Freedom School
2024 Fall Trimester | October 12th- November 23rd
Registration is Now Open!
2024 Freedom School Theme:
Chasing the God of our Ancestors
In alignment with our corporate theme #GodChasers, Chasing the God of our Ancestors: Freedom School 2024 urges our scholars to embark on a profound journey of discovery, commitment, and reconnection. Grounded in the belief that God has a plan for the future inclusive of welfare and hope, the theme inspires a deliberate pursuit of understanding biblical and historical ancestors that allows for an understanding of our present relationship with and to our Creator.
Our Adult, Children & Youth curriculums will encourage scholars to delve into the wisdom, struggles, and triumphs of their forebears, drawing parallels between Biblical and other historical contexts. This theme serves as a call to study and reflect on the stories of both biblical and historical figures whose life stories allow us to seek God, understanding God’s character, and our relationship to God. Through this exploration our scholars are empowered to glean insights, strength, and inspiration from the legacies of those who came before, affirming their identity and purpose in the divine narrative as those desiring to seek God with all their hearts.
Join us on November 23rd for our Freedom School Closing Assembly and Service Project! As we conclude our academic year, Freedom School is partnering with the Missions Ministry to support families during the holiday season. Our scholars are encouraged each week to bring in non-perishable items for our Thanksgiving packages. On November 23rd, we will gather as a church community to pray over the collected items and the families who will receive them and then assemble the boxes. This churchwide event encourages us to live out our faith in action, embodying the love of Christ through service.
“…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me….“ Matthew 25:35 (NRSVUE)
ADULT COURSES
This course is a sequel to the earlier one I taught on the “African Bible.” You might recall that it focused on the thesis that the Bible is an “African” book based on the original land mass (Afro-Asiatic and Afro-European) that is described in it, the images of the people (Afro-Asiatic and Afro-European) who inhabited and traversed it and the key languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin) that were spoken and written in its formation.
“The Living Strong One of Our Ancestors is With Us” will present a deeper dive into the description of the deity who is described by several Hebrew names in the original text. This will be an amazing revelation, unveiling what is not seen in English translations. Also, we will see how much the ancestral connection and legacy are emphasized in both the Old and New Testaments.
Then we will shift to West Africa and discover some amazing correspondences between the Bible and West African spiritual traditions. We will follow the outlines of these beliefs and practices throughout the Americas, especially in the Southern United States. Finally, we will come to recognize how many of the Biblical and West African practices are very much alive within the African American church in preaching, teaching, singing, dancing, and shouting.
“The Living Strong One of Our Ancestors is With Us.” We were never forsaken.
Rev. Will Coleman, Ph. D.
This course explores the profound and ongoing struggle for voting rights in America, with a focus on the experiences and contributions of Black Americans. By examining key historical figures and movements, participants will gain a deep understanding of the fight for liberation that has shaped this nation’s political landscape. Additionally, the course will examine the politics of Jesus, offering insights into how His teachings intersect with contemporary social issues. Given America’s current social and political climate, this class is essential for anyone looking to understand the deep intersections of faith, race, and politics and the ongoing fight for freedom and justice.
Kelly Harris, Ph. D. & Min. Angela Pearson, M.Div.
YOUTH COURSES
11:15 am – 12:30 pm (Hybrid)
In our final Freedom School Trimester of the year, our youth will embark on a transformative journey in “Your Voice Matters: Who is Jesus Calling Me to Be?” This course encourages students in all grade levels to explore the power of their voices to effect change in the world, their local communities, and their everyday lives. By engaging with the life and teachings of Jesus alongside the inspiring stories of contemporary advocates and activists like Diane Nash, Bayard Rustin, Justin Jones, and Yolanda Renee King, students will learn to think critically about their role in making a difference. Each week students will delve into topics such as voting rights, environmental justice, mental health, and anti-bullying, discovering how to use their voices and lives to serve and support others. Through interactive discussions, activities, and guest speakers, this course aims to empower young people to care for themselves and their communities while discerning how to use the voice God has given them to advocate for justice and transformation.
