For most this weekend extends the Fourth of July
holiday with parades, concerts, fireworks and
cookouts. With all the political unrest in the world, we
can truly count our blessings for the freedom and
opportunity our country affords us. While we continue
to pray for peace in the world, it seems that new
conflicts keep arising. We know that such conflict is
the mark of history, but we never seem to learn from
our past. It is on holidays such as this weekend that
we feel that sense of pride and patriotism over what
America stands for.

Our country certainly is not perfect. We continue to
interpret our constitution according to the times in
which we find ourselves. Inequality and prejudice
continue to exist. While most of us do not have much
political power, we do have the ability to treat each
other fairly and without bias.

We also find these values in our faith. Genesis tells us
that all people are made in the image and likeness of
God; all people are valued and dignified in the eyes of
God. When we make rash judgments about others and
talk behind others’ backs we are devaluing them and
dismissing the word of God. Every one of our actions
has a reaction, for good or for bad. Let’s try to make
that for good!

On another note, as we move through these summer
months, many people go away for vacations and
consequently our offertory drops dramatically. Please
try to make up your envelopes when you return.
Remember our bills, like your own, do not take
vacations!!