February is a month for us to take the opportunity to recognize and honor the legacy and determination for African Americans throughout history. In our worship thismonth we will include prayers and hymns to emphasize this important aspect of our history. Venice Williams, an ELCA leader in youth and family ministry in Milwaukee, authored some of these additions.

Hymn Introductions

February 7 - "This Little Light of Mine" is a gospel children’s song written by Harry Dixon Loes in about 1920. It may be based on Matthew 5:14-15, where Jesus said,“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.”  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

February 14 - "'Siyahamba' is a South African hymn that became popular in North American churches in the 1990s. The title means “We Are Marching” or “We are Walking” in the Zulu language. “Siyahamba” originated in South Africa."  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

February 21 - "Lead Me, Guide Me” The words and the music to “Lead Me, Guide Me” were written in 1953 by Doris Mae Akers, a brilliant female African-American composer. The song was taken from Psalm 31, verse 3: “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

February 28 - "Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land" is an African-American Spiritual with an otherwise unknown origin.  In 1619, twenty-two persons from different countries and tribes on the continent of Africa landed in Jamestown, Virginia and were quickly bought and sold into the non-human existence of slavery.  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

Wednesday - February 24 - Luncheon & Guest Speaker - Greater Milwaukee YWCA President and CEO Paula Penebaker.  11:30 a.m. (See announcments on this page.)

Sunday - February 28 - Guest Vocalist - 10:15AM Worship  - Gus Barnes Jr. is currently the Ministry Assistant at The Lutheran Church of the Reformation – 35th and Garfield, Milwaukee.  Gus has been a member since 2000 and employee since 2002.  Gus also currently serves on The Greater Milwaukee Synod Council as a representative of the Milwaukee Coalition.

Gus’s passion for music and the church began at the age of 9 at Epiphany Lutheran Church – now called All People’s Church at 2nd and Clarke.

Gus has performed with Kid’s From Wisconsin, The Bel Canto Chorus and The Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.  Gus was selected in 2006 to be trained on the ELW in Chicago, and has served as a voting member at the 2007 and 2009 Church-wide Assemblies.

Sunday - February 28 - Simmering Sundays 11:30AM - 1PM - Read more about our fellowship event as we discuss race, ethicity, and culture.

February is a month for us to take the opportunity to recognize and honor the legacy and determination for African Americans throughout history. In our worship thismonth we will include prayers and hymns to emphasize this important aspect of our history. Venice Williams, an ELCA leader in youth and family ministry in Milwaukee, authored some of these additions.

Hymn Introductions

February 7 - "This Little Light of Mine" is a gospel children’s song written by Harry Dixon Loes in about 1920. It may be based on Matthew 5:14-15, where Jesus said,“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.”  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

February 14 - "'Siyahamba' is a South African hymn that became popular in North American churches in the 1990s. The title means “We Are Marching” or “We are Walking” in the Zulu language. “Siyahamba” originated in South Africa."  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

February 21 - "Lead Me, Guide Me” The words and the music to “Lead Me, Guide Me” were written in 1953 by Doris Mae Akers, a brilliant female African-American composer. The song was taken from Psalm 31, verse 3: “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

February 28 - "Jesus Is a Rock in a Weary Land" is an African-American Spiritual with an otherwise unknown origin.  In 1619, twenty-two persons from different countries and tribes on the continent of Africa landed in Jamestown, Virginia and were quickly bought and sold into the non-human existence of slavery.  Read more in the February editions of the Weekly News.

Wednesday - February 24 - Luncheon & Guest Speaker - Greater Milwaukee YWCA President and CEO Paula Penebaker.  11:30 a.m. (See announcments on this page.)

Sunday - February 28 - Guest Vocalist - 10:15AM Worship  - Gus Barnes Jr. is currently the Ministry Assistant at The Lutheran Church of the Reformation – 35th and Garfield, Milwaukee.  Gus has been a member since 2000 and employee since 2002.  Gus also currently serves on The Greater Milwaukee Synod Council as a representative of the Milwaukee Coalition.

Gus’s passion for music and the church began at the age of 9 at Epiphany Lutheran Church – now called All People’s Church at 2nd and Clarke.

Gus has performed with Kid’s From Wisconsin, The Bel Canto Chorus and The Milwaukee Symphony Chorus.  Gus was selected in 2006 to be trained on the ELW in Chicago, and has served as a voting member at the 2007 and 2009 Church-wide Assemblies.

Sunday - February 28 - Simmering Sundays 11:30AM - 1PM - Read more about our fellowship event as we discuss race, ethicity, and culture.