Love Thy Neighbor

We are asking everyone in the congregation to do some real concrete loving of your neighbors on the weekend of May 14-17. We talk about loving our neighbors and even who are neighbors are in worship regularly. But often we do not challenge you to actually step out in a loving way to your literal neighbors. But we are inviting you to make a difference in tangible ways to engage your neighbors. We encourage you to share your stories with us on social media and to encourage others to participate. Even a simple, small act of kindness that can help make our communities and our world a better place!

In a world that seems to only have bad news, we want to celebrate the beautiful spirit of love that we proclaim as people who follow the way of Jesus. Not just our words but our actions. Maybe you are already doing this? If you are, just shoot us a picture and let us know about how you love your neighbor. Some suggestions are: Invite your neighbors over for a cook out. You could gift them a flower arrangement from your garden. You could write affirmations on the sidewalks. There are a million ways to show love to those around you in your neighborhood.

Good Neighbor Day America is a national day of service on May 16, 2026, fostering community through simple acts of kindness, with special initiatives in Oklahoma coordinated by OFBCI and CityServe. It serves as a 250th anniversary kickoff, encouraging, millions to volunteer, connect, and strengthen neighborhoods nationwide.

Many churches are hosting events on that weekend but we thought that actually working in the neighborhoods in which we live would be a better way to celebrate than adding another event to the calendar. This is organic and authentic to the neighborhood in which you live. I know that you can do it Faith! You always amaze me in the ways that you make a difference.

Also, on that Sunday we will be having a special offering called “Miracle Sunday” providing scholarships to seminary students in other countries. Only 5% of our international churches have clergy with seminary training. This does not provide the best leadership that can be utilized in these churches. If you would like to donate to this cause, mark your donation “Miracle” and we will present it to our Annual Conference as we partner with other churches to make a difference.

Now go out there and find a way to spread a little joy to your neighbors.

Love,