June 14

Juneteenth: Bridging Different Worlds

On June 19, 1865, freedom finally reached Galveston, Texas—years after it was promised. For some, Juneteenth was a day of liberation; for others, it passed unnoticed. How do these “different worlds” of history still echo today? Together we’ll reflect on Juneteenth—honoring the resilience of Black Americans while asking what it means to build one shared world of justice and belonging.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jason Cook

June 21

Autumn Overton - "Wrestling with Israel, Zionism, and G?d"

The story of a young anti-Zionist in exile from Judaism, and how faith-rooted activists organized him back into being a Jew. Autumn Overton is on the leadership team of Jewish Voice for Peace, Orange County; is the co-founder of Rad Jews of Orange County & Long Beach, a community of non-Zionist and anti-Zionist Jews; and a faith-rooted organizer with Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice. He renounced his Jewish identity in the early 1990s after experiencing the virulent Zionism of his family, and it wasn't until 2017, when ICE abducted his neighbor that he finally learned about and began inheriting the radical, queer, justice-seeking traditions of the Jewish Left.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jason Cook

June 28

LGBTQ+ Group - "Chosen Family"

In a world where belonging is not always given, it is often created—intentionally, courageously, and with love. This Pride Month, LGBTQ+ members of our congregation share reflections on chosen family: the relationships that sustain us, challenge us, and call us more fully into who we are. Through many voices, we celebrate the sacred act of building community beyond expectation—and the ways it transforms us all.

Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jason Cook