The Fourth of July, 1916

Frederick Childe Hassam

Private Collection

Every year around the Fourth of July, my Spotify knows what's coming. "Party in the USA" by Miley Cyrus goes on repeat, unapologetically, and I will die on this hill: it's a perfect song. Miley's whole story in those three minutes is about a girl who lands somewhere new, doesn't know if she belongs, and white-knuckles her way through it until she finally just lets go. Hands up. No control. That's not a bad description of the country turning 250.

Matthew's crowd in this week's Gospel can't be pleased either way: not the wedding song or the funeral dirge. And then Jesus says something embarrassingly simple in response: stop gripping the wheel. Take my yoke. It's easy. It's light.

Maybe the holiest move this birthday week isn't getting the history exactly right or the politics resolved, but letting go of the wheel for just long enough to remember why we're glad to be here at all.

And maybe that's what this particular birthday week is for us as a parish too: less about getting the history right and more about practicing letting go. There's a Vacation Bible School information meeting right after the 10 AM service this Sunday, and if you've ever helped run VBS for a room full of kids, you know it's basically a masterclass in giving up control.

A couple of housekeeping notes before the fireworks: the parish office will be closed Monday in observance of the holiday, so plan accordingly. And if you find yourself at a cookout this weekend with "Party in the USA" inevitably playing from somebody's speakers, do me a favor: put your hands up for a second. Not in surrender but in release. Looks identical from the outside. Only you know if you've actually let go.

Happy birthday, America! Try not to overthink the candles.



Nelson+

Vestry Commission Meetings

TONIGHT 6:30pm

Attend vestry commission meetings to see what all is happening and how to get involved!

Thursday

• 10:00am Holy Eucharist with healing prayers
• (NO Bible Study in July)
• 1:30pm Knit Wits in Alfriend House

Parish Office Closed

Monday, 6 July in observance of Independence Day

Almighty God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of thy favor and glad to do thy will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Click to register the child(ren) in your life!

Ready to volunteer for VBS? Click here to let us know!

Ushers Unite!

Be the first smile people see and the reason they feel at home. As an usher, it's not just about bulletins—you set the tone for every service, and help create a warm, welcoming space for all. Step into a role that makes a real difference each week. Join the usher team—you belong here. Already trained and ready to usher? Sign up HERE.

VBS Volunteer Meeting

THIS Sunday, directly following 10:00am worship. In Canterbury.

Click to read everything and for links!

Wednesday Night Program and Supper

Wednesday, 22 July 6:00pm in Tucker Hall

Mark your calendar! We will show a recording of an updated lecture by Dr. Scott Moore and invite all to join us to learn about the truths and myths behind the story of Grace Sherwood, The Witch of Pungo. 

Dr. Moore, author of the book The Witch of Pungo, Grace Sherwood in Virginia History and Legend, and Associate Professor of History at Eastern Connecticut State University, provides a detailed look at the facts and stories surrounding the life of Grace Sherwood of Pungo, Virginia. She is the reason for Witchduck Road's name. Some may remember that Dr. Moore lectured at ODEC a few years ago. Brought to you by Becoming Beloved Community Commission.

We are Hiring!

Do you have a passion for accompanying and forming young people in their faith journey? We seek someone with a heart for youth and a gift for mentorship, leadership, and Christian formation. If you feel called to help guide the next generation with wisdom, compassion, and faith, we would love to speak with you. Position description HERE. Contact Father Nelson or Gretchen if you are interested.

Altar Flower Dedications

Would you like to dedicate flowers in loving memory of or thanksgiving for someone dear to you? Email Janet, and we will let the Flower Guild know. The dedication is included in the Sunday bulletin. The cost is $75.

Building Security

Just a reminder that our doors are programmed for opening and closing, in collaboration with our groups, to keep our building secure. Please do not prop the doors open as that defeats the whole purpose. If your group needs the times adjusted, please contact Gretchen.

REALM!

All active members have received an email to REALM, our new platform for parishioners. The email address from which it came is : and will look like the graphic below.



You will need to download the app and choose your preferences of what to show to others. At that point, you will be part of the directory. Exciting, but there are growing pains. Please be patient!

Click below to download the app to your phone:

Director of Administration: Gretchen Hood

Rector: The Rev. Nelson Mendoza

Parish Secretary: Janet Castro

https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=56145