Summer Preparations

Today is the first official day of summer.  Ask any school-age child when summer begins and they will probably tell you that summer begins one second after the final bell rings on the last day of school.  Greater freedom often accompanies our celebrations of summer...schedules are often a bit more flexible, warmer temperatures allow for more outdoor activities, and of course, family travel. 

 

Where will your travels take you this summer?  Some will travel to see family, some will take their annual trek to the beach, some are already traveling internationally, while others will remain closer to home, enjoying what has come to be known as the "staycation".  Cindy will travel to Indiana in July to celebrate her mom's 95th birthday, we'll take Clayton back to Lexington, Ky. in August, then Cindy and I will get away for a few days before school starts.  Vacations can be a wonderful respite from the routines of our daily lives, allowing time for renewal and refreshment.

 

Most of us will make specific preparations for time away from home, not only in the arrangements for getting to our destination, but also for what we leave behind.  What preparations might you make with your church family before you depart?  If you're a Sunday School teacher or leader in any ministry, make sure someone who relates to your area of responsibility knows you will be gone and that you have taken care of securing your replacement if that's appropriate.  Send your tithes and offerings by mail or electronic bank transfer so that you can honor your commitments and help your church do the same.  Check the Westwood World, Westwood Express, or Sunday bulletin to know what's happening in case you want to plan your travel around upcoming events. Finally, when you are in town, don't miss a summer Sunday!  You make a difference when you gather with others to worship the living God.  If you have company visiting from out of town, bring them along with you.  Westwood is a welcoming community of believers who are strengthened by guests among us...guests who will also be blessed by sharing worship with our church family.  Dress comfortably and come expectantly...the presence of God is not a seasonal blessing.

 

This Sunday our handbell choir will be sharing special music.  We are always blessed when they share in worship.  I will be preaching from  Galatians 3:23-29, focusing on the blessing of freedom in Christ, freedom that empowers us to live and serve in ways we could never achieve on our own.  Our Passportkids campers will share a report about their experiences in Eagle Eyrie. 

 

I am already aware that some of our folks will be gone this Sunday on vacation.  Let us pray for them as they travel and let the rest of us be in our places this Sunday. In doing so, you will be a blessing to others as you join them in study of God's word and worship, and most importantly, God will be honored by your presence.  I look forward to seeing you on this first Sunday of summer!

 

Jim Abernathy