The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.,
Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th
Editor, The Christian Recorder
-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016
The 50th Quadrennial
Session of the General Conference, July 6-13, 2016
May: Asian-American and Pacific
Islander Heritage Month
-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17
1. TCR EDITORIAL – THE UNIQUE
QUALITIES OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
In looking at the local church, I have addressed
the roles of parishioners, church officers and pastors. There are at least two other entities that
impact the shortcomings or successes of local churches: presiding elders and
bishops. I am gong to address those two entities along with the music ministry
in local churches in a later editorial.
Every six months, or so, I try to go over in my
mind, what I would do differently if I were starting my ministry over again and
every so often, I am involved in worship or conversation that reminds me of my
love for the AME Church. I had several conversations this week that reinforced
my love of the AME Church.
My testimony
I am not an AME by happenstance. I am an AME by choice. When I lived in
Virginia with my Uncle Tell (don’t know how he got that name) and Aunt
Virginia, we went to St. Mary’s Baptist Church in Lowesville, Virginia. My
Uncle Tell was a deacon and, even sixty
years later, I remember that the
pastor was the Rev. John Rose. During one of my visits as an adult and
after I was an AME licentiate, he wanted me to become a Baptist preacher and
offered to help me get a church in that area.
During my late teens and early twenties, I
played the piano for Baptists and Pentecostal church choirs. For a short-time,
I played for a choir at the United House of Prayer for All People (Daddy Grace)
in Newark, New Jersey (I normally don’t tell people all of this). I also played
for Mt. Zion AME Church in Plainfield, New Jersey (1961). I could play for Mt.
Zion because they wanted to sing gospel and I knew how to play the hymns that
were a part of the AME liturgy.
Playing for those Pentecostal churches was
exciting! In those days, there were not a lot of gospel pianists as there are
today.
I had a good cross-section of denominational
exposure and could have been a part of any of the churches.
Here is why I am AME
I like the order of worship and the operative
word for me is “order.” I love the AME
Church Order of Worship, especially when it is done right! There used to be a
statement, “We know AME church members can read” and I suspect that was because
of our liturgy and the worship participation of the congregation.
I, personally, don’t care for hodgepodge worship.
Back “in the day,” I played for some spirited free-style worship services. A
lot of people like the “free worship style"; I like order.
I don’t make apologies for it; call me traditional,
old fashion or whatever, I was attracted to the AME Church long before I
understood all of its history, doctrine and polity. The order of worship was my
gateway to the AME Church.
I understand that some people like spontaneity,
but not everybody is of that notion. I love the inspiration and movement of the
Holy Spirit and I love spirited worship.
I love innovation, but I expect to know that I am in an AME church.
Mercedes has done all kinds of upgrades, made
changes, deleted some things, but anyone can recognize a Mercedes Benz no
matter what changes have been made.
I heard the story about Coach Scolinos who spoke
at a gathering of baseball coaches in 1996 in Nashville, Tennessee. He asked
his audience how wide a baseball home plate was in Little League baseball and
the response was "seventeen inches." All of the baseball coaches knew
the answer. Coach Scolinos went through the various levels of baseball and
asked the size of home plate in high school, college, and the minor leagues and
in Major League baseball. The answer each time was “seventeen inches.” He then
asked, “If a Major League pitcher couldn't throw the ball over the seventeen
inch home plate, what would happen?” The almost unanimous response was the
player would be sent to a minor league team or put out of baseball. Coach
Scolinos then made the point that the coaches and management wouldn't solve the
problem by making the home plate larger. He went on to say that the problem in
many homes, in marriages, with the way we parent our children, with discipline is that we don’t teach accountability;
“we widen the plate!”
And the same problem occurs in our churches;
instead of holding pastors and parishioners to the teachings of the church in
the areas of theology, history, doctrine, polity, we abandon some of our
important traditions, even allow the abandoning the teachings of the Bible. Our
bishops, presiding elders, pastors and local church leaders are "widening
home plate!”
Unfortunately, too many of our parishioners
don't know the core values of our beliefs because we have “widened home
plate.” If we went to a baseball game
and saw a home plate that was fifty inches wide, we would immediately know that
the game was not a baseball game.
Let me address some of the reasons I was
attracted to and remain a member of the AME Church.
I love our theology about the Lord’s Supper and
the way we celebrate Holy Communion.
Our parishioners need to know the difference between
“Open Communion,” “Closed Communion” and “Open Table.” And, some of our
pastors, who have not grown up in the Methodist tradition need to be reminded
of the differences too.
African
Methodism is unique
There are many
things that make the family of
Methodist churches unique and if you add a couple of things about AME worship,
such as the Decalogue, offertory and the style of worship in many AME Churches; it make us as AMEs unique.
A couple of things
that make the family of Methodists unique include the belief that God reaches
out to us through God’s prevenient grace, that sanctification begins with
justification, and in the theology of grace and assurance and the universality
of God’s grace; not just to us, but to all of God’s creation. We, Methodists, encourage and permit people
to use logic and reason in all matters of faith.
In Holy Communion,
Methodism stands alone with the “Open Table.”
Some denominations practice “closed” or “fenced” Communion and other
denominations practice “Open Communion.”
Simply stated,
“closed” or “fenced” Communion means that one has to be a member of that faith
or denomination to participate in receiving of Holy Communion. The Roman
Catholic Church, Lutheran churches, the Eastern Orthodox Church, Baptists,
Pentecostals and Latter Day Saints practice "closed" or
"fenced" Communion.
Some denominations
practice “Open Communion.” Many
Protestant Christian churches practice “Open Communion” in which baptized
communicants from other denominations may take Communion. The Anglican Church,
the Evangelical Free Church, the Church of God, Community Churches, the
Presbyterian Church (USA), the Presbyterian Church in America, the Cumberland
Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Canada, United Church of Christ are
among the denominations that practice “Open Communion.”
Methodist churches
practice the “Open Table,” which in the AME liturgy, extends the invitation to
“All who truly and earnestly repent of
your sins and are in love and charity with your neighbor and intend to lead a
new life…,” together with their children, to receive Communion. Undergoing
Baptism is not a prerequisite for receiving Communion, but if unbaptized people
"regularly take Holy Communion, pastors are encouraged to talk with and
encourage parishioners to be baptised.
The “Open Table,”
baptism of infants, God’s prevenient grace and the emphasis on holiness are a
part of our brand. We need to unashamedly proclaim our beliefs so people will
know our brand.
The “Open Table,”
baptism of infants, God’s prevenient grace and the emphasis on holiness are a
part of our beliefs. We need to unashamedly proclaim our beliefs so people will
know our brand. We are a unique church and we are an “open church.” I love the fact that we do not exclude people who want to
share in the Lord’s Supper. We are a
church that follows the teachings of Jesus.
I have not read anywhere in scripture where Jesus excluded anybody from
His meal ministry. When he fed the Five
Thousand and the Four Thousand, he fed them all; Jesus did not exclude the
children, nor did he exclude the women. He welcomed them all to His table.
I love the doctrine of “Free Will” and am turned
off by the doctrine of “eternal security” or “once saved, always saved.” We, Methodists, believe that a person can
“fall from grace.” We do not accept the
notion that God has pre-determined who will be saved. Methodism believes that salvation comes by grace alone
and that salvation can be lost and that salvation is based upon continued
faith. Simply put, Methodists believe that it is the sinner's choice of Christ,
not God's choice of the sinner that is the ultimate cause of salvation.
Baptism
I love the AME
Church. I can biblically defend
infant baptism: sprinkling (aspersion), pouring (affusion), and immersion. I
can biblically defend the three modes of water baptism. The Baptists and other
immersionist denominations have done a great job defending baptism by
immersion. We need to do a better job of
evangelizing our biblical position of the various modes of water baptism.
There
is always room for improvement
Do we take the
time, as a denomination to train and retrain those who lead our ministry and do
we train and retrain the lay leaders who stand before our parishioners? Are our ministers adequately trained? Does the AME Church cross-check those pastors
who attended non-Methodist seminaries to insure that they are well-versed in
the tenants of our faith and the ethnic “flavor” of our congregations?
The African
Methodist Episcopal Church has some unique “branding irons” in social action
and involvement in human rights. We have
“branding irons” in our rich history, doctrine, polity and worship.
We need to realize
that the AME Church is a leader for human and religious rights, not only in
America, but abroad in every country in which the AME Church has a presence. We
have a brand and every AME should be cognizant of our brand.
Even before
“branding” was a focus of study at business schools, some religious
denominations knew the importance of reinforcing their theological, religious
and denominational brand. They may not have been thinking about “branding,” but
they understood the value of uncompromisingly reinforcing their religious
beliefs and traditions.
The AME Church has
a rich history that we all can revel in, but the present needs our urgent
attention. We need to reinforce our brand as a connectional church or
strategize in ways to rebrand, if that’s needed; but rebranding by building on
the brand-foundation that has superbly served us.
The
Love Feast
The AME Discipline
defines Love Feast as, “The service of preparation which precedes participation
in the sacrament of Holy Communion. The
elements of the love feast are water, symbolic of our desire for purification;
and bread, symbolic of our desire for goodwill with one another. In this service, one forgives all and seeks
forgiveness from all, in order that one might present oneself acceptable before
the Lord’s Table.
Bishop Turner
reminds us that the love-feast in Methodism is a preparatory service to prepare
the church for the Lord’s Supper. The
purpose was to “have the people bury all bickering, malice, envy, and strife,
and if any are not speaking to get them to make up and start upon a new
Christian career.” That was the reason
to hold the love feast before communion so that each person could affirm and respond to the invitation given by
the minister, “Ye that do truly and
earnestly repent of your sins and are in love and harmony with your neighbor…”
Class
Meetings
Class meetings were created to nurture a deeper
love of God and for members to be better Christians. The questions asked at
meetings of the bands were concerned with holy living. (Wesley Works 5:492-504)
1) What known sins have you committed since our
last meeting?
2) What temptations have you met with?
3) How were you delivered?
4) What have you thought, said, or done, of
which you doubt whether it be sin or not?
I guess we had
better not ask those questions today. We don’t preach or talk about sin much
anymore.
Education
I was attracted to
the AME Church because of its focus and commitment to education. The AME
Church, not only “talked” education, but the Church “walked” the talk about
education.
In Pennsylvania,
New Jersey and New York the talk was always about Wilberforce. I am sure in the south; the talk was about
Allen, Morris Brown and Edward Waters. When I attended Wilberforce, bishops’
children attended Wilberforce. It seemed that many of the students were children
of pastors. I wonder if that is still true today.
I love the AME
Church because we have bishops and general officers who care and who are among
the best preachers in the world.
I love the AME
Church because we have caring pastors who shepherd their flocks in good times
and in bad times. They meet all of their obligations and are faithful to Christ
and to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
I love the AME
Church because we have lay members who love the Church; and are faithful to the
cause of Christ and the ministry of the local church; no matter who is assigned
as their pastor.
I love the AME
Church because of the faithful pastors and faithful laity that labor year in
and year out to lift up the banner of Christ.
So, I will say again, I am not a Baptist, I am
not a Pentecostal and I am not a member of a nondenominational church; I am a
Methodist and more specifically I am an African Methodist, and I am glad about
it.
I still love the
AME Church!
2. TCR OP-ED - WATCH YOUR LANGUAGE:
The
world is our stage or the world is now the platform for the African Methodist
Episcopal Church since that fateful night in June 2015 (the massacre at Mother
Emanuel A.M.E. Church). Moreover, because the world is our stage we should be
aware and mindful of not only our actions but our language as well, since both
can bring positive or negative light to our Zion. During the afternoon session
of the General Conference Commission gathering in early April, Bishop Vashti
Murphy McKenzie issued a reminder to those who gathered for the General Board
and the General Conference Commission meeting.
The
reminder was for individuals to be cognizant of their discussions, jokes and
other conversations during the meeting. Bishop McKenzie said, “I would hope
that we are careful about the language that we use to each other. We have young
leaders in the room. Be careful how we speak to each other, we cannot expect
the world to respect us if we cannot respect each other.”
I
have had several weeks to ponder on the importance of the cautionary warning
issued by our pioneer female bishop on that April afternoon, and I realize that
the warning was not only applicable to that afternoon, but it should be a
continuous reminder moving forward. The warning should also remind us that our
language and actions not only affect our young leaders but also affects others
who are not members of our Zion.
For instance, I wonder about the thoughts of
the audio-visual technicians/engineers who were not employees of the AME
Church, but employees of the Philadelphia Convention Center. What were they
thinking as the Church presented, discussed, queried, shared information that
was relevant not only to the upcoming General Conference but to the overall
business of the Church? Did those individuals leave our meeting with a positive
or negative understanding of the AME Church, whom did they share this
information with, or what did they share about what they learned about our Zion
in those few days?
Bishop
McKenzie was correct when she reminded those gathered – and perhaps those
viewing via livestream – that if we as members of this great body do not
respect each other in our language and actions then we could not or should not
be dismayed when the world does not respect us in any capacity. I am almost certain that our General
Conference will be observed by many worldwide, and therefore “business as
usual” should not be the norm.
I have overheard several individuals at
different times; offer what they deem to be sage advice to some other
individuals who are contemplating making their first General Conference
appearance. The advice is usually cautioning those first timers not to be
disappointed in the actions and language displayed by “church people” during
the normal course of General Conference sessions. In other words, first timers
should not be disappointed or dismayed when Jesus is left outside the door
during business sessions or when Jesus is not visible during the course of the
business session deliberations.
As
we move towards the 50th session of the A.M.E Church’s General Conference, let
us strive to heed the words of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and exercise
caution in our language and in our actions. Let us exercise caution so that we
can be positive role models not only for our young leaders but also for others
who are watching us on this worldwide stage. Let us invite Jesus to enter and
stay in the room as laws, regulations, and polity are discussed, as new leaders
are elected (not selected) to enhance our Zion as well as the kingdom of God.
Please, watch your language and your actions so that others can see God working
within us as members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Church of
Jesus Christ, Richard Allen, Sarah Allen, and Jarena Lee.
3. NEWS AROUND THE AME
CHURCH:
-- Charleston church under
fire for mass shooting payouts
CBS News
Emanuel
African Methodist Episcopal Church is keeping about $1.8 million of donations
for building maintenance, an endowment and a scholarship…
Officials
at Charleston church where nine people were massacred will pocket $1.8 million
in... - Daily Mail
Emanuel
AME Gives $1.5M to Families of 9 Killed; Keeps $1.8M - WLTX.com
Charleston
Church Attack Payouts Anger Families - Sky News
AP
May 8, 2016, 10:39 AM
Charleston
church under fire for mass shooting payouts
Read more:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/emanuel-african-methodist-episcopal-church-victims-shooting-payouts/
-- The Post and Courier of
Charleston reports (http://bit.ly/1TvWFRU) that Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church kept about $1.8
million of donations for building maintenance, an endowment and a scholarship
fund.
The
money was donated to the church in the months after the shootings last June.
Church leaders say only $280,000 worth of donations were specified for the
victims' families, and the church decided to add more than $1 million to those
gifts.
-- The Charleston church
where nine African-Americans were shot
The
Post and Courier of Charleston reports (http://bit.ly/1TvWFRU ) that Emanuel
African Methodist Episcopal Church kept about $1.8 million of donations for
building maintenance, an endowment and a scholarship fund.
Read more:
http://wtop.com/national/2016/05/emanuel-ame-gives-1-5m-to-families-of-9-killed-keeps-1-8m/
-- -Payne Returns Home as
Pastor of Bryant Temple AME...
-- [Mother Emanuel]
Process Mishandled, But Donations Distributed Fairly, Says AME Official
-- TIME 100 LEADERS -
Barack Obama
By
Jennifer Pinckney
April
21, 2016
At
one point during my husband’s funeral service, while watching my daughters,
President Obama said to Mrs. Obama, “Look at those girls. Don’t they…
--
In the wake of Charleston shooting, AME Church employs Gatekeepers security
team on Sundays
"Not
that we didn't feel safe here before, but we have a new normal now," says
church administrator Morgan Dixon.
Read more:
-- AME Church has proud
history in Indiana...
In
1858 A.W. Wayman, a leader of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, wrote
that “if there never had been an AME church in this country, there ...
Read
more: http://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/2016/05/06/glass-ame-churchs-proud-history-indiana/84018746/
4.
AME BICENTENNIAL TO BE COMMEMORATED AT UMC GENERAL CONFERENCE TUESDAY, MAY 17,
2016:
On Tuesday, May 17,
the United Methodist Church will hold a brief recognition ceremony to
commemorate the 200 Anniversary of the Birth of the AME Church at the seat of
its General Conference in session in Portland, Oregon. The ceremony will
take place at 10:20 after the morning prayers. It will be live streamed
here:
5. THIS IS ABSOLUTELY
FANTASTIC:
You
have got to try this out! This is a wonderful resource! Go to TCR Blogsite to read it in any language.
Google Translate: https://translate.google.com/
Google's free service instantly translates
words, phrases, and web pages between English and over 100 other languages.
English, Afrikaans, Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, etc.
6.
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
7. THE REV. CLEMENTA
PINCKNEY TO RECEIVE POSTHUMOUS D.MIN DEGREE:
By
Press Release Published: May 8, 2016, 11:36 am Updated: May 9, 2016, 6:28 pm
WASHINGTON
(May 6, 2016) -The widow of the Rev. Clementa Pinckney will accept his
posthumously awarded Doctorate of Ministry degree at the Wesley Theological Seminary’s
134th commencement on May 9 at the Washington National Cathedral.
The
South Carolina senator (D) was a Wesley Theological Seminary D.Min student at
the time of his hate crime-related assassination with eight of his church
members at a Bible study in June 2015 at the historic Mother Emmanuel African
Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, S.C.
“Rev.
Pinckney’s martyrdom completed his requirements for his degree,” says Wesley
President, the Rev. Dr. David McAllister-Wilson. This is the first time ever
that Wesley Theological Seminary has awarded a posthumous degree to a student
who has not completed their coursework. The faculty voted unanimously to award
the degree to his widow, Mrs. Jennifer Pinckney, at this year’s 134th
Commencement. At the time of his death, he was working on his thesis describing
his dual role as a pastor and public servant. We believe he completed and
defended that thesis that night.”
At
the commencement, a letter from President Barack Obama, Rev. Pinckney’s funeral
eulogist, will be read to the graduating class, paying tribute to Rev. Pinckney
and his posthumous degree.
“Pastor
Pinckney’s legacy of public service and ministry does not die with him. A new
Doctor of Ministry track is being formed for pastors to prepare for public
engagement, after his example, will be co-located in Charleston and Washington,
D.C. so that more pastors like him will rise up in his place.”
*Used
with permission of the United Methodist News Service
8.
BIPOLAR FAITH: A BLACK WOMAN'S JOURNEY WITH DEPRESSION AND FAITH:
Monica A. Coleman's
great-grandfather asked his two young sons to lift him up and pull out the
chair when he hanged himself, and that noose stayed in the family shed for
years. The rope was the violent instrument, but it was mental anguish that
killed him. Now, in gripping fashion, Coleman examines the ways that the
legacies of slavery, war, sharecropping, poverty, and alcoholism mask a family
history of mental illness. Those same forces accompanied her into the black
religious traditions and Christian ministry. All the while, she wrestled with
her own bipolar disorder.
Bipolar Faith is both
a spiritual autobiography and a memoir of mental illness. In this powerful
book, Monica Coleman shares her life-long dance with trauma, depression, and
the threat of death. Citing serendipitous encounters with black intellectuals
like Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Angela Davis, and Renita Weems, Coleman offers a
rare account of how the modulated highs of bipolar II can lead to professional
success, while hiding a depression that even her doctors rarely believed. Only
as she was able to face her illness was she able to live faithfully with
bipolar.
Every weekday at 4:30 pm PT (7:30 pm ET) I
jump on for 5-10 minutes to answer the questions I get asked the most: What are
my spiritual practices? And how do I manage living with a depressive
condition? And then there's the making
of the book. So you can find me on
Periscope and the video for 24 hours later.
If you are saying:
What is Periscope? And I can't add another APP to my phone! Then you can catch all of my Scopes on
YouTube. Check them out here:
9. DR. BERNARD EDWARD POWERS, MEMBER OF MORRIS BROWN
AME CHURCH IN CHARLESTON ONE OF THE AUTHORS OF MOTHER EMANUEL BOOK:
At the time of the tragic murders that took place here at Mother
Emanuel almost a year ago everyone wanted to do something and no one knew
exactly what to do. Three of us in Charleston sat down and decided to
write something; Herb Frazier is a journalist and Marjory Wentworth is the Poet
Laureate for the state of South Carolina. I am a historian at the College of
Charleston with a longstanding interest in African Methodism and a member of
Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston. The result of our
collaboration is the soon to be released book (June 14) entitled "We Are Charleston: Tragedy and Triumph at
Mother Emanuel." The goal of the book is to place what happened
in a broader perspective, to discuss what race has meant in South Carolina and
Charleston in particular, to discuss the role of Emanuel in the story of the
broader AME denomination and to tell the world about those people who lost
their lives and those who survived.
The book website is www.wearecharleston.net and it contains information on the authors and explains how the book
can be ordered.
10. WE ARE CHARLESTON, A COMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF LAST SUMMER’S TRAGIC EVENTS
AT SOUTH CAROLINA’S OTHER EMANUEL CHURCH, TO BE RELEASED JUNE 14
(Nashville, Tenn.) – We Are Charleston (ISBN#
9780718041496) – an essential, multi-layered exploration of the
tragic events experienced by South Carolina’s famed Mother Emanuel Church last
summer – will be released on June 14,
2016, through the W Publishing
Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson.
The book, written by
South Carolina-based writers Herb
Frazier (award-winning journalist and childhood member of Mother
Emanuel), Dr. Bernard Edward Powers (A.M.E.
Church member and professor of history at the College of Charleston) and Majory Wentworth (South Carolina’s Poet Laureate), is based on
extensive interviews with family and friends of “The Emanuel Nine” – the church
members who lost their lives on June 17, 2015, when a young man opened fire on
a prayer meeting at the church.
Additionally, We
Are Charleston will detail the triumphant 230-year history of the AME Church – the largest body of
African-American Methodists with 3.5 million members world-wide – and its role
in America’s social justice story from slavery to the civil rights movement.
The book will also discuss the importance of Mother Emanuel Church itself, both
to the Charleston community and to the nation. The oldest AME church in the
Deep South, Mother Emanuel’s perseverance in the face of adversity and
discrimination serves as an example of faith and forgiveness to the entire
world. It was no coincidence that this particular church was chosen for this
grievous act.
“Nothing this tragic
happens in a vacuum. Whether it be terrorism abroad or racism within, we have
become the products of many years of anger in our culture,” said Matt Baugher, Senior Vice President of
Thomas Nelson and Publisher of W Publishing Group. “Through its powerful
portrayal of history and its stirring narrative from the present day, We
are Charleston brilliantly shows all of us the importance of awareness,
action, and yes, even forgiveness. I can think of no better people to write
this book than these three individuals, each with their own ties to the city,
the church, and the issue at hand. We’re honored to publish this
important work.”
“The tragedy at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church
affected us deeply,” the authors said in a group statement. “This book is
our attempt to honor those whose lives were lost, the survivors and their
families by telling their stories in the context of Charleston, the
nation's racial history and the social justice efforts that have been the
hallmark of the African Methodist Episcopal Church."
11.
MOUNT ZION AME CHURCH, OCALA, FLORIDA CELEBRATES 150TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY:
*The Rev. Dr. Rhella
P. Murdaugh
On Sunday, April 24,
2016, the officers and members of the oldest African American Church in the
City of Ocala, Florida asked God for a beautiful sunny afternoon to observe the
150th Anniversary. God in His infinite wisdom granted our petition. After a
year of praying, planning and preparing, the service began with a ringing of
the church bell by Brother Arnett Allen, our oldest member, age 92. While the
bell tower stands outside of the sanctuary, the ringing could be heard clearly inside
as well as in the neighborhood. “To God be the Glory!” The Anniversary theme
was “The Doors of the Church Are Still Open”, based on the litany read
throughout the connection following the tragic death of The Emmanuel 9, and yet
it denoted the sentiments of the Mount Zion family in honor of our ancestors
who built the church that has existed since 1866.
The Lord was in the
midst of it all! Family, friends, sister churches, churches of other faiths,
civic leaders and well-wishers filled the sanctuary of the place we call, “the
Miracle on Magnolia.” Following the bell ringing, the processional of the
worship participants ushered in a spirit of unity. The participants made up an
ecumenical body of believers to the singing of “Every Praise Is to Our God!”
From that moment on, the service flowed from the Prayer of Invocation uttered
in Spanish with everyone having a Day of Pentecost understanding, to the
relevant Scriptures, the Mayor’s Proclamation, singing and rehearing the
history. In keeping with the theme, the service included a reading of “The
Doors of the Church are Still Open.”
Mount Zion AME Church,
Ocala, Florida was founded in 1866, by the Rev. Thomas Warren Long, a circuit
rider who planted churches throughout Florida.
He not only pastored, but became a Presiding Elder, School
Superintendent and State Senator. His legacy continued through his son, the
Rev. Charles Sumner Long, who later pastored Mount Zion as well and authored
The History of the AME Church in Florida, written in 1939.
The service highlight
was the traditional preaching of the anniversary sermon, which was given by
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District.
His timely message entitled, “The Heritage and Hope of Mount Zion” included
scriptural references to Acts 1:6-8 and Acts 2:42-47. Bishop Richardson noted that just one year
after the Civil War, Mount Zion was established in Marion County, Florida. He commented not only on the founding of
Mount Zion in 1866, but also Brown Theological Institute in Live Oak, Florida,
which was later moved to Jacksonville and renamed Edward Waters College. Bishop Richardson reminded us that as the
church moves on to always keep Jesus in the midst and to always pray. Whatever happens, prayer is the key.
Following the
Invitation to Discipleship, a very moving presentation of the unveiling of the
Richard Allen Heritage Stamp was presented by the United States Postal Service
of Ocala in celebration of our 200 years as a denomination.
The Mount Zion African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Ocala, Florida, “the Miracle of Magnolia
continues to be a beacon of light that shines brightly and will continue to
work so that everyone can continue to stand, worship, sing and praise our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ for another 150 years.
The Rev. Dr. Rhella P.
Murdaugh is the pastor of Mount Zion AME Church in Ocala, Florida
12. A PROPHETIC VOICE TO THE NATIONS:
April 13-15 2016, the United Nations headquarters in New
York hosted its 16th Annual Infopoverty World Conference and one of
our own, the Rev. Dr. Anthony Reed was invited to attend and give suggestive,
theoretical, and theological dialogue to ministers and political idealist from
all over the world. The conference's main focus was centered on using
information, technology and communication to solve the issues of information
deficits around the world.
The Rev. Dr. Anthony Reed, the senior pastor of Martin
Memorial AME Church in Miami, Florida was one of three guests invited by members
of the Committee for a UN Public/Private NGO and Academia Interchange.
Dr. Reed engaged world technology leaders in the area of
faith based organizations integrating a digital world with informational
systems that can help to heal many of the world’s problems. Dr. Reed's greatest
concern was urging global leaders to include faith leaders and organizations to
work together as a solution to global chaos. Dr. Reed was able to make such
significant impact on the agenda that he has already been invited back to next
year’s conference at the United Nations. To God Be the Glory!
Submitted by Ms. Ruth A. Taylor Executive Assistant to the
Pastor of Martin Memorial AME Church in Miami, Florida
13. IF BLACK LIVES
MATTER:
*The Rev. Mary W. Robinson
Black lives matter
so you say,
But you kill each other every day.
It doesn't matter who does it my friend,
Dead is dead it's the bitter end.
Don't you want to live to be old?
But you kill each other every day.
It doesn't matter who does it my friend,
Dead is dead it's the bitter end.
Don't you want to live to be old?
You do realize God
has given you a soul.
Use your brain for what it was designed,
For positive thinking and you will be fine.
You can be anything you want to be,
A doctor, a lawyer or even president you see.
God has given you all you need,
Use it to the fullest, please take heed.
It does not matter your IQ,
What you put your mine to you can do.
I have a Black son, yes I'm a mother,
I beg of you, stop killing each other.
What do we have to do to make you think,
If you keep killing you will be extinct.
Your Black sisters are crying out to you,
Can you hear the cries, what will you do?
At this point, it's all left to you,
Remember he is your brother and want to live, too.
Let love replace the anger you have stored inside,
Use your brain for what it was designed,
For positive thinking and you will be fine.
You can be anything you want to be,
A doctor, a lawyer or even president you see.
God has given you all you need,
Use it to the fullest, please take heed.
It does not matter your IQ,
What you put your mine to you can do.
I have a Black son, yes I'm a mother,
I beg of you, stop killing each other.
What do we have to do to make you think,
If you keep killing you will be extinct.
Your Black sisters are crying out to you,
Can you hear the cries, what will you do?
At this point, it's all left to you,
Remember he is your brother and want to live, too.
Let love replace the anger you have stored inside,
We give you credit
for being that wise
Try conflict
resolution where you talk it out,
It’ll work every
time, there is no doubt
Put the gun away,
try love for a change
You have nothing to
prove just be a man.
Don’t let us down
black brother we’re depending on you,
Now show all of us
what love can do!
*The Rev. Mary W. Robinson is a retired Presiding
Elder is an M.Div graduate of Emory University and a member of the Florida
Annual Conference
14. THE POSITIVE SIDE OF GROWING UP IN A SEGREGATED
SOCIETY:
Jeanette T. Johns, Bethel A.M.E. Church,
Huntington, NY
-- An article dedicated to, and written in
appreciation of, the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mrs. Rosa Parks,
and Mrs. Coretta Scott King – whose deaths are all still fresh in
our memories.
The
week following the death of Mrs. Rosa Parks on October 28, 2005 was filled with
media tributes to this unassuming woman whose life was lived in such an
extremely effective manner. Each event triggered some interesting and
sustained conversations among my friends and relatives as our thoughts turned
back to the early days of our lives. As our fingers flew over our keyboards, we
were eager to share, via e-mail, our thoughts and our own versions of what her
life and famous actions have meant to us as adults in this America of ours. The
messages re-lived our days growing up in a segregated society and as we wrote
on and on, literally for days, some of the messages began to turn away from the
much-publicized inhumane aspects of those years to some of the more
positive situations that we remembered. It occurred to me that it is a rare
thing to hear someone speak of segregation as being “good”. I thought some of
those reminiscences were informative enough to pass on to young and old alike.
How
could segregation possibly be “good”? I invite you to “eavesdrop” on some
of our email conversations:
This one is from “Oneida”, who grew up in Florida:
“The
home, church and the school encouraged you to be the best you could be. There
were spelling bees, oratorical contests, debates, plays, writing and reciting
poetry etc. Those were some of the things in which Black children participated.
It was a pleasure to be able to mingle with your teachers at your church. We
all went to the same Black church.
Your
teacher wanted to prove that you could do as well as anyone, even under
difficult circumstances; therefore, she pushed hard for you to do well.
“The
parents were seemingly more involved in their children's education. They taught
their children to be fair, honest and helpful to their neighbors. There were
classes taught about Africans coming to America, how many perished during the
trip and how they fared once they got here. Emphasis was given to Black
inventions.
“Children
had the opportunity to see that they could function in many roles. The visible
people in the schools were Black and you always had some outstanding Black role
models from nearby coming into school to talk to the children and encourage
them. They saw that their teachers, preachers, lawyers, doctors were all Black,
living in the same community, and if they worked equally as hard they could
achieve their dream..
And, another, from “Celia”, who grew up in Alabama.
“We had
to memorize a lot. I do not think they do that much any more, not as we
did. Years ago I went to my child’s Open School Night and there was one
teacher (white, of course – most of the teachers in this area of Long Island
are white) who really believed in memorization. He said that the things we
memorize in our youth are the ones we remember forever. And he proved it by
asking us to recite something we had memorized in elementary school. Nearly
everyone could do it, even if it was just a nursery rhyme, but we knew that we
probably could not memorize a passage as easily now that we were adults. By
now, our minds were cluttered with wondering how we would put food on the table
or pay the next mortgage installment. I know that I learned all three verses of
"Lift Every Voice and Sing" in elementary school. These days, I look
around and I'm usually the only one in a room who can sing all three verses
without looking at the paper.”
From “Nora”, who grew up in Mobile, Alabama:
“I grew
up in an all Negro/Black American neighborhood which at that time was one of
the nicest places to live for Blacks in Mobile, Alabama. It was named
"Elizabeth Garden" where some of my neighbors were doctors, teachers,
a dean of the College (which was a Branch of Alabama State College), principal
of the local junior high school, pharmacist (owned family business), funeral
directors (owned their business), and beauticians (had their own shops). One neighbor
even owned her own Hot Dog & Restaurant Stand and people would come from
far away just to eat Babe's hot dogs! Also, there were my two uncles who gave a
shot at the Restaurant Business (located in a different area).
Here is
one more event in my life. During my high school days, we had visits from
well-known people such as Miss Althea Gibson, the great Black tennis star. Her
cousin was my physical education teacher and she was related to Mr. Jerry
Butler, known for his musical success, who visited when in Mobile. Mr.
Henry Aaron would check up on his sister, my classmate and good friend, Alfreda
Aaron.
In my
time, my high school - Central High School - was responsible for the education
of Vivian Malone. Her younger sister was my classmate. In history, Vivian
Malone was one of the first Blacks to integrate Alabama University.
From “Bill” who grew up in Maryland:
I
actually went to school in the kind of one-room schoolhouse that you hear so
much about. Our teacher was one of those nice Black ladies who really loved her
job and cared about her students. She brought food from home to cook for us so
that we would have a nourishing hot lunch. She cooked it on a wood stove that
sat in the middle of the floor, basically to give us heat in the winter. She
could cook up a stew that would satisfy our little stomachs for hours. She
stressed to us that we must go to college somewhere, anywhere we could get in.
And, this one is full of historical information,
from “Ruby”, who grew up in Hampton, VA.
“Yes,
there were good times back then, but they came with no crystal stair (as our
great Black poet, Langston Hughes, wrote). There were hard climbs and bumps and
splinters, but our parents loved us, fed us, made us behave and instilled good
manners and appreciation for the little that we had. We were fortunate that
Daddy had a garden, but we were so poor that when the depression hit we were
hardly aware of it. However, my grandfather read news editorials and when he
visited us he talked a lot about that and other politics.
“We
realized that all the teachers cared about us and we felt compelled to behave
in a way to make them and our parents, proud.”
From Jeanette T. Johns who grew up in Hampton,
Virginia.
“Well,
when I was in Phenix Elementary School we had all Black teachers, of course,
but we also had a few lovely white people who played important roles in our
young lives. I don’t remember that it made a difference to us that they were
white, except in the way they looked.
“Fourth
grade was where we had art lessons from Dr. Viktor Lowenfeld, a Jewish artist
who had fled from Austria during WW II and ended up at Hampton Institute, a
college for Black people; his place of refuge; the place that welcomed him and
gave him security and the opportunity to earn a living. Actually, I guess
the war was on at that time. Was it? It's too early in the day for me to be
sure. His exciting background was explained to us at the time of his first
visit to our classroom. He was described as a "refugee" because he was
definitely running from harm and seeking safety. And we were told that he would
come to us every Wednesday. He was an excellent, famous artist and well-known
in his field.
This is from the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III:
“When I
lived in Piney River, Virginia with my Uncle Tell and Aunt Virginia, I attended
St. Mary's School, a one-room schoolhouse. We had grades 1-6 and one
teacher, Miss Collier. We were not served lunch or any
snacks. We played stickball for recess. We did not have an
athletic field; we played in an area between the school and the church.
Some of the older boys had to walk about 1/4 of mile to get water from a spring
and we drank out of bucket and a dipper. In the winter and during
the cold days of fall and spring one of the older boys would start a fire in
the potbelly stove that heated the room.
“My
Aunt Virginia would not allow me to take a lunch to school because the other
kids did not take a lunch because they couldn't afford to do so. She also
wouldn't allow me to wear shoes to school in the warm weather for the same
reason. I went to school bare-footed and it seems that I always stumped my
toes. I hated walking barefooted. I walked 3 miles to school and 3
miles back home. When Charlotte and I got married, she thought that I was
exaggerating and so, when we visited Virginia, we clocked the route from home
to the school and it was 3 miles! Our teacher, Miss Collier, kept order in the
class and she could wield a "mean switch." I also remember that they
taught us to sing "Dixie" and every now and then, I find myself
singing "Dixie" even though I cannot stand the song for what it meant
in history. We learned about Patrick Henry and Virginia history.
“The
school bus with the white children used to pass us as we walked single file on
the road. I believe that we held our head down so that we would not make eye
contact with the white students. In the fall and in the spring, several
students would drop out of school so they could help with the harvesting and
planting of the crops. I get a sense of anger when I think about racism and how
it impacted upon Black people. Most of the kids I went to school with did
not finish high school and I do not know of any who finished college.
“The
positive side was that I had a strong image of who I was and the racism I
experienced impressed upon me the need to get an education. My aunt and
uncle preached education until it almost made me sick, but it stuck. After 2
1/2 years, I moved back to Pennsylvania with my mother and I could appreciate
school and being able to go to school in a warm building and not having to walk
3 miles to school. And, I didn't have to sing, "Dixie” anymore!”
15. YOU SHOULD HAVE PRAYED ABOUT IT:
*The Reverend Jarrett
Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE
This bread of ours we
took hot for our provision from our houses on the day we departed to come to
you. But now look, it is dry and moldy. And these wineskins which we filled
were new, and see, they are torn; and these our garments and our sandals have
become old because of the very long journey." Then the men of Israel took some of their
provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord. So Joshua made peace with
them, and made a covenant with them to let them live; and the rulers of the
congregation swore to them.
Joshua 9:12-15, NKJV
My grandmother's
favorite hymn said, 'Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh what needless pain we
bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.' ("What A
Friend We Have in Jesus", Joseph M. Scriven-text; Charles C.
Converse-music) How powerful is it when
we just simply inquire of the Lord what our next step should be? Even in our recognition that God is
everything and even more so, God is omnipotent, omniscience and omnipresent,
God still wants us to seek God's counsel.
When we do not pray we open the door of the enemy and the enemy's
devices to steal, kill and destroy the very destiny over our lives. Once the enemy has his way with us, we begin
to make wrong decisions, destructive choices, and befuddled steps.
Deception is
real. Manipulation is ever present. And we need prayer. In the book of Joshua the Lord had already
given Joshua directions in how he was to enter into the land of Canaan. God had
already explained to Joshua that he had to be strong and courageous;
furthermore, God admonished him to never allow the word of God to depart from
his forefront. In fact, Joshua was told
to never turn to the left or to turn to the right, but in fact to simply mediate
upon the very scriptures of God. As Joshua
listened to the Lord, the Lord would simply bless him and the children of
Israel.
Joshua had to do was
listen to God and God would lead, guide and direct him. Yet in Chapter 9 of the text, the Gibeonites
deceive Joshua. They come to the very
tent of Joshua and the leaders of the congregation wooing them with a deceptive
story. They explain to Joshua that they
have traveled a great distance and they have heard of all the works of their
God. The Gibeonites explain to Joshua
that when they left home they brought with them hot bread and fresh wine, yet,
after the long travel the bread is now stale and moldy and the wine has
dissipated in the torn wine skins. Quite
frankly, they appear as if they have nothing.
Joshua quickly,
without much thought, accepts the very story of the strangers and makes a
covenant with them. In fact, Joshua
compels the very leaders of the Israelite congregation to agree with him in
this covenant. After three days, Joshua
receives word the very people he made covenant with are actually his neighbors
and therefore enemies to the destiny of his people. The reader is led to conclude that Joshua, by
this time in the text, is crushed. How
could he make such a terrible mistake?
And the answer is simply because he chose not to pray and therefore, he
did not seek the counsel of God.
Today, I challenge you
to check every conversation you engage and come to some conclusion as to
whether the conversation lines up with God's promises for your life. If it doesn't line up with His word for your
life, end it...today. Don't invite
anyone into your presence that does not understand the hand of God over your
life. The truth is, every decision you
make must be guided in prayer. There is
nothing too big, too hard, and even too small for God to handle. Don't allow your emotions to set you up for
disaster. Seek God and wait on God's
answer.
*The Reverend Jarrett
Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE
16. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins
Based on Biblical Text: Isaiah 40:11: He shall feed his
flock like a shepherd
To fully grasp the meaning of this we must first
understand the role of shepherds. Shepherds are committed to the welfare of the
flock. The shepherd is always with his sheep using his staff to protect them
against anything that would seek to harm them.
The shepherd is no good to us if we don’t follow Him. In
other words, if we dismiss ourselves from the shepherd’s presence, wandering
off to do our own thing, we are defeating the purpose of having a shepherd.
A question we should consider is why do we need a
Shepherd, if we worship Him on Sunday, but we are back “in the world” on
Monday? We pray on Wednesday, but spew venom on Thursday. Isaiah prophesied
about the Shepherd more than 700 years before His arrival. The Bible says, “He
shall feed His flock like a Shepherd”.
The truth of the matter is we are less likely to leave the shepherd when
we know what he does for us and how it is that Christ feeds us.
Christ, our provider, is our limitless resource for
salvation and sustenance. He reminded the disciples, “I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). We could hardly
imagine Christ would have much more to give than to sacrifice himself for our
sins, and create for us a path of reconciliation to His Father! The fact is we
needed a Savior! We needed someone whose passion for His people is greater than
His love of life. We needed someone who could overcome the sins of the flesh by
the power of His Father, and once and for all, pay the price for our salvation.
Christ doesn’t just rescue us and provide for us, He is
our “Perfector.” The fact is He improves
on us. In other words, He takes our tattered, corrupt, sinful flesh and molds
and shapes us like clay on a potter’s wheel. The Bible says, “Now the God of
peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of
the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in
every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in
his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen”
(Hebrews 13:20-21).
We need to understand that the “Great” Shepherd’s purpose
is to make us perfect in all that we do for Him. His purpose is to teach us, by
example, how to live righteously, so we will be pleasing to God. To that end,
Christ can peel away our vain conceit, and teach us how to put others first.
Christ can strip us of our self-centeredness, and teach us how to live a
God-centered life. The Shepherd doesn’t just save us; He improves on us. The
Shepherd (Christ) gives us a common focus, a desire to serve and work together.
Christ gives us a common reference point moving us to live in harmony with each
other, pursuing our common goal of offering Christ’s salvation to the world.
If we trust Jesus Christ as our Shepherd, He will teach
us how to fight the good fight, bear our Cross, obey His commands, and gain the
victory; because “He shall feed His flock like a Shepherd!”
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina
17.
GETTING TO ZERO: MESSAGE FROM THE U.S.
SURGEON GENERAL - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THE ZIKA
VIRUS:
*Dr.
Vivek Murthy
You've
probably heard news reports about Zika, a virus that's been spreading across
South and Central America as well as the Caribbean.
Zika is
primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. In past outbreaks, the vast majority of
people who contracted Zika didn't experience symptoms. For those with symptoms,
they were relatively mild.
Zika
infection in a pregnant woman can cause a serious birth defect called
microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects. Zika has also been
linked to neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré syndrome in those
infected, and we have learned that it can also be spread from a man to his
sexual partners.
We're
learning more about this virus every day. As Surgeon General, my job is to make
sure that you have the information you need to stay safe and healthy.
So here
are three things you can do to protect yourself and your families from the Zika
virus:
We are
responding to local transmission of Zika by mosquitoes in Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, and American Samoa -- and we are taking steps to prepare for
any transmission within the continental United States. Right now, researchers
are working hard to develop a vaccine that will prevent Zika infections.
The
federal government is also working closely with the states and private partners
to ensure that adequate testing capacity is available so that anyone who may be
infected -- especially pregnant women -- can find out quickly and take steps to
prevent further spread of Zika. We are also working with states to help them
refine and implement Zika preparedness and response plans for their
jurisdictions.
But
this work takes resources. And we will need more resources to make sure that
communities across our country can address a potential Zika outbreak.
That is
why President Obama has requested funds to help us prevent, detect, and treat
this virus. It is my hope that Congress will act quickly to provide funding so
we can protect the American people from the spread of Zika.
As the
summer months approach and mosquito season begins, know that there are steps
you can take to protect yourself and your family from Zika.
*Dr.
Vivek Murthy is the 19th U.S. Surgeon General
*The Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave
from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule
permits.
18. iCHURCH
SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MAY 15, 2016 - HUMBLE FAITH - DR.
LUKE 18:9-14:
*Brother Bill
Dickens
Key
Verse: The publican, standing afar off, would not
lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God
be merciful to me a sinner. —Luke 18:13
Introduction
One of the
unintended consequences in the evolution of cultures, societies and economies
is the practice of making distinctions among people who make up the culture or
society. The distinction is drawn based
on perception about economic, moral or intellectual differences which breed a
pretense of cultural differences. Racial
discrimination in ante-bellum and post-bellum USA fosters the mistaken notion
that caucasians command a sense of intellectual advantage over their African
counterparts. This is the basis of the
eugenics movement that was imported from Nazi Germany at the turn of the 20th
century. The practice of apartheid in
colonial and post-colonial South Africa sought to make Afrikaners a higher
evolved citizen vis-Ã -vis indigenous
black South Africans. The caste system in India (still in effect) views those
at the top of the caste pyramid as superior over those at the bottom rung
(untouchables). Sadly, this form of inter and intra discrimination has crept over into our spiritual lives.
Some churches
choose not to fellowship with others because of the perception that a “high
liturgy” form of worship is acceptable compared to a worship style fixated on
loud music, long sermons and overly energized worship protocols. Are the distinctions we impose on others
warranted? How can we avoid making
distinctions?
The Adult AME
Church School lesson seeks to answer these questions through use of a short,
but profound parable. Buckle up, because
we are in for an important Q&A. If
the shoe fits…
Bible
Lesson – Hubris vs. Humility
Our lesson for
Sunday, May, 15, 2016, opens with two men seeking a conversation with God. They offer two contrasting models. They come from two different sociological
backgrounds. One is a leader in Jewish
theology (Pharisee) and the other a leader in Jewish economic exploitation
(publican).
The Pharisee's
prayer is built on hubris, condescension and self-aggrandizement. He decides to ridicule his fellow man by
indicating he is “not like him.” This
was the first mistake. His focus should
be on giving God thanks and not engaging in character assassination comments of
his fellow man. He proceeds to use the
word “I” five times in his prayer. This
was his second mistake. His frequent and
repetitive use of the word “I” demonstrated a preference for self-absorption
about “who” he is and why he is important.
Yahweh is not
impressed with our resume!
Finally, the
Pharisee wants everyone to know how pious he is in faith and action. He fasts twice a week and is a regular
tither. This is mistake number three. Reminding Yahweh about your devotion to the
law without displaying love and fidelity to your neighbor is pseudo-piety and
empty faith.
The publican begins
his prayer and his words are few and simple.
He prays from a distance to acknowledge the deep space between him and
his Creator. He couldn’t even lift his
eyes to Heaven. In a symbol of remorse
and humility he strikes his chest with a clenched fist and pleads for God to have
mercy on him, a sinner. His humility and
lack of pompous posturing is rewarded.
The publican, unlike the Pharisee, is justified in the sight of
God. A word to the wise – “Pride always
comes before the fall.”
Bible
Application
When the Russian
army invaded Afghanistan in 1980, it led to a ten year military incursion,
which ended with Russia not accomplishing her goal.
In 2001, US forces
invaded Afghanistan and experienced a similar long incursion (15 years) with
the same outcome as Russia. These two
separate events reflect military hubris (pride). In both cases the attacking country felt it
possessed superior military might and combined with economics and military
prowess the inevitable was a foregone conclusion – victory.
However the lesson
of excessive self-confidence teaches us that arrogance and pride will never allow
us to reach our objective. Hubris
allowed David to defeat Goliath. Hubris
caused a cocky, over confident Mike Tyson to lose by knock-out to an “inferior”
opponent Buster Douglas. The moment we
think we are better than someone causes the door to be opened for upsets. There is no DNA proof that someone is
innately superior over another. The historical record of human slavery,
domination of cultures and mistreatment of people in general fosters human
inequality. God is no respecter of
persons. We would be wise to do the
same. 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
19.
MEDITATION BASED
ON DEUTERONOMY 6:1-12:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
I’m writing this Meditation after
participating in a promotional conference call for “Roots Re-imagined” - a
remake of the landmark 1977 documentary that will debut on May 30 on The History
Channel. You can find out more about it at www.rootssunday.com
Levar Burton, who rose to fame as Kunta Kinte
in the original series, was on the call in his role as an advisor to the
producers of the new version. He spoke of how he was initially skeptical
about plans to remake what was an excellent story of an American family and of
how he changed his mind after speaking with the producer of the new version.
He said that the producer spoke of showing the
original series to his children and of how his children, who understood and
appreciated it, also said how dated it appeared to be. Mr. Burton said
that the producer’s story convinced him to get involved in making an updated
version which still tells a story of American brutality and American
triumph. As he said, “our children need to know the story.”
Remember Mr. Burton’s words when it comes to
passing your story on to others. All of us want the best for our children,
and that sometimes means shielding them from reminders of the worst of human
nature. We all have a tendency to “clean up” our life stories and leave
out the rough parts when it comes to what we pass on to the growing generation.
We’d do well, however, to remember that our
children will face the same trials, setbacks and challenges that we
faced. Telling our story will help them to be prepared, for our story -
if we know the Lord - is a story of how the Lord can bless us to achieve not
because of our perfection, but in spite of our trials and imperfections.
Take the time to count your blessings, rejoice
for what God has done and pass the story of how you got over to new
generations, for all children are our children. When we tell them of the
things we’ve overcome and the battles we’ve won - not by our goodness but by
and through God’s grace - our children will have a bright future.
They can then face life’s obstacles not with
fear, but with faith, saying as did those who wore slavery’s chains, endured
Jim Crow segregation laws and found victory anyhow, “Up above my head, I see
glory in the air, there must be a God somewhere!”
*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
20.
EPISCOPAL FAMILY PRAYER REQUEST:
Prayer is requested
for Vinton Randolph Anderson, Jr. (Randy) who is ill. Brother “Randy” is the
son of the late Bishop Vinton Randolph Anderson and former Episcopal Supervisor
Vivienne Anderson.
The Anderson family
can be contacted at their home address:
22 West Sherwood
Drive
St. Louis, MO 63114
Telephone: (314)
427-2711
21.
CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- Terri
Mayes will receive a Juris Doctorate Degree
Terri Mayes will
receive a Juris Doctorate Degree from Southern University Law Center in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana. Commencement
ceremonies will be held in the F. G. Clark Activity Center on Saturday, May 7,
2016 at 10:00 a.m. Ms. Terri Mayes grew up at Canaan AME Church in Columbia
Tennessee and she is presently a member of Warren Chapel AME Church,
Chattanooga Tennessee under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Pedro Basden. Terri is the daughter of Presiding Elder, the
Rev. Dr. Terence L. Mayes Sr. and Mrs. Juliana L. Mayes of the Chattanooga
District, East Tennessee Conference.
Congratulatory
Messages may be sent to:
Dr. Terence L.
& Juliana Mayes
P.O. Box 1873
Columbia, Tennessee
38402
--
Dr. Yvonne K. Seon to receive honorary doctorate from Wilberforce University
Wilberforce
graduation is May 7, 2016. One of the
persons that will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree is an AME in the
person of Dr. Yvonne K. Seon, a member of Central Chapel AME Church in Yellow
Springs, OH located in the Columbus-Springfield-Xenia District, which makes up
the Ohio Conference in the Third Episcopal District. She is an active member at Central Chapel, a
choir member and a member of the Lay organization. She is a scholar and author; now teaching a
course at Wilberforce University. She
has published several books, she is a public speaker and the first African
American woman to be ordained in the Unitarian religion; but left them to
become an AME. Dr. Seon is the mother of
David Chapelle, the very well-known comedian.
Congratulations to Dr. Yvonne K. Seon from the
Columbus-Springfield-Xenia District.
--
The Rev. Dennis J. Hampton accepted into Doctor of Missiology degree program
Congratulations to
the Rev. Dennis J. Hampton on his acceptance into the Doctor of Missiology
degree program at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, California.
The Rev. Hampton
has a Master of Arts Degree in Global Leader from Fuller Seminary and did
undergraduate studies at Morris Brown College, Atlanta, Georgia. He is pastor
of Bethel AME Church Claremore, Oklahoma.
Congratulatory
messages may be sent to the Rev. Hampton: Cell: (918) 809-3487
22.
EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Sixth Episcopal
District regrets to inform you of the passing of Mr. James Rayburn Webb, the brother
of Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Wilma Delores Webb Williams. Services will be held
as follows:
Homegoing Service:
Saturday, May 14
12:00 Noon
Greater Mt. Calvary
Baptist Church
7538 Henry Ellen
Road
Leeds, Alabama
35094
(Pastor C.E. White
Sr.)
Burial directly
after the Homegoing Service
Moton Hill Cemetery
Family visitation
is Saturday.
23.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Presiding Elder
Emeritus Jaime Coplin Shepherd died on May 5, 2016. He entered into the ministry at an early age
and ably served the Dominican Annual Conference for several decades. The Rev.
Coplin served as the pastor of Misión David AME Church in Las Terrenas from
1993 until his transition, helping it grow to be the lead AME Church in the
Dominican Republic. From 2003-2012 he
also served as the Presiding Elder of the Northeast District and was granted
the title "Presiding Elder Emeritus" by the Annual Conference. He was delegate to several sessions of the
General Conference from 1972 to 2000.
To cherish his
memory, he leaves his wife Antonia, three sons, eight daughters, and many
grandchildren. Among his nieces and nephews is Ludovina Rodriguez, Dominican
Annual Conference MSWAWO Vice-President and wife of The Rev. Margarito
Rodriguez, pastor of New Bethel AME Church in Santo Domingo.
Services will be
held on May 6, 2016 in Misión David AME Church. Bishop John F. White is the
eulogist.
Please remember his
family in your prayers.
Condolences can be
sent to the 16th Episcopal District Office:
P.O. Box 61606
Ft. Myers, FL
33906-1606
24.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great
sadness that we announce the news of the passing of Mr. Eugene Johnson, Sr.,
the father of the Rev. Dr. Vanetta Brice, pastor of St. John AME Church in
Hughesville, MD. Brother Johnson
transitioned on Thursday, May 9, and we solicit your prayers for the Rev. Dr.
Vanetta and her family during this season.
The funeral
arrangements are as follows:
Monday, May 9, 2016
Covenant Funeral
Service
4801 Jefferson
Davis Highway
Fredericksburg, VA
22408
Visitation:
1:00-2:00 p.m.
Service: 2:00 p.m.
You may send cards
and condolences to:
The Rev. Dr.
Vanetta Brice
700 Avis Drive
Largo, MD 20774
25.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the passing of Anthony M. Clark, son of Lucille Clark of
Disney-Nichols AME Church, brother of the Rev. Dr. Theresa H. Smith, pastor of
Quinn Chapel AME Church in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey; the Rev. Diana L.
Clark, Philadelphia Conference Board of Christian Education Director; Bernadine
L. Benjamin, Mt. Tabor AME Church; Pauline Clark-Cox, Allen AME Church; and Carmen
Cary, Bethel AME Church in Ardmore, Pennsylvania.
The following
information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Friday, May 13,
2016
Viewing – 9:00 a.m.
– 11:00 a.m.
Funeral – 11:00
a.m.
Mt. Tabor AME
Church
961-71 North 7th
Street
Philadelphia, PA
19123
Telephone: (215)
574-1310/11
Pastor and
Eulogist: The Rev. Albert Johnson
Condolences may be
sent to:
The Rev. Diana L.
Clark
9200 Bustleton
Ave. Apt. 1411
Philadelphia, PA
19144
Telephone: (215)
479-8356
Email:
dlclark1st@comcast.net
Fax: (215) 613-6469
Or
Mrs. Lucille Clark
548 W. Manheim
Street
Philadelphia, PA
19115
26.
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
27. 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
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