This summer, we are leaning into a new practice of embodying a season of sabbath rest for our whole community. For the month of July, we will be simplifying things on Sunday mornings so that almost no volunteers are needed. We are calling it Fallow July.

Here are a few things that will look different:

• Kids age 3 and older will stay in the sanctuary for the whole worship service with their families

  • We know this means more noises and wiggles, and we'll adapt our services to include songs which are easy for kids to sing, help them follow along in the sermon, and encourage doodling and quiet handheld items that can help keep bodies active while engaged in listening.

• Our hospitality team will be taking a break

  • If hot coffee and snacks are important to your Sunday morning experience, you'll probably want to bring something from home. We'll have cold-brew on hand, but no extra snacks.

• Tithes & Offerings

  • If you're excited to give a tithe or offering, you can do that in the basket at the back of the sanctuary where it will be sitting on the table instead of it being passed through the rows during worship.

• TV Screens & Live-stream

  • We'll be using our TV screens minimally. All of our normal liturgy and songs will be in a printed worship guide.

  • If you're traveling and want to participate in our live-stream at some point in July. you'll notice that the camera will also be resting from its normal movements, but you'll still be able to see and hear worship.

To lie fallow may look like nothing is happening. But beneath the surface, a fallow field is doing holy work: restoring nutrients, rebuilding soil, preparing for the next harvest. We trust the Lord to fill our congregation with excitement and capacity for further ministry after this short season of rest.