Dear Friends,

          Recently, an inspirational writer wrote a column in the Seattle Times about the importance of taking time to rest.  She focused on Psalm 46:10, where we are told, “Be still and know that I am God.”  Many of us are so caught up in the busy-ness of life that we may have difficulty being still for extended periods of time.  We may even find it wasteful.  Yet even at the practical level, our minds and bodies need time for rest in order to function more efficiently.  And at a deeper level, times of rest can prove to be special opportunities to become aware of the presence and gracious actions of God.  Those times can provide refreshment that enriches and renews the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of our lives.
          A related principle is also important to me, though I’m relatively sure it doesn’t come from the Bible.  It’s the one that says, “A change is as good as a rest.”  Actually, I’d like to find a way to rephrase that, because I do believe that we all need some genuine rest, and that change can’t always take the place of it.  On the other hand, temporary changes in our life patterns—especially intentional ones—can also provide refreshment and enrichment.  They can lift us out of ruts that we may have dug ourselves into and give us new vitality.  Spending time and energy doing things that are different from our “usual” can be productive and enjoyable in itself, and can also re-energize us to get back to our normal routine.
          For many people, the summer season provides opportunities for both rest and change.  Rest may come in the form of vacation or other recreational activities.  Change may come in the form of special projects or volunteer service.  Especially if you are among the many whose lives are usually full and busy with many ongoing responsibilities, I hope that you will find ways this summer to be refreshed through rest and/or change.
          As individuals need periods of rest and change, so I believe do organizations—including the church.  We will have some of both at JBC during the summer months.  Some activities will be suspended during this time, including our Wednesday morning Bible study, choir, and regular Sunday School classes.  On the other hand, summer will be the opportunity for a number of special events that would be difficult to schedule in the busier part of the year.  These include Vacation Bible School, the gym sale, and the church picnic.  Also included are various opportunities for retreats and missions trips—in both cases, our own as well as those of other Christian organizations.  Both the things we suspend temporarily and the special things we do can provide refreshment and revitalization for our church and its members.
          One of the things that will be suspended for the summer is the posting of new messages on this pastor’s page twice each month.  So let me close this column by wishing you all a joyful, refreshing, and truly blessed summer!

Yours Sincerely,

Paul D. Aita