I arrived in Pittsburgh for General Assembly on Sunday. Turning into the hotel parking area, I was surrounded by pedestrians; I heard loud music playing nearby; I saw tents of vendors in the street next to the hotel. I soon learned that the Juneteenth celebration was happening in the city park right next to the hotel. I spent a good part of my evening at the festival. Mingling with the crowd, I was aware that I was one of a few white faces in a sea of Blackness. The stage performers and the vendors gave me an immersion in Black culture and Black pride as well. I heard a gospel singer with a rock trio and back up singers behind her. She would preach about Jesus in between the songs, and interact with the crowd with her message of love and salvation. It was a bit like being in church in a big outdoor park. I was reflecting about Juneteenth as I walked around. I had never heard of this holiday in the first 40 years of my life. Now I think it is more mainstream, and some workplaces recognize it as a holiday. Certainly it has always been an African American holiday, celebrating the day when word finally reached remote areas in Texas that the slaves had been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. The atmosphere was festive and friendly. It was also Father’s Day, and strangers greeted me with “happy Father’s Day.” As I strolled through the area with street vendors, I saw Juneteenth T-shirts alongside traditional African-styled clothes; paintings and posters by African Americans and with Black themes. I was moved by the display of Black culture and Black pride. I was a visitor in that culture and in the celebration unique to African American history. I felt the importance of the holiday and of the progress represented. I was reminded again of the important anti-racism work to be done: begin in my own heart and mind so that I notice and interrupt racist thoughts when they occur; practice humility, compassion and love for all people; recognize the uniqueness of all. And bring the message of anti-racism to my fellow white people. PRAYER: May the Black community of Pittsburgh be blessed. May Juneteenth remind everyone in America of the unspeakable trauma of our collective past, while lifting up resilience and hope for the future. May all cultures be celebrated. May all people know that they belong. May love transcend all differences. Blessed be. Rev. Andrew Frantz |
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Rev. Andrew FrantzUUFCM Minister Summer Hours
Rev. Drew takes six weeks of time off during the summer months, and is also away for a full week at General Assembly. Although regular office hours are suspended for the summer, you may still contact Drew with any urgent Fellowship business if needed, or with significant pastoral care needs. Texting 440-935-0129 is the best way to reach Rev. Drew. [email protected] Phone/text: 440-935-0129 Pastoral Care Concerns
For support with life’s challenges, please contact Drew during his office hours or make an appointment with him. For specific needs such as rides to medical appointments or meals for people recovering from illness or surgery, please contact the Caring Team (formerly Arms Around) via Jen Prout at 989-400-3130 or [email protected]. Every effort will be made to lessen the burden on the individual or family who is dealing with a difficult circumstance. Archives
June 2024
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