Let us celebrate our collective liberation and hear how the struggle for justice and freedom continues. –from the Introduction to the service bulletin, St. Cyprian’s Church, June 19, 2026

The Juneteenth liturgy this year drew upon a variety of sources: the Book of Prayer of the Anglican Church of Kenya, the American Book of Common Prayer, and Prayers of the People by Bishop Carol J. Gallagher (2023),

The Rev. Canon Dr. Canon Jean-Baptiste Ntagengwa, the Rev. Kevin Vetiac, and Rev. James Hairston, designed the service. Lift Every Voice and Sing provided most of the hymns. The singing was alternately rousing, joyous, reflective, and heart-felt, as in the rendition of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” (sung by Rev. Vetiac).

A stirring sermon was given by The Rev. Canon Jordan F. Casson, a Philadelphia colleague and friend of Canon Jean Baptiste. Canon Casson’s years of advocacy and support for social justice were reflected in his choice of stories, anecdotes, and experiences in that journey. In his preaching, he blended emotional intensity, humor, and meditation. Emmanuelites who attended found inspiration in his words and a mindfulness that the struggle for justice continues.

St. Cyprian’s welcoming parishioners, who had laid out the altar’s kente cloths,  provided lunch and conversation. Many parishes were represented, which made for a lively time, good cheer, and thoughtful conversations.  All in all, it was a blessed Juneteenth.

–Compiled from the comments of attendees Mary Beth Clack, Joel Anderle, Bill Comer, Liz Levin, Mike Scanlon, and the Rev. Pamela Werntz.