We all remember where we were on September 11, 2001. I remember waking up to a phone call from my mother-in-law. She said to turn on the TV, an airplane had just hit one of the World Trade Center Towers. Robin and I had just been in New York six months earlier. We had lunch at Sbarro’s Pizza in Tower #2 twice while we were there. The Towers were amazing. And then they were gone. September 11, 2001 is a day this generation will never forget.
There have been unforgettable days for every generation. Some will remember exactly where they were when President John F. Kennedy was shot. They will remember where they were when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
The writer of this Sunday’s foundation hymn fought in the civil war. Before his death in 1907 I am sure he could have told you where he was when he heard the news of President Lincoln’s assignation. He wrote a stirring hymn in 1876 that is now included in nearly every published hymnal in this country. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence Rev. Daniel C. Roberts wrote “God of Our Fathers”. Roberts was a country preacher with this one hymn as his claim to fame. This great hymn speaks of God’s providential guidance of our nation in the past and our need for reliance on Him for our future.
The second verse says, “Thy love divine hath led un in the past, In this free land by Thee our lot is cast; Be Thou our ruler, guardian, guide and stay, Thy word our law, Thy paths our chosen way”. The hymn goes on to encourage us to let the strong arm of God be our defense in times of tragedy.
As we gather together to worship this Sunday we will also remember the tragedy of September 11, 2001. Let us also ask Him to “Refresh His people on their toilsome way and lead us from night to never ending day”.
Along with God of Our Fathers we will sing Rise Up and Praise Him, America the Beautiful and Eternal Father, Strong to Save.
The Choir will sing a call to prayer, “If My People”.
2 Chronicles 7:14
New International Version (NIV) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Morri Elliott 
Morri: Sounds like a memorable and meaningful worship time. We will pray that God will use the music and message to stir up the church and nation as we were 10 years ago.