Happy Fourth of July!
One of my favorite patriotic hymns is "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," written by the abolitionist Julia Ward Howe during the Civil War. It's so stirring: "His truth is marching on!" This song has been published in 583 hymnals! But that's nothing compared to my least favorite hymn, "Onward Christian Soldiers," which appears in 1,839 hymnals (and when the Methodists tried to take it out, they got 11,000 letters in protest!).
What is it about music that has the power to both bring us together and to divide us - by lyrics, styles, tastes, genres? It touches our hearts deeply, much like love of country (by this I mean our nation, not country music). I appreciate the wisdom that counsels churches to keep secular holidays and flags away from our altars. Such things can be distracting and divisive. That is why we might enjoy the rainbow flag for Pride Sunday once a year in outdoor worship but not, say, in our sanctuary.
As our Pride celebrations give way to patriotic summer celebrations, I am so excited to gather with our Methodist, UCC, and Episcopalian siblings to sing some of the favorite hymns common to all our traditions, with our own local ecumenical band led by Mike Reynolds! What a wonderful way to celebrate neighbors coming together. May people of all faiths have access to the same religious freedoms we enjoy. I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!
with love, Pr. Chelsea