Palma Ceia United Methodist

October 27, 2023

Latest:

When A Methodist Pastor Withdraws the Welcome to Gays and Lesbians

August 5, 2013September 29, 2018 B. John 1324 Views 3 Comments PCUMC, Bruce Toms, Palma Ceia United Methodist, The Discipline, LGBT, The United Methodist Church, Administrative Council, non-discrimination statement, Bill Josey, Statement of Welcome, Ken Carter, District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Walter E. Monroe, bishop, Marty Peate

For over 10 years I’ve been a member of Palma Ceia United Methodist Church here in Tampa. In 2011, at the urging of a large group of members, the Administrative Council of the Church adopted a statement of welcome to all, which was to be placed on our website. Unfortunately, we were recently appointed a new pastor who’s animus towards gay people has caused to him to withdraw that welcome and remove the statement from all public display. In fact, he’s gone so far as to have our listing removed from a website that does nothing more than provide a geographic directory of gay-welcoming churches. He did it without any consultation with the Council, and has acted in some questionable ways.

Religion Society

Prayer to Dismiss Sunday School Class on 9-11

September 11, 2011August 10, 2015 337 Views 1 Comment Terrorism, Peace, 9/11, Palma Ceia United Methodist, Peacemakers, Beatitudes, Psalms, War, Church, Sunday School

I seem to be called on often to give the prayer at the end of our Sunday School class. We just started a study of the Beatitudes, and of course the 9/11 commemoration services were all over the TV and radio this morning. Just before going into Church I heard President Obama at the Memorial in New York read Psalm 46. I try to make the prayer topical with current events and the lesson, so this is most of what I recall saying:

Religion Society

A New Series-Prayers and Meditations

January 3, 2010 B. John 139 Views 0 Comments prayer, Church, Sunday School, PCUMC, Palma Ceia United Methodist

It seems I’m frequently asked to offer the closing prayer for my Sunday School class. I guess some are good enough that I’ve been asked to get them down for possible future publication. This seems to be as good a place as any. So this will be the first in what may become a series.