“In this time of great reflection on two hundred fifty years,
We remember, as a nation, times we’ve prospered, times of tears.
“We shall be,” a preacher told us, “as a city on a hill”—
not to praise us but to warn us: We’ve a duty to fulfill.” – “In this Time of Great Reflection” by Rev. Dr. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette

“While the Fourth of July is not a liturgical “holy day”, it is a chance to remind one another of America’s aspiration to be a “a more perfect union.” One that still has miles to go when it comes to equality, justice, peace, and general welfare. The Gospel calls us to feed the hungry, care for the sick, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison. The church knows how to help our country become who we say we want to be.” – Rev. Dr. Lori Walke, J.D. for Illustrated Ministries