Glad Tidings April 2025
The Monthly Newsletter of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay
Calendar:
Thursdays in Black to raise awareness of violence against women and children
through the World Council of Churches.
Fridays in Red - Remember Everyone Deployed
ORANGE Day 25th of each Month
Orange is a UNiTE (through the United Nations) initiative that calls for wearing
orange and taking action to end violence against women and girls on the 25th
of every month throughout the world.
May 2 PWP Coordinating Team
October 17-19 Epworth by the Sea Synod of the South Atlantic Triennial Gathering
Spring is here! Are you taking a few minutes every day to enjoy the outdoors? Take a barefoot walk around the outside of your house, check the plants and bushes, wander out to the mail box, take a bike ride, let some fresh air into your house, or meet friends at a park for lunch. Make use of God’s world around you.
Easter is coming! It will be here before you know it! How are you personally and spiritually completing your Lenten observations? Better yet how are you, your family, and friends going to celebrate Easter?
How was Easter celebrated in your family during your growing up years or when you were raising your children? Be sure to make a plan to celebrate!
There is a Synod of the South Atlantic Gathering on St. Simon’s Island, GA October 17 ~ 19, 2025. We are combining with the Synod of Living Waters! Registration opens April 1st. The Registration Packet is available. Start planning now to join us! There are about 6 months to plan and prepare. Questions, contact the coordinating team.
This is a great time to connect with old friends and make some new ones!
May is Presbyterian Women’s Birthday Offering month. What are your big plans? Maybe a high tea or salad lunch? Finish the program year with a memorable occasion.
Don’t forget to plan a few activities over the summer to keep your women involved (you could invite men!). Museums and restaurants are air conditioned!
For flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
For blue of stream and blue of sky;
For pleasant shade of branches high;
For fragrant air and cooling breeze;
For beauty of the blooming trees,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!
Ralph Waldo Emerson
In case you have wondered, this is what the PW in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay’s logo represents:
Conch – a shell carried by Triton of Greek mythology depicts a trumpet – a symbol of strength, power, and glory. It represents a message from I John 3:11: We should love one another.
Dove – as soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water and at that moment heaven was opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. A voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love. With Him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16, 17
Olive Branch – from Genesis 8:11: When the dove returned to Noah, there in his beak was a freshly picked olive branch. The olive branch has been given as a sign of peace.
Cross – Luke 14:27: “And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me, cannot be my disciple.”
Sea Gull – the Sea Gull, prevalent in Tampa Bay, reminds us of creation. Genesis1:21: “So God created the great sea animals . . . and all the winged birds, each according to its kind.”
Water – wavy lines represent water necessary to all physical life. Jesus said, ”But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, this water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to Eternal Life.” John 4:14.
Glad Tidings 2024
The Monthly Newsletter of Presbyterian Women in the Presbytery of Tampa Bay
Calendar:
Thursdays in Black to raise awareness
of violence against women and children
through the World Council of Churches.
Fridays in Red
Remember Everyone Deployed
Churchwide Gathering Aug 8~11
Do Everything in Love
Who is planning to “Gather at the River” for the August 8-11 Churchwide Gathering? Let’s make some plans! Check out the information at presbyterianwomen.org and please let Susan know you are going.
Early registration ended April 30 but you may still download the form and mail it in. The motel room is running $185 (we figure 2 to a room is reasonable) and air fare seems to be around $300.
There is some financial assistance that will be divided after the gathering.
Please be aware there are long walks between your room, meetings, meals, and workshop spaces. Plan accordingly.
Robin is looking to travel with others – Which airline & flight # are you using, (I am booked on Southwest) how are you planning to get to the hotel – thinking the light rail looks interesting? Etc.
The Synod of the South Atlantic’s luncheon is at noon Saturday during the Churchwide Gathering at the Marriot Courtyard (where most of us are staying) and you can reserve your place at the table when you register.
It is time for serious planning so let us know your plans for Churchwide in St. Louis!
Books you may enjoy:
Infinite Country a novel by Patricia Engel
by Aaron Bobrow-Strain (a true account of one women's experience)
Solito - A Memoir by Zavier Zamora by Aaron Bobrow-Strain is a true account about a 9-year-old crossing the d
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