Today was the second annual St. Stephen's UMC 4th of July church picnic. (Wow, what a mouthful...) It was also Vacation Bible School celebration Sunday. Lots going on this morning. The youth led worship and gave all us boring parents who didn't actually go with their kids to VBS a glimpse of what went on last week. We heard a great sermon from our new pastor. And then the picnic!
We had a band, we had a jumper, water slides, and a dunk tank in which to dunk the aforementioned pastor, as well as the associate pastor, assorted youth AND my mother. And food. Hamburgers, hot dogs, and lots of delicious homemade side-dishes and desserts. We have a great church. We had a great time.
I realized though, I don't go to church for the sermons (although I enjoy them), I go because I love seeing this community of people have fun together and reach out to their community at the same time. It's wonderful that we all have faith, that we all have common ground, but it's more wonderful to see how that doesn't matter. You could have been walking by and decided to come up and you would have been just as included and important as someone who goes every Sunday.
We may not get to have fireworks this year, too dry. And maybe our city doesn't do a big parade (too liberal?). But I can thank God for the freedom I have to gather together with people of faith, in His name, and just have a great time. That freedom I wish for all people, of all faiths, all over the world.
Happy 4th of July! Remember all the freedoms you have, remember that there are people who are oppressed and hurting the world over, and be thankful for the blessings you have been given!
No comments:
Post a Comment