connections importance ...

here's today's Friday Five post from Jan over at  Rev Gal Blog Pals ~
Jan says,
*I am currently reading Bowling Alone by Robert D. Putnam, where he explores the changes in community in the USA in the 20th Century. He explains how communities, people, and especially children function better when they live where there is high social capital. Basically, it means that "relationships matter."
We all know this because Christianity (and other religions) emphasize the Golden Rule:
"All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets."
Matthew 7:1

So here are some questions to ponder for this Friday Five about connecting with:

1. Self: Who was your hero/heroine when you were about ten years old?
Miss Kolody, my homeroom teacher!  oh yes! she was an encourager of me.  she 'saw' me.  and i thrived under the attention and understanding of being recognized.  not that i knew those concepts, but i did recognize my response to her affirmation and encourgement!

2. Family: Who are you most like? Who is most like you?
i am most like my father.  my first born son is most like me.

3. Friends: How do you stay in touch?
mostly by email as many are located variously worldwide.
we do phone when we recognize our need for deeper connxn.  most often that includes prayer together for some deeper concern where the human touch is needed.  local friends are regular emails, phone and in person for tea & chat...

4. Neighborhood, community: What are ways you like to be involved?
involvement in events, like summer bbqs or festivals, serving wherever needed, providing pastoral care in the community where i reside and offering worship opportunities in the same community.  i've just been certified as instructor for a health self-management program which i'll be co-leading in 2 neighbourhood locations in 2 weeks.

5. Job/church: Do you see a need that will help in developing connections?
definitely!  that's where my current church plant developed from.  there was a longstanding need in the community as most are disabled or elderly without access to community corporate worship.  i lived in the midst of this and dealt with residents requesting pastoral care on a daily basis.  planting a church was a natural organic response to the community's needs.  a relational connxn had already been established by
my presence and personal responses to needs expressed, so rapport and comfort levels were already established.  church organically followed.
another area of need is for exchange of creativity in new ways of being church. internet connections are a huge plus in providing for that need. as part of alternative worship online connections creativity is not only expressed but hospitably shared. i've benefited much from these connections as does my own community as i implement what i've learned.

Bonus: A link or anything else about connecting.
'our brains work better in community!' a quote in my dr's office.

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