UMC - Chicago Temple

In honor of African American Heritage Month, organizers want to help revitalize and inspire the human spirit. Thus, this month’s celebration will be called “Rejuvenation 2010: Mind, Body and Soul.” Driving home this enriching concept will be a host of events featuring speakers, a Soul Food luncheon and a hallelujah-filled concert performed by the Gospel Choir of First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple.

“For many people, 2010 is a year of re-assessment and ‘getting our house in order’ – whether financially, physically, emotionally and/or spiritually,” the organizers say. “Our tribute to African American heritage will reflect this focus on holistic health and well-being, and should offer something from which everyone can benefit.”

Here are the month’s highlights:

Guest speaker Albert “Al” R. Grace Jr., is co-founder and president of Loop Capital Markets, the largest minority-owned investment banking firm in the United States. On Sunday, Feb. 7 during the 11 a.m. worship service, he will share his life and faith journey, and provide us with ideas on how to be good financial stewards during these challenging economic times.

The Health & Wellness Committee partners with the African American Heritage Month organizers to sponsor the Soul Food Luncheon, from 12:15-1:30 p.m., Sunday Feb. 14 in James Parlor. One of the speakers will be Charlotte Lyons, food editor of Ebony magazine. She will discuss the origin of soul food, its significance to the African American community and how it can be healthy and flavorful. Information on how to improve our physical health, and prevent or lower the risk for diseases prevalent in the African American community will also be highlighted. Look in the bulletin for more information about the luncheon’s cost and how to sign up.

On Sunday, Feb. 21, a representative from the Chicago Department of Public Health will address some of the key mental health issues impacting the African American community and ways to help resolve these issues. This discussion, which includes Q & A, will be held in James Parlor, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

On Sunday, February 28 visit the creative art works on display in James Parlor by the children, teens and adults of the Englewood community. Viewing will follow the 11 a.m. worship service, and you will have an opportunity to meet community residents who designed this showing, under the direction of artist and Temple member Patricia Devine-Reed. Be sure to then attend the Temple’s Gospel Choir concert at 2 p.m. that day in the sanctuary, featuring director Kelly Tiebout, soloists Jennifer Booth, Denise Yates, Henry Pleas, and Khary Laurent, bassist Brad Opland and drummer Charlie Braugham and the Gospel Choir. The concert is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served following this event in the Mabuhay Room at the back of the sanctuary.