2/05/2015

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (02/05/2015)


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

--Richard Allen’s Birthday – February 14, 1760
-- Jarena Lee’s Birthday – February 11, 1783
-- February – Black History Month
-- Ash Wednesday- February 18, 2015
-- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2015


1. TCR EDITORIAL – LET’S ELIMINATE THIS “WOW” MOMENT NOW:

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

I don’t get surprised or amazed by many of the things I hear and read. As a local church pastor and as a chaplain in the United States Army, I heard just about everything; very little surprises me.  I have heard stories that would “knock the socks off” most people. As a clergy member, I couldn’t share comments made to me in confidence, but most of what I heard in confidence were not “Wow” moments, they were “Hmmm” moments.

“Wow” moments are usually caused by aberrations of what would be considered ordinary and mundane events and behaviors. 

A “Wow” moment would be the news of a son killing his mother. Children don’t normally kill their parents.

A “Wow” moment is the news of a person being picked up and arrested for the fifth time for driving under the influence.  Being stopped the first time is bad enough, but being arrested four more times is beyond the bounds of good judgment and common sense.

I had a “Wow” moment this week when I was asked a simple question by Dr. Johnny Barbour, “How many electronic copies of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 do you think the AMEC Sunday School Union has sold?”

I responded carefully because I can tell when I am getting ready to be slam-dunked.

I responded, “Well, with the digital-divide being as it is, I guess a couple of thousand, but there should be more; hopefully we have sold about 2000.”

His silence was the first indication that I was about to experience a “Wow” moment.

His response was indeed a “Wow moment.  He said, “Less than 500!” 

I was shocked and disappointed. After all the talk from so many people about the AME Church’s need to provide an electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a little over a year before the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference to be held in Philadelphia, we have sold less than 500 copies of the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.  Wow!

The couple of thousand number of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that I guessed was not anything to shout about, but for me, it wouldn’t have been a “Wow” moment. It would have been, “Too bad we couldn’t have sold more.”

The less than 500 copies of the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 is more than a “Wow” moment; it’s an embarrassment. 

We report that we have 2.5 million constituents and we can only account for less than 500 copies of the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.

Less than 500 is an indication that our clergy hasn’t invested in the electronic version.  It means that the presiding elders, in large numbers, haven’t invested in the electronic version, which would make the presiding elders’ ministry more efficient and easier when presiding elders have to find answers to disciplinary questions.

The less than 500 copies of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 sold; is indicative of a leadership problem. 

Presiding bishops should insist that every presiding elder purchase the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 because the efficiencies of the work of the presiding elder would be tremendously increased. 

Bishops and presiding elders should insist that pastors and local church leaders purchase The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.  Using the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is a “no-brainer” for pastors and local church leaders.  Technology is here to stay and pastors and laity need to get comfortable with it. I hate to mention it, but eventually, somewhere in the future, paper documents will be a thing of the past.

Members of the Boards of Examiners should all have the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. 

And, the members of the Boards of Examiners should insist upon those going through the process of acquiring ministerial orders purchase The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. Those persons who are going to lead our congregations need to be abreast and familiar with technology

I wonder if all of the bishops have ordered the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.  If they haven’t they should purchase it and insist their clergy do the same.

Every General Officer and every connectional officer should be in possession of the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. If we are not serious about supporting the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, there is no need for the AMEC Sunday School Union to go to the expense of having the electronic version. 

I was so proud when Dr. Barbour announced at the General Board Meeting in Nashville that the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 was available. Many of us went to the internet cafĂ© near the hotel lobby and purchased the electronic version. 

The purchase of electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 is a “no-brainer.”  It’s easier to navigate; you can find anything in the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 quickly; click on the link on any subject in the Table of Contents.  A couple of practice runs and you are “good to go.”

I would suggest that bishops and presiding elders have short one-hour training sessions to help pastors and local church leaders become comfortable with the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. 

Every annual conference and every presiding elder district has techies who could easily design training modules for the use of the electronic version for those who might feel uncomfortable.  I suspect most people who are used to using technology wouldn’t need formal training. 

Everybody might not be comfortable with the electronic version, which is why it is important to have training sessions so clergy and laity can get excited about using the electronic version.  One hour would be all the time that would be needed.

There shouldn’t be a “Wow” moment as it relates to people purchasing The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. 

Oh, I forgot to mention that it’s okay to have the hard copy version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 and the electronic version.  Those who want to stay “ahead of the game” will have both the electronic version and the hardcopy version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.

There is precedence for having both the electronic and hardcopy versions of documents and resources.

As an example, many of us have hardcopy Bibles and electronic Bibles. Those of us who use both will testify that the electronic version is mighty efficient and easier to carry.

I hope that we will eliminate the “Wow” moment as it relates to the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.

Episcopal Leaders, middle managers (presiding elders) and pastors, let’s “get with the program” and support this significant AMEC Sunday School Union’s initiative of embracing technology and making available the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.

I would bet that those of you who reread this TCR Editorial, 20 years from now will scratch your heads and think, “Really, that was a problem?” 

The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 can be purchased from Amazon, Kindle or any electronic platform that sells electronic books. 

If you still don’t know how to do it, any adolescent can show you how to do so.

2. TCR OP-ED: LOCAL AND GLOBAL REFLECTIONS ON NATIONAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH:

*John Thomas III

February is National African-American (Black) History Month.   During this time, a special emphasis will be placed on the unique and enduring contributions of African-Americans to the United States.    Most persons know that Black History Month was started by Carter G. Woodson as “Negro History Week” as a project of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History) in 1926.    How did it become a month?  Who actually coordinates it?  Are there other “Black History Month” events in other countries?   It is important to understand the root of this celebration in order to fully appreciate it. 

Woodson’s project in 1926 was an attempt to correct a bias in educational curricula that ignored the African-American presence in the United States outside of slavery.  In the initial pamphlet for “Negro History Week” he commented, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”   The second week of February was chosen because it held the birthdays of two persons significant to the history of African-Americans: Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln.   The first Negro History Week was widely celebrated.  In particular, the Departments of Education in Delaware, North Carolina and West Virginia as well as the Baltimore and District of Colombia Public Schools created special materials for teachers to use.

“Negro History Week” continued to be observed annually by the ASNLH and would grow into a nationwide celebration.  The celebration would take on an additional role of importance as the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements evolved during the 1950s and 1960s.  In 1976 President Gerald R. Ford proclaimed February to be “Black History Month” as part of the United States Centennial Celebration and encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”  After an absence during most of the 1980s, Presidents have proclaimed Black (now National African-American) History Month annually since 1991.  In the 2014 Proclamation, President Obama stated:  Every American can draw strength from the story of hard-won progress, which not only defines the African-American experience, but also lies at the heart of our Nation as a whole. This story affirms that freedom is a gift from God, but it must be secured by His people here on earth.

The Association for the Study of African-American Life and History still sets an annual theme and produces materials for the observation.  The 2015 theme is: “A Century of Black Life, History and Culture”.  This is to commemorate the founding of the ASALH in 1916.
 
The celebration of Black History Month has not been without controversy and several notable personalities (most recently Morgan Freeman) have come out decidedly against the celebration remarking that what is needed is to teach American history, not Black history.  Woodson himself believed that the unique celebration of Black History would be temporary until educational curricula were corrected for their bias.  He commented: “What we need is not a history of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.”   It is clear, however, that even in 2015, there is still much to do in order to incorporate fully the history of African-Americans and other ethnic groups into our national conversations and image.

Black History Month has been an inspiration to Black activists in countries where the contributions of African descendant persons has largely been ignored in national educational curricula and official histories.   Within the last 30 years, the call for national celebrations of Black heritage, history and culture has clearly sounded and today the following countries have officially sanctioned celebrations:

- Argentina: November 8 - Day of the Afro-Argentines and Afro Culture
- Belize: November 19 - Garifuna* Settlement Day
- Bolivia: September 23 - National Day of the Afro-Bolivian People and Culture
- Brazil: November 20 - Day of Black Consciousness
- Canada: February - Black History Month
- Colombia: May 21 - Afro-Colombian National Day
- Costa Rica: August 31 - Day of Black Personhood and Afro-Costa Rican Culture
- Ecuador: First Sunday in October - National Afro-Ecuadorian Day
- Guatemala: November 26 - National Day of the Garifuna* in Guatemala
- Honduras: April - African Heritage Month in Honduras
- Mexico: October 19 - Day of the Afro-Mexican People in Oaxaca
- Nicaragua: November 19 - National Day of the Garifuna* Culture
- Panama: May 30 - Commemoration of the National Black Ethnicity
- Peru: June 4 - Day of Afro-Peruvian Culture
- United Kingdom: October - Black History Month
- Venezuela: May 10 - Afro-Venezuelan Day
- Uruguay: December 3 - National Day of Candome, Afro-Uruguayan culture and Racial Equality

In addition to these national celebrations, the United Nations declared 2015-2024 the “International Decade for People of African Descent”.  This decade grew out of the 2009 Durban Review Conference and its theme is: ““People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.” So this month as we reflect on the contributions of Black people to United States, we should remember that we but one link in a great chain.  Carter G. Woodson would undoubtedly remind us to do so.

*The Garifuna are the descendants of Africans who escaped a slave ship and intermarried with the indigenous people of St. Vincent in the Caribbean.  They were deported by the British Central America in the 1800 and are colloquially known as “Black Caribs.”
 
For more information on the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History click here: http://asalh100.org/

For more information on the United Nations Decade of People of African Descent click here: 


*John Thomas III is a Ph.D. student in Political Science at the University of Chicago and a member of the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

3. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- Wilberforce Continues to Fight Show Cause Order

Wilberforce University held a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony Friday Jan. 30 for recently renovated buildings. The university continues to…


-- Full Circle: Duncan ends ministry in New Orleans

The oldest AME church in the deep south, St. James traces its heritage back to 1844, when a group of free people of color began meeting next to ... Bent, but not broken - Paris Post Intelligencer


-- Rosa Parks' archive opening to public at Library of Congress


-- AME Church leaders push economic empowerment

Invited to speak to a recent gathering of pastors and leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, National Bankers Association President...


-- Black History Committee Holds Annual Youth Program

--Namesake Church Honors 'Founding Father' of Gospel Music
PHILADELPHIA (UMNS) — Did you know the anthem "We Shall Overcome" has roots in Methodism? This video showcases the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, a Methodist preacher known as one of the founding fathers of gospel music, and the United Methodist church he brought to prominence.

-- AMEs to observe Founder’s Day


-- Video Surfaces of Pastor of Prominent L.A. Church Purportedly Comparing Police to KKK


--Bethel’s 16th Annual Prison Ministry program


4. ST. MATTHEW AME CHURCH ORANGE NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES 72 YEARS OF MINISTRY AND SERVICE IN AFRICAN METHODISM:

According to our church history, a small group of public and spirit minded male citizens known as the J. Garfield Tynes Men’s Club decided to organize on May 14, 1941 to render a more efficient type of Christian service in the community. The members were Gardner Smith, Chairman, Charles Congleton, E.L. Edmonson, David Beasley, William Reed, Nolan Dunn, William Weaks, Walter Davis, Clarence Lee, James Carraway, and John Boykin. This group later joined a group of women in June of 1942 and formed the Unity Circle. After some discussion this same group took on a new aspect, and formed a new church in the Oranges.

Almost Seventy-two years ago, to the glory of God, and African Methodism this inspired group of people joined together to birth St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church. The first service was held on November 15, 1942 and the first pastor was the late Thomas Puryear, appointed by Bishop David Simms at the 71st Annual Conference. 

On November 16, 2014 St. Matthew AME Church celebrated our 72nd Church Anniversary. This was an event worthy of celebrating, as we embarked upon another year of living up to our motto, The Servant Church of the Oranges. On this auspicious day, the St. Matthew family came together as a unified body during one service to celebrate the greatness of God. The theme for the Anniversary was “Moving Forward by Faith”: “Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, and not human masters…” Colossians 3:23-24. The Occasion was led by our very capable committee chair, Sister Debra Thomas and a dedicated team that did a spectacular job of organizing the event. 
We were privileged and excited to have as our guest preacher, the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District. The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram is the Episcopal Supervisor of the First District.

Our Bishop addressed the pastor, and capacity filled congregation by acknowledging how the service itself offered something for all ages. We were blessed to be ministered in song, by the anointed St. Matthew Mass Choir; and our dynamic Liturgical Dance team. Said, Bishop Ingram, “The spirit and the enthusiasm in the worship service is reflected of the leadership, and the members of St. Matthew, whom have undoubtedly done their very best for God.” Bishop Ingram then preached from the subject: “”The Rewards of Faith” with the text coming from Hebrews 11:1-6. Bishop Ingram displayed his preaching and oratory skills, by telling us in an emphatic way, that “It pays to serve Jesus!” The congregation learned that for our faith; we have the assurance that we are helped by a love, that will not let us go!

During the service we were graced with the presence of the Mayor of Orange, the Hon. Dwayne Warren, Esq. who gave a message of congratulations, and a welcome to our Bishop.

A representative for the Hon. Lester E. Taylor III read a proclamation from the city of East Orange on his behalf.

Immediately following the service celebration, we were honored to have our Bishop give the blessings for our grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, for our new 501c3 Community Improvement Association of the Oranges (CIAO), a non-profit organization geared towards meeting the needs of our surrounding communities. Services include Food Distribution (Manna From Heaven ministry), Juvenile Detention Center ministry, Clothing Giveaways, Financial Literacy workshops, Mentoring and Tutoring for Youth, Haven HIV/AIDS ministry, and Workforce Readiness programs. The day’s festivities concluded with a luncheon, and the recognition of the St. Matthew Usher ministry. Members were recognized for the years of service to this historic institution.

We thank God for our pastor and the exemplary leadership he brings, the Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, the 10th pastor of St. Matthew AME Church.

Dignitaries present: Presiding Elder Howard L. Grant, Newark District; Mrs. Roberta Grant, and Sister Tanzania Guyton, First Lady of St. Matthew; Council members of Orange, New Jersey, the Hon. Kerry Coley, the Hon. Harold Johnson, the Hon. April Gaunt-Butler, and the Hon. Tency Eason.

CIAO Board members present: Rev. Dr. Guyton- Chair, Melvin Randall- Legal Advisor, Jerry Roberts- Treasurer, Darryl Jones- Member, Gregory Bullock- Member, Leonard Posey-Member, La Tanya Williamson- Member, and Sherrill Austin- Director.

5. THE 4TH DISTRICT QUADRENNIAL HOST EVENT FEATURING JERI LYNNE JOHNSON, FOUNDER OF THE BLACK PEARL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA:

The 4th District Quadrennial Host Event will feature the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, founded and conducted by Jeri Lynne Johnson.  The forty-eight piece orchestra will guide participants through a sensory experience of the host event’s theme - Water:  A Sacred Confluence of the Arts, Ecology and Activism.  Tickets for the event are $50.00 per person.

About the Conductor, Jeri Lynne Johnson

Composers play many different roles; they can be performers, songwriters, educators or conductors. Conducting is more than just waving a baton with a flourish. A conductor's job may look easy, but it is one of the most demanding & extremely competitive positions in music.  The conductor makes sure the music is interpreted correctly by acting as the guide for the musicians. A good conductor is someone that is comfortable leading a group, a great motivator and communicator, and has a strong stage presence.

Growing up in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana listening to Jazz, R&B, and classical music, at the age of four fluently playing piano and listening to composers such as Beethoven, Jeri Lynne Johnson knew that music was her passion.  She was just seven years of age when she attended her first orchestra concert. 

Her educational career includes Wellesley College where she studied music and religion.  Winning awards for her works civically, community and artistic honors, Jeri Lynne began traveling the world.  Upon her return to the states she had a vision to work with much bigger orchestra, but because she didn’t fit the mold of what an orchestra conductor looked like; it was then that Jeri Lynne founded the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra in 2008.  Proving that classical music is for everyone the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra (BPCO) has a unique diverseness in every performance.  If you attended a BPCO concert, on stage you will see people that look like you, Latin, Asian, African American, and Caucasian.  The BPCO uses it concert programming to connect with community, culture and countries.

6. THE COLORED CONVENTIONS PROJECT LAUNCHES A CROWD-SOURCING INITIATIVE:

The Colored Conventions Project at the University of Delaware is delighted to announce today’s launch of a crowd-sourcing project, Transcribe Minutes. This project invites people to visit ColoredConventions.org to transcribe records of the nineteenth-century African American convention movement. Transcribe Minutes is now featuring a special section dedicated to the conventions hosted at African Methodist Episcopal churches.

The movement began in 1830 in response to the violence and expulsion faced by Blacks in the “free” states. First held at Philadelphia’s Bethel A.M.E. Church, conventions soon spread across North America. “African American leaders and lay people organized for decades to fight against educational inequities, voting and political disenfranchisement as well as job and labor discrimination,” says P. Gabrielle Foreman, faculty director of the Colored Conventions Project and Ned B. Allen Professor of English and Black Studies. “As critical as the anti-slavery movement was, their broader vision continues to speak to this country’s ongoing racial challenges.”

The Colored Conventions Project is an interdisciplinary digital humanities project that aims to bring the history of the convention movement—and the many leaders and places involved in it—to digital life. "Transcribe Minutes uses crowd-sourcing technologies to promote online access to these historical records," says Jim Casey, project co-coordinator and a Ph.D. candidate in UD’s English department. "These technologies open up new possibilities for our research and teaching beyond college classrooms."

ColoredConventions.org houses the first digital collection of these minutes, many of which were previously out of print and hard to find. It features more than 65 national and state minutes from 1830 to well beyond the Civil War—with more being uncovered and added regularly. “Attention to African American experience in the nineteenth century is usually focused on the efforts of Northern white abolitionists to end the ‘peculiar institution’ of slavery,” says Carol A. Rudisell, UD Reference and Instructional Services librarian. “Having accurate, searchable texts should significantly change our understanding of this important period.” Transcribing and making these records more usable requires collective efforts. Volunteers will help give new life to a vital chapter of American history.

“The more people involved, the more we can preserve and call attention to one of the major ignored chapters of American history,” says Curtis Smalls, a Special Collections librarian and member of CCP. The project is an exciting collaboration between faculty, students and librarians,” he continues. “The Colored Convention Project is important for its method as well as its results,” says John Ernest, Chair of the English Department at UD. “It’s an inspiring and instructive model of collaborative research, “Ernest adds. “This is a historical recovery project that will teach us volumes about African American communities of the past while strengthening numerous and diverse communities in the present.”

Transcribe Minutes is the product of an ongoing partnership between the Colored Conventions Project and the University of Delaware Library.

7. TEN REASONS WHY MANY WORSHIP LEADERS ARE SPIRITUALLY BANKRUPT:
 Joseph Mattera

The past several years there has been no shortage of prominent Contemporary Christian leaders denouncing Christ either with their words or their actions. One time I ministered to a young man involved in the gospel music scene and he confided in me that he almost lost his faith because of what he experienced when he went on tour with a band. (He said other gospel music performers regularly propositioned him!) That being said, as a pastor and trans local minister for more then three decades, I have come to the conclusion that many involved in Christian worship seem to have a very superficial relationship with the Lord and His Church. (I thank God we have had a strong process for ministry involvement in our local congregation, hence, we usually have worship leaders with a solid walk with the Lord.) Also, I write this in the context as one who was a professional musician who served on the worship team of our local church for more then twenty-five years.

The following are some of the reasons I Believe why many Worship performers are spiritually bankrupt (Based on my personal observation –not based on hard data)

1- Many are hirelings and not committed members to one church 

have been both shocked and dismayed to see how many large churches just hire out their worship team members –even if they are not committed Christians and or committed to their local church. Consequently, when a gifted singer or musician first comes to Christ, they are sucked into a culture of play for pay and go where the dollars are rather then where the Lord is truly leading them.

2- Pastors do not enforce the same standards upon talented people Singers and Musicians 

Many pastors turn the other way when it comes to the immoral or unethical behavior of their most talented musicians and singers. The reason for this is obvious – said performers help draw crowds into their congregation.

3-Often, talented people get ahead without drilling down deep in Christ

Many a person in this field find they get promoted, idolized and celebrated in their church merely because of their talent. Consequently, they have a superficial lifestyle and rarely see the need to die to self, seek God, and allow God to penetrate their soul.

4- Gifted Christian performers are idolized in the church 

We Evangelicals have created a culture of entertainment that empowers and promotes the most gifted among us. These very gifted singers and performers are admired and celebrated for their abilities in a way that is not different from “The Voice” or “American Idol”. With all this adulation in the environment –it is no surprise that many Christian bands and performers are lifted up with pride and never mature in their faith

5-The Focus of Worship is more about them then about Jesus 

The church usually puts talented singers and performers front and center during Sunday services –hence, a service is largely judged by how good the band performed. This is the kind of setting that engenders man worship instead of Jesus worship. Worship leaders and performers often have huge egos to match their talent and many erroneously (subconsciously) think that the service is all about them

6-They often don’t sit under the Word after they perform 

I am amazed with how often I see many worship team members leave the service after they perform. I guess they think that the highlight of the service was their performance and everything else that ensues –including preaching – is a let down

7-They performs but do not worship from the heart 

When the pastor and congregation only care about the talent and effect of the worship experience – they perpetuate a culture of performance more then a culture of worship. Consequently, band members and singers will then focus more on performance then on worship. This results in band members programmed to equate worship more with performance then with drawing close to God.

8-They are overly sensitive and do not easily receive correction 

In my opinion, many in the music world are overly sensitive, ego driven megalomaniacs. (I know, because as a professional guitar player for many years- I was or am guilty of this!) Folks like this are very competitive and have a hard time admitting they are wrong. This does not make it easy for a pastor to bring correction to them since their identity is rooted more in their ability then in their God

9-They do not study the word but rely upon performance sessions in church for their walk 

Many years ago I was shocked to realize that many of the worship leaders I got to know had no prayer life and rarely cracked open the bible for personal study! Often, they depended upon worship practice and or the Sunday services to try to connect with God. It alarmed me that many worship leaders were not themselves worshippers!

10-They do not have a spiritually mature worship person leading the team 


All of the previous points mentioned could be dealt with if the worship leader held them accountable. Of course, this will only happen if the worship leader is not a diva but a real disciple of Christ. Leaders set the culture of a team and if he or she is a spiritually immature “performer” – Then most likely to whole team will be more about performance then worship.

In conclusion, I pray pastors and leaders will have the courage to sit down talented but prideful, worldly worship team members so that Jesus will once again be the center of our worship

8. TCR BOOK REVIEW - THE LATENT POWER OF THE SOUL, 1972 BY WATCHMAN NEE:

-- Book Review Watchman Nee, the Latent Power of The Soul, 1972, Christian Fellowship Publishers, Inc., NY

The Latent Power Of The Soul is a very thin book of less than 100 pages, and you can be read in one or two sittings.  It deals with an assessment of "authentic worship."

Preface:  The spirit and the soul are two totally different organs: one belongs to God, while the other belongs to man...The peril of the believer is to confuse the spirit for the soul and the soul for the spirit, and so to be deceived into accepting the counterfeit evil spirits to the unsettling of God's work.  See also Watchman Nee's 1928 work, The Spiritual Man.

p. 48-49:  If one who is experienced in the Lord is present at a revival meeting, he can tell whether the speaker is using soulical or spiritual power...Once a brother among us observed that whether someone had power or not could not be judged by how hard he was able to pound the pulpit.  We need to discern in a meeting if a person's power is psychical or spiritual.  

p. 50:  He who ministers ought to know the difference between the two forces.  He should be able to discern what is done by his soul power and what is done by the power of God...The work of the Holy Spirit is threefold:  (1) to regenerate us  (2) to indwell us that we may produce fruit of the Spirit, and (3) to come upon us that we may have the power to witness...The power of the Holy Spirit is always spoken of as descending or coming upon, while the fruit-bearing aspect of the Holy Spirit is spoken of as abiding in...The power of the Holy Spirit is beyond our control.

p. 51-52:  Some have suggested that preachers have become experts on the use of psychology in manipulating people.  But I strongly repudiate such manipulation; for even though we know how to attract people with psychic means, we should purposely avoid using any psychic force.  Once I was working in Shantung.  A professor there said to his colleague, "that these preachers work with emotions."  It so happened that when I preached to the believers that afternoon I told them how undependable and useless was emotion.

Let us remember that all works done though emotion are questionable and transient.  In the work done through the power of the Holy Spirit, man does not need to exert his own strength nor do anything by himself.  If a work is done by soul strength one has to exert lots of energy and employ numerous methods such as weeping, shouting, jumping, incessant singing of choruses, or the telling of a number of moving stories.  (I do not say that hymns and stories should not be used; only everything must be done with appropriate bounds).  For the employment of these methods serves no other purpose than that of trying to stir up the audience.  

The last chapter is entitled, "Spirit Force vs. Psychic Force" and it includes a discussion of the danger of working in "soul power." 

9. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES STATEMENT ON RECENT ISIS EXECUTIONS:

The National Council of Churches joins the world in grief and outrage at ISIS’s executions of Japanese hostages Haruna Yukawa and Kenji Goto, and Jordanian hostage Moath al-Kasasbeh. The utter bankruptcy of this extremist ideology, which looks to horrific violence to prop up its credibility, cannot be allowed to stand any longer. We join with people of faith and goodwill all across the world in condemning these horrific, inhumane acts, and call upon the nations to join together to eliminate this threat.

We recognize that ISIS and its violent, inhuman ideology, is a profound problem for all people.  Muslims are particularly threatened (as most targets of ISIS and Al-Qaeda have been Muslims), as are people of other faith groups, as we have seen these past months. Terrorism is indiscriminate toward its victims, and none are safe from its violence.

The NCC commends the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and other voices that have spoken out against the brutality of ISIS and other examples of extremist violence. Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary, stated, "Our experience through decades of interfaith dialogue and working for peace has taught us that we must stand up together against evil that purports to act in the name of faith."

We also look to ourselves as faith leaders to join together in living in such a way as to build bridges of peace and to work for the well-being of those we are connected with.  We hope that by doing so others will be inspired to seek the best for their neighbors also.  And we, the National Council of Churches, are more committed than ever to working with our interfaith partners in dialogue and peacemaking.

10. SALE OF AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY’S BROADWAY PROPERTY YIELDS RESOURCES FOR EXPANDED MINISTRY:

Proceeds to Be Invested in a Third Century of Ministry

NEW YORK, February 2, 2015—

One of America’s most historic Christian ministries just opened up new possibilities for mission growth by finalizing the sale of its property on Broadway in Manhattan for $300 million. “The sale is a strong mission accelerator,” said American Bible Society Board Chairman Nick Athens. “As we prepare to enter a third century of ministry, we believe that now is the time to unlock the significant market value of the mid-Manhattan address and reinvest the proceeds to extend our mission-focused ministry.” While the 199-year-old ministry will be relocating its headquarters to Philadelphia, American Bible Society remains committed to New York City and will maintain an ongoing presence there. The 12-story building on Broadway that the ministry has called home for 48 years was American Bible Society’s fourth New York City location.

“This sale could not come at a better time, fueling new growth at the threshold of our third century of mission,” said American Bible Society President and CEO Roy Peterson. “The proceeds from this sale will allow us to accelerate our work of inviting millions to experience the Bible’s life-changing message.”

American Bible Society recently announced plans for a new global headquarters in center city Philadelphia, merging staff from its current New York City and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania locations. In addition to staff offices, the new location will include a proposed ground-floor Bible Discovery Center on the doorstep of Philadelphia’s Independence Mall.

Cushman & Wakefield, a global commercial real estate services firm, handled both the sale of the New York property and the search for a new headquarters.

“Now that we have realized the long-term investment in our property on Broadway, we are committed to effective stewardship of the proceeds of this sale,” said Peterson. “As with all donor-provided funds, the goal here is greater engagement with God’s Word. To that end, we will allocate the funds in three key areas: the relocation of the ministry’s headquarters, the funding of ministry efforts, and investments that will promote the long-term stability and reach of the ministry.”

“Most importantly, this sale means more resources for more Bible ministry,” said Peterson. “As we work toward the goal of having 100 million Americans engaging with God’s Word and 100 percent of the world’s languages open for Bible engagement, this will help fuel Bible ministry in the U.S. and around the world.”

About American Bible Society:

Founded in 1816, American Bible Society exists to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing message. One of the nation's first nonprofit organizations, today's American Bible Society provides resources across a variety of platforms enabling first-time readers and seasoned theologians alike to engage with the best-selling book of all time. For more information, visit AmericanBible.org. 

11. GO-TO SITE FOR LENTEN RESOURCES:

- The Lenten Season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Lenten resources developed for UMC.org, along with resources from around the denomination, have been collected on one “go-to” Web page. In addition to resources and stories developed by United Methodist Communications, the page has materials from United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, United Methodist Global Ministries, the Society of St. Andrew and others.


**Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

12. HISTORY OF HYMNS: “LET US BREAK BREAD TOGETHER”:

By C Michael Hawn

"Let Us Break Bread Together"
 African American Spiritual
 The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 618; AMEC Hymnal, No. 530

Let us break bread together on our knees.
 Let us break bread together on our knees.
 When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
 O Lord, have mercy on me.

Perhaps the most commonly sung song during Communion among United Methodists is the African American spiritual “Let us break bread together on our knees.” For American Methodists, the usual posture for receiving the elements is kneeling at an altar rail. The procession to the rail offers the opportunity to sing. The simple structure of this spiritual provides the ideal music to accompany this ritual both because of its text and because of the spirit of the music. It is easily memorized and harmonized.

What are the roots of “Let us break bread,” among the best known of African American spirituals? In a recently published article in the Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology, written by United Methodist Hymnal editor, Dr. Carlton Young, he reveals the probable roots and major variants of this spiritual. Dr. Young suggests that this “spiritual was formed in the West African Gullah/Geechee slave culture that developed in the costal areas of South-Eastern colonial America, including St Helena Island, Beaufort, and Charleston, South Carolina . . ..”

The text of the version that is commonly sung in the United States was first published in The Journal of American Folklore (1925). The Journal included spirituals, as well as African American folk tales and proverbs that were collected by students at the Penn School on Saint Helena Island, South Carolina.

A second version appeared in Saint Helena Island Spirituals (1925) by Nicholas Ballanta, a very significant collection that included 103 Gullah spirituals. This version incorporates the same basic text, but with variations based on the slave dialect of the region:

Let us break bread togeder on our knees . . .
When I fall on muh knees wid muh face to de risin’ sun
 Oh Lawd hab mercy on me.

The music published in this collection is virtually the same as used in most hymnals.

The third version was published in Augustine T. Smythe’s The Carolina Low-Country (1931). Not only is the text significantly different, but also the slave dialect of the region is even stronger in this version:

We will all sing tuhgedduh on dat day . . .
 En I’ll fall upon muh knees en face duh risin’ sun,
 Oh Lawd, hab mussy on me.

A final fourth stanza begins, “We will all pray tuhgedduh on dat day….” According to hymnologist Jon Michael Spencer, the phrase “on dat day” suggests a use for the song beyond Communion. It is an eschatological reference envisioning hope and a reformation of the established social order beyond human history.

The melody of this version is also significantly different in several ways, including a flattened “blues note” on the highest pitch of the song. While the melody is recognizable, rhythmic and melodic alterations are significant.

Each version incorporates the idea of “fac[ing] the rising sun.” One scholar suggests that this may come from the worship practices of Islamic West Africans. Another speculates that the sun was a symbolic West African source of spiritual light. Another phrase “on our knees” may have been a signal for a secret gathering, though this cannot be verified.

African American composer John Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954) arranged the first solo version with the three stanzas that are common to most hymnals in the United States. He also established the precedent of singing the final stanza up the octave. This practice is observed in several hymnals including The United Methodist Hymnal. This version of the spiritual was popularized by notable African American soloists in the mid-twentieth century such as Paul Robeson, Roland Hayes, and Marian Anderson.

As standardized as the text is, it has been subject to numerous alterations in several hymnals. These changes sometimes alter or eliminate the reference to the rising sun, perhaps because it is not literally accurate. Some include:

When I fall on my knees, with my face to the Lord of life….”

Others choose to replace the phrase, “on my knees” since many traditions do not receive the elements in this posture. To avoid this, some modify it as follows:

“Let us break bread together, we are one” or
 “Let us break bread together in (or “with”) the Lord” or
 “Let us praise God together, let us praise.”

Together in Song: Australian Hymnbook II (1999) alters virtually the entire traditional text:

Let us break bread together with the Lord . . .
As we travel through this land, all God's children hand in hand,
 Lord, fill all our living with your life.

For me, the greatest loss in this version is the omission of the classic Kyrie eleison at the conclusion of each stanza, “Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

These changes indicate the difficulty of transferring a song from one ecclesial or cultural tradition to another. However, the inclusion of a select number of African American spirituals in English language hymnals in countries such as Australia, Canada, and England is admirable and reflects the universality of one of the unique contributions of congregational song from the United States to the world. Alterations to congregational songs, especially those from folk sources, are common across cultural and national boundaries. In its most standard and historical form, this spiritual fits the practice and ethos of the Methodist Eucharist liturgy well.

Please also see Dean McIntyre's arrangement of Let Us Break Bread Together.

C. Michael Hawn is University Distinguished Professor of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology, SMU.

**Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

13. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT

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

Based on Biblical Text: John 17:20-26; "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.  O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Recently we celebrated the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., probably one of our greatest Freedom fighters. He championed the notion that there could be unity between people who didn’t look alike, worship alike or even necessarily agree politically. He dared to dream that we as a people could be afforded the same liberties, the same humane treatment and the same rights that every person who is a resident of these United States of America is afforded. Dr. King preached that the Freedom Bell rang for everybody.

Dr. King preached about love reminding us that, “Love is the most durable power in the world” and it is the creative force that is so beautifully exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. He maintained that love is in fact the most potent instrument available in our quest for peace and security.

We must however be careful where our love is directed. The Bible reminds us to first love God with all of our heart, mind and soul. We are challenged then that just as important according to the Bible is that we love our neighbors.

We have unfortunately over time extended our love in areas that have not been profitable. We have exhibited a love of science however it appears now that we live in fear of what science has created. We have shown just how much we love money. However now we have come to realize money cannot buy the things that we really need.

The Bible says that love never fails and promises that if we love God with our all, it will keep us thinking positively, living productively and spending our time and treasure wisely.

The truth of the matter is that living in harmony is not a new prayer. We see in our text that harmony is at the center of this priestly prayer of Jesus. In this prayer to his Father, Jesus prays for his disciples. Then as the prayer begins to close we find Jesus praying for all believers.

Jesus says: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us.”  In other words Jesus is saying: I'm praying not only for them and not just for the folk who recognize they are sinners. Jesus says I am also praying for the folk who claim to know me and for those who will believe in me.

Jesus reminds the believers then and us today that the goal is for us all to become one heart and one mind. In other words the believers need unity. We are challenged to come together becoming one heart and one mind, just as Jesus says, “Just as you, Father, are in me and I in you.”

Dr. King dared to pray that people of different religions, different backgrounds and different races might know that kind of unity. My prayer is, and I would like to think my church’s prayer is, that we would come to know that kind of unity.

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

14. GETTING TO ZERO: MEASLES HERE AND THERE:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

Measles, remember measles? It’s that childhood rash that most persons over age 60 experienced many years ago. Despite existence of a highly effective, inexpensive vaccine, measles has not gone away. It continues to affect millions of children around the world. That can be changed.

Measles Here

Measles in the USA has been in the news because of an outbreak associated with family visits to Disneyland in Orange County, California. (www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreak).

An effective vaccine that prevents infection with the measles virus has been available since the 1960s. Yet, already in 2015 there have been 102 cases of measles in children and adults recorded in 14 states of the USA. This number is consistent with a recent upward trend of infection. In 2001, 116 cases were reported. There were 43 cases in 2007, 55 cases in 2012 and 167 cases in 2013.  In 2014, there were 644 reported measles cases in the USA.   

Protection against infection is part of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is received first at 12-15 months and again between ages 4 and 6 years. It is a required immunization for entering school. Because of religion or acceptable medical conditions such as leukemia or HIV/AIDS, in this country a few groups are exempt to getting the MMR vaccine.

Media coverage of the Disneyland related outbreak has heightened awareness of measles in the USA. Although there are more infections in 2014 and at the beginning of this year, the 2015 outbreak here should be short-lived. This is due to wide-spread vaccine coverage in the USA for herd immunity provided by people who have been vaccinated or those who have recovered from natural measles infection. (Herd immunity occurs in a population when a person who is not vaccinated is protected because people around them are vaccinated or immune to infection. Virus exposure in such a protected population is unlikely to occur.)

Complete vaccine coverage is important for protection of a population. Otherwise an epidemic can spread. For example, in France where the vaccine is widely available, pockets of unvaccinated children accumulated and measles cases went from less than 100 annually to over 10,000 in one year. With the exception of a few places, e.g. in Ohio among Amish communities, measles vaccine coverage should be high in the USA.  In an outbreak as is occurring now, newly circulating virus may reach to pockets of unvaccinated individuals who are susceptible to infection. Thus, cases of measles could increase.

The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. The misconception is debunked that autism is somehow associated with measles or other early childhood vaccines. This initial claim was based on fabricated data; further studies clearly show that there is no association. The misconception should not be a factor in getting children vaccinated.

Infection with measles virus can be uncomfortable and inconvenient- at the least, and life-threatening under certain circumstance. Be sure your children, grandchildren and other infants and children get the MMR vaccine. The first immunization is essential; the second provides effective life-long protection.

Measles There

While measles in the USA should not be an issue (despite the current Disneyland associated outbreak), infection of children with measles virus continues to be a concern in many parts of the world.

Most of the disease burden from measles is in developing countries for children under five years of age. In 2013, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally there were 145,700 deaths from measles. That is 400 deaths each day or 16 deaths every hour.

Due to wider availability of the cost-effective vaccine, the 145,700 measles related deaths in 2013 represent a 75% drop from 535,000 in 2000.  To put this in perspective, in 2000, 5% of the deaths worldwide for children under five years old were attributed to effects of measles infection.

The 75% reduction is welcomed progress.

The measles virus is highly contagious. It passes from person to person by direct contact and through the air. It enters the body through mucous membranes of the respiratory tract or eyes and then circulates throughout the body to eventually cause a fine skin rash. The rash spreads from the face and neck to the hands and feet and areas in between. High fever, irritability, runny nose and red spots in the soft tissue of the mouth are early symptoms that appear before the measles rash.

Complications for children under five and for adults over 20 can lead to long-term effects. These include blindness, ear infections, encephalitis, pneumonia and severe diarrhea from bacterial infections. Measles infection can temporarily reduce immune defenses. Malnutrition or dehydration that occurs for some children in developing countries can severely complicate effects of measles. Although there is no specific anti-viral treatment for measles, ribavirin, a generic drug that works against some viruses that have RNA as the genetic material, can be helpful.

Infection with the virus provides life-long immunity as do the two immunizations with the protective, genetically stable, low-cost measles vaccine. The vaccine is widely used in the USA, Canada and some European countries. Much of the USA population today has never experienced or even seen measles infection. Yet, it is common and potentially lethal for many unvaccinated children around the world.

One of the Millennium Development goals (MDG4) to meet by 2015 seeks to reduce two thirds of the deaths from measles for children. From 1990 – 2013, according to the WHO, the global vaccine and immunization campaigns have prevented an estimated 15.6 million deaths from measles.

Measles Elimination

The current 2012 - 2020 goal of the Measles and Rubella Initiative (M&R Initiative) is to eliminate measles in at least five of the six WHO geographical regions. This includes eliminating (getting to zero) cases of measles in rural communities in hard to reach remote locations or places with ongoing political conflict.

Universal access to the measles vaccine, even in hard to reach locations, and complete coverage in places like the USA are both necessary to achieve the 2020 elimination goal. Unvaccinated children in developed countries (like the USA or France) are at risk for contact with virus imported by travelers from other countries. Thus, no one can afford to skip the measles vaccine as routine healthcare immunization or as part of periodic vaccination campaigns in targeted countries.

Amazingly, 2020 is only five years away. Getting to Zero with measles by then is feasible. The WHO, UNICEF, American Red Cross, the CDC and United Nations Foundation that form the M&R Initiative have provided a strategic plan (see link below). It is up to individuals to make sure that the plan is successfully implemented so that measles is eliminated as a potentially killer virus.

Measles here, and there, can be eliminated. Whether families go to Disneyland to enjoy some family fun or family members have to walk for miles to get safe drinking water, ensuring that all children are immunized is what we can do. Yes we can eliminate measles so that it is neither here nor there.


*Dr. 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 4th 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. 

15. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF:

The iChurch School Column will be sent as a TCR News Break.

*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 African Methodist Episcopal Church

16. MEDITATION BASED ON ISAIAH 40:21-31:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

40:21 Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?

40:22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in;

40:23 who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.

40:24 Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows upon them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble.

40:25 To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One.

40:26 Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in strength, mighty in power, not one is missing.

40:27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"?

40:28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

40:29 He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.

40:30 Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;

40:31 but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:21-31

I’m writing this meditation on the Tuesday after one of the greatest National Football League Championship games of all time - the 49th Super Bowl.  My Seattle Seahawks lost the game when they tried to complete a pass that was intercepted with seconds left, instead of trying a safer and more promising running play!  In the midst of my commiserating about that disastrous outcome, a friend who’s on staff at Harvard University named David Evans - who’s also a New England Patriots fan - brought something ironic to my attention via email.

David noted that Patriot’s Defensive Back Malcolm Butler - who made the game saving interception - earlier gave up a completed pass to Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse that put the ball inside the ten yard line and gave Seattle the chance to win the game.  The same player, who would have been the “goat of the game” - as David put it - if Seattle had won, ended up being the rightfully acclaimed hero who enabled the Patriots to win.

I’m not a Patriot’s fan, but I commend Malcolm Butler for what he did.  He could easily have been unnerved, disconsolate, discouraged and consumed by his earlier mistake and allowed a winning touchdown pass, but he gathered himself, stepped up at a critical moment and made and interception that saved the game for his team - just as Seahawks Defensive Back Richard Sherman did a year earlier in the 48th Super Bowl.

Remember what Malcolm Butler did in your most unnerved, discouraging and disconsolate times.  Disappointment and failure will come to all of us sooner or later, but we don’t have to be consumed or defeated by life’s reversals and difficulties.  We have a mighty God on our side - the God who can give us strength, fight our battles and enable us to gather ourselves, step up and achieve victory in life in spite of the odds against us.

Trust in the Lord to fight your battles and give you strength, even in your most trying, discouraging and disappointing times.  When you do, you can gather yourself, step up, find victory on life’s journey in spite of insurmountable odds, and discover new meaning in the words of Isaac Watts’ hymn that says, “Sure I must fight if I should reign; increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain; supported by Thy Word.”

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

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With heartfelt sympathy we sadly announce the passing of Bro. Earnest Seawright, the brother of Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright, Pastor of Union Bethel AME Church, Brandywine and Temple Hills, Maryland.
 
Services are as followed:
 
The Wake will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2015, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at:
Prodigal AME Church
1107 Center Hill Road
Highway 6
Swansea, SC 29160
 
The Home-Going Services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM, at:
Prodigal AME Church
1107 Center Hill Road
Highway 6
Swansea, SC 29160
 
Expressions of condolences may be sent to:
 
The Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright
1609 Portland Avenue
Fort Washington, MD 20744
 
Union Bethel AME Church is organizing a trip to Swansea, SC from the church, via a motor coach. The travel itinerary will be available at Union Bethel AME Church.

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Laverne Christine McLemore Hill, daughter of Mrs. Daisy McLemore, President of the Lena E. Smith Missionary Society, Community AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio and the sister of the Rev. Dr. James H. McLemore, Presiding Elder, Pittsburgh District; and sister-in-law of Mrs. Donna G. McLemore, President, Pittsburgh Conference M-SWAWO.

Home Going Celebration will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.:

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
566 Whitlock Avenue, N.W.
Marietta, GA  30064-3118


Arrangements Entrusted to:

Hanley/Shelton Funeral Directors
473 Lawrence Street, N.E.
Marietta, GA  30060-8207

Telephone:  (770) 428-6333
Fax: (770) 428-1838

Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:

Hanley/Shelton Funeral Home at the above listed address.

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the death of Mr. Eddie P. Jeffries, the brother-in-law of Presiding Elder Emeritus Sydney W. Williams and brother of Mrs. Helen Williams of the Virginia Conference, Second Episcopal District.

The Funeral service for Mr. Jeffries was held on this past Friday, at St. Paul AME Church at 25th and Chestnut Street in Newport News, VA.

Expressions may be sent to:

Presiding Elder, Emeritus and Mrs. Sydney W. Williams
317 Woodbrook Run
Newport News, VA 23606

Telephone number: 757-930-1102
Email address: Longcreek2@aol.com

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Jean (Dandridge) Phillips of Deptford, New Jersey.  Mrs. Phillips is the aunt of the Reverend Dr. John Dandridge, pastor Quinn Chapel AME Church, 216 Church Street Paris, Tennessee 38242 and the Reverend Dr. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, pastor of Woodfork Chapel AME Church Shelbyville, Tennessee 37160.
 
Mrs. Jean (Dandridge) Phillips was a life member of Campbell AME Church in Woodbury, New Jersey. She faithfully served in all capacities until her health failed.
 
The following information is provided regarding funeral arrangements.
 
Professional service provided by:
The Bagwell Funeral Home
131 S Broad St
Penns Grove, NJ 08069

Telephone: (856) 299-1611
 
Celebration of Life Services:
 
Friday, February 6, 2015
Campbell AME Church
220 Park Avenue
Woodbury, New Jersey 08096

Viewing: 08:00 – 09:45 a.m.
Service: 10:00 a.m.
Pastor and Officiating: The Rev. Norwood R. Cuff
Eulogist: The Rev. Dr. John Dandridge
 
Interment: Friday, February 6, 2015,   1:00 p.m. at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey
 
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
 
The Reverend Dr. John and the Rev. Dr. Janie Dandridge
1512 Raby Avenue
Shelbyville, Tennessee  37160

Telephone: (615) 512-6807 or (615) 796-7098

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Presiding Elder Jewel B. DeWitty of the Fifth Episcopal District, Southern California Conference.  The Rev. DeWitty celebrated his 91st birthday on January 12, 2015. He passed on January 28, 2015.

The Reverend DeWitty is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beverly DeWitty, a son, Gordon; daughters, Ann DeWitty, Myra Meaks and Lawana DeWitty; and a host of friends across the AME Connection.

Service:

Friday, February 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
First African Methodist Episcopal Church
2446 Revere Street
North Las Vegas, NV 89030

The Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Williamson

Telephone: (702) 649-1774
Fax: (702) 569-2989

Condolence May be Sent to:

Mrs. Beverly DeWitty
2919 Randor Court
North Las Vegas, 89030

Telephone:  (702) 326-8750

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is we great sadness that we announce the passing of Presiding Elder Thomas Gene Allen, of the North Little Rock/Fort Smith District, Arkansas Annual Conference.  He is survived by his spouse, Mrs. Aline Allen, his daughter, Dr. Nedra Allen, a grandson Jaylen, his mother and a host of relatives and friends.

Dr. Allen was a veteran churchman, serving as pastor of several churches and as the Presiding Elder of the Pine Bluff South District (Central Arkansas), the Little Rock and North Little Rock Districts in the Arkansas Annual Conference.  He was elected a delegate to the General Conference of the AME Church several times.

He was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the State of Arkansas, and through that involvement, he helped to integrate the library in Helena, AR.

Arrangements to celebrate a well-lived life are:

Family Hour:

Friday, February 6, 2015
Mt. Pleasant AME Church
1201 N. Magnolia Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Time:  TBA

Funeral Services:

Saturday, February 7, 2015
10:00 a.m.
St. John A.M.E. Church
1117 West Pullen Street
Pine Bluff, AR  71601

Condolences may be shared with the family via:

Mrs. Aline Allen & Family
#5 Saxony
Little Rock, AR  72209
501.562.7902

Services have been entrusted to:
Brown's Funeral Home
2704 Commerce Circle
Pine Bluff, AR  71601

Telephone: 870.534.3210

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Miss Brittany Barber. Miss Barber was the daughter of Ms. Marcia D. Ragin and the niece of the Rev. Dr. M. Charmaine Ragin, Presiding Elder of the Newberry-Spartanburg District, Columbia Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church. Miss Barber passed on Tuesday, January 27, 2015.

Please note the following:

Celebration of Life
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
2:00 p.m.
Historic Liberty Hill A.M.E. Church
2310 Liberty Hill Road
Summerton, SC 29148

Telephone: (803) 478-4812

The Rev. Robert China, Sr., Pastor
Rev. Eddie Gaston, Jr., Presiding Elder

Funeral Services are entrusted to:

Palmer Memorial Chapel - Sumter
304 South Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150

Telephone: (803) 773-3381
Fax: (803) 775-5327
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-882-2444

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. M. Charmaine Ragin
P. O. Box 1282
Sumter, SC 29151

24. 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




25. 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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