On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned they were free. Juneteenth commemorates that day and invites us to remember both the long struggle for freedom and the ongoing work of justice.

As people of faith, we give thanks for those who persevered in hope and continue to work toward a world where all God’s children can live in dignity, freedom, and peace.

God of freedom,

for voices that would not be silenced,

for hope that would not die,

for courage that carried people forward,

we give you thanks.

May we remember,

may we learn,

and may we join in your work

of justice, healing, and liberation.

Amen.

On June 18th, we honor the memory of the Emanuel Nine and continue to commit ourselves to the work of justice, reconciliation and faith.

“Creator God,

You lovingly created every person in Your beautiful image. We confess that we have not loved and protected Your beloved creation well. Racism and hate continue to blossom, disfiguring Your beautiful and divine plan for human life.

Help our unbelief, O God, in the realities of racism and oppression; remove the scales from our eyes and our hearts. Forgive us for our participation, both knowingly and unknowingly, in its flourishing. Give us the courage to remember and share these true stories of cruelty and injustice, and those who, because of it, lost their lives and freedom. Grant us determination and an accountable community to interrupt these unjust systems. Help us to use our voices, our agency, and our faith to advocate for justice.

Amen.

Read Here.

Today is the last day to vote in person for Nevada’s primary elections.

Polls are open from 7 AM – 7 PM. If you are in line at 7 PM, please stay in line.

This is your moment to show up and make your voice count. The decisions made in this election will shape what happens in our communities next.

We are living through a time where so much is being decided in real time. Future generations will look back and ask what people did in moments like this.

Make your plan. Show up. Vote.

Check your voter registration and find your polling location → https://www.nvsos.gov/votersearch/

Join us on Sunday, June 14th at 6:00 PM at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd for a screening of Selma and a community conversation. Selma tells the story of the historic voting rights marches led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and countless ordinary people whose courage helped shape our nation. Following the film, there will be an opportunity for reflection and discussion .

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
357 Clay Street
Reno, NV

All are welcome. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of learning, conversation, and community.

Tuesday, June 9, is Primary Election Day in Nevada!

Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

If you still have your mail ballot, it may be too late to return it by mail. The Secretary of State’s Office encouraged voters to mail ballots by June 2. Instead, please use an official ballot drop box or vote center to ensure your ballot is counted.

And remember: if you are in line by 7:00 PM, stay in line! You have the right to vote, and election officials will ensure everyone in line at closing time can cast their ballot.

Every vote matters. Make your voice heard on June 9!