The Reverend Dr. Johnny
Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The
Christian Recorder
1. TCR EDITORIAL – SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERAL BOARD
MEETING HELD IN NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, JUNE 29-30, 2019:
Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III
The 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder
-- This is a modified Edition of The
Christian Recorder.
The members of the
various Commissions should share with their episcopal districts / annual
conferences what happened at the General Board Meeting.
-- Highlights
The General Board
Opening Plenary Session at the General Board Meeting was held at the Hilton
Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana, June 30, 2015.
There was an
electric energy permeating the Grand Ballroom.
The attendance is full to overflowing.
The Commission members are present.
Clergy and laity from across the world are in attendance. The bishops, general officers, connectional
officers and commission members were all in place as were the spouses of the
bishops, general officers, connectional members and commission members. The
General Board members were postured to do the work of the church. Perhaps the brutal murders of the Mother
Emanuel AME Church 9 precipitated to the eclectic atmosphere of the meeting.
Bishop Vashti
Murphy McKenzie chaired the opening session.
The Rev. Carey Grady delivered a dynamic devotional sermon from Psalm 3.
The congregation
sang every selection with vibrancy.
The Rev. Dr.
Jeffery Cooper, AMEC General Secretary called the roll.
Felicitations were
given by Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant, Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister,
Sr., President of the Council of Bishops and host bishop; and Bishop Vashti
Murphy McKenzie, 1st Vice President of the General Board.
Bishop Vashti
Murphy McKenzie is serving as the chair of the General Board in the absence of
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, President of the General Board who was / is
convalescing.
The Rev. Novell
Goff gave a stirring and eloquent tribute to the events of the Mother Emanuel
AME Church 9 and the support of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “On
June 17th the murderer messed with the wrong church…”
The Rev. Dr. Goff
is to be commended for the outstanding manner in which he as addressed the
issues concerning Mother Emanuel AME Church and the massacre of the “Mother Emanuel 9.”
Bishop Gregory G.M.
Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the 1st Episcopal District gave
remarks.
The
Agenda was approved.
Ms. N. Cajetta A
Stephens and Mrs. Marcia Fugh Joseph gave out information about the AME
Membership Identification Card issued by the Office of the AMEC Treasurer.
Ms. Anita Rankin
gave instructions about the logistics of the General Board Meeting.
Day 2
– July 1, 2015
The 1st
Episcopal District: Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram and Episcopal Supervisor, the
Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram presented information about the First Episcopal District Pre-Bicentennial Celebration and the 50th
Quadrennial Session of the General Conference that will be held in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
April
10, 2016 – A few highlights
-- Old School / New
School Concert
-- Social Justice
Forum with a Reenactment of the 1st General Conference held in 1816
50th
Quadrennial Session of the General Conference
-- Sunday, July 3,
2016 – Unveiling and Dedication of the Richard Allen Memorial Courtyard.
Additional
information is forthcoming
Briefing
from the Office the AMEC-CFO
The various
Commissions met and their recommendations given to the Commission members. All recommendations were approved.
CONVO
XVIII - Bishop James L.
Davis, Chair of CONVO announced that CONVO XVII will be held – December 3-5,
2015 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Day
2, 12 Noon
Press Conference -
Bishop McKenzie presented Bishop Reginald Jackson, Chair of the Commission on
Social Action. Bishop Jackson addressed the media about race in America (See
“News Around the AME Church” links in this issue of TCR Online.)
- The AME Church
was established because of racism and the massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church
has precipitated a major discussion about race and the AME Church is taking a
lead in discussions and the strategies for eradicating racism in the United
States.
- Bishop Jackson
cited laws and statistics that are influenced by race, i.e., poverty,
unemployment, education inequities, incarceration statistics. The AME Church
will have a “Focus on Race Sunday” in all of the AME Churches.
- Political
candidates will not be invited to our meetings to share platitudes, but will be
expected to share specifics on their strategies to eradicate the inequities of
racism.
- The AME Church
will be forgiving, but we will be demanding strategies for eradicating racism
and leveling of the “playing field” so everyone has equal opportunities to
achieve the American dream.
Special
Reports:
Morris Brown
College Report
Wilberforce
University Report
Africa University
Report
A brief Memorial
Service was held in memory of Bishop Vinton R. Anderson and General Officers:
the Rev. Dr. Anderson Todd and the Rev. Dr. Carl Hunter
The
Benediction was pronounced by Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster
The
Council of Bishops Public Statement
The Council of
Bishops Public Statement was read by Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath.
Bishop Julius
Harrison McAllister is the President of the Council of Bishops
2. READER RESPONSE
TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To the Editor:
RE: The Rev. Dr. Clementa Pinckney funeral
I want to thank the Council of Bishops of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church; the Presiding Prelate of the 7th
District, Bishop Norris; Presiding Elder Goff, and the Family of the late Rev.
Clementa Pinckney for such a touching
and dignified funeral program led by the leaders of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church.
Thank you for quenching the
opportunist spirits of several non-AME
clergy and their minions who attended the funeral.
Name withheld
3. THE COUNCIL OF
BISHOPS PUBLIC STATEMENT –THE HILTON NEW ORLEANS RIVERSIDE HOTEL - NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, 1 JULY 2015:
PUBLIC STATEMENT
The Council of Bishops acknowledges we are a Church still mourning the
massacre of nine sisters and brothers in Charleston, South Carolina. We continue in prayer for the families of the
martyrs and Mother Emanuel AME Church.
Our witness is that grief has not denied us the hope we have in Jesus
Christ. The prevalent testimony of
forgiveness is indicative of the grace and faith with which we have been
blessed. May God grant an increase of grace for the days ahead!
We express appreciation to President Barack Obama, Congressman James
Clyburn, Governor Nikki Haley, Mayor Joseph Riley, Jr. and the numerous civic
leaders who rose with wisdom and compassion to serve various needs of the
African Methodist and wider community in the midst of this tragedy. We are proud of Bishop Richard F. Norris and
the leaders of the Seventh Episcopal District as they confront this calamity
with faith, order and poise. They all remain in our prayers.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church continues to be attentive to the
grief and social challenges confronting us in New York City; Ferguson,
Missouri; Cleveland, Ohio; Baltimore, Maryland and numerous cities in the
United States and in various other places around the world.
We ask the AME Church on the local level to engage with persons in their
respective communities on matters of race as they mobilize to combat the
policies and behaviors, which express cultural and institutional racism in the
United States of America and other nations around the world.
In the face of racially motivated violence, we remind our membership that
God did not give us a spirit of fear.
Nevertheless, we cannot be negligent in the exercise of due diligence
with security precautions. There are
various security recommendations available to churches online which should be
reviewed by every congregation regardless to size of membership.
-- THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is herewith informed that the action
of the Supreme Court of the United States does not change the law of the AME
Church with regard to same-sex marriage.
We encourage all AMEs to abide by existing church law as we also treat
all persons with dignity and respect.
-- PERSONS OF HAITIAN DESCENT IN THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
We are concerned by the ongoing practices in the Dominican Republic, which
potentially have rendered tens of thousands of its citizens of Haitian descent
stateless. We join with our partners in
the ecumenical community to advocate for justice, fairness and a humane spirit
in a country where the AME presence is longstanding.
-- CHILDHOOD IMMUNIZATION
We encourage our members to protect every child from harm through the full,
safe immunization of our children, and children everywhere.
-- THE ANVIL
The Council of Bishops’ Anvil gift for 2015 ($10,000) will be given
in support of the families of the Charleston Martyrs.
-- AME BICENTENNIAL
We are excited about the celebration of our 200th year of
denominational organization. All AMEs are
encouraged to support the connectional celebration of our bicentennial as we
also encourage local celebrations.
-- THE NEW PRESIDING BISHOP OF THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH
We offer congratulations to the Right Reverend Michael Bruce Curry upon his
election as the 27th Presiding Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal
Church. This first African American leader of the Episcopal Church in the
United States has our prayers for wisdom and strength as he shepherds the
people of God in greater ministry.
4. NEWS AROUND THE
AME CHURCH:
-- AME bishops
challenge churches to continue to welcome strangers…
See more:
5. 2012 DOCTRINE
AND DISCIPLINES, AMEC HYMNALS,
AND MORE SALE:
The AMEC Sunday
School Union is hosting a limited time sale of popular items including the
Doctrine and Discipline (2012), hymnals, Pastor's Manuals, New King James
bibles, and more. Take advantage of possibly the best priced sale in the
history of your Publishing House by using the attached order form or visiting
our website at www.amecpublishinghouse.com where you'll
find over 70 additional specials!
All items must be
prepaid by credit card or check. Shipping is only available to continental U.S.
addresses.
Our operators are
here to serve you Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Central Time
AMEC Sunday School Union 500, 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203 (615) 256-5882 (615) 244-7604; Fax (800) 648-8724 Toll
Free
6. REFLECTIONS ON
MY FIRST INVESTITURE SERVICE:
*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III
As the song goes, "When we all get together, what
a day of rejoicing that will be..." Well, the Council of Bishops Service
of Word and Sacrament and Investiture Ceremony were nothing less than "a
foretaste of Glory Divine."
The procession was lead by ministers in white carrying
large photos of the Emanuel 9, which were received from Charleston, S.C., and
placed on easels on both sides of the sanctuary. As we sang, "All Hail the
Power of Jesus' Name" we reflected upon those who were lost on June 17.
AMEs from far and wide were in place at the Hilton New
Orleans Riverside Hotel, just a few blocks from the New Orleans French Quarter
and just a few steps from the famed Riverwalk. We were gathered, not to
sight-see, but to take part in The Exchanging of the Medallion, thereby making
Bishop Julius H. McAllister the President of the Council of Bishops of The
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, who took part in the Exchange,
likened the Medallion of Office to Elijah's Mantle, saying, "It is useful
only when it is hallowed with service. It is sacred only when it attaches to a
cause beyond itself." Bishop Leath continued that the medallion is larger
and greater than any one person stating, "This Medallion represents how
far we have come and how far we have yet to go."
Bishop McAllister, having received the Medallion, was
charged by Senior Bishop John R. Bryant to pattern his life after our
servant-Lord Jesus Christ and "to demonstrate leadership that will keep
our Church in the vanguard of love, liberation, and reconciliation of all the
family of God".
Following The Covenant offered by the Council of
Bishops, the people gathered were called upon to respond. Those in attendance
pledged that they have "a heart, mind, soul and willingness to
follow," and asked of the new president to lead the people well.
Bishop McAllister, in his response, told his story of
his humble beginnings, noting in several ways that he did not achieve all that
he had without help along the way. Bishop McAllister asked for continued help as
he moves forward in this new role.
Help in the worship experience was offered by way of
the Ministry of Music provided by the Eighth District Choir whose prayers of
"Guide us and Deliver us" were not missed. The choir, just before the
Investiture Ceremony, alerted us with "Behold He Comes," and just
before the sermon by Bishop James L. Davis, gave musical voice to Bishop
McAllister's response by singing "I Won't Turn Around."
Bishop Davis preached from 2 Timothy 1:5-7, "A
Legacy of Faith" reminding the Church that "The Faith of our fore
parents is also in us"; "The Legacy has to be continually
productive"; "Our faith ought to be bold"; and concluded that
whatever our gift is, we ought to "Stir up the gift."
The worship service was rounded out by a soul-stirring
invocation offered by Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and readings by other Bishops on
the Council.
The service of Holy Communion concluded the worship
experience with Bishops serving as celebrants, Bishop Bryant serving as chief
celebrant, consecrating the elements. Following the sharing of the elements,
Bishop Frederick H. Talbot lead us in The Lord's Prayer - the Caribbean Version
- with the choir providing the refrain "Hallowed be Thy Name"
following each line of the sung prayer.
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah offered the benediction
following the passing of the peace and singing "What a Fellowship."
Our pageantry and order of an Investiture of the
President of The Council of Bishops reflects the seriousness of the mantle
which Bishop McAllister has just taken on. The weight of trust and obligations
that have been laid upon him is worthy of our respect and laudatory praise.
*The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III is the Public Relations
Director for the Midwest Annual Conference and the pastor of St. John AME Church
in Topeka, Kansas
7. WATCH PRESIDENT
OBAMA DELIVER EULOGY AT REV. PINCKNEY'S FUNERAL:
8. JUST MY
FEELINGS ABOUT THE RECENT RACIST ATTACKS AT EMMANUEL AME CHURCH SOUTH CAROLINA:
The Rev. Dimpho Gaobepe
In South Africa we defeated apartheid, in the United
States of America, racial intolerance, segregation and slavery were defeated
and outlawed by nothing but the power of human solidarity.
Both South Africa and America had their sons and
daughters who sacrificed themselves for racial justice and human dignity. Rosa
Parks, Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, Oliver Tambo and
Archbishop Desmond Tutu all fought against the demon of racial prejudice.
Nelson Mandela fought against black domination, he also fought against white
domination and he cherished a South Africa which is non-racial, non-sexiest,
democratic and prosperous for all. Martin Luther King Jr dreamt of an America
society where people will be judged not by the colour of their skin but the
content of their character.
The hate crime committed by the racist Dylann Roof
against members of our Church where nine innocent lives of African Americans
were lost should not go unpunished! Those parishioners and clergy killed by the
racist were angels who parted with their lives serving the Lord. By choosing
the Emanuel African Methodist Church, the racist once more promoted racial
profiling which has been an important instrument used by racist to attack and
kill African Americans in the United States.
Not long ago, unarmed Michael Brown was shot dead with
his hands raised and there was no justice! Walter Scott was shot dead in South
Carolina and there was no justice! Victor White was killed in cold blood and
there was no justice! Let us not be provoked and let old wounds not be
scratched because we have forgiven but we have not forgotten the injustices of
slavery, apartheid and racial segregation.
To Dylann Roof the racist, know that we hate your old
South African flag! To Dylann Roof the racist, know that we hate your old
Rhodesian flag! To Dylann Roof the racist, know that we hate the stench of your
racist attitude and racist actions! To Dylann Roof the racist, know that we
hate what you stand for and what you represent! To Dylann Roof the racist, know
that your racist acts cannot compete with the powerful word of God! To Dylann
Roof the racist, know that no amount of intimidation will weaken the faith of
those who love and fear God! To Dylann the racist, know that the Emanuel
African Methodist Church is not intimidated by your acts and will continue to
grow! To Dylann Roof the racist, know that even if our faith is associated with
peace, we will not hesitate to fight fire with fire when injustice is meted
against our people!
May the good Lord keep and strengthen the family of
those who have been attacked and killed. May their souls rest in peace.
The Rev. Dimpho Alpheus Gaobepe
19th Episcopal District
South Africa
9. WCC CONDEMNING
MASS KILLING IN CHARLESTON
18 June 2015
The World Council of Churches (WCC) has condemned the mass
killing at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, USA.
In a statement issued in Geneva on 18 June, the WCC
general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit said “I followed with horror the
events that took place yesterday evening at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal
Church in Charleston, SC, USA.
Tveit added “A pastor and members of the congregation
were targeted with acts of violence, which seem to have been premeditated and
motivated by racial hatred, while they gathered in prayer and the study of
God’s word”.
The WCC offers condolences to the families, the
congregation, and community. Tveit said “We offer our prayers for healing to
the wounded and traumatized, and solidarity and accompaniment to our sisters
and brothers in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.”
NCC Grieves With Emanuel AME Church in Charleston,
South Carolina
Read full text of the WCC acting general secretary’s
statement:
10. THE LATINA/O THEOLOGICAL
COMMUNITY EXPRESSES DEEPEST AND SINCEREST CONDOLENCES TO MOTHER EMANUEL FAMILY:
Dear members and friends of Emanuel AME
Church,
We, as members of the Latina/o Theological community, educators, students, ministers of the words and sacraments, and lay leaders want to express our deepest and sincerest condolences to the Mother Emanuel “family” during this senseless tragedy that has touched your community. We join in your grief over the untimely departure of your brothers and sisters, pillars of your community, and your pastors, as we remember them among the witnesses to the good. May their witness of Christian love, compassion, and inclusion continue to strengthen your journey.
Like many others around the nation, our hearts are heavy with the news of the hateful act that claimed the lives of members in your community. As brothers and sisters in faith, we grieve with you the loss of the saints and the violent desecration of your house of worship. In moments such as these, we would like to not only express our solidarity with you but also strengthen our commitment to work en conjunto (together-with) with our Black brothers and sisters against the brutalization that white privilege and anti-Black racism inflicts in our communities.
A theological motif of the Latina/o community is that of reflecting on lo cotidiano, the quotidian everyday experiences of our people. As we recognize the particular racial animus that white supremacist structures aim at your community and the ongoing brokenness of black bodies sacrificed at the altar of these ills, we also remember the moments our communities have felt the brunt of a racist whip together and have stood strong amidst this pain together. We remember the lynchings of African Americans which occurred in conjunction with the lynchings of Mexicans. We remember the enslavement of Africans in the United States as we do in Latin America. We also remember the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement which occurred in conjunction with the National Farm Workers Association, the Chicano and Young Lords Movements, and the struggles for citizenship that occur in conjunction with the ongoing civil rights struggles. Throughout history our communities have worshipped, worked, struggled, celebrated, and mourned alongside each other—and in this moment of grief it is no different.
As theological educators, ministers, and lay folk, we are committed to speaking truth to power: To call out and struggle for un poquito de justicia, for a little bit of justice, in the face of a world that seeks our deaths.
In the tradition of our ancestors and the solidarity of our community with yours we say, “Presente! - to the lives and witness of the saints whose bodily presence are no longer with us.”
The Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Presente!
Cynthia Hurd, Presente!
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Presente!
Tywanza Sanders, Presente!
Ethel Lance, Presente!
Susie Jackson, Presente!
The Rev. Daniel Simmons, Presente!
Myra Thompson, Presente!
We, as members of the Latina/o Theological community, educators, students, ministers of the words and sacraments, and lay leaders want to express our deepest and sincerest condolences to the Mother Emanuel “family” during this senseless tragedy that has touched your community. We join in your grief over the untimely departure of your brothers and sisters, pillars of your community, and your pastors, as we remember them among the witnesses to the good. May their witness of Christian love, compassion, and inclusion continue to strengthen your journey.
Like many others around the nation, our hearts are heavy with the news of the hateful act that claimed the lives of members in your community. As brothers and sisters in faith, we grieve with you the loss of the saints and the violent desecration of your house of worship. In moments such as these, we would like to not only express our solidarity with you but also strengthen our commitment to work en conjunto (together-with) with our Black brothers and sisters against the brutalization that white privilege and anti-Black racism inflicts in our communities.
A theological motif of the Latina/o community is that of reflecting on lo cotidiano, the quotidian everyday experiences of our people. As we recognize the particular racial animus that white supremacist structures aim at your community and the ongoing brokenness of black bodies sacrificed at the altar of these ills, we also remember the moments our communities have felt the brunt of a racist whip together and have stood strong amidst this pain together. We remember the lynchings of African Americans which occurred in conjunction with the lynchings of Mexicans. We remember the enslavement of Africans in the United States as we do in Latin America. We also remember the Civil Rights and Black Power Movement which occurred in conjunction with the National Farm Workers Association, the Chicano and Young Lords Movements, and the struggles for citizenship that occur in conjunction with the ongoing civil rights struggles. Throughout history our communities have worshipped, worked, struggled, celebrated, and mourned alongside each other—and in this moment of grief it is no different.
As theological educators, ministers, and lay folk, we are committed to speaking truth to power: To call out and struggle for un poquito de justicia, for a little bit of justice, in the face of a world that seeks our deaths.
In the tradition of our ancestors and the solidarity of our community with yours we say, “Presente! - to the lives and witness of the saints whose bodily presence are no longer with us.”
The Rev. Clementa Pinckney, Presente!
Cynthia Hurd, Presente!
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Presente!
Tywanza Sanders, Presente!
Ethel Lance, Presente!
Susie Jackson, Presente!
The Rev. Daniel Simmons, Presente!
Myra Thompson, Presente!
Signed:
ElÃas Ortega-Aponte
Assistant Professor of Afro-Latino/a Studies,
Drew University Theological School
Jorge Juan Rodriguez V
Masters of Arts Candidate, Union Theological
Seminary
Teresa Delgado
Associate Professor of Religion and Ethics,
Iona College
Robyn Henderson-Espinoza
Visiting Professor of Ethics, Pacific School
of Religion
Luis N. Rivera-Pagán
Emeritus Professor, Princeton Theological
Seminary
Raimundo C. Barreto Jr.
Assistant Professor of World Christianity,
Princeton Theological Seminary
Amaury Tañón-Santos
Synod Networker, Synod of the Northeast,
Presbyterian Church, USA
Parish Associate, Nuevas Fronteras
Presbyterian Church, Plainfield, NJ
Jacqueline M. Hidalgo
Assistant Professor of Latina/o Studies and
Religion, Williams College
Teresita Matos-Post
Pastor, Mt. Horeb United Methodist Church
Rafael Reyes
Co-editor, The Journal of World Christianity
Jean-Pierre M. Ruiz
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, St.
John’s University, NY
Neomi De Anda
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies,
University of Dayton
Carmen Nanko-Fernández
Professor of Hispanic Theology and Ministry,
Catholic Theological Union, Chicago
MT Dávila
Associate Professor of Christian Ethics,
Andover Newton Theological School
The Rev. Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre
Professor of Social Ethics and Latino/a
Studies, Iliff School of Theology
The Rev. Joanne RodrÃguez
Director of the Hispanic Theological
Initiative/Hispanic Theological Initiative Consortium
Peter Anthony Mena
Assistant Professor of History of
Christianity, Phillips Theological Seminary
David A. Sanchez
Associate Professor of Early Christianity,
Loyola Marymount University
Theresa Yugar,
California State University, Los Angeles
Nelson Rivera
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology,
Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia
George Gonzalez
Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Religion
and Interdisciplinary Studies
Pedro Antonio Pillot Soto
Drew Theological School
Néstor Medina
Emmanuel College, University of Toronto
Gilberto A. Ruiz
Assistant Professor of Scripture, Loyola
University New Orleans
The Rev. Sofia Betancourt
Ph.D. Candidate, Yale University, Interim Minister Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno
Ph.D. Candidate, Yale University, Interim Minister Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno
Mayra Rivera Rivera
Associate Professor of Theology and
Latina/o Studies, Harvard Divinity School
Victor Carmona
Assistant Professor of Moral Theology, Oblate
School of Theology
Orlando EspÃn
Professor of Systematic Theology,
University of San Diego
Miguel H. Diaz
The John Courtney Murray University Chair
in Public Service
Ambassador to the Holy See, Ret.
Cláudio
Carvalhaes
Associate
Professor of Homiletics and Worship
McCormick
Theological Seminary
Agustina
Luvis Nuñez
Assistant
Professor Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico
Erica
Bryand Ramirez
Ph.D. Candidate, Drew University Theological School
Ph.D. Candidate, Drew University Theological School
Sammy
Alfaro
Assistant
Professor Grand Canyon University
Dr. Albert Hernández
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
and Dean of the Faculty, Iliff School of Theology
Doris GarcÃa Rivera
President Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico
Monica Rey
PhD Candidate, Boston University
PhD Candidate, Boston University
Javier A. Viera
Dean and Professor of Pastoral Theology, Drew
University Theological School
Anthony Suárez-Abraham
Dominican University, River Forest, Illinois
Carmelo Santos
Interim Editor, Journal of Lutheran Ethics
Interim Editor, Journal of Lutheran Ethics
Sarah González López
Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico-Alumni
Juan R. MejÃas Ortiz
Professor
of Christian Education, Seminario Evangélico de Puerto Rico
Mayora
Iris M. De La Rosa
Oficiala
del Ejército de Salvación - San Juan, P. R.
Oswald
John Nira
Associate
Professor of Theology & Spiritual Action
Our
Lady of the Lake University
San
Antonio, Texas
Ivelisse E. Feliciano-Arocho
Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico-Alumni
Diaconal Minister - Methodist Church of
Puerto Rico
Rebecca Santiago Mendez
Revda. Diana Ceballos-González,
Iglesia Evangélica Luterana El Redentor, San
Juan, Puerto Rico
Marta T. RodrÃguez-Fonseca
Presbyterian Women Past Moderator PC (USA)
Robert W. Pazmino
Professor of Christian Education
Andover Newton Theological School
11. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Rev. Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical
Text: Proverbs 28:13 “He that covereth
his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have
mercy.”
On Shrove Tuesday,
(the day before Ash Wednesday), at our traditional “Pancake Supper” we entered
into a covenant with the Lord. We decided that our sacrifice for Lent would be
one of our sins. Yes, it sounds radical! Our prayer is that as we journey with
the Lord this season and the urge to end the covenant intensifies we will be
forced to call on Him often, if not continuously for the help we need to
succeed. By Easter morning we will have cultivated a much stronger relationship.
As we navigate this
season of repentance we seek to be free from sin’s power. We have all at some
point or another had difficulty in dealing with a particular temptation or sin.
How do we achieve victory over temptation that leads to sin today? First we
must understand the distinctive nature of temptation and ways to avoid it.
I would like to
suggest from the onset that there is a difference between what we call trials
and temptations. A trial is different in that it can be sent by God or allowed
by God in order to deepen our walk with Him or to bring about God’s plan for
our life. On the other hand, a temptation is never directed by God, but rather
its purpose is destructive. Thus, temptation is not sin itself. The Bible tells
us that Jesus was tempted. Temptation can make us stronger if we can
successfully overcome it.
There are a few
things we should know about temptation. We must understand that temptation is
to be expected. The Lord teaches us to pray each day that He would “lead us not
into temptation.” It is never directed
by God as He is never affected by sin, doesn’t make any decisions effected by
sin and cannot cause or lead a person to sin because He is totally pure and
holy. Temptation is an individual matter. In other words, Satan will always
attack when and where we are most susceptible. We are admonished to never
deliberately place ourselves in a posture to be tempted. That however poses a
particular challenge as we are tempted when we, by our own immoral desire, are
drawn away and enticed. There is a pattern. A thought enters our mind, we
indulge it; it germinates and grows into a malevolent act. After desire has
conceived, it gives birth to sin.
When it comes to
sin it is a matter of the heart. As it relates to sin, we need to have our
hearts so drastically changed that we want to do the right thing. The apostle
Paul calls it the obedience of faith. He says in Rom 1:5, “Through him and for
his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among
all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith.” This is why Jesus can
say "Come to me, all ye who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in
heart, and ye shall find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden
is light."
We must consider
the influence and the force of sin. Sin is more than acts of disobedience as
the act of sin arises out of a heart that is sinful. Our hearts are polluted
and contaminated. All sin arises from a corrupt heart. Sin is more than what we
do or do not do it is a power and influence in the heart. Sin has a life of its
own that seeks to govern us like a master. God tells Cain, “If you do not do
what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you
must master it."
Sin is subtle. Sin
seems to just come up on us. Sin creeps up from behind and hooks us before we
know what has hit us. Sin is cunning, luring us in by looking good, smelling
good, tasting good and feeling good. Sin seems fun, exciting and can be
exhilarating. Sin appears harmless thus we think we can amuse ourselves with
sin. But before we realize it we find ourselves engulfed and by then it is too
late. One taste, one touch, one sip, one time, one kiss, one look and before we
know it we are hooked.
Sin is only a
symptom. The act of sin is only the symptom of sin in our heart. Sin is a
personality and an enemy that dresses up as a friend. Jesus does not like sin!
Nothing or no one that seeks to separate us from Jesus is a friend. Jesus is
serious about sin and his approach to sin is violent. Jesus says, “If thy right
eye offends thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for
thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should
be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it
from thee: for it is profitable that one of thy members should perish, and not
that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” Jesus however does not mean to
literally tear out your eye or remove your hand. Why, because sin is not in the
eye or in the hand. Sin is in the heart
What Jesus is
saying is to be uncompromising and extreme. He warns us that we are to get rid
of everything and anything that leads us down the path of sin. Jesus admonishes
us that we are not to fool around with sin. We must cut off the source of sin.
Whatever is the source of temptation, we are to get rid of it. The question we
must ask ourselves is, “How bad do we want to get rid of sin in our life?” More
to the point, “How much do we love the Lord and hate sin?”
We are challenged
to set our mind on things of the Spirit. Those who live according to the flesh
have their minds set on what the flesh desires. Those who live in accordance
with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The Bible
warns that the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit
is life and peace. In other words, if we are going to put sin to death by the
Spirit, we have to direct our mind and our heart away from fleshly thoughts and
direct them towards “things of the Spirit."
We must set our
mind on the Words of God. The Bible says “This is what we speak, not in words
taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing
spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept
the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him,
and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” So to
put to death the deeds of the body "by the Spirit" is to "set
our mind on the things of the Spirit," embracing the words of God. We must
submit our will to God’s. We must commit ourselves daily to God.
Finally, we are
challenged to hear the Word of God and receive it with faith. The Bible asks,
“So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among
you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?" The answer
is that the Spirit is given to us for the killing of sin not by works of the
law but by "hearing with faith." When temptation comes, “when you are
tempted,” we have to expect it and we must stay ready. We are to put on the
full armor of God. We must resist and then we need to look to a word from God
that promises He will be more for us and do more for us than what this sin
promises.
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, S.C.
12.
GETTING TO ZERO: ZAMBIA PROGRESS IN 2015:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
and Nyki Caldwell
We are closing out
four weeks of residing in Zambia in the summer of 2015. As amazing events
continue to occur in the USA, we have been warmly welcomed again to “the real
Africa.”
It is winter here
in the southern hemisphere. Sunny days have an average high temperature of 78o
F and a low that can drop into the mid-40s. There is no rain. On some days the considerable wind stirs up
the loose tan dust. Other perfect, warm and cloudless days lead to cool weather
nights for great sleep.
It is a joy to
greet friends and members of “our Zambian family.” These are friendships and
host family members made since first visiting the country in 2006. One of the striking observations of 2015 is
the many changes that are occurring. I noticed progress when living here in
2013. However, in a short 18 months, there are many changes in the country and
new processes noted.
Change happens
First, there is a
new President. The former President Michael Sata who came into this office in
2011 died in October 2014 near to the 50th anniversary of Zambian independence.
After democratic elections that followed, the new leader President Edgar Lungu
took office in January 2015. President Lungu served as the Minister of Defense
in the Sata administrator and was widely perceived as the hand-picked
successor.
I am told that
progress is obvious and faster because of the similarity in viewpoints of Sata
and Lungu.
Changes and
progress certainly are visible. Some of the most noted in connection with our
work are as follows.
- The roads are
much better. Major highways that lead north from Lusaka to the Copperbelt
region and south to the Southern Province and Livingstone now have no potholes
or edges with high drop-off. What an improvement to make these thoroughfares
quite drivable! Some construction that was underway during the 2012 and 2013
immersions (the time of President Sata’s influence) is now completed. Rapidly
progressing road projects in Lusaka, the capital city, improve heavily traveled
streets such as Burma Road and Chilimbulu Road. These landmark roads traverse
well-known communities in Lusaka including Chilenge. Chilenge is the birth
place of the first President Kenneth Kaunda and the location of the largest AME
Church in Zambia, Ebenezer AME Church.
In other areas, we
traveled new tar topped roads where there were once dusty, rugged winding
streets in the dry season and muddy water-filled impassable ones in the rainy
season. Such changes make travel in and around Lusaka much easier.
- New shopping centers and stores opened. An
entire new shopping area- East Point Mall is open. The modern shops and
restaurants are anchored by two food markets, Pick and Pay (like Kroger or
Meijer in the USA) and Food Lover’s Market (like Whole Foods in the USA). East
Point Mall is strategically located between the well-known Arcades Shopping
Center and the University of Zambia (UNZA). We were told in 2013 that a new
mall was coming. In June 2015 it is open and functioning.
Other modern
looking stores and shops have opened in some communities. One afternoon on
returning to the home base apartment (flat), we found new rumble strips on
Central Street near the bakery area. Sets of these rumble strips (so named
because, unlike tall speed bumps, they make the entire vehicle vigorously shake
and rumble) are used in Zambia to slow traffic as vehicles approach a
pedestrian-filled or residential area. New shops and a taxi stand across from
the Central Street bakery and nearby bar attract a lot more people to the area.
- SIM card registration
before use of talk time in a phone.
Mobile phone use is everywhere. Previously, use of mobile phones was
relatively simple by purchasing and entering a “talk time” code for limited
minutes of access to mobile network towers. One could get a phone (use any
unlocked phone), charge the battery, load the SIM card, enter the talk time
communication code of the chosen network and then call or text freely until a
“top-up” of talk-time was required.
In June 2015, we
find that all SIM cards must be registered before communication can happen.
Registration in
person at a service center requires name and contact info of the SIM card owner
before talk-time can be activated. Registration is meant to reduce phone theft,
terrorism and misuse of mobile phones and equipment. It changes dynamics of
getting communications in place for a team of people who need to connect from
distant locations of new individual home-stays in a new country. It is welcomed
progress in an overall plan to make Zambia safer and phone service more
reliable.
As I discovered, a
change is that if a SIM phone number is not used in 6 months, it is inactivated
and the phone number can be reassigned.
- Effectiveness of
government required teaching of school children about HIV/AIDS. We visited
several schools that were founded or supported by AMEC clergy or as missions.
Team members often provide a short age-appropriate lesson on effective
preventions and the science of how HIV can lead to AIDS using “The Pedagogy of
Action for HIV/AIDS”. It was developed by a University of Michigan colleague
Dr. Nesha Haniff as a simple way to teach fundamentals of HIV/AIDS. It can be
used to open conversation anywhere. It is particularly well-suited in more
limited resource areas that lack electricity or other items needed for the
formal two-day workshops of the Trusted Messenger Intervention (TMI). The
Pedagogy of Action works wonderfully with students in grades 5 and up. We have
included this effective educational model as a resource in Zambia since 2012.
\
The six team
members, all female, and I have found more general understanding about
HIV/AIDS. Most students have been taught at some level about HIV and AIDS over
multiple years- for some since they entered school.
In the first grade
HIV is correctly called “a germ.” In grades 5-7 it is also correctly and more
specifically designated as “a virus.” The students we visited know fundamentals
and some relatively deeper details of HIV and AIDS. Still, most are shy about
asking questions in the classroom group setting. Given the opportunity in
casual one-on-one engagement, they ask a multitude of questions and express
concerns and eagerness to know more that they can apply to everyday individual
situations and decisions.
In 2015, the ease
of conversations and broader level of understanding HIV/AIDS as a preventable
disease is in part attributed to a requirement by the Ministry of Education for
HIV/AIDS education for all students in a health education curriculum. This is
part of the national strategy in Zambia for creating an “AIDS-free generation.”
We can see the impact in the classroom engagements. We cannot assess how more
knowledge of Zambian students will make a difference in actions as these young
persons begin to make decisions as young adults.
- Required HIV
testing of women in pre-natal care and more open conversation about
HIV/AIDS. Impacts of other government
initiated policies and coordinated partnerships with CDC, WHO, UNAIDS and other
entities are becoming evident.
For instance, all
expectant mothers receive an HIV test as part of broadly available pre-natal
care. It is a required action, no longer an “opt-in” choice. Those who are HIV+
are placed on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) and viral load and CD4 levels
determined.
The father of the
child also must come for HIV testing and counseling. This national policy is
dramatically decreasing incidence of mother to child transmission of HIV.
Required testing of the spouse identifies and links males to care.
Typically men would
not attend pre-natal sessions and would rarely seek any medical care until they
felt sick. The required pre-natal HIV screening that detects infection and
links HIV+ people to treatment lowers amounts of circulating virus and reduces
risk of HIV spread. This highly effective policy incorporates required HIV
testing as we advocate for moving towards zero new HIV infection and zero
deaths due to AIDS.
Importantly, the
pre-natal intervention policy tremendously reduces incidence of children born
with HIV or those who contract HIV from breast-feeding.
Progress
as a major blessing
Progress, as
defined sometimes by an authority in charge, is not always a blessing. However,
the changes visible now in Zambia from years of efforts are welcomed outcomes.
The country still has a long way to go before HIV/AIDS is under control.
However, collective and consistent efforts of multiple entities have begun to
visibly impact and lower prevalence of HIV infection, deaths from AIDS related
causes, stigma and reluctance to deal with related issues. There is real
progress!
Changes seen are
encouraging to meeting the goal of ‘Getting to Zero with HIV/AIDS.’
In an official
CDC-Zambia visit, we were told that door-to-door demographic measures reveal a
decline in HIV prevalence from 14.3 % as a conservative estimate in 2007 to
13.5% from rigorous household surveillance conducted in 2012-13. Lowered HIV
infection and fewer deaths from AIDS are attributed to wider access to HIV
testing, broader education, available anti-retroviral therapy and direct
linkage to medical care. These desired outcomes now must be sustained and
escalated.
As one example of
progress, on July 1 - the last field day of the 2015 immersion for students, we
spent time at the Kabwata Orphanage. It has served communities of Lusaka for
over 19 years. The manager, Sister Virginia, has been a part of the center
since it opened. She told me that there are no HIV positive children living at
the center now compared to the many that once called the Kabwata Orphanage
their home. She attributes this to the pre-natal care available to and expected
by women.
On this last day of
the 2015 immersion for team members, we were told about a family that some of
the team members met at a visit to their home stay. A mother and father who
both are HIV+ have at least three children.
One of the older children, age 14 is also HIV+. The two year old twins
born to the same mother are HIV negative. The mother and father faithfully take
their anti-retroviral medications and regularly attend healthcare visits to
monitor effectiveness. These parents are successfully living with HIV.
In contrast, the 14
year old is in denial and cannot understand why he “has to be different.” Team
members had hoped to engage further. I especially wanted the “American college
students” to have some time with the 14 year old. He is “sick sporadically.” He
is in a rebellious teen phase where he does not want to take the required meds
or face the realities necessary to make infection with HIV a manageable chronic
disease. We often find that some HIV+ young teens have not been told by family
members that they are HIV+. They are left to wonder about the reason behind
their sporadic sickness and frequent medical appointments.
While HIV/AIDS can
be managed and HIV infection avoided, daily management is still froth with the
required discipline and the burdens of psychological and social-behavioral
coping skills. No system is yet in place to routinely address these.
Completing the
summer 2015 field immersion
The four weeks of
June 2015 in Zambia are the immersion portion of an experiential learning
course for University of Michigan undergraduates called “Global Impact of
Microbes: Fieldwork.” While at the field site, we work with networks of clergy
and religious leaders to use the Trusted Messenger Intervention for HIV/AIDS
and whatever means available to communicate effectively why and how HIV can be
stopped. We follow-up their actions in site visits and focus groups.
We can celebrate
the visible successes from efforts of many entities to get out the word that
HIV/AIDS can be eliminated. It is a major advance that routine HIV testing and
counseling is on the rise in Zambia. It is the absolute key step in controlling
the impact of HIV, a relatively weak virus.
Change is happening
all around. In this country, visible positive change is progress. Such progress
is a blessing!
Contributor
Biography:
Nyki H. Caldwell
served as the Project Assistant for the 2015 microbiology immersion course. She
is a 2015 graduate of Wake Forest University in Health and Exercise Science and
Psychology. This is her 3rd trip to live and work in Zambia.
*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.
13. iCHURCH
SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, JULY 5, 2015 - NO REST FOR THE WICKED - MICAH
2:
*Brother Bill
Dickens
Introduction
We live in a world
where wicked acts seemingly are becoming the norm not the exception. Random shootings, robberies, homicides, police
malfeasance and corrupt political leaders have shaped and defined the
political, economic and cultural landscape.
Why the preference for wicked behavior? Why are people who were
previously risk-averse to such behavior now embracing wicked behavior as a
"badge of honor"? The Old
Testament prophet Micah struggled with these questions during his
ministry. The Adult AME Church School
lesson for July 5, 2015 provides a framework for why wicked behavior exists and
the concomitant consequences for such behavior.
An important takeaway from Micah's message is wickedness will eventually
be judged. There is no escaping a just
and merciful God.
Bible Lesson
Micah 2:1-13
Micah's prophesy
centers around the time of the divided Kingdom.
He is a contemporary of Isaiah.
The people of Israel have gone off the "moral cliff". Many of Micah's colleagues were encouraging
him to develop a deaf ear to the increase in amoral behavior. Ungodly behavior accelerated. Callous indifference to one's neighbor became
the new norm. The moral decay reached a
new low when some of Micah's countrymen urged a preference for false prophets
over true prophets. Many of the people
had become defiant of God's commands forcing Micah to prophesy about their
impending doom. The wicked in Chapter 2
take no rest. Their attitude of
rebellion is not going by unnoticed by God.
What they thought was socially accepted behavior was actually the start
of their own demise. Sin is never
considered "acceptable".
Bible Application
Our print and
online media is inundated with stories about random acts of wickedness. Whether it is about sectarian violence in
Nigeria, the Middle East, Russian-Ukrainian conflict or cases of racist acts in
the US, wickedness prevails. The bigger issue is not necessarily wickedness but
our response to deviant behavior. As
Independence Day is celebrated across the US many forget that this national
holiday was defined by moral wickedness defined as chattel labor or the enslavement
of Africans in America. Frederick
Douglas' timeless speech about the hypocrisy of July 4th echoes the moral and
political wickedness during the mid-19th century. Do we remain sideline onlookers or do we
become involved in changing the outcome?
A response to wickedness involves risk.
Risk can never be eliminated. We
can only manage risk. If we have
intolerance to wickedness this will entail accepting the risk. Micah, as a prophet of Yahweh was
diametrically opposed to wickedness because it violated God's law. He accepted the risk to speak out. Where are the Micah's today?
*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
14. MEDITATION BASED ON PROVERBS 3:1-8:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
Traveling rural
South Carolina’s highways and byways has generated more than a few laughs about
road and property signs along the way. I
travel U.S. Highway 21 to reach four welcoming churches in Beaufort, Burton and
Dale, South Carolina. Before reaching
those churches, however, I drive past a small farm that’s cryptically named
“Backache Acres.” I visited the opening
session of the Central Annual Conference at Rock Hill AME Church in Vance, SC
before writing this meditation. That
spirited church is on Rock Hill Road but to get there, you first have to turn
onto and travel down “Po Chance Road!”
I know nothing
about “Backache Acres” beyond the implied suggestion in the name that developing
the property wasn’t easy. I also have no
idea of how “Po Chance” road got its name, beyond the fact that some informal
rural road names became official with the need for easily identifiable
Emergency Medical Service street addresses.
What struck me about both signs, however, is that when you pass
“Backache Acres” and “Po Chance Road,” you find welcoming churches that
symbolize the presence of God and that are sources of respite, renewal and
rejoicing.
Remember my travel
experience as a Presiding Elder as you travel life’s roads, and remember the
opening words of Langston Hughes’ poem Mother to Son: “Life for me ain’t been
no crystal stair.” We all run into
obstacles caused by obstinate people and oppressive situations, have to navigate
sharp curves of confusion and consternation, have to struggle up steep hills of
stress and sadness and have to deal with deep valleys of discouragement and
disappointment as we travel life’s roads.
We encounter not only backaches, but headaches and heartaches and face
situations that present limited options and poor chances.
Life’s roads aren’t
always easy, but when we trust in the Lord and press on anyhow, we’ll find what
I found when I traveled beyond “Backache Acres” and “Po Chance Road” - a loving
and welcoming God who never fails to meet our needs, lift our spirits and bring
us new hope, new possibilities, new power and new joy.
None of us knows
what lies ahead of us on life’s roads, but when we trust in the God who sent
His Son into this world for our salvation, we can press on in the spirit of the
writer who said:
“Jesus knows all about our struggles, He will
guide us till the day is done. There’s
not a friend like the lowly Jesus. No,
not one; no, not one!”
This Meditation is
also available as a Blog on the Beaufort District’s Website: www.beaufortdistrict.org
Get Ready for Sunday,
and have a great day in your house of worship!
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South
Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church
15. EPISCOPAL AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- The Rev. Toni
Belin Ingram will serve as director of Candler’s Black Church Studies (BCS)
Program
Congratulations to
the Rev. Toni Belin Ingram! The Rev. Toni Belin Ingram will serve as director
of Candler’s Black Church Studies (BCS) program, as well as an assistant
professor in the practice of practical theology. She succeeds Teresa Fry Brown,
who has been named the school’s next Bandy Professor of Preaching. Ingram, a 2007 Candler graduate, pastors
Greater Turner Chapel AME Church in Atlanta and has also served as an Intern
Chaplain at Emory University Hospital. She specializes in pastoral care, faith
and philanthropy, church and community, nonprofit leadership and urban
ministries.
News announcement:
The Reverend Toni
Belin Ingram is the wife of Raymond Ingram and the daughter of Bishop and Mrs.
Henry Allen Belin, Jr. (retired).
-- Kalley Renee Lynn Johnson born to Alona Thomas and
Leon Johnson
It is with great
excitement and joy that I announce the birth of my newest grandchild, a
beautiful little girl, Kalley Renee Lynn Johnson, born to my "#1 And Only
Daughter," Alona Thomas and Leon Johnson.
Lil' Miss Kalley
made her grand appearance on Thursday, 6/18/2015, at 5:26 AM, weighing 7.0 lbs
and 19.5" long.
I am the very proud
grandmother, aka "Mama Rev," Itinerant Elder and recent transplant from
the 5th Episcopal District, now serving in the 3rd Episcopal District as an
Associate Minister at United AME Church-Xenia, Ohio (Pastor John E. Freeman). I
am currently a senior residing on the campus of Payne Theological Seminary.
The Rev. Felicia R.
Bagneris, Student Assistant
Office of the
Academic Dean
Payne Theological
Seminary, MDiv 2016
1230
Wilberforce-Clifton Rd.
Wilberforce, OH
45384
Telephone: (937)
376-2946 ext. 202
Cell: (818)
470-9717
-- Congratulations and Salutations to Colonel Troy E.
Dunn on his recent promotion in the U.S. Air Force
In May 2015,
Colonel Troy E. Dunn became the Installation Commander of the 10th
Air Base Wing, U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. He commands a
team of more than 3,000 military, civilian and contractor personnel who conduct
base-level activities for the entire installation, including security, civil
engineering, communications, logistics, finance, contracting, chaplaincy,
legal, lodging, medical, military and civilian personnel and force support
programs. The 10th Air Base Wing supports more than 4,000 cadets and a total
military community of more than 25,000 personnel. He is responsible for a $150
million annual operating budget and serves as the Crisis Action Team Commander
during all Air Force Academy installation contingency operations.
Colonel Troy E.
Dunn is the son of the Rev. Roosevelt and Mrs. Gloria Dunn of Oklahoma
City. The Rev. and Mrs. Dunn are members
of Allen Chapel AME Church. Troy is married to Sonya Carter Dunn and they have
four children; Elisabeth, Jonathan, Matthew and Hannah. Sonya is the daughter of the Reverend Seaborn
Carter who once pastored Sherman Chapel AME Church in Oklahoma City and the
late Reverend Cora Carter.
Please see more
accomplishments of Colonel Troy E. Dunn at this link:
16. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the death and Homegoing Celebration of Mr. Stanley Cox Blay the uncle of
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Presiding Prelate of the Fifteenth
Episcopal District.
Homegoing
Celebration:
June 27, 2015 at
9:00 am
Bethlehem AME
Church
Burlington, New
Jersey 08016
Telephone:
609-386-6664
The Rev. M. Shawn
Bradley, pastor
Eulogy: Bishop
David R. Daniels, Jr., Nephew
Expressions of
sympathy may be sent to:
Bishop David
Rwhynica Daniels Jr.
39 Kasselsvlei Road
Bellville South
7530
R.S.A.
+27 21 961 4230 Ext
12
+27 21 951 4371
(FAX)
17. HOMEGOING SERVICES FOR THE MOTHER EMANUEL AME CHURCH 9:
The Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr., interim pastor of EAMEC and presiding elder of the Edisto District of the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
Thursday, June 25, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.
The Rev. Dr. Norvel Goff, Sr., interim pastor of EAMEC and presiding elder of the Edisto District of the 7th Episcopal District of the AME Church
The Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton
Thursday, June 25, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.
Mt. Moriah
Missionary Baptist Church
7396 Rivers Avenue
North Charleston,
SC
Services by:
Murray's Mortuary of North Charleston
Sister Cynthia Graham Hurd
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Sister Cynthia Graham Hurd
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Funeral: Saturday,
June 27, 2015
11:00 a.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Services by:
Fielding Home for Funerals
Sister Susie Jackson
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Sister Susie Jackson
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Funeral: Saturday,
June 27, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Services by:
Murray's Mortuary of North Charleston
Sister Ethel Lance
Viewing: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Sister Ethel Lance
Viewing: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Royal Missionary
Baptist Church
4761 Luella Avenue
North Charleston,
SC
Funeral: Thursday, June 25, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Royal Missionary
Baptist Church
4761 Luella Avenue
North Charleston,
SC
Services by: The
Palmetto Mortuary, Inc.
The Rev. DePayne V. Middleton-Doctor
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
The Rev. DePayne V. Middleton-Doctor
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
St. Mark AME Church
5672 Salters Hill
Rd
Ravenel, SC
Funeral: Sunday, June 28, 2015 - 1:00 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Services by: The
Palmetto Mortuary of Charleston
The Rev. Clementa Pinckney
Viewing: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
The Rev. Clementa Pinckney
Viewing: Wednesday, June 24, 2015 - 1:00-5:00 p.m.
The Rotunda of the
State House in Columbia
Viewing: Thursday, June 25, 2015 - 11 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
St. John AME Church
2740 Tillman Rd
Ridgeland, SC
Viewing: Thursday, June 25, 2015 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Funeral: Friday,
June 26, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
TD Arena
301 Meeting Street.
College of
Charleston
Charleston, SC
Services by:
Leevy's Funeral Home of Columbia
Brother Tywanza Sanders
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Brother Tywanza Sanders
Viewing: Friday, June 26, 2015 - 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Funeral: Saturday, June 27, 2015 - 2:00 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Services by:
Murray's Mortuary of North Charleston
The Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Simmons, Sr.
Charleston Service:
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 - 12:00 Noon
The Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Simmons, Sr.
Charleston Service:
Tuesday, June 30th, 2015 - 12:00 Noon
Viewing at
11:00 a.m.
Greater St. Luke AME Church
78 Gordon Street
Greater St. Luke AME Church
78 Gordon Street
Charleston, South
Carolina 29403
The Reverend Dr. Herbert Temoney
The Reverend Dr. Herbert Temoney
Columbia
Wake:
Wednesday, July 1, 2015 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Leevy’s Funeral Home (Taylor Street Chapel)
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Wednesday, July 1, 2015 - 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Leevy’s Funeral Home (Taylor Street Chapel)
1831 Taylor Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Telephone: (803) 771-7799
If you wish to do
reflections, (pastors/friends/family) there will be a 3 minute limit, Phi Beta
Sigma, Fraternity, Inc. Omega Service & Masonic Capital Chapter #47 Ritual.
Columbia
Service:
Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
Viewing at 10:00
a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
819 Woodrow Street
Bethel A.M.E. Church
819 Woodrow Street
Columbia, South
Carolina 29205
The Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford
Services by: Leevy's Funeral Home of Columbia
The Rev. Dr. Ronnie Brailsford
Services by: Leevy's Funeral Home of Columbia
Sister Myra
Thompson
Viewing: Sunday, June 28, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Viewing: Sunday, June 28, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Funeral: Monday, June 29, 2015 - 11:00 a.m.
Emanuel AME Church
110 Calhoun Street
Charleston, SC
Services by: The
Palmetto Mortuary
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Second
Episcopal District is saddened to announce the Homegoing of Sheryl Camper, the
eldest daughter of the late Reverend Howard L. Camper and the late Minnie E.
Camper of the Baltimore Conference.
Services for Sheryl
Camper were held:
Monday, June 22,
2015
Metropolitan AME
Church
1518 M Street, NW
Washington, DC
20019
The Rev. William H.
Lamar IV, pastor
The Rev. Rodger
Hall Reed, eulogist
Condolences may be
sent to:
Phyllis Camper
(sister)
PO Box 41223
Arlington, VA 22204
Telephone: (301)
630-5837
19. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Sister Lillie Jane Gorham, the Mother of Sister Lillie
Gorham, and Hospitality Chairperson for the Philadelphia Conference Lay
Organization.
Funeral Services
will be held:
Saturday, June 27,
2015 – 12:00 p.m.
Triumph Missionary
Church
Washington, NC
Condolences may be
sent to:
Sister Lillie
Gorham
713 McDowell St.
Greenville, NC
27834
Or
Congleton Memorial
Mortuary
3205 East 10th
Street
Greenville, NC
27858
Telephone #
252-355-9995
Fax # 252-355-9990
20. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform
you of the passing of Brother Warren Leonard, on Sunday, June 21, 2015. Brother Leonard was the brother of the Rev.
James Leonard, pastor of Salem AME Church in Bucksport, South Carolina.
Brother Leonard was
secretary of the Northeast Annual Conference Sons of Allen and the Immediate
Past Corresponding Secretary of the Connectional Sons of Allen Ministry.
Funeral Services
will be held:
Saturday, June 27,
2015
12:00 Noon
Pleasant Grove
Baptist Church
(A C Robinson
Center)
1333 Penderboro
Road
Marion, SC 29571
21. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great
sadness that we announce the passing of Brother Samuel "Taunyane”
Mahlatsi, the elder brother of Brother Thomas Matlabe Mahlatsi, Third Vice
President of the 19th Episcopal District Lay Organization.
Brother Samuel was
an active member of the F.C. James Chapel AME Church in Bloemfontein and served
the Lay Organization as Circuit President and as First Vice President of the
Thaba Nchu District. He was a delegate to the 34th Biennial Session.
Services was held
Saturday 27 June
2015 – 10 a.m.
Mapetla, Soweto,
South Africa
22. 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
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.
Did someone you know pass this copy of The
Christian Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/
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