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Grace Church
257 Kendall Street
Burlington, WI 53105
(262) 763-3021
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Pastor Scott Carson
Grace Church of Burlington
May 25, 2003
"This summer one third of the nation will be ill-housed, ill-nourished, and ill-clad...only they call it a vacation." Joseph Salak
If you could plan the perfect vacation, what would you choose? In a hotly contested Zogby America survey, sun, sand and the beach was the most popular choice. The survey of 1,188 adults nationwide showed that 34.3% chose sun, sand and the beach as the perfect vacation. Next most popular choice was an adventure, nature and wildlife vacation, followed by a cultural/historical vacation. In last place with only 8.5% was a metropolitan sight-seeing and shopping vacation.
This weekend is the "official" beginning of the vacation season. All of us need breaks from work and the routine. I truly hope that you are planning to take some vacation time this summer. Scripture encourages us to take times of rest, respite and reflection. There is nothing spiritual about being overly busy or a burn-out.
After two years of long road trips, our family is already looking forward to a quiet, relaxing (tons of reading time) vacation. It was great to go out West and then to see our nation’s capital but this year we just want to read, fish, sleep and just veg.
Prior to going on vacation, though, we will busily prepare, having the mail stopped, making sure the pets are taken care of (even the cat), and asking a neighbor to mow our lawn. Jane and I will also spend several hours making sure that our responsibilities at church are prepared for and taken care of.
While vacation is important, usually needed and Biblical, some Christians go too far. Some believers seem to literally attempt to take a vacation from God. Basically, they skip church from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That’s wrong! God commands us to worship Him in His community, the local church (sorry, worshiping Him on the golf course or out on the boat doesn’t cut it). And even when we are vacationing we need to take time to worship with other believers. This is a great opportunity to connect with the church that spans the globe. You’ll find brothers and sisters wherever you go. It will expose you to a broader approach to ministry. It might even be a good reminder of what it feels like to be a first time visitor. Please don’t skip worship just because you’re not here at Grace. Over the years many folk have brought back bulletins and given them to me from the various churches that they have visited when they are on vacation. It’s fulfilling for me as their pastor to see that worship is important to them. It’s also interesting to see what other churches are doing as they seek to reach their communities for the cause of Christ.
Sadly, during the summer our giving often takes a serious hit. Some folk treat giving as a compensation for a service much as they do at a restaurant or a theater. In their minds if you don’t attend, you don’t "owe." Giving is an act of worship. It is our way of honoring and saying "Thank you" to our Heavenly Father Who gave His Son for us. When we only give when we are present, our view of God and worship is warped. We see giving as an obligation, not as an opportunity to worship.
Also, part of a church family and community is pitching in and helping out. During the school year our Sunday School teachers and Children’s Church workers faithfully take care of our children week after week. In the summer we like to give them a needed break. We still are in need for some teachers and helpers for this summer. It’s a short term commitment and might give you an opportunity to see if working with a certain age group is a good fit for you. If you are willing to serve in this capacity, please see Jerry Kennedy.
Please do take a vacation this summer. Get some needed rest. But don’t take a vacation from God and worship. And please don’t neglect your brothers and sisters in Christ. At Grace we’re a family with a wonderful Heavenly Father. Let’s make sure that we honor Him even in our times of relaxation and rest!