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
1. EDITORIAL – TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I received several interesting email messages from pastors and laypersons in response to last week’s editorial that addressed the issue of when it was appropriate to refer a pastor to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee.” I use the word, “interesting,” because it was reminder that there are, at least, “two sides” to every story.
Last week’s editorial pointed out that bishops in times past almost always referred pastors who failed to make a “round” report to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee. It was a sobering reminder of the importance of pastors being faithful to a pastor’s annual conference financial responsibilities. The editorial went on to explain that it appeared from what is stated in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 that a bishop not only may, but if he or she follows the law, is obligated to refer a pastor to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee if his or her annual conference report is deficient. A presiding elder who had several pastors that failed to submit a “round” report was also subject to scrutiny.
The editorial stated that it appeared, from what is stated in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, that a pastor might also be referred to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee for failing to win souls and convincing others to come to Christ because winning souls to Christ and baptisms are an indication of a pastor’s evangelistic efficiency (inefficiency) or evangelistic incompetence.
Let me say that referring a pastor to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee should not imply guilt; the MEC determines pastoral efficiency or pastoral incompetence. If a pastor has done all in his or her power to address or deal with a negative pastoral situation and the negative situation remains the same, there would be no reason to assume that the pastor is incompetent.
There are two sides to every story.
The other side of the story
I received one response that pointed out that in a case of a pastor being referred to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee for failing to win souls and convincing others to come to Christ, that it was possible that there were those who were already members of the church who repented; were encouraged and spiritually renewed by the preaching, witness and ministry of the pastor and the local church and who, publically or privately, reaffirmed their commitment to Christ; but that action is not reportable on the Pastor’s Annual Report. The writer pointed out that the ministry of some pastors who reported zero accessions and zero baptisms may not accurately reflect the pastor’s ministry. That’s a great point.
Another pastor questioned what she saw as annual conference excessive expenses, such as requiring or encouraging delegates attending the annual conference to be housed in the most expensive hotels. She pointed out and questioned the obligation, in this austere economic environment, of feeding the “out-of-town guests” who attend the annual conference, especially when they are fed at an expensive restaurant or at a hotel. When pre-offerings, opening and closing offerings, some of which are as much as $100, are added to a $700 or more lodging cost, the annual conference can be an expensive experience for the smaller churches and pastors; especially for those churches that are struggling to raise their assessments.
Another writer pointed out that a presiding elder and a bishop should be sensitive to the fact that some pastors may not have their budget because some churches believe that they can use the budget as a method to get rid of a pastor. That’s the other side of the story.
It was also pointed out that right-sizing churches should be a priority because changing demographics have precipitated significant membership increases in some churches, but other churches have had a significant decrease in membership. That’s the other side of the story.
A pastor shared that his aging church’s air conditioning unit and furnace needed to be replaced. He pointed out that winter is approaching and the church needs to repair the heating and air conditioning units. He asked, “So, do we make a “round report” and ignore the needed replacement of the heating and air conditioning units, which is a necessity if we are going to conduct worship services and do ministry or do we make a partial report and repair the heating and air conditioning units?” So, what’s the answer?
A great question
The issues raised in the dilemma of pastoral efficiency are complicated and, at the least, show that extensive pastoral training is needed. Too often our pastors are not provided with rigorous realistic recertification training requirements and often pastors are only as effective as the pastors who trained and mentored them.
Are there solutions?
Yes. The messages and other comments received should remind all of us that there are, at least, two sides to every issue.
What can be done?
First, the issues are complex. I am afraid that there are no easy answers. The first observation that I would make is that the pastorate is not the place for “lone rangers.” The pastorate is not an “individual sport,” it’s a “team effort.” I suspect that some pastors receive their pastoral appointment and “hunker down” at their charges, with minimal interaction with their peers. Pastors need to be friends with other pastors, they need to interact with each other, trust each other and exchange ideas and strategies with each other.
For instance, a pastor who is facing economic, social or spiritual struggles should partner with other pastors in his or her presiding elder district, his or her annual conference, or his or her episcopal district. Pastors need to know their limitations and when to seek assistance. I would imagine that a presiding elder or a bishop would be perturbed if they were hearing for the first time coming up to the annual conference that a pastor was having difficulty with raising his or her assessments.
Raising the budget is a team effort and pastors should be working together and the presiding elder should be a part of that team; no, the presiding elder should be the leader of the presiding elder district team. Simply put, the presiding elder is responsible for training, motivating, mentoring, and ensuring the success of all pastors in the presiding elder district. The presiding elder should be given the power (resources) to motivate the team.
In a like manner, the presiding bishop is responsible for training, motivating, mentoring, and ensuring the success of all the presiding elders in his or her episcopal district. If the team fails, the leader failed.
A layperson wrote, “Some districts should follow the lead of the 6th Episcopal District, which already shortened the length of its annual conferences; and the 2nd Episcopal District, which will shorten its 2010 series of annual conferences.” There are also two sides to the story of shortening annual conferences; as Bishop Adam J. Richardson explained, “When I was a pastor, I used to complain that we could do the work of the annual conference in half of the time and cut out a lot of it. When I became a bishop and saw all that was required to be done at the annual conference, I realized that shortening the annual conference was ‘easier said than done.’ He went on to say, “But, we are going to shorten the 2010 series of annual conferences.”
Yes, there are solutions. Bishops, general officers and connectional leaders of the Church must be realistic and cognizant of the fact that there is something going on in the economy and leaders at all levels must be prepared to make needed adjustments and readjustments as necessary.
Yes, there are two sides to every story, and we, as a denomination, at all levels, need to work together as teams and at all levels, we must be reminded that “Leaders create the climate for teamwork.”
Yes, there are two sides to every story, and there are solutions. And, we all must never forget that in African Methodism, everyone, at all levels, is accountable; local church officers, pastors, presiding elders, connectional officers, general officers, and bishops, and it is incumbent upon all of us to function competently, if we want to remain a part of the team.
Yep, there are two sides to every story.
2. BISHOP NORRIS SPEAKS AT THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK CAUCUS PRAYER BREAKFAST:
By Angelena Spears
Philadelphia Conference Reporter
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, the presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District, was the chosen speaker for this year’s Annual Prayer Breakfast for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF).
The breakfast was held on Saturday, September 26 at Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington D.C., and was attended by over 3000 people.
A host of over 100 AME preachers and presiding elders traveled to Washington to hear Bishop Norris preach in this “historic and distinguished” setting. They came in great numbers from the First Episcopal District, in particular – representing New York, Western New York, Delaware, New England, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Bermuda Annual Conferences.
Other AME Bishops who also were at the breakfast were: Bishop Adam J. Richardson (2nd Episcopal District), Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie (13th Episcopal District), and Bishop Carolyn T. Guidry (8th Episcopal District).
Bishop Norris preached with uninhibited power and used as a subject, “A Relevant Voice,” that was taken from Isaiah 40:1-6. In a passionate delivery, Bishop Norris took full advantage of the opportunity to challenge our political leaders. He singled out the 42 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and told them they must have a relevant message; not just for their constituents, but for all people.
Within the message he also pointed out the need for relevant discussions for legislation that will impact healthcare and education reform.
The Rev. James P. Baker, Jr., pastor of Morris Brown AME Church, Philadelphia was a coordinator for the program, and delivered the invocation.
For nearly two decades, the Prayer Breakfast has been promoted as one of the most well attended and successful events in the nation’s capital. Among the many distinguished guests in attendance were Dr. Dorothy I. Height, long-time leader of the National Council of Negro Women, and the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.
Rev. Baker said he has been attending the prayer breakfast for the past 14 years, and to his knowledge, Bishop Norris is only the second AME Bishop to be asked to deliver the message. Bishop Vashti McKenzie, the first female consecrated bishop in the AME Church, was the keynote speaker in 2006.
Last year’s speaker was the Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, pastor of Greater Allen AME Cathedral of New York and also a former congressman. Other keynote speakers have included Bishop T.D. Jakes and Bishop Paul Morton.
In addition to hearing the powerfully preached message, attendees at this year’s breakfast were blessed in music ministry by Grammy Award Winner Yolanda Adams, and the very gifted Pine Forge (PA) Academy Choir, led by director Neil Thomas.
While in Washington, Bishop Norris also attended a special reception given by U.S. Representative Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania.
Bishop Norris is the 116th consecrated bishop in the AME Church. He was elected at the 2000 General Conference (46th Quadrennial Session) in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has led the First Episcopal District since June of 2004.
Earlier this year he was named chairman of the Trustee Board of Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, Ohio.
He and his wife, Mother Mary Norris, have two adult sons: Richard II, a computer executive and accomplished musician, who serves as the music director of the First District; and the Rev. Marcellus Norris (wife, Dawn), who is the pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Cambridge, MA.
The Annual Prayer Breakfast was sponsored by the Coca Cola Company.
3. BISHOP RICHARDSON ANNOUNCES THAT THE 2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WILL SHORTEN 2010 SERIES OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
Bishop Adam J. Richardson confirms that each annual conference in the 2nd Episcopal District will be shortened by one day. He said, “We are shortening the conferences by one full day. Rather than opening the conference on Tuesday night (a tradition in the 2nd Episcopal District), we will open on Wednesday at 10 a.m. I am trying to set an earlier time for Roll Call, a time-consuming exercise.” Bishop Richardson went on to say, “This is particularly critical in the 2nd District because more than 1600 persons will answer the rolls in five annual conferences. On average, that's 320 names per conference. To save time, we do not call the names of the preachers who are in the Board of Examiners.” The 2nd District is also looking to safe time by having pastors to answer the roll call electronically.
Bishop Richardson also observed that opening the conference in the morning could also create a problem for annual conferences because they normally get people into the conference at the opening that would not have to miss a day's work and lose pay. Opening in the morning could also affect those who sing in choirs, ushers, stewardesses and host church volunteers.
Bishop Richardson said, “It remains to be seen how this new paradigm will affect attendance and offerings. The attendance is usually pretty high in each conference. We will continue to close on Saturday mornings. We initiated this so that church doors won't be closed on Sundays while the pastor is away at Conference waiting on his/her appointment.” Bishop Richardson said that it was important for him that church doors are open for business on Sundays rather than having a big crowd at the annual conference because somebody just might have made up their mind to be saved, or renew their relationship with the Lord on the Sunday the pastor was away attending the annual conference. Bishop Richardson went on to explain that if the church doors are closed because everyone was away attending the annual conference, a seeker might decide to do his urgent salvation business at the church up or down the street.
4. THE GIFT OF LIFE:
*The Rev. Dr. Walter B. Johnson
It is with tremendous praise and thanksgiving to God that I write to share my testimony about a precious gift, a new kidney, and a second chance on life. In July, 2009, I was diagnosed with chronic renal failure and told that I would need a kidney transplant. I was placed on the waiting list for a kidney and put on dialysis until a kidney could be located. My daughter, Turquoise Johnson offered her kidney. My child, to whom I gave life, 25 years ago, blessed her father with a gift of love and life. Her kidney was a match and the kidney transplant was performed on Thursday, July 30th. We are doing well. The operation and recuperation process went so smoothly and quickly that even our doctors testify to the miracle of our recovery. My testimony and praise report begins with “I will bless the Lord at all times His praise shall be continually in my mouth.” I want to share the miraculous story of how God was present in the preparation, operation, recovery and recuperation of my recent health challenge with chronic renal failure, dialysis and a kidney transplant operation. Twice, in His infinite mercy and love, God has bestowed on me, the precious Gift of life. I want to tell the world about it and bless others in return for all the blessings bestowed on me.
Life is precious and good health is a priceless commodity, one which we often take for granted. I was no exception, even though, as I got older, I maintained the proper diet and exercise, trusting the medical expertise of doctors who said I was fine. Two years ago, I was diagnosed with hypertension; but, I still felt fine and would never have believed that a life threatening illness would shortly overtake my body. Last year, I met with a nephrologist, a specialist who deals with functions and diseases of the kidneys. Although I was surprised to learn that I had 10-15% kidney function, I never imagined that soon, my life was going to take a turn for the worst. I thought all was well, never realizing that the enemy was readying an attack on my body.
In April, 2009, during Holy Week, I was ready to speak a word for the Lord. I accepted four preaching engagements, literally back to back. On Monday, after preaching in Maywood, Illinois, I developed flu symptoms. The next day I was scheduled to preach and did. However, I was so tired and weak I could barely make it through to the end of service. Needless to say, I did not make the other preaching engagements. By Easter Sunday, I felt as if I had been “hit by a huge, eighteen wheeler truck.” I knew something was terribly wrong and asked my wife, Sandra, to take me to the emergency room. I was diagnosed as severely dehydrated and experiencing chronic renal failure. I was immediately hospitalized and placed on dialysis. I struggled mightily and emotionally with the words, “Reverend Johnson you need a kidney transplant!” I sought the counsel of my Bishop, the Right Reverend John R. Bryant about the status of my health and my desire to share, transparently, with my church family. With the Bishop’s, support and encouragement, I shared information about my health with my congregation, Greater Institutional A.M.E. Church, Chicago, Illinois. I was blessed, throughout this process, by the Bishop and my Greater Institutional congregation, who extended overwhelming love and support to me and my family. As spiritual leaders and shepherds, we often are afraid of being transparent before the people for fear that it might cause persons to respond differently to us. Nevertheless, I shared, knowing and trusting the fact that God had given me a condition and an opportunity to glorify Him through the testimony of my healing and restoration.
The transplant was to be performed at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago Illinois. I did not know how long it would take to secure a kidney. The average wait time is five to seven years – if the patient survives. Five persons volunteered to undergo blood tests for donor compatibility. They were my wife, Sandra; my daughter, Turquoise; two members from Wayman AME, my former church; and one from my current church, Greater Institutional AME. My daughter, Turquoise, underwent a battery of tests while I received dialysis three times a week, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Through it all, I never questioned God. I accepted that He was using me for a purpose, remembering that the Bible says, “All things work together for those who love the Lord!” Two weeks before the end of July, I received word that my daughter’s kidney was a perfect match. My daughter has constantly said, “I love my Dad” and never wavered in her desire and commitment to donate a kidney to me. This gift was greater than all the combined gifts, birthday, Father’s Day, Christmas or any others that I have ever received! I thank God for this “Gift” of life! Twenty-five years ago, God gave me a precious gift of a daughter, Turquoise. I thank God for her. Twenty-five years later Turquoise gave me the gift of life, her kidney – such an unselfish gift of love!
Prior to my illness, I felt an urgent call to assist our people in the area of healthcare. I am acutely aware of the lack of healthcare information and services for African Americans. In an effort to educate, inform and serve this community, I have worked with others to sponsor health fairs and other health related activities and services. As a pastor in Rockford, I worked conjointly with the University of Illinois’ School of Medicine, to organize a group, known as the Black Healthcare Initiative Coalition. As the founding President and Director of this organization, I worked within the faith community to address health care needs and gain access for African Americans in Rockford. As pastor in two subsequent assignments, Wayman and Greater Institutional AME Churches in Chicago, Illinois, I have continued to feel the need and urgency to assist our people in addressing their healthcare needs. My illness has only intensified my commitment to spread the healthcare message.
As a pastor, who has suffered a serious illness and a miraculous recovery, I want to share and support those who are undergoing “troubles, heartaches, and pain.” Our ministry is about faith, hope, love, grace and mercy. I want others to know and believe that God still performs miracles in the midst of seemingly insurmountable circumstances; to know that God is a healer. I am a living, breathing, walking testimony to the miraculous healing power of an Almighty God. I want to bring this message of healing, hope and restoration to God’s people.
To God be the glory for the great things He has done and will do!
*The Rev. Dr. Walter B. Johnson is the pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in
Chicago, Illinois
5. CIVIC LEADER DARBY, EDUCATOR LASH ELECTED TO SC-SIC BOARD OF TRUSTEES:
COLUMBIA – Charleston civic leader the Rev. Joseph A. Darby, Jr., and Greenville County educator Georgia A. Lash have recently been elected to the S.C. School Improvement Council Board of Trustees, Board Chairman Carlos Primus has announced.
Both were elected to three year terms on the Board, which is composed of 21 members from across the state and acts in an advisory capacity to the S.C. School Improvement Council, which provides services to more than 15,000 members of local School Improvement Councils in the state’s 1,100-plus K-12 public schools.
“Rev. Darby and Ms. Lash have a demonstrated passion for public education and the well being of our state’s future,” said Primus. “We are indeed fortunate to have their expertise and energy on our Board, and I look forward to working with them as the S.C. School Improvement Council provides much needed services to our schools, our children and our communities.”
A fourth generation minister with 32 years of pastoral experience, Rev. Darby is pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, and serves in a variety of leadership capacities with African Methodist Episcopal church bodies. He is currently the President of the S.C. Christian Action Council and First Vice President of the Charleston Branch of the NAACP.
Rev. Darby previously served as a board member of the United Way of the Midlands, the Center for Religion in the South, the Columbia Branch of the NAACP, and was a member of the State Superintendent of Education’s African-American Achievement Committee and the Racial/Cultural Advisory Council of the S.C. School Boards Association.
He is also a 2002 inductee into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame and a member of the Inaugural 2004 class of the Richland County School District One Hall of Fame.
Ms. Lash is a 23-year educator currently serving as Department Chair of Family and Consumer Sciences at Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville, where she has taught since 1999. She previously served as an educator in Ohio developing early childhood curriculum, planning and facilitating parent education workshops, and teaching career technology classes. Her professional career also includes over a decade of work in pharmaceutical sales and management.
She currently serves as Teacher Liaison for the Hillcrest High School PTSA and as Student Council Advisor at the school. A past board member of the Mauldin High School PTSA, she has also served as past chairperson and member of the Hillcrest Middle School SIC and is a past member of the Greenville Technical College Advisory Council.
Ms. Lash holds the Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from the University of Dayton and has pursued graduate studies at Cleveland State University, Kent State University and Furman University.
Located at the University of South Carolina’s College of Education, the S.C. School Improvement Council was established in state law over three decades ago to provide the member training, technical assistance, statutory accountability, and operational resources vital to the continued success of the community-based School Improvement Councils in each of the state’s K-12 public schools.
Tom F. Hudson, Director of Program Services, S.C. School Improvement Council; telephone: (803) 777-7658; email: hudsontf@mailbox.sc.edu
6. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- The AME liturgy is available in Spanish, and has been since 2006, and can be obtained on request by emailing Mr. John Thomas at jthomasiii@gmai.com. This is part of an ongoing project from the Global Development Council to provide translations of AME liturgy and documents in the various languages in which our congregants worship.
- The officers and members of Bethany AME Church, Yonkers New York hosted a pastoral anniversary celebration for the Rev. Wilfred D. Lewis and First Lady Coleen Williams-Lewis on their first wedding anniversary and the anniversary of Rev. Lewis’ first pastoral anniversary as pastor and the Lewis family as leaders of Bethany AME Church. Yonkers, New York. Both celebrations were observed together with the Rev. Dr. Alvan Johnson, presiding elder, as guest preacher. A reception was held in the Anna Jarvis Memorial Hall.
- On, Monday, September 28, 2009 at 7;30 pm the Louisiana ecumenical community held the fall board meeting worship service at Bethel AME Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where the Rev. Dr. Kelly is the pastor. Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District was the keynote preacher. The powerful message was entitled, "The Joshua generation." The church was “on fire” by the visitation of the Holy Spirit. The archbishop of Louisiana, several Roman Catholic bishops and other judicatory faith-group heads were in attendance. The service was a high time for African Methodism and for all who attended the worship event.
7. BRIGHT TEMPLE AME CHURCH, MATERO, LUSAKA LAUNCHES ANNUAL 21-DAY PRAYER AND FASTING:
Bright Temple AME Church, Matero, Lusaka launched their annual 21-day prayer and fasting period this morning, 1 October, 2009 at 10.00 am.
This is the third consecutive prayer and fasting programme sponsored by the congregation; led by the Rev Suzanne Membe Matale. The church has reaped both spiritual and numerical growth during these events. The church will be conducting prayers everyday for 21 days from 10.00 a.m. (1000 hours) to 4.00 p.m. (1600 hours).
We solicit prayers from fellow believers around the world for strength, wisdom and success. We are hopeful that members will be able to committee their time during this period. We have seen the hand of the Lord during these times and we pledge to continue this important part of our programme. We encourage other congregations in the AME Church family to dedicate a portion of the year to prayer and fasting.
The Rev Suzanne Membe Matale
suzannematale@hotmail.com, suzannematale@yahoo.co.uk; Tel: +260 21 224622 Fax +260 21 224308
Lusaka, Zambia
8. ACADEMIC CONCEPT OF THE TERM "AFRICAN-AMERICAN":
*The Rev Nadine D. Rhodes-Marsh
As a college professor of who teaches classes on diversity, I wanted to share an academic concept of the term "African-American". Although much African cultural identity was lost as the result of oppression and slavery, there are still many pan-African behaviors that survived through 400 years of oppression. These include kinship ties, social rules of interaction, musical tones and beat preferences, ways of being with one's mother, father, paternal and maternal family members, priorities, and world views that sometimes clash with mainstream American values. "Black" is a racial designation. There are "Black" people who immerse themselves in Mainstream American culture with no recognition or desire to participate in African-American culture. "Black" people come from all over the world (Jamaica, France [by way of Africa], England, Brazil, and even African countries.) But these black people may have little insight into the African-American experience. Therefore, African-American may be defined more in terms of an ethnic group with a common history than a racial group. This is a complex concept that Blacks of all origins might benefit from understanding. I am tired of Black people saying "I am not African-American; I was born in the USA, not Africa. If they were raised by a mama or a "Big Mama" who will "go upside their head" for disrespect, no matter who is watching, they are probably more African-American than they realize.
*The Rev Nadine D. Rhodes-Marsh, Pastor, St John AME Church, Monroe, Louisiana, USA
9. ANNUAL WELLNESS RETREAT FOR SINGLES, COUPLES AND MARRIED COUPLES:
St. Paul AME Church, Miami, Florida will be hosting its 1st Annual Wellness Retreat for Singles, Couples and Married Couples at one of the beautiful hotels in Miami for 4 days 3 nights. There will be workshops on better relationships within our community. The African American community has the highest rate of 70% non-marriages, single women, single-mothers, fatherless homes, divorce rate and high incarceration of black males.
This workshop is to try to teach and start and dialogue between men and women on how to stay in a relationship, when to get out of a relationship and putting GOD first in your life. We will be working with well-known pastors, and celebrity authors of the latest best-selling relationship books.
This event is for everyone and all ages to attend from all 50 states. We encourage you to make this a family event. We are also looking for companies and individual sponsors of our event. The event will take place in August, 2010, (actual date TBD). We will be having a meeting with those who wish to help sponsor this event in the near future. This event will be a chance for men and women to mingle with each other from all over our country and have fun at the same time.
If interested in attending a meeting in the future, please respond to this email. I will put you on the list to be notified when we determine the meeting in the near future.
For those living outside of Florida, we will gladly send you information for sponsorship and to attend our retreat, if interested. Please forward this email to your churches, pastors, family, friends and those who care about this issue.
Kelly Saunders
Marketing Director to St. Paul AME Church
(786) 202-0021
www.stpaulamemiami.org
www.sugaspices.com
10. ONE AME MISSIONARY HELPING ANOTHER AME CHURCH MEMBER:
*Sister Warkoneta Tucker
I was fortunate to be a member of the Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church of Tipp City, Ohio Adult global mission trip to Slidell, Louisiana, which tool place September 13 – 19.
The nine-person team was made up of three men and six women with basic to advance construction skills. I was the only non-member of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church; I am a member of Greater Allen AME Church in Dayton, Ohio.
The team’s focus was rebuilding homes, restore families and bring hope to those persons who were adversely affected and who had not recovered from Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Gustav and Hurricane Ike (2008).
The Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church bus towing a trailer of luggage and construction tools departed Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 4:30 a.m. The men did all the driving and made several rest and meals stops. We drove in and out of rain all the way and arrived at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Slidell, Louisiana. The host church for Louisiana North Shore Relief Center for the (UMCOR) United Methodist Committee of Relief.
Monday morning the team met with center staff and the contractor. Our project was a new home in need of final touch-ups. The job order called for us install sinks, toilets; install window seals, tile bathroom wall and kitchen tops, painting, cleaning yard and cleaning floors. The air condition was to be installed on Tuesday. Monday was a long and hot day even working indoors; the ceiling fans were of little help. My assigned job was painting doors and trimming for several days. I was also a helper with the windows seals and dry wall removal of one bathroom that was uneven, and laying ceramic tile.
The homeowner’s son, Emory, stopped in on Monday on his way to work. He wanted to meet the new team working on his mother new house. He was thankful for our help in getting his mother back in a house sooner. They both were in FEMA trailers, but later moved to an apartment.
I saw firsthand the great work of disaster relief organizations.
On Wednesday, September 16, the owner of the home we were repairing, Evelyn Jackson, visited us. I learned she was living on $40 a month after paying the high rent on the apartment. She said “I was a fool and was taken in by a crooked contractor.” It has been two years and she is still trying to get her money back. Ms Jackson shared with me a recent loss if a niece who was being buried the next week. And she had heard earlier today of another family member had a stroke. I prayed for her on the spot. As we talked longer, it turned out Ms Jackson was a member of Mt Olive AME Church in Slidell where the Rev. Cedell Raggo is the pastor. Debbie, the team leader, was amazed that we were members of the same denomination and called it a “God thing” that I was with the team and working on a house where the owner of the home was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I felt that God had sent me, a member of Greater Allen AMEC in Dayton, Ohio where the Rev. Dr Earl Harris is the pastor to help a fellow AME Church member in Slidell, Louisiana.
The work was completed and the team decided to leave Louisiana early and I arrived back home and was able to attend a portion of the South Ohio Annual Conference, which was held at Greater Allen AME Church.
“It’s not about us; it’s about Jesus,” was retired Bishop Vinton Randolph Anderson’s subject at the closing worship service of 2009 South Ohio Annual conference. Helping others is not about us, it’s about helping others.
I give God all the Glory for the mission trip and I thank God for the people I met.
*Sister Warkoneta Tucker, a member of Greater Allen AMEC, Dayton, Ohio
11. THE GREAT PRETENDER:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
Some years ago the popular singing group called the Platters recorded the song, “I’m a great pretender.” There is a line in the song that says: “I seem to be what I’m not you see. I seem to be what I’m not you see.”
That’s exactly what Jesus admonished the Scribes and Pharisees about in the gospel of Matthew, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye devour widows houses, and for a pretense make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” Matthew 23: 14, 17
Jesus goes on to say, “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance; for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast.” Matthew 6:16 KJV
Judas pretended that he loved Jesus when he kissed him, but he was betraying him. Matthew 26:49
Amnon wanted his sister Tamar so badly that he pretended to be sick just to lure her into his bedroom so that he could “know” her. Second Samuel, Chapter 13
There is no new thing under the sun. Ecclesiastes 1:9
There is no doubt that pretending is prevalent in the world today and the church is not excluded. There is a lot of pretending among us “church folk”.
We pretend that we are singing by just moving our lips. We pretend to meditate when our focus is somewhere else. We pretend that we are concerned when we are just being nosey or curious. We pretend that we are being friendly by giving a veneer smile. We pretend that we are busy so that others wouldn’t ask us to do anything. Some of us pretend that we are asleep so that others won’t disturb us. We pretend we don’t see certain people when we don’t want to speak to them. We pretend we are sick in order to avoid work and also to get some neglected attention.
I have seen some pretend they are putting something into the offering plate with a closed hand.
When we are in trouble we pretend that everything is okay. Some of us pretend in order to protect. Some of us even pretend that we are in love.
It is a dangerous thing to pretend. Yes some of us are great pretenders, “we seem to be what we are not.” But the time will come when the wall of pretence will crumble, and when that happens we will face humiliation, rejection and isolation. People will no longer believe or trust us.
It may well be good for us to look in a mirror and ask ourselves questions. Am I pretending? Am I pretending when I fellowship? Do I really love the Lord and my church, or am I pretending? There is a song we used to sing, “Yes God is real, real in my soul”. Do I really care about others or am I just pretending? Am I moved with compassion or selfishness? The final question is, am I a great pretender?
Sharing a bit of humor I heard:
A lady was concern about her husband’s conduct after he had gone to his physician to get his annual physical. You see, every day after the physical he got drunk. She tried to understand why. He tried to tell her but he didn’t make any sense.
So she called the doctor and asked what was wrong with him. The Doctor responded that nothing was wrong and asked her why she asked.
After she explained her husband’s behavior to the doctor, the physician responded that her husband must have misunderstood his directions. The Doctor said, “I told him to drink plenty of liquids.”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts (Ptaegar@AOL.com) is a retired AME Itinerant Elder who resides in Eatonville, Florida
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
- Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana presented a paper, "The Black Church and The Civil Rights Movement" on Monday, September 28, 2009 at 4:30 pm at the Louisiana Interchurch Conference, a statewide Ecumenical organization. The presentation was in conjunction with the Fall Board meeting, which was held in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
- The Reverend Wayne A. Johnson, Sr., Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Mrs. Fredia A. Hanley-Johnson, President of Conn-M-SWAWO, Plus PK's are pleased to announce the birth of their third grandson, William Alexander Fuller, born September 21, 2009 at 1:40 p.m., weighing 7 pounds-13 ounces, 20 inches long; born to their daughter and son-in-law, Brittany and Eddie Fuller of Durham, North Carolina.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
Bfuller@alumni.duke.edu or to: ConnMSWAWOPK@aol.com
- The Rev. Anthony L. Hughes, pastor of Bethel Memorial AME Church, San Diego, California and the Rev. Dorisalene Hughes, Co-Director of the Fifth Episcopal District Prayer Ministry, salute YPD Director Renee Veasey, who is doing a stellar job with the young people of Bethel Memorial AME Church, and the other AME Churches throughout the Southern California Conference and was voted the YPD Director of the Year for the Southern California Conference on September 19, 2009
Congratulations may be sent to:
renee.veasey@navy.mil or renee.veasey@san.rr.com
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Brother William Lee Dillard which occurred on Thursday, September 24, 2009 in Cape Charles, Virginia. Brother Dillard was the brother of the Rev. Clarence A. Martin, Sr., pastor at Metropolitan AMEC, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Conference, South District). Rev. Martin is also the Chairman of the Philadelphia Conference Board of Christian Education.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Homegoing Service, Sunday will be held on October 4, 2009 at 3:30 p.
Mt. Sinai Gospel Temple
23066 Bank Road
Fairview, Virgina 23310
Elder Lummie Smith, Pastor
Professional services entrusted to:
Graves Funeral Director
625 Madison Avenue
Cape Charles, Virginia
Fax: 1-757-331-4774
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Clarence A. Martin, Sr.
7 King Court
Boothwyn, PA 19061
clarencemartin2001@yahoo.com
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Mildred V. Johnson. She is the mother of Mrs. Pamela Sembly, First Lady of Union Bethel AME Church, Randallstown, Maryland and mother-in-law of the Rev. Charles T. Sembly.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Homegoing Service:
Monday, September 28, 2009
12:00 Noon
Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis
710 Ridgely Avenue
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Pamela Sembly
9827 Marriottsville Road
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
Expressions of sympathy may also be emailed to:
PJSembly@comcast.net
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Sister-in-law of former General Officer:
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Aivinoia Lindsey, sister-in-law to the Rev. Carl F. Hunter, Sr., former General Officer, and sister of Mrs. Virginia B. Hunter. Mrs. Lindsey passed away on September 28, 2009.
Homegoing services are as follows:
Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 10:00 a.m.
St. Mark AME Church
1616 W. Atkinson Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206
Phone: (414) 562-8030
Fax: (414) 562-1109
The Reverend Darryl R. Williams, pastor
Monday, October 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.
St. John Baptist Church
741 Ee Butler Parkway
Gainesville, Georgia 30501
Phone: (770) 532-0511
Fax: (770) 536-7254
The Reverend Stephen Samuel, pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Virginia B. Hunter
1013 Fordham Road
Neptune, New Jersey 07753-4319
Phone: (732) 502-9268
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regretfully announce the passing of Sister Kathryn Prim, mother of Rev. Paul Prim and mother-in-law of Rev. Jackie Prim, Pastor of Warren Chapel AME Church-Dallas, Texas.
The following information has been shared regarding the Homegoing Celebration of Sister Kathryn Prim.
Homegoing Celebration will be held:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
11:00 A.M.
St. James AME Church
104 W. 6th Street
Arcadia, Oklahoma 73007
Phone: (405) 396-2961
Final earthly care of Sister Kathryn Prim has been entrusted to:
Temple & Sons Funeral Home
2801 N. Kelley Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111
Phone: (405) 427-8321
Fax: (405) 427-1642
http://www.templeandsons.com/
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Paul & the Rev. Jackie Prim
1505 Raintree Court
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
Phone: (972) 206-2171
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regretfully announce the passing of Sister Kathryn Prim, mother of the Rev. Paul Prim and mother-in-law of the Rev. Jackie Prim, pastor of Warren Chapel AME Church-Dallas, Texas.
The following information has been shared regarding the Homegoing Celebration of Sister Kathryn Prim.
Homegoing Celebration will be held:
Saturday, September 26, 2009
11:00 A.M.
St. James AME Church
104 W. 6th Street
Arcadia, Oklahoma 73007
Phone: (405) 396-2961
Final earthly care of Sister Kathryn Prim has been entrusted to:
Temple & Sons Funeral Home
2801 N. Kelley Avenue
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73111
Phone: (405) 427-8321
Fax: (405) 427-1642
http://www.templeandsons.com/
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Paul & the Rev. Jackie Prim
1505 Raintree Court
Grand Prairie, Texas 75050
Phone: (972) 206-2171
18. 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
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
19. 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
