Minister’s message: Lonely nation

A recent report claims that loneliness in Britain is getting worse year by year, writes Rev James Gatherer. A poll carried out by the Centre for Social Justice revealed that 70% of 18 – 24 years olds say they often feel lonely while 29% feel distant from other people and the wider world.

The Government tried to tackle the issue in 2018 when it published the world’s first strategy to reduce loneliness, A Connected Society, but year by year the research suggests the problem is getting worse.

The root causes of loneliness are complex but the feeling of being disconnected with the world often goes hand in hand with feeling disconnected within ourselves. The ancient Hebrew saying man cannot live by bread alone expresses a simple truth – human beings are both physical and spiritual. Feeding our bodies is not enough; filling ourselves with entertainment is not satisfying; seeking excitement never lasts – we need more, something that the world cannot give us.

I repeat the Promise I mentioned last month – the Promise made by the Lord Jesus… ‘Come to me all you who are tired from carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest.’

Every Sunday morning at 11 am there are always some empty seats at the back of our church. Folk can slip in at any time and sit and watch and listen then slip back out whenever.

Everyone is free to do so. So do think about coming and trying it out to see if that Promise actually works. Something might touch your heart and bless you and make you glad. The Peace of the Lord Jesus is a free gift for everyone.

Every blessing

James Gatherer

• Photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash