First Lutheran Church of the Trinity
Sunday, June 23rd
Second Sunday after Pentecost and Juneteeth Obvserved.
This Sunday’s texts paint startling pictures of the horrific—the demonic—nature of sin. The church’s repeated celebration of the holy communion counters that tragic reality in a continued showing forth of the death of Jesus “until he comes.” It is a dramatic declaration of “how much God has done for you.”
Juneteenth is a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It recalls how the states of Louisiana and Texas heard the news that President Abraham Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Slavery continued in those two states for more than two years after the proclamation was signed because the word had yet to travel there. Texas and Louisiana finally got the good news on June 19, 1865. Former slaves broke out in spontaneous celebration. These were dangerous times. Even in the face of resistance and threat, the formerly enslaved Africans found ways to give voice to the wide range of thoughts and emotions at the announcement of the end of legalized slavery in the United States of America.
This Sunday we will incorporate elements of the worship for Juneteeth into our liturgy. Join us! All are welcome + You are invited!
Readings and Psalm
Isaiah 65:1-9
The prophet sent to a rebellious people
Psalm 22:19-28
In the midst of the assembly I will praise you. (Ps. 22:22)
Galatians 3:23-29
In baptism, clothed with Christ; no longer Jew or Greek
Luke 8:26-39
Jesus casts out demons possessing a man of the Gerasenes
First Lutheran Church of the Trinity 