The Cookout
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series II Cycle A
When Steve and Jan moved into their new home in a new neighborhood, it seemed like a dream come true. The surrounding houses were simply beautiful -- each one was unique. The realtor told them that other young families lived in that suburban development. Obviously they were all affluent if they lived in such a lovely neighborhood.
Steve and Jan were delighted, almost bragging to their friends and family about their new home and their new neighborhood. Their street had finely manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, and expensive cars in the driveways. They were indeed very fortunate to live where they did.
As summer approached Jan had an idea. She enthusiastically shared with her husband about having a neighborhood cookout. Jan wanted to invite all their new neighbors. It would be great fun and would also give them an opportunity to get to know their neighbors better. This was something they had not been able to do, still getting settled in their new home and new community. Steve agreed and a date was set. Early one Saturday morning Steve and Jan delivered the invitations to each neighbor's home. By week's end they were discouraged. Not one person said he or she would come. One couple said they were going away that weekend for a wedding, another said they were leaving for vacation that day. Some said they already had plans and were unable to attend. Some gave no excuse, saying only that they would not be attending. Some did not respond one way or the other.
Steve and Jan stayed up late that night trying to understand why no one responded to their invitation.
As they talked they realized that none of the neighbors did anything social together. The neighbors see each other leave for work early in the morning, waving, occasionally saying hello, and then see them return home in the evening. On Saturday afternoons they might see one or two neighbors out mowing their lawns or taking a walk. That was it. That night Steve and Jan realized that the people in their neighborhood pretty much keep to themselves. Before going to bed, they agreed they would try again to host a get-together.
After three failed attempts to host a neighborhood cookout they finally persuaded their neighbors to agree on a date. To be honest, it took a lot of hard work for Jan and Steve to convince their new neighbors that this would be worthwhile.
The neighbors arrived that Saturday night. At first everyone was polite, making small talk about the weather, sports, or children. There were compliments about how nice their lawns looked. Some of the men began talking about cars. After everyone ate, the atmosphere changed as people were beginning to get to know each other better. The neighbors seemed to enjoy themselves and soon discovered common interests. Friendships were blossoming before the evening was over.
It was after midnight when the last of their guests left. All the neighbors said they had a great time, thanking Jan and Steve for making the get-together possible. More than one said they should do this more often.
They were exhausted but satisfied with the outcome. As they were busy cleaning up, Steve mentioned to Jan that he never thought it would be so difficult to bring the people in the neighborhood together.
Steve and Jan were delighted, almost bragging to their friends and family about their new home and their new neighborhood. Their street had finely manicured lawns, beautiful flower beds, and expensive cars in the driveways. They were indeed very fortunate to live where they did.
As summer approached Jan had an idea. She enthusiastically shared with her husband about having a neighborhood cookout. Jan wanted to invite all their new neighbors. It would be great fun and would also give them an opportunity to get to know their neighbors better. This was something they had not been able to do, still getting settled in their new home and new community. Steve agreed and a date was set. Early one Saturday morning Steve and Jan delivered the invitations to each neighbor's home. By week's end they were discouraged. Not one person said he or she would come. One couple said they were going away that weekend for a wedding, another said they were leaving for vacation that day. Some said they already had plans and were unable to attend. Some gave no excuse, saying only that they would not be attending. Some did not respond one way or the other.
Steve and Jan stayed up late that night trying to understand why no one responded to their invitation.
As they talked they realized that none of the neighbors did anything social together. The neighbors see each other leave for work early in the morning, waving, occasionally saying hello, and then see them return home in the evening. On Saturday afternoons they might see one or two neighbors out mowing their lawns or taking a walk. That was it. That night Steve and Jan realized that the people in their neighborhood pretty much keep to themselves. Before going to bed, they agreed they would try again to host a get-together.
After three failed attempts to host a neighborhood cookout they finally persuaded their neighbors to agree on a date. To be honest, it took a lot of hard work for Jan and Steve to convince their new neighbors that this would be worthwhile.
The neighbors arrived that Saturday night. At first everyone was polite, making small talk about the weather, sports, or children. There were compliments about how nice their lawns looked. Some of the men began talking about cars. After everyone ate, the atmosphere changed as people were beginning to get to know each other better. The neighbors seemed to enjoy themselves and soon discovered common interests. Friendships were blossoming before the evening was over.
It was after midnight when the last of their guests left. All the neighbors said they had a great time, thanking Jan and Steve for making the get-together possible. More than one said they should do this more often.
They were exhausted but satisfied with the outcome. As they were busy cleaning up, Steve mentioned to Jan that he never thought it would be so difficult to bring the people in the neighborhood together.
