FALL & STEWARDSHIP Season 2027
3501 W. San Jose St. Tampa, FL 33629 www.palmaceia.org 813-253-6047
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me. - Matthew 25:40
A Letter From The Pastor Dear Friends, This is a special year in the life of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church. As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we have good reason to be thankful for the people who came before us, and for the church they helped build. But a centennial is also a good time to think about the church we are today, and the ministry God has given us to do now. For one hundred years, people have worshiped here, prayed here, learned here, sung here, served here, and supported the ministry of this church. We have inherited a great deal from their faithfulness. And now this ministry is in our hands. This fall, our children’s choirs will sing words of Jesus from Matthew 25: “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, you do unto me.” I hope we will all hear those words and take them to heart. They remind us that we meet Christ in the people around us—in the child who is welcomed and taught, the neighbor who needs a meal, the family going through a difficult time, and the people we serve here in Tampa and well beyond Tampa. Sometimes that ministry happens in worship, sometimes around a table, sometimes through music, and sometimes in ways most of us never see. That is the ministry we support together. Continued on pg. 2
UPCOMING EVENTS AT PCPC September 27: Stewardship Kickoff Sunday Sunday, October 4: World Communion Sunday Friday, October 16: Centennial Dance & Pizza Party Sunday, October 18: Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 25: Reformation Sunday / 3rd Grade Bibles Sunday Sunday, November 15: Kirking of the Tartans Sunday, November 22: Stewardship Celebration Sunday December 6: Living Nativity December 16: Jolley Trolley
Every one of these events and ministries depends on people who give their time, their talents, and their financial support.
Rooted in Love to Serve Christ Pastor’s Letter, continued So as stewardship season comes around again, I ask you to pray about your support of PCPC in 2027. Think about what this church means to you, certainly, but also what it means to the many people whose lives are touched by its ministry. And ask God to guide you in deciding what you are able to give.
WHAT DOES MINISTRY LOOK LIKE AT PCPC? You likely know about Sundays...
Your pledge helps our church leadership make responsible plans for the year ahead. More importantly, those gifts make ministry possible. They support worship and music, our children and youth, pastoral care, fellowship, mission, and the many ways PCPC serves our neighbors. A hundred years of ministry does not happen all at once. It happens year by year, as people give their time, their talents, and their financial support to the work God has given the church to do. That has been true throughout PCPC’s history, and it remains true today. As our children sing those words of Jesus this fall, I hope we will remember what is at the heart of all of this: “Whatsoever you do…” Thank you for your partnership in the ministry of this church, and thanks be to God for the privilege of sharing in it together. Your partner in faith and service, John T. DeBevoise
...but PCPC stays busy 7 days a week! 2
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body.... - 1 Corinthians 1:17
MONDAYS
Before sunrise on Mondays, the pastors record “A First Look” podcast Choir members deliver leftover flowers from Sunday to sick and grieving members
PCPC has a long history of hosting Scout troop meetings
TUESDAYS Another podcast recording Tuesday!
PCPC hosts several AA & NA meetings throughout the week
Staff meets on Tuesdays to discuss prayer concerns & logistics
Wednesday Night Dinner Meal Prep begins
WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Night Dinner
Music & Movement
Middle School Youth Group Choir Rehearsals for Children & Adults
Wednesday Faith Formation Class
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What Stewardship Supports THURSDAYS
FRIDAYS
The Peace Trio is comprised of 3 choir members who visit sick & homebound members
Exercise Classes for Older Adults take place on Mon., Tues., and Thurs. This year, Palma Ceia Preschool is serving 83 children, ages 1-5 supported by a staff of 15 educators who bring tremendous care and creativity to their work each day. 6 Presbyterian Women Circles meet monthly. Email SusanFrost@palmaceia.org for info on getting involved!
Maintenance is an ongoing job at PCPC!
SATURDAYS
Special Events encouraging fellowship
The pastors conduct an average of 16 weddings per year
not to k o o l of you sts, but to h c a e t “Le intere thers.” n w o r you terests of o 3–4 the in lippians 2: —P hi 4
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me. - Matthew 25:40 In addition to recurring weekly events, ministry at PCPC looks like outreach to our community. At PCPC, we value making a meaningful impact in both our local and global communities. We are grateful for generous, thoughtful partners like you who make our compassionate outreach possible.
In August, we packed and donated over 200 backpacks for students in need in Hillsborough County.
CARING FOR OUR NEIGHBORS
Through Kindness Matters... 60–70 neighbors served each week Volunteers offer food, clothing, hygiene items, backpacks, books, glasses, and other essentials to our unhoused neighbors—along with coffee, conversation, and a warm welcome.
PARTNERING AROUND THE WORLD Through Village Partners International, PCPC supports community-based health and nutrition programs in Haiti & Uganda. MOMBIN CROCHU, HAITI 3,279 children evaluated for malnutrition 227 children treated for malnutrition 2,862 clinic, mobile clinic, and emergency-room evaluations
Over the past year, our congregation collected
2,474 pounds of electronic waste, all responsibly processed and recycled. Through these donations, the Hillsborough Education Foundation provided 7 refurbished laptops to local students in need benefiting an estimated 28 individuals, from students completing homework to parents applying for jobs and families reconnecting to the digital world. The Electronics Drive will happen again this year! Bring in your unwanted electronics for recycling on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
PAPOLI, UGANDA 2,427 immunizations provided 704 patient evaluations 63 babies delivered
Beyond annual Stewardship, PCPC also holds
4 Special Offerings each year: Peacemaking Joy Pentecost One Great Hour of Sharing The recipient is determined each quarter by the Witness & Service Committee.
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PCPC Stewardship Season 2027
ADULT FAITH FORMATION
MUSIC AT PCPC Jam with the Praise Band! The Praise Band is looking to welcome more volunteer musicians. We need instrumentalists and singers to help lead worship. Might you have a talent? If you feel a call to share in this way please contact Roger at roger.sullins@mac.com so he can share about being in this ministry. Let your Talents Ring Out with the Bell Choir! Bell Choir Rehearses Wednesdays, 6-6:50pm
Upcoming Classes
Seeking ringers! Are you a high school student with music experience or an adult who wants to try something new? We'd love to have you! Contact Jeff Traster: jtraster@ut.edu.
Would you like to add your voice to to the Sunday Chancel Choir? Weekly Wednesday rehearsals from 7-8:30pm. No experience required. A welcoming fellowship. You’ll wonder how you’ve lived without it in your life. Questions? Contact Todd Donovan at todd.w.donovan@gmail.com.
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Pledge Card Enclosed
Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me. - Matthew 25:40
“We have had between 25 to 30 kids in Joyful Noise for the last 2 weeks. We have so much fun singing and learning about each other and the Lord.” - Kelly Slovinac, Children’s Choir Director
UPCOMING CONCERTS November 8 at 7pm: Tampa Oratorio Singers Concert, “Sing Hallelujah” in PCPC Sanctuary November 22nd at 4pm: Choral & Organ Festival with TOS and Tampa Chapter of American Guild of Organists in PCPC Sanctuary December 6th at 7pm: Tampa Oratorio Singers present “Carols of the Season” Concert December 14th and 15th at 7pm: Tampa Oratorio Singers and members of the Florida Orchestra present Handel’s Messiah (Part I)
“My son gets it, what my husband and I have been praying for all this time, he finally gets it! He gets why we come to church now! Thank you!” -One parent after one of PCPC’s summer camps
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www.palmaceia.org/pledge
What Makes All This Possible? PCPC is a member-funded church, called to serve God and one another with gratitude and hope.
Our 2026 Church Budget
$2,868,000
$2,868,000
$0
94.3% of our budget is funded by financial gifts, both pledged and non-pledged. The final 5.7% comes from foundations, building use, and interest/miscellaneous.
Your pledge helps PCPC plan with confidence.
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Many gifts, one mission to serve Christ
HOW YOUR GIFTS ARE USED Every budget dollar supports PCPC’s worship, discipleship, service, community life, and the people and campus that make those ministries possible.
Staff and other shared expenses are assigned to the primary ministry area they support. These consolidated categories include all expenses in the 2026 operating budget.
Q: What’s the difference between Stewardship and PCPC’s Centennial Campaign? A: We’re glad many of you have asked. Both support PCPC, but they serve different purposes. Annual stewardship supports the ongoing life and ministry of the church—worship, Christian education, congregational care, outreach, music, staff, facilities, and everything PCPC does from week to week. The Centennial Campaign is a special, once-in-a-generation effort focused on major, longterm needs that are beyond the scope of the annual operating budget. These commitments are made over and above annual giving and may come from savings, investments, or other assets. Both are critical to PCPC’s ministry and future. We hope you will prayerfully consider how 9 you are able to support each.
Growing Ministry, Growing Need 2025 BUDGETED INCOME
2026 BUDGETED INCOME
$2.815M
$2.868M
$3.0M
Did You Know? It takes $2,600 per member to sustain our shared ministry through PCPC!
Please return your pledge form to the church office, in the offering plate, or pledge online at palmaceia.org/pledge. 10
What If We Grow Together?
501 in 2026 so far
309
192
Join us in the ministry we share. If you’ve never made a financial gift to PCPC, this is a wonderful year to begin. Every gift is an act of participation—helping us worship, teach, care, welcome, and serve our neighbors in Christ’s name. Whatever the amount, your participation matters.
Did You Know? The average pledge for 2026 was $5,942. The median pledge for 2026 was $3,000. Not everyone can give the same amount-and that's okay. When we all participate, every increase, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact. 11
YOUR GENEROSITY SHAPES WHAT COMES NEXT
OUR MINISTRY REQUIRES APPROXIMATELY
IN ANNUAL SUPPORT TO FAITHFULLY CARRY OUT THE WORK GOD HAS CALLED US TO DO.
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2027 STEWARDSHIP Many gifts, one mission to serve Christ Jesus reminds us that what we do for others, we do for him. Prayerfully consider how your giving and service can share Christ’s love in 2027. “Whatsoever you do for the least of my people, that you do unto me." - Matthew 25:40
My 2027 Commitment to the PCPC General Fund Increase my pledge from my 2026 pledge by: 20%
10%
5%
Other ______ %
Set my total 2027 General Fund pledge at $ _________________ Pledge Type
Family
Individual
I would also like information about serving at PCPC: Yes - please contact me about volunteer opportunities. Printed name(s): _______________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________ Phone:
____________
Email: ___________________________
Return Your Pledge Place this form in the offering plate, return it to the church office, mail it to PCPC Finance Office, 3501 W. San Jose St., Tampa, FL 33629, or pledge online at palmaceia.org/pledge. Questions? Finance@palmaceia.org. For gifts made in 2026 toward this pledge, please note “2027 General Fund.” Thank you for supporting PCPC.