Best Magrey Podcasts (2026)

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Draw Near: Part 4, To One Another // Pastor Magrey deVega // December 21, 2025 14:50

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10d ago14:50

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Mary and Elizabeth were the original collaborators, co-laboring to provide the world with the hope and promise that it needed. In drawing near to each other, they discovered mutual support and joy, and the strength to encourage each other throughout their journeys. In a season where our relationships with those closest to us might be most tested an…

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When God Drew Near: Christmas Eve 16:48

3h ago16:48

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The incarnation is the ultimate act of drawing near, as God bridged the gulf between God and humanity by becoming like us. We celebrate the birth of Christ by making room for him in our hearts, as we share the message and love of Christ with a world in need. Find out more at HydeParkUMC.org/NextSteps…

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The Presence We Carry | Beyond the Sermon 12:02

10d ago12:02

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho reflect on Mary’s role in the Christmas story by placing it within the much longer arc of Israel’s history—from tabernacle and temple to incarnation and church. They explore how Luke connects past, present, and future to show a God who is both mobile and faithful, present in the wilderness…

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Draw Near: Part 3, To Justice // Pastor Justin LaRosa // December 14, 2025 17:13

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The first-century Roman Empire faced the same kinds of injustices that we face today: growing inequality between the rich and the poor, abusive oppression by those in power, and a disregard for decency and civility. John the Baptist’s message is not just spiritual in nature; it has real-life, real-world implications for today.  Questions: 1. What j…

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The Other Side of Repentance | Beyond the Sermon 12:44

17d ago12:44

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho revisit John the Baptist’s call to repentance as a turning toward something better, exploring it as a shared, lived practice that reaches beyond individual behavior and into the systems, relationships, and habits that shape our common life. Their conversation reflects on how repentance tak…

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The Rhythm Beneath Our Hope | Beyond the Sermon 12:00

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Mat and Magrey dive into Luke 1 with a surprisingly “Wicked” twist (some of us just can’t help ourselves). What starts as a chat about Zechariah’s song turns into a reflection on stability, spiritual practice, and why Luke’s Gospel sometimes feels like a Broadway musical. Along the way they explore Benedictine rhythm…

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Draw Near: Part 2, To Truth // Pastor Magrey deVega // December 7, 2025 15:50

17d ago15:50

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No journey to Christmas would be complete without John the Baptist, the iconic figurehead of Advent preparation. His message is one that people then and now are reluctant to hear: Repent, seek justice, and live righteously. His is a timeless truth that is as relevant as ever.  Reflection Questions: 1. How often do you watch the sunrise? What feelin…

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Where We Find Hope Now | Beyond the Sermon 9:23

24d ago9:23

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Sally Campbell-Evans and Matt Hotho open Advent with an unexpected text—Jesus’ apocalyptic warnings in Luke 21. Instead of forecasting the end of the world, they explore how these passages uncover God’s presence right in the middle of fear, uncertainty, and ordinary life. Together they reflect on why Advent begins wi…

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Draw Near: Part 1, To Wonder // Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans // November 30, 2025 18:16

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The first Sunday of Advent often catches us by surprise, still plumped from Thanksgiving leftovers and not yet fully in the swing of Christmas preparations. But Luke’s gospel greets us with a jarring reminder that something bold and wondrous is on the horizon. It is the inbreaking of God’s presence and love, revealed in Jesus. All we have to do is …

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Where Our Faith Goes Next | Beyond the Sermon 13:59

30d ago13:59

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As we wrap up Christ the King Sunday—and the Christian year—Magrey and Matt reflect on where we've been, what’s grounding us right now, and where our faith might carry us next. They share a simple three-part gratitude practice perfect for your Thanksgiving table, and explore what it really means to say “Jesus is Lord” in a world shaped by Christian…

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Refresh: Part 5 // Pastor Magrey deVega // November 23, 2025 16:50

30d ago16:50

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The draw near theme encompasses 1) an affirmation that God has drawn near to us by taking on flesh and experiencing what it is to be human, 2) a plea for God to draw closer to us and to the spaces in the world that are broken, and 3) a charge for us to draw near to God by leaning into wonder, justice, truth, and one another. Reflection Questions: 1…

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How Does Money Work in God’s Economy? | Beyond the Sermon 10:42

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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 obsess…

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Refresh: Part 4 // Pastor Magrey deVega // November 16, 2025 15:18

1M ago15:18

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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 a…

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Refresh: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // November 9, 2025 18:59

2M ago18:59

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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/NextStepsBy Hyde Park United Methodist

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Why Do We Give—Really? | Beyond the Sermon 10:33

2M ago10:33

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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 teach…

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All Saints' Sunday // Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans //. November 2, 2025 20:07

2M ago20:07

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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 belie…

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The Saints Who Shaped Us | Beyond the Sermon 10:11

2M ago10:11

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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 chan…

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Refresh: Part 1, Minding the Gap // Rev. Dr. Juana Jordan from FAMU // October 26, 2025 19:30

2M ago19:30

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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 Go…

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Christ at the Center: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // October 19, 2025 16:47

2M ago16:47

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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, …

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Deeper Into What Divides Us | Beyond the Sermon 13:03

3M ago13:03

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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 cr…

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Christ at the Center: Part 2 // Pastor Magrey deVega // October 12, 2025 20:11

3M ago20:11

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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. Fin…

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Christ at the Center: Part 1 // Pastor Magrey deVega // October 5, 2025 16:48

3M ago16:48

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By Hyde Park United Methodist

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Christ at the Center of Chaos | Beyond the Sermon 11:06

3M ago11:06

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By Hyde Park United Methodist

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Use What God Has Given You | Beyond the Sermon 12:34

3M ago12:34

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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 oth…

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Life as God Intends: Part 4 // Rev. Bernie Leiving // September 28, 2025 13:45

3M ago13:45

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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…

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Life as God Intends: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // September 21, 2025 16:07

3M ago16:07

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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? …

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Grounded in Hope When Creation Groans | Beyond the Sermon 12:18

3M ago12:18

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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 theolo…

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Is Being Present Enough? | Beyond the Sermon 11:21

3M ago11:21

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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 showi…

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Life As God Intends: Part 1 // Rev. Dr. Mandy McDow // September 7, 2025 17:01

4M ago17:01

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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 fait…

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God's Word on Worry | Beyond the Sermon 13:17

4M ago13:17

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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, the…

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Learning from Creation | Beyond the Sermon 15:22

4M ago15:22

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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 vineyar…

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The Call to Care: Part 4, Caring for Creation // Pastor Magrey deVega // August 31, 2025 17:27

4M ago17:27

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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 tea…

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Why Self-Care Is Spiritual Care | Beyond the Sermon 13:04

4M ago13:04

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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 o…

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The Call to Care: Part 4, Caring for Ourselves // Pastor Magrey deVega // August 24, 2025 17:12

4M ago17:12

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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 …

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The Call to Care: Part 2 // Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans // August 17, 2025 18:59

4M ago18:59

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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 helpin…

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Caring Across the Years | Beyond the Sermon 3:07

4M ago3:07

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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 wh…

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The Call to Care: Part 1 // Pastor Magrey deVegea // August 10, 2025 17:24

5M ago17:24

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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…

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Full Circle Parenting | Beyond the Sermon 9:52

5M ago9:52

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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 th…

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Living Amen: Part 6, St. Francis Prayer // Rev. Bernie Leiving // August 3, 2025 16:34

5M ago16:34

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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 b…

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How Our Prayers Grow With Us | Beyond the Sermon 10:25

5M ago10:25

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Decker Tallbacka sits down with Rev. Bernie Leiving to reflect on our “Living Amen” series — and on how prayer evolves over a lifetime. With over 65 years in ministry, Bernie shares how his understanding of prayer has deepened, from battlefield prayers to everyday gratitude. It’s a conversation about how prayer meets…

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Living Amen: Part 4 // Pastor Magrey deVega // July 27, 2025 19:39

5M ago19:39

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What if courage comes from knowing we're never alone? St. Patrick, a key figure in early Celtic Christianity, gave us a prayer that brings comfort and strength to those who feel lost, alone, or afraid. Reflection Questions: 1. When have you prayed that God would protect you? What has been the result? 2. What will you do to participate in God’s prot…

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Our Faith Isn’t a Forcefield | Beyond the Sermon 16:52

5M ago16:52

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho talk about Saint Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer and what it really means to ask God for protection. Instead of treating prayer like a divine forcefield, they explore how it can strengthen us from within to face life’s challenges with courage and faith. From ancient monastic rhythms to…

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Living Amen: Part 3 // Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans // July 20, 2025 16:47

6M ago16:47

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What if uncertainty could still lead us to God? Merton’s prayer is striking in its vulnerability ("I have no idea where I am going"), yet it also affirms that our desire to please God is enough, even in our ignorance. Questions for Reflection: 1. Did you know much about Thomas Merton before today’s sermon? What surprised you about his life and witn…

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We Took a Trip Without a Map | Beyond the Sermon 14:22

6M ago14:22

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Sally Campbell-Evans and Mat Hotho share stories of uncertainty, reflection, and the surprising ways God shows up along the way. Inspired by the prayer of Thomas Merton, they talk about letting go of control and learning to trust—even when we don’t know where the path leads. Whether you’re standing at a crossr…

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Living Amen: Part 2, Serenity Prayer // Pastor Justin LaRosa // July 13, 2025 18:31

6M ago18:31

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What if peace comes from knowing when to act and when to surrender? The Serenity Prayer beautifully balances personal agency, humble surrender, and keen discernment, making it one of the most repeated prayers of our time. Reflection Questions: 1. What does this tension between planning and trusting Jesus Christ look like in your own life? 2. Share …

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The Prayer That’s Teaching Us Surrender | Beyond the Sermon 11:31

6M ago11:31

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Justin LaRosa and Mat Hotho reflect on the Serenity Prayer—not as a worn-out phrase, but as a real tool for navigating life’s hardest moments. Through honest conversation and personal stories, they explore what it means to face what we can’t control, take action where we can, and wrestle with the wisdom to kno…

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The Prayer That Calls Us Back | Beyond the Sermon 14:13

6M ago14:13

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This week on Beyond the Sermon, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho kick off our new series on history’s most powerful prayers by diving into the Wesley Covenant Prayer—a bold act of surrender that still hits hard today. They reflect on how this prayer challenges our culture of self-fulfillment and invites us to offer every part of our lives to God.…

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Living Amen: Part 1 // Pastor Magrey deVega // July 6, 2025 16:07

6M ago16:07

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What if true renewal begins with surrender? John Wesley’s prayer for covenant renewal is a powerful reminder to shift our focus away from ourselves and toward obedience and surrender to God. Reflection Questions: 1. What would praying “Suscipe” to God each day mean for you? 2. What new insights does the Wesley Covenant Prayer give you? 3. How will …

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Beyond the Sermon: Forever and Ever, Amen 11:35

6M ago11:35

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This week, Pastor Magrey deVega and Mat Hotho wrap up our series on the Lord’s Prayer by asking a surprising question: why do we say a final line that doesn’t actually appear in scripture? They explore how tradition, worship, and scripture have long been in conversation—shaping how we pray and how we see God. From ancient manuscripts to personal re…

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The Greatest Prayer: Part 3 // Pastor Magrey deVega // June 29, 2025 13:52

6M ago13:52

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What if God’s intent is to deliver us from evil, not use it? The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that God stands against evil, desiring our deliverance. The final line is a benedictory alleluia, declaring that all of who we are belongs to God, for all creation is part of His kingdom. Reflection Questions: 1. What would it mean to give God all of what you …