There is an age range from 80’s to newborn. While talking with a friend we counted at least seven churches represented. Our invitations go to families at sports club, church, live nearby, AWANA and the camp Todd plays worship at. Remember we live in the middle of nowhere, so almost everyone drove half an hour to hour to attend. Yet, we call this a neighborhood party.
When one of our guests told a co-worker that he was going to a neighborhood party with over one hundred people attending, his co-worker said, “You live in a different kind of neighborhood than I do.”
This party amazes me at how well it works. I am sure the Christmas time of year has something to do with it, but people mingle and get to know each other. Some only see each other this one time a year, yet look forward to a short chat each year.
I feel like I am basking in the afterglow of sweet fellowship, where differences were left behind and joy and unity were accomplished.
This was our sixth year of having this get together. The first several years it was hard for me to hand out the invitations. I didn’t want to bother people during this busy time of year. (silliness) Now that I realize it has become a looked forward to event by many that attend, I am so very thankful my husband pushed me through those initial years of handing out invites.
A big party doesn’t have to be a goal, but I do want to encourage you to use this Christmas season to grab hold of some joy and unity that may seem harder to find at other times of year.