Comments on: Pretending you care about community.

By: Becca

Becca — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:37:29 +0000

I am really good at doing community with the people we minister to in the inner-city . . . my next door neighbors? not so much.

By: Community | randzig

Community | randzig — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:54:12 +0000

[...] Christians Like on Community – Poignant and [...]

By: fiona lynne

fiona lynne — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:06:44 +0000

I grew up in a small village where I knew everyone on the street like an extended family, and most people in the village at least by face, if not name too… I've found city living much different. We only bump into the other people in our building in the lift about once a fortnight and it seems weird to just knock on their door and say hi…

It took a burst pipe two floors up which flooded a lot of the building to connect us – then we had two bleary-eyed neighbours in their pjs sitting at our kitchen island drinking coffee at a horribly early hour waiting for the water to drain, and were forced to talk!

Shopping locally has helped too – we know the hairdresser next door, the butcher round the corner, the girls who work in the night shop, the friendly French men in the fishmonger, the posh florist down the street…

By: Rebeccamh

Rebeccamh — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 08:53:19 +0000

My community is full of families and little children and I'm the lone wolf. The young single female. I never get invited to watch the airshow or roast 'mallows over the firepit next-door. I wave from my car, say hello when I get the mail or take out the trash, I think I'm pretty friendly and approachable. Maybe that's the reason. I don't know. But I tend to make lots of casseroles and fruit salads and take them to my friends' houses, just to feel like I participated.

By: David A Knapp

David A Knapp — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 21:02:39 +0000

Community in America seems almost impossible because of our extremely busy lives. Who has the energy to care about other people when life is all about money and work and survival?

The only place where I have experienced community is in Germany where my wife and I will be serving soon. Slower pace of life. I personally witnessed dinners that would last up to 4 hours. 4 hours of growing together through wasting time. Community is a slow process that requires a slow lifestyle. American lifestyle need not apply.

By: Heather

Heather — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:13:54 +0000

In terms of the weekly gatherings, can you rotate who's invited? That way everyone will feel included, but will hopefully understand that your house isn't big enough for 50 people.

By: RawFaith

RawFaith — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 07:58:57 +0000

I have quite the rowdy neighbors too. I've learned a lot though about caring for people and kindness from my next door neighbor who is quite the character to say the least. He creates an environment where his friends are always welcome. It's interesting to see how that works. I'm glad those guys are there.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:19:32 +0000

I need to start smoking. My in-laws sit outside on their front porch smoking and use the opportunity to make small talk with everyone passing by. They seem to know everyone on their block. all thanks to tobacco…making community addictive and delicious.

By: Luvs2Dance

Luvs2Dance — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:41:26 +0000

I'm glad I was able to help remind you of Gainesville

By: Michelle

Michelle — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:18:24 +0000

I'm enjoying living where I am now. I know the names of 4 of my neighbors (and the life story of the 17 yo son of another).

We moved to our previous home (on base where my husband works) because of the immediate next-door neighbour who totally walked all over any boundaries in place and was always in my home. It was disconcerting at times to walk into the kitchen as she walked into my back door for a 'chat'. She mentioned one day that she loves where she lives – I almost asked her why she didn't stay there! But I also know that I had to be Jesus to her (God told me), extending grace and friendship. I will admit to seeing her coming on the odd occasion and picking up my keys and meeting her at the door, telling her I was on my way out! I do still have contact through my workplace (she is a customer where I work), and she is slowly learning boundaries. I also know her life story.