Identity
Up to this point, your teen has been shaped by what you have told them, what you have exposed them to, what you've encouraged them to participate in and even how you have dressed them. Now, as a young adult, they are trying to figure out who they are as individuals. Learn how you can help.
Making God's Love Real
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7. 
Perseverance is something that everyone must have in order to achieve what they want in life. Not only in sports or academics, jobs or careers, but to serve God's purposes in this world. Sometimes it can be very discouraging when you see poverty, disaster, war, the list goes on, but this verse says that we should persevere and  try to make God's love real on this earth no matter what the circumstances. God bless.
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. Bring dinner and a friend. 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, 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 17-23, 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.
Come for dinner at 5:30 p.m. and then join us for a community service project in the Harnish Activites Center. Answered Prayers Project is meant to build groups up and closer together while giving back to their community. We will decorate pre-made crosses and the Answered Prayers Project will distribute to those in need of hope and faith. Learn more.
Confirmation, 5:30-8 p.m.
This week, Confirmands discuss how they can work in partnership with God by offering their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. They will have an opportunity to find out what Spiritual Gifts they have been given by the Holy Spirit, and discover how they can use those gifts to Make God's Love Real in their church, community, and world. 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
Earn Service Hours
Join our adult Second Saturday team from 9 a.m - 3 p.m. Saturday, March 12 as they assist a congreation member in a move. For more details contact Dianna at (941) 321-5644.
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
March
Sunday: 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 Activities Center
27: No activities due to Easter
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