Sermon for January 27th, 2019
Contents
Mark 9:33-37
33 Then they came to Capernaum; and when he was in the house he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the way?” 34 But they were silent, for on the way they had argued with one another who was the greatest. 35 He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” 36 Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.”
Romans 15:2-7
2Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, 6 so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
Faith & Film VII: Won't You Be My Neighbor?
Who Was Fred Rogers?
Ordinarily, I start this kind of sermon with a summary of the plot for the benefit of those who have not seen the film. But this film is a little unlike any other I've preached on, for several reasons. First, it's a documentary, so, rather than a plot, the film simply paints a picture of an exceptional man and his work--through interviews, archival footage, stories and anecdotes. The goal of the film seems to be to answer the question, "Who was Fred Rogers?"--onscreen as well as offscreen.
The other reason this film is unlike any other I've preached on before is that it hits really close to home for those of us who consider ourselves "Proud Presbyterians." When it comes to modern day heroes of the faith, the Catholics have Mother Theresa. The Baptists have Billy Graham. And Presbyterians have Mr. Rogers. Though you might never have realized it just from watching his show, Fred Rogers was an ordained Presbyterian Pastor, who went to Pittsburgh Seminary where he studied theology, Hebrew, Greek, and all the things I had to study in order to become a pastor.
During his time in seminary, he also studied education and childhood development, through the University of Pittsburgh--and that's something that makes this sermon (and Mr. Rogers) deeply personal to me. In addition to watching Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood as a child (like so many of us did), my "other" career before seminary, and my "other" degree while at seminary was in education and child development. Some of the most meaningful work I get to do as your pastor revolves not around Sunday morning (although I like that too!) but the work I get to do with our church preschool, with Kids n Co, and with the scouting programs we sponsor.
So for me, Fred Rogers really represents the embodiment of all that a Pastor, an educator, a Presbyterian, a Christian, a person of faith should be. No pressure, right? I'm certainly no Mr. Rogers, and that's a high standard to live up to...but I suspect that if Fred Rogers were standing here right now, today, he would tell me (and all of us), "I like you just the way you are."
And from this film, we learn that even someone as amazing and kind and gracious as Mr. Rogers struggled with things like fear and anxiety. To help us learn more about who Fred Rogers was, here's a clip featuring his favorite puppet, Daniel the Striped Tiger.
Film Clip #2 - Daniel the Striped Tiger
Who Is My Neighbor?
Film Clip #? - Officer Clemmons
Evangelism, Presbyterian Style
- Low production values, simple set, unlikely star
- Always trying to get a message across
