A Note from Todd Haymans | July 3, 2026
GABC Family,
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of the United States of America, we pause to give thanks to God for the many blessings of liberty we have enjoyed as a nation. For two and a half centuries, generations of Americans have sacrificed, served, and persevered to preserve the freedoms we often cherish and sometimes take for granted. As flags wave and fireworks illuminate the summer sky, our hearts are rightly filled with gratitude for the heritage we have received.
Yet, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are reminded that there is a freedom even greater than political liberty. While we give thanks for the freedoms secured by our nation's founders, we also recognize that the deepest need of every human heart is spiritual freedom. Fear, guilt, sin, and brokenness cannot be overcome by earthly governments or human effort. Only Christ can set us truly free.
Paul reminds us, "For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm, then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus Christ purchased a freedom that no earthly power can grant, and no earthly circumstance can take away. We are no longer bound by sin. In Him, we find forgiveness, peace, hope, and the promise of eternal life.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, let’s thank God for the blessings of our nation while remembering the greater liberty we have received through Him. May we hear anew the words of our Savior: "So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free" (John 8:36). As we commemorate 250 years of American freedom, may our hearts rejoice even more in the eternal freedom found in Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior.
Happy 4th and see you Sunday!
Todd Haymans
Executive Pastor of Ministries
We are excited to host Pastor Bruce Frank as guest preacher this Sunday. Bruce has served as Lead Pastor of Biltmore Church since 2008, where he leads a growing, multi-campus church across Western North Carolina. He came to faith in Christ at 17 and holds degrees from Texas Tech University, Southwestern Seminary, and Luther Rice Seminary. Bruce and his wife, Lori, have two sons, Conner and Tyler, along with their daughter-in-law, Carissa, and two granddaughters, Elsie and Malia.
What an incredible night at Celebrate Freedom! We are so grateful for the more than 7,000 people who joined us to celebrate, worship, and experience such a meaningful evening together as a church and community.
From the powerful moments of worship to the joy, connection, and unforgettable drone show finale, it was a night that reminded us of the freedom we have and the hope we share.
Thank you for showing up, faithfully supporting, and being a part of what God is doing through our church. We truly couldn’t do it without you!
Serving at Green Acres
We would love for you to be part of what God is doing through serving! There are a number ofministry areas where you would be a valuable addition to our volunteer team, and we believe there’s a place for everyone to use their gifts and make a difference.
Opportunities to serve include Worship, Kids, Students, Guest Services, Connect Groups, Women, Recreation, and Broadcast. No matter your experience or availability, there’s a role where you can belong, grow, and have an impact.
If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to help you get connected! You can visit gabc.org/serve to sign up today.
Join us for Multiply, where leaders from every campus come together to connect, grow, multiply, and celebrate what God is doing across our church family. Whether you serve in Kids, Students, Women’s, Missions, Español, Safety, Adults, or Guest Services, this night is designed with you in mind.
Come expect a meaningful time of worship, prayer, encouragement, and practical equipping.
CHILDCARE:
Registration closes Thursday, August 6
• Pizza dinner provided for kids
We’re looking forward to an incredible evening together!