Message From the Pastor - Summer On

As the season turns and the days stretch long with sunshine, we’re inviting you to lean into a new rhythm of life and faith. Our summer worship series—"Summer On”—celebrates the sacred in the simple, the divine in the daily, and the holy moments that find us outdoors, at ease, and in community. 

Each week, we’ll explore a different setting where many of us find joy, connection, and maybe even a little soul rest. We’ll ask: What does it mean to follow Jesus not just in church pews, but on ball fields, at picnic tables, beside the lake, and in the sounds of laughter on a playground? 

Upcoming Sermons: 

• @ the Ball Park – Where do we find grace in the game? What does it mean to be part of a team or a community of fans? 

• @ the Picnic Table – Who is invited to share the meal? How does connection look when it’s casual, joyful, and shared under open skies? 

• @ the Lake – In the stillness and in the storms of life, what can water teach us about rest, resilience, and the sacred rhythm of renewal? 

• @ the Playground – What does it mean to embrace curiosity, creativity, and holy playfulness in a grown-up world? 

We’ll also be blessed by guest preachers and speaker in late-June who will lead worship while I am away on vacation. Their wisdom and presence will be a gift to our summer rhythm. 

Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 20, as we celebrate Northfield’s and Northfield UMC’s 170th Anniversary! We’ll honor our legacy and look to the future with a special service —a day of gratitude, remembrance, and joyful celebration.

And stay tuned for our late-August Summer Splash! Expect laughter, community, and a whole lot of fun—with a slip n’ slide, water balloons, and refreshing joy for all ages. 

Whether you’re heading out on vacation or staying close to home, we hope this season brings you fresh perspective and renewed delight in your walk of faith. Let’s keep the “Summer On”—in our worship, our wonder, and our welcome. 

Bring a friend, wear your sandals, and come ready to play, pray, and be surprised by grace. 

Blessings, Donna