Swedish History Month?

We have been having a wonderful time celebrating Black History Month at New Community Church in LaGrange, Georgia. At first glance it might seem to have very little to do with me. How is Black History Month relevant to a pastor who is the product of Swedish immigrants who traveled all the way to North Dakota for the large tracks of farm land? Why can't we have a Swedish History Month?
Well, let me count the ways:

1. I'm now living in the great state of Georgia, and while I see more blond hair and blue eyes than I thought I would, Swedish farming families haven't played much of a role in our state.
2. On the other hand, those of African ancestry have played a huge role in our state and region. Starting in 1619 these brothers and sisters have been a big part of our story.
3. I'm a part of the pastoral leadership team of a local church that is currently 60% Black and 40% White. We have six pastors, 3 Black (including our senior pastor) and 3 White. We have six elders, 4 Black and 2 White. In other words, Black History Month is personally significant to our beautiful congregation.
4. Black history is a major part of my Christian story, both in the Bible and in early church history. As someone trained in biblical studies and church history I have always been fascinated by the importance of my Black brothers and sisters to my Christian story.
5. As a follower of Jesus and a member in the Body of Christ, fellow members of African descent are my brothers and sisters; we are family. What is significant to them is significant to me. It is my story as well.

So it is no wonder we find special significance to Black History Month. Rickey and I taught a class called "Africa in the Bible," highlighting the significance of the descendants of Ham in the Bible. I offered to teach a class called "Swedes in the Bible," but I couldn't find any. We also taught on the important African Church Fathers in the early church. Once again, I offered to teach on the Swedish Church Fathers, but they were entirely absent. But I was not disappointed; I can claim the story of my brothers and sisters as my own. We are enjoying praising the Lord with Gospel music, both traditional and contemporary. We are enjoying each other.

For me, Black History Month is a daily/weekly/monthly/yearly celebration. But since we have a designated month, why not pull out all the stops and celebrate the goodness of God revealed through my Black brothers and sisters. I love you all and celebrate the important contributions you have made to the Body of Christ, to our nation, and to my life.