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It is with a prayerful heart and much discernment that I announce my retirement from MCC Tampa as well as the work of senior pastoral ministry. You called me to serve as your pastor in March of 2003 and I have served you faithfully and with great passion, creativity, prayerful leadership, abiding faithfulness and holy boldness throughout my tenure. No matter how long a pastor is called by a church body, it is a temporary relationship. As you may know, discerning a call to join or depart from ministry requires deep listening. It is like finding a well worn path in an overgrown field of tall grass. You cannot find it with your eyes, it must be felt and it requires courage, persistence, patience and trust.

To hear the voice of my call means I must listen beyond the familiar voices of emotions, opinions, logic, fear, and even desire. I have never heard my call in the literal sense of language or words. My sense of call is not dictated by the world or the church’s standards of success or failure, although I have experienced both in my time as your pastor by your definition and mine. My call is not based on feelings of being loved or disdained, for a good leader will evoke a spectrum of emotional responses by the very nature of this work. My sense of call is a knowing that resides deep in the core of my being.

The prospect of no longer being a part of the ministry of this congregation has been a painful and difficult a decision for me. I have been your pastor for over 10 years and a community friend of this church since 1987. The work that you asked me to do over the past 10 years as your spiritual leader has offered me some of the most spiritually enriched, creative and challenging experience both professionally and personally. I’m proud of the work we have done and I will carry many meaningful memories of our time together in my heart and mind for many years to come.
The most spiritually fulfilling experiences for me throughout my ministry with you have always been those which were the most personal: celebrating your most joyous times with you – baptisms, weddings, and the accomplishments of your goals and dreams; sharing with you in times of spiritual confusion, sickness, loss, and bereavement. As well as living into gospel of justice and equality as we stood on the front lines fighting for the rights to adopt our children and marriage equality, feeding hungry people who come to our doors both spiritually and physically.

Because I am so convinced of the important ministry MCC Tampa provides, not only those inside the walls of our church but the greater community beyond these walls, it is difficult for me to conclude my journey with you. This decision is ﬁlled with both love and loss for me as I imagine this change. I love this church and already feel a sense of loss as I name and enter this season of change. At the same time I’m ready to retire from the role of Senior Pastor. The responsibility of leading MCC Tampa is overwhelming and unending. When I was training for ministry I often said seminary was the greatest and hardest work I had ever done, now I say it prepared me for the greatest and hardest work I will ever do. I believe God will give each of us the strength and vision we need for the transition ahead – and at the same time, I believe God is calling me in a new direction.
I will conclude my work as your pastor on August 11, 2013. I believe it is important for you to know that I am not seeking another church to serve and I do not have a job waiting for me. I will enter a time of well needed rest and some space to grieve and celebrate our journey. As I move through this season of caring for myself, my family and my beloved spouse, Vilia (whose service, gifts and talents to the ministry of this church and her unwavering support of me, I hold and appreciate with deep gratitude and love), I believe that the work God is calling me to will become clear. The office of pastor includes ethics that define the role of a pastor leaving this office. The implications of my retirement means that following this date I will not be attending MCC Tampa for any events to include worship, weddings, funerals, baptisms, fundraisers, community events, etc. Please understand not attending MCC Tampa is not personal, it is my responsibility to the covenant of ordained ministry and to you. This decision is bittersweet. I’m sad to leave, but whoever the church calls as its next installed pastor needs space to establish spiritual authority and unencumbered time to set up meaningful relationships and partners in the work of the mission of this church.

In the coming weeks Rev. Elder Darlene Gardner will be meeting with the board and the congregation to help you in this transition and place an interim pastor that will guide you as you prepare to call your next pastor. Between my leaving and an interim pastor coming Tammy Rabon will be the lay pastoral leader. I will continue to hold you and the impact of this decision in prayer and I ask you to do the same for me and my family. May we feel the presence, comfort and guidance of the holy spirit as we move through this transition while serving the mission of our call to proclaim God’s unconditional love to the world we touch and beyond.

With deep love and affection,

Rev. Phyllis Hunt, M-Div

Calendar of Events at The Metro Wellness Center

Tomorrow, find out which St. Pete Mayoral Candidate has your issues in mind:

LGBT Mayoral Debate
Tuesday, July 9 from 6:30-8:30pm
Metro St. Pete Center
Do you know where the St. Petersburg Mayoral Candidates stand on issues important to you? The Metro St. Pete Center will host an LGBT Mayoral Debate next week so you can get your questions answered! The event is free and open to the public.

Fondue Party
Wednesday, July 17 from 6:30-8:30pm
The Melting Pot – 2221 4th St. N., St. Pete
Join us for fun, friends & fondue at this fundraiser for The SMART Ride. The event includes a four-course meal with free raffles and complimentary beverages. To register, visit: outingsandadventures.com. Mingling begins at 6:30pm and dinner is at 7:00pm.

Bruno Mars Concert
Wednesday, August 28 at 7:30pm
Tampa Bay Times Forum
Get exclusive tickets to the iconic Bruno Mars show! Tickets are $135 and include VIP treatment in a premium loft party area with free alcohol and food. These tickets serve as a fundraiser for Metro.

Like Us! Follow Us!

ty Mix
Looking? HMU!
A new program for gay and bisexual men in Tampa.

IMPAC+
A Group for HIV+ men to discuss topics liek making safe sex fun, discrimination when dating, and more.

HMU
A social and peer group for all men to talk about sex and community.

RSVP: Call 813-232-3808
or email AbbyN@metrotampabay.org for more info.

St. Petersburg Events & Classes

Mondays
Positive Choices
Mondays & Wednesdays
12:00-2:00pm
Substance abuse program for HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Young M.I.N.D.S.
Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm
Empowerment program for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino young adults, 18-24.

Next Generation
Mondays, 5:30-7:00pm
A forum for LGBTQA youth, ages 14-18, to discuss everything from coming out, bullying and dating, play games, watch movies and more. Free dinner.

The Lounge
Mondays, 7:00-8:30pm
Meet other LGBTQA young adults, ages 18-24, in this fun, supportive atmosphere. Weekly events vary. Free refreshments.

Pregnancy Planning
July 15, 6:00-7:00pm
Learn from female couples who have successfully become mothers how to become pregnant: from planning, to finding a donor, legal and hospital issues and more.

SATP Presents: Jeffrey
July 1, 7:30pm
freeFall Theatre – 6099 Central Ave. St Pete
This play takes place in Manhattan during the height of the AIDS epidemic and revolves around a gay man who has sworn off sex because of it. But then he meets a hunky, charming HIV+ man. He then experiences an emotional conflict as he must face his fear in order to accept love, often breaking the fourth wall to do so. Tickets are $10 and proceeds benefit Metro Wellness and Community Centers.Tickets can be purchased at freefalltheatre.com.

Cooking Class
July 22, 6:00-7:30pm
Learn how to roll your own sushi. Samples, wine and soda will be provided. $5 suggested donation. Limited to 10 students.

Tuesdays
Mature Men’s Group
Tuesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm
Meet other men, aged 55+, for discussions, friendships and outings.

55+ Brown Bag Lunch
Tuesdays, 12:00-1:30pm
Bring your lunch and engage with other 55+ aged LGBT adults. Chat about current topics & make new friends.

Women’s Group
Tuesdays, 1:30-3:30pm
Meet other women, aged 55+, for discussions, friendships and outings.

Metro2
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Prevention program for substance abuse, relapse, and reduction of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.

Buddhist Meditation
Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30pm
Develop a clearer mind and calmer soul in this guided meditation series. $10 per class or $60 for 6-week series (book included).
To register for a class, email: LGBT@metrotampabay.org

LGBT Mayoral Debate
Tuesday, July 9
7:00-8:30pm
Join us along with other LGBT organizations in Tampa Bay as we welcome St. Petersburg Mayoral candidates to address issues that are important to the LGBT and allied communities.

Wednesdays
Living, Loving, Learning
Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Peer-based group for HIV+ women and men. Eligibility required.

Positive Choices
Mondays & Wednesdays
12:00-2:00pm
Substance abuse program HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Overeaters Anonymous
Wednesdays, 1:30-2:30pm
A program of recovery from compulsive eating, providing a private fellowship of experience, strength and hope.

Bingo
Wednesdays, 2:30-3:30pm
Free bingo in the community room. Play for a chance to for cool prizes!

Trans* Talk
FTM: July 3 MTF: July 10
FTM: Aug 7 MTF: Aug 14
7:00-8:30pm
Share experiences, explore emotions and express yourself in a discussion and support group for those who identify as transgender.

Book Club
July 17, 5:30-6:30pm
The Metro Book Club meets once a month to discuss thought-provoking literature. This month, we’ll discuss Peace Like a River by Leif Enger.

Fondue Party
Wednesday, July 17
6:30-8:30pm
The Melting Pot – 2221 4th St N.
Join us for fun, friends & fondue at this fundraiser for The SMART Ride. The event includes a four-course meal with free raffles and complimentary beverages.
To register, visit: outingsandadventures.com. Mingling begins at 6:30pm and dinner is at 7:00pm.

Quit Smoking Class
Wednesday, July 24
2:00-4:00pm
Or Wednesday July 31
5:00-7:00pm
Need to quit smoking now? Take one of our smoking cessation classes and learn the tools to kick the habit. You may choose the afternoon or evening course. RSVP to: LGBT@metrotampabay.org.

Thursdays
Senior Fitness
Thursdays, 11:00am-12:00pm
Increase your strength, endurance and flexibility in this fitness class for those aged 55 or better.

WEST (Women Empowered & Standing Tall)
Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Program for women with a husband, boyfriend or fiancé who is incarcerated or recently released from jail or prison.

Yoga
Thursdays, 6:00-7:00pm
Center yourself at the Metro Center. All experiences levels welcome. FREE!

Drop-in Life Coaching
Thursday, August 1
11:00am-12:00pm
Need help getting something started—or finished? Want to reconcile with a loved one but don’t know how? Wading into end-of-life questions? Whether you’re just plain curious about coaching or have something you’d really like to work on, Peggy Green of ClearHeart Coaching invites you to drop in and try it out. Suggested Donation: $10.

Fridays
Wii Games
Fridays, 2:00-4:00pm
Play fun Wii games! Bring a group or play solo!

Saturdays
Free Legal Advice
July 6 & Aug 3 12:00-2:00pm
Stop in for a consultation with a lawyer with your questions regarding: Name change, Domestic partnerships, Estate planning, Wills, Advocacy and more.

Free Financial Advising
July 27, 12:00-1:30pm
Consult with a financial adviser on issues specific to LGBT people.

Kathy Griffin
Metro Night @ Ruth Eckerd Hall
Saturday, July 13 8:00pm
Metro will be at the Kathy Griffin show sharing information about our programs and accepting donations from the community. Get your tickets for this hilarious night of entertainment before they sell out: rutheckerdhall.com.

Sundays
LGBT Sunday Cinema
Sundays, 1:00-3:00pm
Each Sunday we open our center for you to come alone or bring friends and loved ones to enjoy an LGBT film. The attendees vote upon which film we will play from our LGBT film library.

FREE HIV Testing
Monday – Wednesday
11:00am-7:00pm
Thursday
11:00am-5:00pm

Cyber Center
Open Daily, 9:00am-7:00pm

Tampa Events & Classes

Mondays
Pozitive Yoga
Mondays, 6:30-8:00pm
This free yoga brings together HIV+ people to practice basic yoga postures, meditation, breath control (pranayama), and to discuss ways to improve our lives. The instructor is a long-term survivor of HIV and knows that yoga can beneficial in living a healthy Pozitive life. This class is only open to those who are HIV+.

Tuesdays
PC3D
Tuesdays, 11:00am-1:00pm
Substance abuse and therapeutic support group for HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Living, Loving, Learning
Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Peer-based group for HIV+ women and men. Eligibility required.

Next Generation
Tuesdays, 5:30-7:00pm
A forum for LGBTQA youth, ages 14-18, to discuss everything from coming out, bullying and dating, play games, watch movies and more. Free dinner.

Wednesdays
PC3D
Wednesdays, 11:00am-1:00pm
Substance abuse and therapeutic support group for HIV+ adults. Eligibility required.

Metro2
Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Prevention program for substance abuse, relapse, and reduction of HIV and Hepatitis transmission.

WEST (Women Empowered & Standing Tall)
Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm
Program for women with a husband, boyfriend or fiancé who is incarcerated or recently released from jail or prison.

To register for a class, email: LGBT@metrotampabay.org

Guided Meditation
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:00pm
An hour of meditation experiences that induce relaxation of the mind and body. Led by Shamanic Practitioner Anna Oliver.

Gay & Bi Men’s Discussion
Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30pm
A safe space for gay and bisexual men to have discussions, socialize, network, learn and grow.

GLSEN
No July Meeting
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network will not meet in July.

Drag Bingo
Tuesday, July 16
7:30-10:00pm
Hamburger Mary’s
1600 E. 7^th Ave., Tampa
The always-hilarious Drag Queen Bingo at Hamburger Mary’s will be benefiting Metro Wellness and Community Centers July 16. Bring a group and support your local LGBT community center!

Thursdays
Relapse Prevention
Thursdays, 11:00am-1:00pm
Substance abuse prevention for HIV+ adults who are 100+ days clean and sober. Eligibility required.

Young M.I.N.D.S.
Thursdays, 5:00-6:30pm
Empowerment program for Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino young adults, 18-24.

Narcotics Anonymous
Thursdays, 5:45-6:45pm
A discussion and support group for those struggling with narcotics usage.

The Lounge
Thursdays, 7:00-8:30pm
Meet other LGBTQA young adults, ages 18-24, in this fun, supportive atmosphere. Weekly events vary. Free refreshments.

Fridays
Wii Games
Fridays, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Play fun Wii games! Bring a group or play solo! Win prizes.

Babes and Brews
July 12, 7:30-10:30pm
Cold Storage Craft Brewery
4101 North Florida Ave. Tampa
An event for the women! Enjoy live music by the Friendship Notes, craft beers, raffles, Rollin’ Zoinks food truck and great company.

Saturdays
Buddhist Meditation
Saturdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Develop a clearer mind and calmer soul in this guided meditation series. $10 per class or $60 for 6-week series (book included).

Free Financial Advising
July 27, 2:30-4:00pm
Consult with a financial adviser on issues specific to LGBT people.

Sundays
Trans*Talk
Sundays, July 7 & 21
2:00-4:00pm
Share experiences, explore emotions and express yourself in a discussion and support group free from judgment.

Cyber Center
Open Daily, 9:00am-7:00pm

FREE HIV Testing
Monday – Wednesday
11:00am-7:00pm
Thursday
11:00am-5:00pm