Freedom in Christ

A Celebration of Independence

By Rev. David Bonnema, July 05, 2026

9:30am

Prelude - “Liberty Fanfare” (Williams) - Jeff Perks

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Opening Song - “Raise a Hallelujah” - Makenzie Payne

Time of Greeting

Children’s Time

Song - “Star-Spangled Banner” - Amber Rose, soprano

Sermon “Freedom in Christ”

Many of us think means "No one can tell me what to do.”

Paul offers a different definition: “It is for freedom that has set us free.” —Galatians 5:1a

What has Jesus set us free from? “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be again by a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1b

What sorts of burdens exist today that get in the way of following Jesus?

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is . —2 Corinthians 3:17

What does the fish analogy teach us about being in the right environment?

One of the great paradoxes of Christianity is that the freest people are those who have learned to surrender to Christ.

Communion

Song - “Great Are You, Lord”
Offering and Prayer - Rick Ayers

Song - “Climb Every Mountain” - Amber Rose, soprano

Benediction


11:00am

Prelude - “Liberty Fanfare” (Williams) - Jeff Perks

Welcome - Rev. David Bonnema

Call to Worship - Rick Ayers

  • Leader: We gather today with grateful hearts.
  • People: We give thanks for God's many blessings.
  • Leader: We come to celebrate the freedoms we enjoy.
  • People: We rejoice in the freedom Christ gives us.
  • Leader: Through Christ, we are freed from fear and death.
  • People: Christ calls us to live in hope and love.
  • Leader: Let us worship the God who sets us free.
  • People: We will worship with joy and thanksgiving.

Hymn - “This is My Song” - 3 Verses

Prayer of Confession
Sovereign God, you have called us to live as people who are truly free, yet we confess that we often return to the things that bind us. We allow fear, pride, selfishness, and anxiety to shape our lives. We celebrate earthly freedoms while forgetting that our deepest freedom comes through Christ. Forgive us for the times we have used our freedom for ourselves, turning our backs on others in need. Help us to be faithful citizens of Your kingdom and let our lives reflect Your grace and Your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Declaration of Forgiveness

Passing of the Peace

Anthem - “The Star-Spangled Banner” - Jeff Perks; Amber Rose, soprano

Sermon - “Freedom in Christ” - Rev. David Bonnema

Many of us think means "No one can tell me what to do.”

Paul offers a different definition: “It is for freedom that has set us free.” —Galatians 5:1a

What has Jesus set us free from? “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be again by a yoke of slavery.” —Galatians 5:1b

What sorts of burdens exist today that get in the way of following Jesus?

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is . —2 Corinthians 3:17

What does the fish analogy teach us about being in the right environment?

One of the great paradoxes of Christianity is that the freest people are those who have learned to surrender to Christ.

Offering and Prayer

Communion

Closing Song - “Climb Every Mountain” - -Amber Rose, soprano

Benediction

Postlude