- Community Engagement
Hartford Decide$ is an organization that promotesParticipatory Budgeting in the City of Hartford. Currently, residents of Hartford are being asked to vote on the six current proposed projects. Check it out and if you are a resident, please vote!
- Pastor Ben
Updated: Jun 16, 2022
We will be commemorating and celebrating Juneteenth, this Sunday, June 19th, as part of our service.
Juneteenth (officially Juneteenth National Independence Day, and also known as, Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day) is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth's commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army general Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for enslaved people in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. (read more)
The city of Hartford has a celebration planned at Bushnell Park on Sunday as well -- we encourage you to spend the day in Hartford and enjoy the festivities!
- Pastor Ben
Some folks asked if we could post this -- here is the Vision Prayer we used at this past Sunday's service...
Leader: O Love that fires the universe, thank you for burning in our midst and giving yourself
to us.
People: Let us be transformed by your love, learning to bear one another’s burdens, and give
love to all.
L: Let us grow in love, building peace and justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with
our God;
P: Caring for the poor, the disenfranchised, the oppressed and marginalized, in our
community and world in all that we do.
L: Empower us to work for the liberation of all people, freeing us from our many forms of
captivity;
P: Caring for your creation, all species, future generations, and the climate that sustains us
all.
L: Thank you Lord of Love, for your presence, your power, and your promises. For
speaking to us and equipping us to hear you.
P: Make us whole people who proclaim the whole gospel for the whole world.
L: Thank you for giving birth and sustenance to Riverfront Family Church, for leading us
and carrying us on our journey of faith over the years.
P: Thank you for speaking to us these past weeks and allowing us to envision a future
where our love and trust in your love and power is grace and joy.
L: In this grace and joy, we anticipate the beautiful and exciting future you hold for us.
All: We thank you, Creator, Liberator, and Spirit! Amen!
