The United States (U.S.) will be celebrating the Fourth of July later this week, and it will have been 249 years since July 4, 1776, when the United States of America was born. You might be surprised to learn that in the foundational document of the U.S., the Declaration of Independence, the word “freedom” can’t be found. Instead, you’ll find the word “liberty,” along with “life” and “the pursuit of happiness.” In the years since our nation’s beginning, the word “liberty” has been replaced with “freedom,” which is typically defined by most people as the ability to do what one wants without hindrance. This definition gets us into trouble. Here’s an example from the Fourth of July celebration. Some people want the freedom to set off lots of fireworks in their driveway or yard while others are concerned about safety, noise, or the potential for fire and other property damage. Freedom is one of those words that can’t be experienced in its fullness except in solitude when we attempt to live it as it’s typically defined. Living in community requires a tension to express freedom without jeopardizing the freedom of those around us.
Galatians 5:1, 13–25 NRSVUE
Grace Communion Melbourne Fellowship Group – 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
2nd Sundays Potluck & Bible Study 1:30 p.m.
Meeting @ Pineda Presbyterian Church 5650 N. Wickham Rd
Charities
- Food Bank @ Advent Lutheran (13) Advent Lutheran Church | Facebook
- The Children's Hunger Project the Children’s Hunger Project l Homepage (thechildrenshungerproject.org)
- Outreach Program for IHB School Supplies (13) City of Indian Harbour Beach Police Department - Posts | Facebook
- Family Promise HOME | FPOB (familypromiseofbrevard.org)
- GCI Grace Communion International (gci.org)
- In His Steps Learning Academy, Inc.
- Youth Summer Camps
- Durham NC Start up GCI Church