"We hold these truths to be self-evident ..."

As we head into the 4th of July weekend, the "fireworks flowers" are blooming right on schedule as we prepare once again to celebrate Independence Day at All Saints Church.

It is our annual opportunity to sing spirited patriotic songs, to offer prayers of thanksgiving for all that this country stands for and to acknowledge where we have fallen short of the vision of liberty and justice for all. We will appreciate the men and women who serve and have served our country, represented by a member of the armed forces who will bring a folded American flag to the Eucharistic table -- along with the bread and the wine -- as symbols of our lives and labor offered to God.

And THIS year we will welcome to the pulpit Saints’ long-time friend and colleague in peacemaking, the amazing Rabbi Leonard Beerman as our preacher at the 9 and 11:15 services. Founding Rabbi of Leo Baeck Temple, leader in the cause for peace through justice for nearly all of his 90 years, Leonard combines the fire of the justice-maker with the soul of a poet.

With him as the celebrant for both services will be the friend he met at a 1960's protest against the Vietnam War in Downtown Los Angeles — our rector emeritus, George Regas.

Don't miss this chance to be part of a truly extraordinary opporunity to celebrate the birth of our nation as people of peace & justice!