Fellowship and Health

 A recent article in MacLean's laments the demise of neighbourly interaction.  According to studies, in Canada 30% of people feel they are disconnected from their neighbours.  In Britain, a poll showed one third of people said they couldn't pick out their neighbours in a line up and in Australia sociologists found that even in disasters, neighbours were loathe to help each other for fear of intruding.
   Even while technology and social media gives us the ability to connect with thousands and thousands of people, more and more we are living disconnected lives.  In her book, The Village Effect, Susan Pinker argues that this trend is alarming in many ways, not least in terms of health.  She argues that humans need face-to-face contact as we need air and water.
       Studies show that those who have tight-knit social groups live on average fifteen years longer than those who do not.  Friendship, community, face-to-face interaction strengthens the immune system, regulates hormones and increases the odds of surviving a heart attack, stroke, AIDS and cancer.  There is even evidence that it lessens the prevalence of dementia.

     Pinker's research convicted her so strongly that she has changed her own habits in order to widen her social circle,  increasing her opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
     Neighbourliness is also Biblical.  Psalm 133   speaks of the blessing of harmonious living together, Philippians 1:4 speaks of the apostle praying with joy, for his friends. And, of course, Jesus commanded His followers to "love your neighbour as yourself."
     The demise of neighbourliness is a disturbing trend in modern society, but not in the church.  Opportunities for for friendship and sharing of interests and stories and work and food abound in most congregations and particularly at SPPC.  We have coffee hour after worship every Sunday, often with a cake to celebrate a special event.

      We have choir for those who share a love of singing.  There is a genealogy group for those fascinated with family trees. We have Bible Study groups, a flower committee and a constant need for volunteers in the kitchen.  All of these segments of the congregation are an example of community.  

And we have Friendship Coffee.  The second and fourth Thursday of the month.

 Everyone and anyone is invited to drop into the church between 10:00 am and 11:30 am and share conversation,

laughter, news, troubles and triumphs over a cup of coffee.  

     We often refer to the congregation as our church family, but we're your neighbours too.  Feel free to drop by.