Reach Out to Our Neighbors

     I’m a bit shy and awkward.  Well, the bit part is exaggerated.  I’m a lot shy and awkward.  However, I know that I want to please God.  Pleasing God involves love.  Love involves others.  Others, well, they are all around me.  I have my family, who are fantastic.  I have a Church family I’m trying to know better.  There are a couple women I have as friends I can meet with on occasion.  But those others, well, they are my neighbors.  I have this sneaky feeling that the Lord wants me to love them.  So, being really black and white and a tad bit list crazy, I found a bunch of articles to make a list of things to reach out to my neighbors.  I thought I would share it with you.  Here it is.  Oh, just remember that you can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you. (Philippians 4:13)

Ideas to Reach Out to Our Neighbors

1.  Make a list of the names of the neighbors you already know and reach out to them once a month.  Try to increase the list.

2.  Daily prayer walks.  You might want to put a flier out asking your neighbors if there is something that they would like you to pray for them.  In any case, daily prayer walks around the neighborhood.

3.  Start a neighborhood small group.

4.  Invite your neighbors to Church.

5.  Be outside, visible to your neighbors!!!  If you see them talking out on the street, join them.  If, young people, they are playing, join them.

6.  When hard or tragic things happen to your neighbors, remember Jesus “Golden Rule”, and do for your neighbor what you would want others to do for you.  No one wants to feel unloved or uncared for when bad things happen.  Yep, it’s uncomfortable, but it is nothing compared to what your neighbor is going through.

7. Host a block party.

8.  Host needs based Bible studies like for teenagers, married people, women, men, mini VBS, etc.

9.  Make homemade gifts for Christmas to give to your neighbors.

10.  Invite those who have no family nearby over for the big Holiday meals.

11.  Host a baby shower for a neighbor who is expecting.  Yes, she probably has one with her own group.  But, a new or old mom could always use more stuff and more affirmation of what a wonderful thing she gets to do- bring a new life into our world.

12.  Host a children’s Bible Club.  Have another adult or more present.  Try to do it outdoors.

13.  Have a Grill Night.  You provide the grill and paper products.  Everyone brings their own meat.  Everyone can bring side dishes and dessert.

14.  Throw the Super Bowl party.  Or any other sport event you enjoy.

15.  Tutor for free.  Seriously!

16.  Ask your neighbors over for dinner.  Go to the parties your neighbors invite you to attend.

17.  Take part and attend your Home Owners Association meetings.  Even if you rent your home.

18.  Start a book club.

19.  Host a monthly game night.

20.  Help your neighbors with yard work.

21.  Throw a Christmas party.  It can be as big or as little as you want. 

22.  Go caroling with your neighbors to a neighborhood nearby, an elderly home, a hospital, the fire department, the mall, or any place.

23.  Adopt a Family for Christmas.  Get your neighbors together to adopt a needy family for Christmas.

24. Create a neighborhood director.

25.  Who are your elderly neighbors?  Reach out to them, often.  Especially the grumpy ones!

26.  Be a good and considerate neighbor.  Nothings says, “JERK!” louder than noise before 9:00 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m., a pet you let loose on other people’s yards, a broken car parked in everyone’s way, your families heated fellowship becoming everyone else’s business, unruly and rude children, and your trash spilled out in your yard and the road.  Seriously, live to honor Christ, and love your neighbor, maybe, better than yourself.

27.  If your neighbor is right next door, go ahead and mow their lawn while you do yours.  Rake their leaves too.  It won’t be too big of a water bill if, while you are watering your yard, your water “accidently” waters theirs too.  I mean, your next door neighbor is right next door.  Be generous.

28.  Give your neighbors flowers or extra produce from your garden.

29.  Throw a progressive dinner.

30.  Throw a Harvest party.

31.  Arrange to bring meals to a housebound neighbor.  Get the rest of your neighbors involved.  This includes new parents, mourning families, and ill families.

32.  Have neighborhood children help decorate sugar cookies for service people.

33.  Throw an Operation Christmas Child party.

34.  Hold a neighborhood garage sale.

35.  Organize an exercise group.  Whatever the exercise is- walking, running, bikes, whatever, do it and do it regularly.

36. Talk with your neighbor.  Ask them about themselves, and really listen.

37.  If you have a useful skill, volunteer it to your neighbors.  Are you good at sewing, mechanics, cooking, cars, dancing, manners, dog training, cat training, whatever?  Give God’s gifts freely to your neighbors.  Yeah, each of us could always use more money.  Even the riches people in the world could always use more money.  But, since time is short, neighbors are precious, and none of us will ever have enough money, why not show your neighbor how to do something you love to do for free?  You’ll be blessed.  Jesus promises.  And yes, knowing how to blow good bubbles is a gift!

38.  Always smile and always wave.  ALWAYS!!!

39.  If you are throwing a get together that doesn’t involve your neighbors but does involve their space, give them advance notice.  Also, if someone is staying with you for a while, let your neighbor know.

40.  Did I mention prayer? 

     These are just some ideas I found on the Web to reach out to the neighbors.  Allow the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you to reach out to your neighbors.

God bless you and your neighbors!