It’s one of the paradoxes of modern life that the more ‘connected’ we are, through social media, video calls and other technologies, the more ‘disconnected’ we also feel from one another. This can be particularly true in the month of January, as the hubbub and connections of the Christmas season fade, the long cold nights are still with us and the weather drives us indoors.
The epidemic of loneliness is one which impacts all communities with a landmark report commissioned by the British Red Cross and The Co-op in 2016 finding that over 9 million people are affected by loneliness in the UK.
We would do worse at this time of the year to remember one of the names of Jesus that we spent so much time reflecting on over the previous season, that of Immanuel, God with us. The truth of the Christmas season is a God who enters into the world with all its loneliness and isolation and promises to be with us.
He also is a God who having invited us in, calls us to invite others to receive a welcome into community. One of the ways that many of our churches choose to do this is through opening up their spaces for those who are feeling isolated and lonely. In community cafes, and coffee mornings across the Diocese we find a simple and yet profound expression of the good news of connection and welcome. At Wellsprings Together we have the privilege of supporting many of these spaces through our Places of Welcome Network which is national network of churches and other community organisations. Each venue opens its doors every week to offer free refreshments in an inclusive, non-judgemental environment, one in which people can relax, share their stories and their concerns and find friendship and blessing.
Our team are able to support with training, advice and on occasion funding for these spaces. To find out more or join the network get in touch at team@wellspringstogether.org.uk.