Hyde Park United Methodist

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 you?
2. How will you guard against the tendency to see the Old Testament as irrelevant or inferior?
3. How will you live out the call of Jesus to non-violence?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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 community.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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 practices as a way of being, rather than an expectation of doing?
2. What does it mean to you for the Bible to be inspired?
3. How can different perspectives bring you new insights when reading of the Bible?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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 worshipful every day?
3. How will worship enable you to be an inspiration for others?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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 faith and hope. 

The King Philosophy: 
https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/the-king-philosophy/

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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. What parts of Dr. King’s sermon or Psalm 37 resonate most with you? Why?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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 currently blocks you from love?
2. Reflect on your primary spiritual gift: How can you use your unique abilities to serve and love others, especially those in broken places, and grow closer to God in the process? (if you don’t know) https://www.adultbiblestudies.com/spiritual-gifts-survey
3. Consider a situation where forgiveness feels difficult or even impossible. What steps can you take to seek God’s strength and grace to forgive, as Corrie Ten Boom did, and experience the transformative power of love?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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?"

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps