Four Minutes Could Change Our Ministry
Merge Youth Ministries wants to partner with you to make real the message of God's love to your teenager. This past Sunday, we did a survey with students, and now we want to hear for you! Take our 7 question survey, and you will help guide the direction of Merge. To learn how the kids responded, click here.

Making God's Love Real
Miracles are things that are impossible to accomplish if it were not for God's grace. In other words, divine blessings. Everyone has a miracle in their life. No matter what it is, it was given to you by the grace of God. Thank God for everything in your life, for he creates miracles for all of us.
Van Cates, Jr. 
Communication Connector 
High School 
News + Events
High School Bible Study, Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., Magnolia 
I am inviting all high school students to join me in giving up two hours to experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal during Lent. Dinner will be provided and friends are welcome. Details here.
Scholarships
Hyde Park United Methodist supports higher education and seminary education for youth and adults through several scholarship funds, created by our members. To learn more and/or apply, click here.
Host Homes Needed
On March 13 Hyde Park UMC will host the Duke University Chorale in a concert at 6:30 p.m. We are currently seeking housing for these students the night after the concert. The responsibility of host families is to provide travel to and from the church, overnight accommodation, and breakfast. The students will need to be back to the church by 9 a.m. on March 14. Each host family must be able to host a minimum of two students. This is a great opportunity for our students to learn about the college experience from current Duke students.

Interested in hosting? Click here!
Seder Meal
Rabbi Nathan Farb from the Congregation of Schaarai Zedek will lead us in a Seder Meal, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, March 20 in the Harnish Activities Center. Parents and youth are welcome. RSVP here.
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.
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.
VBS June 27-July 1
Save the date for Cave Quest Vacation Bible School at Hyde Park United Methodist. VBS will be held June 27-July 1. Children wishing to attend will be able to register on our website in mid-April. Want to serve on the Cave Quest exploration team? Adults sign-up here and youth sign-up here. Help us inspire kids to follow Jesus, the light of the world!
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.

Sundays
Sunday Morning
We believe that the best way to create "sticky faith" is by having youth involved in congregational worship and serving in church. We encourage both of these for our students. If not attending worship, students can serve in various ways during the hour they are on campus. If you would like to get your student plugged into serving around campus with Children's Ministries, Open Arms, the Tech Team, ushering or greeting, please contact Emily.
Merge, 5:30-8 p.m.
This Sunday is movie night. We will watch the biography, Disney's McFarland USA (rated PG), starring Kevin Costner.  Pizza, soda, popcorn anc candy will all be provided at no cost. Please bring your pillow, blanket and friends to the fun.
Summary:  Jim White moves his family after losing his last job as a football coach. He sees that some of the students are worth starting a cross-country team and turns seven students with no hope into one of the best cross-country teams.
Confirmation, 5:30-8 p.m.
This week we look at the vows that we will take at Confirmation and explore what it means for us to choose to turn away from sin, accept God's power to do good, and say "YES!" to a life with Christ. Join us in the Magnolia Building at 5:30 p.m. for your free dinner, followed by our small group session in the Wesley Building from 6-8 p.m. We'll see you then!
Wednesdays
Middle School Bible Study, 6:30 p.m.
We are inviting all middle school students to find a way to give up two hours to experience a season of spiritual growth and life-changing renewal during Lent. Explore the Gospel of John with friends. Details here.
Serving Opportunities
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.
  • Tech Team - contact Nick
  • Children's Ministries - contact Meagan
  • Hospitality - contact Gwen 
  • Open Arms - sign up here 
  • 2nd Saturday Team - contact Drema 
Important Dates
February
Tuesday:High School Bible Study, 6-8 p.m., Magnolia

March
6: Youth Council, Noon-1 p.m., Magnolia
13-19: No activities due to Spring Break
20: Family Mission Trip Meeting, Noon-1 p.m., Magnolia
20: Seder Meal, 6-8 p.m., Harnish Activies Center
27: No activities due to Easter
Stay Connected: