Marengo Tango 2

Define success for a neighborhood yard party? This question has been lurking in my mind for the past day. The day after our yard party. Initially, thoughts come to mind about: all the setting up, all the planning, prep, getting food, making sure we have everything we need. Do, do, do...

Yes, that was done wonderfully, thanks to my wife, and close neighbors and our community group friends. But those things do not define how this party was successful. This does:

1. New neighbors meeting new neighbors
2. Neighbors, we have a relationship with, coming and helping, engaging with new neighbors. 
3. Kids, interacting with each other (who typically would not)
4. Having a mother-in-law willing to, no, loving to watch our little Livy so we could stay out and meet people.
5. CG - living true community by having some of our CG joining us in the fun.

We had a consistent group of people all day long. When we thought the party was about to end, around the corner came a new couple with kids, or someone pulls up from CG to hang for a while. It was awesome. 

Why do we have this party? Its a hard thing to put together. Its a sacrifice for us to get all this to happen. Its a sacrifice financially for us and many. We have this party because we believe community starts in the neighborhood you are in. We often hear, "Wow, I have been wanting something like this for years" or "Why would you do something like this?". We are fairly new the the neighborhood and from day one we wanted to have relationships with those around us. For security reasons, but mainly to live a life as Jesus led for us. We have, in times, failed but one of our greatest desires is to have an open door for those around us. So in having this party, our doors were opened, literally, but also in a way that we hope people will stop by whenever they need to, to visit, to talk, to invite us. 

In the past year we have had three great relationships with close neighbors, one invited my wife to a local consignment shopping day. We have been invited to football/cornhole parties, and now have a girl from the neighborhood babysitting in our group. 

We hope this continues grow, and through prayer and keeping out hearts open to God's agenda for us, I know it will. We love our neighbors and thank everyone who supported us and them this weekend! We love you all!

Thanks for listening to me ramble,

- Cliff

Multiplying Again

There are awesome things that happen when community groups multiple. Like: meeting new people you never thought you'd come in contact with, ever; or finding out you have so much in common with people you work with while serving in childcare. You begin new relationships and hope to continue old ones... That's my hope.

It's also a tough process. You get so close to people, feelings of family get all stored up in your stomach that it seems wrong to leave them for another group.

Last Tuesday night my wife and I (and Livy) celebrated our last night with the Kreb's group. It has been a crazy good group - from easy going dinner nights to nights of intense prayer over someone or something. Much will be missed, but again, my hope is that there will still be a connection to one another. And the huge plus is that we will share in the eternal life promised by God.

Currently, we are leading a group serving our good friends the Paige's who have an amazing story of God's mercy. Hopefully you will hear from them soon. We will be with them for another few weeks then starting a group in our home. It's going to be crazy, it's going to be quick, and it's going to be for the Lord.

Need To Join A Group?

Sojourn Group Life is a place for adults and children to journey in the hope of Christ together and be transformed by the gospel.

Groups meet at various times throughout the week to talk about life, work through the Bible and serve together in their communities. Many groups meet on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as well as Sundays throughout Louisville and southern Indiana.

Why Should I Join A Group?

Within a group, members learn together how to love the Lord with all their heart as well as love one’s neighbors as one’s self. Friendships form, develop and grow. Group members take meals to each other, pray for each other and look out for each other when needs arise. Groups are not only the primary entry point for community within Sojourn but truly represent the church at a personal level.

Groups also serve as a means of reaching others for Christ, recognizing that seeing the gospel lived out in a caring community serves as a powerful testimony to the radical love of God (John 13:34-35).

To Take The Next Step … Click here.

Attention Community Groups:

Sojourn Group Life is a place for adults and children to journey in the hope of Christ together and be transformed by the gospel as we live out our identities of family, learners and servants. 

Groups meet at various times throughout the week. Many groups meet on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings as well as Sundays throughout Louisville and southern Indiana. Also, some groups meet in the mornings. 

source: sojournchurch.com

Our community group has been trying to figure out a way for us to share beyond community group specific times. Yeah, we can just email to one another, but we wanted to have a place to share to the world the gracious things God has been doing in our lives.

So lives this blog. It's a place for you to talk about the great and tough things God has going on in your lives. Some may have amazing acts of service to share, others might list painful struggles needing prayer from other followers. 

But the overlaying purpose of this blog is to shout the Lord's name and praise Him, in all circumstances. Please join and share your story, big or small, long or short. Tell the story for His glory.