A Sense of Community

Community seems to be a buzzword these days, but I think that what people are really talking about when they use the word community is a sense of community.

According to the always accurate Wikipedia, a sense of community is defined as:  a feeling that members have of belonging, a feeling that members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith that members' needs will be met through their commitment to be together.

Doesn't that sound nice?  To belong, to be valued, and to know that others are concerned about your needs, as you are for theirs?  

I think it’s Biblical.

Do you have a sense of community right now?

We’ve heard that it takes a long time to build true friendships with the French, but after you’ve become friends, they will be your friends for life; they are a deep and loyal people.  For the most part, Jordan and I are finding this to be true. 

But how do people begin to build friendships in the first place?

Last year I wrote a vision statement of sorts for the EnglishConversation Group:  to create a community where people can talk about spiritual things, about real life, in a genuine way; to create a space where other Christians can share about their relationship with Jesus.

Perhaps it's a way God is manifesting the gift of hospitality in my life, but recently I’ve realized that I long to create a sense of community for others. 

The other day as Jordan and I were prayer-walking, I found myself praying for the people living in the buildings surrounding our apartment.  God, build a community in this neighborhood, in this city.

On May 29, Jordan and I are hosting a Fête des Voisins.  It’s essentially a block party initiated by the French government. 

According to one website, "Neighbor’s Day is an opportunity to meet your neighbors, to develop camaraderie, to break the anonymity and isolation that often prevails in our cities.  In a society where we’ve developed a fear of others, we just want to say that knowing your neighbors can permit you to live better together.  Beyond one festive evening in the year, we want to strengthen small daily interactions between neighbors and, why not, a local support network.”

Will you join us in praying for a sense of community in Aix-les-Bains?  Pray that people would join us for the BBQ outside of our apartment on May 29.  (Pray for good weather!)  Pray that we would love our neighbors as we love ourselves.  Pray that those in this city, this neighborhood, this community, would have a sense of belonging.  

May His Kingdom come to Aix-les-Bains as it is in Heaven.