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Who is my Neighbor?
One of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told begins with a question. In Luke 10:25-37,
a lawyer stood up to test Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus turned the question back to him. What does the Law say? The man answered correctly: love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. But then, wanting to justify himself, he asked, "And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus answered with a story.
A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers attacked him, beat him, and left him half dead.
A priest came by but crossed to the other side. Then a Levite did the same. Finally, a Samaritan, a man from a people the Jews despised, stopped. He bandaged the wounded man's injuries, carried him to an inn, paid for his care, and promised to return if more was needed. Jesus then asked, “Which of these proved to be a neighbor?” The answer was obvious:
the one who showed mercy.
Although this happened nearly two thousand years ago, I have seen this story play out in real life. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to join several pastors from my church for lunch. While we were there, I noticed one of the restaurant employees spending her lunch break with a man who was homeless. She had invited him to share a meal with her. Throughout their lunch, I couldn't help but notice his gratitude and the tears in his eyes.
I don't know either of their names, but I have never forgotten that moment. She was being “a neighbor.”
The question isn't really, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus turns it into a different question:
“Will I be a neighbor?” Our neighbor is not defined by geography. Our neighbor is the person God places right in front of us today.
Each day we encounter people who need “a neighbor”. The opportunities may seem ordinary, but they are important moments. Loving our neighbor begins by noticing them, stopping when we can, and showing the mercy that Christ has first shown to us.
So as you go through this week, don't spend your time asking, “Who counts as my neighbor?” Instead, look at the person right in front of you. That is your neighbor.
Go, and do likewise.
With love and gratitude for each of you, Pastor Elliott Rinehart
One of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told begins with a question. In Luke 10:25-37,
a lawyer stood up to test Jesus and asked, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus turned the question back to him. What does the Law say? The man answered correctly: love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. But then, wanting to justify himself, he asked, "And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus answered with a story.
A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when robbers attacked him, beat him, and left him half dead.
A priest came by but crossed to the other side. Then a Levite did the same. Finally, a Samaritan, a man from a people the Jews despised, stopped. He bandaged the wounded man's injuries, carried him to an inn, paid for his care, and promised to return if more was needed. Jesus then asked, “Which of these proved to be a neighbor?” The answer was obvious:
the one who showed mercy.
Although this happened nearly two thousand years ago, I have seen this story play out in real life. When I was in high school, I had the opportunity to join several pastors from my church for lunch. While we were there, I noticed one of the restaurant employees spending her lunch break with a man who was homeless. She had invited him to share a meal with her. Throughout their lunch, I couldn't help but notice his gratitude and the tears in his eyes.
I don't know either of their names, but I have never forgotten that moment. She was being “a neighbor.”
The question isn't really, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus turns it into a different question:
“Will I be a neighbor?” Our neighbor is not defined by geography. Our neighbor is the person God places right in front of us today.
Each day we encounter people who need “a neighbor”. The opportunities may seem ordinary, but they are important moments. Loving our neighbor begins by noticing them, stopping when we can, and showing the mercy that Christ has first shown to us.
So as you go through this week, don't spend your time asking, “Who counts as my neighbor?” Instead, look at the person right in front of you. That is your neighbor.
Go, and do likewise.
With love and gratitude for each of you, Pastor Elliott Rinehart
YAC ~ Tuesday, August 4 @ 7:00 pm
Women’s Breakfast ~ Saturday, August 8 @ 9:00 am
Team Meetings ~ Tuesday, August 17 @ 6:00 pm
Church Council ~ Tuesday, August 17 @ 7:00 pm
Craft Night ~ Friday, August 28 @ 6:30 pm
Here at SRBC, we collect a Fellowship Offering on the 3rd Sunday of every month. This offering is used for emergency needs and financial assistance for those in need. This has been a great ministry of our church through the years, and we just want to remind you that we are continuing to collect this offering. We will focus on the offering on the 3rd Sunday, but you may give at any time.
Please join us for our Quarterly Business Meeting on Sunday, August 2 at 12:00 pm. Please plan to attend this brief meeting as we update the congregation on the business of the church.
AWANA Staff Meeting
Calling all AWANA leaders (and anyone else who would like to volunteer!) Have you considered serving? If so, please join us for a short planning and informational meeting as we gear up for a new ministry year! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 19, @ 7:20 pm in the Sanctuary immediately following Bible study. For questions, see Michelle or Tere.
Calling all AWANA leaders (and anyone else who would like to volunteer!) Have you considered serving? If so, please join us for a short planning and informational meeting as we gear up for a new ministry year! Mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 19, @ 7:20 pm in the Sanctuary immediately following Bible study. For questions, see Michelle or Tere.
Join us for an IMPACT (5th ~ 12 Grade12th) Lock~In on
August 8, at 6:00 pm. Bring Snacks, blankets, sleeping bags, etc.
The preschool is enrolling for this fall.
We serve children ages 2 ½ ~5. All children must be fully potty-trained. Contact Carol for more information or a tour at [email protected]
We serve children ages 2 ½ ~5. All children must be fully potty-trained. Contact Carol for more information or a tour at [email protected]
Choir practice will be starting again on August 26 @ 7:30 pm.
All are welcome to join us as we make a joyful noise unto
the Lord.
Just a reminder that we will not have our Women's retreat at the church this year, but those who would like to attend a retreat from our church are encouraged to attend the retreat through Hope 100.7 radio station.
Have you been longing for time away… a moment to breathe, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters? That time is here.
Join us for Christ in You, a powerful weekend designed just for you—a space to step away from the noise and encounter the presence of God in a fresh, personal way. Gather with women who understand your journey, your burdens, and your desire for something deeper.
Presented by Hope 100.7 & 93.7 The Light, this experience invites you into a sacred rhythm of worship, Biblical teaching, and genuine rest. Come be reminded that the same power, peace, and purpose of Jesus lives within you.
Whether you come with friends or on your own, you will be welcomed, seen, and never alone. There are details at https://myhope1007.com/retreat/
When?
Friday, August 21st—Saturday, August 22nd
Where?
Camp Chautauqua | Miamisburg, Ohio
Cost?
$160
Includes lodging for Friday night, 6 powerful sessions, meals and LOTS of snacks, retreat materials, an exclusive Where Friends Gather tote bag, and more!
Have you been longing for time away… a moment to breathe, reset, and reconnect with what truly matters? That time is here.
Join us for Christ in You, a powerful weekend designed just for you—a space to step away from the noise and encounter the presence of God in a fresh, personal way. Gather with women who understand your journey, your burdens, and your desire for something deeper.
Presented by Hope 100.7 & 93.7 The Light, this experience invites you into a sacred rhythm of worship, Biblical teaching, and genuine rest. Come be reminded that the same power, peace, and purpose of Jesus lives within you.
Whether you come with friends or on your own, you will be welcomed, seen, and never alone. There are details at https://myhope1007.com/retreat/
When?
Friday, August 21st—Saturday, August 22nd
Where?
Camp Chautauqua | Miamisburg, Ohio
Cost?
$160
Includes lodging for Friday night, 6 powerful sessions, meals and LOTS of snacks, retreat materials, an exclusive Where Friends Gather tote bag, and more!
AWANA SUMMER MINUTE
Awana is taking a summer break, but we’ll be back before you know it! We’re looking forward to another great year of learning about God, growing in faith, making new friends, and having lots of fun together
starting this September. Keep an eye out for more information about our upcoming Awana year!
Join Us This Fall
When: Wednesday nights, 6:05–7:30 p.m.
Who: Children ages Pre-K through 12th grade
Do you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, or friends with kids? We’d love for them to join our Awana clubs! It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to grow in faith while having a blast with friends and leaders.
Online Registration Opens: Mid-August.
Program Begins: September
We’re thrilled at the possibility of welcoming new faces to our Awana family. Whether you’re a longtime member or considering joining us for the first time, there’s a place for everyone.
Stay tuned for further updates, and we hope you’re enjoying an awesome summer! We can’t wait to see you this fall!
For more information about our AWANA clubs and other programs, please contact us / visit our website, call the Church office at (937) 252-5311 or email us at [email protected].
Awana is taking a summer break, but we’ll be back before you know it! We’re looking forward to another great year of learning about God, growing in faith, making new friends, and having lots of fun together
starting this September. Keep an eye out for more information about our upcoming Awana year!
Join Us This Fall
When: Wednesday nights, 6:05–7:30 p.m.
Who: Children ages Pre-K through 12th grade
Do you have children, grandchildren, neighbors, or friends with kids? We’d love for them to join our Awana clubs! It’s a wonderful opportunity for young people to grow in faith while having a blast with friends and leaders.
Online Registration Opens: Mid-August.
Program Begins: September
We’re thrilled at the possibility of welcoming new faces to our Awana family. Whether you’re a longtime member or considering joining us for the first time, there’s a place for everyone.
Stay tuned for further updates, and we hope you’re enjoying an awesome summer! We can’t wait to see you this fall!
For more information about our AWANA clubs and other programs, please contact us / visit our website, call the Church office at (937) 252-5311 or email us at [email protected].
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