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
--Richard Allen’s Birthday
– February 14, 1760
-- Jarena Lee’s Birthday –
February 11, 1783
-- February – Black
History Month
-- Ash Wednesday- February
18, 2015
-- Easter Sunday: April 5,
2015
1. TCR EDITORIAL – LET’S ELIMINATE THIS
“WOW” MOMENT NOW:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III
The
20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder
I
don’t get surprised or amazed by many of the things I hear and read. As a local
church pastor and as a chaplain in the United States Army, I heard just about
everything; very little surprises me. I
have heard stories that would “knock the socks off” most people. As a clergy
member, I couldn’t share comments made to me in confidence, but most of what I
heard in confidence were not “Wow” moments, they were “Hmmm” moments.
“Wow”
moments are usually caused by aberrations of what would be considered ordinary
and mundane events and behaviors.
A
“Wow” moment would be the news of a son killing his mother. Children don’t
normally kill their parents.
A
“Wow” moment is the news of a person being picked up and arrested for the fifth
time for driving under the influence.
Being stopped the first time is bad enough, but being arrested four more
times is beyond the bounds of good judgment and common sense.
I
had a “Wow” moment this week when I was asked a simple question by Dr. Johnny
Barbour, “How many electronic copies of The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 do
you think the AMEC Sunday School Union has sold?”
I
responded carefully because I can tell when I am getting ready to be
slam-dunked.
I
responded, “Well, with the digital-divide being as it is, I guess a couple of
thousand, but there should be more; hopefully we have sold about 2000.”
His
silence was the first indication that I was about to experience a “Wow” moment.
His
response was indeed a “Wow moment. He
said, “Less than 500!”
I
was shocked and disappointed. After all the talk from so many people about the
AME Church’s need to provide an electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
and a little over a year before the 50th Quadrennial Session of the
General Conference to be held in Philadelphia, we have sold less than 500
copies of the electronic version of The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. Wow!
The
couple of thousand number of The Doctrine
and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church that I guessed was
not anything to shout about, but for me, it wouldn’t have been a “Wow” moment.
It would have been, “Too bad we couldn’t have sold more.”
The
less than 500 copies of the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church-
2012 is more than a “Wow” moment; it’s an embarrassment.
We
report that we have 2.5 million constituents and we can only account for less
than 500 copies of the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church-
2012.
Less
than 500 is an indication that our clergy hasn’t invested in the electronic
version. It means that the presiding
elders, in large numbers, haven’t invested in the electronic version, which
would make the presiding elders’ ministry more efficient and easier when
presiding elders have to find answers to disciplinary questions.
The
less than 500 copies of The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 sold; is
indicative of a leadership problem.
Presiding
bishops should insist that every presiding elder purchase the electronic
version of The Doctrine and Discipline of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 because the efficiencies of
the work of the presiding elder would be tremendously increased.
Bishops
and presiding elders should insist that pastors and local church leaders
purchase The Doctrine and Discipline of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
Using the electronic version of The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is a
“no-brainer” for pastors and local church leaders. Technology is here to stay and pastors and
laity need to get comfortable with it. I hate to mention it, but eventually,
somewhere in the future, paper documents will be a thing of the past.
Members
of the Boards of Examiners should all have the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
And,
the members of the Boards of Examiners should insist upon those going through
the process of acquiring ministerial orders purchase The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church-
2012. Those persons who are going to lead our congregations need to be
abreast and familiar with technology
I
wonder if all of the bishops have ordered the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. If
they haven’t they should purchase it and insist their clergy do the same.
Every
General Officer and every connectional officer should be in possession of the
electronic version of The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012. If we are not
serious about supporting the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, there
is no need for the AMEC Sunday School Union to go to the expense of having the
electronic version.
I
was so proud when Dr. Barbour announced at the General Board Meeting in
Nashville that the electronic version of The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 was
available. Many of us went to the internet café near the hotel lobby and
purchased the electronic version.
The
purchase of electronic version of The
Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 is
a “no-brainer.” It’s easier to navigate;
you can find anything in the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church-
2012 quickly; click on the link on any subject in the Table of
Contents. A couple of practice runs and
you are “good to go.”
I
would suggest that bishops and presiding elders have short one-hour training
sessions to help pastors and local church leaders become comfortable with the
electronic version of The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
Every
annual conference and every presiding elder district has techies who could
easily design training modules for the use of the electronic version for those
who might feel uncomfortable. I suspect
most people who are used to using technology wouldn’t need formal
training.
Everybody
might not be comfortable with the electronic version, which is why it is
important to have training sessions so clergy and laity can get excited about
using the electronic version. One hour
would be all the time that would be needed.
There
shouldn’t be a “Wow” moment as it relates to people purchasing The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
Oh,
I forgot to mention that it’s okay to have the hard copy version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 and the electronic version. Those who want to stay “ahead of the game”
will have both the electronic version and the hardcopy version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
There
is precedence for having both the electronic and hardcopy versions of documents
and resources.
As
an example, many of us have hardcopy Bibles and electronic Bibles. Those of us
who use both will testify that the electronic version is mighty efficient and
easier to carry.
I
hope that we will eliminate the “Wow” moment as it relates to the electronic
version of The Doctrine and Discipline of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
Episcopal
Leaders, middle managers (presiding elders) and pastors, let’s “get with the
program” and support this significant AMEC Sunday School Union’s initiative of
embracing technology and making available the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012.
I
would bet that those of you who reread this TCR
Editorial, 20 years from now will scratch your heads and think, “Really,
that was a problem?”
The Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- 2012 can be purchased
from Amazon, Kindle or any electronic platform that sells electronic
books.
If
you still don’t know how to do it, any adolescent can show you how to do so.
2. TCR OP-ED: LOCAL AND GLOBAL REFLECTIONS
ON NATIONAL AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH:
*John
Thomas III
February is National African-American (Black)
History Month. During this time, a
special emphasis will be placed on the unique and enduring contributions of
African-Americans to the United States.
Most persons know that Black History Month was started by Carter G.
Woodson as “Negro History Week” as a project of the Association for the Study
of Negro Life and History (now the Association for the Study of
African-American Life and History) in 1926.
How did it become a month? Who
actually coordinates it? Are there other
“Black History Month” events in other countries? It is important to understand the root of
this celebration in order to fully appreciate it.
Woodson’s
project in 1926 was an attempt to correct a bias in educational curricula that
ignored the African-American presence in the United States outside of
slavery. In the initial pamphlet for
“Negro History Week” he commented, “Those who have no record of what their forebears
have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of
biography and history.” The second week
of February was chosen because it held the birthdays of two persons significant
to the history of African-Americans: Frederick Douglass and Abraham
Lincoln. The first Negro History Week
was widely celebrated. In particular,
the Departments of Education in Delaware, North Carolina and West Virginia as
well as the Baltimore and District of Colombia Public Schools created special
materials for teachers to use.
“Negro
History Week” continued to be observed annually by the ASNLH and would grow
into a nationwide celebration. The
celebration would take on an additional role of importance as the Civil Rights
and Black Power Movements evolved during the 1950s and 1960s. In 1976 President Gerald R. Ford proclaimed
February to be “Black History Month” as part of the United States Centennial
Celebration and encouraged Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor the
too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of
endeavor throughout our history.” After
an absence during most of the 1980s, Presidents have proclaimed Black (now
National African-American) History Month annually since 1991. In the 2014 Proclamation, President Obama
stated: Every American can draw strength
from the story of hard-won progress, which not only defines the
African-American experience, but also lies at the heart of our Nation as a
whole. This story affirms that freedom is a gift from God, but it must be
secured by His people here on earth.
The
Association for the Study of African-American Life and History still sets an
annual theme and produces materials for the observation. The 2015 theme is: “A Century of Black Life,
History and Culture”. This is to
commemorate the founding of the ASALH in 1916.
The
celebration of Black History Month has not been without controversy and several
notable personalities (most recently Morgan Freeman) have come out decidedly
against the celebration remarking that what is needed is to teach American
history, not Black history. Woodson
himself believed that the unique celebration of Black History would be
temporary until educational curricula were corrected for their bias. He commented: “What we need is not a history
of selected races or nations, but the history of the world void of national
bias, race hate, and religious prejudice.”
It is clear, however, that even in 2015, there is still much to do in
order to incorporate fully the history of African-Americans and other ethnic
groups into our national conversations and image.
Black
History Month has been an inspiration to Black activists in countries where the
contributions of African descendant persons has largely been ignored in
national educational curricula and official histories. Within the last 30 years, the call for
national celebrations of Black heritage, history and culture has clearly
sounded and today the following countries have officially sanctioned celebrations:
-
Argentina: November 8 - Day of the Afro-Argentines and Afro Culture
-
Belize: November 19 - Garifuna* Settlement Day
-
Bolivia: September 23 - National Day of the Afro-Bolivian People and Culture
-
Brazil: November 20 - Day of Black Consciousness
-
Canada: February - Black History Month
-
Colombia: May 21 - Afro-Colombian National Day
-
Costa Rica: August 31 - Day of Black Personhood and Afro-Costa Rican Culture
-
Ecuador: First Sunday in October - National Afro-Ecuadorian Day
-
Guatemala: November 26 - National Day of the Garifuna* in Guatemala
-
Honduras: April - African Heritage Month in Honduras
-
Mexico: October 19 - Day of the Afro-Mexican People in Oaxaca
-
Nicaragua: November 19 - National Day of the Garifuna* Culture
-
Panama: May 30 - Commemoration of the National Black Ethnicity
-
Peru: June 4 - Day of Afro-Peruvian Culture
-
United Kingdom: October - Black History Month
-
Venezuela: May 10 - Afro-Venezuelan Day
-
Uruguay: December 3 - National Day of Candome, Afro-Uruguayan culture and
Racial Equality
In
addition to these national celebrations, the United Nations declared 2015-2024
the “International Decade for People of African Descent”. This decade grew out of the 2009 Durban
Review Conference and its theme is: ““People of African descent: recognition,
justice and development.” So this month as we reflect on the contributions of
Black people to United States, we should remember that we but one link in a
great chain. Carter G. Woodson would
undoubtedly remind us to do so.
*The
Garifuna are the descendants of Africans who escaped a slave ship and
intermarried with the indigenous people of St. Vincent in the Caribbean. They were deported by the British Central
America in the 1800 and are colloquially known as “Black Caribs.”
For
more information on the Association for the Study of African-American Life and
History click here: http://asalh100.org/
For
more information on the United Nations Decade of People of African Descent
click here:
*John
Thomas III is a Ph.D. student in Political Science at the University of Chicago
and a member of the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
3.
NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
--
Wilberforce Continues to Fight Show Cause Order
Wilberforce University held a dedication
and ribbon cutting ceremony Friday Jan. 30 for recently renovated buildings.
The university continues to…
--
Full Circle: Duncan ends ministry in New Orleans
The oldest AME church in the deep south,
St. James traces its heritage back to 1844, when a group of free people of
color began meeting next to ... Bent, but not broken - Paris Post Intelligencer
--
Rosa Parks' archive opening to public at Library of Congress
--
AME Church leaders push economic empowerment
Invited to speak to a recent gathering of
pastors and leaders of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, National
Bankers Association President...
--
Black History Committee Holds Annual Youth Program
--Namesake Church Honors 'Founding Father' of
Gospel Music
PHILADELPHIA
(UMNS) — Did you know the anthem "We Shall Overcome" has roots in
Methodism? This video showcases the Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, a Methodist
preacher known as one of the founding fathers of gospel music, and the United
Methodist church he brought to prominence.
--
AMEs to observe Founder’s Day
--
Video Surfaces of Pastor of Prominent L.A. Church Purportedly Comparing Police
to KKK
--Bethel’s
16th Annual Prison Ministry program
4.
ST. MATTHEW AME CHURCH ORANGE NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES 72 YEARS OF MINISTRY AND
SERVICE IN AFRICAN METHODISM:
According to our church history, a small
group of public and spirit minded male citizens known as the J. Garfield Tynes
Men’s Club decided to organize on May 14, 1941 to render a more efficient type
of Christian service in the community. The members were Gardner Smith,
Chairman, Charles Congleton, E.L. Edmonson, David Beasley, William Reed, Nolan
Dunn, William Weaks, Walter Davis, Clarence Lee, James Carraway, and John
Boykin. This group later joined a group of women in June of 1942 and formed the
Unity Circle. After some discussion this same group took on a new aspect, and
formed a new church in the Oranges.
Almost Seventy-two years ago, to the glory
of God, and African Methodism this inspired group of people joined together to
birth St. Matthew African Methodist Episcopal Church. The first service was
held on November 15, 1942 and the first pastor was the late Thomas Puryear,
appointed by Bishop David Simms at the 71st Annual Conference.
On November 16, 2014 St. Matthew AME Church
celebrated our 72nd Church Anniversary. This was an event worthy of
celebrating, as we embarked upon another year of living up to our motto, The
Servant Church of the Oranges. On this auspicious day, the St. Matthew family
came together as a unified body during one service to celebrate the greatness
of God. The theme for the Anniversary was “Moving Forward by Faith”: “Whatever
you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, and not
human masters…” Colossians 3:23-24. The Occasion was led by our very capable
committee chair, Sister Debra Thomas and a dedicated team that did a
spectacular job of organizing the event.
We were privileged and excited to have as
our guest preacher, the Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, the presiding prelate of
the First Episcopal District. The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram is the
Episcopal Supervisor of the First District.
Our Bishop addressed the pastor, and
capacity filled congregation by acknowledging how the service itself offered
something for all ages. We were blessed to be ministered in song, by the
anointed St. Matthew Mass Choir; and our dynamic Liturgical Dance team. Said,
Bishop Ingram, “The spirit and the enthusiasm in the worship service is
reflected of the leadership, and the members of St. Matthew, whom have
undoubtedly done their very best for God.” Bishop Ingram then preached from the
subject: “”The Rewards of Faith” with the text coming from Hebrews 11:1-6.
Bishop Ingram displayed his preaching and oratory skills, by telling us in an
emphatic way, that “It pays to serve Jesus!” The congregation learned that for
our faith; we have the assurance that we are helped by a love, that will not
let us go!
During the service we were graced with the
presence of the Mayor of Orange, the Hon. Dwayne Warren, Esq. who gave a
message of congratulations, and a welcome to our Bishop.
A representative for the Hon. Lester E.
Taylor III read a proclamation from the city of East Orange on his behalf.
Immediately following the service
celebration, we were honored to have our Bishop give the blessings for our
grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony, for our new 501c3 Community
Improvement Association of the Oranges (CIAO), a non-profit organization geared
towards meeting the needs of our surrounding communities. Services include Food
Distribution (Manna From Heaven ministry), Juvenile Detention Center ministry,
Clothing Giveaways, Financial Literacy workshops, Mentoring and Tutoring for
Youth, Haven HIV/AIDS ministry, and Workforce Readiness programs. The day’s
festivities concluded with a luncheon, and the recognition of the St. Matthew
Usher ministry. Members were recognized for the years of service to this
historic institution.
We thank God for our pastor and the
exemplary leadership he brings, the Rev. Dr. Lanel D. Guyton, the 10th
pastor of St. Matthew AME Church.
Dignitaries present: Presiding Elder Howard
L. Grant, Newark District; Mrs. Roberta Grant, and Sister Tanzania Guyton,
First Lady of St. Matthew; Council members of Orange, New Jersey, the Hon.
Kerry Coley, the Hon. Harold Johnson, the Hon. April Gaunt-Butler, and the Hon.
Tency Eason.
CIAO Board members present: Rev. Dr.
Guyton- Chair, Melvin Randall- Legal Advisor, Jerry Roberts- Treasurer, Darryl
Jones- Member, Gregory Bullock- Member, Leonard Posey-Member, La Tanya
Williamson- Member, and Sherrill Austin- Director.
5.
THE 4TH DISTRICT QUADRENNIAL HOST EVENT FEATURING JERI LYNNE
JOHNSON, FOUNDER OF THE BLACK PEARL CHAMBER ORCHESTRA:
The 4th District Quadrennial Host Event
will feature the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, founded and conducted by Jeri
Lynne Johnson. The forty-eight piece
orchestra will guide participants through a sensory experience of the host
event’s theme - Water: A Sacred
Confluence of the Arts, Ecology and Activism.
Tickets for the event are $50.00 per person.
About
the Conductor, Jeri Lynne Johnson
Composers play many different roles; they
can be performers, songwriters, educators or conductors. Conducting is more
than just waving a baton with a flourish. A conductor's job may look easy, but
it is one of the most demanding & extremely competitive positions in
music. The conductor makes sure the music is interpreted correctly by
acting as the guide for the musicians. A good conductor is someone that is
comfortable leading a group, a great motivator and communicator, and has a
strong stage presence.
Growing up in her hometown of Shreveport,
Louisiana listening to Jazz, R&B, and classical music, at the age of four
fluently playing piano and listening to composers such as Beethoven, Jeri Lynne
Johnson knew that music was her passion.
She was just seven years of age when she attended her first orchestra
concert.
Her educational career includes Wellesley
College where she studied music and religion.
Winning awards for her works civically, community and artistic honors,
Jeri Lynne began traveling the world.
Upon her return to the states she had a vision to work with much bigger
orchestra, but because she didn’t fit the mold of what an orchestra conductor
looked like; it was then that Jeri Lynne founded the Black Pearl Chamber
Orchestra in 2008. Proving that
classical music is for everyone the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra (BPCO) has a
unique diverseness in every performance.
If you attended a BPCO concert, on stage you will see people that look
like you, Latin, Asian, African American, and Caucasian. The BPCO uses it concert programming to
connect with community, culture and countries.
6.
THE COLORED CONVENTIONS PROJECT LAUNCHES A CROWD-SOURCING INITIATIVE:
The Colored Conventions Project at the
University of Delaware is delighted to announce today’s launch of a
crowd-sourcing project, Transcribe Minutes. This project invites people to
visit ColoredConventions.org to transcribe records of the nineteenth-century
African American convention movement. Transcribe Minutes is now featuring a
special section dedicated to the conventions hosted at African Methodist
Episcopal churches.
The movement began in 1830 in response to
the violence and expulsion faced by Blacks in the “free” states. First held at
Philadelphia’s Bethel A.M.E. Church, conventions soon spread across North
America. “African American leaders and lay people organized for decades to
fight against educational inequities, voting and political disenfranchisement
as well as job and labor discrimination,” says P. Gabrielle Foreman, faculty director
of the Colored Conventions Project and Ned B. Allen Professor of English and
Black Studies. “As critical as the anti-slavery movement was, their broader
vision continues to speak to this country’s ongoing racial challenges.”
The Colored Conventions Project is an
interdisciplinary digital humanities project that aims to bring the history of
the convention movement—and the many leaders and places involved in it—to
digital life. "Transcribe Minutes uses crowd-sourcing technologies to
promote online access to these historical records," says Jim Casey,
project co-coordinator and a Ph.D. candidate in UD’s English department.
"These technologies open up new possibilities for our research and
teaching beyond college classrooms."
ColoredConventions.org houses the first
digital collection of these minutes, many of which were previously out of print
and hard to find. It features more than 65 national and state minutes from 1830
to well beyond the Civil War—with more being uncovered and added regularly. “Attention
to African American experience in the nineteenth century is usually focused on
the efforts of Northern white abolitionists to end the ‘peculiar institution’
of slavery,” says Carol A. Rudisell, UD Reference and Instructional Services
librarian. “Having accurate, searchable texts should significantly change our
understanding of this important period.” Transcribing and making these records
more usable requires collective efforts. Volunteers will help give new life to
a vital chapter of American history.
“The more people involved, the more we can
preserve and call attention to one of the major ignored chapters of American
history,” says Curtis Smalls, a Special Collections librarian and member of
CCP. The project is an exciting collaboration between faculty, students and
librarians,” he continues. “The Colored Convention Project is important for its
method as well as its results,” says John Ernest, Chair of the English
Department at UD. “It’s an inspiring and instructive model of collaborative
research, “Ernest adds. “This is a historical recovery project that will teach
us volumes about African American communities of the past while strengthening
numerous and diverse communities in the present.”
Transcribe Minutes is the product of an
ongoing partnership between the Colored Conventions Project and the University
of Delaware Library.
7. TEN
REASONS WHY MANY WORSHIP LEADERS ARE SPIRITUALLY BANKRUPT:
Joseph Mattera
The past several years there has been no shortage of prominent Contemporary Christian leaders denouncing Christ either with their words or their actions. One time I ministered to a young man involved in the gospel music scene and he confided in me that he almost lost his faith because of what he experienced when he went on tour with a band. (He said other gospel music performers regularly propositioned him!) That being said, as a pastor and trans local minister for more then three decades, I have come to the conclusion that many involved in Christian worship seem to have a very superficial relationship with the Lord and His Church. (I thank God we have had a strong process for ministry involvement in our local congregation, hence, we usually have worship leaders with a solid walk with the Lord.) Also, I write this in the context as one who was a professional musician who served on the worship team of our local church for more then twenty-five years.
The following are some of the reasons I Believe why many Worship performers are spiritually bankrupt (Based on my personal observation –not based on hard data)
1- Many are hirelings and not committed members to one church
I have been both shocked and dismayed to see how many
large churches just hire out their worship team members –even if they are not
committed Christians and or committed to their local church. Consequently, when
a gifted singer or musician first comes to Christ, they are sucked into a
culture of play for pay and go where the dollars are rather then where the Lord
is truly leading them.
2- Pastors do not enforce the same standards upon talented people Singers and Musicians
2- Pastors do not enforce the same standards upon talented people Singers and Musicians
Many pastors turn the other way
when it comes to the immoral or unethical behavior of their most talented
musicians and singers. The reason for this is obvious – said performers help
draw crowds into their congregation.
3-Often, talented people get ahead without drilling down deep in Christ
3-Often, talented people get ahead without drilling down deep in Christ
Many a person in this field find
they get promoted, idolized and celebrated in their church merely because of
their talent. Consequently, they have a superficial lifestyle and rarely see
the need to die to self, seek God, and allow God to penetrate their soul.
4- Gifted Christian performers are idolized in the church
4- Gifted Christian performers are idolized in the church
We Evangelicals have created a
culture of entertainment that empowers and promotes the most gifted among us.
These very gifted singers and performers are admired and celebrated for their
abilities in a way that is not different from “The Voice” or “American Idol”.
With all this adulation in the environment –it is no surprise that many
Christian bands and performers are lifted up with pride and never mature in
their faith
5-The Focus of Worship is more about them then about Jesus
5-The Focus of Worship is more about them then about Jesus
The church usually puts talented
singers and performers front and center during Sunday services –hence, a
service is largely judged by how good the band performed. This is the kind of
setting that engenders man worship instead of Jesus worship. Worship leaders
and performers often have huge egos to match their talent and many erroneously
(subconsciously) think that the service is all about them
6-They often don’t sit under the Word after they perform
6-They often don’t sit under the Word after they perform
I am amazed with how often I see
many worship team members leave the service after they perform. I guess they
think that the highlight of the service was their performance and everything
else that ensues –including preaching – is a let down
7-They performs but do not worship from the heart
7-They performs but do not worship from the heart
When the pastor and congregation
only care about the talent and effect of the worship experience – they
perpetuate a culture of performance more then a culture of worship.
Consequently, band members and singers will then focus more on performance then
on worship. This results in band members programmed to equate worship more with
performance then with drawing close to God.
8-They are overly sensitive and do not easily receive correction
8-They are overly sensitive and do not easily receive correction
In my opinion, many in the music
world are overly sensitive, ego driven megalomaniacs. (I know, because as a
professional guitar player for many years- I was or am guilty of this!) Folks
like this are very competitive and have a hard time admitting they are wrong.
This does not make it easy for a pastor to bring correction to them since their
identity is rooted more in their ability then in their God
9-They do not study the word but rely upon performance sessions in church for their walk
9-They do not study the word but rely upon performance sessions in church for their walk
Many years ago I was shocked to
realize that many of the worship leaders I got to know had no prayer life and
rarely cracked open the bible for personal study! Often, they depended upon
worship practice and or the Sunday services to try to connect with God. It
alarmed me that many worship leaders were not themselves worshippers!
10-They do not have a spiritually mature worship person leading the team
10-They do not have a spiritually mature worship person leading the team
All of the previous points
mentioned could be dealt with if the worship leader held them accountable. Of
course, this will only happen if the worship leader is not a diva but a real
disciple of Christ. Leaders set the culture of a team and if he or she is a
spiritually immature “performer” – Then most likely to whole team will be more
about performance then worship.
In conclusion, I pray pastors and leaders will have the courage to sit down talented but prideful, worldly worship team members so that Jesus will once again be the center of our worship
8. TCR BOOK REVIEW - THE LATENT POWER OF THE SOUL, 1972 BY WATCHMAN NEE:
-- Book Review
Watchman Nee, the Latent Power of The Soul, 1972, Christian Fellowship
Publishers, Inc., NY
The Latent Power Of
The Soul
is a very thin book of less than 100 pages, and you can be read in one or two
sittings. It deals with an assessment of "authentic worship."
Preface: The
spirit and the soul are two totally different organs: one belongs to God, while
the other belongs to man...The peril of the believer is to confuse the spirit
for the soul and the soul for the spirit, and so to be deceived into accepting
the counterfeit evil spirits to the unsettling of God's work. See
also Watchman Nee's 1928 work, The Spiritual Man.
p. 48-49: If one who
is experienced in the Lord is present at a revival meeting, he can tell whether
the speaker is using soulical or spiritual power...Once a brother among us
observed that whether someone had power or not could not be judged by how hard
he was able to pound the pulpit. We need to discern in a meeting if a
person's power is psychical or spiritual.
p. 50: He who
ministers ought to know the difference between the two forces. He should
be able to discern what is done by his soul power and what is done by the power
of God...The work of the Holy Spirit is threefold: (1) to regenerate us
(2) to indwell us that we may produce fruit of the Spirit, and (3) to
come upon us that we may have the power to witness...The power of the Holy
Spirit is always spoken of as descending or coming upon, while the
fruit-bearing aspect of the Holy Spirit is spoken of as abiding in...The power
of the Holy Spirit is beyond our control.
p. 51-52: Some have
suggested that preachers have become experts on the use of psychology in
manipulating people. But I strongly repudiate such manipulation; for even
though we know how to attract people with psychic means, we should purposely
avoid using any psychic force. Once I was working in Shantung. A
professor there said to his colleague, "that these preachers work with
emotions." It so happened that when I preached to the believers that
afternoon I told them how undependable and useless was emotion.
Let
us remember that all works done though emotion are questionable and transient.
In the work done through the power of the Holy Spirit, man does not need
to exert his own strength nor do anything by himself. If a work is done
by soul strength one has to exert lots of energy and employ numerous methods
such as weeping, shouting, jumping, incessant singing of choruses, or the
telling of a number of moving stories. (I do not say that hymns and stories should not be used; only everything
must be done with appropriate bounds). For the employment
of these methods serves no other purpose than that of trying to stir up the
audience.
The
last chapter is entitled, "Spirit Force vs. Psychic Force" and it
includes a discussion of the danger of working in "soul power."
9.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES STATEMENT ON RECENT ISIS EXECUTIONS:
The National Council of Churches joins the
world in grief and outrage at ISIS’s executions of Japanese hostages Haruna
Yukawa and Kenji Goto, and Jordanian hostage Moath al-Kasasbeh. The utter
bankruptcy of this extremist ideology, which looks to horrific violence to prop
up its credibility, cannot be allowed to stand any longer. We join with people
of faith and goodwill all across the world in condemning these horrific,
inhumane acts, and call upon the nations to join together to eliminate this
threat.
We recognize that ISIS and its violent,
inhuman ideology, is a profound problem for all people. Muslims are particularly threatened (as most
targets of ISIS and Al-Qaeda have been Muslims), as are people of other faith
groups, as we have seen these past months. Terrorism is indiscriminate toward
its victims, and none are safe from its violence.
The NCC commends the Christian, Muslim,
Jewish and other voices that have spoken out against the brutality of ISIS and
other examples of extremist violence. Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Associate
General Secretary, stated, "Our experience through decades of interfaith
dialogue and working for peace has taught us that we must stand up together
against evil that purports to act in the name of faith."
We also look to ourselves as faith leaders
to join together in living in such a way as to build bridges of peace and to
work for the well-being of those we are connected with. We hope that by doing so others will be
inspired to seek the best for their neighbors also. And we, the National Council of Churches, are
more committed than ever to working with our interfaith partners in dialogue
and peacemaking.
10.
SALE OF AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY’S BROADWAY PROPERTY YIELDS RESOURCES FOR
EXPANDED MINISTRY:
Proceeds
to Be Invested in a Third Century of Ministry
NEW YORK, February 2, 2015—
One of America’s most historic Christian
ministries just opened up new possibilities for mission growth by finalizing
the sale of its property on Broadway in Manhattan for $300 million. “The sale
is a strong mission accelerator,” said American Bible Society Board Chairman
Nick Athens. “As we prepare to enter a third century of ministry, we believe
that now is the time to unlock the significant market value of the
mid-Manhattan address and reinvest the proceeds to extend our mission-focused
ministry.” While the 199-year-old ministry will be relocating its headquarters
to Philadelphia, American Bible Society remains committed to New York City and
will maintain an ongoing presence there. The 12-story building on Broadway that
the ministry has called home for 48 years was American Bible Society’s fourth
New York City location.
“This sale could not come at a better time,
fueling new growth at the threshold of our third century of mission,” said
American Bible Society President and CEO Roy Peterson. “The proceeds from this
sale will allow us to accelerate our work of inviting millions to experience
the Bible’s life-changing message.”
American Bible Society recently announced
plans for a new global headquarters in center city Philadelphia, merging staff
from its current New York City and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania locations. In
addition to staff offices, the new location will include a proposed
ground-floor Bible Discovery Center on the doorstep of Philadelphia’s
Independence Mall.
Cushman & Wakefield, a global
commercial real estate services firm, handled both the sale of the New York
property and the search for a new headquarters.
“Now that we have realized the long-term
investment in our property on Broadway, we are committed to effective
stewardship of the proceeds of this sale,” said Peterson. “As with all
donor-provided funds, the goal here is greater engagement with God’s Word. To
that end, we will allocate the funds in three key areas: the relocation of the
ministry’s headquarters, the funding of ministry efforts, and investments that
will promote the long-term stability and reach of the ministry.”
“Most importantly, this sale means more
resources for more Bible ministry,” said Peterson. “As we work toward the goal
of having 100 million Americans engaging with God’s Word and 100 percent of the
world’s languages open for Bible engagement, this will help fuel Bible ministry
in the U.S. and around the world.”
About American Bible Society:
Founded in 1816, American Bible Society
exists to make the Bible available to every person in a language and format
each can understand and afford, so all people may experience its life-changing
message. One of the nation's first nonprofit organizations, today's American
Bible Society provides resources across a variety of platforms enabling
first-time readers and seasoned theologians alike to engage with the
best-selling book of all time. For more information, visit
AmericanBible.org.
11.
GO-TO SITE FOR LENTEN RESOURCES:
- The
Lenten Season begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UMNS) — Lenten resources
developed for UMC.org, along with resources from around the denomination, have
been collected on one “go-to” Web page. In addition to resources and stories
developed by United Methodist Communications, the page has materials from
United Methodist Discipleship Ministries, United Methodist Global Ministries,
the Society of St. Andrew and others.
**Used with permission of the United
Methodist News Service
12. HISTORY OF HYMNS: “LET US BREAK BREAD
TOGETHER”:
By C Michael Hawn
"Let Us Break Bread Together"
African American Spiritual
The United Methodist Hymnal, No. 618; AMEC Hymnal, No. 530
Let
us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
When I fall on my knees with my face to the
rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.
Perhaps the most commonly sung song during
Communion among United Methodists is the African American spiritual “Let us
break bread together on our knees.” For American Methodists, the usual posture
for receiving the elements is kneeling at an altar rail. The procession to the
rail offers the opportunity to sing. The simple structure of this spiritual
provides the ideal music to accompany this ritual both because of its text and
because of the spirit of the music. It is easily memorized and harmonized.
What are the roots of “Let us break bread,”
among the best known of African American spirituals? In a recently published
article in the Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology, written by United Methodist
Hymnal editor, Dr. Carlton Young, he reveals the probable roots and major
variants of this spiritual. Dr. Young suggests that this “spiritual was formed
in the West African Gullah/Geechee slave culture that developed in the costal
areas of South-Eastern colonial America, including St Helena Island, Beaufort,
and Charleston, South Carolina . . ..”
The text of the version that is commonly
sung in the United States was first published in The Journal of American Folklore
(1925). The Journal included spirituals, as well as African American folk tales
and proverbs that were collected by students at the Penn School on Saint Helena
Island, South Carolina.
A second version appeared in Saint Helena
Island Spirituals (1925) by Nicholas Ballanta, a very significant collection
that included 103 Gullah spirituals. This version incorporates the same basic
text, but with variations based on the slave dialect of the region:
Let
us break bread togeder on our knees . . .
When
I fall on muh knees wid muh face to de risin’ sun
Oh Lawd hab mercy on me.
The music published in this collection is
virtually the same as used in most hymnals.
The third version was published in
Augustine T. Smythe’s The Carolina Low-Country (1931). Not only is the text
significantly different, but also the slave dialect of the region is even
stronger in this version:
We
will all sing tuhgedduh on dat day . . .
En I’ll fall upon muh knees en face duh risin’
sun,
Oh Lawd, hab mussy on me.
A final fourth stanza begins, “We will all pray tuhgedduh on dat day….”
According to hymnologist Jon Michael Spencer, the phrase “on dat day” suggests a use for the song beyond Communion. It is an
eschatological reference envisioning hope and a reformation of the established
social order beyond human history.
The melody of this version is also
significantly different in several ways, including a flattened “blues note” on
the highest pitch of the song. While the melody is recognizable, rhythmic and
melodic alterations are significant.
Each version incorporates the idea of
“fac[ing] the rising sun.” One scholar suggests that this may come from the
worship practices of Islamic West Africans. Another speculates that the sun was
a symbolic West African source of spiritual light. Another phrase “on our
knees” may have been a signal for a secret gathering, though this cannot be
verified.
African American composer John Rosamond
Johnson (1873-1954) arranged the first solo version with the three stanzas that
are common to most hymnals in the United States. He also established the
precedent of singing the final stanza up the octave. This practice is observed
in several hymnals including The United Methodist Hymnal. This version of the
spiritual was popularized by notable African American soloists in the
mid-twentieth century such as Paul Robeson, Roland Hayes, and Marian Anderson.
As standardized as the text is, it has been
subject to numerous alterations in several hymnals. These changes sometimes
alter or eliminate the reference to the rising sun, perhaps because it is not
literally accurate. Some include:
“When
I fall on my knees, with my face to the Lord of life….”
Others choose to replace the phrase, “on my
knees” since many traditions do not receive the elements in this posture. To
avoid this, some modify it as follows:
“Let
us break bread together, we are one” or
“Let us break bread together in (or “with”) the Lord” or
“Let us praise God together, let us praise.”
Together in Song: Australian Hymnbook II
(1999) alters virtually the entire traditional text:
Let
us break bread together with the Lord . . .
As we
travel through this land, all God's children hand in hand,
Lord, fill all our living with your life.
For me, the greatest loss in this version
is the omission of the classic Kyrie eleison at the conclusion of each stanza,
“Oh Lord, have mercy on me.”
These changes indicate the difficulty of
transferring a song from one ecclesial or cultural tradition to another. However,
the inclusion of a select number of African American spirituals in English
language hymnals in countries such as Australia, Canada, and England is
admirable and reflects the universality of one of the unique contributions of
congregational song from the United States to the world. Alterations to
congregational songs, especially those from folk sources, are common across
cultural and national boundaries. In its most standard and historical form,
this spiritual fits the practice and ethos of the Methodist Eucharist liturgy
well.
Please also see Dean McIntyre's arrangement
of Let Us Break Bread Together.
C. Michael Hawn is University Distinguished
Professor of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology, SMU.
**Used
with permission of the United Methodist News Service
13.
THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical Text: John 17:20-26;
"Neither pray I for these alone, but
for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all
may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be
one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the
glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we
are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and
that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou
hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with
me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for
thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father,
the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that
thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it:
that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them."
Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together
in unity!”
Recently we celebrated the life and legacy
of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., probably one of our greatest Freedom
fighters. He championed the notion that there could be unity between people who
didn’t look alike, worship alike or even necessarily agree politically. He
dared to dream that we as a people could be afforded the same liberties, the
same humane treatment and the same rights that every person who is a resident
of these United States of America is afforded. Dr. King preached that the
Freedom Bell rang for everybody.
Dr. King preached about love reminding us
that, “Love is the most durable power in the world” and it is the creative
force that is so beautifully exemplified in the life of Jesus Christ. He
maintained that love is in fact the most potent instrument available in our
quest for peace and security.
We must however be careful where our love
is directed. The Bible reminds us to first love God with all of our heart, mind
and soul. We are challenged then that just as important according to the Bible
is that we love our neighbors.
We have unfortunately over time extended
our love in areas that have not been profitable. We have exhibited a love of
science however it appears now that we live in fear of what science has
created. We have shown just how much we love money. However now we have come to
realize money cannot buy the things that we really need.
The Bible says that love never fails and
promises that if we love God with our all, it will keep us thinking positively,
living productively and spending our time and treasure wisely.
The truth of the matter is that living in
harmony is not a new prayer. We see in our text that harmony is at the center
of this priestly prayer of Jesus. In this prayer to his Father, Jesus prays for
his disciples. Then as the prayer begins to close we find Jesus praying for all
believers.
Jesus says: “I do not pray for these alone,
but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may
be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in
Us.” In other words Jesus is saying: I'm
praying not only for them and not just for the folk who recognize they are
sinners. Jesus says I am also praying for the folk who claim to know me and for
those who will believe in me.
Jesus reminds the believers then and us
today that the goal is for us all to become one heart and one mind. In other
words the believers need unity. We are challenged to come together becoming one
heart and one mind, just as Jesus says, “Just as you, Father, are in me and I
in you.”
Dr. King dared to pray that people of
different religions, different backgrounds and different races might know that
kind of unity. My prayer is, and I would like to think my church’s prayer is,
that we would come to know that kind of unity.
*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is
the pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, S.C.
14.
GETTING TO ZERO: MEASLES HERE AND THERE:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
Measles, remember measles? It’s that
childhood rash that most persons over age 60 experienced many years ago.
Despite existence of a highly effective, inexpensive vaccine, measles has not
gone away. It continues to affect millions of children around the world. That
can be changed.
Measles Here
Measles in the USA has been in the news
because of an outbreak associated with family visits to Disneyland in Orange
County, California. (www.cdc.gov/measles/cases-outbreak).
An effective vaccine that prevents
infection with the measles virus has been available since the 1960s. Yet,
already in 2015 there have been 102 cases of measles in children and adults recorded
in 14 states of the USA. This number is consistent with a recent upward trend
of infection. In 2001, 116 cases were reported. There were 43 cases in 2007, 55
cases in 2012 and 167 cases in 2013. In
2014, there were 644 reported measles cases in the USA.
Protection against infection is part of the
measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is received first at 12-15 months and
again between ages 4 and 6 years. It is a required immunization for entering
school. Because of religion or acceptable medical conditions such as leukemia
or HIV/AIDS, in this country a few groups are exempt to getting the MMR
vaccine.
Media coverage of the Disneyland related
outbreak has heightened awareness of measles in the USA. Although there are
more infections in 2014 and at the beginning of this year, the 2015 outbreak
here should be short-lived. This is due to wide-spread vaccine coverage in the
USA for herd immunity provided by people who have been vaccinated or those who
have recovered from natural measles infection. (Herd immunity occurs in a
population when a person who is not vaccinated is protected because people
around them are vaccinated or immune to infection. Virus exposure in such a
protected population is unlikely to occur.)
Complete vaccine coverage is important for
protection of a population. Otherwise an epidemic can spread. For example, in
France where the vaccine is widely available, pockets of unvaccinated children
accumulated and measles cases went from less than 100 annually to over 10,000
in one year. With the exception of a few places, e.g. in Ohio among Amish
communities, measles vaccine coverage should be high in the USA. In an outbreak as is occurring now, newly
circulating virus may reach to pockets of unvaccinated individuals who are
susceptible to infection. Thus, cases of measles could increase.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective. The
misconception is debunked that autism is somehow associated with measles or
other early childhood vaccines. This initial claim was based on fabricated data;
further studies clearly show that there is no association. The misconception
should not be a factor in getting children vaccinated.
Infection with measles virus can be
uncomfortable and inconvenient- at the least, and life-threatening under
certain circumstance. Be sure your children, grandchildren and other infants
and children get the MMR vaccine. The first immunization is essential; the
second provides effective life-long protection.
Measles There
While measles in the USA should not be an
issue (despite the current Disneyland associated outbreak), infection of
children with measles virus continues to be a concern in many parts of the
world.
Most of the disease burden from measles is
in developing countries for children under five years of age. In 2013,
according to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally there were 145,700
deaths from measles. That is 400 deaths each day or 16 deaths every hour.
Due to wider availability of the
cost-effective vaccine, the 145,700 measles related deaths in 2013 represent a
75% drop from 535,000 in 2000. To put
this in perspective, in 2000, 5% of the deaths worldwide for children under
five years old were attributed to effects of measles infection.
The 75% reduction is welcomed progress.
The measles virus is highly contagious. It
passes from person to person by direct contact and through the air. It enters
the body through mucous membranes of the respiratory tract or eyes and then
circulates throughout the body to eventually cause a fine skin rash. The rash
spreads from the face and neck to the hands and feet and areas in between. High
fever, irritability, runny nose and red spots in the soft tissue of the mouth
are early symptoms that appear before the measles rash.
Complications for children under five and
for adults over 20 can lead to long-term effects. These include blindness, ear
infections, encephalitis, pneumonia and severe diarrhea from bacterial
infections. Measles infection can temporarily reduce immune defenses.
Malnutrition or dehydration that occurs for some children in developing
countries can severely complicate effects of measles. Although there is no
specific anti-viral treatment for measles, ribavirin, a generic drug that works
against some viruses that have RNA as the genetic material, can be helpful.
Infection with the virus provides life-long
immunity as do the two immunizations with the protective, genetically stable,
low-cost measles vaccine. The vaccine is widely used in the USA, Canada and
some European countries. Much of the USA population today has never experienced
or even seen measles infection. Yet, it is common and potentially lethal for
many unvaccinated children around the world.
One of the Millennium Development goals
(MDG4) to meet by 2015 seeks to reduce two thirds of the deaths from measles
for children. From 1990 – 2013, according to the WHO, the global vaccine and
immunization campaigns have prevented an estimated 15.6 million deaths from
measles.
Measles Elimination
The current 2012 - 2020 goal of the Measles
and Rubella Initiative (M&R Initiative) is to eliminate measles in at least
five of the six WHO geographical regions. This includes eliminating (getting to
zero) cases of measles in rural communities in hard to reach remote locations
or places with ongoing political conflict.
Universal access to the measles vaccine,
even in hard to reach locations, and complete coverage in places like the USA
are both necessary to achieve the 2020 elimination goal. Unvaccinated children
in developed countries (like the USA or France) are at risk for contact with
virus imported by travelers from other countries. Thus, no one can afford to
skip the measles vaccine as routine healthcare immunization or as part of
periodic vaccination campaigns in targeted countries.
Amazingly, 2020 is only five years away.
Getting to Zero with measles by then is feasible. The WHO, UNICEF, American Red
Cross, the CDC and United Nations Foundation that form the M&R Initiative
have provided a strategic plan (see link below). It is up to individuals to
make sure that the plan is successfully implemented so that measles is
eliminated as a potentially killer virus.
Measles here, and there, can be eliminated.
Whether families go to Disneyland to enjoy some family fun or family members
have to walk for miles to get safe drinking water, ensuring that all children
are immunized is what we can do. Yes we can eliminate measles so that it is
neither here nor there.
*Dr. Oveta Fuller is an Associate Professor
of Microbiology and Immunology and Faculty of the African Studies Center at the
University of Michigan and Adjunct Faculty at Payne Theological Seminary. An
Itinerant Elder in the 4th Episcopal District, she conducts HIV/AIDS
prevention research in Zambia and the USA. She lived in Zambia for most of 2013
as a J. William Fulbright Scholar.
15.
iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF:
iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON
BRIEF FEBRUARY 8, 2015 - LUKE 10: 25-37:
*Brother
Bill Dickens
Members of the Pacific Northwest
(PNW) Annual Conference remain in shock and dismay over the outcome of Super
Bowl 49. Their beloved Seattle Seahawks was less than a yard away from
scoring what many felt was the go-ahead touchdown to seal a victory and become
repeat NFL Champions. Instead, an ill-advised pass was intercepted and
victory belonged to the New England Patriots, much to the joy of the New
England Annual Conference of the AME Church. The PNW Conference has
experienced the thrill of victory seen in last year's Super Bowl win to
now the agony of defeat. Sports can indeed be a roller coaster with fans
experiencing the highs and the lows.
The Adult AME Church School
Lesson for February 8, 2015 examines the "low" point in a person's life
and how followers of Christ should respond.
Our story in Luke 10: 25-37
involves the parable of the “Good Samaritan.” Jesus engages in
a conversation with an inquisitive lawyer seeking the key to eternal
life. Jesus responds by quoting the Summary of the Decalogue. The
lawyer responds by saying he has faithfully upheld the Decalogue.
However, being inquisitive and somewhat self-serving, the lawyer wanted to know
from a legalistic perspective the meaning of "his neighbor."
Jesus uses his question as a
teaching opportunity. A young traveler from Jerusalem starts his journey
to Jericho and walks down the dangerous Jericho Road. He is attacked by
robbers leaving him nearly dead. Beaten, battered and bruised he cries
out for assistance yet neither the priest nor the Levite would come to his
aid. At the moment of giving up a Samaritan (social outcast for Jews)
comes to the aid of the victim, takes him to a nearby hotel and promises the
innkeeper he will assume all costs for the victim's recovery. Jesus
concludes by asking the inquisitive lawyer who was the victim's neighbor.
The lawyer responds correctly
- the person who befriended him in a time of need.
Seahawk fans need to rethink what
it means to experience pain and agony. The victim in the Good Samaritan
parable experienced the lowest point in his life until a total stranger came to
his aid. He was down but he was not "out."
*Brother
Bill Dickens is currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in
Tacoma, Washington. He is currently a
member of the Fellowship of Church Educators for the African Methodist
Episcopal Church
16.
MEDITATION BASED ON ISAIAH 40:21-31:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
40:21
Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the
beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
40:22
It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like
grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them
like a tent to live in;
40:23
who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing.
40:24
Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in
the earth, when he blows upon them, and they wither, and the tempest carries
them off like stubble.
40:25
To whom then will you compare me, or who is my equal? says the Holy One.
40:26
Lift up your eyes on high and see: Who created these? He who brings out their
host and numbers them, calling them all by name; because he is great in
strength, mighty in power, not one is missing.
40:27
Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the
LORD, and my right is disregarded by my God"?
40:28
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the
Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his
understanding is unsearchable.
40:29
He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless.
40:30
Even youths will faint and be weary, and the young will fall exhausted;
40:31
but those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up
with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and
not faint. Isaiah
40:21-31
I’m writing this meditation on the Tuesday
after one of the greatest National Football League Championship games of all
time - the 49th Super Bowl. My Seattle
Seahawks lost the game when they tried to complete a pass that was intercepted
with seconds left, instead of trying a safer and more promising running
play! In the midst of my commiserating
about that disastrous outcome, a friend who’s on staff at Harvard University
named David Evans - who’s also a New England Patriots fan - brought something
ironic to my attention via email.
David noted that Patriot’s Defensive Back
Malcolm Butler - who made the game saving interception - earlier gave up a
completed pass to Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse that put the ball inside
the ten yard line and gave Seattle the chance to win the game. The same player, who would have been the
“goat of the game” - as David put it - if Seattle had won, ended up being the
rightfully acclaimed hero who enabled the Patriots to win.
I’m not a Patriot’s fan, but I commend
Malcolm Butler for what he did. He could
easily have been unnerved, disconsolate, discouraged and consumed by his
earlier mistake and allowed a winning touchdown pass, but he gathered himself,
stepped up at a critical moment and made and interception that saved the game
for his team - just as Seahawks Defensive Back Richard Sherman did a year
earlier in the 48th Super Bowl.
Remember what Malcolm Butler did in your
most unnerved, discouraging and disconsolate times. Disappointment and failure will come to all
of us sooner or later, but we don’t have to be consumed or defeated by life’s
reversals and difficulties. We have a
mighty God on our side - the God who can give us strength, fight our battles
and enable us to gather ourselves, step up and achieve victory in life in spite
of the odds against us.
Trust in the Lord to fight your battles and
give you strength, even in your most trying, discouraging and disappointing
times. When you do, you can gather
yourself, step up, find victory on life’s journey in spite of insurmountable
odds, and discover new meaning in the words of Isaac Watts’ hymn that says,
“Sure I must fight if I should reign; increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the
toil, endure the pain; supported by Thy Word.”
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
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With
heartfelt sympathy we sadly announce the passing of Bro. Earnest Seawright, the
brother of Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright, Pastor of Union Bethel AME Church,
Brandywine and Temple Hills, Maryland.
Services
are as followed:
The
Wake will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2015, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at:
Prodigal
AME Church
1107
Center Hill Road
Highway
6
Swansea,
SC 29160
The
Home-Going Services will be held Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 2:00 PM, at:
Prodigal
AME Church
1107
Center Hill Road
Highway
6
Swansea,
SC 29160
Expressions
of condolences may be sent to:
The
Rev. Dr. Harry L. Seawright
1609
Portland Avenue
Fort
Washington, MD 20744
Union
Bethel AME Church is organizing a trip to Swansea, SC from the church, via a
motor coach. The travel itinerary will be available at Union Bethel AME Church.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Laverne Christine McLemore Hill,
daughter of Mrs. Daisy McLemore, President of the Lena E. Smith Missionary
Society, Community AME Church, Cleveland, Ohio and the sister of the Rev. Dr.
James H. McLemore, Presiding Elder, Pittsburgh District; and sister-in-law of
Mrs. Donna G. McLemore, President, Pittsburgh Conference M-SWAWO.
Home
Going Celebration will be held Saturday, February 7, 2015 at 1:00 p.m.:
Pleasant
Grove Baptist Church
566
Whitlock Avenue, N.W.
Marietta,
GA 30064-3118
Arrangements
Entrusted to:
Hanley/Shelton
Funeral Directors
473
Lawrence Street, N.E.
Marietta,
GA 30060-8207
Telephone: (770) 428-6333
Fax:
(770) 428-1838
Expressions
of Sympathy can be sent to:
Hanley/Shelton
Funeral Home at the above listed address.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the death of Mr. Eddie P. Jeffries, the brother-in-law
of Presiding Elder Emeritus Sydney W. Williams and brother of Mrs. Helen
Williams of the Virginia Conference, Second Episcopal District.
The
Funeral service for Mr. Jeffries was held on this past Friday, at St. Paul AME
Church at 25th and Chestnut Street in Newport News, VA.
Expressions
may be sent to:
Presiding
Elder, Emeritus and Mrs. Sydney W. Williams
317
Woodbrook Run
Newport
News, VA 23606
Telephone
number: 757-930-1102
Email
address: Longcreek2@aol.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Jean (Dandridge) Phillips of
Deptford, New Jersey. Mrs. Phillips is
the aunt of the Reverend Dr. John Dandridge, pastor Quinn Chapel AME Church,
216 Church Street Paris, Tennessee 38242 and the Reverend Dr. Janie
Dowdy-Dandridge, pastor of Woodfork Chapel AME Church Shelbyville, Tennessee
37160.
Mrs.
Jean (Dandridge) Phillips was a life member of Campbell AME Church in Woodbury,
New Jersey. She faithfully served in all capacities until her health failed.
The
following information is provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Professional
service provided by:
The
Bagwell Funeral Home
131
S Broad St
Penns
Grove, NJ 08069
Telephone:
(856) 299-1611
Celebration
of Life Services:
Friday,
February 6, 2015
Campbell
AME Church
220
Park Avenue
Woodbury,
New Jersey 08096
Viewing:
08:00 – 09:45 a.m.
Service:
10:00 a.m.
Pastor
and Officiating: The Rev. Norwood R. Cuff
Eulogist:
The Rev. Dr. John Dandridge
Interment:
Friday, February 6, 2015, 1:00 p.m. at
Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, Wrightstown, New Jersey
Expressions
of sympathy may be sent to:
The
Reverend Dr. John and the Rev. Dr. Janie Dandridge
1512
Raby Avenue
Shelbyville,
Tennessee 37160
Telephone:
(615) 512-6807 or (615) 796-7098
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is
with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Presiding Elder
Jewel B. DeWitty of the Fifth Episcopal District, Southern California
Conference. The Rev. DeWitty celebrated his
91st birthday on January 12, 2015. He passed on January 28, 2015.
The
Reverend DeWitty is survived by his wife, Mrs. Beverly DeWitty, a son, Gordon;
daughters, Ann DeWitty, Myra Meaks and Lawana DeWitty; and a host of friends
across the AME Connection.
Service:
Friday,
February 6, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
First
African Methodist Episcopal Church
2446
Revere Street
North
Las Vegas, NV 89030
The
Rev. Dr. Ralph E. Williamson
Telephone:
(702) 649-1774
Fax:
(702) 569-2989
Condolence
May be Sent to:
Mrs.
Beverly DeWitty
2919
Randor Court
North
Las Vegas, 89030
Telephone: (702) 326-8750
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It
is we great sadness that we announce the passing of Presiding Elder Thomas Gene
Allen, of the North Little Rock/Fort Smith District, Arkansas Annual
Conference. He is survived by his
spouse, Mrs. Aline Allen, his daughter, Dr. Nedra Allen, a grandson Jaylen, his
mother and a host of relatives and friends.
Dr.
Allen was a veteran churchman, serving as pastor of several churches and as the
Presiding Elder of the Pine Bluff South District (Central Arkansas), the Little
Rock and North Little Rock Districts in the Arkansas Annual Conference. He was elected a delegate to the General
Conference of the AME Church several times.
He
was actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement in the State of Arkansas,
and through that involvement, he helped to integrate the library in Helena, AR.
Arrangements
to celebrate a well-lived life are:
Family
Hour:
Friday,
February 6, 2015
Mt.
Pleasant AME Church
1201
N. Magnolia Street
Pine
Bluff, AR 71601
Time: TBA
Funeral
Services:
Saturday,
February 7, 2015
10:00
a.m.
St.
John A.M.E. Church
1117
West Pullen Street
Pine
Bluff, AR 71601
Condolences
may be shared with the family via:
Mrs.
Aline Allen & Family
#5
Saxony
Little
Rock, AR 72209
501.562.7902
Services
have been entrusted to:
Brown's
Funeral Home
2704
Commerce Circle
Pine
Bluff, AR 71601
Telephone:
870.534.3210
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Miss Brittany Barber. Miss Barber was
the daughter of Ms. Marcia D. Ragin and the niece of the Rev. Dr. M. Charmaine
Ragin, Presiding Elder of the Newberry-Spartanburg District, Columbia Annual
Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church. Miss Barber
passed on Tuesday, January 27, 2015.
Please
note the following:
Celebration
of Life
Wednesday,
February 4, 2015
2:00
p.m.
Historic
Liberty Hill A.M.E. Church
2310
Liberty Hill Road
Summerton,
SC 29148
Telephone:
(803) 478-4812
The
Rev. Robert China, Sr., Pastor
Rev.
Eddie Gaston, Jr., Presiding Elder
Funeral
Services are entrusted to:
Palmer
Memorial Chapel - Sumter
304
South Main Street
Sumter,
SC 29150
Telephone:
(803) 773-3381
Fax:
(803) 775-5327
Toll
Free Phone: 1-800-882-2444
Condolences
may be sent to:
The
Rev. Dr. M. Charmaine Ragin
P.
O. Box 1282
Sumter,
SC 29151
24. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY
ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora
L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC
Clergy Family Information Center
Telephone:
(615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone:
(615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell:
(615) 403-7751
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
25. 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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someone you know pass this copy of The Christian Recorder to you? Get your own
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