Loneliness is a very real thing. Mother Theresa once said that loneliness and the feeling of being unwanted is the most terrible poverty. Albert Einstein said, “It’s strange to be known so universally, and yet to be so lonely.”

Elvis Presley, the legendary singer and actor, used to sing, “Are you Lonesome Tonight?” Of course, Elvis was extremely wealthy and one of the most popular people on the planet. But, at the end of his life, Elvis scribbled down these words: “I feel so alone sometimes. The night is quiet for me. I’d love to be able to sleep. I’m glad everyone is gone now. I’ll probably not rest. I have no need for all of this. Help me, Lord.” Even the King of Rock and Roll was lonely and restless, in spite of having so many people around him.

Perhaps you experienced loneliness when you switched schools and you were the new kid on the block. Or maybe your bout with loneliness came when your best friend got a new job, and moved to another city. Perhaps you recently lost a loved one or you went through a painful divorce. 

Or, how about this, you’re single, and you go to a Christmas party and it seems like they’re all couples. And they’re laughing and having fun and you’re feeling all alone, even in the midst of a crowd. How many times have you heard someone say, I’m just waiting for that “special person” to come along so I don’t have to be lonely anymore? However, marriage by itself doesn’t solve the loneliness problem.

And, what about children? When parents’ responsibilities and work schedules keep them from loving interactions with their family, the children often feel isolated and alone.

In his book, Bowling Alone, Dr. Robert Putnam clearly demonstrates how we have become increasingly disconnected from neighbors, friends, family, and churches.

Putnam formed his conclusions from nearly 500,000 interviews over the last quarter century to show that Americans are less trusting, we’re involved in fewer organizations, we know our neighbors less, meet with friends less frequently and even socialize with our families less often. People bowl alone, play games alone, watch T.V. alone, go to movies alone, eat alone, work alone, study alone, workout alone and hurt alone.

In fact, there was one guy who put an ad in a Kansas City newspaper which read, I will listen to you talk for 30 minutes without comment for $5.00.Now that seems pretty bizarre, doesn’t it? Except for the fact that the guy received about 10-20 calls a day. People are so desperate for connection, they’re willing to talk to a complete stranger!

At Heritage, we recognize that God wants to be close to us and He wants us to be surrounded by a spiritual family that genuinely cares. Therefore, we ask men (and women) to get involved in a small group for support, learning, and mutual encouragement. And, we also encourage everyone to begin serving in some capacity that utilizes their gifts and talents. Many close relationships are formed when people serve side-by-side in a ministry context. The good news is, you don’t have to be lonely tonight! God loves you and your church family does too!

M-Life small groups are typically 3-10 guys who meet on a regular basis for encouragement and growth. These gatherings help men form meaningful friendships within the church. They provide an atmosphere where guys of all ages can learn from each other and assist each other in their spiritual journeys.

It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to come to Heritage on weekends and worship God with hundreds of other believers. But, it’s also vital to our Christian faith to surround ourselves with a small group of Christ followers who will pray for us and walk with us during the ups and downs of life.

How do I Get Connected?

There are groups that meet throughout the week, both morning and evening, and it’s quite possible to find one that meets at a time that is convenient for you. To learn more about these groups a directory is usually available in the church lobby or please contact Pastor Bob Buchan at m-life@heritagecc.org or (614-898-9412, ext. 340). We will do everything we can to assist you!

Connect with a Lenten Group– Lent officially begins on February 17 and there will be new groups forming in the days leading up to Easter (April 4). Why not take the step of participating in a Lenten group either with other men or in a mixed-gender situation? You don’t have to make a long term commitment —just invest forty days in your spiritual growth and see what God will do!

To join a mixed gender group, please contact Holly Fissel for more information at hfissel@heritagecc.org or make it a point of attending the Life Group Launch this Sunday, January 31, 12:30-2pm, in room 110. Pizza will be provided and this event will help you get connected.

If you’d like to be in a men’s group, click here to contact Bob Buchan for information.

Forever Changed Conference – This is a great event to bring your sweetheart to on Valentine’s Day weekend, at the newly built Hilton Hotel at Polaris Parkway, close to I-71.The speakers are Dr. Tammy Smith (an author and professional counselor) and Mike Smith, the pastor of Vista Community Church (a church begun by Heritage). Registration takes place between 6:00pm-7:00pm on Friday night, February 12, and the conference itself goes from 7:00pm-9:00pm on Friday and Saturday, February 13, from 9:00am-4pm.

The Forever Changed Conference will help us live above circumstances, to love freely, and to walk with passion and purpose. It will include some intensely practical, life-altering strategies not only for individuals but there will also be a special session to address the needs of married couples. You won’t want to miss it! The cost for an individual is $65 and it is only $95 dollars per couple, which includes copy of one of Tammy’s books. You can register online by going to IAMFOREVERCHANGED.COM.

Focus on Marriage Conference, Saturday, February 27, 9am-4:30pm

The Family Life Ministry of Heritage wants you to know about a simulcast event for people in our church and for thousands of couples all across the country. This conference we will tackle Christianity’s biggest challenges-empowering you and your spouse to stay faithful, committed and encouraged in your marriage. 

The speakers are experts in the field such as Gary Thomas, Kirk Cameron, Drs. Les & Leslie Parrott, Francis Chan and Dr. Gary Chapman, all of whom have a passion for seeing marriages thrive — specifically yours! The cost is $25 per individual or couple for the first 300 registrations! After 300, the cost goes up to $45 per couple and $25 per individual. The location for this event is the Vineyard Church of Columbus, 6000 Cooper Road, in Westerville. Please contact Staci Rue with questions, 614-259-5390, or go to the Vineyard website to register.

Some Other Ideas for Participation

Serve on a Planning Team – Help us plan a church-wide men’s event or help us with smaller venues such as our men’s golf outing in October and our father-son campout scheduled in August, 2010.

Men’s Basketball – Get in shape and show what kind of game you’ve got on Mondays, 7pm-9pm, in the Heritage auditorium. Note: There are times when open basketball (age 18+) will not be offered because of holidays, weather alerts or scheduling issues. Please check the Heritage calendar and website for updates.

Help the Church Plant – Attend services at northchurch and help them grow, Sundays, at Freedom Trail Elementary School, 10:00am.