This iconic text from Paul on giving reminds us that our truest and most faithful generosity does not happen through rote obligation, but through a spirit of joy and gratitude. Reflection Questions: 1. When have you been misunderstood, the way the Corinthians misunderstood Paul? 2. How can you shift your thinking to see every person in the church as equally important? 3. How might you see your estimate of giving as planting a seed for impact in 2026 and beyond? Find out mor...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey and Mat dive into Paul’s letters to the Corinthians—letters written to a city full of wealth, ambition, and ego. They unpack how Paul uses the language of farmers to teach a lesson about generosity, faith, and interdependence. Together they explore what it means to plant seeds of faith in a world obsessed with control—and how true growth depends on forces far beyond ourselves. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Our simple acts of generosity are part of a continuum of God’s reciprocal work of grace. God blesses us, then blesses others through us, and then we are blessed in return, which enables us to give thanks to God. It is a true full circle of grace. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho explore the heart behind generosity—what drives us to give, and how to keep it from becoming self-serving. They unpack the danger of “propositional faith,” the belief that generosity guarantees reward, and contrast it with the deeper call to give simply because Jesus did. Along the way, they share stories of teachers, mentors, and church members whose quiet selflessness still ripples outward today. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans joins Mat Hotho for a heartfelt Beyond the Sermon conversation on the meaning of All Saints Sunday—a day to honor those who shaped our faith and reflect on how God’s grace shines through ordinary people. Sally shares the story of her niece’s courage and faith, and how recognizing the image of God in every person can change the way we live, love, and remember. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

On this All Saints Sunday, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans reminds us that saints aren’t stained-glass figures of perfection—they’re ordinary people made radiant by grace. Through stories of faith, compassion, and love that bridge heaven and earth, we’re invited to see ourselves and others as bearers of God’s image. What would change if you truly believed that the divine spark lives in you—and in everyone you meet? Reflection Questions 1. Do you agree with the definition of a saint… as one...

This Sunday, guest preacher Rev. Dr. Juana Jordan from FAMU Impact Wesley challenges us to “Mind the Gap” — the space between what we believe and how we live it out. From Isaiah’s call to justice, to Boaz’s compassion, to Jesus’ parable of the Sheep and Goats, we’re reminded that real faith doesn’t step over need — it steps into it. Discover how God calls us to stand in the breach, live with margin, and become repairers of the world’s broken places. Reflection Questions: 1. Where in your li...

In the final week of Christ at the Center, Pastor Magrey deVega revisits a wild Sunday when Hyde Park was protested by Westboro Baptist Church—for being “too open-minded.” But instead of responding with hate, the church chose love, gentleness, and respect—the way 1 Peter calls us to. Discover how real faith holds conviction without closing hearts, and how open-mindedness—rooted in Jesus—can become one of the most powerful witnesses we have today. Reflection Questions: 1. What positions in th...

What if faith and politics can coexist without partisanship? When the Pharisees asked Jesus about religion and empire, He responded, "Render unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar, and to God the things that belong to God." His answer offers key principles on how followers of Jesus can engage in politics while staying true to their faith. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho explore what it means to keep Christ at the center of our political lives. Using Jesus’ famous words—“Render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s”—they unpack how faith can guide us through today’s culture of division, misinformation, and echo chambers. From the craftiness of the Pharisees to the traps of modern media, they draw a line between ancient wisdom and our digital age, reminding us that discernment,...

What if the balance between extremes leads to growth? The via media, or “way through the center,” is a key part of Wesleyan belief, guiding us to take the best of both extremes and create a dynamic, living center. Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways are you concerned about polarization today? 2. What value do you find in the via media, the way of the center? 3. How might you practice listening and empathy with those who disagree with you? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho unpack how faith can guide us through a world of deep division. Drawing from Paul’s words to the Corinthians, they explore what it means to seek unity in a polarized time—not by watering down convictions, but by finding the best in one another’s perspectives. From the Methodist idea of the “via media,” or middle way, to the wisdom of Wesley’s three simple rules, they reflect on how love, empathy, and curiosity can help us stay...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Rev. Bernie Leving and Mat Hotho wrap up our series on the church’s vision statement by exploring what it means to live out our God-given gifts. From music and art to cooking, quilting, and even writing notes of encouragement, Bernie shares how ordinary talents become extraordinary when they’re used in service to others. Along the way, he reflects on his own top spiritual gifts—healing, teaching, and faith—and how they’ve shaped his journey from a teenager sayi...

What if our gifts are meant to make a difference? Each of us is given a unique set of skills and abilities by God to impact the world around us. Each of us is gifted with a unique set of skills and abilities that God wants us to use to make a difference. Reflection Questions: 1. What specific God-given skills, abilities, gifts and talents entrusted to you to use in your life? 2. What "what ifs" or fears might be stopping you from stepping into greater faithfulness with your gifts? ...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey and Mat dig into Romans 8 — one of Paul’s most famous and vivid passages. Paul describes creation “groaning like childbirth,” a picture that captures both the pain of the present and the hope of what’s to come. Together, they explore how this chapter acts as a hinge in Romans: shifting from heavy theology to a vision of new life, resilience, and community. From midwives of hope to modern struggles, they reflect on what it means to live faithfully...

There is a hidden treasure within each of us, which is the image of God with which we have been created. Our work is to participate in God’s transformation, in which we reveal the fullness of Jesus to others. Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways do you experience creation “groaning” right now? 2. How is God transforming you to be more like Jesus? How will you participate in that transformation? 3. How will you maintain courage and strength to keep pushing through the labor pains of th...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Justin and Savanna talk about what it means to feel lost—and how God’s grace often shows up in those moments through the presence of others. Justin shares stories from the Portico community and from his own life, reminding us that sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer isn’t the “right words” but simply showing up with humility and compassion. Together, they reflect on how presence, accountability, and community help us notice when someone is struggling...

This week we welcome Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow, senior pastor of First UMC Los Angeles, for a fresh take on the Sermon on the Mount. Known for her humor, honesty, and fearless preaching, Mandy brings us into Jesus’ challenging words: “Do not worry.” With stories that will make you laugh and truths that will make you think, she helps us discover how faith and courage can free us from anxiety — and open us to the Kingdom of God here and now. Reflection Questions: 1. In what ways are you carrying w...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey welcomes Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow from Los Angeles First UMC. Together they explore Jesus’ words about worry—why it’s such a universal part of being human, how it shows up in our daily lives, and what faith offers us in response. Drawing on Mandy’s unique ministry in downtown LA and her own reflections, they talk about how trust, integrity, and community become anchors when life feels uncertain. With stories that move from family life to church in a p...

What if creation itself could remind us of God’s presence? In the midst of personal suffering, Job discovered that God’s power and presence are revealed in creation. Even in our own struggles, we can find God in the wonder of the world around us, drawing closer to Him by caring for it. Reflection Questions: 1. In what way do creation and nature teach you about God? 2. How does creation help you remember that you are not helpless or alone? 3. What steps will you take to care for creation?