The Trumpet
Officers' Retreat Goals
In mid-May, the Officers of the Tampa Bay Presbyterian Church met for a few hours for the following purpose: To reflect prayerfully on where we have come from, assess where we are now, and discern where God is calling our church to go in the next year(s). As a result of the time that the Elders and Deacons spent together, we believe that there are four goals we need to tackle this coming year.
First, we want to clarify the building direction. A majority of members recognize that we need to expand the church facility. High on the list is more space for fellowship and hospitality. The Facility Planning Committee, a committee of the Diaconate, is developing a plan that will best serve our church.
Second, consider how to integrate different ministries. There is a desire to find better ways to integrate each ministry so that each fulfills the mission of the church. There will be an examination of all the ministries to distinguish core from peripheral ministries and assess ways to simplify and integrate them in a healthy way into the life of our church.
Third, make plans for adding a second morning worship service. You may have noticed that we have been growing slowly and steadily since COVID-19. Church socialists note that once more than 80% of the chairs in the sanctuary are filled with worshipers, it is time to add a second worship service. We are now surpassing 80%. The summer worship attendance will drop slightly, but we expect continued growth in the fall. We will make plans for two services, which could take place by 2027.
Fourth, we want to build fellowship and connection within the church family. We will explore establishing different fellowship groups, either at church or in homes.
As we develop plans and proposals for implementation, we will certainly communicate our thinking to you. Meanwhile, pray that the Lord will grant us wisdom as we seek to serve Jesus and to support the growth of his church here at TBPC.
- Freddy Fritz
Storm Season Bible Trivia
None of us likes hurricane season in Florida. Even with stocking up on supplies, home preps, and endless tracking, there's still the acknowledgement that so much is out of our control. Isn't this also true when it comes to storms in life? Upheaval happens, but the Bible points us back to Christ, who is present in the middle of it all. He calms the storms, sometimes literally outside us and sometimes figuratively inside us.
As you prepare your home for the season, prepare your heart also. Grab your family and enjoy a friendly trivia competition on storms, wind, rain, floods, and God's power over nature, and let this game spark some conversations to remind you who the winds and waves obey.
Redeemed Rainmakers, you get the first question, but Heaven's Hurricanes, get ready to steal their thunder!
1. Who walked on water during a storm toward Jesus?
2. What bird did Noah first send out from the ark?
3. Which sea did Jesus calm during the storm?
4. For how many days and nights did it rain during the flood?
5. What happened to the sea after Jonah was thrown overboard?
6. What did sailors do before throwing Jonah overboard?
7. Which Old Testament figure heard God in a “still small voice” after a mighty windstorm?
8. Which book of the Bible describes God speaking out of a whirlwind?
9. What did Jesus ask His disciples after calming the storm?
10. Which prophet saw a vision involving four winds stirring up the sea?
11. In Acts, what was the name of the violent storm that endangered Paul’s ship?
12. What happened to the house built on sand when the storm came?
13. Which Psalm says, “He stilled the storm to a whisper”?
14. What natural events accompanied God giving the Law on Mount Sinai?
15. Which came first after the flood: a rainbow, an olive leaf, or the ark resting on Ararat?
16. What did Jesus say to calm the storm?
17. Complete this verse from Psalm 29: “The voice of the Lord is over the waters; the God of glory _________.”
18. Give 2 examples of what God is called in reference to storms.
19. In Isaiah 43:2, what does God promise when you pass through the waters?
20. Which Bible story about storms is your favorite?
Hurricane Preparedness
Please go through the PDF below to ensure your home is prepared for hurricane season. If you need any assistance before or after storms, please reach out to your shepherding elder.
VBS
Invite the lads and lasses in your life to join us at this year's VBS! And check the calendar for this month's opportunities to help prepare for the journey.
- Toni Cacioppo
Women's Ministry
Thank you to the following ladies for their work on crocheting baby blankets for Oasis Pregnancy Care Center. We are excited to deliver many blankets for precious babies!
Bonnie Hutton
Carol Allison
Henny Bulten
Toni Cacioppo
Marita Edler
Cheri Grosz
Joan Kosanovich
Marsha Otto
Lisa Cheng
Kristine Wyss
Melissa Bayley
Andrea Hill
Brandi Shultz
Please stay tuned for information about our next get-together to discuss the fall community outreach project.
- Brandi Shultz
NTCA
Dear TBPC Family,
NTCA has been blessed with such a sweet and joy-filled season, and we are thankful for all the Lord is doing in the lives of our children and families. One of the highlights in May was our wonderful "Muffins with Mom" event. It was such a special time for our preschoolers to welcome their moms and share smiles, hugs, and sweet memories. Seeing the parents and children filled with joy, love, and gratitude was a beautiful reminder of the strong partnership between home and school. We are so thankful for the families the Lord has entrusted to us and for opportunities like this to celebrate them.
We also had a very special time celebrating our teachers, and our hearts are full of gratitude for each one of them. Their dedication and Christlike love make a lasting difference every single day in the lives of the children at NTCA. They serve faithfully, teach wholeheartedly, and pour so much care into every lesson, every prayer, and every moment of encouragement. We are truly grateful for all they do.
As we reflect on this school year, we can clearly see that God is faithful. He has blessed our school in countless ways, and we give him all the glory for every milestone, every memory, and every life touched through this ministry. We look forward to finishing the year strong and continuing to trust the Lord for all he has ahead.
With gratitude & blessings,
Susanne Gonzalez, NTCA Director
Children
Seeing children and youth engaged in worship stirs joy and gratitude in parents but also in fellow worshippers. Eileen Fritz snapped this picture of Joey C as he joined his big brother and parents lifting their voices in praise.
Psalm 145:4 says, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Here, God tells us to model worship to young children and train them in it. Forming young worshipers is a long-term endeavor for both parents and churches, and preparation is crucial. But first, we need to remember why it’s so important.
Click on the button below to read the rest of the article from The Gospel Coalition.
(Photo/Eileen Fritz)
Youth
Please join us in prayer for our youth and chaperones as they prepare to attend RYM Camp in Panama City from June 29 through July 3. Pray for safe travel, good health, and protection over every student and leader. Ask that their hearts would be open to what God wants to teach them during this time, that they would grow in faith, deepen their relationships with Christ, and build strong, godly friendships with one another. Also, pray for the chaperones for wisdom, patience, and strength as they lead and care for the group.
We also gathered on May 23 to start a makeover on the Youth Room. Thanks to all the students and parents who helped organize and paint!
- John Revell
(Photo/Mike Cacioppo and Brandi Shultz)
Let's Get to Know the Dickmanns
Dave and Nicholina have attended TBPC since November 2025. They make the trip every weekend from Sarasota!
Tell us a little bit about your family.
Dave is originally from Kansas, and Nicholina is originally from Northern Ireland. After marrying, we lived in Kansas for seven years. Then we lived in Lincoln, Nebraska for five years before moving to the Washington, DC area, where Dave found work. In 1992, we moved to Florida when Dave's job transferred him here, living first in Bradenton and then in Sarasota since 1996.
Dave came to Christ in 1976 through the witness of a college roommate. I (Nicholina) came to Christ in 1978 through the witness of a couple of girls who were sharing their faith with students on the college campus. We met at church and were married in 1979. We have nine children– two boys and seven girls– and nine grandchildren.
What careers have you had over the years?
Dave started as a high school science teacher and then became the pastor of a church. Then he went back to teaching for a bit before working in electrical engineering. Then it was back to working for a church full-time, and then back to high school teaching! After marrying, I was a stay-at-home mother and home-school teacher to all of our children, "retiring" after 31 straight years of home-schooling.
How do you like to have fun?
We love family gatherings and a few days here and there at the beach. Sleepovers with our grandchildren and road trips are also some of our favorite things. Sitting at home in peace and quiet is also enjoyable.
What do you enjoy about TBPC?
Dave was acquainted with Pastor Freddy Fritz and the form of the TBPC worship services, so we visited and continue to come because of the God-centered worship. We look forward to getting more involved, especially now that Dave has retired.
What lesson has God been teaching you?
For both of us, it's been the same lesson for many years: total dependence on the grace of God in Christ.
What is your favorite hymn?
For Dave, one of his favorites is "I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord," by Timothy Dwight. One of my favorites is "In Christ Alone."
What is your favorite Scripture?
We have many favorites. Dave's is Hebrews 9:11-14, and mine is Ephesians 2:1-10. They remind us of the goodness of God and the hope of the gospel.
Meet & Greet
All enjoyed the opportunity to meet, greet, and celebrate the marriage of Michael Bridges and his wife, Amy, on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
(Photo/Melissa Bayley)
Scripture Alone?
Sola Scriptura was one of the battle cries of the Reformation, but what exactly does it mean? Scripture is the sole ultimate authority for Christians in matters of faith and practice. But Scripture is not the only authority. There are subordinate authorities and sources for living the Christian life as a member of Christ’s body. Sola Scriptura was never intended to put private judgment on a pedestal, nor was it intended to abolish the God-given authority of parents, pastors, church officers, or creeds and confessions. When these lesser authorities speak in line with the Scriptures, they can bear authority in our lives. Indeed, they must if we are to be shaped and nourished by a faithful interpretation of the Scriptures. For more on this complicated relationship between scripture and tradition, please click the button below to read my recent Substack article.
- John Revell
Words of Wisdom
"The test of a pilot is seen in a storm; so the test of a Christian is seen in affliction."
- Thomas Watson (Puritan Theologian, 1620 -1686)
Robert Letham is my favorite living theologian. He has a mastery of church history that makes his theological statements uniquely careful and precise. This little book on the Lord’s Supper is the best resource I’ve come across on the topic. It’s short, accessible, and dense. Letham does not waste any words. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was easily the most controversial topic of theology during the Reformation, and it was also the sticking point that prevented the Reformers from unifying into one group.
Letham moves from the biblical foundations for the Supper, to the history of the church, to the approach of Reformed theology, and concludes with the practice. Letham maintains a high view of the Supper that is rooted in Scripture. He constructs an approach with close attention to church history and the aid of Reformed theology – especially John Calvin & the Westminster Standards. Letham carefully distinguishes between the various approaches to the Supper in a way that is fair to each position. Even so, he doesn’t water down the disagreements, nor does he encourage a softening of our theological convictions as Reformed Presbyterians.
From Scripture, Letham outlines the Lord’s Supper as:
- A Memorial (1 Cor. 11:24-25)
- A Proclamation of the Gospel (1 Cor. 11:26)
- A Communion or Participation in Christ (1 Cor. 10:16-17; John 6:54-57)
Letham provides a more extensive explanation regarding #3. It’s this third point that moves us into a higher, more biblical view of the Supper. It’s also this third point that must be handled most carefully so as not to drift into speculation or heresy. Letham is a reliable navigator through these perilous waters.
Tolle Lege! (Take up, and Read!)
- John Revell
This Month's Diaconate Update
As we approach summer, the Diaconate is working with the VBS leadership to ensure all volunteers are up to date with their Child Protective Training. If you have questions about when you will need your next training, please see a member of the Diaconate.
Because the safety of our congregation is of the utmost importance to us, we are still in the process of designing and implementing a safety team. There are many different philosophies and ideas on how this should be accomplished, so we are being thorough in our approach while making sure we always look toward the most important aspect, which is that we worship our Lord and Savior in reverence and awe.
If you have the time and talent, we would love for you to assist us in one of our many endeavors. Whether it involves setting up or breaking down the sanctuary, helping to organize different rooms in the church, changing lightbulbs, or whatever talent you may have, please speak with David Cross, Derk Shultz, or Michael Rush. We would appreciate any assistance!
- Mike Rush
"Seeing Jesus Together" Small Groups
SJT Groups will not meet during the summer.
Youth Group
Regular youth group meetings will resume in the fall.
Youth Family BBQ
Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m.
VBS Workers' Meeting
Sunday, June 7 at 12:15 p.m.
Welcome Lunch
Sunday, June 7 at 12:30 p.m.
Missions Committee Meeting
Wednesday, June 10 at 7 p.m.
Men's Indoor Game Night
Friday, June 12 at 6 p.m.
Ladies' Fellowship Tea & Luncheon
Saturday, June 13 at 10 a.m.
Brunch Bunch
Sunday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m.
Men's Book Club
Sunday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m
Session & Diaconate Meeting
Thursday, June 18
- Diaconate 5:30 p.m.
- Session 6 p.m
VBS Craft Party
Saturday, June 20 at 11 a.m.
Father's Day
Sunday, June 21
PCA General Assembly
June 22-26
Youth High School Retreat
June 29-July 3
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!
