It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood—especially today, March 20. That’s because it’s the birthday of everyone’s favorite neighbor: Fred Rogers!

Better known as Mister Rogers, Fred Rogers was a Presbyterian minister, author, producer, and beloved television host. From 1968 to 2001, he welcomed children into his world through Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, the longest-running preschool television series. With his signature kindness, Rogers created a safe space where children could explore life’s big questions. He answered those questions with thoughtful respect for children’s perspectives and experiences that became his hallmark. Through gentle storytelling, music, and, of course, puppetry, he helped generations of young viewers navigate emotions, friendships, and the simple joys of being a good neighbor.

Rogers himself was a shy and introverted child, often entertaining himself with stuffed animals and a ventriloquist dummy. Little did he know that his childhood imagination would later shape the Neighborhood of Make-Believe—home to unforgettable characters like Daniel Striped Tiger, X the Owl, Lady Elaine Fairchilde, and King Friday XIII. These beloved puppets became cherished companions, much like Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street, or even Captain Kangaroo’s pal, sock puppet Lamb Chop from Shari Lewis’s collection. And let’s not forget the ventriloquist greats—Edgar Bergen’s Charlie McCarthy, or the classic Punch and Judy shows that entertained audiences for centuries.

Puppets and ventriloquists have long been masters of storytelling, using humor, heart, and imagination to captivate young audiences. Their voices may come from behind the curtain, but their messages stay with us long after the show ends.

So, how can we take a cue from these storytellers and share the greatest story of all—the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

One way is to come be part of our neighborhood! Join us at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church this Sunday, March 23, for our 9:30 AM worship service.

And as Mister Rogers would say…

So, let’s make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we’re together, we might as well say,
Would you be mine? Could you be mine?
Won’t you be my neighbor?

We’ll see you Sunday, neighbor!

Blessings,

Pastor Marc