The Places Heaven Feels Close | Beyond the Sermon

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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