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
1. TCR EDITORIAL –TROUBLING STATISTICS FOR THE MINISTRY AND THE
COMMUNITY – ONE CAN BE EASILY RESOLVED, THE OTHER CANNOT BE EASILY RESOLVED:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder
I received two emails with interesting
statistics.
The first email had statistics under the caption
of “Pray for your Pastor” and it has made a wide swath on the internet.
I don’t know who compiled the statistics or which
pastors provided data, but for the sake of my comments, I am assuming that
there might be some degree of truth in the data. Even if the stats were “pulled
out of the air,” I can believe that the figures have some degree of credibility
based upon my anecdotal observation and experience.
I have said time
and again that the ministry is a hard profession across the board and it’s hard
in the AME Church. We require Itinerant Elders to possess a Master of
Divinity degree from an ATS accredited institution, but we do not have enough
local churches with either the ability or willingness to pay a livable salary,
especially when the pastor is inexperienced. This makes things especially hard
for the seminary graduates who are saddled with enormous loans they had to
take out in order to finish their education.
“In the day,” most of seminary graduates finished
college and seminary debt-free; and many seminarians received their education
gratis because seminaries were anxious to diversify their student bodies.
Scholarships were plentiful and some mainline denominations had money set aside
for seminary education and some of them were anxious to award scholarships to
minority students hoping they would become part of their denomination.
For the AME Church, seminary graduates were
scarce and some seminary graduates received fairly nice pastoral appointments.
On the other end of the spectrum in the AME
Church, the Conference Course of Study process for ordination was effective for
preparing individuals for ministry. It met the needs for ministry in the local
church and pastors who were trained in the Course of Study process remained
competitive because, for many of them, the local church was their professional
lifeline. Some of them did not have
college degrees, but pastoring a local church provided them with a profession
and respect in the community. And, the goal for many of them was to accomplish
and achieve the status of being a fulltime pastor.
The Conference Course of Study process was cost
effective and that system produced outstanding clergypersons. Clergy trained
through the Conference Course of Study, like some seminary graduates “back in
the day,” also entered the pastoral ministry debt-free.
The student debt situation is not getting better,
it’s getting worse and for black seminarians it is the worst or the worsest.
I have met seminary graduates who were over
$30,000 in debt between financing their undergraduate and seminary
education. The problem of seminary debt
was, and is, caused by fiscal constraints of church bodies and the easy availability
of borrowed money, which institutions pushed on students because it in turn
brought in easy revenue from the students. In the long run, seminaries
benefited from what would result in seminary students’ indebtedness.
A pastoral appointment paying $30,000 does not
begin to help a young pastor get out of debt.
And in the AME Church, a “Class A” church
requiring full-time pastoral services only requires the church to provide a
salary of $20,000 or more. The AME pastor not only has a problem of low pay,
but also debt as a result of student undergraduate and seminary loans. And the
problem is exacerbated when a young (or old) pastor is confronted by an
obstinate steward board and a local church with a mindset that they cannot
afford or should not seriously strategize ways to pay a pastor a living wage.
In 2013, Concordia Seminary reported that 2 in 4
new pastors would leave Concordia Seminary with $39,000 in total debt and some
would owe more. The Concordia Seminary
Placement Office self-study also estimated that 1 in 4 new pastors would have
an average indebtedness of $4,000 and 1 in 4 new pastors would have a total
debt of $80,000.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the
median wage for a pastor is $43,800. I suspect that a lot of recent AME
seminary graduates, as well as graduates from other denominations’ seminaries
would salivate if they received a salary of $43,800.
The bottomline for all of this
Debt is an enemy to many relationships and it can
destroy marriages, wreck careers and derail and destroy ministry. Debt can mess
with one’s mind, destroys dreams and can be the root cause for health problems.
Debt causes stress, which negatively impacts health and the risk of premature
death.
The ministry has always been a low-paying
profession for most denominations and moreso for African American
denominations. In spite of the low
pay, dedicated men and women of God continue to do the work of ministry, but
not without serious emotional, social, spiritual and even health challenges.
Imagine the challenging and sometimes negative
impacts upon families when young pastors are mired in debt. Imagine the psyche
of older pastors who have never made a comfortable income. Imagine the impact
upon families, especially the spouses and children of pastors who can never
conquer the “demon” of indebtedness.
And, what about pastors, who don’t earn enough to
purchase homes or send their children to college, must forego vacations,
and make other sacrifices year after year, not to mention congregational
conflict and pushback; but always preaching, “God will make a way...”
It’s no wonder…
Let me get back to the statistics that I received
in my Inbox. There may be some truth in the statistics.
- 97% of pastors have been betrayed, falsely
accused or hurt by their trusted friends.
- 70% of pastors battle depression.
- 7000 churches close each year.
- 1500 pastors quit each month.
- 10% will retire a pastor.
- 80% of pastors feel discouraged.
- 94% of pastors’ families feel the pressure of
the ministry.
- 78% of pastors have no close friends.
- 90% of pastors report working 55-75 hours per
week.
- It is estimated the 50% of pastors' marriages
will end in divorce.
- 80% of pastors feel unqualified and discouraged
in their role as pastor
- 50% of pastors are so discouraged that they
would leave the ministry if they could, but have no other way of making a
living.
What do you think? I believe that we should all
pray for our pastors.
We must pray for our pastors.
The second email
The second set of email statistics received is a little easier to address and
concerns Ferguson, Missouri where young Michael Brown was shot multiple times
by a police officer. The community, black and white protestors and outside
demonstrators marched in protest of the killing.
Troubling statistics
Two-thirds of Ferguson's citizens are black, the
mayor is white, five of the six city council members are white, six of the
seven members of the school board are white, and ninety-four percent of the
police force is white.
How could that be in 2014 when there is so much
talk about the need for citizens to vote in every election?
Reporter, Steve Rose, wrote in the local
newspaper, The Star, "In the last municipal election only 12.9% of
the citizens chose to vote." What apathy!
The Citizens of Ferguson, in addition to marching
in the streets of Ferguson and in other communities across the United States,
need to register to vote and march to the voting booth!
The Ferguson statistics problem, unlike the first
problem of clergy indebtedness, can be more easily resolved – “Get out and vote!”
The clergy indebtedness is not a problem; it’s a “condition”
and cannot be easily resolved.
**Statistics in this article concerning pastors
was culled from the Focus on the Family, and Fuller Seminary, and from various
internet research / sources.
2. TCR OP-ED – I HAVE A FEW THINGS TO SAY:
*Dr.
Willie Glover
I
read your article “An Opportunity to Say Some Things”, Part 2 with intrigue and
for the most part admiration in that you demonstrated integrity and
uncompromised courage to speak out on some of the flaws of our beloved
Church. I have a few things to say!
Your
preface to part 2 was read with extreme interest on the role of Presiding
Elders in our Church. While I believe
that most of the Presiding Elders are truly dedicated men and women as middle
managers, while some are only there for the position, power and the mandatory
salaries.
It
is also interesting how you addressed the need for Presiding Elders to relate
to the Pastors. What about the
congregants who serve so faithfully Sunday after Sunday? Lay leadership and knowledge of the local
Church in many instances is not taken or welcomed. I do know, according to the Discipline that
the Presiding Elder is supervisor of the pastors assigned to the District. However, in understanding the state of the
local Church and in many cases a comprehensive history and current all-around
view by laypersons would provide a more effective quarter if held. This maximum input would help in lifting
morale.
Some
pastors it seems are so afraid to share the real situations of the charges for
fear of negative repercussions that they are not having Quarterly Conferences,
but mailing reports and assessments thus furthering a false perception of the
Church. In many cases helping to
generate three untruths in our Church;
-
Membership counts
-
Harmony between pastor and congregation
-
Bishops not receiving authentic comprehensive reviews of Churches
If
we are to maintain the greatness of our Zion then the voice of all investors
need to be heard. I recognize that we are a preacher-led Church, but this is
not to deny the wisdom and knowledge of laypersons. As Dr. Richard A. Lewis
recently wrote, "We are an Episcopal led, but laity fed."
If
we are to stop the exodus of members, exodus of local churches and the closing
of our churches; we must allow the maximum respect and input of laity. We must
stop one apple from spoiling the basket or furthering the "Peter
Principle" of incompetence, which places our local Churches in
danger.
I
believe that most of our Presiding Elders succeed because:
-
Have shepherd’s heart for the People of God.
-
Succeeded as pastors and are able to mentor shepherds.
-
Able to direct the establishing of new works.
-
Comprehensive Quarterly Conferences including reports from lay-led
organizations, i. e., stewards, trustees, WMS, Lay Organization, etc.
-
Have empathic understanding of crises in the Local Church
-
Give accurate information to the Bishops along with recommendations
*Willie
Glover Ph.D is the Global President of the Connectional Lay Organization
3. READER RESPONSE
TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
--To the Editor:
RE:
TCR Online Article August 8, 2014
article: An Invitation to Participate in A Robe Gifting Initiative by Becoming
a Robe Gifter
On
last week I received an unsolicited email from Jerome Vergotine who is the
treasurer of DP Gordon Memorial AME Church in the Cape Annual conference 15th
Episcopal District. Brother Vergotine
said they were a small church with a great choir and they could really use some
choir robes but had a poor community, he went on to say they had approximately
35 members in their choir.
Well,
Dr. Sydnor on the very next day I received a call from a young lady who
belonged to a Presbyterian church in Raleigh NC who said they just got a new
pastor and he did not like the color of their robes, so they wanted to know if
we could use “35” new choir robes!
Today
I received the robes, a beautiful African green and they are new. Praise be to God. I have a call in to Bishop Messiah and we are
going to find a way to underwrite and facilitate getting these robes to this
needy prayerful group.
God
shows up just when you need Him. I just
wanted to share that news with you.
Michael
McMullen
-- To the Editor:
I
am writing to thank you for your edifying commentary in the July 21, 2014
edition of TCR, entitled "The Most Helpful Tool for Ministry is Often
Ignored."
I
always find your comments to be enlightening, but this particular one “hit
home” in a most powerful way.
Again,
thank you and keep up the great work you are doing, and the service you are
rendering to our Zion.
The
Rev. Godfrey Patterson
4. AMEC EPISCOPAL
DISTRICTS’ FIRST QUARTERLY PAYMENTS – AUGUST 25, 2014:
The
first Quarterly Episcopal District Reports received from Dr. Richard A. Lewis,
Treasurer/CFO Finance Department. The report is posted in The Christian Recorder in accordance of the requirement to do so in
The Doctrine and Discipline of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
The
Quarterly Payments Document signed by Dr. Richard A. Lewis was sent to the
subscribers of The Christian Recorder
Online. The document will also be posted in the print edition of The Christian Recorder.
5. THE MICHAEL
BROWN MEMORIAL FUND:
The
supporters of Ferguson police officer, Darren Wilson
have raised more than a half a million dollars for his defense fund.
The supporter have of Darren Wilson have
marched, demonstrated and talked a great deal.
Even we, AMEs have had a lot to say about the injustices against Darren
Wilson and the residents of Ferguson.
It’s time to do more than talking; it’s
time to put our money where our mouths are.
If you want to donate, click on the link
below. I have donated and this is one website for making donations. Check out a site to which you feel
comfortable.
6. BISHOP JACKSON
APPOINTS FIRST WOMAN PRESIDING ELDER IN MALAWI:
August
28, 2014
Bishop
Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal
District recently appointed the first woman presiding elder of the AME Church
in the country of Malawi, Africa.
At
the closing session of the South Malawi Annual Conference on August 13th,
he appointed the Rev. Rosetta Swinton as the Presiding Elder of the Mulanje
District.
The
ministry of the Rev. Swinton is both inspiring and encouraging. A native of South
Carolina, 7th Episcopal District, almost seven years ago, she felt
the “call of God” to go to Africa and commit her life to ministry and
missions.
Describing
herself as a “missionary for life,” she arrived in Malawi during the episcopacy
of Bishop Julius Harrison McCallister.
She
began a new work in Blantyre, Malawi named McCallister Temple Worship Center.
Under her ministry the church grew rapidly and began to minister to the
demographic needs of that community. As the church grew, a number of sons and
daughters responded to the call of God on their lives, and have begun new
churches themselves to the glory of God and the growth of the AME Church.
“When
I talked with her at my first South Malawi Conference in 2012, I was expecting
her to tell me she was returning to South Carolina, but she has never mentioned
it. She is committed to serving God in
Malawi,” Bishop Jackson stated. “She has made sacrifices for Christ and the
church that many would not even consider,” Jackson noted.
Bishop
Jackson had a vacancy to fill with the retirement of Presiding Elder Daved
Kanyoza. He filled it by appointing the Rev. Swinton as the presiding elder.
The
South Malawi Conference erupted in applause and cheering as Bishop Jackson made
the surprise appointment. “She immediately came to mind,” Bishop Jackson said.
“I didn’t appoint her because she is a woman, I appointed her because she was
easily the best person for the position. I have no doubt, she will be a
blessing as a presiding elder,” he stated.
Presiding
Elder Swinton is the second woman appointed presiding elder in the brief
10-year history of the 20th Episcopal District.
Last
year, Bishop Jackson appointed the first woman presiding elder in the 20th
Episcopal District, the Rev. Nontokozo Khumalo in the Central Zimbabwe
Conference.
7. AME COMMISSION
ON HIGHER EDUCATION DEVELOPING A NEW CONNECTIONAL MODEL FOR AME HIGHER
EDUCATION:
August
12, 2014
VIA
Email Transmission:
Dr.
George E. Cooper, Executive Director
White
House Initiatives on HBCUs;
Dr.
Leonard F. Springs, II, Senior Advisor
United
States Department of Education, FSA
Dr.
Joel V. Harrell, Special Advisor to Chief Customer Experience Officer,
United
States Department of Education, FSA
RE: Meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church
Higher
Education Commission, July 28-29, 2014
Gentlemen:
On
behalf of myself, the Council of Bishops, the General Board and the Commission
on Seminaries, Colleges, Universities and Schools of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church (“Commission”), please accept our heartfelt THANKS for your
participation in our recent two-day education summit meeting in Atlanta,
Georgia on July 28-29, 2014. This meeting was both a vehicle and a catalyst for
the AME Church to begin the process of re-thinking its current model for
supporting educational institutions, throughout the country and worldwide. This correspondence is intended as a brief
report on the matters discussed and the upcoming events and actions which have
resulted from that meeting.
In
addition to yourselves, our two-day meeting was attended by approximately
seventy-five (75) people, including: Eight (8) Bishops of the AME Church; Seven
(7) Presidents of AME supported schools; Trustees and Directors from such
schools; educational and technical consultants; auditors and Commission
members.
You
may recall that my opening remarks emphasized the fact that in light of recent
warnings and correspondence received by Wilberforce University and Allen
University, we must declare a state of emergency, and adopt a sense of urgency,
if the AME Church is going to be able to save the remaining AME supported
Universities, Seminaries, Colleges and Schools.
Thus,
we had two primary objectives: 1) to do what we can to assist Wilberforce
University and Allen University in responding to the warnings they have
received from their respective accrediting organizations; and, 2) to examine
the facts and circumstances of all AME supported schools and develop a plan of
action for addressing the most serious issues facing all of these institutions.
Your
participation in our meeting as a resource and provider of factual information
has given us a good “report card” on the status of AME supported schools. Your observations regarding declining
enrollments, the lack of financial stability, repeated compliance and audit
issues, accreditation, retention, graduation rates, governance, and turnover in
leadership are issues requiring our immediate attention.
As
I mentioned in my remarks, the AME Church understands the seriousness of the
challenges that confront our supported institutions, and we are committed to
meet them head on. We also understand that in order for us to keep the doors of
these schools open, we must operate differently.
As
a result of this meeting, the Presidents of Allen University, Edward Waters
College, Morris Brown College, Paul Quinn College, Shorter College, Wilberforce
University, Payne Theological Seminary and Turner Theological Seminary are
working together to develop “a new model” for the efficient and effective
operation of these institutions, including:
An
AME Consolidated System of Higher Education;
With
a chancellor assigned to eliminate duplication of resources;
Where
Presidents or Local Administrators on each campus provide onsite daily
management of the following shared services:
Consolidated
Purchasing Systems;
Consolidated
Financial Aid and Audit System;
Consolidated
Academic Services and Cross Registration Systems;
Consolidated
Compliance Departments for Title III and Title IV;
Consolidated
Information Technology Services;
Consolidated
Curriculum and Distance Learning to serve The United States, Caribbean, and
Africa;
Consolidated
Leadership Training for Board of Trustees, Presidents and Administration; and,
Consolidated
Enrollment Management and Marketing Systems to monitor admissions, attrition,
graduation rates and placement.
Our
discussions of an AME System of Higher Education have raised several
significant issues. Participants noted that a “system” structure could create
operational efficiencies, positive media and stakeholder responses, and improve
physical infrastructure. On the other
hand, it was also noted that in order to create such a system, we must overcome
political and territorial concerns of each institution, develop a financial
foundation for the new system, and clearly define the governance model to be
adopted. Several state models were
offered for consideration.
As
a result of our discussion, the Presidents of the AME supported schools in
attendance offered the following motion for consideration by the Commission:
Moved:
That the Commission on Higher Education commit to the creation of an AME System
of Education and form a Joint Task Force comprised of members of the Commission
on Seminaries, Colleges, Universities and Schools, the leadership of the AME
supported institutions of higher education, and education experts identified by
the Commission to establish the structure of said system. Further, the first meeting of this Joint Task
Force will take place August 21-22nd in Jacksonville, Florida on the campus of
Edward Waters College.
The
above Motion was moved and seconded by members of the Commission and approved
unanimously. This is an important first
step!
I
believe that we achieved our primary objectives in this education summit
meeting. We understand the facts and
circumstances confronting Wilberforce University and Allen University and have
provided them with access to experts to assist with their responses to
accreditation authorities. We have also
started a process to develop a new paradigm.
Again,
thank you for your candid and critical contributions. We look forward to continuing to work with
you.
Very
truly yours,
Bishop
Preston Warren Williams II
Presiding
Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District Chairman,
Commission
on Seminaries, Colleges, Universities and Schools
cc:
Council of Bishops Members,
Commission
on Seminaries, Colleges, Universities and Schools
8. MORE THOUGHTS ON
2014 AME WOMEN IN MINISTRY QUADRENNIAL CONFERENCE:
*The
Rev. Velma Grant
At
least two writers, the Rev. Dr. Charlotte A. Sydnor and the Rev. Dr. Timothy
Tyler already shared their observations and thoughts about the recent AME WIM
Conference, but because the gathering was such an awesome event it deserves
just a few more thoughts and observations.
What
happens when clergy women and men get together every four years at the AME WIM
Quadrennial Conference? They worship, pray, teach, learn, grow, laugh and of
course eat and have fun together.
The
2014 Quadrennial Conference with its Commission Chair, Bishop Clement W. Fugh,
convened in Charleston, South Carolina where Bishop Richard F. Norris and
Supervisor Norris are the Episcopal team leaders. It must be duly noted that
Bishop and Supervisor Norris have hosted consecutive quadrennial conferences.
They hosted AME WIM Conference in Philadelphia in August 2010. Their kindness,
willingness and support are appreciated by the entire body of AME WIM.
The
four-day event marked the 7th Quadrennial Conference for AME WIM; a
legitimate component of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
While
other components have been duly recognized and embraced by members of the AMEC,
this component has struggled since its inception in 1979 to be duly-recognized
and embraced by female and male clergy and laity. If attendance and the general
mood at the recent gathering was any indication, it can be stated that AME WIM
have come a long way, but still have a long way to go.
Despite
the “long way to go” there is much to acknowledge and celebrate as ordained
clergy women, other women in ministry and supporters embraced the quadrennial
conference theme “Positioned to Lead:
Take Thou Authority – The Mission is Possible.” The AME WIM Commission
Chair, Bishop Clement Fugh, stated, “The theme is an opportunity for women and
men to engage in dialogue…to explore what it means to be a ‘servant leader’ and
a ‘disciple’ in the African Methodist Episcopal Church as we position ourselves
in a way that honors our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
Jesus
Christ and “the Gospel” were certainly preached at all of the worship services
from the beginning of the conference until the end of the conference.
The
services were well-attended by several Bishops, Episcopal Supervisors, General
Officers, (including Bishop John White and AME CIO, the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Copper
who were inadvertently omitted from the earlier publication), Connectional
Officers as well as candidates vying for Episcopal and General Officer
positions. The number of candidates present was definitely much larger than the
number that was present in 2010, which is a subtle indication of the positive
influence of AME WIM (another indication that AME WIM has come a long
way).
In
his remarks, Bishop Norris shared that when he was younger he borrowed a 1952
Chevrolet car from a relative. Bishop Norris explained that even if the car key
was taken out of the ignition of the car, there was still difficulty in
shutting the car off. Meaning the car would still run or function without the
key in the ignition. Those words were also applicable to the choir who sung in
tune, clapped in sync (Charleston clap), rocked in step and shook the rafters
of the convention center. There was absolutely no way to avoid the contagious
rhythm reminiscent of the island vibes experienced at the 2013 General
Board/Investiture celebration of Bishop Sarah Frances Taylor Davis.
Bishop
Sarah Frances Taylor Davis’ life and legacy were in the hearts and on the minds
of those who were blessed to have an encounter with this remarkable praying
woman.
All
the tributes and awards in Bishop Sarah Davis’ memory were opportunities for
those who appreciated and loved her to honor her ministry and bridge the huge
chasm that lingered because of her absence, which was felt by all of those who
attended and especially her family and her husband, Supervisor Claytie Davis,
Sr., who was gracious enough to attend and participate in the conference.
Supervisor Claytie Davis is a true champion, the epitome or definition of the
spouse of a woman in ministry; one who understood and supported his wife, who
was called into ordained ministry. We are truly grateful for the rare breed of
men whose masculinity is not challenged by their spouses’ “answer to the call
to ministry. Their masculinity is
enhanced because they believe in the God who issued “the call” and demands a
response.
The
response to the “call to ministry” prompted women from all across the
Connectional AME Church to make their way to Charleston, South Carolina; and
they were not disappointed.
The
vibes from conference attendees were definitely positive as each sermon or
life-classes answered questions about ministry and provided encouragement and
strength for the journey taken by female clergy.
It
would be awesome to reflect and believe that the AME WIM Quadrennial Conference
provided the strength and encouragement to two particular attendees who found
themselves standing on the frontline of adversity and injustice, days after
returning to their respective homes.
The
conference concluded on August 9 and that day will be a day etched in the minds
of the residents of Ferguson, Missouri as well as etched in the minds of the
parents, family and friends of the now deceased young man Michael Brown, Jr.
His untimely and unwarranted death, which some equate to a modern day form of
lynching sparked outrage in the tiny city of Ferguson underscoring the plight
of black men living in a society that refuses to address the issues of racial
discrimination. The Rev Karen Anderson and the Rev. Cassandra Gould stood at
the frontline as AME WIM preachers representing the 5th Episcopal
District of the AME Church, as well as the residents of Ferguson. Their
bravery, tenacity and willingness show that women in ministry can be strong
leaders, advocates and voices for the people of God.
“Ain’t
no stopping us now” should be the theme for the next quadrennial conference (of
course it may not be, but it would be humorous) because the evidence is clear
that the AME Women In Ministry is a vital, necessary and appreciated
organization of the AME Church.
The
strengths and contributions of female clergy should be shared and appreciated
by AME Church members across the globe because their flaws and weaknesses are
no more detrimental or worse than those of male clergy.
The
2014 AME WIM Quadrennial Conference has ended, but the lessons, inspirations
and friendships will live on in the thoughts, attitudes and actions of those
who participated and were able to attend.
In
looking forward to the next four years, let us look forward to greater
visibility, participation in all areas of leadership from Women In Ministry of
the AME Church, doing and being allowed to do what God has commissioned.
As
a Church (the beloved community), we all have one aim, one God and one destiny;
let us live and work as if that is our reality.
*The
Rev Velma E Grant is the President of Women In Ministry of the Sixth Episcopal
District and associate pastor at First Saint Paul AME Church in Lithonia,
Georgia
9. A PASTOR WITH A
PASSION FOR PRAYER, VETERANS, YOUTH, MARRIAGE ENRICHMENT AND COMMUNITY:
The
Rev. Dr. Henry Young White returns to Turner Memorial AME as a pastor with a
passion for prayer, veterans, youth, marriage enrichment and community. White
revealed his big plans for ministry and shared advice for nurturing and
motivating the youth in the church.
Dr.
White describes his return to Turner Memorial as “coming full circle.” He
started working alongside his father in ministry Turner Memorial’s late Pastor
Rev. Dr. Samuel E. Guiles and returns under pastoral appointment to lead the
church leadership in planning their centennial celebration. As Guiles’
assistant, Dr. White served the Turner Memorial church congregation. Now as
Pastor of Turner Memorial, he anticipates to apply the lessons from his father,
the late Rev. Dr. Kenneth White, his education at Howard Divinity School and
United Theological Seminary and his experience in his last four pastoral
appointments in the AME church to lead the congregation to achieve bold goals.
Dr.
White plans to remain steadfast in church-wide praying and fasting. He plans to
establish a fasting chain that fasts for the church, the congregation, the
community and country 365 days a year. He is devoted to prayer ministry and
ensuring the congregation can evoke the power of prayer, “A church that prays
together, stays together,” White said.
As
a military veteran, Dr. White’s dedication to military veterans is continuing
at Turner Memorial, after he established veteran’s ministries at his last
appointment of 20 years at Brown Memorial AME in Washington, DC. His experience
and discipline as a Paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne has led to his dedication
to providing for those who serve and have served our country.
Dr.
White is as eager to win souls for Christ as he is minister to youth and young
adults. Amidst changing times, White is fervently committed to loving,
engaging, affirming and celebrating the youth’s involvement in the growing
church. He believes agape love combined with the celebration of youth will
foster their continued involvement and development in the church.
As
the loving husband of Rowena White and supportive father of his children, Henry
Christopher Rowland and Angela Christina White, Dr. White is devoted to
enriching marriages at Turner Memorial.
Shortly
after being called to preach in 1975, Dr. White also committed to being a
social/community activist. He realizes the power and influence of the church to
impact change in politics and the community. He will employ his skills in
mobilizing community action within the church.
The
Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White was appointed to Turner Memorial by Bishop William P.
DeVeaux Sr. in April. He was commissioned to the DC Mayor’s Interfaith Council,
where he served 15 years. His previous pastoral appointments included Campfield
AME in Baltimore County, Union Bethel AME in Randallstown, MD, St. Paul AME in
Washington, DC and Brown Memorial AME in Washington, DC.
10. THE DEDICATION
SERVICE FOR GREATER MOUNT OLIVE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - SUNDAY,
JULY 27, 2014:
“The glory of this
present house will be greater than the glory of the former house says the Lord
Almighty. And in this place I will grant
peace declares the Lord Almighty” Haggai 2:9
On
Sunday, July 27, 2014 at 3:30 pm The Greater Mt. Olive AME Church moved from
glory to glory taking residence in their new edifice at 50th and
Aspen Streets, in Philadelphia, PA. The
journey to their new home began in 2010, after The Greater Mt. Olive AME Church (then located at 19th
and Fitzwater Streets in Philadelphia, PA. had to relocated due to
gentrification of the Fitzwater community.
The hunt was on for a new location in a place where they could serve
both God and the community. They were
displaced while they sought a new place of worship however this did not stop
them from staying together while remaining faithful to their mission, to serve
the present age.
After
much searching the Rt. Rev. Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Bishop of the First
Episcopal District settled on a property that was suited for Greater Mt. Olive
AME Church’s ministry to both God and the community. Bishop Ingram, along with retired South
District Presiding Elder James Lawrence, Pastor Larry Thompson and the Trustee
and Steward Boards of Greater Mt. Olive AME Church moved forward in securing
this edifice. Although the building was
in good shape, renovations and repairs were necessary.
The
Kia Enterprise Inc., (Kia Steave, President and Angel Hackney, Project Manager)
was engaged through the leadership of Bishop Ingram. The edifice is adorned
with authentic stained-glass windows, a seating capacity of 400 and two
balconies which face each other. The
lower auditorium seats approximately 150 people in comfort. The altar is grand with an extended pulpit
the same length as the choir loft which is directly behind it. The exterior architecture displays ambitious
religious expressions of human creativity in the gothic tradition and has an
adjacent parking lot.
The
theme for the Dedication Service was “The
New Greater Mt. Olive AME Church: A Light to the Community.”
The
preacher for the service was none other than the Presiding Prelate of the 1st
Episcopal District, Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram.
Bishop
Ingram used Psalm 84:10 and Exodus 40:34-35 for the focus of his message. His subject was, “May the Glory of the Lord
Shine on you.”
Bishop
Ingram’s message inspired and challenged those in attendance. He reminded the worshippers that this is
God’s Church, and they must always remember to distinguish between the church
and the world. He stated ‘the reality is that people no longer have a sense of
awe when they enter into the Church’. He cautioned them not to dilute the power
of God in the Church with the ways of the world in order to win the lost. He reminded them of the purpose and blessings
of God’s House. Something overpowering
and extraordinary happened at the close of Bishop Ingram’s message. Two men came from the balcony to the front of
the church, not only to join the church, but to rededicate their lives to the
Lord. They admitted the message
challenged and inspired them to make the move and to stay committed to not only
Greater Mt. Olive AME Church, but to the God of Greater Mt. Olive AME
Church. Their move ignited praise and
thanksgiving amongst the worshippers.
Throughout
the service thanks rang out for the pastor, the Rev. Larry Thompson, his wife
Sister Paulette O. Thompson, the Trustee Board (Vice chair Brother Herbert
Brooks) and the Steward Board (Vice chair Brother Joseph Sanders) for all the
work they did to keep the project moving forward.
Acknowledgements
were given to the Rev. Dr. Janet J. Sturdivant, the Presiding Elder of the
South District, and the Dedication Committee and Renovation Committee members
for their support in the relocation of Greater Mt. Olive AME Church.
Special
thanks went to Metropolitan AME Church Choir as they served as the guest choir
for the dedication service.
Following
the service a reception was held in the lower auditorium where once again you
could hear the praise of our God for moving Greater Mt. Olive AME Church from
glory to glory. Praise the Name of the
Lord!
Steward Board: Pro Tem, Joseph Sanders, Rosa Johnson, Sandra
Caple, Cordelia R. Mapp, Maddie Petway,
Doris Shaw, Vivian Richardson, Myrtle Graham,
John E. Brunson and Bessie Fields.
Trustee Board: Pro Tem, Herbert Brooks, Carl E. Caple,
Deborah L. Brown, Shirley A. Bennett, Carolyn Clarkson, Kenard Kendrick and
Jessie Mae Jenkins.
Dedication
Committee:
Chairs: Rosa Johnson, Vivian Richardson, Paulette O. Thompson.
Renovation
Committee:
All trustees, Paulette O. Thompson, Greater Mt. Olive Project Manager and Rev.
Larry Thompson, Sr.
11. MESSAGE FROM
THE SUPERVISORS COUNCIL OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
September 3, 2014 a
Day of Fasting and Prayer
6:00
a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
So
we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. (Ezra 8:23 NIV)
The
Intercessory Council of the Episcopal Supervisors of the AME Church has set
aside a day for covenant prayer and corporate fasting.
At
this hour, every area of the episcopacy is under siege from financial distress,
irrational violence, an epidemic of curable and incurable diseases, ecological
disasters and congregational strife.
We
have Ebola in the AMEC 14th Episcopal District, increasing
Alzheimer's in the USA, the exodus of youth and young adults from amongst us,
unaddressed mental health issues and the vulnerability of our colleges and
universities.
Nevertheless,
we believe that "the effectual and fervent prayers of the People of GOD
will produce great results."
When
you pray, please remember all of our episcopal leaders and their families.
Dr.
Pam DeVeaux has prepared for our benefit a wonderfully inspirational and
informative piece on fasting and prayer. (Appended below)
It
can serve as a powerful resource in your spiritual formation. We believe the evidence of our faith will be
great kingdom impact in the earth realm.
Brother
Claytie Davis, President
The
Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Senior Episcopal Supervisor
Website:
www.amecsupervisors.org
12. FASTING FACTS:
By
Dr. Pam DeVeaux
What is Fasting?
Fasting
has been a part of the world since the time of Adam Jesus in Luke 4:1-4 showed
the import by his example. The purpose
for fasting is to draw nearer to God.
One should fast with faith, fast for spiritual blessings and fast for
repentance.
Fasting
is defined as refraining from food and natural desires of the flesh for a
spiritual purpose and we commit to our fast for a designated time and period.
Jesus in Mathew 6:1-18 sets the tone and guidance for fasting. It is evident that blessings and miracles
happen when you give, when you pray and when you fast:
-
Give of yourself to those that are needy,
-
Pray sincerely to your Father who is in heaven; and,
-
Fast with excitement in your heart
Give,
Pray and Fast are three elements that are entwined together and when one is
missing, the believer will not be able to experience the full spiritual benefits
in life.
Think
of a cord. A cord is braided with three strands. It is not easily broken. When we as believers
practice all three elements we will experience
- Breakthroughs
- Healing
- Deliverance
- Broken Generational Curses
One
can give and that is good, but that is not enough. One can give and pray, but
yet that is not enough. But when you give, pray and fast...this is the key to
an abundant life. Fasting is tremendous weapon and source of power. Satan does
not want you to fast. The discipline of
fasting is a form of worship. You are
offering your body to God as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. When
you hunger for God he will fill you.
Blessings
are missed because of the lack of fasting. Breakthroughs are blocked and are not
coming to fruition because we do not exercise the power of fasting. Expect miracles when you fast. Fasting will turn your focus from your
concentrating on me to focusing on thee.
Jenetezen Franklin says fasting is a hunger strike against hell, saying loose
those who are bound by deception, lies, alcohol, drugs and pornography.
God
knows your heart and spirit and will direct you to your path for fasting. The
Lord says when you fast your righteousness shall go before you. Isa 58:8- For
heaven's sake don't be a drama filled faster in other words does not be like
the Pharisees.
The Three Ways to
fast:
-
Absolute fast- Also known as the Dry Fast. No Food, No Water for a period of
time (3 to 5 days)
-
Normal fast-So in this type of fast the person abstains from food and liquid
for a period of one day (from sunset to sunset
-
Partial fast- The mildest of all fasting. (i.e. Daniel Fast)
The Three
"W" of fasting: (Who, Why and When)
Why should we fast?
-
To be closer to God
-
To receive direction on what to do and how to do
-
To defeat Satan with all his temptations
-
To set those bound and afflicted
-
To receive a Revelation from God
-
To get victory, protection and for or God to fulfill his promises
-
To be obedient to God's word that we should fast and pray
Who should fast?
-
Fasting is for every believer
-
Matthew 5:6 says blessed are those who hunger and fast for righteousness sake
for they shall be filled.
When should we
fast?
-
One day to forty days
-
From sunrise to sunset
-
There is really never a convenient time to fast. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide
when to fast. And when it is time to fast, just do it.
-
Esther after praying, had all the Jews to join her on a fast from food and
water and the Jews were spared
-
Hannah's despair over her inability led her to fast
Fast
Factors
When you Fast, fast
with:
-
Prayer (pray throughout the day)
-
Praise
-
The Word
-
Faith
-
Hope
-
Trust
-
Love
-
Repentance
-
Creativity
-
Humor
-
Forgiveness
-
Joy
-
Petition
-
Gentleness
-
Kindness
-
Peace
-
Excellence
-
Gratitude
Fasting
Scriptures
In time of Sorrow -
1 Samuel 31:13
"Then they took their bones and buried them
under a tamarisk tree at Jabesh, and they fasted seven days."
During national
crises-2 Samuel 1:12
"They mourned and wept and fasted till
evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the army of the LORD and for the
nation of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword."
In need of courage-
Esther 4:16
"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in
Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and
my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king,
even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
Humbled by fasting-
Psalm 35:13
"Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth
and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered."
Real Meaning of
fasting -Isaiah 58: 3-7
“Why have we fasted, ‘they say,’ and you have
not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?' "Yet on the day of your fasting, you do
as you please and exploit all your workers. Your fasting ends in quarreling and
strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do
today and expect your voice to be heard on high. Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only
a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one's head like a
reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes?
Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord?"
"Is not this
the kind of fasting I have chosen: to lose the chains of injustice and untie
the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it
not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with
shelter-when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your
own flesh and blood?"
Prayer and
fasting-Daniel 9:3
“So I turned to the
Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth
and ashes."
Joyful
fasting-Zechariah 8:19
“This is what the Lord Almighty says:
"The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become
joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth
and peace."
Worship and
fasting-Acts 13: 2-3
“While they were worshiping the Lord and
fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the
work to which I have called them. So after they had fasted and prayed, they
placed their hands on them and sent them off."
13. THE DAY DAWNS
ON THE NEXT CHAPTER OF THE REVEREND WILLIAMS RAY JENNINGS’ LIFE:
Favorite
Scripture: Psalm 23 - The Lord is my
Shepherd…….
The
Reverend William Ray Jennings will be retiring at the 2014 Tennessee Annual
Conference that will be held at Greater Ebenezer AME Church in Clarksville,
Tennessee. The Annual Conference will
convene on October 16 – 19, 2014.
The
AME Church mandates that pastors must retire at seventy-five (75) years of age,
and the Rev. Jennings has reached the mandatory retirement age.
The
Reverend William Ray Jennings, Sr. was born December 22, 1938 in Nashville,
Tennessee to the late Clyde H. Jennings, and the late Winnie B. Jennings. He has been married for fifty-eight (58)
years to the love of his life, Evangelist Pearl B. Jennings. He is the proud father of four children, Ray,
Lori, Renita and William Jr.; grandfather of seven, and great grandfather of
four.
The
Reverend Jennings was educated in the Nashville Public School System, and
studied at Tennessee State University.
He worked for over forty-eight (48) years in Religious Publishing at the
National Baptist Publishing Board and the AMEC Sunday School Union as a
production manager.
In
1988 he accepted his "calling from the Lord" to preach under the
leadership of the Reverend Dr. Kenneth Robinson who was the pastor of Payne
Chapel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
He
has served as "shepherd" of four churches in the 13th
Episcopal District: St. Paul AME Church in Paducah, Kentucky; First AME Church
in Pegram, Tennessee; Ebenezer AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee; and
presently is the pastor of St. Phillip AME Church in Nashville.
During
his ministry, his pastoral accomplishments includes the remodeling of First AME
Church in Pegram; improvements at Ebenezer AME Church of acquiring a new
ceiling, roof, carpeting, and tile flooring in the fellowship hall.
The
Rev. Jennings is a preacher who has been faithful in the service to the Lord,
serving with gladness - tirelessly, faithfully and with great compassion for
"his flock."
His
investment in the lives of others has truly made a difference, giving hope and
encouragement to so many. When he
delivers God’s Word, he always reminds us to love one another as God loves us,
draw near to God; and honor, praise and glorify God.
The
question was put to the Rev. Jennings, “What are your plans as you start a new
chapter in your life?” He said that even
though he will be retiring from the AME Church pulpit, he will continue his
preaching ministry until the Lord calls him home.
Yes,
God has tasks for His shepherd as he continues in a new phase of his life. The Rev. Jennings will always be a minister,
teacher and friend.
As
the day dawns on the next chapter of the Reverend Williams Ray Jennings’ life;
may God continue to richly bless him and watch over him and his family.
Submitted
by Sister Gwendolyn E. White
Saint
Phillip AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee
14. DR. PHYLLIS
QUALLS-BROOKS SELECTED A MEMBER OF THE YWCA, WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT HONOREE, IN
THE CLASS OF 2014:
On
July 10th, the 23rd Annual Academy for Women of
Achievement honorees were announced by co-chairs Susan Short Jones and Kathy
Cloninger. We are proud to welcome a diverse, dedicated, and inspiring group of
women to the Academy. They are Phyllis Qualls-Brooks, executive director,
Tennessee Economic Council on Women; Rita Mitchell, executive vice president,
First Tennessee; Abby Rubenfeld, attorney and partner, The Rubenfeld Law
Office; Laura Smith Tidwell, general
counsel and vice president of corporate affairs, Nashville Electric Service;
Rosetta Miller-Perry, publisher and CEO, The Tennessee Tribune; Janet Ayers,
president, The Ayers Foundation (not pictured); and the Corporate honoree is
Seigenthaler Public Relations.
The
YWCA supports victims of domestic violence and other worthwhile programs.
Dr.
Phyllis Qualls-Brooks joins AME Women of renown, Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams,
Mrs. Delores Lewis and Bishop Vashti McKenzie, who have received this coveted
award in years past.
15. NEW JERSEY AME
CLERGY CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR AIDS/HIV AWARENESS:
Since
its discovery in the early 1980s, AIDS has continued to be a growing epidemic
in the African-American community. According to the Center for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), “HIV is a crisis in African American communities,
threatening the health and well-being of large segments of our society and
especially of African American men and women across the United States.
While
African Americans face the most severe burden of HIV and AIDS of any
racial/ethnic group in the nation, prevention efforts have helped to maintain
stability in the annual number of new HIV infections among African Americans
for more than a decade.” Despite fervent campaigns and African-American
celebrities calling for awareness and testing, there is still a rise in new
cases in our communities.
AIDS/HIV
awareness may not be one of the more popular hash tags in our culture today; a
group of AMEs in New Jersey refuses to let this message become old news. From
the CEO to the board of directors, AME clergy and lay are championing the
efforts to increase education and awareness of AIDS/HIV throughout the state of
New Jersey.
The
Chief Executive Officer is the Rev. J. Stanley Justice, pastor of Greater Mt.
Zion AME Church in Trenton, New Jersey; the Rev. Lynda T. Rassmann is the
Director of Programs and is the pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Pleasantville,
New Jersey; and the Rev. Vernard R. Leak is the Presiding Elder of the New
Brunswick District and serves as the Chief Financial Officer. Many members of
the board of directors attend AME churches in the New Jersey Conference. The
AME Church has taken the lead in the state of New Jersey; and Bishop Gregory
G.M. Ingram, the Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District is impressed
with the group's progress and the numerous events it hosted this year.
One
event more than 100 area residents, politicians, and clergy members gathered
for the National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day program held at Great Hall
Community Center in Trenton, New Jersey. The annual event was sponsored by the
New Jersey Human Development Corporation (NJHDC), a non-profit organization of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Despite an unfortunate rescheduling due
to a major snowstorm, the Great Hall was packed with people from the Tri-State
area eager for information and the opportunity to serve as vehicles to raise
awareness about the effects of AIDS and HIV in their communities.
The
nationally known Trenton High School Gospel Choir set the tone for the day with
their inspiring selections that touched all in attendance. The students came to
perform, but they also attended a special workshop presented by HiTOPS, New
Jersey’s only health center exclusively for youth. The students reported they
were well-informed and enjoyed being in a learning environment that was
relevant and appealing to their generation.
Although
many officials could not attend because of the rescheduling, the officials who
couldn't attend sent representatives to ensure that our cause was not forgotten
and pledged their support to the NJHDC. Mrs. Connie F. Calisti-Meyers,
Assistant Commissioner for the State of New Jersey Department of Health brought
remarks and thanked the NJHDC for their tireless efforts to educate and
continue to bring awareness to the community.
Moving
testimonies from persons living with HIV/AIDS were shared with the attendees.
One woman, living with the virus for almost ten years, noted that most people
would never suspect her status from her physical appearance. She encouraged
everyone get tested and insisted that their partners get tested as well.
Another testimony came from a gentleman who contracted the virus from his
girlfriend. After she suffered an illness that left her hospitalized, she
reluctantly informed him that she had the virus and suggested he get tested.
He, too, had been infected and spoke of his years of depression and the strong
faith in God that led to his now more positive outlook on life.
Other
musical guests continued to lift our spirits between the informative speakers
and heart-felt testimonials. Mr. Travis Edward Taylor and Ms. Victoria James
weaved their own stories into the fabric of this event. Their songs left us all
with the hope that together we can make a difference.
The
highlight of the event was the passionate and emotional story of our keynote
speaker, Ms. Hydeia Broadbent. She was a little girl who, at the tender age of
six, made national headlines as the youngest face of HIV/AIDS. Born with HIV,
Hydeia was abandoned at birth and was adopted. She appeared on numerous talk
shows and by the age of 12, she had become a bold activist for HIV/AIDS awareness.
Hydeia captivated the audience as she shared stories of her personal crusade to
inform people of the devastating effects of not getting tested. She shared the
difficulty of staying well due to the rising cost of medicines and treatment.
Yet, her resilience did not allow her cause to take a back seat to her illness
or financial hardship. Hydeia still travels and speaks to audiences all over
the country, sometimes at the risk of catching a life threatening cold or
infection. Her presentation was both enlightening and inspiring and the
audience was left with hope and optimism.
The
Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that African Americans are the
racial/ethnic group most affected by HIV. The rate of new HIV infection in
African Americans is 8 times that of whites based on population size. African
Americans accounted for an estimated 44% of all new HIV infections among adults
and adolescents (aged 13 years or older) in 2010, despite representing only 12%
of the US population. Considering the smaller size of the African American
population in the United States, this represents a population rate that is 8
times that of whites overall. The New Jersey Human Development Corporation
seeks to change these statistics one person at a time through education and
workshops. The NJHDC attempts to inform the uninfected and empower and
encourage those infected with HIV by partnering with churches and various
community organizations. They continue to keep this important conversation
relevant. “The one thing we must not do,” said the Rev. J. Stanley Justice,
Chief Executive Officer, “is let the conversation about HIV/AIDS become a thing
of the past. We must find a cure for the disease and, more importantly, keep
the conversation alive.”
This
was the 14th Annual National Black HIV/ Aids Awareness Day program
hosted by NJHDC. The purpose is to provide communities with knowledge, skills
and services that educate individuals for the prevention and control of
HIV/AIDS. While AIDS/HIV awareness is the primary function on the NJHDC, they
also understand the importance of a holistic approach to meeting the needs of
the community.
Last
month, though on a much smaller scale, the NJHDC had just as great an impact on
five families in the state of New Jersey. The "Family 2 Family"
program, led by The Rev. Rassmann, held a series of training sessions for
entire families. In the sessions, the families learned how to better
communicate with one another and the importance of designating “family-time’
throughout the week. Group sessions and separate sessions were held for the
parents and the children. Each family received a virtual home makeover for
their commitment and dedication to the program. Each family was given brand new
small appliances along with countless home-good items. A microwave, a coffee
maker, and a crock-pot were just some of the items given to them, as well as
cleaning supplies and glassware. The families came to the training to learn how
to be better families; however, they left with much more. One parent remarked
that even if she hadn’t received the wonderful gifts, she would have been
grateful to her teachers for the care they showed her family.
Over
the years, the organization has grown and serves hundreds of churches and
houses of worship in the state of New Jersey with their educational workshops
and HIV testing programs. The New Jersey Human Development Corporation is
reminiscent of another social action organization that members of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church should all be familiar with; the idea and mindset of
our founding father, Richard Allen, when he formed the Free African Society
because he saw a need to educate Free Africans in Philadelphia. Allen knew that
without knowledge the people would perish. The NJHDC believes the same and strives
to save lives everyday through education and empowerment.
Written
By the Rev. M. Lloyd Guyton
Freedom
Temple AME Church
16. THE FAMILY THAT
PRAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Johnson
Chapel AME Church in Malakoff, Texas celebrated its Annual Homecoming service
on Sunday, August 24th with “a bang.” The Homecoming service consisted of third
and fourth-generations coming back home to help make Johnson Chapel AME Church
a church on the move for the LORD.
The
Rev. Linda Ross, pastor of Johnson Chapel stated, “It’s wonderful to see all of
the descendents and the Malakoff Community coming together to help make this
program a huge success.”
Mistress
of Ceremony, Evangelist Renell Stafford a third-generation descendent stated,
“We are here to celebrate the legacy of Johnson Chapel AME Church and to keep
the tradition of Praise and Worship going through singing and praying to the
Most High God.”
Evangelist
Alma Berry a third generation descendent and Sister Vannitta Dawson a fourth-generation
descendent lead the congregation in praise and worship.
The
Rev. Bill Burton, pastor of St. Thomas, Alto, Texas, a former pastor of Johnson
Chapel prayed and the Rev. Ellis Davis of First Baptist Church in Malakoff read
the scripture.
Sister
Delanda S. Johnson a fourth-generation descendent welcomed everyone and Brother
Gilbert Smith a third-generation descendent reflected on the old times at
Johnson Chapel. Brother Elcril Smith a third-generation descendent sang a solo
and raised the spirits of the congregation.
Sister
Ava Wheatley a descendent of Abe Johnson, after whom the church is named,
called on her family to read the church history and the family sang a few
songs.
“We
are here to have church, so ‘let go and let GOD,’” said Wheatley. Her brother, Larry Wheatley read the history
of the church stating, “This is a rich history. Our forefathers had no idea
that their legacy would still be going on today, but we are still here. I am proud of this church and what we are
doing here year after year. I can also
testify that God is a good God. I had
cancer and had a heart attack, but look at me now; I have something to Praise
God for.”
The
Rev. Rickey Barnes who is a fourth-generation descendent of Abe Johnson
delivered a powerful message. The Rev.
Barnes is associate pastor at True Missionary Baptist Church in Ft. Worth,
under the leadership of the Rev. Jack Crane.
The
Rev. Barnes is associated and affiliated with the National Baptist Convention,
USA Inc., BME State Conventions of Texas, West Texas Baptist District
Association, Palo Pinto General Hospital as a member of the Chaplain Board and
many other organizations.
He
has traveled and motivated others in the United States, Germany, Sweden,
Berlin, and other countries spreading the word of God. The Rev. Barnes, a man
on the move for the Lord, took his text from Psalms 91 verses 1-11; 14-16 and
his sermon topic was, “Position for Prayer.”
He based his sermon on the fact that as church people of today, we
position ourselves through and around social media. “We are to empower
ourselves and others through the power of prayer. As true believers, we are to be crusaders for
Kingdom of God. If you did not know, we have power in the Word. We can get our strength, courage, faith, and
more from the power of the Word,” said the Rev. Barnes.
“We
as Christians need to stay more on our knees praying to the Lord. If you tell me that you can’t sleep; that you
tossed and turned all night long, I don’t want to hear that. You need to tell me that you were on you
knees praying for your salvation. If I don’t hear that from you, then I’ll tell
you that you need to check your salvation,” said the Rev. Barnes.
The
Rev. Barnes cautioned the young people that they needed to position themselves
against the enemy and stay on their knees.
He encouraged the congregation to put their trust in God. “Man will let
you down and turn their backs on you,” he said.
“True
Believers must realize that prayer is a private conversation with God. While we are on our knees in prayer talking
to God and asking for the things that we need, sometimes we might need to close
our mouths and listen to what God has to tell us,” said Rev. Barnes.
“If
you look at the founders of Johnson Chapel AME Church in the year of 1897 on
the Abe Johnson’s farm, you will see that they were people who prayed. We could go on through the history of this
church from the destruction of the church by a storm, from high water, which
divided the church in Mount Vernon AME Church, to a fire which destroyed the
church, but through it all the member prayed,” said the Rev. Barnes.
The
Rev. Barnes stated to congregation and especially to the members of Johnson
Chapel, “You have the power; the power of Prayer. You have no need for social
media, because social media can begin first here with you. You have the power, which is the Power of
prayer.”
After
the wonderful message given by the Rev. Barnes, the congregation was moved by
the Holy Spirit and the worship service moved forward with the presentation of
the Rev. G. B. Bailey Award.
The
award was established in 1996 under the leadership of the Rev. Bill Burton, a
former Pastor of Johnson Chapel. The Rev. Burton introduced the Rev. Clyde
Matthews who is the grandson of the late Rev. G. B. Bailey, who was a presiding
elder for many years. The 2014 recipient
of The Rev. G. B. Bailey Award was given to Brother Robert Reed.
Brother
Reed is a native of Madisonville, Texas, a businessman/ rancher, retiree from
Southern Pacific Railroad after thirty-years plus service, devoted father,
grandfather, and grandfather, serves on the Board of Directors on the
Antioch/Steen Cemetery Association, a member and faithful deacon of the Church
of the Living God, PGT in Malakoff, Texas, and a person who loves the Lord.
The
Rev. Clyde Matthews stated that he was very touched to know that his
grandfather’s legacy still lives on at Johnson Chapel. “I’m glad to be here and
I just wanted to come and fellowship with the Malakoff community and Johnson
Chapel AME members. I’m finding myself
coming across some of the same people and taking the same path that my
grandfather laid before me and I’m humble to know each of you,” said the Rev.
Matthews.
Brother
Robert Reed was appreciative that he received the Rev. G. B. Bailey award and
thanked everyone for their kindness and their prayers.
The
Norfolk Eastern Shore District Conference will be held on Friday, September
12-13, 2014 at New St. John AME Church in Virginia Beach Virginia. The Rev. Dr.
Orin E. Gill Sr. is the pastor.
Clergy
and laity from more than 30 churches will participate in the District
Conference.
The
mission of the African Methodist Church is to minister to the social,
spiritual, and physical development of all people. “As a connectional church, conferences allow
us to learn, fellowship and grow closer to Christ,” stated the Rev. Dr. Orin
Gill Sr, pastor of the host church. He
went on to say, “We are extremely excited to welcome the conference and our
acclaimed Bishop William P. DeVeaux and Episcopal Supervisor Dr. Pam
DeVeaux.”
The
conference theme is “Effective Christian Leadership: Empowered by Prayer,
Praise & Proclamation.”
We
look forward to workshops, worship services and a high time of praise!
17. COMMUNITY RALLY
WITH DOJ CRS AND DR. RAPHAEL WARNOCK:
Who:
St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, The African Methodist Episcopal
Church, The Mike Brown Coalition for Justice, The More Square, The Eliot
Unitarians and the St. Cronan's Catholic
Church
What:
A Town Hall meeting with the Community Relations Service of The Department of
Justice to ascertain community police involved concerns, incidents and
profiling in the varied townships of Metro St. Louis.
Special
Guest: Dr. Raphael Warnock, Pastor of Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church,
Atlanta, Ga., (Pastor of the Late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Church)
When:
Friday, August 29, 2014 6:30 p.m.
Where:
The Cathedral at St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63112
Contact:
The Rev. Spencer Lamar Booker, Pastor; Church: (314)385-8900; email: Pastor
Booker: pastorbooker7@aol.com
18. ST. MARK AME
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN CELEBRATES 145 YEARS OF MINISTRY AND SERVICE:
By
Faithe Colas
One
hundred and forty five years ago St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church
was established in Milwaukee. The first
African American church in Wisconsin, St. Mark AME has impacted not only it’s
congregation but the entire community of Milwaukee through ministry and
community service.
Whether
members of St. Mark are providing schools supplies or coats for children or
hosting a financial planning workshop for congregation members and the public,
serving all God’s people is the mission.
“We
are in the soul saving business. We know in order to save souls and bring
individuals and families to Christ, we have to meet all their needs with open
arms,” said Darryl Williams, pastor of St. Mark.
Community
leaders including Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett shared congratulatory messages to
St. Mark in a video, a commemorative video, and anniversary book.
In
April, as part of the 145th year celebration, St. Mark hosted an interfaith
worship service with St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Nearly 50 members
of St. Francis worshipped with members of St. Mark. Father Mike Bertram shared the pulpit with
Pastor Darryl Williams in a joint message of universal love and caring for
others.
The
anniversary’s grand finale celebration included a worship service featuring
gospel recording artist Phebe Hines, who shared her God given voice of music
& testimony with the St. Mark family.
Bishop
Reginald Jackson, the Presiding Bishop of the 20th Episcopal District and
Ecumenical officer of the A.M.E. Church, delivered an inspiring and
motivational message about “moving beyond the comfort of our present ministries
in order to reach phenomenal expectations.”
Bishop
Jackson was absolutely fantastic! He motivated all who were present to
celebrate God’s goodness but to never rest on one’s laurels. As a result, I and
many others were inspired to do more to carry on the rich and impactful legacy
of St Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Lastly,
we at St. Mark thank God for the leadership of our dynamic pastor, The Rev
Darryl Williams, who truly is the impetus behind our passion to make a
difference!
19. WHAT YOU NEED
TO KNOW ABOUT THE EBOLA OUTBREAK:
Bishop David R. Daniels and the 15th Episcopal
District provide the GDC Hotel Reservation Form and the Daily Schedule Draft
Message from Bishop David R. Daniels: “I invite you to join us for the 6th Biennial Session of the Global Development Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The meeting will be held February 24-27, 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa.
To complete your hotel reservation, please use the attached form and fax it to the hotel as indicated on the form. I encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible but no later than October 24, 2014 as space is limited.
Message from Bishop David R. Daniels: “I invite you to join us for the 6th Biennial Session of the Global Development Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The meeting will be held February 24-27, 2015 in Cape Town, South Africa.
To complete your hotel reservation, please use the attached form and fax it to the hotel as indicated on the form. I encourage you to make your reservation as soon as possible but no later than October 24, 2014 as space is limited.
I look forward to seeing you in Cape Town!”
Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr.
Host Bishop & Presiding Prelate of the Fifteenth Episcopal District
GDC AME Church Annual Meeting: 24 - 27 FEBRUARY 2015
Cut, paste and return this form to: Georgina Schierhout: georgina.schierhout@tsogosun.com Box 4532, Strand Street, Cape Town, 8001; Tel: 021 492 0431; Fax: 086 406 1208
HOTEL RESERVATION
Title............. Last name: ............................. First name: ...........
(Sharing with) Title: ......... Last name ............ First name:
Passport/ ID number: ……………..
Company: ..................................City: ............ State: .....
Address: ...............................
Postal Code: .................................................... Country: …..
Tel (including int. dialing code and area code): ......... Fax: ..........
Email: .............................................
20. PLEASE NOTE THAT DUE TO NEW LEGISLATION – PASSPORT OR IDENTITY DOCUMENT NUMBERS AS WELL AS ADDRESSES MUST BE PROVIDED
GDC Hotel Reservation Form:
Please reserve for me the following room-nights at Southern Sun Cape Sun
Standard Rooms: R2050 (Single Bed and Breakfast) ¨X R2050 (Double Bed and Breakfast) ¨
Occupancy: SINGLE ¨X DOUBLE ¨ SMOKING ¨ NON-SMOKING ¨
Arrival date: ..................................................... Time: ........................................ Departure date: .................................................
Airport transport: YES ¨ NO ¨X (R485. per person one way subject to change)
Arrival date: ..................................................... Arrival time: ............................... Airline and Flight number: ....................................
All fees are in South African Rand. Rates are inclusive of 14% VAT, but exclude any National or Provincial Tourism or other Levies that may be inquired by Legislation from time to time. Rate does include the SA Tourism levy currently 1% of on Accommodation.
Reservations must be guaranteed with a major credit card – personal or company cheques will not be accepted on check-in
I guarantee my room with: __Master Card #________________________ __Visa Card #__________________________ __Diners Club Number #___________________ __American Express Card #________________ |
GDC General Assembly Meeting 2015
Cape Town, South Africa
February 24-27, 2015
Daily Schedule - Draft
Tuesday, February 24, 2015:
Arrival, Rest and Registration
Wednesday, February 25, 2015:
6:00 - 8:03 Breakfast
8:05 - 8:35 Devotion
8:35 - 9:10 Registration
9:15 - 10:10 Roll Call
10:10 - 11: 00 Organization
11:00 - 11:30 Tea & Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:30 Thanksgiving Service/Power Hour
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 First Business Session
2:35 - 3:40 Second Business Session
3:40 - 4:00 Tea & Coffee Break
4:00 - 5:00 Third Business Session
5:00 - 6:30 Dinner (On your own)
7:30 - 9:30 Opening Worship Service
Thursday, February 26, 2015:
6:00 - 8:03 Breakfast
8:05 - 8:35 Devotion
8:35 - 9:10 Registration
9:15 - 10:10 Roll Call
10:10 - 11: 00 Organization
11:00 - 11:30 Tea & Coffee Break
11:30 - 12:30 Thanksgiving Service/Power Hour
12:30 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 First Business Session
2:35 - 3:40 Second Business Session
3:40 - 4:00 Tea & Coffee Break
4:30 – 6:30 15th Episcopal District Reception and Dinner
6:30 Return to Hotel
7:30 - 9:30 Worship Service
Friday, February 27, 2015:
11:00 a.m. Closing Worship Service
1:30 pm Lunch
21. ALLEN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR TWO POSITIONS:
(1) Director of
Financial Aid
(2) Director of
Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
-- (1) Allen
University Position Description – Director of Financial Aid
Job Title: Director of
Financial Aid
Supervisor: Associate Vice President of Enrollment
Management
Department: Office of
Enrollment Management – Financial Aid
FSLA: Exempt
Objective: Under general supervision, direct, plan and
oversee the applications and awards of financial aid for students.
Essential Functions:
•
Develop, direct and administer an effective program of financial aid for
University students.
•
Authorize all awards of scholarships, loans, work opportunities and other types
of assistance in accordance with policies formulated.
•
Inform/counsel students and parents of aid financial aid available through
federal, state and other public and private sources.
•
Serve as liaison with appropriate agencies to secure maximum benefit to the
University from various sources.
•
Maintain liaison with Admissions Office and assist in advising prospective
students on assistance available through the University.
•
Prepare reports and studies for University personnel, federal and state
agencies regarding the financial aid program.
•
Oversee the student loan program to include processing loans in accordance with
federal and state regulations.
•
Receive, review and process student applications for aid using established
federal and state regulations.
•
Verify dates by telephone and written correspondence and confirm student
eligibility to outside agencies.
•
Assist students in completing necessary forms.
•
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory
Responsibilities:
Responsible for two (2) Financial Aid Counselors and one (1) Financial Aid
Analyst.
Director
of Financial Aid
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: Requires a
four (4) year degree in business management or a related discipline from an
accredited college or university with a minimum of three
(3) to five (5) years' experience or an
equivalent combination of education and experience.
Required
Competencies:
•
Execute long-term goals and implement different and alternative ideas.
•
Make good decisions in a timely and confident manner.
•
Take action to support and implement change initiatives.
•
Challenge and push the project teams to excel and achieve.
•
Effectively work and collaborate with others toward a common goal.
•
Direct and lead others to accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
•
Adopt a course of action.
•
Assist, advise, mentor and provide feedback to encourage and inspire the
development of work-related competencies and long-term career growth.
•
Inspire performance by conveying enthusiasm and passion in accomplishing job
performance.
•
Develop and maintain positive relationships with individuals.
•
Understand general business and financial concepts to understand the
University’s goals and objectives.
•
Effectively communicate to an audience in a formal setting.
•
Uphold a high standard of fairness and ethics.
•
Strive to expand knowledge and refine skills through education and training.
-- (2) Allen
University Position Description - Director of Assessment and Institutional
Effectiveness
Job Title: Director of
Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness
Supervisor: Associate Vice
President of Enrollment Management
Department: Enrollment
Management
FSLA: Exempt
Objective: Under general supervision, responsible for
coordinating the University’s academic and assessment process. Supports the evaluation and improvement of
student learning through consultation with faculty, staff, administrators and
various governance groups.
Essential Functions:
•
Oversee the continuous development and implementation of the
Institutional Effectiveness Plan by which the University measures improvement
and holds itself accountable to its constituents.
•
Guide University efforts to satisfy the requirements of SACS, including the
preparation for, and follow-up to, the process of reaffirmation of
accreditation; and support the work on
the Quality Enhancement Plan.
•
Provide general support to the College's assessment program through direct
support of the academic and administrative units. Consult with academic
units in developing, measuring, and analyzing learning outcomes and
administrative units in developing, measuring, and analyzing performance
outcomes.
•
Coordinate the Program Evaluation Process reviews of academic programs,
including work with the affected departments/programs, assist with writing the
reports, and doing the follow-up required to ascertain changes made as a result
of the process.
•
Design data collection instruments and assists with conducting surveys
to assess both University-wide and departmental goals and objectives.
•
Oversee the University plan for academic assessment, determines a common
timetable for assessment stages, and advises all academic assessment activities
by aiding with the selection of assessable criteria and the selection or
development of appropriate instruments.
•
Assist with the maintenance of a comprehensive institutional assessment
database and reports on the University assessment activities as
requested/appropriate.
Director
of Assessments (continued)
•
Provide for the assessment education of faculty and staff by arranging
conferences, workshops, etc., and maintaining a library of assessment
methodology, ideas, and materials and build and maintain a pool of current
resources and information about national assessment issues by attending
appropriate conferences and procuring relevant publications.
•
Recommend policies and procedures to improve the University’s institutional
effectiveness program and performs (remove "s") other duties as may
be required.
•
Perform other duties as assigned.
Supervisory
Responsibilities: None
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: A Doctoral degree
in higher education administration, assessment, or a related area is
preferred. A Master’s degree is
required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which would
provide similar knowledge and skills. A
minimum of three (3) to five (5) years successful classroom teaching experience
as a faculty member in an institution of higher education to include strategic
planning, student learning outcomes assessment, academic program development,
faculty development and other related experiences is preferred.
Required
Competencies:
•
Exhibit sound and accurate judgment in decision-making process.
•
Adapt to changing situations and restructure tasks and priorities as changes
occur within the University.
•
Effectively organize and plan work according to organizational needs and
priorities.
•
Effectively deal with work related problems in a professional and positive
manner.
•
Effectively work and collaborate with others toward a common goal.
•
Communicate clearly and effectively
with University staff and outside entities.
•
Understand general business and financial concepts associated with the
University and have the knowledge, skills and ability necessary to be effective
in the performance of the job.
•
Uphold a high standard of fairness and ethics.
•
Develop and maintain positive relationships with individuals within the
University and outside entities.
•
Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness and look for ways to improve and promote
quality.
•
Direct and lead others to adopt a course of action.
•
Strive to expand knowledge and refine skills through education and training.
The
positions are open until filled.
Resumes can be emailed to Information can be emailed to humanresources@allenuniversity.edu or mailed to:
Allen University
Office of Human Resources
1530 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204
22. NEW
CHURCH PLANTERS GAIN NETWORKING, NEW RESOURCES FROM ROAD TRIP:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. Aug. 25, 2014 /GBOD/ – Church planters, who often
feel isolated as they work to establish new churches and faith communities,
will be more connected and have better resources as a result of a road trip New
Church Starts (Path 1) made throughout the five jurisdictions of the United
Methodist Church.
During the summer of 2013, staff and associates from Path 1, a
division of the General Board of Discipleship (GBOD), visited more than 160
planters representing more than 320 of the 684 churches that were established
in the UMC between 2008 and 2012.
“New people are coming to Christ, new people are coming to faith
and new people are growing in their faith through the new churches that are
being planted,” said Candace Lewis, Executive Director of Path 1. “We've seen
that new churches are being planted more strategically and more intentionally.”
The goal of the road trip was to celebrate what works, learn what
does not work and dream of what could be accomplished in new church planting.
Since January, Path 1 has been sharing information and data gleaned from the
journey with bishops, developers, cabinets and annual conference staffs.
“Path 1 doesn't plant churches. We resource the work of planting
churches,” Lewis said. “So what we're doing now is sharing the information with
the hope that it's going to broaden the perspective of what's happening in
annual conferences and across the connection. These collective reports offer annual
conferences more stories to celebrate and more models to consider in church
planting. We want to help them see what's working in other areas and how they
may be able to implement that in their particular area.”
To view a video report of the Path 1 road trip, go to
http://bit.ly/1pFiDXQ. For an executive summary of the road trip report and
detailed reports from each jurisdiction, go to http://bit.ly/1nfkpu1.
As a result of the information sharing, church planters already
are being networked together more effectively.
“One of the things you learn from the reports is that many church
planters feel isolated. So we have been able to help coordinate within several
jurisdictions gatherings of church planters to help remove the isolation,”
Lewis said.
Several sessions are planned to not only bring church planters
from across the connection in the United States together, but also to join them
with representatives from United Methodist seminaries, hopefully to begin the
development of a Wesleyan approach to church planting, she said.
“During the road trip, we found that women feel very isolated, and
they don't know that there are other women out there doing this.” Lewis said.
“So we're going to gather women church planters in Nashville in November.”
Next January, Path 1 will host a national gathering of church
planters.
“We're going to call the planters together to give them a time to
connect, network, fellowship and learn from each other to help remove the
isolation,” she said.
Path 1 also plans to create a database to more effectively track
church planting successes. Currently, the General Council on Finance and
Administration (GCFA) reports about new church starts when they are chartered.
“We’re building a new church database that will enable church
planters to input their information before the charter so they can share their
stories. We call them snapshots of hope.” Lewis said.
The database will include information about professions of faith,
numbers of small groups and finances in the new church starts, which can be
analyzed and shared, she said.
“We want to close that gap and share what's happening more
consistently across the connection because right now everybody just shares what
they know in their area,” Lewis said.
A meeting to connect United Methodist seminaries with church
planters is scheduled for November in Nashville. “It’s called a Gathering of
Professors and Practitioners, and the purpose is to put these people in
conversation with each other,” Lewis said.
Leading church planting resources currently are not written from a
Wesleyan perspective, she said.
“We want to bring the seminary professors in conversation with
some of our leading church planting practitioners, and we want them to talk
about if John Wesley were planting a church today, what would he do?” she said.
23. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical Text: Isaiah 35:5-6: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf
shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as a hart, and the tongue
of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in
the desert.”
Our text begins with the word “Then.” The verse immediately prior to our text says,
“Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God: He will
come and save you.” The question is “when” is it that all these miracles take
place?
“When” becomes the pressing question for all of us, particularly
those who suffer with health concerns or are trapped in a marital war zone.
“When” is critical to those who are spinning out of control from addiction or
find themselves perplexed over wayward children. “When,” is important for those
fraught with the responsibility of caring for ailing parents or someone as they
continue seemingly unrewarded in the workplace. The preacher in me is compelled
to say at this point, “I know I am on somebody’s row.”
Isaiah who has been prophesying, setting forth the Lord’s
judgments, proclaiming Israel’s impending deliverance from its oppressors, is
focused on the people’s return from exile as he presents for us an image of the
magnificence of their return and the answer to the prevailing question, “when.”
Isaiah paints a vivid picture of victory as we see lame men leaping
under a power, not their own. Blind eyes are suddenly opened, and the dumb
sing. Later we see parched land burst forth becoming a pool and the thirsty
land springs of water. A Highway of Holiness stretches across the wilderness
where the unclean shall not pass. We see a picture in our minds eye of troops
walking and singing, returning home from exile hoping in their hearts to claim
their miracle. Clearly they all long to return to a home no longer engulfed by
sadness, where sighing and sorrow are neither heard nor felt again.
Our text is beautiful, extremely colorful poetry; however it is
not just a creative way of exalting the “coming of the Lord.” Isaiah masses
together pictures of disappearing evil and ensuing good, providing for us
incredible imagery of four seasons of miracles. The first season is the song of
celebration for the Jews returning from exile. Secondly we find the undying
promise of possession of the Promised Land. We see that God is revealing the
great gift of His Son, Jesus Christ and in the final season the second coming
of Christ. In Isaiah’s prophesy we see the outline of all of these seasons of
miracles in which God comes to deliver man.
The seasons all represent seasons of restoration. The Jews were
ultimately restored to their homeland as God had promised. Christ has come to
restore man’s relationship with the Father. Israel is fighting to keep its
restoration of the Promised Land alive even as we speak. And Christ is coming
again to restore all of creation. These four miracles in Isaiah’s prophesy
demonstrate the power of Christ to restore the spiritual capacities of His
people, which are all but destroyed. What that says to us is that we may be a
mess now, but Christ has a miracle for our mess. We may find ourselves deep in
sorrow now, but, hallelujah, Christ has a solution for our sorrow.
Christ is able! He can cure our blindness and deafness, the
defects in our perception that render us powerlessness to affect the powers of
knowledge. Christ can cure the lameness that affects our powers of motion, and
cause us to be powerlessness over what we do. Christ can cure the dumbness that
affects our powers of speech, and what comes out of our mouths.
The bodily diseases highlighted in our text symbolize spiritual
infirmities. We are blind and deaf because our powers of perception are
destroyed by sin. Yet in spite of our condition, Christ is the restorer of the
power of knowledge. Jesus is able to affect a miraculous cure for our inability
to see beyond the capacity of our finite mind. He is a restorer with power to
lift our miserable load from our backs, and make us joyful, strong and agile.
He is a restorer of the praise that we were created to express to Him our
Creator.
There was an unholy silence threatening the world until Christ
came to restore our worship and praise. The Israelite exiles could not sing in
a strange land, and we do not sing to the glory of God unless we first find
Christ. When we find Christ we also find spiritual depth and we see that to the
utmost, Jesus saves. Christ offers the
gift of healing. He can bring healing to the nations, but He can also bring
healing to our situation giving our hearts cause to sing forth the praise with
new songs of exultation.
Isaiah presents us with Jesus, the “perfect restorer,” who can
make the lame leap, the blind see, and the sick recover. Jesus promises every
repentant and converted heart perfect restoration in Heaven. Jesus promises
that when our souls are freed from this earthly tabernacle, and the veil of our
limited understanding is lifted from our eyes, we shall behold Him, in all of
His splendor, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords!
He is able to restore our understanding, our actions, and our
speech. He puts a new song on our lips. He will cause the lame to leap, and the
blind to see Him as He is. Jesus takes away all that hinders us from total
commitment to Him.
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of Morris
Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
24.
GETTING TO ZERO: CLERGY PERSPECTIVES ON A SCIENCE BASED COURSE ABOUT HIV/AIDS:
The Rev. Dwayne Jackson
I initially enrolled in the Payne Theological Seminary CM243
course “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS: A Global Perspective”
because it was a Master of Divinity degree requirement. I had originally made
up in my mind that this would be like any other HIV/AIDS course that I had
taken for work or because a friend had asked me to participate in a course
because they needed the numbers in order for the facilitator to agree to do the
workshop. As the class began and I listened to what was going to take place
over the next few days at the Payne Seminary class, I immediately knew that
this was not going to be a basic HIV/AIDS 101 course.
I can truly say that I was challenged by learning about HIV as a
virus (and AIDS as a disease) and the effect it has had on the entire world. I
am amazed to know that something as serious as this can be contained and even
controlled if people are willing to educate those who are unaware of what the
virus really is. It can be controlled if people who find that they are HIV+
really understand that they can live.
The most inspirational part of the class was learning what could
be achieved in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS if people simply would get
tested. This virus and disease do not have to be deadly. It can be controlled.
This starts with HIV testing.
During the Payne Seminary course I learned that HIV/AIDS has no
face and one can’t tell who is infected by appearance. We often look at people
who have lost weight or seem to be weak and think that this outward appearance
might suggest that they have the virus. I learned that a person can look and be
healthy and yet have contracted the virus. It is important that every person
knows their HIV status.
This is especially so for clergy or leaders, because we are
leaders. If we all practice the ABC’s which means to abstain from sex and IV
drugs, be faithful always to one person, correctly and consistently use latex
condoms, and always take every sexual interaction seriously, we have a real
chance of getting a handle on HIV/AIDS and stopping its amazing worldwide
impact.
HIV has a global presence. People all over the world are impacted
by the disease because of a lack of knowledge and because of guilt and shame. I
learned that women in other countries so desperately want to care for their
husbands and family children and grandchildren that they keep their HIV
infection status a secret at the risk of pleasing others and killing themselves
and bring infected babies into the world.
As clergypersons, we can help to reduce this if we help people to
understand that women with HIV can still conceive and give birth. The chance of
the baby being infected decreases to less than 5% (1 out of 20) if the mother
correctly takes anti-retroviral medication (ARVs) several months before and
after birth. I learned that this is not a cure, but it can decrease the chances
of spreading infection to a newborn child.
When we look at the global HIV/AIDS epidemic, we find that the
continent of Africa has 14 million vulnerable children as a result of the
impact of the virus on parents. We find that in the past over 6,000 people were
dying of AIDS per day and worldwide 1/100 people are infected. Given this
impact it is important that clergy help to create a year round awareness about
testing, prevention and care to stop HIV/AIDS. We must want to bring this
epidemic to a halt so to really get to zero AIDS-related deaths and zero
tolerance of discrimination along with 100% education. I learned why getting to
zero can be done.
In taking the class, I learned about the biology of the virus and
how it can hide in the body and eventually destroy the T cells. I learned that
the virus gets into the body through the few portals of entry that it can use.
I learned why HIV/AIDS is a preventable disease.
I now understand that we have work to do. We have to educate our
congregations, our community and our children. We can no longer be embarrassed
to raise the issues of unprotected sex. We can talk about how the virus is
spread through contact with sexual fluids, reuse of needles in drug use,
contact with blood and breastfeeding by mothers who do not know that they are
HIV+.
We must become educators and talk about getting tested. As clergy
or even lay leaders, we must ourselves be informed. We must develop an
understanding and awareness of the virus and how it works, and promotes change.
I was stunned by what I saw in the movies like End Game and A
Closer Walk. I was stunned to know that people are suffering and they don’t
have too. We must do away with keeping HIV infection as a secret. We must
provide help and receive help from those who are willing. We have to help
others to understand that HIV infection is not the end.
I am making a social commitment that my congregation will serve as
change agents. We will develop a health and wellness ministry that will commit
to working on health issues that affect the community with HIV/AIDS being one
of these. We will look at allowing the church perhaps to serve as a location to
host support groups for persons living with HIV/AIDS.
I believe that the Payne Seminary science-based HIV/AIDS course
should be a required course for clergy. We don’t know who and what we’re dealing
with in so many of our congregations. If we are not educated about what is
going on around us, how can we help those in the time of need? I believe that if we can help even one
person, we can say that we’ve done some of the work we have been called to do.
The Rev. Dwayne Jackson is an AME clergyperson in Los Angeles, CA
in the 5th Episcopal District. This essay was written in November 2013 as
partial fulfillment of class assignments at Payne Theological Seminary.
**The submission is a homework essay of what was learned in the
course from one of the Payne MDiv students in the HIV/AIDS class held in
November 2013. It’s a different and refreshing voice.
*The
Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and
Immunology and Faculty of the African Studies Center at the University of
Michigan and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Theological Seminary. An Itinerant Elder
in the 4th Episcopal District, she conducts HIV/AIDS prevention
research in Zambia and the USA. She lived in Zambia for most of 2013 as a J.
William Fulbright Scholar.
25. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2014 - GENEROSITY IN THE MIDST OF POVERTY - II CORINTHIANS 8:1-15:
Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington
If
a random poll was developed to determine why church attendance is declining
throughout the USA and perhaps in Districts 14 – 20 also, the following reasons
would likely rank high on the pollster’s list:
Relevance of God in affecting life choices
Boring, irrelevant sermons
Worship service too long for parishioners
Insufficient resources for youth and children during the Worship
service
Hypocrisy of church members
Members live too far from church location
Sacred Music not reflecting current musical styles
Too much emphasis on financial giving
Reason eight, the last hypothetical reason, may rank in the top 3
of this list.
The subject of giving can be an immediate turn-off for many church
goers.
Some conclude that giving money in church has become such an
obsession that the mission and purpose for why we attend the worship service is
getting lost. Others suggest that the
lingering effect of the Great Recession with the attendant economic challenges
of reduced income and rising unemployment make giving unreasonable and
unsympathetic to the status of the giver.
The Adult AME Church School lesson for August 31, 2014 examines
the proper framework for giving. Paul
puts forth a fascinating thesis that giving is important not so much that the
recipient will be blessed but equally important the giver will be blessed as
well.
II Corinthians 8:1-15 demonstrates how a group of believers
(Macedonians) were enthusiastic givers of money and resources to impoverished
Christians in Jerusalem. Paul commends
their act of generosity, not so much for the act, but also their desire to give
which exceeded their economic circumstances.
The Macedonian congregation was not wealthy in financial
resources, but they did not use this as a deterrent to help others in
need.
Paul exhorts the Corinthians to use the Macedonian giving as a
model for their giving ministry.
Giving is not about quantity but quality.
Jesus praises the widow who gave two mites because she gave all
she had compared to the ritualistic Pharisees who only give a “tithe.” Giving is about attitude not assets. II Corinthians 9:7 states clearly that God
appreciates a cheerful-giver who gives voluntarily without the need for
coercion. We are commanded to give
because Christ gave the ultimate gift to us – salvation.
As AMEs, we expend a lot of time talking about giving. Members want to know why they have to give so
much money to support our Connectional Church.
We give to support our Connectional Church in order for the
denomination to meet its financial obligations in support of the AME Mission (The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012, Page 13).
We also give to support the work of our respective Episcopal
Districts and Presiding Elder Districts.
Finally, we give to support the local church ministries where we
worship.
While the different layers of giving appear at times overbearing,
we give because ultimately we believe in the law of equality in giving that
Paul described in II Corinthians 8: 13-15.
We can be a blessing to others and others can be a blessing to
us. God is looking for givers not
“gripers.”
*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
26. MEDITATION BASED ON
JOHN 10:1-16:
*The
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I
recently received an email from a friend in distress to let me know that she
was in Europe on vacation, that her purse that contained her credit cards,
passport and cash was stolen and that she needed me to send her $2,000 so that
she could get home. I was amazed, since she was in Columbia, South Carolina,
USA when I spoke with her a few hours earlier that same day!
I
called her and she confessed that she’d received an apparently “official” email
from her Internet Service Provider warning her that her email account would be
suspended unless she updated the settings.
When she clicked on the link in the email to update as requested, her
computer froze and a malicious “bug” sent the message I received to everyone in
her email address book. She was
especially aggravated because when she closely examined that “official” email
after the fact, she saw grammatical and typographical errors that should have
tipped her off that it was bogus.
My
friend learned a valuable lesson that applies to all of us who spend
considerable time online and receive inviting “spam” emails or are encouraged
to click on website links that offer to “speed up your PC” or ways to make
“easy money” online - things that appear to be innocent and helpful, but aren’t
what they seem to be. That lesson
applies to our daily living as well.
All
of us crave well-being, peace of mind and prosperity, and it’s easy for all of
us to seek those things by accommodating to, believing in and following people
who look and sound good - only to find that those people aren’t always what
they seem to be and can sometimes do us more harm than good.
That’s
why it’s good to know the Lord and to go to God in prayer each day. When we call on the God who never fails to
lead, guide and direct our lives, we’ll find authentic blessings, discover
enduring hope and experience genuine joy and peace of mind through the God who
is “for real” and will never lead us in the wrong direction.
Take
the time, in the midst of a world filled with those who look and sound good but
can’t deliver and who sometimes lead us astray, to listen for God’s voice and
direction. We can then stay the course
and find the victory that one hymn writer celebrated when she said, “I hear the voice of Jesus, telling me still
to fight on, He promised never to leave me, never to leave me alone.”
This
Meditation is also available as a Blog 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
27. CLERGY FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
-- Dr. Herman O.
Kelly, Jr. and Mrs. Linda M. Kelly will celebrate their 30th Wedding
Dr.
Herman O. Kelly, Jr. and Mrs. Linda M. Kelly, Pastor and First Lady of Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana will celebrate their 30th
Wedding Anniversary on September 1, 2014.
Dr.
Leroy Attles and Dr. Donald L. Tucker married Dr. and Mrs. Kelly September 1,
1984 at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Congratulatory
messages can be emailed to:
The
Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Herman O. Kelly, Jr.: hokellyj@yahoo.com
28. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It
is with heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the passing of Miss Bobbie
Nell Holiday, a daughter of retired Presiding Elder John K. and Mrs. Leona
Holiday. At the time of his retirement, the Reverend Holiday was serving as the
Presiding Elder of the Central New Orleans-Bogalusa District in the Louisiana
Conference.
Visitation:
Saturday,
August 30, 2014
8:00
a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Black
Creek AME Church
217
Black Creek Church Lane
Darlington,
Louisiana 70441
Funeral
Service:
Saturday,
August 30, 2014
11:00
a.m.
Black
Creek AME Church
217
Black Creek Church Lane
Darlington,
Louisiana 70441
Interment
Service:
Black
Creek Cemetery
Darlington,
Louisiana
Professional
Care entrusted to:
MJR
Friendly Service Funeral Home
7803
Florida Boulevard
Denham
Springs, Louisiana 70727
Office
telephone: (225) 665-8002 or (800) 334-0389
Fax:
(225) 665-3285
Email:
mjr1@bellsouth.net
Expressions
and Condolence:
The
Reverend John K. & Leona Holiday
14174
Highway 10
Greensburg,
Louisiana 70441
Telephone:
(225) 222-6832 Residence
Email:
djackson@sthpk-12.net
29. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please
keep the families of The Rev. Donald Spiller and The Reverend Melva Hartzog in
prayer as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
The
Reverend Donald Spiller lost his oldest brother in Olean, NY. The Reverend Spiller is a local elder at St.
Paul AMEC, Milton, PA.
Condolences
can be sent to:
The
Reverend Donald Spiller
325
Beaver Street
Milton,
PA 17847
The
Reverend Melva Hartzog is the pastor at Bethel AME Church in Tarentum, PA and
the Pittsburgh Conference CED Director, lost her sister, Sheree
Carter-Paulino. Sheree Carter-Paulino
transitioned to be with the Lord on August 21, 2014. She was a resident of Rhode Island for the
past 30 years. A memorial service will
be held in Rhode Island for family, friends and co-workers. A private memorial will be held in Pittsburgh
for family. The family would like to
thank everyone for their prayers.
Condolences
can be sent to the sisters at:
The
Reverend Melva Hartzog
4473
Sovereign Street
Pittsburgh,
PA 15214
Judi
Goolsby
2873
Denniston Avenue
Pittsburgh,
PA 15218
Lori
Carter-Evans
6152
Humpback Whale Court
Waldorf,
MD 20603
30. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Earth
has no sorrow that heaven can not heal.
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Mrs. Trudie Powell,
grandmother of the Rev. Stacey L. Smith, pastor of St. James AME Church in St.
Paul, Minnesota of the Chicago Conference.
Mrs. Powell was 104 years young when she passed on to glory on August
14, 2014.
Services
will be held at:
Ebenezer
AME Church
1015
Davis Street
Aliquippa,
PA 15001
Presiding
Elder Eric L. Brown - Eulogist
The
Rev. Jeanette Hubbard - Officiant
Viewing: Friday, 8/29/14 - 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Home
Going: Saturday, 8/30/14 - 10:00 a.m.
Expressions
of sympathy may be sent to:
The
Rev. Stacey L. Smith
624
Central Ave. West
St.
Paul, MN 55104
Email:
victory1@charter.net
31. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It
is with heartfelt sympathy that we inform you of the passing of retired
Itinerant Elder, the Rev. Weakley Chapman. Reverend Chapman's ministry spanned
fifty-one years of stellar service throughout the Eighth Episcopal District, as
a pastor, and as an instructor at Bonner-Campbell School of Religion. Left to cherish his memories are four sons,
Victor D. Chapman, Fenton D. Chapman, Kenneth Wayne Chapman, and Rodney
Chapman; two daughters: Wanda Chapman and Eraina Chapman Norman (Michael); one
granddaughter: Yika Chapman Watts (Herman); Nine great-grandchildren; three
great, great-grandchildren.
Visitation:
Friday, August 22, 2014
Westhaven
Funeral Home
3580
Robinson Road
Jackson,
Mississippi
Funeral
Service: Saturday, August 23, 2014
11:00
a.m.
Greater
Allen Temple A.M.E. Church
1650
Topp Street
Jackson,
Mississippi 39204
Interment
Service:
Autumn
Woods
1400
Northside Drive
Jackson,
Mississippi
Professional
Care entrusted to:
Westhaven
Memorial Funeral Home
3580
Robinson Road
Jackson,
Mississippi
32. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Autumn Jackecea Lewis, the infant
daughter of Jack Lewis III and Kellie Lashaun Aiken, and the granddaughter of
the Rev. Jack Lewis, Jr., pastor of Whitehall African Methodist Episcopal
Church in the Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual Conference of the
Seventh Episcopal District.
Graveside
services were held on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Glen Cobe
Geiger Graveyard, New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Family
Correspondence:
The
Rev. and Mrs. Jack Lewis, Jr.
8729
Silver Creek Lane
N.
Charleston, SC 29420
Telephone:
(843) 767-1914
Email:
revjacklewisjr@bellsouth.net
33. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
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
34. 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.
Did someone you know pass
this copy of The Christian Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/
Click Here: Guidelines
for Submitting Articles to TCR
*You have received this
message because you are subscribed to
The Christian Recorder
Online
Forward to Friend
Copyright © 2014 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
Unsubscribe from this
list Subscribe / Update subscription
preferences
