The Church At Its Best | Beyond The Sermon

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

Something Worth Sharing: Part 1 // Pastor Magrey deVega // May 24, 2026

Prior to Jesus’ ascension, he told the disciples that they would be his witnesses throughout the ends of the earth. On the day of Pentecost, the Spirit descended to empower them – and us – to be just that. In Peter’s stirring sermon, he declared that “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses.” What would it mean for us to be witnesses of the resurrection for others who are seeking new life? What evidence of resurrection within us can we invite people to experience for themselves?    Reflection Questions: 1. What experience of God’s goodness feels most natural for you to share? 2. Which voices or influences are drawing your heart away from God’s peace? 3. How has God guided and sustained you through uncertain or difficult seasons? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What Witness Really Means | Beyond the Sermon

This week Mat Hotho and Pastor Magrey deVega sit down to unpack what it really means to be a “witness” — and why sharing your story doesn’t have to look loud, confrontational, or perfect. From bracelets and spiritual practices to invitation, vulnerability, and finding faith in everyday life, they explore how ordinary moments can become something worth sharing. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps