On Independence weekend, we began a new 3-part worship service called Credo. Rev. Ron talked about the history and evolution of the Pledge of Allegiance as we know it today -- from a promotional program created by Rev. Jeremy Bellamy for a Christian youth magazine in 1892 to support the Columbian Exposition of the same year, to the additions that came in the 1920's and 1950's. Against the backdrop of the 4th of July and in conversation with the ways that Jesus' loyalty was put to the test (Matthew 22:15-22, 34-40), Rev. Ron asked us to consider our patriotism in light of our faith commitments: who or what do we pledge our ultimate allegiance to? How do we "render unto Caear what is Casesar's and unto God what is God's?" It is a good thing to love our country as long as we remember to love God and our neighbor even more!
