8/02/2013

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (08/02/13)


Bishop T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

Mark and Save Date in your Calendars:

August National Immunization Awareness Month


1. TCR EDITORIAL – I AM GONNA GIVE SOME FEEDBACK:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Here is another hard editorial.

Feedback is essential in any successful business. Feedback helps businesses, institutions, the government and even the military improve their products and services. 

I purchase items from Amazon.com and immediately after delivery; I receive a request for providing feedback about the purchase and delivery experience. I purchased a new smartphone from Verizon and by time I arrived home, I had received an email asking for my feedback and experience at the store and with the sales person.  When I call for technical support, I always receive a request to provide feedback. When I take my car to the dealership for an oil change or other service, I receive a request to provide feedback.

It seems that I spend a lot of time providing feedback for almost every purchase.

I am really happy to do so, especially when the form is not too long.

I don’t mind providing feedback because I believe feedback helps businesses improve their products and services.  The feedback I and others provide, in the end, benefits us, the consumer.

I am amazed…

I am amazed that churches don’t utilize opportunities to formally ask for feedback. 

The feedback is “out there,” but it’s not available in a healthy way that can help the connectional church and local churches implement needed changes. Feedback is uttered by parishioners in the pews, when they chat with each other as they depart the sanctuary and, of course, on the telephone and email. As a matter of fact, feedback is exchanged electronically between parishioners during the worship service. Feedback is also available through the social media network pages, groups and blogs.

Feedback is exchanged by looks and gestures during worship services and business meetings.

Feedback is available; feedback in the AME Church context just doesn’t seem to be collated properly where the information can do the “best good.”

I am disappointed in the cavalier attitude many persons who attend some AME meetings display when they are requested to provide feedback and who won’t fill-out and submit feedback information.

On the other hand, when people fill out feedback data, I would hope that those gathering the feedback will take seriously the data provided. One way to encourage feedback and indicate that feedback data is taken seriously would be to publish a compilation of the survey results in a summary.

Hopefully, feedback precipitates improvements.

Successful businesses become more successful when they listen to the people they serve.

Churches can improve if they are courageous enough to ask for and utilize the data received from honest feedback.  Congregations satisfied with mediocrity will not concern themselves with attempting to get honest feedback.

Every organization receives feedback

Every organization, every program, every meeting, and every worship service receives feedback, even when they don’t formally ask for feedback.

People, customers, and parishioners all have ways of providing feedback. Feedback can be determined by how much money they give or spend or how much money they fail to give or spend.  They vote with their feet by absenting themselves or by their poor attendance practices. 

Feedback is a reality whether given informally or formally. My own opinion is that feedback is most useful when churches, organizations and businesses utilize a formal feedback-gathering process; and make needed adjustments.

Sorry this took so long

Last Sunday, I arrived in Atlanta and attended the 33rd Connectional Lay Biennial and I want to share some feedback. I didn’t remain until the close of the meeting so I didn’t have an opportunity to fill-out the evaluation sheet that I am sure they passed out to those attending the meeting.

I am only able to provide feedback on the hotel, registration process, accommodations, overall appearance of the venue, ambiance, food, convenience of other food vendors, and the opening worship service. I had breakfast on Monday morning so I can comment on the breakfast option, checkout and ease of retrieving my vehicle.

Many evaluations weight responses 1 – 10 with 10 being the highest score.

Here is my evaluation

The Marriott Downtown Atlanta is a beautiful facility and the dropping of the vehicle and registration process were seamless. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

When I went to my room, it was easy to find, the room was clean, and the accommodations exceeded my expectations. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The overall appearance of the venue was picture-book beautiful. The view outside and inside the hotel was just as it appeared in their advertisements.  I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The agenda and information disseminated by the connectional Lay Organization was clear and informative. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

I had breakfast on Monday morning at the hotel and the food presentation, staff and the food itself was wonderful. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

I didn’t have an opportunity to visit nearby food vendors or shopping, but heard from some of those attending the meeting that great food options and shopping were nearby and within a short walk. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The checkout process and ease of retrieving my vehicle were seamless. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The opening worship service

I will need to provide feedback for the worship service, not as a whole but in part.

First, let me say that worship in connectional meetings should set the example for local churches. When pastors and leaders of the laity view connectional worship I would hope that they might be inspired to carry some of the worship initiatives observed back to the local church.

Let me get back on-track

The ushers and those handing out program bulletins were efficient. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The Celebration of Sacred Word and Sacraments of Holy Communion were professionally prepared and easy to follow. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The worship participants, the processional, the hymns, and the order of worship were on-target and all of the participants did a wonderful job. The scripture lessons were beautifully and clearly read. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The lining of the hymn by the Rev. Benjamin Ridley, Presiding Elder of the Macon, Georgia District was phenomenal and spiritually uplifting. The lining of hymns in early Methodism was a requirement, but today, it’s mostly a lost art, but Presiding Elder Ridley brought the lining of the hymn, Brethren, We Have Met to Worship, alive.  I would mark a 10+ with additional comment on my feedback evaluation.

The choral music, musicians and the ministry of music were outstanding. Their “old school” renditions brought back some sacred memories. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The flow of the worship service was “second to none” and the worship service flowed with ease. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The presentation of the preacher was appropriate and set the tone for the preacher and the sermon. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

The sermon delivered by Bishop John Richard Bryant was masterfully spiritual and he delivered a relevantly challenging sermon as he always does. I would mark a 10+ with additional comment on my feedback evaluation.

The invitation was wonderfully and appropriately extended; and one person came forward and made a recommitment and that would cause me to mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.

So far so good

But, as I said, this editorial would be hard and it is.

The Sacrament of Holy Communion would not get a 10 on my feedback evaluation.  I would mark a 1 on my feedback evaluation.  It earned a 1 only because the Sacraments were consecrated and that alone deserves some recognition.

Let me digress

Holy Communion, baptisms, and weddings need to be done flawlessly. And sermons, as much as possible, need apt attention and flawless delivery. A preacher (s) needs to do what they need to do to get the liturgy of those acts of worship “down pat.”  A preacher can be “forgiven” for a less than stellar sermon every now and then, but Holy Communion, baptisms, and weddings need to be done flawlessly every time.

It’s not a sin to have a practice-run of the Communion ritual.  A pastor should get with ministry associates and stewardesses and practice.

I suspect if participants or stand-ins practiced when preparing for connectional Holy Communion services, the Communion Service would be better executed and snafus eliminated.

If I went to a local church and Holy Communion was served in the manner that it was done last Sunday night, I would not go back to that church because I would think that they didn’t take seriously the sacrament of Holy Communion.

I know that we have a tradition of having Holy Communion at connectional meetings, but I cannot find that it is a disciplinary requirement to do so.

If Holy Communion cannot be done flawlessly, it might be better to the forego Holy Communion portion of the worship service.

Serving communion to several thousand parishioners takes intricate planning and cannot be done flawlessly “on the run.”  Communion being serves to hundreds of people cannot be done flawlessly without practice by the participants or stand-ins. 

The wafer/plastic cup combination does not make serving Communion easier, it makes it harder because so many people have difficulty separating the wafer portion from the cup portion and grape juice is spilled people get frustrated and Holy Communion should never be an exercise in agility in getting to the “bread and wine.” 

The planners for the Holy Communion portion of the service at connectional meetings might want to rethink how communion is served. Intinction might be a more efficient method. As simple as intinction is, it will take practice and tweaking when large numbers will be served.

The intinction method involves dipping bread/wafer in wine/grape juice. Parishioners come forward, bread is placed in the parishioners hand and the parishioner will dip the bread in a common cup / chalice and eat. When given bread the serving clergy offers words of affirmation as when parishioners take Communion at the chancel rail, such as “The bread given for you” or “Christ’s body broken for you” and when the cup is extended the server will offer words of affirmation, such as “The blood of Christ shed for you.”  Parishioners keep moving, take the sacrament and return to their seats.  As easy as it seems, it will take practice to get it right.

Intinction is one way, but there might be other strategies in how we can serve Holy Communion in a spiritual and dignified manner that doesn’t diminish the sacredness of the Sacrament.

When serving large numbers of people in a different setting, instructions have to be clear and that usually means that they should be in writing so everyone understands exactly what is expected.

Let me get back to the Communion Service

The Communion Service broke down early because it seemed that people did not understand the instructions. 

Some people were having a difficult time separating the wafer and opening the grape juice.  The concept of the serving the table and the dismissal broke down and then it was a come, take the cup and wafer and keep moving; and towards the end those were the instructions given, “Take the cup and wafer and keep moving.”  Parishioners were trying to open the wafer and grape juice portion and attempting to drink the juice while walking to their seats.

It seemed that people were moving in all directions. I heard comments like, “Drive-by Communion” and “Fast food take-out Communion.”  It would have been humorous if it had not been such a sacred part of the worship; but parishioners could be heard quietly laughing and whispering to each other. The stewardesses were doing their best to collect the disposed cups. It was humorous to see parishioners walking and attempting to open the wafer portion, eat it, struggle with opening the juice portion while walking to their seats. 

The Communion just sort of ended and an announcement was made to quiet parishioners and remind them that the benediction was forthcoming.

Communion has always been a sacred event for African Methodists and the sacredness of the consecrated elements demanded respect and when the bread and wine/juice were served, nothing got in the way of the Communion service; nothing came after the Communions service; no announcements, no frivolity, no talking because the idea was to leave Holy Communion thinking about the sacrifice Jesus made for us; no extra notices; no nonsense.

I would give a mark of 1 on my feedback evaluation for the Holy Communion portion of the worship service.

Feedback I received

And talking about feedback, a few weeks ago a member of Bethel AME Church in Huntington, Long Island excitedly sent me an email message and shared her pastor’s initiative of a “Second Chance Communion.” 

On the second Sunday in July, the Rev. Larry D. Jennings, Jr. pastor of Bethel AME Church in Huntington, New York announced during the altar call that he was giving parishioners who were absent on the first Sunday an opportunity to receive Holy Communion. During the altar call, he invited them to the altar to receive a “Second Chance Communion.”  

“Second Chance Communion” – What a novel idea!

2. TCR OP-ED: FIRST TIME OUT OF THE GATE:

*The Reverend Bridget L. Mitchell

You have received your first pastoral assignment in the AME Church and you feel wonderful, recognized and eager to implement all of the ideas and plans that you just know will help your church grow and be prosperous. I know the feeling, as this was my first year as a pastor. However, I would like to offer some tips to first time pastors. I found that by sticking to these simple tips, it helped me and the church that I pastor have a successful year, both spiritually and financially.  Here we go:

Whatever you do, keep God first. Everything that you do will fail if God is not in it. It is all about God and never about you. Have a mission statement and vision for the church. Without a vision the people will perish and without a mission the people don’t know where they are going or what they are working towards.

Do not change officers for a year. You cannot change what you don’t know. Take the year to observe your officers and if there are changes to be made and your bishop assigns you to go back, then you can make your changes.

Be transparent. This is one of the most important rules to go by. Everything that your bishop or presiding elder sends you, make a copy and take it to your Official Board meeting. Also, be transparent about the finances of the church. A monthly financial report for the congregation is a must.

Evangelism is a must. You must become a part of the community in which you pastor. If you are trying to increase your membership, you must get out and be seen and heard.

Be a leader, but not a dictator. Check your ego at the door.

Do not be ashamed to call out for help and mentorship. If you don’t know, then ask! That is what your presiding elder and colleagues are for.

Do not procrastinate about raising your budget.

Do not rush the people into making radical changes. Slow and steady wins the race.

And finally, preach the Word! Feed God’s flock with substance and not junk. Not only will your members grow spiritually, but the church will grow in numbers. By growing spiritually, they will pass the Word to those who are looking to join the body of Christ.

Ministry is not easy, but with God and a plan we know that, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28.

*The Reverend Bridget L. Mitchell is a Local Elder and pastor of St. Matthew’s Chapel AME Church in Boonville, Missouri

3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

-- Letter to the Editor:

Re: The Christian Recorder News Break - July 27, 2013 - Dementia is a Health Challenge as Well as an Epidemic written by the Rev. Velma Grant

Thank you.  This is such an important article.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that if the median age of members in our churches is 60, and medical studies show that chances for developing dementia increase substantially and incrementally in people 65+ years of age, then the younger shepherds/pastors, should be prepared professionally to know how to recognize it, understand it and deal with it. Certainly every church has members suffering with some stage of dementia, and such members could include church leaders and officers who are charged with strategic planning, solving problems and making sound decisions regarding the welfare of their respective churches.  Perhaps sometimes when a church leader thinks he/she is just struggling with a difficult, obstinate personality, they could be dealing with something altogether different. 

Name Withheld

-- To the Editor:

RE: Dementia is a Health Challenge

Thank you for the article in the TCR Online.  It helps me to understand my mother's behaviors a few years ago.  The symptoms cited in your article are applicable to circumstantial and situational aspects of the environment which can be misinterpreted as dementia.  Your article helps be to place such behaviors in perspective.

Now, our Zion needs to address the mental illness of depression, particularly among pastors. Many years ago, a presiding elder in the Washington Conference of the 2nd District, had an entire half day session on depression and cited that he, himself, dealt with it.  After a serious illness, I was diagnosed as being clinical depressed.  In the process of recovery, it was determined that I experienced chronic depression.  I read about depression and learned that a depressed individual can see the illness in others but one's aim should focus on one's self not on others. 

I found that statement to be very, very true.  After sharing such knowledge with others, I now use indirect approaches to address the issue of depression.

Depression is quit evident in many black males. I recognized depression in my brother before he died. I acknowledged the family history of depression, but was unable to get him to address it to seek help. I also recognize depression among several of our pastors.  There is an indication that many should be on medication.

Hopefully, a medium such as tcr helps members of our Zion recognize and not be ashamed of seeking help for mental illnesses.  God knows I wished I had recognized my suffering when I was much younger.  Many decisions may have been different, thereby having other outcomes of my life.

Thanks again for you article.

Name Withheld

4. THE OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE OF THE CLO BIENNIAL:

*The Rev. Velma Grant

The 33rd Biennial Session of The Connectional Lay Organization (CLO) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) is convening presently in Atlanta, Georgia (the 6th Episcopal District). AMEC leaders and members of the organized Lay component are now gathered at the Atlanta Marriott Hotel to worship and praise together, teach and learn from each other and of course to elect officers for a new term of service (see the Editor’s listing of election results).

Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II, the gracious host of the 6th Episcopal District along with the Episcopal Lay President, Ms. Gloria Byrd, the many volunteer laity and clergy members of the District have set in motion the “welcome wagon” of southern hospitality. The Sixth Episcopal District is certainly honored that Dr. Willie C. Glover,  President of the CLO, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux Sr., Chairperson, Lay Commission and the Executive Board members of the CLO, chose Atlanta as the host site for this 33rd biennial session of such an integral part of the AME Church. The CLO biennial theme is Building on Our Global Legacy of Christ Centered Leadership and Training (Mark 16:15 and Ephesians 4: 11-13).

Being the “good” AMEs that we are, people (except for my three grand gems) did not mind attending two worship services in one day. So, most attended worship service at their (or a) local church in the morning and then in the evening headed to the worship service at the Atlanta Marriott Hotel which, marked the official opening of the CLO Meeting.

The leader for the worship service was the host bishop, Bishop Williams who side stepped tradition, which usually mandates or suggests that the host prelate is designated as the preacher for such a service. Bishop Williams, displayed a spirit of love by passing the homiletic moment on to the senior bishop of the church who preached anew an old and familiar text in the Bible (more on that later).

Prior to the “Call to Worship” an element of the African culture, that this writer has not witnessed on a Connectional level but at other local churches was included as a part of the service.  The inclusion of the act of libation was a fitting tribute to the “A” in AME (African). The church was founded by people of African ancestry and to institute the act of libation does not dilute Christianity or the belief in the Holy Trinity it only reinforces the fact that our African culture is a vital part of our foundation.

Libation is an act of honoring, or an act of remembering and it is usually performed by pouring a liquid (most often water) on the earth or on a green plant in a container. The CLO Chaplain, Ms. Joyce Bracy Vaughan, led the libation ceremony and she covered all bases. Libation was poured for the Episcopal leaders and their spouses, for the clergy and the laity and more importantly, libation was poured for the generations to come.

Another part of our culture that was highlighted last night was the hymn of praise, which was led by Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley, leader of the Macon Conference, the 6th Episcopal District.  Presiding Elder Ridley utilized his strong tenor vocal chords to “line” Brethren, We Have Met to Worship (# 19 from the AME Hymnal).  Lining the hymn or song was a custom that was necessary in times of yore when our ancestors did not know how to read or perhaps when there was a lack of hymnbooks for each member in the local church.

Presiding Elder Ridley with his amazing voice was truly a perfect choice for this old school hymn but some detective work was necessary to understand the logic behind choosing that old hymn.  Since the words to the hymn were not published in the bulletin nor were the words flashed on the monitors in the room, one had to rely on Elder Ridley’s vocal gifts to follow along and sing those unknown words.  Those who were not used to “old school” singing without hymnbooks or published words perhaps were at a loss or rose to the challenge and followed the lyrical directions of Presiding Elder Ridley.

The hymn is listed in the Worship and Praise section of the hymnal and after reading the words, the hymn seemed quite appropriate for the biennial celebration. In addition, while reading the stanzas it was also discovered that even though the words were written in the 1700s (?), it seems that the writer was intentional about the inclusiveness of women despite the title and the start of a couple stanzas (Brethren….). The third stanza begins with “Sisters, will you join and help us?” Moses’ sister aided him….Sisters, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.”

Both the act of libation and the hymn of praise (old school style) show that it is possible to forge the old with the new. In the present day, church traditions (at least not all) should not be swept aside and neither should new ideas, methods or systems be ignored. We are an upwardly mobile people climbing Jacob’s ladder and every round gets higher and higher. The foundation or rung is not demolished but only increased and made stronger by the new levels or new rungs. In coupling, the foundation of our Zion with all that is good, new and appropriate in the present age we can give God, our creator our best and make the AMEC the best community of faith for its members and possible members.

Giving God our best was the theme from senior Bishop John Richard Bryant’s sermon last night. The bishop used an old familiar text, Matthew 26:6 and presented the story of the text in a modern and contemporary way so that the hearers could use the text for personal introspection. The woman who anointed Jesus with the contents of an alabaster box was the central figure in the sermon text and Bishop Bryant preached about her act of unselfishness that was all about giving her best to Jesus.

Bishop Bryant shared how he had ignored his wife’s (the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant) advice to set the hotel’s alarm clock and because he had not heeded the advice of his wife he was almost late for the worship service. His reason for not heeding Rev. Cee’s advice was that he is the senior bishop; here Bishop Bryant was displaying his humorous side. He went on to explain that he wanted to give his best to God at all times and arriving late to the CLO Worship Service would not have been a good way of giving his best to God.
He preached “…a Lay woman came to him… when the preachers saw what He was doing they were indignant…We’ve go to give Jesus our best… a Lay woman who was not part of the protocol, stepped past the Presiding Elders, stepped past the preachers and the clergy who had missed honoring the Savior and found a reason to object…Jesus is offended when we do not put Him in His proper place…What will we sacrifice for Him…How far will we go out of our way to please Him? There is no excusable reason to put God and Jesus in second place… I don’t know her name; some say it was Mary, but which one? It was somebody that knew they (she?) owed Jesus…When you have given Him your best, get ready for the critics.

This Laywoman without an office, without ordination whose name was not listed in the bulletin, decided to give Jesus her best. When you give God your best, the Lord will give you the rest…when you give the Lord your best, the Lord will step in and make up the rest. Stop playing church, stop worshipping bishops and pastors….give God your best…”

The church both the laity and clergy should seek to give God our best because God is truly deserving of such and to reiterate what Bishop Bryant stated, “There is no excusable reason to put God and Jesus in second place.” May both the clergy and Lay members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church work closely together to make God the priority of our lives, pray for and encourage each other as well as hold each other accountable to follow the mandate of Jesus Christ. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. In addition, love your neighbor as yourself, let us be honest, kind and sincere to each other and in that way we can also give God our best.

*The Rev. Velma E. Grant, MDiv, ThM is the President of the Sixth Episcopal District Women in Ministry

5. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION BIENNIAL ELECTION RESULTS:

The 33rd Biennial Connectional Lay Organization election of officers was held on Monday afternoon, July 29, 2012. The persons were elected to serve.

Connectional Lay Organization President: Willie Glover
1st Vice-President: Gloria P. Byrd
2nd Vice-President: Matikane Makiti
3rd Vice-President: Eileen Warner
Recording-Secretary: Gloria DeVeaux Cobb
Assistant Recording-Secretary: Doris Bell
Corresponding Secretary: Ada Groff
Financial Secretary: Richard Bowden, Sr.
Treasurer: Darwin Eldridge
Chaplain: Alice Belden
Parliamentarian: Virginia Harris
Director of Lay Activities: Edith Cartledge
Director of Public Relations: Walter Jeffers
Historiographer: Pam Tilley
Young Adult Representative: Felecia Commodore

Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux is the chair of the Connectional Lay Organization

6. BITS AND PIECES AT THE 33RD CONNECTIONAL LAY MEETING

*The Rev. Dr. Charlotte B. Sydnor

The Connectional Lay Organization donated $50,000 to Wilberforce University.  Dr. Willie C. Glover, President was reelected for a second term. 

Dr. Patricia L. Hardaway, M.P.W., J.D., President, Wilberforce University presented Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams the "Living Legacy of Wilberforce University” Award.  Dr, Jamye Coleman Williams graduated from Wilberforce University 75 years ago. Dr. Williams commented that Dr. Patricia L. Hardaway was a "Wonder Woman."

Bishop Reggie Jackson

Bishop Reggie Jackson, presenter in his teaching on "Church Growth" said, "I don't like the word ‘membership.’ It goes not require you to give, show-up, or even to participate.”  He went on to say, “Discipleship and membership are not the same.”

“Christian Education and worship are inseparable. When there are no visitors it means your church will not grow.”

“80% members have not brought anyone to Christ. We have to move from membership to discipleship. It should be number one.”

“The heart of African Methodism is the local church. The poorest attended connectional meeting in all of African Methodism is the meeting on Church Growth and Development.”

Mr. John Thomas III

John Thomas, out-going president of YAR stated:

"We have to adapt and learn from each other. We need to attract young adults…”

"Service is a privilege and not a right.”

"Change is not coming. Change has come."

Ms. Felicia Commodore

The newly elected president, Felicia Commodore stated, "Our goal will be to embrace, evangelize, empower, equip and educate regardless of age. We believe God will give us the grace to serve our Church.”

Commendations

Commendations to John Thomas were offered from various Episcopal Districts including the 15th, 16th, 17th and 19th Episcopal Districts for the great work of translating and teaching.  One person said, “John Thomas has put forward the Young Adult Lay Organization together for the betterment of our Zion.”

Bishop Sarah Frances Davis:

“If we are going to understand the youth we are going to have to build relationships. We need to see things from new lenses and we need to be learning and sharing with each other.”

The Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters

“Three out of five youth has no contact with the church and many have stopped attending church. They are losing interest in the church because they are disillusioned about the tradition of the church.”

“We are in a crisis to attract youth because we are seen as defenders of the status quo.”

Mr. Darrell Thomas:

“Encouraging youth to stay in the church means we must allow them to make decisions and having a seat at the table, instead of ‘moving chairs and taking down tables.’"

2. We must learn how to communicate to retain youth. Listen to our youth. Allow youth to do the work. Don't chastise. Allow for mistakes. View youth as leaders.

Ms. Kimberly Gordon Brooks:

“Team Building and mentoring are critical in understanding intergenerational leadership. Nurture youth to be all they can be. We must build community and unity by building diversity just as Jesus did. It has to start at the local church. Mentor the youth in your church.”

How can the AME Church motivate and excite young adults?

“Greet young people with a smile, show interest in what they are doing, and adapt to the changing church demographics as more people join our churches.”

*The Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor is the pastor Woodfork Chapel AME Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee, serves as the Assistant Editor and office manager of The Christian Recorder; and will begin duties as a faculty member of Argosy University (Nashville campus)

7. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, CAMBRIDGE, MA BEGINS LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013:

I am pleased to announce that St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Cambridge, MA will begin live streaming of its Sunday Worship Services on Sunday, September 1, 2013.  For this inaugural streaming event, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church will be the preacher.  Worship on this Sunday will begin with Devotions at 9:15 a.m. and Worship at 9:30 a.m.

Beginning September 8, the streaming of worship will begin at 7:45: a.m. (for the 8:00 a.m. Worship) and 10:45 a.m. (for the 11:00 a.m. Worship).

To access the worship services, visitors can either go to the Ustream URL (http://ustream.com) and type in "stpaulame1" or type in St. Paul's channel on Ustream, http://ustream.tv/channel/stpaulame1  in their browser.

We are excited about this opportunity to expand the Worship of God and the Word of God using technology.

Please pray for us and join us if you can. 

The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson is the Pastor/Teacher of St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts

8. MOTHER BETHEL BURIAL GROUND FINDINGS ON DISPLAY AT THE CHURCH THIS SUNDAY:

Mother Bethel to Showcase 'Burial Ground' Artifacts at Community Information Session THIS SUNDAY - Expert panel will clarify recent news reports, discuss facts about the project, and plans going forward,

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug. 1, 2013 - PHILADELPHIA -- A headstone from the early 1800's, along with other artifacts uncovered at the site of the old Mother Bethel Burial ground will be on display this Sunday, August 4, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. at Mother Bethel AME Church located at 419 South 6th Street.  The community is invited to come to the church and view the items uncovered during a recent archeological dig at the burial site which is now known as Weccacoe playground on South Queen Street between 4th and 5th. Also Sunday at 1:30 p.m. a panel of experts who have been involved with the project will be on hand to clarify recent media reports, discuss facts about the project, and answer questions about the next steps. “There have been a number of errors in the reporting and blogging of this very important story and we simply want to set the record straight,” says Rev. Mark Tyler, PhD, Mother Bethel's pastor. “This is a big story and it is still unfolding. We know that in the haste to get good news out to the public, sometimes people get the facts mixed up. One misstated fact in today’s world of instant social media can take on a life of its own that can get away from you.”

For example, many news reports state that 3,000 bodies are still buried in the site, when that number has been only used to speculate how many could possibly be interred. "We only have the names of 1500 people who were buried at the site," says historian Terry Buckalew who shed light on this largely forgotten story about the Bethel Burial Ground while researching another project. Buckalew brought his findings to Mother Bethel's pastor and the Queen Village Neighborhood Association. The former pastors of Mother Bethel, a few church members, and a handful of members of the community recalled that they’d heard accounts about the cemetery turned playground. However, there was no historical marker near the site so the story faded over the years. “But the story was always right there in our church archives, buried in the minutes of the Trustee Board of Mother Bethel,” says Mother Bethel’s archivist Margaret Jerrido. “The minutes detail the decision to sell the property to the city for $10,000.”

"We were in the process of raising money to renovate the playground and building at Weccacoe," says Jeff Hornstein, President of the Queen Village Neighborhood Association. "When Mr. Buckalew brought his findings to the board and the church, we immediately stopped our renovation plans and began working with Mother Bethel, Mr. Buckalew, and the City of Philadelphia, on a proper commemoration of the historic site." Both the neighborhood association and the city say they are following the lead of Mother Bethel as it relates to the commemoration.

"My office has worked closely with Mother Bethel and QVNA since we found out about the Bethel Burial Ground over a year ago," says Philadelphia City Councilman Mark Squilla. "I commend Mother Bethel and QVNA for developing this close relationship so that this site can become both a first-class playground for our children and appropriately commemorate the important history buried beneath it."

The City of Philadelphia paid for two archaeological digs to establish the boundaries of the cemetery so that the original graves will not be disturbed during renovations or at any time in the future.  "There are several sites in the Parks and Recreation system which served as burial grounds," says Mark A. Focht, First Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. "At each we have worked closely with the community, archaeologists and regulators to preserve and honor the sanctity of the site."

Pastor Mark Tyler and Historian Terry Buckalew will take part in Sunday's community information session. Also in attendance will be Doug Mooney from the archeological company URS, Jennifer Mahar from the Fairmount Park Conservancy, and members of the Queen Village Neighbors Association. Sunday's showcase and community discussion are open to the public. The media and public are also invited to join the congregation in worship at 11 a.m., which will precede the community discussion.

For more information go to: http://www.motherbethel.org or call (215) 925-0616. All media inquiries should be directed to Leslie Patterson-Tyler at (609) 247-2632 or email Leslie@TylerMadePR.com.

Submitted by Tyler-Made Productions Multi-Media & PR Experts, Leslie Patterson-Tyler, President/CEO

9. TULSA OKLAHOMA AME PASTOR DELEGATE TO THE 2013 NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

Tulsa, OK - The Rev. Dennis J. Hampton has been elected to serve as a Delegate to the 2013 National Urban League Annual Conference on behalf of the local affiliate. When the National Urban League convened July 24-27 at the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Convention Center, among the delegates was the Rev. Dennis J. Hampton. 

Pastor Hampton is a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League and serves on the Executive Committee as Chair of the Building & Facilities Committee.

Pastor Hampton is Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Claremore, OK. He is married to Barbara P. Hampton. 

The mission of the Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League is to empower low to moderate income Tulsans, with particular focus on African Americans, to achieve self-sufficiency.

10. DEAR GEORGE ZIMMERMAN, SINCERELY TRAYVON MARTIN:

*Written by Erica Elizabeth Evans, © 2013
(Originated after the Zimmerman verdict was read)

We lose, we lose
When do we win?
Why do we have to witness injustice once again?
Why couldn’t I just walk back while talking to my friend?
Without every move being under suspicion?
Why couldn’t I just go get some candy and a tea?
Without some stranger having ill thoughts about me
Why couldn’t I just live? Didn’t I have that right?
If I felt in danger, couldn’t I put up a fight?
What was wrong with me George?
What did you see?
My skittles, my tea, my skin, my hoodie.
Were you really afraid?
Then why did you follow me?
Or were you really outraged at just another punk you see?
The sad thing is that you didn’t even know me.
But you thought you did
You claimed me to be a thug
But I was just an average kid
Trying to accomplish things in life
That my mommy and daddy did
I didn’t want any problems
Just wanted to make it home
So just go back to your car sir
Please leave me alone
My brother’s waiting on me; your wife’s probably waiting too
What was suspicious about me
That was not suspicious about you
You called me an a-hole
But I was just an average high school student
Yeah I got in trouble in school
But tell me what teenage boy wouldn’t
Yes I made some mistakes
But that’s what being a child is all about
So I can grow up and understand
What life is really about
Mr. Zimmerman you took my life from me
What about my prom and graduation?
What about my football team and dreams of getting a college education?
You said it was all God’s plan for you to take my life
Is that true?
Then why when I made it to heaven
He said the total opposite of you
I’m asking a lot of questions
Trust me I know
But one more thing
Why when the police told you not to follow
You continued to do so?
You didn’t want me to get away?
Because according to you “we always do”.
But who is we?
Because last time I checked
I had the same rights as you
One more thing Mr. Zimmerman
Tell my parents that I met a new friend
And tell them he says their pain and heartache
His parents can understand
And tell them he said he will take good care of me
And God said he’ll make sure he will
He said my parents might know him
By the name of Emmett Till.

*Erica E. Evans is a sophomore in college majoring in Communications and a starter on the schools women’s basketball team. She is an active young adult member of Bethel AME Church of Fontana, where the Rev. Francine A. Brookins serves as pastor.  Erica has a passion for writing poetry, spoken word, and competing in sports.  She maintains an unshakeable faith in God.

**Submitted by the Rev. Francine Brookins, J.D., M.Div., pastor of Bethel AME Church of Fontana in Fontana, California

11. CHURCH LOOKS AT FARMING AS A STEP TOWARDS IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNITIES:

The Rev. Anthony R. Young

After months of prayers, planning, reading farming manuals and getting advice from locals and farmers, the Rev. Anthony R. Young, pastor of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Dickerson, Maryland, stepped out on faith and transformed a piece of his church land into a new community farm.

Starting a farm might not seem the obvious choice for a church, let alone one comprised of city folks and suburbanites.  What in the world was I thinking?  The Bible teaches us to be good stewards over that which has been given (Matthew 25:14-30).  So, I prayed for a new vision for the future of St. Paul AME Church.  We examined our core spiritual values and visualized the best way to serve a hurting world. 

Our new vision focuses on three areas: first, we must grow spiritually, second, we should nurture a healthy community, and third, to serve with humility that cherishes God’s gifts and His creations.  So we made some changes.  We created term limits for positions – officers shouldn’t serve longer than two terms consecutively.  This allows for new and creative ideas and opportunities for newer and younger members to become active.  This way, members will begin to take ownership of their church.

So, where does farming come in?  Farming our land will help us grow – quite literally – in each of these areas.

“There’s nothing more humbling than being a farmer – you know you are not in charge; it’s truly biblical,” said Sister Daphne Weeden, a volunteer who helps with planting and maintenance.

What better way to grow closer to God and others than by working the land together to produce good, organic food for our church members and neighbors in need?  We hope that by farming sustainably, we can eventually reduce our environmental footprint and provide healthy food for the hungry. Located on the outskirts of Washington, DC, St. Paul’s Community Farm Project is surrounded by acres of unspoiled meadows and woodlands nestled by the undisturbed Monocacy River.  This experience will educate people about sustainability projects and the benefits of local food production.

Pastor Young believes the growing movement comes at a pivotal time in our nation’s fragile economic state.  As a committed Christian who sees God’s beauty and goodness, the natural things of this world shouldn’t be taken for granted.  It doesn’t cost much to put seeds in the ground, just hard work.  That said, the cost is low, but the harvest can be bountiful.

Americans have gone through a lot of changes in the past few years.  Many are still looking for a friendly sign of encouragement in the midst of personal trials and worldwide turmoil.  We as people of faith play an important role in finding solutions for those struggling.  My prayer is that the new church farm movement will transform hearts, silence negativity, and bring us all closer together to care for our communities and the neediest among us.

Interested in sowing a seed into this ministry go to: www.saintpaulamec.org   

12. NOTED HUMANITARIAN HELENE BROOKINS PASSES AT 86:

*Written by Cora Jackson-Fossett

Helene Winona Brookins

Leader, visionary and humanitarian aptly describe the ministry of service rendered by Helene Winona Brookins throughout her earthly existence.  Her assistance to others came to a close on July 16 when she passed away in Las Vegas, NV.

A retired Episcopal Supervisor in the A.M.E. Church and former wife of Bishop H. Hartford Brookins, Helene’s life was distinctly marked by dedicated spirituality and ongoing charitable work.

“Helene was passionate about helping people. That was her major thing. She often put her own welfare aside in consideration for others,” said retired Supervisor Ernestine Henning, a long-time friend.

Retired Supervisor Vivienne Anderson noted, “Helene deserves her crown in glory.”

A celebration of life will be held at First A.M.E. Church on Saturday, August 3, at 11 a.m., 2270 South Harvard Boulevard in Los Angeles. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland will preside and the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd is the host pastor.
Helene’s long life began on April 27, 1927 in Sterling, KS, where she was born to Charles and Juanita Bland Howard. Accepting Christ at an early age, she moved with her family to Pasadena in 1940. After high school, Helene attended Pasadena College and soon developed a love for art, fashion, and interior design.

“She could often be heard saying, ‘Now, that’s sharp!’ when something caught her eye,” recalled her granddaughter, Marina Brookins.

While visiting a church in Topeka, KS, Helene met her future husband, H.H. Brookins. They soon married and became the parents of Steven Hartford Brookins in 1956.

Helene smoothly balanced motherhood with her duties as first lady at Brown Chapel A.M.E. in Topeka, KS; St. Luke A.M.E. in Lawrence, KS; and St. Paul A.M.E. in Wichita, KS, where she worked hard with her husband to erect a new edifice that still stands today.

A new phase of life began for Helene when the family moved to Los Angeles, said her son, Steven.  “During her time, from 1959 to 1973, the membership of First A.M.E. grew and reached achievements that have enriched lives and souls across the city and nation.

“Again, she was by my father’s side when the congregation moved from the historic location at 8th and Towne to the present-day edifice in the West Adams District.”

God’s next assignment for Helene was as Episcopal Supervisor in the 17th Episcopal District in Southern Africa where she joined human rights and humanitarian efforts during Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.

“Her time spent living in Southern Africa was the highlight of her life.  She was dedicated to the people and they absolutely loved her.  They continue to ask about her to this day even though she served there from 1976 to 1980,” shared Supervisor Henning.

During her tenure, Helene could be seen farming and collecting food, clothing and medical supplies to support the local churches and freedom fighters.

“Africa, she said, brought her personal and spiritual happiness and was forever the motivation behind her life’s work with children and the socially disadvantaged,” remembered Steven.

Returning to Los Angeles in 1980, Helene served as Episcopal Supervisor of the Fifth Episcopal District and led the efforts of the Women’s Missionary Society.  In addition, she was active in the Lullaby Guild, joining in 1964 and serving as president from 1983 to 1985.

“She believed in the Lullaby Guild’s mission of supporting the Children’s Home Society of California.  She enjoyed supporting affairs like the Ebony Fashion Fair that was sponsored in Los Angeles by the Lullaby Guild,” said Steven, who added that Helene was featured in Jet magazine presenting a check from the fundraiser to the Children’s Home Society of California.

Her other affiliations included the Top Ladies of Distinction, Los Angeles Community Service and the Youth Intervention Program where she served 10 years as a social worker.

Helene’s philanthropy led to honors by the National Council of Negro Women, Richard Allen Foundation and Lorre Entertainment Incorporated. On July 12, 2003, Los Angeles Mayor James Hahn and the City Council proclaimed ‘Helene Brookins Day’ in recognition of her life of community service.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Howard; mother, Juanita Bland Howard; dear sister; Billie Howard; and former husband, Bishop H. Hartford Brookins.

Rejoicing in her wonderful life and legacy are son, Steven H. Brookins; granddaughter, Marina Brookins; sisters, Pollyanna Moore and Charlotte Smith; brother, Jim Howard; nephews, Kevin Brookins, Jeffrey Brookins, Kenneth Dunbar and Christopher Dunbar; along with a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins and many beloved friends.


*Cora Jackson-Fossett is the Sentinel Religion Editor cora@lasentinel.net

13. GETTING RID OF THE FOOD DESERTS IN THE URBAN CORE:

*The Reverend Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme

Almost on a daily basis, if not weekly, we hear of the devastation of our loved ones, neighbors, coworkers and church members who are suffering from some type of health issue or have fallen to death because of the health conditions caused by the lack of proper nutritious choices of food and/or unhealthy habits.  There is much discussion these days centered-on the lack of grocery food store chains in the urban core.  Due to the lack of presence of grocery stores people without proper transportation, lack of financial resources and lack of food education is causing people especially African Americans to suffer sicknesses and diseases that can sometimes be avoided. 
Some cities, counties and states are taking an active role in eliminating the ‘food deserts’ in the urban core and creating food oasis for urbanites to purchase and plan meals that have a nutritious value when consumed.  With today’s lifestyles of time constraints grabbing quick fixed meals is more attractive than taking time to properly prepare meals that are full of sodium and other unhealthy ingredients. These lifestyles are making the health industry richer and the citizens poorer in having to spend money on prescription drugs and medical treatments to correct bodily health conditions that may or may not ever be altered or repaired.

I must admit I am guilty at times when preparing food the quick way is easier than planning for a balanced nutritious meal. In today’s society, some businesses are engaging in practices to reduce spending and increase profits, and with that being said, these business decisions may be causing consumers to suffer physically due to the business decisions of the company.   For example, certain injection of hormones in farm animals and application of chemicals to plants and fruits are being consumed by humans may be causing an increase of poor medical conditions of the consumers.  We are encouraged to read the labels before making purchases; but who has time for that. We must take time, and educate ourselves with food terminology that may be misconstrued.

As we move forward in healthier lifestyles in food consumption, let us as the community of faith be at the forefront in helping community organizations lead the way to push for quality food store chains in the urban core. The Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council in Kansas City, Missouri, did not give up the struggle of nine years to have a grocery store built in the urban core.
According to the City Councilman Jermaine Reed of the 3rd District of Kansas City, Missouri, Mrs. Margaret May, the Executive Director and members of Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council did not give up in seeing that the Aldi’s food store was built in the urban core. He also stated 22 properties were acquired to see this project through. Therefore, the groundbreaking ceremony took place at 39th & Prospect Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri on July 30, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. The date of completion is scheduled for December 2013.

I applaud the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council’s Board members and residents, present and former city officials, community leaders and others who played an important role in seeing this project become reality. 

*The Rev. Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme is the Advisory Chair of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council of Kansas City, Missouri and pastor of Cain Grant AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri

14. FORCED FROM THE PULPIT BY ILLNESS, PASTOR HAS WRITING, DRAMA MINISTRY:

Chante Dionne Warren

The Reverend Doctor Lance Brown writes, produces and directs theatrical plays that he hopes will minister to audiences’ souls while generating funding for various church ministries. Through the Public Awareness Theatre ministry he founded in 1984, he has developed six plays that his team of traveling actors has presented in 39 states, he said. The ministry functions out of Baton Rouge, but the cast and director are based in Atlanta.

“Due to a serious illness in 1997, I was blessed to receive a disability leave from the United Methodist Church,” Brown said. “Per doctor’s recommendation, I have been unable to return to the pulpit. However, the Lord reinvented me to be used in a different phase of ministry. God developed my gift of creative writing, which has turned into a strong theatrical ministry.”

In his newest production, CIRCLE OF LOVE, the play’s couples find themselves at odds over issues, including hairstyles and tattoos, issues they ultimately work through. “The play is life from the beginning to the end and shows how they lose God in all of this,” Brown said.

The Reverend Herman Kelly, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge invited Brown to stage the play and fundraiser in the old south Baton Rouge community because he thought it might make an impact on audiences. “The play is on how God comes into your life and changes your life,” Kelly said.

Brown said the profits generated from each of his plays are used to support and enhance various church ministries. “We are touching people’s lives and hearts,” Brown said. “We avail ourselves to churches that have a true need, and when we were approached by Bethel AME, I gladly accepted.”

Dr. Brown will continue to travel throughout the country and Louisiana this year staging his other productions which are One Child’s Prayer, - about an abused child; I’m Saved, - a church’s spiritual journey; The First Semester, - freshmen facing tough choices and issues at a predominately white college; Sunset High, - challenges facing middle and high school students; and Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt, - about a woman dealing with domestic violence on a college campus.

The characters of the various plays experience problems and seemingly insurmountable challenges, including domestic violence, child abuse, and relationship ills that ultimately turn them toward a relationship with God. “Audience response has been favorable,” Brown said. “It brings tears to my eyes and joy when someone comes up to [me] and says ‘Thank you, because I’m a victim of domestic abuse’” and that they are not going to take it anymore.

As an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church, Brown said he has ministered in many facets, including as a chaplain at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center [Baton Rouge] and as a pastor of several churches in Louisiana. He and his wife, the Reverend Dr. Patricia Turner-Brown, earned doctorates in ministry from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. She is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as business manager and tour director for Public Awareness Theatre. She also serves on the ministerial staff of Bethel AME Church-Baton Rouge.

“People identify ministry as a pulpit ministry. Now I’m doing my theatre ministry and I love it,” he said. “The most rewarding thing happening to me is having freedom and flexibility. It is a helping hand ministry. I can provide a quality theatre ministry and the churches don’t have to finance it.” Together, the Browns “believe that a serving ministry is one that meets the needs of God, regardless of denomination, race or creed.”

Used with permission: Excerpt from The Baton Rouge Advocate-People and Faith Section April 27, 2013
Chante Dionne Warren

15. HOW BLACK FAMILIES ARE DESTROYED, IN TWO SIMPLE CHARTS:

Race relations have noticeably deteriorated since the Trayvon Martin murder case verdict. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows that only 52% of Americans believe that things are going well between white and black people in America. It is going to be hard to get those numbers to rise unless white Americans come to the hard realization that racism still exists in America.

White people are still largely the beneficiaries of racism, whether they know it or not. As The Nation’s Mychal Denzel Smith explains, “Not every white person is a racist, but the genius of racism is that you don’t have to participate to enjoy the spoils. If you’re white, you can be completely oblivious, passively accepting the status quo, and reap the rewards.”

The racism of today is not the same kind that prevents one from drinking water from the store fountain but it exists nonetheless. While black people can work, vote, and eat where they choose they are still faced with fighting everyday biases that white people do not have to confront.

The most blatant example of racism today is the criminal justice system, including the school-to-prison cycle. This dynamic begins with the disproportionate enforcement of zero tolerance laws and the sentencing practices that result in harsher penalties given to black people than their white counterparts.

The cycle can begin as early as elementary school where black students receive harsher punitive measures (suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment) and less mild discipline than their non-minority peers. They are then sent back to the negative environments, including broken homes, foster care, and prison and juvenile detention camps that reinforce and teach negative behavior.


16. NAACP STATEMENT REGARDING WHITE HOUSE MEETING ON THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT:

(WASHINGTON DC)— The NAACP released the following statement following a meeting of civil rights leaders with President Obama, Attorney General Holder and Labor Secretary Tom Perez on the efforts to strengthen the Voting Rights Act after the decision in Shelby v. Holder. NAACP Chairman Roslyn Brock represented the NAACP the White House meeting.
From Roslyn M. Brock, NAACP Chairman of the National Board of Directors:

"The Supreme Court’s decision on the Voting Rights Act has opened the floodgates to discrimination at the ballot box and potentially set out nation back 50 years,” stated NAACP Chairman of the Board Roslyn M. Brock.  “To prevent a return to the days of Jim Crow, the NAACP is launching a series of town halls calling on Congress to immediately update the formula and restore Sec. 4 of the Voting Rights Act and for state and local elected officials to put a moratorium on changes to election laws that could disenfranchise voters.  Courage will not skip this generation and neither will the right to vote.”

“We thank the Obama Administration for again making voting rights a national priority,” continued Brock. "The NAACP will continue to work with the Administration, Congress and our allies to ensure the right to vote is protected for all Americans.”

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.

17. NAACP CONGRATULATES CHERYL BOONE ISAACS ON POSITION AS MOTION PICTURE ACADEMY CHIEF:

Isaacs will be the first African-American in 86-year history of Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science

(Baltimore, MD) – The NAACP congratulates Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who was named the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday. The Academy, which produces the annual Oscar ceremony, has not had a female president since 1983, and has never had an African-American president in its 86-year history.

“Cheryl Boone Isaacs is a wonderful selection for an organization that is seeking to expand diversity and inclusion,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “As one racial barrier is broken, we are excited to see what Ms. Isaacs will do to break down even more barriers in the industry.”

“We recognize the election of Cheryl Boone Isaacs as an historic moment in Hollywood,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP. “This appointment sends a clear message to the rest of Hollywood. We believe her selection will encourage the studios and networks to empower more women and minorities throughout the entertainment industry."

“Cheryl Boone Isaacs’ appointment is another step in the right direction for the Academy and diversity in Hollywood,” stated Robin Harrison of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau. “We congratulate her and look forward to the Academy’s work and influence under her new leadership.”

Isaacs has led a distinguished career as a marketing and publicity consultant, previously working at New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. At the Academy, she previously served as First Vice President, and has served in every other office within the organization. Her role will include selecting a host for the Oscars telecast.

In July of this year, the Academy sought to expand racial and ethnic diversity among its voting members by inviting 276 new members from various backgrounds. The Academy also hired former NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director Vicangelo Bulluck as Managing Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives, to help foster inclusion and diversity.

18. TWO WAYS TO VOTE:

By Dan Hotchkiss

We vote a lot in congregations. Sometimes we do it with our hands—and sometimes with our feet.

By “voting with our hands,” I am referring to the politics of congregational decision-making: conversation, group discernment, and consensus-seeking, in which voting may play only a small role. Boards and committees often wrangle and discuss until consensus has been wrested from the grip of an exhausted disagreement—the vote itself may be anticlimactic. At congregational meetings, voting may be the most scripted, least important thing that happens. Mood and tone may matter more, and carry a more nuanced message to the congregation’s leaders, than a formal motion.

But politics is not the only way to influence decisions in the congregation. Congregants are not just voters—we’re also customers. We vote with our feet by simply showing up or staying home, by giving or not giving money, or by participating in one program and avoiding others. Our choices about where and whether to participate exert a great effect on what a congregation does, because a congregation can thrive only if it can attract enough support. This gives the foot-voters quite a bit of influence, whether or not they have the right to vote, or choose to exercise it.

Many congregations encourage the “hand” option, either on principle or from habit. Hand voting assumes that every member has something of value to contribute and is willing to engage the group until it reaches a decision. Like every principle, democracy can become a fetish. In some congregations, “we vote on everything.” In such congregations, it sometimes appears that the main goal is to keep people happy by letting them decide everything. Except of course, that making decisions is not what most people come to church for in the first place. The constant invitation to discuss and vote repels more people than it draws.

Other congregations favor the “feet” style of voting. They put forward a clear sense of purpose, typically articulated by the clergy leader, and let others vote entirely by foot—joining in if they are happy, walking out if they are not. These congregations can be quite energetic and efficient, if perhaps a bit more vulnerable in times of leadership transition, scandal, or uncertainty. Perhaps the biggest loss, by contrast with the “hand” approach, is that such congregations do not offer many people chances to participate in finding meaning or defining purpose. If congregants are only customers, are they becoming all they should become?

It’s easy to see why “foot” voting is unpopular, especially in congregations where political decision-making is the norm. At worst, it sounds like this: “If this church ever votes to move out of this neighborhood, I will quit!”

You can fill in the blank and substitute the outrage of your choice. Instead of “move out of this neighborhood,” you might say “call a woman minister,” “bless a gay marriage,” “set a national flag up in the chancel,” or “let non-Jewish parents read the Torah.”

When I hear this kind of threat my first reaction is to disapprove. “OK, fine,” I say to myself. “Thank you for resigning. Real members accept the will of the majority and don’t use threats to get their way.” Threatening to leave (and take your money with you) feels like a breach of covenant—a form of dirty fighting that should never be rewarded.

But like many first reactions, I’ve come to believe that this one is too simple.

Whether we say so or not, each of us has a breaking point, a threshold beyond which we would leave rather than accept a decision we object to. Being honest with myself about this helps me to feel respect for others who decide to exit rather than persist at politics when it has become clear that they are always going to lose.

The exit option—voting with our “feet”—has become more important in the lives of congregations than it used to be. Even in communities where religious affiliation is a strong norm, people have more options than they once did and feel more free to exercise them. Some people under 40 still feel obligated to attend a congregation—but almost none think they have to attend yours. Increasingly in mobile, metropolitan communities, newcomers arrive in a frank, “shopping” frame of mind. For a growing number, leaving is much easier when a congregation does not please them than sticking around to try and make things better. A great many have voted with their feet to exit organized religion altogether.

For all these reasons, I have reconsidered my knee-jerk preference for “hands” over “feet.” For me, the most telling reason is that, at meetings, future members never get a chance to raise their hands. This group—who, if all goes well, will constitute a large majority of those affected—can only vote after the fact, and with their feet. So we who hold the franchise need to pay attention to those who don’t, and try to imagine their likes, dislikes, and motivations. Otherwise the most important people in the congregation—those who have not yet arrived—will be left out of the choices that could make a transforming difference in their lives. 

"Two Ways to Vote" originally appeared as the Unconventional Wisdom column in the second 2013 issue of Congregations magazine. Copyright © 2013 by the Alban Institute. All rights reserved.   


19. GETTING TO ZERO WILL EXPAND ITS REACH

The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is the writer of the weekly “Getting to Zero” column.  The column has been running for one year - and this week we observe the one year anniversary of the “Getting to Zero” column.

We are pleased to announce that we are expanding the reach of “Getting to Zero” to include other medial issues involving our community.

I would personally like to thank Dr. Fuller for her faithfulness and consistency is penning weekly articles for The Christian Recorder.  She continued to be faithful even when she transitioned to Zambia to do research on HIV/AIDS.

Last week, we published a story penned by the Rev. Velma Grant that dealt with dementia and we received a lot of comments and feedback on the article. Dementia, as well as HIV/AIDS, and other illnesses are a concern to our readers.

Dr. Oveta Fuller has developed an initiative to make “Getting to Zero” more inclusive of other medical and mental problems that need to be addresses.  She will be helping The Christian Recorder to address issues, strategies and suggested solutions to a myriad of medical problems that might affect many of us and especially the African American community. She will coordinate the weekly articles. She can be reached by email: fullerao@umich.edu

The Rev. Dr. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Seminary.

She served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, Michigan for seven years before primarily focusing on global HIV/AIDS ministry.

Currently, she serves at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 4th Episcopal District while continuing HIV/AIDS research in parts of Zambia and the USA.


20. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013 FASTING & PRAYING - EZRA 8:21-23:

Dr. Bill Dickens’ iChurch column will be in next week’s issue. He is preparing for the Lay Biennial that will meet in Atlanta.

21. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 90:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

My email messages this week included a note informing me that plans are underway for the Booker T. Washington High School (of Columbia, SC) Class of 1969 45th Class Reunion!  When I got beyond the fact that so many years had passed since my high school days, the email made me reflect on how life changes through the years.

I’m now a husband and the father of two successful adult sons.  I still have vinyl record albums accumulated in my high school days, but I now usually opt to listen to what I have on iTunes - an unheard of technology in 1969.  I drive a vehicle with power windows and door looks, power steering and brakes and other things that are now standard equipment but were automotive luxuries in 1969 - if they were available at all.  Big, black rotary dial phones were common in 1969, but I now use a “smartphone.”  Computers were room-sized devices operated with “punch” data cards in 1969, but they’re now common household items and are slowly being replaced by smaller electronic tablets like iPads.

The trappings of everyday life in 2013 are far different from their 1969 equivalents, but the God who created us and blesses us is still the same.

Remember that when you face life’s challenges, aggravation, stress and frustration.  Challenges in life are as old as time and come our way in spite of evolving technologies and new cultural trends, but when we know and trust in the Lord, then we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.  We can go to God in prayer, as people of faith have done for countless centuries, knowing that the God we serve is always vigilant, always compassionate, always faithful and always there to bless us beyond measure.

Cherish each new day that comes your way, savor and thank the Lord for each day’s blessings, and put your hope and trust in the God who transcends the passage of time and is always there to provide for, protect and make a way for us.  New days and new times may bring new uncertainties, but the words of a hymn written by Isaac Watts in 1719 are still true in 2013 - “Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame, from everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the same.”

Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of worship!

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Presiding Elder Richard T. Druid. The Rev. Druid was a retired Presiding Elder from the Atlantic City District of the New Jersey Annual Conference. 

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Saturday, August 3, 2013
Viewing - 8:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.

Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
39 Morris Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901

Telephone: 732-249-8476
Fax: 732-246-0112

The Rev. Eric and the Rev. Myra Billips, co-pastors

Eulogist: Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District

Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Ms. LaTanya Edwards
5 Hemlock Drive
Edison, NJ 08820

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Joan Callahan. She was the aunt of the Rev. Janet J. Sturdivant, Presiding Elder of the South District in the Philadelphia Annual Conference.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:

Friday, August 2, 2013
Viewing - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 12 noon

Mt. Zion Church of God of Holiness
32 Oakgrove Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14208

Telephone: 716-885-3800

Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant
155 Landing Drive
Deptford, NJ 08096

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ella Lucile Easton, the widow of the late Rev. Allen Easton Sr. of Barnesville, Georgia.  Mrs. Easton made her transition on Friday morning, July 26, 2013.  

Mrs. Easton served as the Episcopal WMS President of the Sixth Episcopal District from 1992- 2000.  She also served in the role of Macon Georgia Conference WMS and YPD Director, Griffin District WMS President and YPD Director.  After completing her duties she still remained active in the Macon Conference, Griffin District, but serving on all levels as needed. Mrs. Easton was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society. She was also active in the Minister's Spouses and Widows Alliance.

A Celebration of Life Service was held for Mrs. Easton on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Phillip AME Church in Griffin, Georgia. The Reverend Harold J. Banks was the eulogist; Reverend Anthony Dixon, pastor.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her daughter, Ms. Phyllis Easton-Barkley.

Mailing address:

Ms. Phyllis Easton-Barkley
142 Huntington Terrace
Griffin GA 30224

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Ms. Ann Collins, sister of the Rev. Clarence Robinson, retired Presiding Elder of the North District of the Chicago Annual Conference.

Arrangements for Ms. Ann Collins are as follows:

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Gatling's Chapel
10133 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60628
Telephone: (773) 881-4111
Fax: (773) 881-3925

Visitation: 10:30 a.m.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m.

Messages of Condolence may be sent to:

The Rev. Clarence Robinson
521 Appian Way
Matteson, IL  60443

26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District sorrowfully announces that The Reverend Brenda Jackson went from labor to reward on Monday, July 22, 2013. The Rev. Jackson served on the ministerial staff at St. John AME Church-Aurora, Illinois where the Rev. Jesse Hawkins is the pastor. The Rev Jackson was also a certified chaplain, and a Vice-President at Advocate Trinity Hospital where she oversaw activities in the hospital's Office for Mission and Spiritual Care.

The information for the Celebration of Life for the Rev. Brenda Jackson is as follows:

Visitation: Monday, July 29, 2013, 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

A. R. Leak Funeral Home

18400 S. Pulaski, Country Club Hills IL

Family Hour: Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., St. John AME Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL

The funeral service was held at St. John AME Church in Aurora Illinois.

Messages of condolence may be sent to St. John AME Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL, 60502.

27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We saddened to announce that the Reverend Lucille Lewis Jackson went from labor to reward on July 23, 2013.

The Homegoing Service for the Rev. Lucille Lewis Jackson was held at J. W. James AME Church in Maywood, Illinois on Monday, July 29, 2013. The Rev. Garry S Mitchell Sr. is the pastor.

Messages of Condolence may be sent:


28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. James Hill Nelson, retired Itinerant Elder in the AME Church and member of Lee Chapel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee where the Rev. Edward L. Thompson is the pastor.

Services for the Rev. James Hill Nelson:

Friday, August 2, 2013
Public Viewing: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Johnson House of Atena Funeral Home
1107 Buchanan Street
Nashville, TN 37208

Telephone: (615) 254-3472
1107 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN


Saturday, August 3, 2013
Family Visitation: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon       
Funeral Service: 12 Noon       
Lee Chapel AME Church
1732 Scovel Street
Nashville, TN 37208

Telephone: (615) 320-0260

Interment: Hills of Calvary Cemetery

29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District sorrowfully announces that The Reverend Brenda Jackson went from labor to reward on Monday, July 22, 2013. Rev. Jackson served on the ministerial staff at St. John AME Church-Aurora, IL, where The Rev. Jesse Hawkins is the pastor. Rev Jackson was also a certified chaplain, and a Vice President at Advocate Trinity Hospital where she oversaw activities in the hospital's Office for Mission and Spiritual Care. The information for The Celebration of Life for The Rev. Brenda Jackson is as follows:

Visitation: Monday, July 29, 2013, 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., A. R. Leak Funeral Home, 18400 S. Pulaski, Country Club Hills IL

Family Hour: Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., St. John AME Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL

Service: Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 7 p.m. until 8 p.m., St. John AME Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL

Messages of condolence may be sent to:

St. John AME Church
2950 Bilter Road,
Aurora IL, 60502

30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District sorrowfully announces that J. W. James AME Church Founder, the Rev. Lucille Lewis Jackson went from labor to reward on July 23, 2013.

Celebration of the “Life of Service of Founder,” the Rev. Lucille Lewis Jackson:

Sunday, July 28, 2013
Lying In State:  2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Celebration of Life: 5:00 PM
J. W. James AME Church
907 S 6th Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153

Telephone: (708) 681-2797
Fax: (708) 681-0068

The Rev. Garry S Mitchell Sr., Pastor

Monday, July 29, 2013
Pre-Past: 9:00 AM
Home Going Service: 10:30 AM
J. W. James AME Church
907 S 6th Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 681-2797

Interment immediately following the funeral

31. CONNECTIONAL LAY FAMILY SERVICE ARRANGEMENT UPDATE:

Beverly Rosida Thomas, the sister of Brother John Thomas III, CLO-Young Adult Representative

Thomas, Beverly Rosida. Departed this life on July 29, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Survived by mother, Susie W. Thomas; sister, D. Johniene Thomas; brother, John Thomas III; step-mother, Harriett G. Thomas; play-sister, Wanda Faye Jordan; God-child, Brittany Taylor; special friend, Melvin Brown; other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 6-8 pm at St. Anselm's Episcopal Church, 2008 Meharry Blvd, the Rev. Cynthia Seifert, Vicor.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Action for Animals, 2100 Liberty Hill Rd, Alexandria, TN 37012 or Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St, Nashville, TN 37203. Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors, 2500 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN  37208; Telephone: 615.255-2371.

32. CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751




33.  CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; 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.


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