Flag Raising
Independence Day Cookout
Idea #1 – Host an Independence Day cookout, which could be on the 4th of July or on a different date in July. Serve hot dogs or hamburgers, a beverages and cupcakes. Play games traditional associated with an outdoor picnic: bean bag or ring toss, water balloon toss. Pinterest is a great resource of games for any sized crowd.
Idea #2 – If the event is to be held inside, the same types of food could be served, and similar games could be played.
Fireworks Display
Make it a night out and attend a local Independence Day fireworks show as a group. Plan to meet and bring snacks, seats, bug spray, and just spend time enjoy being together.
Idea for Craft
Fourth of July Banners
Check Pinterest for ideas for all ability levels, or use this DIY instruction site:
https://www.thecraftedsparrow.com/2015/06/4th-july-painted-burlap-banner.html
Supplies Needed
Burlap, scissors, paint, string/twine, brushes, foam shapes (stars or circles), glue guns and glue sticks.
Does that Flag Proudly Wave?
As I consider the term patriotism, I am reminded of an experience I had when I was in college. It was Independence Day, and I decided to see the town’s fireworks show with my family. When we got there, you could feel the excitement. Kids were running around with sparklers and popsicles. Laughter was all around us. You could hear the booms and cracks of the neighbors’ small fireworks. Soon it was time for the main event. It was getting dark when we saw three explosive lights in the sky. One red, one white, and one blue. Boom! Boom! Boom! Our eyes turned to the skies. We all knew this was the test before the actual fireworks show started. Then the sky was lite up with all kinds of patterns, swirls, and color bursts of glittering sparks as the firework display light up the dark night sky.
After about 45 minutes of enjoying the fireworks show, something amazing happened. Suddenly there was a wind gust. The gust caught the flag, causing it to wave proudly with the dazzling fireworks right behind it. Several others, including myself, were very much in awe of this moment. We were proud to see our country’s flag. Proud of what it means to have freedom, and thankful for those who make sacrifices to keep our country safe.
Remembering that feeling, I cannot help but to think about being in awe of our gracious and glorious God. The fireworks show was amazing, and that moment has stuck with me for years. Just imagine how incredible God is in comparison to a fireworks show.
I often see a timid and almost reluctant attempt in the church to live out spiritual boldness for God. It is as if we must keep our faith quiet and not disturb anyone. It would be exciting to see a bright and loud “fireworks display” of the church promoting the love of God. To see pure joy and laughter in the lives of Christians, with less timidity and more boldness in our communities. Second Timothy 1:7 tells us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” A good firework has power. Do we really want to wait for measly little pops with zero dazzle? No! We want to hear the BOOM and see the sky LIGHT up.
It’s a grand sight to see a massive flag wave in the wind. We do not put up small, pocket-sized flags on flagpoles. We want to see the flag, larger than life, proudly waving high above the buildings. So where are our banners for God? Psalm 20:5 says, “May we shout for joy over your victory and lift up our banners in the name of our God.”
Are we bold enough to shout to the world and make known our thankfulness to our God for His faithfulness? What joyful noise are we making in the name of the Lord? Are we really showing a thankful attitude for the sacrifice God made for our freedom from sin and death? Our goal should be to raise our banners high for all to see, claiming the victory we have in Christ through His sacrifice for us. Now that would be an extraordinary sight!
Closing
Close in prayer for your corps, local churches, the universal church, and for the women who make up your group.
