Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
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2. "THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE" FOR THE REVEREND DR. YALE BENJAMIN BRUCE:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The folks in Florida know how to conduct a homegoing service! The funeral bulletin for the Reverend Dr. Y. B. Bruce listed the service as a “Celebration of Life Service for the Reverend Yale Benjamin Bruce, Sr” and what a celebration it was!
The celebration was held at St. Mark AME Church in Orlando and it was full and overflowing; and the sanctuary holds a lot of people. If funeral attendance is the mark of a deceased person’s respect, then the attendance at the Reverend Y. B. Bruce’s showed that he was highly respected and loved by people far and near. Folks came from the east coast, from the west coast and from places in between both coasts, and from the north and from the south.
Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop Robert Webster, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Bishop Samuel L. Green; and active, retired and former General Officers; Dr. Richard Lewis, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III and retired and former General Officers, Dr. Ricky Spain, Dr. George Champion and Dr, Carl Hunter were present to honor the memory of the Reverend Y. B. Bruce and to give support to the Bruce family. Missives were sent by Bishop Adam and Supervisor Connie Richardson whose plane had to return to Charlotte, North Carolina and thus were unable to arrive in time for the funeral.
The Reverend Terence Gray, Senior Pastor of St. Mark was attending the World Methodist Conference in Seoul, Korea and was unable to attend the funeral. He prayed with the family and sent condolences. First Lady Gray served as the host for the celebration in place of her husband.
Condolences were received from Bishop Richard Norris, Bishop Z. L. Grady, Bishop F. C. James, Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, Bishop Frederick Talbot, and Bishop Frank C. Cummings. Resolutions and condolences from the General Departments of the Church, the mayor’s office, government officials, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, youth groups, church groups, presiding elder districts, episcopal districts in the continental United Sates and abroad. We would still be in Orlando if they had read them all. The man was loved for his ministry and for his preaching, which the laity and clergy in the 11th District called the “Y. B. Hoop.” Someone was heard to remark that the accolades for Y. B. Bruce were so warm and authentic that they felt like they wanted to get into the casket because they would like to be honored with such remarks.
The North Orland District Choir sang, the musicians lifted up their praise to God and the celebration began with the processional, “Amazing Grace…,” followed by the celebration of life hymn, “O Thou in Whose Presence…” One could feel the, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit moving in that place.”
It was noted more than once that Presiding Elders Y. B. Bruce, Leroy Kennon, and J. L. Denmark were inseparable friends. Presiding Elder Kennon was the worship leader and Presiding Elder Denmark gave the prayer. All of the presiding elders of the 11th Episcopal District processed into the sanctuary and robed in their presiding elder regalia. This writer didn’t know that an episcopal district in one state had that many presiding elders.
The episcopal remarks were warm and one could feel the warmth and deep relationship that each speaker had with Presiding Elder Y. B. Bruce.
Bishop Webster shared the story of a conversation he had with “Y. B.” when they were young pastors. He asked “Y. B.” if he (“Y. B.”) was saved. “Y. B.” responded that he was saved. Bishop Webster responded, “how do you know that you are saved?” whereupon, “Y. B.” responded, “I know that I am saved because I was there when it happened!”
Bishop Kirkland said, “Bruce loved his family” and went on to say, “the song is ended, but the melody of his life lives on.” He closed out his remarks by singing, what he later learned was one of Bruce’s favorite songs, “I’ve had some bad days and some good days, but my good days outweighed my bad days and I won’t complain…”
Bishop Green told the story of how Bruce was an inspiration to the young preachers and how the young preachers wanted to emulate the Y. B. Hoop.” He shared the story about when he asked Reverend Bruce how he was and Bruce responded, “They be whippin up on me, but I love it.”
The Right Reverend McKinley Young was the ultimate eulogist. He started out with the statement, “Bruce loves this. We are going to take our time. Bruce didn’t like mess, but he loved music and good singing. He loved his family. We are here because Bruce was out example.”
Bishop Young took his text from II Samuel 3:38. Bishop Young reiterated that Bruce loved the hymns that told the story of the faith and shared that Bruce could size up things real fast. He highlighted the friendship that Bruce had with Presiding Elders Kennon and Denmark and made an episcopal observation and used it as a teaching point. He went on to explain that too many preachers today don’t have friends because they are insecure. Preachers need to develop close friendships and to stop the fierce competitiveness that often takes place among clergy. “Y. B.” Bruce took his ministry seriously, according to Bishop Young. He loved holy drama, the candles, the liturgical seasons, colors, and the cross as an important symbol in worship. Bishop Young went on to say, “The cross is not something you wear, it’s something you bear” and closed out saying, “I never heard Bruce complain. He was excited about his presiding elder district to the very end.”
As it states in the text, “And the king said unto his servants. Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel,” a great man has fallen from the ranks of the Eleventh Episcopal District and from the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Reverend Yale Benjamin Bruce, Sr. entered this life on February 26, 1936 in Tallahassee, Florida and completed the final chapter of his live on Sunday, July 16, 2006. He was preceded in death by his brother, the Reverend Johnny Spencer Bruce; three sons, Kevin, Marc, Yale Benjamin II. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, three sons, Thaddeus, Clifton (Aileen), Derek; and daughter Yolanda; two sisters, Beulah, Colene (Ernest James); two brothers, Clifton, (Louise), Marvin; daughter-in-law Glenette Bruce; sister-in-law Gussie Bruce; seven grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
3. TITHING:
* Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson
The tithe is not some new marketing tool for churches to raise money. It is a biblical principle that has been recognized for thousand of years. I am a firm believer that the Lord blesses those that tithe. I have been tithing since my early years of marriage.
I was a member in my father’s congregation at St. Luke AME Church, Gallatin, Tennessee. At the end of the year the names and amounts of giving were posted in the church bulletin. I was employed as an electrical engineer at that time. When I was alone with my father, he told me that I should be ashamed of myself, with the salary I was making compared to what I was giving.
I talked to my wife about it and we had earlier thought that we could not afford to tithe because of all the bills we had. After talking with my father we both realized that we couldn’t afford not to tithe.
One Sunday after service while serving as pastor of Greater Ebenezer AME Church, Clarksville, Tennessee, vice-chairman of the finance committee, Brother Clinton Fletcher, Jr., approached me. He was concerned about my appearance as a leader and the amount of giving each Sunday.
Brother Fletcher said to me, “Reverend, you tell us to tithe almost every Sunday, why don’t you go to the tithing box?” I said, “You are on the finance committee, you know I tithe every Sunday, my wife walks it up to the box.”
Brother Fletcher said, “Yes reverend, I know you tithe but the rest of the people don’t.” That hit me like a ton of bricks. If we as leaders want our congregations to give, then we have to lead by precept and example.
Since that day Pastor Johnson would be the first to the tithing box each Sunday. If I was slow coming from the pulpit the members would stand in line and wait until their pastor put in first.
Through the words of my member Brother Fletcher, I practiced being a better leader to my congregation. Our offerings increase and I gained a higher respect of my congregation.
As a pastor and now as a presiding elder I preach and teach tithing. Tithing works, try it you will be blessed. A-men
* The Reverend Ralph E. Johnson is the Presiding Elder of the
Lexington District, Kentucky Conference
4. THE FIRST ANNUAL RETREAT THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WOMEN IN MINISTRY (WIM):
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District
The retreat will be held at the Scarritt Bennett Retreat Center in Nashville, Tennessee on August 11-12, 2006. The Theme for the retreat is “Empowered: Prayer, Praise, Preaching, Pampering, & Power.” The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is the 13th District WIM President.
The Reverend Charlene Boone said, “I am very excited about our first district-wide WIM Retreat. Much energy, effort, and prayers have gone into making this a spiritually awesome experience. All that is missing for its success is your presence. Don’t miss your blessing. Join us in touching and agreeing as we seek God’s power through prayer, praise, and preaching, while enjoying pampering and fellowship. See you there!”
The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District is the convener for the Thirteenth Episcopal District WIM Retreat. After being elected and consecrated the 117th Bishop of the AME Church in 2000, she served as bishop to the 18th Episcopal District (Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, and Mozambique). Her pastoral experience includes Payne Memorial, Oak Street, Bethel, and Ebenezer AME Churches in the 2nd Episcopal District. She has written Journey to the Well (2002), Strength in the Struggle (2001), and Not Without a Struggle (1996). She holds degrees from University of Maryland (BGS), Howard University (M.Div), and United Theological Seminary (D.Min).
The Conference Facilitators Include:
Gina Stewart
Pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, the first African American female to do so in Shelby County. A graduate of University of Memphis (BBA), Trevecca Nazarene College (M.Ed.), and Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div.), she has also done study at Harvard Divinity School. She is a contributing writer and editor for several Biblical resources.
Renita Weems
A much sought after speaker, preacher, and workshop leader, she understands her work as that of a midwife of inner wisdom, helping women and men tap into the inner wisdom and spiritual intelligence they already possess. She writes a bi-monthly e-column for www.beliefnet.org and e-journal at www.somethingwithin.com, discussing matters of love, relationships, faith, values, and inner wisdom. She has published What Matters Most (2004), Showing Mary (2003), Listening for God (1999), I Asked for Intimacy (1993), and Just A Sister Away (1987). She has previously taught at Vanderbilt University and Spelman College. She holds degrees from Wellesley College (BBA) and Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div and Ph.D). Ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, she currently serves on staff with her pastor husband at Ray of Hope Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
Valerie Bridgeman Davis
An ordained minister in the Church of God (Anderson, IN) tradition, she is a member of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. She serves as Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Homiletics, and Worship at Memphis Theological Seminary, where she also directs The Return Beat: Syncopating the Arts and Theology Institute for the seminary. A jazz dancer and accomplished and award-winning poet, her book is In Search of Warriors Dark and Strong and Other Poems (1995) and her work has been included in several anthologies. She is a graduate of Trinity University (BA), Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (M.Div), and Baylor University (Ph.D).
Workshop Descriptions
Friday, August 11, 2006
A Image is Everything
Remember the “woman” in your ministry. Wardrobe, makeup, and hair tips to enhance your ministerial image.
B Makes You Wanna Holla
Breathing techniques that enhance voice quality, tone, and reduces the tendency to holler.
C Me, Myself, and God
Enhancing your personal and private quiet time with God.
D Ministry & Lovers
Recalling your primary ministry—to your husband. How to find balance in marriage and ministry.
E Ministering Single
Challenges of being single, saved, and a minister.
F Preaching Practicum
A practicum to enhance preaching skills.
Schedule:
11:00 am Hotel Check-In/Retreat Registration
12:00 noon Lunch—on your own *
1:00 pm OPENING PLENARY
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie
2:30 pm Workshops (A, B, or C)
4:00 pm Workshops (D, E, or F)
5:30-6:45 pm Dinner Buffet—provided
7:30 pm OPENING WORSHIP
Rev. Gina Stewart, Preacher
10:00p-12:00 am Pampering—by appointment
12:00 midnight Midnight Prayer
Saturday, August 12, 2006
6:00 am Morning Glory Prayer
7:00 am Gospel Aerobics
7:30-9:00 am Breakfast Buffet—provided
9:15-10:30 am MORNING PLENARY – The Rev. Dr. Renita Weems
10:45-11:30 am Season of Selah
11:45-1:15 pm Lunch— provided;
Hotel Check-Out
1:30-3:00 pm AFTERNOON PLENARY—Panel
3:30 pm CLOSING WORSHIP and
ANOINTING SERVICE
The Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman Davis,
Preacher
*Lunch may be purchased in the Dining Room for $10.
To register for the WIM Retreat or to get more information, call 615.242-6814 (The Reverend Tyronda Burgess) or email 13thepiscopal@bellsouth.net
You still have time to mail registration form and payment to: 13th District WIM, 500 8th Ave S, Ste 201, Nashville, TN 37203. Email questions, concerns, or special diet or handicap requirements to: sistersdaretobe@aol.com
5. THE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2006 CALENDAR FOR THE 18TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Right Reverend Sarah Davis, Presiding Prelate for the 18th Episcopal District
AUGUST
21 Bishop and Supervisor Visit Samaria, Mozambique Flood Victims
23 Mozambique WMS Convention – Manjacaze, Mozambique (Xai- Xai District)
24-27 MOZAMBIQUE Annual Conference, Manjacaze, Mozambique (Xai-Xai District) Betania A.M.E. Church, Reverend Atalia Machava, Host Pastor
30 Botswana WMS Convention - Lobatse, Botswana
31 BOTSWANA Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana
SEPTEMBER
01-03 BOTSWANA Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana
10-11 REVEREND DR. CLAUDETTE COPELAND AND DESTINY MINISTRIES, USA To Gaborone Botswana to Minister With 18TH District Youth and Young Women at Remote and Urban Sites (Lentswe-le-Tau / Ramankhung and Lobatse-M. Joan Cousin Centre)
OCTOBER
11 Swaziland WMS Convention
12-15 SWAZILAND Annual Conference, Lobamba Lomdzala, Swaziland Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E.C., Reverend Normsa Nxumalo, Host Pastor
17 AME Schools Annual Educators’ Conference - Swaziland
25 Northeast Lesotho WMS Convention
26-29 NORTHEAST LESOTHO Annual Conference, Mokhotlong, Lesotho, Allen Temple A.M.E.C., Rev. M. M. Thabane, Host Pastor
NOVEMBER
07 Lesotho Conference Lay Convention
08 Lesotho WMS Convention
09-12 LESOTHO Annual Conference
McKenzie A.M.E. Church, Mafeteng, Lesotho, Rev. L. Mohato, Host Pastor
28-Dec 1 Bishop and Mother Young and 11th District Sojourners and Bishop McCloud to Maseru
28 Presiding Elders’ Retreat - Maseru, Lesotho
30 2nd Annual Prayer Conclave - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, Rev. F. D. Rafube, P.E., Host Pastor
30 Opening Worship of District Planning Meeting, F. C. James Center for Service
DECEMBER
01-02 18th District Planning Meeting
05-13 Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and 5th District Missions-Medical Team to Lesotho
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
20-29 Dr. Don and Mrs. Jean Lawrence to Maseru to provide Medical Ministry
31 A.M.E. WATCH NIGHT SERVICE AT F. C. JAMES CENTER, Maseru, Lesotho
For additional information contact http://www.18thdistrictamec.org/
6. 2006 EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONGRESS:
We had a wonderful time at the 2006 Eighth Episcopal District Christian Education Congress that was held at Mississippi Valley in Itta Bena, Mississippi.
During the Congress the DMC sponsored a workshop for youth and adults on Organ and Tissue Donation. The presenters were Mr. Shawn Jackson and Mr. James Laird from (Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency) MORA in Jackson, MS.
We had a great Congress!
Sister Tanya Morris
8th District DMC Commissioner
7. SISTER JACKIE WEARY TO BE THE GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE EAST NORTHEAST ARKANSAS CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION:
The East Northeast Arkansas Conference Lay Organization invites you to the East Northeast Arkansas Annual Conference Lay Program, which will be held Friday, October 6, 2006 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke AME Church, 233 West Broadway, Forrest City, Arkansas. Mrs. Jackie Weary, 12th Episcopal District Lay Parliamentarian will be the guest speaker for this occasion. Mrs. Weary is an energetic and dynamic speaker.
Hotel accommodations for the East Northeast Arkansas Annual Conference are as follows:
Holiday Inn
200 Holiday Inn
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone 870-633-6300
Ask for Carmona Richardson
There is a Hampton Inn down the street for those of you who may be looking for Hilton Properties.
Hampton Inn
300 Holiday Drive
Forrest City, AR 72335
870-630-9000
For additional information, please contact Ms. Laverne Nelson, (901)-292-3134 or Mrs. Jackie Weary (918)-269-0824. If you are flying, Memphis, Tennessee is the nearest airport.
Yours in Laity,
Mr. Samuel Williams, President
Mrs. Laverne Nelson, Director of Lay Activities
8. SERMON SUMMARY FOR WHAT ARE YOU GROUNDED WITH? PREACHED BY THE REVEREND GARRY MOSS, PASTOR OF FAITH COMMUNITY AME CHURCH:
Scripture
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settle and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven: whereof I Paul am made a minister:
Introduction
Provided that and assuming there was a way to gauge where your faith is, how we you/I measure up? Our life is our reality, therefore the true tests of our reality is generally based on things we can feel, touch and or grasp…things we own or that we have title, in other words things that are “rooted” or better yet, “grounded in our reality”. The reason our spiritual walk is so hard to gauge is because we think there is no barometer in place for us to gauge our faith.
Background
Paul wrote this epistle to express his personal interest in the Colossians and to warn them against reverting to their old vices. He refutes the doctrine of the day, which by the way refuted a risen Christ. Colossians chapter 1:20-23 is about the work of Christ. For this reason Paul, in verse 20 wrote, “Having made peace through the blood of his cross” which means that Christ is the chosen one for reconciliation to the Father. This atonement is continual and affects all who are even yet born who come to Christ by faith.
Summary
Part 1
In our scripture Paul wrote, “if you continue in faith” which means that your reality must extend beyond what you see to that which you believe. Your firm position in faith means that there is no doubt insinuated; in other words your faith is grounded in Jesus.
To be grounded doesn’t reflect what you might think. Paul wrote to be grounded meant that there is a firm foundation which in turn means that no matter what moves in your life, you have roots firmly planted in the Christ, first by grace, then through salvation and finally by faith. Paul uses the Church to explain what truly being grounded in Christ means.
He’s didn’t write about walls and mortar he wrote about the Church Jesus told Peter to build. WHY? Because the church is immovably fixed. It’s not shifting; it has a stable position and can’t be dislodged, in other words it is grounded.
Paul wrote hope is given in the gospel. So what is hope?
1. The hope of righteousness… Galatians 5:5
2. The hope of His calling… Eph 1:18
3. The living hope… Titus 3:7
4. And the hope that we have... 1 Peter 1:3-4
Part 2
Then Paul wrote, “Whereof I Paul am made a minister… which means simply I serve. As a Christian I serve, as one who believes in Christ I serve; as one who knows that ‘having been made peace through the blood…”I serve”; as one who wants to be grounded not in physical terms, but as the church is grounded, in spiritual terms.
CONCLUSION
When got to the store I told the clerk how impossible it was to secure the gazebo to the floor.
I wasted little time buying my first choice and left for home. It fit perfectly in the space, the bug screen was excellent and as soon as it was up I couldn’t get Dee out of it. The gazebo had screw holes in every leg and I thought a few ½ inch tap screws would suffice. So I only put 2-3 screws in thinking it was secure…it was grounded.
Then last Wednesday at around 9:30 the winds picked and the storm came. All of all of a sudden lightening was every where, there was a down pour and the trees in the front of the house, 100 year old Oaks trees were bending. I looked out the front window to see if any trees broke; then I walked to the family room to check on my prized possession. When I looked out the window the gazebo was gone. This 10’ by 14’ Gazebo, with the bug screen, the waterproof top and a few tap screws was gone. I couldn’t outside because of the storm. As the thunder kept coming I became concerned because I thought if “this large gazebo” was air borne enough to get over the deck it could be blowing down Red Gate.
I had to know what happened so I opened the garage door and there it set, broken, crumpled but resting behind the kid’s car. The gazebo blew over the car, and came to rest just behind it.
KEY REALITY: I thought that a few screws grounded the gazebo but when the storm came I realized what I thought I accomplished was lacking after all. it. And that’s what life is like. We think because we go to church, read the bible sometimes and pray every morning that our walk is truly grounded in Christ. But too often we use ½ inch tap screws when in reality Jesus gave you and I provisions to secure our faith so it would never move.
When our lives are grounded we are as Paul wrote in Ephesians 3: 17 - That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: that you may be rooted and grounded in love.
Christ must be first in your heart and in your life because it is God’s purpose that He dwell in our hears personally, permanently and powerfully.
If we are grounded in our faith and unto Christ we won’t as Paul wrote:
1. Walk habitually in a wrong path of conduct;
2. Won’t be conformed and confirmed to the low standard of truth that is accepted by society
3. Won’t do what comes naturally and that is to live life that has no ROOTS in the spirit of obedience and truth
Christ is not a guest. When someone or something is grounded it means that it or he/she is there to stay. And for Christians it means HE is the rightful owner of our hearts and he lives there through our faith and it is faith which is the appropriation to lay our anchors firmly in the Spirit so when the storm are stagnant or rage with unceasing fervor, our hope, trust and faith in the Lord will not be dislodged!
9. FIRST PERSON - GOD'S WAY IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY:
"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Hebrews 13:4)
* By Pastor Joseph Parker
(AgapePress) - Uh oh, not again. As the new pastor of Leonard Chapel, I had serious concerns over something I had seen in the church directory. The names of two members (let's call them Mr. Brown and Ms. Rice) were in different places in the directory, but under each was the same address. A mistake perhaps? Or, I thought hopefully, maybe a coincidence with some innocent explanation. But alas, this was not the case.
Soon I learned a truth I really did not want to hear. Mr. Brown and Ms. Rice were living together, functioning as husband and wife, but had never married. They had lived together for many years and had a number of children together. Still, for whatever reason, they had never chosen to marry.
I knew this was not a matter to rush into headlong. It needed to be addressed prayerfully and carefully, with the clear wisdom and counsel of the Holy Spirit. And quite honestly, I found myself dragging my feet about dealing with it. Ms. Rice was attending faithfully and was very attentive in church, and Mr. Brown came as well, though not as regularly as Ms. Rice. It appeared that, at least on some level, they were truly seeking God and His righteousness. Why shake things up?
Confrontation -- a Delicate AffairBut over time the Holy Spirit kept nudging me to speak to the couple about their cohabitation. My reluctance to act on that nudge stemmed in part from an incident a few years earlier, when I was serving a different congregation and a similar situation came to light. In that case, two people in key leadership positions in the church were living together, unmarried, and I felt led to confront them. So, carefully, biblically, and with love, I approached them and tried to communicate that, as believers, it is important for us to do things God's way.
Without going into great detail, let me say that my attempt at biblical diplomacy basically blew up in my face. The two individuals were highly offended and, with significant support from others in the church, they took action. In a very short time, I was no longer the pastor of that church, and that was that.
Now, facing a similar case, part of me felt I had good reason to decide not to touch it with a ten-foot pole. Still, the Holy Spirit was definitely directing me otherwise. Then one day, a few months later, the Lord arranged a chance for me to speak with Ms. Rice. I had hoped to meet with the couple together, but that scenario didn't work out that day. Instead, my wife and I had an opportunity to sit and talk quietly with Ms. Rice alone.
Now, allow me to be clear on this point. People are too precious to be handled roughly or abrasively even when we are giving them the truth. God's Word directs us to "speak the truth in love." So the three of us spoke together, calmly and earnestly. And when it came to confronting Ms. Rice, basically, what I said was, "Sister Rice, you come to church regularly and faithfully, you are very attentive, and you seem to have a genuine love for the Lord and the things of God. Yet, I want to graciously bring this issue before you to consider. Why not do things God's way and marry?"
To be honest I didn't know what reaction to expect, whether offense, anger or something else. Initially, Ms. Rice sat graciously and quietly, saying nothing. She seemed to be thinking deeply about my words, and it was as though I could see her heart in her eyes, which were shining with the tears forming there.
The first thing she said was, "How did you know?" After I explained briefly about the "coincidence" of their addresses in the directory, we began to talk further. Afterward, an ongoing, three-way conversation developed between Ms. Rice, my wife, and me, during which I learned that Ms. Rice and Mr. Brown had lived together for more than 20 years, raising their children together and functioning as a family. "I wanted to marry, but we just never did," Ms. Rice confessed one day. "But now," she added, "I really think I want to do this -- to make this step."
It was decided that my wife and I would talk with Mr. Brown about the matter soon -- first alone, then with him and Ms. Rice together. When the four of us met together, Mr. Brown too seemed open to getting married at last. I reminded the couple that it was their decision to make together, but I urged them that it would be wise to take this step and to take it fairly soon -- possibly within the next month or two. I felt certain that postponing the decision indefinitely or deciding but relegating the act itself to a vague "sometime" in the future would be neither helpful nor fruitful.
The two of them decided that, yes, they would marry, and they selected a date, opting for a relatively short "engagement." The two seemed surprisingly excited -- especially Ms. Rice. Her demeanor seemed to me more like that of a 20-year-old virgin bride-to-be than of an unmarried matron who has already shared a home with the father of her children for more than two decades.
Marriage as God IntendedThe date arrived and the wedding was beautiful. Their three daughters were in the wedding party, and as I watched their proud procession, I could not help thinking what a positive message and life lesson this was to the three children from their parents. A number of other relatives were either in the wedding or present to witness the momentous occasion. One of Ms. Rice's sisters said that she had been praying for that day for years.
Of course, I personally felt privileged, not only to witness the wedding but also to perform the ceremony. I remember distinctly during those precious moments of the solemnization, seeing the tears of joy streaming down Ms. Rice's face. I believe those were tears that flowed from a heart that was seeing a long-awaited dream fulfilled.
Praise God! Besides making a public affirmation of their lifelong commitment to one another, those unconventional newlyweds also sent a very powerful message out that day -- not only to their family but to the entire community:
That marriage, as God ordained it, is more than a domestic arrangement, more than a "civil union," and far more than something two people just decide to do, or not do, depending on their emotional attachment or personal convenience.
Marriage, done according to the Word and will of God, is a blessed and "honorable estate." It is an act of community and of communion, designed to reflect of the mystery of God's divine love for His people, even as it establishes a family within His kingdom. And although some might argue that the ceremony was superfluous, no one looking upon the radiant face of the bride that day would have needed to ask whether, even after more than 20 years, marriage really matters. It does, because God meant for it to matter.
As tough as that confrontation was, I will never regret having spoken to the couple now known as Mr. and Mrs. Brown. We in the Church must be not only willing but lovingly aggressive to share God's Word with others, and we must aggressively encourage others to live by its wisdom. The Word reveals to us the heart of a God who always wants the best for His children, which is why God's way is the always the best way to do anything.
* Joseph Parker is senior pastor of Mary's Chapel A.M.E. Church in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and also serves as administrative assistant at the African Methodist Episcopal Sunday School Union & Publishing House in Nashville.
- Used by the permission of Agape Press
Editor’s note: I am sure that many pastors are confronted with this situation and the question is, do we as pastors confront or ignore the issue. “Shacking up” has become a delicate issue, but it shouldn’t be because the Bible tells us how to deal with that issue.
10. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE PRAY:
When I shut up the heavens…or command locust to devour…or send a plague…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (II Chronicles 7: 13-15)
God reminded the Israelites and us of times when He will discipline us by allowing difficulties into our lives. It is at these times we are to rejoice in the love of God because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in (Proverbs 3: 12). God is calling His people to repent.
What Does It Mean to Repent?
To repent is to turn or change. Very often what we think of as repentance is something less than what God desires of His people. There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.
1. The verb – metamelomai is used of a change of mind, which may produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). After recognizing Jesus had been condemned and would not retaliate against his persecutors, Judas changed his mind and attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. Judas experienced remorse but not a change of heart that led him to seek God’s face regarding his sin. So often, what we think is repentance is really our attempt to relieve ourselves of the remorse caused by the consequences of our actions. We may have changed our minds but we haven’t experienced a change of heart.
2. Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. The psalmist speaks of God, saying, “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind.” Unlike us, God has all knowledge and can see all things past, present, and future. There is no new knowledge that comes to God. He doesn’t change His mind. We, however, are subject to change our decisions or positions after receiving new information. This type of change represents a change of mind or purpose, but not necessarily a change of heart.
3. The Greek word, metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and heart, to which remission of sin is promised. It was used by John the Baptist and Jesus as they preached the kingdom of God – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 3: 1 & 4: 17) A few weeks ago, I found myself wrestling with the need to apologize to a parishioner for a mistake I made. I experienced remorse for hurting the person’s feelings by my reprimand. But, I found it difficult to come to an attitude of sincere apology because her actions were inappropriate and in direct opposition to well established church policy. When I finally admitted to myself my own wrongdoing, my heart changed regarding the entire situation. I confessed and then repented of my sin, turning my eyes away from self and back toward God. My heart was immediately flooded with peace and serenity. It is only when we experience a change of heart, that God can forgive sin, hear our prayers, and restore us to righteousness.
What Happens When We Pray A Prayer of Repentance?
II Chronicles 7: 14-15 tells us when we approach God in prayer with an attitude of repentance we move into humility of heart. We humble ourselves before God recognizing His worthiness and our sins. Next, we turn away from our sin toward the face of Almighty God. We make a choice to hate sin and love God by obeying His commands for our lives. Third, God hears us. We eliminate the “prayer killer,” “unrepentant sin.” God could no more honor our prayer requests while we wallow in sin as could a father honor his son’s request while the child hides a smoldering cigar behind his back. Fourth, we receive forgiveness. God wipes the slate of our lives clean, removing the negative emotions caused by guilt and shame. Finally, we receive healing and restoration. God restores what was taken away from us; replacing it with the harvest He promised and always had waiting for His children. When Job sinned by attempting to question God about his tragedies, he repented saying, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand…Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” It was after Job repented that “the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. (Job 42: 1-10)
Is peace a stranger in you life lately? Is it hard to pray these days? Is something blocking the blessings God has for you? Remember what God says, “When I shut up the heavens…or command locust to devour…or send a plague…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This is His call to repentance. Give it a shot.
Reverend James M. MoodyQuinn Chapel AMEC, Chicago
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend Willie J. Baxter, the husband of Mrs. Sarah Baxter, died Thursday, July 27, 2006. Rev. Baxter was Connectional Chief Marshall, Episcopal Treasurer (7th) and Presiding Elder of the Orangeburg District, Central SC Conference, AMEC.
FINAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Thursday, August 3, 2006
Lay-In-State: 2:00 p. m. – 6:00 p. m.
Memorial Service: 6:00 p. m. – 7:00 p. m.
Williams Chapel AMEC
1198 Glover Street
Orangeburg, SC 29225
(803) 536-0600 – phone
(803) 536-0612 – fax
Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Pastor
Friday, August 4, 2006
Lay-In-State: 10:00 a. m. – 11:00 a. m.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a. m.
South Carolina State University
Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
300 College Street
Orangeburg, SC 29228
(803) 536-7188 – phone (Campus Security)
(803) 536-7000 - phone
Funeral Home:
Jenkins Funeral Home
2396 Russell Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-2522 – phone
(803) 534-9323 – fax
In lieu of florals, please make donations to:
W. J. Baxter Memorial Scholarship Fund
1058 Bramble Lane
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 536-0293 – phone
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Sarah Baxter and Family
1058 Bramble Lane
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-0293 – phone
(803) 536-9426 – fax
Hotel Accommodations:
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites
118 Sleep Inn Road ~ Hwy. 601 (I-26, Exit # 145-A)
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 539-2900
Rate Code: Williams Chapel (Rate: $85.00 per night)
Please remember the family in your prayers.
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sheila Faye Boatley, the sister of Shelby G. Strode (Rev. Dr. Robert A. pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Frankfort, KY) passed on Thursday, July 27, 2006. Sheila Faye Boatley was a beloved, faithful member of Church of Jesus Christ Lancaster, KY.
Visitation is Monday 31, 2006
From 6-8 p.m. at the Church
Church of Jesus Christ
US 27
Lancaster, KY
Funeral is Tuesday August 1, 2006
1:00 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ
US 27
Lancaster, KY
Services Entrusted to: Smith-Jackson Funeral Home446 Bate St. Danville, KY 40422(859) 236-5261(859) 236-5261 (fax)
Email condolences may be sent to: ShelbyGStrode@aol.com
Please remember the family in your prayers.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: sixdistr@bellsouth.net
Brother Charles K. (C. K.) Hodges, the brother of Reverend Clayton Hodge, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Naples, Florida, passed on Monday, July 24, 2006. Brother C. K. Hodge was a beloved, faithful member of Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church of the South Atlanta District of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference.
Services Entrusted to:
Carl Williams Funeral Home
492 Larkin St SW
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 522-8454
(404) 522-5751(fax)
Wake:Friday, July 28, 2006 at 7 p.m.
Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church
580 Fair St SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 522-5020
(404)522-3819(fax)
Rev. A.H. Hall, Pastor
Homegoing Service:
Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 11 a.m.
Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church
580 Fair St SW
Atlanta, GA 30314
(404) 522-5020
Condolences May Be Forwarded to:
Mrs. Mamie Hodge, wife
2691 Peyton Wood Trail SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
(404) 691-4669
BBCallowaySixth Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church
Please remember the family in your prayers.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
15. 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
16. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:
Please click on the link below to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online: Subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
