Hyde Park United Methodist

Latest Episodes:

The Seven, Part 6 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // February 12, 2023 Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

We are made in God’s image, which means we are meant to be in connection and relationship with God and one another. We are therefore called to acts of reconciliation and love.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you witness human beings’ capacity for goodness? For evil?

2. Where do you need to experience the grace of God in your life?

3. To whom or where can you extend grace this week?

The Seven, Part 5 // The Rev. Magrey deVega // February 5, 2023 Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

One of the first commands that God gave to humans was to take dominion of the animals. But what does that mean exactly? St. Francis of Assisi modeled for us a care and concern for all life, especially animals. We should live at peace with all creatures.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. What are your favorite memories involving a pet or other animals?
2. What do you think it means for humans to have “dominion” over animals?
3. How will you work to help animals fulfill their potential to add more richness and beauty to the world?

The Seven, Part 4 // The Rev. Magrey deVega // January 29, 2023 Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

Looking into the vastness of the universe both humbles us and fills us with awe and reverence for God. The rev. Magrey deVega describes how infinite, intimate, and incarnate space can be when showing us how God is working in both the universe and our lives.
Reflection Questions

1. What is a vivid memory you have involving space?

2. How does thinking about the universe give you a sense of awe and wonder about God?

3. When you remember that everything is created out of the same material, by the same God, how does that change your relationship with creation and other people?

The Seven, Part 3 // The Rev. Sally Campbell-Evans // January 22, 2023 Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

There is a plethora of discourse about how to take care of the Earth these days. The Bible is clear in that we are called to appreciate and preserve the planet, restoring it to the goodness of God’s original intention.
Reflection Questions:
1. Can you remember when you first noticed and were overcome by the beauty of the earth? What was that like?
2. What are you most concerned about with regards to Climate Change?
3. What is one thing you could start doing to help better care for the creation? When will you start?

The Seven, Part 2 // The Rev. Justin LaRosa // January 15, 2023 Jan 16, 2023

Show notes

The Bible tells us that the sky declares the glory of God; their voice ringing out throughout all of the Earth. If you are feeling lost or lonely, look up. Sense God’s presence in the vastness of the sky.
Reflection Questions:
1. What song connects you to the sky?
2. How do you answer Einstein’s question?
3. In what ways will you look for God’s work this week? How will you look for Jesus?

The Seven, Part 1 // The Rev. Magrey deVega // January 8, 2023 Jan 09, 2023

Show notes

The creation story is an iconic part of the Bible, yet it is often misunderstood and underappreciated. We don’t have to ascribe to a literal understanding of creation (i.e., a literal seven days of creation) in order to marvel at its living truth. For the ancient Israelites, the creation story was less about explaining how the universe came into being, and more about who did the creating, and how we are to relate to the Creator and all creation.
Reflection Questions:

1. How do you think God is still creating and bringing order out of chaos?

2. What is your favorite or most vivid memory of a baptism?

3. How would you like God to open your eyes and strengthen your faith?

A New Year, A New You - New Years' Day Message // The Rev. Magrey deVega // January 1, 2023 Jan 02, 2023

Show notes

We all know that nothing spectacular happens when the clock strikes midnight, ushering in the new year. I'm sure many of us would like for that to happen, though. The thing is, God is the only one that can see your life in the broadest sense there is. He has his timing and plans for you already laid out. While we may not see, or even see it coming, God wants us to be faithful to him as he is faithful to us. This new year, God wants to write a new covenant with you on your heart.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is your favorite New Year’s memory?

2. How have you seen God’s transformation and provision in your life, but only in retrospect?

3. How will you recommit your life to Jesus over the coming year?
HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Arise! Your Light Has Come, Christmas Day Message // The Rev. Magrey deVega // December 25, 2022 Dec 26, 2022

Show notes

It has been noted that you life changes significantly about every 5 years. Some of us read that and think that that is a long amount of time for change to occur. It's the same way when we expect something from God. While His plan can change everything rapidly, almost like flipping on a light switch, many of those other times it takes a while. But like how the sun rises gradually each morning, so too will the Light of Christ penetrate the darkness from the world and banish it from out lives.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what areas of your life do you need the light of Jesus today?

2. When have you seen God’s power in your life, but only in retrospect?

3. How will you live out the hope and joy of Christmas moving forward?

Don't Miss It, Christmas Eve Message // The Rev. Magrey deVega // December 24, 2022 Dec 24, 2022

Show notes

On this Christmas Eve, we are reminded about how grandiose and extravagant the season wants to be. Especially when it comes to presents. However, Rev. Magrey would like to remind us about the smaller, more impactful moments this holiday. Remember to slow down and don't miss how God can work in your life, even in the small things.
Reflection Questions:
1. What is your favorite Christmas memory? What is your most difficult Christmas memory?
2. How will you look more diligently for the blessings of God in your life?
3. How will you look to be a blessing for others in the coming days and weeks?

Songs For the Waiting, Part 4 // The Rev. Magrey deVega // December 18, 2022 Dec 19, 2022

Show notes

In the final week of Advent, we explore the unexpected way God came to us as a king. Most stories depict the scene of a returning king with violence and a triumphant, exuberant return to the throne. However, that is not how Jesus came to us. He took the idea of a conquering, warrior-king and flipped it upside down. He did not come to be served, but rather to serve others and to show the world what true love is through justice and self-sacrifice.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Hyde Park United Methodist

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected