Hyde Park United Methodist

This classic passage from Acts depicts the early church acting in outward generosity, to meet the needs of people in their community. This is the church at its healthiest and best, and it is part of our DNA. When we function in this way, not only is our church strong; so is our witness, and so, therefore, is the community that we serve. As Miroslav Wolf surmised in his book Flourishing, even though organized religion at its worst may be the cause of some of our world’s greatest problems, the solution to our world’s greatest problems can be organized religion at its healthiest and best. That is the future we get to step into together.   

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week Mat Hotho sits down with Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans to explore the picture of community found in Acts 4. Together, they discuss why people often remember how the church made them feel more than what it said, the challenge of accepting help when we need it, and what it looks like to build authentic relationships in a culture that values independence. They also reflect on why unity doesn't require uniformity, how Christians can disagree with love, and why meaningful connection remains one of the church's greatest gifts.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost Day gets a lot of attention, but we often forget his second sermon, the one recorded in the very next chapter. Peter and John are walking through the portico of the Temple when they encounter a man unable to walk since birth. Their subsequent healing of the man was accompanied by Peter’s sermon, in which, again, he declared himself to be a witness of the resurrection. In verse 15, he says, “You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” How is the Holy Spirit empowering us to be witnesses of new life through acts of healing, compassion, mercy, and justice?  

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This week Mat Hotho and Pastor Magrey deVega sit down to unpack what it really means to be a “witness” — and why sharing your story doesn’t have to look loud, confrontational, or perfect. From bracelets and spiritual practices to invitation, vulnerability, and finding faith in everyday life, they explore how ordinary moments can become something worth sharing.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Prior to Jesus’ ascension, he told the disciples that they would be his witnesses throughout the ends of the earth. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended to empower them – and us – to be just that. In Peter’s stirring sermon, he declared that “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.” What would it mean for us to be witnesses of the resurrection for others who are seeking new life? What evidence of resurrection within us can we invite people to experience for themselves?   

Reflection Questions:
1. What experience of God’s goodness feels most natural for you to share?
2. Which voices or influences are drawing your heart away from God’s peace?
3. How has God guided and sustained you through uncertain or difficult seasons?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Mat Hotho sits down with Youth Sunday preacher Grace Bennett to talk about fairness, faith, and what it’s like seeing Bible stories through fresh eyes. From school pressures and ChatGPT shortcuts to helping friends explore Christianity for the first time, Grace reflects on how faith grows differently for everyone.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

In the ascension of Jesus, the disciples went from Jesus being by their side all the time to being on their own. That shift forced them to go from looking up to looking out, from focusing on the presence of Jesus with them to focusing on the work of Jesus all around them. That kind of key life-stage transition is emblematic of life itself. To follow Jesus, we need to look forward, and then we find Jesus summoning us into the realities of life.   

Reflection Questions:
1. Have you ever felt “behind” in your faith journey compared to others? How does this parable challenge that way of thinking?
2. Why do you think it can be difficult to accept that God’s grace is freely given rather than earned?
3. What is one practical way you can help someone feel welcomed, supported, or encouraged in their relationship with God?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Just as last week’s text provided proof of the presence of God the Father, this week’s text shows us evidence of the Holy Spirit. It is through our love of one another and our commitment to Jesus’ commandments that we see the work of the Holy Spirit. Why? Because it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit, who advocates on our behalf, that we are empowered to do what God asks of us. When we fulfill God’s call, we demonstrate the reality of the Holy Spirit, alive and well in the world.  

Reflection Questions:
1. When have loneliness or fear opened you to deeper trust in God?
2. How have you experienced the Holy Spirit comforting or guiding your life?
3. What helps you remember that you are never spiritually orphaned or alone?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week Mat Hotho returns to Beyond the Sermon to sit down with Pastor Magrey deVega and unpack the idea of “positive disintegration” — the moments in life that shake us, challenge us, and ultimately shape us. Together, they reflect on childhood fears, experiences of the Holy Spirit, and why spiritual growth often begins with discomfort, uncertainty, and learning to trust that everything will be okay.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Phillip speaks for all of us in wanting to see tangible proof of God’s presence. Clearly, if God were as plainly visible and audible as God appeared to be throughout the Bible, there would be very little cause for atheism and agnosticism today. Nonetheless, Jesus gives Phillip an intriguing response: If you’re looking for evidence of God, look at the life and teachings of Jesus himself. He and the father were one. Likewise, if we are looking for the presence of God today, we can embody that presence through our own faithful living and adherence to God’s commands.   

Reflection Questions:
1. Where are you longing to see evidence of God in difficult times?
2. How might your actions become visible signs of God’s presence to others?
3. What need around you is inviting you to do the work of Jesus?

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps