The Spirituals we sing on Sunday morning are the sacred “songs first sung by enslaved Africans in America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Spirituals uplift in times of crisis, heal, comfort, inspire and instill hopes and dreams, thereby transforming individuals, communities, and whole societies”. Please join the Board of Congregational Care in welcoming Dr. Art Jones for a presentation on the history, function, meaning, and contemporary use of Spirituals in worship. He is currently Professor Emeritus of Music, Culture, and Psychology at the University of Denver and is the founder of the Spirituals Project (now affiliated with the Lamont School of Music at DU). The Board welcomes Dr. Jones as part of our anti-racist work at Lakewood UCC. His experience and perspective will assist our congregation in understanding the roots, meaning, and social justice themes of the spirituals we sing in worship. Spirituals are more than praise for the Divine and knowing their history will offer insights into ways enslaved people have employed singing as liberation, humanization, and connection to God. Dr. Jones’ interactive presentation (including singing) is on March 25th, 7:00-8:30 in the church sanctuary. Because the session involves questions, slides, and singing, face-to-face is preferred, but live streaming is also available on our YouTube Channel HERE. Please join us for a lively and informative presentation that will add meaning and context to the Spirituals we sing during Sunday worship.