Hyde Park United Methodist

Made for God to See | with Dr. Rose Trentinella

In this full-cut interview from our Visio Divina Lenten series, Magrey deVega sits down with Dr. Rose Trentinella from the University of Tampa to explore two extraordinary works of Renaissance art: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Ghiberti’s “Gates of Paradise.” From Michelangelo’s reluctant frustration at being forced to paint instead of sculpt, to the astonishing technical precision of fresco on a curved vault seventy feet overhead, this conversation uncovers the human struggle behind legendary genius. Then, turning to Florence’s gilded bronze baptistry doors, they examine the innovation, symbolism, and hidden details—down to tiny lizards no one on the ground would ever see—that reveal the mind of an artist working at the height of his craft. It’s a deeper look at calling, creativity, and the tension between assignment and passion. Special thanks to Dr. Trentinella, the Ferman family, and the University of Tampa.  Find out more and watch the full sermon at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Visio Divina: Part 1 // Pastor Magrey deVega // February 22, 2026

The most famous fresco in the history of western art is in the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. It depicts the stirring moment when God created humans, with God and Adam, arms outstretched, making contact. Just as moving is the stunning entryway doors to the Baptistery of St. John in Florence, Italy by Giberti, which depics the story of creation in incredible, gilded detail. The creation story is a fitting starting point in our Lenten journey, reminding us of our inherent nature as made in the image of God, and calling us to return to a full reflection of God’s character, as we reach out and touch the divine.    Reflection Questions: 1. How might you begin to read the Bible with multiple physical senses?  2. When has a work of art opened your eyes to wonder?  3. How do these two works of art give you deeper appreciation for the creation story?  Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Why Can’t I Hear God? | Beyond the Sermon

In this final episode of Beyond the Sermon for the "Say Less" series, Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho reflect on what it really looks like to listen for God’s will. The conversation explores centering prayer, silence, counseling, spiritual direction, and the courage it takes to say no to good things in order to say yes to what truly aligns with how God has wired you. Along the way, they wrestle with anxiety, alignment, repentance, and the slow work of recognizing God’s voice in the rearview mirror of life. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Say Less: Part 4 // Pastor Justin LaRosa // February 15, 2026

Revelation may seem like an odd choice to include in a series on listening, but the oracle is founded on a witness from John to Christians who needed to listen better. Beginning with the indictments to the seven churches, the book is filled with words of comfort and courage to people under distress. When we learn to “silence all voices but God’s voice,” (Henri Nouwen) we can learn to hear God’s will for us to move forward with conviction.    Reflection Questions: 1. Where in your life right now do you most need discernment — and what makes that situation hard to navigate? 2. When you’re making decisions, what practices actually help you listen for God, and what has that looked like in real life? 3. Jesus warned about being “lukewarm.” Where do you notice spiritual complacency in yourself or our culture — and what might wholehearted faith (zeal and repentance) look like instead?

Listening That Changes Your Life | Beyond the Sermon

In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, Mat Hotho sits down with Bishop Will Willimon to unpack what it really means to listen to a sermon. Their conversation explores the difference between reading Scripture and preaching it, why sermons are meant to address us personally, and how the preached word moves faith from information to enlistment. Bishop Willimon reflects on decades of preaching, the discomfort and resistance Jesus often provokes, and why following Christ was never meant to be easy, safe, or merely “interesting.” Along the way, they wrestle with discipleship, courage, and what it means to belong to a kingdom larger than any nation or political project. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps