September 20, 2020

Constitution Sunday
Pentecost 16, Proper 20, Year A
Deacon Cindy Roehl

Today is Constitution Sunday. And as you know, on this day we commemorate the formation
and signing of the U.S. Constitution by thirty-nine brave men on September 17, 1787. This is an
important day in our nation’s history.
We are pleased to have with us this morning members of the Pinellas and Pasco Counties
Regents’ Council of the Daughters of the American Revolution as well as the Clearwater and St.
Petersburg Chapters Sons of the American Revolution to help us remember that day.
As we know, the American Revolution was a colonial revolt that took place between 1765 and
1783. The American Patriots in the Thirteen Colonies won independence from Great Britain,
becoming the United States of America.
Three years before the war finally ended, these 39 men came together and began the work of
designing a form of government for these United States. September 17, 1787 was their last
meeting at which time they were able to put their signatures on this document setting up a
government that has held our country together for 233 years.
Many of us can quote at least the first few words of the Preamble to our Constitution. I will read
it to you:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice,
insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and
secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this
Constitution for the United States of America.”
The words of this Preamble show the concern our forefathers had for ALL human beings – the
desire that ALL people be treated equally, with justice, and caring for their general welfare.
Since 1889 the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has been a non-profit,
non-partisan organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history and
teaching American history to future generations.
Beginning one year later, in 1890, the Daughters of the American Revolution began their
organization with a deeply rich history while also being truly relevant in today’s world. More
than 1,000,000 women have now joined the organization since it was founded over 125 years
ago. They became members to honor their heritage as well as make a difference in their
communities across the country AND the world.
They, like many of us, are proud of their American heritage.
In a letter to George Washington, John Hancock wrote these words:
“The American republic was founded on a set of beliefs that were tested during the
Revolutionary War. Among them was the idea that all people are Created equal, whether
European, Native American, or African American, and that these people have fundamental
rights, such as liberty, free speech, freedom of religion, due process of law, and freedom of
assembly.”
And no one can deny that many of the founding fathers of these United States of America were
men of deep religious convictions based in the Bible and faith in Jesus Christ.
George Washington said, “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens and
soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the
distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory to add the more distinguished
character of Christian.”
Patrick Henry said, “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was
founded, not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religions, but on the gospel of Jesus
Christ.”

Read the full sermon text HERE.

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