Immerse yourself in your neighbourhood...

For many Christians throughout history, the life of faith has been nurtured in house churches. Frequently, even though they’ve been scattered, house churches have shared common practices.
 
In Acts 2:42, we’re told the early church devoted themselves to fellowship and the breaking of bread, the Apostles’ teaching, and the prayers. In these summer months, Highlanders are invited to remain connected to one another by participating in a shared practice.

​This month, we invite you to immerse yourself in your neighbourhood.

We often overlook people and places in our day-to-day lives.

Over the coming weeks, take the opportunity to walk around your neighbourhood and intentionally look at things with fresh eyes.

In particular, this is an exercise that invites you to see your local world from God’s perspective.

​​Below are some instructions. Try one, or some, or all.

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Try to go on at least 1 walk per week. Go by yourself or with a friend or with members of your family. Switch it up from one walk to the next.

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Try to walk at different times of the day. You will likely see different things in a (literally!) different light (of day).

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Get off the beaten path. Explore side streets, follow trails, and check out routes you haven’t walked before.

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1. As you walk, pay attention to some or all of the following:

• People groups: Who is standing at bus stops, hanging out on street corners, going into businesses, playing in parks, waiting in line at the store? How much do people interact with one another?
• Places of activity: Cafes, shopping plazas, heavily trafficked intersections, playgrounds, schools.
• Structures: What are the types and conditions of the structures (homes, businesses, roads, parks)? How much “free space” is there in the community? What is the mix of private and public space?
• Services: Where do people go to shop, eat, study, worship, and receive assistance? What appears to be the quantity and quality of available services? Who provides services, and who is receiving?
• Signs of change: Note businesses opening or closing; housing under construction, for sale, or being demolished. What languages appear on street signs and shops? What buildings are used differently from their original purpose?
• Signs of hope: Where do you see evidence of God’s grace and God’s people at work? Look for churches and nonprofit organizations, playing children, uplifting artwork, faith symbols, social gatherings, gardens. Look especially for local assets that could be connected with neighbourhood needs.
• Signs of need: Look for evidence of hardship, hurt or injustice. Is what you see specific to particular areas or affecting the neighbourhood as a whole? Be aware that marginalized people and social problems are often hidden, especially in communities that appear well-off.

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During or after your walk(s), reflect on some or all of the following questions: 

• What’s distinct about your neighbourhood and those who live there?
• What does Jesus see when he walks around your neighbourhood?
  • What gives God joy? What breaks God’s heart?
  • What could God use here? What would God like to clean up?

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1. During or after your walk, pause to pray for the people and places in your neighbourhood:

 

• What are people waiting for in this time and this place? Where does your neighbourhood feel like wilderness? Pray that God might fulfill those longings; that your community would flourish.
• Where do you see God’s love incarnate? Where are signs of resurrection? What surprises you? Give thanks for those signs of the presence of Christ’s Spirit.
• Wendell Berry has said, “There are no unsacred places; there are only sacred places and desecrated places.” Where do you see suffering? Desolation? What do you feel fired up to do or say? What hopes or ideas or dreams for your community stir in your heart or mind? Ask God to show you if there’s something you might do to seek the prosperity of your neighbourhood.
• If Jesus wandered through your neighbourhood, where would he walk? What would people shout to him? What would Jesus say or do in response? Can you call your neighbours by name? Ask Jesus to show you how you might care well for your neighbours.
• Say the Lord’s Prayer on behalf of the people and places in your neighbourhood.

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REMINDER:
Offer your comments about your experience of the Practice of the Month in the comments section below.
Share a picture on Highland’s Facebook page.
Offer a brief reflection on the Highland blog.
Tell a story during the Gathered Prayers meeting on Zoom.