Despite the proliferation of opportunities to be connected by social media in 2023, people feel less connected than ever. The increasing lack of connection has been called by some an “epidemic of loneliness.” Moreover, the divisiveness over political and social issues in our culture continues to foster alienation and not connection. This lack of connection is being felt across age groups, and people are spending less time with one another in person than two decades ago. If one of the ministries of the church is to foster community and encourage individuals to thrive in community, how can and how does the church address the lack of connection in today’s society? Being part of a church community involves being connected and feeling close to one another in the community. Being in church means feeling cared for by others. During this epidemic of loneliness, in what ways can the church create the kind of community in which people care for others and feel cared for? The three classes in this series will focus on the increasing lack of connections in society and the ways that the church can respond to this situation by cultivating relationships and interconnectedness in the face of this “epidemic of loneliness.” Adults of all ages are encouraged to attend each session.
December 3: Interconnectedness in Youth
December 10: Interconnectedness in Middle Life
December 17: Interconnectedness in Elder Life