As we move into the warmth of June, Hurstbourne Christian Church prepares to observe a significant milestone in our nation’s journey toward justice: Juneteenth. Join us on Sunday, June 21st, as we observe this national holiday and celebrate through word and song. While the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that the news of freedom finally reached the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas.
For us as a community of faith, Juneteenth is not just a historical marker; it is a spiritual celebration of God’s desire for liberation and the inherent dignity of every human being. This year, our service is anchored by a musical liturgy designed to take us on a journey from the "sorrow songs" of the past to the hopeful anthems of the future.
The Power of the Spirituals
When selecting music for a Juneteenth service, we look for pieces that do more than just sound beautiful. We look for songs that carry the weight of history. The spirituals were the original "protest songs," often containing coded messages about escape while providing a soul-sustaining connection to the Divine.
We begin by acknowledging the movement of the Holy Spirit - the same Spirit that sustained those waiting for freedom for two long years after the law had promised it. Our opening hymn, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, often referred to as the Black National Anthem, this hymn is a masterpiece of resilience. Accompanied by the stirring tones of strings, it invites us to "let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies. Two of our special songs, "Steal Away to Heaven" & "Deep River", featuring Aundrey Ligon, represent the deep longing for a "home" where justice is complete. "Steal Away" was historically used to signal a gathering or an escape, while "Deep River" speaks to the peace found on the other side of Jordan.
Coty will lead us in a prayerful piano reflection, "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", reminding us of the theological foundation of our hope: that no matter the struggle, the grace and power of God remain steadfast.
We conclude our service by joining our voices in the definitive anthem, of the Civil Rights movement, “We Shall Overcome”. It is our communal promise to keep walking toward the "bright star" of equality.
Why We Sing
We choose these songs because music has a way of bypassing the intellect and speaking directly to the heart. On Juneteenth, we don't just talk about freedom; we sing it. We honor those who sang these songs in the fields, in the secret "hush harbors," and on the long march toward justice. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the truth that, in Christ, we are all called to be free - and to work until that freedom is a reality for everyone.