Sunday Worship, Dec. 20
Is There Room for God's Peace?
Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18  

Feeling the need for peace in our lives is easy; actually creating it is a different story. Peacemaking is hard and risky work in the midst of chaos, violence, and war. How can we make room for peace in Christ?

Sanctuary: The Rev. Magrey deVega 
Chapel: The Rev. Justin LaRosa 
Magnolia: The Rev. Justin LaRosa
NEWS
Serve Others at Christmas

Make God's love real by serving on a hospitality team for one of our Christmas Services; 20 volunteer spots remain on usher teams.
Christmas Services at Hyde Park United Methodist

Celebrate the coming of the Christ child with joy and candelight:

Dec. 23
  • 5:30 p.m. Family Christmas Service
  • 7 p.m. Carols in the City at The Portico (1001 N. Florida Ave.)
Dec. 24 Candlelight Services
  • 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 11 p.m.
Learn locations and more here.
Blue Christmas Service to Offer Comfort and Hope Monday

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. Monday in the Chapel. Learn more.
Thanks for the food from Good Samaritan Mission

"We are overwhelmed with the generosity of your congregation...We typically serve 40-50 families per week and I would estimate that this food will last for about three months." -  Jen from Good Samaritan Mission. Read more. 

Making Room during the Advent Season

Christmas is overwhelming, but our Advent worship series is taking us on a journey of "Making Room": for silence, compassion, service, peace, and the hope of Christ. You can listen to or watch past sermons in this series, including, "Is There Room for a Servant's Song?"
Stewardship Update

We are happy to announce that 461 households have made a financial commitment to the church for 2016. You can join them in three ways:
Read this month's Giving Matters by Lori Osborne. 
Year-End Contributions

To qualify as a charitable contribution for 2015, donations to Hyde Park United Methodist must be received or postmarked by Dec. 31, 2015. Gifts may also be made online. Thank you for every gift which supports the ministries and missions of Hyde Park as we Make God's Love Real in our community.
January Worship: "Short Answers to Big Questions"

What do you believe? How can you share it with those around you? Get answers to the big questions of the Christian faith in this worship series beginning Jan. 3. Find out more. 
Mary Lou Compton Presented Award Sunday

Mary Lou Compton, member and financial secretary of Hyde Park United Methodist, was presented the Lockmiller award for Christian education in the 9:30 and 11 a.m. Sanctuary services Sunday. The award was presented by Tom Wilkinson of the Florida United Methodist Foundation. Learn more.
Welcome, Gwen Lindsey!

Gwen Lindsey has joined our staff as as the Worship Hospitality Coordinator. She will be providing staff support to our hospitality, Communion, and Scripture reader teams. Gwen has been a member of Hyde Park since 2009 and has served in multiple ministries. E-mail Gwen.
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.
EVENTS AND GROUPS
New Sermon-Based Groups

Discuss the prior week's sermon and engage with the worship series "Short Answers to Big Questions" in a Sermon-Based Group. Groups begin the week of Jan. 3. Learn more and register.
DOWNTOWN AND THE PORTICO
Carols in the City in Downtown Tampa Dec. 23

Stroll through downtown Tampa singing Christmas carols 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
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 Ministries shepherds and serving communion; learn more.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
New Safety Procedures at the Wesley Center 
 
Our children's safety is among highest priorities at Hyde Park. Beginning Jan. 3, as part of our continued review of Sunday procedures, the entrance to the Wesley Center will be restricted to children and their parents/guardians only. Restrooms are available in the Sanctuary, Knox Hall and Chapel Lobby. Read more. 
FAMILY CIRCLE
  • Sympathy to the family of Dolly Robson on her death, Dec. 9. A memorial service was held Saturday, Dec. 12.
  • Happy 55th anniversary to Tom and Andrea Aitken, Dec. 17.
STAY CONNECTED: