The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
-- Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016
-- Good Friday – March 25, 2016
-- Easter - Sunday, March 27, 2016
-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016
-- Richard Allen Birthday – February 14, 1760
-- Jarena Lee Birthday - February 11, 1783
-- Morris Brown - February 13, 1770.
-- Daniel Payne - February 24, 1811
-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17
--
Daylight Saving Time (USA) 2016 begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016
Thought
for the Week: “Laughter is a precious gift.” - Dr. Patricia Ann Morris DeVeaux
1. TCR EDITORIAL – FOUNDER’S DAY
RESOURCES:
Dr. Calvin H.
Sydnor III
The 20th
Editor of The Christian Recorder
I am republishing two editorials in honor of Founder’s Day. Since Bishop Richard Allen’s birthday
falls on this coming Sunday and
we have had so much media recognition concerning the Richard Allen Postage
Stamp, I want to continue
to “ride this horse.”
If you have not
planned anything special for Founder’s Day, please feel free to use any of the
resources below as your own – You don’t have to “reinvent the wheel,” but
please do something! This year’s Founder’s Day should be a memorable one!
- - EDITORIAL – RICHARD ALLEN’S LEGACY AND MEMORY
SHOULD BE “SACREDLY CHERISHED”:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian
Recorder
Sunday is Founder’s Day across the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and I hope that all of our Churches across our Zion
will be faithful in observing Founder’s Day.
Richard Allen was born on February 14, 1760; that was 256 years ago. We should all be greeting each other this
year with, “Happy Founder’s Day” not Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Every Church in the Connection should be
celebrating Founder’s Day because of the legacy of the Right Rev. Richard
Allen, the first elected and consecrated bishop in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. Richard Allen was also the first black bishop in the United
States. He founded the first black religious denomination in the United
States. He built the first black house
of worship in the United States. He was the forerunner of the Red Cross; since
the Red Cross was not organized until 1881. He and his companions were the “Red
Cross” during the 1793 Yellow Fever epidemic in Philadelphia. When we think of
the organization of black denominations, the Civil Rights’ Movement, all
branches of liberation theology, education in general, HBCUs, the Red Cross,
racial and gender equality we should remember Richard Allen. His legacy is one
that we should never forget.
Something nags at me and my gut tells me that a
number of our Churches will meet on Sunday and it will be worship as usual with
no mention of Richard Allen. I have seen some churches observe Founder’s Day
with the wearing of dashikis and cute poems, and those things are fine, but
Founder’s Day should be more than a cursory observance, it should be an
intentional celebration with a focus on our founder, the Right Rev. Richard
Allen.
Richard Allen, born a slave, had a vision of
being a free man, worked on his own time cutting cord wood, doing odd jobs and
by the time he was 20 years old, had bought his freedom. In his own words, in
spite of having a relatively good master, Allen said, “I had it often
impressed upon my mind that I should one day enjoy my freedom; for slavery is a
bitter pill…”
Not only did he endure slavery, but he also
endured racism and inequality. He
endured rebuke and adversity, not only from whites, but from blacks as well. He
was a man who had a vision, knew how to stay focused, and didn’t let adversity
discourage him. And perhaps most importantly, he did not let the circumstances
of his birth or the institutional racism that he endured, define his reality.
Dr. Richard S. Newman, in his outstanding book, Freedom’s
Prophet, says that Richard Allen was “essentially the forerunner of modern
civil rights activists, for his belief in nonviolent but confrontational reform
offered lessons for virtually every black leader who followed in his
wake.” It is important for African
Methodists to understand that Richard Allen was the forerunner of the Civil
Rights’ Movement. Each year, we honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and
it is right that we do so, but we should never forget that Richard Allen was
the Father of the Civil Rights’ Movement.
He influenced and had an impact upon the thinking of Frederick Douglass,
W.E.B. DuBois, the early bishops of the AME Church and apparently many white
leaders such as Francis Asbury, Benjamin Rush and others.
Richard Allen’s influence goes beyond the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and his actions have significantly impacted the
religious and social landscape of America, the Caribbean and the Continent of
Africa. Not only is Richard Allen the
Father of the Civil Rights’ Movement, he is the Father of liberationist
theology. Richard Allen “planted the seeds” for all branches of liberation
theology so that academicians and theologians could cultivate and nurture his
revolutionary thinking of equality for all. Richard Allen was a man before his
time.
Newman in Freedom’s Prophet, reports that
Frederick Douglass paid tribute to Richard Allen at the Chicago World’s Fair in
September 1893. Frederick Douglass said
of Allen, “Among the remarkable men whose names have found deserved place in
American annals; there is not one who will be longer remembered or whose memory
will be more sacredly cherished by coming generations of colored Americans than
will the name and character of Richard Allen.” Douglass also said that Richard Allen was the
author of a “new Declaration of Independence” and racial equality.
Yes, this Sunday is Founder’s Day and our
celebration of Founder’s Day should follow the model of Moses’ sermon to the
Israelites recorded in Deuteronomy 11: 19-21; “You shall teach them to your
children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the
way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the
doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your
children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers
to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth.”
For African Methodists around the world, Richard
Allen’s legacy must continue to live and his memory should be “sacredly
cherished” by all Americans.
Happy Founder’s Day!
If you failed to plan something appropriate for
Founder’s Day, plan something next Sunday or the Sunday after next; but by all
means do something.
- - EDITORIAL – THE LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF THE
RIGHT REV. RICHARD ALLEN ARE RELEVANT TODAY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian
Recorder
Bishop Richard Allen was born 256 years ago, came
into this world as a slave, he and his family were sold by one slave master to
another, he did not have the opportunity to attend public or private school,
was not a high school graduate, purchased his freedom by the time he was 20
years old, never attended college, did not have an opportunity to attend
seminary, had no Wall Street investments, was considered a second-class citizen
because of his race, was rejected by his fellow church members at St. George’s
Methodist Episcopal Church, pulled off of his knees while in prayer, and
criticized, even when he attempted to do the right thing.
Richard Allen’s life had the recipe for failure
and mediocrity, but he did not let the circumstances of his birth, his station
in life or what other persons thought about him, define his reality. In spite of all of the negativity in his
life, the economic constraints, and the racial and religious prejudice he
experienced; Richard Allen excelled and proved himself to be a leader.
His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to
be emulated by clergy and laity, not only clergy and laity of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, but by people of all denominations and faith
groups. His leadership lessons are
universal and timeless.
I want to share several leadership lessons of
Richard Allen from my soon to be published book, The Leadership Lessons of
the Right Rev. Richard Allen.
Richard Allen’s model of leadership is relevant
and effective today. Organizations will be more efficient if persons in
leadership positions would follow the leadership lessons of the Right Rev.
Richard Allen.
- Richard Allen
had vision and refused to accept the status quo:
Richard Allen said, “I had it often impressed
upon my mind that I should one day enjoy my freedom; for slavery is a bitter
pill, notwithstanding we had a good master.”
- Richard Allen
did not let the circumstances of his birth define his reality:
Richard Allen had a determination to be free. He
worked nights and at off-hours cutting cord wood and doing odd jobs and by the
time he was 20, bought his freedom.
- Richard Allen
was not deterred by setbacks and rejection:
Richard Allen was “read out” of the Free
African Society because he was not in agreement with the organization’s
position of adopting the quiet Quaker style of worship because he felt that
blacks needed a more spiritually spontaneous expressive style of worship that
he experienced with the Methodists. When Richard Allen experienced persecution
from the Methodist leadership and from some of the blacks who remained at St.
George’s, he remarked that he was “… thankful to
Almighty God, who was our deliverer.”
- Richard Allen
understood the concept that the church extended beyond the church building:
Richard Allen did as much, or more work in the
community as he did within the environs of Mother Bethel. He worked tirelessly during the 1793
Philadelphia Yellow Fever Epidemic, was a community leader in Philadelphia
among blacks and whites and was active in the abolitionist movement.
- Richard Allen
recognized the importance of education:
Shortly after Bethel’s founding, Richard Allen
established a children's day school and an adult night school.
- Richard Allen
did not quit because of opposition:
The blacks, who remained at St. George's after
the 1787 schism, accused Richard Allen of segregating the races and there was
the continuous struggle with the trustees at St. George's who fought to control
Mother Bethel's affairs.
Many of the challenges that Richard Allen faced
still exist today and people who do not tackle their challenges and demons are
surrounded by unfulfilled lives and even failure.
There are individuals today who are slaves to
their own inability to conquer the fears and demons in their lives. Some do not
see the value of training and education; others are trapped in an economic
quagmire and haven’t developed a strategy to overcome their predicament; still
others are victims or perpetrators of crime; and many individuals have accepted
their “station in life” and have become satisfied, and even comfortable with
the status quo.
Some organizations, even some AME Churches, have
the same attributes as individuals in not rising above the slave state of mind,
unable to conquer their fears and demons, and see little value of even
attempting to move from “poor to good” or from “good to great.” Some
organizations and some churches refuse to see the value of education and training
or to see the importance of maintaining a high ethical environment and have
become satisfied with their state of affairs that currently exists.
Those organizations and individuals need to
examine and adopt the “The Leadership Lessons of the Right Rev. Richard
Allen.”
His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to
be emulated by clergy and laity because his leadership lessons are universal
and timeless.
TCR Editor’s Comment: I will be celebrating Founder’s Day as the preacher at
St. Paul AME Church, 6910 New Kings Road (US 1 and Richardson) in Jacksonville,
Florida where the Rev. Dr. Marvin Zanders III is the pastor.
2. READER RESPONSE TO
EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To
the Editor
RE: January 6, 2016
iChurch School Lesson
I have been enjoying
your publications in The Christian
Recorder and even more especially the Blog because the good people of
Malawi with access to internet are able to click a simple button and have
information about the AME Church in their native language of Chichewa. Your
materials have been thought-provoking and very informative.
We have been able
to translate some documents into the indigenous language, but not enough to
help them to fully grasp more information especially for Church School. Your
publication of the iChurch School Lessons have been most helpful to us.
I would love to
know if the iChurch Lessons are available for online access in a quarterly or
annual format. If you have any information would you please share that
information to assist us to also have access to the lessons.
God bless you as
you continue to serve his people through this ministry even after your
retirement from TCR.
May God's abundant
blessings be yours always.
Blessings,
The Reverend
Rosetta Swinton - P.E.
Mountain Moving
Mulanje District
Malawi, Central
Africa
TCR Editor’s Comment: The iChurch Lessons are not currently available for
online access in a quarterly or annual format. It would be wonderful if we
could get to that point!
3.
NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
--
Charleston church massacre survivor, whose husband died, talks of tragedy
Jennifer Pinckney's
husband the Rev. Clementa Pinckney was shot and killed at the Bethel AME Church
in Charleston in June. Jennifer and her younger...
Widow of Charleston
church shooting victim speaks at Duke - WTVD-TV
Read
more: http://wncn.com/2016/02/09/charleston-church-massacre-survivor-whose-husband-died-talks-of-tragedy/
--
Allen University Celebrates Founder's Day with Unveiling of Heritage Stamp
Richard Allen,
founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and its first bishop, was
selected to be featured on the U.S. Postal Service's Black...
--
Lawrence Johnson, 108, Main Line chauffeur - Mr. Johnson was active in Bethel
A.M.E. Church in Ardmore, and helped it...
Read
more: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160209_Lawrence_Johnson__108__Main_Line_chauffeur.html
--
Edward Waters College Celebrates Its Sesquicentennial...
Edward Waters
College in Jacksonville, Florida was founded in 1866. It recently kicked off
its celebration of its 150-year anniversary with a ceremony on campus for all
students, faculty, staff, and invited alumni...
4.
SHAMEFUL - CITY WANTS $500 FROM TAMIR RICE ESTATE:
The city of
Cleveland has filed a creditor’s notice against the estate of Tamir Rice,
seeking $500 from the family of the 12-year-old who was shot and killed by a
Cleveland police officer in November 2014. The bill claims the city is owed for
“for emergency medical services rendered as the decedent’s last dying expense
under Ohio Revised Code.”
A lawyer for the
Rice family blasted this notice. “That the city would submit a bill and call
itself a creditor after having had its own police officers slay 12-year-old
Tamir displays a new pinnacle of callousness and insensitivity,” Subodh Chandra
said Wednesday.
TCR Editor’s Comment: The city of Cleveland does not have even a “blush of
shame!” Disgusting!
5. ST. CROIX, VIRGIN ISLANDS CEREMONY
RECOGNIZING THE ISSUANCE OF STAMP HONORING RICHARD ALLEN:
And the excitement continues!
--A remarkable event unfolded after publication in The Christian Recorder
Sister Della Moses Walker, a member of St. James AME Church
in Newark, New Jersey moved by the Spirit to visit St. Croix on a short
vacation read in The Christian Recorder retired
Bishop Frederick Talbot’s excitement on seeing the Richard Allen stamp. Sister
Della Moses Walker immediately contacted Presiding Elder Uklyn Hendricks and
officials of the postal service in St. Croix, who put in motion arrangements
for a celebration on February 2, 2016 to recognize the issuance of the Richard
Allen stamp.
The Governor of the Virgin Islands is a member of the Bethel
A.M.E. Church. He was contacted and got involved in helping to bring the
Richard Allen Postage Stamp Ceremony in St. Croix to fruition.
On Tuesday, February 2nd some 40 members representing
the three congregations on the island gathered at the Richmond Post Office at
9:00 a.m. (EST) / 10:00 a.m. St. Croix time, to purchase stamps. The
Postmaster, Louis Jackson, the Governor's representative; Ms Stephanie
Williams, St. Croix Administrator were also present as was the press.
By 11:00 a.m. the Post Office supply had been sold out and
by noon stamps in three other post offices on the island had been sold out. At
the Post Office, the Postmaster, Louis Jackson, the Governor's Representative;
Mrs. Walker and Bishop Talbot made remarks recorded by the Press, which later
appeared on Television.
The motorcade then proceeded to Bethel AME Church nearby in
Christiansted where Presiding Elder Hendricks had planned an imaginative and
moving program which included a prayer by the Reverend Carlos Perkins, pastor
of St. Luke AME Church and remarks by Mrs Walker, Postmaster Jackson and Mrs.
Stephanie Williams. Bishop Talbot was
invited to tell the story of Richard Allen, which he did enthusiastically using
narratives from his book, God's Fearless Prophet. Hymns were appropriately
placed in the program, beginning with "O for a Thousand Tongues to
sing," then Richard Allen's hymn, "Ministers Who are Called to
Preaching" to the tune of St. Clement, AMEC #42 and closing with "Lift Every Voice and
Sing."
Bethel AME Church served us refreshments following the
program.
We are grateful to the Presiding Elder for his guidance and
leadership in producing a memorable event, to Sister Della Moses Walker for her
enthusiasm and energy in promoting and helping to plan the event and to the
Postmaster for providing assistance in this unprecedented and historic
event. It will long be remembered in
this small island where the African Methodist Episcopal Church was started in
1920.
And the excitement continues!
*Submitted by retired Bishop Frederick and retired Episcopal
Supervisor, Dr. Sylvia Talbot
6.
PAINT DAY CELEBRATING BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN MURAL DESIGN UNVEILING DURING AME
FOUNDER’S DAY:
Philadelphia - First
Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church will honor
Bishop Richard Allen Feb. 11 - 13, during their 2016 Founder’s Day Celebration,
with this year’s theme, “Transforming Our Minds.” The reverence continues on
Feb. 13, from 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m., as the AME First District hosts a Community
Mural Paint Day to kick-off the creation of the mural entitled “The Legacy of
Bishop Richard Allen and the AME Church,” in conjunction with the City of
Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. The mural, designed by Willis “Nomo” Humphrey,
Lead Muralist for the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, is part of Mural
Arts’ African American Iconic Images Collection. Founder’s Day Celebration and
Community Mural Paint Day will be held at First District Plaza, 3801 Market
St., Philadelphia, PA.
Mayor Jim Kenney
will join AME First District leadership, Bishop Gregory Ingram and Rev. Dr.
Jessica Ingram, along with Jane Golden, executive director, City of
Philadelphia Mural Arts Program and artist Humphrey at approximately 1:30 p.m.,
for the unveiling of the mural design. Community Mural Paint Day, a private
event open to members of the AME community along with special guests and
invited dignitaries, provides an opportunity for participants to lend a hand
painting the mural honoring Bishop Richard Allen. The completed mural will be
dedicated during a ceremony on Monday, July 4, prior to the official start of
the AME General Conference on July 6.
“It is with this
important legacy in mind that Mural Arts is creating this work of public art
honoring the lasting efforts of Allen to foster spaces devoted to equality,
justice and freedom to worship. This mural will serve as a source of education
and inspiration for Philadelphia’s citizens, who will be able to participate in
its creation,” states Golden.
First District
Founder’s Day Celebration is lead by Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding
Prelate, First Episcopal District, AME Church; the Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall
Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor, and Executive Director, AME First District Host
Committee; the Rev. Jocelyn Hart, host presiding elder and the Rev. Mark Tyler,
PhD, host pastor. The Celebration includes several days of worship services,
symposiums, meetings and workshops. Noted guest preachers include Bishop
Richard Norris, the Rev. Dr. Claudette Copeland, the Rev. Dr. James Perkins and
others will facilitate dialogue about the present status and future of the AME
Church.
“In a style of
picturesque beauty the mural of Bishop Richard Allen, founder of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and prophet of freedom, justice and equality, will
highlight and chronicle the significant contributions we have made in our two
hundred year history in the city of Philadelphia, the nation and the world,”
states Bishop Ingram. “I believe citizens and tourists who appreciate art and
history will find the mural an excellent educational masterpiece among the
gallery of great portraits reflecting our diversity and heritage.”
The City of
Philadelphia Mural Arts Program is the nation’s largest public art program,
dedicated to the belief that art ignites change. For 30 years, Mural Arts has
united artists and communities through a collaborative process, rooted in the
traditions of mural-making, to create art that transforms public spaces and
individual lives. Mural Arts engages communities in 50–100 public art projects
each year, and maintains its growing collection through a restoration
initiative. Mural Arts programs yield unique, project-based learning
opportunities for thousands of youth and adults. Each year, 12,000 residents
and visitors tour Mural Arts’ outdoor art gallery, which has become part of the
city’s civic landscape and a source of pride and inspiration, earning
Philadelphia international recognition as the “City of Murals.” For further
information, call (215) 685-0750 or visit www.muralarts.org. Follow along on
social media: @muralarts on Twitter and Instagram, phillymuralarts
on YouTube, and MuralArtsPhiladelphia on Facebook.
Community Mural
Paint Day is the second in a series of Bicentennial Celebration events hosted
by the First Episcopal District of the AME Church as the denomination observes
the 200th anniversary of its incorporation in Philadelphia, the founding city.
The AME Church is the first fully independent African American
denomination.
Bicentennial
Celebration Activities continue April 7-10, including the Old School/New School
Gospel Concert, an engaging Social Justice Forum, an inspiring Ecumenical
Service and the Sarah Allen Awards Luncheon.
Activities will
continue in early July, including the unveiling of the Richard Allen Statue and
Mural. The General Conference 50th
Quadrennial will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center July 6 – 13,
2016.
For more
information about AME Church Bicentennial Celebration activities, please
contact Lisa Duhart-Collins at 215-280-2557 or Yvonne Drayton at
215-882-3765. Information may also be
obtained at www.2016generalconference.org, and follow on
Twitter at #IamAME.
###
The mission of the
AME Church is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of
all people.
7.
FROM JIM: RICHARD ALLEN, A REMARKABLE LIFE:
*Jim Winkler
Last week, I drove
to Philadelphia for the unveiling of the new Richard Allen commemorative stamp
at Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was packed with
at least 1500 people present in the sanctuary and the fellowship hall for a wonderful
dedication ceremony carried out in conjunction with the US Postal Service.
Vernon Jordan, a
lifelong member of the AME Church and former head of the Urban League and the
United Negro College Fund, served as master of ceremonies and various dignitaries,
including the mayor of Philadelphia, attended and spoke at the ceremony.
Bishop Richard
Allen was the founder of the AME Church and Bethel is the Mother Church of the
denomination. Allen was born a slave in 1760, accepted Christ after attending a
Methodist revival. He purchased his freedom from slave owner Stokeley Sturgis,
and gradually made his from Maryland to Philadelphia where he became a
successful businessman and leader in the city.
In Philadelphia, he
attended St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church and built up the membership
there of black members. However, racist white Methodist leaders placed
increasing restrictions on Allen. Eventually, he led blacks out of St. George’s
and established Bethel AME.
For 20 years, white
Methodists attempted to control Richard Allen and members of his church. At one
point, they placed Bethel up for auction. Needless to say, they were not happy
when Bethel members raised the funds necessary to buy back their own church at
the auction.
In 1816, Allen was
elected the first bishop of the new African Methodist Episcopal Church. Over
200 years, the denomination has spread to five continents and 39 nations and is
comprised of some 2.5 million members. It is one of the founders of the Federal
and National Councils of Churches.
Bishop Reginald
Jackson, chair of the AME Social Action Commission, Ms. Jackie Dupont Walker,
director of the AME Social Action Commission, and Rev. William Miller, pastor
of St. John AME, near Charleston, SC, represent the denomination on the NCC
Governing Board. Bishop Jackson and Jackie Dupont Walker played leading roles
in the effort to convince the Postal Service to issue the Richard Allen stamp.
I hope everyone
will purchase the new stamp, as a way of expressing solidarity with the AME
Church and to celebrate Black History Month.
Throughout his
remarkable life, Richard Allen not only spread the good news of Jesus Christ;
he fought against slavery and racism and lifted up his community in the midst
of slavery and racism. I encourage everyone to read “Freedom’s Prophet: Bishop
Richard Allen, the AME Church, and the Black Founding Fathers,” by Dr. Richard
Newman, director of the Library Company of Philadelphia.
I’m grateful to God
for the life of Richard Allen and look forward to the bicentennial General
Conference of the AME Church this summer in Philadelphia.
*Jim Winkler is the
President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches
8.
TRIBUTE TO BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN (1760-1831):
*Ms. Sandra L. West
Unashamed of his
past
He walked proudly
as an African man
Always in
celebration of less fortunate ancestors
Eyes and heart
firmly fixed on the future.
He never looked
back to days of plows and fields
But onward to
freedom lands dotted with African
Methodist Episcopal
churches, schools, societies that
Enabled fragile
futures secure.
His faith made him
whole for he leaned on His comfort
His promises and
crafted a life and legend that looms still.
As such, we
continue to honor him.
His diligence,
righteousness, and discipline.
And, therefore, on
February 2, 2016, as his image is presented to the world on a United States of
America Forever Postage Stamp, a place of great honor that he could never have
imagined, we are grateful for his life and pay tribute to him, the First Bishop
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Richard Allen.
*Ms. Sandra L. West
is a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Newark, New Jersey
9.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SENOR EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR- THE REV. DR. CECELIA W. BRYANT:
The Reverend Dr.
Cecelia Williams-Bryant has published a new book that is the companion for her Periscope Ministry and is now available in book stores.
The book "Forty Days: Tongues of Fire and Prophetic
Transformation" is live in the Kindle Store and is available* for
readers to purchase."
10. YALE DIVINITY SCHOOL SUPPORTS RICHARD ALLEN STAMP:
By
Frederick Hilborn Talbot, Bishop (Retired)
In
recent correspondence with Jim Hackney, Senior Director of Development of
Yale Divinity School, New Haven, Connecticut I concluded my note with the
following brief statement: "Just for your information, our founder,
Richard Allen will be honored when a forever postage stamp with his image is
issued on February 2, 2016. Jim Hackney's response dated February 5, 2016
follows:
"I
also want you to know that because of your recommendation, we have been to the
post office this week and have purchased a lot of stamps with Richard Allen on
them. We plan to use them for our mail for much of the spring. Thank you for
the heads up!"
Needless to say, I
am inordinately and exceedingly grateful to Jim for his redemptive response,
depicting the initiative he has taken. It is then, small wonder that I
have passionately and respectfully encouraged the support for the AME
Scholarship at Yale Divinity School that was established in 2007.
Coincidentally, if anyone wishes to support the AME Scholarship, please
send your gift directly to Jim Hackney, 409 Prospect Street, New Haven CT
06511-2167.
11.
TRANSPORTATION REQUEST FORM FOR THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH GDC
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING:
Greetings Bishops,
General Officers, Connectional Officers, Presiding Elders, Pastors and Members
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church:
Please see below
the attached travel form for the GDC Executive Board Meeting, February 22-24,
in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Please complete the
attached form and email or fax it to the Rev. Wayne Anthony (elder.anthony@yahoo.com) or Fax: (868) 684-2183.
If you have any
questions please do not hesitate to contact the Rev. Wayne Anthony at (868)
750-8062.
Return Form to: The
Rev. Wayne Anthony
Telephone: (868)
750-8062; Fax: (868) 648-2183
12. Q
& A ABOUT THE AME MEMBERSHIP CARD:
Why a membership
card for the AME Church?
It’s all about
Branding! - & - Bringing benefits to each and every one of you!
Our brand resides
within the hearts and minds of our membership!
It is the sum total of our experiences and perceptions. It's important to spend time investing in
researching, defining, and building our brand. After all, our brand is the
source of a promise to the members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
It's a foundational piece in our marketing communication and one we do not want
to be without.
Branding is when
that idea or image is marketed so that it is recognizable by more and more
people. The African Methodist Episcopal
Church is the oldest Organized Black Church in the Free world. When we spend
our dollars in different cities, states and countries we change economies. When we leave these cities, states and
countries people should, at least, know that it was the African Methodist
Episcopal Church that did it!
• There is power in
numbers! When we want to get discounts for our Zion the first question that’s
asked is “How large is the membership? Well, the member card gives us a
realistic number. No longer can we guesstimate numbers, sponsors need real
facts. So, N. Cajetta Stephens and Marcia Joseph are working together to get
the job done!
• The discount
program is only offered to members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
• Members enrolling
in the program must be at least 13 years of age. (Members under the age of 13
will benefit from the Adult Card member.)
• The AME Church
Membership Card registration is free and no initial purchase is required.
(You will have to
pay a replacement fee to have a duplicate card printed.)
• Use of the
membership card will provide benefits, discounts, coupons and more at AME
Church events.
• Member agrees to
allow the AME Church to communicate with them via mail, email, phone and other
channels.
• We will collect
demographics information requested which will enable us to utilize this
information for 2020 General Conference.
• We will register
our African Methodist Episcopal Church members in a timely manner for all
events of the Church.
• We will enhance
the experience General Conference process. It will not stop any one from
registering for the General Conference.
• We will know how
much the African Methodist Episcopal Church contributed to the economy of
Philadelphia in 2016.
• The Demographic
Membership Card will allow our member to receive discounts when we partner with
vendors.
The membership card
is not a credit card, it is the sole property of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church and it may be revoked at any time by the AME Church at its
discretion.
Why a membership
card for the AME Church?
It’s all about
branding! & bringing benefits to each and every one of you!
• There is power in
numbers! When we want to get discounts for our Zion the first question that’s
asked is “How lager is the membership? Well, the member card gives us a
realistic number. No longer can we guesstimate numbers, sponsors need real
facts. So, N. Cajetta Stephens and Marcia Joseph are working together to get
the job done!
• The discount
program is only offered to members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
• Members enrolling
in the program must be at least 13 years of age. (Members under the age of 13
will benefit from the Adult Card member.)
• The AME Church
Membership Card registration is free and no initial purchase is required.
(You will have to
pay a replacement fee to have a duplicate card printed.)
• Use of the membership
card will provide benefits, discounts, coupons and more at AME Church events.
• Member agrees to
allow the AME Church to communicate with them via mail, email, phone and other
channels.
• We will collect
demographics information requested which will enable us to utilize this
information for 2020 General Conference.
• We will register
our African Methodist Episcopal Church members in a timely manner for all
events of the Church.
• We will enhance
the experience of the General Conference process. (It will not stop any one
from registering for the General Conference.)
• We will know how
much the African Methodist Episcopal Church contributed to the economy of
Philadelphia in 2016.
• The when we
partner with vendors.
Submitted by the
Office of the Treasurer/CFO AME Finance Department (Dr. Richard Allen Lewis)
13.
LIGHT AND PURPOSE - “THIS IS MY SON ….”:
By Bishop Lawrence Reddick,
Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church
Greetings in the
name of our Lord Jesus!
My disciplined
writing days have been limited this past month, but my thoughts have been fluid
about the Epiphany Season which is ending. And I am reminded that while Epiphany is
ending this week, it ends in intense brilliance, not in obscurity. This last Sunday of Epiphany (February 7) is
called Transfiguration Sunday, and on this Sunday the Scripture readings lead
us to the display of the splendor of Jesus on the mount in the presence of
Peter, James and John, and in conversation with Moses and Elijah.
… he took Peter,
John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As he was praying, the appearance of his face
changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in
glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.
[Luke 9:28b-30a, NIV]
….
Peter and his
companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his
glory and the two men standing with him.
As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, “Master, it is good
for us to be here. Let us put up three
shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (He did not know what he was saying.) [Luke 9:32-33, NIV]
During the earlier
days of my ministry, I highlighted the importance of the splendor – the
dazzling light, the testimony of a physical aura glowing around and radiating
from the person of Jesus. But somewhere
a shift in my emphasis occurred … moving me from a concentration on the
dazzling light and Peter’s response in exclamation to the significance of a
cloud which covers them all, and the thrust of verse 35: “A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is
my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
That’s the emphasis on what God does and what God says.
Now when I hear
this passage and get to verse 35, I hear God’s clarifying declaration, as if to
alert the drowsy disciples (whose drowsiness may have been as much theological
as it was physical), “Moses was great; Elijah was great … but this one is my
Son … listen to Him!” And Luke says,
“When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone.” God communicates – clearly – to these select
disciples that no one else ranks with Jesus!
In the Synoptic
Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), this passage is pivotal to the movement of Jesus
and the movement of drama of the writers; in other words, while acts of healing
and other miracles will still be seen, the physical and theological movement of
the Story now heads toward what Jesus alone can and must do … go to the cross,
where God in Christ acts sacrificially for humanity’s redemption.
The dazzling light
of Epiphany points to purpose: (1)
divine purpose in introducing the light of Jesus into the world, not just as
one who is a lawgiver or a prophet or a sage, but as the One who among all
humanity has status and authority as God’s Son; (2) divine purpose in the
disciples’ witnesses, as they now must reflect upon the significance(s) of what
they have seen, what they have heard, and what they will begin to witness in
the even more unfolding “rest of the Story”; and (3) God’s purposes for those
of each generation (that means you and I) who read and/or hear and then believe
the story of Jesus as God’s Son, God’s Light, God’s Love displayed in dazzling
ways to the world and who then keep telling that story of our own ways.
One of the songs of
the Season that has been in my spirit in recent weeks is this one (from the pen
of H. Ernest Nichol):
We've
a story to tell to the nations,
that
shall turn their hearts to the right,
a
story of truth and mercy,
a
story of peace and light,
a
story of peace and light.
For
the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and
the dawning to noonday bright;
and
Christ's great kingdom shall come on earth,
the
kingdom of love and light.
God bless us,
Family, to be purposeful witnesses … witnesses who are convinced, focused,
persistent, and dedicated to communicating the same message we have read and
heard and subsequently believe for ourselves:
“This One is God’s Son! Listen to
Him!”
+ Lawrence L.
Reddick III
14.
THE 2ND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT INVITES YOU TO “THE CELEBRATION”:
The Seeking, Serving, Spirit-Filled Second
Episcopal District Will host their annual Founder’s Day Celebration February
18-20, 2016 at Reid Temple AME Church, 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD
20769
We are celebrating
the retirement of our dynamic leadership of Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux,
Sr. and Episcopal Supervisor Patricia Ann Morris DeVeaux.
You are invited to
join the Second Episcopal District in the festivities and to offer your words
of commendation and congratulations on our online guestbook.
For
more Information, please visit:
www.2ndamec.org or contact the
Rev. Dr. Valdes Snipes-Bennett at (202) 842-3788.
Congratulatory
correspondences may be sent to the Second Episcopal District’s Office at 1134
11th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC 20001
Important
Times & Dates:
Opening Worship
Service - Thursday, February 18th at 7:30 p.m.
Plenary Session -
Friday, February 19th at 10:30 a.m.
SED Lay Luncheon -
Friday, February 19th at 12 noon - The Lay Luncheon Guest Speaker is
the Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler, Donation, $50
Retirement
Celebration - Friday, February 19th at 7:30 p.m.
Closing Business
Session - Saturday, February 20th at 9:00 a.m.
Retirement
Celebration Coordinators:
The Rev. Evelyn G.
Dunn, Presiding Elder- Southern District, North Carolina Conference
The Rev. Dr. Ronald
E. Braxton, Presiding Elder -Potomac District, Washington Conference
15.
RETIRED GENERAL OFFICER LECTURES AT CARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITY:
The Rev. Dennis C.
Dickerson, Ph.D., James M. Lawson, Jr. Professor of History and a retired
General Officer in the African Methodist Episcopal Church delivered the keynote
address at a conference on Perspectives on African Americans in Pittsburgh: 20
Years Later on February 5, 2016. The event was held at the Center for
Africanamerican Urban Studies and the Economy at Carnegie-Mellon University in
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dr. Dickerson was
introduced by the Center director, Dr. Joe William Trotter, Giant Eagle
Professor of History and Social Justice. He commended Dr. Dickerson’s
pioneering book published by Carnegie-Mellon University entitled, “Out of the Crucible: Black Steelworkers in
Western Pennsylvania, 1875-1980 (1986)” and his tenure for 24 years as
Historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Dr. Dickerson’s
subject at the conference was “Laboring
for the Lord: African Methodism and Workers in Western Pennsylvania, 1869-1929.”
Numerous AME
pastors, presiding elders and members were present in the large audience. Dr.
Dickerson was accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson.
Report from the
2016 Annual Department of Church Growth and Development Seminar:
By John Thomas III
Over two hundred
persons from across the Connection journeyed to the Hilton Hotel Memphis,
Tennessee in the 13th Episcopal District from January 6-8, 2016 for the Annual
African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Department of Church Growth and
Development Seminar. The theme for the
meeting was “Overcoming Deadly Racism in America: Black Lives Matter.” Under the leadership and guidance of Bishop
McKinley Young (Chairperson of the General Board Commission on Church Growth
and Development), Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath (Host Bishop), and Dr. James C. Wade
(Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development) the Seminar
presented itself as a reflective experience as the AME Church seeks to
evangelize, minster and serve in today’s racially charged environment.
Learning
opportunities were structured into six categories: Evangelism Certification,
Chaplaincy, Presiding Elders, Laity, Operation Multiplication, and Advanced
Apologetics. A partial list of Workshop Titles included; Certification, Growing
a Healthy Church, Growing the Church through Evangelism, From Presiding Elder
to Superintendent, Laity, Multi-Dimensional Attributes of the Millennial
Generation and the Implication of Church.
General Workshops:
Countering the Drug
Culture: “Molly and Flakka”
Bishop Henry McNeal
Turner
What’s in Your
Purse? (Female preachers)
The lunch hours
were devoted to unearthing the Department of Church Growth and Development’s
history through anecdotes as well as researched documentation prepared by the
Rev. Taylor Thompson (3) chronicling the labors of the Executive Directors from
1944 until the present day.
The Rev. Dr.
DeForest B. Soaries gave multiple plenary presentations based upon his
critically acclaimed book, “deFree: Breaking free from Financial Slavery.” The
other plenary presentations were delivered by Presiding Elder Norvell Goff,
Sr.: How Do We Secure Our Churches While Saving Souls?” and Presiding Elder
Melonie Valentine: “Discipleship Development for the Local Church”. There were also presentations from Church
United Insurance and the ALERRT (Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response
Training) Center.
In addition to its
intellectual offerings, the Conference ministered to the spirits and hearts of
those present through a selection of outstanding preachers delivering timely
and prophetic messages touching on various parts of the Seminar theme.
In the Opening
Service, Senior Bishop John R. Bryant delivered the message, “Empty Seats in a
Full House” (Matthew 12:24).
The January 7th
Midday Worship Service sermon “The Soul of a New Member” (Luke 1:57) was
preached by Elder Renardo Ward of Greater Harvest COGIC, Memphis,
Tennessee. On that evening, Presiding
Elder Albert Tyson spoke on the theme, “Use What You’ve Got to Get What You
Need” (Exodus 4:2, 17).
Presiding Elder
Evelyn Dunn preached the sermon for the Closing and Commissioning Worship
Service: “This Means War” (Luke 10:3, and 17; subtext Ephesians 6:10, 13).
Music for the
services was provided by the 13th Episcopal District Choir, the Seminar Praise
Team and Guest Psalmist EJ Norris (4).
The 2016 AMEC
Church Growth and Evangelism Seminar provided a needed opportunity for
reflection as the AME Church endeavors to minister in an environment where the
value of black life is increasingly questioned.
Dr. Wade and his staff sought to provide the Connectional with tools and
techniques to minister in these troubling times.
16.
CHURCH TO HOST AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH GOSPEL CONCERT:
--
Choirs will sing spirituals that led the pathway to freedom
DENTON, TX
(February 8, 2016) -- The St. James A.M.E. Church’s African American History
Month Gospel Concert will be held on Sunday, February 28, 2016, 3-5 p.m., at
1107 E. Oak, in Denton.
This month, we
recognize the achievements of African Americans in U.S. history and their
tremendous contributions to our great nation. Although blacks have been in
America since the 1600s, Black History Month has been celebrated every February
since 1926. It was part of an initiative by writer and educator Dr. Carter G.
Woodson who launched Negro History Week in 1926. Woodson proclaimed that Negro
History Week should always occur in the second week of February — between the
birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Since 1976, every American
president has proclaimed February as Black History Month. Today, other
countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom also devote an entire month to
celebrating black history.
We will honor the
history and contributions through music. The theme is "Hallowed Grounds:
Sites of African American Memories" chronicling the important places in
the United States that evoke a sense of black culture and history.
The following
choirs have been invited to perform traditional gospel songs that represent the
African American experience:
• Mt. Cavalry
Baptist Church
• Mt. Pilgrim
C.M.E. Church
• Peaceful Rest
Baptist Church
• Praise Tabernacle
Worship Center
• St. Andrews
Church of God In Christ Gospelaires
• St. Emmanuel
Missionary Baptist Church
• Trinity
Presbyterian Church of Denton
This program will
also feature a skit, poetry, liturgical dance, and readings. Door prizes will
be awarded. Everyone is invited to wear African attire. This event is free, and
we invite the community. Come early for the best seating.
Pastor Mason Rice,
Jr. of St. James AME Church says, “Our hope is that those who attend this
program will be energized with a clear understanding of the struggles of the
foot soldiers and civil rights workers who sacrificed and gave their lives so
that African Americans and others have equal rights. He added, “our fate is no
longer determined by a few, but in the rich heritage and resilience of our
people who fought -- and still continue to do so -- with all their might for
our rights.” He added, “We invite the
community to join us in learning about our history that changed the world.”
St. James A.M.E.
Church is celebrating its 141st year of serving the Denton
community. In 1985, it was designated as an historical landmark. The church has
provided service and leadership to the community and has played an integral
part in the religious tradition of Denton.
For more
information, contact Mary C. Taylor at 940-220-9054 or 940-387-1223.
17.
NAACP REQUESTS FULL-SCALE REVIEW OF FLINT WATER CRISIS BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT
OF JUSTICE:
BALTIMORE, MD - The
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has formally
requested that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to launch civil and
criminal investigations into the disastrous water crisis in Flint,
Michigan. In a letter to U.S. Attorney
General Loretta Lynch, NAACP President and CEO Cornell William Brooks requested
that all applicable components of the DOJ investigate potential environmental
and civil rights violations to prevent future harms to Flint residents, to
ensure that all possible measures are taken to remedy past harms to Flint
residents, and to hold accountable those responsible for the crisis.
“The poisoning of
Flint’s water—and the delayed response to that poisoning—is a classic example
of the disproportionate burden of environmental harm being borne by low-income
persons and communities of color,” said Cornell William Brooks, President and
CEO. “A focused, swift, and detailed
investigation by the Department of Justice will be a significant step in
rectifying this situation and determining whom to hold responsible for
inflicting a lifetime of harm upon a vulnerable community.”
The crisis began
after Flint’s state-appointed emergency manager decided to switch the city’s
water source from Lake Huron via Detroit’s Water System to the Flint River,
causing the pipes to corrode and leach lead into the water. The NAACP’s Flint Branch and Michigan State
Conference have diligently worked over the last two years to inform the public
about the poisoned water and its potential effects.
The NAACP has
engaged the law firm of WilmerHale LLP to assist its Legal Department in
working with the DOJ to protect the rights of the people of Flint. The team at WilmerHale is led by Ronald C.
Machen Jr., a former United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, and
Debo Adegbile, former President of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational
Fund.
###
Founded in 1909,
the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest nonpartisan civil rights
organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the
premier advocates for civil rights in their communities. You can read more
about the NAACP’s work and our six “Game Changer” issue areas here: http://www.naacp.org/pages/game-changers
18.
HOUSE DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE COMMUNITY “SPEAK OUT” EVENT IN FLINT, MICHIGAN:
Washington – The
Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Keith Ellison (D-MN), Rep. Dan
Kildee (D-MI), Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI), and Chairman of the Congressional
Black Caucus G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) announced that Members of Congress will
travel to Flint, Michigan to hold a community “Speak Out” event on March 4,
2016.
During the event,
members of the community will speak before Members of Congress about how their
lives have been affected since their water supply was contaminated with lead.
Additional details
to come.
“Flint is a
catastrophe that needs Congress’ attention,” said Rep. Keith Ellison. “With
more than 8,000 children and thousands of other residents being exposed to lead
contaminated water, we should listen to the people of Flint – something too
many in the state failed to do.”
“I want to thank my
colleagues for traveling to Flint to meet directly with families affected by
the ongoing water crisis,” said Rep. Dan Kildee. “What is happening in my
hometown breaks my heart. Resources are needed right now for Flint and the
families, particularly children, who are the victims of this terrible tragedy.
Governor Snyder, whose administration’s policies created this public health
emergency, has a moral obligation to help the victims of this crisis.”
“I am proud to join
my colleague Rep. Dan Kildee and my colleagues in the CPC and CBC in the
further fight to seek the truth in the Flint Water Crisis and provide justice
for the nearly 100,000 people of Flint, especially to the thousands of children
irreparably harmed in this manmade crisis,” said Rep. Brenda Lawrence. “Our
first priority should be for all of us, Democrats and Republicans, to work
together to fix this crisis. Our second priority is to hold the individuals
responsible for this crisis accountable. We are traveling to Flint in a unified
front so that we can get to the bottom of the crisis and prevent the poisoning
of other American cities. We are joining forces for the good of the people we
serve and to regain the trust of Flint and the American public. Together, we
will uncover the truth, correct the mistakes made, provide for the children and
families of Flint, and see that justice is served.”
“What has happened
in Flint should touch the heart of anyone who has compassion for others, and
especially for those who care for the well-being and safety of our children,”
said CBC Chairman G. K. Butterfield. “The CBC was among the first to demand a
thorough federal investigation of the Flint water crisis and we will be among
those visiting with Flint families to further amplify the urgency of this
situation. More must be done to ensure
the families impacted by this crisis are made whole again, and that charge
falls directly with Governor Rick Snyder.
There was a clear lack of oversight and accountability, and while
short-term efforts and bottled water are helpful, this crisis demands
more. The State of Michigan has an
obligation to resolve this emergency the citizens of Flint face. We will travel to Flint to hear from the
people who are most impacted by this travesty and continue to focus our work on
this crisis and its long term affects until it has been resolved.”
19. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr.
Based on Biblical
Text: Acts 10:44 KJV: While Peter yet
spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
Lamentably, pride is
one of the churches biggest enemies. The truth of the matter is we get puffed
up about just about anything. We swell up over how much money we raised and how
much our ministry has grown. We boast about how many people showed up to our
meetings, how many kids come to our Sunday School class and how many people
sign up to serve on committees.
Pride is the greatest
pitfall in the pursuit of excellence in ministry. Why? Because the flesh
desires to take all the credit for what the Spirit has accomplished!
When the flesh rears
its ugly head around the church, we very easily become territorial about our
piece of the kingdom. In an instant “it is all about me.” It is my board, my
choir, and my Bible Study class. Suddenly it is my pew! In fact we act as if we
own the very building.
We need to understand
there is nothing wrong with church pride to a degree. I contend that there
isn’t a pastor serving who would be satisfied with a congregation of members
who don’t speak highly of their church and its ministry accomplishments. As a
matter of fact the community ought to hear good things about the work we are
doing. However, what they ought not to hear is a bunch of church members taking
all the credit for the accomplishments and not appropriately giving credit to
the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Pride can be very
dangerous when it gives rise to false ownership as false ownership leads to the
exclusion of others. Think about it; if it is my pew, you can’t sit there
unless I say so. If it is my ministry, you can’t be a part of it unless I say
so. How ridiculous!
Unwarranted pride is
not a new phenomenon of the human spirit. The fact is the carnal flesh has been
trying to sabotage the spread of the gospel since the first churches were
formed following the Resurrection.
Historically the Jews were sure they had a special hold on the new
Gospel because their forefathers were God’s chosen people. After all hadn’t God
chosen them to carry the monotheistic message of one God throughout the
centuries? Then they must be the ones God would use to spread this new gospel
through the nations! Like church leadership today, the Jews thought they had a
“lock on” who was authorized to do what.
But a strange thing
happened, the Holy Spirit descended upon some new converts who the Jews
considered outcasts. The death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ brought about a
change and Christians were charged to “go into all the world and preach the
gospel.” We are challenged to temper our pride.
How many times has
pride prevented us from doing the real work in the church of Jesus Christ? Think about it. If we were summoned by a
Muslim to come and explain the Gospel of Jesus Christ, would we go? What if a
homeless person asked us to sit a while and talk about Jesus, would we? How
would we respond to the prostitute who strikes up a conversation with us about
faith? The truth is, many times we shy away from great opportunities to share
the gospel story because we let pride get in the way. It is pride that
convinces us, “We are better than they are!”
Pride is like a “weed”
in the soul with deep roots. The seeds of pride find lodging in the tiniest of
cracks and sprout over and over again. Like a weed, pride can take root and
flourish in good or bad soil.
I suspect that word
must have been spread throughout the neighborhood that Peter was coming to a
Gentile’s house, because by the time he arrived he found a huge crowd. There
were Gentiles and Jews there all waiting to see what would happen. Peter
preached Christ that day to all who were gathered there and a strange
phenomenon occurred. The biblical text says that Jew and Gentile alike all
began to show evidence of the Holy Spirit. It seems that pride took a back seat
that day. As Peter began to talk about Jesus – Jesus’ command to repent and His
offer of salvation; the Word fell on the crowd.
Everywhere Jesus’ name
has not been proclaimed, there are hearts groping for the light, and seeking to
obey the commands of their souls. Without a “Peter” telling the masses that
Jesus is Lord of all, how shall they hear? The Bible says, “While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy
Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.”
Is there anyone on the
face of this earth that does not deserve to hear the gospel message and receive
salvation? Jesus is Lord of all! Jesus is a remedy for the ruined and hope for
the hopeless. Jesus is help for the helpless, justification for the judged,
redemption for the rebellious and a blessing for the burdened. We cannot allow
pride to snuff out our witness!
*The Reverend Dr.
Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in
Charleston, South Carolina
20. GETTING TO ZERO - UNITED METHODIST NEWS SERVICE ARTICLE - NEW EBOLA VIDEO
EMPHASIZES HYGIENE, PREVENTION:
*Dr. Oveta Fuller
By Joey
Butler
Asked to speak at her church about
Ebola, a young girl talks to her deceased brother, who succumbed to the
disease.
“What do I tell you if you’ve never
seen the sickness, never seen the signs? Never seen the terrible things this
Ebola can do to those we love?” she asks.
The girl is featured in “Ebola: In Praise of Prevention,” the
newest animated video created by Chocolate Moose Media in collaboration with United Methodist
Communications and UNICEF Togo.
The first video, “Ebola:
A Poem for the Living,” was released in October 2014 at the height of the
Ebola crisis in West Africa. That video was created to dispel myths about how
Ebola spreads and how to avoid contracting it. The new video emphasizes
prevention through proper hygiene.
“It’s meant to address a population
that wasn’t still in crisis but needed vigilance to prevent future crises,”
said the Rev. Neelley Hicks, director of United Methodist Communications’ ICT4D
(Information and Communications Technology for Development) Church Initiatives.
“UNICEF Togo contacted UMCom and asked
for a follow-up video, with a greater emphasis on hand-washing and avoiding
bush meat,” Hicks said. “The health community had learned so much more about
Ebola since the first video and wanted to address other issues. We should be
using human networks for lifesaving information, and that’s what this piece
does.”
The video, which is being distributed
throughout Togo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire and other
African countries, was translated into English and French, with additional
languages and dialects planned. View and download free at ebolavideo.org.
“This video helps fill an information
gap, and in formats the local population can access easily. It’s able to reach non-readers
by being broadcast on TV and radio,” Hicks said.
“A Poem for the Living” and its
accompanying resources received widespread attention, with an estimated 250,000
people in four
districts in Sierra Leone alone receiving the information and more than 1 million
viewing online.
According to the World Health
Organization, raising awareness of risk factors for Ebola infection and
protective measures that individuals can take is an effective way to reduce
human transmission. Although many countries are now declared Ebola-free, the
risk remains for more outbreaks if preventative steps are not taken.
“This very attractive film is an
important contribution in fighting rumors and misconceptions about the disease
and will be able to reach a large audience, including children,” said Dr.
Isselmou Boukhary, UNICEF Representative in Togo.
Firdaus Kharas, founder of Chocolate
Moose Media and creator of the video, agreed.
“The success of this animated video
will be measured by something not happening: the next outbreak of Ebola. We
know we can prevent diseases like Ebola from ever occurring on a wide scale by
mass education on preventative methods,” Kharas said.
Kharas shared a story about recently
being at a conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where there was a panel on
Ebola. One of the panelists mentioned a video that made her cry when she saw it
and motivated her to recruit 2,000 people to pull it up on their phones and
share to others. It was “A Poem for the Living.”
Kharas said when he told the woman he
had created the video, “I got an emotional hug.”
“Once in a while we get to know that
we’ve done good,” he said.
**Butler is a multimedia
editor/producer for United Methodist Communications.
***Used with permission of the United
Methodist News Service
*The
Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of
Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule permits.
21. iCHURCH
SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016 - FEAST
OF WEEKS - LEVITICUS 23:15-22:
*Brother
Bill Dickens
Key Verse: You shall count until the day after the
seventh Sabbath, fifty days; then you shall present an offering of new grain to
the Lord. Leviticus 23:16 (NRSV)
Introduction
Sunday,
February 14, 2016 is Richard Allen's Birthday and the first Sunday of
Lent.
A young
steward was asked to chair the Founder’s Day program committee at his local AME
Church. The steward was elated at the vote of confidence given to him and
considered it a great honor. A few weeks passed and he was still relishing in
this great honor, but at the monthly official board meeting, he had no report
of substance to share about Founder’s Day.
Suddenly,
it dawned on him about the planning and responsibility for implementing the
Founder’s Day program. Much to his surprise, many AME dignitaries were planning
to attend. He wasn’t familiar with the proper protocol for the special guests
to be recognized in the program. He didn’t know what Founder’s Day
Congregational Hymn to sing from the AME Hymnal. He wasn’t sure if the “Four
Horsemen” were people or a quartet of noble steeds. To compound matters the
Founder’s Day Celebration was a month away and he felt ill-prepared to execute
his duties as chair. He was frazzled at his dilemma and wished he had more time
to prepare.
The
Adult AME Church School Lesson for February 14, 2016 examines the orderly
process of planning for an important event: Pentecost or the Feast of Weeks.
Ill-prepared stewards can learn an important lesson in Leviticus about
planning. The Festival of Weeks is important in the Old Testament and Jewish
culture. Founder’s Day is an important event in our liturgical calendar. Both
warrant proper and efficient planning. Failure to plan is a guaranteed plan to
fail.
Bible Lesson
Shavu'ot, the Festival (Feast) of Weeks, is the second
of the three major festivals with both historical and agricultural significance
(the other two are Passover and The Day of Atonement. Agriculturally, it commemorates the time
when the first-fruits were harvested and brought to the Temple, and is also
known as The Festival of the First
Fruits. Historically, it celebrates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, and is also known as The Festival of the Giving of Our Torah.
Countdown to the Festival of Weeks: Leviticus 23:15-16
The
period from Passover to Shavu'ot is a time of great
anticipation. We count each of the days from the second day of Passover to the
day before Shavu'ot, 49 days or 7 full weeks, hence the name of the festival.
The counting reminds us of the important connection between Passover and Shavu'ot: Passover freed us physically from
bondage, but the giving of the Torah
on Shavu'ot redeemed us spiritually
from our bondage to idolatry and immorality. Shavu'ot is also known as Pentecost, because it falls on the 50th
day. This is the celebration described in Acts 2:1.
A Typology of Offerings:
Leviticus 23:17-20
As verse 16 indicates, the day meant a new
grain offering was to be presented to the Lord.
The offerings however were not just limited to the new grain
offering. In addition to the grain
offering we find other types of offerings to commemorate this historic moment
in the lives of the Jews. There is an
elevation (wave) offering, a drink offering, and a sin offering. The contents of the offering must consist of
the same high quality (no blemish or defect) described last Sunday about the Passover meal. Participants are expected to follow the
letter and spirit of the offering instructions.
Sanctity of the Feast:
Leviticus 23:21-22
The Feast of Weeks is holy to the Lord. Yahweh issues a directive (v 21) that the
day is a holy convocation among the people.
As a holy convocation there must be a cessation of all work. Any extra agricultural products along the
border of the fields are reserved for the poor and foreigners. This verse (v 22) shows that Jehovah God is
equally concerned about economic justice as well as the law and order requirements
of the Festival.
Bible Application
There
is something special about the number, fifty (50). This milestone is generally
referred to as the “golden” moment or year. Last week football fans around the
globe witnessed the 50th Super Bowl played between the Denver
Broncos and the Carolina Panthers. Later this year the AME Church will
celebrate its 50th Quadrennial. It will be a special cause for
celebration because it will mark the legal milestone of 200 years of our
existence. Botswana, Lesotho, and Guyana gained independence from the British
Commonwealth 50 years ago in 1966.
Our
lesson today puts proper focus on the custom of celebrating the time period (50
days) between the Passover and the Shavuot. Receiving the Torah is tantamount to receiving divine
instruction about the Will of God.
The 50
days symbolizes the time between liberation and literacy about the word
of God. The Jewish Nation organized their lives around a
calendar of events and celebrations.
Twenty-first century Christians also employ a calendar of events. A calendar promotes organization in our
hectic lives. The key is knowing Christ
today and not delaying or postponing His grace.
Now is the accepted time for all to know the truth. The truth is truly
liberating. 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
22.
MEDITATION BASED
ON II CORINTHIANS 12:1-10:
*The Rev. Dr.
Joseph A. Darby
I
recently had the humbling privilege of being the keynote speaker for South
Carolina State University’s 48th annual commemoration of the
“Orangeburg Massacre.” On February 8, 1968, South Carolina State Troopers
responded to a February 8, 1968 student protest for civil rights on S.C.
State’s Orangeburg, South Carolina campus with gunfire, killing three students
and wounding twenty-seven others.
I
like to visit S.C. State - where I spent the first three semesters of my
undergraduate life and was a member of the “Marching 101 Band” - to see what’s
changed and what’s remained the same on the campus and in Orangeburg, and even
though Monday’s event was a commemoration of an outrageous, brutal and tragic
act of injustice, it was also a sign of how far Orangeburg, South Carolina and
America have come since 1968.
One
of those who brought remarks at the Commemoration was the Honorable Michael C.
Butler, the first African-American Mayor of the City of Orangeburg. When
I enrolled at South Carolina State a little more than a year after the
“Orangeburg Massacre,” the possibility of a black Mayor being elected in
Orangeburg was incomprehensible. Mayor Butler’s election is a reminder
that those who died fighting for civil rights did not die in vain and that with
God, all things are possible.
Remember
that impossible, transformative and blessed change as you deal with the
impossible obstacles in your life. All of us face more than our share of
burdens, barriers, challenges and disappointments - things that block our way,
test our faith, threaten to steal our joy and seem impossible to overcome.
When
we take the time, however, to trust in the God who came into this world as
Jesus the Christ to defy impossibility, die on the cross for our sins and arise
from the dead to assure us of forgiveness and everlasting life, we can face
life with faith and see victory in spite of life’s impossible situations.
We can do so believing that the God we serve can turn barriers into blessings, turn
problems into possibilities, turn burdens into blessings and turn impossible
circumstances into unanticipated victories.
Let the God of our salvation lead you over
life’s unexpected barriers, through life’s impossible situations and around
life’s insurmountable burdens. When you do, you’ll see incomprehensible
blessings come to pass in your life and find new hope, meaning and affirmation
in the words of the hymn that says, “All things are possible if you only
believe.”
*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
23.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with
heartfelt sympathy that we announce the passing of the Reverend Emmanuel Conway
Leak, retired pastor of the Fourth Episcopal District who was enjoying
retirement in the Sixth Episcopal District.
He served as a pastor in the Chicago and Illinois Conferences of the
Fourth Episcopal District for many years.
The Reverend Leak
was married to Mrs. Cheryl Leak who was a wonderful partner in his life and
ministry. His legacy includes two daughters and three sons; his daughters serve
faithfully at J.W. James while his sons have served on the ministry staff of
Rockford First Church for several years. In addition, his grandson, Joshua Leak
serves as an officer of the Chicago Conference YPD.
The following
information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Visitation
Saturday, February
13, 2016
9:00 AM.- 11:00
a.m.
Celebration of Life
Service
Saturday, February
13, 2016
11:00 a.m.
Rockford First
Church
5950 Spring Creek
Road
Rockford, IL. 61114
Pastor Jeremy
DeWeerdt
Arrangements have
been entrusted to:
Collins and Stone
Funeral Home
128 S. 5th
Street
Rockford, IL. 61104
Telephone: (815)
965-1515
Condolences and
Expressions may be sent to:
Mrs. Cheryl Leak
402 Azure Court
Stockbridge, GA.
30281
24.
CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to
announce the passing of the Reverend Isaac O. Ryder, Jr., a retired Itinerant
Elder in the Philadelphia Annual Conference. He pastored Bethany AMEC in
Parkesburg, Pennsylvania; St. Paul AMEC in Elmwood (Philadelphia), Grimes AMEC;
St. John AMEC in Wayne, Pennsylvania and New Bethel AMEC in Willow Grove,
Pennsylvania.
The following
information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Thursday, February
11, 2016
Viewing: 10:00 a.m.
– 11:00 a.m.
Funeral
Service: 11:00 a.m.
New Bethel AME
Church
6153 Germantown
Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
19144
Telephone: (215)
438-2406
Fax: (215) 438-2764
Email:
newbethel200@aol.com
The Rev. Allan
Robinson, Pastor
Condolences may be
sent to:
Stephanie Ryder
7330 Germantown
Ave. Unit A2
Philadelphia, PA
19119
Interment: Hillside
Cemetery
2556 Susquehanna
Road
Roslyn, PA 19001
25.
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
26. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T.
Larry Kirkland; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor
of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray
that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Did someone you know pass this copy of The Christian
Recorder to you? Get your own copy HERE: http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/
Click Here: Guidelines for Submitting Articles to TCR
*You have received this message because you are subscribed to
The Christian Recorder Online
