As a native Southern Californian, I like to think summer lasts all year. Some people speak nostalgically about crisp fall air and white Christmases, while I have fond memories of going to the beach with my family on every major holiday. But the change of seasons is about more than shifting weather patterns. It can give us a sense of new beginnings and refocused energy. It marks a transition in our routines and schedules. Vacations are over. Kids are back in school. Work is in full swing. Some of us leave summer behind reluctantly, but these seasonal changes can present new possibilities—especially in our churches.

Back to routine makes fall an effective time to start habits. Family rhythms haven’t solidified, so anything can become the new “normal.” How can we help our congregations take this fresh start and launch new habits for reading Scripture—and relating to Scripture in new ways? From adults to kids, here are some creative ideas to get you started.

1. Midday Offering.

Is your church near peoples’ homes or offices? Offer a short service that people can participate in during their lunch break. Focus on reading Scriptures that can rejuvenate their daily schedule. Try starting with weekly Psalms. Consider reading verses responsively to help people meditate on the passage. Invite people to bring their lunches. These gatherings can become valuable places to connect with others and God during daily routines.

2. Create a Reading Schedule.

Many people would like to incorporate Scripture reading into their daily lives, but are prevented from doing so because they don’t have a plan. Create a schedule to make it easy for them, and encourage them to do it together as a community. Start by scheduling readings through the New Year. This will help people establish their new habit without feeling overwhelmed. Consider starting with the gospels—Matthew in September, Mark in October, Luke in December, and John in January. Set the focus on getting to know Jesus and include a few reflection questions. Distribute the schedule in your church’s newsletter, email, bulletin and small groups. If you have the resources, make it even easier for people by sending emails with the readings written out or linked to. Schedule the email so it is waiting in people’s inboxes as they start each day.

3. Outdoor Retreat.

I always know fall is arriving in southern California when the air cools off from the summer heat and my local coffee shop starts offering pumpkin spice lattes. In my new home on the east coast, the leaves will soon be changing into an array of colors. Take time to notice seasonal changes, or take advantage of the nice weather before winter sets in. Plan a half day retreat, giving people Scripture to meditate on outdoors. Help them connect the seasonal transitions with their spiritual lives. One way to do this is by selecting passages that use images from nature. For instance, have each person begin by identifying the colors, sounds, smells and objects around them. Then read together the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9). Ask where people see themselves in this story. What unique challenges or opportunities are they facing? How is God present in their lives, and what is God calling them into? Do any of the images around them in nature offer insight into this passage or their situations?

4. Bible Verses for Kids.

Everyone needs encouragement throughout the day, especially when they’re just starting out in the world! Some kids are transitioning to spending the day away from their parents for the first time. Some are facing challenges with their peers, teachers or classes. Have your family ministries director make a list of Bible verses for parents to include in their kids’ lunch sacks or tuck into backpacks. Consider having other parents and church members contribute to the list, making it an offering from the whole community. Focus on verses that give kids courage, perseverance and remind them that God unconditionally loves them. Don’t forget to pick verses that are short and straightforward enough for all ages to understand.

5. Family Sharing Time.

Last summer I worked at a Christian camp where we ended each evening with cabin time. I was amazed at how much the kids had to share about their activities, friends and thoughts on God. Having an intentional time to reflect on the day fostered intimacy with one another and helped them integrate their experiences. Try introducing this camp model to families in your church. Encourage them to plan a regular time to meet as a family and reflect on their days. Rather than feeling pressured to lead a formal family devotion or Bible study, make this a time of listening and delighting in one another. Try beginning with a verse about God’s delight in us, allowing Scripture to facilitate the conversation. For instance, “God looked at everything he made, and he was very pleased” (Genesis 1:31a) or,

“The LORD your God is with you;
his power gives you victory.
The LORD will take delight in you,
and in his love he will give you new life.
He will sing and be joyful over you,
as joyful as people at a festival.”
(Zephaniah 3:17-18a)

Don’t be afraid to use the same verse each time, as it will take on new layers of meaning as people spend time listening to it. Then ask each person to share their day’s high and low points, and how they experienced God that day. Ask the parents to focus on showing each person in their family how much God delights in them—in their highs, lows and everything in between. Conclude with a short prayer.