THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
ONLINE
ENGLISH EDITION (06/21/13)
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
Thought for the Week:"Christianity
began to go wrong
when we began
worshiping Jesus, rather than following him!" Episcopal educator
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 – ANOTHER
LOOK AT WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY IN MY PREACHING MINISTRY IF I HAD TO DO IT
ALL OVER AGAIN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Every year or so, I think about my journey in ministry and
ask myself what would I do differently if I could start my ministry all over
again? I truly believe every clergy
person should assess and reassess his or her ministry.
Every time I review my ministry I cringe when I think of
the some of the decisions I made. Other times, I think to myself that maybe I
did the right thing; and, still at other times, I think, God worked it out and
it had nothing to do with anything I did or said.
I would do a lot of things differently if I had my ministry
to do over again.
The first change: I would pray more and read the Bible
more. I would read more books, magazines and especially our AME Church
periodicals. I did all of those things, but I did not do enough of those
things; I should have done more.
Preaching
I still think a lot about preaching and I am doing my
regular self-assessment again where I
ask myself what would I do differently in my preaching ministry if I had my
ministry to do all over again?
Preaching comes to mind because when I wrestled with my
call to the ministry; preaching was the focus of my thoughts. I didn’t think
about all of the pastoral duties or about the day-to-day details of pastoral
ministry. Preaching was the focus.
If I had my preaching ministry to do all over again, I would
work harder to preach sermons that related to the experiences of the
parishioners sitting in the pews. I
would spend more time praying, carefully planning, and preparing my
sermons.
When I think about it, I ashamed to say that I now realize
there were times when I prepared sermons without prayer. Sometimes sermon
preparation was rushed. There have times
when trying to write sermons that the “well was dry” and I carelessly chose one
of the easy texts.
Much, much later, I came to understand that inspired,
correctly prepared sermons take a lot of prayer and work; in that order.
Sermon preparation
If I had my preaching ministry to do all over again, I
would preach from the lectionary. I have had several great sermons that were
the results of inspiration, preparation and delivery, but over the long-haul,
the lectionary with its three year cycle or the Daily Office would have given
me some much-needed discipline, which would have forced me to study and expand
my biblical preaching.
When backed up against the proverbial wall of “I need a
sermon now because Sunday morning is fast approaching”; the easy approach was
to preach one of my favorite themes or one of my favorite texts. Over the
long-haul, not only was my biblical and theological growth inhibited, but the
parishioners’ biblical and theological growth was also short-changed.
If I had to do it over again, from “jump-street,” I would
spend more time in serious sermon preparation. I had times of serious sermon
preparation, but there were times when sermon preparation was “on the run.” I
wasted a lot of time busily doing things that delayed intense sermon
preparation. I used to tell myself that I wanted to get everything “off my
plate” before sitting down to prepare sermons, which was a recipe for last
minute Saturday night or Sunday morning sermon preparation, especially in my
early ministry. I had too many late Saturday night and early Sunday morning
prepared sermons.
What I discovered over time was that parishioners could
tell the difference between well-prepared sermons from the ones that had been
hastily thrown together. I also learned a long time ago that well-delivered
sermons are a result of extensive prayer and preparation and when those two
were in the mix, the sermons and the sermon results were more effective.
If I had it to do over again, preaching lectionary sermons
would have allowed and forced me to take the risk and the inconvenience of
letting my parishioners know ahead of time what I texts I was going to preach
each Sunday, and, in that way, those members who wanted to do so could prepare
themselves for the message. I would have benefited as a pastor and the
parishioners would have benefited.
An option to preaching the lectionary would be to announce
ahead of time and preach themed sermons or to take a year and preach through
the Bible from Genesis to the Revelation.
I have used the lectionary from time to time, but found it
easy to stay away from the lectionary when the lection had the more difficult
texts that needed a lot of research. And each time I stayed away from the
lectionary, it was harder and harder to get back to it. Preaching my favorite
texts and themes felt so comfortable.
If I had to do my preaching ministry over again, I would
try to get the congregation on the same Bible reading schedule and would preach
a text from one of the scheduled daily readings. Too often pastors preach
sermons on great texts, but the people in the pews do not have the back-story
of the text and often they cannot follow the development of the sermon.
Parishioners are so gracious and no matter how good or
poorly the sermon delivery, many of them will say, “Nice sermon pastor” or
“That was a great message.” I have often wondered what would happen to
psyche of pastors if the parishioners shook our hands at the end of the service
and told us the truth; “That was a lousy sermon” or “Reverend that sermon was
too long and didn’t make any sense.”
Attempt to be more rounded
If I had to do my preaching ministry over again, I would
read more. I would read more books, newspapers, the AME periodicals, read
poems so my sermons would have more depth that might precipitate church members
to read more.
If I had to do my preaching ministry over again my sermons would
have a biblical context as well as current context. I would pay more
attention to exegesis and hermeneutics and less eisegesis and proof-texting. I would attempt to make my
sermons more relevant and less clichés. I would address tough social and economic
issues. I would make my sermons relevant for the different age groups in the
congregation.
If I had it to do over again, I would preach more sermons
that emphasized the Good News of Jesus Christ and less about how bad the people
were; every sermon should incorporate the Good News of Jesus Christ and of
God’s grace. Sometimes my sermons, especially the sermons during the
early part of my ministry were about all of the bad things the people were
doing and what they were not doing.
If I had it to do over again, I would tell people more
often that God loves them; that Jesus Christ loves them and the Holy Spirit is
present to sustain them and comfort them in every situation that might be
confronting them. I would preach more New Testament and less Old Testament. I
would preach the great themes of Christendom. I would preach and teach more
doctrinal, theological, and biblical sermons.
If I had my preaching ministry to do over I would address
more of the issues in my life because my sermons would have more relevance; I
was experiencing the same issues as the parishioners in the pews. I had
financial problems, issues raising our children, relational issues, spiritual
issues and even issues dealing with sin. When people would say, “Reverend, you
stepped all over my toes this morning,” I could easily have responded, “I
stepped on all of my toes too.”
If I had to do my preaching ministry over again, I would be
sensitive to the length of my sermons. I have said many times, “There are no
bad ‘short sermons.’” There is no reason for a 45-minute sermon, most
people are lost after about 20 minutes; if they can be attentive that long.
We live in an age where things happen in short increments.
If I had my preaching ministry to do all over again, I would be sensitive to
the medical conditions of people in the pews; some on diuretics, others are
diabetics, and there are other medical conditions that prohibit parishioners
sitting comfortably for long periods of time.
No one ever shared with me the importance of being
sensitive to parishioners’ medical conditions or the aging process.
If I had my preaching ministry to do all over again, I
would be more sensitive to the children and young parents in the congregation.
If I had my preaching ministry to do all over again, I
would be more sensitive to the economic levels of the parishioners in our
congregation. I would handle appeals for offerings more sensitively and not try
to “lay a guilt trip” on them. I now know that the ministry is God’s program;
not my program.
If I had my preaching ministry to do all over again, I
would preach the Word and let the Holy Spirit do the Holy Spirit’s work.
And lastly, I would clearly distinguish bad habits from
sins. All bad habits are not sins. I have heard preachers, and I have
too, “beat up on people” for just being human.
There are other things in my ministry that I would change
if I had an opportunity to do my ministry over again … I would… (This is Part
1)
TCR
Editor’s Note: Next week we will be in Kingston, Jamaica for the General
Board/bishop’s Council Meetings and Bishop Sarah F. Davis’
Investiture as President of the Council of Bishops on Monday, June 24, 2013
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER
ISSUES:
-- To the Editor:
RE:
Connectional Lay Organization election spam emails
On
two occasions last week, I received an election type email from a current
officer of the Lay Organization regarding their running for office. This first time, the President did it.
Here's
the problem, I signed up for the official mailing list to receive information
about the church much like my sign up with The Christian Recorder.
In
both instances, I replied to the offenders that it is unethical (or maybe
illegal) to use my email for such purposes. In addition, I mentioned that all
of the candidates no matter how little they are known should have access to
list. Most of all, I don't give a hoot
is running and do not want my email address used for these purposes.
This
does not mean I don't want information regarding the Church, but not election
email.
I
am writing in hopes that the leadership will understand that there are laws and
regulations regarding the use of emails addresses.
Orletta
E. Caldwell
3. WELCOME LETTER FOR THOSE ATTENDING THE COUNCIL
OF BISHOPS AND GENERAL BOARD MEETING:
June
23-26, 2013
The
Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
Kingston,
Jamaica
June 17, 2013
Dear AME
Guest,
The
Management and Staff of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel extend a warm welcome to you
on the occasion of the Investiture of Bishop Sarah Frances Davis and the AME
Church 2013 Council of Bishops and General Board Meeting. Our team is working
diligently to ensure that your stay with us will be a very comfortable one.
Convenient
property features at our hotel include: Business Centre – Located on the lobby
level and is accessible 24 hours per day. Internet access rates are US$5.99 for
15 minutes, US$11.75 for 30 minutes, US$23.50 for one hour Complimentary
Internet – available in all guest rooms both wired and wireless access.
Wireless access in also available in the lobby, restaurants and on the pool
deck. To access just start browsing. 24/7 Café – Located on the lobby level and
serves a wide selection of teas, ice-cream, pastries and an array of delicious
delicacies. Bottled water is sold at the Café. Novelty shop – Located on the
lower lobby level and sells toiletries, confectionaries, souvenirs, craft items
and newspapers. Opened 7 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Sunday and 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
week days. Laundry – the hotel offers daily laundry service (except Sundays).
Laundry is picked up from the room by 9:00 am each day. Please call our
Housekeeping Department (Ext 3076) to alert that there is laundry to go out.
Laundry is returned anytime after 7:00 p.m. same day.
MEAL ARRANGEMENTS
There will be
a Food Court in the Pegasus Gardens where an exciting array of dishes will be
available exclusively for members of the AME delegation. The Food Court will be
opened according to the following schedule:
DAY: BUFFET
BREAKFAST BUFFET LUNCH BUFFET DINNER LIGHT SNACKS
SUNDAY,
June 23: CLOSED 12:00 p.m. – 3:00
p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00
p.m. 11:00 a.m. –11:00 p.m.
MONDAY,
June 24: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00
a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. –11:00 p.m.
TUESDAY,
June 25: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00
a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. 11:00 a.m. –11:00 p.m.
WED,
June 26: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00
a.m. 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. CLOSED CLOSED
MEAL PRICES (see sample menus attached)
- Buffet
breakfast – included in room rate
- Buffet
lunch – US$25.00 per person including
tax and service charge
- Buffet
dinner – US$25.00 per person including tax and service charge
- Light
snacks – US$15.00 per person including
tax and service charge
Meal tickets
will be pre-sold at the TICKET DESK in the hotel lobby during Saturday –
Tuesday. There will be no facility for cash sales in the food court. Delegates
are encouraged to purchase their meal tickets as soon as they arrive at the
hotel. Meal tickets will be sold for cash or can be added as a charge on your
room account.
Please check
the directory of services or call our Guest Services Agent at ext.
3051/3052/3053, should you require any additional assistance during your stay.
We wish you a successful conference and a pleasant stay in Kingston, Jamaica’s
capital city.
SAMPLE MENUS
LIGHT SNACKS (available 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
US$15.00 per person
Soup of the
day
Pasta of the
day
Sandwich bar
Side salad
Hamburger and
French fries
Soda Fountain
BUFFET BREAKFAST (available 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.) for
registered hotel guests only
Fruit station
Hot cereal
Eggs –
scrambled
American hot
item
Jamaican hot
item
Toast and
preserves
Coffee/tea/juices
BUFFET LUNCH (available 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)
US$25.00 per person
BUFFET DINNER (available 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.)
US$25.00 per person
Soup of the
day
Salad bar
Carving
Station
Entrees (3
entrée options
at each meal)
Accompaniment
(2 options per meal) – rice and peas, Spanish rice, potatoes, steamed
vegetables
Dessert
Station – chef’s selection (3 dessert options at each meal)
Soda
Fountain
Submitted by Anita Y. Rankin, Meeting Planner, AME Church -
Finance Department
4. THE NEW PASTOR OF ST. JOSEPH AME CHURCH
IN DURHAM RETURNS HOME TO NORTH CAROLINA:
Bishop William P.
DeVeaux Makes a New Appointment to the African Methodist Episcopal Church
Jun. 19, 2013 –
DURHAM, N.C. --
Durham, NC --- The Reverend Dr. Ronald Owens preached his inaugural sermon as
the new Senior Pastor of St. Joseph A.M.E. Church, Father's Day Sunday, June
16, 2013. Owens has returned to his
North Carolina roots, as a native of Morganton, NC, he received his license to
preach in 1980 at Willow Tree A.M.E. Church, Morganton, North Carolina of the
Western North Carolina Annual Conference. Rev. Owens was ordained an Itinerate
Elder in 1985 in the Augusta Georgia Annual Conference, in the 6th Episcopal
District. He has achieved a Master of Divinity degree from the
Interdenominational Theological Center in Psychology of Religion, Pastoral Care
and Counseling in 1993, and his Doctorate of Ministry from Columbia Theological
Seminary, 2013.
His doctoral
project, "Leading a Wounded Congregation to Mission Engagement", is
the mission he will bring to the St. Joseph A.M.E. Church congregation.
"My desire is for the Church to join God in the reconciling power of
renewing relationships with one another and the community. We will reach out as
Jesus said, 'to the least of those who have been overlooked or ignored.' "
The Rev. Owens'
inaugural sermon was entitled, "Honoring Mature Christian Fathers",
the sermon was sprinkled with the history of Father's Day, along with lots of
humor centering around family life. His emphasis on parental and family relationships,
showed evidence of him being a licensed clinical pastoral counselor; and being
the founder of the non profit organization, Relationships
Matter.
Owens is
certified in Sexual Harassment Prevention Training and Crisis Intervention. He
has trained care providers in grief and suicide prevention. His ministry is one
of reconciliation and the healing of souls. He is a retired U.S. Army Chaplain,
having reached the rank of Major and being of service for 21 years.
Prior to being
assigned to St. Joseph A.M.E. Church of Durham, North Carolina, he was the
Senior Pastor of New Bethel A.M.E. of Lithonia, Georgia, since 2006.
The Dr. Rev.
Owens is married to the former Gwendolyn Rakestraw. He and his wife are the
parents of three children, Ronald, Karawn and Ronnise, and have four
grandchildren.
Read More: http://www.prlog.org/12160028-the-new-pastor-of-durham-church-returns-home-to-north-carolina.html
5. TRIBUTE TO THOSE
WHO SERVED IN THE MILITARY:
One of my uncles, Corporal Frank Ernest (married to my
maternal aunt) was involved in the Normandy invasion. He had his helmet shot off; helmet damaged
but he was okay, because he didn't have the strap fastened down. He was only 5
feet 4 inches tall but one tough cookie. I have a handwritten letter from my
aunt describing his involvement. But I also have a copy of his military record
as confirmation. He was in a supply
company, supplying ammunition and oil.
He was in 5 major battles, Central Europe, Rhineland, Ardennes, Normandy
and N. France and received 5 bronze stars.
He served under Patton and Bradley.
His company went into the invasion at Normandy on the 6th day and many
were killed. Army was still segregated
during the time he was in service from March 1943 until November 1945. He passed in 1999 at the age of 89
years.
My father was on the Pacific side and involved in the battle
of Okinawa. His ship was under aerial
attack by the Japanese on 4 separate days and received some damage. My father earned ribbons also...whatever the
Navy issued.
Retired Judge Loretta Moore
6. LETTER OF
COMMENDATION TO BISHOP DAVID R. DANIELS:
Bishop Daniels:
Heads of State and Governments are usually judged by and for
their first 1000 days in office, but this missive comes to articulate our
collective appreciation for the excellent and spirit-filled manner in which you
have conducted yourself personally as a Christian and as Bishop you kept our
corporate image high as the 15th District.
We are indebted to God forever for your prayerful life, for your
slowness to anger and self-discipline, for your consultative strategy, for your
delayed responses in times of insecurity – searching and securing the bigger
picture of our faith; for your far-sighted vision in administration, for your
charismatic leadership and for you all-inclusive approach. We want to thank you for being on high alert
about a good family name, a good church name and good name for the Episcopal
District. It is our prayer that your and
our collective actions will demystify the prejudices and false perceptions
about the Cape Annual Conference and the 15th Episcopal District in
the entire Connection and the world wherever you go.
We look forward and are excited about your return for the
2nd year of office. We have shared,
agreed and started on rebuilding and we are inwardly reassured that the Holy
Spirit is delighted in the direction you are leading. Please, never be discouraged even if at times
we seem not to understand you; it’s just a sign we are overwhelmed by the
positive energy oozing out of your being.
We are not a perfect people and may not even be a perfect church, but we
believe that with the triune God heading our denomination, our future is going
to be better than our past! Wherever you
go, whenever Bishop, kindly know that we are on our knees praying for you, your
wife, your daughters and extended family.
N the Council of Bishops and the General Board, may our leaders and the
sons and daughters of Richard and Sara Allen be assured and reassured that we
are committed to African Methodism the Connection and the Episcopacy.
Humbly,
The Presiding Elders and People of the 15th
Episcopal District
7. LET THE LIGHT OF
CHRIST SHINE UPON THE CLASS OF 2013
*Dr. James B. Ewers Jr
The Bible teaches us that we must train up our children
using our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the foundation. We know from experience that some of our
children will take some detours along the way.
However as believers and practitioners of our faith, we know that
despite these detours, our children will become good citizens because of their
Christian upbringing. The African
Methodist Episcopal Church through its Christian Education Department continues
to provide our young people with a strong foundation spiritually and
educationally. We know that our children
and our grandchildren achieve many things because God has ordered their
steps. He puts all of us on the road to
success. Our task is to listen to Him
and not to become frustrated when things don’t go our way. Accordingly, I often use the expression,
“tough times don’t last but tough people do.”
As we all know this time of year is synonymous with graduations. All over America, students are joining the
class of 2013. This esteemed group of
scholars includes students at all levels from the very youngest to those who
have earned graduate level degrees. All
have worked hard and deserve the accompanying accolades. I will say more about our youngest graduates
later. While some may have a different
view much fanfare is given when a young person graduates from high school. High
school graduations are always festive and for some parents, you can actually
hear a huge sigh of relief when their child’s name is called. High school graduates in 2013 are entering a
society that has more technology and opportunities than ever. They are also moving into a time when there
are more social challenges. Treating all
people with dignity and respect must be a rule that we must all follow. The workplace is much different today than it
was for me and others of my generation.
Obviously it has been said by many and I agree that students
must have more than just a high school diploma.
While there are more opportunities for students today, the requirements
and qualifications for these opportunities have also changed. As great as it is to graduate from high
school, the next level of achievement will become even more challenging. It is my strong opinion that high school
graduates have three choices. The
choices not necessarily in this order are to enter college or the military or
to secure a job with a training component.
Our students must understand that these are the only options available
to them. Sitting at home and doing
nothing is not an option. Success does
not come easily and therefore, high school graduates will have to adjust their
sights and have their goals firmly in mind.
As parents and grandparents, we must let our children know that success
is not a drive thru process. You just
don’t order success at the window, the voice on the other end tells you to
drive to the next window and presto, you are successful! Young people today must be God-centered and
God-fearing as they take this journey.
It will help them to have friends with similar goals and dreams. I often hear students talking about being
“cool”. It is my hope they think it is
“cool” to be around other young people who want to be successful. While it may be arduous at times, our
students must be able to fend off peer pressure. There will be some students who will give
them a steady dose of the “no you can’t” theory. They will tell you no you can’t go to college
or no you can’t be successful. Encourage
them to distance themselves from these naysayers as jealousy and envy will
creep in once they see them becoming successful.
There must be an attitude of success and an expectation for
it. These character traits start at an
early age. Recently, I had the privilege
to attend the Baccalaureate and Awards Service at the St. Stephen Child Care
and Learning Center. The Center is
attached to St. Stephen AME Church located in Jacksonville Florida. The pastor is Reverend Dr. Michael Leon
Mitchell. It was his vision and
leadership that created this educational opportunity for young children many
years ago now. The St. Stephen Child
Care and Learning Center over the years has provided children with a curriculum
that has been fundamental to them achieving success at the next level. I watched with great joy as little boys in
shirts and ties and little girls in dresses receive their awards for academic
and social excellence. What is happening
at the Center on a daily basis is a partnership between the teachers, parents
and the church. Each has made a
commitment to put children in a position to be successful. When you walk in the Center which is located
across the street from St. Stephen Church, you can feel success in the
air. There are dedicated teachers and
staffers that make learning fun for these children and making learning fun is
the reason so many parents want their child to be a part of this learning
academy.
Our students need us to help them to be successful. When we reflect upon our own lives, we had
people who believed in us. It was our
parents, teachers, churches and communities that created avenues for
success. We can do no less for this
generation of students. Let the light of
Christ shine through us as we become beacons of hope and opportunity for our
children. God speed to all of our
graduates and may He provide them with wisdom and understanding.
*James B. Ewers Jr. Ed.D is President Emeritus of the Teen
Mentoring Committee (TMC) of Ohio
8. MIDWEST CONFERENCE
CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION VISITS SILVER DOLLAR CITY IN BRANSON, MISSOURI:
Our fore-parents had great insight in orchestrating a
segment of time for presiding elder districts of conferences to host a Church
School Convention. According to The Book of Discipline 2008, Page 196, NO.
18, “Each church school district shall hold annually a Church School Convention
for the promotion and encouragement of church school work.” As recorded for the
statistical information last Conference Year 2011-2012 a total of 1,627 was
reported for Church School attendance of the churches of the Midwest Conference
of the Fifth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. Therefore, nearly 100
attended this year’s Church School Convention in Silver Dollar City on June 15,
2013.
On Saturday morning two coach buses were loaded at Ebenezer
AME Church in Kansas City, Missouri departing at 5:48 a.m. to Silver Dollar
City for a 4-hour drive.
Mr. Henry Pearley serves as the Midwest Conference Church
School Superintendent and has held this position for a few years. He selected a theme: Spiritual Blindness and
the scriptures were the Book of Isaiah Chapter 29 verses 9-16 and the Book of
Jeremiah 18:3-4, 6. Furthermore, to assist with understanding the life
application of the scripture and theme; three live demonstrations were selected
to visit at the theme park, Silver Dollar City.
Nevertheless, hosting the Church School Convention at Silver Dollar City
gives the adults and youth a chance to reflect on how scripture affects our
spiritual life. Visiting the demonstration
of the Blacksmith shop is always a popular attraction since the roots of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church originated from the venue as the first place
of worship by our founding father Bishop Richard Allen and others.
In addition, the demonstration of the potter and the
candle-maker gave reference to the reshaping of our lives and the shining of
our light to "all the world."
Though the instructional period is an important part of the Church School
Convention each year, allowing the youth to have fun is also a needed part of
the Convention.
A bus layover mid-way gave the two coach bus drivers a
chance to take a break as passengers also took advantage to buy snacks and
other food stuffs. After the 20-minute break, the buses were reloaded and we continued
the journey to Silver Dollar City. During our travel, “buckets of rain” began
to pour appearing to be dampening our day that had been planned for several
weeks. Also, lightening was flashing and thunder was roaring it caused some of
youth, and adults too, a frightening experience due to the storm. Upon our
arrival a line of traffic stretching several blocks along a two lane road
waited patiently to enter the theme park, and the weather condition improved
immensely allowing us to smile again.
When the Midwest Conference Church School youth and adults
unloaded the bus the excitement of the youth was seen with much
anticipation. The first stop was at the
Molly Mill’s restaurant for breakfast.
The restaurant has a country theme with a food buffet lined with eggs,
bacon, biscuits, potatoes, fruit and beverages. The waitresses were dressed in
country maxi dresses with decorative print.
After breakfast the attendees went to the Wilderness Church located
about 500 feet from the Molly Mill restaurant.
The Wilderness Church is a log cabin church built in 1849 in
the area, and reconstructed and moved to its present site with the original
pews. During the operation of the theme
park, sing along services are held at the Wilderness Church that last about 20 minutes.
Two gentlemen dressed in dated clothes of the 19th Century era greeted us as we
entered the Wilderness Church with a limited seating capacity; therefore some
had to stand in the doorways and outside the church doors. (What a wonderful
experience this would be for us on a Sunday morning in our home churches). After we sung familiar hymns, In The Garden
Alone, Blessed Assurance, O Come All Ye Faithful, and This Little Light of
Mine, just to name a few; we were ready to do the opening for the Midwest
Conference Church School Convention. Mr. Pearley asked for three youth
volunteers to read scripture, Luke Chapter 8 verses 16 through 18. After
opening the session of the Church School Convention at the Wilderness Church,
the teachers were introduced Rev. Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme, Rev. Helen
Benton-Harris and Mrs. Nancy E. Harris. Each class was dismissed to assemble
themselves in an open area in the theme park.
The teachers and students were creative in creating an instructional
area for class to be held. In addition, Mr. Patrick C. Aseme, Dr. Aseme’s
spouse took pictures during the Convention.
Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme taught the adult class of
approximately 30 students. Mr. Pearley
distributed booklets that contained the schedule, Order of Service, Opening
Hymn, Apostle’s Creed and printed text. Due to the limited instructional time
at the Church School Convention for the adult class, Dr. Aseme prepared and
distributed an exegetical worksheet for the theme scriptures to be studied and
discussed regarding Spiritual Blindness.
Dr. Aseme suggested a prescription of restoring spiritual sight is
through Prayer Balm: (1) Acknowledge God (Proverbs 3:5-6); (2) Worship God
(Matthew 6:9); (3) Call on God (Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 7:7-8; Matthew
6:33). As you can see each Prayer Balm
was supported by biblical scripture. Dr.
Aseme asked the adult class to share how God has worked in their life in
spiritual blindness. Many gave
testimonies on how God has restored them in various areas in their spiritual
journey. What a moving experience! Dr. Aseme gave an imprinted ink pen with a
light to remind believers to let our light shine even in the darkest
experiences of life.
After the instructional period classes were dismissed to
view the three demonstrations: Blacksmith Shop, Potter and the Candle
maker. It was amazing to look at the
blacksmith create objects from iron and steel by forging the metal in using
tools to hammer, bend and cut on the anvil.
Our founder Richard Allen held worship service in the Blacksmith Shop
and the anvil served as the pulpit to place the bible while preaching.
Additionally, we reflected on how it may have been done in the early days of
the Free African Society later known as the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Along with the reflection of the Church, we were able to reflect on how the
believer is tried in fire which restores or gives spiritual sight.
Next the participants were ready for lunch; the meal tickets
were free to use at selected eateries in the theme park. While some chose to
eat lunch, the youth were eager to enjoy the rides and other attractions. So
for the next five hours the Church School Convention attendees moved throughout
Silver Dollar City to have fun, fun, fun. At times one could witness the youth
smacking on funnel cakes, and other tasty snacks while traveling to the next
attraction. The rain came but did not
interfere with the festivities. Though the rides were shut down for a short
while due to the lightning they soon reopened the rides allowing the youth to
continue in the fun.
Overall, we had a good time at Silver Dollar City. The cost
to attend the Midwest Church School Convention 2013 included coach bus
transportation, admission to Silver Dollar and three meals; not bad for having
a safe and educational experience in learning more about the Word of God. We boarded the buses at 7:30 p.m. back to
Kansas City, Missouri and arrived at 11:30 p.m. at the parking lot of Ebenezer
AME Church.
Both Presiding Elders and their families joined us: Mrs.
Linda Cousin and Joel Cousin, Presiding Elder Cousin’s, spouse and son; and
Stacie Roberson, Presiding Elder Roberson’s daughter. The following AME
churches in the Midwest Conference participated in this year’s Church School
Convention 2013 at Silver Dollar City, Cain Grant, Kansas City, Missouri,
Pastor Eraina M. Ross-Aseme; St. Paul Independence, Missouri, Pastor Patricia
Winfrey; Gregg Tabernacle, Kansas City, Missouri, Pastor Thomas Lindon, Jr.;
First Kansas City, KS, Pastor Barry Settle; Ward Chapel, Kansas City, MO, Pastor
Roger D. Jackson; Trinity, Kansas City, Kansas, Pastor Fran Cary; Allen Kansas
City, Kansas, Pastor Stacy Evans; Ebenezer Kansas City, Missouri, Pastor Betty
Hanna-Witherspoon; Christ Our Redeemer, Kansas City, MO, Pastor Keith Cordier,
Sr.; Ebenezer Grant, St. Joseph, Missouri, Pastor Regina Conway; and St. Luke,
Liberty, Missouri, Pastor Helen Benton-Harris.
Finally, St. Luke AME Church, Liberty, Missouri had the
largest number of attendees at this year’s Church School Convention of
twenty-one youth and adults registrations.
We thank Presiding Elders Donna F. Roberson and Steven A.
Cousin, Sr. of the Midwest Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Bishop Theodore L. Kirkland is the
Presiding Prelate.
Sincerely,
*Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme serves as the Church School
Convention Adult Teacher and Logistics Chair
9. FIVE RELIGIOUS
FACTS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT FREDERICK DOUGLASS:
Adelle M. Banks
WASHINGTON (RNS) Frederick Douglass, whose seven-foot bronze
statue was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol Wednesday (June 19), is known as the
father of the civil rights movement. But the 19th-century abolitionist and
former slave was also a licensed preacher.
Here are five religious facts about Douglass:
1). He was a licensed lay preacher.
Douglass was licensed to preach by a congregation of the
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in New Bedford, Mass., and had many
roles in the denomination. The AME Zion Church was where he honed his famous
oratorical skills.
“He was what we call an exhorter first and then secondly, he
was a licensed preacher but he was never ordained,” said the Rev. James David
Armstrong, retired historian of the AME Zion Church. “He held other offices in
the AME Zion Church, like steward, Sunday school superintendent, and sexton.”
2). He published The North Star, an abolitionist newspaper,
from the basement of an AME Zion church.
The Rev. Kenneth James, pastor of Memorial AME Zion Church
in Rochester, N.Y., said the church building still exists but the congregation,
now with 300 members, is in a new location. “It makes all of us proud,” James
said of the statue dedication. “Especially being pastor of the church that he
once was a member of, it heightens it for me.”
3). Douglass’ Washington home featured religious artifacts.
Cedar Hill, the home where Douglass lived in southeast
Washington, D.C., for the last 17 years of his life, includes books, sculptures
and photos that reflect his interest in religion. Ka’mal McClarin, curator of
the National Park Service historic site, said the home includes images of
angels and Jesus and photos of the interior and exterior of Washington’s
Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church. A fireplace mantle features
busts of two of his favorite philosophers, David Friedrich Strauss, author of
“The Life of Jesus,” and Ludwig Feuerbach, author of “The Essence of
Christianity.” The library included several Bibles and books such as “History
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church” and “Christianity, Islam and the
Negro Race.”
“He pretty much embraced all religions,” said McClarin. “He
studied all of them.”
4). He attended several churches in Washington.
After he moved to the capital city in 1872, he had a
favorite pew in Metropolitan AME Church, which now bears his name. When the
church dedicated a new building in 1886, he gave it two standing candelabras.
The congregation presented him with a Bible before he departed for Haiti as a
U.S. diplomat. Church historian Thelma Dean Jacobs said he gave many lectures
at the church, including his last major speech, “The Lesson of the Hour.” His
funeral was held there in 1895.
5). A church in Elmira, N.Y., was named for him.
Frederick Douglass AME Zion Church in Elmira, N.Y., was
named for the abolitionist. Its website notes that the church was inspired by
an 1840 anti-slavery lecture by Douglass. It was founded by a group of slaves
in the town that was a station along the Underground Railroad, which aided
fugitive slaves. After its building cornerstone was laid in 1896, the church
continued to grow and “was the largest Black church in the region during the
late 1940’s.”
Adelle M. Banks
Adelle M. Banks is production editor and a national
correspondent at RNS. She joined the staff in 1995 after working for more than
10 years at daily newspapers in the upstate New York communities of Binghamton
and Syracuse, The Providence Journal and the Orlando Sentinel.
10. HOWARD UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMITTED
ZERO NUMBER OF BLACK MEN:
Dr. Boyce: Howard University’s Medical School Admitted Zero
African American Males?
By Dr. Boyce Watkins
The other day, I received an article submission from my
friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Julianne Malveaux. In her article, Dr. Malveaux did a wonderful
job speaking on healthcare disparities, particularly those impacting the
African American community.
In a fleeting remark that was meant to make a broader point,
Dr. Malveaux threw a nuclear warhead at me that made my face hit the
floor. She said, “However, one of the
speakers at the Rodham Institute conference indicated that not one African
American man was admitted to this year’s class at Howard University’s medical
school! If historically black Howard University
won’t admit African American men, who will?”
I was stunned to hear such a revelation, and could only ask
myself, “What in the $#%^ is going on?”
Howard University, one of the most cherished and respected
HBCUs in the country, attracts top students from all walks of life. The school is certainly worthy of respect,
but it’s stunning to hear that Howard, like so many other universities across
the country, has a diversity problem. I
have several people reaching out to the university and searching for data to
find out if Julianne’s assertions are accurate, and I am hopeful that the
school is responsive. But even if they
have one or two black males admitted to the program this year, it would be
astonishing that the number is so horrifically and embarrassingly low.
The theories regarding why this racial exclusion exists are
relatively dichotomous. On one hand,
there is the “Black men choose not to apply” theory. In a similar spirit, there is the “Black men
are too lazy and all want to be rappers” theory. This speaks to the idea that
black men are so absorbed into stereotypical media images, turning up bottles
at the club and trying to get into the NBA that we don’t want to become
doctors.
The notions above also tie into the “Black men just aren’t
qualified” theory, which argues that black men are applying, but just can’t
make the cut. While most of us can
reference problems that have occurred in the advancement of black males,
particularly due to the growth of the prison industrial complex, I personally
know enough hard-working, intelligent black men to realize that there might
something more sinister at play.
At the very least, Howard has an obligation to present
public data supporting their conclusion that African American men are not good
enough to study medicine at this particular HBCU. The easiest way to excuse racial barriers is
to convince the public that black people are simply inferior. The tactic works quite well, since many black
people believe that they are inferior too.
If we presume that qualified black men are applying to
medical school, then one could lean toward the “Howard might be racist”
theory. It may be shocking to consider
this possibility, but that’s only if we live under the false assumption that
African Americans are actually in control of HBCUs. A friend of mine who educates quite a few
PhDs in Computer Science says that it’s very difficult to get black students
beyond barriers created at HBCUs by Asians, Indians and others who tend to hire
people with similar ethnic backgrounds.
The same can be true in Business Schools as well.
This is a distinct possibility that I can reference due to
my own experience.
I recall being the only African American in the country to
get a PhD in Finance during the year 2002.
I attended one of the top schools in the world for the field of doctoral
Finance, and had worked with some of the leading scholars on the planet
(translation: Imagine studying 8 – 10
hours a day, year round, for eight straight years, AFTER finishing college – it
wasn’t easy). My belief has always been
that if you spend that much time stuffing random facts and theories into your
brain, you’re best off sharing this information with those you care about. Hence,
I wanted to teach at an HBCU.
When I applied for a position at Howard, my interview was
not with an African American. It was
with a man from China.
Not that there is anything wrong with interviewing with
someone from China. I’ve been studying Chinese for years, some of my best
students are from China, and I may consider living in the country one day. Also, I believe that Asians have as much of a
right to be at HBCUs as nearly anyone else.
But we’d be lying if we didn’t say that the Asian community often
protects itself by forming cartels in the hiring process, often leading to the
exclusion of African Americans. This
even happens at many HBCUs across the country, particularly in the fields of
business and engineering.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I wanted the job at Howard, since
the cost of living in Washington DC would have been too much to bear with the
student loans I was facing at that time.
At the same, I love teaching my people and was interested in making the
sacrifice, even if it meant taking a 50% pay cut.
For whatever reason, the Asian chair decided that “I wasn’t
a good fit for the students (who seemed to love me when I spoke to them in
class),” so I was sent away to a predominantly white university (Syracuse) that
effectively devalued my work in the black community for the next decade. Fortunately, I’m a man from the south who is
accustomed to racism, so it didn’t faze me and I created my own path to my
people. I figured out how to reach and
teach other black folks by creating my own HBCU (so to speak), the Your Black
World Network, which reaches over 100,000 black people every single day.
My point in this story is not to say that I was the most
capable person Howard has ever interviewed.
It’s also not to say that the Asian chair didn’t have a good reason to
send me packing my bags. But it is to
say that, at the very least, it would have been difficult to argue that I was
unqualified for the job, but instead, was subjected to someone’s arbitrary
preference of what kind of African American men might be “acceptable” to those
who are making the hiring decisions.
While I had other opportunities to pursue, there are
probably other science students and faculty banging down the door at Howard
University, only to find that the gatekeepers have deemed them to be
unacceptable for their own biased reasons.
If your goal is to bring in qualified black men, then one might want to
think twice before sending qualified black men away.
If there are few African American male medical faculty who
are part of the Howard University hiring and admissions process right now, then
I am not surprised that they are “somehow concluding” that every single African
American male who applies to the Howard University medical school is “not a
good fit” for the university. But the
caveat is that the school should release the data so that concerned citizens
and alumni can judge this for themselves.
No one is accusing the university of anything – but if they don’t
provide a sound explanation, they can be rightfully accused of being evasive.
As we nitpick over the qualifications of black men and
somehow decide that they aren’t good enough to attend HBCUs, we have to
remember that this is not the approach taken by Asians and Indians who have
secured powerful positions within these universities. Many Asian faculty are very quick to hire
other Asians, and don’t allow someone else to convince them that their own
people aren’t good enough. African Americans
have the rare distinction of hating ourselves and each other as much as white
people already hate us. Every time someone brings up racism in academia, the
justice system or on the job, there is typically a black person standing there
prepared to say that it’s a figment of our imagination. We were trained for 400 years to think this
way and the brainwashing has been effective.
Perhaps it must be argued that HBCUs should belong to
African Americans and be the one place where we can expect a fair shot. So, unless we are convinced that black men
are inferior to everyone else, outcomes like the one at Howard call for a
serious examination of the admissions process.
At the very least, the medical school should be expected to engage in a
transparent procedure and publicly explain why every African American male
willing to attend the Howard University Medical School was told that he is not
good enough. We need black male doctors
in our communities, and I refuse to believe that every black boy wants to
become the next Lil Wayne, and that none are seeking to become the next Dr. Ben
Carson: Not every black male is trapped
by the stereotype.
If Howard University’s goal is to help produce qualified
physicians willing to work in under-served communities, they must make the admittance
of African American male medical students a top priority. This means that there should be African
Americans reviewing applications to ensure that no quality students end up
falling through the cracks. To somehow
allow others to convince our people that African American men are unqualified
to attend HBCUs is nothing short of catastrophic.
We must not be a contributing party to our own demise.
P.S.
After searching for much of the day to determine if the
numbers cited from the conference attended by Dr. Malveaux were correct, Stacy
Patton from the Chronicle of Higher Education informed me that I was
wrong: Not only is Howard admitting
black males, but according to their PR team, 30% of their incoming class is
African American male. For this, I
apologize to Howard University for reciting information that I was unable to
verify with the campus (which I mentioned in the original article, which is why
there was a question mark in the title).
I was outraged when I heard the information and felt that I should reach
out to find out if it was true.
But beyond this, I will recite one key point: Given that
this information was circulated widely before I chose to write about it, I
would argue that the campus should do a better job of responding to the public’s
questions. We tried very hard to get
accurate information, and not only was the person on the phone incredibly rude
and unprofessional to my assistant’s polite request for information, it took
them several hours to release any information to Stacy. Had I not taken the time to speak to Stacy
today, I still wouldn’t know anything. I
should have been able to get this information from the university without
having to go through a secondary source to confirm information I’d received
from another secondary source.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the author of the lecture series, “The
8 Principles of Black Male Empowerment.”
To have Dr. Boyce commentary delivered to your email, please click here.
11. NAACP TO HOST 104TH ANNUAL NATIONAL
CONVENTION IN ORLANDO JULY 13-17:
The 104th Annual National Convention will reflect
on 50 Years of Civil Rights History and Highlight the Current Struggles for
Voting Rights, Criminal Justice Reform, and Education Equality & More
(ORLANDO) –The NAACP announced it will be hosting its 104th
Annual Convention in Orlando, Florida from July 13 – 17. This year’s convention theme is “We Shall Not
Be Moved” and will focus on the Modern Day attempts to roll back the progress
of the civil rights era and our efforts to combat them. A schedule of events is
here:
“We are excited to hold this year’s convention in Orlando,”
stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “We have so much to celebrate, and so
much work to prepare for. Last year the NAACP broke our own records for voter
registration and mobilization ahead of the 2012 election. This year we will
continue to build on our strength – hundreds of thousands of individuals
connected by family, neighborhood, community and principle. Our grassroots work across the nation will
create a national movement for justice.
In Orlando, we will reconnect, rejuvenate and revive our excitement for
the work ahead.”
This convention occurs in a year of critical civil rights
anniversaries, including the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington for
Jobs and Freedom, the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Medgar Evers,
and the 150th Anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. It also occurs on the heels of three Supreme
Court decisions impacting civil rights and during the trial of Trayvon Martin’s
killer.
"The civil rights anniversaries this past year remind
us how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. As we honored the
contributions of heroes like Medgar Evers, W.E.B. Bu Bois and Bayard Rustin, we
also fought the new Jim Crow of mass incarceration and the old Jim Crow of
voter suppression. We broke records for voter diversity, but faced new attacks
on equal access to education, health care and economic opportunity. This
convention is a chance for NAACP activists to celebrate our victories and
prepare for the year ahead. We have never been content to just memorialize past
icons; we need to be the heroes of our present and future.”
This year’s convention speakers include actors, established
and emerging civil rights leaders, elected officials, and faith-based leaders.
“The NAACP is still the most influential and relevant voice in
the fight for social justice,” stated NAACP Vice Chairman Leon Russell. “Even after a banner year for the NAACP we
still face several challenges and we must continue to set the tone for a
greater nation and push for civic engagement. We thank the Orlando Branch,
Florida State conference, and Visit Orlando for graciously hosting our 104th
Annual Convention. Our mission is to define the civil rights agenda for this
century, just as we have done since our founding.”
“While the future of voting rights and equal access to
education hang in the balance, our national and state conferences must hold
strong” said NAACP Florida State Conference President Adora Obi Nweze. “This
year’s convention is essential as we map out strategies to continue to fight
attacks on our civil rights. We will join with others across the country to
protect rights most sacred in our democracy. As one nation, we shall not be
moved.”
“We in the Orange County Branch NAACP are pleased to welcome
and privileged to host the 104th NAACP National Convention,” Kran Riley, NAACP
Orange County Branch President. “As we continue the fight for equality and
social justice for all Americans, our Branch and Orlando-Orange County
community extend every hospitality and want to help assure that your convention
experience is positive and meaningful. As our Branch membership, local
governments, businesses, volunteers, and supporters continue to partner with us
in the advocacy we bid you a successful, productive, and celebratory meeting.
And please enjoy your stay with us.”
In addition to the primary NAACP event schedule, The NAACP’s
Youth & College Division will host workshops, luncheons and forums
throughout the week.
The convention will also spotlight emerging youth from
across the nation in the Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific
Olympics, or ACT-SO, competition. The
competition will begin July 11, with students competing in 26 ACT-SO
categories, including sciences, humanities, performing arts, visual arts, and
business over the course of the event.
Famed ACT-SO alumni include musician Kanye West, actress Jada
Pinkett-Smith, filmmaker John Singleton and comedian Anthony Anderson.
12. GETTING TO ZERO:
GET THE TEST:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
To get to zero, the single most important action one can
take as an individual and a responsible leader is to get tested to know your
HIV status. “Get the Test” and take someone with you!
Along with the test, get an understanding of (1) how and why
HIV infection can be avoided and, (2) if HIV is in the body, how to access
health care and embrace positive living to reduce progression to AIDS and AIDS
opportunistic infections. Broad use of these three- staying informed of your
current HIV infection status so getting an HIV test is part of routine good
health care, avoiding exposure to the four body fluids that transmit HIV and
engaging medical care for those who are HIV+ to reduce disease impact- can
reverse current pandemic trends. Consistent use of these three will bring about
“an AIDS-free generation.” Their sustained and broad use will bring about
control and elimination of HIV/AIDS.
Next week the G20 article will provide and discuss correct
answers to the HIV/AIDS quiz published in the June 13, 2013 TCR issue. If you
have not yet taken the quiz of 10 multiple choice questions, please do so. The
quiz results will provide one indication of your HIV/AIDS knowledge level.
Religious leaders can serve well in getting to zero. Keep
the dialogue going in families, congregations and communities about HIV/AIDS
preventions and controls. This helps to remove stigma and to more widely use
already “discovered” clinical and science findings. The church, especially
those organized in networks like the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC),
can increase the movement of life-changing healthcare advances into broader
practical use.
In commemoration of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June
27 go to http://aids.gov/locator/ to access a user-friendly on-line resource
for individuals, health ministries and organizations.
The aids.gov website is part of the National Strategy on
AIDS established in the first term of President Barack Obama. The site explains
its purpose as, “a large number of Federal agencies and programs are engaged in
HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, policy and research efforts in the
United Stated. AID/gov serves as a gateway for information about these Federal
efforts, with a focus on domestic programs.”
The AIDS.gov site includes highly useful resources. Some of
the tabs are: HIV 101 basics (get answers to some of the TCR-HIV quiz questions
from here), Service Locater (locate HIV Testing sites and Care Centers in any
US area), Federal Resources (find funding opportunities, policies on HIV and
incarceration, immigration, global and domestic statistics and resources), the
AID.gov blog and a News Media tab.
The site contains instructions for how to place (a widget)
an HIV Testing and Care Center Locater tool on your website. You may place a
test or our center-locater tool on your church, business or personal websites.
“The HIV Testing Sites & Care Services Locator is a
first-of-its-kind, location-based search tool that allows you to search for
testing services, housing providers, health centers and other service providers
near your current location.” Use it to find HIV testing sites and to get
information on housing, clinics, mental health, substance abuse, family
planning and provisions of the Ryan White Act.
Clergy and officers in workshops in the USA and southern
Africa commonly request more information on resources to help implement what
they have learned. The AIDS.gov site that includes Funding Opportunities
provides such information in an accessible taxpayer provided resource. Check it
out for use on June 27 and after. Share what you discover and partner with
others to implement ideas for effective ministry to reduce impact of HIV and
AIDS.
*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.
13. MEDITATION
BASED ON MATTHEW 6:25-34:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
My old, reliable inkjet printer recently expired after years
of heavy use and sent me off to the office supply store in search of a new one,
which I found at a very reasonable price.
Printers aren’t nearly as expensive as they once were and are among
today’s most reasonably priced technological items, but their low prices can be
deceptive.
Most of today’s printers are “dirt cheap,” but they can’t
print anything without the proper ink cartridges installed - cartridges that
have to be replaced with amazing regularity.
I’m very satisfied with my printer and am already on my second set of
ink cartridges, but by the time I buy the inevitable fourth set, the cost of
cartridges will have equaled the cost of the printer! That combination of low printer prices and
the regular need to buy new ink cartridges to make a printer work is a modern
day reminder that what seems to be a good deal often comes with costly strings
attached.
All of us get more than a few reminders of that enduring
truth as we go through life. It’s very
easy for all of us to lose our way going after “short cuts” and “sure things”
that promise to pay off in great ways but end up costing us a great deal in the
way of confusion, disappointment, aggravation and frustration. One of life’s hardest lessons for all of us
is that there really isn’t “something for nothing.”
Much of what we want in life comes with unexpected “strings”
attached, but when we trust in the Lord to give us what we need, we’ll find new
peace of mind, reliable assurance and authentic joy. The God we serve may not always give us what
we want, but He promised through His Son that when we put God first in our
lives, we’ll have all that we need - with no hidden cost and no strings
attached - simply because the God who made us also loves us and never fails to
care and provide for us.
Trust in the Lord, even in a world of enticing and sometimes
deceptive promises and invitations, and you’ll find new meaning in life and new
assurance to face each new day. You may
not get “something for nothing,” but you will find out why one hymn writer said,
“All that you need He will provide, God will take care of you. Nothing you need will be denied, God will
take care of you.”
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 of the Seventh
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
14. CLERGY FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- Congratulations to
the Rev. Dr. Joan L. Wharton and Mr. and Mrs. Simeon and Danielle Wharton on
the Birth of a Baby Boy
"Praise The Lord!!!
We are praising God for the birth of Austin Jonah Wharton, born
Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 3:54 p.m. Baby
Austin Jonah Wharton weighed 8 pounds and 3 ounces. Baby Austin is the fourth grand-child
and first grand-son of Pastor Joan L. Wharton, pastor of Evergreen AME Church
in Baltimore, Maryland. He is the second child of Simeon and Danielle Wharton,
officers of Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church, Baltimore, Maryland. The late grandmother Joyce D. Harrod would be
very proud.
Congratulatory messages can be email to:
j.l.wharton@att.net, Dr. Joan L. Wharton.
-- Congratulations to (J. A.) James A.
Alexander, Jr., Sixth Episcopal District
J. A. recently graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard
University with a degree in Psychology. Last year, J. A. received his license
to preach, and he was elected to serve as the Youth member of the General Board
for the Sixth Episcopal District. Please
pray for him as he furthers his education in Seminary and Law School at
Vanderbilt University. He is the son of the Rev. James A. Alexander, Sr.,
pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Columbus, Georgia and Mrs. Charmaine Alexander,
Financial Secretary of CONN-M-SWAWO, Plus, P.K.’S.
Congratulations may be emailed to
-- Congratulations to
Mrs. Lillian M. Joubert on the birth of her grandson H.A. Joubert
Baby H.A. is the son of Cedric George and Ronell Joubert.
"Thanking God that all went well with the birth and that both mother and
baby enjoys excellent health."
Mrs. Lillian M. Joubert is the widow of the late Reverend
Henry Aaron Joubert, Presiding Elder, Cape Conference, 15th Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to Mrs. Joubert and the
Joubert family:
-- Birthday greetings
to the Reverend David Malcom, Jr.,
Belatedly, the Reverend David Malcom, Jr., pastor of
Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bremerton, Washington, Pacific
Northwest Conference of the 5th Episcopal District announces the celebration of
his 70th Birthday on May 15, 2013.
Belated birthday wishes can be emailed to:
The Rev. David Malcom, Jr.: Ame727800@aol.com ,
15. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Charles C.
Gray, Jr., on Friday, June 14, 2013. He is the brother of the Rev. William L.
B. Gray, pastor of Arnett AMEC, Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Conference,
Philadelphia District).
The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral: Thursday, June 20, 2013
Viewing: 9:00 a.m.
Funeral: 10:00 a.m.
Highway Church of Christ
712 Welch Street
Chester, PA 19013
Phone: 610-876-7705
The Rev. Carl Johnson, Pastor
Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. William L. B. Gray
PO Box 1031
Lansdowne, PA 19050
Telephone:
484-343-4149
16. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with much sadness that we report the passing on of
Cyril Lategan, the brother of Mrs. Beverley Jacobs, YPD Director Cape Annual
Conference, 15th Episcopal District.
Cyril Lategan passed after a short illness.
"God is always on time every time, and as believers we
know that all things work together for good to those who love the Lord. When we
question His ways and sometimes wonder why this challenge came our way, we
would always hear Him say be still and know that I am God. He gives Strength
for today and hope for tomorrow."
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Beverley Jacobs
Home Telephone: (27)
021 761 2494
Cell: 083 416 6617
Email: bevjacobs27@gmail.com
17. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the home going of Mr. William Franklin
on Friday, June 14, 2013, the husband of Mrs. Virginia Franklin of Tulsa,
Oklahoma, father of Kathy, the late Melvia Franklin Stevenson. Mr. Franklin is
the brother-in-law of Mrs. Mary Mitchell Hughes of Kingstree, SC and uncle of
the Reverend Thomas M. Hughes, presiding elder of the South District Chicago
Conference; H. Wilhelmena Hughes Sapp of Fayetteville North Carolina; and
Gwendolyn Hughes McCottry of Rosedale New York.
Mr. Franklin has many other nieces, nephews and other relatives and
friends.
The funeral services are arranged for Thursday, June 20,
2013 at the Vernon Chapel A. M. E. Church, 307-311 North Greenwood Avenue,
Tulsa, Ok 74120, where the Reverend Michelle K. T. Moulden is pastor. The Family Visitation is at 10:00 a.m. and
the Funeral Services at 11:00 a.m.
Cards and other acts of kindness made be sent to:
Mrs. Virginia Franklin
2455 North Cheyenne Avenue
Tulsa OK 74106
918/585-9864
Vernon Chapel AME Church,
307-311 North Greenwood Avenue
Tulsa, Ok 74120
Fax: 918/587-0642
Arrangements Entrusted to:
Jack's Memory Chapel
801 East 36th Street North
Tulsa, OK 74106
Presiding Elder Thomas M. Hughes (nephew): etmhughes299@sbcglobal.net
18. 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
19. 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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