ChosenRebel's Blog

Monday Discussion

Two of the neighbors are having parties. There are back yard tents, cars up and down the street, kids are playing in the street and it got me thinking …

I’ve witnessed this scene before…, this black family on our left having a party; this Muslim family on our right having a BBQ; that black family having a celebration of some kind; that white family doing the same. We’ve had a few ourselves.

A few what?

Parties, gatherings, BBQ’s that excluded everyone in the neighborhood. 

People have a right to do what they want, to include or not include people in the gatherings they have in their homes. But wouldn’t it be fantastic if every Christian family in America made it a three-year goal to …

• • so love.
  • so serve,
  • so initiate,
  • so help,
  • so demonstrate compassion,
  • so celebrate their neighbor’s joys,
  • so care for their neighbor’s sorrows,

… that our neighbors would either invite us to, or have serious discussions in their planning—about inviting us into their gatherings?

Of course, for that to happen, we are probably going to have to start the process ourselves. Write me and tell me when you start the process. Encourage everyone with your story here. In most of the country, good weather is coming soon–plenty of time to pray and plan for a party WITH your neighbors. Let’s try something. What could you do for the glory of God and joy of your neighbors to reach your neighbors and love your neighbors, and proclaim the glad tidings of our God?

UPDATED on 6/24/16 and again on 12/30/25
Some Suggestion Discussion Starters

1. “I noticed your grandson loves golf. I’m going to organize a (your street) golf outing. Just a fun 9 holes to get the neighborhood together. Do you think he would be interested in helping out?”
2. “First Wednesday in Fall, my wife and I are inviting the five closest houses to kick October off with a “bring your favorite soup” night. What’s your favorite?”
3. “We’ve got such a good view of the fireworks here on the 4th of July. Why don’t you join us for hot dogs and hamburgers around 8 and stay for the fireworks?”
4. “When the first corn shows up for the season, we are going to have a party. Come join us. I will let you know the date. It will probably be on a Wednesday.”
5. How about this for next Christmas: “We are going to have a “Bethlehem Dinner” on the Eve of Christmas Eve (23rd). We will be serving foods common to the first century–along with some more current Christmas favorites–the kids can dress up like shepherds, angels, and wisemen, and come to our house for a meal while sitting on the floor.” See where the conversation goes.

You get the idea.
Just be friendly and inviting and bathe everything you do in prayer.