The Sundays after Pentecost are traditionally considered to be the season of the church. Last year at this time I wrote about how we grow the church by being the church, by being the people of God to whom God entrusted the church in these latter days. This year is no different (although this column is!).

We grow the church by lifting up leaders of the church. By this time, you know that Pastor Wendy has accepted a call to Grace Lutheran Church in Bowie, not far from us here in Calvert County. We will miss Pastor Wendy (and John and Ben) and we are grateful for all the good works God has done through them here, but we know that it is the business of great congregations to raise up future leaders of the church and we are glad to be part of this tradition.

We grow the church by doing good works. I’m very grateful to Kathy Dangin and Sandy Griese (and their wonderful families) and all the people who led our participation at Relay for Life. I promise here and now that I will not miss this event next year because I know how wonderful it is. Others of us are getting ready for Vacation Bible School. I’m so grateful to Donna Calautti and Tierney Guido and the other leaders of VBS activities for what is always the best week of the year outside of Holy Week. I’m also grateful to the parents who are getting us ready to go to the youth gathering in New Orleans. I’m going this year and ask for your prayers – much has changed in parenting since the Stone Age when we whelped our pups.

We grow the church by inviting people to church and welcoming visitors. Remember that churches get many of their visitors during the summer, because people move in summer and one of the first things many people do after moving is try to find a new church home. Many of the new families who have become so much a part of the Saint Nicholas family came as recently as last summer. Who knows what God has in store this summer? Kim Berche is our new coordinator for new members. Make her job easy by inviting friends and neighbors to become part of our fellowship here.

Summer can also be a time to grow the church through new spiritual learnings and practices. We’ve talked about Triad discipleship groups and I’m pleased to announce that Debbie Bang has agreed to be a coordinator/advocate for these groups. If you’re interested in joining one of these groups, talk with me or with Debbie and let’s get a group together.

If you are traveling this summer, please be patient and safe. It is easy to drive too far or too fast so take your time and enjoy where you are so you can enjoy where you are going (is that too Zen?).

Finally, remember that the work and worship life of the church continue through the summer. Come to worship our God simply because God is worthy of worship all year long.

Pastor Greg