IGNITE Newsletter: July 2026
Devotional
“Freedom Through God’s Eyes – Reflections on the 4th”
Frederick Douglass once asked, “What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July?” His answer exposed a painful truth: celebration means little when injustice still runs rampant. As the country celebrates another 4th of July, Frederick Douglass’ words encourage us to take a real honest look at our world—and at our hearts.
As Christians, we are called to see beyond our own comfort. When people are experiencing pain or hurt, we should not look away, just because what we see makes us uncomfortable. When this country’s history reveals deep wounds, we can’t just erase them or pretend they never existed. Instead, we pray that God allows us to see people the way He sees them: fully human, deeply loved, and worthy of justice.
Parents, we must teach our children that faith is not just personal—it is lived out loud in how we treat others. Our teenagers carry a powerful voice that can speak truth in a world that still struggles with division—parents must remind them of how inspirational their voices can be. For our younger children who have a natural kindness, this reflects God’s heart for their innocence.
Isaiah 1:17 reminds us, “Learn to do good; seek justice, relieve the oppressed; Micah 6:8 says “…do justice and love mercy.” Justice is not a political idea—it is a biblical command. And when the weight of the world feels heavy, God reassures us: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).
So, while this country again celebrates another July 4th, let’s let Frederick Douglass’ words inspire spiritual reflection, compassion, courage, and awareness in our hearts and our homes. In the words of legendary civil rights and voting rights activist, Fannie Lou Hamer, Nobody’s free until everybody’s free, and God wants all of us to work toward healing this nation and reversing the harm that history has caused.
What we learned last month!
In June’s Children’s Church, the children learned about how God made us on purpose, for a purpose (Psalm 139). Our memory verse was “You created the deepest parts of my being. You put me together inside my mother’s body. How you made me is amazing and wonderful. I praise you for that. What you have done is wonderful. I know that very well” (Psalm 139:13–14).
Event Recap
Graduation and Scholarship Super Sunday
On Sunday, June 28, 2026, we celebrated the 2026 graduates at each campus! In addition, 23 high school graduates received the Eastern Star Church Scholarship! Congratulations, graduates and scholarship awardees!
Jr. Ushers and Greeters Needed
Parents! Jr. Ushers and Greeters are needed at each campus!
Please contact
Brother Maurice Scruggs
mscruggs@easternstarchurch.org
317-591-5050 x111, or
Brother Evan Cox
ecox@easternstarchurch.org
317-913-3700 x514
Service Opportunity
Please consider helping to shape the young minds of tomorrow! We are looking for individuals to serve in the following roles at our Fishers, Cooper Road, and Main Campuses:
Student Sign-in
Snack Distribution
Classroom Monitor
Parent Greeters
Upcoming Events:
The church will be on hiatus during July. We look forward to seeing everyone in Children’s and Teen Church on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at each campus!
Virtual Bible Study for Children will resume on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.
Let’s get Social!
Follow our IGNiTE account on Instagram!