Sunday Worship, Jan. 24
How is the Bible True?

The Bible has antiquated language, multiple genres, and has been misused and abused; as Christians what do we do with it?

Join us as we search for truth in the Bible without jeopardizing our faith.

Sanctuary: The Rev. Sally Campbell-Evans
Chapel: The Rev. Justin LaRosa
Magnolia: The Rev. Justin LaRosa 
NEWS
Revisit the 'Short Answers to Big Questions' Online

Our current worship series tackles the "big questions" of the Christian faith, breaking them down into portable answers. Sermons from this series can be viewed and shared in our sermon archives. Questions? Contact John Barolo.
Ash Wednesday Services Feb. 10

Begin the 40-day season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10. Experience the traditional imposition of ashes in the sign of the cross on your forehead, a nonverbal way we experience God's forgiveness and renewal as we return to Jesus.
- 12:30 p.m. service in the Chapel at The Portico, 1001 N. Florida Ave.
- 6:30 p.m. service in the Sanctuary on Platt Street campus 
Homeless Jesus Dedication Feb. 10 at The Portico

The Homeless Jesus, a life-sized bronze sculpture depicting Jesus as a homeless man asleep on a park bench, will be dedicated at noon on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, at The Portico, 1001 N. Florida Ave. Read this May, 2015 message about The Homeless Jesus sculpture from then senior pastor, the Rev. Roger Scholtz.
Running to Make God's Love Real

Sign-up this Sunday in the Courtyard to help make God's love real during the Gasparilla Distance Classic. Cheer on runners or wear a Hyde Park United Methodist t-shirt as you run the race. Learn more.
Finance Committee to Set Budget Tomorrow

Thank you! 536 households have made a commitment so far to the ministries and missions of this church in 2016. The Finance Committee will meet tomorrow to set this year's budget based on pledges received. You can still make a pledge before they meet. Click here. 
Food and Fellowship at Wednesday Night Dinner

Enjoy delicious food and fellowship this Wednesday, 5:15-7 p.m. in the Harnish Activities Center. Dinner is $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Learn more.
Gasparilla Beads for a Good Cause

The Prime Timers are a group of older adults who enjoy fun and fellowship while caring for one another. Support their annual Gasparilla parking fundraiser by donating beaded necklaces to the Ministry Offices. Funds raised will support Prime Timers events and other needs of the church. Learn more about the Prime Timers.
Church Conference Feb. 7

The District Superintendent has authorized a called Church Conference for 12:15 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 7 in the Magnolia Building for the purpose of approving the 2016 clergy compensation and the Ministry and Missions budget. All church members are voting members of the Church Conference and are invited to attend.
DOWNTOWN AND THE PORTICO
Stageworks Theatre Preview Night: In the Blood

The Portico is partnering with Stageworks Theatre to provide tickets to a special preview performance of the play In the Blood 8 p.m. Feb. 4, with proceeds to help The Portico support a community effort to help the homeless. The play provides an in-depth look at the issue of homelessness. Learn more and purchase tickets.
Doc Night Jan. 28: "Too Close to Home"

Florida may have beaches and sunny skies, but it is also the third-highest state in the nation for human trafficking. Join us 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 in The Portico Chapel for "Too Close to Home", a documentary by local PBS affiliate WEDU that explores this issue. Learn more.
Gasparilla Porch Party Jan. 24

The Portico will host a Gasparilla-themed Porch Party 5:30 p.m. Jan. 24 in The Portico breezeway. Bring a friend, a dish and an appetite for good food and conversation. All are welcome! Learn more.
EVENTS AND GROUPS
New Small Groups in February

Explore the "Marks of a Methodist:" Love God, Rejoice in God, Give Thanks, Pray Always, and Love Others. Grow in faith during the season of Lent in small group community. A five-week group study begins week of Feb. 14. Sign up here.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Answer Questions and Give Help at Connection Point
 
Every Sunday, volunteers warmly greet guests and congregation members in the courtyard, before, during and after worship services. Four openings are available. Shifts are either 30 or 60 minutes and training will be provided. Contact John Barolo to start soon.
Summer Internships with Merge Youth Ministries

Merge Youth Ministires is searching for two paid summer interns to focus on relationship building, planning special events and planning regular youth programming. Learn more.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
Faith Steps Picture Bible Class 
  
Learn how to share the story of God and God's love with your 2- or 3-year-old child in this three-week class beginning 10:45 a.m. Feb. 7 in Wesley Center 201. All families participating will be presented a picture Bible at the end of the class. Learn more or register now.
Park at Church for Children's Gasparilla Parade
  
Park at Hyde Park for the Children's Gasparilla parade to raise money for our youth to go to camp and on mission trips. The parade is Jan. 23, and parking costs $10. Parking begins at 10:30 a.m. and lots generally fill up by 4 p.m. 
FAMILY CIRCLE
  • Sympathy to Angie White on the death of her father, Jan. 14.
  • Sympathy to Justin LaRosa and family on the death of his father, Jan. 14.
  • Sympathy to Nina Hendry and family on the death of her husband, Harold Hendry, Jan. 16. Memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Thursday in the Sanctuary.

DECEMBER MEMORIALS

In Memory of:
  •  Jack Curlee: Anne and Tom Henderson
  • Gary Dicus: The Family of Melvin Dicus; Ron Honig; Scott Ilgenfritz and Margaret Mathews
  • Jackie Evans: Anne and Tom Henderson
  • Vic Leavengood: Scott Ilgenfritz and Margaret Mathews
  • Dorothy Lieving: Anne and Tom Henderson
  • Doris McCleskey: Nancy Alchediak; Franklin R Morrison; Dick and Pat Martin; Richard Vander Veen; Louise and Hugo Schmidt; Carl and Janet Edwards; Kitty Phillips; Yvonne Mathews; Lyndall and Jim Cantrell; Nancy Ray
  • Frank McMichael: Anne and Tom Henderson
  • Dolly Robson: Deborah Skyrms; Jay and Allyn Lane; Foley and Lardner; Richard Farriof; Bernadina and Tommy Morgan; John Coleman; Ann Cooper Schell; John and Kim Grandoff; Mr and Mrs Christopher Lykes; James Compton; Ann and Jim Von Thron; Don and Raye Southwell; Norma McInnis; Julianne McKeel; KC Bullard; Frances Kerr; Carolyn and Bob Yelverton; Donna and Ron Tyrrell; Virginia Kaul; Kathy Betancourt; Harriett Phillips; Eileen and Dale Dittbenner; Laura Towne; Sadie Burt; Scott Ilgenfritz and Margaret Mathews; Beverly Larmon; Norman Stallings; Constance Farnsworth; Karen Clarke; Tom and Lee Touchton; Betty Foster; Caroline and Jim Burt II; More Health Inc; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Reeves; Nancy and Steve Crane; Anne and Tom Henderson
 In Honor of:
  • The Reverends Magrey deVega, James Harnish, Bernie Lieving and Dick Martin: Sara Luciene, Stanley McCleskey and Lawrence McCleskey
STAY CONNECTED: