3/26/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/26/05)

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:

- Update on Grace “Seminary” and Grace Ministries International Fellowship

The first letter appended below was sent to the Reverend Dr. Joe Darby and to pastors of AME Church by Robert l. McKenzie, “Presiding Bishop” of Grace Ministries International Fellowship. “Bishop" McKenzie invited AMEs to join his fellowship and to attend his seminary. The second letter appended below is the response that Dr. Darby sent to “Bishop” McKenzie and to the AMEs on “Bishop” McKenzie’s list. The third note was provided by Dr. Darby and the fourth response is from a pastor whose name appeared on the good “Bishop's’” website.

(1) Dear Pastors of the AME Church,

On yesterday, March 23, 2005, I sent out an invitation for pastors of the AME, CME and AME ZION to consider becoming a member of Grace Ministries International Fellowship. The intent of the letter was to create a fellowship of pastors and churches to assist each other in leadership and growth skills. Grace Ministries is not a subtle attempt to create a denomination but to give people an opportunity to do special ministry in special areas to create holistic growth in the local church.

In the course of me sending out invitations to pastors just to view what we are about an AME pastor by the name of Rev. Dr. Joe Darby, took issue with what we are doing and with malice branded our attempts at seminary education as “Academic Shortcuts.” Well first of all I have come to understand that what man does not understand man fears. We have taken three long years to develop the program and classes of Grace Valley Theological Seminary and for someone who knows nothing about what we doing in this manner acted immaturely and ignorantly, just to simply put it.

Dr. Darby has never taken a class and knows nothing about the program but if he wanted to know all he could have done was to either emailed me or called me and I would have been glad to discuss with him what we do. Another serious accusation that he made was that we are not accredited and that was not true as well. We went to great pains and toils to get accreditation and for him to say that reeked with slander and malice and he did not act with great responsibility. Now our accreditation may not be what the AME Church accepts and that is their option, but to slander our learning institution like this hurts me dearly.

Our goal in creating Grace Seminary was to assist pastors and ministers in obtaining a seminary education that was accessible and affordable. After being a graduate of Criswell College for Biblical Studies in Dallas, Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, I clearly understood the high price of education. Dr. Darby never took one single course at Grace Seminary so therefore he does not know if we promote “Academic Shortcuts” or not. As a 41-year-old black man with 7 earned degrees I have fully come to understand the term, “Crab Mentality.” If this attempt and seminary education was about making money then I would have gone broke months ago. We have give scholarship after scholarship and allowed students to seek their education without worrying about cost. Once again, “That which you don’t understand, you attack and fear.”

Therefore I challenge Dr. Darby to send this letter to the AME Recorder in order to clear up the apparent misquotes that he has leveled at Grace Seminary. Also for the record, no one is now able to go to the seminary website and view what we have to offer and see for themselves is not available at this point. Mainly because those who you are the victims of a witch hunt to not be exposed as Bishops in our ministry and who were consecrated by us and who are AME pastors have conspired to steal and hold hostage our seminary website as to not be exposed. Once again “FEAR.”

So I challenge those who stole our hard work to put it back and let the record speak for itself. Grace Seminary is not an easy run but takes three years to complete a degree. In the beginning we made several mistakes in getting started, which gave the impression of a “Paper Mill”, but those issues have now been corrected and the seminary has become a vital and viable tool in theological education. Several Methodist have come through our system and will continue to come as we offer them a challenging education with amazing quality.

I plan to send this letter to the Bishops of the AME Church in order to demand an apology for the slander that was leveled at our seminary concerning our lack of accreditation. I also challenge Dr. Darby to offer an apology for his slander toward Grace Seminary and to offer an apology to the Administration and students as well. If we did not have accreditation that is one thing but to say we don’t is blatant disregard and irresponsibility. I will be having a meeting with our board to determine the legal ramifications of Dr. Darby’s statement and if need be prove that we have accreditation.

Grace and Peace,B
ishop Robert L. McKenzie,
Presiding BishopGrace Ministries International Fellowship
pastormckenzie@gsbclubbock.org

Dr. Joe Darby’s response to “Bishop” Robert L. McKenzie

(2) Good Morning, Dr. McKenzie. This is to acknowledge and respond to your pointed note that I just received. Let clarify what I said and did and why I said and did it. I am also forwarding your letter and my response to the Editor of the AME Christian Recorder.

I did receive and review the original note that you sent me, hold no malice toward you, and wish you well in your endeavors. I did bring your letter to the attention of some in the African Methodist Episcopal Church because of my concerns (1) as an ordained itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and (2) as a member of the Board of Examiners of my Annual Conference.

As an ordained Itinerant Elder, I vowed at ordination to accept the supervision of those in positions of authority in our Zion, which includes - by implication and practice - acceptance of the doctrines and polity set forth by our Zion, and to defend those doctrines and practices.

I would in no, way, shape or form challenges to your doctrines, beliefs or teachings, and would in fact defend your right to hold them. I do so as one who has chaired two interdenominational ministerial alliances and one interfaith and interracial clergy association, who served as vice president of our state's ecumenical organization, and who served as a member of the Center for Religion in the South. I served in those positions, however, as an ordained itinerant elder in the AME Church - respecting the beliefs of others but holding fast to, embracing, and - when necessary - defending the polity and Articles of Religion of the AME Church.

My concern, which I shared with others and stand by, is that while you have created a "fellowship" and not a "denomination," your fellowship does consecrate Bishops and does have creedal statements and articles of faith, as is the case with many denominations. My concern was, and is, that ordained clergy who have taken the aforementioned AME Church ordination vows may jeopardize their standing in the African Methodist Episcopal Church by either the open or implied acceptance of a second set of articles of faith, and by accepting consecration to an Episcopal office that has not been affirmed in the positive law of the AME Church.

As a member of my Conference Board of Examiners, I have a particular sensitivity to that. I do discuss and promote ecumenism when instructing candidates for admission to AME ministry. I also make it plain, however, that their admission to an AME Annual Conference means that they will embrace and defend the doctrines and polity of the AME Church and cannot be "a little bit AME." We have had problems with others whose intent is not as worthy or God inspired as yours - those who tell those "young" in ministry that when it comes to denomination and acceptance of polity, you can be more than one thing at the same time, and that is contrary to the teachings and practices of the AME Church.

I would, indeed, commend you if you have managed to bring the cost of professional theological down to a total investment of $1,500. Please be informed, however, that the Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, as set and approved by the General Conference of our church, says, "A candidate for ordination as itinerant elder must be a graduate of a Seminary accredited by the Association of Theological Schools or similar accrediting agencies." In practice, accepted "similar accrediting agencies" have been the regional associations of colleges and schools that have been approved by the U.S. Department of Education and listed at:

http://www.ed.gov/offices/OPE/accreditation/natlagencies.html and http://www.degree.net/guides/non-gaap_listings.html

I hope that you'll consider taking the necessary steps to see that your seminary's accrediting agency is so listed and endorsed. I realize and affirm that no agency can ultimately endorse what God has blessed, but the standard does protect prospective students from those whose motives are not as God inspired as yours and who have not taken the steps that you have taken to assure that your seminary is not a "paper mill."

The bottom-line, my brother in Christ and in ministry, is that I have not and did not intend to slander you. I have, however, done what is in line with my ordination vows - shared my concerns with others, and exercised my right to free speech. I wish you well in your Christian service and hope that you'll be blessed to press on. I'd also encourage you to do so without taking easy offense at questions, but in the spirit of what Gamaliel told the Sanhedrin with regard to their fear of the Apostles in Acts 5:38,39 - "Therefore in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God."

If God is blessing what you're doing, then you need not fear what I say or what anyone says, for God will give the increase and grant you victory.

Finally, your note was sent to an e-mail address of mine that is being phased out. Should you feel the need to contact me again, do so at josephdarby@bellsouth.net I'm now off to start my pastoral day, but I will respond tonight if you write.

May God's grace, peace and mercy be yours, and have a wonderful Sunday celebrated of the risen Christ!

Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor
Morris Brown AME Church
Charleston, SC

Note to The Christian Recorder from the Reverend Dr. Joe Darby

(3) I did a "Reply All" when I answered him and got a couple of thank you notes from AME clergy who now have better understanding.

Message received from the Reverend DeLishia Boykin-Wilson

(4) Greetings in the name of our Lord! We mark your progress as the Editor of the Christian Recorder, and thank God for your labors in his vineyard.

I do have a comment in reference to the recent article in the online Christian Recorder. After reading the article and viewing the site for Grace Ministries, I have found that my name and a couple of others are contained therein. Therefore, I would like to make it known that I do not share any connections with Grace Ministries or its Fellowship. Our names have been listed without our consent, participation or notification.

I have already written Dr. Robert L. McKenzie, as have others that I have spoken with, in the last two days, and we conclude this ministry is not legitimate. In fact, when you call the number associated with "Grace Ministries", it is a residential number for a Robert and Tawanna McKenzie. It says to “Press 1 for them, press 2 for the ministries or 3 for their daughter.” This type of system lacks professionalism, which is a necessary part of ministry, as I have learned from our denomination.

Dr. Sydnor, I do ask that you publicize the fact that preachers' names have been used to validate this ministry when in fact we are not a part of such ministry, if the ministry even exists outside of the World Wide Web at all.

I am a life-long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, stemming from a generational background of African Methodist Episcopal ministers. This church is my family, and all of the fellowship that I desire is contained within its structure, membership and constituents. Thank you for your time and attention in this matter. May the Lord continue to bless your efforts, family and ministry.

In his service,
DeLishia Boykin-Wilson

Editor’s note: Thanks to the Reverend DeLishia Boykin-Wilson for the clarification and for helping us to understand this distraction on the ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Thanks also to the Reverend Dr. Joe Darby for sharing the letter, who somehow was sent the message from Grace Ministries International Fellowship inviting him and other AMEs to join the fellowship. Kudos to the AME Bishops and General Officers who followed-up and took action to "clip this proselytizing enterprise in the bud.” The ministry site for Grace Ministries International Fellowship, http://www.graceseminary.org/, has been dismantled.

2. MEDICARE AND YOU - IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOU TO REMEMBER. THIS MESSAGE PROVIDED BY THE REV. DR. MIRIAM J. BURNETT:

There are many changes to the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans. Deadlines are approaching quickly. As a faith community we are expected to assist in helping those who are affected by these changes make informed decisions about their healthcare. The Connectional Health Commission therefore provides you with the timeline supplied by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Please contact them or access the website for further information. Even if you are not a Medicare recipient yourself, I am sure that you know someone who is; just look in your congregation. CMS has also agreed to come and present this information to our congregations and organizations. You may contact me via email (mjbamehealth@yahoo.com) to make those arrangements for you. Please include the time, date, location, and anticipated number of attendees in your email.

The Rev. Miriam J. Burnett, MD, MPH, M. Div.
Medical Director, Connectional Health Commission

March 23, 2005

MEDICARE AND YOU: Important Dates for You to Remember!

The Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) of 2003 has many changes to the Medicare Program. Important dates for persons with Medicare to remember prior to implementation of the Prescription Drug Program in January of 2006 are:

January 1, 2005 – the Medicare Prevention and Screening Services offers a “Welcome to Medicare” physical examination to new persons with MedicareCholesterol, cardiovascular, and diabetes screening as preventive services are also offered.

March 31, 2005 – Persons desiring the full $600 technical assistance for 2005 with Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card must apply no later than March 31, 2005 for credit. Those applying between April 1 and June 30, 2005 will be eligible for $450 technical assistance. Those applying July 1 – September 1, 2005 are eligible for $300 credit, and those applying October 1, 2005 to December 31, 2005 are eligible for only $150 technical assistance.

October 2005 – persons with Medicare will also be receiving their “Medicare & You” handbook in the mail. Persons with retiree health benefits should, watch for information from their former employer or union.

October 13, 2005 - persons with Medicare will be able to compare the benefits ofthe various Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

November 2005 – Starting November 15, 2005, persons with Medicare may Enroll in the Medicare Drug Plan that fits their needs.

For more information visit the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or call: 1-800 Medicare (1-800-633-4227).
______________________________________Teresa ZayasHealth Insurance SpecialistCMS Atlanta (404) 562-7220

3. RUBY CHANDLER HOKE: 100 YEARS OF LIVING A GOOD LIFE:

Ruby Chandler was born 100 years ago on February 22, 1905! She was the eighth of twelve children born to Rev. Henry Claude Chandler and Ida Chandler, in Winder, Georgia. She learned to love the Lord and received her Christian salvation at a very early age.

Ruby Chandler Hoke is a member of Antioch AME Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia and has been a member of that church all of her life – 100 years! The Reverend Stafford J. Wicker is the pastor and Antioch AME Church.

In 1916, Ruby’s Mother took ill and died suddenly when she was just 11 years old. A responsible and sensitive child, she competently and lovingly took over the care of her infant baby sister, Mary, and raised her until adulthood. She and her sister Mary, now known as Mary Randall have been best friends since childhood. They are extremely close and often dress alike, as if they were twins.

Ruby attended school in Winder and later in Decatur where the family relocated in the early 1920’s. She graduated from Sylvia Brown High School and received her High School Diploma. She united with the Antioch AME Church in Decatur, Georgia and began her faithful and long stewardship as a member of the A.M.E. Church.

Shortly, after graduation from High School, she met the Rev. George Clinton Hoke of Antioch AME Church and experienced very nearly, love at first sight. After a whirlwind, three week courtship, Rev. Hoke asked her father, Rev. Chandler, for her hand in marriage. Her father, because they had known each other for such a short time, was reluctant, at first, to give his permission. He finally agreed, telling the young Reverend “O.K., but make sure you treat her right!” And he did just that for over 30 years. They had a baby daughter who, largely because of the inexperience of the midwife assisting her, died at birth. The loss of her child was a great disappointment to Ruby, who never conceived again, but her faith in God never wavered. By placing God at the head of her life and believing and knowing that He was always there for her and knew what was best for her, she was able to withstand her sorrow.

Shortly after their marriage, Reverend Hoke went on to pastor many A.M.E. churches during their life together. Ruby served faithfully by his side, working in the church and serving the Lord, doing whatever she could to help her husband. They served together at churches throughout the state of Georgia in such places as Kennesaw, Woodstock, Louisville, Greensboro, Douglasville, and Cartersville. They made a definite impact on every place they served.

In 1964, Ruby lost her husband who died as a result of complications in an automobile accident. After his death, she returned to her home church, Antioch AME and took up her service in the church where she left off. She is a Stewardess and served as president of the Stewardess Board at Antioch for over 20 years. During her earlier years, she was also a dynamic and knowledgeable Sunday School teacher. There was hardly ever a Sunday when she was not in Sunday School doing what she loved best, teaching others about the Lord. She was a favorite teacher because of her dedication and readiness to serve. If there was ever a question that couldn’t be answered, everyone knew to go Mrs. Hoke, because she would know or if she didn’t know, she was sure to find out.

Ruby is a devoted member of the Antioch Women’s Missionary Society where she served for many years. She was recently honored by the naming of the Society as the “Ruby Hoke Women’s Missionary Society.” She is also a member of the Ministers' Widows and Spouses Alliance of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference.

As her name implies, Ruby is truly a jewel in God’s kingdom here on earth. She has a gentle anointed spirit that radiates around her. To know her is to truly love her! Men and women alike are drawn to her because of her unique aura of goodness.

Ruby states that she loves all people but she has a special love for her pastor, Rev. Stafford Wicker of Antioch AME, and his family. And be assured, they love her too! A good cook and a cake specialist, Pastor Wicker has enjoyed many opportunities~ to appreciate her culinary skills.
A devout Christian lady, Ruby loves to share the good news about our Savior to whoever will listen. She wants everyone to know, especially young people, that the only way to make it into the Kingdom is to do it for yourself.

In the first 99 years of her life, she has never been bedridden nor been hospitalized. Unfortunately a few weeks ago, Mrs. Hoke suffered a fall in her home and it has affected her ability to get around as well as she would like. However, she praises God through it all, saying she has made peace with Jesus, and is thankful to Him that He has kept her in her right mind and has blessed her with a long life. She frequently states “not many people get to live this long.”
She attributes her long, healthy and happy life, to the fact that she never smoke or drank, has always tried to live right and to treat other people right, and a strong and abiding faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her favorite song: “Woke Up This Mornin’ With My Mind Stayed on Jesus” and her favorite Scripture: Psalm 121.
She has made many friends throughout the years. It is no wonder that she is cherished by her family, church, and community.

Ruby will spend her birthday relaxing at home, receiving family and friends throughout the day and plans to enjoy eating some ice cream and cake to celebrate. When asked what she will wish for on her 100th birthday, she says “I will wish for my Church, Antioch AME, to be blessed and to move on in the name of the Lord.”

4. EXCUSES, EXCUSES, EXCUSES BY THE REVEREND DONALD G. GARNER:

As a young minister, I have attended various annual, district, and connectional meetings and met and gotten to know some of my contemporaries. We have been able to talk about everything from clergy gender issues to the art of preaching in African Methodism. Most conversations go extremely well until the subject of “seminary” comes up. Somehow the thought of pursuing a theological education conjures a host of excuses.

“I’m too old.” “My church is too small.” “I don’t have enough time.” “I don’t have enough money.” The seminary I want to attend is too far away.” “I don’t need a seminary degree to pastor an AME Church.” The most consistent of all excuses has been, “You don’t need a degree to practice ministry if you are called by God.” I have heard all of those excuses; and I have used some of them myself.

Now I am not condemning my colleagues in ministry because I, too, have been an “excuse-maker.” Last year I paused in the middle of an M. Div. program at The ITC in Atlanta, GA, sighting lack of monetary resources as my reason. I must admit that was a poor excuse.
Seminary is not a new thing for candidates of ministry for African Methodism. Daniel Alexander Payne was seminary trained long before he ever became a Bishop and he was one of the pioneers of education for our church. If Payne in his day could make the sacrifice and commitment to earn the proper credentials for ministry, there is certainly no reason why we cannot do the same. My contention is that if God truly calls us, then we will do all that we can to insure the fulfillment of that call. Not only is seminary essential, but also it is also practical for the practice of ministry.

At the Thirteenth District Mid-Year Convocation, the President of Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary spoke of full tuition scholarship for members of the clergy and candidates for ministry for The African Methodist Episcopal Church…

(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)

5. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Reverend Bobby Cox, pastor of St. John AME Church in Birmingham, Alabama lost his grandmother Sunday night and his Mother on Monday.Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Bobby Cox & FamilySt. John AME Church708 15th Street NorthBirmingham, AL 35023205-251-3764

Please remember the family in your prayers.

From:

The Rev. Michael. D. Washington, PastorBethel AME ChurchHuntington, New York.

6. Happy Easter from Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor and the entire Christian Recorder staff!

3/24/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/24/05)

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:

- Yesterday, The Christian Recorder Online featured a letter received from a bishop who said that he was the Presiding Bishop for Grace Ministries International Fellowship. He went on to share that the fellowship “assist those churches in reaching the next level in ministry” by offering a fully accredited seminary where persons can earn the M. Div., D.Min., Th. D., and Ph. D by seminary extension. The seminary is not fully accredited by the American Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and in looking at the requirements I am utterly amazed that any minister would attempt to circumvent the requirements of the AME Church by matriculating at an unaccredited institution.

The letter also quotes the bishop as writing, ”You may have a concern about being connected to a connectional church such as AME, CME and AME ZION and being a part of this fellowship. Well, that is exactly what it is, A FELLOWSHIP, not a denomination. We have in our fellowship Bishops who are AME but not Bishops in the AME church system.” I am equally amazed that any AME who has studied AME polity, or who has been in the Church “a week or more, would know that we follow the Bible and the Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.” From that “bishop’s” standpoint, just because he says what he has is a fellowship and not a denomination and therefore ministers in the AME Church can become “bishops” in his fellowship does not make what he says as a rule for members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We must follow the doctrine and polity of the AME Church. The African Methodist Episcopal Church elects and consecrates bishops to superintend the work of the Church. The AME order of ordained ministry is deacon and elder; that’s it! We don’t have apostles, prophets and prophetess as a part of our ordained ministry.

The AME Church also has clear requirements for ordained ministry and one of the requirements is graduation from ATS accredited theological seminaries. Grace Valley Theological Seminary is not accredited by ATS and therefore students who attend and graduate from that institution would not fulfill the academic requirement for ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Candidates for ministry in the AME Church should do in consultation with their pastor, presiding elder or bishop.

We also have a system of ministerial Boards of Examiners. The Reverend Dr. Joe Darby wrote, “The Boards of Examiners should be about the business of making sure that those who go into ministry in the AME Church know what it means to be an AME in polity and doctrine. I'm fond of telling Admissions classes in the first session, ‘Being admitted on trial means that we're trying you and you're trying us. If you eventually realize that your call to ministry is not in the AME Church, then leave now - no harm, no foul!’"

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram of the Tenth Episcopal District commented. “The clergy of the African Methodist Episcopal Church must learn to follow the polity of the Church.” He went on to say, “The polity of the church takes precedence over what someone outside of the Church says. Our clergy should know that.” General Officer, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour said, "Something has to be done about this. AME ministers are going to be AMEs or they are going to be something else. They can't be both."

I read the letter that the good “bishop” wrote the Reverend Joe Darby today in which he wrote: "I sent out an invitation for pastors of the AME, CME and AME ZION to consider becoming a member of Grace Ministries International Fellowship. The intent of the letter was to create a fellowship of pastors and churches to assist each other in leadership and growth skills. Grace Ministries is not a subtle attempt to create a denomination but to give people an opportunity to do special ministry in special areas to create holistic growth in the local church.” Sounds innocent enough, but the invitation sounds to me that it smacks at, “wolves in sheep clothing.”

I was amazed at the number of AME email addresses to whom the good “bishop” sent his response. Imagine a seminary degree that you pay $1500 and write a 50 page paper, and that includes the bibliography. Wow! The good “bishop” should at least have “a blush of shame.” Those preparing for ministry should be willing to sacrifice and “sweat” in preparation for the ministry. You don’t get a seminary degree overnight! It takes hard work! The Church needs ministers, who are legitimate, not “fly by night ‘jack-leg’ preachers.” The AME Church is a legitimate Church that requires legitimate academic preparation.

The Reverend Joe Darby, the scholar, responded to the “good “bishop, in part, - “As a member of my Conference Board of Examiners, I have a particular sensitivity to that (AME ministers being a member of ‘fellowships’). I do discuss and promote ecumenism when instructing candidates for admission to AME ministry. I also make it plain, however, that their admission to an AME Annual Conference means that they will embrace and defend the doctrines and polity of the AME Church and cannot be ‘a little bit AME.’ We have had problems with others whose intent is not as worthy or God-inspired as yours - those who tell those ‘young’ in ministry that when it comes to denomination and acceptance of polity, you can be more than one thing at the same time, and that is contrary to the teachings and practices of the AME Church…”

(Read all of this in The Christian Recorder)

- I am still requesting news articles from all of our Episcopal District. I believe that the news I the Christian Recorder should be balanced and balance can be achieved if Episcopal Districts will send their news items to, Editor, The Christian Recorder chsydnor@bellsouth.net or mail to 512 Eighth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203-4181.

Some of the Episcopal Districts are doing very well and you see their news. The Christian Recorder readership wants to read about what’s happening in all of the Episcopal Districts. Help us to become a better paper by sharing with us what is happening in your Episcopal District!

Color pictures are $35 for the color separation fee. Black and white photos are free.


2. BISHOP PHILLIP COUSIN TO JOIN HEADS OF FAITH COMMUNITIES IN CALLING FOR POLITICAL WILL TO END HUNGER:

Bread for the World Organizes Historic Gathering at the Washington National Cathedral

WASHINGTON—“As Christians worldwide observe the season of Easter, religious leaders from many different faiths are planning a historic gathering to celebrate the triumph of life over death,” says Rev. David Beckmann, President of Bread for the World. “When all of these leaders come together and commit to help end hunger in our nation and our world, they will be creating the potential for life to flourish in places where before there has only been despair.”

Bread for the World is organizing the first-ever Interfaith Convocation on Hunger, which will bring together prominent religious leaders from around the nation, including Bishop Phillip Cousin, Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, to address the scandal of hunger in the U.S. and around the world. Held at the National Cathedral on June 6, the event will include a call for the president and members of Congress to join with Christians, Jews, Muslims and people of other faiths in a new national commitment to end hunger.

Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane of Cape Town, South Africa will preach at the Convocation. He will urge U.S. policy makers to address the needs of the over 36 million people who struggle to put faiths. On the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day, this Convocation will usher in scores of observances around the United States.

This event will be the culmination of One Table, Many Voices: A Mobilization to End Poverty and Hunger. Bread for the World, with partners Call to Renewal and America’s Second Harvest, will host the conference from June 4-7. Held in Washington, DC, the national gathering will include food on the table in America. People of faith concerned about hunger will raise their voices in song and seek guidance from the sacred texts of many faiths. On the eve of National Hunger Awareness Day, this Convocation will usher in scores of observances around the United States.

This event will be the culmination of One Table, Many Voices: A Mobilization to End Poverty and Hunger. Bread for the World, with partners Call to Renewal and America’s Second Harvest, will host the conference from June 4-7. Held in Washington, DC, the national gathering will include workshops, plenaries, and a lobby day on Capitol Hill. (For more conference information, visit www.onetableconference.org)

Other denominational leaders, in addition to Bishop Cousin, represent, The Wesleyan Church, The Salvation Army, Bible Way Churches, Worldwide, Christian Reformed Church, Episcopal Diocese of Washington, United Methodist Church, Allianza de Ministerios Evangelicos Nacionales (AMEN), Buddhist Vihara, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, Reformed Church in America, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ, Presbyterian Church USA, American Friends Service Committee, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington, DC, Church of the Brethren, The United Church of Jesus Christ, Apostolic, Jewish Reconstructionist Federation, Evangelical Covenant Church, National Baptist Convention of America, and United Church of Christ.
3. DEVOTIONAL: GOING FORWARD WITH GOD SEEKING LIFE AMONG THE LIVING THE PASTOR’S CORNER:

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb…But when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus…Suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them…The men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” Luke 24:1 - 6
The words of the two angels present to us the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the resurrection. “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” The resurrection story is the story of the power of the Living God to bring life to that which was once dead. The women who went to the tomb early Sunday morning were the same who “saw the tomb and how His body was laid in it.” (Luke 23: 55) Jesus was dead!
The circumstances these two women encountered were real. Their perceptions were accurate – Jesus was dead.

Too often, we counsel others and tell ourselves that the things we encounter are not real. To ignore the realities we face can lead us to place our hope in improper sources and deny the power of God. How futile it would have been for the women and the Eleven to say of the pierced, scourged, beaten, dehydrated, and blood drained body of their Messiah, “Jesus isn't really dead. He’s just unconscious. I'm sure He'll wake up any minute now.” They would have been seeking life among the dead.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the story of the power of God to bring life to that which is dead. It is the story of the Living God’s power over death. The Living God gave Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, even though their reproductive capacities were dead (Genesis 18: 11-12). The Living God, through the prophet Elijah, brought life to the son of the widow of Zarephath even though the child was dead (I Kings 17: 7-24). The Living God, through the prophet Elisha, brought life to the son of the Shunammite woman even though her child was dead (II Kings 4: 8-37). The Living God commanded Ezekiel to prophesy over dry bones, that they would live, even though the bones were dead (Ezekiel 37: 1-15). The Living God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, called Lazarus from the grave even though Lazarus was dead (John 11: 1-45).

Faith in God is trusting in the Living God to bring life to that which is dead. The marriage that ends in divorce court is dead, but the Living God can bring new life re-establishing the marriage. The congregation that has dwindled to two or three members and a dilapidated facility is dead, but the Living God can plant the seeds of His body and bring new life through a new congregation. The person who continually denies the saving grace of God is dead, just as we once were. But we know “[we] were dead in [our] transgressions and sins…And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages He might show the incomparable riches in His grace.” (Ephesians 2: 1, 6-7) Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God was dead. But He has risen. He is alive. And because He lives we have hope - hope in the Living God. He is the source of all life. And we can seek life among the living.

Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel AME, Chicago
4. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Dear Editor:

This is in reference to the article on page 4, Bereavement Announcements in your January 17, 2005 issue of The Christian Recorder regarding Mrs. Dollie Doctor Brown, wife of Presiding Elder George Brown, Sr. [Ret., Beaufort District, SC]. While I appreciate reading about my mother, I would be remiss if I said I was not heartbroken first, because of this great loss that has put a permanent pain in our hearts; and second, to read that she was the mother of only five children (Delores Richardson, Lila Nedd, George Jr., Phoenicia Flowers and Nathaniel). Suffice it to say, there were 11 children born to this union - NOT FIVE as you reported and 10 are alive and well! If you don’t believe me, just ask the other five (including myself): Frances Pinckney (San Diego, CA); Roxcena Rozier (College Park, GA); Kenneth Brown (Charleston, SC); Michelle Brown (Valdosta, GA), or even yours truly, Margie Brown (Washington, DC). By the way, this beautiful lady also had 15 grandchildren and 5 great grands.

Sincerely,

Margie Brown
922 Ingraham Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
202/616-0421
Editor's comment:
We offer our deepest apologies to the Brown family!

3/23/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/23/05)

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:

Reference the Question, Which bishop in Methodism in a three day period was ordained a deacon one day, an itinerant elder the next day, and set aside for the bishopric the next day.

Editor’s note:

- No one answered the question. The correct answer is Francis Asbury. The answer can be found in the book, The Romance of African Methodism by the late Dr. George A. Singleton. It’s an excellent book and most of the question asked can be found in that book, since it covers the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

- This past weekend a minister opined that my questions were too hard. I apologize for that. After Stephen Green, a 13 year-old answered several questions I thought that the questions were too easy and thought that I would raise the bar, especially since I was giving away a prize.

2. BE CAREFUL ABOUT TAKING "ACADEMIC SHORTCUTS" SUCH AS IN THIS MESSAGE BELOW WHICH WAS SHARED BY THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY. THIS IS AN UNACCREDITED PROGRAM AND THE AUTHOR OF THE MESSAGE SAYS THAT, “THEY HAVE BISHOPS WHO ARE AME BUT ARE NOT BISHOPS IN THE AME CHURCH SYSTEM.” ESPECIALLY CHECK OUT THE BOLDED COLORED PRINT IN THE MESSAGE BELOW:

My name is Bishop Robert L. McKenzie and I am the Presiding Bishop for Grace Ministries International Fellowship. GMIF is the fastest and most progressive fellowship in the nation at this point and we are expanding our operations and leadership. At this this time I would like to invite you to take a look and see what GMIF has to offer you and your church.

1. We provide a fellowship of churches where we can worship together inspite of race, gender and denomination.

2. We assist churches in programs of church growth, leadership development, evangelism training and much more for FREE.

It is our main focus to assist those churches in reaching the next level in ministry. We also offer a fully accredited seminary where you may earn your M.Div, D.Min, Th.D. and Ph.D all by seminary extention. Just by becoming a member of the fellowship as a pastor you will recieve a fully scholarship to attend seminary in order to be able to fully equip your congregation and enhance your ministry overall.

You may have a concern about being connected to a connectional church such as AME, CME and AME ZION and being a part of this fellowship. Well, that is exactly what it is, A FELLOWSHIP, not a denomination. We have in our fellowship Bishops who are AME but not Bishops in the AME church system. It is not our desire to pull away churches from thier denomination but to only get those pastors in the fellowship who have a vision of being a part of a growing ministry to assist smaller churches who struggle with doing ministry but cannot afford the price tag of growth.

We are also at this time looking to bring on pastors who feel the call of greater leadership in thier lives. You may now apply for the positions of State Bishops, Jurisdictional Bishops and Regional Overseers. Also I still have some positions on my National Executive Staff still available for those interested. I believe that becomeing part of Grace Ministries would be a great experience for you and your church or ministry.

I clearly need you to understand that we are not a paper mill for a seminary and nor or we begging for memberships. We are simply saying that if this fits your vision for ministry and advancement this here is an option for you to view.

You may view our seminary site at: http://www.graceseminary.org/ and you may apply for ministry positions at: http://www.gsbclube_Ministries.htm and you may also apply to join the fellowship as well. If you have any questions then you may contact me at: 806-744-7466 and I will be glad to take and talk to you.Grace and Peace, Bishop Dr. Robert L. McKenzie, Presiding BishopGrace Ministries International Fellowship and Grace Valley Theological Seminary

Editor’s note: Check out the bold colored print. Please do not "illegitimize" yourself by being a part of this “ministry.” The African Methodist Episcopal Church does not recognize the institution listed in this message. I made numerous spelling corrections in the message above and got disgusted and quit making corrections. I would hope that we do not have any ministers passing themselves off as bishop.

3. SEVEN AME PASTORS HONORED AS MILLENNIA WOMEN BY OUR TEXAS MAGAZINE:

DALLAS, TEXAS (March 22, 2005) - A special reception was held at the Comer Cottrell Center on the Campus of Paul Quinn College, Dallas, Texas on March 11, 2005 honoring Twenty Female Pastors from around the State as Millennia Women. The Pastors chosen were from the AME, CME, Presbyterian, Baptist, Full Gospel, Lutheran, UMC and non-denominational Churches. Seven of the senior pastors honored are Pastors in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The reception coincided with the March release of the Our Texas Magazine article highlighting these trailblazing pastors. The AME honorees are the Reverends Delphine Lynetta Vasser, pastor of St. James AME Church, Terrell, Texas; Ella Mae McDonald, pastor of Agape Temple AME Church, Dallas, Texas; Beverly Sherri Freeman, Victory Temple AME Church, Duncanville, Texas; Gloria Porter Cash, pastor of St. James AME Church, Dickinson, Texas; Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims, pastor of Imani Community AME Church, Austin, Texas; Brenda Beckford Payne, pastor of Reedy Chapel AME Church, Galveston, Texas and Patricia Wilcox Smith, pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church, Beaumont, Texas. Three of the seven pastors, Freeman, Donald-Mims and Payne are also church planters and Pastor McDonald is nearing the completion of the building of a new edifice.

Another article in this issue of Our Texas entitled “Passion” featured Bishop Sarah Frances Davis, the Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District and the former senior pastor of Bethel AME Church, San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to being presented copies of the publication each pastor was also given a citation from the Governor of the State of Texas, a State Senate Resolution honoring their recognition, and a commemorative plague with pictures of all the honorees.

The Honorable Maryellen Hicks, former Appellate Court Justice served as Emcee. Greetings were brought by Dr. Dwight Fennell, President of Paul Quinn College; Charles O. Neal, Vice President of The Dallas Black Chamber of Commerce, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dallas Alumnae Chapter, State Senator Royce West’s Office and Mr. General Berry, Jr., Publisher of Our Texas Magazine. Dr. Meta Carstarphen, Associate Professor of Journalism & Mass Communications at the University of Oklahoma, gave the keynote address.

The evening closed with a Fashion Show presented by Forty Plus Models-Inc., of Houston, Texas.

Jesse McCauley, Saturn Territorial Manager and Jim Smith, Saturn Dealer of Lewisville, Irving, and Plano, Texas sponsored the catered affair.

Congratulations to Millennia Women!

Article submitted by Brianna Foley

3/22/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/22/05)

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:

Feedback and information sharing

- The Christian Recorder has been receiving positive feedback from our online subscribers. We appreciate your feedback because it helps us to share articles that are helpful to you. This venue posts information and events that might “spark” an idea for your church. Yesterday we put in an article from Johnson Chapel, Santa Ana, California where that church is implementing an online website with its own on-line interactive web community through a ministry called “Member Connect, where members and friends of the church and community can connect with each other anytime. The site will post church announcements, provide for group discussion, prayer requests, photo albums, and the possibilities for the church’s ministry are endless.

Some of our Churches are even putting their Bible studies online. Everybody cannot get to church, and if churches are going to reach them, then the church must find creative ways to do so. Brother Hugh Marriott, a young man who is a member of Mt. Moriah AME Church, NYC gave a presentation and led a discussion on “Good to Great” at the 13th District churches are going to move from “good to great” then churches must be courageous enough to explore new ways of doing ministry.

It is hoped that the sharing done in The Christian Recorder will help to precipitate some of our churches to attempt new ways of doing ministry. Sometimes, just seeing what others are doing can be a motivating factor.

Bogus and pirated DVDs and CDEs should not be sold at AME sponsored meetings

- I attended a connectional meeting recently and among the vendors were persons obviously selling bogus CDs and DVDs. I believe that the church should not allow vendors who sell pirated CDs, DVDs, books, clothes, etc. at any of the meetings sponsored by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Selling pirated materials is illegal and it is “stealing.” If the AME Church wants its members to live on the “high moral ground” than activities sponsored by the African Methodist Episcopal Church on every level must be operated on the “high moral ground.”

Get permission before reprinting articles

- In that same vein, when churches or agencies within the Church use published materials form other sources, permission should be acquired and proper credit must be given. That same rule applies when using the written materials from The Christian Recorder or from any other church periodical. All materials in all AME periodicals are copyrighted. I can speak for The Christian Recorder and say that the process is simple – a telephone call or email message will take care of the request in less than a minute.

2. LITURGICAL COLORS FOR THIS WEEK AND EASTERTIDE:

The altar hangings for the altar should be “red” through Maundy Thursday. Friday and Saturday the color should be black or without any altar linen.

Beginning Easter Sunday the altar color and pastoral stole should be white and white is the appropriate color for the altar and stole throughout Eastertide, which lasts until Pentecost Sunday.

3. WATTS CHURCH HOSTS HOLY WEEK SERVICES MARCH 21-24; PLANS UNIQUE RESURRECTION SUNDAY SERVICES, MARCH 27 AT 5 A.M., 8 A.M. AND 11 A.M.;

LOS ANGELES — (March 21, 2005) — On Sunday, March 27, parishioners around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday promises to be exceptionally special at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts as congregants will be favored with three unique and inspiring dramas from the resurrection narratives.

“The members of Grant have banded together to present the Easter story in such a way that every parishioner will leave renewed and encouraged by Jesus’ triumph over death,” said the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Grant for 10 years.

Watts’ largest congregation will open its doors at 5 a.m. for Sunrise Service themed, “News that Couldn’t Be Silenced,” followed at 8 a.m. with “Celebrate Life,” and the 11 a.m. service entitled, “Reigning with Christ.” All three services feature singing by the Grant Mass Choir, liturgical dance by the Joyful Praise Ministry and preaching by White.

The Resurrection Sunday services are a fitting culmination to a powerful “Holy Week” celebration that began Sunday, March 20. Highlights include:

· Palm Sunday, March 20: Bishops John R. Bryant and Samuel L. Green, Sr., repeatedly brought the congregation to their feet with ovation for their expert explanation and anointed articulation of “A Model for Manhood” and “Why Men Should Praise God” at the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services, respectively.

· Monday through Thursday, March 21 through 24. The Rev. Vernon S. Burroughs, presiding elder of the San Francisco/Sacramento District of the California Annual Conference, joins Bishop Green for sound teaching and powerful preaching beginning at 6 p.m. nightly at the Church. Holy Communion will be served on March 24 to coincide with Maundy Thursday.

· Good Friday, March 25. African Methodists throughout the region gather at noon at First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles where the Revs. John J. Hunter, Sylvester Laudermill, Najuma Smith, Lewis Logan II, Carolyn Habersham, Kelvin Calloway and Bishop Bryant will present “The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross.” The event is sponsored by the A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance of Southern California, of which White is the president.

For more information about the Holy Week or Resurrection Sunday activities, please contact the Grant A.M.E. Church office at (323) 564-1151. Visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org.

4. NEW CHURCH PLANTED IN NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE:

The Reverend Roderick Belin has already planted Kairos Community AME Church, 4506 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, Tennessee 37211. Holy Week revival services are being conducted this week beginning at 7 p.m. I believe, with prayer, that this church will be one of the premier churches in the Nashville area. The contact information for the Church: 615-332-3320 fax: 332-3324, rdwayneb@aol.com. Keep Pastor Belin and his leadership in prayer.


5. NEW CHURCH PLANTED IN CASTAIC, CALIFORNIA:

Pray for the Rev. Latisha Stewart Smith with the growth and development of a new church work in Castaic, CA. This is a small, yet rapidly growing, multi-ethnic community, in northern-most Los Angeles County. Please pray that the Pastor Smith and people taking part in this church planting will boldly receive the power of the Holy Spirit and move boldly according to God's will. Pray for the Fruit of the spirit to become more evident in our efforts; pray for our passion to be incessant; pray for our financial and spiritual growth to be exponential; and pray for our families to be strengthened.

Thank you.Rev. Latisha Stewart Smith

6. ARE THERE ANY OTHER NEW CHURCHES PLANTED:

Please let The Christian Recorder know if new churches are being planted. The Christian Recorder wants to help “water them.”

3/21/2005

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (3/21/05)

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:

An editorial

How could any Bishop…!

I want to how any bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church could allow any itinerant elder, local elder, local deacon, licentiate, exhorter, deaconess under his, or her supervision to be in good and regular standing in the Church who does not maintain biblical and theological proficiency.

I want to how any bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church could any person in the profession of ministry under his or her supervision to be in good and regular standing in the Church who does not subscribe to the periodicals of the African Methodist Episcopal Church!

Bishops would not allow any itinerant elder, local elder, local deacon, licentiate, exhorter, deaconess under his or her supervision to be in good and regular standing in the Church who do not maintain biblical and theological proficiency. And in that same vein, our bishops should insist that every minister subscribe to periodicals of the Church!

I want to know how any presiding elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church could allow a candidate for ministry or pastor under his or her supervision who does not have a plan for becoming and maintaining proficiency in the profession of ministry...

Presiding elders would not allow candidates for ministry or pastors not to have a plan for becoming or maintaining proficiency in the profession of ministry. And in that same vein, presiding elders should insist that every candidate for ministry and every minister subscribe to all of the periodicals of the Church!

I want to know why any pastor would allow any steward, trustee and other officers to serve in leadership positions in the local church who do not seek spiritual growth and development...

(The full text of this message ran in this venue for 48 hours. The full text will appear in The Christian Recorder. )

Question: Which bishop in Methodism in a three day period was ordained a deacon one day, an itinerant elder the next day, and set aside for the bishopric the next day.

Prize: A free one-year subscription to any periodical in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Rules: I must receive your answer within 24 hours of when this edition is posted and you must be an AME or attend an AME Church. Find the answer anywhere you can; ask your pastor, presiding elder, or bishop.


2. HERE’S WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT- A GREAT IDEA WORTH SHARING! JOHNSON CHAPEL ON-LINE:

On April 1st 2005, Johnson Chapel will launch its own on-line interactive web community at http://www.johnsonchapelamechurch.com/ through a new Ministry called “Member Connect”. Members and Friends of Johnson Chapel will be able to access at anytime, their own unique church calendar, announcements, discussion groups, prayer requests, photo albums and much, much more. In addition each Ministry/Auxiliary Leader will be able to communicate directly with those within their organizations to remind them of up coming meetings and events, assign or receive progress reports or follow up tasks and so much more. Watch your bulletin and e-mail for more details on this exciting new ministry tool designed to help us remain connected as a church family and improve communication and information flow.

3. ANOTHER GREAT IDEA FROM JOHNSON CHAPEL AME CHURCH IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA – AN EVENING WITH THE PASTOR WITH A MOVIE IN THE PASTOR’S HOME WITH MEMBERS BRINGING A COVERED DISH:

“The movie “Woman Thou Art Loosed”, based on Bishop TD Jakes book, will be shown in my home Saturday March 26th at 6:00 PM. This is a time for women ages 18 and older (please no children) to fellowship. Bring your favorite dish with you that we might all enjoy. See me for directions to my home.” Rev. Juanita Dennis.

4. BEWARE OF EMAILS THAT PROMISE TO NET YOU A LOT OF MONEY. SISTER JEANETTE JOHNS CAUTIONS OUR READERSHIP:

Just as a reminder to people who may be new to the Internet or who are not as computer-savvy as those who have more of this experience of people offering to let you in on making some money, and those who are a bit "greedy" and would jump at $10,000,000. Or those who would, just out of curiosity, respond and be r-e-a-l sorry later! They might not know that they should simply delete those kinds of messages and be on the lookout for the next one to come through -- and deleted any follow-on messages also.

The letters usually start out in this fashion…

“I am the above named person from NIGERIA. I am married to Mr. BENSON ADAMS, who worked with NIGERIA embassy in SOUTH AFRICA for nine years before he died in the year 2002. We were married for eleven years without a child. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death we were both born again Christian. Since his death I decided not to remarry or get a child outside my matrimonial home which the Bible is against. When my late husband was alive he deposited the sum of $4.5 Million (Four Million five hundred thousand U.S. Dollars) in a local bank here in NIGERIA…”

Editor’s Comment: Never respond to these types of email messages! Nobody is giving away free money. They ARE trying to get a little, or a lot of money from you!


5. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICTED CELEBRATED “AME WORKDAY”:

Members of the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church participated in a community service workday on Saturday, March 5, 2005. All across the states of Tennessee and Kentucky members of the 13th Episcopal District were actively involved in community service. Pictured above are Rev. Paulette Woodard, Pastor of Sulphur Spring AME Church, Cunningham, TN and members of her congregation. Pastor Woodard and her members spent Saturday picking up trash along Southside Road and portions of Old Highway 48 in Cunningham, TN. The day concluded with members doing some house cleaning around their church. “Lifting in Love” is the motto of this congregation and their efforts on this community workday demonstrated their love for God and the community.

Submitted by A. Ivery, President of Lay Organization, Sulphur Spring AME Church, Cunningham, TN

6. SAINT PAUL AME CHURCH, VALDOSTA GEORGIA WILL CELEBRATE COLLEGIATE SUNDAY:

St. Paul AME Church will host Collegiate Sunday on April 17, 2005 during the 11:00 a.m. service. Students from Valdosta State University, Valdosta Technical College, and Georgia Military Academy are invited.

Guest speaker will be Bro. Nathaniel Robinson. He is a student at Turner Theological Seminary, Atlanta, GA. and serving at Flipper Temple AME, Atlanta, GA. Gregory V. Eason is the pastor.

Women and Men's Day Celebration will be held on April 24, 2005. Services at 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Guest preachers: the Rev. Cassandra Marcus at the 11:00 a.m. service and Pastor Kenneth Marcus at 4:00 p.m. They are the Pastor and Wife team of Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, Georgia.

Bruce Leon Francis, M.Div., Pastor
Saint Paul AME Church
419 S. Ashley St.
Valdosta, GA. 31601
(229) 244-8065 (Church)

7. THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN DONALDSON, GEORGIA LAST WEEK:

The Ordination service was awesome. Dr. Anne Lightner Fuller was the preacher. She brought a powerful message. After the preaching the spirit of the Lord came down and Dr. Pam DeVeaux took us higher singing and dancing to Gods glory. Host pastor is Millie Anne Smith Rambeau, Live Oak AME Church. Bishop and Dr. Pam DeVeaux are doing well.
Bishop Robert Thomas preached the Commissioning Service. More later.


8. QUINN CHAPEL, CHICAGO AND PASTOR JAMES MOODY FEATURED IN BLACK AMERICAN WEBSITE:

The Reverend Jim Moody, author of the "Pastor's Corner" and pastor of Quinn Chapel, Chicago wrote to share that Quinn Chapel is featured in an article in the “BlackAmericaWeb.com” website. The story addresses "Divine Restorations," a new make over show targeting African American churches in the U.S. and Canada. Quinn Chapel will be featured in the opening episode to air Sunday March 27, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. (CST) on the "TV One Network." The article can be found at http://www.blackamericaweb.com/site.aspx/bawnews/divine321, today, March 21, 2005.

9. THE PASTOR’S CORNER: “GOING FORWARD WITH GOD THE WAY TO JERUSALEM:

They were on their way up to Jerusalem, with Jesus leading the way, and the disciples were astonished, while those who followed were afraid. Again He took the twelve aside and told them what was going to happen to Him. (Mark 10:32)
The passage above describes those who were going forward with God on their way to Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the place of “PURPOSE” in the earthly life of Jesus Christ. Jerusalem is the place of the suffering, death, burial, and resurrection of the Christ of God. Jerusalem is the place of exchange – where “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God (II Corinthians 5: 21). All believers are on their way to Jerusalem. It represents the place of “PURPOSE” in the lives of those who are the members of the body of Christ – the Church. The way to Jerusalem is the journey of life.

There were three different groups who were on their way to Jerusalem. Each of the groups displayed its own response to the journey that Christ was leading them on:

1. The Disciples were those who chose to pattern their lives after the life and teachings they observed and received through their contact with Christ. Their response to the journey to Jerusalem was that of astonishment and was the product of limiting a limitless God. Their expectations of Christ were too low because they were based on their personal experience and not the “unlimited, Almighty, All- knowing” nature of God.

2. The Followers were those who, short of patterned living after Christ, chose to come along with Jesus and accompany Him. They sought the benefit of being in His presence. Their response to the journey to Jerusalem was fear and was the product of not trusting fully a trustworthy God. They desired to control the outcomes of their lives and to use God to simply facilitate the achievement of their personal interests. They exalted themselves as little gods and diminished the role of the Christ to that of a servant of their wishes.

3. The Twelve were those chosen by God and set aside for the spread of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the building of the kingdom of God. Their response varied – at times fear (Mark 10: 10), at times astonishment (Mark 10: 24-26), at times selfish ambition (Mark 10: 35-45), yet in all their failings there was total abandonment to God (Mark 10: 28).

Obviously to be chosen by God does not require perfection because the Twelve’s failings were evident throughout their ministry. Nor does it require a full understanding of God’s plan, because even though Jesus took the Twelve “aside and told them what was going to happen to him,” they didn’t begin to understand it until after the Cross. What distinguished the Twelve was their willingness to trustingly place themselves in God’s hands to be used to accomplish God’s will (John 21: 3-6).

God takes our failings, past sins, and our lack of understanding and uses them to touch the lives of those with whom He brings us in contact. The fulfillment of His “PURPOSE” for our lives rests in our lives being placed in His hands, not our personal goodness, ability, or knowledge. As the story goes of the old violin that no one chose to buy at the auction:
No one wanted to bid even five dollars for the dusty old instrument until a master violinist grasped the instrument and played with it the most beautiful music anyone had ever heard. At once the bidding began at five hundred dollars and rose from there. When asked what elevated the value of the item that was once considered of no value, the auctioneer replied, “It was the touch of the Master’s hand.”

As we go forward with God, let’s cast aside our desire to control the outcomes God has for our lives. Let’s disregard the limits we’ve previously placed on a sovereign and all-wise Creator. Let’s trustingly place our lives in the hands of the Master as we travel on “The Way to Jerusalem.”

Pastor Moody