CELC 2026

Worshiping Faithfully in a Fraught National Moment

On July 4 2026, the United States marked the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which launched us on a path that we can celebrate. But we Lutherans know that we are not perfect, and that we must constantly judge ourselves against the sinless life of Jesus, and where we fall short, pray for forgiveness, change, and then go forward. So it is with families, societies, cultures and nations. Even the best of them can fall short, and need correction.

Our country has had many incredible moments of positive results. We should celebrate the times our country rose above, and did something just and positive, such as abolishing slavery and taking on all the difficulties that followed, or entering WW2 as Hitler was set to take over the world. Additionally, there have been a number of periods over the last two centuries when folks in other parts of the world looked at the US, with good reason, as the only hope for them, their family, and even their nation. Still, we must also recognize times when we strayed, and needed to return to the right path.

So for many congregations, this semi quincentennial will raise important questions: How do we give thanks for the gifts of civic life without turning the church’s worship into a national celebration? How do we honor the best promises of democracy while lamenting the ways our nation has fallen short? How do Christians speak clearly against injustices, while still praying for our country, our leaders, and our neighbors?

That balance matters. Lutherans do not worship a nation. We worship the God made known in Jesus Christ—the One who welcomes the weary, sets prisoners free, calls us to love our neighbors, and sends us into public life to work for justice and peace. Civic life is part of Christian vocation, but it must never replace the gospel.

Our public life today is marked by deep division, fear, and real suffering among vulnerable neighbors—people experiencing homelessness, migrants and refugees, families living in poverty, people facing extreme weather, and communities whose voices are too often ignored. The church’s calling is not to withdraw from civic life, nor to baptize any political party or nation. Our calling is to enter public life as disciples of Jesus: humble, truthful, courageous, and rooted in love.

We urge Lutherans to reject the temptation to distort any of Jesus’ teachings to confuse Christianity with authoritarianism, exclusion, or fear. Why? Because Jesus never made that mistake. Instead, we can internalize scriptures pointing to a liberating God, a humble and peaceable ruler, and a Savior who says, “Come to me, all you that are weary.” The semi- quincentennial can be an opportunity not for triumphalism, but for honest prayer: thanksgiving for what is life-giving, repentance for what is sinful, lament for what is broken, and renewed commitment to the common good. Barbecues and fireworks are fine, and so is study, reflection and prayer.

Above all, Jesus reminds us that Christian public witness begins at the font and table, where we are formed not for domination or fear, but for service, mercy, truth, and love of neighbor. ~Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Arizona ~ with edits from Vicar Rich Kittle

“He will judge Your people with righteousness, And Your poor with justice.” Psalms 72:2

Words From Our Vicar

Welcome to the height of summer! My vacation might happen in early October, when I go to visit my kids. Meantime, a couple of positive changes happening at Christ Lutheran:

Our Newsletter What began as a monthly has evolved into a mailing that happens less often. So we’ve decided to make it seasonal, 4 times a year, with predictable days that content is due and that mailings will go out. This issue is our Summer issue, and the next one, the Fall issue, will come out in early October. Watch this space for more detail.

Our Prayer list Names on the Prayer List have gathered over time, with no announced way to remove them when the need passes. So effective today, Shawnee will keep track of the date that a name is added, and remove it after two months, unless someone asks that it be retained for another two months. This will help us see this list as more current than we can today, and better support the care we can give each other.

Communication In a church like ours, where many congregants are either related or have known each other a long time, word of mouth can be quick between some, and less automatic with others. One way that churches can help address this is to create a Mutual Ministry group, consisting of three congregants and the Vicar or Pastor. We have started one, and it will meet monthly to share what is going on with pastoral care and other issues that, if addressed early, can help keep things going smoothly.

These are small but significant things, but ones that can ripple through our life together with good effect. They remind me of the sermon from Sunday July 26:

The Mustard Seed gives us a Lesson of Small Beginnings. It’s incredibly Tiny: the mustard seed looks like almost nothing in the palm of your hand, yet it carries the promise of a tall plant. The seed, and the bush it first produces, is small, insignificant, nearly a weed. It grows in quiet trust: it lets itself be placed in the dark earth in order to create change. It does not try to be loud or big before its time.

But it has very deep roots. Growth happens unseen, beneath the surface first. And then that tiny speck becomes a tall, wide shrub or tree where birds rest.

What does that mean for us? Growth in us, in our communities and in our church, might happen slowly, but it can be strong and powerful over time. It will take patience and hope and confidence to yield results.

Yes, change in our lives or the world happens slowly, day by day. We do not need a massive amount of strength or certainty to start. Persistence and relying on the Holy Spirit helps yield results. Even small acts of faith, love or generosity can expand into something large and life-giving. This kind of effort is subtle but effective over time.

As we go forward today, let’s all reflect on how we can grow in small ways to manifest the kingdom of heaven in our own lives. How can each of us take small steps to help make the goodness of God tangible to other people, here on earth?

So may it be for all of us. God loves you, and so do I. AMEN!

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