Onwards & Upwards!
On Sunday during Onwards and Upwards, I mentioned the four spiritual habits from our GROW curriculum and encouraged families to take advantage of the extra time summer offers to lean into these habits together. Below, you’ll find each of the four spiritual habits, along with a definition from GROW that highlights how each one helps deepen discipleship and supports spiritual growth—for both us and our kids.
You’ll also see a simple summer example for each habit. Remember:
you don’t need big gestures or big budgets to make a big impact.
Our hope is that these ideas will inspire parents, Villagers, and the entire Central community to make this a summer marked by meaningful spiritual growth.
SPEND TIME WITH GOD
If we want to grow spiritually, we need to spend time growing in relationship with God through personal times of prayer, reading Scripture, reflection, and worship.
Example: Start a weekly “Family Devotion Night” outdoors. Pick one evening a week to sit around the backyard, porch, or even a campfire and read a short Bible passage, pray together, and share something you’re thankful for. Keep it relaxed and interactive—let the kids help lead.
SPEND TIME WITH OTHERS
If we want to grow spiritually, we need to be engaged in healthy community and godly relationships with others — with people who share our beliefs, as well as with people who don’t.
Example: Host a neighborhood BBQ or park picnic. Invite friends, neighbors, or church families—even those who don’t share your faith—for food and connection. Use it as a chance to build relationships, model hospitality, and be present in your community.
USE YOUR GIFTS
If we want to grow spiritually, we need to understand how God uniquely made us and then use those unique qualities to love God, love others, and impact the world around us.
Example: Volunteer together as a family. Collect and donate food for the AACC Food Pantry, help with a town or church event, or clean up a local park. Let each family member take part in a way that fits their strengths—whether organizing, encouraging, creating, or leading.
SHARE YOUR STORY
If we want to grow spiritually, we need to make faith a regular, everyday, go-to topic of conversation as we learn to connect our stories with God’s story and then share our stories with others.
Example: Share faith stories during road trips or around the campfire. Long car rides or vacation evenings are great for storytelling. Parents can share how they came to faith or times when they saw God work in their lives, and invite kids to share moments when they felt close to God or learned something new.
As you move through the summer months, remember that spiritual growth doesn’t require perfection—just intention. Every small moment can become a meaningful step in helping your family grow in faith. Let’s choose to be present, purposeful, and open to what God wants to do in and through us this season.
We’re praying this summer is full of laughter, connection, and transformation—for you, your kids, and our whole Central family. Let’s grow together.
Grace & peace,
Rebecca DeLucia
Next Generation Pastor