When Love Meets Reality | Beyond the Sermon

When Love Meets Reality | Beyond the Sermon

This week Sally Campbell-Evans joins Magrey Devega for a special episode of Beyond the Sermon as they unpack one of the Bible's strangest family stories. Together they explore the surprising lesson hidden within Jacob, Leah, and Rachel—that every person carries both strengths and flaws, and real love learns to embrace both. They also reflect on Leah's unexpected redemption, what it means to find your worth in God rather than others, and why this ancient story still speaks powerfully to our relationships today. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Holy Struggle: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // July 26, 2026

Jacob fell in love with Rachel, but he was tricked into marrying Leah instead, and he had to work seven more years for Laban before he earned the right to marry Rachel. The context of this story may seem antiquated to our modern sensibilities, but it does convey the need for patience and endurance when what we long for in life seems out of reach. And there is redemption here for Leah as well. Though she was never Jacob’s first choice, she became the mother of ten of the twelve sons whose tribes would constitute the nation of Israel. That includes Judah, whose line would bring us King David, and eventually, Jesus.    Reflection Questions:  1. Where are you being invited to love someone beyond your idealized expectations? 2. What "Leah" within yourself might God be inviting you to accept with grace? 3. How can you praise God, even amid disappointment and fear?  Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Holy Struggle: Part 2 // Pastor Bernie Lieving // July 19, 2026

The vision of a gateway to Heaven at Penuel is an important moment in Jacob’s life, and it invites us to think about the “thin spaces” in our lives where we feel close to God. His statement, “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it,” can also invite us to be attentive to the serendipitous experiences of God that we might miss if we are not open to them.    Reflection Questions: 1. Can you remember a time or place when you felt especially close to God? What made that experience meaningful? 2. How does Jacob’s story remind you that God’s grace is present even in seasons of fear, failure, or uncertainty? 3. Where might God be inviting you to recognize a “thin space” in your everyday life this week? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The Places Heaven Feels Close | Beyond the Sermon

This week Mat sits down with Pastor Bernie Lieving to explore Jacob's famous dream of the ladder to heaven and the powerful reminder that God is always moving toward us. They unpack the idea of "thin places"—moments when God's presence feels especially close—through stories of unexpected encouragement, meaningful relationships, and everyday "God incidences." Together they discuss why silence matters, how God often speaks through ordinary people, and what it looks like to recognize that God may already be closer than we realize. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Faith250: Part 4 // Pastor Magrey deVega // July 5, 2026

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” This declaration points to the soul of our country, and each word can be dissected and examined for its inherent value. The truth of our equality is both shared and self-revelatory. Truth is not owned or cornered by any one group of people, and equality is an inherent part of our identity.   Reflection Questions: 1. Where have you mistaken power for the source of lasting security or happiness? 2. How is God calling you to use your influence for others' good? 3. How can you widen your vision to reflect God's boundless kingdom? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps