The Trumpet
Founding Pastor Transfers Membership
On October 4, 2026, the founding pastor of the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Dr. James Saxon, transferred his church membership from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant.
Three Saturdays earlier, on September 19, Pastor Saxon suffered a major heart attack. He was hospitalized and treated for about two weeks, but he never recovered enough to receive the surgery required to improve his health situation.
Pastor Saxon was born in Gadsden, AL, on November 1, 1951. He attended the University of Alabama for his undergraduate degree. During his senior year, he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Pastor Saxon attended Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. After graduating from RTS, he moved to Tampa, FL, where the Presbytery of Central Florida (which at that time covered Tampa) called him to plant a church. He was ordained in July 1979 and commissioned to plant a church in New Tampa.
Pastor Saxon, always extremely energetic, began meeting people and inviting them to join his core group for the church plant. In September 1979, Pastor Saxon began evening worship services with approximately 20 people in attendance. In November 1979, the core group started morning worship services with approximately 35 people in attendance.
Two and a half years later, in June 1982, the church plant organized and became a particularized church known as Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church. There were 60 charter members. Also in 1982, Pastor Saxon married Cindy Myers, whom he met a few months after arriving in Tampa, FL.
Almost four years later, in March 1986, the church purchased 3 acres of prime property on Bruce B. Downs Blvd. At the time, Bruce B. Downs was a two-lane road paved only to the entrance of what is now Walmart. The rest of Bruce B. Downs Blvd. was a dirt road up to Route 54.
About a year later, construction was started on the church building. The first worship service was held in the sanctuary of the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church on Easter Sunday, April 1988.
Twenty-one years after arriving in Tampa, Pastor Saxon and his family (by now, he and Cindy had two daughters, Natalie and Adrienne) moved to Atlanta, GA, where he joined the pastoral staff of Church of the Apostles. He served in various roles on staff at Apostles, but most notably as Director of Evangelism.
In 2006, Pastor Saxon earned his Doctor of Ministry degree from Reformed Theological Seminary in Atlanta, GA, and became an Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, teaching evangelism.
In 2025, Pastor Saxon left the Church of the Apostles to start a nonprofit, C128 Ministries, to support pastors with tools for sharing the gospel.
The heart attack and death of Pastor Saxon was unexpected and a surprise to us. His love for the Lord, his wife and family, and others was contagious. He exuded boundless energy and vitality. Nevertheless, in God's providence, he saw fit to transfer one of his servants from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant. We don’t understand the reason, but we agree with the psalmist who writes, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15). Amen.
- Freddy Fritz
(Photo/Cheryl Barber)
An Audience with the King
Let's say you received an invitation to visit the King of England. Certainly, he is no more than a man, but his position brings great honor and respect.
You probably would spend a great deal of time deciding what to wear, likely wanting to wear your best dress clothes. In anticipation of the day, it's likely you'd set your alarm to give yourself plenty of time. You wouldn't want to be late for your appointment with the King!
When you are finally in his presence, there's no doubt you would make sure to leave your breakfast outside the throne room because the moment calls for more than earthly comforts. And you'd be sure to turn your cell phone off because you wouldn't want it ringing. Not only would it be inappropriate, but it would take your focus off the King. You certainly don't plan to play games or text on your cell phone in his presence. Aside from being a faux pas, you're there to visit with him, not deal with business or questions that can be addressed later.
Now consider an even greater invitation. Think about the Lord's Day, where we are privileged to be invited into the presence of the King of Kings, the Creator and Sustainer of all life, more than a mere man, more than a royal title.
Every Sunday when we meet for worship, I wonder if we approach it with the same honor we might if we were meeting the King of England. Perhaps it's worth asking ourselves how we prepare for it. Reverence is ultimately a heart matter, but our outward choices can sometimes help us and others remember why we gather. Arrive on time. Let your outward appearance and belongings reflect an inward understanding of whom you're there to meet with. Set aside distractions, and focus on why we've gathered. Next Sunday, as you prepare for worship, show him the respect that he is due. He is worthy of our worship and all honor.
- Clydia Craig
Missions
Attached below is a letter John Stodghill passed on from a member of the Belize National Fire Service. The need for defibrillators was made known to the missions team while we were in Belize in July. Martine Extermann, Jennifer Schumm, and the Missions Committee each donated a defibrillator, and as you can see, they were truly appreciated.
- Scott Simmons
NTCA
November is a wonderful time to reflect on the blessings we share as a preschool family. We are so thankful for our amazing students, supportive families, and dedicated teachers who make our school a special place to learn and grow.
We celebrated our annual Chuck E. Cheese Spirit Night, a fun evening full of smiles, laughter, and fellowship for former and current students.
As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded of how blessed we are to be a part of a loving, Christ-centered community. We look forward to another month of learning, growing, making memories, and giving thanks for the many ways God is working in our school family.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1).
- Amanda Randall
Children
"If you are a parent, try this challenging exercise. Consider the last six months in your home. What would be the top 10 commandments that your children have heard from your lips?"
Click the button for an article from Jared Poulton that helps you reflect on the commandments that define your home.
Youth
During Sunday School, we've been working our way through the various covenants, focusing most recently on the Abrahamic Covenant. Thank you to Matthew Stringer, who jumped in at the last minute to lead while my family and I were sick. Next up will be the Davidic Covenant.
In the evenings, the middle school youth continue to discuss the WSC, particularly the decrees of God. The high schoolers have been considering the identity and purpose of the Sons of God in Genesis 6. Next, we will explore some hard truths of Genesis 34. Some of the group was also able to attend the Reformation Service on October 25.
- John Revell
Let's Get to Know the Barber Family
James and his boys (Jimmy, Josh, and Cale) have been attending TBPC for many years. His parents, Bert and Cheryl, are founding members of TBPC. We're so thankful Jena (and son Dominic) and James have joined their families together in marriage and that Jena has joined our fellowship as well! As newlyweds, they are enjoying the Meaningful Marriage ABF.
Tell us a little bit about your family.
James was born in Tampa, and I (Jena) was born in San Angelo, Texas, before moving to Wesley Chapel with my family in 1993 when I was seven years old. We were married on May 30 of this year and brought together a blended family of four boys. Our faith is very important to us, and we desire to keep God at the center of our marriage and family. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of a church community where we can grow in our faith, build meaningful relationships, and serve the Lord together. We recently bought a home and are excited about this new season of life together!
As a family, we love watching and attending sporting events. We also enjoy playing games, camping, and outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, surfing, and exploring in the mountains.
What careers have you had over the years?
James has worked in transportation engineering and is transitioning to Project Management in the same industry. I spent 10 years working in reservations and customer care for Hilton Hotels. For the past five years, I’ve worked at the University of South Florida as a Graduate Academic Program Specialist.
What do you enjoy about TBPC?
James enjoys the focus on biblical truth with expository teaching in a diverse and caring congregation. I appreciate the genuine sense of community. Everyone is so welcoming, and I love how the pastors take the time to truly know their members and stay connected. The close-knit community and meaningful services are exactly what I was missing in my church life, and I’m so grateful to have found a place where I feel connected and at home.
What lesson has God been teaching you?
God has taught us patience, perseverance, and dependence on Him as we navigate the joys and challenges of blending our families. We are grateful to have Jesus guiding us, strengthening our family, and drawing us closer to him and his plans for our lives.
What is your favorite hymn?
James has a traditional favorite, On Jordan's Stormy Banks, and a modern favorite, We Will Feast in the House of Zion. My favorite is Great Is Thy Faithfulness.
What is your favorite Scripture?
From James: Joshua 1:9. The book of Joshua is my favorite in the Bible, and Joshua and Caleb are two of my favorite biblical figures. The picture of God's people stepping into an unfamiliar place and a difficult challenge in faith as God fulfills his promises to them is an inspiration and encouragement to the church to do the same in our current age and look forward to the fulfillment of the promise of heaven. I think this verse encapsulates that moment, a bold command to seek the kingdom of God in reliance upon his promise.
Mine is Proverbs 3:5-6. It has always been a source of comfort to me during times of uncertainty and struggle. It reminds me to surrender my worries to God, trust in his goodness, and have faith that he will guide my steps according to his purpose for my life.
A Forgotten Principle Revisited Part 3 of 3
Last month, I shared additional thoughts on the forgotten principle for Bible interpretation as it relates to using certain symbols. This month, we will explore this topic by addressing the realm of standard typology that focuses on how Christ and his Church are often represented in the Psalms side-by-side in the form of Zion and the King, the people and the Anointed One, the city and her God.
Please check out part 3 in the series by clicking the button below.
- John Revell
Words of Wisdom
“It took Europe over a thousand years of Christianity to fashion what we know as the modern European project…. Democracy will be Christian, or it will not be.”
“Democracy owes its existence to Christianity.”
“Democracy is essentially evangelic since love is its mainspring.”
“An anti-Christian democracy would be a parody which would sink into tyranny or into anarchy.”
Robert Schuman (1886 – 1963)
Schuman is considered to be the “Father of the European Union,” along with Jean Monet. The EU currently denies what Schuman believed.
- Submitted by Eileen Fritz
Advent Devotionals for 2026
Whether it's for you as an individual, your kid, or your whole family, a daily meditation for December helps secure your focus and prepare your heart as you enter Christmas and anticipate the return of Christ.
Westminster Bookstore shares its reading suggestions for Advent, which begins Sunday, November 29. Advent is the fast before the feast of Christmas, a season to slow down and wait with hope for Christ, who came and will come again. Many of these books offer one reading a day through December.
This Month's Diaconate Update
This month, the Diaconate has been putting the final touches on projects that were previously mentioned in the Trumpet. Additionally, we are now preparing for the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. You may see flyers asking for volunteers during this time. We appreciate any help to ensure these events run smoothly.
I would like to update you on the two parts of the TBPC Safety Team. The first consists of 14 volunteers who rotate stations, with 1 person monitoring the locked front door and 2 who are in the sanctuary. If the person at the front door needs assistance, he has a unit that will page the two men in the sanctuary to quietly and quickly come to the front door to assist. He also has tablets that allow him access to the security cameras for the added safety of the congregation. Although we have 14 men who are in the rotation, we would always welcome more.
The second part of the team, which we are still working to implement, is the medical assistance section. Jennifer Schumm will be leading this, so if you have a medical background and are willing to volunteer, please contact Jennifer.
- Mike Rush
Welcome Lunch
Sunday, November 1 at 12:30 p.m.
Missions Team Meeting
Wednesday, November 4 at 7 p.m.
Men's Fishing Trip
Saturday, November 7 at 8 a.m.
ESL Teacher Meeting
Saturday, November 7 at 10 a.m.
Women's Ministry Harvest of Gratitude
Sunday, November 8 at 12:30 p.m.
Men's Book Club
Sunday, November 8 at 12:30 p.m.
NTCA Meeting
Tuesday, November 10 at 7 p.m.
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party
Saturday, November 14 at 10 a.m.
Men's Golf Outing
Saturday, November 14 at 1 p.m.
Brunch Bunch
Sunday, November 15 at 12:30 p.m.
New Member's Class
Sunday, November 15 at 3 p.m.
Session & Diaconate Meeting
Thursday, November 19
- Diaconate 5:30 p.m.
- Session 6 p.m
Church Thanksgiving Dinner & Service
Sunday, November 22 at 5 p.m.
Hanging of the Greens
Saturday, November 28 at 9 a.m.
We are excited to share that our church is now on Instagram. Follow us at @TampaBayPresbyterianChurch for updates on services, events, and church life. Please consider sharing our page with others to help extend our ministry. Scan the QR code or click the link to check it out!
