Embracing Juneteenth: Honoring Freedom and Unity at Riverfront Family Church

We have the privilege of acknowledging and celebrating an important milestone in American history—Juneteenth. This day, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. At Riverfront Family Church, we embrace the significance of Juneteenth, recognizing it as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the African American experience and promote unity within our community.

On June 19, 1865, Union Army General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and declared the end of slavery, over two years after President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth holds immense historical and cultural importance, symbolizing freedom from bondage and serving as a reminder of the journey towards equality and justice for all Americans.

At Riverfront Family Church, we believe in fostering an inclusive and diverse environment that celebrates the richness of our collective heritage. Embracing Juneteenth allows us to engage in meaningful conversations that deepen our empathy and understanding. By learning about the African American experience and its lasting impact, we can cultivate unity within our congregation and community.

To support your exploration of Juneteenth and facilitate insightful discussions, we recommend the following resources:

1. Reading Materials:

• "The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration" by Isabel Wilkerson

• "Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America" by Ibram X. Kendi

• "Juneteenth: A Novel" by Ralph Ellison

• "The Underground Railroad" by Colson Whitehead

2. Videos and Documentaries:

• "13th" (Netflix documentary) directed by Ava DuVernay

• "The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross" (PBS series) presented by Henry Louis Gates Jr.

• "I Am Not Your Negro" (documentary) directed by Raoul Peck

3. Websites and Articles:

• National Museum of African American History & Culture: Juneteenth Resource Guide (https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth)

• Juneteenth.com (https://www.juneteenth.com/history/)

4. If you're interested in participating in Juneteenth events or celebrations in or near Hartford, Connecticut, we encourage you to consider the following local happenings:

• Juneteenth Jubilee at The Amistad Center for Art & Culture

• Juneteenth Celebration at Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

• Juneteenth Heritage Festival at Bushnell Park

Juneteenth presents an opportunity for Riverfront Family Church to come together, honor our shared history, and work towards a future of unity, understanding, and equal opportunities for all. Let us embrace this occasion by engaging in conversations, reflecting on our past, and actively fostering an environment of respect within our church and wider community.

If you have any questions, suggestions, or additional resources related to Juneteenth that you'd like to share, please feel free to do so in the comments. Together, let's celebrate Juneteenth with reverence, gratitude, and a commitment to building a better tomorrow.

Blessings,

Pastor Ben

Pastor Michael

Pastor Liza

Condemning Hate: Defending Unity and Justice Against Nazi Graffiti on the BLM Mural in Hartford

At Riverfront Family Church, we stand firmly committed to the values of peace, allyship, and dismantling systemic racism within our community and beyond. We believe in the power of unity and justice, striving to create an inclusive society that celebrates diversity. It is with deep sadness and righteous indignation that we address the recent incident of Nazi graffiti defacing the Black Lives Matter mural in Hartford, CT. Today, we raise our voices in condemnation of this hateful act and reaffirm our unwavering support for the Black community.

Art has always played a pivotal role in society, serving as a powerful catalyst for change, dialogue, and healing. The Black Lives Matter mural in Hartford is a testament to the resilience and strength of the Black community, a vibrant representation of their struggle for equality and justice. It stands as a unifying symbol, inviting all to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. The heinous act of defacing this mural with Nazi symbolism attempts to undermine the progress we have made and fosters an environment of fear and division.

As followers of Christ, we are called to denounce hate in all its forms. The Nazi graffiti found on the Black Lives Matter mural goes against everything we stand for as a church community. We categorically condemn this act of vandalism, as it not only defaces a powerful expression of the Black community's voice but also perpetuates the oppression and suffering that people of color have endured for far too long. This act reminds us of the ongoing fight against racism and the urgent need to continue working together to dismantle systemic injustice.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial for us to come together as allies, standing alongside our Black siblings and neighbors. We must raise our voices in solidarity, amplifying the call for justice and equity. This incident serves as a reminder of the work still to be done to eradicate racism from our society. We are committed to standing with the Black community, not only in times of crisis but every day, as we strive to create a world where everyone can thrive and flourish without fear of discrimination or hate.

We must channel our anger and frustration into action. This act of hate has ignited a fire within us, fueling our determination to continue the fight against racism. As a church community, we will support local initiatives that promote racial justice, engage in conversations that challenge our biases, and actively seek to dismantle systemic racism. We will work tirelessly to foster an environment where all are treated with dignity, respect, and love.

Riverfront Family Church stands firmly against the Nazi graffiti on the Black Lives Matter mural in Hartford, CT. We condemn this act of hate and reaffirm our commitment to peace, allyship, and dismantling systemic racism. Let us unite as a community, embracing diversity, and working together towards a society that upholds justice and equality for all. Together, we can overcome hate and create a future where love prevails and every life is valued.

Embracing Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening Christian Faith Without Compromise

In an increasingly interconnected and diverse world, interfaith dialogue has become a pressing need. While some Christians may question the compatibility of engaging with other faith traditions, I firmly believe that embracing interfaith dialogue is not only possible but essential for fostering understanding, promoting peace, and sharing the love of Christ without compromising the Gospel.

1. Embracing the Great Commandment: As followers of Christ, we are called to love our neighbors as ourselves. Engaging in interfaith dialogue allows us to extend this love to people of different faiths, fostering mutual respect and empathy. It is an opportunity to build bridges, break down barriers, and promote harmony in a divided world.

2. Learning and Growing: Interfaith dialogue provides a unique chance for Christians to deepen their understanding of their own faith. By engaging with others' perspectives and beliefs, we gain fresh insights, challenge our assumptions, and develop a more robust understanding of our own Christian convictions. This enriches our spiritual journey and equips us to articulate our beliefs more effectively.

3. Demonstrating Christ's Love: Engaging in interfaith dialogue allows us to embody Christ's love and compassion. By listening attentively, valuing others' experiences, and engaging in respectful conversations, we demonstrate the transformative power of Christ's teachings. It is an opportunity to share our faith authentically and, through our actions, invite others to encounter the love and grace of Jesus.

4. Building Genuine Relationships: Interfaith dialogue provides a platform to forge meaningful relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and beliefs. By engaging in dialogue, we discover our shared values, aspirations, and concerns, fostering connections based on respect and mutual understanding. These relationships become avenues for witnessing Christ's love in both words and actions.

5. Strengthening Christian Witness: Engaging in interfaith dialogue enables us to represent Christ faithfully in a pluralistic society. By demonstrating a willingness to listen, learn, and engage, we break down stereotypes and misconceptions that can hinder effective evangelism. We become ambassadors of reconciliation, reflecting the reconciling work of Christ and presenting a winsome witness to those of other faiths.

As Christians, we are called to engage in interfaith dialogue without compromising the Gospel. By embracing such conversations, we demonstrate Christ's love, foster understanding, and strengthen our own faith. Through interfaith dialogue, we can build bridges, establish meaningful relationships, and contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful world. Let us approach interfaith dialogue with humility, grace, and a firm foundation in the Gospel, knowing that engaging with others' beliefs does not dilute our faith but rather enriches it and magnifies the transformative power of Christ in our lives.