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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

In church life this is a very good time of year.

Let me explain. Although the summer time is a great opportunity for family getaways, outdoor recreation and a little extra adventure, it is a very challenging time for those of us in ministry.

Now please do not misunderstand, for the record, I want the families that I have spiritual oversight of to enjoy all the summer has to offer. I want them to get away, travel, recreate and just enjoy each other.

The challenge is that during the summer I miss a lot of folks. Now I can hear my old pastor echoing through the church house on Sunday morning, “The devil don’t take no vacations, God don’t take no vacations,” and though I would be hesitant to debate his theology, I would be quick to remind him that the devil may not and God maynot but people need to!

The trade off is that during the summer we have to really lay back in summer activities for our folks at church except for camps and youth activities. We are simply busy “breaking” our routine. That’s why it’s called summer break I suppose. That is why I love the Fall!

Everyone is getting back into their routine. The kids are back in school, vacation time has passed, high school football and college football are starting up and hopefully soon, therewill be a cool breeze in the air! Fall is a great time for reestablishing the routine.

I hope you had a great summer and made some wonderful memories. I also hope you are getting back to the routine of strengthening your spiritual life.

Prayer, Bible study, sharing your faith and helping and ministering to others.

If you’re not involved in church, this is a great time of year to start.

Churches are filled with folks just like you who are simply trying to make their way through this often times confusing and confounding world. I know I can speak for not only my church but also the churches in our area in encouraging you to begin a spiritual habit of church attendance and fellowship.

Maybe I will see you this Sunday, actually I will not, I am on vacation as of the publishing of this article - but I sure look forward to getting back into the routine once I return!

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Editor’s note: Jack Maddox is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Garfield.

Follow him on his blog at www.wordpress.jackmaddox.com, or e-mail him at [email protected].

Church, Pages 2 on 09/07/2011