The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian
Recorder
-- Epiphany, January 6 - Sundays after Lent through
February 15, 2015
--Richard Allen’s Birthday – February 14, 1760
-- Jarena Lee’s Birthday – February 11, 1783
-- Lenten Season: Ash Wednesday, February 18 - Saturday,
April 4, 2015.
-- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2015
-- Gospel Music legend Andrae Crouch dies
1. TCR EDITORIAL – EFFECTIVE AND FULLY
FUNCTIONING AME CHURCHES ARE MORE THAN “CME-FOCUSED” RELIGIOUS PROGRAMS:
Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III
The 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder
Christmas Season (Christmastide)
is over. Advent and Christmas have kept everyone busy, but this is not a time
to slow down. The next six weeks or so
will be busy for high-functioning pastors and church leaders who plan ahead and
strive for success in the religious programs of the local church.
Let
me stray off point
Some pastors and
local churches treat every Sunday and every week the same without regard to the
liturgical, patriotic or ethnic calendar. Their focus is Sunday worship and
their special programs follow the “CME” model. The “CME,” in this instance,
refers to Christmas - Mother’s Day - Easter (CME), when “not so dedicated”
parishioners attend church. They attend worship on the Sunday closest to
Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter.
Some religious
programs follow the “CME” model and it’s no wonder that some parishioners’
mindset view the Sunday closest to Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter as the
significant “must attend” events. Unfortunately, “CME-focused” churches miss
out on important religious, patriotic and ethnic celebrations. Those churches also miss out on religious
teaching opportunities that lead to spiritual growth, which might facilitate a
parishioner’s closer walk with God.
Let
me get back on-task
Christmas, Mother’s
Day and Easter are important, but there are other days and celebrations that
facilitate spiritual and religious growth, and also contribute to mental,
psychological and inter-personal maturity.
As with the
“CME-focused” ministries, the other significant religious celebrations require
careful planning.
There is nothing
worse in my mind than to see poorly planned “CME” children’s programs or poorly
planned “CME” worship services.
Got
off track again, let me get back on-track
The next six weeks
or so is a busy time. We are now into the Sundays after the Epiphany and
planning for special Martin Luther King, Jr. celebrations.
The MLK
celebrations should be a reminder of how far we, as black people and as a
nation, have come and how much work is still needed to bring about equality for
all. MLK celebrations should be a reminder to our young people to get focused
and to stay focused in all areas of their lives.
Founder’s Day
should be one of our biggest celebrations and the birthday of Richard Allen,
February 14 should be etched in all of our minds. Our young people should be taught about
Richard Allen’s life, leadership traits and spiritual commitment for himself
and the people he served. Richard Allen was born on February 14, 1760. The
second Sunday in February is celebrated as “Founder’s Day.”
Jarena Lee’s life
should be celebrated. In this day and
age when we talk about gender inequality and other issues involving women,
Jarena Lee’s commitment to ministry would be an inspiration for both sexes.
Jarena Lee was born on February 11, 1783.
The third Sunday or another Sunday in February should be set aside as
“Jarena Lee Sunday.”
Daniel Payne the
sixth elected and consecrated bishop (6E/CB) of the AME Church was born on
February 24, 1811. He was one of the “Four Horsemen of the AME Church.” The four pioneers of the AME Church are -
Richard Allen (1E/CB), William Paul Quinn (4E/CB), Daniel A. Payne (6E/CB) and
Henry McNeal Turner (12E/CB).
February is Black
History Month in the U.S. and certainly churches should recognize the historic
contributions of people of color.
February
not only Black History Month
The Lenten Season
begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015, which leads up to Good Friday and
Easter Sunday, which will be celebrated on Sunday, April 5, 2015. And 50 days
later the church will celebrate Pentecost Sunday on May 24, 2015.
Effective and fully
functioning AME Churches are more than “CME-focused” religious programs.
In the words of the
gospel song written by the late Andrae Crouch, “Let the Church Say Amen!”
2.
TCR OP-ED - GREETINGS TO OUR AME BROTHERS AND SISTERS - FOR THE LOVE OF THE CHURCH:
Evelyn Hall Markey
I am a concerned
life member of this great institution; we call the African Methodist Episcopal
Church.
I am a life member
of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in New Orleans, Louisiana and
have worked as Administrative Assistant in the 8th Episcopal
District for 4 different bishops for 17 years.
I am concerned
because it appears that we are losing members at a rapid pace.
Our members are
suffering financially and are forced to, continually pay high budgets. We are hurting spiritually. We come to church to be spiritually uplifted,
but are beat down by pastors who, I know are beat down also by those who are
more concerned with money-matters than spiritual matters.
“The top” is
receiving all of the nourishment and “the bottom” is suffering from
malnutrition.
We are bombarded by
mandatory, unnecessary meetings, of which little or nothing comes to fruition,
but looks good on paper.
Where has the love
of the church gone? Are we so hung up on
finances that we’ve forgotten our first love?
Where do we go from here?
First of all, we
must realize that we are our brother’s keeper.
We shouldn’t only think of ourselves, but also our brothers and sisters
who are in need.
We ride around in
our big cars, live in our mansions, when members are giving their all to
church. I John 3:17-18 states, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees
his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love
abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and
in truth.”
We know that we’ll
receive our reward from heaven, but what about help now from our church?
I am reminded of
Jacob, who flees from his brother Esau for fear of death, and goes to his Uncle
Laban. Jacob worked untiringly, only to
find out his uncle cheated him of what was promised to him.
Isn’t this what is
happening now? We toil in our churches,
being promised help, only to discover that we pay our budgets and receive
nothing in return. There is no help on
the way.
Buildings are
falling into disrepair, some are inhabitable, yet there is no help.
Some of our
institutions are not functioning, but they are still receiving funds from the
Church, which could be used for our buildings that are in use.
Where do we go from
here?
We must all pray
that God will lead us in the right direction and do what’s right for God’s
people.
I pray every day
for our AME Church and all churches that are open in His name.
Evelyn H. Markey
3. READER RESPONSE TO
EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
--To
the Editor:
RE: Reading the
Bible from Cover to cover
Once again thank
you for the wonderful job you do for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Reading your latest Online Edition I was reminded that I have been annually
reading through the Bible for 20 years.
I started in 1995
when two of my pastors, Sarah Davis (Bishop 2004) and Raymond Bryant, gave me
one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. They gave me the Tyndale, One
Year Reading Through The Bible. It comes in several translation options. For
several years I would switch up, but for the last several years I been sticking
with the NIV translation. The Tyndale Publishers have dated the volume
beginning with January 1 and going to December 31. This Bible gives you a
couple of chapters of the OT beginning with Genesis, a chapter of the NT,
beginning in Matthew, a few verses from The Psalms, one to three verses from
Proverbs. Dr. Sydnor you are right, reading the Word of God daily will change
your life.
Bishop John R.
Bryant
Senior Bishop and
Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District
-- To
the Editor:
RE: TCR
Editor clarification about the origins of the Watch Meeting Night Services
Happy New Year to
you and yours!
Thank you for your
reminder of our observance of Watch Night. I will admit that at one point, I
was under the mistaken impression that 1863 and Emancipation were the
beginnings of the celebration. However, when I learn/know better, I try to do
better.
Please find a way
to help our clergy know their Methodist history/heritage, whether they live in
the North, South, East or West. Maybe we will be correct in 2015. There enough
clergy engaged in social media and should be enlightened and stop
printing/teaching the wrong thing.
Several years ago,
I read the 1863 information during a service. I will never do that again now
that I have researched and learned something.
Here's the sadder
story, some of those providing the inaccurate information are seminary
graduates. Help us Lord!
Name Withheld
4.
MLK CELEBRATION WILL BE HELD IN MANCHESTER, KENTUCKY:
St. Paul A.M.E.
Church, Manchester, KY will be hosting service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. Participants will march from St. Paul AME Church to Martin
Luther King Jr. Park. The Celebration Service will begin at St. Paul,
Manchester.
The theme for the
event: "Is the Dream Still
Relevant?” The guest speaker will be the Rev. (Chaplain) Percy Spencer,
Jr. Refreshments will be served after
the service. The Rev. Sherry Green is the Supply Pastor of St. Paul AME Church
in Manchester.
Submitted by Sister
Priscilla
5. A
REMINDER FROM AMEC HISTORIOGRAPHER FOR BLACK SOLIDARITY SUNDAY SERMONS AND
LITANIES:
Sunday, December
14, 2014 was designated National Black Solidarity Sunday by an ecumenical group
of Black denominations spearheaded by our Senior Bishop, the Right Rev. John R.
Bryant to address injustice and lift up #Black Lives Matter.
I am in the process
of compiling sermons, prayers, litanies, calls to worship, and altar calls by
AMEC clergy and laity from those services where there was a conscious effort to
address injustice. My prayer is the
words from across the Connection will be a source of encouragement in our
individual and collective sites of activism.
Please include the
author's name, the title, of the submission, church, location and the date the
submission was written and used in service.
I project publication by the first week in February in honor of
continuing the liberation commitments of our founder, Richard Allen. The compilation will be mailed to current AME
Review subscribers at no additional cost.
Please forward
submissions and inquiries to Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Executive Director of Research
and Scholarship at AMECHistoryintheMaking@yahoo.com by January 20, 2015.
Dr. Teresa Fry
Brown
1080 Palmer
Road
Lithonia, GA 30058
“Those
whose hope is in the Lord gain new strength.”
6. #BLACKLIVESMATTER:
*The Rev. Donna
Anderson, M.Div
Proverbs 29:18(a)
tells us that “Without a vision, the people perish”. We thank God for blessing
us with a man of vision, Bishop John R. Bryant, who called us into action in a
global movement to demand the eradication of police brutality and violence on
Sunday, December 14, 2014, so that we could let the world know that BLACK LIVES
MATTER!
All over the Fourth
Episcopal District, our congregations, led by our courageous Pastors and
Presiding Elders, embraced this vision and wore "ALL BLACK" to church
for worship services on December 14th; shared a purposeful litany written by
Presiding Elder Anne Henning Byfield; and prayed for all communities where
violence has occurred in the recent months. But the fire of this vision was not
to be contained within the walls of our churches and some congregations, like
Greater Institutional AME Church-Chicago, led by the Rev. Dr. Walter B. Johnson
Jr. were inspired to call upon a neighboring congregation at Carter Temple CME
Church-Chicago led by the Rev. Dr. Joseph B. Gordon to join them in taking the
message of God’s desire for love, justice and mercy to the streets.
The members of the
4th Episcopal District thank God for the visionary, Bishop John R. Bryant. We
praise God for we know that our collective voices were heard thru out the
Fourth Episcopal District and in the City of Chicago, even traffic was shut
down at 79th and the Dan Ryan by the shouts of these brave Congregations who
believe #AllLivesMatter! We thank God for giving us this opportunity to open up
a peaceful dialogue to address how our congregations can become both relevant
and proactive in issues regarding Violence, Economics, Black on Black Crime,
which is pervasive within our Communities and Justice.
Blessings!
*The Rev. Donna
Anderson, M.Div.; Greater Institutional AME Church Social Action Chairperson
7.
ASSISTANT DEMOCRATIC LEADER, AME JAMES E. CLYBURN REMARKS ON HOUSE REPUBLICAN
RULES PACKAGE FOR THE 114TH CONGRESS:
January 6, 2015
Thank you Mr.
Speaker. I thank the gentle lady for yielding.
Mr. Speaker, like
most Americans, I spent the holidays with family and friends reflecting on the
blessings of the past year. There were many. Since 2009, the stock market has
soared nearly 10,000 points. In 2009, our budget deficit stood at $1.4
trillion; today, according to current projections, we’ve slashed the deficit to
$514 billion. And we’ve create 10 million new jobs, the longest stretch of
private sector job growth in American history.
When I left home on
yesterday, I left my wife with a full tank of gas, and I did so paying less
than $2.00 per gallon. It was the first time I have been able to do that in
five years.
We have achieved
much progress over the past several years; now we must get about the work of
making sure that progress is shared by all.
In a few moments,
we will cast some substantive votes. These votes will literally set the rules
of the game for the next two years. They will be a very clear reflection of our
respective parties’ priorities.
While Republicans’
rules changes seem to rig the game in favor of the wealthy, Democrats will
immediately force a vote on job creation, paychecks for working families, and
American competitiveness and economic growth. Democrats want to put people to
work, building roads and bridges that will connect our economy in the 21st
century. We will ensure that every American shares in our nation’s prosperity
by taking away corporate tax deductions for millionaire executive compensation
unless their employees get a raise as well.
It’s simple, Mr.
Speaker. House Republicans’ first priority in the 114th Congress is stacking
the deck for those with the highest incomes, and for voodoo, trickle-down
economics. House Democrats’ first priority is to put Americans in a better
place by creating jobs, standing up for working families, and growing the
economy for all. The contrast could not be starker.
Mr. Speaker, House
Democrats numbers may be smaller in the 114th, but we are stronger in our unity
and resolve to grow and strengthen middle income Americans. Today, with our
votes on the new rules, Mr. Speaker, we will be demonstrating our support for
hard working American families.
I yield back.
8. 15TH
EPISCOPAL UPDATE FROM THE REV. CLIVE PILLAY:
Just a line of
thankfulness for your personal comments and words of encouragement as I try and
keep the connection up-to-date and send the message that African Methodism is
alive in the Southern-most part of Africa, as we try under the leadership of
Bishop David R. Daniels Jr and Mrs Irene M. Daniels to keep the old ship of
Zion afloat though it's hull is bent and battered from the storms of life; and
as the encouragement comes from The Anchor: The anchor holds though the ship's
been battered, The anchor holds though the sails are torn. Fallen on our knees
as we faced the raging seas, the anchor holds in spite of the storm. We have
journeyed through the long, dark night, out on the open sea, by faith alone,
sight unknown and yet His eyes were watching us. Praying that God will help us
to guard against the wiles of the “Prince of this world,” coming in many forms
to destroy us. We are thankful, though at times we felt as if we've been
forgotten, The Lord sent a servant like Bishop Daniels with a positive spirit
to encourage us, lift us up from the ashes and rise like the proverbial
Phoenix. Soliciting your prayers as we move forward into 2015
9.
150th SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE 8th
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Bishop Julius R.
McAllister, Sr., Presiding Bishop
October 20-26, 2014
Venue: Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal Church-Baton Rouge
The 150th
Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference was hosted by Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church-Baton Rouge, pastored by the Reverend Dr. Herman O.
Kelly. Reverend Kelly, along with the
host committee met frequently to plan, organize, and assign duties. Bethel did
an outstanding job of hosting.
During the week of
the conference, services were heartwarming, souls were saved, choirs were
outstanding, parking was superb, meals were fulfilling and satisfying, ushers
served with dignity and the hosts and hostesses served with compassion and
patience.
On Sunday October
19, 2014 leading up to the conference, the 38th Annual Christian
Debutante/Master dedication ceremony took place at Bethel with former 8th
District Director of Christian Education Ms. Myrtis Johnson and Supervisor Joan
Marla McAllister, serving a Mistress and Honorary Mistress of Service
respectively. There were thirteen debutantes and two masters. Reverend Dr.
Patricia Turner-Brown, an associate minister of Bethel dedicated a violin solo
“I’ll Walk with God” to the debutantes and masters.
The Louisiana
Conference Women in Ministry convened Monday morning October 20th, led by
Conference Coordinator Rev. Mary Guy.
“Women of God United to Take Thou Authority” was the guiding theme. The
morning and afternoon roundtable discussion focused on the topic “Inside
Out-Committed and Being Consistent, No Matter What!” The moderator was the Rev.
Nettie Ranel, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Madison, Mississippi. Rev. Patricia Turner-Brown served as the worship
leader for the evening worship service where the Rev. Mary Lucas delivered the
powerful message “It’s Time to Unite, Stand, and Take Thy Authority” from
Ephesians 4:2-6. Remarks were given by the Reverend Dr. Leoda Tops, 8th
District WIM president, and the Rev. Carolyn Hamersham, WIM Connectional 1st
Vice-President, pastor of Turner Chapel AME-Greensburg (now appointed to
Historic St. James A.M.E. Church, New Orleans), and Bishop Julius McAllister,
Sr.
The Women’s
Missionary Society met in their business session Tuesday morning, October 21,
2014. One order of business was the
election of delegates to the upcoming WMS Quadrennial in Indianapolis, Indiana
July 2015. The elected delegates are Vicki Smith, Muriel Collins, Linda Kelly,
Maria Gauthier, Vivian Hilton, and alternate Alice Gale McGhee. The special
mission project was Vitamins for the Children of Haiti. The message for the
Annual Night in White Service was delivered by retired Episcopal Supervisor Dr.
Dolly Desselle Adams. She spoke to the Conference Theme: “God’s Command, God’s Commission, OUR Call,”
based on Matthew 28: 18-20. Sister Linda Kelly LACWMS 1st VP served as Worship
Leader and Mrs. Danice Green, Host WMS President extended the welcome. Closing
remarks were given by LACWMS President Sister Brenda Hurst, 8th District WMS
President Sis. Ethel Morrison, who in turn presented Episcopal Supervisor
Mother Joan Marla McAllister. Retired Bishop John Hurst Adams, husband of Dr.
Adams was also in attendance.
The Opening Worship
convocation took place on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. The Annual Sermon-“Preaching Got Me in It and
Praise Got Me Out”, based on Acts 16:25-26 was delivered by the Reverend Troy
Grimes, Pastor of Venable Chapel A.M.E. Church. Bethel’s Church Choir
ministered to the congregation worship through song under the direction of the
Minister of Music, Freddie Williams, Co-Director, Larry Smith, musicians Tirzah
Smith, Evelyn Harrell, trumpeter Avery Wicker, and drummer Carol Davis. The
Reverend David J. Campbell, Jr. served as worship leader.
The afternoon
session included organization of the conference, the report of the Board of
Examiners, the report of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee, and the summary
reports of Presiding Elders Jacob Hilton-Central New Orleans Bogalusa District,
Otis Lewis-Greater New Orleans Greensburg District, and David J. Campbell,
Jr-Western New Orleans Baton Rouge District. The Reverend Dr. Ronald Brailsford
of Columbia, South Carolina and candidate for Episcopal Service-2016 addressed
the conference. The conference was then greeted by Chris Tyson, candidate for
Louisiana Secretary of State-2015, and Don Cravins, Chief of Staff for
Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu (and the only African-American senatorial chief
of staff). Mr. Cravins introduced special guest Congressman John Lewis who
spoke on the importance of voting and supporting Senator Mary Landrieu. Also
visiting the conference was Rev. Dennis Hampton, candidate for Executive
Director of Church Growth and Development.
The Louisiana
Conference Sons of Allen Men’s Fellowship conducted the Wednesday Evening
worship service. The Rev. Gary Porter brought the message “Jesus Wants to Use
What You Have-Give Him Your Lunch!” The message was based on John 6:1-15, the
story of five barley loaves, two fish, and the feeding of the 5000. The Rev.
Mack Hurst (Grant AME-Amite) served as the worship leader. The Rev. Sherman
Berry and Brother Robert Chambliss are the LA Conference Sons of Allen
coordinators. Plaques were given to members who have been supportive of the
Sons of Allen during the conference year.
“Voter
Registration-Get Out the Vote” was the topic for the Thursday October 23rd
morning Institute, led by Institute Coordinator Reverend Bland Washington.
Presenters were the Louisiana Secretary of State Thomas Schedler, Deputy
Secretary of State Sailor Jackson, Jr., and Outreach Coordinator for the
Louisiana Democratic Party Ms. Ebony Baylor.
The importance of voting in the midterm elections was stressed. The
morning and afternoon business sessions consisted of pastoral reports. The noon
Hour of Power preacher was the Reverend Otto Duncan (St. James-New Orleans).
His message was “He Caught us and Wouldn’t Let Go” based on Jude verses 24-25.
The Reverend Troy
Williams served as worship leader for the Thursday evening Ecumenical Worship
Service. We were blessed with music from the Conference Choir under the
direction of Ms. Rosemary B Williams, and the Wesley United Methodist Church
Choir, directed by Mr. Leroy Pero. The
powerful message for the service-“I’ll Lose My Dignity” (Luke 18:35-43)-was
preached by The Reverend Dr. Joe D. Connelly, pastor of Wesley United Methodist
Church. He spoke on how many of us miss our blessing because we’ve become “too
dignified and sophisticated” to call on the name of Jesus when we’re in
trouble. Special guests included school board candidate Evelyn Ware-Jackson and
Episcopalian priest Father Dana Krutz, Executive Director of the Louisiana
State Interchurch Conference.
The Friday morning
Institute was again presided over by the Rev. Bland Washington. The presenters
were LA Conference Director of Christian Education the Rev. Herbert Spears and
the Rev. James Palmer, pastor of McMichael AME Church. The Rev. Spears
presented “Developing a Christian Education Program Ministry in the Church” and
the Rev. Palmer presented “The Class System in the AME Church.” The Rev. Dr. Darryl Ingram, Executive
Director of Christian Education of the AME Church and candidate for Episcopal
Service gave additional insight.
The Friday Noon
Hour Worship was the Memorial Service and the Retirement Service. Reverend
Ranches Hall served as worship leader. Three ministers- the Rev. Alexander
Giles, the Rev. Walter White, and the Rev. James McDonald and three laypersons-
Sister Erma Holliday, Brother Frank Allen, and Sister Rosetta Joseph were
memorialized. Also remembered were General Officer Anderson Todd, Bishop Sarah
Frances Davis and Bishop Vinton R. Anderson.
The Service of
Retirement began immediately following the Memorial Service. The Statement of
Purpose was given by Bishop McAllister. The Rev. Kenneth Harrell
(Cummings-Wilson AME-New Orleans) preached a most empowering message “It Ain’t
Over Yet!” The 2014 Retirees are the Rev. Samuel Butler (Pontchartrain Park
Mission), the Rev. Leona Fisher, former pastor of Morris Brown; the Rev. Otto
Duncan (St. James-New Orleans), and the Rev. Celestine Vaughn.
On Friday’s Lay
Witness Night, the Louisiana Conference Lay Organization presented three very
thought provoking skits-Life Lessons From Those We’ve Met-The Lay Speaks:
(a)“The Bible Case Lady”, (b)Angels Unaware”, and (c)“Are You Home, God?”
Sister Patricia Campbell who serves as president of the Louisiana Conference
Lay Organization presented Certificates of Appreciation to several ministers
who have been especially supportive of the Lay Organization this past
conference year. Rev. James Palmer, pastor of McMichael AME Church received the
“Pastor of the Year” Award.
Saturday morning
began with the hearing of reports from several conference committees. The
conference then prepared for the Service of Consecration. The Rev. Rayford
Palmer, Jr., pastor of St. Paul AME-Bogalusa preached a most inspiring message
-“Honored”- on the role of a deaconess He used Phoebe-Romans 16:1-2, as a
model. Ten deaconesses, all from Turner Chapel-Greensburg were
consecrated. Worship in music was
rendered by Bethel’s Church Choir, including a spirited solo by youth Samaria
Smith. The Reverend Carolyn Habersham, pastor of Turner Chapel-Greensburg
served as the worship leader.
Also on Saturday
morning, approximately 200 members of the Louisiana Conference Young People’s
Department under the guidance of the Louisiana Conference YPD Director Courtney
Johnson met at the nearby New St. John Baptist for their annual meeting. Following an afternoon of bowling, the young
people returned to Bethel for the evening worship experience. They presented
the skit -“YPD Gladiators-Rock the Vote”, using the characters of Scandal
(Olivia Pope and Associates) to get the message out. Presentations also
included a poetry reading and liturgical dance. The massive YPD Choir
ministered in song.
Church School
convened at 8:30 Sunday morning at the call of the Louisiana Conference Church
School Superintendent Rev. Mary Lucas. There were over 300 in attendance. The
lesson was “Who’s In Control” based on Job 42. The host church School
Superintendent Brother Hereford Johnson led the Apostles Creed and Reverend
Patricia Brown taught one of the adult classes. The lesson review was given by
Reverend Marques Smith, pastor of Bethel- St. Franksville.
The Closing and
Commissioning Service began at 10:00 a.m. Presiding Elder Otis S. Lewis, Sr.
served as worship leader. Music was
rendered by combined Conference and Bethel choirs. A dynamic sermon entitled “Trust God” (Gen.
12:1-4) was preached by Presiding Eighth District Prelate, the Right Reverend
Julius H. McAllister, Sr. He stressed that we must trust God as we go forth, to
trust God to make a way and to open closed doors. The question was also asked “Does Jesus Live
in Your House?” The Reading of Appointments was followed by the Doxology and
the Benediction.
With the Louisiana
Annual being the final Annual Conference of the district, the Eighth Episcopal
District now prepares to move forward into a new conference year with great
anticipation and expectation. The Post Conference Planning Conference Meeting
convenes November 19-22 at the Bonner-Campbell Campus in Edwards, Mississippi.
Submitted by the
Reverend Dr. Patricia A. Turner-Brown, Bethel AME Church-Baton Rouge, LA
10.
SISTER CATHERINE B. FRAZIER CELEBRATES 97TH BIRTHDAY:
On Sunday, December
28, 2014 Catherine Burch Frazier celebrated her ninety-seventh birthday with
family and friends at St. James AMEC located in Marion, South Carolina. The birthday celebration was planned, catered
and hosted by the Reed Family along with Ellen D. Simmons. The committee worked hard to make sure that
Mrs. Frazier receive ninety-seven birthday cards, but was delighted when she
received one hundred twenty-two cards. A
wonderful luncheon and special remarks by her cousins Mrs. Ellen Davis Simmons
and Ms. Victoria Belin made the celebration very special to Mrs. Frazier. “Cat” as she is known to her family and
friends, reunited with St. James some years ago after retiring and moving back
home from Brooklyn, New York after being a very active member of Bridge Street
AMEC. She is still an active worker at
St. James serving as a class leader, steward, missionary, stewardess and a
member of several church ministries.
Sister Frazier has inspired many members by her examples of leadership,
charity and caring.
On April 6, 2013
the General Alumni Association of Allen University Inc. recognized Mrs. Frazier
for outstanding leadership. Mrs. Frazier
graduated from Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina as a member of the
Class of 1940. She has for many years
and continues to be an exceptionally generous supporter of Allen
University. She says, “I wholeheartedly
support Allen, because if it had not been for Allen, I would not have been able
to go to college”. Mrs. Frazier is
currently the oldest living graduate of Allen University.
11.
FRANCINE BROOKINS AND BETHEL AME CHURCH IN FONTANA LAUNCH SHOE COLLECTION DRIVE:
Fontana, CA,
January 2, 1015: The Rev. Francine Brookins is conducting a shoe collection
drive January 1, 2015 – March 1, 2015 to raise funds for the Walk and help
those who are less fortunate become self-sufficient. Anyone can help by
donating gently worn, used or new shoes at Bethel A.M.E. Church of Fontana
(16262 Baseline Ave., Fontana, CA 92336) on January 10, January 31st, February
21st and February 28th between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Francine 2016 will earn funds
based on the number of pairs of shoes collected.
The donated shoes
will be purchased by Funds2Orgs and redistributed throughout their network of
microenterprise partners to help impoverished people start, maintain and grow
businesses in countries such as Haiti, Honduras and other nations in Central
America and Africa. Proceeds from the shoe sales are used to feed, clothe and
house their families. One budding entrepreneur in Haiti even earned enough to
send to her son to law school.
“We are excited
about our shoe drive," said the Rev. Francine Brookins. "We know that
most people have extra shoes in their closets and this is the season for
clearing out the clutter of 2014 and people who donate give their shoes a
second chance, which makes a tremendous difference in the lives of people who
need them.
12.
ROBINSON MORRIS AME CHURCH OF NASSAU, BAHAMAS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF MINISTRY
AND SERVICE:
By the Rev. Thelma
Williamson
Fifty years ago
Robinson Morris African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in Nassau,
The Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Former pastors now deceased were Rev. C. V.
James and Rev. James Maceo Sands who served faithfully for many years.
Our theme for this
year’s Golden Anniversary was ‘Let’s Celebrate 50 Years of God’s Faithfulness
and Blessings!’ Scriptural text Isaiah 25:1 & Ephesians 1:3. The Opening
Worship Service was held on Wednesday 10th December 2014 with Pastor Ellison
Greensalde of Bible Truth Ministry and former member was the preacher; Thursday
was a night of Fun and Fellowship; Friday a Gospel Concert featuring RMC Adult
and Youth Choirs, Male Chorus and Male Youth Mime Group, Ms. Gianna Sturrup,
Ms. Hannah Bethel also guest artists were The BBC Singers and Prophet Lawrence
Rolle.
Sunday December
14th 2014 at 10 a.m. our preacher was our Pastor Howard F. Williamson former
graduate of Edward Waters College Jacksonville, Florida and Turner Theological
Seminary (ITC) Atlanta, Georgia. He gave a historical review of the church’s
early commencement to present date.
Sunday afternoon at
4 p.m. we climax with a closing service with our guest preacher Dr. Cecil Wayne
Cone Theologian, Pastor, Psychotherapist and lecturer from Atlanta, Georgia. He
served as Senior Pastor at several AME Churches throughout Arkansas, Detroit
Michigan, and Jacksonville, Florida. A former President of Edward Waters
College Jacksonville, Florida in October 1976. During his 12-year tenure, he
led the institution to full accreditation by the Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools (SACS) in December 1979. He served as President of Turner
Theological Seminary in Atlanta for eight years, Dean of Jackson Theological
Seminary in North Little Rock, Professor of Theology at B.F. Lee Seminary in
Jacksonville, Professor of Black Theology at Emory, Candler School of Theology
in Atlanta and Professor of Black Systemic Theology at Spelman College.
Dr. Cone stated
that at Robinson Morris ‘We have done a magnificent job here in this church for
the past 50 years. You have struggled and you have worked and you have changed
the community in which you are situated. It does not surprise me that you have
a preschool and building another school that will have 24 rooms. This church
puts the emphasis on Christ! On Christ the solid rock we stand all other ground
is sinking sand.’ Dr. Cone encouraged the young people present to believe in
themselves, stay in school and to study hard. He stated ‘You have no
limitations except those you put on yourself! Nobody can stop you. There is no
can’t in God. There is no one bigger than God. God has a special plan for this
church for the next 50 years and these young people will play a key role in
it.’
Tears of joy flowed
as Pastor Howard F. Williamson introduced Dr. Cecil Cone his mentee thanking
him for being instrumental in assisting him in remaining at Edward Waters
College and Turner Theological Seminary (ITC) when he faced great financial
challenges and was considering returning home.
The entire
congregation was pleased to have had Dr. Cone present in Nassau, Bahamas to see
the fruits of his labor in the life of our distinguished and esteemed Pastor
Howard F. Williamson and the incredible work he is presently doing in the
church, community and our nation for the past twenty seven years!
Under Pastor
Williamson’s dynamic leadership, an educational building was built on the
church’s grounds and it has been used to educate our preschoolers since
September 1993. Presently, a new school building is under construction with
more than twenty-four classrooms. Other ministries are Rev. James Maceo Sands
Educational Fund which offers a financial stipend for students in colleges
locally and internationally also those with the Highest G.P.A. in the Primary,
Junior & Senior High Schools; Bible Training Institute; Allen Sunbeams for
boys and girls; Boys Club; Youth Ministry; Males Ministry; Ladies Ministry;
Prison Ministry; Radio Program on 107.9FM on Sundays at 9:30 a.m.; Evangelism
& Community Outreach for sick and shut-in; Food Pantry; Clothing Ministry; Prayer
Ministry; Bible Study Ministry and Free bi-monthly breakfast.
Also in attendance
were several former Bahamian graduates of Edward Waters College Jacksonville,
Florida and the Honorable V Alfred Gray Member of Parliament for the Islands of
Acklins, Mayaguana, Crooked Island, Long Cay and Inagua who brought
greetings.
After 50 years,
Robinson Morris African Methodist Episcopal Church in Nassau, Bahamas located
Ridgeland Park West continues to be a beacon of light, hope and salvation to
our surrounding communities, nation and world. To God we give all honor, glory
and praise! RMC 50th Anniversary Committee members were Chairperson
Mr. Berkley Williamson; Mrs. Venice Carey, Mrs. Alisa Coakley, the Rev. Thelma
Williamson, Mrs. Pandora Greenslade, Mr. Cornelius Clyde, Ms. Rashonique Rolle,
Mrs. Sharon Rolle, Ms. Lauren Storr, Mrs. Lisa Bowleg, Mrs. Marion Saunders,
Ms. Laurie Bridgewater, Mr. Cilis and Mrs. Nicole Watson.
Contact us:
Telephone: 225-7455 or 242-3562347
13.
WHY IS GOVERNOR BROWN PLAYING HARDBALL POLITICS WITH MINORITY CHURCHES SEEKING
TO HELP PREVENT FORECLOSURES:
*The Rev. Mark
Whitlock
As a pastor of an
African Methodist Episcopal Church, communities across California have often
admired Governor Brown’s commitment to recognizing and working with our state’s
twenty-five million Black, Latino and Asian American communities. Many of our
three thousand congregants would say with much truth that no Governor in
California history has done more to recognize the aspirations of communities
that still have the highest unemployment rates, the highest home foreclosure rates
and the lowest college graduation rates.
However, sometimes
when a politician is too successful, he may ignore his base and/or engage in
follies that may bring him down. Lyndon Johnson won his 1964 presidential
election in an overwhelming fashion (Johnson 61% v. 38% for Goldwater), but was
forced by his ill-fated efforts in Vietnam to refuse to stand for reelection.
And, Richard Nixon won overwhelmingly in his 1972 election (Nixon 61% v. 38%
for McGovern), but was forced to resign two years later as a result of scandals
that even a mediocre politician would have avoided.
Unfortunately,
Governor Brown may be displaying a "Lyndon Johnson-type" hubris by
playing hardball with the Black and Latino churches that filed suit against him
in Sacramento Superior Court on March 19th. The suit charged that the Governor
improperly diverted or “stole” $400 million intended to help two million
California homeowners in distress, most of whom are underwater and many of whom
are facing foreclosure. That is, the Governor improperly misappropriated $400
million to help California homeowners and instead used it to pay down various
bond debts.
Since the accuracy
of our allegations from an ethical perspective, if not a legal one, are not in
dispute, the Governor should have figured out a helpful resolution. Instead, he
is taking the position, from a solely political perspective, that if he can get
something by any means; it is “fair game.” However, as Jeremiah 2: 13-16
states, “A legitimate government upholds the rights of the poor and
vulnerable.” This is a principle that Governor Brown knows well through his
Jesuit training.
It is interesting
to note that our California Attorney General Kamala Harris, who ordinarily
represents the Governor in cases like this, has refused to do so. Her refusal
is probably because the Governor “stole” the funds from her Homeowners in
Distress Fund that she secured from five wayward big banks. And, our State
Controller John Chiang (likely to be our State Treasurer) has refused to stand
up for the Governor.
We understood when
we brought our lawsuit that the Governor had the right to oppose our lawsuit
and might do so. Of course, not being politicians, we had hoped that he would
do the right thing, given our state’s huge multibillion dollar surplus, and
return the money to homeowners in distress. To our surprise and growing
uneasiness, the Governor has decided to play the kind of political hardball
that politicians who are likely to easily win elections often do.
Specifically, we
have sought a preliminary hearing in this case within three months after our
March filing to secure a court determination as to whether we were likely to
prevail. This would have enabled the Governor to immediately help homeowners
who were underwater or at risk of foreclosure. Instead, the Governor has
ordered his private legal counsel to do whatever they can to avoid or delay a
preliminary hearing, until after he is reelected. Apparently, the Governor is
trying to win the election in the same overwhelming fashion as Lyndon Johnson
achieved in 1964.
The private law
firm representing the Governor charges the state on an hourly basis for every
billable hour. In contrast, if our Attorney General had represented him, as is
almost always the case, it would be free. But, this private law firm will be
charging the taxpayers for every hour it spends. Their billable hourly rate is
more than fifty times greater than the minimum wage or the typical wage for
Walmart employees. Therefore, every delay means more billable hours paid to
this firm by the taxpayers.
To our special
surprise, the Governor, knowing that our churches will have to pay the upfront
costs of our litigation, is allowing his private, well-paid lawyers to run up our
bill. The hope is to scare us off. One small, but egregious example is
particularly troubling since that virtually no big or small law firm would ever
do such in a case involving low income communities.
Our lead attorney
in New York, Neil Barofsky, the former Inspector General for the U.S.
Treasury’s federal TARP funds and a leading critic of Treasury’s refusal to
help homeowners in distress, has been informed that the Governor is asking he
and his legal staff to make a costly, wholly unnecessary personal appearance on
a procedural matter that can be handled at the hearing on the merits (for a pro hac vice application).
Although it is not
illegal to delay hearings affecting the rights of the poor or to impose
burdensome and unnecessary costs on the poor to scare them away from
litigation, it is unethical and inconsistent with the Governor’s well-respected
Jesuit training.
It is our hope that
our state legislators and our statewide candidates for office will, in a
bipartisan matter, help correct this injustice. All we seek is a fair and early
chance in court to prove that the Governor improperly diverted $400 million in
funds intended to help homeowners in distress.
However, the best
solution would be for the Governor to welcome us to his office and announce a
settlement consistent with his past history of correcting injustices. In early
1975, the Governor did do so in a case involving Cesar Chavez and underpaid
farmworkers. At first, he rejected Cesar Chavez’s farmworker complaints and
protests. Then, he welcomed Cesar Chavez to his office one night and reached a
historic agreement to help the farmworkers of California establish their union
credentials and the right to decent working conditions and fair wages.
*Pastor Mark
Whitlock is the Senior Minister of the largest Black congregation, Christ Our
Redeemer AME Church, in Orange County. The lawsuit is National Asian American
Coalition, Christ Our Redeemer Church and the National Hispanic Christian
Leadership Conference v. Brown in Sacramento Superior Court.
14.
THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Rev. Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical
Text: Hebrews 2:11: “For both he that
sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is
not ashamed to call them brethren.”
Many churches in
this season are preparing for the annual Family and Friends Day celebration. It
is a wonderful time to take a family portrait. It is often difficult to gather
everyone together in the same place as many families are scattered all over the
country. However, when we come together for any occasion there is usually a lot
of picture taking going on. The
snapshots are our attempt to preserve our connection.
Some folk set aside
a day to take a professional family portrait. The photographer will either come
to where folk are or arrange a time in his studio for the event. Folk take great care in deciding what they
will wear, so they appear unified in the picture. There are other factors that
are equally important such as the lighting, the background, and the facial
expressions. All of these factors combine to create a beautiful family
portrait.
Family is important
because it fills us with a sense of belonging.
Our family connection creates a portrait of who we are and of whose we are.
Our family is knitted together by the common threads that make up our bloodline
and our genealogy. We feel connected and related.
Some of us have
lost touch with our family connection through displacement or through death.
Some of us lose touch through circumstances beyond our control. But, our
genealogy is our ancestry, our family background. Family is important to our survival as it is
our connection to family that fulfills our physical needs as well as our emotional
needs. Many times we can count on our family to be there when we need them.
However, there is
another family more important than our physical family. There is a genealogy
more important than our physical genealogy. This genealogy is connected by a
bloodline. This genealogy cares for our physical needs, our emotional needs and
as an added benefit it cares for our spiritual needs as well.
The writer of this
verse in the book of Hebrews has gathered us all together for a new kind of
family portrait. It is a family portrait that will meet all of our needs. The
Hebrew writer says that we are family. The writer is talking about those of us
who have been implanted into the family of God by the blood of Jesus.
In one simple verse
the writer paints a beautiful portrait of a very special family. However, there
is something we must consider. This portrait is by invitation only and there
are stipulations attached to the invite. We must be pre-qualified for this
portrait.
There is a
requirement that we must be sanctified. Everybody in this portrait must be set
apart from the world and has to be bound by a common thread. We are set apart
because we believe in the power of God and because we have faith that God can
do all that God says He can do. We are set apart by God to live for Christ
because we have turned away from the world and its sins.
We have to be
sanctified. Some men and women of God seem a little reluctant to use that word
“sanctified”, fearing it makes folk think about the fire-breathing,
tongue-speaking Christians on the day of Pentecost who acted like drunken men.
Unfortunately, some
among us, even some preachers are not ready to be that committed to the cause
of Christ. It appears that some want a more passive relationship with Jesus.
However, grown up Christians are sanctified Christians. Sanctified Christians
are committed and on fire for Jesus. The Bible says, “And the very God of peace
sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be
preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ”
That is the kind of
sanctification we are all striving for - “Wash
me, Lord! Wash me daily that I might stand before you clean as a whistle!”
Peter told his congregation to “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be
ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the
hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
We are preparing
for our family portrait. We are all starting to come together and God, Himself
is the photographer. God is getting us in position for our picture together. God
has cleaned us up and has us ready to cooperate. God has got the Light just
right. Jesus, the Light of the World, prepared us for God’s family portrait.
The Bible says, “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent
them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also
might be sanctified through the truth.”
The question is how
did we get this way? How did we get all cleaned up? The answer is that we are
grafted into this family by Jesus himself. We are purified by the Blood of
Jesus. We are cleansed by His blood.
There is a
requirement that we must be sanctified and we have to be one. When we are washed by the blood of the Lamb
we become part of the bloodline of Jesus. The blood of Jesus unifies us and
makes us one. Unity is an important part of the family makeup. In this family
portrait, we are one through Jesus. We are born again. We are spiritually born
of God and adopted into the family of God. God becomes our Father just as He is
Jesus’ Father. Through Jesus we have become part of the family. We are one with
God and Jesus. We are family!
There is a
requirement that we must be sanctified, be one and not be ashamed.
We have family
members who embarrass us on occasion, but that is not the case with this family.
This is one family portrait you will be proud to be in. When Jesus was upon
earth, He trusted God perfectly. He never sinned or disobeyed His Father. He
was the perfect example of righteousness. That is why Jesus is able to present
us to God as His family. And then Jesus does not stop there, He leads us to
trust God and to learn to trust Him more and more each day.
Paul summed it up
in Romans 1:16 when he said, “We are not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ,
for it is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth.”
So then, we are one
family, united by the blood of Jesus, and proud of our heritage as the family
of God. It is time to take the family portrait. The question becomes, are we
ready? Are we ready to stand in the Light of Jesus, with the backdrop of all
the believers who have been photographed before us? Are we ready to stand with Moses, Abraham,
Jacob, Isaiah, Jeremiah, the disciples, the apostles and all the saints of our
church that have gone on to Glory? They all had their picture taken and now it
is our turn.
We have gotten our
invitation. We must be ready. We must be washed by the Blood if we want to be
in this bloodline. We must be adopted into the Oneness of Christ. We must not
be timid or shy as no one is ashamed to be a member of this family.
*The Rev. Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, S.C.
15.
GETTING TO ZERO: BRINGING IN 2015:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
Greetings in the
first week of the 2015! 2015 ends the
first phase of the World Health Organization (WHO) campaign to eliminate
HIV/AIDS. The three major goals set in
2010 in response to advances from use of anti-viral drugs were summarized in
the “Getting to Zero” campaign towards eliminating HIV/AIDS. With biomedical
advances available and their increased use, we are slowly moving towards “an
end to AIDS.”
In the next weeks
we will recap and explore progress on goals of “Getting to Zero” with
HIV/AIDS. While the numbers of deaths
globally from AIDS are decreasing, new infections are prevalent, especially in
the young adult age group of 18-30. Much remains to be done in stopping
HIV/AIDS and its impact on lives around the globe.
Meanwhile, here is
an update on two other infectious diseases.
2014
Ebola Virus and Beyond
On January 6, 2015,
WHO reported a total of 20,712 cases of Ebola virus disease (EBD) with 8,220
deaths from the 2014 epidemic in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The first ever
appearance of Ebola virus in West Africa was identified in March 2014. Patient
zero was a 2-year old child who died in Guinea in December of 2013. The current
epidemic likely will continue throughout most of 2015 before an end officially
can be declared. A location is declared as “Ebola free” when there are no new
infections or symptoms after 21 days of monitoring the last persons known for
possible exposed to Ebola virus.
When virus
infection is no longer occurring in these countries, there will be long-term
impact of the current epidemic to manage. Children are left without parents.
Further, if children in an affected home are not infected, they often are
stigmatized from association with family members who died of Ebola virus. Who
will care for these vulnerable children in Sierra Leon, Liberia and Guinea?
Families and
communities are changed forever. Often multiple members of the same family have
died from Ebola virus disease (EBD). Even those who recover have long term
physical and mental effects. Physically there can be fatigue, chronic joint
pain and damage to eyes, kidneys, heart, liver and reproductive organs.
Other long term
impacts of the 2014 West African Ebola virus epidemic include: less food
available due to lost crop harvesting, lowered capital growth from effects of
the epidemic on small business and
commerce, higher prices for goods, more poverty and hence more crime.
Education of a
generation of students is affected by closing of schools- from primary through
colleges and universities, as part of efforts to counter the spread of Ebola
virus.
While the medical
care infrastructure likely in the three developing countries may be somewhat
improved, the health care work force has decreased due to a high number of
deaths from EVD among healthcare workers exposed to the virus in their daily
work. Lack of medical personnel, now even less than before the epidemic,
affects every person in life events from childbirth to a broken bone to
management of common diseases such as malaria, influenza, diabetes and heart
disease.
Whenever the West
African Ebola virus epidemic officially can be declared as ended, there will be
many long term impacts of the epidemic that must be countered.
The
2014-15 Influenza Season
You may know from
personnel experience that the “flu season” is here. Usually the peak months of
influenza illness is in January and February. Already the number of flu cases
in 44 states is higher than at last year this time. Based on the cases reported
(most cases are not reported to health officials), the CDC has declared that
the US is in the midst of an influenza epidemic. The worse for this flu season
likely is yet to come.
Some
important items to keep in mind
Influenza is a
respiratory transmitted virus. It differs from what some call the “stomach flu”
that is transmitted from ingesting food or water that contains virus. While
stomach flu symptoms include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting sometimes with a
slight fever, influenza brings higher fever, body aches, head ache, sore
throat, a cough and sneezes and eventually congestion, but usually no vomiting
or diarrhea. Stomach flu has sudden onset and lasts only for 1-2 days. Influenza has a sudden onset and lasts for
3-7 days before fever, headache and body aches dissipate to leave fatigue and a
lingering cough.
A person with
influenza is infectious before and after symptoms appears. Sneezing, talking
and even breathing can put aerosols with live virus into the air and onto
objects. Sneezing, coughing or touching the face and then touching objects such
as doorknobs and telephones lead to the spread of influenza virus. The virus
easily spreads among children and in families.
Covering sneezes
and coughs, washing hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol gel,
cleaning common areas with soap and water or disinfectant, and staying home or
away from people when one has the flu are important strategies to reduce virus
spread.
The vaccine for
influenza can reduce severity and duration of symptoms or lower the chances of
contracting influenza. Even though the vaccine in 2014-15 is not a perfect
match to the circulating influenza strains, it provides some protection. People
from age 6 months to the elderly are advised to get the influenza vaccine. Even
now, it is not too late to get the flu shot for assistance in this season.
Although less than optimum, the vaccine provides some protection for viruses
circulating in this season. It also helps to build immunity overall against
influenza strains that may circulate in future years.
For those with
symptoms of influenza infection, stay home, drink lots of liquid to remain
hydrated, rest to help the immune system fight off virus infection. Use the
appropriate medicines to reduce fever, to ease body aches or to reduce
congestion. Use the medication for a given symptom only when a specific symptom
appears. For instance, don’t take an overall flu symptom medication if you have
only a headache.
Seek medical care
if symptoms do not resolve in 3-5 days or at anytime if there is difficulty in
breathing, changes in heart rate or other concerns.
There are several
anti-viral medications specific for influenza infection that can be prescribed
and some that are available without a prescription. It is especially important that the very
young, elderly persons or those with chronic diseases are monitored for fever
and symptoms and that they receive medical care early if needed.
Remember that
influenza is a serious respiratory infection! The virus reproduces in cells
that line the throat, trachea (windpipe) and respiratory tract to destroy
natural protections of the air passages. Thus the respiratory tract is damaged
from influenza infection and is made highly susceptible to bacteria and viruses
that can cause life-threatening pneumonia and bronchitis.
Each person or a
household can take precautions to prevent exposure. If infected, use every
available means to help the body to put down virus reproduction and reduce
transmission to others.
The flu season in
the northern hemisphere usually extends to April in most locations with the
highest number of infections occurring in December through February.
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
is 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 will resume in January 2015.
17. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF WILL BE
PUBLISHED NEXT WEEK:
Bill Dickens, Allen
AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
18.
MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 34:1-8:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
One of our family
dinners during the recent holiday season was for my sons and the “ladies in
their lives.” I was the cook, and I’m
proud to say that my dinner got rave reviews from all of those at the table -
even my wife, who I’ll grudgingly admit gave me my start as a cook!
I enjoy cooking,
and I’ve learned - since the days when I couldn’t even boil water - to be
patient and not rush a meal, to use good, basic ingredients, to be familiar
with the recipes I’m using, and to use the right seasonings.
All of those things
play a role in culinary success, but the right seasonings usually make the
biggest difference. I’ve learned by
trial and error that starting with the basics and following recipes is
important, but the right seasonings can make the difference between a bland,
ordinary meal and a tasty, inviting meal.
I offer up my
cooking experience as a life lesson for this New Year.
Each New Year is a
time to work on how to do better than we’ve done in the past. It’s wise to patiently plan for success,
follow our plans and see that we have the basic things - the right ingredients
- that we need to get to where we want to be in life.
All of those things
are essential ingredients in life’s recipe for well-being, but too many good
people limit themselves to those ingredients, follow their recipes and still
end up with lives that are plain, ordinary, bland and tasteless and that’s why
it’s good to take the next step and let God take control of your plans and your
life. We can plan and make sure that
we’re poised for success, but meaningful, abundant and joyful life only comes
when we let God “season” our lives with new hope, new strength, new power and
new possibilities.
Do all that you can
to prepare for success and well-being in 2015, but when you’ve assembled all of
the earthly ingredients for success, let the Lord’s Holy Spirit season your
life. Your journey will be easier, your
days will be brighter, and every day will bring new blessings and new
affirmation of the words of the songwriter, Richard Smallwood, who said,
“You’re the heart of my contentment, hope for all I do; Jesus, you’re the
center of my joy.”
This Meditation is
also available as a Blog 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
19. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce
the passing of Sister Janice Webb, the mother of Sixth Episcopal District
Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Webb Williams
Arrangements for
Sister Janice Webb are as follows:
Services will be
held on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Greater Mount
Calvary Missionary Baptist Church
7538 Henry Ellen Rd
Leeds AL 35094
Telephone: (205)
699-2455
The Reverend Curtis
White
Services Entrusted
to:
Leeds Unity Funeral
Service, Inc.
7531 Parkway Drive
Leeds, AL 35094
Telephone:
205-699-7600
Fax: (205) 425-0585
Viewing at Funeral
Home:
Friday, January 9,
2015 from 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Condolences may be
sent to:
Dr. Wilma D. Webb
Williams
233 Holliday Rd.
Columbia, SC 29223
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With heartfelt
sympathy we sadly announce the passing of Maurice Douglas Tanner, Sr., age 71,
of Columbus, Ohio, who passed away Monday, December 22, 2014. He was the brother of the Rev. Dr. Melonie A.
Valentine, Presiding Elder of the Dayton District.
Services were held
Saturday, January 3, 2015, at Haller Funeral Home, 1616 Western Avenue,
Chillicothe, Ohio.
Expressions of
condolence may be forwarded to:
Presiding Elder
Melonie A. Valentine
88 Limestone
Boulevard
Chillicothe, Ohio
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Mother Jessie Bell Reed, the wife of the late Rev. Elisha
Reed (former Pastor of Shaffer Chapel, McIntyre, OH) and the mother of Frank M.
Reed (Community AME Church, Cleveland, OH - Musician), on Friday, December 26,
2014 while residing in Florida.
Home Going
Celebration was held Saturday, January 3, 2015
Family
Visitation: 11:30 a.m.
Home Going Service: 12:00 Noon
Shaffer Chapel
(McIntyre) AME Church
1216 Township Road
191
Bloomingdale, Ohio
43910
Pastor: The
Reverend. Melody Essex
Eulogist: The
Reverend Mary Ann Smith
Arrangements
entrusted to:
Gregory-Martin
Funeral Home
411 N. 7th
Street
Steubenville, Ohio
43952-1756
Telephone: (740)
282-1234
Expressions of
Sympathy can be sent to:
Brother Frank M.
Reed
1890 E. 93rd
Street, Apartment 21
Cleveland, OH 44108
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From the office of
the Eighth Episcopal District
It is with
heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of Mrs. Irene Stovall, mother
of the Reverend Dr. Regina Stovall Robinson, pastor of Gaines Chapel AME
Church, Natchitoches, Louisiana, Shreveport - Monroe District of the Central
North Louisiana Conference.
Visitation: Friday,
January 9, 2015
1:00 p.m. - 6:00
p.m.
Redmon Funeral
Home
472 North Broadway
Street
Greenville, MS
38701
Telephone: (662)
335-8116
Visitation and
Funeral Service: Saturday, January 10, 2015
Visitation: 11:00
a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Funeral Service:
1:00 p.m.
Saint Matthew AME
Church
514 Nelson Street
Greenville, MS
38702
The Rev. John R.
Perry, Sr.
Condolences and
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Regina
S. Robinson
484 Irving Bluff
Road
Shreveport, LA
71107
Telephone: 318
519-9197
Professional
Services Entrusted To:
Redmon Funeral
Home
472 North Broadway
Street
Greenville, MS
38702
Telephone: (662)
335-8116
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with much
sadness that we share the passing on of Wendy Diedrich, daughter of the late
Presiding Elder Henry Carelse and WMS Life Member Mrs. Susan Carelse. Wendy Diedrich succumbed after a week in
hospital.
“Praying that the
Lord will be with Mrs. Carelse during this her time of challenge and that as
she witnessed to others that "Jesus knows and cares" may be her
source of comfort during these darkened days.”
Expressions of
sympathy may be emailed to:
Contact telephone
number for the family home: +27 021 7042759.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Carl Eugene Watley, brother to Mrs. Rayjo Farris, the
wife of the Rev. Dr. H. Charles Farris, retired Presiding Elder of the
Phoenix-Albuquerque District, Fifth Episcopal District; Bishop T. Larry
Kirkland, Presiding Prelate.
Carl Eugene Watley
passed away on December 15, 2014. A
private memorial services will be held.
The family solicits
your prayers.
Expressions of
sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Rayjo Farris
and family
43867 W Elizabeth
Avenue
Maricopa, AZ 8513
Emailed to:
25.
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
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
26.
CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications,
the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny
Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones.
We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your
bereavement.
Did someone you know pass this copy of The
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