The summer can often be a time to reacquaint ourselves with old friends along with making new ones. With the longer and milder days, it’s also a season of weddings, BBQs, gardening and perhaps a holiday, which can be a chance to gather with others – or escape of course! 
However I’ve been struck by recent reports about the epidemic of loneliness, which can affect our health. Whilst it may be grabbing headlines at the moment, it’s nothing new, as many of us will know through our own experience, or of those whom we know, love, and live alongside. It is most often highlighted among older people, however a recent study undertaken by Kings College London highlighted just how prevalent it is for young adults, regardless of gender or socio-economic background. Their findings reported that young people who are more likely to have a negative view of where they live, had a greater sense of isolation, irrespective of whether they came from rural or urban areas, wealthy areas as well as deprived ones. Loneliness can affect us all no matter our age, where we live or how we live.
As Christians we are just about to mark the festival of Pentecost, which saw the birth of a new worldwide community as the message of Christ’s resurrection was shared by Peter and the disciples. Community is at the heart and the health of what it is for me to be a person of faith, and so welcome and hospitality are inextricably linked to it. Words from St Matthew’s gospel, “for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me”, are as important now as they were 2,000 years ago when that new community was born.
May you know and indeed have the courage to offer friendship and companionship this season as we enjoy the summer in our community.
Much love Becca
Rev Rebecca Gilbert, Lordsbridge Team
Village Groups, Organisations and Businesses are invited to decorate a Christmas Tree to be staged in St Peter’s Church over the weekend of 8th& 9th December.