Happy Independence Day! The Fourth of July brings out my passion for patriotism and thanksgiving for my country. An unknown author in a poem titled Independence Bell–July 4, 1776 wrote: “That old State House bell is silent, hushed is now its clamorous tongue; but the spirit it awakened still is living–ever young; and when we greet the smiling sunlight of the fourth of each July, we will ne’er forget the bellman who, betwixt the earth and sky, rung out loudly, ‘Independence’ ‘which, please God, shall never die.” May we all remember the past, rejoice in the present and provide for the future by exalting the Lord who has made America the great nation she is today.
Last Sunday, we enjoyed the preaching of Ryan Alford at the Baptist church. We also were excited our Presbyterian friends joined us to welcome Ryan, Leanne (McKinney), Noah, Jaxson and Addie to Union Church. Ryan will be preaching again for us today. Come welcome this precious family and hear God’s Word proclaimed.
My children, Jody and Susan Gibson have been here the past two weekends picking an abundant crop of blueberries at the country house. Spending time with them has been such a pleasure.

Our prayers for Roger Dale Smith are ongoing. He spent the biggest part of last week in ICU at Baptist Hospital but is now in a room there. Family members are with him around the clock; he is in a very serious condition. Others on our prayer list include Doris Bradley, Tucker Haire, Valerie Hill and Melissa Sandifer.
As Ryan spoke to us last Sunday from Acts 11 and reminded us of the basis of our faith: the cross, the saturation of God’s Word, the igniting by God’s Spirit and the overflowing with God’s grace. He spoke of Stephen, the martyr. He quoted a profound statement that left me considering what is happening in our world today: “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.” While we face persecution because of our beliefs, we are challenged by ones who are giving their lives all over the world for the cause of Christ. May we never forget their sacrifices. God bless America.

 

If you have any Union Church area news to report, contact Erlene Hudson at (601) 786-3079 or e-mail ehudsonb@aol.com.