Hyde Park United Methodist

Latest Episodes:

Everyone Finds Faith Differently | Beyond the Sermon May 18, 2026

Show notes

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

Ever Had a Moment You Couldn’t Explain? | Beyond The Sermon May 11, 2026

Show notes

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

On The Edge: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // May 10, 2026 May 11, 2026

Show notes

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

On The Edge: Part 4 // Pastor Magrey deVega // May 3, 2026 May 04, 2026

Show notes

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

Why Faith Feels So Uncertain Sometimes | Beyond The Sermon May 04, 2026

Show notes

John Barolo, Discipleship Director, and Pastor Magrey deVega sit down to unpack this week’s sermon on Philip’s question, “Just show us God.” Together, they explore doubt, deconstruction, and what it really looks like to experience God—not in big, dramatic moments, but in the ordinary, everyday rhythms of life.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Gap Between Hearing God and Following Him | Beyond the Sermon Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Michael Dougherty and Pastor Magrey deVega sit down to unpack this week’s sermon, exploring the image of the Good Shepherd, the challenge of silencing competing voices, and what it really means to listen and obey. From sacred music to daily spiritual rhythms, they reflect on how we discern God’s voice in the middle of noise, comparison, and real life.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

On The Edge: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // April 26, 2026 Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this iconic passage, Jesus equates himself to the gate through which the sheep will not just find security within the fold; they will hear the shepherd’s voice clearly amid the threats around them. Living on the edge of resurrection means constant attentiveness to the shepherd’s calling, so that when we find ourselves lost and confused, we can follow God’s way home.  
Reflection Questions:
1. What competing voices in your life make it difficult to hear Jesus?
2. How can you create space to listen and respond to God daily?
3. Where might God be inviting obedience through a voice you recognize?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

On The Edge: Part 2 // Pastor Magrey deVega // April 19, 2026 Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

The travelers on the road to Emmaus uttered the words that capture the deepest longing in the human heart: “We had hoped.” They had held out hope that the reports of Jesus’ death were not true, and that he was the long-awaited Messiah. Then, because they created space for Jesus to remain with them in their home, he opened their eyes to his presence, and he gave them the hope they were longing for.  
Reflection Questions:
1. Where in your life do you need to create space for Jesus?
2. What practices help you name your disappointments and invite Christ inward?
3. How is resurrection unfolding in your life, even if slowly?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Why Change Takes Longer Than You Think | Beyond the Sermon Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

Mat Hotho sits down with Pastor Magrey deVega to unpack this week’s message and talk honestly about why change doesn’t always happen overnight. From doubt to daily habits, they explore what it really looks like to grow, stay grounded, and find meaning in the middle of real life.
Find out more about us and join a small group at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

On The Edge: Part 1 // Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans // April 12, 2026 Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

One week after Easter, the lilies fade and real life returns—bringing questions, doubts, and uncertainty with it. In this opening message of the On the Edge series, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans explores the story of Thomas and reminds us that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but a vital part of it. Through personal story and the Gospel of John, we are invited to bring our questions into community, to stay present even when faith feels fragile, and to trust that Christ meets us right in the middle of our fear and uncertainty, offering peace, presence, and new life.
Reflection Questions:
1. Can you identify with Thomas, needing to see and touch something before you can believe or accept it?
2. Have you ever had a crisis of faith? If so, who or what helped you get through it?
3. How might Jesus be calling you out of your "locked room” right now - to embody peace and to tend wounds?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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