Building Community: Loving Our Neighbors Together
Summary
In a sermon titled "10-29-2023 | Who's Next? - Love Your Neighborhood" by Pastor Nathan Funk, the central theme revolves around the importance of community, reaching out to neighbors, and creating spaces that foster connection and love. Pastor Funk begins by sharing his vision of living outside the box and participating in God's plan, which includes building a playground to bring joy and unity to the neighborhood. He recalls a church service and a cleanup on the property, emphasizing the significance of sharing love with neighbors.
Pastor Funk then addresses the need to connect with the joy of the Lord, which is a source of strength. He introduces Terry, who shares a passion for building community through the "rooted" program, which helps people discover their spiritual gifts and create spaces for genuine connection. The speaker highlights the long-term endeavor of knowing the people in the 127 area and creating a comfortable environment for them.
Psalm 127 is introduced, emphasizing the Lord's involvement in building and protecting, and the futility of working without God's rest and love. Children are recognized as a gift from the Lord, and the importance of creating meaningful play environments is discussed. Pastor Funk shares a personal anecdote about playing pickleball and how it led to finding his church, using it as an example of breaking down barriers and connecting with others.
The importance of being a good neighbor and stepping outside one's comfort zone is discussed, with a focus on creating connections. The congregation is encouraged to reach out to their neighborhoods with God's love, using practical ways like distributing candy and cards with messages of love on Halloween. The symbol "127" represents the mission to reach the city of Zena and its surrounding areas with love that is practical but also outside the box.
Pastor Funk emphasizes the importance of creating a sense of community within the church, recognizing every person as made in God's image, and engaging with the community outside the church walls. He suggests utilizing church resources to build a play environment and open up buildings for community events. The speaker thanks the volunteers and staff for their efforts and shares about the Candy Land event, which aimed to reach out to the neighborhood.
The sermon also touches on the impact of isolation and loneliness, the importance of bridging the generational gap, and the role of elders in passing down wisdom. Pastor Funk shares a story about a child's attachment to a playground and the importance of creating safe spaces. He reflects on the significance of intergenerational play and the need for inclusive environments for teenagers.
In conclusion, Pastor Funk calls for the church to step outside its walls and engage with the community, creating joy and happiness as a means to break down barriers. He shares stories that highlight the impact of reaching out to children and the importance of creating gathering places for various activities. The sermon ends with an appreciation for the church staff and a call to see children as doorways into their homes, praying for open hearts and minds.
Key Takeaways:
- Living out the love of Christ in our neighborhoods requires more than theological knowledge; it involves practical, tangible actions that demonstrate care and connection. Pastor Nathan Funk's vision of building a playground is a metaphor for creating spaces that invite joy and community, reflecting God's love in a way that is both accessible and transformative. [43:56]
- The joy of the Lord is not just an abstract concept but a source of strength that can be cultivated through community-building efforts like small groups and spiritual gift discovery. By investing in relationships and creating environments where people feel known and valued, we can foster a sense of belonging that is deeply impactful. [01:22:36]
- Psalm 127 reminds us that our efforts are in vain without the Lord's involvement. This principle applies to our endeavors to build community as well. Recognizing children as a gift from God, we are called to create environments that not only entertain but also nurture and bring people of all ages and abilities together in meaningful ways. [56:34]
- Intergenerational connections are vital for a thriving community. By creating opportunities for the young and old to interact, such as reading stories or playing games, we honor the wisdom of elders and provide a sense of purpose and belonging. This approach can help combat the isolation often felt in society, particularly among older individuals. [01:07:42]
- The church must be more than a building; it should be a beacon of love and service that extends into the darkest areas of our cities. By engaging with our neighbors in creative and loving ways, such as through community events and play environments, we embody the inclusive love of Christ and invite others into a transformative experience of community. [01:26:20]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 127:1-3 (NIV)
> "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him."
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NIV)
> "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 127:1-2 say about the importance of the Lord's involvement in our efforts? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on building community? [56:34]
2. According to Psalm 127:3, how are children described, and why is this significant in the context of the sermon? [57:16]
3. In 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, what are believers instructed to do for their leaders, and how does this align with the appreciation shown to Pastor Nathan and the staff? [33:01]
4. What practical actions did Pastor Funk suggest for reaching out to the neighborhood, and how do these actions reflect the love of Christ? [41:20]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "unless the Lord builds the house" in Psalm 127:1 apply to our efforts in community building and outreach? [56:34]
2. Why is it important to recognize children as a gift from the Lord, and how does this perspective influence the church’s mission to create safe and joyful environments? [57:16]
3. How can honoring and supporting church leaders, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13, contribute to the overall unity and effectiveness of the church’s mission? [33:01]
4. What are some ways that practical, tangible actions can demonstrate the love of Christ in our neighborhoods, beyond just theological knowledge? [41:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated or lonely. How can the church create spaces that help others feel connected and valued, similar to the playground initiative? [57:57]
2. Pastor Funk emphasized the importance of stepping outside our comfort zones to engage with our neighbors. What is one specific action you can take this week to reach out to someone in your neighborhood? [41:20]
3. How can you personally contribute to creating intergenerational connections within the church? Think of one practical way you can engage with someone from a different generation. [01:00:20]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing every person as made in God's image. How can this perspective change the way you interact with people in your community? [01:03:28]
5. Pastor Funk shared a story about a child finding safety in a playground. How can you help create safe and welcoming environments for children in your community? [01:11:00]
6. Consider the idea of using church resources to build community spaces. What are some creative ways your small group can utilize available resources to serve the neighborhood? [01:06:06]
7. How can you support and show appreciation for your church leaders in a way that fosters unity and encourages their efforts in community building? [33:01]
This guide aims to foster meaningful discussion and practical application of the sermon’s key themes, encouraging participants to actively engage in their communities with the love of Christ.
Devotional
Day 1: Joyful Spaces Invite Community
Creating environments that foster joy and community reflects the transformative love of Christ in a tangible way. By building a playground or similar spaces, one is not just providing a place for entertainment but also setting the stage for relationships to grow and for God's love to be experienced in a practical manner. These spaces become a metaphor for the inclusive and inviting nature of the kingdom of God, where everyone is welcome and valued. [43:56]
Hebrews 13:1-2 - "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
Reflection: How can you create or contribute to a space in your community that invites joy and fosters relationships?
Day 2: Strength in Community Connection
The joy of the Lord is a wellspring of strength, and it is amplified through community connections. Engaging in small groups and discovering spiritual gifts are ways to deepen relationships and create a sense of belonging. This sense of joy and strength is not just for personal edification but also serves as a beacon of hope and support for others, embodying the love and care that is at the heart of the Christian faith. [01:22:36]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - "Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well."
Reflection: What steps can you take to deepen your connections within your community and share the joy of the Lord with others?
Day 3: Building with the Lord's Guidance
Without the Lord's involvement, our efforts are in vain. Psalm 127 teaches us that our endeavors, including those aimed at building community, must be rooted in God's guidance and love. Recognizing children as a gift from God, we are called to create nurturing environments that bring together people of all ages and abilities in meaningful ways. These spaces are not just for play but for building the foundation of a community centered on God's love. [56:34]
Psalm 127:1 - "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain."
Reflection: In what ways are you ensuring that your efforts to build community are aligned with God's guidance and love?
Day 4: Bridging Generational Wisdom
Intergenerational connections are essential for a thriving community. Creating opportunities for the young and old to interact honors the wisdom of elders and provides a sense of purpose for all involved. These connections can help combat the isolation often felt in society and provide a platform for wisdom to be passed down, fostering a sense of continuity and shared history within the community. [01:07:42]
Job 12:12 - "Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding?"
Reflection: How can you facilitate intergenerational connections within your community to honor the wisdom of elders and enrich the lives of the younger generation?
Day 5: The Church as a Beacon of Love
The church must extend beyond its walls, serving as a beacon of love and service within the darkest areas of our cities. By engaging with neighbors through community events and creating inclusive play environments, the church embodies Christ's love and invites others into a transformative community experience. This approach to ministry is about being present and active in the lives of those around us, shining God's light in practical, loving ways. [01:26:20]
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."
Reflection: What are some creative ways you can serve your neighborhood and reflect God's love to those who may feel overlooked or marginalized?
Quotes
"We need to provide comfortable spaces for people to gather because it's in that gathering, in that getting to know one another, that true community is built and we learn about each other and we learn about culture." [59:36] (Download)
"By reaching out and getting to know the people in the community, they're going to feel a lot more welcome and they will already feel like they belong to part of this church because they've been enjoying the property and the companionship." [01:13:44] (Download)
"We're made in the image of God and if I look at you, I'm looking a little bit at the face of God and because I'm looking at someone made in God's image, that means that Jesus shed blood for that person and I need to at least be honoring that person by paying attention to them by seeing them." [01:03:28] (Download)
"The church isn't these four walls, the church is the people sitting here. You have to get outside the church, yes, and you have to not be afraid to use this wonderful ground you've got." [01:06:06] (Download)
"Through play you have opportunities to really get to know one another upfront and close without threats and you're breaking down barriers." [01:07:42] (Download)
"Love in the 127 is going to be very practical but it's going to be outside the box." [43:22] (Download)
"because if the Lord builds a house it's going to flourish and I think what God saying to us is that we have to be okay to step outside the walls and create these connections." [01:26:20] (Download)
"I believe that this whole neighborhood is going to be better because we're just choosing to step outside this building... it's intentionally connecting where it's a safe place for people to come." [01:21:25] (Download)
"What would be better on the aspect of tearing down barriers than to just have more candy than one person should ever eat but only to see their faces glow and to laugh and to smile." [01:22:01] (Download)
"When God says to us that these children are the doorways into their homes, it's tangibly happening right in front of us." [40:08] (Download)
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