A Mid-Year Spiritual Check-In

Over four years ago, when we purchased a new vehicle—a hybrid van—we knew the regular

maintenance schedule would look different. Because it used the gas engine less frequently, it required less attention to oil levels. But if we weren’t careful, we could easily miss a regular check-in to assess the vehicle’s condition. Preventative maintenance happens when we commit to regular check-ins. We knew that if we didn’t stay on top of things, we could end up with a large repair bill due to neglect.

Maybe we’re like this too. Our emotions and spirit are pretty good at keeping things feeling “normal” until that fateful moment when everything comes crashing down. In the church, we must be careful. It’s easy to float through the year without noticing the slow drift—until something dire arises and we find ourselves in existential crisis mode.

Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025? Time seems to move so fast these days. July often brings a slower pace—vacations, family reunions, and long summer evenings. Soaking up all that great vitamin D can lift our mood and spirit. It’s a natural time of year to pause and reflect. Just as we might check in on our 2025 goals, health, or finances, I invite you this week to consider a spiritual check-in.

John Wesley, in his small group meetings, would have participants ask one another a simple question: “How is it with your soul?”

This question, asked by early Methodists, might seem antiquated, but rephrased it could be: “Where do you see, feel, or interact with God regularly?” Simple, yet profound. In the busyness of life, it’s easy to drift—spiritually, emotionally, even relationally. But God’s grace invites us to return, to realign, and to renew.

Here are a few questions to guide your reflection this month:

• Am I making space to worship God regularly—both in community and in quiet moments? (Worship)

As United Methodists, we’ve always believed that our connection with God is a communal affair—it is not solitary. When we join others in worship, devotional activities (prayer, small group study, missional work), we are enriched. Communal worship reminds us that we are not alone in our passion for following Christ. It reminds us that we don’t have to carry the weight of the world on our own shoulders. We also celebrate what God has done in the lives of others. We are re-aligned by diverse perspectives that help us see God at work in unique ways. We see God’s activity through the eyes of another’s experience.

• Am I speaking honestly with God—and listening? (Prayer)

Do we take time daily to lift our concerns to God? Or are we bottling up frustration—living under pressure, waiting to pop the cork or explode? Prayer and mindfulness practices give us the opportunity to relax, reflect, and reexamine who we are called to be. They offer an outlet for life’s ups and downs. Even a simple breath prayer each day can do wonders to adjust our attitude. A great resource is here: https://shorturl.at/77UIj

• Am I engaging with God’s Word in a way that shapes my daily life? (Scripture)

We might all say we value God’s Word, but how often do we actually read it? Many of our assumptions about the Bible are shaped by upbringing, social influences, or hearsay—often reflecting others’ interpretations more than the text itself. God has given you a wonderful mind and heart—use them. Read the Bible, not just cherry-picked verses, but in long format. If you’re looking for a place to start, try reading through the letter to the Philippians, which is our current sermon series.

• Am I using my gifts to bless others? (Service)

Something shifts in us when we serve others. When we use our hands, feet, and voices to benefit others, it transforms us. Where can you be of service? I guarantee you’ll be enriched in the process.

• Am I staying connected to the body of Christ and building new relationships? (Community)

Through potlucks, brunches, mission projects, book studies, and more, we are united in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Take time to befriend someone at church. When you enter the sanctuary, find someone new and get to know them. Build relationships that will bless you in the future.

The good news is that God meets us wherever we are—not with guilt, but with grace:

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”(Lamentations 3:22–23)

Whether you feel spiritually strong or spiritually dry, this is a season to return to the Source. Let’s encourage one another to grow in faith, hope, and love as we journey through the second half of 2025.

With you on the journey,

Pastor Jon