Hyde Park United Methodist

This week, Mat and Magrey explore the Christian Liturgical Calendar more deeply, reflecting on what uncertain times mean to them and how they can find comfort in them.

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

Challenged to prove ourselves, we find our identity in Christ, our King.

Reflection Questions:
1. What do you think it means to call Jesus king?
2. Do you think empathy is in short supply today? Who models it best for you?
3. How will you emulate Jesus in your everyday life?

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

This week, Mat and Magrey reflect on what the crumbling temple might look like in your life, and how to find hope and guidance in those times of uncertainty. 

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

Christ never promises an easy walk, but one of sacrifice.

Reflection Questions:
1.) When in your life did all you thought was true and reliable seem “thrown down”?
2.) When have you seen evidence of God not giving up during your hard times?
3.) How will you release your energy as an act of defiant hope in the world?

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

Join Mat and Justin as they dive deeper into the message of Thessalonians, exploring how to find hope when it feels like the end is near. Justin shares a personal story of facing hopelessness, and together they reflect on what it means to persevere with faith.

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

It may feel like the end is near, but we have to keep going.

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you attempted to stay grounded in your faith with unsettling news or alarming situation in today’s world? 

2. How do you think modern-day predictions or claims about end times events impact people’s faith, both positively and negatively?

3. How can you stand firm in your faith during difficult times, and how might you offer this to others?

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

God is at work in the dark places, even when we cannot see it.

Reflection Questions 

1. When you are struggling who helps you (or what helps you) get back up and try again?

2. What is one thing you could do today to encourage someone (a friend, family member, stranger) who is struggling with their faith in God? 

3. Who are some of the saints that have encouraged you on the journey of faith? How did they encourage you? Take a moment and thank God for their presence in your life.

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

The culmination of remembering our membership vows is an act of recommitment, which would include the submission of our estimates of giving cards. 

Reflection Questions:

In what way do you experience this congregation as a “household”?
 
How are you uniquely called and gifted to build up the work of this church?
 
How will you recommit your efforts of prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness?

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

The kingdom of God is built one life at a time, one relationship at a time, one moment of personal invitation at a time.

 

Reflection Questions:

What experience have you had with evangelism that is coercive or argumentative?
 
What natural ways will you be a witness for Jesus?
 
Which of the five ways to be a witness come easiest for you? Hardest?


Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/nextsteps

What does it mean to serve others? For many of us, growing in our ability to serve means learning how to be uncomfortable in situations that stretch our boundaries. It means learning new names, extending ourselves, and focusing on the needs of others instead of our own.

Learning to serve can be a process. Thankfully we have many examples of processes in our day-to-day lives that can model for us what it means to serve.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you think serving others can lead to deeper relationships or even friendships in your own life?
2. How does knowing and taking care of yourself help you serve others better? Have you ever felt too drained to help others?
3. Why do you think it can be difficult to accept help from others, and how does this challenge your understanding of mutual service?

HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps