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During the summer, the secular calendar includes two days that focus on national pride: Memorial Day (this year celebrated on May 26) and Independence Day (July 4). Many churches want to find ways to recognize these days without being unfaithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ, which transcends every national loyalty. How may faithful Christians celebrate both national citizenship and transnational faith? Here are some suggestions:
The Book of Common Worship has two prayers for the nation on p. 816, including one by President Woodrow Wilson. Either of these may be incorporated into the prayers of the people on the Sunday closest to Memorial Day (May 25) or Independence Day (July 6).
Memorial Day this year falls during the same week as Ascension Day. This juxtaposition provides a good opportunity to give thanks for our nations history and yet recognize that Christ is Lord over all nations.
On May 25, the lectionary reading from Acts 10:4448 tells the story of Gods glory in Jesus Christ being revealed even to the Gentiles. This account of Gods concern for outsiders helps to counter any narrow conception of God being affiliated with our nation alone.
On this day, if your church is accustomed to remembering in prayer those who have died in service to the United States, remember also those who have died serving other countries. This is especially powerful if members of your congregation are immigrants or children of immigrants.
On July 6, the lectionary reading from 2 Corinthians 12:210 emphasizes that Christs power is made perfect in weakness. This is a helpful counterpoint at a time when military might can be exalted as the only real power in our world.
The words at the base of the Statue of Liberty (Give me your tired, your poor . . .) evoke our nations history while calling us to a concern for the tired, the poor that is coherent with the gospel. These words may appropriately be incorporated into a prayer or a sermon on a Sunday near one of these patriotic holidays.
In selecting hymns for these days, look for those that include concern for our nation within the context of Gods wider love for the entire world. America, the Beautiful, for instance, lifts up a prayer for this country without being triumphalistic. The Star-Spangled Banner, on the other hand, when sung in worship, glorifies the rockets red glare and the bombs bursting in air without reference to what these activities have to do with Gods mercy.
Both Memorial Day and Independence Day provide themes that can be unpacked usefully in connection with the gospel. On the Sunday closest to Memorial Day, explore the theme of remembrance: what do we remember as a nation? How does that memory shape who we are as U.S. citizens? What do we remember as Christians? How does that memory (of Jesus Christs life, death, resurrection, ascension, and coming again) form our identity? On the Sunday closest to Independence Day, explore the theme of freedom: what does it mean to be truly free? How do we understand the claim that Christians are free only when we are bound to Jesus Christ?
Martha L. Moore-Keish, author, is Associate for Worship, Office of Theology and Worship. Contact her at (888) 728-7228, ext. 5332, or send e-mail to mmooreke@ctr.pcusa.org.
Article was added to FaithandValues.com in May 2003.
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