Musings from the Pastor’s Desk for July 5, 2026

“Ro! Ro! Ro!”

As I am writing this, the World Cup game between Norway and Ivory Coast is on TV. As a Norwegian, I am proud of my cultural heritage and how we celebrate special events, including the 17th of May (Norwegian Independence Day), Midsummer Nights, and the Classic Norwegian Kransekake, which is a staple at all significant events.

Now the world has seen a new way Norwegians celebrate sporting events, from the World Cup to last Monday, when Norwegian Viktor Hovland won the 2026 Travelers Championship in a sudden-death playoff against Scottie Scheffler.

The Norwegian “Viking Row” is a modern football (soccer) supporters’ celebration that began in 2025. Created by Ole Frøystad for Norway’s official supporters’ club, it was designed to give Norwegian fans a distinctive way to cheer for their national team, similar to Iceland’s famous “Thunder Clap” or the playing of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” after a Yankees win.

The synchronized rowing motion evokes Viking longships, one of Norway’s best-known historical icons. Fans row together while chanting “Ro!” (“Row!” in Norwegian). The celebration gained international attention as Norway returned to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998.

Watch the Viking Row here: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/team/what-is-the-norway-viking-celebration?utm_source=chatgpt.com

The burning question for this week, appropriate when temperatures exceed 100°F, is how the Viking Row, the 4th of July, and Sunday’s gospel are yoked together.

If you’ve watched any of Norway’s recent soccer matches, you’ve likely seen thousands of fans moving in unison, shoulder to shoulder, pulling invisible oars together. The celebration is a reminder that a boat moves best when everyone rows in the same direction.

As we celebrate Independence Day this weekend, we’re reminded that freedom has always depended on people working together for the common good. In Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 11:16–19, 25–30), Jesus offers another image of shared purpose: “Take my yoke upon you…for my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” A yoke joins two so they can pull the load as one. Jesus doesn’t ask us to carry life’s burdens alone; he promises to be beside us, sharing the weight and guiding the way.

As we celebrate our nation’s freedoms, may we also remember the deeper freedom found in walking—and rowing—together with Christ, whose strength carries us forward in hope, love, and service.

Join us at Hope for worship on Sunday at 10:30 AM, or join us on Facebook at HopeClinton, as we “Ro” together, praising God in song and prayer.

You are welcome here even if you are not Norwegian!

Peace+

Pastor Eric

Ps. As I finished writing, Norway scored a late goal to win 2-1. “Ro!, Ro!, Ro