Summer

It’s summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime, Summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime, Summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime, Summertime, summertime, sum-sum summertime, Summertime…. It’s summertime! Usually, these reflections start with a quote from scripture, a hymn, the Book of Common Prayer, or a famous religious figure. But it just seemed appropriate to use the chorus of the 1958 hit by The Jamies. Yes, just a few more weeks and summer is officially here. Most of us, though, kick into the summer mode unofficially Memorial Day weekend. Regardless, we are into that time of longer days and increased recreation that also usually brings a decrease in church activity. What a great time to take on a new ministry!!!!

No, the heat hasn’t gotten to me. Often, we tend to be more creative as well as casual in the warmer weather. Creative and casual. That is a good formula for exploring some new ministries that might not be considered when we are not into a summer mode. One of the things that inject vitality into a well-established congregation is small, loosely-organized, casual ministries. Those kinds of ministries often reach members of the parish or people who are not members of Christ Church or even any church, in a way that more formal ministries wouldn’t.

Think creative and casual and we get beyond the building and the calendar and share Christ wherever we may be and at any time of day. Think about all we read of Jesus in the Bible and it is clear that he did not work on much of a schedule, nor did he have a building and an established congregation. He went around meeting people where they were and touching their lives whenever he could; essentially every waking moment. When we are asked within The Baptismal Covenant “Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?” there also are no limits of time and place stated.

The Catechism (Book of Common Prayer page 855) gives some further idea as to ministry:

What is the ministry of the laity?

The ministry of laypersons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be: and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the church.

What is the duty of all Christians?

The duty of all Christians is to follow Christ; to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God.  That is some pretty broad guidance for ministry; “to represent Christ and his Church” and  “to bear witness to him wherever they may be.” So that means chatting about Christ working in your life with a neighbor over iced tea on the patio would be a ministry. Perhaps gathering with a few friends in the evening to share what is happening in your lives, read some scripture, and sing some spiritual songs would be a good summer ministry for you. While fishing, speaking of God’s provision and our responsibility to steward that abundance would be a nice summer witness.

Rather than just having the usual group of friends over for a barbecue, consider inviting at least one person, or one couple, who are new to or not very involved in the parish too. When you get together, offer a heartfelt grace over the meal. Consider inviting your friends to join you for Compline or less structured evening prayers. How about taking a picnic lunch to a small group at one of the locally managed care facilities or to a member of Christ Church who is homebound. Pray with them. Sing some songs with them. Volunteer with Vacation Bible School.

See. It is that easy. Whatever feels right and spiritually uplifting for you, is probably what you are intended to be doing. Let us know how it goes.