Vacation plans don’t have to mean a vacation from church

by Jen Wolf

As teachers and parents of elementary-aged kids, the school calendar rules our family’s life. This makes summer the best time to travel. Perhaps you’re like us and spend time camping, up north, or on road trips? No matter what your plans, don’t forget to also look up a local church to visit.

But we have church online now! We can just watch it on a tablet or phone! Yes, of course, this is a great option, but did you know about the WELS Yearbook and Church locator? It’s an easy, updated tool to find a local congregation where you can attend while on vacation.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

We have used the locator tool many times. No matter where we find ourselves—at large congregations or small mission churches—it’s been wonderful to share that time with others.

Above all, getting to spend time in church together is a “best practice” for Christians to hear God’s word and encourage one another. It’s also a great reminder to look around our own church, especially during summer, and welcome visitors. A summer visit could turn into a relocation where people choose to make St. John’s their church because they already feel welcome.

1. It’s really easy to do. Just visit https://yearbook. wels.net and choose how you want to search. Click the “people” tab to find a church where you know a called worker. Click the “organizations” tab to find a church, school, or even campus ministry. Then enter the search options by location, church name, or service options like other languages or hearing assistance. You can also use the WELS app to search (download the app at wels.app).

2. Most churches have a website, so you can look up service times, directions, places to park, or other information. Once, I was glad to know that the service times had changed because of an annual church picnic. We would have missed the whole service! And yes, we were invited to stay for the picnic.

3. You can find contact information to ask questions. This has come in very handy when we wanted to take communion. Pastors have told us they like knowing ahead of time that there will be a visitor instead of wondering who the strangers are at the communion rail. We like knowing if it is a kneel-at-the-altar or continuous flow practice.