God's Loving Presence in a Hurting World

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 5, 2026

Musings from the Pastor's Desk

“Ro! Ro! Ro!”

As I am writing this, the World Cup game between Norway and Ivory Coast is on TV. As a Norwegian, I am proud of my cultural heritage and how we celebrate special events, including the 17th of May (Norwegian Independence Day), Midsummer Nights, and the Classic Norwegian Kransekake, which is a staple at all significant events.

Now the world has seen a new way Norwegians celebrate sporting events, from the World Cup to last Monday, when Norwegian Viktor Hovland won the 2026 Travelers Championship in a sudden-death playoff against Scottie Scheffler.

The Norwegian "Viking Row" is a modern football (soccer) supporters' celebration that began in 2025. Created by Ole Frøystad for Norway's official supporters' club, it was designed to give Norwegian fans a distinctive way to cheer for their national team, similar to Iceland's famous "Thunder Clap" or the playing of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” after a Yankees win.

The synchronized rowing motion evokes Viking longships, one of Norway's best-known historical icons. Fans row together while chanting "Ro!" ("Row!" in Norwegian). The celebration gained international attention as Norway returned to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Watch the Viking Row HERE

The burning question for this week, appropriate when temperatures exceed 100°F, is how the Viking Row, the 4th of July, and Sunday’s gospel are yoked together.

If you've watched any of Norway's recent soccer matches, you've likely seen thousands of fans moving in unison, shoulder to shoulder, pulling invisible oars together. The celebration is a reminder that a boat moves best when everyone rows in the same direction.

As we celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we're reminded that freedom has always depended on people working together for the common good. In Sunday's Gospel (Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30), Jesus offers another image of shared purpose: "Take my yoke upon you...for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." A yoke joins two so they can pull the load as one. Jesus doesn't ask us to carry life's burdens alone; he promises to be beside us, sharing the weight and guiding the way.

As we celebrate our nation's freedoms, may we also remember the deeper freedom found in walking—and rowing—together with Christ, whose strength carries us forward in hope, love, and service.

Join us at Hope for worship on Sunday at 10:30 AM, or join us on Facebook at HopeClinton, as we “Ro” together, praising God in song and prayer.

You are welcome here, even if you are not Norwegian!

Peace+

Pastor Eric

PS: As I finished writing, Norway scored a late goal to win 2-1. “Ro!, Ro!, Ro!”

Preparing for Sunday

6th Sunday after

Pentecost

Zechariah 9:9-12

Psalm 145:8-14

Romans 7:15-25a

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Prayer

Lord, we praise you daily. Thank you for your grace and love. We so often fall short in our devotion to you. Help us to continue to praise you, even in our weakness. Amen.

Choir

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Serve the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing.

Thank you, Debbie, for an amazing Crab Feast!!!!

The Star-Spangled Banner

O say can you see, by the dawn's early light,

What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;

O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

Francis Scott Key

Bible Study

On most Fridays, we meet at 11AM in the fellowship hall.

Join us!

Ponder the Thought

Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship.

Benjamin Franklin

Courage conquers all things: it even gives strength to the body.

Ovid

Council News

Council will meet next on July 19th.

Go Nats!

You’re invited to join the Metro D.C. Synod for Faith Day at Nationals Park: An evening of baseball, fellowship, and community connection.

Come cheer on the Washington Nationals as they take on the Cincinnati Reds. (Let's go Redlegs!)

When: Saturday, August 8 at 6:45 p.m.

How much: Tickets are $32/person; they are limited to section 406.

We can purchase multiple tickets at once if we have a group going together.

Click to buy tickets.

Spaghetti Dinner Fellowship

When: Sat., July 11, 4-6pm

Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 8710 Old Branch Avenue, Clinton, MD.

Cost: Adults $12-Seniors and Children 6-12: $10.

For more information call

(301) 868-1330

or visit ChristChurchClinton.org

Interfaith Service at Washington National Cathedral

The Washington National Cathedral will host an interfaith service on Friday, July 3, at 10:00 AM, celebrating 250 years of the American spirit. To learn more or watch the service online, click the button below.

Learn more

Sacred Ground

Registration is now open for Sacred Ground, a Zoom-based discussion series on race and faith; all are welcome to attend. Sacred Ground is a 12-session spiritual journey grounded in the example of Jesus Christ and the power of scripture, prayer, and God’s grace to help achieve racial equity. For more information see flyer posted in the Narthex.

To sign up, click here

6201 Coventry Way, Clinton, MD 20735

301.868.2678 | office@hopeclinton.org