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 MEMPHIS FUNERAL FOR HELAINE ALEECE HENNING WAS A CELEBRATION:
The loss of a child has to be one of the most difficult experiences in life. We tend to think that we will be faced with the task of burying our parents and might even be faced with the task of burying one of our siblings, but the unsettling task of burying one of our children is a thought that most of us do not want to think about or imagine.
And, that was the task that Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Mother Ernestine Henning were faced with – burying their oldest child, Helaine Aleece Henning. Death never comes at a convenient time and we are almost never prepared for it, and there is never a convenient time for the death of one’s child.
The mood was somber as the family filed into the St. Andrews AME Church located at 867 South Parkway in Memphis. The parents among the congregation had to feel a degree of painful empathy with the Henning family as they paid their last respects to their oldest child; and this was their second funeral for one of their children. They lost a son to an automobile accident, so this funeral for their oldest daughter, deeply affected all of us. The pain was evident in the silence, the tears, the painful expressions on the faces of the congregants, as the organist played the prelude as the family entered the sanctuary and took their seats.
The somberness ended quickly with the words of scripture lifted up by the liturgist, the Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District. The celebration of the life of Helaine Aleece Henning began. The Call to Worship and the congregational singing of the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” lifted the spirits of family and the congregation. The invocation by the Rt. Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, was a prayer of empathy and comfort. The scripture lessons and the choral selections by the 8th Episcopal District Choir added significantly to the celebration. Presiding Elder Michelle Goodloe, the Reverend Douglas Taylor and the Reverend Catherine Amedee led in the reading of the scriptures. The Reverend Jacob Hilton extended the call to worship.
Words of comfort were extended to the family by Mrs. Jamesina Evans, on behalf of the Connectional Women’s missionary Society; the Reverend Thomas Brown on behalf of the pastors of the 8th Episcopal District, and Presiding Elder Otis Lewis on behalf of the 8th Episcopal District. Dr. Clement Fugh, General Secretary, AME Church and Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer of the AME Church extended words of comfort on behalf of the Council of General Officers. The Rt. Reverend Robert V. Webster, Presiding Prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District, the Rt. Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District, and the Rt. Rev. Preston W. Williams, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District gave words of comfort on behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Council of Bishops. Their words and expression of faith and hope were comforting to the family. The presence of retired Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Frederick H. Talbot was comforting to the family.
The Henning and Lee families participated in worship and their participation would have been a great homegoing without anyone else’s participation. What a talented family! One of the cousins, Sister Pamela Bowman offered words of encouragement and sang a solo. Cousins Cassandra Denise Swift, Kristen Henning, gave words of comfort. A defining moment in the service was the words given by Mother Ernestine Lee Henning, a mother’s tribute to her daughter. Helaine’s uncles, Ekpe Abioto, flutist and Mark Lee, guitarist could have, by themselves, provided all of the music for the service. Both are accomplished musicians. Brother Abioto shared several African proverbs, one of which says, “The stronger we are, the stronger I am” in terms of working together and being faithful family members. He also shared the African proverb, “The ruin of a nation begins in the home.” The Holy Spirit-filled singing of Sister Ernestine Dillard lifted us off our seats! She sang, the musicians played and the congregation praised God.
The preacher, Presiding Elder Floyd (Preach) Alexander, took the congregation to an even higher level of worship with his wonderful sermon and words of comfort. His message was timely and relevant. The family appeared comforted and the burden of somberness felt at the beginning of the service was lifted. Helaine Aleece Henning had been eulogized and the homegoing was almost complete.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, the Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District, the father, extended the expression of appreciation and he did so with dignity and strength. As the Reverend Thomas Brown said earlier in the service, “Bishop you have presided at many funerals and you have told the bereaved that God would comfort them, and now we come to tell you that God will comfort you and your family in your time of bereavement.” Bishop Henning’s comments were delivered as a father who had been comforted. He thanked those who had participated in the California service, especially Bishop John Bryant, the Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, the Reverend Sylvester Laudermill, pastor of Ward AME Church and the Ward AME Church family,
The recessional was spirited with congregants greeting the Henning and Lee families and each other as only AMEs can. The Homegoing was a “good old fashion” AME meeting. Except for the hearse in front of St. Andrews AME Church, anyone passing by after the funeral would have thought that we were attending an annual conference. That was the spirit of Helaine’s homegoing.
St. Andrews AME Church was the ultimate host for the “event.” The Reverend Dr. Kenneth Robinson is the pastor. His wife, the Reverend Marilynn Robinson is co-pastor.
2. CHURCH PLANTING IS A VIABLE WAY FOR THE AME CHURCH TO BE INVIGORATED:
Reverend Bobete Hampton
I am convinced that church 'plants' are the only way that our AMEC is going to grow. I thank God that Bishop Cousin gave me the opportunity to build God's church on His Word. In 2002, Bishop Cousin gave three appointments for 'New Work' in the Michigan Conference. Today, Fresh Fire AMEC is the only 'New Work' from the plants in 2002. In 2003, the other two plants were merged with smaller established churches.
Of course, Bishop gave out two additional appointments for New Work in 2003. I believe that if the Connectional Church would come up with a viable plan to encourage seminarians to 'plant churches' and the Connection and District, support the new work, the seminarians would not have to "wait for someone to die" or be transferred before stepping into a pulpit.
They would not have to wait for an appointment, and our church would begin to grow.
As large as our church is, (35 adults and 35 youth and children), FAITH has enabled us to adopt 8 displaced individuals from New Orleans, clothe them, feed them, secure transportation, housing and jobs by collaborating with agencies in the community. Fresh Fire is God working in His New Testament Church in Action!
Please read the attached article. Fresh Fire is a historical plant in the City of Kalamazoo, MI. It is the first AMEC plant since 1855. That was 147 years ago! The first church was Allen Chapel, which is the church in which I was raised. There had never been a female pastor pastoring in Kalamazoo, until I planted Fresh Fire 2002. I welcome the opportunity to share with you the growth and development of our Urban Ministry. I may be reached at 269-629-8087 (H), 269-381-8050 (C) or 269-352-5785 (Cell). Have a Blessed Holiday Season. The web site is www.robertmweir.com/encorepages/encorehampton.
Pastor Bobette Hampton
3. TYLER DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION NIGHT OF STAR POWER:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Guest Writer
The Tenacious Tyler District Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church shined with the stars on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at their First Annual Lay Banquet. The banquet held at the Ramada Inn Conference Center in Tyler, Texas hosted approximately 200 people; who gathered to hear the speaker for the evening well known Actor, Singer, Composer, Producer, and Minister Rev. Dr. Clifton Davis.
You will probably best remember him as Rev. Rueben Gregory on the popular NBC television series, “AMEN.” His other television credits include starring in “The Melba Moore & Clifton Davis Show” and “That’s My Mama.”
Dr. Davis holds a BA in Theology, a Master of Divinity degree, a Doctor of Ministry degree, and a Doctor of Letters degree. He is listed in “Who’s Who In America” and has been recognized by such organizations as the SCLC, UNCF, World Vision, and the NAACP. He served as co-founder, co-Pastor of Welcome Christian Center of Huntington Beach, California, and licensed as an ordained minister by St. Luke Baptist Church, New York, New York.
On Christian television, Davis hosts C. A. T. S. (Christian Artist Talent Search) on INSP television; the host of “Backstage Pass” and ministers for “Praise the Lord” on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
In an exclusive interview before the banquet, Davis expressed his delight in begin back in Texas where you have wide-open spaces and warm friendly face.
Davis noted five years ago, he was the keynote speaker for the Athens-Henderson County Branch NAACP, but this was his first time speaking for the Tyler District Lay Organization of the A. M. E. Church.
As a minister/speaker, Davis travels three weeks out of every month throughout the country. Davis stated that traveling throughout the country he does not have the time for a full-time congregation (church), but loves how the Lord uses him when speaking to different audiences around the world.
When asked about his calling to the ministry, Davis stated, “I’m amazed that the Lord called him at all. Each time that I go forth to speak, I’m humble at the responsibility that the Lord has placed on me and I do my best to meet that responsibility.”
Mrs. Gloria Glaspie, Allen Chapel AME Church, Athens; stated, “We are here to magnify and glorify the name of Jesus. We come together in this Christmas season to worship, love, and bring comforted to those effected by the hurricanes and peace to those who have love ones in Iraq. However, tonight we are here to help the Lay Organization that stands for helping, serving, giving, and education. Let us leave here tonight as AME’s with the goal of fulfilling our destiny and our mission, which is to serve.”
The evening moved with the spiritual and golden voices of Mrs. Linda Cook singing, “Heavenly Choir” and Ms. Leatrice Gray singing “Miracles and Blessings.”
With two emotional singers, the spirit of the Lord was ready to move as Rev. Dr. Clifton Davis began to speak on “Called to Make a Difference.”
Rev. Dr. Davis expressed to the congregation that the difference we make should make a difference in each other lives. “We see a world not as a glorious oyster, but we see a creation that is crying out for Christ return. Our eyes see things differently from the world, economically and spiritually. We are of God.”
Davis electrified the congregation by stating that GOD will make a way out of no way, that in times of trouble and peace, God is there.
“I have hope when hope is gone. I have hope when the world has lost all hope. I have hope in Jesus Christ,” said Davis.
Davis stated, “that if we are different, we should be able to make a difference in someone else lives. Others should see the difference that Jesus has make in you. Your power, your purpose, and your will is no longer your own. You will have a different walk, a different talk, your light will shine in Jesus Christ; you have made a difference.”
4. NCC CONDEMNS AHMADINEJAD'S HOLOCAUST STATEMENT:
December 16, 2005, New York -- In unusually strong language, the National Council of Churches USA has condemned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's call for the obliteration of Israel and his claim that the Holocaust was "a myth."
"It is no accident that among the first protests of the Iranian president's statement were those of German leaders, whose parents were witnesses of the horrible reality of the Holocaust," said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the NCC. "Anti-Semitism's most vociferous manifestation is the 'Big Lie' now coming from Tehran."
Edgar also reaffirmed the NCC's support for the security of the State of Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian State.
Ahmadinejad's remarks were made during a convention entitled, "A World Without Zionists." He said the state of Israel should be wiped off the map. He went on to say, that Western leaders "have invented a myth that Jews were massacred and place this above God, religions and the prophets."
Ahmadinejad's statements were immediately condemned by the Vatican and world governments, including China.
Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary of the NCC for International Affairs and Peace, recalled that an earlier president of Iran encouraged a "dialogue among civilizations."
"By spewing forth hatred for Israel, Judaism and the Jewish people," Kireopoulos said, "President Ahmadinejad is assuring that this dialogue will go on without Iran. How unfortunate this is for the Iranian people, many of whom do not share their president's views."
The National Council of Churches USA is composed of 35 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and peace communions representing 45 million Christians in 100,000 local congregations in the United States. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a member of the NCC.
The full text of the NCC statement:
The National Council of Churches USA condemns the comments of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calling for the obliteration or relocation of the State of Israel.
The State of Israel has embodied the hopes and dreams of Jews worldwide for decades, especially since the Holocaust that occurred during World War II. President Ahmadinejad's invective that the Holocaust never happened is a sobering reminder of the corrosive power of ignorance, desperation, and hatred.
It is no accident that among the first protests of the Iranian president's statement were those of German leaders, whose parents were witnesses of the horrible reality of the Holocaust. Anti-Semitism's most vociferous manifestation is the "Big Lie" now coming from Tehran.
In opposition to such incomprehensible hatred, all people of faith and good will must stand firm in their rejection of Mr. Ahmadinejad's views. We at the National Council of Churches USA deplore these views.
In the face of Mr. Ahmadinejad's call for the obliteration of Israel, the National Council of Churches USA reaffirms its support for the security of the State of Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian State. We also reaffirm our respect for Judaism and our friendship with the Jewish people.
Iran is a complex country, rich in history, much of its recent history marred by difficult relations with the international community. Most recently, these difficulties are over nuclear issues. The Iranian president's comments only serve to threaten Iran itself with further isolation from the world.
Just a few years ago, the former president of Iran encouraged the "Dialogue Among Civilizations." By spewing forth hatred for Israel, Judaism and the Jewish people, President Ahmadinejad is ensuring that this dialogue will go on without Iran. How unfortunate this is for the Iranian people, most of whom do not share their president's views.
Contact NCC News: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2252, pjenks@ncccusa.org; or Leslie Tune, 202-544-2350, ltune@ncccusa.org
5. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - FROM CRADLE TO CROSS, NEW AUTHORITY:
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35aso that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
Simon saw in the Christ Child a new authority under which men and women (human kind) are to live. Christ (the Child) will cause the falling and rising of many (Luke 2: 34b).
There will be a reordering of positions in life through Christ.
Authority is the legitimate right to do something. There are all kinds of authorities working in our lives. The IRS has the authority to enforce the payment of federal income taxes. The judicial system has the right to enforce the laws governing our conduct as citizen in our society. How we fare in life is dependent on how we respond to those authorities operating in our lives. As God’s creations, how we fare, in this world and in the world to come, is dependent on how we respond to the Person of Jesus Christ.
Luke 20: 1-18 describes Jesus’ encounter with the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders, at the temple in Jerusalem, and illustrates the new authority God established through the Christ Child. The temple leaders asked, “Who gave you this authority?” – to do miracles, to teach and to preach. The conversation between Jesus and the temple leaders uncovers some of the authorities in our lives that replace the authority of Jesus Christ. By relying on any one of these sources of authority too heavily, we misunderstand the nature and will of God.
1. v.1-2 – The priest, teachers, and elders were the traditional holders of power and authority in Hebrew society. Tradition is valuable because it facilitates stability while lending identity to people and institutions. But, relying too heavily on tradition can subject us to backward thinking. We see life through a rear view mirror, losing our relevance to today, and unable to move forward. This can lead to the oppression of self or others. I remember hearing Governor George Wallace attempt to justify the oppression of Blacks in Alabama by saying, “This is our way of life which is governed by the traditions we hold sacred.” Where is Jesus in that worldview?
2. v. 5a – They discussed or reasoned out their response to Jesus’ inquiry about John’s baptism. Our God-given capacity to reason allows us to solve problems, imagine and create new things in life. Too heavy a reliance on our own reason can make human kind its own highest authority. We become our own gods – humanism. Whatever we reason to be true, appropriate, or acceptable wins. Life’s order is based on relative terms because, “What’s right for you is right for you. And what’s right for me is right for me!” Arrogant, unbridled self-interest in opposition to God’s desire that we love one another becomes the standard that governs our relationships.
3. v. 5b – Jesus asked them why they did not believe what they had experienced for themselves. It is through experience that we know we are alive. Our senses afford us the privilege of enjoying God, God’s wonderful creation, and each other. But, when experience becomes the source of authority in our lives, we seek what satisfies our senses. The material governs our thoughts and actions and sensory – what we see - touch, taste, smell, hear, or see. Only what tantalizes our senses is relevant to us. Shallow instability often results because we are looking for the next thrill. This is sometimes evidenced in the church. While worship should be joyous, energetic and entertaining, it is dangerous to seek only to be entertained, overlooking the sincere worship of an Almighty God.
4. v. 6 – John was recognized as the fulfillment of scripture regarding the second coming of the prophet Elijah (Matthew 11: 9 & 13-15). God instructs and guides us through Scripture. Our understanding of Scripture must be influenced by tradition, reason, and experience or what may result is legalism. Legalism is when we operate in the letter of the law losing the spirit of the law. Harsh, judgmental attitudes often exist when Scripture is not interpreted through God’s love for us.
The Need for Christ’s Authority:
To know and live lives of truth, all sources of authority – Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience – must be placed under Christ’s authority because Christ’s Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16: 13). He dwells in every believer and makes known to us the mind of Christ. There is a reordering of positions in life through Christ. Christ’s authority causes the falling and rising of many (Luke 2: 34b) because, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3: 28).” This is the will of God under Christ’s “New Authority.”
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel AME, Chicago
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
