Sunday Worship, Feb. 21
We Rejoice in God

It seems impossible to stay joyful amidst the pain, suffering and evil in the world. Join us as we uncover how to embrace God's joy without ignoring or escaping our problems in this week's sermon "We Rejoice In God."

We welcome as special guest preacher in all Sanctuary services the Rev. Dr. Steve Harper, author of "Five Marks of a Methodist," the book upon which our worship series and studies are based. Dr. Harper is a retired elder from the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church, and founding Vice President of Asbury Theological Seminary's Florida-Dunnam Campus.

Sanctuary: The Rev. Dr. Steve Harper 
Chapel: The Rev. Magrey deVega
Magnolia: The Rev. Magrey deVega
NEWS
Take Time for Self-Reflection During Lent

We are currently in the season of Lent, the 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). This is traditionally a time of self-reflection where we focus on our relationship with God. Make space for spiritual practices by:
  • Studying the text our worship series is based on, "Five Marks of a Methodist", available at the Aldersgate Bookstore or Cokesbury.
  • Following along with our Daily Scriptures, either online or on bookmarks in brochure racks around campus.
Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Tribune Recognize Member Margaret Palmer

Margaret Palmer, a church member who founded a transitional home for women released from jail named the Hillsborough House of Hope, was recently honored by the Tampa Bay Lightning and recognized by the Tampa Tribune. Read more. 
'Homeless Jesus' Dedication

On Feb. 10, the 'Homeless Jesus' sculpture was dedicated in a ceremony at The Portico. Read the Rev. Magrey deVega's homily from the dedication, view photos, and view articles from local and national media outlets here.
Traffic Advisory for this Sunday

Traffic is expected to be heavier than normal on Sunday morning in downtown Tampa due to the Gasparilla Distance Classic. Bayshore Boulevard and some Davis Island and Downtown streets will be closed due to the race. Please allow extra time and use caution when traveling to services this Sunday. For more details, click here.
Providing Assistance to Refugees in Tampa

Hyde Park United Methodist has partnered with Coptic Orthodox Charities to take six refugee families in Hillsborough County under its wing. Volunteers are helping the families find jobs, get settled in Tampa, and assisting their children with English touring and schoolwork. To learn more or volunteer, click here.
Duke University Chorale to Perform March 13

Mark your calendars! Sunday evening March 13 in the Sanctuary, Hyde Park United Methodist will host the Duke University Chorale in concert. Proceeds will benefit "Imagine No Malaria," a global effort by the United Methodist Church, United Nations foundation, and other organizations to eradicate malaria once and for all. Learn more.
Mark Your Calendars for Holy Week and Easter
  • March 20: Palm Sunday
  • March 24: Maundy Thursday (12:15 p.m. at The Portico, 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary)
  • March 25: Good Friday (12:15 p.m. at The Portico, 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary)
  • March 27: Easter (6:30 a.m. at WaterWorks park, 8 a.m. Traditional, 9:30 a.m. Traditional and Contemporary, 11 a.m. Traditional, Contemporary and Magnolia)

Learn more about Easter events at Hyde Park United Methodist. 
'Five Marks of a Methodist' at Aldersgate Bookstore 

Pick up your copy of the Church-wide Lenten Study Book, "Five Marks of a Methodist", in the Aldersgate Bookstore and Coffee Shop. Follow along in the current sermon series with this little book that is big on "The Christian Character".
Women's Interfaith Prayer Service for Peace

All are invited to the 7th annual women's interfaith prayer service for peace 11:30 a.m. March 3 at the Franciscan Center. Register by Feb. 26. Learn more or register here.
Running to Make God's Love Real this Saturday

The Gasparilla Distance Classic is this weekend. For those running the 5k with other church members, meet by the fountain 8 a.m. in the Courtyard on the day of the race to head over to the start of the race together.
Food and Fellowship at Wednesday Night Dinner

Enjoy food and fellowship 5:15-7 p.m. Wednesday in the Harnish Activities Center. $8 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Learn more.
DOWNTOWN AT THE PORTICO
Matching Fund Opportunity at The Portico

The dedication of the "Homeless Jesus" sculpture on Wednesday launched a new era at The Portico, our downtown campus. Through a matching fund initiative, a generous donor will provide up to $200,000 for the renovation. To learn more, read the Rev. Magrey deVega's latest Mid-Week Message here.
EVENTS AND GROUPS
Explore 'Ashes to Action' During Lent

Engage further with our Lenten worship series "Ashes to Action" with Steve Harper's book, "Marks of a Methodist", available at the Aldersgate Bookstore or from Cokesbury. You can also sign up to explore the text with others in a small group community here.
Palestinian Speaker in Pinellas Park Sunday

The Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church invites all to hear Fahmi Manasra, a Palestinian Christian, speak about his experiences 6:30 pm. Feb. 21 at St. Nicholas Antiochian Church in Pinellas Park, FL. Contact 727.785.7127 for more information and directions.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
South Africa Mission Trip Meeting 5 p.m. Wednesday

Do you feel called to do a mission trip? An informational meeting for the fall 2016 mission trip to South Africa will be held 5 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 17 in Knox Hall 151. Learn more.
2016 Cuba Mission Trip June 4-11, 2016

The Cuba Mission Trip team still has a couple of spaces available for their June 4-11, 2016 Trip to Havana. If you have an interest to join our team, contact Drema Muller or learn more here.
2016 Cornerstone Family Ministries Wonderwalk

The 2016 Cornerstone Family Ministries Wonderwalk will begin 9 a.m. Saturday March 5 in the Harnish Activities Center. This event benefits scholarships for children up to four years old at The Rosa Valdez Early Childhood Learning Center in West Tampa. Learn more.
Immediate Opportunities to Serve 
 
Volunteer now to help make God's love real at Hyde Park United Methodist. Multiple opportunities are available:
- Assist the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative in a homeless count
- Give support behind-the-scenes as an Information Team Member
- Provide comfort and care as a Love Meals Deliverer
- Raise money for missions with the Hyde Park Craft Group 
Part-Time Music Director and Youth Intern Positions Available

Two employment opportunities are currently available: a part-time music director for The Portico and two interns for Merge Youth Ministries. Learn more.
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
2016 Confirmation Class to Attend Retreat
 
The 2016 Confirmation Class at Hyde Park United Methodist leaves for a retreat this Friday. The class is comprised of Middle and High schools students who, with their adult leaders, exploring what it means to be a disciple of Christ. We ask that you pray for each of our students and adult leaders as they travel and grow spiritually this weekend. Read more.
Club 45 - 'Ask the Pastor' Night

Club 45 had "Ask the Pastor" night recently with many questions including "Who wrote the Bible?" and "What football team do you cheer for?" See how the Rev. Magrey deVega answered.
Family Fun Night - "Home" Movie Night Friday  
  
Mark your calendars for a fun night out with your family 6 p.m. this Friday in the Harnish Activities Center. Enjoy dinner, a photo, crafts, concession stand treats and a screening of "Home." Invite your friends! Learn more or RSVP now.
Sacraments Workshop for Elementary Schoolers  
 
Parents and their children, grades 2-5, are invited to a Sacraments Workshop in the Harnish Activities Center. Families will explore the meaning of Baptism and Communion. Includes a Q and A session with a pastor! Learn more or Sign up now. 
FAMILY CIRCLE
  • A memorial service for Bob Collinsworth, stepfather of Tony Holcomb, will be held 1:30 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Chapel.
  • Sympathy to Sandy Show on the death of her father, Gene Show, Feb. 8.
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