July 7, 2024

What to the Suffering is the 4th of July?

On July 5th, 1852, the great abolitionist and orator Fredrick Douglass stood before an assembled crowd and read a fiery and moving speech called "What to the Slave is the 4th of July?" reminding many how their missions of freedom and liberation and justice were far from done. Join us as we celebrate freedom but also remember that the struggle isn't over until we're all free.

Program for children and youth: Children begin in Sanctuary (main level) & go to lower level after candle lighting.

Prelude

Welcome: Pablo Vazquez, Summer Minister

Hymn #16 “‘Tis a Gift to be Simple”

Chalice Lighting: “Searching for Justice and Hope”, Words read by Pablo Vazquez

Candlelighting: Adam Gonnerman, Beacon Chaplain

Hymn: #100 “I’ve Got Peace Like a River”

Reading: “What is the 4th of July to a Slave?” Section By Fredrick Douglass, Read by Pablo Vazquez

Testimonial: Marty Rothfelder, Social Justice Team

Offertory: “Hymn to Freedom” by Oscar Peterson, lyrics by Harriette Hamilton

Sermon: “What is the 4th of July to the Suffering?”, Pablo Vazquez

Song: “America the Beautiful” by Samuel A. Ward, lyrics by Katharine Lee Bates

Benediction: Pablo Vazquez

Postlude piano solo

With special thanks to all the staff and volunteers who made our service possible including:

Music: Misa Iwama and John O’Neill

Live Stream Technician: Will Cisco 

Audio Tech: Riley Yau
Board Greeter: Missy Rogers

Welcome Team: Hilary Polk, Lindsay Tyler-Garibaldi and Jeff Garibaldi

Virtual Usher: Jennifer Skarda-McCann