Henry David Thoreau wrote, “What is the value of any political freedom, but as a means to moral freedom?” Today, the word freedom is used politically to justify a myriad of ideas, from the freedom to openly carry assault rifles to the freedom to leave your child un-vaccinated. America was founded as a place for personal liberty. Indeed, the Declaration of Independence may have been its first written expression. In this message, we will explore the tepid relationship America has had with personal liberty living in community. Using sources from early American literature to contemporary film, we will seek a moral response to the sentiment expressed by the classic rock band Spirit: “I don’t know what it is to be free.”

This is also New Member Recognition Sunday. Members who have joined our fellowship within the past year will be celebrated during this service.