THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER Online: THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/30/15)

10/30/2015

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/30/15)

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 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

Advent begins Sunday, November 29, 2015, and ends Thursday, December 24, 2015

1. TCR EDITORIAL – I AM ABSOLUTELY ANGRY:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

I am absolutely angry and I am not going to integrate any religious babble into my feelings. I am absolutely irate and am fuming.

When is all of this going to stop? How long must people take abuse? Is it possible to make stupid smart? Apparently the answer is “No,” especially if we review the events of the last few years as it relates to white police officers’ violence against unarmed blacks.

When I viewed the video-tape recording and later read the account of the incident that happened at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina of Richland County Deputy Sherriff Ben Fields’ manhandling of a student who refused his command to get up and leave the classroom, I was furious.

The video, taken by a student at Spring Valley High School shows an attempted arrest of a student by Ben Fields who was assigned as a school resource officer, which went terribly and stupidly wrong. Fields tells the female student to get up. When she refused, Fields decided to be “judge, jury and executioner” and took matters into his own hands and flipped the student and her desk on the floor and then tossed her across the classroom floor.

The video shows Officer Fields kneeling and apparently cuffing the student as she lies on the floor. The media reports another female student questioned Fields and he arrested her too. In a video clip from another student, Officer Ben Fields can be heard telling a student "I'll put you in jail next."

I can’t help but thinking…

Would Officer Fields have treated a young white female with the same vengeance as he did the black female? What is it about white aggression against black males and black females? What seems to be the issue with overwhelming force in dealing with black Americans? What happens with common sense and good judgment when dealing with black Americans?

I guess it never occurred to Officer Fields to think about how best to handle the situation? With most decisions, don’t normal people think about the consequences of their actions? Did he think, “If she doesn’t do what I tell her to do, I am going to flip the chair over with her in it and then I am going to drag her across the floor and out of the room?

His empty-minded, flawed non-thinking, which precipitated his “out of proportion” violent behavior was absent of even elementary thinking and I am not referring to “critical thinking” because there was an absence of critical thinking.

Elementary thinking might have served Officer Fields well. Even a “not so smart person” would have thought, “If I do this, this could happen” or “If I do that, this will happen. Apparently, Ben Fields never thought about the consequences of his actions. A person who doesn’t think about consequences of his or her actions should never work with the public and certainly not in a youth environment because working with young people can be challenging.

Since Officer Field was strong enough to flip the student with her desk, I wonder if he thought about just pulling the desk with the student sitting in it out of the class room and into the hallway.

That’s just a rhetorical question; the answer is that he didn’t think about it, he just used brutal force. Somehow and for some reason, he was angry. Apparently he didn’t think about the consequences of his actions or didn’t care.

I wonder what raised his ire. In the video, the young lady did not appear to be combative. It looked like the young lady was just sitting there and refusing the officer’s command to leave the classroom. The video does not show the student acting belligerently. I wonder if he would have shot or tazed her if she had become combative. I suspect it could have had a worse outcome if she had become belligerent.

Were there any responsible adults at the school? Was the guidance counselor called? The school Nurse? Were any of her friends enlisted to talk to the young lady? Did the teacher, who is supposed to be fully trained in pedagogy and in keeping order in the classroom attempt to handle the situation before escalating the situation to the principal’s office? The video does not show the student acting violently. Could the teacher have ignored the student and continue to teach?

The video seems to show the classroom as being comprised mostly of minority students. Are the teachers at Spring Valley High School given diversity training? Are the school resource officers given diversity training and are they trained in dealing with youth?

Did it ever occur to the teachers, the principle or Ben Fields that the young lady may have been having a bad moment or was depressed or was just having a bad day? Maybe something had happened at home or something had happened to her on the way to school. Did anyone try to find out?

I am sure things have changed, but years ago, I briefly taught junior high school and high school. I, the teacher, was responsible for order in the class room and as I recall, a teacher who couldn’t control his or her classroom was viewed as ineffective and soon out of a job.

Was there any reason for Ben Fields to have treated the young lady the way he did? Is there any excuse? No!

So, she didn’t obey his order, still not an excuse for his excessive behavior? Would he have treated a young white female that way? I don’t believe so! In fact, I know he wouldn’t!

The Kicker

Now here is the kicker; former and present students of Spring Valley High School report that there have been several incidents of brutal retaliation by Officer Ben Fields.

And here is another kicker; the sheriff’s department first released a statement that said Ben Fields had acted appropriately. A couple of days later after the release of the video, Ben Fields was fired for not following department guidelines and using excessive force.

And yet another kicker; the local media reported that “hundreds of students staged a walkout last Friday at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina to show support for Ben Fields. A mixed crowd of students filled an atrium at the school; some wore t-shirts with #bringbackfields written on them.” “Wow” that’s all I can say!

For years and years, I wondered how the German people could allow Adolf Hitler to ascend to power and destroy so many Jews and do such dastardly deeds, which destroyed the country.

I believe now that I understand. The Germans passively unquestionably allowed the country to be destroyed and fall into disarray by unscrupulous leaders and before they knew it the country was in control of the Nazis.

If America is not careful, lawlessness will escalate from the unabated law enforcement sector to the general population and our communities will be terror-filled.

Rogue police and law enforcement officers who cannot control their tempers and behaviors need to be taken off the streets and in cases where excessive force used, imprisoned because they are criminals.

I am angry! I hope you are angry and I hope the nation is angry enough to do something about police behavior and get rogue police officers off police forces.

I am not only angry, I am absolutely angry!

TCR Editor’s Note: The Christian Recorder will be changing internet provider. There may be a slight disruption during the transition. There will be modified issues of TCR Online during the transition.

2. TCR OP-ED - CELEBRATING MY 25^TH ANNIVERSARY AS A BELIEVER:

This year marks my 25^th anniversary as a believer! On October 28, 1990, I gave my life to Christ and became a member of Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit, Michigan.

It wasn’t the music or the preaching or the programs that drew me to “The Grove.” It was Evangelist Denise Wellons-Glover’s invitation to attend a Sunday worship service that got me there. And after joining, it was Brother Tom Allen’s call to welcome me as a new member that made me feel that I really mattered to the church.

It was Sister Bessie Lowry who showed me how to reverence the Lord and the sanctuary, in preparation for worship. It was Sister Mary Banks-Wright’s teachings on pulpit etiquette and the rich history and traditions of African Methodism that made me proud to be a member of the denomination.

It was Brother Charles Harris’ endless photographs and newspaper clippings that gave me a peek into Oak Grove’s past. And it was Momma Juanita Dhue’s stories about the goings on at connectional and local church gatherings that kept me laughing—and praying!

I visited Oak Grove 25 years ago because of an invitation. I stayed because of love—and a feeling of being truly connected.

The pews in local churches are emptying today because love does not abound. They are emptying because visitors don’t feel welcomed, so don’t return, and members don’t feel connected or included, so seek relationship and involvement elsewhere.

As I move into my 26^th year of salvation, membership and service, my fervent prayer is that we stop making church recruitment and retention so complicated.

Here’s a simple, old-school formula that worked in 1990 and is good to go in 2015: Ask people to come. Show them that you love them and care about them once they arrive. Call them every now and then to let them know they matter. Visit them when they’re sick. Hug them when they’re feeling low.

Don’t ignore them. Don’t marginalize them. Just do your best to love them. If our love is genuine, they will come--and they will stay.

Carol A. Bowie

Oak Grove AME Church

Detroit, Michigan

3. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

-- Doris L. Campbell was a longtime member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, Carlisle…

-- 12^th Episcopal district names essay winners

Recently, the 142^nd Session of the East Arkansas Annual Conference convened at St. John AME Church, 1117 W. Pullen St. Students were given the ...

-- Woman sentenced for stealing money from church...the judge will decide how long Elliot will be in jail...

FRANKLIN, Ky. (WBKO) -- A woman who stole more than $30,000 from a Franklin church is sentenced in Simpson Circuit Court

-- As a Seventh Church Burns in Black St. Louis Communities, Response from Authorities, Faith...

A seventh church in St. Louis has been set on fire since October 8. As a Seventh Church Burns in Black St. Louis Communities, Response from Authorities, Faith Communities Is Weak and Lethargic

-- Survivors, relatives of victims of AME massacre inducted in Glamour's Women of the Year

Five women, relatives and survivors of the AME Emanuel Church massacre, were honored on Thursday when they were named among Glamour’s...

4. AMEC COLLEGE CORNER - FLORA ALLEN - A FORGOTTEN FOUNDER OF THE AMEC:

*The Rev. Lucinda V. Burgess

Little is written about Flora Allen, the first wife of Richard Allen. Her contributions to African Methodism have been overlooked as history tended to focus on the contributions of Sarah Bass Allen, Richard Allen’s second wife.

History tells us that Flora was born a slave in Virginia, and that her freedom was purchased by the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society. As a free woman she met and married Richard Allen; the original date of their union is unknown. Despite this, the date of the reenactment of their marriage was October 19, 1794, at St. George Methodist Church. Let it be known that the premise that they were married prior to the historical date is based on their legal purchase of property in both their names; an indication that both Richard and Flora had the foresight to prepare for their future. Richard and Flora were married for six years and five months; from this union there were no children. Flora departed this earth on March 14, 1801 after a nine month illness.

Throughout their marriage, Flora was a strong supporter/helpmate to her husband’s deep religious commitment. Not only did she play the role of the dutiful wife of a pastor both in and out of the home, but she also supported him financially. When there was an increase in hostility from the white members of St. George’s, Allen along with his wife Flora strategically solicited the support of the blacks in their community in an attempt to continue the essence of Methodism (social holiness – holiness of heart and life) on which Allen held firm. When enough was enough, in a unified manner, Allen, Flora and their supporters left St. George’s with the belief that they would worship in a place where they could continue to practice Methodism in a manner that would not infringe upon their freedom of religion. They left, with hopes of never returning and formed the Free African Society, where they continued in the essence of Methodism and assisted fugitive slaves and new migrants to the city.

Both Richard and Flora Allen were business minded. When Allen secured his freedom, he began to invest in business and properties. When he married Flora, she assisted him in his business ventures. It was Allen who negotiated a price to purchase a lot from Mark Wilcox and his wife Mary. When a price was agreed upon, it was both Allen and Flora, who purchased the agreed upon property. Three years later, October 13, 1794, Allen and Flora sold the same piece of land to the trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, becoming the first location of Bethel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to Historiographer Dr. Dennis Dickerson (retired General officer AMEC), this transaction also shows that Flora along with Allen, “fully participated in laying the foundations of the AME Church.”

For Flora, her husband’s burdens were her burdens and his visions of a strong, independent free black church became her visions. She made sure that whenever her husband left home, that he was dressed appropriately for whomever he met. Additionally, she worked hard at creating a respectable/stable/virtuous home environment for their community, friends and family. Appearance was important because Allen was trying to remain within the good graces of the Methodist church. It was through her support in and out of the home that she helped to dispel what Dickerson called the “stereotypical images of the clergy, especially black clergy as beast of burden.” Flora had what we would consider today as ‘fashion sense.’ She made sure that her husband looked the part by encouraging her husband to serve as a ‘distinguished man’ in society.

She had the insight and fortitude to dress Allen in a manner that personified a black preacher, by dressing him in a way that was similar to that of a white politician (white politicians were looked upon with respect and favor) because she wanted to make sure that her husband was seen in a similar light.

Outside of the home, Flora showed her commitment to the black church through various activities. She attended Sunday services, class meetings, cosigning deeds and praying next to her husband. She also participated in ‘benevolent’ activities within the black community which allowed others to see her as someone who was not just concerned about her status in the community, but in the well-being/social holiness of the community. In turn, because of her community involvement, the community members developed a deep respect for her. An example of this revered respect of Flora for and by the community and the dedication to her husband’s appearance can be seen in the 1797 journal of the Rev. George Cuthbert, a white minister who visited the Allen home. Cuthbert’s visit of the Allen’s home was considered radical, but this did not stop him from describing Flora as a ‘pious woman’ (virtuous woman) and an emerging icon of black virtue in the black community. And, in her obituary, she was described as a moral exemplar within the Philadelphia community. One who because of her piety personified the Christian values that others only talked about.

After Flora’s death, Sarah Bass married Richard Allen and continued the work that Flora had begun. Flora Allen and Sarah Bass Allen should be given credit for the work that they have done separate of each other. Flora for the work that she did as one of the founders of the AME Church and her community and Sarah for the work she did as the mother of Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia and her community. The mistake has been made in that by inadvertently downplaying the importance of Flora Allen, historians/writers inadvertently dismissed her contributions and their significance to the AME Church.

Like Richard Allen, Flora Allen was present when African Methodism began. Flora may not have been a preacher, but she was no different than her ‘white counterparts’ in that she functioned behind the scenes to ensure her husband’s success. She worked alongside him anyway she could by making sure that the home was seen as respectable to family, friends and the community and assisted him in his religious activities.

From what little is known about Flora, it is implied that Allen and Flora had a mutual respect for each other; they were partners in ministry. Flora was a helpmate and a confidant when needed. She was self-sacrificing in that she put her husband’s needs ahead of her as she was responsible for bringing dignity, piety and moral culture to the home. She also agreed to and used the family’s personal finances in order to underwrite her husband’s ministry.

Flora was also a community activist. Outside of the home Flora was seen as the dutiful wife, who, whenever the opportunity presented itself, became involved in church and community activities. Unfortunately, the extent in which she became involved is not known. But, what is known is that her community involvement seems to have touched people in both the black and white communities. Her influence was seen through the support of the leading Methodist pastors that attended her funeral: Reverend Messieurs McComb, Sneeth, Cavender, Green and several other Clergymen of the Methodist persuasion.

Outside of the religious community, her involvement also touched persons from all walks of life, indicating that she was well known and respected. Her pious, charitable and Christian virtues touched the lives of those she helped. The exact number of people that she touched is not known, but her obituary states, “A very numerous and respectable concourse of citizens of every description who, without discrimination of color or profession joined in paying the last sad office of respect.”

Although history provides limited information about Flora Allen, one can say that her contribution to the AME Church was that of a ‘founding mother’ who willingly gave her support; spiritual, physical, and financial to her husband, the congregants of the Free African Society, Bethel and the community in which they worked and lived. Flora was a community activist, a motivator, and a financier at a time when women were to be seen and not heard. Finally, Flora personified Methodism in her use of social holiness as a means to heal the community.

*The Rev. Lucinda Burgess is an associate minister at Greater Allen AME Church in Dayton, Ohio and serves as the SGA president at Payne Theological Seminary

5. AME CHURCH PLEDGES VIGILANCE TO INSURE COMPLETE INVESTIGATION OF SPRING VALLEY HIGH INCIDENT:

(Los Angeles) “One more time, we witness the almost unbelievable action by someone sworn to protect and defend, and who appears to be engaged in body slamming,” lamented Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, chair of the AME Social Action Commission. In videos taken by students at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina, Ben Fields, Richland County Sheriff’s Deputy, assigned as a school resource officer in a public high school can be seen grabbing, slamming, and throwing a young woman like a rag doll. What could she have done to deserve this type of treatment?

Lt. Curtis Wilson, a spokesman for the department, identified the Richland County Sheriff’s deputy in the video as a deputy who is assigned as one of the school’s resource officers at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, South Carolina. Wilson said the department was investigating what led up to the incident, as well as the deputy’s actions. “The continuous saga of police mistreatment and confrontation with youths of color is particularly disturbing,” says Bishop Julius McAllister, president of the AME Council of Bishops. In fact, Fields’ background of lawsuits and prior accusations of excessive force suggest strongly that he is ill-suited as a school resource officer position. Further, are law enforcement officials the best people to serve as enforcers of discipline for non-criminal behavior?

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed on Tuesday that federal authorities had opened a civil rights investigation. We applaud the quick action of the Columbia FBI Field Office, the Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina who have opened a civil rights investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a student at Spring Valley High School. We look forward to the FBI, US Attorney Office and the Dept of Justice for collecting all available facts and evidence in order to determine whether a federal law was violated. Sheriff Leon Lott was wise to insist upon an external investigation into what he observed to be “very disturbing” in the videos.

“The AME Church will shrink not from being that conscience stirring role for the nation once again” added AME Senior Bishop John R Bryant. “Our entire church will remain vigilant in monitoring the outcome of the investigations,” continued Bishop Julius McAlister, president of the AME Council of Bishops. “Race relations will not improve with the passage of legislation alone; it will also require a change of heart and thinking. The faith community must lead, and be the conscience of the nation”, proclaimed Bishop Richard F. Norris, presiding bishop – AME Church, in the state of South Carolina and president of the church’s General Board. “We call upon every church, temple, mosque, and faith communion to commit anew to do everything we can to end benign neglect that includes ignoring, tolerating and accepting racism and to make a commitment to end racism by the example of our lives and actions,” continued Bishop Jackson. “The Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church joins national civic leadership in commending students Tony Robinson, Jr. and Aisha Thomas, whose courage to record the incidents that led to public exposure of this act of violence, and Niya Kenny whose protective intervention showed bravery in the face of potential personal harm,” concludes Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, AME Social Action Officer.

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson is the Chair of the Social Action Commission

*Submitted by Ms. Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director of the Social Action Commission

6. CBS 60 MINUTES 7:00 P.M. EST / 6:00 P.M. CST, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015 (CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS):

This Sunday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. EST, CBS’ 60 Minutes will air a special segment on the São José slave ship that was discovered off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa. The wreck site has been undergoing excavation and research through the Slave Wrecks Project (SWP), a unique global partnership between the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Iziko Museums, the South African Heritage Resources Agency, The George Washington University and a core group of international partners.

Select objects from the São José, shipwrecked in 1794, will be on long-term loan to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture and on view when the museum opens in fall 2016.

View a teaser of Sunday’s segment.

Hosted by 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley, the segment features interviews with NMAAHC Founding Director Lonnie Bunch, Anthropologist Steve Lubkemann from George Washington University and Maritime Archaeologist Jaco Boshoff from the IZIKO Museums of South Africa.

The Slave Wrecks Project (SWP) is a long-term collaboration between six core partners designed to combine research, training and education to build new scholarship and knowledge about the study of the global slave trade, particularly through the lens of slave shipwrecks. For more information, please visit http://www.slavewrecksproject.org/.

Edison R. Wato, Jr., Membership Program Manager

7. PASTOR PILLAY WELCOMED “BACK HOME”:

-- The stewards of Trinity Chapel Grassy Park (15^th Episcopal District ) will share their joy at the Community welcome reception of their newly appointed pastor, the Rev Clive J. Pillay, continuing the tradition of African Methodism in welcoming the "new Pastor."

The Rev Pillay, who joined the African Methodist Episcopal Church at Trinity Chapel exactly 40 years ago, is now back with the people he started out with. The community of Grassy Park and surrounding areas will be joining on this auspicious occasion to share our joy.

8. KIRKLAND MAKES NEW APPOINTMENTS AT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

At the Closing and Commissioning Worship Service on October 25, 2015, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland announced the following pastoral assignments:

The Rev. Dr. Mary Minor to Brookins – Kirkland AME Church, Los Angeles

The Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell to Second AME Church, Los Angeles

The Rev. Theodore Payne to Bryant Temple AME Church, Los Angeles

The Rev. Dr. Clyde Oden to Bethel – Oxnard, California

The Rev. Harvey Vaughn III to Bethel – San Diego

The Rev. Gregory McLeod to Fountain of Hope,

The Rev. Tracey Johnson to Murph Chapel

The Rev. Benjamin Thomas, Jr., to A.K. Quinn

The Rev. Swayne Cofield to Rose of Sharon

The Rev. Nicolette Birdsong to Johnson Chapel – El Centro

The Rev. Michael Carr to Allen – San Bernardino

The reappointments included the Rev. J. Edgar Boyd to First –LA; the Rev. Dr. Kelvin Calloway to Bethel-LA; the Rev. Darryl Walker to New Philadelphia; the Rev. Benjamin Hollins to Price Chapel; the Rev. Rosalynn Brookins to Walker Temple; the Rev. John Cager to Ward AME; the Rev. Mark Whitlock to Christ Our Redeemer-Irvine; the Rev. Dwain Jackson to St. James; the Rev. Michael Eagle to Grant-Long Beach; and the Rev. Rethis Murray to St. Mark.

In addition, the Rev. Leslie White was transferred to the Midwest Conference; the Rev. Robert Cox was transferred to California Conference; and the Rev. Vickie Hayden Lee was transferred to the Fourth Episcopal District.

9. AME CHURCH CONVO XVII – ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 3-5, 2015:

The AME Church CONVO XVII will be held December 3-5, 2015 in Atlanta, Georgia at the Westin Atlanta Airport, 4736 Best Road, Atlanta, GA 30337; telephone: (404) 762-7676

Group Rate: $154/night (single/double occupancy)

To make a reservation click this link: AME Church CONVO XVII

You may also make a reservation by calling (888) 627-7211 and ask for the “AME Church CONVO group rate.”

Dr. Jeffery Cooper

General Secretary / Chief Information Officer

Telephone: (615) 254-0911; Fax: (615) 254-0912

Nashville, TN

Lee Chapel AMEC

October 11, 2015

10. 2016 MASTERS SERIES APPLICATION DEADLINE NOW EXTENDED UNTIL NOVEMBER 30^TH:

MSDL is a customized leadership excellence program for a small cadre of high performing African American business, government, and nonprofit middle managers (ages 25-45) seeking to advance to the next levels of their careers and personal lives while empowering underserved communities. MSDL operates two days a month for six months, from January to June, in Washington, DC. It is a culturally sensitive, global leadership development program that is a project of Skinner Leadership Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to leadership development and bridge-building among congressional, corporate, civic, and non-profit leaders.

Unique benefits:

1) Interactive seminar sessions featuring leadership lessons from influential trailblazers;

2) Coaching by an accomplished veteran leader;

3) Case studies of current, cutting edge national and global leadership examples;

4) Community Service Projects where participants use their skills to build capacity in community-connected organizations;

5) Exposure to Congressional, White House, high level business, government, and nonprofit leaders as guest lecturers;

6) A dynamic faculty of caring and highly respected professionals;

7) An active support network of MSDL alumni from diverse fields.

Cost per person is $5,000. Payment plans and limited scholarships are available. Few slots are remaining. Acceptance is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Masters Series Uniqueness

Exposure to White House, Congressional, and Nonprofit Leaders, outstanding Faculty and Special Guest Lecturers and participation in White House Public Policy Briefing

Community Service Projects with Stellar Nonprofits, renowned Veteran Leaders Serving as Master Coaches and active MSDL Alumni Network

11. “WHAT CAN I DO?” - MESSAGE DELIVERED AT LEE CHAPEL NASHVILLE, TENN. DEDICATION:

*Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams

It is truly heartwarming to be invited across the miles to share in this Lay Day observance. I feel blessed to be here today in this autumn of my sojourn of 75 years on the connectional scene of our Zion. It was 75 years ago that I began attending AME meetings tagging along after my late father, F. Douglass Coleman, Sr., former pastor of St John in this city. It is an interesting coincidence that the first meeting I attended was the Bishop’s Council of 1940 which was held in Big Bethel, Atlanta, the church where I currently hold membership.

I also consider it most rewarding to be invited by your impressive pastor, the Reverend Roderick Belin, whom I have known most of his life. His father and my late brother Dr. Frederick D. Coleman, Jr., were close friends, and when my brother died in 1967 it was Bishop Henry Allen Belin who became my brother. Both of our families relocated to Atlanta several years ago, and we now live next door to each other. With respect to Rev. Roderick, I have followed his career with great interest and sense of pride.

Speaking of blessings, I am sure you here at Lee Chapel are proud of this awesome church so recently dedicated. I heard all the details from Lee Chapel friends and many of my other friends in the community. I congratulate you on this marvelous achievement.

As I look out over this congregation I am happy to see so many familiar faces—friends, former students, and my General Officer colleagues and their spouses. I do indeed appreciate your presence. It is also a source of great satisfaction to have my family follow me from place to place—after having to listen to the many ideas I expound on a daily basis at the breakfast and dinner table and all the time in between. So I am grateful for the presence of my husband of 71 years, 9 months and 14 days and our devoted daughter who makes my every day brighter and better—McDonald and Donna Williams. They and many of you are not like one of my best friends who chanced to be in the Ohio community where I was scheduled to speak. Someone asked her if she planned to go hear Jamye, and her prompt response was: “No indeed, I can hear that philosophy any day in my living room.” The son we never had--as he is referred to in AME Circles, Richard Allen Lewis--and Delorse, our other daughter, could also react in the same way. So my thanks to all of you who joined the members of Lee Chapel today.

Here we are as a denomination looking forward to the celebratory year of 2016 when we shall gather in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, where in 1787 we took the first steps to become today the oldest African American denomination in the world. Let us then pause for a moment on this Lay Day to mention those strong laypersons who struggled to gain a greater voice in our Church.

As laypersons we can be proud of those who have served our Church on the connectional level, beginning with the year 1896 when, for the first time, a layman was elected a General Officer. President H.T. Kealing of Paul Quinn College was elected Editor of The AME Church Review and President John R. Hawkins of Kittrell College was elected Secretary of Education. According to historian Howard D. Gregg, for 28 years—from 1908 to 1936—three strong laymen emerged and dominated our Church: John R. Hawkins, Financial Secretary; A.S. Jackson, moved from Secretary of Education to Financial Secretary; and Ira T. Bryant, Secretary Treasurer of the Sunday School Union. Since 1936 we can point with pride to other dedicated laypersons who have served our connectional Church—E.A. Selby, Sunday School Union, whose great grandson is my grandson—Douglass Selby, General Counsel; A.S. Jackson, Financial Secretary; A.G. Gaston, Church Extension; from Robert Mance to A.G. Gaston to Joseph C. McKinney to Richard Allen Lewis as Treasurer; from Kealing to me to Paulette Coleman as Editors of The AME Church Review; from Herbert Dudley to J.D. Williams, to Kay Brown, to J.L. Williams, to Arthur Brown, and Jesse Burns and now Willie Glover, as Connectional (CLO) Lay Presidents. And here in the 13th District we can be proud of John Thomas, III, who was not only the Young Adult Representative in the CLO, but is also the Young Adult Coordinator of the World Methodist Council and candidate for the position of Editor of The Christian Recorder. But as remarkable and significant as our history is, we cannot rest on the laurels of the past. We cannot neglect our legacy by failing to make a difference in times like these.

Because of the kind of world in which we live, dedicated laypersons are needed more than ever. Matthew gives an account of Jesus going about doing good—and being moved with compassion as He saw the multitudes and observed their great needs. He thus sent his disciples on their mission and said to them, 9:37—“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” Laborers are still needed today because of the kind of world in which we live.

Gathered here this morning in this beautiful sanctuary, removed for a time from the confusion of the outside world, we should be able to feel comfortable, secure, and content. Instead reality tells us that we live in perilous times. They are times not unlike the world described by Charles Dickens, the noted 19th century author, who wrote “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was an age of wisdom, it was an age of foolishness, it was the season of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going the other way.”

Such were those times and the times in which we live. To quote Thomas Paine “these are the times that try men’s souls.” It is an age of unprecedented population growth. It was estimated that there were over 250 million people in the world on the day Jesus Christ was born. But now the United States claims some 300 million persons. It is an age in which since 1990 there have been 80 world conflicts, and most of them were civil or ethnic. Listening to the problems set forth by world leaders at the UN recently emphasizes the critical times across the world.

Here at home the news is all too grim. It is a time when the streets of our towns and cities are home to more than 3 million homeless fathers, mothers, and children—49% of whom are people of color. It an age of over 1000 hate organizations in our country, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which cause countless deaths to innocent people. It is an age of crime in the streets, murder in the home, corruption in high places, and the killing of our children in schools and churches from Colorado to Texas, to Kentucky and Tennessee, to Oregon and Mississippi, to Pennsylvania and Connecticut. It is an age when we as a nation lost our innocence on 9/11, causing fear to fall over all of our lives. Then the destroying of lives of so many of our young men by law enforcement officers; and we now declare “Black Lives Matter.” And so much pain to all of us, especially as AME’s, the murder of nine men and women in Bible Study at Mother Emanuel in Charleston by a deranged young white man intent on starting a race war.

In such a world, in such an age, it is only natural that one would feel a sense of helplessness. But as Christians we cannot despair because we have a Great Commission. We, as dedicated laypersons working with consecrated clergy, must do what we can, where we can. Each of us as one lone individual must be done with lesser things and press forward to carry out our Master’s work. I would, therefore, have you think with me on the subject “What Can I Do?”

I submit, “We must reexamine our values and rededicate ourselves to greater service.”

The moment we reexamine our values, we are confronted with the question “What do you believe?” So many of the old beliefs which other generations held have been disproved. As a result we live with conflicting ideas concerning climate change, distribution of wealth, gender identification, same-sex marriage, poverty, political inequity. But while there is some things in life that change, the eternal verities remain the same. Moses declared in Old Testament days, “The eternal God is our refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms.” And prayer still changes things, for in the words of Alfred Lord Tennyson, “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” Truth and beauty and goodness are just as valid as they were in 400 B.C. when Socrates and Plato talked about them. And while some circles were distressed when a theologian at Emory University, many decades ago, announced that God was dead, there are many of us here today who can witness to the fact that we talked to Him this day on the main line. We know that He is our strength for today and our hope for tomorrow.

What can I do? When we reexamine our values we recognize that we are called to stand as a witness for truth. We must believe with the poet, James Russell Lowell, that although “right forever on the scaffold; wrong forever on the throne; yet the scaffold sways the future and within the dim unknown standeth God within the shadows, keeping watch above His own.” Believing this we cannot give our tacit approval to wrong by turning our faces in the other direction.

We are required to be persons of integrity; and when wrong is challenged; we must not lack the courage to stand by our convictions. When an unpopular issue or an unpleasant controversy develops, many retreat into the safe ground of neutrality and declare, “I’m neutral.” But as Dante reminds us in his famous work The Inferno, “The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who in a period of moral crisis maintain their neutrality.” We should never be afraid to speak truth to power. We would do well to remember Paul’s words to the Romans, “If God be for us, who can be against us?” Edmund Burke, the 19th century British statesman, reminded us that evil prevails because men (and women) of goodwill are silent. Martin Luther King, Jr., declared that we would have to repent in this generation not for the vitriolic act of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people.

Secondly, we must rededicate ourselves to greater service. When we ask ourselves the question “What Can I Do?” the answer is that there is much for us to do. A litany of problems confronts us. There are three times as many blacks in poverty as there are whites. Since the 9/11 recession black employment has reached an all-time low. It is estimated that one in every 10 African Americans is unemployed. Seventy-five percent of African American children are born into a family headed by a single female under the age 25 and living in poverty.

Another social problem is that of illiteracy: 25 million Americans cannot read poison warnings on a can of pesticide, a letter from a child’s teacher, a chapter from the Bible.

The political process leaves us out. There are 435 members of the House of Representatives and only 42 African Americans. There are 100 Senators and only one African American. We are proud of the 3 members of Congress who are AMEs—James Clyburn (SC), Alcie Hastings (FL), and Gregory Meeks (NY).

There have been the reductions of financial aid and the attack on affirmative action which have reduced educational opportunities for many of our black youth.

It is not possible to talk about all the problems that plague our society and require the attention of us as Christians. Our churches, therefore, must not only look inward, but also must we look outward. We must use Jesus as our model who, if He were here today, would be concerned about health care. Did He not go about healing the sick? He would be concerned about those who are in prison. He would want our churches to be more than middle class country clubs concerned with bricks and mortar and money.

Our rededication to service is not complete unless we take into account the need for us to be concerned about our young people. They are our church of tomorrow. As we witness the fastest growing denomination of “I Used to Be an AME” and the decline of denominational loyalty, we need to understand that as the world changes, so must we. When the older generation passes off the scene, the last hardcore of African Methodism will have disappeared. Our children and grandchildren will not settle for mediocrity in the church while they demand excellence in other areas of their lives. The future of African Methodism does not depend on the over 65 group, but on the baby boomers and Generation Xers and soon the Millennials; generations that, not only can read, but do read and read The Doctrine and Discipline and expect us to follow our laws of the church. Generations which participate in numerous organizations and understand parliamentary procedure and expect its use in the church. Working adults who know about budgets and spread sheets and capital gains—and accountability.

Some of our children—from our local membership to our hierarchy—are seeking other churches to meet their needs. I have had a personal experience in this regard. Some years ago my daughter and grandson chanced to live in the same city and went looking for a church which they informed me would meet their needs. After several visits, they kept telling me on my weekly Sunday night call about a certain great, national preacher. I was duly sympathetic and understood their dilemma. And I had a solution. I told them that it was fine for them to visit any other church where they were being fed, but under no circumstances were they ever to join any church but an AME church and that was not negotiable. My reasonable husband Mac thought I was being unreasonable and high handed. But I prevailed. Right now Donna is a member of Big Bethel where she is a Steward, an usher, Corresponding Secretary of the Lay Organization, member of a choir, coordinates and teaches the Acolytes. Our grandson, Douglass Selby, is also a member of Big Bethel and is General Counsel for the Connectional Church.

Finally, we are truly challenged not only to reexamine our values and rededicate ourselves to greater service, but also we should in this place and at this time—in gratitude for God’s bounty and blessings—pledge to do what we can, where we can to carry out Jesus’ Great Commission to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit the sick and imprisoned.

So I say today in response to the question “What Can I Do?” keep in your remembrance the words of the poet,

I am only one

But I am one

I cannot do everything

But I can do something

And what I can do

I ought to do

And what I ought to do

By the grace of God

I will do

God bless you now and always.

*Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams is a retired General Officer and considered by many to be the “Mother of the AME Church”

12. WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT FREEMAN HONORED FOR LEADERSHIP:

On October 23, 2015 Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church located in Indianapolis honored Dr. Algeania Marie Warren Freeman, President of Wilberforce University, at its Men’s Spiritual Boot camp Program. Dr. Darryl K. Webster, Pastor of Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, presented the Eagle Award to President Freeman for her superb leadership contributions in helping to use education and spiritual development for lifelong changes in the lives of people who need a second chance in life to become contributing citizens. President Freeman will be honored in November as the “2015 Citizen of the Year” for Mu Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. of Dayton, Ohio. The purpose of the award is to “recognize those individuals at the local and international levels who have contributed significantly to community uplift.” President Freeman was recognized as “A Woman of Excellence and A Game Changer” by Who’s Who in Black Cincinnati. Dr. Freeman was also recognized as the Who’s Who Digital Weekly Honoree.

For additional information, please contact

Submitted by Dr. D. R. Buffinger at (937) 708-5639 or dbuffing@wilberforce.edu., Provost and Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Planning

13. A LIFE DEDICATED TO SERVICE CELEBRATED IN GEORGIA:

*The Rev. Velma Grant

A life dedicated to service, and ministry on behalf of God, to God’s people in the ecclesial setting has never been, and is still never easy. Even the individual who makes it look easy usually has some story or incident to share that almost caused them to embrace another role in life. There are individuals who have experienced decades of such service in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) and for that, we are truly grateful.

On Thursday, October 22, 2015, the Sixth Episcopal District celebrated the retirement of Bishop Preston W. Williams II, and Supervisor Wilma Delores Webb Williams, from Episcopal service and active ministry. Bishop and Dr. Williams celebrated 56 years of active ministry and 16 years of Episcopal service in the AMEC. Bishop Williams, a native of Willacoochee, Georgia and Supervisor Williams, a native of Leeds, Alabama, surrounded by their family and friends received tributes and honors from many leaders and dignitaries. Active and retired bishops of the AME Church were present in large numbers – Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop Paul Kawimbe, Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Bishop Reginald Jackson (Supervisor Jackson), Bishop Frank C. Cummings, Bishop Zedekiah Grady (Supervisor Grady), Bishop Robert Webster, Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry.

Other dignitaries included General Officer the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Ambassador Andrew Young (Mrs. Carolyn Young), the Rev. Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue (first woman president of Payne Theological Seminary), the Rev. Dr. Edward L. Wheeler (President of ITC), and the Rev. Dr. John Green (Dean of Turner Seminary). The mistress and master of ceremonies were Ms. Xernona Clayton (President & CEO, Trumpet Awards Foundation) and Mr. Michael Thurmond (former Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor). The above is just a small but not exhaustive list of those who were present, so this writer seeks forgiveness in advance for any omission of others who were present but not listed in this reflection. The over four-hour event was indeed a fitting farewell tribute to a team that emphasizes Evangelism and Christian Education as the bedrock of our Zion.

Ministry for most is not a financial lucrative career; in fact, it is not just a career but also a “calling” that one cannot easily ignore if the beckoning is from the Divine. The fact that Bishop & Supervisor Williams have embraced ministry for over five decades is certainly a major accomplishment, especially with some recent surveys showing the burn out rates and exit numbers for clergy leaving ministry (note exiting and not retirement – major difference).

The many accolades, tributes, resolutions, songs of inspiration, gifts, and moments of humor can by no means adequately measure the 56 years of ministry and sixteen years of Episcopal service of Bishop Williams and Supervisor Williams. Adequate measure is indeed displayed in the lives of the people that they have inspired, the many people that they have encouraged/ supported and of course, the many people that they were willing to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with across the world of African Methodism.

I reiterate that ministry is not easy and not every clergy person retires after over five decades of service to God and to God’s people. Some clergy exit quickly when confronted with the reality that dealing with God’s people is not for the faint hearted and the reality that financial windfalls are not an expected outcome of ministry. I pause to salute the Williams team and many others who have toiled in the vineyard of Christendom despite the challenges, the rebellious people, and the family struggles. I salute those who pressed on in spite of the shortcomings and failings of others in the Church. I salute their preaching and teaching and honor their resilience during the moments of not being affirmed or loved by their congregations or peers.

Ministry is not easy but for those who press on anyhow with divine guidance and assistance, I salute you for your courage and dedication to God and God’s people. For 56 years of ministry and sixteen years of Episcopal service to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, salutations and thanks to Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb Williams.

14. A 1.7 MILLION DOLLAR MORTGAGE BURNED:

By Steward Juliann McIntosh Blackmon

After 17 years, under the servant leadership of the Reverend Dr. Michael L. Mitchell, Saint Stephen AME Church in Jacksonville, Florida, celebrated the burning of the mortgage for their Child Care & Learning Center on Sunday, September 13, 2015.

The project was approved during the Church Conference in 1997. The congregation agreed to a $1-a-day building fund commitment to support the pastor’s vision of concern for children and their learning.

Pastor Mitchell states, “This is OUR achievement, Saint Stephen, not mine alone. Saint Stephen AME Church and the Saint Stephen Child Care & Learning Center will stand for generations to come as we continue to trust in the Lord, educate and provide for our children and the children of this community and city.”

The Mortgage Burning Celebration was a glorious event. Presiding Elder F. D. Richardson, Jr. presented the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Bishop of the 11^th Episcopal District who confirmed the day of triumph and success when he said, “It’s not how much we can store up, but how much we store up that would have a lasting consequence.” Bishop Richardson’s sermon, “The Stuff We Can Take with Us”, based on Mathew 6:19-20 included the statement, “Saint Stephen leaves a legacy and ‘the stuff you can take with you.”

The Child Care & Learning Center started as a teaching ministry focused on early childhood development. Then the church built a school to house the ministry. Now, children are being socialized in a Christian environment and receive an approved standard of excellence in their education, noted Bishop Richardson.

The Bishop summed up the sermon with Revelations 14:13 “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: …and their works follow them.”

The service overflowed with an aura of pride and achievement as the Mass Choir filled the sanctuary with inspirational songs of praise.

Members Donna Thomas, Channing Ashley and Jaelyn Parker along with visiting pastors: Mary Davis, Karl Smith, Eugene Mosley, Pierce Ewing, Victor Cole and Louis Kirkland were spirited program participants.

Pastor Mitchell acknowledged the officers and members for their support; Linda Henry, (Deceased) Chairperson of the Planning and Development Committee; Dr. Chester Aikens, (Deceased) Chairperson of the Building Fund Committee and Bishop R. V. Webster, Retired who supported Pastor Mitchell’s assignment to Saint Stephen. Bishop Webster initiated the purchase of the land for the Child Care & Learning Center stands.

Following the acknowledgements, the stewards and trustees solemnly stood at the altar as President Nathaniel Glover and Russell Earl, Sr. presented the Document for Burning. Bishop Richardson accepted the document and the 1.7 Million-Dollar Mortgage was burned; and the church sang with exuberance and joy, “Walk in the Light.”

15. FOUR WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR PASTOR FROM BURNOUT:

By Janice R. Love

On last Sunday, my husband had the privilege to celebrate 26 years as the Senior Pastor of our church, Second Baptist Church of Olathe. As we were preparing for the festivities, I couldn't help but wonder if I would ever celebrate 26 years at any job? These days it is sometimes rare for individuals to stay with a company for over 10 years. As I do every year, I asked my husband what his plans are for the next year and how long he plans to continue being a pastor. He always answers the same way, "When, the Lord says it is time for me to move on."

The 26^th celebration was a success. We felt appreciated and heard others say some really nice, kind things about us, and we received some fabulous gifts and we were blessed financially. October happens to be clergy appreciation month and also the month our church celebrates my husband's years of service to our local congregation. We are thankful for the one time a year that we really feel appreciated. We look forward to every October because it gives my husband a boost to continue to serve another year.

Being a pastor's wife, I see many of the struggles that my husband endures week after week. There is always something going on at the church, couples are getting married, individuals get sick and are hospitalized or in the nursing home, individuals get into legal trouble, families are falling apart, individuals die, and people are struggling emotionally, financially, and spiritually. I don't know how he does it week after week.

Several years ago I stumbled upon a book entitled: Your Pastor is an Endangered Species, written by H.B. London, Jr and Neil B. Wiseman. The authors discuss the difficulties and struggles pastor's face, which sometimes lead them to leave the ministry. After all, a pastor's life can consist of 55 to 75 hours a week and being on-call 24/7 and sometimes being bi-vocational or multi-vocational. I also found the website pastorburnout.com which lists some interesting statistics regarding pastors and their families. As a pastor's wife, many of these statistics did not surprise me, but they may be a wakeup call to the local church. Here are just a few:

• 25% don't know where to turn when they have a family or personal conflict or issue.

• 33% say that being in the ministry is an outright hazard to their family.

• 40% of pastors and 47% of spouses are suffering from burnout, frantic schedules, and/or unrealistic expectations.

• 45% of pastors say that they've experienced depression or burnout to the extent that they need to take a leave of absence from ministry.

• 1,500 pastors leave their ministries each month due to burnout, conflict, or moral failure.

Wow, I thought after reading those stats. Because our pastors are the pillars of our communities, we must do everything possible to help them to survive and thrive. Here are 4 ways to keep your pastor from experiencing burnout.

1) Pray for him daily. Regular prayer time and devotion means that you are connected to God and can pray for yourself and your family members. While you are praying for you and your family, always mention your pastor by name and pray for the pastoral family. When church members have a strong prayer life, it always makes the pastor's job easier. The pastor is not the only one who can get a prayer through. You don't know how much it means to a pastoral family to hear their names included in your personal and corporate prayers.

2) Make sure your pastor takes at least 6-8 weeks of vacation annually. Think about it, there are 52 Sundays in a year. I have been on my job only 15 years, and I get almost ten weeks. Pastors should be able to be out on vacation a minimum of 6 Sundays per year. Not only should he/she get vacation days, but also wellness days, sort of like sick leave. Pastors should also be allowed to bring in guest ministers or use associate minister's to preach at least every 8 weeks. Pastor's need to be ministered to by hearing others preach. The ultimate gift of encouragement would be at least a 30 day sabbatical leave to refresh and renew. Note: when the pastor is out, it is also a good idea for members to show up so he/she doesn't feel guilty about taking time off.

3) Encourage your pastor to take care of themselves physically. A few years ago we were in an installation service for a new pastor and wise, elderly pastor made the following comment. "Son, don't dig your grave with your teeth." That statement has stuck with me over the years. Members are quick to feed the Pastor. I now that pastor's appreciate the cooking skills of their members, but don't attempt to feed the Pastor and family too many things that are unhealthy for them. Purchase a gym membership for the pastor and family and encourage them to stay physically fit.

4) Respect the Pastor's family time. Time with family is crucial for pastors to relax and rejuvenate and care for their family's emotional needs. Pastors more than anyone understand the types of emergencies and crises that can come up on any given day. However, dinner time or Friday and Saturday nights may not be the best time to call the pastor about something that can wait until Sunday. Respect the Pastor's home by leaving messages on his office phone rather than his cell or home phone. Buy a gift certificate for the pastor and wife to enjoy an evening on the town or go to a movie. Encourage a get-away for the pastor and spouse

These are just a few things you can do to be a blessing to your pastor. Lastly, take the time to say "thank you", "I love you", and "I really appreciated your sermon today". Tell him/her in person or send a note. These statements go a long way to keep your pastor from burning out.

16. STEPFAMILIES: GETTING TO THE PROMISED LAND:

By Janice R. Love

Moses and the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness for 40 years with the hopes of making it to the Promised Land. Beginning a new stepfamily can be like wandering around in the wilderness believing there is no hope of ever making it to the promised land of "happily ever after." Most stepfamily experts say that it takes on average 7 years for a stepfamily to blend. Our own experience tells us that this number is pretty accurate. So what can a stepfamily do to get to a point of acceptance and bonding amongst its members? Is it possible to achieve bliss in less than 7 years? Here are some suggestions for making your stepfamily work for you not against you.

1) Learn the dynamics of entering into a stepfamily. Understand that there are myths associated with stepfamilies such as, the Brady bunch. Stepfamilies can learn to live happily together, but it doesn't happen instantly. Read the story of Abraham and his children and understanding the challenges of bringing families together and deal with them head on. Read a book designed to help stepfamilies or visit websites to learn all you can about bringing families together. Learn to avoid common pitfalls like trying to force relationships.

2) Set goals and expectations for your family but be willing to lower your expectations. Expecting instant love between the children and step-parents is too high of an expectation. Relationships take time to develop. Don't try to microwave your family, instead try the crock pot method of slowly and gently cooking your family.

3) Define roles in the family as soon as possible. It is a great idea to have a family meeting to discuss roles. Assure children that the step-parent is not replacing a biological parent. Don't try to be super stepmom or super stepdad. Determine your own thoughts and beliefs about stepfamilies Remember, it will take a while for roles to become established in the new unit, but once roles are defined you have a roadmap to follow.

4) Eat meals together. Believe it or not, eating meals together helps stepfamilies to bond. Plans meals together and get to know everyone's favorites. Be willing to try new recipes and allow children to assist. Pay special attention to the seating arrangements, often younger children want to sit closer to their biological parent. Give everyone an assigned seat and encourage great conversation during meals. Dinner is one of the best meals for stepfamilies to enjoy because everyone can talk about the events of their day rather than focusing on stepfamily issues. Establish a ritual to bless the food.

5) Give everyone space. Everyone is the stepfamily unit may need space for a variety of reasons as different times. For instance, it may be better to purchase a home where children can have their own space if possible. Asking children to share a room with a stepsibling may create issues for both the custodial and non-custodial child. Allow the biological parent time and space with their kids. As a stepparent you don't have to be in the middle of all the activities. Sometimes a child needs some alone time with their parent to discuss issues or just to have fun or cuddle. Set boundaries when you and your spouse need time alone with one another. Be willing to understand when a stepparent needs a break from your children.

Most of all, be patient and prayerful because time is on your side. Some days it will feel like you have taken two steps forward and then three steps back. There will be happy days and sad days and days when you wonder what you signed up for. Take heart and know that "With God, all things are possible." Pray for your family and be willing to do what it takes to make your marriage and your stepfamily work. Before you know it, you will be on your way to the Promised Land. I promise you, it won't take 40 years to get there.

Have You Started Making Stepfamily Holiday Plans?

Holidays are wonderful times with friends and family, but they can be extremely challenging for stepfamilies. Get out the calendar and determine where children will spend Thanksgiving and Christmas. Negotiate with the co-parents regarding gift purchases. Remember planning makes all the difference in stepfamilies.

Step with Love Ministries

Bobby & Janice Love

Telephone: (913) 732-0677

Un-complicating families, one step at a time.

17. OPEN LETTER TO EMBASSY SUITES FOR HAMPTON UNIVERSITY HOMECOMING 2016:

October 23, 2015

Rodney Jackson, General Manager

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Hampton Hotel Convention Center & Spa

1700 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, Virginia, 23666

Re: Embassy Suites Alarming Business Practices, Hampton University Homecoming (October 15, 2016)

Dear Mr. Jackson,

We are proud to be Hilton Honors members, longtime loyalists of your hotel and Hampton University alumni. We stay at your hotel at least every quarter and have a great experience every time we visit for business, pleasure or just to get away to our Home by the Sea for the weekend. We also very much appreciate the Hampton University Alumni rate of $119 offered, of which we take full advantage. In fact, we often recommend your hotel to our friends, family and colleagues.

That being said, we were surprised, disappointed and perplexed to learn of your prices and practices when we called to reserve a room for Hampton University homecoming weekend 2016, earlier this week. Not only were we quoted a price of $284 (which is 139% higher than the normal alumni rate), but we were told there was a different cancellation process and some fellow alumni were required to pay a significant deposit or balance in full at time of reservation.

We would like to provide you with an opportunity to clarify the following questions before further action is taken:

• Why is there such an egregious price increase specifically for that weekend? Comparing this to similar weekend festivals (for example the Crawlin Crab Festival in September 2016), the price per night is still 50% lower than the rates being quoted - $142 versus $284.

• Why the elimination of the alumni rate for that weekend? Wouldn’t this be the perfect time to offer the alumni rate when thousands of us are returning to the Hampton area and patronizing your hotel?

• Why the requirement to pay in full at time of booking? When we book hotel reservations for other occasions, we are never required to pay in full or provide a deposit and this includes reservations at other Hilton properties around the country. We also confirmed that there is no pay in full or deposit required when booking for the Crawlin Crab festival.

As you can imagine, many of our fellow alumni are extremely upset and some are choosing to take action now including:

1) Organizing a boycott involving thousands of concerned alumni across the country

2) Taking to social media to voice their concerns. Some of the current hashtags in play include: ‪#‎badbusinessHilton; ‪#‎BoycottTheEmbassy; ‪#‎discrimination

3) Likening your business practices to the "black tax" imposed by hotels and establishments in Charlotte, North Carolina during the CIAA tournament www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article27379981.html

4) Reconsidering hosting the weekend’s premiere party at the Hampton Roads Convention Center because of the affiliation with your hotel

We wanted to give you and your staff the opportunity to clarify and then reconsider your hotel’s business actions related to Hampton University Homecoming 2016. Because of these actions, you are alienating tens of thousands of Hampton University alumni in all 50 states from the Hilton brand. We know you understand the definition of brand loyalists and this is certainly not how to build them.

Mr. Jackson, we look forward to a response by Friday, October 30, 2015. Most importantly, we look forward to coming to a mutually beneficial arrangement that recognizes our alumni’s patronage, rewards our loyalty and allows you to showcase the fine qualities of your hotel and build brand loyalists and return customers.

Opel and Shaundra Jones, Hampton University Alumni Class of 2000 and 1998

18. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.

Based on Biblical Text: Psalm 66:12b (KJV): We went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

We find there are seasons of joy and seasons of sorrow in every life. There are seasons of hope and of despair. We find seasons of plenty and seasons of want. We notice that seasons are an inextricable part of the cycle of life.

I have heard it said that calamity is avoidable and that suffering can be suppressed. However it has been my experience that nobody is immune to suffering. No one is really born with the preverbal silver spoon in their mouth. If so, even silver spoons tarnish.

We have experienced a series of storms lately but they often come with advance warning. Warnings are a help as if we heed them and follow careful instruction for survival, our preparation for life’s changing seasons will minimize their negative impact on us.

The truth of the matter is there are outward storms and there are inward storms. We must carefully prepare for both. The outward storm will batter our flesh if we don’t find shelter.

Recently when the bad weather warnings came in we witnessed thousands of folk scrambling to prepare. Folk hit the stores to buy up all of the water, ice, batteries, radios, plywood and nails available. What I found interesting was that possessions became meaningless! Personal items were suddenly merely dispensable objects as thousands of folk vacated their homes. The shelters began to fill up with young and old, rich and poor. All of a sudden everyone found themselves on a level playing field. Everyone had a common goal. Survival became everyone’s mission. The storm was coming and folk were heeding the warnings and making preparation for their flesh.

However each of us will find ourselves, at some point in life, in a season where we will suffer through an inward storm. The inward storm can batter us also. It may not harm our flesh, but it will batter our spirit if we don’t seek shelter.

I noticed that when the rains ceased it was replaced with a bright sun. Folk emerged from shelters to assess the storm’s impact on their worldly possessions. Some gazed upon their monetary losses and wept at the storm’s devastation to their personal lives. These folk had saved their flesh but that seemed to be all that was saved.

Then I noticed the folk who saw the same devastation and cried for joy! I thought what a wonderful testimony when you can come through any trial and still have joy! These were the victims of the storm who had saved both flesh and spirit.

I’ve learned that when life’s storms threaten to batter our flesh and our spirit, we should seek shelter for our flesh and let our spirit come up higher and dwell with God until the storm passes over. When the storm is over, and we come out from under God’s sheltering wing, we will rejoice.

Isn’t it comforting to know that we never have to fret over our losses? We serve a God of restoration! We serve a God who is faithful to the covenant He made with His people. When seasons of storms come into our life, we are challenged to believe in the restorative power of the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and ride out the storm with a confident spirit. “Be not dismayed what ere betide, God will take care of you!”

We may fail God, but He will never fail us. God never turns His back on those who are called by His name. Thanks be to God, in our darkness, He is our Light. In our turmoil, He is our Trust. In our loneliness, He is our Friend. In our crisis, He is our Comfort. In our defeat, He is our Deliverer. In our discouragement, He is our inspiration. In our helplessness, He is our hope. Let the storms come, in our grief, God is our Glory!

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

19. GETTING TO ZERO: HEALTHY CHURCHES 2020 CONFERENCE IS NOVEMBER 4-6, 2015:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

http://healthychurches2020conference.org/

The collaboration and coming together of the Church to effectively and systematically address issues of wellness-- spiritual, physical, mental, socio-economical-- pleases God and can make a difference in many lives. It impacts thriving of our people, not only our surviving.

Thus, we bring to you an invitation to attend the Health Churches 2020 Conference to occur in Charlotte, North Carolina on November 4-6, 2015. The conference is hosted by The Balm in Gilead at the Hilton Charlotte University Place.

The goal of the event is to bring together clergy, lay persons, ministry and network leaders and health experts to explore what congregation leaders and members can do to make a difference in the lives of people in communities served. The website states:

“Healthy Churches 2020 Conference is a 3-day national, capacity building, training conference for faith leaders, health directors, coordinators, nurses and members of congregational-based Health Ministries. This conference will strengthen the leadership and organizational capacity of your Health Ministry to address health disparities among populations most at-risk for chronic diseases such as: diabetes, obesity, heart disease, hepatitis, and cancer. Your Health Ministry will be strengthened with up-to-date knowledge and skills in areas of health promotion, disease management, linkages to care and overall well-being as it relates to the specific needs of persons over 50+; Men’s Health; Women’s Health and Infant & Children’s Care.”

Although I would be more than pleased to visit the beautiful area of Charlotte, North Carolina especially in this lovely autumn time of the year to partake of the conference rich contents, I cannot attend because of another engagement with an HIV Prevention Conference occurring at the same time. However, registration is still possible. I urge participation of anyone who can travel there or is in or near the Charlotte area.

This conference represents the right idea of who we are what we want to be and what we, as the Church, are supposed to do with all that we have been given in this time of technology and discovery. As I can determine, the Healthy Churches 2020 Conference is not a denominational specific event, but a move of God for the people who follow Christ for such a time as this.

For more info, please explore the website above or call (804) 644-2256 (BALM) or send email to healthychurches2020@gmail.com.

*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.

20. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2015 - WHO WILL COME TO THE RESCUE? - ACTS 12:1–11:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Key Verse: “While Peter was kept in prison, the church prayed fervently to God for him.” Acts 12:5

Introduction

November 1, 2015 is the twenty third Sunday after Pentecost and All Saints Day. Danger is a part of life. Safety is a part of life. You can’t have one without the other. They are a package deal. We are not immune from something bad happening during our normal life activities. Sadly, people are kidnapped at gun point. Hostages are taken for purpose of financial ransom. A ride to the supermarket may result in your car being the victim of a sinkhole causing the vehicle, along with you as driver, to plunge beneath the earth. Who will come to your aid or rescue you from these horrible situations? One of my enduring childhood memories was looking at super heroes on TV rescuing innocent citizens from harm and/or danger. Whether the hero was Superman, Batman or a team of Marvel heroes, the theme and outcome was the same – danger was averted by rescue. Sunday’s lesson in Acts 12: 1-11 emphasizes a specific rescue mission. Peter’s incarceration is interrupted by an angelic visitor who opens the door. The danger and peril of being jailed has been met by a divine rescue mission. Who do you look for rescue in a time of trouble? The answers lie ahead.

Bible Lesson

Persecution

Luke tells one further story about Peter before he turns to the “adventures” of Saul. His purpose is to show that, although he will focus exclusively on Saul’s Gentile ministry for the remainder of the book, the Jewish mission centered in Jerusalem is of ongoing importance to God, and this is by the preservation of one of its principal leaders and removal of its principal persecutor, Herod.

When Luke uses the expression “It was about time (V 1) he must be referring to the time of famine and the visits of Saul and Barnabas. Luke attaches the story of the famine visit (11:27-30) to the story of the birth of the Antioch church (11:19-26), because they are generically related. But chronologically the story of Herod’s persecution and death falls between the two, for Herod died in A.D. 44 while the famine visit occurred in A.D. 46.

Politics

A fresh persecution is initiated by King Herod by the arrest of several believers. This Herod is Agrippa I who was in his middle fifties at this time and not to be confused with Agrippa II who appears in Acts 25: 13-22). Agrippa I had a policy of trying to please the Jews (v 3) because his family was so hated by them. He held the title of king and ruled over a fairly large area from northern Palestine to Judea. This was the original kingdom of Herod the Great, his grandfather. He was a careful observer of Jewish law and ritual and worked his way into the affection of the Jews despite his Idumean ancestry.

Miraculous deliverances from prison are not the norm, and thus Luke includes a reference to the fact that James, the brother of John was executed (v 2) as a result of his incarceration. God is not always predictable in His dealing with the righteous; he lets James die but intervenes for Peter. Perhaps at this time the deliverance of Peter was more crucial to the spiritual morale of the Jerusalem church.

Prayer & Praise

In the case of Peter’s arrest, a brief delay to recognize the Jewish holy days was done before his “public trial” (v 4). Herod, on the pretext of executing him as a Jewish apostate (this was the Sanhedrin’s opinion of him), was also kowtowing to Roman officials by squelching a dangerous religious radical who might incite a revolt. Peter is heavily guarded by an angel in prison yet an angel of the Lord initiates a “jailhouse break” and orders Peter to get clothed and proceed to exit the prison for the home where his fellow apostles are staying. (V 10). During Peter’s incarceration the church prayed for him (vs. 5, 12 -17). He appears by knocking on the door and a young woman named Rhoda hears his voice and screams with delight to the believers that Peter was at the door. They were not convinced it was Peter thinking that there was no way he could leave a heavily guarded prison. Peter persisted knocking at the door and once it opened the believers praised God for yet another miraculous sign of His power of deliverance.

Bible Application

On December 27, 2012, the St. Louis-born soul singer Fontella Bass died at age 72. Bass, who hit the top of the R&B charts with Rescue Me in 1965, died at a St. Louis hospice of complications from a heart attack suffered three weeks prior to her demise. She co-wrote and recorded Rescue Me, reaching No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 4 on the Billboard pop singles chart. Ms. Bass’ seminal song looked to a handsome suitor to rescue her from emotional and physical loneliness. If a house is on fire and a family is trapped inside we look to the Fire Department to rescue the endangered family. If a child appears to be drowning in a public swimming pool we look to the lifeguard to rescue the swimmer. One doesn’t have to be a lifeguard, Romeo or a member of the local fire department to perform rescue functions.

Jesus rescued us from the penalty and power of sin. Jesus rescued Daniel from the Lion’s Den and the three Hebrew boys from the fiery furnace set by Nebuchadnezzar. Jesus is our Redeemer and Rescuer. Our spiritual fore parents put it best in their common meter hymn when they sang – ‘He may not come when you want Him but He is always on time’. 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

21. MEDITATION BASED ON II CHRONICLES 7:7-14:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

I consider myself to be a pretty decent cook, but I reached a new “culinary milestone” yesterday - I cooked a pot of fresh collard greens! I’ve cooked the easily prepared frozen variety before, but they don’t have the same texture and flavor of “real” collard greens, which are more than daunting to get right in the cuisine of my culture and are the object of either pointed ridicule of or polite pity for the cook if they’re not done right.

I gathered my courage and “took the leap” yesterday. I found and tweaked from experience a decent and fairly easy online recipe, and the results were so good that the greens didn’t last long after “seconds” were joyfully consumed. Cooking fresh collards always appeared to be a serious challenge, but a bit of cooking experience and the ability to follow the recipe that I found online brought me success. What seemed to be scary and complicated turned out to be easy when I decided to give it a try.

I offer my simple but personally significant and satisfying culinary success for the consideration of those who read this as you navigate the life’s roads. The best of us will inevitably run into complicated, confusing and scary circumstances and situations sooner or later - concerns that have no easy answers and that can alter our course, cause us stress and aggravation, and leave us feeling confused, dejected and wondering what to do or how to do.

When we take the time, however, to follow the recipe that God gave to King Solomon - when we humble ourselves, pray, seek God’s face and God’s will for our lives and turn from the wicked things that block our well-being - we’ll find new clarity and new direction in life.

When we follow God’s recipe and remember from experience how God has already blessed us, we can walk life’s roads not with fear, but with faith. We’ll do so knowing that when we leave our cares and concerns in the hands of the Lord, we’ll achieve new success, celebrate new victories and find new possibilities for joy in life.

Take the time each day to follow God’s recipe, and to “tweak” it with an awareness of your past instructive blessings. When you do, your life will have a new flavor and you can face each day saying, as did one hymn writer, “Where He leads me I will follow, I’ll go with Him all the way.”

*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

22. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

-- SashaDee Abrahams, the daughter of the Rev. Granville Abrahams married Ashwell Peter Saunders on Saturday 24 October 2015 in Bethel Memorial Hazendal AME Church

Sincere felicitations to the Rev. Granville Abrahams, pastor of Payne Chapel AME Church in Salt River and to Mrs. Desiree Abrahams, Cape Town District-Cape Conference, under the leadership of Presiding Elder, the Rev. Jerome Gordon and Bishop David R. Daniels, presiding prelate, 15th Episcopal District, whose daughter SashaDee married Ashwell Peter Saunders on Saturday 24 October 2015 in Bethel Memorial Hazendal AME Church.

We share the joy of the Abrahams family on this auspicious occasion, of a young child of the church using her God-given talent for the extension of His Kingdom.

Congratulatory expressions may be emailed to:

The Rev. Granville Abrahams: sashadee.abrahams1@gmail.com

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

With deepest sympathy and regret we announce the passing of Mrs. Inez June Smith Thomas, mother and mother-in-law of the Rev. Troy I. Thomas and the Rev. Dr. Maxine L. Thomas, pastor and assistant pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, in Louisville, KY and the grandmother of Sister Tricia I. Thomas, President of the Thirteenth Episcopal District Young People’s Division (YPD) of the AME Church.

The Viewing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Gary P. March Funeral Home, 270 Fredhilton Pass, Baltimore, MD 21229 (Telephone number is (410) 945-1100).

The Homegoing Service will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 with the Family Hour at 10:00 a.m. and the Service at 11:00 a.m. at Fall Road AME Church, 2145 Pine Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21244.

Expressions of condolences may be mailed to:

The Rev. Troy I. Thomas and the Rev. Dr. Maxine L. Thomas

Quinn Chapel AME Church

1901 West Muhammad Ali Blvd.

Louisville, KY 40203

Email:

The Rev. Troy I. Thomas: Thomasrevtroy@aol.com

The Rev. Dr. Maxine L. Thomas: Exhalemlt@aol.com

Ms. Tricia I. Thomas: Tricia_thomas01@yahoo.com

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Margaret Green. Mrs. Green is the mother of WMS Life Member Carolyn Anderson and mother in law of the Rev. Carroll G. Anderson, retired minister in the 12th Episcopal District.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Palestine AME Church in Johnsville, Arkansas.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

G. W. Hammons & Son Funeral Homes

101 East Elm Street

Warren, AR 71671

Telephone: (870) 226.3505

Condolences may be shared with the family via:

The Rev. & Mrs. Carroll G. Anderson

5208 West 23rd Street

Little Rock, AR 72204

Telephone: (501) 664.2759 or via the Funeral Home.

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Hyacinth A. Hensford, the 97 year old matriarch of the Lindner-Hensford Family and mother of the Rev. Terrence C. Hensford, pastor of Ward Emmanuel AME Church (Philadelphia Conference, West Mainline District).

The following information has been provided regarding the funeral arrangements:

Monday, November 2, 2015

Viewing: 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Service: 11:00 a.m.

Courtice Funeral Chapel

1587 Highway #2

Courtice, Ontario L1E2R7

Canada

Telephone: (905) 432-8484

Fax: (905) 432-9797

Email: David.mankiewicz@dignitymemorial.com

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Terrence C. Hensford & Family

C/o Mrs. Bernadette Lindner

173-4 Symons Street

Etobicoke, Ontario M8V1V1

Canada

26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the death of Mr. Jeremiah A. Bright of Walterboro, South Carolina as a result of an auto accident on Thursday, October 22, 2015. Mr. Bright is the youngest brother of Mrs. Mary Bright Darby, Area Consultant for the Beaufort District, South Carolina Annual Conference, Seventh Episcopal District (The Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Presiding Elder).

The Celebration of Life Services for Mr. Bright:

11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2015

Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church

925 S. Jeffries Blvd.

Walterboro, SC 29488

Telephone: (843) 549-5230

Expressions of Sympathy maybe sent to:

The Reverend and Mrs. Joseph A. Darby

1218 Dowden St.

Charleston, SC 29488

Telephone: 843-556-2733

Fax: 800-783-5464

Email: josephdarby@bellsouth.net

Funeral Services Entrusted to:

Koger’s Mortuary

809 S. Jeffries Blvd.

Walterboro, SC 29488

Telephone: 843-782-8200

Fax: 843-782-8202

Email: info@kogersmortuarycares.com

27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to report the death of Mrs. Carrie Brooks Golston Henderson, the mother of the Rev. Carolyn Wade and mother-in-law of the Rev. Darrel Wade. The Rev. Darrel Wade is pastor of Macedonia AME Church in Suffolk, Virginia.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Carrie Brooks Golston Henderson:

Saturday, October 24, 2015, 1:00 p.m.

Progressive Church of Jesus Christ

6844 Lower Richland Blvd

Columbia, S.C.

Send cards to:

The Rev. Darrel Wade

C/o Macedonia AME Church

127 Pine Street

Suffolk, VA 23434

Telephone: (757) 779-8687

Email: revdwade@aol.com

28. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net

Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/

Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)

Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)

Cell: (615) 403-7751

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC

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

29. 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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