SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2010

(Powell Valley photo from the Wise County Chamber of Commerce website)

Folks who attend the Sunday morning service at Norton United Methodist Church on July 4, 2010 are sure to have a spiritual blessing. It's Communion Sunday in addition to being the American Independence Day. The Psalter for the day is Psalm 46 "God is My Refuge and Strength"

Psalm 46
1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
3though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with its tumult. Selah
4There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
5God is in the midst of the city; it shall not be moved; God will help it when the morning dawns.
6The nations are in an uproar, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah
8Come, behold the works of the Lord; see what desolations he has brought on the earth.
9He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow, and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
10“Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, I am exalted in the earth.”
11The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah

Hymns for the day are "America the Beautiful", "America", and "God of the Ages". The choir will be singing "I Will Heal Their Land" an anthem based on II Chronicles 7:14. David Barker and Frank Gentry will perform an organ/piano duet, "Are You Washed in the Blood." Expect to also hear Irvin Berlins' "God Bless America" and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." We will pledge the Flag and sing a verse of "The Star Spangled Banner." The Pastor's Meditation "How Shall We Sing the Lord's Song in a Far and Distant Land?" will prepare us for Holy Commmunion.

Come and bring a friend or two.