October 16, 2009

Dear family and friends of WCPC:

            There are many advantages to the technological age in which we live.  The personal computer and the internet have changed education, the workplace and the home.  With both, by using our fingertips, we are able to retrieve and utilize information that would have required hours of research in dusty libraries, and that’s assuming the information was there to be found.  How I wish they were available when I was in college and especially seminary. 

            There is a great advantage to email, texting, and the new social networks (i.e. Facebook, My Space, Twitter, etc.).  More and more people are connecting online with friends and family, many who live on the other side of the world.  Recently I was able to connect with a childhood friend from my hometown I hadn’t talked to in over twenty years through Facebook. 

            So don’t get me wrong, I welcome and take advantage of these resources.  But I do have a concern.  While I think the new tools for connecting with other people electronically can be helpful, I don’t think they can replace face to face human contact, which I fear more and more is being lost.

            As you probably guess I read, often online, much about what the church of the future may look like.  One scenario that seems to be gaining popularity is, for lack of a better phrase, an “online church,” where an “online community” can worship, study, interact with one another, without ever leaving the comforts of home.  The reality is this scenario isn’t some unknown future, it’s happening now.

            Now maybe my age is showing a bit here, but while I do think there are some advantages to “social networking” for disciples (WCPC is on Facebook and this email is another), my prayer is that we will never let these tools become more important than the human contact that we crave and need.

            When I weep, I like to have another beside me, literally and physically.   When I laugh, it’s good when I can hear others laugh as well.  Sometimes you need a hand to hold or you long for someone to hug you.

            The genie is out.  The internet and social networking is here to stay, but please don’t ever let these marvelous tools, which used in the right way can enhance relationships become a means through which relationships are distorted and community diminished 

            My text this Sunday is Mark 10: 35 – 45 and the title of the message is “Success Redefined.”  I look forward to seeing you on Sunday, as this “offline” community of faith gathers.

             Your pastor,

             David Jones