Hyde Park United Methodist

This piece by Frederick Douglass, one of the great writers and orators in our history, reminds us that the work of addressing slavery and racism must be a shared and ongoing project. There cannot be a moment when we feel like we have conquered our “original sin,” for as is the case in our Wesleyan understanding of sin, it is an ongoing task, requiring daily commitment. To be a faithful disciple and a responsible citizen, from a Wesleyan perspective, we should be co-laborers with God, who empo...

This week Mat and Magrey kick off our new series, Faith250: Our Nation’s Founding Documents, by exploring the relationship between faith, freedom, and the values that shape us as a community. They reflect on what it means to pursue a more perfect union, how our beliefs influence the way we treat one another, and why meaningful conversations across our differences still matter today. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps

The travelers on the road to Emmaus uttered the words that capture the deepest longing in the human heart: “We had hoped.” They had held out hope that the reports of Jesus’ death were not true, and that he was the long-awaited Messiah. Then, because they created space for Jesus to remain with them in their home, he opened their eyes to his presence, and he gave them the hope they were longing for. Reflection Questions: 1. Where in your life do you need to create space for Jesus? 2. What pr...

One week after Easter, the lilies fade and real life returns—bringing questions, doubts, and uncertainty with it. In this opening message of the On the Edge series, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans explores the story of Thomas and reminds us that doubt is not the opposite of faith, but a vital part of it. Through personal story and the Gospel of John, we are invited to bring our questions into community, to stay present even when faith feels fragile, and to trust that Christ meets us right in the ...

The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal moment in human history, declaring God’s redemptive power and the end of sin and evil as the controlling force over our lives. The practice of visio divina invites us to not just hear the story, but to gaze upon it, just as famous artists have invited us throughout the centuries, to discover how we can experience the power of resurrection in our lives and in the world. Reflection Questions: 1. Where has life shaken you recently, leaving you un...

In week five of Visio Divina, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm through Rembrandt’s Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee. The painting pulls us into the boat — into the chaos, fear, and uncertainty the disciples felt. And yet, in the middle of it all, Jesus remains steady, anchored to something deeper than the storm. This story reminds us that faith doesn’t remove the storm, but it roots us in a presence that can withstand it. As we move through...