May 2023 Pastoral Letter
Dear Friends,
Did you know there is public health threat more life-threatening than obesity or smoking 15 cigarettes a day?
Did you know there is a condition that can lead to a 29% increased risk of heart disease; a 32% increased risk of stroke; and a 50% increased risk of developing dementia for older adults?
According to the U.S. Surgeon General, this dangerous condition is, quite simply, loneliness.
Some of what is being called a “loneliness epidemic,” is related to the pandemic. The Surgeon General, however, believes that, “what Covid did is really pour fuel on a fire that was already burning.” Participation in community organizations — from faith groups (including churches) to recreational leagues — has declined in recent decades.
In many ways, all of us are relearning what it is to be in community again. Responding to loneliness by fostering a culture of connection is something that faith communities in particular can and should do really well.
One of the ways we are thinking about the summer at CPCBA is creating opportunities for church members to come together with one another and with our neighbors.
So, coming up for this summer:
On June 4, we will worship and have a picnic on our front lawn (weather permitting).
The Bible on Broadway Day Camp will be held June 26 – 30, which is wonderful opportunity to volunteer and get to know the families in our community.
Right now, we are working on a schedule for family movie nights and live concerts on our front lawn throughout the summer. This will be a chance to relax and socialize together – and take a break from Netflix and Spotify!
Our Learning Circles will continue to meet throughout the summer on Wednesday evenings on Zoom, and in-person at church on Thursday mornings. We also have a weekly Bible study on Wednesday mornings. All of these gatherings give us a chance to talk and laugh and learn together.
Sunday worship moves into the air-conditioned (!) fellowship hall on Sunday, June 11 at 10 a.m. In a less formal space, we’ll make room for more interactive worship including times for conversation and contemplation.
I am planning two summer sermon series: one based upon the popular television series “Ted Lasso,” and another which I hope will tie into our Bible on Broadway Day Camp. Stay tuned!
Beloved, you are not alone. Your brothers and sister of Community Presbyterian Church are here for you. All you have to do is reach out – if you need a ride to church, if you need someone to listen, if you need prayer, if you are lonely – we are here for you, and we are here for one another.
As I was thinking about Broadway shows (see Day Camp theme above!), I thought about one that became a favorite in my family, “Dear Evan Hansen.” One of the songs from the show, “You Will Be Found,” expresses how it feels to be alone, and what we are called to be for another as followers of Christ. The song begins:
Have you ever felt like nobody was there?
Have you ever felt forgotten in the middle of nowhere?
Have you ever felt like you could disappear?
Like you could fall, and no one would hear?
Well, let that lonely feeling wash away
Maybe there's a reason to believe you'll be okay
'Cause when you don't feel strong enough to stand
You can reach, reach out your hand
The song continues:
There's a place where we don't have to feel unknown
And every time that you call out
You're a little less alone
If you only say the word
From across the silence your voice is heard
You can hear the whole song here, performed by a virtual choir:
There IS a place we don’t have to feel unknown. We are invited to abide in Christ, and we are part of the Body of Christ. We need each other. At CPCBA, you are invited to come as you are, find the companionship and inspiration you seek, and to be a part of the Beloved Community for which God has created us. This is a place, maybe one of the very few places in the world, where you can be fully known and fully loved. Reach out your hand. You are not alone.
May it be so.
Peace and grace,
Pastor Susan