Texas churches unite for massive worship service to kick off America's 250th anniversary
As communities across the nation prepare to celebrate America's 250th birthday, one Texas county will be launching its commemoration with something organizers believe reflects the country's spiritual heritage: a large worship service bringing together churches from across the region.
LeTourneau University in Longview will host the America 250 service on June 28 on behalf of Gregg County and the city of Longview, with pastors, worship teams and choir members from more than a dozen churches expected to participate at the Belcher Center.
Cody Bowen, executive director of the Belcher Center, told The Christian Post they hope to fill the Belcher Center's 2,000 seats for a night of worship, prayer and thanksgiving as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
“The city of Longview contacted us about hosting this event as the kickoff to all the America 250 events,” Bowen said. “The request was to host a city and countywide church service providing an opportunity for our community to come together for a night of worship and prayer for our nation, thanking God for His faithful presence.”
Bowen noted that while LeTourneau holds a university chapel service a couple of times each week during the school semester, the university hasn't “hosted an event quite like this before.”
“We hope attendees leave with a renewed commitment to follow Jesus Christ, stand firmly on the truth of Scripture, pray faithfully for our nation, and intentionally disciple the next generation,” Bowen said. “As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, may we be inspired to live as faithful witnesses whose hope is in Christ and whose lives reflect His love and truth in our communities.”
Founded in 1946 and originally known as LeTourneau Technical Institute, LeTourneau University is an accredited Christian university based in Longview, named after its founders, R.G. and Evelyn LeTourneau.
“LeTourneau University is an unapologetically Christian university,” states the academic institution on its website. “While it has no direct denominational ties, it welcomes students of all denominations who love and seek after God. It is a place where students have found a deeper relationship with Him, grown in their spiritual walk and discovered God’s purpose for their lives.”
The America 250 service in Gregg County, Texas, is one of many major events involving religious gatherings that celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. declaring its independence from Great Britain.
Last month, thousands of people came to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., for a Christian prayer rally known as “Rededicate 250: A National Jubilee of Prayer, Praise & Thanksgiving.”
The Great American State Fair will take place on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10. In addition to music and carnival rides, attendees will have the opportunity to “taste, touch and experience what makes each state and territory unique.”
Another event taking place as part of the America 250 celebrations, the Freedom Grand Prix, will mark the first time a street race has been held in the nation's capital. A makeshift race track will be set up on the streets surrounding the National Mall on the weekend of Aug. 22-23. The event, which will feature IndyCar racing, is free to the public and will also include music and other entertainment.
