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 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 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...

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, 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 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...

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 and Mat reflect on what it really means to care for creation. Starting with Genesis, they unpack how a single word has shaped the way people think about our relationship with the world — sometimes for worse, but also for better when understood through the lens of stewardship and compassion. From vineyards and backyard lawns to hurricanes and baptism, the conversation weaves together metaphors, word studies, and stories that reveal how creation’s b...

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?

Pastor Magrey deVega continues our Call to Care series with a message on one of the most overlooked forms of care: caring for yourself. Drawing from 3 John, he shows how true self-care is more than self-soothing—it’s building inner resilience by tending to your body, your soul, and your mind. What daily practices help you walk in truth, strengthen your spirit, and live with greater peace? We’d love to hear how you’re practicing self-care—and to walk that journey alongside you. Reflection Que...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Savanna Beasley dig into what it really means to practice self-care as people of faith. From routines and resilience to releasing control, they share honest reflections on the tug-of-war between structure and surrender. Together they explore how caring for our bodies, our emotions, and even our 3 a.m. selves can help us grow closer to God. It’s a conversation about choosing rhythms that sustain us, embracing our humanity, and learning ...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans and Mat Hotho continue our series The Call to Care, reflecting on what it means to walk with people in every stage of life—especially as we age. With stories of prayer, community, and small acts of kindness, Sally shares how care isn’t just something we do, but a way of life that shapes who we are together. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

What if caring for the elderly is a mutual gift? Our older community members have wisdom from years of experience, while we can offer them energy, compassion, and companionship in return. Revering and caring for them benefits us all. Questions for Reflection: 1. The biblical mandate to care for others is very clear. In what ways do you enjoy helping care for others? 2. When caring for others, especially older adults, what kind of support could benefit (or would have benefited) y...

What if caring for our children is a responsibility for all of us? As the new school year begins, we’re reminded that it’s not just about teaching our children for their sake, but for the sake of all of us, as a church and society. Reflection Questions: 1. How will you support and encourage professional educators in our society? 2. In what ways are the parenting metaphors helpful or unhelpful? 3. What work will you do to tend to your inner child? Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextS...

This week on Beyond the Sermon, we’re kicking off our new series The Call to Care by talking about what it means to care for children — both the ones in our lives and the “inner child” we all carry. From the evolving roles of parenting to the deep work of understanding ourselves, we explore how the way we care changes as we grow. It’s about more than just raising kids — it’s about becoming the kind of people who can show up with love, wisdom, and compassion, no matter the season of life. Fin...

What if we could be instruments of peace? St. Francis’ prayer reminds us that we are not powerless—our actions matter. It calls us to actively seek opportunities to sow peace and harmony in a world filled with discord and suffering. Questions for reflection: 1. In what ways are you ready to say "yes" to what the Prayer of St. Francis calls you to be and to do? 2. How might you become an "instrument of peace" with those with whom you live, work,and socialize? 3. How might the Prayer of St. Fr...