Just as a shepherd cares for his flock, many members of Hyde Park are deeply involved in caring for others both within the church, and from a community outreach perspective. If you believe you have the Spiritual Gift of Caring for others, you are invited to sample the many initiatives under way that help to Make God's Love Real in our church. Our Support Groups include:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Cancer Support Group
• Caregiver's Sanctuary
• Emerging through Movement
• Growing through Divorce
• Military Outreach Ministry
• Youth Sanctuary

Each Thursday, Activities Center, 6 p.m.
Each Saturday, Activities Center, 7 p.m.

A fellowship of men and women who share their experiences, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A. A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.  A. A. is not allied with any sect, denomination, political perspective, organization or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any cause. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.

Second and fourth Wednesdays, Knox Hall room 157, 12:15 p.m.

This informal group is open to all cancer patients, survivors, family and friends and is dedicated to providing support, understanding, education and prayer. The group meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month.

Second Tuesday of the month, Hyde Park United Methodist,
Knox Hall rooms 156 and 157, Noon – 1:30 p.m.

The Caregiver Sanctuary is an informal gathering open to anyone in the community who is caring for a person with memory loss, including Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Those wanting to learn more about how to support dementia caregivers are also welcome.

The Caregiver Sanctuary is a safe haven for finding loving support, information, understanding, resources, prayer, laughter, and encouragement for the journey. Facilitators have been trained by the Alzheimer’s Association, and have personal experience as Alzheimer’s caregivers themselves.

Quiet time in the Chapel is available before and after the gathering. Buffet lunch is available for a $5 fee, or participants are welcome to bring their own.

The Caregiver Sanctuary also sponsors special presentations for the community featuring professionals who touch the lives of those with memory loss, including physicians, elder care attorneys, financial planners, home health providers, adult living facility directors, and others. Watch the church newsletter and bulletin for announcements, or call the church office at (813) 253-5388 for dates and times. To sign up or for more information, contact Mary Webb Walker, Facilitator, at (813) 886-0592.

Because memory loss affects the entire family, a youth support group is available for kids from ages 10 to 18. See Youth Sanctuary below for details.

Tuesdays, 6 - 7 p.m., Magnolia Building, first floor

June Kittay, church member and certified fitness instructor, hosts this lively group weekly. This ministry is designed to improve health and all ages are welcome. The routines are appropriate for all fitness levels. This program was included in a recent discussion of our various outreach ministries on the Christian Television Network. For more information, please contact June, email.

Tuesdays, Knox Hall room 305, 7:00 p.m. (Please check with church on dates; classes are generally offered in fall and winter)

A divorce recovering workshop designed to help men and women during the process of separation in anticipation of divorce, as well as those who are already divorced. The workshop helps to address the trauma of the divorce experience and outlines the ways to avoid many of the pitfalls faced during divorce. Participants learn how to set new goals for themselves as single adults.

First Wednesday of the month, Knox Hall room 154, 7:00 p.m.

This group provides caring to loved ones or friends serving in the military. These individuals are added to our intercessory prayer list and will receive emails, letters and gifts.

For more information, please call (813) 253-5388.

First Sunday of the month,
Magnolia Building, 414 Magnolia Ave., from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Do you have a grandparent or other relative who has Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? Are you a ten to eighteen year-old looking for someone to talk to about it? If so, please join us for Youth Sanctuary, a faith-based support group, which also provides opportunities to participate in projects serving people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Memory loss affects the whole family, including the person with the disease, the family caregiver, spouses, and kids. The Youth Sanctuary offers a confidential setting filled with love and prayers, laughter and fellowship. It’s a safe place to ask questions, learn more about memory loss, share experiences, and voice fears and concerns.

The facilitator is a professional who works with families that are impacted by memory loss. She has been trained by the Alzheimer’s Association and began caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s at age 17.

Contact Mimi Buderus, email, or Dave Sippel, email or phone, 253-5388 ext. 301.