Last night, in Texas at least, was National Night Out.  I remember growing up one of the couples on our street would host this event every year and it was always a good time to get together with neighbors.  This year I found out about it too late to get involved, and I’m sure the presidential debate being scheduled on the same night hurt turnout.  But, I’ve got it stored away for next year, where I hope churches will use it as a ministry opportunity.  Some ideas:

• Churches should promote this event to their congregation and encourage them to participate and get to know their neighbors better.
• Churches should offer to pay for part of the cost for their members to host block parties for National Night Out.  People who can afford to host a party will probably do so on their own.  But those who wouldn’t spend a hundred bucks for food, drinks, and other goodies might host an event if the church would reimburse for some expenses.  And, it’s the neighborhood in lower income areas that really would benefit from National Night Out in the first place.  Churches should also loan out their tables and chairs to help people put on a hospitable event.
• Churches located in a neighborhood could be a host location for their block.  Provide the food, some music, and a location for people to come and meet their neighbors.  Churches have plenty of room, tables, playgrounds for children, and pretty much anything you would need to host a block party of 50-100 people.

What do you think?