The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour. Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Bishop Ingram, Dr. Barbour and I thank you for your support of The Christian Recorder Online. We have had of 10,000 "hits" on the Website since we started it in September.
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
Appended below are readers’ thoughts about Holy Communion and who serves it in the African Methodist Episcopal Church
- The Reverend Granville Reed:
In reading the Discipline, I find that Holy Communion is a sacrament. Sacraments can be administered by ordained clergy. It would be improper for a lay person to distribute elements of the Holy Communion.
- The Reverend Dr. Joseph Darby
Let me throw my two cents worth in on whether Stewards and Licentiates can serve Communion after consecration. The Book of Discipline says, "The duties of a Deacon are to preach the Word of God, assist the Elder in distributing the Communion; and, in the absence of the Elder, administer the Sacrament of Baptism, perform the rite of matrimony, and be a guardian of the church's laws (2000 edition, page 112)."
I believe that the Discipline spells that out to make it plain that the distribution of Communion is a job assigned to ordained clergy. Laity (like Stewardesses) can handle the elements, and must do so to prepare them for consecration and to replenish them, but distribution should be done by ordained clergy. The argument that Stewards and Licentiates can distribute Communion because the Discipline doesn't say they can't is creative. By that argument, however,
then Stewards and Licentiates could also do Baptisms and perform marriages. The Discipline doesn't say they can't, and they're also duties assigned to Deacons in the passage noted above! I think we simply need to remember that Deacons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church are Ordained Clergy, and not borrow from other traditions where Deacons are viewed in a different light and could arguably be compared to Stewards in our Zion. We also need to resist the temptation to speed up Communion because we have licentiates available. Morris Brown AME Church currently has two, but they don't distribute Communion. If we call ourselves AME's, then we ought to know what we believe and what we practice, and not bend it for the sake of convenience or to be like others to draw members!
The Reverend William Howard Smith
I'm depending on my memory, and yes, I do recall that stewards assisted in the distribution of the elements of the Lord's Supper where I grew up. During my time in graduate school, one of the refreshing events that I participated in was the chapel services and the giving of the Lords Supper. We used the common cup. In later years, after the elements were consecrated by the pastor of a United Methodist Church, the elements were distributed later by lay people. The sick were visited and given the elements by lay people. The result was the congregation grew! Visitations were beign done by persons other than the pastor.
You've got me to thinking now!
- The Reverend Al Paris
I don't think that it is necessary address this issue in The Discipline because the Service of Ordination and The Service of Holy Communion clearly define the offices of Deacon and Elder and the Authority of each. When ordaining Deacons, the Bishop states the office of deacon, "It appertaineth to the office of a Deacon to assist the Elder in Divine Service. And especially when he/she administers the Holy Communion, to help him/her in the distribution thereof..."
Then the Bishop laying his/her hands one each candidate for the office of Deacon says, "Take thou authority to execute the office of Deacon in the Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen." It is significant that the Bishop does not convey the "authority to administer the holy sacrament in the congregation" as he/she does in the Ordination of Elders.
At that moment, the Deacon has the authority to "assist the Elder in Divine Service when he / she administers the Holy Communion" and to "help him/her in the distribution thereof."
The Service of the Holy Communion is clear concerning the role of the Elder by stating repeatedly, "The Elder shall . . .” However there still remains the question of: "Does the Elder have the authority to direct the Deacon or Licentiate is to perform any act during the Service of Holy Communion?"
Traditionally our elders allow Deacons to assist in everything except consecration of the elements. As a Deacon, my pastor allowed me to assist in this manner under his direct supervision. This was done, as he stated, as part of my training process. This was very helpful to me when I became an Elder.
Other verbal comments heard
"What about the churches in the rural areas? I am thinking about churches in remote locations such as in Districts 14 – 20 where ordained elders are far removed from their parishes. Should Communion be denied them because there is not an Elder in the area?"
"We are a global church and should think globally when we address issue such as this. Too often we think parochially and what might work here in the mainstream of the United States does not work in third-world countries. Update and change are not 'bad words.'"
"I am glad that we are talking about this issue. And while I am at it, we need to update the some of the language in the Book of Discipline. What is 'Appertaineth' and when did you ever hear anyone use that word in a conversation? I came across that word when I was researching the issue."
"The Book of Discipline does not state as a prohibition that Stewards and licentiates cannot distribute Communion. The Discipline addresses the consecration issue, not the distribution issue."
2. GIVING OF OUR BEST TO RURAL CHURCHES
By George R. La Sure, D.Min.
“…unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…”Lk.12.48b KJV
Rural and small membership churches comprise the undeniable backbone of our great Zion, the African Methodist Episcopal Church. No matter where they might be located, they are an integral part of the larger church. More than likely, their status (congregation size and location) are not likely to change much in the foreseeable future. They are likely to remain rural or small membership churches.
When pastors are appointed to rural and small membership churches there is just as much a need for them to have a vision, a plan and a commitment to serve as there would be if a pastor were assigned to a larger church (500 plus membership) in a major city. When the new pastor enters the door the parishioners in rural churches are expecting competent leadership to assist them in meeting their future needs and goals.
More likely in rural churches it might be that no specific or identifiable goals have been appropriately identified via any structured or disciplined planning process, ever. A pastor, literally, will have to “take the bull by the horns and steer” the rural and small membership church in a direction that will ensure its maximum potential for growth and development in the next three to five years. In order for appropriate planning and execution activity to take place, the pastor must make a personal commitment to stay the course (in that church) for three to five years to provide the leadership and presence that the rural and small membership churches so sorely need. When the people feel that the pastor will be there for a considerable period of time, they will more willingly invest their time and energy to get the job done. They will embrace a needed sense of continuity of purpose.
The pastor of the rural and small membership church must accept his/her pastoral assignment as a Godly challenge to promote individual integrity and spiritual wholeness and, to positively impact the communities where they serve. The pastor has an opportunity to teach the congregation the background and the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and, to appropriately relate that history to the specific setting of that particular church. The
pastor also has the opportunity to explain the Doctrine and the Discipline of the A.M.E. Church in a way that the parishioners “get on board” with the Connectional Church and begin to gain a significant understanding that they are “a part” and not “set apart.”
An effective rural and small membership church pastor must have the theological training and background sufficient to provide effective leadership and ministry for the congregants as they implement strategies that are geared toward improving their present spiritual condition as they make plans for purposeful growth in the future. The day is past and gone for “paste and patch” rural and small membership church ministry. Our future rural and small membership church growth requires that we critically review and analyze our present rural and small membership church condition and, to prepare an appropriate statement of strategy will undergird its future health and growth.
In the years to come, the health and the wholeness of the A.M.E. Church will be dependent upon a healthy rural and small membership church. The AMEC can no longer “make do” with its current rationale for making rural and small membership church assignments. We must put forth our very best effort to send the best qualified and committed pastors that we have. The landscape for the rural and small membership church is changing. We must be able to recognize the change and make appropriate preparation for sound future growth and development. No matter where our people are located, they deserve the very best that we have.
3. THE SOUTH NASHVILLE DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
The South Nashville District Conference of the A.M.E. Church will take place on February 25 - 26, 2005 at Jones Chapel Church, Mt Pleasant, Tennessee.The Conference will open at 7 p.m. next Friday with a worship service. The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee, is the scheduled preacher. Reverend Sydnor transferred from the Virginia Annual Conference where she served as pastor of Holly Grove AME Church in Windsor, Virginia. She also served on the Board of Examiners. She also served as the Director of Counseling Services at Hampton University, Hampton, Virginia and was an AME endorsed chaplain for the Veterans Administration.
Reverend Sydnor holds a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Sociology from Fayetteville State University (Fayetteville, North Carolina), a Master of Religious Studies from Central Baptist Seminary (Kansas City, Kansas) and a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary (Washington, DC). She has done post-graduate studies at Baylor University in Biblical Studies and did additional studies at North Carolina State University.
On Saturday various workshops will be presented, according to the Reverend Troy Merritt, the Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District. He served as pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee prior to being appointed to provide pastoral oversight and leadership to 26 churches.
The closing worship service will feature the preaching of the Reverend Roderick Dewayne Belin, a native of Nashville, Tennessee, He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Morehouse College, Atlanta, Georgia and the Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
He excelled in his academic pursuits and earned numerous awards and recognition for his scholarship and musical abilities. As a young man, he committed his life to God as a servant leader in the furtherance of kingdom excellence. He has served as youth pastor, assistant pastor and executive administrator for the St. Phillip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia and the Greater Allen Cathedral AME in Jamaica, New York.
Reverend Belin has been embraced nationally and internationally as a preacher, teacher, workshop leader and conference convener.
Prior to transferring to the 13th Episcopal District, he pastored Williams Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Reverend Belin’s pastoral appointment is to organize a new congregation in the Williamson and Davidson County area.
Reverend Belin’s father, Retired Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr., once pastored St. Paul AME Church in Columbia, Tennessee.
4. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
- Dear Sirs:
A friend gave me some copies of the Christian Recorder which I found very interesting, well-written and enjoyable. Enclosed is my check in the amount of $26.00 for a subscription.
May God continue to bless and strengthen you.
Sister C. B. Hackshaw
East Elmhurst, NY
- Dear Editor:
I want to congratulate you and your staff on the editions of The Christian Recorder. The beautiful picture of our Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie was so queenly.
Teddy’s story brought tears to my eyes as I read it. It again reminded me of my card class teacher, Mrs. Garner when I was five years old (I am now 86). The flip chart she used that matched the card she gave us each Sunday. Sunday School became a part of who I am doing through the years, and I never, ever forgot her. I have told this story everywhere I have been. I wanted to be like her. She made Jesus come alive in my heart.
I used some of her tactics in a Bible study class on “The Bad Girls in the Bible” and dressed up like Jezebel. The Holy Spirit came down as we talked about God’s love.
Yours Truly in Christ,
Mary B. Cross Blake
- Dear Dr. Sydnor
Thank God you are the Editor of the oldest, continuously published, black religious paper in the country. I eagerly anticipate receiving my copies of the Recorder because your editorials are extremely informative and contain useful and interesting data about the Bible, the Church, and what it teaches.
I hope that the Episcopal Districts will cooperate and will submit their news in a timely manner for publication.
I have two items I would like to submit for your consideration:
(1). The office of the Ecumenical Bishop and the duties of said office. When and why was it established?
(2) Your editorial regarding Dr. Frank M. Reid’s letter to The Baltimore Sun, you stated that he had pointed out the problems without listing any solutions.
My copy of the article in the Baltimore Sun listed a number of solutions that I considered “workable.” Your comments regarding the solutions?
Linda J. Bolding
St. James AME Temple
Dallas, Texas
EDITOR’S RESPONSE:
Thank you for your kind letter and the questions.
(1) I called Bishop R. Vinton Anderson, who retired at the last General Conference and who served superbly as the Ecumenical Officer 1984 – 1988.
The Office of the Ecumenical Bishop was established in 1968. Bishop Frederick D. Jordan was the first Ecumenical Officer. Bishop E. Earl McCloud Jr. is the currently assigned Ecumenical Bishop.
The Ecumenical Bishop is the endorsing authority for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and in that capacity endorses chaplains to serve in the Armed Forces, federal prisons, and the Veterans Administration. Additionally, the Ecumenical Officer is also the Church’s representative to all ecumenical agencies to include the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches and the Consultation on Church Union (COCU).
Bishop Anderson served as the Vice President of the National Conference of Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) and for almost eights years served as the President of the World Council of Churches. The Ecumenical office is also the Church’s liaison to the world Methodist bodies. The position of the Ecumenical Officer is significant and the assigned bishops have represented us well. Bishop McKinley Young also held significant positions in the World and National Council of Churches as well as with NCMAF.
In addition to Bishop Anderson, Bishops McKinley Young, Frederick H. Talbot, and H. Hartford Brookins also served as the Ecumenical Officer. The late Bishop Frederick Jordan and the late Bishop Harold Bearden also served as the Ecumenical Officer for the AME Church.
(2) The Baltimore Sun article quoted Dr. Frank Reid as referring to the AME Church as being demonic, along other issues that he raised. I saw the issues he raised, but I did not see any proposed tangible solutions (and that may have been his intent). And especially, I did not see anything in the article which indicated to me that he was trying to work within the denomination to address issues within the system, i.e., working with Strategic Planning initiative.
In my opinion, the AME Church is a wonderful God-filled, Bible-believing Church with a wonderful Book of Discipline whose rules we need to follow. I do not believe that the AME Church is demonic. I would not remain a member of an organization that I felt was demonic.
I hope that my responses to your questions help. We will be writing more on both of these issues.
- Dear Sir:I began reading the Editorial – “A New Year’s Resolution: “Hands – It’s Important How You use them by Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III in the December 20,2004 issue of The Christian Recorder, and to my dismay I found that the article was to be continued on page 7 is nowhere to found on page 7.
If possible, please rerun this editorial in its entirety.
William Bryant
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
EDITOR'S RESPONSE:
Thank you for your letter and I am happy that you enjoyed reading the article. The omission of part of the article was done in error. It was a glitch I failed to catch. We corrected that article in the next issue.
5. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The homegoing Services for Mr. Herbert C. Rouse, Sr., brother of Presiding Elder Ernest Rouse, will be Friday, February 18, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia.
Messages may be sent to Rev. Rouse:
2210 Division Street
Mobile, AL 36617
Ph. 251-456-9065
Or
Mrs. Lillian Rouse
1731 Essie McIntyre Blvd.
Augusta, GA. 30904
Ph: 706-733-7623
Kinney & Walton Funeral Home
3618 Peach Orchard
Augusta, GA 30906
Ph: 706-790-8858
Please remember the Rouse family in your prayers.
6. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES ARE SUBMITTED BY:
God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'S
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
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