The Church At Its Best | Beyond The Sermon

Faith250: Part 1// Pastor Magrey deVega // June 14, 2026

This poem by Emma Lazarus is one of the most important in our history, not only for its appearance on the Statue of Liberty, but also for the value that it conveys in welcoming the immigrant. For as is often said, other than indigenous people in this land, we are all descendants of immigrants, or even immigrants ourselves. That recognition is also a recurring theme throughout the Bible, for the Israelites as well as the early Christians. Caring for the immigrant is a pathway for both faithful discipleship and responsible citizenship.    Reflection Questions: 1. How does your faith shape the way you view immigrants and refugees? 2. What does it mean to treat every person as native-born and beloved? 3. Where is God calling you to practice hospitality, dignity, and welcome? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

When Faith Shapes a Nation | Beyond the Sermon

This week Mat and Magrey kick off our new series, Faith250: Our Nation’s Founding Documents, by exploring the relationship between faith, freedom, and the values that shape us as a community. They reflect on what it means to pursue a more perfect union, how our beliefs influence the way we treat one another, and why meaningful conversations across our differences still matter today. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Something Worth Sharing: Part 3 // Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans // June 7, 2026

This classic passage from Acts depicts the early church acting in outward generosity, to meet the needs of people in their community. This is the church at its healthiest and best, and it is part of our DNA. When we function in this way, not only is our church strong; so is our witness, and so, therefore, is the community that we serve. As Miroslav Wolf surmised in his book Flourishing, even though organized religion at its worst may be the cause of some of our world’s greatest problems, the solution to our world’s greatest problems can be organized religion at its healthiest and best. That is the future we get to step into together.    Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Church At Its Best | Beyond The Sermon

This week Mat Hotho sits down with Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans to explore the picture of community found in Acts 4. Together, they discuss why people often remember how the church made them feel more than what it said, the challenge of accepting help when we need it, and what it looks like to build authentic relationships in a culture that values independence. They also reflect on why unity doesn't require uniformity, how Christians can disagree with love, and why meaningful connection remains one of the church's greatest gifts. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Something Worth Sharing: Part 2 // Pastor Magrey deVega // May 31, 2026

Peter’s first sermon on Pentecost Day gets a lot of attention, but we often forget his second sermon, the one recorded in the very next chapter. Peter and John are walking through the portico of the Temple when they encounter a man unable to walk since birth. Their subsequent healing of the man was accompanied by Peter’s sermon, in which, again, he declared himself to be a witness of the resurrection. In verse 15, he says, “You killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.” How is the Holy Spirit empowering us to be witnesses of new life through acts of healing, compassion, mercy, and justice?   Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps