Tuesday Tidings June 30, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“Therefore, you also must be ready, for the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” Matthew 24:44

I distinctly remember the fireworks displays of my childhood, these were stirring spectacles of sight and sound; they were the excuse to stay up late and relish a summer evening.

But it didn’t take very long to catch on to the rhythm of the fireworks display. There were be a couple of loud booms to let folks know things were about to begin. Then, there was what I would describe as the slow build. Each type of firework would have its moment, as the crowd offered its varied levels of approval. And then, at the end, the “grand finale!”

Truth be told, the “grand finale” was absolutely captivating, but there was a kind of grief that came with that intense concatenation of colorful explosions too. When the “grand finale” started you knew that the celebration was drawing to a close. Such is life.

But, not really. As I think about our life of faith, we have a very distinctive kind of “grand finale,” the Gospel truth is that our ending is really a new beginning, the closing of one chapter is the inauguration of a new story, one that is richer and more glorious than the one before.

As we sit poised on the verge of our country’s 250th birthday, as a person of faith, I am very much living with the hope that while we have enjoyed a rich history that we’ll be even more committed to “liberty and justice for all” in the decades to come.

If we have the opportunity to contribute to the next chapter of our country’s history, may our contributions truly be for the “common good.” Perhaps the next chapter of our country’s history really could be richer and more meaningful.

Have a great week and if you get a chance to enjoy a good old fashioned fireworks display, I pray its a memorable one.

Question for reflection: How might your Christian faith inform the festivities that will take shape in the days ahead?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Gracious Lord, we give you thanks and praise for the freedoms that we enjoy. May we continue to be compelled by our faith to work for justice and peace; to maintain the dignity and worth of every person. You have empowered us to be faithful, may our faith  in Christ take shape in our quiet prayer times at home and in bold public service to our communities. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.