Published: June 5, 2026 Author: John Patrick Herold Source: Site News

In this Pentecost reflection, Herold argues that the Season after Pentecost (the summer "Green Season") is not a furlough for vestries, but a vital period for relational care when formal programming pauses.

Three Summer Ministries

1. Relational Ministry: Divide the parish directory among vestry members for non-transactional check-ins (calls, notes, visits) to hear how households are doing.
2. Pastoral Check-ins: Target the "edges" of the parish, reaching out to occasional visitors, college students, or those experiencing grief or transitions.
3. Fall Discernment: Use the slower summer rhythm for a low-stress strategic vestry retreat instead of rushed autumn meetings.

Keeping the Scattered Body Connected

• Weekly senior warden e-blasts featuring parish updates.
• A "where I prayed this week" board in the parish hall for travelers.
• Informal gatherings like porch Compline or a shared summer reading book.

See also: summer-ministry, vestry-leadership