Vineyard Covington

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!

The Reconciling Kingdom | Joe Long

We believe the church should be a force of racial reconciliation in the world. Not seeking to justify our rights, freedoms, and privilege, but giving those things up to achieve peace. Because we can easily slip into a place where we let the world and our culture set the agenda rather than letting the Kingdom be its own distinct witness, one way to live this out is to listen culturally and respond spiritually and biblically. What does that look like?

What is the Kingdom? Not From Here

The Kingdom of God is another realm with different values and priorities than this world.

So how do we enter that kingdom?

Shoutout to @wilson_cochrane_ for sharing with us!

What is the Kingdom? Invited to the Party!

Jesus invites the ones who don't normally get invited, the ones on the margins who can't reciprocate because there is a place for everyone at the table.

And there's still more room! How can you say yes to Jesus' invitation and partner with him to invite others around you? 

So great to have @mellywinder share with us from Chattanooga, TN!

What is the Kingdom? Treasure

It’s like a treasure hidden in a field…

A merchant in search of fine pearls…

The Kingdom of God could take us by surprise or it could be found through careful searching, but the good news is that the treasure is available to everyone for the same price: everything you have.

What do these stories spark in your mind and heart right now? Get with a friend or two and engage your imagination as you read these quick parables in Matthew 13:44-46.

Big thanks to Ray Hollenbach @rayhbach for sharing with us from Campbellsville!