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
1. TCR EDITORIAL – SO MANY TIMES, WE IGNORE THE HARVEST:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
We have all heard the statement, “If we would
just follow the rules…” I don’t know
what it is about the inability of people to follow the rules. Of course, in
order to follow the rules one must know the rules or would have read the rules.
We have the problem of people not wanting to
follow the rules in churches. “Not following the rules” is a problem,
not only for churches, but for other organizations like fraternities,
sororities and other organizations; and the problem exists in government and
even in the military.
Fraternities and sororities have rules against
hazing, yet some of our fraternities and sororities might find themselves on
the brink of bankruptcies because members ignore the rules against hazing.
In the military and in the corporate arena, there
were always some members who wanted to skirt around the rules by taking
shortcuts, ignoring the rules and failing in their tasks. When all of the
details came to light, it was common to hear someone say, “If he or she had
just followed the rules…” Of course, in
the military and in the corporate arena there are severe penalties when rules
are breached. Most often rules are breached when employees fail to follow the
rules or procedures of the organization.
The AME Church experiences problems of some
clergy and laity “not following the rules.”
Let me tell you how I know
Last week, a preacher called to share with me
that he had attended a workshop and had heard a dynamic presentation by one of
the workshop presenters who told the persons attending the workshop that each
church should have a congregational meeting to set up congregational bylaws and
rules for the local church.
The caller was very excited and then dropped the
bomb. He said, “Each AME church around
the connection should have congregational meetings to set up by-laws to help
churches function more effectively.”
Several thoughts came to mind. My first thought was that AME clergy and
laity need to read, understand and follow the current book of The Doctrine
and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. My second thought
was AME clergy and laity need to be careful under whose teaching they sit. My
third thought was AME clergy and laity need to follow the rules that we already
have in place.
Persons who have not studied the tenets of
various denominations and religious groups, might immaturely think that “it
doesn’t make a difference” about one denomination or another; but it does make
a difference.
The workshop leader of the meeting the pastor
attended who extolled the importance of having congregational meetings to set
up bylaws and rules for the local church was perfectly appropriate for
autonomous religious bodies, such as Baptists, Church of Christ or
nondenominational churches.
The workshop leader’s comments were inappropriate
for African Methodist Episcopal Churches because we are governed by The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the
rules for our society have already been established. We have no need for congregational meetings
in the sense of autonomous churches, which make their own rules for their
specific location.
In the same way that a person attending an AME
Church anywhere in the world should “be at home” in worship; AME rules and
order of business are governed all over the world by The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
So, I told the caller that it was not a good idea
for AME Churches to have congregational meetings to set up by-laws and rules
for the local church. The better option would be to insure that all local
churches provide updated and relevant training about The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
I also gently cautioned him about attending
irrelevant training opportunities that might conflict with the teachings and
doctrines of the AME Church.
Another example
I read an article about an AME Church in South
Carolina that wants to disassociate from the connection.
It is always sad when local congregations want to
withdraw from their parent body.
Sometimes a congregation or an individual chooses
to leave their parent organization because of doctrinal, moral, immoral, or
other real or perceived infractions.
An example is the Episcopal Church, which is
still dealing with the election of Gene Robinson as its first openly gay
bishop. His consecration as bishop
caused a schism within the Anglican community.
And sometimes, individuals leave because they
believe another church or another denomination is better for them.
Some reasons for departures from a denomination
are sad, but understandable. People make decisions that they consider best for
them.
People make decisions all the time. People decide
to stay married and some couples make the decision to divorce and dissolve the
marriage.
Not all decisions make sense
The article about the AME Church in South
Carolina that wants to disassociate from the connectional church is sad in many
ways, not because a number of their parishioners want to disassociate from the
AME Church, but their reasons, according to the news article, for wanting to do
so.
Their reasons are clearly an example of a lack of
training, a lack of understanding of the denomination’s mission, a skewed focus
of the local church’s ministry and a failure to collectively encourage
themselves and failure to see themselves as partners in the global mission of
the Church.
I am not familiar with the congregation, but my
conclusions are based upon the news article. I don’t believe everything I read,
but the news account seems plausible.
Let me deviate a bit
When I was growing up and wanted to do something,
the best reason to get a negative response from my mother was to press my point
with the statement, “Everybody is doing it.”
It didn’t take me long to discover the “everybody is doing it” strategy
was not a strategy. Our children quickly learned that lesson too.
I manage the bills in our home, and I understand
the importance of paying bills. I wish that we didn’t have bills to pay. I wish
we didn’t have utility bills, car payments, or credit card payments. I wish
they could magically go away, but that’s not life, and the reality is that we
enjoy the benefits of the gas, electric and water utilities, the luxury of the
delayed payments of credit cards and the other goods and services we
enjoy. We have bills and we pay them.
There is one bill that I don’t like and that’s
Comcast. Their service leaves much to be desired and it seems the bill is
always creeping upwards. I really hate that bill, but I enjoy watching
television, so I pay the bill, but keep an eye on the additives they seem to
include from time to time. I pay the
bill because the benefit of watching television programs outweighs the absence
of watching television. I am not going
to “cut off my nose to spite my face,” so I pay the bill and “drive on.”
Let me get back to the church in South Carolina
According to the article, the church wants to
disassociate from the AME Church because “the members wanted to gain
independence from the AME Church in order to have more control over their
finances.”
The article also stated that some of the members
felt that the church’s resources have been strained because of what must be
sent to the AME Church and the members wanted their contributions to be put to
their fullest use where they live because they wanted to “build up their local
community.”
The reason some congregations want to break from
the AME Church is not because of doctrinal, moral, immoral issues. They are
complaining about assessments.
Of course, as I wish bills would go away, local
churches want assessments to go away.
I can “wrap my head around” the pros and cons of
shutting off some of my utility bills or keeping them. It doesn’t take much
training for me to figure out that I need to keep my utilities in working
order.
Church assessments and what they do, require
training and more training. It’s not an
individual process, but a collective process of training and taking the time to
help a collective group to intimately understand the Connectional Budget. It is
not easy, and like my Comcast bill, the assessments always increase.
If the Assessment issue is not addressed in
dynamic training environments, most people and the average person cannot
intelligently process the budget.
I suspect, and am sure that one of the most
dynamic parts of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church -2012 is the portion between Pages 691 – 699; but the
least read.
If I were a betting man, I would bet that most
pastors haven’t looked at those pages. I can understand because I don’t like
numbers; I love words. The numbers
between Pages 691 – 699 are anathema to me. Numbers depress me. I stutter when
I get around numbers.
Many of the complaints about our Zion are caused
because people have not taken time to understand, be trained and appreciate the
impact of the ministry of the AME Church that is expressed within Pages 691 –
699; the most important part of the book, but the least understood.
I wonder if churches seeking to disassociate
themselves from our Zion are doing the right kind of cost analysis. They just might find out that they still
cannot survive as a church unless they have a strategy to fill up the empty
pews.
Testimony
Let me give a personal testimony about the
importance of just one bit of information in any of our Disciplines that
dealt with the Connectional Budget.
In January 1960, I went to Wilberforce University
with $250.00 and a piece of paper from my pastor, which stated that I had a
$250 scholarship from Wilberforce. My family did not have the money to send me
to college and I am sure there were other students who arrived at Wilberforce
with the same limitations I had.
The $250 and the $250 scholarship constituted all
the funds I had for tuition, room, and board. I didn’t have money for books, so
I got my textbooks on credit. I wouldn’t have been able to walk in the front
door of any college in New Jersey with that amount of limited funds.
I am a testimony of the AME Budget. There are
thousands, past and present, Americans, Africans and students from the
Caribbean who have the same testimony.
Training can be boring and time-consuming
We do not take the time to train pastors and
pastors don’t take the time to train parishioners about the budget.
Parishioners just see assessments, without seeing
the “harvest” of the assessments – funding for our academic institutions, funds
for the various departments, investments, overseas ministries, and a myriad of
other ministries.
The South Carolina article reported that members
of the church said that the members wanted their contributions to be put to
their fullest use where they live because they wanted to “build up their local
community,” which tells me that the members are not concerned with mission and
education, it seems they are concerned with their own survival.
Even “unconnected” religious bodies have
expectations that local churches will support mission and other denominational
projects.
I just wonder if anyone took the time to
share with the parishioners of the South Carolina church and other churches
around the AME Church the “harvest” of the assessments paid by local churches.
We
all need oversight
And of the pastors, I hope that we are on
the same page that all property in the AME Church is to be held "In Trust”
for the African Methodist Episcopal Church of America, Inc."
As I understand it, there is MAGIC wording
that is to be included in all of our deeds to protect property for the AME
Church. Some of the really old fathers
and mothers of our churches, who had less education than church officers now,
knew how to properly word our deeds to protect our property for the AME
Connection. The problem is that many
later-acquired properties or properties that became encumbered do not have such
"magic language."
Unfortunately, when one of the runaway
church congregations breaks off from the Connection, they believe the property
is theirs and sometimes the courts have been upholding them. It's all about the
language, but pastors and congregations have to be trained.
Apparently, there has been a breakdown
somewhere along the way in how more recently acquired properties were deeded.
Many old congregations relocated, purchased new property, new buildings, but
did not incorporate that OLD language into their NEW deeds.
Presiding Elders always ask at the
Quarterly Conferences "Where is the deed?" but often, I suspect, they
never ask to SEE the deed, to examine it to see if it is properly
worded. Conference Trustees often do not
have oversight over the new transactions.
Another problem is
that local church congregations fail to consult with the Conference Trustees
before acquiring or encumbering property and the magic words disappear.
What we must never forget is that “Times
change; laws change; and we all need to stay on top of the changes.” And, the way we stay on top of thing is by
training and more training.
Local churches need to be encouraged and
the African Methodist Episcopal Church needs to be more effective in telling
“its story” so parishioners can “see” the “harvest” of their giving and
sacrifices.
And, as it relates to “In Trust,” local
church deeds need to be “tight and “right” if we expect the courts to rule in
our favor.
2. I ASK:
*Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
-- I Ask
Is the Te Deum an AME
tradition?
Allow me to great you in the name of the Jesus Christ, who died
for us in the Cross and Arose in the third day.
I remember A TCR Editorial about the identity of the AME church
and the article indicated some important points about our way of worship. I
have seen that a lot of churches in the episcopal district I am in use the “Te
Deum Laudamus” in the main Sunday services and I have heard a lot of the elders
from the pew saying that it is very important and it holds a high place in
their worship services. I have seen it used in most Methodist churches too.
I understand it is written with scriptural references. I would
like to know if it is considered one of the AME traditions.
Yours in Christ
KA Moloi
Bishop Guidry’s Response
to the Question:
Yes it is. Appended below is a paragraph from the May 2, 2014 TCR Online Editorial and in the June 9,
2014 print edition of The Christian
Recorder.
“The Affirmation of Faith or Apostles’ Creed is recited by many
sacramental churches and we should include it in our worship because it is a
clear statement of our belief. If we don’t recite the Apostles’ Creed, many of
our parishioners won’t know what they believe because some of our churches are
not teaching the great theological and doctrinal teachings of the church. The Nicene Creed or The Te Deum Laudamus are also litany options in worship for those
who prefer variation; and they are great teaching tools, not only for the
laity, but for clergy too!
*Retired Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the 122nd
Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
3. MESSAGE FROM
SECRETARY-TREASURER OF THE AMEC CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT:
The early registration for the 27th Christian
Education Congress has been extended until Friday, June 20, 2014.
4. THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY
OF AME INDIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
In matters of Episcopacy, Mission and Ministry, some live off
the planting of others; yet it has been ours to sow where none other has
planted that the power of GOD might be demonstrated in the earth realm and the
glory of God may be our testimony to the Church and to the nations.
The Lord blessed Bishop John R. Bryant and I to be founders of
the AME Church in the Ivory Coast, the very first Francophone nation in the 14th
District (West Africa).
However, the potential does not begin to compare with that of
the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this millennium, having forged a pathway into the
great continent of Asia with the establishment of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church in India. Thanks be to God; we have grown from 24
Congregations to 105 Congregations.
Despite cultural idiosyncrasies and the challenges of
establishing a stable foundation for Women In Leadership; progress is
evident.
Our WMS President, Sadhana Satish, an Educator and dedicated
advocate for African Methodism maintains strong bonds with our 4th
Episcopal District and the Connection.
She successfully launched the Prayer Shawl Project at the
Connectional Executive Board Meeting in 2013 and will preside over the AME
Women's International Praying Convocation in Hyderabad, India in January
2015.
Our host will be Dr. Nirmala Jyoythe, a physician and Director
of an orphanage for children impacted by AIDS.
She and her family have also opened the Bishop John R. Bryant Prayer
Chapel.
At the Fifth Anniversary of the AME INDIA Annual Conference, the
AME WMS held a Celebration Luncheon to mark this auspicious occasion at the
Radisson Hotel.
Translation in Tamil and Hindi allowed all women to participate
and benefit.
Among the 27 Visiting Missionaries from the USA were Mary
Vaughn, 4th Episcopal District Historiographer; Carol Copeland
Thomas from the 1st Episcopal District; Ella Rogers from Alabama and
our Connectional YPD Director.
The Missionaries visited an orphanage during our stay in Tamil
Nadu for which contributions had been received from the USA and Canada.
Clergy, Lay and WMS Visitors spent the first day of our journey
meeting local pastors and Congregations.
Despite poverty, the Churches were well-kept and consecrated
beautifully. It is significant that our AME Annual Conference was at the same
time as the India National Elections.
During our sessions, various constituents would have to leave,
go home, vote and return to the Annual Conference. Presiding Elders Sarah and
Abraham Peddiny had alerted Bishop of this very sensitive matter and the
procedures of the Conference were not interrupted.
After 10 months of fundraising, our joy as 4th
Episcopal District WMS was blessed to purchase 22 Motor Scooters to present to
rural pastors so they would have a means of transportation. We also paid for
one year of insurance, 3 months parts Warranty, a helmet and all local and
national taxes for each motor scooter.
We are grateful to 1st Episcopal District Supervisor,
the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram; Dr. Pam DeVeaux, the 2nd Episcopal
District WMS; and Missionary Ella Rogers of “Prophet to the Nations” for their
prayers and financial support of this project. To God be the Glory!
The photos for the report were organized by Lay Leader Cynthia
Bryant Pitts, 2nd Episcopal District and the sister of Bishop John. She also conducted Lay Training Sessions for
the AME India Annual Conference.
This is a summary report of the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams
Bryant, WMS Senior Episcopal Supervisor, African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams-Bryant is the Episcopal Supervisor
of the 4th Episcopal District
5. THE 2014 LITTLE MISS
PRINCESSES AND LITTLE MASTER’S CORONATION:
The Pensacola/Marianna District Minister’s Spouses Alliance
sponsored their 2nd Annual Little Miss Princesses and Little Master’s
Coronation on March 23, 2014, 3:30 P.M. (CST) at the Greater St. Joseph AME
Church, DeFuniak Springs, Florida where the Reverend Gregory Harris is the pastor.
Sister Mae F. Myrick, District Coordinator for the MSA was the
worship leader. Princess Makalya Hooks gave the invocation and Princess
TyRhonda Battle read the scripture. First Lady Sister Tami Harris gave a warm
welcome to everyone. The Reverend Melenda T. Smith presented the Mistress and
Master of Ceremony: Sister Harriet S. Davis and Brother Roger Pittman.
Little Miss Taryn Geffrard gave a Spirit- filled praise dance
that moved the congregation.
Little Miss VonLoris Davis received a standing ovation after
reciting poetry written by African American authors.
Princesses Tyanna Jenkins, Taiya Velez, Ariel Silva and Erika
Silva, and the Gregg Chapel AME YPD Praise Dancers warmed our hearts through
dance. Praise God for our youth on parade.
-- Little Master Danarius JuShaun Castleberry - age 4
Mother: Ms. Trina Taylor Walls
Representing the Pensacola Clusters – Pensacola-Marianna
District
Mrs. Monica Tellis and the Reverend Sonja Riley, Chairpersons
-- Little Miss Princess Brooke Marissa Stakley - age 8
Parents: Mr. Dion and Mrs. Robyn Stakley
Representing the Greater St. Joseph-DeFuniak Springs Clusters
The Reverend Sinclair Forbes, Sister Katrinia Stakley and Sister
Erika Dotson Chairpersons
Mt. Zion AME Church, Crestview, Florida; the Reverend D.
Sinclair Forbes, Pastor
-- Little Miss Princess Kahia Amola Law - age 5
Mother: Ms. Teniqua Smith
Representing the Greater Bethel-Panama City Clusters
Mt. Olive AME Church, Panama City, Florida; the Reverend Barbara
J. Brinson, Pastor
The Reverend Sandra Hooper Clark and Sister Tammy Hill,
Chairpersons
-- Little Master Myles Xavier Fields – age 6
Parents: Ms. Morgan Fields and Johnathan Bowers
Representing the St. James-Marianna Clusters
Grant Tabernacle AME Church, Chipley, Florida; the Reverend
Sandra B. Jones, Pastor
The children were asked how many books are in the Bible, what
was their favorite subjects in school, what was their favorite church song, and
what did they want to be when they grew up.
The 2014 Coronation
Ceremony
-- Brooke Marissa Stakley
2014 PMD/MSA
Little Miss Princess
-- Mylex Xavier Fields
2014 PMD/MSA
Little Master
-- Kahlia Amola Law
2014 PMD/MSA
Little Miss Princess 1st Runner up
-- Danarius JuShaun Castleberry
2014 PMD/MSA
Little Master 1st Runner up
The Reverend Freddie Tellis gave the Invitation to Discipleship
and something amazing happen as he extended the Word about coming to the Lord.
Princess Dwannie Huff, daughter of the Reverend Melenda and
Kermit Smith went forward and rededicated her life to the Christ.
By that time, the “Spirit of the Lord” was upon the
congregation. Pastors and ministers went forward and prayed, touching this
young lady who stood before the altar. “Oh what a mighty God we serve.”
Remarks were given by the Mistress and Master of Ceremony and
the Minister’s Spouses Coordinator.
The Reverend D. Sinclair Forbes concluded the service by
introducing the pastors and ministers.
The MSA Benediction was given.
Florida Annual
Conference, Pensacola/Marianna District Minister’s Spouses Alliance:
- Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate
- Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor
- Presiding Elder James H. Davis – Sister Deborah Davis District
Consultant
- Sister Mae F. Myrick, Pensacola/Marianna District MSA Coordinator
6. BISHOP REGINALD T.
JACKSON PREACHING FOR TURNER SEMINARY ALUMNI BREAKFAST:
Atlanta, GA. Turner Theological Seminary will host its Alumni
Breakfast on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 7:00 A.M. during the Council of Bishops
and General Board Meeting at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN.
Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District
and the Ecumenical and Endorsing Agent of the A.M.E. Church will be the morning
preacher for the breakfast. “Bishop Jackson is one of Turner’s Distinguished
Alumnus, being one of the first to be inducted into the Turner Theological
Seminary Hall of Fame,” says Dr. John F. Green, President-Dean of the Seminary.
“This is an opportunity for fellowship and to support Turner both prayerfully
as well as financially.”
Bishop Jackson is the 132nd Elected and Consecrated
Bishop of the AME Church and one of ten 2014 Inductees into the Inaugural of
the Henry McNeal Turner Alumni Hall of Fame.
Other inductees include Bishop Preston W. Williams, II, TTS
Chairman of the Board and Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District;
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate, 11th Episcopal
District; Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate, 12th
Episcopal District; Bishop John F. White, Sr., Presiding Prelate, 16th
& 18th Episcopal Districts; the Reverend Dr. George F. Flowers,
Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry; the Reverend Dr. Daniel W.
Jacobs, retired TTS President/Dean; the Reverend Dr. Jacquelyn Grant,
theologian, scholar, educator; the Reverend Dr. George Moore, Sr., retired AMEC
pastor; and the retired pastor, the Reverend Dr. James M. Proctor.
Tickets are limited and may be purchased online for $50 at the
Turner Theological Seminary website, www.turnerseminary.com.
All alums are encouraged to attend to receive vital updates on
the state of the Interdenominational Theological Center.
Turner Theological Seminary: "Preparing a New Generation of Leaders for Ministry in the 21st Century"
7. BISHOP GREGORY
INGRAM TO PREACH AT THE PAYNE ALUMNI BREAKFAST:
--
Presiding Prelate of the 1st Episcopal District & Chairman of
the Board of Payne Seminary will preach Wednesday June 25, 2014, at 7:30 a.m.
at the at the Payne Theological Seminary Alumni Breakfast at the General Board
meeting in Nashville at the Sheraton Music City McGavock Room B.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. -- The National Alumni Association of Payne Theological
Seminary invites you to a prayer breakfast Wednesday June 25, 2014, at 7:30
a.m. at the Sheraton Music City located at 777 McGavock Pike in Nashville,
Tennessee. The breakfast will take place inside the McGavock Room B and the
cost is $50 at the door. The guest speaker is the Right Reverend Gregory Gerald
McKinley Ingram, the Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District which
encompasses most of the Northeast Corridor and Bermuda. Bishop Ingram is also
the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Payne Theological Seminary. "We
are blessed to have Bishop Ingram as our speaker for this breakfast," says
the Rev. Bruce Butcher, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Akron, Ohio and
President of Payne's Alumni. "Bishop Ingram provides exemplary leadership
and has a vision to carry our beloved seminary to higher heights," he
said.
Payne
Theological Seminary, located at the corner of Wilberforce-Clifton Road and
Coleman Road in Wilberforce, Ohio is the oldest Black seminary in the nation.
Payne's primary mission is to train men and women for the ministry to be
spiritual and intellectual leaders and agents of constructive social change in
the church and world. Payne's origin can be traced to October 18, 1844 when the
Ohio Conference met in Columbus, Ohio. A committee was appointed and empowered
to select a site and erect a Seminary and Manual Training School. In
1871, the Board of Trustees of Wilberforce University voted and approved the
organization of the seminary to be named after Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne
who led the push for higher education in the African Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Payne
Theological Seminary was incorporated in 1894 as an independent institution
"...for the purpose of promoting education, religion, and morality by the
education of persons for the Christian ministry and missionaries for the
redemption of Africa and other foreign lands." In 1954, the Seminary
took steps to raise its standards by promoting a program exclusively on a
graduate level. Payne Theological Seminary was admitted to membership in
the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) in 1956. In 1995, it became
the fourth historically African American theological seminary to become fully
accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). In 2009, the
ATS Commission on Accrediting announced that Payne had been elevated to a
ten-year accreditation cycle. Payne’s next accreditation visit will be in
2018.
For
more information about Payne Theological Seminary go to http://www.payne.edu.
For
more information about the alumni breakfast in Nashville on Wednesday June 25,
2014, at 7:30 a.m. at the Sheraton Music City; contact the Dr. Mark Kelly
Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church and National Alumni Coordinator at markkellytyler@gmail.com.
About Right
Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram
Bishop
Gregory G. M. Ingram was appointed presiding prelate of the First
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on July 4, 2012,
during the 49th Quadrennial Session of the denomination’s General Conference,
held in Nashville, Tenn. At the 2008 General Conference, Bishop Ingram was
elected to chair the General Conference Commission, which oversaw planning and
organization for the 49th Quadrennial Session. In his new assignment, he will
preside over seven annual conferences comprising Delaware, New England, New
Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda.
Bishop
Ingram was elected and consecrated the 118th Bishop of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church in 2000. His first appointment was to the Fifteenth Episcopal
District, which comprises Angola, Namibia and most of South Africa. His second
appointment was to the Tenth Episcopal District, which encompasses the State of
Texas. Under his visionary leadership, Bishop Ingram introduced the District to
his 10-Point Partnership Plan, a strategy for improving every aspect of life
for the people of the Tenth Episcopal District. He has refined that plan and
reintroduced it as 10 Priorities for the First Episcopal District for the
2012-2016 Quadrennium:
Church,
Community and Civic Involvement
Church
Growth and Evangelism
Education
Health
and Healing
Information
Technology/Communication
Membership
and Discipleship
Mission
Outreach and Disaster Relief
Spiritual
Formation
Stewardship
and Fiscal Integrity
Youth
and Young Adults
Prior
to his election to the Episcopacy, Bishop Ingram served as the Senior Minister
of Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit, Mich. During his
13-year pastorate, the church prospered both numerically and financially. Under
his compassionate leadership and spiritual direction, 2,400 people united in
membership, more than 1,400 were inspired to become tithers and a $2.3-million
building and expansion project was undertaken and paid off in five years.
Before being assigned to Oak Grove, Bishop Ingram served as pastor of A.M.E.
churches in Chicago, Springfield and Alton, Illinois. He also served two years
on the religious staff at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Campus.
Bishop
Ingram has distinguished himself throughout African Methodism, in particular,
and the religious community, in general, for his expertise on stewardship and
tithing. He is a dynamic preacher and lecturer who is sought after to speak at
churches, colleges, universities and civic functions. He has authored a number
of publications that are heralded throughout African Methodism. Included among
them are Equipping the Saints for Service, The African Methodist Episcopal
Church Pastor’s Journal and Quarterly Conference Record Book, The Joy of
Giving More Than Enough and The S.A.T.
Manual on African Methodism: A Study Guide on the Faith, Beliefs, History and
Structure of the World’s Oldest Denomination Founded by Blacks, an
acclaimed instructional tool for new members that has been updated and
expanded.
Bishop
Ingram holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Wilberforce University, a Master of
Arts degree in Teaching from Antioch College, a Master of Divinity degree from
Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry degree from
United Theological Seminary. His religious, civic, community, professional and
social affiliations, past and present, include the Ecumenical Center for
Stewardship Studies in North America (executive board member), the Christian
Communication Council (board member), Community Foundation for Southeastern
Michigan (advisory board member) and the National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (life member). He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi
Fraternity and is a Thirty-Third Degree Mason-Prince Hall Affiliation.
Bishop
Ingram is married to the Reverend Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, his devoted
partner in ministry. They are the proud parents of one adult daughter, Jennifer
Eman Keanne, and the grandparents of one treasured granddaughter, Jayda Eman
Keanne.
8. ST. PAUL AMEC
CELEBRATES AN INTERFAITH PENTECOST IN NEW ORLEANS:
The
Reverend Jennie Curry
The
leaders of St. Paul AME Church in New Orleans and locally elected officials
partnered with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
(NAACP) and the Micah Project, an interfaith social justice organization, to
celebrate Pentecost, with a combination prayer summit and worship extravaganza. The prayer summit was dedicated to bringing
public attention to two issues disproportionately affecting African Americans,
especially in New Orleans: mass incarceration and so-called education
reform
The
organizers were deliberate in hosting the interfaith event on Pentecost Sunday,
a day dedicated to the diversity of faith.
According to St. Paul’s pastor, the Reverend Jonathan C. Augustine, “In
Acts 2, the apostle Luke provides a narrative, historical account of how the
church universal began as an organization steeped in diversity. The Holy Spirit indiscriminately touched
people of various ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds such that they
understood each other, notwithstanding their language barriers.” St. Paul’s
celebration was in the same spirit of diversity experienced on the original
Pentecost in Jerusalem.
After
an opening prayer by Pastor Gwendolyn Smith of Beecher Memorial United Church
of Christ, the prayer summit was led by the Reverend Douglas Taylor, pastor of
Bethel AME Church in New Orleans. After
Reverend Taylor’s presentation, “The Importance of Prayer in the Life of the
Believer,” guests heard from the Honorable Benedict Willard, Judge of New
Orleans’ Criminal District Court; Tracie Washington, Esq., a well-known
education law attorney and president of the Louisiana Justice Institute; and
the Honorable Jason R. Williams, an at-large member of the New Orleans City
Council and popular criminal defense attorney.
After
each speaker’s remarks, the Reverend Taylor led all congregants in intercessory
prayer, invoking God’s power to remedy the two social issues.
The
prayer summit’s other speaker was its co-host, Micah Project Executive Director
Daniel Schwartz. Mr. Schwartz spoke about his passion for ending mass
incarceration stemming from German Nazis killing members of his family in
internment camps during the Jewish Holocaust, while also emphasizing the
importance of public events to bring attention to the issues, especially among
those whom he described as having “white privilege.”
The
worship extravaganza was led by the Reverend Robert L. Johnson III, a native
son of St. Paul, pastor of Greater Matthews Chapel AME Church in Greensburg,
Louisiana.
The
Reverend Jennie Curry of St. Luke AME Church in New Orleans read the scripture,
Acts 2:1-21; and an ecumenical mass choir, led by Brother Vance A. Vaucresson
of Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church, praised God in song.
A
presentation was given by Danatus N. King, president of the New Orleans Branch
of the NAACP, and the Reverend Edward W. “Chipps” Taylor, director of religious
affairs for the Louisiana Conference of the NAACP, was the guest preacher.
Emphasizing
the importance of inmates finding spiritual freedom, the Reverend Taylor
preached from the Acts 16:19-34 text of Paul and Silas being freed from prison.
The
June 2014 Pentecost Day celebration received significant media coverage in New
Orleans and begins a month-long observance of St. Paul’s 105th
anniversary celebration.
9. THE BIBLE GOES
INTERACTIVE:
--The
AME Church Plays a Key Role
In
the early fall of 2010, Pulitzer Prize wining journalist and CEO of the Great
Bible Race, Melvin Claxton, began work on what he called the most important
project of his life. His goal, ambitious and sweeping, was the creation of the
world’s largest and most authoritative Bible trivia video game.
The
daunting task involved the conversion of the Bible’s 30,000 verses into a
series of multiple-choice questions. The questions would then be integrated
into an exciting, full-function video game. No one had ever done this before.
In fact, there is no record of anyone even trying.
Over
the next three and a half years, the game would move from concept to reality.
In the process it would break world records and reshape how many Christians
interact with, and study, their Bible. The Great Bible Race video game would
also attract the attention and support of prominent members of the AME
community.
Bishop
Gregory G.M. Ingram, presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District, was
among the first to support and promote the game. Dr. James Wade, executive
director of Church Growth and Development, led a team of AME scholars who
provided questions about the AME Church’s history and doctrine for a special
AME version of the game. And under the leadership of Presiding Elder Dr. Norman
Osborne, Michigan’s South District is about to hold its second annual Great
Bible Race competition.
The
Great Bible Race, with its more than 17,000 questions, is truly a game changer.
This innovative video game covers every story and character in the Bible and is
sure to become a family favorite in many homes. Designed for both the beginner
and Bible scholar, the Great Bible Race offers a unique opportunity for individuals,
families and congregations to learn the Bible in a fun and entertaining way.
Since
its release, this enthralling Bible study tool has won accolades from
denominations, bishops, pastors and churchgoers everywhere. It even made The
Detroit News’ exclusive Christmas gift list.
The
game, which can be played on both Windows and Mac computers, includes a
complete audio/digital Bible and the world’s largest collection of 3D biblical
images. It is currently available at www.greatbiblerace.com
and price information can be found on the website. Online purchasers of the
game receive a special $20 discount if they enter “AME” in the coupon section
during checkout. An updated version of the AME special edition of the Great
Bible Race is slated for release August 1, 2014.
10. THE BLACK CHURCH:
MISSING IN ACTION:
*Jeffrey L. Boney
The other day, I found myself driving around Houston’s historic
Third Ward. I took a moment to reflect on the neighborhood where I grew up,
went to school and bought my first home.
As I observed the current condition of my beloved neighborhood,
I began to weep as I looked at its dilapidated condition, while counting at
least sixteen churches within the same general area that had been there for
decades.
I began to weep even harder, having placed my forehead on the
steering wheel, trying to cope with the fact that I had counted so many
churches that were located so close to one another in the community, and there
were more that I hadn’t counted when I stopped.
I had witnessed the neighborhood declining for some time, but
for some reason this particular time things suddenly hit me harder. I began to
ask myself how the Black community, with as many of us that go to traditional
Black churches, have neighborhoods that look more like a war-torn country than
a vibrant community.
How has the Black community continued to look the way it has,
after Black people have faithfully given billions of dollars of tithes and offering
money into the Black church for years?
Now I’m not grouping all Black churches together, but I wish
somebody could tell me why the Black community looks the way it does, while the
Black church remains the most attractive-looking feature in our communities.
It makes no sense to me, to see communities beat up and worn
down, but have a large edifice right there in heart of the community that
serves as nothing more than a recruiting center for more tithers, in most
cases.
The Black dollar currently remains in the Black community less
than 6 hours. Seeing that Black people give a lot of their money to the Black
church, shouldn’t we ask whether Black church leaders are spending that tithe
and offering money within the same community that supports it?
Look at what’s happening to the same Black community where many
of these churches reside. Tell me why many of these Black churches have said or
done nothing about the plight and despair that plagues these communities.
So many members of our Black church leadership have remained
silent while the wealth gap between Black and White Americans has tripled and
while our communities are ravished by school closings, racial discrimination,
high unemployment, sexual assaults, eminent domain, increased taxes, youth murders,
lack of quality mentorship, police brutality and much more; this happens right
across the street or down the street from these beautiful places of worship.
It makes no sense to have a church on every corner and preach
prosperity, yet sit back and observe the serious economic, social and spiritual
decline in their respective communities. Where is God in that?
Look, I don’t have an issue, whatsoever, with the money a
minister makes or the items they choose to purchase. That is a miniscule
argument I choose to never get caught up in because nobody has the right to
tell another person how much they’re worth or what they should earn.
I strongly believe, however, that the communities these churches
are located in should reflect the type of growth and economic empowerment the
leadership of those churches experience.
How can you be a minister of the gospel, who leads a respective
flock and then completely ignore the voiceless or ‘the least of these’ amongst
us?
The Black church must get re-engaged and focus on not only
changing their members and visitors, but the collective community as a whole.
It’s imperative!
It’s time out for political, social and economic apathy amongst
Black church leadership. If Black ministers are apathetic, chances are their
members will be apathetic also. If Black ministers don’t care about the social
ills in their own community, chances are their members won’t care either.
Mandatory minimum sentencing significantly impacts Black young
men and women more than any other cultural group in the U.S. and the jail
system has been the primary beneficiaries of a manufactured "War on
Drugs" and other unjust laws on the books. Mandatory minimum sentencing
laws have done more damage to the Black community, particularly young, Black
males, in that there are about 7% of African-American males in the nation and
there are about 46% of African-American males in prisons nationwide. Has the
Black church come together to collectively deal with this and the other issues
I named earlier? No.
Prior to integration, the Black church was integral in
addressing major issues and being involved in strengthening the Black
community, while standing up for it as watchmen on the wall. Now, we allow
drugs and other social ills to infiltrate our community. Prior to integration,
the Black church established and maintained the first Black schools and
encouraged community members to fund those schools and other public services.
Now we rely on unreliable elected officials and the government to educate our
children and provide important services to our needy.
The Black church was always connected to the goals of advancing
the Black race and moving us forward in America. Looking at what’s happening to
our communities is it necessary to ask, "Is the Black church missing in
action?"
Black ministers have always provided leadership, encouraged
education and focused on economic growth in the Black community. Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. stated that "our lives begin to end, the day we become
silent about the things that matter."
In order for Black youth to respect the Black church and
consider it relevant to their lives, the Black church leadership must step up
and use their voice, influence and resources to go beyond building fancy
edifices; we need them to get back to being the moral compass of our
communities and the community builders they once were. The question is: Will it
happen again?
*Jeffrey L. Boney serves as Associate Editor and is an
award-winning journalist for the Houston Forward Times newspaper. Jeffrey is a
Next Generation Project Fellow, dynamic, international speaker, experienced
entrepreneur, business development strategist and Founder/CEO of the Texas
Business Alliance. If you would like to request Jeffrey as a speaker, you can
reach him at jboney1@texasbusinessalliance.org.
11. HELP WANTED: LEADERS
WHO CAN KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE:
*Leah Smiley
Over the last month, I had the privilege of reading two new
books on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The first was written by David L.
Chappell, Professor of Modern History at the University of Oklahoma, entitled
“Waking from the Dream: The Struggle for Civil Rights in the Shadow of Martin
Luther King, Jr.” The second is an advanced copy of Tavis Smiley’s latest book,
“Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Final Year”,
which will be released in September 2014.
Both books chronicle the difficult last year of Dr. King’s life.
But Chappell’s book begs the question, “How has the civil rights movement
advanced since King’s death?” When I was a child, I wondered who could lead the
black community. Who could fill the shoes of slain civil rights leaders and
ensure that all people are treated fairly and have access to equal
opportunities for success?
As we look at the Black community today, the biggest concern is
not those who are keeping us from success; it is how we are impeding our own
progress. There are three big issues for leaders address for the future
sustainability of the black community:
(1) violence; (2) education; and (3) discrimination.
Violence
In urban areas throughout the U.S., Black folks are shooting
each other in outlandish numbers. This year alone, HuffPost reported that more
than 40 people were shot over Easter weekend in Chicago, and Fox News reported
that Philadelphia has already seen 52 murders in 69 days. In 2013, Fox News
reported that 25 people were shot in New York during a 48-hour period.
Education
Within our inner city schools are some of the most brilliant
people in the world. But modern-day urban culture encourages underperformance
and mediocrity through poor decisions, peer pressure and negative multi-media
images. For example, Hip hop music was once a genre of change-- motivating
individuals to move out of the ghettos and into better social standing. Today,
rap music glorifies shooting, killing, drugs, money and sex. Songs are filled
with lyrics that kids memorize and reinforce every day by repeating the
words—speaking those negative things into existence. Even white youth repeat
the “N” word (as heard in rap music) when talking to other white youth to
signify that the two are boys. In fact, if you look up “my boy” on www.urbandictionary.com, related
words are: my dude, friend, homie, and nigga.
Not “Ni--er” but “Nigga” which, according to youth, has a different connotation
and meaning.
With my own children, I realized that if they can recite lyrics
to a song or words from a movie verbatim, they can remember math facts, the
spelling of words, geography, and much more. Derwin Smiley, former Indianapolis
Public School teacher and Host of The Derwin Smiley Show says, “Learning is fun
and interesting in the suburbs; but in the inner cities, learning is a task
filled with tests.”
Thus, education presents a risky proposition for students of
color. Not only is there the threat of violence from their peers, but teachers
and school officials appear to be threatened by the mere presence of some
students of color. The U.S. Department of Education recently released a report
showing that “although black students made up only 18 percent of those enrolled
in the schools sampled, they accounted for 35 percent of those suspended once,
46 percent of those suspended more than once and 39 percent of all expulsions,
according to the Civil Rights Data Collection’s 2009-10 statistics from 72,000
schools in 7,000 districts, serving about 85 percent of the nation’s students.”
The report adds, “Black and Hispanic students — particularly
those with disabilities — are also disproportionately subject to seclusion or
restraints. Students with disabilities make up 12 percent of the student body,
but 70 percent of those are subject to physical restraints.” While the overall drop rate declined from 12
percent in 1990 to 7 percent in 2011, the quality of education in the inner
city compared to the suburbs is unacceptable. Secretary of Education Arne
Duncan acknowledges this when he was quoted as saying to reporters, “Education
is the civil rights of our generation”.
Discrimination
Compounding the issues of violence and an improper educational
foundation is this issue of discrimination. And I’m not referring to the
external discrimination imposed by Caucasians, but the bias that persists among
the ranks: Light-skinned vs.
dark-skinned. Black vs. White. Black
American vs. every other brown ethnic group (e.g., Hispanic, African, Haitian,
Asian, Indian, etc.).
James Brown released lyrics in a song in 1968 that become a
virtual slogan, “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” But today, young people
of color don’t want to be called “African American” or “Black.” They want to
make a distinction that their skin tone is “brown.” Even among other ethnic
groups or abroad, being “Black” can be negative. My oldest daughter recently
dated a young man of African descent and was told that his parents condemned
dating black females, and felt so strongly about it that they would consider
deportation to prevent their son from dating young black women.
Discrimination is still a powerful concept. There are those who
believe we live in a post racial society and would go to lengths to prove that
discrimination is a historical notion, but discrimination within, and outside
of, the Black community is real. Just look at the data for housing, employment,
education, poverty, and other leading economic indicators.
The Solution
Chappell’s book “Waking from the Dream” reminds us that we all
have a responsibility to lead and keep the dream alive. There are many
challenges that face Americans as a whole, and the Black community is so
diverse that it is impossible for one person to assume the mantle for the many
different interests, backgrounds, and aspirations. Therefore the solutions to
the issues are varied; but we need leaders and supporters who are positive,
proactive, and planning for the future.
In a recent Forbes article, New York Times Best Selling Author
Kevin Kruse defines leadership as “a process of social influence, which maximizes
the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal.” Considering that
diversity implies that we all have different ways of achieving the goal,
leadership implies that we ought to support others who are working to effect
change. We must also stay informed and get involved. It is imperative that we
all determine what we can do, where we are, to keep the dream alive.
*Leah Smiley is the President of the Society for Diversity, the
#1 and largest professional association for Diversity and Inclusion. It
represents a highly specialized association of Fortune 500, nonprofit,
government and education professionals throughout the U.S. Founded in 2009, the Society for Diversity
offers innovative educational programs to help organizations design and execute
effective diversity and inclusion strategies. The Society for Diversity is also
the host of the 2014 Diversity Leadership Retreat and the parent company of the
Institute for Diversity Certification, which designates qualification
credentials to diversity experts through a professional diversity certification
program. For more information, log onto www.societyfordiversity.org.
12. THE 20TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2014 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
The Rt. Rev. Reginald Thomas Jackson, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Christy Davis Jackson, Esquire; Episcopal Supervisor
South Malawi Conference
July 16th – 19th,
2014
St. Thomas Chapel AME Church
Salima, Malawi
The Rev. Davison Moyo, Pastor/Presiding Elder
July 16th
Christian Education Seminar
July 17th
WMS Annual Meeting
July 18th – 19th
South Malawi Annual Conference
Central Malawi Conference
July 21st –
July 26th, 2014
Boma AME Church
Kasungu, Malawi
The Rev. Golden Kumbukiran Phiri, Pastor
July 21st
Christian Education Seminar
July 22nd
WMS Annual Meeting
July 23rd – July 26th
Central Malawi Annual Conference
North Malawi Conference
July 28th – August 2nd
Rumphi/Mzimba AME Church
Mzuzu City, Malawi
The Rev. P. E. Wilfred, Pastor
July 28th
Christian Education Seminar
July 29th
WMS Annual Meeting
July 30th – August 2nd
North Malawi Annual Conference
Northeast Zimbabwe
Conference
September 23rd
– 27th
Webster Temple AME Church
Harare, Zimbabwe
The Rev .Joseph Gutsa, Pastor
September 23rd
WMS Annual Meeting
September 24th – 27th
Northeast Zimbabwe Annual Conference
Central Zimbabwe
Conference
September 30th
– October 4th
Allen Temple AME Church
Kadona, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Peter Rugeda, Pastor/Presiding Elder
September 30th
WMS Annual Meeting
Central Zimbabwe Annual Conference
October 1st – October 4th
Southwest Zimbabwe
Conference
October 6th –
October 10th
Balls Tabernacle AME Church
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Philip Gava, Pastor/Presiding Elder
October 6th
WMS Annual Meeting
October 7th – 10th
Southwest Zimbabwe Annual Conference
13. NAACP APPLAUDS SENATE
HEARING ON VOTING RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT OF 2014:
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - The NAACP released the following statement
commending the US Senate for holding a hearing on the Voting Rights Amendment
Act of 2014 (VRAA), introduced by Senator Leahy, and starting the legislative
process on an issue that is the hallmark of a true democracy. The VRAA was
introduced in the US House of Representatives by Rep. Sensenbrenner and a
bipartisan group of members in January and enjoys strong support from the civil
rights community. The day of the Senate hearing will occur on June 25th,
exactly one year since the Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act in the
Shelby County v. Holder decision, which removed key protections for voters
across the nation.
Lorraine C. Miller, NAACP
Interim President & CEO: “We applaud the U.S. Senate Judiciary
Committee for scheduling a hearing on the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014
and we implore the U.S. House of Representatives, particularly the House
Judiciary Committee, to follow suit and schedule a hearing quickly on this
necessary bipartisan legislation. As the U.S. midterm elections approach, the
basic right to vote is in jeopardy. The
Congress must act now so that all citizens have the right to be heard and have
their votes counted. We urgently call for Congress to strengthen and pass the
Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014, as the risk of voter disenfranchisement is
too great for our country’s democracy.”
Jotaka L. Eaddy, Sr.
Director, Voting Rights and Senior Advisor to President & CEO: “We are
encouraged that the U.S. Senate has decided to hold a hearing aimed at fixing
the Voting Rights Act and preserving our basic rights. We are hopeful that the Senate hearing will
lift up the current challenges voters – particularly African Americans,
Latinos, Native Americans, the elderly, youth and low-income citizens -- face
across the country and demonstrate the continuing need for a modern, effective
Voting Rights Act. The right to vote is the most fundamental right of our
democracy, and we urge both Houses of Congress to act before the November
election in order to ensure all voters have unfettered access to the ballot
box.”
14. NAACP STATEMENT ON
U.S. PATENT OFFICE'S DECISION TO CANCEL THE WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM'S
TRADEMARK:
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has
canceled the Washington Redskins trademark registration, a second such decision
following decades of complaints that the name disparages Native Americans.
From Hilary O. Shelton, Washington Bureau Director and Senior
Vice President for Advocacy and Policy:
“The NAACP commends the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board for
their strong opposition to the racist and discriminatory name of the Washington
Football Team, as well as other sports’ team names that degrade American
Indians. It is our hope that the team owner Daniel Snyder would heed the
board’s ruling and refrain from the use of the name, images and mascots that
are deemed harmful and demeaning to the American Indian community. The NAACP
has called specifically for this name change since 1992, and will continue to
stand with the Native Indian community until the derogatory moniker has been
changed."
15. THE TRUTH IS THE
LIGHT
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical Text: Romans 8:38-39: For I am persuaded that
neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things
present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our
Lord.
I served 21 years in the United States Army. When I say that,
invariably the question asked is, “Were you a Chaplain?” The truth is I was an airborne infantryman. I
jumped out of perfectly good airplanes. I have walked through and slept in the
woods and back country of several states and foreign countries. I have spent a many night cold, lonely and
scared. During the times I was most scared I remembered all the things my
mother and my grandmother taught me about the Lord. They told me that I was
never alone because Jesus was with me. He promised never to leave me or forsake
me. I remembered my home church choir singing “Why should I be discouraged, Why
should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely and long for heaven and
home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He: His eye is on the
sparrow, and I know He watches me”
I remember early one morning while standing in my foxhole
thinking this world is a crazy place. I
noticed a bird splashing in a puddle of water. The little bird seemed so happy,
so content. I remember thinking, “Oh, to be that little bird!”
Almost twenty years later and I am sitting in my study thinking,
this world is a crazy place. Still outside my window a little bird is playing.
The little bird seems so happy and content, “Oh to be that little bird!”
Not a day goes by that the media is not reporting horrible news.
The airwaves are filled with distress, persecution, famine, peril, wars, and
poverty. Though our text is set thousands of years ago, it is as though it had
been transported to the present century for a sneak peak! The early Christian
church faced the same perils that we face every day. The sad truth is that
every generation has its perils. The good news is that God promises that if He
takes care of the little bird, won’t He take care of us also?
I hear everyone talk about the “good ole days” when it seems
that everything was perfect and no one had any unmet needs. Somebody would have
us believe that life then was simpler. The truth is “good” is a matter of
perspective. Yes there was a time when bread cost only a nickel, but nobody had
a nickel. So you see the wonder of the “good ole days” is many times nothing
more than selective memory. Every generation had its perils. The Christians in
Rome had their perils and we have ours.
Look at the challenges we face today. Some young American is
right now standing in a foxhole thinking this world is crazy. The wars we are
engaged in demand the continued sacrifice of our precious young men and women.
We are cutting education and social security costs over here, so we can rebuild
that nation over there. Yes, every generation has its perils.
Paul boldly says to us that there is not one thing that can
occur in the life of a Christian that can force them to take their focus off
Jesus Christ. That bears repeating! Life can present no peril that can force
those of us who profess to be a Christian to take our focus off Jesus. That is
unless we choose to.
When the powers of the time began to persecute the early
Christian church, the new Christians had a decision to make. The choice was
clearly to face death with Jesus, or face it alone. The Apostle Paul reminded
them then and us today that there is nothing that can force us to take our eyes
off Jesus. Paul wanted the early Christian church to understand that it was
their choice. And they chose Jesus!
What that says to us is simply when we feel like we are sinking
we can swim with Jesus, or swim alone. Those times when we feel like the whole
world is against us, we can either face the world with Jesus, or face it alone.
There will be days when we feel like the weight of the world is on our
shoulders. On those days we must decide to carry the weight with Jesus, or
carry it alone.
The Bible reminds us that, they who have been persecuted for
Jesus’ sake are blessed. Jesus knew that those who would pick up the mantle of
leadership and those who would be committed to follow would find themselves
desperately struggling against the pressures and forces from without. We will
struggle against the weight and discouragement of the trials that life
presents. There will be a constant struggle against the pollution and
corruption of life as well as the relentless accusations and bombardments of
conscience and law. There will be the pain and decay of our bodies and fear and
hopelessness of an eternal judgment hereafter. We will struggle against hurt,
sorrow, loneliness, aging, death, and hell. However, Paul would have us to know
that all of our suffering directs us to one simple solution. We must get right
with God and do it now! If we can establish a right relationship with God, we
will make it through our perils.
We would do well to understand that it is not so much the
problems without that we should be concerned about. A much greater concern for
us to consider is the problem within. We must get right with God! Our desire must be a right relationship with
God to be justified and declared righteous by Him. Our prayer is to be freed
from the struggle of sin. We must pray to be freed from the bondage of sin
without and within! In order to successfully face our peril, we must first be
set free from our peril. The Bible warns us that sin enslaves, accuses,
condemns, and strikes hopelessness within the heart.
The Bible gives the wonderful news that the God we serve assures
us, through Jesus, deliverance from struggling and suffering and even death. “I
thank God through Jesus Christ.” (Romans 7:25a) There is a promise that those
who love the Lord and are called by Him will be freed from the bondage and
corruption of this life and ushered into glory. “There is therefore now no
condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh,
but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1) Jesus shall free us from struggling and
suffering. God guarantees that absolutely nothing shall prevent His plan and
purpose from coming to fruition in the life of a believer. This is a promise we
can hold on to even in the midst of the perils of war. God’s pre-ordained plan
and purpose for this planet will be consummated.
The Apostle Paul, a man who lived out the promise of this truth
over and over again in his own life, reassures us that God is faithful to
deliver those who are in Christ and who live a pure and holy life. The Word
promises that if we truly love God and live according to His will, all things
work together for our good. To those who believe all these things are working
against them, Paul says, “All things work together for good to them that love
God” God will deliver us from the struggles and peril of this corrupt world!
Jesus protects the believer from the harshest circumstances. So
many, even those who claim to be believers, feel that God does not love them. I
hear some people say that God could not possibly love them because they have
gone against His will so much. People feel unworthy of God’s love because they
have been disobedient and have failed God; far too often. The Word of God would
have you to know that there is no circumstance, no situation, and no event that
can cause the Lord to turn away from you. “Who [or what] can separate us from
the love of God?”
The same Paul who was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and left
for dead learned to trust Christ. Scripture declares loudly and clearly that no
matter how terrible or severe the situation, it cannot separate the true
believer from the love of Christ, because Christ loves the believer regardless
of circumstance. We are encouraged to believe that no matter how dark and
depressing there is absolutely nothing that can separate the believer from the
love of Christ.
God loves us, whatever our circumstances may be. No matter the
circumstances, we are more than conquerors through Christ who has loved us. It
doesn’t matter how severe our trials are, Christ will carry us through it all.
It doesn’t matter what the peril is, we have that blessed assurance that Christ
loves us and will take care of us. “Be not dismayed what-e’re betide, God will
take care of you.”
It is critical that we understand that Christ does not offer
peace in place of peril. What He does offer us is peace in the midst of peril.
He promises, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have
peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world” (John 16:33).
Christ does not remove all temptation or all trials, but he does
provide us with an escape from temptation and comfort through our trials. The
Word of God promises, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common
to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that
ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may
be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). The Word declares “Blessed be God,
even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of
all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to
comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves
are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
The Lord calls for us to cast “all your care upon him.” He wants
us to know that “He cares for you” no matter the situation. Nothing can get in
the way of His love for us, not trials, not war, not shame, not failure, nor
persecution, “Nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ
Jesus”.
My mind goes back to the little bird splashing in the water,
playing as if he has not a care in the world. Everything I read, and hear
continues to remind me that this world is a crazy place. However, I am
encouraged as I think if Jesus notices that little bird of seeming
insignificance then He must notice me. If Jesus is concerned about the scrappy little
bird then surely He must know who I am, and where I’m going. Jesus must keep
tabs on me too. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall
tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or
sword?” Thank God nothing can separate us from His love, “which is in Christ
Jesus our Lord.” Christ loves us regardless of our circumstance.
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of
Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, S.C.
16. GETTING TO ZERO - A
"TAKE INVENTORY" REQUEST:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
The reports of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that new AIDS cases and
deaths from AIDS-related causes are lower than the previous all-time high
numbers. From data in state, county, provincial and community health
departments and organization reports, the CDC and WHO suggest that widespread
medical and educational interventions are having a measurable impact. This is
good news.
Even so, others on the front lines of engaging with people-
social workers, physicians, nurses, community health workers, clergy- see
continuing daily struggles of persons who live with HIV and of their family
members and loved ones.
The endgame goal
A goal of Getting to Zero (G20) is to provide insights to
understand, prevent and control diseases like HIV/AIDS. Why? We seek to follow
the Holy Bible example of attending to those who are ill. The Bible says that
"the poor will be with you always." Although we should try diligently
to reduce poverty and its staggering impacts, ending poverty is unlikely.
We CAN end the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Ending the pandemic can happen by stopping virus transmission
and new HIV infections, by providing available medicine, by changing life
habits so to slow progression to AIDS disease and by medical and other care for
AIDS-related illnesses. We know how to do these.
One intent of the G20 column content is to provide such insight
so that members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church can make giant
strides towards ending HIV/ AIDS in national and international communities in
which we serve.
What is required?
The most effective leaders are informed and empowered to use
their God-given influence and understanding to catalyze actions. Actions
required to end HIV/AIDS are: 1) testing to determine HIV status, and 2) wise
use of testing outcomes. If the test outcome is positive, the tasks to live are
to prevent AIDS and stop virus transmission to another person. If the test
outcome is negative, the task is to remain HIV negative by preventing contact
with virus in any of four body fluids that allow transmission - blood, semen,
vaginal fluids and breast milk.
These actions will move individuals, families and communities
towards an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Taking inventory
We write and publish G20 as one effort to promote understanding
and catalyze effective action in our churches and communities. Often I meet
people who say that they read the G20 column, learn from and are grateful for
it. They often share its content.
Others who travel in the AMEC Connectional wonder if our
churches and their leaders are doing anything to address HIV. They note that
HIV is especially still an issue in our communities.
Are the efforts by TCR, the CDC, state, county and provincial
entities making a difference? Are taxpayers funds used wisely in taking actions
that are possible towards ending the pandemic?
In a democratic system it is said that "all politics is
local." Also local action is what counts in ending an infectious disease
pandemic like HIV/AIDS.
What is understood at local churches and in families? What is
happening to take required actions that begin with routine widespread HIV
testing? Are churches and their appointed leaders engaging? Is your church
engaged? Is it taking action? Are you?
Let's take an inventory
test
If Dr. Calvin Sydnor III, as the 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder visited your
church to interview members of the congregation to write a special report,
would he find out about efforts to address HIV/AIDS?
Would Dr. Sydnor see evidence of increased understanding and
local progress from G20 coverage in TCR?
Is there detectable impact of the even longer efforts of the AME Connectional
Health Commission, the Missionary Society, the Young People's Division, the
Council of Bishops and others?
Is the AMEC making
progress?
Some propose that such efforts make no difference. "There
are few visible signs that AMEC pastors, officers and church congregations are
doing much of anything about HIV? Is it even on the radar screen?"
I believe that, like an iceberg, much of what is occurring may
be underneath the water, below visible surface. I believe that our AME leaders
and members understand, think and are doing more than ever before. I believe
that much of the change occurring is undocumented.
I believe attitudes that promoted or allowed discrimination,
stigma and isolation are questioned. I believe damaging attitudes such as
"AIDS is punishment for sexual sin" are decreasing. I believe that
regular programming and conversations that include HIV and AIDS as an
infectious disease now occur as part of addressing our prevailing health
issues.
I am generally optimistic. Clearly, I am close to the issue of
ending the impact of HIV infection. I may believe what I hope is happening. I
may believe what I want to happen.
I could be wrong.
Others may be correct in speculating that there is no real
change or little impact on the local church and in families. They speculate
that actions to address HIV/AIDS are not part of most AMEC churches. They say
that there is no systematic or institutionalized encouragement or requirement
for pastors, clergy or churches to learn about or to do anything about HIV.
They think that AMEC congregations, for the most part, do not and will not
change the impact of HIV on our communities.
What is true?
Here is a special request. If you read G20 contents, let the
editor and others know by what you say and what you do.
Specifically, during the weeks surrounding the 2014 National HIV
Testing Day of June 27, if you are engaged in some way in ending the over 30
year scourge of HIV, say so.
Show that you are already or are actively seek to be part of the
solution to the global problem of AIDS. Show that you are helping to move
towards the endgame of "an end to AIDS." Talk about what you know is
happening, what you are doing to get to "an AIDS-free generation."
If you have had an HIV test, plan to take the test or have other
testimony, say so. Dr. Sydnor, TCR readers and I want to hear what is happening
in our Zion, whether underneath or above the iceberg surface, at the local
church, in the community, on campus or in homes.
The weeks around the National HIV Testing Day are an opportune
time to take inventory of what we are doing, or not doing. Put it in the
auxiliary or church's Annual Conference report. Lift it up at the Sunday School
Convention or the Christian Education Congress. Write a TCR report, submit a
letter to the TCR editor or simply send an email message
to fullerao@gmail.com.
Are we really moving towards the endgame? If so, how? If not,
why not?
What say you?
*The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is a tenured professor in
Microbiology and Immunology and faculty in the African Studies Center at the
University of Michigan. An Itinerant Elder in the 4th Episcopal District, she
served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, Michigan for seven years
before focusing fully on global health research in Zambia and the USA for
HIV/AIDS elimination. At Payne Theological Seminary she teaches a required
course, “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS.”
17. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 22, 2014 - HOPE FOR A NEW DAY - HAGGAI 2:20-23 &
ZECHARIAH 4:
*Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
Over the last four weeks the Adult AME Church School has
explored the ministry of the prophet Haggai. Haggai’s raison d’ etre was to
motivate his comrades to complete the noble work in rebuilding God’s great
temple. Completing this task required
the assistance of two special men in Jerusalem: Joshua, the High Priest and
Zerubbabel the Governor of Judah. These
were important men because they provided indispensable leadership in both
spiritual and political affairs. Important people are typically associated with
important messages. Our printed text for
the June 22, 2014 Church School Lesson makes this point unambiguously clear.
In Haggai 2:20-23 God displays His faithfulness to Zerubbabel by
creating a new day that will be identified with a great geological movement
felt in both earth and heaven. In addition, God will purge Judah of all
enemies. Because of Zerubbabel’s
commitment to rebuilding the Temple, God showers the political leader with a
beautiful compliment comparison; a signet ring (Haggai 2:23).
Ancient kings typically used signet rings to designate
authority, honor, or ownership. A signet contained an emblem unique to the
king. Official documents were sealed with a dollop of soft wax impressed with
the king’s signet, usually kept on a ring on his finger. Such a seal certified
the document as genuine, much like a notary public’s stamp today. Zerubbabel was viewed as a person who was
genuine in the sight of God! What an
honor and compliment!
The prophet Zechariah continues the vision of the great Temple
rebuilding under Zerubbabel. (Zech. 4:7-8)
Chapter 4 of Zechariah offers a moving nighttime vision where the
prophet engages in direct dialogue with an angel of God. Zechariah’s vision consists of a gold
lampstand, seven lights, seven channels to the lights and two olive trees. When the prophet asks the angel for
clarification of the different elements the angel responds by simply stating:
"This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel. Not by might nor by power but by my Spirit
says the Lord of Hosts" (Zech 4:6).
Too often our political leaders are dismissed as self-serving
narcissists detached from the common good.
Not so for Zerubbabel. He will
oversee the rebuilding work as prophesied by Haggai and Zechariah. His dedication to the cause does not go
unnoticed by God. He is a perfect symbol for the signet ring worn by God. "The Eighth Wonder of the world."
Stevie Wonder once sang a song with the title, "Signed,
Sealed & Delivered." I’m sure
this is how Zerubbabel felt in transitioning to that New Day for the
restoration of the Temple.
*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.
18. MEDITATION BASED ON 2
KINGS 6:8-17:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
One of the best jokes I heard on the radio in the days of my
youth was told by the immortal Jackie “Moms” Mabley. In that joke, a construction supervisor
suspects that one of his laborers is stealing from the work site. One day, when the laborer is leaving the
site, the supervisor stops him, looks smugly into the wheelbarrow he’s pushing
and finds...absolutely nothing. Day
after day, he does the same thing with the same result.
After more than a few days of futility, the exasperated
supervisor tells the laborer, “Look, I know you’re stealing. I don’t know exactly what you’re stealing,
but if you tell me, I promise I won’t fire you, I’ve just GOT to know!” The laborer pauses and says, “You really want
to know what I’m stealing?” When the
supervisor says again that he does badly want to know, the laborer says,
“Wheelbarrows.”
I love that joke because the supervisor was so obsessed with
what was going on and with apprehending the culprit that he overlooked the
obvious. Remember the hapless supervisor
in that joke in this world, where all of us are sometimes consumed by the
relentless need to search and discover.
It’s easy for all of us to be consumed by the search for
prosperity, peace of mind, wellness and well being, for safety, security,
balance and belonging - only to come up short and be left feeling uncertain,
unfulfilled and disconsolate. We’ll do
well to pause, “exhale” and simply consider God’s obvious blessings that we
often overlook.
When we do so, then we might just find that God has been with us
in our times of stress and challenge, that God has steadied us when we were
sure that we’d fall, that God has met our needs in ways that we might have
missed and that God has stood with us in what we thought were our most
solitary, troubled and hopeless times.
Take the time, in the midst of your search for the best in life,
to not overlook the obvious and to consider your blessings. You’ll see new hope, realize new joy and be
encouraged by the words of the writer who said, “All that you need God will
provide, God will take care of you.
Nothing you need will be denied, God will take care of you.”
This Meditation is also available on the Beaufort District’s
Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
And on Facebook at:
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
19. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY
FAMILY CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES:
-- Congratulations are
extended to Cara Leigh Davis on being awarded a second internship
She has been awarded the internship in the School Of Natural
Science and Mathematics at Claflin University
Cara is the daughter of Felita Grady Davis and the late Melvin
Davis. She is the granddaughter of Bishop and Mother Z.L. Grady (ret). She is the niece of the Rev. Carey A. Grady
and Mrs. India Clemons Grady, and Constance Grady-Woodberry and Kenneth
Woodberry, Esq.
Congratulations are extended to Cara Leigh Davis on being
awarded a second internship in the School of Natural Science and Mathematics at
Claflin University. As part of a grant funded by the Department of Energy and
the Office of Environmental Science, the internship focuses on Heavy Metal
Bioremediation. The mission of the Office of Environmental Management is to
complete the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy brought about from five
decades of nuclear weapons development, and government-sponsored nuclear energy
research. Cara's specific project focuses on the Identification of Pseudomonas
fluorescens genes regulated by Chromium (Cr6+). For eight weeks, Cara will
perform Growth Curves for P. fluorescens with Cr6+, Plasmid DNA Isolation,
Quick Transformation and other protocols.
Cara is a senior biology major at Claflin University, in
Orangeburg SC. Cara was chosen by freshman students this spring as "Peer
Mentor" of the year, and will serve as the Lead Orientation Leader for the
fall semester. Cara also serves as the 7th Episcopal District YPD Financial
Secretary.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to:
Cara Leigh Davis: CaraLeighDavis@gmail.com
Felita Grady Davis: fgd23@bellsouth.net
Bishop and Mother Grady: W1mg2cl@aol.com
-- Mrs. Christene Helen
Knew Chambliss to celebrate 90th Birthday
It is said, "Time waits for no one" But what a time it
has been! During my time, I have
climbed many hills and mountains, roamed through many valleys and deserts,
crossed many stormy seas. However' after 90 years, I praise God for sending me
" my Knight in Shinning Armor, and the many "Camelot" moments
that made it all possible and so enjoyable. It made the things of earth grow
strangely dim and helped me to keep moving forward with love, grace and deep
appreciation. It is truly HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy Birthday wishes can be emailed to:
cchambliss1@comcast.net, Christene H. Chambliss.
Or mailed to:
Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss
200 North Pickett Street #708
Alexandria, VA 22304
*Christene Helen Knew Chambliss (June 23, 1924)
-- The Washington
Conference to celebrate the ministry and retirement of Presiding Elder Goodwin
Douglas
The Reverend Dr. Goodwin Douglas recently announced his
retirement after 55 years in ministry. He formally retired during the 64th
Session of the Washington Annual Conference in April 2014. For the past 20
years he served as the Presiding Elder of the Capitol District of the
Washington Annual Conference. As Presiding Elder he led over 40 congregations
and more than 40,000 members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
throughout Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Under his leadership, the Capitol District grew
spiritually, financially, and numerically.
He and his lovely wife, Mrs. Cynthia Douglas, have been married
for 46 years and together they have made a major impact on the lives of many.
They are the proud parents of three adult children and one precious
grand-daughter.
Presiding Elder Douglas has been a remarkable community
activist, civil rights leader, educator, preacher, family man, and incredible
humanitarian. Reverend Dr. Douglas received his call to ordained ministry while
at Kittrell College. Dr. Douglas was the
pastor of Kittrell Chapel AME Church (North Carolina Conference), South Boston
AME Church and Beulah AME Church (Virginia Conference).
In 1965, Reverend Douglas was transferred to the Washington
Conference where he served as pastor of the Metropolitan AME Circuit, which included
Metropolitan (Cumberland, Maryland) and Dickerson (Frostburg, Maryland); St.
Paul AME Church (Washington, D.C.); and Turner Memorial AME Church (Washington,
D.C. - now located in Hyattsville, Maryland). He was appointed Presiding Elder
in 1994.
A grand Retirement Celebration is being planned to honor the
Reverend Dr. Goodwin Douglas and his 55 years in ministry. The event was held
on Saturday, June 14, 2014, at 12:00 noon, at Martins Crosswinds, in Greenbelt,
Maryland.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to the Reverend Dr. Goodwin
Douglas: PresidingElder1@comcast.net
-- Announcing the
marriage of the Rev. Theodore Payne IV to Jennifer Michelle Negron'
The Rev. Theodore Payne IV, Senior Pastor, Quinn Community AME
Church in Moreno Valley, California was married to Jennifer Michelle Negron' on
June 7th at St. Paul AME Church in San Bernardino, California. The Reverend
Payne, affectionately known as "Pastor P" has served Quinn Community
Church for three years; he has also served as the senior pastor of Ward Chapel,
Mexico, Missouri; and Wayman Chapel, Billings, Montana. The Reverend Payne is
the grandson of the late Rev. Dr. V. L. Brenson and Mother Quintine Brenson who
served Bryant Temple AME Church in Los Angeles, CA for 34 years. Bishop T.
Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District officiated the
ceremony.
Congratulations responses can be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Theodore W. Payne IV
Quinn Community A.M.E. Church
25400 Alessandro Blvd.
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
Telephone: (951) 485-6993
Email: TheoPayneIV@gmail.com
-- The Reverend Amelia D.
Graham received Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Counseling
Congratulations to the Rev. Amelia D. Graham for being conferred
the Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Counseling on June 7, 2014 at Ecumenical
Theological Seminary. The Rev. Amelia D. Graham serves as associate minister at
Trinity AME Church in Detroit, Michigan, where the Rev. Dr. Alice F. Patterson
is the pastor. We are so very proud of her accomplishments.
Congratulations may be sent too: adianegraham@yahoo.com.
-- The Graduation of
mother and daughter: the Reverend Faith Mundi Simfukwe-Mugala and Kambuza Alice
Nachalwe Mugala
It gives me great pleasure, privilege, gratitude and an equally
sense of deep appreciation to our great Jehovah God Almighty for the graduation
of my vivacious, beautiful, powerful woman of God, covenant partner in marriage
and in her own right, a powerful teacher & preacher, the Reverend Faith
Mundi Simfukwe-Mugala who graduated from our own famous Payne Theological
Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio on Saturday, May 24th, 2014 with a Master of
Divinity degree. “To God Be the Glory,
Great Things He Keeps doing along with the Bountiful Blessings He keeps pouring
on the Mugala family. Congratulations my Darling Sweetheart for this great
academic Achievement."
The Rev. Faith M. Simfukwe-Mugala can be reached via email &
phone number: faith.mugala@yahoo.com
and telephone: 517-759-4879.
Also, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for
His Divine Guidance, from the birth of our youngest Special Daughter Jewel
-Madam Kambuza Alice Nachalwe Mugala, to this moment and hour of her graduation
from Lenawee Christian High School with a 3.5 cumulative GPA on Sunday June
1st, 2014, shortly after her Eighteenth birth date on Thursday, May 29th,
2014. “Madam K,” as I always call her,
can be reached via email: missk_2014@yahoo.com
& telephone number: 517-366-9811.
The Rev. Paul M. Mugala Sr. (husband and father) is the proud
Pastor of Shalom Tabernacle AME Church in Lusaka, Zambia, 17th Episcopal
District
-- On May 5th, 2014, Sister Gloria Burgess of the
Bermuda Conference of the First Episcopal District was named “Nurse of the
Year” by the Bermuda Nurses Council. Sister Burgess is the wife of the Rev. Dr.
Milton Burgess, pastor of St. Luke AME Church, St. David's Bermuda. First Lady
Burgess was chosen from over 600 nurses in the small island of Bermuda for this
honour after over thirty-five years of dedicated service in the field of
nursing.
Congratulatory greetings can be sent to:
-- We celebrate new life!
On Friday, May 23, 2014 at 11:41 a.m. Almighty God blessed
Brother Myles David and the Rev. DeLishia Boykin David with a beautiful baby
girl, Mycah Alexandrea Boykin David.
Mycah means "who is like God" and Alexandrea means
"defender of mankind." Her proud grandparents are the Rev. Ronald and
Mrs. Helen Boykin, the pastor and First Lady of the historic Seaton Memorial
AME Church of Lanham, Maryland.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. Ronald Boykin: mrshelenboykin@aol.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing on of
Mrs. Thandiwe Lidia Ndamane, the mother of the Reverend Makhosandile Ndamane,
pastor of St. Marys AME Church in Mthatha-Queenstown Annual Conference of the
15th Episcopal District.
Mrs. Thandiwe Lidia Ndamane was born 17 August 1941. She will be buried on 28 June 2014.
Condolences may be emailed to:
The Reverend Makhosandile Ndamane: rev.ndamane@gmail.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the passing
of Mrs. Elnora Dotey, mother of Mrs. Connie Dotey Lewis, WMS District
Consultant of the Greater New Orleans-Greensburg District and the mother-in-law
of the Reverend Otis S. Lewis, Sr., Presiding Elder of the Greater New
Orleans-Greensburg District. Mrs. Elnora Dotey was a member of St. Matthew AME
Church in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.
Visitation: Friday, June 20, 2014:
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
St. Matthew AME Church
41124 North First Street
Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454
Funeral service: Saturday, June 21, 2014:
10:00 a.m.
First True Love Church
41239 Range Road
Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454
Interment Service:
Big Creek Cemetery
Kentwood, Louisiana
Professional Care entrusted to:
N. A. James Funeral Home
407 South Noah James Drive
Hammond, Louisiana
Telephone: (985) 345-6140
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Connie Dotey Lewis
Presiding Elder Otis S. Lewis
990 Hano Road
Independence, Louisiana 70443
Mrs. Connie Lewis:
Telephone: (985) 969-0300
Email: cdotey@bellsouth.net
Presiding Elder Lewis:
Telephone: (601) 310-3885
22. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Passing of the Executive Secretary to the Bishop:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Roslyn Stewart
Christian, age 63, suddenly entered into eternal rest on Sunday, June 15, 2014.
She was the Executive Secretary of the Right Reverend William P. DeVeaux, Sr.,
Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District.
Roslyn Stewart Christian She was a long-time member of
Metropolitan A.M.E. Church serving as a former Church Administrator.
Services for Ms. Christian:
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Visitation: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Metropolitan AME Church
1518 M Street, Northwest
Washington, DC 20005
Church Office: 202-331-1426
Church Fax: 202-331-0369
The Reverend William H. Lamar IV, Pastor
Professional Services provided by:
Hunt Funeral Home
908 Kennedy Street, NW
Washington, DC
20011
Office 202-636-3612
Fax 202-582-1509
Email: info@huntfuneralhome.net
Online Guest Book:
http://obit.huntfuneralhome.net/obit_display.cgi?id=1391158&listing=Current&clientid=huntfuneralhome
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Family of Roslyn S. Christian
C/o Faye F. Christian (Sister)
3308 Carpenter Street, SE
Washington, DC 20020
Telephone: (202) 583-0635
Also, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made payable to
Metropolitan AME Church. On the memo
line please write: MAMEC/LAP -
Restoration Talent Showcase.
23. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of THE Reverend Carnell
Morton, the husband of Mrs. Julia Morton, and the Pastor of Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church, Greenville District, Piedmont Annual Conference of
the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church. Reverend Morton was the
father of Reverend Reginald Morton, pastor of Mt. Hebron AME Church in Pomaria,
South Carolina. The Reverend Morton passed on Friday, June 13 at Hospice of
Upstate, Greenwood, South Carolina.
Please note the following:
Homegoing Celebration
Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church P.L.E.A.D. Center
122 New Zion Road
Bradley, SC 29819
Telephone: (843) 221-5530
The Rev. James Louden, III, Pastor
The Rev. Judy M. Richardson, Presiding Elder, Greenville
District, Eulogist
Family Correspondence may be sent to:
Mrs. Julia Morton and Family
304 Marshall Avenue
Bradley, SC 29819
Home Telephone: (864) 229-9325
Funeral Director:
Robinson & Son Mortuary
534 Maxwell Avenue
Greenwood, SC 29646
Telephone: (864) 223-5125
24. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
-- Former Connectional Officer's Family
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. George Price, the
brother of Juanita P. Turner and the uncle of Jerry Turner, Jr., Former
Connectional President of the YPD and RAYAC and Current Director of Lay Activities
of the 4th District. Mr. Price was killed in a tragic home accident on Friday
Evening June 13, 2014.
Arrangements for George Price:
Friday June 20, 2014
Wake and Family Viewing - 6:00 p.m.
Kenneth I Roberson Funeral Hone
228 S. Main Street
Sardis, MS 38666
Homegoing Services:
Saturday, June 21, 2014
10:00 a.m. Viewing
11:00 a.m. Homegoing Service
Second Missionary Baptist Church
611 Jackson Avenue
Oxford, MS 38655
Services entrusted to:
Kenneth I. Roberson Funeral Home
Telephone: 662-487-1444; 662-489-2222
Contact Information
The Turner Family
9526 West Circle Court
Milwaukee, WI 53224
414-350-2024
Email: jrturnerjerry@hotmail.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Lillie B.
Brooks on June 10, 2014. Mrs. Brooks was the widow of the late Reverend Ulysses
Brooks, retired pastor of the Washington Conference.
Mrs. Brooks was a member of Mt. Olive AME Church, Annapolis, MD.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Lillie B. Brooks:
Monday, June 16, 2014 –
6 - 8 p.m.
Musical Celebration and Christian Viewing
Mt. Olive AME Church
2 Hicks Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
Tuesday, June 17, 2014 - Wake: 10:00 a.m.
The Homegoing Service - 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Olive AME Church
2 Hicks Avenue
Annapolis, MD 21401
The Rev. Johnny Calhoun, Pastor
Telephone: (410) 266-5090
Services provided by:
Ronald Taylor's Funeral Home
1722 North Capitol St. NW
Washington, DC
Telephone: (202) 882-2732
Online Guest Book: http://taylorsfuneralhome.com/obituaries/lillie-b-brooks/42/
Expressions of Sympathy may be emailed to the daughter of Mrs.
Lillie Brooks, Cynthia Brooks.
Email: cpowell718993@gmail.com
26. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. David L.
Ready Sr., on Saturday night, June 14, 2014.
The Rev. Ready has served as pastor of St. Luke AME Church in
Jacksonville during his early ministry, and was serving on the Holly Grove AME
Church ministerial staff as Local Elder at the time of his death.
He leaves to mourn his passing, Marlyn Ready, his wife; David
Ready, Jr., his son; and Aliah Ready his daughter, and a host of other family
members.
Services for the Rev. David L. Ready Sr:
Family Hour: Friday, June
20, 2014 - 7:30-8:30 pm.
Superior Funeral Home
5017 E Broadway St
North Little Rock, AR 72117
(501) 945-9922
Funeral Service:
Saturday June 21, 2014, 12:00 Noon
Bethel A.M.E. Church
600 N. Cedar Street
North Little Rock, AR 72114
(501) 374-8744
Condolences may be shared with the family:
Mrs. Marlyn Ready and family
7000 Hwy 161
North Little Rock AR 72117
Or emailed to:
27. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Fred
Arther Williams, Sr. The Rev. Fred
Arther Williams, Sr. was a retired pastor from the Northwest Texas
Conference/Paul Quinn District and he pastored churches for over 40 years in
the 10th Episcopal District.
He passed away on June 7, 2014 and was funeralized on Saturday,
June 14, 2014 in Waco, Texas.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his wife.
Mrs. Maria Williams
2722 Madison Drive, Apt. B
Waco, Texas 76706
Telephone: 254-733-8498
Email: coralin13@yahoo.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to inform you of the home going of Mr. Marion H. Davis, Jr., the brother of First
Lady Phyllis Johnson and brother-in-law of the Rev. George Johnson, Jr., pastor
of St. Paul AME Church in Waco, Texas.
Mr. Davis was a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in
Biloxi, Mississippi. He served as a Sunday school teacher and member of the
Male Chorus. He was an active member of Valor Lodge #271, Royal Arch Mason #92,
King Solomon Consistory #142, Karun Temple (Shriner) #48, and 33rd and Last
Degree Mason.
Services for Mr. Marion H. Davis, Jr. were held June 13, 2014.
Viewing - 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Service at 1:00
First Missionary Baptist Church
The Rev. James Harris, Pastor
4600 Main Street
Moss Point, Mississippi
39563
Telephone: 228-475-2738
Fax: 228-475-6173
Email: fmbccopeland@bellsouth.net
Services were entrusted to:
Millender's Funeral Home
4412 Main Street
Moss Point, Mississippi
39563
Telephone: 228-475-5448
Fax: 228-475-5449
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to his sister:
Mrs. Phyllis Johnson
3500 Lake Heights Drive
Waco, Texas 76708
Telephone: 254-752-3445
Email: pgbran@aol.com
Internment:
Biloxi National Cemetery
400 Veteran Ave
P.O. Box 4968
Biloxi, Mississippi
39525
Telephone: 228-388-6668
Fax: 228-523-5784
29. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Blog: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
30. 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: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/
Click Here: Guidelines
for Submitting Articles to TCR
*You have received this
message because you are subscribed to
The Christian Recorder
Online
Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2014 The
Christian Recorder, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this
email because you are a current subscriber to The Christian Recorder.
Our mailing address is:
The Christian Recorder
500 Eighth Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37203-7508
Add us to your address
book
Unsubscribe from this
list Subscribe / Update subscription
preferences
