Next Crossroads is on THURSDAY, June 18

CROSSROADS | Des Moines

THURSDAY, JUNE 18
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church
Waveland Hall
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

in-person and virtual options

Celebrating Juneteenth

Rep. Rob Johnson
State Representative, District 34

Juneteenth is the oldest nationally-celebrated African American holiday and commemoration, through solemn reflection and joyous community gatherings. Juneteenth traces its roots back to 1865 when the final order to follow the Emancipation Proclamation arrived in Texas. It is a time not only to honor the end of slavery, but also to celebrate Black history, culture, achievements, and the ongoing journey toward racial equality. Join us for Crossroads with Rep. Rob Johnson to learn more about this important holiday and the celebrations that surround it.

NOTE: For June only, Crossroads will be on THURSDAY (June 18) due to Plymouth Church being closed on Friday in honor of the Juneteenth holiday. Because of this change, lunch reservations for Crossroads are due by noon on Tuesday, June 16.

There are three ways to attend Crossroads. Registration is required for all three:

Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available for $15: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, June 16. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will not be available.
Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.

IOWA PRIDE CELEBRATIONS

It's Pride Month, and we are here for it! With all of the attacks by extremist politicians who want to strip away LGBTQ rights, safety, and fundamental freedoms, it is more important than ever for us to celebrate Pride. The ACLU of Iowa has compiled an extensive list of Pride events in every corner of our state. Take a look -- celebrations continue through June and beyond!

For those in the Des Moines metro, please join the Rainbow Faith Coalition for their Pride worship service at Capital City Pride! They'll be located at the mainstage in the East Village this Sunday, June 14, at 10:00 AM. All are welcome!

PRIDE EVENTS

IOWA JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS

Juneteenth is a celebration of freedom and serves as a reminder that the work of true justice is ongoing. Below are the celebrations around the state we found; do you know of one we missed? Let us know and we'll add it next week!

Des Moines | including Gospel and Neighbor's Day celebrations

Cedar Rapids | including NewBo and African American Museum of Iowa festivals

Iowa City | includes Juneteenth History Walk-In

Ottumwa | Juneteenth Celebration

Sioux City | NAACP Juneteenth Celebration

Waterloo | Juneteenth Community Film showing of Juneteenth: Faith & Freedom

Waterloo | We Ride Series: Juneteenth Ride

Below are ideas for how you can get in good trouble!

Standing With Our Neighbors

We are living through a period of authoritarian power in our country that is rapidly consolidating and strengthening. The dominating politics of hate, fear, greed, and division are violating our shared values and tearing our country and democracy apart. But we know there is a different, better way.

YOU CAN make a difference. Join together in the work standing with our neighbors. Here are just a few ways to do that through our Call to Action and Actions of Hope.

The State of Belief

"Congregation of the World: Union Seminary's Rev. Dr. Serene Jones"

Host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush is joined by Rev. Dr. Serene Jones, president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City for 18 years.

Iowa MMJ Protective ICE Accompaniment Training

Thursday, June 11 | 4:00 PM

Learn about the Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice approach to walking in safety and solidarity with people who are attending their high-stakes required check-ins with ICE. Email info@iowammj.org for more information.

Interfaith Alliance Democracy Trainings

Our democracy is under direct threat — and communities of faith have the power to defend it. Interfaith Alliance is training faith leaders, organizers, and supporters in nonviolent civil resistance ahead of the 2026 elections. Get trained. Get ready. Get others involved.

A broad selection of online trainings are available through the Interfaith Alliance (national) including:

De-escalation and Bystander Intervention
Planning for Redlines
Developing Your Personal Narrative
and more

Perhaps gather a group of friends to learn or use the trainings as a resource for a congregation conversation. Learn more.

Progress Iowa Weekly Briefing

Fridays | 1:30 PM

**Next Briefing will be Friday, July 17**

Receive timely poll-tested message guidance, updates from Iowa's leading progressive organizations, and the latest information from the capitol.

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR U.S. SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES

Senator Joni Ernst
(202) 224-3254 (https://www.ernst.senate.gov/contact)

Senator Chuck Grassley
(202) 224-3744 (https://www.grassley.senate.gov/contact)

Representative Marianette Miller-Meeks (1st Congressional District)
(202) 225-6576 (https://millermeeks.house.gov/contact/offices)

Representative Ashley Hinson (2nd Congressional District)
(202) 225-2911 (https://hinson.house.gov/zip_authentication?form=/contact)

Representative Zach Nunn (3rd Congressional District)
(202) 225-5476 (https://nunn.house.gov/contact/offices/)

Representative Randy Feenstra (4th Congressional District)
(202) 225-3193 (https://feenstra.house.gov/contact/offices)

5 Calls

5 Calls makes it easy for you to reach members of Congress and make your voice heard. They research issues, write scripts for you to use, and lead you toward the most influential policy makers. All you have to do is make the call and use your voice.

DONATE
to Interfaith Alliance
of Iowa

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa

PO Box 41086
Des Moines, IA 50311

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