The Right Rev. 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
1. TCR
EDITORIAL: EDITOR ATTENDING “DELIVERANCE
2013 – BREAKING THE YOKES THAT BIND US”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of
The Christian Recorder
Editor Calvin H. Sydnor III
along with his wife, the Rev. Dr. Charlotte Blake Sydnor will be attending the
2nd Episcopal District sponsored Conference – “Deliverance 2013 – Breaking the
Yokes that Bind Us.” They will lead
a special session for ministers and ministers' spouses.
The Episcopal Team of Bishop
William and Dr. Pam DeVeaux are excited about “Deliverance 2013: Breaking the
Yokes that Bind Us!” They exclaimed, “Under the umbrella of the Second
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Deliverance 2013
promises to be a powerful convening of men, women, and teens, from across the
District, as well as from other denominations, for an outpouring of God’s
Spirit; a manifestation of God’s presence; and a demonstration of signs,
wonders and miracles.”
Deliverance 2013 is the
vision of Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor for the 2nd
District. Dr. Pam has birthed numerous Deliverance Conferences and she
believes, “This one promises to be the best yet.”
The 3-day conference includes
components focusing on Spirituality, Health and Wellness, Education and
Finances. It provides a platform for both liberation and empowerment. There
will be opportunities for personal reflection and information sharing.
And, we have not forgotten
our t. Separate sessions, specifically designed by and teens and older youth
will be held on Saturday.
“Deliverance 2013 – Breaking the Yokes that Bind Us” is being held
at Reid Temple AME Church North Campus, 12101 Tech Road in Silver Spring,
Maryland.
Worship Services are scheduled each day
Thursday, October 10, 2013 at
7:00 p.m. Evangelist Dr. Susie C. Owens will be the preacher
Friday, October 11, 2013 at
8:00 a.m. the Rev. Sheleta Fomby will the preacher
The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A.
Wright, Jr. will be the preacher at 12 Noon.
On Friday, the Rev. Dr.
Grainger Browning, Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Jo Ann Browning will be preachers at
the 7 p.m. worship service.
On Saturday, the Rev. Dr.
Frank Madison Reid III, Senior Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baltimore and
First Lady Marlaa' M. Reid will be the speakers for the Saturday morning
(October 12) 8 a.m. Prayer Breakfast that will be held at the Reid Temple Glenn
Dale Campus location.
Additional information may be
accessed at the www.deliverance2013.org
Website.
Bishop William P. DeVeaux is
the Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District and Dr. Pam
DeVeaux is the Episcopal Supervisor.
The Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton
is the Conference Convener and the Rev. Dr. Lee P. Washington is the Host
Pastor.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL
AND OTHER ISSUES:
--To the Editor:
RE: TCR Editorial: Reminders Can Be Useful
Training Tools, Part 2
Greetings,
Dr. Sydnor,
I
share many of those quirks which you mentioned, and I want to thank you very
much for addressing them:
-
The Apostles’ Creed, which, incidentally, I’ve seen printed on bulletins as
“Apostle’s Creed,” should more correctly be listed as “Apostles’ Creed.” The Church is indeed catholic and apostolic
and it is a shame that over time we have dissolved the terms to make them more
palatable. When I went through Confirmation training as a teen in the ECUSA,
and we dissected the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, I learned then the meanings
and relevance of both words.
-
ReverendS: I cringe even to type it!
-
Memorization: HUGE one for me. There is a member of Kairos, 98 years old, who
recited a poem of eight lengthy verses a few Sundays ago, with the paper behind
her back just in the event she forgot the order of the verses. She learned the
poem circa 1934. Dr. Richard Lewis was among the awed congregants.
These
three stood out for me and I thought I would joyfully share my thanks for such
a relevant article. Please receive these
as informal comments!
Peace,
Carlene
L. Douglas
3. YOUNGEST AFRICAN AMERICAN EAGLE SCOUT IN THE UNITED
STATES:
On June 15, 2013, James
Hightower III, 12 years old became the youngest African American to earn the
rank of Eagle Scout in the United States. Eagle Scouts must earn 21, of which
12 are required, of the 126 merit badges available. James has earned 51 merit badges and plans to
earn more. One must also show leadership
and complete a service project and live the Scout Oath and Law in daily life.
Not every boy who joins a Boy
Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 5% of all Boy Scouts do so
(even fewer among the African American Scouts). This represents more than 2
million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since 1912.
Although James reached his
goal of becoming the Youngest African American Eagle Scout in the United
States, it wasn’t without overcoming adversities.
James Hightower, III began
his journey to become an Eagle Scout by first earning his Bobcat badge on
January 31, 2010 as a Cub Scout with Pack 445 at St. Mark AME Church. He became
interested in scouting after attending two Eagle Court of Honor Ceremonies for
his cousins Lamont M. Williams and Montrell E. Williams. By James having the
opportunity to watch his two cousins whom he looked up to, achieve such a great
honor; he wanted to follow in their footsteps and join the scouting trail to
earn the highest rank in scouting. After James earned his Bobcat badge he began
to advance through the program at a rapid rate. He quickly earned the Cub
Scout’s highest honor, the Arrow of Light award on February 16, 2011 as a
Webelo Scout.
In March of 2011, James was
promoted into Boy Scout Troop 445 chartered by St. Mark AME Church in
Milwaukee. He kept the spark that he had as a Webelo Scout and immediately
began earning merit badges. James knew that his long term goal was to become an
Eagle Scout; however, he decided to set a goal for himself to become the
youngest African American Eagle Scout in the United States of America.
James held many positions in
the troop including Patrol Leader, Senior Patrol Leader at Camp Lefeber
Northwoods, Quartermaster, Den Chief and Order of the Arrow Representative. He
also assisted his mother and father with teaching merit badge classes.
The Eagle Scout service
project of James Hightower III consisted of rebuilding six bleachers at the
three baseball fields of Kletzsch Park. James Hightower III was responsible for
securing the funds needed to carry out the project, recruiting volunteers to
assist him with rebuilding the bleachers and ensuring that the project stayed on
task and within the budget. A total of 1,103 hours were spent on the project
from beginning to end. Masterlock
Corporation found out about James a made a sizable donation to the service
project to purchase needed supplies.
Not every boy who joins a Boy
Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 5% of all Boy Scouts do so (even fewer among the
African American Scouts). This represents more than 2 million Boy Scouts who
have earned the rank since 1912. James is looking forward to the next phase in his
scouting career while helping his fellow scouts achieve their personal goals in
scouting.
Eagle Scout James Hightower
III will be honored at a special Court of Honor Ceremony that will be held on
October 12, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. The ceremony will take place at St. Mark AME
Church, 1616 West Atkinson Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
James is a 7th
grader at Glen Hills Middle School in Glendale, WI. He is the son of proud parents James
Hightower, Jr. and Lucretia Hightower both are Boy Scout leaders. He plays the
bugle and has done Taps to honor Veterans this past Memorial Day. James is also a Green Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
4. THE 2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PRESIDING
PRELATE'S LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE WASHINGTON POST:
The Washington Post October
1, 2013
Letter to the Editor
Congress’s duplicitous denial
of health care coverage
“It Is Well With My Soul” is
my favorite hymn because its underlying message is that God has our lives
completely in His control — even when it does not feel that way. Such is the
case with the Affordable Care Act.
It certainly is not well with
my country as House Speaker John Boehner and members of Congress have
vehemently opposed, voted against and vilified this measure, which seeks only
to ensure that illness not be a death sentence or result in a life of
never-ending debt. Such opponents have even despairingly dubbed it Obamacare.
Yet these same members of
Congress themselves enjoy health coverage, including dental insurance, eye care
and fitness facilities within their office buildings. Why would Congress be so
duplicitous as to deny to its constituents a modicum of what its members
receive?
Members of my faith believe
in what Jesus Christ called the Second Commandment: You shall love your
neighbor as yourself. This divine law simply means that we should treat others
as we wish to be treated. Obamacare is a valiant effort to do just that.
William Phillips DeVeaux,
Washington
The writer is the Presiding
Bishop of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church
5. 149TH
SESSION CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE SPECIAL RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE AFFORDABLE
HEALTH CARE ACT:
Whereas, President Barack H. Obama, is the President of the
United States, elected for two consecutive terms, by popular vote and electoral
college vote by the citizens of the United States of America, and;
Whereas, in the first term of his presidency the Affordable
Health Care Act was passed by Congress, signed into law by President Obama, and
affirmed by the United States Supreme Court.
Affordable Health Care, which for decades was long sought for in this
nation, and;
Whereas, President Barack H. Obama, is serving and leading
our Republic, to live up to the magnificent words of the Constitution and the
Declaration of Independence, that all citizens are guaranteed the unalienable
rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; and who furthermore
leads this nation as a defender of its Constitution. We firmly hold that the Affordable Health
Care Act, is not only a legitimate portion of federal legislation, but a
natural outgrowth of the aforementioned guaranteed unalienable rights as well, and;
Whereas, we are firmly aware that partisan politics are a
natural element of our government, yet this time is different. What is at work in this government shutdown
forced by a detestable radical minority group of the Republican Party, known as
the Tea Party, is nothing less than racism, which seeks to undermine the
principles upon which our democracy is based; majority rule, and the proper
redress of any decision made by government and political process, through the
Court Systems of America. President
Obama must not give in to this hostage taking of the rights of the American
people; not just because the Affordable Health Care Act is at stake, but
because the future of how we govern ourselves is also at stake, and;
Whereas, we are keenly aware that what has gone completely unnoticed
for centuries under prior Presidential Administrations, and held as proper and
acceptable management of a President, has now come under heavy scrutiny with
this particular President, and the same night upon his first inaugural
celebration, duly elected congress persons and senators, and their staff,
gathered together and decided upon one goal: Hinder the newly elected president
on every level from having a successful administration for America, and;
Whereas, we know at its core the ugliness heaped upon this
administration by the Tea Party, some Republicans, political pundits, is
nothing more than the fruit of a racist root.
Their actions have historically brought and currently deliver this
democracy into dangerous peril, though they may claim it is an ideological
fight, we know racism, when we see it.
Their actions have brought perilous hindrances in development in the
market place, development in education, development in employment, development
in immigration, development in stemming the tide of Gun Violence in America,
and the development in so many other critical issues in our nation and indeed
in this world. Most of all development
in the unique diversity that is the melting pot reality in this country has
been adversely affected, slowing our progress toward attaining the Beloved
Community in our lifetime, and;
Whereas, our support is not to be mistaken by any political
party, philosophy, or persuasion, as a resolution of monolithic or carte
blanche approval for all policies of the President simply because he is African
American and we are a church predominately comprised of African Americans. No we detest the deplorable attacks upon him,
without precedent, by the Tea Party, Republican congress members, and even
private citizens who have failed to honor the unique tradition of this Republic
of majority rule, and these divisive agents now hold America hostage, just to
prevent the implementation of the Affordable Health Care Act, raising the debt
ceiling, and more essentially, seek to blemish and halt the tenure of President
Barack H. Obama, and;
Whereas, we must say unto all who are trapped and suffering
under this vicious destructive activity by those who have been elected to
govern but now claim that they are taking back America and/or restoring
America, hold on justice is coming! The
Apostle Paul encourages us, “in due season we shall reap, if we faint
not!” Further we say to all those
victimized and suffering, these words of Hope in the midst of such Hostility,
by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “I
know you are asking today, “How long will it take?” I come to say to you this afternoon however
difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour, it will not be long,
because truth pressed to the earth will rise again. How long? Not long, because no lie can live
forever! How long? Not long, because you
still reap what you sow! How long? Not
long. Because the arm of the moral
universe is long but it bends toward justice!”
Therefore
Be It Resolved; that the 149th
Session of the California Annual Conference, led by one of the Princes of
America, a Prophet in the Heritage of the Biblical Classical Prophets, one who
knows that unearned suffering is redemptive, who has stood with the
disadvantaged, cried with the broken and oppressed, advocated for the voiceless
and vote-less, our leaders, the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland and Mrs.
Mary L. Kirkland, rise in solidarity with President Barack H. Obama, and all
who strive to make America what it ought to be in keeping its promises to all its
citizens, as grounded in the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and our
Faith of Liberation and Justice!!!
Prophetically Submitted:
Presiding
Elder Booker T. Guyton, Presiding Elder W. Bartalette Finney, the Rev. Dr.
Leslie R. White, the Rev. E. Teresa Nelson, the Rev. Cecil Williams, the Rev.
Freda Cash, and Delegates from St. Andrews Sacramento and St. James San Jose.
6. THE AME MOVEMENT: AFRICAN METHODISM IN
SOUTH CAROLINA:
The A.M.E. Story in South
Carolina is a true legacy of social activism in this country. It is our legacy, and we need to insure that
the story is told, that our fore bearers' commitment is celebrated, and that we
don't drop the baton of making a difference in the lives of the poor,
oppressed, disenfranchised, and voiceless. There is a message to us in 2013. There is a call to action for us in
2013. Please see below for more
information.
Sistah "Jackie"
Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker,
Director
Social Action Commission
AME Church
7. MONROVIA, LIBERIA-THE EMPOWERMENT TEMPLE AME CHURCH
CELEBRATES 12TH ANNIVERSARY:
On September 11, 2001, twenty
persons were gathered around a table making plans for the establishment of
Empowerment Temple AME Church in Monrovia, Liberia. They pondered on the "new thing"
that God was about to unveil as the tele phones began to ring with the shocking
news of the crashing of the planes into the World Trade Center.
The first reaction was
disbelief, which swiftly turned into panic as several persons tried to contact relatives
living in the United States. Somehow, they reached a television and watched the
unbelievable scene unfolding. They began to pray for God to intervene and to
comfort the families of killed and injured persons.
Empowerment Temple celebrated
12 years of ministry on September 30, 2013. We looked back and remembered that
day with mixed emotions and we gave thanks.
This year’s anniversary theme
was “Empowerment at 12: Our Season of
Supernatural Surplus.”
The 12th
Anniversary began with the consecration of five prayer stations where members
offered intercessions daily.
Revival Services were
conducted from September 25 - 27 with the Rev. Emmanuel Wobil, the Conference
Evangelist of the Ghana Annual Conference.
From the moment the Rev.
Wobil landed in Monrovia, we could sense that a mighty move of the Holy Spirit
was about to take place! Each evening he admonished Empowerment Temple that
before supernatural surplus is attained, the church must be prepared to go
through supernatural pain, experience supernatural grace and obtain
supernatural power.
On Saturday, September 28th,
Empowerment Temple hosted the Formal Launch of Cooper for Bishop 2016, a
wonderful occasion bringing together hundreds of Liberians and non-Liberians,
spearheaded by the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, H.E. Joseph N.
Boakai.
On Sunday morning at 10:30
am, the people of God gathered for the Thanksgiving Worship Service followed by
the Anniversary Gospel Concert. Pastor/Founder the Rev. Dr. Katurah York Cooper preached on the
theme: “Walking into Your Season.” Dr.
Cooper reminded the members that this church, birthed during the devastating
civil war of Liberia, has successfully navigated twelve years of challenges.
Now is the time to walk into a season celebrating the vision that is being
fully accomplished by the grace of God.
Empowerment Temple members
were asked to share the twelve things they most celebrate about their church.
Their responses included: The Spirit-filled worship experience, the large
number of young people in the church, the commitment of the ministerial staff,
the freedom to be authentic, the pursuit of excellence in ministry, the Music
Ministry, the focus on prayer, and the beautiful edifice, the emphasis on
empowering young people, the church’s accessibility to the surrounding
community, our pastor, and the feeling of home and family.
The Rev. Dr. Katurah York
Cooper is the pastor/founder of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Monrovia and
Dean of the Bryant Theological Seminary
8. THE 8TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT AME WIM -
INAUGURAL MOODY CHERRY BOYD LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET:
The 8th Episcopal District
AME Women in Ministry (WIM) are organizing and planning their inaugural Legacy
Scholarship Banquet and Legacy Journal in honor of Women in Ministry from
Louisiana and Mississippi. The journal
will be a documentary of “our story” highlighting the unique experiences in
ministry and reflecting upon the women’s historical and significant journeys
across two states. The banquet will be on December 7, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the
Hilton Shreveport. Our Presiding Bishop,
the Rt. Reverend Julius H. McAllister, Sr.; Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Joan
M. McAllister, Host Presiding Elder, the Rev. Michele R. Goodloe,
Shreveport-Monroe District; Host Pastor, Reverend Dr. Glenell Lee Pruitt, St
Matthew AMEC, Shreveport; Episcopal
President, the Rev. Dr. Leoda Topps, Host Conference Coordinator, the Reverend
Kecia Lewis and the Host Local Coordinator, the Reverend Betty Scott sent an
invitation to everyone.
We have (4) conferences and
each conference's winners were nominated to the Episcopal District level. The Episcopal District winners will be
announced at the banquet.
The categories are as follow:
The Moody "Humanitarian" Award - Established in recognition of Reverend Mary Moody
trailblazing career for outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes. This
award will be awarded to individual who has saved, improved or enriched the
lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice,
selfless service, hands on, charitable, volunteer work, or other acts services
and accomplishments that are consistent with the goals of the African Methodism
and Women in Ministry.
The Cherry "Leadership" Award ~ Established in recognition of Reverend Josie Cherry
trailblazing career for outstanding contributions through leadership. The
recipient of this award has devoted their time and effort in servant leadership
and exhibited integrity, collaboration, and intellectual, emotional, and social
growth through church, military, and/or community involvement that are
consistent with the goals of the African Methodism and Women in Ministry.
The Boyd "Preacher of the Year" Award ~ Established in recognition of Presiding Elder
Barbara Precious Boyd's trailblazing career for outstanding contributions
through preaching. The recipient of this award is an outstanding preacher who
has demonstrated in her preaching style that a prophetic voice is central to
the sermon by exhibiting exceptional knowledge of God's Word, possessing
superior skill and giftedness, and aspire to a ministry that emphasizes the
preached Word that are consistent with the goals of the African Methodism and
Women in Ministry.
Chaplain Ammie Davis
Legacy Journal, Chair
The Reverend Richelle Castine
Legacy Banquet Program, Chair
8th Episcopal District AME
WIM, First Vice President
The Moody Cherry Boyd Legacy
Scholarship Banquet is scheduled for December 7, 2013 at the Hilton
Shreveport. The Hotel group rate is $115
and the code is MCB.
Reservation may be made by telephone:
1-800-HILTONS
Attendees must mention the
group code “MCB” in order to receive the discounted group rate.
Reservations may be made
online at www.shreveport.hilton.com.
All reservations must be made
by November 15, 2013, in order to receive the discounted group rate. The hotel will continue to accept
reservations from guests after that date; however, rooms will be at the
prevailing rate and subject to availability.
9. GETTING TO ZERO: A REALITY OF HIV/AIDS:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
It is not easy to walk in
another person’s shoes. It is not easy to understand what it is like to have a
chronic, potentially fatal disease such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension or
HIV/AIDS, to name a few. I was reminded of this by a recent gathering of women
to talk about HIV/AIDS and learn more about its prevention and impacts.
Over half the 20 or so women
present were Community Health Workers (CHW). Around the globe, CHWs link the
local medical clinic and homes of individuals who are not well enough to work or
to care for themselves or their families. CHWs are trained to care for persons
who are sick. They bring medications and government provided food to a home.
They provide companionship and hope. They keep track of medical appointments,
arrange transport to medical and other services, clean houses, dress wounds,
change beds and provide encouragement in direct care for their clients.
When a person who is HIV+ has
progressed to appearance of an opportunistic infection such as tuberculosis,
malaria, pneumonia or chronic diarrhea or other recognized AIDS-related
disorders, it can be difficult to take care of self, dependent children,
parents or family. CHWs are a lifeline. CHWs do what family often cannot or
will not.
The Ministry of Health of
Zambia trains CHWs. They work together in pairs. Some pastors, clergy and
others who understand how the relatively fragile AIDS virus is transmitted
recruit persons for CHW training from within their congregations and families.
After these amazing women complete intense preparation, they work with a local
health clinic and are assigned up to 10 or more persons in their community. The
persons who need care may be recommended by the clinic. Care also may be
requested for members of the local church or requested by someone in the CHW’s
congregation for a family member.
Discussion at this women only
event included questions. How can discordant couples occur? How do discordant
couples prevent virus transmission? How does male circumcision work to reduce
HIV transmission? How can a female transfer HIV to a partner or to her child?
When should a person begin taking anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs)? What are the
criteria to start anti-retroviral therapy (ART)? Why do people typically start
treatment for opportunistic infections immediately after the positive status is
determined, but wait several weeks or months before beginning ART? Can women
who are HIV+ bear children who are free of HIV? If so, how do you know when to
conceive? Can HIV+ women nurse their babies? If so, for how many months should
the children breast feed?
The session was set up by the
pastor’s spouse. Some of the women in attendance were not CHWs, but are HIV+.
Some of the women care for family members who are infected.
One woman is the legal
guardian for her twelve year old niece. Her sister, the girl’s mother and the
husband, the girl’s father, both died of AIDS-related complications. The young
niece is HIV+. Although the auntie knows this and makes sure her niece makes
all medical appointments, the young girl has not yet been told of her HIV
status.
After the session is over and
almost everyone is gone, there are more questions. There are questions from me.
There are questions to me about HIV and AIDS that I can answer. There are
questions about how to handle this situation that I cannot answer. How do you
tell a twelve year old that since birth, or shortly after, she has inside her
body a potentially fatal virus? How do you explain that this situation is not
what it may seem to be? How do you explain that one can live an active
productive life with HIV? How do assure a young girl that presence of HIV is
NOT a death sentence? How do you explain that there is a life of hope and
possibilities, but only if she takes anti-viral medicine each day and stays
connected with medical care to monitor levels of immune cells and detectable
virus?
These are questions after the
session. I do not have the answers.
This is a reality of living
with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS can be a chronic disease. A person can live a full life
even with HIV/AIDS. Like diabetes or asthma or hypertension, with diligence
these diseases are manageable. Yes, in 2013 it can be done.
Infection with HIV is life
changing for those infected and for those who love them.
Infection with HIV of
children at birth can be prevented by providing early and regular anti-natal
(pre-natal) care. This routinely includes determining if a mother is HIV+. An
HIV+ woman who is pregnant should receive ARV therapy to reduce virus
transmission to her newborn. If HIV+ mothers remain on anti-virals, they can
nurse their babies for at least six months. This is long enough to transfer
protective maternal immunity to the infant in conditions where chance of virus
transmission is minimized. This reduction of virus transfer can occur now.
Twelve years ago, virus transfer to newborns at birth or just after was common.
How do an auntie and guardian
tell a young girl? When is the best time? Who should tell her? What will be the
response? Does the child already have some idea? How does one convey the
current hope for a long productive life that medical developments make
possible?
This is a reality of living
with HIV.
It is a reason to move
towards zero, towards no mother to child transmission, no new HIV infections of
anyone and no HIV/AIDS related deaths.
For further reading see:
Warrior Princess: Fighting for Life with Courage and Hope by Princess Kasune
Zulu with Belinda A. Collins (2009), Intervarsity Press (IVP), Madison, WI; www.intervarsity.com. (Available in
print or as an eBook from Amazon or Kindle).
*The Rev. A Oveta Fuller, PhD
is a 2012 J William Fulbright Scholar Faculty, African Studies Center Associate
Professor, Dept Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan in
Ann Arbor, Michigan. She is presently posted in Zambia.
10. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY OCTOBER 13,
2013 - A PROMISE KEPT - GENESIS 17:15-17; 189-15; 21:1-7:
*Bill Dickens, Allen AME
Church, Tacoma, Washington
Church School Lesson Brief
A popular expression in our
contemporary culture states, “My word is my bond.” What does this exactly mean? I would argue that by giving your word, one
can be assured that the promise will be kept.
This is the focus of the Adult AME Church School Lesson for October 13,
2013.
As we saw in last week’s
lesson with the calling of Abram, God made a definitive statement that Abram
and his posterity will be divinely blessed in a land “flowing with milk and
honey. Abram desired proof of this blessing
and God answered in the affirmative by manifesting Himself in a boiling pot and
torching flame.
In our lesson today God
continues God’s conversation with Abram (now renamed Abraham meaning father of
all nations) by indicating that Sarai will give birth to a child, despite the
old age of both the mother and father.
The pre-parental reaction is predictable from a biological
perspective. Abram laughed at the
statement due to his understanding of physiology that no man could procreate at
the age of 100.
When Abram received some
special guests into his house after the “unusual” birth announcement, the
gentlemen reaffirm that Sarai (whose name is now changed to Sarah meaning
queen) will give birth. Sarah also
responds with laughter implying that her child-bearing days are long gone since
she was 90 years of age. Despite the
doubt and laughter by the most important first couple since Adam and Eve, God
remains unequivocal about His promise.
What the first couple clearly
forgot was Yahweh transcends procreation, male impotence and a female’s
“biological clock.” The child Isaac is
born (whose name ironically means laughter).
God’s Word is the penultimate bond.
Irrespective of what we believe or think, if God says it that indeed
settles it. The great hymn of our faith
states it best, “I’m Standing on the
Promises of God.”
The Christian organization
focusing on ministry to men called Promise
Keepers emphasizes the importance of men being true and faithful to God,
family, community and themselves. Keeping
a promise keeps our credibility intact.
The key point is not so much what we say but what we do. This is the litmus test for any promise in
our Christian experience.
*Brother Bill Dickens is
currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in Tacoma,
Washington. He is currently a member of
the Fellowship of Church Educators for the AME Church.
11. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 37:18-26:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I'm writing this meditation
from my hotel room in Greenville, South Carolina while visiting the Piedmont
Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal district of the AME Church. I made the Monday night trip from Charleston
to Greenville so that I could wake up on "the far end" of South
Carolina for Tuesday morning’s Opening Worship service, and I followed a
routine travel practice after checking in - trying to find something to eat!
I drove a mile or so from the
hotel in each direction but saw no appealing restaurants. Rather than just returning to my hotel and opting
for room service, I decided to drive an extra mile or so farther away. When I did so and drove over a hill, I
discovered a major shopping area with plenty of restaurants, one of which ended
up being an excellent choice for a delightful evening meal. I could have easily missed it, but I found it
when I went the extra distance to see what was available over the next visible
hill.
Remember my late night quest
for a good restaurant in an unfamiliar town when you're looking for a
blessing. All of us seek the best that
life has to offer and for things that will bring us enduring joy. We all
sometimes, however, let life's visible obstacles, limits and barriers set the
terms of our search and restrict us to what's immediately visible, attainable
and accessible.
When we remember, however,
that God can take us beyond what we can see and lead us to blessings that we
never imagined, we can stand on new ground and celebrate new victories. When God leads you, you may find that elusive
and needed blessings are just “over the hill" - when you have sufficient
faith to make the journey.
Life in this world brings the
best and worst to all of us, but when we trust in the Lord, we can find
unexpected hope, joy and peace of mind waiting for those willing to go the
"extra mile" over life's hills with God leading us.
Do all than you can do to
achieve your goals and find well-being on life’s roads, but have the faith to
let God lead you every step along the way.
Do so knowing that God knows and will meet our needs and that if we walk
with The Lord, we'll understand, in a world of dead ends and detours, why one
writer said, "Nobody told me that the road would be easy, but I don't
believe He brought me this far to leave me."
Those in the Beaufort
District are reminded that our Post-Conference Convocation and Strategic
Planning Session will be held at 9:30 a.m. on this Saturday, October 12 at
Allen Chapel AME Church in Burton, South Carolina.
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
12. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- Supervisor Stan McKenzie
celebrates birthday
10th Episcopal District
Supervisor Stan McKenzie celebrated his birthday on Sunday, October 6th.
Birthday greetings and well
wishes can be emailed to: stanmckenzie44@aol.com
Or mailed to:
The Tenth Episcopal District
AME Church
4347 S. Hampton Road, Suite
245
Dallas, TX 75232
*Submitted by Supervisor Stan
McKenzie
-- Desmond Lamont Postell graduated with a Masters
Degree in Management and Human Resources
Desmond Lamont Postell, the
son of Presiding Elder and Mrs. Joseph Postell, Columbia Conference,
Newberry-Spartanburg District, graduated with a Masters Degree in Management
and Human Resources on September 29th from the University of Phoenix, Atlanta,
GA.
Congratulatory messages can
be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Mrs.
Joseph Postell
AME7 Newberry-Spartanburg
District
110 Pisgah Church Road
Columbia, SC 29203
Telephone: (803) 983-4883
Email: Josephpstll@FTC-I.net
*Submitted by Presiding Elder
Joseph Postell
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with regret that we
announce the death of Mrs. Molly H. Davis, widow of the late Reverend John Lee
Davis and the mother of the Reverend John G. Davis, pastor of White Hall AME
Church in Jenkinsville, South Carolina; the Reverend Gerene Davis Martain,
pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Lonestar, South Carolina; and Evangelist
Norvest Davis Ancrum.
The viewing is Wednesday,
October 9, 2013 at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The funeral is scheduled for
Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. at Mt. Olive AME Church, 490 South
Church Street, Swansea, South Carolina.
The family is receiving
guests at the home of Evangelist Norvest Ancrum at 2192 Woodland Drive, Orangeburg,
SC 29118.
Glover's Funeral Home, 2562
Charleston Hwy, Orangeburg, SC 29115 (803) 536-3200 is in charge for
services.
Please keep the Davis,
Martain, and Ancrum family in your thoughts and prayers during this time of
bereavement.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Another soldier gone! We join
the Namibian Conference in the Fifteenth Episcopal District in mourning the
passing on of the Rev. Bartholomew G Karuaera, superannuated Presiding Elder.
A stalwart of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and freedom fighter for the freedom of Namibia; many
a nights he slept under the stars in the fields with the heaven as his roof and
the cold mist for a blanket to ensure that his people were freed. We salute his
commitment to the African Methodist Church ensuring that the banner of Christ
and African Methodism kept flying.
His home-going celebration
will be a state funeral and the Reverend Maria Kapere, an itinerant elder of
the AME Church, is co-director in Windhoek on Saturday 05 October. It will
broadcast live on the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation TV.
Praying God's strength,
comfort and encouragement to the family, the Namibian Conference as we say
"fare thee well, for those that hast been called and answered the Master
with a faithful and dedicated service rendered unto Him and His people."
Messages of condolence may be
forwarded to:
The Rev. Willem S. Hanse,
Presiding Elder - revwshansepe@yahoo.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of
the passing on October 2, 2013 of the Reverend Betty Gulley, pastor of Green
Hill AME Church in Blevins, Arkansas.
Funeral Services for the
Reverend Betty Gulley will be held, Friday, October 11, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at
the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church, Gurdon, Arkansas. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding
Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District will deliver the eulogy and the Reverend
Clarence Guy, Presiding Elder of the Hot Springs District will officiate.
Services have been entrusted
to the Mitchell Funeral Home, 1809 Caddo Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.
Phone: 870.246.2611.
16. 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
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
17. 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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