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:
August National Immunization Awareness Month
1. TCR
EDITORIAL – I AM GONNA GIVE SOME FEEDBACK:
Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III
The 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder
Here is another
hard editorial.
Feedback is
essential in any successful business. Feedback helps businesses, institutions,
the government and even the military improve their products and services.
I purchase items
from Amazon.com and immediately after delivery; I receive a request for
providing feedback about the purchase and delivery experience. I purchased a
new smartphone from Verizon and by time I arrived home, I had received an email
asking for my feedback and experience at the store and with the sales
person. When I call for technical
support, I always receive a request to provide feedback. When I take my car to
the dealership for an oil change or other service, I receive a request to
provide feedback.
It seems that I
spend a lot of time providing feedback for almost every purchase.
I am really happy
to do so, especially when the form is not too long.
I don’t mind
providing feedback because I believe feedback helps businesses improve their
products and services. The feedback I
and others provide, in the end, benefits us, the consumer.
I am amazed…
I am amazed that
churches don’t utilize opportunities to formally ask for feedback.
The feedback is
“out there,” but it’s not available in a healthy way that can help the
connectional church and local churches implement needed changes. Feedback is
uttered by parishioners in the pews, when they chat with each other as they
depart the sanctuary and, of course, on the telephone and email. As a matter of
fact, feedback is exchanged electronically between parishioners during the
worship service. Feedback is also available through the social media network pages,
groups and blogs.
Feedback is
exchanged by looks and gestures during worship services and business meetings.
Feedback is
available; feedback in the AME Church context just doesn’t seem to be collated properly
where the information can do the “best good.”
I am disappointed
in the cavalier attitude many persons who attend some AME meetings display when
they are requested to provide feedback and who won’t fill-out and submit
feedback information.
On the other hand,
when people fill out feedback data, I would hope that those gathering the
feedback will take seriously the data provided. One way to encourage feedback
and indicate that feedback data is taken seriously would be to publish a
compilation of the survey results in a summary.
Hopefully, feedback
precipitates improvements.
Successful
businesses become more successful when they listen to the people they serve.
Churches can
improve if they are courageous enough to ask for and utilize the data received
from honest feedback. Congregations
satisfied with mediocrity will not concern themselves with attempting to get
honest feedback.
Every organization receives feedback
Every organization,
every program, every meeting, and every worship service receives feedback, even
when they don’t formally ask for feedback.
People, customers,
and parishioners all have ways of providing feedback. Feedback can be
determined by how much money they give or spend or how much money they fail to
give or spend. They vote with their feet
by absenting themselves or by their poor attendance practices.
Feedback is a
reality whether given informally or formally. My own opinion is that feedback
is most useful when churches, organizations and businesses utilize a formal feedback-gathering
process; and make needed adjustments.
Sorry this took so long
Last Sunday, I
arrived in Atlanta and attended the 33rd Connectional Lay Biennial
and I want to share some feedback. I didn’t remain until the close of the
meeting so I didn’t have an opportunity to fill-out the evaluation sheet that I
am sure they passed out to those attending the meeting.
I am only able to
provide feedback on the hotel, registration process, accommodations, overall
appearance of the venue, ambiance, food, convenience of other food vendors, and
the opening worship service. I had breakfast on Monday morning so I can comment
on the breakfast option, checkout and ease of retrieving my vehicle.
Many evaluations
weight responses 1 – 10 with 10 being the highest score.
Here is my evaluation
The Marriott
Downtown Atlanta is a beautiful facility and the dropping of the vehicle and
registration process were seamless. I would mark a 10 on my feedback
evaluation.
When I went to my room,
it was easy to find, the room was clean, and the accommodations exceeded my
expectations. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
The overall
appearance of the venue was picture-book beautiful. The view outside and inside
the hotel was just as it appeared in their advertisements. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
The agenda and
information disseminated by the connectional Lay Organization was clear and
informative. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
I had breakfast on Monday
morning at the hotel and the food presentation, staff and the food itself was
wonderful. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
I didn’t have an
opportunity to visit nearby food vendors or shopping, but heard from some of
those attending the meeting that great food options and shopping were nearby
and within a short walk. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
The checkout
process and ease of retrieving my vehicle were seamless. I would mark a 10 on
my feedback evaluation.
The opening worship service
I will need to
provide feedback for the worship service, not as a whole but in part.
First, let me say
that worship in connectional meetings should set the example for local
churches. When pastors and leaders of the laity view connectional worship I
would hope that they might be inspired to carry some of the worship initiatives
observed back to the local church.
Let me get back on-track
The ushers and
those handing out program bulletins were efficient. I would mark a 10 on my
feedback evaluation.
The Celebration of
Sacred Word and Sacraments of Holy Communion were professionally prepared and
easy to follow. I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
The worship
participants, the processional, the hymns, and the order of worship were
on-target and all of the participants did a wonderful job. The scripture
lessons were beautifully and clearly read. I would mark a 10 on my feedback
evaluation.
The lining of the
hymn by the Rev. Benjamin Ridley, Presiding Elder of the Macon, Georgia
District was phenomenal and spiritually uplifting. The lining of hymns in early
Methodism was a requirement, but today, it’s mostly a lost art, but Presiding
Elder Ridley brought the lining of the hymn, Brethren, We Have Met to Worship, alive. I would mark a 10+ with additional comment on
my feedback evaluation.
The choral music,
musicians and the ministry of music were outstanding. Their “old school”
renditions brought back some sacred memories. I would mark a 10 on my feedback
evaluation.
The flow of the
worship service was “second to none” and the worship service flowed with ease.
I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
The presentation of
the preacher was appropriate and set the tone for the preacher and the sermon.
I would mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
The sermon
delivered by Bishop John Richard Bryant was masterfully spiritual and he
delivered a relevantly challenging sermon as he always does. I would mark a 10+
with additional comment on my feedback evaluation.
The invitation was
wonderfully and appropriately extended; and one person came forward and made a
recommitment and that would cause me to mark a 10 on my feedback evaluation.
So far so good
But, as I said,
this editorial would be hard and it is.
The Sacrament of
Holy Communion would not get a 10 on my feedback evaluation. I would mark a 1 on my feedback
evaluation. It earned a 1 only because
the Sacraments were consecrated and that alone deserves some recognition.
Let me digress
Holy Communion,
baptisms, and weddings need to be done flawlessly. And sermons, as much as
possible, need apt attention and flawless delivery. A preacher (s) needs to do
what they need to do to get the liturgy of those acts of worship “down
pat.” A preacher can be “forgiven” for a
less than stellar sermon every now and then, but Holy Communion, baptisms, and
weddings need to be done flawlessly every time.
It’s not a sin to
have a practice-run of the Communion ritual.
A pastor should get with ministry associates and stewardesses and
practice.
I suspect if
participants or stand-ins practiced when preparing for connectional Holy
Communion services, the Communion Service would be better executed and snafus
eliminated.
If I went to a
local church and Holy Communion was served in the manner that it was done last
Sunday night, I would not go back to that church because I would think that
they didn’t take seriously the sacrament of Holy Communion.
I know that we have
a tradition of having Holy Communion at connectional meetings, but I cannot find
that it is a disciplinary requirement to do so.
If Holy Communion
cannot be done flawlessly, it might be better to the forego Holy Communion
portion of the worship service.
Serving communion
to several thousand parishioners takes intricate planning and cannot be done
flawlessly “on the run.” Communion being
serves to hundreds of people cannot be done flawlessly without practice by the
participants or stand-ins.
The wafer/plastic
cup combination does not make serving Communion easier, it makes it harder
because so many people have difficulty separating the wafer portion from the
cup portion and grape juice is spilled people get frustrated and Holy Communion
should never be an exercise in agility in getting to the “bread and wine.”
The planners for
the Holy Communion portion of the service at connectional meetings might want
to rethink how communion is served. Intinction might be a more efficient
method. As simple as intinction is, it will take practice and tweaking when
large numbers will be served.
The intinction
method involves dipping bread/wafer in wine/grape juice. Parishioners come
forward, bread is placed in the parishioners hand and the parishioner will dip
the bread in a common cup / chalice and eat. When given bread the serving
clergy offers words of affirmation as when parishioners take Communion at the
chancel rail, such as “The bread given for you” or “Christ’s body broken for
you” and when the cup is extended the server will offer words of affirmation,
such as “The blood of Christ shed for you.”
Parishioners keep moving, take the sacrament and return to their
seats. As easy as it seems, it will take
practice to get it right.
Intinction is one
way, but there might be other strategies in how we can serve Holy Communion in
a spiritual and dignified manner that doesn’t diminish the sacredness of the
Sacrament.
When serving large
numbers of people in a different setting, instructions have to be clear and
that usually means that they should be in writing so everyone understands exactly
what is expected.
Let me get back to the Communion Service
The Communion
Service broke down early because it seemed that people did not understand the
instructions.
Some people were
having a difficult time separating the wafer and opening the grape juice. The concept of the serving the table and the
dismissal broke down and then it was a come, take the cup and wafer and keep
moving; and towards the end those were the instructions given, “Take the cup
and wafer and keep moving.” Parishioners
were trying to open the wafer and grape juice portion and attempting to drink
the juice while walking to their seats.
It seemed that
people were moving in all directions. I heard comments like, “Drive-by
Communion” and “Fast food take-out Communion.”
It would have been humorous if it had not been such a sacred part of the
worship; but parishioners could be heard quietly laughing and whispering to
each other. The stewardesses were doing their best to collect the disposed
cups. It was humorous to see parishioners walking and attempting to open the
wafer portion, eat it, struggle with opening the juice portion while walking to
their seats.
The Communion just
sort of ended and an announcement was made to quiet parishioners and remind
them that the benediction was forthcoming.
Communion has
always been a sacred event for African Methodists and the sacredness of the
consecrated elements demanded respect and when the bread and wine/juice were
served, nothing got in the way of the Communion service; nothing came after the
Communions service; no announcements, no frivolity, no talking because the idea
was to leave Holy Communion thinking about the sacrifice Jesus made for us; no
extra notices; no nonsense.
I would give a mark
of 1 on my feedback evaluation for the Holy Communion portion of the worship
service.
Feedback I received
And talking about
feedback, a few weeks ago a member of Bethel AME Church in Huntington, Long
Island excitedly sent me an email message and shared her pastor’s initiative of
a “Second Chance Communion.”
On the second
Sunday in July, the Rev. Larry D. Jennings, Jr. pastor of Bethel AME Church in
Huntington, New York announced during the altar call that he was giving
parishioners who were absent on the first Sunday an opportunity to receive Holy
Communion. During the altar call, he invited them to the altar to receive a
“Second Chance Communion.”
“Second Chance
Communion” – What a novel idea!
2. TCR
OP-ED: FIRST TIME OUT OF THE GATE:
*The Reverend
Bridget L. Mitchell
You have received
your first pastoral assignment in the AME Church and you feel wonderful,
recognized and eager to implement all of the ideas and plans that you just know
will help your church grow and be prosperous. I know the feeling, as this was
my first year as a pastor. However, I would like to offer some tips to first
time pastors. I found that by sticking to these simple tips, it helped me and
the church that I pastor have a successful year, both spiritually and
financially. Here we go:
Whatever you do,
keep God first. Everything that you do will fail if God is not in it. It is all
about God and never about you. Have a mission statement and vision for the
church. Without a vision the people will perish and without a mission the
people don’t know where they are going or what they are working towards.
Do not change
officers for a year. You cannot change what you don’t know. Take the year to
observe your officers and if there are changes to be made and your bishop
assigns you to go back, then you can make your changes.
Be transparent.
This is one of the most important rules to go by. Everything that your bishop
or presiding elder sends you, make a copy and take it to your Official Board
meeting. Also, be transparent about the finances of the church. A monthly
financial report for the congregation is a must.
Evangelism is a
must. You must become a part of the community in which you pastor. If you are
trying to increase your membership, you must get out and be seen and heard.
Be a leader, but
not a dictator. Check your ego at the door.
Do not be ashamed
to call out for help and mentorship. If you don’t know, then ask! That is what
your presiding elder and colleagues are for.
Do not
procrastinate about raising your budget.
Do not rush the
people into making radical changes. Slow and steady wins the race.
And finally, preach
the Word! Feed God’s flock with substance and not junk. Not only will your
members grow spiritually, but the church will grow in numbers. By growing spiritually,
they will pass the Word to those who are looking to join the body of Christ.
Ministry is not
easy, but with God and a plan we know that, “And we know that in all things God
works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his
purpose." Romans 8:28.
*The Reverend
Bridget L. Mitchell is a Local Elder and pastor of St. Matthew’s Chapel AME
Church in Boonville, Missouri
3. READER
RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- Letter to the
Editor:
Re: The Christian Recorder
News Break - July 27, 2013 - Dementia is a Health Challenge as Well as an
Epidemic written by the Rev. Velma Grant
Thank you. This is such an important article. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know
that if the median age of members in our churches is 60, and medical studies
show that chances for developing dementia increase substantially and
incrementally in people 65+ years of age, then the younger shepherds/pastors,
should be prepared professionally to know how to recognize it, understand it
and deal with it. Certainly every church has members suffering with some stage
of dementia, and such members could include church leaders and officers who are
charged with strategic planning, solving problems and making sound decisions regarding
the welfare of their respective churches.
Perhaps sometimes when a church leader thinks he/she is just struggling
with a difficult, obstinate personality, they could be dealing with something
altogether different.
Name Withheld
-- To the Editor:
RE: Dementia is a Health
Challenge
Thank you for the article in the
TCR Online. It helps me to understand my
mother's behaviors a few years ago. The
symptoms cited in your article are applicable to circumstantial and situational
aspects of the environment which can be misinterpreted as dementia. Your article helps be to place such behaviors
in perspective.
Now, our Zion needs to address
the mental illness of depression, particularly among pastors. Many years ago, a
presiding elder in the Washington Conference of the 2nd District, had an entire
half day session on depression and cited that he, himself, dealt with it. After a serious illness, I was diagnosed as
being clinical depressed. In the process
of recovery, it was determined that I experienced chronic depression. I read about depression and learned that a
depressed individual can see the illness in others but one's aim should focus
on one's self not on others.
I found that statement to be
very, very true. After sharing such
knowledge with others, I now use indirect approaches to address the issue of
depression.
Depression is quit evident in
many black males. I recognized depression in my brother before he died. I
acknowledged the family history of depression, but was unable to get him to
address it to seek help. I also recognize depression among several of our
pastors. There is an indication that
many should be on medication.
Hopefully, a medium such as tcr
helps members of our Zion recognize and not be ashamed of seeking help for
mental illnesses. God knows I wished I
had recognized my suffering when I was much younger. Many decisions may have been different,
thereby having other outcomes of my life.
Thanks again for you article.
Name Withheld
4. THE OPENING WORSHIP
SERVICE OF THE CLO BIENNIAL:
*The Rev. Velma Grant
The 33rd Biennial
Session of The Connectional Lay Organization (CLO) of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church (AMEC) is convening presently in Atlanta, Georgia (the 6th
Episcopal District). AMEC leaders and members of the organized Lay component
are now gathered at the Atlanta Marriott Hotel to worship and praise together,
teach and learn from each other and of course to elect officers for a new term
of service (see the Editor’s listing of election results).
Bishop Preston Warren Williams,
II, the gracious host of the 6th Episcopal District along with the Episcopal
Lay President, Ms. Gloria Byrd, the many volunteer laity and clergy members of
the District have set in motion the “welcome wagon” of southern hospitality.
The Sixth Episcopal District is certainly honored that Dr. Willie C.
Glover, President of the CLO, Bishop
William Phillips DeVeaux Sr., Chairperson, Lay Commission and the Executive
Board members of the CLO, chose Atlanta as the host site for this 33rd biennial
session of such an integral part of the AME Church. The CLO biennial theme is
Building on Our Global Legacy of Christ Centered Leadership and Training (Mark
16:15 and Ephesians 4: 11-13).
Being the “good” AMEs that we
are, people (except for my three grand gems) did not mind attending two worship
services in one day. So, most attended worship service at their (or a) local
church in the morning and then in the evening headed to the worship service at
the Atlanta Marriott Hotel which, marked the official opening of the CLO
Meeting.
The leader for the worship
service was the host bishop, Bishop Williams who side stepped tradition, which
usually mandates or suggests that the host prelate is designated as the
preacher for such a service. Bishop Williams, displayed a spirit of love by
passing the homiletic moment on to the senior bishop of the church who preached
anew an old and familiar text in the Bible (more on that later).
Prior to the “Call to Worship”
an element of the African culture, that this writer has not witnessed on a
Connectional level but at other local churches was included as a part of the
service. The inclusion of the act of
libation was a fitting tribute to the “A” in AME (African). The church was
founded by people of African ancestry and to institute the act of libation does
not dilute Christianity or the belief in the Holy Trinity it only reinforces
the fact that our African culture is a vital part of our foundation.
Libation is an act of honoring,
or an act of remembering and it is usually performed by pouring a liquid (most
often water) on the earth or on a green plant in a container. The CLO Chaplain,
Ms. Joyce Bracy Vaughan, led the libation ceremony and she covered all bases.
Libation was poured for the Episcopal leaders and their spouses, for the clergy
and the laity and more importantly, libation was poured for the generations to
come.
Another part of our culture that
was highlighted last night was the hymn of praise, which was led by Presiding
Elder Benjamin Ridley, leader of the Macon Conference, the 6th Episcopal
District. Presiding Elder Ridley
utilized his strong tenor vocal chords to “line” Brethren, We Have Met to
Worship (# 19 from the AME Hymnal).
Lining the hymn or song was a custom that was necessary in times of yore
when our ancestors did not know how to read or perhaps when there was a lack of
hymnbooks for each member in the local church.
Presiding Elder Ridley with his
amazing voice was truly a perfect choice for this old school hymn but some
detective work was necessary to understand the logic behind choosing that old
hymn. Since the words to the hymn were
not published in the bulletin nor were the words flashed on the monitors in the
room, one had to rely on Elder Ridley’s vocal gifts to follow along and sing
those unknown words. Those who were not
used to “old school” singing without hymnbooks or published words perhaps were
at a loss or rose to the challenge and followed the lyrical directions of
Presiding Elder Ridley.
The hymn is listed in the Worship
and Praise section of the hymnal and after reading the words, the hymn seemed
quite appropriate for the biennial celebration. In addition, while reading the
stanzas it was also discovered that even though the words were written in the
1700s (?), it seems that the writer was intentional about the inclusiveness of
women despite the title and the start of a couple stanzas (Brethren….). The
third stanza begins with “Sisters, will you join and help us?” Moses’ sister
aided him….Sisters, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.”
Both the act of libation and the
hymn of praise (old school style) show that it is possible to forge the old
with the new. In the present day, church traditions (at least not all) should
not be swept aside and neither should new ideas, methods or systems be ignored.
We are an upwardly mobile people climbing Jacob’s ladder and every round gets
higher and higher. The foundation or rung is not demolished but only increased
and made stronger by the new levels or new rungs. In coupling, the foundation
of our Zion with all that is good, new and appropriate in the present age we
can give God, our creator our best and make the AMEC the best community of
faith for its members and possible members.
Giving God our best was the theme
from senior Bishop John Richard Bryant’s sermon last night. The bishop used an
old familiar text, Matthew 26:6 and presented the story of the text in a modern
and contemporary way so that the hearers could use the text for personal
introspection. The woman who anointed Jesus with the contents of an alabaster
box was the central figure in the sermon text and Bishop Bryant preached about
her act of unselfishness that was all about giving her best to Jesus.
Bishop Bryant shared how he had
ignored his wife’s (the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant) advice to set the hotel’s
alarm clock and because he had not heeded the advice of his wife he was almost
late for the worship service. His reason for not heeding Rev. Cee’s advice was
that he is the senior bishop; here Bishop Bryant was displaying his humorous
side. He went on to explain that he wanted to give his best to God at all times
and arriving late to the CLO Worship Service would not have been a good way of
giving his best to God.
He preached “…a Lay woman came to
him… when the preachers saw what He was doing they were indignant…We’ve go to
give Jesus our best… a Lay woman who was not part of the protocol, stepped past
the Presiding Elders, stepped past the preachers and the clergy who had missed
honoring the Savior and found a reason to object…Jesus is offended when we do
not put Him in His proper place…What will we sacrifice for Him…How far will we
go out of our way to please Him? There is no excusable reason to put God and
Jesus in second place… I don’t know her name; some say it was Mary, but which
one? It was somebody that knew they (she?) owed Jesus…When you have given Him
your best, get ready for the critics.
This Laywoman without an office,
without ordination whose name was not listed in the bulletin, decided to give
Jesus her best. When you give God your best, the Lord will give you the
rest…when you give the Lord your best, the Lord will step in and make up the
rest. Stop playing church, stop worshipping bishops and pastors….give God your
best…”
The church both the laity and
clergy should seek to give God our best because God is truly deserving of such
and to reiterate what Bishop Bryant stated, “There is no excusable reason to
put God and Jesus in second place.” May both the clergy and Lay members of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church work closely together to make God the
priority of our lives, pray for and encourage each other as well as hold each
other accountable to follow the mandate of Jesus Christ. Love the Lord your God
with all your heart, soul and mind. In addition, love your neighbor as
yourself, let us be honest, kind and sincere to each other and in that way we
can also give God our best.
*The
Rev. Velma E. Grant, MDiv, ThM is the President of the Sixth Episcopal District
Women in Ministry
5. CONNECTIONAL LAY
ORGANIZATION BIENNIAL ELECTION RESULTS:
The
33rd Biennial Connectional Lay Organization election of officers was
held on Monday afternoon, July 29, 2012. The persons were elected to serve.
Connectional
Lay Organization President: Willie Glover
1st
Vice-President: Gloria P. Byrd
2nd
Vice-President: Matikane Makiti
3rd
Vice-President: Eileen Warner
Recording-Secretary:
Gloria DeVeaux Cobb
Assistant
Recording-Secretary: Doris Bell
Corresponding
Secretary: Ada Groff
Financial
Secretary: Richard Bowden, Sr.
Treasurer:
Darwin Eldridge
Chaplain:
Alice Belden
Parliamentarian:
Virginia Harris
Director
of Lay Activities: Edith Cartledge
Director
of Public Relations: Walter Jeffers
Historiographer:
Pam Tilley
Young
Adult Representative: Felecia Commodore
Bishop
William Phillips DeVeaux is the chair of the Connectional Lay Organization
6. BITS AND PIECES AT THE 33RD
CONNECTIONAL LAY MEETING
*The
Rev. Dr. Charlotte B. Sydnor
The Connectional Lay Organization donated $50,000 to
Wilberforce University. Dr. Willie C.
Glover, President was reelected for a second term.
Dr. Patricia L. Hardaway, M.P.W., J.D., President,
Wilberforce University presented Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams the "Living
Legacy of Wilberforce University” Award.
Dr, Jamye Coleman Williams graduated from Wilberforce University 75
years ago. Dr. Williams commented that Dr. Patricia L. Hardaway was a
"Wonder Woman."
Bishop Reggie Jackson
Bishop
Reggie Jackson, presenter in his teaching on "Church Growth" said,
"I don't like the word ‘membership.’ It goes not require you to give,
show-up, or even to participate.” He
went on to say, “Discipleship and membership are not the same.”
“Christian
Education and worship are inseparable. When there are no visitors it means your
church will not grow.”
“80%
members have not brought anyone to Christ. We have to move from membership to
discipleship. It should be number one.”
“The
heart of African Methodism is the local church. The poorest attended
connectional meeting in all of African Methodism is the meeting on Church
Growth and Development.”
Mr. John Thomas
III
John Thomas, out-going president of YAR stated:
"We have to adapt and learn from each other. We need
to attract young adults…”
"Service is a privilege and not a right.”
"Change is not coming. Change has come."
Ms. Felicia
Commodore
The newly elected president, Felicia Commodore stated,
"Our goal will be to embrace, evangelize, empower, equip and educate regardless
of age. We believe God will give us the grace to serve our Church.”
Commendations
Commendations to John Thomas were offered from various
Episcopal Districts including the 15th, 16th, 17th and 19th
Episcopal Districts for the great work of translating and teaching. One person said, “John Thomas has put forward
the Young Adult Lay Organization together for the betterment of our Zion.”
Bishop Sarah
Frances Davis:
“If we are going to understand the youth we are going to
have to build relationships. We need to see things from new lenses and we need
to be learning and sharing with each other.”
The Rev. Dr.
Michael W. Waters
“Three out of five youth has no contact with the church
and many have stopped attending church. They are losing interest in the church
because they are disillusioned about the tradition of the church.”
“We are in a crisis to attract youth because we are seen
as defenders of the status quo.”
Mr. Darrell
Thomas:
“Encouraging youth to stay in the church means we must
allow them to make decisions and having a seat at the table, instead of ‘moving
chairs and taking down tables.’"
2. We must learn how to communicate to retain youth.
Listen to our youth. Allow youth to do the work. Don't chastise. Allow for
mistakes. View youth as leaders.
Ms. Kimberly
Gordon Brooks:
“Team Building and mentoring are critical in
understanding intergenerational leadership. Nurture youth to be all they can
be. We must build community and unity by building diversity just as Jesus did. It
has to start at the local church. Mentor the youth in your church.”
How can the AME Church motivate and excite young adults?
“Greet young people with a smile, show interest in what
they are doing, and adapt to the changing church demographics as more people
join our churches.”
*The Rev. Dr. Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor is the pastor
Woodfork Chapel AME Church in Shelbyville, Tennessee, serves as the Assistant
Editor and office manager of The
Christian Recorder; and will begin duties as a faculty member of Argosy
University (Nashville campus)
7.
ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, CAMBRIDGE,
MA BEGINS LIVE STREAMING WORSHIP ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2013:
I am pleased to announce that St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Cambridge,
MA will begin live streaming of its Sunday Worship Services on Sunday,
September 1, 2013. For this inaugural
streaming event, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Bishop of the First
Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church will be the preacher. Worship on this Sunday will begin with
Devotions at 9:15 a.m. and Worship at 9:30 a.m.
Beginning September 8, the streaming of worship will
begin at 7:45: a.m. (for the 8:00 a.m. Worship) and 10:45 a.m. (for the 11:00
a.m. Worship).
To access the worship services, visitors can either go to
the Ustream URL (http://ustream.com) and type
in "stpaulame1" or type in St. Paul's channel on Ustream, http://ustream.tv/channel/stpaulame1 in their browser.
We are excited about this opportunity to expand the
Worship of God and the Word of God using technology.
Please pray for us and join us if you can.
The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson is the Pastor/Teacher of St.
Paul AME Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts
8. MOTHER BETHEL BURIAL GROUND FINDINGS ON DISPLAY AT THE CHURCH THIS
SUNDAY:
Mother
Bethel to Showcase 'Burial Ground' Artifacts at Community Information Session
THIS SUNDAY - Expert panel will clarify recent news reports, discuss facts
about the project, and plans going forward,
PRLog
(Press Release) - Aug. 1, 2013 - PHILADELPHIA -- A headstone from the early
1800's, along with other artifacts uncovered at the site of the old Mother
Bethel Burial ground will be on display this Sunday, August 4, 2013, at 1:30
p.m. at Mother Bethel AME Church located at 419 South 6th Street. The community is invited to come to the
church and view the items uncovered during a recent archeological dig at the
burial site which is now known as Weccacoe playground on South Queen Street
between 4th and 5th. Also Sunday at 1:30 p.m. a panel of experts who have been
involved with the project will be on hand to clarify recent media reports,
discuss facts about the project, and answer questions about the next steps.
“There have been a number of errors in the reporting and blogging of this very
important story and we simply want to set the record straight,” says Rev. Mark
Tyler, PhD, Mother Bethel's pastor. “This is a big story and it is still
unfolding. We know that in the haste to get good news out to the public,
sometimes people get the facts mixed up. One misstated fact in today’s world of
instant social media can take on a life of its own that can get away from you.”
For example,
many news reports state that 3,000 bodies are still buried in the site, when
that number has been only used to speculate how many could possibly be
interred. "We only have the names of 1500 people who were buried at the
site," says historian Terry Buckalew who shed light on this largely
forgotten story about the Bethel Burial Ground while researching another
project. Buckalew brought his findings to Mother Bethel's pastor and the Queen
Village Neighborhood Association. The former pastors of Mother Bethel, a few
church members, and a handful of members of the community recalled that they’d
heard accounts about the cemetery turned playground. However, there was no
historical marker near the site so the story faded over the years. “But the
story was always right there in our church archives, buried in the minutes of
the Trustee Board of Mother Bethel,” says Mother Bethel’s archivist Margaret
Jerrido. “The minutes detail the decision to sell the property to the city for
$10,000.”
"We
were in the process of raising money to renovate the playground and building at
Weccacoe," says Jeff Hornstein, President of the Queen Village
Neighborhood Association. "When Mr. Buckalew brought his findings to the
board and the church, we immediately stopped our renovation plans and began
working with Mother Bethel, Mr. Buckalew, and the City of Philadelphia, on a
proper commemoration of the historic site." Both the neighborhood
association and the city say they are following the lead of Mother Bethel as it
relates to the commemoration.
"My
office has worked closely with Mother Bethel and QVNA since we found out about
the Bethel Burial Ground over a year ago," says Philadelphia City
Councilman Mark Squilla. "I commend Mother Bethel and QVNA for developing
this close relationship so that this site can become both a first-class
playground for our children and appropriately commemorate the important history
buried beneath it."
The
City of Philadelphia paid for two archaeological digs to establish the
boundaries of the cemetery so that the original graves will not be disturbed
during renovations or at any time in the future. "There are several sites in the Parks
and Recreation system which served as burial grounds," says Mark A. Focht,
First Deputy Commissioner of the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. "At
each we have worked closely with the community, archaeologists and regulators
to preserve and honor the sanctity of the site."
Pastor
Mark Tyler and Historian Terry Buckalew will take part in Sunday's community
information session. Also in attendance will be Doug Mooney from the
archeological company URS, Jennifer Mahar from the Fairmount Park Conservancy,
and members of the Queen Village Neighbors Association. Sunday's showcase and
community discussion are open to the public. The media and public are also
invited to join the congregation in worship at 11 a.m., which will precede the
community discussion.
For
more information go to: http://www.motherbethel.org
or call (215) 925-0616. All media inquiries should be directed to Leslie
Patterson-Tyler at (609) 247-2632 or email Leslie@TylerMadePR.com.
Submitted
by Tyler-Made Productions Multi-Media & PR Experts, Leslie Patterson-Tyler,
President/CEO
9. TULSA OKLAHOMA AME PASTOR
DELEGATE TO THE 2013 NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Tulsa,
OK - The Rev. Dennis J. Hampton has been elected to serve as a Delegate to the
2013 National Urban League Annual Conference on behalf of the local affiliate.
When the National Urban League convened July 24-27 at the Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania Convention Center, among the delegates was the Rev. Dennis J.
Hampton.
Pastor
Hampton is a member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Tulsa Urban
League and serves on the Executive Committee as Chair of the Building &
Facilities Committee.
Pastor
Hampton is Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Claremore, OK. He is married to Barbara
P. Hampton.
The
mission of the Metropolitan Tulsa Urban League is to empower low to moderate
income Tulsans, with particular focus on African Americans, to achieve
self-sufficiency.
10. DEAR GEORGE ZIMMERMAN,
SINCERELY TRAYVON MARTIN:
*Written
by Erica Elizabeth Evans, © 2013
(Originated
after the Zimmerman verdict was read)
We
lose, we lose
When
do we win?
Why
do we have to witness injustice once again?
Why
couldn’t I just walk back while talking to my friend?
Without
every move being under suspicion?
Why
couldn’t I just go get some candy and a tea?
Without
some stranger having ill thoughts about me
Why
couldn’t I just live? Didn’t I have that right?
If I
felt in danger, couldn’t I put up a fight?
What
was wrong with me George?
What
did you see?
My
skittles, my tea, my skin, my hoodie.
Were
you really afraid?
Then
why did you follow me?
Or
were you really outraged at just another punk you see?
The
sad thing is that you didn’t even know me.
But
you thought you did
You
claimed me to be a thug
But
I was just an average kid
Trying
to accomplish things in life
That
my mommy and daddy did
I
didn’t want any problems
Just
wanted to make it home
So
just go back to your car sir
Please
leave me alone
My
brother’s waiting on me; your wife’s probably waiting too
What
was suspicious about me
That
was not suspicious about you
You
called me an a-hole
But
I was just an average high school student
Yeah
I got in trouble in school
But
tell me what teenage boy wouldn’t
Yes
I made some mistakes
But
that’s what being a child is all about
So I
can grow up and understand
What
life is really about
Mr.
Zimmerman you took my life from me
What
about my prom and graduation?
What
about my football team and dreams of getting a college education?
You
said it was all God’s plan for you to take my life
Is
that true?
Then
why when I made it to heaven
He
said the total opposite of you
I’m
asking a lot of questions
Trust
me I know
But
one more thing
Why
when the police told you not to follow
You
continued to do so?
You
didn’t want me to get away?
Because
according to you “we always do”.
But who
is we?
Because
last time I checked
I
had the same rights as you
One
more thing Mr. Zimmerman
Tell
my parents that I met a new friend
And
tell them he says their pain and heartache
His
parents can understand
And tell
them he said he will take good care of me
And
God said he’ll make sure he will
He
said my parents might know him
By
the name of Emmett Till.
*Erica
E. Evans is a sophomore in college majoring in Communications and a starter on
the schools women’s basketball team. She is an active young adult member of
Bethel AME Church of Fontana, where the Rev. Francine A. Brookins serves as
pastor. Erica has a passion for writing
poetry, spoken word, and competing in sports.
She maintains an unshakeable faith in God.
**Submitted
by the Rev. Francine Brookins, J.D., M.Div., pastor of Bethel AME Church of
Fontana in Fontana, California
11. CHURCH LOOKS AT FARMING
AS A STEP TOWARDS IMPROVING RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNITIES:
The
Rev. Anthony R. Young
After
months of prayers, planning, reading farming manuals and getting advice from
locals and farmers, the Rev. Anthony R. Young, pastor of St. Paul African
Methodist Episcopal Church in Dickerson, Maryland, stepped out on faith and
transformed a piece of his church land into a new community farm.
Starting
a farm might not seem the obvious choice for a church, let alone one comprised
of city folks and suburbanites. What in
the world was I thinking? The Bible
teaches us to be good stewards over that which has been given (Matthew
25:14-30). So, I prayed for a new vision
for the future of St. Paul AME Church.
We examined our core spiritual values and visualized the best way to
serve a hurting world.
Our
new vision focuses on three areas: first, we must grow spiritually, second, we
should nurture a healthy community, and third, to serve with humility that
cherishes God’s gifts and His creations.
So we made some changes. We
created term limits for positions – officers shouldn’t serve longer than two
terms consecutively. This allows for new
and creative ideas and opportunities for newer and younger members to become
active. This way, members will begin to
take ownership of their church.
So,
where does farming come in? Farming our
land will help us grow – quite literally – in each of these areas.
“There’s
nothing more humbling than being a farmer – you know you are not in charge;
it’s truly biblical,” said Sister Daphne Weeden, a volunteer who helps with
planting and maintenance.
What
better way to grow closer to God and others than by working the land together
to produce good, organic food for our church members and neighbors in
need? We hope that by farming
sustainably, we can eventually reduce our environmental footprint and provide
healthy food for the hungry. Located on the outskirts of Washington, DC, St.
Paul’s Community Farm Project is surrounded by acres of unspoiled meadows and
woodlands nestled by the undisturbed Monocacy River. This experience will educate people about
sustainability projects and the benefits of local food production.
Pastor
Young believes the growing movement comes at a pivotal time in our nation’s
fragile economic state. As a committed
Christian who sees God’s beauty and goodness, the natural things of this world
shouldn’t be taken for granted. It
doesn’t cost much to put seeds in the ground, just hard work. That said, the cost is low, but the harvest
can be bountiful.
Americans
have gone through a lot of changes in the past few years. Many are still looking for a friendly sign of
encouragement in the midst of personal trials and worldwide turmoil. We as people of faith play an important role
in finding solutions for those struggling.
My prayer is that the new church farm movement will transform hearts,
silence negativity, and bring us all closer together to care for our
communities and the neediest among us.
Interested
in sowing a seed into this ministry go to: www.saintpaulamec.org
12. NOTED HUMANITARIAN HELENE
BROOKINS PASSES AT 86:
*Written
by Cora Jackson-Fossett
Helene
Winona Brookins
Leader,
visionary and humanitarian aptly describe the ministry of service rendered by
Helene Winona Brookins throughout her earthly existence. Her assistance to others came to a close on
July 16 when she passed away in Las Vegas, NV.
A
retired Episcopal Supervisor in the A.M.E. Church and former wife of Bishop H.
Hartford Brookins, Helene’s life was distinctly marked by dedicated
spirituality and ongoing charitable work.
“Helene
was passionate about helping people. That was her major thing. She often put
her own welfare aside in consideration for others,” said retired Supervisor
Ernestine Henning, a long-time friend.
Retired
Supervisor Vivienne Anderson noted, “Helene deserves her crown in glory.”
A
celebration of life will be held at First A.M.E. Church on Saturday, August 3,
at 11 a.m., 2270 South Harvard Boulevard in Los Angeles. Bishop T. Larry
Kirkland will preside and the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd is the host pastor.
Helene’s
long life began on April 27, 1927 in Sterling, KS, where she was born to
Charles and Juanita Bland Howard. Accepting Christ at an early age, she moved
with her family to Pasadena in 1940. After high school, Helene attended
Pasadena College and soon developed a love for art, fashion, and interior
design.
“She
could often be heard saying, ‘Now, that’s sharp!’ when something caught her
eye,” recalled her granddaughter, Marina Brookins.
While
visiting a church in Topeka, KS, Helene met her future husband, H.H. Brookins.
They soon married and became the parents of Steven Hartford Brookins in 1956.
Helene
smoothly balanced motherhood with her duties as first lady at Brown Chapel
A.M.E. in Topeka, KS; St. Luke A.M.E. in Lawrence, KS; and St. Paul A.M.E. in Wichita,
KS, where she worked hard with her husband to erect a new edifice that still
stands today.
A
new phase of life began for Helene when the family moved to Los Angeles, said
her son, Steven. “During her time, from
1959 to 1973, the membership of First A.M.E. grew and reached achievements that
have enriched lives and souls across the city and nation.
“Again,
she was by my father’s side when the congregation moved from the historic
location at 8th and Towne to the present-day edifice in the West Adams
District.”
God’s
next assignment for Helene was as Episcopal Supervisor in the 17th Episcopal
District in Southern Africa where she joined human rights and humanitarian
efforts during Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
“Her
time spent living in Southern Africa was the highlight of her life. She was dedicated to the people and they
absolutely loved her. They continue to
ask about her to this day even though she served there from 1976 to 1980,”
shared Supervisor Henning.
During
her tenure, Helene could be seen farming and collecting food, clothing and
medical supplies to support the local churches and freedom fighters.
“Africa,
she said, brought her personal and spiritual happiness and was forever the
motivation behind her life’s work with children and the socially
disadvantaged,” remembered Steven.
Returning
to Los Angeles in 1980, Helene served as Episcopal Supervisor of the Fifth
Episcopal District and led the efforts of the Women’s Missionary Society. In addition, she was active in the Lullaby
Guild, joining in 1964 and serving as president from 1983 to 1985.
“She
believed in the Lullaby Guild’s mission of supporting the Children’s Home
Society of California. She enjoyed
supporting affairs like the Ebony Fashion Fair that was sponsored in Los
Angeles by the Lullaby Guild,” said Steven, who added that Helene was featured
in Jet magazine presenting a check from the fundraiser to the Children’s Home
Society of California.
Her
other affiliations included the Top Ladies of Distinction, Los Angeles
Community Service and the Youth Intervention Program where she served 10 years
as a social worker.
Helene’s
philanthropy led to honors by the National Council of Negro Women, Richard
Allen Foundation and Lorre Entertainment Incorporated. On July 12, 2003, Los
Angeles Mayor James Hahn and the City Council proclaimed ‘Helene Brookins Day’
in recognition of her life of community service.
She
was preceded in death by her father, Charles Howard; mother, Juanita Bland
Howard; dear sister; Billie Howard; and former husband, Bishop H. Hartford
Brookins.
Rejoicing
in her wonderful life and legacy are son, Steven H. Brookins; granddaughter,
Marina Brookins; sisters, Pollyanna Moore and Charlotte Smith; brother, Jim
Howard; nephews, Kevin Brookins, Jeffrey Brookins, Kenneth Dunbar and
Christopher Dunbar; along with a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins
and many beloved friends.
*Cora
Jackson-Fossett is the Sentinel Religion Editor cora@lasentinel.net
13. GETTING RID OF THE FOOD
DESERTS IN THE URBAN CORE:
*The Reverend Dr. Eraina M.
Ross-Aseme
Almost on a daily basis, if not weekly, we hear of the
devastation of our loved ones, neighbors, coworkers and church members who are
suffering from some type of health issue or have fallen to death because of the
health conditions caused by the lack of proper nutritious choices of food
and/or unhealthy habits. There is much
discussion these days centered-on the lack of grocery food store chains in the
urban core. Due to the lack of presence
of grocery stores people without proper transportation, lack of financial
resources and lack of food education is causing people especially African
Americans to suffer sicknesses and diseases that can sometimes be avoided.
Some cities, counties and states are taking an active role
in eliminating the ‘food deserts’ in the urban core and creating food oasis for
urbanites to purchase and plan meals that have a nutritious value when
consumed. With today’s lifestyles of
time constraints grabbing quick fixed meals is more attractive than taking time
to properly prepare meals that are full of sodium and other unhealthy
ingredients. These lifestyles are making the health industry richer and the
citizens poorer in having to spend money on prescription drugs and medical
treatments to correct bodily health conditions that may or may not ever be
altered or repaired.
I must admit I am guilty at times when preparing food the
quick way is easier than planning for a balanced nutritious meal. In today’s
society, some businesses are engaging in practices to reduce spending and
increase profits, and with that being said, these business decisions may be
causing consumers to suffer physically due to the business decisions of the
company. For example, certain injection
of hormones in farm animals and application of chemicals to plants and fruits
are being consumed by humans may be causing an increase of poor medical
conditions of the consumers. We are
encouraged to read the labels before making purchases; but who has time for
that. We must take time, and educate ourselves with food terminology that may
be misconstrued.
As we move forward in healthier lifestyles in food
consumption, let us as the community of faith be at the forefront in helping
community organizations lead the way to push for quality food store chains in
the urban core. The Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council in Kansas City, Missouri, did
not give up the struggle of nine years to have a grocery store built in the
urban core.
According to the City Councilman Jermaine Reed of the 3rd
District of Kansas City, Missouri, Mrs. Margaret May, the Executive Director
and members of Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council did not give up in seeing that the
Aldi’s food store was built in the urban core. He also stated 22 properties
were acquired to see this project through. Therefore, the groundbreaking
ceremony took place at 39th & Prospect Avenue, Kansas City,
Missouri on July 30, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. The date of completion is scheduled for
December 2013.
I applaud the Ivanhoe Neighborhood Council’s Board members
and residents, present and former city officials, community leaders and others
who played an important role in seeing this project become reality.
*The
Rev. Dr. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme is the Advisory Chair of the Ivanhoe Neighborhood
Council of Kansas City, Missouri and pastor of Cain Grant AME Church in Kansas
City, Missouri
14. FORCED FROM THE PULPIT BY
ILLNESS, PASTOR HAS WRITING, DRAMA MINISTRY:
Chante
Dionne Warren
The
Reverend Doctor Lance Brown writes, produces and directs theatrical plays that
he hopes will minister to audiences’ souls while generating funding for various
church ministries. Through the Public Awareness Theatre ministry he founded in
1984, he has developed six plays that his team of traveling actors has
presented in 39 states, he said. The ministry functions out of Baton Rouge, but
the cast and director are based in Atlanta.
“Due
to a serious illness in 1997, I was blessed to receive a disability leave from
the United Methodist Church,” Brown said. “Per doctor’s recommendation, I have
been unable to return to the pulpit. However, the Lord reinvented me to be used
in a different phase of ministry. God developed my gift of creative writing,
which has turned into a strong theatrical ministry.”
In
his newest production, CIRCLE OF LOVE, the play’s couples find themselves at
odds over issues, including hairstyles and tattoos, issues they ultimately work
through. “The play is life from the beginning to the end and shows how they
lose God in all of this,” Brown said.
The
Reverend Herman Kelly, pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in
Baton Rouge invited Brown to stage the play and fundraiser in the old south
Baton Rouge community because he thought it might make an impact on audiences.
“The play is on how God comes into your life and changes your life,” Kelly said.
Brown
said the profits generated from each of his plays are used to support and
enhance various church ministries. “We are touching people’s lives and hearts,”
Brown said. “We avail ourselves to churches that have a true need, and when we
were approached by Bethel AME, I gladly accepted.”
Dr.
Brown will continue to travel throughout the country and Louisiana this year
staging his other productions which are One
Child’s Prayer, - about an abused child; I’m Saved, - a church’s spiritual journey; The First Semester, - freshmen facing tough choices and issues at a
predominately white college; Sunset High,
- challenges facing middle and high school students; and Love Doesn’t Have to Hurt, - about a woman dealing with domestic
violence on a college campus.
The
characters of the various plays experience problems and seemingly
insurmountable challenges, including domestic violence, child abuse, and
relationship ills that ultimately turn them toward a relationship with God.
“Audience response has been favorable,” Brown said. “It brings tears to my eyes
and joy when someone comes up to [me] and says ‘Thank you, because I’m a victim
of domestic abuse’” and that they are not going to take it anymore.
As an
ordained minister of the United Methodist Church, Brown said he has ministered
in many facets, including as a chaplain at Our Lady of the Lake Medical Center
[Baton Rouge] and as a pastor of several churches in Louisiana. He and his
wife, the Reverend Dr. Patricia Turner-Brown, earned doctorates in ministry
from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit. She is an ordained
minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as business
manager and tour director for Public Awareness Theatre. She also serves on the
ministerial staff of Bethel AME Church-Baton Rouge.
“People
identify ministry as a pulpit ministry. Now I’m doing my theatre ministry and I
love it,” he said. “The most rewarding thing happening to me is having freedom
and flexibility. It is a helping hand ministry. I can provide a quality theatre
ministry and the churches don’t have to finance it.” Together, the Browns
“believe that a serving ministry is one that meets the needs of God, regardless
of denomination, race or creed.”
Used
with permission: Excerpt from The Baton Rouge Advocate-People and Faith Section
April 27, 2013
Chante
Dionne Warren
15. HOW BLACK FAMILIES ARE
DESTROYED, IN TWO SIMPLE CHARTS:
Race
relations have noticeably deteriorated since the Trayvon Martin murder case
verdict. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll shows that only 52% of Americans
believe that things are going well between white and black people in America.
It is going to be hard to get those numbers to rise unless white Americans come
to the hard realization that racism still exists in America.
White
people are still largely the beneficiaries of racism, whether they know it or
not. As The Nation’s Mychal Denzel Smith explains, “Not every white person is a
racist, but the genius of racism is that you don’t have to participate to enjoy
the spoils. If you’re white, you can be completely oblivious, passively
accepting the status quo, and reap the rewards.”
The
racism of today is not the same kind that prevents one from drinking water from
the store fountain but it exists nonetheless. While black people can work,
vote, and eat where they choose they are still faced with fighting everyday
biases that white people do not have to confront.
The
most blatant example of racism today is the criminal justice system, including
the school-to-prison cycle. This dynamic begins with the disproportionate
enforcement of zero tolerance laws and the sentencing practices that result in
harsher penalties given to black people than their white counterparts.
The
cycle can begin as early as elementary school where black students receive
harsher punitive measures (suspension, expulsion, corporal punishment) and less
mild discipline than their non-minority peers. They are then sent back to the
negative environments, including broken homes, foster care, and prison and
juvenile detention camps that reinforce and teach negative behavior.
Read More: http://www.policymic.com/articles/56893/how-black-families-are-destroyed-in-two-simple-charts
16. NAACP STATEMENT REGARDING WHITE HOUSE MEETING ON THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT:
(WASHINGTON
DC)— The NAACP released the following statement following a meeting of civil
rights leaders with President Obama, Attorney General Holder and Labor
Secretary Tom Perez on the efforts to strengthen the Voting Rights Act after
the decision in Shelby v. Holder. NAACP Chairman Roslyn Brock represented the
NAACP the White House meeting.
From
Roslyn M. Brock, NAACP Chairman of the National Board of Directors:
"The
Supreme Court’s decision on the Voting Rights Act has opened the floodgates to
discrimination at the ballot box and potentially set out nation back 50 years,”
stated NAACP Chairman of the Board Roslyn M. Brock. “To prevent a return to the days of Jim Crow,
the NAACP is launching a series of town halls calling on Congress to
immediately update the formula and restore Sec. 4 of the Voting Rights Act and
for state and local elected officials to put a moratorium on changes to
election laws that could disenfranchise voters.
Courage will not skip this generation and neither will the right to
vote.”
“We
thank the Obama Administration for again making voting rights a national priority,”
continued Brock. "The NAACP will continue to work with the Administration,
Congress and our allies to ensure the right to vote is protected for all
Americans.”
Founded
in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights
organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the
premier advocates for civil rights in their communities.
17. NAACP CONGRATULATES
CHERYL BOONE ISAACS ON POSITION AS MOTION PICTURE ACADEMY CHIEF:
Isaacs
will be the first African-American in 86-year history of Academy of Motion
Picture Arts and Science
(Baltimore,
MD) – The NAACP congratulates Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who was named the President
of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Tuesday. The Academy,
which produces the annual Oscar ceremony, has not had a female president since
1983, and has never had an African-American president in its 86-year history.
“Cheryl
Boone Isaacs is a wonderful selection for an organization that is seeking to
expand diversity and inclusion,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “As one
racial barrier is broken, we are excited to see what Ms. Isaacs will do to
break down even more barriers in the industry.”
“We
recognize the election of Cheryl Boone Isaacs as an historic moment in
Hollywood,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP. “This
appointment sends a clear message to the rest of Hollywood. We believe her
selection will encourage the studios and networks to empower more women and
minorities throughout the entertainment industry."
“Cheryl
Boone Isaacs’ appointment is another step in the right direction for the
Academy and diversity in Hollywood,” stated Robin Harrison of the NAACP
Hollywood Bureau. “We congratulate her and look forward to the Academy’s work
and influence under her new leadership.”
Isaacs
has led a distinguished career as a marketing and publicity consultant,
previously working at New Line Cinema and Paramount Pictures. At the Academy,
she previously served as First Vice President, and has served in every other
office within the organization. Her role will include selecting a host for the
Oscars telecast.
In
July of this year, the Academy sought to expand racial and ethnic diversity
among its voting members by inviting 276 new members from various backgrounds.
The Academy also hired former NAACP Hollywood Bureau Executive Director
Vicangelo Bulluck as Managing Director of Outreach and Strategic Initiatives,
to help foster inclusion and diversity.
18. TWO WAYS TO VOTE:
By Dan Hotchkiss
We vote a lot in congregations.
Sometimes we do it with our hands—and sometimes with our feet.
By “voting with our hands,” I am
referring to the politics of congregational decision-making: conversation,
group discernment, and consensus-seeking, in which voting may play only a small
role. Boards and committees often wrangle and discuss until consensus has been
wrested from the grip of an exhausted disagreement—the vote itself may be
anticlimactic. At congregational meetings, voting may be the most scripted,
least important thing that happens. Mood and tone may matter more, and carry a
more nuanced message to the congregation’s leaders, than a formal motion.
But politics is not the only way
to influence decisions in the congregation. Congregants are not just
voters—we’re also customers. We vote with our feet by simply showing up or
staying home, by giving or not giving money, or by participating in one program
and avoiding others. Our choices about where and whether to participate exert a
great effect on what a congregation does, because a congregation can thrive
only if it can attract enough support. This gives the foot-voters quite a bit
of influence, whether or not they have the right to vote, or choose to exercise
it.
Many congregations encourage the
“hand” option, either on principle or from habit. Hand voting assumes that
every member has something of value to contribute and is willing to engage the
group until it reaches a decision. Like every principle, democracy can become a
fetish. In some congregations, “we vote on everything.” In such congregations,
it sometimes appears that the main goal is to keep people happy by letting them
decide everything. Except of course, that making decisions is not what most
people come to church for in the first place. The constant invitation to
discuss and vote repels more people than it draws.
Other congregations favor the
“feet” style of voting. They put forward a clear sense of purpose, typically
articulated by the clergy leader, and let others vote entirely by foot—joining
in if they are happy, walking out if they are not. These congregations can be
quite energetic and efficient, if perhaps a bit more vulnerable in times of
leadership transition, scandal, or uncertainty. Perhaps the biggest loss, by
contrast with the “hand” approach, is that such congregations do not offer many
people chances to participate in finding meaning or defining purpose. If
congregants are only customers, are they becoming all they should become?
It’s easy to see why “foot”
voting is unpopular, especially in congregations where political
decision-making is the norm. At worst, it sounds like this: “If this church
ever votes to move out of this neighborhood, I will quit!”
You can fill in the blank and
substitute the outrage of your choice. Instead of “move out of this
neighborhood,” you might say “call a woman minister,” “bless a gay marriage,”
“set a national flag up in the chancel,” or “let non-Jewish parents read the
Torah.”
When I hear this kind of threat
my first reaction is to disapprove. “OK, fine,” I say to myself. “Thank you for
resigning. Real members accept the will of the majority and don’t use threats
to get their way.” Threatening to leave (and take your money with you) feels
like a breach of covenant—a form of dirty fighting that should never be
rewarded.
But like many first reactions,
I’ve come to believe that this one is too simple.
Whether we say so or not, each
of us has a breaking point, a threshold beyond which we would leave rather than
accept a decision we object to. Being honest with myself about this helps me to
feel respect for others who decide to exit rather than persist at politics when
it has become clear that they are always going to lose.
The exit option—voting with our
“feet”—has become more important in the lives of congregations than it used to
be. Even in communities where religious affiliation is a strong norm, people
have more options than they once did and feel more free to exercise them. Some
people under 40 still feel obligated to attend a congregation—but almost none
think they have to attend yours. Increasingly in mobile, metropolitan
communities, newcomers arrive in a frank, “shopping” frame of mind. For a
growing number, leaving is much easier when a congregation does not please them
than sticking around to try and make things better. A great many have voted
with their feet to exit organized religion altogether.
For all these reasons, I have
reconsidered my knee-jerk preference for “hands” over “feet.” For me, the most
telling reason is that, at meetings, future members never get a chance to raise
their hands. This group—who, if all goes well, will constitute a large majority
of those affected—can only vote after the fact, and with their feet. So we who
hold the franchise need to pay attention to those who don’t, and try to imagine
their likes, dislikes, and motivations. Otherwise the most important people in
the congregation—those who have not yet arrived—will be left out of the choices
that could make a transforming difference in their lives.
"Two Ways to Vote"
originally appeared as the Unconventional Wisdom column in the second 2013
issue of Congregations magazine. Copyright © 2013 by the Alban Institute. All
rights reserved.
19. GETTING TO ZERO
WILL EXPAND ITS REACH
The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is the writer of the weekly
“Getting to Zero” column. The column has
been running for one year - and this week we observe the one year anniversary
of the “Getting to Zero” column.
We are pleased to announce that we are expanding the reach
of “Getting to Zero” to include other medial issues involving our community.
I would personally like to thank Dr. Fuller for her faithfulness
and consistency is penning weekly articles for The Christian Recorder. She
continued to be faithful even when she transitioned to Zambia to do research on
HIV/AIDS.
Last week, we published a story penned by the Rev. Velma
Grant that dealt with dementia and we received a lot of comments and feedback
on the article. Dementia, as well as HIV/AIDS, and other illnesses are a
concern to our readers.
Dr. Oveta Fuller has developed an initiative to make
“Getting to Zero” more inclusive of other medical and mental problems that need
to be addresses. She will be helping The Christian Recorder to address
issues, strategies and suggested solutions to a myriad of medical problems that
might affect many of us and especially the African American community. She will
coordinate the weekly articles. She can be reached by email: fullerao@umich.edu
The Rev. Dr. 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,
Michigan 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.
20. iCHURCH SCHOOL
LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013 FASTING & PRAYING - EZRA 8:21-23:
Dr. Bill Dickens’ iChurch column will be in next week’s
issue. He is preparing for the Lay Biennial that will meet in Atlanta.
21. MEDITATION BASED
ON PSALM 90:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
My email messages this week included a note informing me
that plans are underway for the Booker T. Washington High School (of Columbia,
SC) Class of 1969 45th Class Reunion! When I got beyond the fact that so many years
had passed since my high school days, the email made me reflect on how life
changes through the years.
I’m now a husband and the father of two successful adult sons. I still have vinyl record albums accumulated
in my high school days, but I now usually opt to listen to what I have on
iTunes - an unheard of technology in 1969.
I drive a vehicle with power windows and door looks, power steering and
brakes and other things that are now standard equipment but were automotive
luxuries in 1969 - if they were available at all. Big, black rotary dial phones were common in
1969, but I now use a “smartphone.”
Computers were room-sized devices operated with “punch” data cards in
1969, but they’re now common household items and are slowly being replaced by
smaller electronic tablets like iPads.
The trappings of everyday life in 2013 are far different
from their 1969 equivalents, but the God who created us and blesses us is still
the same.
Remember that when you face life’s challenges, aggravation,
stress and frustration. Challenges in
life are as old as time and come our way in spite of evolving technologies and
new cultural trends, but when we know and trust in the Lord, then we don’t have
to face life’s challenges alone. We can
go to God in prayer, as people of faith have done for countless centuries,
knowing that the God we serve is always vigilant, always compassionate, always
faithful and always there to bless us beyond measure.
Cherish each new day that comes your way, savor and thank
the Lord for each day’s blessings, and put your hope and trust in the God who
transcends the passage of time and is always there to provide for, protect and
make a way for us. New days and new
times may bring new uncertainties, but the words of a hymn written by Isaac
Watts in 1719 are still true in 2013 - “Before the hills in order stood, or
earth received her frame, from everlasting Thou art God, to endless years the
same.”
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
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Presiding Elder
Richard T. Druid. The Rev. Druid was a retired Presiding Elder from the
Atlantic City District of the New Jersey Annual Conference.
The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Viewing - 8:00 a.m.
Funeral - 10:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
39 Morris Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
Telephone: 732-249-8476
Fax: 732-246-0112
The Rev. Eric and the Rev. Myra Billips, co-pastors
Eulogist: Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of
the First Episcopal District
Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Ms. LaTanya Edwards
5 Hemlock Drive
Edison, NJ 08820
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT
NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Joan Callahan.
She was the aunt of the Rev. Janet J. Sturdivant, Presiding Elder of the South
District in the Philadelphia Annual Conference.
The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements:
Friday, August 2, 2013
Viewing - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 12 noon
Mt. Zion Church of God of Holiness
32 Oakgrove Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14208
Telephone: 716-885-3800
Cards, expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant
155 Landing Drive
Deptford, NJ 08096
Email: pastorjjs@aol.com
24. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ella Lucile Easton,
the widow of the late Rev. Allen Easton Sr. of Barnesville, Georgia. Mrs. Easton made her transition on Friday
morning, July 26, 2013.
Mrs. Easton served as the Episcopal WMS President of the
Sixth Episcopal District from 1992- 2000.
She also served in the role of Macon Georgia Conference WMS and YPD
Director, Griffin District WMS President and YPD Director. After completing her duties she still
remained active in the Macon Conference, Griffin District, but serving on all
levels as needed. Mrs. Easton was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary
Society. She was also active in the Minister's Spouses and Widows Alliance.
A Celebration of Life Service was held for Mrs. Easton on
Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Phillip AME Church in Griffin,
Georgia. The Reverend Harold J. Banks was the eulogist; Reverend Anthony Dixon,
pastor.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to her daughter, Ms.
Phyllis Easton-Barkley.
Mailing address:
Ms. Phyllis Easton-Barkley
142 Huntington Terrace
Griffin GA 30224
Email: peb07@comcast.net
25. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fourth Episcopal District is saddened to announce the
passing of Ms. Ann Collins, sister of the Rev. Clarence Robinson, retired Presiding
Elder of the North District of the Chicago Annual Conference.
Arrangements for Ms. Ann Collins are as follows:
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Gatling's Chapel
10133 S. Halsted
Chicago, IL 60628
Telephone: (773) 881-4111
Fax: (773) 881-3925
Visitation: 10:30 a.m.
Celebration of Life: 11:00 a.m.
Messages of Condolence may be sent to:
The Rev. Clarence Robinson
521 Appian Way
Matteson, IL 60443
26. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fourth Episcopal District sorrowfully announces that The
Reverend Brenda Jackson went from labor to reward on Monday, July 22, 2013. The
Rev. Jackson served on the ministerial staff at St. John AME Church-Aurora,
Illinois where the Rev. Jesse Hawkins is the pastor. The Rev Jackson was also a
certified chaplain, and a Vice-President at Advocate Trinity Hospital where she
oversaw activities in the hospital's Office for Mission and Spiritual Care.
The information for the Celebration of Life for the Rev.
Brenda Jackson is as follows:
Visitation: Monday, July 29, 2013, 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
A. R. Leak Funeral Home
18400 S. Pulaski, Country Club Hills IL
Family Hour: Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 6 p.m. until 7 p.m.,
St. John AME Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL
The funeral service was held at St. John AME Church in
Aurora Illinois.
Messages of condolence may be sent to St. John AME Church,
2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL, 60502.
27. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We saddened to announce that the Reverend Lucille Lewis
Jackson went from labor to reward on July 23, 2013.
The Homegoing Service for the Rev. Lucille Lewis Jackson was
held at J. W. James AME Church in Maywood, Illinois on Monday, July 29, 2013.
The Rev. Garry S Mitchell Sr. is the pastor.
Messages of Condolence may be sent:
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. James
Hill Nelson, retired Itinerant Elder in the AME Church and member of Lee Chapel
AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee where the Rev. Edward L. Thompson is the
pastor.
Services for the Rev. James Hill Nelson:
Friday, August 2, 2013
Public Viewing: 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Johnson House of Atena Funeral Home
1107 Buchanan Street
Nashville, TN 37208
Telephone: (615) 254-3472
1107 Buchanan St, Nashville, TN
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Family Visitation: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 Noon
Funeral Service: 12 Noon
Lee Chapel AME Church
1732 Scovel Street
Nashville, TN 37208
Telephone: (615) 320-0260
Interment: Hills of Calvary Cemetery
29. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fourth Episcopal District sorrowfully announces that The
Reverend Brenda Jackson went from labor to reward on Monday, July 22, 2013.
Rev. Jackson served on the ministerial staff at St. John AME Church-Aurora, IL,
where The Rev. Jesse Hawkins is the pastor. Rev Jackson was also a certified
chaplain, and a Vice President at Advocate Trinity Hospital where she oversaw
activities in the hospital's Office for Mission and Spiritual Care. The
information for The Celebration of Life for The Rev. Brenda Jackson is as
follows:
Visitation: Monday, July 29, 2013, 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., A.
R. Leak Funeral Home, 18400 S. Pulaski, Country Club Hills IL
Family Hour: Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 6 p.m. until 7 p.m.,
St. John AME Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL
Service: Tuesday, July 30, 2013, 7 p.m. until 8 p.m., St.
John AME Church, 2950 Bilter Road, Aurora IL
Messages of condolence may be sent to:
St. John AME Church
2950 Bilter Road,
Aurora IL, 60502
30. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fourth Episcopal District sorrowfully announces that J.
W. James AME Church Founder, the Rev. Lucille Lewis Jackson went from labor to
reward on July 23, 2013.
Celebration of the “Life of Service of Founder,” the Rev.
Lucille Lewis Jackson:
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Lying In State: 2:00
PM - 5:00 PM
Celebration of Life: 5:00 PM
J. W. James AME Church
907 S 6th Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153
Telephone: (708) 681-2797
Fax: (708) 681-0068
Email: jwjamesamechurch@gmail.com
The Rev. Garry S Mitchell Sr., Pastor
Monday, July 29, 2013
Pre-Past: 9:00 AM
Home Going Service: 10:30 AM
J. W. James AME Church
907 S 6th Avenue
Maywood, IL 60153
(708) 681-2797
Interment immediately following the funeral
31. CONNECTIONAL LAY
FAMILY SERVICE ARRANGEMENT UPDATE:
Beverly Rosida Thomas, the sister of Brother John Thomas
III, CLO-Young Adult Representative
Thomas, Beverly Rosida. Departed this life on July 29, 2013
after a long battle with cancer. Survived by mother, Susie W. Thomas; sister,
D. Johniene Thomas; brother, John Thomas III; step-mother, Harriett G. Thomas;
play-sister, Wanda Faye Jordan; God-child, Brittany Taylor; special friend,
Melvin Brown; other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 6-8 pm at
St. Anselm's Episcopal Church, 2008 Meharry Blvd, the Rev. Cynthia Seifert,
Vicor.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Action for
Animals, 2100 Liberty Hill Rd, Alexandria, TN 37012 or Alive Hospice, 1718
Patterson St, Nashville, TN 37203. Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors, 2500
Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN 37208;
Telephone: 615.255-2371.
32. 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
33. 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.
