4/02/2015

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (04/02/2015)


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


-- Easter Sunday: April 5, 2015




1. TCR EDITORIAL – “ON THE THIRD DAY…” - LET'S COUNT:

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

Each year around Easter, the media, and even some religious leaders seem to raise conflicting theological issues and this year is no different.

One of the issues going around involves the statement and the biblical reference, “on the third day He arose from the dead.”  Anyone who has been to seminary has probably heard various theories about the Resurrection.  The theories make for great theological discussion, but those discussions are probably best discussed in the academic environment.

When I was in seminary, one of the big issues was the notion by some theologians that “God was dead.”  German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche first coined the thought and other theologians, notably, Paul Tillich, Richard Schacht and William Blake joined the discussion and in the 1960s seminaries were all abuzz with the "God is Dead" conversation. 

As an AME Itinerant elder seminarian, I had the good sense to know a lot of what was said in the seminary needed to stay in the seminary, in the spirit of the saying about Las Vegas, “What happens in Las Vegas stays in Las Vegas.” I knew better than to take some of the theological nonsense to my local church.

The parishioners at my church never heard the “God is dead” discussion, but they did hear me say, “I know that God is alive!”  I was not in the notion to confuse people or to provide TMI, especially unneeded information.

I am sure medical doctors discuss things with each other that they don’t discuss with their patients and in the military, there is “need to know” conversation, which is open for discussion and there is information not discussed with soldiers – it is on a “need to know” basis.

Within the ministry, there are theological issues that might best be conversations that clergy have with clergy. There are professional and theological discussions that are appropriate in a professional setting, but inappropriate for frivolous discussions.

If a parishioner has a theological question, he or she should go to his or her pastor. If a pastor or clergy has a question, he or she should talk to his or her presiding elder.  If a presiding elder has an issue that needs clarification, he or she should talk to his or her bishop.  Theological issues should not be posted, especially by clergy, on FaceBook or other social networks. Professionalism by the clergy should be a high standard at all times.

Here is the issue

It seems this year that there is a spirited discussion about whether Jesus spent three days in the tomb as recorded in the Bible and about whether he was crucified on Thursday or Friday. 

Let me say upfront, what is recorded in the Bible is what I believe. Jesus was crucified on Friday and he arose early Sunday morning.

And, here is why I believe it

The issue is how time was counted in antiquity, so before folks get off on a wrong track as it relates to Jesus’ three days in the tomb, people need to understand the Jewish reckoning of time. Jesus was in the tomb three days!  The biblical account in the Bible is true.  The Apostles’ Creed says, “On the third day he arose from the dead…” 

Jewish reckoning of time

A day begins with sundown and runs until sundown the following day. So here is the scoop on Jesus’ three days in the tomb.”

He was crucified on Friday and the authorities wanted to put him in the grave before the Sabbath, which began on sundown Friday so they put him in the grave before sundown on Friday, which was the first day. When sundown arrived on Friday evening, it was, for Jews, the beginning of a new day, the Sabbath (Saturday). The Sabbath (Friday evening until Saturday evening) was the second day according to Jewish reckoning of time. Sunday was the third day, which in reality began on Saturday evening. The early writers of the gospels were Jewish (except for Luke) and they reckoned time in the Jewish sense, not in the Roman or the modern sense of reckoning time from midnight to midnight.

So here is the calculation reckoned in Jewish time:

Day 1 – Friday, which ended at sundown
Day 2 – Saturday, which began sundown on Friday evening.
Day 3 – Sunday, which began on Saturday at sundown.

The Apostles’ Creed states, “The third day he arose from the dead…”  The Nicene Creed says, "On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father."  Do the biblical or creedal accounts say that Jesus was in the grave for 72 hours? No! “On the third day…!”

People who are not well-trained will try to reckon time as we reckon time from midnight to midnight or in 24-hour segments and count Friday to Saturday as the first day and Saturday to Sunday as the second day; that’s not the way time was counted in antiquity or in the biblical account.

In Genesis, the day began with nothingness or darkness, so “an evening and a morning was the first day…” and that’s why Jews reckon time as they do.

Jesus was in the grave 3 days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and “The third day,” Sunday, “He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead."

And, when I see frivolous theological discussions on FaceBook and other social media platforms, especially when posted by clergy, I recall some of the older preachers use to say, “When you go to seminary, you need to be grounded in the faith, because seminary can mess up a weak-minded preacher.”

I recently heard a layperson say, “Some people work overtime trying to disprove the Bible and the existence of God, instead of being spiritually enlightened by the Bible and the Holy Spirit to meet God and get to know God better.” 

My testimony, “Giving honor to God…” "I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal), church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen."

On the third day, "Jesus rose from the dead..." I believe it without discussion!

2. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER OP-EDS:

-- TCR OP-ED – CONCERNS ABOUT THE “BLACK FRIDAY CAMPAIGN”:

I have a few concerns with the 'Black Friday Campaign'.  I have been a professional economist for over 25 years through teaching, work appointments, research and publishing economic articles in professional journals.  One of my articles in economics was published by The A.M.E. Church Review about 10 years ago when I presented the case that Richard Allen was the first African American economist in the USA.  I fully support economic stabilization for all Americans because as President Kennedy correctly noted, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”  In addition, I supported Minister Louis Farrakhan's program of POWER in the 80s (People Organized to Work for Economic Rebirth).

The Black Friday Campaign is important, but it is limited in scope.  The limitations are due to several key features missing in the campaign namely the formation of capital and production.  Economists, irrespective of ideological preference, acknowledge that the source of all sustainable wealth is in production and capital formation.  The Black Friday Campaign offers no guide concerning how African Americans can reach that dual target.  Spending dollars in the "black community" is not a sustainable strategy because consumption is not wealth creation.  What we need is a sustainable wealth creation strategy that focuses on:

1) Capital Formation: Every AME Annual Conference should have a credit union.  I only know of one Annual Conference Credit Union and that is the Florida Conference Credit Union in the 11th Episcopal District.

2) Technology Formation: AME members across the Connection who are patent holders should be recognized by our church.  Patents represent the pathway to technology diffusion and eventually economic opportunities.  There are potential 'Silicon Valleys' across the US and abroad but we don't know who they are.

3) Entrepreneurial Formation: African Americans are viewed as spenders because our culture doesn't encourage entrepreneurs due to our risk-averse behavior.  We need to instill a new educational culture that emphasizes savings not spending is the key to economic recovery and being successful as a business owner is just as important (if not more so) as a college graduate.

Finally let me add that I am not confident the eight week time frame for the “Black Friday Campaign” will produce meaningful results simply due to the short period. 

I also don't think it is appropriate to start the Black Friday Campaign to coincide with Good Friday.  Good Friday is a sacred a day on our liturgical calendar to "share" time with a secular event such as this.  I would've preferred to see the campaign start the Friday after Good Friday.

-- TCR OP-ED - A RESPONSE TO TCR OP-ED - A MORATORIUM UPON THE ADMISSION AND TRAINING OF LOCAL PREACHERS AND NO ONE SAID WHY:

Please permit me to express my heartfelt disappointment in The Christian Recorder for opting to print the article in section 2 of this edition. As the chairman of the New Jersey Annual Conference Board of Examiners, I believe that the article is an attack on the Bishop's discretion concerning the ordination of any person. As you know, ordination is not an entitlement, but a privilege.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't locals technically a member of the district conference and not the annual conference? Those requesting local orders come to the conference with a request from the local church to receive local ordination. The governing body over the local church is the presiding elder and the district conference. Can a local request a transfer from the annual conference like an itinerant?  Can a local minister vote during the annual conference for delegates to the general conference or any other business?  The answer is no! The "fathers and mothers" of the Church were kind to include them in the annual conference roll call. However, none of their responsibilities allow them to participate in the work of the annual conference.
Therefore, my Bishops decision to ordain locals at the Episcopal District planning meeting rather than at the annual conference is valid decision.

My concern is that the AME Church's "official voice" has decided to give voice to a local deacon who is upset with the bishop's decision. The writer’s statement concerning no one being able to tell her why there is a moratorium instituted in the entire district is none of her concern. The moratorium doesn't affect her, so why would I owe her an explanation when she needs to be concerned with finishing the process?

The reason for the moratorium in our district is due to the fact we have locals who aren't finishing the process and churches that have more local preachers than actual members in the church. We also have locals who are causing major problems for pastors of local churches.

Ronald L. Slaughter, Chairman of the New Jersey Conference Board of Examiners

3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

-- To the Editor:

I greet you, brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ our Lord and Father. Thank you for all that you do in the kingdom of God and for the people of God. May God bless you your work. We love you in Uganda.

Pastor Hannington Chris

4. I ASK:

*Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry

I ASK:
I am currently pastoring two churches.  On Communion Sundays I consecrate at one, Communion the first table and then turn it over to the stewards to head to the second church.  A member commented on my absence and felt that stewards should not commune members.  She felt that a licentiate should do it.
I told her that it was appropriate for stewards to serve, not consecrate Communion, to with she stated that she had never seen that done before.  I told her I would find it in The Discipline and share it with her.  I thought I had read it in The Discipline, but I guess not, unless it was removed from a prior edition.
What are your thoughts?  
Name withheld
Bishop Guidry’s Response
Both the Book of Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Turner's Polity instruct that only ordained persons are permitted to consecrate and distribute the communion.  (Communion is listed among those functions called "priestly duties). 

The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2012 - pages 62-63 (see also page 111) explains the duties and limitations of stewards and lay preachers. They are not permitted to distribute the elements of Communion.  Also see Turner's Polity - Pages 138-139.

5. "UNFORGETTABLE" GOOD FRIDAYS:

-- A letter penned by Bishop Lawrence Reddick, the Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to the CME Church family
       
They began when I was a newly assigned pastor … and they began without me knowing they were coming.  In the pastor’s office I sat with one of the leaders – the chair of the Commission on membership and Evangelism – who explained what the Commission was doing and the plans they had … before the new pastor had arrived.

“There’s one other thing we do,” she said.  Her next words met home:  “I hope you will wait and see it before you change it.”  Then the leader – Aggie Rudolph was her earthly name – told me how the Commission sponsored Lenten Services which were aimed at supporting the working people in the city center close to our sanctuary. 

There were two significant components to these Lenten services.  My predecessor as pastor, the Rev. Robert L. Douglass, had begun this ministry. 

The first component, she said, were weekly short services – from 12:20 until 12:40 – just 20 minutes.  Pastor Douglass had selected other pastors from the city to give the 5-7 minutes meditation.  They were from various churches and denominations, but all presented the Lenten theme and all accepted the services’ aims – to enrich the lives of those who wanted Lenten renewal, but to focus on downtown working people who had only one hour for lunch by offering 20 minutes of planned worship.

The second component, she said, was not a short service.  It was a Good Friday service that began at Noon and ended at 3 p.m. – as close to 3 o'clock as possible.  Pastor Douglass had emphasized the symbolic three hours – a reminder of Jesus hanging on the cross for three hours.  It was a service of meditations on the seven last words, of singing the Lenten songs, with a time for people to give an offering, and ending with an emphasis on commitment as the service moved to an unrushed altar call just before the benediction.

She had said something like this:  “I hope you will wait and see it before you change it.”

That’s how they began … when I was a newly assigned pastor to a people called Scruggs Memorial CME Church in St. Louis, Missouri in 1978 – these “unforgettable Good Fridays.”  The Lenten services were important and helpful, but the Good Fridays were, during those four years, etching indelible memories in my soul and spirit more than I knew at the time. 

The Good Friday services!  O, how healing and renewing they were!   Every year for those four years, I heard some colleague in ministry give new insight to each of the seven last words:  “Father, forgive them …”; “Today shalt thou be with me …”; “Woman, behold thy Son …”; “My God, My God, why …”; “I thirst”; “It is finished”; and “Father, into thy hands ….”   Every year for four years, we worshipped … and it seemed to be without the mockery of trying to “out-preach” each other.  But every year for four years, I was driven by Pastor Douglass’ institution to move beyond even powerful preaching to the transformative moments of actively remembering, “Surely He died on Calvary!”  Every year for four years, God climaxed those transformative moments with the desire to respond in renewed commitment at the altar in response to His death – at the close of an unrushed, three hour service. 

Every year formed a memory.  The memories sustain me still.

+ Lawrence L. Reddick III

6. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HAS AME APP AVAILABLE:
  
The Office of the General Secretary of the AME Church makes AME App available to AMEs and others who would like to download the App on Apple and Android devices.  There is a one-time cost of $1.99. In your App Store, simply type in your search: "AME Church"

Editor’s note:  It’s a wonderful app and you can navigate all over the AME Church with the one-time cost of $1.99

7. WARM NIGHTS: IT WAS LIKE THE PRECIOUS OIL UPON THE HEAD:

*The Reverend Dawn Lockett Hobson

From December 28, 2014 to January 4, 2015 Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church hosted 25 homeless men and women. The program is called Warm Nights and it is the way that Prince George’s County, Maryland expands its ability to shelter homeless persons during the cold months of the year. Churches throughout the county open their doors and their hearts and allow homeless persons to sleep in their church buildings for one week each. During that week persons are fed breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The persons who were housed had a variety of issues that caused them to depend on someone else to provide a place to sleep and food to eat.  Some persons were in this situation for the first time in their lives because of foreclosures, unemployment, broken relationships, and other issues. Those persons are able, with help from the County and the churches, to get back on their feet within months. Others, however, return year after year because they are unable to work and can’t support themselves on disability insurance. As well as, some persons have substance abuse issues, medical issues, or mental health challenges that have kept them homeless for years.   And still many persons, after years of difficult circumstances, have simply found it hard to imagine any other life. Seemingly, to preserve a sense of dignity, there is a growing sense of entitlement that stands as a barrier to a new life.  This is the place where Christ’s love abounds through the Church.

At Greater Mt Nebo, under the direction of Pastor Jonathan L. Weaver, more than 150 members, an outside organization, and friends and family, were organized by the Reverend Dawn Lockett Hobson and her husband, Brother Kainan Hobson, and  worked tirelessly to setup, support, feed, and secure the homeless guests.  It was a wonderful example of members using their gifts as varying parts of the body. Each person did their part and together a great work was done.

Over 32 men worked security shifts to supplement the already busy trustee board by protecting the facility and maintaining order 24 hours a day for the week. 

Each day was hosted by a ministry or ministries. Volunteers set the stage on the first day.  Rooms were set up and tables were set and beautifully decorated.  The youth played a huge part in this as they were led by the Reverend Michelle Agnew, Minister to Youth. They did much of the heavy lifting and setup while others took pleasure in cooking and decorating to help our guests feel more at ease.   Youth Ministry returned to cook and serve both dinner and a very early morning breakfast.  There were free legal consultations which gave some guests hope that their situations could be resolved.

Other days were just as exciting.  Each day decorations were changed to go along with the meal of the day.  For example, on Chili Day tiny sombreros and ponchos were placed to set a Mexican theme. Fresh hot meals were served including spaghetti, chili, casserole, and a variety of “good for the soul’ food.  Hot breakfast was served each day, and on two days, persons brought their families together to host breakfast by cooking eggs, grits, applesauce, pancakes and sausage or bacon.  Lunch bags were prepared and were packed with sandwiches, all sorts of goodies, fruit and drinks. Nothing was withheld and persons came together expressing love with creativity.  One shelter monitor indicated that because of the love and quality of food, homeless guests who never ate, were eating again.  There was one women who, for the first few days, came in went to bed and covered her head. Not long after she was out, eating and socializing.

There was line dancing, Movie Night, and haircuts were given. Toiletries packed in brightly colored pack backs, decorated with inspiring words, were distributed. For laundry night over 400 dollars in quarters were collected and even the children gave to this effort. The children created welcome greeting cards for the guests.  Gift cards were given including $400 in McDonald’s gift cards and $40 dollars in CVS gift cards. These were distributed to allow the guests a place to go to warm themselves on the coldest days and to give shelter monitors a way to address some health issues by paying for needed medicines.

The Word was spoken daily to the group, and on an individual basis. The New Year was celebrated with candy and at Watch Night Service, after hearing a powerful Word; some guests rededicated their lives to Christ.  Prayers were spoken continually and a men’s gospel a cappella group called “Another Group” topped the week off with an awesome concert. 
 
At the end of the week, we knew that God had impacted lives. Thank you cards were received, testimonies about getting a car working, getting a job or simply realizing that they were cared for were told and God was glorified through ministry.

Certainly the most exciting part of this story is the fact that 25 homeless persons were housed, fed and supported with the love of Christ for a week.  But, the other blessing is the tremendous spirit of unity that arose.  There was a joy that was evident as people served, decorated and cooked.  From the youngest, who made cards or collected quarters, to the oldest who gave of her substance, everyone worked to the glory of God.  The true miracle was how the Greater Mt. Nebo A.M.E. Church family was blessed with the good and pleasant things of God that came while working together in unity. 

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing-- life forever” Psalm 133:1-3 (NASB)

*The Reverend Dawn Lockett Hobson is the Minister of Evangelism at Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie Maryland

8. NATIONAL HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LETTER TO PRESIDENT BARACK H. OBAMA:

Subject: Status of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Reference: Remarks during the February 10th meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)

Dear President Obama:

First, on behalf of the National Historically Black Colleges & Universities Alumni Associations, LLC (NHBCUAA) and the thousands of HBCU Alumni that we represent, let me express our sincere thanks for all the hard work you have done on behalf of our great nation.  Because of your leadership, many social and political issues have been provided a national forum.  We are better off as a nation and are certainly moving in the appropriate direction on many of the most critical national issues. 

Unfortunately, we must address the recent statements made by you at the referenced meeting with the CBC regarding our HBCUs.  This letter is transmitted to you to express our disappointment and utter frustration regarding your recent statement regarding the status of HBCUs while meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). 

Our hope regarding the long overdue exchange between you and the CBC would be a spirited collaboration on addressing the financial and social ills that hamper the success of our HBCUs.  Instead, what was received resembles a gut punch from you in expressing your “simplification” of the current HBCU story by only one set of metrics, “graduation rates and loan policies”. 

To only reference “graduation rates and loan policies” as the foundation of our comments about HBCUs ignores much.  It does bring into question your understanding of the HBCU community and the tremendous historical value that they have provided for this great nation.  We have many in our community, like yourself, who have matriculated at other institutions who believe that they know us better than we know ourselves. 

Thus, it would have been more appropriate for you to engage us in a dialogue about the topic and determine root causes and viable solutions to perceived and actual problems.

It is easy for anyone to state what you stated.  We expect more from you than just lumping us in a negative category and making a “flippant remark” such as you made to our CBC and HBCU Leadership.  We desire better engagement from you and shall press all concerned parties to rally on this topic and make it a national topic of discussion.  For too long, we have been told that our issues are not of sufficient magnitude and importance to others.  I am truly reminded of that fact as I reflect on the movie Selma and hearing President Johnson utter those same sentiments. 

What if Dr. King had listened to him and not pursued the march for voting rights?  I wonder what impact that would have had upon your desire to achieve the high office of President of these United States of America.  Be mindful that we “black folk” are citizens of this great nation and desire the same level of respect, admiration and support that all citizens expect and demand.    I trust that these words will resonate with some portion of your soul that understands the disparate treatment of HBCUs when it comes to funding and sustainment that our majority institutions of higher education have enjoyed for hundreds of years.  Being a scholar and student of history, we truly expected you to know and appreciate the facts regarding education of blacks through HBCUs and work to address them in an appropriate manner. 

Instead, you seem to have chosen the typical majority path of speaking to one set of metrics and ignoring the huge body of data that represents who and what the HBCU community is.  Please be mindful that thousands of our graduates were the strongest supporters of your campaign in 2008 and again in 2012.  What you have expressed in this statement confirms for all too many that you have been less of a friend and champion to a community that has supported you and your initiatives.  We welcomed the opportunity to engage with you and like-minded persons in a serious discussion of how to improve the current state of affairs for our beloved HBCUs. 

Once again, our hopes are dashed, but not destroyed.  We will survive your statements and your administration and press onward to ensure that our HBCUs survive and prosper.  Please let us know if you wish to be a part of that history versus being recorded as the President who stated that HBCUs need to close if they cannot get it together.

Respectfully submitted,

Ty Couey, President

cc: Congressman GK Butterfield, Chair Congressional Black Caucus 2015-2017
Dr. William Harvey, President, Hampton University and Chair, President Obama’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs
Dr. George Cooper, White House Initiatives on HBCUs
Congressman GK Butterfield, 2305 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515

9. REFLECTIONS ON ERADICATING RACISM:

Felecia Commodore (AME Church)

-- From the Eradicating Racism panel sponsored by the Churches Uniting in Christ. 

Churches Uniting In Christ, inspired by a letter written by young adult leaders of the AME church, held an intergenerational, ecumenical forum regarding how the church at large can play a part in eradicating racism and addressing social ills.  The panels centered on the needs and concerns of young adults in our churches and communities, how we can be successful in an intergenerational approach to social justice work, and what strategies and community partnerships were available for the church to address social ills, specifically racism.  The forum was hosted at Christian Temple of Faith CME Church in Dallas Texas on March 14 and streamed via the internet and included questions and conversation from both Twitter and Facebook.

There were many rich moments in the conversations had, including personal encounters with racism within the church context, confronting White privilege in the church, learning how to speak to the intersections of our community and congregation members, the silencing of Black women and how to connect the multiple generations in the fight against racism.  I believe that this conversation was a fruitful one.  Though everyone may not have agreed with all of their peer participants, conversations were had and started that have long been overdue.  This coming together of persons across denominations showed that, in the body of Christ, we are more often the same than we are not.  This forum also gave young adults an opportunity to speak directly to the issues that are not only affecting young adult church members but young adult community members in general.  This allowed for dialogue to begin about how our churches can do more to address these issues.  There were a number of strategies listed in the last panel of the conference. It is the hope of the participants that the connections made at the Truth to Power forum will be long lasting and have great impact.  The conference gave the participants the ability to get out of our congregational silos and work with other churches and community groups to begin to speak to the racism that plagues many of our communities and do so in a very real, lasting way. 

This forum also shed light on a new generation of leaders within and outside of our various churches. We were able to hear ideas and see the desire to push the church to be more active and vocal in the fight against racism.  These young adults saw this as part of the ministry and evangelism of the Gospel.  Young adults also spoke very passionately about valuing different experiences, working across political, doctrinal, racial, and gender lines.  They saw racism as an ill that affects all of our communities and congregations.  Therefore the church had to speak in actions as well as words.  This forum laid a strong foundation for ecumenical social justice work within the church.  Now that great discussion has begun it is our hope that the implementation of strategies occurs. Faith without works is dead, and this group challenges the church to practice what it preaches.

Churches Uniting In Christ is an ecumenical organization founded in 2002 whose origins lie in the Consultation on Church Union.  Its purpose is “reconciling the baptized, seeking unity with justice.”  The organization is composed of member churches including three members of the Methodist/Wesleyan family:  the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and The United Methodist Church.

*Felecia Commodore is a member of the AMEC Lay YAR Organization 

10. HISTORY OF HYMNS: “BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS”:

*C. Michael Hawn

"Beneath the Cross of Jesus" by Elizabeth C. Clephane; The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 297; AMEC Hymnal No. 146

Elizabeth C. Clephane


Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
the shadow of a mighty rock
within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat,
and the burden of the day.

Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas Clephane was born in Scotland in 1830 and died in 1869. The daughter of a county sheriff, she lived most of her brief life near Edinburgh.

Though in frail health most of her life, Elizabeth found the strength to help the poor and sick in her town. She and her sister gave all that they could spare to charity including, it is said, selling their horse and carriage for the benefit of the needy. The townspeople of Melrose referred to Elizabeth as “the Sunbeam.”

“Beneath the cross of Jesus,” focusing on the shelter of the cross, was first published three years after the author’s death in 1872 under the title “Breathings on the Border,” perhaps a double entendre referring to a geographical location near Melrose, the Scottish Borders, and a reference to the border between life and death. This poem and others of hers appeared in the Scottish Presbyterian magazine The Family Treasury, submitted by an anonymous source, perhaps a family member or friend. One source suggests that this hymn was written within one year of her death in 1868. British hymnologist, J.R. Watson mentions that an editorial emendation attached to the poem by the anonymous source submitting the poems said, these lines “express the experiences, the hopes and the longings of a young Christian lately released.”

Contained in the same collection was her famous narrative poem, “There were ninety and nine that safely lay.” Both of these hymns were promoted by the well-known American musical evangelist and songwriter Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908), who published them in his Sacred Songs and Solos (1873). Though Sankey composed a tune for the song entitled CLEPHANE, the almost universal pairing is with ST. CHRISTOPHER, composed by Bristol, England, musician, Frederick C. Maker (1844-1927).

The hymn is full of comforting, and perhaps paradoxical language, about the cross, after all, an instrument of the cruelest torture. These include in stanza two “the shadow of a mighty rock,” “a home within the wilderness,” “a rest upon the way.” An omitted third stanza provides additional images of consolation: a “happy shelter,” “refuge tried and sweet,” a “trysting place,” and “a ladder up to heaven,” a reference to Jacob’s ladder.

O safe and happy shelter,
O refuge tried and sweet,
O trysting place where heaven’s love
and heaven’s justice meet!
As to the exiled patriarch
that wondrous dream was given,
so seems my Savior’s Cross to me -
a ladder up to heaven.

Originally five stanzas, another omitted stanza, perhaps autobiographical, provides further insight into the comfort that the writer found in the shadow of the cross and the inspiration that the cross gave her as she anticipated her own death:

There lies beneath its shadow,
but on the further side,
the darkness of an open grave
that gapes both deep and wide;
and there between us stands the cross,
two arms outstretched to save,
like watchman set to guard the way
from that eternal grave.

Such explicit anticipation of and longing for death may seem somewhat morbid today, but echoes the Romantic literary sentiment of her time. Though appropriately sung during Lent and Holy Week today, this hymn is more of a personal meditation on the cross and one’s own mortality than a hymn written for a specific time of the Christian Year.

The contrast between this nineteenth-century Romantic perspective of the cross and the early seventeenth-century understanding expressed in the famous hymn by Isaac Watts (1674-1748), “When I survey the wondrous cross” (1707) is significant. Only the salient differences can be mentioned here. While Clephane’s cross is one of shelter and comfort, Watts’ cross is one of redemption. Clephane scarcely mentions the One who hung on the cross, while Watts focuses our attention to the dying Christ in stark detail in the first line of the following stanza (UMH 298):

See from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Clephane’s hymn incorporates an extensive list of comforting images, many biblical, while Watts interprets the scene of a dying Christ theologically. Following the first line of the stanza cited above, Watts, through the use of metaphor, transforms blood and water into “love and sorrow” and thorns into a regal crown. He concludes his hymn with a rhetorical question that cannot be answered except to say, “No! Nothing like this has ever happened in the history of the human race.”

Finally, Clephane places her encounter with the sheltering cross as an act of personal solace. She wants to remain spiritually in the shelter of the cross:

I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place;

Her final stanza states, she is “content to let the world go by/to know no gain or loss. . .” Watts, on the other hand, shifts our gaze from the crucified Christ to the “whole realm of nature” and calls for our total commitment:

Love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.

The purpose of this comparison is not to ascribe a higher quality to one hymn over another, for both bear faithful witness to an encounter with the crucified Christ. The purpose is to demonstrate the difference between the early eighteenth century theological perspective of Isaac Watts and the spiritual encounter of a woman during the Romantic era of literature 160 years later.

Elizabeth Clephane’s reflection assumes a spiritual posture of meditation. Unlike what she states in her final stanza, “Content to let the world go by. . . :, this was not her ethical posture as she was not only aware of others’ plight, but also shared all she could spare to meet the needs of the poor and infirmed within the limitations of her frail health and resources. Given the rich symbolism that is part of the cross in Christian experience, we need to sing both of these hymns as well as many others on this theme.

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

**Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

11. WATCH THE ONES WHO CELEBRATE YOU:

*The Rev. Jarrett Britton Washington
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!" John 12:13, NIV

Most recently, my wife and I were engaged in a conversation about the very people who celebrate us.  On the surface level, we are, and continue to be, excited to have people in our lives who are happy for and with us.   It makes us feel great to know there are people who are sincerely happy for the things God continues to do in our lives.  Honestly, God continues to do some amazing things....I just cannot tell it all.  But what happens when the very people that celebrate us one day or the same ones who drag our names in the very dirt the next day?  What happens when the people you thought were there for sincere reasons become the people who only want a front seat to your demise?  Furthermore, what happens when the people who say they love you decide it's time to crucify you?

There is no truer statement then the fact that "people will be people."  Literally, one week from Resurrection Sunday/Easter the spirit of God would have me to remind you in order to have the resurrection; you must first encounter the betrayal.  We recall as Christ entered Jerusalem promise and tragedy were operating at the same time.  On one side the people were chanting "Hosanna," while in many folks' minds they believed "Crucify Him."  Christ has all people's hearts both under His eye and His hand.  As believers, we must continuously make the connection that God is in control of everything happening in our lives.  Even as Christ triumphed and the disciples were overjoyed in praise the Pharisees and enemies of the kingdom were vexed. 
         
You too ought to understand even as you celebrate (whatever it is that you celebrate) there exist people who hate on the sideline of your life.  I learned a long time ago, not everyone is happy in your happiness.  You ought to release yourself from the thoughts of people and relish in knowing God remains good to you despite what people may say, think or believe.  In my transparent place, I will tell you the very people giving you shot outs on Social Media or even praising you in public, may privately dislike everything about you despite you.  Yet, your goal is to realize that above people, my goal is to strive to please God. 
         
Before Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the text testifies Jesus was in need of a colt.  He could have asked for stallion or maybe the best horse available in the land, but he asked for a colt.  He reminded the disciples that if any man asks, just let them know he was in need.  He said untie it, loose it and let it go.  Jesus, knowing the people would praise him by shouting "Hosanna blessed be the name of the Lord" during his entry, yet would opt to crucify him later, decides I need to come in as humble as I know how.  In your own humility realize that if they can talk highly about you when you don't look like much, simply think about what they will say when God really opens up more doors in your life. 
         
Today is a good day, to remind yourself that everyone who celebrates you is not for you.  Yet, your goal as a believer is not to get caught up on the people, but to fix your mind on your resurrection and a better place in God.  Allow every trick of the enemy, every naysayer, and every trial to push you to greater things in God.  Don't stop believing that God will and God can.  Encourage the very fibers of your soul on this week that what God has for you is simply for you.  Even if they don't cheer, shout, or celebrate, realize that because God has brought you to this place, it is apparent; God will take care of you.  

*The Rev. Jarrett Britton Washington is the pastor of Saint James in Johns Island, South Carolina

12. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

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

Based on Biblical Text: 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

In other words, let me familiarize you with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. As rich as Jesus was, he gave it all away for us. He became poor and we became rich.

I submit that one of the most challenged subjects in the Bible is the subject of giving. For the sake of argument I say giving is a problem. Giving is a problem and not just for Christians.

We find each day economic geniuses pouring over the details of stimulus proposals offered through government and private industry programs, looking for flaws and faults. The truth of the matter is however, we rarely find any two experts arriving at the same conclusion.

We find some concluding that we have spent too much while others assert we haven’t spent enough. There is a warning from some that we should diversify more, and others say we should diversify less. After listening to all the intellectual analysis by all the so-called experts, I have come to the conclusion that most of what we hear is merely somebody’s opinion.

None of my academic preparation would indicate I am qualified to provide an opinion; neither has anyone asked me for an opinion on the economic situation. It could very well be that folk didn’t think I had an opinion or maybe they didn’t care to hear my opinion. However, if somebody would ask me I would let them know that I believe the cause of the economic downturn is the folk who have much want more at the expense of those who have little. It is my opinion that America is not well. But the good news is that God prescribed the cure for America over thousands of years ago.

Folk many times try to make what God said complicated. But really, God’s Word is plain and to the point. The cure for what ails us can be found in a letter the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15.

I think the translation from The Living Bible is a help at this juncture as it reads: You people there are leaders in so many ways you have so much faith, so many good preachers, so much learning, so much enthusiasm, so much love for us. Now I want you to be leaders also in the spirit of cheerful giving. I am not giving you an order; I am not saying you must do it, but others are eager for it. This is one way to prove that your love is real, that it goes beyond mere words. You know how full of love and kindness our Lord Jesus was: though he was so very rich, yet to help you he became so very poor, so that by being poor he could make you rich. I want to suggest that you finish what you started to do a year ago, for you were not only the first to propose this idea, but the first to begin doing something about it. Having started the ball rolling so enthusiastically, you should carry this project through to completion just as gladly, giving whatever you can out of whatever you have. Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equaled by your realistic action now. If you are really eager to give, then it isn’t important how much you have to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you haven’t. Of course, I don’t mean that those who receive your gifts should have an easy time of it at your expense, but you should divide with them. Right now you have plenty and can help them; then at some other time they can share with you when you need it. In this way, each will have as much as he needs. Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? "He that gathered much had nothing left over, and he that gathered little had enough." So you also should share with those in need.

This translation, I believe, is extremely clear and it is good medicine. However, the trouble with good medicine is that often times we don’t like how it tastes. Might I remind us that we never really liked the taste of Castor Oil either, but it certainly did the trick!

How do we convince a selfish people in a nation of “free enterprisers” about the benefits of sharing? How do we persuade the person at the top of the company food chain to care about what happens to the minimum wage folks at the bottom of the chain trying to support a family?

Interestingly we cannot just accuse the folk at the top of being selfish. Particularly when in fact there is enough blame to go around. For example, how do we convince a family whose children are covered by healthcare that they ought to be concerned about their neighbors whose children have no insurance? How do we convince the folk who have saved to send their children to school, that they ought to be willing to contribute something toward the education of someone else’s children?

Statistics support the fact that the philosophy of sharing and the concept of contributing to help those less fortunate are foreign to most Americans. As a matter of fact some folk would even argue that it is unfair to be asked to share their wealth with someone else. And that it is unfair to expect the working family to contribute toward the poor, the unemployed and the folk who earn just minimum wage. The argument goes so far as to criticize whatever agency, government or private asking us to do so. My argument however is that folks are misdirecting their argument. I submit that instead of taking their argument up with the Government or heads of the private sector, the Bible convinces me that folks ought to take up that argument with God.

I believe saved and unsaved folk get confused when we think we are being asked to give up our money. In fact it is not our money.  Every dollar we have belongs to God. We are just God’s stewards and caretakers. God allows us to manage His affairs for Him. And for all our hard work God allows us to keep 90% of the profits. All God asks for is 10%.

The idea of sharing should be an easy sell to folk who profess to be Christians. This medicine is for all who claim to be in God’s family. After all shouldn’t we all be able to swallow God’s medicine?

The reason why God designed His sharing plan is we are all interconnected. We are all, rich and poor alike, interconnected. Jesus himself said “the poor you have with you always.” (Mark 14:7). If you ignore them, they don’t go away; they just become a more costly burden. God says share, so that the poor will not be a costly burden on the rest.

God’s plan for sharing is really quite simple. God wants 10% for the work of kingdom building, and then an offering according to our ability. In other words, when Paul says, “Give from what you have” he’s not talking about the tithe. The tithe belongs to God. When Paul is saying give from what you have he is talking about an offering. In other words, after allowing God to claim His ten percent, give whatever else you can spare.

God doesn’t need me to hype His Word as it is a fact that His Word stands on its own. God’s word let us know that if we give much because we have much, wonderful! Warning, God’s Word also says to us if we give little because our analysis of our expendable income is unrighteous we need to be careful! It is a fact that God is watching us. God knows what our needs are. God knows what excess we have.

God’s plan for sharing is sure to meet every need and solve every problem, if we trust Him. God’s plan for sharing is a cure but it requires obedience. It calls for all of us who are Christian to be obedient to the cause of Christianity. What is that cause? The cause of Christianity is to, spread the gospel, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, comfort the afflicted and to help the helpless.

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

13. GETTING TO ZERO: HOPE IN HOLY WEEK:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

It’s a rainy morning in Michigan in sharp contrast to the beautiful “not a cloud in the sky” warm weather of yesterday. After all, this is Michigan where one often hears, “if you don’t like the weather, just stick around, in a moment it will change.”

There is something comforting about the sound of rain in the early morning. It reminds me of the comfort we can take all year long- especially fresh and intense at Holy Week, in knowing that because Christ completed his purpose, we are safe. We are saved from the perils of death eternally and perils that come with loss of hope from challenges that occur in the time we live in this earthly realm.

Safety and hope are connected to mental, physical and spiritual wellness. For the opportunity to seek and attain a measure of wellness, I am grateful.

News items for the week
There are many reports on the horizon this week relevant to “Getting to Zero” for infectious or preventable chronic disease.

As highlighted in content of the last column, an HIV epidemic is unfolding in counties of southern Indiana- in the USA.

There is news in a publication out this week that HIV may actually get to the brain within several months of first infection. Study results show that virus can be found in brain tissue much earlier than previously thought. It may set up a protected reservoir at this site.

There is news that strokes may be triggered or made worse when an infection (respiratory, skin or urinary tract) has occurred several months prior to a recognized stroke. Further, an infection seems to be a stronger trigger of stroke in African Americans than in others. A recently published study concluded that African Americans are 39 times more likely to die from a stroke if they have had an infection in the previous 30 days compared to the increased chance of death from stroke under similar circumstances for whites or Hispanics (Levine, D.A. et. al., Neurology. February 7, 2015).

Racial disparities in health are a reality for African Americans. It continues to be so for many, too many chronic or infectious diseases.

There is news this week that Ebola virus may remain long-term in the semen of men who have survived Ebola disease. One new Ebola case in Sierra Leon seems to indicate that the spouse of a man who recovered from Ebola virus disease in October 2014 may have been infected from sexual transmission of the virus. Ebola virus has been found in sexual fluids of survivors for months after they recovered. However, this report is one of the first indications that sexual transmission can occur at so long of a time after disease recovery. This will be explored further. Much more will be learned from outcomes of the many Ebola classes of the 2014 West African outbreak.  This Ebola epidemic is unprecedented in the number of people infected and in its longer duration.
There are likely always will be, new reports and developments in the world of infectious and chronic diseases.

The news above is not compatible with the goal of “Getting to Zero”- a state of elimination of a given pathogen or cause of a chronic disease. For disease control in national and global communities, findings in recent reports can be equated to being caught outside in a heavy downpour of rain.

Hope and Holy Week

This is Holy Week. We know from the events of this week in years past- things are not as they may appear.

When there are issues we do not understand, it can seem dark with heavy clouds present or threatening on the horizon. When there is disappointing news, an unfavorable diagnosis, uncontrolled circumstances and unprecedented conditions- we who are safe can look past the clouds to focus on hope for better news. We can focus on knowing that there are cures and preventions through vaccines, therapies, behaviors or other means that will protect us- keep us safe.

In addition to the power available in prayer and the love, support and care of family and friends, there are validated actions that can be taken daily to move towards wellness of body, mind or spirit.

We know there is divine intervention in whatever form it manifests. Although it is cloudy and raining at a given moment, the sun is still shining and somewhere the sunshine is yet visible.

In this Holy Week, I am grateful for faith and hope that is solidly rooted in events that perfectly completed the purpose for which Christ was sent. The faithfulness of Jesus, the Christ, even through betrayal, suffering and death to get to the Resurrection, set us free from fear of death from possible outcomes of disease.

We are reminded that Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Even with news of this week, I have faith that we will get to zero for HIV/AIDS and get to zero for some other current infectious or chronic diseases. I have faith that we as a people, can and will be well, sooner or later. 

*The Rev. Oveta Fuller Caldwell, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan (U-M) Medical School, Associate Director of the U-M African Studies Center and an AMEC itinerant elder and former pastor. She lived in Zambia for most of 2013 to study HIV/AIDS prevention among networks of religious leaders.

14.  iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, APRIL 5, 2015 - FULLY ALIVE! (RESURRECTION DAY/EASTER) I CORINTHIANS 15:1-11, 20-22:

Bill Dickens. Allen AME Church, Tacoma, WA

Introduction

World religions purport to have a central figure who defines the framework of their belief.  Islam has the Prophet Mohammed. Gautama Buddha occupies a central role in the development of Buddhist teachings.  Confucius is the leader of Confucianism.  Similar dominant personalities are present for Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism, Taoism, and Zoroastrianism.  A common denominator for alternative world faith systems is the mortality of the person who defines the faith.  Christianity is unique in this area.  The basis of Christianity is the belief and evidence of Christ’s physical resurrection.  No alternative faith system can make a claim that there leader is alive.  The Church School Lesson for April 5, 2015 proclaims with emphatic affirmation that Jesus is Alive!  Easter Sunday is not a day to showcase new clothing styles and see how pretty our children can look or eagerly take part in Easter-egg hunting activities.  Easter is one thing and one thing only – The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The secular ancillary activities of Easter should never supersede the purpose of this celebration.  To do so would pollute our faith and make a mockery of the atoning work Christ provided at Calvary and post-Calvary.

Life Application

One of my favorite TV drama shows is the ABC series called Resurrection.  It examines what will happen when those loved ones, people you cared for, suddenly one morning stand at your front door.  The people of the mythical town of Arcadia, Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones suddenly start to reappear. An 8-year-old American boy wakes up alone in a rice paddy in a rural Chinese province with no idea how he got there. Details start to emerge when the boy, who calls himself Jacob, recalls that his hometown is Arcadia, and an Immigration agent, played by Omar Epps takes him there. The home he claims as his own is occupied by a 60-year-old couple who lost their son, Jacob, more than 30 years ago.
While they look different, young Jacob recognizes them as his parents. Lucille is overjoyed at the seeming miracle of her son's reappearance. Henry is reluctant to accept that Jacob is back. Those closest to the family want answers, including the local sheriff (Fred) whose wife Barbara drowned 30 years ago while trying to save Jacob, and Fred's daughter a local doctor. An Arcadia pastor seeks a spiritual reason for what's happening in his community. However even his life, ministry and marriage is put to a test when his former girlfriend is ‘resurrected’ and returns to Arcadia.  The town is split about whether the resurrected Arcadians would be embraced or viewed as a threat to their quality of life.  Controversy seemingly is always associated with reports of resurrection.  A Christian can identify with this observation.

Summary

In the mid-1970s Josh McDowell published a classic book that re-defined Christian apologetics.  The title of the book was – Evidence That Demands a Verdict.  The focus of the book was to provide readers with the forensic evidence of Jesus’ resurrection and let the reader decide whether Jesus was a charlatan or the Son of God.  The Resurrection of Jesus is an important event in world history.  People need to be reminded of important events that shape their identities and actions. What kind of event can make such an influence on their lives? Jesus’ resurrection provided tangible evidence of the possibility of resurrection for those whose identity is formed by Christ Jesus.  The Church School Lesson for April 5, 2014 teaches the Resurrection of Christ and what it means for believers.  Just like Arcadia had its share of skeptics, so too does Paul acknowledge skepticism about Jesus’ Resurrection among his contemporaries.  Paul nonetheless makes the convincing case that Jesus is fully alive.  The key takeaway is this:  Because God lives I can live as well!

*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

15. MEDITATION BASED ON JOHN 12:20-32:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this Meditation during what most Christians call “Holy Week” - the days leading up to our Easter Celebration of the Resurrected Christ.  The Friday of Holy Week is called “Good Friday” - a label that may sound strange to some ears.  Good Friday is a remembrance of the day when Jesus, who was arrested and physically and emotionally abused on Thursday night, died an agonizing and brutal death nailed to a cross.

The physical events of that Friday were anything but “good” for Jesus, but the day was actually good for all humanity.  If Jesus had not taken the next step in His earthly mission and allowed Himself to be crucified as our Living Sacrifice, the price for our sins would have gone unpaid and there would be no glorious celebration of His completing His mission and rising from the dead three days later - without Good Friday, there would be no Easter Sunday.

Remember the events of Holy Week not just on Easter Sunday, but on each and every day.  An old saying in the “cultural corner” of Christianity where I was raised and grew up says, “If you haven’t run into trouble yet, just keep on living and trouble will find you.”  Life in this world is not trouble-free - we’ll all run into physical, spiritual and emotional situations that bring us more than our share of stress, frustration, confusion and anxiety - times that we don’t welcome and would never call “good.”

Difficult days are a part of the human condition, but we don’t have to give in to the doubts and fears that those difficult days bring.  Just as our Savior had to endure Good Friday for there to be an Easter Sunday, we sometimes have to endure our tough times.  When we truly believe that Christ is our Savior, Redeemer and Friend, we can do so, knowing that Jesus still stands with us, defends us, blesses us, comforts us, sustains us and restores our joy.

Have a great Easter Sunday, but when the day is done, keep on leaning and depending on Jesus, regardless of the changes that life puts you through.  You’ll find out that, as a modern Gospel songs says, that your “...good days” will outweigh your “bad days.  You can then face each days trials and triumphs looking to Jesus and saying with Isaac Watts, “Sure, I must fight if I would 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:


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

16. GENERAL OFFICER CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr., General Officer and President/Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union, Nashville, Tennessee celebrated his 75th Birthday on April 1, 2015.

Congratulatory Messages can be sent to:

Dr. Johnny Barbour Jr.
185 Bristol Blvd.
Jackson, MS 39204


Submitted by the AMEC Sunday School Union

17. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened by the passing of Mr. Robert Q. Huckaby, the brother of Dr. Roberta H. Hill, Christian Education Director, 13th Episcopal District, and the brother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, retired General Officer and pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Mr. Huckaby passed on Sunday, March 29, 2015.

Service Arrangements for Robert Q. Huckaby:

Sunday, April 5, 2015 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Public Viewing:

O. H. Pye III Funeral Home
17600 Plymouth Road
Detroit, Michigan 48227      

Telephone: (313) 838-9770
Fax: (313) 838-9827
                                                                                         
Monday, April 6, 2015
Family visitation 12 p.m.
Funeral: 12:30 p.m. at the O. H. Pye III Funeral Home (Address listed above)

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Roberta Hill
3141 Harborwood Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214

Telephone: (615) 316-9799

Email addresses:

Dr. Roberta H. Hill: DrRo@bellsouth.net 
Dr. Kenneth H. Hill: hilldrkenneth@comcast.net

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Dr. James H. Foster, retired pastor from the Delaware Annual conference.  The following information has been provided regarding the funeral arrangements.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Viewing: 10 a.m.
Homegoing Service:  11 a.m.

Eackles-Spencer & Norton Funeral Home
256 Halltown Road
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

Telephone: (304)724-6500
Fax: (304) 728-0943

Repast:

Fellowship Bible Church
160 Daniel Road
Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442
Telephone: (304) 728-3700

Interment:

Cedar hill Cemetery
Old Furnace Road
Harpers Ferry, WV

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Delores J. Foster & Family          
295 Uvilla Road
Harpers Ferry, WV

Telephone: (304) 876-8008

Or Fax to Funeral Home

Hotels in the area:

Holiday Inn Express                   
681 Flowing Springs Rd                    
Ransom, WV 25438                   

Telephone: (304) 725-1330                       

Hampton Inn
157 Pimlico Drive
Charles Town, WV 25414

Telephone: (304) 725-2200

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of First Lady Ruby Lambert, wife of The Rev. Fred Lambert, pastor of Gomez Chapel AME Church in Rockford, IL.  Lady Lambert’s Service of Celebration took place on Saturday, March 14, 2015.  Mrs. Lambert was a diligent servant for the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church.  Let us keep Rev. Fred Lambert, the Lambert Family, and the church family at Gomez Chapel in our prayers.

Expressions of condolence may be sent to:

The Rev. Fred Lambert, pastor
Gomez Chapel AME Church
1509 Michigan Ave
Rockford, IL 61102


20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Effie Saunders, the mother of the Rev. P. David Saunders, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Saginaw, Michigan.  Mrs. Saunders made her transition on Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the age of 92.

The arrangements for the celebration of her life are as follows: 

Viewing on Tuesday, April 7th from 3:00 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Chapel of the Chimes Funeral Home
4670 South Inkster Road
Westland, Michigan 48181

Telephone: (313) 295-2500

Celebration of Life on Wednesday, April 8th
Family Hour 10:30 a.m.
Funeral Service 11:00 a.m.

Smith Chapel AME Church
3505 Walnut Street
Inkster, Michigan 48141

Telephone: (313) 561-2837
 
Condolences may be extended to Rev. P. David Saunders and family at:
3335 Foss Drive, Saginaw, Michigan 48603-1719

The Rev. Saunders may be reached by telephone at the church (989) 755-7011 or via email at revpdsaunders@sbcglobal.net.  

21. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Brother Thomas James Bartley, the brother of Sister Edith Cartledge - Director of Lay Activities for the Connectional Lay Organization. The following information has been provided regarding the funeral arrangements.

Saturday, April 4, 2015
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Homegoing Service:  10 a.m.

Morris Brown AME Church
1756 N. 25th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19121 

Telephone: 215-763-4707

Services Entrusted to:

Francis Funeral Home
5201-07 Whitby Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143

Telephone:  (215) 747-1919

Condolences may be faxed or emailed to the funeral home:

Fax: 215-747-5201

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Edith Bartley Cartledge
1072 Findlay Avenue - Apt# 1
Bronx, NY 10456

Telephone: 718-538-1341

22. 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




23. 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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