Hyde Park United Methodist

Giving of our time, talent, and treasure is a central aspect of discipleship, and, for some, is the most difficult one to surrender. Reflection Questions: 1. When have you had a good experience baking bread, or enjoying bread someone else made? 2. What difference does it make to see yourself as part of the global church of Jesus Christ?  3. How will you see your financial generosity as a way of making a living impact for God and others? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/nextsteps

Since the early church, Christians have been called to gather (ekklesia, which is translated as both “church” and “gathering.”) When we are present to each other, in worship, small groups, and service, we can experience the presence of God in a powerful way, along with the mutual support and accountability that comes with being together.

A natural and important follow-up to our 125th Anniversary Celebration is a season of recommitment to grow deeper as disciples, wider in our reach to others, and united in mission to love God and love all. This five-part series reviews the five-fold membership vow that each member took to become a part of this church. Prayer is the lifeblood of the Christian. It connects us to God, raises our attention to the Holy Spirit, and unites us together. HydeParkUMC.org/nextsteps Reflection Questions: 1. Reflect and describe the first time you remember praying.    2. How have you struggled with prayer? 3. How does regular prayer practice strengthen your inner being, root you in love, and help you comprehend God’s grace?

Stories from our heritage not only tell us about our past. They remind us of who we are. Such is the story of our church’s beginning, back in 1899, when a small group chose to sing “I Love to Tell the Story” at the site of what would become our church. Their courage and witness, coupled with their choice of song, tells us something about who we are.   HydeParkUMC.org/nextsteps Reflection Questions: 1. How can you re-prioritize your life, to focus less on being remembered, and more on being part of a story bigger than yourself?   2. How will you remember the “old, old story” of God’s love in your life?   3. How will you live into the story of God’s love through this church?

This week Mat sits down with former senior pastor of Hyde Park, Jim Harnish, with the topic of discovering and recognizing continuing threads of your life in the both spiritual and historical sense.  HydeParkUMC.org/nextsteps