A Moment for Mission
“So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” —2 Corinthians 5:17, CEB
6 Ways White People Can Observe Juneteenth (From the General Commission on Religion and Race) Download the full infographic: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ef390122cafce385dd4d822/t/6297c86c937aec7bac6f033d/1654114412732/Juneteenth.pdf
Respectfully attend or volunteer at events. Do not wear African daishikis or kente cloth without first asking permission.
Preach and teach about the current face of racism. White Christians must grapple with their role in perpetrating racism and work to heed God’s call to “let justice roll down.”
Support Black churches, charities and businesses.
Listen and read. Juneteenth offers an opportunity for white friends and family to learn more about the realities African-Americans face and the contributions they make to the church, community and world.
Confront the history in your community. Explore the history of your church and its leaders and develop ways that your congregations can make tangible amends and reparations.
Church school and small groups: discuss Juneteenth’s history and current implications for African Americans.
Children’s Message
A long time ago in the United States, Black people were enslaved and not given the same rights and freedoms as others. But on June 19, 1865, the news of freedom reached the enslaved people in Texas. It was a day of joy and hope as they learned that they were finally free.
As United Methodists, we believe in the power of freedom and justice. While it has been imperfect, the denomination also has a long history of standing up for what is right and working toward equality for all people. We follow the teachings of Jesus, who taught us to love one another and to treat everyone with kindness and respect.
Juneteenth is a time for us to celebrate the freedom that God wants for each one of us.
So, as we celebrate Juneteenth today, let’s commit ourselves to continue the work of justice and equality, spreading God’s love and light in the world.
Prayer
Almighty God, we come to worship you today with open hearts and open minds. We want to hear and receive what you have to say to us in this service. Speak to us today as you spoke to those who went before us. Tell us the stories of your wonders and greatness. We are ready to hear them. Remind us once again of your grace and love. Help us teach your goodness to our children and the next generation. Amen.
Newsletter Nugget
“So then, if anyone is in Christ, that person is part of the new creation. The old things have gone away, and look, new things have arrived!” —2 Corinthians 5:17, CEB
Juneteenth (June 19) marks the day in 1865 when U.S. federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, to take control of the state and ensure all African Americans were freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been signed.
As we still, in this moment, grapple with anti-Blackness and other forms of racism, Juneteenth reminds us that the quest for liberty, flourishing and justice for all remains elusive.
Let Juneteenth be a time when people of Christian faith—especially white Christians—recommit to, evoke, stand on, and live out the promises of God to deliver all people everywhere from bondage and oppression. Just as God walked the Israelites to freedom and flourishing, God stands on the side of oppressed people in this moment. And God’s people are called to roll down justice (Amos 5:24) and to model and champion righteousness like an endless stream.
Adapted from GCORR: https://www.r2hub.org/library/juneteenth