THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/10/14)

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

-- October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

-- Pastors Appreciation Month

-- Daylight Saving Time ends November 2, 2014

(Set clocks back one hour)

1. TCR EDITORIAL – DON’T LET NEGLECT KILL MINISTRY OF YOUR LOCAL CHURCH:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Some years ago and several times since, the Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., President / Publisher AMEC Sunday School Union and I have been engaged in conversations about the challenges and responsibilities of ministry. In each instance, he shared one bit of advice to pastors that stuck with me, “Don’t let a dead man / woman kill your ministry.”

He was making reference to pastors who might be faced with a situation in a local church where a family requests a former pastor or another minister do a eulogy; and the request being refused or challenged by the pastor. 

Some pastors are sensitive and feel strongly that, they, as the pastor should do the eulogy of their parishioners.  Dr. Barbour was making the point that a pastor should not get enmeshed in a discussion about why he or she should do the eulogy and that a pastor should be gracious in acceding to the wishes of his or her parishioners. It’s in that context that Dr. Barbour says, “Don’t let a dead man / woman kill your ministry.”

I totally agree, particularly in the case of funerals and weddings, pastors need to be sensitive and gracious.

Pastors expect to do the eulogies of their departed parishioners, but being sensitive to the wishes of family members is a gracious thing to do. I believe evidence would show that a pastor who is generous and gracious enhances his or her ministry. A pastor who is not generous and gracious in sensitive situations might discover that he or she is “putting a nail in the coffin” of his or her ministry. So, Dr. Barbour has a point, “Don’t let a dead man / woman kill your ministry.”

Other “nails that can be put in the “coffin of ministry"

Weddings can also be a time of challenge for pastors. Pastors expect to be the celebrant at the weddings of their parishioners. Some parishioners are adamant about whom they want to perform the weddings of family members; and sometimes it is not the pastor. Most times it’s probably because the family has an intimate relationship with the person they want to do the ceremony.

Sometimes parishioners may want a relative or a friend of the family to perform the wedding vows. An agreement may have been made years before and requesting someone other than the pastor to be the officiant is nothing personal against the pastor.

I don’t recommend pastors engage in “turf wars” during the planning of weddings. To paraphrase Dr. Barbour’s comment, “Don’t let a wedding ceremony put a nail in the coffin of your ministry.”  Or. As Dr. Barbour would say, “Don’t let the details of wedding-planning kill your ministry.”

Unfortunately, sometimes family members want someone other than the pastor to do the wedding because their pastor has not established a pastoral relationship with the family.  As with funerals, weddings are emotion-filled events and parishioners feel strongly about decisions made in relation to those occasions.

Priestly functions

Effective pastoral ministry bonds a pastor with his or her parishioners.  The priestly functions of ministry must be taken seriously by pastors and pastors must take the time to engage in the tedious functions of the priestly ministry.

The priestly functions include, preaching, solemnizing weddings, consecrating and distributing the elements of the Holy Communion, baptisms, performing rituals associated with burying the dead, visiting the sick and shut-in members and “leading the lost to Christ.”

The priestly functions are those pastoral duties that provide care and nurture for “the flock.”

Nurturing and caring for the flock builds relationships; and building enduring relationships takes time, patience, and lots of love. Building relationships take patience and love because oftentimes the results of the priestly ministry are not immediate and often it is years later when someone acknowledges the impact of a pastor’s ministry.

The priestly functions of ministry are time-consuming and patience is a virtue because it takes time for some parishioners to open up and share intimate details about their personal lives.

Pastors cannot get to know their parishioners if their main focus is the pulpit / preaching ministry.

Everyone will not come forward and greet the pastor and the ministerial staff if they stand aloof in the chancel area. It is important for the pastor and ministerial staff to press “flesh upon flesh” in shaking hands and touching each member as they depart the sanctuary, which is why I believe that pastors and ministerial staffs need to make themselves accessible to parishioners.

Standing in the doorway of the sanctuary is not just to hear parishioners say, “Great sermon, pastor,” but standing in the doorway is a way to get to know each parishioner more intimately.

Shaking hands with departing parishioners take time and pastors should not be so much of a rush after worship that he or she ignores taking time with his or her parishioners. To paraphrase Dr. Barbour’s comment, “Don’t kill your ministry by being in such a rush on Sunday mornings because you won’t take the time to greet your parishioners.”

Look parishioners in the eye

Look the young people in the eye and ask how they are doing at home and in school.  Ask about their relationships; and do it with a smile. A concerned pastor will involve him or herself in the lives of young parishioners. 

A pastor should put in his or her schedule, time to attend sports events that involve their young parishioners, graduations and other significant events. Busy pastors don’t have to stay for long periods of time, but even brief visits are appreciated. From time to time I hear from parishioners about pastors who have never attended any of the functions of their young parishioners. To paraphrase Dr. Barbour’s comment, “Don’t let your failure to pay attention to your young parishioners kill your ministry.”

Look young adult parishioners in the eye and ask how things are coming along on their jobs. If a pastor shows genuine concern, young adult parishioners will open up and share their most intimate thoughts and concerns.

Look couples in the eye and ask how their children are doing in school and ask how their children are doing in their social relationships. Rearing children is a challenging task and sometimes parents need to share their concerns with a “listening ear” and what better person than their pastor. A pastor-Parishioner relationship has to be established and that takes time.  To paraphrase Dr. Barbour’s comment, “Don’t let neglect kill your ministry.”

Young people and young adults might be pressed for time and money today, but interacting with them might insure they will be with the church in years to come for the “long haul.”

Look senior citizens in the eye and hold their hands ask about their health concerns. Ask if there is anything you, the pastor or the church, can do for them. Insure that your senior members have transportation, not only to attend church, but to take care of their personal needs. 

It is so easy to forget that some of them cannot drive and some of them may live alone. If a pastor doesn’t do anything else, he or she should visit the sick and shut-in members. And, in large churches if the pastor cannot do so, he or she should insure that someone on the ministerial staff makes pastoral visits to the sick and shut-in members. The ideal situation is for the pastor to make pastoral visitations. To paraphrase Dr. Barbour’s comment, “Don’t let your failure to visit your sick and shut-in members kill your ministry.”

A pastor can tell a lot about his or her parishioners if he or she takes time to interact on a personal level with them. If a pastor gets to “really know” his or her flock, the pastor can discern when pastoral intervention is appropriate.

Pastors should visit the homes of older members, especially those living alone and those who are living on a limited income. A concerned pastor will ask about senior citizens’ medical and dental health, not intrusively, but in ways that show a genuine concern.

A team effort

Pastors need help from local church leaders - stewards, trustees and heads of organizations. The lay leaders need to partner with and undergird the pastor in keeping the pastor informed about health, welfare and morale of the congregation.

The pastor, ministerial team, and leaders of the laity need to partner with each other as a team to strategically involve themselves in the life of the local church. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”

To paraphrase Dr. Barbour’s comment, which is applicable for the pastor, ministerial team and leaders of the laity, “Don’t let neglect kill the ministry of your local church!”

2. TCR OP-ED - AMES, AFRICA AND ADVOCACY: REFLECTIONS ON THE US-AFRICA SUMMIT:

*John Thomas III

The US-Africa Leaders Summit held from August 4-6 in Washington, DC was the single largest gathering of national leaders in United States history, period.  Held in the shadow of the current Ebola crisis was an event that could herald a paradigm shift in the engagement of African nations by the United States public and private sectors.   With the theme “Investing in our Future”, representatives from 50 African nations (including 37 heads of state) journeyed to Washington DC for high-level engagement with representatives from  United States political, economic and civil society sectors.

Why should the AME Church be concerned with US policy towards Africa?   A concern for the African Diaspora is rooted in our DNA.  By 1850, missionaries had already been sent to Liberia and Sierra Leone and by the turn of the 20th century, the AME Church had a firm presence in South Africa.  The Christian Recorder and The AME Review frequently featured articles condemning European colonialism and US imperialistic tendencies.  Up until the end of colonialism, the AME Church was one of the few major Protestant denominations not led by Europeans on the continent of Africa.  We served as incubators for freedom movements in Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and a host of other countries.   As one of the few US-based international institutions run by persons of African descent, the AME Church held a key role in persuading the US government to shift its stance on South African apartheid.  

It is this legacy of activism and involvement that calls us to keep a vigilant eye open to the current state of US-Africa relations.  US relationships in Africa have been more about security and control and less about development and mutual respect.   The recent summit shows an attempt to reengage African states as legitimate economic partners and not as areas for emergency assistance and development relief projects.  It also can be seen as an open attempt to challenge the growing influence of China—who now occupies the dominant economic position on the African continent.  According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, in 2013 China’s trade with the continent of Africa was valued at $213 billion while the United States lagged behind at $85 billion.  The allure of the Chinese may be is that they invest their money in programs with the ultimate goal not of increasing domestic capacity but of developing markets for Chinese goods and extracting resources for Chinese industry.   While this strategy may yield short term benefits, the failure to develop local industries and infrastructure could create a new dependency cycle.

As AMEs, we need to be vigilant about what is going on in the continent of Africa beyond the headlines.  It is a testament to our historical legacy that Bishop Vashti McKenzie was invited to attend the US-Africa Leaders Summit and we must ensure that we continue to be involved.  Decades ago we inveighed against colonialism, imperialism and apartheid.  We must now make sure that this new engagement with our mother continent does not replicate a cycle of exploitation that has existed for centuries.   Many of the leaders invited to Washington DC have “checkered” records on human rights and several represent countries with extreme rates of poverty.   Too often, the concern has been to get to the resources and not to truly develop the people.  As the continent of Africa grows its economic potential, it still remains to be seen what its internal development will look like.

Just as the United States must answer tough questions about its engagement in Africa, so must the AME Church must also answer tough questions within itself about our work in Africa.  Today we run the risk of perpetuating the same colonial mentality in today’s world that we argued and fought against a generation ago by not allowing Africans a greater share and presence in the leadership of the AME Church globally as well as in their localities.     Are three “indigenous” bishops enough?  Is the Global Development Council functioning?  Do we have a true development strategy for our work on the African continent?  Are the present Episcopal Districts appropriate for the growth of the denomination?  These queries and more beg urgent answers.

*John Thomas III is a PhD Student at the University of Chicago and a member of the General Board.

3. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS - STATEMENT ON THE EBOLA CRISIS

The Council of Bishops

The African Methodist Episcopal Church

A Statement on the Ebola Crisis

7 October 2014

The Council of Bishops is intensely concerned about the current Ebola Virus Crisis that affects West Africa as well as other parts of the continent of Africa and the world.  This is a time for faith and faith based action.

This is a time for faith!  We cannot allow this disease to drive us to the despair of doubt, fear and helplessness.  God is our refuge and strength and STILL our help.  We must continue to believe God will provide for protection, healing and an attitude of confidence and love in this season of alarm.

This is a time for faith based action!  Let us pray for those who are at high risk of contracting the disease.  Let us seek God’s comfort for those who mourn the death of loved ones.  Let us pray for the healing of the afflicted as we pray for the encouragement of those who attend to family and strangers in need of care.

This is a time for faith based action!  We encourage everyone to become familiar with the disease and ways to prevent its spread.  We are grateful for The Christian Recorder, our AME Health Commission and those who assist with communication.  Each of us can learn a little as we practice and encourage health preserving habits.

This is a time for faith-based action! The Methodist Churches serving in Western West African have joined together to support health and community ministries to address the Ebola Virus crisis and its impact. The Executive Board of the General Board approved a connection wide appeal for the funding of this ecumenical ministry.  The Council of Bishops concurred, and we urge AME’s to undergird the Western West Africa Methodist Collaborative.

We solicit our AME Family to make monetary contributions as we continue in prayer.  Whether through a special offering in your local church, or a direct contribution, this worthwhile effort will provide for AME and other Methodist ministries of relief in this crisis.  Please send donations to your bishop’s office or to The AME Finance Department, 1134 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.  Checks may be made to the AME Church.  Add a note or indicate on the memo line: WWAMC or Western West African Methodist Collaborative.

Thank you for your faith and your faith based action.  Believe, pray, and give with a loving heart.  Let us continue to pray for Bishop Clement W. Fugh and our 14th Episcopal District AME family as they actively face this emergency with courage and compassion.

Faithfully,

  /s/

Jeffrey N. Leath 

President, Council of Bishops

4. A CALL TO MAKE AN IMPACT FOR CHRIST IN THE EBOLA CRISIS IN THE 14^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

       

“And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’   40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’”  - Matthew 25: 39 – 40 (NRSV)

Many of you are well aware of the Ebola crisis in West Africa, which is affecting thousands of persons and, which has killed over 3000 persons to date.  As AME sisters and brothers together, we are also well aware that the Ebola epidemic is having an affect on our churches in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Ghana. To lessen the effects of the virus, many West African nations have quarantined persons to their homes, forbidding them even to attend church.  Thus, the Ebola crisis is not only having an affect on their physical health, but on their emotional and spiritual health as well.

While the news is devastating, I know that many of you are praying that God will intervene; but, there is something we can do. Because of the fear of the spread of the disease, each church in West Africa is being asked to supply sanitation for persons entering worship.  We can help our sister AME churches in the area supply each member of their congregation with a sanitation kit, which can be used for both worship and to help sanitize their homes. 

The Connectional Women’s Missionary Society has agreed to spearhead a project to place at least 500 “sanitation kits” in the homes of the most at-risk families in West Africa to retard the spread of the deadly virus. Each kit contains:  a plastic bucket with spout; a gallon of chlorine bleach; tablets for purification of drinking water; rubber gloves; and powered soap.  Each sanitation kit is $42.00 per kit.  Every Missionary is asked to secure at least one (1) sanitation kit.

Funds can be sent to the 14th Episcopal District Office in Nashville, Tennessee.  The 14th Episcopal District Office will then forward funds to the AME Relief Team in Liberia that will administer the project with assistance from HOPE, Inc., a non-governmental organization (NGO) sponsored by Empowerment Temple AME Church in Monrovia, Liberia. 

Payments of Checks, Money Orders, and online via PayPal are all ways to respond. 

Checks and Money Orders can be mailed to:

14^th Episcopal District

512 8th Avenue South, Suite 103

Nashville, TN  37203

Telephone: (615) 744-6244

PayPal payments please use the following link:

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JEM7CUW7QZDBW 

All monies will go directly to securing the sanitation kits.  Not only will we be helping our AME sisters and brothers in West Africa, we will be providing a powerful witness for Christ.

This is something we can and must do! 

Thank you in advance for your assistance,

With God's Love and Mine,

     /s/

Alexia B. Fugh

14^th Episcopal District Supervisor

5. THE 2014 DAILY SCHEDULE FOR THE FEBRUARY GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MEETING:

The Global Development Council Meeting will be held February 25 - 27, 2015 in Capetown, Republic of South Africa.  Participants are encouraged to plan to arrive in Capetown on Tuesday, February 24, 2015 to register and rest before the start of the meetin on Wednesday.

Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate of the 15th Episcopal District encourages all of those who plan to attend the GDC to make their reservations immediately!

Daily Schedule:

Wednesday, February 25, 2015: 

6:00 - 8:03         Breakfast

8:05 - 8:35         Devotion

8:35 - 9:10         Registration

9:15 - 10:10       Roll-Call

10:10 - 11: 00    Organization

11:00 - 11:30     Tea & Coffee Break

11:30 - 12:30     Thanksgiving Service/Power Hour

12:30 - 1:30       Lunch

1:30 - 2:30         First Business Session

2:35 - 3:40         Second Business Session

3:40 - 4:00         Tea & Coffee Break

4:00 - 5:00         Third Business Session

5:00 - 6:30         Dinner (On your own)

7:30 - 9:30         Opening Worship Service

Thursday, February 26, 2015:

       

6:00 - 8:03         Breakfast

8:05 - 8:35         Devotion

8:35 - 9:10         Registration

9:15 - 10:10       Roll-Call

10:10 - 11: 00    Organization

11:00 - 11:30     Tea & Coffee Break

11:30 - 12:30     Thanksgiving Service/Power Hour

12:30 - 1:30       Lunch

1:30 - 2:30         First Business Session

2:35 - 3:40         Second Business Session

3:40 - 4:00         Tea & Coffee Break

4:30 – 6:30        15^th Episcopal District Reception and Dinner

6:30                  Return to Hotel

7:30 - 9:30         Worship Service

Friday, February 27, 2015:

11:00 a.m.         Closing Worship Service

1:30 p.m.           Lunch

*Submitted by Ms. Charlene Jordaan

6. “WILL THE AME CHURCH SAVE WILBERFORCE?” -  “YES, WE MUST!”

*Jamye Coleman Williams, Ph.D

The February 25, 2013, online issue of The Christian Recorder carried an article entitled “Will the AME Church Save Wilberforce?” by Dr. Ibram H. Rogers, Assistant Professor of African Studies at the State University of New York, Albany.  Dr. Rogers, the son of the Rev. Larry Rogers, who served at one time under Dr. Floyd H. Flake at Greater Allen AME Cathedral in New York, grew up in the AME Church.

Interestingly and regretfully, there came no response from anyone—no Bishop, no General Officer, no official, no pastor, no lay person, including me—for whom Wilberforce is my magnificent obsession.  According to my husband of 70 years, for the last several years I have been a “shameless beggar,” using any and every occasion to solicit financial help, receiving contributions from 20 Bishops (four now deceased), 15 General and Connectional Officers, numerous alumni, many pastors and lay persons, and my family members.

I will not comment about the author’s critique except to say that he recounted the history and legacy of the nation’s first private coeducational university to be owned and controlled by African Americans. Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, on March 19, 1863, purchased Wilberforce from the Methodist Episcopal Church on faith for $10,000, and became the first black university president (1863-1876).

Let me add that the AME Church’s venture in education can be aptly paraphrased in the words of the familiar hymn—“through many dangers, toils and snares she has already come.”  From the beginning Wilberforce had its setbacks.  On the night that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated—April 14, 1865—the main building—Shorter Hall—was set on fire by hoodlums and burned to the ground.  The indomitable spirit of courage which has always characterized Wilberforce, which has never known defeat, enabled Shorter Hall to be rebuilt.  Ironically a little over a century later Shorter Hall was reduced to ashes a second time, and again was rebuilt.  In recent years the “split” of 1947 and the separation of the State unit again required a struggle to preserve its history, legacy, and most importantly its name—Wilberforce.

Over the years Wilberforce University has survived against the odds.  At this moment in history it has been served with Show Cause warnings by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.  Most critical about the citing is the necessity for Wilberforce University to demonstrate that it is financially sustainable.  The National Alumni Association has pledged to raise $2 million, with $683,000 already contributed.

It is now time for the AME Church, the mother of Wilberforce, to respond to this urgent plea for help.  As we approach 2016 and the grand celebration of our 200 years as a major African American denomination, we cannot allow Wilberforce University, referred to as the Crown Jewel, to lose its accreditation and as a result cease to exist.  How will we be able as we gather by the thousands in Philadelphia to sing our praises if we will have lost the oldest private coeducational black institution of higher learning?  Through God’s grace and mercy we have come this far leaning on the Lord.  It is too late for us to turn back.  It is too late for us to compromise our proud heritage.

The Higher Learning Commission indicated that one of the major needs to be addressed is that of deteriorating facilities.  The dormitories need immediate attention in order for students to have acceptable living conditions.  Deteriorating facilities and lack of preventive maintenance are some factors that threaten Wilberforce’s survival.

A call, therefore, is being sent across the United States and across the oceans and to the isles of the sea-- wherever the flag of African Methodism waves--to come to the rescue on the first Sunday in November by giving a voluntary offering—each according to his/her own means.  We do not limit the appeal to only individual members, but we urge you to seek help from your families, friends, co-workers, organizations.

The following plan may be of help as you consider your gift:

Save Our School

Wilberforce University Fund

Anticipated Income

Number of Contributors     Contributions                     Totals

    50                                 $10,000                             $   500,000

    50                                 $  5,000                             $   250,000

1000                                 $  1,000                             $1,000,000

  500                                 $  1,856                             $   928,000

  700                                 $  1,856                             $   210,000

  200                                 $     200                            $     40,000

1000                                 $100-$10                           $2,072,000

                                                                                $5,000,000

Please send all contributions to Wilberforce University, Office of Development, 1055 N Bickett Rd., Wilberforce, OH 45354

*Jamye Coleman Williams, Ph.D is a retired General Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

7. HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA CHURCH KICKS OFF SELF-DETERMINATION MONTH WITH GOSPEL MUSIC CELEBRATION:

The Howard University Gospel Choir will perform a FREE musical celebration at 7 p.m. tonight (10/10) at Mother Bethel AME Church marking the day Bishop Richard Allen bought the church's property at the corner of South 6th & Lombard Streets.

 

PRLog - Oct. 10, 2014 - PHILADELPHIA -- On October 10, 1791, Bishop Richard Allen purchased property at 419 South 6th Street in Philadelphia. This property is now the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans and today, 223 years later; this land remains the home of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (http://www.motherbethel.org).

The land purchase symbolizes one of the country's first acts of self-determination, independence, and religious freedom by African Americans. From Mother Bethel in Philadelphia, the church expanded and there are now more than 3-million members of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) denomination worshipping on five continents. In celebration of this historic occasion, Mother Bethel is hosting a month of events that kicks off tonight, October 10^th,  with a gospel music celebration at 7 p.m. at the church located at 419 South 6^th Streets.

The Howard University Gospel Choir, from Washington DC, will perform songs, along with the Mother Bethel Mass Choir, and Praise Ensemble. The concert is free and open to the public.

Mother Bethel AME Church is dedicating the entire month of October to celebrating African American self-determination. In addition to tonight's FREE gospel music concert featuring the Howard University Gospel Choir, the church is also very active in making sure Philadelphians exercise their right to vote in Pennsylvania's upcoming gubernatorial election.

There are also events celebrating the Underground Railroad in Philadelphia. Five-time Grammy award winning soprano Ms. Kathleen Battle will perform spirituals from the Underground Railroad Experience on Friday October 24, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kimmel Center's Verizon Hall. Ms. Battle, who grew up in an AME church in Portsmouth, Ohio, will be accompanied by jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut, Harpist Riza Printup, and The Philadelphia Heritage Chorale directed by J. Donald Dumpson. This inspirational music celebration traces the roots of African-American freedom with an evening of hymns and traditional spirituals.  Ms. Battle’s heavenly voice brings to light a song cycle of freedom, suffering, and salvation with unique renditions of traditional music such as “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands,”  “Lord, How Come Me Here?,”  “I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired,” “Balm in Gilead,” and "Go Down Moses," the old testament spiritual sang in both Hebrew and English, “Go Down Moses.” Discounted tickets to the Kathleen Battle Underground Railroad concert can be purchased at www.kimmelcenter.org by using discount code: UGRRBattle.

Also on Friday October 24, 2014, at 6:30 p.m. in the SEI Innovation Theater of the Kimmel Center, Mother Bethel's Pastor, Rev. Mark Tyler, PhD., will take part in a pre-concert panel discussion about the Underground Railroad. Other distinguished panelists include: Dr. V Chapman Smith, former regional administrator for the National Archives Mid-Atlantic region; Rev. Dr. James Forbes of Healing of a Nation Foundation and Senior Minister Emeritus Riverside Church; Cornelia Swinson, Executive Director of the Historic Johnson House; and Dr. Richard Newman, director of the Library Company of Philadelphia and author of the Biography on Bishop Richard Allen. The panel discussion is free and open to the public.

Mother Bethel's Underground Railroad observances continue on Sunday October 26^th during the 11 a.m. worship services. "Roots of Resistance - Remembering The Role of the AME Church in the Underground Railroad" will be a dramatic presentation featuring "The Mother Bethel Players" under the direction of Jann Ellis-Scruggs, former director of the Cheyney University Players.

Then at 3 p.m. on Sunday October 26^th: "Modern Day Freedom Fighters,” a worship experience featuring Congressman James Clyburn (D) South Carolina as the guest speaker. Congressman Clyburn is the 3^rd highest ranking Democrat in the US House of Representatives and Assistant House Democratic Leader.

Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was founded in 1791 by Bishop Richard Allen and the church sits on the oldest parcel of land continuously owned by African Americans. The church, its pastor, and entire congregation continue serving as agents for social justice in Philadelphia, America, and the entire world. Members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church denomination now worship on 5 continents, and are beacons of hope for more than 3-million followers. Come join us, and be a part of the movement. We are #MoreThanAMuseum. www.MotherBethel.org

For more information about October activities at Mother Bethel AME Church go to www.MotherBethel.org or call the church at (215) 925-0616. All press inquiries should be directed to Leslie Patterson-Tyler via email Leslie@TylerMadePR.com or call (609) 247-2632.

                  

8. LET’S GET OUT THE VOTE INITIATIVE! FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIR – SOCIAL ACTION COMMISSION:

Dear Church of Allen,

From: Reginald T. Jackson, Chair – Social Action Commission

As you are aware November 4th will be off year elections, when many states will elect governors, members of Congress and a host of municipal offices. Historically off year elections have low voter turnout, particularly among minorities and low-income voters. In 2010 the voter turnout among minorities was only 40% of eligible voters, while 56% of whites voted. This in large measure led to the leadership change in the House of Representatives and the polarization between Congress and the White House. If this pattern continues this fall’s elections could see that pattern repeated in the U.S. Senate. Our concern and focus, is not and must not be partisan, but to see that every American, particularly African-American and other people of color exercise their right to vote.

At a dinner meeting with a national coalition of faith leaders, the issue of increasing minority voter participation was discussed. I proposed that the “Black Church” proclaim Sunday, September 15th (now changed to September 21st) as “Let’s Get Ready to Vote Sunday”. Each pastor would be asked to preach about civic involvement, our responsibility as Christians to participate in our communities, and to exercise our right to vote. Each local church would also organize a “Let’s Get Ready to Vote” Committee with the goal of increasing voter awareness, enthusiasm, and turnout.

The Coalition of faith leaders concurred and then I brought that vision to the Council of Bishops and the General Board. In the end, the coalition of Black Churches all concurred and dubbed the kick-off of this unified campaign as Freedom Sunday to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Freedom Summer Movement. The AME Church as a committed partner invites you to be a part of the “Let’s Get out the Vote” Initiative, kicking off of Freedom on Sunday – September 21st.

The General Board approved the “Let’s Get Ready to Vote Sunday” Initiative. All components are urged to make this a priority in your work. We are grateful to the Connectional Lay Organization for AME V-Alert, which has been a tool for voter education, mobilization, and registration since 1999. The AME V-Alert Guide has been updated and merged with the Freedom Sunday Toolkit for your use. The Social Action Commission’s website is available for your use with many valuable resources including the Guide/Toolkit mentioned above.

The Social Action Commission is available to assist you, just reach out to us. Please take the time to study this document, use it to form partnerships and coalitions in your local area and/or Episcopal District, REPORT your progress to us at www.ame-sac.com. Contact Sister “Jackie” Dupont-Walker, our Social Action Commission Director to brainstorm and network at 213-494-9493 or jdupontw@aol.com. Most importantly, VOTE and urge other to vote!!

9. THE 11^TH SESSION OF THE NORTH TEXAS CONFERENCE ENDS:

By:  Delanda S. Johnson

During the week of September 23-27, the 11th session of the North Texas Annual Conference of African Methodist Episcopal Church was held in the Rose Capital of the world, Tyler, Texas. 

The Rev. and Mrs. Mittie C. Muse, Sr. and the Ebenezer AME Church family made everyone feel welcome.

The members of Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff and Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens were well-represented at the annual conference.

The North Texas Annual Conference was called to order by the Presiding Prelate of the 10th District, the Rt. Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie. Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Stan McKenzie was by her side.

Bishop McKenzie addressed the congregation with the theme for this year’s focus on the Connectional Theme: “The Cost of Discipleship.”

Bishop McKenzie noted to the congregation that the high cost of discipleship is not a new story.  It is as old as our Christian faith.  Apostles were killed, became the fodder for entertainment in Roman arenas and the food for hungry lions.  Since then many others Christians have been tortured, harassed, exiled, and imprisoned.

As it was then, so it is today, believers today are still being persecuted for righteousness sake.

“In conjunction with the AME Connectional Theme, “Fulfilling the Great Commission with The Cost of Discipleship,” we still must carefully consider the cost of discipleship as outlined in Luke 14:26-27.  Jesus gave two parables that essentially made the same overall point.  A person must give careful consideration to the cost of discipleship before jumping assuming any task.   (Luke 14:28-32) Jesus then gives a third cost of discipleship and uses an illustration about salt to show the cost of not being a follower,” (Luke 14:33-35) said Bishop McKenzie.

Bishop McKenzie stated, “It is easy to have courageous words and calm spirits when there is no law against owning a Bible or gathering for worship where you live.  Our bravado stays in place when there is no threat to life and livelihood.  The cost of being a disciple becomes high when you make Jesus your “ride or die” partner.  Courageous and calm actions may mean that you “walk into the fire.”  Just as the hymnwriter declared “I have decided to follow Jesus,” we too must sing the same song as disciples of Jesus Christ.

The conference moved forward with awesome sermons from the Rev. Kennen Jackson, the Rev. Juan Tolliver, Presiding Elder, the Rev. Darrell Caldwell, Sr.; The Rev. Ella McDonald, the Rev. Silvester Beaman, and the closing message delivered by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.

A special appearance to the conference was made by the Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram.  Dr. Ingram is a native of North Texas and he is a General Officer of the AME Church with the position of Executive Director, Department of Christian Education.  The Rev. Ingram addressed the congregation of the North Texas Conference and announced his candidacy for the bishopric in 2016. 

Another candidate for the position of bishop is the Rev. Silvester Beaman.  The Rev. Beaman, a native of New York, is a graduate of Wilberforce University and Boston University where he was  Mary McCloud Bethune Scholar, earning a Master of Divinity degree.  He was awarded the University’s Outstanding Preacher and Bible Reader Award and also awarded the Doctor of Divinity Degree for Meritorious Achievement in Christian Ministry and Public Service by Richard Wright Theological Seminary in Evanston, South Africa.  He received is Doctor of Ministry degree from Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio and Bakke Graduate University, Seattle, Washington.

He was appointed to the pastorate of Bethel AME Church in Wilmington, Delaware and he shared that the congregation has grown to over 2,500 members. The Rev. Dr. Beaman’s commitment to ministry is evident in the creating of many new ministries at Bethel: An AIDS Task Force, Men’s & Women’s Ministries, Community Evangelism Outreach programs, and other programs.

He is married to his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Renee Palmore Beaman and they have two children and one granddaughter.

The Rev. Beaman’s theme in the Ministry is Hebrews 6:10, “For God is not unrighteous to forget your labor of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints and do minister.”  He believes that “The work is all divine.”

During the Ordination Service Rev. Beaman ‘s sermon, “What is Your Blood Type” noted to the candidates that you will bleed for your church, you must do what God has called you to do, and know that ONLY Jesus is there to help you and HE knows your blood type.

Bishop McKenzie closed the conference with a powerful sermon entitled, “Wherever, Whenever, and Whatever.”  Jonah 1:1 and Jonah 3:1-3

Bishop McKenzie’s main point to all was: “You must go “wherever” God places you, “whenever” God tells you to go, and do “whatever” God wants you to do.  Know that you are not in charge; God is in charge.  It’s not your house, but it’s God’s House.”

10. REQUIRED FIRE DRILL REVEALS EXCELLENT PLANNING:

Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns

Bethel A.M.E. Church of Huntington, New York, founded in 1843, held the very first Fire Drill in our history on Sunday, September 28, 2014, and it was such a great success! I was so pleased with my church that I was inspired to share the story.

During the morning announcements the pastor, the Rev. Larry D. Jennings, Sr., explained that the drill would be held at the end of the service. Key persons would stand in their designated places and those present would simply follow their directions and move as quickly as possible. Our goal, in compliance with directions of the First District prelate, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, was to accomplish complete evacuation within three minutes. We were then expected to return for the Benediction.

The key persons turned out to be officers and members of the Health Commission who had met previously to map out a plan to carry out this drill in the most effective manner. When the time came, all the key persons moved, quickly, efficiently, and authoritatively to their designated spots across the church and the announcement was made from the pulpit by one officer. Anyone who needs special help was directed to the center aisle where a designated officer was ready to assist. There is one member who has had knee and hip surgeries and is in pain much of the time, which necessarily demands her slow movement. The Committee had paid special attention to this and had prepared extraordinary methods to assist her, in particular. This officer was stationed strategically in the middle of the center aisle, near the pew where she usually sits. Everyone in the choir area and the first four pews would move forward, to the choir loft, through the pastor's study, to the rear door. Others would go by the side aisles and, following directions of those in charge, go down the stairs, out the front doors and walk a good distance away from the church to a designated safe area.

As the drill was started one officer tapped a bell constantly as we moved toward the doors. It sounded like an old-time Sunday School bell that I remember from my childhood.  Another officer was timing the drill. The interesting architectural point is that Bethel was designed with TWO front doors. Normally, we use only one to enter the church, but when both doors were utilized for this drill, it all became so easy. It was wonderfully smooth because once we reached the vestibule we simply separated and went left or right using each of the two doors.

Those in charge knew their duties and carried them out well.  Shortly after we got to the appointed areas outside we were told it was all clear and time to return. When we got inside and were seated again, we were told that we needed to congratulate ourselves because we had cleared the building in only 65 seconds. That was

EXCELLENT, I thought, for a first-time Fire Drill! We had a congregation of about 50 people that Sunday and all had responded and cooperated well. We felt that our bishop would have been proud of the Committee members who had taken his request quite seriously and had put their best efforts toward the necessary planning.

Afterwards those key persons met to discuss the event. One decision made was that they should purchase walkie-talkies for better communication. It had been difficult for the all-clear from the basement area to be heard upstairs. They seemed to have covered every necessary point in this discussion and I'm sure the next Fire Drill will be even smoother. Rev Jennings, in an excellent follow-up decision, has decided to have several more drills in the next few weeks or months until we are all certain about what to do in an emergency situation of any kind.

Three members of the Committee, and perhaps more, had acted as officials in Fire Drills related to their jobs. Kevin Spearmon is a Fire Drill Section Leader at his job with New York State. He is in charge of clearing his floor and reporting to a Leader that all is clear.

Victoria Motley serves as a Disaster Warden on her job with Long Island Communications Company. She reports that her title was changed to be more inclusive after an earthquake occurred in the area, and also new training was required. At her job each floor of her four-building (A-B-C-D) structure is sectioned into 3 “Wards”. She handles D1W1 (Building D, 1st Floor, Ward 1). She clears her area, checking all offices, cubes, and conference rooms, directing people to the proper exit and the area in which they should stand in the parking lot. She then reports the all-clear to her Floor Warden who is outside. That person reports to the Building Warden who ultimately reports to the facility’s Fire Director. All wear identifying vests. During this past summer an actual fire occurred in Building A and all the drills were put to good use. All 4 buildings, involving approximately 6,000 people were cleared in 2.5 minutes.

Rodney Marve, in his capacity as Interim Director of a large public Library, had been very successful in leading Fire Drills there. With a large staff and large numbers of library patrons using the facilities, the greatest challenge was with those occupying the Meeting Rooms. They were reluctant to suspend their meetings. However, little by little, as the staff became more secure in the procedures they were able to help everyone evacuate the building more quickly. They started out clearing the building in 3 minutes, and they got it down to 90 seconds.  At Bethel, we may also be able to reduce the time it takes to get all of our members to areas of safety.

I have never heard of, or even thought of, a Fire Drill being held at a church before. My only Fire Drill experiences and memories are associated with those that took place in schools when I was a child. Bishop Ingram has brought a very important subject to our attention and if, indeed, this is a first, perhaps other Districts will follow his lead. It will behoove each church to identify those in the congregation who have had previous experiences in an official capacity so that they can lead the way in planning.

*Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns is the author of The Upward Journey – A Centenarian’s Chronicle – Personal Stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols.

11. A MEDITATION – LIFE’S TRAIN:

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life.

I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank GOD for the journey. Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.

-- Author Unknown

12. BOSTON POLICE DATA SHOWS WIDESPREAD RACIAL BIAS IN STREET ENCOUNTERS WITH CIVILIANS:

ACLU study details stop-and-frisk problem in Boston, urges reforms to ensure fair and effective policing

BOSTON – Boston Police Department (BPD) officers have engaged in widespread racially biased street encounters with civilians, according to a study of four years of BPD police-civilian encounter records summarized in a report released today by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and ACLU of Massachusetts.

"This data from the Boston Police Department is clear and compelling: Boston needs to adopt reforms to ensure fair and effective policing," said Carol Rose, executive director of the ACLU of Massachusetts.

The findings confirm what many people have long suspected: Boston police officers targeted both communities of color and people of color at far greater rates than white communities or white people.

Preliminary analysis by a BPD-selected researcher of more than 204,000 department reports of police-civilian encounters from 2007 to 2010 found that blacks were subjected to 63 percent of these encounters, even though they made up just 24 percent of Boston's population. The analysis also showed that crime--whether measured by neighborhood crime rates, arrest records, or alleged gang membership of people subjected to police encounters--cannot justify or explain away the evidence of racial bias.

"These findings are clear evidence of racial bias in BPD policing," said Matthew Segal, legal director at the ACLU of Massachusetts. "This practice contradicts the principle of equal protection under the law, which is guaranteed by both the U.S. and Massachusetts Constitutions. We hope that we can work collaboratively with the BPD to address this problem."

The preliminary analysis--which was shared with the BPD, the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, and the national ACLU--suggests that thousands of black Bostonians were observed, stopped, interrogated, frisked, or searched because of their race. Key preliminary findings, all of which control for non-race factors, include the following:

• Young black men were more likely than young white men to be targeted for police-civilian encounters such as stops, frisks, searches, observations, and interrogations.

• When police-civilian encounters occurred, young black men were more likely than young white men to be frisked or searched.

• Young black men were more likely to be targeted for repeat police-civilian encounters.

The data also show that, for Bostonians of all races, the BPD has failed to ensure that police-civilian encounters comply with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

To "stop" someone, a police officer must have an individualized and objectively reasonable suspicion that a person is involved in a crime. The Boston reports showed, instead, that in three-quarters of all police-civilian encounters, the officer's stated reason for initiating the encounter was simply "investigate person."

"'Investigate person' cannot provide a constitutionally permissible reason for stopping or frisking someone," said Segal. "It only describes what the officer decided to do. It basically means: 'because I said so'."

Finally, the BPD has not shown that its stop-and-frisk tactics were effective in fighting crime. According to Department officials, officers did not file reports when encounters resulted in arrest. And, for the 204,000-plus reports that were completed, only 2.5 percent indicate that an officer seized weapons, drugs, or other contraband.

"The Boston Police Department has not provided any documents showing that it has eradicated racially biased policing, or that it now ensures that its stops and frisks are justified, despite ACLU requests for this information," said Nusrat Choudhury, staff attorney with the national ACLU's Racial Justice Project. "Even if reported police encounters have declined since the high rates of 2007-2010, it does not mean that racial bias has gone down at all."

Key ACLU recommendations:

• Require all officers who engage in police-civilian encounters--including interrogations, stops, frisks, and searches--to use body-worn cameras during every interaction with the public. Also require written or video-recorded consent whenever an officer claims that such an encounter was consensual.

• Provide documentation--i.e., a receipt--to any civilian involved in an interrogation, stop, frisk, or search, no matter whether it was consensual or not.

• Publish electronic data on a quarterly basis about all stops, frisks, non-consensual searches, observations, and consensual interrogations and searches, including a breakdown by race, gender, age, outcome, and the officer's basis for the encounter and action.

A copy of the report is at: https://www.aclum.org/stopandfrisk

13. ENHANCED EBOLA SCREENING TO START AT FIVE U.S. AIRPORTS FOR ALL PEOPLE ENTERING U.S. FROM EBOLA-AFFECTED COUNTRIES:

New layers of screening at airports that receive more than 94% of West African Travelers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Homeland Security’s Customs & Border Protection (CBP) this week will begin new layers of entry screening at five U.S. airports that receive over 94 percent of travelers from the Ebola-affected nations of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. 

New York’s JFK International Airport will begin the new screening on Saturday.  In the 12 months ending July 2014, JFK received nearly half of travelers from the three West African nations. The enhanced entry screening at Washington-Dulles, Newark, Chicago-O’Hare, and Atlanta international airports will be implemented next week.

“We work to continuously increase the safety of Americans,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “We believe these new measures will further protect the health of Americans, understanding that nothing we can do will get us to absolute zero risk until we end the Ebola epidemic in West Africa.”

“CBP personnel will continue to observe all travelers entering the United States for general overt signs of illnesses at all U.S. ports of entry and these expanded screening measures will provide an additional layer of protection to help ensure the risk of Ebola in the United States is minimized,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson. “CBP, working closely with CDC, will continue to assess the risk of the spread of Ebola into the United States, and take additional measures, as necessary, to protect the American people.”

CDC is sending additional staff to each of the five airports. After passport review:

• Travelers from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone will be escorted by CBP to an area of the airport set aside for screening.

• Trained CBP staff will observe them for signs of illness, ask them a series of health and exposure questions and provide health information for Ebola and reminders to monitor themselves for symptoms. Trained medical staff will take their temperature with a non-contact thermometer.

• If the travelers have fever, symptoms or the health questionnaire reveals possible Ebola exposure, they will be evaluated by a CDC quarantine station public health officer. The public health officer will again take a temperature reading and make a public health assessment. Travelers, who after this assessment, are determined to require further evaluation or monitoring will be referred to the appropriate public health authority.

• Travelers from these countries who have neither symptoms/fever nor a known history of exposure will receive health information for self-monitoring. 

Entry screening is part of a layered process that includes exit screening and standard public health practices such as patient isolation and contact tracing in countries with Ebola outbreaks.  Successful containment of the recent Ebola outbreak in Nigeria demonstrates the effectiveness of this approach.

These measures complement the exit screening protocols that have already been implemented in the affected West African countries, and CDC experts have worked closely with local authorities to implement these measures. Since the beginning of August, CDC has been working with airlines, airports, ministries of health, and other partners to provide technical assistance for the development of exit screening and travel restrictions in countries affected by Ebola. This includes:

• Assessing the capacity to conduct exit screening at international airports;

• Assisting countries with procuring supplies needed to conduct exit screening;

• Supporting with development of exit screening protocols;

• Developing tools such as posters, screening forms, and job-aids; and

• Training staff on exit screening protocols and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Today, all outbound passengers are screened for Ebola symptoms in the affected countries. Such primary exit screening involves travelers responding to a travel health questionnaire, being visually assessed for potential illness, and having their body temperature measured.  In the last two months since exit screening began in the three countries, of 36,000 people screened, 77 people were denied boarding a flight because of the health screening process. None of the 77 passengers were diagnosed with Ebola and many were diagnosed as ill with malaria, a disease common in West Africa, transmitted by mosquitoes and not contagious from one person to another.

Exit screening at airports in countries affected by Ebola remains the principal means of keeping travelers from spreading Ebola to other nations.  All three of these nations have asked for, and continue to receive, CDC assistance in strengthening exit screening.

14. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

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

Based on Biblical Text: Luke 6:27-28: “But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.”

Do you mean we are really supposed to love our enemies?

The answer to that question is an unequivocal yes. We really are supposed to love our enemies.

Now I don’t know about you but, I know to me that seem near impossible. How in the world can you love someone who wants to do you harm and tear you down or someone who doesn’t love you?  Certainly it is much easier for me to love people who already love me.

Like most married men I have no trouble at all loving my wife. After all we got married because we love each other. Most of the time we enjoy being with one another.  My wife is genuinely interested in who I am as a person. And, believe it or not after all these years of marriage I still want to impress her. What my wife thinks about me is important.

I really don’t have any trouble loving my children. They are, after all very much a part of who I am. I actually see myself in them. I see parts of me in the things they do and hear parts of me in the things they say. I take care of them because I love them. I have a genuine interest in seeing them grow up to be good, productive citizens because I love them.

No doubt, there are times when we all get on each others nerves. I must admit that I probably get on their nerves more than they get on mine. We don’t always agree but, at the end of the day we still love each other. Loving folk who love you back is easy.

Jesus however comes along and makes this love thing a whole lot more difficult. Jesus says that not only are we to love those who love us but we are even to love those who don’t love us!

Logic would have many asking the question, “Are you kidding me?” It is logical for most of us that when someone does us wrong, when somebody says something to us that gets us all riled up our first instinct is to get them back! Our first instinct is to make them hurt as much as they hurt us.

That Beloved is the world’s answer to dealing with folk who do us wrong. In our text, Jesus gives us a different response and shows His followers how we are supposed to respond to those who are our enemies. Jesus gives us who claim Him as Lord and Savior a different way to approach the folk who hurt us. He tells us to love our enemies.

Our text is from a section of Scripture known as the Sermon on the Mount. It is in this Sermon that Jesus lays out a foundational truth for Christianity. One of the foundational truths of the Christian faith is that we are to love our enemies. Jesus shares with us three responses that we should have towards our enemies. He challenges us to do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you.

This is as difficult to deal with now as it was in Jesus’ day. Doing good to those who hate you was as confusing to the religious leaders of Jesus’ time as it is to many of us today. However Jesus points out, “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.”

When Jesus calls us to love folk who hate us He is calling for us to do something that is totally contrary to our human nature. Human nature tells us to get revenge! Some still think that revenge is sweet and will make us feel better. In fact some of us might think that if we get back at the folk who do us wrong or say something out of the way then they will know not to mess with us anymore.

Hatred is a horrible tool that literally destroys us physically and emotionally! In fact there have been scientific studies done to show that hatred can cause a strain on the heart as blood pressure rises and breathing rate increases making us increasingly susceptible to heart attacks and stroke. Hatred can move us to show out causing us to be embarrassed, leaving us with feelings of guilt and depression. 

Hatred can also destroy us spiritually. The Bible says, “If I have sin in my heart God will not hear me.” We are told throughout the Bible that the essence of God is love. If we are harboring hatred in our hearts then we are living contrary to God’s command to love each other. The result of that is a disconnect from God.

So how can we gain freedom from being imprisoned by anger? Jesus said you free yourself by doing good to those who hate you. And if you make the choice to respond by loving those who hate you and doing good to them that despise you it will diffuse a tense situation. If you show love it will totally confuse the one who hates you because they are expecting you to respond in anger. Kindness and love changes people.

The Bible says, “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  A word of encouragement can actually remove the anger a person has towards you. The Bible says, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” I believe a lot of us would have fewer enemies if we learned how to talk to folk in a way that does more building up than tearing down.

Jesus wants us to know that we are to pray for those who mistreat us! Now before you get all excited I want to warn you that Jesus is not telling us to pray that our enemy would get run over by a truck. Jesus is not saying for us to pray for revenge on our enemies. Jesus says pray for a change. Pray for minds, hearts and attitudes to be changed.

The question is, “How are we going to respond to our enemies?” Jesus says, love all people whether they are your friends or enemies. The Bible says, “Be kind and compassionate, one to another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  “Am I really supposed to love my enemies?”  Yes!

*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, S.C.

15. EBOLA VIRUS INFORMATIONAL AUDIO CONFERENCE FOR FAITH AND COMMUNITY BASED ORGANIZATIONS:

As more and more questions are raised regarding Ebola virus, what it is, how is it spread, how to contain its spread and how faith and community based organizations (FBCOs) may assist the communities they serve, a jointly sponsored conference will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. ET, USA.

Resource and Promotion of Health Alliance, Inc., the African Methodist Episcopal Church Connectional Health Commission and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are hosting the conference for all faith and community-based organizations.  Based on a series of forums and webinars jointly conducted by CDC and the Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MPH concerning Pandemic Flu, this conference will not only provide scientific information, but will discuss the potential role of the places of worship, community and family with possible action items.  A question and answer period will follow the presentations.

Audio Links: USA Toll Free: 800-857-5755

International: 312-470-7181 

Verbal Passcode: COMMUNITY

In an effort to answer as many questions as possible, please email your questions to emergencypartners@cdc.gov prior to the call. This will allow us to aggregate similar questions. 

The conference will be recorded and available for future access. 

Please find the CDC Factsheet entitled “What You Need to Know about Ebola” attached to this email. It is also accessible at http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/pdf/what-need-to-know-ebola.pdf.

A follow-up session will be held during the normally scheduled Connectional Health Commission meeting on Friday, October 31 at 8 p.m.

Audio Link: 424-203-8405

Passcode: 993296#

Information on Disaster and other preparedness materials can be found at www.amechealth.org.

Submitted by the Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MDiv, MPH, Medical Director, AMEC Connectional Health Commission

16. GETTING TO ZERO: TRIUMPH FOR HIV/AIDS AND AGING AWARENESS:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

When he walked into the room for the week long intensive class, Pastor Charles Rogers thought he was there only because the course on HIV/AIDS is required for a Master of Divinity degree. When he walked out at the end of the week, his life and calling had been transformed. He knew that God had spoken again into his life. He repented of an earlier thought that he already knew everything he needed to know about HIV/AIDS. He prayed for guidance on how to effectively use what he had learned without acting like a “bull in a China shop.”

This article is about transformation of a clergyperson who will actively help to transform congregations and communities.

About St. James AME Church

The Saint James African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in New York Mills, near Utica, New York is a relatively small church by member numbers. Typical of many AME churches, the average member age is 50 years or over. Located in a college community about four miles from Utica College, some 43% of the 10,000 school age children in New York Mills qualify as living in poverty. The HIV/AIDS infection or disease numbers in the area continue to grow.

Pastor Charles Rogers was appointed in early summer 2014 to St. James AMEC. A relatively young clergyperson, he travels the 95 miles one way with his family from their home to the church community.

Planning the NHAAD Event

The Health Ministry of St. James AMEC prepared a September 18 event to commemorate National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day (NHAAD) and emphasize HIV testing as a critical first step to taking control locally of an HIV global pandemic. Thus, the door opened for St. James to become a safe space- a place where bonds of silence can be broken and walls built from lack of knowledge brought down.

James Vaughn of the AIDS Community Resource (ACR) Utica helped to identify a 55-year old guest who talked about her experiences living with HIV. Mamie Smith of ACR-Utica drove the mobile van used for HIV screening and counseling. ACR brought HIV/AIDS materials and provided refreshments. St James provided the safe space and access to a congregation shepherded by its informed pastor.

Before the morning message “Now is the Time” from the Book of Ester, time was set aside for testimonials. Pastor Rodgers states that he had no idea what was going to happen. But he knew clearly from the HIV stats in the community and those in general for African Americans, that steps had to be made to get a better understanding to the congregation.

A Transforming and Triumphant Sunday

“The service and event took on a life of its own,” explains Pastor Rogers.

One member shared that she had two brothers who had HIV/AIDS and a sister-in-law who is a long-term survivor.  The pastor spoke about his brother-in-law who had lost the battle with AIDS. He talked about a friend who has lived successfully with the disease for many years and who is now a vocal advocate for stopping HIV transmission and AIDS stigma. Another person in the congregation testified that she has been living for years with HIV, but had not felt free to share this with anyone. 

Mr. Vaughan from ACR-Utica had taught the PACE curriculum on HIV/AIDS while he was incarcerated for 10 years. He currently coordinates the Syringe Exchange Program at ACR-Utica. Through presentations for HIV/AIDS awareness, he talks about his incarceration story and choices made. Interestingly, at a St. James Youthfest held prior to NHAAAD, Mr. Vaughn’s 20 year old son connected with St. James. The 20 year old had called it “a real church.” Both were present at the service on September 18.

More about Creating a Safe Space

ACR-Utica is like many private, not-for-profit or government funded agencies that are present in most areas. Such community agencies provide HIV/AIDS materials, informed personnel and often can supply free on-site rapid testing. Interestingly, they are infrequently approached by churches to co-host such community events.

The September 18 NHAAD event offered an open safe space to break through long-time pent-up emotions, isolation and hurt caused by the stigma and silence that can surround HIV/AIDS.

Included in the morning message was a brief explanation of why HIV is a relatively weak virus that will infect anyone who comes in direct contact with the four body fluids of virus transmission. The message included the ABCs of prevention of HIV/AIDS- Abstinence, Be faithful to one partner who is faithful to you OR always - Correctly use latex condoms in all sexual encounters. The ‘Now is the Time’ morning sermon included an additional meaning for the ABCs acronym:

 

Aging can be graceful when we manage our chronic conditions, actively seek a Better quality of life, and get spiritual Care from a Church who will share the Compassion of Christ.

Insights from the Transforming Event

Pastor Rogers shared insight from the St. James NHAAD event that includes recommendations from the Payne Seminary course and the AMEC Connectional Health Committee. He suggested, “Start with a health ministry that will include HIV/AIDS.  Take a chance and share with the congregation.”

Pastor Rogers explained further, “In the informal time before the sermon, I talked about my getting tested. Although I had been with my spouse for 30 years, I decided to get the HIV screening test when the option was offered at the Payne Seminary class. I was transparent and honest with the congregation about the great anxiety I felt when waiting for the test results.”

“As part of the intensive class I looked at the numbers in my community and told myself ‘I can’t be scared’. These numbers must change!” (See http://aidsvu.org/map/ or http://www.maphiv.org/)

He encourages anyone who wants to do something about HIV/AIDS and health issues. “Trust God. Don’t be afraid. Jesus loved the people and met them where they are. The church and worship service are about the love of Jesus, speaking freely and bearing with one another so that we may be able to triumph over adversity, even HIV/AIDS.”

Positive Response from Members

“Don’t be surprised at the unspoken adversity that members of your congregation are experiencing or what can be released if people are given an open safe space to experience non-judgmental love.”

Pastor Rodgers explains, “We did not promote the event; it was part of regular Sunday worship organized with the Health Ministry and the ACR-Utica staff. Besides those who spoke in the service, the St. James members and guests have responded with great gratitude. They say ‘You didn’t tell us about this, but thank you so much for bringing this understanding to the church.’”

The pastor continued, “When we were driving back home, we were in awe at how God had ordered the amazing day which took on a life of its own.”  Our Associate Pastor called later in the evening to say, “I want to thank you for a wonderful sermon and event. A former member has said, ‘I’m coming back to St. James and bringing my family because this church leadership is down to earth.’”

Further Plans to Meet Needs

The Health and Wholeness Ministry at St. James will address topics throughout the year - mental health diseases, especially depression and recovery, substance use, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Plans are in progress to host a Farmer’s Market for the Utica community once a week in 2015 from April-October. Activities for Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence Awareness are planned in October. 

Pastor Rodgers stated, “We will provide 2-3 sermons per year about HIV/AIDS as part of national awareness events and in response to the Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Campaign headed by New York Governor Cuomo.  It’s important to realize that, especially in a college community, we have to dialogue about sex before we can talk about and minister about HIV/AIDS. We must trust and allow the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct our path.”

He reflects about the outcomes of the NDAAH event, “If God puts something on your heart, do it!  People can live a long life with HIV/AIDS especially when they know that we are all in this together.”

*The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Faculty of the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Theological Seminary. An Itinerant Elder in the 4^th Episcopal District, she conducts HIV/AIDS prevention research in Zambia and the USA. She lived in Zambia for most of 2013 as a J. William Fulbright Scholar.

17. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2014 - CONFIDENT OF REDEMPTION - JOB 19:1–7, 23–29:

*Bill Dickens

One of the most overwhelming things about a severe trial can be the sense of isolation. We want to make sure that God knows because when God finds out, surely God will do something about it!

In Job, Chapter 19, we are given a behind-the-scenes look at events of which Job was completely unaware. God, however, was very much aware of Job and of the wholehearted obedience he sought to render. In fact, God Himself called Satan’s attention to Job.

Christ reminded His disciples in Luke 12:6–7 that God, who even takes detailed note of the sparrows, is much more deeply interested in the affairs of His own children. The Father is aware of everything about us down to the smallest detail. Even the hairs of our head are numbered.

Job 19:1-7 Unconstructive Criticism

Job’s “friends” upset him because their speeches were not correct. The friends suggested that Job was a wicked man. 

Job knew his own conscience. The friends did not need to accuse him. And they did not need to speak so many times. They were trying to force Job to agree with them. But Job was suffering. They ought to have shown more sympathy.

The friends accused Job so often because they were proud. They wanted to prove that they were right, but Job’s troubles did not prove that they were right.  In fact, the devil caused Job’s troubles, but Job did not realise this fact. 

Job felt as if a robber was attacking him. But when Job called for help, nobody came to assist.

Job 19:23-29 - My Redeemer Lives!

One of Job’s friends, Bildad, said that everyone would forget the wicked man (Job 18:17-19), but Job did not want anyone to forget that he was innocent (Job 16:18).

Job wanted someone to write his words in a book because people would always remember his words. And, of course, we still have the Book of Job today. Biblical scholars believe that is the most ancient biblical book. Job wanted a permanent record of the things that he and his friends discovered about God.

Verses 25-27 may be the most important verses in the Book of Job. Elsewhere Job explained his troubles, fears and doubts. But, in Verses 25-27, Job explained the reasons why he still had hope, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me." 

In prior chapters Job had been doubtful whether he could ever prove himself innocent. He prayed. But he was not sure that God would ever help him. But, in Verses in Verses 25-27 Job felt confident again and proclaimed his belief that God was still God.

Job's friends blamed him as a wicked man, because he was so afflicted; here he describes their unkindness, showing that what they condemned was capable of excuse. Harsh language from friends, greatly adds to the weight of afflictions, yet it is best not to lay it to heart, lest we harbor resentment.

Rather let us look to God who endured the contradiction of sinners and was treated with far more cruelty than Job and with more cruelty than we will ever face.

Our choices are clear.  We can either wallow in our sorrows and repeatedly state “Woe is me” or we can look to our Redeemer and find comfort and hope.

Our testimony, especially when we experience trouble and hardship, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me."

*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 II CORINTHIANS 12:1-10:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this “early week Meditation” before going out of town for a couple of days and after chatting with an old friend and fellow alumnus of South Carolina State University’s Garnet and Blue Marching 101 Band earlier today.  We did a lot of reminiscing, including recollections of the “green monster.”

The “green monster” - our practice field that was larger than a football field - got that name because we had to run laps around it during summer band practice to build up our endurance and do a lap - or two or three - if we made a big enough mistake to draw the attention and ire of our Band Director, Clifford Watkins.

We detested the “green monster” forty years ago, but those laps around the field created a disciplined, world-class, high stepping marching band that effortlessly executed football game half-time shows and enabled us to handle the 7.2 mile 1970 Tournament of Roses Parade with no dropouts along the way.  Dealing with the “green monster” was an ordeal, but it paid off in the way that the band performed.

Remember the “green monster” as you deal with the “monsters” that we all have to face from day to day. This world sometimes presents all of us with difficult, challenging and sometimes scary situations that we can’t avoid that leave us stressed, strained, frustrated and aggravated.

Be encouraged in your difficult times by the assurance that God knows how much we can bear and that life’s “monsters” sometimes lead us to rely on the Lord, build up our faith, give us new endurance for life’s journey and enable us to see new victories as joyful reminders that, as one Gospel song says, our “good days outweigh our bad days.”

Don’t try to tackle life’s “monsters” on your own.  Leave then in the hands of the God who never fails to stand with us, bless us, sustain us and carry us through.  You can then face life’s monstrous times with the faith to know that you don’t face them alone and to understand why the Apostle Paul told the Christians in Corinth, “...for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

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

On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BeaufortDistrictAMEC

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. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- The Rev. Leroy Taylor, retired pastor, Louisiana Conference, 8^th Episcopal District, Celebrates 75^th Birthday

The Reverend Leroy Taylor, a retired pastor in the Louisiana Conference, 8th Episcopal District, celebrates his 75^th Birthday on Saturday, October 11, 2014.  The Reverend Leroy Taylor is the husband of Mrs. Joyce J. Taylor, President of the Louisiana Conference M-SWAWO.

Birthday wishes may be emailed to:

The Rev. Leroy Taylor: princessjoylee@bellsouth.net  

-- The Rev. Lanxton Washington and Mrs. Deborah Washington Celebrate 25th Wedding Anniversary

 On October 7^th, the Reverend Lanxton Washington and Mrs. Deborah Washington celebrated their 25th Wedding Anniversary. The Rev. Lanxton Washington is the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Pennsauken, New Jersey, Camden Area of New Jersey Conference.  Mrs. Washington is the Constitution and Bylaws Chair of CONN-M-SWAWO, Plus P.K.'s and also the 2nd Vice President of the First Episcopal District M-SWAWO.

The Reverend and Mrs. Lanxton Washington are the parents of two children, Alexis Washington and Langston Washington.

Congratulations can be emailed to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Lanxton Washington: dkwmissionary@aol.com  

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Anna Yarpah, aunt of the Rev. Orlando M. McCauley, Jr., member of the General Board and pastor of Pine Grove AME Church in Columbia, South Carolina, Newberry-Spartanburg District, Columbia Annual Conference of the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church.  This sad event took place on Monday, October 6, 2014 in her native land of Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa, following a brief illness.

Sister Yarpah was the last surviving relative of the Rev. McCauley's father's siblings, who died during the Liberian Civil War which began in 1980 and ended in 2003.

She leaves to mourn her passing two sons, three grandchildren, four nieces and four nephews.

Sister Yarpah dedicated her life to the AME Church in Liberia.  She was a member of the Central Liberia Annual Conference of the 14th Episcopal District, where the Right Reverend Clement W. Fugh is the Presiding Prelate.

Family Correspondence may be sent to: 

The Rev. Orlando M. McCauley, Jr.

125 Scotstown Lane

West Columbia, SC 29170 

Home Telephone: (803) 957.5617

Mobile: (803) 546.5120

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Norman W. Handy, Jr., a retired pastor in the Second Episcopal District. The Rev. Dr. Norman D. Handy served congregations as pastor in both the Washington Conference and the Western North Carolina Conference.

The Reverend Dr. Norman W. Handy, Jr. passed on Monday, September 29, 2014. Homegoing services for the Rev. Dr. Norman W. Handy, Jr. were held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Mt. Zion AME Church in Hillsborough, NC.

Services were entrusted to:

Woodard Funeral Home, INC

3200 North Ohenry Boulevard

Greensboro, NC 27405-3808

Telephone: (336) 621-3461

Fax: (336) 621-0442

Online Guest Book:

 http://216.119.69.91/ArticObits/Obitsnew/Landing_Obituary.aspx?oid=53707&view=

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Raymond C. Harvey. He was a local elder serving at Mt. Zion AME Church in Bordentown, NJ.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Wake/Viewing, Friday, October 3, 2014, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Bordentown Home for Funerals

40 Crosswicks Street

Bordentown, NJ 08505

Homegoing Service, Saturday, October 4, 2014, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Mount Zion AME Church

36 E Burlington St

Bordentown, NJ 08505

Telephone: (609) 298-1398

Fax: (856) 786-0351

The Rev. Jameel A. Morrison, Pastor

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Rose Harvey

320 Seminole Trail

Browns Mills, NJ 08015

Mother Shirley Harvey

320 Lily Street

Hamilton, NJ 08610-5406

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Lillian Brooks, member of Mt. Zion AME Church in Martinsville, VA.  Mrs. Brooks is the mother of the Rev. Arnita B. Davis, First Lady of Mt. Zion AME Church in Greensboro, North Carolina where the Rev. Henry Davis is the pastor.  Please keep the Davis and Brooks’ family in your thoughts and prayers.

The funeral service for Mrs. Lillian Brooks was held on Sunday, October 5th in Virginia.

Cards may be sent to:

The Rev. Arnita Davis

3101 Iron Gate Trail

Jamestown, NC 27282

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ruth Harrell-Morgan, the sister of Presiding Elder Tyson J. Parks of the Fourth Episcopal District, Illinois Conference-North District.  Sister Ruth passed on Saturday, October 4, 2014. She was a member of New Journey AME Church in Moline Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Journey AME Church in Moline, Illinois.

The following arrangements have been completed:

Visitation: Thursday, October 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.:

Trimble Funeral Home & Crematory at Trimble Pointe

701 12th Street

Moline, IL 61832

Telephone: (309) 764-1144

Homegoing Service: Friday, October 10 at 11:00 a.m.

Gaines Chapel AME Church

311 19th Street

East Moline, IL 61244

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to announce the passing of Former State Senator Regis Groff.

The Hon. Groff was the second African American State Senator in Colorado History and one of 18 other African American State Legislators to create the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). He was also the first African American to serve as Senate Minority Leader.

Regis is survived by his wife Callie Brownlee-Groff, sons James Wallace and Peter Groff, daughter Traci Jones, grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral Services for Former State Senator Regis Groff are scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2014 at Shorter Community AME Church, 3100 Richard Allen Court, Denver, Colorado 80205.

Arrangements are as follows:

Private Viewing:

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Caldwell-Kirk Mortuary

Denver, Colorado

Homegoing Service:

Friday, October 10, 2014

Shorter Community A.M.E. Church

Denver, Colorado

Interment: Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, CO

Professional Services

Caldwell-Kirk Funeral Home

2101 Marion Street

Denver, CO

See news article:

http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_26670517/colorados-second-black-state-senator-regis-groff-dies  

Condolences may be sent to:

Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to the family @ RGROFF26@aol.com  

In lieu of cards and flowers, a scholarship fund has been established in Senator Groff's name to assist Denver Public School students who have an interest in government and to continue his legacy of public policy. Please consider sending a contribution to the Regis F. Groff Scholarship Fund c/o 2079 Albion St, Denver, CO 80207.

Shorter Community African Methodist Episcopal Church

C/o The family of Former State Senator Regis Groff. Senator Groff

3100 Richard Allen Court

Denver, Colorado 80205

Telephone: (303) 320-1712

Fax: (303) 320-0751

The Reverend Dr. Regina Groff - Eulogist

The Reverend Dr. James Peters, Pastor Emeritus, New Hope Baptist Church,        Officiant

The Reverend Dr. Timothy E. Tyler, Host Pastor

26. 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   

27. 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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