I just returned from my annual trip to Minnesota for a reunion with friends from my husband’s seminary class. I’m usually able to connect with some of my friends from college days as well. This time I got to meet my newest grand-nephew. Juniper (Juna is his nickname) just had his first birthday and is so full of curiosity and joy. His moms are head-over-heels in love with their little guy!
Many of us have “summer only” events that we look forward to each year. Reunions with family and friends but also simpler things like picnics in the park before the free concerts; a bbq and fireworks on the Fourth of July; street fairs and festivals and extra-long days at the beach.
But even though we want to do these things, even looking forward and planning, it often seems that summer speeds by and we haven’t done any of it. Not a single concert or bbq; not a lazy day at the beach; and the reunion vacations to visit family and friends were way too short and other obligations crowded out the summer fun.
Don’t let this summer slip by without having enjoyed some of these “summer only” events. Social experts tell us we always have time for our highest priorities. Make time to enjoy God’s creation and the gift that you are.
And make time for church! You will always find a welcome here and will receive the necessary-for-life nourishment of God’s Word and Holy Communion. Sunday gatherings with your church family should not be a seasonal event. Make time, make it a priority, make the effort…you will be blessed in many ways!
Our Children’s Church continues to meet through the summer and this year it is something special. Bible stories, crafts and play are on the schedule each Sunday morning throughout the summer. Adults can be part of that too! Just sign up on the fellowship hall bulletin board and take your turn with the youngest members of our church community.
VBS, another “summer only” event at St. Peter’s, will be held from 9am-noon July 22-26th. We will welcome the Youth Group from Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church in Orinda,, CA who will be leading our VBS this year. (That is the calling congregation that Joshua Serrano served as associate pastor when he was ordained in 2011.)
Enjoy the rest of the summer! See you in church!
Pastor Karen Marohn