Hyde Park United Methodist

The cleansing (expiation) atonement theory sees sin as a blemish or tarnish that we cannot cleanse on our own. Likewise, the stain of shame and guilt makes it hard for us to offer forgiveness, receive forgiveness from others, and most of all, forgive ourselves.  Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if redemption didn’t require sacrifice or violence? Through the cross, the cycle of bloodshed ends, and we are invited into a new way of living—one where peace, not violence, shapes our world.  Reflection Questions: 1. How do you typically respond when you witness violence in your daily life? 2. Thinking of Jesus’ command to love God and love neighbor, what is one non-violent thing you could...

How does nonviolence shape our faith? This week on Beyond the Sermon, Mat Hotho and Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans discuss how her experiences—from mission work to peaceful protests—shaped her understanding of Jesus and justice, and what it means to live out a nonviolent faith today. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

How can reading the Bible transform your life and deepen your relationship with God? Scripture has the power to illuminate our hearts and guide us in loving God and others. But to experience its full impact, we must make it a regular part of our lives—and even better, read it in community. Discover how reading Scripture together can bring its truth to life in profound ways.  Reflection questions:...

When we read the Bible, we’re encountering something ancient—written by people trying to make sense of their world and their experiences with God. So why do we sometimes expect it to be immediately clear to us today? This week, Mat and Decker explore how interpreting scripture is more like unpacking a halftime show performance—full of layers, context, and perspectives beyond our own. Join us as we...

This week, Mat and Magrey discuss how reading deeply—whether it’s scripture, poetry, music, or film—helps us see the bigger picture of God’s plan in our lives. By engaging with different perspectives and holding multiple interpretations in tension, we grow in understanding, not just of the Bible, but of the world around us. Join us as we explore how faith isn’t about rigid answers, but about an on...

How can we ensure the Bible is a source of liberation rather than harm? Throughout history, Scripture has been misused to justify misogyny, racism, homophobia, and other systemic sins. In this episode, we explore how to read the Bible faithfully, uncovering its message of good news and freedom for all.  Reflection Questions: 1. What childhood story has brought you deeper meaning as you have gotten...

What do we do with troubling images of God in the Bible that seem inconsistent with his love and faithfulness? Stories of God’s unpredictable actions can feel more like ancient mythology than the God we know. Explore how to read Scripture faithfully, uncovering its timeless truths beyond antiquated imagery.  Reflection Questions 1. What images for God in the Bible are among your favorites? What ar...

This week, Matt and Magrey discuss the evolving ways God is depicted in the Bible. They reflect on how personal experiences and challenges reshape our faith, inviting us to expand our perspective rather than leave it behind. Whether through theology, life events, or moments of transformation, growth means embracing new ways of seeing God while holding on to what still resonates. Find out more at H...

How can we reconcile a loving God with the violence depicted in the Bible? Many struggle with this challenge, especially when reading the Old Testament. Join us as we delve into how to navigate scripture faithfully while grappling with the tough questions about God, violence, and our understanding of his character.  Reflection Questions: 1. What biblical passages of violence are most troubling to...

Violence in the Bible is one of the most challenging topics to wrestle with, yet it's a necessary conversation for understanding scripture in context. This week, Mat and Magrey explore the tension between taking violent passages too literally or dismissing them entirely. They discuss how ancient texts reflect the worldview of their time, the dangers of misinterpretation, and the responsibilit...

This week, Pastor Magrey deVega and Bishop Patrick Streiff explore the power of spiritual practices, from the Moravian texts that shaped John Wesley to the wisdom passed down through centuries of faith. They discuss how scripture, tradition, and relationships shape our journey, just as Jesus walked with His disciples toward transformation. Join the conversation on how faith is lived and shared in...

How does the way we interpret the Bible shape our faith? A Wesleyan approach focuses on inspiration rather than rigid concepts of inerrancy or infallibility. This perspective invites us to read Scripture dynamically and contextually, unlocking deeper truth and broader applicability. Join us to explore why this distinction matters so much.  Reflection Questions: 1. How will you see spiritual practi...

This week Mat and Magrey explore the role of worship in the Psalms, reflecting on how faith and artistry can emerge even in life’s bleakest moments. They discuss Psalm 100, a celebration of joy placed near lament, showing us the power of resilient worship in the face of unresolved struggles. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What does it mean to give back to God through worship? Worship is our response to God’s incredible gift of grace. Having received the breath of God, we use it to proclaim His power and might. Discover how worship reflects a beautiful cycle of grace and praise.  Reflection Questions: 1. How has Sunday worship prepared you to be worshipful throughout the week? 2. What do you need to do to be more wo...

This week Mat and Magrey explore how we are called to actively participate in addressing the world’s challenges, rather than passively waiting for God to act. Reflecting on Psalm 37, they discuss how to focus on what we can control, release what we cannot, and find purpose in service. They also dive into the feeling of disenchantment that surrounds us and share insights on how to navigate it with...

What does it mean to serve with love as your foundation? God has uniquely designed each of us to serve in specific ways for his purpose. Join us as we explore how to embrace your calling and live it out with love at the center. Reflection Questions: 1. When have you experienced disenchantment in your life, or in the world? 2. What Fruit of the Spirit are easiest to demonstrate? What are hardest? 3...

This week Savanna and Justin tackle the challenges of loving those who are difficult to love, especially when they are the ones causing us pain. They share insights on how to turn toxic experiences into opportunities to show others Christ’s love and explore what it means to reflect grace in the hardest relationships. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Our capacity to love others comes from God’s lavish love for us and in us. God’s love within us then compels us to love others lavishly and unconditionally. Both components are essential. Remembrance of baptism.  Justin preaching, Sally doing reaffirmation liturgy.  Reflection Questions: 1. How do stay near to Jesus Christ? What practices do you regularly engage in? What distances you from God, or...

This week Mat and Magrey explore how God inspires us daily, even in the midst of life's challenges. Together, they discuss how aligning our lives with Christ’s values opens us to divine inspiration, often found through hardship and conflict. Discover how the lessons we need most can shape us in unexpected ways, and learn to embrace the hard moments that ask, "What can this teach me?&quot...

There is inspiration every day, with evidence of God’s power and presence, if we will only be open to seeing it. Reflection Questions: 1. How would you define inspiration, in terms of your own personal experience? 2. When have you felt inspired by something that is not necessarily “religious” in nature? 3. How might conflict and struggle be a source of inspiration for you? Find out more at HydePar...

Explore how letters connect us across time, offering encouragement, preserving memories, and deepening faith. Join Pastor Magrey deVega as we discover how the spirit of Christmas letters can inspire us to live with grace, love, and prayer all year long. Reflection Questions: 1. What is the most cherished letter you have ever received? 2. What are your most favorite Christmas letters you’ve receive...

This week, Mat and Magrey recap The Christmas Letters-- touching on being both loving and truthful, Jesus' divinity, and what it means for our everyday lives.  -- Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps --

In Jesus the full divinity of God “was pleased to dwell.” Therefore, through Christ, we can be at peace with God and we can live in peace with one another. Reflection Questions: 1, How do you think Jesus experienced full divinity when he was on earth? 2. How does thinking about the life of Jesus draw you closer to God? 3. How will you live out Jesus’ example more fully? -- Find out more at HydePar...

Join us this week as Mat and Rev. Bernie Lieving explore the difference between fleeting happiness and true, lasting joy. Hear Bernie’s inspiring story of being called to a life of service and how it has transformed his journey. -- Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps --