The 2025-26 theme proposes an in-depth study of the Lord’s words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), emphasizing the radical nature of His teachings. Throughout the various stories found in the Sermon on the Mount, there are inner meanings that go beyond the surface level of each parable. These deeper concepts can guide a person's relationship with God the Creator. As we progress from one story to the next, we will use material from the New Church Journey Program, “Building Healthy Relationships" to apply these teachings and improve our relationships with one another.

Listed below are the monthly subtopics, discussion group dates, meeting Zoom links, and suggested tasks. All Sunday morning discussion groups meet at 10:30AM PT. 

Tasks for the weekly discussion groups will be posted at the beginning of each month. We recommend completing the given task prior to that week's discussion group. Insights from Task 1 will guide our discussions on the second Sunday meetings, and Task 2 observations will guide our fourth Sunday conversations. These tasks are suggested only; you do not need to complete them to join the discussion meetings.

2025

The Sermon on the Mount Overview – Jesus speaks as "One with Authority"

• September 7th - introduction to the annual theme - Recording

• September 14th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link (completed)

Task 1: Take a quiet time to read Matthew chapters 5-7 through all at once. Notice anything that particularly stands out to you that is a teaching that would help with your relationships. 

• September 28th - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link (completed)

Task 2: Identify your favorite teaching attributed to words that Jesus spoke anywhere in the Gospels. 

Notice the Blessings

• October 5th - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Recording

• October 12th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Task 1: Actively look for blessings in your relationships.  Notice how others bless you and how you bless others.  To jog your thinking, you could look at a photo album of family, friends, and occasions from the past or at the photos on your phone.  

• October 26th - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Task 2:  Write out five of your life’s blessings every day for a week.  See if you can make a new list of five each day.  Alternatively, reflect on a difficult time or occurrence in your life that had unexpected blessings resulting from it.

Observe Your Intentions – Shunning Evils

• November 2nd - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

• November 9th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• November 23rd - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Connect With God Through Prayer

• December 7th - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

• December 14th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• December 28th - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

2026

Praying The Lord’s Prayer 

• January 4th - .virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

• January 11th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• January 25th - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Observe Your Intentions – Doing the Works of Charity

• February 1st - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

• February 8th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• February 22nd - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Choose Wisely

• March 1st - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

• March 8th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• March 22nd - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Forgiveness 

• *March 29th - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

*No Sunday worship service on Easter Sunday (April 5th)

• April 12th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• April 26th - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Share Your Gifts

• May 3rd - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

• May 10th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• May 24th - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link

Celebrate the Lord’s Power to Save

• June 7th - virtual worship service on the monthly topic - Zoom link

• June 14th - 1st monthly discussion group - Zoom link

• June 28th - 2nd monthly discussion group - Zoom link