• Give thanks for our dependence on one another as well as our freedom. The Declaration consistently uses plural pronouns (We hold these truths.... We mutually pledge our lives...) to remind us that we are all in this together. Our national obsession with individual rights has often placed us at odds with one another. Let us give thanks to God for those who are blessedly different from us, and on whom we depend for daily life. Make a declaration of our dependence on one another.

•  Remember all Americans who have fought and suffered for freedom, not just those in military. The history of the struggle for freedom in our country includes heroes and martyrs Dr. King, Susan B. Anthony, and Mayor Harvey Milk. Celebrate their contributions to common life.

• Confess our misuse of God's creation and recommit ourselves to caring for the land which made our freedom and prosperity possible. The Declaration of Independence complains that King George "plundered our seas, ravished our coasts" for his own ends. Have we done worse to our woodlands and mountains?

• Commit ourselves to welcoming strangers into our national life in the same way most of our forebears were welcomed from foreign lands. King George was accused of "enacting laws that obstructed the welcome of foreigners". Our inaction on immigration reform puts us in the same company. 

Remember that all we do as a nation is measured by the Just and Holy One, whom Jefferson called the "supreme judge of the world", whom we know as Jesus the merciful. And give humble thanks for all of our national blessings. None of us created our national blessings solely with our own hands. They come, as the founders remind us, from "reliance on the protection of divine Providence" and continue only as "we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor."

Blessed July 4th and God's Peace, Bishop Doug Hahn

During the week of June 28, Bishop Hahn's ministry has included, among other things:

• Visited St. Andrews, Fort Thomas for Confirmation and Receiving new members.

• Attended the College for Bishops, part of a three year orientation to the ministry of a Bishop. The week included:

• Spirituality of Bishop
• God's Mission in the 21st Century
• Leadership Models
• Studies in Church Discipline
• Reflection on personal strengths and challenges
• Ministry case studies with other 2nd year Bishops
• Worship, Bible study and collegiality 

Organic Gardening Training at ECOS

Episcopal Church of Our Saviour, 2323 Lexington Road, Richmond, July 2