July 2026
Upcoming fourth day events:
- July 2nd, 2026 Community Meeting, Oakwood Fellowship, 2215 58th St, Lubbock, TX
- Board meeting at 5:30
- Babe Chick Meeting 5:45
- Meal & Fellowship at 6:00 – Please bring food to share
- Worship at 7:00
- Men’s walk #122 Zane Edwards Lay Director, July 16 – July 19
- Women’s walk # 175 Rebecca Granados Lay Director, August 6 – August 9
- Men’s walk # 123 Jody Ehler Lay Director, September 24 – 27
- Women’s walk #176 Suzanne Baker, October 22 -25
These are the people that you need to get in touch with if you want to work on any of these walks. Or, you can reach out to any board member.
Each year on the Fourth, most Americans come together to celebrate a defining moment in U.S. history—the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. It’s a day marked by brilliant and explosive fireworks, inspiring anthems, and our national colors, red, white, and blue, interwoven into each festivity. I love it!
While it’s appropriate to honor the inheritance from those who fought for political independence, it also offers a time to consider the character of true freedom. It is a good reminder of God’s commandment to love others as ourselves and to love with actions and in truth, not just with words.
Paul warns, “Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:13).
What might that look like on the Fourth of July? It might mean inviting someone who feels alone or out of place to your family’s celebration activities. It might be praying with your family and friends for those throughout the world who lack peace. It could be using your voice for justice, standing in the gap for the overlooked and underserved. Wherever there is opportunity to bless, Christians are called to be the first to step in.
So, fly your flags, play your patriotic music, and light the night sky with your fireworks, but do take a moment to remember a different kind of light—the light of Christ, Who calls us to walk in freedom, truth, and grace. Let our celebration not be shallow but deeply soaked in gratitude—for both the liberties we enjoy and the love that frees us forever.
De Colores,
Larry Van Gilder, Community Lay Director
