Making the Most of Summer—

Popsicles and less programming are what summer is made of around here! A few years ago, our church purchased two lots adjacent to our campus which gave us a lawn for summer suppers. Bare-footed, sun-kissed toddlers make their way to the outdoor popsicle freezer. Mamas enjoy deep conversation on picnic blankets.  Bigger kids become expert helpers and feel promoted status. The boys bring their football and have a game going while Mrs. Lou is in her lawn chair finally catching up with Mrs. Vickie whom she hasn’t seen all year. It’s summer in the South, and something Jesus would be proud of. We’re being with each other and passing down the family way of life. For us, this is making the most of summer.

A somewhat controversial topic in churches, pausing Sunday school in summer, has been a longtime rhythm adopted by our Session. It’s a welcomed change of pace here, although it may not be the best choice in all faith communities. For our mid-sized church, it allows us all to lean into a bit of rest and creates space for unscheduled time together as a body. Jesus modeled it. The early disciples “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). They made gathering a priority.  Unstructured time together teaches our kids how to dwell with other believers. When the weight of scheduling, prepping, and scrambling lighten, space for new relationship growth is made. The change of pace isn’t just for ministry staff; it’s for the whole team—the dedicated Sunday school teachers, children’s church assistants, and larger-than-life VBS volunteers.

That’s right—we host VBS in early June and get it done early! Our public school system shifted their calendars recently so that the kids’ last day of school is before Memorial Day. We have found that using the month before school is out works best to complete VBS volunteer recruitment, group assignments, and décor. It has pushed some of our heavy lifting from summer back to spring. As with most projects, the bulk of the work is completed prior to the event, and we start summer with the biggest Jesus celebration ever. Our summer kicks off with around 250 kids and youth volunteers in awe of God, who He is, and what He has done. It sets the whole tone for the coming months. For us, this is making the most of summer.

Relationships aren’t the only things growing though. As the visionary for the children’s ministry, my dream projects have been penciled in the margin all year and are about to take shape. Last summer, the Lord allowed us to renovate our children’s church room.  It had been a dream of mine to make this a place where our youth could lead our younger kids in worship. I started a vision board last winter and added elements to it throughout the spring. Once VBS ended, crews built a stage, painted a beautiful mural, added lighting elements, microphones, fresh carpet, and paint. It’s been a gamechanger. Refreshing spaces, for us, is often making the most of summer.

Finally, I have filming of new teaching videos and curriculum planning for the next academic year to fill July. We will re-film our child protection policy videos for training volunteers and film videos for our monthly children’s church memory verse. We’re organizing how we teach God’s Word, using technology to make it accessible, and equipping the saints for the work of ministry in the year to come. Slowing down to take the long view of discipleship makes the most of summer for our church. But however you experience summer in ministry, may you hear Jesus say, “Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). As leaders, we have an opportunity to set the tone for rest this summer—however that looks for you, whether it’s popsicles and picnic blankets or giving yourself an extra hour with Christ. Although the work is never done, may you be strengthened by the light of His face shining upon you . . . all summer long.