5/05/2016

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (05/05/16)


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

-- Ascension Day - Thursday, May 5, 2016
-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016
The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, July 6-13, 2016

-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17


1. TCR EDITORIAL PUTTING THE BLAME WHERE IT BELONGS:

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

It is interesting to notice in the Genesis creation account (Chapter 1), the writer reports after every creation event that God says, “… it was good.”  And on the third day, God proclaimed that it was good twice (That’s the reason some Jews prefer to get married on Tuesdays, the third day of creation).

The “It was good" mantra went on after each creation event; that is, until God made man.  It is not reported in the text that God said, “… it was good.”

Instead, after God made male and female and had given them instructions, it almost seemed an afterthought that “God saw every thing that he made, and, it was very good.”

With “tongue in cheek,” everything was good until the humans entered the picture.

Where there are humans, there is conflict.  The Bible is full of conflict and that’s why I am amazed that people, and even I, are so discombobulated when we see conflict in churches; we shouldn’t be.

I think deep down, we want to believe that everything can run smoothly in churches.  Pastors reinforce that notion, with comments like, “If you tithe, God will bless you,” the inference being if you do the right thing, you will receive so many blessings that you won’t have room to receive them.

Preachers also reinforce the notion that if you are a loyal church member, life will be easier and more rewarding.  Most of us would like to think if we do good, blessings will flow into our lives.

Unfortunately, life is not that simple because good people deal with bad things and sometimes it seems that bad people inherit good things.  The book written by Harold Kushner “Why Bad Things Happen to Good People” reminds us that bad things happen in life and “why” questions are raised by all of us.

Life is full of challenges. We experience challenges in our homes, on our jobs, in our professions, in academic settings, in personal relationships and even in our spiritual lives; and yes, even in churches.

There is a lingering discussion about who is responsible when churches fail to function at an acceptably efficient level.

I am sure most of us have heard parishioners blame low-performing local church officers. I have heard pastors blame parishioners, especially those who are not faithful in attendance and stewardship.  

I have heard the blame for low-performing churches “laid at the feet” of the presiding elder and even the bishop; blame on the presiding elder because he or she failed to provide supervision and blame on the bishop because he or she made a poor pastoral appointment. Bishops also catch the blame for failing to remove an ineffective pastor or leaving an ineffective pastor at a pastoral appointment too long.

I have heard bishops blame the “Ministers’ Bill of Rights” as the reason some pastors are retained in pastoral appointments when, for the good of their professional careers and for the good of the local church, they should have been transferred.

There is enough blame to go around and some of the failures experienced in local churches can be laid at the feet of parishioners, local church officers, pastors, presiding elders, bishops and the “Ministers’ Bill of Rights.”

But, most of the blame falls at the feet of…
        
The big issue for success or failure is leadership or the lack of leadership.

The pulse of African Methodism or of any denomination is the local church.

Some people leave the church because of a denomination’s stance on certain theological and social issues, but most people leave the church because of unresolved conflict, dissatisfaction, frustration, disagreement with theological and social positions in the local church.

Other reasons for leaving a local church might be dissatisfaction with the music ministry, the preaching ministry, lack of stewardship accountability, absence of youth programs, dissatisfaction with the pastoral leadership and irreconcilable spiritual and theological positions in the local church.

Parishioners are not always loyal to the denomination and in some cases; “denomination” doesn’t matter to them. What happens in the local church drives parishioners’ loyalty. People stay or leave congregations, most often, because of what goes on in the local church.

The pastoral program survives, thrives and grows by nurtured pastoral leadership.  The “conductor” or “coach” of the pastoral ministry is the pastor. Pastoral leadership is where the “rubber hits the road!”

The pastor bears responsibility

The pastor cannot blame the stewards and trustees for any failures in the local church’s pastoral ministry programs because the pastor nominated, recommended and guided the election and confirmation process of the stewards and trustees. The pastor’s hand is involved in every trustee elected to serve and in every steward confirmed by the Quarterly Conference. The pastor cannot blame anyone else.

It’s disconcerting to hear a pastor complain about low-functioning church officers because the pastor put them on the team.

Coaches put the best players in the game and if the players, who were selected because of their skills, do not perform to standards, the general manager or team owner gets a new coach because the issue is not the players; the issue is a leadership issue or a lack of leadership.  

The coach is responsible for recruiting and signing the right players and the coach is responsible for providing leadership and motivation for the players to excel in their positions.  The coach is responsible.  

In local churches, the pastor bears the blame if he or she nominates or selects incompetent persons to serve in leadership positions. The pastor is responsible for building the team; that responsibility cannot, or should not, be abdicated.

A football or basketball coach cannot blame the fans if their teams play poorly and lose game after game.

The issue is leadership, and more importantly, ethical leadership.

The Ministers’ Bill of Rights

The Ministers’ Bill of Rights is an excellent example of the importance of ethical leadership. Some bishops have shared that the Ministers’ Bill of Rights, in some instances, has not helped local churches to function more efficiently and in some cases has been a hindrance for pastors.

The Preamble of the Ministers’ Bill of Rights has 14 points, but I just want to address one of them, “A pastoral appointment equal to their abilities, training, and experience, when available. The new appointment, when available, shall be comparable to or better than the previous one…”  

The intent of the Ministers’ Bill of Rights was noble and seemed to protect pastors from unfair pastoral appointments, but some laws and rules that were meant to be helpful can turn into an albatross. Some laws turn into an albatross because of a lack of integrity.  

Here is an example

Some pastoral reports are fudged, which is a nice way of saying the information is not accurate; no, let’s be honest, some pastoral reports are, well, maybe even lies.  

I have been told and I have seen examples of a pastoral report that claimed the pastor was earning say, $90,000.  If there are no other churches in the annual conference or episcopal district paying $90,000, the bishop, if he or she follows the rules of the Ministers’ Bill of Rights, would have to leave the pastor in place; whether the pastor needed to be moved or not. The itinerant system becomes compromised because the pastoral appointment system is “locked in place” because the bishop’s hands “are tied” in terms of making pastoral changes. If the salary is excessively high, a bishop is hard-pressed to make a pastoral change. The bishop’s “hands are tied" even if the $90,000 is not the actual salary.”

The issue is leadership and integrity.  

I once had a pastor who shared with me that his bishop had moved him to what the bishop thought was a promotion, but when he got to the church, the salary was nothing like the salary that was reported on the annual pastor’s report.  Instead of getting a promotion or a lateral move, the pastor got an unintended demotion.

I had a similar experience when I pastored a small church while attending seminary. I was married with two small children. Shorter Chapel in Paris, Kentucky was a wonderful church that paid $55 a week and that was fine.  

Shortly after my arrival, my presiding elder said, “Young man, I know you are in seminary and could use some extra income. ‘Rev. So and So’ was given a church in the West Kentucky Conference and I want you to ‘carry the church’ to Conference. The church pays $18 a week and with the $55 you already make, that should be a big help to you.”  

The presiding elder thought he was doing me a favor and I was appreciative. I went to the church and after the service met with the stewards. When we got to the salary, “Sister …” stood up and said, “Eighteen dollars! We can’t pay you a salary; ‘Rev. So and So’ didn’t take a salary. We didn’t pay him anything. He just reported that salary.”

The sad thing about misrepresenting the pastoral compensation does not just impact the itinerant appointment system, but it sometimes comes back negatively on the pastor.

For instance, if a pastor reports a low salary and a high housing allowance; the federal and state income taxes, AME Annuity payment (if the pastor is in the program), Social Security payments (if the pastor is in the program) will be much lower.  If a pastor is enrolled in the AMEC Annuity program and pays into Social Security at a lower rate than his or her actual salary, what seems like a financial break is really a “negative hit,” which will affect the pastor and his or her family later in life.

The more a pastor pays into the AMEC Annuity, the greater the return when he or she retires. Social Security works pretty much the same way.

Unfortunately, some pastors opt out of paying Social Security and they will miss a much-needed income when they retire. And if they don’t pay into Social Security and become disabled, they will not be able to enroll in Medicare or collect federal disability payments.  What goes around truly comes around!

The pastor is the leader

The ecclesiastical, pastoral and personal decisions made by a pastor should reflect ethical leadership and integrity. A pastor has “a say” in every decision of the local church to include nomination, the confirmation process, appointment, selection, election, influence, etc.

The pastor sets the tone and is responsible for what happens or what fails to happen in the local church.  Parishioners look to the pastor for spiritual and pastoral leadership.

It is incumbent for pastors to develop leadership skills and to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and to be mentored.

It is sad to see a pastor who is not well-read, not spiritually discerning and not prayed-up!   

Pastoral leadership is serious business and pastors need to understand “What goes around comes around!”

A shortcut today will be a short pay-day in retirement!

The pastor is to blame when a church doesn’t function at its potential! But, there is more blame to go around!

Say, “Amen” church!

A few mistakes pastors make.

1) A pastor who thinks that his or her way is the only way and rejects the ideas and suggestions that do not agree with his or her way of thinking.

2)  A pastor who fails to care for all of the flock, and who only provide caring ministry to those who are most cooperative with his or her program.

3)  A pastor who pushes through his or her program with “God-talk or religious babble,” i.e., “God spoke to me and told me that we should…”  A good idea or initiative can stand on its own merit.

4)  A pastor who fails to develop relevant, updated sermons and who relies plagiarizes sermons from the Internet.

5)  A pastor who fails to visit the sick, fails to distribute Communion to the sick and shut-ins, and who fails to address the relevant issues confronting the church and society, i.e., HIV/AIDS, etc.

6)  A pastor who fails to read and who fails to keep abreast of current events.

7)  A pastor who dismantles AME liturgy and tradition without knowing why he or she is making the changes. 

8)  A pastor who neglects self-care and care for his or her family and who fails to take vacations; and fails to take time for relaxation.

9)  The pastor who doesn’t know how to end the sermon, and just keeps going on and on, and on.

10)  The pastor whose lengthy pastoral announcements turn out to be longer than the sermon.

11) The pastor who lets the announcements become a church business meeting.

12) The pastor who fails to do his or her exegetical homework and fails to develop the hermeneutic of the sermon.

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

-- To the Editor:

RE: TCR Editorial – Too Many Distractions – Can’t We All Just Get Along for the Work of the Gospel, Part 1:

Reference your comment, “The church member who does not like pastors. Some parishioners do not like any pastor…” reminds me of a story my uncle who was a well-loved pastor at his AME church. Years later, he told me he was well-loved by the congregation, but there was one lady who obviously did not like him even though he said he had never done anything, to his knowledge, to get on her wrong side. She was the only member he ever encountered that obviously, for no reason, didn’t like him. She finally explained to him that she was imitating an old lady in the church she'd grown up in from childhood. That lady in that church had disagreed with every pastor on every major thing he had ever tried to put forth. Somehow, she had grown up admiring this woman so much that as an adult, even though she was still quite young, "became" that lady! I never understood any of that, but that was her story and she stuck to it.

Name withheld

3. THE AME LUNCHEON AT THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE:

The AME  luncheon at the 102nd Hampton University Ministers' Conference / 82nd Choir Directors' & Organists' Guild Workshop will be held on Wednesday June 08, 2016 at 12 Noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA 23669. The Cost of the Luncheon is $25.00 and it is always a great time of fellowship.  If you need further information call Bethel AME Church, (757) 723-4065. 

The AMEs are presenting at the HU Ministers’ Conference: Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, AMEC; the Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, the pastor and founder of The Empowerment Temple in Baltimore, Maryland; and the Reverend Sheleta Fomby, the Director of Church Life at the Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, Maryland and also serves as the Minister to Women.

*Received from the Rev. Andre Jefferson, PASTOR OF Bethel AME Church in Hampton, Virginia

4. 2016 AME-SADA SUNDAYS: MAY 15TH, 22ND, 29TH - “HELPING PEOPLE – HELP THEMSELVES”:

AME-SADA Sunday will be held on May 15th, which is Pentecost Sunday. You may also contribute from funds collected on May 22nd and May 29th.

The Litany for AME-SADA Sunday worship service can be found: http://3dame.org/ame-sada-sunday/

AME SADA is the 501c3 non-profit corporation created by the AME Church 39 years ago to help people help themselves.  AME-SADA provides essential assistance to those in need through health, micro credit, agriculture and education programs as well as emergency humanitarian aid to Africa, the Caribbean and other parts of the world.  AME-SADA has accomplished much in its short history and so much more needs to be done.  In order to help strengthen and expand its work and outreach AME-SADA is requesting from the Connectional Church, assistance in building a funding base of unrestricted not-governmental money, so that we can continue to deliver support and  clinical services.

We praise God and thank you for your generosity in 2013, 2014 and 2015.  Please assist us by sharing your prayers, gifts, influence and encouragement for AME-SADA Sunday on May 15th, which is Pentecost Sunday. Contributions will also be accepted for funds collected May 22nd and May 29th.

Please share a personal gift of love and support for the witness and work of AME-SADA. All of the funds donated can be done directly through the AME-SADA website www.ame-sada.org where each donor can report the total gift of love.  All funds should be reported to the AME-SADA office by Tuesday, June 21, 2016.

The Order of Worship with a litany and information can be found on the AME-SADA website www.ame-sada.org.  Contributions can be made through the 3rd Episcopal District Bishop’s Office or at www.ame-sada.org

-- Wilberforce Community College in South Africa has been one of the major projects supported by AME-SADA

Wilberforce Institute, founded by the AME Church, is one of the oldest institutions of higher education for blacks in South Africa.  The AMEC chose to close the Institute during the time of enforcement of the apartheid policies of Bantu Education rather than be forced to cooperate with the laws of the regime at that time.  With the dismantling of the apartheid laws, the AMEC reopened Wilberforce and AME-SADA was called upon to assist in this endeavor.

Wilberforce reopened under the name, Wilberforce Community College (WCC), keeping the original campus, renovating its buildings and undertaking a modernization program to serve the people of South Africa.

The United States Agency for International Development/ American Schools and Hospitals Abroad awarded a total of five grants to AME-SADA for new construction at WCC.  These grants included funding for the Multipurpose Educational Facility with classrooms, library; administration and the Distance Learning Center, including an electronic classroom, video conferencing and a resource center and faculty housing was also funded by this grant; Dormitory Facilities for male and female students; the Dining Hall and the Student Community Center. 

In addition to the grants provided by USAID/ASHA, counterpart funding was provided primarily by the AME-Church and its supporters for several of the buildings. Sizable contributions for the maintenance and repair at WCC have been provided by President Shirley Cason-Reed and the Women’s Missionary Society; Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Bishop McKinley Young and Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath.

Robert Nicolas, Executive Director
Bishop McKinley Young, Chair, Board of Directors

The Litany for AME-SADA Sunday worship service can be found: http://3dame.org/ame-sada-sunday/
                                                                                              
 5. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AME-SADA -

-- Web site: www.ame-sada.org

The African Methodist Episcopal Church Service and Development Agency, Inc.,   (AME-SADA) is committed to its mission of “Helping People Help Themselves.”

AME-SADA is the international humanitarian relief and development agency of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and currently works in Africa and the Caribbean.

Founded in 1977, AME-SADA grew out of the collective efforts of several primary individuals including, Bishop John Hurst Adams, Bishop Frederick C. James, Reverend Lonnie Johnson, Mrs. Wilburn Boddie, Dr. Joseph C. McKinney, with critical support from Bishop Donald G. K. Ming, as they sought to strengthen the mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the lives of people in Africa and the Caribbean.  Hence, AME-SADA was created to coordinate and administer international development and relief projects outside of the United States.  AME-SADA works in collaboration with grassroots communities to institute programs in education, health care and economic development to encourage people in Africa and the Caribbean to actively participate in the economic life and development of their communities and nations.

AME-SADA’s Work
Responding to local conditions and needs, AME-SADA seeks to enhance the activities of the local population and provide appropriate additional assistance and resources in the areas of health, education and agriculture.  AME-SADA works in partnership with individuals and communities to identify and address basic needs in these sectors.

Programming in Haiti
Since starting with a life-saving vaccination program in the Arcahaie and Cabaret regions of Haiti in 1987, while under the leadership of Bishop Frederick H. Talbot who served in Haiti from 1972-1980 and Supervisor Dr. Sylvia R. Talbot, AME-SADA developed a comprehensive program of activities in Haiti that moves beyond relief efforts to address the fundamental impediments to self-improvement.  The country program is now focusing on repair and improvement of the various clinics serving more than 200,000 patients per year.

Child and Maternal Health and School Health
AME-SADA provides comprehensive pre/postnatal health care to women aged 15-49, newborn care, vaccination of children under 5 years against infectious diseases, comprehensive treatment of diarrheal diseases, nutritional recuperation for malnourished children, family planning and counseling, TB treatment, HIV/AIDS and STD education, counseling and treatment, home/community visits by health workers and traditional birth attendants through its 8 fixed site outpatient clinics.  Currently, AME-SADA has over 112 staff members, 111 Health Agents and more than 388 Traditional Birth Attendants providing health and other services to a population of over 400,000 individuals in the Western Department of Haiti. Child and maternal health care services are funded and operate under two programs.   Services de Santé’ de Qualite’ pour Haiti is a subcontract funded by USAID and is part of long term programming funded by the US government in maternal and child health in which AME-SADA has participated for more than 14 years.
                                                              
A newer funding source, Child and Maternal Health from Birth to Elementary School with a component of Health Care at School for 48 Elementary Schools in Arcahaie-Haiti, is a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek Michigan designed to improve child and maternal health in Arcahaie (Akayè), Haiti, through increased access to clinical services, pre- and post-delivery care to women and school health programs. Efforts focus on provision of preventive and clinical services for early childhood including vaccination and nutrition as a child survival program, providing access to health services for children enrolled in primary school including: deworming, micronutrient supplementation, control of malaria, as well as vision, dental and hearing screening, while strengthening the link between schools, parents, communities and local health services as a school based program. Maternal health is being improved through provision of clinical services throughout pregnancy with special attention to the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV.  Assistance to orphaned children affected by HIV is also being addressed.  The project promotes lifelong health behaviors through skills-based community health education.  Improvements to the infrastructure of schools and clinics will increase access to clean water and sanitation and improve the child, and community environment.  This effort also includes the expansion of services with fully staffed outpatient centers in Delice I and II and Leger.  The continued generosity of the Connectional WMS will allow for the construction of a new Delice I Health Center.  These efforts go across the entire community the help people know and participate in what it takes to have a healthy environment for themselves and for the future of their children.  The project relies on AME-SADA’s long and positive relationship with the community and with local leadership and follows our vision of integrated programs that tie health, education, agriculture and economy.

Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Supervisor of the 3rd Episcopal District, the WMS and Lay Organization of the 3rd Episcopal District and the Connectional/ International  WMS under the leadership of President Shirley Cason-Reed have further supported AME-SADA with donations of newborn packets and vitamins for mothers and toddlers. Further, the YPD supported AME-SADA with funds for a pilot project for “Spring Capping” to help provide clean water for isolated communities in the mountains above Arcahaie

Bercy Transitional and Treatment Facility for At-Risk Pregnant Women
With support from Bishop McKinley Young, Supervisor Dorothy Jackson Young when they were in the 11th Episcopal District, (and continuing now that they are in the 3rd Episcopal District) the Women’s Missionary Society’s Dorothy Adams Peck Leadership Institute, other grants and donations as well as the W. K. Kellogg Foundation Health project AME-SADA has strengthened its focus on the needs of at-risk pregnant women residing in Arcahaie and Cabaret, isolated mountainous regions of Haiti. Design work has started on a new treatment facility for these patients with special needs.  In the meantime they are being treated in the Pont Matheux facility.

AME-SADA Orphans and Vulnerable Children Support Project
Occasionally, Haiti clinic staff identifies cases which require financial support.  Haiti and Washington staffs have opened a modest fund to address these cases and are now seeking outside resources to help maintain it.  Some of these cases require specialized medical attention and other assistance not provided for by other funded projects.

Agriculture Study
AME-SADA has begun a study to Identify Approaches to Increase Family Economic Security and Improve Agricultural Development in Haiti. The project is funded by a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan. Project efforts focus on preparation of a diagnostic study leading to an assessment of the feasibility of integrating moringa and congo pea cultivation and the development of goat farming in the Arcahaie region. By integrating rural planning compatible with the biodiversity of the region and the development of sectors which increase the income of small farmers/producers in the region, we will improve food security in the area and help the local population to afford improved access to health care and the other basic needs of life. The study will provide the data to develop a strategy for the environmental planning and technical support for the producers and the creation of economic infrastructures that will contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the population and especially that of the most vulnerable-- children.

AME-SADA West Africa Office
Based on the need, in parts of West Africa, for the types of services to that we can provide, AME-SADA is opening a new Regional Office in Accra, Ghana to serve the populations in Ghana and eventually Togo, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone, while expanding to other areas as resources allow.  Office construction is now underway due to the generosity of Bishop Clement Fugh, of the 14th Episcopal District and the Rev. Collier Coleman, Presiding Elder in Accra Ghana who has provided support for the project and space for the new office.

Dr. Robert Nicolas, Executive Director

The Litany for AME-SADA Sunday worship service can be found: http://3dame.org/ame-sada-sunday/                           

6. AME CHURCH CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION TO HOST BREAKFAST BENEFIT:

The Connectional Lay Organization (CLO), under the leadership of Dr. Willie Clayton Glover, President, will host a Breakfast Benefit at the site of the 50th Quadrennial Session of the AME Church General Conference.   The event will take place at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 7:00 A.M. 

The Breakfast Benefit is a fundraiser for the Connectional Lay Organization’s Scholarship and Disaster Relief Funds.  The primary goal is to raise $60,000 to continue the Organization’s support of its scholarship and disaster relief funds.  Additionally, the CLO is planning have 100 youth/young adults in attendance to share in this major event. 

The CLO is excited to have the Honorable Mayor Dr. Karen W. Weaver-Flint, MI. as the Mistress of Ceremony.  We are honored to have her join with us in support of our young students (scholarship recipients) and those who are in need of disaster relief around the globe.  Dr. Weaver is a member of Vernon Chapel AME Church in Flint with strong family ties to the Lay Organization.  Her father, the late Dr. T. Wendell Williams, Sr., served as the 3rd President in the Michigan Conference Lay Organization.

This extraordinary CLO event will be co-chaired by Mr. William “Bill” Ayers and Mrs. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell. A dynamic program has been planned with outstanding talent including recording artist Annette Hardeman, the dance ministry of Ingrid Broadnax and live music by maestro Richard Norris and the Sounds of 57th Street.

Tickets are available for purchase immediately. Your $85 donation will help the CLO realize our financial goal.  Please contact your Episcopal District Lay Organization President or his/her designee for tickets to support this worthy cause.  Tickets may also be purchased online via Brown Paper Tickets for $88.97 (cost of the ticket plus $3.97 processing fee).  Use the following link http://clobreakfast.bpt.me for online ticket purchase(s).

7. COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR FOR RESIDENTS AT EUREKA GARDENS:

-- Wayman Temple AME and Community Partners Hosted Spring Festival

 Jacksonville, Fla. May 3 – Empowerment was the key for many Eureka Gardens residents on April 30. They were able to take charge of their health and get information about financial literacy, insurance and how to deal with mold in their homes. It was all part of the Spring Festival hosted by Wayman Temple AME Church and various community partners.

The family event also featured many activities for children. “I’m here to learn how to have a healthy life,” said 11-year-old Jaelyn Davis. “There’s a station that lets you know how to keep your house healthy. There’s a station to learn how to keep you healthy. We’re learning how to take care of our health on our own.”

Wayman Temple has been working with residents at the Westside apartment complex for the past 10 years. According to Mark L. Griffin, senior pastor of Wayman Temple AME Church, this community health fair was another way to let them know that they have options. “We are working to build the people. We want them to know that they don’t have to always live in Section 8 housing and that they have a pathway to home ownership. Residents at Eureka Gardens have dealt with mold in their apartments, plumbing issues, gas leaks, inadequate ventilation and more. The community health fair gave us an opportunity to take a holistic approach to focus on their health and financial needs.”

Residents, like Loretta Brown, are happy that Wayman Temple and the community partners are finding ways to assist them. “They are doing more in the community than many others. I came to get information about mold and lead.”

“I loved that they had health programs so I can get my pressure checked,” said Teresa Jefferson, mother of three and a Eureka Gardens resident.

Wayman Temple AME continues to stay involved at Eureka Gardens. It raised more than $100,000 last year to build a playground for the children at the apartment complex. The Spring Festival is another way Griffin and his ministry are finding ways to give back to the community.

From receiving free books to health information to job assistance, many residents thought the health fair was a major success. “I think it’s a great idea (the health fair). Kids are getting information too,” said Mona Bennet, Eureka Gardens resident.

“It’s important that the kids know someone cares for them. Crime is down. Residents now have a sense of hope. If we can transform Eureka Gardens, then we can transform any community in Jacksonville,” said Pastor Griffin.
Community partners working with Wayman Temple AME Church to host the Spring Festival included Baptist Health, Florida Department of Health in Duval County, and the Players Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Vision Is Priceless, Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center, the Jacksonville Children’s Commission, the City of Jacksonville and Family Foundations.

8. THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH IS CELEBRATING ITS BICENTENNIAL AND THE JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL:

Join Us in Pittsburgh, Pa. on June 17-19, for Pittsburgh's Bicentennial Celebration and JUNETEENTH Festival. The City of Pittsburgh is celebrating it's 200 year of incorporation and will highlight this years celebration with a recognition of African American freedom and liberty throughout the United States (JUNETEENTH is the official holiday in the African Americans community celebrating the end of Slavery, generally held on June 19th each year).

The local organization, Stop the Violence-Pittsburgh, has organized the Juneteenth Event from June 17-19 2016. Pittsburgh's JUNETEENTH Festival is named in honor of one of the City's foremost and prominent African American political leader, Martin R. Delany (1812-1885). Mr. Delany was an Abolitionist, Doctor, first Black admitted to Harvard Med School, Editor, Inventor and the first line Major of the U.S. Army, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln, who advocated African American nationalism and self-reliance.

One key event of the JUNETEENTH Festival will be a re-enactment of the 1870 Jubilee of Freemen Parade. The original Jubilee Parade was based on the ratification of the 15th Amendment granting African American males the Right to Vote. This original Parade was a national event organized by Leaders of Bethel AME Church, Rev. Lewis Woodson (abolitionist, organizer, nationalist, orator, mentor to Martin Delany and trustee-founder of Wilberforce College) and Rev. Henry H. Garnet (Civil Right Leader, Orator, Educator, first Black Pastor to conduct a prayer/speech to the U.S. Congress and founder of Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church).

The re-enactment Parade will start on June 18 at 9 a.m. with a memorial service at St. Benedict the Moor Church. The memorial service will be attended by Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District of  AME Church; Parade-President of the Day, Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese;  Brigadier General Wilbur E. Wolf III; the Honorable Joseph B. Jefferson; the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masonic Grand Lodge; retired-Air Force Colonel Paul G. Patton, Chairman Emeritus of the POISE Foundation; Lenwood O. Sloan, Catalytic Agent; Pennsylvania State Rep. Jake Wheatley; Samuel W. Black, President-Association of African American Museums and Director of African American Programs for the Heinz History Center; U. S. Congressman Mike Doyle, the Henry H. Garnet Association; City Councilman R. Daniel LaVelle; the Rev. Dr. Steven Jackson, pastor of Bethel AME Church; and Brandon Flood and the Pa. Legislative Black Caucus. The Parade Procession will start at Freedom Corner and after the parade, a commemorative and wreath laying ceremony in memory of U.S. Civil War hero Alexander Kelly at the Martin R. Delany Historic Marker.

Current Out-of-Town Participants in the re-enactment Parade are:

The 28th Infantry Division of U.S. Army (oldest serving Division in U.S. Army); the 3rd & 6th Regiment Infantry Divisions of USCT Re-enactors; the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary Unit (oldest Calvary Unit in U.S. Army);  Brigadier General Wilbur E. Wolf, Director Joint Staff, JFHQ PA National Guard/Deputy Commanding General (ARNG) USAlCoE and Fort Huachuca; the Pa. Legislative Black Caucus; Wilberforce University; Cheyney State University; the Pittsburgh Chapter of the African American Alumni Association; Lincoln  University; The American Legion; The National Black MBA Association; Delta Sigma Theta; the National Association of Negro Women; Cadre of Colonels lead by retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Paul G. Patton (Va.) and retired U.S. Army Colonel Eugene F. Scott (Ill); The Links, Inc.; Members of the National Black Mayors Association;  the American Friends Society (Quakers); National Federation of Black Vets; The Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church; the National Presbyterian Black Caucus; the Tuskegee Airmen Association; the  AME Church's Third Episcopal District (Ohio, WV and Pennsylvania); Pennsylvania Past Players and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.

Special programs for the Festival include: June 17th, Black Tie Honors Gala at the Sheraton Hotel Ballroom in Station Square, with celebrity host actress Vivica A. Fox; 1000 Ministers Strong Interfaith Program and the national Rock-the-Vote non-partisan registration drive in Market Square with invited guest Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley; Ohio Gov. John Kasich; U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle; Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus and others; Stop the Violence Program with Pa. State Rep. Ed Gainey, brother of Janese Talton-Jackson, family members of victims at Mother Emanuel AME Church (SC).  Other special events have been planned to include Kids-Fun-Zone, Live Bands, Drill Teams, Speakers, DJ's, Vendors (Food & Specialty Items), Singers, Resource Tables, and Culture Dance troupes.

*Submitted by Mr. William Marshall

9. HOW CLERGY CAN ACHIEVE POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH:

A new study of United Methodist clergy in North Carolina has found that certain conditions correspond to both a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety and to higher levels of positive mental health. By promoting these, churches can help their clergy thrive.



10. STANDING ON HOLY GROUND:

*The Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE

"Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." Exodus 3:5

For a few months now, my wife has been blogging about our process of faith to fertility on “The Other Side of the Blessing.”  She has been able to explain the very highs and the very lows, the mountains and the valleys of our journey.  Just the other day, I utilized my church's bible study to discuss the power of being on Holy Ground.  We dealt with a discussion of Moses' interaction with God (and the angel) in the burning bush narrative of Exodus 3.  Many of the students/congregants felt the need to dwell on the idea of Moses' removal of his sandals, yet and still, I challenged the class to look beyond what was physical and see what God was saying in the spiritual. 
         
What in fact is holy ground?  Could Holy Ground possibly be the very place you experience God? 

The truth is my wife and I, decided long before our baby was conceived that her bedroom was our place of Holy Ground.  Despite the other empty bedrooms in our home, God allowed us to choose the baby's room as our prayer closet.  I contend, no matter the size of your dwelling, one ought to have a place where they can just be with God.  A place where their spirit can commune with the Creator God in God's glory and listen to God's direction.  For us, this place was (and still remains) our daughter Braylen's room.

Long before her room became a nursery it was the place in our home we went to just to pray.  The six-walled room was painted the same color as most rooms in our home, a color called Seattle oat.  (Really it was just a light brown).  The unfurnished room was ordained with an old mirror about 5 feet x 4 feet in size.  The mirror was positioned behind the door and next to it were markers, post it notes and tape.  At various moments in our days and nights, whenever time would permit, my wife and I would go into this room, either together or separately, to sit on the floor, lay prostrate, kneel or do whatever we needed to do, to just simply speak with God.  We wrote on the mirror what we really needed from God and we celebrated every time those needs were met.

The more we prayed in the room the more we knew God was going to do something amazing in us.  This was the very room we went to every time our fertility treatments failed; it was the same room we went to when we got good news about someone we knew; and yes, it was the same room we cried until the very tears created puddles in the tightly coiled sand grey carpet.  Still, it was our Holy Ground and God was yet speaking to us.  I am absolutely convinced that Braylen's room, our prayer closet, is the place God met us and created a miracle.

The bible is clear on the particular day Moses met God, Moses had other things of which he felt were of greater importance.  In fact, Moses was tending to the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro on the backside of the desert.  The flickering of the angel led Moses to the burning bush and there his life was absolutely changed.  He removed the very sandals from his feet for God told him he was standing on Holy Ground. 

My prayer for you today is you would take seriously your place of Holy Ground.  Know that everything God speaks in that place may be difficult to swallow, hard to fathom or even tough to digest, but it is absolutely necessary to your life's fulfillment. Take off your sandals, the very things that make you comfortable and get uncomfortable for God.  Don't stress the small things, for God has already prepared you for greater.  Holy Ground is where you are today; just let God speak to you.

*The Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE is the pastor of New Bethel AME Church in Johns Island, South Carolina

11. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins

Based on Biblical Text: John 15: 13: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” KJV

I submit that the word friend is one of the most loosely interpreted and most frequently used words in our vocabulary. Friend is used to describe so many kinds of relationships that it makes it difficult to verify the true meaning of the word. We find in the dictionary friend is one who is attached to another by affection, regard, or esteem. Friend is also described as an intimate acquaintance or an ally and a supporter of a cause.

We can agree that these definitions may be scholarly and academically sound, but I think we can also conclude they are somewhat limited. Many of us have to admit that we have used the word friend in more situations than these definitions include.

We find even in the Bible the word friend is used to describe various relationships. A good example is when Brother Job was dealing with his trials. The Bible says some brothers stopped by who were called friends. We find that these “friends” were not as much help lifting Job’s spirits as they were a bother adding to his burden. It is a little confusing characterizing these brothers as friends when instead of lifting Job with encouragement, bringing light to the situation, they crushed him with false accusations and sarcastic insinuations, contributing to his darkness.

We can agree that it is quite interesting how friendships are formed. Friends sometimes come together in a common bond as a result of some sickness or tragedy. Friends grow up in the same neighborhood and never lose contact. Some become friends meeting at church finding that they enjoy working together. Folk may serve on the same committee, or sit in the same pew, Sunday after Sunday eventually discovering they have forged a friendly relationship.

Lamentably some friendships are formed for evil reasons. Some folk with nothing in common at all, bond together simply because they share the same enemy. We find an example of that evil alliance in Pontius Pilate and King Herod. They were bitter enemies until they were both confronted with the man called Jesus Christ. They had absolutely nothing in common but their shared fear of Jesus. They collaborated in order to execute their common enemy. These are the types of friendships we need to be wary of!

There is a way however we can determine who our real friends are! The truth of the matter is the folk who are willing to tell us the truth about ourselves without fear of reprisal are our true friends. These are the folk who display a genuine spirit of love and concern when we are doing something wrong. These are our real friends!

We can also determine who our genuine friends are by recognizing how consistent they are. Folks, who are only loyal as long as we are popular, are not our real friends. Folk who hang around only when we have money in our pocket are not our real friends.

Truth be told, true friends are a rare commodity. We live in a world of cutthroat competition where folk will drop us like a hot potato to gain an advantage over us. In fact, the friend we may have counted on the most will disappoint us and not be there when we need them.

The preacher in me has to say right here, I know somebody who is a real friend by any standard. His name is Jesus! He passed the supreme test of friendship when He gave His life for you and me! In fact, Jesus discussed the subject of friendship on the very night before He was crucified. He had just experienced a triumphant ride into the City of Jerusalem, where throngs of people gathered to wave palms as He passed by.

In the Upper Room Jesus is giving His disciples a few parting instructions, before the tragic event of Calvary is to take place. Jesus says, (paraphrasing), “Now that I am about to make my departure, I want to call you, not my servants, but my friends. And when I call you my friends, I want you to know exactly what I mean. I want you to understand the depth of my love for you. We have an unbreakable bond, you and I. Love and friendship are like Siamese twins; inseparable. One cannot live without the other.”  “I have been displaying my friendship ever since I called you to be my disciples. And not only have I been a friend to you, I have shown my friendship to all with whom I have come in contact. And now I am about to demonstrate the ultimate act of friendship. In fact, greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

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

12. GETTING TO ZERO: VOICES FROM THE TRENCHES – AN HONEST NEED TO KNOW:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller and Payne Seminary CM243 MDiv students

HIV/AIDS has been a known virus and infectious disease for over 30 years. An estimated 70,000,000 people worldwide have been infected with HIV. That number does not include those who are live with undiagnosed HIV infection. Thirty years later, there still are misperceptions and lack of knowing about HIV/AIDS. This is ironic since, globally, at least two thirds; some say closer to 75% of persons living with HIV/AIDS, are people of color.

Here is an anonymous excerpt from essays of Masters of Divinity (MDiv) students in the CM243 intensive class at Payne Theological Seminary (PTS) - “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS: A Global Perspective”. The excerpt is used with permission.

The first assignment to the class is to write about the essay questions below before class begins. Students send ahead or bring these essays to the first day of class. The assignment provides a baseline perspective from those who will share the intensive week. Since HIV/AIDS encompasses a wide range of issues beyond the biology of the virus and disease (social, economic, behavioral), the pre-class assignment helps to determine what will be covered in addition to the solid biomedical science foundation on HIV as a virus and AIDS as a preventable chronic disease.

In the text below one brave, eager to learn AMEC clergyperson in the CM243 class writes honestly and without pretense. You may hear some of your own thoughts or those of others you know. This is where we must start—open honesty about what one thinks, what one does and does not know.

a. Describe through your lens, the impact(s) of HIV/AIDS as you see it in communities today. I must admit that when it comes to HIV/AIDS, I don`t have enough information to speak intelligently on the subject. I know people who have died from complications involving the AIDS virus. Because of my ignorance, I have been fearful to speak on the subject in a congregation. That being said, I am becoming more conscious about the disease because I see more people being impacted compared to what I was aware of in years past. 

There are impacts for my community and in the thirty-five mile distance from my home where I serve. However, these communities knowingly have been affected by the disease only sporadically. Since that is the case, I suppose we haven`t had to deal with HIV/AIDS first hand.

I am aware that more attention is being given to the disease due to various outbreaks related to drugs and more at-risk situations. I see more federal money going toward the education and research of the disease and state and local health clinics have opened their doors to those infected like never before. Even mobile units are visibly involved.

b. Why do you think this impact occurs and why have the changes occurred that you observed?  I believe the increased emphasis had to occur because the disease (HIV/AIDS) is affecting all of society. If it were affecting minorities mostly, I`m not sure it would get the attention it is now from mainstream society. The homosexual population and intravenous drug users are not only blacks and Hispanics, but include the white population to a high degree.

Unfortunately, babies and children are being infected with the disease as well. Due I believe to the fear of virus in the blood supply or infection from contact in other medical care procedures, health organizations require that more attention be is given to HIV.

c. What do you think are the major obstacles to effectively addressing impacts of HIV/AIDS?  I have to say fear and ignorance are two of the major obstacles confronting the HIV/AIDS situation. Because of the uncertainty of the disease, I believe people are reluctant to get involved. I see stereotypical behavior among the masses. Many people think the virus comes only from risky sexual behavior, so some people who form unmerited opinions and pass judgment won`t get involved, get tested or even partake in dialogue.

d. What prevents religious leaders from engaging in effectively addressing HIV/AIDS? I find it ironic that the place where people need to go for help is often the place where they are treated the worst. Too many times church people judge people with HIV/AIDS and feel that it is a punishment from God for homosexual behavior.

Religious leaders often find themselves not educated enough about HIV/AIDS to talk confidently and effectively about it. Without the first placing a Biblical spin on the things that happen in real life, many religious leaders do not know how to approach topics like HIV/AIDS even though we know it is present and affecting communities we serve. Then there are those leaders who do not feel this is something for the church to get involved in. Some think it is a social issue or moral problem rather than a health issue.

e. Choose 3 scriptures you feel are highly relevant to HIV/AIDS. Explain your reasoning for each choice and how you see it as relevant.  “So the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man and while he slept the Creator took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord had taken from the man He made into a woman and brought her to the man.” (Gen. 2:21-22 ESV) My reasoning behind this verse relating to HIV/AIDS is based on some ignorance and some scientific conjecture. No doubt God made the woman for the man, and the intent was for the opposite sexes to desire one another; this scripture provides that insight. On the other hand, the first announcement of the HIV/AIDS virus contraction came from homosexual men. Could there be a scientific aspect that involves men sharing the same fluids that allows the virus to be transferred? (Please forgive my ignorance).

“And there was a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she spent all her livings on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind Jesus and touched His garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.” (Luke 8:43-44) For me, this is highly relevant to HIV/AIDS because it tells of healing, regardless of how long it takes. I do believe God is going to give man enough knowledge to overcome this dreaded disease. Great strides are being made, and people are living longer. We are touching Jesus` garment.

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pains anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)  I can`t help but bring attention to the blood of the innocent. Babies, children, and all those who are physically or mentally weak will one day be free from this catastrophe that has global impact. God is going to wipe away every tear and this disease will be no more!

*The Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule permits. 

13. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2016 - GRATEFUL FAITH - DR. LUKE 17:11-19:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Key Verse: "And He said to him, arise go your way, your faith has made you well" (Dr. Luke 17:19)

Introduction

What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘grateful’? I think about the classic gospel song by the Hawkins Family entitled - Be Grateful!  The lyrics say it best.  Be grateful for there is someone else worse off than.  Be grateful because there is someone who wishes to be in your shoes.  A grateful person seems to be thankful or appreciative about some form of act or deed that has made his/her life better.  A grateful person also moves quickly to express the thoughtful gesture sooner than later.  Recently a motorist was stranded on the side of the road due to a flat tire.  She was not enrolled in AAA, her cell phone had no battery charge and she did not possess the skills and dexterity to change a tire.  On top of those issues the accident occurred at night and it was raining.  Car after car passed her by with no one seemingly interested in providing assistance.  Finally a young man pulled over offered assistance and changed the tire.  The stranded driver thanked her “Good Samaritan” profusely for his kindness.  She knew the alternative could have been much worse but her guardian angel provided the help she desperately wanted and needed.  The Adult AME Church School Lesson for May 8, 2016 provides a moving story about rejection, rescue and thanks.  The test of a person’s character is measured by what he/she does when no one is looking.  Let’s look below to see how this is applied.

Bible Lesson (Rejection, Recovery & Redemption)

Our story involves ten lepers and Jesus.  Leprosy is a contagious skin disorder thus requiring infected patients to be separated from the community according to Levitical law.  Lepers are by definition rejected from normal society.  The lepers are cast-off from society and restricted to a quarantined living arrangement so that the disease can be prevented from spreading.  The ten lepers see Jesus from a distance and request that they be healed of the disease and reconnected with their families and communities.  Their petition starts the recovery process.  It's interesting to note that their recovery is not a function of their repentance or Jesus responding by saying "OK, your request is approved".  Instead, Jesus replies by insisting that they "show themselves to the priests according to the stipulations of ceremonial cleansing.  This interesting response by Jesus suggests He answered in the affirmative not by saying "Yes"  but by saying go and show proof that you are healed.  This statement of recovery affirms that Jesus respected the Levitical law and he wanted the lepers to do the same.  The third component in looking at this story of Grateful Faith involves redemption.  At Jesus' command the ten proceed to show themselves to the priests.  However, one healed leper realizes that he forgot to thank the Master for the miracle.  He returns back and offers his thanks and gratitude for the miracle healing.  Jesus is complimentary of the action and puzzled that the other nine did not show similar gratitude.  Furthermore, it is even more ironic, that the lone leper to give thanks is a Samaritan.  Just like a Samaritan, in a popular parable, provided assistance to a wounded Jew when his fellow kinsmen passed him by, this Samaritan like-wise is complimented for "doing the right thing." His gratitude is acknowledged and his faith has made him whole.

Bible Application

Some psychologists have suggested that the two most important words when joined together as a compound statement is – ‘thank you’.  To say thank you is a succinct expression of our sincere appreciation for the time, effort and trouble someone has voluntarily done to make your life experience that much more enjoyable.  A recovering cancer patient upon hearing the medical news that his/her cancer is in remission immediately yells – “Thank You Jesus!”

One of the must-do tasks for a newlywed couple is sending out thank you cards to the many people who showered them with gifts to start their new life as husband and wife.  A bereaved family member will also undertake sending thank you cards to those who expressed empathy in the loss of a beloved spouse, parent, child or sibling.  A newly minted university graduate expresses thanks to all who showed their unwavering faith in his ability to maintain matriculation and graduate on time, no less).  A simple thank you is a way of letting the generous person know that his/her random act of kindness is not going by unnoticed. Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME Church, often reminds the clergy and laity in his district that the greatest sin to humanity is the act of ingratitude.  Ingratitude poisons human relationships because it promotes pride and hubris over thankfulness and humility.  If we seek to cultivate healthy, happy and productive social relations saying thank you should be a part of our daily conversation.  Most of us choose not to live a hermetic lifestyle.  Instead, we seek social relations in order to function in a normal manner.  A simple expression of thank you can go a long way in cultivating sustainable families and communities.  Once you are the recipient of a good deed be mindful that you are expected to reciprocate in like manner to someone else.  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

14. MEDITATION BASED ON I CORINTHIANS 15:1-10:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this meditation on the night that Donald Trump became the “presumptive” Republican nominee for President of the United States.  I don’t publicly endorse candidates, but I have to admit that the race for the GOP nomination has been - to put it mildly - interesting.

A large field of candidates was winnowed down to a couple of competitors - not by those competing outlining their policy positions or saying exactly what they’d do if elected, but by a withering, mean-spirited, personal and sometimes profane wave of insults, accusations and dubious statements directed at each other.

Donald Trump became the “presumptive” nominee because he did the best job of tearing down his opponents - not based on his plans or qualifications, but by appealing to the fears and anger of those who are moved not by what’s concrete or constructive but by what’s controversial and “sensational.”

Donald Trump’s unexpected success epitomizes an aspect of human nature.  We often focus on what’s controversial, sensational and “spicy” - that shows in our affinity for “reality” TV and our interest in gossip and innuendo - when it comes to entertainment, and even when it comes to our interactions in the family of God.  We sometimes become so focused on the presumed faults and frailties of others that we overlook or carefully mask our own faults and frailties.

We’d do well to remember, as those who raised me said, that “There’s good in the worst of us and bad in the best of us.”  When we realize that and realize that we’re blessed to achieve and prosper not because of our goodness but because of God’s grace, we’ll have a new perspective on life.

We’ll acknowledge our imperfections; thank the Lord for undeserved blessings and tell those who think that they’re beyond help and redemption that regardless of our faults and failings, God is still - as the writer of the 46th Psalm says - “Our refuge and strength.”

Take the time each day to interact with others not with condemnation and accusation, but with comfort and reassurance.  You can then change lives, experience new blessings, and be faithful to the memory of those who were considered “nobodies” in the midst of American slavery and segregation but still managed to sing, “Jesus made me what I am - nothing but a child of God.”

*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

15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- Attorney. Yulise Reaves Waters and the Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters Honored in Consecutive Years among Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40”

Dallas Assistant City Attorney and Community Courts Prosecutor and First Lady of Joy Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, Texas, Mrs. Yulise Reaves Waters, Esq., has been named a Dallas Business Journal (DBJ) 2016 “40 Under 40” honoree. She was selected out of nearly 500 nominations for this year’s class. Atty. Waters’ husband, the Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, founder and Senior Pastor of Joy Tabernacle, was selected as a 2015 honoree. This is believed to be just the second time in DBJ history that spouses have received this honor.

Atty. Waters served as the primary grant writer towards securing a United States Department of Justice 2016 Community Court Grant to fund the creation of the first-ever felony community court in Dallas County history, the Second Chance Community Improvement Court, which was co-founded by Atty. Waters.

Dr. Michael W. Waters’ recent front page blog on The Huffington Post entitled “American Justice in Black and White (and Green)” also features the newly grant funded S.C.C.I.P. Court.

Congratulatory remarks may be sent to yulise.waters@dallascityhall.com.

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

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

-- The Reverend Andre Washington to receive the Doctorate of Education Degree from Tennessee State University

The Reverend Andre Washington will receive the Doctorate of Education Degree in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 5 o'clock p.m.

He is the proud pastor of Canaan AME Church in Columbia, Tennessee, South Nashville District of the Tennessee Annual Conference

The Reverend Washington grew up at Bethel AME Church in Saginaw, Michigan and was called into the ministry at Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh, now Presiding Bishop of the Fourteenth Episcopal District, and was also pastored by the Rev. Dr. William W. Easley, Jr., now Presiding Elder, Louisville-Paducah District, West Kentucky Conference.

Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to: alwash11@aol.com

16. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Virginia Norris Scott, the sister of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, 116th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District, sister-in-law of Mother Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor, aunt of Reverend Marcellus Norris, pastor, St. Luke AME Church in Harlem, NY; and the Rev. Richard Norris II, Itinerant Deacon in the 1st Episcopal District, Philadelphia, PA.

Sister Virginia Norris Scott passed from labor to reward on Monday, May 2, 2016.

Please note the following:

Viewing:

Friday, May 6, 2016
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
32 Courtland St.
Woodbury, New Jersey 08096

Telephone: (856) 845-1965

The Celebration of Life Services:

Viewing
Saturday, May 7, 2016
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Services:

10:00 a.m.
Fellowship Bible Church
590 Jackson Rd.
Sewell, New Jersey 08080

Telephone: (856) 478-9559
 
Interment:

Gates of Heaven Cemetery
165 Mantua Rd. 
Mt. Royal, New Jersey 08061
 
Condolences may be sent to: 

Bishop and Mother Richard F. Norris
1626 N. 72nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19151

Home Telephone: (215) 477-9247

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Michael L. McKeever, itinerant elder of the Ohio Conference of the Third Episcopal District. The Rev. McKeever served faithfully as a pastor until his health prevented him.  Most recently he served as an associate minister for St. Paul AME Church, Columbus, Ohio where he was responsible for the development and maintenance of the church’s website.

Homegoing Celebration will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Wake at 10:00 a.m.
Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m.

St. Paul AME Church
639 East Long Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

Telephone: (614) 228-4113
Fax: (614) 228-4711

The Reverend Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor

Arrangements entrusted to:

C. D. White and Son Funeral Home
1217 Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus, OH 43203

Office Telephone: (614) 258-1514
Fax: (614) 258-2550 Fax

Condolences may be sent to:

Sister Georgia McKeever and Mother Nellie McKeever, Sister Mary Wilson
1656 Kenwick Rd.
Columbus, OH 43209

Sister Nell Curtis
5325 Great Oak Dr., Apt #E,
Columbus, OH 43213

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to share news of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Joan Wilkerson Stewart on April 28, 2016.  Dr. Stewart served as the Sixth Episcopal District WIM, Executive Board Worship Leader. She had been ill for a few months, but she is now at rest.

Please take note of the following:

Viewing: Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Murray Brothers Cascade Chapel from 1-9 pm
1199 Utoy Springs Rd SW
Atlanta, GA 30331

Telephone: (404) 349-3000

Thursday, May 5, 2016
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11 a.m.

Allen Temple AME Church
1625 Joseph E. Boone Blvd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30314

The Rev. Dr. Thomas Bess, pastor

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Margaret Giddings & Stewart Family
731 Aline Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Telephone: Phone: (494) 794-1294

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Lawrence Forman, Sr., retired pastor from the New Jersey Annual Conference. His last assignment was Bethel AMEC in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Saturday, May 7, 2016
Viewing – 9:00 a.m.
Funeral – 11:00 a.m.

St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church
1665 Derousse Ave.
Pennsauken, NJ 08110

Telephone: (856) 662-3610

Pastor: The Rev. Shawn Forman

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Sharon Forman
c/o Burlington County Community Action Program
718 Route 130 South
Burlington, New Jersey 08016

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the death of the Reverend Ronald Freeman, a retired pastor in the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Church where the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II serves as Presiding Prelate. The Rev. Freeman’s entire pastoral ministry was spent in the Augusta Georgia Annual Conference.

The Rev. Freeman died Saturday, April 16, 2016 and was funeralized on Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where the Reverend Mark S. Pierson serves as pastor.  The funeral was held at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Gordon Thomas preaching the eulogy.

Please pray for the Bereaved Family: His wife, Sister Gloria Freeman; his mother, Sister Annie D. Freeman; three sons, two daughters, one brother, two sisters, several grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District is saddened to share news of the passing of Dr. Hallie B. Hendrieth-Smith.  Dr. Hendrieth-Smith, age 99, passed away, April 27, 2016.  She was preceded in death by her husband, the Reverend Noah Smith, former pastor of St. James AME Church in Minneapolis where he retired and was superannuated in 1998.

Dr. Hallie B. Hendrieth-Smith retired in 1986 after serving as the director of the Talking Typewriter program, a teacher and an administrator in Minneapolis Public Schools. She was a longtime member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society. She also was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  She was known as Grandmother Dear or B. She was always available to support those in need and to tell stories about her life growing up in the segregated south and to encourage youth to excel.

Dr. Hallie B. Hendrieth-Smith is survived by grandchildren, Dr. Bernadeia Johnson, Donna Gingery, and Gregg Clemons, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held:

Noon, Thursday, May 5, 2016
St. James AME Church
624 W Central Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55406

Telephone: (651) 227-4151
The Rev. Stacey Smith, pastor

Visitation will be one hour before at 11:00.

Visitation:

Will also be Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 4-7 p.m.
Washburn McReavy Funeral Chapels
Robbinsdale, MN 55442

Telephone: (763) 537-2333

Expressions of sympathy may be placed in the Online Guest Book:


In honor of Hallie's life, the family request that women wear hats to the service.

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Annie Mae Sanders, grandmother of The Reverend James Keeton, Jr., pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, Erie, Pennsylvania

Final arrangements are as follows:

Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 12 Noon:

Wilson Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SW
Cairo, Georgia 39828

Telephone: (229) 377-8309

The Reverend Dr. Simon Simmons, Jr., pastor
The Reverend Ananias Hopkins, III, eulogist

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend James Keeton, Jr.
236 East 11th Street
Erie, PA 16503


23. 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




24. 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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