Love is Love!
…fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. —1 John 4.18b
Happy Grad Sunday, Middle!
We’ve reached the end of another academic year, and so many of you have accomplished big things this year. Congratulations!
You may be getting questions now about what’s next. Spoiler alert: that never ends! Regardless of what you do in life, people will always be curious about your journey.
My advice to you is to lean into the community that asks you these questions. They care about you! They may have connections or resources that help you take further steps on your path. They can pray for you and encourage you when you are a little afraid. This communal love has the power to cast out fear. And you get to carry it along with you as well, to help shine a little light where someone else may be uncertain.
Love can cast out fear and uncertainty. Let love in. Blessings on your next steps!
See you at church,
Rev. Natalie Renee Perkins
Executive Minister for Hybrid Church
she/her/hers
Upcoming Events:
As part of our Summer Love and Liberation Arc in June, Middle Church proudly hosts some of our favorite authors for a conversational sermon and post-worship panel on sensuality, fierce love for the self (and others), the queerness of nature (yes!) and creativity as our muse. The interactive sermon and panel features Kerry Docherty, Joel Leon, Lindsay Branham and Jacqui Lewis.
Join us for our Worship Celebration every Sunday at 11:45 a.m. ET — online from wherever you are!
Each week, we gather in sacred community to sing, pray, reflect, and celebrate fierce love that bends toward justice. Our Worship Celebration features soul-stirring music, powerful storytelling, and a bold, relevant sermon by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, who preaches a liberating, inclusive gospel rooted in joy, resilience, and resistance.
Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, you are welcome here — just as you are.
Special Worship Celebration Honoring Juneteenth, Now!
Join us for a special worship celebration from 11:45-1:30p featuring music, poetry, and art.
Special Guests from: BLIS, the Reparations Task Force and the English Delegation to the Netherlands will be part of the worship celebration. Following worship, enjoy a Love and Liberation Meal and Dance Party with your Middle family.
Whether you’re a longtime member or joining us for the first time, you are welcome here — just as you are.
Join us for our Worship Celebration every Sunday at 11:45 a.m. ET — online from wherever you are!
Each week, we gather in sacred community to sing, pray, reflect, and celebrate fierce love that bends toward justice. Our Worship Celebration features soul-stirring music, powerful storytelling, and a bold, relevant sermon by Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, who preaches a liberating, inclusive gospel rooted in joy, resilience, and resistance.
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.
Please fill out our Next250 Bus Sign Up Form by June 15th. If you have questions, please email Rev. Amanda at ahambrick@middlechurch.org.
The bus will be meeting at 6:00 am ET June 27th on the corner of 14th St & Union Square East (in front of the Target) 10 Union Sq E, New York, NY 10003
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