Addressing Loneliness Through Connection and Community

This recent poll highlights a significant issue facing many Americans today—loneliness. One in three U.S. adults feels lonely at least once a week, and one in ten experiences loneliness daily. The data is particularly striking among younger people, who report feeling disconnected from meaningful relationships and a sense of belonging.

Americans are terribly lonely, a new poll reveals.

Among U.S. adults, about one in three said they feel lonely at least once a week. Worse, one in 10 Americans say they feel lonely every day, results show.

Younger people are more likely to experience loneliness, which is defined as a lack of meaningful or close relationships or sense of belonging, according to the American Psychiatric Association’s latest Healthy Minds Monthly Poll.

https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2024-02-01/loneliness-is-plaguing-americans-in-2024-poll

This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a call to action for us as a church community. If we’re to fulfill our mission of loving a broken world to Christ, we must address this epidemic of loneliness. You might not feel lonely yourself, especially with the warmth and fellowship we experience during our gatherings at Trinity. However, it’s crucial to recognize that the world often perceives the church differently. Many see church communities as judgmental, hypocritical, or exclusive, which is far from the reality we strive to create.

Here at Trinity, we are proud to be part of a connectional system within the United Methodist Church, where we emphasize relationships, support, and inclusivity. We aren’t just a church; we’re a family that walks through life together. Our strength lies in our sense of community—no one does life alone here, and no one does church alone either.

This Sunday, we have a special opportunity to lean into our connections. Rev. Dr. Jessica Terrell, our District Superintendent, will join us and deliver a sermon titled “Don’t Do This Alone.” Her message will inspire us on how we can combat loneliness by building stronger connections within our church and beyond.

We invite you to be part of this movement. Join us this Sunday at 11 AM. Let’s show the world the true spirit of our community—loving, open, and affirming. I’ll save a seat for you!

See you Sunday!