Develop a Discipleship System
Galatians 5:1, 13-26
The theme of freedom is universal. Throughout time, there is always a segment of our world struggling for freedom, all kinds of freedom. Here are two songs for you to consider. One is from the South African struggle for freedom and one is from the struggle of African Americans in bondage:
- “O Freedom,” African American Spiritual, The Faith We Sing, 2194
- “Freedom Is Coming,” South African freedom song, The Faith We Sing, 2192
- History of Hymns: ‘O Freedom’ and ‘Freedom is Coming’
“This is my Song,” 437 in The United Methodist Hymnal, is another wonderful hymn to use on Freedom Sunday. This hymn speaks of everyone’s love of homeland and of God’s blessing for all lands and cultures throughout the world.
An anthem by John Rutter, “Distant Land,” is perfect for this Sunday. Click here to read a brief description and where you can order it.
"I see a distant land: it shines so clear. Sometimes it seems so far, sometimes so near." Composed in 1990 soon after the demolition of the Berlin Wall, this deeply expressive prayer for unity is even more gripping since the attacks of 9/11. John's evocative text does not center on the "distant land" and its inherent glories, rather it emphasizes the journey of life; the "dusty roads" that we all travel together toward a united and free people. It's a cry to God for strength in the journey that is timely and profoundly moving!
Finally, “Let there be Peace on Earth,” 431, United Methodist Hymnal, is a beautiful song to share on this Sunday, as it speaks to the responsibility each person has to make the world a place of peace (freedom) for everyone.
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