Happiness is Good Friends

 

The link to this week's live-streamed service is here

friends cheer for each other

This week was spent catching up with old friends. After last week's "nasties" I basked in the company of these good people. We talked about everything under the sun including some heavy subjects. One e-mailed me this question. "How does one stay relevant and engaged at this age and stage of our lives?"

The questioner is about fifteen years younger than I so the query isn't really about age. It is about being sad and searching for connections. 

Within the church we are assured that God's love is always present. Romans 8: 38-39, but I knew that wasn't an answer that would help my friend. From the beginning, Genesis 2:18  we were designed for companionship. David and Jonathon, Paul and Timothy, Ruth and Naomi, all point to the importance of friendship. Even Jesus had friends such as Mary and Martha. My correspondent needed a friend.

At SPPC we hold fast to the promise of God's never-failing love, and we nourish our earthly relationships. Witness Friendship Coffee in the rose garden earlier this month.

Loneliness, a common ill of our age, was exacerbated by the pandemic shut-down. The Sunshine Lunch program at church helps  to bring connection and friendship to those most at risk of loneliness.  

The fellowship committee at SPPC holds many events to bring people together. The mini-golf tournament this coming week, or the past trips to the IMAX, or even a cleaning bee. These programs may draw criticism about the church being nothing more than a social club, but such judgement is unfair. These evens are practical ways in which we "love one another."

When church services were first allowed after the pandemic shut-down, restrictions were placed on mingling before or after service. During that time the congregation expressed a longing for coffee hour after the service. This Sunday morning I chatted with visitors to our congregation, eager to be part of the fellowship following service. They had sorely missed that connection when COVID closed down the churches.

I replied to my friend as well as I could pointing out all the ways in which her struggles were shared by others, assuring her she was not alone. Her reply was much more cheerful.

Whether your friend lives next door or on the other side of the world, friendship is a gift. Treasure it, nourish it, and thank God for it.

See you at the mini-golf!