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
-- Easter Sunday:
April 5, 2015
1. TCR EDITORIAL
– “ON THE THIRD DAY…” - LET'S COUNT:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Each year around Easter, the media, and
even some religious leaders seem to raise conflicting theological issues and
this year is no different.
One of the issues going around involves the
statement and the biblical reference, “on the third day He arose from the
dead.” Anyone who has been to seminary
has probably heard various theories about the Resurrection. The theories make for great theological
discussion, but those discussions are probably best discussed in the academic
environment.
When I was in seminary, one of the big
issues was the notion by some theologians that “God was dead.” German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche first
coined the thought and other theologians, notably, Paul Tillich, Richard
Schacht and William Blake joined the discussion and in the 1960s seminaries
were all abuzz with the "God is Dead" conversation.
As an AME Itinerant elder seminarian, I had
the good sense to know a lot of what was said in the seminary needed to stay in
the seminary, in the spirit of the saying about Las Vegas, “What happens in Las
Vegas stays in Las Vegas.” I knew better than to take some of the theological
nonsense to my local church.
The parishioners at my church never heard
the “God is dead” discussion, but they did hear me say, “I know that God is
alive!” I was not in the notion to
confuse people or to provide TMI, especially unneeded information.
I am sure medical doctors discuss things
with each other that they don’t discuss with their patients and in the
military, there is “need to know” conversation, which is open for discussion
and there is information not discussed with soldiers – it is on a “need to
know” basis.
Within the ministry, there are theological
issues that might best be conversations that clergy have with clergy. There are
professional and theological discussions that are appropriate in a professional
setting, but inappropriate for frivolous discussions.
If a parishioner has a theological
question, he or she should go to his or her pastor. If a pastor or clergy has a
question, he or she should talk to his or her presiding elder. If a presiding elder has an issue that needs
clarification, he or she should talk to his or her bishop. Theological issues should not be posted,
especially by clergy, on FaceBook or other social networks. Professionalism by
the clergy should be a high standard at all times.
Here is the issue
It seems this year that there is a spirited
discussion about whether Jesus spent three days in the tomb as recorded in the
Bible and about whether he was crucified on Thursday or Friday.
Let me say upfront, what is recorded in the
Bible is what I believe. Jesus was crucified on Friday and he arose early
Sunday morning.
And, here is why I believe it
The issue is how time was counted in
antiquity, so before folks get off on a wrong track as it relates to Jesus’
three days in the tomb, people need to understand the Jewish reckoning of time.
Jesus was in the tomb three days! The
biblical account in the Bible is true.
The Apostles’ Creed says, “On the third day he arose from the
dead…”
Jewish reckoning of time
A day begins with sundown and runs until sundown
the following day. So here is the scoop on Jesus’ three days in the tomb.”
He was crucified on Friday and the
authorities wanted to put him in the grave before the Sabbath, which began on
sundown Friday so they put him in the grave before sundown on Friday, which was
the first day. When sundown arrived on Friday evening, it was, for Jews, the
beginning of a new day, the Sabbath (Saturday). The Sabbath (Friday evening
until Saturday evening) was the second day according to Jewish reckoning of
time. Sunday was the third day, which in reality began on Saturday evening. The
early writers of the gospels were Jewish (except for Luke) and they reckoned
time in the Jewish sense, not in the Roman or the modern sense of reckoning
time from midnight to midnight.
So here is the calculation reckoned in
Jewish time:
Day 1 – Friday, which ended at sundown
Day 2 – Saturday, which began sundown on
Friday evening.
Day 3 – Sunday, which began on Saturday at
sundown.
The Apostles’ Creed states, “The third day
he arose from the dead…” The Nicene
Creed says, "On the third day he rose again in accordance
with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of
the Father." Do the
biblical or creedal accounts say that Jesus was in the grave for 72 hours? No!
“On the third day…!”
People who are not well-trained will try to
reckon time as we reckon time from midnight to midnight or in 24-hour segments
and count Friday to Saturday as the first day and Saturday to Sunday as the
second day; that’s not the way time was counted in antiquity or in the biblical
account.
In Genesis, the day began with nothingness
or darkness, so “an evening and a morning was the first day…” and that’s why
Jews reckon time as they do.
Jesus was in the grave 3 days, Friday,
Saturday and Sunday and “The third day,” Sunday, “He rose
again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of
God the Father Almighty; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the
dead."
And, when I see frivolous theological
discussions on FaceBook and other social media platforms, especially when
posted by clergy, I recall some of the older preachers use to say, “When you go
to seminary, you need to be grounded in the faith, because seminary can mess up
a weak-minded preacher.”
I recently heard a layperson say, “Some
people work overtime trying to disprove the Bible and the existence of
God, instead of being spiritually enlightened by the Bible and the Holy
Spirit to meet God and get to know God better.”
My testimony, “Giving honor to God…”
"I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic (universal), church, the
communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and
the life everlasting. Amen."
On the third day, "Jesus rose from the
dead..." I believe it without discussion!
2. THE
CHRISTIAN RECORDER OP-EDS:
-- TCR
OP-ED – CONCERNS ABOUT THE “BLACK FRIDAY CAMPAIGN”:
I have a few concerns with the 'Black
Friday Campaign'. I have been a
professional economist for over 25 years through teaching, work appointments,
research and publishing economic articles in professional journals. One of my articles in economics was published
by The A.M.E. Church Review about 10 years
ago when I presented the case that Richard Allen was the first African American
economist in the USA. I fully support
economic stabilization for all Americans because as President Kennedy correctly
noted, “A rising tide lifts all boats.”
In addition, I supported Minister Louis Farrakhan's program of POWER in
the 80s (People Organized to Work for Economic Rebirth).
The Black Friday Campaign is important, but
it is limited in scope. The limitations
are due to several key features missing in the campaign namely the formation of
capital and production. Economists,
irrespective of ideological preference, acknowledge that the source of all
sustainable wealth is in production and capital formation. The Black Friday Campaign offers no guide
concerning how African Americans can reach that dual target. Spending dollars in the "black
community" is not a sustainable strategy because consumption is not wealth
creation. What we need is a sustainable
wealth creation strategy that focuses on:
1) Capital Formation: Every AME Annual
Conference should have a credit union. I
only know of one Annual Conference Credit Union and that is the Florida
Conference Credit Union in the 11th Episcopal District.
2) Technology Formation: AME members across
the Connection who are patent holders should be recognized by our church. Patents represent the pathway to technology
diffusion and eventually economic opportunities. There are potential 'Silicon Valleys' across
the US and abroad but we don't know who they are.
3) Entrepreneurial Formation: African
Americans are viewed as spenders because our culture doesn't encourage
entrepreneurs due to our risk-averse behavior.
We need to instill a new educational culture that emphasizes savings not
spending is the key to economic recovery and being successful as a business owner
is just as important (if not more so) as a college graduate.
Finally let me add that I am not confident
the eight week time frame for the “Black Friday Campaign” will produce
meaningful results simply due to the short period.
I also don't think it is appropriate to
start the Black Friday Campaign to coincide with Good Friday. Good Friday is a sacred a day on our
liturgical calendar to "share" time with a secular event such as
this. I would've preferred to see the
campaign start the Friday after Good Friday.
-- TCR OP-ED
- A RESPONSE TO TCR OP-ED - A MORATORIUM UPON THE
ADMISSION AND TRAINING OF LOCAL PREACHERS AND NO ONE SAID WHY:
Please permit me to express my heartfelt
disappointment in The Christian Recorder for opting
to print the article in section 2 of this edition. As the chairman of the New
Jersey Annual Conference Board of Examiners, I believe that the article is an
attack on the Bishop's discretion concerning the ordination of any person. As
you know, ordination is not an entitlement, but a privilege.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't
locals technically a member of the district conference and not the annual
conference? Those requesting local orders come to the conference with a request
from the local church to receive local ordination. The governing body over the
local church is the presiding elder and the district conference. Can a local
request a transfer from the annual conference like an itinerant? Can a local minister vote during the annual
conference for delegates to the general conference or any other business? The answer is no! The "fathers and
mothers" of the Church were kind to include them in the annual conference
roll call. However, none of their responsibilities allow them to participate in
the work of the annual conference.
Therefore, my Bishops decision to ordain
locals at the Episcopal District planning meeting rather than at the annual
conference is valid decision.
My concern is that the AME Church's
"official voice" has decided to give voice to a local deacon who is
upset with the bishop's decision. The writer’s statement concerning no one
being able to tell her why there is a moratorium instituted in the entire
district is none of her concern. The moratorium doesn't affect her, so why
would I owe her an explanation when she needs to be concerned with finishing
the process?
The reason for the moratorium in our
district is due to the fact we have locals who aren't finishing the process and
churches that have more local preachers than actual members in the church. We
also have locals who are causing major problems for pastors of local churches.
Ronald L. Slaughter, Chairman of the New
Jersey Conference Board of Examiners
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL
AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To the Editor:
I greet you, brothers and sisters in Jesus
Christ our Lord and Father. Thank you for all that you do in the kingdom of God
and for the people of God. May God bless you your work. We love you in Uganda.
Pastor Hannington Chris
4. I ASK:
*Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
I ASK:
I
am currently pastoring two churches. On Communion Sundays I consecrate at
one, Communion the first table and then turn it over to the stewards to head to
the second church. A member commented on my absence and felt that
stewards should not commune members. She felt that a licentiate should do
it.
I
told her that it was appropriate for stewards to serve, not consecrate
Communion, to with she stated that she had never seen that done before. I
told her I would find it in The Discipline
and share it with her. I thought I had read it in The
Discipline, but I guess not, unless it was removed from a prior
edition.
What
are your thoughts?
Name
withheld
Bishop Guidry’s Response
Both the Book of Doctrine and
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Turner's Polity
instruct that only ordained persons are permitted to consecrate and distribute
the communion. (Communion is listed among those functions called
"priestly duties).
The Doctrine and Discipline of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2012 -
pages 62-63 (see also page 111) explains the duties and limitations of
stewards and lay preachers. They are not permitted to distribute the elements
of Communion. Also see Turner's Polity - Pages 138-139.
5.
"UNFORGETTABLE" GOOD FRIDAYS:
-- A letter penned by
Bishop Lawrence Reddick, the Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal
Church to the CME Church family
They began when I was a newly
assigned pastor … and they began without me knowing they were coming. In the pastor’s office I sat with one of the
leaders – the chair of the Commission on membership and Evangelism – who
explained what the Commission was doing and the plans they had … before the new
pastor had arrived.
“There’s one other thing we
do,” she said. Her next words met
home: “I hope you will wait and see it
before you change it.” Then the leader –
Aggie Rudolph was her earthly name – told me how the Commission sponsored
Lenten Services which were aimed at supporting the working people in the city
center close to our sanctuary.
There were two significant
components to these Lenten services. My
predecessor as pastor, the Rev. Robert L. Douglass, had begun this
ministry.
The first component, she
said, were weekly short services – from 12:20 until 12:40 – just 20
minutes. Pastor Douglass had selected
other pastors from the city to give the 5-7 minutes meditation. They were from various churches and
denominations, but all presented the Lenten theme and all accepted the
services’ aims – to enrich the lives of those who wanted Lenten renewal, but to
focus on downtown working people who had only one hour for lunch by offering 20
minutes of planned worship.
The second component, she
said, was not a short service. It was a
Good Friday service that began at Noon and ended at 3 p.m. – as close to 3
o'clock as possible. Pastor Douglass had
emphasized the symbolic three hours – a reminder of Jesus hanging on the cross
for three hours. It was a service of
meditations on the seven last words, of singing the Lenten songs, with a time
for people to give an offering, and ending with an emphasis on commitment as
the service moved to an unrushed altar call just before the benediction.
She had said something like
this: “I hope you will wait and see it
before you change it.”
That’s how they began … when
I was a newly assigned pastor to a people called Scruggs Memorial CME Church in
St. Louis, Missouri in 1978 – these “unforgettable Good Fridays.” The Lenten services were important and
helpful, but the Good Fridays were, during those four years, etching indelible
memories in my soul and spirit more than I knew at the time.
The Good Friday
services! O, how healing and renewing
they were! Every year for those four
years, I heard some colleague in ministry give new insight to each of the seven
last words: “Father, forgive them …”;
“Today shalt thou be with me …”; “Woman, behold thy Son …”; “My God, My God,
why …”; “I thirst”; “It is finished”; and “Father, into thy hands ….” Every year for four years, we worshipped …
and it seemed to be without the mockery of trying to “out-preach” each
other. But every year for four years, I
was driven by Pastor Douglass’ institution to move beyond even powerful
preaching to the transformative moments of actively remembering, “Surely He
died on Calvary!” Every year for four
years, God climaxed those transformative moments with the desire to respond in
renewed commitment at the altar in response to His death – at the close of an
unrushed, three hour service.
Every year formed a
memory. The memories sustain me still.
+ Lawrence L. Reddick III
6. THE AFRICAN
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH HAS AME APP AVAILABLE:
The Office of the General Secretary of the AME Church makes AME App available to AMEs and others who would like to download the App on Apple and Android devices. There is a one-time cost of $1.99. In your App Store, simply type in your search: "AME Church"
The Office of the General Secretary of the AME Church makes AME App available to AMEs and others who would like to download the App on Apple and Android devices. There is a one-time cost of $1.99. In your App Store, simply type in your search: "AME Church"
Editor’s note: It’s a
wonderful app and you can navigate all over the AME Church with the one-time
cost of $1.99
7. WARM NIGHTS: IT WAS
LIKE THE PRECIOUS OIL UPON THE HEAD:
*The Reverend Dawn Lockett
Hobson
From December 28, 2014 to
January 4, 2015 Greater Mt. Nebo AME Church hosted 25 homeless men and women.
The program is called Warm Nights and it is the way that Prince George’s
County, Maryland expands its ability to shelter homeless persons during the
cold months of the year. Churches throughout the county open their doors and
their hearts and allow homeless persons to sleep in their church buildings for
one week each. During that week persons are fed breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The persons who were housed
had a variety of issues that caused them to depend on someone else to provide a
place to sleep and food to eat. Some
persons were in this situation for the first time in their lives because of
foreclosures, unemployment, broken relationships, and other issues. Those
persons are able, with help from the County and the churches, to get back on
their feet within months. Others, however, return year after year because they
are unable to work and can’t support themselves on disability insurance. As
well as, some persons have substance abuse issues, medical issues, or mental
health challenges that have kept them homeless for years. And still many persons, after years of
difficult circumstances, have simply found it hard to imagine any other life.
Seemingly, to preserve a sense of dignity, there is a growing sense of
entitlement that stands as a barrier to a new life. This is the place where Christ’s love abounds
through the Church.
At Greater Mt Nebo, under the
direction of Pastor Jonathan L. Weaver, more than 150 members, an outside
organization, and friends and family, were organized by the Reverend Dawn
Lockett Hobson and her husband, Brother Kainan Hobson, and worked tirelessly to setup, support, feed,
and secure the homeless guests. It was a
wonderful example of members using their gifts as varying parts of the body.
Each person did their part and together a great work was done.
Over 32 men worked security
shifts to supplement the already busy trustee board by protecting the facility
and maintaining order 24 hours a day for the week.
Each day was hosted by a
ministry or ministries. Volunteers set the stage on the first day. Rooms were set up and tables were set and
beautifully decorated. The youth played
a huge part in this as they were led by the Reverend Michelle Agnew, Minister
to Youth. They did much of the heavy lifting and setup while others took
pleasure in cooking and decorating to help our guests feel more at ease. Youth Ministry returned to cook and serve
both dinner and a very early morning breakfast.
There were free legal consultations which gave some guests hope that
their situations could be resolved.
Other days were just as
exciting. Each day decorations were
changed to go along with the meal of the day.
For example, on Chili Day tiny sombreros and ponchos were placed to set
a Mexican theme. Fresh hot meals were served including spaghetti, chili,
casserole, and a variety of “good for the soul’ food. Hot breakfast was served each day, and on two
days, persons brought their families together to host breakfast by cooking
eggs, grits, applesauce, pancakes and sausage or bacon. Lunch bags were prepared and were packed with
sandwiches, all sorts of goodies, fruit and drinks. Nothing was withheld and
persons came together expressing love with creativity. One shelter monitor indicated that because of
the love and quality of food, homeless guests who never ate, were eating
again. There was one women who, for the
first few days, came in went to bed and covered her head. Not long after she
was out, eating and socializing.
There was line dancing, Movie
Night, and haircuts were given. Toiletries packed in brightly colored pack
backs, decorated with inspiring words, were distributed. For laundry night over
400 dollars in quarters were collected and even the children gave to this
effort. The children created welcome greeting cards for the guests. Gift cards were given including $400 in
McDonald’s gift cards and $40 dollars in CVS gift cards. These were distributed
to allow the guests a place to go to warm themselves on the coldest days and to
give shelter monitors a way to address some health issues by paying for needed
medicines.
The Word was spoken daily to
the group, and on an individual basis. The New Year was celebrated with candy
and at Watch Night Service, after hearing a powerful Word; some guests
rededicated their lives to Christ.
Prayers were spoken continually and a men’s gospel a cappella group
called “Another Group” topped the week off with an awesome concert.
At the end of the week, we
knew that God had impacted lives. Thank you cards were received, testimonies
about getting a car working, getting a job or simply realizing that they were
cared for were told and God was glorified through ministry.
Certainly the most exciting
part of this story is the fact that 25 homeless persons were housed, fed and
supported with the love of Christ for a week.
But, the other blessing is the tremendous spirit of unity that
arose. There was a joy that was evident
as people served, decorated and cooked.
From the youngest, who made cards or collected quarters, to the oldest
who gave of her substance, everyone worked to the glory of God. The true miracle was how the Greater Mt. Nebo
A.M.E. Church family was blessed with the good and pleasant things of God that
came while working together in unity.
“Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious
oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, coming down
upon the edge of his robes. It is like the dew of Hermon coming down upon the
mountains of Zion; for there the LORD commanded the blessing-- life forever”
Psalm 133:1-3 (NASB)
*The Reverend Dawn Lockett
Hobson is the Minister of Evangelism at Mt. Nebo AME Church in Bowie Maryland
8. NATIONAL
HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES ALUMNI ASSOCIATION LETTER TO
PRESIDENT BARACK H. OBAMA:
Subject: Status of Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs)
Reference: Remarks during the February 10th
meeting with the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC)
Dear President Obama:
First, on behalf of the
National Historically Black Colleges & Universities Alumni Associations,
LLC (NHBCUAA) and the thousands of HBCU Alumni that we represent, let me
express our sincere thanks for all the hard work you have done on behalf of our
great nation. Because of your
leadership, many social and political issues have been provided a national
forum. We are better off as a nation and
are certainly moving in the appropriate direction on many of the most critical
national issues.
Unfortunately, we must
address the recent statements made by you at the referenced meeting with the
CBC regarding our HBCUs. This letter is
transmitted to you to express our disappointment and utter frustration regarding
your recent statement regarding the status of HBCUs while meeting with the
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).
Our hope regarding the long
overdue exchange between you and the CBC would be a spirited collaboration on
addressing the financial and social ills that hamper the success of our
HBCUs. Instead, what was received
resembles a gut punch from you in expressing your “simplification” of the
current HBCU story by only one set of metrics, “graduation rates and loan policies”.
To only reference “graduation
rates and loan policies” as the foundation of our comments about HBCUs ignores
much. It does bring into question your
understanding of the HBCU community and the tremendous historical value that
they have provided for this great nation.
We have many in our community, like yourself, who have matriculated at
other institutions who believe that they know us better than we know
ourselves.
Thus, it would have been more
appropriate for you to engage us in a dialogue about the topic and determine
root causes and viable solutions to perceived and actual problems.
It is easy for anyone to
state what you stated. We expect more
from you than just lumping us in a negative category and making a “flippant
remark” such as you made to our CBC and HBCU Leadership. We desire better engagement from you and
shall press all concerned parties to rally on this topic and make it a national
topic of discussion. For too long, we
have been told that our issues are not of sufficient magnitude and importance
to others. I am truly reminded of that
fact as I reflect on the movie Selma and hearing President Johnson utter those
same sentiments.
What if Dr. King had listened
to him and not pursued the march for voting rights? I wonder what impact that would have had upon
your desire to achieve the high office of President of these United States of
America. Be mindful that we “black folk”
are citizens of this great nation and desire the same level of respect,
admiration and support that all citizens expect and demand. I trust that these words will resonate with
some portion of your soul that understands the disparate treatment of HBCUs
when it comes to funding and sustainment that our majority institutions of
higher education have enjoyed for hundreds of years. Being a scholar and student of history, we
truly expected you to know and appreciate the facts regarding education of
blacks through HBCUs and work to address them in an appropriate manner.
Instead, you seem to have
chosen the typical majority path of speaking to one set of metrics and ignoring
the huge body of data that represents who and what the HBCU community is. Please be mindful that thousands of our
graduates were the strongest supporters of your campaign in 2008 and again in
2012. What you have expressed in this
statement confirms for all too many that you have been less of a friend and
champion to a community that has supported you and your initiatives. We welcomed the opportunity to engage with
you and like-minded persons in a serious discussion of how to improve the
current state of affairs for our beloved HBCUs.
Once again, our hopes are
dashed, but not destroyed. We will
survive your statements and your administration and press onward to ensure that
our HBCUs survive and prosper. Please
let us know if you wish to be a part of that history versus being recorded as
the President who stated that HBCUs need to close if they cannot get it
together.
Respectfully submitted,
Ty Couey, President
cc: Congressman GK
Butterfield, Chair Congressional Black Caucus 2015-2017
Dr. William Harvey,
President, Hampton University and Chair, President Obama’s Board of
Advisors on HBCUs
Dr. George Cooper, White
House Initiatives on HBCUs
Congressman GK Butterfield,
2305 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
9. REFLECTIONS ON
ERADICATING RACISM:
Felecia Commodore (AME
Church)
-- From the Eradicating
Racism panel sponsored by the Churches Uniting in Christ.
Churches Uniting In Christ,
inspired by a letter written by young adult leaders of the AME church, held an
intergenerational, ecumenical forum regarding how the church at large can play
a part in eradicating racism and addressing social ills. The panels centered on the needs and concerns
of young adults in our churches and communities, how we can be successful in an
intergenerational approach to social justice work, and what strategies and
community partnerships were available for the church to address social ills,
specifically racism. The forum was
hosted at Christian Temple of Faith CME Church in Dallas Texas on March 14 and
streamed via the internet and included questions and conversation from both
Twitter and Facebook.
There were many rich moments
in the conversations had, including personal encounters with racism within the
church context, confronting White privilege in the church, learning how to
speak to the intersections of our community and congregation members, the
silencing of Black women and how to connect the multiple generations in the
fight against racism. I believe that
this conversation was a fruitful one.
Though everyone may not have agreed with all of their peer participants,
conversations were had and started that have long been overdue. This coming together of persons across
denominations showed that, in the body of Christ, we are more often the same
than we are not. This forum also gave
young adults an opportunity to speak directly to the issues that are not only
affecting young adult church members but young adult community members in
general. This allowed for dialogue to
begin about how our churches can do more to address these issues. There were a number of strategies listed in
the last panel of the conference. It is the hope of the participants that the
connections made at the Truth to Power forum will be long lasting and have
great impact. The conference gave the
participants the ability to get out of our congregational silos and work with
other churches and community groups to begin to speak to the racism that
plagues many of our communities and do so in a very real, lasting way.
This forum also shed light on
a new generation of leaders within and outside of our various churches. We were
able to hear ideas and see the desire to push the church to be more active and
vocal in the fight against racism. These
young adults saw this as part of the ministry and evangelism of the
Gospel. Young adults also spoke very
passionately about valuing different experiences, working across political,
doctrinal, racial, and gender lines.
They saw racism as an ill that affects all of our communities and
congregations. Therefore the church had
to speak in actions as well as words.
This forum laid a strong foundation for ecumenical social justice work
within the church. Now that great
discussion has begun it is our hope that the implementation of strategies
occurs. Faith without works is dead, and this group challenges the church to
practice what it preaches.
Churches Uniting In Christ is
an ecumenical organization founded in 2002 whose origins lie in the
Consultation on Church Union. Its
purpose is “reconciling the baptized, seeking unity with justice.” The organization is composed of member churches
including three members of the Methodist/Wesleyan family: the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and The United Methodist Church.
*Felecia Commodore is a
member of the AMEC Lay YAR Organization
10. HISTORY OF HYMNS:
“BENEATH THE CROSS OF JESUS”:
*C. Michael Hawn
"Beneath the
Cross of Jesus" by Elizabeth C. Clephane; The United Methodist
Hymnal, No. 297; AMEC Hymnal No. 146
Elizabeth C. Clephane
Beneath the cross of
Jesus
I fain would take my
stand,
the shadow of a mighty
rock
within a weary land;
A home within the
wilderness,
a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the
noontide heat,
and the burden of the
day.
Elizabeth Cecilia Douglas
Clephane was born in Scotland in 1830 and died in 1869. The daughter of a
county sheriff, she lived most of her brief life near Edinburgh.
Though in frail health most
of her life, Elizabeth found the strength to help the poor and sick in her
town. She and her sister gave all that they could spare to charity including,
it is said, selling their horse and carriage for the benefit of the needy. The
townspeople of Melrose referred to Elizabeth as “the Sunbeam.”
“Beneath the cross of Jesus,”
focusing on the shelter of the cross, was first published three years after the
author’s death in 1872 under the title “Breathings on the Border,” perhaps a
double entendre referring to a geographical location near Melrose, the Scottish
Borders, and a reference to the border between life and death. This poem and
others of hers appeared in the Scottish Presbyterian magazine The Family
Treasury, submitted by an anonymous source, perhaps a family member or friend.
One source suggests that this hymn was written within one year of her death in
1868. British hymnologist, J.R. Watson mentions that an editorial emendation
attached to the poem by the anonymous source submitting the poems said, these
lines “express the experiences, the hopes and the longings of a young Christian
lately released.”
Contained in the same
collection was her famous narrative poem, “There were ninety and nine that
safely lay.” Both of these hymns were promoted by the well-known American
musical evangelist and songwriter Ira D. Sankey (1840-1908), who published them
in his Sacred Songs and Solos (1873). Though Sankey composed a tune for the
song entitled CLEPHANE, the almost universal pairing is with ST. CHRISTOPHER,
composed by Bristol, England, musician, Frederick C. Maker (1844-1927).
The hymn is full of
comforting, and perhaps paradoxical language, about the cross, after all, an
instrument of the cruelest torture. These include in stanza two “the shadow of
a mighty rock,” “a home within the wilderness,” “a rest upon the way.” An
omitted third stanza provides additional images of consolation: a “happy
shelter,” “refuge tried and sweet,” a “trysting place,” and “a ladder up to
heaven,” a reference to Jacob’s ladder.
O safe and happy
shelter,
O refuge tried and
sweet,
O trysting place where
heaven’s love
and heaven’s justice
meet!
As to the exiled
patriarch
that wondrous dream was
given,
so seems my Savior’s
Cross to me -
a ladder up to heaven.
Originally five stanzas,
another omitted stanza, perhaps autobiographical, provides further insight into
the comfort that the writer found in the shadow of the cross and the
inspiration that the cross gave her as she anticipated her own death:
There lies beneath its
shadow,
but on the further
side,
the darkness of an open
grave
that gapes both deep
and wide;
and there between us
stands the cross,
two arms outstretched
to save,
like watchman set to
guard the way
from that eternal grave.
Such explicit anticipation of
and longing for death may seem somewhat morbid today, but echoes the Romantic
literary sentiment of her time. Though appropriately sung during Lent and Holy
Week today, this hymn is more of a personal meditation on the cross and one’s
own mortality than a hymn written for a specific time of the Christian Year.
The contrast between this
nineteenth-century Romantic perspective of the cross and the early
seventeenth-century understanding expressed in the famous hymn by Isaac Watts
(1674-1748), “When I survey the wondrous cross” (1707) is significant. Only the
salient differences can be mentioned here. While Clephane’s cross is one of
shelter and comfort, Watts’ cross is one of redemption. Clephane scarcely
mentions the One who hung on the cross, while Watts focuses our attention to
the dying Christ in stark detail in the first line of the following stanza (UMH
298):
See from his head, his
hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow
mingled down.
Did e’er such love and
sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so
rich a crown?
Clephane’s hymn incorporates
an extensive list of comforting images, many biblical, while Watts interprets
the scene of a dying Christ theologically. Following the first line of the
stanza cited above, Watts, through the use of metaphor, transforms blood and
water into “love and sorrow” and thorns into a regal crown. He concludes his
hymn with a rhetorical question that cannot be answered except to say, “No!
Nothing like this has ever happened in the history of the human race.”
Finally, Clephane places her
encounter with the sheltering cross as an act of personal solace. She wants to
remain spiritually in the shelter of the cross:
I take, O cross, thy shadow
for my abiding place;
Her final stanza states, she
is “content to let the world go by/to know no gain or loss. . .” Watts, on the
other hand, shifts our gaze from the crucified Christ to the “whole realm of
nature” and calls for our total commitment:
Love so amazing, so
divine,
demands my soul, my
life, my all.
The purpose of this
comparison is not to ascribe a higher quality to one hymn over another, for
both bear faithful witness to an encounter with the crucified Christ. The
purpose is to demonstrate the difference between the early eighteenth century
theological perspective of Isaac Watts and the spiritual encounter of a woman
during the Romantic era of literature 160 years later.
Elizabeth Clephane’s
reflection assumes a spiritual posture of meditation. Unlike what she states in
her final stanza, “Content to let the world go by. . . :, this was not her
ethical posture as she was not only aware of others’ plight, but also shared
all she could spare to meet the needs of the poor and infirmed within the
limitations of her frail health and resources. Given the rich symbolism that is
part of the cross in Christian experience, we need to sing both of these hymns
as well as many others on this theme.
*C. Michael Hawn is
University Distinguished Professor of Church Music, Perkins School of Theology,
SMU.
**Used with permission of the
United Methodist News Service
11. WATCH THE ONES WHO CELEBRATE
YOU:
*The Rev. Jarrett Britton Washington
They took palm branches and went out to
meet him, shouting, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the
name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the king of Israel!" John 12:13,
NIV
Most recently, my wife and I were engaged
in a conversation about the very people who celebrate us. On the surface level, we are, and continue to
be, excited to have people in our lives who are happy for and with us. It makes us feel great to know there are
people who are sincerely happy for the things God continues to do in our
lives. Honestly, God continues to do
some amazing things....I just cannot tell it all. But what happens when the very people that celebrate
us one day or the same ones who drag our names in the very dirt the next
day? What happens when the people you
thought were there for sincere reasons become the people who only want a front
seat to your demise? Furthermore, what
happens when the people who say they love you decide it's time to crucify you?
There is no truer statement then the fact
that "people will be people."
Literally, one week from Resurrection Sunday/Easter the spirit of God
would have me to remind you in order to have the resurrection; you must first
encounter the betrayal. We recall as
Christ entered Jerusalem promise and tragedy were operating at the same
time. On one side the people were chanting
"Hosanna," while in many folks' minds they believed "Crucify
Him." Christ has all people's
hearts both under His eye and His hand.
As believers, we must continuously make the connection that God is in
control of everything happening in our lives.
Even as Christ triumphed and the disciples were overjoyed in praise the
Pharisees and enemies of the kingdom were vexed.
You too ought to understand even as you
celebrate (whatever it is that you celebrate) there exist people who hate on
the sideline of your life. I learned a
long time ago, not everyone is happy in your happiness. You ought to release yourself from the
thoughts of people and relish in knowing God remains good to you despite what
people may say, think or believe. In my
transparent place, I will tell you the very people giving you shot outs on
Social Media or even praising you in public, may privately dislike everything
about you despite you. Yet, your goal is
to realize that above people, my goal is to strive to please God.
Before Jesus made his triumphant entry into
Jerusalem, the text testifies Jesus was in need of a colt. He could have asked for stallion or maybe the
best horse available in the land, but he asked for a colt. He reminded the disciples that if any man
asks, just let them know he was in need.
He said untie it, loose it and let it go. Jesus, knowing the people would praise him by
shouting "Hosanna blessed be the name of the Lord" during his entry,
yet would opt to crucify him later, decides I need to come in as humble as I
know how. In your own humility realize
that if they can talk highly about you when you don't look like much, simply
think about what they will say when God really opens up more doors in your
life.
Today is a good day, to remind yourself
that everyone who celebrates you is not for you. Yet, your goal as a believer is not to get
caught up on the people, but to fix your mind on your resurrection and a better
place in God. Allow every trick of the
enemy, every naysayer, and every trial to push you to greater things in
God. Don't stop believing that God will
and God can. Encourage the very fibers
of your soul on this week that what God has for you is simply for you. Even if they don't cheer, shout, or
celebrate, realize that because God has brought you to this place, it is
apparent; God will take care of you.
*The Rev. Jarrett Britton Washington is the
pastor of Saint James in Johns Island, South Carolina
12. THE
TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Rev. Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For ye know the grace of
our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became
poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”
In other words, let
me familiarize you with the generosity of our Master, Jesus Christ. As rich as
Jesus was, he gave it all away for us. He became poor and we became rich.
I submit that one
of the most challenged subjects in the Bible is the subject of giving. For the
sake of argument I say giving is a problem. Giving is a problem and not just
for Christians.
We find each day
economic geniuses pouring over the details of stimulus proposals offered
through government and private industry programs, looking for flaws and faults.
The truth of the matter is however, we rarely find any two experts arriving at
the same conclusion.
We find some
concluding that we have spent too much while others assert we haven’t spent
enough. There is a warning from some that we should diversify more, and others
say we should diversify less. After listening to all the intellectual analysis
by all the so-called experts, I have come to the conclusion that most of what
we hear is merely somebody’s opinion.
None of my academic
preparation would indicate I am qualified to provide an opinion; neither has
anyone asked me for an opinion on the economic situation. It could very well be
that folk didn’t think I had an opinion or maybe they didn’t care to hear my
opinion. However, if somebody would ask me I would let them know that I believe
the cause of the economic downturn is the folk who have much want more at the
expense of those who have little. It is my opinion that America is not well.
But the good news is that God prescribed the cure for America over thousands of
years ago.
Folk many times try
to make what God said complicated. But really, God’s Word is plain and to the
point. The cure for what ails us can be found in a letter the Apostle Paul
wrote to the Corinthians, 2 Corinthians 8:7-15.
I think the
translation from The Living Bible is a help at
this juncture as it reads: You people there are
leaders in so many ways you have so much faith, so many good preachers, so much
learning, so much enthusiasm, so much love for us. Now I want you to be leaders
also in the spirit of cheerful giving. I am not giving you an order; I am not
saying you must do it, but others are eager for it. This is one way to prove
that your love is real, that it goes beyond mere words. You know how full of
love and kindness our Lord Jesus was: though he was so very rich, yet to help
you he became so very poor, so that by being poor he could make you rich. I
want to suggest that you finish what you started to do a year ago, for you were
not only the first to propose this idea, but the first to begin doing something
about it. Having started the ball rolling so enthusiastically, you should carry
this project through to completion just as gladly, giving whatever you can out
of whatever you have. Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equaled by
your realistic action now. If you are really eager to give, then it isn’t
important how much you have to give. God wants you to give what you have, not
what you haven’t. Of course, I don’t mean that those who receive your gifts
should have an easy time of it at your expense, but you should divide with
them. Right now you have plenty and can help them; then at some other time they
can share with you when you need it. In this way, each will have as much as he
needs. Do you remember what the Scriptures say about this? "He that
gathered much had nothing left over, and he that gathered little had
enough." So you also should share with those in need.
This translation, I
believe, is extremely clear and it is good medicine. However, the trouble with
good medicine is that often times we don’t like how it tastes. Might I remind
us that we never really liked the taste of Castor Oil either, but it certainly
did the trick!
How do we convince
a selfish people in a nation of “free enterprisers” about the benefits of
sharing? How do we persuade the person at the top of the company food chain to
care about what happens to the minimum wage folks at the bottom of the chain
trying to support a family?
Interestingly we
cannot just accuse the folk at the top of being selfish. Particularly when in
fact there is enough blame to go around. For example, how do we convince a
family whose children are covered by healthcare that they ought to be concerned
about their neighbors whose children have no insurance? How do we convince the
folk who have saved to send their children to school, that they ought to be
willing to contribute something toward the education of someone else’s
children?
Statistics support
the fact that the philosophy of sharing and the concept of contributing to help
those less fortunate are foreign to most Americans. As a matter of fact some
folk would even argue that it is unfair to be asked to share their wealth with
someone else. And that it is unfair to expect the working family to contribute
toward the poor, the unemployed and the folk who earn just minimum wage. The
argument goes so far as to criticize whatever agency, government or private
asking us to do so. My argument however is that folks are misdirecting their
argument. I submit that instead of taking their argument up with the Government
or heads of the private sector, the Bible convinces me that folks ought to take
up that argument with God.
I believe saved and
unsaved folk get confused when we think we are being asked to give up our
money. In fact it is not our money.
Every dollar we have belongs to God. We are just God’s stewards and
caretakers. God allows us to manage His affairs for Him. And for all our hard
work God allows us to keep 90% of the profits. All God asks for is 10%.
The idea of sharing
should be an easy sell to folk who profess to be Christians. This medicine is
for all who claim to be in God’s family. After all shouldn’t we all be able to
swallow God’s medicine?
The reason why God
designed His sharing plan is we are all interconnected. We are all, rich and
poor alike, interconnected. Jesus himself said “the poor you have with you
always.” (Mark 14:7). If you ignore them, they don’t go away; they just become
a more costly burden. God says share, so that the poor will not be a costly
burden on the rest.
God’s plan for
sharing is really quite simple. God wants 10% for the work of kingdom building,
and then an offering according to our ability. In other words, when Paul says,
“Give from what you have” he’s not talking about the tithe. The tithe belongs
to God. When Paul is saying give from what you have he is talking about an
offering. In other words, after allowing God to claim His ten percent, give
whatever else you can spare.
God doesn’t need me
to hype His Word as it is a fact that His Word stands on its own. God’s word
let us know that if we give much because we have much, wonderful! Warning,
God’s Word also says to us if we give little because our analysis of our
expendable income is unrighteous we need to be careful! It is a fact that God
is watching us. God knows what our needs are. God knows what excess we have.
God’s plan for
sharing is sure to meet every need and solve every problem, if we trust Him. God’s
plan for sharing is a cure but it requires obedience. It calls for all of us
who are Christian to be obedient to the cause of Christianity. What is that
cause? The cause of Christianity is to, spread the gospel, clothe the naked,
feed the hungry, comfort the afflicted and to help the helpless.
*The Rev. Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, S.C.
13.
GETTING TO ZERO: HOPE IN HOLY WEEK:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
It’s a rainy
morning in Michigan in sharp contrast to the beautiful “not a cloud in the sky”
warm weather of yesterday. After all, this is Michigan where one often hears,
“if you don’t like the weather, just stick around, in a moment it will change.”
There is something
comforting about the sound of rain in the early morning. It reminds me of the
comfort we can take all year long- especially fresh and intense at Holy Week,
in knowing that because Christ completed his purpose, we are safe. We are saved
from the perils of death eternally and perils that come with loss of hope from
challenges that occur in the time we live in this earthly realm.
Safety and hope are
connected to mental, physical and spiritual wellness. For the opportunity to
seek and attain a measure of wellness, I am grateful.
News items for the
week
There are many
reports on the horizon this week relevant to “Getting to Zero” for infectious
or preventable chronic disease.
As highlighted in
content of the last column, an HIV epidemic is unfolding in counties of
southern Indiana- in the USA.
There is news in a
publication out this week that HIV may actually get to the brain within several
months of first infection. Study results show that virus can be found in brain
tissue much earlier than previously thought. It may set up a protected
reservoir at this site.
There is news that
strokes may be triggered or made worse when an infection (respiratory, skin or
urinary tract) has occurred several months prior to a recognized stroke.
Further, an infection seems to be a stronger trigger of stroke in African
Americans than in others. A recently published study concluded that African
Americans are 39 times more likely to die from a stroke if they have had an
infection in the previous 30 days compared to the increased chance of death
from stroke under similar circumstances for whites or Hispanics (Levine, D.A.
et. al., Neurology. February 7, 2015).
Racial disparities
in health are a reality for African Americans. It continues to be so for many,
too many chronic or infectious diseases.
There is news this
week that Ebola virus may remain long-term in the semen of men who have
survived Ebola disease. One new Ebola case in Sierra Leon seems to indicate
that the spouse of a man who recovered from Ebola virus disease in October 2014
may have been infected from sexual transmission of the virus. Ebola virus has
been found in sexual fluids of survivors for months after they recovered.
However, this report is one of the first indications that sexual transmission
can occur at so long of a time after disease recovery. This will be explored
further. Much more will be learned from outcomes of the many Ebola classes of
the 2014 West African outbreak. This
Ebola epidemic is unprecedented in the number of people infected and in its
longer duration.
There are likely
always will be, new reports and developments in the world of infectious and
chronic diseases.
The news above is
not compatible with the goal of “Getting to Zero”- a state of elimination of a
given pathogen or cause of a chronic disease. For disease control in national
and global communities, findings in recent reports can be equated to being
caught outside in a heavy downpour of rain.
Hope and Holy Week
This is Holy Week.
We know from the events of this week in years past- things are not as they may
appear.
When there are
issues we do not understand, it can seem dark with heavy clouds present or
threatening on the horizon. When there is disappointing news, an unfavorable
diagnosis, uncontrolled circumstances and unprecedented conditions- we who are
safe can look past the clouds to focus on hope for better news. We can focus on
knowing that there are cures and preventions through vaccines, therapies,
behaviors or other means that will protect us- keep us safe.
In addition to the
power available in prayer and the love, support and care of family and friends,
there are validated actions that can be taken daily to move towards wellness of
body, mind or spirit.
We know there is
divine intervention in whatever form it manifests. Although it is cloudy and
raining at a given moment, the sun is still shining and somewhere the sunshine
is yet visible.
In this Holy Week,
I am grateful for faith and hope that is solidly rooted in events that
perfectly completed the purpose for which Christ was sent. The faithfulness of
Jesus, the Christ, even through betrayal, suffering and death to get to the
Resurrection, set us free from fear of death from possible outcomes of disease.
We are reminded
that Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.”
Even with news of
this week, I have faith that we will get to zero for HIV/AIDS and get to zero
for some other current infectious or chronic diseases. I have faith that we as
a people, can and will be well, sooner or later.
*The Rev. Oveta
Fuller Caldwell, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
at the University of Michigan (U-M) Medical School, Associate Director of the
U-M African Studies Center and an AMEC itinerant elder and former pastor. She
lived in Zambia for most of 2013 to study HIV/AIDS prevention among networks of
religious leaders.
14. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, APRIL
5, 2015 - FULLY ALIVE! (RESURRECTION DAY/EASTER) I CORINTHIANS 15:1-11, 20-22:
Bill Dickens. Allen
AME Church, Tacoma, WA
Introduction
World religions
purport to have a central figure who defines the framework of their
belief. Islam has the Prophet Mohammed.
Gautama Buddha occupies a central role in the development of Buddhist
teachings. Confucius is the leader of
Confucianism. Similar dominant
personalities are present for Hinduism, Jainism, Judaism, Shinto, Sikhism,
Taoism, and Zoroastrianism. A common
denominator for alternative world faith systems is the mortality of the person
who defines the faith. Christianity is
unique in this area. The basis of
Christianity is the belief and evidence of Christ’s physical resurrection. No alternative faith system can make a claim
that there leader is alive. The Church
School Lesson for April 5, 2015 proclaims with emphatic affirmation that Jesus
is Alive! Easter Sunday is not a day to
showcase new clothing styles and see how pretty our children can look or
eagerly take part in Easter-egg hunting activities. Easter is one thing and one thing only – The
Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The
secular ancillary activities of Easter should never supersede the purpose of
this celebration. To do so would pollute
our faith and make a mockery of the atoning work Christ provided at Calvary and
post-Calvary.
Life
Application
One of my favorite
TV drama shows is the ABC series called Resurrection. It examines what will happen when those loved
ones, people you cared for, suddenly one morning stand at your front door. The people of the mythical town of Arcadia,
Missouri are forever changed when their deceased loved ones suddenly start to
reappear. An 8-year-old American boy wakes up alone in a rice paddy in a rural
Chinese province with no idea how he got there. Details start to emerge when
the boy, who calls himself Jacob, recalls that his hometown is Arcadia, and an
Immigration agent, played by Omar Epps takes him there. The home he claims as
his own is occupied by a 60-year-old couple who lost their son, Jacob, more
than 30 years ago.
While they look
different, young Jacob recognizes them as his parents. Lucille is overjoyed at
the seeming miracle of her son's reappearance. Henry is reluctant to accept
that Jacob is back. Those closest to the family want answers, including the
local sheriff (Fred) whose wife Barbara drowned 30 years ago while trying to
save Jacob, and Fred's daughter a local doctor. An Arcadia pastor seeks a
spiritual reason for what's happening in his community. However even his life,
ministry and marriage is put to a test when his former girlfriend is
‘resurrected’ and returns to Arcadia.
The town is split about whether the resurrected Arcadians would be
embraced or viewed as a threat to their quality of life. Controversy seemingly is always associated
with reports of resurrection. A
Christian can identify with this observation.
Summary
In the mid-1970s
Josh McDowell published a classic book that re-defined Christian
apologetics. The title of the book was –
Evidence That Demands a Verdict. The
focus of the book was to provide readers with the forensic evidence of Jesus’
resurrection and let the reader decide whether Jesus was a charlatan or the Son
of God. The Resurrection of Jesus is an
important event in world history. People
need to be reminded of important events that shape their identities and
actions. What kind of event can make such an influence on their lives? Jesus’
resurrection provided tangible evidence of the possibility of resurrection for
those whose identity is formed by Christ Jesus.
The Church School Lesson for April 5, 2014 teaches the Resurrection of
Christ and what it means for believers.
Just like Arcadia had its share of skeptics, so too does Paul
acknowledge skepticism about Jesus’ Resurrection among his contemporaries. Paul nonetheless makes the convincing case
that Jesus is fully alive. The key
takeaway is this: Because God lives I
can live as well!
*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
15.
MEDITATION BASED ON JOHN 12:20-32:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
I’m writing this
Meditation during what most Christians call “Holy Week” - the days leading up
to our Easter Celebration of the Resurrected Christ. The Friday of Holy Week is called “Good
Friday” - a label that may sound strange to some ears. Good Friday is a remembrance of the day when
Jesus, who was arrested and physically and emotionally abused on Thursday
night, died an agonizing and brutal death nailed to a cross.
The physical events
of that Friday were anything but “good” for Jesus, but the day was actually
good for all humanity. If Jesus had not taken
the next step in His earthly mission and allowed Himself to be crucified as our
Living Sacrifice, the price for our sins would have gone unpaid and there would
be no glorious celebration of His completing His mission and rising from the
dead three days later - without Good Friday, there would be no Easter Sunday.
Remember the events
of Holy Week not just on Easter Sunday, but on each and every day. An old saying in the “cultural corner” of
Christianity where I was raised and grew up says, “If you haven’t run into
trouble yet, just keep on living and trouble will find you.” Life in this world is not trouble-free -
we’ll all run into physical, spiritual and emotional situations that bring us
more than our share of stress, frustration, confusion and anxiety - times that
we don’t welcome and would never call “good.”
Difficult days are
a part of the human condition, but we don’t have to give in to the doubts and
fears that those difficult days bring.
Just as our Savior had to endure Good Friday for there to be an Easter
Sunday, we sometimes have to endure our tough times. When we truly believe that Christ is our
Savior, Redeemer and Friend, we can do so, knowing that Jesus still stands with
us, defends us, blesses us, comforts us, sustains us and restores our joy.
Have a great Easter
Sunday, but when the day is done, keep on leaning and depending on Jesus,
regardless of the changes that life puts you through. You’ll find out that, as a modern Gospel
songs says, that your “...good days” will
outweigh your “bad days.” You
can then face each days trials and triumphs looking to Jesus and saying with
Isaac Watts, “Sure, I must fight if I would 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:
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
16.
GENERAL OFFICER CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Rev. Dr. Johnny
Barbour Jr., General Officer and President/Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School
Union, Nashville, Tennessee celebrated his 75th Birthday on April 1,
2015.
Congratulatory
Messages can be sent to:
Dr. Johnny Barbour
Jr.
185 Bristol Blvd.
Jackson, MS 39204
Email: u_sunday@bellsouth.net
Submitted by the
AMEC Sunday School Union
17. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened by the passing of Mr.
Robert Q. Huckaby, the brother of Dr. Roberta H. Hill, Christian Education
Director, 13th Episcopal District, and the brother-in-law of the
Rev. Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, retired General Officer and pastor of Shorter Chapel
AME Church in Franklin, Tennessee. Mr. Huckaby passed on Sunday, March 29,
2015.
Service Arrangements for Robert Q. Huckaby:
Sunday, April 5, 2015 – 10:00 a.m. – 5:00
p.m.
Public Viewing:
O. H. Pye III Funeral Home
17600 Plymouth Road
Detroit, Michigan 48227
Telephone: (313) 838-9770
Fax: (313) 838-9827
Email: info@pyefuneralhome.com
Monday, April 6, 2015
Family visitation 12 p.m.
Funeral: 12:30 p.m. at the O. H. Pye III
Funeral Home (Address listed above)
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Dr. Kenneth and Dr. Roberta Hill
3141 Harborwood Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
Telephone: (615) 316-9799
Email addresses:
Dr. Roberta H. Hill: DrRo@bellsouth.net
Dr. Kenneth H. Hill: hilldrkenneth@comcast.net
18. CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the passing of the Rev. Dr. James H. Foster, retired pastor from the
Delaware Annual conference. The
following information has been provided regarding the funeral arrangements.
Saturday, April 4,
2015
Viewing: 10 a.m.
Homegoing Service: 11 a.m.
Eackles-Spencer
& Norton Funeral Home
256 Halltown Road
Harpers Ferry, WV
25425
Telephone:
(304)724-6500
Fax: (304) 728-0943
Repast:
Fellowship Bible
Church
160 Daniel Road
Shenandoah
Junction, WV 25442
Telephone: (304)
728-3700
Interment:
Cedar hill Cemetery
Old Furnace Road
Harpers Ferry, WV
Condolences may be
sent to:
Mrs. Delores J.
Foster & Family
295 Uvilla Road
Harpers Ferry, WV
Telephone: (304)
876-8008
Or Fax to Funeral
Home
Hotels in the area:
Holiday Inn
Express
681 Flowing Springs
Rd
Ransom, WV
25438
Telephone: (304)
725-1330
Hampton Inn
157 Pimlico Drive
Charles Town, WV
25414
Telephone: (304)
725-2200
19. CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of First Lady Ruby Lambert, wife of The Rev. Fred Lambert,
pastor of Gomez Chapel AME Church in Rockford, IL. Lady Lambert’s Service of Celebration took
place on Saturday, March 14, 2015. Mrs.
Lambert was a diligent servant for the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME
Church. Let us keep Rev. Fred Lambert,
the Lambert Family, and the church family at Gomez Chapel in our prayers.
Expressions of
condolence may be sent to:
The Rev. Fred
Lambert, pastor
Gomez Chapel AME
Church
1509 Michigan Ave
Rockford, IL 61102
Email: f.lambert@comcast.net
20. CLERGY
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Fourth
Episcopal District is saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Effie Saunders,
the mother of the Rev. P. David Saunders, pastor of Bethel AME Church in
Saginaw, Michigan. Mrs. Saunders made
her transition on Sunday, March 29, 2015, at the age of 92.
The arrangements
for the celebration of her life are as follows:
Viewing on Tuesday,
April 7th from 3:00 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Chapel of the
Chimes Funeral Home
4670 South Inkster
Road
Westland, Michigan
48181
Telephone: (313)
295-2500
Celebration of Life
on Wednesday, April 8th
Family Hour 10:30
a.m.
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Smith Chapel AME
Church
3505 Walnut Street
Inkster, Michigan
48141
Telephone: (313)
561-2837
Condolences may be
extended to Rev. P. David Saunders and family at:
3335 Foss Drive,
Saginaw, Michigan 48603-1719
The Rev. Saunders
may be reached by telephone at the church (989) 755-7011 or via email at revpdsaunders@sbcglobal.net.
21.
CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the passing of Brother Thomas James Bartley, the brother of Sister
Edith Cartledge - Director of Lay Activities for the Connectional Lay
Organization. The following information has been provided regarding the funeral
arrangements.
Saturday, April 4,
2015
Viewing: 9:00 a.m.
- 10 a.m.
Homegoing
Service: 10 a.m.
Morris Brown AME
Church
1756 N. 25th
Street
Philadelphia, PA
19121
Telephone:
215-763-4707
Services Entrusted
to:
Francis Funeral
Home
5201-07 Whitby
Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19143
Telephone: (215) 747-1919
Condolences may be
faxed or emailed to the funeral home:
Fax: 215-747-5201
Email: FRANCISFH@aol.com
Condolences may be
sent to:
Mrs. Edith Bartley
Cartledge
1072 Findlay Avenue
- Apt# 1
Bronx, NY 10456
Telephone:
718-538-1341
Email: Edith.Cartledge@yahoo.com
22.
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
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
23.
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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