6/24/2023 by Rev. Carla Robinson
On Saturday June 17th the Black African Circle sponsored a Juneteenth Celebration at Saint Mark’s Cathedral. It was a great celebration. In fact, it was a party.
A proper party like this begins with inviting and experiencing the One who is the giver of every good gift, including the gift of freedom. So, we sang and prayed, listened and responded to God’s word, and encountered the risen Christ in the sacrament and in each other.
Many thanks to the Rev. Beverly Moore-Tasy who, as liturgist, put together the service and to the Rev. Malcolm McLaurin our preacher. Thanks also to the Rev. James Ayuen and the Rev. Mary Bol who served at the altar.
Thanks to Lillian Springer and Hisako Beasley who were chalice bearers for us.
And thanks to Olivia and Sophia Vann who served as lector and intercessor.
A proper party needs music and we had it. The service featured music from the Sound of the Northwest Choir under the direction of Vanessa Bruce and keyboard work from the Cathedral’s organist Michael Kleinschmidt.
A proper party needs dancing, and we got it thanks to the beat of the drums and percussion of Gansango.
And what is a party without food and fellowship? Our thanks to Berry’s BBQ in Burien who provided the barbecue and to all who brought side dishes, salads, desserts, and drinks; to Nurturing Roots Farm for their spice mix station (and with whom we are developing partnership); and to all who came and made the celebration complete.
A couple of final notes of gratitude to the Black African American Circle for their work, to the staff of Saint Mark’s Cathedral our hosts, and to Adrienne Elliott without whom none of this would have happened.
We look forward to next year’s celebration. You can also find the service bulletin here.
