Greetings in the most precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

By God’s grace and mercies, we have entered into the summer season. At this time, I especially congratulate and praise God for our high-school graduates as well as our dear ones who have completed their college and post-graduate studies. Each level of education that we successfully complete not only equips us with greater knowledge but is for enabling us to hopefully use the freedoms, the liberties and opportunities that surround us in a most blessed and fruitful manner that glorifies God. The Apostle Paul tells us, “Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve another” (Galatians 5:13). When we consider the recent senseless killing of school children in Uvalde, Texas, it was one of the worst cases of misusing and abusing freedom as well as of unappreciation for the sacrifice of our veterans. As we prepare to celebrate and enjoy the festivities of Independence Day, let’s thank God for the freedom we are able to experience in our daily lives – not only as Americans but as Christians -- and remember the cost for our freedom. Let’s thank and praise God that through Christ Jesus, we have:

• Freedom from God’s wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

• Freedom from guilt and shame (Romans 8:1)

• Freedom from sin’s bondage (Romans 6:14)

• Freedom from evil powers (Colossians 1:13)

• Freedom from fear (2 Timothy 1:7)

• Freedom to approach God (Hebrews 10:19)

• Freedom to bring our concerns and requests to God (Philippians 4:6)

• Freedom to live out God’s purpose for our lives (Ephesians 2:10)

• Freedom to enjoy every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3)

• Freedom from death (2 Timothy 1:10)

Let our lives be a celebration of the freedom we have in Christ – using our freedom worthily through the grace and love we have received through Him. This 4th of July weekend will also mark one year of having resumed worshipping together in-person at GGUMC, and we have been able to do so without any interruption. Going forward, we are gearing up for a line of programs and events in this second half of the year as we give thanks to the Good Lord for all His abundant blessings and guidance towards completing 10 years as a parish. May our Annual Church Picnic being held this month on July 16th after a hiatus of 2 years be a most blessed occasion of fellowship as we kick-off our 10th year celebration. Requesting each and everyone’s whole-hearted participation, and let us uphold in prayer all the upcoming activities for our 10th year. Please be assured of our prayers for all of you and feel free to contact us with any need or prayer request. May God guide and bless us all