1/17/2015

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (01/17/2015)


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

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

Thought for the week: "Good exercise for the heart is to bend down and help someone up.” 


1. TCR EDITORIAL – RANDOM THOUGHTS ABOUT GENESIS, EXODUS AND LEVITICUS:

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

I hope those of you who committed to reading the “Bible from
Cover to cover” are still on-task. 

Those of you reading the 360-Day Reading Plan should be almost finished with Genesis (Genesis 48 for Day 17).  If you have gotten this far, then you are at a point of easier reading the give the account of Joseph and his brothers. 

I encourage you to keep reading and if you are behind schedule, don’t let it bother you, just keep reading. The 360-Day Reading Plan calls for about 2 – 3 chapters each day, and for those of you who failed to start, it’s never too late to start.

If you think the 360-Day Reading Plan is too slow, you can always bump yourself up the 180-Day Reading Plan.

And those of you who are taking the aggressive route of the 90-Day Reading Plan and are on-schedule, you are now almost finished reading Joshua. You are moving at a fast-clip. 

If you get a sense that the 90-Day Reading Plan is too aggressive or if you are falling too far behind, you can change to the 180-Day Reading Plan.

Those of you, who are reading the 180-Day Plan (the plan I chose) and are on-schedule, have finished Exodus and are now beginning to read Leviticus. 

In Exodus, we read some interesting dialogue about the accounts of Moses and his challenges with an obstinate people like pharaoh, the Children of Israel and the other folks, which the NRSV and NIV call, “a mixed crowd” (Exodus 12:38) who had joined the Hebrews on their journey to the Promised Land. Moses had to deal with all types of individuals. 

Pastors, today, have to contend with many of the same issues that confronted Moses as he dealt with his “parishioners” on their journey through the wilderness. 

I enjoyed reading about the Passover and Festival of Unleavened bread. Each time I read the Bible; wonderful revelations are revealed to me. I am not bragging, but I have to share that I found Exodus so interesting that I read ahead and I am now almost finished reading Leviticus.

One “take-away” from reading both Exodus and Leviticus is the notion that God requires our best. The Tent of the Meeting; and the Ark of the Covenant, which is also referred to in Scripture as the Ark of the Testimony were constructed using the best materials and skilled artisans were employed to do the work.  Moses didn’t go out and get a “back yard mechanic” or the cheapest laborer; he got the most skilled artisans.

The phrase, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” is often quoted as a biblical text, but it is not in the Bible. The books of Exodus and Leviticus make it clear that cleanliness was a priority in the things related to God. God demand our “unblemished best.”

I am sure that’s the reason I have a problem with churches of any denomination that are not kept up to the standards of cleanliness, infrastructure upkeep and first-class religious programs.

The “unblemished best” works both ways and in every direction. 

Pastors expect parishioners to give their best in support of the religious program; in terms of spiritual support, presence and financial support.

Parishioners expect pastors to deliver Spirit-filled sermons, prepare and execute dynamic worship services, visit the sick and shut-in members of the church, do the pastoral functions of ministry and to be committed to the needs of the parishioners and the community. Pastors are expected to be men and women of prayer.

Bishops give their best when they follow the model of the advice Jethro gave his son-in-law, Moses when he shared with Moses the wisdom of sharing responsibilities. Leaders cannot do all the work. Great leaders “train and trust” their subordinates. 

“Training and trusting” subordinates is also a great attribute for pastors.

It’s not only a strategy that works from top to bottom, but also a strategy that works in the opposite direction. 

Subordinates need to accept and be responsive of the “training and trusting strategy” and to be trusting of leadership.

The more I read the Bible, the more it reinforces for me the importance of “training and trusting” and the importance of “respect for authority.” And particularly, as I read Exodus and Leviticus, a couple of more notions have been reinforced.

We should not be satisfied, as clergy or laity, in giving less than our best.

We should give our best attendance, best money, best service, best help for youth, best preparation and delivery of sermons, best participation and attendance, best praise and singing in the choir; best planning for church meetings and conferences, best thoughts and sharing the best ideas for helping the growth of the local and connectional church. 

Laity and clergy should strive to make their church building the best looking facility in the area.  Our church grounds should look the best in the neighborhood.  Our church properties should set the standard for cleanliness and upkeep.

The utensils used in our worship services should be exemplary clean.  The Cross, candle holders and collection plates should be polished and clean.

If anointing oil is going to be used, purchase an anointing oil vial or use a small chalice for that purpose.  Take the oil out of the olive oil bottle that was taken off the grocery shelf. Give some dignity and drama in the anointing with oil.

Genesis tells us that God created the plants on the third day (Tuesday), so why do churches use artificial plants in the sanctuary?  The answer: Because it cheaper and easier, but it is not our best.

Our best would be the use live-plants as a reinforcement and extension of the notion that God created the vegetation. God did not create artificial plants. 

Unfortunately, many of us have gotten into the notion that “easier is better,” which translates into our acceptance of mediocrity in our physical and spiritual lives, and in our walk with God. Unfortunately, many of us do not give God our best; we give God and the church, what’s left over.

In reading Leviticus again and again, I am more conscious of light and fire and have come to appreciated lighted candles on the altar, which signifies that Jesus is the Light of the world. Unlighted candles do not represent anything.  Every item in the sanctuary should represent something related to God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

And, finally, the Word of God and the reading of Scripture should only be read by those persons who can read God’s Word with flawless articulation. God’s Word is supreme and there is nothing more distracting in worship than someone inarticulately reading the Bible. The same goes for the Decalogue and the other liturgical movements that require reading.  

Scripture lessons should be assigned ahead of time so readers can practice and learn to pronounce difficult words. 

Here is an excellent website to help with biblical pronunciations:


I love reading the Bible and those who do not read the Bible are missing great spiritual insights that lend to spiritual growth.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES: 

-- To the Editor:

RE: TCR Editorial – Effective and Fully Functioning AME Churches Are More Than “CME-Focused” Religious Programs:

I usually look forward to your Christian Recorder emails; however, as a pastor in your sister denomination, namely the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, I find myself disappointed at your humor at our expense. I would like to believe that it was possible for you to make your point without using that acronym in that way.

Name Withheld by TCR Editor

TCR Editor’s Response: My apologies, but I used the initials, which has been a long-standing acronym that's been around for years when referring to parishioners who only attend church on special days.  Sorry you were offended, that's the reason I put quotation marks around "CME" so readers would know that I was not referring to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

3. HIGH NOON, TO THE HIGH PRIEST:

It is imperative now more than ever that we stay in the face of God because these are perilous times. The rampant, open killing of people of color by policemen throughout the country calls us as a nation to pray. Gun laws that allow citizens to shoot young African American boys and legally get away with it, calls us, as a nation, to pray.

On Friday, January 9, in the Church Growth and Development Plenary, God called the African Methodist Episcopal Church to prayer.  Senior Bishop John Bryant began on Friday, January 9.
 
We ask that all Episcopal Districts join in prayer every Friday at noon. Pray for our nation, for our communities, for our children and for the world. Then each day of the week, we ask the Episcopal Districts to pray according to the schedule below:

Friday All Districts

Saturday: Districts 2, 5, 10, 16
Sunday:  Districts 3, 11, 8, 18
Monday: Districts 6, 9, 17
Tuesday: Districts 13, 15, 19
Wednesday: Districts 19, 4, 14, 20
Thursday: Districts 1, 7, 12, 18

**Submitted by the Third Episcopal District

4. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

--Church leaders surprise Normandy seniors with scholarships


-- Waco assistant city manager leaving post to focus on ministry



-- 'Most powerful woman religious leader' to speak at MLK Jr. Awards Luncheon


-- Candler School of Theology Professor to Deliver Princeton Seminary's Annual King Lecture


-- MLK Jr.'s life to be celebrated Sunday in Chambersburg


-- Settlement reached in sexual-abuse lawsuit involving AME Church in St. Louis


5. LIFE QUOTES ENCOUNTERED THIS WEEK:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

*** Martin Luther King (1929 - 1968) American Civil Rights Leader ***

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." - Benjamin Franklin

6. BROWN’S CHAPEL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:

About 1870 a group of men met on the farm of Bland Brown in the Popular Hill area of Giles County. They came together to discuss the need for a church or meeting house. This group of ex-slaves selected Bland Brown as their leader, because he could read, write and keep accounts; but also because as the local blacksmith he knew and worked for all the white landowners around the area. One of those that Bland Brown talked to about the need for a church was his former owner Mr. Reed, a rich and generous landowner. Mr. Reed graciously gave two acres of land, which he deeded to all the "colored people" of District Number Two of Giles County, for a church and graveyard. Therefore, this land never belonged to the Tennessee A. M. E. conference, and could not be sold or used for any other purpose.

Many white and colored landowners donated logs to saw into lumber for the church, which was begun in 1873. A “church raising” was held in the summer of 1873 to finish the outside and roof of the two-story church, and the following year the ceiling and inside was finished. The second floor was equipped and furnished to be used as a lodge hall for the Odd Fellows and the Household of Ruth. While the work was going on the women of the church area came with hot vegetables, fried chicken, and pies to feed the hungry men, who donated their labor. This church was named Brown's Chapel in honor of Bland Brown who had done so much to help in getting a church in the community.

In 1875, a good cotton crop was made and paint was bought to paint the church inside and out. The following year the congregation paid $50.00 for an organ, and a belfry was built •to house a bell, which had been donated. The bell was rung at 9:00 a.m., which announced that Sunday School would start at 9:30 and again at 10:45 to let everyone know that church was beginning "now." If the bell rang during the week, it would be answered by every family, who sent someone to get the news of a death, a house fire, or other information of interest. The greatest news tolled by the bell was the ending of both World Wars.

According to church history, in 1910, Booker T. Washington spoke at Brown's Chapel. The church history further states U.S. Census records for that year indicated he was staying in the residence of Potter Brown, the local schoolteacher. Washington came not only to speak, or preach, at the church but also to recruit students for the Tuskegee Institute. This was, as far as we can learn, the only time that Booker T. Washington was in Giles County.

By the year of 1920, the congregation had grown, and services were held every Sunday morning and night.  A singing school was held that year with Professor J. W. Works of the Fisk Jubilee singers of Nashville, teaching the members how to read and sing shaped­ note music.  During the 1920s, the church served as a school for three years.   During the time that the church serves as a school a carbide lighting system was installed, so that there would be light on the dark days of \\inter.   The third year that the carbide lighting system was used it exploded.

During the 1950's the congregation began to dwindle, and the lodge membership had become even smaller than the church membership so the decision was made to remove the second story and put a new roof on the building. The bell was removed and the belfry reattached to the one story building.   The church closed about 1980, having served God in the community for over 100 years. But good things lay in store for this building. In 1982 Antioch Missionary Baptist Church suffered the loss of their building by fire and they moved into the old Brown’s Chapel building. The deed stated that the property belonged to the “Colored people of District two for use as a church and cemetery” so, with the permission of the last remaining members of the Brown’s Chapel Church, the Antioch Church moved into the building. Again, the building came alive with the worship of God. In the almost twenty years that Antioch has worshipped there the building has been remodeled, siding put on, rest rooms added on the front, a room added on the left rear of the building and shorter windows put in.

The illustration on the bulletin cover, drawn by Sharon Newman, is the artist’s conception of how Brown’s Chapel looked after the 1950 renovation. (Source: An article on Brown’s Chapel A.M.E. Church by Clara Gilbert Bowers-written in part from information told her by her grandfather Samuel (Sam) Fisher. The article is in the files of the Giles County Historical Society).

Bland Brown

Bland Brown was born March 1826 in Virginia. His parent's names are not known. Giles County marriage records show a marriage between Bland Brown and Betty Johnson on May 13, 1866. However, the 1900 Giles County census states that Bland and Betsy had been married 56 years. Known children of Bland Brown were Clara born circa 1849-1852, married Sam Fisher; Washington born between 1851- 1854, died 1914, buried Poplar Hill Cemetery; Julia born circa 1856-1859, married 1st Benton Dawson, 2nd Dick Garrison; Sarah born Sept. 1859; Ruffin, born circa 1860; Joseph born circa 1866; Doctor Bland, Jr. born May 4, 1868, died April 4, 1929, buried in Prospect Cemetery; Matthew born circa 1872; Henry S. born circa Feb. 1873.

Brown was a blacksmith by trade and according to census records, owned real estate. A check of early deeds showed he bought 7 acres from Cary Gilbert in 1872 and 55 acres from H.M. Stanley in 1873. Possibly he acquired more land later.

Bland Brown was a very influential person in the community of Poplar Hill, instrumental in acquiring land to erect a church for the black people living there.  In    1873, according to the deed, land was given to the colored people of District 2, for the purpose of erecting an African Methodist Episcopal Church and schoolhouse.  As long as this land was taken care of and used for this purpose, it would remain in the possession of the colored people of District 2. This church was called Brown's Chapel A.M.E.  Church was named Bland Brown.

Mr. Brown was also responsible for obtaining land for a school in Poplar Hill. Deeds show that in 1880, Bland Brown along with trustees Robert Jenkins and G. W. Upshaw purchased land from T. King in District 2 for the purpose of building a school.  The cost of that tract was $10.00.

Bland Brown died November 5, 1916 in Giles County. Betsy Brown, his wife, was born May 1824 in Tennessee.  She died sometime between 1910 -1920. Both are buried in the Old Poplar Hill Cemetery.

Compiled by Judy Sanders

7.  VICE-PRESIDENT BIDEN ANNOUNCES $25 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR CYBERSECURITY EDUCATION AT HBCUS:

Today, Vice President Biden, Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, and White House Science Advisor John Holdren are traveling to Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia to announce that the Department of Energy will provide a $25 million grant over the next five years to support cybersecurity education. The new grant will support the creation of a new cybersecurity consortium consisting of 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), two national labs, and a k-12 school district.

The Vice President will make the announcement as part of a roundtable discussion with a classroom of cybersecurity leaders and students at Norfolk State University. The visit builds on the President’s announcements on cybersecurity earlier this week, focusing on the critical need to fill the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. job market, while also diversifying the pipeline of talent in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The event and announcement is also an opportunity to highlight the Administration’s ongoing commitment to HBCUs.

Details on the Announcement
As highlighted by the President earlier in the week, the rapid growth of cybercrime is creating a growing need for cybersecurity professionals across a range of industries, from financial services, health care, and retail to the US government itself. By some estimates, the demand for cybersecurity workers is growing 12 times faster than the U.S. job market, and is creating well-paying jobs.

To meet this growing need, the Department of Energy is establishing the Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline Consortium with funding from the Minority Serving Institutions Partnerships Program housed in its National Nuclear Security Administration. The Minority Service Institutions Program focuses on building a strong pipeline of talent from minority-serving institutions to DOE labs, with a mix of research collaborations, involvement of DOE scientists in mentoring, teaching and curriculum development, and direct recruitment of students.

With $25M in overall funding over five years, and with the first grants this year, the Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline Consortium will bring together 13 HBCUs, two DOE labs, and the Charleston County School District with the goal of creating a sustainable pipeline of students focused on cybersecurity issues. The consortium has a number of core attributes:

• It is designed as a system. This allows students that enter through any of the partner schools to have all consortia options available to them, to create career paths and degree options through collaboration between all the partners (labs and schools), and to open the doors to DOE sites and facilities.

• It has a range of participating higher education institutions. With Norfolk State University as a the lead, the consortium includes a K-12 school district, a two-year technical college, as well as four-year public and private universities that offer graduate degrees.

• Built to change to evolving employer needs: To be successful in the long term, this program is designed to be sufficiently flexible in its organization to reflect the unique regional priorities that Universities have in faculty research and developing STEM disciplines and skills, and DOE site targets for research and critical skill development.

• Diversifying the pipeline by working with leading minority-serving institutions: As the President stated in Executive Order 13532, “Promoting Excellence, Innovation, and Sustainability at Historically Black Colleges and Universities” in February 2010, America’s HBCUs, for over 150 years, have produced many of the Nation’s leaders in science, business, government, academia, and the military, and have provided generations of American men and women with hope and educational opportunity.

The full list of participating consortium members are:

Virginia
Norfolk State University (lead)       

Georgia
Clark Atlanta University                  
Paine College

Maryland
Bowie State University                    

North Carolina
North Carolina A&T State University         

South Carolina
Allen University                                
Benedict College                  
Claflin University                            
Denmark Technical College            
Morris College                                 
South Carolina State University      
Voorhees College                              
Charleston County School District  

US Virgin Islands
University of the Virgin Islands      

California
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

New Mexico
Sandia National Laboratory
8. AN OPPORTUNE MOMENT IN THE HISTORY OF PEOPLES OF AFRICAN DESCENT:

By the Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith

Recently I was part of a conference call with church leaders across the country and the lead actor of the new film “Selma.” While discussing the debut of the film, we agreed that our country is at a “kairos” moment. 

This observation of the “kairos” moment,” which in Greek means “a right, opportune time” came, in part, out of our realization of several things coming together, purely by coincidence. While the film was being produced, there was no awareness that the “black lives matter” protests would be happening. At the same time, the United Nations was launching the first Decade of People of African Descent in 2015.

The wisdom of pre-screening the film in places where the “black lives matter” protests have been held has affirmed this historic moment we are currently living in. Churches and their communities are experiencing and planning for renewed, meaningful dialogue and action on race relations and church-community strategies, while remembering the church-led Civil Rights movement of the 1960s. 

The spirit of the “Bloody Sunday” protest in March 1965 is still with us today. “Bloody Sunday” was about insisting that “black lives matter,” and today’s movements embody the past by aiming to change public policy and mobilize people to action. The public policy agenda of both movements deals implicitly and explicitly with the scourge of hunger and poverty that has burdened African-American people.  The Civil Rights period and today’s movements cry out for justice with a public policy platform of equitable voting rights, quality education, full and fair employment, and peaceful relations with law enforcement that supports dignified sustainable development. These cries are for challenged communities where African-Americans are disproportionately affected by these conditions. 

This “kairos” moment we are witnessing in the United States is also global. This year, the United Nations Millennial Development Goals (MDGs) expire, and new proposals are being developed—Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which will include the United States. Further, the U.N. Decade of Peoples of African Descent seeks to promote respect, protection, and fulfillment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for people of African descent, as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This decade seeks to recognize the significant contributions made by people of African descent while strengthening national, regional, and international action and cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights. 

The movements seeking to end hunger and poverty are both domestic and global. Bread for the World invites you to join us in advancing a public policy agenda that supports this. Let us do all we can to advance structural change in this "kairos' moment.

9. HIV/AIDS PATIENTS IN DEEP SOUTH HAVE LOWER SURVIVAL RATES:

DURHAM, N.C. -- The southern U.S. had the nation's lowest five-year survival rate among those diagnosed with HIV or AIDS in 2003-2004, according to new research.

Fifteen percent of people diagnosed with HIV and 27 percent of those diagnosed with AIDS in that year had died within five years of diagnosis.

Nine southern states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas) are hit disproportionately hard by HIV/AIDS. Patients in this region tend to be younger, more rural, African-American and female. They are also more likely to attribute their HIV infection to heterosexual sex.

“This research, documents the dire consequences that having an HIV diagnosis in the Deep South region has for too many individuals,” said Duke University law professor Carolyn McAllaster, who directs the Southern HIV/AIDS Strategy Initiative (SASI) and the law school’s AIDS/HIV and Cancer Legal Project.

The research team included the Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research at the Duke Global Health Institute,  SASI,  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of North Carolina School of Public Health. Their findings appear in the December 2014 edition of the Journal of Community Health. (Link below)

Differences between U.S. regions in demographic characteristics and transmission risk did not explain the higher death rate among persons living with HIV in the targeted Southern states, indicating that other factors contribute to this disparity.

Lead author Susan Reif of the Duke Global Health Institute said a number of factors likely contribute to the differences in outcomes seen among individuals living with HIV in the Deep South, including poverty, lower levels of education and insurance coverage, social stigma associated with the disease, and racism.

“These differences are crucial to consider when creating strategies to address HIV/AIDS in this region,” Reif said. “Clearly greater investment and focus are required to address the unique nature of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the South.”

The research was commissioned by Duke Law’s AIDS Legal Project through a grant from the Ford Foundation. The full text of the article may be viewed: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10900-014-9979-7.

CITATION: "HIV Diagnoses, Prevalence and Outcomes in Nine Southern States," Susan Reif, Brian Wells Pence, Irene Hall, Xiaohong Hu, Kathryn Whetten, Elena Wilson. Journal of Community Health, Dec. 2014. DOI: 10.1007/s10900-014-9979-7

10. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

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

Based on Biblical Text: 1 Peter 1:3-9 (Living Bible): “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”

Our text is a beautiful and rich passage of scripture. What we find embodied in these immortal words is the glorious hope of the return of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. The question: "Does this represent the great hope of every believer?"

The truth of the matter is that the glorious hope that Jesus Christ will one day come again should be on the mind and in the heart of every believer. Eternal life is the wonderful privilege of living forever with God. Just imagine living face to face with God forever! There is no greater benefit afforded to mankind.

So what is this hope that every believer has? It is a not a lifeless, dead hope it is a living hope.  It is not a probable hope rather it is a hope that is real; a hope that is true and a hope that really exists. It is a hope that enjoins the heart of the believer with the reality of heaven. It is a hope that embraces a spiritual world more real than this earthly tabernacle of our existence.

Each of us can remember when we were growing up how we hoped for a whole lot of things. Think about it, we hoped for a new bicycle and sometimes for a day off from school. We hoped for presents under the tree at Christmas and sometimes for a passing grade on our final exam.

Then when we grew up, when we became a Christian adult, our hope took on a new dimension. As a Christian Adult, we began to put away childish things, grown up we began to hope for those things that the carnal world might deem intangible. We grew up and began hoping for serenity and silence. We began hoping for satisfaction, salvation and sanctification.

The songwriter reminds us that “our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.”  In other words our hope rests in the knowledge that the Lord has promised us new life in Him. Our hope rests in the knowledge that the Lord has secured this new life for us already. He promises that if we persevere, we shall receive our reward. We rest in the knowledge that God is our source of the hope.

The Bible says, "His boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God's own family; He is the Inheritance of our hope” This, of course, begs the question, if God is the source of our inheritance and the assurance of our hope, why then do so many Christians live today as those who seemingly have no hope.

If Jesus is our Lord to whom we have surrendered and subjected our lives; If Jesus is the One who sits in the spiritual and heavenly world at the right hand of God the Father, making intercession for us night and day; If Jesus is our Messiah promised by God to save the souls of men; then why is there any lack in our faith?

Our text reminds us that God has promised us eternal life and that if we would only believe, we will receive.

Peter lets us now that God is not far removed from us. Neither is He one with little or no interest in our welfare. The fact is God is near at hand. God is all around us and He is longing to relate to us, to look after us, to care for us, and to give us eternal life through Christ Jesus. He has proved that He has the power to grant eternal life.

Peter reminds us that though we live in a world full of corruption, God is able to preserve us until His coming again. In a world full of sin God is our only hope for redemption and reward. The Bible says, “But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children."

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

11. GETTING TO ZERO: A TIME TO MEASURE PROGRESS:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

We arrive at a season of the 2015 calendar year that focuses especially on all things African American. This includes celebrating ideals and legacies of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr on January 15 and Bishop Richard Allen during celebrations in February of AMEC Founder’s Day.

This season includes special events such as the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 7.

The National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS, Inc  (NBLCA) states, “In an effort to address the issue of HIV/AIDS and its‘ destruction to the Black community, the (NBLCA) will host a public forum on Friday February 6, 2015 at the Schomburg Research Center between 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. highlighting the State of HIV in Black America.”

“We invite you to join the discussion and create a plan to fight the effects, stigma, criminalization, and lack of resources for prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. A panel of specialists will feature representatives from state, federal, and national HIV/AIDS agencies.” (Note: How to join is not yet described.)

The invitation includes a reminder that “… African Americans account for almost half (44%) of all new HIV infections in the United States. Approximately one in 16 black men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetime, as well as one in 32 black women. NBLCA is committed to promoting healthy communities and hope you will support our efforts.”
This column has discussed how biomedical and clinical advances along with policy and socio-behavioral developments provide a pinpoint of light at the end of a long tunnel. We have talked about what would be required to get to “an AIDS-free generation.”

Biomedical and clinical research results revealed much of how HIV reproduces and how it leads to AIDS. Over thirty types of anti-retroviral (ARVs) drugs have been developed. Each interferes with a step in virus replication. Clinical trials with ARVs affirm that, even without a vaccine or an absolute cure, we have the means to get to no new infections; no new AIDS cases and thus theoretically “Get to Zero.”

G20 began as a weekly feature of The Christian Recorder in the summer of 2012. Reflection from then to now begs the question of what progress has occurred. What is the difference in how congregations, families and communities understand that HIV leads to AIDS, how the pandemic can be stopped and what are the responsibilities of the faith community?

Does knowing more of how HIV works as a fragile, but prevalent virus change the rates of risks taken that allows virus transmission from one person to another?

Does knowing that progression to AIDS can be slowed or halted altogether translate into actions that result in fewer new cases of AIDS, reduced opportunistic infections, no stigma and no AIDS-related deaths? Are more people involved in using what is available to prevent spread and the multiple impacts of HIV/AIDS?

Do clergy and church leaders and TCR readers get that HIV can only transmit by contact with a few (four) body fluids? Is it understood and appreciated that even these contacts can be prevented?

Do clergy, lay officers, missionaries and AMEC members of all types appreciate that modeling routine testing to know one’s HIV status is critical to stopping the pandemic?  Routine testing is the most important step to taking control of HIV/AIDS and to reaching an “AIDS-free generation.” 

How many TCR readers make HIV testing a regular part of health care?

How many talk to children or loved ones about being safe with sexual interactions through always using one of the ABC’s of HIV infection prevention?

As an indication of progress, the CDC has found that African Americans report a higher likelihood (65%) of having taken an HIV test compared to other groups in the USA.

2015 is the year that the World Health Organization (WHO) will assess progress on meeting goals of the “Getting to Zero” campaign that began in 2010.  2015 is the year to evaluate progress to:

. Reduce by ½ the number of new transmissions of HIV compared to those recorded in 2010.

. Reduce by ½ the number of deaths from AIDS related illness.

. Remove the legal discrimination and stigma by changing of unjust laws or practices that affect persons with HIV/AIDS.

In his State of the Union address in 2013, the then recently elected second-term President Barack Obama spoke about the feasibility of getting to “an AIDS-free generation.” 

The G20 column asked, “How do we ‘Get to Zero’ or bring to reality an AIDS-free generation”?  We acknowledged that it would not be easy. It would take time--more than two years. We explained that “each person, especially clergy and religious leaders, has a role to play.  We suggested that AMEC leaders “should get and stay informed so to eliminate myths, misconceptions and lack of knowing. Talk to others about what is learned. Get tested and model HIV counseling and testing as the necessary and smart health choice.”

At two years later, change is slow.  Are most AMEC congregations consistently and patiently moving people closer to awareness of how to end AIDS?  At this time in 2015 of all things African-American, where are we? Some believe that not much is occurring in the AMEC when it comes to HIV/AIDS.

Similar to what is sometimes asked at the beginning of a worship moment, ”if each person was as informed, engaged, committed and consistent as you in tackling HIV/AIDS, what would be in the 2015 progress report for reducing impact and conquering HIV/AIDS? “

The answer is especially important to people of color in the USA, in countries of Africa and in communities all over the world.

*Dr. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Faculty of the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Theological Seminary. An Itinerant Elder in the 4th Episcopal District, she conducts HIV/AIDS prevention research in Zambia and the USA. She lived in Zambia for most of 2013 as a J. William Fulbright Scholar. 

12.  iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 - JESUS INTERCEDES FOR US -HEBREW 4:14-5:10:

Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington

The application of criminal or civil justice in the U.S. requires legal representation.  An attorney is required because we live in a country governed by the rule of law.  Lawyers not only represent their clients but they fulfill another fiduciary function – lobbying or speaking on behalf of those they represent.  In court the judge will only listen to hired counsel, not loquacious clients.  Lawyers intercede on behalf of those they represent before the court.  The outcome of guilt or innocence rests with their specialized skills. 

The Adult AME Church School Lesson for January 18, 2015 looks at how and why Jesus is an Intercessor for us.  It is reassuring to know we can look to the great Intercessor, Jesus Christ, to help us manage our challenges and tribulations.

An intercessor is a person who by calling or by nature chooses to be a mediator on behalf of those who cannot intervene for themselves. Intercessors make requests, urge, plead, beg, counsel, discuss, risk, sacrifice, and make war on issues relating to the weaker ones, and thus they have an impact on the final outcomes for those they serve.

There is a difference between a person who is called an intercessor and a person who prays. Any person can pray, but not all praying people are intercessors. The opposite is true also - an intercessor may live his entire life and live to make only one great act of intercession.

In Hebrews Chapters 4 -5 Jesus is depicted as the “great intercessor” after the order of Melchizedek.   Melchizedek is described in the book of Genesis as both a king and a priest.  In the Old Testament and in the giving of the Law, only the descendants of Aaron were permitted to perform priestly functions, e.g., provide and environment conducive for worship, lead in the sacrificial offerings; seek atonement for sins, etc.

Chapters 4 and 5 in Hebrews makes the argument that one greater than Melchizedek has now emerged who is willing and able to execute these priestly functions and as a result provide believers with eternal life. 

As the Son of God, Jesus is in a unique position to lobby or intercede for us before God the Father in Heaven.  As the "great lawyer" only He can maintain our justification by pleading on our behalf.  Jesus is interceding for us despite our unworthiness.  

Our ancestors were theologically correct when they used to sing the Negro spiritual equating Jesus as our “lawyer in a courtroom.” 

Some may want Perry Mason, others may want Johnnie Cochrane, but as for me and my house; we will take the Intercessor who has never lost a case and is interceding every day 24/7. 

We can rejoice knowing that with Jesus our case is dismissed!

*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

13. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 8:

I’m pleased to feature the words of a friend of mine - J.L. Strickland - in this week’s meditation.  J.L. is a white (not that it matters), retired Alabama textile mill worker with a natural gift for writing - he proudly describes himself as a “lint head emeritus!”  We mused about the worth of “chitlins” and other parts of the pig in a recent email conversation, and he said something profound:

“Have you ever considered that the pig is a living symbol of our existence?  Just think about it – a pig can be repulsive, a pig can be nasty, and a pig can be loud and annoying. Many folks hate pigs, just on their appearance alone.  At the same time, a pig is capable of sweet redemption and pleasure.  A pig teaches us not to judge the surface and off-putting nature of a thing.  A pig teaches us efforts on our part will be amply rewarded.  Pigs teach us that we must work for that what is worth having.  The blessings from a pig are truly...Glorious!”

Aside from the wonderful life-lesson about the potential that God gives each of us in spite of our imperfections in my good friend J.L.’s words, there’s something else worth noting about him - I’ve never met him in person.  We basically “discovered” each other by our online writings and have been friends since then – we’re kindred spirits.  I’ve never seen J.L.’s face, but I know him by his literary work.

I share that with you in a world where some question God’s existence and presence in this world.  Many people - in a world that revolves around logic, reason and measurable evidence - question the existence of a God that they can’t see “face to face” and whose presence can’t be scientifically proven.  What they fail to understand is that God’s presence is revealed through God’s work in our lives.

When we weather tough times and come out okay, that’s God at work.  When we succeed when all logic says that we should fail, that’s God’s work.  When we mess up and position ourselves to fail, but still succeed and are well and blessed, that’s God’s work.

Take the time each day to celebrate the small and great ways that God works in your life.  You’ll find new strength, new joy, new encouragement and new appreciation for the words of the hymn that says, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God to Thee; How great Thou Art, How great Thou art.”

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

14. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

-- Michael W. Waters' book Freestyle wins 2015 Illumination Book Award

Freestyle: Reflections on Faith, Family, Justice, and Pop Culture, a book written by the Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, founder and Senior Pastor of Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Dallas, Texas, recently won a silver award in the Christian Living category of the 2015 Illumination Book Awards.

The Illumination Book Awards recognize "the year's best new titles written and published with a Christian worldview."

This is the third award that Freestyle, with the foreword by our Senior Bishop, the Right Rev. John Richard Bryant, has won. It was named a finalist in two categories of the 2014 USA Best Book Awards: Social Change and Christianity. The official press release of this award can be found at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/01/prweb12442251.htm.

Congratulatory remarks may be sent to pastor.mike@joytabernacleame.org

Joy Tabernacle A.M.E. Church
3203 Holmes Street
Dallas, Texas 75215
www.joytabernacleame.org

The Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters
Founder and Senior Pastor

15. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
 
We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Pamela Chambliss, the sister of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, 116th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District, sister-in-law of Mother Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor, aunt of the Reverend Marcellus Norris, Pastor, St. Luke AME Church, Harlem, NY, 1st Episcopal District and the Rev. Richard Norris II, Director of Music, 1st Episcopal District, Philadelphia, PA.
 
Sister Pamela Chambliss passed from labor to reward on Thursday, January 8, 2015.
  
Homegoing Celebration
 
Tuesday, January 13, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
St. Matthews AME Church
215 N. 57th St.
Philadelphia, PA

Telephone: (215) 472-4784

The Rev. Roland C. McCall, Pastor
 
Condolences may be sent to: 
 
Bishop and Mother Richard F. Norris
1626 N. 72nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151

Home Telephone: (215) 477-9247

Email:


16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the Home-going of MRS. MYRTIS LLOYD LOVETT, the Mother of the Rev. Dr. D. Lovett Sconiers.  Rev. Dr. Sconiers has been serving as the Chaplain & Religion Professor at Edward Waters College, in Jacksonville, Florida in the Eleventh Episcopal District, for the past 14 years.

Mrs. Myrtis Lloyd Lovett transitioned from labor to reward on Sunday, January, 11, 2015.

Homegoing Services:

When: Saturday, January 17, 2015, 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Bethel Community Baptist Church
2901 - 54th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Services By:

Lawson's Funeral Home
4535 Central Avenue
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Phone: (727) 623-9025

Expressions of Condolences may be forwarded to:
The Rev. Dr. D. Lovett Sconiers
4520 Loveland Pass Drive West
Jacksonville, FL 32210

Telephone: (904) 616-8706

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With Heartfelt Sympathy we sadly announce the passing of Licentiate Lawrence Stubbs of Greater Allen AME Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the husband of Licentiate Dorothy Stubbs, former Prison Ministry Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Conference.  Services were held on January 12, 2015.

Expressions of condolence may be forwarded to:

Lic. Dorothy Stubbs
636 Calera Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15207

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With Heartfelt Sympathy we sadly announce the passing of the Rev. Elton Rutledge, Sr., the loving husband of Sister Virginia Rutledge. He was the pastor of Chavis African Methodist Episcopal Church, Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church.  The Reverend Rutledge was the brother of Rev. Earl Rutledge of Georgetown, SC.  The Rev. Rutledge passed on Sunday, January 11 at Georgetown Memorial Hospital, Georgetown, SC.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

The Wake:

Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
Arnett AME Church
900 North Merriman Rd.
Georgetown, SC 29440

Telephone: (843) 546-4414

The Rev. Barbara Nelson

Celebration of Life:

Sunday, January 18, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.
Historic Bethel AME Church
401 Broad Street
Georgetown, SC 29440

Home telephone: (843) 546-4898
Fax: (843) 527-6405

The Rt. Reverend Richard Franklin Norris, Eulogist
The Rev. Dr. Sandy W. Drayton, Presiding Elder
Georgetown District, Palmetto Annual Conference
The Rev. Eric S. C. Manning, Pastor

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

Sister Virginia Rutledge
709 Palm Street
Georgetown, SC 29440

Telephone: (843) 546-9614

Funeral Services entrusted to:


Wilds Funeral Home
130 N Merriman Rd.
Georgetown, SC 29440

Telephone: (843) 546-6901
Fax: (843) 546-6719

19.  CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened by the passing of the retired Rev. Lewis Scott, a member of the ministerial staff at Emanuel AME Church, Portsmouth, VA.  Please keep the Scott family in your prayers.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Wake - Tuesday, January 20, 2015 – (5:00 pm-7:00 pm)

Homegoing service - Wednesday, January 21, 2015 (12:00 noon)

Emanuel AME Church
637 North Street
Portsmouth, VA 23704

Telephone: (757) 393-2259

The Rev. Granger Flythe, pastor
Telephone numbers: 757-630-5371, 757-488-5194

Services are entrusted to:

Overton Funeral Home
405 Johnson Avenue
Suffolk, VA 23434

Telephone: (757) 539-4861

 20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We saddened by the passing of Sis. Norma Oliver, the aunt of the Rev. Sherita M. Seawright. Please keep the Oliver, Moon and Seawright family in your prayers.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday, January 23, 2015
Viewing at 10:00 a.m.
Service at 11:00 a.m.:

Peoples Congregational United Church in Christ
4704 13th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20011

In lieu of flowers, please send your donations to:

Washington Home & Community Hospices
3720 Upton Street, NW
Washington, DC  20016

Please send cards to:

The Rev. Sherita M. Seawright
1609 Portland Avenue
Fort Washington, MD 20744

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Mary C. Johnson, Associate Minister, Martin Memorial AME Church in Miami, Florida.

Services for the Reverend Mary C. Johnson:

Saturday, January 24, 2015, 11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
11111 Pinkston Drive
Miami, Florida 33176
(305) 232-0499

Remains are entrusted to:

Jay Funeral Home
17420 Homestead Avenue
Miami, FL 33157

Telephone: (305) 255-1193

Condolences may be sent: 

Johnson Family
14045 Jackson Street
Miami, FL 33176
22. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net    
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/  
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751




23. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

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

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