Hyde Park United Methodist

Violence in the Bible is one of the most challenging topics to wrestle with, yet it's a necessary conversation for understanding scripture in context. This week, Mat and Magrey explore the tension between taking violent passages too literally or dismissing them entirely. They discuss how ancient texts reflect the worldview of their time, the dangers of misinterpretation, and the responsibility we have to read scripture through the lens of love and justice. How do we navigate these difficult passages in a way that deepens faith rather than distorts it? Join the discussion.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-survey3. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 --