Summer is a busy time for families.  The calendar is full of camp, family vacations, VBS, picnics, day trips…you get the idea.  As a result, most churches pause some of their regular programming like small group meetings, adult Bible studies, Awana, Sunday evening services, etc.  So, how do you stay connected as a ministry team and church body during the summer season when everyone is pulled in different directions? Here are some ideas that you might consider:

1. Offer a meal right before or after church.  This is a convenient time because regular attendees will already be at church, and it won’t take much time from their schedule to come an hour earlier or stay an hour later.  If you have a church fellowship hall, this could be an indoor meal, or you could move the party outside and plan a picnic.

2. Keep your congregation up-to-date on the latest church news with a weekly newsletter.  Include information about any upcoming events and any needs that members of your congregation might have.  
3. Plan a fun meet-up at a local spot.  Consider places that can handle a crowd like a nature center/zoo, water park, playground, or science museum.  Events like this are low effort and can be great even if just a few people attend.  If you have a large enough group, be sure to call and ask about a group rate at the venue that you choose.
4. Encourage your members to volunteer at VBS. While most programming pauses during the summer, VBS is the highlight of the summer church calendar, and it takes a lot of hands to pull it off.  There is also a need for volunteers who prefer to help in a more administrative or behind-the-scenes capacity. Decorating and preparing for VBS requires all hands on deck! 
5. Send a handwritten note. This is especially helpful for staying in touch with your ministry team but can also be a good way to stay connected with regular church attendees.  You could even send a text to check in, not a mass text that goes out to everyone, but a personal note to let someone know you’re thinking about them.

As you look around church this summer and see some regular faces missing, consider how to foster connection even during the busiest season of the year.  We all appreciate being missed, and it’s always nice to be reminded that we matter to someone.  Be intentional and reach out to at least one person to let them know that you care!