07/04/2026
As Christians, we celebrate the Fourth of July alongside our Christian faith, which calls us to see connection and unity beyond nationality. As we honor the blessings and gifts of the United States of America, we also long and dream for a future in which all people in this country-and all nations-will know the freedom, justice, and peace that the way of Jesus leads us into.
This year, for many of us, that celebration comes with more complexity than usual — questions about how to live into this country's promises and what it means to love a place honestly. The Good News is that our faith doesn't ask us to choose between gratitude and honesty. It calls us toward something larger than either: the kingdom of God-the beloved community that Jesus proclaims and invites us to build together.
This Independence Day, may we ring bells of freedom alongside all those who have come before us and will come after us. Freedom for ourselves, for our families, freedom for our neighbors, and freedom for strangers in this land and beyond. Click the link below to read "Ring the Bells for Freedom - Fourth of July Litany" written by Rev. Dr. Chris Davies, Executive Minister for Programs and Initiatives of the SNEUCC. Her words honor the significance and joy of this occasion while inviting us beyond Christian nationalism and into the wider vision of Christ's love, justice, and peace.
Happy Fourth to you and your families! May your celebrations be safe and joyful.
--In peace,
Pastor Aidan
https://www.sneucc.org/postdetail/ring-the-bells-for-freedom-4th-of-july-litany-19845239?fbclid=IwY2xjawSwp6NleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5qep7DgWNNTqh9nZkgXnrSIumoOTUQ8aCq2oRCK7UwwyzHrPKj9N31xKBzA_aem_xUzaOFAZmWVFLrt_6-C6vQ
