In North America it is summer. Schools have finished for the year. Many people are on vacation. In the church, summer usually means fewer meetings, slightly less formal worship, and smaller attendances. During the summer as a minister, I would take some time to recharge, prepare for the fall, and get out into the community as there are so many community festivals on. That's what summer is all about for me.
This summer is different. We have already come through a time of fewer meetings or at least meetings that are held on line rather than face to face. School was very different this year already. For months, children didn't see the other children in their class. Lessons were done at home. Although there are no classes going on right now, normal summer activities are curtailed as we social distance. We might have vacation time, but long trips are not possible and short trips have to be planned because many attractions are closed. In church we have not been together now for almost 4 months. We have had to worship and work in different ways and we are not sure when we will be able to come together and do those things we enjoy doing: hugging, singing, worshipping, and eating together.
This summer will be very different. Things were not normal before the end of June and they won't be back to normal come September. However may it still be a time to re-charge. May we have time to play, and to relax. May it be a time when we make plans for an uncertain future. And when we do get through these worrying times, may we never take summer for granted again. Blessings
