Sunday Worship, Jan. 31
Why is There Evil and Suffering in the World?

God does not cause evil and suffering, but we still struggle when we see bad things happen to good people. Join us as we give a portable answer to this tough question.

Sanctuary: The Rev. Magrey deVega 
Chapel: The Rev. Sally Campbell-Evans
Magnolia: The Rev. Sally Campbell-Evans
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 
5th Sunday Offering for Florida United Methodist Children's Home This Sunday

We join other United Methodist churches across Florida this 5th Sunday in a special offering for the Florida United Methodist Children's Home. The home (FUMCH) is a refuge and haven for abused, neglected and troubled children. Learn more.
Feed the Hungry with Manna Bags this Sunday

Purchase a Manna Bag filled with ready-to-eat food, socks and Scriptures of encouragement this Sunday. Bags are $5 and will be sold in the Courtyard and Magnolia Patio. Learn more.
Running to Make God's Love Real Feb. 20

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 has Set the 2016 Budget

Thanks to your generosity and commitment, we have a $3,227,654 budget to support our ministries and missions in 2016. This represents a nominal increase over the 2015 budget, which had 79% of the funds committed by 536 pledging households. We are grateful for each of you who give of your financial resources to further our mission of Making God's Love Real.
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.
New Arrivals at the Aldersgate Bookstore

Visit the bookstore for new Lent books, Valentine gifts and the ongoing New Year's sale. During the month of February, chocolate flavor will be free in all coffee products. Thanks for shopping in the bookstore where all profits support missions!
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.
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.
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 Thursday: "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. this Thursday Jan. 28 in The Portico Chapel for "Too Close to Home", a documentary by local PBS affiliate WEDU that explores this issue. Learn more.
EVENTS AND GROUPS
Free Workshop on Improving Relationships Feb. 11

Learn practical tips for all types of relationships in the "Starting, Shaping and Strengthening Relationships" workshop 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11 in Knox Hall 150. Learn more. 
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 a small group community. A five-week group study begins the week of Feb. 14. Sign up here. 
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Seven Immediate Opportunities to Serve 
 
Volunteer now to help make God's love real at Hyde Park United Methodist. Multiple opportunities are available, including a homeless count initiative, the information rack team, and the Love Meals team. Learn more.
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.
FAMILY CIRCLE
  • Sympathy to Katie Quinn and Nick Gizzi on the death of her grandfather, Jan. 23.
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