The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr.
1. EDITORIAL – “TOO MANY PASSIVE STEWARDS AND TRUSTEES”:
Dr.
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
When I have had occasions to preach at Baptist Churches, I have never had the problem of knowing who the deacons and trustees were; I could especially recognize the deacons by the way they carried themselves and by their demeanor. I recognized them by where they sat, how they spoke, and their relationship with the pastor and the members.
I have to commend the Baptists; they have generally done a good job of training their lay leadership and making their lay leadership positions special. I have always gotten the impression that a trustee and especially a deacon, is somebody special in a Baptist Church; and the title, “deacon” means something.
In the case of deacons and trustees in Baptist churches, one gets the sense that those officers are serious about the positions they hold.
I have often pondered about the fact that in the AME Church, our stewards and trustees don’t seem to have the same “fire and enthusiasm” as Baptist deacons and trustees. I have always been bothered by that.
The officers in the AME Church seem to have a casual attitude about local church leadership and sometimes it’s hard for a visitor to identify the stewards and trustees in many of our churches. I haves seen enthusiastic stewards and trustees in some of our local churches, but I have wondered why the stewards and trustees in some churches are enthusiastic, while in other churches they seem to have lackadaisical, “We don’t care attitudes.”
As I have pondered why some stewards and trustees seem unenthusiastic about their positions, I wonder is a cultural shift is needed in the AME Church and if we should follow the Baptist model of using titles when addressing laity officers, such as “Steward Smith”, “Trustee Jones” or “Steward Pro Tem Johnson,” which would be a method of reminding them, and others, of their positions of leadership. People love titles. Preachers love to be called, “doctor” and just maybe some of our laypersons might like to be called by the title of the leadership positions they hold in the local church; just a thought.
I do have some theories
When I have had a Baptist friends to share with me that they were going to be ordained as deacons; it was a big deal and they were excited and extended all kinds of invitations so that the occasion would be a memorable one.
I am surprised at the casualness of our clergy ordination services. If you were to ask a Roman Catholic priest when he was ordained, he could tell you and Roman Catholic priests celebrate the date of their ordination as we celebrate our birthdays.
I suspect that most of our clergy and those of you reading this sentence cannot remember the date of your ordination. I can’t (I am going to Call Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Church Historiographer to find out when I was ordained. I know the year and I believe the month was May, but I can’t remember the date. Dr. Dickerson has all of the Annual Conference Minutes, so he has that information). Within the AME culture, we don’t put sufficient drama even into clergy ordinations; perhaps that because our ordination service “sandwiched” between the memorial service and the closing service, a highpoint of the annual conference because of the giving of pastoral appointments.
No drama
We don’t put enough drama into the selection process of local church officers and so it’s not a significant event in their lives and in the life of the church.
More often than not, pastors casually select stewards by pulling a person off to the side and telling them that they are going to be appointed to the steward board; end of story. The same with the nomination of trustees; no big deal, never a list of qualifications we expect future trustees to possess and sometimes our churches are stuck with the “unwilling” because nobody else will assume the responsibility of being a trustee.
Often, stewards and trustees don’t know what is expected of them or what their responsibilities are because they have never been formally trained; and pastors assume that trustees and stewards know their responsibilities. Pastors tell their stewards and trustees to read The Discipline, which they haven’t read, and probably don’t own; and, the stewards and trustees function as they have seen their predecessors function, and unfortunately, their predecessors may have functioned dysfunctionally.
Passive trustees
Trustees can be elected based upon their popularity or how well they get along with the pastor, not their qualifications. If a local church has an engineer or a homebuilder who is a faithful member in the congregation and he or she has not been approached about being a trustee, seems to me an opportunity is lost.
So many of our older structures are in need of serious repairs and it’s critical that qualified trustees are elected; or at least trustees who will take the time to walk around the church facilities to check for damages to see what needs to be repaired. Peeling paint, water spots and other irregularities indicate a problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Ignoring deferred maintenance is expensive and can be embarrassing. Structural damage is normally
Passive trustees are not
Passive trustees do not take the time to periodically walk around to inspect the facilities.
Passive trustees arrive at worship services, like many other members; maybe just in time, but more often, late.
Passive trustees leave immediately after worship service. They don’t bother to mingle with the congregation or to socialize, especially if there is an afternoon football game on television.
A trustee or sexton should lock up the church, and if the church has an alarm, insure the alarm is set. A passive trustee is not concerned about who locks up the church, if
Passive stewards
The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 is clear about the duties of Stewards. Among other things, they “must be fruitful and of good natural or acquired ability to transact the spiritual and temporal business of the church”; pages 64-67, of The Book of Discipline 2008, list the duties of stewards to seek the needy and distressed, make accurate reports, write circular letters, register baptisms, conduct surveys of the membership, certify the membership rolls, determine to what extent each member’s financial support, etc., etc., etc.; but when have you seen stewards perform those functions?
The steward board has the responsibility to strategize about how to develop the spiritual program and to devise ways to increase the financial support of the church. The steward board is empowered with the responsibility to implement programs that result in increased financial support. Passive stewards are not concerned about ways to increase financial support of the church; passive stewards blame the pastor for any financial shortfalls.
Passive stewards are not
Passive stewards do not take the time to check on absent members, visit the sick, or try to evangelize lost souls; passive stewards feel visiting the sick or any concerns about the unsaved is the pastor’s job.
Passive stewards are not concerned about the welfare of the pastor or his or her family and certainly are not concerned whether or not the pastor takes a vacation.
Passive stewards arrive at worship services, like many other members and like passive trustees; maybe on time, but more often, late.
Passive stewards leave the worship service as soon as it’s over; they don’t bother to canvas the congregation to see who might be absent. Passive stewards do not mingle with the congregation or to socialize, especially if there is a Sunday afternoon football game on television.
Passive stewards do not give the pastor helpful feedback, but rather heap praise and affirmation to the pastor about the pastoral program; but are quick to share their negative concerns with other members.
Some things we could do
I suspect that intentional steward training does not happen. The Discipline 2008 says, “There shall be a training course for prospective stewards under the supervision of the pastor and senior stewards.” Training is a necessary component that contributes to the success of any organization; and training is especially helpful in growing effective church programs.
Even though The Discipline 2008 does not specifically say so, trustees need training also.
Retreats
Retreats are an excellent method for teambuilding. I got to know my fellow general officers more intimately during my first General Officers’ Retreat and our relationships have grown with each successive retreat. The Bishops have annual retreats and other entities in the AME Church have retreats. Retreats are held for strategic planning, budgeting,
I believe that steward and trustee boards would function more effectively if they had regular training and if they could participate in off-site retreats from time to time because retreats would allow them to build trust and improve interpersonal relationships.
Retreats are not difficult to set up and they don’t have to be expensive. The Roman Catholic Church and the Episcopal Church have retreat centers that are relatively inexpensive; and some seminaries have inexpensive retreat facilities. Many retreats are planned for a day or a day and a half, with time for social activities, so we are not talking about an inordinate amount of time.
Thought retreats should be built into the church budget, it might be more realistic in small congregations for each steward and trustee to fund his or her attendance at the retreat. Once a church sees the positive results of retreats; I am sure that retreats would be funded in the church budget.
Retreat for stewards and trustees would allow each group time to thoroughly discuss ideas, come to mutual understanding by seeing issues from other member’s points of view and because they allow the facilitator enough time to work with
Regular training sessions
Everybody needs training, and every facet of the local church needs training. The choir leadership and choir members need training, the usher board members need training, the youth need training, the member of the church school staff need training, the members of the ministerial staff need training and the stewards and trustees need training.
Training is the responsibility of the pastor in charge and when training fails to happen, the pastor has abdicated his or her responsibilities and the result is “too many passive stewards and trustees,” which results in too many passive members that result in a passive church.
And, unfortunately, we have church members who have become passive and disengaged from the Gospel, reaping the rewards of being members of the church, feeling good and “getting their praise on” while doing little or nothing to bring the unsaved to Christ.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-To the Editor:
RE: Editorial, “Fly on the Wall”
The Fly on the Wall editorial in the October 4, 2010 issue of The Christian Recorder seems to have had you on the wall again during our annual conference, in Ft. Lauderdale that ended on the October 1, 2010.
When the report on Evangelism was made, I caught an unreadiness about the music. The same issues the two devout ladies discussed; is one of my peeves; too much hip-hop, and not enough hymns. I asked for a balance in music, in order that I might feel is if I had been to church, instead of at a night club. Whenever I am asked to preach, I am so tired, that at my age, 87, just hearing the music hurt, even before I preach. Some of the ministers here in Florida have the audacity to say they do not use The Discipline. In my younger days, those words would have gotten you thrown out of the Church.
Thank you for the article and keep up the good work.
C. E. Jenkins (Retired Presiding Elder, 11th Episcopal District)
Melbourne, Florida 32901
- To the Editor:
RE: Too many Supernumerary Preachers
I don't know if you remember that at the last General Conference. I submitted legislation to adopt a new status for
The other legislation that I submitted included addressing the Local Preacher Status. The proposal dealt with raising the age for Itinerant status to 62 years old (given that the IRS recognizes this age retirement) and was willing to discuss 59.5 years old (since one could begin receiving retirement through IRA, 401K, etc.). The purpose was again to minimize the ordination of local deacons and elders. What is the need for Local Elders anyway? They often have essential power in congregations because of their historical relationship with the congregation that most often creates problems for the Itinerant Pastor with the appointment. Therefore, many persons who are second career may desire to enter
There is a need to ordain persons for the
There are too many supernumerary itinerant elders because it related to being a symptom of not addressing the real problem. Not everyone should be considered for the need for ordination for Word and Sacrament.
(Again, I did not request the status but it was given to me). I am very much fit for
- To the Editor:
RE: UMC article seeking better pastors
Thank you for the United Methodist Church article in The Tennessean.
The UMC's situation all sounds so familiar. The UMC's goal to "seek better pastors” relates to your article on too many supernumerary pastors in the AME Church. From my viewpoint as a member of the laity, far too many people in the pews have low-regard for the quality of far too many pastors in the pulpits. You touched on it in your very thoughtful article, "Too Many Supernumerary Preachers…,” when you listed among possible causes for this phenomenon: "There are too many supernumerary preachers because some preachers violated ethical and moral norms and allowing them supernumerary status was a face-saving decision; [and] there are too many supernumerary preachers because Boards of Examiners recommended persons to be ordained who were not suited for the pastoral
One reason for the empty pews in our churches is a growing perception among the laity that too many pastors in the pulpits have violated ethical and moral norms or were never suited for the pastoral
Name Withheld
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial, “Hopefully, We Will Ask Ourselves, ‘Why Did It Take So Long’”
The WMS in the various Conference of the 13th sent out the entire day's programming prior to the Convention... they received their "materials" one week prior to the opening (for those who said they did not have computers, the Area chair, or the pastor of their local church downloaded the information for them... grandchildren were instructed to assist if necessary)... some brought their laptops with them to the meeting... there were no complaints, and all seemed satisfied, and didn't mind not taking paper home. If they wanted to save anything, then they were instructed to hit the "saved mail."
A CD was produced and distributed to the Bishop McKenzie, Supervisor, the Secretary, and the P.E.s. (one additional hard copy was produced for Bishop McKenzie for a quick reference if it was necessary).
Brother Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor, 13th Episcopal District
3. THE REV. DR.
Belmont University
The Rev.
He lectured about
Several salient points
Dr. Flake said clergy needed to be reminded that the people were there before they arrived. He went on to say that pastors should do an analysis of the community before trying to implement changes and they should be prepared for opposition when they introduce new ideas to an established congregation.
Sense of purpose
He told the students, "The Church should not be defined by the building, but how the building can impact the community," and went on to say, "Don’t think that you can grow a church from the ‘inside out,’ rather, you should be prepared to ‘grow a church from the outside in.’” Dr. Flake reminded the students and the large number of visitors that "Every church should have, and adhere to, its core-principles."
Dr. Flake also addressed the area of leadership and spoke about what he called, "Transitionalism" and the delicate balance to bring about positive change in the community.
He explained that leaders are responsible for getting buy-in, building the
When asked about the keys for growing a successful church, he emphasized the importance of preaching for empowerment.
4. AME LEADERS PARTICIPATING IN 2010 CENTENNIAL ECUMENICAL GATHERING AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY:
*Bishop John F. White
The Centennial Ecumenical Gathering and General Assembly of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA and Church World Service will meet November 9-11, 2010 in the Marriott New Orleans at the Convention Center.
The following AME’s will be participating in 2010 Centennial Ecumenical Gathering and General Assembly:
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be the closing speaker on Thursday night, November 11th 8:00 pm at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral 1200 Robert E. Lee Blvd. New Orleans, LA 70122.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, presiding prelate of the 8th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be participating in the closing worship on Thursday night.
Bishop John F. White, Chair 2010 Centennial Ecumenical Gathering Planning Committee; Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer and Endorsing Agent, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Dr. Daryl Ingram, Director of Christian Education of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is the Chair of the Educational and Leadership Ministries Commission and a member of the NCC Executive Committee.
The Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, Connectional Medical Director of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is the Chair of the Justice and Advocacy Commission and a member of the NCC Executive Committee.
The Rev. Jennifer Leath, African Methodist Episcopal Church, Doctoral Student in Ethics, Yale University; the Co-Moderator, Joint Consultative Group - WCC and Pentecostal Churches; Member, ECHOS WCC Youth Commission will be one of the panelists on the future of Ecumenism.
The Rev. William Miller, African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7th Episcopal District a student at Drew University, will be the Senior Steward for the 2010 General Assembly.
The Rev. Melvin Wilson, Pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Harlem, NY and President of the A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance of NY & Vicinity
For more information about the 2010 Centennial Ecumenical Gathering and General Assembly go to http://www.ncccusa.org/.
*Bishop John F. White is the Chair, 2010 Centennial Ecumenical Gathering Planning Committee; Ecumenical and Urban Affairs Officer and Endorsing Agent, African Methodist Episcopal Church
5. HAITI HURRICANE TOMAS UPDATE FROM SISTER ELVIRE DOUGLAS:
“The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy!”
The prayers are greatly acknowledged as it was God’s intervention sending His angels to accompany Hurricane Tomas as it moved slowly passed Haiti over the weekend. Hurricane Tomas did not caused major damages into the country as it was anticipated. Certainly some areas as the South Peninsula was hit with rained and winds, but what we thought could happen did not. Praise God!!!
As of this morning, we are giving you a brief update on information gathered from the churches:
Canaan Christ Revient AMEC - Tomb Gateau: Damages to houses and agriculture reported. The
Lula Brockington AMEC – Mariani: No damages reported
Bethel AMEC – Cabaret: No damages reported
Christine Smith AMEC – Calebasse: No damages reported
We are still in process of gathering more info from other churches.
In conclusion: The damage is mostly in the agricultural area, but we need to keep in mind that the cholera outbreak is still serious.”
6. PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS MADE AT THE 5TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING:
Pastoral appointments made at the 5th Episcopal District Planning Meeting. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland is the presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District.
- The Rev. David Malcolm was transferred from the Desert Mountain Conference to the Pacific Northwest Conference and appointed to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, Bremerton, Washington.
- The Rev. Theodore W. Payne, IV, from the Pacific Northwest Conference, was appointed to Wayman A.M.E. Church, Billings, Montana.
- The Rev. Margaret Redman was transferred from the Missouri Conference to the Desert Mountain Conference and appointed to First A.M.E. Church, Pueblo, Colorado.
- The Rev. Pamela Mason was transferred from the California Conference to the Desert Mountain Conference and appointed to Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church, Denver, Colorado.
- The Rev. Emanuel Wasson, III was transferred from the Southern California Conference to the Desert Mountain Conference and appointed to Harvard Chapel A.M.E. Church, Flagstaff, Arizona.
- The Rev. Harvey Vaughn was transferred from the Missouri Conference to the Southern California Conference and appointed to Fountain of Hope A.M.E. Church, Las Vegas, Nevada.
- The Rev. Steven Shepherd was transferred from the Southern California Conference to the Midwest Conference and appointed to Saint Paul A.M.E. Church, Wichita, Kansas.
- The Rev. Clifton Neal Saint James was transferred from the California Conference to the Midwest Conference and appointed to First A.M.E. Church, Kansas City, Kansas.
- The Rev. Anthony Steele was transferred from the Midwest Conference to the California Conference and appointed to Ebenezer A.M.E. Church, Stockton, California.
- The Rev. Jonathan Rhone was transferred from the Midwest Conference to the California Conference and appointed to Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Sacramento, California.
- The Rev. Delman Howard was appointed to Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church, North Las Vegas, Nevada.
- The Rev. Alvin Smith was transferred from the Missouri Conference to the Southern California Conference and appointed to Primm A.M.E. Church, Pomona, California
- The Rev. James
- The Rev.
- The Rev. Joseph Nixon was moved from Brookins A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, California to Ward A.M.E. Church, Los Angeles, California.
- The Rev. C. Dennis
- The Rev. Daryl Walker was transferred from the Second Episcopal District to the Fifth Episcopal District and appointed to New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church, Carson, California.
- The Rev. Jesse Brown retired.
- The Rev. Sherman Gordon left the A.M.E. Church.
7. BETHEL - CHESAPEAKE CITY CELEBRATES A, “THINK PINK” SUNDAY:
*The Rev. Dana Porter Ashton
The Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chesapeake City, Maryland where the Rev. Dana Porter Ashton is the pastor, celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday, October 24, 2010 by honoring one of their members, Sister Joyce Berger.
Sister Berger was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 and immediately began to receive treatment.
The congregation wore some form of pink and information was distributed about Breast Cancer Awareness to both the male and female members. Pastor Ashton preached a sermon that focused on the healing power of Jesus Christ. The highlight of the service was the recognition the congregation gave in honoring our first breast cancer
As the day started, Sister Berger came in wearing pink, thinking that it would be a regular worship service with a few highlights about Breast Cancer Awareness. However, Sister Berger stated, “I never thought twice about being the first and only
When we asked Sister Berger about the importance of early detection she said that it was not until she was told she had breast cancer that she realized the importance of having a yearly mammogram and the importance of people learning their bodies and its changes.
Early detection can save your life and Sister Joyce Berger is a living testimony that taking a moment each month to examine the breast can save your life.
*The Rev. Dana Porter Ashton is the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Chesapeake City, Maryland
8. ADVENT MEDITATION GUIDES AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
Call AME Christian Education Department – 615.242.1420
The word, Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the Advent season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in His Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.
We encourage you to purchase the Advent devotional prepared jointly by the Connectional Departments of Christian Education of the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches. You can order the devotional NOW from the AME Christian Education Department for a unit cost of $2 or a quantities of 50 and more for a discounted price of $1.80 each plus shipping and handling. Contact the Department at 615.242.1420 or at cedoffice@ameced.com with your quantities needed and your mailing addresses.
Feel free to forward this email to anyone in your Christian Education circle. They may subscribe directly to this announcement by sending an email to:
- cedoffice@ameced.com
- http://www.riderweb-tools.com/tools/unsub.php?gg=7ZO7b763Mn
- http://www.riderweb.com
**The message was provided by Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director, Department of Christian Education
9. “ON THE GROUNDS IN HAITI” DEPARTMENT OF GLOBAL WITNESS AND
November 9, 2010
Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director of Missions is on the ground of Haiti in the capital of Port-au-Prince; I have joined six other businessmen on a short trip with resources and other items. With the assistance of Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady, the Charleston-base Water Missions International donated 40 portable water purification systems to supply safe drinking water for the people of Haiti. GWM is partnering with interfaith groups to delivered additional services to Haiti.
As Hurricane Tomas re-intensified from a tropical storm into a hurricane Friday (November 6) CWS staff and partners in Port-au-Prince report rising water levels in South East Jacmel Departments; driving winds of 85-mph have already damaged banana plantations, and the storms forced evacuations among the 1.3 million people displaced by January’s landmark earthquake.
The city center of Leogane was flooded after the Rouyonne River broke through its banks. CWS and ACT Alliance member, Norweigian Church Aid reports flooded camps of the displaced in Cite’ Soleil.
The communities of Les Palmes and Delatte, commune of Petit-Goave, which are located at an altitude between 800 to 1,200 m (2,625 to 3,937 feet), have suffered extensive damage following the rains and strong winds. There are destroyed houses and plantations, landslides, trees uprooted, and road damages. With crops planted in October, harvests were to occur at the end of November or early December. Most of these crops seem to be destroyed, which means stocks of foods and seeds are seriously compromised.
Because of the impact of the water on the streets conditions are very poor, however movement is slow, but it’s seem that thousands of people of walking to their destinations in this capital city, Port-au-Prince. I feel their pain and frustrations!
Responses
The African Methodist Episcopal Church Mission’s Department representative is on the grounds partnering with other Relief Organizations and denominations in the midst of chronic diseases.
Fortunately CWS and its partners have been able to pre-position about 10,000 tarps and sizeable stock of hygiene kits and water for the immediate needs.
UN soldiers are distributing bottled water to children, the elderly and other displaced families and checking on the infirmed at hospitals and other help-care facilities.
**Message received from Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director of Global Witness and
10. HU PRESIDENT DR. WILLIAM R. HARVEY RESPONDS TO WSJ ARTICLE CRITICIZING HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUs):
*Dr. William R. Harvey
To The
A recent
I cannot speak for the President, but I have spoken to him about HBCUs. An ardent supporter of historically black colleges and universities, President Obama understands and appreciates their value to the nation and the world. The facts justify his support, i.e., representing 4% of all American colleges and universities, HBCUs conferred over 22% of all degrees awarded to African Americans. With only 13% of African Americans in higher education, these colleges awarded nearly 30% of all undergraduate degrees earned by African American students in the science,
Read the entire piece:
http://www.hamptonu.edu/news/hm/2010_1104_op_ed.cfm
*Dr. William R. Harvey is the President of Hampton University and the Chairman, President’s Advisory Board on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
11. FREE ELECTRONIC CRITICALLY EDITED GREEK NEW TESTAMENT:
Bellingham WA--October 28, 2010--The Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software announced today the release of The Greek New Testament: SBL Edition (SBLGNT), a critically edited Greek New Testament.
For the first time ever, students, teachers, pastors and laypeople throughout the world can access a reliable, critically edited version of the Greek New Testament for free electronically. And because the SBLGNT has a generous end-user license agreement and doesn't require proprietary fonts, users can easily interact with and share the text at no cost.
With the work of textual criticism far from complete, there is a continual need for fresh research and analysis. The SBLGNT, edited by Michael W. Holmes, utilizes a wide range of printed editions, all the major critical apparatuses, and the latest technical resources and manuscript discoveries to establish the text. The result is a critically edited text that differs from the Nestle-Aland/United Bible Societies text in more than 540 variation units.
In addition to the free electronic edition, the Society of Biblical Literature and Logos Bible Software also offer a reasonably priced, professionally produced print edition of the SBLGNT, which includes the full apparatus of variant readings from the NA27 and the four primary editions on which the SBLGNT is based.
To find out more about the SBLGNT or to download a copy, visit http://www.sblgnt.com .
(Thanks to Dr. Ben Witherington who shared this information on his Blog Site)
Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/bibleandculture/2010/11/free-critically-edited-greek-new-testament-propels-biblical-scholarship-forward.html#ixzz14z7YwgG6
Editor’s Note: This resource is especially helpful for those who have taken Greek. Take the time to explore all of the links.
Global Development Council (GDC) date change: The Biennial Meeting of the GDC will be February 22-25, 2011, rather than 23rd - 25th
12. DATE CHANGE OF THE 2011 GENERAL MEETING OF THE GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL:
Johannesburg, South Africa
February 22-25, 2011 Please Note: Arrival Date Change
Due to the work before the GDC, members are asked to arrive by noon, February 22nd and not leave before noon February 25th
Start making plans today to attend this important general meeting of the GDC!!
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Host Bishop
Presiding Prelate of the 19th Episcopal District
Bishop Sarah Davis, Chair of GDC, Presiding Prelate 16th Episcopal District
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Presiding Prelate 15th Episcopal District
Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe, Presiding Prelate of the 17th Episcopal District
Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District
Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District
Bishop Julius McAllister, Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District
13. THE WATCH MEETING NIGHT SERVICES IN BLACK AMERICA:
Editor’s Note: This article was published the last two years, but each year a revised version of the origins of Watch Meeting Night Services is resurfaces and I want to set the record straight, at least among AMEs and for all of the readers of The Christian Recorder; so I am publishing this again.
Dr.
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder - Since 1852
We are approaching the New Year and pastors and local church leaders are busily planning special Christmas worship services, children’s Christmas programs and, hopefully, they are planning for Watch Meeting Night Services.
The Watch Night worship service has been a strong African Methodist tradition from the very beginnings of the AME Church. I mention that because there has been a revisionist account that originally stated that Watch Night Services in black communities can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve" when blacks came together in churches and private homes to await the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become law. The revisionist account of the Watch Night Service says, “Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.” The story is heartwarming, but there is more to the story.
Today, the Watch Night Service is held in a lot of black and white
Churches; and the Emancipation Proclamation story has relevance and I am certain that the night of December 31, 1862 had a special meaning for the slaves. However, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not free all of the slaves, but I am also certain that, for those who were freed, December 31st remained a significant day in their lives as long as they lived.
But, the Watch Night service didn't begin in 1862; it began many years prior to that date.
The Watch Night Service reportedly began with the Moravians in Germany and was picked up by
In America, among the earliest Watch Night services was probably held at St. George Church in Philadelphia where Richard Allen was a member. To say that the Watch Meeting services began in the mid-1800 is a myth. It is certain that Richard Allen celebrated Watch Meeting night services at St. George Church and it would follow that Watch Meeting Night services were held at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
Originally, Watch Night services were held to deepen the spiritual life of the Methodists and Wesley, himself explained in his Journal that watch Night services in England were generally held between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on the Friday nearest the full moon "so that participants walked safely home through moonlit streets." In 19th Century Philadelphia the Methodists continued the practice of watch-night services on New Year's Eve. The newly-formed AME Church members, wherever AME Churches were located, celebrated Watch Meeting Night services.
Watch Meeting Night Service is a tradition that I hope will continue because we have a lot for which to be thankful. All of us have a testimony to give, a song to sing and a prayer to be prayed. In the black community, the Watch Meeting Night began with us, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and with the Right Reverend Richard Allen, the first consecrated and elected bishop.
Though other denominations have Watch Night services, Watch Meeting Night worship is a Methodist tradition and we should never, ever, forget it.
14. ON THE WAY TO JERICHO CHURCH:
*The Rev. Dr. Helen M. Bolden-Rogers
A Reflection and Introspection for Church Folks
Last Sunday morning, it came to pass
That all good Christians were hurrying fast
To get there on time and not be late,
There just could not be any worse fate!
And as they hurried and bustled along,
One came along who was singing a song;
Rejoicing and praising someone he thought was god,
So carried away he could not spare a nod
To the one who tried to flag him down.
His face only registered a noticeable frown.
He was today’s featured soloist at Jericho Church.
That was of utmost importance, not the man in the lurch.
Next came the usher all dressed in white:
Clean, spotless and beaming with everything bright.
Eyes fixed on duty, mind soaring above,
She glanced at the victim with no thought of love.
Her mission was certain, her destiny clear;
Jericho Church doors could not open without her being near!
The Jericho reverend looked over and she seeing the sight
She quickly switched lanes with all of her might.
Today was a big day with dignitaries coming in,
Keeping them waiting would be a terrible sin.
So she adjusted her collar and double-checked the time,
Looked down on the floor and found a lost dime.
The hapless victim all balled up in pain
Looked through sad eyes but had no disdain
As he recalled once being a member there
Where they sang, ushered, preached but did not dare to care.
His pondering was ended as he felt some relief.
That in itself was almost beyond belief.
The drunk who hung out behind Jericho Church
Was helping the poor man out of his lurch.
With his most valuable possession, the drunk bathed his
Face and both of them were sealed forever in grace.
Perhaps you recall hearing a similar case
From long ago in a far away place.
The moral has not changed a bit.
The shoe still has an uncomfortable fit.
For when we lose sight of what it’s really about,
We, too, travel along that very same route.
Activities, functions and works are all well and good,
But empty of power and hollow as wood
Unless they spring from a change from within
That kills self, its motives and all of their kin.
They are fruitless, selfish, and without much of a search
Unless reminded, we can become Jericho Church.
*The Rev. Dr. Helen M. Bolden-Rogers is the pastor of St. Matthew AME Church in Lansing, Michigan.
15. WHOA THAR WORLD!:
I had the experience of growing up in a farming community. We lived on a small farm. In those days they used mules and horses to plow and harvest their crops. There was a railroad running right in front of our farm and whenever the train blew its whistles it would “spook” the mule and he would jump and kick and get all tangled up in the chains. Even rabbits, birds and snakes would “spook” the mule or horse. You could hear the farmer say “Whoa thar!,” which meant calm down, stop.
My daddy had a mule named “Charlie.” Whenever Charlie started acting up you could hear, “Whoa Charlie.”
When I see the turmoil we are experiencing in the world today such as frustration and fear, suspicion and anxiety, senseless killings, disregard for human lives, the heat wave of hate and intolerance, the greed and the grieving, the jockeying and thirst for power, it is time for someone to step up and say “Whoa thar” world!"
Even the religious community is not exempt.
It seems that the whole world is intoxicated, reeling and rocking, and no one seems to be sober-minded. This may be a depressing statement but it is going to get worse.
To the politicians---”Whoa thar!”
To the pastors ---”Whoa thar!”
To the people ---”Whoa thar!”
To the church ---“Whoa thar!”
To the anxious ---”Whoa thar!”
To the youth ---”Whoa thar!”
To the frustrated ---”Whoa thar!”
To the fearful ---”Whoa thar!”
When things don’t go the way you anticipated ---“Whoa thar!”
When family and friends deceive and forsake you --- “Whoa thar!”
When you’ve done your best and no one seems to care --- “Whoa thar!”
When people no longer listens to you --- “Whoa thar!”
In the book of 2nd Kings, the Prophet Elisha was camped in Dothan when the King of Syria sent horses, chariots, and a host of soldiers to capture him.
One of the Elisha servants got up early and he looked and saw that the camp was surrounded by chariots and a host soldiers. He panicked and ran and told Elisha. Elisha calmly said to him: “Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” 2nd Kings 6:16. Elisha was saying, ““Whoa thar!”.”
Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46:10
When sat all manner of things about you--- “Whoa thar!”
“Whoa thar!”, “Whoa thar world!”
The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Ptaegar@AOL.com, Author, Teacher, Counselor, Humorist, is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
His motto: Never too busy to listen
Thought for today: “I am impressed by those who have the ability to memorize scriptures, but I would be more impressed if I could see their memory in motion.”
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mother Mabel Calloway Holmes was called from labor to reward on October 30, 2010. Mother Holmes was 100 years, 8 months, and 6 days old at the time of her homegoing. She was the widow of the Late Presiding Elder James Holmes of the West
Her homegoing celebration will be Friday, November 12, 2010, 1:00 P.M. at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 7900 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 900047. The Rev. Dr. Kelvin T. Calloway, Officiant. Condolences can be sent to her niece, Mildred Carroll, 2207 W. 78th Street, Inglewood, CA 90305, (323) 752-6056. mldrd_carroll@sbcglobal.net.
Professional services are entrusted to:
Inglewood Mortuary
1206 Centinela Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90302
PH: (310) 677-8137
FX: (310) 673-0011
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Brother Evans Charles of Harare, Zimbabwe. Brother Charles was the President of the Twentieth Episcopal District Lay Organization. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced later.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Ms. Sharon Goyins, the daughter of the Rev. Theodore R. Goyins, Sr. (deceased) and Mrs. Clara Goyins of the New Jersey Conference.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Viewing and Funeral Service
Monday, November 8, 2010
Viewing - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Viewing - 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Heard A.M.E. Church
310 East Eighth Avenue
Roselle, NJ 07203
Phone: 908-241-5588
Fax: 908-241-7383
The Rev. Vernon H. Peters, Pastor
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Heard Community Food Bank
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Theodore R. Goyins, Jr.
30
Roselle, NJ 07203
Fax: 908-241-8868
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr.
