July 2025

“Summer as A Season of Invitation” “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:13-15)

Summer is in full bloom—sunny days, blooming gardens, and the sound of children playing outdoors fill our hearts with gratitude. And yes, summer also brings hot weather! Though I assumed Wisconsinites rarely worry about the heat, I was recently reminded otherwise.

During the sharing of joys and concerns at last Sunday’s worship, one person asked us to pray for those who don’t have air conditioning. She shared how hers had broken down, and the discomfort led her to think about others in similar situations. I was moved—not only by her concern for others but also by the fact that my own parsonage A/C was broken at the time! While I hadn’t been overly bothered by the heat myself, I did feel a little awkward about welcoming guests. It was a gentle moment where I felt the Holy Spirit reminding me: we are always connected, always caring for each other in quiet ways.

Then, later on, during another stretch of hot weather, a member of one of our committees texted me, asking if I was okay and inviting me to their cool, air-conditioned home. What a thoughtful and generous offer. It reminded me that summer truly can be a season of invitation.

Yes, summer is a time to reach out, to gather, and to plant seeds of faith.

You may remember your own younger years—how busy summer was with church activities like youth retreats, family nights, Vacation Bible School, and summer camp. Those days formed lasting memories and faith foundations. And church is still alive in that same spirit. Children and youth continue to bring life to the church in summer, and through them, we find hope and renewal.

Our Wisconsin Annual Conference is launching a new “Next Generation” ministry in 2025, because we all recognize how vital children and youth ministries are. Thankfully, our Upper St. Croix Parish already embraced this vision back in 2019. Since then, we’ve expanded our youth and children’s ministry across the parish, offering youth retreats, VBS, and Wednesday and Thursday gatherings for kids and youth, and Friday Family Game Night.
One of the most joyful and important ministries we offer each summer is Vacation Bible School, which we revived in 2023. This year’s VBS will take place July 28–31, with the theme “True North.” Our church will be filled with laughter, songs, crafts, games, snacks, and most importantly, the Word of God—shared in ways that speak directly to the hearts of children. It’s an exciting, Spirit-filled time when we see faith come alive in young hearts.

But this is more than just a children’s program—it’s a churchwide mission, and I want to invite each of you to be part of it:

• Invite the children in your life—your own children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple invitation to a child and their family.
• Volunteer your time, talents, and energy. Whether you can help with decorating, music, snacks, teaching, or simply being a warm, welcoming presence—there is a place for you.
• Pray for this ministry. Pray for the children who will come, for their families, for our volunteers, and for the Holy Spirit to move in every lesson, every story, and every interaction.

As Paul reminds us in Romans 10, the Gospel doesn’t spread on its own. People must hear the Good News in order to believe—and they can’t hear it unless someone shares it. That someone is us. Each of us has a role to play in helping the next generation hear and experience the love of Jesus.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me… for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). Let’s honor His call by showing up, working together, and creating a place where every child knows they are welcomed and loved by God.

This summer, let us be a church that invites—into joy, into community, and into God’s great story of salvation.

With hope and gratitude,
Pastor Jenny