Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
December:
National HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
December:
National HIV/AIDS Awareness Month
1. EDITORIAL – “HIV/AIDS IS NOW OUR DISEASE”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
December is National HIV/AIDS awareness month, but I'm afraid that many of our congregations, simply, are not concerned about HIV/AIDS. I am concerned because some estimates state that one out of every five black Americans might be infected with the HIV virus.
HIV/AIDS is a hard subject to address. I know how hard it is because I know how hard it is for me to sit down and draft this editorial. I suspect that many of you reading this editorial will not read it to the end; you will get discourage and stop reading. I suspect that National HIV/AIDS Awareness Month was not mentioned last Sunday and many pastors will forget to mention it this Sunday. HIV/AIDS is a difficult subject to address.
It would have been much easier for me to draft an editorial about Advent and the busyness involved in Christmas shopping and decorating the house and preparing for Christmas day, but instead, I am addressing a difficult subject, which most of us probably wish we didn't have to address. HIV/AIDS is a hard subject globally because it is a world-wide pandemic.
The Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D. and pastor of St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis said, "HIV/AIDS is a part of our family. As is the case with an eccentric relative (and we all have a weird uncle), even though we may be embarrassed by him, we do have to own him. It may make some of us uncomfortable to discuss this topic but there is no doubt – HIV/AIDS is now our disease."
Thirty-years ago the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) gave a report about five young men with a rare form of pneumonia. They were previously healthy, but they were active homosexuals. They were the first documented cases of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome, which we refer to as AIDS, which is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In thirty years, it is estimated that HIV/AIDS has killed more than 33 million people around the world.
We read that various drugs have been, and are being developed in hopes of finding a cure for AIDS, but 30 years later there is no cure and there is no vaccine.
“It is our disease”
It is estimated that about 50,000 Americans are infected every year and gay men account for most of the new cases. And unfortunately infections among young, African-American gay and bisexual men are rising. Almost half of male adults and adolescents living with AIDS became infected with HIV through male-to-male sexual contact. Two-thirds of female adults and adolescents living with an AIDS diagnosis in 2008 were infected through heterosexual contact. In 2010, there were 2.7 million new HIV infections and 1.8 million people died from AIDS
On the eve of World AIDS Day 2011, the World Health Organization released a new comprehensive report on HIV. "The report shows that despite unparalleled progress in HIV response over the past decade, access to life-saving HIV services remains uneven in many regions and countries. Infections remain high among adolescent girls, injecting drug users, men who have sex with men, and other marginalized population groups in all regions while they continue to be underserved by HIV programmes." More in-depth statistic may be found at http://www.who.int/hiv/data/en/.
Black Americans and Africans still bear a heavy burden
Sub-Saharan Africa is more heavily affected by HIV and AIDS than any other region of the world. More than 34 million people in the world have HIV; over 22 million live in Africa. The disease is the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa with approximately 3,600 people dying every day from AIDS.
It is estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States and that more than half a million have died after developing AIDS. It is thought at the total number of people living with an HIV infection in the U.S. is more than one million.
The social and economic consequences of the AIDS epidemic are widely felt, not only in the health sector but also in education, industry, agriculture, transport, human resources and the economy in general. The AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa continues to devastate communities.
Blacks/African Americans still account for the largest proportion of people living with an AIDS diagnosis in the United States. In 2009 blacks/African Americans made up an estimated 50% of new HIV diagnoses, whites 27%, and Hispanics/Latinos 19%.
In the United States, the AIDS case rate for African Americans is more than 9 times that of whites, and the HIV rate is 7 times greater among blacks than whites. Survival after an AIDS diagnosis is lower for blacks than any other racial/ethnic group.
Young adults and teens between 13 and 29 represent 34% of new HIV infections, the largest share of any age group. Black teens are disproportionately affected, representing 68% of reported AIDS cases among 13 to 19-year-olds in 2007.
The AME Church has a responsibility
People living with HIV continue to face discrimination in employment, health care, insurance, parenting and other areas of life. I suspect that HIV positive face hurdles in the church when people know or suspect that a person has the HIV infection.
I agree with Pastor Rick Warren when he said that if HIV/AIDS is to be stopped, the church has to be a part of the solution. The church has to be an active “player,” and the church cannot sit on the sidelines. The historically black churches must be actively involved because HIV/AIDS is, in the words of the Rev. Kenneth Robinson, MD, “our problem.”
The church has to be involved in education, testing of individuals for the HIV virus and just as importantly, eradicating ignorance about HIV/AIDS.
The church has to move away from the sanctuary and into the streets and into the countryside to help their communities deal with this pandemic. The church has to move out of its comfort zone and educate itself about how to deal with this serious problem that affects all of us and especially the black community. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has a presence in Africa, the Caribbean, South America and Africa and the global AME Church has social responsibilities also.
What people can do
Certainly the church can do more, but there are things that people can do.
Simply stated, we need to encourage others and to be vigilant in reducing risky behaviors, get tested and seek treatment. Pastors and local church leaders have to get on the “soap-box” and preach about HIV/AIDS because HIV/AIDS is “our problem.”
Information and statistics extracted from the following websites:
http://www.unaids.org/en/targetsandcommitments/reducingsexualtransmission/
http://www.sfaf.org/hiv-info/statistics/?gclid=CJDN29ms86wCFVGz7Qod0xZ5LA
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/
http://www.joinred.com/red/#impact_135
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: TCR Editorial – The Trial of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah (12/1/11)
Bishop Ball was suspended by the 1972 General Conference. He appealed to the Judicial Council. The Judicial Council ruled in his favor that there had not been a "real trial." He was reinstated, and received an appointment to the 18th Episcopal District in 1976. Bishop Ball later served as the Presiding Prelate to the 13th Episcopal District.
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle
- To the Editor:
RE: TCR News Break: “No More! – This Inhumanity Must Stop!” - In response to insensitive comments made by Newt Gingrich – (Article appears below in #4)
Wonderful. I am so proud to be an AME when I see us taking these kinds of position. It is definitely time for the AME Church to rise up and get back in the fight to help suffering people in America.
The Rev. I. W. Booker, The AME Connection
- To the Editor:
RE: TCR News Break: “No More! – This Inhumanity Must Stop!” - In response to insensitive comments made by Newt Gingrich – (Article appears below in #4)
Newt Gingrich and people like him have no idea what goes on in the "other world", away from their own world. They have no idea about the inner-depth of the poor because they don't know any and have never had any close dealings with them. They don't know "the struggle" and how poor people have learned to survive through the years. That's why they can't possibly be the leader that Barack Obama can be (would be, if they'd let him) because they don't know the things he knows about real people. And, now Gingrich is leading in the polls. Isn't it typical ... America forgets so easily. What about the moral character of this man? Doesn't that count for anything anymore? Obama has managed to keep a clean moral record, but is still squished under the heels of "the folks."
What's happened to us?
Name Withheld
3. TCR OP-ED: NEWT GINGRICH MAKES STATEMENTS; SOME MIGHT THINK OFFENSIVE, WHICH SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED:
*Paige M. Commodore
Editor’s Note: Readers who might not have read The TCR News Break (12/7/11), upon which this op-ed refers, might first want to read that article, which appears below #4.
I read the response of the African Methodist Episcopal Church's Social Action Commission written regarding Newt Gingrich's comments and while he is not a personal favorite of mine, I cannot totally disagree with some of the things he has said regarding the group of people to which he is referring. I recently had a similar discussion with a dear friend who shared my sentiment.
I felt compelled to reply to you because there is a serious issue that must be addressed in our inner-cities and under-served areas and I do not feel the AME Church or any other religious organization for that matter is doing its part to address this issue. Many of us simply sit back, shake our heads making comments such as “it's a shame the way that child is acting" and "where are the parents?"
We can no longer deny that there has been a disconnect between the church and the communities in which it is supposed to serve. The last two generations have suffered and now we are scrambling to find out what can be done. Many of us have left the neighborhoods and cities in which we were raised for better housing and opportunities. This does not make us bad or evil people for doing so because we were taught that education is the key to getting more in life and to living better than our parents.
Newt Gingrich sees what many of us educated, middle and upper class African-Americans who have "moved on up" see - our poor and often uneducated brothers and sisters lost. Unfortunately, living off the government via subsidized housing, Food Stamps, Medicaid, or any other government program has now become a mind-set that most do not escape. The sad fact is that many of the people who receive these benefits often believe this is the only way to survive and that these benefits are not free, but from our hard earned tax dollars of the working.
Finally, while it is wonderful to always hold leaders of the past in such high reverence, we must realize that their struggle was in a much different time. The world has changed a great deal; yet the church has done little to change with it. Therefore, instead of writing commentary about fools such as Newt Gingrich and other like-minded individuals, why not write about doing more work within our churches and communities to ensure that least of those in our neighbors receive a fighting chance in this world through faith and education.
*Paige M. Commodore is an MBA candidate at Indiana Wesleyan University, a mentor, and community volunteer, is a member of the Centenary United Methodist Church and a former member of Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lexington, Kentucky
4. “NO MORE! – THIS INHUMANITY MUST STOP!” - IN RESPONSE TO INSENSITIVE COMMENTS MADE BY NEWT GINGRICH:
Four days ago, we heard these classist remarks from former Speaker of the House and Presidential Candidate Newt Gingrich…. "Really poor children, in really poor neighborhoods have no habits of working and have nobody around them who works. So they literally have no habit of showing up on Monday. They have no habit of staying all day, they have no habit of I do this and you give me cash unless it's illegal." This type of ignorance has attempted to damage poor people throughout history.
Then, words from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, founded by former slaves, and whose daily encounters clearly indicate that, “Children whose families live at or below the poverty level and are labeled as ‘poor children’ (as if their circumstance defines who they are) are more likely to exercise genius in making due with less while surviving with dignity.” In fact their moral fiber, strong desire to achieve, and ultimate success makes “poor children” models for us. Today many of us realize that our family’s income level equaled being poor, in spite of the fact that our parents were teachers, preachers and entrepreneurs. Our parents and the adults in our neighborhoods conveyed values, work ethic, and cultural norms that mirrored their Christian faith and did not pre-destine us to lives of immorality, crime, and illegal activities.
It is inexcusable that someone who wants to be a global leader and role model in a country built by “enslaved and poor people” would utter such demeaning stereotypes of “Really poor children…. In really poor neighborhoods”; then he adds fuel to the fire by labeling adults in that environment as shiftless deadbeats without skills to earn a living wage and thus only engaged in illegal activities.
Not only do the lives of countless persons who became the leaders, patriots, scholars, and prophets of our time bear witness that one’s circumstance does not dictate their character, but we have clear evidence of some persons with wealth whose character and actions would better fit Mr. Gingrich’s description of “really poor children.” In fact one wonders if Mr. Gingrich is painting a self portrait – hypocrite, adulterer, draft dodger, liar, check bouncer and scandalous self-promoter.
Americans living in poverty have reached "an historic high of 46.2 million." According to another recent study from the Brookings Institute, the number of Americans living in communities where poverty is "extreme" -- neighborhoods in which at least 40 percent of the population is poor -- soared by one-third between 2000 to 2009. Many find themselves in circumstances created by home foreclosure, under-employment, unemployment, and circumstances created by a lingering climate of economic distress.
We would suggest the Mr. Gingrich immerse himself in a really poor neighborhood with really poor children to learn the truth. Then we will entertain his apology to folk like … Madam C. J. Walker, Mother Rosa Parks, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, LL Cool J, Oprah Winfrey, Magic Johnson, Tyler Perry, Willie Gary, many bishops in the AME Church, and others.
Our greatest hope and prayer is that those who aspire to be political leaders recognize that we cannot afford to ignore the institutional constructs that perpetuate poverty. America must get back on track – creating pathways for all who come here to achieve their dreams. Our church calls upon leadership to make policy and take actions that will provide a path out of poverty for the working poor and their children. This must be our priority, and that of our leadership, so that this problem – poverty – can be filed in the history book of “former issues”.
Nothing must stop us from working together to create a groundswell in support of lifting the most disadvantaged among us out of poverty, not throwing dirt on them. The Newt Gingrich kind of inhumanity must be buried with no hope of ever being unearthed.
**Statement by the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chairperson; Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director (jdupontw@aol.com)
5. INFORMATION NEEDED FROM ALL POTENTIAL CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF BISHOP, GENERAL OFFICER, EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE CHAIR, OR THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL:
The General Conference will meet in Nashville, Tennessee June 27 – July 4, 2012
Candidate Information
The deadline to complete the registration requirements as a candidate for election to the office of Bishop, General Officer, Episcopal Committee Chair, or the Judicial Council is December 27, 2011.
Please submit the following to the General Secretary and Chief Information Officer on or before that date:
- A letter declaring the office for which you are a candidate
- A letter from your Presiding Bishop, if you are a minister, stating that you are “in good and regular standing” with your Annual Conference, and indicating your present place of service.
- A letter from your Pastor, if are a lay person, stating that you are “in good standing in the congregation.”
- Have the Health Department or the Department of Vital Statistics of your birth county or state to send directly to the Office of the General Secretary and Chief Information Officer a certified copy of your birth certificate. XEROX copies that you have on-hand will not be accepted.
- A copy of your college and Seminary transcripts. Candidates for Episcopal Service must possess an earned seminary degree from an Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited seminary or, if outside the US, an accredited seminary as determined by the country in which he or she is educated.
- A copy of your Elder’s Ordination Certificate. The Presiding Bishop’s name, and the name and number of the Annual Conference must be legible.
- A recent black and white photograph (glossy).
**Submitted by the Office of the General Secretary
6. DAUGHTER OF AMEC CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION ONLINE ADMINISTRATOR NAMED MEAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Hampton University senior forward Melanie Warner was named Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday. She is the daughter of AMEC Connectional Lay Organization Online Administrator, Eileen Warner, named MEAC Player of the Week.
Warner, from Tallahassee, Florida shot 58 percent from the floor in games at Chicago State and against South Carolina State last week, averaging 15.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per contest. Warner scored 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting (including a perfect 3-for-3 from 3-point range) at Chicago State on Monday) to go along with seven rebounds.
She added 12 points and six rebounds in Saturday’s 73-41 win over South Carolina State, the Lady Pirates’ first conference win of the season. Warner went 4-for-9 from the floor, making both of her 3-point attempts.
Amber Antoine of Bethune-Cookman was named MEAC Rookie of the Week, while Qiana Donald of Florida A&M was named Defensive Player of the Week.
The Lady Pirates (5-1, 1-0 MEAC) will return to action on Monday, looking for their fourth straight win as they take on conference newcomer Savannah State at the HU Convocation Center at 7 p.m.
For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.
Melanie Warner is the daughter of Mrs. Eileen and Mr. Michael Warner; she serves as the African Methodist Episcopal Church Connectional Lay Organizational Online Administrator.
7. THE REV. DR. PATRICK CLAYBORN APPOINTED PASTOR OF ST. JON AME CHURCH IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA:
The Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn received his first pastoral appointment as pastor of historic St. John AME Church in Huntsville, Alabama. Bishop James Davis. Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District made the pastoral appointment and shared the pulpit with Dr. Clayborn on the first Sunday of the pastoral appointment. Dr. Clayborn had served in the pulpit of St. James AME Church in Newark, New Jersey under the supervision of the Rev. Dr. William Watley and also served on the faculty at Princeton University. Dr. Clayborn received his call to ministry during his studies in Atlanta Georgia and he was a member of Big Bethel AME Church during the pastorate of Bishop James L. Davis, who was the pastor of Big Bethel at that time.
Dr. Clayborn's home church is New Tyler AME Church in Memphis Tennessee. He is the grandson of the late Rev Lois & Edwinda Patrick. He is the grandson of the Late Rev Lois & Edwinda Patrick and the son of Mr & Mrs. John Clayborn. His grandfather was the pastor of New Tyler AME Church.
Statement of the women bishops who traveled to Israel and the Litany for ADVENT to be used in AME and other Methodist Churches
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry and Bishop Sarah Francis Davis were among the group of women Methodist bishops who traveled to Israel. The litany appended below may be cut and pasted into church bulletins.
8. WOMEN VOICES OF HOPE:
A message from Bethlehem
Statement by 10 women bishops
“We came to the land of Jesus to stand in solidarity with women working for peace. We heard their voices, listened to their stories and came away disturbed yet hopeful,” said United Methodist Bishop Deborah L. Kiesey, head of a delegation of 10 ecumenical women bishops who recently traveled to Israel and Palestine.
The Nov. 12-21 pilgrimage of peace and solidarity was sponsored by the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society and the denomination’s Council of Bishops. Episcopal leaders from four denominations participated in the pilgrimage: United Methodist, Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal and Christian Methodist Episcopal.
We … witnessed the realities of life experienced by the people in the land.
We met with Christians, Jews and Muslims, listened to stories of despair and hope and witnessed the realities of life experienced by the people in the land.
Highlights of the pilgrimage were meeting with women throughout Israel and Palestine working to empower women, building bridges to new relationships, and nurturing and caring for children.
In Galilee we met with Arab women and Jewish women working together to empower women and build a better future in a community called Sindyanna of Galilee. Sindyanna teaches women how to weave baskets, make soaps and create other Fair Trade products for sale, all the while building relationships and friendships with one another.
In Nazareth we met with a Jewish rabbi who seeks through her ministry and life to nurture diverse relationships and provide a role model for her community and children.
In the Negev, we met with Bedouin women building libraries, including a mobile one for children in outlying villages. They are also providing educational opportunities for women and teaching them how to do embroidery, a skill that brings them income and builds on a traditional form of art.
In Jericho, we met with women at the YWCA offering child care and parenting support in a refugee camp, as well as teaching women commercial cooking skills and hairdressing. They also offer English language classes and computer courses.
Women empowering women
All of the women we met sought to empower other women within their communities.
All of the women we met sought to empower other women within their communities by building on their strengths, enabling them to name and address the needs of their context and making a difference in the world. These women, by their stories, challenge and inspire us as women to find ways to work for a better future for women, children and men everywhere.
Ironically, in the land where the words for peace — peace, shalom and salaam — are spoken as greetings and/or farewells, this land is certainly not at peace.
Bishop Sarah F. Davis of the African Methodist Episcopal Church writes: "If peace is to be realized anywhere, we, the people of God, can no longer be satisfied with listening to our own stories and believing only in our interpretation of the issues.
“Our passion for peace at home and abroad must be born out of our conviction to live as people, who, created in the image of God, understand the need to listen to the stories of others and admit there may be viewpoints on issues we have not yet seriously considered. We must pray for peace to become a universal priority of the church."
We, the people of God, can no longer be satisfied with listening to our own stories and believing only in our interpretation of the issues.
Bishop Teresa Snorton of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church writes: “The beauty of the historic Holy Land remains as it must have been in biblical days: olive groves and fruit trees prolific amidst the rocky desert terrain. The realities of this land are similar, a land of promise and hope for some, and a rough, oppressive place for others. The Holy Land that is to embody the peace of faith and religion is also the place of almost constant war. It is hard to describe the pain, despair and oppression that are apparent in this modern Israel, which in reality is an occupied land, its ownership still in dispute.
“The tragedy is that everyone suffers in this environment. The Palestinian people face daily indignities, injustices and experience oppression familiar to the Jim Crow South of the United States and Apartheid of South Africa. The Jewish people, in their quest to assure their covenant promise of the land, live in a constant state of fear and with the impact of an economy driven by a prevailing military presence and readiness for combat.
“The Church must speak to these injustices in more direct ways in the ensuing days if there is to be any possibility for an end to this conundrum that subverts rather than promotes peace for all the people for whom this is the ‘Holy’ land.”
A pledge for action
In addition to listening to stories, we pledged to gather facts that would equip the delegation as educators and advocates for peace upon our return to the United States. We recognize, as episcopal leaders, we have the ability and responsibility to teach and preach about the critical issues of the day.
Therefore, we pledge to take the following actions in our respective episcopal areas:
• Maintain a continual discipline of prayer for the peoples of Israel and Palestine by setting aside specific day or days for prayers by our churches (a suggested time: first Wednesday of each month). During Holy Week 2012, we will urge people in our episcopal areas to pray for the people of Israel and Palestine. Prayers will be written by our team for Holy Week and shared with the churches.
• Stand in solidarity with women in Israel and Palestine and in our communities who are working for peace.
• Identify ways our churches and country are complicit with oppression in the region.
• Organize a pilgrimage of young adults, ages 20-30, to the region in 2013 so they may anticipate similar experiences to our own. We will work with the young adults to develop a mission statement and projected outcomes.
• Implement a ministry of education by sharing our leadership and insight with our constituents.
Speak truth to power through advocacy on justice issues related to Israel and Palestine by taking the following steps:
• We will invite our Council of Bishops/House of Bishops to prepare letters to President Barack Obama and our respective members of Congress regarding our observations and findings such as:
• The need to encourage political leaders to listen to and involve more women in the peace process;
• A two-state solution is essential for peace and would benefit both Israelis and Palestinians; such a solution must include:
• A sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state along the 1967 borders.
• Universal recognition for the state of Israel and protection of her security.
• Sharing of the eternal city of Jerusalem as the undivided capital of two sovereign states, with universal access to the holy sites for people of all faiths.
• End to Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
• A fair solution to the problem of Palestinian settlements.
• Agreements for the equitable sharing of water resources.
• Protection of minority rights of both within the state of Israel and a future Palestinian state.
• Engage our respective church constituencies in dialogue and work so as to reach common ground on issues related to Israel and Palestine.
“We came to the Holy Land where one finds holy sites and we met living stones,” said United Methodist Bishop Mary Ann Swenson. “We heard their stories and now want to share their stories with others in hopes of seeing all people in Israel and Palestine experience abundant life.”
The delegation
Bishop Laura Ahrens, Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
Bishop Sarah Davis, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Bishop Violet Fisher, United Methodist Church
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, African Methodist Church
Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey, United Methodist Church
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Bishop Jane Middleton, United Methodist Church
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, United Methodist Church
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, United Methodist Church
An Advent litany
A Gift to the Church
(Litany written by United Methodist Bishop Hope Morgan Ward)
Ten women bishops on a “Pilgrimage for Understanding & Peace” in the Holy Land visited places where Jesus walked: Bethlehem, Jerusalem and Nazareth. Because they were in the Holy Land just prior to Advent, they offer the following litany as a gift to the Church for use in local congregations during this Advent season. (Preferably, this can be used on the Third Sunday in Advent, when Luke 1:46-55 is an appointed text, but any other time in Advent would be acceptable.)
The Gospel of Luke describes Mary as overshadowed by the power of God. For God, nothing is impossible! Mary responds to God, "I am your servant; let it be to me according to your word."
Leader: It is Advent, and we wait and hope for peace and love.
Response: We are on our way to Bethlehem, where Jesus will be born.
Leader: Mary, overshadowed by God, says, "I am your servant; let it be to me according to your word."
Response: We are on our way to Bethlehem, where Jesus will be born.
Leader: Mary and Joseph travel and arrive weary and unwelcomed.
Response: We are on our way to Bethlehem, where Jesus will be born.
Leader: Bethlehem this Advent is weary and anxious in the shadow of the high dividing wall.
Response: We are on our way to Bethlehem, where Jesus will be born.
Leader: We in the world have lost our way. We need a Savior and Shepherd and Healer.
Response: Overshadow this world, O God, with your power and love.
Leader: Come, Lord Jesus, and bring peace in Israel and Palestine, and in every broken place.
Response: We pray for your birthplace as we make our way to Bethlehem.
Leader: Shatter darkness with your light as you come to gather, heal and save us.
Response: Come, Lord Jesus, Prince of Peace.
9. MAYOR OF DAWSON, GA 2011 THANKSGIVING DINNER - 2500 DINNERS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT TERRELL COUNTY:
Robert L. Albritten, Mayor of Dawson, GA, along with the help of others, served a record number of 2,500 Door-to-Door Thanksgiving Dinners prior to 1 p.m. to those who were less fortunate. This idea was introduced by the 21-Year-Veteran- Mayor who has been serving Thanksgiving Dinners for the past 16 years of his administration.
Mayor Albritten is a member of Atoc AME Church where he serves on the Trustee board, Lifetime Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Gold Card Member of St. Mark Lodge #59, PHA, Sigma Phi Phi Boule Fraternity and Local, State and National Levels of the National Funeral Directors and Morticians Association.
Volunteers from the community, local churches, to include his church family and their new pastor, the Rev. Joseph G. Reynolds, civic organizations and students of Terrell Middle High School rendered their service as food preparers, deliverers and custodians.
The box dinners consisted of turkey and dressing, vegetables and dessert. Mayor Albritten, the Reverend Reynolds, associate pastor Alfreda Williams and Dawson’s Public Safety Director Charlie C. Whitehead were onsite before 8:00 a.m. After serving the Terrell community, the Reverend Reynolds traveled to Atlanta to spend time with his family and give thanks for the many blessings that the Lord has granted.
Mayor Albritten worked just as hard as the volunteers and stressed throughout the day that "Working together as laymen on one accord is pleasing in the sight of God."
Mayor Albritten says that we will meet this time next year for the same opportunity which is to serve as God wants his people to do, not just in the building but through outreach as well.
The Rev. Alfreda Williams, Ministerial Staff/Publication Director
10. NEW REPORT DOCUMENTS RESTRICTIONS DESIGNED TO SUPPRESS VOTING AMONG COMMUNITIES OF COLOR:
NAACP calls on Federal and State agencies to protect voting rights
A new report reveals direct connections between the trend of increasing, unprecedented African American and Latino voter turnout and an onslaught of restrictive measures across the country designed to stem electoral strength among communities of color, especially in regions where full political participation can reverse the tide of policies that undermine rights of racial and ethnic minority communities.
Those findings are detailed in a joint report by the NAACP and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund which examines scores of legislative proposals, ballot initiatives and voting laws enacted or proposed since the 2008 election. The report, Defending Democracy: Ending 21st Century barriers to voting rights in America, details a plethora of voter suppression initiatives, most of them pushed in states with large African- American populations and where voting turnout has surged. Copies of the report will be sent to the federal and state agencies that monitor, administer and enforce voting rights, including the US Department of Justice, the Federal Elections Commission, and the Election Assistance Commission, as well as Secretaries of State and Attorneys General in all fifty states. In addition, the report will be delivered to the appropriate committees of jurisdiction in the House and Senate, and entities within the United Nations.
“It’s been more than a century since we've seen such a tidal wave of assaults on the right to vote. Historically, when voting rights are attacked, it’s done to facilitate attacks on other rights. It is no mistake that the groups who are behind this are simultaneously attacking very basic women's rights, environmental protections, labor rights, and educational access for working people and minorities,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. "Voting rights attacks are the flip side of buying a democracy. First you buy all the leaders you can, and then you suppress as many votes as possible of the people who might object."
Successful registration, education and get-out-the-vote campaigns in the last Presidential election cycle helped overturn electoral barriers and generated Black voter turnout at record high numbers across the country. Calling the response “historic in scope and intensity,” the report highlights voting barriers that range from new and enhanced voter identification requirements to provisions that will curtail voter access to registration. Other proposals challenge mass registration drives, limit voting periods and tighten the ability of newly registered voters to cast ballots.
The report maintains that the vote-blocking measures are not only a threat to individual voters, but are also an assault on Latino and African American communities that are enjoying demographic growth and the prospects of majority voting status in many districts.
“This assault—which is comprehensive in its reach and was launched in time to affect the 2012 elections—threatens to undermine the record levels of political participation witnessed during the historic 2008 Presidential Election, by blocking access to people of color, the poor, the elderly and the young,” the report warns.
"These block the vote efforts are a carefully targeted response to the remarkable growth of the minority electorate, and threaten to disproportionally diminish the voting strength of African-Americans and Latinos," said John Payton, LDF President and Director-Counsel.
Jealous, joined by LDF Voting Rights Attorney Ryan Haygood, will share highlights of the report and a “Voter Call to Action” which includes observance of International Human Rights Day at the United Nations on December 10th. The UN rally will be preceded by a mass protest at the headquarters of Koch Industries. The concerted vote blocking initiatives across the country have been traced to organizations and individuals financed by the billionaire Koch Brothers.
11. A MESSAGE FROM FAMU UNIVERSITY RELATIONS WITH A NOTE FROM EDITOR OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Editor’s Note: This message is being shared because hazing is a problem at many universities and it is a problem at all HBCU communities. This problem of hazing needs to be addressed at all levels of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Pastors in HBCU communities and churches that have young people attending institutions of higher learning need to address the issues of hazing; pointing out that hazing is wrong and our young people should be strongly discouraged from participating in hazing. As FAMU President James H. Ammons says in his message, hazing is a “hidden culture.” When I taught at Hampton University, I didn’t know when the fraternity/sorority pledge period began or ended. After several semesters, I discovered that I could sense when something was going on with fraternities and sororities when normally excellent students’ grades dropped. Hazing was a hidden culture that was a well-kept secret among the students; that needs to change.
Letter to the FAMU Community:
As we continue to address the death of our student Robert Champion, I want to provide an update regarding the measures being taken by the University and how we as a community can move forward together to address the issue of hazing.
First, I must acknowledge how difficult this situation has been for the family of Robert Champion as well as the FAMU family. Thank you for your sympathy. I appreciate your expressions of concern and support. I assure you that FAMU remains a safe campus and one that maintains its commitment to "Excellence with Caring."
The death of Robert Champion has spawned a national conversation about hazing, which is illegal in the state of Florida. Although we have an anti-hazing regulation and a process to handle violations of the student code of conduct, the problem that we face at FAMU and other colleges and universities across this country is that we are dealing with a hidden culture, shrouded in secrecy. This code of silence hampers our ability to root out these insidious activities.
It is the university's resolute goal to break the culture of secrecy and the conspiracy of silence that has helped to institutionalize hazing. While we acknowledge the complexity of the challenge, we are going to eliminate this pattern of destructive behavior from our campus. We will honor the memory of Robert Champion by establishing a strong, new set of traditions across our campus. We will be a leader in the national dialogue for zero tolerance of hazing.
Our success will require the commitment and active participation of every member of the FAMU family and community. Thank you once again for your support.
To receive university updates and responses regarding these issues select the link "FAMU Band Update" at www.famu.edu.
Sincerely,
James H. Ammons
President
12. WHY DENZEL WASHINGTON AND NOT US:
That’s right Denzel Washington, the Actor, is considered to be the most positive public figure (including politicians, entertainers, and ministers) based on the feelings of American people!
He is respected above ministers as popular as T.D. Jakes; Joel Osteen and Rick Warren.
As you may know, it’s a wonderful blessing that Denzel openly professes his love and devotion to Jesus Christ.
However, shouldn’t the most positive public figure in the hearts and minds of American people be a Christian pastor, minister or leader?
As Christian pastors, you need to fight for this type of popularity and respect in our communities, country and the world, in order to reach more people for Jesus Christ!
We must know how to effectively compete with the world and understand the successful techniques they are using to reach and influence more people than Christians are winning.
In honor of our Lord Jesus Christ, our churches and ministries should always be more influential than the entertainment industry or anything else.
And our ministers should always be seen as the most positive and well respected of all public figures by Americans and all people throughout the world.
Is it hard for you to make this happen?
Is it becoming a bigger problem and challenge each day for you to reach more people for Jesus Christ and achieve God’s goals for your ministry?
Yes, and the research says so. In fact, approximately 100 million Americans are unchurched. To show the hugeness of this number, if the unchurched population of the U.S. was a nation of its own, it would have the eleventh largest population of any nation on earth (trailing only China, India, and the churched portion of the United States, Brazil, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia, Japan and Mexico).
If you want help in solving this problem, then, as pastors and leaders, you must learn to implement effective marketing and media strategies just like the entertainment industry does to turn an unknown actor into the most positive public figure in America.
So, stand-up, step-out and learn to influence the world (better than the entertainment or any other industries) for the purposes of our Lord Jesus Christ! It can be done!
Written by Kim Wilson, Church Marketing Consultant
God’s Active People/G.A.P Ministry Marketing Services
121 Ardenlee Drive, Peachtree City, GA. 30269
www.gapministrymarketing.org
kimwilson125@att.net
678-491-8583
(Research: Barna Group)
13. SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
- Reminder: Application Deadline for AAPD Washington, DC Summer Internship Program for Students with Disabilities!
We would like to remind you that the January 6th deadline for applications for the AAPD Washington, DC Summer Internship Program is less than a month away! Don’t miss this great opportunity!
Each summer, the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) hosts a summer internship program in Washington, DC for students with all types of disabilities.
AAPD’s Summer Internship Program offers college students, law students, graduate students, and recent graduates with disabilities the opportunity to work in public service for ten weeks on Capitol Hill, at federal agencies, nonprofits and for-profit businesses. This ten week experience gives interns the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience in the workforce. Interns receive a living stipend, expenses covered for travel to and from DC, and fully-accessible housing
Applications must be received by 5:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time) on or before January 6, 2012.
Apply Now! www.aapd.com/internship
Please pass this information along to any eligible candidates.
For additional information on the AAPD Summer Internship Program, please contact AAPD at 202-521-4306 or by email to internship@aapd.com.
Submitted by Ginny Thornburgh, Director, AAPD Interfaith Initiative
14. MEDITATION - BASED ON MATTHEW 6:1-4:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
Christmastime is a season of giving, and gift cards have become a popular giving alternative. They eliminate the hunt for the right gift and the anxiety of wondering if you got what the recipient really wanted. All that's required is a good idea of where the recipient likes to shop - you just go to their favorite store, buy a gift card and let folks pick what they want!
Gift cards are easy and convenient and I choose them for some family and friends, but I still like to shop for special gifts. It takes more time and effort - and is a bit risky for the "taste impaired" like me - but the end result is usually appreciated because the recipient knows that you went out of your way to make the choice.
What's true for gift giving is also true for our faith response to God's grace and generosity. It's very easy and convenient to give in Sunday offerings and special drives, and to contribute to charitable organizations - that commendable giving does touch the lives of those in need. Mentoring young people, spending time with seniors who spend a lot of their time alone, counseling those facing personal struggles and physically feeding and providing for those in need take more time and effort, but they're worthy pursuits that touch lives first hand rather than long distance.
Let God guide your giving during the Christmas season and all year long, and take the time to reflect on what God has given you as you consider what to give and how to give to others, so that you can strike the right balance in your generosity. When we realize that the God who created us goes out of the way to bless us beyond what we deserve, then we can go out of our way - regardless of what we have to share - to be a blessing to others, for little still becomes much when we place it in the Master's hands.
Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:
Isaiah 7:10-16
I John 3:1-6
Luke 1:26-38
Sunday’s Sermon is: “Expect the Incredible”
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the senior pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-The wedding of the Reverend Charlin Lesch Legolie and Ms. Chrystal Hess
The Reverend Charlin Lesch Legolie married Ms. Chrystal Hess at the Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church in Touws River, South Africa, Fifteenth Episcopal District. The Reverend Charlin Legolie is the son of the Reverend William C. Legolie, II and grandson of the late Reverend Wesley Andrew David Legolie and great-grandson of the late Reverend, Presiding Elder William Charles Legolie. The Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the Fifteenth Episcopal District preached at the wedding ceremony and the Reverend William C. Legolie, II and the Reverend Leslie Scott administered the vows.
The Rev. Charlin L. Legolie is the newly appointed pastor of St John African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulations can be sent to: clegolie@vuselaconstruction.co.za and /or vaame@mweb.co.za
- The birth of Zoe Isabella Ade' Richardson
The Rev. Wm. Jermaine & Mrs. Crystal Cuby Richardson and their daughter, Kennedy, announce the birth of their newest family member, Zoe Isabella Ade' Richardson. She entered the world on Wednesday, 30 November 2011, weighing in at 6 lbs 9 oz and measuring 18 inches. Mother and daughter are doing well; dad and big sis are yet holding on. Rev. Richardson is a recent graduate of Turner Theological Seminary at the ITC, and is the pastor of St. Paul AME Church of Taylorville, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Congratulations can be sent to: wm.jermaine.richardson@gmail.com
- Presiding Elder Robert Keesee and the Rev. George L. Byrd honored as Distinguished Alumni of the American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee
The Reverend Robert Edward Keesee, class of '65, Presiding Elder, North Nashville District, Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District and the Reverend George L. Byrd, class of '51, Retired Minister, East Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District were honored as Distinguished Alumni of the American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee. The event was held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 in the chapel of the American Baptist College. Dr. Renita J. Weems, Vice President of Academic Affairs, presided at the service and Reverend Robert E. Keesee was the preacher. Reverend Keesee was introduced by Reverend Troy Merritt, Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District, Tennessee Conference.
- The Reverend Willie V. and Mrs. Mondella Woods celebrate 40 years of marriage
The Reverend Willie V. and Mrs. Mondella Woods, pastor and first lady of New Tyler AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee will be blessed to celebrate 40 years of marriage on Sunday, December 4, 2011. They will celebrate during a family dinner at the Woods' home in Cordova, Tennessee.
Congratulatory message can emailed to: mbswoods@aol.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Robert Taylor, a Local Elder at St. John AME Church, Frankfort, KY, where the Rev. Jermaine Wilson is the Pastor. The Rev. Taylor passed on Friday, December 2, 2011. He was a faithful member at St. John and former supply pastor at St. John AME Church, Greenup, KY for over 12 years and traveled 143 miles each way to Greenup from his home; 286 miles roundtrip.
Final Arrangements will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011:
St. John AME Church
210 W. Clinton Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-223-5752
Family hour and visitation 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Homegoing Service 11 a.m.
The Rev. Jermaine Wilson, Eulogist
Expressions of sympathy can be to:
Mrs. Jacqueline Taylor
303 Cold Harbor Drive
Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: Charernemattison@aol.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the death of Mr. Cornelius Hollinshed, father of the Reverend Cornelius Hollinshed and Mrs. Virginia Hollinshed. The Reverend Cornelius Hollinshed is the pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Please note the following arrangements:
The Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011, 10:30 a.m. at the Almeta Missionary Baptist Church
1033 Highway 165
Dumas, Arkansas
Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Brown's Funeral Home
510 West Jones Street
Dumas, Arkansas
870-382-4888
Condolences may be shared with Reverend and Mrs. Hollinshed at:
2700 Malvern Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
501-620-9803
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mother Cecilia Pearl Whiteside Graham, the wife of the late Rev. Dewitt Graham and the mother of the Rev. Janice Graham Parker, the pastor of Rock Chapel AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri and Mrs. Sandra Beverly, member of St. John AME Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Mother Graham was also a member of the Stewardess and Deaconess Council and a Life Member in the Women's Missionary Society.
The funeral was held on November 25, 2011 at 10 a.m. at St. John AME Church, 1908 N. Kingshighway Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63113.
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Janice Parker & Mrs. Sandra Beverly
3508 Espace Court
Florissant, MO 63034
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Beauty Richardson, the birthmother of the Rev. Emilygail A. Dill, associate minister and First Lady of Allen Temple AME Church in Sandys, Bermuda. Mrs. Richardson is also the mother-in-law of the Rev. Howard H. L. Dill, pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Sandys, Bermuda and surrogate grandmother of the Rev. Jahkimmo F. Smith, pastor of Mount Zion AME Church, Southampton, Bermuda. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Family Hour with Viewing: Friday, December 2nd, 2011 - 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
Amis Memorial Chapel
8 Khyber Pass
Warwick
Bermuda
Funeral Service: Saturday, December 3, 2011 - 11:00 am
Heron Bay Kingdom Hall
Middle Road
Southampton
Bermuda
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Emilygail Dill
4 Temple Lane
Sandys
Bermuda MA04
Fax: 441-234-1495
emilygail_dill@yahoo.com
Professional Care is entrusted to:
Amis Memorial Chapel Ltd.
8 Khyber Pass
Warwick
Bermuda WK03
Fax: 441-236-4845
20. 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/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
34. 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. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
