Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the crushing weight of systemic oppression, or noticed how society tends to push its most difficult problems "out of sight, out of mind" beneath the floorboards?

As we prepare to celebrate Juneteenth, Pastor Charissa explores the terrifying reality of the Gerasene demoniac and the occupying "Legion" that torments him. Discover why Jesus refuses to turn a blind eye to the tombs, and how the church is called to stop hiding in comfortable sanctuaries so we can join Christ in the holy work of liberation.

• • The ancient, military meaning of "Legion" and how it mirrors the violent, bruising forces of systemic oppression and racism at work today.
  • The danger of our human tendency to isolate marginalized people in the tombs because their suffering makes us uncomfortable.
  • The delayed but triumphant promise of Juneteenth, and our holy commission to practice "Active Hope" by praying with our feet to dismantle unjust systems.

Liturgical Details: June 14, 2026 (Proper 6) | Isaiah 61:1–11 and Mark 5:1–20 // Not the lectionary passages for this week.

What happens when stepping into the beautiful truth of your God-given identity costs you your entire safety net?

Pastor Charissa explores the terrifying leap of faith it takes to leave our familiar origins behind. Looking at an ancient patriarch's journey into the unknown, we discover a profound challenge for the church today to become a new, radical community of grace for those who have lost their support systems.

• • The ancient meaning of the "father's house" (beit-av) and the terrifying vulnerability of leaving it.
  • How the troubling binary of rigid religious rules can bring wrath and exclusion rather than belonging.
  • Our holy obligation to become the "chosen family" and protective network for those in the LGBTQ+ community who have had to leave theirs behind.

Liturgical Details: June 7, 2026 (Pride Sunday) | Genesis 12:1–9 and Romans 4:13–25.

Do you ever find yourself preferring a domesticated, predictable faith over one that pushes you out of your comfort zone? Why is it so terrifying to truly listen to people who are completely different from us?

This Pentecost, Pastor Charissa challenges our tendency to stay in our safe silos and demand that others learn our "Christianese" to belong. We explore how the Holy Spirit breaks in to shatter the status quo, reminding us that true communion assumes difference, not uniformity.

May 24, 2026 | Pentecost Sunday | Acts 2:1–21

Watch the full worship service and experience the joyful reception of our new members on the Sixth Presbyterian Church YouTube Channel.