News

LETTERS TO THE PRESBYTERY

Why stay in the PC(USA)?

Jose Manuel Capella-Pratts M.Div.

I love this Christian denomination known as the Presbyterian Church (USA). I haven't always agreed with its decisions and/or actions, but I don't leave my family when we have disagreements. We are still family, even when we have different points of view.

For many years we have been immersed in a debate about the ordination of homosexual members. Even when the current Book of Order removes from ordination standards the specific language about sexuality, we are still debating a one-size-fits-all solution to the issue. Ordination is much more than issues of sexuality. It's about gifts, abilities, “strong faith, dedicated discipleship and love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord” (G-2.0104a). Ordination is not about adopting left/right worldviews, it is about learning by Jesus' example and following it. Ordination is about joyful submission “to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life” (G-2.0104b), yet we have tied ordination to sexual orientation as the main aspect of life over others.

I'm deeply saddened by our practice of labeling everyone as liberal or conservative and the subsequent demonization of those in one side or another. I feel hurt when someone puts into question my fidelity to the Scriptures because I don't embrace his/her understanding of what “biblical authority” is. My heart breaks every time someone tells me that in order to be faithful to Christ I have to leave the PC(USA). In this denomination I learned about God's amazing grace. In this denomination I learned the humbling power of God's love, a love that is deeper than my vices and more excellent than my virtues. In this denomination I learned to study the Bible to find in its pages the living Word of God, Jesus Christ. In this denomination I learned to rely on the Holy Spirit who constantly renews and transforms my life. In this denomination I learned that the heart and the brain are not enemies, but partners. In this denomination I learned that compassion is not a “feeling”, but concrete acts of love. In this denomination I learned that whatever I do, in word or deed, is for the sole glory of God, and not for my satisfaction or amusement. Nothing in our confessional heritage, as gathered in the Book of Confessions, nor in the current or former Book of Order changes what I have learned in this denomination, but affirms it.

I respect the points of views of those who are leaving. I respect their right to choose whether to stay or not. I'd rather they stay. «The eye can never say to the hand “I don't need you”. The head can't say to the feet “I don't need you”» (1 Cor 12.21 NLT). I believe that we are better together. I am convinced that what we have in common is more valuable than the issues that divide us. We still have a mission to do, as expressed in “The great ends of the Church” (F-1.0304):

«the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind; the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God; the maintenance of divine worship; the preservation of the truth; the promotion of social righteousness; and the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world

So help us God

Hope for the PC(USA)

"I know the plans I have for you...to give you a future with hope." Jeremiah 29:11

On January 2-3, 2012, Ruling Elder Cindy Bolbach, Moderator of the 219th General Assembly of the PC(USA) (2010), and her Vice-Moderator, Teaching Elder Landon Whitsitt, gathered six elders of the denomination together in Chicago for a conversation. These elders represented the wide spectrum of the church, but they each shared a significant conviction in common: The God we serve desires us to work together in unity.

During their time together, these elders - Theresa Cho, Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, Jack Haberer, Julia Henderson, E. Stanley Ott, Byron Wade - reflected on the Epistle lesson of the day, Ephesians 4:1-16, and shared their hopes for the church and where they saw God working.

In the hope that their time together might strengthen and encourage the whole church, the group drafted a letter and recorded a conversation. You can find both below.

It is the expectation of these six elders, the Moderator, and the Vice-Moderator that their's is not the final word on the subject, and that everyone has seen signs of genuine hope for the PC(USA). Please take a bit of time to make a video of your own, or to write a blog post, and share with the church why you believe this to be the beginning, not the end, of what God has planned for us. Also feel free to email the Moderator and Vice-Moderator, so that they can continue to share your stories with the whole church.

Hope for the PCUSA letter (English)
Hope for the PCUSA letter (Español)
http://hopeforthepcusa.blogspot.com/?v=0

Dr. Gary Cecil, former members of Tropical Florida Presbytery.

It saddens me to read these letters from friends on both sides of the issue, knowing how much I value each and yet to see the division. Where I sit now as senior pastor at Madison Presbyterian Church in N.E. Georgia Presbytery, I have found here that our folks won't let any polity decisions separate them from their church, even though there is not a lot of love for presbytery or GA. But they love Christ, and love each other, and that is their defining "polity" and theology. I also have found that we spend so much energy parsing phrases yet miss the bigger picture. For instance, in G-2.0104b, it does say "guided by Scripture and the confessions" but it also speaks of all aspects of our life joyfully submitted to the Lordship of Jesus Christ AND refers us to the questions for ordination  where it specifically speaks to the Scriptures as, by the Holy Spirit, unique and authoritative and God's Word to us. I do think the word "authoritative" is used there, and that, for me, provides some balance to the clause in question. Furthermore, elders are called to discern and measure its [the congregation's] fidelity to the Word of God - what's wrong with that? Notice that the word "fidelity" is still around and used in a very important way here.  What of our conscience being "captive to the Word of God"?

My point is, we let ourselves get hung up on a word or phrase at the expense of the greater witness we are called to honor in Jesus Christ. I, and my session, like this new order in many ways, especially in how it give us more flexibility for mission at the local level. It's actually more like the old PCUS polity before reunion in some ways.

Ministry is guided by Scripture and confessions. I see nothing offensive about that when it is understood that they are unique and authoritative witnesses to Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, I guess I just don't see all the fuss unless it's really not about that, but about a greater discontent that's been festering for a while. I had two families leave over this - just two. Both complained that we would be promoting the ordination of gays now and that we don't believe the Scriptures. Both now attend a church whose denomination openly ordains gays more than we do. It wasn't about the polity - they just wanted to go check out the grass on the other side. By the way, we have gained more than have left - again not because of a Book of Order but because of the kind of welcoming and serving community for Christ that we are. And just a caveat:  our Engage conference on Evangelism quoted from this new Book of Order more than I can remember in previous years. Evangelists are excited about some of the new language we've adopted.

Let me say that I'm not making light of the concerns I've read here. But I'm finding that all politics and polity break down to the local level and its leadership. As the servant/leader of this church, I choose to focus on knowing, growing in and serving the Christ to whom, by the Holy Spirit, we witness in the unique and authoritative Scriptures and confessions. So peace be with you all, and I continue to pray for you no matter where all this may lead you, for I know all of you are seeking to follow your conscience before the Lord who loves you.

Respectfully yours in the grace of our Lord

Keith L. Riddle, M.Div. D.Min.

I so look forward to words of wisdom and update from my "home" Presbytery - that group among which I find the greatest of friends.

Although I serve in other ministries - caring for those dying and mourning the death of a loved one, it is in my foundation within the PC(USA) that I find strength to go forth each day.

Thank you to the Presbytery staff - all of you - for your grace, guidance, and care during these times in which church communities decide what they wish to do - and to which group they wish to belong.

In my own ministry, as I hold the hand of one who is dying - or the hand of one who has just lost a loved one - their concern is not about denomination - nor the politics thereof. Their concern is that they are loved by the church which nurtured them, the leadership which led them, and the congregation which they call "home."

For so many with whom I minister, their major concern is that God loves them, that their church loves them.......and that, as they close their eyes in this life.....they will open them in the presence of God.

Thank you, staff of Presbytery, for your extremely hard work.

Please know it is NEVER taken for granted.

Peace.

A NEW DENOMINATION, CONTINUING TIES TO PC(USA)

A report from the Fellowship of Presbyterians conference
By Leslie Scanlon, Presbyterian Outlook national reporter
ORLANDO, FLA.

Most of the 2,100 people who came to the Fellowship of Presbyterians’ Covenanting Conference, held Jan. 18-20 in Orlando, are not yet ready to leave the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Instead, they’re still trying to discern what to do next. But Fellowship organizers say about 100 congregations are ready to withdraw from the PC(USA) and step into something that’s new and still taking shape. The Fellowship has made that possible by formally creating a new denomination, the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO for short), which will begin accepting member congregations April 1.

Throughout this conference, Fellowship leaders cast a vision of a bold new church unafraid to take risks in mission; of like-minded evangelicals committed to mutual accountability; of taking the best of Presbyterian history and tradition and pointing it in new directions.

“I’m not really sure we have really dreamed for a long time,” said John Ortberg, an author and pastor of Menlo Park Church in California. “I think God is calling us to dream.”

Along with the dreams came a bucket of nuts and bolts (pensions, health plans, per capita and more). The Fellowship’s board of directors approved revised theology and polity documents that form the new denomination’s constitution. They announced plans for another national gathering, to be held Aug. 23-24 in a place yet to be determined. It will be partly a gathering for mutual support and worship, partly a formal business meeting.

It’s also clear that most evangelicals aren’t leaving the PC(USA). Some aren’t ready to make the switch yet, some don’t want to go at all (although that could change if the PC(USA) decides to allow its ministers to perform same-gender marriages). Relatively few are pursuing the idea of achieving union status with both the ECO and the PC(USA).

Evangelical congregations may have several reasons for staying in the PC(USA), said Jim Singleton, a Colorado pastor and president of the Fellowship. Some may feel it’s too costly to go to the ECO; some may not want to risk rupturing a divided congregation; some feel they already do effective ministry and have solid relationships within PC(USA).

Some evangelicals staying in the PC(USA) also will join the Fellowship as a way of differentiating themselves — to align with other evangelicals in networks of mutual accountability, and to stand in opposition to the PC(USA)’s controversial decision last year to allow the ordination of sexually active gays and lesbians.

Here are more details regarding the Fellowship and the new denomination.
ESSENTIAL TENETS. Included in the ECO’s theology document is a section on essential tenets, with which those being ordained in the new denomination or having leadership roles in its congregations are expected to agree. That section, however, is apparently still under revision. Laura Smit, a theology professor and its primary author, described it as a “paper-cup document” (to be used for a while, then replaced with something better), rather than a cherished crystal goblet handed down through the generations.

The essential tenets are “not a subscriptionist bullet-point list of eight essential things you have to believe to get in the door” of the ECO, said John Crosby, a Minnesota pastor and president of the ECO. Crosby said in an interview that the essential tenets are bedrock theological teachings listed in boldface in the document, and that the Fellowship’s board of directors retains the authority to make changes in the constitutional documents for the next 18 months, while the ECO is taking shape.

“Everything we do around here is a draft,” Singleton said.
FINANCES. The Fellowship has begun raising money. It ended the gathering with a Covenanting Service where pledge cards were passed out and people were asked to sign a covenant of support with the broader Fellowship umbrella group, not specifically with the ECO. The Fellowship has set what its leaders call a “bare-bones” budget of $500,000 for 2012. For congregations entering the ECO, the per capita would be 1 percent of the congregation’s budget. Joining the Fellowship will cost $250 a year for congregations and $125 for individuals.

NEW ECOSYSTEM. Leaders spoke of having in the ECO a solid theological center; mutual accountability through peer evaluations of ministry; and an ethos that allows for flexibility, risk-taking and trust.

“This is not a safe harbor” but a vessel for those “who want to be in ships that sail out into the storm,” said Joe Farrell, a Colorado minister who worked on the polity document.

“We’ve had this deep longing for belonging,” said Marnie Crumpler, a minister with Peachtree Church in Atlanta. “This is our tribe. These are our people.”

When asked why evangelicals should choose the ECO rather than the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, Singleton said there’s one clear distinction: The EPC has an “ambivalent” position on the ordination of women, while the ECO celebrates the gifts of women in ministry.

For further reports, go to www.pres-outlook.org
Printed by permission from Presbyterian Outlook

ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL ASSOCIATION

What will your administrative staff be doing from May 16 to May 20, 2012? Will they be working in the office doing their weekly tasks or will they be joining other administrative personnel at this year’s Florida Region Administrative Personnel Association Conference in Sarasota?

This year’s conference offers a great opportunity for your staff to grow in their professional and spiritual life. Led by clergy and other professionals, the knowledge gained by their attendance will enhance their ability to more effectively allow them to serve their respective organization.

Encourage your lay staff to join the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Membership forms can be found on the Florida Region’s website, www.floridaapa.org. While there, make sure to download the registration form for the 2012 Florida Region Conference. For a small investment in your administrative staff, they will return from the conference with the knowledge and spiritual wellbeing to be more effective in their jobs.

Show your administrative staff that they are a valuable asset to you and your congregation. Make sure to let them know that you are willing to invest in them by paying their membership dues ($75) and conference expenses (approximately $500). For a small investment in them, you will gain a happier and loyal staff member who knows that they are valued.

If you want to know how the APA can benefit your organization, contact Barbara Prieto, Florida Region President, at 305-666-8566 or rivierachurch@bellsouth.net.
Nancy Fine
Membership Chair, Florida Region of the Administrative Personnel Association of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
www.floridaapa.org

Souper Bowl For Caring

Dear fellow presbyters,

Coming up on Sunday, Feb. 5, many of us will host friends and family to watch the Super Bowl game. I hope you will also consider hosting a "Souper Bowl of Caring" Party as you gather with your congregations! Right now, in our country, 1 of every 6 people is food insecure. Even more startling is the truth that 1 of every 5 children in the United States is food insecure right now. They may not know from where their next meal will come. As people of faith, we have a unique opportunity to reflect God's love especially to those who are hungry and suffering. Please collect non-perishable food for these families who don't have enough to eat. If you aren't sure what to think about the adults in need of food, please think of the 1 in 5 children who could have something to eat because you took the time to ask for these donations!

See attached for a Souper Bowl of Caring logo to use in your January bulletins to remind your congregants that food will be collected at worship on Sunday, Feb. 5. Also, see below for food programs in each region of the Presbytery that will welcome your food donations next month. If possible, please call them in advance to find out how and when is best to deliver the food to them.

Thank you in advance for all you do to serve the under-served in our community.

Blessings,
Rev. Amy Baer
Hunger Action Enabler, Tropical Florida Presbytery

Region 1
Treasure Coast Food Bank (Martin County)
3051 Industrial 25th Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34946
772.489.5676

C.R.O.S. Ministries Food Pantries (Palm Beach County)
Pantries located in Jupiter, Riviera Beach, Lake Worth, Delray Beach and Belle Glade
http://www.crosministries.org/pantries.htm
561-233-9009, ext. 105

Region 2
Follow this link for an extensive listing of Broward County food programs:
http://www.adrcbroward.org/foodpantries.php

Region 3
Pass it on Ministries (Miami)
14617 NW 7th Ave
Miami, FL 33168
(305) 681-1594

Food Bag Ministries (Miami)
8000 NW 25 St.
Miami, FL 33122
305-305-1988

Florida Keys Outreach Coalition (Keys)
http://www.fkoc.org/donate.html
305-295-7580

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF WEST PALM BEACH CELEBRATES 90TH ANNIVERSARY

First Presbyterian Church of West Palm Beach is celebrating it's 90th anniversary in February. Several events are scheduled throughout the year with the cornerstone event being a Service of Thanksgiving and Homecoming sometime in the Spring. Reverend Shirley Saunders has now served the church for over two years and members are once again joining...Praise God! During one of the anniversary observances, we will unveil a new plaque in our sanctuary to honor our senior Elder, Yvonne Hewitt, who has been our "rock and stay" during times of transition. Her faithful determination coupled with Pastor Shirley's positive leadership have ensured us being there for our 90th celebration! Our main missional outreach is our Monday Night Meal Ministry which serves hot meals to the homeless and less fortunate and also supplies toiletries, backpacks and blankets. Pastor Shirley leads our guests in a short devotional before dinner and Patricia Glover, meal coordinator, leads the volunteers in a time of study and prayer. Three area churches as well as students from PBAU assist us on a rotating basis and many denominations are represented. Our Korean brothers and sisters, who share our facilities at First Church, also assist with monetary help and special gifts from time to time... so we truly feel that we are being the "hands and feet of Christ". As we celebrate our 90th year, we will continue to be "the loving heart of the city" and our goal for the next 90 years is, as our new mission statement declares, "To love and Serve Christ and His People"!!!!

From your Earth

Weather is important for people living in Florida. Weather is important to your economy in the winter. Weather is the impetus for increasing cost of homeownership as wind and flood insurance premiums rise. Weather is what keeps your water supply flowing. Weather is why many of you live in Florida. How you treat the earth and its resources affects weather. This year my day, Earth Day, falls on a Sunday. That’s right, April 22 is a Sunday. I want to encourage you to talk about me that Sunday maybe you will deliver a sermon about the stewardship of God’s creation.

Remember, the better you take care of me, the better the weather will be in Florida for future generations.
Love, Your Earth

Eco-Palms and your church: your role in supporting social and environmental justice

More than 300 million palm fronds are harvested each year for U.S. consumption alone — most of them for Palm Sunday, but also for floral displays for church-related events. Your congregation’s commitment to purchase eco-palms plays an important role in protecting forests, local jobs, and sustainable livelihoods in the harvesting communities.
Continue reading

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Shari's Shout Out

shout out Misconduct Prevention Training
Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church – Saturday, February 4th (Registration)

Plantation Presbyterian Church – Monday, April 30th (Registration)
Both – 9:30-3:30
Cost: $25, includes book and lunch
(Members of COM, PJC and CPM pay $5 / balance offset by committee budget)

You may sign up for your preferred location and date by calling me at the Presbytery office or sending an email to shari@tfpby.org. You may also fax in your registration form (954-785-1983) for either the February or April session.

According to our records, many people should be registering.
Pastors who last took this training in 2007 are due to take it again; those who last attended in 2006 are overdue!
Elders (teaching and ruling) whose names are on the Presbytery approved pulpit supply listing must attend. Honorable Retirees who serve a church in any capacity must attend. Newer minister members who have received training during the past five years elsewhere need to submit a certificate for their file to be exempted from attendance.

Packets will be mailed on Valentine’s Day for the Presbytery meeting on February 25.

Show your love by making lunch reservations now at www.tfpby.org (lower right wide of the home page).

How are the Statistical Reports coming along?
Deadline February 22nd.

Let's Talk About Money

From Susan Carpenter

Clergy and spouses, Church Treasurers, Business Administrators, Session Leaders
Thursday March 1, 2012 RENDER UNTO CAESAR Seminar presented by The Board of Pension
First Presbyterian Church of Miami

Seminarians, candidates and inquirers, Early- to mid-career clergy and lay plan members and spouses
Wednesday February 29, 2012 GETTING IN SHAPE FISCALLY Seminar presented by The Board of Pension
Presbytery of Tropical Florida offices

Clergy and lay plan retirees, spouses and surviving spouses
Tuesday February 28, 2012 POST-RETIREMENT Seminar presented by The Board of Pension
Lakeside Presbyterian Church, West Palm Beach

Birthdays

01  Dr. James Nimmo III – First, Port St. Lucie
02  Rev. Raquel Welty - HR
03  Rev. Ryan Baer – Lakeside, West Palm Beach
11  Dr. Raymond Gamble - HR
17  Rev. Van Lahmeyer – First, Miami Springs
21  Dr. Sam Rutland - Miami Shores, Miami Shores
26  Rev. John Stewart - MOS

Ordinations

05  Rev. Julio Delgado – HR
20  Rev. Kim Kavazanjian – Central, Miami
21  Dr. Elaine Klaasen - HR
24  Rev. Patricia Ashley - HR

Prayers

For the ruling elders, deacons and church volunteers for their contributions of time and talent
For the churches of the presbytery opening their doors to people seeking Jesus Christ
For the churches of the presbytery reaching out to support and serve their communities
For the ten churches discerning separation
For the leadership of the PC (USA)
For Jacky Rhoades who is in the hospital
For John Hendricks, hospitalized in ICU, and his family
For Pedro Rivera who was released from the hospital on Thursday
Thanksgiving for retiring Jim Nimmo and his wife Anne who have served for 45 years in ministry
Thanksgiving, for the service and leadership of Council Chair John Terech
Thanksgiving, for Interim Stated Clerk Michel Yonts’ service and guidance.
Thanksgiving, for the service of Bryan Wenger, Region 1 Associate Missional Presbyter
Thanksgiving, for the 10th anniversary of All Villages

With God All things are possible.
와 신 모든 것 들이 가능 하다.
Con Dios todas las cosas son posibles.

You want to pray, but you’re not sure how to pray for your pastor.

From Otoniel Bermudez:

I’ve listed below 10 prayer requests that can help you start.

Insight into scripture and an understanding of how it applies to people today.
Protection from the work of Satan.
Help him/her keep a soft heart in the face of abrasive and abusive people.
His/her personal spiritual growth.
A successful ministry – however God defines success in your pastor’s life.
Boldness to speak the truth, and grace to speak it with humility.
That s/he would persevere through whatever trial s/he is facing.
If you pastor has children, that they will grow up with a positive impression of church ministry.
If you pastor is married, that s/he would remain pure, and that the love for his/her spouse would increase daily.
That you would know how to encourage your pastor today.

Pray for Your P-A-S-T-O-R

Here's another way to pray for your pastor - especially if you have trouble remembering what to pray about. Use the letters of the word, P-A-S-T-O-R to remind you of specific prayer requests. For example:
P - Purity. Pray that your pastor will remain pure in the face of constant pressure in an immoral culture.
A - Adversity. Pray for your pastor that s/he will be able to confront adversity with faith and endurance.
S - Strength. Most pastors work long hours and at least six days a week. Pray that s/he will have the strength to continue his/her ministry.
T - Teaching. Pray for your pastor that his/her teaching and preaching will be effective, powerful, and clear.
O - Organization. Your pastor has more to do than any one person can handle. Pray for your pastor that s/he will be able to prioritize correctly.

R - Rest. Your pastor needs rest. Pray that your pastor will sleep well each night and that s/he will take enough time away from ministry so that s/he does not get worn out

HAITI MISSION UPDATE

See the Missions Page

Important dates, conferences, and events

Register for the 4th Institute of Multicultural Ministry Building Inclusive Communities

February 16-18, 2012 | Princeton, N.J.

Participants will hear about and learn best practices of theological, ethical, social and pastoral frameworks for engaging multicultural ministry as Christian leaders and clergy, particularly in building dialogue and community in the areas of: interracial/ethnic relations and ministry, socio-economic disparities, and gender differences.
The institute will close with a panel discussion lead by the leaders of the institute where leaders and the participants will have a chance to share their questions, concerns and hopes of an intentional diverse ministry.
Register now and read more about the keynote speakers
Download a flier

February 1–4, 2012
Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) Annual Event
Experience dynamic seminars, plenary, workshops, and worship
Theme: God’s Surprising Wonders
To attend: Read more about the event and register now
Location: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Convention Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Security for House of Worship

For those of you who missed the class at Presbytery given by Palm Beach Deputy Eddie Nelson, another opportunity has been offered.

Deputy Nelson will be conducting this training at his own church on March 3, 10 to noon.
Where: Orthodox Zion Primitive Baptist Church, 2900 Australian Ave., West Palm Beach,
FL. 33407
Free, refreshments will be served

Spring Youth Event
This is always a fun event which is greatly anticipated and enjoyed.
Save the dates – April 27-29 – to join Tropical Florida youth at Gold Coast.
More info to follow.

April 26—29, 2012
2012 National Multicultural Conference
Training in multicultural church growth by experienced church professionals
Special guest: Joel Barker, acclaimed futurist and filmmaker
Theme: “God’s Door is Open: Who Are We to Stand in the Way?”
Location: Charlotte, N.C.
Click for more details and watch for our conference registration booklet

July 18—22, 2012
Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women
Join thousands of women for worship, community building, and education
Theme: River of Hope
Registration opens online December 1; order your free booklet now