Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER
- Letters to the Editor
Dr. Sydnor
I always look forward to the Christian Recorder Online, but this issue was particularly overflowing with wonderful information. The review of the book, "I Told the Mountain to Move" by Patricia Raybon was excellent and has inspired me to purchase the book as a resource as I also work through personal, family and spiritual struggles. The road to maturity, while dealing with various life issues, can be quite challenging and perhaps Ms. Raybon's experiences can shed some light on how prayer helped her to deal with living from day to day. Prayer can move mountains, but sometime we need to hear (or read) a new testimony that will give us all a renewed faith to know that trouble don't last always and that weeping may endure for the night, but joy DOES come in the morning.
Also, I enjoyed reading the review by Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield about the Pentecost Celebration in Tennessee in which my Pastor, Rev. Walter Winstead Reid Jr. of St. James AME, Memphis is a member of the Tennessee Pentecost Revival Committee. Excellent review!
Finally, I look forward to working with my Pastor Reid as we carry out the mission and focus of the 2005 AME Quadrennial Theme of “Living Well". I eagerly await the resource book that will show us all how to kick aside those stumbling blocks to living an abundant life. Bishop McKenzie is absolutely correct when she said AME members are seeking answers to many questions such as "How do I keep from losing my mind in a crazy world?" or "How do I address certain relationship issues?" And since I have teenage sons, the question about "where does the Hip-Hop generation fit in" is of particular interest.
I trust each AME will take on a personal mission to embrace these issues and work within the church to keep the AME Church strong and productive as each of us deal with the everyday lifestyle challenges of living well, serving well, managing well, and finishing well. For too long we have just been getting by; now it's time -- it's past time -- for each of us to have life and to have it more abundantly.
Sister Beverly T. Goines
St. James AME Church
Memphis, TN
- Graduation
Good Morning Doctor Sydnor,
Ms Lisa Wilkes, a member of Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Randalls Town, Maryland of The Washington Conference of the Second Episcopal District was one of the ladies featured in one of the Women’s Edition of The Christian Recorder in March 2005.
Lisa graduated Magna Cum Laude, with honors from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society, Honors Program, and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. To God be the Glory! She received other honorary awards at an Awards Program for the Honor students on Saturday night that are too numerous to mention. She has several things lined up, but stated, she'll see how that goes, but she's seriously considering the Masters Program in Journalism in the spring or fall.
Thank you again for words of congratulations, and all of your love and support. I'm a little overwhelmed today, my heart is very full of joy, unspeakable joy, and all I can say is, To God Be the Glory!!
God Bless,
The Wilkes Family
- Correction
President of the AME Chaplain Association should have been listed as a Connection Officer. The President of the AME Chaplain Association is the Reverend Leodis Strong, Veteran Affairs Chaplain.
2. SISTER JEANETTE JOHNS’ SHARES HER THOUGHTS ABOUT HER MOTIVATION AND COMMITMENT TO ASSIST THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER IN PROVIDING SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR THE 20TH EPISCOPAL AND OTHER OVERSEAS DISTRICTS AS A TRIBUTE TO HER LATE HUSBAND, THE REVEREND CLARENCE B. JOHNS, JR.:
Editor’s note: I am expecting to hear financially from some of my family members today. I was thinking about how all of this came to fruition and thought about how much I appreciate the dedication and commitment of Sister Jeanette Johns. She “jumped on this project” and left me at the “starting gate.” I am out of the gate now and my family has sent an offering for this project, which I have expanded to get the brick making machine. I will keep you informed. Our son, Dr. Calvin IV, his wife, Joanna, and his partner in practice, Dr. Ernest told me that the checks are in the mail. I also have other financial commitments from two other Episcopal districts.
How all of this got started
Bishop Wilfred Messiah wrote that none of the pastors in his district had formal theological training. Sister Johns responded, “That was, at first reading, surprising to hear when we have so many educational requirements for our pastors here in the USA. They are all A.M.E. pastors, yet look at the difference in their training.”
Sister Johns responded to the challenge, “Circumstances where Bishop Messiah presides probably make it impossible for these pastors to accomplish this necessary training, yet their Bishop realizes the necessity and importance of it. This simply points out to me once more that we take so much for granted here in America. We really do!”
She went on to share, “I was a scholarship student when I attended Hampton Institute/University, so I am well aware of what personal encouragement and monetary assistance can mean to one who needs it at any given time. Since then I have always tried to ‘give back’ or maybe the better term is to ‘pay it forward’ because of the kindness that has come my way over those years and the ensuing ones. I'm wondering now what $100 can do. Re-reading his message, I see that Bishop Messiah needs "hard copies of the Christian Recorder" and other A.M.E. publications. Scrolling back up to your # 1 article, I see how to subscribe to A.M.E. Church Periodicals. So, now I'm thinking that $100 could supply a few copies of the "Christian Recorder". That's a start. And if I can ask a couple of my friends (non-A.M.E.s) to join me in this project, maybe I could collect enough for another few subscriptions to A.M.E. publications. Hmmmmmm. I'm thinking ‘This could work quite well.’”
Immediately, sister Johns asked me, “Please let me know how to make out the check so that it will be tax deductible. I ask this because I know my friends will ask.”
She continued, “I'd probably never act upon this on my own, but to know that you and your wife, Charlotte will take this on personally through family and friends - well, that rang a really LOUD bell in my memory. When my husband, the Reverend Clarence B. Johns, Jr., was pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Rockville Centre, NY a complete new church was built with a small congregation of about 75 people on roll. Of those, maybe 30-40 appeared at church on a "good" Sunday. Of those, about 15 were really the ones who held steadfast to the project of building a new church. Their original church had been demolished during the Urban Renewal days and a lot of years had elapsed after that happened before the "right" pastor got there to see that the Building Program got proper attention.
The people were, understandably, very discouraged so there were only those few who still felt strong enough to put their confidence in this brand-new pastor, St. Paul being his first assigned church, and support his ideas and move onward and upward. It had been important to him to get the basic building up so that the congregation could move into it and hold services there instead of in the Community Center where they had been for years, paying rent all that time. That was accomplished in a relatively short time and in a few more short years, he left them with a beautiful edifice with stained glass windows replacing the original ones that had been plain; a complete A/C system, also added after completion of the basic building; a useful stage in the lovely Fellowship Hall, and a completely DEBT-FREE church. What I need you to understand about this is that in addition to those 15 or so members, CB and I called upon every relative and every friend we ever knew to help in this situation. We had our own "list" and labels were made and waiting to be applied to envelopes containing info about any fundraiser or any letter I decided to write (for the pastor) that I thought would bring in a few more dollars. And family and friends came forth, meeting our every request. For instance, there are names on those stained glass windows that only a few will recognize and when they do it will be said that they were relatives and friends of the Johns. The same is true about names that will be seen in Journals, etc.
So, I really am impressed with the fact that the Editor of The Christian Recorder will take on this project and include your wife, because I'll bet you didn't even have to ask her. (Editor’s note: I didn’t ask her). You just knew that she would support your efforts and I dare say she'll see this first in "CR Online," (Editor’s note: That’s when she saw it) just as I did. How close did I come to the truth on that one? Well, I'll support you, too. Please include me in!
I want so much to make a substantial contribution to this effort and I have conceived the idea of doing it as a memorial to my late husband, who believed strongly that whenever someone stands in the pulpit to bring the Word of God to the people, that person should be well prepared for this awesome task. That's why he spent so many years in formal study, plus his 5:00 a.m. studies and many hours during the day, as well as at night.
That's why he read the Bible in its ENTIRETY each year of his life from college days until his death at age 78. I think this would be a fitting tribute to him.
Regarding the results of her "grass roots" effort:
I am pleased to send you the results of my "project" regarding subscriptions for "The A.M.E. Christian Recorder" for the purpose of assisting the overseas Episcopal Districts. These subscriptions will fill the request of Bishop Messiah, with the overflow copies being distributed as you see fit.
The request I made to my relatives and friends was that they make their contributions as a tribute to my deceased husband, the Reverend Clarence B.
Johns, Jr., who believed strongly that one that stands behind the pulpit to deliver God's Word to God’s people should be as well prepared as possible. He made every effort to keep himself well prepared to preach the gospel.
My personal goal for this effort was 30 copies. Knowing that you and your wife had already contributed 10 subscriptions, I felt sure that I could get another 30 subscriptions paid for, which would give us a few extras to work with. I am SO happy to report that these supportive relatives and friends have donated a sum that will purchase a total of 48 subscriptions to "The Christian Recorder.” I know that they will be appreciated on many levels and I deem this a worthy tribute to my late husband.
Sincerely,
Jeanette T. Johns
3. THE “WE BELIEVE’ TOUR IN THE WEST KENTUCKY!
April 15-17, 2005 Presiding Elder Linda Faye Thomas-Martin and the Louisville-Paducah District hosted our Episcopates Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. Our BELIEVE Tour of Churches ignited as far south as Greater Taylor Chapel AMEC, Franklin, KY (Reverend Donzella Lee, Pastor) and concluded at Embry Chapel, Elizabethtown, KY (Reverend Jeff Ellis, Pastor). We are so grateful to our visionary leadership team for their guidance and inspiration during our district visitation. Witnessing history in the making as the first female Presiding Elder of the 13th Episcopal District and the first female Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church set the churches on fire. Every congregation was so excited and honored to have Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan visit their churches. Members of St. Paul, Louisville, KY, (Reverend Gene Gallon, Pastor) and St. Paul, Woodburn, KY, (Sister Valeria Smith, Pastor) stated that this was the first time in their church history that a Bishop thought enough of their churches to come and visit them. Bishop McKenzie said to us that “The BELIEVE Tour of Churches goal is to visit every church to pray and fellowship so that we become familiar with where our members worship, work, and witness. “
As the McKenzie’s, arrived they greeted everyone with a holy kiss and hug as they always do. They reemphasized to each church that “If we BELIEVE, God is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.” They encouraged everyone to attend the “Set the House on Fire” Revival that was held in the Lexington, Kentucky on May 13-14, 2005. The Reverend Dr. Walter Malone, Jr., Pastor of Canaan Christian Church, Louisville, KY, was the revivalist.
Addressing the Board of Examiners, Bishop McKenzie challenged the students to complete seminary, and prepare themselves with the knowledge and skills needed to have a successful ministry. She stated that, “A Doctor goes to medical school, a Lawyer must goes to law school, and the Board of Examiners are there to prepare us for what to come.” She shared her wisdom with the class, and how she had to prioritize in order to become an effective minister.
Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan also recruited young adults to participate in the Gospel Hip-Hop Ministry led by Sister Vashti Jasmine McKenzie, and the Afternoon at the Apollo (Talent Search) at the Christian Education Congress, Galt House Hotel, Louisville, KY, July 19-22, 2005. Our erudite, Supervisor Stan McKenzie, presented each church with a historical book on the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The members were so honored just to be in their presence.
WE BELIEVE that under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie the 13th Episcopal District will begin the process of rebuilding and restoring itself. All praises to God for shining upon our district and blessing us with Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie. While traveling the district she visited sixteen churches in one weekend, Quinn Chapel AMEC, Louisville, KY (the Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden, Pastor), Young’s Chapel AMEC, Louisville, KY (the Rev. Jermaine Wilson, Pastor), Asbury Chapel AMEC, Louisville, KY (the Reverend Kenneth Love, Pastor), Bethel AMEC, Shelbyville, KY (the Rev. Wallace Gunn, Pastor), Taylor Chapel AMEC, Bowling Green, KY (the Rev. A. J. Holman, Pastor), Ward’ s Chapel AMEC, Scottsville, KY (the Rev. Tobias Pace, Pastor), St. Paul, Owensboro, KY (the Rev. Etta Garth, Pastor), Trinity AMEC, Louisville, KY (the Rev. David Chavous, Pastor), Greater St.
James AMEC, Louisville, KY (the Rev. Jr. R. Williams, Pastor), New Covenant Community AMEC, Louisville, KY (the Rev. Alvin Herring, Pastor), and St. John AMEC, Louisville, KY (the Reverend Frank Price, Pastor). “What A Mighty God We Serve”! The district visitation left the people inspired and more motivated than ever before to rebuild the walls of the 13th Episcopal District.
Thanks be to God for the vision, vitality, and vigilance of our Episcopates Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. “Eyes have not seen nor ears heard all that the Lord has in store for the 13th Episcopal District,” FOR, WE BELIEVE!
Submitted by Sister Lula Martin, Writer
4. BISHOP McCLOUD TO ADDRESS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE:
Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. will be the keynote speaker on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at 8:30 a.m. for The 10th Annual Economic Empowerment Conference of The Collective Banking Group, Inc.
The Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Jr. is the 127th Bishop of the worldwide African Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc., elected and consecrated during the 46th Quadrennial Convention. Bishop McCloud directs the Office of Ecumenical and Urban Affairs, overseeing the Economic Division, and is the Endorsing Agent of the A.M.E. Church. He represents our Zion on The World Council of Churches, National Council of Churches, and Pan-Methodist Coop and Union.
A record of honorable service in the United States Army from 1974 -1982 has earned Bishop McCloud the respect of AME Chaplains and the responsibility of command over the church’s ecumenical ministry. He brings to this position a philosophy of servant leadership, rooted in Christian faith.
In virtually every major economic indicator, African Americans seriously lag behind other ethnic groups. The Collective Banking Group, Inc. (CBG) forcefully advocates the black church as the most effective vehicle to bring about economic empowerment, wealth building, and a community of educated consumers.The CBG, a Christian ministry, draws together leaders from the faith, business, and public service sectors to develop and enhance economic empowerment strategies for our members and communities they serve. According to Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver, President, and Pastor of Greater Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bowie, MD noted, “We are very fortunate that our County Executive, The Honorable Jack Johnson, recognizes the historic importance of faith entities working collectively with business, government and community development corporations. As our Honorary Chair, Mr. Johnson lends his vision for regional empowerment.”
For many member churches and historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, the conference provides empowered networking with area banks, economic advocates, venture capitalists, home buying experts, auto dealerships and government officials. Since its inception, The Collective Banking Group, Inc. has continuously grown to its present membership, representing more than 150 churches, more than 200,000 persons. As of 2004, CBG member churches have been approved for more than $100 million in loans and have on deposit in excess of $130 million with their banking partners.
“This Christian ministry draws together leaders from the faith, business, and public service sectors to develop and enhance economic empowerment strategies for our members and communities they serve,” said Reverend Dr. Diane H. Johnson, Conference Chair, and Pastor of Jerusalem African Methodist Episcopal Church, Clinton, MD.
The conference is schedule for June 3-4, 2005 in Prince George's County, MD. Other speakers include Elder Matthew L. Brown, Superintendent for the Church of God In Christ, Buffalo, New York; Reverend Jesse L. Jackson; Jim Clingman, author, Blackonomics; Dean Crawford Jones, Howard University School of Divinity (Ret.); Reverend Dr. Florida Morehead, Shalom Christian Ministries Center; and many others.
For conference information or to register, visit the CBG website: www.CollectiveBankingGroup.org.
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
Conference Consultants
FIBRE Internationale LLC.
www.TheEnterpriZe.com
5. PENTECOST REVIVAL AT QUINN CHAPEL, LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY “SET THE HOUSE ON FIRE!”
Can you imagine anyone suggesting to “Set the House on Fire” on Friday, May 13th? Well that is exactly what happened at the Greater Quinn Chapel AME Church located at 744 Charles Avenue in Lexington, Kentucky. It happened something like this: Friday, May 13th - 6:45 pm, the people of the Lexington District, Kentucky Conference began gathering in the sanctuary anticipating the arrival of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie, Presiding Elder Ralph E. Johnson and First Lady Mrs. Patricia Johnson of Kentucky Conference.
The host Pastor- the Reverend Dr. E. Holmes Matthews, Jr. with a warm and friendly smile greeted each person as they arrived. First Lady Sister Loretta Matthews also stood vigil with a smile that lit up the sanctuary as she greeted and chatted with members of the Kentucky Conference.
The occasion was the Pentecost Revival with the guest preacher being the prominent leader and prolific visionary The Reverend Dr. Walter Malone, Jr., Pastor of Canaan Christian Church in Louisville, Kentucky.
Excitement was in the air as the people ranging in age 90 years to 22 months whispered amongst themselves. Truly it was a sight to behold as the Pastors and their spouses arrived looking like Sunday Morning in the AME Church.
7:25 pm - the suspense was ended when the Bishop with the expected guest, the Reverend Dr. Walter Malone, Jr, arrived. Dr. Malone a native of Tennessee has an impressive background. He attended Fisk University and later Nashville’s American Baptist College. He received his Master of Divinity Degree from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and received his Doctorate of Ministry from the United Theological Seminary. During his studies, Dr. Malone also became a Samuel D. Proctor-Otis Moss, Jr. Fellow.
He is also the author of two books – An Operative Faith for an Oppressed People (a collection of sermons about how Christian faith is nurtured in the lives of people who are oppressed by sin) and From Holy Power to Holy Profits that deals with the responsibility of the church to engage in community development.
7:30 pm the Worship Leader for the Praise service was the Reverend William R. T. Hale, Pastor of Barnes Temple Church in Elsmere, Kentucky. He set the tempo for the Praise Service as he invoked the presence of the Holy Spirit to fall fresh on us. The Inspirational singing was provided by the West Kentucky Conference Choir under the direction of Brother Troy Bell.
8:00 pm the Pentecost Revival began with the Reverend Kenneth E. Paris, St. Paul, Lexington, as Worship Leader. Call to Worship was given by the host pastor, the Reverend Dr. E. Holmes Matthews, Jr. The Hymn was lined by the Reverend A. J. Holman, Taylor Chapel, Bowling Green. All present sang loudly and boldly “We Praise Thee O God…Revive Us Again.” Prayer offered by the Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden, Quinn Chapel, Louisville.
The West Kentucky Conference Choir selection was “Lord We Lift Your Name on High.” The Old Testament was read from Leviticus 6:8 -13 by The Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode, St. John, Frankfort. The New Testament from I Thessalonians 5:12 -19 was read by the Reverend Geoffrey Ellis, Embry Chapel, Elizabethtown.
“Setting the House on Fire” was taken to a higher level as Bishop McKenzie led the congregants in cheering “Ain’t No Party like a Holy Ghost Party – Cause a Holy Ghost Party Don’t Stop.” It is true, really true. When the praises go up, the blessings come down. The congregation shouted, they cried, they sang, they moaned, they moved, they clapped, they danced – the drums, the guitars – the pianos – the organ - there “Ain’t no Party like a Holy Ghost Party.”
The history-making first female Presiding Elder of the 13th Episcopal District, the Reverend Linda Martin, of the West Kentucky Conference then presented the Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie with a most colorful introduction. She introduced Bishop McKenzie as “one of the best people that I know.” “In the words of Tina Turner Simply the Best – Better than all the rest – Better than anyone!”
Bishop McKenzie then in turn presented the Preacher of the hour, Dr. Malone. She praised God for those who came to participate in the “Flow of the Holy Spirit” using a Devotional Guide prepared by the School of Prophets to culminate the reading and studying of the devotional guide for the past 50 days. Bishop reminded us that we have the faith to believe that God can do beyond our imagination. She admonished us to “leave this place on fire.” Ignite wherever you go. She admonished the Pastors “when you get to church on Sunday NO MORE BUSINESS AS USUAL!”
The Sermonic Selection by the West Kentucky Conference Choir “We Need to Hear from You” followed by the “Covered by the Believers Prayer” Dr. Malone greeted the group with Jesus Joy. His subject was “It’s A Blessing in Disguise,” from Genesis 39:1-6. Key points in the message: “When the trials, troubles and tribulations come our way, that’s when our faith comes in. It becomes a matter of trust. Do you trust God only when things are clicking or when all hell breaks loose? Trials are only for a season. You have to go through it because if you don’t, you won’t know what you know. You have to make the best of a bad situation. The question is Can you shout while you are going through it? Anyone can shout when they come out of it. It is a blessing in disguise. It doesn’t matter what you are going through, if God is on your side, God can take what looks like a bad situation and turn it around. The fire you felt here – the fire you received – it started with us and we ought not to lose it.”
Following the very inspiring, motivating and soul searching sermon, the Invitation to Christian Discipleship was given; closing remarks by Bishop McKenzie and the benediction by Dr. Malone. The house was packed with pastors and members from the Kentucky and West Kentucky Conference in attendance.
Remember I began with a question, Can you imagine telling someone to “Set the House on Fire on Friday the 13th? Well, if you know anything about building a fire, you know that you have to lay the foundation; a little rolled paper, some kindling and a few pieces of coal until it catches and then you can add the more coal. After the fire is burning you have to stoke it, poke it, stir it up and keep it burning. You have to keep adding coals to the fire and then you have to watch it because it can “Set the House on Fire!”
Are we ready to build a fire? Can we “Set the House on Fire?” Do we have what it takes to build a Fire? Can we keep the fire burning? “The fire must be kept burning – it must not go out! DO NOT PUT OUT THE SPIRIT’S FIRE!
Submitted by Sister Doris J. Coffey – Reporter for the Kentucky Conference
The Reverend Ralph E. Johnson – Presiding Elder
6. THE PASTOR'S CORNER:
Going Forward With God Our Guide for the Journey
12I have much to say to you, more than you can now bear. 13But when He, the Spirit of truth, come, He will guide you into all truth…14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and giving it to you. (John 16: 12-14)
So often we believe we have been left to navigate the course of life on our own. We feel sometimes that God has commanded us in "what" to live, but has left us to figure out for ourselves "how" to live. Jesus promised He would not leave us as orphans. God loves us and has not forsaken or left us on our own. God desires we walk with Him in an intimate, hand-in-hand relationship. He sent the Holy Spirit to be our guide through this journey called life. He's given us a "Guide for the Journey!"
Years ago, my wife, Corlis and I took a two-week vacation in Europe to visit my brother who was a "U.S. Army" officer stationed in Germany. We had an idea of the things we wanted to do and see while there but we had very little knowledge about how to accomplish our list. So it is in life. We frequently know the "what", but we lack the knowledge of "how!" My "Big Brother" arranged to have us travel always with a guide - one who leads or directs another in his way. So it is with "Big Brother" Jesus. He has sent to us the One who directs us in our conduct or course of life.
Our guide was extremely valuable as we traveled.
1. Our guide showed/led us to our destinations - Being able to follow the One who not only knows which destinations are proper for us, but also the way to arrive, removes so much of the pressure of our journey. Our Guide shares with us the understanding of the Father's hand in our circumstances in such a way that we experience the new life that is ours through Jesus Christ.
2. Our guide directed us in how to conduct ourselves - The Father intends for us to experience great joy in our journey. The "Comforter" (One who walks beside us) constantly gives us direction on the choices we face. With all of the alternatives available to choose from, He gives us the "mind of Christ" (I Corinthians 1: 16) to serve as our conscience as we choose.
3. Our guide protected us from potential dangers - We are in a constant battle against unseen spiritual forces that would destroy us on this journey called "life." The Holy Spirit interprets for us the road map (God's Word) to prevent us from becoming lost, isolated, and vulnerable to destructive forces, attitudes, and actions.
So, how do we contract with the "Guide" who is available to lead us in our journey? David demonstrated how to have God's guidance in his petition to God in Psalm 25: 4-5.
4a – Show me your ways
4b – Teach me your paths
5a – Guide and teach me in your truth
5b – Be my Savior this day.
To receive God's guidance, just ask! The God who created us and loves us so much He sent His Son to die to save us is waiting to be "Our Guide for the Journey!"
Pastor Jim Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
7. ARTIST, SONGWRITER, AND AUTHOR LEAVES LEGACY, REV. J. MORRIS METZE:
Irmo, S.C. - The “Glory to God, Guarding our Legacy Celebration” was a triumphant success which occurred on May 14, 2005. Officiating at the historic event in African Methodism was the Rev. Dr. William Smith, Jr. Presiding Elder of the Columbia District. The service’s “call to worship” was an original piece written for the occasion called “Glory to God.” The invocation was another original piece called the “Prayer of Exultations” an interactive prayer which captured the moment and hearts of all present led by Rev. Rhudene Reeves-Toomer pastor of Elisha AME Church, Sliverstreet, SC. Both the call to worship and the prayer were written by Rev. J. Morris Metze.
The unveiling of the limited series print “Glory to God, Guarding our Legacy” was done by Mrs. Angela Harthone-Smith, First Lady of the Columbia District and Mrs. Sandra Anderson, First Lady of St. Paul AME Church. Mrs. Harthone-Smith pointed out the historic significance of the art work in the life of the church yesterday, today and for all the tomorrows to come calling for revival and revitalization of African Methodism movement. The art print depicts a cross and anvil, surrounded by African mosaics with children’s hands “reaching from the abyss.” The cross and anvil are traditionally used in the emblems of the AME domination.
The celebration continued as if it were stitches woven in the fibers of time with the pre-publication review of Letters to Saint Paul an unpublished book authored by Rev. Metze, given by his former English Professor Rev. John Preacher of Allen University. Who stated, “the book was magnificent and tells the story of life’s journey and a great achievement of truth, wisdom and courage.” The debut of sacred music “You Are Welcome, Want-a You Come” song by the Mass Choir of St. Paul under the direction of Mrs. Kathy Fuller received a standing ovation and many were touched by the song’s message, every head bobbed and every foot padded during its performance. The song was written by Rev. Metze and transcribed by Mrs. Relda Ogleton choral organist at Allen University.
The message for the service was entitled “Glory to God, Guarding our Legacy.” Rev. Metze used the Epistle to Galatians 4:7 as a text, and referred to the writings of Mary McCloud-Bethune, “My Last Will and Testament” highlighting and reading “I LEAVE YOU FINALLY A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.” The message dealt with the legacy of McCloud-Bethune to humanity, the legacy of African Methodism to humanity, and the responsibility of each church member to leave a legacy of service for we are heirs of God through Christ. Rev. Metze thus spoke of his legacy, the art print, the book and the scared music to the church and to humanity saying, “A Charge to Keep I Have, A God to Glorify.” Indeed this was the zenith of the Celebration, all glory, praise and honor belongs to God.
Other program participants were Rev. Edward Hill, Sr. pastor of Piney Grove AME Church in Propensity, SC, Rev. Dr. Vincent Johnson pastor of Mount Pisgah AME Church in West Columbia, SC, Rev. Tobie Pollock pastor of Paradise AME Church in Union, SC and Rev. Phillip C. Anderson, Senior Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Irmo, SC who introduced the speaker of the hour. Mrs. Beverly Reeves-Pollock cousin of the artist/author/songwriter, and minister gave the Celebration’s occasion.
Following the celebration was a repast in the Educational Building alone with a mini art exhibit of other art works by Rev. Metze and an artist signing.
The art print can be viewed and purchased at Cokesbury Book and Bible Supplies, 2730 Broad River Road, Columbia, South Carolina. The remittance for “Glory to God, Guarding our Legacy” the art print is $125. Please call the Cokesbury book store nearest you for more details a vendor’s number has been set up under the artist name J. Morris Metze.
Additionally, the location of the first ten prints:
1) St. Paul AME Church, Irmo, SC
2) Mother Bethel AME Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
3) Former President William Jefferson Clinton, New York, New York
4) The Honorable Governor Mark Stanford, Columbia, SC
5) Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio
6) Allen University, Columbia, SC
7) Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District Warren Williams, II
8) Presiding Elder Rev. and Mrs. William Smith, Jr. (Columbia District)
9) Oprah Winfrey
10) Mr. Jonathan Kerr-Duffie Metze, the artist’s son
Below the print it says:
"Glory to God, Guarding our Legacy"
The cross symbol of Christianity, the anvil symbolizes the humble beginnings of the African Methodism Episcopal Church in a blacksmith shop. The different colors of African mosaics symbolize the toils of mankind: green for new life, red for the heat of the day, orange the light, yellow is serenity, and black the darkness of those things unknown. The different colors of the children’s' hands are the colors of mankind.
8. PRAYER REQUEST:
I am really enjoying the online Christian Recorder, I would like for you to ask for Prayer for the family of the Rev. Ronald A. Christopher, retired pastor in the Tampa, Florida Conference. His grandson was tragically killed on Monday May 16 in a head on collision in Bermuda. Funeral arrangements are not yet available; however I will send them ASAP. This is also my first cousin.
Thanks,
The Rev. W. O. E. Christopher, Sr.
Editor’s note: The funeral was yesterday, but we can still pray for the Christopher family.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
