A PRAYER FOR CHRISTMAS
By Frederick Buechner (1926-2022)
From The Hungering Dark
Lord Jesus Christ,
Thou Son of the Most High, Prince of Peace, be born again into our world.
Wherever there is war in this world,
Wherever there is pain,
Wherever there is loneliness,
Wherever there is no hope,
Come, thou long-expected one, with healing in thy wings.
Holy Child, whom the shepherds and the kings and the dumb beasts adorned, be born again.
Wherever there is boredom,
Wherever there is fear of failure,
Wherever there is temptation too strong to resist,
Wherever there is bitterness of heart,
Come, thou blessed one, with healing in thy wings.
Amen.
On behalf of the staff and lay leadership of Hyde Park United Methodist, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas and a blessed New Year!
FULL CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
We are ready to welcome you and thousands of people over the next several days to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. For the full schedule of services at Water Works Park, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, along with our services online, visit our website.
We could also use a last push of volunteers to provide hospitality on Christmas Eve. Thank you to those who have already signed up. We still have a number of openings at the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. services on Christmas Eve. To sign up, click here.
ONE SERVICE THIS SUNDAY
Bask in the glow of Christmas morning with us this Sunday, in a single service at 10 a.m. in our Sanctuary, along with a service online. I will be preaching a Christmas message, and we’ll join in singing some of our favorite Christmas carols. There will also be a community service and meal at The Portico at 11 a.m. this Sunday.
HARNISH CENTER TO BE USED AS COLD WEATHER SHELTER
Throughout this winter we have partnered with Hillsborough County to provide a cold weather shelter in the Harnish Center on the Hyde Park campus for any persons needing a warm place to stay overnight. With temperatures forecast to drop below 40 degrees on Friday, Saturday,Sunday and Monday nights, we are preparing to open the space for overnight guests.
If you can volunteer in any capacity, or wish to be included on the contact list for future opportunities, please sign up here. Let us pray for those who will be affected by the cold, even as we make room for their safe shelter with us.
Magrey
END OF YEAR GIVING AND ESTIMATES OF GIVING
We have had an amazing, fruitful year of ministry, thanks to God’s grace and your generosity. Help us to finish the year strong in two ways:
1. Make your final contributions to the 2022 budget. For your giving to count toward your 2022 giving statement, make sure your gift is postmarked by December 31, 2022. In addition, staff will be available in the office from Wednesday to Friday next week to receive your contributions.
2. We have made wonderful progress in our most recent Generosity Campaign, and we are nearing our goal to fully fund God’s mission in 2023. For those of you who have already submitted an estimate of giving, thank you! If you haven’t, your estimate of any size will go a long way to help our Finance Committee plan for the future. Please click here to submit one. Thank you!
NO MIDWEEK MESSAGE NEXT WEEK
Our offices will be closed on Monday and Tuesday next week, to give our staff and volunteers a chance to rest and celebrate Christmas with loved ones. There will be no Midweek Message next week, and I look forward to resuming them in January.