Who is our neighbor?

When the Samaritan was on the road he met an injured man needing help. Two men saw him and went on their way. The Samaritan, an outcast, was the only one who stopped. Turning toward the other, he gave what he had—himself.

Our Neighbors, Our Neighborhood

Abbey Way’s approach to outreach is to intentionally live lives that notice and respond to those around us. We believe reaching out to others is not just a special event but an everyday experience. The story of the good Samaritan gives us a picture of what helping “our neighbor” looks like.

According to Merriam-Webster, a neighbor is “one living or located near another.” For our use at Abbey Way, we use the word “neighbor” to describe those who are located near us. As individuals, we have “neighbors” where we live, work, and play. As church we also have neighbors, in the neighborhood God has put us—both in location and relational connection. Neighbors are “people we are near along the way” doing the stuff of life just like us.  

Reaching Out

Elim Church, where Abbey Way meets, is located in the Logan Park neighborhood of Northeast Minneapolis. Within its borders are schools, churches, artist studios, shops and of course Logan Park.

In the Summer of 2010, Abbey Way’s attention shifted specifically to those right around us with Sunday night ice cream in the park, monthly picnics, as well as other specifically planned events to be more present in the neighborhood and in particular in Logan Park.

Again in the Summer 2011 we were “In the Park” each Sunday evening with our now almost famous Bucket Brigade and neighborhood kickball game. Monday mornings we came together for “Play in the Park” as part of our willingness to be where we have been planted. In addition each first Sunday in July, August and September, we picnicked and worshipped under the trees as weather permitted.

Mission and Service Projects

Part of Abbey Way’s DNA is a willingness to use our hearts and hands to serve. Whether it is making or delivering meals, cleaning a home, caring for children or helping someone move, as a community we make space in our lives to respond to the needs of others. 

Once a year Abbey Way nurtures our connection to one of the local Covenant camps. We venture up into the northern woods of Minnesota to Covenant Pines Bible Camp for our yearly Ora et Labora (Work and Worship) Retreat. As we help get the camp ready for their busy summer season, we experience the ancient rhythm of the monastics, in our work and prayer together. Being intergenerational, young and old participate as their able. It is a favorite gathering point in our year.

As we look to the future, we are excited to think about how God will call us to other areas of mission and service. Who knows what is next?