Fred Rogers was an ordained minister of word and sacrament for the PC(USA) and was a notable public figure whose work around peace and reconciliation are worth remembering. Rogers was also a pioneer in the world of Christian education and formation of young children. March 20 was his birthday and the day that the PC(USA) has chosen to highlight all we can learn from his work. Find ideas and resources for communities to engage in Mr. Rogers Day at this link.
I have learned more about Fred Rogers and his ministry from books that contain his thoughts and opinions about being a kind, understanding person than I did from when my older two boys watched his show Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The two books I have are collections of writings he did and quotes from talks he gave after becoming well known for his knowledge of child development. His wife in the foreword of the book The World According to Mister Rogers; Important Things to Remember says the three words describe him best were: courage, love, and discipline. I have used his ideas, quotes and stories many times since I started writing and blogging for the church. They can be just as relevant today as they were back in 1968 when his tv show began. We will celebrate Fred Rogers Day by decorating the entry areas of the church with the color sheets which we distributed on Sunday, March 13. If you didn't get one, you can pick one up at the church office.