Loving Our Neighbors with Joy – Reflections from the Block Party
“…You shall love your neighbor as yourself…” (Mark12:31a, ESV)
Praise the Lord! Last Saturday’s Block Party was a vibrant expression of community, joy, and outreach. We were blessed to welcome 331 guests from 88 families or groups, including 183 adults and 148 children/youth—far more than we anticipated! God provided perfect weather: the morning clouds gave way to sunshine just in time. It was warm but not overbearing—just right for welcoming our members and neighbors.
This year we increased food preparation to 250 burger patties, and thanks to the generosity of our congregation, nearly every food donation slot was filled. And still, by 5:30 PM, everything was joyfully consumed—an encouraging sign of lively participation.
But more impressive than the numbers was the spirit of service. We had the highest coworker sign-up rate ever, and even more brothers and sisters came unprompted, simply ready to help. Many of our council members served quietly and faithfully from setup to cleanup. It was truly the body of Christ working together in love (Ephesians 4:16).
So why do we host a Block Party?
Because Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31). This is not just a commandment—it is a way of life for the people of God. Welcoming our community into our church space with food, games, and warm smiles is one small but tangible way of expressing that love.
Hospitality is one of the most deeply biblical practices. As Paul exhorts the church in Romans 12:13, “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” We don’t do this only for our own benefit, but so that others might experience the generous love that we have first received from God.
And as 1 Peter 4:9–10 reminds us, “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others…” Whether grilling burgers, supervising games, greeting guests, or simply being present, each person played a vital role in reflecting Christ’s love.
The Block Party is not just a fun event—it’s a missional moment. It’s a chance for the church to be salt and light in the community (Matthew 5:13–14)—not through preaching, but through presence. Our prayer is that this will be just the beginning of ongoing connections, relationships, and even gospel conversations. A seed planted in the joy of shared food and laughter may one day bear eternal fruit.
Thank you to all who prayed, served, donated, invited friends, or simply showed up to welcome others. May God continue to use us as a church that opens its doors—and hearts—to our neighbors.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2
This Week (June 20 ~ June 26, 2025)
- Tonight, June 20, 2025, the Living Stones Friday Night Bible Study is meeting from 7:30-9:30 pm to start “God’s Hand in Meeting our Needs” (p 93-99) in our study guide “Bible Studies for Life, Spring 2025”. Jeanne and Marina will be the discussion leaders, Sabine will provide worship songs. Please read 2 King 4:1-7 as preparation for this session.
Join in person in New Room A-102/104 or online via the following link at 7:30 pm:
https://zoom.us/j/685376249?pwd=cWtyUk1pckJiRHJxZVZCSGdJZWw2UT09
Meeting ID: 685 376 249
Password: 840840
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
- CrossPoint Community Sunday School meets this Sunday, June 22, in the Fellowship Room (A-202). We will continue exploring the book “Church Unique” by Will Mancini. Marina will lead the sharing and discussion on chapters 5&6. We will use the following link for those who wish to join online this Sunday:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/491248585?pwd=RnpLcnpjQ01nTGZLSmhaZ3l4L3dKQT09
Meeting ID: 491 248 585
Password: 403767
Join by phone: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
- Sunday Worship Service, June 22, 2025, at 11:25 am, Min. Charles will be sharing with us from 2 Peter 1:12-15 “Before I Go: The Mission of a Disciple-Maker.” Join us for worship at CBCGL main Sanctuary.
Text: 2 Peter 1:12-15
Title: Before I Go: The Mission of a Disciple-Maker.
Tube: https://www.cbcgl.org/live-stream/
- Each Wednesday at 7:45 pm, you are invited to join our weekly prayer meeting. We will not grow in Christ without growing in our dependence on God through prayers. In June, we will be praying with a focus on seeking our spiritual uniqueness. The link is found below in the section on prayer.
https://zoom.us/j/758587937?pwd=aS9sZUdxcm1janNNM2I2aXJ6Smx2QT09
Meeting ID: 758 587 937
Password: 030086
Join by phone: +1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
Other Announcement:
- Come to the Hobby Bunch this Saturday (6/21/2025) 1:30 ~ 4:30 pm for a fun and relaxing time! Bring supplies to do your own hobby or learn how to make air dry clay animals from Carmen! The meeting location is A202 the Community Hall.
- CPCM Open Gym Time this Saturday (6/21/2025) from 1:30 ~ 4:00 pm at MPR. Come and have some fun!!