As we move into the months of July and August, we find ourselves in the heart of summer. The days are longer, gardens are in bloom, schools are breaking up for the holidays, and many people are preparing for times of rest, travel, family gatherings, or simply a change of routine. At the same time, we are also experiencing unusually hot weather, with temperatures reaching 31 to 35 degrees in some places. For many, the sunshine is welcome; for others, the heat can be exhausting, uncomfortable, and even worrying.

​

In the midst of all this, summer gives us a fresh opportunity to pause and notice the beauty and wonder of God’s creation. The blue skies, the warmth of the sun, the songs of birds in the early morning, the colours of flowers, the ripening of fruit, and the life all around us remind us that this world is not random or forgotten. It is God’s world — created in love, sustained by grace, and entrusted to our care.

​

The psalmist writes, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Those words remind us that creation belongs to God, and we belong to God too. The same Lord who made the heavens and the earth is the One who watches over us in every season of life — in the joy of summer sunshine, and also in times when life feels dry, tiring, or overwhelming.

​

Summer can be a season of blessing, but it can also reveal how fragile we are. Heatwaves remind us that we are not always in control. They call us to look out for one another, especially the elderly, the vulnerable, those who are unwell, and those who may feel isolated. As Christians, our calling is not only to admire creation but also to care for one another within it. A phone call, a glass of water, a visit, an offer of help, or simply checking that someone is coping in the heat can become a very practical expression of God’s love.

​

The summer holidays also offer us a gentle reminder of the importance of rest. In a world that often feels busy, pressured, and demanding, rest is not laziness; it is a gift from God. Jesus himself invited his disciples to come away and rest for a while. Rest allows us to breathe, to reflect, to recover, and to remember that our worth is not measured by constant activity. Whether your summer includes a holiday, a day trip, time with grandchildren, sitting quietly in the garden, or simply a slower pace for a few days, may you receive it as God’s gift.

​

And yet, we know that not everyone approaches summer with excitement. For some, holidays can highlight loneliness, financial pressure, grief, or family difficulties. For others, the heat can be physically draining and emotionally unsettling. So as a church family, may we be mindful of one another. Let us continue to hold one another in prayer, offer companionship where we can, and make space for kindness, patience, and care.

​

This season also invites us to think about our responsibility for creation. As we witness unusual weather patterns, rising temperatures, and environmental strain, we are reminded that caring for the earth is part of our discipleship. God placed humanity in the garden “to till it and keep it” — not to exploit it, but to steward it wisely. Small choices matter: how we use resources, how we value the natural world, how we teach the next generation to respect creation, and how we pray and act for a more just and sustainable world.

​

Above all, summer reminds us that God is present in every season. The God who formed the earth, calmed the storm, and brought life out of barrenness is with us still. When the days are joyful, God is there. When the heat feels relentless, God is there. When routines change, when churches are a little quieter, when families travel, when we long for rest, or when we simply try to get through another hot day, God remains faithful.

​

So may these summer months be for each of us a time to notice God afresh — in creation, in rest, in worship, in friendship, in simple acts of care, and in the quiet assurance of God’s presence.

​

May the Lord bless you and keep you safe through these summer weeks.
May He refresh you in body, mind, and spirit.
May He help us to treasure His creation, care for one another, and walk gratefully in the light of His love.

​

With every blessing for the summer season.

​

Revd David Jebb