Learn about spirituals as Black expressions of faith at Wheaton church Feb. 4

On Sunday, Feb. 4, the Rev. Donté Ford will lead a discussion about the historical significance of African American spirituals as they pertain to Black expressions of faith at 10 a.m. at Gary United Methodist Church in Wheaton.

Ford is a scholar of the history, theology and music of African American Pentecostalism. He is assistant professor of music and associate chaplain for worship arts at Wheaton College and minister of music and worship at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton.

This Sunday’s study falls the week before the Festival Choir and Orchestra of Gary United Methodist Church and First Presbyterian Church present “There’s a Stirrin’ in the Water,” a celebration of the African American spiritual by Charles Myricks and Jesse Ayers.

The musical presentation is free and open to the public on Sunday, Feb. 11 at Gary Church at 9 a.m. and at First Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m.

Gary United Methodist Church at 224 N. Main St. offers 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday worship in the sanctuary. The 9 a.m. worship is complete with Kids’ Church and nursery care, plus livestreaming and recorded worship at garychurch.org. The 11 a.m. worship has a more casual feel featuring church musicians. At 10 a.m., you can enjoy a coffee hour called “Special Blend” and Sunday school for all ages.

With deep roots in the community since 1853, Gary Church has vibrant music, kids, youth and adult ministries, plus opportunities for local, national and global missions. For more information, go to garychurch.org or contact the church office at office@garychurch.org.