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Your note does remind me to be a better neighbor beyond the annual candy fest. After having lived anonymously in New York City and Annapolis, MD, when Ryan and I moved into our first Lancaster house, we practically expected the neighbors to pop over and introduce themselves. You know, Midwestern friendliness and all. But no-one did. We chalked it up to the location, a busy street.

Six months later, we moved into our current home. We thought our new neighborhood would be more welcoming with its canopied streets, lit sidewalks and close-knit homes. A place fit for the Cleavers. We looked forward to the doorbell ringing, but it remained silent. We chalked it up to the older residents being set in their ways.

So, when new people moved in across the street – and they seemed to be our age; finally neighbors in our bracket! – we thought, “This is our chance to welcome someone.” As the wife was obviously pregnant, we offered to help the husband unload his trailor and were almost rebuffed. Figuring the timing was wrong, we tried again a few days later with a plate of brownies but only received a lukewarm response. “Were we too eager-beaver?” we wondered. As time went on, we smiled and made small-talk in the street. We were never more than cordial neighbors and pretty much lost touch when they moved away.

After these experiences, we figured that friendly neighborliness really was just TV fiction, and didn’t bring the welcome wagon to subsequent in-movers. While we have got to know some neighbors well, there are many more whom we hardly recognize. Sad really, and I feel a little guilty, too.

However, there’s hope. Three years ago, I chaired a tour-of-homes fundraiser for the local historical society, and brought it to our neighborhood. It was well-received and spurred a spontaneous block party which became an annual tradition.

I’ve also often toyed with the idea of hosting a winter soup night. Your resolve inspires me to go forth. Maybe I can squeeze it in between Thanksgiving and Christmas….

Thank you!

The Cafe Bible Study is being offered free with the purchase of a Cafe Kit. Click here to purchase the Cafe Kit and the Bible Study will automatically be added to your order.

With love to you and your neighbors,
Amy
amy@theneighborhoodcafe.net
(740) 654-6523

I have been to your site several times and have wondered about your program. I would like to share it with my WM team and see if they think it is something our church women might be interested in!

Thanks and God Bless your ministry!

Penny Sprinkle