Our town truly shines in the summer months with family-friendly festivals, concerts, community gatherings, and more. The city promotes these events, budgets for them, and invites everyone to come out and play. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to show up as good neighbors, practicing a simple yet powerful ministry of presence.

One of the highlights is Family to Park Movie Night, happening on five Thursdays throughout the summer. The fun kicks off at 6:30pm, with the movie beginning at dusk.

Just last Sunday, more than half our congregation stayed after worship for a quick and practical training on noticing and starting conversations. Everyone received prayer buttons, and many put their training into action right away!

When Thursday rolled around, we were ready. With a 10×10 tent featuring our church name and logo and a portable gaga ball pit, we set up in under 20 minutes. As families gathered and laid out their blankets for Moana 2, we walked around, chatted, and handed out 400 colorful plastic leis.

I had picked up two camp chairs from Walmart for under $10 each, tagged them “Prayer Chairs,” and set them up under our tent. With blessing oil rollers in hand, I was honored to pray with two beautiful women and anoint their hands.

The evening was filled with Macarena dancing, nonstop gaga ball games, laughter, conversations, and singing along with the town-provided DJ—all shared with about 400 new friends and neighbors.

As the sun began to set and families arrived only for the movie, we packed up and joyfully offered our spot on the grass to them.

I couldn’t have been prouder of our church family. Some arrived early to help set up, some came for an hour, others stayed the whole evening. Some played gaga ball for hours. Some unpacked my car at the beginning, and others loaded it back up at the end. It was truly a team effort.

One of our amazing members also serves on the city’s arts council. As soon as she receives the calendar of events, we begin praying and planning how we can partner like for the movie nights, National Day of Prayer, and the Christmas parade.

What’s happening in your town? How can you partner with your community? Where can you show up and be a good, generous neighbor? I’d love to hear your stories!

“Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.” Romans 15:2