Sunday Worship, Dec. 27
Seminarian Sunday
Luke 2:41-52

Our Sunday worship will be a Christmas carol singalong in the Sanctuary with guest preacher, Tanner White.

A certified candidate for ministry, Tanner was baptized at Hyde Park United Methodist at six months old by his maternal grandfather, a United Methodist pastor. Learn more about Tanner and other candidates for ministry at Hyde Park.

Join us Sunday; all services will be held in the Sanctuary.

Sanctuary: Tanner White, (seminary student)
No Chapel Service
No Magnolia Service
NEWS
Christmas Services at Hyde Park United Methodist

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

Wednesday, Dec. 23
  • 5:30 p.m. Family Christmas Service
  • 7 p.m. Carols in the City at The Portico (1001 N. Florida Ave.)
Thursday, Dec. 24 Candlelight Services
  • 3:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 11 p.m.
Learn locations and more here.
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. 
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. Ministry offices will be open Dec. 31. 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.
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. 
Tax Savings for Direct Charitable IRA Distributions

Dec. 18, legislation was signed to permanently extend the IRA charitable rollover. This allows taxpayers age 70 ½ or older to make tax-free charitable gifts of up to $100,000 to eligible charities, including Hyde Park United Methodist. To take advantage of such rollovers, the distribution must be sent directly from the IRA to the church. For wiring instructions, contact Mary Lou Compton or 813.253.5388.
Christmas and New Year Holiday Schedule
  • Wednesday, Dec. 23: No Children's or Youth Programming or Dinner
  • Friday, Dec. 25: Ministry Offices Closed
  • Sunday, Dec. 27: No Merge Youth Ministries Programming, Magnolia or Chapel Services. No children's programming for ages 5 and up.
  • Monday, Dec. 26: Ministry Offices Closed
  • Wednesday, Dec. 30: No Children's or Youth Programming or Dinner
  • Friday, Jan. 1: Ministry Offices Closed
EVENTS AND GROUPS
New Sermon-Based Groups

Dig further into the "Big Questions" of our next sermon series in a casual setting in a sermon-based group. Multiple groups meet throughout the week, or you can start one of your own using our free resources. Learn more and register.
"Taking Care of You" Workshop

Turn New Year's resolutions into healthy behaviors at the "Taking Care of You" workshop 6:30 p.m. Jan. 7 in Knox Hall 150.  Learn more.
DOWNTOWN AND THE PORTICO
Carols in the City in Downtown Tampa Wednesday

Stroll through downtown Tampa singing Christmas carols at this unique event, 7 p.m. Wednesday 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
Families Sit Together This Sunday  
 
This Sunday will be a sit-together Sunday; all children five years old and older are encouraged to attend worship with their parents. Nursery care will be provided for children four years old and younger. Contact Meagan Kempton with any questions.
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 Jim and Joyce Hess on the death of his mother, Jerri Rollins, Dec. 17.
  • Happy 53rd Anniversary to Stan and Brenda Swanson, Dec. 23.
  • Happy 54th Anniversary to Bill and Donna Studer, Dec. 26.
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