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
-- Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016
-- Good Friday – March 25, 2016
-- Easter - Sunday, March 27, 2016
-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016
-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17
--
Daylight Saving Time (USA) 2016 begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016
TCR EDITORIAL – WHAT DOES “AGAIN” MEAN?:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder
I am getting confused because I must be missing
the context of a certain word that keeps coming up in the language of a couple
of candidates during this political season.
I am thinking that the word might be some kind of
code word. I can usually pick up on nuances and code words and figure out what
they mean, but in the instances when this year’s political candidates use a
certain word or a certain phrase, for the life of me, I cannot understand what
it means. I think I understand what is being said, but I wonder if voters
understand; and if they do, we might have more to be worried about than who
gets elected as President of the United States.
Code words and code phrases are commonly used and
most times, the in-group understands the coded language.
Merriam Webster describes “code word” as a word
or phrase that has a secret meaning or that is used instead of another word or
phrase to avoid speaking directly. Code words and code phrases give a different
meaning to their usual meaning, so that they can be used to communicate
something secretly. Sometimes code words and code phrases are used instead of
saying something directly so as to not shock some person or group.
For instance, someone can say, “If you put it in
a book they will never see it,” and certain groups will understand the context
of the statement.
“Aunt Hagar’s children” is a code phrase. A
“spirited discussion” might be a code phrase for an “argument.” “CP time”
and “PR time” are code phrases about being on time or being late, depending
upon the context. “Jackleg” is a codeword for someone who is
characterized by a lack of professional skill or training.
My confusion
When I hear Republican candidates say they are
going to make “America great again” the statement must have some meaning of
which I am unaware. It must be some kind of code phrase, because it seems to me
that their audiences get inspired by the statement of “getting America great
again.”
My understanding of "again," an adverb
refers to something previously possessed or held. "Again" refers to
getting back or recapturing something that has already happened or had been
done before.
If a politician said, “I am going to make America
great,” I would probably not have a problem with that comment. I would chalk it
up to campaign rhetoric. No problem, no confusion! Every candidate of every
political party engages in political rhetoric.
When politicians or people supporting them say
and enthusiastically support the statement, “We are going to make America great
again,” I wonder what period in American history they are referring to.
Are they talking about colonial America – No,
that can’t be it. I am sure we all know, at least black Americans know, that
America wasn’t great during the period of enslavement.
Are they referring to the period after the
Emancipation Proclamation? The passing ratification of the 13th
Amendment was certainly a noble act, but it was followed by the period of the
Reconstruction Era, which gave birth to the Ku Klux Klan. Truthfully, the
nation was not ready for full equality of freed slaves, as evidenced by the
1896 Supreme Court Decision of Plessy v. Ferguson that upheld the
constitutionality of state laws requiring racial segregation in public
facilities under the doctrine of “separate but equal.”
From 1896 to 1954 the nation lived under Jim Crow
laws and racial discrimination and racial alienation. America may have
been a great nation for a particular segment of the population.
And certainly it was not a great nation during
the civil rights struggles and the resistance to equal justice for all.
America’s image is blemished by the reports of
police brutality against black men and women. America’s image is blemished
because it incarcerates more people than any other country and unfortunately,
incarcerates minorities at an embarrassingly high rate.
America is a great nation, even with all of its
flaws and struggles and I commend America for its ability to deal with the
tough issues of race, gender, equality for all, economic and healthcare issues
and a myriad of other problems that face our nation.
If anyone asks me if America is great, I would
respond with a resounding, “Yes!” I believe that we are the best country
on the planet. People from around the world want to come and live here.
I am not questioning whether or not America is
great. I am questioning certain political candidates of a particular party’s
use of the adverb, “again.”
I suspect the use of the word “again” is a code
word that has racial and ethnic connotations.
Let me get to the bottom line. “Again” perhaps
means the assurance that a certain racial and ethic group regain control and
that we “check” our porous borders and that we stem diversity because the
influx of people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds will change America
to something more complicated than the old U.S. system of “black and white”
with white people generally being in charge.
If you are white, it makes sense and that’s why I
believe a lot of people resonate with the politicians who use the phrase, “We
are going to make America great again!”
Sadly, there are some black people, too, who
embrace the notion of blocking cultural and religious diversity. So it’s not a
“cut and clear” racial issue, but an issue of trying to take America to a past
that will never be again!
I agree with the statement, “Let’s make America
whole.” That statement seems more inclusive.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To
the Editor:
RE: The Richard
Allen Postage Stamp
Please be advised
that a few days ago, I went t the local Post Office to purchase stamps. Of
course, I asked for The Richard Allen Stamps and the clerk informed me that
they were out of them and had to reorder.
Pulaski, Tennessee
has been the 47th County in the state of Tennessee. There are seven
AME churches in this county with a total active membership of 100. Giles County
according to some historians was the birth place of the Ku Klux Clan.
I just had to share
good news above the man voices who are broadcasting that they are having Black
History Programs. The Richard Allen Postage Stamp was sold out! The news articles
from the publication you edit and send out on-line, provided tools for our
congregations to use during the month of February to reacquaint us with,
"Lift Every Voice and Sing", "I Want Jesus To Walk With me"
and to recall how GOD has brought us from "Jim Crow Laws ton reaping
fruits because of God’s Amazing Grace!.
Pastor William
Howard Smith
St Paul-Agnew AME
Church
404 Old Agnew Road
Pulaski, Tennessee
3.
FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT BICENTENNIAL EVENTS:
--
Old School/New School Gospel Concert
Thursday April 7,
2016 7:31 PM (Doors open at 6:31 PM).
The Old School New School Concert will present a stellar line up of some
of gospel music’s finest traditional and contemporary talent headlined by
inspirational powerhouse Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr Singers. Other featured
performers include: BET Sunday Best Season-V Finalist Jamarien Moore;
McDonalds’ Gospel fest 2015 Female Soloist of the Year Regina Jackson; and BET
Sunday Best Season-VII Finalist Candace Benson (All are members of the AME
Church).
Tickets are $25 for
general admission and $50 for limited VIP reserved seating. Tickets can only be purchased online at http://2016generalconference.org/. The processing fee is a charge to the ticket company
and not from the First Episcopal District.
--
Social Justice Forum
April 8, 2016, will
mark exactly 200 years since the first General Conference of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church was called into session. The AME Church,
incorporated during this conference, became the world’s first African American
denomination. A host of visionary thinkers have been invited to participate in
a provocative social dialogue during this forum that will encompass the
pressing matters of today while looking back at the juncture of the AME Church
formation through historical perspective.
The Bicentennial
Social Justice Forum entitled, "A
General Conference of Freedom's Prophet's: AMEs Reworking Trails to Freedom"
will be held on Friday, April 8 - 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Mother Bethel AME
Church, Philadelphia, PA.
Click
here to register for this free event:
For additional
Information, please contact:
First District
Plaza
3801 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
19104
Office Telephone:
(215) 662-0506
4.
THE AME CHURCH AND AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY PARTNERSHIP FOR LIFE SERVICE:
-- Litany, written
by Bishop A.J. Richardson, approved by the Council of Bishops should be used as
part of AME worship services during AME Church /American Cancer Society
Partnership Sunday, which will take place on April 10, 2016.
ACS
and AMEC: A Partnership for "Life"
Leader: I'm
standing on behalf of the American Cancer Society, the largest volunteer health
organization in the world. For 102 years, it has been our mission to eliminate
cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and
diminishing the suffering caused by cancer, through research, education,
advocacy, and service.
People: Today, we
STAND with you for "Life", promoting health and preventing disease.
Leader: We are the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest independent Protestant
denomination in the world, founded by African American people. For 200 years,
it has been our mission to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical,
emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ’s
liberating gospel through word and deed.
People:
Today, we STAND with you for "Life", promoting health and preventing
disease.
Leader: We have
rarely thought it odd that the best of science and the best of faith ideals
could combine to provide the best of health and healthy lifestyles. That's why
the AMEC has partnered with the ACS. Richard Allen, our venerable founder, as an
expression of his faith, had compassion for fellow citizens in Philadelphia who
suffered and died as a public health crisis went unchecked. We are the heirs to
his compassion rooted in faith, rooted in Scripture.
People:
Today, we stand together for “Life”, promoting health and preventing disease.
Leader: The road to health begins with confession. It is an
acknowledgement of a truth that health disparities exist. African Americans
have the highest death rate of any ethnic group for most cancers, dying in
record numbers, especially from colon cancer, often a preventable disease.
People:
Today, we REASON together for “Life”, promoting health and preventing disease.
Leader: The journey
to health includes a commitment. It is taking action and responsibility for our
own health: avoiding tobacco, eating healthy, getting active, getting early
diagnosis, and practicing conscientious advocacy. We are committed to the “80
by 2018 Pledge.” We aim to have eighty percent of persons age 50 or older,
screened for colon cancer by the year 2018.
People:
Today, we are WORKING together for “Life”, promoting health and preventing
disease.
Leader: The journey
to health includes collaboration. For theological and humanitarian reasons, it
is an ambitious alliance pursuing resources, investing human capital and sweat
equity, running 80 miles to a historic location that honors the iconic Richard
Allen at historic Mother Bethel to raise awareness and dollars, marking “An
Extraordinary History” and “An Incredible Future!”
People:
Today, we RUN together for “Life”, from Dover to Philadelphia, promoting health
and preventing disease.
We
stand, reason, work, and run – together – against a common enemy, Cancer!
However,
Cancer cannot have the last word, not even in a litany. Our FAITH declares that
we have the Promise of HOPE and a FUTURE. (Jeremiah 29:11)
(A Litany by Bishop
Adam J. Richardson, Jr., 2015)
** Factual content gleaned from published
documents of the ACS and the AME Church.
*Submitted by Dr.
Glenda Hodges
5.
ACTION ALERT - WHITE HOUSE UPDATE: ACT NOW TO SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT AND A FULL
SUPREME COURT:
Americans get up
every day and do their jobs – and they don’t pick and choose which parts they
want to do, or on which days they want to show up. That no-nonsense grit is part of what makes
the United States the hardest working, most productive nation on Earth. In exchange, Americans simply expect that
their elected leaders will hold up their end of the bargain, and do their jobs
too. Everyday.
When there’s a
vacancy on the Supreme Court, the job responsibilities – laid out in the
Constitution – are clear. The President
nominates a candidate, and the Senate then considers the nominee and votes on
his or her confirmation. It’s very
simple. So far, President Obama has made
clear that he will uphold his Constitutional duties and name an eminently
qualified nominee. Yet Senate Republican
leaders have made clear that they will not consider anyone the President
nominates. In essence, they’ve announced
to the whole country that they will refuse to do their job.
Have you, your
organization, or your community made your voices heard?
Below are actions
that others are taking that are really making a difference:
1) Release a
statement, post a blog, or place an op-ed.
2) Accept or
schedule media interviews to talk about the importance of the President’s
constitutional duty to ensure a full court.
3) Push this
conversation forward on Social Media using the hash tag #SCOTUS. Attached and below are graphics that we are
pushing out. If there are any that speak
to you – start posting now and let us know when you do!
4) Produce a
creative piece on the role of the court, the role of the President, and or the
role of Congress when a seat on the Court needs filling. It can be educational, persuasive, consensus
building, funny, or hopefully – all of the above.
Ø NOTE: If you are
interested in creating or filming something, and want to be connected with
others who would be interested in participating – let us know, and we will
connect dots.)
Read or Watch the
President’s Full Remarks: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2016/02/13/watch-president-obama-speak-passing-supreme-court-justice-scalia
Every U.S. Supreme
Court nominee in history has received a vote within 125 days → http://go.wh.gov/SCOTUS
- Since 1975, it's
only taken an average of 67 days to confirm a president's nominee to the
Supreme Court.
- Since 1875: Every
Supreme Court nominee has received a Senate hearing or a vote → http://go.wh.gov/SCOTUS
- The last time a
Supreme Court nominee was denied a hearing? 1875.
- If the Senate
fails to act, #SCOTUS could have a vacancy for the better part of two Terms. http://go.wh.gov/SCOTUS
- A vacancy on the
Supreme Court for the better part of two Terms would be unprecedented → http://go.wh.gov/SCOTUS
Without a 9th
Justice, the Supreme Court's 4-4 decisions can't legally establish uniform,
nationwide rules. http://go.wh.gov/SCOTUS
-- "The
Federal judiciary is too important to be made a political football" —
Reagan on Justice Kennedy's confirmation
-
Contact:
Mrs. Jacqueline
DuPont Walker, Director, the AMEC Social Action Commission
Bishop Reginald T.
Jackson, Chair
6.
AME NEWS FROM HARARE, ZIMBABWE:
Submitted
by the Rev. Florence McLaren
***This
article retains the British spelling, etc.
--
Big Sunday at Sims Chapel in Harare, Zimbabwe:
The Lay
Organisation of the Harare District organised a powerful Big Sunday on 1st
February at Sims Chapel. Essentially it was an orientation and fund-raising
event attended by members of all the AME churches in the district. There was a
massive turn-out. The idea was to explain to members what is meant by Lay and
what the Lay Organisation’s functions and activities are. In addition, it was
also to raise funds which the Lay Organisation intends to use for the support
of the pastors in the district. It is common knowledge that some pastors
receive no pay at all. Also they have no benefits or pensions so that when they
retire their situations are desperate.
Many people said
this was the first of its kind and that it was long overdue. They felt that it
did a lot to bring the church in Harare together and create a spirit of
oneness. The singing was strong and spirited and everyone there was proud to be
a member of the AME. A considerable sum was raised.
-- 80th
Anniversary of Sims Chapel
Sims Chapel, the
first AME church in Zimbabwe, was founded eighty years ago and this important
anniversary will be celebrated from the end of June to the beginning of July.
Plans are being made to bring in well-known gospel musicians and motivational
speakers with possibly a celebratory service from Saturday to Sunday. It will
be an opportunity to explore and remember the history of the AME in Zimbabwe.
--
End of Month All Night Services
All Night Services
in Kambuzuma are proceeding as scheduled. The January was held in Kambuzuma AME
Church. It was well attended. February All Night will take place on 26th again
in Kambuzuma. All welcome.
--
Pastor Florence in Egypt
Pastor Florence has
just got back from ‘enjoying’ the cold weather in Cairo, Egypt, with her
husband. Dr McLaren [Mai Mfundisi] has
some business there which will keep him away for about five weeks so he and the
Pastor took advantage of the opportunity to visit Biblical sites in Egypt,
including Moses’ passage out of Egypt. On a trip to Mount Sinai where Moses was
given the Ten Commandments, they stopped at a number of places which were
mentioned in the Bible.
After crossing
under the Suez Canal through the tunnel they entered Sinai, passing - so some
say - out of Africa into Asia. They soon came to the Wells of Mara, on the
shore of the Red Sea, where God is said to have helped Moses turn the bitter or
salty water into sweet drinking water. After travelling down the coast road
with the Gulf of Suez on the right, they turned into a long valley which climbs
slowly into the interior and culminates at St Catherine’s Monastery, which is
at the foot of Mount Sinai.
On the way they
came to the spot where the Israelites fought their epic battle with the giant
people called the Amalekites. The Bible describes how Moses watched the battle
from on high, raising his hands to God in prayer. When he tired and his arms
sagged, the Amalekites began to gain ground so his two brothers, Aaron and Hur,
held them up for him. On top of the lofty promontory where Moses prayed there
is a sanctuary.
After came the well
where it is said Moses sought water and first met up with Zipporah, Jethro’s
daughter, who became his wife. The monastery itself is one of very oldest in
all Christendom. Its walls enclose ‘the burning bush’ [Exodus, 3:6]. The walls
were built by the Roman Emperor, Justinian [known too as St. Justinian in the
Eastern Orthodox Church].
The Pastor and her
spouse then scaled the mighty cliffs and precipices of the mountain at night.
The Pastor prayed on the summit and together they watched the sun rise over a
magnificent landscape of lofty peaks and forbidding crags.
The next day they
visited what is commonly called Coptic Cairo. This is an old part of the city.
Mostly those who live here are Christians who did not convert to Islam when the
Muslims conquered it.
There are many very
ancient churches, one of which is very well-known. It is called ‘the Hanging
Church’ and was built in the third century AD on top of the walls of a Roman
fort. It is also closely relation to the episode of Abrahama and the moving
mountain [Mathew 17:20].
Needless to say the
couple also sailed on the River Nile in an ancient felucca and visited the
Pyramids of Egypt where Pastor Florence had a ride on a camel.
--
Going to Church on Sundays:
Dr
Robert McLaren shares some of his thoughts and experiences about going to
church on Sundays
Just as a lot of
people do not seem to attach must importance to giving what they can at church
so I have also noticed that quite a few people do not attach a great deal of
importance to going to church on Sundays.
The general
attitude seems to be “I will go to church when it suits me”. If you follow up
to find out why someone has not come to church, the usual response will be to
apologise and then give what he or she considers to be a valid excuse. A valid
excuse can include any of the following: “Someone fell ill and I had to go and
see them in hospital”, “We had visitors”, “I was busy with something”, “I was
delayed by going to fetch water”, “I didn’t have the money for the bus” or
“I’ll be coming next week, mfundisi”.
In connection with
this, before we look at what is written in the Bible, I can only share with you
an anecdote about what a Christian friend of mine said. She said that in her
life she has a number of priorities and these priorities are organised in order
of importance. At the top of the list is her God. Following God her
children—she is a single mother—then comes her work and finally her family and
friends.
It would be
interesting to ask church members to compile a similar list for themselves. It
is likely that most of them would come up with a list very much the same as my
friend’s. One could then ask them how they reconcile their lists with their
actual actions.
For if God is at
the top of their list and the one opportunity in the week when they can go to
His house and meet with Him is on a Sunday, how they justify putting
‘visitors’, ‘sick friends and relatives’ and other problems and concerns before
going to church? How can anything keep them away from church on Sundays?
Perhaps we really
need to confront our erratic church members with these questions.
Again going back to
when I was young, in my boarding schools we went to church twice on
Sundays—incidentally neither of them were church schools. But out of school, if
you were a practising and believing Christian, every Sunday morning—it is not
even a whole day—was set aside for church. The rest of your life and your
engagements and activities were organised around that. Of course a Christian
who puts God at the top of the list might be expected to put every day aside
for God.
Now for the
biblical arguments for why we need to put at least part of one day a week aside
for God.
Just as a lot of
people do not seem to attach must importance to giving what they can at church
so I have also noticed that quite a few people do not attach a great deal of
importance to going to church on Sundays.
The general
attitude seems to be “I will go to church when it suits me”. If you follow up
to find out why someone has not come to church, the usual response will be to
apologise and then give what he or she considers to be a valid excuse. A valid
excuse can include any of the following: “Someone fell ill and I had to go and
see them in hospital”, “We had visitors”, “I was busy with something”, “I was
delayed by going to fetch water”, “I didn’t have the money for the bus” or
“I’ll be coming next week, mfundisi”.
In connection with
this, before we look at what is written in the Bible, I can only share with you
an anecdote about what a Christian friend of mine said. She said that in her
life she has a number of priorities and these priorities are organised in order
of importance. At the top of the list is her God. Following God her
children—she is a single mother—then comes her work and finally her family and
friends.
It would be
interesting to ask church members to compile a similar list for themselves. It
is likely that most of them would come up with a list very much the same as my
friend’s. One could then ask them how they reconcile their lists with their
actual actions.
For if God is at
the top of their list and the one opportunity in the week when they can go to
His house and meet with Him is on a Sunday, how they justify putting
‘visitors’, ‘sick friends and relatives’ and other problems and concerns before
going to church? How can anything keep them away from church on Sundays?
Perhaps we really
need to confront our erratic church members with these questions.
Again going back to
when I was young, in my boarding schools we went to church twice on
Sundays—incidentally neither of them were church schools. But out of school, if
you were a practising and believing Christian, every Sunday morning—it is not
even a whole day—was set aside for church. The rest of your life and your
engagements and activities were organised around that. Of course a Christian
who puts God at the top of the list might be expected to put every day aside
for God.
Now for the
biblical arguments for why we need to put at least part of one day a week aside
for God.
Genesis 2: 2—3: And
on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the
seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh
day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work
which God created and made.
Exodus 20:8-11:
Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do
all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it
thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is
within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and
all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the
sabbath day, and hallowed it.
It is God’s
commandment that the Sabbath should be kept holy and it is therefore on this
day that worshipping Him is important for a Christian. After a week of
activity, problems and everyday pains and pleasures, there is a day of rest.
This is a Christian’s opportunity to put it all out one’s mind and worship God.
Thus going to church on Sundays, every Sunday, is not only God’s command, it is
also every Christian’s joy, a time to regroup, refresh and be strengthened
through praise and prayer.
--
Two Autobiographies from Zimbabwe:
-
Gogo C Chagaresango- Born an A.M.E, in Marirangwe (1937)
I was born and
brought up in the Marangwe area. A certain Rev. Hardie of the Methodist Church
had advised our great grandparents to buy farms in Marirangwe, Rev. Rusike of
the Methodist Church and Rev, Chipunza of the Anglicans, made a living selling
their farm produce in Harare Township, now Mbare. The Dustil, Mtizwa, Njoli and
Nyembezi families, all from the AME, were among them. They used to transport
their goods on horses and carts. As Xhosa speakers my dad met my mother who had
previously been married to a Rev Magaya from South Africa.
The Mariranwe AMEC
was founded in 1935 by the Makeleni and the Hompa families on a piece of land
donated by the Dustil family. Sims Chapel was already there.
We were the
Juveniles (YPDs) and we had our prayers that we were taught, the Apostles
Creed, bible verses that we learnt and we each had a song o learn before
gowning. Then some later sold their farms. I, 1951 I went to school in South
Africa and did my Standard 1—5 there. Then I came back to Zimbabwe and became a
choir master at Sims Chapel.
The Church grew and
we had a Church house in 3rd street, on the corner of Muzengeli Street, in
Mbare. The Pastors used to live there, the likes of Rev. Daniels. Bishop
Crowden*, whose wife was also called Charlotte, came in 1955, followed by
Bishop Jordan. We all gathered together for quarterly conferences in Mbare as
Harare district since we only had one church built, Mabvuku and other locations
had house assemblies.
Giving was a must.
Tickies [threepenny bits] were very common and harvest was done each year
around April. Pennies were collected in tins to be opened every quarter. The
church was very pleasurable. Rev Tladi came to stay in the mission house. Sims
church choir practised in the vestry, we wore graduation gowns and hats as
church choir uniforms but the youths wore black and white.
We had two church
services - 11:00 hrs for non-working members and 15:00 hrs for those working
kumayards [in white people’s homes]. We used to be smart and clean. We used to
come to clean the windows, walls and the church. It hurts so much to see our
church this dirty. Isaac Mtatiwa, grandfather to Dumisami and Thulani Mtatiwa,
was our member as well as Sekuru Cuthbert Nyamaropa. These were our pioneers.
It is so painful to see our church like this. I remember Mrs Nyamaropa coming
to Sims Chapel in 1983 as our Minister’s wife, so young and so shy after they
got married. They took over from Rev Chikulumeni when the church had begun to
die because Rev Chikulumeni was so soft spoken and very quiet. His wife had
opened a shebeen at the church and was cheating on her husband. This caused a
great downfall of the church. I also left the church for the Baptists before
engaging into drinking. Oh so sad, but Mrs Rev. Nyemba of the Baptist Church
used to clean the toilets after us every Sunday. She came to me one day and
asked if I had accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour and I tried to
dilly dally as a church goer but I learnt something from there. I finally
accepted Him as Lord and Saviour then I was promoted to Sunday School teacher
but was never gowned there.
[cont. on p.8]
Note: It has proved
impossible to verify this name.
One day my brother
invited me back so Sims Chapel AME and I decided to return. I had already sold
my uniform to Sister Ester Gwaze so I bought a new uniform and was re-gowned.
We were given a church stand at Marirangwe between The Seventh Day Adventists
and the grinding mill. I’m not sure if it’s still there. The Vengesais then
joined our church as very strong members before they went to Zambia and they as
well gave a piece of land to the church where Marirangwe AME Church now stands.
-
Gogo Anne Makeleni - Born in Kafusi, Bulawayo.
Firstly I would
like to thank the Holy Spirit for sending us a person who gives a chance to
discuss and share our experiences as old people.
My grandfather was
a Pastor in the Salvation Army and me being a Salvation Army cop, I was fully
equipped in Salvation Army doctrine. I grew up with my mother’s elder sister
after the death of our mother, so she became a mother to her younger sisters.
She only had one son David Ngwenya. She re-married and her husband took her to
Khezi. We stayed there and used to go to Manyane School on foot a long distance
of about 20 kilometers with my brother, who used to hide in bushes and dodge
school. In standard 4 I left for Karoi and then with the end of my education in
1954 I went to Nesloit [?] Farm. The Rev. John Makeleni of the AME Church
invited me to church and I joined the choir. The choir used to go to the vestry
where we were prayed for before marching into the church. The church stood up
as the choir marched, often with a very famous song, ‘I believe in Jesus
Christ’.
Ndakapfimbirwa
[courted for] the son of the Rev Makeleni by his elder brother, Ganneth, in
1956 and the marriage was an arranged marriage. Taking off of hats by boys when
entering a girl’s family yard those days was a sign that they wanted to marry
from there. I received my first love
letter at the end of 1956 and I was so excited. Our church steward was our munyai
[go-between] and the first person I from the Makeleni family I saw was mainini
Charlotte (Gogo Chagaresango). The Makeleni family did not really approve of
their son marrying a Xhosa girl. We first went to Kadoma AMEC with Rev
Chikulumeni then moved to Harare (Sims Chapel) with Mrs Nyamweda leading the
choir while Rev Mdikhwane was the pastor.
Then we went to
Zambia where we were hosted by Mai Nhekairo, who encouraged us to work for the
Lord. We were then transferred to Chifubu in Ndola and I became the WMS
[Women’s Missionary Service] president in 1956. We left Chifubu AME Church with
the members crying out at the loss of our services and leadership when we came
back to Zimbabwe. We were living in Highfield first before we went to Makoni in
Chitungwiza. I did not know where the AME in Chitungwiza was so I embarked on a
journey to look for it around Chitungwiza in my church uniform which helped me
so much for identification. I finally found it in Seke Unit N after a long
walk. I was told that the AME members gathered at the Roman Catholic Church in
Unit F with Rev. Makhosana who later tore up his appointment to Marirangwe
Church in front of Bishop Chapel. They were then given Rev N. Nyamaropa as
their pastor to whom I gave my transfer letter from Zambia. I was also
appointed WMS President for Chitungwiza AMEC.
Finally I would
like to say: ‘A leader must never relax when the members are not coming to
church or participating in the things they are ought to do. For instance, I
would have to do home visits every Tuesday to encourage all WMS member to
attend our Thursday programmes, to encourage them and for giving reports of the
sick, bereaved and those who might have travelled.
7.
BRINGING THE HOMELESS HOME — GROUP OFFERS SHELTER:
A brisk wind
whistles around Beulah African Methodist Episcopal Church on a 20-degree day as
Pastor Matthew Shannon and Monroe Preston step outside. They don’t mind braving
the cold for a simple reason — they can go back inside. The individuals Shannon
and Preston help through Farmville Area Rescue Mission for the Homeless (FARM)
are not so fortunate.
Statistics on
homelessness for the Farmville area are surprising.
“There were 300
individuals sheltered in the Farmville area last year,” FARM President Johnna
Schular said.
Six years ago
Schular recognized the need for a local rescue mission, and a group of
concerned residents decided to meet and discuss the homeless problem. The
organization that resulted was called the Local Rescue Mission for the
Homeless.
“We started meeting
in October 2010, and started housing in January 2011,” Schular said.
Board members
include Schular, Monroe Preston, Debora Warner, Linda Hogan, Faye Honebein and
Anne Lund. Teaming with the Salvation Army, FARM shelters the homeless in
Farmville churches from mid-January to mid-March.
“We have about ten
churches that support us, and four that shelter for us,” Schular said.
The routine at the
host church follows a schedule: 5 p.m. arrival and assessment; 6 p.m. hygiene
pack given, shower or wash up; 7 p.m. fellowship dinner, future plan discussed;
9 p.m. lights out; 6 a.m. mini-breakfast; 7 a.m. departure, lunch pack
provided.
“If we find the
individuals need clothes, say they come in from the snow or rain, we pull
clothes out of storage and redress them,” Schular said.
“One of the things
that hurt my heart is — when you’re in crisis you can’t really think,” Schular
said. “Sometimes just sitting in a quiet place helps. We also have these wise
older people in the church who ask, ‘Have you tried this, or have you tried
that?’ They actually come up with some good answers.”
“There aren’t that
many people lying on the street corners in Farmville, Virginia, but there are a
slew of people who need help and don’t know where to get it, Larry Lehman, head
of the local Salvation Army, said.
Lehman described an
experience in 2012. “That first man who stayed with us talked about the care he
felt and the discussions he had with the people who stayed at the church with
him. That seemed to mean more to him than having a safe place to sleep — that
someone showed an interest in him as a human being,” he said.
In addition to
providing food and shelter, FARM strives to find solutions for its homeless
guests.
Recently the
Salvation Army provided a bus ticket for a homeless a man with family in Ohio.
“When the bus
driver realized we were working with the Salvation Army he took the man home
for free,” Schular said.
Requests for
assistance, Schular explained, come from many sources.
“STEPS calls us,
FAMA (Farmville Area Ministerial Association) — we get calls from them,”
Schular said. “Probation and parole has asked us to house, we get calls from
Social Services. One night the hospital called and said there was a homeless
man outside.”
While the local
rescue mission is pleased with the assistance they provide, the ultimate goal
is a permanent year-round facility.
“When you’re open
in that January to March window and then you shut down — people will still call
for help weeks later,” Schular said. “That’s why we need a year-round shelter.
My dream would be to have a facility where we could help them move on and find
a home.”
Often it is a
simple thing that prevents a homeless person from moving on.
“One of the
homeless men needed some work boots to get a job,” Schular said. “Sometimes
it’s just one thing that keeps you from taking that next step.”
Helping the
homeless to take those steps is the local group’s mission. FARM printed these
words of Jesus in a 2012 flyer: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of
these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Bringing the
homeless home, the local rescue mission believes, is exactly what Jesus would
do.
*Reprinted -
Courtesy of The Farmville Herald; Farmville,
Virginia
8.
NEW BRUNSWICK DISTRICT 2016 FOUNDER’S DAY ECUMENICAL WORSHIP SERVICE:
The Rev. Wilfred D.
Lewis
The New Brunswick
District Ecumenical Founder’s Day Worship service was held at Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC), Freehold, New Jersey on Friday February 19,
2016. Our esteemed Presiding Elder, the
Reverend Vernard Leak and his lovely wife, Consultant Sarah Leak were in
attendance and gave assent to this ecumenical event.
Host Pastor, the
Reverend Ronald Sparks served as the capable worship leader for this notable
gathering of dignitaries from the various faith traditions.
Following the organ
prelude and the processional, the Doxology was sung and the Call to Worship was
led by the Reverend Angela Battle, the pastor of St. James AME Church in
Somerset, New Jersey.
The hymn of praise
was AME Hymn #21 “To God Be the Glory.”
The invocation was
given by the Reverend Loraine Priestly-Smith, pastor of First United Methodist
Church in Freehold, New Jersey.
We were blessed
with a spiritually uplifting gospel selection by the Bethel, Freehold
inspirational Choir. Sister Wilma
Robinson, the President of the New Jersey Conference Women’s Missionary Society
led in the special Litany composed for this notable occasion.
Following the
Litany in keeping with our ecumenical mandate, Sister Fatima Jaffari of the
Imam-a-Zamara Islamic Center did a special sacred reading.
The Summary of the
Decalogue was led by the Reverend Edwin Lloyd, pastor of Mt. Zion AMEC in
Princeton, New Jersey.
Liturgical dancers
from Trinity AME Church in Long Branch, New Jersey delighted the congregation
with worship through dance. The
congregation demonstrated their delight with the dancers’ performance by
standing and clapping their hands.
Praise be to God for these talented young ladies!
Sister Sharon
Carmichael, the New Brunswick Director of Christian Education gave a powerful
and well received Welcome and statement of purpose. The Finance Committee led by the Reverend
Myra Billips, co-pastor of Mt. Zion AMEC, New Brunswick, New Jersey led in the
evening’s offering appeal. The beauty of
members marching around and giving generously was palpable. What a mighty God
we serve!
The host pastor,
the Reverend Ronald Sparks introduced the guest preacher for the evening, the
Reverend Terry Porter, the honored and esteemed pastor of Pilgrim Baptist
Church in Red Bank, New Jersey.
The Reverend Porter
was cited as a community-minded man of God, and without being asked he allowed
his congregation to help in the cleaning up of Bethel, Freehold’s
cemetery. The Rev. Porter was presented
as a product of Montclair State College, and a graduate of New Brunswick
Theological Seminary. Following the
introduction of the preacher, the Pilgrim Baptist gospel choir rocked the
sanctuary as they sang two moving selections entitled, "Tragedy is
Common-Place" and “Come Let Us Adore Him.”
Following these uplifting selections, The Reverend Porter mounted the
pulpit and in his opening remarks he mentioned his appreciation for Presiding
Elder Leak, and the invitation extended to him a Baptist preacher to deliver an
AME Founder’s Day message. He was
gratified that the AME pastors were so friendly; he did not know what to make
of it. He also mentioned that he was
happy that the Presiding Elder was a pastor to the pastors. He also mentioned that he was familiar with
AME Polity and liturgy, indicating that one of his relatives was an AME Zion
pastor for 45 years.
The Rev. Porter took
his text from Nehemiah 4:1- 6 highlighting Verse 6 that states, “So we rebuilt
the wall till all of it reached half its height; for the people had a mind to
work.” His subject was, “Don’t Let the
Resistance Ruin Your Life.” The preacher indicated in his message that wherever
there success, there is going to be resistance. He said resistance should not ruin us, but
raise us. Evil forces are all around us.
Nehemiah was on the wall, but he had to deal with three different voices.
The voices of Sanballat,
Tobias and Gershun. Three different voices are always trying to discourage the
people of God.
The Reverend Porter
lifted up the significance of Isometric training and how the human body handles
resistance. As you resist the objects of
your training; they cause you to strain in the opposite way. The force that was hindering you was also
helping you. You obtained new power in
your body, as you developed new muscle mass.
Therefore, Greater is he that is in you than he who is in the
world.
The preacher
further stated that it is that kind of resistance, which Richard Allen and
Absalom Jones faced at St. George’s Methodist Church in Philadelphia. It caused them to reach out in an act of
solidarity to form the Free African Society, which was a precursor of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church. It
is that same force of resistance which caused Allen to lead in a lawsuit
against those who wanted to take the land and property of Mother Bethel AMEC. Allen won his case because he faced the
resistance, and instead of being ruined, he was raised.
Praise is to the
Lord. This Baptist pastor knew his AME
History. By the time Pastor Porter
concluded his message; the entire congregation was on its feet shouting and
praising the Lord. It was almost impossible to contain this crowd for the
shouting and praising the Lord could not be stopped. Eventually, The Reverend
Mattie Carmon, associate pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Plainfield, New
Jersey gave the Invitation to Discipleship.
Presiding Elder
Leak made commendable remarks about the Service. He expressed his gratitude to the Reverend
Porter for his insightful message.
Mrs. Bernadette
Guyton and her son, the Reverend Malcolm Guyton was given special attention and
personally rewarded for the work completed for the District.
The Rev. Dr. Erika
Crawford, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Rahway, New Jersey and Dean of New
Jersey Conference Ministerial Institute, presented a love gift to the guest
preacher on behalf of our Presiding Elder and the District.
This writer is
personally gratified to serve with our Progressive Presiding Elder, the
Reverend Vernard Leak. It is because of
his leadership that the New Brunswick District has risen to unusual
heights. Thanks for allowing me to serve
as reporter for all events.
The Rev. Wilfred D.
Lewis
9.
MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
IS STARTING A SEARCH FOR A TENURE TRACK POSITION IN BLACK CHURCH
STUDIES:
The department
of Philosophy and Religious Studies invites applications for a full-time,
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor in Black Church Studies. Additional
competencies in liberation theology, womanist studies, religions of the African
diaspora, or scripture are preferred. Evidence of teaching excellence and
commitment to research is required. Candidates are expected to teach 8
undergraduate courses per year, 4 per semester, including upper level courses
and courses in the general education program including world religions, ethics,
or critical thinking. Departmental service may include recruitment of
majors and minors, student advisement, programming, committee work, and
community outreach. Ph.D. prior to appointment is required.
Send
complete dossier including a curriculum
vitae, official transcripts, a narrative describing your teaching
philosophy and areas of interest, and any additional documentation (e.g.
evidence of teaching effectiveness) to joseph.pettit@morgan.edu, or
to: Religious Studies Hiring Committee, Dept. of Philosophy and Religious
Studies, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD 21251. Please use
Interfolio to send two letters of recommendation, or they can be emailed
to Joseph.Pettit@morgan.edu.
Consideration of
dossiers begins March 1, 2016.
Morgan
State University is a historically black university, designated as Maryland’s
Public Urban University.
EO/AAE
Harold
Morales
Assistant
Professor, Dept. of Philosophy & Religious Studies
Holmes Hall 302
Morgan State
University
Telephone: (410) 929-1093
10.
TENURE TRACK FACULTY POSITION: CENTER FOR CANCER RESEARCH AND THERAPEUTIC
DEVELOPMENT AT CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY:
Applications are
invited for a tenure-track faculty position at the Assistant Professor level at
the Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development at Clark Atlanta
University to strengthen its current research focus on Prostate Cancer and its
impact in the African-American community.
A Ph.D in life sciences and research experience
in the areas of prostate cancer in vivo biology, epidemiology of prostate
cancer, cell and developmental biology and/or prostate cancer health
disparities is required. Candidates are expected to have the potential to
establish a federally-funded research program in any of the above areas in
prostate cancer.
We are especially
interested in candidates who have experience in the area of prostate cancer
health disparities in African-American men.
The successful candidate will receive generous start-up funds and an
academic appointment in the Department of Biological Sciences or Chemistry.
Applications
containing curriculum vitae, list of references and statement of research interests
and teaching philosophy should be submitted to: Shafiq A. Khan, Ph.D.,
Director, Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development, Clark Atlanta
University, 223 James P. Brawley Drive, SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 or via to skhan@cau.edu. The review of
applications will continue until position is filled.
11. SAINT PETER AME CHURCH IN FORT
VALLEY, GEORGIA, CELEBRATED 132 YEARS OF MINISTRY:
By Ms. Desiree V. O’Bryant
Sunday, November 15, 2015 was a day of rejoicing and
praising the Lord in gladness and thankfulness for Saint Peter African
Methodist Episcopal Church’s 132nd Church Anniversary. The Reverend
Robert Angrish, Sr. is the pastor of St. Peter
The Anniversary Theme was, “God Is a Wonder” taken from the
biblical text: Psalm 77:11-14.
The 10:00 a.m. worship experience began with the Tolling of
the Bells for the descendants of the church’s founders. The Reverend Ruben Brown was the worship leader
for the occasion. Dr. Odessa McNair read
the Call to Worship with exuberance, followed by the uplifting hymn – “The
Church’s One Foundation.” Brother Jerry
Ellison gave the invocation, and Sister Tannya T. Duncan acknowledged the
visitors and extended the opportunity for everyone to fellowship with one
another. Afterwards, the Saint Peter
Combined Choir sang praises to the Lord with gospels such as “I Stepped Out,”
and “Don’t Call the Roll, till I get there.”
Brother Cullen Carson, Director of Music; Brother Jabarri Johnson and
Brother Jared L. Cross are co-directors.
The Proclamation of the Word was delivered by Saint Peter’s
pastor, the Reverend Robert J. Angrish, Sr.
His scripture reference was Matthew 16:18. His sermon text was entitled, “The Church is
still Standing.” He said, “The church
should never cease from standing” and “God’s church still has saving
power.” His anointed message was
relevant for the occasion. The
parishioners and guests departed the worship experience with joy and eagerly
returned for the 3:00 p.m. worship service of Praise and Thanksgiving.
The Church Anniversary continued with The 3:00 p.m. worship
service. The Reverend Robert J. Angrish,
Sr. was the worship leader.
After the praise and worship by the choir, Pastor Angrish
led in the Call to Worship. The Voices
of Encouragement Praise Team of New Bethel AME Church in Lithonia Georgia set
the spiritual tone with songs such as “Lord, Have your Way” and “Hold to God’s
Unchanging Hand.” Brother Ashley Ballard,
Chairman of the Anniversary Committee presented “The Occasion.” He asked the question, “Are we a
tradition-focused or mission-focused church?
He stated that tradition anchors us while mission guides us and thrusts
us forward. He added that God is truly a
wonder by being a mission-focused church.
The Sweet Melodies, directed by Sister Carolyn Sampson and Sister Ruby
Tukes, sang several selections that enhanced the occasion.
A Special Presentation, the “M.E. Singleton Service Award,”
was led by Sister Willie M. Johnson.
This prestigious award is presented annually in memory of Brother
Singleton, who was a faithful servant to his church and community. The recipient of this award was Brother James
Smith, a Trustee at Saint Peter. Sister
Johnson stated Brother Smith has shown Christian workmanship and is passionate
about the upkeep of the church and has also exemplified faithful and loyal
service to his church and community.
Brother Smith remarks included how appreciative he was to receive this
honorable award.
The speaker for the evening worship experience was Pastor
Richard Allen Washington, Sr., who serves as the dynamic senior pastor of New
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lithonia, Georgia. His biblical reference was Daniel 3:16-18. His subject was entitled, “A furnace and our
faith.” He spoke about the many challenges that Daniel faced and how our fore
parents’ faith put and kept the church together; and the church, like Daniel,
has endured and withstood many challenges.
Pastor Washington delivered a Godly inspired message for the wonderful
celebration.
A delicious Anniversary Dinner was served in the Ulric
George Fellowship Hall.
The Reverend Harvey R. Williamson is the Presiding Elder of
the Macon South District Presiding Elder and Bishop Preston Warren Williams II,
6th Episcopal District Presiding Prelate.
12.
FORMER CONNECTIONAL OFFICER ANNOUNCEMENT:
Bethel AME Church,
Madison, Illinois to host a 90th
Birthday Celebration for Dr. John Q. Owens, former pastor on Saturday, March 5,
2016
It is with great
pleasure that the Pastor, Officers and Members of Bethel AME Church Madison,
Illinois invites you to attend the 90th Birthday Celebration of the
Rev. Dr. John Q. Owens our former pastor for twenty plus years.
The celebration is
scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at Bethel AME Church,
1035 Market St., Madison, Illinois 62060.
The pastor,
officers and members are excited to host this joyous occasion celebrating
ninety years of life.
Celebration
Committee:
Sister Lorraine
Strauther, Chairperson
Sister Josephine
Garrett, Chairperson
Sister Betty
Coleman, Chairperson
Sister Betty
Cunningham Chairperson
Brother A. Dale
Crawford, Chairperson
Brother Bruce
Bennett, Chairperson
The Rev. Philip L.
Ware, Pastor
Dr. John Q. Owens
is also the former Director of the Social Action Commission of the AME Church.
If you would like
to send cards or gifts you may send to: Rev. Dr. John Q. Owens, P. O. Box 332,
Maryville, IL 62062.
Email
congratulatory messages can be sent to: DrJohnQOwens@aol.com.
13. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical
Text: Acts 12:5b – “But prayer was made
without ceasing of the church unto God for him.” KJV
Several ingredients,
virtues, characteristics and practices can be listed among the things that
constitute a powerful church. However, the list has absolutely nothing to do
with the size of the building, the budget, or the congregation. The fact of the
matter is the Bible is full of incidents where churches with no building, no
budget, and only a handful of members were powerful enough to deal with very
difficult situations summoning the very physical presence of the Lord, himself.
A few members boldly standing up against unrighteousness can have more power
than a thousand members bowing down in disobedience.
What makes up a
powerful church has very little to do with buildings, budgets and numbers. A
powerful church is a bible-believing, spirit-filled church. We could extend the
description by adding that a powerful church is a witnessing church and a
tithing church. A powerful church ought to believe in the bible, be filled with
the Holy Spirit, have a strong testimony and have embraced tithing. It is also
critical that we understand we will not be a powerful church unless we are a
praying church.
A praying church is a
powerful church! The truth is the church that spends a whole lot of time on its
knees will have no problem standing on its feet. A powerful church spends more
time on bended knee praying for strength to stand straight and tall. Praying
together the powerful church will have no problem staying together. Churches
that have powerful prayer meetings have much less need for board meetings.
The account found in
the 12th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles is arguably one of the most
profound examples of a praying church. We find there the church caught up in a
prolonged period of prayer following the arrest and subsequent jailing of their
pastor. King Herod had ordered the arrest of the most prominent preacher in
Jerusalem and the church began to pray.
King Herod on a “power
high,” following what appeared to be a spike in his approval ratings after
having killed James, the brother of John ordered the arrest of Peter. He
planned to kill Peter as yet another example of his power over this new
movement called Christianity. But scripture tells us “prayer was made without
ceasing of the church”. The Living Bible says “But earnest prayer was going up
to God from the church”.
King Herod was a
selfish and insecure monarch who desperately sought to increase his popularity
among the Jews. Herod calculated that by putting some of the Christian leaders
to death he could somehow strengthen the support he once had from the Judaic
community. He started this strategy by killing the Apostle James, one of the
co-pastors of the church. James who had not been guilty of even the slightest
infraction other than being one of the leaders in the Christian movement was killed
to please the Jewish leaders.
After results of a
poll indicated a significant increase in his ratings following killing James, a
less prominent preacher, Herod ordered the arrest of the Apostle Peter. It was
King Herod’s intent to kill Peter immediately, but the Jewish Passover was just
beginning, and believe it or not it was unlawful to kill anyone during the
Passover. Fearing that the Jews would not find him favorable if he acted in
haste, Herod wisely decided to wait until the celebration was over.
Simon Peter reputed to
have a violent temper was also known to be somewhat of an escape artist. Peter had been arrested in Jerusalem before
for teaching, preaching and healing in the name of Jesus. After every precaution
had been taken to make sure he stayed locked up, in the morning they found the
cell empty, with the gates locked shut and no sign of an escape route. The
guards found Peter in the temple again, preaching the Word of God and they
brought him to the high priest. The high priest asked Peter, “Didn’t we tell
you to stop teaching and preaching in the name of Jesus of Nazareth?” Peter
answered, “We must obey God rather than men”. In other words, Peter wanted the
high priest and everyone listening to know, you did tell me to shut up, but I am
not taking orders from you! In fact, Peter said, “I’m listening to another
voice; and this voice tells me to keep on telling the story”.
Herod was careful this
time to secure Peter in the prison with 16 guards! Peter was chained to two
guards, and two guards stood at the door of the cell. There were twelve more
guards standing by. Guards were relieved every six hours because King Herod
didn’t want Peter to escape. Chained between two guards on the night before his
execution, Peter fell asleep! What strong faith it is that allows you to sleep
with death looming.
No doubt Peter’s faith
had much to do with the fact that although it appeared to be the end, scripture
says, “Prayer was going up from the church.” King Herod had Peter in jail,
sentenced to die in the morning, chained between two guards with two more
guards at the door of the cell and there were twelve more guards nearby, “but
the Church was in Prayer”!
King Herod had very
decisively and confidently made all his plans, but he had no idea that there
was a marathon prayer meeting going on down at the church. Everyone was on one
accord. The only thing they asked of God that night was for Him to return their
beloved Pastor Peter. The people fervently prayed, “Lord, you shut up the mouth
of the Lion’s for Daniel”, “Lord, you once held back the Jordan River, we know
you can open up the Jerusalem Jailhouse and set Peter free”.
When God heard all of
the prayers coming from the church, He was so moved that He dispatched his
angels to open jail doors without a key. The angel came down entering the
prison without being noticed had a countenance so bright that it blinded the
guards. The angel reached over and slapped Peter to wake him and immediately
the chains on Peter’s arms just fell off.
The angel led Peter past frozen guards, through locked doors commanding
even the great iron gate of the prison to swing open. Peter was so sleepy that
it wasn’t until he was outside the prison that he came to himself and realized
what the Lord had done.
A praying church is a
powerful church that will get God’s attention. A praying church will bring down
an angel from heaven to open jailhouse doors. A praying church will paralyze
prison guards, unlock handcuffs and make heavy chains fall to the floor.
A praying church is a
powerful church. The question for us is simple. Do we know of any problems in
our church that need prayer? Are we aware of any suffering that could be lifted
by the power of a praying church? A praying church is a powerful church. It’s
praying time!
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina
14. GETTING TO ZERO:
*The
Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule
permits.
15. iCHURCH
SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2016 - FESTIVAL OF BOOTHS
(TABERNACLES) - LEVITICUS 23:33-43:
*Brother Bill
Dickens
The Power of Faith:
St. Mark 9: 14-29
Key
Verse: The father
of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord I believe, help my unbelief!
(NRSV)
Introduction
Sunday,
March 6, 2016 is the fourth Sunday of Lent.
Ripley's “Believe
It or Not” is an American franchise founded by Robert Ripley that deals in
bizarre events and items so strange and unusual that readers might question the
claims. The Believe It or Not panel proved popular and was later adapted into a
wide variety of formats, including radio, television, comic books, a chain of
museums and a book series. The Ripley collection includes 20,000 photographs,
30,000 artifacts and more than 100,000 cartoon panels. The franchise is a
global company with an annual attendance of more than 12 million guests. Ripley
Entertainment's publishing and broadcast divisions oversee numerous projects,
including the syndicated TV series, the newspaper cartoon panel, books, posters
and games.
The Adult AME
Church School lesson for March 6, 2016 tackles the issue about faith and
belief. Unlike Ripley’s enterprise the
Holy Writ does not concern itself with strange and bizarre events fostering
suspicion about the credibility of the source.
Do we really believe in the power of God or are we just spectators unsure
about a commitment to faith? The answer
to this fundamental question is provided below.
Bible
Lesson
Faith
& Uncertainty (St. Mark 9: 14 -18)
In the opening
verses of Chapter Nine we find the great Transfiguration Story. Jesus is
radically transformed in a spectacular manner and is accompanied by the two Old
Testament iconic personalities, Moses and Elijah. After descending from the mountain top he
becomes the focus of a discussion by some of the other disciples and teachers
of the law. A controversy was swirling
about how and why a young boy was demon possessed. There was uncertainty and a lack of consensus
about what corrective course of action should be taken to heal the boy. The dispute was due to underdeveloped faith
and belief about the power of faith. Jesus immediately recognized this
shortcoming and provided the definitive cure to the problem.
Faith
& Unbelief (St. Mark 9: 19-29)
It is interesting
to note that Jesus provides a reprimand to the crowd concerning their lack of
faith. He scolded them for not showing
the type of spiritual maturity that he has devoted in His teachings. Despite the reprimand Jesus is moved with
compassion about the health status of the young boy. Jesus reminds the father of the child that
his son can be healed. The only
stipulation is that the father believes in the power of God. The response by the father is not only the
key verse of this lesson but highlights and summarizes the faith dilemma for
many Christians. The father believes but
the bigger problem is his unbelief! (V 24).
Jesus immediately orders the demon to exit from the child’s body. When God speaks, everyone hears and
responds. The exorcism has resulted in
the young child being restored to full health.
When asked by some of the onlookers how was He able to perform this
miracle Jesus responds by emphasizing the power of prayer. (V 29)
Bible
Application
Frederick J.
Eikerenkoetter II, better known as Reverend Ike was an American minister and
electronic evangelist based in New York City. He was known for the slogan
"You can't lose with the stuff I use!”
Rev. Ike offered commercial trinkets like prayer cloths for sale to
those who were seeking a miracle from God.
Is the power of God in the prayer cloth, the messenger or God
Himself? Gullible and spiritually
immature believers are typically confused and unable to make a proper
distinction about the source of true power.
Commercial charlatans in the gospel are not just limited to Rev. Ike. We find snake-oil gospel salespersons in the
form of modern-day “prosperity preachers”.
Like Rev. Ike they are distorting the power of faith by redirecting
focus on material accumulation at the expense of spiritual development. Unbelief is the antithesis of faith. Jesus wants us to remain focused on God’s authority. Faith in trinkets or economic enrichment may
be popular to some but it is the “road less traveled” with faith in God that is
truly sustainable for our long-term spiritual health. 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
17.
MEDITATION BASED
ON MATTHEW 6:25-34:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
(I’ll be out of town and away from my computer
on Tuesday, so this week’s meditation is an “oldie” from 2012! A new one
will be sent next week.)
When I was a child, breakfast cereal
manufacturers had a marketing strategy that also taught an unintended life
lesson. They put “prizes” in their cereal boxes and sometimes offered
“special prizes” for sending in a certain number of cereal box tops. I
didn’t bother with the obviously cheap prizes in the boxes, but one of their
advertised special prizes - an Official Police Detective Kit, complete with a
whistle, badge, magnifying glass and handcuffs - caught my eye.
I ate a lot of cereal to accumulate enough box
tops to get my special prize - my mother wouldn’t just let me throw it in the
trash and cut up the boxes. I mailed in those box tops and was excited
when my Official Police Detective Kit finally arrived, but when I opened the
package, my excitement turned to disappointed confusion. The whistle was
a plastic toy, the badge was made of tin foil, the magnifying glass was one
inch in diameter and the handcuffs were just the right size to fit the family
dog! I ate all of that nasty cereal just to learn a valuable lesson -
things aren’t always what we expect them to be.
That lesson is still worth remembering
today. Life teaches us to pursue what we want and to measure success in
the positions we hold, the possessions we accumulate, the people we know and
the good times we experience. We often learn later, however, that those
things can be fleeting and illusory and sometimes lose their meaning when
sickness, sorrow, stress and disappointment come our way - that the things that
we work hard to get can sometimes become cumbersome burdens.
This world’s joy and well-being sometimes
aren’t all that we expect them to be, but when we trust in the Lord, we’ll find
joy in waking up each day, well-being in life’s simple things and peace of mind
in knowing that we serve a Savior who brings us daily blessings that the world
can’t match and who stands by us in our toughest times.
We should all work hard to achieve and seek
the best things that life offers. We should also, however, keep things in
perspective and find our ultimate joy in the God who enables us to achieve and
gives us priceless and intangible blessings. We can then lay aside
anxiety and disappointment, stop getting caught up in keeping up, and
understand why one writer said, “I’d rather have Jesus more than anything this
world affords today.”
*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
18.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened by the passing of the Mr. Lionel Hunter,
the twin brother of Presiding Elder Cordell Hunter, Eastern District of the
Baltimore Conference. Please keep the family in your prayers.
The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Lionel Hunter
will be held on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.
Family Hour will be at 11:00 a.m.
Funeral Service will be at 12:00 Noon
Services will be held at:
Hemingway Temple AME Church
2701 Woodview Road
Baltimore, MD 21225
Please send expressions of sympathy to:
Presiding Elder Cordell Hunter
1398 Willshire Dr.
Aberdeen, Maryland 21001
If you wish to send flowers, please send them to:
William C. Brown Community Funeral Homes, P.A.
1206 West North Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
18.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the transition of Sister
Evelyn Daughtry, wife of the Rev. L. R. Daughtry, the pastor of Campbell's
Chapel AMEC in Carrollton, Virginia in the 2nd Episcopal District. She is also
the mother of Sister Lynnette Daughtry Barrett, a licentiate in the West Coast
Conference in the 11th Episcopal District. Sister Daughtry went home to be with
The Lord on March 1, 2016.
The homegoing celebration for Mrs. Daughtry will be held
on Saturday, March 5th at 11:00 am at:
New Mt Olive AMEC
1953 Campostella Road
Chesapeake, VA 23324
Services have been entrusted to:
Pretlow & Sons Funeral Home
500 Liberty Street
Chesapeake VA 23324
Expressions of sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. L. R. Daughtry
3817 Windsor Woods Blvd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Brandon
Latroy Turner, age 34 of Franklin, KY, the brother of the Reverend Melanie
Samuels-Black, pastor of Wards Chapel AME Church in Scottsville, Kentucky. Mr. Turner passed on Monday, February 29,
2016 at the Hospice House of Southern Kentucky in Bowling Green, Kentucky. A native of Simpson County, he was the son of
Billy Holder and Nancy Turner Massey both of whom survive in Franklin,
Kentucky.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to:
Crafton Funeral Home
512 E Cedar Street
Franklin, Kentucky 42134
Funeral Services:
Friday, March 4, 2016, 1:00 p.m.
Crafton Funeral Home
512 E Cedar Street
Franklin, Kentucky 42134
Visitation: 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2016
Crafton Funeral Home
Burial to follow in Pleasant View Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Melanie Samuels-Black & Family
249 Warren Way
Bowling Green, KY 42101
Telephone: (270) 779-5338
Facebook:
Expressions of sympathy may also be posted online: http://www.craftonfuneralhome.com/mobile/obituaries-details.cfm?o_id=3614528&fh_id=14584&forcelayout=mobile#obituaries
20.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Third Episcopal
District sadly announces the passing of Bishop Arthur Edwin Doctor, Sr. of
Charleston, South Carolina. He was the
father of the Reverend Arthur Edwin Doctor, Jr., the pastor of St. Mark AME
Church in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania.
The following
arrangements have been made:
Viewing: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
New Greater Zion
Pentecostal Church
1220 King Street
Charleston, SC
29403
Telephone: (843)
577-4711
Homegoing
Celebration: Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at
11:00 a.m.
New Greater Zion
Pentecostal Church
1220 King Street
Charleston, SC
29403
Telephone: (843)
577-4711
Messages of
sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Arthur E.
Doctor, Jr.
325 Woodland Avenue
Charleroi, PA 15022
Telephone: (412)
294-7822
21.
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
22. 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
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