Hyde Park United Methodist

Draw Near: Part 3, To Justice // Pastor Justin LaRosa // December 14, 2025

The first-century Roman Empire faced the same kinds of injustices that we face today: growing inequality between the rich and the poor, abusive oppression by those in power, and a disregard for decency and civility. John the Baptist’s message is not just spiritual in nature; it has real-life, real-world implications for today.    Questions: 1. What jumped out at you from the text? 2. John says to bear fruit worthy of repentance. How do you understand repentance? 3. What obstacles do you see in your life? Community’s and world’s? Name some ways you have repented in your life that have resulted in fruit. 4. How does John’s understanding of repentance draw you and our church near to justice? Find out more and connect with us at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Other Side of Repentance | Beyond the Sermon

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho revisit John the Baptist’s call to repentance as a turning toward something better, exploring it as a shared, lived practice that reaches beyond individual behavior and into the systems, relationships, and habits that shape our common life. Their conversation reflects on how repentance takes form through generosity, integrity, and respect for all people, and how proximity, presence, and community can change both us and the world around us. Drawing from the work of The Portico and the witness of the wider church, this episode considers what it looks like to prepare the way for God’s kingdom in real, tangible ways. Find out more and connect with us at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps Discover how The Portico is building community and how you can be part of it at ThePortico.org

The Rhythm Beneath Our Hope | Beyond the Sermon

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Mat and Magrey dive into Luke 1 with a surprisingly “Wicked” twist (some of us just can’t help ourselves). What starts as a chat about Zechariah’s song turns into a reflection on stability, spiritual practice, and why Luke’s Gospel sometimes feels like a Broadway musical. Along the way they explore Benedictine rhythms, the gift of repetition, and how ancient songs still shape our hope today. The Canticle of the Turning:  https://youtu.be/F9QeTmRCpW4?si=mHFOinxdFICTDvri Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Draw Near: Part 2, To Truth // Pastor Magrey deVega // December 7, 2025

No journey to Christmas would be complete without John the Baptist, the iconic figurehead of Advent preparation. His message is one that people then and now are reluctant to hear: Repent, seek justice, and live righteously. His is a timeless truth that is as relevant as ever.   Reflection Questions: 1. How often do you watch the sunrise? What feelings does it elicit for you?  2. What are you most longing for right now?  3. What difference does it make to see time less linearly, and more cyclically? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

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