You probably know that having friends is good for your physical health.

The famous “Nurses’ Health Study” from Harvard Medical School found that the more friends women had, the less likely they were to develop physical problems as they aged. The results were so significant, the researchers concluded that not having close friends is as detrimental to our health as smoking or obesity.   Other studies have shown that social ties reduce our risk of disease by lowering blood pressure, heart rate and cholesterol. Loneliness is associated with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, obesity and lower immunity.

This week our sermon series brings us to the second Christian imperative for our retirement years: friendship.

It can be challenging to sustain old friendships and make new friends as we age.  Research shows that our quantity of friends actually peaks in our twenties.  That’s ok – as we age, we want quality, not quantity!

How can we find new friends and deepen existing relationships?  This week’s scripture lesson from John’s gospel provides a surprising answer:  grow your friendship with Jesus.

Jesus, in fact, calls his disciples his “friends” in the gospel of John.  Friendship with Jesus will teach us about the dimensions of great friendship.

Join us for worship this Sunday and prepare to grow as a friend – to others and Jesus Christ.