Wow, did this school year go fast or what? While students and school teachers may disagree, summer seems to get here faster and faster each year. A casual look at the church calendar makes it clear that we have once again cancelled “the Summer Slump” at St. Barnabas! Final plans are now being made for GForce VBS (June 22-26) with the addition of an afternoon sports camp (plenty of room in VBS but a waiting list is already in place for sports camp). Then we have Youth Week (June 6-10), two youth mission trips (Sr. Hi in June and Jr. Hi in July), and summer Bible Studies for Jr. Hi and Sr. Hi (at swimming pool venues). We are pleased to host the Ulster Project for several events. The zany summer series for worship in July and Early August will be entitled “The Gospel and Star Wars,” one more way we can hear the gospel with new ears. Other events are being planned as we turn to get ready to go back to school.
Summer is a time when many people make great strides in faith and a closer walk with Christ. With this kind of robust ministry in motion, costs in the summer for programming and utilities goes up. So while you make your vacation plans, take time to prayerfully offer your best financially in the ministry of St. Barnabas before you leave (since it is rarely left over when we get back!) This may be the time you may want to talk to Judy Nelms about setting up on-line or bank draft giving, so that your support remains strong at such a crucial time.
I love the change of pace of summer, which usually includes some time to rest a little and feed your sense of family. May it also be a time to feed your soul. Take time for worship, possibly even setting aside time to read scripture and pray together as a couple or family. Tina and I find this often happens in the car (either on the way there or on the way back). What I am saying is, “Don’t take a vacation from your relationship with God.” We can cancel the summer slump at the church, but only you can do that in your daily walk with God.
Sincerely in Christ,
Will Cotton