In Zwaagwesteinde, the church participated in this year's national Neighbours' Day. Pastor's wife Melinda Mussche shares her experiences of a successful day with us.
Organising Neighbours“ Day for the first time as a church community is not so much exciting because of the organisational work, but because of the uncertainty of whether anyone will actually come. And then the day arrived: Neighbours” Day 2025. The coffee was poured, the cakes from the local bakery (photo above) were ready, and parishioners were present for a chat or some crafts. And then the first neighbour walked in: “I don't really have much contact with my neighbours these days, so I thought I'd come and have a look.” And then someone else followed: "I had to pass on a message from those neighbours that they've just become grandparents, but otherwise they would have come too."
Were there dozens of people? No, definitely not. Was it worth it? Absolutely! Do we hope to organise it again next year? Definitely!
It turned out that even a cup of coffee was still a barrier for people to enter a church building. So for next year, we are considering an outdoor activity, so that we can meet each other, as a neighbourhood and a community, in an even more relaxed way.
Are you keen to organise a Neighbourhood Day for your community as a local authority? It is a simple and nationally recognised way to get together, so go ahead and get started!
