June 19, 2025
Good Day Allen Temple Family and Friends,
Happy Juneteenth!
I pray this day also known as Freedom Day, finds you and your family safe and well.
On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, word finally reached the enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas that they were free. Juneteenth marks the end of chattel slavery in the United States and stands as a powerful reminder of the long, painful journey toward justice and liberation.
As we reflect on this historic day, be reminded of the truth the Apostle Paul shared with the Galatians: It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (5:1) We are called to live in the fullness of this freedom, unburdened by the chains of the past or the anxieties of the present.
Though the journey has been long and there are still mountains to climb, let us hold fast to the hope that anchors our souls. Recommit to the ongoing work of justice, equity, and love. Juneteenth reminds us that our labor is not in vain, resilience is our legacy, and the God who brought our ancestors through still walks with us today. Enjoy it!!
Until all are free,
Dr. Jacqueline A. Thompson
Senior Pastor
Senior Pastor