One of the themes that we have been hearing during this year’s Pledge Campaign at Colchester Federated Church is the theme of connection.  In my view, this is one of the most important ministries that churches provide.  In 2023 there was a report released by the U.S. Surgeon General: “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.”  Dr. Vivek H. Murthy (19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States) reflected that he did not view loneliness as a public health concern when he first took office in 2014.  Though he listened and learned over his years as Surgeon General, coming to the understanding that loneliness affects individual and societal health.

Dr. Murthy wrote that loneliness is “associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.”* 

I often say that being part of a church is good for you.  Being part of a church is good for us not just spiritually, but even physically.  Because being part of a faith community helps us be connected, it helps us to combat loneliness and isolation. 
Of course, churches have to be aware that we are not behaving like a members-only country club where we just focus on our own wants and needs. 
We are called to minister to one another and to our neighbors, called to remember that we are part of something so much larger than ourselves. 
Jesus called us to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves after all. 
When it comes to our church here at CFC, I believe that our lives would be poorer if our congregation did not exist. 
The connections that are formed through our church are truly priceless.
And I am grateful to serve such a loving faith community.

Love,
Pastor Lauren

*Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community, https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf

Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash

Thursday Thoughts 11/14/24