11/29/2013

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/29/13)


The Right Reverend 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

 

Advent begins on Sunday December 1, 2013

World AIDS Day is December 1, 2013

 
1. TCR EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a modified issue of The Christian Recorder.  Appended below are two examples of Advent Service inserts that can be used during Advent, which begins this Sunday, December 1, 2013.  Those wishing to use either of them can simply cut, paste and reformat as appropriate. There are other examples of Advent inserts on the internet.

 

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

 

-- (Example 1: The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III)

 

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT: HOPE

 

INTROIT: “We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright, Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the Light of the world.”

 

Reader: Today is the first Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Hope.

 

Reader: Our hope is in God, and in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the One appointed by God to be judge of all things. He is the One through whom God has promised to save and redeem His people.

 

Reader : ‘We light this candle today to remind us that He is our hope and the hope of the world. We thank God for the promises He has made to us and for the light, He has brought into the world.

 

Family Lights the First Candle

 

Reader: Let us pray: O God of Hope, Emmanuel, God with us — we pray that You send Your light into our hearts. Help us to be ready for the day and the hour of Christ’s final appearing. Live in us and help us to live in You. By the power of the Holy Spirit, transform us so that our worship, our celebration, our time of preparation, may be pleasing unto You - both now -and forevermore. Amen.

 

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT: PEACE

 

INTROIT:” We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright, Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the Light of the world.”

.

Reader: Today is the Second Sunday of Advent - the Sunday of Peace.

 

Reader: Our peace is found in God and in His Son, Jesus Christ. John the Baptizer and all the prophets reminded us, that to receive peace we must be prepared for it.

 

Reader: We light this candle today to remind us that Christ is the Prince of Peace, the one promised from the beginning of the world. We thank God for the hope He gives us and for the peace He bestows.

 

Family Lights the First and Second Candles

 

Reader: Let us pray. O God of Peace, Emmanuel, we pray for You to send your light into our hearts. Help us to be ready for the day and the hour of Christ’s appearing. Work in our hearts at this time and help us prepare ourselves for the peace that Christ brings - the inner peace that tells us that we are united with You and the consuming peace that will come when Christ returns to judge the world. Bless our worship that it may be pleasing unto You, and bless us that we may prove to be Your faithful servants. Amen.

 

THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT: JOY

 

INTROIT: “We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright, Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the Light of the world.”

 

Reader: Today is the third Sunday of Advent - the Sunday of Joy.

 

Reader: Our joy is in God and in God’s Son Jesus Christ. Like peace, joy is a gift from God. It overtakes us and fills us when we remember what God has done and what God has promised to do.

 

Reader:  We light this candle today to remind us that Christ came, and is coming again, so that all people might have a rich and abundant life. We thank God for the hope that Christ gives us, for the peace, Christ bestows, and for the joy, Christ pours into our hearts.

 

Family Lights the First, Second, and Third Candles

 

Reader: Let us pray. -- O God of Joy, Emmanuel, send Your light into our hearts at this time. Help us to be ready for the time of Christ’s appearing. Fix our hearts and our minds upon those things You have done and those things that You have promised to do that we may have the joy You have promised. As we worship You, strengthen us so that we may always do Your will and so bless You and the world You have made. Amen.

 

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT: LOVE

 

INTROIT: “Hark the herald angels sing, Jesus the Light of the world: Glory to the newborn King, Jesus the Light of the world.  (Refrain) We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright, Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the Light of the world.”

 

Reader: Today is the fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Love.

 

Reader: Jesus shows us God’s perfect love. He is God’s Perfect Love in human form. Those who believe in Christ and live in Christ, live in love. Love transforms and perfects all things. It never ends.

 

Reader: We light this candle today to remind us that God is love. We thank God for hope God gives us, for the peace God bestows, for the joy God pours into our hearts, and for the love that redeems us and shows us the way.

 

Family Lights the First, Second, Third and Fourth Candles

 

Reader: Let us pray. -  O God of Love, Emmanuel, send your light into our hearts at this time. Help us to be ready for the time of Christ’s appearing. Grant that we may so dwell in Christ that his Perfect Love fills our entire being. Make our worship a time to celebrate your Love and make us ready to show that Love to the whole world - both today - and forevermore. Amen.

 

THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS

 

Hymn: “Hark the herald angels sing, Jesus the Light of the world: Glory to the newborn King, Jesus the Light of the world.  (Refrain) We’ll walk in the light, beautiful light, Come where the dewdrops of mercy are bright, Shine all around us by day and by night, Jesus the Light of the world.”

 

Reader: As we light these candles today, we thank God for hope God gives us, for the peace God bestows, for the joy God pours into our hearts, and for the love of Christ that redeems us and shows us the way

 

Reader: We thank God for God’s gift of Jesus, the Christ. We thank God that through Christ; light has come into the world and made it possible for us to see, and in seeing, to rejoice. His truth, His love, His very self, transforms all who receive him.

 

Family Lights The First, Second, Third, Fourth And the Christ Candles

 

Reader:  Loving God, Emmanuel, we thank You for being with us - for sending Your Son to walk with us and to lead us. Grant that the hope, the peace, the joy, and the love of which we have heard and spoken of throughout Advent may be fully realized in us as we worship and serve You through Christ Jesus our Lord, this both now, in the New Year, and forevermore. Amen.

 

Reprinted with the permission of the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder,

The Official Newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

All rights reserved.

 

-- (Example 2: The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby)

 

WEEK ONE - THE CANDLE OF ADVENT PREPARATION

 

The Season of Advent includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day.  The word Advent means "coming."  The Advent season celebrates the coming of Jesus the Christ as the presence of the Kingdom of God among and within us.  Violet paraments are placed in the chancel area for Advent.  The royal color calls to mind the coming of the King of Glory as a child born to humble parentage.

 

The lighting of violet candles during the Advent season reminds us that we are called to follow the King, and, as Matthew 5:16 tells us, to "Let our lights shine," so that others can see Jesus in us and come to the Christ who is the Light of the World.  The flame symbolizes the Light of Jesus, and the candles or lampstands represent those who make up the church, the Ekklesia, the "called out of God." 

 

On this first Sunday in the Advent Season, we light the Advent Candle of Preparation.  The light reminds us that we are to be ever prepared for the coming of Christ, and that our preparation must be a matter not only of words of praise, but of Christian living that will make us ready when Christ comes again to judge this world.  Let us stand and join in prayer for Advent Preparation.

 

Eternal Savior, we thank You for coming into this world to redeem sinners like us.  Bless our lives with Your Eternal Presence and Guidance.  Enable us to live in a way that inspires others to walk with You.  Prepare us to truly celebrate the Advent of the Christ who embodies the true meaning of Christmas, so that when You return walking on the clouds, we will be prepared for you to take us to our homes in glory.  AMEN.

 

WEEK TWO - THE CANDLE OF ADVENT EXPECTATION

 

The Season of Advent includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day.  The word Advent means "coming."  The Advent season reminds us of the coming of Jesus the Christ, who embodies the presence of the Kingdom of God among and within us.  The liturgical color for the Advent season is violet - a royal color that calls to mind the human coming of the King of Glory as a child born to humble parentage.

 

The lighting of candles during the Advent season reminds us that we are called to follow the King, and, as Matthew 5:16 tells us, to "Let our lights shine," so that others can see Jesus in us and commit to follow the Christ who is the Light of the World.  The flame symbolizes the Light of Jesus, and the candles or lampstands represent those of us who make up the church, the Ekklesia, the "called out of God."

 

On this second Sunday in the Advent Season, we relight the Advent Candle of Preparation and now light the Candle of Advent Expectation.  The light of the new candle reminds us that the coming of the Christ turned human expectations and perceptions upside down.  Because of Christ, we can expect by faith that no matter what questions life presents, Jesus is the answer. Let us stand and join in prayer for Advent Expectation.

 

Eternal Savior, we rejoice in the blessing of Your coming into this world to redeem sinners like us.  Bless our lives with Your eternal presence and guidance.  Remind us daily, in a world of broken dreams, that we can expect new joy and eternal life because of Your birth, death, and resurrection.  Empower us to pass that expectation on to those without hope, so that they too can find Jesus and expect to be blessed.  AMEN.

 

WEEK THREE - THE CANDLE OF ADVENT PROCLAMATION

 

The Season of Advent includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day.  The word Advent means "coming."  The Advent season reminds us of the coming of Jesus the Christ, who embodies the presence of the Kingdom of God among and within us.  The liturgical color for the Advent season is violet - a royal color that calls to mind the human coming of the King of Glory as a child born to humble parentage. 

 

The lighting of candles during the Advent season reminds us that we are called to follow the King, and, as Matthew 5:16 tells us, to "Let our lights shine," so that others can see Jesus in us and commit to follow the Christ who is the Light of the World.  The flame symbolizes the Light of Jesus, and the candles or lampstands represent those of us who make up the church, the Ekklesia, the "called out of God."

 

On this third Sunday in the Advent Season, we relight the Advent Candles of Preparation and Expectation, and now light the Candle of Advent Proclamation.  The light of the new candle reminds us that the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and that we who are saved by the Living Word must proclaim that Word by what we say to and do for others every day.  Let us stand and join in prayer for Advent Proclamation.

 

Blessed Jesus, we thank and praise You for your life among us.  Fill us with Your Spirit, so that we can tell the world of your goodness.  Give us the strength and courage to reach beyond our humanity and witness to your power.  Bless our service to you, so that when you return, our work will be affirmed by your glorious presence.  Amen.

 

WEEK FOUR – THE CANDLE OF ADVENT REVELATION

AND THE CHRIST CANDLE

 

The Season of Advent includes the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day.  The word Advent means "coming."  We are reminded during the Advent season of the coming of Jesus the Christ, who embodies the presence of the Kingdom of God among and within us.  The liturgical color for the Advent season is violet - a royal color that calls to mind the human coming of the King of Glory as a child born to humble parentage. 

 

The lighting of candles during the Advent season reminds us that we are called to follow the King, and, as Matthew 5:16 tells us, to "Let our lights shine," so that others can see Jesus in us and commit to follow the Christ who is the Light of the World.  The flame symbolizes the Light of Jesus, and the candles or lampstands represent those of us who make up the church, the Ekklesia, the "called out of God."

 

On this fourth Sunday in the Advent Season, we relight the Advent Candles of Preparation, Expectation, and Proclamation, and now light the Candle of Advent Revelation and the Christ Candle.  They remind us that the Word made Flesh in Jesus Christ reveals to us God's will and God's way, and that, as is true among the candles, Christ must at the center of all that we do.  Let us now stand and join in prayer for Advent Revelation and in thanks for the gift of the Christ.

 

God of all creation, we thank you for the priceless gift of salvation that is ours because of the Christ.  Reveal Your will to us day by day.  Enable us to walk in the Spirit of Christ and to keep you central in our lives, so that when we leave this world, we can claim the gift of eternal life.  AMEN.

 

Reprinted with the permission of the Reverend Joseph A. Darby,

Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

 

2. I ASK:

 

Retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry

 

I Ask:

 

I have a question about the recent announcement that Bishop While is now the Presiding Prelate of the 16th as well as the 18th Episcopal Districts.  Here is my question:

 

The DD (2012 Edition) on Page 117 refers to a special or extra session of the General Conference in the event of an Episcopal vacancy due to death.  However, on Page 124 the Council of Bishops is cited as the lead entity to fill a vacancy as a result of death of a bishop. 

 

My question is two-fold.  How do you reconcile the two sections above and what specific managerial advantages are achieved by having a bishop serve two episcopal districts?

 

Thank you for your response.

 

Dr. William “Bill” Dickens

 

Bishop Guidry’s Response to the Question:

 

First, you missed an important phrase on page 117: "if... there should be no one to exercise the episcopal office..."

 

There is precedent for a bishop to serve two districts in the interim of General Conference; e.g., in most recent history, Bishop John Bryant  served the 14th District and 10th District from 1991 bringing both Districts into the 1992 General Conference, thus saving the Church the cost of a "special session” of the General Conference.

 

On Page 124, the Bishops' Council is given authority to fill the vacancy without the call for a special session of the General Conference "If there is someone to exercise the episcopal office."

 

Bishop White's conferences in the 18th District are held between August and December. The 16th Episcopal District conferences are held February - May, which allows him to serve both districts.  He will also have available to him, if requested, assistance from any other bishop, active or retired.

 

3. ADVENT IS ADVENT – CHRISTMAS IS CHRISTMAS:

 

*The Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD

 

As we prepare for Christmastide, it is timely to reflect on an often forgotten holy occasion in Christendom: Advent.  Just as Lent is not Easter (Resurrection Day), Advent is not Christmas, and it should be commemorated intentionally as a separate event on the Christian calendar. Advent translates from the Latin term Adventus Redemptoris, or the coming of the Savior.  It points to the spirit of expectation or anticipation of Jesus The Christ.  The celebration usually involves a weekly (for the four Sundays before Christmas) activity where candles are lit according to the church’s tradition.  Each Sunday, the people lift the concepts of hope, love, peace, and joy (not necessarily in that order) as the people reflect on their meaning. 

 

I spoke to a friend recently who said her church did not celebrate Advent because it just wasn’t a priority, and no one really understood the purpose.  I found the comment a little disappointing because it signaled the possibility that either church leadership was not aware or not interested in the Advent season.  Yet, preparing for the Christ Child’s arrival is just as important as celebrating the Christ Child’s arrival, when one considers the educational and inspirational opportunities that Advent offers.

 

The moment is educational as children and adults alike consider how Christ’s birth is documented in Scripture specifically around each concept.  Developing relevant Old and New Testament text for the weekly readings is an excellent vehicle for teaching the Messianic Message.  Specifically, the congregation can be exposed to a more in depth study of the presence of the Son of God in both Hebrew and Greek Scripture, an important concept for Christian believers.

 

Inspiration abounds as O Come, O Come Emmanuel is sung softly and church members listen to sacred readings.  I have found that some of the most peaceful and calming moments in a worshiping congregation is when we focus collectively on Christ’s love and the true meaning of the Season. What better way to take our minds off a commercial Santa and back on the coming Christ!

 

I hope we will all consider celebrating Advent, even if it is just with a song and short prayer; a word in our sermons or in Church School about Advent is a start.  Also, there is literature available to help teach Advent traditions and practices to our children.  Christmas is so vital to our faith experience, but it is so much richer when we remember that Advent is vital, too.

 

*The Reverend Monica C. Jones, PhD, serves is an author-educator and serves on staff at Big Bethel in Atlanta

 

4. EBENEZER AME CHURCH IN RAHWAY, NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES ITS 187TH ANNIVERSARY:

 

On Sunday, September 20, 2013, historic Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway, New Jersey, celebrated its 187th year of God’s glory.  Many of our former members and guests attended the worship service to celebrate the special day.

 

The freed slaves worshipped from house to house from 1826 until the year 1829 when they had saved enough money to purchase this property on Central Avenue where the current building now stands.

 

The sermon for this wonderful day was delivered by Presiding Elder Winton Hill, a former pastor of Mt. Teman AME Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey and currently serving as the Presiding Elder of the Dover (Delaware) District of the First Episcopal District.  He was a former mentor of our pastor when she studied to enter the ministry. 

 

Presiding Elder Hill delivered a very meaningful sermon as he spoke from the subject, “Lest We Forget.”  He said the former slaves did not have a mortgage; they made their decision by faith, and they knew that God answered prayers.  He told us that they had the power of discernment and they knew that their God was a “Way-maker.”  The Rev. Hill said, "Just as they were called to make a difference, we are called to make a difference today." He said, "We must remember the God that we serve today is the God of our ancestors." Presiding Elder Winton Hill delivered a wonderful sermon; very fitting for our 187th anniversary celebration.

 

The day was chaired by Sister Adrienne Simmons and Sister Carol Holmes.  They were commended for organizing such an appropriate service. The children had important parts on the program; they are our "future and present" church.

 

We give God the glory that God has been with us on this same spot where the original building was erected many years ago.  We give God all the praise!

 

Submitted by Sister Sylvia Davenport, Public Relations Director of Ebenezer AME Church, 253 Central Avenue, Rahway, New Jersey 

 

5. SAINT PETER AME CHURCH CELEBRATES 130TH ANNIVERSARY

 

Brother Alphonso Varner

 

Saint Peter A.M.E. Church, Fort Valley, GA, celebrated its 130th Church Anniversary.  For nearly 130 years Saint Peter A.M.E. Church has provided service and commitment to its members and community.  This historic event culminated on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at the 10 a.m. morning worship hour.  The theme for this momentous occasion was, “One Church, Many Generations.”

 

The Reverend Michael G. Ephraim Sr. and Lady Rosetta Ephraim are the spiritual leaders of Saint Peter AME Church.

 

Over the years, St. Peter AME has been affectionately called “The Peter Nation” and has served many generations with spiritual and educational training and has been the catalyst for its members who have lead successful lives.

 

The Saint Peter Praise Dance Group set the tone of the worship service with an inspirational praise dance to the tune of “Anthem of Praise.”  The congregants started to become spiritualized by the praise dance group.

 

The songs of praises were rendered by the Saint Peter Combined Choirs, under the direction of Brother Gerald Lee.  Songs included, “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired,” and “I Call You Holy.” And also performing songs of praises were the Sweet Melodies who sang, “I’m in the Lords Army.”

 

Ashley Ballard, General Chairperson gave the occasion and welcome.  Brother Ballard, along with the Anniversary Core Steering Team did an outstanding job of making this event a successful and memorable occasion.

 

One of the highlights of the anniversary observance was the presentation of the M.E. Singleton Award and the Community Award given annually in memory of Brother Singleton.  He was the epitome of an unassuming, yet loyal servant to Saint Peter and to the Peach County Community.  The first award, presented by Sister Mary Riley, recognized a servant of the Fort Valley community who displays qualities of character.  The recipient of this award was Brother Lonnie Bartley, retired Head Women’s Basketball Coach of Fort Valley State University. Coach Bartley retired as the winningest Coach in Division II in Historic Black Colleges & Universities.  The second award, presented by Sister Gwen Young, recognized a servant who has made a great impact in a short period of time.   The recipient of this award was The Reverend Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. pastor of Saint Peter AME Church. The recipients were pleasantly surprised and showed much gratitude in their acceptance speech.

 

The Anniversary speaker, introduced by the Reverend Ephraim, Sr. was the Rev. Dr. John Green, President/Dean, Turner Theological Seminary/ Interdenominational Theological Center.  Dr. Green is a preacher and a teacher, a church-builder and an administrator; a community activist and a theological leader.  Prior to taking the helm at Turner Theological, he was the senior pastor at Bethel AME Church in Tallahassee FL.  His subtopic was “Stand Your Ground.”  His reference text was 2 Chronicles 20:17.  He preached about the struggles of African Americans.  He stated some examples of these struggles which included, the 1963 March on Washington and the election of the first African American President, Barack Obama. He cited three steps for strength to “Stand Our Ground” without being afraid: Be resolute and determined, seek to find strength in faith and prayer, and hold to God’s unchanging hand. And lastly, know that Jesus is the same today, yesterday and forever more.

 

Remarks expressed the success of the 130th Church Anniversary worship experience and the congregants joyfully retreated to the Ulric George Fellowship Hall for a deliciously prepared Anniversary repast. 

 

6. NEWS FROM THE THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING, COLUMBUS, OHIO:

 

Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop

 

The Rev. Louise Jackson appointed as Coordinator of the Third District Women In Ministry (WIM)

 

The Rev. Dr. Otis Gordon, Jr. appointed as Chairperson of the Third District Christian Education Board

 

The Rev. Dr. Karen Shaeffer appointed as Director, Third District Christian Education

 

The Rev. Rhonda Alderman appointed Coordinator Third District Prison Ministry

 

The Rev. Arnett Thornton appointed Convener Third District Sons of Allen

 

The Rev. Dr. Alphonse Allen appointed Chair of Third District Evangelism Ministry

 

The Rev. Deborah Watt appointed Co-Chair Third District Evangelism Ministry

 

The Rev. Earl Harris appointed Chair Third District Board of Examiners

 

The Rev. Beverly Cofield appointed Director Third District Music Ministry

 

Mrs. Cheryl Boyce appointed Chairperson Third District Heal Commission

 

Mrs. Joann Harris appointed President Third District Women’s Missionary Society

 

Mrs. Quereda Covington appointed Director Third District YPD

 

Ms. Mychal Royal appointed President Third District YPD

 

Mr. Larry Rodgers appointed Church School Superintendent Third District

 

The Rev. Dale Snyder appointed Director of Third District Social Action

 

Ms. Ametta L. Reaves and Mrs. Joann Harris appointed Co-Chairpersons of the Third District Heritage Project

 

The Rev. Angela Walker Dudley, transferred from the North Ohio Conference to the Tenth Episcopal District North Texas Conference

 

The Rev. Carl Terry was assigned to Henderson Chapel, Wellsburg, West Virginia

 

The Rev. John McCants was transferred from the South Ohio Conference to the Pittsburgh Conference and stationed at St. Paul, McKeesport, PA

 

The Rev. Cordell Bennett assigned to Bethel, Greensburg, PA

 

The Rev. Andrew Newberry assigned to Brown Chapel, Pittsburgh, PA

 

The Rev. Yolanda Wright was assigned to Trinity, Pittsburgh, PA.

 

The Rev. Emma Drummer Barnes was assigned to St. Paul, Circleville, Ohio

 

The Rev. Sam Harris was transferred from the Ohio Conference to the South Ohio Conference and stationed at Bethel, Oxford, Ohio

 

The Rev. Doretha Martin was assigned to Grace, Bellefontaine, Ohio

 

The Rev. Cheviene Jones assigned to Jones Chapel, Elyria, OH

 

The Rev. Viola Dixon was assigned to Turner Chapel, Crestline, Ohio

 

The Rev. Dr. Gerald Cooper was transferred from the North Ohio Conference to the South Ohio Conference and stationed at Wayman Chapel, Dayton, Ohio

 

The Rev. Dr. Eugene Schoolfield was assigned to St. James, Cleveland, Ohio

 

Submitted by the Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Columbus, Ohio

                                                                                                                         

7. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2013 - SURPRISED AND EXPECTANT - LUKE 1: 26-40:

 

Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington

 

Church School Lesson Brief

 

On December 1, 1955, a low-keyed worker and AME stewardess in Montgomery, Alabama loudly communicated in a soft, unassuming tone that she would not relinquish her bus seat to conform to the evil of segregation.  Rosa Parks’ refusal to comply with the city ordinance launched the Montgomery Bus Boycott.  Her act of heroism came as a surprise to whites and blacks alike in Montgomery. 

 

December 1, 2013 begins the Winter Quarter for the Adult AME Church School Curriculum. 

 

Unit 1 explores the global theme of "God Sends Jesus."  Sunday’s lesson topic is Surprised and Expectant (Luke 1:26–40). 

 

Mary is surprised to learn that she has been chosen as the vessel to bring hope to humanity, Jesus.  Nothing in Mary’s background could have prepared her for this historic event.  She was not a member of the privileged Jewish social class; she was young and, most importantly, had no prior conjugal relations with a man.  However, what’s impossible with man is possible with God!  The season of Advent is a time of expectation and realization of the Messiah’s coming.  Why did God send Jesus?   While I do not presume to know the mind of God, a likely reason is found in the historical behavior of humankind.  Humanity rejected the logic of the law, prophetic appeals and empirical evidence of God’s Providence.  God sending Jesus can be interpreted as a final wake-up call to humanity (prophesied since Genesis 3:15).The anxious arrival of the Messiah is entrenched in Hebrew history and theology.  We see that the arrival of the Messiah is not limited to geographic or ethnic constraints.  God sent Jesus in order for all of us to have access to his Divine mercy and blessings.  This is why we can sing with conviction, “Go Tell It on the Mountain that Jesus the Christ is Born!”

 

*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.

8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

   

We regret to inform you of the passing of Elder Bobby Lee Wade, brother of the Reverend Dr. Robert Christopher Wade, Presiding Elder of the Camden-Trenton District, New Jersey Annual Conference, and the brother-in-law of Mrs. Prudence Hope Wade. Elder Bobby Lee Wade was the former pastor of the Unity Apostolic Church of Promise, Macon, Georgia.

 

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:

 

Viewing: Friday, November 29, 2013 at 12:00 noon - 8 p.m.

The Alvie Coes Funeral Home

1398 Pine Street

Unadilla, Georgia 31091

 

Telephone: 478-627-9382

Fax: 478-627-3954


 

Viewing: Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 10 a.m. - 12 Noon

Service: 12:00 noon

 

Temple of God Apostolic Church of Promise

3015 Churchill Street

Macon, Georgia 31204

 

Telephone: 478-742-2813

 

Bishop Rufus L. Sanders, pastor and eulogist

 

Interment: Little Poplar Springs Cemetery

Poplar Springs Road and Jenkins Farm Road (CR19)

Byromville, Georgia 31007

 

Professional Care entrusted to:

 

The Alvie Coes Funeral Home

1398 Pine Street

Unadilla, Georgia 31091

 

Telephone: 478-627-9382

Fax: 478-627-3954


 

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to the funeral home or to:

 

The Reverend Dr. and Mrs. Robert C. Wade

3 Boyd Court

Florence, New Jersey 08518-2626

 


 

9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

 

The Second Episcopal District is saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Esther Browning, mother of the Reverend Dr. Grainger Browning, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland and mother-in-law of the Reverend Dr. Jo Ann Browning, co-pastor.

 

Homegoing Services for Mrs. Esther Browning:

 

Homegoing Service #1: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013

 

First Baptist Church of Hampton, VA

The Rev. Dr. Richard Wills, pastor

229 North King Street

Hampton, VA 23669

 

Telephone: 757-723-0988

Wake: 9:30 a.m.

Eulogy/Services: 11 a.m. by Pastor Grainger Browning

 

Homegoing Service #2: Friday, December 6, 2013 

 

Union Baptist Church

874 Main St, Cambridge, MA 02139

 

Telephone: (617) 864-6885

Cambridge, MA

 

Wake: 10:00 a.m.

Eulogy/Services: 11:00 a.m. by Pastor Grainger Browning

Interment in Cambridge, MA

 

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

 

Ebenezer AME Church

Pastors Grainger & Jo Ann Browning

7707 Allentown Rd.

Fort Washington MD, 20744

 

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

 

It is with full hearts that we solicit your prayers for Pastor Jonathan Weaver, Sister Pamela Weaver and his family.  Early Saturday morning, his mother, Sister Helen Weaver, transitioned from earth to glory.   For those persons who would like to express their condolences, cards and expressions of comfort may be forwarded to the following address:

 

The Rev. Dr. Jonathan L. Weaver, pastor

Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church

1001 Old Mitchellville Road

Bowie, Maryland 20716

 

The arrangements are as follows:

 

Date: Saturday, November 30, 2013

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Place: Clinton AME Zion Church

223 Elizabeth Avenue

Rockville, Maryland 20850

 

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

 

With great sadness, we inform you of the passing of the Reverend Dr. Percel Hector, Presiding Elder of the Phoenix/Albuquerque District ~ Desert Mountain Conference ~ Fifth Episcopal District.  Please continue to pray with and for the Reverend Brenda Hector and family.

 

Service of Celebration - Denver, Colorado

 

Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 1:00 PM

The Reverend Dr. Timothy E. Tyler, Pastor

The Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland, Eulogist

 

Shorter Community AME Church

3100 Richard Allen Court

Denver, CO 80205

 

Office: 303.320.1712

Fax: 303.320.0751

 

Visitation

Monday, December 2nd - 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Caldwell Kirk Mortuary Chapel, 2101 Marion Street in Denver

 

Tuesday, December 3rd - 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Shorter Community AME Church

 

Service of Celebration And Interment - Los Angeles, California

 

Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 11:00 AM

The Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland, Eulogist

 

First AME Church

2270 South Harvard Boulevard

Los Angeles, CA 90018

 

Telephone: 323.730.7750

The Reverend J. Edgar Boyd, Pastor

 

Condolences may be sent to:

 

The Reverend Brenda Hector and Family

4783 Ceylon Street

Denver, CO 80249

 

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

 

We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Ceta Delarosa Carby Grant. Ms. Ceta Delarosa Carby Grant was born on July 5, 1929 and died on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at the age of eighty-four years. Left to cherish her memories are children Dr. Karl, Vincent, Lilian, Linford, Lorna, the Rev. Velma, Doslyn, and Carole. Also left to cherish her in loving memory are: sister, Rose Carby (Keith) Nicholas, Milwaukee, WI; and brother Conrad Carby, Portland, Jamaica. She leaves a legacy of love to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, her friends and her church family at First Saint Paul AME Church in Lithonia, Georgia.

 

The Homegoing Celebration for Ms. Ceta Delarosa Carby Grant will be held Saturday, November 30, 2013, 1 p.m. at First Saint Paul AME Church, 2687 Klondike Road, Lithonia, Georgia 30058; the Rev. Dr. Marvin L. Crawford, officiating and the Rev. Velma E. Grant, eulogist.

 

The family will receive visitors at the Viewing on Friday, November 29, 2013 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

 

The Rev. Velma E. Grant

3660 Stanford Circle

Decatur, Georgia 30034

 


 

13. 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

 


 


 


 

14.  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.

 

Did someone you know pass this copy of The Christian Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE

 

 


 

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