WEEKLY MESSAGE – June 21, 2024
As a Christian, we are to be life long disciples, continuing to want to learn about God and life. This past week I had the opportunity to learn more about our newest public holiday called Juneteenth (short for “June Nineteenth”). It marks the day when federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas in 1865 to take control of the state and ensure that all enslaved people be freed. The troops’ arrival came a full two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863.
Abraham Lincoln was trying to bring about unity in the United States but our nation was split resulting in a bloody civil war. He made a last-ditch, but carefully calculated, decision regarding the institution of slavery in America. The Emancipation Proclamation declared all enslaved people free in the rebellious states as of January 1, 1863. Unfortunately, this didn’t include the northern states nor the boarder states. But it did eventually lead to the 13th amendment to abolish all slavery in the USA being ratified in December 1865. Juneteenth honors the end of slavery in the United States and is considered the longest-running African American holiday.
It became a Texas holiday in 1980 but had been celebrated in some places in the south since 1866. On June 17, 2021, it officially became a federal holiday to be celebrated on June 19th.
Here’s a prayer to reflect upon that day and to remind us of the freedom we have in Christ. Holy and righteous God, you created us in your image. Grant us grace to contend fearlessly against evil and to make no peace with oppression. Help us, like those of generations before us, resist the evil of slavery and human bondage in any form and any manner of oppression. Help us to use our freedoms to bring justice among people and nations everywhere, to the glory of your Holy name through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Sandwiches for St. George’s: Please bring your sandwiches to St. David’s west side parking lot on Wednesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Hospitality Hour is scheduled after the 10:00 a.m. service – Hosted by the ECW. Next week will be hosted by Maria Scher.
Tree Trimming: Please come to help trim the palm trees on Saturday, June 29th starting at 8:30 a.m. Wear gardening gloves and bring a pole saw if you have one. Water and snacks will be available. We need a lot of workers men and women are welcome to get the job done. There will be a couple of other jobs in addition to trimming trees.
Healing Service is scheduled on Sunday, July 21st immediately after the 10:00 a.m. service in the church for those who would like special prayers. This will be for those who are grieving and would like special prayers. It is also open to non-parishioners.
The Book of Common Prayer. The second class on the Book of Common Prayer led by Bishop Todd is scheduled on Sunday, July 28th at 11:30 a.m. in the church. The final class will be on Sunday, August 4th. All are invited.
Sunday school is open and available for children starting at age 3 years old. We would love to have new teachers in our Sunday school, if you are interested in helping, please contact Katie Waters at katiewaters@hotmail.com. Nursery Care is available for children under 3 years old. If anyone is interested in being an assistant in the nursery care during the 10 a.m. service, please call or text Matt Hogan at 865-406-5978.
All Bible Study classes are on recess until Sunday, September 8th.
Sunday’s Worship – We are open for live worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. We also “live-stream” our 10 a.m. service.
Video Viewing Options for Sunday’s mass. There are three different ways to view our videos: 1) our church website; 2) our Facebook page; and 3) our YouTube channel. See the links listed below.
Opportunities for Giving – there are several options that safely and efficiently expedite your generous donations: electronic bank transfers or automatic bank transfers via personal accounts or credit/debit cards; personal checks delivered by USPS; and our favorite through joining our giving family online through our website or at https://www.myEoffering.com with our secure vendor Church Envelope Budget Company, who provides you with yearly offering envelopes. Please do NOT leave any envelopes with checks/cash unattended at church mailboxes.
PLEASE PRAY. For the sick: Audley, Bernadette, Bob, Carol, Danny, Dennis, Diana, Dorothy, Dudley, Emily, Gavin, Jameson, Jim, Lloyd, Logan, Megan, Michael, Pearl, Peggy, Phyllis, Predrag, Robin, Ronald, Shelley, Shirley, Tanner, Teresa, Tom, Violet. For birthday celebrations: Jonathan Pierre-Paul, Marie-Carmel Pierre-Paul, Dan Grubb, Dr. Kitonga Kiminyo, Joyce Richardson, Eli Reyes For anniversary celebration: Doug and Joy Noe. For our search committee Howard Barrett, Jenifer Elmore, Janice Jacques, Kristi Lee, Sera Peat, Yvonne Wolliston, Cecil Wray.
