Summer Sabbath
We live in a world that demands that we do more. That we keep busy. That we tirelessly work to become more efficient, more productive, more successful. We are always trying to keep up and, as a result, we’ve forgotten how to slow down. How to stop. How to rest. How to be silent. There’s a name for this kind of restlessness: zeitkrankheit. It’s a German word that means “time sickness.” And it’s grounded in the idea that we are literally becoming sick–physically and mentally–because we’re trying to move too fast; to pack too much into every minute, hour, and day.
All year at Fairmount, we’ve been undergoing treatment for our collective zeitkrankheit. Through our spiritual focus–The Time is Now: Our Urgent Need for Sabbath–we’ve practiced ways to rest our bodies and our spirits in search of renewal. But we’ve been doing these practices in controlled environments–at church and at home. This summer, as we prepare for picnics, pools, and parades, it’s time to take what we’ve learned out into the world. We hope that the meditations provided in this book will offer you ways to seek rest and renewal (and God’s presence) in the midst of ordinary summer activities.
Click the image to the right to view, download and print the 25 Summer Sabbath Meditations.
You may look at some of these meditations and think to yourself: Really? I’m supposed to find Sabbath at a farmer’s market? We simply ask you to approach them with an open mind and heart. If you enter into an experience expecting to find something meaningful, you’re much more likely to see it, feel it, or hear it when it actually happens. This is how we cultivate our sixth sense of the Spirit–a sense that can take us beyond our ordinary five senses.
You also may try one of these meditations and find that it doesn’t produce anything meaningful for you. That’s ok! Don’t give up! Don’t assume you did something “wrong.” Just try another meditation on another day. With time and practice, you may find it easier to let go of any expectations about what you’re “supposed to” experience in these meditations and simply be present. Because that’s when you’re most likely to experience the Holy Spirit.
Summer Community Events
Fairmount will be purchasing group tickets for some fun community summer events. Please let us know if you are interested in joining us for the following:
- Thursday, July 18th, 7:00 p.m. at Cain Park, Hype Man theatrical performance.
- Friday, August 2nd, 7:10 p.m. Cleveland Guardians vs. Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field
Below are the upcoming ways to seek rest and renewal (and God’s presence) in the midst of ordinary summer activities.
The Fairmount Store!
As we go out into the community this summer, we want our neighbors to see Fairmount. We want our neighbors to know that Fairmount is a church that cares about them; a church that shows up and that participates in the life of our community. And so we’ve designed a brand new Fairmount t-shirt! You can buy your own Fairmount t-shirt (or sweatshirt) here. We encourage you to get a t-shirt and wear it proudly as we venture out into our community this summer! Click here to visit the Fairmount shop!
Summer Worship
Join Fairmount Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary and Online for our Summer Worship. Summer Worship runs through September 8th.
Get in Touch & Get Involved this Summer at Fairmount
A full listing of Fairmount’s worship and events, can be found here.
If you have any questions about upcoming worship or events, call 216.321.5800 or email info@fpccle.org
