6/06/2014

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (06/06/14)


The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder


Pentecost Sunday: June 8, 2014


1. TCR EDITORIAL – THE MOST HELPFUL TOOL FOR MINISTRY IS OFTEN IGNORED:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Sometimes in life, we miss the obvious.

Sometimes we miss the obvious because of ignorance - we don’t know any better. 

At other times we miss the obvious because of carelessness. We know the better or even the best way, but we choose to take shortcuts and hope we can be successful in spite of our carelessness.

Some miss the obvious because of stubbornness. Some people are hard-headed and obstinate and refuse to do things differently.

And, still others miss the obvious because they feel that they are privileged because of their position, intellect or experience.

When I was growing up, I often missed the obvious benefits of the rewards of good behavior because of poor decisions.

After infractions of bad behavior, my parents, and especially my mother, always wanted to be sure that I understood why I was being punished (a good whippin’) or  reprimanded (denial of something I really wanted). I had to articulate what I had done, why I did it and assure them that I was not going to repeat the bad behavior. And, after that was all over, I was given a good dose of feedback of why I shouldn’t have done what I did and the consequences if I did it again.

The whippin’ or other punishment were certainly deterrents, but the feedback was the “real deal” because it spelled out what would happen if I did that again, and if I thought the punishment  I received was bad, I was assured that the next time, if I committed the same offense, the punishment would be worse. So, there was never a “next time.”

I didn’t have to do anything wrong to receive feedback from my parents, other relatives and the neighbors (the village), if I or my young friends were headed in the wrong direction. 

My life was full of feedback. “Get your education. If you want to be successful, finish school. No one can take knowledge away from you. Don’t hang with the wrong crowd. You can’t go out and play until you have done your homework.  We don’t care what everybody else is doing, you are ‘not allowed to do it’ or ‘you are not allowed to go there.’ Yes we are going back to church this afternoon and you have ACE League after the service.  Always tell the truth. A lie leads to another lie. You will always remember the details of the truth.”   And, I could go on and on and most of the older folks reading these words can resonate with them because you heard all or many of the same statements.

Feedback

Most of us probably grew up with feedback and as we got older, we came to understand the value of feedback. And sometimes, especially the first time away from home, when we went away to college, the military or starting a family, when tempted to do something foolish, the early feedback from parents, family and the “village” prevented us from making foolish mistakes.

And, in that sense, I am deeply appreciative of the feedback I received as I was growing up.

I received feedback in my academic career from kindergarten to high school and beyond each time I received my report card or my grades.

I received feedback during my military career in the form of Officer Efficiency Reports or performance counseling sessions.

And, in my ministry, I am indebted to the feedback I received from older pastors and concerned laity.

Sometimes I asked for feedback and at other times the feedback was unasked for; sometimes appreciated and at other times not appreciated; but afterwards always appreciated. Feedback was invaluable to my ministry.

I believe that most of us can testify about the importance of feedback in our lives. 

As the editor of The Christian Recorder I have sought feedback in establishing the TCR Op-ed column, Letters to the Editor, and inviting writers to submit articles with no restrictions. 

So why?

So, why is it that so many clergy: bishops, presiding elders and pastors and laity don’t seem to value feedback? Or don’t provide a formal procedure for feedback?

Here’s what I mean

On the episcopal level we have connectional meetings, annual conferences and other episcopal district events and rarely are the participants given opportunities to provide feedback. 

Are the meetings too long? Too short? Are the offerings about right?  Should more time be given for fellowship? Shopping? What training is needed? Do we need more preaching? Less preaching? 

Bishops might ask, “What am I doing well? What can I do better? How am I perceived in the district? What recommendation can you share?

Presiding elders and pastors would benefit from asking similar questions.

Presiding elders might seek feedback about how they handle quarterly conferences. “Are my quarterly conferences too long? What can I do to help this congregation?  How can we attract more youth to the Sunday School Convention and other district meetings?

Pastors should always be in a posture to receive feedback; and in the case of pastors, they really need to have a “thick skin” because some parishioners are brutally frank.

Pastors might ask, “Are my sermons challenging? What can I do to be a better pastor?  What am I doing well?  Where do I need to improve?

The clergy, at all levels, needs feedback, but so do the laity.

The stewards, trustees, presidents of organizations, choir directors and musicians should ask the pastor for honest feedback.

They might ask questions as, “What do we need to do to help the church grow?  What are we doing well?  What improvements do we need to make?  What can we do to more effectively assist the ministry of this church? How can we improve collectively and individually?” 

Feedback is essential

Feedback is essential for every organization because it precipitates “ownership” and “buy-in.” Feedback is a component of participation.

When stakeholders provide feedback, they become a part of the solution.

If participants refuse to provide input, they are abdicating and shirking their responsibilities.

If they are not allowed to provide feedback, they may feel as if they were not valued participants and they are given “license” to give less than 100%. 

Another way of saying it is that church leaders should demand feedback and refuse to let those who are a part of the organization; whether it is the connectional church, episcopal district, annual conference, district conference, quarterly conference or church conference abstain from providing feedback.

Feedback is an important component of participation. Feedback helps organizations to improve and grow.  Feedback encourages increased participation. Feedback is essential for organizations that want to grow and be more effective.

Feedback should be encouraged at all levels of the church, and yet, feedback, one of the most helpful tools for ministry, is often ignored.

TCR Editor’s Comment: We welcome your comments and invite you to write an Op-ed.  Your feedback is valued

2. TCR OP-ED – ANOTHER MOMENT WITH MAYA ANGELOU:

-- Ms. Jacqueline Dupont Walker

I truly enjoyed reading about your memorial encounter and it triggered my similar precious moment.

Assemblywoman Maxine Waters invited Maya Angelou to meet a group of women of African descent of all ages who were interested in public service.  Dr. Maya Angelou arrived with all of us sitting in the "parlor" awaiting the encounter. 

When the door opened, a wind of calm ushered her in.  While her handlers were trying to move her quickly to her designated seat - up front - she paused to greet each of the 26 women who had gathered and personally took time to shake hands with each of us.
We were in awe.  Some of us stumbled when speaking, but most of us were able to audibly give our names.

She spoke with us for over an hour urging us to follow the paths that God had laid out for us. She reminded us that we might not always know our destinies, but we should know that we were making a difference for others. 

Maya Angelou emphasized how important it was to value each person we met, not only because they are human begins created by God, but because no meeting is an accident or coincidence  Therefore it was incumbent upon us to know why God placed that person in our pathway or life.

Much more was shared and we were able to dialogue with her about a lot of issues. 

Then it was time for her to leave, and to our amazement, she said farewell to each of us by name.

Her parting words were that she was able to do that because she listened to us as she greeted us and made an association with our faces and names at that time.  She cautioned that most people don't listen, but are thinking about their responses when meeting people, so that person's identity becomes less important. 

Maya Angelou floated from our presence, but her spirit of calmness and womanhood has been a source of strength over those almost 30 years ago.

I will now tell that story more often as a way of keeping her legacy alive.

Again, thanks for sharing and triggering wonderful memories for me.

SIStah "Jackie" Dupont walker

3. MEMORIAL SERVICE REMEMBERING DR. MAYA ANGELOU AT WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY:

Wake Forest University will livestream the private memorial service for Dr, Maya Angelou on Saturday at 10 a.m. (U.S. Eastern Time)

The Dr. Maya Angelou Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 7 2014 at 8:55 a.m. CDT — Sat Jun, 7 2014 11:30 a.m. CDT


Michelle Obama to speak at Maya Angelou’s memorial service and will add her voice to those honoring Maya Angelou at a memorial service for the poet and author this weekend.

The White House said Thursday that Mrs. Obama will deliver remarks at the event honoring Angelou on Saturday at Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina.

Angelou died last week at her Winston-Salem home at age 86. She was known worldwide as a literary pioneer and civil rights champion.

Saturday’s service is closed to the public, but Wake Forest is streaming it online at go: http://new.livestream.com/wfu/angelou  

The school says Angelou’s family will be planning additional events in other cities across the country. That information will be released later.

4. A TRIBUTE POEM TO DR. MAYA ANGELOU BY OMEKONGO POSTED ON FACEBOOK, DECEMBER 15, 2009:

For Maya, a healer for all humanity

This is a love letter
From a poetic son,
To mother of poetry for the human spirit
From South Africa,
To far away places like South Arkanasia
Your words of wisdom touch all humanity,
From a lover of literacy like Oprah,
To a freedom fighter like nelson Mandela
In a time where fightin’ was natural,
You reminded us to never forget
That we are a human family
From the prisoner to the pusher to the poor girl,
Your prose and poetry
Puts all people on a parallel podium
From the aspiring junkie and the melancholy men,
To a man bigot and the phenomenal woman
You make us run the gamut
From tears of personal pleasure and pain,
To a manageable mourning grace
It’s no accident that you have become our mothering blackness,
Nurturing a society suffering from
The sickness of senses of insecurity
You write for us,
Who dare not dare to challenge the status quo
And you champion the cause of equality,
Only making ignorance feel insignificant
With you Maya, we saw beyond our seeming
And dreamed beyond our dreaming,
And, in retrospect,
You helped me have the prescience
To also promote healing
Oh, Maya Angelou,
Maya Angelou,
May-a-angel-o-u all the blessings in heaven
That you bestow on the often heavy heart of humanity
Avec merci, Mother Maya for your vision,
And being willing to take time out
To help us all be free,
And for helping me realize
That when I think about myself,
It ain’t that bad to me

5. WAX FIGURE TO MARK ‘EVERYBODY’S BISHOP’S’ LIFETIME OF MINISTRY:

By Roberto Alejandro
 
Bishop John R. Bryant, the longest serving bishop in the AME Church. (AFRO File Photo)

It was 1975 when the Rev. John R. Bryant arrived at Bethel AME Church and transformed it into an exemplar of faith-based community activism and development in Baltimore City. He was already an established preacher and went about transforming its worship, infusing it with a neo-Pentecostal sensibility that would contribute to Bethel's exponential growth over the course of the next 13 years.

"The AME church was typically a quiet type of a service, very solemn," said Wanda Watts, director of the Watts line who joined Bethel AME in 1977, "and he changed that with choirs that sang contemporary music, and a different way of praising than AME had been accustomed to."

In addition to introducing a new style of worship, Bryant also instituted a number of important community development programs at Bethel, including a credit union, a food co-op, an investment program, an elementary school, an outreach center, a women's center, and a bookstore.

These programs were, in part, a response to the lack of services available to African-Americans in this period. At a time when most Black people did not have access to traditional lending institutions, Bethel's programs provided an alternative means to home ownership and other forms of wealth building.

Under Bryant's leadership, Bethel was also one of the first churches to become involved in the 'Free South Africa' movement, shedding light on the oppressive apartheid policies, then in place, so reminiscent of the segregationist policies Bryant had fought against in the '60s.

"Bethel was the place to be politically active and involved," said long-time friend, former treasurer of Bethel AME, and chair of the Baltimore/Washington Bryant Legacy Commission, Ronald Flamer. Bethel's new style of worship, along with its political and community activism exploded its membership. "We went from 300 members to – on the roll – 11,000" Flamer said in an interview with the AFRO.

On June 7, at his alma mater Morgan State University, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum will unveil a wax figure of Bishop Bryant. It will serve as a monument to a lifetime spent pursuing justice in Baltimore City and abroad.

Bryant spent the early '60s studying history at Morgan State University and fighting for integration in Maryland. Bryant participated in freedom rides and civil rights marches, helped integrate Gwynn Oak Amusement Park, the movie theater and Woolworth's in Northwood, and was arrested along with 400 others while sitting in at Read's Drug Store in Baltimore, Flamer said.
After graduating from Morgan in 1965, Bryant spent two years in Liberia serving in the Peace Corps, an experience that, along with his activism during the civil rights era, honed Bryant's political and social consciousness, informing the ministry he would eventually bring to Baltimore City.

After serving in Liberia, Bryant moved to Boston to pursue a master's degree at the Boston University School of Theology. While there, he met Cecilia Williams, now Cecilia Williams Bryant and also a minister. They married in 1969.

According to Flamer, "Cecilia was one of the smartest people he had ever met."

Williams Bryant would help her husband with his sermons while he presided over St. Paul AME Church in Cambridge, Mass., taking him from "a mediocre preacher," according to Flamer, to a dynamic one.

In 1988, Bryant was consecrated as a bishop in the AME church, the nation's oldest African-American denomination. Bryant is currently the longest serving bishop in the AME church, and five years ago introduced the denomination to India, where there are now over 85 established AME churches.

Bryant also has 99 sons and daughters in the ministry, including Jamal and Thema Bryant, his two children. Topaz Bryant, Bryant's granddaughter through son Jamal, is currently on the ordination track in the AME church as well.

"They call Bishop Bryant the pope of the AME church," said Flamer.

"He's everybody's bishop," said Watts of the man who will soon be immortalized in wax. "If you're Baptist, he's still your bishop."

6. THE AME SURVEY OF D.MIN AND S.T.D. HOLDERS:

By Frederick Hilborn Talbot, S.T.M., D.Min. (90th Bishop, Retired)

After several persisting years, the voluntary above-mentioned survey was completed and presented in 2012 during the 49th Session of the General Conference.  The vision is to update it and present it during the 50th Session in 2016.  The hope is that this exercise will be significant enough to be continued in the future.

The first printed survey was dedicated to those pioneers in the study for the D.Min and S.T.D. degrees.  They are, in the order of doctoral degree earned; the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, D.Min. 1971; Bishop Phillip Robert Cousin, Sr., D.Min. 1975; Bishop John Richard Bryant, D.Min. 1975; and Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., S.T.D. 1975. 

The Survey presented 163 holders from 44 accredited seminaries. The vision is to update this report with responses from the following degree holders: those who earned the degree after the first printing of this survey, those who were not able to provide this information to meet the deadline of the first printing, and those who have earned the degree but did not choose to participate in the first printing. 

The format remains the same: Full name, (M.Div.) Name of Seminary, (D.Min. or S.T.D.)Name of Seminary, Date received, Title of Dissertation and present vocation along with a passport-size photograph, preferably in color. 

Please email this complete information as early as possible to the AMEC Publishing House under the subject “AME D.Min.

If you wish to contact me directly, my email address is fhtalbotn@aol.com; my telephone is: 615-429-0081.

I urge you to send this information to the Publishing House as soon as possible. The goal is to record 200 degree holders or more by 2016.

The AME Publishing House will provide the unit cost of the updated printed version with postage and this information will be emailed to each degree holder. 

We thank those Bishops who shared in the funding of the first survey, as well as those degree holders who made a contribution. We also thank the District Coordinators for their enthusiasm and encouragement.

Arrangements are now being made so that the complete report will be ready for the 50th Session of the General in 2016.

Shalom and may blessings abound!

Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot S.T.M., D.Min. (90th Elected and Consecrated Bishop, Retired), Innovator/Coordinator of Survey

7. D.C. MAYOR AND CONGRESSWOMAN HONOR METROPOLITAN’S THE REV. AISHA KARIMAH:

By Nancy C. Harvin

They are honors that many desire but few receive. 

On May 5, 2014, Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent E. Gray issued a proclamation pronouncing “Aisha Karimah Day” in the Nation’s Capital, commemorating her 45 years of service at NBC4.  No one was more surprised by the declaration than the honoree herself, the Rev. Aisha Karimah, Associate Minister of Metropolitan AME Church in the District of Columbia.  She said she had no idea what was going on until it made news on her station! 

“To God be the Glory,” she responded to numerous emails and calls she received.

In a further surprise honor the very next day, on May 6th, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) also recognized Rev. Karimah in remarks to the U.S. House of Representatives that became part of the Congressional Record.  The Rev. Karimah, who serves as Director for Community Affairs at NBC4, has spearheaded a number of initiatives which impact citizens of the District of Columbia.

 As Rep. Holmes Norton noted: “Aisha has brilliantly used her talents to help NBC4 grow and has championed our city and region and its many community campaigns--Beautiful Babies Right from the Start, Drug Free Zones, It Takes a Whole Village, Make the Right Call, Camp 4 Kids, Get Healthy 4 Life, Backpacks 4 Kids, Food 4 Families, and The NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo--we can hardly name even a representative group of community causes that Aisha has not touched."  In addition to these events and projects, Rev. Karimah also produces television programs for the outlet. Jim Vance, veteran news anchor and colleague, called Rev. Karimah “the conscience” of the station.

A native Washingtonian, the Rev. Aisha Karimah resolutely praises God for lifting her from a humble upbringing in the Lincoln Heights public housing units, working from the age of 10, to a position where she is able to reach and serve thousands.  She came to channel 4 merely in need of a job, not realizing that she was in the midst of an agitational push by the Black community to demand more diversity in the media.  She acknowledges that God has continuously guided her steps to move from one opportunity to another to give back to her people and affect change.  In the meantime, she raised two boys, Donnell and Jay, modeling a faith that would lead them to the accomplished Christian men they have become.

The Rev. Karimah answered her call to ministry through an epiphany that came to her during her battle with cancer.  She joined Metropolitan under the Rev. Dr. Louis Charles Harvey, who is now a presiding elder in the Washington Annual Conference and accepted her “call” under the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton and was ordained in 2005.  She currently serves under the Rev. William H. Lamar IV.  

She excitedly awaits the birth of her first grandchild, a boy, and looks forward, after retirement, to working in radio and compiling a book of daily affirmations.  

8. CHURCH HELPS STUDENTS STRIKE GOLD ON SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH:

By Eric Stirgus

The $3,000 their church raised for the college scholarships was nice, but Mychal and Nina Wynn thought it could do more.

In 2007, the couple approached Turner Chapel AME Church senior pastor, the Rev. Kenneth Marcus, with the idea of a ministry to help students search for other scholarships and, just as importantly, provide them with the skills to get those scholarships.

On Sunday the church, in Marietta, held a service for 50 church members who have been awarded scholarships. The offers totaled $4.3 million.

Some students, like Brittany White, have earned full scholarships. White earned a Gates Millennium scholarship, which pays the entire tuition to any school the recipient attends. White’s choice was Spelman College.

“It feels really great knowing they want me to succeed as much as I want to succeed,” said White, 18.

Most of the students attend high schools in Cobb and Marietta, but some have graduated from schools in Cherokee, Fulton, Gwinnett, Paulding counties and Atlanta.

Community organizations and houses of worship across Georgia are getting more involved in helping aspiring college students find scholarships. Few, though, are as involved or successful as Turner Chapel AME, observers say.

Dr. Emily Lembeck, superintendent of Marietta City Schools, said, “I always enjoy attending this special service at Turner Chapel, where the number of graduates recognized continues to grow each year. This year MHS had a record number of graduates earning the largest amount of scholarship funds ever and I appreciate the contribution to this success that stems from the support some of our students received from the Education Ministry.”

At Turner Chapel AME, the Wynn family’s youth pastor, the Rev. Don Ezell and others worked with student members to find scholarships that fit their academic interests. They also helped with resume and essay writing, tutoring and preparing for the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test. The church also holds a college fair each October. Last year, about 50 colleges came, said Mychal Wynn.

Reginald Lyon, president of the Duke Black Alumni Connection, which has about 1,500 members nationwide, attended the fair and was astounded by the preparedness of the students and workshops the church had on financial aid, college interviews and other topics.

“This was the most impressive setup I’ve seen at a historically black church,” said Lyon, who lives in Dallas, Texas.

The church began in the mid 19th century. It has about 6,000 members.

Like Jesus urging his disciples to follow him and vowing to make them fishers of men, the Wynns have travelled to other churches to share what they are doing at Turner Chapel AME, with the inspirational message that they can do it too.

“We have created a scholarly culture and a culture of service,” said Mychal Wynn.

That culture of service includes requiring church members in college to return on their breaks to help other students, or to mentor other Turner Chapel AME students once they arrive on campus. Many students are the first in their family to attend college and were unaware many of these scholarships existing. Some students say their guidance counselors, swamped with the hundreds of students seeking their attention, don’t always have time to help.

Linette Andrea, whose daughter, Jordan Fessehaie, 17, will attend Boston University this fall, echoes the thoughts of many parents. A blessing, mom called it.

“Jordan had a clear vision of her goals since the tenth grade and working with the Wynns allowed both of us to be more focused and acquire information that was not at school or in the community,” Andrea said.

For Kyla Baron, 17, the long hours of prep work in the ministry have resulted in a full scholarship from Xavier University in New Orleans, where she wants to study biology. Barton, who graduated from Kennesaw Mountain High School, said she’s received other scholarships that will help her pay for books, her dorm room and transportation to school “so my parents don’t have to pay for that.”

This article appeared it in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution


9. ST. PHILIP MONUMENTAL AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 149TH ANNIVERSARY:

Pastor George A. Moore, Jr. and the members of St. Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church, located at 1112 Jefferson Street, will be celebrating their 49th Church Anniversary starting Tuesday, June 3, 2014 through Sunday, June 8, 2014. 

The theme for their celebration is:  “We are Deeply Rooted in our Past, but Pressing on towards Our Strong and Vigorous Future.”  The key scripture for the celebration comes from Colossians 2:7-Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him, so you will grow in faith, strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught.  Let your lives overflow with thanksgiving for all he has done.

The celebration began with nightly evening services starting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3rd with our guest speaker from First Bryan Baptist Church, the Rev. Aaron M. James, Sr. and Wednesday, June 4th, our guest speaker will be the Rev. Charles Purnell from Bethel AME Church. Thursday, June 5th will highlight the Sons of St. Philip Monumental A.M.E. Church, featuring guest speaker Rev. John Morse, pastor of Pleasant Grove A.M.E. Church, Hinesville, GA.  The evening will also feature the Rev. Anthony Scott, the Rev. Terry Alexander, and the Rev. Earl Perkins as program participants.

“Saturday, June 7th will be our Youth Day Celebration from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.  The activities will include a Sunday School lesson and review, a Talent Show with Karaoke, a Quiz Bowl and a visit from J. Carter, grandson of former President Jimmie Carter. Lunch will also be provided.

The anniversary events will culminate on Sunday, June 8th starting at 9:00 a.m. with the rededication of the historic church marker at the former church site on Turner Blvd. (formerly Hull Street).  After the rededication service we will caravan back to the church.  Our Morning Worship Service will begin at 10:30 a.m.  Our own the Rev. Dr. Jeffery Cooper will bring the message.

The pastor and members of St. Philip Monumental AME Church cordially invite you to join us during this powerful week of activities to reflect on our roots as we move forward to our vigorous future.  Bro. Nathaniel Pierce serves as Chairperson, Sister Janette Scott and Sister Pearl Reddick; serve as Co-Chairpersons, and Brother Jamir Gardner and Sister Taylor Golden, serve as Youth Co-Chairpersons.  We look forward to seeing you there.”

10. PERSECUTION IS A STILL A REALITY FOR MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD:

By the Reverend Darryl R. Williams

I traveled to India in 2013 and that trip and the recent raiding of villages by the Boko Harem have illustrated to me more clearly how we, who live in the United States, have misused the word “persecuted.”

In India, our AME pastors preach the gospel constantly under the threat of Hindu extremists that always sought to do them harm, as well as destroy their places of worship.

But, similar to the early Christians, persecution has not deterred them; it has caused them to grow!

Bishop John R. Bryant reported that to date we now have 105 congregations in India!

In Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, the Boko Harem, extremist Islamic groups have already killed thousands of Christians since its founding by Mohammed Yusef in 2002. Now under the leadership of Abubakar Shedau, they have vowed to wreak even more havoc on Christians, their own government, and even mainstream Muslims.

They have kept their promise. They have raided Christian villages, abducted residents and forcibly converted them to Islam. They have made Nigerian government facilities targets of bombing, and of course, probably the vilest act, the one that caused international outrage was the kidnapping of Nigerian school girls.

Their goal, according to most religious and political scholars, is to create a “pure Islamic state, free of Christians, but also free of other Muslims or anyone who voice opposition to their theology and tactics.”

It is worth noting that just as every Christian is not an extremist (for example bombing abortion clinics or clinging to the right to carry around military style weapons), every Muslim is not an extremist either.
Congressman Keith Ellison from Minnesota and Andre Carson from Indiana, the only two Muslims in congress, along with other Muslim leaders, denounced Boko Harem and its recent kidnapping of those school girls.

“Your Justification for stealing the children that education for girls goes against Islam has no basis in our faith…you do not represent Islam or what Muslims know to be Islam,” many of the voices of Islam exclaim.

The pure Islamic state that Boko Harem wants to Institute is called “Sharia law.”

Sharia law is a very strict moral and legal system that extremist say can be extracted from the Qur’an. They believe this law to be sacrosanct and inviolable; therefore there is no room for any differing opinions, even if it means violently and ruthlessly maiming and killing those who hold them.

To preach the Gospel under these conditions is persecution!

My “bad” steward and trustee meetings pale in comparison, but in a land where the first amendment holds sway, and thank God it does, too often little disruptions in meetings and other inconveniences are how we define persecution.

I am sure our brothers and sisters in Nigeria and India and other places in the world would love to experience our brand of persecution.

If we consider the context of Matthew 5:10-12: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you falsely and say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.”

The kind of persecution that Christians in India and Nigeria are experiencing is precisely what Jesus was talking about when using those words.

I certainly don’t want to make light of the personal trials we experience when standing for Christ, but to only consider our challenges in life only is to make light of the real bodily harm that Jesus’ disciples experienced as well as the people in India and Nigeria, and other places around the world.

Mathew wrote the words of Jesus at a time when the birth of the church was just years away. Certainly Jesus would have wanted his disciples to be aware of the persecution that awaited them. It would be more than a disagreement in a meeting!

Consider this: Matthew was slain with a sword, Mark was dragged through the streets, Luke was hung upon an olive tree, John was banished to Patmos, James was beheaded, Andrew was hung on a cross, Peter was hung upside down on a cross, Thomas was stabbed with a lance, Bartholomew was flayed alive, Matthias and Paul were both beheaded; and we say we are persecuted?

In light of the recent occurrences in Nigeria, it behooves us to have a global perspective when thinking of the church.

To view it any other way is to run the risk of working counter to the mission of Jesus and his disciples, which should be ours as well, “To preach the Gospel to the whole world.”

What is happening in Nigeria and other places in the world is a threat to the Great Commission.

We are rightfully concerned. Let us pray fervently for Nigeria, India and all the other Christians across this world. They are the true persecuted.

11. HOW THE PEW CAN HELP THE PULPIT:

It was the last day of the revival. I had just finished my ninth sermon of the meeting. I stood to give my lasting remarks. And I said what I was thinking. Usually, I am able to mind my business when I preach away home. But since I had no intention of ever returning to that church, I took a shot at them.

Thanks for putting up with my preaching this week and for all of your kindness and encouragement, but the glory goes to God. Any human credit goes to the church I serve. They give me time to think, read, and pray. They provide the resources I need to study. And they only demand that I be ready to teach and preach. If I am not a good preacher, shame on me. Any church can have good preaching if they take care of their pastor and encourage him.
I had been there for a week. And the pastor didn’t have time to host me. He worked part time to make ends meet. He did funerals and hospital visits every day I was there. He had one meeting after another. I was exhausted just watching him. In the process, he was discouraged, his marriage was in trouble, and his children resentful of the ministry.

Then it happened.

One of the deacons slyly criticized his preaching in front of me, suggesting his seasoned pastor should take preaching lessons from me, who was in my early 20s. I had preached for men that I wasn’t sure could read. But their members would tell me, “I enjoyed your preaching, but you can’t touch my pastor” - that’s love. This deacon’s remark, and his fellow deacons’ agreement, was just cruel.

The pastor was a good preacher. He was just in a bad situation, at a historic church that thought too highly of itself. I had to say something. And I did.

Sometimes pastors struggle in preaching because they don’t take their pulpit work seriously. Others struggle in preaching because they struggle alone. But good preaching is a partnership between pastor and congregation, pulpit and pew, the one who preaches and the one who listens. The pastor preaches to help those in the pew. But the congregation can and should help the one in the pulpit, as well.

There was a vocal old lady in my first church. When I was preaching "good," she would say, “Help us, Lord,” but when I was flunking, she would say, “Help him, Lord.” But there are better ways the pew can help the pulpit and motivate the pastor to be a better preacher. Here are seven…

Pray for your pastor

I mean, pray specifically for his preaching. Pray that he will have the time to study and will use it well. Pray the Lord will open his eyes and give him understanding (Ps. 119:18, 24). Pray that he will guard his life and doctrine (1 Tim. 4:16) Pray that he will rightly handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Pray that the Lord will keep his heart and mind free from sinful distractions. Pray that God will give his power in the pulpit.

I highly recommend you read the booklet by Mike Faberez, entitled, Praying for Sunday.

Give time the pastor to study

Members love pastors who are always available. But it is not good if he is always available. He will be more help to you if he shuts himself up to pray and study. You want a pastor who has something to say, rather than someone who has to say something. This requires times to prepare. Give it to him.

Provide for your preacher

Bi-vocational pastors are the unsung heroes of the church, who work a job to care for their families as they do the work of ministry for little or no pay. Many churches are not able to adequately compensate their pastors. But others are just stingy. Being determined to deprive the preacher, they rob themselves. Do your best to care for the needs of your pastor and his or her family.

Be marked present

A blind and deaf Christian was asked why he attended church, since he could not see or hear the service. He answered, “I just want people to know which side I’m on. Your regular church attendance is a statement to the world. It is an act of obedience that builds up other believers (Heb. 10:24-25). And it is a great encouragement to your pastor. You challenge him to prepare a better meal if you consistently show up with a good attitude and a big appetite.

Listen to the sermon

Just because you are in the service does not mean you hear the sermon. And the pastor knows it. He stands on a raised platform in a room with people sitting in front of him. And he sees what’s happening in front of him. When you spend the sermon talking, walking, texting, or sleeping, it’s distracting and discouraging. But nothing makes a man want to preach harder than to have people actually listening, sitting up, following along, and taking notes. An occasional “Amen” doesn’t hurt either.

Encourage your preacher

Preaching can be discouraging work. If I stopped writing this article and didn’t get back to it for a week, I could pick up right where I left off. Preaching doesn’t work that way. We try to reach out people on Sunday mornings. The world tries to reach them all the rest of the week. The gravitational pull is against the things of God. And the pastor often feels he is not making a difference. Encourage him. Don’t stroke his ego. But give him specific ways you are learning and growing.

Be a doer of the word

A church is not committed to the word, just because the pulpit preaches the truth. A church is committed to the world when biblical preaching together shapes its life. To hear the word without doing what it says is self-deception (James 1:22-25). Members often leave the service and rate the pastor’s sermon. But the real issue is what you do with what you hear. Be eager hear the word. But don’t stop there. Live it out by Christ’s power and for God’s glory!

What do you think? What would add to this list?  How do you think the pew can better supper the pulpit?


12. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT'S REPORT:

"I am redeemed, brought with a price"
Jesus has changed my whole life
If anyone ask you who I am,
Tell them, I am redeemed."

To the Lay Commissioner, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. in his absence; Host Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor of the WMS, Mr. Stan McKenzie; other Bishops, supervisors, General and Connectional Officers, Clergy and fellow Laypersons.

Indeed, I am happy to greet you in the joy of Jesus as we just concluded an exciting time in the life of Christendom.  We celebrated anew the resurrection of our dear Savior, Jesus the Christ.

His Resurrection again asserted that we, as an organization, are a ministry with a charge to "Fulfill the Great Commission" of winning souls for Christ!

In the General Church's theme Christ showed us; it cost be a disciple.  As stated in a previous report; the mantle of service has been given to us for a season, a season to hold high the living Savior, the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Global Connectional Lay Organization.

Since the Biennial we have been busy with Lay Activities on all levels.  Some of my major events include:

   Speaker at the Central Florida Annual Conference Lay Night in the Eleventh Episcopal District.

• Speaker at Lay nights of the Ohio and North Ohio Annual Conferences in the Third Episcopal District.

• Participated in the Executive Board Retreat in Atlanta.

• Made initial site visits for the 2017 Biennial

• Attended the Global Development Council in Lusaka, Zambia. On arrival over 70 people were at the airport to greet and welcome the Director of Lay Activities and me; dressed in Lay uniforms.  It was a very moving moment.

• Attended the New York Conference Recognition Luncheon for Mrs. F. Jane Harris.  The capacity crowd celebrated her years of service to the Lay Organization at all levels.

I thank God for the spirit of love and warmth experienced on all the trips.

Strategically, we must began to effectuate plans, voices and establish a collaborative thrust in promoting what we believe best for the Church.  Some areas of concerns are:

• Legislative thrust by developing bills to enhance our polity and governance

• Sensitivity to the plight of the Local Church

• Laity having voices in consideration of clergy's ethics

   Accountability in enforcing the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church

   Bills which will promote globalization of the Church:

        - Sensitivity to Redistricting especially in Episcopal Districts 14 - 20.
        - India's legitimacy    
        - Promoting leadership

As laypersons we have the obligation to speak and act with integrity and not controlled by the fear of losing the offices we hold.

May God bless our great Zion and the Global Lay Organization.

Respectfully submitted,

Willie C. Glover, Ph. D., Global President, the Connectional Lay Organization

**Reprinted from the Connectional Lay Online Newsletter

13. ALABAMA CHURCH SEEKS HEALING AFTER SHOOTING:

Though many feel lost in a terrible sea, members of Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church were reminded on Jan. 13 that Jesus Christ is in the boat with them.

Just days after their pastor, the Rev. Terry Greer was accused of shooting and killing his wife and wounding his daughter, worshippers came through the doors of their church seeking comfort and answers.

A judge on Wednesday, May 28, found Terry Greer, a former United Methodist pastor, not guilty by reason of insanity in a shooting that killed his wife and wounded his daughter. Greer has been assigned to a state mental hospital. He is on involuntary leave from all pastoral duties and not receiving any pay or benefits from the North Alabama Annual (regional) Conference.

Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett, episcopal leader of the North Alabama Annual (regional) Conference; the Rev. Bob Alford, superintendent of the conference's Central District; and the Rev. Jeri Hunt, interim pastor of Gardendale-Mt. Vernon, offered words of healing in all three worship services.

On Jan. 10, according to police reports, Greer, 53, shot his wife, Lisa, 52, and daughter, Suzanna, 18, while in the church's parsonage. Lisa Greer died of her wounds later that night. Suzanna Greer reportedly took the gun from her father and ran to a neighbor, who called police. Rev. Greer then took a kitchen knife, went into the bathroom, and repeatedly stabbed himself in the neck and chest.

Suzanna Greer, a college freshman, was released from the hospital and is staying with family friends. Rev. Greer is still in the hospital with warrants for murder and attempted murder against him. As church members prepared to go to Sunday worship, local news channels were leading with the news of the shootings.

'My heart breaks for the people'

Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett gives the sermon during worship.
"This church is facing a difficult time, but we are blessed to come into the house of God," Hunt said. "Despite what has happened, we are still the body of Christ." Hunt has been serving as interim pastor at the church since early December while Rev. Greer was on medical leave.

Wallace-Padgett told worshippers there was no place she would rather be on this Sunday morning than with them. But she also added she hoped she never sees another church under her care have to deal with a situation like this again.

The bishop said she looked at many Scriptures trying to find the right word for her sermon. She said Mark 4 - the story of Jesus calming the Sea of Galilee - seemed most appropriate. She said there are parallels between that ancient story and what this church is facing.

"We are in a ferocious storm, and it has left us feeling off balance," she said, adding that just as Jesus stayed in the boat and calmed the seas, he will do the same for us.

"My heart breaks for the people of this congregation, for the Greer family and all their friends that are in such pain," she said.

During each of the services, members of the congregation came to the altar to pray and comfort each other. Many hugged and whispered to each other, "We will get through this; we will be stronger."

After the end of each service, the pastors also announced funeral arrangements for Lisa Greer and plans for a fund for Suzanna. Visitation will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Jan. 14 at Scottsboro Funeral Home. The funeral will be at Scottsboro First United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. Jan. 15.

Donations can be made to the Suzanna Greer Fund and sent to the North Alabama Conference of The United Methodist Church at 898 Arkadelphia Road, Birmingham, AL 35204.

Moving forward

Bishop Debra Wallace-Padgett (right) and the Rev. Bob Alford pray with parishioners during the closing hymn.

Wallace-Padgett and the Rev. Sherri Ferguson, executive director of pastoral care and counseling for the conference; met with local media in a news conference after the last worship service.  She said the conference is in the planning stages of finding another pastor for Gardendale-Mt. Vernon and will announce that soon.

In an interview with United Methodist News Service, the bishop said Greer had some physical health issues for a number of weeks. "We anticipated those would be short-term, but it went longer than expected. He has had some issues that popped up over the course of the past few weeks."

Hunt said many in the church had been concerned about the family; Lisa and Suzanna had not been attending Gardendale-Mt. Vernon during Greer's illness. The family "wanted their privacy," she said.

"This is a community of faith that is in shock," said Ferguson. Ferguson and other counselors have been on hand since the news of the shooting. Four counselors were in the church's fellowship hall from 8 a.m. to noon Sunday and more will be available during the week.

Ferguson said she was also preparing some tips for parents about how to talk to their children about the pastor and his family.

"I have seen about 75 people - eyeball to eyeball," Ferguson said. "But that is just a drop in the bucket." She is working on the short-term pastoral care but also is developing a yearlong program for the church and staff.

Greer was appointed to Decatur First United Methodist Church for nine years before being appointed at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon. Wallace-Padgett and Ferguson said members of that church also have been receiving pastoral care.

"They are a body of Christ we want to make sure has care," Ferguson said.

Wallace-Padgett said Greer has been in the North Alabama Conference for a number of years and has many friends. She also said people from around the world have been calling and sending messages that they are holding the congregations in prayer.

"This experience is a visible reminder what power there is in the connection," she said. "I want to thank the people across Methodism for their love and support."

*Gilbert is a multimedia reporter for the young adult content team at United Methodist Communications, Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org

14. OPINIONS! FAITHFUL LIVING, HEALTHY LIVING, INSPIRATION:

Baptists are an opinionated crowd. We were taught to be that way. Preachers invest a lot of time and energy saying we ought to do this and that we should not or must not do that. If you grew up when I did, we were given instructions three times each week—Sunday morning, Sunday evening and Wednesday night—on how to behave in every conceivable circumstance. And, as if that weren’t enough, we were “trained” in Training Union and warned in Sunday School about a thousand temptations that never made their way into sermons. We were taught to care mightily about everything from alcohol to zodiac signs.

Actually, we didn’t even know these were opinions. Our parents, our pastors and our Sunday School teachers established our religious DNA earlier than most of us remember. We just accepted certain things as right and wrong. Taking a soft drink into the sanctuary was akin to desecrating the Temple. Some things just weren’t done!
I graduated from high school in 1965 and lived on the cusp of the Hippie Revolution. The full blown “Don’t trust anybody over 30” anti-war flower-power thing never made it to North Augusta in full force, but like everybody in America, I was affected. Once the door was open to questioning “just because I said so” authority, once Rosa Parks sat down on that bus in Montgomery and refused to get up, the world changed for all of us, whether we knew it or not.

Once I learned that the Bible doesn’t say anything about a lot of things that were a part of our tradition, from what we wear to church, to whom we let come to church, I have been in the process of discovering what the Bible actually does say. The Bible, it turns out, says we need to hold onto most of our highly valued opinions lightly—“Love doesn’t insist on its own way.” Rather it commands us to:

• Quit judging.
• Don’t be so anxious.
• Treat others as you want to be treated.
• Quit being so easily offended.
• Love one another.
• Be patient.

Why are some church people so critical? So angry? So indignant? So easily offended? So afraid? Why do some people demonize what they do not agree with? Does it have something to do with being an Alpha Male Bully or a Fearful Female, or vice versa? Doesn’t each of us have enough sin in our own life to keep us busy?

I’ve begun to notice how much in the Bible is actually an effort by the people of God to work out what is right and what is wrong. Paul says, more often than people who don’t read the Bible would believe, “This is not an explicit command from God, but it is my best wisdom.” That is true of much of our Holy Scripture. The book of Acts is the story of the church trying to learn how to be the church. The Christian life was and is a process of trial and error, of give and take, and much that was attempted did not turn out well—from the early experiment in communism (Acts 2) to the attempt to make Jews out of Gentiles (Acts 15). Just because a preacher, or a parent, or a beloved Sunday School teacher, or a friend at church has an opinion does not make that judgment true. We need to distinguish between Universal, Eternal Truth and human opinions.

If anybody ever fought religious traditions and customs, it was Jesus. Instead, he taught Grace, Liberty, openness to the Holy Spirit, and Compassion.

Read the Bible. Jesus tells us to listen more than he tells us to talk, to forgive more than to judge, to be grateful more than to be critical, to be understanding rather than to be arrogant.
What a wonderful church that would be!


*The Rev. Marion D. Aldridge, a Baptist clergy, is a popular preacher, public speaker, workshop leader and an award-winning writer. Author of numerous books and hundreds of articles on topics ranging from religion to sports to travel, Aldridge’s interests are wildly eclectic. Aldridge has invested a lifetime in discovering what it means to be a citizen and participant in God’s wonderful world.

15. THE VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE CONSECRATION / ORDINATIONS/ PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor

Consecrated Deaconesses

Deaconess Deloris Blow, Brown’s -Smithfield     
Deaconess Dora Johnson, St. Mark-Virginia Beach      
Deaconess Vernice Willis, Gaskins Chapel      

Ordained Itinerant Deacons

The Rev. Linda Clark, New Union Chapel-Norfolk        
The Rev. Janine Watkins, Bethel-Hampton        
Towanda Wyatt Stepp, New Mt. Zion-Norfolk

Ordained Itinerant Elders

The Rev. Temera Tatem         
The Rev. Christian Darlene Belton (Washington Conference)     

The Norfolk / Eastern Shore District

The Rev. Chester Morris, Presiding Elder
The Rev. John D. Burton, St. Johns-Norfolk                
The Rev. Vanessa A. Copeland, Mt. Zion-VA Beach             
The Rev. Vernon L. Ricks, Sr. St. Mark-VA Beach                 
The Rev. Orin Gill, New St. John              
The Rev. Ronald J. Knight, New Union Chapel            
The Rev. Sherri L. Brooks, Macedonia-Accomac          
Hands of the Elder, New Allen Memorial            
The Rev. Oretha P. Cross, Gaskins Chapel                 
The Rev. Timothy W. Johnson, Bethel-Eastville                  
The Rev. Ira K. McMillian, New Mt. Olive           
The Rev. Anthony R. Sanders, Ebenezer-Capeville              
The Rev. Horace B. Cross, Lee’s Chapel            
The Rev. Ronald L. Freeman, Sr., St. Luke-Daugherty                  
The Rev. Timothy F. Smith, Sr., Greater St. Andrews           
The Rev. Billy R. Hunter, Bethel-Onancock                
The Rev. Joel Tomlin, New Mt. Zion-Norfolk               
The Rev. Debbie L. Bryant, Shorter’s Chapel              
The Rev. Herbert Gibbs, Greater Bethel            
The Rev. Stephanie M. C. Webber, Belle Haven Circuit                
The Rev. Harrilene S. Powell, St. Luke-Chesapeake            
The Rev. Kenneth L. Ruff, Holly Grove-Windsor                  
The Rev. Rufus L. Mosley, Jr., Mt. Moriah-Elberon               
The Rev. David L. Holliday, Centerville Chapel           
The Rev. Gwendolyn C. Minor, Macedonia-Carrolton            
The Rev. Abraham Mackey, Campbell’s Chapel           
The Rev. Alfred Vann, Mt. Gilead-Franklin                 
The Rev. Eugenia Bowser, Gordon Chapel                 
The Rev. Olivia Collins, St. Stephens             

The Portsmouth/ Richmond/Roanoke District:

The Rev. Quinton White, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Reuben Boyd, Third Street Bethel        
The Rev. Granger Flythe, Emanuel,                   
The Rev. Andre’ Jefferson, Sr., Bethel-Hampton                 
The Rev. Donald White, St. Paul-Newport News                 
The Rev. Amy Hodge-Ziglar, Mt. Zion-Roanoke          
The Rev. Darrell Wade, Macedonia           
The Rev. Linwood Daugherty,        Campbell Chapel           
The Rev. Gilbert Harper, Brown’s             
The Rev. Willie Boothe, St. Paul-Portsmouth             
The Rev. Norman Vick, St. James -Norfolk                 
The Rev. Jeannette Phelps, Ebenezer-Roanoke                  
The Rev. Willie White, First Trinity          
The Rev. Kevin Wilson, St. Paul-Winchester              
The Rev. Bernard Holmes, Rehoboth                
The Rev. Phyllis Whichard, Bethel -Smithfield            
The Rev. Jacqueline Hardy-Harris, Ebenezer-Richmond                
The Rev. Delphoney Kargbo, Bethel-Cave Spring                
The Rev. Edward Scott, Allen Chapel                
The Rev. Isaac Jackson, St. Paul-Danville                 
The Rev. Frank Hill, Mt. Zion-Martinsville                  
The Rev. Glenn Orr, St. Paul-Blacksburg            
The Rev. Michael Dunn II, Meadowview-Fieldale                 
The Rev. Leonard Davis, St. John-Roanoke                 
The Rev. Otelia McNorton-Barksdale, New Hope                 
The Rev. John Swann, Jr., Bethel-Rocky Mount           
The Rev. Matthew Shannon, Beulah                          
The Rev. Gloria Skinner-Pettiford, St. Michael’s                  
The Rev. Sydia Bailey, Harmony Circuit Mt. Pisgah             
The Rev. Jackie Mumford, Bethel/Red Bluff                
The Rev. Carl Melvin, Bethel-Harrisonburg                 
The Rev. Temera Janelle Tatem, St. James-Prospect           
The Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott, Christ Our Redeemer                  
The Rev. Temera Janelle Tatem, Marshall Chapel               
The Rev. Ruby Brown-White, Petersburg Mission                
The Rev. Welton Williams, Chesterfield Missions            

16. THE NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE CONSECRATION / ORDINATIONS/ PASTORAL APPOINTMENTS:

Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate
Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Episcopal Supervisor

Evangelist Certification

Evang. Beverly Connelly Harris

Itinerant Deacons

The Rev. Mycal Xavier Brickhouse
The Rev. Glenda Gayle Hawkins Poindexter

Re-obligated

The Rev. Virginia Ware
The Rev. Abdul Knox

Itinerant Elders

The Rev. Timothy Boone
The Tonya Anderson (Washington Conference)

The Northern Districts of the North Carolina Annual Conference

The Rev. Larry Hinton, Presiding Elder
The Rev. Wayne Johnson, St. Stephen-Wilmington             
The Rev. Howard Johnson, St. James-Kinston            
The Rev. Jerould Richburg, Mt. Zion-Wilmington                 
The Rev. Christopher Haywood, Allen Chapel-Jackson                 
In the hands of the Elder, St. Mark, Rocky Mount               
The Rev. James A. Knox, Haw Branch               
The Rev. Tracy Tann, Willow Oak             
The Rev. Millard Davis, Harrison Chapel            
The Rev. Phillip R. Lynch, Sr., St. Augustine              
The Rev. James Baker, Wayman-Enfield            
The Rev. Mildred Brown, Galatia-Nashville                
The Rev. Abdue Knox, Bethel-Selma                 
The Rev. Robert Yarbrough, Union Hill              
The Rev. Freda O. Humphrey, Wesley Chapel            
The Rev. Brandon McAfee, St. Mark-Smithfield           
The Rev. Edward Sloan, Evans Chapel-Smithfield               
The Rev. James N. Sheares II, New St. John--Goldsboro              
The Rev. Charles G. Corbett, New Bethel-Magnolia             
The Rev. Gaylian Barbour, Phillip-Rose Hill                
The Rev. Tony Mills, James-Kelly,    
The Rev. Jonathan D. Ford, Paul-Kenly             
The Rev. Timothy Boone, James-Kennansville            
The Rev. Tanya Lowe, John-Conway                 
The Rev. Harold D. Sidbury, John-Wrightsboro           
The Rev. Willie L. Sanders, Bethel-Spring Hope                 
The Rev. Pamela G. Faison, Macedonia/Oak Grove Circuit            
The Rev. Daphne Solomon, St. John-Selma                
The Rev. Janice Harris, Old Scotts Hill-Wilmington             
The Rev. Cassandra Sparrow,        St. Matthew-Weldon              
The Rev. Charles G. Corbett, St. Peter’s Warsaw                
The Rev. Keith Davis, St. Luke-Wilson              
The Rev. Wayne Lofton, New Kelly’s Chapel              
The Rev. Mary W. Faircloth, Anderson Chapel-Greenville             
The Rev. Doris Lindsey, Mann’s Chapel-Whitakers               
The Rev. Sabrenia S. Moore, Praise & Deliverance               
The Rev. Joanne Bedford-Boyd, Lebanon-Littleton              
The Rev. Joan A. Hopton, Rue Chapel-New Bern                 
The Rev. Robert Bland, White Rock-Micro                  
The Rev. Annette Joyner-Moore, Mt. Carmel-Bailey             
The Rev. Serena Lofton, Shocco-Spring Hope             
The Rev. Elberta Pugh Hudson, Lee’s Chapel-Selma            
The Rev. Raynard Griffin, St. Paul-Teachey                
The Rev. Angela Clark, St. Stephen-Scotts Hill           
The Rev. Kathy Alston Kearney, Oak Chapel-Warrenton           

The Southern District of the North Carolina Annual Conference:

The Rev. Evelyn Dunn, Presiding Elder      
The Rev. David Morrison, Sr., St. Luke-Fayetteville             
The Rev. Anthony R. Watson, Mount Olive-Wilmington               
The Rev. Patricia Freeman, St. Phillip               
The Rev. Artie Odom, Jr., St. James-Castle Hayne               
The Rev. Ruth L. Pugh, Island Creek                
The Rev. Theresa Holmes, Mount Calvary                  
The Rev. Arthur Jenkins, Rockfish            
The Rev. Horace Lawrence, St. John-Fairmont            
The Rev. Philip Blair, Turner Station                 
The Rev. Gloria Fields, Maple Hill             
The Rev. Michael G. Redd, New Pike Creek                
The Rev. Wilma Hansley, Mount Moriah            
The Rev. Dewey C. Farmer, St. James-Whiteville                
The Rev. Joseph Nixon, Jr., Bethel-Leland                 
The Rev. Jerry Pearson, Mount Horeb                
The Rev. Robert McKoy, Jr., Union Bethel                  
The Rev. Betty Strickland, St. John-Hampstead                  
The Rev. Judy V. Johnson, McCormick’s Chapel           
The Rev. Joseph U. Batts, New Light                
The Rev. Richard Smith, Mack’s Chapel             
The Rev. Stephanie Murserow, Kendall Chapel           
The Rev. Edward Hansley, Mount Carmel           
The Rev. Gwendolyn McNeill, Mount Pleasant            
The Rev. Jesse Peacock, Sr., St. Paul-Fairmont                  
The Rev. Sandra David, Sand Hill             
The Rev. Jeffery Gainey, New Zion           
The Rev. Hannah C. Green, Myrtle Grove           
The Rev. Hannah C. Green, Rutland Chapel               
The Rev. George Cockell, Moore’s Swamp                  
The Rev. Derrick Farmer, Ohovah             
The Rev. Geraldine Dereef, Macedonia              
The Rev. Cassandra Maultsby, St. Paul-Rocky Point            
The Rev. Ronald E. Davis, St. Matthew             
The Rev. Germain S. Robinson, Murphy Chapel           
The Rev. Erica Price-Pollock, Hank’s Chapel               
The Rev. Jerry Powers, Mount Ararat                
The Rev. Libby Malloy-Kisseih, St. Matthew-Rowland                  
The Rev. Onita Dupree, St. Matthew-Tabor City                 
The Rev. Ronald E. Davis, Bethel Currie             
The Rev. Jacqueline Mitchell, St. Mary              
The Rev. Tammy McDonald, Friendship              
The Rev. Veronica Murphy, Allen Chapel-Rose Hill           

17. MEGACHURCH PASTOR BISHOP T.D. JAKES ADDRESSES HU CONFERENCE:

By Austin Bogues

HAMPTON — Bishop T.D. Jakes looked at the throng in front of him at the Hampton University Convocation Center as he took the stage. He took a second to survey the audience gathered for the university's annual Ministers' Conference.

"I don't know, it feels like somebody came to have church here," Jakes said.

The crowd roared in approval.

Jakes is pastor of The Potter's House of Dallas, which boasts a congregation membership of more than 30,000. He has risen to national stardom as the author of several books and he has produced films, including "Woman Thou Art Loosed" and "Not Easily Broken."
 
Jakes was the keynote speaker and received a rock star's reception at the conference Tuesday night, which is celebrating its 100th year. More than 7,000 people gathered to hear him speak.

He urged ministers to listen to their calling and "break the mold."
"Be careful when folks try to name you from the outside. People will stand from the outside and call you all kinds of stuff. They will call you what they need you to be," Jakes said.

He added, "Be cautious then by allowing history to define your destiny. Sometimes just because you came from something doesn't mean that you are it," Jakes said.

"Too many people are trying to fulfill somebody else's dream and somebody else's legacy," Jakes said, pacing his sermon with deep breaths as the organist played riffs.

"Tonight is your night for a breakthrough. Tonight is your night for deliverance," he said.

Throughout his sermon, audience members rose to their feet to clap, shout and, at times, even dance.

The annual conference is typically a who's who of prominent African-American preachers, which stretches across a range of denominations including Pentecostal, Church of God in Christ, Presbyterian and African Methodist Episcopal.

Previous speakers at the conference have included the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the Rev. Al Sharpton, and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. President Barack Obama also addressed the conference in 2007 when he was a U.S. senator.

Adding to the conference's spectacle is the diversity in dress. Ministers are clad in everything from flashy purple and pink three-quarter-length suits, traditional robes; conservative business attire and some wore linen leisure suits, sandals and fedoras. In between speakers, the audience enjoyed performances of gospel hymns.

"It gives us a chance to recharge our batteries. It gives encouragement," said Milton L. Grady, an associate minister at New Bethel Baptist Church in High Point, N.C. Grady said Jakes is an inspiration to many preachers because of his commitment to his congregation and ability to focus his message.

"He's a man of God," Grady said.

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy will address climate change during Wednesday's convention. The conference concludes Friday.


Bogues can be reached by phone at 757-247-4536.

18. WHY THE HAMPTON MINISTERS' CONFERENCE STILL MATTERS:

Suzan Johnson Cook

This is my 31st consecutive year in attendance at one of the greatest conferences in the world, the Hampton Ministers conference.

I started attending when I was a new seminarian. We couldn't afford to fly back then, so we car pooled, and along the way, would join other car pools on their way to "Hampton". It was, and still is, an amazing "experience"

It can be summed up with yesterday's lineup and theme as we looked at the past and looked towards the future. Powerful.

We were in worship services from 8:30 in the morning, starting with Pastor E. Dewey Smith of Georgia, a combination of Holy Ghost power, intellect and charisma, followed by New York's Dr. James A, Forbes, a most requested lecturer, then Dr Cynthia James, of Dallas, Texas who dealt with power and justice, and luncheon preacher from Virginia.

Then 1,500 women ministers, yes 1,500, crowded into the Student center for the Women in Ministry hour, something I started and helped to build some 25 years ago, when it was still questioned by many as to whether women should have full participation in the conference.

Pastor Susie of Washington, DC was our guest preacher, and the place went wild for the Lord. We gave our Founders awards to women who had worked with me, all along the way, as we had to have our secret "underground railroad meetings" years ago.

The night before, along with four former presidents, we received gifts for our leadership. When they read my name, I reminded them I was the first and only female President; the U.S. Ambassador and the place erupted in applause. The sisters and the brothers stood up.

Then last night we came back to hear Bishop TD Jakes, as he preached. It had been ten years since he had been there. When he was last there, he had written the book, God's Leading Ladies and presented it to me on the night of my election as President

We wept then. We leapt for joy now, as we were reminded, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." It's morning time at Hampton, and I'm so glad I endured the night. I am part of the 8,000 clergy-strong family and invite you to "come on down."

Ambassador Sujay was the 3rd Ambassador at Large for International religious freedom, the first Female President of the Hampton Ministers Conference, the 1st female Chaplain of NYPD and the creator of the ProVoiceMovement for women.


19. PRESIDING ELDER SENDS MESSAGE TO THE DISTRICT PREACHERS TO REMIND THEIR OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO GO TO THE POLLS:

- This message is to be read in your church this Sunday

To the Pastors and Members of the Beaufort District:

Pentecost greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The 18th Chapter of I Kings recounts how the prophet Elijah performed a mighty work at God’s command to remind God’s people of God’s power. Before he did so, Elijah challenged God’s people to do the right thing, even though it meant going against King Ahab and his government.

I Kings 18:21 says, ““Elijah went before the people and said, ‘How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.’ But the people said nothing.”

We can’t afford to walk in their footsteps and say nothing on this coming Tuesday, when primary elections will be held across our state. As children of God and as AME’s - a liberating and reconciling people - we must stand up and make our voices heard with our votes at the polls at every opportunity, for there’s no such thing as an unimportant election.

In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus calls us to be the light of the world. When we shine at the polls and elect people who will go beyond playing games with our well-being and faithfully represent our best interests, we’re doing God’s will.

Don’t commit a sin of omission and stay home on Election Day. Talk to those who can inform you of where the candidates stand, go to the polls, and encourage - and if necessary - take your family, church family and neighbors with you.

We can change our communities, our state and our nation for the better when we go to the polls and let God lead our choices. That’s why those who know and fear our voting strength tried to pass a law to make it harder for us to vote. Don’t let anyone steal your joy or your right to vote, for those who don’t vote choose to let others run their lives.

Go to the polls and cast your vote on this Tuesday. Our families, our children and our community are depending on us. May God bless and inspire you and yours to do the right thing and vote this Tuesday.

The Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Presiding Elder, the Beaufort District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

20.  RICHBURG REFLECTS ON DONALD STERLING: 

*The Rev. Dr. Caesar Richburg

The greatest trick that the devil ever pulled was convincing the world that he doesn’t exist.

The second greatest trick that he ever succeeded with was telling us that he was winning.

The Los Angeles Clippers were purchased in 1981 for 12.5 million dollars; they were recently sold for 2 billion dollars. On the surface, it really seems like the devil is winning. It seems like Donald Sterling will make a colossal profit off of his recorded hate speech and will cash out his investment to retire in extraordinary wealth. It further seems like the devil is winning because this man has both a wife and a girlfriend and the wife knows about the girlfriend, has known about the girlfriend and is okay with the girlfriend. When we see a man that harbors such vile opinions about the people that we live with and worship receive a paycheck for his ignorance and indignation it can make us disillusioned and cause us to question why the wicked are prospering greater than the righteous.

The good news of this soap opera is that the devil isn’t winning. The truly wealthy have money tied up in the fabric of America - their investments make them money while they are asleep. The truly wealthy take money and use money to make more money with - they pass money down from generation to generation- they establish trusts and foundations and endowments with their wealth- as a matter of fact if there’s one thing that the truly wealthy never do - it’s liquidate their wealth. The wealthy never sell - and the National Basketball Association told Donald Sterling- your money - your investment - your presence is no longer welcome here - take your money and leave. There are less than 100 major sports franchises in this country; Donald Sterling will never own another of them. Donald Sterling’s businesses will never be sponsored or partnered with any Fortune 500 company. Donald Sterling’s presence will be met with cat-calls, sneers, jeers and possibly even brushes with violence wherever he chooses to travel. Reuters just reported that Donald Sterling is the most hated man in America according to recent poll data.

The good news of today is that the devil is not winning; the devil is losing and losing decisively.

Be encouraged now sisters and brothers, you may feel like the devil is gaining ground on you, you may feel like evil is winning, you may feel like you’re so far behind that all you can do now is give up - I remind you that the devil is under your feet and he is losing.

Donald Sterling is now a billionaire, but I bet if you were to ask him, he’d exchange those 2 billion dollars for his ownership of the Clippers.

I also believe that the devil would give anything to take your pride and slow you down.

Let’s disappoint them both.

*The Rev. Dr. Caesar Richburg is the pastor of Williams Chapel AME Church in Orangeburg, South Carolina

21. NCC URGES SUPPORT OF THE JUNE 4 ‘SMARTER SENTENCING’ CALL-IN:

Washington, June 3, 2014 – Fresh from its May Christian Unity Gathering where more than 250 participants focused on the crisis of mass incarceration in the United States, the National Council of Churches is urging support of a national call-in to U.S. senators to demand passage of the Smarter Sentencing Act.

The bipartisan bill, S. 1410, sponsored by Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah and Democratic Senator Richard Durbin of Illinois, would reduce excessively long sentences for low-level drug offenses, and authorize judges to review cases for possible resentencing.

The National Council of Churches and several of its member communions are urging members to call the Senate switchboard tomorrow at 1-888-427-0484 to be connected to their senators’ offices.

“This crucial bill has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and this is a critical time to help push it to the Senate floor,” said the Rev. Ann Tiemeyer, interim Associate General Secretary for Joint Action and Advocacy.

Tiemeyer urged supporters to call their senators tomorrow, and to ask others in their networks to do the same.

Prison reform experts who addressed the Christian Unity Gathering May 19 and 20 reported there are 1.7 million persons incarcerated in the U.S., the vast majority of them persons of color and persons convicted of non-violent crimes and drug offenses.

Bill Mefford, director of civil and human rights of the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society, told gathering participants that “there is no simple legislation that can end mass incarceration. It will take a long time but we must do it.”

The Smarter Sentencing Act “can cut in half mandatory sentences for minor drug offenses,” Mefford said, urging widespread support of tomorrow’s national call in.

As part of the NCC’s ongoing efforts to pass the Smarter Sentencing Act, Jim Winkler, president and general secretary of the National Council of Churches, has joined more than 1,100 clergy and faith leaders in signing a letter to Senate Leadership.

“As clergy and faith leaders from a diversity of beliefs, we believe in the inherent dignity of all people,” the letter states.

“We believe the criminal-justice system should treat people, regardless of their offense, justly and humanely. We call on you to uphold these principles by supporting and passing the Smarter Sentencing Act, S. 1410/H.R. 3382.”

The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.

22. THE 4TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES AND DISTRICT MEETINGS:

Bishop John R. Bryant. Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor

Christian Education Congress
July 23 – 26, 2014
Pheasant Run Resort
St. Charles, IL 60174
Telephone: 800-474-3272
Host Information:
The Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Congress Director
The Rev. Ernest Nia, Congress Dean

India Annual Conference
May 3 – 10, 2014 (includes travel dates)

Radisson Blu Hotel
Chennai, India

Host Information:
Presiding Elder Minnie Sarah, Host
Presiding Elder Abraham Peddiny, Host

Canadian Annual Conference
August 7 – 10, 2014

Stonecroft Inn (lodging only)
3032 Dougall Avenue-Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Telephone: 800-665-6296
Group Code: AME Church

Caesars Windsor (lodging only)
377 Riverside Drive East-Windsor, Ontario Canada
Telephone: 800-991-8888
Group Code: CAM0806

Host Information:
Tanner Price AME Church – Windsor, ON
Telephone: 416-690-5169
Presiding Elder Tracey Thomas, Host Pastor

Bethlehem AME Church – Windsor, ON
Telephone: 519-974-2891
The Rev. Larry Wilson, Jr., Host Pastor

Michigan Annual Conference
August 13 – 17, 2014

Four Points by Sheraton (lodging only)
4960 Towne Centre Road – Saginaw, MI
Telephone: 989-790-5050

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites (lodging only)
2501 Tittabawasee Road – Saginaw, MI 48604
Telephone: 989-792-750

Hampton Inn & Suites (lodging only)
2695 Tittabawasee Road – Saginaw, MI 48604
Telephone: 989-797-2220

Host Information:
Bethel AME Church – Saginaw, MI (conference site)
Telephone: 989-755-7011
The Rev. P. David Saunders, Pastor

Illinois Annual Conference
September 3 - 7, 2014

Hilton Hotel - Springfield
700 East Adams – Springfield, IL 62701
Telephone: 217-789-1530

Host Information:
Springfield Ministers Alliance

Indiana Annual Conference
September 17 – 21, 2014

Courtyard by Marriott (lodging only)
1150 South Harrison Street - Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Telephone: 260-490-3629

Host Information:
Turner Chapel AME Church – Ft. Wayne, IN
The Rev. Kenneth Christmon, Pastor

Chicago Annual Conference
October 8 – 12, 2014

Marriott Cedar Rapids Hotel
1200 Collins Road NE - Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Telephone: 319-393-6600

Host Information:
Bethel AME Church – Cedar Rapids, IA
319-363-1251
The Rev. Williams Perkins, Host Pastor

Planning Meeting
October 23 – 25, 2014
Hilton Hotel - Springfield
700 East Adams – Springfield, IL 62701
Telephone: 217-789-1530
Host Information:
Illinois Conference – South District
The Rev. Gary McCants, Presiding Elder

23. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.

Based on Biblical Text: Luke 9:62: “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

I am writing most of the time with the understanding that most of the people who will be reading have already made the decision to follow Christ. The writing is posted where Christians read. We know the Lord. We are members of a church. We believe Jesus is worthy of our service because He suffered and died for our sins. I realize that I am, for the most part, preaching to the choir. Or am I really?

How many among us that claim to be believers and profess to be followers have truly stopped to count the cost of our discipleship. Have we considered that when we responded to the invitation to discipleship, giving our hand to the pastor and our hearts to Jesus, there was a cost involved? Beloved, it cost to be a follower! There is a price to pay if we are to be true disciples of the Living God. It is a price we all must pay. Discipleship, in its truest sense, costs everything we are and everything we have. Joining the church may be done without much thought of what is expected of us. However, true discipleship is complete submission to the Lord with all of our hearts, minds and souls. We are challenged to submit wholly and without reservation.  We are reminded that, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

In our text we find that Jesus is confronted by men who believe they are earnestly seeking to be His disciples. Jesus confronts them challenging them to consider the cost of their discipleship.

The text refers to a “certain man”. This could be any man or any one of us in the crowd following Jesus to hear his teachings. This “certain man” had obviously been moved by something Jesus said and declared, “Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.” There was a time in each of our lives when we, like this man, first accepted Jesus as our Savior and we were overwhelmed with desire to follow Him. This man, like many of us, excitedly offered to become a follower of Jesus, and follow Jesus wherever He led. For many of the same reasons we fell in love with Jesus we find that this “certain man” vowed to go the distance with Him. Like us he loved to be in the presence of the Lord and found it enjoyable to be among His followers. Like us this man was motivated by the Lord’s incredible wisdom and was awed by His inspirational teaching. The man much like us was appreciative of all the good work Jesus did.

However, the man like many of us had not really counted the cost of following Jesus. Jesus wants him to know and He wants us to know that to become a true disciple we must first develop a deeper conviction. There will be times when our faith will be tested. Not everyone we come in contact with will treat us with respect. We will not be welcomed everywhere we go. Jesus says, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” In other words if this man would become a disciple, Jesus knew that he first had to count the cost.

Jesus tells the man and us to count the cost. We can declare our allegiance however our profession will not be enough. Jesus challenges us that even our being willing to follow Him will not be enough. Jesus lets us know that He offers no luxury or material comfort, “but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”  Jesus offers only self-denial. This “certain man” had to deny himself and sacrifice all he was and all that he had.

Jesus charges us to deny self and follow Him. He Himself is our prime example of the sacrifice He requires. Jesus denied Himself completely sacrificing and giving all. Jesus gave Himself and all that He had. The animals of the world had a home. The birds had their nests and the foxes had their holes but Jesus did not even have a place to lay His head.  Jesus had no place to call home. Jesus sacrificed all to meet the needs of a dying and desperate world. Jesus demands that we deny ourselves completely, sacrificing and giving all we are and all we have to meet the needs of a lost and desperate world.

Jesus called Himself the Son of Man. Like this “certain man” we will never be a disciple unless we accept Jesus, not as a good teacher, but as the Son of Man. We must accept Jesus as the ideal Servant of man. To be a true disciple we must know Jesus as the one who loved all, cared for all, felt for all and ministered to all. We are challenged to go and do likewise.

Some among us claim we are willing and determined to follow Jesus to the ends of the earth. Lamentably, following is not enough.  The cost of our profession of willingness and determination is that we accept Jesus’ sacrificial pattern for living. It is not enough for us to profess with our mouth self-commitment. The cost is that we live out our lives with a Christ-centered commitment.  Many of us possess strong wills, strong determinations and strong discipline and from those traits self-commitment may arise. This may cause us to appear to be dedicated on the surface. Unfortunately self-commitment is not enough for Jesus. The cost of our allegiance is a total commitment to the Son of Man. We are to abandon all of ourselves and all of the world. “Not my will but Thine.” Luke 9:23 says, “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Jesus cautions us not to miscalculate the cost of discipleship that we might fall short in our desire to serve Him. We cannot allow our mixed motives and good intentions to prove insufficient for discipleship. Counting the cost will enable us to prevent old obligations from getting in the way of our new birth and old habits from becoming obstacles to our new responsibilities. We must be prepared to surrender all to Jesus. The song writer penned, “all to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give.”

As we consider the cost of our discipleship we must analyze our motive for service to the Master. We must ask ourselves; does Jesus possess all of me?  Jesus wants all of us, heart, mind and soul. “Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, calling for you and for me.” Consider the cost and we will realize the all required is much more than our dedicated devotion during the worship hour. All is so much more than our voice in the choir or our hands distributing bulletins. All is even more than the work we do or the dinners we cook. It is so much more than even our sacrificial giving and our earnest prayers. Jesus wants us without reservation, without hesitation!  “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

We must consider the cost. Jesus wants all of us heart and soul!  All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all. All to Thee my blessed Saviour, I surrender all.”

The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina

24. GETTING TO ZERO: POSSIBILITIES FOR NATIONAL HIV TESTING DAY IN JUNE:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

June 27, 2014 is the National HIV Testing Day (NHTD).  The 2014 theme “Talk HIV, Test HIV, Treat HIV”, summarizes the strategy to get to zero infections and deaths from HIV/AIDS.

The single most important item in stopping HIV/AIDS is for each person to know their HIV infection status. The standard way to determine HIV infection status checks saliva or blood for antibodies that are made to HIV. Antibodies are made upon first exposure of the body’s immune system to the AIDS-causing virus. It takes 3-10 weeks after infection before antibodies to HIV are detectable in blood or saliva.

Locate an HIV Testing Site

Go to www.hivtest.cdc.gov  to use a zip code to locate HIV testing sites within a 20 mile radius. Or use a smart device (phone, tablet or computer) to put in a zip code at www.locater.aids.gov/.  These search tools provide a list or map with names and type of organization, phone number, directions and types of HIV service offered. They also provide a list of other testing or vaccine services provided by the agency.

For instance, when I put in my zip code, 10 matches appear in the list.  Some offer free services while others require a small fee. In the Ann Arbor, Michigan area, most of the agencies provide testing services for HIV, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and herpes simplex virus. Many offer vaccines for human papilloma virus (HPV) and hepatitis B. Along with HIV, all these are highly prevalent sexually transmitted infectious diseases. Chances are higher that if one of these is detected, another might be present.

The most widely used test now for HIV antibodies is an HIV rapid test.  The rapid test with counseling can be completed in less than 30 minutes. Home kits that are similar to home pregnancy tests can be purchased at most USA and some international pharmacies. 

Global Focus on HIV Testing

The June 27, 2014 National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The annual observance was initiated in 1995 by the National Association of People with AIDS. 

In 2014 the National HIV Testing Week, June 21-27 seeks to expand HIV testing. It is hosted by the Urban Coalition for HIV/AIDS Prevention (UCHAPS) in conjunction with a coalition of over 30 national and international institutions and organizations. Information, list of sponsors and how to participate can be found at www.nhtwus.org.

Update on HIV prevalence in the USA

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that now about 1,100,000 persons in the USA are infected with HIV. Of these about 20% (220,000) are unaware that they are infected. Besides lacking the treatments that will slow or prevent progression to AIDS, a person who is infected but does not know this can easily spread the virus to a sexual partner.

The prevalence of 1,100,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is down from the previous estimate of 1,500,000 of PLWHA in the USA in 2010.  This is due to focus by the CDC and others to increase awareness of prevention of HIV infection, increase availability and compliant use of anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) and increase HIV testing and counseling (HTC). Targeting populations with high prevalence such as communities in the 13 southern states, college campuses, persons of color and men who have sex with men (MSMs) has increased HTC numbers. This is all good news.

A Possible Dream: An HIV Testing Competition

NHTW can be used by churches and organized groups to mount an HIV testing campaign or event. Imagine what could be accomplished in a competition of organizations or network of organizations around which organization could get the most people to take HTC. 

For example, the Michigan Annual Conference of the Fourth Episcopal AMEC District could have a competition between congregations located in the North District vs those in the South District. Presiding Elders would work with pastors, the local church Health Commission representative or a pastor’s designee from each church. Churches could partner to arrange on-site HIV rapid testing at different places during the weeks of the NHTD friendly testing competition.

There could be some kind of prize to the winner- bragging rights at the least. Winning the HIV testing competition could bring something more. Perhaps there could be a handsome trophy that is kept by the winner until the next year.  I can imagine the Soaring South AMEC members at the Michigan Annual Conference bursting with pride to say, “We won the HTC competition in 2014. And in 2015, we are ready to defend our HIV Testing Championship title!” “We might even go for a three peat!”

Such a friendly competition is a win-win-win for all involved. It would show visionary and courageous leadership on the part of the Presiding Elders of the participating districts. It would be blessing for the church and community members.

One could even imagine a friendly HIV testing competition across the connectional AMEC. One Episcopal District would compete with the other 19 for the title of “HTC Champion of the Year.”

Bishops and Episcopal Supervisors could get their clergy, pastor’s spouses, missionary, men’s ministry and YPD organizations excited to get the community out for testing.  Pastors and clergy request that stewards, trustees, ushers, choir members, class or birthday month coordinators and other officers and leaders lead in the HTC campaign. These would in turn, fire up the congregation and members of the surrounding communities. “On your mark, get set, go! Get that test.”

Timing and Value of an HIV Testing Campaign

Such an HTC campaign competition would be a win-win-win blessing in the weeks surrounding NHTD. It could be continued through World AIDS Day in December 1, or the National AIDS Awareness Day in February or even the National Week of Prayer for Healing of HIV/AIDS in March.  It would get people working together in a community wide focus. It could allow collaboration among different churches, even of different denominations in the same community or across a city of county. People might get to know each other a bit better.

An HIV testing campaign would strike a major blow against HIV/AIDS stigma.

People would learn their HIV infection status. There are either no HIV antibodies, which means the person testing has not contracted the virus. Or, there are HIV antibodies present which means the virus is in the body. The person (who now knows HIV is inside) will be sent for follow-up medical care to determine status of immune system health and how much virus is present. They will learn what medication to take so to counter attack the virus before it destroys the immune system.

Imagine. Teens and young adults might be surprised and very proud of their families and their churches. Young adults, teens and others might decide to get involved. They might even grow spiritually from the increased interactions and be a blessing to the Kingdom of God through their local church.

Many Positive Outcomes of an HIV Testing Campaign

Who knows what would happen if there was a healthy HIV testing competition between Episcopal Districts, within an Annual Conference or across a city among ministerial alliance members.

Who would get the most people tested by and connected to local community agencies? The major purpose for existence of some of these agencies is to provide HIV testing and counseling and other support services.  Besides testing and counseling, services include referral for medical care for those who are HIV+, suggestions on how to reduce risk of infection for those who are HIV- and a plethora of other resources to assist in community wellness education and healthcare.

These agencies would better fulfill their community health roles. Increasing their HIV testing numbers might qualify the agencies for more support. They might need to hire more people. Jobs would be created and college and high school students could volunteer or be hired to work for the summer with HIV testing or care agencies.

Imagine the Impacts on Lives

Think about the giant step taken towards getting to zero with HIV/AIDS.  Focus on testing could occur at any date through NHTD in June 2015. A testing event could be hosted as a Non-National HIV Testing Day. This is like having a party to celebrate an “It’s Not My Birthday” day.

Most importantly, lives and families would be affected by a sustained testing campaign.

People would know if they are free of HIV or if they must take specific sustained care to be live free of progression AIDS and illness that can lead to death.

In the process of increasing HIV testing, some persons might be open anew to hearing the Good News. Someone might hear about or see in action the unequivocal love, hope and light that salvation made available by the life, death and resurrection of Christ.

Just imagine.  June 27, 2014 is this month. In moving towards zero “Talk HIV, Test HIV, and Treat HIV.” You know what to do! 

*The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is a tenured professor in Microbiology and Immunology and faculty in the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan. An Itinerant Elder in the 4th Episcopal District, she served as pastor of Bethel AME Church in Adrian, Michigan for seven years before focusing fully on global health research in Zambia and the USA for HIV/AIDS elimination. At Payne Theological Seminary she teaches a required course, “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS.”

25. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JUNE 8, 2014 - TRUST GOD’S PROMISES - HAGGAI 1:12, 2:1-9:

*Bill Dickens, Allen AME Church, Tacoma, Washington

- This Church School column is dedicated to Bishop John R. Bryant who like me will be celebrating a birthday on June 8th.

One of the most important verbal contracts we participate in is a promise.  When we make a promise to someone, the other party interprets that statement as an action item where we will deliver some tangible beneficial or non-beneficial outcome.  Sometimes we are reluctant to accept promises due to our suspicions about a person’s intent; that’s a problem with credibility. Does God have a credibility problem?  This key question is raised in our AME Adult Church School Lesson for June 8, 2014.  If God has a credibility problem people will not put much trust in what God says. Our expectations will continue to come up short. 

Fortunately, God has a prophet to motivate us to think and behave differently.

The prophet Haggai continues his appeal in encouraging fellow Jews to remain focused on completing the task of rebuilding God’s Temple. Haggai sensed there were too many workers who decided to take long breaks during the rebuilding season. 

In Chapter 2 verse 3 God himself asks the important question to those who witnessed the Temple in its former glory. How did that Temple contrast with the dilapidated condition of the Temple at Haggai’s writing?  Yahweh admonishes the post-bellum Babylonian Jews to be strong and courageous because God was in their midst and will honor the Promises He made during their Egyptian captivity. God is in total control.  He commands all the resources needed to build and will see to it that the finished product will exceed the splendor reflected in the former Temple.

God has an impeccable track-record of doing precisely what God says He will do. 

Why then are we like Haggai’s contemporaries who choose laziness over work/thrift?  Why do we allow doubt and disbelief to supersede trust and faith? 

Jesus admonished us to work while there is daylight because when night arrives no one can work. The work of the Gospel requires commitment and discipline. There is no room for slothfulness. God’s promises represent the effective incentive/motivation we need to complete the task!

*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 ISAIAH 42:1-9:

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with the leadership of The Beaufort District Young Adult Ministry to do a “debrief” following their first annual “Black and Gold Gala.” We discussed what went right and what went wrong, and agreed that the Gala was a well-attended and thoroughly enjoyable success - although some of the more “straight-laced” older folks in attendance were bothered by the fact that the Gala music included songs by The Temptations and Sam Cooke, but no gospel selections!

Our short meeting evolved into a longer discussion of the pros and cons of the church in general, and that discussion left me feeling good about what young adults have to offer the church in terms of input, involvement and leadership.  They were positive, frank and spiritual, and more than willing to honestly discuss what the church needs to do to - as a hymn by Charles Wesley says - “To Serve the Present Age.”  Their hopes, dreams and aspirations aren’t limited by the expectations, challenges and disappointments that sometimes govern our lives as we get older and - supposedly - wiser.

I offer up my experience with those exuberant young adults for consideration in a world where many of us often let this world’s demands, challenges and disappointments shape our lives and limit our expectations. Too many good people with much to offer let life’s negative experiences discourage them, hinder them, steal their dreams and make them settle for just getting by and doing little or nothing new or innovative as they get older, restricted by the limits of what they think they can do.

We’d do well, in a world of ups and downs, to remember that there’s still no limit to what God can do and to trust in the God who turns problems into possibilities, hurt into happiness and limitations into lasting and unlimited blessings.

Take the time each day to trust in the God who created us and redeemed us through the gift of His Son.  When you do, you can expect new blessings each day - regardless of the obstacles that life puts in your way - and face each day with new optimism, new confidence, and the ability to go beyond the limited expectations of this world and say with one writer, “It is no secret what God can do; what he’s done for others, He’ll do for you.”

This Meditation is also available on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org

And on Facebook at:

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. EPISCOPAL FAMILY AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:


-- The Golden Wedding Anniversary of Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Episcopal Supervisor Ernestine L. Henning to be Celebrated and Honored by their Daughters and Grandchildren

The Daughters and Grandchildren of Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Mrs. Ernestine L. Henning will celebrate and honor their father, mother and grandparents' 50 years of Marriage on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 3 o'clock in the Afternoon at Ward African Methodist Episcopal Church, Margaret Murray Fellowship Hall, 1177 West 25th Street, Los Angeles, California 90007; Program-Dinner.

In Lieu of Gifts: Donations may be made to AME University, Liberia.

Contact:

Bishop and Mrs. C. Garnett Henning
9301 11th Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90305

Telephone: (310) 259-6310
Telephone: (601) 519-8876

-- Ms. Olympia Mary Allison Mix Received Her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Southern California

Ms. Olympia Mary Allison Mix received her Masters of Arts in Teaching from The University of Southern California - Rossier School of Education. Olympia is the daughter of Paschell Cummings Mix and the late Gregory R. Mix, and granddaughter of Bishop and Mrs. Frank C. Cummings. Olympia will be teaching Social Studies at Arabia Mountain High School in Dekalb County School System in Georgia.

Please send congratulatory responses to: olympiamix@yahoo.com


- The Reverend Ella Mae Samuels Retired from her position as Presiding Elder of the Augusta-Athens District in the Sixth Episcopal District

The Reverend Ella Mae Samuels, the first female to be appointed to the position of Presiding Elder in the Sixth Episcopal District, retired from her position as Presiding Elder of the Augusta-Athens District, where she served for 14 years.  The Late Bishop Donald George Kenneth Ming appointed Rev. Samuels to the position of Presiding Elder.  She retired during the 100th Session of the Augusta Georgia Annual Conference on May 2nd, 2014, under the leadership of Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II - the Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District. Reverend Samuels was also appointed to serve as a Marshall for the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Rev. Samuels's states that she retired from her position due to physical restraints brought on following a back surgery she had in 2010.  She expressed her desire to continue serving her beloved AME Church in whatever capacity she can be helpful, especially as a consultant, a preacher, and/or a teacher.

The Rev. Ella Mae Samuels, Presiding Elder (Retired); pastor of New Zion Hill AME Church; weekly columnist featured in the McDuffie Progress - Thomson, Georgia; and member of the McDuffie County Board of Education

Messages can be emailed to:

The Reverend Ella Mae Samuels: pesmiley@gmail.com

-- The Rev. Paul Mugala and the Rev. Faith M. Simfukwe-Mugala Announce the Birth of their Second Grandchild

Joyfully we announce the birth of our second grandchild, a grandson born on Sunday, June 1st, 2014 to our second eldest twin Daughter and Son-In-Love, Mr. Mbuyoti and Mary Nachamba Mugala Malenga.

As you can imagine, the maternal grandpa & grandma are delighted. Mother and grandson are doing fine and the proud father is happy. We pray God's presence as they begin an awesome task of Nurturing & Raising our handsome special jewel grandson in a way and manner always glorifying God. Thank you in advance for your prayers.

You may reach the Malengas (proud parents), using the email below:



Contact for the proud grandparents:
The Rev. Paul Mugala: mugalapm@gmail.com 
The Rev. Faith M. Simfukwe-Mugala: faith.mugala@yahoo.com

28. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Regretfully We Share the Following Bereavement Notice:

We are saddened to acknowledge the passing of Ms. Camille Hildebrand, the daughter of the late Rt. Rev. Richard Allen Hildebrand, the 88th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Sister Hildebrand's Going Home Service was held at Macedonia AME Church, Fernandina Beach, Florida on Friday, May 30, 2014.

The viewing was at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. (EST). 

Profession services were provided by Huff and Battise Funeral Home, 410 Beech Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034; telephone: 904-261-4367.

Acknowledgements and correspondence may be addressed to:

The family of Camille Hildebrand
2915 Park Square Place
Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

The Rev. Anthony Daniel, Pastor
Macedonia AME Church
202 South 9th Street
Fernandina Beach 32034

Telephone: (904) 261-411

29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Jackie Whitted, of Piedmont, SC on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.  The Reverend Whitted was the husband of the Reverend Ruth Whitted and pastor of Mount Sinai AME Church, Bradley, SC, Abbeville-Greenwood District, Piedmont Annual Conference.

Funeral Services for Reverend Jackie Whitted:

Monday, June 9, 2014
11:00 a.m.
Mount Sinai AME Church
105 Puckett Town Road
Bradley, SC 29819

Telephone: (864) 746-6188

The Rev. Samuel L. McPherson, Presiding Elder
Abbeville-Greenwood District

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Ruth Whitted
2213 Easley Highway
Piedmont, SC 29673
(864) 642-9618

The Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate, 7th Episcopal District
Mother Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor

Please remember the family in your prayers.

30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Lynette Mitchell, of Cross, SC on Sunday, June 1, 2014.  Mrs. Mitchell was the mother of Brother Clarence Mitchell, YPD President of the 7th Episcopal District. Mrs. Mitchell was a member of Jehovah AME Church, Cross, SC.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Mitchell:

Saturday, June 7, 2014
2:30 p.m.
Jehovah AME Church
1565 Old Highway #6.
Cross, SC 29436
(843) 753-2400


The Rev. Jonathan Baker, Eulogist
The Rev. Dr. Allen W. Parrott, Presiding Elder


Services Entrusted to:
Eutawville Community Funeral Home
440 Porcher Avenue
Eutawville, SC 29048
(803) 492-3150

Please send all condolences and acts of kindness to:

Brother Clarence Mitchell
486 Murphy Bay Road
Cross, SC 29436

31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE/SERVICE UPDATE:

The Twelfth Episcopal District is saddened to share news of the passing of the Reverend Lewis A. Norful, a retired pastor and Presiding Elder in the 12th Episcopal District.  He is the spouse of Mrs. Alice Faye Norful, a faithful member of the 12th Episcopal District M-SWAWO, who was a formal First Place winners in CONN-M-SWAWO, Plus PK's annual First Lady, First Gentlemen Contest held to fund scholarship awards for graduating high school PK’s who are winners of the essay contest.

The passing of the Reverend Dr. Lewis A. Norful:  a retired pastor and Presiding Elder in the 12th Episcopal District. He is the uncle of Dr. W.R. (Theresa) Norful, Sr., retired pastor of St. John AME Church in Pine Bluff, AR.

Contact for Mrs. Alice F. Norful (wife):
711 Parkrose Avenue
Memphis, TN 72301
 
32. CLERGY FAMILY SERVICE UPDATE:

Please note the following as update for services for Mrs. Lynette Mitchell, the mother of Brother Clarence Mitchell, YPD President of the 7th Episcopal District.

Wake Service:
Saturday, June 7, 2014
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Jehovah AME Church
1565 Old Highway #6.
Cross, SC 29436
(843) 753-2400

Funeral Service:
Sunday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m.
Jehovah AME Church
1565 Old Highway #6.
Cross, SC 29436

Rev. Jonathan Baker, Eulogist
Rev. Dr. Allen W. Parrott, Presiding Elder
Kingstree District

Interment: Julius Spann Cemetery, Cross, SC

Services Entrusted to:
Eutawville Community Funeral Home
440 Porcher Avenue
Eutawville, SC 29048
(803) 492-3150

Please send all condolences and acts of kindness to:

Brother Clarence Mitchell
486 Murphy Bay Road
Cross, SC 29436

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




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.

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