Dear West Lawn Church Family,

Summer is nearly upon us—a season that naturally invites us to slow down, soak up some sun, and step away from our usual routines. For many of us, it’s a time for vacation, rest, and reconnection. And let me say this clearly and confidently: rest is holy.

From the very beginning, God wove rest into the rhythm of creation. On the seventh day, He stopped and called it good. Jesus - fully devine, yet fully human - took time to withdraw, to pray, and to rest in the presence of the Father. Rest is not a reward for working hard; it's a spiritual necessity. It reminds us that we are not machines. We are not defined by productivity. We are beloved children of God who need time to pause, breathe, and be renewed.

So please - rest. Take the trip. Sleep in a little. Sit on the porch and watch the fireflies. Let your soul breathe again.

But - and this is just as important - don't confuse rest with retirement from your calling.

It's easy to let our spiritual rhythms slip in the summer. A few missed Sundays turn into a few months. Giving declines. We take a break from serving. We tell ourselves we'll get back into it "when school starts" or "after Labor Day." But the mission of Jesus doesn't take a vacation. The world dosen't stop needing grace, healing, or hope just because it's beach season. The Church doesn't get the summer off.

We're called to rest in Christ - not from Him.

And here's something else to consider: just like vacations give us the chance to experience something new - new food, new places, new activities - what if this summer you tried something new in your faith?

What if this slower season gave you the margin to step into a new opportunity to serve? Maybe it's helping with the youth or a mission project. Maybe it's visiting someone who can't leave their home, joining a new group, or exploring a book of the Bible you've never studied before. Maybe it's simply asking God, "Is there something more You're calling me to?"

Summer doesn't have to be a spiritual lull - it can be a launching pad.

Rest well. Play hard. Laugh loudly. Recharge deeply. But don't lose the mission. There's still Kingdom work to be done. There are still prayers to pray, people to love, and lives to impact in the name of Jesus.

Let's make this a summer of both renewal and readiness.


Grace and Peace,

Pastor Chris