Freedom to Worship
Several years ago there was a visiting bishop with us for worship at our Church Street sanctuary. If you're reading this blog but have never been to Evangelical Lutheran Church, you've probably noticed from the photos that the place is filled with history.The current sanctuary is 150+ years old and also served as a Civil War hospital after Antietam. On May 28, 1800, John and Abigail Adams visited the church and addressed the people of Frederick in what was the limestone church. In fact, the congregation was founded when George Washington was only 6 years old.
Anyway, as we prepared to enter the sanctuary for worship, the visiting bishop seemed to take in the enormity of ELC's place in American history and as he led a pre-service prayer (as is our custom before entering the sanctuary), he prayed,
"Lord, we are so grateful that today we can come here to this beautiful place and worship you in freedom--because we know there are many who cannot do that where they are today."
Among the many, many blessings we count as the United States of America celebrates Independence Day on July 4th, we should pause to thank God for this gift. Many have sacrificed so that we can worship our Savior with the freedom that, I believe, reflects His grace for the world.
If you're in Frederick for the 4th, stop by the sanctuary and lift a prayer. The doors will be open from 2 to 8 pm. Someone will greet you with a smile. You may pray for peace, for those serving far from home this 4th, for God to help all the nations of the world (indeed He loves all people!), or for this gift of religious freedom.
The truth is that if you are reading these words, God loves you. May that knowledge bring you joy.
Happy 4th of July!
Pastor Dave+