Letter from July 31, 2008, to the Bridge community:
Summer greetings –
In a recent column in Christian Century, Gregory Jones, the dean of Duke University Divinity School, wrote incisively about how, despite a world of Facebook (and yes, Bridge is on Facebook), social networks, and all kinds of ways of connecting with people, recent surveys suggest that Americans have fewer and fewer confidants and are – in short – lonelier than ever. This becomes even tougher when, like so many of us, someone is in a good job or relationship, which can mask a lack of real connection with a core community that he or she may still be longing for.
“Why does a lack of confidants matter?” Jones writes. “We are created for relationship, and we long for support and encouragement from those who know us well. We are not likely to turn to Facebook when a loved one is dying, for guidance in vocational discernment, or for the joys and warmth of physical embrace. Nor are we likely to search out a casual business colleague to explore a gut-wrenching personal decision. We want people who know us – our histories and dreams, our joys and griefs, our hopes and fears – to be our guides through uncertain and sometimes choppy waters.”
That’s exactly what DOCC – the fall journey many here at Christ Church take together – is all about. People who know us – our histories, as hard as that is to share sometimes, our dreams, joys, grief, hopes and fears. To dare to trust, and to learn to be even more trustworthy, is among the most substantial steps we can take in our lives.
It’s great we’re involved in outreach work and social justice, and that we come together in worship. But to develop those unique and deep friendships that will surpass so many of the transient ones in our lives, we need to set aside space to talk about ourselves, our lives, and what all these things really mean to us. Church is one of the few spaces that’s really intended exactly for that.
Please – take the church for what it’s worth, literally. Come join the DOCC journey on Tuesday nights, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., beginning in mid-September and ending right before Christmas, for the food that truly sustains. For info, call or email me – and to register directly, email either me or Cecilia, at cwagner@christchurchphila.org.
Blessings,
Susan
The Rev. Susan Richardson
***
From September to December, we meet Tuesday evenings with people of all ages throughout the congregation for dinner, a presentation by one of the priests on some part of the Christian journey, and then time in small groups with whom we’ll journey throughout the fall. It’s a transformative way to forge unique, lifelong connections with others, to deepen your own spiritual journey, and to ask the questions that mean the most to you. For questions or more info on the program curriculum, please contact the Rev. Susan Richardson at srichardson@christchurchphila.org.
