Lonely in Washington

There is an article on the front page of today's Washington Post that caught my attention.  The article, titled, "Matchmakers, Matchmakers, Making a Mint: Dating Services Give Way to Coaches, Wingmen and Profile Writers," is a story of the new industry emerging to help people connect.  Ellen McCarthy writes how hard it is for people in Washington to meet people - particularly prospective romantic partners. She writes:

People work more, know their neighbors less.  They leave home towns full of family and friends in exchange for cities rife with interesting opportunities but few connections.  They are tied to, and reliant on, technology - which has indelibly altered the way humans interact.

I cannot read statements like this without thinking of the church... How is the church helping to connect people - not romantically, necessarily - but people who are longing for connections - real, authentic connections?  How is it that the church can become that neighborhood of front porches - that community where people long to say "good morning" or "good night" or ask about your day?

We're seeking to be this kind of place - a place of real connections - authentic connections.  You don't need a coach to come - just come - just as you are.