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Neighboring Well

The 4th: In America, July 4 used to be a neighborhood, a town gathering day where
neighbors celebrated together our national independence (way back in our more rural
days – in the 40’s and 50’s). Today it is much more of a day celebrated by and within
families capped by a fireworks event. More and more I wonder about my citizenship in
the Kingdom of God vs my citizenship in the USA. I could celebrate more if the 4 th
symbolized America’s deep care for our world and all people. How about you?

Drawing closer to someone: We have to make personal connections with people we
do not know if we care to learn about them. Here are a few questions you can consider
if you are chatting with someone you don’t know well:

  • What sound wakes you up in the morning?
  • What is your favorite kitchen smell?
  • Wherever you’ve lived, what’s the thing that makes it “home”?
  • What is a favorite gift you have received?
  • What is your place of peace and how do you get there?
  • Tell me about a time you felt isolated or alone.

I’ll have more in the next Embrace team notes. Can you see how answers to these
questions might draw you into further conversations and shared experiences?

Opportunities to know each other and our neighbors:

427 Club (over 55 years) monthly for lunch on the last Wednesday of each month. This
past time we shared stories about a person who influenced us in a big way. GREAT
stories! Join the fun

Neighborhood Night – 4th Friday of each month. Last month kids played in the sprinkler,
played rope toss, bean bag, 4-square and table games. So fun! Love to see you bring a
snack and join the fun!

Participate with Westcore Neighbors – our neighborhood organization. The point is to
care that God placed us here to neighbor well. Westcore is beginning to plan a summer
event. Care to join the planning? Please talk to Jay.

Campus Presence: How many church buildings and lots are empty 80-90% of the time.
Is a church a valued neighborhood asset? Assuming you lived nearby, what would
make this campus draw you to it? Some things we’ve heard: covered patio, splash pad,
shaded picnic area, benches, trees, color, new playground. What would you draw you?

Alex, Emily, George, Jay