It is the 4th of July holiday weekend: picnics, boating, camping, fireworks, family and friends. In the midst of it all, I invite you to pause and join us at Hope United Church of Christ for worship via Facebook Live tomorrow, Sunday, July 5, at 10:00 a.m.

Our biblical tale will feature the story involving the characters of Abraham, Isaac and Rebekah. It invites us to wrestle with the idea of divine providence or an overbearing parent; it challenges us to consider whether this is a story of God’s continued promise or is there something different going on here.

During our liturgy, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Communion, a time when ordinary gifts of the earth are blessed and shared. It is a moment to remember that Jesus often took the time to share food and fellowship with his followers, friends, and strangers. You are invited to gather your own elements – bread, juice, wine, grapes, other fruit and other delights and take part in this ritual.

Throughout our morning, the service will feature musical pieces shared by our guest organist, Marilyn Lodge. The Rev. Darrell Goodwin, Associate Conference Minister, Tri-Conference Ministries – Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota Conferences of the United Church of Christ, will be offering the pastoral prayer. Doug Lane gives us the gift of saxophone solo for our closing chorus.

My thanks goes out to Mitch and Regan Bloomquist, who work “behind the scenes” to make sure that our service is ready for prime time.

I hope you will indeed log-in and log-on to Hope United Church of Christ’s Facebook page tomorrow morning, for no matter who you are or where you are in your life’s journey, you are welcome here.