We know a lot of people find it difficult to make that very first connection to a small group.  Walking or driving to a home filled with people you've likely never met  - being greeted by a person you've perhaps exchanged only one email or phone call with - can be intimidating. Or, maybe you just aren't sure the group is going to match where you are in your personal journey of faith. These situations and others keep us from making  deeper connections with neighbors in our communities.  Worse, these situations keep us from deeper encounters with God that begin in community.