I tried on the summer sun,
—Shel Silverstein, Tryin’ on clothes
Felt good.
Nice and warm—knew it would.
Tried the grass beneath bare feet,
Felt neat.
Finally, finally felt well dressed,
Nature’s clothes fit me best.
Dear friends,
When I was growing up, my family spent each summer in a house by a lake. The moment we arrived, my siblings and I took off our shoes and didn’t put them back on until it was time to go back to school in the fall. In a few days, after walking up and down the dirt road that led to our summer house, we had put on our “summer feet.” Our feet were toughened (and never completely clean) for the rest of our vacation. Into the woods or the water, we ran free and unfettered by foot attire…it was heaven!
This summer, after a long and hard year, I’m feeling that same sense of freedom. Thanks to the miracle of vaccinations, we no longer have to wear a mask absolutely everywhere we go (although I often still do). The weather makes gathering outside so pleasant, warmed by the sunshine or in the shade of gorgeous green trees.
That’s certainly true up at Edwards Church. This summer’s worship schedule has us outdoors every other week on the lawn under the tree house at the Rousseau-Tanner’s. Christian Explorers can run free and participate actively in these services. We’ve brought back the big penny jar and created a “pray ground” right up front for kids, a place close to the action where they can sit, be with their friends, do a craft, and share a snack. After worship, we’ll head over to our herb garden to water the plants, read a book, and finish our crafts.
In July and August, our weekly Christian Explorer emails will continue, and we’ll do a mailing once a month so that everyone has a chance to join in our summer projects. Ms. Myrna will lead the Time with Young People during our Zoom services, and there will be no Sunday School in your pajamas in July or August.
In this summer season, may you feel as free as the children when they run across the lawn to catch a bubble! With lots of music and a host of folks making our summer services possible, we hope you’ll join us…in person or on Zoom.
And kick off your shoes to get your “summer feet” on!
Karen Nell