“School’s Out…Or Is It?!”
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” - Psalm 32: 8 (NIV)
By now, schools in the area have closed for summer vacation…and, not a minute too soon for some! I’m sure the teachers and students are ready, but I’m thinking there are probably some parents who wish their kids were in year-round school…and, some might be!
The end of school is always exciting, sometimes traumatic, usually a relief, and often the beginning of a time of rest, as well as new adventures. For many, of course, it is a time of REAL change, as those graduating from high school or college will begin whole new chapters in their lives. They are stepping out into a world of new places, new people, new challenges, and new rewards. Sounds exciting…but, I wouldn’t want to go through it again!
My memories of summer vacation while I was growing up are filled with free time, goofing off, sometimes working, but always celebrating a freedom which comes only in the warm months of June, July, and August. And, don’t get me wrong: I LOVED school! I enjoyed all the activities, being with friends, and learning. The first day of school, for me, was always as exciting as the last…and, sometimes more so. Pretty weird, and maybe surprising, I know.
In today’s society, it is less likely that students on summer break will just hang out or not have any significant involvement in sports or family or travel or…even education! Experts today say that we must become life-long learners. They suggest that the summer months, if left to our own desires, will cause us to lose much of what we learned during the past year, and that meaningful activities during the summer can help us retain that learning and prepare us for the upcoming school year. Makes sense, but I wonder if the same could be said of our Christian education.
We don’t take a summer-long break from church – I hope! – and, thankfully, most churches provide learning opportunities throughout the summer for people of all ages, youth and adults, new and “mature” learners. And, what a blessing those “teaching moments” are! Here are just a few:
Vacation Bible School (VBS): Almost every church worth its salt has a VBS program at some time during the summer. Staffed by volunteers, usually, parents, who give their time and talents to the church and the kids, these are wonderful learning times, and they’re fun! VBS is a chance for children to learn more about their faith and for the church to come together to ensure the future of the church by nurturing future generations of Christians.
Church Camps: Throughout the State of Indiana, there are camps run by the United Methodist Church, and other churches. They are of different lengths, have different focuses, and are for kids of different ages. The main idea is to learn about and share our faith with others and to do it in a healthy, outdoors setting. Sounds like fun to me!
Mission Trips: These can be local or far away. They can be for families or individuals. They can be weeks in length or an afternoon helping out people in need right here at home. Again, the point is that young and old are coming together to live out the Gospel and to do it in ways so that they are learning about others – and themselves! – while doing it.
Summer School: Whether secular or religious, some time in a “classroom” setting is helpful, and many churches and schools run such programs, again of different lengths and times during the summer.
Family Trips: Like a mission trip, just packing the family in the car and going out and exploring God’s Creation can be a learning experience. And, very often, everyone comes back alive!!
In addition to those options mentioned above, we can continue to be in service to and in communion with God and our fellow believers by continuing to regularly attend church and Sunday School, but starting a Bible Study, and by going out into our communities and helping others through work projects, food pantries, or visiting shut-ins.
Yes, summer is a time to “take off,” but it can also be a meaningful time to learn and teach and explore and stay connected with our faith by being connected with our God and with one another. Have a GREAT summer, and make it a time to learn about your place in God’s wonderful creation, and going out and spending time in it. And, know when you do, that you are not alone. God is with you – always!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor John
