The summer of 2017 is in full swing with area schools closed until early August. Many families are going on vacation during the summer months and will spend a good bit of time with the children and youth playing baseball, softball, and other summer activities. Warmer temperatures are likely during June and July, and many young people will enjoy spending time at the local swimming pools or at Green River Lake. Summer is always a special time for the children and youth as well as the entire family.

One constant remains in play during the summer months. The church remains open and involved in a lot of different missions and ministries. Vacation Bible Schools are a traditional and important ministry of many churches - our Vacation Bible School 2017 is scheduled for July 7-9, and we certainly invite children in the community to attend and participate. VBS remains a primary summer ministry for churches like Saloma Baptist Church, and during 35 years or so of pastoral ministry, it has been a joy to see children to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord during VBS. We have witnessed unchurched families to come into the church during VBS. So, we take our VBS mission and ministry very seriously at Saloma Baptist Church.

There are increased number of activities and "opportunities" competing for the attention of the families of all churches. Many of these are very positive activities, but they sometimes compete with the church for the attention and dedication of otherwise dedicated church members.

Vacations are great - trips to the lake and pool are fun - sports teams and athletic competition are important - but do we place more emphasis on these and other things than we do on our relationship with Jesus? That's something to ponder during the summer 2017.

Yes, God doesn't take a vacation. He's available 24/7/365.