It Feels Like Summer

Greetings, Beloveds!
June is here, and summer and all her humidity has arrived in full force (Spring? What Spring!)! In Portsmouth, that means longer sunny days, trips to the beach or lake, backyard gatherings, vacations, and that wonderful, relaxed feeling that only summer can bring. I pray that you’re already enjoying the warmth and beauty of this season, rain and all.
But I also want to speak a gentle word of encouragement. While summer is full of joy and refreshing moments, it can also become a time when we unintentionally drift from one another. Between travel, busy family schedules, and the pull of warm evenings, our regular rhythms of connection can quietly fade. The truth is, we need each other now just as much as we do in the busier seasons of the year.
From the very beginning, God designed us for relationship. In the creation story we hear these powerful words: “It is not good for the human to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). We were created for connection with God and with one another. That need doesn’t take a vacation just because school is out and the days are longer.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us of this important truth: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another — and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
This summer, I’m inviting all of us to be intentional about staying connected. Connection doesn’t happen by accident… it happens through deliberate choices and healthy habits. When we make the effort to stay in community, we strengthen one another in our faith, share joys and burdens, and reflect the love of Christ more brightly.
Here’s our “Heartwork” for June:

• Show up when you can whether it’s for Sunday worship, a small group gathering like A Grazing Grace or our There Might Be Wine Book Club or create your own event (game night, anyone?!). Your presence is a gift and an encouragement to others.
• Reach out! Send a quick text, make a phone call, or invite someone for coffee or a walk. Use your church directory to contact your Pew Partners.
• Use our church Facebook page. This is a wonderful tool for staying connected! Share pictures of your summer adventures…whether it’s a family trip to the beach, a backyard cookout, a beautiful sunset you enjoyed, or a quiet moment of rest. When we post and comment on each other’s photos, we celebrate life together and remind one another that we’re still part of this family, even when we’re apart.
• Stay rooted in Christ, remember to whom you belong.  Keep your personal connection with the Lord strong through prayer and Scripture so you have fresh grace and encouragement to share with others.

Summer doesn’t have to mean spiritual or relational disconnection. It can actually become a beautiful season of refreshed faith and deeper friendships if we choose to be purposeful. Whether you’re having a staycation or traveling far, let’s commit to holding onto each other in Christ.
I’m praying this becomes one of our best summers yet, y’all… filled with joy, rest, laughter, and meaningful connection. You are deeply loved, wonderfully valued, and an important part of this church family. Let’s do summer together… on purpose.
God loves all y’all…and so do I.
Pr. Suzanne
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