Royalties for Spirituals

Negro Spirituals

February 25, 2024

“Give Me Jesus” FCCGE Choir

March 3, 2024

There is a Balm in Gilead

March 17, 2024

Praise His Holy Name-coming March 18th!

Education

In addition to a focus on spirituals in worship, we have a robust plan for adult education through book and film discussions and presentations by guest speakers and musicians. Books on related topics will also be on display and available in the church library.

Events and Reading

Stay tuned for future events and speakers.

Can We Get an “Amen”?

Thanks to your generosity, our campaign to raise funds for Royalties for Spirituals brought in nearly $3000 last Spring.

The historical term, “Negro Spiritual,” refers to the enormous collection of songs created by enslaved black people. We regularly sing these songs as hymns and anthems in worship. As part of our new social justice initiative, we have taken up special offerings to pay royalties for the use of Negro Spirituals twice a year for the next two years. Our offerings for 2024 which will support DuPage County ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics), a nation-wide program sponsored by the NAACP, that encourages high academic and cultural achievement among African-American high school students. Consider getting involved as a mentor or judge for the ACT-SO program, or join our new Racial Justice Ministry. If you would still like to contribute, you can make a contribution through Tithely, please select “Royalties for Spirituals” in the drop-down menu. For more information, contact Rev. Kyle Roggenbuck .

Volunteer Opportunities

The ACT-SO program meets once a month at the Naperville branch of the College of DuPage on Rickert Drive. These are high school students who practice to compete against other ACT-SO groups from Kendall, Will, Cook and Kane counties. Currently, they have 40 students, but it was a larger group before the pandemic. They compete in performing arts, visual arts, and STEM. They need volunteers to assist the students and workshop leaders on Saturdays.

They also need help on the day of their competitions. They need people to help with judging, monitoring rooms, timekeeping, and helping with the flow between rooms. Volunteers can observe the competition and talk to the students afterwards. The competition starts at 9am, and the performing arts portion is open for anyone to observe as it is happening. Contact Pastor Kyle .