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(updated 6-27-24) “For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters, only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence,[c] but through love become enslaved to one another. 14 For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. .” Galatians 5:1, 13-15 NRSV 
               This week we will celebrate the 4th of July, our national Independence Day.  There will be parades and barbecue, family gatherings and fireworks.  As a nation, we will give thanks for our freedom and the people that have lived and died to secure this freedom for us. I hope this week, as you celebrate and enjoy your day, that we will each take a while somewhere in the day to reflect on the ultimate liberation that was won for us by our savior Jesus Christ. 
           In the book of Galatians, the Apostle Paul calls on believers to live into the freedom that we have received through the amazing grace and love of God.  I have come to see this freedom as not only freedom from the laws of sin and death, but also as freedom to live lives of love and service to God and our neighbors.  These “neighbors” include the folks on our street and expands to all creation!  Friends and family, yes of course.  Our freedom calls us to love and serve the whole of this creation that we have been given stewardship over!
I shared with our children in our children’s time recently that the very first question that any human asked God is recorded in the Book of Genesis, from Cain after he killed his brother Abel. God came searching for Abel, and asked Cain in Genesis 4:9, “Where is your brother Abel?” The first recorded question from humanity to God followed – “Am I my brothers’ keeper?”  I believe the rest of the Bible is God’s response to Cains question.  The answer is YES!! We are indeed our brother and sister’s keeper!  We are called to use this awesome freedom we have received in Christ to serve and love!
          Come and join us at 9 am on Sunday mornings for our Heritage worship service. We are blessed to offer an American Sign Language Interpreter for hearing impaired at this 9 am service. If you know anyone who might benefit from this ministry, please send them our way! If you are unable to join us in person, we are livestreaming our worship services on Facebook.  There are Bible Studies and fellowship opportunities and an open chair reserved just for you! Plan to come and join us – we’ll save you a seat! 

Serving Christ with You, Pastor Bill Mudge