Juneteenth is the holiday that commemorates the day news of the Emancipation Proclamation finally reached the enslaved Black people of Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865. Since its first anniversary, it has involved church-centered community gatherings. In honor of the 158th anniversary of this important milestone in our country, and the second year its commemoration is a federal holiday, our rector shares reflections and possibilities for action from the Episcopal Public Policy Network.

The rector writes: “Perhaps one result of this week’s toxic smoke is that it helps us understand in our own bodies what it means to live in a heating climate — and what is happening already to other bodies who cannot avoid the effects of burning, be it wildfires or fossil fuels. The air knows no borders, and once again we are reminded of our interdependence, both with our neighbors across the planet and with our planet herself. Our actions can make a real difference to the quality of life for all of us, and those who come after us.”

For Trinity Sunday, the rector shares a prayer from the Iona Community in Scotland:

The rector writes: “This Sunday, the Feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, both upon Jesus’ first disciples and among us today. Pentecost is often called the birthday of the Church, and we have certainly had a lot of opportunity recently to think about what it means to be Church, gathered as Christ’s body and sent forth to share the gospel.” Read this week’s newsletter to learn more about what’s going on Sunday, this week, and in the weeks ahead in our parish, the diocese, and the wider body of Christ.

It’s a busy week! On Saturday, May 20, our new Bishop Coadjutor, Matthew Heyd, will be consecrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. On Sunday, following our own 11 am service, the Sunday Forum will discuss the consecration service and what’s ahead for our diocese. Our 20s/30s group will share a meal in the rectory on Thursday, and next Sunday: it’s Pentecost! Plus much more to read about in this week’s newsletter.