I just finished writing the first edition of The Turquoise Table newsletter. I’m so excited about the community that is growing and wanted to make sure you know you are invited to the table!
What is The Turquoise Table?
The turquoise table is a real place. Last year, after writing the series 31 Days of Outrageous Hospitality, I did something a little outrageous. I took a plain, wooden picnic table, painted it my favorite color, and plopped it smack dab in our front yard. The turquoise table sits underneath an old magnolia tree close to the edge of our lively street. I thought it would be a fun place to gather friends and neighbors.
What a year it has been! The turquoise table has become a gathering place for parties, celebrations, impromptu chats with neighbors, and has provided a special place to sit quietly and listen to others share their hearts. I’ve met neighbors I didn’t know and even strangers just passing by. And, get this—having a table outside for friends is brilliant when the inside of the house is too messy to share.
The Turquoise Table Community
God took my little turquoise table and multiplied it. Turquoise tables are popping up all over the United States and even as far away as Uganda. There is a growing community of men and women who long to gather people at the table and love them well.
I wish with all my heart we could all squeeze around one table, but for now we each have tables to tend. But, we can learn together. The Turquoise Table Community is open to anyone who wants to be more intentional about offering hospitality and loving others.
The Turquoise Table Newsletter
Our community will keep in touch with a newsletter. For now, it’s a bi-monthly newsletter that will arrive via email—think of it as an ongoing conversation. We’ll talk about ways to love our neighbors and what hospitality looks like in our crazy, busy lives. The newsletter is chalk full of practical information like recipes, menu suggestions, tips for hosting big and small groups, ideas for front yard gatherings, conversation starters, ways to pray for your neighbors and stories from women, like you, who want to be intentional about gathering and loving the people in your life.
Will You Join Us?
The first newsletter is scheduled to go out tomorrow, Saturday, September 20th.
Click to sign up for The Turquoise Table Community Newsletter
I hope you’ll join us at The Turquoise Table! I look forward to our conversations.
Yay!!! Such exciting news!!!!
Thank you Sheila! I’m grateful you are part of our community!
Kristin: I love this idea. My parents have always had tables in the front yard and now they have a deck in the front with a swing where sometimes neighbors come to swing their babies. It’s never a surprise to see someone out there. I can’t tell you how many great memories have been made in the front yard! Lori
Oh Lori! Your parents sound like turquoise table kind of people! I can imagine how everyone feels at home – and I LOVE the idea of a swing. I hope you’ll continue to share stories with our community! So encouraging. xo
Oh, how I LOVE this idea! We don’t live in a neighborhood right now, but I so crave community, and we’re talking about moving into town to actually live amongst people again. Ha! If God gives us the opportunity to move, this turquoise table idea is definitely happening! Thanks so much for the inspiration 🙂
Kristin, I’m so glad you shared because I know you aren’t the only one who doesn’t live in a neighborhood right now. Let’s see who God brings to our midst for ideas about that! I’d love to pose the question on our Facebook page too.
So grateful you are part of our community! xo, K
Lovely idea! My favourite colour too. I feel God has been calling me to love my neighbours all year. I have been in little ways and there are so many strangers,so much need, and so much loneliness. No one knows each other. Hospitality is dead in my social circle. I am craving community. I will try it. I was disappointed earlier this summer when I felt God saying my idea was not going to work. It wasn’t the right season for me to start a neighbourhood community garden. A lady at church mentioned your story and the movement to me. This feels like God. Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. the meeting place church.
Trisha, Thank you for reaching out. We are praying for you and your brave step outside to live as Front Yard People. Send an update when you can to let us know how God continues to encourage you to love your neighbors. Kristin
Just bought your book today and read it cover to cover in two hours! I couldn’t put it down! My husband and I just bought a new home this week and your book couldn’t of came at a better time. It was an answered prayer! Thank you for sharing! ?
Ashley, I’m so glad you are encouraged by The Turquoise Table! Congrats on your new home and I can’t wait to hear how God continues to answer your prayers. Please keep me posted… I’d love to hear how your family reaches out to your new neighbors! xo, Kristin
I want to do this oh so very badly – my question as I overthink everything in life – I’m going to set mine up in my backyard because our front yard is on a very busy street and there are no sidewalks. In setting it up I’m going to put it on fb and send postcards to our neighbors inviting them to stop by – I don’t want to defeat the purpose and try to control too much …….. Help!
Kari — your plan sounds great! Front Yard People is a fun rally cry — a metaphor that we live with open lives and present to our neighbors. Of course you can put your Turquoise Table in your backyard. It’s community we’re after and it sounds like you are off to a good start by inviting your neighbors to stop by. Sending love and encouragement as you begin your journey. Tap into all our resources and be sure to join us at http://www.theturquoisetablecommunity.com if you haven’t already! xo, Kristin