Hyde Park United Methodist

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

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

Where We Find Hope Now | Beyond the Sermon

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Sally Campbell-Evans and Matt Hotho open Advent with an unexpected text—Jesus’ apocalyptic warnings in Luke 21. Instead of forecasting the end of the world, they explore how these passages uncover God’s presence right in the middle of fear, uncertainty, and ordinary life. Together they reflect on why Advent begins with a jolt, how to notice the quiet signs of hope already growing around us, and what it means to “draw near” to God and one another when everything feels unsteady. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Where Our Faith Goes Next | Beyond the Sermon

As we wrap up Christ the King Sunday—and the Christian year—Magrey and Matt reflect on where we've been, what’s grounding us right now, and where our faith might carry us next. They share a simple three-part gratitude practice perfect for your Thanksgiving table, and explore what it really means to say “Jesus is Lord” in a world shaped by Christian nationalism and diverse faith traditions. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Refresh: Part 5 // Pastor Magrey deVega // November 23, 2025

The draw near theme encompasses 1) an affirmation that God has drawn near to us by taking on flesh and experiencing what it is to be human, 2) a plea for God to draw closer to us and to the spaces in the world that are broken, and 3) a charge for us to draw near to God by leaning into wonder, justice, truth, and one another.  Reflection Questions: 1. What does it mean for you to call Jesus Lord and King? 2. How will you savor each present moment in the coming days?  3. How will you prepare yourself spiritually for the coming Advent season?  Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

How Does Money Work in God’s Economy? | Beyond the Sermon

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey and Mat dive into Paul’s letters to the Corinthians—letters written to a city full of wealth, ambition, and ego. They unpack how Paul uses the language of farmers to teach a lesson about generosity, faith, and interdependence. Together they explore what it means to plant seeds of faith in a world obsessed with control—and how true growth depends on forces far beyond ourselves. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps