Marking 250 Years: New ELCA Worship Resources for the U.S. Semiquincentennial
As the United States prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 2026, the ELCA Worship Office has released a new set of worship resources designed to help congregations engage the occasion faithfully, thoughtfully, and prayerfully. The resources may be used for a special service or on Sunday, July 5, 2026, and are now available in PDF, DOC, and through SundaysandSeasons.com. More info at ELCA.org.
The materials include a full collection of liturgical texts, including confession and forgiveness, prayers, intercessions, communion liturgy, blessing, dismissal, and an “Affirmation of Christian Vocation in Civic Life.” The resources were developed in response to the unique challenges and realities of this moment in American life, seeking both to celebrate and lament the nation’s history while centering the church firmly in the gospel.
The liturgy is grounded in the Revised Common Lectionary readings for Lectionary 14, Year A (complementary series), including texts from Zechariah, Romans, and Matthew that speak of humility, struggle, mercy, freedom, and rest in Christ. Congregations using the semicontinuous readings are encouraged to consider the complementary series for this Sunday so the connections between scripture and liturgy are more fully revealed.
The resource also includes extensive preaching guidance from Rev. Angela Denker, encouraging preachers to reject Christian nationalism while proclaiming the gospel’s call to justice, humility, neighbor-love, and truth-telling. Musicians and worship planners will also find detailed guidance from Wayne Wold, including hymn suggestions, planning reflections, and practical advice for navigating the complexities of national observances within Christian worship.
Throughout the resources, the focus remains not on nationalism, but on Christ’s invitation to weary people and divided communities:
“We gather around word, water, and meal by Christ’s invitation: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary.’ Here we find rest for our souls and hope for life in the beloved community.”
Congregations, worship leaders, pastors, musicians, and worship committees are encouraged to begin conversations and planning early for July 2026. The full resource may be downloaded here: ELCA Worship Resources for the US Semiquincentennial PDF
