National Night Out

WHAT IS NATIONAL NIGHT OUT? National Night Out is a community wide event that focuses on getting to know your neighbors and connecting with your neighborhood community. It is too easy for us to get caught up in our routines, get busy with life and pass up the people in our community. Jesus ask us to pause...to slow down...to dive in and invest in the people that live around us. What if the neighborhood you lived in became known as the safest and best place to live because of the deep connectedness between neighbors. Keep NNO simple and fun. Be creative and bold.

Here are a few ideas for individuals:

• Walk over to a neighbor's house and introduce yourself! Keep it simple: tell them things like "this week is National Night Out". I am not organizing anything big, but I did want to meet my neighbor! My name is... my family consists of ....if you ever need anything "from an egg" to "help with watering plants while you go out of town" please feel free to ask us first. If we can help, we will! This small step births a relationship...
• Ask a neighbor, co-worker, or acquaintance to go with you to do something that you would normally do – play golf, take a walk, have coffee, go to lunch or dinner! It is simple!!
• Meet someone new at church and strike up a conversation. Sit with them and be honest "I am challenging myself to meet someone new"! That way they know what you are doing and barriers come tumbling down! Be transparent!! We all like it when people are REAL!

Ideas for Acacia Groups:

• Acacia groups can host a gathering to "meet your neighbor"!
• Have a block party... cul-de-sac BBQ.
• Contact your HOA about NNO, ask them if they already have something in place and if they do have your Acacia group volunteer.
• Have your Acacia group ask all of their neighbors to meet at the community pool or river park for a picnic.
• Host a "movie party" in the front yard for the kids and serve popcorn and drinks.

If you or your Acacia group can't particpate with NNO on October 4th...don't worry that is ok. The heart behind NNO is for us to be moving in the direction of our neighbors and local communities. Pick another night and run with it.

Come on and join us! National Night Out 2011 is gonna be a BLAST and we have the chance to be the face of Jesus in our communities.

For more info, ideas, or you need help please contact: