The other evening, Greg and I were returning home and as we drove past this one neighbors house around the corner from us, we noticed their dog standing in their driveway. At least we thought it was their dog. It seemed kind of odd. It was getting dark out, their garage door was closed and no one from their family was out there with the dog. We chatted about it as we turned the corner and completed the drive to our house, wondering aloud if the dog had been inadvertently locked out. After pulling into our garage, we stood in our driveway for a few minutes, watching the dog down the street pacing in front of their house and waiting to see if someone inside the house would let the dog in. Being the dog lovers we are, we were concerned for this dog, not wanting it to be left out in the cold overnight, or walk into the street where it could get hit by a car, or wander off and get picked up by someone or lost. So, we decided we needed to do something. Greg walked down to their house, greeted the dog (fortunately, it was friendly) who followed Greg up to the front door, clearly excited at the prospect of being let in. As the door opened, the dog went tearing past the homeowner at warp speed, and for a second, an alarming thought flew through Gregs mind  What if this isnt their dog, and Ive just brought it up to their door? But, the homeowner quickly allayed his fear, saying Oh, we keep accidently locking the dog out and expressing his thanks to Greg. Hey, what are good neighbors for, right?

It occurs to me that being a good neighbor is so much easier in some ways than others. Its easy to pull up the neighbors cans on garbage day, lend some tools or a helping hand, keep a watchful eye out, and even help rescue the family dog. These are indeed great ways to care for our neighbors and to be a good neighbor. But what would it look like if we took that neighborly care up a notch? If we truly believe that our neighbors matter to God, and that they, too, need the good news of the Gospel, taking it up a notch seems like the right thing to do, both for them AND for us. So, what can we do? How about PRAY?

Over the next 2 Saturdays, thats what we want to invite you to do. On March 13th and 20th (depending on what neighborhood you live in), from 10  11am, we will be walking our neighborhoods throughout Folsom and in Orangevale, Fair Oaks and El Dorado Hills. As we walk together, we will silently pray for those who live in the homes that we pass by, inviting God to be at work in them. And as we pray, we trust that God will also enlarge our own hearts for the lost people who live around us. Please plan to join us for the Prayer Walk by signing up for the one in your area at the table in the back of the auditorium after the service on Sunday. Your Walk Leader will contact you with where to meet.

As for our neighbor with the dog that keeps getting locked out, well keep watching for more opportunities to rescue the dog, ring their doorbell and get to know them more. And, well be praying for them. Thats what good neighbors are for.

March 10 - Elders' Prayer Team
March 13 - Prayer Walks
March 14 - Daylight Saving Time begins
March 14 - Mission Trip Info Meeting
March 20 - Prayer Walks
March 21 - Transition Center Meals Meeting
April 30 - May 2 - Women's Retreat
June 14-18 - Arts Camp