Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 7:1-5; 1 John 1:5-9; Galatians 6:1-2

We all want to belong—but belonging doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built through intentional practices that form us into a spiritual family. In this final week of the Belong series, we talk about accountability—a word that can feel intimidating but is actually essential to real community.

Accountability cultivates belonging when we remove the planks from our own eyes so we can see clearly, stay invested in each other even when it’s difficult, and gently help one another grow in the way of Jesus.

In this message, we explore what healthy, grace-filled accountability looks like—where people listen instead of judge, stay instead of walk away, and grow together instead of apart. Because following Jesus isn’t easy, and existing isn’t easy. We need each other.

Text “BELONG” to (740) 936-5040 for this week’s conversation guide.

Thanks for following our Belong series! Access conversation guides each week here: https://bright-city.cls.co/dFhw

Speaker: Joel Trainer

Passage: Ruth 1

What if one of the most spiritual things you could do was to be sad—and to let others be sad with you? In this teaching, we explore Belong Practice #5: Empathy. Pastor Joel Trainer invites us to wrestle with three honest questions:

- How good are you at being sad?

- How good are you at being sad with other people?

- How good are you at letting other people be sad with you?

Empathy isn’t the same as sympathy. Sympathy says, “I’m sorry for you.” Empathy says, “I’m sorry with you.” And most of us aren’t great at it. Through the story of Naomi in Ruth 1, Joel shows how lament can lead us toward healing instead of silence—and how God often cares for us through good friends who stay with us in the murky middle between hope and reality.

As Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” In a world quick to move on, maybe it’s time we learn to sit with sadness—together.

Thanks for following our Belong series! Access conversation guides each week here: https://bright-city.cls.co/dFhw

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: Matthew 18

Forgiveness is one of the hardest — and holiest — journeys we can take. In this week’s message from our Belong series, we explore how Jesus calls us to walk the long road of forgiveness in Matthew 18 — not to minimize our pain, but to lead us into freedom. We all want people to own their mistakes and acknowledge the hurt they’ve caused. But what do we do when that doesn’t happen? When someone keeps wounding us, or refuses to admit their wrong?

In Practice #4: Forgiveness, we unpack four phases that help us move from pain to peace — Hurt, Hate, Heal, and Restore. You’ll learn how to acknowledge your wounds, let God transform your anger into compassion, and rediscover freedom on the other side of forgiveness. Whether you’re struggling to forgive someone close to you, or wrestling with the weight of your own mistakes, this message will help you experience the healing power of God’s forgiveness — and learn how freed people can help free people.

🎧 Listen and be reminded that the path of forgiveness always leads to freedom.

Thanks for following our Belong series! Access conversation guides each week here: https://bright-city.cls.co/dFhw

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:5-10; Philippians 2:5-8

In this week’s conversation, we explore Practice #3: Vulnerability—the risky but life-giving openness that makes real belonging possible. Drawing from Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians and the humility of Jesus in Philippians 2, we discover that true strength doesn’t come from perfection, but from grace made visible in our weakness. Vulnerability begins with honest humility, becomes possible through God’s grace, and grows through relational courage. When we open our hearts to God and others, we create the space for grace to flow and for love to become real. Join us as we talk about why vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s the way to healing, connection, and the kind of belonging our souls were made for.

Thanks for following our Belong series! Access conversation guides each week here: https://bright-city.cls.co/dFhw

Speaker: Jon Couser

Passage: Luke 8:40-50

We live in a world that chases belonging through money, influence, entertainment, and stuff—yet even with more connections and more content than ever, we’re still left empty. In this teaching, we explore Belonging Practice #2: Engagement and what it really means to be present with people in a way that reflects the love of Jesus.Through Luke 8:40–50, we see that belonging isn’t found in crowds, status, or success, but in intentional presence, purposeful generosity, and real relationships. Jesus models a better way—slowing down, noticing people, and calling them by name.If you’ve ever felt unseen in the crowd, too busy to connect, or unsure how to build deeper relationships, this conversation will help you discover how engaging with others the way Jesus did leads to true belonging.

Thanks for following our Belong series! Access conversation guides each week here: https://bright-city.cls.co/dFhw

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Hebrews 13:1-2, Mark 2:16-17, Matthew 5:44-47, 1 John 4:19, 1 Peter 4:9

We all long to belong, yet many of us live with the ache of loneliness—feeling unseen, unknown, and left out. In this series, we’ve been exploring how true belonging begins with God’s perfect love and is lived out in community.

This week, we turn to the first of six practices that cultivate belonging: Hospitality.

Hospitality is a gift rooted in God’s love—an invitation to strangers and friends alike to feel seen, cared for, and welcomed as family. Through the gospel, God made the first move toward us when we were outsiders. Now, as followers of Jesus, we are called to do the same: to notice the unknown, the unconnected, and the unfamiliar, and to create space where they can belong.

In this message, you’ll discover why hospitality is essential to the Christian life, how it makes God’s love visible, and practical ways you can embody it in your everyday relationships. Because when we invite strangers to become family, people don’t just hear the gospel—they feel it.

Hospitality gives everyone the opportunity to belong and become family.

Thanks for following our Belong series! Access conversation guides each week here: https://bright-city.cls.co/dFhw

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Genesis 3; Romans 5:12-19; Ephesians 2:19-22; Acts 2:42-47

We all carry the ache to belong—but our family patterns, broken relationships, and personal habits often sabotage the very connection we long for. In this episode, we explore how sin has shaped generations of human families (Genesis 3; Romans 5:12–19), and how Jesus breaks the cycle to create a new kind of household. Belonging in God’s family isn’t just about “me and God”—it’s about belonging in a new community where healing, love, and transformation are possible because of what Jesus is doing in us (Ephesians 2:19–22; Acts 2:42–47). Join us as we unpack why we can’t heal in isolation and how God reshapes our story through His people.

At Bright City, missional communities are the place this happens most at Bright City—they’re spiritual families where true belonging takes root. To learn more and become part of one, visit our website at brightcitysunbury.com/mcs.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Genesis 1:27; 2:18; John 15; Ephesians 2; Romans 8

We all feel it—that ache to belong. Whether it’s middle school awkwardness, stepping into a new job, or even walking into a new church, we know what it’s like to wonder if we’ll be seen, accepted, and loved for who we really are.

In the kickoff of our new series "Belong," we’re looking at why that ache runs so deep. From the very beginning, God created us for relationship—first with Him and then with one another. But barriers like past hurt, busyness, false connections, and fear of rejection often keep us from the community we were made for.

This teaching explores:

- The Ache to Belong — why loneliness touches us all

- The Barriers to Belong — how isolation and false connections get in the way

- The Answer to Belong — how God’s perfect love invites us home

The good news? Jesus has already broken down the walls, adopted us into His family, and promised that nothing can separate us from His love. Belonging doesn’t start with fitting in—it starts by coming home to God’s perfect love.

Speaker: Mark Artrip

Passage: Matthew 25:14-30; 2 Corinthians 9:7-11

In this conclusion to our series The Generous Heart of God, guest speaker Mark Artrip, Lead Pastor of Movement Church and an elder of Bright City, brings a timely and convicting message: Faithful servants invest what God gives them, but fearful servants waste it. Rooted in Jesus’ Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), this message invites us to take inventory of how we view our time, talents, and treasure. Are we managing God’s resources with a stewardship mindset—or clinging to them out of fear? Mark unpacks three life-shaping truths: God entrusts us with everything we have. Faithfulness with God’s money requires action. Faithfulness leads to joy and reward; fear leads to loss and regret. Whether you’re just starting your generosity journey or ready to take the next bold step, this episode will help you answer the question: Am I being faithful or fearful with what God has entrusted to me?

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Acts 20:35; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; Hebrews 13:5; Luke 12:13-21

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Money can’t buy happiness.” But maybe we believe it can just a little bit? In this teaching, we look at what Scripture says about money, contentment, and freedom. We discover that it is “more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). Paul warns that the love of money leads to temptation, restlessness, and grief (1 Timothy 6). Jesus warns us to “watch out for greed,” because life doesn’t consist in an abundance of possessions (Luke 12).

We explore how comparison and the belief that we don't have enough keep us from living content and free. The answer isn’t getting more—it’s learning the power of gratitude and simplicity. Generosity is God’s way of breaking greed’s grip. When we create margin and live in limits, it allows us to live joyfully and generously in God’s kingdom. The more we give, the more we reject the lie that money is life—and the more we discover the blessing Jesus promised.

Listen in and discover why the more we give, the more content and more free we become.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 6:19-24

We all have feelings about money—security, freedom, anxiety, fear, even pride. But what if money isn’t really about money at all? In this message, we begin a series on The Generous Heart of God by looking at what Scripture says about God’s generosity and our relationship with money. Through five key truths—God owns everything, God is generous, money affects our hearts, money is a tool, and following Jesus leads to generosity—we discover that our generosity is a response to God’s generosity toward us. Money can be dangerous when it controls us, but in God’s hands, it becomes a tool for worship, blessing, and eternal impact. As we follow Jesus, His generous heart becomes our heart, and we learn that we can’t take our resources with us—but we can send them ahead.

Speaker: Sarah Knepper

Passage: Matthew 5:9-12; Ephesians 2:14-18

Peacemaking is not about avoiding conflict—it’s about stepping into it to bring harmony. In the final week of our “Blessed” series, Sarah Knepper unpacks Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:9-12, showing how He modeled a different way than the political, religious, and cultural strategies of His time. Drawing from the Sermon on the Mount, Ephesians 2, and vivid real-life examples, Sarah challenges us to listen well, embrace differences, and bear the costly but beautiful work of reconciliation. Discover why peacemakers reflect the very heart of God—and why they will be called His children.

Speaker: Jon Couser

Passage: Matthew 5:7-8, Matthew 5:23-24

Jesus says in Matthew 5:7: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” This statement is a relationship-oriented statement. You can’t be merciful in isolation. The act of being merciful implies interactions. The good life belongs to those who love others with a deep actionable love that stands the test of time and goes beyond the minimum standard. Mercy is living in that way. Saint Catherine of Siena once asked, “How can I be God’s friend if He needs nothing from me?” Her answer? “By giving His mercy away.” When you show mercy, you’re not just doing a good deed—you’re choosing to love Jesus by loving like Jesus. Jesus doesn’t call us to behave normally—He calls us to live radically. Living mercifully will make you an exceptional person in the eyes of those who are accustomed to the rules of this world and will earn you the right to talk about Jesus. Being pure in heart is about why you do what you do. Pure of heart is only possible when you make your actions not about you. It is living motivated, strictly by a desire to know God, to live according to his will, purely because you love God and are grateful for what he has already done for you. When you live with mercy and pursue a pure heart You are showing the world a new kind of treatment (mercy), with a new kind of motive (purity), toward a new kind of reward (God Himself).

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:6, Micah 6:8

What does it mean to “hunger and thirst for righteousness”? In this message, we discover that Jesus isn’t talking about a checklist of personal morality. He’s describing a deep craving for right relationships with God, with others, and with the world around us. Righteousness in the Bible isn’t just private holiness—it’s about fairness, equity, and justice in every relationship we have. Jesus lived the only truly righteous life, set things right for us through His cross, and now sends us to live out His righteousness in our homes, neighborhoods, and city. We’ll explore: how Jesus embodies justice and right relationships; why we still hunger and thirst for “rightness” in our world; and three practical ways to “do justice” where we live. If you’ve ever felt disillusioned by broken systems, unfair treatment, or strained relationships, this teaching is for you. Jesus promises that those who long for things to be set right will be filled.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:4-5

What if the good life isn’t found in success, strength, or constant happiness—but in grief and gentleness? In this week’s teaching from our "Blessed" series, we look at Jesus’ radical words in Matthew 5:4–5: “Blessed are those who mourn… Blessed are the meek…” Jesus doesn’t dismiss sorrow—He draws near in it. He doesn’t celebrate power—He lifts up the humble. We explore how mourning and meekness are not signs of weakness, but powerful ways to be fully human and experience God’s presence in real life. Whether you’re walking through grief or learning to let go of control, this message reminds us that the Kingdom of God is upside-down… and incredibly good.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:1-3

What does “the good life” really look like? Better yet, who can really experience it? Jesus offers a radically different vision to what we typically expect. In this kickoff to our series on the Beatitudes, we explore how Jesus redefines blessing—not for the powerful or polished, but for the poor in spirit, the desperate, and the overlooked. The kingdom of God isn’t for those who have it all together—it’s for those who know they don’t. Jesus redefines the good life for the least likely. Listen and discover how you can flourish right where you are.

Speaker: Sarah Taylor

Passage: 1 Peter 3:15-16; Colossians 4:5-6

In this final message of our Be the Light series, we’re wrapping up with a challenge: how do we speak the light of Jesus when the moment comes? We’ve talked about living lives that shine—like salt and light—and building real, trusting relationships with the people around us. But when someone asks about your faith, your story, or your hope—how can you be ready? This episode will help you prepare for those “no-brainer” moments. You don’t need all the answers—you need to know God’s story of hope, how it’s changed your story, and how to share it with gentleness, respect, and love. Let’s break out of our bubbles, listen well, and share the good news in real conversations. Because the world needs light—and Jesus shines through you.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-13

In week 3 of "Be the Light," we unpack what it means to be an incarnational missionary: someone who shows Jesus in everyday life so others can experience His love. The most valuable resource for being a light is your life and relationships. From Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, we explore how to genuinely care for people, let God use your daily life, earn the right of relationship, and trust God to do the rest. Don’t just bring the message—be the message.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: Matthew 5:13-16; Galatians 6:9

In week 2 of "Be the Light," we look at Jesus’ call to be salt and light in Matthew 5:13-16—people who preserve what is good and shine with His love in a way others can see. From kids to adults, we’re reminded that our faith is meant to be visible, not hidden. We confront the fear of standing out and learn how to live boldly and compassionately for Jesus. Whether standing against wrong or doing good for others, every act of faith matters. We make a difference when we live for Jesus in a way others can see.

Speaker: Josh Taylor

Passage: John 3:16-21; Matthew 9:35-38; Luke 15:1-24

In this kickoff to our “Be the Light” series, we explore the radical compassion of a God who doesn’t condemn the world but pursues it in love. Through John 3, Matthew 9, and Luke 15, we see that whether someone has wandered, hidden in shame, or ran in rebellion—God seeks them out to rescue, restore, and rejoice. Discover the beauty of being found—and the invitation to help others experience life in Jesus.