Top 5 Summer Ideas

1. Taco night with neighbors

Jessica started having monthly dinners with her neighbors this year and says, “It’s been so fun!”

Just two years ago, they only knew one family on their street. Now they have friends from multiple houses join them.

They only have two rules:
No phones out while eating
Nothing too burdensome to prepare

Check out our Called to Shine Instagram account to follow along for more great ideas from Jessica.

2. Get outside when it is the “walking hour” of your neighborhood

Our neighborhood seems to have a walking hour in the evening. Everyone is done with work and dinner. Many people take an evening stroll. I often pray before I leave my house that the Lord would allow me to “bump into” whomever He chooses. I also pray that my speech will be seasoned with salt, and I will be a voice of encouragement if needed. I am amazed at who the Lord brings to my path. Try this! 

3. Take a meal or dessert to a new neighbor or a neighbor you have been praying for

We envision a day when neighbors are caring for each other’s needs. We desire to connect with our neighbors and often it comes with a thoughtful “gift.” Think about what would be different if more people around us were in love with Jesus and making an effort to reach their neighbors. Consider the joy of other neighborhoods transformed because someone who moved out of ours brought Jesus and a meal to their new neighbors. 

Let’s show up!

4. Offer tangible help for summer needs

Most everyone goes away for a weekend or takes a small vacation during the summer. Who checks their mail? Who waters their flowers? Who mows the grass? Who takes out the trash?

Could we be the hands and feet of Jesus and offer tangible help this summer? Do they feel comfortable asking you? Consider offering this to your immediate neighbors and/or street. Caring for one another is “loving your neighbors as yourself.”

5. Host a young mom’s Bible study

For young moms in the neighborhood, it is such a treat to get out of the house and go to a home filled with other young moms. We love the NBS2GO Mommy Bible Study. 

This study helps moms in the ongoing struggle of finding time and/or knowing where to go for their daily “manna.” This spiritual food is essential to sustain heart, soul, and mind. MOMMY is a short, fulfilling study that draws from small portions of Scripture that each pack a big punch in both the Old and New Testaments.

Let us know if you try one! We are all in this together and want to encourage you and hear from you.