Summer

While we are still a few days away from the official start of summer, most of us have

already transitioned to our ‘summer-state-of-mind.’ Shorts or bathing suits will be our

garb for the next several months. Families with children are adjusting to not having to

be up and out the door Monday through Friday. Thoughts of water, cool-drinks, and

family vacations are on the front of everyone’s minds.

Even church has shifted. With a few exceptions, we have scaled back our normal weekly

activities. We will be more ‘relaxed’ when we gather on Sunday. Our focus will be lighter.

The heart of summer worship is simple: God does not take a vacation from us, and we

should not take a vacation from Him. When we gather weekly, even in the relaxed

rhythm of June and July, we keep our lives anchored in the presence, truth, and grace

of Christ.

Summer can scatter our habits, but worship gathers us again. It keeps Scripture, prayer,

and praise at the center of our lives when everything else feels fluid. Many people

discover that summer services actually help them recover a sense of spiritual consistency

they didn’t realize they were missing. Worship becomes a weekly reminder that God is

faithful in every season—sunshine as much as storm.

Church attendance in summer strengthens the bonds that hold a congregation together.

When you show up, you encourage your pastor, your worship team, your small group,

and the families who look to you as an example. Your presence says, “This matters.

Christ matters.”

Summer is a good time to relax and take life easy for a while. But is also a great time to

think about how you would like to get involved in the church. We have several

opportunities coming up.

For example, Vacation Bible School will be held July 5–8. We expect to welcome many

children and need volunteers to help with registration, food, decorations, or just being

an extra set of eyes to insure every child is having a great time.

If VBS isn’t your thing, then maybe you would be willing to support the youth financially.

Our youth and chaperones will be attending M28 Camp at Lake Junaluska from July 11-

14. M28 is a great time of bonding and spiritual growth for our young people. It can be

a life-changing event. We are still looking for some financial support to help with the

cost of camp. If you would be willing to help, please let us know.

We are always looking for people to help lead our Sunday services, greet people at the

front doors, or just help around the campus. If you are willing to pitch in, let us know.

Finally, summer is a good time to begin thinking about the Fall. Soon enough, school

will be back in session, college students will be back on campus, life will resume a more

‘normal’ pace. How will you engage with the church then? How do you plan to grow in

your faith? What are your plans to help the church reach out and bless this community?

While we enjoy a little time to relax and renew, let us not forget that we are called to

make a difference, to share Jesus, and to love our neighbors.

Have a great summer.

Pastor Marty