Happy Sunday, Middle, and happy Juneteenth!
What a fantastic season we are experiencing in New York! Between our new mayor actually working on or coming through with his campaign promises and the Knicks win, this wonderful weather, you can practically feel the good spirits of the people. It reminds all of us, whether in New York or not, that the status quo doesn’t have to be. It reminds us that the systems were created by people and, if that’s the case, that people can also create new systems. That we can ask for and expect to the help we need, that our officials work for us, that we are indeed the ones we’ve been waiting for.
I’m really a sports fan (only occasionally), but I was so heartened to hear Jalen Brunson’s story. If you haven’t heard, he didn’t take the salary cap from the Knicks, which allowed them to spend more money on other players and provide a well-rounded team. This is the kind of community that examines what is needed and where everyone truly has enough. AND, as a result, the heaven and earth of the last 53 years passed away, and the Knicks have ushered in a new heaven and earth! (For what it’s worth and from what I’ve read, I think the Spurs will have the same sort of situation in a few years; it’s just a young team. And, with that, we’ve reached the end of my sportsing knowledge.)
We believe God is able to do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think,” but we also know that this is possible because we exist in community. We know this is possible with many hands and feet doing God’s work. I pray that at the intersection of Juneteenth and PRIDE, as you remember the history of both, you take the gems, the lessons, what is valuable from the old heaven and earth into what is new. And I pray that you share from your abundance, that all have more than enough.
See you at church,
Rev. Natalie Renee Perkins
Executive Minister for Hybrid Church
she/her/hers
From CNN.com: The Juneteenth flag, which commemorates the day that slavery ended in the US. (Nati Harnik/AP)
You are invited to join BLIS Collective, Middle Church and New Yorkers 4 Reparations’ Bus to Washington, D.C. on June 27th, 2026 for Next250’s Mobilization ahead of the 250th anniversary of the United States. This is the flagship event for All of US 250.
Departure: The bus will leave promptly at 6:30 am ET
Arrival: 11:00 am in D.C
Return: The bus will leave D.C. promptly at 4:30 pm ET
Arrival in NY: 8:30 pm ET
About the June 27th Mobilization:
The June 27 mobilization is a large-scale national gathering that brings together elements of movement organizing, civic engagement, cultural celebration, healing, and public action. The gathering integrates organizing, culture, healing, storytelling, spirituality, and public action into one collective national moment. The mobilization will include music, art, spoken word, cultural performances, storytelling, and other creative activations that reflect our communities’ spirit, diversity, and resilience. Rather than organizing solely around opposition, this mobilization centers on what we are building together: a future grounded in democracy, belonging, justice, dignity, and shared humanity. Next250 is providing a bus to the mobilization in collaboration with BLIS Collective, Middle Church, and New Yorkers 4 Reparations and we would love for you to join us! Please fill out our Next250 Bus Sign Up Form so that you can reserve your seat!
Pick-Up Location will be: 10 Union Sq E, New York, NY 10003
Thursday, June 25th
6-8pm
West End Collegiate Church Chapel (245 W 77th St)
Head over to West End Church and join our Director of Music Ministry, Derrick Byars and Senior Minister Rev. William Critzman in our chapel for a warm celebration of Derrick’s new queer coming-of-age musical, A Little Light! We are thrilled to welcome special guests Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis from Middle Church and Kelley Girod, Director of New Works at The Apollo Theater and Director and Founder of The Fire This Time Festival. Come enjoy live musical selections from the show and a Pride-themed talkback exploring themes of identity and true belonging—all while enjoying wine and light bites. We can’t wait to share this beautiful evening of community and inspiration with you! For questions, please email Sarah at sbarrera@westendchurch.org.
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