“Summer Bummer?”

When summer rolls around each year, many people prepare for vacations, time with family, beach days, and other fun summer events. For those who attend school, the summer signals a time of rest, where assignments are no longer due and relaxation seems the only order of each day. Sadly, however, we sometimes lose focus on our lives of faith during this time, almost acting as if we take a “vacation” from our life in church. Of course, this is detrimental to our lives, but we often do not realize the detriment that it is for the life of the church as well. For the gathering of God’s people is a gift from God to us, a chance to be with one another, sharing in our joys and carrying one another’s burdens. Together, we make our confession, we receive forgiveness from God, and, weekly, we are strengthened and enabled to share His Good News with so many who need the saving grace of our Lord. Therefore, no matter the season, we cling to the Word of our ever-faithful God, especially as we are reminded in the letter to the Hebrews, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Sisters and brothers, be encouraged by His Word and let us continue to gather faithfully, that we may encourage one another – for the Lord loves when we gather as His people and YOU are part of His gathered gift.

Peace & love in Jesus,
Pastor González