February 28 Presbytery meeting recap
► We are grateful to First Presbyterian Church of Marianna for their gracious hospitality in hosting the meeting, ensuring every amenity was available for conducting the presbytery's business "decently and in order." From directing parking; to setting up lunch, registration and display tables; to welcoming and registering attendees; to providing a lavish continental breakfast of delectable sweets, juice and fresh fruits and serving a sumptuous lunch of roast beef and sides with banana pudding, the team of volunteers went "above and beyond" to attend to every need. We thank you!
► On behalf of the Bills and Overtures Committee, Presbytery Parliamentarian Rev. Dr. Brant Copeland (HR) presented and explained proposed constitutional amendments approved by the 225th General Assembly for voting by presbyteries. The presbytery approved an omnibus motion containing 22 overtures and separately considered several additional overtures. Click here for a summary. View denomination-wide tallies reported to the Office of the General Assembly (OGA) as of February 23 by amendment and by presbytery. Find the latest reports on the Resources tab of PC-Biz. Note, the presbytery will consider the proposed replacement of the entire existing "Rules of Discipline" Book of Order section in the May presbytery meeting.
   Tremendous thanks to the B & O Committee for their work in preparing a thorough, well-organized presentation. Serving with Rev. Dr. Copeland are Red Bay Commissioned Ruling Elder and 224th General Assembly Elder Commissioner Joanne Kublik and 225th GA Young Adult Advisory Delegate Ryan Obray. 
► General Presbyter Roy Martin announced the formation of a Strategic Planning Task Force to oversee a presbytery discernment process in consultation with Holy Cow!, the firm facilitating similar processes within several presbytery congregations. Task Force Chair Rev. Mark Broadhead shared that, soon after Easter, assessment questionnaire links will be emailed to each congregation's pastor and clerk of session and various presbytery committee members. Read more about the Task Force and its work in the March Panhandle Presbyterian.
► The presbytery approved a Committee on Congregational Revitalization (CCR) request that its name be changed to the Committee on Congregational Discernment (CCD) to more accurately reflect the committee's foundational work.
► The presbytery conferred Honorably Retired status upon Rev. Steve Graves, who retired as Lafayette, Tallahassee's pastor at the end of January. A litany of recognition for Rev. Graves followed.
►The presbytery approved 1st, Tallahassee Elder Glenn Hodges' candidacy for ministry. Glenn has served the presbytery in many capacities over the years and currently chairs the Presbytery's Committee on Representation (CR).
► The presbytery elected the following to committee positions:
Committee on Congregational Discernment (CCD):
Joanne Kublik (CRE, Red Bay), Shelia Clerk-Askew (Elder, Gulf Beach, Panama City Beach)
Committee on Dogwood Acres (CDWA):
Lisa Sweeny (Member, 1st, Lynn Haven), Susie Barber (Elder, 1st, Marianna), Ken Densmore - Vice Chair (Elder, 1st, Pensacola), Rev. Bill Lamont - Chair (Pastor, Gulf Breeze)
Committee on Educational Resources (CER):
Rev. Dr. John Stringer - Chair (Interim Pastor, 1st, Ft. Walton Beach), Chris Rollins (Elder, 1st, Ft. Walton Beach), Rev. Erin Rosica - Vice Chair (Member at large)
Committee on Mission and Outreach (CMO):
Rev. Dr. Hugh Hamilton (Pastor, Trinity Pensacola)
Committee on New Congregational Development (CNCD):
Stan Trappe (Elder, Grace, Panama City), Beth Mooney (Elder, 1st, DeFuniak Springs)
Committee on Ministry (COM):
Sue Coleman (Elder, Trinity, Pensacola), Linda Pitts (Parish Associate, Faith, Tallahassee), Linda Lovins (Elder, Christ, Tallahasssee)
Committee on Presbytery Administration (CPA):
Ann Fyfe (Elder, 1st, Lynn Haven), Barbara Sawyer (Elder, Northminster, Pensacola), David Balmer - Vice Chair (Elder, Gulf Beach, Panama City Beach)
Committee on Preparation for Ministry (CPM):
Rev. Sheldon Steen - Chair (Pastor, Christ, Tallahassee)
► The presbytery approved a revised budget from the Committee on Presbytery Administration (CPA), which included changes to the receipts, but not the expenditures, portion to allow for greater use of reserve funds as needed. At the CPA's request, the presbytery also re-elected Fellowship, Tallahassee Elder Jeannie Dixon as Presbytery Stated Clerk for a three-year term.
► Presbyterian Women Moderator Vicki Bell mentioned that, at the October 2022 presbytery meeting, she'd been asked whether men, as well as women, and current ministers, as well as seminary students, may apply for a scholarship available from the Presbyterian Women. Anyone who is a seminary student or planning to be a seminary student or a minister needing continuing education is encouraged to apply, she said. Application forms are available from the presbytery office. Awards ususally are announced at the PW's annual gathering, she added.
► The meeting concluded with the installation of 1st, Lynn Haven Elder Don Mowat as presbytery moderator and 1st, Crestview/Laurel Hill Pastor Rev. Mark Broadhead as vice moderator. 

Our presbytery family
 
► Read the latest! March Panhandle Presbyterian

► Dogwood Acres Camp and Retreat Center has a brand new registration system and lots of big plans for fun coming this summer. Register now for Summer Camp and save $50. Click here for all the information. Click here for a printable flier to share.

► The Presbytery's Committee on Educational Resources (CER) have announced the cancellation of Disciplefest Spring 2023, scheduled to be held at Dogwood Acres March 4 and 5, due to insufficient registrations. CER thanks all the workshop presenters and attendees who'd planned to join in the event. Watch for other educational opportunities from CER in the future.

►Look for bountiful bargains at Trinity Presbyterian, Pensacola's Rummage Sale this Friday, March 3, 5 – 7 p.m. CST (50% markup sale) and Saturday, March 4, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. CST (regular price sale) to support their youth, and at First Presbyterian of Havana's Yard Sale Saturday, March 4, 7 – 11 a.m. EST, to support mission activities. 

► Gulf Beach Presbyterian, Panama City Beach, Pastor Rev. Dr. Michael Askew was sworn in last week as Panama City Beach Police Department Chaplain. View photos.

► Fellowship Presbyterian, Tallahassee, is looking for a new music director for a blended service of contemporary and traditional music. The director would need to have some familiarity with contemporary music and lead a small ensemble by playing the piano or guitar, and will also be tasked with directing the choir each Sunday in a choral anthem. Additionally, some knowledge in areas of leading a handbell choir and children’s choir would be helpful but not required, only a willingness to learn. Time required each week is Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. ET and Sunday morning from 9 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. ET. Please sen  your resumes or inquiries to revmealor@gmail.com.

► All women are invited to join in worship, conversation and fellowship at the Spring Gathering of Presbyterian Women, with the theme, "New Beginnings", to be held Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, at First Presbyterian Church of Lynn Haven. Click here for an event flier with details. Register at https://www.firstchurchlh.org/schedule/pw-2023.

► Trinity Presbytery Church, Pensacola will host a two-day missions training seminar with Teach to Transform Friday and Saturday, March 17 and 18, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. CST. Training participants will become qualified to teach simple medical skills to missionaries. Teach To Transform equips missionaries around the world with medical and vocational skills they can use to share the gospel of Christ. There are roles for medical and non-medical people and all educational levels. Click here for a flier with details. Register at www.teachtotransform.org/event-signup. $25 covers training materials and lunch.

► Registration for Twists & Turns VBS at Gulf Breeze Presbyterian Church is now open. From classic tabletop games to strategy games to video games, participants will play their way through VBS this summer while discovering that following Jesus changes the game! Spots are limited, so register soon.
Registration for participants age 4 – entering 6th grade:
https://gulfbreezepc.breezechms.com/form/e03352
Registration for volunteers – youth entering 7th grade and all adults. https://gulfbreezepc.breezechms.com/form/e0335217

Other events and opportunities

► The 29th annual Panama City Beach Scottish Festival, which originated at Grace Presbyterian Church, is happening this Saturday, March 4, at Frank Brown Park. The gates open at 9 a.m. CST, with the welcome ceremony and Parade of Tartans beginning at 11 a.m. The festival will end at 5 p.m. Athletic competitions, bagpipe bands and authentic food and merchandise will be available. Learn more at www.pcbscottishfestival.com.

► The Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast and St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Marianna, will present Stop the Traffic, a nonprofit human trafficking awareness and prevention event, Saturday, March 4, 9 – 11:30 a.m. CST at the Chipola College Cultural Arts Center in Marianna. You're invited to come learn more about how you, your friends and loved ones can stay safe and play a vital role in making a difference.

More news you can use

► Check out the new five-verse hymn, We Were Not There, written for congregations to use this Lenten season with the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering: https://buff.ly/3JeUXcr.

► March 20 is Rev. Fred Rogers’ birthday, and the Presbyterian Mission Agency offers resources for celebrating Mr. Rogers Day. It’s always a good day to be a good neighbor! 

Pray for one another

- March 5 – Freeport Presbyterian Church
- March 12 – Gretna Presbyterian Church

- The Presbytery's Strategic Planning Task Force, meeting March 7, and Committee on Presbytery Administration (CPA), meeting March 8

Click here for the complete 2023 Presbytery Prayer Calendar, or view the calendar's prayer requests in the Presbytery's Calendar of Events at http://www.presbyteryofflorida.net/events-calendars/.