The ideals on which this country was founded have been passed down over two centuries, from generation to generation. Urged on by the desire for freedom, our forefathers laid down the guiding principles that would turn America into a great nation, symbolizing for many “a new beginning” and “a better tomorrow.”
Yet, our history has not been without blemish. It has been filled with war, poverty, segregation, corruption and greed, and our future seemingly appears to be filled with growing secularism, a detrimental spirit of independence, a disregard for life and a conscious breakdown of the intrinsic value of the family.
We have forgotten God. We have forgotten that from our very beginnings, we were formed to be one nation under God. America may have forgotten, but our hope lies in the belief that America can remember again. Our hope continues to lie in the hearts of those who truly love this country, in those who died to protect and defend it, in those who still live and nourish the authentic American values, and in those who believe that we continue to be one nation under God. America can again become the land of the free and the home of the brave.
This is the country that opened its doors to our Congregation when our founding members were fleeing religious persecution in Mexico. Our depth of gratitude to this great nation is part of the legacy passed on to those of us who serve God’s people here today.
Placing ourselves and our country into the hands of a merciful God, we ask Him to bless our land and all the people dwelling therein, to forgive us our many sins, and to bring us to the eternal homeland towards which we are journeying together. God bless America.
