Summer Church

I love the Lord’s Day (Sunday). In the midst of the busyness of life, it is an anchor in the storm, a gift from the Lord to pause for worship, rest and family. As a Christian it is at the centre of my week and schedule; that which everything else revolves around. On it we declare Christ in a unique way and benefit from all its blessings.

Summertime, vacations, etc, even business travel, can throw our weekly rythme off, but I’d encourage you to build the Lord’s Day into all of your travels, whether they be for pleasure or business. This is what I do. I hope in sharing these that they may help you spend a profitable Lord’s Day this summer, or any time.

1. Travel (work, pleasure, education)
   1. I research and structure into my time away a visit to a likeminded local church of in the morning, and if I can find one, in the evening too (I’ve likewise profited from meeting Christians at mid-week meetings too when time allows). The whole day takes on a tenor of rest. It is an amazing gift to meet with Christians outside of your home church, which reminds us that our church is not an island. Such visits can inspire us with ideas of what might be possible at our church from the good ideas we see at others.. In ideal situations, as nice as it is to visit, it also causes us to appreciate our home church.
2. Camping or Canoeing
   1. I still try to find a local church if the campsite is not too remote
   2. Sometimes campgrounds will hold, or Christians will organize, a worship service
   3. If these options are not possible (like when canoeing remotely) I always hold personal or family worship, including songs, Scripture, Bible study, listening to a recorded sermon, reading a sermon or devotional, etc.

*If travelling with non-Christians I always let them know my values about worship and rest ahead of time so this accommodation can be built in and avoid any unnecessary awkwardness. It can be a great Gospel opportunity, that Jesus’ Resurrection and His word are so important that they are worth pausing to honour.
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If one has the inclination, the Lord’s Day will always be profitable, even when you’re away. So have a safe and happy summer, and don’t forget to pack Jesus when you go.