The first Sunday of Advent often catches us by surprise, still plumped from Thanksgiving leftovers and not yet fully in the swing of Christmas preparations. But Luke’s gospel greets us with a jarring reminder that something bold and wondrous is on the horizon. It is the inbreaking of God’s presence and love, revealed in Jesus. All we have to do is open our eyes to the wonder of God in our midst.  

Reflection Questions:
1. When you get overwhelmed by the world’s problems, what helps you notice signs of new life in front of you?
2. What signs of wonder are you seeing in the world today?
3. Moments of wonder are often interpreted as "God is with me" moments, revealing a sense of divine presence in everyday life.  When was the last time you had one of those moments? What was it like?

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Sally Campbell-Evans and Matt Hotho open Advent with an unexpected text—Jesus’ apocalyptic warnings in Luke 21. Instead of forecasting the end of the world, they explore how these passages uncover God’s presence right in the middle of fear, uncertainty, and ordinary life. Together they reflect on why Advent begins with a jolt, how to notice the quiet signs of hope already growing around us, and what it means to “draw near” to God and one another when everything feels unsteady.

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The draw near theme encompasses 1) an affirmation that God has drawn near to us by taking on flesh and experiencing what it is to be human, 2) a plea for God to draw closer to us and to the spaces in the world that are broken, and 3) a charge for us to draw near to God by leaning into wonder, justice, truth, and one another. 

Reflection Questions:

1. What does it mean for you to call Jesus Lord and King?

2. How will you savor each present moment in the coming days? 

3. How will you prepare yourself spiritually for the coming Advent season? 

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As we wrap up Christ the King Sunday—and the Christian year—Magrey and Matt reflect on where we've been, what’s grounding us right now, and where our faith might carry us next. They share a simple three-part gratitude practice perfect for your Thanksgiving table, and explore what it really means to say “Jesus is Lord” in a world shaped by Christian nationalism and diverse faith traditions.

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This iconic text from Paul on giving reminds us that our truest and most faithful generosity does not happen through rote obligation, but through a spirit of joy and gratitude.

Reflection Questions:
1. When have you been misunderstood, the way the Corinthians misunderstood Paul? 
2. How can you shift your thinking to see every person in the church as equally important? 
3. How might you see your estimate of giving as planting a seed for impact in 2026 and beyond? 

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey and Mat dive into Paul’s letters to the Corinthians—letters written to a city full of wealth, ambition, and ego. They unpack how Paul uses the language of farmers to teach a lesson about generosity, faith, and interdependence. Together they explore what it means to plant seeds of faith in a world obsessed with control—and how true growth depends on forces far beyond ourselves.

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Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho explore the heart behind generosity—what drives us to give, and how to keep it from becoming self-serving. They unpack the danger of “propositional faith,” the belief that generosity guarantees reward, and contrast it with the deeper call to give simply because Jesus did. Along the way, they share stories of teachers, mentors, and church members whose quiet selflessness still ripples outward today.

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Our simple acts of generosity are part of a continuum of God’s reciprocal work of grace. God blesses us, then blesses others through us, and then we are blessed in return, which enables us to give thanks to God. It is a true full circle of grace.

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Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans joins Mat Hotho for a heartfelt Beyond the Sermon conversation on the meaning of All Saints Sunday—a day to honor those who shaped our faith and reflect on how God’s grace shines through ordinary people. Sally shares the story of her niece’s courage and faith, and how recognizing the image of God in every person can change the way we live, love, and remember.

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On this All Saints Sunday, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans reminds us that saints aren’t stained-glass figures of perfection—they’re ordinary people made radiant by grace. Through stories of faith, compassion, and love that bridge heaven and earth, we’re invited to see ourselves and others as bearers of God’s image. What would change if you truly believed that the divine spark lives in you—and in everyone you meet?

Reflection Questions 
1. Do you agree with the definition of a saint… as one who lives NOT with stained-glass perfection, but ordinary lives made radiant by GRACE?
2. Before today’s sermon, what was your concept of a saint?
3. Who are some of the saints that have encouraged you on the journey of faith? Take a moment and thank God for their presence in your life.
4. What is one thing you could do today to encourage the image of God in another person? (in a friend, family member, stranger) 

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps