Whenever a new family moves into the neighborhood, design a “Welcome, Neighbor!” gift pack. Load a basket with the following:
• Homemade goodies—most people love homemade cookies or bread
• A Bible (inexpensive pocket-size New Testaments can sometimes be found at department stores)
• A list of area churches
• A list of area restaurants, grocery stores, parks, and playgrounds (if they have children)
• A card offering to watch their home while they’re out of town.
• When you’ve finished packing it, join with your entire family (never send children alone) to deliver the basket.
This idea can also extend beyond your neighborhood. Why not fill a basket for that new family who recently began attending your church? Include information about Sunday School classes, youth group meetings, church missions, and children’s programs.
No matter who you design the basket for, it’s sure to be gladly received, because everyone likes to feel welcomed.
Up for Discussion
Why is getting along with your neighbors important? How can the above project help your neighbors feel welcomed? How can it develop the beginning of a positive relationship between your family and your new neighbors?
Have you and your family ever moved to a new neighborhood? Did you feel welcome? If so, what did those in the neighborhood do to make you feel welcome? If not, what could they have done to make your family feel more welcome?
If you chose also to make a gift basket for the new family at church, how do you think this made them feel like part of your church family? Why is it important to make someone feel welcome at church, especially a newcomer? How might a warm welcome affect the person’s decision to return to your church? If a nonbeliever in search of God receives a kind welcome, how would his or her attitude be affected in attending a church and learning more about God?
Read John 10 about Jesus’ role as our shepherd. Verse 11 states, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” How is Jesus like a shepherd? How are we like sheep? How are those in your neighborhood like sheep?
Now read the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:1-7. Why would someone make the effort to find one lost sheep when he or she has 99 other sheep? How does this correlate to people who are lost, and Jesus in His role as the shepherd?
Read Prov. 27:10. How can having good neighbors make life much more pleasant?
Better a neighbor nearby than a brother far away.
—Prov. 27:10