Greetings from the Acting Dean:

Beloved in Christ, have you ever pondered the question, “Does God take a vacation?”

As we approach the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, many of us are looking forward to some time away. There is often a sense of anticipation and gratitude as we prepare to rest with family, gather with friends, or simply enjoy a quieter pace. For some, rest may come at the Jersey Shore, on a Caribbean island, or in the mountains. Others may find joy in amusement parks, national parks, or returning home to visit loved ones. However we spend these summer days, they offer us a gracious opportunity to be renewed in body, mind, and spirit.

Martha’s Vineyard is my happy place. I cherish being there with family and friends—walking along the beach, grilling outdoors, and settling into the slower rhythm of “island time.” Those who live on or visit the island know something of its quiet mystique. Because there is no bridge, one must arrive by plane or ferry, and that journey itself can feel like an invitation to leave behind the hurry of daily life. Another gift of the island is its local character. The restaurants and shops are not the familiar chains we see everywhere else, but places with their own stories and personalities. And almost inevitably, you see someone you know—or someone who knows someone you know. The human connection is real, and it is a reminder of how deeply we are created for community. I often wish every person could know the blessing of rest in a place they love, surrounded by people who bring them joy.

Most of us welcome the chance to take a vacation, to step away from responsibilities, to breathe more deeply, and to be restored. But the question remains: “Does God take a vacation?” The answer is no. We take time away because we grow tired. We need rest because our bodies, minds, and spirits need renewal. But God does not grow weary. God does not withdraw from us. God does not need to step away from the needs of creation. The One who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present remains faithfully attentive to us in every season of life.

Yes, in the book of Genesis we read that God “rested” on the seventh day. Yet this rest is not because God was exhausted; rather, it reveals the holy rhythm of creation. God’s Sabbath rest teaches us that rest is sacred, necessary, and life-giving. It is a gift entrusted to us. The prophet Isaiah reminds us that “[God] does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable” (Isaiah 40:28). And Psalm 121 offers us this tender assurance: “He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

What a comfort it is to know that God’s loving care never takes a break. While we may need to unplug, step away, or lay down our burdens for a while, God remains near. God is not distant from our joys or our concerns. God is present on the beach and in the hospital room, in the laughter of family gatherings and in the quiet places where our hearts need healing. This is the good news: God’s love is constant, steady, and always available.

So, as you take your well-deserved vacation—or simply make room for rest in the midst of ordinary days—receive that time as a gift from God. Rest without guilt. Breathe deeply. Delight in the beauty of creation. Share unhurried moments with those you love. And remember that the God who never leaves us nor forsakes us is watching over you with tenderness and grace. May that assurance give you peace, restore your spirit, and help you return renewed for the work and witness to which God has called you.

May you have a blessed, restful, and joy-filled summer.

In Christ’s Love,

Acting Dean Lee+