Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine – Martyrs for Christ, Juneteenth, and Lament for the Lives Lost to White Supremacy in Our Nation

Home , Denmark Vesey

Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine – Martyrs for Christ, Juneteenth, and lament for the lives lost to white supremacy in our nation.

On June 17, 2015, Clementa C. Pinckney, Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Daniel Lee Simmons, Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompsonwere murdered by a self-professed white supremacist (who was raised in a Lutheran Church) while they were gathered for Bible study and prayer at the Emanuel AME Church (often referred to as Mother Emanuel) in Charleston, South Carolina. Pastors Pinckney and Simmons were both graduates of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. A resolution to commemorate June 17 as a day of repentance for the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine was adopted by the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on August 8, 2019. Congregations of the ELCA are encouraged reaffirm their commitment to repenting of the sins of racism and white supremacy which continue to plague this church, to venerate the martyrdom of the Emanuel Nine, and to mark this day of penitence with study and prayer. We also acknowledge this day the celebration of “Juneteenth,” on June 19th, 1865, the day the last African-descent slaves of the Southern United States (Texas) were informed of their freedom, 2 ½ years after President Lincoln had signed the Emancipation Proclamation declaring the end of chattel slavery in our nation. This year this coincides with increasing awareness of the inequities still forced upon people of color in our nation and the reality of separate and unequal advantages afforded people of European descent. This is a process of awakening, and here we offer an opportunity to consider our role in ensuring the constitutional promise of liberty and justice for all.

Messiah Lutheran Church 6900 Kingston Pike • Knoxville Tennessee 37919 865•588•9753 • www.messiahknoxville.org • [email protected] 2 We are very happy to welcome Jeanine Fuller as our guest soloist this morning. Jeanine has been with us in worship before. She and Sam Adams have worked together for years sharing their talents through jazz, blues and gospel music. Gathering

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS

PRELUDE Jeanine Fuller, soloist Soon and Very Soon -Andrae Crouch

INVOCATION Grace, mercy and peace from the One we worship as Son of God who lived among humanity in the body of a brown skinned middle eastern man 2000 years ago. Amen.

A CONFESSIONAL LITANY AND LAMENT They were doing what we are called to as they engaged in bible study. It was Wednesday night— a stranger walked in, and these people welcomed him, prayed with him, discussed the Word with him for nearly an hour. This stranger, a young man who grew up as an active member of a Lutheran Church ELCA intended to ignite a “race war,” (this is what he said, after he shot and killed nine of them, denying them the human rights he coveted for himself and those who looked like him – white people). Now we are grieved by the painful memory and the evidence that racism and the idol of white supremacy still exists, and even grows in our culture and nation. Our hearts are burning and anguished, and we lament the horror of evil unleashed.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 3 As church, we confess the sin of racism and condemn racist rhetoric and the ideology of white supremacy. God, have mercy. God, have mercy. As church, we confess, repent, and repudiate the times when this church has been silent in the face of racial injustice. God, have mercy. God, have mercy. Racism is deeply ingrained in most modern systems, including within the ELCA. It is deeply embedded within individual congregations whose members continue to foster stereotypes and support policies that continue to cause harm to people of color. God, have mercy. God, have mercy. We have assigned the notion of race to human beings created in God’s own divine image. We have judged God’s beautiful diversity by our flawed and artificial standards. As church, we now recognize that the enslavement of black bodies and the removal of indigenous peoples established racism in the United States. God, have mercy. God, have mercy. Racism was and is manifested through the history of Jim Crow policies, racial segregation by red-lining and unfair lending policies that limited choice of residence, the terror of lynching, extra-judicial killings by law enforcement, and the disproportionate incarceration of people of color. God, have mercy. God, have mercy. As church we lament the institutional racism of discriminatory treatment within the call process; inequitable compensation of clergy of color; racial segregation; divestment from black communities and congregations; systemic policies and organizational practices; and a failure to fully include the gifts of leadership and worship styles of black people, indigenous people, and other people of color. God, have mercy. God, have mercy.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 4 Confessions are empty promises without meaningful actions—actions that are grounded in prayer, education, and soul-searching repentance. The sin of racism separates us from one another. Though we trust that we are reconciled to God through Christ’s death and resurrection, we seek such life-giving reconciliation with one another. As we repent, let us not turn back to ideologies that promote white supremacy. We trust that God can make all things new.

KYRIE

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 5

ABSOLUTION As we repent, we remember the promise of grace we have received through Jesus Christ, and we commit to our responsibility to be agents of reconciliation between all people in grateful response to that amazing and undeserved grace. Amen.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 6 PRAYER OF THE DAY Litany of Remembrance A bell will be rung each time the name of a victim of racist ideology is read: We join with Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in remembering the slain nine— The Rev. Clementa C. Pinckney the Rev. Daniel Lee Simmons Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton the Rev. Myra Singleton Quarles Thompson Tywanza Kibwe Diop Sanders the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Susie Jackson Ethel Lee Lance and those who survived We remember. We remember that they lovingly welcomed the stranger into a Wednesday- night bible study— they sang, they prayed, they gathered to study the word of God. We remember. We pray for the continual presence of God’s peace; may it comfort and surround the families of the nine who were slain. We remember. We pray for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, its senior bishop and episcopal leaders, the community of Charleston, and all who continue to grieve—trusting that God will continue to unite us in the work to end racism and white supremacy, so that we may be witnesses of Christian unity. We remember. We remember the legacy of the Rev. Pinckney and his fight for racial justice for his parishioners and his community. Let us not only be moved by emotion but also be moved toward action. We remember. The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 7 We call the United States to remember and confront its history of racial injustice. We must not forget the crimes committed against humanity in the name of Christ: the land theft from and genocide of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of black bodies that built this nation. We remember. We call this country to remember the policies and practices that excluded Chinese immigrants and that forced the internment of Japanese Americans. We remember. We call this country to remember the exploitation of migrant farm workers from Latin and Central America and the separation of families at the U.S. southern border. We remember. We remember the faith leaders whose lives continue as a living witness to black liberation and womanist theology in the struggle for black freedom:

Bishop Richard Allen Absalom Jones Sojourner Truth Denmark Vesey Jehu Jones Daniel Payne Harriet Tubman Frederick Douglass Ida B. Wells James Cone Katie Cannon We remember.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 8 We remember the innocent, unarmed black bodies that were racially profiled, shot, and killed because whiteness stood its ground: Emmett Till Trayvon Martin Jordan Davis Ahmaud Arbery Renisha McBride and many others, known and unknown We remember. We remember the unarmed innocent black lives lost at the hands of law enforcement: Eric Garner Laquan McDonald Sandra Bland Sean Bell Pamela Turner Philando Castile Breonna Taylor Freddie Gray Shantel Davis Tamir Rice Walter Scott Atatiana Jefferson George Floyd and many others, known and unknown We remember. As we remember, Living God, may we be re-membered as your body, connected to one another and empowered for the work you call us to do in the name of Jesus and by the power of his renewing Spirit. Amen.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 9 GATHERING SONG ELW#770 In honor of and in humble appreciation for the musical tradition of the African American Spiritual, we sing…

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 10

Word CHILDREN’S MESSAGE Tim & Marta Murrell

A READING FROM GENESIS Genesis 18:1-15 1TheLord appeared to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the entrance of his tent in the heat of the day. 2He looked up and saw three men standing near him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent entrance to meet them, and bowed down to the ground. 3He said, “My lord, if I find favor with you, do not pass by your servant. 4Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of choice flour, knead it, and make cakes.” 7Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. 8Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate. 9They said to him, “Where is your wife Sarah?” And he said, “There, in the tent.” 10Then one said, “I will surely return to you in due season, and your wife Sarah shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent entrance behind him. 11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13TheLord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14Is anything too wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15But Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh”; for she was afraid. He said, “Oh yes, you did laugh.”

The reading concludes: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 11 PSALM 116:1-2, 12-19 (sung responsively)

A READING FROM PHILIPPIANS Philippians 4:1-9 1Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved. 2I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 12

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

The reading concludes: Word of God, word of life. Thanks be to God.

The assembly stands to welcome the Gospel. GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 13 GOSPEL Matthew 9:35–10:8 The holy gospel according to Matthew, the ninth chapter. Glory to you, O Lord. 35Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and curing every disease and every sickness. 36When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; 38therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” 10:1Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. 2These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; 3Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;4 Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. 5These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’8 Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without payment; give without payment. After the reading… The gospel of the Lord Praise to you, O Christ.

The assembly is seated.

MEDITATION ON THE WORD The Rev. Susan Thisell Silence for reflection.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 14 The assembly stands to proclaim the word of God in song. HYMN OF THE DAY ELW #779 Soloist sings first stanza. Assembly sings on stanzas 2-5

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 15 APOSTLES CREED I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven, he is seated at the right hand of the Father, and he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 16 The assembly may kneel or be seated. PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION

God of grace and mercy, against your command, we create divisions rooted in fear and anger. Forgive us and make us instruments of your peace. You care for those who are harassed and helpless. Move us to protect and defend those who are abused or marginalized. Empower us to feed all who hunger, heal those who are sick and speak for all whose voices go unheard, Where there is conflict and violence, raise up leaders who work to turn your beloved children toward nonviolent solutions to differences among people. Sung response…

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 17 God of grace and mercy, you provide a plentiful harvest of gifts and resources. Make us generous in sharing the abundance you provide. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to recognize our ability to grow in grace and to learn about your love for the wide diversity in humanity and all creation. Minister to us in our work, that we do not lose heart. Sung response…

God of grace and mercy, you bring all people to yourself. We pray for your perfect healing for all who are ill, peace for those who have struggled with despair, and consolation for those who mourn, especially these dear ones we name aloud or silently. . . . We give thanks for the holy people who have gone before us and taught us to be your faithful people. Sustain us in your mission until the day you bear us up to join the saints in light. Sung response…

God of grace and mercy, you bring us together and call us your own. Bless theologians, teachers, and preachers, parents and others who help us grow in faith. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to recognize our call to grow in grace and love for the wide diversity of humanity and all creation. Minister to us in our work, that we do not lose heart. Give us peace to rest when we need to.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 18 THE PEACE The presiding minister and the assembly greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ. Having confessed that in our sin, known or unknown, we have harmed our brothers and sisters of color, let us reconcile with all our siblings in Christ, who provides peace in the midst of turmoil. May the peace of the risen Christ be with us all. And also with you. The people greet each other in the peace of the risen Christ, and then are seated. The assembly is seated. At this time, you may take a moment to make a comment in the Live feed comment section as a way of greeting all those in the community.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE WORD O God of justice and love, we give thanks to you that you have illumined our way with the light and life of your Son, the Word. Give us The Light we need to awaken us to our privilege, our prejudices and our responsibility to attend to the needs of others. Humble us in your grace and love so that we might be instruments of your peace in a world fraught with hatred, violence, and fear. All this we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory forever. Amen. OFFERING Organ Nobody Knows the Trouble I See -Calvin Taylor, arr. McGinnis An offering is gathered for the ministry and mission of the church, including the care of those in need. Online giving is available on our website and via the link referenced in the comments. Checks can also be mailed to the church office. A special offering may be considered and designated for supporting the work of eradicating racism and promoting racial justice in the United States.

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 19 The assembly stands and sings…

OFFERING PRAYER Let us pray… Merciful God, our ordinary gifts seem small for such a celebration, but you make of them an abundance, just as you do with our lives. We look forward to being fed again at this table for service in your name, in the strength of the risen Christ. Amen.

THE LORD’S PRAYER We are bold to pray as Jesus taught us… Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen. The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 20 Sending

The presiding minister proclaims God’s blessing.

BLESSING May the One who brought forth Jesus from the dead raise you to new life, fill you with hope, and turn your mourning and tears into dancing and joy. Almighty God, Father, ☩ Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. Amen.

SENDING HYMN Wake Us, O Lord, to Human Need

would

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 21 The assisting minister sends the assembly into mission. DISMISSAL: A SENDING CHARGE TO THE PEOPLE Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. . . . Amen Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4) We will! Thanks be to God

POSTLUDE Jeanine Fuller, soloist A Change Gonna Come -Sam Cooke

The Emanuel Nine June 14, 2020 Worship Assistants PRESIDING...... The Reverend Susan Thisell ORGANIST...... Joan McGinnis ASSISTING MINISTER...... Craig Stewart MEDIA...... Rylie Miller and Roger Miller AUDIO...... Jon Driskill

Through God’s Grace: We proclaim boldly, Serve joyfully, Worship faithfully, and Welcome openly. MLC Mission Statement; adopted 2.3.2019 Messiah is a community of faith, striving to live life in Christ. We love it when others join us in this effort. We love it so much we welcome everyone to come along, inclusive of age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family structure, political affiliation, physical or mental ability or disability, varied life and faith experience, as well as anyone who may have been told he or she does not belong. We invite everyone to join us in this common life, fully sharing in the worship, rites, and sacra- ments of this church. MLC Statement of Welcome; adopted 8.9.2015