Posted: October 25, 2018

These days not many of us know our neighbors. Gone are the days of block parties and fence-side conversations. At the end of the day, we pull in the garage, close the door and head straight in the house. But what if that changed? What would our world look like if we started “neighboring” again?

It sounds great, but where do we start? Who is going to take the lead? According to author and speaker, Rick Rusaw, it should be the Church. In his book, The Neighboring Church, he says, “The goal to loving your neighbors is to be the best at what Jesus said matters most. We love our neighbors because we are Christians, not because we are trying to make them Christians.”

To help people learn practical ways to be a better neighbor, Fairhaven Church is hosting The Neighboring Churchworkshop with keynote speaker Rick Rusaw on Saturday, November 17. Rusaw will share easy, practical things that anyone can do to “love their neighbor.” Attendees will also have a chance to share things they’re doing in their neighborhoods right now and the impact they’re seeing.

Participants will also have the opportunity to learn about local organizations loving their neighbors in unique ways. Organizations like Thrive Together, which is working to end generational poverty through relationships; the Life Enrichment Center, where people can find assistance and programs from job training to nutrition; Kids Hope USA who helps at-risk kids through mentoring relationships. There will also be information on how Community United for Kids (using Care Portal) will help meet different types of needs within our foster care system.

The Neighboring Church workshop is free to attend and will take place at Fairhaven’s Centerville Campus on Saturday, November 17, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM. Register online or call 937-434-8627 for more information.