6/19/2015

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (06/19/15)


The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder


1. TCR EDITORIAL – MOTHER EMANUEL AME CHURCH TERROR EVENT A DEFINING MOMENT IN AMERICAN LIFE:

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

I am writing this editorial with a heavy heart and I am sure there are many heavy hearts here in America and around the world. The senseless murder of innocent people brutally killed in their church studying the Bible, minding their own business and not bothering anyone just boggles the mind and discombobulates normal people.

They were doing what they loved to do. They were a small intimate core of people who enjoyed Bible study and no doubt, loved each other’s company.  I am sure they were excited that their pastor was a part of the Bible study and taking part in the discussions. 

Some of the parishioners probably already had dinner and others may have been planning to eat dinner after finishing Bible study. It was just going to be a routine Wednesday as any other Wednesday.

This Bible study had an air of excitement because a visitor, young man had joined them for Bible study.
  
Like churches across America, the pastor, congregation and the members of the Bible study probably had many discussions about how to attract more people to the church and more people to Bible study.  And, I suspect that they were excited about the young visitor who joined their ranks. They would not have been concerned about his color.  The African Methodist Episcopal Church has “African” in its name, but the denomination does not discriminate against any race nor does it address race in its book of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The young visitor was received with open arms and unconditional love and was probably extended an invitation to attend Sunday worship. The 13 people who attended Bible study on Wednesday, June 17 had a welcoming spirit and Christlike intentions of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Bible study was a “vehicle” for sharpening their knowledge of the Bible, coping with the intricacies of life and sharing the “Good News.”  Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina got off to a good start. 

As a clergyperson who has attended and participated in many Bible studies, I can attest to fact that pastors and parishioners who regularly attend Bible study are excited when guests attend Bible study. The energy level of Bible study is heightened with the presence of guests and I am sure that the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., Cynthia Hurd, the Rev. Sharonda Singleton, Myra Thompson, Tywanza Sanders, the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Susie Jackson, and Ethel Lance were excited and happy when Dylann Storm Roof joined them for Bible study. They were not concerned about the color of his skin; he was welcomed as a brother in Christ.

They had no way of knowing the allegedly dastardly intentions of Roof, a 21-year-old man who happened to be white with a disturbed personal life and a history of racist views and obviously not too bright.

The pastor and parishioners who attended Bible study extended hands of welcome and allegedly he responded with violence and nine church members were dead – murdered in cold blood for no reason.

It was a hate crime, not because the victims were black and the shooter was white, but because of the killing of innocent people in cold blood with the expression of hatred on the part of the alleged killer. His intention was indicative of hate.

It would have been a hate crime if the victims had been white and the shooter had been black. It would have been a hate crime if the victims and the perpetrator were of the same color. Hate transcends race.  In this instance it was a hate crime motivated by racism. We need to redefine hate crimes from the narrow focus of the race of the victims and the person(s) who commit crimes.

In the case of the murders at Emanuel AME Church the senseless act of violence was a hate crime and an act of terror.

The media coverage of the terrorist attack at Mother Emanuel AME Church has been extensive.  The emotions of the event have been devastating. People feel the pain of the parishioners of Emanuel, the city of Charleston, the state of South Carolina and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Vigils and worship services have been held.  People of goodwill of all races are coming together to share their emotions and provide support.  

People around the United States are talking about the state of race relations and ways to address all the aspects of violence in this country.

The city of Charleston, the state of South Carolina, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and other religious denominations and organizations are making their “voices” heard.  The AME Council of Bishops has published its statement and the members of the denomination are rallying as one to fight injustice, racism, and terrorism.

But more importantly, the AME Church leadership has set up a mechanism for assisting the Mother Emanuel victim families. The act of violence perpetrated by Roof, who allegedly has confessed to the murders, has caused emotional, psychological and even spiritual stress; not to mention the financial stress of the survivors’ families.  

The senseless terror such as happened at Mother Emanuel AME Church should not have happened in an industrialized nation. Apparently, there is something that we are not doing right in America.

The nation must deal with the issues that precipitate violence. Other industrialized nations do not experience the instances of random violence, police brutality and of their citizens being killed by guns.

Citizens in other industrialized nations must be shaking their heads at the senseless violence we experience in the United States. They must be flabbergasted about our gun laws, lack of gun control, ignorance and intolerance.

Where do we go from here?

The terror in Charleston brings us to a decision point. I remember when churches remained unlocked and we took pride in saying “the church doors are always open.”  Unfortunately, we are living in a “different world” and have been living in a different world for a number of years. Church doors have been locked for many years. And, it is not unusual for churches to have security persons present during worship services.

Will churches have to provide security for worship services and Bible study?  Will churches set up security checkpoints or metal detectors before letting worshipers enter the sanctuary? Should churches eliminate evening Bible study? Eliminate prayer meetings?  Do parishioners look at guests with a suspicious and jaundiced eye, especially guests of a different race or culture?

I am afraid that we have moved away from any semblance of “business as usual.”

We, the church, will have to come to grips with the catastrophic event that happened at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina on Wednesday evening, June 17, 2015.

That terror event caused by a not too bright young man has exposed the flaws of our society where someone can go into a church and kill innocent people.

Thinking people around the country and the world know something must be done lest the very moral, spiritual and religious fabric of our nation, the United States, unravels.

And, one more thing

I appreciate the concern and sensitivity of the state and local government officials, but the Confederate flag flying on the grounds of the capitol is offensive. The people who manage the flag don’t even have the decency to fly the flag at half-mast. Flying the flag is a “smack in the face" of the citizens of South Carolina and flying the flag at full mast in the midst of such a tragic event in the city of Charleston is a travesty against compassion and decency.

I am offended that they are not flying the flag at half mast.

And while I am on this tirade, I don’t have a problem with citizens flying the Confederate flag on their property or placing images of it on their vehicles or tattooing images of it on their foreheads, but don’t fly it on government property.

Religious organizations and other organizations of good will should refuse to hold meetings in South Carolina until the Confederate flag is removed. The AME Church should refuse to hold any connectional meetings in South Carolina and cancel those that are already planned.

If the Connectional AME Church refuses to cancel meetings planned in South Carolina, individual members should refuse to participate in meetings in the state of South Carolina.

2. THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS COUNCIL STATEMENT CONCERNING EMANUEL AME CHURCH IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:

African Methodist Episcopal Church
Council of Bishops

June 18, 2015

The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church joins with our components and worldwide membership in expressing our grief and sympathy on the senseless and tragic attack which took the lives of The Rev. Clementa Pinckney, pastor, and eight other congregants of Mother Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, South Carolina.  Mother Emanuel is the oldest black church in the south and one of the most historic churches in the nation.  The senseless and evil action which took the lives of those who gathered at Mother Emanuel to study and pray is indicative of a major crisis facing our nation and its people.  While we are pleased that Dylann Storm Roof, the assailant and alleged murderer has been arrested, we do not believe this matter has been concluded.

First, we join in grief with Mother Emanuel Church in the loss of her pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, and the Rev. Daniel Simmons Sr., Cynthia Hurd, the Rev. Sharonda Singleton, Myra Thompson, Tywanza Sanders, the Rev. DePayne Middleton-Doctor, Susie Jackson, and Ethel Lance, members of that church family.  We also grieve with the State of South Carolina, which also lost an outstanding state senator and leader in the person of the Rev. Pinckney.  Second, we pray and ask for the God of love, mercy and grace to comfort; restore and give peace to family members and of all of us who have been shaken and saddened by this tragedy.  May our faith be strengthened and our hope restored.

Finally, we call upon the nation’s political leadership, faith institutions and other organizations in this country to face the reality that race remains a problem in this nation.  “The arrest of Dylann Storm Roof, the assailant and alleged murderer does not end this matter.  In fact this matter makes even clearer that race is a major problem in our nation that must be dealt with,” said Bishop Julius McAllister, President of the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  “The nation can no longer live in denial and act as if it does not exist.  Every week there is some incident, which involves the negative consequences of race,” he added.  “The AME Church will join with other faith communities to stress the need for the United States to face, discuss and meet head-on the problem of race in this country,” said Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the AME Church. 

“African Methodists in South Carolina are strong and faithful, we will not shy away or lessen our commitment to equality and social justice,” said Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of South Carolina. “This will make us stronger and more determined to advance God’s kingdom on earth.  This tragedy will not weaken, but strengthen us.  African Methodism will become stronger because of this tragedy,” he said. 

The problem of race has not decreased but increased over the last several years.  Listen to what has been said, “We want our country back.”  The question is from whom?  Mr. Roof stated that he had to kill blacks because of what blacks are doing to “his country.” 

The recent Charleston, South Carolina tragedy; the death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri; Eric Garner in Staten Island; Akil Gurly in New York; Tamir Rice in Cleveland, Ohio; and Freddie Gray in Baltimore, our nation’s president has been called “a monkey,” disrespected and had his citizenship questioned, are all indicative of a systemic race problem.

In September the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be joining with our sister communions and other partners to constrain this nation to address the issue of race in this nation.  Details will be announced next month.

The Council of Bishops calls on all of our churches, and other communions and congregations to join together this week, and in particular this weekend wherever we worship to pray for those who lost their lives, their families, Mother Emanuel Church, and our nation.

Contribution to assist with the burial and expenses related to those who lost their lives can be sent to:

“Mother Emanuel Hope Fund”
C/o City of Charleston
P. O. Box 304
Charleston, SC 29402

For further information contact Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Bishop of Urban and Ecumenical Affairs and Chair of the Social Action Commission of the AME Church at Reginald.jackson132@verizon.net. 

Bishops of the AME Church:

Julius McAllister, President, Council of Bishops        David R. Daniels Jr.
John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop                                Samuel L. Green Sr.
John F. White, Secretary, Council of Bishops           Jeffrey N. Leath
Clement W. Fugh, Ass’t Sec. Council of Bishops        Reginald T. Jackson
McKinley Young                                                    E. Earl McCloud Jr.
William P. DeVeaux Sr.                                         John H. Adams
T. Larry Kirkland                                                   Frederick H. Talbot
Adam J. Richardson Jr.                                          Frederick C. James     
Richard F. Norris                                                   Frank C. Cummings
Vashti M. McKenzie                                              Philip R. Cousin Sr.
Gregory G. M. Ingram                                            Henry A. Belin Jr.
Preston W. Williams II                                          Robert V. Webster
Wilfred J. Messiah                                               Zedekiah L. Grady
Paul J. M. Kawimbe                                              C. Garnett Henning Sr.
James L. Davis                                                     Carolyn Tyler Guidry

3. STATEMENT BISHOP RICHARD FRANKLIN NORRIS, PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT: 

Scripture Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength in a very present help in the time of trouble.”

The dastardly hand of unfavorable evil has unleashed its fury against the people of God while in prayer meeting and Bible study.  The massive pain and loss has cause all that is good and righteous to shudder with unbelief that such an act could be formulated in the mind of any human being.

As Presiding Bishop of South Carolina, I have called the African Methodist Episcopal Church to prayer, reflection, and renewed restoration.  Let us uphold the bereaved families in prayer.  Be steadfast, unmovable and faithful.

The Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church soars on the wings of countless prayers from every segment of society.  The Leadership of Charleston has joined the leadership of the church in demonstration of unity and family togetherness.

We have scheduled statewide prayer services at the following churches:

Morris Brown, Charleston
13 Morris St.
Charleston, SC 29403

The Rev Dr. Charles Watkins, Jr., Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Presiding Elder

Mt. Pisgah, Sumter
217 W. Bartlette Street
Sumter, SC 29150

The Rev. Dr. Betty D. Clark, Pastor
The Rev. Robert L. McCants, Presiding Elder

Bethel, Columbia
819 Woodrow Street
Columbia, SC 29205

The Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford, Sr., Pastor
The Rev. Rosalyn G. Coleman, Presiding Elder

Allen Temple, Greenville
109 Green Ave.
Greenville, SC 29601

The Rev. James E. Speed, Sr.
The Rev. Judy M. Richardson, Presiding Elder

Williams Chapel, Orangeburg
1198 Glover St.
Orangeburg, SC 29115

The Rev. Dr. Caesar R. Richburg, Pastor
The Rev. James R. Glover, Sr., Presiding Elder

While I cannot be present in person as I recover from my transplant; my heart and spirit are with the families and churches.  Let us lift up our eyes unto the hills whence cometh our help.  Our help comes from the Lord.

Thanks to Governor Haley, Mayor Riley, religious, and Civic Leaders for boundless support.  Special thanks to Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant and Bishop Julius McAllister, President of the Council of Bishops.

Mother Norris joins me in prayer for the bereaved family.

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate
Seventh Episcopal District (South Carolina) of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church

4. THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH (CME) IS STANDING WITH OUR AME FAMILY:

By Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick

A calamity born in depravity hit at the Emmanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on the evening of June 17, 2015, when a gunman took the lives of persons at the church in prayer meeting.

As a CME Church Family, let us join with the AMEs in prayer for the healing of the families touched by this tragedy – the families of the victims and the family of the perpetrator. 

As your Senior Bishop, I’ve shared on the phone with Senior Bishop Bryant of the AME Church on our behalf, sharing the spirit of unity and mutual mourning as a CME family.  Several of us who are in Dallas, Texas, joined with Bishop Vashti McKenzie and other AME leaders at their Episcopal District Headquarters in a prayer meeting and press conference.  “[We] sat where they sat.”  I hope others of us share in their gatherings and prayer vigils.

Violence knows no respect of persons.  This violent act could have happened – and can happen – within any one of our congregations.  As I said to someone else, “It could have been Vanderhorst (our CME Church in Charleston).”

As we gather this Sunday in our churches, let us be sure to lift the AME Church as a family in prayer.  Pray specifically for the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Senior Bishop John Bryant, Resident Bishop Richard Norris, and the people of Mother Emmanuel AME Church of Charleston.  They are in mourning.  Our prayerful support can be strengthening.

Moreover, let us espouse the hope that is ours as believers – that hope that, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1); the hope that is rooted in the fact that nothing separates us from the love of God.  We are prayerful, yes … but we also will be courageous and forward looking and determined as we preach, teach, and stand for what is right.  For the kingdom, and the power, and the glory – even through these circumstances – belong to God.

+ Lawrence L. Reddick III

5. DR. WILLIE C GLOVER, PRESIDENT OF THE CLO - STATEMENT ON EMMANUEL AME CHURCH, SHOOTING 

As our sisters and brothers of Emmanuel AME Church were studying the Word of God, they were gunned down and they went home to their eternal rest.  I'm told that there are some survivors and one person reported that the killer kept her alive so she could tell what happened.  The Rev Pinkcney's strong will and urgency in life gave us the benefit of compassionate and determined leadership. He accomplished much in a short window – indeed, it is not how long, but how well one lives and he lived his life to the fullest.  

We are stunned, yet claim the spirit of Denmark Vesey who gathered in that very same church - we are determined to keep his legacy of standing up against all that besmirches justice and all actions that attempt to make any of God's children second-class citizens. Please note, history records that "white clergy and people of faith stood with Denmark Vesey in the 1800s" and people of all races and cultures are standing with the AME Church today.   

All of us must recommit ourselves to do all we can to end the misuse of guns and confront the greed that allows the production of weapons of indiscriminant and unnecessary violence. Gun violence is at an epidemic proportion in this nation. Whenever there is an epidemic, it is imperative that all resources be marshaled to “stamp out the disease.” This disease of hate crimes and gun violence must be stamped out now!

When we gather in Charleston this summer for the 34th Biennial Session of Connectional Lay Organization that issue will be an action agenda!

The Connectional Lay Organization joins with the Council of Bishops along and with the AME Church family in soliciting your continued prayers.

Let us keep the faith!

Thank you for your prayers and concern!

Dr. Willie C Glover, Global President
Connectional Lay Organization
*Submitted by Walter C. Jeffers, Director of Public Relations - Connectional Lay Organization

6. LETTER TO BISHOP BRYANT FROM THE UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA:

June 18, 2015

To:  Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop, Bishop Julius McAllister, President of the Bishops’ Council; Bishop Richard F. Norris, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Members of the AME Church, Charleston Community, and Families

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

I am writing with profound sadness at the senseless loss of nine lives in your church family last night. We are asking all our members in The United Church of Canada to pray for the members and families of Emanuel African Episcopal Methodist Church and the community of Charleston, all of whom have been touched by this incomprehensible act.

With shared Methodist roots, we are part of the same family and faith that has sustained us through grief and tears.  While no one can understand the mind of someone so filled with hate that he would steal the lives of people gathered in prayer, I hope you and all the members of the Emanuel community, will take strength from Paul’s letter to the Romans: 8:38–39:

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation , will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Please know that we stand with you in condemning the racially-motivated hatred leading to such violence. It is a painful reminder that racism is a rampant evil in society, and that all of us are called to work toward transformed relationships based in a commitment to justice, peace, and love.

We share with you a prayer that is being posted on The United Church of Canada website in response to this tragedy. We hold you in our hearts and offer you our solidarity as you continue the work of healing and seeking justice.

Emmanuel,

The shooting at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church painfully reminds us that Racism is a rampant evil in our society.

We can no longer deny the influence of racism; if we do, we participate in this life-stealing force.

We need your help, God, to rebuke and overpower racism:

Help us to grieve with the community of Emanuel AME Church;
Help us to mourn with the families of those who have died;
Help us to show compassion and mercy to the family and friends of the shooter;
Help us to seek ways of justice, equity and peace in our actions and responses;
Help us to lament a sanctuary desecrated by violence and hatred;
Help us to recommit ourselves as followers dedicated to creating paths of justice, equity and peace through wilds of hatred and violence.

Emmanuel, be with us in our suffering.

Amen.

In Christ,

The Rt. Rev. Gary Paterson
Moderator

The United Church of Canada

7. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- How abolitionist Denmark Vesey is connected to Emanuel AME Church

USA Today Network Lori Grisham, USA TODAY Network


-- In Charleston, a City Gathers To Mourn, Try to Understand Mass Shooting

The community began to try to pick up the pieces, in the days after a gunman opened fire at a historically black church, killing nine people.


--AME Bishop in Birmingham recalls pastor killed in Charleston
AL.com

AME Bishop James L. Davis of Birmingham, who oversees the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Alabama, this morning recalled the pastor who


-- Shooter ‘Almost Didn’t Go Through’ With Charleston Church Shooting

The man who shot and killed nine parishioners at a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, told police that he “almost didn’t go through with it because everyone was so nice to him,” sources told NBC News.


8. THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, INC, - CONDOLENCES - SHOOTING AT EMANUEL AME CHURCH, CHARLESTON, SC:

On behalf of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), we offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the people and state of South Carolina, the city of Charleston, and the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church Family for their loss.

We join the President, of the Bethune-Leonard NCNW Section, Charleston, SC, Ms. Kia Brown and the Interim South Carolina State Convener, Ms. Andrea Casey in offering our thoughts and prayers to all affected by this tragedy.

Ingrid Saunders Jones
National Chair

9. NAACP STATEMENT ON CHARLESTON CHURCH MASS SHOOTING INCIDENT:

BALTIMORE, MD -- On Wednesday, June 17th, nine parishioners where shot at Bible study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina -- the oldest AME church in the South. The shooter is described as a white man in his twenties and remains at large.  Charleston Police Chief Greg Mullen and Mayor Joe Riley have described the incident as a hate crime.  AME Church Elder Rev. Norvel Goff asks for prayers for the families and stands with the police in finding justice for these hate crimes. In light of these developments, the NAACP has released the following statement:
From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President & CEO:

"The NAACP was founded to fight against racial hatred, and we are outraged that 106 years later, we are faced today with another mass hate crime.  Our heartfelt prayers and soul-deep condolences go out to the families and community of the victims at Charleston’s historic Emanuel AME Church.  The senselessly slain parishioners were in a church for Wednesday night bible study. There is no greater coward than a criminal who enters a house of God and slaughters innocent people engaged in the study of scripture.  Today, I mourn as an AME minister, as a student and teacher of scripture, as well as a member of the NAACP.

The NAACP South Carolina State Conference and Charleston Branch have been working on the ground with police and the community to bring this case to a close.  We remain vigilant while the local police and FBI investigate this hate crime and bring the shooter to justice."

10. THE SOUND OF GOD’S GRIEF IN CHARLESTON:

Michael W. Waters

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…" - Ephesians 4:30

As Christ was being baptized in the Jordan River, the heavens opened above him. John the Baptist, Christ's slightly elder cousin, forerunner of the faith, testified before the gathered assembly that he saw the Holy Spirit descend on Christ as a dove.

Ever since John's testimony, the dove has been a symbol of the Spirit of God.

Present in the epistle written to the Church at Ephesus is an expression of the Spirit's capacity to grieve. It is one of the clearest characterizations of the Divine, that God intimately experiences suffering alongside God's creation. It reveals an imminent God not content in transcendently traversing human concern, but who is vulnerable enough to share in the human experience, weeping and grieving in solidarity with us.
As worshipers gathered together to study the scriptures and to offer their petitions before Almighty God at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, a gunman entered that sacred and sanctified space.

Inconceivably, nine of the faithful present was felled.

As a result of the horror now inflicted in Charleston, families mourn, and a church, city and nation remain in utter shock. Prayer circles now form on sidewalks, and prayerful petitions now reveal palatable pain as tears descend down like rain to the earth below.

Yet, this massive grief is not restricted to our terrestrial plane. Indeed, the very Spirit of God is grieved! Dare it be asked what the sound of God's grief is like?

Is it the sound of a million weeping widows receiving their loved ones back from war?

Is it the sound of one million Mamie Tills mourning over one million Emmetts, one million Sybrina Fultons mourning over one million Trayvons and one million Samaria Rices mourning over one million Tamirs?

Is it the sound of tens of millions of Africans while crossing the Atlantic, wailing in the hulls of ships?
Is it the wailing of tens of millions of their descendants separated upon the auction block?
Or is it a pain so deep that tears fall, yet no sound is made?
This is what it sounds like when doves cry.
Pray for Charleston.
Pray for the world.

*The Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters is founder and Senior Pastor of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, Texas.

11. BRIDGE ST. AME CHURCH (NYC) STATEMENT ON CHARLESTON MASSACRE:

We are extremely saddened by the loss of life of fellow African Methodists in the city of Charleston.  Most especially, my dear friend and colleague in ministry, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the distinguished pastor of historic Mother Emanuel AME Church, who was a rising star in African Methodism.

The Episcopal Leadership of the First Episcopal District, Bishop Gregory and the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, along with presiding elder Melvin E. Wilson and I join with people across this country to pray for the healing of families whose lives have been affected by this senseless tragedy.  While we are grateful that the suspect has been apprehended, we know that his capture will not ease the extreme pain and sorrow the families are experiencing as a result of this massacre.

It has been reported that this hate crime is the fourteenth such incident that has occurred under President Obama's leadership.  We pray that this incident will not further racially divide our country, given all of the hate attacks that have been perpetrated against people of African descent in this history of this country.  We pray with diligence for justice to prevail in this heinous act.  As a community of faith, we truly believe love will always conquer hate.

Within the next few days, I will be meeting with our newly appointed Social Action Commissioner, Sister DaKota Simone Burnett, to discuss ways that we, as a community of faith, might come together to show our love, support and solidarity to the families of African Methodism who have been impacted by this tragedy.

The Rev. David B. Cousin, Sr., Pastor
The Rev. Valerie E. Cousin, Executive Minister

12. UMC WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL STATEMENT ON CHURCH SHOOTING IN CHARLESTON:

18 June 2015

Local pastors gathered outside the Courtyard Marriott down the street from the church.

The world awoke this morning to tragic news of the deadly shootings at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, USA. As authorities investigate, it is clear that members at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church were meeting for Bible Study and prayer when a Caucasian man in his mid-20s opened fire. The man had been attending the meeting with his victims, and managed to escape by car. He has not yet been captured.

Among those who perished was pastor and state senator, Clementa Pinckney, who had two young children. Information on the other victims has not yet been released, but nine have been confirmed dead.

The World Methodist Council urges prayer and support for the victims' families and those members of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church who have been so gravely affected by this crime motivated by hate. Mrs. Gillian Kingston, Vice-President of the World Methodist Council, issued the following statement earlier today:

Along with all other good-thinking people, we are horrified and deeply saddened to hear of the dreadful act of violence at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, in which nine persons have died. Our hearts and prayers go to those who have been so tragically bereaved and to the injured and their families. May God's strength and grace be on those who are seeking to bring help and healing in this situation. Happening on the eve of the presentation of the World Methodist Peace Award for 2014, we are reminded that the work towards peace must always be a priority.

Social and International Affairs Committee chairperson, Mr. Mbongeni Magagula, also stated that "We strongly condemn such hate crimes against humanity. We ask for continued peace remembering that an eye for an eye will make us all blind."

Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest AME church in the South and has one of the oldest and largest black congregations south of Baltimore. It is affectionately referred to as "Mother Emanuel," and one of its founders was renowned abolitionist, Denmark Vesey. A quote by Sister Jean German Ortiz on the homepage of the church's website the day following the shootings appropriately states, "Jesus died a passionate death for us, so our love for Him should be as passionate." In the midst of this tragedy, may the Emanuel AME Church family and the Charleston community feel peace and comfort from the God who conquered death itself.

13. WEST TENNESSEE RAYAC CALLS FOR PRAYER VIGIL:

The young leaders in African Methodism are standing together against racism, hatred and violence. Our foundation is built on social justice.

The West Tennessee Conference Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC) of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will host a prayer vigil Friday, June 19, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. at Chainbreakers AME church 3340 Margartta Street in Memphis, Tennessee for the victims of the shooting that took place in South Carolina at Emanuel AME Church.

In God’s Service,

Brother Wesley Stovall, South Memphis District Reporter
The Rev. Ashleigh Jackson, West TN RAYAC
The Rev. Lula Martin-Sanderson, South Memphis District Presiding Elder
The Rev. C. Robert Finch, North Memphis District Presiding Elder

14. ACLU OF SOUTH CAROLINA STATEMENT ON CHARLESTON CHURCH SHOOTING:

CHARLESTON – Victoria Middleton, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, had this comment in reaction to the killing of nine people last evening at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church:

"The ACLU of South Carolina expresses its profound condolences to the victims' families in the wake of this senseless tragedy. Events like this are further evidence that we need to be fighting for racial equality in our daily lives. Although the motives are unclear at this point, this attack against Black people in an institution that has such historical and cultural importance detracts from years of healing undertaken by our communities. Senator Clementa Pinckney stood for civil liberties, and we mourn his loss with the other victims."

15. NCC GRIEVES WITH EMANUEL AME CHURCH IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:

The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA expresses its deep sadness at the news of the mass killings last night at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. We extend prayers to the families of Rev. Clementa Pinckney, his sister, and all others who died in another senseless mass shooting in our nation.

Every death as a result of gun violence personally affects the churches in this country, but these shootings are felt even more personally by members of the National Council of Churches as the African Methodist Episcopal Church is a founding member denomination and has three representatives on the Governing Board, including Rev. William Miller, pastor of St. John AME, just west of Charleston.

We pray the assailant will be apprehended as soon as possible and brought into custody. We pray the motives behind this horrible act will be discovered, and that we as a society may finally draw lessons from it that brings life to our nation. We pray the families of Rev. Pinckney, his sister, and others who were killed are finding comfort in Jesus at this moment. We pray the members of the congregation will find aid and help in the Lord.

All of us together through the National Council of Churches provide a network of prayer around Emanuel Church and all in the AME family as they weep and mourn those who have been lost.

And, we pray that this tragedy will finally result in action by state, local, and national officials to address and end the rampant gun violence in our nation.
Link to statement on NCC website

16. NAACP STATEMENT ON THE ARREST OF DYLANN ROOF:

BALTIMORE, MD -- Dylann Storm Roof, the man accused of shooting and killing nine people inside Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C., has been arrested. Subsequently, the NAACP has released the following statement:
From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO:

“We are as thankful for the apprehension of the alleged Charleston shooter as we are horrified by the blood curdling heinousness of this act.  We appreciate the swift work of federal, state, and local authorities in apprehending the alleged shooter. We commend, encourage, and will continue to support the ongoing investigation and prosecution of the person responsible for the deaths of nine students of scripture in a beloved sanctuary.  The NAACP family continues to pray for the family of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, the late pastor, the Reverend Clementa Pinckney, and those who lost their lives in the Bible study.  As we mourn their senseless deaths, we remain resolved to continue facing evil and fighting for justice in every corner of America.

Our century-old, ongoing work of confronting violence with nonviolence, hate with love, and racism with the highest ideas of our democracy yet continues.  The mayor, police chief, and witnesses describe this shooting as a hate crime. The coward who murdered nine parishioners in a church set a new and depraved standard of inhumanity. We, as Americans, by our resolve, determination, and commitment, through our faith, will set an infinitely higher standard of humanity.”

17. THE NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:

With people across the world, the North Carolina Council of Churches grieves with the congregation of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC. This kind of violence against people of faith in other parts of the world has recently and rightfully been called terrorism. Indeed, the people of Emanuel AME have experienced a terrorist act. Fear and violence invaded their space of grace and hospitality while they were together for the faith filled purpose of prayer and worship. As they welcomed the stranger into their midst, an act of faith commanded by the very scriptures they had gathered to study, their gesture of hospitality was met by hatred.

Whether this act comes to be labeled a hate crime or a terrorist act, we stand with the people of Emanuel and with people of faith across the world who refuses to let fear rule our lives and violence dictate our response. We call on people of faith across our constituency to name the righteous anger all of us feel in the wake of this crime. Once again easy access to guns is a vehicle for senseless death, compounded on this occasion by the heartbreak of racial targeting. We lift the congregation of Emanuel and the people of Charleston, SC, in their worship services this weekend. We pray especially for the families of each church member killed, including the family of Clementa Pinckney, pastor of Emanuel AME. Each of their lives is another testimony to the hard and crucial work we still face as a nation. May God continue to embolden each of us to continue marching for justice, peace, and the well-being of all.

We are currently aware of the following services today to remember those killed in Charleston:

St. James African Methodist Episcopal, Asheville – Noon
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal, Chapel Hill – Noon
Wilson Temple United Methodist, Raleigh – 2:30 p.m.
Resurrection United Methodist, Durham – 6:30 p.m.
St. Joseph African Methodist Episcopal, Durham – 7:30 p.m.

--The Rev. George Reed, Executive Director of the NC Council of Churches, and the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Copeland, the Council’s incoming Executive Director

18. THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERS:

-- President Randi Weingarten and Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson statement on the Charleston, S.C., Massacre:

WASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten and Secretary-Treasurer Lorretta Johnson on the shootings at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, S.C.:

“This sick act of cowardice—a massacre of people while they were in church—is reprehensible. It should shake the conscience of every American and summon us to do our part to create a fair and just society for everyone. The AFT’s Racial Equity Task Force, which will meet this weekend in Baltimore, was created for this purpose—to identify and support the steps that must be taken to curb violence and ensure children grow up in safe, healthy and welcoming communities.

“Today, our nation must cope with yet more loss of innocent lives, solely based on the color of their skin. While we search for understanding of what would motivate anyone to enter a place of worship and take the life of another, we pray for peace, healing and justice.

“Our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the families of the victims at Charleston’s historic Emanuel AME Church and, indeed, to the entire community.

“Today, we are Charleston, and they are us. We are one.”

19. BOSTON-HARTFORD DISTRICT SONS OF ALLEN HONOR PRESIDING ELDER:

On Friday, February 13, 2015 the Brothers from the Boston Hartford District’s Sons of Allen gathered with their wives and girlfriends to celebrate Valentines Day.  The brothers took this opportunity to acknowledge the leadership of the Boston Hartford District’s Presiding Eder, the Rev Herbert L. Eddy. 
    
Presiding Elder Eddy has a solid vision for the Sons of Allen.  He often speaks of AME men standing strong and singing for the Lord. 

The brothers acknowledge how important it is for men to fellowship together and hold each other accountable.  A phase used a lot to capture the idea of men making other men stronger is “iron sharpens iron”. 

Several brothers commented, “When Christian men stand together, we can accomplish a lot and also live lives that can be an example for those coming up behind us.” 

20. DISTRICT MINISTERS' SPOUSES ALLIANCE PRESENT 3RD ANNUAL “LITTLE MISS PRINCESSES AND LITTLE MASTERS CORONATION”:

Pensacola/Marianna District Ministers' Spouse Alliance sponsored their 3rd Annual Little Miss Princesses and Little Masters Coronation held March 22, 2015, 3:30 P.M. (CST) at Greater St. Joseph AME Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida.

The Worship Leader was Mrs. Mae F. Myrick.  Master Gamaliel Harris gave the invocation and Master Jorrian Weshley the scripture.  Princess Makenzi Harris welcomed everyone to the program.  The musical selections for the occasion were performed by Grant Tabernacle AME Church Choir, Chipley, Florida.  The Reverend Sandra Jones presented the Mistress of Ceremonies, which were Sister Erika Dotson and Sister Harriet S. Davis. Youth on Parade consisted of a poem by Master Samuel Wesley, St. John AME; musical selection by Princess VonLoris Davis, McChapel AME; and praise dance performance by Princesses Amaia Jackson, Adajiah Jackson, Airel Silva and Kivajah Stephens of Gregg Chapel AME.

Representing the DeFuniak Springs cluster was Princess Airel Janalya Silva age 9, daughter of Derrick and Lucille Silva Dixon, members of Gregg Chapel AME Church, Ft. Walton Beach Florida. The Reverend Cecil Williams, pastor. Cluster leaders, Sister Cassandra Williams and Sister Katrinia Stakley.

Representing the Pensacola cluster is Princess Angel Dublin-age 9, daughter of Ylonga Dublin, members of Bethel AME Church, Pensacola, Florida. The Reverend Clifton Riley, pastor.  Cluster Leaders, the Reverend Sonja Riley and Sister Monica Tellis. 

Representing the Marianna cluster was Master Bryson Godwin age 10, son Lounarris and Anita  Godwin, members of St. John AME Church, Campbellton, Florida. The Reverend Bernard Hudson, pastor. Cluster Leaders, the Reverend Brenda J. Henderson and Sister Irma Gantt

Representing the Panama City cluster is Master Zorren Peterson age 7, son of Charles and Shawna Peterson. Members of Mt. Olive AME Church, Panama City, Florida, the Reverend Barbara Brinson, pastor. Cluster Leaders, the Reverend Barbara Brinson and Sister Velma Murphy
                              
The Coronation began and each Princess and Master was asked to answer five questions pertaining to biblical and church history.

This year winners were.

2015 PMD MSA Little Miss Princess is, Airel Janalya Silva
2015 PMD MSA 1st Runner up is, Princess Angel Dublin

2015 PMD MSA Little Master is, Bryson Godwin
2015 PMD MSA 1st Runner up is Zorren Peterson

The Reverend Lawrence Gantt also known as “The Horn Blowin’ Preacher performed a special tribute.  

The Reverend Gregory L. Harris did the Invitation to Discipleship and remarks were given by Mistresses of Ceremony and the Ministers' Spouses Coordinator Sister Mae F. Myrick.

The Reverend Alicia Hudson gave a soul stirring closing prayer. The Reverend D. Sinclair Forbes closed out the service by introducing the ministers and closing remarks. 

With the excitement from the participants, parents and supporters the program was greatly attended, which contributed to a successful event. To God be the glory!

The Rt. Reverend Adam J. Richardson Jr., Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor
The Reverend James Hardy Davis, Presiding Elder
Mrs. Deborah K. Davis, District Consultant
Mrs. Mae F. Myrick, District MSA Coordinator 
Mrs. Monica Tellis, 1st Vice President

21. A PRAYER FOR PASTORS AND CHURCHES IN TRANSITION:

It’s that time of year again for many churches and pastors – time to say goodbye and hello. It’s a bittersweet time of year, really. On the one hand, change is exciting. New pastors mean new ideas. New churches mean new people to develop relationships and share ministry with. On the other hand, change is really hard. Some pastors are leaving great churches filled with many close friends – friends who have shared life’s ups and downs. Some churches are losing pastors who have meant a great deal to them – pastors who have shared life’s ups and downs in a variety of ways.

As a pastor who is not moving this year I want to share a prayer for all pastors and churches who are experiencing transition. I know it’s hard and exciting all at once. Know that none of you are alone. And as John Wesley reminds us, “best of all God is with us.”


Almighty God, You who called the universe into bring, You who formed our inmost being and called us to be your people:

We give you thanks for you constant presence. Through seasons of constancy and even change, you are with us – calling us into deeper waters, calling us together in your spirit of unity, calling us out of ourselves into the world to serve others.

Grant that those pastors bring called into new waters might hold fast to unending love and mercy – a love that promised to hold onto us even as we go where your Spirit leads us. May the churches that receive them be communities of mercy and grace.

May the churches experiencing loss and change hold fast to the promise that your mission is bigger than any single pastor, local church, or annual conference. Grant that such a promise would bring both comfort and discomfort – comfort in a season of change and discomfort as it drives us all to love you and each other more.

Strengthen us to be your Church in all times and seasons of life – a place where all are truly welcomed and embraced in your love (even new pastors and church members); a place where we find ways you are active among us and calling us to join in your saving work (even in communities that weren’t our top choice to move to); a place where the story of your love and grace and mercy are embodied (even if it comes in shapes and sizes and languages that are new to us). We offer our prayers in the name of the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.


*Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

TCR Editor’s Note: UMC Annual Conferences held in June.

22. EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES AND POST CONFERENCE PLANNING MEETING 2015:

The Rt. Reverend Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Mother Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor

The 148th Session of the South Mississippi Annual Conference
August 26 – 30, 2015
Host Church: Pearl Street AME Church
2519 Robinson Street
Jackson, Mississippi
Host Pastor: The Reverend Dr. Samuel H. Boyd, Sr.
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend George W. Tyler
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Sylvester Marshall
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Joseph Young
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Anthony C. Mills

The 145th Session of the Central North Louisiana Annual Conference
September 16 – 20, 2015
Host Church: St. Matthew AME Church
1610 Murphy Street
Shreveport, Louisiana
Host Pastor: The Reverend Dr. Glenell Lee Pruitt
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Michele R. Goodloe
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Lloyd Washington, Jr.

The 141st Session of the NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 7 – 11, 2015
Host Church: Ball Temple AME Church
326 Kentucky Street
Greenville, Mississippi
Host Pastor: The Reverend John Arnold
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Archie Smith
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend John L. Moore, Jr.
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend William Hardiman, Jr.

The 151st Session of the Louisiana Annual Conference
October 21 – 25, 2015
Host Church: Mount Olive AME Church
2457 Second Street
Slidell, Louisiana
Host Pastor: The Reverend Margaret Simms
Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Jacob W. Hilton, Jr.
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend David J. Campbell, Jr.
Co-Host Presiding Elder: The Reverend Otis S. Lewis, Sr.

The Post Conference Convocation & Theological Institute
November 19 – 21, 2015
BONNER-CAMPBELL CAMPUS
Multi-Purpose Complex
18449 Old Highway 80 W
Edwards, Mississippi

23. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT

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

Based on Biblical Text: Ezekiel 17:22-24:  The Lord God says: "I will take a tender sprout from the top of a tall cedar, and I will plant it on the top of Israel’s highest mountain. It shall become a noble cedar, bringing forth branches and bearing seed. Animals of every sort will gather under it; its branches will shelter every kind of bird. And everyone shall know that it is I, the Lord, who cuts down the high trees and exalts the low; that I make the green tree wither and the dead tree grow. I, the Lord, have said that I would do it, and I will."

Although there is not much fan fare, Fathers Day is just around the corner. A day when we thank fathers for all they do. Interestingly, a shallow inspection of what fathers do would probably list that Dad will bring the car around when it rains, so everybody else stays dry. Dad carves the turkey on Thanksgiving. Dad is usually in charge of mowing the lawn and trimming the hedges.

A more serious inspection would reveal that a real Father contributes to the health and welfare of a child’s life. A real Father deserves respect and honor. A father is a man who is constantly being observed by his children. They learn from him how to handle adversity. He is an example of how to control anger. He teaches how to handle both disappointment and success. The truth of the matter is a real Father won't laugh at his children’s dreams no matter how outlandish they might seem. Father, by example, involves himself in the life of his children instilling in them a desire to give something back to the community.

As a matter of fact a real father has the potential to be a powerful force in the life of a child. King Solomon passed God’s wisdom on to his son when he told him to “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6). That, of course, begs the question how do you train a child? Father helps train up children teaching them what God teaches him! Father is the children’s link with God, until they establish a relationship of their own.

We find in our text Ezekiel is presenting a striking image of God’s promise to send a Messiah to Israel. God promises to pluck a tender sprout, obviously Jesus Christ, from the top of a tall cedar and plant it on top of Israel’s highest mountain. God then promises that it will be a “noble cedar, bringing forth branches and bearing seed”. Jesus is the promised tender sprout, and Christian fathers are His seed!

The spiritual guidance that real fathers give is critical in the life of his children. It may be that some are able to find Jesus without his help however; many are led to Jesus by a father who long ago accepted Him as his personal Savior. Real fathers set the example while the children are young actually taking them to church and introducing them to his best friend, Jesus. Father gathers the children together and shares with them stories of Jesus’ love. Father nurtures his children’s faith until they come to know Jesus for themselves. That’s a great father!

Fathers work very hard to provide for their families, but they must be careful not to sacrifice their children to their work. Fathers must be careful to strike the appropriate balance between work and parenting to ensure that “tender sprouts” springing from their branches are properly nurtured. Fathers garner the strength required to be effective from Jesus, and learn from His wise counsel. The Bible reminds us that our children are a gift from God. They are, in fact, God’s reward. 

Fathers are in essence the seed of Christ. As such fathers are challenged to plant themselves in fertile soil and grow. Fathers are charged to then spread their branches and nurture the tender sprouts that are God’s reward to them.  Real fathers bid their children “Follow me, as I follow Christ!” Children nurtured by a Christ led father will one day walk in his spiritual shoes, reflecting the same Christ he serves.

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

24. GETTING TO ZERO: FIELDWORK IN ZAMBIA:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

Greetings from Lusaka, Zambia in the heart of the 17th Episcopal District: We traveled ere on June 5 to begin five weeks of fieldwork and follow-up of the impacts of the Trusted Messenger Intervention (TMI) and research for elimination of HIV/AIDS.

The TMI efforts have gone forward since 2006 through the guidance, grace and blessings of God. It was initiated by an invitation from Bishop Paul Kawimbe in a request to AME-SADA for assistance in preparing clergy and laypersons in the 17th District to more effectively address the impacts of HIV in this country. The request came in a year of sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan for me. It was an ideal combination of events- a link divinely timed and purposed.

The first travel was to South Africa and Zambia with Robert Nicolas, Director of AME-SADA. In South Africa we visited the AMEC supported school and seminary in Evaton that is just outside of Johannesburg. Interestingly, Evaton is not far from Sandton. Yet the two locations in Gauteng Province of South Africa are so difference, polar opposites.

Sandton is opulent, affluent, the location of the most amazing shopping center I have ever seen. The mall has an indoor dome with a ceiling that changes throughout the day to look like the sky at any given time of the day. At night there are stars and a moon above the strolling shoppers, browsers and restaurant goers. The mall includes amazing shops of beautiful expensive unique items. At the front entrance is the larger than life statue of the South African President Nelson Mandela.


Evaton, on the other hand, is a regular community with crowded homes made with tin tops and side walls from wherever one can get the material.

On the drive to the AMEC-owned College in Evaton there are many people walking. They have no vehicle and there is limited public transportation. This community is physically only a few kilometers from Sandton, but economically it is light years distance.

This striking difference is a result of long-term practices of apartheid. Although the policies have changed, after effects of years of oppression and injustice are most evident. They will be for some time.

A role of the church is to bring light to dark places, to help bring about progress to places where it is delayed. The mission of AME-SADA, the request of Bishop Kawimbe and my preparation as both a microbiologist (virologist) and clergyperson divinely intertwined. The AMEC (SADA, the bishop, ministry) was well positioned for such a time as this- to bring light to darkness.

After a week in South Africa, Mr. Nicolas and I traveled to Zambia to participate in a well planned program prepared by Bishop Kawimbe and his AMEC- Zambia Conference team. The country of Zambia was captivating. People were friendly, welcoming, and gracious.  I remember the utter joy of enjoying the country that is full of people kissed by the sun who look like me- the entire country.

Zambia is a peaceful, peace loving, peace-seeking place Over 72 ethnic tribes lived and worked together in mutual respect and harmony.

Zambia is a country of over 13 million people that is about the geographical size of the state of Texas. The HIV prevalence at one time reached to over 25%. Through many efforts of government, NGO’s, public media and educational institutions, the HIV infection rate now almost 10 years after my first visit to the country is 12-14% prevalence. (This means that 1 of every 8 people are infected with HIV).

The partnership continues with community hosts the AMEC Bishop Wilford J. Messiah and the Council of Churches of Zambia (CCZ).  The six well-prepared and committed student team members and I will remain in Lusaka, Livingstone and the Copperbelt region of Zambia through July 5 to extend the community engagement research begun in 2006.  The goal is to empower religious leaders of the AMEC and other denominations to set up effective ministries to address aspects of HIV/AIDS. 

I am pleased to be here again to continue the work, divinely placed, for such a time as this.

*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.

25.  iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2015 - GOD ABHORS SELFISHNESS - AMOS 6:4-8, 11-14:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Introduction

Narcissistic, self-centered behavior is a core component of our society.  People appear to be more concerned about fulfilling the law of self-preservation than showing concern for others. The Adult AME Church School lesson for June 21, 2015 offers definitive answers for why God hates selfish behavior.  The fearless prophet Amos offers an airtight argument against selfishness.

Bible Lesson

Why does God hate selfish behavior? Amos offers three reasons:

1) Selfish behavior fosters inequality. (Amos 6:4-5)  Amos criticizes the wealthy in these passages because their ostentatious lifestyle exacerbates the economic inequality between those who have and those that do not. The accumulation of wealth for the sole purpose of engaging in decadent indulgence is an offense to God.

2) Selfish behavior fosters indifference to our neighbor. (Amos 6:6-8) Amos continues his critique by explaining the connection between inequality and indifference. The two are collocated in social relations. Persistent inequality leads to callous indifference about the poor and doing what is right. Indifference results from no empathy about our neighbor. If we can't empathize we won't relate to the conditions experienced by others and will be reluctant to offer help.  This attitudinal response is un-Godly and God abhors this action.

3) Selfish behavior fosters iniquity. (Amos 6:11-14)

Inequality and indifference lead to iniquity.  Iniquity is sin. The judgment for sin is punishment.  Amos describes in vivid detail the consequences of Israel's sins. The country will be captured by the Assyrians and their inhabitants will experience pain and suffering thru slavery by an occupying state. Pain and punishment can be averted if a person chooses to follow God instead of selfish desires.

Bible Application

The Chicago Bears legendary Hall of Fame running back Gale Sayers wrote a book with the title - I am Third. The book was a tribute to his relationship with former teammate Brian Piccolo who succumbed to cancer while they were teammates. Mr. Sayers stressed that God was first, family and friends second, and his needs were "third". The priority rankings provided by Mr. Sayers resonates with wisdom and perspicacious spiritual insight. If Israel had adopted this model their outcome would've been quite different. As Solomon indicated in one of his proverbs God hates a lying tongue, hands that indulge in mischief and a "proud look". A proud look reeks of selfishness. Let us not make this part of our deportment.

Knowledge is an asset, Ignorance is a liability


*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

26. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 51:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

Being the Presiding Elder for 32 churches in the 6 counties of the Beaufort District means that I put in a lot of “road time.”  I’m blessed to have a sturdy, comfortable vehicle that can handle the travel demands, and one of my favorite features on my vehicle is “remote start.”  When weather temperatures become extreme, I can use my electronic key to start my vehicle from a distance and then wait a few minutes before getting in, so that I don’t have to enter a very hot or very cold car.

Because of that, I was - to put it politely - more than a bit dismayed when my “remote start” stopped working last week....just in time for hundred degree heat in South Carolina!  When I took my vehicle in for service, the technician said, “Reverend, we found the problem.  Your electronic key somehow lost its programming and your car doesn’t recognize it anymore.  Give us a few minutes, and we’ll put them back in touch” - and thankfully, they did!

What my service technician said about my electronic key is an “object lesson” that applies to our lives.  Life gets better and is more meaningful and complete when we believe in, trust in and follow the Jesus who gave His life as the price for our sins.  It’s very easy, however, for all of us to become so focused on and overwhelmed by the pressures, challenges and demands of daily life that we put our relationship with the God who created us far down on our list of priorities - the best of us can easily and unintentionally fall “out of touch” with our Creator and Savior.

Maybe that’s why the perfect prayer that Jesus taught to His disciples - and by extension to us - includes the words, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

When we take the time daily to go to God in prayer, humbly confess our sins and our weaknesses and earnestly seek forgiveness and renewal, God will bless us, fix us, restore us and put us “back in touch.”

Take the time each day - in spite of life’s demands - to go to God in contrite prayer and to seek God’s will and God’s way for your life.  When you do, you can stay in touch with Jesus and find new energy, new hope and new encouragement.  You can then face life’s most challenging times not with fear, doubt or uncertainty, but with the joyful and committed assurance that led one writer to say, “All along my pilgrim journey, Savior, let me walk with Thee.”

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

27. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

-- The Reverend Larry E. Campbell received the Doctor of Ministry Degree

Congratulations to the Reverend Larry E. Campbell, Senior Pastor of First African Methodist Episcopal Church Pasadena, California, who received the Doctor of Ministry Degree from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio on May 22, 2015.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to:

The Rev. Dr. Larry E. Campbell: larrycampbell14@ca.rr.com

28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Mother Wilhelmina Ryk, born on 09 September 1940 and passed on to be with the Lord on Saturday, 13 June 2015.

The Homegoing celebration will be held on Saturday, 20 June in Calvinia. Mother Wilhelmina is the mother of the Rev. Raynold Matthys, pastor of Morris Brown AME Chatsworth in the Piketberg District where the Rev. Dawid Moses is the Presiding Elder.

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed:
The Rev. Raynold Matthys: raynol.matthys@gmail.com 

29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sister Maria Magdalena Brown (nee Booysen), born 10 November 1952 passed on in her sleep on 15 June 2015, uniquely “the same date her mom passed away 29 years ago!”

Sister Brown was the daughter of one of the stalwarts in African Methodism, the late Rev. F. A. M. Booysen.

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to the family of Sister Maria Brown to Ruth Lewis: rlewis@pawc.wcape.gov.za.

30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. George McCoppin, Jr.  He died on Tuesday, June 9, 2015.  Mr. McCoppin is the brother of the Rev. Judy M. Richardson, Presiding Elder of the Greenville District, Piedmont Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church, and the brother-in—law of the Rev. Cornell Richardson, pastor, Mt. Carmel AME Church, Gray Court, South Carolina.

Celebration of Life Services for Mr. McCoppin
Saturday, June 13, 2015
2:00 p.m.
Flatrock AME Church
1136 Flat Rock Road
Abbeville, SC 29620
Telephone: (864) 446-8873

The Rev. Wayman Coleman, III, Pastor

Services Entrusted to:

The Marcus D. Brown Funeral Home, Inc.
1212 South Main St.
Anderson, SC 29624

Telephone: (864) 225-2220

Family and Friends will be received at the home of a sister:

William and Eunice McCoppin Tate
5391 Highway 28 North
Abbeville, SC 29620

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the McCoppin family at:
The Rev. Judy M. Richardson and the Rev. Cornell Richardson
P O Box 1345
Anderson, SC 29622


Or to the Tate Family (address listed above)

31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mr. Winston Aaron, the son of Presiding Elder Rudolph and Mrs. Gloria Arron of the European Annual Conference, 16th Episcopal District.

Service:

Monday, 18th June, 2015 at 11 a.m.
Park Lane Methodist Church
Wembley HA9 75G

Condolence May be Sent to:

The Rev. Rudolph Arron and Mrs. Gloria Arron
104A Harlington Rd. West, Feltham
MIDDX, England

Telephone Number: 442088905381

32. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Brother David Busch on June 18, 2015. He was a former President and President Emeritus of the First Episcopal District Lay Organization.
 
The following information has been provided regarding the funeral services arrangements:

Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Viewing – 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Homegoing Services – 11:00 a.m.

Bethel A.M.E. Church
255 Goffe Street
New Haven, CT 06511

Telephone: (203) 865-0514
Fax: (203) 624-7977
The Rev. Steven Cousin, pastor

Eulogist: Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Janie Busch
58 Ellsworth Street
West Haven, CT 06516

33. 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




34. 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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