"Love Your Neighbor" Outreach Emphasis in
February
Whether in the suburbs of a city, in multi-family
apartments or condominiums, or in a small village or rural area, neighbors
often do not really know their neighbors. Often in towns and cities
people's busy schedules and varied lifestyles result in neighbors perhaps
waving as they pass but seldom really getting well-acquainted. Even
in communities where folk are relatively close, very likely there is a
neighbor that would be blessed by an intentional act of kindness and love.
Consider capitalizing on the
traditional February Valentine season to "Love Your
Neighbor." (Some churches have used a theme: "Show
A Little Love." )
1. Start with your own
Sunday School class members. During February ask each class Care Group
Ministry Leaders to perform some act of kindness for members of his/her
group. Possibilities include:
Sending a Valentine note to each group member and
enclosing a Bible book mark.
Baking or purchasing small loaf cakes or muffins and
dropping by for a "door-step" visit with each group member.
Phoning each group member on Friday or Saturday
evening to share a word of encouragement or a Scripture verse that
blessed you during your daily Bible readings.
Offering to baby-sit to allow parents of small
children to have a "night out" to celebrate Valentine.
2. Reach out to neighbors and encourage class members
to reach out to their neighbors, also. In addition to all the
suggestions above, consider these additional ideas:
Invite your neighbors to a drop-in for cake and
coffee on the Sunday afternoon before or following Valentine's
Day. Serve heart-shaped cake, valentine cookies or other theme
related goodies.
Give each neighbor an "I Love You,
Neighbor" coupon good for an hour of work helping the
neighbor in the yard or some other needed project. See coupon
sample below.
Take each neighbor an "I Love You, Neighbor"
goodie bag with a loaf of homemade bread and a small jar of jelly or
marmalade. You might include a note or poem thanking them for
being a neighbor you can depend if you ever have a need. Use the
poem sample below, or write your own.
