Pastoral Letter: Walking with Jesus This Summer
Dear SUM Family,
School is out, and our children have stepped into a different rhythm for the summer. To all parents and caregivers, including myself, I send a word of encouragement. I also give thanks for our teachers and school staff, who have worked so faithfully throughout the year. I pray that this summer will give you room to breathe, rest, and be renewed.
The change of season has certainly been noticeable in our home. Our boys are thrilled that they can stay up a little later and sleep in a little longer. Jiseon and I are also enjoying a different rhythm, free for a time from the usual rush of early mornings and school lunches.
That slower pace, however, had to wait for one more week because SUM was filled with the energy and joy of Vacation Bible School.
Many of you saw the incredible transformation of our church building last Sunday. Our VBS team spent countless hours preparing and decorating the space, and throughout the week it was filled with laughter, music, learning, and joy.
Each morning I had the privilege of welcoming our children as they arrived. There were high-fives, hugs, smiles, and even a few photos along the way. Watching them sing, dance, pray, learn, and enjoy time with friends reminded me of something important: this is what a living church looks like.
VBS is much more than a summer program. It is one of the ways children learn, with their whole selves, that they are loved by God and that they belong in the family of faith.
None of this happens by accident. Behind every activity, every lesson, every snack, and every song stood the prayers, generosity, and faithful service of many people. I am deeply grateful to our teachers, youth volunteers, parents, staff, and all who worked behind the scenes to make this week possible.
Most of all, we give thanks to God. We trust that Christ was present with our children throughout the week and that the Holy Spirit was teaching, guiding, and planting seeds of faith in their hearts. My prayer is that our children will continue to grow in God's love and follow Jesus Christ throughout their lives. I also pray that our Sunday School ministry at SUM will continue to be a place where that journey of faith is nurtured and strengthened.
The work of growing in faith does not end when VBS concludes. Throughout the summer, we will continue to walk together through worship, prayer, Scripture, and Christian fellowship.
As many of you know, our summer worship schedule is now underway. During the summer months, we will gather for worship at 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM. Both services will be held in the Sanctuary, and the service will also be livestreamed to the Fellowship Room for those who prefer to worship there.
Thank you to the many leaders and volunteers who prayerfully listened to the congregation and helped guide these decisions. Your willingness to serve and care for our church community is deeply appreciated.
Holy Communion will be celebrated on July 5 and August 2. During some of the Sundays while I am away in Korea from July 6 through August 7, the 8:00 AM service will continue as a service of Word, prayer, and fellowship, though without Holy Communion. I encourage you to continue gathering as we worship God, hear the Word, and pray for one another.
If you have any questions about our summer schedule, please do not hesitate to contact the church office.
As we enjoy the gift of summer, I pray that you will walk closely with Christ wherever you go. Through our Flat Jesus Project and through the ordinary moments of daily life, may we remember that we never travel alone.
Wherever we go this summer, Christ is already there, meeting us with grace and holding us in his care.
Grace and peace,
Pastor DH Choi
Simsbury United Methodist Church
sumct.org
pastordh@sumct.org