Summer 2024 PCPC Life Newsletter

palma ceia Presbyterian Church

PCPC LIFE

YOU’RE INVITED! MUSICAMP Production June 2 at 11am Service

Summer activities kick off at PCPC May 28 with our annual MusiCamp, where children will spend the week learning a musical about Noah and the ark, led by Nancy Callahan and a skilled crew of adult and high school volunteers. The musical production of 100% Chance of Rain will be presented in the 11:00 worship service Sunday, June 2. We hope you’ll plan to attend this service and experience the children’s enthusiastic retelling of the Noah Bible Story, in what is sure to be an impressive production.

YOU’RE INVITED!

VBS Closing Program June 7

A mighty team of staff and volunteers is prepared to channel the boundless, early summer energy of over 100 children participating in VBS at PCPC June 3-7. With the help of Lu the Lightning Bug and the Camp Counselors, our Campers will explore timeless Bible stories that show how Old and New Testament Campers trusted God in the face of their own fears and went on to do Great things in God’s name. Campers will present a closing program in the Gym midday Friday, June 7th, and it will be livestreamed to our website, YouTube channel, and Facebook.

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

Last Year’s MusiCamp production, Jonah and the Whale

Last Year’s VBS Closing Program

Steeple News / Upcoming Events

Life of the Church

Feb 1- Apr 30, 2024

WEDDINGS:

2/10/24 Molly Reeves & Alex Jebson

2/24/24 Anastasia Gaertner & Drayden Farci

2/29/24 Russ Blain & Jeff Otterman

3/9/24 Kristen Sellecchia & Gray Oakley offsite

4/13/24 Deseray Henderson & Elijah Thomas

4/13/24 Hannah Kramer & Austin Iglehart offsite

BIRTHS:

2/13/24 Tyler Bennett Hoffman, son of Nick & Monna Lea Hoffman

2/13/24 Nicholas Bryant Hoffman, son of Nick & Monna Lea Hoffman

3/1/24 Andie Ceilia Rametta, daughter of Andrew & Jamie Rametta

3/4/24 John Whorley Palmer, son of Drew & Bri Anne Palmer

3/7/24 Wyatt Jack Saterbo, son of Scott & Melissa Saterbo

3/16/24 Camden Jonathan Pavlinec, son of Jon & Allie Pavlinec

BAPTISMS:

2/4/24 Kaysen Palmer Herrmann, son of Karl Herrmann

2/11/24 Charles Edward Dowman VI, son of Charles Dowman & Bliss Kohlmyer

2/11/24 Maisie Bliss Dowman, daughter of Charles Dowman & Bliss Kohlmyer

2/11/24 Reese Claudeane Daisley, daughter of Robby & Claudeane (Frank) Daisley

2/18/24 Poppy Avery Mitchell, daughter of Jack & Annie Mitchell

2/18/24 Finley Daryn Brannan, daughter of Mallory & Andrew Brannan

2/18/24 Charlee Jae Simoes, daughter of Katie & Jaime Simoes

2/25/24 Nicole Christine Callahan, daughter of Robert & Sarah Callahan

3/3/24 Dylan Michael Cardozo, son of Michael & Brooke Cardozo

3/10/24 Sam Christopher Perez, son of Jorge & Sarah Perez

3/17/24 Claire Michelle Hale, daughter of Katy & Matt Hale

3/24/24 Clark Jordan Smith, son of Jordan & Lauren (Humphries) Smith

4/14/24 Stella Isabelle Shaw, daughter of Kylan & Natalia Shaw

4/16/24 Wyatt Jack Saterbo, son of Scott & Melissa Saterbo

4/21/24 Stewart Skye Johnson, son of Jeffrey & Traci Johnson

4/21/24 Ellie Peyton Johnson, daughter of Jeffrey & Traci Johnson

4/28/24 Andersen Opal Arnold, daughter of John & Kara Arnold

NEW MEMBERS:

2/18/24 Susan Bono

2/18/24 David Duvoisin

2/18/24 Matt & Katy Hale

2/25/24 Andrew Armstrong

2/25/24 Adam Lipscomb

2/25/24 Gigi Luka

2/25/24 Gracelyn Kirkner

3/17/24 David & Carmen Bach

3/17/24 Alison Fortier

3/17/24 Jeffrey (JJ) Johnson

3/17/24 Lauren Pecora

4/21/24 Mark Isfeld

4/21/24 Traci Johnson

4/21/24 Kory & Morgan Lenz

4/21/24 Steve & Ann Omli

4/21/24 Patti Stewart

4/21/24 Casey Zuri

DEATHS:

2/1/24 Steven Barber

2/21/24 Donald Gould, Sr.

3/26/24 Ronald Brewer

3/30/24 James Handly

4/1/24 Vera Goebel

And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm

9:10

Followers of the Way

Followers of the Way is a non-denominational Bible study that meets on Mondays. It begins with lunch at 11:30am, followed by discussion led by Rev. John DeBevoise & PCPC staff from 12:15-1pm in FH. The meal is $5/person.

Followers of the Way WILL continue meeting on Mondays until June 24th, at which point it will break for July and August, and will resume September 9th.

For more information about Followers of the Way or Adult Faith Formation at PCPC, contact Rev. John Reiter, Dir. Adult Faith Formation: JohnReiter@palmaceia.org

Adult Faith Formation

Bible Stories for Grown-Ups

Sundays, June 2-30, 10am-10:50am

This study will consider stories many of us read as children as we seek to encounter them with new eyes and understand them in our current cultural environment.

Picture Book Theology

Sundays, July 14-28, 10am-10:50am

Why picture books are important for adults. Allison Kelly will guide us as we explore the theology of children’s picture books and how they can still shape our faith as adults.

Did you know? Each week, PCPC records videos that explore lectionary texts and consider how God continues to speak to us through the scriptures today. Both “A First Look at the Lectionary” and “The Lectionary Call-in Podcast” can be found at palmaceia.org and our YouTube channel.

Faith and Fiction

Faith and Fiction meets on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm in a hybrid fashion — in person in Room EM 310 and on Zoom. The group reads a wide range of fiction and (occasionally) non-fiction books, looking for evidence of faith in the lives of the characters. We are always looking for new folks to join us. Contact Charlene Tobie at ctobie180@gmail.com with any questions.

Here are the remaining books for 2024:

June 18: Fail-Safe by Eugene Burdick and Harvey Wheeler

July 16: The Book of Two Ways by Jodi Picoult

August 20: Mercury Pictures Presents by Anthony Marra

September 17: Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

October 15: The Secret Life of Sunflowers by Marta Molnar

November 19: True Biz by Sara Novic

December 17: Lunch, Fellowship, and Book Selection

Presbyterian Women

The Presbyterian Women held an End-of-Year General Membership Meeting & Potluck Lunch May 16th. Past presidents were honored and two new inductees were presented with an Honorary Lifetime Membership and pin – Nancy Calfee and Gay Rivas. Installation of officers for next year were also a part of the meeting.

PW meetings are now on hiatus for the summer.

Contact jeniferownby@gmail.com with any questions about getting involved with PW in the fall!

Meet the Church

Upcoming Classes, all from 10-11am:

June 16, July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17, December 15

This monthly class is for visitors, those desiring to join the church, and anyone curious about learning more about the life and ministry of PCPC. It is led by a pastor and members of the Session and Congregational Life Committee. It meets on the third Sunday of the month at 10:00 am in the Hospitality Room. If you know you are ready to join the church at this time, please email susanfrost@palmaceia.org for the new member forms.

March New Members: Lauren Pecora, Allison Fortier, Carmen and David Bach, JJ Johnson

April New Members: Steve & Ann Omli, Traci Johnson, Patti Stewart, Morgan & Kory Lenz, Casey Zuri, and Mark Isfeld (not pictured)

Thank You!

A Thank You from the Stewardship Committee

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously participated in the 2024 Stewardship Campaign this past fall. Your overwhelming support made it our most successful campaign to date, and we are truly humbled by your unwavering commitment. As we continue to navigate through the year, we feel compelled to express our sincere appreciation for your invaluable contributions. To all members who selflessly dedicate their time, talents, and resources to PCPC, please know that your gifts are profoundly cherished and deeply impactful. Your steadfast presence and unwavering support are the cornerstones that make our community thrive. PCPC is a vibrant and thriving congregation because of exceptional individuals like you.

We are honored and blessed to have you as part of our church family. Your dedication and generosity are a constant source of inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of unity and faith. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and create a lasting positive impact on the lives of many.

Over the next few pages, you will find illustrations on how your support is being felt in the life of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church.

Witness and Service Committee

Rural Honduras To Get A Well for Clean Water A Heartfelt Thank You to the Congregation of PCPC!

On behalf of the Witness and Service Committee and the Foundation for International Missions (FFIM), many thanks to the entire congregation for your support and financial help during the One Great Hour of Sharing Special Offering. Not only did we reach our goal for the special offering -- we actually surpassed it!

The purpose of the offering was to raise money to drill a deep water well in San Francisco, Honduras for the New Hope Clinic there which is supported by FFIM, one of the mission partners of PCPC. Witness and Service Committee set a goal of $18-20,000 for this offering. Thanks to the overwhelming support of the congregation, we surpassed that goal, raising a total of $21,500 for the project! One of the bidders for the work has been selected, hydrographic studies are being done, and work on the well will begin soon. We look forward to sharing photos once that begins. In the meantime, many, many thanks to all who supported this important project which will mean so much to our friends in Honduras!

Thank You, Sandy Phillips From Children & Families Ministry

We are grateful to God for bringing us Sandy Phillips as our Godly Play Coordinator each Sunday morning during all three worship services since February 2023. She and her husband Mike are moving out of the area to Ocala the last week of May. Sandy had a caring, consistent, and faith-nurturing presence in connecting and teaching the Stories of God through Godly Play. Like Jesus’ friend Mary, she gave her full attention to presenting and listening to the children’s wonderings while connecting their questions to the essence of the story. Providing this space with children fostered a strong and direct relationship between the children and God. She truly embraced our goal of connecting Godly Play with the scriptures and themes in worship and Faith and Fellowship Hour. She fostered rhythm and flexibility depending on the child’s needs and group. She brought various instruments and wove them into the lessons, introducing them to favorite songs of faith. Sandy brought a wellspring of Biblical knowledge, reformed theology, life application, and excellent teaching skills. With a Master’s Degree in Christian Education from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, she was a valuable part of our Children’s Team. We wish her well in her new home, and we will miss her gentle presence among us.

PreK3 & 4

Megan Pearce

Robert Smedley

Allison Smedley

Bri Anne Palmer

John Holmes

Thank You, Heavenly Gardeners!

The heavenly teaching gardeners listed below helped us all become more rooted and grounded in God’s love on Sunday mornings during Faith and Fellowship hour. They all worked diligently in the Palma Ceia “garden” by preparing themselves, tending the plots, and bringing their tools to make holy connections with Bible stories as they gathered with children. These teachers take their baptismal vows seriously by dedicating their energy, intelligence, imagination, and love to accompany our children on Sunday mornings during Faith and Fellowship Hour. We want to show our deep appreciation for their faithful service to Rooting and Grounding each other in the Love of Jesus Christ. When you see any of these teachers, please say thank you for helping us all grow!

Kind. & 1st Grade

Maggie Packer

Michael Packer

Elizabeth Clark

Graham Clark

Megan Pearce

Aubree Figler

Austin Figler

2nd & 3rd Grade

Robin Flournoy

Nicole Garcia

Scott Stichter

Hanna Ketchey

4th & 5th Grade

Erin Malone

Mary Taggart

Susan LeBlanc

Alexa Parker

Ryan Parker

Emily Peacock

Gathering Music Leaders

Kelly Knecht Slovinac

Pam Tucker

Mary Fran Meyer

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.- Ephesians 3:14-20

T h a n k Y o u , P C P C !

You continue to give your time, talent, and treasure to help PCPC deliver excellence in worship, music, faith education, and fellowship.

THE

GIFTS YOU GIVE GIVE BACK YEAR-ROUND

FELLOWSHIP

You supported Fellowship by gathering in the Courtyard on Easter Sunday, taking pictures for each other, and celebrating the good news of Jesus’ resurrection with confetti

Lilies that surrounded these celebrations were generously donated by Jay, Christie, Thomas, and Mary-Evelyn Farrior, in loving memory of Beverly Farrior

Did you know… Your pledges during the Stewardship Campaign to make 2024 gifts to PCPC not only met, but exceeded the goal?!

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

We are so grateful for the many volunteers with Children & Families. This month we shine a spotlight on the friendly faces below

Pam Tucker

Nicole Garcia

Robin Flournoy

Robert Smedley

Allison Smedley

Bri Anne McKeon Palmer

OUTREACH

You helped PCPC provide Outreach locally and globally through your donations to special offerings

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Wednesday Night Dinner April 24th was a birthday party for those 80 and older Thanks to you, we were able to provide Congregational Care and offer a free meal to all the octo- and nonagenarians

YOUTH

10 mentors generously lend their time to Middle School Youth. The guys held a Middle School BBQ in April with outdoor games and fellowship We are so grateful for the men who are serving as role models for the middle school boys.

Upcoming Events

• Professional transportation by large bus from PCPC to Cedarkirk daily with a professional driver

• Email Allison@palmaceia.org if interested in transportation, and she will send you the signup form

• Sign up for the week’s Cedarkirk Day Camp separately thru www.cedarkirk.org

Backpack Drive at PCPC

(New OR Used)

May 19 - June 9

It is hard to imagine carrying one’s worldly possessions, all packed tightly into a bag that is carried on your back. Each item is critical to life for those who, so often for reasons beyond their control, are without housing. Overpacked, the seams barely holding together, often with the help of duct tape or a needle and thread, backpacks are essential. During the weekly walks of Kindness Matters, reaching out to those who live on the streets, these are one of the most requested items.

In response, the Witness and Service Committee is reaching out to the congregation with a Backpack Drive to help supply these much needed items. From May 19 - June 9, gently used backpacks will be collected in the church office.

If you have gently used backpacks that you no longer use, please consider sharing them and helping others. They will be distributed to those in need on walks throughout the streets of downtown Tampa each Saturday morning.

Thank you for seeing the least of these, who often are invisible to us as we travel through our days.

I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another..

-John 13:34

Florida Wind Band Concert

Sunday, June 30 at 6:00 pm

Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

PCPC members and friends are invited to the “Florida Wind Band”

Fourth of July concert on Sunday, June 30 at 6 PM in the PCPC sanctuary. This wonderful concert of brass, percussion and other wind instruments will be an excellent exposition of patriotic music on Independence Day Eve. The musicians are area professors and school music teachers who specialize in their own specific instruments.

Last year’s concert was glorious and this one promises to be equally so; air conditioned, mosquito, and lightning free!

11th Annual Declaration of Independence & Constitution Reading

Thursday, July 4th at 9AM in the Sanctuary

The Congregational Life Committee at PCPC is once again sponsoring a practice some of our members and community friends have shared in and enjoyed in the northeast. The Session has approved a reading on Thursday, July 4th, at 9am in the Sanctuary, of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution Preamble, the Bill of Rights, and the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. These great American documents will be read aloud, with volunteer readers taking different parts. A patriotic hymn will be sung, a prayer offered for the nation, and the church bell will ring out freedom at the end with volunteer readers & ringers.

The entire readings take about 35 minutes.

The entire community is invited. Muffins & cookies will be available afterwards in the church courtyard. Come and share with us as we start the 4th of July with the reading of these national treasures.

If you would like to volunteer to read a paragraph from any of the documents, please email John DeBevoise at john@palmaceia.org requesting an assignment. If you have a specific paragraph you would like to read, please mention that in your email. If you would like to volunteer to make muffins or cookies for the refreshments please share that information as well.

“It

This Year’s Pentecost Offering

The Pentecost offering runs now through June 16th

Pentecost celebrates the shared realization that the spirit of our Creator, the spirit of the risen Christ, the Holy advocate is always with us, individually and collectively. The PCUSA marks this with one of four special offerings throughout the year.

PCPC‘s Pentecost Offering 2024 will support Tampa Urban Young Life‘s mission to introduce adolescents to Jesus Christ, helping them grow in faith and working to eradicate generational poverty. The offering specifically will help to keep in place their mentoring staff and provide summer Christian camp scholarships.

To give, scan the code or go to: https://palmaceia.org/give

Join your church family for an end-of-summer celebration. Our time together will feature food, a variety of lawn games, vesper stations, and a cake walk. Our summer cookout menu will include grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, baked beans, coleslaw, watermelon and more. You won’t want to miss this special event!

Youth Sunday

Youth Sunday 2024 included 62 middle and high school participants. Thanks to Youth Director Kate Donaldson and Youth Chaplain Kenny Hubbell, as well as all the volunteers and mentors, for fostering an environment in which so many young people want to be involved in worship! The Youth of PCPC are indeed a blessing to the entire Church. Below are a few pictures of the many ways PCPC’s youth participated and blessed the Church!

“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.”

Youth Sunday Connection Service

Youth Musicians Sara Hendry, Evan Yockey, and Braylen Dodd

Youth Serving Communion

Jackson Fowler, Tenor, Sings a Solo

Andrew Armstrong Plays the Prelude on Youth Sunday

Psalm 139:14

A New Summer Offering for High Schoolers:

High School Mid-Summer Refresher // Wed. June 26th - Fri. June 28th // $100 // 10 service hours

Our Mid-Summer Refresher is an intentional retreat to get our bodies, minds, and spirits into shape! Summer is full of so many good things that nurture our body, mind, and spirit… unless we mistake ‘relaxing’ for ‘rest’. Relaxing is awesome! It’s nice to slow down and enjoy some legitimate downtime. But rest and rejuvenation are rooted in intentionality. Join us for this amazing experience that will get you ready to take on the remainder of your summers and allow you to put your best foot forward as we head back to school.

When:

Wednesday, June 26th - Friday, June 28th 7am - 8pm each day

(going home to rest, shower, and sleep each evening)

Where:

On Wednesday, we will head to St. Leo’s and experience the monastic life! This will be a day for spiritual contemplation, rest, and worship in the midst of fellowship activities that will bring us a deeper sort of joy.

On Thursday, we will head to Wimauma, FL to partner with the Beth-El Farmworkers Ministry, to serve and learn from one of PCPC’s central mission partners. It’s time to earn those service hours!

On Friday, we will travel up to the Chassahowitzka River to kayak in the morning and enjoy one of Florida’s hidden gems in the afternoon (it’s a surprise!)

Why:

It’s good to get centered and it’s hard to do. This mid-summer retreat will give you a unique opportunity to feel better connected with yourself, God, and the community of your peers.

Contact Kenny (ken@palmaceia.org) with any questions about High School trips.

Youth Sunday

Lily DiFranco

Michael DiFranco

Miles Donaldson

Maddie Flournoy

Mac Givens

Sophie Kirkner

Mackenzie Mueller

Caroline Ogle

Oliver Osborne

Benjamin Pierson

Charlotte Witherspoon

3501 San Jose • Tampa, FL 33629

Phone: (813) 253-6047

Fax: (813) 254-5274 www.palmaceia.org

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