The Trumpet
Pray for the 2025 General Assembly of the PCA
The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) is the second-largest Presbyterian church body in the United States, behind the Presbyterian Church (USA). The PCA is confessional in practice, Reformed in theology, and presbyterian in government.
As of 2024, the PCA had 1,964 churches and missions, with a combined membership of 400,751 people. The PCA was served by 5,347 Teaching Elders (also known as ministers).
The General Assembly is the highest court of our denomination. All churches, missions, and Teaching Elders comprise the General Assembly. The General Assembly of the PCA meets annually to address the business of our denomination and to provide fellowship for attendees.
The 2025 General Assembly will meet, Lord willing, in Chattanooga, TN, from Monday, June 23, to Friday, June 27. Approximately 2,000 commissioners will be in attendance, with many bringing spouses and families. Ruling Elders Todd Bayley and Waldo Kemp will join me in attending the 2025 General Assembly of the PCA as commissioners.
The General Assembly will hear reports from our Permanent Committees and Agencies. These include Mission to the World, Mission to North America, Covenant Theological Seminary, Covenant College, and more. The General Assembly will also debate and vote on overtures submitted to it by the Presbyteries. There are currently 88 Presbyteries in the PCA. These overtures range in subject from addressing our judicial processes to adjusting the boundaries of Presbyteries.
You will be able to watch the plenary sessions of the General Assembly via livestream. We will share that link when it becomes available.
As you think of the upcoming General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America, please pray as follows:
- That the Lord’s will be done,
- That the commissioners will grow in unity with one another,
- That the PCA will remain true to the Scriptures, faithful to the Reformed faith, and obedient to the Great Commission, and, last but not least,
- That the Lord will be glorified in all that is said and done.
- Freddy Fritz
A Weekend with the Revell Family
Over the course of a few days, the TBPC Search Committee, Session, and members had an opportunity to meet and get to know John and Hannah Revell and their two children, Ethan and Gideon. John, a candidate for the Associate Pastor of Youth and Families, currently serves in Flowood, Mississippi.
Discussions, fellowship gatherings, meetings, kickball games, teaching, and preaching packed a full extended weekend for John and his family, even as he and Hannah celebrated their 10th anniversary.
Please continue praying, and keep reading below for next steps in this process.
- Submitted by the Search Committee
Next Steps
The Search Committee presented the Rev. John Revell as a candidate for the position of Associate Pastor of Youth & Family the weekend of May 16 – 18, 2025. Pastor John has indicated his willingness to continue the process with our church.
So, what are the next steps?
First, the Session has issued a notice for the congregation to meet in the sanctuary on Sunday, June 1, 2025, immediately following the morning worship service. The purpose of the meeting is to vote on issuing a Call, including the Terms of Call, to the Rev. John Revell to serve as the Associate Pastor for Youth & Family at the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church.
Second, assuming the congregation extends a Call to Pastor John, the next step will be for Pastor John to be examined by the Presbytery. There are two examinations. One is with the Examining Committee of the Presbytery. The second examination is before the entire Presbytery. The first examination will most likely be conducted via Zoom, but the second examination must be done in person on the floor of the Presbytery. Due to summer travel schedules, it is hoped that both examinations will be completed before June 20.
Third, Pastor John and his family will have to sell their house in Jackson, MS, and buy a home in Tampa, FL. They will need to relocate in hopes of doing so before the next school year starts in early August.
Finally, assuming all goes as planned, the Presbytery of Southwest Florida will install Pastor John as our Associate Pastor. We hope that the installation service will take place on August 10, 2025.
As you can see, there are still several next steps to take. Please continue to pray for the Lord’s blessing as Pastor John, Hannah, Ethan, and Gideon make this transition.
- Toney Sauls
Praying for Missionaries - Part 3
To wrap up our series on how we can pray for missionaries, please consider the article below by Chelsea Rollman. While financially supporting our missionaries is obviously necessary, our prayers for them are critical. Rollman gives us 9 practical and specific ways we can pray for them.
- Submitted by Michael Bridges
Pictured: Chelsea Rollman (Photo/MTW)
Women's Small Group Update
The Women's Small Group met on Tuesday evenings from September through April to study Dane Ortlund's Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers. All of the ladies involved personally know Jesus as the Savior who secured their eternity, but what a wonderful time they shared in learning about his very heart for his chosen from eternity past to eternity future. He cannot help but be drawn to his bride to lavish her in the riches of his love and mercy.
To wrap up the study, the women took photos with a frame as a reminder they are pieces of art created for the Artist to delight in. Then they enjoyed a "Wedding Banquet" to bask in the anticipation of being joined to the true bridegroom, Christ.
If you've never been part of a Bible study, consider joining one in the fall. You won't regret it!
- Holly Mickler (Photo/Cheryl Barber)
Women's Bible Study Update
Women's Bible Study groups wrapped up their season after a thoroughly meaningful study of Acts. The Monday WBS women encouraged each other over a delightful luncheon at the home of Clydia Craig on May 17, and the Tuesday morning group also enjoyed a delightful luncheon at the church on May 20. We chatted about ways we could share Jesus to family and friends, especially motivated by our Acts study. Both groups signed cards of encouragement for our missionary prayer partners, notes of appreciation for our video instructors for this year, and get-well cards for Kanisha, the little NTCA girl who is recovering from a serious accident.
- Eileen Fritz
NTCA
Dear TBPC Family,
As we conclude another wonderful year at NTCA, we reflect on the growth, learning, and joy that filled our classrooms and school. Our students grew in academic knowledge and Biblical understanding throughout this year. They built friendships, which developed into a wonderful school family.
I am grateful for the support of our families and the dedication of our teachers, which shows in all that they did and gave to the children. As we look forward to the summer, we pray for continued blessings and growth for all the children and their families.
- Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director
Help the Sassy Stichers
Bonnie Hutton of our church is a member of a local crochet/knitting group called Senior Women Sassy Stichers. They meet twice a month at the New Tampa Library and make articles such as baby blankets and hats, which are donated to the Oasis Pregnancy Center, Moffitt Cancer Center, and others in need. To date, they have donated dozens of articles to these worthwhile causes.
These Sassy Stichers are in need of yarn donations to continue this ministry. Specifically, they are looking for full or partial skeins of any color yarn. Number four weight is preferred. They'll accept new or remnants you have hanging around after a project. If you have donations or questions, get with Bonnie. She will make sure all donations are used to make finished products for expecting mothers, patients, and others as mentioned above. Thank you for your assistance.
- John Hutton
Vacation Bible School
VBS at TBPC this year takes kids to Wonder Junction in the Old West, where together we will marvel at Jesus (his birth, ministry, and future coming) and learn what it means to live for his glory! Kids will spend each morning of July 7 - 11 attending the "All Aboardassemblies" and rotating through 5 stations (teaching, crafts, science, snack and games) focused on the day’s theme. And if there’s a little partner in your family or your neighborhood who you’d like to see join the fun, sign them up below!
- Toni Cacioppo
Wonder and amazement await us each day at Wonder Junction. Let’s each play a part in pulling together this short-term outreach ministry of our church.
1. Please pray:
- For a meaningful event that brings glory to God,
- For the kids that will attend, that God would draw them to himself,
- For the volunteers, that they would stay healthy, focused, and energized,
- And for all the preparation involved.
2. Consider volunteering on-site during VBS week!
- We need 7 more on-site volunteers.
4. Check out our wish lists on Amazon and Walmart for VBS supplies and donate as you're able.
- Note the due date on any donation cards you've already picked up! And thanks for doing so!
5. Consider helping with VBS decorations.
- Set-up will take place beginning June 30 at 10 a.m. (daily help needed until complete).
- Take down will be July 6 after the service.
Youth Girls' Retreat
We are excited to announce a Youth Girls' Retreat coming up August 1-3, 2025, where we will spend the weekend learning about our identity as daughters of the Lord Almighty and how to remember who we are when we struggle with the insecurities many girls face today. Save the date and stay tuned for more information!
- Stephanie Smoot
Connor Turpen
Let's get to know Connor Turpen, a 2025 high school graduate of Zephyrhills Christian Academy and son of James and Cathy Turpen.
What's a memory from the last 4 years you won't forget?
I loved attending chapel every Wednesday and the life messages that went with it.
If you had to eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I'd have to say grilled chicken or gluten-free blueberry muffins.
Who or what has helped you grow the most in your faith during the last 4 years?
The faith-based messages in our lessons at school really helped.
What's your go-to song when you need a little mood-boost or solo dance party?
Life is a Highway by Rascal Flatts
If you could instantly become an expert in anything (no studying required), what would it be?
A NASCAR Driver!
If you could give one piece of advice to kids about to start high school or college, what would you tell them?
Have fun!
What's one way you've seen God work in your life during high school?
My mother will be able to see me graduate, and I've had a very blessed life!
What are your post-graduation plans?
I want to finish learning to drive and get a job.
How can we pray for you as you head into this next chapter of life?
Please pray for my mother's health and a cure for Alzheimer's.
Birthdays
- Mason Highfill - June 7
- Carson Smoot - June 7
- Winston Smoot - June 10
- Sandy Neal - June 11
- Joanne Carter - June 14
- Patricia Harshfield - June 14
- Peyton Sauls - June 14
- Diane Rothfuss - June 15
- Jason Rucker - June 15
- Mark Wilson - June 17
- Ava Almonte - June 19
- Rachel Bailey - June 19
- Ed Jordan - June 19
- Esther Kakarla - June 19
- Rod Proctor - June 20
- Joe Washburn - June 24
- Carey Springer - June 27
- Fred Cunningham - June 29
- Martine Extermann - June 29
- Joel Braschler - June 30
- Clydia Craig - June 30
Anniversaries
- Michael Beazel & Fidelia Mas-Beazel - June 2, 2007
- Fred & Diane Cunningham - June 3, 1978
- Bert & Cheryl Barber - June 14, 1980
- Bob & Nancy Morrison - June 14, 1980
- David & Karen Cross - June 15, 1985
- Ron & Esther Whitley - June 15, 1957
- Ryan & Laura Highfill - June 16, 2012
- Andrew & Jill Otero - June 23, 2007
- Jim & Judy Weir - June 23, 1979
- Ed & Debbie Jordan - June 24, 1984
What is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, and how is it the unforgivable sin? I didn’t think there was any sin that God couldn’t forgive! It is scary to think of unknowingly committing this sin.
This question and concern has left many a Christian uncomfortable, even anxious. Although there are many examples recorded of blasphemy verbalized at Jesus and God, there is not a clear definition or example of “blasphemy of the Holy Spirit that leads to the unforgivable sin.” Notwithstanding these challenges, there are some takeaways that we can lean on.
As used in Scripture, the word “blasphemy” is a sin involving words, either spoken or written, that are disrespectful or denigrating towards God. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit that leads to the unforgivable sin refers to a person who deliberately and persistently rejects the Holy Spirit’s work and testimony about Jesus Christ. This person has clear intellectual knowledge of the gospel yet refuses to repent and believe in Jesus Christ.
As believers, we can be assured of 1 John 1:9, with certainty and confidence, that "If we confess our sins [to God], he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." In summary, the Reformation Study Bible gives a note on the aforementioned verse that I believe brings clarity to this concern for the Christian:
“A person who wants to repent, that is, to reverse the sins they may be guilty of, has not suffered this hardening of heart and has not committed the profound act of hatred that God has determined He will not forgive. Anyone who has been born again will not commit this sin, because the Spirit lives in that person, and God is not divided against Himself.”
- Richard Thompson, Ruling Elder Emeritus
Anything Spurgeon!
For many, reading Charles Spurgeon is an edifying experience. For those unfamiliar with him, you likely won't be disappointed exploring his enduring legacy of work. He is still known as the "Prince of Preachers."
Why? Here is just one example from the closing summary of a Thursday evening sermon on August 21, 1890, at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington, London. The sermon on faith and obedience was based on Hebrews 11:8:
“The faith that makes us obey is alone the faith that marks the children of God. It is better to have the faith that obeys than the faith that moves mountains. I would sooner have the faith that obeys than the faith that heaps the altar of God with sacrifices and perfumes His courts with incense. I would rather obey God than rule an empire; after all, the loftiest sovereignty a soul can inherit is to have dominion over self by rendering believing obedience to the Most High.”
Excerpt From
Free Grace Broadcaster - Issue 232 - Obedience
Arthur W. Pink, David Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Hugh Martin, Stephen Tyng, Charles H. Spurgeon & Stephen Charnock
https://books.apple.com/us/book/free-grace-broadcaster-issue-232-obedience/id998707966
This material may be protected by copyright.
June Update
As most are aware, one of the responsibilities of the Diaconate is the benevolence ministry. The congregation has been extremely generous with their financial support of the benevolence program at TBPC. Thus, the Diaconate has begun the process to implement a more effective benevolence ministry.
We will be using the book Helping Without Hurting (in Church Benevolence) to help guide us in our benevolence endeavors. We will be reading through the book and having discussions at our Diaconate meetings as to how to best implement the ideas and concepts presented in the book.
Also, as VBS is fast approaching, the Diaconate will be conducting Child Protection Training in order to ensure that all volunteers have been trained.
- Mike Rush
