Taking a Summer Sabbath

A few years ago, our church decided to move into summer with a theme. We hadn’t really done anything like this before, but we recognized that summer can be scattered. People are often traveling and attending church less. They might not be paying as much attention to what we are doing at church, so we wanted a way to reel everyone in and encourage people to look at summer a little differently than they have in the past. In those months, we are all simultaneously busier with trips and events, and we tend to have a little more downtime because regular schedules are a little less packed than they are during the school year. So, what do we do with that? How can we take advantage of a different schedule, a different pace, and a different mindset? We decided to all corporately take a “Summer Sabbath.”

The Christian understanding of sabbath is a God-given rhythm of rest and worship, rooted in the biblical creation account where God rested on the seventh day. It is a regular opportunity and reminder to pause from work, remember God's provision, and realign our hearts with His presence and purpose. More than just physical rest, sabbath is a spiritual practice of trusting God, delighting in Him, and receiving His gift of renewal for our souls.

In our culture, we’ve made sabbath into a day of the week or maybe even just a few hours we spend at church. But what if we could broaden the concept of sabbath and maybe take this summer to engage with God and our faith in a different way? I’m not suggesting that we can (or should) just take the summer off from work, but we can maybe reframe the time we have and position ourselves to truly live the life God has for us. As you think about your summer, maybe consider setting aside a block of time regularly (aside from church services and maybe weekly) and implementing some of the concepts and ideas below to help you rest, reset, and refuel during your sabbath.

May this ancient rhythm bring new life and a deeper connection to God.

SABBATH SUGGESTIONS (written by Tony Ripa)

Prepare

In ancient Jewish culture, the day preceding the Sabbath was "Preparation Day." Sabbath takes preparation to be enjoyed thoroughly, so before you get to sabbath, take some time to prepare. Do the necessary prep work before so that you can be fully engaged during the day: go grocery shopping and stock your kitchen with good food, clean or pick up your house or apartment, and answer important emails or messages.

Pause

Sabbath is an opportunity to stop working, stop wanting, stop worrying, and rest in God's presence. We encourage you to consider turning off or limiting your time on your phone and computer so you can be free from distractions and actively participate in experiences that are life-giving to your soul. Plan to set up your sabbath for success, pre-decide how much time you can set apart, and plan out a loose schedule for the day. You can practice sabbath from sundown one day through sundown the next, all day on a day of your choice, or by setting aside several hours at one time. Consider what can set this time apart from your typical routine. Also, decide how you can intentionally begin and end your sabbath. For example, you could light a candle or begin and end the time with a simple prayer. As you contemplate the shape of your sabbath, use these three focal points to help guide your day:

God - How can you carve out intentional quiet time to connect with God through prayer, Scripture reading, worship music, or journaling? Explore the various ways that help you feel closer to God.

Self - How will you allow yourself time to rest and engage in activities that bring you joy and rejuvenation? Whether it's taking a nap, going for a walk, or pursuing a hobby, prioritize what uplifts your soul and replenishes your energy.

Others - How can you set aside moments to cultivate intentional community and enjoy life with others? This could involve sharing a meal, playing a game, or simply cherishing each other's company. Consider how you can extend an invitation to others to join you in your sabbath experience.

Presence

At its foundation, sabbath is a day of presence - a time to be fully present with God, others, and ourselves. Sabbath invites us to wholeness by encouraging us to be present in one place at a time. When we disconnect from worldly obligations and distractions, we create space to focus on spiritual revitalization, togetherness, and personal reflection.

Permission

Embrace the awkwardness of keeping the sabbath. In a world that glorifies constant busyness, slowing down and observing a day of rest can feel uncomfortable. However, navigating unfamiliar territory, setting boundaries, and saying no to conflicting demands creates space for more profound spiritual growth and connection. It's natural for these initial moments to feel strange and unfamiliar, so give yourself grace and space to experiment- you're practicing the sabbath, not perfecting it.

Process

We encourage you to reflect on your sabbath experience. Processing what you learned and encountered during the sabbath is valuable as you continue practicing it in the future. Reflect on the insights, lessons, and moments of spiritual growth. Journaling can be a helpful tool to record your thoughts, emotions, and any new perspectives gained. Engage in conversations with loved ones, sharing your experiences and listening to theirs. Allow yourself space for introspection, gratitude, and integrating the sabbath's teachings into your daily life, carrying its wisdom forward.