3501W.SanJoseSt.Tampa,FL33629 www.palmaceia.org 813-253-6047
PCPCLIFE PALMACEIAPresbyterianChurch
Summer2025
YOU’RE INVITED! MUSICAMP
Production June 8 at 11:00 Service
Summer activities kick off at PCPC June 2 with our annual MusiCamp, where children will spend the week learning a musical about Esther, Malice in the Palace, which they present June 8.
Sunday, June 8
8:30am: Traditional Service in the Sanctuary (no MusiCamp production at 8:30)
No Connection Service June 8. It returns June 15!
11am: MusiCamp performance is a part of the worship service in the Sanctuary
VBS is June 9-13, and explores the theme “Waves of Wonder ” We’ll have a report (and maybe some special music!) in worship services June 15.
Disciple Now Service Week for Middle Schoolers is June 2-6.
High School Youth take a “Great Adventure” to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia June 14-21. Middle School Youth head to Southwind July 15-20.
PCPC provides daily professional transportation to Cedarkirk Day Camp July 28-August 1.
A Prayer for Summer Ministries
Lord, thank you for volunteers who work again and again in children’s and youth ministries this summer They act as the Body of Christ Thank you for folks who tie dye shirts and haul in snacks; for folks who assemble, cut out and clean up, paste and paint; who teach and rehearse children’s musicals and scriptural songs. And especially thank you for every Bible story read, acted out, and imprinted on young hearts.
God, you ’ ve blessed us with the ministry of VBS and MusiCamp and Youth Mission trips Please bless with some sense of satisfaction and reward those whose time, energy, leadership, and plain old work make it happen We pray in the name of the one who said “let the little children come unto me. ” Amen.
-Rev. John DeBevoise
Cheers to Tulips and Tea!
PCPC’s 1st Annual Intergenerational Tea took place on April 26th and was a smashing success. 100+ members and guests ages 3-92 sipped tea and enjoyed delectable finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts, lovingly prepared by our PCPC family.
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Adult Faith Formation
Sundays, May 18-June 22
SIGNS AND WONDERS: A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE MIRACLES OF JESUS
Taught by Rev. John Reiter and friends
In “Signs and Wonders: A Beginner’s Guide to the Miracles of Jesus,” Amy-Jill Levine explores selected miracles of Jesus in historical and theological context. For each miracle, she discusses not only how past witnesses would have understood the events, but also how today’s readers can draw meaning from Jesus’s words and actions
Sundays, July 13- August 17 PARABLES
Taught by Rev. John Reiter and friends
When Jesus taught in parables, he was doing more than telling simple morality tales. His stories were grounded in the world in which he lived and his vision of the Kingdom of God This book explores six parables that give us a window into Jesus’s message and movement, and, once they are heard in their own context, ask what they might mean for us today.
Both classes will meet in EM307/308 and on Zoom. For the Zoom link, email diannawilliams@palmaceia.org. There is no class June 29 and July 6.
The Presbyterian Women held their General Meeting and Luncheon May 15 Jenifer Ownby was honored for being an amazing president for the past two years Thanks to Jenifer’s leadership, the circles became renewed after the pandemic She brought the morning circles back to the church to meet as one unit until the strength and unity increased to a point that three circles, including the evening circle, are now strong and meeting in members’ homes monthly.
Throughout the year, PW not only enjoyed the fellowship of studying God’s word together, but also helped PCPC and others. The group helped to beautifully decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. Women who joined PCPC this year were honored at a lovely Christmas Coffee at a member’s home. The Helping Hearts committee was brought back to life. PW will be actively helping PCPC stay in contact with members that are not able to attend worship services and help them where they can. And the knitting group “Tie that Binds” knitted/crocheted 434 baby caps that they donated to TGH for newborns!
PCPC’s new PW officers were installed at the General Meeting: President - Jeanne Rowe
Circle Leaders/VP’s - Ruth Schlotzhauer, Cheryl Frasier, Sarah Orebaugh, Betty Street, Holly Hargett
Treasurer - Jenifer Ownby
Recording Secretary - Ashley Reiss
Corresponding Secretary/Membership - Ruth Schlotzhauer
Please join us when we reunite in September. Jeanne Rowe can be reached at pirateq3@gmail.com.
The Koinonia Spiritual Cohort is a small group ministry at PCPC that met from September-May, beginning and ending with a retreat. The end-of-the-year retreat found 15 participants gathered at Cedarkirk to continue growing deeper in relationship with God and others.
MEG PABST, PALMA CEIA PRESBYTERIAN
PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR,
Reflects on Her Spring Sabbatical
As I reflect on my recent sabbatical, I am filled with deep gratitude for the gift of time time that was both restful and generative Though the days passed quickly, they were full and rich. I had the space to tackle personal projects, including the long-overdue (and deeply satisfying!) task of cleaning and organizing my entire garage. I traveled to New York and North Carolina, reconnecting with people and places that ground me. Most meaningfully, I spent unhurried time with my family an immeasurable gift.
Now, back in the rhythm of daily life at the preschool, I notice a shift within myself. The things that once wore me down now feel manageable, even meaningful again. I feel centered. My focus is sharper, and my creativity flows more freely The sabbatical didn’t just restore my energy it expanded it
I am especially grateful to be part of a workplace that recognizes the value of sabbatical leave. Incorporating this kind of renewal into the rhythm of my work has allowed me to return not only as a more grounded educator and chaplain, but also as a better person, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and employee. Thank you.
Cheers to Tulips and Tea!
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The Fellowship Hall was transformed into a tea room, with members setting tables with their fine china and beautiful creative centerpieces. Kenny Haelsig treated us to beautiful music throughout the tea. Five in attendance went home with beautiful gift baskets as a door prize. If you were not able to attend for the inaugural Royal Tea, look out for the date for next year’s Tulips and Tea!
A Happy Report from the Easter Eve Service at Casa Bel-Mar
On Easter Eve 23 friends of PCPC, led by Rev. Mike Peacock, met for worship at the former site of Bel-Mar Presbyterian Church, which is now Casa Bel-Mar, a 100-unit affordable housing complex, serving those at 80% AMI and below.
Some of the 23 Easter Eve attendees were legacy Bel-Mar members Some live in the building Some are PCPC members, and some were from other congregations What a wonderful joining of friends coming out to worship in praise of the risen Lord!
Children & Families
Summer Ministries
Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church will offer Summer ministries with young children and elementary children. Adults accompany children for all ministry opportunities. Contact Person: Anna Shuford at anna@palmaceiaorg All are welcome!
An opportunity for you and your child to get out and cool down by splashing and interacting with other children around the same age, and have some family time on the playground
Everyone will hear a Bible Story in the Godly Play style, interact with the story, create an art project, and have a chance to play in one of our preschool classrooms
Adults are asked to stay while their children play onsite.
Sun. Aug. 3rd @ 4:30
All-Church End of Summer Celebration
Sun. Aug. 10th
Back-to-School Blessing in all services
Bring your backpacks!
Wed. Aug. 20th: Wednesday Pattern Resumes!
Music & Movement, Children’s Choirs, & Wednesday Night Dinners Resume!
Sun. Aug. 24th @ 10
First Faith & Fellowship Hourwith Breakfast to Celebrate!
Called to the Waters
We are looking forward to entering a new theme for the Summer and next School Year, which all of Faith Formation Adults, Children, and Youth will be living into this Summer: “Called to the Waters.”
Though Allison Kelly will be away on sabbatical this summer, our summer ministries will not be interrupted. Our Children’s Team is stepping up to be Sunday Shepherds each Sunday. Anna Shuford will be here, and Isabel Reiter (Rev. John Reiter’s daughter!), will be helping to lead Godly Play
Thank you
We are grateful to so many divisions for your support of Children & Families Ministries: The Children’s Team, Faith Formation Staff and Committee
All our amazing parents for bringing their children!
Preschool Partnership with Rev Meg Pabst and Teachers
Facilities Crew led by John Yetto
One Church Database under Erin Lagor’s leadership which helps us keep track of everyone!
Excellent Communications Team
The Wednesday Night Meal team
Music Department in coordinating calendars
The Nursery Team!
Some of the Justice Seekers (4 & 5 graders), with co-leader Isabel Reiter th th
COMPASSIONATE OUTREACH
The Florida Cup International was held in Tampa May 8-11 this year A number of local charities, including PCPC, provided financial assistance so that 3 teams of local refugees could register and play. The tournament consisted of some other local teams as well as a number of international players. The three refugee teams were the Congolese team in the 11 and under bracket, the Sudanese team in the 13 and under bracket, and the Refugee team in the 15 and under bracket. Although none of the teams made the finals, they had a great time competing and hope to do even better next year!
PCPC’s contribution went towards the registration fees Witness & Service Committee felt this contribution was a way to express support for the local refugees during this difficult time The refugees are all in the U S legally through the UN refugee program, and most came after spending substantial time in refugee camps around the world
Kindness Matters: A Story of Compassion
Every Saturday morning before dawn, a group gathers at the entrance of the river to the bay in South Tampa The majority of those gathered are members of PCPC, who come in the early morning hours to share compassion and care with others. As the sun breaks through the darkness, they load carts with donated food, coffee, water, clothing, toiletries, books, Publix gift cards, and other needed items, and begin pulling them across the bridge to the entrance of the Tampa Riverwalk Walking 4 to 5 miles, they reach those who are housing insecure in their own environment Introducing themselves as they share stories and friendship, they help to bridge the gap that so many find themselves in, sharing not only much needed supplies, but also kindness, with no agenda or expectation.
By seeing those often invisible, by caring for those often rejected by the world, doors are opened and the light of God’s love shines brightly through the love that is shared Those who walk, and those who make the walks possible, see beyond their own needs into the needs of others, as they touch and are touched by God’s grace
The lives of children in Mombin Crochu, Haiti will be changed forever by the generosity of your gifts. During PCPC’s One Great Hour of Sharing Offering this year, you all raised $18,126.88 to help reverse malnutrition. Thank you for the gift of nutrition that these children so desperately need. For it is in caring for least of these that we are fulfilling the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves.
A Foundation for the Future: What Are We Building Together?
What does it mean to rebuild? To look at broken beams, weathered walls, or even a damaged steeple, and see not just repairs, but the beginning of something new?
That’s where we find ourselves today.
After months of hard work -demolition, careful assessments, and thoughtful planning--the restoration of our church’s portico is no longer just an idea on paper. It’s becoming real. We’ve faced more than a few unexpected challenges, including the discovery of deep termite damage, but our team has stayed the course. Now, the structure is ready to rise again.
Soon, you’ll begin to see progress with your own eyes: strong new rafters going up, sturdy trusses forming the bones of what’s to come. The temporary scaffolding that’s held everything in place will give way to lasting support--columns built to endure, honoring the past while carrying us forward.
Above it all, the steeple cross waits patiently, newly painted and prepared to return to its rightful place. The very top of the steeple, damaged in Hurricane Milton, is being thoughtfully recreated. In time, the cross will rise again, not only as a symbol of Christ’s presence, but as a declaration of our shared commitment to the journey ahead.
But this moment isn’t just about wood, steel, and stone. This is a season of dreaming.
As we rebuild the visible parts of our church, what unseen hopes are we building in our hearts? What kind of community do we envision growing here one year from now? Five? Ten?
Let this reconstruction stir something deeper in each of us. Let it call us to imagine what God might be inviting us to create together:
-A church renewed not just in form, but in mission.
-A community built not only on tradition, but on transformation.
-A space where faith isn’t just preserved, but awakened.
Thank you for walking with grace and patience through this journey. And thank you to our partners in this effort, Sinclair Construction and Roof Smith, for their dedication and excellence.
3501W.SanJose,Tampa,FL33629
Phone(813)253-6047
www.palmaceia.org
SUMMER 2025
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