Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) meets 9:30-11 a.m. or 6:30-8:30 p.m. (for working moms) the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month (during the school year). All moms with children age 5 and under and those moms who are pregnant. Wesley Center, 3rd floor, Rooms 308-309

Share Your RMD Tax-Free

Did you know you can share your retirement assets with Hyde Park United Methodist and distribute funds without paying ordinary income tax? Savers who have accumulated investments in tax-deferred IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) must begin distribution of these assets by the time they reach 70 1/2 years old. If those assets are not needed to support your retirement, you can distribute them directly to Hyde Park United Methodist. This strategy saves the payment of ordinary income tax on the amount of the distribution.

More information can be found on the Florida United Methodist Foundation website. You may want to consult your tax advisor. Questions? Email Lynn Osborne, Comptroller.

What Can $100 or $500 Fund at Hyde Park?

As you consider the level of generosity you are called to in your support of Hyde Park’s ministries and missions, here are some examples of a small incremental increase in your giving.

What can $100 fund at Hyde Park?

• Two scholarships for children to experience God’s love at Vacation Bible School
• 25 teddy bears used to share God’s comfort through our pew bear ministry
• One Financial Peace scholarship to start someone on the path to financial freedom
• Printed worship bulletins needed to engage worshipers for one service on one Sunday
• Five Third Grade Bibles to start children on the path of lifelong discipleship
• One day of electricity at the Portico campus to maintain a welcoming place for connection
• One day of a summer Youth intern who will form connections with our teens
• Two Sundays of live streaming worship services to multiple platforms to widen our reach
• Four background checks to ensure our volunteers and staff are safe for our kids
• One piano tuning, helping us make a joyful noise in worship
• One Wednesday night of Nursery care, allowing young parents to grow closer to God
• 16 Love Meals that will be delivered to a family in a time of need
• A nourishing hot breakfast for 39 homeless guests
• One month of Wednesday night preschool children’s curriculum to teach our youngest disciples
• 16 new bulbs for stage lighting in a worship space
• Communion supplies for two Sundays

What can $500 fund at Hyde Park?

• Confirmation materials to help a class of youth claim their faith for themselves
• Leader materials for adult small groups, helping them grow together in community
• A week of Warren Willis Camp where a teenager can encounter the living God
• Two Sundays of police security on the Hyde Park campus, giving us peace of mind to focus on worship, community and discipleship
• One scholarship for a transformational domestic mission trip
• A funeral with organ music, bulletins, tech support and a reception space for a grieving family
• Five days of support for Metropolitan Ministries outreach program

31 Days Reading Plan on the Life of Jesus

31–Days on the Life of Jesus

Navigate the pathway Jesus paved for us during his life on Earth. This 31-day plan features concise passages for individual or group reading, accompanied by thought-provoking questions to deepen your understanding of the Word.

Click here to download a printable version.

Day 1: Birth

Luke 2:1-21

1. What do you imagine Jesus’ birth looking like?
2. What should our response be when we discover what God wants us to do, like the Shepherds?
3. In what ways can you praise God for Jesus’ arrival into the world this week?

Day 4: Temptation

Luke 4:1-13

1. Has there ever been a time when you were very hungry or thirsty? What happened?
2. What physical needs or desires make us vulnerable to temptations?
3. How can we prepare to withstand tempting situations?

Day 7: Instructions

Matthew 12:16-42

1. What would you say a great leader looks like (name their character, skills, knowledge, etc.)?
2. In what ways do you seek to bring justice or fairness to your relationships?
3. What is one practical thing you could do in your daily life that would be “bearing good fruit” like Jesus said?

Day 10: Marriage Feast

Matthew 22:1-14

1. What is your funniest wedding story?
2. Who do you think eventually showed up to the wedding feast? What does that say about God’s love?
3. What is one practical way you can show God’s love to someone who might not be “invited to the party”?

Day 13: Good Samaratin

Luke 10:25-37

1. When has someone gone out of their way to help you?
2. Have you ever “passed by” like the priest or Levite instead of helping like the Good Samaritan? Why?
3. What is one way you could help someone in need like the Good Samaritan?

Day 16: Stewardship

Luke 16:1-18

1. In what ways does our culture pressure us to love money?
2. Why is it so difficult to keep a proper perspective on money?
3. What is one way you can use money to serve others and show them the love of God?

Day 19: Good Shephard

John 10:1-42

1. When you hear about sheep, what comes to mind? Do you have any specific images, memories or associations with sheep or shepherds?
2. In what ways is Jesus like a shepherd? In what ways are we like sheep?
3. What is one way you could be more intentional about listening to God’s voice?

Day 22: Triumphal Entry

Mark 11:1-11

1. What is the best parade you have ever been to? Briefly share about it.
2. What do you think the disciples thought about what Jesus asked them to do?
3. The Caesars of Rome in Jesus’ day would have had grand “power parades” often, as opposed to Jesus’ humble “one-donkey” parade. What does this tell us about Jesus?

Day 25: Prayer of Jesus

John 17:1-26

1. Why are religious beliefs divisive?
2. How is Jesus’ relationship with God the Father a model for how Christians should treat each other?
3. What is one way you can show love to other Christians?

Day 28: Resurrection

Luke 24:1-12

1. Do you have a story that is hard to believe? Briefly share.
2. Why do you think the disciples doubted the resurrection, despite the fact that Jesus told them it would happen?
3. How can you reaffirm the good news of the resurrection this week?

Day 31: Ascension

Acts 1:1-11

1. How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus left them?
2. What do you think Jesus’ final instruction to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth,” means?
3. What is one trait, skill or talent you have that you can use to share God’s love with others?

Day 2: At the Temple

Luke 2:41-52

1. What would you have wanted to ask Jesus had you been around during those three days in the temple?
2. In what way should we strive to grow in wisdom and stature in favor with God and others, like Jesus?
3. What difference might it make to you this week if you prepared for church as if it were a visit to your father’s house?

Day 5: First Miracle

John 2:1-12

1. What makes an event miraculous or supernatural?
2. How does Jesus reveal his power to us today?
3. What is one specific habit or characteristic you will ask God to change in your life this week?

Day 8: Cost of Discipleship

Matthew 16:24-28

1. What are some ways people try to “find themselves”?
2. What does it mean to you to “take up your cross” and follow Jesus?
3. What is one thing you could do this week to “deny yourself” and follow Christ?

Day 11: Christ’s Return

Matthew 24:1-25

1. Why do people enjoy apocalyptic, “end-of-the-world” stories (Zombie books, movies and games, “The Day After Tomorrow,” etc.)?
2. Jesus didn’t give us a specific time or date for his return. Is that helpful or frustrating? Why?
3. Does knowing Christ will return someday give you hope? Why?

Day 14: Prayer

Luke 11:1-13

1. How do children act when they want something (a snack, toy, etc.) desperately?
2. Why do you think the disciples needed to be taught how to pray?
3. What is one way you can apply something from this passage to the way you pray?

Day 17: New Birth

John 3:1-21

1. Why do you think Nicodemus came by night to Jesus?
2. What do you think Jesus meant by being “born from above” or “born of the Spirit”?
3. How can you thank God for sending Jesus?

Day 20: Vine and Branches

John 15:1-27

1. What do you do to stay connected to friends and family?
2. What are some ways we “remain in Jesus” like he says in the passage?
3. What is one way you can commit to staying connected with Jesus?

Day 23: Last Supper

Matthew 26:17-35

1. In what ways does sharing a meal bind people together?
2. What would it have been like to be one of the disciples, and eaten the last supper with Jesus?
3. What does Communion mean to you personally? Why?

Day 26: Trials

Luke 22:47-71 | Luke 23:1-25

1. How do people typically react when bullied, insulted or attacked by others?
2. How would Jesus want us to react to criticism (like the guards and crowds) or our friends betraying us (like Peter)?
3. What is one example of how we can respond to evil with love?

Day 29: Road to Emmaus

Luke 24:13-35

1. Have you ever been surprised by something you didn’t realize at first? Briefly share.
2. What is a Christian truth that you didn’t understand at first, or still have trouble fully understanding?
3. How do you think we can work through our misunderstandings and doubts about the Christian faith?

Day 3: Baptism

Matthew 3:13-17

1. How would you feel if the world’s leading expert in your field asked you for help, like Jesus asked John the Baptist?
2. Why do you think John felt awkward about baptizing Jesus?
3. What do we tell the world by being baptized?

Day 6: Sermon on the Mount

Matthew 5:1-48 | Matthew 6:1-34  | Matthew 7:1-28

Questions primarily focus on the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:1-12

1. What are some ways people typically try to find happiness or fulfillment in life?
2. Which of these promises mean the most to you? Why?
3. What is a practical step you can make this week to more closely follow Jesus’ example set in the Beatitudes?

Day 9: Vineyard Laborers

Matthew 20:1-16

1. Who is the best employer you have ever had? Why?
2. In what ways does God’s grace seem unfair?
3. Can focusing on God’s grace in our lives help prevent us from becoming jealous of others? If so, how? If not, why not?

Day 12: Sowing Parables

Mark 4:1-34

1. Do you have a “green thumb”? If so, share a bit about how you care for your plants. What do they need?
2. What things can get us “off-track” from following God, like in the Parable of the Sower?
3. What do you think Jesus means when he talks about the “Kingdom of God”?
4. How do these parables help you better understand what the Kingdom of God is?

Day 15: Lost Parables

Luke 15:1-32

1. Was there ever a time as a child you got lost, or as a parent have you ever lost one of your children? Share about it briefly.
2. What value was placed on the “lost” thing in each parable? Why do you think Jesus placed that value on those lost things?
3. To what “underserving” person can you extend God’s love to this week? How?  

Day 18: Holy Spirit

John 14:16-31 | John 16:5-15

1. When you hear of the “Holy Spirit,” what do you think?
2. How does Jesus describe the Holy Spirit in these passages?
3. How do you think the Holy Spirit works to guide us?

Day 21: Lazarus

John 11:1-57

1. In what different ways do people respond when a loved one dies?
2. How would you have responded differently than Jesus to the news of Lazarus’ illness?
3. In what ways is Jesus’ response to Lazarus’ death a model for us to follow?

Day 24: Washing Feet

John 13:5-29

1. Do think our culture promotes being served instead of serving? Why?
2. When and why is it difficult for you to serve others?
3. What is one way you could serve someone this week? Briefly share.

Day 27: Crucifixion

Luke 23:26-56

1. Have you ever helped someone when they were hurting? Share briefly.
2. In what ways was Jesus helped by others in the passage?
3. In what ways did Christ “help” us through the crucifixion? Can we learn from that to help others? 

Day 30: Great Commission

Matthew 28:16-20

1. What do you think of when you hear words like “missionary” or “evangelism”?
2. What does Jesus mean when he says to “make disciples”?
3. The mission of the United Methodist Church is to “Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” What is one way you can participate in that disciple-making mission?

What’s Next?

Now that you have completed this reading plan, be in prayer about what your next step might be:

• Consider joining a small group to continue a deeper dive into the Bible with others searching just like you. View our open groups on the Adult Groups Page or contact John Barolo, Director of Discipleship, with any questions.
• Contact a pastor if there is some pastoral matter for which we can be of care to you. Contact Kim Harcrow, Pastoral Staff Assistant.
• Find a way to serve out of your passion and giftedness, to make a difference. Explore serving opportunities.

 

* Questions adapted from “New Testament Lesson Maker,” © 1992 from NavPress.

Peace Prayer

An Advent Prayer for Peace
by the Rev. Magrey deVega

O God, you made us in your image to be in relationship with you and others, yet we acknowledge the frailty of those relationships. We are imperfect. We have not always been kind. At times we have been more prone to anger and bitterness, than love and forgiveness. We are an imperfect reflection of your perfect love. We know you hear us as we pray for peace. That you might fill us with peace, and use these prayers to create peace in the world.

We pray for peace for every marriage. We pray for homes filled with chronic miscommunication, endless disputes and unfulfilled expectations. Offer new ways to see and hear, with empathy and new understanding. Bring light to each person’s faults and lead them to confession and repentance. Rekindle an awakening to boundless, unconditional love.

For peace in every marriage, Lord in your mercy, you hear our prayer.

We pray for peace in the relationship between parent and child. For young families, in a constant state of adjustment and transition. Grant them endurance and creativity. For parents and children who are struggling with miscommunication, or shared expectations, or wounded by past scars and ongoing resentment, grant them new insight and the power of reconciliation. For families in transition, with grown children charting their own paths and discovering their own freedoms, bring them together across their distances, through joy and laughter and love.

For peace in every relationship between parent and child, Lord in your mercy, you hear our prayer.

We pray for peace for the dysfunction that is in every family. For families dealing with the haunting influences of addiction, or the long shadow of mental illness, grant a new spirit of courage and compassion, a boldness of truth, and generosity of love. For families that are marked by deep fault lines of past hurts and misunderstandings, pour out your spirit of confession and forgiveness.

For peace in all our families, Lord in your mercy, you hear our prayer.

We pray for peace for couples who are struggling with infertility, especially during a season marked by the birth of a holy child. Comfort them, weep with them, and grant them hope and fulfillment in surprising and creative ways. For those who face this season alone – widows and widowers, single adults and divorced, the elderly and homebound – help them discover their completeness, their uniqueness and their joy.

For peace in the midst of loneliness, Lord in your mercy, you hear our prayer.

We pray for peace for those who are grieving. For those who remember loved ones who have died, whose grief skews this season of peace into a time of sorrow, comfort them with your presence, and remind them that in you, the bonds of love will never end. And for those facing their own mortality, living in the shadow of their own death and disease, help them to embrace eternal life now. To live with an embrace of each moment and the gift of each breath, and the courage to receive both joy and the pain, sickness and health. May your love be made real in our care for others.

For peace in the face of grief and fear, Lord in your mercy, you hear our prayer.

O God, you are Immanuel. You are the presence among us in every moment. Through these prayers, open us up to that presence, fill the broken and empty parts of our lives, that in your grace, life might begin to fit together again. And use these prayers to create peace, in a way that only your transforming love can do.

May this season of Advent truly be one of preparation, that our hearts, minds and souls may be awakened to peace.

In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Creating an Advent Wreath