Juneteenth, Youth Recognition Sunday, Father’s Day on June 19th
On Sunday, June 19th, we celebrated Juneteenth, the anniversary of the liberation of the enslaved people of Galveston, Texas by Union soldiers on this date in 1865, well over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863. The observance, which was made a Federal holiday last year, coincided this year with Father’s Day and our annual recognition of the accomplishments of our young people. Three of them (Charlotte Brooks, Nia Capers, and Jaslyn Mitchell-Drake) who have been participating in confirmation classes this year, read the lessons and led prayers.
The liturgy for our service was compiled by the Vivian Traylor Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians and approved by the Diocesan Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of California. Jacqueline McLeod offered a sermon about Juneteenth and its ties to the church.