November 9, 2025

Ebenezer Baptist Church, departure, looking back and looking ahead

We concluded our time in Atlanta and on the tour with Sunday worship at Ebenezer Baptist Church, “America’s Freedom Church.” While senior pastor and Senator Rev. Dr. Raphael Warnock was “stuck in Washington” trying to secure food and medical benefits for millions, the message was delivered by executive pastor Rev. Dr. John Vaughn. Lively music, baby dedications (including the traditional lifting of the child to “behold the only thing greater than yourself”) an inspiring message, and a shout out to visiting groups including us filled the service.

Clockwise: choir at Ebenezer Baptist Church, exterior of Ebenezer, two pastors and a rabbi walk into a church, a welcoming crowd after the service

And then all too soon it was time to bid farewell to our amazing tour guide Todd and driver Tony, and head for our flights and wind our ways home. Prayers for safe and smooth travels as many flights have been delayed and canceled. We’ll get to our destinations eventually!

Thank you to those who contributed to this record of our trip, and thank you to our 80+ subscribers and numerous visitors to the site for reading. In the days ahead, if and as I get more reflections and contributions, I may post more updates, and we do plan to have events to get together and process our trip and the next steps in our communities. We’re already talking about an interfaith social justice team, showing up together for immigrant justice, socially responsible shopping, and working together to secure more affordable housing units, plus social things like a book study group or a dinner-together group. You can always look back at the blog for memories and reflections as you tell your own story of how you’ve been moved by traveling or reading, and finding your place in the work for social justice.

Several folks shared what a gift it was to be joined by youth on this trip (with huge thanks to their leader and encourager, Amy Rosenthal) :

“Having teens on this excursion was awesomely worthwhile. I especially appreciated their personal perspectives on all of our learning each day in Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma and Atlanta. It was beneficial for me to learn from them as they had much to say that was helpful in understanding the changes in civil rights over the decades and centuries. Thank you for joining us and thank you for your plans to report on all of the learning.” :) Rich Jacobs, JCOGS

“Having the teens from JCOGS and SCC with us on the VT Interfaith Civil Rights Tour added perspective and hope that we would not have otherwise had. From their intelligent questions and curiosity to their expressions of care for others, I became hopeful in the face of so much historical adversity, injustice and hate. Just like the children of the Civil Rights movement, these teens give me confidence that when I feel hopeless there is hope, when I feel lost they provide a path forward and when I feel tired they provide a much needed boost of morale, energy and enthusiasm. I am so grateful I was able to be a participant with them on this milestone trip of a lifetime. I only hope we can find additional ways introduce more young people to the history of the Civil Rights movement and to the courageous role that astute and empathetic young people can play in continuing the fight for social, racial and economic justice. It has been my pleasure traveling this journey with them.” - Nancy Small, SCC

impromptu hairdressing at the gate by the JCOGS youth

“It was a deeper and more meaningful experience for me going on this trip along with our teenaged cohort. Observing their curiosity and willingness to listen and learn, they were role models for me. Each of them showed such empathy and kindness to our hosts, to the adults on the trip, and to each other. Their willingness to share their thoughts and perspectives both with whole group and in one on one conversations showed a level of maturity that seemed beyond their years. They did this respectfully and with compassion but honestly and from the heart. Getting to know these wonderful young humans has made me even more determined to do whatever I can to heal this world and make it a better place for them and for us all.” - Alyssa Klar, JCOGS

“I am a proponent of bringing together diverse backgrounds and perspectives. That is how we learn from each other, create empathy and generate the most novel ideas. Having so many young voices as part of our vicr trip was invaluable. I loved hearing their thoughtful questions and creative ideas, seeing their endearing interactions with our VT pilgrims and our local hosts, and witnessing the tender care and respect they gave to one another. They are extraordinary diplomats for our respective congregations and for the state of Vermont. I was so proud to have them on this journey and their participation added so much to my personal experience. Kudos to a phenomenal group of individuals!! ❤️ ” - Randy Repka, JCOGS

“Dave and I could not agree more, I hugged several and told them just how much it meant to us to be able to travel this journey with them. Their spirits and energy were such a gift to us ‘oldies.’ We thank them for the gifts of youth and excitement among many that they brought to our trip. Blessings to all of them. We look forward to seeing the difference they make in this world as adults.” - Ruth Roy, SCC

“It was such a pleasure and privilege to have this group of teens join us on this trip. So often they asked insightful questions that none of us adults had thought to ask. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and perspectives were a benefit to all of us.” - Bill Shore, JCOGS

“The youth on our trip added so much to our experience because of their energy and positive attitude. They were as upset by what we saw as us adults, maybe more so, and the depth of their feelings made me optimistic about what their generation can do to change the future. They were quick to take care of those older ones who needed help and were in awe of two older women who had been part of the civil rights movement. I have no doubt this experience will call them to action. Their loving kindness touched us all and added to the experience. They - and we - definitely benefited from doing this tour together.” - Barbara Jacobs, JCOGS

“Having the youth on the trip made it a much deeper experience. Even just as a reminder that there is still so much work to be done for their future and beyond. The questions and testimonials were outstanding and it was inspiring to be with them.” - Amy Cobaugh, SCC

“I want to thank everyone wholeheartedly for your love, support, helping me to get around and the young people were amazing my love to all and praises to the Lord for our trip, something that I had never experienced before. Love and more love.” - Rev. Barbara Miller, Evangelist, Morrisville

sunset outside the Atlanta airport