We have three lawn chairs in our front yard. It’s become one of our favourite places to sit. Our street is reasonably quiet, but we enjoy sitting out front because we can see our neighbours. We spend all winter rushing in from the cold, and we don’t have time to stop and talk outside. Now that summer is approaching, we love the opportunity the nicer weather provides for people to go for a walk, work in their yards, or linger outside when they return home. It gives us a chance to see them, say hello, or even visit for a bit. 

Our communities are no longer designed to be ‘communities’ in the traditional sense. Our garages are located at the front of the house, so we can drive in without having to interact with anyone. Something has been lost in how our communities are designed and in the busyness of our schedules. We must be extra intentional in connecting with our community, but summer provides us with an opportunity to do so. 

My wife is incredible at building community. This year, she organized a community garage sale and invited the whole crescent to participate, with a potluck supper at the end. We had about nine families participate in the sale. We also got to meet other neighbours who walked around looking at the sales. Additionally, the garage sale led to numerous engaging conversations with people from all over who stopped by to shop. While our goal was to eliminate the things we didn’t need, we also wanted to foster a sense of community and intentionally help create one. We encouraged our neighbours to visit the other sales and introduce themselves. 

As the weekend progressed, we were reminded of two things: the mission field where God has placed our family in Regina is the very neighbourhood where we live. Second, God is at work and has His church interwoven into the neighbourhood where we live and, I’m sure, all the neighbourhoods around us. God wants each of us to be a light. We care for those around us, comfort those who are grieving, help those in need, laugh and rejoice when others celebrate, and cultivate relationships with our neighbours. We had another taste of that last weekend and look forward to more connections. 

The challenge for you is – how are you building a community where you live? If you don’t know your neighbours, put a lawn chair out front to sit on and watch. Introduce yourself when you see someone and just say hello. I want to share some basic principles we’ve learned over the years that may help you as you start building a community around you. 

1. Not everyone will respond. That is ok. For our garage sale, we had nine households participate, and many more didn’t. Whether one or two houses or nine, like our weekend, any connection is worthwhile. Don’t expect everyone to jump up, but also don’t give up on anyone either. Continue inviting and connecting as often as possible. 

2. Spend time listening. It’s incredible how simply listening builds relationships. Here are the stories of your neighbours… it can be amazing how God blesses you through them. 

3. Start small. Relationships take time to build. Start with something small—a conversation in a driveway or inviting someone over for coffee. Keep investing and inviting. Things grow over time. 

4. Take time to pray. Pray for your neighbours. Pray for wisdom and the ability to listen well. Watch for how God is at work and give thanks for those things. Just make sure you are praying! 

We are called to be a light in the world. Sometimes, shining that light is as simple as saying hello and starting to build a relationship with those who live around you. 

Mike Engbers is the Lead Pastor at Parliament Community Church in Regina, SK, located near Harbour Landing. As a church, we offer programs for all ages, from children to youth, young adults to Seniors who are part of our Heritage groups. We are also diverse in cultural backgrounds but share a desire to grow as disciples of Christ together.