Finding Faith at "Vacation Churches"

While on vacation, I recently preached at a little lakeside church on Lake George, but this church’s congregation is not made up by locals.  The congregation is largely vacationers or summer residents looking for spiritual direction or a community of faith to connect with while gone from home.  Lakeside Chapel, in Cleverdale, NY has been serving the community of Lake George for decades.  Even though no congregation meets during most of September through June, the chapel holds weddings, baptisms, and funerals.

The chapel depends on local and regional ministers to provide preaching.  I am always amazed at the attendance at this little chapel even though most of the congregation are “visitors” or seasonal residents.   It was my third year preaching and leading worship there and every time I have been there, the chapel is near capacity.  Lakeside Chapel only holds about 85 people, max.  Most churches in this country are close to under 85 people — and even those churches have a difficult time filling the pews with their locals!

The New York Times recently wrote an article on the growing number of people who either attend a house of worship on vacation or just attend church while on vacation.  Why go to church on vacation?  Can’t we have a break?  The NYT provides an insight to why there is a growing movement of “vacation churches”:

Mrs. Zadek, 80, and Mr. Atwell, 54, of Silver Spring, Md., are among those across ages and faiths who have made their spiritual home where they vacation. Sometimes it is the sense of tradition in a place they came to as children and now return to year after year as adults. Some are inspired by sermons or a religious leader. For others still, like Mrs. Zadek, the smallness of many vacation congregations makes them feel more accepted and needed than they would be at a bigger church or synagogue back home.

Invariably services are informal and friendly, with about 40 to 50 people attending in the summer. Dressed in shorts and polo shirts, people take turns with readings and prayers. They make mistakes, laugh and start over.

For many suburban church goers, the idea of going to a smaller church is a novelty.  With fewer attenders, say 30 to 50 people, there is an atmosphere of welcoming, loving, and intimate faith experience that creates a lasting impression for vacationers.  I encourage you to find a “vacation church” or church that openly welcomes vacationers because:

1. Vacation churches often offer free meals, activities, or events for anyone who wants to come. In a recession economy, a  free outing for the kids is welcomed.
2. Churches who draw seasonal visitors often attract preachers and speakers from all over the country. You may get to hear pastors or speakers who would never be able to come to your church because of scheduling.   You never know, Rick Warren could stop by a vacation church and you get to hear a sermon of his in person, from 20 feet away.
3. You are able to visit another church without feeling guilty. Often, church goers may get bored or tired of their church.  Sometimes we feel guilty if we want a break from our congregation.  Going to a vacation church allows people to visit and take a break without the guilty feelings.
4. A vacation church is a great way to introduce your family to the concept of “going to church.” So often, I encounter people who say, “I know nothing about church or what to do.”  Churches that cater to vacationers realize this and usually make the church service simple and understandable.
5. Creating a pattern of going to particular vacation church can become a valued family tradition.  Last year, at Lakeside Chapel, I did a double baptism for twins.  Their parents were also married at the chapel 10 years earlier.  The twin’s father grew up attending Lakeside because his parents brought the family there.   That family had a connection to Lakeside for three generations that lasted over 70 years.  Other families have similar stories of churches or chapels in their favorite vacation spots.

Next time you are on vacation, go to the local store, library, or town office and look for postings of community churches that specifically welcome vacationers.  You just might be surprised at what you find and what you experience.