We encounter Nicodemus in John, Chapter 3, a Pharisee who approaches Jesus under the cover of night, seeking answers to questions that gnaw at his mind. To Nicodemus, Jesus must have seemed a fascinating mystery—an unconventional teacher whose words and actions didn’t align with the legalistic norms of Pharisee tradition. While many Pharisees viewed Jesus with suspicion, wary of his claim to be the Messiah, Nicodemus was different. He begins their exchange with a respectful greeting, only to be met by a teaching that turns his world upside down: “You must be born again.” It’s a statement that throws Nicodemus, prompting him to think in terms of physical birth, while Jesus was challenging him to see it spiritually.
At Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church, curiosity is one of the values at the heart of our Strategic Plan, along with courageous and connected—pillars that shape our 2025 Stewardship Campaign. These values guide our purpose and resonate beyond practical needs like lighting, heating, or organ maintenance. We’re here to explore questions that deepen faith and to support a community where answers emerge through shared experiences. Being curious and courageous enough to engage with others connects us in profound ways.
Jesus honored Nicodemus’s questions, taking his curiosity seriously—and in the same spirit, this church values every question and every seeker. Here, our pastoral team invites you to be curious, courageous, and connected. So, ask your questions. They matter to us, just as they matter to Jesus.
Pastor Todd