The Practice of "Neighboring"

When I served in small rural churches, the word "neighbor" was not just a noun, naming the people that lived nearby by. The word "neighbor" was also a verb. An elder in the congregation might say, "I do my neighboring on Sunday afternoon." Another might add, "People don't neighbor like they used to."

Those who used "neighbor" as a verb, saw neighbors as a supportive community. One neighbored by stopping by to visit, caring for one another's children and sharing baked goods and vegetables from the garden. And when crisis came, neighboring meant stepping up to offer support.

Marilyn Holman recently made this quilt for her neighbor.

I know that neighboring is not a lost practice. Many of us have good relationships with our neighbors and we call them friends. However, in our scheduled lives, where virtual neighbors are easier to connect with than the real thing, we do "neighbor" less than past generations.

I recently read the book The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon. The authors pose this question, "What if Jesus meant that we are to love our actual neighbors?" What would happen if we took Jesus' commandment to love our neighbors seriously?

On Sunday, May 8, we begin a worship series called "The Art of Neighboring". This three week series will challenge us to connect with neighbors. I believe that Jesus calls us to know our neighbors and to offer them our friendship. When we do, our lives are enriched and our community is stronger.

Marilyn Holman, a member at Brighton First, recently completed a quilt, a gift for her neighbor. She told me that her neighbor was more than a neighbor; she was her friend. Could it be that God is calling us to new friendships, cultivating trust and connection in our neighborhoods?

Honestly, I am looking forward to learning more about "The Art of Neighboring" with congregation members this month. I am committed to getting to know my neighbors better (And I'll keep you posted on my progress.)