Our Mission:
Hyde Park United Methodist Church is a community of people committed to Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit, united in the love of God, and called to make that love real to others.
We accomplish this mission by becoming people who
Invite people to experience the love of God and become disciples of Jesus Christ,
Equip disciples to be agents of God's reconciling love in the world,
Care for one another in Christian community; and
Send disciples as servants of Christ to participate in God's transformation of the world.
John Barolo
Full name: John C. Barolo II
But Please Call Me: John
Position: Director, Adult Education
Born where and when: Livonia, Michigan — April 17
Family facts: Married to Nicole. We have a son, Luca and we have an Italian Greyhound named Prada.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from the University of South Florida
How I became a Christian: I’ve grown up going to church. In high school I began attending more regularly because of encouraging friends. In college, I became committed to my faith and I’ve been on the journey ever since.
How I ended up at Hyde Park: After moving back to Tampa to be near our family, we found Hyde Park because of the conneXion service and then got involved with DBS. I started working here soon after.
The most important thing I do around here is: Help people find a place to connect with God and each other in Christian community. Help equip people to facilitate Bible studies, Sunday school classes, & other small groups.
FAVORITES
Music: David Crowder Band, Switchfoot, Jars of Clay, U2, Keane, Newsboys, Death Cab for Cutie, Moby, Kevin Max, Sarah Kelly, The Killers, Jet, Harry Connick Jr., Coldplay, Chris Tomlin, Caedmon’s Call, Bebo Norman, Andy Hunter, Classical, NPR
Movie: Comedies & Action
TV Shows: “The Office,” "30 Rock," “Mad Men,” “Lost,” "Heroes," reruns of “Seinfeld,” Food Network
Food: Mexican / Tex-Mex
Place to vacation: A cruise in the Caribbean
Place to eat: Moe's Southwest Grill
How I spend my free time: Being with my wife and son, Taking Prada to the dog park, Fantasy Football, Listening to Music, Playing on my iMac
Best book I've read recently: “Who Will Be Saved” by Will Willimon
Prized possession: Basketball signed by the 1990 Detroit Pistons Championship Team
Nobody knows that I... Play the French Horn.
My vision for the future of Hyde Park Church is: For all disciples at Hyde Park to find a place where they feel connected and are able to grow on their spiritual journey. To continually seek and find new ways of reaching people who are searching.
One way people can pray for me is: For the spirit to help me equip others in shepherding and teaching disciples at Hyde Park.