For the past three years, I have served as the director for our synod’s Growing in Faith program. For those who become synodical deacons, this is the learning program they go through, though anyone is able to take these courses. I’m sharing this with you because of my recent resignation as the program’s director.

While I love this program and believe it is one of the most important ministries of our synod—ask me why sometime!—I wanted to take a moment to reflect on change.

Resignation as director of this program is something I did because of change: When I became director, I was not yet a parent; I hadn’t yet become the chairperson of our bishop’s worship committee; and I was not serving as chaplain for the Hauppauge Fire Department. All that change led to my decision which brought about more change, for me and for Growing in Faith.

As we enter more fully into summer, many of us experience a change in routine. Maybe school has ended, so teachers and students enter into an extended break. Maybe for you, summer means more leisure and travel, and routines aren’t as easily kept. Maybe the high temperatures are something that affect your day-to-day, and so you adjust accordingly.

My question for us in the midst of change: What place does church hold in our routine? Is worshiping in community something that you do regularly, which holds you and centers you on a week-to-week basis? Or is tending to your spiritual life something you do on an as-needed basis?

I invite us to consider the ways church might be an anchor for us in the midst of change, particularly the changes that summer brings. Whether that means showing up more frequently to be fed at the Lord’s table, or being more aware of that routine which already holds you, we heed the words of Jesus that guide our worship this summer: “Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Summer blessings!

Pastor Zach ☩