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:
General
Board Meeting - June 22-26, 2013
Bishop
Sarah F. Davis Investiture – June 24, 2013
1. TCR
EDITORIAL – THE RULES OF ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY CLERGY AND LAITY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Simply stated, "Etiquette' is defined as "The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group."
Etiquette is good manners, and in civilized societies there are rules of etiquette that people are expected to follow. Etiquette can also be defined as rules of behavior, which some call, "good manners" and especially in how we treat each other.
Every profession has a code of
etiquette and a code of ethics.
Organizations function more efficiently if all of its members follow the
rules of etiquette and adhere to high moral and ethical behavior. Churches and
religious organization function more effectively if clergy and laity follow the
rules of etiquette.
Let me share a few
Certainly, it goes without saying
that clergy and laity should live to the highest standards of ethical and moral
behavior and conduct.
Let’s start with clergy.
Clergy rules of etiquette
Clergy
should have a healthy and wholesome
interaction with other clergy.
Clergy
are expected to treat fellow clergy collegially and with respect,
“across the board,” which includes clergy from other denominations and other faith
groups. Clergy should not engage in negative talk about other clergy members,
and especially not with layperson.
Preachers should not enter another pastor’s pulpit until invited by the
pastor.
Pastor are expected to take care of
their “own flock.” Clergy members should not
agree to conduct weddings, funerals or consent to lead or participate in any
pastoral worship service without first speaking directly to the
pastor-in-charge. And if the
pastor-in-charge appears to be less than enthusiastic, the invited clergy
member should respectfully and without any negative comment, decline the
invitation. Pastoring is stressful and clergy should not add stress to other
clergy members.
Pastors, as much as possible,
should absent themselves from religious and social events, i.e., funerals,
wedding and special events that take place at their previous pastoral
appointment.
When a bishop, presiding elder or
pastor is appointed to another episcopal district or pastoral charge, retires,
or promoted, he or she should be discreet when visiting a former episcopal
district or parish.
Frequent visits to one's former
pastoral assignment should be avoided. A former pastor should seek to be
supportive of a successors ministry by observing “boundaries and giving space” to
the minister holding the pastoral appointment.
The relationship between a pastor
and a congregation is dissolved by Episcopal reappointment. It’s the responsibility of a pastor to make
clear that he or she will no longer be the pastor and, therefore, will not be
available for pastoral services.
Local preachers, Itinerant Deacons
or Itinerant Elders who serve in local relationships with local churches should
understand that the pastor-in-charge is “in charge.” Clergy who serve in local relationships,
whether they have itinerant or local credentials serve in a local capacity. A
clergy member serving in local relationship is not a pastor-in-charge; he or
she assists the pastor and should be amenable to the pastor
The AME Church is a connectional
church and the AME Church is a hierarchal organization with a “chain of
supervision.” Pastors
should always respect the office of presiding elder and the episcopacy.
Subordinate clergy members should obey those who have authority over them.
Simply stated, those in the diaconal ministry will obey their pastors in
charge, presiding elders, and bishops. Elders will obey their bishops. It’s not
a matter of liking or not liking the person who is the chief minister (bishop);
the issue is integrity and being faithful to the vows made at the ordination
service; being faithful to our vows is a moral and ethical responsibility.
.
A pastor should be professional in
all pastoral relationships. Pastors must love all the parishioners, even those
the pastor knows doesn’t like him or her.
Pastors are expected to handle
their money and personal finances responsibly.
It is a spiritual and professional
duty of clergy to hold in confidence matters revealed to them in their
counseling, caring, and confessional ministries.
Preachers should not use the pulpit
as a “billy-club” and should avoid using the pulpit to share sensitive
information shared in counseling sessions or in private conversations.
A pastor often receives additional compensation
beyond his or her terms of appointment. Examples include stipends for weddings,
special sermons or presentations. Some churches demonstrate their support and
love for their pastor by giving him or her various gifts.
Clergy
at all levels, bishops, presiding elder, need to take care such gifts
given for birthdays and anniversaries and other special days never take on an
obligatory nature.
Preachers should not be tempted to
use “tricks, mind-games and schemes” to get people to give. Preach the Word of
God and if the Word of God doesn’t convict them, “tricks, mind-games and
schemes” won’t work in the long run either.
Laity rules of etiquette
The foundation for professionalism,
ethics and etiquette for the laity is Integrity, discipline, treating everyone
with respect, and following the rules.
Parishioners should be faithful to
their commitments and; a faithful to his or her word.
If a person unites with a local
church, it’s expected the he or she will be faithful in attendance and stewardship.
Inconsistent attendance and stewardship hinders growth and will destroy any
church.
Sunday morning worship is a time to
go to church.
Sunday morning is not be a time for
church-hopping or visiting other churches.
Parishioners should not only be consistent in attending
church, but should arrive on time. Late
arrival at worship services shows disrespect to God, the ministerial staff and
to other members.
Regular church attendance is the
right thing to do and consistent church attendance involves discipline and
keeping one’s word. And being on time demonstrates discipline and respect to
God, to fellow worshippers, and to the worship experience.
It’s the responsibility of every
parishioner to support the ministry and one of the most effective ways to
support the ministry is through stewardship of giving and presence.
Tithing is the commitment of giving
10% of a person’s income in support of the ministry and the church. Tithing is
a discipline and parishioners have to be trained in the discipline of tithing;
and getting people to tithe might have to be presented in “baby-steps” for
those parishioners who need to grow into tithing. The non-attribution option to
regularly contribute 2½%, 5% as they grow into the ministry of tithing might be
effective. The stewardship objective should be to get people to be disciplined
in their giving; to consistently give week after week or month after month on
whatever schedule they contribute.
Parishioners should give their
offerings regularly, whether they attend or not; or whether they visit another
church. Giving is the responsibility of all parishioners.
A parishioner can only have a
healthy and wholesome interaction with the pastor and other parishioners when he
or she has a healthy and wholesome relationship with God
and with him or herself.
Parishioners should greet and treat
all guests warmly
Parishioners should treat everyone
with respect and treat the house of God with respect. The church building is a
sacred place and laity and clergy should conduct themselves as children of God.
The sanctuary is not a place of frivolity. Worship is not a theatrical or
athletic event. Spirited and spiritual worship, yes; frivolity and theatrics,
no!
Parishioners should not discuss church business, internal church issues or
disagreements with members of other churches, and especially not with new
church members; nor should they engage in discussion with parishioners of other
churches about another church’s internal issues. And, parishioners should not discuss local
church business with other pastors. Parishioners should not invite other preachers to preach or to participate in worship services without first speaking to the pastor. The pastor should be the person who extends invitations to preach or participate in worship services.
Parishioners need to remember that
the AME Church is not a “called” church; a pastor is “sent” to church. A pastor
is not “called” to a local church. Bishops “sends” a pastor to a local church and
he or she is assigned as the pastor-in-charge. Parishioners should love and
respect whoever the bishop “sends.”
It is important that parishioners
respect authority from the top to the bottom.
Parishioners, appointed or elected
and who have accepted the responsibility of a particular office should serve
that office with commitment, dedication and discipline.
Parishioners should stay in their “lanes of
responsibilities,” which means observing and distinguishing “boundaries”
between the laity and the clergy.
Laypersons are not clergy and should never assume the responsibilities
of the clergy; they are not clergy.
Parishioners should be professional
in their relationships with other parishioners. The church is not a dating
club.
When the relationship between a
pastor and a congregation is dissolved by Episcopal reappointment, parishioners
should accept the transition; and should not expect or contact the previous
pastor for pastoral services.
Parishioners should respect pastoral authority. Parishioners
should have respect for the Bible and The
Discipline; and the willingness to study both God’s Word and The Discipline.
Those parishioners, who serve in leadership positions should
read, understand and follow the rules of The
Discipline. And of course they
should read, understand and follow the rules of the Bible.
Musicians and choir members' rules of etiquette
Musicians and choir members should arrive at worship before
the hour of worship and be on time - “To
be early is to be on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable!” Musicians and choir members who arrive late
are distractions to worship. Choir members who can’t arrive on time should sit
in the pews. Choir members who can’t remain until the benediction should sit in
the pews.
Musicians and choir members are under the supervision of the
pastor. They should not attempt to control the tempo of the worship service.
Choir members should be dressed uniformly; if the pastor has
made the decision that they should do so.
Parishioners who decide to participate in the ministry of
music should commit themselves to attending scheduled choir practices.
Choir members should always be spiritually-focused in
worship and not do things that distract worshipers, e.g., chewing gum, talking,
whispering, or waving to parishioners.
One More thing
I meant to write this several month ago. We have some excellent musicians who play by
ear and haven’t learned to play the “Amens” in the AME Communion liturgy.
Here is a quick lesson. The first “Amen” after the General
Confession is simply chords, 5 and 1; as are the “Amens” after the First and
Second Collects. The four-fold “Amen”
after the Prayer of Humiliation is simply chords (with each syllable) 5, 1, 1,
4, 4, 1, 5, 1. So, in the key of “G,” which is the key the “Amens” are written
in, the 5 chord is “D,” the 1 chord is “G,” and the 4 chord is “C.” To make the 5 chord prettier, make it a 57
chord.
I wish someone had explained that to me when I first started
playing.
2. THE AME LUNCHEON AT THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’
CONFERENCE WAS A JOYFUL EVENT AND REUNION:
The 99th Annual Hampton University Ministers’
Conference and the 79th Annual Choir Directors’& Organists’
Guild Workshop was held June 2-7, 2013.
The 2013 AME Church Luncheon was held on Tuesday
June 04, 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Hampton. The Rev. Andre
Jefferson, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hampton and some of the members of
Bethel coordinated the luncheon. Bishop
William P. DeVeaux is the Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal
District.
Pastors and guests from various episcopal districts attended
the luncheon. It was a joyful occasion and each person was given an opportunity
to introduce themselves.
Bishop William DeVeaux deferred to Senior Bishop John Bryant
who served as the master of ceremonies.
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, 11th Episcopal Bishop and
Mrs. Connie Richardson; Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, 1st Episcopal
District and Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram; Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, 10th
Episcopal District and Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie; Bishop Reginald T.
Jackson, 20th Episcopal District; and the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown
attended the AME Luncheon.
The AME Luncheon at the Hampton University Ministers’
Conference began in 1989 as an informal birthday celebration for Bishop John
Bryant and has grown each year as the “must-attend” event for AMEs attending
the HU Ministers’ Conference. Local area
AME pastors also attend.
3. EXPLORE HISTORICAL
LINKS ABOUT THE EARLY DAYS OF AFRICAN METHODISM:
3. STARTLING CLERGY
STATISTIC ACCORDING TO THE NEW YORK TIMES
(AUGUST 1, 2010):
“Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension
and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their
use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many
would change jobs if they could.”
* 13% of active pastors are divorced.
* Those in ministry are equally likely to have their
marriage end in divorce as general church members.
* The clergy has the second highest divorce rate among all
professions.
* 23% have been fired or pressured to resign at least once
in their careers.
* 25% don’t know where to turn when they have a family or
personal conflict or issue.
* 25% of pastors’ wives see their husband’s work schedule as
a source of conflict.
* 33% felt burned out within their first five years of
ministry.
* 33% say that being in ministry is an outright hazard to
their family.
* 40% of pastors and 47% of spouses are suffering from
burnout, frantic schedules, and/or unrealistic expectations.
* 45% of pastors’ wives say the greatest danger to them and their
family is physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual burnout.
* 45% of pastors say that they’ve experienced depression or
burnout to the extent that they needed to take a leave of absence from
ministry.
* 50% feel unable to meet the needs of the job.
* 52% of pastors say they and their spouses believe that
being in pastoral ministry is hazardous to their family’s well-being and
health.
* 56% of pastors’ wives say that they have no close friends.
* 57% would leave the pastorate if they had somewhere else
to go or some other vocation they could do.
* 70% don’t have any close friends.
* 75% report severe stress causing anguish, worry,
bewilderment, anger, depression, fear, and alienation.
* 80% of pastors say they have insufficient time with their
spouse.
* 80% believe that pastoral ministry affects their families
negatively.
* 90% feel unqualified or poorly prepared for ministry.
* 90% work more than 50 hours a week.
* 94% feel under pressure to have a perfect family.
* 1,500 pastors leave their ministries each month due to
burnout, conflict, or moral failure.
* Doctors, lawyers and clergy have the most problems with
drug abuse, alcoholism and suicide.
4. TEN COMMANDMENTS
OF CHURCH TAX LAW:
*Dr. William V. Thompson
So many churches are confused over the laws that the IRS has
mandated for churches to follow thus many churches are out of compliance.
Whenever churches are out of compliance the following
adverse actions can be taken against them or their Boards:
1 - Loss of Tax Exemption Status
2 - Fines and Penalties against the church or its Board
3 - Lawsuits
At The Church Coalition we follow the example of
Jesus as He used Parables to simplify possible complex subject matters. Though
we don’t exactly use Parables we share complex subject matters in simple ways
so that churches & their leaders understand what to do.
Here is what we call the Ten Commandments of Church
Compliance or the ten things that every church needs to do to begin on the road
of compliance.
1) - Thou shalt insure the Board of Stewards and Finance
Committee are fully trained and knowledgeable about the rules of the IRS.
2) - Thou shalt establish a computerized accounting system
that ensures compliance with IRS and State guidelines and provides timely
information to make management decisions.
3) - Thou shalt establish internal controls to minimize the
likelihood of money being misappropriated.
4) - Thou shalt establish controls to ensure the integrity
and compliance of year-end contribution statements and proper processing of
designated gifts.
5) - Thou shalt deposit all money collected & every
check written or disbursements via debit card, which must be
church-related with supporting documentation
6) - Thou shalt follow the rules of The Discipline of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church in all receipts and
disbursements of funds.
7) - Thou shalt develop a comprehensive compensation package
that complies with IRS guidelines and maximizes benefits while minimizing taxes.
8) - Thou shalt adhere to all IRS and State reporting
requirements to avoid penalties and possible audits. (W-2’s & 1099’s)
9) - Thou shalt obtain proper insurance & have
procedures to minimize successful lawsuits.
10) - Thou shalt properly classify individuals as employees
or non-employees.
Remember the words of the Prophet in Hosea 4:6, for we are
destroyed for lack of knowledge for we have rejected knowledge.
*The 10 Commandments of Church Tax Law is taken from The Church Coalition.
Read More: http://churchcoalition.org/individual-plans/
5. QUALLS-BROOKS
RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS CABLE POWER OF INCLUSION AWARD:
Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, executive director of the Tennessee
Economic Council on Women, has received the Individual Power of Inclusion
Award. The award acknowledges an individual who “walks the talk,” with
their commitment to Diversity and Inclusion in the Nashville community.
Dr. Qualls-Brooks was presented the award on Wednesday, May 8, by the Nashville
CABLE organization at its annual Power of Inclusion luncheon. CABLE is
the preeminent women’s networking organization in the region, with more than
600 members.
CABLE President, Jeri Hasselbring said, “It is an honor to
recognize a woman who leads and follows with such an inclusive perspective.
Phyllis’s work demonstrates that she is most deserving.”
The Tennessee Economic Council on Women was established by
the Tennessee General Assembly to advocate for women through research,
seminars, programs and conferences to aid women in achieving economic
autonomy. “As the Economic Council
celebrates its milestone 15th anniversary this year, the Board is thrilled that
Phyllis’ leadership and hard work have been recognized by such a powerful
woman’s organization. We are indeed
proud of her,” said Council Chair Yvonne Wood.
In honor of her award, the Economic Council presented
Qualls-Brooks with a Tennessee Legislative Proclamation, signed by and Speaker
of the House, Beth Harwell and Rep. Karen Camper, a member of the Council.
The annual Power of Inclusion luncheon was created to
recognize an individual, corporation and non-profit for their work toward
inclusiveness. “The nomination and recommendations about Phyllis spoke highly
of her inclusive activities, whether professional, social or civic,” said chair
of the awards committee, Veronica Floyd.
“It was an honor to present her with this distinguished award,” she
added.
After receiving the award, Qualls-Brooks expressed profound
gratitude: “I am so honored to receive this award and thankful that the small
things I do can make a defining difference.”
Qualls-Brooks has also been selected to serve as a Vision
2020 National Delegate for Tennessee. Comprised
of extraordinary women from across the nation, Vision 2020 was created and is
administered by the Institute for Women’s Health and Leadership at Drexel
University College of Medicine to achieve women’s economic and social equality.
In addition to her invitation to Vision 2020, this
consummate professional has been selected as a member of the Consortium of
Doctors, a national organization devoted to the uplifting and promoting of
women and children in higher education and all areas of life. She will be
inducted in July at the annual conference in Chicago.
For information about the Tennessee Economic Council on
Women, call (615) 253-4266 or email www.tennesseewomen.org, or info.ECW@tn.gov.
6. “MEDGAR EVERS SUNDAY”
- SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2013:
“We, as men, owe it to our fellow man and to our children to
stand firm and stand out for those things that we are entitled to. I count it a
blessing from God that I am able to withstand ridicule and abuse because I am
willing to take a stand for my fellow man though many show no appreciation for
the work that we are trying to do in their behalf. But let it not be said in
the final analysis when history will only record those glorious moments. And
when your grandchildren will invariably ask: “Granddaddy, what role did you
play in helping to make us free men and free women? Did you actively
participate in the struggle or was your support only a moral one?” Certainly
each person here and men in particular, should be in a position to say, “I was
active in the struggle for all phases for your unrestricted privileges as an
American citizen.”
Men’s Day Message delivered by Medgar Wiley Evers on
February 28, 1960 Message at Fremont AME Church in Miles, Mississippi
On Sunday, June 9, 2013, faith leaders all over the world
are requested to remember Medgar Evers and celebrate his legacy by sharing a
message of “Unity and Faith”. We invite everyone to participate in this
‘Movement of the Spirit’ to perpetuate the legacy of justice, faith, courage
and service begun by Medgar Wiley Evers.
Please widely distribute the attached Bulletin Insert in
your church and other churches in your community. The Insert is a bi-fold
program that includes the Call to Commemorate, a brief biography of Medgar
Evers and the powerful Litany of Gratitude and Thanksgiving to be read in
churches all over the world during services on Sunday, June 9, 2013.
It has been fifty years since Medgar Wiley Evers, the great
servant-leader, civil rights warrior, World War II Veteran and American hero
was murdered by an assassins’ bullet right after Midnight on June 12, 1963.
Medgar was in his driveway carport, his beautiful wife Myrlie heard him drive
up and get out of the car and their children heard the shot to the back that
knocked their husband and father down on his own property. Less than one hour
later, this strong, courageous, yet humble servant of God and God’s people
passed away.
Medgar Wiley Evers was also a loving father. On Father’s Day
his life and work could be remembered to inspire fathers today to stand up as
men of faith and fight for justice.
Some Scriptures to consider for Sunday and suggested
messages, include:
Numbers 13:25-30 “We
Shall Overcome!”
Joshua 1:1-9 “Be Strong and Courageous”
Luke 22:24-27 “The
Servant-Leader”
Ephesians 6:1-10 “Stand Against Evil”
7. MEDGAR WILEY EVERS A CIVIL RIGHTS HERO:
Medgar Wiley Evers was born on July 2, 1925, in Decatur,
Mississippi. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 during World War II. He married
classmate Myrlie Beasley on December 24, 1951. Evers received a bachelor's
degree from Alcorn Agricultural and Mechanical College (now Alcorn State
University) in 1952. From 1954 to 1963, he served on the staff of the National
Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as field secretary
for Mississippi. Evers traveled throughout the state, encouraging African
Americans to register to vote. He also organized boycotts against firms that
practiced racial discrimination.
In the weeks leading up to his death, Evers found himself
the target of a number of threats. His public investigations into the murder of
Emmett Till and his vocal support of Clyde Kennard left him vulnerable to
attack. On May 28, 1963, a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the carport of his
home, and five days before his death, he was nearly run down by a car after he
emerged from the Jack-son NAACP office. When a local television station aired a
broadcast of a short speech by Medgar, his first in Mississippi, where he outlined
the goals of the Jackson movement; threats on Evers' life increased.
On June 12, 1963, Evers pulled into his driveway after
returning from an integration meeting where he had conferred with NAACP
lawyers. Emerging from his car and carrying NAACP T-shirts that stated,
"Jim Crow Must Go", Evers was struck in the back with a bullet that
ricocheted into his home. He staggered 30 feet before collapsing. He died at
the local hospital 50 minutes later. Evers was murdered just hours after
President John F. Kennedy's speech on national television in support of civil
rights.
On June 23, Byron De La Beckwith, a fertilizer salesman and
member of the White Citizens' Council and Ku Klux Klan, was arrested for Evers'
murder. All-white juries twice that year deadlocked on De La Beckwith's guilt,
allowing him to escape justice. In 1994, thirty years after the two previous
trials had failed to reach a verdict, Beckwith was again brought to trial based
on new evidence concerning statements he made to others. Beckwith was convicted
on February 5, 1994, after living as a free man for three decades after the
murder. Beckwith appealed unsuccessfully, and died in prison in January of
2001.
Medgar’s wife, Myrlie, became a noted activist in her own
right later in life, eventually serving as chairman of the NAACP.
On Sunday - June 9, 2013, all over the world, the message of
people of faith is the same: “Unity and Faith
8. FINAL YEARS OF
FREDERICK DOUGLASS ARE SUBJECT OF BOOK DISCUSSION:
Famed Abolitionist Spent Last 18 Years of His Life in
Anacostia
The remarkable journey of Frederick Douglass from fugitive
slave to famed orator and author is well-recorded. Yet little has been written
about Douglass’s final years in Washington, D.C. Journalist John Muller
explores how Douglass spent the last 18 years of his life, from both the
professional and personal perspectives, in his new book, “Frederick Douglass in
Washington, D.C.: The Lion of Anacostia” (The History Press, 2012). Muller will
discuss and sign his work on Thursday, June 20, at noon in the Mary Pickford
Theater, located on the third floor of the James Madison Building, 101
Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. This Books & Beyond event is
sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. It is free and
open to the public; no tickets are required.
The ever-active Douglass was involved in local politics,
from aiding in the early formation of Howard University and editing a
groundbreaking newspaper to serving as marshal of the District of Columbia.
During this time, his wife of 44 years, Anna Murray, died, and 18 months later
he married Helen Pitts, a white woman. Unapologetic about his controversial
marriage, Douglass continued his unabashed advocacy for the rights of African
Americans and women and his belief in American exceptionalism. Through
meticulous research, much of which was conducted at the Library of Congress,
Muller has created a fresh and intimate portrait of Douglass in his final years
at his Anacostia home, “Cedar Hill.”
John Muller is a former metro reporter for The Washington
Times and current contributor to Capital Community News and the Greater
Washington blog. His writings have appeared in Next American City, Washington
History, The Washington Post, The Georgetowner, The Washington Informer and
Suspense Magazine.
Since its creation by Congress in 1977 to “stimulate public
interest in books and reading,” the Center for the Book in the Library of
Congress (www.Read.gov/cfb/) has become a national force for reading and
literacy promotion. A public-private
partnership, it sponsors educational programs that reach readers of all ages,
nationally and internationally. The center provides leadership for affiliated
state centers for the book (including the District of Columbia and the U.S.
Virgin Islands) and nonprofit reading- promotion partners and plays a key role
in the Library’s annual National Book Festival. It also oversees the Library’s
Read.gov website and administers the Library’s Young Readers Center and Poetry
and Literature Center.
Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s
oldest federal cultural institution. The Library seeks to spark imagination and
creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to
knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many
of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.
9. PRAYER RESURGENCE
IN THE AME CHURCH:
Paulette Coleman, Ph.D.
Typically my Saturdays are book ended with prayer. I leave my house early for my 9:00 a.m.
Sabbath Prayer Group at Lee Chapel AME Church (Nashville, Tennessee). I go about my Saturday errands and activities
and return home that evening in time for my 9:00 PM Prayer Call spearheaded by
Presiding Elder, Rev. W. Antoni Sinkfield of the North Nashville District of
the Tennessee Conference. I recently realized that most Saturdays begin and end
in corporate prayer. One setting is face
to face at church and the other via telephone conference call in the privacy of
my home office. What a glorious
experience!
Presiding Elder Sinkfield is relatively new to the position
having been appointed less than a year ago. He embraces technology and the
power of communicating with members of his Presiding Elder's District routinely
and by any means necessary. His
counterpart in the South Nashville District, Presiding Elder Roderick D. Belin
also has a Saturday night at 9:00 PM Prayer Call for his members. As I thought about it further, it became
apparent to me, that there is prayer resurgence throughout the Connectional
Church. Interestingly, technology makes
this possible and more efficient.
AMEs are not new to prayer.
I recall reading that in 1859; a Connectional Day of Prayer was called
by the AME Church with the singular focus of praying for the abolition of
slavery. History records that the Civil
War began when Confederate warships bombarded Union soldiers at Ft. Sumter, South
C on April 12, 1861 and ended in the spring of 1865 when Robert E. Lee,
surrendered the last major Confederate army to Ulysses S. Grant at the
Appomattox Courthouse on April 9 1865.
While many still debate the ultimate causes of the Civil
War, Pulitzer Prize-winning author James McPherson writes that, "The Civil
War started because of uncompromising differences between the free and slave
states over the power of the national government to prohibit slavery in the
territories that had not yet become states." The bottom line is that with the end of the
Civil War, in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln freed slaves in the rebellious
southern states through the Emancipation Proclamation. With passage of the 13th Amendment
to the Constitution in December 1865, slavery was permanently abolished throughout
the entire US including the Border state of Kentucky, which still had about
50,000 slaves and the Indian tribes. It
is my belief that the Connectional Day of Prayer in 1859 and the ongoing
individual and corporate prayers of AMEs and others for freedom and an end to
slavery all played a part in the historical events that led to the Union
victory and the abolition of slavery.
In 1987, Dr. Kathryn Middleton Brown, the first female
President of Connectional Lay Organization convened representatives of that
body in a Connectional Day of Prayer at the First Episcopal District
Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA.
At that time there were serious financial, legal, and
spiritual challenges confronting our denomination. I was blessed and privileged to be among the
lay people from mostly the northeast and the Middle Atlantic States who
gathered for a Day of Prayer, Healing, and Renewal in Philadelphia. If you can believe it, not all denominational
leaders supported this Connectional Lay Organization call to prayer.
While I am not aware of all of the various prayer lines and
other prayer initiatives across the Connection, I thank God for those who are
calling AMEs together for fervent and effective prayers in various
locales. Rev. Harry Seawright and Rev.
Jonathan Weaver, both of the Second Episcopal District, lead morning prayer
calls for their respective churches daily.
Pastor Claudine Murphy of the Fifth Episcopal District has a prayer line
seven days a week. The Rev. David B.
Cousin of the First Episcopal District convenes a prayer call for his Episcopal
District, once per week.
The Rev. Dorisalene Hughes, who coordinates the Connectional
Day of Prayer under the leadership of Bishop Sarah Frances Davis, told me about
the Prayer Generals Line that summons intercessors from all over the world in
fervent prayer every Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. (PT). According to the Rev. Hughes, “The Prayer
Generals Line started in 2008 for Bethel Memorial AME Church in San Diego, CA
and other AME Churches in Los Angeles, CA; Temecula, CA, and San Bernardino,
CA. Now it is beyond denomination. God has expanded the Prayer Generals Line to
include COGIC, UMC, Presbyterian, First Assembly of God, Baptists, Roman
Catholics and many non-denominational prayer intercessors.”
What if every person and entity within the AME Church
embraced this prayer resurgence? I have no doubt that the AME Church would
become a contemporary force for positive change in the world.
10. I STILL BELIEVE
GOD:
*The Rev. Jarrett Washington
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within
you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ
Jesus returns. Philippians 1:6 NLT
Sunday, while sitting in the Adult Church School Class the
teacher asks the question, "do you believe God has called you for a
certain purpose?" As people in the
class began to chime in on the discussion I kept on thinking about what I know
God had called me to. The funny thing is
amidst the conversation one of my members raises her hand and says,
"Pastor, do you recall your call story?" Immediately, I laughed on the inside. I said to myself, did she really just ask me
that question? I thought had I never
really made this plain to the congregation I serve? And so, as if I were in my first day of
classes at my seminary, The Interdenominational Theological Center, I told the
narrative of my calling.
Today, my goal is not to discuss my calling to ministry or
how I am clear on what God purposes for my life; rather, I am compelled to help
you understand if nothing else ever resonates in your soul on this very day,
you have to remember what God has already spoken over your life. Too often, the issues of this life will cause
us to forget what God has already said.
Faith, in fact, is the ability to trust God even when you cannot trace
God. Your faith has the ability to say I
am healed, even when the doctors say you are sick; your faith has the ability
to say I am more than enough, when the world says you are not qualified; it is
your faith's ability to say I shall have, when life says it will never be
yours. It is your level of faith that
reminds you of everything God has already said even when it looks like it will
not come to pass.
Finally, I recall how Bishop Larry Trotter recorded a song
entitled "I still believe God" in 2009. The simple premise of the song was “if I were
to lose everything, but I still have Jesus, I have enough to start all over
again.” You may have a testimony that
deals with how you lost everything, your houses, your relationships, your cars,
your jobs, or maybe even your mind, but through it all, you held on to your
faith in Jesus, and that was enough to start all over again. I am not certain what it is you may have lost
this year, this month, or even this day, but whatever you do; don't lose your
belief in God and everything God has spoken.
Be encouraged today by remembering God will complete what God has
started. Know deep down on the inside
God is not like man, and therefore God will not lie. What God has said, will come to pass. The business will happen. The marriage will take place. The book will be written. The restoration is coming. The bill is paid and the debt is
cancelled. Whatever God said, God will
surely do. Selah.
*Pastor Jarrett
Washington serves as the Senior Pastor and Shepherd of the New Bethel African
Methodist Episcopal Church in the suburb of Red Top of greater Johns Island, SC
11. THE REV. DR.
HARRY L. SEAWRIGHT CELEBRATES 27 YEARS OF PASTORAL MINISTRY:
Brandywine, MD (June 4, 2013) - Reverend Dr. Harry L.
Seawright will celebrate 27 Years of Pastoral Ministry at Union Bethel AME
Church, on Sunday, June 9, 2013:
• 7:45 a.m. – The Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning, Pastor of
Ebenezer AME Church, Fort Washington, MD will be the guest preacher.
• 11:00 a.m. – Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
of the 2nd Episcopal District of the AME Church will be the guest preacher.
In 1991, Rev. Seawright led the construction of the $1.6
million sanctuary. The Union Bethel AME Church family is extremely excited to
celebrate the paying off of the church’s mortgage and 38 acres of land with a
Mortgage Burning Celebration during the 11:00 a.m. worship service.
Union Bethel AME Church is one church in two locations. The
celebration will be held at Union Bethel AME Church, 6810 Floral Park Road,
Brandywine, MD 20613. Join us on Sundays at the satellite church location,
Union Bethel Intergenerational Center, 3231 Brinkley Road, Temple Hills, MD
20748.
For additional details, please call 301-372-6036.
Submitted by Pamela King-Williams, Union Bethel AME Church -
Public Relations Ministry
12. AME PASTOR, THE
REV. CHARLES HOLSEY, MD AUTHORS BOOK DEALING WITH SIN, DISEASE, AND PREVENTION:
Book description –
The Rev. Dr. Holsey’s creative book relates and compares
sickness in the Church to sickness in the body. In order to do so, this book
creates a parallel between sin, disease, and prevention where the church
represents the physical body that has become ill and needs healing. In order to
ascertain healing, an extensive physical examination is conducted on the Church
detailing subjective findings, objective findings, as well as an assessment and
a plan for healing. Rev. Dr. Charles M. Holsey, Jr. is an ordained minister in
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He is the Pastor of the Historic
Campbell Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pulaski, Tennessee. He
received a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce,
Ohio. Prior to responding to God's calling on his life, Rev. Dr. Holsey
obtained a M.D. from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee and a
Ph.D. and M.S. in Immunology & Microbiology and Cell & Molecular
Biology, respectively from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Rev. Dr.
Holsey is a native of Fort Valley, Georgia and obtained a B.S. Degree in
Zoology from Fort Valley State University. He resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee
with his wife and three children. He enjoys reading and writing spiritual
literature.
Dr. Holsey’s book may be purchased on Amazon.com.
13. THE 15TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2013 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Irene M. Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor
The Angola Annual
Conference
10 October 2013, WMS
Convention
11 - 13 October 2013,
Annual Conference
Job AME Church, Luanda
Host Pastor: The Rev. Correia Martins
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Pereira Jeremias
The Namibia Annual
Conference
27 August 2013, WMS
Convention
28 August – September
1 2013, Annual Conference
St Nicholas AME Church, Keetmanshoop
Host Pastor: Rev. Dr. A. Biwa
Host Presiding Elder: Rev. Leslie Leukes
The Queenstown Annual
Conference
29 October 2013, WMS
Convention
30 October – 3 November
2013, Annual Conference
Robert Thomas AME Church, Burgersdorp
Host Pastor: The Rev. M. Sawu
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. I.M. Monare
The Eastern Cape
Annual Conference
13 November, 2013,
WMS Convention
14 – 17 November
2013, Annual Conference
Darrie Mae Robinson AME Church, Cradock
Host Pastor: The Rev. M.K. Siegel
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. W.M. Guwa
The Kalahari Annual
Conference
19 November 2013, WMS
Convention
20 – 24 November
2013, Annual Conference
G.D. Robinson AME Church, Upington
Host Pastor: The Rev. N.P. Vena
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. R. Goliath
The Cape Annual
Conference
10 December 2013, WMS
Convention
11 – 15 December
2013, Annual Conference
Metropolitan AME Church, Mitchell’s Plain
Host Pastor: The Rev. D. Oormeyer
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. Samuel Engelbrecht
The Planning Meeting
18 – 21 December 2013
Bonner Chapel AME Church, New Brighton
Host Pastor: The Rev. G. Komani
Host Presiding Elder: The Rev. G. Komani
14. THE 19TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2013 ANNUAL CONFERENCES SCHEDULE:
The Rt. Rev. Paul J.M. Kawimbe
Presiding Bishop
East Conference
Date: 2nd – 6th Oct, 2013
Host Church: Sims
Tabernacle,
46 Corners 10th Avenue and Hofmeyer Streets
Alexander Township
Host Pastor: The Rev
N.J. Sefatsa
Host Presiding Elder:
The Rev T.S. Setai
Mokone Conference
Date: 16th – 20th Oct, 2013
Host Church: Mt Horeb
Temple, Lenyenye
1902 Police Station Street, Polokwane
Host Pastor: The Rev
T. Leepo
Host Presiding Elder:
The Rev M.D.T. Makhene
Natal Conference
Date: 23rd – 27th Oct, 2013
Host Church: Mt
Salem, Pietermaritzburg
Durban Dambuza Road, Edendale
Host Pastor: The Rev
S. Kubheka
Host Presiding Elder:
The Rev S.A.P. Mbambo
Orangia Conference
Date: 30th Oct – 03rd Nov,
2013
Host Church: Trinity,
Phuthaditjhaba Bethlehem
9039 Phuleng Street, Phuthaditjhaba
Host Pastor: The
Rev. Ntsiea
Host Presiding Elder:
The Rev. T.Z. Tsitsi
West Conference
Date: 6th – 10th Nov, 2013
Host Church: Moses
Reid Temple, Mmabatho
604 Steve Biko Avenue, Unit 2 Mmabatho
Host Pastor: The Rev.
T.J. Mokebe
Host Presiding Elder:
The Rev. T.A.M.M. Mbambo
The Christian
Education Congress
3rd – 8th
December, 2013
Venue: TBA
15. GETTING TO ZERO:
PRESSING OUR WAY:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
We are over 30 years since the first recognition of AIDS as
an infectious disease and HIV as the virus that is its etiological agent (the
cause). Over 65 million people worldwide have been infected. Of these, over 30
million have died from AIDS-related complications.
The good news is that because of biomedical advances and
recent clinical developments, there is now real hope of managing HIV/AIDS to
stop death and illness and eventually to reach an AIDS-free generation. The
process will require combinations of effective interventions tailored to meet
the needs of a person or community. These include anti-retroviral drug therapy
(ART) to reduce individual progression to AIDS and stop infection of infants,
steps (ABCs of prevention) to reduce exposure to HIV and options such as male
circumcision and effective education and mobilization to lower levels of
circulating virus in a community.
Religious leaders are central in changing HIV/AIDS infection
and mortality trends. Religious leaders are found in almost every community
around the globe. We have access to people who must daily address the
challenges of avoiding or managing impact of HIV/AIDS. We are compelled to make
a difference in the well-being of the people we serve.
Technically, elimination of HIV/AIDS and making real an
HIV-free generation is quite possible. Sustained effective efforts are
required. To get to zero new infections, zero deaths from HIV/AIDS and zero
discrimination, clergy, lay leaders, pastors, missionaries, young adults and
church members must press forward. Here is a list of 10 top reasons to commit
to listen to hear, then to do what you hear in moving towards zero.
Ten top reasons why religious leaders (and others) must
press towards eliminating HIV/AIDS:
Spread of HIV infection can change lives, communities and
populations if unchecked. Each person is either infected or affected in some
manner by HIV/AIDS.
HIV is relatively fragile when outside of the body. It must
gain assistance from a person in order to get pass natural host defense
barriers. Thus, most people can control exposure to HIV by using the ABCs of
prevention. Religious leaders are ideally positioned to help to broadly
communicate this critical concept.
Even though over 65 million people (1 infected per 100 people
worldwide) have been infected since records have been kept, with consistent
effective efforts the virus can be eliminated. This is because humans are its
only known host.
Religious leaders have access to people in the communities
they serve and have some influence on popular opinion and on the services
available in and through our congregations.
Religious leaders have the responsibility to be informed
(reading G20 as one resource for such). We are charged and authorized to lead
responsible actions based on what we learn and know. This includes combating
HIV/AIDS and other physical, mental or spiritual illnesses.
Our children and children’s children will be most affected
by what we do or fail to do to reverse HIV/AIDS infection and disease trends. Therefore,
it’s personal.
Biomedical advances in anti-retroviral drug therapy and
clinical management make it possible to reduce spread of HIV infection and slow
progression from HIV infection to AIDS. There is no reason or acceptable excuse
for not pressing forward towards elimination.
We have a moral obligation to assist those in need, attend
to the sick, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, comfort those who are
discouraged. It is a mandate from Christ, to Christians.
Many government and non-government agencies would like to
work closely with religious leaders and especially clergy. The faith community
can reach people in places that are not easy for agencies to access. It is
wasteful (poor stewardship) not to partner in use of resources to help meet needs
of people.
To do nothing gives HIV permission to destroy people and
communities. We will be held accountable for what we do in this season.
There is no logical reason for lack of engagement to do
whatever you can.
Now that you know (and continue to learn), what can you,
will you, do towards ending presence and impacts of HIV/AIDS? Start with getting tested. Share the
experience (not the test results) with those you care about and with those you
are charged to serve. See how such a seemingly small step to some can open new
avenues to reaching the G20 goals set by the United Nations and World Health
Organization.
June 27, 2013 is National HIV/AIDS Testing Day. Plan what
you (your family, your church, your organization) will do to be part of the
solution. We press forward as individuals and together as the globally
connected AME Church network to eliminate HIV/AIDS. It can be done.
*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.
16. MID-WEEK
MEDITATION BASED ON ROMANS 10:5-10:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
One of modern life’s greatest sources of frustration is
“customer service.” I was reminded of
that recently, when our cable TV service wouldn’t receive some channels. I spent two weeks calling into an automated
“customer service” system that required pushing a lot of buttons to finally
reach someone in a “call center” - possibly in my city or possibly halfway
around the world! I spoke with numerous
customer service representatives, who unsuccessfully tried numerous fixes
before they finally gave up and scheduled a residential service call.
Once they did so, the problem was quickly fixed. The service technician arrived at our home
right on time, spent five minutes working on the outside wiring, came into the
house and showed me that the cable TV was now working just fine. He and I had a good laugh about modern
“customer service,” and he wisely said, “Reverend, some problems can’t be fixed
from a distance – sometimes, they still have to send a human being to size up
the problem and fix it.”
That wise and capable service technician could easily have
been a preacher, because he summed up the reason for God sending His Son into
this world in one simple sentence. God
saw the problems of humankind, saw our shortcomings, weaknesses and frailties,
and sent His Son into this world in human form to size up and fix our problems.
Remember that when life’s routine and unexpected headaches,
heartaches, frustrations and disappointments leave you feeling lost and
alone. Life’s ups and downs can easily
make the best of us feel confused, isolated and far beyond help, but we’re
never out of God’s sight. The God who
created us and knows us best sent His son into this world so that we could be
blessed, healed and comforted - even in our most trying times - by the Savior who still sizes up and fixes
our problems each and every day.
All of us will have our share of good days and bad days as
we travel life’s roads, but that’s not what really matters. What really matters is that the Christ who
came into this world in human form to size up and fix our problems still lives,
still has all power and can still bless us beyond measure and give us joy for
today and hope for tomorrow. That’s why
one writer reflected on his blessings and said, “Jesus knows all about our
struggles, he will guide us till the day is done, there’s not a friend like the
lowly Jesus, no, not one, no, not one.”
Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of
worship!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the
Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference
17. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing on May 31, 2013 of
Mrs. Helen Pocohontas Briddell Emerson, 83, the Mother in Law of the Rev.
Willie Weary Sr., pastor of Peter's Chapel A.M.E. Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma
and the mother of First Lady Jackie Weary, past Conference Lay President and
grandmother of Jonathon Weary, Connectional YPD Nominating Committee
Chairperson.
Helen Pocohontas Briddell Emerson was a faithful member of
Greater St. John AME Church Tulsa, Oklahoma for over 55 years under the
auspices of the late Rev. B.S. Roberts and where the Rev. Kevin Clayton is the
current pastor. She was very active on all levels before her health began to
fail. She served as a delegate to the Lay Biennial as well as the General
Conference. She was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society. She also
served as the Recording Secretary for the 12th Episcopal District Lay
Organization, Conference YPD Director, Conference WMS Chairperson of the
Hughes-Life Membership Committee, Annual Conference Secretary, Area Chairperson
for the Women's Missionary Society, Local Church Secretary, Local Church
Steward and Director of Greater St. John AME Church Pre-School Learning Center.
Her community involvement included serving as the Campfire
District Director, member Vince's Chapter #120 of the Eastern Stars, member of
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, involved in the Senior Citizens Outreach Program,
Senior Companion Volunteer, St. Simeon’s Life Enrichment Department, and worked
at the Oklahoma Board of Election and as a Substitute Teacher for Tulsa Public
Schools and the OES Neighborhood Club.
Mrs. Emerson has an extended family because of her love and
concern for others. Her home was always the gathering place for her sibling’s
friends where they were treated as if they were her own.
Mrs. Emerson is survived by her husband, John of 59 years,
one son, Anthony J. Bowen (Glendola) of Berlin, MD; 4 daughters, Harriet
Johnson of Tulsa, OK; Jackie Weary (the Rev. Willie Weary)of Tulsa, OK; Janice
Love (the Rev. Bobby Love) of Olathe, KS; Minister Gregorita Smith (Silvester)
of Fort Worth, TX; 3 brothers, all of Berlin, MD: William Briddell, he Rev. David Briddell (Jane), Johnny Briddell
(Emma), 20 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and
nephews and numerous adopted Spiritual Children.
Homegoing Services for Mrs. Helen Pocohontas Briddell
Emerson will be Saturday, June 8, 2013, 11:00 AM, Greater St. John AME Church,
1845 N. Peoria, Tulsa, OK 74106, the Rev. Kevin Clayton, pastor; Oklahoma
Conference/Eastern District, Presiding Elder Marcellus Fields will be the
Eulogist; and the Rev. Kevin Clayton, Officiating. Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.,
Presiding Prelate.
Services Entrusted to:
Butler-Stumpff Funeral Home
2103 E. 3rd Street
Tulsa, OK 74104
(918) 587-7000
(918) 587-4407 Fax
Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:
The Rev. Willie Weary, Sr.
First Lady Jackie Weary
2519 N. Garrison Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74106
(918) 269-0824
(918) 269-1768
18. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Mary K.
Smith, mother of the Rev. Karl V. Smith, pastor of Greater Bethel AME Church in
Gainesville, Florida and mother-in-love of Sister Dianne M. Smith on Saturday,
June 1, 2013.
Visitation:
Friday, June 7, 2013
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Marion Graham Mortuary
1504 Gandy Street
Jacksonville, FL 32208
(904) 765-0310
Homegoing Celebration:
Saturday, June 8, 2013
11:00 a.m.
Saint Thomas Missionary Baptist Church
5863 Moncrief Road
Jacksonville, FL 32209
(904) 768-8800
The Reverend Ernie Murray, Senior Pastor
Services Entrusted to:
Marion Graham Mortuary
1504 Gandy Street
Jacksonville, FL 32208
(904) 765-0310
Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend and Mrs. Karl V. Smith and Family
12907 Oakland Hills Ct
Jacksonville, FL
32225
(904) 645-5265
19. 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
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
20. 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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