The Center for African Biblical~ Studies

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He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
John 1:10 (NRSV)

WINTER 2011 BIBLE CLASSES

JANUARY 24th - APRIL 12th

400 West 95th Street. Chicago, IL 60628

773.966.1507
cfabs@trinitychicago.org

Rev. Otis Moss In Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Ir., Pastor Emeritus

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 The Center for African Biblical
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Studies
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 THE CENTER FOR AFRICAN BIBLICAL STUDIES
MISSION STATEMENT

THE MISSION

The Center for African Biblical Studies is African-centered ... seeking to implement
and promote Bible study through an Africentric lens; Africentric, because we believe in
the necessity to rediscover and reclaim our cultural heritage. To this end, the Center is
responsible for the developing, planning, scheduling, and facilitating Bible study courses
throughout the year, using an Africentric lens that empowers us as we honor Christ,
engage in our Community, and celebrate our Culture.

THE MINISTRY

In obedience to our lord's command, "Go ye therefore and teach all nations," in
response to this command, the ministry of the Center for African Biblical Studies is
to provide a teaching and learning experience that is grounded in the word of God
as it explores the Bible as an ancient and sacred text and draws from the wisdom of
contemporary biblical, ethical and theological scholars; acknowledges and celebrates
the African spirituality; the African origins of Christianity and the heritage of the Black
church in North America and other parts of the Diaspora; honors and values the cultural
giftedness of persons of African descent in ways that bring together the sacred and the
secular across generations.

Deacon Shirley Bims-Ellis, Director

Study to show thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.

II Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

CENTER FOR AFRICAN BIBILCAL STUDIES - WINTER 2011 SCHEDULE - 2

 MONDAY MORNING CLASS
January 24th - March 28th 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
GOD'S WORD & MY SALVATION - PART I
Rev. Carl Spencer
Textbook: Study Bible
This class explores the history and structure of the Bible and introduces students to reference
materials required for biblical study. Students also study some of the most prominent
covenants God made with His people.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics

TUESDAY MORNING CLASS

January 25th - March 29th 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN'S GOD TALK (WOMANIST THEOLOGY)
Dr. Linda Thomas
Textbook: New Faith: A Black Christian Woman's Guide to Reformation, Re-Creation,
Rediscovery, Renaissance, Resurrection and Revival
Students continue tapping into their inner power with God to become spiritually well. Join in on
the discussion of God's plan in your life and examine how to realize the power within yourself.
Prerequisites: None '
AFRICAN PRESENCEIN THE BIBLE
Brother Antoine Crenshaw
Textbook: Atlas of Slavery/Study Bible
This study seeks to provide the missing link that connects the people of Africa, in the biblical
text, to the African slaves and all persons of African descent now living in the Diaspora.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
God's Word and My Salvation, Biblical Authority, Old Testament Parts I & II, New Testament
OLD TESTAMENT PART I
Sister Dubra Lazard
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament/Study Bible
Students receive an overview of the books of Law and History from Genesis-Esther.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
God's Word and My Salvation, Biblical Authority -

THURSDAY MORNING CLASSES

January 27th - March 31st 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
BIBLEBASICS
Rev. Penny Willis
Textbook: Study Bible/Handouts
This class explores the history and structure of the Bible and introduces students to reference
materials required for biblical study. Students also study some of the most prominent
covenants God made with his people, maps and selected events.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God

CENTER FORAFRICAN BIBILCAL STUDIES- WINTER 2011 SCHEDULE- 3

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EXODUS
Sister Frances Harris
Textbook: Study Bible/Maps
Students continue the journey of examining the Israelite family through the Book of Exodus and
examining issues of liberation, faith, obedience and leadership.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
God's Word and My Salvation, Biblical Authority, Old Testament Parts I & II, New Testament,
African Presence in the Bible
NEW TESTAMENT
Rev. Carl Spencer
Textbook: Exploring the New Testament/Study Bible
This class provides students with an overview of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
God's Word and My Salvation, Biblical Authority, Old Testament Parts I & II

MONDAY EVENING CLASSES

January 24th - March 28th 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

ANONYMOUS: JESUS' HIDDEN YEARS AND YOURS

(beginning February 14th - March 21st; Saturday, March 26th - 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.)
Rev. Stacey Edwards-Dunn
Textbook: Anonymous: Jesus' Hidden Years and Yours
Do you struggle with delayed dreams? Do you find yourself waiting during the pauses in your life,
leading to self-doubt, anxiety or making you feel spiritually discouraged? In this class, students
explore, through Jesus' hidden moments of life, how God takes these anonymous seasons and
teaches us not to rush, but to rest and recognize our potential to grow and learn.
Prerequisites: None
BIBLE BASICS
Deacon Sheryll Bray/Deacon Lawrence Myles
Textbook: Study Bible
Students explore the history and structure of the Bible and are introduced to the reference
materials required to study. The course also covers some of the most prominent covenants God
made with his people.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY
Sister Tennille Power
Textbook: Study Bible/Handout
Students examine the different perspectives from which the Bible is interpreted, studied and/
or understood. Explore the impact that social location, conservatism, liberalism and scholarly
approaches have on the interpretation of Scripture. Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and
Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics, God's Word and My Salvation

CENTERFORAFRICAN BIBILCAL STUDIES- WINTER 2011 SCHEDULE- 4

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SPACEFOR GOD
Deacon Jacquie Lindsey
Textbook: Space for God/Study Bible
This class examines the importance of makingspace for God through the practice of prayer,
spiritual insight, meditation and journaling.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black Unapologetically Christian

TUESDAY EVENING CLASSES

February 1st - April 12th 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
LET'STALK SWAHILI
Brother louis McEwing
Textbook: Teach Yourself Swahili
Have you ever wanted to learn to speak, understand and/or write Swahili? Well here's your
chance. learn biblical passages, the lord's Prayer, standard greetings, and much more.
Prerequisites: None
TRAVELING LIGHT
Rev. Dr. Clyde White
Textbook: Traveling Light/Study Bible
This class explores the issues and burdens that we hold on to instead of giving them to God.
Students will examine how to literally let Go and let God!
Prerequisites: None
UNASHAMEDLY BLACKAND UNAPOLOGETICALLYCHRISTIAN
Sister Tennille Power
Textbook: Study Bible
Students study the history and doctrines of both our denomination, the United Church of Christ
and Trinity United Church of Christ. The class also explores the relationship between the local
church and the denomination. All are invited, but it's a "must take" for UCC members.
Prerequisites: None

WEDNESDAY EVENING CLASSES

January 26th - March 30th 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
NEW BEGINNINGS
Deacon Brenda Vance
Textbook: Study Bible
New Beginnings is a class that is designed to enhance your Sunday morning worship experience.
This fascinating course will explain each facet of the service, beginning with the Praise service
and ending with the benediction. The purpose of the sacraments on the altar will be shared.
We will accentuate the correlation of the scripture, songs and sermon. After completing this
class, your Sunday morning worship will never be the same. Prerequisites: None

CENTERFOR AFRICAN BIBllCAl STUDIES- WINTER 2011 SCHEDULE- 5

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 OLD TESTAMENT PART,I
Brother Antoine Crenshaw
Textbook: Exploring the New Testament/Study Bible
Students receive an overview of the books of Law and History from Genesis-Esther.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
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God's Word and My Salvation, Biblical Authority

GOD'S WORD & MY SALVATION - PART I

Rev. Sandra Florentino Hutchins
Textbook: Study Bible
This class explores some of the most puzzling subjects and frequently asked questions in the
Bible. Come and find out for yourself what the Bible really says about Holy Spirit, Sin, Faith,
Prayer and much, much more.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics

REMEMBER WEDNESDAY'NIGHT PRAYER SERVICE - 7:14 p.m.

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray,
and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way?; then will I hear from
heaven and willforgive their sin, and will heal their land.
II Chronicles 7:14 (KJV)

THURSDAY EVENING CLASSES

January 27th - April 7th 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

WHAT MAKES YOU SO STRONG?

Rev. Donna Freeman
Textbook: What Makes You So Strong?/Study Bible
This class explores ten sermons written by our Pastor Emeritus, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright.
Each sermon provides insights, truths and disarming close ups of saints and sinners. Students
learn how to gather the joy and strength that is the joy and strength that is promised in the
salvation of Jesus Christ.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
God's Word & My Salvation Part I

OLD TESTAMENT PART II

Deacon Joe Griffith
Textbook: Exploring the Old Testament/Study Bible
Students receive an overview of the books of Poetry and Prophecy, from Job to the Song of
Solomon.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black and Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
God's Word and My Salvation, Biblical Authority, Old Testament Part I

CENTERFOR AFRICAN BIBILCALSTUDIES- WINTER 2011 SCHEDULE- 6

 SYNOPTIC GOSPELS-PARTII
Rev. Dr. Norval Brown
Textbook: Gospel Parallels/Study Bible •
This class continues the examination of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke to point
out both the similarities and differences in each of the stories of Jesus and faith through the
different contexts of the author.
Prerequisites: Unashamedly Black Unapologetically Christian, Space for God, Bible Basics,
God's Word and My Salvation, Biblical Authority, Old Testament Parts I &11,New Testament,
African Presence in the Bible

BOOK OF JEREMIAH
Rev. William Vance
Textbook: Study Bible
This class does a thorough study of Jeremiah and his prophetic ministry. Students will learn
how to live in disruptive times by following the path the Prophet Jeremiah took in listening and
discerning the Word of God.
Prerequisites: None /

SATURDAY EVENING ClASSES

January 29th - April ,2nd 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

FOR MEN ONLY

Deacon Richard Sewell
Textbook: Biblical Faith and the Black American
Students study how the theme of liberation speaks to Black people, as well as all oppressed
people from the pages of both the Old and New Testaments. The course discusses basic
Christian concepts in the tight of the author's study of Scripture.
Prerequisites: None

FOR WOMEN ONLY

Sister Tennille Power
Textbook: Certain Women Called by Christ/Study Bible
Students study what God says about women in the church, and how women have a vital role
in the life of the church. Students are challenged to keep their eyes on Christ and how Christ
\, interfaces with their lives in the home, in the church and in the world.
Prerequisites: None "

CENTERFOR AFRICAN BIBILCAL STUDIES- WINTER 2011 SCHEDULE- 7

 SUNDAY MORNING CLASS
9:30 a.m. - Room 203
BIBLE DISCOVERY HOUR
Deacon Joe Griffith
Textbook: Study Bible
Discover what it means to be on this Christian journey according to the Bible, and how to apply
that knowledge to the challenges we face daily.
Prerequisites: None

CAN'T ~ET TO CLASSES? CONFLICT IN TIME AND SCHEDU~E?

THEN, THE INTERNET CLASSROOM IS RIGHT FOR YOU!
ONLINE BIBLE CLASS·OFFERINGS .
Access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

AFRICAN PRESENCE IN THE BIBLE OLD TESTAMENT PARTS I & II

BIBLE BASICS SPACE FOR GOD
BIBLICAL AUTHORITY TRAVELING LIGHT
EXODUS UNASHAMEDLY BLACK AND
GOD'S WORD & MY SALVATION PARTS I & II UNAPOLOGETICALLY CHRISTIAN
NEW TESTAMENT

CENTER FOR AFRICAN BIBILCAL STUDIES - WINTER 2011 SCHEDULE - 8