Choosing Real Connection

Our world today is Super-Connected! We live in an age of instant information, global connectivity and a shocking lack of privacy! With social media, an interaction or confrontation between two people (or two entities) on the other side of the globe can (and is) recorded and "goes viral" in a matter of seconds. Notifications on our smart phones let us know immediately when a child is abducted or a storm is approaching. Twenty four hour news channels are constantly displaying the banner that reads "Breaking News." And who hasn't experienced talking about wanting to go to Paris on your next vacation and immediately received ads in their Facebook feed for hotels near the Eiffel Tower (this one freaks me out a bit!)? We are constantly connected to the rest of the world.

While there are definitely some positives in these technological advances, like saving lives, documenting happenings in real time, and allowing people across the world to meet together virtually, there are also some negatives. AI memes mislead people daily into believing they are real and true. Lies and misrepresentations are very easily spread. People's privacy is often invaded and one of the most disappointing outcomes of this Super-Connectivity is the actual lack of true human connection. People's noses are buried in their phones (yes, I am guilty of this, too) and real relationships and conversations have gone by the wayside!

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, understood the need for true human connection. He established societies, bands and classes that met regularly, outside of worship. Societies were larger groups that did outreach and mission work together. Classes had up to twelve people and included men and women, married and single together. Bands had from three to five people and were divided, putting 'married or single men, and married or single women together' "When people come together in small fellowships and groups to pray together, study God's Word together, bear one another's burdens, and care for one another, they cannot help but grow in love for one another. This growth then leads them to speak the truth in love and to grow into the likeness of Jesus the Christ. God's redemptive action takes place in people's hearts." (Umcdiscipleship.org)

This is the type of Super-Connectivity that is lacking in our world and in our churches today. Technology began the person-to-person disconnection and the Covid Pandemic made it even worse as we became isolated and dependent upon technology for connection.

And this is why we are so excited to be rolling out our new Connect Group Ministry! Every six weeks or so, we will offer four or more Connect Groups with various topics, meeting dates and times and a variety of facilitators. These groups will meet for six to eight weeks and then we will take a break for six weeks or so and then start up another set of Connect Groups. 

This enables you to connect with different people, explore different topics, pick a date and time that works for you and only commit for six to eight weeks! I know that you will grow in your faith, your relationships with others and your relationship with God. 

Our first Connect Groups begin the week of November 2nd and the topics and registration information can be found below. I encourage you to give it a try (you can do anything for six to eight weeks!). Stretch yourself a bit, step out of your comfort zone and see what God has in store for you. You all will be blessed and you will be a blessing to others!

Grace and peace,

-Pastor Madeline