Who knew this much could happen in just four days?
Was there a common thread?
What is next as we continue working together?
For context, look at the combination of events from June 17 – 20, 2021:
Thursday, June 17 is a Day of Repentance, Commemorating the Emanuel Nine people martyred in 2015, during Bible study and prayer, at the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC.
On Thursday, June 17th, 2021, an educational Bible Study via Zoom, to commemorate the Emanuel Nine, attracted 30 participants, mostly Trinity church members but also including our new African American study partners from St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane. The event was composed and sponsored by Trinity’s year-old Racial Justice team.
On June 17, 2021, President Biden signed legislation making Juneteenth a National Holiday. June 19, 1865, was the day slavery in the US was finally ended as troops rode into Galveston, Texas, with orders to implement the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln in January 1863.
Saturday, June 19, 2021, became the first federal celebration of Juneteenth.
The second annual Juneteenth Celebration, presented by the Lansdale Black Business Association, took place at Memorial Park. The celebration included food, music, crafts, and culture. Trinity Lutheran members of the Racial Justice team and friends joined to observe Juneteenth with the Lansdale community.
On June 19, 20, Saturday and Sunday worship services at Trinity began with a lament confessing racism and ended with a litany of remembrance to commemorate the Emanuel Nine.
What is the common thread? The justice tie that binds our activities at Trinity?
Answer:
We are living our Baptismal Covenant by practicing two of five faith practices:
“to live among God’s faithful people and to strive for justice and peace in all the earth…”
What is next is that as God’s faithful people, we will continue to work for justice and peace in our church, community, and nation.
You are invited to join us!
From Pastor Fritz in our TLC Weekly newsletter:
“It is my prayer that as we remember these nine martyrs of the faith, we will seek to end racism and white supremacy in our society and in our church. The Emanuel Nine leave a legacy of grace, resistance, family, and faith. May the Holy Spirit lead us to do the same.”
Peace,
Norma Nish, member of Trinity Lutheran Church Racial Justice Team:
Meg Ehm, Dick Detwiler, Joe and Barbara Devlin, Chris Johnson, Rev. Dyan Lawlor, Tom Mellon, Deacon Karen Matthias-Long, Julia Menzo, Norma Nish, Mark and Lynn Staples, John Wittenbraker, Kim Wreath