Sermon Archives
Our sermon archives is a resource for you wherever you are in your faith journey.
Faith Without Fear (October 19, 2025)
In the final week of Christ at the Center, Pastor Magrey deVega revisits a wild Sunday when Hyde Park was protested by Westboro Baptist Church—for being “too open-minded.” But instead of responding with hate, the church chose love, gentleness, and respect—the way 1 Peter calls us to. Discover how real faith holds conviction without closing hearts, and how open-mindedness—rooted in Jesus—can become one of the most powerful witnesses we have today.
Reflection Questions:
1. What positions in the Social Principles are instructive and persuasive for you?
2. How will you work toward bridging polarizing differences with others?
3. How will you work toward peace and justice in the world?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Music this week:
Firm Foundation (He Won't)
"Come, Thou Almighty King" Anna Laura Page
Life As God Intends
Freedom from Anxiety (September 7, 2025)
This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, senior pastor of First UMC Los Angeles, for a fresh take on the Sermon on the Mount. Known for her humor, honesty, and fearless preaching, Mandy brings us into Jesus’ challenging words: “Do not worry.”
With stories that will make you laugh and truths that will make you think, she helps us discover how faith and courage can free us from anxiety — and open us to the Kingdom of God here and now.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways are you carrying worry right now?
2. How can your faith in God provide you stability amid your worry?
3. How has this church helped you live your life as God intends?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
God's Word on Worry | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey welcomes Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow from Los Angeles First UMC. Together they explore Jesus’ words about worry—why it’s such a universal part of being human, how it shows up in our daily lives, and what faith offers us in response. Drawing on Mandy’s unique ministry in downtown LA and her own reflections, they talk about how trust, integrity, and community become anchors when life feels uncertain. With stories that move from family life to church in a parking lot, this conversation reminds us that even in seasons of anxiety, God’s presence is steady and we are never alone.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
God’s Grace Chase (September 14, 2025)
This Sunday, Rev. Justin LaRosa shares how God relentlessly seeks, finds, and celebrates the lost through the Parable of the Lost Sheep. With a real-life rescue story and a call to “Be a Buford,” we’re reminded that God’s grace is relentless and never gives up on anyone.
God’s “Grace Chase” is for you and for those you love. Watch and be encouraged that no one is ever too far gone to be found by the Shepherd.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does being “lost” look like in real life—either spiritually, emotionally or relationally? Describe your experience with God’s “Grace Chase.”
2. In what practical ways can we, as individuals or as a group, become a “Buford” for someone who feels far from God? Be a Buford!
3. Jesus says heaven celebrates when one person is found. How might our church community reflect that same joy and seek those weaker?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Is Being Present Enough? | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Justin and Savanna talk about what it means to feel lost—and how God’s grace often shows up in those moments through the presence of others. Justin shares stories from the Portico community and from his own life, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer isn’t the “right words” but simply showing up with humility and compassion. Together, they reflect on how presence, accountability, and community help us notice when someone is struggling, and how God can even use our own scars to bring healing to others.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
When Creation Groans (September 21, 2025)
This Sunday, Pastor Magrey deVega continues our series Life as God Intends with a message from Romans 8 about a world that is “groaning as in labor pains.” When it feels like humanity has lost its heartbeat, what does it mean to be “midwives of hope,” called to push forward with courage, faith, and love? Together, we’ll explore how God’s Spirit intercedes in our weakness, and how our vision as a church—connecting in loving community, being transformed to be more like Jesus, and equipping others to live life as God intends—gives us a pulse of hope in a hurting world.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways do you experience creation “groaning” right now?
2. How is God transforming you to be more like Jesus? How will you participate in that transformation?
3. How will you maintain courage and strength to keep pushing through the labor pains of the world?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Grounded in Hope When Creation Groans | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey and Mat dig into Romans 8 — one of Paul’s most famous and vivid passages. Paul describes creation “groaning like childbirth,” a picture that captures both the pain of the present and the hope of what’s to come. Together, they explore how this chapter acts as a hinge in Romans: shifting from heavy theology to a vision of new life, resilience, and community.
From midwives of hope to modern struggles, they reflect on what it means to live faithfully when the world never seems perfect, and how values like integrity, courage, and humility can ground us no matter the season.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Use What God Has Given You (September 28, 2025)
This Sunday, Rev. Bernie Leiving concludes our Life as God Intends series with a powerful reflection on the Parable of the Talents. Instead of focusing on money, we look at the “talents” God has given each of us — our skills, passions, and spiritual gifts — and how they can transform lives, connect people in community, and bring God’s kingdom to earth.
Discover how to identify your gifts, “fan them into flame,” and use them to make a difference in your neighborhood and beyond.
Reflection Questions:
1. What specific God-given skills, abilities, gifts and talents entrusted to you to use in your life?
2. What "what ifs" or fears might be stopping you from stepping into greater faithfulness with your gifts?
3. What action might you take this week to put your "talents" to work for the Lord and His Kingdom?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Use What God Has Given You | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Rev. Bernie Leving and Mat Hotho wrap up our series on the church’s vision statement by exploring what it means to live out our God-given gifts. From music and art to cooking, quilting, and even writing notes of encouragement, Bernie shares how ordinary talents become extraordinary when they’re used in service to others. Along the way, he reflects on his own top spiritual gifts—healing, teaching, and faith—and how they’ve shaped his journey from a teenager saying “yes” to God to a lifetime of caring for people. Together, Bernie and Mat consider how we discover our gifts, what holds us back from using them, and the joy that comes when we lean into the unique callings God has placed on each of our lives.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Call to Care
Caring for Every Child (August 10, 2025)
This week, Pastor Magrey deVega opens our new “The Call to Care” series with a powerful reminder that caring for children starts in our homes, our communities, and even within ourselves. From parenting through life’s stages to healing our own inner child, discover how God’s call to love shapes every relationship we have, including the one with our truest self.
Reflection Questions:
1. How will you support and encourage professional educators in our society?
2. In what ways are the parenting metaphors helpful or unhelpful?
3. What work will you do to tend to your inner child?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Full Circle Parenting | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, we’re kicking off our new series The Call to Care by talking about what it means to care for children — both the ones in our lives and the “inner child” we all carry. From the evolving roles of parenting to the deep work of understanding ourselves, we explore how the way we care changes as we grow. It’s about more than just raising kids — it’s about becoming the kind of people who can show up with love, wisdom, and compassion, no matter the season of life.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Who Cares? Caring for Our Aging (August 17, 2025)
Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans continues our "The Call to Care" series with a message about valuing and caring for the older adults in our community. Drawing on stories of wisdom, dignity, and service, she reminds us that God has a purpose for us at every stage of life — and that true care means honoring one another through presence, language, and love.
Questions for Reflection:
1. The biblical mandate to care for others is very clear. In what ways do you enjoy helping care for others?
2 . When caring for others, especially older adults, what kind of support could benefit (or would have benefited) you in that endeavor?
3. How might God be inviting you to support our Older Adult care ministries at church?
Find out more at Hyde ParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Caring Across the Years | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans and Mat Hotho continue our series The Call to Care, reflecting on what it means to walk with people in every stage of life—especially as we age. With stories of prayer, community, and small acts of kindness, Sally shares how care isn’t just something we do, but a way of life that shapes who we are together.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Caring for Ourselves (August 24, 2025)
Pastor Magrey deVega continues our Call to Care series with a message on one of the most overlooked forms of care: caring for yourself. Drawing from 3 John, he shows how true self-care is more than self-soothing—it’s building inner resilience by tending to your body, your soul, and your mind. What daily practices help you walk in truth, strengthen your spirit, and live with greater peace? We’d love to hear how you’re practicing self-care—and to walk that journey alongside you.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are your favorite practices for “self-soothing”?
2. What practices help you build up inner resilience in your body, spirit, and mind?
3. What new practice will you develop to care more holistically for yourself?
Find out more and connect with us at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Why Self-Care Is Spiritual Care | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Savanna Beasley dig into what it really means to practice self-care as people of faith. From routines and resilience to releasing control, they share honest reflections on the tug-of-war between structure and surrender.
Together they explore how caring for our bodies, our emotions, and even our 3 a.m. selves can help us grow closer to God. It’s a conversation about choosing rhythms that sustain us, embracing our humanity, and learning to love ourselves the way God already does.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Caring for God’s Creation (August 31, 2025)
We wrap up our series The Call to Care with the broadest call of all—caring for God’s creation. This week, Pastor Magrey deVega explores how Scripture challenges the idea of “dominion” as domination, and instead reveals our true role as stewards of the earth. What if creation isn’t ours to control, but God’s gift to protect and learn from? Every small act of care matters, and together, we can reflect God’s beauty through the way we treat the world around us.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what way does creation and nature teach you about God?
2. How does creation help you remember that you are not helpless or alone?
3. What steps will you take to care for creation?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Learning from Creation | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey and Mat reflect on what it really means to care for creation. Starting with Genesis, they unpack how a single word has shaped the way people think about our relationship with the world — sometimes for worse, but also for better when understood through the lens of stewardship and compassion. From vineyards and backyard lawns to hurricanes and baptism, the conversation weaves together metaphors, word studies, and stories that reveal how creation’s beauty points us back to God.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Living Amen
Take Me, Lord (July 6, 2025)
This week, Pastor Magrey deVega kicks off our “Living Amen” series with a powerful look at the Wesley Covenant Prayer. What happens when we stop trying to control our lives and simply say, “Take me, Lord”? Discover the history behind one of our most important prayers—and why it still has the power to change us today.
Reflection Questions:
1. What would praying “Suscipe” to God each day mean for you?
2. What new insights does the Wesley Covenant Prayer give you?
3. How will you apply the Wesley Covenant Prayer to the way you live?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Prayer That Calls Us Back | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho kick off our new series on history’s most powerful prayers by diving into the Wesley Covenant Prayer—a bold act of surrender that still hits hard today. They reflect on how this prayer challenges our culture of self-fulfillment and invites us to offer every part of our lives to God. Join us as we explore what it means to live with purpose, trust, and a heart that says, “Take me.”
https://www.jesuitseastois.org/news-feed/an-expanded-version-of-st-ignatius-loyolas-suscipe-prayer
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
When God’s Plan Feels Hard (July 13, 2025)
What do you do when your plans fall apart? This week, Pastor Justin LaRosa shares how the Serenity Prayer invites us to let go of control and practice a deeper kind of trust. Drawing from scripture, personal story, and spiritual practice, we explore how peace comes—not from everything getting better, but from knowing we’re not alone in the storm. Whether you’re struggling to believe or holding onto a mustard seed of faith, this message is for you.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does this tension between planning and trusting Jesus Christ look like in your own life?
2. Share one situation when your plan didn’t seem to line up with God’s. How did you “accept the things you couldn’t change?”
3. Which of the three practices—prayer, scripture, or people—do you feel most drawn to right now, and what’s one small way you could lean into it this week?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Prayer That’s Teaching Us Surrender | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho reflect on the Serenity Prayer—not as a worn-out phrase, but as a real tool for navigating life’s hardest moments. Through honest conversation and personal stories, they explore what it means to face what we can’t control, take action where we can, and wrestle with the wisdom to know the difference.
Whether you're sitting in grief, stuck in uncertainty, or just feeling the weight of being human, this episode invites you into a deeper trust in a God who’s present—even when answers are hard to come by.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Prayer of Unknowing (July 20, 2025)
What if certainty isn’t the goal of faith—but trust is?
This week, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans reflects on the powerful Thomas Merton prayer that embraces the unknown, the unseen, and the deeply human desire to follow God—even when we can’t see the road ahead.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Did you know much about Thomas Merton before today’s sermon? What surprised you about his life and witness?
2. Can you think of a time when you were unsure if you were being faithful or obedient to God, but knew in your heart that you were trying to orient your life to God’s will and God’s ways? What was that like?
3. How might God be inviting you to use this prayer (or another one from our series) in your daily faith walk?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
We Took a Trip Without a Map | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans and Mat Hotho share stories of uncertainty, reflection, and the surprising ways God shows up along the way. Inspired by the prayer of Thomas Merton, they talk about letting go of control and learning to trust—even when we don’t know where the path leads. Whether you’re standing at a crossroads or just looking for space to breathe, this episode invites you to find meaning in the journey, not just the destination.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Christ All Around Me (July 27, 2025)
What if protection doesn’t mean avoiding pain—but having the strength to stand through it? This week, Pastor Magrey deVega explores Saint Patrick’s powerful prayer and reminds us that real protection looks like courage, compassion, and Christ in every part of our lives.
Reflection Questions:
1. When have you prayed that God would protect you? What has been the result?
2. What will you do to participate in God’s protection through integrity and courage?
3. What difference will it make for you to see Christ in everyone you meet?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Our Faith Isn’t a Forcefield | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho talk about Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer and what it really means to ask God for protection. Instead of treating prayer like a divine forcefield, they explore how it can strengthen us from within to face life’s challenges with courage and faith. From ancient monastic rhythms to personal spiritual tools (bracelets included), this conversation is about finding God’s presence in the practice, not the outcome.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Becoming Instruments of Peace (August 3, 2025)
This week, Rev. Bernie Leving explores the life and prayer of St. Francis—what it means to be peacemakers in a divided world, and how giving love, light, and joy might just be the way to receive it.
He reminds us that peace begins within, and only when we embody it ourselves can we share it with others.
Questions for reflection:
1. In what ways are you ready to say "yes" to what the Prayer of St. Francis calls you to be and to do?
2. How might you become an "instrument of peace" with those with whom you live, work,and socialize?
3. How might the Prayer of St. Francis lead you to a spiritual awakening?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
How Our Prayers Grow With Us | Beyond the Sermon
This week on Beyond the Sermon, Decker Tallbacka sits down with Rev. Bernie Leiving to reflect on our “Living Amen” series — and on how prayer evolves over a lifetime.
With over 65 years in ministry, Bernie shares how his understanding of prayer has deepened, from battlefield prayers to everyday gratitude. It’s a conversation about how prayer meets us where we are, changes with us, and reminds us we’re never alone.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Greatest Prayer
Teach Us to Pray (June 15, 2025)
Prayer isn’t about getting the words perfect — it’s about seeing the world differently. This week, Pastor Magrey deVega opens our new series on the Lord’s Prayer by exploring what it means to begin with “Our Father.” What if just two words — our and your — could shift the way you approach every moment, every person, and even God?
Reflection Questions:
1. What word or phrase do you find most meaningful from the Lord’s Prayer? Why?
2. What aspects of the Lord’s Prayer prompt questions or curiosity for you?
3. How will the pronouns “Our” and “Your” make a difference in how you live each day?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Teach Us To Pray
This week, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho kick off a new worship series exploring the Lord’s Prayer—one of the most familiar, yet deeply profound, prayers in scripture. They reflect on how this short prayer invites us to see God more intimately, reorient our perspective, and live with a renewed sense of purpose. From rethinking father language to noticing God in everyday moments, this episode dives into why the Lord’s Prayer still matters. Join us as we uncover the depth and direction it offers for our daily lives.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Four Prayers We All Pray (June 22, 2025)
Whether you’re a seasoned believer or still figuring out your faith, you’ve probably prayed these four things: “Give me strength. Forgive me. Help me choose better. Set me free.”
This week, Pastor Magrey deVega shows how these ancient lines from the Lord’s Prayer are more than requests — they’re a roadmap to loving God with your whole heart, soul, mind, and strength.
What if prayer wasn’t about getting more from God… but giving more of yourself?
Reflection Questions:
1. Which of the four petitions do you resonate with the most right now?
2. What do you think it means to pray, “Lead us not into temptation”?
3. How will reciting the Lord’s Prayer deepen your desire and ability to love God and others?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: The Four Prayers We Pray
In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Mat Hotho and Pastor Magrey deVega reflect on Sunday’s message and get personal about their own prayer lives. What does it look like to pray when you’re not sure what to say — or when you’re not even sure you want to pray? Whether you’re a long-time believer or just exploring faith, this conversation invites you to think differently about what it means to connect with God.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Forever and Ever, Amen (June 29, 2025)
This Sunday, Pastor Magrey deVega wraps up our series on the Lord’s Prayer by asking: What if “Forever and ever, amen” isn’t the end of the prayer, but the beginning of a life lived for something greater? Join us for a message that challenges us to turn prayer into purpose—and our everyday lives into something more meaningful.
Reflection Questions:
1. What would it mean to give God all of what you have and do?
2. How can you make your life a living Temple in which God resides?
3. What new insights do you have about the Lord’s Prayer, and what difference will it make?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextStepsps
Beyond the Sermon: Forever and Ever, Amen
This week, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho wrap up our series on the Lord’s Prayer by asking a surprising question: why do we say a final line that doesn’t actually appear in scripture? They explore how tradition, worship, and scripture have long been in conversation—shaping how we pray and how we see God. From ancient manuscripts to personal reflections, this episode uncovers the deeper meaning behind “forever and ever, Amen.” Join us as we reflect on what it means to see our everyday lives through the lens of eternity.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Hearts Afire
Trusting God in Life's Transitions (June 1, 2025)
Remember the first time you rode a bike without training wheels? That mix of fear and freedom captures what it's like to face major life transitions—and the moment the disciples experienced when Jesus ascended into heaven. Pastor Magrey shares heartfelt memories and powerful truths about holding steady and moving forward at the same time. Whether you’re stepping into a new season or just trying to stay balanced, this message will help you find peace in the paradox.
Reflection Questions:
1. What significant life stage transitions were rewarding? What were challenging?
2. What did you learn about stability and moving forward as you went through those transitions?
3. How will you strengthen both contemplation and action in your spiritual life?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Trusting God in Life's Transition
In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho kick off our new series Hearts of Fire by exploring how spiritual practices help us stay balanced in seasons of change. From the disciples watching Jesus ascend, to becoming an empty-nester, to parenting in the thick of it—this conversation is all about what keeps us grounded when life feels uncertain. Magrey shares ancient wisdom from Ascension Day and a Pope named Leo, while Mat reflects on building routine and resilience. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your practice, this episode reminds us that spiritual practices aren’t just a checklist—they’re how we stay in orbit.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
When the Wind Changes Everything (June 8, 2025)
On Pentecost, the winds didn’t destroy—they empowered. Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans shares stories of hurricane survivors, the wild movement of the Spirit, and how God still shows up in our mess. What if the same Spirit that shook the early church is shaking us awake today? This week, rediscover the power of hope, courage, and community—especially when the world moves on but healing is still needed.
1. How would you describe the presence of the Holy Spirit in one’s life… as comfort, challenge, courage, stamina, other?
2. When was the last time you felt the presence of the Spirit in your life? What was that like?
3. In what ways is the Spirit calling you to act or take a stand in the world today?
Stay connected online or in person at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: When the Wind Changes Everything
This week, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans and Mat Hotho reflect on the meaning of Pentecost—a celebration of the Holy Spirit’s power to comfort, challenge, and send us into the world with boldness and love. From vibrant symbols of global unity to a moving poem about radical belonging, this conversation invites us to see Pentecost not just as a moment in history, but as a call to live connected, compassionate lives today. Join us as we explore what it means to be kin to one another and listen together for the language of God.
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Get connected with us and find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Good, The Bad, The Healthy
Choosing Joy (April 27, 2025)
Joy is more than a feeling—it's a choice rooted in God’s love. Join Pastor Magrey deVega as we explore how true joy strengthens us, even in life's hardest moments. Whether you're navigating struggles or just searching for deeper meaning, this message offers hope, honesty, and encouragement for everyone.
Reflection Questions:
1. What does it mean for you to have healthy emotions?
2. How can you experience joy amid hardship?
3. What do you think it means to believe that “the joy of the Lord is your strength”?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Choosing Joy
In this joyful episode of Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho celebrate Holy Humor Sunday, a tradition rooted in the idea that Easter is God's ultimate "gotcha" moment against evil. They kick off a new series on emotions by diving into joy — and sharing some hilarious faith-based memes along the way. From Spongebob and St. Paul to a Smokey Bear Bible story and a nod to the eternal "Is Die Hard a Christmas movie?" debate, this episode reminds us that laughter belongs in faith, too. Join us as we find the sacred in the silly and embrace joy together.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
When Jesus Wept (May 4, 2025)
We all feel it — sadness that pulls us into the past, fear about what might happen in the future. But what if these emotions weren’t signs of weakness, but invitations to grow, connect, and heal? In this message, Pastor Magrey deVega explores one of the most moving moments in scripture — Jesus weeping over the death of his friend Lazarus — and how naming our emotions can help us reclaim peace in the present. Whether you're grieving, anxious, or simply trying to stay grounded, this is a message for you.
Reflection Questions:
1. When are you most prone to experiencing sadness? Fear?
2. In what ways can sadness and fear be beneficial? Detrimental?
3. How will you learn to name sadness and fear, and express them in a healthy way?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: When Jesus Wept
This week, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho open up about their personal experiences growing up with emotions like fear, sadness, and anxiety. From emotional suppression to learning how to feel and express emotions in a healthy way, this episode dives deep into why our feelings matter — and how they can actually help us connect, grow, and heal. Plus: a powerful story about proud tears on a soccer field, a Ted Lasso moment, and real-life tools for staying grounded when anxiety hits.
FInd out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Owning Your Anger (May 11, 2025)
What if anger wasn't necessarily bad or good, but a signal—pointing us toward something deeper? This week, Pastor Justin LaRosa talks about how anger, when understood and channeled well, can actually lead to healing, courage, and positive change. Drawing from personal stories and scripture, we explore how Jesus got angry—and what we can learn from that today.
Reflection Questions:
1. When you think about a time you felt deeply angry, what was the source of that anger—was it rooted in love and justice, or ego and fear? How can you tell the difference?
2. How has anger shaped—or distorted—your relationships, either through denial, repression, or explosion? What would it look like to let love, rather than anger, have the final word?
3. Jesus responded to anger with purposeful, holy action. What might it look like for you to “acknowledge, analyze, invite, and act” in a current or recent situation where you’ve felt anger?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Owning Your Anger
What do you do when something makes you angry—not just annoyed, but deep-in-your-body angry? In this week’s episode, Justin and Mat unpack what it means to recognize and work through our anger without letting it consume us. Mat shares a real-life situation that stirred up frustration, anxiety, and powerlessness, and Justin walks through a spiritual inventory tool that helps name the source of anger, what it’s touching in us, and what role we might unknowingly play in keeping it alive.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Naming Our Anxiety (May 18, 2025)
Stress and anxiety are everywhere — but they don’t have to define your life. In this honest and hope-filled message, our Youth Director Chris Temple shares personal reflections and practical steps for navigating anxiety, with powerful insights from our youth group students. Whether you're a teen, parent, or just feeling overwhelmed, this message is for you. You’re not alone — and you don’t have to carry it alone.
Reflection Questions:
1. When was the last time you felt anxious but didn’t name it out loud? What changed—or could have changed—if you had?
2. What’s one practice (spiritual or practical) that helps you feel grounded when anxiety hits?
3. Who in your life could use a safe listener right now? And how can you be present for them without trying to fix it?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Decoding Your Emotions with Dr. Erica Clarke
Go behind the scenes of a powerful moment from our recent event with psychologist Dr. Erica Clarke. In her talk "Decoding Your Emotions," she unpacks how understanding our feelings can lead to healthier relationships, stronger self-awareness, and a more grounded life. She reminds us that no emotion is inherently bad — each one has a purpose, and we can learn to bring them into balance instead of letting them take over.
📄 View the full PDF handout from Dr. Clark:
https://hydeparkumc-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mhotho_hydeparkumc_org/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmhotho%5Fhydeparkumc%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FQuickDisk%2FDecodingYourEmotions%2FDecoding%20Emotions%20Deck%20notes%2Epdf
https://hydeparkumc-my.sharepoint.com/personal/mhotho_hydeparkumc_org/_layouts/15/onedrive.aspx?id=%2Fpersonal%2Fmhotho%5Fhydeparkumc%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FQuickDisk%2FDecodingYourEmotions%2FDecoding%20Emotions%20Deck%20notes%2Epdf&parent=%2Fpersonal%2Fmhotho%5Fhydeparkumc%5Forg%2FDocuments%2FQuickDisk%2FDecodingYourEmotions&ct=1747609022613&or=Teams%2DHL&ga=1&LOF=1
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Reframing Our Nostalgia (May 25, 2025)
Nostalgia isn’t just a longing for the past — it’s a doorway to healing. In the final week of our “The Good, The Bad, and The Healthy” series, Pastor Magrey deVega invites us to remember and listen — not just to our memories, but to the voice of God speaking through them. Because healing doesn’t mean forgetting — it means remembering with honesty, and moving forward with grace.
Reflection Questions:
1. What makes you feel nostalgic, and what past moments does it make you remember?
2. How will you learn from both the good and bad memories of your past?
3. What is your inner child telling you? What do you want to tell them?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Reframing Our Nostalgia
In this final episode of our series on emotions, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho explore the complex emotion of nostalgia—how it helps us remember, reflect, and grow. They unpack the biblical tension between “remembering” and “listening,” and how both God and humans are called to do both. From seminary basketball games to parenting wisdom passed down unknowingly, this conversation invites us to honor the past without getting stuck in it. Whether you’re someone who misses “the good old days” or someone learning to appreciate how far you’ve come, this episode is a gentle and grounded close to a series about becoming more emotionally whole.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Consequences of the Cross
Ending the Cycle of Violence (March 9, 2025)
The cross is a divine mystery—not a puzzle to be solved, but an invitation into something deeper. As we begin Lent, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans unpacks the meaning of Jesus’ death through the lens of atonement. While many have viewed the cross as a transaction of punishment, what if it was actually God’s way of ending the cycle of violence altogether? Join us as we explore how Jesus’ sacrifice calls us into a new way of living—one shaped by love, peace, and reconciliation.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you typically respond when you witness violence in your daily life?
2. Thinking of Jesus’ command to love God and love neighbor, what is one non-violent thing you could do today to make this world a little more peaceful?
3. Could you imagine a time when you might be involved in non-violent direct action? What might that look like?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Ending the Cycle of Violence
How does nonviolence shape our faith? This week on Beyond the Sermon, Mat Hotho and Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans discuss how her experiences—from mission work to peaceful protests—shaped her understanding of Jesus and justice, and what it means to live out a nonviolent faith today.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Letting Go and Being Made New (March 16, 2025)
What if forgiveness isn’t just about letting go, but about being made new? This Sunday, the Rev. Bernie Lieving explores the cleansing atonement theory—the idea that sin is a stain we can’t remove on our own. How do shame and guilt keep us from offering or receiving forgiveness, even from ourselves?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Letting Go and Being Made New
This week, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans and Rev. Bernie Lieving dive into the heart of forgiveness. Whether it's forgiving others, receiving grace, or learning to forgive ourselves, they explore why letting go can be so difficult—and so freeing. Join the conversation as they unpack powerful stories, scripture, and real-life experiences that reveal the transformative power of forgiveness.
Bridging the Divide (March 23, 2025)
The cross does more than reconnect us with God—it calls us to reconcile with one another. In this powerful message, Pastor Magrey deVega shares personal experiences and truths about the work of racial reconciliation and the beauty of diversity in God’s kingdom. Through Jesus, we are not only restored to God but also called to bridge the divides of race and identity.
Reflection Questions:
1. When have you experienced significant struggle in matters of your own personhood and identity?
2. How have you harbored racism in your own heart?
3. How do you intend to be more anti-racist in your life, your relationships, and your actions in the world?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Bridging the Divide
In this powerful episode of Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho explore the deeply personal nature of faith, race, and reconciliation. Magrey reflects on his recent sermon, one of his most personal to date, sharing his own experiences with race and identity. They discuss how the cross calls us to both personal and collective transformation and how issues of race and justice are not just intellectual conversations but deeply human experiences.
From the significance of imago Dei in diversity, equity, and inclusion to the role of empathy in a divided world, this conversation challenges us to reflect on the racism within our own hearts and take steps toward genuine anti-racism. Magrey also shares how his daughters have reshaped his understanding of identity and inclusion, reminding us that the work of justice is deeply personal, generational, and ongoing.
If you’re wondering how to take meaningful action, this episode encourages conversation, personal reflection, and a commitment to learning in community. Watch now and join us on this journey of faith, justice, and transformation.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Work of Love (March 30, 2025)
When Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, he laid out a radical and often uncomfortable vision for living—one that called for humility, integrity, nonviolence, and most of all, love for all people, including our enemies. In this message, Pastor Magrey DeVega unpacks how the cross is not just a path to heaven, but a call to embody the way of love here and now. Through Jesus’ example of loving the outcast and even the oppressor, we are invited to move beyond easy faith and into a deeper, transformative love that mirrors God’s own heart.
Reflection Questions:
1. What difference does it make for you in understanding the cross not just as a way to heaven, but as a way of experiencing eternal life on earth?
2. Whom do you have trouble loving?
3. How will you take steps this week to love the people who are hard to love?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: The Work of Love
In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho discuss race, identity, and the personal work of anti-racism, exploring how the cross calls us to empathy, curiosity, and humility. Magrey shares reflections on his own experiences, the impact of current events, and lessons learned from his daughters. Join the conversation and discover how this journey is both deeply personal and universally important.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Work of Justice (April 6, 2025)
One of the most powerful ways the Bible describes sin is as something that holds us hostage. But through his death and resurrection, Jesus breaks those chains and sets us free. In this message, Pastor Magrey deVega explores how the cross brings both personal freedom and communal justice—freeing individuals and transforming systems that prevent people from living in dignity and equality.
Reflection Questions:
1. In what ways has Jesus set you free from personal sins?
2. How does the two-fold understanding of biblical justice change your view of justice?
3. How is God calling you to be a part of setting people free from social injustice?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: The Work of Justice
One of the most powerful ways the Bible describes sin is as something that holds us hostage. But through his death and resurrection, Jesus breaks those chains and sets us free. In this message, Pastor Magrey deVega explores how the cross brings both personal freedom and communal justice—freeing individuals and transforming systems that prevent people from living in dignity and equality.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Work of Healing (April 13, 2025)
On Palm Sunday, Pastor Justin LaRosa explores the atonement theory of Christus Victor—the idea that Jesus' death and resurrection triumphed over sin, death, and spiritual darkness. Victory doesn’t come through power or violence but through surrender, community, and resurrection power. Whatever chains you carry, Christ has already overcome them—and invites you to walk in that victory.
Reflection Questions:
1. Where do you feel powerless right now?
2. Which of the ‘false palms’—things we trust in besides Christ—do you find yourself tempted to wave?
3. How has community helped you experience freedom in Christ—or how do you hope it could?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: The Work of Healing
In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho explore the Christus Victor atonement theory and its powerful message of liberation from sin, systems of evil, and spiritual forces. They discuss how this view of the cross offers a broader understanding of salvation and what it means to live out the hope of resurrection in everyday life. Join us as we unpack this compelling perspective and consider its impact on how we see Jesus' victory today.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Work of Resurrection (April 20, 2025)
In the most personal and poignant resurrection encounter in the gospels, Jesus appeared to Mary in the garden and revealed himself once he spoke aloud her name. The work of resurrection in us begins with recognizing our identity in Christ as a child of God, and then seeking to affirm the personhood of others who feel lost in their own grief and despair.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why do you think Mary didn’t recognize the resurrected Jesus?
2. In what ways do you live out of your false self?
3. How can you allow God to help you rediscover and reveal your true self?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
The Good Book
The Only Things We Can Control (February 2, 2025)
In uncertain times, we can only control our character, our actions, and how we treat others. This Sunday we explore how spiritual practices—prayer, worship, study, and service—help us stay grounded in the way of Jesus, not as tasks to complete but as a way of being in the world.
We are honored to welcome Bishop Patrick Streiff, who served as bishop across twelve countries in Central and Southern Europe for nearly two decades. In this special conversation, he shares his wisdom on spiritual resilience, biblical inspiration, and how United Methodists around the world live out their faith amid challenge and change.
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
Beyond the Sermon: The Only Things We Can Control
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
Breaking the Cycle of Violence (February 9, 2025)
This Sunday, Pastor Magrey deVega tackles one of the toughest questions of faith—what do we do with the violence in the Bible? From ancient wars to modern conflicts, scripture has been misused to justify bloodshed. But Jesus offers a different way. The cross breaks the cycle, calling us to obedience through love, not violence. Will we choose to follow it?
Reflection Questions:
1. What biblical passages of violence are most troubling to you?
2. How will you guard against the tendency to see the Old Testament as irrelevant or inferior?
3. How will you live out the call of Jesus to non-violence?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Breaking the Cycle of Violence
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
Rethinking How We See God (February 16, 2025)
This Sunday, Pastor Magrey deVega explores the unsettling depictions of God in scripture—stories of wrath, destruction, and even change of mind. Do they reveal contradictions, or do they reflect humanity’s evolving understanding of the divine? Like any lifelong relationship, our perception of God shifts over time. What if faith isn't about having all the answers, but expanding our understanding?
Reflection Questions
1. What images for God in the Bible are among your favorites? What are most troubling to you?
2. How has your relationship with God changed over time? What role did external circumstances play in those changes?
3. What new way might you explore envisioning and relating to God in your life?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Rethinking How We See God
This week, Mat and Magrey discuss the evolving ways God is depicted in the Bible. They reflect on how personal experiences and challenges reshape our faith, inviting us to expand our perspective rather than leave it behind. Whether through theology, life events, or moments of transformation, growth means embracing new ways of seeing God while holding on to what still resonates.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Understanding Difficult Passages of Scripture (February 23, 2025)
The Bible has been used throughout history to justify harm, oppression, and inequality—but is that what God intended? This Sunday, we explore how to approach difficult and misinterpreted scriptures with a fresh perspective, recognizing the Bible as a dynamic record of human growth and understanding. How do we read scripture in a way that honors tradition but is not trapped by it? How do we ensure our interpretations align with love and justice? Join our Pastor Magrey deVega as we unpack these questions and seek a deeper, more life-giving understanding of God's word.
Reflection Questions:
1. What childhood story has brought you deeper meaning as you have gotten older?
2. What passages in the Bible have been most troublesome for you to interpret?
3. How will you approach the Bible through the lens of love, for God and others?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: Understanding Difficult Passages of Scripture
This week, Mat and Magrey discuss how reading deeply—whether it’s scripture, poetry, music, or film—helps us see the bigger picture of God’s plan in our lives. By engaging with different perspectives and holding multiple interpretations in tension, we grow in understanding, not just of the Bible, but of the world around us.
Join us as we explore how faith isn’t about rigid answers, but about an ongoing, dynamic conversation that shapes us into more thoughtful, compassionate people.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
How We Use the Bible (March 2, 2025)
The Bible can often feel overwhelming, ancient, or even contradictory—but what if we approached it with curiosity instead of fear? Join us this week as our Director of Production and Online Engagement, Mat Hotho, shares a fresh perspective on how engaging with Scripture can shape our daily lives. Through practical insights, he challenges us to move beyond just reading the Bible to actively applying the written word in ways that bring clarity and purpose.
Reflection questions:
1. Which parts of the Bible tend to bring you fear or frustration, and how might a sense of curiosity transform your approach to those passages?
2. When you hear the metaphor of the Bible as a ‘gem,’ how does that shift the way you think about Scripture compared to seeing it as something rigid or unchanging?
3. In what ways can you engage Scripture in community—through small groups or study partners—so it might ‘bear and become the Word of God’ for you?
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Beyond the Sermon: How We Use the Bible
When we read the Bible, we’re encountering something ancient—written by people trying to make sense of their world and their experiences with God. So why do we sometimes expect it to be immediately clear to us today? This week, Mat and Decker explore how interpreting scripture is more like unpacking a halftime show performance—full of layers, context, and perspectives beyond our own.
Join us as we discuss how history, language, and community shape our understanding of faith, and why wrestling with the text can deepen, rather than weaken, our relationship with God.
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Inspire
How God Inspires Us Daily (January 5, 2025)
This week, our pastor Magrey deVega reflects on Psalm 8 and reminds us that true inspiration isn’t something we create—it’s something we receive from God. By opening our hearts to everyday moments of beauty, goodness, and even conflict, we can discover how God is constantly breathing new life into us, calling us to grow and inspire others.
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
Beyond the Sermon: How God Inspires Us Daily
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
Inspired to Love Like Jesus (January 12, 2025)
This week, Rev. Justin LaRosa dives into what it means to love like Jesus. Using Peter’s first letter, we’ll explore how staying close to God helps us break through the challenges that hold us back and inspires us to serve and forgive in powerful ways. Discover how living with this kind of love can transform your life and the lives of those around you.
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-survey
3. 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
Beyond the Sermon: Inspired to Love Like Jesus
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
Inspired to Serve (January 19, 2025)
This week, we continue our Inspire series with a message about finding hope and purpose in a world that often feels disheartening. Through Paul’s letter to the Galatians and the timeless wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we’ll explore how living out the Fruit of the Spirit empowers us to make a difference. Pastor Magrey deVega reminds us that even in challenging times, we’re called to be the light that inspires and uplifts others through acts of service and kindness.
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
Beyond the Sermon: Inspired to Serve
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 Six Principals of Kingian Non-Violence:
https://thekingcenter.org/about-tkc/the-king-philosophy/
Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps
Inspired to Worship (January 26, 2025)
Discover how worship inspires us not just on Sundays, but in every moment of our daily lives. Through the Psalms, music, and heartfelt practices, we are reminded of God’s presence in both the extraordinary and the ordinary. This Sunday, we reflect on the moving story of Olivier Messiaen, who composed a masterpiece of faith and hope in the depths of despair, and explore how gathered worship prepares us to live inspired lives.
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
Beyond the Sermon: Inspired to Worship
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
Audio Sermons
