Upcoming Worship Series
A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood
Fred Rogers once said, “What a tough job to try and communicate the gift of Jesus Christ… It can’t be simply talked about.” Like Jesus’ parables, Mister Rogers used stories, simplicity, and kindness to open hearts to deeper truths.
This series explores how neighborliness, emotional honesty, forgiveness, and grace shape the Christian life. Drawing from the Gospels, Mister Rogers’ wisdom, and the 2020 film, we’ll reflect on what it means to live in God’s “neighborhood”—a place marked by extravagant love, truth-telling, reconciliation, and transformation. Wesleyan themes of prevenient grace, sanctification, and social holiness help us live into that neighborhood together.
WEEK 1 (July 20) – “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”
Scripture: Romans 13: Luke 10:25–37
Theme: Defining neighborliness through compassion and inclusion
Key Points:
- Jesus expands “neighbor” beyond boundaries or proximity—neighbor is defined by mercy.
- Mister Rogers invited everyone into his neighborhood with love and dignity.
- Loving others begins with seeing the image of God in them—and in ourselves.
Wesleyan Connections:
- Social holiness: Love of God is shown in love of neighbor.
- Prevenient grace welcomes all into God’s family—even the unexpected.
Call to Action:
- Do one act of kindness for someone you might not usually consider a “neighbor.”
- Reflect on who God might be inviting you to see with new eyes.
WEEK 2 (July 27) – “Prodigal”
Scripture: Luke 15:11–32 (The Prodigal Son)
Theme: Extravagant love and the challenge of both receiving and giving forgiveness
Key Points:
- “Prodigal” means wastefully extravagant—not just lost.
- Both brothers struggle: one to receive grace, one to offer it.
- The father’s love mirrors God’s—lavish, unreasonable, healing.
Wesleyan Connections:
- Prevenient grace runs to us.
- Forgiveness is a spiritual discipline that shapes sanctified living.
Call to Action:
- Be extravagant in love this week—to yourself, your neighbor, and your neighborhood.
- Reflect on which “son” you resonate with and how God might be calling you to grow.
WEEK 3 (Aug 3) – “Feelings Are Okay”
Scripture: Psalm 62:8; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 12:2
Theme: Emotional honesty as a faithful response to God’s design
Key Points:
- Feelings are part of being human—Jesus had them, and so do we.
- “I’m fine” often masks internal pain. Naming emotions is a spiritual act.
- Avoiding emotions stunts our growth and connection with others and with God.
Wesleyan Connections:
- Transformation involves head and heart—sanctifying grace works on our emotions.
- Class meetings modeled vulnerable sharing and support.
Call to Action:
- Replace “I’m fine” with honesty in conversations this week.
- Be a compassionate listener—create sacred space for others’ emotions.
WEEK 4 (Aug 10) – “Anything Mentionable Is Manageable”
Scripture: Matthew 11:28–30; Psalms of Lament (e.g. Psalm 13)
Theme: The healing power of naming pain, lament, and vulnerability
Key Points:
- “Anything human is mentionable, and anything mentionable is manageable.”
- Scripture models honest lament—God can handle our pain.
- Naming pain is not weakness—it is courageous faith.
Wesleyan Connections:
- Wesleyan discipleship is grounded in authenticity and personal reflection.
- Lament is a means of grace—it opens space for healing.
Call to Action:
- Speak aloud (to God or a trusted person) something you’ve kept hidden.
- Offer a safe listening space to someone else.
WEEK 5 (Aug 17) – “The Forgiveness School”
Scripture: Ephesians 1:7–8; Luke 6:37; Matthew 6:12
Theme: Forgiveness is a discipline, a calling, and a way of life
Key Points:
- Forgiveness is not excusing harm—it’s releasing the need for revenge.
- Reconciliation is built on grace, humility, and honesty.
- We are students in the lifelong school of forgiveness.
Wesleyan Connections:
- Sanctification is growth in Christlike love—including love for enemies.
- Forgiveness is an act of faith and freedom rooted in grace.
Call to Action:
- Begin a forgiveness practice: journal, pray, or write a letter (even if not sent).
- Look at your own “bronze serpent”—what sin or pain needs healing?
WEEK 6 (Aug 24) – “Practice, Practice, Practice”
Scripture: Philippians 2:1–11; 1 Timothy 4:7–8
Theme: Spiritual growth requires intention and daily habits of love
Key Points:
- Mister Rogers wasn’t perfect—he practiced his faith every day.
- Christlikeness is formed through daily rhythms of prayer, kindness, and reflection.
- God loves you just as you are—and invites you to grow deeper still.
Wesleyan Connections:
- The means of grace (prayer, scripture, service) are the training ground for holiness.
- Spiritual maturity is not performance—it’s faithful practice.
Call to Action:
- Choose one practice this week: prayer, journaling, service, or rest.
- Encourage someone in their faith journey; be a neighbor in grace.