Today people are more “connected” than ever thanks to smart phones, Facebook, Twitter, and other social media. Yet American’s are statistically some of the loneliest people on Earth! In this talk Peter Bowden, a Unitarian Universalist and popular speaker on digital life, community building, and spirituality, will share how we can bridge our online and offline communities, better welcome people into the heart of our congregation, and bring our values more fully into the world in this service about “Friendship in the Digital Age.”

This Sunday, all of the music will support the theme of “connection” in the digital age. The sanctuary choir will sing an encore presentation of Brian Tate’s exuberant “Connected” and Franz Joseph Haydn’s joyful “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” (from the Heiligmesse). Singers Austin Burns, Rip Jackson, Elizabeth Walsh and guitarist Mark Therieau will present The Wailin’ Jennys’ inspiration hit “One Voice” (from 40 Days). For the centering music, composer and pianist Rip Jackson will play a lyrical, original composition titled “Ambient Meditation #1.” And for the postlude, Bach’s energetic organ work “Prelude and Fugue in Bb Major, BWV 560” will be played on the church’s Hutching’s tracker organ.

About Peter Bowden:

Known for his practical advice, contagious enthusiasm and humor, Peter Bowden has been working with Unitarian Universalists for over 15 years. Specializing in building community, designing and launching spiritual exploration groups, and helping our leaders make sense of digital technology, his work is increasingly focused on how social media is changing how people explore spirituality. When not working with our congregations, Peter produces educational media (PBS Kids projects) and coaches climate activists, scientists, and other justice leaders on digital strategy. He lives in Cambridge with his wife, the Rev. Amy Freedman, and their daughter.

Click here to listen to last week’s sermon by Rev. Anne Mason, “Brave Space.”