Newsletter Thoughts March 8, 2025

Dear Friends,

This weekend we continue our journey through Lent by contemplating the words:

Stranger

and

Neighbor

What comes to mind for you when you read these words? My first thought is that, for the

sole reason that I don’t know all of them, some of my neighbors are also strangers. But

they are not fully strangers because we see one another as we go about our lives. I see

one neighbor who walks his dog at the same time each day. Another as she runs almost

the same route that I run. Another who drives a little fast down the street.

I have neighbors who are friends. How did they become friends?

Through small interactions, conversations, share projects, neighborhood events, and sharing excess

lemons from our tree. As I think about this, I wonder how I might move from stranger to

friend in my own neighborhood.

I also wonder how we at ALC can move from stranger to friend in our neighborhood.

What might it look like for our neighbors to know us better? For us to know them better?

These are a few questions going through my head. I would love to hear from you about

your reaction to these words. Tomorrow we’ll go a bit deeper because Jesus defines neighbor as our enemy. That’s a tough one! I look forward exploring with you.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Nancy