Giving Matters is a monthly update on ministry, finances and stewardship at Hyde Park. Leaders with varied responsibilities and roles in our congregation share their insights and perspectives on faith and giving how these guide them.

 

Transforming the World as a Connected People

May 2012 – From around the world they made their way to Tampa to renew with God and one another the unique connectional covenant that we call Methodism. Lay persons and clergy from many nations, cultures and experiences descended upon our city to worship, conference and envision the future of our ministries as a part of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. [More ...]

A Place Where Lives Are Changed!

April 2012 – Zach Hutchinson calls the Warren W. Willis Youth Camp, "My favorite spot in the world! It's 'holy ground' to me." Zach's story is not unusual. Each summer, more than 3,600 children and youth experience Christ at the camp. [More ... ]

Faith Promise Celebration Keeps Touching the World!

March 2012 – Faith Promise Missions Celebration weekend was a great time for sharing stories filled with hope and inspiration, and offering opportunities for connecting and serving. Here’s just one inspirational story that began that day. [More ...] 

The Gift that Goes on Giving

Feb. 2012 – How do we celebrate the life of someone we have known and loved? How can one person’s faith be passed on to future generations? How can we give a gift that keeps on giving long after we have gone on to heaven? Three recent gifts to the Endowment Fund have answered those questions in a meaningful way. [More ...]

Celebrating Good News, Seeing the Opportunity

Jan. 2012 – As the 2012 Chair of the Finance Committee, I had the privilege of addressing the congregation in worship a few weeks ago. I shared that the Finance Committee was preparing to make important decisions about the 2012 ministry budget and invited everyone to make a pledge if they had not yet done so. [More ...]

Commitment Counts, Ministry Multiplies Through You

Dec. 2011 – During the Thanksgiving-Christmas season, our congregation gives generously to support mission partners in Tampa and around the world. But for faithful disciples at Hyde Park, giving is not just a holiday tradition. It’s a year-round spiritual practice through which we participate in God’s 
transformation of this world. [More ...]

For the Love of Children

Nov. 2011 — People who have been around Hyde Park for awhile know our story. It all began on a Sunday afternoon in March 1899, when half-a-dozen folks got together to start a Sunday School for children among the families who were moving into the new “suburb” of Tampa called Hyde Park. [More ...]

2011: 4th and Goal to Go!

Oct. 2011 — Every football fan knows what it means to be within reach of the goal line on 4th down. Kick the field goal or go for the touchdown? The decision for our congregation is clear. Our financial stewardship in the first three quarters of 2011 put us in a strong position to go for it! [More ...]

Your Support for Faith Promise Mission Fund

Sept. 2011 — People often ask how we choose what missions to support and how much to give through the Faith Promise Mission Fund. I tell them that we don’t make those decisions – you do! [More ...]

Marjorie Cochran's Lasting Legacy

Aug. 2011 — Throughout our history, God has called many members to Make God’s Love Real in various ways. The Rev. Bernard H. Lieving Jr. tells the story of Marjorie Cochran, and how she will continue Making God’s Love Real for future generations. [More ...]

Children's Ministries: Soaring to New Heights!

July 2011 — Wow ... What a year it has been in Children's Ministries. The Children's Ministries leadership team and hundreds of Hyde Park children thank you for the dedicated stewardship of your prayers, presence, gifts and service. [More ...] 

Bishop Whitaker offers Thanks

June 2011 — Faithfulness to the Gospel shows itself in many ways. I am writing today to thank you for your faithfulness in just one of those ways. In 2010, you showed your commitment to live as disciples of Jesus Christ by giving 100 percent of your apportionments. [More ...]

Her Journey Into Ministry, Thanks to You

May 2011 — Across our history, God has used this congregation to call men and women into the ordained ministry of the church. In the past 20 years, 16 persons have heard that call, gone to seminary, and been sent out in ministry. Michelle Schrader shares her story as she prepares to be ordained in the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church. [More ...] 

A Legacy of Stewardship: Charitable Gift Annuities and other Planned Gifts

April 2011 — Giving to Hyde Park United Methodist is not limited to what you give today. Assets that you have accumulated in your lifetime can also be donated to the church as a planned gift, during your lifetime or as part of your estate plan. [More ...]