July 30, 2026

All summer long, we’ve lingered on our church lawn for various activities we’ve planned to take joy in God’s creation and in fellowship with one another. It’s been a wonderful intergenerational time. This week, one of our members was discussing their afternoon plans with another adult. Their child, who has been enjoying these times following worship interjected, “What about the church party!” What has been an activity or event for us adults has been no less than a party for our children. And why not? There have been treats and drinks, games and goodies… church at its best.

Scripture records many parties and gatherings. Jesus’ first miracle is providing more libations at a wedding party. He tells parables about feasts and is accused often of eating and drinking with sinners. His most famous crowd miracle in all four Gospels is a giant picnic. We can easily imagine two parents in the crowd of 5,000 looking at the setting sun and making plans to go home and prepare food for their little ones when one of them hears them talking and says, “but what about the party?” God’s people gathered, all ages and stages, learning, laughing… breaking bread… lingering, it should always be a bit of a party.

As summer draws to a close, think of our summer of joy, your travels, vacations, and staycations. Reflect on when you’ve lingered, laughed, and broken bread. How can that go on as you enter a busier season? How can we retain that fellowship at work and home? How can we capture that joy at church? Maybe it’s about paying a little more attention to tending our souls, indulging in creativity, whimsy, and whatever it is that children know is secretly a festive occasion. When we make plans for Sunday, let’s make sure the little ones among us don’t want to skip our church party.