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
The AMEC Sunday School Union
will be closed for Christmas break on December 18 and will reopen on January 4,
2016
1. TCR EDITORIAL – I AM
AMAZED:
Dr.
Calvin H. Sydnor III
The
20th Editor of The
Christian Recorder
I
have been blessed to have worked with the young and old. As a pastor, I
interacted with a number of older people. In the military and as a college
professor, I was blessed to have worked with young adults.
I
have worked in both military and civilian communities. I have even had the
experience of working in a wartime combat environment. I have had a wide-range of experiences and as
a result, there are very few things that surprise me. As a counselor, I have
heard it all. I can almost say that I cease to be amazed and “almost” is the
operative word, because I am, today, amazed.
I
ask myself, “Why” each time I encounter an “amazed moment.” Maybe I am making too big a thing about
“amazed moments.”
In
the Army, I have been known to say, “That’s amazing!” Even as Editor of The Christian Recorder, I frequently remark, “That’s amazing.”
When
our children used to do something out of the ordinary, positive or negative and
if it overwhelmed me, I could be heard saying, “That’s amazing!” or “I am
amazed…”
When
I think about it, people have been amazed for centuries. I am sure that Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was
amazed when she discovered that she was pregnant in the twilight of her life.
In
the Gospels, we read the responses of folks who were amazed when they were
touched by Jesus or those who were amazed because they witnessed something Jesus
did. Jesus said something and they were
amazed; he healed somebody and they were utterly amazed.
In
Matthew 8:27, the disciples were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is
this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!" and in Mark 5:20, it is
recorded the people were amazed when they saw a demon-possessed man in
Decapolis had been healed. The gospel of Luke records that Jesus was amazed at
the faith of the Centurion (Luke 7:9).
In
most instances, it seems to me that unusual, “out of character,” and things
that result in unexpected good results most often cause people and individuals
to be amazed.
Mark
6: 1-6 records that Jesus went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples
and when the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who
heard him were amazed. They asked, "Where did this man get these things?
... Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James,
Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took
offense at him. And the scripture reports, "He could not do any miracles
there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. And he was
amazed at their lack of faith.”
In
the case of Jesus, he was amazed when he found faith of the Centurion where it
wasn’t expected and in the other, Jesus didn’t find the requisite faith in his
hometown, where it should have been.
I am going some
place with this
I
am utterly amazed because I have mentioned December 6th in at least
one previous editorial and December 6th is significant in the life
of America and in the lives of black Americans and I suspect the date passed by
most Americans like a “thief in the night.”
I
am amazed that not one person in our database mentioned December 6th,
not even a statement from our episcopal leadership and nothing on Google about
churches celebrating the auspicious occasion of the ratification of the
abolition of slavery.
It
was 150 years ago this week in 1865 that the 13th Amendment to the
Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery. I thank God that
President Obama remembered and took the time to honor the anniversary. I doubt
that any of our churches took the time to celebrate that auspicious
occasion.
I
am sure if Richard Allen, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Nat Turner,
Sojourner Truth, Josiah Henson, Susan B. Anthony, John Greenleaf Whittier, John
Brown and even Abraham Lincoln could speak from their graves, they would be
utterly amazed that we do not honor and celebrate the ratification of the abolition
of slavery. I am sure they would be appalled.
And, I know Frederick Douglass would have a lot to say!
And,
to add insult to injury, we celebrate Independence Day, the 4th of
July with vigor and enthusiasm and July 4th had no impact upon black
Americans.
The
statement about “liberty and Justice for all” did not apply to us! Black
Americans in the United States were kept in legal bondage until December 6,
1865. December 6th should be
celebrated as an “Independence Day” by all Americans because December 6, 1865
abolished slavery in America! And, it was not without a fight.
The
ravages of slavery still impact America.
Slavery was abolished, but we are still dealing with the residue of
forced bondage of millions of black and Native Americans.
I
am amazed and perplexed at the neglect of the important dates in our history.
Not
only am I amazed that we neglect December 6, but I am utterly amazed when I
read about AME Churches that celebrate Valentines Day to the neglect of
Founder’s Day, the birth of Richard Allen on February 14, 1760.
We
fail to celebrate Jarena Lee’s birthdate, February 11, 1783; Bishop Daniel
Payne - February 24, 1811; or Bishop Morris Brown - February 13, 1770. We have had other significant bishops and
general officers and noted laypersons whose birthdays and significant
contributions are ignored and forgotten.
I
suspect most clergy cannot recall the dates of their ordinations, but that’s
another editorial.
For
those who might be concerned, there are still a few days to make amends because
it was on December 18, 1865 that Secretary of State William H. Seward
proclaimed its adoption. Just maybe on Sunday, December 13 or Sunday December
20, a reminder of the abolition of slavery might be mentioned.
The
abolition of slavery was a “big event” in the lives of our newly freed slaves.
I am old enough to have seen several persons who were born in slavery when I
was a young child. I heard stories and slavery was still fresh in the minds of
black Americans.
I
am amazed at our failure to celebrate such a significant date as December 6th!
2. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
-- The Rev. Joe Darby, presiding elder of the
Beaufort District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
"I've had the
privilege of knowing Joe Riley since 1998, when I came to Charleston as pastor
of Morris Brown AME Church. We've had numerous ..."
-- Delaware Wants to Apologize for Slavery
The governor
announced a state resolution that will apologize for slavery and its modern-day
reverberations. “For generations, our
country denied and actively contested a basic fact of humanity: that nothing
about the color of one’s skin affects that person’s innate rights to freedom
and dignity,” Democratic governor Jack Markell told the congregation at Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal Church in Wilmington on Sunday"
3. CONVO XVII REPORT:
John Thomas III (13th
Episcopal District)
From December 3-4,
2015 over 400 AME clergy and lay leaders assembled in Atlanta, Georgia for
CONVO XVII. Under the leadership of Bishop James L. Davis (Chair of the
CONVO Committee) and Bishop Clement W. Fugh (Chair, Legislative Committee of
the Council of Bishops), the attendees built upon the dialogues held at the
2014 CONVO in Nashville moving towards strategies and concrete actions to
address pressing concerns affecting the AME Church at all levels of the
Connection. The theme for the 2014 CONVO was “First Thing First” based on
Matthew 6:33.
The meeting opened
with devotions lead by the Rev. Carl A. Moore (6th District). The
meeting was presided over by Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Sr. Following brief logistical instructions,
words of greeting were given from Bishop Julius McAllister, Sr. (President of
the Council of Bishops), Bishop Preston Warren Williams (Host Bishop), Bishop
John R. Bryant (Senior Bishop), Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie (Chair, Strategic
Planning), Bishop James L. Davis and Bishop Clement W. Fugh. Rev. Luvenia Johnson (9) provided insights
on the theme to guide the CONVO’s discussions.
Bishop Adam J.
Richardson delivered the CONVO Keynote Address.
After explicating the CONVO theme, he outlined four items that need to
be on the agenda of African Methodism as we seek to put “first things first”:
1) youth and young adults; 2) civic engagement; 3) education; and 4) courage to
face uncomfortable issues.
The afternoon
session featured break-out groups along five lines: 1) Spiritual- Retired
General Officer Dennis Dickerson (Spiritual Foundations); 2) Social- the Rev.
Dr. Michael Brown (Interim President of Payne Seminary) (Relevance of
Theological Perspectives of Issues of Social Justice); 3) Physical- the Rev.
Dr. William Watley (6) (General Desire to see the whole community prosper);
Communal- the Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn (9) (Relational); and Missional- the
Rev. Mark Griffin (11) (Holistic Approach).
Each session had a presenter with several respondents and a key goal was
concrete legislative proposals that could be passed to the CONVO drafting
committee.
On the second
morning, devotionals were led by Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry. Bishop Phillip R. Cousin gave a stirring
homily, “From Rhetoric to Reality”
(Matthew 6:33 and 7:21). His prophetic
message set the tone for the remainder of the meeting. He preached with power and Spirit. Bishop
Vashti McKenzie presided and a special appeal was made on behalf of the
American Cancer Society (ACS) by Bishop William P. DeVeaux. The Reverends Tamika Townsend Jones (2) and
Glenda F. Hodges (2) spoke of the partnership that is developing between the
ACS and the AME Church and discussed the Bicentennial Run at the General
Conference that is to be a charitable fundraiser for the ACS. Retired General Officer Jamye Coleman
Williams gave a testimony as a multiple cancer survivor. At the end of the appeal over $40,000 in cash
and pledges had been collected for the ACS.
Persons who are interested in making a pledge or participating in the
run can contact their Bishop.
The five breakout
sessions reported and laid out their recommendations and legislative
objectives. Copies of the summaries as
well as the legislation will be available from the General Secretary.
Additionally, Bishop Richard F. Norris brought salutations from the General
Board. Bishop McKinley Young and the 3rd
Episcopal District reporting that Wilberforce University had retained its
accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools and that the “Show Cause Order” had been
lifted. A request will be made from the
Third Episcopal District for the AME Church allocation for Wilberforce to be
redirected to the Third Episcopal District to finance the loan that had been
taken out to assist the school to make the necessary improvements mandated by
the HLC.
The Richard Allen postage stamp
Bishop Reginald T.
Jackson and Mrs. Jackie Dupont-Walker of the Social Action Commission reported
on the Richard Allen stamp. The stamp
will be publicly unveiled on February 2, 2016 in Mother Bethel at 11 a.m. 60-80 million stamps will be initially
produced and they will be available for order 6-8 weeks prior to the
unveiling. The AME Church is in
negotiations with the United States Postal Service to have the stamp available
for purchase in time for Christmas.
Bishop Gerald Ingram provided updates on the Richard Allen Statue, the
AME Encyclopedia and the April kick-off of the Bicentennial celebration. More information can be found at http://2016generalconference.org/.
After the formal end
of CONVO, the General Conference Commission, the AME Board of Trustees and the
Commission on Statistics and Finance met to conduct business in preparation for
the April 2016 meeting of the General Board and Council of Bishops in
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
4. CONVO XVII “FIRST THINGS FIRST”:
*The Rev. Velma E.
Grant, M.Div., Th.M is President Women In Ministry, Sixth Episcopal District
and associate minister at First Saint Paul AME Church in Lithonia, Georgia
The December 3-5,
2015 gathering at CONVO XVII in Atlanta, Georgia certainly proved that members
are concerned about the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC). Whether or
not that concern is beneficial, it simply proves that the AMEC, despite
dwindling membership, is still relevant in the lives of many people. Those in
attendance traveled across city, town, and state lines and even across
international time zones to express their opinions, listen and learn from an
intergenerational group of presenters and panelists. The presenters and
panelists included bishops, scholars, preachers and members of the laity who
provided the attendees with relevant and timely information.
I suspect that
others will write about the specific sessions and relevant discussions during
the three day meeting in Atlanta, but I will instead focus on two items
observed during CONVO XVII, that I found either refreshing or disturbing.
First, the item that
was refreshing, in my opinion, was the presence and participation of the young
adult demographic of the AMEC, who seem to have a vested interest not only in
the present status of the Church but also its future. The young adults, female
and male were eloquent and passionate as they expressed their views, opinions,
and desires for the AMEC to continue the rich legacy of Bishop Richard Allen,
Mrs. Sarah Allen, and pioneer preacher, Sister Jarena Lee. Continuing the
legacy of our founders and pioneers does not mean that the AMEC has to be static
or stuck in a previous century “doing the same old things, the same old way”
without thought to “a new kind of people.”
This present day
young adults will not look like, dress like, sound like, preach like, act like
or sing like a previous generation because every generation emerges with its
own distinct identity. While it is unfortunate that they are still experiencing
the racism, stereotype, and social ills of previous generations, they will not
necessarily address these “isms” in the same manner as their parents and
grandparents. Using their distinct identity marked with modern technology,
young adults are recording, tweeting, sharing their social activism, and making
these activities visible to the world with the touch of a button. This modern
method of activism does not diminish their ability to address the issues that
not only affect their lives but the lives of the general population.
The gospel of “good
news,” the history and mission of the AMEC will never change, however, the
methods; delivery of the aforementioned will certainly change with each new
generation. In other words – today’s church is not your mama’s or even your
grandmother’s church. This present generation of young adults wants to be
involved in the life and work of the Church; they have voices that speak
clearly about their love for God and the AME Church and their desire to be
involved in every area of the Church, now and in the future. It is truly
refreshing to hear and see these young adults as they interact with others and
navigate their way through the channels of Church bureaucracy.
Church bureaucracy
sometimes intentionally or unintentionally marginalizes, denies, or ignores the
gifts and presence of others, particularly females in leadership roles. Quite
disturbing to this writer was the picture on the cover of CONVO XVII’s booklet.
A picture is worth a thousand words, a picture can reinforce or dismantle
stereotypes, a picture can provide encouragement or discouragement, and a
picture can affirm or disaffirm the presence, role of an individual or group of
people.
The picture on the
cover of CONVO XVII’s booklet was an excellent piece of graphic artwork that
highlighted and displayed the skills of the artist; however, this writer could
not designate the artwork as a masterpiece because it was incomplete (in my
opinion). The picture featured a young adult male stepping up (walking up) on
an elevated staircase of stacked Bibles with the theme of CONVO XVII “First
Things First” prominently displayed in the color red. The premise of the
graphic is that the focus is on young adult males who are disproportionately
missing from the AMEC (and or seminary?) and thus the aim is to reach out to
these young men and increase their presence in the Church (or seminary) by
getting back to basics.
Getting back to
basics (per the selected theme scriptural text) is emphasizing Matthew 6:33:
“But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these
things will be given to you as well (NIV).” The scripture is certainly not relevant
for or to only one gender and we certainly hope that “getting back to basics”
is not an implicit way of stifling the progress that females are making in
terms of ordained ministry or leadership roles in the AMEC.
Yes, females are
entering and graduating from seminaries at an increasingly larger percentage
rate than their male counterparts, but, the reality is that some of those males
sans seminary training or degrees are still being promoted over females that
have completed the rigorous coursework to obtain a seminary degree (no,
quantitative data will not be shared in this article).
To include a graphic
that only shows a young adult male will not address the underlying issues that
are at the core of the issues that the theme “First Things First” wishes to
address and correct. To achieve true kingdom worthy results and to address or
correct the issues that plague the 21st century Church requires a look at the
aliments that affect both male and female in our great Zion. The fate of the
AMEC does not lie only in the hands and endeavors of young adult males but it
also lies in the hands and endeavors of young adult females. The graphic on the
booklet could truly have been a masterpiece if it had included a demographic
that represents both male and female. After all, even when males are missing,
the Church still continues but the Church will only become its best when all of
God’s children are represented in whatever role that God provides and bestows
the gift of salvation. “First Things First,” appropriate but should be
inclusive because a picture is worth a thousand words and our young adult
females and males are not only the future of the Church but also the present.
*The Rev. Velma E.
Grant, M.Div., Th.M is President Women In Ministry, Sixth Episcopal District
and associate minister at First Saint Paul AME Church in Lithonia, Georgia
5. CONNECTIONAL
PRESIDENT OF THE SONS OF ALLEN SHARES ABSENCE FROM CONVO XVII:
*Brother
George Brown
I
am George Brown the Connectional President of the Sons of Allen, and we have
spoken several times while in Nashville during the Christian Education
Congress/Meeting. We also share one
additional thing in common we are fellows Officers and “Comrades - At – Arms.”
Thank
you so much for the snippets concerning CONVO XVII, I was overwhelmed and
delighted that someone would keep us informed about what was going on at CONVO
XVII.
As
you probably know by this writing I am not present at this expressive
occurrence. As I was preparing for this
event my health unexpectedly failed, my heart started to flat line, in other
words my heart would stop beating for periods up to 8 seconds which denied
oxygen from getting to my brains causing periods of blackouts therefore, a
pacemaker had to be implanted and on this past Monday I had a heart
catheterization and am unable to travel.
Currently, I am in and out of the hospital.
Since
I was selected by the nominating committee to serve as a respondent to be
present in the group to spark discussions for the presenter, Dr. William
Wately, I didn’t want anyone to think that I was shunning my duties and
responsibilities therefore, I informed Bishop James L. Davis and Sister Marcia
Fugh concerning my health which was required. However, no one responded to the
receipt of my emails. Please lift my name up in prayer and that of my family
during this event. Thank you so very
much for what you have done for the General Church over these many years. May God continue to bless you and your family
as you move to another juncture in your life.
Hope to see you several times before your second retirement. “Thank you, Thank you and Thank you”.
*Brother
George Brown is the Connectional President of the Sons of Allen
6. THE DUTY OF
WATCHING:
*The
Rev. Anne Henning Byfield
The
end of every calendar year is a natural time of reflection. This year is no different. At the end of 2014, African Americans
responded to the rallying call from Bishop John R. Bryant that “Black Life
Matters.” We started the year 2015 with
continued discussions, activities, and actions toward the treatment of African
Americans in general and with specific concerns about police action shootings
and Black on Black urban violence.
Then
the massacre of the nine people at Mother Emmanuel AME Church shook the very
foundation of our souls. This violent,
heinous act stunned the AME church, the Global Church, and the world in
general. We prayed, rallied, had
services, wrote litanies and songs, and responded with generosity.
Bishop
Adam J. Richardson penned a liturgical response, “The Doors of the Church Are
Still Open” that reflected our courage in the face of assault. Amani Henry of the 4th District
wrote a moving song, “The Doors of the Church are Still Open.” Our themes of “no hate, no fear response and
our determination to not let these kinds of actions deter our worship, our love
of God, and humanity” have been and are still appropriate.
Shortly
after the Charleston massacre, several people criticized the wonderful people
of Mother Emanuel AME Church because they did not have guns in the church and
no other means to adequately protect their members. But, nothing in the article implied that the
victims of a deranged man acted inappropriately.
I
do not believe that the victims could have done anything to change the tragedy.
However,
how can we, looking toward the future, reasonably protect our congregations and
buildings without limiting our doors and access to all who desire to worship?
I
found it stunning that on the Sunday immediately after the massacre, and the
days that followed, how people continued to enter our fully accessible
buildings and sanctuaries across the country with few, if any, barriers,
limitations or filters by anyone in the church.
While I celebrate our freedom, I wonder if this is good stewardship and
if, as good Levites, our failure to plan is a proper Levitical response.
This
discussion is not new for me. Like many,
I have had numerous opportunities to try to reconcile this dilemma.
In
the mid 1990’s, during a Sunday morning service, a young white male burst
through the sanctuary door as I preached. As he marched toward the pulpit, one
of the young preachers stood and invited him to sit down on the front row.
After
I preached, I told another minister to escort him out of the sanctuary.
As
I started the invitation, the young preacher brought “visitor” back in saying
“he had a testimony.”
I
refused to let the “visitor” give his testimony because he had disrupted the
service and that this was not the time or place to address his concerns, but
could do so later.
At
that point, the visitor grabbed me and started shouting “Baby killers, you are
all abortionists.” As several men in the congregation approached him, he ran
out of the sanctuary.
During
this time a member had slipped out to call the police, but the dispatcher did
not send anyone because, as we later found out, when she heard that a white
person has disrupted a black church service she said, that the report was
simply a case of prejudice against white people in a black church. At that time several members, who were in law
enforcement carried weapons, but none of them had attended church that
Sunday. We had not developed a security
policy because we had relied on the fact that so many members in law
enforcement attended the church.
When
I pastored in Detroit, the environment dictated some form of a plan since the
mental health facilities located near the church had closed and a house across
the street housed people with “interesting behaviors” who would “escape” and
“visit” to our church. We often encountered people entering the church with
extraordinary mental issues.
Like
many churches, people attended church simply because they needed food,
clothing, and shelter. We provided for their needs.
On
at least three different occasions people, even with church security, disrupted
the service; two actually entered the sanctuary. We praised God that church
members handled the incidents without violence.
These
reported incidents began my requirement for every church that I pastored to
have a security, evacuation, and/or emergency plan. This policy has continued
even after I became a presiding elder.
Over
the years I, along with individuals in church leadership, have developed
foundational guideposts for creating a security plan.
I
am sharing these security guideposts to assist local churches in security
planning.
The
Church is a refuge and must be treated as such and people want a safe place for
their sacred time and fellowship.
Designing
clear explanations and expectations for and with the congregation will empower
the congregation to expect a calm, protective and caring place to worship.
Biblical
Mandate:
Every
church must empower the Levites to operate in their biblical model.
A
review of the duties of the official board: stewards, trustees, choirs, ushers,
class leaders, etc., suggests that we already operate under a biblical model
and that we must continue to utilize it for each church.
The
office of the Levite is more than a praise leader; it covers a spectrum of
handling the sacred things of God. The
sacred things include more than managing the vessels; they include the
gate-keeping of the people and the building.
I
Chronicles 9: 19-27 defines the duties of the gatekeeper. They took charge of the work of the worship
service, guarded of the thresholds of the tents and the entrance. Verse 27 states, “and they would spend the
night near the house of God, for on them lay the duty of watching, and they had
charge of opening it every morning.”
The
duty of watching is a serious responsibility, and if nothing else, watching has
to be a major part of providing protection to the people and the building.
Educating the
Congregation:
The
church Levites must educate the congregation, sometimes even against their
will. This education is more than giving
men and women something to do, but it is an opportunity to represent true
biblical stewardship. We must answer
their questions that belie inaction. The
answers include, but are not limited to, statements like: “It won’t happen here.”
Many
members correctly feel that their church is a close-knit family and their
church doesn’t get much traffic, therefore, it just won’t happen to them. They
feel that they do not have to do anything because the greater odds are that no
one will target their church. While that is most likely true, unfortunately, no
one expects trouble to target them and prayerful preparation is critical.
We
do not need to overreact: Many churches think that their quasi-plan will
suffice because they only have small opportunities for disasters. However,
having a part-time security guard or people getting up walking around checking
for possible trouble from time to time is not a plan.
We
do not have the money for security: It is sad that many of our local
institutions make decisions solely based on income. It is a false belief that a solid secure plan
can’t be initiated simply because the church does not have a large budget. Many of the conditions that require planning
only require thought and cooperation.
A
plan is not an over reaction but an action, and in every institution where
violence has occurred, the congregation never thought that they would be
victimized. Talking about a security plan
is not an invitation for an attack; it is a plan that if there is ever an
attack, the church is reasonably ready.
Evaluation of the
physical plant and administrative process
Knowing
and understanding your physical plant and church operation is essential to a
strong security plan.
Take
a moment to review these additional questions:
-
Is their adequate lighting inside and outside?
-
How many doors do you have?
-
Where are the doors?
-
Do the doors have panic-bars so that anyone can get out but, restricts who
enters?
-
Are there adequate emergency controls?
-
Are there exit signs, alarm systems, designated security code holders and
persons designated to make emergency calls?
-
Who is and when are they designated to call the police?
-
Who is designated as the building contact person and do they have all of the
keys needed in an emergency situation?
-
Is the parking lot protected?
-
Are there environmental blockages - areas that are compromised such as roof
damage and broken windows?
-
Who provides security during service, meeting and rehearsal times?
-
Is there a monitored alarm system and how does it work in a case where there is
a need to call for assistance in an emergency.
-
You need to address these issues no matter whether you have implemented a full
security plan.
Initiating the plan
The
church must identify a team that will represent the congregation in planning,
preparing, responding, and implementing the security plan. The team must carefully identify the required
framework of the plan, and all who will be involved in its implementation, the
person(s) who will train the church membership to implement the plan should the
need arise and all of the additional
needed resources.
The
church leadership should complete these initial steps before contacting a
professional to assist them in finalizing the written security plan.
Follow
these next steps to assist in finalizing the security plan.
Have
a conversation with professionals who can help you shape the final the plan.
The
suggested security professionals include, but are not limited to persons in
your congregation, such as law enforcement officers, TSA agents, security
personnel, health practitioners, emergency services personnel.
These
persons can help the church complete a workable plan.
Have
a conversation with the board of trustees and the board of stewards to get
their input and concerns.
Develop
a security team that represents the various stakeholders in the church
membership.
Teach
all members to be alert and not judgmental.
There is a fine line between observation and a rush to call the police.
A decision must be made if this person needs immediate ministerial rather than
removal. Have specific written protocol for when someone should call the
police.
Decide
who will lock and unlock the doors, protect the parking lot and other
environmental property, and greet worshippers.
Determine
where the security team, both men and women will stand so that they will not
disrupt the atmosphere or diminish the spirit of worship, how to handle the
stewardship period, who will guard the process and where the counting of
offerings will occur, etc.
Determine
who will protect the vulnerable population including the children, youth,
elderly and differently abled and who will protect the pastor and the pastor’s
family.
Set
an annual date for the implementation of the plan and a review of the church
building by the board of trustees.
Be
sure to get the plan approved by the church and all of its stakeholders.
It
is my hope that we will be good stewards in all that we do for our trust is in
God.
We
will not trust in chariots or horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our
God (Psalm 20:7).
Teaching
our members to be discerning, prayerful, loving and spiritually responsible
will greatly strengthen our “duty to watch.”
*The Rev. Anne Henning Byfield is the
Presiding Elder of the North District Indiana Annual Conference
7. THE NCC DENOUNCES DONALD TRUMP'S DEMAGOGUERY
THAT MUSLIMS BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE COUNTRY:
Washington: It is
gratifying that many faith leaders, media figures, and politicians have
denounced the demand by Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump that
Muslims be banned from entering the country. The National Council of Churches
joins our voice to those who have expressed outrage at his comments.
At the recent
meeting of the Governing Board of the NCC, a statement on hateful rhetoric was
adopted which “calls on all candidates for office to refrain from utilizing
speech that reflects hatred of others and results in the division of society as
a way to promote their candidacies.” This statement speaks to the larger matter
but does not address Mr. Trump's most recent comments.
The New York Times has carried out a
careful examination of Mr. Trump's rhetoric and has concluded it bears
disturbing demagogic tendencies similar to “Goldwater, George Wallace, Joseph
McCarthy, Huey Long and Pat Buchanan, who used fiery language to try to win
favor with struggling or scared Americans.” Demagogic rhetoric, while sometimes
popular, is damaging to the body politic and we reiterate our request that
political candidates not employ it.
Finally, we not only
express our solidarity with our Muslim sisters and brothers, we pledge to
protect and shelter them physically and spiritually with our words and our
deeds. It is a certainty that many Christians will give active aid and
assistance to Muslims if efforts are made to ban them, register them, or harm
them.
We urge Christians
across the nation to respond to hate with love, and to the stranger with
hospitality and generosity, taking the Great Commandment to heart:
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the
greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest
and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor
as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
- Matthew 22:36-40, (NRSV)
8. TURNER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 121ST
FOUNDERS’ DAY CONVOCATION:
Online Registration
is available through the website through the website of Turner Theological
Seminary.
Dr. John F. Green,
President/Dean
Turner Theological
Seminary
The
Interdenominational Theological Center
702 Martin Luther
King Jr Dr SW
Atlanta, Georgia
30314
Telephone: (404)
527-0080
Fax: (404) 527-4687
Email: rdfitch@itc.edu
Webpage: www.turnerseminary.com
Submitted by the
Rev. Rae D. Fitch, Administrative Assistant to the President/Dean
9. A SOUTH CAROLINA STORY ABOUT HOPE:
*Alice Bernstein
As South Carolina
was enduring terrible flooding and continuing rains, I tried to reach many
friends my colleagues and I have made over 15 years, to say how much they mean
to us and to offer encouragement. Among
the men and women we’ve met through our work with the nonprofit Alliance of
Ethics & Art, are unsung pioneers I interviewed for "The Force of
Ethics in Civil Rights" oral history project, and participants in our free
educational performance event, "The People of Clarendon County"--A
Play by Ossie Davis, & the Answer to Racism! And as a journalist, my
articles about what Eli Siegel, the great American poet and founder of the
education Aesthetic Realism, explained is the cause and answer to racism,
appear around the country, including in the Tennessee Tribune. The cause of
racism and every injustice is contempt, “the addition to self through the
lessening of something else”—and the answer: learning to criticize contempt,
including in oneself, and to see the depths of others are as real and alive as
our own.
And, I am personally
grateful to have learned from Aesthetic Realism, that our hope to like
reality--even under terrible or difficult circumstances--and to do all we
honestly can to like reality, is our deepest desire and the most sensible way
to take care of ourselves.
A poem I care for
is, “Somewhere Along the Line" by Eli Siegel, from his series of
"Hope Poems." In it, the world as known and unknown, logical
and confusing, is given musical form that is graceful and matter-of-fact, true
and comforting at once.
"Somewhere
Along the Line" by Eli Siegel:
As we look in any direction,
We don't know, but there may be some good thing
Somewhere along the line.
And now I'd like to
tell you about something truly hopeful--a "good thing"--that
happened in South Carolina in recent days.
Bishop Frederick C. James & Prosperity's
Rosenwald School
When I finally
reached the revered A.M.E. Bishop Frederick James (now 93) in
Columbia, I was relieved to hear that he and his wife are faring well. Then I
gingerly asked how his dear, unfinished Rosenwald School building in Prosperity,
SC had fared. Before I tell his answer, I'll give some history.
This school was one
of over 5,000 built in the South in the 1920s-30s to provide quality education
to black children which the racist Jim Crow laws deprived them of. These
schools were the vision of Jewish businessman Julius Rosenwald
(1862-1932), encouraged by educator and former slave Booker T. Washington. They
were built to improve the lives of black Americans, and would educate hundreds
of thousands of children.
Frederick James attended
the Prosperity Rosenwald School from 1st to the 10th
grade (1927-37). His treasured education led to a life as a distinguished
theologian and advocate for education, human and civil rights for people of all
faiths and ethnicities--in the US and beyond. He marched with Dr. King, opposed
the racist apartheid system in South Africa--and attended the inauguration of
Nelson Mandela as that country's first black president.
For 30 years he has
dedicated himself to restoring and preserving the dilapidated
building--originally one of the most beautiful of Rosenwald schools--so it may
be a center of education, culture, and economic uplift for the entire community
in the 21st century.
The Alliance was
proud to partner with the Bishop in his effort to raise funds, by applying for
a grant in his behalf, which would enable us to come to SC and produce our
Clarendon County/Answer to Racism event as a fundraiser for the school. The
Puffin Foundation answered the call and sent a $1,000 grant for this purpose.
And while other grant-seeking efforts at the time didn't pan out, Bishop James
used the Puffin funds to further restore the building's many large windows.
Hope Was "Somewhere along the
line"
When I asked how his
dear Rosenwald School had fared with the flood and rains, he said that because
it was on high ground, it was not flooded. And he added, "I'd like to
thank you for your role in helping to preserve those windows; it also led
to helping our school building to withstand these great rains. I will be
forever appreciative of that."
And he continued,
"That Puffin Foundation grant triggered other people to have faith enough
to give large gifts--there is encouragement in numbers. I can't talk enough
about your role in this."
Bishop James said
further: "I'd like to say what's in my heart. What this nation needs is
more caring across ethnic lines. I think our nation and the world needs what
Eli Siegel, the great founder of Aesthetic Realism, the philosophy of life in
America and the world, teaches. It's certainly in harmony with the great
religious scriptures and the heart of all faiths across this globe."
We are proud to be a
means of preserving history, some of which might never have become known and of
encouraging people everywhere to study Aesthetic Realism's scientific, kind,
and urgent explanation of the cause and answer to racism. To learn more:
www.Allianceofethicsandart.org
Alice Bernstein is a
journalist, Aesthetic Realism Associate, and civil rights historian.
10. WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELEASE
(12/7/15):
The fall 2015
inaugural edition of the Sable Health and Human Development Journal has been
dedicated to Dr. Algeania Marie Warren Freeman who the editorial board cited as
a Living Legend in Higher Education for her stellar contributions to the
academy.
Dr. Freeman is being
honored with a plaque from the journal's editorial board for her devotion and
outstanding contributions in saving and making a difference at HBCU's. The
editorial board staff wrote: "...we decided to dedicate this
inaugural issue to the contemporary living legend Dr. Algeania Marie Warren
Freeman-Ph.D., President of Wilberforce University. Dr. Freeman is a
contemporary leader who has managed to accomplish much against great odds.
Her record of
professional achievements is simply exceptional. Moreover, Dr. Freeman's
higher education leadership accomplishments, in our time are truly legendary.
However, there are three professional achievements in higher education that
standout among all of the rest. Those three achievements are centered on
her exceptional acumen and demonstrated leadership skills as a president of
three different institutions of higher education. Those institutions are
Martin University, Livingstone College, and Wilberforce University where she is
the current president.
Her most recent
accomplishment against great odds is her extremely successful launch of a
renaissance at Wilberforce University. Many in the higher education community
and many outside of that community had already begun writing the epitaph for
Wilberforce University.
Of course, after Dr.
Freeman received the call she simply went to work doing what she has proven
expertise in. That expertise is the leadership in reviving and moving
toward renaissance institutions that often "experts conclude cannot be and
are not worth reviving." Therefore, we were determined to provide
recognition of Dr. Freeman's most recent accomplishment "against great
odds."
An eminent daughter
of Benson, North Carolina, Dr. Freeman, this one is for you!" Dr.
Freeman was featured in the December 4, 2015 and November 23 issues in
BlackEnterprise.com for her accomplishments in saving the accreditation of
Wilberforce University. She also received the Citizen of the Year Award from
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in Dayton. Dr. Freeman was one of the first
recipients of the Harlem Renaissance Awards as an Outstanding HBCU's
President.
For additional
information, please contact Dr. D.R. Buffinger, Provost of Wilberforce
University at drbuff@wilberforce.edu
11. THE 5TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE
GATHERING OF WOMEN:
The Rev. Dr. Alice
Hubbard Crenshaw, pastor of St. Stephen and Morris Brown AME churches once
again saw the need to bring about awareness in the Jefferson and Orleans
Parishes concerning Impetrative Women’s Issues. The sub-title of this year’s
conference was “Saving Our Sisters” (SOS). The conference explored God’s
Mission for Humanity-Spirituality and the Psychological, Healthcare for Women,
Economic and Financial Empowerment, God’s Purpose and Plan for my Life:
Spiritual Foundations foe Human Sexuality & Reproductive Health, Religion
and Psychiatry, How to Combat Human
Trafficking; and Domestic Violence and Abuse Awareness. God moved in mysterious
ways as women became liberated from wounds that were caused during childhood
and young adult stages of their lives. The session ended with panel
discussions. Persons were so caught up that the entire group session lasted an
hour and a half longer that the schedule.
It appeared that no one was ready to go home.
The workshops were
conducted at the Hilton Honors Hotel airport location. Co-Sponsors were Mayor
Mike Yennie, Dr. Martha Stewart, along with friends and business associates of
Dr. Crenshaw who felt that the issues were serious enough to support.
Highlights of the
presenters and their presentations were:
Carla Cargle a
financial expert, author and inspirational speaker, has committed her life to
economically and financially empower the community. She is a graduate of Hampton
University in Hampton, VA. As an Advocate for Economic and Financial
Empowerment across the country, Carla is a frequently featured television and
radio guest throughout the United States, and has been featured in national
publications. Carla serves as a featured Financial Contributor for Houston’s
major television networks.
She is the author of
“The Financial Truth” ™ book series and the National Urban League’s nationally
acclaimed Economic Empowerment program entitled, “Know Your Money”.
Programs written and taught by Carla have impacted over 1 Million
Americans since the year 2002. Carla is a member of the National Association of
Insurance and Financial Advisors where she has served on the Board of Directors,
Houston chapter. In addition Carla has been a qualifying member of the
Million Dollar Round Table.
The Financial Truth
is dedicated to transforming the souls and minds of God's people throughout the
universe to embrace and live a life of wealth and abundance. Her teaching was a
rewarding and enjoyable experience. She told the group to open up their soul
and let God's love, creative power and wisdom be poured into their minds,
hearts and financial storehouses. Carla’s motto is “I am the financial truth,
building wealth 4 all.”
Miaisha Mitchell,
Executive Director of the Greater Frenchtown Governor's Revitalization Council
and co-chair of the Health Equity Alliance of Tallahassee. Dr. Boston is her
copartner who came to New Orleans and the two of them tagged team a wonderful
workshop that incorporated the health environment of women. Ms. Mitchell envisions equal health for all.
Her mission is to bridge the gap between research and action to explain and
eliminate the causes of social inequalities in health.
Her desire for us
was to increase our scientific knowledge and raise our consciousness about the
causes of health inequities. She creates equitable partnerships between
researchers and community members; promotes community capacity building and
empowerment; and translate research into policy to change the unequal social
and economic conditions that harm people’s health. She challenged us to do the
same here in the State of Louisiana. Ms. Mitchell’s Health Equity Alliance of
Tallahassee (HEAT) is a community-academic partnership for health equity in
Tallahassee, FL
Dr Anita Major is an
Education Consultant at Education Connection in Lakeland, Florida she is also a
Professional Training & Coaching and a graduate of Wayne State University
in Detroit. Because of the magnitude an impact on the people of color, HIV/STD
is once again a priority and was addressed following-up from where we left off
last year.
Beth Salcedo, M.A.
Human Trafficking she is the Free Indeed Home Director, Co-Founder. Beth earned
her Master's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in
Communication Disorders. She has been practicing in the New Orleans area
for 27 years. Beth has extensive experience in the development and implementation
of rehabilitation programs, with an emphasis on communication/social
issues and life skills training. Her view of rehabilitation is based on
her belief that faith-based treatment is relevant for healing and
restoration, particularly in the area of severe trauma, as experienced by
children who have been victims of human trafficking. She also
interacts with the courts concerning a variety of psychological-legal
issues in the Greater Metropolitan area of New Orleans. Her experience and
knowledge of human trafficking enables her to provide education, engage
in legislative advocacy, and enhance community awareness. Beth has
been working diligently in this field since 2012 when she retired from her
private practice as a speech pathologist and she and her husband, Dr. Rafael
Salcedo founded Louisiana’s Coalition against Human Trafficking in Louisiana.
She brought awareness that most in the room could not believe. The majority of us were AME’s who stick our
heads in the sand. We are so holy and
religious that we don’t know what is going on in our communities.
Bridget Gibson was
the presenter of Domestic Violence and Abuse Awareness. In 2013 in her home town of Crowley
Louisiana, three people were murdered due to domestic violence – one of these
was her mother’s beautician of 16 years. She founded “Tell the Truth 225
318 337 504” – A Non-Profit organization. Its function is to make all
people aware of domestic violence and event planning. This is a very
serious issue in our communities.
According to its
data tracking statewide in Louisiana crime and media reports, the coalition
found 71 domestic violence-related deaths in 2011 — an additional 21 incidents
that resulted in 32 deaths missed by the VPC report. Those deaths include nine
incidents with multiple victims resulting in 20 deaths from a single offender.
"Louisiana is
one of the few heavily populated states that consistently rank in the top five
for murders of women,"
The report also
notes that black women are killed by men at a rate more than two-and-a-half
times higher than white women, and 94 percent of those black women
knew their killers. The coalition says 81 percent of murdered women in
Louisiana were killed by a husband, partner or ex-partner.
Those reports
reflect a bleak era for the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) as it faced
intense scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Justice. In 2010, the DOJ's
results of a yearlong probe found NOPD failed to adequately address domestic
violence cases, with complaints ranging from poor response to 911 calls to
failure to perform follow-up interviews. In at least one case, the NOPD never
responded at all. Between January and July 2010, the NOPD took 6,200 calls for
service regarding domestic violence: 1,200 were assigned to domestic violence
unit detectives, and officers in corresponding districts handled 2,700 cases,
while another 1,500 reports — nearly one in four calls — went
"missing."
The report notes
that neither the NOPD's operations manual nor the domestic violence unit's
manual contained any guidelines for 911 protocol, identifying and documenting
injuries (including failing to note symptoms of strangulation or ask follow-up
questions related to strangulation), and procedures for follow-up
investigations. The report notes one case where a neighbor heard screams and
called 911, yet the neighbor was never interviewed. "The absence of
specific guidance for officers and detectives not only impedes effective
response and investigations," the report notes, "but also creates
potentially dangerous conditions for victims."
The report also
quotes a victim of domestic violence who asked that the 911 dispatcher tell
officers not to tell the batterer that the victim was calling — or was inside
the house — an instruction the officers ignored. "They did it the way they
wanted to do it," the victim said.
"The majority
of places are just barely keeping their heads above water and not working on
the same systemic changes as New Orleans."
The Rev. Leona
Spears Fisher Graduated from: St. Helena High School; Delgado Junior College; Jefferson Parish
Nursing Licensed Practical Nurse Ochsner Hospital; Psychiatric Nursing Program;
LSU Medical School; Trainer in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry Served on the LSU Board of Examiners; Oral
Roberts University; Trainer in Religion & Psychiatry; University of
Galveston, Texas; child/Adolescent Milieu Therapy Certification.
She shared with us
that psychiatry and traditional religion haven't always co-existed happily.
These days, though, the relationship between secular shrinks and old-time faith
isn't usually as hostile or mutually exclusive in practice as these
battle-cries would suggest. Both in academic scholarship and the everyday
experience of people who need help or provide it, the two worlds seem to be
overlapping more and more. The idea of a link between spirituality and mental
health has gained respectability across America with the creation of research
like the Spirituality and Mind-Body.
Fisher stated there are conclusions which include
"investigation...on spirituality as protective against mental illness and
as a source of resilience in building respectful relationships and personal
meaning and purpose."
The Rev. Fisher
said, "For many people, religion and spirituality are key resources that
can facilitate their growth. For others religion and spirituality may be
sources of problems that need to be addressed in the service of their health
and well-being." Meanwhile, from the point of view of people seeking help,
problems and solutions are rarely divided into neat boxes. She says many patients have drawn strength
both from conventional therapy and religion while coping with a history of
abuse. Rev. Fisher also experienced that many of her clients gained gain from
"Christian Biblical Counseling." She proved by Scriptures from Old
and New Testament into Revelation, that psychiatry was needed in the Garden of
Eden after “the fall” - Spirit, mind, body and soul were missed up!
*Submitted by the
Rev. Dr. Jennie L. Curry
12. RIO TEXAS (UMC) BISHOP RESIGNS AFTER
ADMITTING WRONGDOING:
Kathy L. Gilbert
United Methodist
Bishop James E. Dorff admitted to violating his marriage and ordination vows
and has voluntarily resigned as episcopal leader of the Rio Texas Conference,
effective Jan. 1, 2016.
Dorff resigned after
a complaint was filed, Bishop Michael McKee, president of the South Central
Jurisdictional College of Bishops, said in announcing the resignation on Dec.
4.
Dorff, who is also
surrendering his credentials effective Jan, 1, expressed his regret in a letter
to the college of bishops.
"It is so
difficult to admit and share, but I must inform you that I did not uphold the
sacred vows I made to God at my wedding, at my consecration as bishop, and at
my ordination as elder. I crossed what were the clear expectations of
relational boundaries.
“For this
transgression, I am profoundly sorry. I offer my sincerest apologies to all
concerned. My actions have caused pain to many, including my family, the person
involved, each of you, members of the annual conference, and the greater
church. I am so, so sorry," Dorff wrote.
Interim bishop to be named
McKee said that an
interim bishop will be appointed to serve beginning in January. Until the
interim bishop is appointed, he will provide episcopal oversight. During the
South Central Jurisdictional Conference in July 2016, a new Rio Texas bishop
will be appointed to a term beginning on September 1, 2016. The conference
serves South Texas with nearly 400 churches.
“This is a difficult
situation for everyone involved, but we are confident that the ongoing
ministries of the conference will continue under the capable leadership of the
experienced, faithful conference staff and laity,” said McKee, who will work
with the leaders of the Rio Texas Conference to ensure a smooth transition.
Dorff is resigning
eight months before his planned retirement.
Prayers and sadness
He was elected
bishop in 2008, after serving as a pastor in the North Texas Conference for 36
years.
As episcopal leader,
he oversaw the merger of the Southwest Texas and Rio Grande conferences. He
also dealt with the controversy that surrounded the clergy candidacy of M.
Barclay, who identified as lesbian. The Book of Discipline forbids the
ordination of self-avowed practicing homosexuals.
Byrd L. Bonner, who
co-chaired the unification steering team during the merger, said he was
"profoundly sad" to hear the news.
"I am praying
for Bishop and Mrs. Dorff and all affected. That includes our new Río Texas
Annual Conference. Thankfully our new conference is strong and is born of a
resilient spirit. It is that spirit that will serve her well in persevering
this and any challenges," said Bonner, who is also president of The United
Methodist Church Foundation,
"In this season
of Advent, we must focus on the future and the promise that God holds for us
all, including and especially the Dorffs," Bonner said.
Complaints against
bishops are handled within that bishop’s regional College of Bishops under the
denomination’s law book, the Book of Discipline.
Churchwide leadership
Beyond his episcopal
area, he has provided churchwide leadership through the Connectional Table,
which coordinates the mission and ministry of the general church. He has been
president of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and Ministry and a
member of Africa University's board. He has been a leader in the Global Health
Initiative and the World Methodist Council.
As a member of the
Global Health Initiative Executive Committee, he led the former Southwest Texas
Annual Conference in becoming the pilot project for the Imagine No Malaria
campaign. The campaign to raise $75 million formally launched with a
celebration and free concert event at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas, on World
Malaria Day, April 25, 2010.
"Our entire
annual conference embraced the opportunity to lead the way by supporting
Imagine No Malaria," Dorff said at the time. "We are excited to
showcase this initiative to the Austin community and to the entire denomination."
The campaign was
launched simultaneously in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Dorff was part
of a delegation of United Methodist leaders who were on hand to help distribute
anti-malaria bed nets there.
Higher education impact
A highlight of Dorff’s
tenure as president of the United Methodist Board of Higher Education and
Ministry included attending the International Association of United Methodist
Schools, Colleges and Universities’ 2014 Conference in Hiroshima, Japan, where
scholars and students from five continents focused on peace, reconciliation and
human rights.
During the
conference, Dorff emphasized the role that Methodist-related institutions have
played for centuries in developing leaders for the church and world. “As we
look to develop principled Christian leaders as one of our four areas of focus,
it is extremely important that we engage our United Methodist schools, colleges
and universities – that we support them, encourage them and challenge them to
continue to provide and develop the leaders that we need so much.”
In Texas, Dorff also
has served as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Methodist Mission Home
of San Antonio, Methodist Healthcare Ministries of South Texas and the Texas
Methodist Foundation.
He married Barbara
Langley Dorff in 1975, and they have two sons and three grandchildren.
Gilbert is a
multimedia news reporter for United Methodist News Service. Contact her at
(615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org. Heather Hahn contributed to this story.
*Used with
permission of the United Methodist News Service
13. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Rev.
Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on
Biblical Text: Ephesians 5:8 KJV: For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are
ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
Let me
begin by reminding us that there are essentially two walks available in the
life of a man. One walk is in darkness; the other walk is in the light. I must
also remind us that there is a vast difference between the two walks we can
choose. The fact of the matter is our eternal future depends on the walk we
choose.
You see,
ever since the fall of Adam, in the Garden of Eden, we are born to take the
path that leads toward darkness. Unfortunately we are not only in darkness, but
we are darkness. That means that every person born who never comes to know the
Lord is all alone.
It is
deceiving because although there appears to be plenty of people around, and we
seem to be enjoying the fruits of our labors, in the end if we never come to
know the Lord we will just die and spend eternity in hell. We are destined to
spend eternity apart from God because while the blood still ran warm in our
veins we never enjoyed a relationship with the Creator.
The
problem is there are a whole lot of folk, maybe even someone reading this
today, that don’t believe there is a hell. That is not so unbelievable in light
of the information gathered in a recent poll indicating that less than 10% of
the people interviewed believed that hell even existed. Worse than that, there
have been other reports that have shown that about 30% of all Christians may
not believe that there is a hell.
When folk
don’t believe that there is a hell the door is open for science to come in and
blind you.
When you
don’t believe there is a hell science can sneak in blinding folk to the truth
about where we came from, confusing us about where the world came from. Science
can actually take over confusing folk to the point they don’t even know why
they are here! There is then no real meaning, no real purpose to life. The real
purpose, meaning and significance of life remain a mystery.
That is
what it means to live in darkness. That is what it means to be destined for
hell. Folk who choose to live apart from God have neither connection with life
nor any connection to the truth. Apart from God there are only shadows,
darkness and a permanent separation from our Creator.
I do not
want to even think about life apart from God! I can’t even imagine waking up
every day without God in my life. Without God we would just be headed to a dark
death and destined to an eternity separated from God.
However,
the Bible claims that men love darkness. “Light is come into the world, and men
loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:19) I
can’t speak for you but as for me I would rather live in the Light. Since I
have a choice, I would rather choose the path of light, wouldn’t you? The path
of light is Jesus. Jesus said, "I am the Light of the world: he that
followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life"
(John 8:12).
So what
does it mean to live in the light of Christ? When we live in the light of
Christ, we are living true to our spiritual destiny rather than our natural
destiny. That means that when we live in the light we may have been born to
die, but we chose to live.
When we
live in the light we chose to be the very embodiment of light by allowing the
light of Christ to live in us. When Christ is in us we have to change because
our old nature has to leave. In other words when Christ moves in the old man
has to get out because the new man takes over.
What I’m
trying to get us to understand is that when Christ moves in He brings the light.
He shines a divine light on everything we use to have trouble seeing. Christ
literally changes our darkness into light. When we let Christ move in we are
saying Christ take over. The fact of the matter is when Christ moves in there
is a transformation and the reward for the transformation is eternal life with
Christ. The Bible says, “For ye were
sometimes in darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of
light.” (Ephesians 5:8)
*The
Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church
in Charleston, South Carolina
14. GETTING TO ZERO:
As most of you know, 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.
The Rev. Dr. Fuller is
currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan. She will submit her column as her schedule
permits. She has been a faithful
columnist and has shared powerful information for which we are appreciative.
We trust that the Rev.
Dr. Fuller is getting a much needed rest. She is a busy lady! We will receive
her columns when she sends them, but we hope she will take some time for rest
and relaxation.
15. iCHURCH SCHOOL
LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2015 - ACCEPTABLE OFFERINGS -
LEVITICUS 22:17-25, 31-33:
*Brother Bill Dickens
Key Verse: Therefore you will keep my
commandments, and do them: I am the Lord.
Leviticus 22:31
Introduction
My twenty-five plus years
of working in the economics profession has taught me many important lessons
about how the market for economic resources works.
One of the more important
“rules” economists acknowledge is consumers of goods and services are extremely
picky about the product prior to purchase. Products must exactly match
customer expectations. These expectations are competitive price, product
functionality, appearance and safeguards in the event of failure. Any product
that is perceived to have defects will result in client dissatisfaction,
product rejection and no sale. In short, for picky consumers, quality
matters. Second-best options are not acceptable to customers who only
demand the “best.”
The December 13, 2015 Adult
AME Church School Lesson investigates the reasons for why Yahweh is “picky”
when it comes to certain ceremonial offerings. The author of Leviticus
outlines a specific framework for presenting offerings. Some may consider
the requirements about acceptable offerings as being overly burdensome.
Such a conclusion however would be premature and myopic. If we desire to
have an intimate, personal relation with a perfect deity, shouldn’t it be
logical that requirements to show our devotion and respect, through ceremonial
offerings, be the best we can offer? This is the central question and as
we see below there are unambiguous answers.
Bible Lesson
It is important to
emphasize that the tradition or practice for Jews to give offerings is rooted
in sound Old Testament theology. As far
back as the competitive offerings between Cain and Abel we see God approving one
offering and rejecting the other. An offering was used in order to restore
one’s relationship with God. Sin
resulted in Jews having an estranged relationship with Yahweh. The offering was presented to show the degree
of contriteness and sincerity by the transgressor to a holy God. In examining the offerings in Leviticus
Chapter 22 we find diversity, integrity and sensitivity in the offering
tradition.
Diversity of Offerings
In Leviticus 22: 17-25, we
see various offerings. The author
describes a freewill offering, a burnt offering and a peace offering.
A freewill offering in the
Bible is a spontaneous gift (Ex. 35:29), a voluntary sacrifice (Lev. 22:23;
Ezra 3:5), as opposed to one in consequence of a vow, or in expiation of some
offence.
The Hebrew word for “burnt
offering” actually means to “ascend, “literally to “go up in smoke.” The smoke
from the sacrifice ascended to God, “a soothing aroma to the LORD” (Leviticus
1:9). Technically, any offering burned over an altar was a burnt offering, but
in more specific terms, a burnt offering was the complete destruction of the
animal (except for the hide) in an effort to renew the relationship between
Holy God and sinful man.
A peace offering in the Old
Testament Law is described in Leviticus 7:11–21. It was a voluntary sacrifice
given to God. A peace offering could be given as a freewill offering, meaning
that the worshiper was giving the peace offering as a way to say “thank you”
for God’s unsought generosity. It was basically just a way to praise God for
God’s goodness.
Integrity of Offerings
The author of Leviticus is
unambiguously clear that God is both “picky and choosy” regarding what type of
offering is acceptable.
God does not compromise His
expectations about sacrificial offerings.
Sacrificial animal offerings
must meet the highest quality standard.
The offering must consist of an animal with no physical blemish, defect
or deformity. God is holy. Offerings therefore should reflect God’s holiness
criterion by being perfect in design and composition.
The New Testament
implications for this practice is assuring for 21st century
believers. Jesus is our perfect
sacrifice. He was without blemish or
sin. His death was a “sweet smelling
savor” to God the Father.
Offerings in Leviticus
required biological purity and perfection.
The sacrifice provided by Jesus transcends this practice by assuring us
that the work of propitiation is complete in the redemptive work of Christ.
Sensitivity of Offerings
The practice of offerings
was not as rigid as some think. Leviticus 17:23 describes certain conditions
when God provides exceptions to the requirements described in the integrity
discussion. Provided the offering is not to fulfill a vow and it is provided by
participants who were economically poor, some relaxation of the “no defect”
rule for animal sacrifice was permitted.
The exception illustrates that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was
sensitive to the poor and showed grace and mercy to the needy.
Bible Application
A typical 21st
century worship service asks parishioners to participate in offertory act of
giving.
Instead of using animals or
agricultural products, we transact in legal tender or money. We provide a monetary (cash, check or bank card)
offering to support our local mission work, local church expenses. Connectional
obligations, church building fund and/or replenishing a depleted college
scholarship fund.
Supporting the ministry and
mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is an important
endeavor. The financial offerings are
deeply appreciated since the act is done voluntarily.
The key question we must
ask however is this. Are we giving God
our best in the practice of financial offerings? Are our offerings purged of impurities, e.g.,
bounced checks, stingy limits, and dishonest monetary acquisition?
God requires that our
offerings be pure and unblemished from the stain of sin and deceit. This is a commandment that is applicable
today. God is holy, ergo, we should be
holy. QED
Homework Assignment
What are some non-financial
offerings you can provide for your local AME church?
*Brother Bill Dickens is
currently the Church School Teacher at Allen AME Church in Tacoma,
Washington. He is currently a member of the Fellowship of Church
Educators for the African Methodist Episcopal Church
16. MEDITATION BASED ON JOHN 3:1-17:
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I took the time today to give thanks to
God for a major blessing - I’m five years free of colorectal cancer. I did so, however, two months after the
September anniversary of that blessing.
The fall of the year is “Annual
Conference Season” in the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church - with bi-weekly sessions of the six Annual Conferences of the
District from late August to late October, followed by a November
Post-Conference Episcopal District wrap up meeting.
I got caught up in the demands of being
a Presiding Elder in that busy season - which also included the Charleston
NAACP’s Freedom Fund Banquet, my oldest son’s wedding and an international
meeting of the AME Church - and only thought about the blessing of being cancer
free for five years when I sat down to pray on a subject for this meditation.
A little more than five years ago, I
had just finished chemotherapy and radiation, was recovering from surgery and
was focused on getting well. God blessed
me to recover, so much so that present day concerns pushed the five year old
memory of my healing down on my priority list.
I finally took the time today to whisper a prayer of forgiveness for my
“spiritual amnesia” and a prayer of thanksgiving for God’s healing power.
I offer my experience to you in the
midst of this Advent Season, when Christians should focus on what the coming of
the Messiah - the birth of the Christ - meant for this world and for us. Advent should be a season of prayerful
contemplation and thanksgiving, but it can easily become a season of putting up
Christmas decorations, Christmas gift shopping and Christmas celebration
planning.
We’d all do well, in the midst of
planning to celebrate the traditions of Christmas, to pause, prayerfully
contemplate and give thanks for the essence of Christmas - that the God who
created all that is chose to send His Son into this world to save us from our
sins, to make us worthy recipients of daily blessings through His grace and to
grant all who believe everlasting life.
Take the time, in the midst of your
Christmas preparation, to reflect on and count your blessings. You’ll find restored and strengthened hope,
experience spiritual renewal, and rediscover the meaning in the words of the
hymn that says, “From sinking sand, He lifted me; with tender hand, He lifted
me; from shades of night to planes of light, oh, praise His name, he lifted
me.”
Get Ready for Sunday, and have a great
day in your house of worship!
*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the
Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual
Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- Dr. James S. P. Cooper, First Gentleman of Empowerment
Temple AME Church Liberia received the Distinguished Service Award for over 40
years of Exceptional Leadership Service in Banking and Financial Management
Congratulations to Dr. James S. P.
Cooper, First Gentleman of Empowerment Temple AME Church Liberia and spouse of
the Rev. Dr. Katurah York Cooper for receiving the "Distinguished Service
Award." James Cooper was honored for over 40 years of exceptional
leadership service in Banking and Financial Management. He was honored along
with other past Presidents of the Liberia Bank for Development and Investment
(LBDI), including Mrs. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of Liberia, at The 50th
Anniversary Gala of the Bank. James Cooper is presently the Senior Director on
the Board of LBDI and chairs the Audit Committee. James Cooper not only leaves
a legacy in the financial world but he has served the AME Church as a member of
the Finance Committee of the 14th Episcopal District, Treasurer of the Trustee
Board of Eliza Turner AME Church, and presently serves as Treasurer of the
Central Liberia Annual Conference. We
salute him for his generous spirit and years of selfless service to his country
and his church.
Congratulatory messages can be sent via
email to: jspcooper@gmail.com, Dr. James S. P. Cooper.
The Rt. Rev. Clement W. Fugh Presiding
Prelate, 14th Episcopal District
Mrs. Alexia Butler Fugh, Episcopal
Supervisor
-- Mrs. Carla Benson Green was confirmed by the State Senate
in Dover, Delaware to serve as the Secretary of Children Youth and Family
Services by a unanimous vote
Congratulations to Mrs. Carla Benson Green,
daughter of the Rev. Frances Benson, pastor of John Wesley AME Church in Dover
Delaware and the late Mr. Carl Benson.
Mrs. Green is a graduate of Morgan
State University and has been employed by the department for 33 years. She is a
member of John Wesley AME Church in Dover Delaware. She is married to Mr.
Ernest Green and they have two children.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Cassie Mae Parham, the widow of
the Reverend Homer J. Parham (retired pastor in the 12th Episcopal District)
passed on Friday, December 4, 2015.
Services have been entrusted to:
Premier Funeral Home
1518 S. Battery Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
Telephone: (501) 376-4800
A Family Hour will be held Friday,
December 11, 2015, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Premier Funeral Home.
A Celebration of her life will be held
Saturday, December 12, 2015, 12:00 noon at the F. O. Jones Christian Center,
749 Ouachita, Bearden, AR 71720.
Condolences may be shared with the
family c/o her daughter:
Deborah (Tim) Woods
4 Sugar Maple Court
Little Rock, AR 72212
Telephone: (501) 517-6693
The Family requests that floral expressions be
sent to the funeral home.
Thank you in advance for remembering
the family in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to announce the passing of Sister Velda Fletcher Jones, the sister of
the Rev. Michelle Pinkney-McBeth, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in Kennett
Square, Pennsylvania of the Philadelphia Conference.
The
following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Friday,
December 11, 2015
Viewing
– 9:00 a.m.
Funeral
– 11:00 a.m.
Mt.
Tabor AME Church
961-71
North 7th Street (7th & Girard Ave.)
Philadelphia,
PA 19123
Telephone:
(215) 574-1310
Fax:
(215) 574-1312
The
Rev. Albert D. Johnson, pastor
Expressions
of kindness can be sent to:
Mrs.
Sara Fletcher (mother)
3104
N. Stillman Street
Philadelphia,
PA 19132
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Brother
Melvin Clipper Driver II passed away on Sunday, November 29, 2015 in
Titusville, Florida. He was the husband
of Sister Shirley Lee Driver, the sister of Presiding Elder Hartford Lee of the
Daytona Beach District in the 11th Episcopal District, passed away on Sunday,
November 29, 2015 in Titusville, FL.
Arrangements
for Mr. Melvin Clipper Driver
Wake
and Viewing
Friday,
December 4th
5
PM – 7 PM
Lewis-Ray
Mortuary Inc.
1595
S Hopkins Avenue
Titusville,
FL 32780
Telephone: (321) 269-5811
Webpage:
http://lewisraymortuary.com/
Funeral
Services:
Saturday,
December 5th
3:30
pm
St
James AME Church
625
Dummitt Avenue
Titusville,
FL 32796
Telephone:
(321) 269-3645
Webpage:
http://www.stjamesametitusville.com/
Services
are entrusted to:
Lewis-Ray
Mortuary Inc.
1595
S Hopkins Avenue
Titusville,
FL 32780
Contact
Information for cards etc.:
Mrs.
Shirley Lee Driver,
1955
Tropic Street
Titusville,
FL 32796
The
Reverend Hartford Lee
Email:
Lhartford43@att.net
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The
Third Episcopal District sadly announces the passing of the Reverend Dr. Charles
"Rikki" Howard, a retired Itinerant Elder who pastored Ross Chapel in
Jamestown, Ohio; St. Mark, Columbus, Ohio; St. Paul, Circleville, Ohio and
Cyrene, Piqua, Ohio. At the time of his
passing he was serving as an Associate Minister at Upshaw AME Church in Dayton,
Ohio. Dr. Howard transitioned on Friday,
November 27, 2015 after several weeks of illness. We unite in prayer with his wife, Moida
Howard and other family members in the loss of their loved one.
Funeral
services will be held on Monday, December 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM at:
Wayman
Chapel AME Church
3317
Hoover Ave.
Dayton,
OH 45402
937-268-6729
Visitation
from 09:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
His
family will be present to greet visitors at 10:00 a.m. until the service
begins.
Arrangements
by:
Lorritts-Nielson
Funeral Home
3924
W. 3rd St,
Dayton,
Ohio 45417
Telephone:
(937) 262-0065
Condolences
may be sent to:
Mrs.
Moida Howard
7306
Brandt Pike
Huber
Heights, OH 45424
Telephone:
(937) 974-5816
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The
Alachua-Central District sadly announces the passing of the Reverend Robert D.
Postell, an Itinerant Elder who was currently pastoring Mount Tabor, Lake City,
Florida. The Rev. Postell had previously served: Galilee—Woodville, Mount Zion;
Lloyd, Little Bethel—Perry; Union Chapel—Sawdust; Lake Jackson
Circuit—Tallahassee; Bethelonia — Tallahassee, Florida Conference; Mt.
Zion—Arcadia, Tampa Conference; Mount Moriah--Jacksonville, East Conference;
St. James—Quincy, Florida Conference; Payne Chapel—Sarasota, Tampa Conference;
and St. Paul Windsor, East Conference. He was a soul stirring preacher, caring
pastor and a fervent gospel singer. He will sorely be missed by all who knew
him.
The
Rev. Postell quietly transitioned on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 after several
months of illness. We prayerfully unite
with his wife, Lareese and other family members in the loss of their loved one.
Visitation
from Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Funeral
services will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at:
Saint
Paul AME Church
6910
New Kings Road
Jacksonville,
FL. 32219
Telephone:
904-764-2755
The
Rev. Marvin C. Zanders II, pastor
Bishop
Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr, Eulogist
Visitation
from Thursday, December 10, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Arrangements
entrusted to:
Postell’s
Mortuary
811
N. Powers Dr.
Orlando,
FL 32818
Telephone:
(407) 295-3857
Fax:
(407) 295-0307
Condolences
may be sent to:
Mrs.
Lareese B. Postell
12171
Evans Oak Court
Jacksonville,
FL. 32218
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It
is with great sympathy and sadness that we announce the death of Bishop L.
Foday Farrar, the cousin of the Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller, pastor of Mt.
Calvary AME Church, Towson, Maryland.
Funeral
arrangements for Bishop L. Foday Farrar are as follows:
Friday,
December 11th at 12 noon
Solid
Rock Ministry International
401
Creech Road
Garner,
NC 27529
(The
viewing will be at 11:00 a.m.)
Arrangements
have been entrusted to:
Haywood
Funeral Home
2315
S. Wilmington St.
Raleigh,
NC 27603
Telephone:
919-832-2835
Condolences
may be sent to:
First
Lady Kay Farrar
537
Sherrybrook Drive
Raleigh,
NC 27610-3340
Or
to:
The
Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller
Mt.
Calvary A.M.E. Church
300
Eudowood Lane
Towson,
MD 20416
Email:
adminasst@mtcalvaryame.org
Webpage:
http://www.mtcalvaryame.org/
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
are saddened to announce the loss of Sister Henrietta Jackson-Potter, the aunt
of the Reverend Troy McWilliams, Sr., associate minister at St. Jude AME Church
in Germantown, Maryland.
Funeral
Services were held on this past Saturday, December 5, 2015:
St
Luke AME Church
4009
Jackson Community Rd
Vernon,
FL 32462
The
Rev. Gloria Wynn, pastor
Words
of Comfort may be sent to:
The
Rev. Troy McWilliams, Sr.
St.
Jude AME Church
11040
Brink Road
Germantown,
MD 20876
Email:
Troy.Mcwilliams@gmail.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
are saddened by the passing of Sis. Caroline Inyamah, the sister of the Rev.
Deborah C. Inyamah, associate minister of St. Jude AME Church, Germantown, MD.
The
funeral services will be held:
Friday,
December 11, 2015
10:00
a.m. - Public Viewing
11:00
a.m. - Service
Interment
immediately following service.
Repast
immediately following interment.
Services
entrusted to:
Snovel
Givnish Funeral Home
1200
Rte. 130 North
Cinnaminson,
NJ 08077
Telephone:
(856) 829-8000
Condolences
may be sent to:
The
Rev. Deborah Inyamah
St.
Jude AME Church
11040
Brink Road
Germantown,
MD 20876
Email:
dinyamah@gmail.com
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs.
Reola Powell McClellan, former First Lady of Robinson Chapel AME
Church-Chicago, transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, December 4,
2015. Mrs. McClellan is the mother of
the Rev. Wesley McClellan, pastor of Robinson Chapel AME Church, and the widow
of the late Rev. John McClellan, who served as pastor of Robinson Chapel
AME-Chicago for over 12 years. Mrs. McClellan was a dedicated and faithful
member of the Women's Missionary Society.
The
Celebration of Life for Mrs. Reola Powell McClellan is as follows:
Monday,
December 14, 2015
10:00
a.m. - Wake
11:00
a.m. - Celebration Service
St.
James AME Church
9256
S. Lafayette Avenue
Chicago,
IL
The
Rev. J. Leon Thorn, Pastor
Tuesday,
December 15, 2015
Internment
Abraham
Lincoln National Cemetery
20953
W. Hoff Road
Elwood,
IL 60421
Services
are entrusted to:
Unity
Funeral Home, Inc.
4114
S. Michigan Avenue
Chicago,
IL 60653
Expressions
of sympathy may be sent to:
The
Rev. Wesley McClellan and Family
561
Moray Terrace
Crete,
IL 60417
(708)
890-6943
Email:
Wesleymcc59@gmail.com
27. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
28. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T.
Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor
of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray
that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Did someone you know pass this copy of The Christian
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