Bishop T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Mark and Save Date in your Calendars:
AME Church Connectional Day of Prayer – April 13, 2013
Pentecost Sunday May 19, 2013
General Board Meeting - June 22-26, 2013
Bishop Sarah F. Davis Investiture – June 24, 2013
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
Mark and Save Date in your Calendars:
AME Church Connectional Day of Prayer – April 13, 2013
Pentecost Sunday May 19, 2013
General Board Meeting - June 22-26, 2013
Bishop Sarah F. Davis Investiture – June 24, 2013
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
We have too many weekend churches across America. Weekend churches are prevalent in many denominations and it’s widespread in African Methodism.
A “weekend church” is one that is opened only on Sundays. Its major thrust is church school and Sunday worship. Nothing appreciable happens in a weekend church during the week. The doors of too many churches are locked after Sunday morning worship services and are not reopened until the following Sunday.
Churches evolve into “weekend churches” and most “weekend churches” don’t start out that way, but convenience prevails and over time parishioners become busy; too busy for Bible study, prayer meetings, and choir rehearsals; and youth programs “fall by the wayside.”
Over a period of time, “weekend-leaning churches” find that it’s too much of an inconvenience to schedule meetings during the week; and find it more convenient to schedule business meetings on Sundays.
When church school, worship, and business take place on Sundays, “weekend church” pastors and church officers are often convinced that they are functioning efficiently and the weekend ministry becomes the norm. Even non-Sunday morning activities are squeezed into the Sunday morning agenda. Sunday afternoon programs are conveniently integrated into morning worship services.
Not entirely a criticism
The existence of weekend religious programs is not an outright criticism; it’s a reality in the changing religious landscape. The ministry has changed, parishioners have changed and priorities have changed.
It’s a “no-brainer” that “weekend churches,” when compared to “seven-days a week” religious programs have “weakened” religious programs
Excessive numbers of “weekend weakened churches” indicate something greater than a problem; it indicates that we are in the midst of a serious condition; and if not appropriately addressed and corrected will lead to “a hard to reverse” condition.
There are identifiable problems
“Weekend churches” evolve over a long period of time, often because of an absence of local church lay and pastoral leadership.
It’s kind of like the “Which came first, the chicken or the egg” question when trying to sort out the “why” of a “weekend churches.”
The “weekend church” may have evolved because church officers failed to function and failed to take responsibility; or it could have been that the parishioners stopped functioning, or it could have been that pastor(s) ran out of energy and felt they were in a “lose-lose” situation.
The “weekend church” may have evolved because pastor(s) were underpaid and out of necessity had to find secular employment, which resulted in the elimination of religious programs and diminished pastoral oversight.
The “weekend church” may have evolved because of tension and conflict, particularly as it related to stewardship-shortfalls and the ever-present posture of survival; never getting ahead, never enough money to fund salaries and religious programs.
Most likely…
Most likely “weekend churches” evolved because of all of the above” and particularly because of a lack of strategic planning and follow-through.
In connectional denominations, the demise of “seven-days-a-week” religious programs is also caused by pastoral distractions and supervisory neglect.
“Weekend churches” often evolve so slowly that the shift goes unnoticed until the transition is fait accompli.
Churches used to provide parsonages, and admittedly some denominations have gotten out of the “parsonage business” because upon retirement pastors need to have their own homes. Some denominations are making the transition from parsonage to home ownership successfully. They are successful because they have transitioned from providing a parsonage to providing a fair and equitable housing allowance.
My anecdotal observation is that the AME Church has not been as successful with the “parsonage to home-ownership transition” because what tends to happen is that for whatever reason churches get out of the parsonage business; but a fair and equitable housing allowance is not provided and if a pastor arrives at a pastoral appointment already owning a home, the issue of a fair housing allowance may not be addressed; particularly if the pastor is bi-vocational.
Over-time, the issue of a housing allowance falls off the radar. A once full-time pastorate slowly or quickly evolves into, in reality, a part-time pastorate.
Some do it well, others don’t
Some pastors handle bi-vocational ministry superbly because they are experts in time-management and others handle bi-vocational ministry effectively because they are fortunate to have secular employment that complements their pastoral ministry.
Some pastors cannot handle bi-vocational ministry effectively because they lack time-management skills and their secular employment does not complement their pastoral ministry; and the churches they pastor are prime candidates for becoming a “weekend church” and maybe “weekend weakened churches.”
Other reasons
“Weekend weakened churches” mainly evolve because of neglect, either of the clergy, church officers or parishioners; and if 2 of 3 of those “Don’t give a dog-gone,” the church is on its way to becoming a “weekend weakened church.”
Unfortunately, some bi-vocational pastors see their secular employment as their “real jobs” because those salaries pay the bills; and they view their pastoral appointments as part-time gigs. The churches under the oversight of pastors who view their pastoral appointments as part-time gigs are in jeopardy of becoming “weekend weakened churches.” A warning sign for bishops are pastors who cannot be in full attendance, from the beginning to the end of annual conferences and other meetings because he or she “has to work.”
The ordination of itinerant elders presupposes that those being ordained are fully-qualified to handle pastoral responsibilities in good times and bad times. But, sometimes the pastoral ministry can be overwhelming and parishioners can be overbearing; and for some pastors that can be a distraction that causes them to pull-back from their pastoral responsibilities. The one pastoral obligation from which they cannot disengage is the Sunday worship service. Those who disengage become “caretakers” for “weekend churches” that might evolve into “weekend weakened churches.”
Weekend weakened churches
A major problem that spawns “weekend weakened churches” is a local church’s practice of spending too much time in church.
Some Sunday worship services are reported to last 3 to 4 hours; that’s too long and is indicative of poor liturgical planning and a lack of judgment for the person(s) leading worship. Some congregations spend too much time in church and not enough time in the community and other congregations spend too little time in church and too little time in the community. Either way those congregations are headed to becoming “weekend weakened churches.”
Antidote of weekend weakened churches
We have too many “weekend weakened churches!” “Weekend weakened churches” are just one-step away from closing their doors and losing members to churches that have full-time religious programs.
Both clergy and laity need to “light fires under themselves” and know that the religious program is a “seven-days-a-week” venture. God’s program is not a part-time enterprise; the religious program is not a part-time gig; ministry is fulltime; or should be! Ministry is serious business!
We are living in difficult times and many of our churches are having tough times. The 2008 financial crisis wrecked havoc in many of our communities and in the AME Church and many of our churches have had a difficult time meeting their connectional budget allocations. Some economists are reporting that the economy is on the rebound, but the rebound is not fast enough in minority communities.
Too many of our churches are struggling, which is indicative that pastors and congregations need help is we are avoid gravitating to a denomination of “weekend weakened churches.”
Pastors and congregations need training, mentoring, and assistance in developing strategies to deal with their dire financial situations.
Presiding elders are the first-line supervisors of pastors and they should be assisting, mentoring, training and helping pastors and local churches to find financial resources so that our churches will not succumb to “weekend weakened churches.” It’s time to get serious.
It is the responsibility of presiding elders to help their pastors.
Presiding bishops should be lending a hand and should be available to provide guidance and resources. Presiding bishops should be actively involved in the process when it comes to the connectional budget and insuring that pastors and local churches have adequate supervision and resources. Training, training, and more training. Mentoring, mentoring, and more mentoring. The denomination cannot sustain itself with a preponderance of “weekend weakened churches.”
Pastors need to take responsibility
When pastors find themselves in trouble and in need of assistance, they should seek out the presiding elder and request assistance.
And, pastors need to understand that the Sunday morning worship service is important, but what happens the rest of the week is important too!
Religious programs don’t just happen! Pastors and church leaders need to strategize, plan and practice. They need to sit down and plan and strategize about ways to effectively present the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Pastors, worship leaders, church leaders, and music staff should intentionally plan how to deliver the worship experience, while at the same time being amenable to letting the Holy Spirit take the lead. Worship should be intentional, rather than haphazard. Worship should have atmosphere, structure and drama.
The sermon and the music should be carefully considered and worship should not give the appearance that it was just “thrown together.” Parishioners can tell when worship has been prayed-up and carefully planned.
Worship services have to be focused and choreographed. Worship services should be welcoming to the people who walk into the religious worship service, walk down the aisle and take a seat in the sanctuary. Parishioners need to be spiritually-filled and spiritually-fed if congregations are seeking growth.
Dynamic worship services play an important part in helping vibrant churches to remain relevant and avoid the pitfall of being a “weekend weakened church!”
And, one more thing
Pastors are struggling and referring a pastor to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee will not solve the economic condition faced by many of our pastors and congregations. When a pastor is referred to the MEC, the presiding elder should be “on the carpet” standing by pastor’s side and the first question that should be asked, “Presiding elder, what have you done to assist this pastor?”
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
--To the Editor:
Re: TCR News Break - March 26, 2013 - A Letter to the Members of the AME Church from a Young Adult Member of the AME Church from the 19th Episcopal District
I am pleased to read of our Bishop Richard Allen's extensive biography, but am mildly distressed that there is no mention made of either his, nor Brother Absolom Jones' involvement and affiliation with the newly formed Prince Hall Freemasonry; not to mention the Masonic Symbols contained in Mother Bethel's stained glass windows that I saw during my trip to Philadelphia during last year's Planning Meeting.
I am a proud of my affiliation with the Order of The Eastern Star, being a SiStar of Martha Lodge #37 of Red Bank, NJ, and our meeting is held inside Celestial Lodge #36 of Red Bank. Any information relating to this would be extremely helpful in broadening my knowledge and elevating my pride even more to be both a member of AME & Prince Hall Affiliation.
Most respectfully & with God's Grace,
Sister Melanie Woods,
Local Lay President &
2nd Vice-Chair of the New Brunswick District Conference (NJ)
Fisk Chapel AME Church, Fair Haven, NJ
3. THE AME CHURCH 2013 CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER:
The Connectional Day of Prayer, Saturday, April 13th is rapidly approaching.
The Planning Committee met and plans were shared. Some Episcopal Districts are hosting a huge worship service on that Saturday, April 13. Other districts are conducting Prayer Walks, Prayer Cantatas, Prayer Vigils and Prayer Concerts! Some have included their YPD in the Connectional Day of Prayer (CDP) observation.
Saints, it's time! Do you feel it?
It is time for us as God's Church to take up the mantle of prayer and allow God to transform our Zion! We shall be the Church Militant taking back everything the enemy thinks he has stolen from us.
Together, let us fall down on our knees on the same day, April 13 in the different time zones, which can result in radical transformation. Remember our 2013 Connectional Day of Prayer theme is "Discipleship for Radical Transformation."
You may want to go door by door praying in your community.
Another suggestion is to Twitter prayers on CDP and also, after checking with the pastor, obtain permission to open the doors of the local church from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. so people can pray at the altar.
Please remember to pray for every Bishop in our AME Church, every Pastor and spouse in your respective Episcopal Districts, every Connectional Officer and General Officer. Always include the spouses for they truly work together as a team!
In His Service,
The Rev. Dorisalene Hughes, Coordinator of the 2013 Connectional Day of Prayer
Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Prayer Committee
4. EXTENSION TO COMPETE FOR FREE REGISTRATION FOR THE 50TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:
Be a Part of the 2016 General Conference…Let Your Voice Be Heard
When the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2016, it will be an historic experience for the venerable church of Richard Allen. For one fortunate attendee with a creative mind, it will also mean being a part of that history.
The General Conference Commission will give one free registration to the person who proposes the theme that will be selected for the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Chair of the Media and Branding Committee for the conference said, “The theme is critical for setting the tone for the work of the conference.” She added, “Whoever submits the winning entry will have something to talk about for years to come as the church comes back home to celebrate its 200th birthday.”
The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference is going to be one of major significance for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The conference will take place July 6-13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The church celebrates the Bicentennial— its 200 year birthday - an “once-in-a-lifetime event.”
Bishop Samuel L. Greene, Sr., President of the Council of Bishops said, “The 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be a celebration which will accentuate the greatness of our Zion. This Bicentennial milestone is an opportunity to reflect on the basic beliefs and tenants upon which our founding parents established the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I encourage every AME member to share in this exciting moment by submitting a suggestion for a theme and/or logo for this historical celebration. Get excited and share your thoughts as we recognize how far we have come, impacting the world and changing lives.”
Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church explained the General Conference will be a celebration of advancement for the denomination and the nation.
“The African Methodist Episcopal Church is very proud of its legacy of being the oldest historically black denomination in the western hemisphere,” said Bishop Bryant. “Our event to celebrate our 200th birthday will take place at the site of our first General Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the city of brotherly love. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was birthed in a nation that still practiced slavery. The progress that the nation has made in racial equality is made clear by the fact that the President of this nation on the occasion of our 200th Birthday is an African American, President Barack Obama.”
Just as the nation celebrates Independence Day, on July 4, the occasion ushers in this great event of the 50th Quadrennial of the General Conference, in the city that cradles independence and pride. The Connectional AME Church will continue the celebration with service to kingdom building in the City of Brotherly (and sisterly) love. “Celebrated as the birthplace of democracy and first Capitol of the United States, Philadelphia is also the treasured home of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where our founder, Bishop Richard Allen, built the denomination’s first church, Mother Bethel,” said Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram.
The Host Bishop of the General Conference, Bishop Ingram added, “In 2016, the First Episcopal District will serve as the host of our Bicentennial as the world recognizes us as the oldest denomination in America founded by persons of color. The Celebration of our 200th Year will include a myriad of ceremonies, parades, concerts and special exhibitions to pay tribute to our founder and many contributions members of our denomination have made around the world. It will also mark the historic 50th General Conference of African Methodism as we cast the vision of priorities for the next four years, review and propose new legislation, and elect General Officers and Bishops.”
Because of this momentous occasion, clergy and laity are invited to participate in selecting the theme for the General Conference. According to Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, “This is the third time the AME Church has invited the membership to suggest the theme that is scripturally based.” This project gives everyone an opportunity to ‘let your voice be heard.’
Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the AME Church said, "We are excited about the upcoming General Conference in 2016, which is just over 40 months from February, 2013. As we celebrate the 50th Quadrennial in Philadelphia, which has such historical significance for the AME Church, the place where we started in 1816, it is noteworthy that both clergy and laity have the opportunity to participate by submitting a theme. Planning is crucial, preparation is critical and your contributions are paramount."
This past summer the theme for the 2012 General Conference was “Exalting Christ to Impact the World” based on St. John 12:32.
Other past themes include:
1996 “Refocusing Our Heritage, Reassessing the Present, Re-envisioning the Future”
2000 “Awakened to Serve Christ, Church and Community”
2004 “A 21st Century Church, Serving the Never Changing Christ”
2008 "Equipping the Saints, Empowering the People, Transforming the World”
Interested individuals should email their suggestions to the Chief Information Officer, REVJBC@aol.com, Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper by 5 p.m. (CST) on Wednesday, April 30, 2013.
The winning entry will be selected by the Executive Committee of the General Conference Commission and the Council of Bishops. The winner will be announced in The Christian Recorder print and online issues. In addition to the AME recognition, the selected winner will receive one free registration to the 2016 General Conference. Be a Part of History…Participate!
Note: Only members of the AME Church are allowed to participate.
*Submitted by Dr. Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, 13th Episcopal District in collaboration with the Rev. Salethia Honors, 10th Episcopal District and Mrs. Billie D. Irving, 13th Episcopal District.
5. WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS LITERARY FESTIVAL:
Literature of the African Diaspora
Wilberforce University will present its second annual Authors and Publishers Literary Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2013. The Festival promotes the stability and economic parity of African American Authors and Publishers, and is designed to enhance literacy among our youth and adults. This year’s theme is Literature of the African Diaspora. The event will take place at Wilberforce University, 1055 North Bickett Road, in Wilberforce, Ohio, and is free to the public.
The keynote speaker is renowned educator, poet, and author, Dr. Yvonne Seon (formerly Chappelle). Other presenters include Joyce Barnes, author playwright, and educator; Valerie Coleman, Pen of the Writer Publisher; Khalid Moss, jazz pianist and journalist; and Wilberforce student performers.
Beginning with the Negritude Movement of the 1930s to today’s spoken word poetry, workshops and performances will demonstrate how art, history, and culture influence literature. They will examine the preservation of culture through the inventive telling of our stories.
Please contact Linda Renner for more information regarding Wilberforce University’s second annual Authors and Publishers Literary Festival. lrenner@wilberforce.edu or 937.708.5704.
6. BLACK & LATINO PASTORS IN SUPPORT OF OURSELVES:
Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd
Several years ago I had the great blessing of having been selected as one of about 20 clergy who enjoyed an all expense paid self-care focused pilgrimage to Israel. For me it was life changing! I was shocked at what I learned (and now teach) about the lives of pastors.
Three of the major researchers into clergy life all voiced similar statistics:
The Barna Group reports that
90% of pastors report working between 55- 75 hours per week
50% of pastors report feeling unable to meet the demands of their jobs
70% constantly fight depression
50% of pastors starting out will not last 5 years
50% of pastors ‘marriages end in divorce
70% of pastors do not have a close friend
Ellison Research reports that according to the results of their study:
71% of pastors say that they are overweight by an average of 32.1 pounds
52% say that they experience signs of stress on a weekly basis
Other statistics note that pastors’ physical health is comparatively worse than others in the areas in which they live, while pastor’s mental health is likewise riddled with increased symptoms of clinical depression, anxiety, stress and burnout.
As a “seasoned” practicing psychotherapist --- pastors would approach me (much like Nicodemus came to Jesus) ---under the cover of confidentially to share concerns about their emotional or physical health and the stresses of congregational leadership. Unwilling to follow any of the self-care suggestions I (or others) offered one by one I watched them succumb to deteriorating health, divorce and death.
While on the Israel trip, I realized for the first time that my experiences with self-care and pastors was not just mine, and that we have a real crisis as clergy!
I returned from my Israel pilgrimage more relaxed and adjusted and a woman on a mission!
Sadly – my mission would prove to be stymied at each turn. Irrespective of the support from Bishop Norris, the Rev Natalie Mitchem, the Rev Terrell Person, the Rev Kim Anderson and a cadre of devoted, creative, professional and clinically-trained clergy and a previously formed 501C3 set aside to address the unique mental health needs of clergy --- we could not get clergy to “buy into prioritizing themselves” on any significantly demonstrated level.
A more recent review of data disclosed an additional upsetting state of affairs.
While there is a growing body of information on the status of pastors, there is hardly any focus on pastors’ care of themselves. “Pastors and self-care” is typically understood as how to teach pastors to better care for others ---but not themselves.
If there is little on pastors ‘self-care ----there is nothing at all regarding how Latino and Black pastors view self-care or how well they focus on it!
Weary over the years --- I continue to attempt to insinuate myself into clergy meetings, pastoral retreat agendas and to interest clergy in even half-day self-focused retreats.
But there is always grace!
I was recently blessed to receive a research grant from the Louisville Institute’s Pastoral Study Project. My topic is this, “Factors in the Development of Successful Strategies for Engaging Black & Latino Pastors in a Program of Clergy Self-Care.”
Along with a team of researchers, a research assistant and a translator (the Rev Dr. Amaury Tanton-Santos, Rev, Kim Mayner, Rev. Natalie Mitchem, Ms. Kamaria Byrd and Ms. Enercida Rodriquez Jones) I have set out to do 4 things:
1 Review the literature on the status of pastors’ health
2. Assemble a group of clergy/clinicians and scholars to assist us in discovering and articulating how factors such as culture, gender, theological interpretations, factor into the decisions Black and Latino pastors make regarding the status they give to self-care.
3. Survey of a sample of Latino and Black senior pastors who have at least 3 years of experience pastoring a Christian church of any denomination in the U.S.
4. Analyze the resulting data with conclusions about ways in which the information can be used to create more feasible and engaging programs for the longevity, spiritual, emotional and physical improvement and empowerment of Black and Latino men and women who take up the banner of “pastor” in our communities.
In order to make this research successful we need your help! If you are a pastor who meets the criteria above in # 3, please go the link below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/BALP2013 and take our survey before April 30, 2013.
If you are unable to take the survey on-line or have further questions you may contact Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd at balpresearch2013@gmail.com for further information and to receive the survey as an attachment to fax, or send back to our office. The survey is also available in Spanish and Creole by contacting me at the above e-mail address.
The survey is anonymous and will take about 20 minutes to complete.
PLEASE complete the survey by responding to each question.
Thank you for your support. This is your chance to make our experience matter!!
7. PEACE CORPS ANNOUNCES TOP VOLUNTEER-PRODUCING HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:
Howard University earns top spot in 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 3, 2013 – Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet is proud to recognize the top Peace Corps volunteer-producing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). This year, Howard University in Washington, DC, holds the top rank for HBCUs with 21 undergraduate alumni serving as Peace Corps volunteers and 204 alumni having served overseas since 1961.
“Historically Black Colleges and Universities equip students with the skills necessary to make a difference overseas through Peace Corps service,” said Acting Director Hessler-Radelet. “Volunteers with diverse backgrounds bring unique cross-cultural experiences to the communities they serve and help promote a greater understanding of all Americans.”
After 27 months abroad working in education, health community economic development, environment, youth in development or agriculture, Peace Corps volunteers with four-year degrees are uniquely qualified to return to the United States and enter the global job market. Peace Corps volunteers return from service as global citizens and receive support from the Peace Corps in the form of career services, graduate school opportunities, advantages in federal employment, readjustment allowances, and loan deferment and cancellation opportunities.
Howard University graduate Christina Titus of San Diego, Calif., has been living and working in Rwanda since May 2012. Titus feels that the skills she gained as a student at Howard helped prepare her for Peace Corps service. “It was during my time at Howard that I envisioned myself living abroad. Attending an HBCU opens your eyes to a culture you’d otherwise miss in a traditional school. Professors at HBCUs invest in you. You have fellow students from similar backgrounds cheering you on in what can be an arduous road to graduation. Attending Howard gave me the confidence, courage and capacity to take on such a challenge.”
The following are the top three Peace Corps volunteer producing HBCUs:
College Name/ Volunteer Number:
1. Howard University / 21
2. Morehouse College / 8
3. Spelman College / 5
The Peace Corps works to ensure that its volunteers reflect the extraordinary diversity of America, which has enriched and strengthened our country in countless ways. Peace Corps’ Office of Diversity and National Outreach (ODNO) work to implement tailored outreach strategies for the recruitment of applicants from historically under-represented communities and those with specialized skills. In April 2012, the Peace Corps and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated (AKA) signed a memorandum of understanding to increase the number of service opportunities for Americans from underserved communities. AKA is the oldest historically Black sorority in the nation with more than 260, 000 members.
The Peace Corps ranks the top volunteer-producing HBCUs annually. Rankings are calculated based on fiscal year 2012 data as of September 30, 2012 as self-reported by Peace Corps volunteers. Ninety percent of volunteer positions require a bachelor's degree. Americans with backgrounds in agriculture, environment, teaching English as a second language, and other technical or language skills related to Peace Corps assignment areas are encouraged to apply for service one year in advance of their target departure date.
About the Peace Corps: Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 210,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 8,073 volunteers are working with local communities in 76 host countries in agriculture, community economic development, education, environment, health and youth in development. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency’s mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.
Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th Street NW • Washington, DC 20526
1.800.424.8580 • www.peacecorps.gov
8. GETTING TO ZERO: RAPID HIV TESTING ONLINE TRAINING COURSE:
The Rev. Oveta Fuller, Ph.D
A question asked recently by a student in the Payne Theological Seminary course “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS,” was “What is the one thing that the AME Church could do that would most impact the elimination of HIV/AIDS?”
Perhaps the answer is to provide an ongoing active forum in each Conference or in each church that leads to more HIV testing and counseling. Or, maybe it would be to require a session of biological-based HIV/AIDS prevention and elimination training for every clergyperson and officer as was done by the AMEC for sexual harassment. Imagine the impact of that!
Highly relevant to the first option, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced availability of what should be a powerful resource. This G20 article points to and encourages completion of the on-line course that provides training to correctly perform HIV Rapid Test Screening. It takes about five hours and can be done at your own pace. And, it’s free.
Imagine if each church had several people that officially could do the testing to detect presence of HIV antibody and could also do the needed counseling regardless of the test results. Then all that would be needed is the Rapid Test Kits.
If we are trained, the rapid test kits will come.
I will write more later on how rapid tests were requested as a step of faith, received and used as part of the March mission trip “Healing Hands” to Rwanda. This trip was lead and request made by Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, our Senior Supervisor who is serves in the 4th Episcopal District.
There are multiple ways this training could be useful to our congregations and communities. Imagine the potential impact on keeping individuals and families well by more easily learning about their HIV infection status. Imagine how this could keep the conversations live that HIV is in our communities and testing should be a wise part of routine healthcare. Such would reinforce the need to be diligent to at all times use one of the ABCs of prevention.
Details of the on line course for those in “a non-clinical setting” are summarized as follows.
“The CDC’s new on line “Rapid HIV Testing Course” will offer an opportunity for HIV Prevention Providers working in non-clinical settings to gain knowledge and skills in administering rapid HIV testing. Rapid HIV Testing will allow providers greater reach into places where HIV testing has not been available.”
“The on-line course has four modules:
- Overview and Introduction to Rapid HIV Testing
- Safe Work Practices and Specimen Collection for Rapid HIV Testing
- Quality Assurance and Quality Control in a Rapid HIV Testing Environment
- HIV Prevention Counseling and Providing Rapid HIV Test Results
“The Rapid Testing Training course can be accessed at the HIP eLearning Center Website by visiting http://www.effectiveinterventions.org/en/TrainingCalendar.aspx and selecting ‘Rapid HIV Testing – Online’ in the interventions and courses dropdown menu. Once participants enter their login or create a new login, they will complete the PIF and enter the course.”
“The modules will take approximately 5 hours to complete if completed in one setting. Participants may start the online course, save their completed portion and return to complete the remaining portion of the course.”
“The online course will be available for participants April 1, 2013.”
For additional questions contact: Dwayne Banks at Ebanks@cdc.gov or 404 639 3873 or Chezia Carraway at Gcarraway@cdc.gov or 404 639 8057.
Excerpt taken from: CDC e-HAP Updates for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) March 29, 2013
*The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Seminary. She served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, MI for seven years before primarily focusing on global HIV/AIDS ministry. Currently, she serves at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan in the 4th Episcopal District while continuing HIV/AIDS research in parts of Zambia and the USA.
9. CHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 24, 2013 - THE LORD APPEARS - LUKE 24: 36-53
*Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
Basic Need
Is “seeing believing”? When the illusionist David Copperfield dazzles crowds with his craft do we believe it is real or just magic? Some see and believe. Some see and do not believe. In contrast, scientific investigation stands and falls on proof of physical phenomena. If phenomena can be measured and tested it meets the litmus test of empirical verification. Whether we want to admit it or not, a majority of the choices we make are based on the presence or absence of evidence. Choices about where to live, who to marry, what careers to pursue or what church or social organization to join are influenced by the evidence of the benefits associated with each decision. The AME Adult Church School Lesson for April 7, 2013 examines how Jesus provided physical evidence that His Resurrection was real and authentic. Our lesson confirms that Jesus’ appearance should erase all doubt concerning His physical Resurrection.
Basic Lesson
The letter “A” figures prominently in the Church School lessons from Dr. Luke. Last week’s lesson focused on the key word ‘arose’. Sunday’s lesson focuses on the key words ‘appears’ and ‘ascends’. The April 14, 2013 lesson will focus on the key word ‘anoint’. After Jesus arose, as prophesied and predicted, he appears to His Disciples. Appearance is important to eliminate doubt for His followers. Dr. Luke describes Jesus’ initial post-Easter appearance associated with terror and fear by the disciples. The disciples, much like the Emmaus Road travelers from last week, are so startled that they too suffer from mistaken identity. Jesus calms their fears and provides physical evidence that his exo-skeletal body rejects the idea that He is a spirit. He joins them in a fellowship meal and uses the occasion for another teaching moment about the fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. He concludes his lecture with specific instructions for the Disciples to be witnesses for the Truth and remain in Jerusalem for an historic event. After these instructions Jesus ascends to Heaven. For unbelievers, the ball is now in their court. How will you respond to the evidence?
Basic Application
Leonardo Da Vinci once stated that “eyes are the window to your soul. This statement by Mr. Da Vinci suggests we see more than just animate objects. One might believe an animal, called a shark, exists because he/she can see the shark. However, what if someone is vision-impaired or blind? Can such a person believe in the existence of a shark given the likelihood he/she will never see the animal? Evidence cannot be limited to what we see, feel or touch. Any mother has all the “proof” she needs to know that her new born baby is the most beautiful child in God’s creation despite the fact she hasn’t “seen” all other babies! Jesus’ Resurrection confirms the proof is indeed “in the pudding” not so much because of what we see but the veracity of the witnesses made by others. Jesus provided prima facie evidence to his Disciples that He arose from the grave. We take that historical evidence and today walk by faith not by sight. Physical evidence is good but periodically we need to make sure we get a spiritual eye-exam so that we can see the blessings God has provided for us.
*Brother Bill Dickens is currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in Tacoma, Washington. He is currently a member of the Fellowship of Church Educators for the AME Church
10. MID-WEEK MEDITATION BASED ON HEBREWS 13:1-10:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
My assignment as the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the AME Church has led to our family doing something that we haven’t done since our years in Columbia, SC - “house hunting.” We’ve lived in local church “parsonages” for the last twenty-two years, but my new assignment and our decision to stay in Charleston require our buying a house in Charleston. I’ve learned that “house hunting” has changed in the last three decades.
Today’s technology - especially for those who own tablets like iPads - allows home shoppers to download “Realtor” applications. I took advantage of those “apps” and found plenty of apparently good choices online, but actually driving by and inspecting them helped to narrow our choices. Some houses that looked good online were less than appealing in person or were in less than attractive neighborhoods, and some houses creatively described as needing a little “tender loving care” actually needed major renovation! We’ve learned that what looks good at an “online” distance is often less desirable on close examination.
Our family’s “house hunting” experience mirrors what we all encounter on life’s roads sooner or later. All of us want the best in life and all of us sometimes pursue what initially looks good and appealing from a distance. Our doing so, however, usually teaches us that people and things that look good to us often aren’t good for us and can sometimes do us more harm than good. The things and people of this world that seem to be appealing and beneficial often turn out to be misleading and disappointing and often leave us feeling hurt, let down and wondering what to do or where to turn for peace of mind.
Our disappointment fades away, however, when we look to the God who sent His Son into this world so that we could find salvation, new direction, new inspiration and abundant life. The Christ who gave His life so that we might live still stands by us, still encourages us and still leads us to new and concrete blessings, peace of mind and joy every day.
Take the time - in a world filled with misleading illusions - to look to the Jesus that one Scripture writer said is the same yesterday, today and forever. When you do, you can go beyond life’s illusions and find new assurance and new confidence in the Jesus who said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of worship!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Eugene E. Mobley, Sr., 97 years old, of Jacksonville, Florida. The Reverend Mobley was the proud and devoted father of 7 biological children, but affectionately called “Reverend Daddy” by many Christian friends. His soul took flight to be with the Lord on Resurrection Sunday, March 31, 2013.
His active ministry spanned 32-years pastoring in the East Conference of the 11th Episcopal District: Hurst Chapel AMEC, Arlington; Gibbs Chapel AMEC, Dinsmore; Saint Matthew AMEC, Jacksonville; St. Luke, St. Augustine; and, Saint Andrew AMEC, Jacksonville Beach. He founded and organized the Retired Minister's Alliance in Jacksonville, where he promoted the continuance of service and support to active pastors and congregations.
He leaves to cherish his memory devoted Children: daughters, Deloris Brown (the Rev. Carlton), Willie Mae Albany, Gloria S. Jackson (Willie); sons, Eugene, Jr., Litel (Marie), Calvin (Lay); sisters, Rev. Rosa Lee Ford, Live Oak, Florida, Alice James, Live Oak, Florida; sister-in-laws, Dollie Randolph (Walter), Evangelist Essie Mae Jones, Maple Jones; brother-in-law, Jessie Jones (Evelyn), 25 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, 15 great-great grandchildren; adopted daughter, Doretha Taylor, Daytona Beach Florida, and host of nieces, nephew, cousins and many sorrowing friends, among them, the entire congregation of New Mount Moriah A. M. E. Church (formerly Saint Matthew), where he held membership.
Funeral & Wake Services for Reverend Mobley:
Viewing, Friday, April 5, 2013 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Marion Graham Mortuary Inc.
900 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL. 32206
(904) 358-3949
Funeral Service - Saturday, April 6, 2013 - 11:00 a.m.
Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church
6910 New Kings Road
Jacksonville, FL. 32219
Telephone: (904) 764-2755
The Rev. Dr. Marvin C. Zanders, II, Site Pastor
New Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church (formerly)
Saint Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Sha`Reef Rashad, Pastor
Services Entrusted to:
Marion Graham Mortuary Inc.
900 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.
Jacksonville, FL. 32206
Telephone: (904) 358-3949
Condolences may be sent to:
To the Family of Rev. Eugene E. Mobley, Sr.
2049 Commonwealth Avenue
Jacksonville, FL. 32209
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Pauline Hunter Young, 100-years-old, of Georgetown, South Carolina, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, pastor of Union Station AME Church, Sumter, SC. Mrs. Young was a member of Hopewell AME Church in Hemingway, South Carolina.
Funeral & Wake Services for Mrs. Young:
Viewing, Friday, April 5, 2013 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Nesmith Pinckney Funeral Home
81 Sams Lane
Hemingway, SC 29554
Funeral - Saturday, April 6, 2013 - 11:00 a.m.
Hopewell AME Church
30704 County Line Rd.
Hemingway, SC 29554
(843) 558-6132
The Rev. Dr. Kylon Middleton, Pastor
The Rev. Rosalyn G. Coleman, Eulogist and Presiding Elder, Georgetown District
Services Entrusted to:
Nesmith Pinckney Funeral Home
81 Sams Lane
Hemingway, SC 29554
(843) 558-5327
Condolences may be sent to:
To the Family of Mrs. Pauline H. Young
86 Glenny Loop
Georgetown, SC 29440-6725
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Lawrence Christopher
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Blog: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; 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.
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