It’s that time of year again–Fourth of July is just around the corner. 

For Americans, the Fourth of July is an opportunity to break out their grills, get together with friends and family, and gather outside to watch fireworks. 

But it can also be more than that. The Fourth of July oozes with patriotism, and even in a time of recent crisis and uncertainty in America, it can remind us of freedom, unity, and courage. 

It can also be a chance to gather your church together in a safe environment to celebrate and enjoy fellowship on a day off of work. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at 5 creative ways to celebrate the 4th of July at your church….as well as a few Bible verses that you can use to encourage your church members to reflect on the ultimate freedom they have in Christ. 

What is the Fourth of July?

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, is a federal holiday celebrated in the United States on July 4th every year. This day commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, which marked the birth of the United States as a sovereign nation. 

Americans typically celebrate this holiday with parades, fireworks, and barbeques, but there are other alternatives to honoring American Independence on July 4th. 

Here are a few suggestions for celebrating this holiday at your church.

5 Ideas for Celebrating the Fourth of July at Your Church

1. Patriotic Worship Service: Host a patriotic-themed worship service where you can tell stories of patriotism that should inspire us all…whether American or not. 

Here are a few ideas for inspiring stories of patriotism:

• The Signing of the Declaration of Independence: On July 4, 1776, 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence. Signing the document was a courageous act, as it could have resulted in severe punishment or even death. 

• The Tuskegee Airmen: The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of African American pilots who served during World War II. Despite facing discrimination and segregation, these brave men flew over 15,000 missions and earned over 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses. 

• The 9/11 First Responders: On September 11, 2001, a group of firefighters, police officers, and other first responders risked their lives to save others in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers. Many brave men and women lost their lives that day, but their selflessness and sacrifice continue to move us today. 

2. Community Picnic: Host a community picnic where church members and their families can come together to celebrate the Fourth of July. Serve classic American dishes such as hot dogs, hamburgers, and apple pie.

Here are a few ideas for picnic games you might play:

• Cornhole: Cornhole is easy to set up and can be played with teams or even individually!
• Frisbee: You can play catch, frisbee golf, or even ultimate frisbee on a large grass lawn–what about forming teams of pastors vs. volunteers?
• Giant Jenga: Giant Jenga is a fun twist on the classic game, replacing small pieces with giant, lightweight wooden blocks. JENGA!
• Water Balloon Toss: A water balloon toss is a fun and refreshing game that’s perfect for the typically warm temperatures of Fourth of July!

3. Service Project: Organize a service project in your community to honor the spirit of independence and service on the Fourth of July–and serve as a witness to Jesus!

Here are a few ideas for community service projects:

• Community clean-up: Consider spending the morning cleaning up a local park or beach. Then rest and celebrate in the afternoon and evening!
• Food drive: Organize a morning food drive for those in need on the Fourth of July. Grill hot dogs and hand them out (alongside non-perishable groceries) to help people get into the spirit of Fourth of July. 
• Volunteer at a senior center: Spend part of the day at a senior center, where you can spend time with men and women who have stories to tell!

4. Parade Float: If your town hosts a Fourth of July parade, consider creating a float that represents your church. 

You can use this opportunity to showcase your church's mission and values–love, sacrifice, mercy, and compassion. 

5. Fireworks Viewing Party: If your church has a good view of the fireworks, consider hosting a viewing party at a park, beach, lake, or river. Bring blankets, games, and pop-up tents…and create a signup sheet so that church members can bring food potluck style and enjoy the feast (and fireworks) together!

Scripture Verses for the Fourth of July

While the Fourth of July is not a Christian holiday, you can still remind your church members of Biblical values that hold true on this special day. 

Here are a few scripture verses that may be relevant to the Fourth of July:

"For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!" - Psalm 33:12

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32

More Fourth of July Resources for Your Church

Looking for message ideas for the Fourth of July….and free media you can post on your social media channels?

Check out this article for more great resources!