Hyde Park United Methodist

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.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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? 

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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

This Sunday, guest preacher Rev. Dr. Juana Jordan from FAMU Impact Wesley challenges us to “Mind the Gap” — the space between what we believe and how we live it out. From Isaiah’s call to justice, to Boaz’s compassion, to Jesus’ parable of the Sheep and Goats, we’re reminded that real faith doesn’t step over need — it steps into it. Discover how God calls us to stand in the breach, live with margin, and become repairers of the world’s broken places.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in your life or community do you see a “gap” between what you believe and how you behave—and what would it look like to mind that gap?
 2. What might it mean for you, like Boaz, to turn your margin into ministry? To use your resources or influence to restore someone’s dignity?
 3. How does your faith express itself in concrete action? Where might you need to move from intention to impact this week?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In the final week of Christ at the Center, Pastor Magrey deVega revisits a wild Sunday when Hyde Park was protested by Westboro Baptist Church—for being “too open-minded.” But instead of responding with hate, the church chose love, gentleness, and respect—the way 1 Peter calls us to. Discover how real faith holds conviction without closing hearts, and how open-mindedness—rooted in Jesus—can become one of the most powerful witnesses we have today.

Reflection Questions:
1. What positions in the Social Principles are instructive and persuasive for you?
2. How will you work toward bridging polarizing differences with others?
3. How will you work toward peace and justice in the world?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if faith and politics can coexist without partisanship? When the Pharisees asked Jesus about religion and empire, He responded, "Render unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and to God the things that belong to God." His answer offers key principles on how followers of Jesus can engage in politics while staying true to their faith.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps