Summer has a way of pulling us out of our normal rhythms. Schedules shift, our calendars fill up, and before we know it, the things that once kept us grounded can start to drift. It’s easy to get to September and realize not just that the summer flew by, but that we’ve taken a step back spiritually.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Here are a few practical ways to stay rooted and grow this summer:

1. Be Here When You’re Here
When you’re in town, make gathering with your church a priority. It’s easy to treat summer like everything is on pause, but we’re still meant to meet together, encourage each other, and grow together. Showing up consistently recenters your faith and reminds you you’re not doing this alone.

2. Stay Connected to Community
Even if you miss a Sunday, don’t disconnect. Stay committed to your group. Some of the most meaningful moments of growth happen in conversation, prayer, and simply walking through life with others. If you’re not in a group, be sure to get plugged in.

3. Expand Your Community
Summer creates space for connection in a unique way. Take advantage of it. Go to a couple of connection events, invite someone to coffee, or take a step toward getting to know people beyond the surface. Growth doesn’t just happen in isolation, it happens in relationships.

4. Be Intentional With Your Downtime
Summer often brings more margin, but how we use it matters. Instead of letting all your free time get filled with distractions, choose a few things that will actually move you closer to God.
Pick up a book that strengthens your faith. Join your group in reading something like The Papa Prayer. Even choosing one or two intentional resources can make a big difference over the course of a few months.

5. Shape Your Mind With Scripture
Don’t just read Scripture, commit it to memory. When you carry God’s Word with you, it shapes how you think, respond, and navigate life.

Choose one passage this summer and commit to memorizing it. Start small if you need to, or take on something like 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 and work through it over time. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s letting truth take root in your heart.

6. Use Music Intentionally
Be intentional about the music you're consuming this summer. Create playlists of songs that draw you into worship, that remind you of God's character, that speak truth into your life.

We're called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Music provides a unique opportunity to engage in this kind of holistic worship. When we sing truth about God, we're not just thinking about Him intellectually, we're engaging emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

If you don't know where to start, check out our Hoboken Grace playlist.

The challenge isn't to implement every spiritual practice perfectly starting tomorrow. Instead, choose three things from this list to focus on as you head into summer. Be specific about how you'll incorporate them into your life.

Maybe you'll commit to staying connected with your small group even when you travel, pick up two books that will deepen your faith, and create a worship playlist for your commute. Or perhaps you'll memorize one passage of Scripture, attend two connection events, and prioritize weekly gathering when you're in town.

To listen to this weekend's full message ‘Making the Most of Summer’ click here.