Revd Tim Scott, Associate Priest at St Mary’s and Area Dean, Waltham Forest, writes:

I remember how many years ago whilst leading prayers in church my phone (which I thought was on silent), said, ‘your connection has been lost!’ Whether it was Siri or some other setting on my phone, I’m not sure, but it did seem somewhat ironic that it should come at a time in the service where there is a particular focus on connection with God!

I know that recently in one of these reflections I have referred to connection and creativity, but I was reminded again on Sunday about the need for connectivity and in-person contact while speaking with an Emeritus Professor of microbiology in Cambridge who was saying how integral the interaction between people was to his research. The ‘sparking of ideas’ was what was so important. He was also reflecting on a foodbank in which he was involved, and the way in which they had tea, coffee and cake that people could come to before they collected food – the social interaction being as important as the need for food.

As human beings we grow and find out who we are in relationship with others. In the periods of lockdown during Covid, for many people there was little or no in-person contact. It was a profoundly difficult time in many ways and it raised searching questions about how we flourish as humans. I remember one retired Bishop saying that, during that period of regular lockdowns, he and many others were asking what are the deepest spiritual truths that we can hold onto which give meaning, connection and strength. 

The questions many were asking then seem to me to be around again now. The use of social media has opened up many possibilities of feeling connected which did not previously exist. But over-dependence on social media at the expense of in-person contact has damaging consequences which we may only now be beginning to realise. There are also real concerns around the speed and nature of the development of AI, which both has potential for benefit and harm, as Vanessa reflected on a couple of weeks ago. 

In a new book called, ‘The future starts with us’ , Gordon Brown notes the collapse not only of the world order and the economic systems that many of us have always known, but also the loss of much community life and civil engagement at a local level. He notes the rise of nationalism but also observes that those who are engaged locally with community organisations and faith communities are more likely to be able and willing to stand up against nationalism and a politics that divides both at national and international levels. 

People often come to church longing for connection. The way we respond, the ongoing work to build community, welcome and connection has a transforming effect and can have an impact far deeper and wider than we may at first realise. Maybe the question as to how we all continue to do this is one of the major questions for a ‘time such as this’. I feel so privileged to be part of a community of faith in which we explore these things together and discover the transforming power of connecting with each other and God’s longing to connect with us. 

With my love, prayers and thanks,

Tim