10/23/2015

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/23/15)


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

Change clocks (fall back) to Standard Time on Sunday, November 1, 2015, 2:00 a.m.

Advent begins Sunday, November 29, 2015, and ends Thursday, December 24, 2015.


1. TCR EDITORIAL – EVERY ACTIVITY IN THE CHURCH SHOULD BE INDICATIVE OF THE PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT:

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

In the next couple of weeks I am going to do what the Rev. Antoni Sinkfield, pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee calls “Love Ministry.” 

I have been working hard and it’s time for me to “practice what I write and preach.”  One criticism of preachers is that we don’t always “walk the talk,” particularly as it relates to self-care. I am one of those who plead guilty, especially as it relates to time-off and leisure time with family. It seems that I am in a posture of “I gotta do this” and “I gotta do that.” Okay, now I have made my confession. 

In the next couple of weeks, I am going to do some “Love Ministry” with my wife Charlotte and family. The Christian Recorder Online will still be published, but I am going to build in some significant “Love Ministry” time. Enough said.

The Tennessee Annual Conference

I was a “happy camper” last night.  I attended the opening session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. The worship service was awesome; I heard a great sermon by the Rev. Alexander Gaston, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church that was biblically infused, great exegesis and hermeneutically relevant. I wasn’t surprised at the sermon because we, AMEs, are “first among preachers.”

The music and the choir

The Tennessee Annual Conference Choir under the direction of Mr. Sam Robinson and the musical accompaniment was “off the chart.”  The music and the accompaniment were “off the chart” because the director, Mr. Sam Robinson and his staff are professionals and well trained.

The music was “off the chart” because it was obvious that the choir had some serious rehearsals. The special music was “not manufactured” during the presentation; some serious choir practices had taken place.

Parishioners can tell when choirs haven’t practiced and are “performing off the cuff” and they can tell when choirs have practiced and mastered their craft.

But that’s not all

The choir looked like a choir. They were uniformly attired and looked like they had come to worship God in a way that their dress would not be a distraction.  They didn’t have robes, but they were dressed in black: black suits, dresses, skirts or black trousers and black shirts and blouses. Women had aqua colored scarves and the men wore aqua colored ties. They were dressed to do the Lord’s business. No dangling hooped earrings or other distractions. 

The choir and its deportment and discipline are indicative of dynamic leadership.  Kudos to the Tennessee Annual Conference Choir and Greater Bethel AME Church.

One more thing

The ushers were on task too.  Not only was the preaching and conduct of the worship wonderful, I was greeted by the friendliest ushers, who know their craft and know how to make parishioners and guests feel welcome.

Before I arrived at the conference last night and earlier in the week, I had read an article in the Business Section of the October 22, 2015 issue The Tennessean, entitled, “10 Customer Service Basics” by Rory Vaden.

I immediately thought, “Wow! What a lesson for church organizations, but especially for ushers. My points below are taken from Mr. Vaden’s article, which he wrote as a consumer telling businesses how he would like to be treated. 

In a takeoff of his article, the points below reflect how I feel ushers should treat parishioners and guests.

The back story

Here is what precipitated my focus on ushers. Several months ago, I had the pleasure of visiting a church and along with some others arrive a bit after worship had begun.  The doors to the sanctuary were closed and several of us were standing in the narthex. I didn’t hear a sound coming from the sanctuary and was about to open the door, but a young boy “beat me to punch” and started to open the door.  The usher standing inside the door gave the young boy a look that could have easily been appropriately accompanied by cuss words.  I immediately thought, “Now here is an usher who has not been trained.”  Instead of a smile, she gave a scowl!

Ushers – Here are some of my thoughts

Smile when you see me.  Parishioners need to be greeted with a smile even if they open the door and try to enter the sanctuary when they shouldn’t.  A smile is better than a scowl.  A smile makes people want to come back to worship.  A scowl runs people away. 

Greet me when you see me. Don’t just hand me a bulletin, greet me by name. Look at me and make eye contact, and with a smile. One of the responsibilities of ushers should be to learn the names of the parishioners. “Good morning Sister Johnson!”  And to guests, “Welcome to our church! I hope you enjoy the worship service.”

Never tell me “no.” I might want to sit on the front row because I have a hearing problem, but if the front rows are reserved for special guests, don’t just tell me that I can’t sit in the first few rows, instead of a negative response; tell me how you can help me.  “Let me take you to the third row.” Don’t tell me what you can’t do; show me what you can do.

Don’t point me; escort me. Don’t wave me to a seat; take the time to escort parishioners and guests to their seats. Most of our churches are intimate enough for ushers to take a few seconds to escort people to the seats and especially for guests and seniors. Escort with a smile.

Notice me if I look lost. If I am a guest, don’t let me have to figure out what going on. Come up to me and see if you can help. You can even ask me if I need help. I certainly don’t want to take a parishioner’s preferred seat, so if I am looking from one pew to another, come up and assist me. And, especially during the offering make sure that I know the church’s procedure for taking up the offering.

Acknowledge my presence. Give me a nod and smile if you see me standing in the vestibule; don’t wait until I get to the door of the sanctuary.

Insure that I have everything I need. If you accompany me to my pew, check to see if a hymnal and Bible are in place, if those are needed during worship. I should not have to look for a hymnal or a Bible.  If your church uses envelopes make sure offering envelopes are available. And, please do not forget to give me a bulletin. If the bulletins are not ready when I arrive, make a mental note and bring me a bulletin when they ready to be distributed.

Be genuinely helpful. Don’t just stand at the door; assist the elderly and those with young children. Be attentive and helpful.  Take initiative. We have all seen ushers who think it their job to stand at the door and hand out bulletins. Doorkeepers and gatekeepers are workers – they are on-guard. Alert ushers should be ready to anticipate and solve problems and provide assistance.

Give me the same attention at the end. Your ushering duties are not over with the pronouncing of the benediction. Give me the same attention when I am leaving the sanctuary as you did when I entered the sanctuary. To guests say, “Thank you for worshipping with us and please come again” and to members say, “It’s so good to see you; see you next Sunday!” Don’t just warmly hug and make conversation with the people you know, but be intentional and make conversation with the guests.  Make me feel like I would like to come back again. Give me as big a smile when I am leaving the sanctuary as you gave me when I entered the sanctuary.

This is the Lord’s house.  The sanctuary is not only a holy place with pews, the altar, chancel and choir loft, but it is, in a broad definition, a place where someone or something is protected, given shelter.  It is a safe place. It is a sacred place and it should be a holy place. Ushers are just as significant in worship as the clergy and the choir.  The ushers are the gatekeepers of worship. They are the “face” of the church’s leadership and the congregation. Often, ushers’ interaction with worshippers set the tone and atmosphere for worship.  Like the choir, ushers should dress uniformly.  Ushers dressing uniformly eliminate concerns about individuals wearing attire unsuitable for their duties as ushers (clothing too tight, too revealing, too short or too fanciful). The church is the house of God and our dress and deportment of all of us should be indicative of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

It’s not over until it’s over. Ushers should arrive well before worship and their duties are not complete until the last person exits the sanctuary. And, when the last person leaves the sanctuary, the usher should do a walk-thru and “police” the sanctuary of discarded bulletins and insure that the hymnals and Bibles are in place. And when Bibles and hymn books are unserviceable, they should be appropriately destroyed. There is no other way to say this, but junk, trash and unserviceable Bibles and hymnbooks should not be left in God’s house.

God’s House should always be ready for worship.

2. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- Officials investigate fires at black St. Louis churches

All six fires were set in the doorways of the churches, starting with the Bethel ... AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, a historic black church.


-- AME Southern California Annual Conference Underway

The Rev. Willie B. Boyd, Jr., the newly appointed pastor of Lewis Metropolitan CME Church and presiding elder of the Los Angeles – San Diego .


-- Community Joins Together after Church Fires

Pastor Renita Lamkin is the pastor at AME Church. "The doors of the church are still open. The doors of the church are still open for you. No matter ...


-- New mural honors Charleston church shooting victims

New mural honors Charleston church shooting victims ... mural in honor of the nine victims killed during the mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church.


3. AME CHURCH CONVO XVII – ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 3-5, 2015:

The AME Church CONVO XVII will be held December 3-5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Westin Atlanta Airport, 4736 Best Road, Atlanta, GA  30337; telephone: (404) 762-7676

Group Rate:  $154/night (single/double occupancy)

To make a reservation click this link:  AME Church CONVO XVII

You may also make a reservation by calling (888) 627-7211 and ask for the “AME Church CONVO group rate.”
 
Dr. Jeffery Cooper
General Secretary / Chief Information Officer
Telephone: (615) 254-0911; Fax: (615) 254-0912

4. ANNUAL CONFERENCE TRIBUTE TO BISHOP JOHN AND SUPERVISOR CECILIA BRYANT:

*The Rev. Minnie Autry

The 129th Session of the Michigan Annual Conference convened by the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church on August 19, 2015, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District AME Church, John Richard Bryant, elected and consecrated the 106th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The place of the Michigan Annual Conference was held at the historical St. Paul AME Church under the wonderfully prepared and outstanding pastorate of the Rev. Honorable Andre' Spivey, his help meet Mrs. Shema Spivey and the wonderful officers and members of St. Paul who overcame every challenge they faced in hosting the last Michigan Conference convened by Bishop John.

It was a bitter sweet conference knowing that this was the last Michigan Conference convened under the dynamic Episcopal leadership of the Rt. Reverend John and Rev. Dr. Cecelia W. Bryant. But God being our help we will continue to show forth the goodness and mercy of a loving God who proved His love for us though this dynamic team. Through our Episcopal leaders we have done some great and wonderful ministries, from India to Minneapolis, and other places throughout America and Europe. But as he said "all goodbyes are not goodbyes."

On August the 18th the WMS had their Night in White with the Rev. Dr. Cecelia W. Bryant as the preacher and “Oh, how she preached!”

She charged the "Missionaries everywhere to pray at the altar before others arrive to worship. The intelligence of people has been muted and seduced and pressed down by the demons of the culture. We were told to take back our voice, sin is not an accident but intentional. We are to make God known, dance and serve Him as never before, what do we have to lose?" I think she is absolutely right!

On Wednesday morning, August 19th, Bishop John was eagerly awaiting in his chair before ten am to answer the roll. The secretary of the Conference called the roll, Bishop Bryant answered with enthusiasm and Scripture ready to recite, he also answered for Rev. Dr. Cecelia W. Bryant. The Rev. Dr. Joe Funchess who had a massive stroke almost three years ago was present to answer the roll call. The conference was delighted at his presence and we thank God for all who were present declaring that by His grace and mercy, "And We Are Yet Alive."

We also thank God that from the Conference only one name was submitted for memorial service, from the church militant to the church triumphant. The Rev. William Newborn, minister of St. Paul the host church.

Our noon worship sermon was preached by the Rev. Douglas Banks, pastor of Mt. Zion in Battle Creek. The Rev. Banks sermon was, "Church, it's Time to Pick a Fight." We are looking for signs and wonders instead of performing them. Too much of the world culture has entered into our churches, but we have to make some changes, because if we don't who will? Heaven likes unlikely heroes, will you be one?"

The business section started at 3:00 pm with the Board of Examiners presenting candidates for ministry and passing them on to their next year of studies. Second year Candidates for ministry were nominated for Itinerant and Local Deacon Ordination and fourth year Candidates for ministry were nominated for Itinerant and Locals Elders ordination. Bishop John gave each candidate, who were being ordained as Elders a subject to preach from and they were to give three points and a theme. They were biblically prepared (the subjects were tough which reflected societal issues), to God be the glory for the new preachers. Presiding Elder H. Michael Lemmons of the North District and pastors of that district began their pastoral reports.

Three pastors asked to be Superannuated, the Revs. Neal Smith, Archie Crigler, and Gerry Moore, the Rev. Barbara Anthony asked for supernumerary status. Each servant had served in the pastorate a little over thirty years. The Rev. Moore and the Rev. Crigler retired because of health challenges. The act of retirement was done on Friday afternoon, after all the pastoral reports and ministries had given their reports.

We had many guests during our Conference, who are running for various offices in the AME Church including the Bishopric. Each was given the opportunity to speak on their particular platform and what they will bring to those offices in which they are seeking. The AME Church have trained some great leaders, especially those who share their lives with the Church and want to build on what our forefathers and mothers were able to do. They were recommended by the Conference for the offices in which they are seeking.

On Wednesday evening the Rev. P. David Saunders, whose parents died about four months apart this year was the preacher for opening night service. Pastor Saunders, pastors Bethel AME Church in Saginaw. His title was "When the Wolves Attack, Call on Jesus," from Matthew 10:16. Pastor Saunders said that "wolves dressed in sheep clothing are ready to destroy the people of God. It is necessary that the people of God always be ready and see with His eyes, to teach and  preach the Word of God and use spiritual discernment to know when the wolf is at the door." It was a powerful spiritual opening night with the choirs, liturgical dancers, and congregants praising and worshiping God on one accord. 

On Thursday and Friday morning Christian Education presented classes at 8 am, followed by Evangelism workshops at 9 am. The Conference opened at 10 am with Presiding Elder H. Michael Lemmons and the North District finishing their pastoral reports. Following the end of the North District reports Presiding Elder Lemmons and Lady Lemmons were honored with gifts along with Sister Patty P. Gray. Presiding Elder Osborne and the South District pastors began with their reports.

At noon on Thursday, Women In Ministry were in charge of the worship service, the Rev. Barbara Anthony was the preacher. Her topic was, "The Battle is not yours it's the Lord" taken from II Chronicles 20:17, with other connecting Scriptures to back up her message of fasting, praying and strong faith. We have to face many battles including fear of the darkness, but as Christians we are called to pray because prayers are our direct link to Jesus who fights our battles. We much commit to prayer, seek the favor of God, acknowledge His sovereignty, and take comfort that He will deliver us. The Rev. Anthony is a true prayer warrior who started Mitcham and served as pastor for twenty-nine years with over forty in ministry. The church was built on a strong foundation of prayer, Bible study, and faith, so she knew what she was talking about, tried and proven.

After lunch the South District completed their pastoral reports. The South District also honored Presiding Elder Osborne and Lady Pamela.

Thursday night was designated Lay night. Before leading us down memory lane, the Laity honored the nine members who were slain at Mother Emmanuel. The Lay captured the past and the present with the historical leadership from its inception in Michigan. Sister Hendrean Williams, Bethel Detroit did an outstanding job as the worship leader and Sister Valerie Williams, Mt. Calvary did an excellent narration of the individuals presenting on the presidents. Some past presidents who were in attendance personally talked about their tenures. The evening got better with the awarding of scholarships to a number of students; the Lay Choir was directed by Sister Debra Williams, St. Paul SW, who also did a great job. The Rev. P. David Saunders was named pastor of the year in the Michigan Conference as well as the Fourth District. Sister Hendrean Williams was named the “Lay Person of the Year,” very deserving awards for both pastor and Lay.

On Friday after the various Boards made their reports, the Evangelism Committee was in charge of the noon worship. The Rev. Gerald Caldwell lit our hearts on fire with the message, "The Battle is for the Mind." He demonstrated with a beach ball to show how the mind can be manipulated and damaged when we allow others to mess with our minds. There is always a need to keep our minds on Jesus for strength and forgiveness. The ball was passed around the congregation, excellent interaction with the congregants and preaching.

After lunch the Lay went to a designated place to vote for their delegates and alternates. The ministers stayed at St. Paul where the voting took place. Delegates and Alternates were finally elected after a somewhat long and tedious count.

Friday night the YPD lead the service with Licentiate Kabrielle Baker, preaching a major word for youth and adults in attendance. She gave two topics, "Go Hard or Go Home." The youth needed to be strong, not take things so personal. The subtopic was, "I've Got the Power." Some things can be broken; a complete mess but still has power!

On Friday Bishop John Hurst Adams arrived. We were blessed to have three Senior Bishops in the same place, Bishop Philip R. Cousin who resides in the Fourth district; Bishop John Adams who came to do the Ordination sermon on Saturday; and Bishop John Bryant.

Saturday as mentioned we only had one memorial, the late Rev. William Newborn, who was on staff at St. Paul and for many years was the director of the Michigan Annual Conference Choir. The Clergy Family Organization also had breakfast at Fish Bone in downtown Detroit at 7:30 am. As mentioned above Bishop Adams was the preacher for the Ordination service. His sermon was titled, "Keep Getting Better." We are afflicted with a disease called humanity, but keep getting better, no matter how many advantages you have, how much help you have, no matter if you have the illusion of how grand you are, keep getting better! Keep getting a better relationship with the Lord and get a tight reign on yourself! Bishop Adams preached an on time word for everyone in attendance. Ordination took place after the sermon, and the new ordinands were given the opportunity to serve the congregants Holy Communion.

That evening for the fourth year the Michigan Conference Church School had its family style classes presented by all age group on Saturday evening from 4-6 pm. Each age group presented on the lesson for that Sunday. They were very creative in sharing the lesson and everyone enjoyed the classes. This year the Church School had the largest number of people in attendance since the Rev. Amelia D. Graham; MCBCE Superintendent had the idea to do a Church School on Saturday because of the lack of participation on Sunday morning. Our Michigan Conference Christian Education Director, Brother Jerry Givan was in attendance as well.

Many thanks to St. Paul for being a gracious host

The closing of the Annual Conference started Sunday morning at 10:00 am with the Michigan Annual Conference Choir under the anointed direction of the Rev. DaNita Bell and a host of excellent musicians. We literally danced down the aisle to the processional singing. Bishop John said when he got up to preach we processed in ready to worship. And yes, the Lord blessed our service from the beginning to the end. The choir sang, the dancers danced, and Bishop preached. He took his text from John 1:35-42, "There's Power in Following Jesus." People are increasing their participation in following a man who makes no apologies for what he does. They are following him because he plans on taking the country back, back from whom? People are also following him because he's rich and will not owe anyone anything and can help the country get out of its debt, so he says (why not help now). They are also following him because he can make them rich. But Bishop recommends Jesus because He has backing from the Father, a recommendation one can believe. One, who sees our needs, knows our plight, one who will not show up once a year, but God’s presence is with us at all the time. He is always available, and looking to see what we want. We have power in following Jesus, the sermon was delivered with Holy Spirit power. We had great teaching and preaching all week. (The messages were on target and we could see how the Spirit worked through each of our preachers to help us understand the need to rely on God and not man.

Bishop closed out the preaching with an invitational call to the congregation to make sure that everyone had a relationship with Jesus so that when we meet Him one day we will hear the great benediction, "well done thy good and faithful servant." After the call was complete Bishop called Rev. Cecelia W. Bryant up to say some closing remarks to the Conference. As usual Rev. C was eloquent as she addressed the body. She thanked the Michigan Conference for the wonderful season they had here in their ministry. She said to hold fast to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and do not let apostasy enter, maintain the standard of the Gospel. Those who had chosen reprobates minds will remain carnally minded. Let prayer increase, let prayer be the power that keeps us together. Amen!

Then the service of appointments began with the reading of Scripture and the singing of "Go Preach my Gospel." As the appointments were read we all waited with payer to hear the church and our names called. Hallelujah, I am thankful and grateful to the Lord, Bishop Bryant, and Presiding Elder Osborne for my reappointment to Union Memorial. Three new pastors were assigned, one located, one stepped down, and two were given permission to plant churches. Bishop Bryant will make a few appointments at the Fourth District Planning Meeting in October.

Congratulations to the new pastors and may they go in prayer and allow the Lord to lead them and we pray the Lord’s blessing upon those who retired.

Let us remember the retirees in our prayers and pray for their health and invite the retired pastors to preach in our churches.

We are truly grateful to the Lord and the General Conference for sending Bishop John R. Bryant, accompanied by his Queen, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia W. Bryant to the Fourth District. They have stretched us in a way that will have a lasting effect if we continue to pray. We thank God for the presence of the Fourth District Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer, Presiding Elders Thomas Hughes and Walter Bauldrick. We also thank God for all the delegates and members who traveled to stand with their pastors as the reports were given, to the state and local governmental persons, as well as the ecumenical bishops, pastors, and laity who visited our Zion. To God be the glory for an anointed and Holy Spirit-filled Conference! Pastor Minnie Autry, Union Memorial, Benton Harbor, MI

*The Rev. Minnie Autry is the pastor of Union Memorial AME Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan

5. CORRECTED VERSION - TURNER CHAPEL AME CHURCH, MARIETTA, GA HOSTS 6TH ANNUAL COLLEGE FAIR:

The Turner Chapel AME Church Education Ministry (Marietta, GA), hosts its 6th Annual College Fair, on Saturday, October 24, 2015 beginning with a pre-college fair workshop by author and education ministry leader, Mychal Wynn, based on his new book, “Show Me the Money: A Comprehensive Guide to Scholarships, Financial Aid, and Making the Right College Choice,” from 10:30 am - 11:30 a.m. The college fair runs from Noon to 3:00 p.m. and is free

The 50 participating colleges, including Harvard, MIT, Duke, Purdue, and Syracuse, represent HBCUs, public and private institutions, military service academies, and technical colleges. The fair will offer workshops and resources, such as the Gates Millennium Scholars Program, Questbridge Program, Posse Foundation Program, and Georgia Finance Commission.

The Turner Chapel AME Church, a 5000-member congregation in Marietta, Georgia, led by Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus (Senior Pastor) and Rev. Cassandra Y. Marcus (Co-Pastor), has received national acclaim for serving as a model of how faith-based institutions can support academic achievement, close the college knowledge gap, expand college access, and guide students into earning millions of dollars in scholarships. The church boasts of having 5 Gates Millennium Scholars, 3 Posse Foundation Scholars, and students admitted into America’s most selective colleges and universities.

Youth pastor, Rev. Don Ezell, notes, “Our annual college fair is part of a comprehensive approach to inspiring, supporting, informing, and preparing students for college and careers. In 2014, students participating in our annual college planning cohort were offered over $4.3 million in scholarships and financial aid from over 125 colleges and universities—including such highly selective colleges as Cornell, Spelman, Morehouse, Xavier University (LA), Pomona College, Williams College, Wake Forest, University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, Boston University, and Syracuse University.”

Emmy award-winning poet, Hank Stewart, whose foundation (The Stewart Foundation) is a partner, says, “The Turner Chapel AME Church Education Ministry is a national leader in establishing a clear role for faith-based institutions to encourage and support academic achievement for students from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Mychal and Nina Wynn are providing tremendous leadership through their example of what the clergy and community-based organizations can do to supplement and support local schools.”

The annual college fair is coordinated by Dawn Hoskin and a team of volunteers who are committed to ensuring that all students, from all backgrounds, have the opportunity to pursue their college/career aspirations. Students in the past have received on the spot admissions and scholarship offers from college representatives.

CONTACT: Dawn and Eric Hoskin/College Fair Co-Chairpersons
Turner Chapel AME Church
Marietta, GA 30060

Telephone: (770) 891-0861

6. NEWS FROM ZIMBABWE (TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT):

- The Rev Florence H. McLaren, Harare, Zimbabwe
- Bishop Reginald T. Jackson is the Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District

-- From Pastor Florence H. McLaren’s Pen

I would like to thank God and all those who have helped us not only to find a home for the Kambuzuma AME Church but also to be able to pay for it. For a long time we yearned for a place of our own where we could worship together freely. Now the Almighty God has heard our pleas and in return we see that our efforts to do His work are surely beginning to bear amazing fruit.

Previously, when we were forced to rent a church from others, the only church activity we were able to have was the two hour service on Sunday. But now, we can do so much more. For instance, we now have Intersession on Tuesdays. Our monthly Friday All Night Service takes place in our church.

On Saturdays we have the youth [YPD] meet at 12 and the Ruwadzana (Women’s Missionary Society) after the youth at 2 p.m.

What’s more, on Sunday we can hold our service at a much more convenient time than before. Instead of coming to church at 1.30 p.m. We now start at 10.30 a.m.—and we can also go on much longer when we want to.  Most Sunday sessions extend into the late afternoon as church members stay behind to consult their pastor on issues that perturb them on a one-on-one basis.

The office and the church are open all day, every day.  Congregants and new converts drop in from time to time to pray or to consult the pastor. This is especially convenient for those who cannot, for one reason or another, consult on Sundays.

Auntie Reggie [Amai Gugu] is our acting Trustee and she stays on the property. She has instituted morning prayers from 5—6 every morning.
At last we have a growing church. Every Tuesday and every Sunday we see new people coming in. It looks like those who are coming are dedicated and committed and are there to stay.

I feel there is need for a lot of church school so that the new members—and even the older ones—understand more about the God’s word and the AME Church.  Each service is preceded by a 30-minute Church School. I am emphasizing on memory verses—each week everybody has to say out aloud to the others a new memory verse. This means if they come regularly they will have come to know and remember 52 verses from the Holy Bible in a year.

I am filled with joy and my spirit is at last finding peace. I now look forward to enjoying a meaningful and effective ministry at last; with all my heart I thank God for what He has done and the work He is enabling me to do. 



-- Youth Page

This page is dedicated to the children and young people in the church. This is one of the major emphases for 2015. Though it is a small thing now, we know it will grow.

-- Bible Stories for Children and Young People

Every month the Kambuzuma AME Newsletter brings you a story from or about the Holy Bible. This month we feature the words of a song about the Flood, Noah, the Ark and the Unicorn [see the Pastor’s Sermon in this Newsletter, P.2]. The Holy Bible says:  “And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and thing that is the earth shall die. But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them with thee; they shall be male and female. Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sorts hall come unto thee, to keep them” - Genesis, 6: 17-20.

For the meaning of these verses, go to the Sermon. However for young people and children there is a special message. The fact that you are young and maybe have not finished your education or you probably don’t have much in the way of skills, experience, professional qualifications, should not worry you. As with Noah, when God calls, as he may call you, he does not call only grown-ups, who are more qualified or professionally advanced than you. He will call you as he did David and Samuel, as did Jesus when he said: Suffer little children to come unto me” because of who you are and how much you love and follow Him. So we need to listen to and obey God’s commandments. If we do He rewards us. If we don’t we risk His punishment.

If you want to see the words and hear the tune of the song, you can go to:

-- Why I Believe All Christians Should Support the Kind of Work Our Pastor Does:

Dr Robert McLaren

The Rev. Florence McLaren is a dedicated, lifelong member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the AME pastor in Kambuzuma, a disadvantaged suburb in Harare—in the colonial era referred to as a ‘township’ and in the post-Independence period euphemistically as a ’high-density suburb’.

Before 1980, in the days of Ian Smith’s Rhodesia, the white settlers lived in leafy suburbs, with each house standing on a generous allotment of land.

There was plenty space for gardens. Roads were all tarred. In each suburb there was a Civic Centre with all the amenities associated with such a centre—a library, post office, municipal offices, shops and a service station.

The original inhabitants of the land however, the indigenous black majority, was only tolerated in the ‘white towns’ in order to provide labour in the kitchens and gardens, the factories and offices of the settlers. Their accommodation reflected this. They were forced to live in segregated ‘townships’ conveniently situated either near to the light and heavy industries or far enough away from the white suburbs for the colonials to feel safe and untroubled by them.

Kambuzuma is one such suburb, planned to provide labour for the industries in Lyton and Willowvale on the other side of the railway tracks. The social composition of Kambuzuma and the level of poverty have not essentially changed since Independence. It is true that those who have now risen in the world can live where they please and the erstwhile white suburbs are all largely black. But for those who remained behind, times are hard and prospects grim. Unemployment and poverty reign.

It is here where people like the Rev. Florence work to bring solace, support and hope to those who desperately need them.

Although the Rev. McLaren’s adherence to her beloved AME is unshakeable, yet she is at the same time quintessentially ecumenical.

She plays a leading part in what is called the Kambuzuma Fraternal, which groups all the churches, irrespective of denomination, in Kambuzuma - with the exception of the so-called Pentecostals. She is also a leading figure in the Women's Mubatanidzwa, which groups the women of all these churches. She works with a number of organisations like the Zimbabwe Council of Churches and Christian Care.

She founded in Mbare, a similar poor residential area and the oldest in Harare, a weekly ecumenical intercession programme and now she is doing the same in Kambuzuma. An intercession is when Christians - and those have not come to Christ - come for support and to pray for others as well as be prayed for - in the spirit I suppose of that lovely oratorio by Handel: “Come unto me all ye who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”

Her congregants are all desperately poor and in need of something to give direction and hope in their lives. By bringing the Bible and the example of Jesus to them, the pastor and the AME Church is able to do this and tend to their needs without distinction. I don't think she would, for a second, refuse to assist - and she never does - say a Catholic or a member of the Apostolic Faith Mission Church. 

The very nature of her work and the people she works with make it necessary that she be supported by those who able to do so. She draws no salary and has to foot all her expenditure herself. This then, in short is why have appealed on her behalf for assistance. My thanks go out to those few who have responded and helped to make it possible for her to continue with her work.

-- Church News

The North East Zimbabwe Annual Conference will be held 28-31 October

This year’s annual conference will be held at Matema AME Church in Nyanga and all our churches in the N.E.Z Conference are preparing for the big event.

It marks the end of the AME Church year and pastors are required to prepare their reports and present them to the bishop, the Rt. Rev. Reginald T. Jackson. It is also when pastoral appointments are made with some pastors being reassigned to other churches and others continuing where they are.

-- A New Christmas Activity

Kambuzuma AME Church will be organising for the first time a great celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, on Christmas morning.

All AME churches will be invited as well as those from other denominations who wish to celebrate with us. On the programme are the usual carols, choirs and dramas. Each church will be asked to prepare a Christmas song or hymn and Sunday Schools will be invited to present small plays.

We are hoping that the well-known children’s arts education organisation, CHIPAWO, will come and join us and give us one of their excellent performances. Every year, CHIPAWO holds a massive Christmas Show onstage and also on television. Their emphasis is on children celebrating Christmas with a difference—a Zimbabwean and African difference.

-- The Kambuzuma Ecumenical Women’s Mubatanidza

On 16th September Kambuzuma AME hosted the Ecumenical Women’s Mubatanidzwa monthly service. The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe [formerly Dutch Reformed Church] generously made their church available for what turned out to be a massive attendance.

The church was packed and the programme went very well. Kambuzuma A.M.E.C presented a drama with the theme, “Why are you here?”

It asked the question: Why do you come to church? Do you have a real reason or are you just a member and come because you have always come or because your family or others do? Do you know why you come? In other words, are you conscious about your faith and your religious activities? The play posed the question in a very entertaining way and had the audience in stitches as they at the same time took in the message.

-- Wedding of Presiding Elder’s Daughter

We were privileged to be invited to attend the wedding of Evelyn Kataka, first daughter of the Rev. Francis Kataka, Presiding Elder Harare District. The wedding was celebrated at the Webster Temple in Tafara. There was a great attendance and two other presiding elders graced the occasion with their presence— The Rev. Peter Rugeda and his wife [Zvimba/Kadoma] and The Rev. Nontokozo Khumalo and her husband [Midlands].

-- End of Month All Night Services—Kambuzuma, Highfield and Zvishavane

The Kambuzuma All Night services have been going according to schedule every month. The August session was held in the hills of Domboshawa, the great bald mountains to the north of Harare where the first inhabitants of Zimbabwe, the San people [formerly called Bushmen] used to roam and do their cave paintings.

The September session was the very first one celebrated in the new premises in Kambuzuma and there was an exceptionally good turnout.

Please Note: the October All Night will be held on the 23rd because of the North East Zimbabwe Annual Conference.
Zvishavane [the Rev. Nero] and Bright Temple, Highfield will also be holding All Night prayers on the same night, 23rd October.

Thanks to Sims Chapel AME Mbare for coming to join us for our service on Sunday 13th September.

Sincere Apologies for not being able to attend the Idah Kachepa WMS Area Convention owing to the pastor writing exams.

-- Pastor’s Ecumenical Engagements

The Rev. Florence McLaren has been invited to lead an Intersession at the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women Conference in Zimbabwe in Harare, November 27-29.

Kambuzuma‘S New Hymn Book

For quite some time now those attending services at the Kambuzuma AME Church have either had to get hold of one of the two or three tattered hymn books that have survived or do without. This meant that though some know all the words of almost every hymn, there were others, especially newcomers, who did not. There was also a problem with the Liturgical Readings [Call and Response]. Another problem was that in the church service it is not only hymns that are sung but also the very rich treasure trove of Praise and Worship songs. Then there was the need too to extend the scope from purely Zimbabwean and mostly Shona songs to embrace some of the beautiful religious music from other cultures.

What made the situation desperate was that the original AME Shona Hymn Book was out of print.

So we set about trying to do something about it. Now after quite a long time—things that involve the pastor usually do take time owing to all her commitments—we have our first draft. It includes Liturgy, selected Hymns, Praise and Worship songs and Other Songs from other cultures, like “It’s me, O Lord/Standing in the need of prayer”. We hope to have the completed book out soon

-- Shoko Ramwari, Director of Ceremonies at the Crusade, Brother Charles Mwari havadani mhare kana shasha pabasa ravo asi vanogadzira mhare pane vakazvidzika.

Mutsamba yatinowana muna Genesis 6:9-16 nyaya yaNoah neAreka. Mwari havana kutarisa ruzivo rwaNoah mubasa rekuvaka, asi vakatarisa zvikonzero zvitatu zvisingawanzotariswi nesu vanhu. Noah anga akarurama asine mhosva mumarudzi ake uye aifamba naMwari. Hausi unyanzvi hwakaita kuti Noah avake Areka asi iNyasha dzaMwari. Zvimwechetezvo zvakaitwa naJobho, patinoverenga munaJobho 1:1.

Mwari havatarisi ushasha whiny amai kana baba pabasa ravo. Mwari havanei nedegree renyu kana uchenjeri hwenyu mkoma, Mwari vanotarisa zvimiro zvedenga zvirimauri. Vazhinji vakadanwa kuve vashumiri sababa Ezekiel Guti kwete nekuti vanga vakadzidza, asi pane chaive mavari chakaonekwa naMwari.

Varedzi vehove havana kumboenda kuzvikoro kana kunge vane unyanzvi mukuredza vanhu. Vaive varedzi vehove , vaibuditsa hove mumvura, kunove kudzibvisa musimba radzo nemuupenyu hwadzo, asi Mwari kubudikidza naKrisitu Jesu, vakadanirwa kundoredza vanhu, kuvabvisa murufu kuvaisa muupenyu.

Zvaisava nyore asi zvinongoratidza nyasha neukuru hwa Mwari.  Mbiri yose ngaipiwe kumusiki wazvose. Zvinhu zvose zvinogoneka naye.

Dhavhiti wakauraya Goriati, Josepha akatonga munyika yavatorwa, Ijipita. Hakuzi kugona kugeza, kana kuti make~up yaita kuti muroorwe nekuchata sisi, haruzi rugwaro rwekuBible College rwaita kuti muparidze mufundisi, kana uchenjeri hwenyu hwaita kuti mupase mukoma, asi inyasha. Kufamba nedzimota kana ndege, kudanwa namazita oushe kana kugara mudzimba dzinodhura hakuzi kungwara, iNyasha dzakatiwandira, mudikani, ngatitende Mwari. Zvose zvatakagona tikabudirira muupenyu, ngatizivei kuti ndiMwari akagonesai Tisazvikudza kana kuzvitutumadza, mbiri ngaidzokere kumuridzi, iye anogona nekugonesa pazvinhu zvose.

-- The Word of God

God does not call specialists and experts to do his work. Instead he makes the ordinary person special. 

We find this in the book of Genesis 6:9-16, the story of Noah and the Ark. God did not look at Noah’s knowledge and experience when it came to building the Ark. Instead he looked at considerations we seldom consider namely, righteousness; a blameless life; and walking with God. It was not by his own power that Noah built the Ark but by the grace of God.

God does not look at your expertise, sir and madam, when it comes to his work. God does not care about your degree and your cleverness, my brother. He looks at your heavenly attributes. Many are called to become preachers like Ezekiel Guti of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God [ZAOGA] not because they are highly educated but because they have something in them that God recognises.

The fishermen never went to college nor did they have any experience as fishers of men.  They were catchers of fish. They knew how to take fish out of the water, which is their power and their life but through Christ Jesus, they were called by God to become fishers of men, to take men away from death and bring them to life.

It was not easy but it demonstrates the grace and greatness of God. Let the glory be given to the Creator of everything. Jehovah is all-powerful and with Him all is possible. David slew the giant, Goliath. Joseph ruled in Egypt, the land where he was a foreigner.

It is not your scent and your make-up that will find you a husband, sister. It is not your certificate from Bible College which will make you a preacher, Mr Pastor.  Nor is it your intelligence that makes you pass your exams, my brother, but the grace of God. Your fancy cars or plane trips, your grand titles, your stately mansions are nothing to brag about. God’s grace is beyond our power, dearly beloved. Thank God. Know that in everything you do and achieve, it is God who gives you power. Do not praise yourself. Let the glory go to its rightful owner. God it is who has the power and all is done through His grace.

Amen

-- A Home in Kambuzuma

At last the AME Church in Kambuzuma has a home.  A three-bedroom house has been rented with a combined lounge and dining room which provides a very comfortable little venue for church service and meetings. There is also a patch of lawn in front and a bit of a garden at the back where outside activities such as Sunday School can take place.

Very important is the fact that at last the pastor is able to open a church office in her parish where she can spend time in the community and receive visitors, give consultations and meet her members for one-on-one discussions.

With the venue at last secured, the Pastor announced a number of weekly meetings and activities which can now be held in Kambuzuma. These include intercession on Tuesdays, women’s meetings on Saturdays and youth activities.

The AME Church in Kambuzuma would like to thank those who answered the appeals the church sent out for assistance. A number of contributions were made both in cash and kind.

-- Bulawayo Crusade

The African Methodist Episcopal Church Matabeleland East District held its first crusade this year under the theme "Lifting Jesus High" at Nkulumane in Bulawayo from 5 to 7 August.

The three day crusade, held in the evenings has been described as a success, further proving God's mercy upon the church.

An average of 125 people, young and old, attended the crusade everyday, despite the chilly nights. God's servants, Presiding Elder Reverend Eustice Bekithemba Ginya, District Evangelist Reverend Alfred Khumalo were joined on the pulpit by Harare's Reverend Florence McLaren in dishing out powerful sermons that really rejuvenated the church.

Not to be outdone was the District Praise and Worship team, which gave spirited performances throughout the crusade, showing results of hard work during rehearsals and fruits of prayer ahead of the event.

"This was a successful crusade by any standards. We thank God for his wonderful mercies. I also want to thank Rev McLaren for accepting our invitation and traveling all the way from Harare to be with us. Her preaching really touched many hearts. We also had support from Pastor Ndlovu who grew up at AME and is now at Harvest House. I also want to thank the organizing committee for running around to put the logistics in order and all those who turned up for the crusade. May God bless you more. This is just the beginning of bigger things to come," said Rev Ginya—Limukani Ncube

Standing in the need of prayer”. We hope to have the completed book out soon with copies available for those attending the Kambuzuma AME church services and others who might also need copies. We also hope to make it available online and purchasable from Amazon. You never know—it might bring in some much needed income.

TCR Editor’s Comment:  Sincere thanks to the Rev Florence H. McLaren, pastor of Kambuzuma AME Church and her ministry in Harare, Zimbabwe and surrounding areas.  She allowed us use the contents of her newsletter. I was just going to pull out a couple of article, but found the newsletter so interesting that I had to publish all of it.  It is so interesting to see what is going on in Episcopal District 14 – 20.  Thank you Rev. McLaren!

7. HONOR THE MEMORY OF THE CHARLESTON NINE:

*Cheryl Petty Garnette

Each summer the tiny Lincoln-Vista Community that surrounds the Seaton Memorial AME Church in Lanham, Maryland, excitedly anticipates Vacation Bible School.  It was no accident that the theme chosen for 2015 was “World Changers: The Discipleship for Kingdom Advancement.” 

Pastor Ronald A. Boykin solicited the talent of his daughter, the Rev. DeLishia Boykin David, to craft the lessons for all of the age groups.  In addition to the written text, participants were given an assignment to demonstrate the lesson of sharing God’s love around the world by making greeting cards to be sent to the family and church members of the tragic Charleston shooting that occurred in June 17, 2015.

By their expressions of forgiveness and love witnessed around the world, Seaton members recognized that the fallen nine were indeed World Changers.  Rather than mailing the cards, Sister Cheryl Petty Garnette (Director of Christian Education), Brother Tyrone Smith (Trustee Pro Tem), Sister Peggy Nicholas and Sister Lucille Hay, all Seaton members attending the 34th Biennial Lay Convention in Charleston, toured Mother Emmanuel and presented Sister Dorothy Jenkins, Mother Emmanuel’s Lay President, with more than 50 cards that the Vacation Bible School participants had prepared.  In addition, a check for $500 was presented to Sister Jenkins by Seaton Memorial’s Women’s Missionary Society and Lay Organization President, Sister G. Penny McGruder.

*Cheryl Petty Garnette, Director of Christian Education, Seaton Memorial AME Church in Lanham, Maryland

8. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SUNDAY… A REALITY EXPERIENCE FOR THE SOUL:

*Cheryl Petty Garnette

Does anyone actually read The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2012? We do!  Buried on page 76 is a charge to the local Commission on Christian Education to hold Christian Education Week.

At Seaton Memorial AME Church located in Lanham, Maryland, Christian Education Week is celebrated during the first or second week in September with Christian Education Sunday being held on the second Sunday in September. 
For the past two years, the Young Adult Ministry has taken over the worship experience by leading the Krunk Prayer and praising God through dance and mime ministries. 

In 2014, the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton, Presiding Elder of the Potomac District, was the morning speaker and in 2015, Brother Steve Daniel, Seaton’s local Exhorter, was the guest speaker.

*Cheryl Petty Garnette, Director of Christian Education, Seaton Memorial AME Church in Lanham, Maryland

9. A KRUNK PRAYER DEFINED:  

*Cheryl Petty Garnette

Krunk” means excited or pumped up and was introduced during the Second Episcopal District’s Christian Education and Youth Congress held annually in Hampton, Virginia.

It builds on the lesson that Jesus taught in “The Lord’s Prayer” by infusing our prayer to God with youthful excitement.  Following the leader, everyone is invited to share his or her response to: (1) Praising God because of Who God is; (2) Thanking God because of what God has done; (3) Confessing to God because of our sins; (4) Asking God for what we need; (5) Interceding on behalf of others; and (6) Listening to God so that He can speak to us and through us.  In between each segment of the prayer is a song, video, dance performance or other art-form that demonstrates that particular segment of the prayer.  For example, a solo dancer performed to “Because of Who You Are” after the praise segment and a video of the hearing for the Charleston shooter was shown to demonstrate the power and need to forgive. 

*Cheryl Petty Garnette, Director of Christian Education, Seaton Memorial AME Church in Lanham, Maryland

10. THIS YEAR’S THEME WAS “BREAKING OLD CHAINS …:

*Cheryl Petty Garnette

Building New Lives” using the scriptural texts from Isaiah 43:19.  Pastor Ronald A. Boykin launched Christian Education Week on the first Sunday in September with a powerful message focused on the text using the theme “Don’t Be Held Hostage by Your Past!” We were challenged by Pastor Boykin to break old and in some cases traditional chains that may hold back the opportunity for Seaton Memorial to grow. During the Altar Call, parishioners were invited to write down whatever might be considered a chain in their lives and as they came up to pray, they tore the paper in half and put it in an offering basket symbolizing the now broken chain while Tasha Cobb’s amazing hit song played in the background.

The worship service bulletin was transformed as well.  Each element of the worship service was explained in red and the words to all of the songs were printed in the program.  The program also posted the names and titles of all of the auxiliaries so that visitors would know who they could see if they wanted more information about one of our ministries.

We are continuing to break chains and build lives ... that’s how we “get real” with God as a church family! 

*Cheryl Petty Garnette, Director of Christian Education, Seaton Memorial AME Church in Lanham, Maryland

11. HISTORY OF HYMNS: “WADE IN THE WATER”:

By C. Michael Hawn

Wade in the water, wade in the water, children, wade in the water, God’s a gonna trouble the water.”

1. See that host all dressed in white,
God’s a gonna trouble the water.
The leader looks like the Israelite,
God’s a gonna trouble the water.

2. See that band all dressed in red,
God’s a gonna trouble the water.
Looks like the band that Moses led,
God’s a gonna trouble the water.

According to African American hymnologist Melva Wilson Costen, scholars have catalogued more than six thousand spirituals. Like the later gospel songs, many spirituals have similar stanzas, musical phrases, melodic fragments, and harmonies, but each is a discrete musical entity with its own meaning. Dr. Costen posits, “African American Spirituals are considered the first distinctive music genre of African people in the American diaspora. These unique folk songs, born out of the substance and experience of an oppressive sociological environment combined with the natural musical gifts of African peoples in the American diaspora, subsequently became the foundation of ALL African American musical forms”  (Melva Costen, “African American Spirituals,” Journal of Religious and Theological Information, Volume 4, Issue 3).

Indeed, spirituals and other forms that grew out of this genre such as blues, jazz, and hip-hop are considered by many scholars to be the most representative forms of American music throughout the world.

Water is an important image in the African American spiritual. “Deep river, my home is over Jordan” (Songs of Zion, 115) is a song that finds hope on the other side of the river. “Go Down, Moses” (Songs of Zion, 112) is a spiritual of deliverance in which Pharaoh’s armies were drowned in the sea. Water was a primary aspect of slave experience. Africans began their captivity—the “middle passage”—by traveling across the ocean to a new land in slave ships. The Ohio River was the dividing line between slavery and freedom on the Underground Railroad.

Biblical narratives and allusions are embedded in the spirituals. African American scholar Yolanda Y. Smith describes the role of the Bible in the African American slave experience:


“Embodied in spirituals, the Bible can serve as a source of education that embraces, for instance, the value of the oral tradition . . . Enslaved Africans, prohibited from learning to read and write, passed on valuable life lessons from the Scriptures and other wisdom sources through the spirituals. Slaves learned these lessons in the fields as they labored from sunup to sundown, in the privacy of their living quarters, and in clandestine worship services.1 Indeed, for the masses of slaves who could not read, the ‘spirituals were their channel to the word of God.2 The Bible in song highlighted the basic tenets of the Christian faith—love, hope, mercy, grace, justice, judgment, death, eternal life.  (Yolanda Y. Smith, “The Bible in Song: Reclaiming African American Spirituals” in Yale University Reflections)

With that background, let us explore the use of Scripture in this spiritual and some theological themes these passages might represent. The refrain of “Wade in the Water” is based upon the narrative of John 5:2-9. It is the story of the pool by the Sheep Gate—Bethzatha in Hebrew. A portion of this passage follows: “Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had” (John 5:2-4, KJV) Perhaps, among other possibilities, this is a reference of healing in body and soul.

Though that passage defines the context of the refrain, the stanzas refer to other biblical passages where water plays a significant role. The first two stanzas, cited above, reference the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-31). This is a classic passage of deliverance. The third stanza mentions, “The Holy Ghost a coming on me.” While the biblical basis is less clear in this case, it is conceivable that the reference is to Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound” (KJV). This passage might signify empowerment and freedom.

The final stanza refers to another body of water, the Jordan River:

If you don’t believe I’ve been redeemed,
God’s a gonna trouble the water.
Just follow me down to Jordan’s stream,
God’s a gonna trouble the water.

The Jordan River is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament. Choosing one passage can neither fully underscore the significance of the Jordan in the biblical narrative nor its importance as a landmark of deliverance and hope in the African American experience. Numbers 32:29 provides one example: “And Moses said unto them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over Jordan, every man armed to battle, before the Lord, and the land shall be subdued before you; then ye shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession” (KJV).

Returning to the refrain, we turn to Howard Thurman (1899-1981), who served as Dean of the Chapel at Howard University, to help us set the stage for understanding this spiritual in his book The Negro Spiritual Speaks of Life and Death:

“Always, patient friends placed him in the same spot beside the pool. For years longer than a fading memory could hold in focus, he had waited—this man with an incurable disease. His hope rose and fell like the ebb and flow of the ocean tide. He believed the legend, for he had seen it work its perfect work in the lives of many who had once been ill, but now were well. If somehow he could manage to be let down into the waters while they were being troubled, then he would be healed.”

Thurman then offered this interpretation of the text:

“For [the slaves] the ‘troubled waters’ meant the ups and downs, the vicissitudes of life. Within the context of the ‘troubled’ waters of life there are healing waters, because God is in the midst of the turmoil.”

Though African American spirituals were born in the pain, oppression, and struggle of a particular people, they have become songs for all people. Thurman’s conclusion is a message for all of us:

“Do not shrink from moving confidently out into the choppy seas. Wade in the water, because God is troubling the water.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1Yolanda Y. Smith quoting Ella Mitchell, “Oral Tradition: Legacy of Faith for the Black Church,” Religious Education 81, no. 1 (winter 1986): 99–104; Thomas L. Webber, Deep Like the Rivers: Education in the Slave Quarter Community, 1831–1865 (New York: W. W. Norton, 1978), 191–205, 207–8.

2Yolanda Y. Smith quoting Albert Raboteau, Slave Religion: The “Invisible Institution” in the Antebellum South (New York: Oxford University Press, 1978).

12. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

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

Based on Biblical Text: Acts 2:38: Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)

I am reminded of a time when there was a line of ants coming into my study. The ants came in the window, marched across the floor ending in a large cluster around my trash can. They seemed to be marching in by the dozens. I attacked them with bug spray and tried to kill some by stepping on them. However, for every one I got, there were dozens more parading in to take their place. It seemed like every time I annihilated one, two more marched in. I never before had ants in my study. A trustee told me the only time he had ever seen ants coming in like that; they were heading toward something sweet. So I checked my trashcan, and there it was a great big piece of sweet candy covered with ants. I remembered that I had thrown it in there the Sunday before. I emptied the trashcan, and sure enough, the ants disappeared.

That relentless swarm of ants headed to the trash can reminds me of our sin nature. Our lawless lives are nothing, but good for nothing, old stale candy.

And all we attract are “sin ants.” Sin festers and grows in us until it consumes us. But, thanks be to God, there is a way to clean up and get rid of the “ants.”

We can go from uncontrollable to faultless. It's called, “Salvation.” And the way to achieve it is to empty the trash can of our hearts, because Christ cannot dwell in an unclean place.

Our text reminds us of some ways to get rid of the “ants.”

First, it says we must repent. Then Peter said unto them, Repent. "Repent" is a word that is a problem for many of us for several reasons.

Initially, we fail to see the point. Then we feel we really don't have anything for which to be sorry. Finally, we believe “our business is our business!” That is the rugged, outer shell of a man or woman that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has to crack.

Another reason we may find repentance difficult is that it is not a one-time confession. I am aware that John the Baptist said, Repent and be baptized.  I know I am “preaching to the choir” because most of you have repented. However, I must remind us that the command to repent is not a one-time thing. It is a continual manifestation, an on-going experience.

When we reflect on our own conversion and the newness of our life in Christ, it gives us a sense of awe that God could take us and transform our sinful flesh into a saintly fortress.

For many of us that is the mental picture we want to preserve, like a snapshot in our wallet. We parade around and say, look at me; I’m all cleaned up and ready to serve the Lord. We seem to forget about those sins we committed yesterday. The fact is they smudged that picture up just a bit.

We always need examples; well here are a few examples.  How about that guy or gal you avoided in Walmart because he or she talks for half an hour? How about the resentment that flared last night when you saw a commercial for that certain department store in the mall whose security followed you around the store ten years ago? What about the piece of candy or the pinch of grapes you sampled at the supermarket? How about the case of water under your shopping cart they forgot to charge you for, that you just took home as a gift? And then there is that person you won't sit next to in church because she claps too loud and shouts too much. You think it doesn’t take all that! I’m wondering; is that picture God has of you getting a bit smudged yet?

The fact of the matter is we commit sins every day without a single thought of how it affects our spirit. Thus, a repentant spirit has to be a part of our ever-evolving spiritual makeup. Repentance not only has to be specific, it has to be current and daily. When we recall our unkind thoughts, our careless words, and our selfish deeds, our repentant spirit allows those sins to immediately fall away and be buried with Christ. And that is how our spirit's eternal newness keeps springing up. God makes us new every minute, not by ignoring our sin, but by shining the light of God’s forgiveness upon it.

Repentance calls for a change of mind that leads to a change of life. We turn from our sinful life, and move toward a perpetual desire for a sin-free life with God.

The Bible says, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7).

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

13. GETTING TO ZERO: DEPRESSION - THE SILENT EPIDEMIC- PART 3:

*The Rev. Gwendolyn Hatter and Dr. Oveta Fuller

Depression is more than just a low mood—it’s a serious condition that has an impact on both physical and mental health. The good news is depression can be treated and support is available. The sooner a person seeks help, the sooner they can recover.1

We left Part 2 of this series by asking what individuals and the church can do to be more informed in recognizing and knowing how to address depression.  A critical first step for anyone that experiences a physical or mental disease, disorder or dysfunction is to recognize that something is wrong. The second key step is to be willing to move into determining what is wrong and what can be done. Unfortunately, we often function in denial and delay action for both of these.

Family, friends, church members and its leaders can help. We often are in positions to observe that there is a change in engagement or typical activity of a family member, loved one or acquaintance that is more than a temporary low or another mood swing.  The church, as a body of believers, can provide a safe space of care and concern for one another (without intrusion, nosiness or judgment). It can provide informed programming and learning opportunities. 

Clergy, lay leaders and members can ensure that efforts for spiritual, physical and mental wellness are made. Individual churches, ministerial alliances and clergy or lay leaders that organize the many conferences for members or for the community-at-large can include events that bring in professionals and organizations to focus also on mental health.  Put information in the church print or electronic bulletins, place a link on the church webpage or leave information in the restrooms to cover the basic questions:  what is depression, what are its symptoms, where can one turn for available help to those who may experience the isolation of depression or other mental illnesses.

Resources cited at the end of this article 1-3 provide useful guidelines and insights on how to recognize depression, what are its causes and what to do to get or provide assistance. Other resources are found through your medical office and at health departments within most local communities. Look for these resources so you can use them for your wellness or that of your family members or others.

To close the three part series for a focus on Mental Health in the month of October, we return to insights and experiences provided by the Rev. Gwendolyn Hatter. While her journey out of depression was prompted from being tuned in to the prompting and leadership by the Holy Spirit, others will address depression also through clinical intervention or in response to the reaching out of a caring friend, family member, clergyperson or counselor.

We are grateful for Rev. Hatter’s willingness to use her talents and insights to encourage others to “Get to Zero” with depression. 

“If I can help somebody as I travel along, if I can help cheer somebody with a word or a song—then my living shall not be in vain.”

My Turning Point:  Scripture, Prayer and Laughter

One night while fitfully sleeping, I heard in my spirit these words “Come unto Me all you who labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  I sat straight up in the bed.  Did I just hear that?  I knew the words were from the Bible, but where?  I kept my mother’s Bible next to me at night for comfort and in a groggy state, looked up the passage of scripture. I discovered Jesus’ call to those who are laboring under the heavy yoke of bondage. Was Jesus really talking to me?  This was the turning point. 

I can say unequivocally that during this time God used two books to literally save my life:  the first, “The Bible” and second “The Essential Calvin & Hobbes”.  One spoke words of God’s healing love, mercy, grace, and peace while the other taught me to laugh again.  The first belonged to my mother and the second to my dear son. 

I cannot underscore how important laughter became as a tool for my healing.  Each evening, I couldn’t wait to retreat to my bedroom where I read the Bible and found solace.  I discovered Isaiah 54, a book that held promises to me as a single mother that God faithfully kept. Through reading and believing the Bible, I learned that I was not alone. I discovered that King David and Elijah each had struggles with depression.  And, I found a true friend in Jesus, whose presence and words lifted me and promised to love me unconditionally.

I began to develop a prayer life, praying with sincerity and intensity, and like David, pouring out my troubles to the Lord.  Prayer, I found relieved my aching soul and brought hope to my life.  Many mornings, I woke up, still on my knees beside my bed. 

The “Calvin & Hobbes” book belonged to my son and one evening I was ‘led’ to open it.  With all the responsibilities I had, I had somehow lost touch with the ability to experience laughter and joy in life.  Reading through this book of clean humor brought a simple happiness to me that I desperately needed.  To my great delight, I discovered that my son owned all editions of this book and I read them voraciously.

Each day, I took my ‘medicine’ – the Word of God, prayer and laughter.  Each day, I began to get a little better.  The darkness that had permeated my soul began to lift.  Eventually in my prayer life, I began to intercede for others, taking the emphasis off of me. I later found this was essential to breaking free of depression’s grip.

Lessons along the Journey

I wish I could say that this was my only real struggle with depression, but it was not.  A few years after this, after I had been set on a path of ministry, I faced an even worse battle. This time, it almost took my life.  I asked the Lord ‘why me?’  What I learned during this time is that God allowed me to see and experience first-hand the effects of hurting people. I came face to face with people who had been rejected by critical, apathetic family members; others who had been bound by addictions; and still others who seemed to have it all on the outside, but were empty on the inside, longing for someone to love them for them, not what they looked like, what position they held or what they had. 

In my journey out of darkness, I met other people who never felt loved and people who were misunderstood. I once knew a beautiful woman who was suicidal because she was frequently laughed at and picked apart by envious coworkers for her appearance and personal hygiene. No one offered her a kind word. Truly ‘sticks and stones can break our bones’.  I met a young man who constantly thought of taking his own life because he was secretly addicted to pornography and, because of the shame, did not know how to break free.

That was more than 20 years ago.  Praise God, through it all, He brought me out with the help of a caring family and the love of a Savior who helped me through the darkness. In this nighttime of my soul, I was guided to a clinician who told me in a counseling session – in the hospital where I was for 7 days - that there was nothing wrong with me except that I needed to remove the ‘sociopaths’ from my life.  He said to me that ‘you would do good to get them out of your life’.  You see, in my desperation for ‘friends’ and ‘love’, I made wrong decisions about the people I allowed in. I could not tell the difference between an unhealthy relationship and a healthy one.  That led to making poor choices that took my life into a downwards spiral and difficult place.

In sharing about my own struggle with depression even now - some 20 plus years later - I know that I  run the risk still of being pigeon-holed, stigmatized, ostracized and treated as if I have an incurable, contagious disease.  People may still perceive me as ‘damaged’ because of these experiences. However, if sharing the private hell I went through will help even one person pull back from the brink of complete destruction, it is worth all of the shunning and misunderstanding that might occur.

A Summary of the Matter

We are the Body of Christ, and when one member hurts, we all ought to feel it.  We are called to be loving, compassionate and caring people.  Just as God loves us, so ought we to learn to give that same love to others who are hurting. 

The “hallmark”—the brand-- of a Christian walk is when we can treat others with compassion, kindness and unconditional love and acceptance as we would want to receive. One of the most loving actions a Christian can take is to become educated about the symptoms and solutions of the pervasive problem of depression or other mental illnesses so not to vilify the afflicted.  We can all “help and not shoot our wounded”. 

I am reminded of a recent Facebook post that reads “Be Kind:  For everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about”. Amen. 




*The Rev. Gwendolyn Hatter, a TCR guest contributor serves on the ministerial staff of Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

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

14.  iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 - THE WELCOMING COMMITTEE - ACTS 11:1–18:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Key Verse: If then God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could hinder God? Acts 11:17.

Introduction

October 25, 2015 is the twenty second Sunday after Pentecost. 

Graduate students accept the reality that one of the requirements for their doctoral program is to develop a dissertation project and present it to their Ph.D. committee.  While most committees are hand-picked by the student there is always an element of uncertainty about how your senior professors will receive your work.  I know this from personal experience.  The draft thesis is ready and the date for the “defense’ is set.  A meeting, which you hope will be a perfunctory Q&A session turns out to be an intellectual interrogation about methodology, theoretical design and empirical estimation techniques.  The meeting is hardly a welcome occasion.  Nonetheless the candidate defends to the best of his abilities his/her research program with the expectation his credential will be conferred.

Sunday’s lesson in Acts 11: 1-18 casts Peter in the spotlight to “defend” his decision to accept the dinner invitation to the home of a prominent Gentile (Cornelius).  While under heavy criticism, Peter remains unequivocal that his decision to accept and attend was the correct choice.  Since God is not in the business of playing the partiality game we should avoid showing bias.  Peter’s position confirms that the best defense is reflected in a commitment to truth and transparency. 

Bible Lesson

Doubters

News about Peter’s unusual visit to a Gentile home traveled fast throughout Judea.  The Jewish Christians criticized him for his decision to accept the invitation (11: 2-3).  While these believers accepted Jesus as Messiah they were still committed to Jewish tradition and custom.  They wanted to know why a prominent Jewish Christian like Peter would compromise his customs by visiting the home of Cornelius. He was ordered to appear in Jerusalem to explain his actions.

Defense

Peter explains to his peers that he visited Cornelius out of an act of obedience.  He explained that his dietary vision was a metaphor to show that God is no respecter of person and that there is no distinction between pure versus impure food.  Everything that God has made, food or humans, is good.  There is no room for discrimination in the Gospel (v 17).

Deliverance

After hearing Peter’s passionate defense the Jewish Christians had no further questions.  They were convinced that the visit was appropriate since it was instrumental in being a witness about Jesus to non-Jews.  They praised God for the report.  It was clear that God’s Grace and Salvation was extended also to the Gentiles for Eternal Life (v 44).

Bible Application

Gregory Peck’s most memorable acting role was in the 1962 movie, To Kill a Mockingbird. The movie was based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize winning book of 1961. Atticus Finch (played by Gregory Peck) is a lawyer in a racially divided Alabama town in the 1930s. He agrees to defend a young black man who is accused of raping a white woman in the early 1930s. Many of the townspeople try to get Atticus to pull out of the trial, but he decides to go ahead.  The book and the movie explain the reasons that make his defense far from easy; and that's mostly because nobody in this town seems determined to believe in the guiltlessness of an accused Negro.

Peter, like Atticus Finch, faced a skeptical welcoming committee determined to get the reasons for why a Jew would have dinner in the home of a Gentile.  Unfortunately, Peter was not represented by legal counsel and had to offer his own defense.  Peter’s defense would’ve made Atticus Finch or the late Johnnie Cochrane proud.  His eloquence demonstrated to his superiors that the new faith trumped legalistic Jewish traditions.  The takeaway from Peter’s defense is crystal clear.  When we are committed to our convictions and can speak with clarity on the issues our defense can be successful even in hostile environments. QED

*Brother Bill Dickens is currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington.  He is currently a member of the Fellowship of Church Educators for the African Methodist Episcopal Church

15. MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 8:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this meditation as a brand new “father-in-law,” who’s still rejoicing for this past Saturday’s wedding of Jason Christopher Darby and Cherisse Jamala Thomas!

Their “wedding weekend” included the obligatory wedding rehearsal, a sumptuous and elaborate post-rehearsal dinner, the wedding itself - complete with bridesmaids, groomsmen, special music and plenty of photos taken before and after the event - and an excellent reception, with all of the customs, traditions and trappings that make receptions grand and special.

The wedding also brought friends and family from near and far together and afforded opportunities to “break bread,” catch up on family news, renew old relationships and celebrate the blessing of two good people starting a new life together.

The weekend was busy and wonderful, but the most meaningful and moving part of the weekend was the simple point in the wedding ceremony when two people - very much in love with each other - exchanged the vows that declared their intent to share their lives as husband and wife.  The entire weekend was wonderful, but the exchanged vows were what mattered the most - that short, simple and blessed act made the weekend special.

I share my “wedding weekend” experience with you in the midst of a world that presents all of us with both elaborately joyful moments and elaborately challenging times.  It’s easy, in a demanding and fast paced world, to focus on what’s elaborate and complex and fail to see life’s simple but special blessings.

When we pause, “exhale,” look past life’s elaborate and complex situations and see our simple blessings, we can thank God for waking us up and carrying us through each day, for standing by us and bringing us through difficult times and for blessing us in simple ways that affirm the words of one modern Gospel song: “All of my good days outweigh my bad days.”

Take the time, in the midst of all of life’s elaborate and complex details and challenges, to count and thank God for each day’s simple blessings.  You’ll find new joy, have new peace of mind and understand why another Gospel song writer said, “The Lord is blessing me right now.”

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

16. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

The marriage of Mr. Jason C. Darby and Mrs. Cherisse Thomas Darby in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday, October 17th

Mr. Jason C. Darby and Mrs. Cherisse Thomas Darby were married in Raleigh, North Carolina on Saturday October 17th.  

Jason is the son of the Reverend Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Mary B. Darby. Dr. 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.

Cherisse is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William (Maggie) Thomas of Garner, North Carolina.  She’s a Medical Doctor and is joining the staff of the Lexington South Carolina Medical Center as a Hospitalist.  

Jason Darby is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the University of South Carolina’s Palmetto College and is pursuing a doctorate at the University of South Carolina.

The happy couple will reside in Columbia, SC.

Submitted by a very happy dad and father-in law

Dr. Joseph Darby: josephdarby@bellsouth.net

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Edward Stenhouse, the father of the Rev. Richard A. Stenhouse, pastor of Bethel AMEC, Buffalo, NY (Western New York Conference, Buffalo-Albany-Rochester District).

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

Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Viewing: 11:00 a.m.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m.
             
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
226 Cedar Street
Buffalo, New York 14240

Telephone:  (716) 856-6321

The Rev. Joe L. Fisher, Pastor

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Richard A. Stenhouse
174 Jewett Parkway
Buffalo, NY 14214

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Rev Edward Donald Payne, a retired pastor from the Philadelphia Annual Conference in the First Episcopal District. The Rev. Payne last pastored Emmanuel AMEC in the West District of the Philadelphia Conference.

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

Friday, October 23, 2015
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m.
             
Mother Bethel AME Church
419 Richard Allen Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Telephone:  215-925-0616
Fax: (215) 925-1042

The Rev. Mark K. Tyler, Ph.D, pastor

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Eulogist
Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Florine Payne
213 Prestwick Lane
New Castle, DE 19720

19. 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




20. 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.

Did someone you know pass this copy of The Christian Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/


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