Respect 
It's important to us and our teens. What are the two things that always result in respect and how can you acquire them? Find out here.
Making God's Love Real
This past week I've started school again, and I think it's important to (even though the holidays are over) be nice to your friends and family. Also, I hope you all have had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Lili Trentalange
Communication Connector 
Middle School 
Back to school means more and more stress. Whether it's exams or your teachers deciding they want to give you a ton of homework, everyone is stressed. Just give your stress up to God and allow him to help you with all of the stressors. Trust him to give you peace.
Van Cates, Jr. 
Communication Connector 
High School 
News + Events
Money Matters Faith Step for High School Students
The Bible talks about money more than any other subject. Learn how to manage money God's way in this FaithSteps workshop beginning 10:45 a.m. Jan. 24. Learn more or sign up now.
Gasparilla Parking Fundraiser
10 a.m. - 4 p.m, Saturday, Jan. 23
Any student who will need scholarship help for any Merge event in 2016 must participate in this fundraiser. Adult volunteers are also needed! To volunteer, contact Kathy.
Big Game Party, 6-8:30 p.m., Feb. 7
Volunteers needed for the Big Game Party in the Magnolia building. We will provide dinner and have all the TVs, projectors, etc. on the game. It's a great place to invite friends or watch with family.

Contact Kathy to help with food, decorations or set up.
Sex, Drugs and Rock & Roll Retreat: April 8-10, 2016 (9th & 10th graders ONLY!)
Our Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll retreat is intended to be a resource for high school youth groups to explore their faith during this developmentally sensitive time.  We are providing professional teaching and  instruction along with relevant worship and a lot of fun. Hosted by Warren Willis Camp and the Florida United Methodist Youth Conference. Cost is $100. Sign up here.
SIFAT Mission Trip 2016
Mark your calendar for July 10-15, 2016 and join us at SIFAT. This is open to all in grades 7-12. Learn more. Sign up.

High School Mission Trip 2016
Mark your calendar for July 24-30, 2016 and join us as we serve in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Learn more. Sign up here.

Warren Willis Sumer Camp,
June 20-25, 2016
Hyde Park is going to camp during week #2. Church camp is for grades 4-12. Camp costs $420 this year. You can register and put a deposit down online at the Warren Willis website. If you would like to ride the church bus, contact Kathy. Seats are limited and are first come, first served. If you are in need of a scholarship, contact Emily.
Sundays
No Merge this Sunday 
Enjoy the holiday weekend with your friends and family! We'll see you next week. 
Wednesdays
Middle School Bible Study
The Bible can seem like a long, boring book, but we invite you to see a new side of Scripture: a scary, gross, and weird side! Wednesday nights this semester we'll look into the lesser known stories of Scripture and find out how God speaks to us in tales of talking donkeys, cliff-diving pigs, dung-fire cooking, and individuals walking through walls. 

Middle Schoolers, join us Wednesday nights from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Magnolia Building to experience the strange and awesome stories of God's people and what they mean for you. We'll see you there!
Serving Opportunities
  • Tech Team - contact Nick
  • Children's Ministries - contact Meagan
  • Hospitality - contact Gwen 
  • Open Arms - sign up here 
  • 2nd Saturday Team - contact Drema 
Youth Summer Interns 2016
We are seeking two 30-hour-a-week summer interns to focus on relationship building, special events, planning regular Merge nights and Bible studies. This position will pay $10 an hour over a 10 week period. Applicants will need housing in the Tampa area. Candidates should have a love for teenagers, teaching and organizational skills, and pass background and reference checks. Please contact Emily if interested.
Important Dates

January
Sunday: No programming 
23: Children's Gasparilla Parking Fundraiser, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
24: Money Matters Faith Step (for High School Students), 10:45-Noon, Magnolia
31: Money Matters Faith Step, 10:45-Noon, Magnolia 

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