Have you heard of National Night Out? It’s “an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live.” It’s held on the first Tuesday in August, but with that being one of the hottest times of the year in Texas, here it takes place on the first Tuesday in October instead, making TONIGHT (10/4) “Texas Night Out”.

Dating back to 1984, it’s mainly about getting to know your neighbors a little better. As one senator put it: “The best way to build a safer community is to know your neighbors and your surroundings. National Night Out triumphs over a culture that isolates us from each other and allows us to rediscover our own communities.”

If you’re on the NextDoor.com social network, searching for “Texas Night Out” may tell you wether someone in your neighborhood is hosting a block party. In some areas, churches will host a block party on Texas Night Out for the blocks immediately surrounding the church building. I had hoped to arrange that this year, but didn’t get all of my ducks in a row in time. Maybe next year…

If there's no block party in your immediate area, you might consider heading up to the LINK Plaza in Richland Hills from 6-8 PM tonight (10/4) “for food, games, & fun”. I’m planning to be there to rub shoulders with some of our neighbors and to attempt to build some new relationships. I hope you’ll consider joining me!

In our passage from Mark 10 on Sunday, Jesus noted the community of faith that is gained by those who choose to follow Him, referring to the church as “houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands” (v. 30). For Christians who have already discovered the blessing of new covenant community, Texas Night Out is a great opportunity to connect with neighbors who are seeking these same things. Let us seize the opportunity!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor Evan