Around 7 PM on Sunday evening, I was fortunate enough to be sitting next to my fiancé in a house with great people, many of whom I had only met in the last few weeks, some of whom we’d met in the last seconds. As soon as we walked in, we were offered food, drink, and the best seat in the house. Laughter dominated the evening. The good kind. The kind that makes your face and stomach tired. After a few hours, we hit the road feeling encouraged and even more excited to call this area home.

That short memory would not have occurred if it went for a connection between people. In this instance, the connection was initiated when someone from Community asked if Katie and I would be interested in coming to their party, and it was complete when we got in the car and went.

You and I come upon these moments of potential connection every single day. Whether we’re going to the grocery, punching in at work, or eating at the lunch table, every encounter with another human being is a chance to connect.

In the Gospels, Jesus constantly pursues connection. Time and time again, we see him stop what he’s already doing (much to the annoyance of his task-driven followers) to engage in conversation. It’s at the core of who He is… and as His church, it’s intended to be at the core of who we are.

For the next few Sunday mornings at Community we’re going to be exploring what it means to connect, and how we all need each other in so many ways. As the newest staff member (and someone who is anxiously awaiting their wedding date on June 2^nd while living far from their future spouse) I can tell you that someone simply inviting me to their Super Bowl party meant the world.

Sure, it was just a party…but for my stressed and anxious soul, it was also a profound moment of connection.

Who in your life could use one of those?