Summertime is in full swing, and with it the tendency for families to drift from closeness within the church because of family travel and activities. Here are a few suggestions to help maintain that connection. I will use the term “home church” for convenience and lack of a better one.
Resolve that you will be present at assemblies when you are out of town. It is so easy to “take a vacation from the Lord.” The easiest thing to do is to do nothing.
Tell someone your plans—preferably one of the preachers or elders. It will not be announced. This will help the elders in the shepherding of the flock. It could also help you by having someone check on your house, etc. if needed.
Make sure you read the bulletin for the week you will be gone. You will want to know about events and illnesses. You might want to take it with you so you can pray about matters while you are gone.
Plan to attend worship at or near the place(s) you are going to be. This has been made so much easier with the advent of the internet. You can set things up before you go or you can line it up by smartphone, laptop or tablet as you are traveling.
Pick up a bulletin from the church you visit. This will help you have a connection as a brother or sister in Christ from a distance. You can also bring to a preacher or elder at your home church. It can serve as a humorous “get back in the door ticket,” or as a source of ideas for future programs or other biblically approved ways of doing things as a congregation.
Think about your contribution. I generally recommend that Christians leave their contribution with their home congregation. After all, bills and other obligations continue even though you may be gone for a week or two. lf you are attending a smaller, struggling church, you might consider giving all or part of your weekly contribution there.
Pray for your brothers and sisters back home.
When you return, join in the worship and work with renewed vigor and enthusiasm!
Lance Cordle
Calvert City church of Christ
Calvert City, KY