The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. TCR EDITORIAL
– TEN THINGS PASTORS NEED TO REMEMBER, PART 2:
Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III
The 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder
Just to recap the
“Ten Things Pastors Need to Remember.”
- One, take time for you; Two, it’s not “your church”; Three, you can’t do it all; and Four, learn new things.
Five, call for yourself
the faith you proclaim to others
Into every life
some rain must fall. Rain brings growth,
but it also brings mud and sometimes mud will be unleashed in our lives. I shudder
when I hear pastors infer that if a person is obedient, follows the
teachings of the Bible and tithe, God’s blessings will be evident in that
person’s life. I wish it worked that
way.
There are life events when a pastor will need to
call upon for him or herself, the faith he or she proclaims to others. Pastors
should not be ashamed to share their disappointments with their parishioners.
Pastors need prayer as much as their parishioners and the “prayers of the
righteous,” both clergy and laity, “availeth much.” Even the Pope has asked for prayers from his
people.
And, especially in
rearing children, sometimes the children will do “dumb” things out of character
of all of the things they have been taught and the embarrassment and disappointment
the children’s actions can put a strain on the holiest of lives.
Health issues can
put a strain on the ministry.
The first time a
pastor hears that he or she has high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol
or kidney failure and the need for dialysis can challenge the spiritual
psyche of any pastor.
Mean-spirited,
perceived or real, church officers and parishioners can exhaust a pastor’s
ministry and can put unbelievable stain on his or her family.
Ministry has ups
and downs, sunshine and rain, good weather and storms, issues and struggles
that will challenge the faith and ministry of the most devout preacher.
The point being
that there are times in ministry when a pastor needs to trust and call on the
faith that he or she preaches to others.
Sixth,
let technology make ministry and life easier
If you are not into
technology, don’t fully resist it; come to the reality that technology is here
to stay. If you are not willing to
embrace all of it, take “baby steps” and embrace a little at a time.
Every pastor should
have study or office hours, if it’s no more than several hours a week. And, if you are a pastor who has extensive
office hours, why sit there when little or nothing is going on? If your
cellphone is listed as your office phone, you can be anywhere, i.e., on the
golf course, running errands, spending some quality time with family, visiting
the sick and shut-in members or visiting an athletic facility.
A smartphone gives
you freedom, but take caution that the smartphone does not cause you to goof
off and waste time.
The point is, using your smartphone as your office
telephone, frees you to multitask and frees you from having to sit at a desk.
The flipside of
using your cellphone as your office number is the wisdom of knowing when to
shut off your cellphone and let your cellphone take messages that you can
respond to later.
This is only for
those who bank electronically by using online banking. You do not have to go to
the bank to deposit checks, you can endorse and scan checks and make direct
deposits to your bank via your smartphone. You don’t have to take the time to
drive to your bank. If you get paid by check at the church, you can go to your
office, scan the front and back of your check, and deposit the
check online without leaving the building.
The flipside, if
there is not enough money in the church’s account and the officers ask you to
hold the check, then you would have to wait and deposit the check later; either
in person or online.
Of course, if the
church has online banking, the pastor can be paid electronically and no paper
needs to be exchanged at all.
Seven,
there will be conflicts
Unfortunately,
ministry is not a popularity contest.
And, as much as preachers would like to have a conflict-free ministry, a
ministry that is active and doing anything will experience conflict somewhere
in the process.
Some pastors try to
head-off conflict by “stacking” the various boards with people who agree with
them and with people they feel will not create conflict.
When a pastor
“stacks” boards with people who agree with him or her, there might be “peace
for a time,” but most often the ministry will not be dynamic because of the
lack of tension and dynamism in the local church ministry decisionmaking
processes.
Dynamic decisions
need “push and pull,” tension and scrutiny.
“Steel sharpens steel” and any issue “worth its salt” needs the thinking
of all sides of the issue, which is best described as the Hegelian Dialectic
created by the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel.
Simply stated, it
is the notion of "thesis, antithesis, and synthesis," an excellent
strategy to resolve disagreements and conflict.
In the realm of the
local church, the thesis is simply the proposition of the proposed action being
considered. “Here is what I would like to propose that we do…” “Let’s have
Bible study every morning at 8 a.m.”
“Let’s recommend to the bishop that we increase our connectional budget
assessment.”
Any of the proposals
need discussion. If all of the officers said, “Yes, Pastor, we agree to all of your proposals,” it’s not hard to see
a bubbling of conflict on the horizon. There needs to be some discussion about
the proposals of 8 a.m. Bible study and a blanket increase of the general
budget. There needs to be discussion and time allowed for participants to
present alternative positions - “antithesis.”
The antithesis is
simply the negation or opposition of the thesis; in other words, “Let’s hear the other side” and “What are the pitfalls of the proposed
actions?” “What happens if we do
nothing?” It is always healthy to hear the opposing thoughts of all proposals.
In short, the antithesis is the reaction to the proposition.
And hopefully, the
“third leg” of the Hegelian Dialectic is “synthesis,” which hopefully will
resolve conflict and help the local church to make the best decisions. The
synthesis solves conflicts between the thesis and antithesis by forming a new
thesis (synthesis) embraced by all of the participants.
Eighth,
carry some donuts or other refreshments
So often, clergy
always seem to be in a posture of receiving rather than giving. Some pastors
are looking to receive Christmas, birthday and anniversary gifts, but they
never give gifts.
“Turn the tables”
and carry some donuts to a meeting. Pick
up some soft drinks or juice and take them to some of the meetings. The people
will appreciate it and you will be perceived as the generous pastor.
Of course,
the people do not expect you to give all of them gifts, but if you have
a small congregation you could pick up something from the Dollar Tree or order
inexpensive bulk Christmas gifts to share with the people. It’s not the gift or
its cost, but the thought in sharing the gift.
Young people love
to eat (and so do adults), so when you meet with the young people always have a
treat for them. Kids love donuts and you can never go wrong with pizza.
The bottomline, be
a generous pastor.
Nine,
Methodists do some things differently
I hear and read
about AME pastors, following the Baptist and Pentecostal models, having 2nd,
10th, 15th anniversary celebrations.
AME pastors receive
annual appointments and if a pastor is given successive appointments, each
pastoral appointment is an annual appointment; the pastor starts over anew
after each annual conference.
The Baptist and
Pentecostal pastors are hired and; if they are not put out, die or retired,
stay year after year. They celebrate pastoral anniversaries.
In Methodism,
pastors are given annual appointments and it is more appropriate for local
churches to have a “pastor’s appreciation” year after year.
Every church should
honor their pastor with a “pastor’s appreciation” and it should be done before
the annual conference.
I have heard of
churches planning for their “pastor’s appreciation” after the annual conference
and when the pastor is not reassigned, they don’t have a “pastor’s
appreciation.”
I have often
wondered if those churches that planned to honor their pastor after the annual
conference were really serious about honoring their pastor or if they were
hoping their pastor would be reassigned.
Ten,
find a mentor and be a mentor
Most seminaries and
especially “majority” seminaries do not prepare students to pastor AME
Churches.
Seminaries teach a
lot of things, but most professors have not raised a connectional budget or
dealt with cantankerous parishioners. And, if they did, that’s why they are at the seminary because they decided that they
were not going to suffer the challenges or indignities of the pastoral
ministry.
The professors at
majority seminaries have not dealt with parishioners of color. They have no
idea of what goes on in churches that never have enough members or enough
finances. They do not have a clue about how to pastor churches of mostly
low-income parishioners and not even one rich large donor. They don’t know what
it is to pastor a church that is always in a survival mode.
Anyone pastoring an
AME Church needs to have a mentor to guide him or her through the process of
pastoring churches of color.
If I had any
semblance of success in the pastoral ministry and as a U.S. Army chaplain, it
was because of the mentoring and teaching I received from and on the “Sidewalk
Theological Seminary.” I quickly
discovered those old preachers knew more than I and they “nailed” every
pastoral issue “on the head.”
After being
mentored, pastors need to be mentors and share with younger preachers to help
them to navigate the “landmines” of ministry.
And my word for
young preachers is for them to listen to the sage advice of the older preachers
and take the time to develop relationships with them.
Every pastor, no matter
how long he or she has been in the ministry, needs a mentor. Every pastor needs a sounding board to bounce
ideas off of. And, every pastor needs to be a mentor or a sounding board.
Ministry is a
shared profession and it’s not intended for pastors to be “Lone Rangers.” If
you are a “Lone Ranger” type person, you need to go into a profession like
Chiropractic medicine, set up a clinic and go to work making a lot of money.
There’s
more…
I have a few more
issues I would like to address and I will cover them in the next editorial.
They are “Act and dress like a preacher, Do something
with those big pocketbooks, Learn to develop dynamic worship services, Respect
authority - it’s not the person, but the position, Set the highest standard for
ministry, Become a biblical scholar, Respect your family and Respect your
ministry. I will renumber this editorial when I am finished.
-- To
be continued in the next issue.
TCR Editor’s Note – Editor Sydnor will be attending the Kentucky Annual Conference
(Of which he is a member) next week.
2.
READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To
the Editor
RE: Article -
Morris Brown College Has Emerged from Bankruptcy - The Case is Closed and the
Future is Wide Open
After extending
joyful greetings, permit me to reflect on the report which was published in the
June 22, 2015 issue of The Christian Recorder.”
It is captioned: “Morris Brown College Has Emerged from Bankruptcy-The
Case is Closed and the Future is Wide Open.”
In this comprehensive
narrative, the current status of Morris Brown College is outlined step by step
after “she” had literally come “through many dangers, toils and snares.” Because of our historic relationship with the
college, both Dr. Sylvia and I are elated and filled with gratitude at this
result.
We, therefore,
extend our heartiest commendation to Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Chair
of the Board of Trustees, Members of the Board, the Sixth District, Alumni and
Alumnae. We also commend the supportive
role of the Connectional Church for making this viable vision a reality.
As Chair of the
Board of Trustees, Bishop Williams is to be highly commended for providing the
leadership. With the climate of confidence in his leadership, he has assembled
the legal experts as well as advisors in a variety of related disciplines to
produce these results.
And, in particular,
Renaldo (Rick) Hicks, Esq., the proficient and faithful attorney of the Sixth
District must be commended for his service.
His preparation of this report bespeaks the lure of his commitment as
the struggle it took to reach this stage is recorded. It is, therefore, easy for us to identify
with this journey as he makes reference with pathos to the poem, “Mother to
Son” by Langston Hughes. “Morris Brown
is yet alive.” “The future is wide open.”
Frederick Hilborn
Talbot, S.T.M., D.Min.
Bishop (Retired),
the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Mailing Address:
92B Smithfield, Frederiksted, VI 00840
Telephone: (340)
692-0383
Cell: (615)
429-0081
3.
NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
--
Former First AME Church official pleads guilty to insurance scam – The Los Angeles Times
A former trustee
and spokeswoman for First AME Church in South Los Angeles pleaded guilty
Thursday to running an insurance scheme that cheated...
--
Delegation plans to pursue Nobel Peace Prize nomination for Emanuel AME,
Charleston
A delegation from
the largest township in Illinois plans to announce nomination efforts Wednesday
for the Emanuel AME Church and the city of
--
The Rev. Bruce Butcher, 3rd Episcopal District co-wrote an op-ed with a Roman
Catholic nun.
--
AME Church Publishing House plans to sell its buildings and relocate in another
area of Nashville
--
The Christian Recorder News Break – Enduring faith: Florida AME Conference
turns 150
--
The Baltimore Sun reports that Baltimore pastor Jamal Bryant will run for
Congress
The Rev. Jamal
Bryant announces bid for congress
--
Paul Quinn College President Michael Sorrell applauded the Congresswoman for
helping the college to secure funding from the U S Department of...
4.
THE AMEC COLLEGE CORNER - #AME STRONG:
*The Rev. Lucinda
Burgess
In 1787, when the
members of St. George Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
in an attempt to keep their congregation segregated, pulled persons of color
from their knees and told them to go to the place that was reserved for them, that
was the beginning of a social movement led by blacks in the United States.
Blacks not only wanted the freedom of worship as other members of the Methodist
Church, they also wanted to rid themselves of the humiliation of segregation.
#WRONG CHURCH! WRONG PEOPLE!
Richard Allen,
along with his friends created the first “Free African Society,” not to start a
new denomination, but out of necessity for persons of color to freely worship
their God and to be able to sit where they pleased and to kneel where
convenient. The Free African Society did not limit their activities to worship,
but they also looked after the sick, the poor, the unemployed, and to encourage
high moral standards, better public conduct, better racial relations and
self-help.
April 9-11, 1816,
after nearly thirty years of travel, preaching, and working amongst the people,
five churches in the Philadelphia area came together in a general convention to
form the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church, with Richard Allen as its
first bishop. Today, the A.M.E. Church has increased in membership from those
five churches in the Philadelphia area, to congregations worldwide. #I am AME!
The AME Church has
churches that date back to the early 1800’s. These churches and their
membership have withstood the brutalities of slavery, the Denmark Vesey
uprising, and the fierceness of the Klu Klux Klan. We have had political
influence over Presidents from Abraham Lincoln and the signing of the
Emancipation Proclamation to modern day Presidents like Bill Clinton and
sitting President Barack Obama. We were part of the Underground Railroad, the
Civil Rights Movement, the humiliations of segregation, and the Charleston
Massacre. Despite these events, the members of the AME Church have stood, and
continue to stand as symbols of hope for a people who, despite the confines
that society has attempted to place on us, stand strong.
These seven
churches founded in the 1800’s form the foundation of our strength. #AMESTRONG!
Mother Bethel AME –
1816, Philadelphia, PA.
Mother Emmanuel AME
– 1821, Charleston, South Carolina
St. Paul AME –
1823, Columbus, Ohio
Big Bethel AME –
1847, Atlanta, Georgia
Bethel AME – 1869,
Baltimore, Maryland
Metropolitan AME –
1890, Washington DC
St. Joseph AME –
1891, Durham, North Carolina
--- The hashtag (#)
is used in social media before a relevant keyword or phrase (no spaces) to help
them show more easily in searches.
*The Rev. Lucinda
V. Burgess is an Associate Minister at Greater Allen AMEC, Dayton, a middler at
Payne Theological Seminary, and the 2015-2016 SGA President.
5.
NEWS FLASH! THE PITTSBURGH ANNUAL CONFERENCE RAISES $31,047 FOR WILBERFORCE
UNIV. AND PAYNE SEMINARY:
Under the
unparalleled leadership of Bishop McKinley Young and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young,
the 148th Session of the Pittsburgh Annual Conference celebrated
education night last night with the presence of Dr. Michael J. Brown, the
Interim President of Payne Theological Seminary, Dr. John E. Freeman, the Vice
President of Student Services and the Dynamic Liturgical Dancers and
Wilberforce University Choir under the direction of Vernon Blue.
The choir rocked
the house and prepared the ground for the members of the conference and friends
to raise a record $31,047.
We are grateful for
the leadership of the Chancellor of Wilberforce University, Bishop McKinley
Young.
*The Rev. Dr. Eric
L. Brown, Presiding Elder of the Allegheny-Scranton District, Third Episcopal
District
6. A
HISTORICAL EVENT AT THE 18TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION
By Ms Dianne
Hodnett, Bethel AME Church, Copiague, NY
For the first time
in the history of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, men, associate members were included in the
processional of the opening day of the 18th Quadrennial Session.
The male members
are a part of the Margaret N. Bell Missionary Society of Bethel AME Church,
Copiague, New York where the Rev. Dr. Keith Hayward is the pastor.
The associate
members - Theodore Hodnett, Larry Ware, and Phillip Hodnett, joined under Dr.
Shirley Cason-Reed, International President of the Women’s Missionary Society,
following her sermon during the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the
Margaret N. Bell Missionary Society.
Uniquely, the three
men are a part of a twelve-member, newly formed Associate Unit of the Dorothy
Hayward Associate Unit, formed by Dr. Reed, Episcopal President; Jewel D.
McAshan and New York Conference WMS President Shermanita Dixon.
Bethel AME Church,
Copiague, NY is a part of the Jamaica Long Island Presiding Elder District of
the Rev. Dr. Henrietta Scott Fullard of the New York Conference of the First
Episcopal District, where Bishop Gregory Ingram and Supervisor the Rev Dr.
Jessica Ingram serve as the episcopal team.
7.
CONNECTIONAL LAY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORP. (CLEDC) MISSION A REALITY:
The Mission of the
Connectional Lay Economic Development Corporation (CLEDC) is to support the
religious principles of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church by
establishing and /or supporting AME schools, church buildings and properties,
evangelism and programs focused on the relief of the poor distressed or
underprivileged.
In accordance with
CLEDC Mission a loan of $100,000 was made to Morris Brown University to keep
the University from losing its bankruptcy case and forfeiting millions of
dollars in land and real property. The
loan was repaid with interest in less than six months.
On October 28,
2009, the CLEDC Board was asked by. Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer of the AME
Church to loan Wilberforce University $100,000 to meet their payroll, which was
due the following day. The CLEDC Directors approved this loan and CLEDC
Treasurer Mr. Larry Hollies wired $100,000 to the AME Church treasury which in
turned wire transferred the $100,000 for the loan to the account of Wilberforce
University depository at Fifth Third Bank.
Wilberforce, a
historic AME University is facing severe economic difficulties and recognizing
the new administration’s efforts to regenerate, the CLEDC Board agreed to
forgive this loan of $100, 000 plus interest. Therefore, Wilberforce University
is no longer obligated to repay this loan.
CLEDC, Chairman Mr.
Tyrone L. Presley (August 2, 2015) wrote to Dr. Algeania Freeman, Wilberforce
University President to advise of this loan status. Mr. Presley ends the letter
with “We trust that our assistance to the university will help it recover. It
is our prayer that God will continue to Bless Wilberforce University.”
Your monetary
donations to CLEDC make the CLEDC Mission a reality.
Dr. Verda Bradley
CLEDC CEO
Telephone (310)
649-1002
8.
RETIRED BISHOP FREDERICK TALBOT - RETIRED, BUT NOT TIRED:
Bishop Frederick H.
Talbot finds joy and sustenance in the plants and herbs he manages in St. Croix
Bishop Frederick
Talbot is delighted to harvest the papayas from the trees in the background which
grew from seeds he planted several months ago. The fruit is a favorite of our
household, but there are always so many to be harvested that we also share them
with friends and members of our churches here in St. Croix. A life-long love,
Bishop Talbot works everyday in his garden at 92B Smithfield in St. Croix and
the plants respond by providing us with herbs, bananas, papayas, peppers,
tomatoes, several types of peas, spinach and a few other local edible plants.
Photos taken by Ms.
Paula Prince
Submitted by Dr.
Sylvia Talbot
9.
THE CONNECTIONAL MUSIC AND CHRISTIAN ARTS MINISTRY (MCAM) CONFERENCE WILL BE
HELD NOVEMBER 4–7, 2015 IN CHICAGO:
The Connectional
Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church is pleased to announce the fulfillment of one of the mandates of the
2012 Discipline and Doctrine of the AMEC, which says that the organization must
biennially sponsor an institute that seeks to teach the principles of music,
worship, dance, drama and other Christian Art forms.
The last event,
called the MCAM Conference, was held in July, 2013 in Chicago, IL. The
signature event for this conference was the first-ever live recording of the
International AME Mass Choir. Because of the steadfast support of the
Connectional AME Church, the project recently received three independent gospel
music industry awards: Contemporary CD of the Year, Producer(s) of the Year,
and Special CD Event of the Year. We are grateful to the AME Church for the
prayers, support, and sponsorship that helped us to attain this level of
achievement. We are particularly thankful to our Senior Bishop and Host Bishop,
the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant; our Christian Education Commission Chair, the Rt.
Rev. John F. White; and the Executive Director of the Christian Education
Department, Dr. Daryl Ingram, each of whom offered stellar leadership during
this time.
As per discipline,
the next MCAM Conference will be held November 4–7, 2015 in Chicago, IL, again
hosted by the 4th Episcopal District. As we embark upon our
Bicentennial of our great Zion, we will end the conference with a live
recording that will celebrate our glorious musical heritage and embrace our
promising future. It is our sincere hope and prayer that you will covenant with
us by being a sponsor and purchasing an ad in our souvenir journal. Included in
this communication is all of the necessary information.
We look forward to
your continued support and appreciate this opportunity to represent the church
through the gifts of Christian Arts.
The Rev. Anthony B.
Vinson, Sr., Director, Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church
10. TODAY
IS SEPTEMBER 18, 2015 AND YOU ONLY HAVE 13 DAYS TO PURCHASE YOUR
PIECE OF HISTORY:
The absolute firm deadline to purchase your wall brick or paving stone
is
October 1, 2015 (absolutely no exceptions or extensions).
The Historical Statue of Richard Allen isn't complete without your name in the courtyard. The unveiling will take place during the 50th Session of the 2016 General Conference, but you must place your order now.
October 1, 2015 (absolutely no exceptions or extensions).
The Historical Statue of Richard Allen isn't complete without your name in the courtyard. The unveiling will take place during the 50th Session of the 2016 General Conference, but you must place your order now.
The Deadline is October 1, 2015, but
don't wait until then or you may miss your chance.
Visit the First District General Conference website to place your order today http://2016generalconference.org/historic-brick/
Visit the First District General Conference website to place your order today http://2016generalconference.org/historic-brick/
The Benefits of Your
Involvement
- You will join supporters
from around the world in this historic tribute to Richard Allen!
- You will have your
name and affiliation with the AME Church visible to courtyard visitors forever!
- Your engraving
will serve as a permanent testament to your generosity!
- Your wall brick or
paving stone will be a historic marker on the parcel of land that is the
longest to be continuously owned by African Americans in the United States!
- Your wall brick or
courtyard paving stone will serve as tangible evidence of your love for our
illustrious founder!
- Your place in the
courtyard will connect you with Richard Allen’s remarkable life and legacy in
perpetuity!
- Your place in the courtyard will be a
proud reminder of your role in shaping the history of African Methodism!
-- Please share this announcement by forwarding this email within your
networks or by sharing on social media network
11.
U.S. NEWS NAMES ITS CHOICES FOR THE BEST BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:
The magazine U.S.
News and World Report recently issued its annual rankings of the best colleges
and universities in the United States. In addition to its rankings of the best
national universities and liberal arts colleges, the magazine ranks regional
colleges and universities and also the nation’s historically Black colleges and
universities.
As was the case
last year, Spelman College in Atlanta was ranked as the nation’s best HBCU.
Howard University in Washington, DC and Hampton University in Virginia held the
second and third spots. In last year’s rankings, Morehouse College in Atlanta
was rated third and Hampton University was fourth. This year, Morehouse dropped
to fourth as Hampton moved up one position. As was the case for the past two
years Tuskegee University in Alabama held the fifth spot.
Rounding out the
top 10 positions:
6. Xavier
University (New Orleans, Louisiana)
7. Fisk University
(Nashville, Tennessee)
8. Claflin
University (Orangeburg, South Carolina)
9. North Carolina
A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina)
10. Florida A&M
University (Tallahassee, Florida)
Florida A&M
University dropped two positions to tenth while Claflin University
Read more: http://www.jbhe.com/2015/09/u-s-news-names-its-choices-for-the-best-black-colleges-and-universities/
12.
EARLIER ORDINATION FAVORED BY MINISTRY STUDY [UNITED METHODIST] GROUP:
By Sam Hodges
Sept. 15, 2015 |
UMNS
Ordination of United
Methodist elders and deacons would be faster and training of licensed local
pastors more rigorous under proposals by the 2013-2016 Ministry Study
Commission.
The commission’s just-released
report is notable for issues it doesn’t address, namely security of appointment
for ordained elders.
And the report
offers observations on challenges facing The United Methodist Church, stating
that the denomination must respond to a rapidly changing culture while staying
grounded in Wesleyan theology and practices.
“We want to ride
that tension between those two — to adapt to the new complexities of our world,
while still retaining historical stances,” said Bishop Grant Hagiya, commission
chair and bishop of the Greater Northwest Area.
Ministry study
commissions consist of bishops, other clergy and laity, and are a creation of
General Conference, the denomination’s top lawmaking body.
The 2012 General
Conference challenged the current commission to tackle a range of issues,
including the “nature and grounding of the elder” and education for local
pastors, a growing force in the denomination.
Some of the
commission’s recommendations will be introduced as legislation at the 2016
General Conference in Portland, Oregon, while others are offered more
generally.
Reshaping
ordination
Hagiya predicted
that the proposal known as “early ordination” — the commission calls it
“reshaping the ordination process” — would be the most controversial.
Currently, those
who have met the educational requirements to be ordained as an elder or deacon
must serve as a provisional member of their annual conference for at least two
years. They are ordained during the annual conference session at which they are
elected to full membership.
The commission
proposes ordination occurring on the front end, when the candidate is elected
to provisional membership.
Hagiya said he had
heard from seminary students who were reluctant to pursue ministry in The
United Methodist Church because of how long it takes to be ordained.
“We’re losing
candidates,” Hagiya said. “We felt if we allowed for early ordination it would
encourage younger people to stay in our system.”
Provisional members
can administer the sacraments and officiate at weddings and funerals, but they
want the status of ordination and denying it adds to confusion about what
ordination really means in The United Methodist Church, he added.
“You can do
everything and yet you’re not ordained,” Hagiya sad. “That’s our theological
dilemma.”
But the previous
ministry study commission proposed early ordination, only to see it defeated in
committee at the 2012 General Conference in Tampa, Florida.
Hagiya acknowledged
that annual conference boards of ordained ministry have concerns, including
about what happens when someone is ordained and then doesn’t get elected to
full membership.
“If a candidate is
ordained and then does not make full membership, the ordination is not valid in
our United Methodist understanding anymore,” Hagiya said.
He added that
annual conferences would retain some leeway.
“They could make a
kind of ruling locally for their annual conference that would allow them to
have more time to examine candidates,” Hagiya said.
The Rev. Jan Davis,
who chairs the North Texas Conference Board of Ordained Ministry and will be a
2016 General Conference delegate, has read the commission’s report and favors
the ordination proposal.
“I support this
legislation because it aligns our theology of ordination and the Wesleyan
tradition with the practice of ministry and administration of the sacraments,”
Davis said.
But she added the
challenge will be for boards of ordained ministry “to get their heads around a
new system and understand the implications.”
Academic credit for
Course of Study
The commission’s
report touches on a number of issues affecting licensed local pastors,
including calling for strengthening the Course of Study that they undergo and
the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry oversees.
This commission did
not specify how the 20-course program should be bolstered.
“We are really
saying we need an educated clergy and local pastors need to be held to a
standard that is higher than it is now in terms of its requirements,” Hagiya
said.
The commission does
specifically propose eliminating one of the requirements for local pastors who
want to apply for provisional membership and get on the track to becoming an
ordained elder. They would no longer have to be at least age 40.
And the commission
called for authorizing Higher Education and Ministry to partner with United
Methodist-related colleges to develop an undergraduate degree program that
would also meet the Course of Study requirements.
Such a program,
giving academic credit for Course of Study, “would increase educational access
and provide well-rounded liberal arts and theological education for local
pastors” the report says. The ministry agency is putting forward legislation
for this initiative.
The Rev. J. Cameron
West, a United Methodist elder and president of Huntingdon College in
Montgomery, Alabama, favors the idea. He said Huntingdon, a United
Methodist-related school, has stressed pre-ministerial education.
“We’re already
aligned in a way to help the denomination achieve this goal,” he said. “We
might have to add a preaching class.”
But West noted that
some United Methodist colleges are not, in their religion or religious study
courses, focused on preparing students for seminary and would have a harder
time.
The commission’s
report calls for removing from the Book of Discipline, the denomination law
book, references to Course of Study as a “five-year” program. That change would
create more flexibility for those pursuing Course of Study, the commission
says.
Deacons should have
more flexibility to preside at the celebration of the sacraments and all clergy
would get more ongoing “formation,” through mentoring and covenant groups, the
commission proposes.
The last ministry
commission called for ending security of appointment, often referred to as
guaranteed appointment, as a way of replacing ineffective elders, and the 2012
General Conference agreed. But the denomination’s Judicial Council ruled that
the legislation violated the church’s constitution.
This commission
does not view security of appointment as “helpful,” Hagiya said, but chose not
to make a proposal.
“As we looked at it
again, their ruling did not leave a lot of leeway,” Hagiya said.
Hodges, a United
Methodist News Service writer, lives in Dallas. Contact him at (615) 742-5470
or newsdesk@umcom.org
*Used with
permission of the United Methodist News Service
13.
HEALTH AFFAIRS DISPARITIES STUDY:
Since racial and
ethnic minorities make up a disproportionate share of US residents without
health insurance, expanded coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was
expected to reduce disparities in the US health care system. A new study, being
released by Health Affairs as a Web First, compared uninsurance rates for
white, black, and Hispanic adults in 2013 and 2014, focusing on the periods
just before and after the first ACA enrollment period. The study found that by
the fourth quarter of 2014 the uninsurance rate for Hispanics (both citizens
and noncitizens) had declined to 31.8 percent from 40.1 percent in the third
quarter of 2013. During the same period, uninsurance for blacks declined from
25.5 percent to 17.2 percent; and white adult uninsurance was reduced from 14.8
percent to 10.5 percent. For their
study, the authors used data from the National Health Interview Survey
(conducted annually by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention).
Link
to full study text:
Health
Affairs Blog: http://healthaffairs.org/blog/2015/09/16/under-the-aca-uninsurance-disparities-narrow-for-black-and-hispanic-adults/
14.
DO THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES CARE ABOUT THE URGENCIES OF AFRICAN-AMERICANS:
The Rev. Dr.
Angelique Walker-Smith
National Senior
Associate for Pan-African Church Engagement
Bread for the World
Last month, an
observance of the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act was led by
African-American faith leaders like Martin Luther King III and their related
coalitions in our nation’s capital.
Despite the national significance of this law that seeks to empower all
Americans, only one presidential candidate was present for the observance -
Sen. Bernie Sanders. Hillary Clinton sent a letter. This, despite the history
of bipartisan presidential support of this law and the controversy over the
Supreme Court decision on June 25, 2013, which effectively struck down the
heart of the law by freeing nine states, mostly in the South, to change their
election laws without advanced federal approval.
Also last month,
the nation observed the tenth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
In that city, African-Americans have been visibly affected by hunger and
poverty. The anniversary captured the attention of our nation and three
presidents – Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W. Bush, who were present
at the observance. Once again, the majority of the current presidential
candidates were absent.
On August 6, the
first debate with the Republican presidential candidates, hosted by Fox News,
occurred on the one-year anniversary of the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson,
Mo. On that day, CNN Money reported: “The city (Ferguson) is still pumping out
thousands of new arrest warrants and jailing people over minor offenses…
The practice continues despite a scathing report from the Department of Justice
in March that found that Ferguson's police department and municipal
court were unconstitutionally targeting low-income and minority
residents…” While this local issue is a historic challenge for all of us, there
was little mention of it in the presidential debate. A few candidates from both
the Republican and Democratic parties have visited Ferguson since the debate,
however.
This month, a
coalition of national African-American Methodist churches and other
African-American churches have repeated their call for the end of structural
racism. Here again the response of the presidential candidates has been muted.
Despite these
national concerns in our American life together, the absence or minimal voice
of presidential candidates on these issues raises the question being asked by
many African-American church and community leaders: Do the presidential
candidates care about the urgent issues of hunger, poverty, race, and voting
rights, especially given the disproportionate number of people of African
descent who are affected by these issues nationally and globally?
Bread for the World
is at the forefront of asking this question of the presidential candidates not
only with regard to people of African descent, but also of all of those who are
food-insecure and living in poverty.
Bread for the World has a leading role in the Circle of Protection, a
multi-racial faith coalition that has invited the presidential candidates to
respond to these concerns with a video. You are invited to go to
www.circleofprotection.us to hear their answers so that your role in ending
hunger and addressing poverty is strengthened.
15. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
The
Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based
on Biblical Text: Luke 9:57-58 (KJV): And it came to pass, that, as they went
in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever
thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air
have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
As I
sit to write each week I am fully aware that many if not all of the folk who
will read my column have already made the decision to follow Christ. I believe
that because the column is in a news paper that Christians read. The online
version, available to all, is subscribed to primarily by folk who are seeking a
deeper connection. Many are already members of a church. Most readers have already
come to realize that Christ is worthy of our service because He was counted
worthy to suffer and die for our sins.
I am
motivated to continue writing for a number of reasons. One reason is that I
often wonder how many of us stopped to count the cost of our discipleship when
we gave our hand to the preacher and our heart to God. I am compelled to remind
us that there is a price we all must pay if we are to be true disciples of the
Living God. The truth of the matter is true discipleship costs everything we
are and everything we have; all of our heart, soul and mind are required. We
are challenged to submit completely not counting the cost, not hesitating nor
stopping to consider the alternatives.
We
find in our text Jesus is confronted with folk, much like us, who believe they
are earnestly seeking to be His disciples. There are several but I would like
us to consider one in this writing as we prayerfully consider the cost of
discipleship.
There
is a man who is referred to only as ‘a certain man’. I submit that this man is
but one of the many faces in the crowd following Jesus to hear his teachings.
Like many we know, the man is obviously moved by Jesus’ teachings. We can
surmise he has been listening intently and inspired to follow as he says, Lord,
I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.
The truth is this man was no different than we were when we first
accepted Christ as our Savior and were initially overwhelmed with desire to follow
Him. The man offered to become a follower of Jesus, and he made an unusual
promise. The man said that he would follow Jesus wherever He led. The man was
moved by some of the same reasons so many today are attracted to the Lord.
Like
many in our churches the man enjoyed the presence of the Lord and His
followers. This man was obviously motivated by the Lord’s wisdom and teaching.
Clearly he appreciated the good the Lord did.
We see
though that Jesus’ reply was directed on point to the heart of the man’s
problem. The man like so many who have been moved had not counted the cost.
Jesus says to him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the
Son of man hath not where to lay his head. Jesus wanted this man to know and He
wants us to know that if we would become a disciple, we first have to develop a
deeper conviction. This man, like us, had to count the cost.
Jesus
who owns everything reminded the man that He offered no luxury and no material
comfort. He only offered only self-denial. The man had to deny himself and
sacrifice all he was and all that he had. Jesus Himself is clearly the prime
example of sacrifice. Jesus denied Himself completely. Jesus sacrificed and
gave all! He sacrificed both Himself and all He had. He did not even have a
place to lay His head. The animals of the world did; the birds had their nests
and the foxes had their holes, but Jesus had no place to call home. Our Savior
Jesus gave all to meet the needs of a dying and desperate world.
Jesus
wanted this man to understand and He wants us to understand we must count the
cost. In other words a profession was not enough. Being willing to follow was
not enough. The man must deny himself completely, sacrificing and giving all he
was and had to meet the needs of a lost and desperate world. Please notice also
that Jesus called Himself the Son of Man. This is critical as we are challenged
to recognize that this certain man would never be a disciple unless he accepted
Jesus, not as a good teacher, but as the Son of Man. He was to accept Jesus as
the ultimate Servant of man! He must know Jesus as the perfect sacrifice who
loved and cared and ministered and felt for all, and who did it perfectly.
It may
be a little disconcerting to some to realize that though they profess to be
willing and determined to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth, following is
not enough. We must also accept Jesus’ sacrificial pattern for living. We are
challenged to understand that it is not enough to profess self-commitment; we
must also have a Christ-centered commitment. Clearly self-commitment can arise
from strong wills, strong determinations, and strong discipline. Each of those
things has the potential to cause us to appear dedicated on the surface.
However Jesus wants us to understand that self-commitment is not enough for
Him. For Jesus there has to be a total commitment to the Son of Man. We are
called to abandon all of ourselves and all of the world. Luke 9:23 says, And he
said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take
up his cross daily, and follow me.
*The
Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church
in Charleston, South Carolina
16.
GETTING TO ZERO: TYPE 1 DIABETES:
*The
Rev. Oveta Fuller. Ph.D
Type 1 Diabetes
(T1D) was once called “Juvenile Diabetes.” It differs from Type 2 diabetes
(T2D) typically in the time of onset or first detection and the underlying
changes in availability of insulin.
About
T1D and T2D
T1D typically
appears at an early age, before the mid-30s traditionally. Symptoms can occur
as early as during infancy. There are
two peak age ranges when T1D symptoms are most apparent. One peak is between
the age 4-7 (the early school-age years) and the other between age 10-14 (the
puberty years).
About 5% of the
people known to have diabetes have T1D. Thus, the overwhelming form of diabetes
in the USA and globally is T2D that has a later age onset in part because of
lifestyle.
With early onset
diabetes (T1D), the body does not make insulin. Cells in the pancreas that
should make and secrete insulin make no insulin. Or, these cells are destroyed
by a person’s immune system in a type of auto-immune response. For either, insulin control of the amount of
glucose in the blood does not occur. Blood sugar levels can be unstable and erratic--
very high or very low. Loss of insulin
production can result from heredity (a defective gene), from virus infection or
due to some other event that shuts down production by the pancreas.
Symptoms of both
types of diabetes include increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness and
fatigue, tingling hands or feet, unexplained weight loss, and blurred vision.
For children with Diabetes Type 1, bedwetting, sudden mood changes and a sweet
smell of the breath are common. If the blood glucose level is too high or too
low, serious complications can occur. These include kidney damage, numbness of
limbs from nerve damage, vision loss and damage to the heart and veins. A coma
or loss of consciousness (fainting) can happen if levels of blood glucose are high
(>150) or too low (<65 o:p="">
Managing
diabetes
As discussed
previously, insulin regulates the amount of glucose that is released into the
blood and the amount of glucose that is used inside cells as energy for their
functions and growth. Presence and amount of insulin released are affected by
need for energy output and the amount of food consumed as nutrient input. Hence
diet and exercise are key components in managing diabetes.
With type 1
diabetes, a person must supply a constant source of insulin through input from
a continuous pump or through needle injection several times a day. Their body
produces no insulin. Monitoring glucose levels, knowing how to manage food
consumption and getting adequate exercise are all important factors. However,
supplying insulin from outside is a key component of care for “juvenile
diabetes” or T1D.
With type 2
diabetes (T2D), exercise and diet can go far in managing use of insulin.
Sometimes managing diabetes can happen without adding an external source of
insulin. For those who are pre-disposed to diabetes or diagnosed with
pre-diabetes, full diabetes often can be avoided or delayed by changing the
body’s metabolism. Routine exercise seems to allow cells to recognize, take-up
and use insulin. This can be insulin produced by the pancreas (even in lower
amounts) or insulin that is added by oral medications or needle injection.
Diabetes
and Pregnancy
Often a
predisposition to Type 2 diabetes is detected in women during pregnancy as
“gestation-induced diabetes.” Symptoms that appear during the pregnancy may go
away a short time after childbirth. However, often diabetes develops at or
after menopause in women who experienced gestation-induced diabetes.
Pregnancy for
females with T1D can be a challenge. With management of T1D and birth control
under care of a medical team that includes an endocrinologist, women with T1D
can have a successful pregnancy. Without engaged medical care, the health of a
female with T1D or of her offspring can be at serious risk for complications or
even death.
Although there are
ongoing research studies to understand both types of diabetes, there is no
cure. The interplay of heredity (genes), lifestyle (food, stress and exercise)
and environment (climate, temperature) are not well understood. For T2D, genetics seems to be closely linked
to age-related appearance of pre-diabetes or diabetes. For T1D, interestingly
only about 15% of the people with early onset or juvenile diabetes, have
parents or a sibling that have T1D. Factors other than genetics seem to play a
major role in loss of insulin production.
Living with
Diabetes
Due to advances
from biomedical research and increased broader access to health care, there is
good news with both types of diabetes. One can live with diabetes. The first requirements are recognition of
symptoms and a diagnosis. Further, understanding the need for balanced food
intake that is high in vegetables and protein and low in sugar, carbohydrates
and fats and engaging in regular managed healthcare will reduce risks of diabetes
onset and development of serious complications.
The bottom line for
diabetes was stated eloquently by Eria J. Warren of Ypsilanti, Michigan in her
response to the G20 article on diabetes (see TCR-September 4, 2015).
She explains, “For
those who know that either type (of diabetes) is present or dominate in their
family history, it is absolutely necessary to become more personally conscious
of taking care of themselves in a preventive way.”
Yes, Type 2
diabetes (T2D) can be avoided or managed. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) or “juvenile
diabetes” can be managed. Today fewer
children or young adults die of T1D than prior to 60 years ago. Know your
family health history. Get informed to be aware of typical symptoms. Be
proactive to get routine healthcare for you or those for whom you provide care.
An ounce of prevention (preventing onset of T2D or preventing complications of
T1D), truly is worth a pound of cure.
Someday gene
therapy to place in the body a stable form of a virus to provide a good copy of
the insulin gene may be available for T1D.
Currently for either diabetes type, there is no medical cure, only
successful disease symptom recognition and management.
*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.
17. iCHURCH
SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER, 20, 2015 - SPEAK OUT - ACTS 5:27–29, 33–42:
Key Verse: Peter
and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”
Acts 5: 29
Bill Dickens, Allen AME
Church, Tacoma, Washington
Introduction
September 20, 2015 is the
seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost. The
dates November 24, 2014 and April 27, 2015 mark angry public demonstrations by
some members to mark protests about the killing of two young black men: Michael
Brown in Ferguson, Missouri and Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Maryland. Both the
demonstrators and sympathizers of the demonstrators were in agreement that the
violence and rioting was an appropriate form of “speaking out” on perceived
social injustice in their respective communities. This form of “speaking out” raises some
important questions. Is the destruction
of private property by the “protestors” counter-productive and
counter-intuitive? Does the black church
appease anti-social behavior? Bernard
Lafayette, Jr., a protégé` of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., leading exponent of
nonviolent teachings and Distinguished Resident Professor at Emory University
in Atlanta, Georgia once stated that violence is the language of the
inarticulate. If violence is a form of
speaking out it is not an effective tool.
Speaking out requires
courage and conviction. The Adult AME Church School lesson for September 20,
2015 provides an excellent example for why speaking out is important and how it
can be done effectively. Peter was not timid in speaking out about the
Truth. The same Spirit who empowered and protected him will also protect
us when we speak out.
Bible Lesson
Arrest
The fame of the apostles
accelerated and spread among the Jerusalem Jews. Many were healed from sickness and became
converted by the teachings of the early church fathers. Consequently Peter and his associates were
imprisoned. God however had another
plan. An angel of the Lord orchestrated
a “jail break” and released the apostles with the explicit orders to go back
and teach the people about the new life (v 20).
At day break the apostles did precisely as instructed. The religious leaders were stunned and
flummoxed that the secured jail did not retain the prisoners (vs. 23-24). The liberated apostles were back to doing
what they did best – preach and teach about Jesus. Another arrest was made and a hearing was
established to determine appropriate punishment.
Obedience
At yet another inquisition,
the Sanhedrin reiterates their displeasure at Peter and his colleagues
deliberately breaking their “law” by teaching about the Risen Jesus. Peter is neither intimidated nor impressed. He reminds the Council like he did in Chapter
4 that his loyalty and obedience was to God and not to men (v 29) who were
responsible for killing the Messiah.
Furious with Peter’s spiritual chutzpah the Council seeks to have the
apostles killed. A calming voice on the
Council in the person of Gamaliel provides a different option.
Release
Gamaliel reminds his
colleagues that two prior “movements” failed and if the current movement is of
man it too will fail. However, if
Peter’s new view is of God, they can’t legally or theologically stand in the
way. Gamaliel’s colleagues agree and
decide to instead give the apostles floggings or whippings and release them on
their own “reconnaissance”. The apostles are thrilled at knowing they can count
this as their first example of suffering for the Cross. They return once again to doing what they do
best – preach and teach Jesus (vs. 41-42).
Bible Application
Edmund Burke, noted 18th
century British political theorist and philosopher, once stated that evil
persists when good men remain quiet.
Peter and his colleagues were unequivocal that they would not remain
quiet about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
While they were under strict orders to not speak publicly about Jesus
they decided to exercise a case of civil disobedience in rejecting this unjust
civil command. Peter declared it is
better to obey God than punctilious politicians. We can effectively speak out on injustices
when we are empowered with the Holy Spirit and motivated to doing His Will and
not for our own personal benefit.
However, for many, the
ability to speak out can present a challenge. A problem with neighborhood
crime may cause some to remain silent and not speak out. This is the
unfortunate consequence of the “no snitch” unwritten rule that defines many
poor, crime-ridden neighborhoods. A child who is performing below
expectations in school results in many parents remaining quiet and not speaking
out about the causes of their child’s below-average learning abilities.
The list can go on and on. Failure to speak out on important issues
can make life worse not better. If we have problems in speaking out,
remedial speaking courses are available. You don’t have to speak like
Winston Churchill or Barbara Jordan but you can speak out. QED
*Brother Bill Dickens
*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
18. MEDITATION BASED ON MATTHEW 7:15-23:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A.
Darby
I’m writing this meditation
a month or so after the Confederate Flag was removed from the State Capitol
grounds in Columbia, SC. Many South
Carolina politicians are touting that swift response to the racism-inspired
murders of the Reverend Senator Clementa Pinckney and eight other members of
Charleston’s Mother Emanuel AME Church as a sign of great racial harmony in
South Carolina.
Some politicians making that claim, however,
vigorously opposed the Reverend Senator Pinckney’s legislative initiatives
during his lifetime, passed unnecessary Voter ID laws that will suppress the
minority vote, are hindering affordable health care for all South Carolinians
and give only lukewarm support to equity in public education, fair housing and
fair and full employment.
It’s also ironic that after
two decades of continual calls for the Flag’s removal, it took the deaths of
nine people to get it done - much as the video of the officer-involved murder
of Walter Scott in North Charleston led to a law requiring South Carolina law
enforcement officers to wear body cameras.
I celebrate the flag’s
removal, but the Flag is a symbol at best.
Real change and great racial harmony - in and beyond South Carolina -
will come through frank and earnest dialogue about race and by bipartisan political
action that moves America from symbolism to substance and betters the lives of
all citizens.
Moving from symbolism to
substance should also be an imperative for people of faith. Well-appointed churches, spirited worship and
Scriptural knowledge are good expressions of faith, but without positive action
to carry the Gospel, make disciples and advocate for those Jesus called “the
least of these,” those things become little more than sterile, empty symbols.
Take the time to regularly
examine your faith journey and prayerfully consider how you can be an
instrument in God’s hands to foster unity and understanding, share God’s love,
advocate for equity and justice and promote real progress. When you do, you’ll find new blessings, new
direction in life and new meaning in the words of the Jesus who said that being
a part of God’s Kingdom requires us to go beyond symbolically saying, “Lord,
Lord” to substantively doing God’s will.
This Meditation is also
available as a Blog on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
Get Ready for Sunday, and
have a great day in your house of worship!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A.
Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina
Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church
19. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Raymond W.
Browne, Sr., the father-in-law of the Rev. Vernon H. Peters, Pastor of Allen
Memorial AMEC in Brooklyn, New York; father of Lady Cheryl Browne-Peters and
grandfather of Brittni Peters, immediate past Assistant Recording Secretary,
Connectional Young People and Children’s Division – AME Church.
The following information has been provided regarding the
funeral service arrangements.
Friday September 11, 2015
Viewing: 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Funeral: 7:00 p.m.
Guarino Funeral Home
9222 Flatlands Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11236
Telephone: (718)
257-2890
Fax: (718) 257-4895
The Reverend Vernon H. Peters, Eulogist
Entombment:
Pine Lawn Cemetery
2030 Wellwood Avenue
Farmingdale, NY 11735
The Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Reverend Vernon H. Peters & Lady Cheryl Browne-Peters
14592 225th Street
Springfield Gardens, NY 11413
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Aletha
Andrews, wife of retired itinerant elder, the Rev. Christopher Andrews, of
Washington, Georgia and a member of the Washington Circuit in the Augusta
Georgia Annual Conference.
Services for Mrs. Andrews of the Augusta Wrens District
are as follows:
Sunday, Sept. 20, 2015
Black Rock AME Church
441 Hulin Ave.
Tignall, GA 30668
Final Arrangements Entrusted:
Andrews-Chennault Funeral Home
116 Joseph Lowery Blvd., N.W.
Atlanta, GA 30314
Telephone: (404) 522-7735
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Christopher Andrews
840 Hillard Station Church Road
Washington, GA
30673
Telephone: (706) 678-4518
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Beverly Lynn
Ballard, the mother of the Rev. Amir M. Ballard, Sr. and the aunt of the Rev.
Carolyn C. Cavaness, pastor at Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
The following information has been provided regarding the
funeral service arrangements.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Viewing: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Viewing: 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Homegoing Celebration: 10:00 a.m.
Both Viewing and Homegoing Celebration will take place:
Israel Memorial AME Church
54 Lincoln Street
Newark, NJ 07103
The Rev. Robert A. Jackson, Sr., Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent:
The Ballard Family
C/o Israel Memorial AME Church
54 Lincoln Street
Newark, NJ 07103
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Bernes
Smith, Local Elder at Mount Pisgah AME Church in Lawnside New Jersey.
The following information has been provided regarding the
funeral service arrangements.
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Viewing: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Homegoing Services: 1:00 p.m.
Mount Pisgah AME Church
306 Warwick Road North
Lawnside NJ 08045
The Reverend Linda Ellerbe, pastor and eulogist
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Constance [Tina] Smith
238 Heaney Avenue
Lawnside NJ 08045
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
This comes to share that the Honorable Sylvia Marilyn
Murrell has passed. Mrs. Murrell was the sister of the Reverend Ouida
Parks-Pierson, a retired minister and aunt to the Reverend Travis Doolin, both
members of the Oklahoma State Annual Conference of the 12th
Episcopal District.
At the time of her passing, Mrs. Murrell was the Mayor of
Arcadia, Oklahoma; and an active member of St. James AME Church in Arcadia
where the Reverend Gerald Patterson is the pastor.
A Celebration of her Life will be held:
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Avery Chapel AME Church
(The Reverend D. Lavel Crawford, Pastor)
1425 N. Kelham Avenue
Oklahoma City, OK
73117
Telephone: (405) 424-3331
Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Temple and Sons Funeral Home
2801 N. Kelley Street
Oklahoma City, OK
73111
Telephone: (405) 427-8321
Messages of concern may be shared with the family via the
Funeral Home or:
C/o The Reverend Ouida Parks-Pierson
401 NE 16th Street
Oklahoma City, OK
73104
Telephone: (405) 239-2651
C/o The Reverend and Mrs. Travis Doolin
8640 Hillridge Drive
Oklahoma City, OK
73142
Telephone: (405) 808-1943
24. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY
ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley,
Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Telephone: (615) 837-9736
(H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936
(O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
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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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