The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland -
Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend
Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. TCR EDITORIAL – TWENTY
THINGS PASTORS NEED TO REMEMBER, PART 3:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III
The
20th Editor of The
Christian Recorder
Just
to recap in the previously named editorial, the “Ten Things Pastors Need to
Remember.”
- One, take time for you; Two, it’s not “your church”; Three, you can’t do it all; and Four, learn new things,
call for yourself the faith you
proclaim to others, let technology make ministry and life easier, there will be
conflicts, carry some donuts or other refreshments, Methodists do some things
differently, find a mentor and be a mentor.
There’s more…
I
have a few more issues I would like to address and I will cover them in the
next editorial. I have renumbered and
renamed this editorial, “Twenty Things Pastors Need to Remember.”
Eleven, act and
dress like a preacher
The
military motif is often used with Christianity and it did not happen by chance
or by accident. It was by design. The holy men and women of God were essential
players in all of the war plans of the Old Testament.
The
New Testament’s use of the military motif can be seen throughout the Pauline
Epistles, e.g., “Put on the whole armor of God…” The Negro spirituals and
gospel hymns were also aligned with the military theme, most notably, “We are Soldiers, In the army, We have to
fight, Although we have to cry We have to hold up the bloodstained banner We
have to hold it up Until we Die!”
One
of the first things that happen in military basic training is to rid the notion
of individualism and the importance of the team. Soldiers are expected to carry
themselves a certain way in what is called “military bearing.” Every soldier learns about “military bearing
and decorum.”
Military
members wear uniforms and the uniforms have to be well-fitted.
When
I was in Desert Storm, there was a coalition of military from various
nations. I say this not because I was in
the United States Army, but our soldiers were among the best looking and had
the presence of being warriors. The British and French military members had
military bearing and a warrior- appearance.
Sometimes,
when we were on personal missions in the local community, soldiers of various
nations were also present. The coalition soldiers from some of the poorer
nations did not have the uniforms that projected a warrior spirit. Their
weapons were antiquated and looked like World War II weapons. They looked like
a rag-tag army.
The
appearance of a military unit can instill fear in the enemy.
I
realize that we are living in times of change and some pastors want to do their
own thing and dress and appearance are not important to them, but if we, as
Christians claim to be in the Christian “army” then I would assume that we
would follow some aspects of the military. I know this point is hard to make
for those who want to dress down, but I am sure there are many young persons
who go into the military service who would like to dress the way they want to
dress, but in a military environment, soldiers have to be uniform.
It’s
interesting that in many episcopal districts we insist on applicants for the
ministry to dress in a certain way, e.g. black dresses/suits, white shirts,
black shoes, etc., but on Sundays we see pastors dressing casually and without
robes. Either we have rules or we don’t. Following the rules is another way of
exhibiting “discipline,” which all pastors should be willing to follow.
The
problem with discipline in our Zion is a lack of supervision and young pastors
simply do what they want to do and with little or no guidance /supervision from
presiding elders and little or no episcopal guidance.
The
issue is not robes or no robes, suits versus casual attire or bow ties with
robes; the problem is a lack of discipline, a lack of professional
ecclesiastical consistency, and a lack of supervision.
Twelve, Do
something with those big pocketbooks
I
know most women carry pocketbooks and sometimes the pocketbooks are large, but
some things are a distraction in the pulpit. I am sure no one else will say it,
but I will say it; the pulpit is, or should be, a sacred area. Anything that
distracts from the sermon should not be in the pulpit.
And
let me say again, the pulpit by definition is the place from which the sermon
is delivered.
Announcements
should not be given from the pulpit. Political candidates should not be allowed
to deliver greetings or comments from the pulpit. They should be given from the
podium or the lectern. Muslims and other non-Christians should not be allowed
to speak from our pulpits, no matter how famous.
The
pulpit is not a lectern or a podium; they are different. I see and hear a lot
from parishioners about their pastors’ lack of respect for the sanctity of the
pulpit.
Let
me say this, strictly speaking; and again, by definition, the pulpit is the
domain of the ordained clergy.
If
a preacher has to “fuss” at the people, he or she should step away from the
pulpit and go to the podium or lectern and away from the pulpit. If pastors respect the pulpit, the laity will
respect the pulpit.
And,
while I am at it; soloists and singing groups should sing from the choir loft,
they do not need to approach the pulpit.
Now
let me get back to the pocketbooks. Pocketbooks are not a part of the
ecclesiastical accessories. Clergy should take to the pulpit only what they
need in support of delivering the sermon. Pocketbooks, newspapers, books, and
refreshments, etc. shouldn’t be taken to the pulpit.
And
on another note, preachers kneel or bow in reverent prayer before taking their
seats in the pulpit. Preachers and laity kneel when giving the prayer.
We
do not ask the people to “Say the Lord’s Prayer,” we ask them to “Pray the
Lord’s Prayer.”
Didn’t
mean to get off-track, but my point is that women and men clergy who carry
pocketbooks should secure them in a safe place other than the pulpit.
Thirteen, Learn to
develop dynamic worship services
I
am not sure why some clergy members refuse to practice. I think some clergy
have misappropriated the comment, “If you speak, the Lord will speak for you”
or some such nonsense. My pastor told me, “The Lord will speak through you, but
the Lord will use you better if you prepare yourself.”
Parishioners
get to church late because so many of our worship services are so disjointed
that it doesn’t make a difference what time parishioners or guests arrive for
worship.
When
worship services follow order and pastors, choir and worship participants
function as a team with competence and confidence, it’s more likely that
parishioners will make an attempt to arrive on time. I suspect if you have a
have a “rock and sock it to ‘em” processional, people will arrive on time.
There
is no need for people to get to worship on time when you have pastors and choir
members lazily meandering to the pulpit and choir loft.
When
there are long announcements, a lot of “Good morning saints,” and a lot of dead
space in the worship service, there is no need for parishioners to arrive on
time. When there is no drama in worship
and “more of the same ol’, same ol,” there is no need for parishioners to
arrive on time because it will be fine whenever they get there.
A
worship service is not a sports event. Sporting events have audiences and
spectators, worship services have congregations and participants. It is
improper for worship leaders to ask, “Will the audience please stand…,” rather
it is correct and more appropriate to say, “Will the Congregation please
stand…”
Fourteen, Respect
authority - it’s not the person, but the position
One
of the things preachers in every denomination, but especially in structured
denominations, need to work on is the importance of respecting authority.
I
think some preachers have a problem with authority because it is so easy to
function with the notion that everything we do is ordered by God. Some preachers are quick to say, “The Lord
told me…” It can be a great tactic, but an imperfect strategy because it is not
always true!
The
“mothers and fathers” of our Zion, following the structure of Methodism, put
into place, the system of church, quarterly, district, annual and general
conferences as a means of checks and balances and also set up the system of
pastors in charge, presiding elders and bishops as a system for the ministerial
and ecclesiastical chain of supervision.
We
are not a Baptist church and each congregation is not an autonomous body. I
have heard Baptist preachers say, “We are a Baptist church and we are
autonomous and every Baptist church can do as it wishes. Baptists can
contribute to the denomination’s call for funds, but we can also refuse to
participate.” If Baptist preachers,
deacons and congregations are in agreement, a Baptist preacher can do what he
(or she) wants to do. A Baptist preacher doesn’t have a supervisor.
AME
preachers have supervisors – presiding elders and bishops. The Council of
Bishops and Judicial Council can checkmate individual bishops, or at least
that’s the way it’s supposed to work.
If
an AME pastor, by word or deed, disrespects the presiding elder or the bishop,
parishioners will so note and are given a license to disrespect pastors in
charge. Pastors vow to be obedient to the bishops’ godly judgment. The respect we give is not to the person, but
to the office.
The
way it should work - parishioners respect pastors, pastors respect presiding
elders and presiding elders respect bishops and the bishops respect the laws of
the Church and function with “Godly judgment.”
Fifteen, become a
biblical scholar
Sermons
should not be “off the cuff” speeches.
Pastors prepare sermons, which they may choose to deliver
extemporaneously or read from a manuscript; but either way the sermon is prepared.
Preachers
need to be biblical scholars and it means that pastors need to do serious study
of the Bible. The Bible is a difficult book and it takes years of study to
become a biblical scholar. Pastors need to read books, attend classes, and
engage in biblical discussions and study.
The
“God brought me through and God will bring you through difficulty” messages are
good for a season, but over the “long haul” people need the “meat of the
gospel.”
Clichés
work for a while, but over the “long haul,” the biblical lessons and their
applications will carry people “over their mountains and through their
valleys.”
Sixteen, set the
highest standard for ministry
The
profession of ministry is an art and a science. Working with people and
colleagues takes skill. Ministry is more
than common sense and manipulating people to do what the pastors want them to
do.
Skilled
pastors know how to build teams through collaboration and patiently working to
get consensus and buy-in from church officers and parishioners.
Clergy
need to have the highest standards of conduct and be the highest model of
integrity and behavior. The ministry is a noble profession and every preacher
should conduct him or herself in ways that bring credit to the ministry, the
profession of ministry and to the AME Church. Character has been best defined
as, “What a person does when no one is looking.”
Seventeen, respect
your family and respect your ministry
Your
influence and physical strength will diminish with age. Your impact in ministry and influence on
parishioners will fade upon retirement or if and when you become incapacitated.
The people who flocked to you and sought your favor when you were a pastor,
presiding elder or bishop will gravitate to others who are in powerful
positions.
When
you can no longer appoint, delegate, promote or influence people in ways that
can affect them positively or negatively, the people around you will “thin out”
and even absent themselves from your presence.
And
when that happens, it will only be your family and the memories and legacy of
your ministry.
It
is important in ministry to always treat your family and your legacy with the
highest respect because at some point if you live long enough, that’s all you
will have.
Eighteen, Satan is
real
Don’t
fool yourself, Satan is not a figment of our imagination. If there is one thing
I know and that is “Satan is real.”
We
are in spiritual warfare. The biblical prophets knew it, Jesus knew it and the
Apostles knew it. The church “mothers
and fathers” knew it and you had better know it.
Satan
is real and Satan is always trying to get into our thoughts and behavior in
ways that will magnify his presence.
Clergy,
as well as laity, must be vigilant in guarding our spiritual lives through
prayer and reading the Bible.
Diligent
soldiers are always ready for the fight and we, Christians, must be ready to
guard against the satanic forces that are ever present all around us.
Never
forget and don’t blow it off – Satan is real!
Nineteen, what you
sow will be what you reap
Clergy
must be ever diligent in ministry.
Pastors cannot afford to be lazy.
Successful ministry takes work – hard work! If you put due diligence
into your ministry, your ministry will reap showers of blessings upon you and
those you serve.
Pray,
read the Bible and study! The process never ends; it’s ongoing from the
beginning of ministry to the very end of ministry.
People
and society are ever-changing and preachers have to always be in a posture to
address the gospel in light of the changes.
The
world is not static, it’s always moving and ministry has to move with it.
Preachers must always be sowing seeds of spiritual growth and enlightenment.
Twenty, it takes
years to get to the top and seconds to fall to the bottom
Moral
and ethical behavior is a prerequisite of ministry. Forces of evil, which we
call satanic influences, abound and preachers must be ever diligent.
“The
ministry is an unforgiving profession.” Sermons are preached about forgiveness
and we talk about forgiveness, but a pastoral misstep can derail ministry. As
Dr. Johnny Barbour, AMEC Publisher opined, “A pastor labors years working to
get to the pinnacle of ministry, but it only takes minutes, seconds or a bad
decision to derail ministry.”
In
a large part, we have married clergy and the unfortunate aspect of a derailed
ministry is the negative impact that it has upon spouses and children.
Preachers
must be diligent!
TCR Editor’s Note – I am attending the Kentucky Annual
Conference (of which I am a member) next week.
2. I ASK:
*Bishop
Caroline Tyler Guidry
I Ask:
-
Does a lay delegate to the Annual Conference
be the same as a delegate to the Lay Electoral College, or separate delegates are required for the
Annual Conference and Lay Electoral College?
Bishop Guidry
Responds
There
is no rule against the same person being elected Delegate to the Annual
Conference and Delegate to the Electoral College from a Local Church. (See pages 188-212 The Doctrine and
Discipline of the AME Church 2012)
I Ask:
- How is the Lay Electoral College of the
Annual Conference elected in the Local church to be in the Lay Electoral
College of the Annual Conference?
Bishop Guidry
Responds
They
are elected by majority of those present in a Church Conference at least
"3 months prior to the Electoral College" page 191 b. of Discipline
I Ask:
- Is the Lay Electoral College part of the
Annual Conference business or is it a different business separate from the
Annual Conference
Bishop Guidry
Responds
It
is a function of the Annual Conference. The young Adult election is held
separately from the adult election; Page 191,2.c of Discipline
Mr
Mxolisi Henry Vilakazi
Researcher
and Policy Analyst
Research,
Policy and Knowledge Management
Parliamentary
Operations
Mpumalanga
Provincial Legislature
3. NEWS AROUND THE
AME CHURCH:
-- The newly
created AME-India Website has gone live on the web.
"Members
and Friends of AME Church, we are happy to inform you that the newly created
AME-India website has gone live on the web. It is http://l.facebook.com/l/LAQGn-3CDAQEL_qB8bJhOlku5MXQcoYH7zLKnd6jOApZmLA/www.ameindia.co.
We request you to kindly browse it and send us your valuable suggestions for
corrections or modifications, share with us your testimonials, your pictures,
if you had been part of our Annual Conferences in the past years."
-- Around Bermuda's
Churches
Royal Gazette
Heard
Chapel AME Church will host Reunion Sunday at 4 p.m. as part of the church's
107th anniversary celebrations. The event will be followed by a ..
-- Charleston
officials to unveil plan for donations after Emanuel AME Church attack - Charleston Post Courier
Three
months after the shooting at Emanuel AME Church, Charleston officials will
announce Thursday how they plan to give out the more than $2...
4. WATCH - POPE
FRANCIS VISITS WHITE HOUSE FOR MEETING WITH OBAMA:
5. THE AMEC COLLEGE
CORNER - AME STRONG – HBCU’S:
*The
Rev. Lucinda V. Burgess
The
1844 General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church,
created a Committee on Education, with Daniel Payne as its Chair. Its mandate
was to select a proper course of study to be pursued by young preachers in the
future. As early as 1852, the AME Church started its first school, Union
Seminary in Columbus Ohio. In 1856, Wilberforce University was started by the
Methodist Church at Tawawa Springs near Xenia especially for the education of
free Negroes. Unfortunately the institution closed in 1862 because of financial
conditions brought on by the Civil War. One year later, in 1863, the AME Church
purchased the Wilberforce University plant from the Methodist Church and
discontinued instruction at Union Seminary. Under the AME Church, Wilberforce
University continued to operate as a co-educational institution with strong
popular support offering opportunities for those who wished to pursue courses
in the liberal arts, theology, teacher training, and those courses that would
prepare them for other learned professions.
As
the AME Church began to expand its boarders, Edward Waters College, the oldest
private institution of higher education in the state of Florida, was founded in
1866 specifically to educate newly freed slaves. In 1870, Allen University grew
out of the church’s desire to educate newly freed slaves and to ensure a
well-trained clergy for the AME Church. 1871 saw the opening of Payne
Theological Seminary, originally as part of Wilberforce and later as a free
standing institution, to educate persons for the Christian ministry and
missionaries for the redemption of Africa and other foreign lands. In 1882, the
AME Church opened Paul Quinn College, in the State of Texas for the purpose of
educating freed slaves and their offspring. In 1885, the State of Georgia
granted a charter to Morris Brown College of the AME Church, making it the
first educational institution in Georgia under sole African-American
patronage. In 1886, Shorter College in Little Rock, Arkansas opened for
the purposes of assisting recently freed slaves to overcome the many
disadvantages and deprivations of slavery and racial discrimination. In 1894,
Turner Theological Seminary began as a department of Morris Brown College, for
the preparation of young men and women for every department of Christian work.
The
AME Church, has always been a leader in the education of Negroes. The mother
ship of all Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), Wilberforce
University, has withstood fires, revolts and attempted coups, but yet it still
stands. The AME Colleges and Universities are true testaments of being #AMESTRONG
*The
Rev. Lucinda V. Burgess is an Associate Minister at Greater Allen AMEC, Dayton,
a middler at Payne Theological Seminary, and the 2015-2016 SGA President.
6. A BRIEF HISTORY
OF AME-INDIA:
Psalm 118:23 – This is the LORD’S doing, and
it is marvelous to see.
AME-India
originated in the mind of God in eternity. But as the scripture says, that
there is a time for everything, God patiently waited for the appointed time for
creating AME-India.
In
the year 2004, God brought Rev. Karla Cooper as an exchange student to India
for a brief period, to a theological college here. She was paired along with
Rev. Sarah, an Indian student from the same theological college. After Rev.
Cooper returned back to America, the Lord burdened her for India, she proposed
if Rev. Sarah and her husband Rev. Abraham were willing to help with the
ministry of AME in India. The Indian couple prayed over the matter and made
themselves available for the ministry of AME in India. Rev. Cooper happened to
be a clergy of the Fifth District of which Bishop John Richard Bryant was the
ecclesial leader then. She played a significant role in connecting the Indian
couple with Bishop John Richard Bryant, The Presiding Prelate of the Fourth
Episcopal District and Rev. Cecilia Williams Bryant, the Episcopal Supervisor
of Fifth Episcopal District then. They listened to her and prayed over it and
took the initiative in this direction.
In
the meantime the Lord had been preparing the Indian couple Rev. Sarah and Rev.
Abraham over the past years to help in establishing the ministry of AME-India.
In the year 2006, there was an AME delegation from the USA to India. Bishop
John Bryant, Rev. Cecilia, Rev. Brenda Hayes and Rev. Karla Cooper visited
India to see for themselves the possibility of extending the ministry of AME to
India. In the meantime the Indian couple had set up some prayer cells, and also
invited some independent churches (established as a result of Rev. Sarah’s
father Mr. VRT Arputharaj in the Chengalpet region of the Kancheepuram district
of Tamilnadu, India) to join in praying for the ministry of AME.
In
the year 2007 we had the first AME-India convocation. 100 guests came from
different countries to the city of Chennai, where 300 Indians had gathered from
different parts of India. The AME-India convocation was held from 14th to 18th
November 2007. It was a historic event in the history of India and it’s Church.
The convocation was organized at the historic location, the Santhome Cathedral
Basilica, Mylapore, Chennai, South India. The significance of the location is
that it is commonly believed according to the tradition of the Church in India,
that the Apostle St. Thomas had initiated his missionary work, and built a
church at this place 2000 years ago and now after 2006 years AME has initiated
its mission work from the same location.
Bishop
John, Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Dr. Jamal Bryant had moved the gathering with
their powerful words of encouragement. The teachings and instructions delivered
by: Dr. Floyd Flake, Dr. Harold Mayberry, Rev. Regina Groff on the Foundations
and Teachings of the AME Church, Dr. Harold Mayberry, Dr. Darryl Ingram, Dr.
James Wade, Dr. Carey Anderson, Presiding Elder Booker T. Guitone, Dr. George
Flowers on the Doctrines and Disciplines of AME Church. Rev. Terry Marks, Rev.
Leslie White, Joyce Johnson, on the sacraments and practices of the AME Church,
Sister Richelle Fry Skinner, Dr. Jamesina Evans and Rev. Beverly Thomas on YPD
and WMS had been very informative, educative and spiritually refreshing. The
paper presented by Dr. Louis Logan on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Junior was
very enlightening for the Indian delegates.
In
the year 2008-2009 we had a setback in the ministry for a brief period due to
unavoidable circumstances, but the Lord heard our prayers and we were back on
the track again in 2010, because of the initiative to Bishop John Bryant, The
Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District and Rev. Cee, The Supervisor
of the Fourth Episcopal District. Over the years many Pastors and the churches
joined us. This was God’s doing. Today we have 123 Pastors serving with
AME-India, spread across the country, in six different states. In the year 2009
the church in India underwent waves of persecution from the rightwing Hindu
fanatics. Some of our Pastors also had to bear the brunt of this, but the Lord
protected them and saved them and their congregation.
The
AME church was drawn to come to India to share about the fullness of life and
their experience of liberation that they found in Jesus while they as
African-Americans were slaves under the rule of the white supremacists with the
Dalits in India. Most of our Pastors are from Dalit background and except a few
from the high caste. We thank God for this, because this is the Lord’s doing.
We give all the glory to God, for God alone deserves it. Let us continue to
uphold each other in prayer and join our hands to build our share of the
kingdom of God here in this country. Who knows God might even raise
missionaries from AME-India to reach out to the other unreached parts of the
globe. Going along with William Carey, “Let us expect great things from God and
let us attempt great things for God”.
7. A BRIEF
INTRODUCTION TO INDIA
INDIA: As of 28th May 2015, the
population of India is 1.28 billion. The sex ratio being 943 females to 1000
males. 50% of the current population is below 25 years of age. 72.2% of the population
lives in the 638,000 rural villages. India has the largest illiterate
population in the world. The literacy rate of India as per 2011 Population
Census is 74.04%, with male literacy rate at 82.14% and female at 65.46%.
India
is a country where people of different faiths live together. Christianity is
only 2.5% (2.5 million) of the total population. Christianity came to India in
the 1st Century A.D. but the progress of the church has been very
slow.
Until
the 19th century, we have had much freedom for the Gospel. Of late
due to the domination of the Hindu fanaticism, the Christian minorities became
the persecuted lot.
The
Church in India is also a divided body based on Caste System. Caste System is
the social stratification of the Indian society.
The
Caste System is a hierarchical structure, in which the top place goes to the
Brahmins-the priestly class; next to them are the Khsatriyas- the royal ruling
class; then the Vaisyas-the business class; and at the bottom are the
Shudras-those in servitude of the upper three.
Apart
from this four-fold structure, there are a large group of people who are known
as the Panchamas (fifth class) and
they are the untouchables. They are
the socially ostracized. They are supposed to do all the dirty work of the
society and dwell on the carcass for their sustenance. They are known as the Dalits.
The
Dalits are doubly discriminated, and
more than that the Dalit women are in
the bottom-line, with absolutely no rights whatsoever. Most of these Dalits
live in the villages and they are below the poverty line. They have suffered
untouchability for centuries together.
Since
they are the untouchables, the people belonging to the high caste have no
social interaction with them. Despite all the development and modernization of
the nation, untouchability is still practices in many parts of the country.
There
are six different discriminations that the Dalits suffer, based on Mathew
25:31-46. They are:
Economically
- Hungry
Politically
- Thirsty
Socially
- Naked
Religiously
- Strangers
Physically
- Sick
Culturally
- Prisoners (under bondage)
These
people need to be liberated and we believe the gospel has the power to liberate
them. But it is unfortunate that the Church in India also follows the caste
system. The AME Church believes in her ability to distinguish herself in
bringing liberation and freedom to the Dalits in India.
Read
more: http://www.ameindia.com/index.php
8. BOLD PASTORAL
MOVES MADE AT CLOSE OF 8TH MIDWEST ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
*The
Rev. Gordon Glenn
The
Eighth Session of the Midwest Annual Conference, the last that Bishop T. Larry
Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, will superintend
as an active bishop, closed out on Sunday, September 20, 2015 with pomp,
circumstance, powerful worship and bold pastoral moves during the Commissioning
Service.
Bishop
Kirkland preached from 1 Kings 17, using as his theme, "Learning how to
live in the Cutting (a tough) Place." Bishop Kirkland answered the
question of why God sent Elijah the Tishbite to the brook. Bishop reminded the
assembled congregation that God sent Elijah to the brook to protect him, to prepare
him and to show him provisions.
Following
the distribution of election certificates for conference officers and those
elected delegates and alternates for the 50th General Conference, Bishop
Kirkland handed out appointments for the 2015-2016 Conference Year:
-
The Rev. Nicole Pledger and the Rev. Derrick Hall were granted transfers: the
Rev. Pledger to the Eleventh District (Florida) and the Rev. Hall to the
Southern California Conference (5th District).
For
the Midwest-Omaha District, the Rev. Benjamin Finnell was reassigned as
Presiding Elder and pastor of Allen Chapel, Omaha Nebraska; the Rev. Jacqueline
Ford (Gregg Memorial, Omaha); the Rev. Karla Cooper (Quinn Chapel, Lincoln,
NE); the Rev. Victoria Parker (Bethel - Omaha), and the Rev. Clifton Neal St.
James (St. John, Omaha, NE - temporary appointment).
For
the Midwest North District, the Rev. Francis T. Cary was made the new presiding
elder, replacing the Rev. Donna F. Roberson, who retired earlier in the week.
The
following pastoral appointments were made: The Rev. Helen Benton-Harris (St.
Luke A.M.E. Church, Liberty, MO); the Rev.
George Stewart (Bethel, Coffeyville, KS); Jane Lane (Zion, Mayview, MO);
the Rev. Rachel Williams-Glenn (Bethel, Manhattan, KS); the Rev. May Etta Hall - (Grant/Lovell - Moberly, and
Bethel - Macon, MO); the Rev. Penny
Pitchford (Power of Faith - Kansas City, MO);
the Rev. Patricia Winfrey (St.
Paul - Independence MO); the Rev. Viola, Jones (Ward Chapel - Junction City,
KS); the Rev. Brenda Smith (Gilbert Memorial, Kansas City, MO); the Rev. Willis Chapel Kansas City, MO (to be supplied
by (Ret.) P.E. Donna Roberson until Planning Meeting); the Rev. Kevin Shields
(Campbell Chapel - Atchison, KS); the Rev. Shirley Heermance (St. Mark -
Topeka, KS); the Rev. Keith Cordier
(Christ Our Redeemer, Kansas City, MO); the Rev. Pamela M. Mason (St. John -
Topeka, KS); the Rev. Eraina M. Aseme (Gregg Tabernacle, Kansas City, MO); the
Rev. Mark Smith (Allen Chapel, Kansas City, MO); the Rev. Robert Shaw (Bethel,
Kansas City, MO) and the Rev. Brenda Hayes (Ebenezer, Kansas City, MO).
The
following Midwest North Churches are to be supplied by P.E. Cary: Campbell
Chapel, Glasgow, MO; Zion/St. Luke, Brunswick, MO; St. James - Odessa, MO; Ward
Chapel, Richmond, MO; Allen Chapel - Salina, KS; Ebenezer/Grant, St. Joseph,
MO; and St. John, Kansas City, MO.
For
the Midwest South District, the Rev. Roger Jackson was made the new Presiding
Elder. The following pastoral appointments were made: the Rev. Julie Boyd (Brooks Chapel, Butler MO); the
Rev. Joe Bywaters (Ward Chapel - Iola, KS); the Rev. Gloria Butler (Quinn
Chapel - Independence, KS); the Rev.
Darlene Easley (Hall's Chapel - Newton, KS); the Rev. Samuel Oliver (Mt.
Olive, Emporia, KS); the Rev. Edward Walzer, Jr. (Greater New Bethel, Kansas
City, KS); the Rev. Steven Barnes (Grant Chapel - Kansas City, KS); the Rev.
Stephanie Pendleton-Dorsey (St Luke, Kansas City, KS); the Rev. Valencia Jackson (Mariah-Walker Kansas City,
MO); the Rev. Verdell Taylor (St. Luke - Lawrence, KS); the Rev. Gary Charles
(St. Paul - Kansas City, KS); the Rev.
Robin Davis (Bethel - Hutchinson, KS); the Rev. Samuel Kyser (Bethel -
Leavenworth, KS); the Rev. Stacy Evans (Allen Chapel - Kansas City, KS -
temporary appointment); the Rev. Carieta Cain-Grizzell (Grant Chapel, Wichita,
KS - temporary appointment); the Rev.
Warren Freeman (Cain-Grant - Kansas City, MO); the Rev. Gordon Glenn
(Ward Chapel - Kansas City, MO); the Rev. Steve Cousin (Trinity - Kansas City,
KS); and the Rev. Barry Settle (First - Kansas City, KS).
The
following Midwest South Churches are to be supplied by P.E. Jackson: St. Paul -
Wichita, KS; St. James - Wellington, KS; Bethel - Winfield, KS; Handy Chapel,
Joplin, MO; Myers Chapel - Great Bend, KS; St. James - Arkansas City, KS; and
St. Matthew's Chapel - Booneville, Missouri.
*The
Rev. Gordon Glenn is the Public Relations Director for the Midwest Annual
Conference
9. IMPORTANT 18TH
EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MESSAGE FROM BISHOP JOHN WHITE:
Brothers
and Sisters of the AME Church,
The
18th District needs your help to acquire
a New Episcopal Residence. The decades
old structure is no longer habitable despite periodic renovations under
previous administrations. We invite you
to become a PARTNER with us to bring to fruition an adequate and comfortable
living condition for our Servant Bishops.
The
18th District has secured a new residence at a fair price by leveraging the
land of the existing residence. However,
we need at least $180,000 to finalize the purchase. The General Board in its June Session
authorized the Statistics and Finance Commission to assist the 18th District in
obtaining assistance from the Connectional Church.
We
are doing what we can, but we need YOUR help to complete this needed project!
Please
make your make your (tax deductible) checks or money orders payable to the “18th
Episcopal District – AME Church.”
Contributions
and Pledges should be mailed to by November 1, 2015 to:
18th
Episcopal District - AME Church
C/o
Dr. J. Edgar Boyd
First
AME Church of Los Angeles
2270
South Harvard
Los
Angeles, California 90018
Thank
you (Ke a Leboha) for your support!
John
F. White
Servant
Bishop
10. EQUIPPING
PASTORS - WEEKLY WISDOM FOR URBAN MINISTRY -
4 REASONS WHY YOUR MINISTRY IS NOT GROWING:
*Tracy
J. Brown
1.
The Vision Is Not Clear -If people don't know where a church is supposed to be
going...then it will attempt to go everywhere and eventually wind up
nowhere. Ask members if they know the
vision.
2.
The Focus Is on Trying to Please Everyone -There is NO church on the planet
that will make everyone happy. Develop a strategy and stick to it!
3.
Passionless Leaders-You need difference makers not paycheck takers. You must
train and develop your leaders to ignite their passion.
4.
Manufacturing Energy-If a program is dead in a church...Celebrate the fact that
"that" program had its day...and then move on. AND...quit trying to fire people up over
events that you would not attend if you were not on staff.
Free 30 Minute
Telephone Consultation to Help You Grow:
*Tracy
J. Brown is an Independent Certified Coach, Teacher and Speaker with The John
Maxwell Team
11. CONNECTIONAL
LAY ORGANIZATION RELEASES NEW STUDY GUIDE DEDICATED TO DISCIPLESHIP:
At
the recent Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay
Organization (CLO) held in Charleston, South Carolina, the CLO
launched its 2015-2017 Study Guide on the theme “Laity Fulfilling
the Great Commission”. This theme draws from General AME Church
theme for 2012-2016: Fulfilling the Great Commission—The Goal, Cost, Evidence,
Harvest and Fruit of Discipleship.
Designed
to be a practical congregational resource to help in the making of
Christian Disciples, the study guide is divided into Perspectives on the Theme,
Training Modules, Applications and Resources. Under the overall
direction of CLO Director of Lay Activities Edith Bartley Cartledge, the book
was conceptualized and edited by Paulette Coleman,
Ph.D. At its heart are over 15 guided activities to assist in
discipleship training in a variety of situations targeting
young adults, those in rural areas, and those committed to social justice advocacy. The
book features contributions from clergy and laity representing twelve Episcopal
Districts from the United States, Africa and the Caribbean.
“The
Lay Study Guide translates the concept of discipleship into its practical
application of making disciples in the second decade of the
21st century. By using the Study Guide and implementing the
modules, discipleship becomes the priority for all of us.” -- Bishop
William P DeVeaux, Sr., CLO Commission Chair
“This
tool enables us to fully embrace the AME Church’s connectional quadrennial
theme of Fulfilling the Great Commission. We know that the essence of
discipleship rests on the firm foundation of faith.” --Willie C. Glover, PhD.,
CLO President
The
Connectional Lay Organization makes this resource available to all African Methodists,
clergy and laity, as a toolkit to explore the quadrennial
theme. The Study Guide goes beyond that by equipping the church with
the essential tools and skills for discipleship and disciple making. But beyond
as discipleship never stops.
Copies
of this invaluable resource are available for purchase by contacting your
Episcopal District Lay President.
*Edith
Bartley Cartledge is the Connectional Lay Organizational Director of Lay
Activities
12.THE WCC GRIEVE
WITH FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO DIED IN MECCA:
WASHINGTON:
The National Council of Churches grieves with Muslims worldwide after hearing
the news of the more than 700 worshipers who died in the tragedy that took
place during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, a short distance outside of
Mecca. It is especially tragic that
these worshipers died during the Hajj, an event that carries intense spiritual
and emotional significance for Muslims.
We
express our sadness also to our many Muslim partners here in the United States,
who no doubt had faithful from their communities participating in the annual
pilgrimage. We strive to celebrate with
our Muslim friends in joyful times, and to also join them in grief when
tragedies such as this strike.
13. AME
CONGREGATION, VIGILANCE SEEK LIBERTY AND JUSTICE:
*Dorothy
Jenkins Fields, Ph.D
Nearly
200 years ago the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) was established in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It grew out of the Free African Society led by Richard
Allen, Absalom Jones and others.
Years
after being born into slavery in Philadelphia Allen purchased his freedom,
became a minister and joined the Continental Army. Dissatisfied with the unequal treatment and
separate arrangements for black people to worship and pray in white churches
Allen and Jones made plans to transform their mutual society into an African
congregation.
Absalom
Jones became the first black ordained Episcopal priest in the United States.
Allen continued in the Methodist practice. He united several black
congregations founding the independent denomination of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church (AME). This was the first fully independent black denomination
in the United States. Ordained the first black deacon of the Methodist Church
and well known preacher, Richard Allen was elected the first bishop of
the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Centuries
later, the AME church carries the spirit of the original Free African Society
seeking out and saving the lost, and serving the needy. Over time the AME
membership grew throughout the world. Today there are twenty Episcopal
Districts in thirty-nine countries on five continents. The work of the church
is administered by twenty-one active bishops and nine General officers who manage
the departments of the church.
At
the Eleventh Episcopal District is Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. He
will preside over the 125th session of the South Annual Conference of the
Eleventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Church at the 2015 meeting
October 3rd to October 9th in Miami. This district includes Florida and the
Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The presiding elders for the Eleventh District
are: The Rev. Jessie Harvin, North District; The Rev. Vincent Mitchell, Central
District; and The Rev. Milton Broomfield, South District.
Conference
activities will be held at the host church, Greater Bethel AME, 245 NW 8th Street and the Doubletree
Hotel, 711 NW 72nd Avenue. For questions contact: Rev. Willie Cook,
pastor or Altamese Mitchell: 305-371-9102 / 305-379-8250; Email: measiemae@hotmail.com or visit: www.ame-church.com.
A
special ordination service will be held at Greater Bethel. Individuals enrolled
in the class for new ministers who have accepted church doctrine and completed
the required course of study will be ordained by Bishop Richardson. The
preacher for this service will be Bishop Frank Curtis Cummings.
This
year’s conference chairperson for Public Relations, Gwen Dickson, is a native
Miamian and lifelong member of Greater Bethel. As plans are being finalized she
states, “the conference will generate discussions on violence and forgiveness
as it relates to the “Charleston nine” and worldwide violence, which is a
needed factor, especially for our young people.”
An
anticipated highlight of the conference will be Bishop Richardson’s
remarks regarding the tragedy at Mother
Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina June 7th 2015 when nine
congregants were murdered allegedly as a result of racism. The outcry of such a
horrendous act was heard around the world.
For
over a week the scene in Charleston was repeatedly recalled in print and social
media. Response from the AME church was measured. One of several press releases
issued from the church’s Social Action Commission Chair, Bishop Reginald T.
Jackson stated: “Out of this tragedy God has provided the AME Church an
opportunity to impact our nation, to motivate the United States to confront and
destroy the demonic spirit of racism.”
Moving
forward the Social Action Commission invited other faith sister communions and faith communities to join in solidarity
”… we must seize this moment to lead our nation in confronting and destroying
racism, unless we allow it to continue to destroy us and our children.” The
Commission calls upon every church, temple, mosque, and faith communion to
“make worship service a time to confess and repent for the sin and evil of
racism, this includes ignoring, tolerating and accepting racism and to make a
commitment to end racism by the example of our lives and actions.”
On
Sunday, September 6th throughout the nation congregations and denominations joined
ranks with the AME church worshiping in solidarity with the theme: “Confession,
Repentance and Commitment to End Racism Sunday.”
An
example of solidarity was demonstrated by Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, the
26th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church of the United States and The Rev.
Gay Clark Jennings, President, House of Deputies of The Episcopal Church.
Jointly they issued a letter calling on their Episcopal congregations to
participate. The letter was included in weekly church bulletins and read by
parishioners, to enforce the pastors’ sermons about racism and the
responsibility of people of faith to end racism.
Beyond
one Sunday of solidarity the AME church’s Social Action Commission admits that
racism will not end with letters, the press, the media or the passage of
legislation alone. “ It requires a
change of heart and thinking. This is an effort which the faith community must
lead and be the conscience of the nation.”
Many
times movements such as this are short lived. In a litany written by Bishop
Richardson titled, After The Vigils, Vigilance! He encourages sustained
actions. Recalling events of recent times he wrote: “Tragedies are common
place,” so writes the composer. – and the choirs sing, and following the
tragedies, vigils were called in New Town, Aurora, New York Sanford,
Jacksonville, North Charleston, Charleston, St. Louis, Ferguson, Baltimore, Los
Angeles, Charlotte, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Washington, DC and in sympathizing
cities, villages and hamlets around the world, for senseless deaths of mostly
young victims –unarmed. That’s why something must follow the prayer meeting
–ACTION. Prophetic ministry beckons us … to express our pain, to have our
voices heard, our ideas considered, and our demands met.”
Dorothy
Jenkins Fields, Ph.D., is a historian and founder of the Black Archives,
History and Research Foundation of South Florida, Inc. Send feedback to djf@bellsouth.net.
14.
THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical Text: John 10:1-3 (KJV): Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that
entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way,
the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the
shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice:
and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. (KJV)
The shepherd is appointed by the master to be
in charge of the sheep. The shepherd owns the sheep. He knows and leads the
sheep. We may never have raised livestock, but we understand the shepherd-sheep
relationship in this parable. We
understand there is a shepherd, and there is some sheep. We have an
understanding of this concept of shepherding, at least at the forefront. We
easily ascertain that in this comparison to our relationship with God, we are
God’s sheep. We belong to Him, because He made us. Consequently, He knows us
and desires to lead us.
It is not necessary for us to be farmers to
understand that even animals cannot really be counted on to follow without
compensation or reward. In other words there is a motivation for following. The
fact is we follow in expectation. We expect something for our loyalty. In fact,
loyalty is built on expectation. No one follows a leader who does not promise
to deliver.
We must be aware that there are, of course,
good shepherds and bad shepherds. We are encouraged to listen for the voice of
the good shepherd. What is it about this Jesus that we recognize? What is it in
this voice that draws us to Jesus?
The Good Shepherd owns His sheep. Notice that
when Jesus spoke this parable, He used the pronoun of personal possession.
Jesus says, “His own sheep.” A good shepherd takes responsibility for that
which he possesses. Jesus is saying that, by virtue of creation and redemption,
all the sheep are His. There is a unique relationship between shepherd and
sheep that trains the sheep to know His voice.
If two flocks became co-mingled, the shepherds simply separated their
sheep by calling out to them.
If Jesus is our Good Shepherd, there is a
surrendering that must take place. Jesus’ desire is that His sheep will know
His voice, and become His in the truest and deepest sense. His concern is that
sheep become His by surrendering their heart and life to His claims. However,
Jesus warns that we have to enter in by His Door. We have to reach out and
willfully turn the knob, open the Door and step in. When we do, we can proclaim
like David, “The Lord is my Shepherd.” If we are indeed the property of the
Divine Shepherd, then He knows our name and address. He is ready to meet our
need as it arises.
If Jesus owns us, then He knows us! Jesus
says “I know my sheep, and am known of mine.” The truth of the matter is being
known by Him, and knowing Him, implies far more than just knowing His voice. It
implies that we are in a participatory relationship with Him. We are one with
Him. We can say, “Jesus and I are one,” just as Jesus said, “My Father and I
are one.”
The Father knew all about His Only Begotten
Son. Perfect knowledge existed between Father and Son. And perfect knowledge
exists between Shepherd and sheep. If Jesus knows us, then we bear the mark of
Divine ownership. He recognizes us, and just as importantly, the other sheep
will recognize us too!
Traditionally shepherds knew all the
particulars of each of their sheep. They knew their history, their defects,
their temper, and their tastes. In fact, the shepherd generally named sheep
according to their particular characteristics. In the same manner, Jesus knows
us! He knows our history. Jesus knows whether or not we have changed since we
came into His flock. Jesus knows our defects. He is fully aware of the sins
that doth so easily beset us, that need His divine intervention. He knows our
temperament. Jesus knows whether we are willing to let go of our will and allow
His will to take over.
Finally, Jesus knows our tastes. He is fully
cognizant of what will entice us, what will draw us closer to Him. When Jesus
says He knows us, He is not just saying that He can distinguish us from the
multitude. The word know in this context is clearly much more profound. After
all just about anyone is able to tell us apart by general characteristic to
include, hair color, skin tone, voice inflection, eye color etc. Jesus wants us
to understand that He knows what others cannot know. He knows our entire being,
and can perfectly discern all there is to know about us. The truth of the
matter is Jesus has a comprehensive and perfect knowledge of each of His sheep.
Nothing can be hid from Him. David knew this when he said, “There is not a word
on our tongue, but Thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.”
The Good Shepherd leads His sheep. We will
not grasp the full meaning of this parable merely looking at it from a western
interpretation of the art of herding. Viewing from this angle we will see a
shepherd following behind his sheep, driving, prodding and urging them forward.
We are encouraged rather to understand that the shepherd led his sheep. The
shepherd used his voice to get them to follow him.
Jesus warns that other shepherds may call the
sheep by name. In fact Satan knows our name but if we know the Good Shepherd,
we will not be fooled by imitation. That is why Jesus said, “He goeth before
them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice”. There’s no prodding
or pushing necessary. It is a willful surrender to a shepherd whom the sheep
trust with their lives.
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is
the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
15. GETTING TO
ZERO:
The “Getting to Zero” column will return next
week.
*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.
16. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER, 27, 2015 - STAND FIRM - ACTS 7:2–4, 8–10, 17, 33–34, 45–47,
53:
*Brother Bill Dickens
Key Verse: Filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into
heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Acts 7:49
Introduction
Sunday, September 27, 2015 is the Eighteenth Sunday after
Pentecost.
Malcolm X once opined – “If you don’t stand for something you will
fall for anything.” When we take a position about an issue our
credibility and character will be put to test. Standing firm implies we
do not equivocate or waiver on our position. We adopt a position and
stick to it. Equivocation suggests we can’t make up our minds about what
believe. Equivocation raises doubts about our character. This is why
the Holy Writ states a “double-minded man is unstable in all his ways.” Stand
firm and eliminate vacillating tendencies in our character disposition.
Standing firm has social value but in recent years it comes with
social controversy and cost. Many states
have enacted laws called “Stand Your Ground” to provide law-abiding citizens
the right to use force if they feel their personal life or property is under
threat. This was the central point in
the trial against George Zimmerman who was accused of murdering Trayvon
Martin. Zimmerman’s subsequent acquittal
was viewed by many critics as proof for why “Stand Your Ground” laws should be
repealed since they fail at helping the victims who are disproportionately poor
and black.
The Adult AME Church School lesson for Sunday, September 27, 2015
is a teaching opportunity about standing firm in what you believe. Standing firm is a choice that reflects an
individual’s personal set of values.
Choices have consequences and the story of Stephen in chapter 7 of Acts
is no different. Stephen knew his
actions would lead to death for his uncompromising belief that Jesus is the
Messiah. Stephen’s martyrdom serves as a
reminder for all Christians that uncompromising convictions can sometimes lead
to the ultimate price.
Bible Lesson
Service
The life of Stephen in Acts is truly inspiring. Earlier (Chapter 6) we find him chosen among
the original seven deacons to assist in the service of the needs to Grecian
Jews. Stephen is described as a man full
of faith and the Holy Spirit (vs. 5, 8).
Due to his spiritual empowerment, Stephen teaches with authority and
conviction about the Messiah. Similar to
Peter and John before him, he too is arrested and is forced to appear before
another inquisition. Members of the
Sanhedrin concoct false charges against Stephen and produce paid witnesses who
willingly lie that Stephen is somehow an insurrectionist aimed at destroying
the customs of Moses (v 15).
Student of History
In Chapter 7 Stephen responds to his accusers by using Old
Testament history to support his case.
Stephen stands firm that the Gospel he is teaching is based on Old
Testament prophecy and the current results are merely the fulfillment of the
prophecy. Stephen starts with Abraham (v
2), thru Joseph (vs. 10 -14), thru Moses (vs. 20 – 44) and concluding with
David and Solomon (vs. 45 – 50).
Servant till Death
Stephen’s use of Old Testament history was a strategic tool
designed to “connect the dots” with prophecy and fulfillment. However, the stubbornness of the Sanhedrin
Council resulted in Stephen concluding that though the religious leaders
received the law they were guilty of disobeying the law they presumably revered
(v 53). This latter charge by Stephen
sealed his fate. The Sanhedrin decide
that Stephen’s counter-criticism towards them was worthy of death by
stoning. Even though Stephen was an
innocent man on death row, his spiritual integrity was still intact when he
prayed to God that his accusers be forgiven for their sinful action (v
60).
Bible Application
Stand Firm is a monthly devotional magazine for men filled with
practical ways to apply biblical truths and designed to fit easily into a man's
busy schedule. Stand Firm helps men to remain anchored in Jesus Christ by
cultivating the discipline of daily Bible reading and encourages them to lead
and disciple their families and to honor God by keeping their commitments and
responsibilities. Men are expected to be
firm in their interpersonal relationships.
Husbands should stand firm in protecting their wives. Fathers should stand firm in discharging
their parental duties towards their children.
To stand firm means men are unequivocal in their Godly beliefs and
values.
The Bible is clear about standing firm. I Corinthians 15:58 states: “Therefore, my
beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the
Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” To stand firm means
I will not be moved despite what others may say or do. In the African American faith experience this
is expressed in the popular spiritual, I Shall Not Be Moved. The song describes how the singer “shall not
be moved” because of her faith in God. A
variation of the song was used during the protest period during the 1960s Civil
Rights Movement in the USA. One thing is
clear you can’t take a stand lying down.
Get up, take a stand and be heard.
QED
*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
17. MEDITATION BASED ON MARK
10:35-45:
*The
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I’m writing this
Meditation at the end of the opening Day of the 152nd Session of the
South Carolina Annual Conference of the AME Church. AME Annual
Conferences begin with a Holy Communion worship service, where ordained clergy
distribute the elements of the Lord’s Supper. That usually requires at
least three clergy persons when available - one to distribute the bread, one to
distribute the beverage and one to collect the empty beverage cups.
In some AME churches, senior clergy distribute the bread and beverage,
and the chore of collecting the empty cups falls to less experienced clergy or
to stewardesses - lay servants who prepare the Communion elements for
distribution. That didn’t happen today.
Visiting clergy - many of whom serve as the pastors of large churches
and are striving to be elected bishops of the Church - were invited to share in
the distribution of the Sacrament, and they not only participated - they also
voluntarily collected the empty cups. Their doing so serves as an “object
lesson” in the essence of Christianity - walking in the footsteps of the Christ
who said that He came into this world not to be served, but to be serve.
Remember their example in a world that encourages us to seek power and
prestige at all costs. We can easily get caught up in the quest for
importance and influence in life, only to find out that those things can be
fleeting and elusive and that we can easily end up disappointed, lost and
discouraged if we don’t come out “on top” by this world’s rules.
When we take the time, however, to get in step with the Jesus who
served and saved us by giving His life as the price for our sins, then
“servant” will become not a symbolic word, but a blessed reality. We can
serve God’s kingdom and God’s people not to gain personal advantage or
prestige, but as humble instruments in the hands of a mighty and loving God who
can make all of us worthy, lift us up and wonderfully bless us.
Take the time each day
not just to thank God for blessings, but to prayerfully consider ways and means
of making a difference in the lives of others by what you say and do. You
can then walk life’s paths not lifting up self but lifting up Jesus, see new
blessings as a result of doing so, and clearly comprehend why one hymn
writer said, “May the work I’ve done speak for me.”
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
18. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
-- Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, Appointed and Confirmed
to Serve on the Mayor of Washington, DC Interfaith Council
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, Pastor
of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church (DC) was appointed and confirmed to serve on
the Mayor of Washington, DC Muriel Bowser's Interfaith Council on September 18,
2015.
The Interfaith Council advises the
Mayor of the District of Columbia, the Mayor's Director for Religious Affairs,
and the Mayor's Cabinet, on various matters that affect the spiritual, faith
and religious well-being of all the residents of the District of Columbia as
well as advising the Mayor in creating and maintaining a spiritual perspective
when setting goals and casting the vision for the District.
The Interfaith Council serves as a
liaison between the Mayor and the faith community by making recommendations on
developing, expanding, or fostering public-private partnerships and linkages
between the District and faith-related organizations using grant, District,
federal, foundation, or private funding sources. The Interfaith Council advise
on the methods of identifying and meeting social service needs and serve as a
forum for public comments and views on existing and planned proposals for faith
community policies, programs, resources and activities.
Promoting spirituality,
accountability and integrity among the faith and governmental leadership in the
District is an important aspect of the Interfaith Council's functions, along
with exchanging information and resources to promote the common good among the
faith community and promoting respect, cooperation and tolerance between and
among the religious communities and the general public in the District.
The Interfaith Council is an advocate
on behalf of people who are poor and disenfranchised and offer public prayers
of intercession for justice, healing and unity in the community.
Dr. Holness was also recently
elected to serve a two year term as President of the DC Democratic Women's Club.
She is the mother of Rev. Ali Holness, youth church minister at Historic Big
Bethel Atlanta, Ga.
Congratulatory Expressions can be
sent to:
Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness; 920
Euclid Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 egailandersonholness@gmail.com
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the loss of
Mr. Charles Cockrell, the brother-in-law of Presiding Elder Ernest and Mrs.
Irene Montague. He passed on Friday,
September 18, 2015 at 10:10 p.m. Please continue to pray for the Cockrell and
Montague family.
Please see the arrangements below:
Funeral Home:
Wylie Funeral Home
9200 Liberty Road
Randallstown, Maryland 21133
Telephone: (410) 655-9200
Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Viewing: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at
Funeral Home
Thursday, October 1, 2015
Whitestone Baptist Church
3101 Baker Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21216
Wake: 11:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m.
Service: 11:30 a.m.
Please send words of comfort to:
Presiding Elder Ernest and Mrs.
Irene Montague
3927 Lausanne Road
Randallstown, MD 21133
20. 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
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21. 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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