Someone once observed, “The loneliest hour she ever spent was the coffee hour following worship services.” I’m haunted and distressed by this. It should never be. A genuine and lively church is built upon the friendly touch and kind word. We come together in all states and conditions, and we need mutual support. There are times when we particularly need others, and our religious community should be one of the first places we can turn to when we have such a need.
Even when there isn’t a pressing need for support, we reveal our care for each other. A phone call, a picnic or dinner together, riding together to church when no one needs a ride, or speaking with a visitor at the coffee hour after Sunday services: all are ways we live the truth that we are a caring community.
A healthy church has many opportunities for meaningful connection through social events, committee meanings (yes, even our committee meetings), discussion groups, services and classes. I see these as necessary aspects of our religious life, and as minister, give them particular attention. These are small things, but they are the small things upon which our great life is built.
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