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Summertime: A Change of Pace “Summertime and the livin’ is easy,” at least that is how the song goes. Though times are changing and many find that their summer work schedule is just as busy as any other time of the year, still it is the time when many take vacations and/or try to get away for a few days at the beach, lake, mountains or whatever. The schedule here at Messiah certainly changes as we seek to cut back on meetings, suspend our midweek and Sunday School programs to give our teachers and cooks a break, and give some of our music groups a breather. When you look at the calendar, it almost appears as if we “shut down” for the summer: it’s pretty bare. But such an impression is not the real picture. The pace simply changes, the ministry does not stop! In fact, it shouldn’t even slow down. What changes the pace is a shift from organized group events and programs to more serendipitous gatherings of people and participation on a more individual level. In other words, whereas a continuous series of classes, meetings or rehearsals are not possible due to summer schedules, what is possible are spontaneous, less task-oriented gatherings that can take their place. Large groups may not be able to work out schedules to meet, but smaller groups or meetings of individuals certainly can. Summer is the time to build relationships, for members to enjoy being with one another, and for all of us to invite our un-churched friends to church and to informal gatherings of Messiah people. It’s the time to invite your neighbors over for a BBQ, spice it up with a few Messiah members and close it with an informal Bible study. It’s the time to begin reading a Christian book with your spouse and discussing with her/him over a cold beverage on the deck or patio.
It’s the time to offer your individual talents on Sunday morning playing or singing or reading scripture or giving a testimony. It’s the time to collect a few friends to work on the home of a disabled senior citizen, or a time to gather your kids and go on a mission trip (maybe even in conjunction with your vacation).
Whatever you choose to do over the summer, even though the pace changes, the ministry opportunities and needs do not. As we plan our summer, may God help us to take time and consider how we will serve Him during these “easy livin’” days.
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