Deepening Connections and Feeling Less Alone | Bart Campolo | Sunday Gathering Apr 16, 2023

Main Topic: Deepening Connections and Feeling Less Alone
Main Speaker: Bart Campolo
Music: Ryan Adam Wells
Main talk Summary:
According to the CDC, social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, is associated with about a 50% percent increased risk of dementia, a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke. Loneliness is also associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. These numbers are particularly troubling in light of a recent study published by the Survey Center on American Life, in which Americans reported having fewer close friendships than they once did, talking to their friends less often, and relying less on their friends for personal support. In fact, 12% of this study’s interviewees claimed to have zero friends today, four times as many as 30 years ago. The good news, according humanist chaplain, clinical counselor and award-winning podcaster Bart Campolo, is that establishing and deepening loving relationships isn’t a natural gift some of us have and the rest of us don’t, but rather is a learned ability - like archery or cooking - that all of us can improve through training and practice. So then, this talk will be all about how folks like us can learn - and teach others - to be less lonely and more connected.
Speaker Bio:
Bart Campolo is a secular community builder, counselor and writer who currently serves as the Humanist Chaplain at the University of Cincinnati. He also hosts a podcast called Humanize Me.
He is the son of Tony Campolo, a prominent Christian evangelical pastor and was a pastor himself before becoming a secular humanist.
Musician Bio :
Ryan Adam Wells is an award winning, world-traveled singer songwriter and storyteller. Alternative Country, Folk-Rock sounds coupled with heartbreaking and intelligent lyrics have made Ryan a much beloved and sought after act from Texas to Australia. He has a big following in Texas, as he calls Houston home, and can be seen weekly at the Texas Renaissance Festival in the Fall.
Coffee and Conversation at 10:00AM Program Begins at 10:30AM
(Note: We are back to in person gatherings. Live Streaming on our FACEBOOK and UA-cam pages at 10:30 AM Central time every Sunday)
The program starts at 10:30 AM, and people are encouraged to come half an hour earlier for coffee, snacks, and conversation. If it's your first time visiting, make sure to stop by our welcome table in the back of the room to say hello and learn more about Oasis. Parents can drop off their young ones with our team in the kids room, where they will meet new friends and enjoy fun activities together.
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