PCPC Life: Winter 2026

3501W.SanJoseSt.Tampa,FL33629

www.palmaceia.org 813-253-6047

Calendar Overview

Sun., Jan. 25: Elders Ordination & Installation Service at 6pm

PCPCLIFE PALMACEIAPresbyterianChurch

Instagram: @pcpchurch

Wed., Jan. 28: Centennial Campaign Vision

Presentation at 6:00 in the Gym

Wed., Feb. 4: Centennial Kickoff at Wednesday Night Dinner

Sun., Feb. 8: Congregational Meetings & Votes at 9:30 (Sanctuary), 10 (Gym), and 12 (Sanctuary)

Sun., Feb. 15: Transfiguration Sunday; Pancake Sunday

Sun., Feb. 18: Ash Wednesday Services at Noon and 6:30pm

Sun., Feb. 22: First Sunday in Lent

Sun., March 8: Strawberry Shortcake Sunday

Wed., March 25: Birthday Celebration for 80's+ at Wednesday Night Dinner and Church Birthday Celebration

Sun., March 29: Palm Sunday

Sun., April 5: Easter Sunday

Sat., April 25: Centennial Tea

Welcome to New Elders Being Ordained and Installed January 25, 2026

Class of 2028: Jana Alexander, Tripp Barlow, Carolyn Brown, Cory Castillo, Jon Hughes, Nancy Little, Heidi McCree, Nancy Mynard, Catherine Pereira, Sarah Perez, Lynn Reynolds, Richard Sessums, and Earl Whitlock (filling an incomplete term)

THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED TO THE NEW ELDERS SERVICE OF ORDINATION AND INSTALLATION JANUARY 25 AT 6:00PM.

Winter2026

Wednesday Night Dinner

Upcoming Menus

January 21: Hamburgers and Kielbasa with Peppers and Onions

January 28: Chicken and Yellow Rice with Black Beans & Plantains

February 4: “Old Tampa” Theme in honor of PCPCs Centennial Celebration Ropa Vieja and White Rice + Cuban Sandwiches

February 11: Greek Roasted Lemon Pork

February 18: Red Beans and Sausage with Rice

February 25: Tuscan Chicken with Spinach

left to right: Mike Peacock, John

Terry

Jodi Lekanides, Bo Young, Ken Hubbell, John Dicks, Bryan Dodd, Ryan Parker, Erin Malone, Kelly Slovinac, Renee Vaughn, John DeBevoise, Michelle Wherley, Timm Sweeney, Sarah Stichter, Mindy Powell, Dave Felman, Joyce Haines, Kem Toole, David Pead, Sylvia Campbell, Michael Bachman, Jason Bartos, Allison Kelly

Adult Faith Formation

Wednesdays Sundays

Exploring

the Theology and Writings of Barbara Brown Taylor

Sundays, January 4, 18, 25, and February 1

10-10:50am in Eastminster 307/308

Paul Clark will lead a four-week class on priest, theologian and academic Barbara Brown Taylor Taylor’s sermons, lectures and books emphasize faith as a radical trust in what is yet to be discovered and the sacredness of the physical world and everyday life She encourages finding the divine in relationships and our often overlooked encounters with the natural world around us. Brown abandons the search for absolute certainty in propositions and doctrines in favor of the acceptance of a more fluid, ever-shifting dynamic as we encounter God all around us

Sunday Classes Coming Up

The Power of the Word: A Study of Sermons by Martin Luther King Jr –taught by Kem Toole, Fay Rouseff-Baker, Sara Mickelson, & Friends

The Challenge of Acts by NT Wright –taught by Marsha Rydberg

The Hard Sayings of Jesus – taught by Rev Bill Hull

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri Nouwen – taught by Rev Dr Church Jones

From Daughters to Disciples by Lynn Japinga – taught by John Reiter

Everyday Epiphanies

Wednesdays, January 14-February 11 6-7pm in the Hospitality Room

Epiphanies are everywhere Join us as we explore scriptures where ordinary people experienced the extraordinary revelation of Jesus as the Son of God. Together we will look for ways to see the presence of Christ in the everyday moments of our lives

Taught by Rev John Reiter

Newlywed Life Group

Upcoming Meeting Dates: Feb. 1, Feb. 15, Mar. 1, Mar. 15

Grief Support Group

If you have lost a loved one and need to talk or just have the support of others walking the same journey, come join PCPC's Grief Support Group every Wednesday from 4-5pm in the Hospitality Room. The group is led by Corinne Gaertner, retired MSW Grief Counselor. Questions? Corinne: 813-495-6694

MUSIC Notes

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15

6:00 PM in the Sanctuary

Florida Wind Band Ensemble Presents “Whispers of the Heart” Concert

A part of FWB’s “Lights Out” Chamber Series Pre-Concert Chat at 5:30pm with Executive Director Tony Negron and Music Director Matt McCutchen

A reed quintet will bring to life the timeless Greek myth of Eros and Psyche a tale of love veiled in mystery, tested by trust, and redeemed by faith

Reserve your free ticket at floridawindbandorg

SUNDAY, MARCH 28

4:00 PM in the Sanctuary

The Tampa Oratorio Singers present Mendelssohn's “Elijah”

A limited number of complimentary tickets available to PCPC members in the church office.

The music and narrative of this work resonate as much today as ever Nancy Callahan explained, “This towering oratorio takes the chorus on a musical journey like no other From the calm melodies in He Watching Over Israel to the jaunty The Fire Descends from Heav’n, TOS has captured the emotion and heart of Mendelssohn’s great work.”

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Pathway Ringers Rehearse Wednesdays 4-4:50pm

Pathway Ringers are an outreach group that frequents area assisted living facilities.

Trinity Bells Wednesdays 6-6:50pm

The Trinity Bells play approx monthly at the 8:30 and 11:00 Sunday worship services

For more information please contact Bonnie Givens, Handbell Co-Director, at bgivens50@hotmailcom

First premiering in 1846, Elijah tells the story of the prophet Elijah, his mission to lead the people of Israel back to God, and his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. Performed in English, this oratorio blends powerful storytelling with rich, expressive music Professional soloist Todd Donovan will be featured in the role of Elijah Nancy Callahan will conduct the chorus and professional orchestra during this performance

Children & Families

Big Bubble Show & Play in the Courtyard

Wednesday, February 4th

5:30-6:30pm

Learn About Bubble Science and PLAY!

A festive way for children of all ages to join in PCPC’s year-long Centennial Celebration!

Bubbles can represent God's expansive love, refreshment, and unending blessing, like a wellwatered garden (Isaiah 58:11).

5:30-6 pm Interactive & Educational Bubble Show

6:00-6:30pm Bubble Play

Experience the magic of bubbles in our Play session, using tri-strings and a variety of bubble wands.

Event by Big Idea Bubbles

Human Sexuality Workshop: God’s Gift Sunday, February 22

1:30-5:00 pm for 4th-6 graders with parent th CH310

Led by Dr. Bri Anne McKeon and Rev. Dr. Kenny Hubbell

Parent information meeting about the Human Sexuality Workshop: God’s Gift will be held on February 1st from 4:00-5:00 pm in Westminster 202/204

Human Sexuality Workshop is specially designed for 4 , 5 , & 6 graders. The Rev. Dr. Ken Hubbell and Allison Kelly will lead a parent information meeting February 1 from 4-5pm in Westminster 202/204 for curious parents. All are invited to ask questions regarding what content will be covered and whether your child is ready. During this parent information meeting, 4 & 5 graders are invited to attend Justice Seekers. If you have any questions, please contact Allison Kelly at allison@palmaceia.org.

Play Groups on the Playground: All are welcome to this open play time on the PCPC playground (facing Cardenas Ave.) where we simply open the church/preschool playground to provide a fun and safe environment for all children aged 0-6+ years. Parents/caretakers should stay and can enjoy fellowship while children enjoy free play Upcoming Play Group dates, from 4-5:30: Jan. 29, Feb. 2, Feb. 10, Feb. 19

Ash Wednesday Stations in the Courtyard:

For Children, Families, & Anyone

Wednesday, February 18

4:45 - 6:30 pm

Pastors available to impart ashes

Interactive Prayer Stations in the Chapel and Courtyard for all ages

Any children are also invited to our Ash Wednesday Services with their family: Feb 18 at Noon and 6:30pm in the Sanctuary.

Music & Movement continues to meet on Wednesdays from 5:10-5:40 in WM 202/204

Justice Seekers (Fourth and Fifth Grade):

Meets Jan 25, Feb 1, Feb 15

10-10:45 am: Faith & Fellowship Hour

Pre-K3 - 5th grade meets in the Chapel at 10:00 am for singing and to introduce the day’s Bible Story.

At 10:15, we break into age groups and disperse to the following classrooms:

Birth - Pre-K2 in Eastminster 104; PreK3 and PreK4 in Eastminster 102; Kindergarten -2nd Grade in Westminster 207/209; 3rd - 5th Grade in Westminster 206

Parents pick up in classrooms at 10:45 am

Summer 2026

Vacation Bible School (VBS)

June 1st-5th, 9am-12pm

Ages: Completed PreK4 through completed 5th grade

Special Provision: Nursery/preschool care available at no cost for volunteers' children (Completed PreK3 and younger)

Register for VBS or to volunteer at palmaceia org/kids

We look forward to God leading us beside the still waters this summer as we journey through Ireland in Emerald Crossing, where Psalm 23 comes to life!

Children will explore God as Shepherd, Guide, Comforter, Provider, and King through David’s story, hands-on activities with Flock Talk Bible Time, Celtic Corner Crafts, Still Water Snacks, Green Meadow Games,Top o’ the Morning Music & Memory Verses. From Donegal’s green pastures to Dublin’s Viking history, each day reveals how God leads, protects, and provides. Join the adventure!

Registration has already reached its cap for some ages, but we have a wait list. Adult and Youth Volunteers needed!

Save the Date:

NEW Art in the Bible Camp!

July 13-17, 9am-3pm

Completed K-5

Registration coming soon!

Palma Ceia Goes to Cedarkirk Day Camp Again! Mon., July 27-Fri., July 31, 8am-5:30pm

Find out more Info, and the Registration is open! Bus Transportation is Provided at no cost by PCPC, leaving from the church parking lot at 8am and returning at 5:30pm.

GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY—DELIVERED

This Christmas season, our congregation truly lived out the Gospel through extraordinary generosity, compassion, and faithful service The Witness and Service Committee joyfully shares our deep gratitude for the way PCPC responded to God’s call to give. And to give abundantly.

Because of your Christmas giving, more than $18,300 was raised during the Christmas season, directly blessing people locally and around the world Through Christmas Around the World, $8,906 was given to support global partners in Honduras, Uganda, and Haiti Our Joy Offering for Beth-El Farmworker Ministry totaled $9,570 45, providing crucial support during a time of great uncertainty Every tag on The Giving Tree was taken, thanks to faithful coordination and generous hearts, and we learned that our gifts made up nearly 90% of the Christmas support provided by Champions for Children.

Just before the Christmas season, your compassion also reached those recovering from disaster In response to Hurricane Melissa, $6,800 was donated, with $5,810 already placed directly into relief efforts in Jamaica through trusted partnerships We are grateful for the dedicated team and for Deon McFayden’s faithful service as liaison, ensuring help reached those most in need. These programs and your support make the love of Christ visible.

The Witness and Service Committee offers heartfelt thanks for your prayers, generosity, and willingness to be used by God These incredible outcomes are the work of faithful followers of Jesus responding to His call

ELECTRONICS COLLECTION UPDATE

Great job, PCPC! Over the past year, our congregation collected 2,474 lbs 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.

Beyond the devices themselves, the refurbishment process provided hands-on technical training, helping build real-world skills and pathways to employment.

We collect electronics year-round. For questions, contact John Wells (jdwells01@gmail com)

ALL women of the church are invited to be a part of the Presbyterian Women Join any of the groups below to celebrate our Savior, PCPC’s Centennial, and growing together in Christ.

Early Birds

Studying Luke

2nd Monday of the month 10:30am at a member’s home

Daytimers

Studying Luke

2nd Monday of the month at 11am at a member’s home

Evening

Studying “Seamless”

2nd Monday of the month at 6:30pm at a member’s home

Late Nights with the Lord (30’s & 40’s)

Studying “Seamless”

Bel-Mar Grant

Applications Are Open Through March 31

The Bel-Mar Committee at PCPC is pleased to announce the opening of the Bel-Mar Fund "grant portal" for this year. When the Bel-Mar Presbyterian Church merged with Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church, there was a sizeable influx of funds from the sale of the Bel-Mar church property that accrued to the Bel-Mar Corp under the guidance of PCPC. That property is the site of Casa Bel-Mar which provides 100 units of much-needed affordable housing in South Tampa The funds are being put to use in a thoughtful and measured philanthropic way each year in order to align with the visions and missions of our church:

2nd Monday of the month at 7:30pm at a member’s home

Flourish and Fellowship (20s, 30s, & 40s)

Studying “Have a Beautiful, Terrible Day” by Kate Bowler

3rd Thursday of the month at 6:30pm at a member’s home

To promote the charitable, religious and Christian educational purposes of PCPC

Between January 5- March 31, 2026, the BelMar Committee will accept and consider requests submitted by PCPC members or committees on behalf of a 501(c)3 organization that does work aligned with this mission If you know of such an organization and would like to request funding for it, you may obtain a Grant Application via palmaceia.org/belmar or in the PCPC church office. Questions about the process may be directed by email to: Rydbergmarsha@gmail.com.

CentennialCampaign

For one hundred years, Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church has stood as a beacon of faith, compassion, and love guiding generations of families and individuals into deeper life with God and deeper love for neighbor.

Today, we give thanks for those who came before us and whose prayers, generosity, and sacrifice laid the foundation we now enjoy. Because they were willing to invest in a future they would not fully see, we are here. And now, standing at the threshold of a new century, the question before us is simple and profound: What might God do next through this community of faith?

The Forward with Christ Centennial Campaign is about more than preserving buildings or maintaining programs. It is about strengthening our worship spaces, investing in life-giving ministry, and extending our witness so that future generations may grow in faith, and so that we may continue serving our congregation and our community with joy, courage, and faithfulness

Over many months, a devoted group of volunteers—serving on the Ezra Committee and the Steering Committee—have prayerfully and diligently done the work of discernment. They have met with staff, fellow church members, and experts in a variety of fields. Together, they have researched, listened, and planned, identifying priority projects and sustainment funds that will help prepare Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church for the next hundred years of ministry

In just a few weeks, you will be invited into this work in a very tangible way. On February 8, following each morning service, we will hold a congregational vote. You will be asked to vote in support of this Session-endorsed campaign a campaign designed not just for us, but for those who will worship here, learn here, and encounter Christ here long after we are gone.

This is our moment to step forward in faith, just as others once did for us. Information about what this campaign will support and how you can participate will be shared through all our church’s communication channels, and we encourage you to engage fully, ask questions, and pray about your role.

As we celebrate our first century, may we also have the courage to prepare for the next trusting that the same God who has been faithful for the past one hundred years will continue to lead us into a future filled with hope.

To watch a recording of one of the November 2025 Vision Meetings to which the congregation was invited and for more information, visit www.palmaceia.org/centennial-campaign.

We invite PCPC Members to a Vision Presentation Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 6:00 pm in the Gym/Multi-Purpose Room.

The Vision Presentation comes ahead of a Congregational Meeting & Vote Sunday, February 8, 2026 after each morning worship service.

We hope you'll prepare for the Congregational Meeting by attending the Vision Presentation or by watching the recorded presentation at palmaceia.org/centennial-campaign

Your Centennial Campaign Leadership Teams

Two committees have been faithfully meeting for nearly two years to help guide this process:

Campaign Steering Committee

The Steering Committee is responsible for the overall structure and execution of the campaign, including reviewing funding priorities and submitting them to the Session.

Members:

John DeBevoise (Chair), Beth DeBevoise, Nelson Guagliardo, Peter Kirkwood, Erin Lagor, Erica Maxwell, Doug McCree, Julianne McKeel, Mike Poland, Courtney Rice, Susan Stern Ezra Committee

Ezra Committee

The Ezra Committee is focused on visioning and planning, developing renovation and programming priorities aligned with PCPC’s mission. They coordinate with the Finance and Buildings & Grounds Committees to ensure thoughtful budgeting and implementation.

Members:

Nelson Guagliardo (Chair), Erin Lagor, Julianne McKeel, David Pead, Mike Poland, Susan Stern, Joseph Taggart, Carol Wells, John Wells, Dan Woodward. William Dobson, Architect.

January 2026 marks the beginning of a year-long celebration of the hundred-year history of Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church The Centennial Kick-Off Event on January 11, 2026 with its beautiful floral displays, texts, and hymns all point us toward remembrance of this rich faith history

Through the coming year, and into 2027, the scroll of our church history will be unfurled Be sure to view the history and artifacts as they are posted in the Fellowship Hall, a project that will begin now and unfold throughout this year. Come and see as the walls fill with history.

This time a hundred years ago, the Holy Spirit was at work at Palma Ceia Presbyterian With the encouragement of the Presbytery, our founders were organizing hospitality to children Yes, the church started with children and the adults invested in their nurture Oral history notes that in that first location children were invited in to “bob” for apples, sing hymns, hear the Word, and form the community that would become the church in this place.

On January 11, Centennial Celebration Kickoff Sunday, we welcomed the descendants of one of those founding families, William Campbell McLean and Marion Jones McLean, to participation in leadership at all services: Todd McLean at 8:30, Campbell McLean at 9:00, and Cynthia McLean Baran at 11:00

Whether you are a cradle member of our church or one of its elders, the founders are our great grandparents in Christ, and you are part of a family celebrating our hundredth birthday by remembering what God in Jesus Christ has done through the Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church

Listen to the stories, enjoy the evolving celebration, cultivate gratitude for all who have gone before us, and let visions of the future form in our hearts

“Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us. ”

-2 Timothy 1: 14

Centennial Celebration Events

February 4, 2026

Centennial Kickoff at Wednesday Night Dinner

March 25, 2026

Wednesday Night Dinner 80's, 90's and 100th

Members and Church Birthday Celebration

April 25, 2026

Centennial Tea

May 2026

Centennial Concert (stay tuned for details)

August 2026

End-of-Summer Centennial Celebration (stay tuned for details)

November 1, 2026

All Saints Day: Panel of PCPC Members raised in the church and now raising their children and grandchildren in the church sharing stories and memories

February 7, 2027

Birthday Dinner Celebration

2 Annual Spring Tea nd

Mark your calendar for PCPC's Second Annual Spring Tea Saturday, April 25 . This year th it will have a centennial theme. Feel free to dress in mid 1920’s attire. Tickets will go on sale in February.

We are looking for table sponsors. The sponsor will bring their china and decorate their table. We provide the tablecloths. You can fill your table with family and friends by having tickets reserved or choose to have an open seating table. Last year all tables were booked! If you would like to sponsor a table, please contact Jeanne Rowe ASAP to reserve your spot: pirateq3@aol.com.

Buildings & Grounds Project Update

While our beautiful Sanctuary entrance is now open and hurricane repairs are complete, one important project remains for this year: replacement of the steeple louvers.

The eight black arched louvers in the steeple play a critical role in ventilating the Sanctuary attic and roofing system. Since the original construction, they have allowed wind-driven rain to periodically enter the belfry, draining onto the plaster balcony ceiling and narthex below. With the installation of the new balcony ceiling, it is essential to address this long-standing issue.

The Buildings and Grounds Committee has ordered hurricane-rated replacement louvers that will maintain proper ventilation while preventing water intrusion. This work will protect recent repairs, resolve a persistent problem, and help preserve our Sanctuary for years to come. Thank you for your continued understanding and patience as we complete this important work!

3501W.SanJose,Tampa,FL33629

Phone(813)253-6047

www.palmaceia.org

WINTER 2026

Followuson...

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/PalmaCeiaPresbyterianChurch

Instagram

@PCPChurch

DownloadourChurchApp byscanningtheflowcode

Youth Group:

Middle School meets from 6:00-7:30pm in the Gym

High School meets from 7:30-8:45pm in the Youth Room

Plus...

Sundown (High School Bible Study): Resumes January 25: 7-8pm in the Couch Room

Children’s Mentors: Resumes January 25: 10-10:50am in the Chapel

Save the Date: Youth Sunday - April 26th

Summer 2026 Trip Registration OPEN NOW!

Rising 7th, 8th, & 9th Graders:

Disciple Now Service Week: June 1-5

“The Great Escape” at Southwind July 14 -18

Rising 10th, 11th, 12th, & CO26'

The Great Adventure - Blue Ridge, GA June 13 - 20

Registration & More Info: palmaceia.org/youth

If a trip fills up, a waitlist will automatically appear on the registration page We always recommend signing up for the waitlist quickly - spots often open as plans shift.