The Trumpet

Later this month, we will have our Annual Missions Conference. It is an opportunity for us to be encouraged by our missionaries’ service and to be challenged to continue our engagement in world missions. The question might be asked: Why are we engaged in missions ministry?

Let me suggest several reasons we are engaged in missions ministry.

First, we are engaged in missions ministry because the Great Commission commands us to do so. Jesus declared that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to him, commanding his followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-20). The risen Christ promised his disciples power through the Holy Spirit to become witnesses “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). He instructed them to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

Second, we are engaged in missions ministry because of God's love for the world. God’s love for the world was so profound that he gave his only Son so that “whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God has entrusted believers with “the ministry of reconciliation” and positioned them as “ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).

Third, we are engaged in missions ministry because the necessity of proclamation undergirds the urgency of missions. Paul’s logic in Romans shows that people cannot call on the Lord without believing in him, cannot believe without hearing, and cannot hear without someone preaching—and preachers must be sent (Romans 10:13-15). Jesus taught that “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few,” calling disciples to “pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38).

And fourth, we are engaged in missions ministry because God's glory frames all missions ministry. Habakkuk prophesied that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14). At the same time, Revelation envisions “a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9).

I encourage you to participate in our Annual Missions Conference that will take place the weekend of February 20-22, 2026. You will be encouraged and challenged.

- Freddy Fritz

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!

Think of your favorite novel. What if there was a guarantee the author would show up while you read his book? That might convince me to dedicate some time to soaking up his words, his lines, his chapters, his pages.

Spending time in God's Word, meditating on his promises, allowing him to speak, and growing in intimacy with the Word himself comes with that same guarantee, yet we often prioritize a million other distractions.

Let Asher B. be your inspiration to get involved in using the Seeing Jesus Together journal. "I like the journal because when I write about the passage I read, I remember it a lot more. I also like how the journal helps me organize my thoughts so I can pray better."

- Holly Mickler

(Photo/Catalina Betancourt)

Click on the thumbnails below to enlarge, or download the PDF version of the brochure

by clicking on the link under the photos.

2026 started off as a busy year. In January, you had the great opportunity to meet our new missionaries, Trey and Kiki Adams.

In February, we have our Missions Conference, and we have 4 missionaries visiting TBPC during the conference: Aldo Mondon (RUF Minister), the Stodghills from Belize, Carla Stevens, and me (Chaplain Michael Bridges).

On February 21, there is a dinner you may attend and enjoy great food while meeting the missionaries. On February 22, the missionaries will provide updates about their ministries during the ABF/Sunday School timeframe and at the start of the worship service. Rev. Leonard Liu will preach a sermon titled "God's Encouragement to Us," based on Joshua 1:1-9. Following the church worship service, you may eat lunch with the missionaries in a local restaurant.

During the Missions Conference, you may hear a little about the upcoming short-term mission trip to Belize. Over the last few years, we’ve sent church members there to do much work in construction and host VBS. I encourage you to consider going this summer (July 18-25). If you want to participate, please let either Martine Extramann or Pastor Scott Simmons know about your interest in supporting this great opportunity.

Grace and Peace,

Michael Bridges

Adults and children alike enjoyed lunch at Burger 21 with the Adams family,

one of our supported missionary families, on Sunday, January 11, 2026.

(Photo/Nancy Morrison)

Women's Ministry is hosting a dance on Saturday, February 28 from 3-5 p.m. All men and women age 10 and older are invited to a joyful afternoon of music, dancing, and fellowship. You can dress in your prom best, or come casual and comfy. Feel free to invite your family and friends. Childcare will be available upon request. See Brandi Shultz to purchase tickets ($5 each).

- Brandi Shultz

Men's Ministry sponsored a fun night of bowling at Main Event on Friday, January 16.

(Photo/David Lehmann)

Dear TBPC Family,

The beginning of the year has been a wonderful fresh start at NTCA! The children have adjusted well and are happily settled into their routines, filled with joy and excitement as we continue this season together. Our classrooms are buzzing with laughter, learning, and growing friendships as we strive each day to reflect Christ’s love in all that we do.

As we move into the second half of the school year, we are seeking the Lord’s guidance and covering for the months ahead. We thank God for his faithfulness and ask for his continued blessings over our students, families, and staff. We are excited and ready for all the fun events and meaningful activities planned for the children at NTCA, trusting that God will use each moment to help them grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Thank you for your continued prayers and support as we nurture these young hearts in his love.

With gratitude & blessings,

Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director

Key dates:

• Saturday, February 7 at 6 p.m.: Family Movie Night (The Wild Robot review)
• Saturday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m.: Children's activities at the Mission's Dinner
• Sunday, April 5 at 9 a.m.: Easter Breakfast Buffet & Children's Egg Hunt
• Fri-Sun, April 24-26: Church Retreat (Day visitors also welcome on Saturday, April 25.)

Church (sermon) notebooks:

We will no longer have clipboards with sermon note pages for children. In its place, I will place a bulk order for church notebooks (sermon notebooks). The subsidized cost is $5 each (or $10 per family). Please reply by February 9 if you would like me to order books for your children.

While this is an extra item to try to manage on a Sunday, I came across some cute tote bags for kids on Amazon that could help. Something like this could hold and organize their Bible, notebook, and papers from class.

Classroom reminders:

• Children in our Sunday School class for 3rd-6th graders are earning Bible Bucks for memorizing Scripture. If they've lost their O-ring with the verses, please email me.
• Please note that we take an offering in Children's Church each Sunday. We give the money collected to our missionaries in Haiti, the Eitiennes. This is a great opportunity to help our children understand giving as part of worship. (When my boys were younger, I would give them an allowance and then help them keep aside a couple of dollars so that they could give on Sunday.)

Children's Church playlist

I've created playlists for the songs we currently sing in Children's Church. If you have an opportunity to play them in the car so that your children become more familiar with them, that would be great! And if you have any other songs that your family likes to sing together, then please share your songs.

• Apple Music playlist
• Spotify Music playlist

Please feel free to reach out with any questions about our Children's Ministry!

-Ashleigh Kemp

It's been a few years (maybe decades) since the youth from TBPC have attended a week-long summer camp with other students in the PCA. This summer Pastor John Revell, Holly Mickler, and Ashleigh Kemp will be taking a van-load of teens, along with pieces of luggage that likely outnumber participants, to Laguna Beach Christian Retreat in Panama City Beach, FL for Reformed Youth Ministries High School Florida Conference.

RYM boasts, "This is more than a beach getaway. RYM High School Florida is a week where students will spend hours in God’s Word, build lasting friendships, and encounter the good news of the Gospel—while enjoying the sunshine, sand, and fun of the Emerald Coast."

In addition to praying for our youth attendees and their chaperones, please consider helping financially. The goal is to raise $5,000, which would cover all of the registration expenses, as well as some additional travel costs. On February 7, youth campers will be selling and serving treats at the Family Movie Night, so come enjoy the evening. There will also be a carwash to raise funds on March 8 (see below). If you would like to make a donation, see Pastor John Revell for more information.

- Holly Mickler

What a blessing for TBPC families to meet sweet Clara, daughter of Adrian and Yanet Ortiz,

on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

(Photo/Toni Cacioppo)

Clydia has attended TBPC for about 5 years. You've probably seen her flitting about before services, chatting and making everyone feel welcome. She is a leader for Women's Bible Study and also teaches with the English as a Second Language (ESL) ministry.

How did you find TBPC?

About 5 years ago, I was home recuperating after having a pacemaker installed, when I began to listen to local pastors preach online. I had recently left my PCA church in a church split and felt very hurt and alone. Freddy's preaching was excellent, and I felt the Lord drawing me to TBPC. When I came, I was warmly welcomed and never left. This is my church home.

I love that TBPC is so warm and welcoming and that we have pastors and a Session that faithfully teach the Bible as God's inherent word. I also love that we are a family that prays faithfully for each other and that we share with one another.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

I am the middle child of 7 children. I was born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky and moved to Evansville, Indiana before I came here (Tampa) in 1988. I was relocated to establish new stores in the Tampa Bay Area for the jewelry company that I worked for.

And I am blessed to have one daughter, three grandchildren, and one amazing great-grandchild! They are all living too far from me.

How do you like to have fun?

When we get together, my daughter and I like cook and also go thrifting. I love having people in my home to cook for and feed them. And we are a family that loves to play board games. I also love to read and have turned one of my bedrooms into a library. My two cats are my constant companions.

What careers have you been involved in?

I have worked for 35 years as the HR/Risk Manager for Famous Tate. Before that, I was a manager of a jewelry store, and before that, I was the manager of the supply services for a university. At one time I was also a children's librarian.

What lesson has God been teaching you?

God is using the Seeing Jesus Together journal to teach me every day. It's amazing when I talk to others about a day's passage, how God spoke to them in a different way, but we read the same passage. I am learning anew through the daily "manna" that he is sovereign and that he is faithful.

What is your favorite hymn?

Great Is Thy Faithfulness because I have known this about him for 83 years, and I trust that he never will change.

What is your favorite Scripture?

Matthew 11:28-30. That was the theme of Dane Ortlund's Gentle and Lowly, and while reading it, I was finally assured of my salvation. It has been so comforting to me.

Sunil Yerra & Esther Kakarla - February 8, 2006

Ken & Stephanie Smoot - February 22, 2014

Ken & Tammie Matlack - February 23, 1980

Biansheng Sun & Lizhen Cheng - February 23, 1982

Jack & Rebekah Cholak - February 24, 2024

Antonius Walaeus was a Dutch pastor-theologian who was a prominent delegate at the Synod of Dort in 1618. Hence, he was one of the leading men who composed the formulations that have passed down to us as the “5 Points of Calvinism.” In fact, these points are much more expansive and nuanced than we tend to recognize (go read the Canons of Dort!). Furthermore, the assembly did not rely exclusively or even primarily upon Calvin. The church fathers were a major influence, especially Augustine – who was certainly Calvin’s greatest influence. Walaeus joined the theological faculty at the University of Leiden in 1619, where he taught systematic theology. Along with the other faculty members, Walaeus composed the Leiden Synopsis (or The Synopsis of a Purer Theology), which became one of the most influential treatises of Reformed theology. In this masterful document, all of the major doctrines of Christian theology are concisely explained in an orderly manner. But this wonderful theology text has only been in English for a mere decade, and that first publication was highly expensive. Then in 2023, the Davenant Institute published a paperback edition of the Synopsis that is both accessible and affordable. I have selected just a few, brief excerpts from my reading to give you a taste of our rich theological heritage. And these are not mere intellectual interests, but have a clear practical application for us today in the midst of many competing voices and sources – many of which are neither trustworthy, nor competent. The Synopsis is not the Bible, but it is a weighty, reliable guide for us that has stood the test of time and has been passed down to us for our spiritual nourishment and edification. Enjoy these excerpts, and I look forward to discussing these things with you in the near future.

“[Concerning God’s decree of predestination], when the objection is raised that an orderly ranking of means is superfluous since the elect already are absolutely destined to salvation by a certain preceding act, this objection arises from a complete lack of understanding the orthodox point of view: God never elects someone unto salvation absolutely, if 'absolutely' excludes the means which God has appointed to attain that salvation. But such appointment to salvation in God's plan occurs from eternity, and in that same act it is always connected to a consideration of the means that are necessary for salvation (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:1-2).”

“This visible Church [scattered in diverse places across the entire globe] is strictly speaking not different from the invisible Church, but it is only considered in a different way: the former as 'coming about,’ the latter as 'having come about' – like a house that is being built and a house that has been built. For that invisible Church which we described beforehand is gathered and formed within the visible Church. The invisible Church is inherent in and contained by the visible one.”

“The passage in Ephesians 5:26 offers very clear support to this point [of infant baptism], as the apostle there says: ‘Christ loved his church and gave himself up for it, cleansing it with the washing of water in the Word.’ Hence it follows that children of believers either are not part of that church for which Christ gave himself up, or they, too, are cleansed with the washing of water in the Word… [if so], they must be set apart by some sign of this communion from those who are strangers to his body.”

- John Revell

Antonius Walaeus in Synopsis of a Purer Theology, 2 vols., edited by William Den Boer & Riemer A. Faber, translated by Riemer A. Faber (Landrum, SC: Davenant Press, 2023), 264, 505, 574.

Does the canvas of a glorious sunset leave you speechless yet yearning for the words to describe it? Does the completed vision of turning a house into a home stir something deep within you? Does the chorus of worship elicit tears that spring forth unannounced? Doesn’t it make sense that the heart of Creator God placed within us a heart bent towards seeing glory, towards knowing it, and towards expressing it?

When singer-songwriter Andrew Peterson references his wife, he says she would never claim to be an artist herself, but he argues she is one of the most creative people he knows. He says, “Her song is our family.” And that’s one reason I recommend his memoir-styled handbook, Adorning the Dark, to anyone, not just believers who consider themselves artists in the traditional sense. With a few “Book of the Year” nods from several notable publications like The Gospel Coalition and World Magazine, it’s clear Peterson’s message about creativity touches something deep within the creations of the Creator.

With charming style, the author nudges us towards telling the truth of the gospel as beautifully as we can to people in desperate need of its beauty. While he knows his own (and our) failures and weaknesses abound, he explains our call to tell of this beauty even out of, nay, especially through, God-redeemed weakness. And he gives some practical how-to applications along the way.

Maybe you sing. Maybe you paint. Maybe you write. Maybe you speak. Maybe you form. Or maybe you minister and serve in ways you consider anything but artistic. Peterson reminds readers that each one of us has a unique view into the heart of God, a unique story of his redemptive work in our lives, so we must, therefore, adorn the dark with every gift he has given us. And what joy to be given such an opportunity!

- Holly Mickler

Recently byFaith put out their recommended reads for the new year. Click on the button below to see the list compiled by Andy Jones. You'll find most keep with Reformed tradition, while others honor significant moments in history and culture.

The Diaconate was involved in a variety of different things this month.

1. We have been closely monitoring the budget to make sure the church remains financially stable. As we are looking at a growth in the number of members of our congregation and our ministries, we want to remain vigilant in our efforts to steward the finances of the church.
2. We (especially me) are learning patience as we await the completion of the cross and lettering that are going on the side of the church facing Bruce B. Downs. We originally thought the project would be complete in December. However, we were informed by the sign company that “custom channel letters that are built to withstand hurricane-like weather on a wall type structure are a special kind” and thus, the project is delayed approximately 2 months.
3. We appreciate all those that helped with the various events that occurred over the holiday season.
4. We had gutters put up around the u-shaped ramp at the entrance to the church and by the covered area where the grass area is. We decided to have 7-inch gutters instead of the standard 6-inch gutters installed, as we thought they would be more effective.

- Mike Rush

As the deacons continue to serve in the areas of benevolence, mercy, and the upkeep of the church’s facilities, we always welcome any assistance. If you have an area of expertise and are willing to offer your services (plumbing, electrical, landscape, etc.), we would appreciate any and all help. You can contact any of the Deacons (David Cross, Michael Rush, and Derk Shultz - Deacon in Training), or either of the Deacon Assistants (David Lehmann and Ken Smoot) or email us by using the button below.

Click on the title above to be taken to the TBPC Calendar.

Sunday, February 1 at 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 1 and 15 at 6 p.m.

Wednesday, February 4 at 7 p.m.

Saturday, February 7 at 6 p.m.

Sunday, February 8 and 22 from 5 - 7 p.m.

Sunday, February 8 and 22 at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, February 10 at 7 p.m.

Sunday, February 15 at 12:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 15 at 3 p.m.

Thursday, February 19

• Diaconate 5:30 p.m.
• Session 6 p.m

February 20 - 22

Saturday, February 21 at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 28 from 3-5 p.m.

It is the goal of The Trumpet staff to provide articles for learning and growing, news for connecting with our church family, and information on opportunities for service and participation. The views and opinions expressed in The Trumpet have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Session.