JUNETEENTH

June 19th marks a very important holiday in our nation, Juneteenth. Officially becoming a Federal holiday in June 2021, it is an important part of our history. As a church, Life Center observes this holiday to reflect, remember, and celebrate.

Juneteenth commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States of America. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas, with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. It is important to note that this was 2.5 years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official on January 1, 1863. This date has incredible significance for our nation’s history and for our black brothers and sisters within our staff, our church, and the broader community.

This year Juneteenth will be observed on Thursday, June 19, as a Federal Holiday. Life Center and Life Christian Academy will be closed on this day, and we encourage you to join us in celebrating, reflecting, and remembering the day that slavery was put to an end.

LEARN ABOUT JUNETEENTH

A PRAYER FOR JUNETEENTH

Father, we come to You with hearts of gratitude for what You did in 1865 in Galveston, Texas. We thank You for the movement of Your Spirit—that led to a law that set the enslaved free—a historic moment that You alone deserve all the glory for. We know it is by Your Spirit that true freedom and liberation come.

As we celebrate Juneteenth, we acknowledge both the pain of past injustices and the hope of Your ongoing work. Pain from the actions of those who believed in mistreating others because of their skin color was acceptable; and hope because Your Spirit continues to move, bringing evidence of freedom. We continue to trust You for a brighter day ahead. That day reminds us that, regardless of creed, color, background, or language, all are loved without exception.

Today we declare that as citizens of Your kingdom, there is no place for racism, prejudice, or mistreatment of anyone for any reason. We ask You to shape our hearts and minds, so they align with Your Word, which calls us to love others as You have loved us.

Juneteenth is an opportunity to live out the gospel by opening our hearts and arms to others, refusing to allow our differences to cause division. As we pass through this world, we recognize it is not our final home. May we live with purpose—making a lasting impact—understanding that more unites us than divides us.

And it is with this unity that we shall worship together around Your throne—every nation, every tribe, and every tongue. We declare this to be so, in Jesus’ name.

Amen!

–written by Pastor Barbara Kelley

BOOKS

Our Diversity & Unity Development Team has reviewed these books and believes they are good resources.
Kids’ books each have an age-appropriate reading level included.
We encourage you to pick up one or two and read them over the summer!

Kids Books: