Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to known, originally honored only those who had been lost while fighting in the Civil War.  However, when the United States found itself embroiled in another great conflict during World War I, the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who had died in all our nation's wars: including, World War I and II, the Korean War, the Viet Nam War, and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date originally chosen for Decoration Day.  However, after Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act in 1968, the date for Memorial Day  was established as the last Monday in May.  This Act, which went into effect in 1971, established a three day weekend for federal employees and declared Memorial Day a federal holiday.

Memorial Day Traditions

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year which often include both active military personnel and members of veterans' organizations.  Some of the largest parades take place in Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC.

Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials.  Some people wear a red poppy in rememberance of those fallen in war.  This tradition first began with a World War I poem, In Flanders Fields.  On a less somber note, many take weekend trips or throw parties and barbeques on the holiday.  Coming at the end of May, Memorial Day often marks the unofficial beginning of summer.

Memorial Day at Flat Branch Covenant Presbyterian Church

Memorial Day observances will be very different this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing.  However, even if there aren't any rousing parades or community picnics on the town green, we should all pause on May 25th to remember those who have given the last full measure of devotion while serving our country.

On May 21st, the Flat Branch Presbyterian Women will place American flags on the graves of the veterans who rest in the church cemetery. On May 25th, one of the most moving and meaningful Memorial Day traditions will be carried out. At 8 AM, the American flag at the church will be briskly raised to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to half-staff in rememberance of the more than one million men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.  At noon, the flag will again be raised to full staff so the memory of the fallen is raised by the living, who resolve not to let their sacrifice be in vain, but to rise up in their stead and continue the fight for liberty and justice for all. 

Dear Flat Branch Family,

We, the Flat Branch Session, met on March 18^th to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on medical advice and recommendations on "social distancing", we have implemented the following effective today, March 19^th. ^tThis action is taken to limit possible exposure to the virus by our covenant partners and visitors.

All activities at Flat Branch are canceled through May 10, 2020. This date may change either way depending on how the virus runs its course. All activities canceled include Sunday worship, Joy Club and Youth meetings, choir practice, special Easter programs, circle meetings, Girl Scouts, AC alumni meeting, yard sale, and any other scheduled activities. No funerals will be held at the church, only graveside service if the need arises.

While no services or activities will be held at Flat Branch, we will still have financial commitments during this time. We encourage you to continue your financial support by mailing your tithes and offerings to the church. In the meantime, we also encourage you to view worship services on television or your computer (YouTube, Facebook, etc.).

We are partnering with Bethel Presbyterian Church in Cornelius, NC, which will live-stream its Sunday services at 10:30.

If you or your family needs assistance, prayer requests, or pastoral care, contact any of the Session members at the numbers below. The Session members will be contacting you during this time to see if you have any special needs. We pray that everyone stays well and that we see you at church as soon as this pandemic emergency ends.

Trials and Temptations

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

NIV Listen