5/30/2014

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (05/30/14)


The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder


May is National Military Appreciation Month
Pentecost Sunday: June 8, 2014

Thought for the Week: "Don't assume you know me by what you heard; I grow daily. Your messenger might have outdated information!"


1. TCR EDITORIAL – MY MOMENT WITH MAYA ANGELOU:

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

I had the good fortune to meet Dr. Maya Angelou somewhere around 2002 when I worked at Hampton University as the Director of the Religious Studies Program. I believe it happened as a freak accident and I couldn’t believe my good fortune of being given the opportunity to be her host.

A good friend of hers, who had served on the faculty of Hampton University, had died and Maya Angelou was scheduled to attend and give words of comfort at the funeral. 

Here is what happened

I had just finished a class and received a telephone call shortly after arriving in my office. I answered the telephone and after a normal greeting the caller, who I think was a secretary or someone’s administrative assistant, said, matter of factly, “Maya Angelou will be coming on campus this afternoon to attend and give remarks at the funeral and would you mind being her escort?”

I quickly thought to myself, “Would I mind being an escort for Maya Angelou?  My mind was racing and I exclaimed to myself, “This is not a task, this is a blessing.” 

I wondered how I got the call because I imagined that the head of the English Department would have fought for the opportunity to host Maya Angelou.

The caller said that she would give me a call as soon as Maya Angelou arrived on campus.

I responded in the affirmative quickly because I didn’t want the caller to change her mind and said, “I would be happy to be the escort for Maya Angelou.” 

I sat at my desk reveling at my good fortune, while at the same time trying to figure out how I had gotten that blessing.

The person who called said that she would notify me when Maya Angelou arrived on campus.

As I was pondering my good fortune, one of my best students stopped by the office and I thought to myself that I would share the blessing and asked her if she would like to be the host for Maya Angelou who would soon be arriving on campus.

She apparently thought I was kidding and when I convinced her that I was serious, she was excited.  I do not remember the name of the student, so I will just refer to her as “Joanne.”  I also cannot remember from which office the telephone call came.

As “Joanne’ and I waited for the telephone call notifying us that Maya Angelou had arrived on campus, I strategized on how we would host our important guest.

I wasn’t sure how Maya Angelou was going to arrive, whether in a limousine, taxi or private automobile. 

I decided that I would greet Maya Angelou and tell her my name and then introduce “Joanne” to Maya Angelou and let her know that “Joanne” would be her escort, accompany her to the funeral and sit with or near her – whatever her preference. 

While waiting for the call, “Joanne” asked if it would be okay to ask Dr. Angelou for an autograph. I assured her that would be okay, but to wait until an appropriate time to ask.

The phone rang

“Dr. Sydnor, Dr. Maya Angelou has arrived and has just left the University Police checkpoint and is on her way to the Academy Building.” 

My office was in the Academy Building, one of the oldest and most historic buildings on campus. It housed the major classroom for what was then known as Hampton Institute. The building had been renovated and was one of the mot beautiful buildings on campus.  It was across the street from the University Church.

Her arrival

“Joanne” and I went downstairs to await the arrival of Maya Angelou. One of the longest motor homes I had ever seen was approaching the Academy Building. It was a home on wheels, no; it was a mansion on wheels!

The driver eased the big rig in place and “Joanne” was continuously thanking me again and again for the opportunity to meet Maya Angelou.

I was excited too and both of us were anxious to meet author, poet, memoirist, actress, dancer, singer, professor, icon, Civil Rights advisor, and queenly lady.

By this time students, faculty and visitors were ogling the huge motor home.  They didn’t know who it was, but they knew it had to be someone important.  The motor home was longer than a Greyhound Bus.

The driver opened the door and I introduced myself and “Joanne” and explained that we were the escorts for Dr. Maya Angelou.

Before I could finish my spiel to the motor home driver, I heard a familiar voice say, “Come on in and make yourself at home. Have a seat.” She was sitting at the table and invited us to sit down across from her. She reminded me of my wife, Charlotte’s, Aunt Thelma. Their voices had the same resonance and they were about the same age.

For the life of me, I cannot remember what we chatted about, but I was in awe of being in the presence of an icon. 

By the time I sat with her in her motor home, she had already recorded her first album, "Calypso Lady," lived overseas, performed Off-Broadway, served in Ghana, helped Malcolm X build his African American Unity organization,  had published "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" and other books, which I had read; had received a number honorary degrees; appeared in the 1972- Film "Georgia, Georgia;" had written screenplays and composed musical scores; had been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, had appeared in the television adaptation of Alex Haley’s "Roots," had joined the faculty at Wake Forest University as a Professor of American Studies; and on a chilly Washington, D.C., morning in January 1993, had recited her five-minute poem at Bill Clinton's inauguration, appeared in John Singleton’s Poetic Justice, won Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Or Non-Musical Album for “On the Pulse of Morning;" won a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Or Non-Musical Album for “Phenomenal Woman,”  was a friend of Oprah Winfrey, had directed her first feature film, "Down in the Delta," and awarded the Presidential Medal of arts in 2000.

Maya Angelou would later win a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album with “A Song Flung Up To Heaven,” compose poetry for and narrate the award-winning documentary “The Black Candle,” directed by M.K. Asante; and would also be awarded the Lincoln Medal. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama at the White House in 2011.

I was indeed in the presence of a national and international icon.

We had a meaningful conversation about “this and that” before we were whisked across the street to the Hampton University Church to lend her presence and give remarks at the funeral of her friend.

I am sure that “Joanne,” this week, is recalling the time she spent with Maya Angelou. She got Maya Angelou’s autograph. “Joanne” was “in the right place at the right time.”

Dr. Maya Angelou sent her last tweet on May 23, 2014: “Listen to yourself and in that quietude you might hear the voice of God.” - Great advice for all of us.

Maya Angelou passed away in her Winston Salem home on May 28, 2014.

What an experience! I will always remember my Maya Angelou moment!

TCR Editor’s Note: When I received word of Maya Angelou’s passing, I went on the internet and found a website for the movie, “I know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” I had read the book, but had not seen the movie.
View the movie, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” based on the book of the same title authored by Dr. Maya Angelou on your smartphone, tablet, computer or stream to your television:

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

-- To the Editor:

RE: TCR Editorial – AME Bishops and General Officers Share their Sage Advice for New Preachers and Newly Appointed Pastors

These were absolutely wonderful and inspirational!  Frank insight from those who have traveled ahead!  Thanks for taking the time to minister to us!

Sister Harriett Washington
Licentiate
Indiana Conference
4th Episcopal District

-- To the Editor:

RE: TCR Breaking News - NAACP Selects Long Time Activist Lawyer and AME Itinerant Elder Cornell Brooks as New President

Good day!

This is good news!

The Lord is always good. Those who believe in God always benefits. He is trustworthy and cannot make an error of judgment unlike us human beings.

We are grateful about the appointment. The Rev. Cornell Brooks’ profile speaks volumes and he is destined to succeed. We pray for his success and cover him with the blood of Jesus.

We, South Africans are proud of this son of the soil. Let God’s ministry be spread all over the world.

God s grace is sufficient,

Brother Maila M I

M M Mokone Annual Conference in the 19th Episcopal District

3. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS’ STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF DR. MAYA ANGELOU:

The African Methodist Episcopal Church gives thanks for the passion and witness of Dr. Maya Angelou. Her courage and intellect will inspire generations yet unborn.  Her voice for justice will continue to make a difference.  This unique woman will encourage us to look deeply at life without sacrificing humor. We will soar to new heights as we are lifted by love.

For the spiritual, death is the portal to a new existence. To the courageous, death is something to be embraced as a challenge for being.  For the gifted, perpetuity is the ultimate platform for the song and dance of worship and praise.  We salute this phenomenal woman who will not shrink in the shadows of death and grief.  She has risen to speak into the megaphone of eternity and move with grace through timelessness.

May God bless Dr. Angelou’s family with comfort and peace. May God strengthen us to honor her spirit as we teach love and cry for justice.

Jeffrey N. Leath
128th Elected and Consecrated Bishop
Acting President
The Council of Bishops
The African Methodist Episcopal Church

4. THE NAACP RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF MAYA ANGELOU:

-- Roslyn Brock, Chairman of the NAACP Board of Directors:

“Maya Angelou was a fearless writer, poet and activist who made the world a better place for her generation and those to follow. Her powerful words taught scores of young women, particularly those of color, to believe that they are phenomenal and that their voices should never be silenced. Dr. Angelou rose from poverty, segregation and violence to become a force on stage, screen and the printed page. Her legacy lives on in all of us.”

-- Lorraine Miller, Interim NAACP President and CEO:

“The world will miss the indomitable spirit and immeasurable brilliance of Maya Angelou. She was a literary genius and a civil rights activist who will be celebrated for years to come. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Angelou during my time with the Clinton Administration and found her to be a loving and caring woman. We talked politics and laughed a lot. More than simply a renowned poet, novelist and actress, Dr. Angelou was a pioneer, a jewel of a person and a force to be reckoned with. Her humor and wit will be sorely missed.”

-- Hilary O. Shelton, Washington Bureau Director and Senior Vice President for Advocacy:

“Maya Angelou was an extraordinarily gifted interpreter of the human condition for African Americans and so many others. Her words whether delivered on a page or through oration were deeply heartfelt and painfully clear. Her common touch and exceptional creative power helped so many diverse hearts find a common vision. She will be profoundly missed.”

5. A NATION ON FIRE! - AME INDIA CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

*The Rev. Patricia A. Efiom

Another giant footprint was forever etched in the annals of AME history when Etihad flight EY268 landed in Chennai India on May 5, 2014 carrying Bishop John R. Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and delegates from the United States and Canada for the historical 5th Annual AME India Conference. 

Once on the ground, the delegation was joined by Presiding Elder Jerry Thusi Motaung from the 19th Episcopal District. 

One of the first stops in India was Faith Prayer House AME Church in Tamilnadu, India where the Rev. T. Samuel Murugavel is the pastor.  The neat white-washed church with its blood-Red Cross is located in the heart of a small community that is home to some 250 temples. It stands boldly as a beacon of hope to Christians and non-Christians alike.  The church's Education Center provides tutorial assistance to students and tribal people.  Other ministries include a free medical camp, a hospital ministry, rice for widows, aid for abandoned children, tutoring in two locations, all night prayer meetings and worship in surrounding villages.  These outreach ministries are just an example of the depth of ministry that the newly formed AME churches are bringing to a country where just 6% of the population is Christian.  However, that 6% represents 72 million people and with Christianity growing at a rate of 4% annually in India, which makes it the fastest increase of Christians in the world.

More than 400 Pastors, lay persons and YPD members traveled from around India in extreme heat and torrential rain by bus, motor bike, on foot and in a few cases by car from as far away as ten hours to attend this 5th Annual Conference.  During the conference the 2014 India General Election was also taking place.  At a cost of 5 billion dollars, the five day election process was India's longest and most expensive election ever and second in cost only to the 2012 US election, which cost 7 billion dollars. 

In a nation where Christians are such a persecuted minority, and with one of the leading parties being anti-Christian, the vote of the AME India pastors was critical.  In spite of the US State department caution of the great potential for violence during this election period, pastors from one district traveled 5 hours to answer Roll Call and give their Pastoral reports before heading back home to vote.  After voting they returned to the Conference.  

Presiding Elder and Pastoral reports were filled with stories of persecution at the hands of non-Christians.  One pastor was beaten so badly he lost sight in one eye; churches were burned or otherwise destroyed.  Yet what was most reported were the incredible stories of Christian men, women and children who refused to give up or back down in the face of such overwhelming persecution. The story of the people of AME India is a story of a faith that is "steadfast, immovable and always abounding in the work of The Lord,"

The people of AME India celebrated the leadership of Bishop John R. Bryant and the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant showering them with tokens of love including a hand drawn portrait of Bishop and items commemorating this historic conference.  But it was the people of India who were blessed as 22 brand new motor bikes were given to pastors.  Included with each motor bike was a helmet, one year of insurance and a three month full warranty.  The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant worked tirelessly with Bishops, Episcopal Districts, clergy and lay to raise the funds to bring this vision to fruition.  It is this kind of collaboration that allows the AME Church to continue our legacy of global impact.

Host Presiding Elder Sarah Peddiny and Presiding Elder Abraham Peddiny were joined by Presiding Elders Walter L. Bauldrick, Gary McCants, Tracey Thomas and, E. Anne Henning Byfield of the 4th Episcopal District and Presiding Elder Jerry Thusi Motaung from the 19th Episcopal District.  This conference marks the first occasion where the all three female Presiding Elders of the 4th Episcopal District were gathered. 

AME India was founded under the leadership of Bishop Bryant in 2007 with 20 churches.  At the close of this Annual Conference, AME India reported 105 churches.  The work of church-planting is hard work and the work of establishing an annual conference is inconceivably difficult; yet under the visionary leadership of Bishop John R. Bryant, a solid foundation has been laid. 

Who could have known that in 2007 some 191 years after the foundation of the AME Church, the sands of time would uncover a footprint of God's divine plan in India?  That footprint is one that was imprinted at the birth of William Paul Quinn born in Calcutta India in 1788.  Quinn would later become the fourth Bishop of the AME Church.  It was Bishop John R. Bryant the 106th Bishop, who God ordained to step into that giant footprint to bring the fulfillment of God's plan to fruition, 

With the revelation of the AME India footprint a fire has been ignited in a people, a nation; A fire that is burning out of control ravaging the persecution of God's people.  A fire that rages out of control, stubbornly burning even where there is no kindling; a fire refusing to respond to the downpour of Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Jainism; a fire that is racing to destroy the caste system that has long divided and oppressed a people based on the color of their skin; a fire out of whose ashes God’s plan for a global church continues to rise.  AME India is God's plan made manifest and what God has brought together, let no being put asunder!

*The Rev. Patricia A. Efiom is the Senior Pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Evanston, Illinois

6. THE 198TH SESSION OF PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS GIVEN A NEW NAME:

*Ms. Angelena Spears

If history books don’t show a 198th session of the Philadelphia Annual Conference being held in the year 2014 – that is because the pastors and laity who attended it, unanimously relabeled it the Philadelphia Annual Revival.

Everything about the conference was a high worship experience – the preached Word, the electrifying music, the anointed workshops, a crowd of new itinerants and multiple expressions of gratitude for leadership at all levels.

The Rev. Charles H. Lett, Sr., the presiding elder of the West/Mainline District and senior presiding elder for the conference, says everyone is still calling it “a Pentecostal experience.”

The conference was held May 12 – 18, 2014 at the Marriott Hotel (Penn Square) in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania.  The Rev. Edward W. Bailey, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Lancaster, served as the host pastor of the conference alongside Presiding Elder Lawrence C. Henryhand of the Harrisburg District.

By day five of the conference, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, the presiding prelate for the First Episcopal District, compared it to a mountaintop experience. 

Although the official opening day of the conference wasn’t until mid-week, the preconference services which included the Ministry of Evangelism Service on Monday evening and Missionary Worship Service on Tuesday afternoon – were powerful precursors of what was to come.

Presiding Elder Jocelyn Hart of the Philadelphia District was the preacher for the Monday evening service held at the host church.  Her sermon topic was “He’s Working with Me --or It’s Time to Go to Work,” and she preached from Mark 16:20.

The following afternoon, Presiding Elder Janet J. Sturdivant, of the South District, preached profusely from Acts 1:4-8. Her topic was, “A Prerequisite for Service:  Power.”

On the official opening day of the conference, the voices of the Harrisburg District Choir transformed the hotel’s ballroom into a sanctuary of praise under the direction of Sister Sheila Booker. The choir was accompanied by Brother Earl Knight on keyboard and the Rev. Richard F. Norris II.

The Annual Sermon was delivered by the Rev. Roland McCall, pastor of St. Matthew AME Church, Philadelphia.  He preached an illuminating and encouraging message from Jeremiah 12:5.  The Rev. McCall’s title was “Running Right for the Lord.”  He said that sometimes in the midst of a storm, God appears absent in our lives, and there is a tendency for some of us to fall into a Jeremiah syndrome of weeping.  But the Rev. McCall sternly cautioned, “Stop being a cry-baby.  You just have to know how to run right.”

The Rev. McCall then offered three tips for how to run right.  He said first, you have to get in practice with prayer and patience.  Second, you have to put on the right clothes – which include the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith.  His third pointer was that you have to “Rely on the power of God.”

The preached Word continued to flow with power when the Rev. Ronald Green, pastor of Hickman Temple AME Church, Philadelphia, preached on Thursday afternoon from Ruth Chapter One. His message was “God’s Timing for Repositioning.”

Conference attendees were mesmerized over the powerful delivery of a workshop presented by Dr. Jessica Ingram, the district’s episcopal supervisor.  Her workshop was titled “Spiritual Formation: The Stewardship of Our Souls.”

Dr. Jessica talked about how important it is for church leaders to give attention to their prayer life.  She said that many church workers are so busy working “for” God that they don’t know the God of the work. “We have to spend quality time every day with God – no excuses,” she said.

During the week, three bishops visited the conference. They were: Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath and Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Susan Leath, of the 13th Episcopal District (Tennessee and Kentucky); Bishop William P.  DeVeaux, of the Second Episcopal District (Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia), who preached for the Ordination Service on Saturday; and Bishop Richard F. Norris and Episcopal Supervisor Mary Ann Norris, of the 7th Episcopal District (South Carolina), whose son, the Rev. Richard Franklin Norris II was ordained at the Saturday service.

During the ordination service, five deaconesses were consecrated, and one itinerant deacon and four itinerant elders were ordained.

Other guests throughout the week included presiding elders and preachers throughout the First Episcopal District and two retired presiding elders: the Rev. Robert Bailey and the Rev. Joseph Patterson.

The reverent atmosphere continued as business sessions were held, component reports were read and pastors and the four presiding elders gave their reports. 

Pastors who retired at the seat of the conference were the Rev. Simon P. Bouie, of Zion AME Church, Philadelphia; the Rev. Gwendolyn Allen, of Mt. Sinai AME Church, Harrisburg; the Rev. Jerome Thomas of St. John AME Church, Lebanon; and the Rev. James Stewart, of Bethel AME Church, Greencastle.

When presiding elders were thanked for their service to their districts, the Rev. Jocelyn Hart was singled out by Bishop Ingram and the Rev. Mark Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church. Philadelphia.  They commended her for serving in dual roles this year – both as the presiding elder of the Philadelphia Conference and at the same time filling in at Mount Tabor AME Church, Philadelphia, after the sudden death of their pastor, the Rev. Martha Lang.
 
Bishop Ingram said he had wanted to take his time before appointing a pastor to Mount Tabor.  He indicated that Mount Tabor deserved the best.  At the end of the conference, he assigned the Rev. Albert Johnson as the new pastor of Mt. Tabor.  The Rev. Johnson had previously served as the pastor of Bethel AME Church, Ardmore.

On the closing day of the conference, members gathered early for the Model Church School, which was held at the hotel at 9 a.m., under the direction of Sister Jeanne Chavious, of Mt. Tabor AME Church, who is the recently appointed First Episcopal District Church School superintendent.

The Model Church School was followed by a dynamic worship experience where the Rev. Edward Bailey chose Psalm 137 as his text.  He pointed out the peculiarity of this psalm is that it has no praise in it, and he admonished how important it is to praise God, despite what we might be going through.

The closing sermon for the conference was preached by none other than Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, whose subject was “The Darkness Where God Was – or Finding God in Unexpected Places.”  He preached philosophically from Exodus 20:18-21 and said much of life is spent in darkness – whether literally or metaphorically, and said “God often reveals Himself unexpectedly in crises.”

No one in attendance would have guessed, from the power of the sermon’s delivery that this was the last of seven conferences Bishop Ingram had held in the First Episcopal District.  He has given the First Episcopal District a theme – “First Things First” – and he made certain the closing sermon for Philadelphia, which is the birthplace for the AME Church, lived up to that title.

There was plenty of gratitude and praise to go around during this Annual Conference.  Many expressed their appreciation for the episcopal leadership of Bishop Ingram and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, and thanked them personally for taking the district to new heights.

Although the two have been in the district for just two years, they are applauded for having a vision and a solid plan.  Yet, in the midst of  the praise,  Bishop Ingram is quick to acknowledge those who have paved the way before him, as he referenced 1 Corinthians 3:6, which says: “I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

*Ms. Angelena Spears is the Philadelphia Annual Conference Reporter

7. AME LUNCHEON AT THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS' CONFERENCE – TUESDAY JUNE 3, 12 NOON: 

The AME Luncheon at the 100th Anniversary of the Hampton University Ministers Conference will be held on Tuesday June 3, 2014 at 12 Noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 700 Settlers Landing Road in Hampton, Virginia.

The cost of the Luncheon is $25.00 and it is always a great time of fellowship and a significant event at the HU Ministers’ Conference. 

The HU Ministers' Conference and Choir Directors' and Organists' Guild will convene June 1 – 6, 2014

If you need further information call Bethel AME Church (757) 723-4065. 

The Rev. Andre Jefferson, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hampton is the coordinator for the AME Luncheon.

Bishop William P. DeVeaux is the Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District.

Senior Bishop John R. Bryant is the convener of the AME Luncheon.

8. WHY THEY DON’T SING ON SUNDAY ANYMORE:

BY Thom Schultz 

Looking around the church last Sunday I noticed that the majority weren’t singing. And most of those who were singing barely moved their lips. The only voices I actually heard were those on stage with microphones.

That’s been the case for years now–in churches large and small. What used to be congregational singing has become congregational staring.

Even when the chipper “worship leader” in contemporary churches bounds on stage and predictably beckons everyone to “stand and worship,” the people compliantly obey the stand command, but then they turn into mute mannequins.

What’s behind this phenomenon? What happened to the bygone sounds of sanctuaries overflowing with fervent, harmonizing voices from the pews, singing out with a passion that could be heard down the street? I suspect it’s a number of unfortunate factors.

Spectator set-up. Increasingly, the church has constructed the worship service as a spectator event. Everyone expects the people on stage to perform while the pew-sitters fulfill the expectation of any good audience–file in, be still, be quiet, don’t question, don’t contribute (except to the offering plate), and watch the spotlighted musicians deliver their well-rehearsed concerts.

Professionalism. It seems it’s paramount for church music to be more professional than participatory. The people in the pews know they pale in comparison to the loud voices at the microphones. Quality is worshipped. So the worshippers balk at defiling the quality with their crude crooning. It’s better to just fake it with a little lip syncing.

Blare. The musicians’ volume is cranked up so high that congregants can’t hear their own voices, or the voices of those around them, even if they would sing. So they don’t sing. What would it add? The overwhelming, amplified sound blares from big speakers, obliterating any chance for the sound of robust congregational singing.

Music choice. Sometimes people refrain from singing because the songs are unfamiliar, hard to sing, or just cheesy. Sometimes worship leaders choose a song that may thematically tie into the day’s sermon topic, but it’s unsingable. Sometimes worship leaders choose lame songs written by their favorite songwriters–themselves.

I admit. I’ve joined the majority. I’ve stopped singing. I’m not happy about it. I know I should overcome these barriers and just praise the Lord with my very unprofessional vocalizations. But I long for an environment that evokes my real heartfelt vocal participation.

Thom Schultz is the co-author of "Why Nobody Wants to Go to Church Anymore" and the director of the film "When God Left the Building.”

9. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.

Based on Biblical Text: Acts 16:30-31:” And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.”

We pray that everyone will find Jesus in their lives however; it is a fact that not everyone takes the same path to Jesus. Not everyone finds Jesus on the sweet path of the straight and narrow, through the insightfulness of a pastor’s preached word. Certainly we hope some do as we spend many hours in preparation to deliver a profound, thought provoking word on behalf of the Lord each week.

We can agree that some find Jesus through the teachings of a patient parent or a dedicated Sunday School teacher. Still there are others who find Jesus as they peer up from the depths of despair in financial struggle, victimization, failure or in their effort to recover from a life destroyed by drugs or alcohol. Others find Jesus in the midst of illness or in the loneliness of the loss of a loved one.

Whatever the path that leads one to Jesus, certainly it is a great day when they find Him! We can see in our text, the familiar story of the jailer and his journey to Jesus, God will go to extreme lengths to draw everyone to Him.

It is helpful to note that this jailer was really no different than us. He was a man with a job to do, and he set out to do it the best he could. Like us, this man had a supervisor to obey and he had rules to follow. His purpose, like ours was to provide for his family.

It would not be too much of a stretch to believe that the jailer possibly recognized Paul and Silas when they were put into prison. He could have recognized them as the men who were followed by the demon-possessed slave girl. He may have heard, or even witnessed Paul and Silas exorcising the demon from the girl. The jailer could have become a believer at that point, but like so many unsaved people, he had no desire to get involved in what he heard or saw. He was comfortable in his present circumstance, and had no desire to change.

Sinners must be extremely careful not to get too comfortable! Because God seeks to save the lost, we can conclude that it is not by coincidence Paul and Silas end up in this jailer’s prison. The text says that when an earthquake struck, bursting open the cell doors and loosing the prisoners from their chains, the jailer was filled with fear. In fact the sheer terror at finding the prison doors open propels him to the thought of immediate suicide. He was convinced that this would be a death far better than what would await him at the hand of his supervisor, if his prisoners escaped.

The mature Christian understands that God allows earthquakes into our lives as His gracious gifts, to turn our thoughts toward Him and to prepare us for His message of salvation. As a matter of fact addiction, sickness, unemployment, bankruptcy, defeat and even death are earthquakes much like the game we played as children where somebody twisted our arm until we yielded and hollered, “I give!”

The jailer had been listening to the prayers of the men of God all night but he needed an earthquake to turn his focus so that he could hear them. He would have missed their testimony, had it not been for that earthquake.

Many of us would have missed the message of salvation if it were not for the earthquakes in our lives. For many of us it was the circumstances that casted us into the pit of helplessness and hopelessness that finally got our attention. We had to be brought the point where we realized we could not make it any more on our own. We understood that our power alone was inadequate for life’s journey.

God got the jailer’s attention with an earthquake and from that point the jailer was in His hands. As the jailer trembled and threatened to commit suicide, Paul and Silas rescued him from his crisis. “Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.” Praise God, once we turn our thoughts to Him, He will never let us harm ourselves!

The jailer grabbed a light and ran into the prison cell and found Paul and Silas right where he had left them. God would have us to know, when earthquakes strike, we can always find Him right where we left Him! These two men of God were free to run for their lives, but they chose to stay because they believed in the power of God to use them to His glory. The true testimony of every believer is that no matter what may come our way our life is in God’s hands.

The jailer was mesmerized by the trust Paul and Silas placed in Jesus. He was awed by their testimony. We witness his excitement and sincerity as he asks, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”  The answer, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” 

We must be clear that Paul was not saying that the jailer’s conversion would save everyone in his house. What he was saying however is that the jailer’s conversion and his subsequent changed lifestyle had the potential to save his entire household through the power of his witness. The question for us is, what impact has our witness had on our household?

The jailer’s journey to Jesus was in many ways similar to our own. For many of us it was crisis that brought us to our knees. Certainly it has taken more than one crisis to cause us to grow in our faith. However, by His grace and mercy we have seen the hand of God working in our lives.  He has proved to us daily that “all things work together for good, to those that love the Lord, and are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Yet there are still some who have not heard the testimony. What will it take for you to find your way to Jesus? Will it take the despair and grief of an earthquake induced journey to cause you to seek Him? Must God allow an earthquake to turn your thoughts toward Him?

I submit it does not have to be that way. It does not always take a crisis to open our eyes and ears to Jesus. We can find Jesus in the joy of serving Him and in the peace of being protected by Him. Remember, no matter how it is that you find Jesus, it will be great day when you do!

 *The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

10. GETTING TO ZERO: CELEBRATING PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 2014 GRADUATES:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

On May 23 Payne Theological Seminary (PTS) held graduation commencement for its Masters of Divinity (M.Div.) students in the Class of 2014.

The 2014 group is the largest graduating class in the school’s history. It contains 37 women and men from across the USA, mostly clergy, but also some laypersons. Over the last years, they each have enrolled in, financed and completed courses that included a required course “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS.”  These students mastered the content of multiple on-line and in residency courses at the PTS campus in southwestern Ohio.

The Rev. Dr. Leah Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary (PTS), led the initiative to provide an HIV/AIDS course in the M.Div. curriculum. She also had the insight to make it one of the courses that students have to take. Dr. Fitchue has stated “I knew some students would not take a course on HIV because they did not think they needed it. However, to follow in the service and social action footsteps of the founders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), we want Payne graduates to be well prepared to work with real issues that affect the people they will serve. HIV/AIDS is one among the challenges facing people served by the Black Church.”

After the commencement celebration, we had dinner with one of the recent 2014 graduates and his family- his spouse, their mostly young adult children and their almost two year old grandchild.  The two sons who attend the church for which their Dad serves as pastor, talked about how Dad came home from the HIV class at PTS. He told them that he had gotten an HIV test at the intensive class. And further, these young brothers eagerly shared that their Dad, the pastor, has talked about HIV/AIDS on multiple occasions to the family and to the congregation about control of HIV/AIDS.

So, I asked them. “What had Dad said?” 

He had told them that for most people, HIV infection can be prevented. He told them why the HIV infection can be stopped. He explained why they should remain abstinent from sexual intercourse. Or, if sexually active, they must be faithful to a lifelong faithful partner whose HIV status they should know. And, he told them and members of the congregation that if they could not do one of these two preventions at all times, and then they must use a latex condom with every sexual interaction.

He had told them that he had received an HIV test and went through the moments of waiting for the results. They beamed with pride and appreciation for their Dad, the pastor.

The new M.Div. graduate told me that his church plans to continue addressing this issue with others as part of ongoing events in their southern city.

It was exciting to receive a spontaneous, unplanned report on what M.Div. students do with what they learn. After the papers are written, the stories read, the discussions completed and the skits performed, after the pre- and post-tests are taken, what do the PTS students take into the vineyards to use in their various ministry assignments?

Students are transformed in the class. They get a biological perspective about HIV/AIDS to place in the realistic context of socio-behavioral and community issues encountered in ministry. The documentaries watched and sometimes intense discussions in class change previous thoughts about HIV/AIDS. They no longer view HIV as someone else’s issue but as a disease that they are confident in addressing. They see it as a priority issue in serving their congregations and communities. The PTS students get that HIV/AIDS can be stopped!

The contents of short papers students write before, during and at the end of the course show their transformation. They are grateful to Dr. Fitchue that the HIV/AIDS intensive course is required. Some of them admit that they would not have taken the course if it was not required for their M. Div. degree. At the end of the intensive week, they are grateful to have absorbed the course content that brings a new understanding and sense of empowerment of what they can do.

Members of the 2014 class of M.Div. graduates now have completed one of the eligibility requirements for elder ordination in the AME Church. They have demonstrated competencies in standard seminary theological and ministry practice topics. Furthermore, they are better equipped to bring hope and direction for some of the challenging real life community issues like HIV/AIDS, imprisonment impact and combating underlying issues of oppression and violence against females.

These PTS graduates are equipped with a realistic understanding of the impact of and actions that they can undertake towards eliminating HIV/AIDS. They are charged with using this understanding personally and with family, congregation and communities in which they live and serve. God has called them and PTS has helped to prepare them as equipped disciples.

With HIV/AIDS, there is progress in “Getting to Zero.” A recent global health conference summarized results of ongoing surveillance from countries all over the world. The numbers indicate we likely will meet the 2015 UNAIDS “Get to Zero” goals of reducing by ½ the level of new infections and reducing by at least ½ the number of deaths due to AIDS-related issues.

Conference presenters also warned that this good news must not bring complacency, let down or slowing of committed efforts, focus and provision of resources to prevent infection and reduce disease onset.

The 2014 M. Div. graduates from PTS will make a difference in eliminating HIV as an infectious disease pandemic. I pray that they and we all will use the opportunities, talents and giftedness along with resources available to get there. With God, who equips disciples and empowers chosen leaders, indeed all things are possible!

*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.”

11. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 1, 2014 - OBEY THE LORD - HAGGAI 1: 1-11:

Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington

Lower the bar. Turn it down a notch. Get off the Stairmaster. The Underachiever's Manifesto is a witty and playfully persuasive pocket guide to living life to the least and loving it.  Is this message really helpful in our daily living?  Many Christians are unable to reach the full potential God has bestowed upon us because we eschew big dreams and aspirations. The legendary President of Morehouse College, Benjamin E. Mays once stated that failure is not the chief sin in life but low aim or low expectation. 

The Adult AME Church School Lesson for June 1, 2014 examines the causes and consequences of low expectations.  If we are going to be ambassadors for God on earth this requires we remain focused on the task at hand and not allow complacency to be part of our deportment.

Our lesson comes from the writings of Haggai. Haggai was a “minor prophet” with a major message. He was a contemporary of Zerubbabel, Governor of Judah and Joshua the High Priest.  

Chapter one of Haggai represents a call to build the House of God.  The post-exilic Jews had become too lazy and content with their complacency.  In verse two God declares - These people say, "The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord’s house.”  In verse 3 the prophet Haggai states:  “Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?”  

The Jews at the writing of Haggai were mired in underachievement. Their complacency led to poor crop harvests, lost wages and unmet food/clothing needs.  In verse 7 God says effectively enough is enough! 

The underachieving Jews are commanded to go and find the timber and resume the building of God’s House.  The irony is God’s House was in ruin because selfish pride allowed the exiles to focus solely on their houses which were in better condition.  Their slothfulness caused drought conditions in the land which ultimately led to a change in behavior by the people to build, not stand by idly.

It is easy to get sidetracked when we are completing a given task.  Discipline and commitment keep us on track.  God does not call us to be underachievers.  As Paul stated in Philippians 3:14-15, “I press toward the mark of the high calling in Christ.  The hymnologist expanded on this Pauline theme through the following lyrics: “I’m pressing on the upward way, New heights I’m gaining every day; Still praying as I onward bound, Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.” 

Higher ground is high expectations.  Following Jesus is a journey with little room for underachievement.

*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.

12. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 121:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I got a reminder last weekend of how well laid plans can easily go astray. I traveled to Newport News, Virginia to be among the AME’s from South Carolina who went there to hear our Bishop, Richard Norris, preach the closing sermon for the Virginia Annual Conference of the AME Church.

I went up a day early and the drive was easy and uneventful, because my GPS did the navigating for me - until my GPS lost its bearings twenty or so miles away from the hotel where I was to spend the night.  When it comes to sheer excitement, nothing beats being on an unfamiliar road to an unfamiliar city late at night with a GPS that indicated that I was not on the highway, but somewhere near the highway in the heart of the forest!

Thankfully, things ended well and I found my hotel with no trouble.  I just drove on toward the city, looked around, and eventually saw the well-lit sign on the side of my hotel right off the highway - just as I used to do when traveling in the days before GPS navigation.  My GPS - which finally recovered and cheerfully said, “You’ve reached your destination” when I pulled into the hotel lot - let me down, but I made it because I simply looked at my surroundings and found my destination.

I encourage you to remember my travel experience as I travelled to Newport News, Virginia because we live in a world, where we can easily lose our way.  It’s wise and prudent for us to make plans, set goals and create strategies to meet those goals with the best tools and resources available to us.  Life, however, can throw things at us that mess up our plans, shatter our goals and derail our strategies in ways that make our carefully crafted and meticulously chosen tools and resources seem insignificant and ineffective.

When we take the time, however, to count our blessings, look around us and see life’s possibilities, we’ll discover new strengths, new hopes and new directions.  The God who created us has great things in store for us - even in our most tense and frustrating times - when we take a deep breath, exhale, open our eyes and see the simple, but powerfully positive paths and alternatives that God sets before us each day.

Take the time, even in a world of technological wonders, to lift up your eyes and see what God has to offer you. 

When you do, then even when today’s technology falls short or goes offline, you can still see what God can do and press on toward your destination, saying as did those who looked beyond the shackles of American slavery, “Up above my head I see glory in the air, there must be a God somewhere!”

This Meditation is also available on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org


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

13. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- Three Episcopal Sons Graduate from Morehouse, Georgetown and Garrett

Stephen Avare` Green graduated from Morehouse College on May 18, 2014 with a Bachelors Degree in Religion (3.5 GPA). Stephen will be attending Union Theological Seminary in New York.

Adam Scott Green graduated from Georgetown University on May 16, 2014 with a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies.  Adam's thesis title was "Black Mariology".

Samuel L. Green, Jr. graduated from Garrett Evangelical Seminary on May 16, 2014 with a Masters of Divinity Degree.

Stephen Green

Adam Green

Samuel L. Green, Jr.

-- Mrs. Laurelyn W. Williams was honored as “Teacher of the Year”

Mrs. Laurelyn W. Williams, the wife of the Rev. Dr. Darryl R. Williams, pastor of St. Mark AME Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin was honored by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Alliance Black School Educators (MMABSE) as “Teacher of the Year.” The gala was held at the Wisconsin Center on May 3, 2014. Mrs. Williams is a fourth grade teacher in the Milwaukee Public Schools District.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:


Or sent:

Mrs. Laurelyn W. Williams
6626 N. 114th St.
Milwaukee, WI 53224

-- Mrs. Ella Mae Whitted Celebrated Ninety-Eighth Birthday

Congratulations to Mrs. Ella Mae Whitted, who celebrated her 98th birthday on May 16, 2014.  She is the mother of the Rev. Dr. Betty Whitted Holley, Presiding Elder of the Springfield/Xenia District in the Ohio Conference, Third Episcopal District and Professor of Environmental Ethics and African American Religious Studies at Payne Theological Seminary. 

Congratulatory remarks can be emailed to: holleybwh@aol.com


14. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Regretfully We Share the Following Bereavement Notice:

The Third Episcopal District is sadden by the passing the Reverend Kevin E. Parks, husband of Armintry, father of Wesley & David, son of former Supervisor, Yvonne Henning Parks and the late Reverend Walter Parks, nephew of retired Bishop & Supervisor Cornal Garnett & Ernestine Lee Henning (former Bishop and Supervisor of the Third Episcopal District) and the Reverend Dr. Anne Henning Byfield, Presiding Elder, North District, Indiana Conference, Fourth Episcopal District.  Kevin served as the pastor of Park Place AME Church, Homestead, Pennsylvania. 

Final arrangements are as follows:

Visitation and Viewing
Friday, May 30, 2014
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Park Place AME Church
215 East 10th Avenue
Homestead, PA  15120

Funeral Services:

Saturday, May 31, 2014
10:00 a.m. - Alpha Phi Alpha service
11:00 a.m. - Homegoing Service

Bethel AME Church
2720 Webster Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA  15219

Telephone: 412-683-2160

Eulogist:  Bishop McKinley Young
Interment: Raleigh, NC

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Armintry Parks & Family
3200 Duquesne Avenue
West Mifflin, PA  15122

Telephone: 412-368-8192

Or

Mrs. Yvonne Henning Parks
3744 Cashew Drive
Raleigh, NC  27161

Telephone: 919-210-3761
Email:  Mslady3x@aol.com

Final services entrusted to:

Aldrich Funeral Home
431 E. 9th Avenue
Munhall, PA  15120
412-461-3400


Hotel Accommodations:

Holiday Inn Express
658 E. Waterfront Drive
Munhall, PA

Telephone: (412) 205-3904
Request Bereavement Rate
Rate:  $109.99

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Ruby Harris Mosbey, the widow of the late Rev. Lee Edgar Mosbey a pastor and Presiding Elder in the 13th Episcopal District, passed on to glory on May 14, 2014, in Nashville, TN. She was an active member of several organizations, including the Maggie Upshaw Missionary Society, of St. John, Nashville and a past president, Tennessee Conference Branch WMS, and YPD Director for the 13th Episcopal District.

Mrs. Mosbey is survived by daughter, Blanchie (Jerry) Dobson; granddaughter, Narkita (Quentin) Dobson-Holt; and Grandchildren Christian Elijah and Charli Ava Holt.

The Homegoing Service and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and other ceremonies were held at St. John AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, May 21, 2014.

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

This communication comes to inform you that Mr. Bobby Stevenson, uncle of the Rev. Roderick J. Stevenson (Shakina) pastor of Infinity AME Church in Conway, Arkansas has passed away.

Please note the following arrangements:

There will no visitation, but funeral services will be held on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the Morning Star Church of Christ (Disciples of Christ) in Rocky Mount, North Carolina.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family via:

Mrs. Cassandra Stevenson and the Rev. and Mrs. Roderick J. Stevenson:

Mrs. Cassandra Stevenson
3813 Central Heights Road
Goldsboro, North Carolina 27534
501.612.2065

Or
The Reverend and Mrs. Roderick J. Stevenson
2809 Romine Road
Little Rock, AR  72204

Telephone: (501) 612.2065'

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/  
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751




18.  CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.

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