Juneteenth Celebrations Across the Denomination

Discipleship Ministries joins the whole nation in remembering Juneteenth – the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. We recognize the horrors of the past and the continued impact that racism and slavery have today. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we include the lessons of Juneteenth in fulfilling the church's mission of making disciples, transforming the world, and building a beloved community, so that all God’s children will experience the flourishing of life – a life abundant (John 10:10).

Here, we share some great examples of how our fellow United Methodists celebrate Juneteenth.

“Juneteenth: Staying the Course of Freedom and Flourishing for All”

Resource from the General Commission on Religion and Race on the history and meaning of Juneteenth and six ways that white people can observe the date.

Juneteenth Commemorations

Princeton United Methodist Church and Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal congregations in Princeton, New Jersey, formed a partnership to help improve race relations centered around Juneteenth, 2020. This year, the two congregations are joining together to celebrate Juneteenth with a picnic, as they seek to continue to grow in their work together, deepening their relationships and fighting racial injustice.

Juneteenth Celebration, New Vision United Methodist Church

The ORV Racial Justice Team from New Vision United Methodist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, is hosting a community celebration to commemorate Juneteenth, featuring food, crafts, games, and a special program.

“Where Love Lives: Our Commitment to Diversity”

The California-Nevada Annual Conference is offering people the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the commitment to diversity, offering three webinars and a pre-recorded Juneteenth worship celebration that local churches in the Western Jurisdiction can use to commemorate the anniversary.

United Methodist Women Celebrating Juneteenth

The United Methodist Women continue to work for racial justice and for a world in which all have the opportunity to thrive.