Dear Church Family,
 
Household rhythms have a way of changing each summer, don’t they? School lets out, vacations begin, time either slows or speeds up, and even the best routines can get rearranged. Some of that is a gift. Slower mornings, extra time with family, and a different pace can be a welcome change.
 
One of the small encouragements I have is to make spiritual connection a part of your summer plan.
 
That may look different for every family. For some, it may mean pinpointing now which Sundays you will be in town for worship. For others, it may mean finally signing up for VBS or VBX, joining us for VBS+, serving as a volunteer, or inviting a neighbor to come with you. For others still, it may simply mean looking at the calendar together and choosing a few intentional ways to stay connected to worship and community over the next couple of months.
 
This is one of the reasons why we created cityrise.org/summer. It's a simple place to see what is happening across our church family, to find opportunities for kids, students, adults, senior adults, and mission involvement. Take a few minutes this week to visit the Summer at CityRise page, look through the opportunities, and make a plan for how your family can be part of what God is doing even through fun activities this summer.
 
Moreover, when I say “family,” that can also mean our whole church family. We need one another across generations. Psalm 133 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” That is part of what makes a church family so beautiful—we belong to one another across generations. Children and students need adults who will teach and encourage them; senior adults need places of fellowship and support; neighbors need invitations. And all of us need the steady reminder that following Jesus was never meant to be done alone.
 
So as summer begins, let’s enjoy the change of pace without drifting from the people and practices God uses to strengthen our faith. I am praying this will be a summer of deepened relationships, joyful service, and fresh opportunities to help people rise to new life in Christ.
 
We’ll see you on Sunday, Church Family!
 
 
Expecting Greater,
Pastor Roger