6/05/2015

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (06/05/15)


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



1. TCR EDITORIAL – AN IMPORTANT QUESTION WE RARELY, IF EVER, HEAR:

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

There are many attributes and characteristics of leadership. A few come to mind that include integrity, character, honesty, commitment, adaptability, courage to make decisions, creativity, confidence, adaptability, vision, trustfulness, discernment, initiative, consistent, organizational competence, ability to inspire and to communicate effectively, ability to plan, train, delegate and trust; and the ability to encourage and to chastise, if needed; and of course taking leadership and being a loyal and competent subordinate. A leader needs to be strong, courageous and not fearful of making tough decisions.  

Another important attribute for an effective leader is the willingness and ability to identify and train subordinates to do the leader’s job.  Leaders should always be working to train themselves “out of a job.” Training is the key for organizational effectiveness. One of the reasons for ineffective organizations is a lack of training, which precipitates a lack of confidence and a lack of commitment to the organization.

The list for the attributes and characteristics of leadership is exhaustive and in researching the attributes of leadership, one other attribute was not listed.

The unlisted attribute left off most lists of the characteristics of leadership is by far one of the most important elements of effective leadership.

It is the most ignored attribute of bishops, presiding elders, pastors, and heads of local church organizations. General Officers ignore it too.  

I suspect many pastoral careers could have been turned around if this attribute had not been ignored. I suspect some episcopal relationships could have been a “smoother ride" if this leadership attribute had not been neglected.   

Sometime this leadership attribute is ignored because of the perceived notion of power and a leader’s perceived notion of his or her knowledge, training, experience and the responsibility of their position gives them license to make autonomous decisions. And sometimes it’s ignored because “it’s easier to go ahead and do it yourself.”

There is one other factor why this leadership component is so widely ignored, especially in religious organizations.

Constituents and subordinates, especially in the church, give leaders carte blanche permission to make decisions and establish protocols for the organization, even if it goes slightly against the rules of The Doctrine and Discipline.

Who questions pastoral leadership?  

Who questions pastors, presiding elders and bishops?  And, therein lies the problem. Very few would question the pastor, presiding elder or the bishop, at least not openly. When leaders ignore this leadership attribute, the door is open for conflict and most often passive-aggressive conflict, which is the most difficult to resolve because it is masked in clandestine passive behavior.

The most neglected leadership attribute

The most neglected leadership attribute is the failure of and the courage to get honest feedback.

Some feedback generated questions leaders fail to ask, “How am I doing as your leader (bishop, presiding elder, pastor, local church leader)? What am I [bishop, presiding elder, pastor, local church leader] doing right?  Where do I [bishop, presiding elder, pastor, local church leader] need to improve?  How is the morale [In the local church, presiding elder district, annual conference, episcopal district]? What can we do to make [the local church, presiding elder district, annual conference, episcopal district] better and more efficient?”

I found it quite interesting in the military from the time I was working in a battalion, brigade and as a division, corps and major command chaplain that commanders at each level were concerned about the morale and how their leadership was perceived by their subordinates. There was a genuine concern for feedback and I understood the importance of feedback in my leadership positions.

Of course in the military there was almost always a risk of life and death in decisions and morale and unit cohesiveness were extremely important.  Even though commanders / leaders could give direct and lawful orders, morale and the soldiers’ respect for leadership was important in maintaining a high performing effective military unit.   

The ministry is also a life and death profession and the local church, presiding elder district, annual conference, and episcopal district’s morale and cohesiveness is essential for a strong and healthy religious program. Morale and discipline are essential to good order and discipline.

Admittedly, everyone does not know how to give feedback, but pastors, presiding elders, and bishops should have mechanisms in place to receive honest feedback. I can recall a 4-star general asking, “Chaplain Sydnor, have I done anything stupid this week? Have I said anything that I shouldn’t have said?  How are we doing?”

Feedback mechanisms include “trusted” individuals who are not trying to manipulate the system and will give honest feedback and evaluation forms that people can submit after significant events.  I honestly believe that bishops would learn a great deal if they provided post annual conference evaluation forms.  

Honest feedback needs to be received without retaliation. People function healthier and more honestly in an open non-attributive or non-retaliatory environment.  

Pastors especially would benefit greatly with feedback in the local church. Information about the morale of the congregation and what’s on their minds would help pastors to tailor and retool the religious programs to meet the needs of the congregation and, in some cases might eliminate unnecessary conflict. In a congregation a feedback mechanism need not be clandestine and the AME Church already has a mechanism for pastoral feedback. The pastor's steward or steward pro tem or the trustee pro tem would be excellent feedback mechanism for the pastor. Of course the steward pro tem and the trustee pro tem would need to be professional and might need to be trained in how to provide feedback to the pastor. And, another “of course” is the pastor would need to be man or woman enough to accept feedback without “killing the messenger.”

Presiding elders and bishops need to have “trusted individuals” who can provide them with real-time honest feedback.

Evaluation forms after meetings and annual conferences could also provide invaluable feedback. Anonymous evaluation forms could provide ideas for increasing attendance, increasing income and organizational effectiveness across the board.

Pastoral and episcopal leaders might be pleasantly surprised with the feedback they might receive form both laity and clergy.

For instance I am scheduled to attend the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference at Hampton University next week. I have been attending the HU Ministers’ Conference for 20 years. I first attended the conference in 1978 and then became intimately involved when I was Director of the Hampton University Religious Studies Program in 2000.  I didn’t have to pay for my registration because I worked at the University and I also sat on the committee that planned the day to day functions of the conference.

When I first saw the registration fee, I was astounded because it seemed awfully high; and at least one time the fee increased.

The HU Ministers’ Conference with the AME Luncheon is one of the yearly events that always begin on the first Sunday in June and the AME Luncheon is almost always on Wednesday as it is this year.

I notice the camaraderie and excitement of everyone who attends the conference. People are attending the various worship services, workshops and seem to spend a lot of time fellowshipping and shopping. The vendors’ tent bustles with activities. The AME bishops who attend seem so relaxed.

But, let me get back to the high registration fee. When one thinks about it, it is high, but not really high when you consider that once you pay the fee there are no offerings, so when I get to the HU Ministers’ Conference all the money in my wallet belongs to me and I don’t have to be stressed about how much I have to give because, “We have run short.”

The HU Ministers’ Conference gets all of its money upfront and meets budget and the persons attending the conference can better budget for their hotel accommodations, other expenses and shopping.  Hampton found out years ago from evaluation forms that budgeting and setting a registration fee was more effective than taking offerings and certainly better than trying to do both: Have a registration and offerings.  

I wonder what kind of feedback our leaders would receive if they asked their constituents how to best fund our meetings or do we do business as usual because, “We have always done it that way.”  

But, that’s another editorial…   

The point is leaders - need to ask questions and get feedback because doing so is a leadership attribute. 

TCR Editor’s Note: I will be traveling to the 101st Hampton University Ministers' Conference and 81st Choir Directors' & Organists' Guild Workshop June 7 – 12.  The AME Luncheon at the Hampton Ministers Conference will be held on Wednesday June 10, 2015 at Noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA 23669. The Cost of the Luncheon is $25.00 and the luncheon is always a great time of fellowship. If you need further information call Bethel AME Church (757) 723-4065.

The Rev. Dr. Frank Madison Reid III, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Baltimore is scheduled to be one of the Preachers at the Hampton Ministers’ Conference. AMEC Senior Bishop John Bryant is listed as an elder statesman.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

-- To the Editor:

Re: Preaching is not the Primary Function of the Pastoral Ministry

I know I didn't respond immediately but I must tell you this article was simply a fresh of breath air for me. It was so nice to see that what I am going through is nothing new. For the first six months of being a pastor I tried to figure out how over the previous three years I was able to be a full time seminarian student in an entirely different state, publish two novels, be somebody's wife, mother of six children, an associate minister and youth pastor in two separate churches simultaneously, all while running two businesses, and sitting on six different boards, and managed to balance them all well. But six months into the pastorate, after taking leave from the boards, graduating school, resigning from the ministry positions at the other churches, not accepting any new business, and delaying my third book, to focus solely on the new church plant, there didn't seem to be enough time to just "pastor" the flock that God assigned to me.

I was not happy with my two day or sometimes night before composed sermons, most of my time was spent in pastoral care counseling, and visitations. Then there was the money....or lack there of (smile) for anything that I wanted to do outside of simply having service.

Now that we're closing in on the completion of our first year, finally the church leaders (most of whom previously had never been church leaders) are walking in their leadership training. And I now am able to delegate (love that word) most of the non-ministerial duties. I can finally catch my breath. The creativity and out of the box vision and thinking has come flooding back.

I have to admit that before I started gaining my footing, I found myself on Saturday nights wondering why it seemed to be so difficult to manage my time when I had always successfully been able to juggle so much.

I view the pastorate not simply a job or even a vocation, but a way of life. It is the most important and fulfilling position I've ever been in. Reading your article brought me great comfort and I just wanted you to know that.

The Rev. Lee M. Sapp
“The Shepherd's Heart...An out of the box ministry - Break out of the box with us! www.theshepherdsheartrpb.com

Pastor June Mysteries: Ministry is what she loves; solving murder mysteries is what she does!

Author's Website: www.leemsapp.com

3. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- The Rev. Clive Pillay shares the latest issue of Mount Olive Piketberg AME Church Newsletter [Republic of South Africa]


-- Baltimore pastors plan solutions for city violence

The Reverend Jamal Bryant of the Empowerment Temple AME Church speaks at an interfaith rally on the War Memorial Plaza Sunday after a week of turmoil following the police custody death of Freddie Gray...



-- After severe weather damages local church, congregation carries on...

The Rev. William M. Campbell Jr., pastor of Anderson Chapel A.M.E. Church in Killeen, leads Sunday worship service in the Fellowship Hall after storms damaged the main sanctuary.


4. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TO OFFER D.MIN DEGREE:

Payne Theological Seminary, under the leadership of President Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, has been approved by the Association of Theological Schools to launch the Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program:

The Doctor of Ministry is the terminal professional degree in theological and ministerial education. Payne Theological Seminary’s three-year program is designed for persons with a minimum of three years’ experience in full-time ministry who have completed their Master of Divinity degree and wish to further their education. Persons seeking to enter into a Doctor of Ministry program must have a clearly definable context of ministry.

“Payne is delighted to offer the Doctor of Ministry degree program,” said Gaskin Fitchue. “This program will enhance the practice of Christian ministry for persons who hold the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree and have engaged in ministerial leadership.”

The Payne Doctor of Ministry degree program seeks to deepen the basic knowledge, skill, and research in ministry so that one can engage in the practice of ministry with increasing professional, intellectual, and spiritual integrity.

“The Doctor of Ministry degree at Payne is designed to train leaders for the Church in various areas of ministry,” said Dr. Michael J. Brown, Payne Theological Seminary’s Academic Dean. “Students will attend one-week intensives and peer seminars. Additionally, web support is a part of the program through Blackboard and webinars, allowing students to remain in their contexts of ministry on a full-time basis while earning their degrees.”

The Doctor of Ministry program consists of six consecutive semesters. Each semester begins with a one-week DMin intensive followed by Peer Focus Group seminar sessions. Each semester represents one of six phases of the program and culminates with the completion of a written doctoral-level project that addresses both the nature and the practice of ministry. The six phases and corresponding semesters are:

1) Advanced Preparation for Ministry

2) Problem Analysis in the Practice of Ministry

3) Foundations for the Practice of Ministry

4) Research Methods for Ministry

5) Field Research, Data Collection/Data Analysis

6) Research Writing and Final Preparations

Applications are currently being accepted for the Seminary’s first Doctor of Ministry degree program cohort: Transformational Church Leadership for a Digital Society, commencing on August 17, 2015.

The Transformational Church Leadership for a Digital Society Doctor of Ministry cohort is designed to introduce students to the concept of transformative learning as a tool for church leadership development. Students will grapple with such questions as:

- What is the role of church leadership in fostering transformation as well as conserving tradition?

- What practical wisdom, qualities of leadership, skills, and experiences are necessary for the practice of faithful and effective leadership?

- How do we effectively educate and mentor clergy and laity for effective church leadership?

- How do church leaders help their congregations fulfill their historic mission of effectively responding to the social crises of their communities?

- How can the practice of church leadership be transformed so that congregations better fulfill their mission in oppressed local communities?

Program participants will be introduced to various aspects of leadership, including servant leadership, charismatic leadership, visionary leadership, adaptive leadership, situational leadership, and transformational leadership.
Leadership theories will be explored to help students arrive at a style that resonates with their personalities. The role of technology and its impact on decisions will be explored from a local and global perspective.

For more information about Payne Theological Seminary’s Doctor of Ministry please contact Dr. Michael J. Brown at (937) 376-2946, Ext. 211.

5. GET READY, GET READY, GET READY:

Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., Mother Joan and the Eighth Episcopal District welcome the Connectional Church to the Crescent City:
.
The Eighth Episcopal District is excited about the Connectional Church’s coming to New Orleans, Louisiana for the meetings of the Council of Bishops and the General Board, June 29 – July 1, 2015.  But what brings even more Excitement to the District is the anticipation of the Investiture of Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., as the President of the Council of Bishops. 

Committees have been formed, meetings are being held, teleconferences are being conducted to ensure that those visiting the Crescent City will have an engaging and enjoyable experience while exploring the excellence and excitement of the Eighth Episcopal District.

If you haven’t made plans to come, do so. We are expecting you!!!

6. FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WMS QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION HOST:

- Peace and Holy Blessings

Soon, we will gather in Indianapolis for the 18th WMS Quadrennial Convention. The mandate for missions in this Millennium is well known to you. In an attempt to address an area that the Black Churches have not fully engaged; the Fourth District in our hosting will bring to the forefront the ecological issues concerning WATER on this planet.

The Fourth District of the AME Church (Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Canada and India) is preparing to Host the 40 nations of our Denomination in a 5-Star manner.

Our hospitality has a message, a mission and a mandate. The message: Water is a sacred gift, a human right and a life source.

The Mission: To make potable water accessible to a primary school in Liberia and to support a potable water project in Haiti through SADA.

The Mandate: To equip the AME Churches locally and globally to become Intergenerational water witnesses and water educators for the uplift of humanity and the glory of God.


Our signature event will be held in the BALLROOM of the Indianapolis JW Marriott Hotel.

Water: A sacred confluence of the arts, ecology and activism Saturday, July 18, 2015, 7:00 p.m.

A multi media event featuring THE 48 Member Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra founded by Maestra Jerri Lynne Johnson, Conductor.

Contributions to “Water for Life” should be made payable to:

4th District WMS 18th QC, 4448 South Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60653

The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Senior Episcopal Supervisor
The Rt. Reverend John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate & Senior Bishop

4th Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church

Isaiah 41:17-18: "The poor and needy seek water, and there is none and their tongue faileth for thirst; I, Jehovah, will answer them, I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water."

7. COMMUNICATORS IN THE AME CHURCH - 34TH BIENNIAL SESSION OF THE LAY CONVENTION – CANDIDATES’ FORUM

South Carolina has a rich history and we are reminded that Memorial Day was the brainchild of persons of African descent who established it as Decoration Day on May 30, 1868 in South Carolina to honor Union soldiers who were removed from a mass grave and re-buried with dignity and appreciation.  10,000, including 3,000 children, marched, prayed and sang. 

We gather again in South Carolina, still grateful to those who offer themselves for service.  

This Candidates' Forum will provide an opportunity for the delegates, observers, and friends to hear the episcopal, general officer, connectional officer and Judicial Council candidates for election and reelection at the 2016 General Conference.

Please join us in prayer for our upcoming convention and the AME Church's mission and ministry throughout the world.  Be well!

Connectional Lay Organization:

Dr.  Willie C Glover, President
Sister "Jackie" Dupont-Walker, Chair - AME V-Alert
Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr., Lay Commission Chair  
                                                            
Candidates planning to participate in the Candidates’ Forum of the  Lay Organization - 2015 at the 34th Biennial Session in Charleston, South Carolina please contact AME VAlert by calling (213) 4949493 or sending an email message to jdupontw@aol.com to get additional information about how to participate in the Candidates’ Forum.

8. A PASTORAL VISIT WITH THE FIRST FEMALE AME PRESIDING ELDER:

The Rev. Dr. Timothy E. Tyler, pastor of Shorter Community AME Church in Denver, Colorado traveled to the 16th Episcopal District and while in Guyana visited Presiding Elder Dorothy Millicent Stephens Morris.

Presiding Elder Dorothy Millicent Stephens Morris was the first female appointed as Presiding Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church by Bishop F.H. Talbot in 1973. Dr. Tyler said, "She is nearly 103 years old. When we entered her home in Georgetown, Guyana she asked us if we wanted to pray. She prayed for us under the power of the Holy Spirit. Elder Morris represents the Prophesying daughters spoken of in the book of Acts. She stands in the tradition of preaching AME Women who were first to be elevated, but rarely celebrated.” 

Dr. Tyler went on to exclaim, “We Celebrate This Living Legend!"

9. MIDWEST CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION CONVENTION OPENS WITH POWER:

*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III

The Midwest Conference Lay Organization’s opening worship service at the Jack Reardon Convention Center in Kansas City, Kansas opened on June 4, 2015 with the power of the Holy Ghost. Under the watchful eye of President Melvin L. Jenkins, Esq., the laity and clergy were gathered to celebrate this auspicious occasion as Team Midwest.

This is the 7th Annual Lay Convention since coming together as the Midwest Conference in 2008. The churches of the Kansas City, Kan. and Leavenworth, Kan., along with other area churches came together under the Connectional Lay theme lifted from Matthew 28:16-20, “Laity Fulfilling the Great Commission” to host the convention.

Brother Timothy Goff from Grant Chapel in Kansas City, Kan., served as worship leader. Following the processional song, “We’ve Got One More Time to Praise the Lord,” liturgists for the evening were the laity of the Midwest Annual Conference.

Worship through music was provided by the Kansas City Area Midwest Conference Youth Choir, under the direction of Rev. Rochelle Settle, and the combined Kansas City, Kan. Area Choirs, under the direction of Bro. Everett Fletcher. The youth’s a cappella version of “Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land” took us to the heights of praise. The Combined Choir took us to the next level with “Every Praise,” “Jesus is on the Main Line” and a new arrangement of “My Hope is Built.”

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, served as the preacher of the hour. Bishop Kirkland preached from the provocative subject, “Tear the Roof Off” from Mark 2:1-12, the healing story of when four friends lowered another into the room Jesus was preaching after tearing the roof off the place.

Bishop Kirkland reminded us that we should be so excited about Christ that we are willing to tear the roof off to get to Him. He noted that if we’re going to tear the roof off, we’ve got to do the following: Be Concerned for others and not make excuses; Be Committed in the work we are doing; and Be Creative enough to attract people to Christ.

The pastors and presiding elders of the Midwest Conference were on hand, as well as visiting clergy from the Missouri Conference, to support the work of the Midwest Conference Lay Organization. Candidates for Connectional office from as far away as Los Angeles, Calif. were present to offer support to the laity.

The evening closed with closing remarks by President Jenkins and the recitation of “The Lay Benediction.”

*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III is the Public Relations Director for the Midwest Annual Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District

10. A MESSAGE TO THE CHURCH FROM THE CITIES OF AMERICA

The Rev. Darryl R. Williams – St Mark, Milwaukee, WI

I, like most of you, watched with rapt attention as protesters took to the streets in Baltimore in response to the tragic death of Freddie Gray. My mind wandered back to similar protests in Ferguson and New York. What do these incidents have in common besides uncovering the systematic racism in law enforcement in America and the grievous end of yet another young African American’s life at their hands? The answer is that each of the incidents took place in cities where the living conditions for African Americans are deplorable. "It is within this context of hopelessness they lead to encounters with law enforcement and I contained frustrations when these encounters go bad."
       
In each of these situations, the African Methodist Episcopal Church not only took the lead in bringing calm after the incidents, but was in the forefront in providing hope for the impoverished in their city through the various ministries they offer. Letting people know there is a “way out” lessens the chances of them reacting in ways that are indeed understandable, but admittedly less constructive.
       
St. Mark, where I pastor, has sponsored mentorship programs, collaborated with Credit Unions to sponsor savings programs for youth; we have Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and self-defense programs that promote self-esteem and discipline; we have receive grants for classes on tobacco prevention and healthy pregnancies; and we have pushed our elected officials to sponsor legislation for more jobs in our and other depressed communities and legislation that addresses the disparity in how drug crimes are prosecuted.
       
Why? Because Milwaukee, where an incident similar to those in the above mentioned cities occurred last spring, the African American unemployment rate is above 50%. Only 3 out of 10 African American families are headed by a husband and wife; the graduation rate for our youth is about 40% and they are incarcerated at eleven times greater rate than their white counterparts.
       
In spite of our efforts and the efforts of African Methodist’s in Baltimore, St. Louis, New York and other urban areas in America, our cities are still ripe for “combustible reactions.” It will take the entire Religious community to heed to the message that Baltimore and those other cities gave us – “We need your attention!”
       
I felt indignation for those who criticized the rioters and looters, without giving equal if not more criticism to the intolerable conditions that exist in our communities. They have been ignored by the politicians, and yes, to a lesser extent, the church. The lesson of Baltimore and these other cities to the church is this: If we address their issues on the “front end,” then we won’t have to criticize them on the “back end.” Their criticism is largely a reaction because of their lack of being proactive.
       
We can put pressure on our public officials to pay more attention to our communities, but they are not the primary dispensers of hope – the church is! The rioting and looting that takes place after an incident is symbolic of a pot that was already simmering that has now boiled over. Helping our communities on the “front end” controls the temperature of the water in the pot! Rioting and looting however condemnable, is not senseless as some have said in the wake of Baltimore. They are understandable – “I will get your attention one way or another”.
       
The church was intended to be more than a place of singing and praising. In fact the Bible condemns this kind of celebration when it is divorced from giving hope to the weak and the voiceless amongst us.

“I hate and despise your Religious feast; I cannot stand your assemblies. Even though you bring me burnt offerings I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream!” - Amos 5:21-24

11. WHEN MINISTRY DOESN’T PAY:

*Dr. Richard Gunderman

In four out of five churches in the US, membership has plateaued or is declining.

Mindy Mayes is a 29-year-old African-American woman with a second job many might find undesirable. Some might even call her crazy for sticking with it. She thinks about it almost constantly, and those thoughts often fill her with heartache. She sometimes feels that she is putting far more into it than she could ever get back. Her commute requires her to drive more than two hours, and in a typical month, she gets paid less than US$200. Some months, she does not get paid at all.

Why would anyone cling to such a second job? The answer is that Mayes, whose primary job is in public health, is also a pastor. During the week, she works full-time as a public health educator, providing health promotion services to the people of Grant County, Indiana. This job puts food on the table and keeps gas in her tank. Then each Sunday, she drives 100 miles each way to and from her church in Montgomery County, Indiana, where she serves as part-time pastor.

Mayes is ordained in one of America’s historically black denominations, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. Her congregation, Bethel AME, was founded in the 1850s and once served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Years ago a thriving congregation, more recently it has fallen on hard times. The building has suffered from lack of upkeep, and weekly worship attendance has dropped to around 20 or so.

Mayes' path to this role is a complicated one. She holds a master’s degree in public health. She always knew she wanted to make a big impact in a community, and she worked for a time in southern Indiana, helping flood victims move back into their homes. Just as funding for her position came to an end, she learned that she had been admitted to Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis on a full scholarship. “I sensed a call,” she says, “so I enrolled in the masters of divinity program.”

When she graduated from seminary, she imagined that she would become the youth minister of a church. But when AME officials contacted her about the Bethel church, she decided to accept the role of senior minister. Working two jobs is taxing, but she finds energy and inspiration in the members’ strong commitment to keeping their church going. “I come alive through this work,” she says. “They really need someone to love and care for them, and it is a privilege for me to do it.”

It hasn’t always been easy. During Mayes’ third month with the church, in the dead of winter, the pipes froze and then burst, causing the basement to flood. This in turn caused the furnace to go out, leaving the building with no heat. Yet the church’s members, wearing hats and gloves, still came to worship on Sunday. To Mayes, this speaks volumes. “Even though they knew the church was colder than a refrigerator, they were still there. They refuse to let their church and its rich history die.”

Economic realities are making bi-vocational ministries such as Mayes’ more common.

It is estimated that membership for more than four in five of the churches in the US has plateaued or declined, and about 4,000 churches close their doors every year. By the year 2020, only 15% of Americans are expected to attend weekly worship services. As church membership declines, so does financial support, making it increasingly difficult for many congregations to employ a full-time pastor.

The life of even full-time ministers can be fraught with difficulties. This is reflected in a study showing that about 85% of seminary graduates leave the field within five years, and only about one in 10 new ministers will actually stay in the clergy until retirement. Part of the explanation lies in the fact that full-time ministers are poorly paid, with an average salary of around $36,000, meaning that many ministers’ families require two incomes to make ends meet.

Such challenges are amplified for the bi-vocational minister. Balancing two different jobs, many feel guilty that they cannot be available to their congregation at all times. Mayes, for example, is unable to provide Bible study classes during the week or attend youth academic and athletic events.

Another challenge is an unspoken but widespread assumption that bi-vocational pastors are neither as committed nor as effective as their full-time counterparts. If they truly cared enough about their congregation, some suppose, they would find a way to work full-time–– a perspective that flies in the face of hard realities. In answer to this charge, Mayes smiles as she points out that “The greatest Christian evangelist who ever lived, the apostle Paul, earned his living as a tent-maker.”

In contrast to such challenges, Mayes sees upsides in being bi-vocational. One is the fact that ministers like her need not contend with the high congregational expectations placed upon full-time pastors. People understand that bi-vocational ministers have other responsibilities that they must attend to if they are to continue to serve their church communities. “The challenge,” Mayes says, “is to avoid burnout by ensuring that people do not end up working two full-time jobs.”

Another advantage is the fact that Mayes spends many hours every week serving people who are not church members. In doing so, she strives to be a good example of Christian service to the community. “In some cases,” she says, “colleagues and clients who otherwise would never encounter a pastor have posed questions about my faith, requested that I pray for them, and asked me to preside at their wedding or funeral.”

In this respect, the nonclerical careers of bi-vocational ministers give them a chance to speak not only through sermons but also with their lives, reaching out to many people not affiliated with a church. Says Mayes, “Having a job outside of church keeps me well-grounded in the real world inhabited by people in the community. I see it as an opportunity to stay more relevant and responsive to the lives people actually lead.”

Mayes and other bi-vocational pastors understand from personal experience what it is like to work long hours at multiple jobs, to struggle with anxiety over job security, and to have difficulty securing such necessities as health insurance and child care. Mayes points out that Jesus devoted much of his life to the downtrodden and dispossessed, and “I like to think that treading a dual path keeps me close to the people Jesus would serve today.”

Used with permission of the author

*Dr. Richard Gunderman is Chancellor's Professor of Medicine, Liberal Arts, and Philanthropy at Indiana University-Purdue University

12. NCAA COMES DOWN HARD ON HBCU ATHLETIC PROGRAMS:

The National Collegiate Athletic Association recently announced penalties for colleges and universities that did not reach mandated thresholds on its Academic Progress Rate (APR). Athletic teams that do not achieve a sufficient APR rate — roughly equivalent to a 50 percent graduation rate — can face a reduction in practice times, athletic scholarships, and bans from postseason play.

The NCAA announced that 21 teams will be ineligible for the postseason play during the 2015-16 academic year due to their low APR. Of the 21 teams subjected to postseason bans, 15 are from historically Black colleges and universities. Five teams at Florida A&M University face postseason bans.

Here are the HBCUs and their teams that have received postseason bans:

Alabama State University: football
Alcorn State University: men’s basketball
Florida A&M University: football, men’s basketball, men’s indoor track, men’s outdoor track, men’s cross country
Howard University: men’s soccer
Mississippi Valley State University: baseball
Prairie View A&M University: men’s golf, men’s indoor track, men’s outdoor track
Savannah State University: football, women’s basketball


13. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

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

Based on Biblical Text: Psalm 37:25:  “I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”

David says, “I have been young, and now am old.”  He reminds us that experience is the best teacher. David has a wealth of experience to endorse him as a qualified teacher. The entire Psalm 37 is packed with the wisdom of a seasoned man. Life’s changes have not soured him for he has learned to see God in it all.

It is possible to have peace in the time of storm. However, the question is when the storm is raging, how do we handle our discontent? How do we hold our peace when we are under attack? How do we control our anger when the frustrations and disappointments of life are beating us with unrelenting regularity? The great news is David provides an answer for those who desire to grasp permanent hold of this elusive peace. 

He says we must first delight in the Lord. Life is troubled not so much from without as from within. As he has gotten older, David has come to know that it is not our changing circumstances that rob us of peace, rather it our unregulated desires. 

The truth of the matter is that the very emotion of desire disturbs us. We find that we wish we had what someone else has; wish we could be what someone else has become and wish we could do what someone else does. Wishes disturb our peace!

The truth is that the key to peace is the focus of our desire. In other words, what is it that delights us? We must understand that whatever is necessary for our contentment, it is that thing that we have made lord of our life. Lamentably, when we desire the earthly and the external, we give these perishable things supreme power over us, and allow them to become intertwined with our spirit.

David says those who “delight in the Lord” first, shall be blessed. Those who reach for the purest and highest form of religious emotion and cry, “Whom have I on earth beside Thee?” instantly find the cure for all intense unrest from unfulfilled desires. The Lord’s peace fills us when we delight in Him, and the hunger is blessed with instant satisfaction.

We are taught that the key to contentment is rest, referring of course to the kind of rest that keeps us free from the anxiety of an unknown future.  Actually, we know so little of our future and what we do know is in many instances so sad. Not knowing what may be, and the certainty of what must be, disturb us the same way.  But David encourages that those who ‘belong to the Lord’, are sure that He is in our future!  He is with us all the time in every agonizing advent, through every challenging confrontation, amid every horrible happening. If we are sure that God is with us, then we can afford to say, “Let it be as He wills and it will be well!”

The peace of God is such calm! We are so blessed to be able to leave all of our disquieting tomorrows in God’s hands, because we know that we are one with Him. Our thoughts run parallel to Him. Our paths lead to Him and we rest in Him!

We are cradled in the firmness of the Lord’s caring arms and aided by the guarantee of His abiding love! The Bible reminds us that we should “Delight thyself also in the Lord, Commit thy way unto the Lord. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him.”

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

14. GETTING TO ZERO: A CLOSER WALK:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller


*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.

15.  iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015 - GOD'S JUDGMENT - AMOS 2:4-16:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Introduction

Life experiences come with specific package deals. We enjoy the bounty of life but eventually plan for death. We experience the “thrill of victory” but soon learn about the “agony of defeat.” We see our share of sunshine and accumulating snowfalls. Finally, we long for justice but brace ourselves for judgment. Justice and judgment represent a package deal. Most of us would consider this package deal very uncomfortable. Justice involves the practice of doing what is right. Judgment refers to the enforcement of justice.

The Adult AME Lesson for June 7, 2015 looks at how judgment is defined in relation to Judah’s kinsmen and neighboring enemies. The theme of the book of Amos is injustice will not be condoned under any circumstances. Perpetrators and apologists of injustice will face swift and harsh punishment.

Bible Story

Chapter 2 of Amos offers a framework for why injustice will not go unnoticed and without punishment. Moab, an enemy of Judah, will be punished for his act of promoting civil unrest thru execution of an Edomite king. This is a form of external judgment. Amos 2:4-16 offers a form of internal judgment. Punishment will be directed at Judah and Judah’s neighbor, Israel. Amos is unrelenting in pronouncing the judgment. Throughout the chapter the prophet uses metaphorical language, “for three sins and for four” as a prelude to the judgment.

Judah’s punishment is due to her reckless disregard of Divine law and serial idol worship (apostasy) in their daily activities. Apostasy and rejection of the law implied rejection of Jehovah and this warranted judgment in the form of fire on the city of Jerusalem. Israel will not escape punishment either. The prophet presents a case against Israel filled with prima facie evidence of injustice, e.g., engaging in human trafficking, ignoring the needs of the poor, condoning sexual illicit relations and debauchery and idolatry. Such actions can’t be tolerated. Yahweh has zero tolerance for such behavior. With no evidence of reform the only alternative is judgment.

Life Application

The Holy Writ is filled with examples of Divine judgment, e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah, Egypt and Jerusalem. Judgment can be looked at as a final wake-up call. The pain and agony inflicted on residents is difficult for many to reconcile with the image of a caring, merciful deity.

The issue of mercy however should not be muddled with judgment.   Choices carry consequences.  When people choose to commit transgressions against God and their fellow neighbor they will be held accountable for their actions. 

Too often, in the name of "social justice," contemporary American society attempts to sweep accountability under the rug.   Unscrupulous and sinful behavior “gets a pass” by our leaders thru accommodating language that  excuses anti-social behavior and re-directs "blame" to "society." 

When laws are broken, the criminal justice system comprised of law enforcement, the courts and prisons will enact "judgment."  This form of judgment can be severe and harsh. 

Amos spoke with conviction in articulating God's judgment against injustice.  Appeasement carries an unintended consequence by not allowing people to see their behavior as inappropriate and as a result the behavior goes unchecked.  This helps neither the individual nor society at large.

*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 MATTHEW 6:25-33:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this week’s Meditation just before tackling an infrequent but necessary chore - cleaning up my home office.  I do a pretty good job of keeping things on my desk in order and of scanning and saving things that I want to keep onto my computer, but I still have to sort through things and put them in order from time to time.

That happens because on my very busy days, I toss received mail into my mail tray to be read later, put paperwork that isn’t pressing in my “to do” tray to be handled later and postpone responding to e-mail that doesn’t demand immediate attention until I get the time to address it. 

I always know, however, when it’s time to put my office in order - all it takes is a need for me to find and immediately handle something, only to realize that it’s buried somewhere on my desk or in my e-mail Inbox, and that I haven’t the foggiest idea of where it is or where to immediately find it!

Remember my office “clean up clue” that also applies to our daily living.  In spite of our best efforts to keep our lives in order, all of us are born procrastinators.  All of us sometimes disregard or delay demands, deadlines, challenges and - at times - people that require our attention until we have the time, energy and resources to respond.  It’s easy for the best of us to do so, get lost in our priorities and end up overwhelmed, overburdened, stressed and uncertain about what to do or how to do.

When we take the time, however, to let the God who created us, order our lives, we’ll find new direction, new inspiration and new confidence.  When we stop trying to handle the things that accumulate in our lives on our own and let God step in and put our lives in order, God will fix us, guide us, and never lead us wrong.

Take the time each day - in the midst of life’s numerous demands - to pause and pray as our Savior taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” You’ll see new hope, find new peace of mind, and discover new significance in the words of the Gospel song that says, “Lord, let me walk each day with Thee; lead me, O Lord, lead me.”

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. EPISCOPAL, GENERAL OFFICER AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- The Rev. Constance (Connie) Belin Wicker received the Doctor of Ministry Degree

Congratulations to the Reverend Constance (Connie) Belin Wicker, associate minister of Antioch AME Church - Stone Mountain, Georgia, wife of the Reverend Stafford Wicker, pastor of Antioch AME Church, and the niece of Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr (retired).

The Reverend Connie Belin Wicker received the Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio.


-- The Rev. Dr. Eraina M Ross-Aseme received the Master of Divinity Degree

The Rev. Dr. Eraina M Ross-Aseme received the Master of Divinity Degree from Payne Theological Seminary on May 22, 2015. Dr. Aseme’ Senior Thesis was entitled “An Effective Class Leader System in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: A Ten-Step Approach.”  She served on the Payne Theological Seminary Student Government Association Board 2014-2015 as a Student At Large Member.

This is Dr. Aseme's second Master's of Divinity Degree. Dr. Aseme has been an Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church since 1996. She is currently serving her 8th church as senior pastor of Gregg Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal of Kansas City, Missouri.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. Eraina M Ross-Aseme
Class 2015
Payne Theological Seminary - Wilberforce, Ohio

Telephone: 816-398-1067


-- The Reverend Benessa (Kaye) Perkins Sweat received the Master of Divinity Degree

Congratulations to the Reverend Benessa (Kaye) Perkins Sweat, a member of the 2015 graduating class of Payne Theological Seminary - Wilberforce, OH, for receiving the Master of Divinity Degree.  The Rev. Sweat is the pastor of McGavock Chapel AME Church in Charlotte, Tennessee. 

The Reverend Benessa (Kaye) Perkins Sweat is the granddaughter of the late Rev. G.C. Jenkins, daughter of the late Rev. George Perkins and Mrs. Ruby Perkins.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: bsweat2315@aol.com

-- The Reverend Donald Williams received the Master of Divinity Degree

The Reverend Donald Williams, pastor of St. John AME Church, Springfield, Tennessee graduated from Andersonville Theological Seminary on Friday, May 22, 2015, 2 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium, Albany, Georgia with honors and a 4.0 GPA - "Summa Cum Laude" receiving the Master of Divinity Degree in Pastoral Leadership.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:

The Reverend Donald Williams: dwill74623@aol.com

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Hannah Williams, who served as the Mother figure in the life of the Rev. James (Debra) E. Speed, Sr., pastor of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenville, South Carolina and a matriarch to many.  Ms. Williams entered into eternal rest on Friday, May 29, 2015. 

Celebration of Life for Ms. Williams:

Thursday, June 4, 2015
1:00 p.m.
Allen Temple AME Church
109 Green Avenue
Greenville, SC 29601

Services Entrusted to:

Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary, Inc.
1011 Augusta Street
Greenville, SC 29609

Telephone: (864) 242-1144
Fax: (864) 232-4636

Condolences may be sent to:

The Reverend and Mrs. James E. Speed, Sr. & Family
111 Golden Grove Circle
Piedmont, SC 29673

The family will be receiving family and friends at the residence of Ms. Zwayla Speed (daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. Speed)
31 Campbell Farms Drive
Piedmont, SC 29673

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Allen Temple Renovation Fund.

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with deep sadness that we announce that the Homegoing Celebration services for Mother Theautry Hicks, beloved mother of the Rev. Dr. Tyrone Hicks and beloved Mother-in- Law of The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Hicks, were held on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Murph Emmanuel AME Church, 4151 Don Julio Blvd in North Highlands, California.  The Rev. Freda Cash is the pastor of Murph Emmanuel AME Church.

In the spirit of Love and Support, & Solidarity, let us continue lift the entire Hicks Family up in prayer in their hour of sorrow.

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District regrets to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Joseph M. James, Jr., retired.  The Rev. Dr. James was the founding pastor of Mayo African Methodist Episcopal Church in Matteson, Illinois and had a distinguished career as an outstanding educator and principal.  The Rev. James was the husband of Dr. Ruth E. James, the immediate past president of the 4th Episcopal District Women's Missionary Society.  

The Homegoing Services will take place at: 

Mayo African Methodist Episcopal Church
20839 Homeland Rd.
Matteson, IL  60443
708/503-1400

Thursday, June 4, 2015
Pre-Past and Visitation - 5:00 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Celebration of Life Service - 7:00 p.m.

 Interment:

 Friday, June 5, 2015 - 1:00 p.m.
 Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
 20953 W. Hoff Rd.
 Elmwood, Illinois 60621

Telephone: (815) 423-9958

 Condolences may be sent to:
 
 Dr. Ruth E. James
 21316 Megan Court
 Matteson, IL  60443

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to:

The Rev. Dr. Joseph M. James, Jr. Scholarship Fund
Mayo African Methodist Episcopal Church
20839 Homeland Rd.
P. O. Box 245,
Matteson, IL. 60443

Arrangements are being handled by T. M. Hughes Mortuary
Telephone: (877) 848-4437)

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Second Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Brother Oliver W. Sparrow, the brother of the late Rev. David J. Sparrow who was an AME pastor and the uncle of both the Rev. Clifton E. Sparrow, Sr., pastor of Mt. Pleasant AME Church in Owings Mill, Maryland and the Rev. Dr. Cassandra A. Sparrow, pastor of St. Matthew AME Church, Weldon, North Carolina.

Arrangements for Brother Oliver W. Sparrow:

Thursday, June 4, 2015:

Viewing/Reflections: 9:00 AM - 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Celebration: 11:00 a.m.

Location:

Newman Memorial United Methodist Church
257 Macon Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216

Telephone: (718) 622-7955

Host Pastor: The Rev. Cedric Johnson
Eulogist: The Rev. Clifton E. Sparrow, Sr.

Condolences may be sent to the Sparrow family at:

Church Fax: (718) 638-3243.

The Rev. Dr. Cassandra A. Sparrow:
Mobile Telephone: (410) 258-5443

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. William J. Batson, the husband of the Rev. Idola Williams Batson. The Rev. Batson is the pastor at Mt. Calvary AME Church in Seaford, Delaware (Delaware Conference, Dover District). Brother Batson was a member of the First Episcopal District M-SWAWO and served as our Connectional representative in the “First Lady/First Gentleman Contest.”

The following information has been provided regarding the funeral services arrangements.

Friday, June 5, 2015
Viewing – 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Bennie Smith Funeral Home
437 North Front Street
Seaford, DE 19973

Join the family for a Continental Breakfast one hour prior to the service.

Saturday, June 6, 2015
Homegoing Celebration – 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Calvary AME Church
25206 School Road
Seaford, DE 19973

Telephone: (302) 629-6880

Eulogist: The Rev. Winton M. Hill III, Presiding Elder of the Dover District
Officiating: The Rev. Richard H. Worthy, Presiding Elder of the Wilmington District

Interment will follow at Milford Community Cemetery
Route 113
Milford, Delaware

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Idola W. Batson
P. O. Box 744
Seaford, DE 19973
 
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Third Episcopal District regretfully announces the passing of the Reverend Marvin Phillip Morris, retired Itinerant Elder of the Pittsburgh Annual Conference on Tuesday, May 26, 2015.  Following Reverend Morris’ retirement he returned to his home church, Spelman Chapel AME Church in Kent, Ohio.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Calling Hours:
        
Friday, June 5, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sommerville Funeral Services
1695 Diagonal Road
Akron, OH 44320

Telephone: (330)836-2725   
Fax: (330) 836-5302  

Funeral Service:
      
Saturday, June 6, 2015

Calling Hours: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon
Spelman Chapel AME Church
910 Walnut Street
Kent, OH 44240

Telephone: (330) 673-9194

The Rev. Dr. L. Anthony Gatewood, pastor; the Rev. Dr. Eric L. Brown, Presiding Elder, The Allegheny/Scranton District (Eulogist); the Rev. P. Robert Tate, Presiding Elder, The Youngstown District (Officiating)

Condolences may be sent to:
          
Spelman Chapel AME Church
910 Walnut
Kent, OH 44240

Telephone: (330) 673-9194

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Third Episcopal District regretfully announces the passing of Mrs. Judy Ann Dews, on Tuesday, June 2, 2015.  Mrs. Dews is the mother of the Rev. Gayle R. Simmons and the mother-in-law of the Rev. Michael L. Simmons, associates ministers at Quinn Chapel AME Church in Forest Park, Ohio where the Rev. Dr. Frederick A. Wright Sr. is the pastor.    Mrs. Dews was a member of Bethel AME Church in Lebanon, Ohio where the Rev. Dr. Karen Schaffer is the pastor. 

Services will be held Monday, June 8, 2015
Viewing 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Celebration 11:00 a.m.

Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home
329 East Mulberry Street
Lebanon, Ohio 45306
Telephone: (513) 932-7070

The Rev. Dr. Karen Schaffer, Officiating
The Rev. Gayle R. Simmons, Eulogist

Interment will follow at Lebanon Cemetery
 
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend Gayle R. Simmons
4223 Old Osprey Circle
Miamisburg, Ohio 45342


25. 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




26. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

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

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