Since 1967, the Black Church has served as a sanctuary for Grinnell College students to celebrate their faith and participate in the gospel music tradition. Michael Sims, advisor and director of student engagement for the Young Gifted Black Gospel Choir (YGB), said the church, which is open to all people regardless of background, strives to meet everyone’s needs. They say they are a family that works hard.
The Black Church holds services on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Herrick Chapel, with performances by the YGB choir and sermons by students and guest preachers from various congregations. .
The choir now has 19 members, more than double the number of students who participated after returning to campus for the first time after the pandemic. YGB advisor and Dean of Student Engagement Michael Sims said the church is still rebuilding after declining attendance following the pandemic.
Sims and members of YGB agreed that expanding their work in the Grinnell community is important for the community to continue to grow and move forward. Sims said one of his goals is to bring back concerts next fall and spring, and possibly consider planning a spring tour. Sims works with YGB Director Barry Jones to oversee the technical aspects of events and tours, but planning for the service is largely in the hands of students, he said.
YGB has previously partnered with organizations such as the Grinnell Singers, Catholic Student Association, and Chaverim. They have also toured with the Singers, and Sims said they aim to bring them back.
“Here we don’t just sing. We get to explore, learn new things, and stay spiritually connected. I hope everyone can have an experience like that in their lifetime.” said Hill.
For Anu Sanumi `26, an active member of YGB and the Black Church, fellowship is one of the most important values. “We’re trying to let people know that in God there is acceptance, transformation, family, and the place you’ve always been looking for,” she said.
“I’m not a Christian, but I would say I’m spiritual. I never felt at home in other churches I’ve been to, but being part of a black church and YGB… , I was able to connect with a spiritual and religious community that I didn’t have a connection with before,” said member Yanni Davis, 27. YGB.
Last Sunday, April 14th, guest preacher Pastor Quanda Brown led a Christian service with musical performances by YGB.
Sanumi said the service includes a guest pastor as well as an altar call that allows for student voices to be featured during the sermon. “God does not discriminate. Walking into a church is like revealing different walks of life along with the fact that we can come together and find hope in God’s Word.” ” she said.
Sanumi’s primary means of living out her faith are YGB and Gateway Bible Study. Held every Tuesday from 7:00pm to 9:00pm in the Gateway Grinnell Room S2327 in the Humanities and Social Studies (HSSC) Building, students gather for a nondenominational Bible study to share their favorite passages and learn about God. Discuss how to apply the teachings of the school to your on-campus experience.
“That was my hope. It was something I was able to convey when nothing else could, and that is why I am so determined to share that message today.” ” said Sanumi.
The weekend before spring break, YGB members performed at Jones’ church, Corinthian Baptist Church, in Des Moines. “As the group size grew, we offered a one-day experience to show them what the tour was like. We showed them what it was like to take music and ministry outside of the classroom and into the community. We were able to really see what is possible and what building a community can do,” Sims said.
“That audience was big. Once we feel the energy and excitement, we go back to the chapel. We want to feel that same energy and community,” Davis said. “We’re going to get the choir back up and running, don’t worry. We’re going to get back on tour, because traveling is very much about getting people to understand that this is fun, this is who we are. Because it’s important,” Hill added.
YGB takes place every Wednesday from 7pm to 8pm. Everyone is encouraged to enroll in the class and earn her 1 credit per semester.
