From the Pastor's Pen, July, 2005:

From the Pastor's Pen, July, 2005:

With the month of June comes so much more than the change of the calendar page. It almost seems that there comes a change of mindset, too. June brings the end of a school year, and the beginning of a very different rhythm of days and schedules, at least for some. Maybe I've always liked June because it's the month in which my birthday falls. Maybe it's because it's the official beginning of summer, or because" June green," the color of the leaves of a maple tree at their fullest and freshest, is one of my favorite colors. Maybe there's enough of the kid in me, and maybe in you, that delights at the prospect of summer vacation. In any case, June is a special month.

In the life of the church, the pattern of our days seems to change in summer as well. The "program year" of the church tends to reflect the flow of the school year. Our church, like many others, takes a hiatus from ongoing programs of Sunday school, studies, choir rehearsals, and other events during the summer. There is a more relaxed pace, even to administrative meetings, and certainly to worship. Because June begins "vacation time," many people take a more relaxed view of worship attendance and participation in the summer.

Vacations are good. Whoever said God never takes a vacation is really mistaken. After all, it is God, who rested on the seventh day of creation and called us to take a Sabbath, a weekly breather, who really invented the idea! Jesus said to his disciples when' the ministry was hectic, "come away by yourselves to a lonely place and rest a while."

Some of the most favorite and memorable times in my life have been vacation times: a long trip to the Pacific northwest, with my Mom along, some years back; the surprise of finding an authority on the folksinger Woody Guthrie, and a spur-of-the-moment invitation to her home in Texas; looking for stones on the beach at Columba's Bay on my pilgrimage to lona; the amazement that time in the car with one's husband and child can be quality time, even when you don't say much of anything; reconnecting with friends and family; looking out at a beautiful view or listening to the sounds of waves and wind; quiet moments reading a book at leisure on the porch, when there's nowhere else you have to be… these are all part of what makes vacations special, what makes them a gift.

But…(You suspected by now that "but" was coming.)

As important as vacations are for the refreshment of our spirit, we also need the consistency of remembering our life with God. God creates the need for refreshment, and the means for it, and commands that we take it. And God calls us not to forget, even in those times of refreshment, that all our life belongs to God. We need the discipline and rhythm of worship as much in vacation times as in our everyday lives.

I'd propose a "short list" of things to consider as you plan your vacation times for this summer. Think of it as a packing list of what not to forget as you go:

-Even if you don't "go" on vacation, take Sabbath time. A day off, an unstructured day here and there, a time to read or relax or reflect, without a schedule, is a gift from God to you. And how you spend that time is a gift back to God, because you are more refreshed, more yourself afterward.

-If you do go on vacation, go with God. Remember who you are and whose you are. Offer the time to God, and see how God may surprise you and refresh you, or challenge you, in that time.

-Find a place to worship when you're on vacation. Whether you are in worship at First United Methodist Church, or in a favorite and familiar place away from home, or in an unknown town, seek out a church community with whom you can worship. You may learn something new by observing how other people worship where they are. You may come back with renewed appreciation for your home church. Vacation is all about a fresh perspective on life, and worship while you're traveling may help you find that. Bring a worship bulletin back to your pastor. (If you're staying home, try sitting in a different place in the sanctuary. You may be surprised!)

-Give. Even when you're away, the work and ministry of First UMC goes on. Your giving is a way of saying thank you to God, not a "user fee" for when you are in worship. Continue to say thank you to God, whether you're in Lansing or not. You might find you have even more to be thankful about. Drop your offering in the mail or give "ahead" before you go.

-Enjoy the life that God has given you. By all means, appreciate the opportunity for refreshment that God has created, whether up north, at the lakefront, the ocean, the big city, an amusement park…remember who makes it all possible.

Happy Vacation! See you in worship.

On the Journey with you,

e-mail Pastor Baker-Streevy