God doesn't take a vacation

Summer plans are taking shape as families everywhere look forward to the season of vacations. Living in or near a tourist spot may bring increased revenue to our business, more job availability, and an overall boost to the local economy.   Churches, however, face declining attendance, falling revenue, and an overall decrease in their members' spiritual activity during the summer months. 

Some of this could be attributed to their lack of depth in spiritual matters. Most simply say, "It's summer and people are busy with other things."  If that is going to be a satisfactory explanation, perhaps we should examine why our devotion  to spiritual growth and church involvement is important to us on the basis of changing seasons. 

Numerous church promotions are tried in an attempt to keep people involved, some with success and some without.  Church leaders will all agree that the growth and development of families is not seasonal and should not be turned on and turned off at will.  Here are some suggestions which will help individuals as well as the family group maintain a journey of spiritual growth through the summer months:

• ·Vacation Bible Schools - Check with churches in your immediate area and enroll your children in their summer program.
• ·Small Group Meetings - Grownups can meet for breakfast for fellowship, study, and encouragement.
• ·Ladies Neighborhood Group - Get to know your neighbors and share your faith with them.
• ·Support your church - Most churches will have special activities planned for the summer, usually something for everyone in the family.

Above all, realize that summer is a fun time with fun things happening. The spiritually enriched family will come to know improvement in the family relationships when spiritual matters are not shelved until next fall.  That point becomes reality to us when we learn God doesn't take a vacation.

<ronbwriting@yahoo.com>