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. UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE RIGHT REVEREND WILFRED J. AND SUPERVISOR CAROL I. MESSIAH:
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah & Supervisor Carol I. Messiah
23 Herte Street
Peerless Park North
Kraaifontein, Cape 7570
Republic of South Africa
011 27 21 987 4825 (h) telefax
011 27 82 836 0955 cell (SA)
1 302 562 7293 cell (USA)
wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com
Submitted by Supervisor Carol I. Messiah
2. THANK YOU FROM BISHOP MESSIAH:
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, the Rev. Paul J. Messiah and the entire Messiah family wish to thank all of you for your thoughts and prayers during our time of bereavement. Please know that your thoughts and prayers help us to make it through.
Again, thank you and may God's richest blessings be yours.
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah
Presiding Prelate
20th Episcopal District
3. BISHOP PHILIP COUSIN PLENARY SPEAKER AND GUEST PREACHER:
Bishop Cousin will be the Plenary Speaker & Preacher on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 at 7:30 p.m. at the 2006 Congress on Urban Ministry, sponsored by the Seminary Consortium for Urban Pastoral Education (SCUPE); www.SCUPE.com ).
This event will be held at the Hyatt Regency at McCormick Place, 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive, Chicago, Illinois. The telephone number is 800-233-1234.
Received from the 4th Episcopal District Office (Qiana)
4. AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE IN THE WEB LINKED BELOW:
Although this observance is not a part of our work plan for the WMS-African American Denominational Leadership Health Initiative, it is yet another opportunity to collaborate or participate in your respective communities.
Please place this link online for information http://www.blackaidsday.org/.
Saundra Lucas
WMS National Health Director
5. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING CELEBRATION, ST. MARK AME CHURCH, MILWAUKEE:
On Sunday, January 15, 2006, St. Mark AME Church celebrates the life and works of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by recognizing the contributions of local community supporters, Lucinda Gordon and Dr. Ruben K. Harpole.
The Dr. King celebration will take place during the 11:00 a.m. worship service. The guest speaker is Rev. Walter Reid, retired AME pastor of Trinity AME Church, Lansing, Michigan. The public is invited to come and join in the celebration and remembrance of Dr. King.
St. Mark AME Church is located at 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue. For more information please contact Roy C. Hill, at (414) 562-8030. The Reverend Darryl R. Williams is the Pastor.
Special Martin Luther King Jr. Edition of the Pastors Page
To paraphrase Martin Luther King, Jr., “Every person lives in two realms, the internal and the external.” The internal realm has to do with the things of the spirit and soul. The external realm has to do with the material world -- mastering it so that it serves our needs. “The problem,” King says, “Is that we have allowed the external realm to take over the matter of developing our soul, which has become lost at the expense of our over-concern with the material world. “Therefore, we have guided missiles and misguided men!
If we do not do the internal work to become better people, technology becomes dangerous in our hands. And doing the work to eradicate racism, sexism, classicism and other social ills will never be realized because people with under-developed souls do not see this as important. Arnold Taynbee, a noted historian once said, “Close to thirty civilizations have risen upon the face of the earth. Almost all of them fell, not because of external invasions, but by internal decay.”
Jesus makes it clear that “the soul work” is our primary work when He asks us “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and then lose his soul?” St. Mark, let’s honor God -- and honor Dr. King -- by first allowing God to make us the right person; and after we becoming the right person, we will do the right things.
Visit St. Mark's website for more information: www.stmarkame-ilwaukee.com
6. CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS INTERNSHIP:
Who: College undergraduates (including graduating seniors)
What: Congressional internship program where students work for Members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
When: CBCF must receive your application by February 6,2006.
Program dates: May 28, 2006 - July 29, 2006
Where: Washington, DC, where students are provided with housing and a
Stipend.
Why: Join the next generation of leaders who will enter the halls of power to shape the country and the world.
How: Visit http://www.cbcfinc.org/ for more information and an application.
APPLY NOW!
Troy G. Clair
Congressional Internship & Program Coordinator
Coordinator of the Emerging Leaders Empowerment Series
President, CBCF Leadership Network of Alumni
202-263-2821 (p) 202-263-0845 (f)
1720 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington DC 20036
7. THE EIGHTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2006 CALENDAR (ENGLISH)
www.18thdistrictamec.org
JANUARY
01 Happy New Year!
02 Bishop and Supervisor Leave for USA
18 Bishops’ Council Retreat
25 SADA Board Meeting – Cincinnati, Ohio
26-28 Connectional WMS Executive Board Meeting, Cincinnati, Ohio
FEBRUARY
04 Bishop Sarah returns to Maseru
16-25 Bishop Sarah’s Teaching Seminars - Beira District, Beira, Mozambique
25-28 Bishop Sarah’s Teaching Seminars – Maputo District, Maputo, Mozambique
MARCH
01-04 Selulahsandla Board Meeting; Welcome Reception for Sojourner Amanda Wilson at Selulahsandla Vashti Village - Mbabane Swaziland
13-15 Global Development Council Executive Board Meeting in Port of Spain Trinidad
22-24 Bishop Preaching, Columbus, Georgia; Annual Conference
26 Bishop Preaching, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Wilmington, Delaware
APRIL
10-13 18TH District Young Adults “Examining the Journey to the Cross.” A Holy week Bible Study at the F. C. James Center
14 EASTER SUNDAY
18-27 18th District Council Of Scribes – Translation Summit No. 1, Gaborone, Botswana
25 18th District RAYAC Convention, 18th District WMS Executive Meeting (17:00)
26-29 Mid-Year Christian Education Conference- I, Gaborone, Botswana
MAY
04-06 Mid-Year Christian Education Conference - Ii, Maputo, Mozambique
JUNE
05-09 Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, Hampton, Virginia
11 Bishop Sarah Preaches at Bethel AME – San Diego
26-28 General Board And Bishops’ Council – South Carolina
JULY
02-07 Connectional Christian Education Convention, Orlando, Florida
12-19 Federation of Methodist Uniting Women – Seoul, South Korea
20-25 World Methodist Council of Churches – Seoul, South Korea
AUGUST
23 Mozambique WMS Convention – Xai-Xai District - Mozambique
24-27 Mozambique Annual Conference, Xai-Xai District - Mozambique
30 Botswana WMS Convention - Lobatse, Botswana
31 Botswana Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana
SEPTEMBER
01-03 Botswana Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana
07-11 The Reverend Dr. Claudette Copeland and Destiny Ministries USA, Sojourney to Gaborone, Botswana and minister with the 18th District in Gaborone and at the M. Joan Cousin Center
OCTOBER
10 18TH District WMS Executive Meeting
11 Swaziland WMS Convention
12-15 Swaziland Annual Conference,
Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E.C. -
Lobamba Lomdzala, Swaziland,
The Rev. N. Nxumalo, Host Pastor
17 AME Schools Annual Educators’ Conference - Swaziland
25 Northeast Lesotho WMS Convention
26-28 Northeast Lesotho Annual Conference
Allen Temple A.M.E..C.,
Mokhotlong,
The Rev. M. M. Thabane, Host Pastor
NOVEMBER
08 Lesotho WMS Convention
09-12 Lesotho Annual Conference
McKenzie A.M.E.Church,
The Rev. L. Mohato, Host Pastor
28 Presiding Elders’ Retreat - Maseru, Lesotho
29 2nd Annual Prayer Conclave - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, the Rev. F. D. Rafube, Host Pastor
DECEMBER
14-16 1ST Math and Science Teachers’ Institute for Selected A.M.E. School Math and Science. Teachers – Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, University of Omaha, Nebraska
18-22 1ST Summer Science Institute for Outstanding Math and Science Students in A.M.E. Schools in Swaziland and Lesotho - Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, University of Omaha, Institute teacher
25 CHRISTMAS DAY
31 A.M.E. Watch Night Service at F. C. James Center, Maseru, Lesotho
Revision: December 31, 2005
8. O DÉCIMO OITAVO DISTRITO EPISCOPAL JANEIRO AO CALENDÁRIO DE DEZEMBRO 2006 (PORTUGUESE):
www.18thdistrictamec.org
JANEIRO
01 Ano novo feliz!
02 Licença do Bishop e do supervisor para EUA
18 Recuo do conselho dos bishops
25 Reunião de placa de SADA - Cincinnati, Ohio
26-28 Reunião de placa executiva de Connectional WMS, Cincinnati, Ohio
FEVEREIRO
04 O Bishop Sarah retorna a Maseru
16-25 Teaching Seminário do Bishop Sarah - o distrito de Beira, Beira, Mozambique
25-28 Teaching Seminário do Bishop Sarah - o distrito de Maputo, Maputo, Mozambique
MARÇO
01-04 reunião de placa de Selulahsandla; Recepção bem-vinda para Sojourner Amanda Wilson em Vila de Selulahsandla Vashti - Mbabane Suazilândia
13-15 reunião de placa executiva global do conselho do desenvolvimento no porto de Spain Trinidad
22-24 Bishop Preaching, Columbo, Geórgia; Conferência anual
26 Bishop Preaching, igreja do Bethel A.M.E., Wilmington, Delaware
ABRIL
10-13 adultos novos do 18o distrito “que examinam a viagem à cruz.” Um estudo do Bible da semana Holy em o centro do F. C. James
14 EASTER DOMINGO
18-27 18o conselho de distrito dos escreventes - Summit No. 1 da tradução, Gaborone, Botswana
25 18o Convenção do distrito RAYAC, 18a reunião executiva do distrito WMS (17: 00)
26-29 conferência Christian I da instrução do Mid-Year, Gaborone, Botswana
MAIO
04-06 conferência Christian da instrução do Mid-Year - Ii, Maputo, Mozambique
JUNHO
05-09conferência dos ministros da universidade de Hampton, Hampton, Virgínia
11 Bishop Sarah Preaches no Bethel AME - San Diego
26-28 General Placa e Conselho dos Bishops - Carolina sul
JULHO
02-07 Convenção Christian da instrução de Connectional, Orlando, Florida
12-19 Federation de mulheres unindo-se do Methodist - Seoul, Coreia sul
20-25 Conselho Methodist do mundo das igrejas - Seoul, Coreia sul
AGOSTO
23 Convenção de Mozambique WMS - distrito de Xai-Xai - Mozambique
24-27 Conferência anual de Mozambique, distrito de Xai-Xai - Mozambique
30 Convenção de Botswana WMS - Lobatse, Botswana
31 Conferênciaanual de Botswana -Lobatse, Botswana
SETEMBRO
01-03 Conferênciaanual de Botswana -Lobatse, Botswana
07-11 o Dr. Claudette Copeland de Reverend e Ministries EUA do Destiny, Sojourney a Gaborone, Botswana e ministro com o 18o distrito em Gaborone e no centro do primo do M. Joan
OUTUBRO
10 18o Reunião executiva do distrito WMS
11 Convenção de Suazilândia WMS
12-15 conferência anual de Suazilândia,
Christ nosso Redeemer A.M.E.C. -
Lobamba Lomdzala, Suazilândia,
O Rev. N. Nxumalo, Pastor do anfitrião
17 AME educa a conferência dos educadores anuais - Suazilândia
25 Convenção do nordeste de Lesotho WMS
26-28 Conferência Anual do Nordeste de Lesotho
Temple A.M.E.C. de Allen,
Mokhotlong,
O Rev. M.M. Thabane, Pastor do anfitrião
NOVEMBRO
08 Convenção de Lesotho WMS
09-12 Conferência anual de Lesotho
McKenzie A.M.E.Church,
O Rev. L. Mohato, Pastor do anfitrião
28 Recuo das pessoas idosas Presiding - Maseru, Lesotho
29 2o Conclave anual do Prayer - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, o Rev. F.D. Rafube, Pastor do anfitrião
DEZEMBRO
14-16 1o Instituto dos Professores do Math e da ciência para o Math e a ciência selecionados da escola de A.M.E. Professores - Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, Universidade de Omaha, Nebraska
18-22 1o Instituto da ciência do verão para estudantes proeminentes do Math e da ciência em escolas de A.M.E. em Suazilândia e em Lesotho - o Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, Universidade de Omaha, institui o professor
25 DIA DO CHRISTMAS
31 A.M.E. Serviço de noite do relógio no centro do F. C. James, Maseru, Lesotho
Revisão: Dezembro 31, 2005
9. ELEVENTH ANNUAL WOMEN IN THE FAITH SISTERS’ CONFERENCE CONVENES JAN. 21-25 AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH IN WATTS; THE REVERENDS KANYERE EATON AND D. NAJUMA SMITH FEATURED SPEAKERS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 12, 2006) — The Rev. Kanyere Eaton, executive director of the New York-based Sister Fund, and the Rev. Damali Najuma Smith, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, are the featured speakers for the 11th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference Jan. 21-25.
Eaton will address the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 22, and will be the revivalist for the 7:30 p.m. worship services Monday through Wednesday at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts. Likewise, Smith will keynote the 8 a.m. Sunday service, and lead the nightly workshops at 6:30 p.m.
“We are blessed that Rev. Smith and Rev. Eaton have accepted our invitation to share in the 2006 Sisters’ Conference,” noted the Rev. Leslie R. White, the esteemed pastor of Grant.
“As we focus on women ages 18-35 at the 2006 Conference,” White continued, “we know Rev. Smith and Rev. Eaton will encourage, inspire and empower a new generation of Christian women to embody our conference theme, ‘Tell God Yes! My Soul Says Yes!’”
Indeed, both distinguished speakers are trailblazers in women’s ministry.
Eaton leads The Sister Fund, a small, private foundation dedicated to the economic, social, political and spiritual empowerment of women and girls. A graduate of Columbia and Cornel universities and a doctoral candidate at San Francisco Theological Seminary, Eaton is an associate minister at the Redeemed Church of Jesus Christ in Mt. Vernon, New York.
Prior to her pastorate, Smith was actively involved at First A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, and has since founded a number of youth and women’s ministries, including SYNC – Sisters Yielding N Covenant, a quarterly breakfast fellowship of women. She has earned degrees from Pepperdine and Woodbury universities, and is presently pursuing her theology degree from the Southern California School of Ministry.
First-time Chairwoman Sharolyn Gailliard is excited about the 2006 Conference and looks forward to being blessed by both women of God.
“Rev. Smith set ablaze the 2005 Sisters’ Conference with her dynamic Prayer Breakfast message, ‘I will not die with this issue!’ and Rev. Eaton’s work with The Sister Fund has earned her critical acclaim in professional circles,” Gailliard said. “We know we are in for a treat this year!”
Gailliard and her dynamic team have been working tirelessly to organize the Conference events, which begin Saturday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. with a worship service at the Union Rescue Mission, 545 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles. Eaton will be the featured speaker.
The Women in the Faith Sisters’ Choir, led by renowned musician, Theresa Jones-Bailey, will also be featured throughout the Conference.
Organizers will celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and will be on hand to distribute Conference literature at the Kingdom Day Parade on Monday, Jan. 16.
Grant A.M.E. Church is located at 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90002. Services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m.
Sisters’ Conference workshops, led by Smith, begin at 6:30 p.m. and are followed at 7:30 p.m. with worship service where Eaton is the preacher. All are welcome.
For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
10. THE WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE SPONSORS “A TIME TO BREATHE: WOMEN, WHOLENESS, WELLNESS:
What is A Time to Breathe: Women, Wholeness, Wellness? This a proposed program to reach women of all ages to promote a life span of health. It is our belief that health and wellness is physical, mental, spiritual, and social.
MISSION STATEMENT: We are aware that many women in our churches and communities lead unhealthy lives, which lead to poor health , isolation, and loss of hope. We are partnering with the Louisville Metro Health Department ‘s Office of Faith and Health in developing health and wellness programs.
GOALS:
- Our general goal is to develop and manage a health and wellness program for AME Church Women and the Louisville Community Women to meet weekly.
- To identify a vision for health and wholeness and healthy lifestyles, to enrich the participant's health, and to promote and cultivate a life span of health and fellowship among women of all ages.
OBJECTIVES
- Our objectives are to minister to women of all ages through information such as healthcare, physical activities, nutritional counseling, seminars, testimonies, profiles, etc.
- To foster fellowship among the family of African Methodism, and to encourage spiritual growth.
Who is this for? We endeavor to reach women of all ages: AME Church women and Community Women. We're here to listen to your needs and desires, this will help us better to serve you. Feel free to express any concerns. All AME Church Health Coordinators in West KY are asked to attend.
Where will the program be held? Eight neighborhoods have been identified to partner with the Louisville Metro Health Department; and the Russell Neighborhood and Quinn Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of them. So the program will be formed and facilitated at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church.
How much does the Women’s Health and Wellness Program cost? The Women’s Health and Wellness Program is free to the participants, and they must reside in Jefferson County. The Louisville Metro Health Department will provide the resources for the group, including physical activity and nutritional counseling. CPR “Train the Trainer to Train Others” will also be provided.
How do I begin? More information will be provide after the Holidays. Please watch for this additional information as to days, times, activities, etc.
We thank each woman in advance for her support and participation! 'HELP US TO HELP YOU!'
Mrs. Alma Pittman, Director, West KY Health and Wellness
Reverend Dr. Pedro K. Basden, Pastor, Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
Dr. Adewale Troutman, MD, MA, MPH, Director, Louisville Metro Health Department
Judy Jones, Office of Faith & Health, Louisville Metro Health Department
11. “A SERVANT’S CELEBRATION OF RETIREMENT” - HONORING THE REVEREND THOMAS B. DESUE:
By Angela Surcey Garner
One the most anointed, blessed, hard-working, wise, intellectual and articulate Elders of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was honored in a Retirement Celebration on Thursday night, December 15, 2005 at The Ramona Pavilion in Jacksonville, FL. The Reverend Thomas Benjamin DeSue retired during the East Annual Conference from his present position as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Bishop. Elder DeSue became licensed to preach in the A.M.E. Church in 1954. His first wife preceded him in death. They were blessed with four sons: Thomas, William, Nathan and Gary. He is now married to Lonnye B. DeSue; his loving, dedicated, faithful, graceful and queenly partner in love, who planned this gala affair for her husband.
The Celebration began at 7 p.m. as people continued to arrive in formal and dressy attire. The hosts were adorned in black suits, white shirts, red cummerbunds and bow ties; the hostesses were adorned in formal and beautiful red suits or dresses. The tickets were $50 but none were taken at the door. All tables were full as our Toastmasters of Ceremonies, Sister Peggy Rice Johnson, of St. Andrew A.M.E. Church and The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, took the microphone to begin the celebration.
Our song of celebration, “Joy to the World” was sung by all with uplifted voices. The prayer was given by The Reverend E.J. Parker, Pastor of Greater Payne A.M.E. Church, in his very eloquent way. After all sang “Silent Night,” The Reverend James Graham read the Scripture. Two beautiful solos, “Beams of Heaven” and “How to Reach the Masses”, were soulfully sung by the honoree’s nephew, Brother Jerald DeSue. After the grace, given by the Reverend Moses Thomas, dinner was served.
The menu consisted of roasted chicken, smothered pork chops, rice pilaf, seasoned dressing, country-style green beans, large dinner rolls and several choices for dessert. The food was delicious! The servers were gracious and helpful. The head tables were served while other tables were called by the hostesses to go get their food. There were two head tables. The one on my right included (from right to left) Bishop Richard Hildebrand, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young and her mother, Mrs. Mamie Jackson, our Presiding Prelate, Bishop McKinley Young, Mrs. Lonnye B. DeSue, Reverend Thomas B. DeSue, my first lady, Mrs. Winifred H. Zanders and my Pastor, Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II. The table on the left was for Elder DeSue’s family members including two of his sons, Thomas and William DeSue.
With a few guests still dining, we moved into the main portion of the celebration – “Thomas Benjamin Desue: This is Your Life.” It included several persons who would speak of Elder DeSue regarding different intervals of his life. We began the slideshow, entitled, “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words – A Tribute in Love to the Reverend Thomas Benjamin DeSue”, which ran throughout each person’s presentation. The presentation featured many photos of Elder DeSue – then and now, his family, friends, associates, and trips to Africa, The Bahamas and other Conferences. Many faces and activities of the Elder were revealed during the slideshow.
The Reverend Robert Dell spoke of the Elder “Growing up in Starke, FL”, followed by Sister Helen Bruce, who spoke of his “Membership at Payne Chapel, Jacksonville and entering the Ministry.” The tribute continued as The Reverend Eugene Washington shared memories of Elder DeSue’s days at “Saint Mathews, Greenville, FL, from 1957-60.” The Reverend Lorenzo Laws was blessed to have spent many years with the Elder as he introduced his days at “Henry Gordon, Saint James Eastside, Jacksonville, 1960-63 and Mount Zion, Hastings, FL from 1964-68.” Brother Arnett Chase shared memories of Elder DeSue’s days at Saint Paul, St. Augustine, 1968-1981.” Sister Eleanor Gay concluded this portion of “Thomas Benjamin DeSue: This is Your Life” by remembering the Elder’s days at “Historic Mount Zion, Jacksonville, from 1981-87.”
The second portion of this fabulous toast to celebrate Elder DeSue was entitled, “Memoirs.” These persons were closest to him in living and working relationships. This verbal presentation was led by two of his sons, Thomas and William DeSue, who introduced the Elder “As a Father.” As they spoke of their father, I could hear the love and respect they each had for him. I learned that Elder DeSue is a wonderful father and he loves his “grands” and “great-grands.” Reverend Mark Griffin spoke of the Elder “As a Presiding Elder”, then “As a Colleague” was presented by Presiding Elder Leroy Kennon. Elder DeSue was a hard-working member of the Financial Staff and Presiding Elder John Bodison spoke of him first. Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II also spoke of Elder DeSue “As a Member of the Financial Staff”, in which we learned of the wisdom and teachings of the Elder to younger members of the staff. His guidance was unmatchable and “tough love” was sometimes used to train those going through the learning process. Finally, Bishop Richard Hildebrand and our Bishop, The Right Reverend McKinley Young spoke the Elder of “As God’s Servant”. The Elder always gave God his best and blessed those around him with the example of a hard-worker with the wisdom of God. Elder DeSue was presented as a father, friend, associate and excellent leader to many and touched the lives of all he came in contact with.
The honoree spoke last and was overwhelmed by all of the wonderful things that were said about him. Elder DeSue thanked his wife, Mrs. Lonnye B. DeSue, his family, friends, colleagues, all of the hosts and hostesses and his guests for sharing the night with him. He assured us that he would enjoy his retirement and that he planned to spend much time with his “grands” and “great-grands.” After the Elder gave the Benediction, most of the guests fellowshipped with him and his family before leaving. This was a fabulous celebration, one I am sure Elder DeSue will remember for a lifetime.
12. DEVOTIONAL SERMON OUTLINE – “FAN THE FLAME - POWER, LOVE, SELF-DISCIPLINE”:
I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason, I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but of spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. (II Timothy 1: 5-7)
The apostle Paul says to young Timothy and us “I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you.” Paul recalls for us all how we have been taught the will of God. Paul now admonishes us to apply what God has given us – put it to use. We have been (Acts 6: 6) appointed and anointed to serve God. The flame is the operation of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. By the power of His Spirit, God empowers us to live abundant life or life to the full (John 10: 10). The word for life used here is Zoë – life that has eternal value and quality. This is a life characterized by power, love, and self-discipline (II Timothy 1: 7) – a life that everybody wants to live.
Paul reminds Timothy and us that it is the Holy Spirit, not a spirit of timidity or fear that God has given to us. Fear enslaves and is the opposite of freedom and impedes or blocks our capacity to operate. Fear steals life and is the root of so many of our destructive attitudes and behaviors:
Stagnation – is characterized by being the frozen chosen, stuck in past, pretensions, and being afraid to fail at something new.
Strongholds – being ensnared or tangled in past practices, habits or sins.
Selfishness – self-interest: me first; greed: not enough, I must have more; self-protection: control or distrust of others because they may hurt me.
Just as one lighting a fire in a fireplace must fan into flame the kindling, we must fan into flame the Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline God has placed in us. His Spirit operating in us overcomes fear and opens the door to life that has eternal value and quality.
Power – I am no longer afraid to act.
Power is the capacity to act or do (Acts 1: 8). Jesus told His disciples to stay in Jerusalem until the Holy Spirit had come upon them and they had received power. This is God’s supernatural power operating in me. God can do so much more through me than I think can be done. God’s Spirit breaks through, knocks down walls, and opens doors. As I trust God to bring His power to bear on my life, fear dissipates, because I am relying on the power of an Almighty God, not power of my own.
Love – I am no longer afraid of others.
Love is the loftiest preference one person demonstrates for another (John 3: 16). God demonstrated His love for us as He sacrificed His best – His only Son for our salvation. Love is the presence of Christ’s nature in me (I John 4: 15-16), because “God is love.” And, “Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.” “There is no fear in love (I John 4: 18). Therefore, there is no need for self interest – me first. There is no need for control distrust, conflict, or protecting myself from others because others may hurt me, when “we know and rely on the love God has for us (I John 4: 16). Instead, His Spirit causes us to love others – and to love them just as they are.
Self-discipline – I am no longer controlled by past practices, habits or sins.
Self-discipline is the wisdom (Proverbs 17: 16) to know what is right and the self-control (Proverbs 23:4 Galatians 5: 22-23) to do it. So often, we know what is right but experience difficulty in simply doing it. Paul reminds us to fan the flame of God’s Spirit who dwells in us. God’s divine power demolishes strongholds in my life (II Corinthians 10: 3-4). His power “demolishes arguments and pretensions set up against the knowledge of God (v. 5a).” And, He empowers me to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ (v. 5b).”
It is the will of God that every person on earth live a life free of fear that enslaves us and robs us of the abundant, full life Jesus Christ came for us to have. It is God’s will that we live lives characterized by power, love, and self-discipline, thereby fulfilling His will for our lives. Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you. Every morning, invite the Holy Spirit to come into your life. Invite Him to fill you with His power love, and self-discipline.
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr. Quinn Chapel AME Church2401 South Wabash AvenueChicago, Illinois 60616
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
(Received from the Rev. Cassandra A. Sparrow)
The passing of Sister Neda Coates, sister of the Rev. Seawood Blackstone (retired minister in the Washington Annual Conference and former pastor of Ebenezer AME Church - Galesville, Maryland).
Arrangements are as follows:
Friday, January 13, 2006
Viewing: 6:00 - 7:30 PM followed by remarks from clergy unable to attend funeral
Location:
Elkridge Christian Community Church
6327 Meadow Ridge Road
Elkridge, Maryland 21075
410-796-1534
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Family Hour: 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Homegoing Service: Immediately Following Family Hour
Location:
Columbia Community Church
8516 Thomas Williams Way
Columbia, Maryland 21045
Condolences may be sent to the following address:
The Rev. Seawood Blackstone
7316 Roosevelt Boulevard
Elkridge, Maryland 21075
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
12. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
