Summer of 2026 at Nativity: There’s More Happening Than You Might Think

Summer is often described as a slower season. School is out, families are traveling, and our normal routines can look a little different. But here at Nativity, summer has been anything but quiet.

Across our parish, people of all ages have been gathering, serving, celebrating, growing in faith, building relationships, and preparing for what God wants to do next. Take a look at just some of what’s been happening.

Summer Message Series
It is our longstanding custom to continue our weekend message series throughout the summer season, but offering them after Mass in order to bring in some other voices and perspectives. This also provides a break for me from preaching, and a break for the congregation from me. They also aim at going deeper in topics that we might not otherwise address given the cycle of the Lectionary.

This year we are offering two series. “I Believe” is a long look at the Apostles Creed, a summary of what we believe and the story we’re living. Ancient words that reveal a God who created us on purpose, came close to us in Jesus, entered into our suffering, defeated death, and now invites us to live in his Spirit as part of something eternal. Our second series takes us into the great battles of the Bible and what they tell us about Old Testament history and God’s plan moving forward.

And, of course, summertime is also our opportunity to plan upcoming series for the fall season.

Summertime Kids and Student Programs
Some of the greatest energy on our campus this summer has come from our youngest parishioners.

“Camp GO!” for middle school students and Vacation Bible School, for our children provided the opportunity to grow in faith, make new friends, and have lots and lots of fun in environments designed just for them. These experiences are about much more than filling a summer calendar. They help the next generation discover that church is a place where they belong. Aside from many generous adult leaders, both programs have been wonderfully staffed with many of our high school students too.

Serving on Mission
Members of our parish have also taken their faith beyond our campus (as in way beyond) on mission trips to Kenya & the Dominican Republic. Working with our mission partners in both countries, they have undertaken some great projects, met many wonderful people, and enjoyed really life changing experiences. Meanwhile, back home in Baltimore mission teams have continued to serve with mission partners weekly in support of local charities. One such effort, organized by some of our Men’s Small Group leaders was a most successful “Christmas in July” collection.

Opening of the Poppleton Recreation Center Pools
Finally! The last stage of the Rec Center renovation and reopening came this summer with the opening of the newly renovated pools. Our relationship with the Poppleton community continues to give us meaningful opportunities to support families, build friendships, and invest in our neighbors. The opening of the pools is another sign of the good things happening there and of the difference that can be made when people work together.

Holy Spirit Fire Nights
Holy Spirit Fire Nights offer a powerful experience of worship, prayer, and openness to the Holy Spirit. In the middle of busy schedules and summer travel, evenings like this remind us that God is always present and always working.

Rebuilt on the Road
Members of our Rebuilt Team travelled this summer to Germany, Austria, and Estonia to share our message about parish rebuilding and renewal. Other conferences domestically have included Texas, the mid-Atlantic, and the Mid-West. It is humbling to recognize that the lessons we have learned here can encourage parish leaders far beyond our own community. At the same time, these trips allow us to learn from others and return home with new ideas, renewed energy, and a wider vision for the Church.

Young Adult Events
Our young adult community has remained active throughout the summer with opportunities to connect, build friendships, and grow spiritually. Summer can sometimes make it difficult to stay connected, especially as people travel and schedules change. These events offer young adults a place to belong, a way to stay connected, meet others, and continue moving forward in faith.

Planning for the New Building
While much of our summer activity has been easy to see, important work has also been happening behind the scenes. Planning continues for our new building, with groundbreaking scheduled for May of 2027. Projects like this require prayer, patience, creativity, and careful preparation. Every conversation and decision is helping us move closer to creating spaces that will better serve our parish and community for years to come.

Christmas at the Cow Palace
It may feel early to start talking about Christmas, but preparation for one of the biggest seasons of the year is already underway. Christmas in July gives us a chance to begin planning, and preparing for the tens of thousands of people who will worship with us during the Christmas season. For many visitors, Christmas may be their first experience of Nativity, or their first time attending church in a very long time. What we do now helps us prepare to welcome them well when December arrives.