Strategic Chili

This past weekend, we paired-up with a neighbor couple and organized our First Annual Chili Cook off.

But this wasn't just any neighborhood get together.

We live in a community of new homes with lots of young families who've lived here a year or less. We're guessing that most of us are unconnected — and probably un-churched — and could benefit from some introductions and new relationships.

We began simply with a vision of facilitating neighborhood connection, which might in time develop friendships and establish a support system of caring friends. And who knows: eventually deeper relationships may develop; we begin doing life together; enrich marriages; an invitation to church...

So we planned, mailed out invites, rented the tables & chairs, bought the ice & soft drinks plugged-in the crock pots, and prayed. There was no agenda. No evangelism or "church talk".

We had a great turn out. Forty new friends laughed and ate chili on this crisp fall afternoon. Success. Good chili too.

We're planning a Christmas cookie exchange (our Third Annual) this December. We're thinking about being a little more purposeful and actually tossing out a "community group" (small group) invitation.