"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people. That ye should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" - I Peter 2:9

Our Mission

Facilitate cultural and spiritual sojourns to Africa for members and their families under the leadership of Senior Pastor, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.

Our Vision

The Christian Education sojourns to Africa are designed to provide an experience that will help participants affirm their personal, cultural, and spiritual connection to Africa as her daughters and sons. The trips will also give vision to the tasks Trinitarians have been chosen to do in support of and advocacy for Africans in the Diaspora.

As an outgrowth of these spiritual sojourns, the Africa Ministry has specific objectives inspired by Dr. Wright that call us to:

• Create or enhance an Africentric identity
• Create an awareness and sensitivity to the joys and concerns of Africa
• Make contact and have dialog with African Christians and those of other faiths
• Open the way for ties that will link African Christians with their continental sisters and brothers
• Provide support for African institutions and causes on the continent that empower the self-determination and development of their constituents, consistent with the theology and mission of Trinity United Church of Christ

Our Purpose

The world was created in Africa and Ethiopia became the first Christian country in the world. Africa and her children gave birth to the cultural and educational heritage of the world!

The strength of the African people in our ability to resist and overcome our oppressors provides inspiration for liberation everywhere especially the sons and daughters of Africa here in North America. Just as those of Jewish heritage advocate on behalf of the state of Israel, and those of Irish heritage advocate on behalf of Ireland, and those of Polish descent for Poland, so must we of African descent care about the land of our heritage—the Continent of Africa.

To Accomplish Our Purpose

The Africa Ministry is comprised of eight subcommittees that provide insight into those issues facing the continent and its people today. These subcommittees work to identify, affirm, and support the following areas:

Advocacy

Advocates politically and socially on behalf of African countries.

Africa Travel

Coordinates and plans the Christian Education sojourns to Africa and the African Diaspora.

Communications & Ministry Promotion

Promotes awareness and informs members of ministry activities. Works to involve the church in ministry activities through promotional campaigns, a newsletter, website, and new member packet.

Education

Works to educate the congregation and community about Africa and those issues that impact the continent today.

Interfaith/Mission Collaborations

Works collaboratively with other denominations and faiths around issues that impact Africa and African-American people.

MA'AFA and Related Special Events

Plans the MA'AFA biennial production/performance and conference. Provides the congregation and community with Lessons from the MA'AFA throughout the year.

Youth

Works to create awareness among Trinity youth and young adult ministries with respect to our African heritage. Encourages youth participation, representation, and membership in the Africa Ministry.

Come! We Invite You to Participate

The Africa Ministry is a growing ministry—diverse in its focus—but unified in its goals and as all other ministries at Trinity, it is open to any who desire to participate. In addition to receiving the reports of ongoing activities of the subcommittees, the Africa Ministry focuses on a particular country and issue at each meeting. The entire congregation is invited.

Ultimately, we seek to fulfill a small part of Trinity’s Mission Statement mandate which states that as a chosen people through our African-focused witness "&ldots;acknowledge that we will—building on this affirmation of who we are and whose we are call men, women, boys and girls to the liberating love of Jesus Christ, inviting them to become part of the church universal responding to Jesus’ command that we go into all the world and make disciples!"

Ministry Meeting Dates for 2005:

• February 24
• March 18
• April 15
• May 13
• June 17
• July 15
• August 19
• September 16
• October 21
• November 18
• December 16

*Meeting Time: 6:30 p.m.

Meeting Location:
Trinity United Church of Christ
400 West 95th Street
Chicago, Ill 60628

Lessons from the MA'AFA Series

Lesson I
The Mis-Education of the Negro
by Carter G. Woodson

Lesson II
Before the Mayflower
by Lerone Bennett, Jr.

Lesson III
Race Matters
By Cornel West

Lesson IV
The Debt
By Randall Robinson