Hyde Park United Methodist

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 HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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 received this year?
3. What suggestions from today’s sermon will you apply?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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. 

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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?

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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.

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Jesus emptied himself of his equality with God to become fully human. In doing so, he shows us a model for empathy, curiosity, and humility, which are keys to living a joyful life in Christ.

Reflection Questions:
1. How do you express your appreciation to those who have done or said something that has helped make your joy complete?
2. Is there something you do on a regular basis that gifts joy to another person?
3. What might God be calling you to do in 2025 that will be “living the same mind that was in Christ Jesus?” 

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This week, Mat and Magrey dive deeper into the letter of 1 John, exploring how our beliefs are shaped by the trust we place in God's promise of love.

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Jesus is love incarnate, the “word of life” revealed to us as a human of both “water and blood.” He shows us the way of love, which shapes our relationships with God and others.

Reflection Questions:
1. What do you imagine the “magical circle” was like when you were born?
2. When have you most vividly experienced God with your senses?
3. How will you become more aware of God’s love in ordinary moments?

-- Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps --

This week Mat and Magrey dive into the deeper meaning behind Magery's prayer and how we can stay faithful to every moment, even when we're called to something bigger then ourselves. 

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The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus brings us good news, offering us the hope of salvation. In Romans, we see God’s great plan to save all people from sin.

Reflection Questions:

1. What do you enjoy about receiving Christmas letters this time of year?

2. How has God been faithful to you in the past? How is God active in your life now?

3. If God were to write a Christmas letter to you now, what would it say?

-- Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps --