Forgiveness Is Found - 2026 September 20 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene September 20, 2026

This week, Pastor John continues the “At This Table” series with a message from Luke 7:36-50. Jesus is a guest at the home of Simon the Pharisee when a woman known as a sinner enters, weeps over His feet, dries them with her hair, and pours out costly perfume in an act of extravagant love. Simon silently judges both the woman and Jesus; Jesus answers his thoughts with the parable of two debtors—one forgiven a large debt, the other a smaller one—and asks which will love more. The story exposes Simon’s blindness to Jesus, to the woman, and to his own need, while revealing the woman’s gratitude as the evidence of a great debt already forgiven.

Pastor John traces Jesus’ compassion for those others discard, reminding us that every person carries a debt before God that cannot be repaid, and shows that God’s love is the source of forgiveness while our love, worship, giving, and willingness to forgive others are the grateful response.

God Provides - 2026 September 13 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene September 13, 2026

This week, Pastor John continues the “At the Table” series by focusing on God’s provision through the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath in 1 Kings 17. When resources run dry and hope feels scarce, God still sets a table with enough. Through obedience, trust, and offering what little we have, we discover that God can do much with little, and that His faithfulness never runs out. The message culminates at the Lord’s Table, where we remember the greatest provision of all: salvation in Jesus.

For this series, our church is gathering in the foyer around tables rather than meeting in the sanctuary. The different setting may result in some variation in audio quality, but we hope this message is an encouragement as we begin this series together.

Everyone Is Welcome - 2026 September 6 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene September 6, 2026

This week, Pastor John begins our new series, “At This Table,” with a message from Genesis 18:1-15 titled “Everyone Is Welcome.” Through the story of Abraham welcoming unexpected visitors, we’re invited to consider the importance of hospitality and what it means to make room for others. As we gather around tables together, Pastor John challenges us to see hospitality as more than simply opening our homes, but as a reflection of God’s heart and His welcome to us.

Hope Redeemed - 2026 August 30 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene August 30, 2026

This week, Pastor John guides us through the final chapter of the Book of Ruth, concluding our journey in the series Finding Hope in Hard Places. He brings the story of Boaz and Ruth to life, showing how God works behind the scenes to orchestrate a beautiful plan of provision and redemption.

Pastor John helps us see how this ancient story reflects the bigger picture of Jesus as our true kinsman-redeemer, who secures our future and invites us into his own story. He encourages us to lean into trust and faith even when life feels uncertain, reminding us that God is always at work in our own stories, ready to turn seasons of emptiness into restoration and hope.

Daring To Hope - 2026 August 23 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene August 23, 2026

This week, Pastor John dives into the third chapter of Ruth, exploring what it means to keep trusting God while we wait for his promises to unfold. He highlights how Ruth takes a courageous step of faith by approaching Boaz at the threshing floor, showing us that daring to hope often requires moving forward even when we don't have all the answers yet.

Pastor John reminds us that just because we don't see the full resolution to our struggles immediately doesn't mean God isn't at work. Just as Ruth experiences a partial provision and still has questions about the future, we are encouraged to remain faithful in the small, daily tasks God gives us. He emphasizes that we can find peace by trusting in God's character, knowing that he is writing our story and providing for our needs even in the middle of the waiting.

Hope In The Fields - 2026 August 16 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene August 16, 2026

This week, Pastor John shares a heartfelt message about finding hope in the midst of life's uncertainty. He guides us through the second chapter of the book of Ruth, showing how God often works behind the scenes in our most ordinary, difficult circumstances. Pastor John emphasizes that God's provision doesn't always arrive all at once; rather, it often grows one faithful step at a time.

He highlights that we can trust in God's hesed—His unfailing, covenantal loving-kindness—even when we cannot see the full picture of our redemption. The sermon serves as a gentle reminder that we are never alone, that our current struggles are not the end of the story, and that God is actively orchestrating hope in the fields of our lives, often through unexpected kindness and the support of others.

When Hope Feels Lost - 2026 August 9 - J. Ezeigbo

Manchester Nazarene August 9, 2026

This week, Pastor Julia shares a moving sermon centered on the first chapter of the Book of Ruth. She explores the themes of lament and faithfulness through the story of Naomi, a woman who faces deep grief and loss but continues to trust in God's presence. Pastor Julia gently encourages us to reclaim the practice of lament, emphasizing that it is okay to bring our raw, honest pain and God-sized questions to our Creator.

She highlights the concept of hessed—an extravagant, steadfast, and loyal love—which both Ruth and Naomi display toward one another even in their darkest hours. Pastor Julia challenges us to be that supportive presence for others in our own lives, journeying alongside those who are struggling to hold on to hope. Ultimately, she reminds us that even when life feels bitter, we can lean into the unwavering faithfulness of God, who is always working behind the scenes and brings light after the darkness.

Love Your Neighbor Challenge - 2026 August 2 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene August 2, 2026

This week, Pastor John wraps up the "Love Your Neighbor" series with an inspiring call to action. He reminds us that loving our neighbor isn't just a command, but a way of living out our faith through small, intentional acts of kindness.

He introduces the "Love Your Neighbor Challenge," which invites everyone to pray for and actively seek ways to care for the 12 neighbors closest to their home. To help with this, he shares a special kit that includes a practical map, a devotional journal, and helpful resources to guide us in building real connections in our communities. Ultimately, he encourages us to see every person God puts in our path as an opportunity to be Jesus' hands and feet in a broken world, proving that our faith is truly alive when it's accompanied by love and action.

Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Acts - 2026 July 26 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene July 26, 2026

This week, Pastor John guides us through a reflection on the true nature of faith, emphasizing that it must be expressed through active love. He explains that while we are saved by grace through faith, our lives should naturally flow into good works as a reflection of that faith. Using the book of James, he outlines seven essential principles of how faith truly works, such as treating everyone with equal respect, caring for those with needs, and living with a spirit of mercy rather than judgment.

Pastor John shares that we are called to move beyond just speaking about our faith to actually living it out. He encourages us to find one practical way this week to serve others or meet a specific need in our community, reminding us that faith without action is empty. Ultimately, he leads us to celebrate that even though we may fall short, God’s mercy is far greater than our struggles, empowering us to extend that same love to our neighbors.

Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Serves - 2026 July 19 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene July 19, 2026

This week, Pastor John challenges us to rethink the meaning of love through the lens of servant leadership. He centers his message on the powerful imagery of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, explaining that true love is not just a feeling or a theory, but a sacrificial, active commitment to meet the practical needs of others.

Pastor John emphasizes that we are called to follow this model of humility, being willing to "do feet"—which means doing the often uncomfortable, humble work of caring for our neighbors. He highlights that loving others as Jesus loves us is both a command and the ultimate evidence of our discipleship. Ultimately, the sermon serves as a call to action, encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones and embody a selfless, Christ-like love in our daily lives, letting our service be the primary way the world recognizes that we are followers of Jesus.

Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Won't Stay Silent - 2026 July 12 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene July 12, 2026

This week, Pastor John challenges us to consider how our love for God and our neighbors should never remain silent or kept to ourselves. Using 2 Corinthians 5, he outlines four core convictions that define our role as followers of Jesus:

Love as our motivation: The love of Christ compels us, serving as the driving force behind everything we do, from how we interact with our families to how we serve our community.
A new perspective: We are called to stop viewing people from a worldly standpoint and instead see them through the eyes of Jesus—as individuals worthy of grace, reconciliation, and transformation.
The longing for transformation: We celebrate the life-changing power of the gospel, which turns old ways into new creations, and we are encouraged to share this hope with those who haven't yet experienced it.
Our mission as ambassadors: Every one of us is called to be an ambassador for Christ, actively participating in God's mission of reconciliation by representing His kingdom in our daily lives, whether we are at home, at work, or out running errands.

Ultimately, he encourages us to live as "good neighbors" who aren't afraid to step out in faith, share the gospel, and love others with the same selfless love that we have received from our Savior.

Love Your Neighbor - The Love That Crosses The Road - 2026 July 5 - J. Nielson

Manchester Nazarene July 5, 2026

This week, Pastor John dives into the powerful parable of the Good Samaritan to explore what it truly means to love our neighbors as ourselves. He emphasizes that genuine, biblical love isn't just a feeling; it’s a form of costly compassion that requires us to actively cross boundaries—both literal and figurative—to meet the needs of those around us, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.

Pastor John challenges us to shift our perspective from asking "Who is my neighbor?" to the more introspective question, "Am I acting like a neighbor?" He reminds us that because God has extended such reckless, sacrificial love to us, we are called to reject the "us versus them" mentalities that divide our world. Ultimately, he encourages us to move beyond indifference and embrace a life of active kindness and mercy, just as the Samaritan did, trusting that by doing so, we reflect the very heart of Jesus to everyone we encounter.