"Cool guys with the Video Nights!"

Since Christmas the Transit (the discipleship course I'm helping to lead) guys here in Guildford have been exploring ways of getting to know their neighbours without being too out there and a bit weird! So, cookies have been made, babies have been sat (is that correct?), hello's have been said in the street and films have been watched. Yes that's right, every other week the house turns into a mini cinema. A projector is rented, as is the movie, and fliers are sent out to every house in the street. It's a wonderful idea.

What person wouldn't want to come and watch a movie on a big screen?

The attendances thus far have, however, been low and somewhat disappointing. Three turned up to the first one, none to the second, one to the third. Heads dropped, hearts sank. Should we continue?

Well, last night as a result of the bi-weekly fliers, the guys were invited to a cocktail party at no.12. I tagged along as usual and we went a little unsure as to what to expect. We entered the house to find we were a lot younger than most of the people there. They were in their late 20's, early 30's and very smartly dressed (I had fortunately decided to wear a shirt, although I am sporting a mustache this week. Another story), yet we felt so welcomed and comfortable. We introduced ourselves as the guys from number 2 and suddenly everyone was saying 'Hey, these are the cool guys from number 2 who do the film nights.'

Cool? We've only just met!

It suddenly hit me that just by opening up the house for a film and letting people know they are welcome breaks down so many barriers.

The night went on and we were able to share why were in Guildford and how we wanted to serve the street and the community and people loved it. We started dreaming together about street parties and barbq's. Friendships were being formed.

I guess this experience has taught me again that we don't always get our prayers answered in the way we expect them to and that forming friendships with our neighbours is a lot easier than we think. It's just about being open, honest and inviting them into your homes and lives.

I think this is what they call being incarnational?