Vineyard Covington

Neighboring Practice: Party

Jesus loved parties and spent a lot of time hanging out with unexpected people. Those of us who've found life in Jesus should be the best partiers on the planet! Most of the time we just don't celebrate or we only invite those on the inside, but what if we spent more time enjoying the hope and good things in our lives and invited the ones who don't normally get invited? This kind of open and invitational life within community is a great picture of what God and his family are like. Plus parties are one of the best ways to get to know your neighbors.

THIS WEEK: Host (or schedule) a party and invite your neighbors. Find something to celebrate, have a cookout, build a backyard fire, watch the game... Do whatever you love to do and invite the people who live nearby. It doesn't have to be expensive, and you don't have to do it alone. It's a great chance for your neighbors to connect with others in our family who have the hope and love of Jesus in them.

Neighboring Practice: Receive

We typically think we have to be the ones to give everything, but real relationships allow others to give as well. When Jesus sent out his followers he instructed them not to bring extra supplies and to accept the hospitality of the people around them. Allowing others to serve and use their gifts actually helps them feel like part of the community.

THIS WEEK: Allow yourself to receive from a neighbor. Ask for help. Accept an invitation. Get advice. Allow your needs to be seen.

What current need do you have that a neighbor might be able to help you with?

Shoutout to Joshua Stoxen and the Vineyard Central crew who've been loving their neighbors in Norwood, OH for 30 years!

“The art of receiving is not complicated. It comes down to being aware of our own needs. It’s about opening our eyes, then being vulnerable enough to ask and receive.” - The Art of Neighboring

Neighboring Practice: Serve

Jesus came among us revealing the love of God by serving others. How can you share love in a practical way to your neighbors?

THIS WEEK: Do something to serve your neighbors. If you see a need, how can you meet it? What do you have that you can give away to the people around you?

Rake leaves, make some food, help move, be home and give the best candy on Halloween...

Neighboring Practice: Listen

Our world loves to talk so when someone really listens it stands out. Maybe one of the best ways to love our neighbors is by being good listeners. Show them you care by taking the time to listen and become a safe person for them. ​

THIS WEEK: Practice listening to your neighbors. ​Be curious​.​ Ask questions. Learn their stories. God is already at work in their lives​ and sometimes we get to play a part in that.​

Neighboring Practice: Front Porch

​How often do you see the people who live around you? We can get stuck isolating ourselves inside, but ​​w​hen we physically put ourselves in position to see our neighbors, it's amazing how many more opportunities for conversations ​we find. ​ ​

THIS WEEK: Practice being available for simple interactions with your neighbors by moving to the front porch. Instead of spending all your time at home inside or in the backyard, start hanging out in the front. Drink your morning coffee out front. Play a game with the family in the front yard, read a book, go for a walk, eat dinner outside... Be intentional about being where the people are in your neighborhood, and see what happens.

Remember to learn your neighbors names and write them on your fridge magnets so you don't forget.

Neighboring Practice: Share Meals

Everyone has to eat. We do it everyday, and no matter how busy we are, we find time to get food. So why not use these times to invite and connect with our neighbors?

In the Bible we see Jesus constantly having meals with all kinds of people. Hospitality is a powerful way to show love and welcome people in because deeper connection happens when we break bread around a table. We talk. We laugh. And we move from just acquaintances to real relationship.

So what neighbor around you can you invite to share a meal this week? Wednesday seems like a great night! Give it a go.

Neighboring Practice: Learn Names

Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God, AND to love our neighbor as ourselves. If it's a priority for the amazing life Jesus has for us, then it's worth examining and practicing together.

We can easily become numb to this idea and metaphorically try to "love" everyone. But what if we took this commandment literally and started being intentional to love the people who live right next to us? It's a lot easier to love someone when you know their name.

THIS WEEK: Start learning the names of the people who live right next to you. Figure out a simple way to introduce yourself, and then write them down so you don't forget.

August 29, 2021 | Praise Like Children | Rachel Garvey

God runs things differently. He chooses the weak and the vulnerable to advance His Kingdom here on earth. He uses praise to silence enemies. We are all God's children, we're all invited into the awe and wonder of this adventurous life, and we can all be empowered to share this good news with others!

July 25, 2021 | What Are You Wearing? | Tyler Garvey

Jesus invites us all to a life of transformation. Everyone is welcome at the table, but coming to the table changes us. Spending time with Jesus, being part of his family, and putting his way of life into practice produces the fruit of love in our lives. The point of the story is character transformation. Come as you are, but don’t stay as you are. There's so much more.

How are you responding to the invitation of Jesus in your life?

What is the Kingdom | Everything I Have

Everything I have is yours. How would our lives look different if we fully aware of all the Father has placed at our disposal in order to bring the Kingdom of God to others?

Shoutout to Dana Cochran, a Vineyard Cincinnati original for sharing with us!