Seeing Summertime as Sabbathtime

Do you remember the song?
Summertime... and the livin’ is easy...

Sometimes I think if we didn’t have summertime, we would have to invent it!

It seems to be basic to our human nature to need a time of relative quietude –
a time of slowing down a bit more than usual –
a time of reflection –
a time of contemplation –
a time of getting back in touch with the things that really matter –
a time of prayer – 
a time of seeking joy –
a time of pausing —
a time of refreshment —
a time of re-creation.

The Bible seems to ordain that we need a time set aside for these things. 
The fourth commandment speaks to the need for religiously observing a periodic day of rest. Other passages speak of the need for sabbaticals and times of jubilee.

For many of us, Summertime has become Sabbath-time:
a time for respite, a time for rest,
a time for relaxation, a time for restoration,
a time for rejuvenation, a time for refreshment,
a time for recess, a time for recovery,
a time for renewal, a time for revival,
a time for restoration, a time for rebirth,
a time for recovery, a time for reawakening,
a time for recuperation, a time for resurrection.

Yes, summertime can be all of these things.
Time seems to slow down in the summer.
(Perhaps, it’s the heat and humidity, but I think it’s more than that.)

Nature has a way of forcing sabbaticals on us.
As if God is reminding us that all moments are precious:
the roses need to be smelled,
the breeze needs to be felt,
the rain needs to be celebrated, the fruits need to be savored,
the relationships need to be cultivated,
the children need to be befriended,
and laughter needs to resound all around.

Of course, you don’t need me to tell you what you need.

I pray that this time will be of great benefit to you:

Do something you would just not think of doing at some other time.
Take time to smell the roses.
Write a note.
Make a call.
Get in touch with the Creator of time itself.
Do something special for someone.

Remember your church —
and your brothers and sisters in the faith here.
Sabbath times are holy times.
And, summer times are holy times   —  
if  we remember to put first things first.

Putting first things first means to affirm the words of the Psalmist:
   This is the day the Lord has made... rejoice and be glad!

My prayer is that you will find holy times this summer as you take advantage of the days given to you.

Remember to take it easy.
Remember to just slow down.
Remember to keep a Sabbath.
Remember who has given you this day.
Remember who has placed you where you are.
Remember who has given you the people you are with.
Remember whose you are.
Remember who you are.

Use your time this summer to rejuvenate.
And let us, together, gather with new resolve to help God use this church to further the Kingdom of God on earth.

Pray for one another and rejoice in the moments you have.

Have you ever wondered why you should be in church on Sunday?

Every so often, I like to ask the question:
Have you ever wondered exactly why you should be in church on Sunday?

Of course, there are various reasons that people have given over the years, and scientific evidence even now supports many of them.

There are actually physical and mental health benefits for worshiping regularly. 
Many recent studies have confirmed what most of us see on a regular basis:
folks that go to church every Sunday are healthier and live longer than those that don’t. 
And, when they are ill, they tend to heal quicker and have an easier time of it than those that don’t.

We know that going to church every Sunday releases stress and tension and actually enhances coping skills needed for life in today’s world.

Other studies point out how going to church every Sunday provides needed guidance for living. 

A recent study at Stanford concludes that “Children [simply] will not thrive ... unless they acquire a living sense of ... faith.”

The National Commission of Children concurs that
“For many children, religion is a major force in their moral development; for some it is the chief determinant of moral behavior.”

Others go to church regularly for inspiration – to keep in touch with the holy.   They find that it cultivates the soul and enhances our ability to recognize the holy when we encounter it. 

Many who go to church every Sunday find strength and support for facing and living through the difficult situations life throws at us.

Others come for forgiveness or guidance for making difficult decisions.

It may surprise you to hear that Jesus never said:
Thou shalt go to church every Sunday! 
He didn’t say it. 

In fact, it wasn’t until after his death and resurrection that his followers began to gather every Sunday to celebrate his resurrection and share stories of their encounters with the risen Lord. 
It was a celebrative occasion and folks came much as you might go to a family celebration – not out of a sense of duty or obligation but because you want to be a part of it and wouldn’t miss it for the world.

But, the very most important main reason you should be in church Sunday is what your presence does for the others present.

When you are not there, everyone in the room knows it. 
Since negativity breeds negativity, the thinking goes,
“if church us not that important to them, maybe I can get along without it too.”

When you are in church, others get a sense of how important it is to you,
and they begin to feel it, too. 

A visitor takes a look around the room and sees you. 
Your presence is a witness to them.   
(It matters not how you are dressed. 
It matters not how prepared you are.
It matters not what you may have done the night before. 
It matters that you are here!)

Simply put, your presence in Church gives a message others need to see and hear.
 
Your presence in church actually provides inspiration to others.
  
So, do something important this Sunday, come to church.