As you’re reading this, my family and I are just beginning our first short vacation of the summer. We’re heading northwest —to the woods, the lake, the trails—and more importantly, to a gathering that’s been two decades in the making.
For the past 20 years, I’ve had the incredible gift of walking through ministry and life with a group of fellow pastors I first met in seminary. We formed a covenant group way back when we were just students—full of hope, coffee, idealism, and theological fire—and we’ve stayed committed to each other through the highs and lows of ministry, parenting, loss, change, and celebration.
Every week, the five of us hop on a call to check in—just an hour, but a lifeline. Every November, we spend a few days together for deeper reconnection and support. This summer, for the first time since seminary, we are getting all our families together at a United Methodist Camp in Minnesota.
Pictured here in our younger days, my covenant group includes (L to R):
- Matt Sipe, now serving in Mankato, MN
- Jake Adams-Wilson, now serving in Moberly, MO
- Matt Fowler, now serving in Kearney, NE
- Brian Marcoulier, now serving in Nashville, TN
- And of course, me—your pastor, who hasn’t aged a bit since the photo.
Matt Fowler and Brian also join me every year for our worship planning retreat, and over the years, all our friendships have deepened in ways that transcend church work. These people know my story. They’ve prayed me through hard seasons and laughed with me in good ones. We’ve shared life through John Wesley’s historic “General Rules” and covenant questions—checking in not just on what we’re doing, but how it is with our souls. This weekend, our kids, some who haven’t met yet, will get to connect, swim in the lake, do all the camp things, and experience what real Christian community looks like: relaxed, joyful, rooted in trust. And I’ll get to sit by the fire with people who know me, really know me, and still say, “You belong here.”
About a month later, we’ll take a second short trip, just our family of four, up to Door County, Wisconsin. Meghan and I both spent childhood summers there, and now we’re sharing that tradition with our kids. It’s been five years since our last visit, and we’re looking forward to unplugging, hiking, eating too many cherry pastries, visiting all our favorite Door County spots and sitting by the fire. These two vacations are different, but they’re both about something sacred: connection. Connection to people. Connection to place. Connection to God. And that, we know, this is not just self-care. It’s soul care.
There’s a moment in the Gospels when Jesus has just finished teaching and healing crowds of people. His disciples are overwhelmed, the work is unrelenting. And Jesus says something profoundly simple:
“Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” —Mark 6:31 (NRSVUE)
Jesus knew the rhythms of life and ministry. He knew that even the most faithful, the most mission-driven, the most community-minded people need to step away sometimes; not to escape, but to be restored. Jesus practiced that rhythm: teaching, healing, connecting… and then withdrawing to the mountains, to the lakeside, to prayer. So this summer, I’m following Jesus’ advice. And I want to invite you to do the same.
Maybe you can’t get to a camp in Minnesota or a campsite in Door County. That’s okay. But what can you do that helps you reconnect—to God, to yourself, to others?
Maybe it’s a walk by the river with a friend.
Maybe it’s a weekend with people who’ve known you forever.
Maybe it’s dinner with someone who always brings out your truest self.
Maybe it’s simply setting down your phone and picking up a conversation.
Whatever it looks like, do something this summer that’s good for your soul. Something that reminds you of who you are—and who God is. Something that builds trust, joy, and connection.
We weren’t made to go it alone. And the good news is—we don’t have to.
So whether you’re headed to the lake, the mountains, your backyard, or a friend’s kitchen table—I pray you find a bit of rest, a bit of joy, and a whole lot of grace.
See you soon,
P.S. – Pastor Mary Gay is around helping Pastor Heather with Pastoral Care while I am away. Feel free to contact Pastor Mary Gay if needed.