“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest… For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Matthew 11:28–30:
 
Dear Friends,
 
As we turn the calendar to August, I find myself reflecting on the gift of rest. Summer seems to slow the pace of life, even if just a little. Vacations, time with family, and quieter evenings remind us that rest is not only a human need—it is a sacred rhythm, built into the very fabric of creation.
 
From the beginning, God wove rest into our story. After six days of creation, God paused—not out of exhaustion, but to enjoy, reflect, and be present. Jesus Himself often stepped away from the crowds to pray, to sit beside still waters, and to renew His spirit. If the Son of God needed space for renewal, surely we do too.
 
This season invites us to breathe a little deeper, to spend time outdoors, to be still before the Lord, and to allow our minds and hearts to be refreshed. I encourage you to take this time seriously—not just as a break from work or routine—but as an intentional time to reconnect with God, with one another, and even with your own soul.
 
What renews your spirit? For some, it may be a walk in God’s creation. For others, a favorite chair and an open Bible. Maybe it’s laughter with friends or moments of quiet prayer. However God meets you in rest, receive that gift with open hands. Don’t rush through it. Don’t feel guilty for it. As Christians, rest is not a luxury—it’s an act of trust. When we rest, we declare that the world is in God’s hands, not ours.
 
May this final stretch of summer offer you what your spirit needs. And may we all return to the work of West Lawn UMC renewed, refreshed, and ready to serve with joy.
 
Blessings,

Pastor Tom