. We’ll kick off with a weekend retreat in mid-September. Be on the lookout for more information! If you ’re interested in being part of the 2025/2026 Cohort or have any questions, please email John Reiter at johnreiter@palmaceia.org.
Reappraisal and Renewal: A “Lunch & Learn” on Healing After Loss
The Stephen Ministry and Congregational Concerns Committee invite you to a special Lunch & Learn event featuring one of our own: Arwen Guida.
Arwen will lead a heartfelt and hopeful conversation on navigating grief using insights from the book Resilient Grieving. Her focus will be on facing the future with courage, reappraising your new world, and embracing the concept of post-traumatic growth the idea that even after deep loss, new strength and purpose can emerge.
Whether your loss is recent or occurred years ago, you and your friends are warmly invited to share in this time of fellowship, learning, and gentle encouragement
Sunday, September 28
Following the 11am service Fellowship Hall
We’ll begin with lunch and finish by 1:45 RSVPs are appreciated but not required: susanfrost@palmaceia.org.
WEEKLY PODCASTS –ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FAITH FORMATION
A First Look at The Lectionary The Living with the Lectionary 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 Bible Studies (found at palmaceia.org) are recorded and made available for study on your own schedule
Children & Families
Key
Dates
Aug. 10: Back-to-School Blessing in all Services (8:30, 9, 11am, bring your backpacks!)
Aug. 13: Wednesday Night Dinners Resume (5-6:15pm)
Aug. 20: Music & Movement Resumes (5:10-5:40pm)
Aug. 20: Children’s Choir Rehearsals Resume (5-5:45pm)
Aug. 24: Faith & Fellowship Hour Kickoff/Breakfast in Fellowship Hall with pancakes & bacon (10-10:50am )
Aug. 24: Justice Seekers meets at Chill Bros. at Bay to Bay at 4pm
Aug. 31: Service Hour in Fellowship Hall for children & families, all ages (10-10:50am)
Sept. 2: Play Group on the Playground resumes (4-5:30pm)
Sept. 7: Faith & Fellowship Hour resumes normal pattern by meeting in Chapel (10am)
Sept. 7: Godly Play Orientation during each morning service
Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5: Welcome to Worship for 2 graders (12:15-2pm) nd
Oct. 26: Third Grade Bible Presentation
Sunday, August 24: Faith & Fellowship Kickoff, 10-10:50am in Fellowship Hall Children and their parents/grandparents/loved ones are invited to gather in the Fellowship Hall beginning with a pancake breakfast and ending in classrooms to launch our new year together with the theme "Called to the Waters.” Teachers will present new Bibles and Milestones to Pre-K3 and any other "new-to-us" children to mark the beginning of our shared life together.
A General Description of Faith & Fellowship Hour Starts in its normal pattern Sunday, September 7th
During Faith & Fellowship Hour on most Sundays from 10-10:50am, children ages PreK3-Grade 5 learn with a team of caring and faithful adults and youth Each week we explore Bible stories through science experiments, art, video storytelling, and active games We follow the lectionary passages linked to that day's worship services All ages gather in the Chapel starting at 10am with music, a Bible reading, then disperse into age group gatherings in designated locations By tying the stories to the lectionary passages illuminated in the worship services, we seek to experience each story more fully in different environments across the morning not only during Faith & Fellowship Hour & Worship Services, but also in Godly Play, Worship Bag content, the Prayground in the Connection, and Faith & Fellowship Hour.
Welcome to Worship for 2nd Graders and Parent(s) Sundays, Sept 14, 21, 28, Oct 5th from 12:15-2, incl helping with communion during worship services Oct 5th
In Welcome to Worship, 2nd graders transition out of Godly Play and are welcomed into full worship participation with the community of believers. Second graders and a parent/guardian are invited to this special opportunity. We will investigate and explore the whos, wheres, and whys of worship within the Presbyterian tradition, in addition to Tasting the Bread when learning about the Sacrament of Communion.
Led by Allison Kelly, Anna Shuford, pastors, and friends
Reflections on VBS
by Anna Shuford, Assistant Director Children & Families
During VBS 2025, we had a very exciting week, allowing God’s Waves of Wonder to wash over us and be inspired by the beauty and majesty of what God has created Through Bible study, music, art, science explorations, and active games, we deepened our understanding of the importance of water and joined God in caring for this natural resource 141 children, 40 youth volunteers, and 50 adult volunteers explored scriptures where God provided water for plants and animals, we visited the wilderness, and miraculously received water from a rock. We took a boat ride with Jesus, weathering a wavy storm, and even imagined a new heaven and a new earth where all are invited to receive life-giving water. We all enjoyed tie-dying our t-shirts with Kona Ice truck keeping us cool. Thank you to everyone who made this amazing week happen for our community of faith! Special thanks to Alexa Parker and Kim Carswell for directing this year!
On Splish Splash Sundays & Wonder Wednesdays this summer, children got to cool off, reconnect with their friends, and interact with Bible stories
PlayGroups on thePlayground
Play group provides a fun and safe environment for all children aged 0-6+ years where parents or grandparents can enjoy fellowship, an outdoor playground, and an indoor play space. All are welcome.
To receive reminders when future playgroups are happening, contact Anna Shuford at anna@palmaceia org
Play Group Dates, all 4-5:30pm: Tues., Sept. 2
Tues., Sept. 9
Thurs., Sept. 18 Mon., Oct. 6
Tues., Oct. 14
Thurs., Oct. 23
Engineered with Love:
John and Carol Wells Lead Portico Restoration with Faith and Purpose
If you ’ ve driven down Himes Avenue lately, you may have noticed something stirring: the cross is back atop the steeple. After months of absence following Hurricane Milton, the beloved symbol once again crowns the steeple of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, shining above our sanctuary and quietly proclaiming God’ s enduring presence. Its return on June 30, 2025, marks more than the completion of a structural repair--it tells a story of faith, service, and love a story lived out by
John and Carol Wells.
When Hurricane Milton struck, it left the steeple askew, the cross bent, the portico visibly and significantly damaged, and the balcony ceiling ruined But that was only the beginning Upon further inspection, the storm had revealed something deeper: significant termite damage and a severely degraded support structure on top of the columns that threatened the columns’ ability to support the portico. It was a discovery that required not just skilled hands, but wise leadership. And John and Carol answered the call.
John and Carol Wells are more than longstanding, deeply respected members of PCPC (and both are children of Presbyterian ministers!). They are also engineers who stepped forward to lead one of the most complex restoration projects in our church’ s nearly 100-year history. They are both graduates of Auburn University.
John, a Mechanical Engineer, enjoyed a 38-year career in power generation with General Electric Carol, a Civil Engineer, earned her Professional Engineering license while working for several firms. Her favorite projects include serving as a Concrete Construction Engineer at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and on Truist Place.
With tireless commitment and a spirit of humility, they took charge in repairing the steeple, volunteering their engineering expertise to guide a large team of professionals through every phase of the restoration. Carol was often seen with her measuring tape in hand, double and triple checking, bringing precision and care to a project that demanded nothing less.
Together, John and Carol exemplified not just technical excellence, but grace under pressure and an unwavering love for their church. While they were not the “Engineers of Record” on this project, they have served as the “Owner’ s Representative ” on the repairs and feel it is a blessing to help facilitate restoration of their church buildings
Their service was matched by the gifts of the Clark family whose construction company, Sinclair Construction, undertook the work as the general contractor.
The Wells’ service doesn’t stop at blueprints and building plans John and Carol live out their faith daily in countless ways volunteering with our church’ s youth and personally providing transportation to individuals in outlying, underserved areas who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend worship. Their hearts are as generous as their talents are extraordinary
As the cross-- sandblasted, freshly painted, and powder-coated--rose back into place on that June morning, it became more than a restored architectural element. It was a symbol of what happens when faithful people step forward in love When we drive past PCPC on Himes and see it now, we see not only a steeple made whole but a testament to what this congregation, and especially John and Carol, stand for.
While many hands have played a role in this restoration, the Wells have led the way with grace, brilliance, and an unshakable commitment to God’ s house. Their story is a shining example of what happens when love, faith, and talent come together in service to something greater.
As we prepare our hearts to reflect on a century of worship, community, and ministry at PCPC, may the story of John and Carol Wells inspire us to look upward--to the cross--and forward, toward a future built on the same foundation of generosity and faithfulness they so beautifully represent
As we begin to prepare to celebrate Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church’s Centennial and plan for the next 100 years, the Session is creating three committees.
The Steering Committee is tasked with developing, reviewing, and implementing mechanics of a capital campaign; and reviewing, approving, and submitting funding priorities/case for support (as submitted by the Ezra Committee) and campaign goal to PCPC Session for approval.
Members of the Capital Campaign Steering Committee are: John DeBevoise, Nelson Guagliardo, Peter Kirkwood, Doug McCree, Mike Poland, Susan Stern, Beth DeBevoise, Erin Lagor, Courtney Rice, Julianne McKeel, and Erica Maxwell.
The Ezra Committee is tasked with developing and overseeing the facilities renovation plans and visioning/programming plans that are aligned with PCPC’s mission They coordinate with Finance and Buildings and Grounds to seamlessly facilitate budgeting, planning, funding, and implementation. The Ezra Committee submits funding priorities/case for support to PCPC Campaign Steering Committee and Session.
Members of the Ezra Committee are: Nelson Guagliardo, Erin Lagor, David Pead, Mike Poland, Susan Stern, Julianne McKeel, Courtney Rice, Erica Maxwell, Joseph Taggart, Carol Wells, John Wells, and Dan Woodward.
In August the Session is expected to appoint a Centennial Birthday Celebration Committee to plan and propose to the Session a plan for celebrating PCPC’s Centennial And then that committee will be asked to implement it
Over the next few months you will begin to hear more about the good work of these committees.
COMPASSIONATE OUTREACH
Making A Difference in Honduras (More Than Medicine!)
by Kem Toole
In June, three members of PCPC, Kristin Kirkner, her daughter Sophia, and myself, Kem Toole, joined about 10 members of First Presbyterian St Petersburg on a mission trip to the New Hope Clinic in San Francisco, Honduras. The clinic, begun and owned by the Foundation for International Missions, is a longtime mission partner of both churches as well as several others.
Dr. Davila, the Honduran doctor who serves as the medical director and staffs the clinic year round, set up the group’s schedule. We spent each day in a different community. New Hope clinic serves about 52 communities in the central mountains. During our visits, we screened adults for blood pressure issues and diabetes A clinic dentist did extractions or referred patients back to the clinic for fillings And we distributed reading glasses and sunglasses
Because most of the time we set up these clinics in local schools, several of our group would educate the children on healthy practices and entertain them playing soccer and jumping rope. Indeed, one of the younger men with us, a high school soccer player, raised money to buy soccer balls for the kids. We were able to leave 7 (plus a pump) at each school, for a total of 35.
We saw a total of 566 adults, 368 kids; performed 243 dentist visits, 220 Pap smears; and distributed 237 eyeglasses plus 256 sunglasses. Thank you, PCPC, for your support of the Honduras New Hope Clinic.
PCPC collects used and unwanted electronics year-round.
Any electronic item donated goes toward providing refurbished laptops for needy public school students through Hillsborough Education Foundation. You will also prevent heavy metals from reaching the environment!
Please remove any personal information before donating, or email jdwells01@gmail.com with questions.
So far this year, your electronics donations have allowed for...
Donation of three laptops
Processing & recycling of 1,000+ pounds of electronic waste 12 people now have access to technology and education because of you
Faith Cafe honored with Metropolitan Ministries Outreach Excellence Award
Metropolitan Ministries recently recognized Faith Cafe for “Outreach Excellence!”
Our own Bob Coates is the Outgoing President, Incoming Treasurer of Faith Cafe, and was proud to help accept the award.
PCPC commits to volunteering at Faith Cafe the 2 Sunday of every month serving lunch, and whenever there is a 5 Friday in the month we serve dinner. You can sign up to volunteer at faithcafetampa.org/volunteer.
Anna Shuford Achieves Master of
Arts in Christian Education
Congratulations to Anna Shuford! She received her Master of Arts in Christian Education (M.A.C.E.) from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Charlotte on June 28.
Anna currently serves as the Assistant Director of Children’s Programming at Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church.
The purpose of the M A C E degree program is to prepare one to become a professional educator in Christian congregations or other educational settings. Anna took courses in biblical studies and theology, as well as educational theory, educational practice, and faith formation. Specifically, she took classes in NT and OT, Teaching Ministry of the Church, Intergenerational Ministries, Community Engaged Discipleship, Curriculum and Resources, and Supervised Ministry. She did an integrative mentored project to help draw together classroom studies and practical experiences Anna did her supervised ministry with our PCPC Preschool under the Supervision of the Director, Rev. Meghann Pabst. Anna pursued special interests through elective courses in Youth Culture and Faith Formation, Examination of the Cross, and Teaching the Bible with Children in a Cross-Cultural Context.
Anna says, “I’m excited to continue implementing what I have learned from my time at Union Presbyterian Seminary. I am grateful for the support of PCPC staff and congregation over the last two years.”
As the start of a new school year draws near, the preschool halls are once again coming to life with the sound of laughter just around the corner and the joyful anticipation that accompanies a fresh beginning. We are incredibly grateful for the many hands and hearts that have helped prepare the way for our students' return.
Over the summer, a dedicated crew John Yetto, Willie, Glenn, and Kevin worked tirelessly to deep clean and ready our classrooms, playgrounds, and common areas. Their behind-the-scenes efforts created a refreshed and welcoming space for our youngest learners.
While the classrooms were quiet, the teachers were anything but absent. Throughout the summer, they remained in touch, brimming with ideas, inspiration, and a shared sense of purpose. Their ongoing commitment to our children’s learning and development is a true gift to this community.
We’re also thrilled to welcome several new staff members to our team As this newsletter reaches you, they are in the process of being onboarded learning our values, meeting their colleagues, and preparing to step into classrooms full of possibility and promise. Each new hire brings fresh perspective, energy, and a heart for inclusive, faith-filled education.
As we step into this school year together, I invite you to join me in praying for us - our students, our staff, and our families. May God bless the learning that will unfold in our classrooms, the friendships that will form, and the impact our preschool will have in our community. We do not take lightly the sacred task of educating children in love and grace. With your support, encouragement, and prayers, we are ready to begin again.
Middle School 6-7:30pm in the Gym High School 7:30-8:45pm in the Youth Room
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.
