Front Porch

Dear Friends,

As I remember growing up in the hot, dry heat of a mid-west small town, about the same population of Damascus, one of my memorable July activities as a boy was riding my bike through the neighborhoods. The red Schwinn Stingray with the white sparkling banana seat and the flared handlebars was my prized possession. In the early evening, a breeze would clear away the stifling heat of the day, and the young and old would emerge from their cars and homes and settle on their front porch. Built without central air, the 40’s era homes included a full front porch with most having an insect screen.

Some evenings I would cruise with my friends and other times, I would lazily peddle through the town by myself. Elderly couples would sit on their porch with an iced drink and wave, smaller boys would race beside me to the end of the block, dads would grill, families eat, and children play all on or near their front porch, engaging, interacting with one another. With each ride I felt a growing sense of connectedness, familiarity and security. To this day I love and long for that feeling of community.

Living in Damascus with a family of my own, I seek the joy and security of community. With many homes isolated on acreage, and a few scattered neighborhoods, most families have moved from the community of the front porch to the privacy of the backyard. Without the front porch where do we find the opportunity to know our neighbor? To be connected with others within our community, to share our lives with one another, to assist and help in times of need? A 3,000 year old proverb states, Don’t forget your friend or your parent’s friend. Don’t always go to your family for help when trouble comes. A neighbor close by is better than a family far away. Proverbs 27:10.

The front porch may not have its place today, but I have observed community within Damascus to take place in our local businesses, churches, and community events. Specifically within The Journey Church, we have an opportunity to create supportive, lifelong, encouraging friendships across age, economic and family boundaries. Our Wed. night dinners, celebration worship services, small groups, connection groups, events and activities are those times to build community and deepen friendships.

Our church can be a lighthouse of hope and guidance to Damascus and Boring with the joy of fellowship and the strength of community, as long as, we value the openness of the front porch.

Blessings,
Pastor Tim