Neighborhood News
Not My Will
“On the night He was betrayed...” That’s tonight. It’s now. Today is Maundy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper. The betrayal. Then Gethsemane. I've been wrecked by Gethsemane for more than a dozen years. I’ve read academic volumes and ancient texts, pored over...
How to Love Your Neighbor at College
This correspondence is from a new friend who's in college. Shared with her permission, here are some tips for how to love your neighbor when living in a relatively transient community like a college dorm room. Hi, Amy! This past summer, I worked at Spring Canyon, and...
As Above, So Below
OK, so we've got this "love thy neighbor" thing down. It won't ever be mastered, but we get it. But what about the two other characters in the Greatest Commandments - God, and me? Jesus answered, “The most important [command] is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the...
The Cure for Insecurity
If you truly want to follow the command of Jesus in Mark 12:31, to “love your neighbor as yourself,” you’ve got to fully receive the love the Father has for you and believe You are valuable to Him.
How to Love Your Marginalized Neighbor
Jesus yearned for the hearts of the marginalized—about the forgotten, isolated, shunned, and persecuted people. Throughout the Gospels and the totality of Scripture God’s heart for the people on the outskirts of society is evident. God incarnate—Jesus himself—was even...
Are You A Part of the Neighborhood Welcoming Committee?
My family recently moved into a new neighborhood, one with a lot of history. Many of the neighbors have lived on the block for over fifteen years so we were intimidated by the friendships that were already established before our time. We had big plans to introduce...
Neighborhood Cafe Bible Study Recommendations
How to Love Your Hurting Neighbor
Guest post by Sarah Beckman Last year, as I was finalizing plans for my book release, working harder than ever to balance work demands and family needs, I went through a very dark, personal trial. I prayed every way I knew how, and confided in a handful of trusted...
Books that Build Relationships: Alongside
If any of you have gone through a trial, you understand the impact others have on your healing process. You may have also experienced the tough conversations that were more harmful than helpful. We are all imperfect in the area of comforting others which is why we...
Books that Build Relationships: the year of small things
Warning: by living a “radical faith” you may start a mini-revolution in your neighborhood. As I read the charges from Christ in Matthew 25 to feed the hungry, to welcome the stranger, to clothe the poor, and visit those in prison, I begin to feel a sense of guilt. I...
Recipes
Soup-er Bowl Party!
If you've been waiting for the perfect excuse to love your neighbor, it's coming up soon! On Sunday, February 5 at 6:30 PM EST on FOX, the New England Patriots will take on the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. This is one day when everyone loves football! Host a...
Amy’s Tuscan Bean Soup
This soup is simple and hearty, and very healthy! It's vegan and can be made gluten-free, and I promise you won't miss a thing. Serve with a salad and bread for a delicious meal. Amy's Tuscan Bean Soup Saute in a large stock pot over medium heat for 5...
Joan’s Apple and Pear Pies
I met Joan through this ministry, and she often sends me endearing emails about her neighbors. She and her husband have chosen their home because of the needs of their immediate neighbors and their community. They are homeowners and landlords, active volunteers and...