From the Pastor s Desk

Transcription

1 December 2018 Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church, PCA Volume 13 Issue 12 From the Pastor s Desk By Rev. Freddy Fritz Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church Staff Rev. Freddy Fritz, Pastor Melissa Bayley, Office Administrator LeeAnn DeStefano, Office Assistant Joanne Campbell, Bookkeeper Ashleigh Kemp, NTCA Administrator Marianne Cali, Nursery Millie Myers, Music Director and Pianist Chris Christopher, Custodian Angels from the Realms of Glory As we enter the Advent Season, we will be hearing lots of Advent and Christmas music. One of the songs that you may hear is Angels from the Realms of Glory. In his book titled Nelson s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes, Robert J. Morgan writes that when the Moravian Christians of Europe launched Protestant missions, they did it at a cost. Many of them had to leave their children behind in boarding schools across England and the Continent. And so it was that the Montgomery family reluctantly placed sixyear-old James in such an institution as they shipped off as foreign missionaries to the West Indies. When they later perished, James, left with nothing, spent his teenage years drifting from pillar to post, writing poetry and trying his hand at one thing then another. In his early twenties, he began working for a British newspaper, the Sheffield Iris, and there he found his niche. When his editorials proved unpopular with the local officials, he was thrown into jail and fined twenty pounds. But he emerged from prison a celebrity, and he used his newly acquired fame to promote his favorite issues. Chief among them was the Gospel. Despite the loss of his parents and all his hardships, James Montgomery remained devoted to Christ and the Scriptures. 1

2 As the years passed, he became the most respected leader in Sheffield, and his writings were eagerly read by its citizens. Early on Christmas Eve, 1816, James, forty-five, opened his Bible, and was deeply impressed by Luke 2:13. Pondering the story of the heralding angels, he took his pen and started writing. By the end of the day his new Christmas poem was being delivered to England in the pages of his newspaper. It was later set to music and was first sung on Christmas Day, 1821, in a Moravian Church in England. Here is what he wrote: Angels from the realms of glory, Wing your flight o er all the earth; Ye who sang creation s story, Now proclaim Messiah s birth; Come and worship, Come and worship, Worship Christ the new-born King. His parents would have been proud. And let us worship Christ this Christmas. TBPC Ministries Adult Bible Fellowship Ed Jordan Children Christy Almonte EmptyNesters Sandy Neal Greeters & Welcome Table Brian Carrier Hospitality Lesley Schmidt Men s Bible Study Jeff Beams Men s Ministry Brian Carrier Missions Rich Thompson Music Millie Myers NTCA Ashleigh Kemp Nursery Marianne Cali Outreach Vacant Pastoral Care Rev. Freddy Fritz Ushers Lenny Chew Women s Bible Study Eileen Fritz & Debbie Jordan Women s Ministry Suzanne Swenson Youth Richard Hunter 2

3 Mission Field Prayer Requests Prayers for The Dishman Family: 1) Paro! Pray for a just and swift end to the student strike (paro actually means "stoppage") that has gone on for the last six weeks. Thank the Lord that in spite of class cancellations, student assemblies, mass marches, blockaded buildings, and a touch of tear gas, we have still seen good turnout from students and the opportunity to serve them as they seek to fend off procrastination and continue to grow in their faith and their calling as sons and daughters, vocational learners, faithful friends, and members and attenders of local churches. Pray that they we will finish well this week, and that the academic calendar won't go too far off the rails as the semester likely won't finish until the spring! 2) Pregnancy. Lauren is due on April 4 with our second Dishman boy (we'll confirm that on December 7 when she has her next doctor appointment). Rejoice with us and pray that Lauren's nausea will decrease and that some recent back pain from carrying 18-month-old Isaac will also decrease. Thank the Lord that he recently provided for a used washer and dryer that will fit in the quirky washer/dryer spot in our apartment (right next to the refrigerator), and that most of the leaks on our deck dome have finally been plugged. 3) Particular Students. Praise the Lord that he has been using his word in concrete ways in student s lives. Students have been telling me that our study of Exodus has been particularly helpful in seeing what they do in the desert and how gracious God is in cutting a covenant with his people. Please pray for the Holy Spirit to work powerfully in specific students. A student who is running away from dealing with the big questions of faith and taking refuge in a romantic relationship. A student who is struggling to love parents who demand obedience but often exasperate. A student who is on the edge of conversion but is struggling to believe that what Jesus offers (kind but total kingship) is better than their attempts to find control and connection. A student who is growing in understanding grace, has found and committed to a local reformed church and who is looking for his first job in the next few months. Pray especially for students who will be out of reach for the next month - that the Lord will guide and keep them. 3

4 Mission Field Prayer Requests We hope you had a wonderful holiday! We were grateful to celebrate with the MTW team here in Bogota and with our students on the 43rd day of the education strike. Today, on "Giving Tuesday," there are many fantastic opportunities to display generosity and give joyfully as you are able. To the many who have supported our family and ministry in Colombia, we want to say "MUCHAS GRACIAS!" A special thanks to those who have given a matched gift toward the South America Campus Ministry project. We currently have $5,000 of the $7,500 given towards seeding new RUF ministries in Latin America. Bendiciones, Peter & Lauren Dishman 4

5 Mission Field Prayer Requests The Beck s Journey in Cherokee Answers to Prayers: We are so grateful first to God, who is the great orchestrator, and then also to those who God used. We received a hand-me-down van for our church and youth group. We are now able to pick up many of the kids who otherwise wouldn t be able to come. Another answer to prayer is that the extension on our church is completed! We just need to fix the floor on the old side, but once that s done we will be able to seat about 80 people. And it looks great. THANK YOU to all who took part in this work!! Our prayer for each of you is from the book of Philippians: I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 3 Prayer Requests 1. Pray for the growth of the church plant, Grace Community, and the friendships we have developed. 2. We will need to take a training trip to Belgium in January, pray we learn a lot and make the most of the trip and also for the ministries in Cherokee while we are away and protection of our home and property. 5

6 Mission Field Prayer Requests 3. That more would rise up to support us financially as we are still in deficit right now. 4. Pray for each student that comes to our youth group. That we will invest well in their lives and God will be evident in them. 5. Praise that Julie s father gifted us with a subscription to Tabletalk Magazine and pray we faithfully do our daily family devotions and keep growing in God s Grace and Knowledge and love and service towards each other. Would you consider us being on option for your end of the year donation as well? We definitely encourage giving first to your home church, as a lot of missionaries are in deficit in their support as well. New Address is: P.o. Box 2182 Cherokee, NC Thank you all for your interest, care, financial support, and prayers for us and the ministry here in Cherokee. We love you!! 6

7 Hospitality Committee Happy Happenings 1 Peter 4:8-9: Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. New Member Class Supper: On November 4 we hosted three couples, and their three children, at an Italian-ish meal. In February, those 6 folks will host the next New Member Class s supper. Simple Soup Supper for Sunday Seconds: Our second monthly pre-service dinner on November 11 was as delicious as the first. Twenty-one members of the TBPC family joined to share a relaxed meal of hamburger (thanks to Mia), chicken noodle (thanks to Betty) and squash (thanks to Marianne) soups. Bread and dessert (thanks to Chris, Marsha, and Laura) rounded out the meal. If you feel led to contribute soup or dessert to future festivities, contact Lesley Schmidt at or jrslks92@yahoo.com. Please plan on joining us on December 9 for the next installment of SSS4SS. RSVP on the pew cards with the number of adults and children (who will be eating) by December 2. Thanksgiving Service and Covered Dish Dinner: On November 18 we were once again able to share Thanksgiving with of our brothers and sisters at TBPC. A message from Dr. Stephen Clark, an abundance of delectable fare, praise through song, and a time of sharing our gratitude were all a part of the evening. (Please see the next page for a list of some of this year s blessings.) Thank you to everyone who set up, cooked, and cleaned up, especially the hospitality ladies who crammed themselves into the kitchen! Christmas Eve Goodies: After our 6:00pm service of lessons and carols on December 24, we ll spend some time together as a church family and welcome guests to our celebration of the Lord s birth. Since food makes every gathering better, we d love it if you could bring a sweet or savory treat to share. Please mark CE on the pew cards and note what you ll be bringing. Help (always) Wanted: The Band of Merry Bakers (BOMB) and the Café Crew would be happy to consider all applicants to the positions of baker, barista, and bottle-washer. 1 Peter 3:8: Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 7

8 Hospitality Committee ~Giving Thanks~ The following are some of the comments provided on the Thanks Cards at the Thanksgiving Service and Covered Dish Supper. I am thankful for: Family and friends, God, drinks, water. - Emily Another year of good health. - Joe Kirkpatrick 2018, TBPC, retirement. - anonymous My salvation, God s mercies which are new every morning, my family, and especially a new grandbaby on the way! - Cathi Diaz My wife of 47 years, my children, and grandchildren. - John Hutton My wife, son, and baby on the way. - Ken Smoot Our New Zealand family being able to spend most of November with us. Cathy is celebrating a milestone birthday with us on Tuesday. (40) anonymous (Ha) The health of my family. - anonymous My dog. - Tyler Me and my son being alive, my sibling, my salvation, and this church. - Deborah Osibidu A church that preaches the Bible every week. - anonymous A fantastic marriage, a great job, a great church. - Ted Jeffries 8

9 Hospitality Committee My family and my friends. - Krystal Being in a church that recognizes its pastor not once, but twice, in one day for his birthday. Is it a sin to be envious? - anonymous The wonderfully supportive family at TBPC. - Jane Tyler My right knee. - Josiah God s provision for great medical treatment for my 62 year old husband, and for the aforesaid husband s implicit trust in God, discipline, and great attitude during treatments. - guess 9

10 Men s Ministry By Brian S. Carrier Men s Fishing Trip On November 10, 2018, the Men s Ministry had their third inshore fishing event located at the Gandy Bridge docks. We had 4 men attend the fishing trip, which is less than the 2 previous years, and we chartered one fishing boat for the trip for 4.5 hours. Those present and on the boat, from left to right, are Craig Tyler, Jason Knecht, Pastor Freddy Fritz & Brian Carrier. It was a beautiful day for fishing with a lot of sun and a temperature at departure of about 72 degrees which warmed up to about 82 degrees by the end of our trip. The Lord provided yet another perfect day for the men to enjoy some fishing. The Captain that guided our day was Captain George Jonah. This trip was a little more exciting than previous trips because we went out approximately 7 miles to fish for Mackerel and Bass whereas in the previous years we were mainly fishing for Snook. Captain George took us to many locations where he thought we could catch lots of fish. We fished our first spot catching a few bites, but it was a little slower than what we and he wanted. The second spot was about the same with not much luck at that spot either; however, we were fishing above an old sunken barge. We saw a lot of fish jumping out of the water but not near where our fishing poles were and all the men were watching all these fish teasing us by jumping away from the boat. Captain George suggested that we move to a little shallower water as the tide was moving inward. He said that would attract the fish. When we arrived, it was a little slow for a few minutes and then they started to bite. At one point, 3 men were reeling in fish at the same time and it became really fun. I believe we caught approximately 10 fish in this spot; mostly Mackerel which 10

11 Men s Ministry By Brian S. Carrier took to the live bait we had and even started jumping to get off the line. Some of the fish managed to escape, but most of us stayed busy. It was busy for a little while and then later slowed down. I guess some of the fish were talking and warning their friends to stay away (Ha Ha) as they stopped biting like they did before. The rest of the day we moved to different locations catching a few fish and throwing most of them back. We enjoyed the fun again. Some of the men wanted to go back to the previous spot where they were biting a lot but George, our Captain, looked for other spots instead. It was another wonderful day enjoying friends and fellowship while catching fish on the open water. This year our fishing champion was again Craig Tyler who caught a total of 11 fish, just 2 shy of his 2016 Champion run of 13 fish that year. Craig has won 2 out 3 years as our Tampa Bay fishing champion. We need to have more men join us so we can have more competitors in order to dethrone our champion next year. Craig will be receiving his award for the second time at our Men s Breakfast to be held at the church on December 8, We finished about 1 PM and proceeded to lunch. The final finish to the day was to go to the local restaurant where all the men enjoyed a nice lunch together at The Hula Bay Club. A variety of items were chosen with some seafood ordered, which was appropriate for the day. The Men s Ministry would like to thank all the people who participated in the men s fishing trip and we hope to hire 3 boats next year. 11

12 Men s Ministry By Brian S. Carrier We are having a Men s breakfast on December 8, at 8:30 AM. We would like to thank the men who attended the 3rd annual inshore fishing event and look forward to doing this around the same time next year. We also hope that you men can make it to the Men s Bible Study every Saturday morning at 7: 45 A.M., led by our own Dr. Jeff Beams, studying The message of creation by Jack B. Scott. Thank you again for the support of the Men s Ministry & Men s Bible Study. With Praise, Brian S. Carrier Men s Ministry Leader 12

13 Join us the first Friday of every month at Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church for a meal, prayer, family focused devotional activities, and fun! Open to all church members and attendees! Families with children are highly encouraged to attend. Great opportunities for volunteers are available for games, crafts, and food setup. Dates: Dec 7, Jan 4, Feb 1, Mar 1, April 5, May 3 What to expect 6:30-7:00 p.m.: Meal time and opening prayer 7:10-7:45 p.m.: Family devotional Activity 7:45-8:25 p.m.: Fellowship and board games 8:30 p.m.: Closing Please RSVP so we can prepare appropriately. If you are interested in helping please contact: Christy Almonte

14 Happening in December Friday, December 7, 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. Friday Family Fun Night See page 13 for details. Saturday, December 8 8:30 A.M.: Men s Breakfast The cost is $8.00 (collected at the breakfast) and will be followed with a short devotional time. For more information contact Brian Carrier ( , brian@bcaflorida.com). RSVP by writing Men s Breakfast on your Welcome Card. Sunday, December 9, 12:00 P.M.: Women s Ministry 15 Meeting All women are invited to attend a WM 15 meeting after Worship in the Youth Room at 12:00 p.m. to get the latest information on women's events. Think about any concerns or new ideas you may want to share. Sunday, December 9, 5:00 P.M. Simple Soup Supper for Sunday Seconds Join us for soup, bread, and dessert prior to the evening worship service. Please RSVP in advance by sending an to Lesley Schmidt at jrslks92@yahoo.com, or completing a pew card, by November 4. Please let us know the number of adults and children in your party. Sunday, December 9, 6:00 P.M. Evening Worship Service The sermon will be, What if Christ Had Not Been Born? Please plan to attend. We would love to see you there. Childcare is provided. Sunday, December 23 ABF & Sunday School. No classes will be held. Monday, December 24, 6:00 P.M.: Christmas Eve Service Please use the invitation card in the bulletin, or in the narthex, to invite friends and family to participate in our Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols. If you can help by bringing a hospitality platter of cheese, fruit, veggies, or sweets to share, please write CE on your Welcome Card and the item you will bring. Please bring them 30 minutes before the start of the service. Sunday, December 30, ABF & Sunday School. No classes will be held. 14

15 December Birthdays December Anniversaries Rock & Jennie Roque December Years Joe & Kim Cozzolino December 14 7 Years Freddy & Eileen Fritz December Years Tim & Cynthia Smith December Years Pete & Laura Rotolo December Years Bill & Joanne Campbell December Years Peter & Lauren Dishman December 28 5 Years Drew & Ashley Jeffries December 28 7 Years 15

16 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given;... Isaiah 9:6 ESV 16