Hyde Park United Methodist

Latest Episodes:

Holy Struggle: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // July 26, 2026 Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

Jacob fell in love with Rachel, but he was tricked into marrying Leah instead, and he had to work seven more years for Laban before he earned the right to marry Rachel. The context of this story may seem antiquated to our modern sensibilities, but it does convey the need for patience and endurance when what we long for in life seems out of reach. And there is redemption here for Leah as well. Though she was never Jacob’s first choice, she became the mother of ten of the twelve sons whose tribes would constitute the nation of Israel. That includes Judah, whose line would bring us King David, and eventually, Jesus.  
Reflection Questions:
1. Where are you being invited to love someone beyond your idealized expectations?
2. What "Leah" within yourself might God be inviting you to accept with grace?
3. How can you praise God, even amid disappointment and fear?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

When Love Meets Reality | Beyond the Sermon Jul 27, 2026

Show notes

This week Sally Campbell-Evans joins Magrey Devega for a special episode of Beyond the Sermon as they unpack one of the Bible's strangest family stories. Together they explore the surprising lesson hidden within Jacob, Leah, and Rachel—that every person carries both strengths and flaws, and real love learns to embrace both. They also reflect on Leah's unexpected redemption, what it means to find your worth in God rather than others, and why this ancient story still speaks powerfully to our relationships today.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Holy Struggle: Part 2 // Pastor Bernie Lieving // July 19, 2026 Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

The vision of a gateway to Heaven at Penuel is an important moment in Jacob’s life, and it invites us to think about the “thin spaces” in our lives where we feel close to God. His statement, “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it,” can also invite us to be attentive to the serendipitous experiences of God that we might miss if we are not open to them.  
Reflection Questions:
1. Can you remember a time or place when you felt especially close to God? What made that experience meaningful?
2. How does Jacob’s story remind you that God’s grace is present even in seasons of fear, failure, or uncertainty?
3. Where might God be inviting you to recognize a “thin space” in your everyday life this week?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Places Heaven Feels Close | Beyond the Sermon Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

This week Mat sits down with Pastor Bernie Lieving to explore Jacob's famous dream of the ladder to heaven and the powerful reminder that God is always moving toward us. They unpack the idea of "thin places"—moments when God's presence feels especially close—through stories of unexpected encouragement, meaningful relationships, and everyday "God incidences." Together they discuss why silence matters, how God often speaks through ordinary people, and what it looks like to recognize that God may already be closer than we realize.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Holy Struggle: Part 1 // Pastor Magrey deVega // July 12, 2026 Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

The story of Jacob and Esau is a classic tale of sibling rivalry. From the time they were in their womb, they grappled with each other, a foreshadowing of Jacob’s manipulative nature and Esau’s eventually being tricked out of the birthright. It is of some comfort to know that even biblical heroes did not get along with their family members. And just as Esau and Jacob eventually reconciled, so can we.  
Reflection Questions:
1. Where is God inviting you to persevere through struggle instead of giving up?
2. What relationship in your life may need a first step toward reconciliation?
3. How can God transform one of your greatest weaknesses into an opportunity for grace?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Faith250: Part 4 // Pastor Magrey deVega // July 5, 2026 Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” This declaration points to the soul of our country, and each word can be dissected and examined for its inherent value. The truth of our equality is both shared and self-revelatory. Truth is not owned or cornered by any one group of people, and equality is an inherent part of our identity.  
Reflection Questions:
1. Where have you mistaken power for the source of lasting security or happiness?
2. How is God calling you to use your influence for others' good?
3. How can you widen your vision to reflect God's boundless kingdom?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Bible Doesn't Hide Our Flaws | Beyond the Sermon Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

This week Mat and Magrey kick off our new series Holy Struggle by exploring one of the Bible's most fascinating—and flawed—characters: Jacob. Together they discuss why Scripture refuses to hide the failures of its heroes, what Jacob and Esau's story teaches us about family conflict, forgiveness, and personal growth, and why the Bible's honesty about human imperfection is one of its greatest strengths. Along the way, they dive into the surprising depth of these ancient stories, the "trickster" theme throughout Genesis, and why we often find ourselves somewhere inside Jacob's story.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

America Is Still Becoming | Beyond the Sermon Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

This week Mat and Magrey wrap up the Faith250 series by exploring the enduring promise of America's founding ideals. They discuss why Magrey changed his sermon at the last minute, how the Beatitudes connect with the pursuit of happiness, and what it means to keep striving toward "a more perfect union." Their conversation reflects on faith, citizenship, inclusion, and the ongoing work of building a nation that lives up to its highest values.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Faith250: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // June 28, 2026 Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

This iconic song is a hymn of celebration of the beauty and grandeur of our country, and echoes the majesty of the psalmist, who attributes the beauty of nature to the artistry and provision of God. Indeed, the splendor of this country is all around us, and it is not just meant to be savored and enjoyed, but also to be preserved and protected, as stewards of the environment and God’s creation.  
Reflection Questions:
1. Where have you recently encountered God’s beauty in creation?
2. How can you practice greater stewardship of God’s gifts today?
3. What flaw in yourself or society needs God’s refining grace?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Can A Nation Change? | Beyond the Sermon Jun 29, 2026

Show notes

This week Mat and Magrey discuss why growth often begins in life's most difficult moments. Drawing on themes from America the Beautiful, they explore how faith, conversation, and community can change us over time—and how those same values can help shape the future of our nation as we approach America's 250th anniversary.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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