SUNDAY SERVICE
August 31, 2025
Embodiment Sunday Guide
If you’ve ever engaged in the world of physical fitness, you may be familiar with a method of cardio exercise called interval training. The concept is simple: go all out for a period of time, followed by a short period of rest—repeated again and again. This can be effective and even energizing for a while.
But what happens when the intense intervals grow longer, and the rest periods stay the same—or get even shorter? Eventually, we burn out.
In the same way, when we try to push through long stretches of life without adequate rest, we often end up depleted. We may feel like we’ve poured ourselves out entirely and that we have nothing left to give—because we haven’t allowed ourselves enough time to recover.
There is beauty and strength in building sustainable rhythms of work and rest. In Scripture, the concept of Sabbath is a God-given rhythm—a sacred pause after six days of labor. Sabbath is not just about ceasing from work; it’s about honoring our human limits and creating space to breathe, to rest, and simply to be.
On this Labor Day weekend, we honor the many individuals—past and present—who have marched, protested, and organized to advocate for fairer, safer, and more equitable workplaces. You can learn more about the history of Labor Day here: Labor Day 2024: Facts, Meaning & Founding | HISTORY.
As we rest this weekend, may we remember: the work of restoration is not hindered by rest—it's sustained by it.
One practice that has helped me (Stephanie) is taking time to name what kind of rest I need—and inviting my loved ones to do the same. Together, we can create intentional space for renewal.
In her book Sacred Rest: Recover Your Life, Renew Your Energy, Restore Your Sanity, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith outlines seven types of rest that every human being needs:
Physical rest – Are you constantly tired? In physical pain? Struggling to sleep? Relying on caffeine? You may need time to rest and care for your body.
Mental rest – Feeling overwhelmed, forgetful, snappy, or foggy? You may need a break from constant mental demands.
Emotional rest – Are you consumed by worry, self-criticism, or emotional fatigue? You may need space to breathe emotionally, to feel without performing.
Spiritual rest – Feeling hopeless, numb, or distant from God? You may need life-giving spiritual practices to restore your soul.
Social rest – Do you feel alone or detached? Prefer online interaction over real connection? You may need meaningful time with people who know and care for you deeply.
Sensory rest – Constantly scrolling or surrounded by screens and noise? You may need to step away from digital overload and quiet your senses.
Creative rest – Are you burned out from constantly serving others or struggling to enjoy the present moment? You may need to simply be—to engage in beauty, wonder, and joy without expectation.
This list is not exhaustive or diagnostic, but a helpful tool to reflect on what kind of rest your body, mind, and soul may be longing for. You may find you need more than one kind of rest—and that’s okay.
At WHCC, we believe rest is essential—not optional—for communities rooted in God’s work of reconciliation. As we rest, let’s also remember that not everyone in our community has the privilege of a full day off. Many are working multiple jobs or serving as full-time caregivers. Consider how you might extend practical support and care to them—even through your own practice of rest.
So on this Embodiment Sunday, may we intentionally pause—renewing and refreshing our souls—and reflect on the kind of rest we each need. And from a place of rested wholeness, may we connect with others and extend the gift of rest to someone else.
