The Quiet Side of Mystery Friends

We run the fun program, Mystery Friends every year at Channing Memorial.  Everyone seems to like it.  Adults enjoy thinking up clues and planning surprises.  Children enjoy guessing and hoping for the secret messages, written just for them.  This year I started thinking about why we really do this wacky matching game.
We do it for the fun, yes, because winter is cold and the holidays are over, and we need something silly to make us smile.  These are good reasons.

We also do it because making these small friendships leads to multi-generational community.  In a world where generations are increasingly separated, children have fewer chances to just casually interact with adults.  Mystery Friends connects two people who might not speak to each other ordinarily.  A tiny, but permanent bond is formed with this pair.  Even if the child and adult do not have much contact in the following seasons, they can look across the Sanctuary or Fellowship Hall and think, "That person knows me, knows what sort of books I like to read, and likes Star Wars, too.  We have something in common."

I have watched my own kids form a special sort of fondness for their past Mystery Friends.  My son always seeks to sit near one Friend at potlucks.  My daughter names the Friend who gave her a craft kit several years ago every time she brings it out to make a new string bracelet.   I don't know if these adults even know the quiet comfort their presence brings.

Isn't that what community is all about?  When we have people who are a piece of our story?

Sign ups for Mystery Friends are happening now.   Yes, do it for the zany fun.  And as a bonus you get to be part of creating a loving community!