Ideas for Personal Hospitality

How to do Kindness, Up Close and Personal

By Bruce Kane |  June 27, 2006

"Hospitality is not being another Martha Stewart.  It isn't even about entertaining.  Hospitality is just kindness, up close and personal."  That's what I said this past Sunday morning.  And as I was throughing ideas out on how to live your 24/7 Christ-following lifestyle with hospitality, I knew I could not be complete in my list.  Here are few more ideas.  If you have any to add, e-mail me.  epic.bruce@gmail.com.
 

  1. Mow the lawn -- surprise them!
  2. Cultivate common activities like sporting events, picnics; or anything to draw the people in your neighborhood together
  3. Meet new (just moved in) neighbors with a plate of cookies, a warm welcome and a 3X5 card with your name, address and phone number. Suggest they call you with any questions about the neighborhood such as garbage collection,shopping, post office, etc. numbers. This helps you pray more specifically for your neighbors and assists everyone in getting to know each other.
  4. Put together a neighborhood directory of names, addresses and phone and easy.
  5. Take dinner to new parents. Use disposable containers so the clean up is quick.
  6. Plan a neighborhood baby shower for a new baby. Invite several neighbors to the event.
  7. Baby-sit for your neighbors. In many cases, families don't have grandparents or relatives in the area who might be able to help. Many young parents rarely have extra time or money to go on a "date." Make sure they - and you - are comfortable with the arrangements and that you know how to contact them should an emergency arise. Can you organize a baby-sitting co-op?
  8. Call on housebound neighbors. They might enjoy a personal visit or may just want to talk with you on the telephone. If you do visit, take a little something such as a desert, fruit or a book.
  9. If you have children or grandchildren, consider taking them with you when you visit housebound neighbors. What joy for an older person to just see and watch the children play! Or if the children visit you, let the neighbor know they're welcome to come over and "play."
  10. Do your neighbors love to read? Consider buying an extra copy of a good novel and sharing it with them. Or, as you finish the books you're reading, start a "lending library" to your neighbors. It's best to do this with the thought that the books might not be returned.
  11. Take a neighbor who has difficulty driving to his/her favorite store, dry cleaner, or the post office with you, when you're going that way. Then, "splurge" and go to a fast food restaurant for a meal or an ice cream cone as a special treat.
  12. Take a spaghetti dinner to someone recuperating from surgery. Include a simple garden bouquet and a get-well card. 
  13. Plan a "spur of the moment" or next day coffee/tea or lemonade time and invite two to four neighbors to get better acquainted. One Lighthouse says neighbors often are shy about having people in but do want to get to know one another.  She keeps her gatherings very simple so they feel they could do it too.
  14.  Does it get windy in your area? When the wind blows, take the time to pick up trash off neighbors lawns and garbage cans that have blown all over. They'll learn who rescues their garbage cans and recyclable containers. You may get a reputation for being the helpful neighbor!
  • When you're baking, consider preparing a few extra cupcakes, cookies, pies, etc.  Save them to give to a neighbor the Lord may lay on your heart.
  • A friendly wave and "Hi" to someone who drives or walks by helps them see Jesus' warmth and love in you.
  • Learn people's names, as well as the names of their children and pets. Don't be snoopy, but try to notice a new car or a new hairstyle, etc.  People love to be given an honest compliment, even about the new tree they planted in their front yard.
  • Change your walking or exercising schedule if needed, to walk with a neighbor.  As you're walking, listen to them. It's probably one of the greatest ways to serve  a neighbor or friend.
  • Invite two couples in for a simple pizza carry out dinner in your home. Nothing fancy - just a time of getting to know them.
  • Are you taking items to the Salvation Army or another donation center? As you get ready to load up your vehicle, ask your neighbors if they have anything they want to donate. That helps the donation center too!
  • Host a neighborhood BBQ or block party along with one or two other families in the area. Choose a special holiday time or theme for the party.
  • Be the coordinator for a neighborhood gathering in connection with crime prevention and fire safety.
  • When a neighbor stops by invite them in. This will usually be when the house is not very clean or when you have company - however, this openness will make you a real friend!
  • Mow the lawn or rake the yard of a neighbor who is traveling or is ill. Get your children into the act!
    • "Pracitice hospitality"  (Romans 12:13)
    It may be uncomfortable at first and it may take some time before you feel good at it, but practice makes perfect!

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