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
May is National Military Appreciation Month
Pentecost Sunday: June 8, 2014
1. TCR EDITORIAL –ADVICE FOR YOUNG PASTORS IN THEIR FIRST OR SECOND
PASTORAL APPOINTMENT:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III
The
20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder
The
last two editorials of The Christian
Recorder Online focused on advice I would give to persons entering the
ministry and things I would do differently if I could start my ministry over
again. I also invited our bishops and general officers to share the advice they
would give a young pastor with his first or second pastoral appointment.
Some
of our retired and active bishops and general officers were kind enough to
share their thoughts. And, what wonderful comments they all shared.
Bishop
Adam J. Richardson and retired General Officer, Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams are
sharing their thoughts in this editorial and my comments will follow their
comments. My comments focus upon the advice I would share with young pastors in
their first or second pastoral appointments.
-- Bishop A. J.
Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District
“I would remind
them to remember the details of their ‘calling’ and why they said ‘Yes.’ And
specifically, I would say to each of them, ‘Remain faithful to the theology of
God in Christ; it is presumed to be the theology out of which you were
‘called.’ Try to keep the ‘zeal and fire’ of your ‘calling’ lighted, like an
eternal flame that is never extinguished. Never feel entitled. While the
“servant is worthy of his/her hire,” we work for God. Try not to be too overly
influenced by ministries seen on television. Rather than television, be
inspired by God's vision. Stay prayerful; lead a disciplined life, which
includes daily devotion. This is the hallmark of Methodism. Stay in the ‘Word,’
read widely, understand the theology you espouse. However high you climb, try,
as best you can, to take your family with you. Never put yourself in position
to be an embarrassment to the Kingdom. In your preaching/teaching, worship, and
song, remember Calvary and the meaning of Christ and see where God will take
you and your ministry.”
-- Retired General
Officer Jamye Coleman Williams
“The
advice I would give to a person entering the ministry: Seek guidance daily
through prayer and meditation and seek the counsel of a person whose advice you
value when considering a course of action.
My
advice to a person getting his or her first pastoral appointment would be to
seek guidance daily through prayer and meditation. Encourage the official
family to be candid when offering suggestions. Study
the church and its people to understand its ‘culture’ before making changes.
Make changes prayerfully. Make decisions prayerfully and always seek the
guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
Such great advice
What
great advice for young preachers.
I
remember some of the advice that was given to me when I started out in
ministry. I particularly remember the
comments of my presiding elder, the Rev. D.M. Owens. One of the things he said
was that as a pastor, tears and disappointments would be a part of ministry. He
said to me, ‘Young man, you will shed some tears…’ I remember thinking, ‘I won’t be shedding any
tears,’ but I discovered he was ‘right on-target.’ Every bit of advice he and others gave helped
me to deal with the issues of ministry that surfaced and resurfaced.
The
recurring theme of the advice of the bishops and general officers shared was
the need to be prayerful and to stay in the Word of God.
In
my ministry, I got off to a good start, but over the long haul I had to really
work hard to stay prayerful and in the ‘Word.’ I discovered that ministry, done
effectively, keeps pastors busy and requires time and patience and those things
can get in the way of a meaningful disciplined prayer-life and staying in the
Word. Pastoral responsibilities, family, just being busy were things with which
I had to contend.
I
never appreciated the comment that I assumed was jokingly said, “You only work
20 minutes a week.” I knew better.
Let me get back on
task
I ‘second the motion’
of Bishop Richardson and Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams’ focus on prayer,
discipline, study, seeking guidance and mentorship, understanding the culture
and remaining faithful and diligent in ministry.
I would say to
young preachers, “All of the sage advice about ministry is easier said than
done and mastering all of the advice doesn’t come easy; and it takes constant
work, tweaking, and prayer.”
If you see a …
Now, here is
something to remember, “If you see a turtle on a fencepost, you can be assured
that someone put it there, it didn’t get there by itself.”
Always remember
and never forget, if you have any modicum of success, you didn’t there by
yourself. Someone helped you and that
should put you in a posture of a willingness to help others.
Anybody can be
tempted and no one is so holy that he or she cannot be tempted, which is why
almost every bishop and general officer alludes to prayer, “calling,”
discipline, vigilance, keeping the “zeal and fire” of your “calling,” to
understand the church "culture," ethical and moral bearing,
responsibility to family, and never allowing yourself to be put in a position
to be an embarrassment to the AME Church, to you or your family or the Kingdom
of God.
I believe that I
can safely say that no pastor says to him or herself, “I think I will go out
and do something wrong or maybe do something stupid so that I can bring
embarrassment to myself and others.”
Clergy have to be diligent.
Sometimes, no,
many times, you will have to encourage yourself and in ministry it can be years
later when you will see the “fruit of your ministry.” And, sometimes the very parishioners you are
trying to help the most will be the most contentious and disruptive to your
ministry and the ministry of the local church.
And, in ministry
no matter how effective you are, people will talk about you. Ministry is not a
popularity contest. As in the case of bishops, many of the decisions you make
as a pastor will almost always make some people happy, and others angry.
Transparency in
the ministry is better than keeping things secret.
You must be
committed to do the priestly functions of ministry, i.e., visiting and
communing the sick and shut-in members, hospital visitation, pastoral
counseling at your level of competency, sermon preparation and delivery,
understand and articulate the theology you espouse, baptise, bury the dead,
perform marriages, be compassionate and love the people.
You must also be
committed to the prophetic ministry of Christ and the Church. If you are faithful
to the priestly functions, the people will be more attentive when you speak the
prophetic word; even when you have to give a hard word.
Always respect
authority. It is not a matter of liking or disliking those in authority. If
parishioners observe you disrespecting authority, subliminally it gives
parishioners license to disrespect authority and most often, you, the pastor
will be the object of their disrespect; not the bishop or the presiding elder.
Respect authority
and honor your ordination vows. In order to be a great leader, you have to be a
great follower. Whoever is or has the responsibility of the bottomline has the
last word!
In the episcopal
district and the annual conference, it’s the bishop, in the presiding elder
district it’s the presiding elder and in the local church it’s the pastor and
in a local church organization it’s the president. Respect of boundaries
enhances the function of any organization.
Every job and
every profession has a dark side and the ministry is no different. You can either succumb to, or become a
partner of the “dark side” or you can maintain your integrity and always take
the “high ground” when confronted with negativity. Stay above “the mess.”
Do not hang with
complainers, because if you do, you will become a complainer. “Hang” with
positive pastors and you will probably be positive too. If you hang around
“dirt,” you will get dirty too.
I have a motto, “I will stick with you through “thick and
thin” as long as you are trying to do the right thing, but if you are doing
wrong, when things get thick, I will thin out.”
Follow the rules
of ministerial ethics and etiquette. We have written some of them in this
column-space, but in reality, common sense is a great guide for your behavior.
As my grandmother said, “Common sense and
treating people right will get to most places where you are tying to go.”
And, if you are
successful, “don’t get the “bighead,” ministry is not about you; it’s about
God.
Remember, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty
spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs
16:18)
Remember the
story about a turtle on a fencepost, it didn’t get there by itself; someone put
it there. Always thank God for the people in your life that helped you to reach
some of your goals. Be humble and always in a posture to help others.
If you need to do
so, reread the advice that the bishops and general officers shared in last week
and today’s editorial; they gave some great advice!
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To the Editor:
RE: TCR Breaking News - NAACP has selected
a social justice activist and minister to lead the nation’s oldest and largest
civil rights organization
Let me be among the
many celebrating the announcement of the Rev. Cornell Brooks as the new
president of the NAACP. I was pleased to be his bishop while serving in the
Second District. He was pastor of the St. Luke AMEC in the Washington
Conference on the Capitol District. He was a very creative and dedicated
pastor, well connected at the highest levels of Virginia politics. He and his
wife are very devoted parents to their sons. The sons were very much involved
in church. I served as preacher one year on Resurrection Sunday at St. Luke,
with music provided by professional jazz musicians. I count that experience
among my treasured memories. He was the noon day preacher in the Washington
Conference held at Metropolitan, Washington. With everything else he has going
for him, he's also a preacher (spelled with a capital P). Mrs. Richardson and I
will be praying that his service to the NAACP will be extraordinary, garnering
great support in continuing its effective civil rights advocacy all across the
United States.
Congratulations, Mr.
President!
Bishop Adam J.
Richardson, Presiding Prelate, 11th Episcopal District
3. AME LUNCHEON AT
THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS' CONFERENCE – TUESDAY JUNE 3, 12 NOON:
The
AME Luncheon at the 100th Anniversary of
the Hampton University Ministers Conference will be held on Tuesday June 3,
2014 at 12 Noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 700 Settlers Landing Road in
Hampton, Virginia.
The
cost of the Luncheon is $25.00 and it is always a great time of fellowship and
a significant event at the HU Ministers’ Conference.
The
HU Ministers' Conference and Choir Directors' and Organists' Guild will convene
June 1 – 6, 2014
If
you need further information call Bethel AME Church (757) 723-4065.
The
Rev. Andre Jefferson, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Hampton is the coordinator
for the AME Luncheon.
Bishop
William P. DeVeaux is the Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal
District.
Senior
Bishop John R. Bryant is the convener of the AME Luncheon.
4. VIDEO –
HOMECOMING - BRING OUR GIRLS BACK:
Dr.
Thema Bryant-Davis has produced exciting video about the kidnapped young ladies
in Nigeria:
Watch
"Homecoming" video on YouTube:
5. NAACP SELECTS
ACTIVIST LAWYER AND AME ITINERANT ELDER CORNELL BROOKS AS NEW PRESIDENT:
The
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has selected
a social justice activist and minister to lead the nation’s oldest and largest
civil rights organization.
Formed
in 1909, the NAACP has maintained its mission “to ensure the political,
educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to
eliminate racial hatred and racial discrimination.” The name alone symbolizes
the tradition typically associated with the organization, as it has retained
the now taboo term “colored’ in its name since it’s inception.
This
tradition has lead the organization’s board of directors to overwhelmingly
select Cornell William Brooks out of a select group of 450 applicants, to
replace interim NAACP president Lorraine Miller, who stepped in once president
Benjamin Todd Jealous resigned last September.
Brooks
comes with all the credentials, accolades, and social status connections
typically associated with these leadership positions. Brooks is a former senior
counsel member with the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Brooks is also
a longtime attorney who was a trial attorney for the Lawyers Committee for
Civil Rights Under Law. While attending Yale Law School, where he received his
Juris Doctorate, he was senior editor of the Yale Law Journal. He also received
a master’s degree in divinity from Boston University.
The
Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, Presiding Elder of the Brooklyn-Westchester District of
the New York Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME)
said, "Today is a Wonderful Moment for African Methodism because this
morning, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
announced that it has selected Cornell William Brooks as its new President and
CEO." Wilson went on to say, "This is particularly gratifying for me
because Cornell and I were literal roommates in seminary for the entire 3 years
that we attended Boston University School of Theology. Cornell Brooks is an
ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and he has
one of the most brilliant minds of anyone I've ever met. African Methodism has
always had a strong history of civil and civic engagement. We should be godly
proud that an AME will now lead the NAACP!"
Brother
Eldridge Darwin of the 13th Episcopal District wrote, “I am very excited. I
remember years ago I was reading a book on the NAACP and it said during the
lean years of its history, the AME Church and its Bishops kept the NAACP
afloat."
Brother
Matthew Douglas, the Washington Annual Conference Lay President acknowledged
the announcement of Cornell Brooks' selections and remembers that "Matthew
used to be associate minister at Turner AME in Washington, DC and was pastor
briefly of St Luke AME Church."
During
the time Brooks served as a U.S. Department of Justice trial attorney, Brooks
secured the then largest government settlement for victims of housing
discrimination based on discrimination testing. Brooks also filed the
government’s first lawsuit against a nursing home alleging housing
discrimination based on race.
Brooks,
53, has been living in Annandale, New Jersey with his wife and two sons, with
his primary work lately consisting as serving as director of the New Jersey
Institute for Social Justice- while also serving as pastor and assistant
minister at an African Methodist Episcopal Church.
According
to USA Today, who was able to get a statement from Brooks via telephone, Brook
acknowledges the significance of announcing this during the 60th anniversary of
the Brown v. Board of Education ruling.
“With
today being the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education … I’m a
graduate of Yale Law School, I am an heir, a beneficiary, a grandson of Brown
v. Board of Education, so as a consequence, I am an heir to the legacy of the
NAACP,” Brooks said in a telephone interview. It is the “sacrifice of members
past and present that led to me being where I am,” he said.
“I
am profoundly grateful for this opportunity, “Brooks added.
NAACP
chairwoman Roslyn Brock said “Attorney Brooks is a long-term lawyer, a human
rights activist and a fourth-generation ordained minister and so we look
forward to leveraging his experience … and his keen vision,” Brooks is slated
to officially take over in July, at a NAACP board meeting in Las Vegas. Until
then Brooks says the plan is to become familiar with the needs and concerns of
the organization.
6. AME
HISTORIOGRAPHER CALLS FOR DONATIONS OF AME HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS:
As
we approach the 2016 General Conference Celebration the Department of Research
and Scholarship is busy preparing quality presentations representative of our
rich history. Please consider donating
AME historical documents, collections of publications, papers, books and other
artifacts to the central AME archive in Nashville. Thank you to all who have
contributed to the AME Review. We are
still in need of articles, book reviews, sermons and church histories to
continue to produce an exemplary journal.
Thank
you to all who submitted terminal degree information (PhD, EdD, ThD, DMin,
etc.) for the Distinguished AME Scholars data base and 200 Years of AME
Scholarship Project. If you have not done so or your degree will be complete by
2016, please forward your degree discipline, dissertation or project topic,
publications, current title and position to AMECHistoryintheMaking@yahoo.com.
Finally,
and most importantly, according to the Discipline, the Historiographer/Research
and Scholarship Department is responsible for establishing financial
feasibility, collection and compilation of materials for a Bicentennial
Encyclopedia. The work has begun on
history for the past 25 years as stated in my report last year. I deeply appreciate all the inquiries and
persons wanting to work on specific projects. Having worked with editing and
publishing for some time, I also understand my role as project leader and the
necessity of a filter to produce a work that all will be proud to possess. If
you would like to work on the connectional Bicentennial Encyclopedia project
with our current research staff or have ideas for the project, please contact
my office at AMECHistoryintheMaking@yahoo.com no later than June 30, 2014.
Thank
you in advance. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Fourteenth Historiographer and Executive
Director of Research and Scholarship
7. LIGHT AT THE END
OF THE TUNNEL:
When
I joined Allen University's Board of Trustees in September 2013, I must confess
a degree of hesitation and reservation. First, I had served on Allen's board
from 1981 through 1996. Secondly, I was aware of the struggles that plagued my
beloved alma mater, similar to the struggles of too many of our HBCU's.
What
I had not experienced or was aware of was the determined, dynamic and focused
leadership of Allen University's Chairman of the Board, Bishop Richard Franklin
Norris.
After
attending the first board meeting on January 14, 2014, I entered with some
apprehension, but left the meeting thinking, "I do see a glimmer, a
dim perception of light." There was indeed reason for optimism!
Any
lingering doubt that I may have had was completely removed as we gathered
recently for our spring board meeting. Just as the Mrs. Ruby Fielding, Chief
Financial Officer was completing the budget review for 2014-2015; we all saw
the bottomline. During the recently concluded fiscal year Allen University had
reduced its overall indebtedness by FIVE (5) MILLION DOLLARS! Literally unheard
of, unbelievable, given the plight of so many of our schools.
8. THANKS BE TO
GOD:
*The
Reverend Allen W. Parrott
First,
we celebrate the goodness of God, realizing that all gifts come from God and
without God we can do nothing!
Secondly,
we give God thanks for the membership and friends of the Seventh Episcopal
District of the African Methodist Church for their strong and
unwavering support of Allen University and for the efforts of Dr. Lady
June Cole, President, the faculty and staff.
Thirdly,
and lastly, much of the credit goes to our chairman, Bishop Norris who has
literally willed Allen University to vibrancy, life and to carry out its
mission to educate and train future leaders for people of color. Over three
million dollars has been raised by Bishop Norris since his arrival in South Carolina
twenty two months ago in support of Allen University. Bishop Norris has labored
much to the benefit of Allen University.
It
is because of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Chairman of Allen University's
Board of Trustees that this venerable institution can see clearly Light at the
End of the Tunnel.
*The
Reverend Allen W. Parrott is a member, Board of Trustees of Allen University in
Columbia, South Carolina
9. 21ST
CENTURY APOSTLE FOR EDUCATION:
In
the early history of our Zion, Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, the “Apostle for
Education” set the standard for much of the educational process in the African
Methodist Episcopal Church. In the
Seventh Episcopal District a prodigy, a Turner Seminary graduate, exists in the
person of Dr. Gregory Grooms. Bishop Payne’s passion for the dissemination of
Education has been fostered and brought into 21st Century relevance
by Dr. Grooms.
Anyone
who has ever been in a classroom knows that the best learning occurs when the
teacher is knowledgeable, personable, and engaging. Dr. Grooms will have you
falling on the floor laughing when he presents serious information, but his
content relevance is always on point.
[Bishop Payne would be honored and proud; the legacy is intact].
In
a biographical sketch written by Dr. Groom’s son Alonzo, “apostle in training;
Dr. Grooms is described as “a man of great faith and intelligence… who stands
firmly on John Wesley’s Quadrilateral Pillars: Scripture, Tradition, Reason,
and Logic.”
According
to the younger Grooms, his dad finds inspiration in Mark 16:15, which says, “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”
The
Rev. Dr. Grooms, after answering the call to ministry in 1977 at Mount Olive
AME Church in Myrtle Beach South Carolina has pastored at Mt. Carmel, in Grey
Court, South Carolina; Bethel, (Conway, SC), Ebenezer, (Mullins, SC), Bethel
(Union), White Hall (Jenkinsville), St. James (Columbia), and now at St.
Phillip (Eastover).
When
we speak of the Pillar of Reason according to Alonzo, Dr. Grooms believes that
knowledge is power. He has earned B.A. from Marshall University (Huntington
WV), a Masters of Divinity Degree from Turner Theological Seminary (Atlanta,
GA), and a Doctor of Ministry Degree from Drew University (Madison, NJ).
Furthermore, he believes in sharing that knowledge/power. He lectures
throughout the 7th Episcopal District AME Church. Additionally, in 2004 Dr. Grooms served as a
Bible Study presenter at the 47th Quadrennial General Conference, of the AME
Church held in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Traditionally,
Wesley’s third Pillar, Pastor Grooms has a strong desire to uphold the AME
Church. Along with serving Allen University (since 1985) in many capacities
that include Recruiter, Financial Aid Counselor, Senior Class Advisor,
Chairperson of Strategic Planning Committee, Faculty Representative to Board of
Trustees, President of Faculty Council, the first Cultural Academic Religious
Series Coordinator (C.A.R.S.), and Chair of
the Humanities and Religion Divisions. He served as the Accreditation
Liaison for Allen in 2006, when the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools reaffirmed Allen University. Presently Dr. Grooms serves as the
University Chaplain and the Dean of Dickerson Theological Seminary. He is best
known and loved however by his students, both at the University and throughout
the Seventh Episcopal District because of his outstanding classroom performance
and his inimitable style of teaching at plenary sessions for lay and clergy
alike.
Dr.
Grooms has further distinguished himself as an educator by wearing many hats
with the 7th Episcopal District as a member of the 7th Episcopal District
Christian Education Board and the 7th Episcopal District Board of
Examiners. As a member of the Columbia
Annual Conference, he serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Examiners &
Curriculum Committee Chair, and as a member of the Christian Education Board.
Additionally, he serves the Lancaster District as a member of Committee on
Ministerial Orders and the Christian Education Committee.
When
it comes to the Pillar of Logic, Rev. Grooms loves to sing and knows that
behind every good man is a better woman.
He has been singing “I been Loving
you too Long to Stop Now” to his wife Minnie Grooms since 1984. They are
the proud parents to two amazing boys, Gregory Jr. and Alonzo C. He is also the
proud grandfather of the future world-boxing champion Gregory III (Tre).
A
21st Century Renaissance man of Education, Dr. Grooms has given the
word Apostle a modern twist. He is an
advocate, a supporter, a champion, a proponent, and a true believer in the
adage that “knowledge is power”, and he devotes his personhood to making sure
that information is not only available, but delivered in such a way that no one
can walk away not having been inspired, informed, and empowered to go forth and
continue to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Submitted
by your classmates:
The
Right Reverend Julius H. McAllister
Presiding
Prelate, 8th Episcopal District
The
Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson
Presiding
Prelate, 20th Episcopal District
The
Reverend Rosalyn G. Coleman
Presiding
Elder of the Georgetown District, 7th Episcopal District
10.
“SEAWRIGHT:" A RISING STAR IN THE 2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
*The
Rev. Clay L. Barrow, M.Div
A
“truth” of our Zion is that it is a “graying” church. This reality is especially pronounced in our
small communities, and in our churches which serve these communities. My church’s demographics would fall under
this category: where the majority of the membership is largely retired, and in
the minority are blue/light blue collar workers. Though where I serve is financially and
spiritually healthy, it is a known, poignant fact that unless there is an
infusion and influx of new, working-aged worshippers (with families) within
churches like mine, the long-term viability of the church will become an ever
increasing issue with every passing funeral.
I
searched the internet looking for fresh ideas for ministry which would be
relevant to the needs of the people that would be “new wine in new wineskins”
for my church and the greater community.
We,
pastors, recognize that we need to adopt newer models for ministry in order to
address the needs of those we serve; or our churches will be empty, budgets
fail, and the doors of the church would be closed.
We
recognize that we must rely on more than the offering plate and tithe box to
remain financially stable and our ministries must be holistic and address the
needs of our parishioners.
In
my search to look for ideas in our Zion, I found a rising star in the 2nd
Episcopal District in the person of the Rev. Dr. Harry Seawright, pastor of
Union Bethel AME Church in Brandywine, Maryland.
His
effort to improve the economic trajectory and the pressing financial issues of
the community is a model of community investment.
Dr.
Seawright founded and owns several companies, but there are two enterprises
that have the expressed purpose of employing the members of his church and
community that could benefit the context for my ministry – his church’s daycare
center and "We Kleen, Inc., a custodial, landscaping, and home repair
service. Both business ventures provide
a new paradigm for economic development and sustainability, employment,
community uplift, and with impact upon the family as a whole.
Both
businesses of Union Bethel AME Church add to the tax base to the county and
municipality of Brandywine, Maryland.
Both provide a diverse revenue stream for Union Bethel for the purpose
of advancing the cause for Christ. Both
enterprises draw families to the church because this church, under the dynamic
leadership of Seawright, dared to invest in the community in order to make a
difference.
Thank
you, Dr. Seawright, for providing this excellent model for community investment
for churches from which we all can benefit!
*The
Rev. Clay L. Barrow, M.Div is the pastor of Clapp’s Chapel AME Church in
Whitsett North Carolina
11. MACON
CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION FIRST ANNUAL ASSEMBLY:
Sister
Desiree V. O'Bryant
Macon
Conference Lay Organization sponsored its First Annual Assembly on Saturday,
April 12, 2014 at Saint Peter AME Church in Fort Valley, Georgia where the Rev.
Michael G. Ephraim, Sr. is the host pastor; Bishop Preston Warren Williams II
is the Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District; the Rev.
Alan Hale Wicker, Presiding Elder, Macon District; and Brother Ashley Ballard,
Host Conference Lay President. The occasion proved to be a productive and
informational session. After registration of the laity, a delightful continental
breakfast was served.
The
Opening Session began with a Declaration of the Assembly followed by greetings
and welcome messages from the Host District and Host Church Lay Organizations.
A warm welcome was extended by The Reverend Michael G. Ephraim, Sr of Saint
Peter A. M.E. and Brother Cedric Nelson, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Powersville,
Georgia, President, Macon District Lay Organization. The Business Session of
the Assembly was conducted, which included the 2014-2016 Election of Officers.
Presiding over the elections was Dr. Verma Curtis, Bethel AME Church in
Augusta, Georgia and 6th Episcopal District Lay Organization 2nd
Vice President.
After
a Praise Break, The Plenary Session featured Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III who is
the renowned Editor of “The Christian Recorder,” which is the official
newspaper of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Sydnor was elected to
that position at the 47th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that
was held in Indianapolis, Indiana in July 2004 and was unanimously re-elected
at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that was held in St.
Louis, Missouri in 2008, and also re-elected at the 2012 General Conference
held in Nashville, Tennessee.
He
used Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Book for the key points in his presentation: Cheap
Grace – the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance; Communion
without confession; Grace without discipline. He touched on each of these
subtopics. Grace is costly – some churches are only interested in filling pews.
Costly grace must be sought again and again. He lectured further about the
aspect of capturing discipleship. And, with laity engagement, asked how the
local church can capture discipleship. Some of the responses included
initiating a new member’s class at your church and another response was going
out into the community since sometimes the community in most need is located
within the approximate vicinity of the church. There was great involvement in
discussion on this subject.
Macon
Conference Lay President, Ashley Ballard, thanked Dr. Sydnor III for attending
and lecturing at the Annual Assembly and presented him with a gift of
appreciation. The Plenary Session adjourned with the choral Lay Benediction
after which they moved to the Ulric George Fellowship Hall to enjoy a
scrumptious lunch.
Macon
Conference President Ballard and the officers were instrumental in making this
First Annual Assembly a memorable event.
12. THE GUARDED
WOLF SYNDROME:
Brother
Gene Hill
Several
years ago Mika Edmondson, who at the time was a doctoral student at Calvin
Theological Seminary wrote an article entitled, The “Guarded Wolf”: Why Black Churches Follow Bad Pastors. The
author shared his position that some “churchgoers” believe that pastors, no
matter how bad they are or how many infractions they commit, are untouchable;
they are seen as being “above the law.”
And people with these views will often guard a corrupt pastor by
immediately denying and dismissing any allegations of misconduct before they
even carefully consider the facts. And
it does not matter how strong those facts are or what that evidence might be.
They will even go so far as to blame the victims for their own
victimization. The author explains that
some of the behavior is due to those churchgoers’ view of the pastor as being
untouchable and some of it is fear. Fear that if they call-out the pastor for
his/her wrong doings, their wrong-doings will also be brought to light.
But
lest we think that all of our pulpits are filled with corrupt pastors let me
assure you, at least in my opinion is not the case.
I
sincerely believe that we have far more pastors attempting to be godly leaders
than there are those who are more concerned about themselves, their next
appointment and its package, rather than their flock.
My
concern or question though is not necessarily about pastors, but leaders in
general.
Why
do some parishioners have a tendency to follow bad leaders?
We
allow bad politicians to get into office and remain in office because we either
overlook their poor leadership or we give up and stay home on Election
Day.
We
allow ineffective church officers to be elected, whether elected by the members
or nominated by the pastor and confirmed by the members to positions that we
know that they are not qualified for by not attending church conferences and/or
quarterly conferences. And if we do
attend, we sit quietly until the meeting is over. Then we adjourn to the next meeting - the
“parking lot” meetings, to complain about the pastor, the officers, etc.
Why
do we choose to be uninformed or misinformed?
Not everyone can attend connectional or even district meetings that
require travel and several days of our time; and this is understandable.
But
what about various conference meetings that, due to the vastness of some our
annual conferences, may still require significant travel times, but are just a
one-day meeting? Travel and time take
commitment and that is why it is so important to select committed people who
are willing to travel to all parts of the conference, not only conduct meetings
but provide training as well.
Travel
and those extra expenses associated with it can be a deterrent to attending
meetings away from our local churches, but what about important local church
meetings?
There
is no exorbitant travel or expenses required to attend local church meetings.
And
why is that when we do attend, we often do not speak up or ask questions?
Could
it be that we do not know the laws and traditions, and there is a difference
between the “laws” of our Zion and that which has become a “tradition.”
Are
we afraid that someone will “peep our hole-card” or discover that we may not
know as much as we pretend to or claim to know?
One of my high school teachers would always tell us that the only stupid
question is the one that you don’t ask.
Lay
organizations, the backbone of African Methodism, are having monthly, quarterly
and annual meetings across the AME Church, as we in the Midwest Conference will
be having our Annual Convention June 5-7, 2014 in Wichita, Kansas.
I
would hope that laypeople across our Zion should take the Lay Organization
meetings seriously, especially this year because as with our Conference, some
will be electing new Conference officers.
Individuals will lead conferences for the next two years. They will not
only set the tone and direction of the Conference Lay Organization, but
possibly that of the Conference as a whole.
The
Lay Organization is the training ministry of our Zion; at least that is what
our Constitution and By-Laws state. Down home though they always told us that
actions speaks louder than words. What
do our actions or lack thereof, say about how well we have fulfilled that
mandate?
We
should all remember, if you want a change then “show up and vote!”
And
to those who are satisfied with the status
quo, I say, “show up and vote!”
If
we are to indeed be the training ministry of our Zion, we MUST set the right
example - “By any means necessary” is not appropriate!
The
time has come for us to stop just “talking the talk” and for us to start
“walking the walk.”
And
when we cast our vote, be it in your Lay Organization, the local church when
you are electing new church officers, or whatever the election may be; I pray
that you are casting your vote for that individual based on their
qualifications and not on your friendship with that person or your personal
feelings against the person.
If
you are a true friend, the worst thing you should desire for your friend is to
knowingly put them in a situation that they are not qualified for and end up
embarrassing themselves, as well as, the conference, the church, etc.
To
knowingly do so, places their failure not only on them but you as well.
Gene
Hill
Midwest
Conference
13. FISK TRUSTEE
OFFERS TO MATCH $500,000 IN DONATIONS:
A
trustee of Fisk University has issued a first-of-its-kind $500,000 challenge.
The
trustee will match all donations received between May 19 and June 30, up to a
half million dollars. The trustee, one of 25 on the university’s board, wishes
to remain anonymous until the end of the fundraising challenge.
The
school’s goal this fiscal year is to raise $4 million for student scholarships.
University officials are expecting a surge in enrollment next year, projecting
700-800 students. This year, there are 645.
The
university’s application goal for next year’s incoming class was 4,000. Thus
far, the university has received over 6,000 applications.
Tuition,
fees and room and board at the historically African-American university run
about $31,000 a year. Between 75 and 80 percent of all students require
financial aid.
Donations
can be made at www.fisk.edu or mailed to Fisk University at 1000 17th Ave., Nashville,
Tenn. 37208.
—
Anita Wadhwani, The Tennessean
This
article received from Fisk University: OIA@fisk.edu
14. PEACE CORPS PARTNERS WITH ALPHA PHI ALPHA TO PROMOTE SERVICE IN
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY:
WASHINGTON,
D.C., May 21, 2014 – On Friday, May 23, the Peace Corps and Alpha Phi Alpha –
the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity for African Americans – will
announce a partnership to promote volunteer service at Peace Corps
headquarters. Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet will be joined
by Alpha Phi Alpha General President Mark S. Tillman for the signing of a
partnership agreement.
The Peace
Corps and Alpha Phi Alpha will together promote the value of service and
collaborate to help fraternity members’ access career opportunities in the
Peace Corps. Both organizations share a dedication to grassroots action and
global engagement through service. Alpha Phi Alpha has more than 175,000
initiated members, including prominent and accomplished activists, educators,
politicians, businessmen, philanthropists, entertainers and athletes.
Friday’s
event will highlight the prominent role of African Americans in international
affairs and development, featuring former Assistant Secretary of State for
African Affairs and returned Peace Corps volunteer Johnnie Carson.
What:
Peace Corps and Alpha Phi Alpha Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony
Who:
Peace Corps
Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet;
Alpha Phi
Alpha General President Mark S. Tillman; and
Former
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and Returned Peace Corps
Volunteer Johnnie Carson
When:
4:00 p.m. ET, Friday, May 23, 2014
Where: Peace Corps Headquarters, 1111 20th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
Today, the
Peace Corps is not just a chance to make a difference but also a training
ground and launching pad for a 21st century career. Peace Corps volunteers gain
hands-on experience and develop cross-cultural, leadership and language skills
that give them a competitive edge in today’s global economy.
Peace Corps’
Office of Diversity and National Outreach work to recruit a diverse pool of
volunteers and build an inclusive culture. The agency recently announced it is
stepping up outreach in under-represented communities to field a broader
volunteer force that reflects the rich diversity of the American people.
About the
Peace Corps: As the preeminent
international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends
Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world.
Peace Corps volunteers work at the grassroots level with local governments,
schools, communities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable
solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development,
agriculture, environment and youth development. When they return home,
volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences – and a global outlook – back
to the United States that enriches the lives of those around them. President
John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961 to foster a better
understanding among Americans and people of other countries. Since then, more
than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide.
Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more.
About Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity: Founded on December 4, 1906, at Cornell University in
Ithaca, NY, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity has continued to supply voice and vision
to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world. The
fraternity has long stood at the forefront of the African-American community’s
fight for civil rights through Alpha men such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Adam
Clayton Powell, Thurgood Marshall, Paul Robeson, Andrew Young, Edward Brooke
and Cornel West. The fraternity, through
its more than 600 college and alumni chapters, and general-organization
members, serves communities in the United States, Africa, Europe, Asia and the
Caribbean.
###
Paul D.
Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters
1111 20th
Street NW • Washington, DC 20526
Telephone:
800.424.8580 • www.peacecorps.gov
15. THE TRUTH IS THE
LIGHT:
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical Text: Acts 16:15: “And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, if
ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide
there. And she constrained us.”
Even with all of our modern evangelism efforts we will find that
we can still learn a lot from the Apostle Paul, arguably one of the greatest
missionaries. Paul conducted his mission ministry in a practical way. Paul had
a strategy as he selected where he would go and how he would minister to the people
when he reached them. He was careful to remain open to the leading of the Holy
Spirit and prepared to, at a moments notice, redirect at the Spirit’s call.
In like manner, it is incumbent upon us to develop a strategy if
we are to win our communities for Christ. We have great programs in place
however it will take more than our programs to grow disciples. Our strategy
must require those who are strong to fellowship with those who are weak. In
other words our strategy, to be effective, must require us to “abide” in the
life of the new believer.
We will be wasting valuable time and opportunity if we venture
out with a helter skelter, hit or miss strategy. It has been my experience that
many in our churches tend to view the call to the mission field as something
far too mystical to be involved in. That could be why we can see the problems
as they are broadcasted to us on television but never really see the need to
organize and finance mission trips. We seem to believe the mission field to be
too great a challenge for us.
I am extremely proud that Sister Shantell Scott, a young member
of Morris Brown, has taken very seriously the need to be on the mission field.
She spent time “abiding” in Ghana teaching and ministering to the people while
providing articles of clothing and supplies for school. Her energy for mission
was so contagious that this past spring her mother Shirley joined her as she
returned to Ghana to do further mission work. As she plans to go again Morris
Brown will strategize to help Shantell to do even more and take more
missionaries with her.
Paul’s example reminds us that while there is nothing mystical
about becoming a missionary for Christ, we do need to be prepared to follow the
Holy Spirit’s urging to “abide” in the life of the new believer. Out text shows
us that after Paul converted Lydia he did not just leave her to her own
devises. The text says that the woman constrained or forced Paul to abide in
her house, so she could learn more about her new faith in Jesus Christ. We need
to know that the Lord is looking for sheep that are willing to abide with the
flock. The Lord is interested in missionaries who will stay with the newly
converted way past Sunday, into Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday. A songwriter puts it best as he asks, “How will our new believers
know that they have a friend in Jesus if they don’t have a friend in you?"
The truth of the matter is that evangelism is not just a moment
in the new convert’s life but rather it is a process. Evangelism takes quite a
bit of time and a lot of effort. We cannot always expect instant gratification
when we share Christ with unbelievers. Just like in the garden, it takes more
than merely planting seeds. We must cultivate, water and fertilize our garden.
Furthermore, we must “guard” the garden to keep the weeds out.
In like manner, we must expect that there is more to our
evangelism effort than merely sharing our testimony and leading someone to
repentance. We must cultivate if we intend to see growth. There is a need to
“water” the new believer with love and concern. To ensure the seed is
germinating in good soil we must “fertilize” our new convert with the Word of
Wisdom. We must guard our new believer during the early stages of growth to
keep the “weeds” of discouragement from choking the new roots as they mature in
Christ.
It is interesting to note that Jesus Christ did not say to us
that we are to, “Go and save souls.”
That is because the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God.
What Jesus did instruct us to do was to go and teach and make disciples of all
nations. However, we cannot expect to make disciples unless we are a disciple
ourselves. The Bible tells us that when the disciples returned from their first
mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to
them. Jesus warned them and warns us, in effect, “Don’t rejoice in successful
service, the great secret of joy is that you have the right relationship with
Me.”
It will take a great deal of commitment for us to be
intentionally mission-minded, particularly as we come to recognize that it is
not merely about winning souls for Christ. Being mission minded is also very
much about training disciples for Christ. One of the down falls in our outreach
ministries is that once we share the gospel of Jesus Christ and encourage a new
believer to become a part of the family we then leave them to flounder in their
new faith. We plant the seed but we don’t nurture it. We don’t adequately
embrace the new believer ensuring their spiritual growth by warding off the
“weeds.” We fail to surround them with a network of on-going training. In other
words we essentially birth a “babe in Christ” but we don’t feed them!
As a church working intentionally to “teach and make disciples,”
we must remain true to the call of God. The one and only purpose for our
existence is to disciple men and women to Jesus. We are a mission minded church
and we serve as a beacon light in our community. As such we must understand
that our challenge does not come from the fact that people are difficult to
bring to salvation.
The challenge we face does not present itself due to the fact
that backsliders are difficult to reclaim, or that there is a barrier of
callous indifference on the part of the membership. I submit that the real
challenge comes from the perspective of our own personal relationship with
Jesus Christ who asks us very plainly, “Do you believe that I am able to do
this?” That is the real question that
confronts us in every individual evangelism opportunity we encounter.
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of
Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
16. GETTING TO ZERO:
COMMENTARY ON CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION FOCUS ON DIABETES:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
On passing the information table in the foyer of our Michigan
home church, Brown Chapel AMEC, I picked up a copy of the AME CHC Special
Edition of Diabetes Health Monitor. The cover of the Spring 2014 inaugural
edition features innovators, the Rev. Reginald and Mrs. Leslie McRae of Mt.
Pisgah AME Church in Jersey City, New Jersey. The special edition proclaims
that their church “got healthier together!”
Besides the beautiful photograph of The McRaes on the magazine
cover, the banner word Diabetes captured my attention. At the 2014 Consortium
of Universities in Global Health (CUGH) conference in Washington, DC, diabetes
was listed as one of the top non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide.
The inside of the compact magazine explains that this is a
Special AME edition of Diabetes Health Monitor published in conjunction with
the Health Monitor Network (HMN), a multi-media patient-education company
headquartered in Montvale, NJ (for more info call 201-391-1911). The back cover
explains that our AME Connectional Health Commission (CHC) partnered with HMN
to bring about the timely resource.
Prevalence of diabetes
Diabetes runs in my family. Both my maternal and paternal
grandmothers, who lived to the ages of 96 and 86 respectively, were
diabetic. My wonderfully healthy, highly
blessed, independent-living mother who is age 90 in 2014 has managed diabetes
well for over 35 years. My husband’s father was diabetic. It is in our family
genes. We are acutely aware of the need to be alert to signs and symptoms of
diabetes. We try to eat healthy, keep physically active and reduce conditions
that bring unhealthy levels of stress.
Diabetes is epidemic in the USA. The American Diabetes
Association reports that there are 25.8 million children and adults (8.3% of
the population) living with diabetes in the United States (1). Almost 1/3 of
these are undiagnosed.
Globally in 2012, there were at least 382 million persons living
with diabetes (2). Contrary to a common
perception that the condition affects people in relatively developed countries,
the International Disease Federation reports that globally “a staggering 80% of
people living with diabetes are in low- or middle-income countries.”
What is diabetes?
Diabetes occurs when there are changes in production or effective
function of insulin.
Insulin, a hormone that is part of the endocrine system,
regulates use of glucose (sugar) in providing energy for cells, tissues and
organs. Insulin regulates the use of nutrients from ingested foods and use of
stored fat for energy needs. Over time changes can occur in the amount of
insulin produced, in the sensitivity of cells to the presence of insulin, or in
uptake of glucose by cells in response to presence of insulin. Glucose uptake
and glucose levels in the blood are connected to levels of insulin.
Production of insulin, the types and frequency of food ingested
and the amount of physical activity and stress affect presence and function of
insulin. Thus, diabetes is influenced by both genetic and behavioral factors.
Expression of the insulin gene to make insulin protein impacts
glucose metabolism. Type 1 diabetes occurs at any age due to inherited features
that affect how much insulin is produced from the insulin gene. For some
people, onset of Type 2 diabetes occurs when aging or excess weight leads to
decline in insulin production by the pancreas, loss of sensitivity to insulin
or loss of glucose uptake by cells throughout the body.
With both types of diabetes, cells in tissues of muscles and
other body organs literally starve although there is ample food (glucose) in
the surrounding blood plasma. For diabetics, blood that supplies nutrients to
cells contains plenty of glucose. However, because of a change in insulin
function, this glucose does not move into the interior of cells where sugar
molecules are processed as fuel to make energy. Normally, specialized factories
(organelles) inside cells carry out biochemical metabolic steps that produce
energy from breakdown of glucose. With diabetes, glucose (sugar) levels in the
blood can increase to dangerous levels that adversely affect many body organs.
Diabetes is often labeled as a “metabolic disorder.”
Diabetes is a manageable non-communicable chronic disease. When
undetected or out of control, it can be devastating and even fatal. Blood sugar
levels that are high or too low can lead to fatigue, blindness, stroke, heart
disease, loss of kidney function, liver or nerve damage, dialysis, feet and leg
lesions that are difficult to heal, amputations and premature death. The annual
death count worldwide from diabetes in 2013 is estimated to be over 5.1
million. However, the very good news is that diabetes can be successfully
managed so it does not lead to pre-mature death.
Practical Content of the
Special Edition
The AME Connectional Health Commission (CHC) has provided a much
needed accessible resource filled with insights from easy to read articles in
the relevant sections. These sections are: Review the Diabetes Basics, Witness
Faith in Action, Work with Your Healthcare Team and Everyday with Diabetes.
Even better, the articles use AMEs – churches, physicians, health
professionals, pastors, congregation members- to provide insights and stories.
One piece is about the impact on congregation members of following the Daniel
Fast. In Getting to Zero, we discussed this and other fasting options to
undertake for Lent 2014 or at any time to jump start focused prayer and good
nutrition habits in a move towards better overall health.
In the special issue on diabetes CHC Executive Director, The
Rev. Natalie Mitchell provides tips to “Slay diabetes as your Goliath.” The
tips include: “choose whole foods, stay on top of your total health, partner
with your diabetes healthcare team, learn your triggers, lean on the church.”
As part of “Everyday with Diabetes” Rev. Mitchell provides recommended recipes
for dark chocolate brownie bites and mac and cheddar cheese that are sensitive
to nutrition needs for managing diabetes. Imagine that!
The Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, the CHC Medical Director, confronts
common misconceptions about what is required to control diabetes. She provides
insights about “giving up favorite foods, food for comfort and can’t afford the
gym” in the article “Turn Diabetes Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones!”
What to do?
Get a regular physical that includes tests to detect signs of
onset (pre-diabetes) or presence of diabetes.
Stay away from fast or processed foods. Drink plenty of water and eat
frequent smaller meals that contain more whole fruits, vegetables and proteins
and less meats, fried foods and sodium. Monitor and lower intake of
carbohydrates, sugar and fats. Read and share the Special AMEC CHC issue on
Diabetes as a great start to learning more about diabetes.
My family pays attention to signs and prays that the “diabetes
gene” in our family does not kick in.
Or, if it does, we pray to have the spiritual and physical discipline
and wellness habits, like my mother and grandmothers and many others, to
conquer diabetes so to continue enjoying benefits of a full, healthy, active
life.
Blessings and kudos to the AME Connectional Health Commission
under the leadership of Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, the Rev. Dr. Burnett and the
Rev. Mitchem for providing a valuable resource. The AMEC CHC Special Edition of
Diabetes Heath Monitor is a must read!
The CHC and Health Monitor team invites you to join the
conversation about diabetes. “To share your story and your tips with the
African Methodist Episcopal community in the next issue of the AME Health Monitor
magazine, email TalkToUs@HealthMonitor.com.”
Further, note that “the AME CHC hopes to provide workshops at the
Christian Education Congress in Nashville in June 25-28, 2014.” Check out
healcommission@aol.com to follow progress on workshop planning and to register.
Meanwhile, at or coming soon to an AME church near you, get,
read and follow the suggestions in this
AME CHC Special Edition on Diabetes. You will be blessed by what you
learn.
*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.”
17. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2014 - THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT LEVITICUS 19:18;
DEUTERONOMY 6:4-9; MARK 12:28-34:
Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
A visit to the local barbershop often provides spirited (not
necessarily spiritual) debate between customers and/or barbers about
“greatness.” Who is the greatest professional running back of all time: Jim
Brown, Barry Sanders, Emmitt Smith or Walter Payton? Who is the greatest US President of all-time:
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln or Franklin Delano
Roosevelt? Debate about these and other
topics hinge on the meaning of the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time). The adult AME Church School Lesson for May
25, 2014 offers a theological discussion about G.O.A.T. with practical
relevance. Let’s see how this modern day
acronym finds its origin in Holy Writ.
Like barbershop conversations today, Jesus finds Himself
debating in the synagogue with contemporaries in Mark 12:28-34. Overhearing the
discussion, a teacher of the law or a scribe decides to ask Jesus a question
that focused on the G.O.A.T.
The question was simple and direct: What is the greatest commandment of all?
Jesus’ response is swift, decisive and unequivocal. Citing Old Testament references in Leviticus
19:18 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9 Jesus describes the G.O.A.T. (as related to the
commandments of God) as captured in a single word – "Love."
Jesus’ response also stressed a monotheistic relation with
God. God is "One" (to contrast
the polytheist traditions at that time).
We should provide unconditional love reflected in our mind,
heart, soul and strength. We should show
our fidelity to God’s commandments by teaching it to our children and wearing
the law on our arms and foreheads (phylacteries).
The corollary is also true – we should love our neighbor as our
self.
Jesus concludes by indicating no commandment supersedes these
two commandments. As AMEs we know this
as the Summary of the Decalogue.
The scribe was impressed by Jesus’ perspicacious insight in the
Law. He commends our Lord and quietly
closes the discussion. The exchange is
fascinating because Jesus does not define the G.O.A.T. from the Ten
Commandments. Furthermore, Jesus’ answer
to the scribe’s question includes not one, but two responses.
The point in this
important dialogue between Jesus and the scribe is to show that love is not
contingent on emotion or a feeling. Love
is an act Christians do because it captures the personae of God. In I John 4:8 the author succinctly states;
God is Love. Since God is love we
reciprocate by loving Him first and our fellow man/woman as our self.
As my barber would be quick to say, “’Nuff Said.”
*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.
18. MEDITATION BASED ON
JOHN 10:1-18:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I’m a long time and familiar Facebook user, so I was surprised
and suspicious this afternoon when I got messages from my Facebook “friends”
asking why I’d sent them new “friend” requests - I hadn’t done so. I immediately assumed that my account had
been hacked, so I did a post on my Facebook timeline warning folks not to
respond to such requests from me, and I immediately changed my password.
By the time I got home, my tech-savvy youngest son had figured
out that I really hadn’t been hacked - someone accessed my information and
created a fake page bearing my name - with photos included! The giveaway that it was a fake was that the
perpetrator didn’t manage to duplicate all of my stuff - just a small part of
my profile and a few pictures. My son,
who knows what my “FaceBook” presence looks like, immediately figured out what
was going on and reported the fake page, which has now been taken down.
My friends and I were spared from malicious spam and further
headaches because my son knew the FaceBook “me.”
I share that bit of good news with you in this week’s
meditation, because we live in a world where fakes and imitations are
commonplace. Most of us have met people
who look and sound positive, promising and trustworthy, only to find out that
they weren’t what they seemed to be and brought us hurt or harm instead of
well-being. That’s why it’s good to know Jesus and to make Him your best
“friend.”
People who look and sound good may have mixed or malicious
motives and may be out to use us, but the God who created us always has our
bests interests at heart and sent His Son into this world to pay the price for
our sins, guarantee us everlasting life and open the door for us to experience
authentic blessings every day.
Take the time, in a world of illusions and imitations, to trust
in the Jesus who said that He is the Good Shepherd and that His sheep know His
voice. You’ll find real answers to life’s difficult questions, real joy and
assurance in a world of disappointments, and authentic appreciation for the
words of the writer who said, “Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will
guide us till the day is done; there’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus; no,
not one; no, not one.”
This Meditation is also available on the Beaufort District’s
Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BeaufortDistrictAMEC
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
19. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please keep the Rev. Angelo and Mrs. Nazli Forbes of the Cape Conference,
15th Episcopal District and family in your prayers, who had to bid
farewell to Mrs. Forbes' grandma "Ma Joey" a pioneer in our Zion, on
the 17th May 2014.
Expressions of sympathy can be emailed to: forbes@live.co.za (The Rev. and Mrs. Angelo
Forbes).
Also, we solicit your
prayers for the Rev. Sydney Mtamo, pastor of Victory Chapel AME Church in the
Worcester District of the Cape Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District.
Messages of support may be emailed in care of: jerome_gordon@aol.com, Presiding Elder
Jerome Gordon.
20. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Mary Ethel Stewart, the
grandmother of the Reverend Carlos D. Bounds, pastor of Bethel AME Church in
Bryn Mawr, PA (Philadelphia Conference, West District). The following
information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Homegoing
will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
St.
James United Methodist Church
8370
Crisfield Highway
Westover,
MD
The
Rev. Ronald Bell, Officiating
The
Rev. Carlos D. Bounds, Eulogist
Expressions
of Sympathy may be sent to:
The
family of Mary Ethel Stewart
C/o
Bennie Smith Funeral Home
917
West Isabella Street
Salisbury,
MD 21801
Phone:
410-546-0626
21. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It
is with heartfelt sympathy that we share the following information. Mrs. Jeanie
Mae King McGee, the widow of the late Rev. E. L. McGee, a pastor and later a
presiding elder in the Eighth Episcopal District. She transitioned from mortality to immortality
on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Traditions Health and Rehab Center in Lithonia,
Georgia. She was a member of New Zion
AME Church in Belzoni, Mississippi, for 50 years. She served as a member of the
Steward Board, Trustee Board and the Women's Missionary Society. She was also a Church School teacher and
Church School Superintendent. In July 2006, she was consecrated a Deaconess of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church by Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr.
She
leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Jeanne Lynette McGee Overby; and a granddaughter,
Candice Natasha Overby of Norcrosse, Georgia; two sisters, Florence Adams and
Sarah King; one brother, Johnnye W. King.
A
memorial service for Mrs. McGee was held on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at 3:00
P.M. at Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home in Decatur, Georgia. The
Reverend Glenell M. Lee-Pruitt, Ph.D., was the eulogist.
Celebration
of Life Service:
Saturday,
May 24, 2014
Evans
Chapel United Methodist Church in Belzoni, Mississippi
The
Reverend Anjohnette Gibbs, Pastor
The
Reverend Jacqueline Washington, Pastor, New Zion AME Church, Officiant and
Eulogist
Arrangements
entrusted to:
Smith
Funeral Home
701
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Belzoni,
Mississippi 39038
662-247-1443
Condolences
may be sent to:
Jeanne
Lynette McGee Overby
22. CONNECTIONAL
LAY ORGANIZATION BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It
is with a deep sense of sadness, that we share the news of the passing of our
dear brother and fellow Lay Soldier, Mr. James St. Clair.
Brother
St. Clair, served the Second Episcopal District, as the President of the
Virginia Annual Conference Lay Organization from 1996 to 2004, and was a life
long member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He was a member of Ebenezer AME Church in
Roanoke, Virginia and, in recent years, Cave Springs AME Church.
An
ardent supporter of the Lay Organization, he was a delegate to the General
Conference for over 20 years and served as Lay member on the General Board for
8 years. Recently, "Jim" wrote
legislation to include the Lay President as an official member of the Quarterly
Conference, and this legislation was passed at the 2012 General Conference held
n Nashville, Tennessee.
"Jim"
loved the Lord, and his love was demonstrated in serving the Lay
Organization. He spoke his mind, clearly
and boldly, and was ready to serve whenever called upon.
We,
the members of the Second Episcopal District Lay Organization, will miss our
dear brother and friend.
We
remain, "Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and Love"
Brother
James St. Clair was an active member of the Lay Organization. He supported the
activities and programs of the AME Church. He served in the Virginia Annual
Conference of the Second Episcopal District. We will miss him. Please keep the
St. Clair family lifted in your prayers.
The
Homegoing was held on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at the High Street Baptist Church
in Roanoke, Virginia
Family
contact:
Mary
Terry
3408
Pittsfield Ave., NW
Roanoke,
VA 24017
Telephone:
540-366-9395
23. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
24. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend
T. Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the
Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer
our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the
peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
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