Celebrating Independence Day

The worship service on Sunday, July 7th, included a celebration of Independence Day. A trio started with The Star Spangled Banner and Fisher lead the congregation in the Pledge to Allegiance. The choir sang If My People Will Pray and shared the following prayer:

Our Heavenly Father, King of Kings, and Lord of all the earth,

As we celebrated our nation's independence day this week, we were reminded that Thomas Jefferson once said: "God who gave us life gave us liberty." We would like to thank you for our bountiful nation and for our freedoms that allow us to live in abundance as one nation under God.

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as his own inheritance. Psalms 33:12

Father, we thank you for our lives and commitment to those who have served and are still serving our country in the military. We ask you to  bless their families. May we never fail to remember these service men and women who have sacrificed for our country's freedom. As we celebrate our nation's independence, let us remember that we are dependent on You for everything in our lives and that You are good and holy and will provide all we truly need if only we will trust You. Remind us what true freedom is and that You and Your Son are the only source. Give us humble hearts and make us eager to know You. Help us to remember that the United States of America was established as a covenant Christian nation and that Christians uniting in Christ is our nation's source of unity. As George Washington, our nation's first president, once said: "It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor."

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Galatians 5:1

We would also like to pray for this great nation's leaders. May they remember the legacy of faith in You that has passed down from our founding fathers. As Patrick Henry, an early American leader, once said: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ." Remind our leaders today that the only independence of value is the freedom gained when we trust You for spiritual and physical independence through Jesus Christ.

In my anguish I cried to the Lord, and He answered by setting me free. Psalms 118:5

George Washington once prayed: "Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Wash away my sins in the immaculate blood of the Lamb and purge my heart by Thy Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, that living in Thy fear, and dying in Thy favor, I may in Thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thee and Thy Son, Jesus Christ."

God Bless America.

Heavenly Father, we ask you forgive the sins of this nation and bring us back to Your path of true freedom. In Jesus' name we humbly pray.  Amen

Sermon title:  Are We Respecting God's Institutions?
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 & Matthew 22:15-22
Sermon Points:

God honors order!

(Deuteronomy 6:1-25)

*It is through order that God established His institutions

The institutions that God ordains in His Word:

1. Home (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)
2. Government (Matthew 22:15-22)
3. Church (The Gospels and Book of Acts)

When these three institutions have their rightful place in our lives, there is order. In this state, we can be free of conflict. But, when an institution oversteps its boundary, loyalty to God comes first. May we each understand our responsibility to God as we live and function in the land of freedom!

Centennial Celebration

On May 5, 2013 Mount Hebron Wesleyan Church celebrated 100 years.

The day was filled with family and friends. Over 200 people joined us that day to enjoy a worship service that included music by the Cockman Family, testimonials and reflections from the congregation, guest speaker Mr. Cockman, and special gifts to families of founding members. Afterwards, we shared a wonderful meal and time of fellowship.

The special day was a result of months of work by the anniversary committee: Wanda Pool, Faye Burgin, Ann King, Rebecca Knupp, Candie McPherson, Brenda Parks, Barbara Walker and Helen Walker. Thank you.

                  
As part of the day, the History of Mount Hebron Wesleyan Church was compiled into a book (available here). You can also access the pictures from the day here.