Hyde Park United Methodist

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho explore what it means to keep Christ at the center of our political lives. Using Jesus’ famous words—“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”—they unpack how faith can guide us through today’s culture of division, misinformation, and echo chambers. From the craftiness of the Pharisees to the traps of modern media, they draw a line between ancient wisdom and our digital age, reminding us that discernment, balance, and love remain timeless spiritual practices.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho unpack how faith can guide us through a world of deep division. Drawing from Paul’s words to the Corinthians, they explore what it means to seek unity in a polarized time—not by watering down convictions, but by finding the best in one another’s perspectives. From the Methodist idea of the “via media,” or middle way, to the wisdom of Wesley’s three simple rules, they reflect on how love, empathy, and curiosity can help us stay centered when everything else feels split apart.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if the balance between extremes leads to growth? The via media, or “way through the center,” is a key part of Wesleyan belief, guiding us to take the best of both extremes and create a dynamic, living center.


Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways are you concerned about polarization today?
2. What value do you find in the via media, the way of the center?
3. How might you practice listening and empathy with those who disagree with you?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if our gifts are meant to make a difference? Each of us is given a unique set of skills and abilities by God to impact the world around us. Each of us is gifted with a unique set of skills and abilities that God wants us to use to make a difference. 

Reflection Questions:
1. What specific God-given skills, abilities, gifts and talents entrusted to you to use in your life?
2. What "what ifs" or fears might be stopping you from stepping into greater faithfulness with your gifts? 
3. What action might you take this week to put your "talents" to work for the Lord and His Kingdom? 

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Rev. Bernie Leving and Mat Hotho wrap up our series on the church’s vision statement by exploring what it means to live out our God-given gifts. From music and art to cooking, quilting, and even writing notes of encouragement, Bernie shares how ordinary talents become extraordinary when they’re used in service to others. Along the way, he reflects on his own top spiritual gifts—healing, teaching, and faith—and how they’ve shaped his journey from a teenager saying “yes” to God to a lifetime of caring for people. Together, Bernie and Mat consider how we discover our gifts, what holds us back from using them, and the joy that comes when we lean into the unique callings God has placed on each of our lives.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey and Mat dig into Romans 8 — one of Paul’s most famous and vivid passages. Paul describes creation “groaning like childbirth,” a picture that captures both the pain of the present and the hope of what’s to come. Together, they explore how this chapter acts as a hinge in Romans: shifting from heavy theology to a vision of new life, resilience, and community.

From midwives of hope to modern struggles, they reflect on what it means to live faithfully when the world never seems perfect, and how values like integrity, courage, and humility can ground us no matter the season.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

There is a hidden treasure within each of us, which is the image of God with which we have been created. Our work is to participate in God’s transformation, in which we reveal the fullness of Jesus to others. 

Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways do you experience creation “groaning” right now?
2. How is God transforming you to be more like Jesus? How will you participate in that transformation?
3. How will you maintain courage and strength to keep pushing through the labor pains of the world?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Justin and Savanna talk about what it means to feel lost—and how God’s grace often shows up in those moments through the presence of others. Justin shares stories from the Portico community and from his own life, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer isn’t the “right words” but simply showing up with humility and compassion. Together, they reflect on how presence, accountability, and community help us notice when someone is struggling, and how God can even use our own scars to bring healing to others.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey welcomes Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow from Los Angeles First UMC. Together they explore Jesus’ words about worry—why it’s such a universal part of being human, how it shows up in our daily lives, and what faith offers us in response. Drawing on Mandy’s unique ministry in downtown LA and her own reflections, they talk about how trust, integrity, and community become anchors when life feels uncertain. With stories that move from family life to church in a parking lot, this conversation reminds us that even in seasons of anxiety, God’s presence is steady and we are never alone.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, senior pastor of First UMC Los Angeles, for a fresh take on the Sermon on the Mount. Known for her humor, honesty, and fearless preaching, Mandy brings us into Jesus’ challenging words: “Do not worry.”

With stories that will make you laugh and truths that will make you think, she helps us discover how faith and courage can free us from anxiety — and open us to the Kingdom of God here and now.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways are you carrying worry right now?
2. How can your faith in God provide you stability amid your worry?
3. How has this church helped you live your life as God intends?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps