Celebrating Freedom of Worship To remind others of the sometimes-forgotten dimension of our freedom—our freedom to worship—the churches of Clallam County, Wash., created an entry celebrating religious freedom for the Port Angeles Fourth of July Parade this year. Karen Pearson, of the U.S. Navy, led the procession carrying the American flag. Next, Elizabeth Griswold and Dani and Samantha Trowbridge presented the group’s brilliant red and blue sign, which read, “Celebrating 150 Years of Freedom of Worship—Clallam County Seventh-day Adventist Christian Churches." Next came members riding on flag-adorned vehicles and a float that was heard before it was seen, as Uncle Sam (Rod Scherencel, Port Angeles Church pastor) sang amplified patriotic favorites. Other American “celebrities” on the float included Abraham Lincoln (Barry Budd), Betsy Ross (Dee Santiago-Perez) and the Statue of Liberty (Sarah Petroff). Besides the 26 church members in the parade, the preparation for this entry brought together the sister churches and fostered new friendships. God used the varied gifts of these members to touch the community with a fresh view of our precious liberty of worship—and a fresh view of God’s people who rejoice in and defend this liberty for all.
Celebrating Freedom of Worship
To remind others of the sometimes-forgotten dimension of our freedom—our freedom to worship—the churches of Clallam County, Wash., created an entry celebrating religious freedom for the Port Angeles Fourth of July Parade this year.
Karen Pearson, of the U.S. Navy, led the procession carrying the American flag. Next, Elizabeth Griswold and Dani and Samantha Trowbridge presented the group’s brilliant red and blue sign, which read, “Celebrating 150 Years of Freedom of Worship—Clallam County Seventh-day Adventist Christian Churches."
Next came members riding on flag-adorned vehicles and a float that was heard before it was seen, as Uncle Sam (Rod Scherencel, Port Angeles Church pastor) sang amplified patriotic favorites. Other American “celebrities” on the float included Abraham Lincoln (Barry Budd), Betsy Ross (Dee Santiago-Perez) and the Statue of Liberty (Sarah Petroff).
Besides the 26 church members in the parade, the preparation for this entry brought together the sister churches and fostered new friendships. God used the varied gifts of these members to touch the community with a fresh view of our precious liberty of worship—and a fresh view of God’s people who rejoice in and defend this liberty for all.
American celebrities rode the Adventist Church float. The Statue of Liberty (Sarah Petroff), a singing Uncle Sam (Rod Scherencel) and Abe Lincoln (Barry Budd) were instant favorites with the crowd.
Abe Lincoln, Betsy Ross and Uncle Sam were some of the famous Americans riding on the Adventist float for the Port Angeles, Wash., Fourth of July parade.
