Summer is around the corner. After a long, cold winter, we are really looking forward to it. We'll be able to enjoy the beach, have getaways to the mountains, go on family vacations, perhaps have some work trips, enjoy our children, and celebrate our community.
West Chester, if you haven't noticed, comes alive when the sun is out and the temperature is above 50. Restaurants put out their heaters and set up their outdoor seating. Our borough's park and recreation department have an impressive summer schedule, starting on Sunday, May 6th with "May Day: A Celebration of the Arts" over at Everhart Park.
So this summer we want to seek the good of our community by being good neighbors and celebrating our communities. This is part of following Jesus. Consider Jeremiah 29:7, "Seek the peace and prosperity of the city that I have carried you to." Later Jesus summed up the law by saying, "the greatest commandment is to love your God with your entire being, and the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt. 22:37-40; Gal. 5:14).
Neighboring is essential to following Jesus for the good of West Chester.
How we want to neighbor well this summer is by:
- Being regulars in our communities,
- Being a part of Borough events scheduled by Parks and Recreation, which we will publicize as "Community Events" in our worship guide,
- Reading "The Art of Neighboring: Building Genuine Relationships Right Outside Your Door" together.
The Art of Neighboring takes a great idea, loving your neighbor, which has often been reduced to a slogan, and personalizes it. People are real. We want to love our neighbors in reality and not just have it be a cliche for us.
So here's how the reading series will work:
- Get your copy. You can purchase one from our book table beginning this Sunday. (It is also available on Kindle.)
- Participants need to get a reading partner, and together you'll go through a reading guide that will be emailed to you. (If you would like a hard copy, just let us know and we will print one off for you.)
Each week Pastor Robbie will interview various participants, digging into key ideas, and exploring what the Art of Neighboring looks like in various life stages and circumstances. These interviews will be included in our sermon podcast, so if you are traveling this summer you won't miss a beat.