The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.,
Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor
III, the 20th Editor, The Christian
Recorder
-- October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
-- October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
-- October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
-- Pastors Appreciation Month
-- Daylight Saving Time ends November 2, 2014
(Set clocks back one hour)
1. TCR EDITORIAL – A COUPLE OF THINGS ON MY
MIND:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
If you don’t share anything else in the blog, please
share the first part of this editorial with your young children and teenagers.
Maybe some of my experiences might be helpful. Sometimes our children have to
hear the same things we say from someone else.
Share this
If your parents, guardians, or whoever is your
disciplinarian or caregiver, ask you a question, believe it - they already know
the answer.
It took me a while
to figure it out
My Friday and Saturday curfew in high school was 11
p.m. Whenever I came in before 11 p.m.
there was never a discussion about what time I got home. Whenever I broke
curfew and thought I had gotten “away clean,” my mother would ask, “Calvin,
what time did you get in last night?” I
never figured it out or made the connection that when I got home on-time, no
discussion, but when I tried to sneak in after curfew, there was always an
intense discussion or questioning the next morning about what time I got home
and where I had been. And, like a lot of teenagers who hadn’t figured things
out, I would answer, “About five minutes before 11 or maybe a minute or two
after…,” which was a lie. It took me several iterations to figure out my mother
already knew the answer before she asked me the question.
As I think back about it, and I think it’s true in any
house where teenagers live, there is a floor board, step or door that creaks
and awakens parents when teenagers are trying to slip quietly into the home.
The creak is not located in the same place, it moves around and the creak
happens at the most inopportune times and it’s louder at night.
Another point to
share
Always watch the words you use around parents. I
remember when I told a fib and got caught in a lie in which I thought I had
“covered my tracks.” I didn’t tell the truth about all of the places I had been
and several of the places were off-limits, so I made up a couple of other
places; homes of friends that I supposedly had visited. I was not forthright, which means I was not
telling the truth; well, it was a lie. I thought my mother believed the story I
gave, but apparently she didn’t because she gave me a lecture about the
importance of telling the truth. In that
instance, I wasn’t grounded from driving. But, I did have to hear the lecture
about the consequences of lying. “One lie leads to another lie, but the truth
is constant.” “If you tell a lie, you
can’t remember the details because a lie doesn’t have details. The truth is constant
and if you tell the truth, you can always remember the details.” “If you get the reputation of being a liar,
people will think you are lying even when you tell the truth.” Well, we had
gotten through all of that and I thought I had “dodged that bullet.”
About a month later, my mother said she was tired and I
responded as a dutiful son, “Mother, you should lie down and take a nap.”
Well, the word “lie” in the sentence triggered
something. She asked, “Calvin where all
did you stop three weeks ago when we had that big discussion about being
responsible with the car?”
“Lord have mercy! What did I say?" I must have
gotten the story and the order of places I supposedly visited mixed up. I
thought to myself, but didn’t say it out loud as she went on and on, “I should
have said, ‘Mother, you should lay down and take a nap’ and then the word “lie’
wouldn’t have precipitated this conversation, which was quickly “going south,”
but then I would have had to hear a grammar lecture about “lay” and “lie.” The discussion “went south” and I was grounded
from driving for a couple of days. Mother had taught me, “One lie leads to
another and most people won’t remember the details of a lie.” She closed the conversation with, “I told you
a lie didn’t have details.”
That’s my lesson for young people
Here are a few
things on my mind
-- The African Methodist Episcopal Church is
celebrating this Sunday, November 2nd as “Turnout Sunday!” Bishop
Reginald Jackson states in the Social Action Message to the AME Church, “The
outcome of this election will not only determine control of the Congress and
statehouses but also the direction of the nation.”
I hope every pastor will issue the call for
parishioners to vote. It is our responsibility as U.S. citizens. We are living in a democracy and we should
exercise our right to vote. There are people and entities that are trying their
best to suppress our right to vote.
Of course if pastors are not subscribed to The Christian Recorder Online or one of
the other AME distribution lists, they will not know this is “Turnout
Sunday.”
-- We are all reading about the demonstrations in
Ferguson, Missouri. I support people demonstrating for their rights and I
support the people who are demonstrating for change in Ferguson, but I hope
that there is a massive demonstration to get the citizens registered “to vote”
and “to the polls” in every election.
Sadly, in some of our black communities, voting is not
taken seriously enough. I knew immediately that the residents of Ferguson had
abdicated its voting responsibilities when I saw the racial makeup of the
Ferguson police force and its elected officials.
A lot of high profile leaders are getting a lot of
face-time and news coverage. I just hope that they are also helping the
residents to understand the importance and power of the ballot box.
The Doctrine and Discipline AMEC - 2012
People have been clamoring for an electronic version of
The Doctrine and Discipline of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church. I wonder how many people have taken
advantage of that efficient platform of The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline AMEC – 2012 is so easy to use and you
can find things so easy by going to the Table
of Contents and clicking on what you are searching; the page pops right up.
The Table of Contents is more
thorough than the Index in the last
pages.
I would challenge anyone with a hardcopy edition to
find any subject quicker using the hardcopy issue and me using the electronic
version of The Doctrine and Discipline
AMEC – 2012. A person using the electronic version will win every time.
Long worship
services
Longer is not necessarily better, but people who study
organizations and systems will probably agree that longer is often an
indication of a lack of preparation and thought and a lack of
organization.
I often hear the same story in many areas about church
service lasting three hours.
I knew of a church that normally met at 11 a.m. and
went to about 1:30 -2:00 p.m. most Sundays. Each summer they implemented early
worship and started church worship at 10 a.m. and the folks reported they still
got out of church after 1 p.m. on most Sundays, unless the pastor had something
to do; then they would get out of church earlier.
I would hope pastors would consider the health of the
older parishioners who have medical conditions that make it a hardship for them
to sit for 2½ or 3 hours.
I would also hope that pastors would come to realize
that a lot of young people absent themselves from the life of church because of
the inordinately long worship services.
I don’t feel that worship should be rushed, but some of
the worship minutia could easily be eliminated such as long announcements
followed by the pastor’s long comments on the announcements and worse, comment
from the floor or the person or pastor making the announcements asking, “Are
there any announcements from the floor?”
And please tell choirs, 10 minutes is too long for any
song.
And, pastors, The
Doctrine and Discipline AMEC – 2012 states that a pastoral prayer should
not exceed 8 or 10 minutes DD-AMEC-2012,
Page 91); and that’s being very generous. I am not referring to private
prayers, but public prayers. My private prayers tend to be long because that is
conversation between me and God.
Generational
boundaries need to be understood
I can assure you that the adult Millenials (1982 –
2004) and Generation X (1965 – 1984) who are fast-tracking on their jobs are
not going to stay in church all day. And a large segment of Generation Y (born
in the mid 70s) is probably presently not involved with church.
The Millenials are a group into themselves. They are technology-driven and prefer bursts
of speed – No time for lollygagging. If a church has congregation full of
Millennials, pastors and local church programs need to be creative and
dynamic. Cut the long announcements and
keep the worship service moving.
The most reliable parishioners are the surviving
Greatest Generation (1930 – 1945) and the older Baby Boomers (1946 –
1984).
I have to confess that I have…
-- To be continued
in the next issue
2. READER RESPONSE
TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To the Editor:
RE: AME Church, Zimbabwe and sanctions
I am writing with my heart in pain when I think of AME
Church history and its development.
In 1787 AME Church was founded with the hope to create
a free African society. A history of
liberation and freedom was ushered in by this religious body founded by people
of the African origin.
African liberation struggles were fully supported by
the African Methodist Episcopal Church based in the USA.
I remember when I was about eleven years of age when
the late Bishop H.H. Brookins was denied entry in then Rhodesia. He was accused
of fueling and supporting the revolutionary movement in my country.
The same Bishop was invited by then current and
independent Zimbabwe to officiate on the 1st anniversary of Zimbabwe in 1981.
My question is during the struggle the AME Church was
with us through thick and thin, but now it seems that spirit of up lifting and helping
is no longer within us.
Reading the history of the church, to me A.M.E. Church
is the founder and mother of the so misinterpreted word, Democracy. Some governments in Africa are even naming
their countries by the name "Democracy."
What this mean to me is justice, peace, freedom,
development and democracy is mostly found in this great church of God born out
of great tribulations.
Where is AME Church now yet the struggle for
independence that is not over in my country, Zimbabwe?
Is the church also supporting the economic sanctions
imposed on Zimbabwe, even though it was fighting along with us during the
liberation struggle?
The AME Church buildings and infrastructures are the
poorest in appearance in Africa. Where are we getting it wrong as people of the
African origin?
Is this not the good time for our brothers in overseas
to take advantage of the freedom and independence that is in Zimbabwe to invest
as a church in a country full of natural resources that we may economically
empower our church in Africa?
We move away from the colonial gospel that says
"Worry not of the earthly things you will be rich in heaven."
In the Lord's Prayer we are told to ask for "thy
kingdom to come on earth," the will of God to be done on earth as it is in
heaven.
Does it mean Africans are to be poor on earth?"
NO! No! NO! We must be rich on earth so that we can be counted among the rich
in heaven.
The economic sanctions imposed on my country are only
made to make Africans to remain poor and beggars.
Think of it, as we are look forward to the 200th
anniversary in 2016.
I thank you,
Willard Machiwenyika
3. MESSAGE FROM THE
AMEC SENIOR BISHOP JOHN RICHARD BRYANT:
I would like to
invite the entire connection to join me in praying for both Bishop Jeffrey
Nathaniel Leath and Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr. as they both deal with
medical procedures. The good news is our God is a healer. Amen.
4.
THE COLLEGE CORNER: “BEING VULNERABLE”
*Ms. Kandace Taylor
is a member of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, Florida
We never think of
Jesus as being vulnerable. Yes, Jesus is
the Lamb of God and lambs are vulnerable, but we more often use terms like
meekness and humility when talking about Jesus than talking about
vulnerability. I think it's because we
can't divorce Jesus the man from Jesus God's Son and that makes sense, in a way
because we only know Jesus as the Son of God.
Jesus as the Son of
God is how he was introduced to us and as we grew and developed a relationship
with him. We got to know him as
"the Son of God."
It also makes sense
because we have way more information on Jesus the Son of Man than we do Jesus
the son of that couple living in Nazareth.
Think of it this
way: How many references do we have in Scripture of Jesus crying versus the
references to him preaching, teaching and performing miracles?
Why is there no
scripture that reads, "Jesus laughed"? Or one that reads, "Jesus and the
disciples sat and discussed the ups and downs of their ministry?" We don't have biblical texts in the Bible
that speak about Jesus' day to day life, so when we talk about him I think
we're always really talking about the set-apart, God-version of Jesus. Why does this matter?
I just think that
sometimes we forget that being a Christian does not mean being the one with all
of the answers and solutions, the one with the mystery and power of salvation
in our hands.
There will be times
when we feel we are the ones in need of help, more than the ones capable of
doing the helping. And guess what? That's a good thing.
That's a good thing
because where vulnerability happens, fellowship happens; where vulnerability
happens, effective prayer happens; when vulnerability surfaces, salvation
happens.
Didn't the moment
where you could admit that you needed a Savior become the moment Jesus became
your Savior? It's just that
instantaneous sometimes.
For college
students, that vulnerability may appear in the form of finding a new church
while you're away at school. Yes, it can
be scary. You feel very open, very
exposed and maybe even a little needy.
By showing up, you are letting church people know that you are in need
of something, something that feels like it is in their power to give, or to
keep.
Try not to think of
it that way. When we open ourselves up,
that is the moment where God meets us.
Look for the friendly smile, the open pew, the old church lady or the
older gentleman with the worn-down Bible on her or his knees.
You know what God
looks like if you come from a nourishing church background, and if you don't,
remember this: even when you don't know what God looks like, God knows exactly
what you look like. Seek God and you
will find Him. I think a man named Jesus
said that once.
5.
MESSAGE FROM THE DESK OF THE CHAIR OF THE COMMISSION ON SOCIAL ACTION OF THE
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
In several days,
Americans across the nation will go to the polls to vote in mid-term elections.
The outcome of this election will not only determine control of the Congress
and statehouses but also the direction of the nation.
The Voter
Mobilization Initiatives across the Connection are making a difference. Other faith communities and the “Freedom
Sunday” team are “talking” about the Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi,
South Carolina, and North Carolina. We
know that every Episcopal District has shifted to high-gear. Thank you for all that you do and for showing
that we know - It’s Our Liberation time!
An article in last
Sunday’s issue of The New York Times reported that the outcome of many
important contests will depend on the turnout of black voters. Alarm bells rang
when it was reported that almost 50% of Black voters did not know that an
election was being held in November. If this is true it is not a good Election
Day omen.
In June, the
Council of Bishops voted to designate the third Sunday in September as “Freedom
Sunday,” the kick-off of an effort where all of our pastors were to preach or
speak about the upcoming election, begin voter registration drives, initiate
voter education efforts and urge our congregants and communities to vote. It is
our hope that the bishops reached out to pastors, provided them with the
“Voting Tool Kit” http://www.ame-sac.com/freedom_sunday_toolkit.pdf and urged
them to encourage their congregants and communities to vote. It was to be an
ongoing effort up to Election Day.
The Social Action
Commission is reaching out to ask every pastor to speak to their congregations
and remind and urge them, their family members and communities to vote on
Tuesday, November 4, 2014. We urge lay leaders to use the “Turnout Sunday” and
“Let’s Get Out the Vote Toolkit” to take action. Everything you need is
included including worship materials, souls to the polls guides, telephone bank
scripts, prayers, and information about voting for ex-felons and military. We
must do all we can to make sure every registered voter votes. Remember to
celebrate Sunday, November 2nd as “Turnout Sunday!”
There are a number
of states where a large black voter turnout can determine the outcome of the
election. These states include Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North
Carolina, Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky, Ohio, Colorado, Illinois, and
Massachusetts. Each of these states have very important gubernatorial or US Senate
contest, or both.
Unfortunately,
there are a number of states that have passed new voter requirements, which are
intended to diminish or suppress black voter turnout. We must urge our
congregations and communities to make sure voters have the necessary
identification document to vote. While this is unfair and discriminatory, until
they are changed, we must comply with the rules.
Again, the Social
Action Commission urges each of our congregants and community members who are
registered to vote to cast their ballot on November 4th. Our Director, Sister
“Jackie” Dupont-Walker will assist in any way.
She can be reached at jdupontw@aol.com or telephone:
(213) 494-9493.
Bishop Reginald T
Jackson, Chair
6.
COMMUNITIES, CONGREGATIONS AND FAMILIES NEED TO GET OUT TO VOTE IN THIS
MID-TERM ELECTION:
Today the Joint
Center for Political and Economic Studies released Black Turnout & the 2014
Midterms by Professors Andra Gillespie and Tyson King-Meadows, which examines
the impact of black voters in determining competitive U.S. Senate and
Governors’ races in thirteen states.
Click here to read
the report:
http://jointcenter.org/sites/default/files/Joint%20Center%202014%20Black%20Turnout%2010-29-14_0.pdf .
Key Findings:
• Black voters are
a critical component of the electorate in eight competitive U.S. Senate
contests (AR, CO, GA, KS, KY, LA, MI, NC) and nine competitive gubernatorial
contests (CO, CT, FL, GA, IL, KS, MD, MI, WI).
• While black voter
share generally declines in midterm elections, in five of the competitive
states the black voter share was higher in the 2010 midterms than in the 2008
presidential (CT, FL, GA, IL, LA).
• Among the
competitive states, AR, KS, and KY had the lowest voting rates among black
voters in the 2010 midterms.
• MI, WI, NC, and
KY witnessed the steepest declines in black voter turnout from 2008 to 2010
among the competitive states.
• If the black vote
share in 2014 is identical to that in the 2010 midterms, 2014 will be a
challenging year for Democrats.
• A highly
mobilized black Democratic voting bloc would make it numerically possible for
Democrats and Independent candidates to win outright majorities in U.S. Senate
races in CO, MI, and KS, and gubernatorial races in MD and IL, and possibly FL
and KS.
Founded in 1970,
the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies is a leading think tank on
people of color and public policy. The Joint Center uses research, analysis,
and communications to improve the socioeconomic status and political
participation of people of color, to promote relationships across racial lines,
and to strengthen the nation’s pluralistic society. To learn more, please visit
www.jointcenter.org.
7.
SAVE WILBERFORCE! BISHOP MCKINLEY YOUNG,
PRESIDING PRELATE THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Dear Members and
Friends,
Wilberforce
University, founded in 1856 by the United Methodist Church to educate the
children of slave masters, was forced to close in 1862 because of the Civil
War. On March 10, 1863, through God's grace and mercy, Bishop Daniel Alexander
Payne purchased Wilberforce University for the AME Church on faith for $10,000,
making it the oldest private coeducational institution of higher learning to be
owned and controlled by African Americans. Again, through God's grace and
mercy, Wilberforce has weathered many storms-the fire that destroyed its main
building on April 14, 1865, the night that Abraham Lincoln was assassinated,
the "split" in June, 1947, with the resulting lawsuits to preserve
its name and legacy.
Today Wilberforce
University again stands on the threshold of a life-threatening crisis. Served
with Show Cause warnings by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central
Association, Wilberforce University must by December 15 show that it has met
certain criteria necessary to maintain its accreditation. Foremost is that
Wilberforce University must demonstrate success in reducing its debt of $15 million
and present a plan to assure its financial stability and viability.
The Council of
Bishops and the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have
approved our "Save Wilberforce Now!" campaign commencing Sunday,
November 2 through Sunday, November 23
(November 2, 9, 16, and 23). Please lift
a generous offering for Wilberforce.
Donations should be
sent directly to:
Wilberforce
University
ATTN: Save Wilberforce Now!
P.O. Box 1001
Wilberforce,
OH 45384
Our Trustee Board
Chair, Mark Wilson, a Wilberforce graduate; and Vice Chair, John Chris Miller
are pursuing National Corporate support.
The loyal National Alumni Association has pledged to raise $2 million.
We are now appealing to the AME Church, the founding mother, to come to the
rescue by declaring four Sundays in November as "Wilberforce University
Day" and to appeal to every AME and every friend of higher education to
join in raising $5 million.
Save Wilberforce
Now!
Bishop McKinley
Young
8.
INVITATION OF APPEAL TO AME CHURCH TO SAVE WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY:
It’s still a great
day at Wilberforce University! It’s a
great day and we are asking for your support to help save the accreditation of
Wilberforce University.
In June 2014, the
Higher Learning Commission on accreditation issued a Show Cause Notice
mandating that Wilberforce University make some immediate corrections or face
closure of the institution. As you are
aware, Wilberforce is the oldest private black institution of higher education
in America. The institution was founded
in 1856 to educate African American persons who were fleeing slavery. Wilberforce offered these former slaves hope
and an opportunity for a better life.
Now, Wilberforce needs the African Methodist Episcopal Church, African
Americans and persons of good will to come to its rescue to help save this
great institution with a powerful and rich historical legacy. Can we today just stand still, turn our
backs, and watch idly as this institution struggles for survival when persons
with no money established this grand institution? For those who say “yes”, we say shame on you
that you would so easily let go of your heritage. Perhaps, other institutions can be closed;
however, with the excellent academic programs that are offered at Wilberforce,
the extremely talented students, and the historical significance that
Wilberforce holds in the African American community and in our nation’s
history, we must stand up and be counted among those who say “yes, I will help
save Wilberforce.”
Wilberforce cannot
survive unless it receives funding support from the worldwide AME Church, which
will be used to save its accreditation.
The following funds
are needed by November 15, 2014 to help correct the deficiencies and save the
accreditation of Wilberforce University:
$6.2 million is
needed to renovate eight (8) campus buildings as well as repair sidewalks and
steps;
$4.0 million is
needed to pay off outstanding financial aid liabilities to the U.S. Department
of Education;
$5.0 million is
needed to establish an endowed student scholarship fund; 97% of Wilberforce’s
students are on financial aid.
$4.0 million is
needed to establish an endowed fund to support ongoing operations such as
hiring a qualified staff as mandated by the accreditation commission.
Great strides have
already been made in making the corrections required by the accreditation
association such as: Appointment of a new Board of Trustees, a new President,
and new staff who have pledged to be good stewards over all donations and to
use the funds exactly as required by the accreditation association. A Road Map
to Success with a timeline was created to serve as a guide to correct the
deficiencies and to ensure that Wilberforce University will never be in this
place again.
Dr. Algeania Warren
Freeman, the new President of Wilberforce University, has saved the
accreditation of two other institutions of higher learning and she believes
that the accreditation of Wilberforce University can be saved with the help of
the AME Church, all African Americans, and persons of good will.
President Freeman
says, “Wilberforce offers academic programs of excellence. Wilberforce deserves to survive and thrive
because of its powerful and historical legacy of preparing great African
American leaders such as, Dr. Hastings Banda, former President of Malawi; opera
great Leontyne Price; Colonel Charles Young, the third African American graduate
of West Point, one of the first Buffalo soldiers and a member of Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity; and other notable graduates.
Today, Wilberforce
University students are still graduating great leaders that serve in such
capacities as the Third National Vice President for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,
ordained clergy and corporate leaders.
Wilberforce
University graduates excel in engineering, the sciences, rehabilitation
counseling, and communications.
Although the legacy
of Wilberforce is our heritage, the Wilberforce students are our leaders of the
present and the future.
Wilberforce
University President Algeania Warren Freeman is pleading for help from the AME
church to help save the accreditation of the University.
Save
Wilberforce University!
Please send your
donations to:
Wilberforce
University
Attn: Office of
Development
1055 North Bickett
Rd
P.O. Box 1001
Wilberforce, OH
45384
Or you can visit www.wilberforce.edu to make a payment online
using your credit card or call (937) 708-5709.
Submitted by Dr.
John E. Freeman, Dean of Student Services at Wilberforce University
9.
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY HONORS LONG-TIME EDUCATORS DURING 2014 HOMECOMING
CELEBRATION:
A chance meeting at
Wilberforce University in 1942 has led to a lifetime of memories and successes
for Drs. McDonald and Jamye Williams, who spent nearly three decades at the
Tennessee State University and who have also been married for more than 70
years.
The couple shared yet
another milestone during Tennessee State University’s Homecoming as the two
were saluted as the 2014 Honorees for their outstanding contributions to the
university. Both long-time educators, as well as NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame
inductee Claude Humphrey, were honored Sept. 26 during the university’s “An
Evening of Honors” Scholarship Gala.
The Williams’ made
TSU the final stop on their professional journey. Dr. McDonald Williams spent
30 years at the university serving as director of the Honors Program and as a
professor of English before retiring in 1988. His wife, Dr. Jamye Williams,
retired just a year earlier ending her tenure as head of the Department of
Communications, a position she held for 14 years.
Over their
extensive careers, they have made advancing education and student success a
priority. The many years spent at Tennessee State University afforded them an
opportunity to see some of the university’s most talented students graduate and
excel. Jamye brings interesting perspective on how they have positively shaped
the lives of TSU students – particularly one of her most famous students, Oprah
Winfrey.
“Her father wanted
her to have a good education and a successful career,” Williams said. “He knew
that having that [college] degree would continue to open doors for her.”
Jamye said
Winfrey’s father encouraged her to call Oprah and convince her to finish what
she started. So, in 1987, she made contact with Winfrey who, by this time, had
established herself as a national talk show host.
“She sent me a
check to pay for the three credit hours and completed a documentary for her
senior class project,” Jamye said. “That same year, she was the Commencement
speaker, and I remember her holding up her degree and saying ‘see Daddy, I
amount to something.’”
Since retiring, the
Williams, who now reside in Atlanta, still make time to come back to TSU. They
returned in 2012 for the university’s Centennial Celebration, in 2013 for the
inauguration of President Glenda Glover, and in March 2014 for the Honors
Program’s 50th anniversary celebration, in which Dr. McDonald
Williams was honored for his years of dedication to the growth of the program.
Because of his
contributions to the success of the program, the Tennessee Board of Regents
granted the university approval to rename the Honors Program in 1988 to the
McDonald Williams Honors Center. This past spring, the couple donated $10,000
toward an Honors College initiative.
“I wish we could
have given more,” McDonald said, adding that by establishing an Honors College
it will raise the level of the program.
During the 46 years
the Williams’ spent in Nashville, they played an active role in the life of the
university and in the community. The myriad of professional and civic
affiliations, honors and publications they have amassed are too numerous to
mention. They were active in the NAACP with Jamye serving as Life Membership
Committee Chairman for 20 years and McDonald serving the civil rights
organization as vice president. Currently, they are members of Big Bethel AME
Church in Atlanta, Georgia. She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc. and he is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
In addition to
their support of TSU, the Williams provide scholarship support to other universities,
including Payne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce University and through the
Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
“I would recommend
anyone who wants to go to college to consider Tennessee State University with
no hesitation at all,” McDonald said. “So many students there have done well
over the years.”
10.
BROTHER BOBBY RANKIN DONATES A SECOND BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT TO HIS YOUNGER
BROTHER, JERRY RANKIN:
Brother Bobby
Rankin, AMEC Security specialist makes the local news (Television Station WBTV
in Charlotte, North Carolina).
He is giving his
younger brother, Jerry Rankin a second Bone Marrow Transplant. He gave his brother a Bone Marrow transplant
18 years ago.
When I first met
Bobby Rankin I called him “Reverend Rankin” because I saw him at so many AME
Church meetings and I just thought he had to be a preacher. He immediately
corrected me.
The AME Church is
proud of Brother Bobby Rankin and our prayers go out to him and his brother in
this second bone marrow transplant donation to his brother, Jerry.
11.
THE 2014 5TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PASTORAL ASSIGNMENTS:
The Rev. Spencer
Barrett (Allen, Tacoma, Washington) was appointed the Presiding Elder of the
Pacific Northwest Conference;
The Rev. Anthony
Steele (Ebenezer, Stockton, California) to Allen, Tacoma, Washington;
The Rev. Juliet
Hemphill (Bethel, Yakima, Washington) to First A.M.E., Indio, California;
The Rev. Arthur
Carter (Bethel, Portland, Oregon) to Payne Chapel, Colorado Springs, Colorado;
The Rev. Terry
McCray Hill (Payne Chapel, Colorado Springs, Colorado) to Bethel, Portland, Oregon;
The Rev. William
Shepard (Walker Chapel, Seattle, Washington) to Brown Memorial, Pasadena,
California;
The Rev. LeSean
Tarkington (St. James, Los Angeles, California) to Walker Chapel, Seattle,
Washington;
The Rev. Charles
Wright (Emory Chapel, Ogden, Utah) to Holy Trinity, Las Vegas, Nevada;
The Rev. Pamela
Mason (Holt Trinity, Las Vegas, Nevada) to Bethel, Leavenworth, Kansas;
The Rev. Warren
Freeman (Bethel, Leavenworth, Kansas) to Willis Chapel, Kansas City, Missouri;
The Rev. Steven
Shepard (St. Paul, Wichita, Kansas) to St. Peter's, Saint Louis, Missouri;
The Rev. Joseph
Nixon (St. Peter's, St. Louis, Missouri) to Saint Paul, Wichita, Kansas;
The Rev. Brenda J.
Hayes (PE, Saint Louis Columbia District) to Ebenezer, Kansas City, Missouri;
The Rev. Sharon
Avril (Antioch, Pittsburg, California) to Carter Memorial, Fresno, California;
Presiding Elder W.
Bartalette Finney (PE, San Francisco/Sacramento District) to the Saint Louis
Columbia District, Saint Louis, Missouri;
The Rev. Donnell
Miles (Johnson Chapel, Santa Ana, California) to Ebenezer, Stockton,
California;
The Rev. Cedric
Alexander (Price Chapel, Los Angeles, California) to Presiding Elder of the San
Francisco/Sacramento District;
The Rev. Nicole
Pledger (Quinn Chapel, Sedalia, Missouri) to Saint Luke, Kansas City, Kansas.
Presiding Elder
Steven A. Cousin, Sr. (Midwest South District, Midwest Conference) and
Presiding Elder Donna F. Roberson (Midwest North District) were reappointed to
their respective districts.
Southern
California Annual Conference Appointments
The Southern
California Annual Conference, which formally had three Presiding Elders, now
has the following two Presiding Elders:
The Rev. Allen
Williams, the Presiding Elder of the Los Angeles North District
Rev. Roosevelt
Lindsey, the Presiding Elder of the Los Angeles South Las Vegas District.
The Rev. Larry
Campbell was appointed to First, Pasadena, California.
The Rev. Dr. Betty
Hanna Witherspoon was appointed to Primm, Pomona, California.
Presiding Elder
Norman Copeland was appointed to St. Paul, San Bernardino, California;
Presiding Elder
Benjamin Hollins was appointed to Price Chapel, Los Angeles, California;
Presiding Elder
Delman Howard was appointed to Johnson Chapel, Santa Ana, California.
The Rev. Cedric
Alexander was transferred to the California Annual Conference.
The Rev. Pamela
Mason (Holy Trinity, Las Vegas, Nevada) and the Rev. LeSean Tarkington received
temporary appointments.
Fifth
District 2014 Annual Conference Series Temporary Appointments
After five Annual
Conferences, 24 pastors received temporary appointments scheduled to be
completed at the Fifth District Planning Meeting:
Pacific
Northwest Conference (5)
The Rev David
Malcolm (Ebenezer, Bremerton, Washington),
The Rev. William
Sheppard (Walker Chapel, Seattle, Washington),
The Rev. Spencer
Barrett (Allen, Tacoma, Washington),
The Rev. Arthur
Carter (Bethel, Portland, Oregon),
The Rev. Juliet
Hemphill (Bethel, Yakima, Washington)
Desert
Mountain Conference (4)
The Rev. Terry
McCray Hill (Payne Chapel, Colorado Springs, Colorado),
The Rev. Charles
Wright (Emory Chapel, Ogden, Utah),
The Rev. Edwin
Donaldson (Allen, Cheyenne, Wyoming),
The Rev. Margaret
Redmon (First, Pueblo, Colorado)
Midwest Conference
(9)
The Rev. Warren Freeman (Bethel, Leavenworth, Kansas),
The Rev. Betty
Hanna Witherspoon (Ebenezer, Kansas City, Missouri),
The Rev. Steven
Shepard (St. Paul, Wichita, Kansas),
The Rev. Clifton
Neal St. James (St. John, Omaha, Nebraska),
The Rev. Penny
Pitchford (Cain-Grant, Kansas City, Missouri),
The Rev. Loy C.
Drew (St. Paul, Olathe, Kansas),
The Rev. Donald
Morrison (St. Luke, Kansas City, Kansas),
The Rev. Steven
Cousin (PE, Midwest South District),
The Rev. Donna
Roberson (PE, Midwest North District).
California
Conference (1)
Presiding Elder W.
Bartalette Finney, Sr. (San Francisco/Sacramento District)
Missouri
Conference (5)
The Rev. Brenda J. Hayes (PE, St. Louis Columbia
District),
The Rev. Mary Hull
Lovett (St. Paul, Columbia, Missouri),
The Rev. Howard
Abernathy (Allen Chapel, Hannibal, Missouri), and
The Rev. Randolf
Douglas (TRI-Union, St. Louis, Missouri).
The Rev. Rev.
Joseph Nixon (St. Peter, St. Louis, Missouri) is walking with the Bishop until
the Planning Meeting.
The 2014 Fifth
District Planning Meeting met at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, 5711 W.
Century Boulevard, Los Angeles, California on October 27 - 28, 2014. All
Sessions were held at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel.
Pastoral appointments
made at the 5th Episcopal District Planning Meeting will be reported
upon receipt of the pastoral appointments.
12.
OFFICE ON VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ANNOUNCES NATIONAL TOUR TO COMMEMORATE THE
20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ACT:
WASHINGTON – In
honor of the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act, the
Department of Justice today announced a nationwide tour of Office on Violence
Against Women (OVW) grant recipients.
The tour will engage with communities dedicated to ending violence
against women though coordinated community response (CCR) teams. OVW launched the tour today with a visit to
programs in Brooklyn, New York. OVW and
department officials will visit diverse communities across the country through
May 2015. Officials will participate in
roundtable conversations with local law enforcement, victim service providers,
judges, prosecutors and other members of the coordinated community response
team.
This tour is an
important part of the department’s ongoing effort to prevent and address
violence against women. Officials will
see how best practices are playing out across the nation – especially in areas
such as prosecution, law enforcement, victim services, cultural competency, language
access, prevention and public awareness.
“Research shows
that efforts to address violence against women are particularly effective when
they are combined and integrated into a coordinated community response,” said
Principal Deputy Director Bea Hanson of the Office on Violence Against
Women. “We know that when police
departments, courts, and victim service providers work together to create
multi-disciplinary response teams, the quality of victim services and justice
system responses are improved, which can influence and change the way
communities understand and talk about violence against women.”
Currently, OVW
administers 24 grant programs, authorized by the Violence Against Women Act of
1994 and subsequent legislation, designed to develop the nation’s capacity to
reduce domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking by
strengthening services to victims and holding offenders accountable. Since 1995, OVW has awarded more than $5.7
billion to address domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and
stalking in communities across the country.
The planned
national tour sites are: Brooklyn, NY; Oklahoma City, OK; Alameda County, CA;
Contra Costa County, CA; Vermont; New Orleans, LA; San Diego, CA; Duluth, MN;
Idaho; Maryland; Multnomah County, OR; San Francisco, CA. Additional sites and tour participants will
be announced at a future date.
13.
SEVEN CORE SKILLS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PASTORS:
By Dr. Terry
Jackson
What community
works and core skills separate Pastors T.D. Jakes and Joel Osteen from the
others? How does community and congregation engagement help these Pastors build
and sustain their churches and communities?
Ultimately what core skills separate highly effective Pastors from
others Pastors?
As a follow up to
the last article titled “7 Questions for the Church to Ask That Hold Pastors
Accountable” we decided identify 7 core skills needed by highly effective
Pastors. Before we provide those 7 core skills and offer a solution we need to
ask a few questions.
1) What makes a
Pastor Highly Effective?
2) How does the
congregation measure the effectiveness of a Pastor?
3) What core skills
should a Pastor possess to be Highly Effective?
Every congregation
and pastor should be aware of what core skills are needed for a pastor to be
effective and every congregation should expect nothing less than a highly
effective Pastor.
Effective
Communicator is the first of the seven core skills needed by a highly effective
pastor. All leaders must be able to
listen to others, process information, and communicate effectively.
Within the
Effective Communicator core skill, listening to others enables leaders to
encourage the sharing of information and ideas, as well as concerns. Listening
openly to others, without interruption, is one of the keys to becoming more
effective and optimizing performance.
Processing
information is crucial to being a good leader. Being able to get to the point,
weigh pros and the cons, and evaluate short and long range consequences of
decisions is vital. It helps leaders develop logical and clear conclusions.
The final component
of the Effective Communicator core skill is a leader must communicate
effectively. Leaders must express themselves
clearly, both in writing and in speaking. They must be thorough, concise, and
consistently straightforward when sharing information and their vision with
others.
Leadership is the
next core skill needed by pastors. Successful leaders instill trust, provide
direction, and delegate responsibility.
Ultimately,
leadership is about producing the desired results. Building and instilling
trust enables a leader to show they can be trusted to keep promises and
confidences. It also shows that they are honest and ethical.
Leaders provide
direction by establishing clear expectations. The congregation should always
know which strategic direction in which the church is headed.
Lastly under the
Leadership core skill a leader must be able to delegate responsibility. Leaders delegate the appropriate jobs to
appropriate people. Leaders empower others to work and solve problems on their
own.
Financial
Management skills are crucial to operating a vibrant church. This core skill
seems to be the, most challenging for many Pastors. Budgeting, forecasting,
managing cash flow, reading and understanding financial statements and manage
business metrics. Pastors must be able to not only understand financial
statements they must also be able to interpret and act on financial information
that contributes to the churches financial health.
Personal Mastery is
the fourth core skill. The Pastor, who masters his or her self, seeks
improvement and displays personal commitment.
This leader learns
positive lessons from mistakes, accepts constructive criticism, and pursues
resources to improve and develop professionally. He or she sets no limits on
personal potential. A high level of commitment is needed by leaders to be
successful. This leader maintains a high level of energy, perseveres, and
remains positive.
These eight core
competencies provide a systems approach to personal leadership development.
Effective Pastors are committed to developing these competencies in themselves
on an ongoing basis.
Leaders develop
leaders. Pastors develop associate Pastors, congregations and communities. This
is the next core skill of a highly effective Pastor.
Two important areas
in the development of others are cultivating individuals and successfully
motivating others.
Leaders who are
successful at cultivating talent are effective at coaching and making training
available. As a leader, one must be able to give recognition to people who
produce excellent work and give extra effort. The leader also has an
enthusiastic attitude that positively affects others.
Building
relationships may be the most crucial component of being a leader.
It means being
considerate of others’ feelings. Leaders must also show freedom from unfair
biases as well as be tactful. Leaders must remain composed under stress.
The next component
to Building Relationships is ensuring team success. Church success and
community success is crucial for highly effective Pastors. Within team success
leaders must resolve conflicts fairly, in a spirit of cooperation. Leaders must
build consensus and lead teams with appropriate goals. Leaders must recruit
effectively in order to grow the congregation.
Production is the
last core skill of a highly effective Pastor. Leaders must produce the desired
outcomes. Pastor must grow the church and the community.
An effective leader
knows when the time is right to initiate action. Leaders handle problems
assertively and make timely as well as firm decisions. Leaders take action so
they can achieve results. In order to achieve results, leaders must know how to
overcome obstacles to achievement and set high standards that positively impact
the organization.
As an
Organizational Development consultant, I have developed a series of workshops
to help Pastors become more effective.
When you master these 7 core skills, your congregation and community
will thrive. To join the next workshop,
email me at tjackphd@gmail.com
14.
NEW CREDIT STANDARDS ISSUED FOR PARENT PLUS LOAN PROGRAM:
The U.S. Department
of Education has announced a final rule to strengthen the Federal Direct PLUS
Loan Program. The latest regulations revise the definition of “adverse credit
history,” which would disqualify a student or family from receiving the loans.
The new regulations
set a debt threshold of $2,085, below which a potential borrower is not
considered to have an adverse credit history. In addition, instead of
considering a borrower’s credit history for the past five years in order to determine
eligibility, the department will only look at charge offs and collections over
the past two years.
The new regulations
are scheduled to go into effect on July 15, 2015. The delay in implementing the
new regulations prompted Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president of the Thurgood
Marshall College Fund to issue a strong statement condemning the delay. Taylor
stated that “the delayed implementation of Parent PLUS Loan regulations is as
disturbing as the unlikely scenario of our government issuing a statement
indicating that they have a cure for Ebola and then announcing the cure will
not be implemented until July 2015. Students forced to remain at home with
college debt, no degree, and no jobs are some of the outcomes of the Education
Department’s decision to tighten credit standards on Parent PLUS Loans with no
warning. It’s unacceptable to now make them wait until July 2015.” Taylor
estimates that since 2011, 28,000 students at the nation’s historically Black
colleges and universities were negatively impacted by the Education
Department’s decision to tighten credit standards. The reduction in enrollments
may have costs HBCUs more than $150 million in tuition revenues.
In regard to the
delay in implementing the new rules, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said that
department is designating the final regulations for early implementation.
15. SURGERY UPDATE, BISHOP JEFFREY N. LEATH:
Thanks
to all for the outpouring of love and the exercise of faith. The procedure went
well. I am resting at home.
Humbled
by the expressed concern of friends from around the world, God receives all
praise, honor and glory.
With
appreciation for every prayer and kindness, another testimony is engraved on my
life.
Faithfully,
+Jeffrey
N. Leath, President Council of the
Bishops / Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District
16.
THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
The Rev. Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical
Text: Psalm 121: 7-8: The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: He shall
preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from
this time forth, and even for evermore.
In this text the
Psalmist suggests three things that are guaranteed by God. The three things
that he uses as a blessing at the end of his song of praise are promises from
God that we can definitely count on.
The Psalmist says that
God “shall preserve thy soul” or as it is translated in Hebrew, “shamar,” which
means to keep, to watch, or to care for. We are reminded that it is the Lord
who is keeping us. The Lord is watching and caring for us. It is the Lord who
is concerned about three areas of our lives. He is giving us three guarantees.
The text says that
the Lord “shall preserve thee from all evil”. In other words God is fully aware
of the crippling effect sin has on our lives and He promises that He will
safeguard us from all evil. He will keep us from evil. God knows full well that
we would be much closer to Him if it were not for sin. If it were not for sin
we would worship, shout and praise more. If it were not for sin we would be in
church more and we would give more. Therefore God gives us a guarantee that
even though evil comes at us from every direction He will preserve us in the
midst of evil circumstances.
Often times we
allow our circumstances and the situations we find ourselves in to convince us
that God is not able to handle evil. It is our carnal mind that persuades us
that God cannot deal with the evil on our jobs or in our homes. We seem to not recall that “Greater is He
that is in us than he that is in the world.” Thus we forget that God is able to
sort out all the evil in our relationships. He can even handle the evil in the
church. God guarantees that He can handle all evil.
The Psalmist uses
the word “shall” instead of “maybe,” or perhaps reminding us of God’s
definitive guarantee to preserve our soul. This, we are persuaded, is not a
feeble attempt to come to our aid nor is it assistance that we should not be
sure of. We are encouraged that God is working full-time caring for our souls.
God is able!
The Hebrew word for
soul, “neplesh,” encompasses mind, body, heart, soul and life all rolled into
one. Our guarantee is that not just our soul but every aspect of who we are is
preserved by God. God promises that as long as we are living, He will preserve
us making sure that we have enough food, enough air, and enough water to
sustain our lives and give us quality of life.
Mind you the
guarantee is not that everyone will be “living large.” However the history of
our existence chronicles God’s guarantee being played out. God has preserved us
through centuries of oppression and persecution. God has brought us through
some rough times and some turbulent storms.
Many of us have not
always had a closet full of clothes or a fancy car, but God brought us through.
In good times and bad we were happy in Jesus alone! The principle here, of
course, is that we can be broke and happy at the same time. We learned how to
struggle through life and still have joy. We were able to survive in cramped
living spaces and still praise God. We walked to the bus stop glad for every new
morning. We lived on fried baloney and buttered grits, but we were still full
and satisfied! We were not rich, but God
met our needs. God was then and is right
now preserving our soul.
The third guarantee
our text refers to has to do with our covenant relationship with God. He guarantees to preserve our going out and
our coming in. While this does mean that God promises to be with us when we
leave home in the morning and He will be with us as we travel home at night we
are cautioned not to limit this part of God’s guarantee. In other words, while
this may be true, it is not an accurate interpretation of this third guarantee.
Our text is
actually referencing the practice of coming and going from temple worship. The
House of God then was the centerpiece of all existence. To lose connection with
God would be to lose everything. God guarantees that He will preserve “their
going out and their coming in”. He will preserve their capacity to exercise
their faith relationship with Him.
Lamentably, it
appears that some Christians today don’t hold this guarantee to be as
significant a promise as they once did. For some God used to be the focus of
every minute of the day and Church used to be the centerpiece of their
existence, but not so much any more. There are some among us who used to come
to church every day of the week. There was a time when folk gathered on Sunday
for worship; came back to clean up on Monday; had choir rehearsal on Tuesday;
prayer meeting on Wednesday; mission meeting on Thursday; youth meeting on
Friday. And on Saturday, they prepared the church for Sunday worship. But it
seems now that for many of us our secular lives have gotten in the way, and we
have essentially voided God’s guarantee.
The good news is
that for those of us who still practice our faith in such committed fashion, we
are exercising our guarantee that God will preserve our covenant relationship
with Him for the next generation.
I am sure there are
many who like me are glad God promises to go with us as we travel to and from
the sanctuary. Someone like me is glad that God promises to be with us
throughout the day, until we can return to His house once again. It guarantees
that our habit of worship will remain strong and intact.
God guarantees that
He will not break the everlasting covenant He established with us through the
blood of Jesus Christ. We do not have a dated guarantee. Our guarantee is good
“from this time forth, and even forevermore!”
The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, S.C.
17.
GETTING TO ZERO: SPEAKING OF CANCER PREVENTION:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
Cancer. The word evokes concern, caution and fear.
Breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, pancreatic cancer,
colon cancer, brain tumor and leukemia are but a few that come to mind. Most
people are aware of an October focus on Breast Cancer. In October even mighty,
fast and fit professional football players accessorize with pink to bring
awareness to one common form of the “Big C.”
Just what is
cancer? How does ‘Getting to Zero’ apply to prevention or control of cancer?
What is cancer?
Cancer occurs when
a cell loses control of its growth. ‘Contact inhibition’ as growth control is
built into normal eukaryotic cells (multi-cell organisms). Most eukaryotic
cells stop dividing when their surface proteins make contact with another cell
or tissue.
Genetic material
(DNA) pre-programs normal cells to divide and differentiate. This begins when
two cells –egg and sperm join to make one unique fertilized egg. The fertilized egg eventually becomes a
‘fearfully and wonderfully made’ human body.
The one unique cell becomes 2, 4, 8, 16… and more. A recent scientific
study estimates that over 37 trillion human cells work together in an ‘average’
person. The estimate of 37 trillion cells does not include the even greater
numbers of microbial cells (bacteria and fungi) that inhabit the human body.
Amazingly, the body
develops from one fertilized egg cell into a highly functional machine of
coordinated muscles, nerves, skin, bone, blood and other tissues. Basic cells
(stem cells with potential to develop along one of many options) differentiate
and commit to become a specific kind of cell in a distinct tissue type. The process
is indeed amazing!
The body is
‘fearfully and wonderfully’ made.
How does cancer
happen?
Cells can lose
their built in control of growth and division because of cell aging or
mutations from exposure to chemicals, a toxin, sunshine, radiation or virus
infection. Or, something can simply go wrong in the many steps of normal
metabolism. An altered cell can continue
to divide to eventually become a mass of cells - a tumor or cancer.
Why are there
different cancer types or sizes?
Tumors can be
benign – their cells stick together and do not invade into other tissues.
Tumors also can be malignant where cells exhibit new growth properties and
altered growth control so they can invade other tissue or move into the blood
or lymph system. From there they land, grow and flourish in places where there
should be no cells of the original tissue type.
Most cancers
originate from a transformed cell of a specific tissue. Several terms are used
to describe types of cancer. For example, cancers from cells in tissues that
cover or line body organs are carcinomas. Cancers from cells of connective or
supportive tissue like blood or bone are sarcomas. Cells from parts of the
immune system are lymphomas or myelomas. Tests can determine the original
tissue type of a tumor regardless of where the mass is found in the body.
Benign tumors do
not return if the cell mass is removed. They do not invade other tissue or
spread to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors may return if any cancer
cells are left. They can invade tissues near to them or spread to other sites
in the body. The latter process is called metastasis. In metastasis, for
example, a mass that started as an out of growth control breast cancer cell
might be found in the liver or lung or brain. Malignant tumor cells have
surface and genetic features that differ from those of normal cells or cells in
benign tumors.
Small tumors or
masses occur when a cell that has lost growth control only divides a relatively
few times. The potential increases for making a larger mass as more time passes
from change of a normal cell into a cancer cell. With a malignant tumor, more time can lead to
presence of multiple smaller metastasized tumors in nearby tissues or tissues
of distant organs.
There are fast and
slow growing tumors. Tumors may remain in the original site or metastasize to
nearby lymph nodes, or even into organs serviced by the lymph system or blood.
For example, a detached cell from a lung cancer mass formed in the lungs may
move through the blood stream to form a metastasized tumor in the liver.
For cancer, what is
Getting to Zero?
There is no magic
bullet or one size fits all to cure or prevent cancer.
Normal cells grow
old and must be removed or replaced. If we lived long enough, every person
would develop some type of cancer. Aging involves a natural decline of cell
self-repair mechanisms and a decline in host immune surveillance to detect and
eliminate abnormal cells.
We may never get to
zero with cancer. Unlike with HIV/AIDS, polio or measles where exposure to the
pathogen or existence of the pathogen can be eliminated, it is not likely that
all forms of cancer will be eliminated.
In purposeful
healthy living, however, we can reduce the risks and postpone the time of
developing cancer. Healthy lifestyle
habits can (1) reduce exposure to substances that may lead to change in cell
growth control, (2) boost the immune surveillance system so that it is healthy
to detect and remove changed cells. Or, (3) we can take detection steps
(self-breast exam, mammogram, prostate exam, colonoscopy) to find any developed
masses as early as possible to monitor or remove the mass, or halt growth and
spread of transformed cells.
“Getting to Zero”
with cancer might mean using all the known ways, including nutrition, to reduce
the number of events that change cells from normal to cancer cells. It might
mean reducing longer term impacts of tumors that will inevitably develop if we
live long enough.
We will explore
ways to reduce exposure to transforming conditions, boost immune surveillance
and reduce impacts of tumors or cancer that may develop.
In the meantime,
eat those vegetables and fruits that contain powerful natural anti-oxidants.
Move frequently and exercise regularly to get revitalizing oxygen into tissues.
Avoid smoking or exposure to carcinogens such as smoke, asbestos, fuel fumes,
excessive sunshine, radiation, some chemicals and some microbes.
In the war against
cancer, there are effective prevention battle strategies. Prepare well and
strategically for a healthy functional mind, body and spirit. Each battle matters.
*Dr. 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.
18.
iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2014 – SEEKING A PLACE OF
PEACE - EZEKIEL 43:1-12:
*Bill Dickens
Ezekiel, meaning
"God will strengthen," is one of the Major Prophets of the Bible. The
son of Buzi the priest (Ezekiel 1:3), Ezekiel lived during the Babylonian
Exile, among the Jews who settled at Tel-Abib in Babylon (not to be confused
with Tel-Aviv, which is in Israel). He was among those taken away captive with
Jehoiachin (2 Kings 24:14-16) which occurred about 597 BC., 11 years before
Jerusalem was completely destroyed (Ezekiel 33:21). Ezekiel’s perspicacious visions recorded in
his book supports the popular nickname attributed to him – "The eagle-eyed
prophet." Ezekiel saw many great
visions filled with spectacular metaphors about the Sovereignty of God and the
restoration of Israel from Babylonian captivity.
Today’s Church
School lesson examines Ezekiel’s vision about the Temple of God. The Temple occupied an important role in the
lives of pre-exilic Jews. Built by King
Solomon it was one of the great architectural achievements at that time in
human history. People look for a place
in which they can experience some sense of release and orderliness, away from
the chaos that sometimes surrounds them.
Where can such a
place be found? Ezekiel’s vision, given to him by God, revealed to the
Israelites that God’s calming presence and merciful glory could be felt in
sacred places in which God is truly worshiped.
The country of
China is home to many great buildings.
Some include:
- The Great Hall of
the People - Located on the western edge of Tiananmen Square, the Great Hall of
the People houses China's top legislative body, the National People's Congress,
and is also used for other ceremonial activities.
- The National
Museum of China - Originally known as the China Revolutionary History Museum,
this building is located on the eastern edge of Tiananmen Square.
- The Cultural
Palace of Nationalities - Located on the north side of West Chang'an Avenue,
the Nationalities Cultural Palace is a medium rise building incorporating
traditional Chinese design elements. It has won a number of awards as an
example of modern Chinese-style design.
When the indoor
sports arena the Astrodome was built in Houston, Texas in the late 1960s, it
was described as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
The buildings in
China and the Astrodome resonate with architectural splendor and rank high for
tourists to see. Despite their majestic
appearances they pale in comparison to the Temple described by Ezekiel. The Temple was not only an architectural
masterpiece but a functional edifice as well.
God’s Holiness permeated the Temple.
This is why it is appropriate in our worship services to remind
parishioners, “The Lord is in His Holy Temple, let all Earth keep silent before
Him.”
God gave Ezekiel a
great vision about the Temple. The
Temple was the epicenter of authentic worship for the Jews. This was the place where the people could
come for comfort, healing and inspiration.
No other place could match its value in ancient Israel. The vision of the Temple reminds us about the
important role of personal accountability. Since God’s Holiness is manifested
in the Temple, all who enter should be holy.
Sin and disobedience are repulsive to God. Our task is making sure that we do not
pollute the Temple (now House of God) with behavioral lifestyles that are
displeasing to God and desecrate God's Holy presence.
*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 African Methodist Episcopal Church
19. MEDITATION BASED ON PROVERBS 3:1-8:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
My first car - a
1956 Ford - was passed down to me by my first cousin and was fun to drive and
easy to service and repair. Today’s
vehicles, however, have complex electronic systems and are best serviced and
repaired in a well-equipped shop by skilled and well trained mechanics - not
under a “shade tree” by a mechanic who only has rudimentary automotive
knowledge and a set of wrenches.
Automotive technology has come a long way, but today’s vehicles can also
be finicky.
I found that out a
few years ago, when I stopped to put gas in my first “high end” vehicle late
one night. When I started it again, a
warning message told me that I had a major transmission problem and when I
drove it, it stayed in one gear and refused to shift. I slowly drove home that night and to the
dealership the next morning - after a restless night of worrying about how much
it would cost to replace or repair my transmission.
I checked in at the
service desk and had barely sat down in the waiting room before the service
person came back and said, “Your car is ready - no charge.” When I asked how that could be, she said,
“The floor mat slipped under the gas pedal, and that confused the computer - we
fixed it.” What I’d convinced myself was
a “worst case scenario” transmission problem turned out to be a minor issue
that was easily corrected by moving the floor mat and resetting the computer.
Remember my
experience with that finicky vehicle when you face life’s “worst case
scenarios.” We’ll all run into
unanticipated challenging, confusing and terrifying situations as we traverse
the road of life and our natural tendency is to panic and focus on the worst
that could happen and on how to cope with all-consuming and seemingly
insurmountable challenges.
When we have the
faith, however, to turn our “worst case scenarios” over to the God Who created
this world, created us and knows us better that we know ourselves; we’ll gain
new perspectives on life’s terrifying situations. We’ll realize that we don’t walk alone and
that the God we serve can turn insurmountable problems into minor issues and
give us the strength and resources to face them without fear and find joyous
victory.
Trust in the Lord,
even in a world of “worst case scenarios.”
You’ll find new hope, gain new confidence, see new possibilities and
understand why one hymn writer said, “I heard 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
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
20.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 17th
Episcopal District announces the passing of the 5th President of
Zambia, South Africa, President Michael Sata
Our heartfelt
condolences for the Homegoing of the 5th President of Zambia of our beloved
Nation of Zambia in the Sub-Sahara Southern part of Africa. Zambia just
celebrated its 50th Independence on Friday October 24th, 2014.
It is our prayer
that the Awesome Almighty God has inspired and directed the Zambian Cabinet to
select among its members an able disciple of Jesus Christ to lead this 50 Years
young Nation with the level of commitment to God as he or she steers this
Nation in a way that is pleasing to God as Zambia Transitions to Presidential
By-Elections. This we do ask in the majestic, miraculous, matchless, marvelous,
powerful & strong name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!!!
Lusaka (AFP) -
Zambia's government on Wednesday announced 77-year-old President Michael Sata
had died in London of an unspecified illness, leaving behind questions about
who will now lead the copper-rich African nation.
President Sata,
nicknamed "King Cobra" for his biting rhetoric, had ruled Zambia
since elections in 2011. He had long been rumored to be seriously ill, despite
fervent government denials.
President Sata died
on Tuesday in London's private King Edward VII hospital.
It is our prayer
that God continues to provide and bless Zambia, Mrs. Dr. Christine Kaseba Sata
and family in particular with His Divine Comfort, Peace & Strength daily.
Zambia is one of
the Six Countries/ Nations, which make up the 17th Episcopal District of the
Global African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Humbly Submitted,
The Rev. Paul M.
Mugala Sr. Pastor
Shalom Tabernacle
AME Church, Lusaka, Zambia
The Rt. Rev.
Wilfred Jacobus Messiah, Presiding Bishop
Mother Carol
Isabella Messiah, Supervisor
17th
Episcopal District
21.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT Notice:
Please keep the
family of the Rev. Jeffery Murphy, pastor of Ridge Grove AME Church (Lovejoy,
Georgia) in your prayers during this time bereavement of the loss of his
mother, Mrs. Dorothy L. Stewart.
Funeral
Arrangements are listed below:
Celebration of Life
Services:
Saturday, November
1, 2014
12 noon
Dodd-Sterling
United Methodist Church
3272 Browns Mill
Road
Atlanta, GA 30354
Final Arrangements
Entrusted to:
Gus Thornhill
Funeral Home
1315 Gus Thornhill
Jr. Dr.
East Point, GA
30344
Phone: (404)
768-2993
Expressions of
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Jeffery
Murphy
12734 Cattail Court
Hampton, Georgia
30228
Phone: (404)
808-4454
22.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT Notice:
The Rev. Billy (The
Rev. Tammie) McFadden, the former pastor of Greater Allen Chapel AMEC of the
North Macon District lost his mother last week.
Please keep the McFadden family in your prayers during this time of loss
and transition.
Celebration of Life
Services:
Saturday, November
1, 2014
11:00 a.m.
Bethlehem AME
Church
412 2nd
St. SW
Cairo, GA 39828
Final Arrangements
Entrusted to:
Cloud Funeral Home
335 1st Ave. NE
Cairo, GA 39828
Telephone: (229)
377-4574
Expressions of Condolences
can be sent to:
The McFadden Family
815 Lincoln Lane
Cairo, GA 39828
The Rev. Billy G.
McFadden (478) 954-0205
23.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Mrs. Ethel E. Finley, the widow of the late Rev. Alex
Finley on Sunday, October 26, 2014. Mrs.
Finley was a member of the Columbia Conference Ministers' Spouses, Widows and
Widowers Organization Plus Preachers Kids.
The Celebration of
Life for Mrs. Finley:
Saturday, November
1, 2014
10:00 a.m.
J P Holley Funeral
Home
8132 Garners Ferry
Road
Columbia, SC 29209
Telephone: (803)
695-1666
Condolences may be
sent to:
Mrs. Eloise F.
Cleveland
60 Burdock Circle
Columbia, SC 29201
Telephone: (803)
269-4110
24.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Ms. Princess Evelyn Jones. Mrs. Jones died on Wednesday, October 15,
2014. She is the niece of the Rev. Emmy
Burnell Williams, pastor of St. Peter AME Church in Gifford, SC, Beaufort
District, South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of
the AME Church.
Services were
entrusted to:
The Fielding Home
122 Logan Street
Charleston, SC
29401
(843) 722-3348
The Viewing for Ms.
Jones:
Monday, October 27,
2014
2:00 p.m.
Family Hour:
6:00 p.m. to 7:00
p.m.
Services were held:
Tuesday, October
28, 2014
11:00 a.m.
Allen AME Church
Charleston, SC.
Condolences may be
sent to:
The Rev. Emmy B.
Williams
7650 Outlook Dr.
Charleston, SC
29418
25. 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
26. 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
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