Hesston (Kan.) College faculty members will present, “Common Threads: Anabaptist and African-American Songs and Stories of Suffering and Hope,” an original program that explores the way the historical events of Anabaptist religious persecution and African-American racial segregation intersected will be presented at 7 p.m., Saturday, April 20 at Madison (Wisc.) Mennonite Church, 1501 Gilbert Road. Hesston College will partner with Madison Mennonite Church to present the program, which is free and open to the public. A free will offering will be collected to cover program costs.
“Common Threads” is a program of story and song featuring Hesston College faculty members Tony Brown, John Sharp and Ken Rodgers. They give voices to Anabaptist martyrs and enslaved African-Americans of history by singing their hymns and telling their stories. It offers deeper understanding about the enslaved African-American and Anabaptist Martyr experience of suffering and hope. Youth are especially invited to attend.
“Both groups found strength and consolation in their steadfast faith in God,” Sharp said. “They were utterly confident that God’s purposes would, in the end, prevail. Their stories and songs have not typically been linked, but we believe it is useful to do so. Their witness stands for all who will see and hear.”
“Thinking about how we can connect with others and finding those common threads can offer promise for humanity,” Brown said. “In the end, we as a human species are more profoundly alike than different. It is the idea of difference that formed the basis for racism, persecution and systematic oppression. Humanity needs to find value in difference while at the same time exploring the common threads that bind us together.”
Brown is a professional baritone, artist in residence and sociology professor. Sharp is a history professor, storyteller and author. Rodgers is director of the Chorale and instructs in the music department. Alumni and Church Relations Director Dallas Stutzman will represent the college. A reception and short Hesston College update will follow the program.
The Hesston College group will also present “Songs and Stories of Peace, Hope and Justice” featuring Brown during the Sunday evening worship service at 6 p.m., April 21 at Madison Mennonite Church.
For more information, contact the Hesston College Alumni and Church Relations office toll-free at 866-437-7866.