Community Events – Fun Is Just the Start
Ah… summer is here to kick of a new season of community events! Around here at Landing Place Church we look forward to a movie under the stars, bounce houses in the park, and gathering together for a picnic and music. Then in the Fall we get to see amazing cars at the Shine on Car Show and don our best costumes for Trunk or Treat. Of course it’s all going to be fun and you can get the details of each event here, but it can be so much more than fun. Community events are an opportunity to make friends, make memories, and make a difference. This is not a blog about another thing you have to do to make the most of summer. It turns out that making the most of it is easier than you think.
Make Friends
Let’s be real that this can feel hard. How do you find common ground? Here’s the good news, a community event IS the common ground you need to start a conversation. People are ready to be with others when they attend an event and everyone is the kind of person who would enjoy whatever is going on. People are open to connecting. It’s a safe place to say something to a friendly stranger. Chances are they also value community and actually WANT to engage. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be hanging out at a bounce house or there early for the movie. You can let go of nerves and fears because anyone at these events is already your neighbor in the best way. You are standing on your common ground. You are with your community and part of what makes it awesome is YOU. What you think is worth mentioning, what you want to talk about, what you notice all matters in shaping your community. I’m officially giving you permission to be you and talk to someone. Chances are you will see them around the neighborhood after you’ve met.
Make Memories
I used to get overwhelmed watching moms who are amazing at planning and setting the scene for childhood memories. If that’s you, go you! If more planning overwhelms you, me too. The beauty of a community event is that OTHER people have done the planning and prep so that you can simply show up with your family. The key to making memories isn’t our preparation – it’s our commitment to the moment. Are we present or are we thinking about something else? Are we noticing the decorations on the cars for Trunk or Treat this Fall? Did we look up from our phone to see the beautiful sky as the sun sets for Movie Night? Did we challenge ourselves to say hello? Don’t overcomplicate making memories. Simply come and BE there. Memories tend to make themselves when we are paying attention.
Make a Difference
Whether you consider yourself an influencer or not, you have an influence on those around you no matter where you are. That means that YOU are key in creating the community around you simply by being your authentic self. Are you introverted? Lovely, your peacefulness is contagious. Bring it to your community! You don’t need to draw attention to make a positive difference in the atmosphere around you. Are you a people person? Great, be your talkative self and help get the conversations going. You can set a tone that communicates to others that they matter and that you’re glad they are here. You be present if you’re old, young, chaotic, calm, loud, quiet or whatever being you looks like right now. Please know that this community would not be the same without YOU.
We will always get out of our community what we put into it. If you dream of having a community where you have friends, make memories, and know that your presence matters, it’s already here. Each of these opportunities are simply waiting for us to be present and make the most of it.