THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (09/26/14)

The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications

The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder

1. TCR EDITORIAL – “AND ARE WE YET ALIVE, TO SEE EACH OTHER’S FACE” - IN THIS SACRED PROFESSION:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Last week, I attended and answered the roll call at the Kentucky Annual Conference.  It was my 48^th time answering the roll. Most times I have answered roll call with my physical presence, but there were several times when I answered the roll in absentia because I was stationed overseas and was physically unable to travel to Kentucky.

Attending annual conference is always a unique experience for me. It began when I was admitted to the Philadelphia Annual Conference in 1963. My admission to the Philadelphia Annual Conference was a continuation of the journey which began in 1959 in Rahway, New Jersey when I finally acknowledged my “call” to the ministry and preached my “trial sermon.”

As in annual conferences for over 200 years

Each annual conference worship service begins with the singing of “And Are We Yet Alive” and it was so at our annual conference.  I have noticed that with each passing year, the hymn, “And Are We Yet Alive” becomes more meaningful and each year it’s harder for me to hold back the tears.

The hymn gets more emotional because it floods my mind with the friends and colleagues in years past who sang that hymn and answered the roll call with me in the Philadelphia Annual Conference and in the Kentucky Annual Conference.

The strange thing is when I visit other annual conferences and sing “And Are We Yet Alive,” it’s emotional, but not as emotional as when I sing it in the Kentucky Annual Conference. I know it’s because as the words in the hymn written by J. B.F. Wright that says, “Precious memories, how they linger How they ever flood my soul.”  When “And, Are We Yet Alive” is sung, memories of my ministry pass before my mind and I hear the “Echoes from the past” and tears well up in my eyes.

I know age has something to do with the “memories that flood my soul” and, as when I was much younger, the young pastors today sing the hymn with liveliness, but as the years pass the hymn will take on a greater emotional significance; just watch the older clergy when they sing the hymn. 

A few words about the conference

In addition to all of the work of the annual conference, it gives the bishop an opportunity to share his or her vision and to provide teaching needed by the laity and the clergy.

Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath did just that and took opportunities to share teaching moments with the annual conference.  He is a stickler for time and values everybody’s time.  Not a moment was wasted. The conference sessions began and ended on-time. 

The worship services were spiritual and focus of the worship services was worship. In the Kentucky Annual Conference and the West Kentucky Annual Conference no business was conducted before, during or after the worship.

Here’s what I mean

The roll call and conference organization were done prior to and apart from the annual conference opening worship service. The conference recessed and the preachers robed up for the opening session of the annual conference.

There is no money offering taken up at the worship service. Bishop Leath received the offering from the presiding elders prior to the annual conference. Clergy and lay delegates who may not have taken the opportunity to contribute their offering were invited and encouraged to make their contributions to their presiding elder.  There was an opportunity during the annual conference to take a missionary offering, but it’s done without fanfare; no, “Who will give $100, $50 and so on.”

It’s an amazing phenomenon to witness worship services of the annual conference without the hustle and bustle of “lifting an offering” and changing the tenor of the worship service.  And, no matter how many times a worship leader or bishop says, “We are not changing the order of the worship service…” the way many offerings are taken, does change the tenor of the worship service.

Collecting the funds of the annual conference before the convening of the annual conference has several advantages: one, the financial business is out of the way; two, there is no reason for clergy or laity to “dodge the offering”; and three, a bunch of preachers and laity don’t have to leave the worship service to count the offering.  

It also appears that there is less standing outside and congregating during the worship services. Everybody can worship from beginning of worship to the benediction.  It’s distracting to see preachers undoing their robes rushing out of the sanctuary with the collection plates to count the money.

As an aside

Jewish synagogue worshippers make their contributions at a specified time and not during worship.  Synagogues do not pass collection plates during worship.

In some nondenominational churches, parishioners make their contributions in the narthex before or after worship. Collection plates are not passed during worship.

Getting back on track

In our annual conference, worship is not distracted by clergy or laity’s anxiety about the offering; it’s all done beforehand or maybe afterwards in the case of presiding elders who may not have collected all of their apportionments before the annual conference.

Just one more thing

Each time I attend the annual conference, I have come to respect the preachers who are doing the work of ministry; many of them pastors of small congregations. I respect the laity who struggle with “not enough resources,” but, year after year love and support the work of ministry and attend the annual conference to make their pastor’s report. Tears come to my eyes as I write these words.

I listen to the reports of pastors who are trying to make ends meet. Their churches are not located in areas where the congregation can grow into a mega-church. If you sent T.D. Jakes to their locations, he wouldn’t have a mega-church.  And, besides, every church is not meant to be a mega-church. Everybody does not want to attend large churches.

Annual conference should not be a time to hassle pastors and laity who have worked hard. We need to find ways to make annual conference more relaxing and encouraging and I believe that Bishop Leath is achieving that goal. 

Most of our churches in the 13^th Episcopal District are small congregations with dedicated and committed clergy and laity; and that is something to behold. Tears came to my eyes as I listened to some of the pastors give their reports with a faithful member standing next to them. The ministry is indeed a sacred profession.

Some pastors and laity have struggled and yet they rejoice when giving their reports and I know the stanza of the hymn, “And Are We Yet Alive” that says, “What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last” is real to them.

I respect and honor the pastors of smaller churches who “stay on the battlefield” in spite of the challenges they face.

The pastors of our churches are dedicated men and women and I wish there was a formal way to honor their ministry; all of them because the ministry is a sacred profession.

2.  NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

I heard earlier this week that Bishop Gregory G.M Ingram is requiring all churches in the First Episcopal District to conduct fire drills this Sunday. What a great initiative that most of us have not even thought of, but which is a great idea because knowing how to exit a church sanctuary, whether it’s a fire or another kind of emergency is important.

Perhaps other episcopal district might want to consider emergency exit plans. We live in a world where anything can happen.

3. TCR EDITOR'S COMMENT: A NEW TCR COLUMN – THE COLLEGE CORNER:

The article below is the first article of our new column, The College Corner.  Ms. Kandace Taylor submitted the first article for our new column. The College Corner column is the idea of Mr. Joseph Turner, a member of Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee.  Mr. Turner is also a member of the Wilberforce University Board of Trustees.

4. THE COLLEGE CORNER - “WORKING YOUR CORNER”:

*Ms. Kandace Taylor

Sometimes as young adults it feels as if we are struggling to carve out a corner for ourselves, whether we are at our home churches or, for those who are away at school, in our church homes-away-from-home.  I was fortunate during my time in college to have attended a church with a vibrant and active collegiate and young adult ministry, but that’s not the case for everyone. 

Students who attend college in their hometowns and who are attending their home church, which they have attended most of their lives may experience that finding “a corner” can feel especially challenging. Even Jesus said, “A prophet is without honor is his (or her) hometown.”

College students who stay at home or go away to college might have ideas for change within the framework of their church both in regard to young adult needs and to the needs of the church body in general, but don’t know where to start. You see something that is needed in your local church and feel inspired to address it, but can’t seem to find the first steps to doing so. 

So what do you do?

This post is for the college kids, both home and away, who are looking for answers to that question. 

The list below is far from a comprehensive, but here are a few tips for young adults to remember:

Tip #1: Don’t get discouraged.

If the church you’re in right now doesn’t have a program similar to one you might want to start or implement; it can be really hard to know what to do first. 

Don’t get discouraged. Plan anyway.  Be able to articulate to yourself exactly what change you want to enact in your church and how you think you want to get there so that when opportunities arise to share your ideas, you can do so confidently.

Tip #2: Be vocal

As discouraging as your situation might seem, be honest with the people around you who you think might be receptive to your ideas.  Just as we can make our desires known to God, God will put people in our paths who are looking to help young adults carve out their place within the church.  If no one knows your ideas then your ideas definitely won’t get off the ground. 

Tip #3: Remember that your opinion matters.

This kind of falls under not getting discouraged, but I think as young adults we can feel like, “Who am I to try and push change through?” 

We can feel as if we should “wait our turn” and keep our heads down until the people ahead of us give us permission to take leadership roles within our church communities. 

Whether you’re at home or in a different city, the college years are some of the ripest times for creating the church you want to see.  You have the time (even if it doesn’t always feel like it), you have access to resources you didn’t have when you were in high school. i.e., professors, advisors, other young people, and you have what it takes to be the change you want to see in the AME Church. 

So carve out your corner.  And when you have it, work it!

* Kandace Taylor has a B.A. in English and is a graduate of Florida State University. She is a member of St. Stephen A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, FL. Her pastor is the Rev. Dr. Michael L. Mitchell."

5. JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY NAMES A RECITAL HALL TO HONOR LONG-TIME MUSIC PROFESSOR:

Jimmie James served on the staff at Jackson State University in Mississippi for 43 years, rising through the ranks to chair the department of music. During his long career at the university, he also served as director of music activities, coordinator of the Graduate Music Program, director of the concert band, and director of the brass ensemble.

To commemorate his service, Jackson State University has named the Recital Hall in the F.D. Hall Music Center in honor of Jimmie James.

“I am very humbled by this entire experience of receiving the honorable recognition and having the recital hall named in my honor,” James said. “I will forever be grateful for having my name permanently and visibly displayed for others to see.”

James holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Jackson State University. He received a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin and his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Dr. James is an AME and a member of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson and is also the Historiographer for the Connectional Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He also serves as the Connectional Director Emeritus of the Music and Christian Arts Ministry of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Dr. James also established the Jimmie and Carrie James Scholarship at Jackson State University and is well known for his unique instructional methods and has led music workshops, seminars and other instructional presentations that draw church musicians from throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. James has also written articles for The Christian Recorder.

Dr. James was one of the featured directors for the Tennessee Annual Conference/Pearl Street Combined Choirs when they sang for the 125^th AMEC Publishing House Anniversary worship service in 2007.

The Jackson State University honor of naming a recital hall in honor of Dr. Jimmie James is also an honor for his family, friends and the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Read More: http://www.jbhe.com/2014/09/jackson-state-university-names-a-recital-hall-to-honor-long-time-music-professor/

6. JSU NAMED THE AUDITORIUM OF ITS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS IN HONOR OF AME COUPLE:

In 2012, Jackson State University named the auditorium of its College of Business in honor of Winston R. Pittman Sr. and his wife Alma Dent Pittman. The Jackson State University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the naming of the auditorium occasion. The Pittmans contributed $250,000 to the university and the U.S. Department of Education's Title 3 program matched the Winston's gift for a total of $500,000 to the university.

The Pittmans own automotive company Pittman Enterprises, which has six dealerships in South Carolina, Ohio and Georgia. Winston, president and CEO of Pittman Enterprises, founded the company in 1987. The company sells Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Nissan, CDAC, Lexus, Toyota, Ford, Lincoln Mercury, Scion and Subaru vehicles.

A Grenada native, Winston is a Jackson State University alumnus. He attended Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, Mississippi before transferring to JSU in 1970. He majored in accounting at JSU until he left the university during the last quarter of his senior year in 1972 to take a job as a manager with United Parcel Service in Jackson, which he viewed as an opportunity to jumpstart his career in business. He later attended Chrysler Dealer Development School in Detroit, Michigan.

His wife, Alma is a native of Yazoo City and attended Hinds Junior College and the University of Mississippi, where she majored in nursing. She started her nursing career St. Dominic Hospital in pediatrics. Alma is the Health and Wellness Director for Pittman Enterprises and organizes health fairs and screenings. She is also the company's Vice President of Community Affairs, working with television and radio companies on behalf of Pittman Enterprises.

Winston made the generous contribution to Jackson State to help students who came to the university in need of funds.

The Winstons believe in giving back to the community.

The Winstons are members of Quinn Chapel AME Church in Louisville, Kentucky. They were members of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr.

Jackson State University has two facilities named in honor of members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: Mr. Winston R. and Mrs. Alma Dent Pittman and Dr. Jimmie James. All three were members of Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

7. 50^TH YEAR CELEBRATION OF THE I. A. MILLER SCHOLARSHIP FUND: 

This year marked another milestone in the history of Ward Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) located in our Nation’s Capital.  The Isaac Alphonso Miller Scholarship Committee held a two-day celebration to commemorate 50 years of donating monetary assistance to Ward students by providing scholarships and incentive awards.

Co-Chairs for this half a century celebration were Mrs. Angela Dixon-Van Croft, Mrs. Kimberly Jenkins-Chapman and Mr. Richard A. Myers, Jr.  Honorary Co-Chairs were Ms. Lorraine Brock and Mrs. Darion Miller Griffin.

A Scholarship Born Out Of a Great Loss and the Civil Rights Movement

The scholarship was named in honor of the late Reverend Isaac Alphonso Miller, one of Ward’s preeminent ministers who suddenly passed away while serving as pastor of this great church. The fund was initiated in 1964 by a group of Caucasian students from Eastern Michigan University who camped out in the basement of the church while attending a Civil Rights demonstration in Washington, DC. 

Upon hearing of the death of Reverend Miller, the group’s organizer and students considered a method of showing their appreciation and chose to send funds to the church to establish a scholarship in his name.

The church immediately set up a committee to manage the funds and established guidelines for awarding scholarships.   In September 1966, the first two scholarships were awarded to Miss. Lorraine Brock and Miss. Darion Miller. 

Scholarship Recipients Who Give Back

The Scholarship Committee used this occasion as a twofold purpose:

To communicate with former scholarship recipients and incentive award winners to invite them to join ranks with the Committee on the occasion of the scholarship banquet and worship service; and

To ask each recipient and incentive award winner to “give back” in support of the newly established 50th Year Scholarship Fund.  In an effort to help support the fundraising concept, the Co-Chairs, spearheaded by Mrs. Van Croft and organized by Mrs. Linda Dixon (a mother/daughter team), held an extremely successful Book Fair at Ward and invited members and local schools in the community to participate.

The Banquet was held at the Washington Navy Yard Catering and Convention Center in Washington DC.  Upon entering the room, a slide show presentation of former Scholarship Recipients, Incentive Award Winners and a sundry of individuals who helped to build and grow the Scholarship Fund was shown. There was such a flutter of chatter, “oohs, aahs and comments such as, ‘oh, there is Mrs. Hundley’ or, ‘there is Mrs. Jamison and Mr. Myers!’” The presentation was reminiscent of past I.A. Miller scholarship recipients, incentive award winners, and visionaries of the mission.

Mrs. Darion Miller Griffin served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and introduced the keynote speaker, Reverend Luke J. Robinson, Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church and former I. A. Miller scholarship recipient. The audience enjoyed his wit and his profound message of encouragement.  Mr. Ryan Harris gave the invocation. 

The program consisted of “reflections” from several past scholarship recipients who expounded on what receiving the scholarship meant to them and how it helped them financially.  Also featured on the program was the incomparable singer and former scholarship recipient Ms. Alison Carney.  Alison has shared her musical gift throughout the USA and abroad. She is the daughter of Mrs. Darion Miller Griffin.  Mr. Nicholas Ford masterfully played a wonderful saxophone solo.

Mrs. Mary F. McKinney presented the “Occasion” and Mrs. Kimberly Jenkins-Chapman gave the “History of the I. A. Miller Scholarship Fund”.  Mr. William Ayers Jr. presented certificates to honor Ward’s scholarship donors (past and present) for their financial giving to the Fund.

The Rev. Dr. Michael O. Thomas, Pastor of Ward AMEC gave “Closing Remarks” and commended the Committee for a “job well done” and concluded this outstanding Banquet Celebration with the Benediction. 

A Sunday Service of Praise and over $10,000 in Scholarships

The culminating event was the Sunday morning worship service coordinated by Dr. Linda Jones.  Worship service participants included our two scholarship winners, Mr. Ryan Harris, who will attend Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH, and Mr. Nicholas Ford, who will attend Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD.  Together, they received over $10,000 in scholarships. 

Guest speaker for the morning service was Dr. Karl W. Reid, newly appointed Executive Director of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), a 40-year old student-run organization of 30,000 members whose mission is to increase the number of Black Engineers worldwide.  He gave a biblically-based and well-received presentation entitled “Being the Best You Can Be with God by Your Side.”   In the audience were former scholarship recipients, incentive award winners and our supportive congregation and friends.  Pastor Thomas charged the students to continue to excel and to keep God in the equation.

A Legacy of Excellence with More to Give

During these past 50 years, the Scholarship Committee has awarded almost $100,000 in Scholarships and Incentive Awards to Ward’s graduating students.  The Committee also established an Incentive Award Program, a Home for the Holidays (Christmas) event, initiated a Higher Education Forum and continues to seek the sponsorship of church members to establish scholarships in their name or in memory of a loved one.  As a result, we currently have 12 scholarships to offer our graduating students who qualify.   Remember, you too, can become a Scholarship Donor.

“To God Be the Glory” for the students from Eastern Michigan University who gave the impetus to establish the I. A. Miller Scholarship Fund and for the past scholarship chairpersons and pastors who had the wisdom and vision to keep the scholarship program as an integral part of Ward’s ministry. 

Special thanks to the members of Ward who established a scholarship and to the congregation who so generously support the Scholarship Committee’s effort to provide funding for our high school students to “climb the ladder of success” through higher education.  

The Co-Chairs and their hard working committee members did an outstanding job in successfully planning and implementing all events associated with this major historical church-wide effort.   We thank them for their creativity, commitment and teamwork.

Submitted by: William E. Ayers, Jr., Chairman, I.A. Miller Scholarship Committee

8. SAINT MARK AME CHURCH, MILWAUKEE WORKING TO SAVE WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY:

By The Rev. Samuel Jenkins

The Saint Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has made a commitment to support the continued accreditation of Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, Ohio. Wilberforce University was founded in 1856, by the African Methodist Episcopal Church and is the first historically African-American university in America. In recent months Wilberforce University has received a challenge to its accreditation status from the North Central Association-Higher Learning Commission.

In response to the accreditation crisis at Wilberforce University, the Saint Mark AME Church of Milwaukee has made a commitment to become the first African Methodist Episcopal Church, to serve as a student recruitment center to identify students to attend Wilberforce University. Perspective students can go to the Saint Mark Church and apply for admission to Wilberforce University.  Saint Mark Church will also serve as an alumni registration site, so Wilberforce Alumni can join the national alumni association.

The pastor of Saint Mark Church, the Rev. Dr. Darryl Williams, was recently elected Vice-President of the Greater Milwaukee Chapter of the Wilberforce University Alumni Association. The Rev. Williams is a 1982 graduate of Wilberforce University. The National Wilberforce University Alumni Association (WUAA) in November 2014 will begin a national alumni membership campaign called 1000+ in 2015. The Rev. Samuel Jenkins, Chair of the1000+ in 2015 Campaign, recently recognized Pastor Williams, and the St. Mark Church for their commitment to recruit students and register alumni for the campaign. The Rev. Samuel Jenkins also presented a Jerusalem Cross to Pastor Williams in recognition of his commitment to Christ, and service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

For more information contact:

Student Recruitment/Alumni Registration:

The Rev. Dr. Darryl Williams

Telephone: 414-562-8030

Greater Milwaukee Chapter WUAA, President

Betty Nicholas Braxton

Telephone: 414-899-5410 or 414-873-5371

WUAA 1000+ in 2015 Campaign:

The Rev. Samuel Jenkins 708-224-9980

Email wilberforcealumnichicago@gmail.com

9. OCTOBER 1, 2014 DAY OF PREVAILING INTERCESSION FOR THOSE LIVING in the EBOLA REGIONS:

The intercessory prayer gathering of the Episcopal Supervisors of the AME Church encourages all members of our AME Church family to set aside time on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 to be in prayer for the 14^th Episcopal District.  We especially seek a move of God to eradicate the Ebola Virus from the earth.  We need the prayers of clergy, laity and youth.

Excerpt from the CDC Report

"Yet another set of ominous projections about the Ebola epidemic in West Africa was released Tuesday, in a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that gave worst- and best-case estimates for Liberia and Sierra Leone based on computer modeling.

In the worst-case scenario, the two countries could have a total of 21,000 cases of Ebola by Sept. 30 and 1.4 million cases by Jan. 20 if the disease keeps spreading without effective methods to contain it. These figures take into account the fact that many cases go undetected, and estimate that there are actually 2.5 times as many as reported.

In the best-case model, the epidemic in both countries would be "almost ended" by Jan. 20, the report said. Success would require conducting safe funerals at which no one touches the bodies, and treating 70 percent of patients in settings that reduce the risk of transmission. The report said the proportion of patients now in such settings was about 18 percent in Liberia and 40 percent in Sierra Leone."

Supervisor Claytie Davis, President

Supervisor Phyliss Green, Secretary

Senior Supervisor, Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant

**Message received from Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator, CFIC

10. AME CHURCH AND GIRLTREK PARTNER TO ENCOURAGE HEALTHIER LIVING:

The Rev. Miriam Burnett, MD, MPH said, "It is my absolute pleasure to tell you about something exciting happening across the country - a partnership between the African Methodist Episcopal Church and GirlTrek."

GirlTrek is a national organization that inspires Black women and girls to live their healthiest, most-fulfilled lives – simply by walking.  GirlTrek has been featured on CNN, in The New York Times and was recently named “Health Heroes” by Essence Magazine for rallying 25,000 neighborhood walkers across the country.  Last year, the White House commended GirlTrek for starting walking teams in over 150 churches. 

Starting October 1^st, we want you and your church to join us! GirlTrek is beginning its third annual “9-Day Prayer Trek.”  Last year, the national champions were members of DuPage AME Church in Lisle, Illinois. Which church will take the trophy home this year?

What is the 9-Day Prayer Trek?

Here’s how it works 

Mark your calendar!  On October 1st, we start walking – 30 minutes per day for 9 days straight.  You can walk by yourself or in a group.

As you walk, pray and practice acts of kindness in accordance with the 9 Fruits of the Spirit, i.e., love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

GirlTrek will email positive affirmations, prayer starters, trek destinations and “extra mile” service challenges to inspire team members to keep the faith and finish the course!  We will be on double duty walking and praying to fight against unhealthy habits, inspire our girls and take back the streets of our neighborhoods.

Organize a team at your church!  It’s easy and free!  The more women and girls who walk with you, the more points your church earns.  This is a health journey and a spirited competition!!!  Last year, 150 churches participated across America!  The willing church team will win bragging rights and be honorees at a catered awards reception to receive GirlTrek’s national trophy!!

Ready, set, spread the word.  Register yourself at www.GirlTrek.org.

Then, register your church team and download everything you need – a roster, order form for T-shirts, daily walking assignments – at http://www.girltrek.org/#!prayer-trek/c1n4q

Special invitation for AME Churches:

Please mark your calendar - all health ministry leaders are invited to join the Rev. Natalie Mitchem, Executive Director of the AMEC Connectional Health Commission and the GirlTrek team on Friday, September 26^th at 8 p.m. ET. 

To participate, dial into the Health Commission conference call line at 424-203-8405 / Passcode 993296# or listen in online at:  http://www.blogtalkradio.com/girltrek 

Fall is a time to reflect on God’s grace. For 9-Days – beginning October 1^st,   we will serve as “Walking Witnesses” giving thanks for our “temples.” (See: I Corinthians 6:19-20)

The Rev. Miriam J Burnett, MD, MPH

Medical Director                                                 

AMEC Connectional Health Commission 

The Rev. Morgan Dixon

Chair, GirlTrek Church Commission

11. AN INVITATION FOR 740 STEPPING FORWARD:

Peacefully protesting citizens threatened by a militarized police force. Young men and women detained, arrested, and shot at for the crime of being black. Renewed assaults on the right to vote for our most vulnerable populations.

Decades after the freedom marches, rides, and demonstrations of the '50s and '60s, it's nearly impossible to believe we are still engaged in these same fights for our rights. The fights were led by NAACP members decades ago. Members continue to make the world more equal and just today. And if the past few months are any indication, our work is not done. We are needed now more than ever.

So I've set a challenge: For our 2014 Membership Week, I want to welcome 740 new and renewed members to the NAACP family.

Become one of the first to renew your commitment this Membership Week.

During last year's Membership Week, 739 civil rights activists claimed their place on our membership rolls. If at least 740 activists step forward this week, we won't have to take even one step back.

Joining the NAACP is one way to work toward civil rights and human rights. Another is voting, which is at the heart of the issues we hold dear. And in 43 days, we need our communities to head to the polls.

Whomever we vote into office will decide if progress is made to end police brutality and militarization in Ferguson and throughout the country. They will decide if we put an end to codified racial profiling and inequalities in education and our economy.

We can't leave those decisions in the hands of those who seek to silence us. We need to work now to register voters, and to continue fighting voter discrimination. And when our newly elected officials take office, your support, your voice, and your membership will be even more vital.

Every member of the NAACP represents another champion in the continued fight for equality and justice. Renew today to take the next step toward victory:

http://action.naacp.org/740Strong

In solidarity,

Cornell William Brooks

President and CEO

NAACP

12. ATTORNEY GENERAL HOLDER ANNOUNCES $2.6 MILLION IN GRANTS FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOMICIDE PREVENTION:

WASHINGTON—Attorney General Eric Holder announced Monday that the Justice Department has selected four sites to receive a total of $2.6 million in grants to implement promising models aimed at reducing domestic violence homicides.  Over the next two years, these sites—Pitt County, North Carolina; Cuyahoga County, Ohio; Contra Costa County, California; and the Borough of Brooklyn, New York—will institute screening models and evidence-based strategies that will allow them to anticipate potentially lethal behavior, take steps to stop the escalation of violence, and – ultimately – save lives.  The National Institute of Justice will conduct an evaluation of the models in each of the selected sites to identify the key components needed to successfully adapt the domestic violence homicide prevention models nationwide.

“Domestic violence is more than a crime against just the victim,” said Attorney General Holder in a video message posted on the Justice Department’s website.  “It is a crime against all of us as a society.  And our collective response must treat it as such.”

The complete text of the Attorney General’s video message is below:

“Domestic violence is a devastating crime that claims far too many lives.  Studies have shown that, on average, three women die every day in America at the hands of their partner or ex-partner.  And from 2009 to 2012, 40 percent of mass shootings started with the killer targeting a girlfriend, wife, or ex-wife.  These are tragic and shocking statistics, and the Justice Department is working hard to bring an end to this horrific status quo. 

“Under the Violence Against Women Act, which was reauthorized last year, the Department of Justice is taking vital action to protect and empower women and partners who are being exploited and abused.  Through our Office on Violence Against Women, we are working to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable by promoting a coordinated community response.  And in the reauthorized Act, this Administration helped to secure important new protections for women in Indian Country, LGBT individuals, and others.

“These are important achievements – but we must do more.  That’s why, in 2013, I was proud to stand with Vice President Biden to unveil a new grant-funded initiative to help reduce domestic violence homicides.  This funding provided twelve communities– in states across the country – with the opportunity to reduce domestic violence homicides by effectively identifying potential victims and monitoring high-risk offenders. 

“And today, I am pleased to announce that four sites have been selected to receive a total of $2.6 million to implement promising models aimed at reducing domestic violence homicides.  In Pitt County, North Carolina; in Cuyahoga County, Ohio; in Contra Costa County, California; and in the Borough of Brooklyn, New York – these two-year awards will make a tremendous difference, helping local officials to put their anti-violence initiatives into practice.

“In that time, they will institute screening models and evidence-based strategies that will allow them to anticipate potentially lethal behavior, take steps to stop the escalation of violence, and – ultimately – save lives.  These innovative programs can then be studied and replicated in order to protect those who are at risk – and stop would-be abusers – across the United States.

“We have come a long way since the time when these incidents of abuse were considered private, household matters.   But we have a ways to go still.  Domestic violence is more than a crime against just the victim.  It is a crime against all of us as a society.  And our collective response must treat it as such.

“Going forward, the Justice Department will continue to build our important efforts to end violence against women and girls – no matter who they are or where they live – because all Americans deserve to feel safe and secure in their homes, on their college campuses, and on the streets of our communities.

“As we strive to end the epidemic of domestic and intimate partner violence, all of us have a great deal of work to do.  But this Administration, this Department of Justice – and I personally – will not waver in that effort: to shine a light on violence and abuse; to protect and empower women; and to make domestic violence homicide a thing of the past.”

The full video of the Attorney General’s message is available at http://www.justice.gov/agwa.php.

13. PEACE CORPS & AMERICORPS PLEDGE EXPAND OUTREACH EFFORTS TO REDUCE STUDENT LOAN DEBT THROUGH PUBLIC SERVICE:

Peace Corps director highlights agency’s efforts to increase outreach to diverse communities at National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference

WASHINGTON, DC, Sept. 23, 2014 – Peace Corps Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet and Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) CEO Wendy Spencer today joined U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray in pledging to help public servants and national service participants, including Peace Corps volunteers and AmeriCorps members, reduce their student loan debt. The agencies are among the first federal agencies to take CFPB’s public service pledge on student debt.

“This marks an important step forward in Peace Corps’ continuing effort to break down barriers to service and open doors of opportunity for new generations of potential Peace Corps volunteers,” Hessler-Radelet said at the National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week Conference in Washington, D.C. “Student loan debt is a significant factor for many young people considering public service, including Peace Corps volunteers, so it is incumbent upon us to help educate them on the benefits available.”

“Given that more than 60 percent of AmeriCorps alums go into public service careers, it’s important they know about options that can help them reduce their student debt,” said Spencer. “Our nation needs more public servants, and the effort we are kicking off today will help more AmeriCorps alums translate their service commitment into careers in the public interest.”

Through this pledge, the Peace Corps and CNCS commit to share information about options for managing student loan debt with applicants, volunteers, and employees. In partnership with the U.S. Department of Education and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Peace Corps launched a new web portal and public education campaign to help current, future and returned volunteers understand the benefits that may be available to them to help manage their student loans if they choose public service.

“Student loan forgiveness has become a key tool to enhance the affordability of public service careers,” said CFPB Director Richard Cordray. “We are working to raise awareness of this program by getting more employers involved and are so pleased that leading public service agencies like the Corporation for National and Community Service, AmeriCorps, and the Peace Corps are joining our efforts.”

“I am delighted to sign this pledge to actively inform the employees at the U.S. Department of Education about Public Service Loan Forgiveness as a way to reduce their student loan debt,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “This program can save thousands of dollars for government workers and non-profit employees who dedicate their lives to public service. It’s also a great recruiting tool for government agencies and tax exempt non-profits that want people to be able to follow their heart and passion—and not just chase a big paycheck because they have to pay back loans. We can’t afford to lose that talent because of student debt.”

There are a number of benefit options to help reduce student loans for Peace Corps volunteers and returned Peace Corps volunteers, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). Peace Corps volunteers may qualify for forgiveness of remaining federal student loan debt after they have made 120 qualifying payments (10 years, if consecutive payments) on those loans while employed full-time by certain public service employers. If enrolled in PSLF under an income-driven repayment plan, volunteers may have qualifying payments as low as $0 throughout their service.

AmeriCorps engages more than 75,000 Americans in intensive service each year at non-profits, schools, public agencies, and community and faith-based groups across the country. After successful completion of their term of service, AmeriCorps members are eligible to receive a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to help pay college tuition or pay back student loans. Since 1994, AmeriCorps members have earned more than $2.7 billion in Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards. AmeriCorps members can take advantage of a number of student loan benefits, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Find tools and resources on student loan relief for Peace Corps volunteers at peacecorps.gov/loans. For more information on the CFPB’s public service pledge, please visit www.consumerfinance.gov/pledge/. 

About the Peace Corps: As the preeminent international service organization of the United States, the Peace Corps sends Americans abroad to tackle the most pressing needs of people around the world. Peace Corps volunteers work at the grassroots level with local governments, schools, communities, small businesses and entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions that address challenges in education, health, economic development, agriculture, environment and youth development. When they return home, volunteers bring their knowledge and experiences—and a global outlook—back to the United States that enriches the lives of those around them. President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps in 1961 to foster a better understanding among Americans and people of other countries. Since then, more than 215,000 Americans of all ages have served in 139 countries worldwide. Visit www.peacecorps.gov to learn more.

About the Corporation for National and Community Service: The Corporation for National and Community Service is a federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, including VISTA and NCCC, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads the President's national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information, visit NationalService.gov.

Paul D. Coverdell Peace Corps Headquarters

1111 20th Street NW • Washington, DC 20526

Telephone: (855) 855.1961 • www.peacecorps.gov

14. SIX REASONS YOUNG PEOPLE LEAVE THE CHURCH:

Barna President David Kinnaman examines the trend.

Compiled by Eric Reed

Isolationism. One-fourth of 18- to 29-year-olds say church demonizes everything outside church, including the music, movies, culture, and technology that define their generation.

Shallowness. One-third call church boring, about one-fourth say faith is irrelevant and Bible teaching is unclear. One-fifth say God is absent from their church experience.

Anti-science. Up to one-third say the church is out of step on scientific developments and debate.

Sex. The church is perceived as simplistic and judgmental. For a fifth or more, a "just say no" philosophy is insufficient in a techno-porno world. Young Christian singles are as sexually active as their non-churched friends, and many say they feel judged.

Exclusivity. Three in 10 young people feel the church is too exclusive in this pluralistic and multi-cultural age. And the same number feel forced to choose between their faith and their friends.

Doubters. The church is not a safe place to express doubts say over one-third of young people, and one-fourth have serious doubts they'd like to discuss.

—Adapted from a list by David Kinnaman in You Lost Me: Why Young Christians are Leaving Church … and Rethinking Faith

Young Exodus

Six in 10 young people will leave the church permanently or for an extended period starting at age 15, according to new research by the Barna Group. And for the generation now coming of age, it's more than the usual "driver's license to marriage license" joy ride, according to the pollsters. For church leaders, the question is, what will we do about it?

Today's young adults are marrying later, if at all, are technologically savvy, and hold worldviews alien to their upbringing. Barna Research president David Kinnaman, after a five-year-study, declared that church leaders are unequipped to deal with this "new normal."

Their response is mostly at the extremes, both dangerous. Many ignore the situation, hoping young adults' views will be righted when they are older and have their own children. These leaders miss the significance of the shifts of the past 25 years, Kinnaman contends, and the needs for ministry young people have in their present phase—if it is a phase.

But the opposite reaction is just as problematic: "using all means possible to make their congregation appeal to teens and young adults." This excludes older members and "builds the church on the preferences of young people and not on the pursuit of God," Kinnaman said.

Kinnaman prescribes intergenerational ministry. "In many churches, this means changing the metaphor from simply passing the baton to the next generation to a more functional, biblical picture of a body - that is, the entire community of faith, across the entire lifespan, working together to fulfill God's purposes."

Copyright © 2012 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal.

Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal

Read More: http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2012/winter/youngleavechurch.html?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=LJ

15. POPE: NO 'MAGIC WAND'; EVANGELIZING TAKES HARD WORK, TRUST IN GOD

Carol Glatz Catholic News Service 

VATICAN CITY Bring the Gospel to those who need it most: the poor, the frazzled and the lost, who wander the world without any guidance or protection, Pope Francis told pastoral workers.

Remember the church's ministry is like working a field hospital, where the attitude is helping the wounded and holding those who are hurt more than guarding laws that only keep people away, he said.

There are "so many people who are hurt and they are asking us to be close. They are asking us the same thing they asked Jesus," to be by their side, he said Friday.

The pope met with more than 2,000 pastoral workers from 60 countries who were at the Vatican attending an international meeting on "The Pastoral Project of 'Evangelii Guadium,' the Joy of Announcing the Gospel." The meeting Sept. 18-20 had participating bishops, religious and laypeople look at ways Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation could guide their work of evangelization.

The pope said the church's main task is evangelizing, especially to those most in need of Christ and his good news.

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The pope also said that when Jesus went to towns and villages to teach, his heart broke seeing the crowds because, according to the Gospel of Matthew, "they were troubled and abandoned like sheep without a shepherd."

"How many people in the many existential peripheries of our day are 'troubled and abandoned' and wait for the church, they are waiting for us!

"How much poverty and loneliness unfortunately we see in the world today! How many people live in great suffering and ask the church to be a sign of the Lord's closeness, goodness, solidarity and mercy," he said.

In the hard work of sharing the Gospel, he told them, do not get discouraged, but have "patience and perseverance."

"We don't have a magic wand for everything, but we do have trust in the Lord, who accompanies us and never abandons us,"

The pope said the enormous amount of work and demands being made on pastoral workers "make us run the risk of becoming frightened and withdrawing in on ourselves out of fear and self-defense."

"And out of that springs the temptation of self-sufficiency and clericalism, that codifying the faith into rules and instructions, which the scribes, Pharisees and doctors of the law did during the time of Jesus. We will have everything exact and everything just-so, but the faithful and those who are seeking will continue to be hungry and thirsty for God," he explained.

If pastoral ministry uses the same approach the scribes and Pharisees took, "never, never will we be witnesses of being close" to people like Jesus was, he said.

The pope encouraged church members to go out into the larger community at all times of day and night to see who may be looking to be fellow "workers in the vineyard."

Do not overlook "the weakest and the most disadvantaged," he said, but be generous with them, letting them be useful contributors to the church's ministry.

He also warned people working in pastoral ministry against getting too caught up in "the song of the Sirens," that call them to engage in countless "frenetic series of initiatives" and campaigns that keep them busy, but neglect paying attention to spiritual growth and an encounter with God.

"Let's not forget to do like Jesus did" with his disciples, he said. After a long day proclaiming the Gospel, they would go to a quiet place to be together to pray and reflect.

"Pastoral programs without prayer and contemplation will never touch people's hearts. They will stop at the surface never allowing the seed of the Word of God to take root, sprout, grow and bear fruit," he said.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to offering credible testimony with one's life, he said.

"Words without witness don't work, they don't help," he said.

"Witness is the start of an evangelization that touches the heart and transforms it."

Read More: http://ncronline.org/blogs/francis-chronicles/pope-no-magic-wand-evangelizing-takes-hard-work-trust-god

16. MY JOURNEY: HOT COFFEE-SCRAMBLED EGGS- NUCLEAR SUBMARINES:

Lieutenant Commander Robert Crosby, United States Navy

I was born in a small town called Hot Coffee, Mississippi. My father had five children by five different women; some of these children were older than my mother. My father, a hustler, was abusive. My mother would escape my father’s abuse by visiting my grandparents’ house to do laundry. One day, she decided to stay permanently. My mother, who had only an eighth grade education, was now alone with three children. Still, she knew it was more important to protect her children than to stay in an abusive relationship.

After living with my grandparents for a while, my mother was offered a place to stay with my aunt in the Mississippi Delta, the poorest district in the poorest state in America. It was during this time that my mother remarried. WJ, my step father, provided a source of financial stability for us. Soon after, my other two siblings were born. WJ now had a wife and five children to care for on a salary of $150/week. We were extremely poor. We did not own a car. I wore my sister’s shoes to school, and WJ walked five miles to work every day. Because we were so poor, I was often bullied at school. Unfortunately, my parents’ relationship began to sour as domestic violence again reared its ugly head. My life consisted of a continual cycle of physically protecting my mother on the weekends and enduring bullying during the school week. Food was scarce at times because we depended, almost solely, on government assistance to eat.

Being on the honor roll at school was my only source of comfort and enjoyment. This made me feel important, as my report card became a source of pride for my mother, aunts, cousins, and sisters. I was in 7th grade when my grandfather became ill, and my family moved from the Mississippi Delta back to Hot Coffee. This move happened at a critical point in my life. I was beginning to get into trouble by hanging around the wrong crowd in the Mississippi Delta. Most of my friends and relatives, who I viewed to be role models in the Mississippi Delta, would later be sent to prison for drugs or murder. I am certain that if we had not moved back to Hot Coffee, this would have been my destiny as well. Though I later found Hot Coffee to be boring in comparison to my life in the Delta, at this juncture, I was glad to be moving. This move essentially saved my life.

After the Mississippi Delta, life back in Hot Coffee wasn’t much easier. It was during this time that I met one of the most important leadership figures in my adolescent life. Uncle J C Fairley, who we affectionately refer to as Uncle J, was sixty-five years old and possessed a fourth grade education. Uncle J was my community’s employer, banker, protector, spiritual advisor, and unequivocal leader. He was an entrepreneur and displayed compassion by hiring me to work in his watermelon field.

Uncle J and I drove two hours to New Orleans, LA to sell the watermelons. Once in New Orleans, Uncle J had a two-pronged operation. We parked the one-ton truck at a busy intersection and sliced open a display watermelon. This enticed many people to stop and buy them. We then drove the pickup truck through the residential areas of New Orleans, and as my uncle would honk the horn, my cousins and I would be on the back of the truck screaming at the top of our lungs in our southern Mississippi dialect, “WE GOT YO MISSISSIPPI WAATAMELOONS! RED TO DA RHYME!” Folks would come to the truck and ask, “How much dose watermelons?” and I would say, “Two dollas apiece,” and they would say, “Nooo . . . too high” and I would reply, “Tell you wat, I’ll give you two for fo dollas,” and they would say, “We’ll take ‘em!”

I prided myself on being Uncle J’s best salesman and his favorite yeller in getting prospective customers out of the house. Uncle J frequently motivated me by saying, “Boy, you know you can holla!” and “Keep bringing them out of the house, Bob!” I learned so much from Uncle J as he often taught about standards of conduct in a raised tone and in his wonderful, southern Mississippi dialect: “White folk’ll help you if ya wuk hard!” and “You may as well like’em (white folk) cuz ya godda wuk for ‘em.” I will never forget when he said, “Boy, if you go to jail for fightin, I’ll gitchu out cause I fought! If you go for jail for drankin, I’ll gitchu out cause I drank! But if you go to jail for stealin’ or messing wit dat dope, you gon rot there!”

I didn’t realize it at the time, but Uncle J was shaping my work ethic, teaching the value of relationships, and explaining a zero tolerance policy for stealing and illegal drug use. His experience base was formed while growing up under the Jim Crow laws of the South but his declarations set a precedent in my heart.

In the fall of my senior year of high school, I received a phone call from my girlfriend, informing me that I was going to be a father. I was only seventeen and the thought of raising a child was overwhelming. After a bit, I told my Spanish teacher, Mrs. Mayfield, and she asked her husband, the city Alderman, if I could work in their yard after school to help with the baby’s expense. They took the time to develop a relationship with me and allowed me the opportunity to work for $3.35/hr (min. wage) to support my son. Mrs. Mayfield understood my immediate family issues and included me as part of their extended family. The Mayfield’s were considered affluent, their children were educated, and they taught me responsibility, character, and the importance of education. I am still very close to this family today.

When my son, Robert Rashad Crosby, was born, I was determined to be a good father and a good provider, so I enlisted in the Navy in January of my senior year in high school. The first time I left Mississippi was when I left for Boot Camp in San Diego, CA. My recruiter had informed me that if I performed well, I could be promoted to E-2 when I left boot camp. I focused on this promise. Upon arrival, the Company Commanders gathered the hundred or so recruits and instructed each of us to sound off. Most of the recruits were shy and timid when called upon, but when it was my turn, I inhaled a healthy dose of God’s fresh air and shouted at the top of my lungs, in my full southern Mississippi dialect: “My name is Robert Crosby! Fo-two-seven- xx-xxxx! I’m from Hot Coffee, Mississippi! Favorite food is pinto beans and cornbread, Sur!”

After my “sounding off” an eerie silence came over the group. The Company Commanders called me to the front and after quietly inquiring to ensure that I was in the right branch of service (Navy versus Marines) they gave me a spot promotion to Recruit Chief Petty Officer. They were compassionate leaders and I earned E-2 out of Boot Camp. I was very excited about becoming a Navy cook.

I reported to the USS Thorn in the winter of 1994 and was immediately assigned to the general mess to cook for a crew of about 350 people. I was very motivated. I even memorized the entire crews’ first names so I could greet them by name as they came through my chow line. My chief noticed my initiative and persuaded me to go to the wardroom to cook for the officers. My shipmates sneered at that position and stated, “Rob, you are going to be a slave up there!” My buddies understood that in addition to cooking, the wardroom cook made the officers’ beds, vacuumed their staterooms, washed their clothes, and cleaned their toilets. I forced myself to love it because I viewed it as my only alternative and I wanted to be a squared away sailor. Also, I truly believed that the officers could not make good decisions if their stomachs were empty and if their accommodations were not properly maintained. In my mind, I was contributing to the mission of the ship by keeping them comfortable and well fed.

One day, while vacuuming my Captain’s stateroom closet, I saw his Service Dress Blues. After peeking out of the entrance to ensure no one was around, I tried on his jacket and cover. They both fit perfectly. I stared in the mirror for a couple of minutes and thought, “Maybe I can be a Naval officer?” I quickly replaced the uniform to its original position. A few days later, in the ship’s library, I found a book entitled Nimitz. Reading about how Admiral Chester Nimitz, a poor boy from Fredrick, Texas, overcame challenges early in his career was very inspirational and gave me hope. I fell in love with this book. One day while reading, one of my shipmates snatched the book from me, looked at the cover with Admiral Nimitz’s white face on the front, and said, “N(word) who do you think you are? You are a cook like us!” I laughed, but inside I felt like the little kid back in the Mississippi Delta all over again. The teasing by my shipmates intensified. I was labeled a kiss up and an “Uncle Tom.” The isolation was horrible but my mind was freed in the evenings, as I would get lost in the book. Imagining that I was Admiral Nimitz became motivation for me to become an officer so I could lead my own ship someday.

I had begun to seriously consider becoming an officer, so I visited my Command Career Counselor and informed him of my aspirations. He told me about the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program, which was a college preparatory program designed to enable enlisted personnel to receive a commission in the Navy. I had to cross a major hurdle to get into the program, scoring a high qualifying mark on the SAT. Given my sparse academic background this would be challenging.

I prepared for the SAT between standing watches and during breaks from feeding and taking care of the officers on my ship. Ensign Floyd, the only African-American officer on my ship, noticed my efforts and committed himself to assisting me. Daily, after standing his watch, he would meet with me in the wardroom to go over the basics of algebra. Despite sometimes falling asleep in the middle of teaching a concept, he was committed to helping me achieve that passing score to get into the BOOST program.

In spite of all of our hard work, my SAT scores did not qualify me for BOOST program. Still, I submitted my application and I was selected as an alternate, and later upgraded to a selectee. Upon acceptance to the program, I was introduced to calculus, trigonometry, and physics. These concepts were very foreign to me, but if selectees did not successfully graduate from the BOOST program, they would return to the fleet in their previous field. For me, going back to cooking and cleaning was not an option. I studied continuously and graduated with distinction.

After graduating from BOOST, the Navy awarded me a Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship. I decided to choose a major that I could relate to cooking, so I chose chemical engineering. I related cooking to chemical engineering because I thought the subjects shared the same foundations such as maintaining an optimal pressure and temperature for a certain product, and regulating temperature and pressure at a microscopic level to yield a better product. I enjoyed my professors at Hampton University as they went out of their way to help me achieve. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hampton University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering.

After graduation, I was commissioned as an Ensign in the Navy. Once I passed the nuclear admissions test in Washington DC, the interviewing four-star Admiral stated, “Trade your spatulas in for some Nuclear Reactor Plant Manuals. Welcome to the Club!” The next stage was to complete Admiral Rickover’s personally designed, academically rigorous, Nuclear Power School. Nothing at this point prepared me for the sheer volume of information I was required to understand and to be tested on weekly. I struggled. Several instructors worked outside their normal working hours to help me grasp concepts such as Reactor Theory and Radiological Controls. Eventually, I graduated from the school and was awarded the Director’s Personal Excellence Award, an award given for maintaining a positive attitude and for logging the most study hours ever at the institution--almost 3000 hours over a six-month period. My family from Hot Coffee attended graduation and my mother and father cried audibly as I accepted the award. While hugging my mother as she continued to cry, she whispered in my ear in her warm and southern way, “I can’t believe a person as smart as you came from an uneducated woman like me. Praise the Lord!” It was one of the proudest moments in my life.

After finishing the Nuclear Power School training curriculum, I reported to my very first submarine. In the submarine community, training and education never cease. Within the first days of reporting, I was given a qualification card for Engineering Officer of the Watch (EOOW). I did well in grasping concepts on paper, but the practical applications of supervising and giving orders, especially in a casualty scenario, were very challenging for me.

My immediate supervisor, the Engineering Officer, noticed that during the weekly Saturday night pizza celebrations among the officers in the wardroom, I was routinely absent. He would later walk through the engine room and find me behind a turbine generator practicing giving oral commands to members of the engineering spaces. From that point, he practiced with me daily until I achieved proficiency and qualified as EOOW. Additionally, my commanding officer took the time to ensure that I grasped certain concepts to qualify as Officer of the Deck. I would not be a submarine officer today, if it were not for the direct leadership of these two individuals.

After finishing my tour on the USS HAMPTON (SSN 767), the Navy sent me to the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) to pursue an MBA in financial management. After graduation from NPS, I received orders to report to the ballistic missile submarine, USS RHODE ISLAND (SSBN 740), as the Weapons Officer. I was in charge of all of the ballistic missiles on board. After reporting, I soon developed too much of a “Gung Ho” attitude that adversely affected other members of the crew. Instead of publicly reprimanding me, the Commanding Officer and Executive Officer privately counseled me on the importance of understanding human relations and how my actions, albeit motivating, were contrary to the command climate on the submarine. The power of their example inspires me today.

After leaving USS Rhode Island, I reported to Congressman Robert Brady’s office as the Military Legislative Fellow. The Congressman’s nomination numbers were extremely low and he was concerned about the apparent lack of interest students displayed for the service academies. The Congressman’s district is comprised of a large underserved community; therefore, I saw an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children of the First District of Pennsylvania. I went to the district several times and spoke to many schools about my background and how the military afforded opportunities for me. The following year, 100 percent of the Congressman’s nominations were filled - a first in Congressman Brady’s 16 years in office. This would not have happened without the work place flexibility, which allowed me to share my story with youths of similar backgrounds.

Where I’m from, it’s not uncommon for teen parents to live a life of which they are not proud. I’d like to believe that a major contributor to why so many people went beyond the call of duty and reached out to help me is because they may have seen in me a bit of “A&W,” attitude and work ethic. A child cannot choose their parents, their birthplace, academic ability, or social environment in which they are reared, but they can choose to have a good attitude and strong work ethic. Even as an adolescent, I had the ability to see the glimmer of hope in any situation and the ability to focus on doing my absolute best in any endeavor, whether it was achieving the honor roll in middle school or working on Capitol Hill. As I consider the future, I will look for A&W in my colleagues and subordinates so I can positively contribute to their lives as so many have contributed to mine. This life has been an amazing journey, my destination is uncertain, but I am enjoying this wonderful ride. My journey continues.

**Submitted by Glenn Sircy, APR, Media Outreach Dept. Head, Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO)

17. NAACP STATEMENT ON THE RESIGNATION OF ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Attorney General Eric Holder is expected to resign after six years at the helm of the Department of Justice. The NAACP has released the following statement.

From Cornell William Brooks, NAACP President and CEO:

"The resignation of the most prepared and the most steadfast Attorney General, in particular in the arena of civil rights, is a moment of lament for the nation but also celebration. We celebrate his achievements but we also grieve his absence. From voting rights, civil rights to criminal justice reform, Attorney General Holder's record from the vantage point of history and the view of citizens across the country is unassailable and will be enduring."

From Hilary O. Shelton, Sr. Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, Washington Bureau Director:

“Attorney General Eric Holder has been the best qualified attorney general in the United States. His leadership, courage and his unrivaled commitment to justice for all people, especially communities of color will certainly be missed. The progress the Department of Justice made under his leadership, most especially on civil rights, is unlike anything we have seen in generations. As attorney general, he has never been fearful of raising the issue of race. From protecting voters from over restrictive new voting laws that disproportionately affect communities of color and the elderly, to launching 20 investigations of abuses by local police departments like Ferguson, Mo., Attorney General Eric Holder has stood up for Americans who could not stand up for themselves. We applaud his great work.”

18. IN 11^TH-HOUR MOVE, EDUCATION DEPT. SPARES THE ROD ON LOAN DEFAULTS:

By Kelly Field

Washington

September 24, 2014

On the eve of the much-anticipated release of its annual roundup of student-loan default rates, the Education Department has announced that it will spare some colleges whose high rates would have cost them their ability to award federal student aid.

In a notice published quietly on Tuesday, the department told colleges it had "adjusted" the rates of institutions that fell short of the strict new standard that took full effect this year, excluding some defaulters from the colleges' totals.

Colleges, many of which depend on student aid for their survival, welcomed the news. College leaders have argued that recent growth in the share of borrowers defaulting on their federal student loans is due in large part to factors the institutions can’t control—a weak economy, for one, and inadequate loan servicing, for another.

But student and consumer advocates accused the department of letting underperforming colleges off the hook and of undermining lawmakers’ efforts to hold those institutions accountable. They questioned the department’s decision to offer relief to colleges, but not to the borrowers whose loans are in default.

As many as two to three dozen colleges had been at risk of losing their eligibility under the stricter standard, which holds colleges responsible for defaults that occur over three years, rather than two. The department did not say how many institutions would remain eligible as a result of its adjustments, though the secretary of education, Arne Duncan, told a gathering of leaders of historically black colleges and universities on Tuesday that none of their institutions would be penalized.

In a speech at the department's National HBCU Week Conference, Mr. Duncan credited the "tremendous effort we made together" with defusing the threat to colleges.

"The hard work of lowering default rates remains, and some institutions remain troublingly close to the line," he said. "But we will continue to work with you to address this critical issue with urgency."

If HBCU leaders knew the announcement was coming, community colleges were pleasantly surprised. Those institutions, which have seen their default rates rise from 13 percent to 21 percent over the past six years, had been anticipating this week’s default-rate release with anxiety and dread.

What about Borrowers?

Congress raised the default-rate standard five years ago, in part to make it harder for colleges to manipulate their rates. Before, some colleges would routinely use deferments and forbearances to push defaults beyond the government's two-year measurement window.

Under the new standard, penalties kick in when a college’s cohort default rate—the share of students who default on their loans in a given period—exceeds 30 percent for three years in a row or 40 percent in a single year.

With the shift to a three-year standard looming, colleges have been scrambling to bring down their default rates. A growing number have turned to third-party vendors for default-management and financial-literacy services.

But default rates have continued their steady climb. Last year the percentage of borrowers who defaulted within two years of entering repayment reached 10 percent—the highest rate in nearly two decades—while the percentage defaulting within three years reached almost 15 percent.

While the struggling economy explains some of the increase, colleges also blame legislative changes that have resulted in some borrowers’ having loans assigned to more than one servicer. They say borrowers with "split servicing" are more likely to default on their debt than are borrowers with a single point of contact.

"A 50-percent jump in rates is not explained by the recession alone," said David S. Baime, senior vice president for government relations and research at the American Association of Community Colleges. "It did have to do with the servicing environment."

In the Tuesday announcement, the department acknowledged the difficulties that split servicing had caused some borrowers, without providing evidence that such borrowers default at higher rates.

To account for such borrowers, the department removed from its calculations those who had defaulted on a loan but who had one or more loans in repayment, deferment, or forbearance for at least 60 consecutive days, explained Jeff Baker, policy director for the Office of Federal Student Aid.

"In some cases, these adjustments resulted in an institution not being subject to a potential loss of eligibility," he wrote. Then, almost as an afterthought, he noted that "the borrower’s defaulted loan remains in its current status."

Consumer advocates say that’s not fair. "If schools are not going to be held responsible for defaults presumed to be caused by split servicing, borrowers shouldn’t be either," said Debbie Cochrane, research director at the Institute for College Access and Success.

In a written statement, the top Democrat on the House education committee also raised concerns about the department's reprieve.

"Any changes in the student-loan system that reduce transparency and consistency may compromise our ability to hold poor-performing colleges accountable," said Rep. George Miller, of California.

Read More: http://chronicle.com/article/In-11th-Hour-Move-Education/148971/

19. HISTORY OF HYMNS - “TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS”:

By C. Michael Hawn

“Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus" by Louisa M. R. Stead

The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 462 / The AME Hymnal, No. 440

C. Michael Hawn

'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,

and to take him at his word;

just to rest upon his promise,

and to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

Jesus, Jesus, how I trust him!

How I’ve proved him o'er and o'er!

Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!

O for grace to trust him more!

From her childhood, the call to missionary service was the guiding motivation for Louisa M. R. Stead (c. 1850-1917). Born in Dover, England, and converted at the age of nine, Stead came to the United States in 1871, living in Cincinnati. She attended a camp meeting in Urbana, Ohio, where she dedicated her life to missionary service. Ill health prevented her from serving initially. She married in 1875, and the couple had a daughter, Lily. Hymnologist Kenneth Osbeck describes a major turning point in the family’s life:

“When the child was four years of age, the family decided one day to enjoy the sunny beach at Long Island Sound, New York. While eating their picnic lunch, they suddenly heard cries of help and spotted a drowning boy in the sea. Mr. Stead charged into the water. As often happens, however, the struggling boy pulled his rescuer under water with him, and both drowned before the terrified eyes of wife and daughter. Out of her ‘why?’ struggle with God during the ensuing days glowed these meaningful words from the soul of Louisa Stead.”

The hymn, “’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus” was inspired by this personal tragedy.

Soon after, Louisa and Lily left for the Cape Colony, South Africa, where Louisa worked as a missionary for fifteen years. She married Robert Wodehouse, a native of South Africa. Because of her health, the family found it necessary to return to the United States in 1895. Wodehouse pastored a Methodist congregation during these years until, in 1900; they returned to the mission field, this time to the Methodist mission station at Umtali, Southern Rhodesia (present day Zimbabwe).

Kenneth Osbeck records a message sent back to the United States shortly after her arrival in Southern Rhodesia:

“In connection with the whole mission there are glorious possibilities, but one cannot, in the face of the peculiar difficulties, help but say, ‘Who is sufficient for these things?’ But with simple confidence and trust we may and do say, ‘Our sufficiency is of God.’”

Her daughter Lily married after their return to Africa. Louisa retired because of ill health in 1911. Lily continued to serve for many years in South Rhodesia. Her mother passed away after a long illness in 1917 at her home in Penkridge near the Mutambara Mission, fifty miles from Umtali. Following her death, it was recorded that Christians in South Rhodesia continued to sing her hymn in the local Shona language.

While the exact date of the composition is not known, sometime between 1880-1882, Louisa Stead’s hymn was first published in Songs of Triumph (1882). The Rev. Carlton R., Young, editor of The United Methodist Hymnal, describes the hymn’s content as “a series of loosely connected key evangelical words and phrases.” Indeed, the hymn is full of the language of piety common to the day in evangelical circles. Furthermore, the succession of stanzas lacks the usual progression of ideas leading to heaven that characterizes most gospel hymns.

Perhaps the hymn might be best described as a mantra on the name of Jesus. Indeed, “Jesus” is sung twenty-five times if one sings all four stanzas and the refrain. Stanza one is a simple statement of “trust in Jesus.” The singer is invited to “rest upon his promise.” Though the “promise” is not specifically articulated, it is assumed that all know that this is the promise of salvation. The stanza ends with “Thus saith the Lord” – a phrase, interestingly enough, that appears 413 times in the Old Testament in the King James Version, and is a reference to God rather than Jesus.

Stanza two continues the theme of trust, drawing upon the “cleansing blood” of Jesus. The poet demonstrates her trust as she “plung[es] … neath the healing, cleansing flood,” a possible reference to the William Cowper (1731-1800) hymn, “There is a fountain filled with blood”: “. . . and sinners plunge beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.” The typology of the cleansing flood may find its biblical roots in Genesis 6-7, the account of Noah and the great flood, or perhaps the blood and water that flowed from the crucified Christ’s side (John 19:34), or even a conflation of these ideas. Cowper’s hymn was probably well known to Stead, and she referenced it in her hymn.

Stanza three stresses that one should die to “sin and self” by “simply taking life and rest, and joy and peace” in Jesus. Stanza four is a personal witness by the author that she is “so glad I learned to trust thee.” The final stanza concludes with a fleeting eschatological reference, “thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end.” Though this reference to heaven is not as pronounced as one would often find in similar gospel hymns of this era, especially in Fanny Crosby. Referencing heaven in some way is virtually obligatory in this theological context.

The refrain establishes the Jesus mantra, singing his name five times, the last strengthened by adding the qualifying, “precious Jesus.” Though the singer has “proved him o’er and o’er,” the prayer is for “grace to trust him more.”

C. Michael Hawn is University Distinguished Professor of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology, SMU

*Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

20. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.

Based on Biblical Text Matthew 28:19-20a: Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you

We are instructed to go into the world and spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. This commission is issued to all of the soldiers in the army of the Lord. We are commanded to be the Lord’s arms, legs, voice and heart in the world.

As a retired military man I understand a commission is a very serious thing. Any soldier who is negligent in carrying out their commission is reprimanded harshly, or worse, he or she is discharged from service. Commissions are what move the battle forward in time of war. As we complete one commission after another we find ourselves much closer to winning the war.

Make no mistake about it we are in the midst of a great war. Unfortunately, I am not just referring to the global encounters we find ourselves presently engaged in. I am speaking of the ongoing conflict we are waging between good and evil. We are at war against “every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh.” There is a terrifying campaign raging between God and Satan. We will be victorious though as, “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” However, it is incumbent upon each of us to carry out our commission.

On the surface it appears as though we are not doing so well in our attempt to win this war. I don’t mean that we are unarmed. We carry our weapons. We carry big Bibles and wear big gold crosses around our neck to let everyone know that we are in the army of the Lord. Maybe we are hoping that will be enough to intimidate those who would otherwise challenge us to a verbal confrontation on the subject of God, Christ and salvation. Our weapons may be intimidating to see, however they are useless if we don’t use them. Carrying our large weapons may present an imposing presence but we are not of much use in God’s grand scheme to evangelize the world, if our weapon merely lies lifeless at our side, unloaded.

We must acknowledge that our commission to evangelize the world is critical. We have been uniquely set apart to accomplish that task with reckless abandon. In other words, we are commissioned by Jesus Christ Himself to tell everyone that He is Lord. Not only must we carry our weapons but the more we know about the Word of God, and the more we know about Jesus and salvation, the more ammunition we will have in our weapon to lead someone to Jesus Christ.

The fact is training is essential. Lamentably we have not led as many to Christ as we could or should because many of us never attend training (Sunday Church School or Bible Study) to learn how to witness. It is also another unfortunate true fact that many professed Christians don’t even open their Bibles during the week! Too many just rely on the preached word to penetrate their soul and make them a good soldier. During my time in the military, we referred to those folk as AWOL (Absent without Leave).

The question then is how do we share the good news of Jesus Christ with reckless abandon? The answer, we have to lose ourselves in the mission. That means we have fixed our mind on the mission, we are focused, we are faithful having abandoned all earthly reason, and we fearlessly plunge ahead without regard for the outcome.

The Bible is rife with exciting examples of saints who served with reckless abandon; men and women who bravely stood by the tenets of their faith and refused to bend from the truth of the Gospel, no matter what intimidation they faced. One such soldier was John the Baptist. John was committed to the cause of Christ.

John, a powerful preacher called for radical change and people traveled for miles to hear what he had to say. John could have lost his focus in the midst of the fame and popularity he was acquiring and claimed to be the Messiah like many thought him to be. Instead he kept his focus, remained humble, and insisted, “I have come to bear witness of the Light. I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness…Repent and be baptized!”

We must realize that it is impossible to lead another to Christ living by a double standard. John was faithful! The Bible tells us that Herod, who feared John because he was holy and just, put him in prison. John however remained faithful and would not betray the Word of God, no matter the outcome. John knew that you can not save a soul by lying or compromising. Only the truth can point the way to repentance. 

John knew that to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ, he had to be focused, faithful and fearless. He would have us know that we cannot be effective if we are afraid. There is no room for wimps in the army of God. God doesn’t need any coward soldiers! If our weapon is loaded, if we have studied to show ourselves approved unto God, and if we believe that the weapons of our warfare are mighty to the pulling down of strongholds, then there is no reason to be afraid. John faced his accusers without fear. He knew that no matter what happened God was with him.

John could have recanted his position against sin, sugarcoated or manipulated the Gospel, but he didn’t. Instead, he lost himself in the mission and fearlessly plunged ahead without regard for the outcome. Like John we must keep our focus. Our mission is to prepare the way, not for ourselves, but for Jesus. We are called to stand firm on the truth of the Word in the face of the enemy, Satan.

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, S.C.

21. GETTING TO ZERO: PAST TIME TO PRAY AND ACT:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

On Thursday, September 25, President Barack Obama addressed the United Nations to communicate the urgency and crisis status of the Ebola epidemic in West Africa. He explained, “This is more than a health crisis- this is a growing threat to regional and global security.”

Such is not an alarmist statement.

Since March 2014 when it was first recognized in a rural area of Guinea as Ebola virus, the highly infectious virus, and Ebola hemorrhagic disease has spread in West Africa in the geographically adjacent countries of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.  It appeared in much lesser numbers in Nigeria and Senegal. A separate outbreak also is occurring in summer 2014 in Central Africa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

There is good news and not so good news.

Some good news

According to officials of the World Health Organization (WHO), as of September 22 spread of Ebola infections in Nigeria and Senegal seems to be under control. These cases started with one person who traveled after exposure to Ebola virus from the hardest hit areas in West Africa into these countries. In Senegal there was one case with 21 suspected contacts. In Nigeria there were 20 Ebola infection cases with 696 contacts. Also in the DRC spread from the now 68 cases seem to be contained.

That infection in these countries seems to be under control means that Ebola disease was recognized, and importantly contact persons were immediately identified, isolated and followed for the 21 days incubation period. The quarantine time allowed detection and treatment by supportive care of anyone showing symptoms of disease.

By these identification and containment means, a person infected does not pass the virus to others. Direct contact with others allows exponentially increase through virus spread. Critical procedures are to identify, isolate and treat with supportive care the people who have encountered Ebola virus. These traditional procedures have allowed control of Ebola epidemics in more rural areas in the past with a less loss of life. In 2014 they seem to be working for the more limited outbreaks in Nigeria, Senegal and DRC.

The not so good news

The virus continues to spread in the epicenter of the 2014 outbreak of Guinea, Sierra Leon and Liberia. It has caused death in just fewer than 50% of Ebola infection cases. Official counts as of September 25 are over 6,200 confirmed or suspected Ebola virus infections and nearly 3,000 deaths from Ebola disease.

These are numbers that will grow. Lives already lost are of parents and children, single and married persons, young and old, those in rural and urban areas who come in direct contact with someone with the virus. Many families have lost multiple family members.

Infection is particularly prevalent for caregivers, especially women who typically provide the closest care for those in a home who are sick. The body fluids that transmit the virus such as feces and liquid of diarrhea, vomit, blood, saliva and possibly other body fluids, are easily encountered by caregivers when they try to keep a sick person clean, fed and as comforted as possible.

Protection procedures are essential to prevent transfer of the highly contagious virus.

Computer modeling predictions of the impact of Ebola virus in West Africa show an exponential increase in Ebola disease and deaths. Such models make predictions using results that occurred previously in known conditions. The conditions in this outbreak differ than for known outbreaks. This 2014 epidemic is urban and rural area is occurring in multiple countries. Isolating cases is difficult especially because of poor healthcare infrastructure, lack of communication and misconceptions on many parts. These factors add great variation in such modeling. 

Predictions

Early predictions suggest that by January 2015, 20,000 cases of Ebola may occur and that it would take 6-9 months to get the West Africa epidemic under control.

More recent worst scenario predictions based on increasing in September of the number of actual cases now suggest that the 20,000 Ebola cases might occur by November 2014. Further, it may take up to two years to end the epidemic in West Africa with some 1.4 million possible cases.

How do we wrap put minds around this?

After a visit with officials at the Centers for Disease Control, President Obama better understands the gravity of the epidemic. It is a grave situation for those in the affected countries (daily life is completely changed, surreal). The situation is not only a crisis in the current outbreak, but the effects and impact on families and on the economies of these countries will last for at least a generation.

A PBS Frontline documentary aired September 9 shows the effects in one area with a focus on one family. www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/

What should be done?

Funds are needed immediately for supplies- non-perishable nutritious food and beverages, protective health deliver equipment, portable beds and tents for treatment centers, fuel and vehicles for transport Funds and persons are needed for training an army of personnel who understand how to protect themselves while attending to physical and emotional needs of others.

President Obama asked all nations, private and governmental agencies to join in the effort in some manner now. He explained that the response does not have to be perfect, but response must be immediate. It is true; sometimes we do nothing in fear that what we do might be criticized or not go as well as it might. In this case, every delay results in increased loss of life and suffering.

What can we do? Who should lead? Where do we go from knowing and watching, currently at a distance?

Pray and Act Now

 The supervisors of the African Methodist Episcopal Church have called for a global prayer vigil. As a scientist, virologist, clergy member and person, this is the first step. We ask for supernatural intervention to bring this epidemic to a halt and all that is required to meet the need of those who are most directly affected right now. The need to pay attention is not about whether we should be worried or concerned if Ebola virus will ever reach the USA or wherever you are reading this. It is about what is the right thing to do, right now for what is happening right now.

Pray for answers. Pray for courage to do what is needed. Pray for resources. Pray for wisdom of leaders. Pray for comfort and provision for those directly impacted by sickness, bewilderment and loss. Pray for God’s mercy and guidance, for such a time as this. Then obey to do what we collectively and individually are told to do.

*The Rev. Dr. A. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology and Faculty of the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Theological Seminary. An Itinerant Elder in the 4^th Episcopal District, she conducts HIV/AIDS prevention research in Zambia and the USA. She lived in Zambia for most of 2013 as a J. William Fulbright Scholar.

22. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, LAUGHTER WILL RETURN - JEREMIAH 33:2-11:

*Bill Dickens

Pharrel Williams’ song, “Happy” is immensely popular because it combines great lyrics, beat and a fantastic mood-altering effect on listeners.  We are transformed from being grumpy, cold personalities to warm, affectionate caring human beings.  We feel good about ourselves and as a result we are "Happy." 

It is not the norm however to feel happy when conditions dictate physical and mental adversity.  Incarcerated felons have no basis for feeling happy given their plight.  Citizens living in countries where dictatorships limit their freedoms and opportunities are not happy.  It is unlikely that harsh living conditions can invoke a feeling of acceptance and hope.  Despite the current existential nightmare many face, there is a “light at the end of the tunnel.”  Hopelessness and despair are not inevitable.  Today’s lesson illustrates how God’s message of restoration, despite the suffering and anguish endured by His people, will result in the overall betterment for those who trust Him.  It may look bleak but nothing is impossible with God for those who put their faith and trust in Him.

May 28, 2014 was a significant date for literary readers and connoisseurs of creative information.  Maya Angelou breathed her last breath and made the great transition from life to death. Dr. Angelou’s prolific life was inspirational and educational to many in the USA and throughout the world.  One of her most beloved poems was “Still I Rise.”  The poem captures the essence of Jeremiah’s prophecy in Chapter 33.  The imprisoned prophet conveys a message containing an amazing trilogy: Destruction, Restoration and Joy.  Dr. Angelou’s epic poem displays a literary tour-de-force of uncanny resilience, grit and determination.  Her poem, printed below, is a fitting tribute not only to the plight and future of Jerusalem but to all of us struggling with difficulties. 

A brighter day is coming!

Still I Rise

You may write me down in history

With your bitter, twisted lies,

You may tread me in the very dirt

But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?

Why are you beset with gloom?

'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells

Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,

With the certainty of tides,

Just like hopes springing high,

Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?

Bowed head and lowered eyes?

Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?

Don't you take it awful hard

'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines

Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,

You may cut me with your eyes,

You may kill me with your hatefulness,

But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?

Does it come as a surprise

That I dance like I've got diamonds

At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame

I rise

Up from a past that's rooted in pain

I rise

I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,

Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

I rise

Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear

I rise

Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

I rise

I rise

I rise.

-- Maya Angelou

*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

23. MEDITATION BASED ON JOHN 15:1-8:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I’m writing this meditation after an excellent – and very long – official opening day of the 151^st Session of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  Since the responsibilities of being a Presiding Elder during the Annual Conference are demanding, this week’s meditation is a “recycled” one from my days as the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church – I hope and pray that you still find it to be relevant and encouraging.

The world of technology has changed considerably in my lifetime.  My high school offered a course in computer programming, which mainly taught us how to create the “punch cards” that operated the large business computers of the day.  My first desktop personal computer, purchased in 1996, had far less storage capacity than today’s average USB plug-in drive, connected to a slow moving internet through a regular phone line, and had an internet modem that made a noise like a duck caught in a washing machine.

Today, my desktop PC has storage capacity measured in Gigabytes and connects swiftly to the internet through a DSL phone line, my iPad is even faster than my PC and has plentiful software applications - or “Apps” as they’re known on mobile devices - and my iPhone has more computing capacity than the Apollo space capsules that traveled to the moon in the 1970s.

Each of those amazing technological advances was useful and made life easier, but all of them have something in common: computers - no matter how sophisticated they are - won’t work unless they’re plugged in, and tablet computers and smartphones have to be plugged in and recharged regularly or their batteries will die.  All of those technological wonders need a power source to do what they’re designed to do.

All of us also need power to do what God designed us to do.  Psalm 139:14 says that we are “wonderfully” made by a mighty Creator, but if we try to go through life relying on our own strength and wisdom, we’ll feel beat up, burnt out, weak and weary sooner or later.  When we call on and trust in the Lord, however, we’ll find a new source of power for living - a power source that never weakens, never wears out, and never lets us down.

Take the time each day - and more than once a day - to “recharge” by going to God in prayer.  You’ll find new strength in your weakest times, new direction in your confused times and new assurance that the God who created us has the power to sustain us and motivate us to do wonderful things.  You’ll find out first hand why those who wore the chains of American slavery found new strength when they gathered in secluded sacred places and sang, “Everything I do is by the power of God.”

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

On Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BeaufortDistrictAMEC

Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great day in your house of worship!

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

24. GENERAL OFFICER CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

--The Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper Sr., General Secretary/CIO honored with the Gospel Choice Award

On September 22, 2014 during the 20th Anniversary of The Atlanta Gospel Choice Awards Gala at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, the Rev. Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, Sr., General Secretary/CIO, was honored along with 19 other ministry leaders in the Atlanta Community for their effective ministry and community outreach.  Dr. Cooper was honored with the Chosen Award for the second time.  He was first honored by this group in 1998 as recipient of the Gospel Choice Chosen Pastor Award.

*Dr. Jeffery Cooper, General Secretary/CIO, African Methodist Episcopal Church: Email: cio@ame-church.com

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Third Episcopal District Office sorrowfully announces the passing of Mr. Carl R. Terry, Jr., the father of the Rev Carl R. Terry III, on Sunday, September 21, 2014 in Baltimore, Maryland.  The Rev Carl R. Terry III is pastor of Henderson Chapel AME Church in Wellsburg, West Virginia.  A private service will be held on Friday, October 3, 2014. 

Expressions of sympathy and comfort may be sent to:

The Reverend Carl R. Terry III

Henderson Chapel AME Church

344 Main Street

Wellsburg, WV  26070

Telephone: 412-651-2281

Email: Terry3.ct@gmail.com 

26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Ellen C. Lawson Strong, the twin sister of Mrs. Mary E. Lawson White and the sister-in-law of the Rev. Donald T. White, retired pastor of the Tennessee Annual Conference. The Rev. and Mrs. Donald T. White are members of Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee where the Rev. Edward Lee Thompson is the pastor. Mrs. Strong was the aunt of the Rev. Dennis D. Lawson I, pastor of Saint Paul AME Church in Columbia, Tennessee.

Services for Mrs. Ellen C. Lawson Strong:

Visitation:

Sunday, September 28, 2014; 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Crown Hill Funeral Home

700 38th Street

Indianapolis, Indiana 46208

Telephone: (317) 925-3800

Toll Free: (800) 809-3366

Email: info@crownhill.org 

Funeral:

Monday, September 29, 2014, 11:00 a.m.

Light of the World Christian Church

4646 N. Michigan Road

Indianapolis, Indiana 46228

Telephone: 317-254-5922

Email: brightlight@lightoftheworld.org     

The Reverend Dr. David A Hampton, pastor

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Mary E. White & the Rev. Donald T. White

2960 Franklin Pike

Nashville, Tennessee 37204-3430

Telephone: 615-292-1062

Email: maryewhite615@bellsouth.net 

And to:

The Reverend Dennis D. Lawson I

1013 Chateau Valley Ct

Nashville, Tennessee 37207-4230

Email: ALPHALAWS@aol.com  

27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Fourth Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Mother Shirley Elizabeth Warren, mother of the Rev. Ellen Rice, grandmother of Alaina Rice and mother-in-law of the Rev. Dr. C. Calvin Rice, pastor of Canaan AME-Maywood, Illinois.  Mother Warren expired on Friday, September 19, 2014.  

The arrangements for Mother Shirley Elizabeth Warren's Homegoing are as follows:

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Wake - 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Funeral - 11 a.m. – 12 Noon

Bethel AME Church

5050 Richard Allen Blvd (St. Antoine Street)

Detroit, MI 48202

Telephone: (313) 831-8810

Please pray for health, strength, and safe travel for the Rev. Ellen Rice, Pastor C. Calvin Rice, Alaina Rice and family during this time of bereavement.

Any condolences can be sent to:

Canaan AME Church

c/o The Rev. Ellen Rice

801 S. 14th Avenue

Maywood, Illinois 60153.

Church Telephone: (708) 681-2744

Fax: (708) 681-9448

28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

My dear beloved, it is with sadness and grief that I share the Homegoing of Mr. Justin Kambole, a dear friend, brother, family man, brother-in-law, brothers and sisters keeper and a home provider for me in Zambia as I attend to God's Assignment.  Mr. Justin Kambole Kapembwa passed on Sunday, September 14th, 2014 around 7:30 a.m. Zambian Time following a motorcycle accident on Tuesday, September 9, 2014.

This young man was a father of 6 young children, the oldest being in the grade eight this year, and one on the way. Justin & his immediate elder brother Anthony were raised by my parents'-in-love (law); their biological Mother was my Mother-In-Love (law)'s sisters.

Burial has already taken place. We're now just dealing with our family loss. Please pray for us, especially his family, as we grapple with this irreplaceable family man.

Please send your condolences to my wife, the Rev. Faith Simfukwe Mugala at this email: faithmundi@gmail.com at your convenience.

The Lord continues to Rise & Shine in you daily is our prayer.

In His Name & Service,

The Rev. Paul M. Mugala Sr., Lusaka, Zambia

Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah is the Presiding Prelate of the Seventeenth Episcopal District

29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the Home Going of the Rev. Rosalind Kent, pastor of Saint James AME Church in Savannah, Georgia. The Rev. Rosalind Kent was also a faithful and dedicated member of WIM. She was currently serving as a member of the Sixth Episcopal District WIM Executive Board and she served dutifully for many years as the Georgia Conference WIM Coordinator.

Her Homegoing celebration was held on Thursday, September 18th at 11 a.m. at the Saint James AME Church located at 632 East Broad Street, Savannah, Georgia. Bishop Preston W. Williams II was the eulogist.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Shirley and the Rev. Walter Daniels (Rev. Kent's youngest sister)

Saint Mark AME Church

365 Campbellton Road, SW

Atlanta, Georgia 30331

And to:

Ms. Marilyn Bolden (The Rev. Kent's Sister)

132 Powell Road

Guyton, Georgia 31312

30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS OF THE 6^TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Please remember in prayer the following Sixth Episcopal District Clergy Families who have experienced recent bereavements:

-- The Rev. Scottie Swinney in the loss of his brother

-- Former PE Terrell and family in the loss of his daughter

-- The family of Rev. Bernard McNair in the loss of his son Home# 770-943-1416; Cell# 678-800-2089-

-- The family of the late Rev. Marjorie Hale (retired pastor of the Atlanta East District)

-- The Rev. Suzette Adams and family in the loss of her uncle

--The Rev. Dr. Dee Haigler and family in the loss of her father, Mr. Charles Butler-

-- The family of late Reverend Enoch Roberts

-- The family of the late Reverend TJ Patterson

-- The family of the late retired Presiding Elder Robert Plummer-

-- The Rev. Jeannette Pinkston Jackson and family in the loss of her father

-- The Rev. Conitras Houston Moore and family in the loss of her grandfather

31. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Irene Armstrong. Irene was the Chairperson for First Aid in the First Episcopal District Lay Organization, a member of the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization and also served during numerous Biennials in the First Aid Room. Irene was a faithful Church School Teacher & YPD Worker. 

The following information has been provided regarding funeral the arrangements.

Monday, September 29, 2014

Viewing – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.

Funeral – 11 a.m.

Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church

419 South 6th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19147

Telephone:    215-925-0616

Fax: (215) 925-1402

The Rev. Dr. Mark K. Tyler, Pastor

Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:

Wondlyn (Sandy) Armstrong

c/o Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church

419 South 6th Street

Philadelphia, PA 19147

32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net    

Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/  

Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)

Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)

Cell: (615) 403-7751

Blog: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/    

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC   

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220   

33. 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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