« June 23, 2004 | June 23, 2004 | July 13, 2004 »

Pastor's Page

Posted on June 23, 2004 ...

Last year on Independence Day my family enjoyed our local fireworks display. We parked at E.L. Ross School, climbed aboard the top of our Jeep Grand Cherokee and watched with delight as the colors electrified the sky. Someone near by began playing patriotic music on a car stereo. The atmosphere was ideal! It was a scene fit for a modern day Norman Rockwell painting. Amid the lights and music, my wife asked me, Do you consider yourself to be a patriotic person? Rather than immediately replying Yes, I pondered my answer. After all, what does it mean to be patriotic? It must be more than merely surrounding your home, car, and attire with items of red, white, and blue. And having never served in the armed forces, I knew my patriotic loyalties could not compare to those people who gave part of their life to military duty.

A few moments later I affirmed that I DID consider myself to be a patriotic person. My conclusion was based on several criteria I feel are important.

First, I vote in every election. The right to vote is the fundamental expression of our political freedom. It is embarrassing that only about half of the eligible voters in our country exercise this right. First and foremost, patriotic people recognize the price paid for this privilege and take the time to go to the polls on Election Day.

Second, I stand and sing our National Anthem whenever called upon. I’m the person at the ball game with my hand over my heart proudly bellowing out the words to the Star-Spangled Banner, even when all others around me stand silent. It is a special way for me to publicly declare my appreciation for the liberties represented in our nation’s flag. Patriotic people are not hesitant to express their allegiance to our nation.

Finally, I consider the liberties we enjoy as Americans to be gifts of God’s grace. Freedom, therefore, is a fitting theme for our worship of Almighty God. Please invite your family and friends to our special Patriotic Worship Service on Sunday morning, July 4. Together we will celebrate both our faith and our freedom. Veterans are encouraged to wear their military uniforms (or at least the hats to their uniforms). Our special guests will be Mayor Tom Rowland and State Representative Chris Newton. What a great way to express our patriotism!