eHyde Park: Is There Room for Me to Serve?

Sunday Worship, Dec. 13

Is There Room for Me to Serve?

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking of our own needs before others. Serving others is more than just doing "good deeds", however; it is a spiritual issue. How do we make room for joyful servanthood in our lives?

Sanctuary: The Rev. Magrey deVega

Chapel: The Rev. Debbie Casanzio

Magnolia: The Rev. Debbie Casanzio

NEWS

Serve Others and Share Joy this Season

Our Christmas Services begin in just three weeks. Now is your opportunity to:

Make God's love real by serving on a hospitality team for one of our Christmas Services
Spread holiday cheer in worship spaces and to shut-ins in our community by purchasing a poinsettia by Monday, Dec. 14

Invite friends and neighbors to Christmas services with a postcard (thanks to all of you who picked up ALL of our Christmas Eve yard signs last Sunday to invite those in your neighborhoods!)

Purchase gifts that make a real difference on the Alternative Christmas Market Gift List

Click on the links above to act now or visit the tables in the Courtyard and Magnolia Patio this Sunday.

Make Room during the Advent Season

Christmas is overwhelming, but our Advent worship series will take us on a journey of "Making Room": for silence, compassion, service, peace, and the hope of Christ. You can make room in your own life by:

Listen to or watch this past Sunday's sermon, "Is There Room to Restore Us from Fear?"
Downloading our free Advent Devotion Guide written by our members and missions partners. Printed copies are available on campus.

Blue Christmas Service to offer Comfort and Hope, Dec. 21

The Christmas season is difficult for many. You are not alone. Experience the comfort and hope of Christ at our Blue Christmas Service, 7 p.m. Dec. 21 in the Chapel. Learn more.

Bishop's Statement on the Refugee Crisis

"As we approach Christmas, we remember that the Gospel of Matthew, written in Syria, tells the story of the Holy Family who flee the violence of their own home..." Read Bishop Ken Carter of the Florida Conference and Bishop Paul Leeland of the Alabama-West Florida Conference's letter to United Methodist congregations here.

Three Easy Ways to Submit your 2016 Pledge

It's not too late to make your financial commitment for 2016:

Online Commitment Form
Paper Commitment Form
Text 813.563.1976 (with full name and annual pledge amount)

Wednesday Night Dinners Continue

Enjoy food and fellowship this Wednesday from 5:15-7 p.m. in the Harnish Activities Center. Adults are $8 and children under 12 are $4. Learn more.

DOWNTOWN AND THE PORTICO

"The Loving Story" Doc Night at The Portico Tonight

Join us 6:30-8:30 p.m. tonight at The Portico as we view and discuss "The Loving Story", a documentary detailing the Supreme Court case which legalized interracial marriage. Learn more.

Carols in the City in Downtown Tampa Dec. 23

Stroll through downtown Tampa singing Christmas Carols and inviting others to join at this unique event, 7 p.m. Dec. 23 at The Portico. The night will conclude with cookies and fellowship back at The Portico. Learn more.

SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Sign Up Now to Serve in Christmas Hospitality

Share the joy and the light of Christ this season on the Christmas hospitality team. Opportunities are available to greet guests, assist with parking, usher at a Christmas service, and more. Sign-up now.

Christmas Food Drive Sunday

Bring food donations this Sunday to help feed more than 2,500 families with the Christmas Food Drive for the Good Samaritan Mission. Donations will be collected in the Courtyard. Learn more.

Serve through Haircuts with Open Arms

Openings are available to provide hope to our homeless community through free haircuts at our Open Arms breakfasts. Be sure to mention this wonderful serving opportunity on your next visit to your hairstylist. Learn more.

Ring a Bell for the Salvation Army

Hyde Park members are invited to make God's love real by volunteering as a bell ringer. You may sign up directly with the Salvation Army to bring the joy and hope of the holiday season; learn more.

Seven Ways to Serve in the New Year

Begin the new year in service at Hyde Park United Methodist! There are seven opportunities available, including Children's Ministry shepherds and serving communion; learn more.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Youth Christmas Parties this Sunday

The Middle School Christmas "Glow in the Dark" party will begin at 6 p.m. this Sunday in Magnolia with a scavenger hunt, a white elephant gift exchange, and free dinner.
The High School Progressive Dinner will leave from the church at 5:30 p.m. this Sunday. Students will travel to different homes, enjoying food at each stop, and conclude the night with a white elephant gift exchange.

For details on the Christmas parties, click here.

Happy Birthday Jesus Party Dec. 9

The Jr. Zone (3-4-K) and Zone (Grades 1-3) will host a happy birthday Jesus party 6:30-8 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Harnish Activities center. Children are encouraged to bring a friend. Please RSVP to Meagan Kempton to ensure there is enough food. Learn more.

FAMILY CIRCLE