Fourth of July Weekend
Worship
Special Days For Celebration
Worship Resources For Eighteen Occasions Throughout The Year
Comments on the Service
History: The Fourth of July Sunday worship service discussed in this chapter presents an opportunity to celebrate our freedom of religion, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. A congregation which worships as did early Americans is glancing back in the mirror of our religious heritage. The liturgy which is selected for use on this special occasion may be eclectic, as it draws on many veins of piety and praise flowing through the rich bloodstream of American religious tradition. Or the local church's own particular denominational heritage may be the focus. Best wishes to your church as it conducts an early American worship service, it is hoped that the service will not be viewed as a "gimmick to get people in the front door" but rather as a remembrance of the past fathers of our faith; a present celebration of freedom and a vision for toleration and understanding necessary if we are to adjust to life in a culture of pluralism and toleration.
Preparation for Planning Your Early American Fourth of July Service
Suggestions
1. Involve as many people as possible in the planning for the service. The key to making the service meaningful is to allow plenty of time for researching the history of the worship practices common in early America, for preparing the costuming and music for public worship, and for reminding the congregation of opportunities they may wish to share in as the big day of celebration approaches.
2. Planning should be led by a committee of the whole who will oversee the work being done for the event in all the various organizations within the church.
Assuming key leadership is in place, the following suggestions may be helpful. Perhaps your church can use some of these ideas; develop other ideas more conducive to your own needs, and tailor other thoughts into firm plans for how your Fourth of July service will be conducted.
Presentation Ideas
1. Appoint someone to be the "preacher" of the morning. He or she should be garbed in appropriate "early American" wear. A sermon from a great preacher of the eighteenth century could be used. (The sermons of that time were usually quite long, so "judicious" editing would be essential.) Several good sermons of the period may be found in Twenty Centuries of Great Preaching, Volume III, edited by Clyde Fant & Wm. Pinson, Word Books, Waco, 1976. If one person does not want to assume the full responsibility for sermon preparation, perhaps several committee members could give brief talks of five minutes each, based on historical figures from the denominational past.
2. A musician should be in charge of researching the hymns used for the service, planning the use of special instruments such as the fife and drum, guitar, and harpsichord.
3. One person could volunteer to serve as a "grim-visaged elder" who would use a broomstick with a feather attached to place under the noses of congregants not being attentive to the service. This should be done in good fun and the sleepy parishioners admonished to wake up should be contacted prior to the service!
4. The local press should be invited to photograph participants in the service. Articles may be submitted to your denominational periodicals and newsletters concerning your special service.
5. Perhaps the American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, or another historical group could provide a thirteen star flag for use in the procession.
6. Children may participate by presenting special choral numbers sung by the young people of early America. They may wear clothing of the day. An object lesson teaching them the importance of American freedom might be addressed to the children.
7. A meal, serving fare common on early American tables, could be held following the Fourth of July worship service. Such recipes may be found in most libraries.
8. Quilting groups in the church may wish to work on a huge quilt to be displayed, featuring a pattern common in early American quilts. Old quilts could be displayed in the church foyer.
9. Sunday church school classes could draw pictures of great Christians and Americans from the Revolutionary War era.
10. The offering (or a portion of it) could be donated to a local historical society or given to a patriotic cause.
11. The service could be videotaped and used as an educational resource in confirmation classes and as an introduction to new Christians of our religious heritage in an Inquirers/New Member class.
12. The bulletin should provide enough information about the rationale behind each part of the liturgy to qualify as a keepsake, reminding worshipers of our great heritage of church-state separation.
13. Bulletin board displays can focus on patriotic themes during July.
Suggestions for Further Reading
1. American Hymns: New and Old, Christ-Janer, Albert; Hughes, Charles W. & Sprague-Smith, Carelton, Columbia University Press, New York, 1980, p. 143, "Let Tyrants Shake Their Iron Rod" - a Patriotic Hymn composed in 1770 by William Billings.
2. Liturgies of the Western Church, Thompson, Bard, ed. World Publishing Co., New, York, 1971.
Order of Worship
An Early American Worship Service
Early American worship services were as diverse as are those of the present day. What the following service attempts to do, however, is to give modern Christians a "glimpse through the keyhole" at what a service of Christian worship may have been like in the early days of the new Republic.
A Drummer Lad is standing in front of the church building as parishioners enter. He is beating out a drumroll whose purpose is to remind people that the hour for divine worship has arrived.
A Call to Worship (The leader reads his or her part from the back of the church)
Leader: "Let tyrants shake their iron rod, and slavery clank her galling chains. We fear them not; we trust in God; New England's God forever reigns."
People: "When God inspired us for the fight, their ranks were broken, their lines were forced; Their ships were shattered in our sight or swiftly driven from our coast."
Leader: "The foe comes on with haughty stride; Our troops advance with martial noise. Their veterans flee before our youth. And generals yield to beardless boys."
People: "What grateful offerings shall we bring? What shall we render to the Lord? Loud hallelujahs let us sing, And praise his name on every chord."1
* Processional Hymn "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
Concerns of the Flock Being a report of all those in the congregation of God who are sore afflicted with diseases physical, and those in need of Christian succor.
Children's Message
* A Prayer of Thanksgiving Our Father God, we thank you for your tender mercies on this land. We thank you, O God, for your guidance through years of hardship and war. We give glory to your name that we live where we may worship you without fear of persecution. We seek your guidance as we join with those of all colors and creeds to make our land a more just and more tolerant community where the human spirit may breathe free air. May we pilgrims of Jesus Christ seek to become good citizens of this fair land, and may we also become good workers in the vineyard of Him who died to make us free, even Jesus the Christ. Amen
* Gloria Patri
Prayer of Confession Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep ... We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared ... in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; To the glory of thy holy name. Amen2
Scripture Lesson Acts 3:19
Sermon "Repentance and Conversion" Rev. George Whitefield (click here for the full text of this sermon)
* Hymn "The Star-Spangled Banner"
A Call to Offering to God the Gifts He Has Given Us
An Offertory Prayer "God bless all those that I love;
God bless all those that love me;
God bless all those that love those I love;
and all those that love those that love me."4
* Doxology The "Old Hundredth" (Based on Psalm 100, this doxology has been used in Reformed Worship through the centuries since it was composed by Louis Bourgeois in 1551, while he was a resident of Geneva.)
Choir Anthem
Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer
O God, who rulest the hearts of nations and the hearts and minds of your people, we praise you for blessing this land. May we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord. May the beacon light of liberty always draw to our shores homeless refugees yearning to live in a land of sweet liberty. May we view our nation as a testing ground for practicing our faith and love for others. May we learn to live together with all those who are children of God. May we understand that liberty demands to be served by good citizens who obey the law and seek to change laws which would cause any citizen an abridgement of human freedoms. Teach us to become peacemakers in our homes, families, schools, and places of business. Help us to trust in Jesus Christ, the great liberator, as he leads his people to the heavenly city of the New Jerusalem. On this festive day when we remember the Miracle at Philadelphia called the Declaration of Independence, give us wisdom to remember those who have gone before us in faith and those who will follow us. Make our faith strong, our love deep, and our hope expansive as we this day pray for America and all Americans. In your name we pray. "Our Father ..."
A Parting Hymn "O Beautiful for Spacious Skies"
Aaronic Blessing (used often in Protestant services during our early and modern historical periods)
The Lord bless thee and keep thee;
the Lord make his face to shine upon thee;
and be gracious unto thee;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace. Amen
Footnotes
1. Page 143, Christ-Janer. This hymn was the war hymn favored by troops in the American army during the Revolution.
2. Prayer used by John Wesley in early Methodist services. The prayer was used in Methodist services in America in our early national period. Page 418, Liturgies of the Western Church, selected and introduced by Bard Thompson.
3. The sermon "Repentance and Conversion" is included in Twenty Centuries of Great Preaching Volume III edited by Fant, Clyde and Pinson, Wm., page 137.
4. Page 54 in Eerdman's Book of Famous Prayers. The prayer was sewn into a New England Sampler in the sixteenth or seventeenth century. In early America stitches for embroidery were demonstrated on linen panels called "samplers." Samplers often pictured a domestic scene with a Scripture passage or religious saying sewn into the material.
Biographical Sketch on George Whitefield, our "guest" preacher for the Fourth of July Service:
Whitefield (1714-1770) was probably the most popular evangelist in early America. Born in Gloucester, England, he traveled to the American colonies where his preaching helped spur on the "Great Awakening" of religious fervor in New England. He was a friend of Benjamin Franklin. He traveled to the American colonies thirteen times. He was a great orator and a popular speaker in the colonial/Revolutionary period of our history.
Children's Message
Objects needed:
1. A box of felt markers
2. A sheet of construction paper
Scripture: Galatians 3:27, 28b "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Happy Fourth of July, girls and boys! Did you know our country is the only land with a birthday? The United States was born on July 4, 1776, in the city of Philadelphia. Our nation's leaders wrote a paper called the Declaration of Independence. Independence is a big word which means that all of us - red, yellow, brown, white -
are free to worship God as we wish to do.
Today we want to learn how we can serve God and America. To help us do this I will be using my felt markers.
The first color is blue. (Draw a blue "A" on the construction paper.) Many years ago, many people came to the shores of our land. Some of them saw the Statue of Liberty welcoming them into New York. Others came long before the statue had been built. All wanted to live free lives. Many had suffered in lands where rulers would not allow them to study God's word. Good parents wanted their children to live in America where they could be free. The blue stands for the vast oceans that these brave settlers had to cross to reach our country.
The second color is red. (Draw a red "M.") When the early settlers came to America they were met by Indians. Indians were the first Americans. We can all be proud of our Indian past. Great Americans like ballplayer Jim Thorpe and dancer Maria Tallchief have been Indians.
The third color is black. (Draw a black "E.") Many African boys and girls were brought to America to be slaves. Abraham Lincoln worked hard to free the slaves, as did many other leaders. Many black people have been great leaders in our land. A black leader named Martin Luther King, Jr., is even honored by having a holiday held each year to remember his courage.
The fourth color is yellow. (Draw a yellow "R.") Many Americans come from an area across the seas known as the Orient. They came to America from countries like Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam. Many Americans from the Orient are great leaders and good citizens. We should be proud of our Asian Americans.
The fifth color is white. (Draw a white "I.") Most Americans are white. White Americans came to our beautiful country from a place called Europe. Over the years white Americans have learned to work together with Americans of other colors to make our nation a place of freedom. The work is not over in making our land a place where freedom and justice and love are held in honor. We Christians need to be good citizens and demand that everyone be treated as we would wish to be treated.
The sixth color is brown. (Draw a brown "C.") People from south of our border in lands known as Mexico, Central America, and South America came to America to be free. Other brown-skinned people came from lands known as Spain, Portugal, and Italy to breathe free air. These Americans proudly add their faith, hope, and love to other Americans'.
The seventh color is ... (Draw an "A" on the board using all six colors.) No matter what color we are, no matter where we go to church, no matter how much money we have, or where we live, we all are Americans. We are Americans but we are also Christians. Don't you remember the Sunday church school hymn, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world"?
As good Christians and good Americans, let us promise on this birthday of our American family to work together with others to make this a good place to be for everyone.
Preaching Resources
Sermon Title: "Liberty Bonds"
Scripture Lesson: Leviticus 25:10
"Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants ...
I. Many people are not free on Independence Sunday
A. Many people are enslaved in politically oppressed societies.
B. Many people are imprisoned in difficult personal crises which shackle their spirits.
C. Many people are prisoners to the false idols which abound in our materialistic, self-gratifying society.
II. Independence Day is a beacon of hope reminding us of our Freedom in Christ.
A. Jesus is the liberator who calls people to live and work together in freedom and in peace. As Christ's disciples we need to work for justice and peace in our country and world.
B. Jesus is the Lord of the family and human heart. Through Christian counseling, prayer, and guidance we can be strengthened to deal with our problems of a personal nature.
C. Jesus is God of gods and Lord of lords. As Christians we are empowered to confront and defeat idolatry in all its hydra-headed manifestations in our society.
III. Independence Day reminds us to.
A. Work for freedom politically, personally, and socially.
B. Celebrate in Christ our freedom to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
Three Sermon illustrations
1. Of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence, five were captured and tortured by British troops. Twelve had their homes destroyed. Two lost their sons in battle. Nine died during the Revolutionary War. One of the delegates saw two of his sons captured by the enemy army. These brave men gave their lives and in many cases their fortunes in the cause of American independence. We should be inspired to become good and faithful citizens by their bright examples.
2. John Adams wrote his wife Abigail in July, 1776, from his vantage point as one of the members of the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia (Adams is referring to the Declaration of Independence): "... it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forth and forevermore." (Presidential Anecdotes, Paul Boiler, Jr., Penguin, New York, 1984, page 30)
3. Most Americans are familiar with the first verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner," but it is interesting to remember the words of the fourth verse. This verse is a benediction to the American dream of peace, freedom, and brotherly and sisterly love.
"Blest with victory and peace
may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the power that hath made
and preserved us a nation ..."
History: The Fourth of July Sunday worship service discussed in this chapter presents an opportunity to celebrate our freedom of religion, guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. A congregation which worships as did early Americans is glancing back in the mirror of our religious heritage. The liturgy which is selected for use on this special occasion may be eclectic, as it draws on many veins of piety and praise flowing through the rich bloodstream of American religious tradition. Or the local church's own particular denominational heritage may be the focus. Best wishes to your church as it conducts an early American worship service, it is hoped that the service will not be viewed as a "gimmick to get people in the front door" but rather as a remembrance of the past fathers of our faith; a present celebration of freedom and a vision for toleration and understanding necessary if we are to adjust to life in a culture of pluralism and toleration.
Preparation for Planning Your Early American Fourth of July Service
Suggestions
1. Involve as many people as possible in the planning for the service. The key to making the service meaningful is to allow plenty of time for researching the history of the worship practices common in early America, for preparing the costuming and music for public worship, and for reminding the congregation of opportunities they may wish to share in as the big day of celebration approaches.
2. Planning should be led by a committee of the whole who will oversee the work being done for the event in all the various organizations within the church.
Assuming key leadership is in place, the following suggestions may be helpful. Perhaps your church can use some of these ideas; develop other ideas more conducive to your own needs, and tailor other thoughts into firm plans for how your Fourth of July service will be conducted.
Presentation Ideas
1. Appoint someone to be the "preacher" of the morning. He or she should be garbed in appropriate "early American" wear. A sermon from a great preacher of the eighteenth century could be used. (The sermons of that time were usually quite long, so "judicious" editing would be essential.) Several good sermons of the period may be found in Twenty Centuries of Great Preaching, Volume III, edited by Clyde Fant & Wm. Pinson, Word Books, Waco, 1976. If one person does not want to assume the full responsibility for sermon preparation, perhaps several committee members could give brief talks of five minutes each, based on historical figures from the denominational past.
2. A musician should be in charge of researching the hymns used for the service, planning the use of special instruments such as the fife and drum, guitar, and harpsichord.
3. One person could volunteer to serve as a "grim-visaged elder" who would use a broomstick with a feather attached to place under the noses of congregants not being attentive to the service. This should be done in good fun and the sleepy parishioners admonished to wake up should be contacted prior to the service!
4. The local press should be invited to photograph participants in the service. Articles may be submitted to your denominational periodicals and newsletters concerning your special service.
5. Perhaps the American Legion, Daughters of the American Revolution, or another historical group could provide a thirteen star flag for use in the procession.
6. Children may participate by presenting special choral numbers sung by the young people of early America. They may wear clothing of the day. An object lesson teaching them the importance of American freedom might be addressed to the children.
7. A meal, serving fare common on early American tables, could be held following the Fourth of July worship service. Such recipes may be found in most libraries.
8. Quilting groups in the church may wish to work on a huge quilt to be displayed, featuring a pattern common in early American quilts. Old quilts could be displayed in the church foyer.
9. Sunday church school classes could draw pictures of great Christians and Americans from the Revolutionary War era.
10. The offering (or a portion of it) could be donated to a local historical society or given to a patriotic cause.
11. The service could be videotaped and used as an educational resource in confirmation classes and as an introduction to new Christians of our religious heritage in an Inquirers/New Member class.
12. The bulletin should provide enough information about the rationale behind each part of the liturgy to qualify as a keepsake, reminding worshipers of our great heritage of church-state separation.
13. Bulletin board displays can focus on patriotic themes during July.
Suggestions for Further Reading
1. American Hymns: New and Old, Christ-Janer, Albert; Hughes, Charles W. & Sprague-Smith, Carelton, Columbia University Press, New York, 1980, p. 143, "Let Tyrants Shake Their Iron Rod" - a Patriotic Hymn composed in 1770 by William Billings.
2. Liturgies of the Western Church, Thompson, Bard, ed. World Publishing Co., New, York, 1971.
Order of Worship
An Early American Worship Service
Early American worship services were as diverse as are those of the present day. What the following service attempts to do, however, is to give modern Christians a "glimpse through the keyhole" at what a service of Christian worship may have been like in the early days of the new Republic.
A Drummer Lad is standing in front of the church building as parishioners enter. He is beating out a drumroll whose purpose is to remind people that the hour for divine worship has arrived.
A Call to Worship (The leader reads his or her part from the back of the church)
Leader: "Let tyrants shake their iron rod, and slavery clank her galling chains. We fear them not; we trust in God; New England's God forever reigns."
People: "When God inspired us for the fight, their ranks were broken, their lines were forced; Their ships were shattered in our sight or swiftly driven from our coast."
Leader: "The foe comes on with haughty stride; Our troops advance with martial noise. Their veterans flee before our youth. And generals yield to beardless boys."
People: "What grateful offerings shall we bring? What shall we render to the Lord? Loud hallelujahs let us sing, And praise his name on every chord."1
* Processional Hymn "My Country 'Tis of Thee"
Concerns of the Flock Being a report of all those in the congregation of God who are sore afflicted with diseases physical, and those in need of Christian succor.
Children's Message
* A Prayer of Thanksgiving Our Father God, we thank you for your tender mercies on this land. We thank you, O God, for your guidance through years of hardship and war. We give glory to your name that we live where we may worship you without fear of persecution. We seek your guidance as we join with those of all colors and creeds to make our land a more just and more tolerant community where the human spirit may breathe free air. May we pilgrims of Jesus Christ seek to become good citizens of this fair land, and may we also become good workers in the vineyard of Him who died to make us free, even Jesus the Christ. Amen
* Gloria Patri
Prayer of Confession Almighty and most merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep ... We have left undone those things which we ought to have done; and we have done those things we ought not to have done; and there is no health in us. But thou, O Lord, have mercy upon us, miserable offenders. Spare thou them, O God, which confess their faults. Restore thou them that are penitent; According to thy promises declared ... in Christ Jesus our Lord. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life; To the glory of thy holy name. Amen2
Scripture Lesson Acts 3:19
Sermon "Repentance and Conversion" Rev. George Whitefield (click here for the full text of this sermon)
* Hymn "The Star-Spangled Banner"
A Call to Offering to God the Gifts He Has Given Us
An Offertory Prayer "God bless all those that I love;
God bless all those that love me;
God bless all those that love those I love;
and all those that love those that love me."4
* Doxology The "Old Hundredth" (Based on Psalm 100, this doxology has been used in Reformed Worship through the centuries since it was composed by Louis Bourgeois in 1551, while he was a resident of Geneva.)
Choir Anthem
Prayers of the People and the Lord's Prayer
O God, who rulest the hearts of nations and the hearts and minds of your people, we praise you for blessing this land. May we do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our Lord. May the beacon light of liberty always draw to our shores homeless refugees yearning to live in a land of sweet liberty. May we view our nation as a testing ground for practicing our faith and love for others. May we learn to live together with all those who are children of God. May we understand that liberty demands to be served by good citizens who obey the law and seek to change laws which would cause any citizen an abridgement of human freedoms. Teach us to become peacemakers in our homes, families, schools, and places of business. Help us to trust in Jesus Christ, the great liberator, as he leads his people to the heavenly city of the New Jerusalem. On this festive day when we remember the Miracle at Philadelphia called the Declaration of Independence, give us wisdom to remember those who have gone before us in faith and those who will follow us. Make our faith strong, our love deep, and our hope expansive as we this day pray for America and all Americans. In your name we pray. "Our Father ..."
A Parting Hymn "O Beautiful for Spacious Skies"
Aaronic Blessing (used often in Protestant services during our early and modern historical periods)
The Lord bless thee and keep thee;
the Lord make his face to shine upon thee;
and be gracious unto thee;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee and give thee peace. Amen
Footnotes
1. Page 143, Christ-Janer. This hymn was the war hymn favored by troops in the American army during the Revolution.
2. Prayer used by John Wesley in early Methodist services. The prayer was used in Methodist services in America in our early national period. Page 418, Liturgies of the Western Church, selected and introduced by Bard Thompson.
3. The sermon "Repentance and Conversion" is included in Twenty Centuries of Great Preaching Volume III edited by Fant, Clyde and Pinson, Wm., page 137.
4. Page 54 in Eerdman's Book of Famous Prayers. The prayer was sewn into a New England Sampler in the sixteenth or seventeenth century. In early America stitches for embroidery were demonstrated on linen panels called "samplers." Samplers often pictured a domestic scene with a Scripture passage or religious saying sewn into the material.
Biographical Sketch on George Whitefield, our "guest" preacher for the Fourth of July Service:
Whitefield (1714-1770) was probably the most popular evangelist in early America. Born in Gloucester, England, he traveled to the American colonies where his preaching helped spur on the "Great Awakening" of religious fervor in New England. He was a friend of Benjamin Franklin. He traveled to the American colonies thirteen times. He was a great orator and a popular speaker in the colonial/Revolutionary period of our history.
Children's Message
Objects needed:
1. A box of felt markers
2. A sheet of construction paper
Scripture: Galatians 3:27, 28b "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
Happy Fourth of July, girls and boys! Did you know our country is the only land with a birthday? The United States was born on July 4, 1776, in the city of Philadelphia. Our nation's leaders wrote a paper called the Declaration of Independence. Independence is a big word which means that all of us - red, yellow, brown, white -
are free to worship God as we wish to do.
Today we want to learn how we can serve God and America. To help us do this I will be using my felt markers.
The first color is blue. (Draw a blue "A" on the construction paper.) Many years ago, many people came to the shores of our land. Some of them saw the Statue of Liberty welcoming them into New York. Others came long before the statue had been built. All wanted to live free lives. Many had suffered in lands where rulers would not allow them to study God's word. Good parents wanted their children to live in America where they could be free. The blue stands for the vast oceans that these brave settlers had to cross to reach our country.
The second color is red. (Draw a red "M.") When the early settlers came to America they were met by Indians. Indians were the first Americans. We can all be proud of our Indian past. Great Americans like ballplayer Jim Thorpe and dancer Maria Tallchief have been Indians.
The third color is black. (Draw a black "E.") Many African boys and girls were brought to America to be slaves. Abraham Lincoln worked hard to free the slaves, as did many other leaders. Many black people have been great leaders in our land. A black leader named Martin Luther King, Jr., is even honored by having a holiday held each year to remember his courage.
The fourth color is yellow. (Draw a yellow "R.") Many Americans come from an area across the seas known as the Orient. They came to America from countries like Korea, Japan, China, and Vietnam. Many Americans from the Orient are great leaders and good citizens. We should be proud of our Asian Americans.
The fifth color is white. (Draw a white "I.") Most Americans are white. White Americans came to our beautiful country from a place called Europe. Over the years white Americans have learned to work together with Americans of other colors to make our nation a place of freedom. The work is not over in making our land a place where freedom and justice and love are held in honor. We Christians need to be good citizens and demand that everyone be treated as we would wish to be treated.
The sixth color is brown. (Draw a brown "C.") People from south of our border in lands known as Mexico, Central America, and South America came to America to be free. Other brown-skinned people came from lands known as Spain, Portugal, and Italy to breathe free air. These Americans proudly add their faith, hope, and love to other Americans'.
The seventh color is ... (Draw an "A" on the board using all six colors.) No matter what color we are, no matter where we go to church, no matter how much money we have, or where we live, we all are Americans. We are Americans but we are also Christians. Don't you remember the Sunday church school hymn, "Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world"?
As good Christians and good Americans, let us promise on this birthday of our American family to work together with others to make this a good place to be for everyone.
Preaching Resources
Sermon Title: "Liberty Bonds"
Scripture Lesson: Leviticus 25:10
"Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants ...
I. Many people are not free on Independence Sunday
A. Many people are enslaved in politically oppressed societies.
B. Many people are imprisoned in difficult personal crises which shackle their spirits.
C. Many people are prisoners to the false idols which abound in our materialistic, self-gratifying society.
II. Independence Day is a beacon of hope reminding us of our Freedom in Christ.
A. Jesus is the liberator who calls people to live and work together in freedom and in peace. As Christ's disciples we need to work for justice and peace in our country and world.
B. Jesus is the Lord of the family and human heart. Through Christian counseling, prayer, and guidance we can be strengthened to deal with our problems of a personal nature.
C. Jesus is God of gods and Lord of lords. As Christians we are empowered to confront and defeat idolatry in all its hydra-headed manifestations in our society.
III. Independence Day reminds us to.
A. Work for freedom politically, personally, and socially.
B. Celebrate in Christ our freedom to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God.
Three Sermon illustrations
1. Of the fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence, five were captured and tortured by British troops. Twelve had their homes destroyed. Two lost their sons in battle. Nine died during the Revolutionary War. One of the delegates saw two of his sons captured by the enemy army. These brave men gave their lives and in many cases their fortunes in the cause of American independence. We should be inspired to become good and faithful citizens by their bright examples.
2. John Adams wrote his wife Abigail in July, 1776, from his vantage point as one of the members of the Continental Congress meeting in Philadelphia (Adams is referring to the Declaration of Independence): "... it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, bells, bonfires, and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other from this time forth and forevermore." (Presidential Anecdotes, Paul Boiler, Jr., Penguin, New York, 1984, page 30)
3. Most Americans are familiar with the first verse of "The Star-Spangled Banner," but it is interesting to remember the words of the fourth verse. This verse is a benediction to the American dream of peace, freedom, and brotherly and sisterly love.
"Blest with victory and peace
may the heaven-rescued land
Praise the power that hath made
and preserved us a nation ..."
