This extended weekend, March 11-14, is Shiloh's annual celebration of Black American history. The events are many and varied, and we hope that members, friends, strangers and guests join us for the celebration.
The events begin on Friday, from 6:30-8:00 p.m. with a spirituals/hymn sing, where Terrence Grimes will lead the gathered crowd in stories and songs. More than just a group gathered for the singing of old hymns, Mr. Grimes will provide education about the stories that accompany the old spirituals. He will also highlight musical trends that have helped shape the musical history of America,
On Saturday, March 12, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., fourteen displays that highlight events and people from black history will be available to the public. These displays include soldiers, political figures, athletes, toys, memorabilia, dolls, fashion and heroes, past and present, who have helped to shape on ongoing dialogue on equality and civil rights.
Sunday, March 13, is a highlight of our celebration. At Shiloh's 10:25 a.m. service of worship, Rev. Robert Jones will provide a message entitled, "Thinking and Acting Beyond the Box." The service will include spirituals, liturgical dance, a special choir piece, and a very special ending, with people in a circle around the perimeter of the sanctuary, singing "Let there be Peace on Earth." The service will be followed by a special meal, held in Shiloh's Omega Hall. Bring a dish to share with ten people. Meat, table service and drinks are provided. After the meal, participants will remain in Omega Hall to join in a slide presentation and conversation around privilege, led by Rachel Callopy, from the University of Dayton. This is a high level presentation and discussion, and you will not want to miss it.
On Monday, March 14, Shiloh will host a number of local school systems, whose students will view the displays, share a meal, and make musical or artistic presentations on black history. The program itself will take place at roughly 12:15 p.m. in the sanctuary. The public is invited to attend.
I am proud of Shiloh for hosting this grand series of events. It is recognition that black history is American history. It is everyone's story. It is our story. In some congregations, caucasians might plan to stay away from a black history celebration that takes place in March, or one that is so extensive, or one that extends worship by about an hour. But Shiloh registers its embrace of diversity by involving itself fully in each of these events. Our celebration of black history is certainly an indication that Christ is at the core of this congregation's practice.
Unless there is truth to the rumors of members and friends who are boycotting the events. In that case, everything I just typed is untrue. I am sorry.
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