The Right
Reverend 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
Ash
Wednesday: March 5, 2014
Sunday,
March 9 at 2 a.m.: Daylight Saving Time (United States) 2014 begins
Easter:
April 20, 2014
March:
Women’s History Month
1. TCR EDITORIAL – RENEWING, REVIVING,
RETOOLING, AND RECAPTURING:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III
The
20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder
I
love the 40-day (not including Sundays) season of Lent and its culmination,
Easter.
Over
the years, I have come to appreciate the Christian calendar because when I
celebrate the Christian calendar, it gives some logic to the biblical message
and I feel as if I am walking on a journey with Christ. The Christian or
liturgical calendar helps me to be more disciplined in my walk with the Lord
and it gives order to my spiritual life.
The
liturgical calendar, along with the lectionary, challenges preaching. The lectionary is in the AMEC Hymnal and the AMEC Book
of Worship. The lectionary is a wonderful preaching resource and I hope all
of our pastors and other clergy members are taking time to look at and use this
valuable resource. The lectionary and the Daily Office provides discipline in
sermon preparation and is an effective tool to help preachers vary their
sermons and disciplines them not to preach their “pet” texts. Over a three-year
period pastors, who follow the lectionary can literally preach the major themes
of the Bible.
Lent
The
Lenten season is a great time for me, personally, because it gives me an
opportunity to refocus my spiritual life and goals. Lent is a time for
spiritual focus and renewal.
Lent is a special
time for everyone
The
historical and theological principle of Lent is the preparation and journey of
believers through prayer, penance, sacrifice, repentance, atonement and
self-denial of believers as they journey to the culmination of the joy and
exhilaration of Easter.
During
Lent, many Parishioners fast or give up certain types of comforts and
conveniences as a form of penitence.
Some
people “give up” something that they crave for as a way of making a Lenten
sacrifice. Others might add something to their lives like fasting, increased
prayer, or a more disciplined-focus reading of the Bible.
Some
people make resolutions about how they are going to act or not act. And, still
others who may have had lapses in their church attendance might make a Lenten
commitment to attend worship services more regularly.
Both,
parishioners who have fallen away from the church and active parishioners, can
benefit from a Lenten period of reenergizing their spiritual and personal
lives.
The clergy too
I
suspect there are some in the clergy ranks who could benefit from a Lenten
spiritual renewal journey of a personal inner-revival, religious retooling,
recapturing of the recommitment of the energy of their initial calling to
ministry; and strength for the rigors of ministry.
Ministry
can be draining and preachers can be drenched and overwhelmed by the challenges
of the pastoral ministry; of being unappreciated and facing the reality that
some parishioners resist change and refuse to follow pastoral leadership.
As
a matter of fact, the clergy might benefit more from the opportunity for Lenten
renewal than the laity.
The
Lenten season offers both laity and clergy the opportunity to reenergize their
spiritual journeys in preparation for the Resurrection celebration of Easter.
Spiritual journeys are not one-time events. As pilgrims made annual pilgrimages,
we, too, should understand the need to renew and reenergize our spiritual lives
again and again.
We
have an opportunity to reenergize and refocus during the Lenten period in 2014
and hopefully, if we are alive, we will have the opportunity to do it again in
2015, 2016 and beyond.
What spiritual
leaders need to do
The
ministry team of the pastor and other clergy, stewards, religious educators,
and the music ministry must lead parishioners through the Lenten journey in
preparation for the Easter event.
Every
Sunday is Easter, but Easter Sunday is a special day and a special time for
intense celebration.
Pastors,
stewards and local churches that treat Easter Sunday as just another day miss
an evangelistic opportunity to enhance the growth of the church and the Body of
Christ.
The folks know
People
innately know there is something special about Easter Sunday and that’s reason
most churches are full on Easter Sunday. It’s the biggest holy-day in
Christendom.
If
your church is not full and overflowing on Easter Sunday, somebody has “dropped
the ball.” And, the pastor cannot “play
the ballgame” by him or herself. If a
local church experiences a “dropped ball” Easter Sunday service, the
parishioners, and most especially the stewards “dropped the ball.”
If
the local church doesn’t have an Easter program for the young people, the
religious leadership and the parents in the congregation have “dropped the
ball.”
If
the children have not been given their Easter program recitations to memorized,
the pastor, stewards and those who work with the youth have already dropped the
ball.
If
the Easter music is not Resurrection-focused, the music ministry will have
“dropped the ball.”
If
the Easter sermon is not about the Resurrection, the preacher will have
“dropped the ball.”
And,
a local church cannot wait until Palm Sunday to get ready for Easter. The forty
days and six Sundays of Lent give churches ample time to get ready for Easter.
Lent is not just
another season
During
the Lenten season, we must spiritually and mentally “walk” with Jesus on His
journey to the Cross to heighten our sensitivity and understanding of the true
meaning of Easter and of the Resurrection event.
Why
do we “give up” or sacrifice certain things or take on added challenges during
Lent? We do so as a demonstration of crucifying our sins in anticipation of the
fellowship of a new life in Christ.
The
season of Lent should be a time of intense discipline and devotion. Lent should
be a time of renewing, reviving, retooling, and recapturing the spiritual
disciplines and the joy of being a follower of Christ who suffered, died, and
arose for us that we might have eternal life.
Yes,
it’s time for all of us, clergy and laity, to renew, revive, retool, and
recapture the biblical foundation and the spiritual disciplines that will draw
us closer to the Risen Lord.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
--To the Editor:
RE: TCR
News Break - Lenten Resources For 2014
Thank you for sharing. I am always blessed by the
Lenten resources that you send out each year.
The Rev. Va' Nechia Marie Rayford.
-- To the Editor:
My name is Pamela Williams and I am a pastor in
the Michigan Annual Conference in the 4th Episcopal District,
As a child, growing up in the AME Church, I
noticed some preachers as well as pastors wore the Anvil/Cross symbol in the
form of a necklace, which I always admired, but never knew where to get one.
Well, while attending The Gathering in North
Carolina a few years ago, there was a vendor who had these necklaces for sale,
which I purchased.
I am in need of another one, my grandson wanted
to wear mine to school, I let him wear it, only because he had worn it before
and was responsible with it. This time, this was not the case. When he returned
home he did not have it and has not been able to find it.
I was wondering if you knew where or from whom I
could purchase another one and possibly get him one of his own.
God bless you and thank you for your time,
The Rev. Pamela Williams, Pastor
Grant Chapel AME Church
Three Rivers, MI
(219) 689-7738
Editor's Note: If anyone has information where an
Anvil/Cross necklace can be purchased please contact the Rev. Pamela Williams directly;
email: PDWilliams@uss.com
3.
LENTEN RESOURCES FOR 2014:
Click
on the Links
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (UMNS) - May you have a meaningful Ash Wednesday and Lenten season. Below
are Lenten resources to help you throughout this season of reflection on
Christ's sacrifice and redemptive love and to help you celebrate Christ's
Resurrection on Easter, April 20 this year.
-
"His Resurrection, Our Life," a collection of lectionary helps,
worship resources, meditations, music downloads, videos, bulletin covers and
art from the United Methodist Board of Discipleship.
-
Lent and Easter devotional resources, videos and articles from United Methodist
Communications.
-
United Methodist Committee on Relief, the denomination's humanitarian relief
and development agency, offers 40 days of Lenten devotionals that also
highlight the March 30 One Great Hour of Sharing offering, which supports
UMCOR.
-
The Society of St. Andrew, a United Methodist partner that leads feeding
ministries, offers the "Create in Me a Clean Heart" Lenten devotions
program for churches and individuals.
- Abingdon Press, part of the United Methodist
Publishing House, offers several choices for devotional and group study during
Lent including:
**Used with
permission of the United Methodist News Service
4. UNITY
ACCOMPLISHES MUCH AT ST. JOHN WAYNE CHURCH:
*Ms.
Angelena Spears
Imagine
a church needing a new piano, plus two new roofs – one for the parsonage and
another for the sanctuary.
If
that sounds like a daunting list for any church to tackle– imagine how huge an
undertaking it would be for a church with just a handful of active members.
Well,
for the St. John AME Church, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, that is exactly what the small
congregation faced – in just nine short years!
Their
pastor, the Rev. Joelle McDuffy says there is a spirit of unity that prevails
at the tight-knit church.
“No
matter what obstacles the church faces, everyone comes together and does what
needs to be done,” she says.
An
example of St. John’s unity was evidenced when the church, with just 10 core
members, decided they wanted to purchase a $4,000 piano. One member donated $800, another donated
$500, and others pitched in. After just
six months of financing, they had paid for the piano.
Similarly,
when the church needed a new roof – one member offered to loan the church the
entire amount to get the work done, then others made donations to reduce the
amount of that loan.
Wanda
Cook is one of St. John’s faithful members.
She has been a member since she was 10 years old. As president of the Trustee Board, she has
observed the church’s struggles from a front-row seat.
She
credits their accomplishments with the fact that they are a tithing
church. She also says that members often
chip in to do what needs to be done, including buying church supplies and
toiletries without expecting to be reimbursed.
It
was because of their dedication, that the Rev. McDuffy was very intentional of
the church’s celebration of Trustee Day this year. The Rev. McDuffy has been the pastor of St.
John since November 2010. This is her
first pastoral charge.
Although
the Trustee Board is comprised of just two members – Sister Cook and Brother
Michael Shuler --they committed to having an afternoon service, invited guests,
served dinner and enjoyed a wonderful Word from God.
“We
needed to celebrate the work they have done over the year and to rededicate
them for the coming year,” said the Rev. McDuffy.
The
guest church was Bethel AME Church, Reading, Pennsylvania, where the Rev.
McDuffy’s husband, the Rev. Eugene McDuffy is the pastor. The Bethel church arrived with a choir,
praise dancers, and drummer to add to the afternoon worship.
The
preached Word was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Leath, who is the pastor
of Campbell AME Church, in Media, PA.
The Rev. Leath preached an uplifting and relevant Word from 1
Corinthians 12:12-26. She explained how
the Body of Christ works together. Her
sermon title was, “The Body is Complex.”
At
the close of the service, the Rev. McDuffy took the time to anoint the trustees
with oil. As she poured the oil over the
head of Sister Cook, she again reiterated her appreciation.
“Sister
Cook never complains,” said the Rev. McDuffy.
“She never says, ‘I’m the only one…’ Instead, she wears many hats and
does whatever need to be done,” said the Rev. McDuffy.
Other
pastors in St. John’s recent history include the Rev. Jackie Capers, of Disney
Nichols AME Church, Philadelphia; the Rev. Natalie Mitchum, of Calvary AME
Church, Philadelphia; and the Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant, who served the
church from 1994 until 2003 and is now the presiding elder of the South
District of the Philadelphia Annual Conference. The Rev. Sturdivant also made
history while at St. John when she was the first woman to preach the Annual
Sermon for the Philadelphia Annual Conference in 1998.
St.
John AME Church is in the West District of the Philadelphia Annual
Conference. The Rev. Charles H. Lett is
the Presiding Elder of the West District.
Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram is the Presiding Prelate of the First
Episcopal District.
*Ms.
Angelena Spears is the Philadelphia Conference Reporter
5. THE REV. DR.
DONALD L. TUCKER RETURNS TO MISSISSIPPI AFTER OVER 50 YEARS:
In
1963 on the evening of the assassination of Medgar Evers in Jackson,
Mississippi, the phone rang in the parsonage of Turner Chapel AME Church in
Greenwood, Mississippi. The voice on the
other end declared to the pastor answering, “We have killed Medgar Evers and
you will be next.”
1963
was a year full of harrowing experiences for the Rev. Donald L. Tucker the
pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church. The
spring before that call, he had attempted to register to vote after passing the
literacy test. Upon leaving the Leflore County Courthouse, he was mauled by a
police dog and forever seen as a marked man in Leflore County, Mississippi.
This act was to be the first where a dog was used to intimidate those wanting
to vote. It would also lead to a
telegraph being sent by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to then President John F.
Kennedy expressing his concern for the treatment of the Rev. Tucker and others
in Greenwood, Mississippi.
Dr.
Tucker left Turner Chapel and Greenwood, Mississippi after that phone call and
was assigned to the 1st Episcopal District in Bermuda. He had left Mississippi
and it would take over 50 years before he would return.
But,
return he did at the invitation of the current pastor of Turner Chapel, the
Rev. Ray A. Jackson. After learning of
the heroic actions of his predecessor, the Rev. Jackson and the Turner Chapel
Family thought it high-time to bring the AME Civil Rights icon back to
Greenwood.
On
Sunday, February 23, 2014, the church was packed with elected officials,
community leaders, pastors, and those who knew or had heard of the Rev. Donald
Tucker. While being interviewed by a
local television station he was asked why it had taken so long for him to
return to Mississippi. The Rev. Tucker’s simple answer was, “Nobody has ever
invited me back.”
But,
he was back with the same tenacity and drive that had led the congregation
during some of the most turbulent times of its history. Those who were young people then remembered
their fearless pastor. Those who were
older, remember his bravery. Those who
were not directly connected remember their parents and grandparents talking
about the brave AME preacher.
He
began his message by telling the story of how the dogs were put on him and how
mass meetings were held every night at Turner Chapel. Dr. Tucker began his
sermon with the song, “Woke Up this Morning with My Mind Stayed on
Freedom.” He then preached from the
sermonic topic, “What do you do with the burdens you bear?” It was a powerful,
soul-stirring message that seems to appropriately speak to the burdens Dr.
Tucker and others had borne in order to secure the right to vote for Black
people in Mississippi and the nation.
6. GEORGETOWN
DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HOSTS SUCCESSFUL SAFE SANCTUARY FORUM:
February
14, 2014
GEORGETOWN,
S.C. – Georgetown, SC – With over 350 persons in attendance, the Georgetown
District Christian Education Department, directed by Mrs. Sherry
Davis-Livingston, Local Christian Education Director, under the leadership of
the Reverend Rosalyn Grant-Coleman, Presiding Elder of the Georgetown District
in the Palmetto Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,
hosted an informative, yet enlightening Safe Sanctuary Forum at Greater Saint
Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church, where the Reverend Carl Anderson
is the Pastor.
Corporal
Robert Paterson, with the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Department, presented the
laws associated with Church workers whose disciplinary practices can be
construed as assault and battery on a minor for all children under their
care. Corporal Paterson informed
Pastors, Church School workers, Christian Education personnel, Young People and
Children’s Division directors, and all in attendance that spanking a child or
youth can be considered assault and could result in the arrest and conviction
of the Church official.
Mr.
Carlton Bridges, Foster Care Case Manager from Horry County Department of
Social Services, provided a cursory look at what happens to the child, who has
been allegedly abused or assaulted, and the ensuing investigation that occurs
surrounding the alleged act. Mr. Bridges
noted that many Church workers use Proverbs 13:24, which says, “Whoever spares
the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful
to discipline them” (NIV). Mr. Bridges
interjected the thought that the “rod,” which is referred to in the Proverb is
often associated with corporal punishment, a form of physical punishment that
involves the deliberate infliction of pain as retribution for an offense, or
for the purpose of disciplining. Mr.
Bridges suggested that in 2014 we all need to consider a new rod, a rod that
encourages open communication between adults and children and a measure that
includes strategies to resolve conflict.
Attorney
Louis Morant, from Morant and Morant Law Firm in Georgetown, SC, presented a
discourse on the legal responsibilities the Church has regarding children and
vulnerable adults. Attorney Morant
enlightened all attendees that the Church is considered responsible and liable
for the welfare of children and vulnerable adults in their care. Church officials are required to report any
suspected act of abuse or neglect and to provide safe and nurturing
environments for all invitees. He noted
that Church officials are responsible for injuries occurring on its premises
and for the acts of its employees or agents committed while performing duties
of employment or acts of the Church.
At
the conclusion of the panel discussion, Presiding Elder Coleman challenged each
Pastor, Church School worker, Christian Education personnel, Young People and
Children’s Division director, and all in attendance to go forth and make every
sanctuary a safe, nurturing, welcoming place for all who enter our doors,
especially for our children and vulnerable adults.
Submitted
by Dr. Kylon Jerome Middleton, Palmetto Annual Conference Christian Education
Director and pastor of Hopewell African Methodist Episcopal Church in
Hemingway, South Carolina
7. HIGHLIGHTS FROM
THE MONTICELLO-WARREN DISTRICT:
Recently,
all Roads led to Shady Gove AME Church in Wilmar, Arkansas for the
Monticello-Warren District of the
East Arkansas Conference of the 12th Episcopal District Vision and
Planning was held. The Rev. Alonzo Redic III serves as pastor of Shady Grove.
The
Monticello-Warren District meeting is led by the dynamic and visionary leader,
the Rev. Dr. James R. Hooper, and the First Lady of the District, Mrs. Jeanette
Hooper.
Presiding
Elder Dr. James R. Hooper took the opportunity meet with the pastors and laity
of the District to share the plans for the upcoming conference year.
Pastors
and laity from far and near were present to witness the sharing of information
and the vision of Presiding Elder James R. Hooper, who is also the President of
the Presiding Elders Council of the 12th Episcopal District.
The
members of the Monticello-Warren District enthusiastically engaged in the
planning of the district activities.
The
preacher for the Planning Meeting was the Rev. Barry Spencer, pastor of St.
James AME Church in Warren, Arkansas. He preached a dynamic sermon.
The
Monticello Warren-District planned a number of events and activities for the
Conference Year. And yes, Presiding Elder James R. Hooper, the pastors and
laity of the Monticello-Warren District are on the move!
Submitted
by Dr. Dorothy Henderson, Monticello-Warren District Reporter
8. OPPORTUNITY FOR
HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS TO ATTEND WEST POINT’S SUMMER LEADERS EXPERIENCE (SLE):
The
application for the West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) is now open
and will close April 11, 2014! The SLE program gives high school juniors a week
to experience life as a West Point cadet.
To
qualify for admissions, applicants must: 1) be a high school junior, 2) be a US
citizen, 3) reach the age of 17 by July 1, 2015, and 4) have a valid PSAT,
PLAN, SAT or ACT test score.
Much
like admissions for the Academy, our goal is to ensure that we have a diverse
representation of quality candidates at our SLE program. Therefore we are
seeking your assistance in encouraging African-Americans, Hispanics, Native
Americans, and Women to apply to our SLE program.
If
you know of any potential students who would benefit from the SLE program,
please encourage them to apply at http://www.usma.edu/admissions/SitePages/Summer.aspx
Also,
please feel free to send me an email with the name and contact information of
the SLE candidate you would like to endorse.
MAJ
Betty P. Myrthil
Diversity
Admissions Officer (USMA '02)
United
States Military Academy
West
Point, NY 10996
9. BENJAMIN TODD
JEALOUS TO JOIN KAPOR CENTER FOR SOCIAL IMPACT:
Former
NAACP president & CEO will focus on social impact investments in tech
startups and community organizations that narrow gaps
(Oakland,
CA)- Benjamin Todd Jealous, who served
as President and CEO of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored
People (NAACP) until last December, will join the Kapor Center for Social
Impact as a partner, the Center announced today.
"The
startups and nonprofit organizations the Kapor Center invests in have
tremendous potential to expand opportunity for all Americans, particularly for
communities that have been historically left behind," said Jealous.
"The Kapor team is an exceptionally diverse band of geniuses working to
close gaps in access, opportunity, wealth and participation and I am proud to
continue working on those issues with them."
The
mission of the Kapor Center for Social Impact is to provide educational access
for all Americans, diversify the tech industry, and support startup companies
that have a positive social impact. The Center works in two ways: Kapor Capital
makes seed-stage investments in tech companies that close gaps in education,
healthcare, economic inclusion and access to opportunity for Americans affected
by growing inequality; and the Foundation invests in community organizations
that focus on closing the same gaps.
"As
an entrepreneur and an investor, I've built my career on seeing the
possibilities of good ideas and the right team, and then bringing that vision
to life," said Mitchell Kapor, co-founder and co-chair of the Center.
"By bringing Ben to the Kapor team, we are making a bet that someone who
has succeeded in changing the broader world in so many ways will do the same in
our world."
"Ben
has spent his career working to end racial and economic gaps in society, from
the criminal justice system to education to health care," said Freada
Kapor Klein, co-founder and co-Chair of the Center. "We are tremendously
pleased that he will bring his vast experience, strategy and energy to the tech
sector as the next frontier in his life's work for justice and inclusion."
Jealous
will also join the board of directors of the Kapor Center-funded Level Playing
Field Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating barriers
faced by people of color in science, technology, engineering and math.
“I
welcome Ben to the Kapor team,” Nicole Sanchez, Kapor Center, Co-Managing
Partner said. “His energy, commitment and intellect will be invaluable as we
continue our work to create more opportunities for more Americans from all
walks of life.”
The
Kapor Center for Social Impact was one of ten foundations that joined the White
House last week to pledge participation in the groundbreaking My Brother’s
Keeper initiative to support young men of color in academic achievement. Kapor
Center Co-Managing Partner Cedric Brown represented the Kapor Center at the
White House.
At
the NAACP, Jealous was recognized as a leader of successful state and local
movements to ban the death penalty, outlaw racial profiling, defend voting
rights, secure marriage equality, and free multiple wrongfully incarcerated
people from prison. Jealous said that his first order of business will be to
initiate a learning tour of Silicon Valley to learn from the entrepreneurs and
innovators who are shaping this sector.
10. THE TRUTH IS
THE LIGHT:
*The
Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based
on Biblical Text: Luke 18:14b, “for
everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself
shall be exalted.”
Jesus
tells a story to a group of people who were confident in their own
righteousness yet ridiculed and looked down upon everyone else. In a parable,
Jesus says that two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the
other a publican or tax collector.
The
Pharisees were the people who lived good, clean lives. The tax collectors were
people who swindled and intimidated others out of their money. Jesus said both
of them came to church. The Pharisees are by their own account righteous and at
least in their mind living holy. The
Pharisees are truly blessed in that they are able to quickly recognize everybody
else’s spiritual short comings. The tax collectors are confident in their
craft. They are able to make a good
living by taking advantage of those who are not as good at what they do. They,
often times, over-charge shaving a little of what the people pay off the top
for themselves.
Jesus
says that these two, one the perceived good and the other the presumed evil
went to the temple to pray. The Pharisee stood up and prayed: “God, I thank you
that I am not like other men.” I am not like the robbers and I am better than
the evildoers. I am more holy than the adulterers. “Thank you God that I am not
even like this tax collector.”
The
Pharisee highlighted the evidence of his righteousness. He reminded God, “You know God I fast twice a
week. Certainly God you, knowing everything, must be well aware that I give a
tenth of all I get.” However, we can
look well past all of the Pharisee’s eloquent phrasing and exceptional use of
communication skills. We can even look past his intent to charm us with his
superior intelligence and spirituality and we can sum up his prayer this way:
“I thank you, God, that there’s nothing wrong with me.”
Jesus
then turns His attention to the tax collector in his story. He shows us that the tax collector is the
complete opposite of the Pharisee. The Tax Collector had been stealing money
from people his whole life. In fact, the tax collector, it seems, has spent the
better part of his adult life ruining the lives of others so that he could live
it up. However, the tax collector recognized
that his whole life had been a disaster. He appeared to be aware that he
deserved to go to hell when he died.
Jesus
says that “the tax collector stood at a distance,” as he must have figured his
position to be so unholy that he wouldn’t even walk up to the front of the
temple. The Tax collector must have considered his condition to be so
despicable that “He would not even look up to heaven.”
Jesus
says that the tax collector was so ashamed of his sin that he “beat his breast
and said, ‘God have mercy on me, a sinner.’”
I have not lived righteously. I have not been honest and I have not
treated people fairly. The Tax Collector’s prayer was the opposite of the
Pharisee’s prayer and can be summed up this way, “God, there’s everything wrong
with me. Help me.”
Jesus
goes on to say that the sinful tax collector was the one that was forgiven by
God, and not the perfect Pharisee. Why? Jesus tells us: “For everyone who
exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
The
Pharisee was proud, thought more highly of himself than he ought to have and
spent his time looking down on others, exalting himself. The tax collector was
humble and was sorry for his sins. What is Jesus saying to us here? Is Jesus
saying that you earn the forgiveness of sins by being humble? Is that how it
works? The truth is that is what a lot of people think, but that’s not how it
works.
It
may seem confusing however, if our being humble made us deserve forgiveness and
is why God forgives us then our salvation would be completely dependent on us
and our level of humility. That would be a problem because if our salvation was
dependent on our level of humility then we could never be sure if we are
forgiven by God or not as we would never know if we have been humble enough for
God to forgive us.
The
truth of the matter is neither the Pharisee nor the tax collector deserved
God’s forgiveness. The Pharisee did not because he was conceited,
self-righteous and thought he was better than everybody else. The Pharisee did
not deserve God’s forgiveness because he thought he was perfect. The tax collector did not deserve God’s
forgiveness either because he had lied, cheated and had taken advantage of
people. The Tax Collector did not deserve God’s forgiveness because of the
terrible life he had led.
Neither
one of these men deserved to be forgiven by God. But we ought to thank God that
He does not wait for us to deserve His forgiveness. We ought to fall on our
knees and thank God that He is not waiting for us to humble ourselves and to
come down off our spiritual high horse and stop being so conceited and self
righteous. God forgives us purely out of his mercy. It is as a result of his
undeserved love that God forgives us.
Because of the unselfishness of Jesus and the sacrifice Jesus made on
that old rugged cross taking away the sins of the world God offers forgiveness
to us all. “What can wash my sins away, nothing, nothing but the blood of
Jesus.”
In
our text we find that God offered forgiveness to both the Pharisee and the tax
collector. But only the tax collector received God’s forgiveness. Why? Because,
in his mercy, God chooses to forgive only those who humble themselves before
him. God chooses to forgive those who will stand before Him and admit “There’s everything
wrong with me. Lord have mercy on me. I am a sinner.” The humble, those who
recognize their sin and who recognize their need for God’s help, those are the
people that receive God’s forgiveness.
We
must not be deceived. God does not extend his forgiveness to those who humble
themselves and recognize their need for help because they are earning it by
groveling. Rather, God shows undeserved love to all who are humble and who are
truly sorry for their sins.
As
were enter this season of repentance and sacrifice the humble tax collector is
a picture of Lent and the proud Pharisee is the opposite of Lent. The question
is which one are we? How do we plan to observe Lent this year?
Some
of us may be planning to act extra religious. A whole lot of folk observe Lent
that way. Some of us will decide, “Maybe
I will give up something for Lent.” Somebody will make the decision I’m not
going to watch my favorite TV show or eat chocolate during this season of
sacrifice. And then we will sit back like we have done something magnificent or
done God a favor. Look at how religious I am God must be impressed. God must be
extra happy with me, while I am not eating chocolate and not drinking sodas.
Jesus
speaks to us through his Word, and he tells us that Lent is a time of
self-denial. But Jesus is not interested in our on the surface sacrifice. He is
not concerned with our superficial sacrifice nor is He impressed with our
casual sacrifice of something that we can easily do without. Jesus is not
concerned with what we do on the outside. He is concerned with what’s going on
in our hearts.
Lent
is a time to give up some of the things that separate us from Jesus. Some of us
would do well to consider giving up hypocrisy and stepping away from our bad
attitude. Some of us need to put away anger and gossip. Others of us need to stop playing church,
acting like a Christian on the outside and living proud and self-centered on
the inside.
Lent
is that humble man who stood in the back of the temple, looking down at the ground,
and praying to God, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” It is not just a time for us to give up
potato chips and sweet drinks; it is a time to humble ourselves and to give up
our sinful habits. A time for us to stand before God and to ask God to forgive
us for we have lied, cheated and have not been who we promised God we would be.
This
Lenten Season as we begin our journey with Jesus we will begin to see just how
serious our sins are. But on our journey with Jesus we will come to know how
wonderful Jesus is and how deep our Savior’s love is for us. We will march
triumphantly into Jerusalem with Jesus and sup with him sharing the last meal.
We will walk with Jesus into the Garden to pray, into the trial before Pilate
and as He stands before Herod. We will share in the humiliation; feel the sting
of the whip and the pain of the crown of thorns being forced on His head. We
will experience the agony of the nails being driven into His hands, live
through the pain of the spikes being driven into His feet and witness the water
and the blood running to the ground from His pierced side. “The blood that
Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary, the blood that gives me strength from
day to day, it will never, never lose its power.”
But
Oh Beloved we will rejoice that Jesus’ death is not the end. We praise God that
the road doesn’t end there. We will shout glory that the stone has been rolled
away and tomb is empty; “up from the grave He arose!” He got up just like He
said He would. Glory, death couldn’t keep Him, the grave couldn’t hold Him.
Jesus rises from the dead to prove that all of our sins have been forgiven. “I
know that my redeemer lives and ever prays for me, a token of His love He
gives, a pledge of liberty.”
“Jesus
paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin had left a crimson stain; He washed it white
as snow”
*The
Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church
in Charleston, South Carolina
11. GETTING TO
ZERO: THOUGHTS ON FASTING FOR LENT:
*Dr.
Oveta Fuller
This
is the Lenten Season, 40 days leading to the Resurrection Week. It is a time of
repentance, reflection and focused prayer to renew and come closer in the
relationship with God, and thus also with fellow human beings.
What
to do or not in Lent
A
common practice in Lent is to fast- to give up something, usually a food, drink
or a favorite activity. The idea is that the sacrifice of not partaking of
something that we enjoy physically, or are accustomed to (something that brings
joy in the carnal nature), will allow the attention needed for a deepened focus
on the spirit nature and on our connection and dependency on God.
For
example, when one typically would go for that cup of coffee, don’t. Or, when
one would prepare a juicy burger or tackle a half rack of barbeque ribs, don’t.
Instead stop and seek communion. Pray. Or study the Word. Or read and medicate
on the wisdom in an insightful devotional. Or be still to spend time seeking
the presence and counsel of the Holy Spirit.
Giving
up something without replacing it with something positive for wellness (of the
Spirit and body) is not what Lent is about. Giving up the coffee, specified
food(s) or other items replaced by seeking to commune with God brings spiritual
discipline. Such strengthens the spirit to bring under submission the power of
the physical senses.
Ask
God for guidance
I
do not suggest that you fast, or if doing so what kind of fast to undertake.
That is a very personal decision that should be done prayerfully, carefully and
with medical clearance.
Let’s
repeat these critical points. If and how you decide to undertake a fast in the
Lent Season or anytime, is a very personal decision that must be done
prayerfully, carefully and with medical clearance.
In
this season of reflection, introspection, repentance and prayer, it is a good
time to ask for wisdom to better understand the function of the human body as
“the temple of God” and how to best care for it as such. This season is a good
time to begin good habits and get rid of not-so-good habits that cut short our
physical lives and reduce productive days in the earthly dwelling time. Only
you know how the Holy Spirit will lead you. Pray first for guidance.
Prepare
and implement
Lent
is 40 days. To be strengthened spiritually in this time, there are many
options. One option is to divide the Lenten Season into two phases of about 20
days each. Take the first 19 days to prepare mentally, spiritually and
literally for the changes needed so to be able to willingly focus on
implementation and prayer for the next 21 days. For example, if you will fast,
clear the pantry and refrigerator of specific items. Agree with family or
church members on a plan if it is to be a collective effort. Get rid of
temptations. Know where to get the items that you will need. Know what you will
put in place of the item that you are eliminating.
Fasting-
an act of worship and obedience
Focus
for a sacred fast is an act of worship and obedience. It is achievable for the
most benefits only under the strength of the Holy Spirit in us to control the
will.
Seriously
seeking to undergo a multiple day fast of any type, whatever you are led to do,
e.g. eliminating meat, sugar, bread, diary products, electronics or social
media, etc. will benefit the spirit and the body. Don’t just move into it.
Consider prayerfully what God wants of you so to draw closer and attain
wellness in spirit, mind and body. Consider what to move out and what to move
into its place.
Fasting
from any one of a long list of options is common. However, this outward level
of “sacrifice” is not what God seeks. Indeed, the Bible itself says it best.
Below is the content of Isaiah 58:1-12 that teaches about giving up and taking
on.
I
have no doubt, if guided to do so, that undergoing a sacred fast will bless. I
know that God will meet each at the place of need – bring each closer to
overall wellness. I have no doubt that God will answer prayer and order the
steps for those who are humbled, obedient and sincerely seek.
The
Word on fasting from Isaiah 58:1-12
(The Message translation)
1-3 “Shout! A
full-throated shout!
Hold nothing back—a trumpet-blast shout!
Tell my people
what’s wrong with their lives,
face my family Jacob with their sins!
They’re busy, busy,
busy at worship,
and love studying all about me.
To all appearances
they’re a nation of right-living people—
law-abiding, God-honoring.
They ask me,
‘What’s the right thing to do?’
and love having me on their side.
But they also
complain,
‘Why do we fast and you don’t look our way?
Why do we humble ourselves and you don’t
even notice?’
3-5 “Well, here’s
why:
“The bottom line on
your ‘fast days’ is profit.
You drive your employees much too hard.
You fast, but at
the same time you bicker and fight.
You fast, but you swing a mean fist.
The kind of fasting
you do
won’t get your prayers off the ground.
Do you think this
is the kind of fast day I’m after:
a day to show off humility?
To put on a pious
long face
and parade around solemnly in black?
Do you call that
fasting,
a fast day that I, GOD, would like?
6-9 “This is the
kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I’m interested
in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the
lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness
will pave your way.
The GOD of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray,
GOD will answer.
You’ll call out for help and I’ll say,
‘Here I am.’
A Full Life in the
Emptiest of Places
9-12 “If you get
rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims,
quit gossiping about other people’s sins,
If you are generous
with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the
down-and-out,
Your lives will
begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in
sunlight.
I will always show
you where to go.
I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest
of places—
firm muscles, strong bones.
You’ll be like a
well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You’ll use the old
rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuild the foundations from out of your
past.
You’ll be known as
those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
make the community livable again.
Yes,
it is in The Bible. Read any translation. “Let those who have an ear hear what
the Lord says.”
*The
Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is a tenured professor in Microbiology and Immunology
and faculty in the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan. An
Itinerant Elder in the 4th Episcopal District, she served as pastor
of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, Michigan for seven years before focusing fully
on global health research in Zambia and the USA for HIV/AIDS elimination. At
Payne Theological Seminary she teaches a required course, “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS.”
12. iCHURCH SCHOOL
LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2014 - SON OF DAVID - PSALM 89:35-37; ISAIAH
9:6-7; MATTHEW 1:18-21:
*Bill
Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
Last
week ESPN football analyst and former NFL head coach Herman Edwards reflected
on a wise conversation he had with his father when he was about to enter
college at the University of California, Berkeley. The elder Mr. Edwards told his son that the
most important thing I ever gave you was your name. You are Herman Edwards. Do not take your name for granted, but make
your parents proud of what you do because of who you are.
In
the Adult Church School Lesson, the church school students explore the meaning
and significance of one of Jesus’ important titles or names.
Jesus
is frequently referred to in Holy Writ as the Son of David. While we know that biologically David was not
Jesus’ father, we do embrace the title as evidence of His messianic mission and
purpose.
But
why David? Why not King Hezekiah or King
Solomon? Our scriptural lessons shed
important insight in answering these questions.
King
David is viewed in Jewish history as the greatest king to have served both God
and the Jews. The Psalmist affirms this
in Psalm 89 by declaring the eternity of David’s rule. The prophet Isaiah compliments the eternal
reign theme in Psalm 89 by emphasizing that David’s rule will be characterized
by justice and peace. Finally, Matthew
connects all of the genealogical dots to the Davidic dynasty in describing
Jesus as the rightful heir theologically and biologically thru Joseph, a descendant
of David.
In
Western cultures the etymology of surnames like Johnson, Carlson, Jackson or
Williamson demonstrates that the male child is the son of a father defined by a
first name. Given the witness of the Old
Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, Jesus is the Son of David or
"DavidSon."
A
name establishes identity. Identify
gives us purpose. Purpose provides true
meaning to life. As we enter the Lenten
season it is important to know our true identity. Sacrifices are purely perfunctory actions
absent a Biblically sound reason for the act of self-denial. We can be heirs to eternal life by looking to
the Eternal King personified in Jesus.
We have a new name. Let’s be
found worthy, like Herman Edwards, of that designation.
*Brother
Bill Dickens is currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in
Tacoma, Washington. He is currently a
member of the Fellowship of Church Educators for the AME Church.
13. MEDITATION
BASED ON MATTHEW 6:25-33:
The
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I recently spoke
with a colleague in ministry who’s about to make his first trip to
Charleston, SC. To say that he’s excited
about the trip is an understatement. He
rattled off a list of tourist sites, attractions and restaurants that he and
his family plan to check out in a city that’s gained world acclaim as a prime
tourist destination. His excitement made
me resolve to do a little more Charleston sightseeing myself!
Charleston
is a lovely city with plenty to see and do, but there’s a difference between
being a tourist and a resident. It’s
easy for those of us who live in Charleston to focus on work, family and
community obligations, and forget about or take for granted the many things
that make the city appealing.
Charleston’s attractions are more than visible, but those of us who live
here sometimes have to take an intentional break from life’s routine to see
what visitors to the city see and appreciate.
I
thought of my friend and his “Charleston excitement” as we approach another
Lenten season of sacrifice, reflection and contemplation that leads to the
glorious celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday.
It’s
easy for all of us to focus on the mundane things and routine demands of life,
to simply live reacting to what lies before us and to forget about or take for
granted the blessings that God brings us each day. When we take the time, however, to reflect on
what God does for us, we’ll see God’s creation through new eyes. We’ll see joy, hope, peace of mind and
direction that have always been there for us but that we sometimes get too
busy, too frustrated or too stressed to notice.
Take
the time during the Lenten season to slow down, reflect on your blessings and
appreciate the beauty and wonder of God’s creation and the favor that God shows
each of us. When you do, then you can
step away from life’s routine and move from stress to satisfaction. You’ll also appreciate why the Jesus who gave
His life as the price of our sins said, “I have come that you might have life,
and have it more abundantly.”
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 ANNOUNCEMENT:
-- The Rev. E. Anne
Henning Byfield successfully defended her Doctor of Ministry dissertation
The
Rev. E. Anne Henning Byfield, Presiding Elder of the North District, Indiana
Annual Conference, Fourth Episcopal District has successfully defended her
Doctor of Ministry dissertation on February 22, 2014 from Ashland Theological
Seminary. The title of her dissertation
is "The Effects on Short-Notice Appointments of Itinerant Pastors in the
North District Indiana Annual Conference Fourth Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church."
This dissertation examined the various aspects of short-notice pastoral
transitioning and its impact on itinerant pastors. This groundbreaking research will be used in
helping pastors, churches, and their families.
*The
Rev. E. Anne Henning Byfield
Congratulatory
message can be emailed to: pehenby@aol.com
15. EPISCOPAL
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Samuel W. Jabain, first cousin of
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr. and Supervisor Irene M. Daniels. He transitioned
to Glory on Tuesday, February 25, 2014. He leaves to mourn his passing his
wife, Mrs. Dyanne S. Jabain; children, Ms. Vashti C. Jabain and Camille D. Jabain,
a junior at Valdosta State University.
Service
for Mr. Samuel W. Jabain was held on Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at
the Bethesda United Methodist Church, 444 Bethesda Church Road in
Lawrenceville, GA 30044.
The
family has set up an Educational Scholarship Fund to help his children in
college and to help other needy children Mr. Samuel Jabain and his wife, Mrs.
Dyanne Jabain are assisting in school in Liberia.
All
donations can be made to: “Samuel W. Jabain Educational Fund” and mailed directly
to his wife at the address below.
Mrs.
Dyanne S. Jabain
595
Chandon Way
Lawrenceville,
GA. 30044
Telephone:
(770) 925-8081
Cell:
(770) 896-1486
Email:
dyanjaba@aol.com
Expressions
of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs.
Dyanne S. Jabain
595
Chandon Way
Lawrenceville,
GA. 30044
Telephone:
(770) 925-8081
Cell:
(770) 896-1486
Email:
dyanjaba@aol.com
And
to:
Bishop
David R. Daniels, Jr. & Supervisor Irene M. Daniels
301
Garvey Circle
Columbia,
S. C. 29203
Email:
Rwysayma@aol.com
International
telephone: (803) 391-8290
African
Cell: 011-2783-701-7019 l
16. GENERAL OFFICER
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It
is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Mr. Hughes G. Hill, father
of retired General Officer, the Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, Presiding Elder of
the West Kentucky District of the West Kentucky Annual Conference. Mr. Hughes G. Hill died on Sunday, March 2,
2014 in the presence of his family in Detroit, Michigan.
Service
arrangements for Mr. Hughes D. Hill are as follows:
Friday,
March 7, 2014
Family
Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m.
James
Cole Funeral Home
Northwest
Chapel
6100
Schaefer Hwy
Detroit,
Michigan 48235
Telephone:
(313) 835-3997
Saturday,
March 8, 2013
Family
Visitation: 12:30 p.m.
Funeral:
1:00 p.m.
James
Cole Funeral Home
Northwest
Chapel
16100
Schaefer Hwy
Detroit,
Michigan 48235
Condolences
can be sent to:
Dr.
Kenneth H. Hill
3141
Harborwood Drive
Nashville,
TN 37214
Telephone:
(615) 316-9799
Email:
hilldrkenneth@comcast.net
Or
Mrs.
Mozelle D. Hill (Dr. Kenneth Hill's mother)
1936
Annabelle St.
Detroit,
Michigan 48217
17. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. James Glover, Sr., 92 years old, of
Awendaw, SC on Monday, March 3, 2014.
Mr. Glover was the widower of the late Mrs. Anna Belle Glover. He was the father of Presiding Elder James R.
Glover, Lancaster District, Columbia, SC and the Rev. Arthur B. Glover, former
pastor of Falls Road AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland and presently pastor of
Greater Mt. Zion AME Church, McClellanville, SC.
Funeral
Services for Mr. Glover:
Saturday,
February 8, 2014
12:00
Noon
Greater
Goodwill AME Church
2817
Highway 17 North
Mt.
Pleasant, SC, 29466
The
Rev. Richard Crummy, Pastor
Telephone:
(843) 884-0903
Services
Entrusted to:
W.M.
Smith-McNeal Funeral Home, Inc.
4129
Highway 17 North
Awendaw,
SC 29429
Telephone:
(843) 881-4920
Fax:
(843) 722-7990
Condolences
may be sent to:
Presiding
Elder James R. Glover (Clemigene)
205
Marabou Circle
West
Columbia, SC 29169
Cell:
(803) 546-7989
The
Rev. Arthur B. Glover (Brenda)
994
Gadsdenville Road
Awendaw,
SC 29429
Home:
(843) 971-3745
Cell:
(443) 739-0697
Email:
arthur_glover1@msn.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
are saddened to announce the passing of Brother Tony Walker, the husband of the
Rev. Florissa Walker who transitioned from labor to reward on March 2,
2014. The Rev. Walker serves as
associate minister at Hunter's Chapel AME Church in Mebane, North Carolina
where the Rev. Vernon P. Burns is the pastor.
The
arrangements are as follows:
The
funeral will be held Friday, March 7, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Mt. Zion AME Church,
5124 Highway 86 North, Hillsborough NC 27278, the Rev. Shelton Miles is the
Pastor. Visitation is at 1:00 p.m.
Please
send cards of sympathy and condolence to
The
Rev. Florissa Walker
610
E. Washington St.
Mebane,
NC 27302
Telephone:
(919)338-9102
19.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of William
L. Virgil III, the son-in-law of the Rev.
Dr. M. D. Wayns, Jr. a retired pastor in the Philadelphia Annual Conference of the
First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided regarding
funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral:
Viewing: Sunday,
March 9, 2014 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Funeral: Monday,
March 10, 2014 12:00 Noon
Wiseman Mortuary Chapel
431 Cumberland Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Eulogist:
The Rev. David L. Morrison, Pastor
St. Luke AME Church
522 Hillsboro Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Professional Care
entrusted to:
Wiseman Mortuary Chapel
431 Cumberland Street
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Interment:
Sandhills State Veterans Cemetery
Murchison Road
Fayetteville, NC 28301
Expressions of
Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Lanette A. W. Virgil
2062 Osceola Drive
Fayetteville,
NC 28301
20.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of King David Boyer, Sr.,
the father of the Rev. Belindia E. Boyer, pastor of Mt. Hebron AME Church in
Linwood, Pennsylvania. (Delaware Conference-Wilmington District). The following
information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Saturday,
March 15, 2014
Viewing 8:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Funeral 10:00 a.m.
Temple
Baptist Church
736
West 7th Butler Street
Chester,
PA 19013
Telephone:
215-876-7800
The
Rev. Jeremiah Witherspoon, pastor and eulogist
Expressions of Sympathy may be
sent to:
The
family of King David Boyer, Sr.
816
West Third Street
Chester,
PA 19013
21. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
22. 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.
*You
have received this message because you are subscribed to
The Christian Recorder Online
Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2012 The Christian Recorder, All
rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you are
a current subscriber to The Christian Recorder.
Our
mailing address is:
The Christian Recorder
500 Eighth Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37203-7508
Add
us to your address book
