One of the questions I've been most frequently asked these past three months is: "How do you like South Burlington?" My most frequent (and honest) response is: "It's great!" Really, what is there not to like about South Burlington? It is an active, community conscious, environmentally minded place with lots of recreational opportunities. No wonder we get lots of tourists up here!

I feel grateful to have fallen in love with this place, my new home. Yet, there is more to living in a community than simply liking it. Truly being part of a community requires getting to know its needs as well as its benefits. Over the past few weeks I've met with several community leaders to ask the questions, "What is the biggest need you see in South Burlington?" After speaking with the City Manager, Police Chief, Library Director, and Superintendent of Schools, it seems to me that connection is the biggest need. We live in an isolating society and isolation breeds disconnection, depression and despair. How do we get connected? How do we stay connected? As a Faith Community, how can we help people get and stay connected?

Families are often so busy with work and school obligations that they don't have time to get to know their neighbors. The elderly are often unable to get out on their own and, as a result, suffer from loneliness and depression. Youth are often so over-scheduled that they miss opportunities to cultivate positive social interactions. The question that keeps coming to my mind is: What can we do?

I invite you to ponder this question with me. If you have insights, please respond in the comments. How can we bless our wonderful community to be a place of true connection?