July, 2008                                             

Dear Christian Friends,

“And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching”.  Hebrews 11

I have not been in school for quite a few years; however, I still get a little excited when summer comes. The summer marks the end of the school year and the beginning of vacation. I don't get the summers off anymore but it still gives me a sense of freedom. I venture to say I am not alone. The summer marks the end of many of our commitments like school and other activities.

But we live in a very busy world. There are many things to occupy our time.  When I was a teen I did not have the distraction of computers, the internet and a cell phone.  Because of all this modern day technology there are many more opportunities for us to stay “busy” than there were in the past.

In fact, I have recently heard a number of folks say that they are taking a “working vacation.”  Is that an oxymoron?  Can a person truly relax beside the pool while finalizing a business deal on his laptop? Do we ever really leave everything behind when we vacation?

Yes, we are busier now then ever before.  We have many more commitments than there were in the past. This coupled with our increasing mobility have dramatically affected our community of faith, the church.  People are busy during the week as well as on weekends. Many don’t go to worship in the summer because they are either out of town or they are just too tired from their other commitments or perhaps they are still working.