Hyde Park United Methodist

Latest Episodes:

What's Next? | Beyond the Sermon Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

In this Week One Grounded conversation, Magrey and Matt reflect on what it really means to begin a new year with intention. From an unexpected video game metaphor to Wesleyan roots, they explore how personal spiritual rhythms, shared faith practices, and a commitment to social holiness shape a grounded life. Along the way, they touch on why Methodist distinctives still matter, how faith moves beyond the self, and what it looks like to step into the year ahead with clarity, purpose, and depth.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Grounded: Part 1, Rooted in Christ // Pastor Magrey deVega // January 4, 2026 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

Just as a tree digs its roots deeper to find water and nourishment during times of drought, times of unsettledness are an invitation for us to hone our commitment to Jesus. The year kicks off with a time of obedience to the will and way of Christ, in alignment with the year-long “Wesleyan Rooted” emphasis by the Annual Conference. This three-part series encompasses the two sacraments, communion and baptism, and the way we live our lives sacramentally for others, through service.  
Reflection Questions:
1. What would it mean for you to make “Deeper” a goal for your spiritual journey this year?
2. How will you grow deeper in your service to others?
3. How will you grow deeper in your relationships with others?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

When God Drew Near: Christmas Eve Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

The incarnation is the ultimate act of drawing near, as God bridged the gulf between God and humanity by becoming like us. We celebrate the birth of Christ by making room for him in our hearts, as we share the message and love of Christ with a world in need.

Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Presence We Carry | Beyond the Sermon Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho reflect on Mary’s role in the Christmas story by placing it within the much longer arc of Israel’s history—from tabernacle and temple to incarnation and church. They explore how Luke connects past, present, and future to show a God who is both mobile and faithful, present in the wilderness and rooted in real history. As Christmas Eve approaches, the conversation invites us to notice where God is already near, and how we might carry that presence into the lives of others.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Draw Near: Part 4, To One Another // Pastor Magrey deVega // December 21, 2025 Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Mary and Elizabeth were the original collaborators, co-laboring to provide the world with the hope and promise that it needed. In drawing near to each other, they discovered mutual support and joy, and the strength to encourage each other throughout their journeys. In a season where our relationships with those closest to us might be most tested and strained, we are called to practice vulnerability, mutuality, and shared love. 
Reflection Questions:
1. What would it mean for you to be a “Tabernacle” for God?
2. What would it mean for you to be a “Doula” for God?
3. How will you prepare for the fresh arrival of Jesus in and through your life?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Draw Near: Part 3, To Justice // Pastor Justin LaRosa // December 14, 2025 Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

The first-century Roman Empire faced the same kinds of injustices that we face today: growing inequality between the rich and the poor, abusive oppression by those in power, and a disregard for decency and civility. John the Baptist’s message is not just spiritual in nature; it has real-life, real-world implications for today. 
Questions:
1. What jumped out at you from the text?
2. John says to bear fruit worthy of repentance. How do you understand repentance?
3. What obstacles do you see in your life? Community’s and world’s? Name some ways you have repented in your life that have resulted in fruit.
4. How does John’s understanding of repentance draw you and our church near to justice?
Find out more and connect with us at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Rhythm Beneath Our Hope | Beyond the Sermon Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Mat and Magrey dive into Luke 1 with a surprisingly “Wicked” twist (some of us just can’t help ourselves). What starts as a chat about Zechariah’s song turns into a reflection on stability, spiritual practice, and why Luke’s Gospel sometimes feels like a Broadway musical. Along the way they explore Benedictine rhythms, the gift of repetition, and how ancient songs still shape our hope today.
The Canticle of the Turning:
https://youtu.be/F9QeTmRCpW4?si=mHFOinxdFICTDvri
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Other Side of Repentance | Beyond the Sermon Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho revisit John the Baptist’s call to repentance as a turning toward something better, exploring it as a shared, lived practice that reaches beyond individual behavior and into the systems, relationships, and habits that shape our common life. Their conversation reflects on how repentance takes form through generosity, integrity, and respect for all people, and how proximity, presence, and community can change both us and the world around us. Drawing from the work of The Portico and the witness of the wider church, this episode considers what it looks like to prepare the way for God’s kingdom in real, tangible ways.
Find out more and connect with us at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Discover how The Portico is building community and how you can be part of it at ThePortico.org

Draw Near: Part 2, To Truth // Pastor Magrey deVega // December 7, 2025 Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

No journey to Christmas would be complete without John the Baptist, the iconic figurehead of Advent preparation. His message is one that people then and now are reluctant to hear: Repent, seek justice, and live righteously. His is a timeless truth that is as relevant as ever. 
Reflection Questions:
1. How often do you watch the sunrise? What feelings does it elicit for you?
2. What are you most longing for right now?
3. What difference does it make to see time less linearly, and more cyclically?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Draw Near: Part 1, To Wonder // Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans // November 30, 2025 Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

The first Sunday of Advent often catches us by surprise, still plumped from Thanksgiving leftovers and not yet fully in the swing of Christmas preparations. But Luke’s gospel greets us with a jarring reminder that something bold and wondrous is on the horizon. It is the inbreaking of God’s presence and love, revealed in Jesus. All we have to do is open our eyes to the wonder of God in our midst.

Reflection Questions:
1. When you get overwhelmed by the world’s problems, what helps you notice signs of new life in front of you?
2. What signs of wonder are you seeing in the world today?
3. Moments of wonder are often interpreted as "God is with me" moments, revealing a sense of divine presence in everyday life. When was the last time you had one of those moments? What was it like?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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