Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
- QUOTE FOR THE WEEK:
"If you want to get something done - Ain't nothing to it, but to do it!" Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
1. EDITORIAL – THE WATCH MEETING NIGHT SERVICES IN BLACK AMERICA BEGAN WITH THE AME CHURCH AND DATES BACK TO THE 1700’S:
Editor’s Note: A portion of this editorial was published in the December 5, 2007 edition of The Christian Recorder Online
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
It’s coming up on that time of the year again when churches will be planning Watch Meeting Night Services and it is that time of year when the folklore goes around the internet that Watch Night Service began with gatherings also known as "Freedom's Eve" when blacks came together in churches and private homes on December 31, 1862 to await the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become law. I want to set the record straight and get the correct story out.
I am sure that the blacks were excited and were awaiting the news of the Emancipation Proclamation, but that is not how the Watch Meeting Night Services began.
The Watch Night Meeting worship service has been a strong African Methodist tradition from the very beginnings of the AME Church. I mention that because there has been a revisionist account that stated that Watch Night Meeting Services in black communities had its beginning in the gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve" when blacks came together in churches and private homes to await the news that the Emancipation Proclamation was going to become law. The revisionist account of the Watch Night Service says, “Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.” The story is heartwarming, but there is more to the story.
Today, the Watch Night Service is held in a lot of black and white churches and the Emancipation Proclamation piece certainly has some relevance. And, I am certain that the night of December 31, 1862 had a special meaning for the slaves. However, President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation did not free all of the slaves, but I am also certain that, for those who were freed, December 31st remained a significant day in their lives as long as they lived.
The Watch Night service didn't begin in 1862; it began many years prior to that date.
The Watch Night Service reportedly began with the Moravians in Germany and was picked up by John Wesley who incorporated the service in Methodism. In England, Europe, and in America, the early Methodists and other religious groups also observed Watch Night services; the Moravians certainly did. The noted homiletician, Charles H. Spurgeon, a Baptist preacher, preached a Watch Night Sermon on December 31, 1855 and took his text from Lamentations 2:19.
In America, among the earliest Watch Night services was probably held at St. George Church in Philadelphia where Richard Allen was a member. To say that the Watch Meeting services began in the mid-1800 is a myth. It is certain that Richard Allen celebrated Watch Meeting night services at St. George Church and it would follow that Watch Meeting Night services were held at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
Originally, Watch Night services were held to deepen the spiritual life of the Methodists and Wesley, himself explained in his Journal that watch Night services in England were generally held between 8:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. on the Friday nearest the full moon "so that participants walked safely home through moonlit streets." In 19th Century Philadelphia the Methodists continued the practice of watch-night services on New Year's Eve. The newly-formed AME Church members, wherever AME Churches were located, celebrated Watch Meeting Night services.
Watch Meeting Night Service is a tradition that I hope will continue because we have a lot for which to be thankful. All of us have a testimony to give, a song to sing and a prayer to be prayed. In the black community, the Watch Meeting Night began with us, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and with the Right Reverend Richard Allen, the first consecrated and elected bishop.
Though other denominations have Watch Night services, Watch Meeting Night worship is a Methodist tradition and we should never, ever, forget it.
I decided to publish this message again because I want every AME to know the true story of the Watch Night Service and I want us to tell our story.
2. THE GENERAL BOARD MEETING IN NORTH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:
The past week the General Board met in North Charleston, South Carolina. The high-energy meeting was followed by an equally high energy meeting CONVO XII. We will cover the General Board Meeting and CONVO XII in the next issue of TCR Online.
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor
RE: New Prostate Treatment
I am a recent survivor of the "latest treatment" for prostate cancer, 2005, the Michelangelo Laser Surgery. I want to caution people to thoroughly investigate the procedure. Also, they should determine if the urologist has done a significant number of the procedures. I have and still continue to suffer residuals from the surgery. In addition to this information, any male who was in country during the Viet Nam Era and is diagnosed with prostate cancer is presumed to have gotten it from exposure to Agent Orange and he is eligible for Veterans Affairs Disability. I can refer them to the appropriate website.
The Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, MDiv
Pastor, Campbell AME Church
Media, Penna.
- To the Editor:
RE: [Tcr] Helpful Information for those attending the Inaugural Celebration in DC
Some of the information you provided is not accurate. Readers might want to check out www.washingtonpost.com for the latest information about inaugural events. There was a recent article that discussed the mall opening at 7 a.m. and people will be able to carry coolers, chairs, etc.
Sherri Fennell
- To the Editor
RE: Editorial – The economic downturn is a reality and we will all feel the pain
I have asked myself several times these last few days, how many AMEs have been impacted by the economic turndown, as you called it, and how many more will be negatively impacted in the days to come.
During our series of Annual Conferences, I heard a pastor reference the economic downturn in early September, and here we are in December. His concern was that faithful tithers were now in the affected groups and there would be serious consequences. Truly, I know that we have faith and know who we are and whose we are, but you are correct, “we” are being laid off along with the rest of Americans and yes, I agree that sometimes, blacks are the "last hired and first fired," or at least it seems that way.
Most recently I received a call from an AME friend who has been impacted. He was calling to ask what he should do about whether is wife should retire. The stress on the family was so great that his wife suffered a massive stroke and will never be able to work again and they are on the verge of losing their home because his wife is only employed part-time and he was facing the possibility of being laid-off.
I cried so hard because the situation was not someone on the evening news; it was someone I know and love.
Sunday after Sunday, we pray and ask God to bless us, look down on us and we remind ourselves that everything will be alright, but will it?
Aren't we losing homes and jobs like everybody else? Aren't we experiencing the struggles like everybody else? I have seen it and know how much some of our churches are hurting and trying to "survive."
We are trying to be a source of relief in our communities, but some of our churches face the difficulty of keeping up and it is not just small congregations, but larger/mega churches as well.
We have had overseas churches and mainland churches ravaged by Gustav and the other hurricanes and tropical storms whose names escape me right now; and we have to save them. I am constantly in prayer for Bishop Sarah Davis and her Herculean tasks to assist ravished churches in the Caribbean area.
Many churches have large expansion programs that are now having to really struggle to make the mortgage payments; just like individuals. Interest rates have skyrocketed for churches and for individuals.
As President Elect Obama said, “Things will get worst before they get better.”
My question, “What will our plight be? I have always known that God is in control, so we will really have to believe all 8 verses of Psalm 121.
I have a couple of other questions. “Does the Council of Bishops fully understand? Are Presiding Elders making the effort to help smaller churches cope with what is happening?
Since yesterday was the beginning of the General Board, do we really have to have, the Church Growth and Evangelism meeting next month and the WMS Executive Board meet next month? Would the Bishops consider meeting at the site of the Evangelism meeting, instead of traveling 3 days later to another site (Probably not, because convention planning dictates scheduling way ahead and contracts have been signed)? Can some of the Compilation Committee's work be done by teleconferencing and electronic mail? Will the Council issue a statement this week that will encourage our hearts and our spirits?
Will the bishops be more sympathetic to the pastors who are struggling hard to pay their bills and meet their budget requirements? Yes, the African Methodist Episcopal church must continue, but where do we draw the line to expect more than people can do? Are there other creative ways to increase income to alleviate some of the pressures "off the backs of the people," as was one of Bishop White's campaign platforms?
We are in a recession and the President and members of Congress have finally acknowledged that reality.
I believe that the African Methodist Episcopal Church will survive this economic downturn; and we will move on. I just hope the AME Church takes a greater stance now on what we can do to help our members and churches get through this difficult period that could slip into a depression.
It is really becoming necessary for us to be more technically prepared and every pastor ought to be an online subscriber to The Christian Recorder.
Name withheld by request. The writer is a layperson
4. CRASHING CHRISTMAS:
The Rev. N.T. Pitts
There are some people who have a habit of going to parties uninvited, whether it is a birthday party or some other celebration. They would find some means of getting in and blending in with the invited guests, even if they didn’t know or care whose birthday it was or who the honoree might be. We call them "Party crashers."
Party crashers never bring anything to a party; but they are always willing to partake of the food or whatever else they are offered.
The term party crashers can also be applied to those who "crash" the birthday of Jesus with no knowledge and no intent to recognize the significance of Jesus’ birth.
The whole world seems to be “crashing in" and “cashing in” on Christmas; marginal Christians, agnostics and atheists are “crashing in" and “cashing in” on Christmas.
Office parties are being given by employers and gifts are being given and exchanged and the least they have on their mind is what the celebration is really about and whose birthday it is. All they want to do is party, party, party and get time off from work. Not only are they “crashing” Christmas they are also “cashing in” on Christmas.
People are being trampled to death in search of bargains. Merchants are anxiously waiting to check the receipts anticipating huge profits.
I have not found anywhere in scripture where Jesus ever mentioned anything about the miracle of his birth or his birthplace, but in the gospel of John 10:10, he stated that He came that “they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” In the gospel of Luke, chapter 4 verse 18, he said, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me…But he never once spoke of his miracle birth. The point is; Jesus placed great emphasis on “why” he came and “not how.”
He wanted us to remember why he came, not how; why he died and how he left.
That's why he simply took bread and wine for us to use as a reminder of his being. He admonished us to do it as often in remembrance of him.
Wouldn't it be a wonderful thing if all believers and true followers of Christ if they were to take some of the money they spend on expensive gifts and lavish parties and bring it to the 'storehouse" (Malachi 3:10) so that the hungry could be fed, the naked could be clothed and the homeless could be sheltered?
The church must not boast of having fed the hungry two days out of the year, Thanksgiving and Christmas. There remains 363 days of want and need.
I once served as a member of Florida’s One Church One Child Board. Wouldn't it be great if we could adopt that concept and apply that concept to a "One Church, One Family"? With all of the various denominations, churches on every corner; why should the homeless and the helpless and be in want?
The other day I drove down the street in a certain city and I counted nine churches within eight blocks. And I said to myself what potential power?
I saw the homeless persons pushing grocery carts and gleaning garbage containers. I saw others sitting on church steps.
Once again many of us are going to "crash" Christmas by preparing lavish and delicious meals and enjoying family and friends and imbibing of our annual favorite beverage. We will eat until we are stuffed and there will be leftovers, our trash containers will be stuffed with gift-wrapping papers and empty gift boxes. And then we will sit and exhale and wait for another party.
But we must keep in mind whose birthday it is.
I leave you with several questions. Is it hypocritical for those who care little about Christ to enjoy the pleasure of taking part in the celebration of his birth? Are you crashing Christmas? Do you really understand the significance of the birth of Jesus?
Oh, and by the way, I am not a Scrooge, so, by all means make someone happy and fill someone’s heart with love and compassion and do have a most joyful Christmas, but don't be a “party crasher.” Be a part of the fellowship of Jesus, the Christ and bring your gifts to the Master as the wise men and the shepherds did.
The Rev. N.T. Pitts is a retired AME pastor who resides in Eatonville, Florida
5. THE 98TH SESSION OF THE PALMETTO ANNUAL CONFERENCE MET AT GREATER NEW HOPEWELL AME CHURCH, HEMINGWAY, SOUTH CAROLINA:
Submitted by the Palmetto Annual Conference Resolution Committee and edited by Mr. Benjamin Harrison
Beginning Monday, August 18th until Friday, August 22nd, the 7th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convened the first of the 7th Episcopal District’s 2008 annual conferences. The 98TH Session of the Palmetto Annual Conference was held at Greater New Hopewell A.M.E. Church located at 30704 County Line Road in Hemingway, South Carolina, where the Rev. Dr. Kylon Middleton is pastor.
The Palmetto Annual Conference is comprised of the Mount Pleasant, Kingstree and Georgetown Districts, and with approximately 50,000 members, is the largest of six A.M.E. annual conferences in the 7th Episcopal District, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina.
The following article is derived from the Palmetto Annual Conference Resolution Committee that was submitted by the Rev. Barbara Chisolm, pastor of Jehovah AME Church in Cross, SC.
“Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles wings, and brought you unto myself,” so did the Lord carry the members of the 98th session of the Palmetto Conference.
Tuesday morning, the opening session was called to order by Bishop Preston Warren Williams II at Greater New Hopewell AME Church in Hemingway, the third oldest city in South Carolina. Bishop Williams called for the order of the day in the election of administrative assistants and the role call of all itinerant and local ministers with recognition of all delegates.
The processional began with the Hopewell AME Choir, pastors, Presiding Elders, and Episcopal leadership, with banners lifted high and a song of praise on their lips. As they entered the great cathedral, the Rev. Rosalyn Coleman, host presiding elder of the Georgetown District, established protocol and led us in spiritual worship. The Rev. Robert Kennedy, pastor of St. Peters A.M.E. Church, North Charleston, SC, preached from the theme, “You have more going for you than you think!” The subject was taken from II Kings 6:16. The fellowship of Holy Communion was shared as a seal of recommitment to serve the present age.
Tuesday evening, the Night in Missions began under the theme, “Standing in the gap for those in need.” The vessel chosen “to stand in the gap” for this night was Dr. Mary Mayberry from the 5th Episcopal District. The foundational structure was selected from Proverbs 3:7. Dr. Mayberry explained that ‘standing’ means to lay down anything that would encumber you from standing for others in Christ.
Recognitions, presentations, thank-you’s were given and the Missionary anthem was sung in closing as a reminder to “stand!”
Wednesday morning, Bishop Williams offered words of wisdom and called for the order of the day. The business session included pastoral reports from the Georgetown District followed by the Hour of Power which provided a time for reflection upon God’s glory! The “called and anointed,” Dr. Harold Mayberry of the 5th District was the preacher for the hour. His text was taken from II Kings 5:9-14, and his subject was, “Sometimes breakthroughs come from unexpected sources.” He explained that sometimes God uses foolish things to confine the wise.
Wednesday afternoon the conference reconvened and the Rt. Reverend Zedekiah Grady called for the continuation of the pastoral reports. The Mt. Pleasant District, led by the Rev. Charles Graves, provided their reports with efficiency and with special honor to pastors who have served the present years. Special appreciation and recognition to Presiding Elder and Mrs. Graves was given from the District as they sang their last victory song. The Kingstree District was called upon to give their pastoral reports. The Rev. Dr. Allen W. Parrott is Presiding Elder; the reports were given until the session ended in the late afternoon.
Wednesday night, the 7th District’s Young Peoples Division provided an exciting night of witness under the theme, “Walking in the power of the cross, I am strong!” The YPD conference choir echoed the introduction in praises followed by a liturgical expression, as the Sunbeams and Allen Stars offered a warm welcome to all. The final witness of Christ’s love for us was displayed through a skit called, “Walking in the power of the cross: crucified wrong.” The Prayer was given, followed by presentations of awards and gifts, and greetings from the conference leadership, and the Missionary benediction.
Bright and early Thursday morning, Bishop Williams called the business session to order. He greeted the conference, asked for the reading of the minutes from the previous day, and a continuation of the Kingstree District’s pastoral reports. At the conclusion of the pastoral reports, recommendations were made to Elder and Mrs. Parrot and the District sang their victory song, “Can’t Nobody Do Me like Jesus!”
Bishop Williams recessed the business session in preparation for the Hour of Power, with special music ministry provided by the Allen University Choir. The preacher for the hour was the Rev. Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University. Dr. Young highlighted the successes and continual work being accomplished at Allen University. Dr. Young selected his text from Mathew 11:28-30, on the subject, “There is rest for the weary.” His preaching penetrated the heart of the people with the assurance that God provides rest for those who may have been burned. This mountain top experience was followed with a request to the conference for a free-will offering in support of Allen University.
Thursday afternoon, Bishop Z. L. Grady reconvened the conference for the afternoon session. The Georgetown District, led by Elder Rosalyn Coleman, provided their reports with a special honor to pastors. After the final report, appreciation and recognition was given to Elder and Mr. Coleman from the District as they sang their victory song!
Thursday evening, the annual Lay Witness Night began and what a witness it was! The theme for the occasion was drawn from Ephesians 6:6, on the subject, “Refocusing on ministry to serve the present age.” Special highlights were focused on HIV/AIDS.
Friday morning, Bishop Williams called for the Board of Examiners’ report, followed by the Ordination Service. The preacher for this occasion was the Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry, who drew his text from Psalms 34:1-10. His subject was, “Stay with the Lord and praise Him no matter what!” Ordination followed the worship experience, and later that evening, the Rev. Dr. Allen Wayne Parrott, Presiding Elder of the Kingstree District, preached the closing convocation worship service.
During this conference week we were graced with the presence of numerous distinguished visitors and guests including but not limited to: retired Bishop Zedekiah L. and Mother Grady, Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister from the 20th Episcopal District; General Officer Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director of Global Witness and Ministry, Mayor Lenwood Wilson of Georgetown, SC, Dr. Mary Mayberry and the Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry, Chairman of the Episcopal Committee; General Officer Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, A.M.E. Treasurer, and Sheriff Kelvin Washington of Williamsburg County, SC.
The 98th session of the Palmetto Annual Conference was opened in reflection of how God has brought us on eagles’ wings through another year’s journey. The Rev. Dr. Kylon Middleton and the faithful members of Greater New Hopewell A.M.E. Church were commended for the most excellent way in which they hosted the Annual Conference. Their generosity, warm hospitality and gracious smiles will never be forgotten by those who attended this glorious convocation. We came from the north, south, east and west to this Annual Conference and were challenged to do new things in ministry, to go where no man or women has ever gone before!
Everyone was charged with the responsibility to preach, teach and train the people of God. Elders and pastors presented excellent reports. The Greater New Hopewell A.M.E. Church family provided a warm and peaceful atmosphere conducive to spiritual enlightenment, empowerment and dedication to service.
It is with joy and thanksgiving that we applaud our Episcopal leaders Bishop Preston Warren Williams II and Dr. Wilma Webb Williams, on behalf of the nation-state of South Carolina, for the distinctive and spirited leadership which they provided throughout the entire Palmetto Annual Conference. Bishop Williams shared with us the divinely inspired knowledge and wisdom which he received from God.
The members of the Palmetto Annual Conference were encouraged to leave the annual Conference with great expectation in what the Lord shall do through the pastors and the laity.
6. THE END OF AN ERA - THE REVEREND E. LEWIS BRANCH, RETIRED PRESIDING ELDER:
“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.” (Ephesians 4:11)
The Reverend E. Lewis Branch was born in Holly Grove, Arkansas on September 9, 1925 to Jim and Venniesee Woods –Branch and departed this life on November 30, 2008 after a long and courageous battle with bone cancer. He was the youngest of four children born to this union.
The Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland preached the eulogy at the Home Going services on Friday December 5, 2008, where he proclaimed that the passing of the Reverend E. Lewis Branch represents “The End of an Era.” Twenty-four resolutions were received and four were read: the Right Rev. Vinton Anderson, retired; the Fifth District Lay Organization, FAME Oakland, California; and Bethel AMEC San Francisco, California.
Reverend E. Lewis Branch’s life, as well as his works of fifty-eight years (58) in the active ministry, touched many lives in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Christendom. As a servant of God he exercised his talents and skills as pastor, presiding elder and marshal for the Council of Bishops through a long and faithful career.
He received his primary schooling in Holly Grove, Arkansas. After finishing high school, he joined the Navy in order to serve his country and to further his educational opportunities. After completing three years in the Navy during World War II, he was honorably discharged and continued his education at Philander Smith College, Little Rock, Arkansas; University of California Los Angeles; San Francisco State University, University of Chicago (Bachelor of Religion); and Berkeley Baptist Divinity School, Berkeley, California where he received a Masters of Theology.
The Reverend E. Lewis Branch received the call to ministry at age twenty-three while a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in San Francisco, California. In 1952 under the Christian leadership of the late Reverend M. R. Dixon, he was ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He had the good fortune to be mentored by one of the foremost theological minds and world renowned theologians, the late Reverend Dr. Howard Thurman. The Reverend Branch and other theological students lived with and studied under Dr. Thurman.
As a young minister, he met and married the late Alma Burns Branch and was the proud father of Carl, Sandra and Nancy Branch.
On October 23, 2004, Presiding Elder Branch married his gift from God, Loe Ressie Montgomery, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church Berkeley, California. The marriage was officiated by Bishop John Richard Bryant, then Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, A. M. E. Church.
Presiding Elder Branch joined First A.M.E. Church, Oakland, California after his union to Loe Ressie Montgomery.
Presiding Elder Branch’s pastoral ministry took him from the West Coast of the United States to the Midwest. He served fifty-eight (58) years as a Pastor and Presiding Elder in the A.M.E. Church. He served as a pastor for twenty-eight (28) years and served thirty (30) years, as Presiding Elder in three Annual Conferences: Northwest Missouri; Missouri and Kansas/Nebraska Conferences. Presiding Elder Branch was the recipient of many awards and honors and recognitions for his outstanding religious and civic contributions. He received honorary Doctors of Divinity degrees from Shorter College, Little Rock, Arkansas; Monrovia College, Monrovia, Liberia and University of the Midwest, Kansas City, Missouri.
Presiding Elder Branch served as Chief Marshal to the Council of Bishops of the A.M.E. Church for sixteen (16) years. Served as Chairman of the Board of the Western University Association and was a lifetime member of the Economic Development Fund of the Fifth District A. M. E. Church. He was a delegate to seven (7) General Conferences. Presiding Elder Branch was Co-Founder of the National Holly Grove Homecoming Clubs that have been active for over forty-six (46) years with chapters throughout the United States. Presiding Elder Branch was especially proud that the board members chose to recognize him by having their Community Building named Foster/Branch, which bore his name as the Co-Founder of the Holly Grove Homecoming Clubs. He was the recipient of the 2006 and 2008 Leadership Award from the National Holly Grove Homecoming Clubs for his outstanding vision, service and leadership.
Presiding Elder Branch was an avid traveler. His travels included South Africa, Bermuda, the Holy Land, Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, Haiti, England and all fifty (50) states of the United States.
Presiding Elder was preceded in death by his beloved parents; sister, Earnease Henderson; brother, Leo Branch; son, Carl Burns Branch and daughter, Nancy Elizabeth Branch.
Presiding Elder Branch leaves to cherish his life and legacy his loving wife and best friend, Loe Ressie Montgomery-Branch; brother, Jasper Branch and spouse Sirlena; daughter, Sandra Threadgill and spouse Walter Threadgill; Sons - in-Law, Carl Montgomery and spouse Rosalyn; and Cheldon Montgomery and spouse Sheila; granddaughters, Mpenda and Tamu Threadgill; a host of nieces, nephews, clergy and laity family.
Marilyn Lovelace, Director of Public Relations
California Conference
621 Aileen Street, Oakland
510 652-3229
mlovelacegrant@aol.com
7. MEMORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE REVEREND DR. O’NEAL HAYES BROWN, SR.:
Retired Presiding Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Missouri Annual Conference
By Ernestyne K. Brown (wife) and Alisa K. Jones (Daughter)
At the closing of the Missouri Annual Conference, October 12, 2008, Mrs. Brown expressed personal thanks and appreciation for all acts of kindness and outpouring of love during their bereavement. She stated, “It was an emotional as well as a joyful feeling to be recognized by so many friends locally and abroad. Because of the many thoughtful messages and expressions received across the miles and abroad, their journey was easier to bear.”
She further stated that, “Bereavement is so personal that a few of us, unless we have experienced it, can comprehend its grief. We sustained a great loss, but we are grateful for his heritage and the many years we have shared. Our beloved Reverend Brown was loved and respected by many. The greatest tribute to him will be maintaining the professional standards and Christian life he so strongly encouraged.”
Mrs. Brown acknowledged and thanked the eulogist, Bishop C. Garnett Henning, a longtime friend and brother beloved, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District for a special condolence recognizing her husband’s longevity, dedication and commitment to God and humanity; Bishop Vinton R. Anderson for the special tribute and Bishop R.A. Chappelle for his presence. She also recognized and expressed profound gratitude to the Reverend Lee Clayton Goodman, Esq., pastor of Imani AME Church, for pastoral care and visitations. In memory of her husband, she presented to Reverend Goodman his creative pulpit stole, which was designed and handmade in Europe with the AME logo and symbols.
In closing, Mrs. Brown shared the final moments she had with her husband in the comfort of their home. “During his transition, he was in spiritual union with his mother in heaven when an angel called his name and said his place in heaven was ready. The following expressions were interpreted through unspoken communication between their eyes and heart.”
“Peachy,”
When tomorrow starts without me,
I wish you wouldn’t cry.
I know you’ll miss me, but please understand
That in the comfort of our earthly home,
An angel came and called my name and said
My place in heaven was ready.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
Don’t think we’re far apart;
For every time you think of me,
I’m right there in your heart.
Memorial Acknowledgement
I want to take this opportunity to say, “Thank You” for the many kind words of support and encouragement that have been give to me personally and passed on to the family.
So, on behalf of the family in its entirety, we want to let you know how much we appreciate all of your expressions of kindness. Your personal notes continue to be an inspiration to me. Your acts of kindness overcame the self-pity I was beginning to feel.
8. WHY IS THE AME CHURCH NOT A MEMBER OF THE ALL AFRICA CONFERENCE OF CHURCHES (AACC):
*The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
As the year approaches the end, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) concluded its 9th General Assembly on Friday, December 12, 2008, at the Joachim Chissano International Convention Centre, in Maputo (Mozambique). More than a thousand continental church leaders, delegates, visitors, partners, resource persons and visitors registered to participate, discuss and debate the ecumenical work of the AACC, both in the past five years and into the future, under the theme: “Africa, Step Forth in Faith.”
The AACC is a forty-five (45) year old ecumenical body of hundred and forty (140) member churches on the Continent of Africa, in forty (40 African countries) and was founded in 1963. Other members of the ecumenical body are regional and national councils of churches, sometimes also known as Christian Councils.
Like the World Council of Churches (WCC), it was born alongside the Organisation of African Unity, a Continental political forum of African states, as part of the blowing winds of political independence from colonial powers in Africa.
The bottom-line up front: How come we are the African Methodist Episcopal Church, but we are not a part and a member of an African ecumenical body of churches? How come that there despite the awesome and overwhelming presence of the A.M.E. Church in Central, West and Southern Africa – with six (6) Episcopal Districts – and the A.M.E. Church has been in the Continent for more years than the AACC itself, yet it is not a member of the Continental ecumenical body of churches? Is there any reason for the denomination to have a dedicated office on Ecumenical Affairs and still not be present in such a body? Is it limitedly active in the Continent of North Americas, and in global ecumenical platforms, but not in Africa? The AACC is an important and viable organization and the African Methodist Episcopal Church should have a voice in this important organization.
The All Africa Conference of Churches began its 2008 meeting with the worship service held at the Maxaquene Sports Pavilion, in the Maputo city centre, on Sunday, December 7, 2008. The worshippers in the stadium exceeded eight hundred worshippers, including pastors and members of local churches, who forsook the comfort of their regular worship spaces to join the ecumenical service taking place at their doorstep. It was Bishop Dinis Sengulane, the President of the Christian Council of Mozambique, leading the worship service at which he welcomed all and the then AACC President, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Nyansako-ni-Nku, delivered the opening homily in which he explored and expounded on the theme of the General Assembly which was drawn from the John 11:43 (“When he has said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ – New International Version”).
The General Assembly was graced by the presence of and the addresses by some of the continental political leadership – namely, Mr. Amando Guebuza, the incumbent President of the Republic of Mozambique; Mr. Joachim Chissano, the former President of the Republic of Mozambique; Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the President of Liberia, whose address was read on her behalf by the Liberian Minister of Information; and, Mr. Thabo Mbeki, the former President of the Republic of South Africa. These were made in addition to the AACC Presidential Address and the submission of the General Secretariat Report, by the Rev. Dr. Mvume Dandala (the former Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa), which were accounting for accomplishments and challenges of the AACC in the five year period past – including recommendations on what could be done going forward in the coming five years.
It is important to note at this point that the Rev. Dr. Karamanga, former staff of the World Council of Churches, was part of the proceedings of the General Assembly as the AACC General Secretary-elect. The Rev. Dr. Dandala was at this General Assembly to deliver his report of the past period and to steer its business until the General Secretary-elect was installed and handed the baton to take over the tasks of an AACC General Secretary. At the conclusion of the General Secretary-elect was, indeed, installed at a service which, following the installation of the newly elected Presidency and General Committee members, the Rev. Dr. Sam Kobia, the WCC General Secretary, delivered a closing address.
Simultaneously, as the General Assembly was in session, tracks on variety of theme were taking place in the course of four days. The thematic tracks included discussions, debates and learning experiences on matters of moral regeneration, the entrenchment of human rights in Africa, diseases and health in Africa, spirituality and environment, among others. One of the emotive discussion forums which took place in the General Assembly was concerning the Zimbabwean socio-political and economic crisis. While in session, Zimbabwe continued to dominate the world media as more deaths were reported as result of cholera, which had taken epidemic proportions, in the very same week that the Mr. Robert Mugabe was reported to deny the problem continuing to plague the country.
Clearly, the delegates of the Assembly displayed their grave concern with the situation developing in Zimbabwe and other countries on the African Continent where democracy is eroding, human rights are violated, hunger is pervasive, as well as life and limb is lost to wars.
One of the glorious moments of the General Assembly was the punctuations with devotional moment, especially the first two hours of each morning, where all the Assembly participants – delegates and visitors, share in the well prepared liturgies and Bible Expositions. These were really special, as each morning was dedicated to a particular theme which included the celebration of our diversity, celebrating the women of Africa, celebrating God’s Creation, as well as celebrating health and wholeness. The highlight of these celebrations was the last day of the Assembly, when Communion was celebrated. The singing of praises sung in the various African languages, and the unraveling of the diversity of cultural expressions in true of the Triune God, were moving experiences of the Assembly.
It is impossible, alone, to exhaustively relate the happenings of this week at the AACC General Assembly. The above only server to tease and wet the appetite of any persons who was not there to know more about the things that unfolded, this week in Maputo. Consequently, this sharing ends here concerning what took place. What follows are just two personal observations I want to make and share widely. In general terms the observations focus on the denomination I love; a denomination I am a part of and which is part of me, the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.
In the first instance, before addressing the observations, it is important to declare the basis of my participation in the General Assembly. I attended and participated in the General Assembly as a result of my other life in church life. As a Coordinator (or Director) of a National Council of Churches, I attend and participated in the Assembly together with Southern African Coordinators of Health and HIV Programmes in the National Councils of Churches, who held their pre-conference meeting and also planned to influence decisions of the Assembly on the areas of our work, informed by what happens in our respective countries and what together are doing in our respective countries. I was not there in my capacity as a member and clergy in my denomination.
However, at the Assembly, there was a great number of AMEs and it was so glorious to have met and pride each other about having been part of the unfolding events of the continental ecumenical body of churches. It turn out that all of us who were AMEs in the Assembly came to participate on behalf of the National Councils of Churches we are involved in both as staff and members of governance. In fact, it is the latter I want to highlight here.
AMEs are playing critical and valuable roles in the ecumenical life of churches, especially here in Southern Africa. In Botswana and Lesotho, AMEs serve as Presidents of the National Councils of Churches – they are namely, the Rev. Mpho Morouakgomo and the Rev. Makhosi, respectively. Both of them are members of Annual Conferences in the 18th Episcopal District. In Swaziland and Zambia, AMEs serve as the engines of the National Councils of Churches. As General Secretaries, they are charged with the responsibility of day-to-day management of the organisational and administrative operations of National Councils of Churches, including being the face of the churches in their respective countries. This means that they are charged with prophetic responsibilities as they daily engage with political and economic forces in the countries, as well as pastoral responsibilities of being present in their daily struggles of vulnerable, poor and marginalised of their respective societies. These are serious and enormous responsibilities they are charged with. What is even unique about their situation is that they are lay persons and, even more profound, they are women – namely, Ms Susan Matale and Ms Khangezile Dlamini, in Zambia and Swaziland, respectively. Both are now serving in these positions for just over a year and half – certainly, they are tested and on course with getting the job done.
They are in the 17th and 18th Episcopal Districts, respectively. Ululating and shouts of hallelujah, an expression of joy and excitement about this is something worth feeling and doing. Of course, there were more others in the Assembly playing other significant roles in their respective National Councils of Churches and they are proudly AMEs.
Sadly, though, we all were participating in the Assembly merely as speaks. We were not part of the decision-makers; we didn’t have the right to vote because we were not official delegates to the Assembly. Some were only delegates of the AACC associate members (i.e., National Councils of Churches). Some others were resource persons (either scribes, expert in this or that field and invited to share one’s expertise). Others were mere visitors or ecumenical partners who participated in the tracks and workshops, which took place on the side of the Assembly.
Except a mention of the A.M.E. Church in the documents of the Assembly, as an AACC partner, no other mention of the A.M.E. Church in the list of various categories of membership of the body. Let me reiterate, the A.M.E. Church is not a member of the AACC. It raises unanswered, rhetorical questions, which only sharpen what should and must be a cause of concern: How come we are the African Methodist Episcopal Church but we are not a part and a member of an African ecumenical body of churches? How come that there despite the awesome and overwhelming presence of the A.M.E. Church in Central, West and Southern Africa – with six (6) Episcopal Districts – and the A.M.E. Church has been in the Continent for more years than the AACC itself, yet it is not a member of the Continental ecumenical body of churches? Is there any reason for the denomination to have a dedicated office on Ecumenical Affairs and still not be present in such a body? Is it limitedly active in the Continent of North Americas, and in global ecumenical platforms, but not in Africa?
A friend and colleague recently wrote in Christmas message, “If mission is the heart of the church, then ecumenism is the soul of the church.” I cannot agree more than the articulation. I believe that we can live out this maxim. Our denomination already has the relevant structural arrangements to be able to do something about the presence of the denomination in this ecumenical platform.
For starters, the office Ecumenical Affairs can collaboratively work together with the Episcopal leaders on the continent to ensure collective engagement of Episcopal Districts in the AACC and other appropriate ecumenical platforms.
This is now a greater possibility because there are already persons, both clergy and laity playing a role in this ecumenical forum.
I am confident my denomination has the capacity to do something about this glaring omission. I write this still in Maputo and do hope that it will find ready minds and hearts to consider the concerns, challenges and celebrations in this missive. Not only that, but I also trust that it will be understood that this missive is composed without malice intended, rather from a hearty and zealous mind on the mission of the church.
*The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas, an itinerant Elder in the AME Church is also the Director: Health Programme
South African Council of Churches with an office on the 9th Floor, Khotso House, 62 Marshall Street, Johannesburg 2001
Tel.: +27 (0)11 241 7811/2
Fax: +27 (0)11 492 1448/9
Mobile: +27 (0)76 692 9583
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
9. THE 84TH SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE TEMPERANCE COMMITTEE REPORT:
September 22 – 28, 2008
The Right Rev. T. Larry Kirkland is the presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District. Mrs. Mary Kirkland is the Episcopal Supervisor.
We are honored and proud to give this our first Temperance Report on this, the 26th day of September in the year 2008.
A synopsis of Acts 3: 19 – 26 states, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that He may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus…anyone who does not listen to Him will be completely cut off from among His people…when God raised up His servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
Webster’s Dictionary defines temperance, “Self-restraint, moderation or abstinence,” but in the world today, there is a lack of temperance. People need to turn from their “wicked ways and we need a time of refreshing from the Lord who will help us to turn from “wicked ways.”
Today, we see greedy pursuits of our beloved capitalism, immoral mindsets of me-isms, a lack of virtue among one another, unrealistic acknowledgement of sin, a cavalier reverence for God that causes us, influences us and directs us toward a lack of temperance and sows the seed for, “wicked ways.”
Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Fannie Mae and Freddie bailed out, while taxpayers struggle to keep the roof over their heads, buy less expensive groceries, find cheaper gas, and keep their church doors open and families safe. The latest hurricane victims, including Katrina victims are still not back in homes; that’s not temperance, but intemperance and we need a time of refreshing and a turn from “wicked ways!”
Companies are so large and their reach so far that their failure negatively affects almost everybody and caters to a selected few.
Corporate executives are not being held accountable for misdeeds and greed. The greedy rich maintain their private jets, private yachts, and multiple homes, warehouses full of personal automobiles, stock options, and estates on private islands; while sending jobs overseas. Those behaviors are not temperance, but intemperance and we need a time of refreshing and a time to turn from “wicked ways!”
The average homeowner is trying to keep their homes out of foreclosure, searching for reasonable healthcare and trying to get out of debt while the government is creating ways to bail out corporate America.
The country has enormous debt, families have enormous debt, and individuals have enormous debt. There is a projection of $11.3 trillion dollars of U.S. debt, multiple bank failures in the U.S., Exxon-Mobil making over 1 billion dollars in net profit, last year. A vast majority in the US without adequate healthcare while an unnecessary war is costing $1 billion dollars a month, financed partially by homeowners paying their house notes on time!
Immoral mortgage writers, unscrupulous real estate salespersons and unethical financial institutions selling “a pie in the sky” and ducking and dodging when there is no pie! Hurricane victims were booted out of hotels rooms so football fans can rent at a higher price! Milk tainted to boost income and lower costs by chemicals to make it look more like milk instead of water. Church folks arguing over pots and pans and flowers and paint instead of realizing that Jesus is not coming back for plants, but for His children and His church! Church folks talked out of giving God worship and praise on a Sunday morning by an enemy who can sit back and laugh at how easy they are! Church folk - playing the lottery, not tithing, but showing more faith in scratch-off numbers, than in the God who gave the numbers in the first place!
We need temperance…a time of refreshing from the Lord…and “a turn from wicked ways!”
Sagging pants below somebody’s rear-end, is not temperance! Sixty-five percent of female black college graduates are not temperance! Paying a minimum monthly due on a credit card bill is not temperance! Failure to vote is not intemperance!
Young black males and females staying from behind bars is temperance! Sons and daughters with good jobs, off drugs, out of momma’s house, off grandparents income, educated, responsible and accountable is temperance! Praying before we act and praising before we react is temperance!
Therefore, this Report calls for Humility – “If my people who are called by name will humble themselves…then, I will hear from heaven and heal…”
This Report calls for Prayer – “Prayer changes things!”
This Report calls for Repentance! – Verse 19: “Repent then and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out...” Somebody ought to say, Lord, I’m sorry!
This Report calls for Refreshing times from the Lord!” – Verse 19: “that times of refreshing may come from the Lord”; A refreshing in our minds, a refreshing in our spirits, a refreshing in our hearts, and a refreshing from our mouths!
When we think of “the goodness of the Lord” and “all He’s done for” us and our souls “can look back and wonder how” we “got over.” We can begin to get refreshed!
When we see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living, we can begin to get refreshed! When we can acknowledge, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof and they that dwell therein,” we get refreshed! Knowing “If God be for us, it doesn’t matter who’s against us,” gets us…refreshed! Greater is He that is within me than He that is within the world,” that’s refreshing! Having “a home in glory;” The righteous not forsaken; its seed not “begging for bread,” and knowing He didn’t “bring me this far… to leave me,” that’s refreshing! And knowing one day, “He’s coming back to get His church; that’s refreshing!
This Report calls for Temperance!
- Temperance from greed!
- Temperance from immorality!
- Temperance from bad decisions!
- Temperance from “wicked ways.”
This Report calls for Jesus - Verse 26: “When God raised up His servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”
- We call for Jesus…who saves!
- Jesus…who cares!
- Jesus…who loves!
- Jesus…who wipes away our tears!
- Jesus…who takes away our doubts and fears!
- Jesus…who died, but yet one day rose!
- Jesus…who can turn us from our “wicked ways!”
This Report calls for temperance and a turn from our “wicked ways!”
The Rev. M. W. Eagle, Sr., MA, Temperance Committee Chair
Members:
The Rev M. W. Eagle,
The Rev Lois Woodard,
The Rev Clarence Luckey
The Rev Eddie Slack,
The Rev James Addison,
The Rev Mary Polk
Delegates:
Brown Memorial/Pasadena; Bethel/San Diego
Allen/Riverside; Bethel/Blythe
10. THE INTEGRATION OF THEOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY:
By the Rev. Dr. Eric C. Little
Recently I read an article in The Christian Recorder entitled, “The A.M.E. Order of Worship Is Not Only Inspirational, It is Also Therapeutic” by The Rev. N.T. Pitts. The article underscored the physical benefits of participating in worship, which consequently contributes to a healthy lifestyle. I agree with this observation, but I’d like to expand this line of reasoning to include not only physical health, but mental health as well.
The worship experience includes singing, which releases neurochemicals (endorphins) that relieve stress and promote a sense of well-being. Listening to a powerful, relevant sermon helps parishioners deal with tough issues and can help them resolve personal problems. Additionally, experiencing the fellowship and love of people who care gives one a sense of belonging, and serves as a buffer against depression and loneliness.
Nevertheless, there are times when, in my opinion, the struggles of life become so intense that professional help may be needed. Sudden death, divorce, parent-child conflict, and a host of other problems can drive a person to the brink of madness if relief is not sought in time. However, many in the Christian community frown upon the use of psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals as a means of obtaining relief from emotional disturbances. We often hear Christians speak jokingly about people who are “crazy” as if this is somehow funny. Yet, for those persons suffering from severe mental illness, it is no laughing matter.
I think the reason many Christians don’t take mental illness seriously is because they don’t understand it. Some pastors are quick to tell people they don’t need to take “antidepressant medication,” yet they do not tell diabetics to refuse their insulin. We distinguish between mental and physical illness as if mental illness is no illness at all. As a mental health practitioner of many years, I can truthfully say, it’s real. I can also say there are varying degrees of mental illness, just as there are varying degrees of physical illness. Just as all (physical) sickness is “not unto death,” so it is that not all mental illness requires that a person be institutionalized. We often equate mental illness with its more severe forms, such as schizophrenia or psychotic disorders. However, there are many psychiatric conditions that can disrupt a person’s life, and you’d never tell the person was afflicted just by looking at them.
Perhaps it’s time for a paradigm shift. Instead of viewing psychology as the enemy of theology, perhaps we should view it as an ally. Jesus’ earthly ministry provides us with a good example of the importance of understanding human behavior. His conversation with the Samaritan woman and his patient dealings with Nicodemus all point to One who understood what it was like to be human. Of course, our primary goal is to lead people to Jesus Christ. But what about those who have difficulty seeing Christ because of brokenness, loss, depression and anxiety? Perhaps, as Jesus did, we should feed them first.
I’m not talking about physical bread here, but rather empathetic counseling that can help them see past the pain and hurt.
I’ve often heard ministers say, “All you need is Jesus”…implying that people should not seek professional help for emotional problems. However, we forget that we are Christ’s disciples; we are His hands, feet and heart. Maybe, just maybe, the answer to someone’s prayer lies with a Christian counselor, psychologist, or pastor trained in the art of Nouthetic Counseling. My prayer is that the Church will move toward the integration of theology and psychology, and utilize both disciplines in a way that can heal the broken-hearted and eliminate the stigma that is associated with mental illness.
Note: Dr. Eric Little is the pastor of Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church in Montevallo, Alabama. He is also the Director and Founder of Ray of Hope Counseling Center. Dr. Little serves in the 9th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop James L. Davis.
11. THE STRADFORDS - BROTHER ERIC AND SISTER STEPHANIE- ARE ON THE ROAD AGAIN:
Eric and I are taking three weeks to tour that takes us from the East Coast to the West Coast for Youth Achievers USA Institute (ages 7-24). We will be meeting with youth, young adults, potential mentors, ministers and those concerned about our youth.
YouthUSA will also offer Financial Work/Study Fellowships in 2009 to graduating High School students, those in college or graduate school.
We were in Mississippi two days ago. Yesterday we were in Louisiana. We are now in Texas and leaving for Los Angles. There will be a week in LA so if there is anyone we should meet with, please let us know.
Stephanie Walker Stradford
President and CEO
Youth Achievers USA Institute
www.YouthUSA.org
12. A HISTORY OF SCOUTING AT DUPAGE AME CHURCH:
*Brother Anthony Franklin, Sr.
The DuPage AME scouting program was actually started from a new family that joined the church when the church only had 79 members. The Rev. Henry Soles who at that time was an associated minister at DuPage and the senior chaplain of the Chicago Bulls and served on the then DuPage Scouting Council visited the Council with Master Sergeant Odell Thomson of the Illinois State Police, who is an Eagle Scout; Steve Franklin, my brother; George Brett, a trustee at the church and I asked if we could start a Boy Scout Troop and Pack at the church. We were told that we could do so and said that we had their support. We were invited to the church’s next official board to present our request. The Board denied our request.
It took a year for me and my brother, Steve, to gather members that were experiencing the same issues of our sons and daughters' being in units that had no other kids of color or leaders of color that related to our own kids needs. The following year the board approved the troop after our presentation.
Four years later my wife, Donna Franklin, and Carla Holmes went to the Girl Scouts Council to get permission to start the Girl Scouts at the church and were given permission to do so. The Girl Scouts was started by family members that wanted quality programs for our children.
When AAMES was first formed as a recognized group in the AME Church, Dr. Kenneth Hill, who at that time, was the Director of Christian Education of the AME Church and Bishop John Bryant visited the National BSA Headquarters with over 85 AME Boy Scouts and Girl Scout leaders from all over the country. Our mission was to establish our organization as an approved denomination as other denominations have done. They approved us as an organization after meeting with them for two days. Thus, we started the BSA arm of AAMES.
Then the following year, we visited the Girl Scouts National Headquarters in New York City and met with their leadership and got approved.
DuPage AME Church has produced 18 Eagle Scouts. Kevin Harris, my nephew, is carrying on the legacy.
*Anthony Franklin Sr. is the National Connectional Director of Boy Scouts of the AME Church.
www.ameced.com
www.Dupageamec.org
13. CLAIMING YOUR VICTORY:
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson
Benton Harbor, Michigan.
“Live Your Life with a Purpose-Leave a Legacy”
“On the morning before the biggest day in his life, Barack Obama got the news he was dreading: Grandma Toot had died. The woman who had such a big hand in raising him would never know if he’d won” was written by Jeff Zeleny of The New York Times.
“And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the promise land. I may not get there with you, but I want you to know tonight that we as a people will get to the Promised Land.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13
What a moment it was as Evangelist Catherine L. Carson and I as we witnessed history being made when President-elect Barack Obama made his acceptance speech as the 44th President-elect of the United States of America!
While the “promised-land” of Dr. King might be in the early stages; surely we have come much closer to Dr. King’s “Beloved Community,” which is directly enroute to the Promised Land.
I am sure that Mrs. Madelyn Dunham, President-elect’s grandmother was watching from afar as her grandson was elected to the highest office of the “free-world.” Mrs. Dunham died the day before Senator Obama was elected as President-elect Barack Obama.
One of the classic passages concerning the “Heroes and She-roes of faith” (Hebrews 11) names some people that believed in the move of God, worked towards the move of God, and yet would not fully realize the move/promise of God in their lifetime.
In our day-in-day-out labors we are called to “give a good day’s work” for a better society. Each and every day we are charged by God to let our witness display that we “actively believe” in the life-transforming power of God. Our witness transcends the here and now and embraces the truth that there are ideas, concepts, and realities we might not in this life realize, but because of our efforts and prayers will become a reality.
“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” (Hebrews 11:39) Just think about this, over the history of our country persons have fought, struggled, and even died for the freedom and equality of others.
First and foremost, we are all recipients of promises that began with others sowing into us, some who were not around to see us realize the promise.
“What’s good for the goose is also good for the gander.” As you live your life, realize that your labor for God is never in vain should you see the direct manifestation of it or not.
This is not an ominous musing but a blessed declaration concerning your responsibility to sow seeds of faith and resources into other persons. This is by no means a sardonic invitation to die but instead a glorious challenge to live!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Peace with justice, be blessed real good, attend worship and families matter.
*The Reverend Dr. Michael C. Carson Fourth Episcopal District Director of Public Relations and Pastor Union Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Carson can be contacted at carsonvision@acd.net
14. PERSEVERING:
“You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36)
Does the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem seem like it was a struggle for Mary and Joseph to persevere? Or, what’s more, how about afterward when they fled to Egypt? I believe it was; if you consider they may have only had one donkey on which Mary may have ridden, while Joseph walked. The distance between the two cities is about 70 miles, but I believe it was much further considering the route and terrain. Riding or walking, that distance had to have been terribly difficult on Mary considering she was due to give birth at any moment.
Any woman who has given birth knows that the journey was difficult. Any man who is a father would know that the journey was difficult.
Yet Mary and Joseph persevered.
The scripture says, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36) Mary and Joseph were told that Mary would birth to the Son of God and that He would bring light to a dark place, and that He would reign over the house of Jacob forever.
They had to persevere to see this promise come true. In persevering they needed to trust God and be faithful in their affliction. We are challenged to be faithful in and persevere through all of our situations. God will deliver on the promise. Just as Jesus was born into this world, so too, is our victory through Him.
Read: Matthew 2:13-18, Luke 2
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me and give me strength to persevere through the trials of life. I pray in Jesus name – Amen!
The Rev. Tobias L. Pace is the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky
tobias.pace@insightbb.com
http://www.bethelameshelbyville.org
15. REMEMBERING THE LAST TIME YOU HELD MY HAND:
Submitted by: Reverend Charles R. Watkins, Jr., B.S., M.Div
During my devotion time I took another look at the story of the storm-tossed boat in Matthew’s Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33). This often told story, of course, is about Jesus, on a stormy night, walking on the water toward the boat carrying the fearful disciples. The story’s main character is Jesus and the sub-plot introduces us to Peter challenging Jesus, climbing down out of the boat and at first, walking on water.
I find comfort in this story as I picture, in my mind, Jesus coming at a point lives were in danger. As He had and has so many times, when the storms in our lives rage, Jesus shows up to provided the help that only Jesus can give.
This time, in the midst of the angry storm, while the sea was being tossed about by the wind and the waves were strong, Jesus came toward the helpless vessel walking on the water. I’ve heard many an interpretation that questioned the fact that the disciples didn’t seem to recognize Jesus. However, I envision Jesus approaching stepping over the waves, walking toward the boat as the angry wind whipped up the sea mist. On a dark evening that had to be a scary sight.
I don’t find it difficult to understand that the disciples were afraid or that the usually familiar face of Jesus appeared distorted. They were afraid for their lives; after all, at the moment they were without their Lord and Savior. Life without Jesus, even for a moment, leaves one helpless. I don’t find it difficult to understand how they would not recognize Jesus or cry out in fear, “It is a ghost!”
Then in the midst of the storm, when things are at their worst, when things are especially troublesome, Jesus calls out “Do not be afraid.” Jesus also admonishes, “Take heart,” (“take courage.”) It is Jesus’ prayer that all who are His disciples would find courage and not be anxious in the face of difficulty. Jesus wants us to “remember the last time He held our hand.” It is His promise to us that He will never leave us, nor forsake us.
The story takes on another interesting twist as Peter wants to try his hand at walking on water also. Peter gets down out of the boat into the raging water.
However, along the way to Jesus Peter gets scared and starts to sink. It is then that Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!”
Of course, it is amusing to think that Jesus could have said to Peter, “Now what do you want me to do?” Jesus could have allowed Peter to drown. That is not what Jesus would do, but I think it is sometimes how the “world” responds to our cries for help. Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, chooses to save us, even though we get ourselves into the messes we find ourselves in. And, of course, Jesus chose to save Peter and get him back into the boat. Peter is once again safe and sound.
When Jesus rescued Peter from the waves, He said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
I thought immediately of those who exegete this text to support the notion that these words of Jesus and this story about Peter is saying to us, “When troubles come, when the storms in your life are tossing you to and fro, when you start to sink beneath the waves, you are sinking because you don’t have enough faith.”
That interpretation leads us to believe that when trouble comes; when the winds and the sea are contrary, it’s your fault; you are to blame; it’s your fault, not because you didn’t have enough sense not to jump out of a boat, but because you were out of the boat and you didn’t have enough faith. In other words when you find yourself in difficulty your lack of faith is to blame. This, of course, would lead one to believe that when I fell and broke my leg, it showed lack of faith. If somebody you loved died much too young, somehow you or the loved one was lacking faith in Jesus.
Ludicrous is the word that comes to my mind. There are some things, like our finances or our lifestyle that we can work on; however, I find it very disconcerting when one is led to believe that the death of a dear loved one is somehow their fault. How much more is a serious, unexplained illness compounded by the thought that it is somehow our fault? I find it distasteful that anyone of “spiritual” authority would use the “sacred desk” as a forum to add more weight to an already heavy situation preying on one’s human nature to feel guilty implying that if only we just had a little more faith.
There are undoubtedly many things that we do that show how foolish we can be. One can argue that Peter was foolish to get out of the perfectly good boat.
However, I am more inclined to believe that even the best disciples can, from time to time, make what appear to be such silly and sometimes dangerous decisions.
What I find most interesting is that Jesus doesn’t chastise Peter for climbing down out of the boat. Rather, Jesus admonishes Peter for growing anxious.
Jesus was speaking specifically about Peter being anxious about things he cannot even control. Once Peter’s mind shifts from what he is able to do in Jesus to what he believes he is not able to do on his own his mind takes him out of this miraculous moment and Peter begins to sink. The moment Peter’s mind shifts to thinking of his own limitations, he becomes afraid. In his state of fear Peter is missing out on the miraculous power of Jesus. But, by the grace of God Peter will always remember those few wonderful moments when he actually walked on water with God. Peter will remember the last time God held his hand.
In the midst of his fear Peter called out to Jesus, "Lord, save me!" and immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. Jesus very calmly responds, “Come.”
Jesus asks, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” Jesus is asking, why your faith is mixed with anxiety. Why are you anxious? Don’t you remember the last time I held your hand? “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
The Reverend Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is a Doctoral Candidate at the Theological School, Drew University (Graduation, May 2009) and the
Pastor of Bethel AME Church in St. George, South Carolina
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We share with regret the news of the passing of Mr. John Hunter Parker, Sr., father of the Reverend Joseph Parker, pastor of Campbell Chapel A.M.E. Church in Pulaski, TN and father-in-law of the Reverend Birdie Parker.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Joseph and the Rev. Birdie Parker
960 La Vergne Lane
La Vergne, TN 37086
Phone: (615) 793-0921
Email: jpsunday@bellsouth.net
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; 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
