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
-- Ascension Day - Thursday, May 5,
2016
-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016
The 50th Quadrennial
Session of the General Conference, July 6-13, 2016
-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17
1.
TCR EDITORIAL – PUTTING THE BLAME WHERE IT BELONGS:
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian
Recorder
It is interesting to
notice in the Genesis creation account (Chapter 1), the writer reports after
every creation event that God says, “… it was good.” And on the third day, God proclaimed that it
was good twice (That’s the reason some Jews prefer to get married on Tuesdays,
the third day of creation).
The “It was good" mantra went on after each
creation event; that is, until
God made man. It is not reported in the
text that God said, “… it was good.”
Instead, after God
made male and female and had given them instructions, it almost seemed an
afterthought that “God saw every thing that he made, and, it was very good.”
With “tongue in
cheek,” everything was good until the humans entered the picture.
Where there are
humans, there is conflict. The Bible is
full of conflict and that’s why I am amazed that people, and even I, are so
discombobulated when we see conflict in churches; we shouldn’t be.
I think deep down, we
want to believe that everything can run smoothly in churches. Pastors
reinforce that notion, with comments like, “If you tithe, God will bless you,”
the inference being if you do the right thing, you will receive so many
blessings that you won’t have room to receive them.
Preachers also
reinforce the notion that if you are
a loyal church member, life will be easier and more rewarding. Most of us would like to think if we do good,
blessings will flow into our lives.
Unfortunately, life is
not that simple because good people deal with bad things and sometimes it seems
that bad people inherit good things. The
book written by Harold Kushner “Why Bad Things Happen to Good People” reminds
us that bad things happen in life and “why” questions are raised by all of us.
Life is full of
challenges. We experience challenges in our homes, on our jobs, in our
professions, in academic settings, in personal relationships and even in our
spiritual lives; and yes, even in churches.
There is a
lingering discussion about who is responsible when churches fail to function at
an acceptably efficient level.
I am sure most of
us have heard parishioners blame low-performing local church officers. I have
heard pastors blame parishioners, especially those who are not faithful in
attendance and stewardship.
I have heard the
blame for low-performing churches “laid at the feet” of the presiding elder and
even the bishop; blame on the presiding elder because he or she failed to
provide supervision and blame on the bishop because he or she made a poor
pastoral appointment. Bishops also catch the blame for failing to remove an
ineffective pastor or leaving an ineffective pastor at a pastoral appointment
too long.
I have heard
bishops blame the “Ministers’ Bill of Rights” as the reason some pastors are
retained in pastoral appointments when,
for the good of their professional careers and for the good of the local
church, they should have been transferred.
There is enough
blame to go around and some of the failures experienced in local churches can
be laid at the feet of parishioners, local church officers, pastors, presiding
elders, bishops and the “Ministers’ Bill of Rights.”
But, most of the blame falls at the feet of…
The big issue for
success or failure is leadership or the lack of leadership.
The pulse of
African Methodism or of any denomination is the local church.
Some people leave
the church because of a denomination’s stance on certain theological and social
issues, but most people leave the church because of unresolved conflict,
dissatisfaction, frustration, disagreement with theological and social
positions in the local church.
Other reasons for
leaving a local church might be dissatisfaction with the music ministry, the
preaching ministry, lack of stewardship accountability, absence of youth
programs, dissatisfaction with the pastoral leadership and irreconcilable
spiritual and theological positions in the local church.
Parishioners are
not always loyal to the denomination and in some cases; “denomination” doesn’t
matter to them. What happens in the local church drives parishioners’ loyalty.
People stay or leave congregations, most often, because of what goes on in the
local church.
The pastoral
program survives, thrives and grows by nurtured pastoral leadership. The “conductor” or “coach” of the pastoral
ministry is the pastor. Pastoral leadership is where the “rubber hits the road!”
The pastor bears responsibility
The pastor cannot
blame the stewards and trustees for any failures in the local church’s pastoral
ministry programs because the pastor nominated, recommended and guided the
election and confirmation process of the stewards and trustees. The pastor’s
hand is involved in every trustee elected to serve and in every steward confirmed
by the Quarterly Conference. The pastor cannot blame anyone else.
It’s disconcerting
to hear a pastor complain about low-functioning church officers because the
pastor put them on the team.
Coaches put the
best players in the game and if the players, who were selected because of their
skills, do not perform to standards, the general manager or team owner gets a
new coach because the issue is not the players; the issue is a leadership issue
or a lack of leadership.
The coach is
responsible for recruiting and signing the right players and the coach is
responsible for providing leadership and motivation for the players to excel in
their positions. The coach is
responsible.
In local churches,
the pastor bears the blame if he or she nominates or selects incompetent
persons to serve in leadership positions. The pastor is responsible for
building the team; that responsibility cannot, or should not, be abdicated.
A football or
basketball coach cannot blame the fans if their teams play poorly and lose game
after game.
The issue is
leadership, and more importantly, ethical leadership.
The Ministers’ Bill of Rights
The Ministers’ Bill
of Rights is an excellent example of the importance of ethical leadership. Some
bishops have shared that the Ministers’ Bill of Rights, in some instances, has
not helped local churches to function more efficiently and in some cases has
been a hindrance for pastors.
The Preamble of the
Ministers’ Bill of Rights has 14 points, but I just want to address one of
them, “A pastoral appointment equal to
their abilities, training, and experience, when available. The new appointment,
when available, shall be comparable to or better than the previous one…”
The intent of the
Ministers’ Bill of Rights was noble and seemed to protect pastors from unfair
pastoral appointments, but some laws and rules that were meant to be helpful
can turn into an albatross. Some laws turn into an albatross because of a lack
of integrity.
Here is an example
Some pastoral
reports are fudged, which is a nice way of saying the information is not
accurate; no, let’s be honest, some pastoral reports are, well, maybe even
lies.
I have been told
and I have seen examples of a pastoral report that claimed the pastor was
earning say, $90,000. If there are no
other churches in the annual conference or episcopal district paying $90,000,
the bishop, if he or she follows the rules of the Ministers’ Bill of Rights,
would have to leave the pastor in place; whether the pastor needed to be moved
or not. The itinerant system becomes compromised because the pastoral
appointment system is “locked in place” because the bishop’s hands “are tied”
in terms of making pastoral changes. If the salary is excessively high, a
bishop is hard-pressed to make a pastoral change. The bishop’s “hands are tied" even if the $90,000 is not the
actual salary.”
The issue is
leadership and integrity.
I once had a pastor
who shared with me that his bishop had moved him to what the bishop thought was
a promotion, but when he got to the church, the salary was nothing like the
salary that was reported on the annual pastor’s report. Instead of getting a promotion or a lateral
move, the pastor got an unintended demotion.
I had a similar
experience when I pastored a small church while attending seminary. I was
married with two small children. Shorter Chapel in Paris, Kentucky was a
wonderful church that paid $55 a week and that was fine.
Shortly after my
arrival, my presiding elder said, “Young man, I know you are in seminary and
could use some extra income. ‘Rev. So and So’ was given a church in the West
Kentucky Conference and I want you to ‘carry the church’ to Conference. The
church pays $18 a week and with the $55 you already make, that should be a big
help to you.”
The presiding elder
thought he was doing me a favor and I was appreciative. I went to the church
and after the service met with the stewards. When we got to the salary, “Sister
…” stood up and said, “Eighteen dollars! We can’t pay you a salary; ‘Rev. So
and So’ didn’t take a salary. We didn’t pay him anything. He just reported that
salary.”
The sad thing about
misrepresenting the pastoral compensation does not just impact the itinerant
appointment system, but it sometimes comes back negatively on the pastor.
For instance, if a
pastor reports a low salary and a high housing allowance; the federal and state
income taxes, AME Annuity payment (if the pastor is in the program), Social
Security payments (if the pastor
is in the program) will be much lower.
If a pastor is enrolled in the AMEC Annuity program and pays into Social
Security at a lower rate than his or her actual salary, what seems like a
financial break is really a “negative hit,” which will affect the pastor and his
or her family later in life.
The more a pastor
pays into the AMEC Annuity, the greater the return when he or she retires.
Social Security works pretty much the same way.
Unfortunately, some
pastors opt out of paying Social Security and they will miss a much-needed
income when they retire. And if they don’t pay into Social Security and become
disabled, they will not be able to enroll in Medicare or collect federal
disability payments. What goes around
truly comes around!
The pastor is the leader
The ecclesiastical,
pastoral and personal decisions made by a pastor should reflect ethical
leadership and integrity. A pastor has “a say” in every decision of the local
church to include nomination, the confirmation process, appointment, selection,
election, influence, etc.
The pastor sets the
tone and is responsible for what happens or what fails to happen in the local
church. Parishioners look to the pastor
for spiritual and pastoral leadership.
It is incumbent for
pastors to develop leadership skills and to take advantage of every opportunity
to learn and to be mentored.
It is sad to see a
pastor who is not well-read, not spiritually discerning and not prayed-up!
Pastoral leadership
is serious business and pastors need to understand “What goes around comes
around!”
A shortcut today
will be a short pay-day in retirement!
The pastor is to blame when a church doesn’t
function at its potential!
Say, “Amen” church!
A few mistakes pastors make.
1) A
pastor who thinks that his or her way is the only way and rejects the ideas and
suggestions that do not agree with his or her way of thinking.
2) A pastor who fails to care for all of the
flock, and who only provide caring ministry to those who are most cooperative
with his or her program.
3) A pastor who pushes through his or her
program with “God-talk or religious babble,” i.e., “God spoke to me and told me
that we should…” A good idea or
initiative can stand on its own merit.
4) A pastor who fails to develop relevant,
updated sermons and who relies plagiarizes sermons from the Internet.
5) A pastor who fails to visit the sick, fails
to distribute Communion to the sick and shut-ins, and who fails to address the
relevant issues confronting the church and society, i.e., HIV/AIDS, etc.
6) A pastor who fails to read and who fails to
keep abreast of current events.
7) A pastor who dismantles AME liturgy and
tradition without knowing why he or she is making the changes.
8) A pastor who neglects self-care and care for
his or her family and who fails to take vacations; and fails to take time for
relaxation.
9) The pastor who doesn’t know how to end the
sermon, and just keeps going on and on, and on.
10) The pastor whose lengthy pastoral announcements turn out to be longer than the sermon.
11) The pastor who lets the announcements become a church business meeting.
12) The pastor who fails to do his or her exegetical homework and fails to develop the hermeneutic of the sermon.
10) The pastor whose lengthy pastoral announcements turn out to be longer than the sermon.
11) The pastor who lets the announcements become a church business meeting.
12) The pastor who fails to do his or her exegetical homework and fails to develop the hermeneutic of the sermon.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
-- To the Editor:
RE: TCR
Editorial – Too Many Distractions – Can’t We All Just Get Along for the Work of
the Gospel, Part 1:
Reference your comment, “The church member
who does not like pastors. Some parishioners do not like any pastor…” reminds
me of a story my uncle who was a well-loved pastor at his AME church. Years
later, he told me he was well-loved by the congregation, but there was one lady
who obviously did not like him even though he said he had never done anything,
to his knowledge, to get on her wrong side. She was the only member he ever
encountered that obviously, for no reason, didn’t like him. She finally
explained to him that she was imitating an old lady in the church she'd grown
up in from childhood. That lady in that church had disagreed with every pastor
on every major thing he had ever tried to put forth. Somehow, she had grown up
admiring this woman so much that as an adult, even though she was still quite
young, "became" that lady! I never understood any of that, but that
was her story and she stuck to it.
Name withheld
3. THE AME LUNCHEON AT
THE HAMPTON UNIVERSITY MINISTERS’ CONFERENCE:
The
AME luncheon at the 102nd
Hampton University Ministers' Conference / 82nd Choir Directors'
& Organists' Guild Workshop will be held on Wednesday June 08, 2016 at 12
Noon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 700 Settlers Landing Road Hampton, VA 23669.
The Cost of the Luncheon is $25.00 and it is always a great time of fellowship. If you need further information call Bethel
AME Church, (757) 723-4065.
The
AMEs are presenting at the HU Ministers’ Conference: Bishop Vashti Murphy
McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, AMEC;
the Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant, the pastor and founder of The Empowerment Temple in
Baltimore, Maryland; and the Reverend Sheleta Fomby, the Director of Church
Life at the Reid Temple AME Church, Glenn Dale, Maryland and also serves as the
Minister to Women.
*Received
from the Rev. Andre Jefferson, PASTOR OF Bethel AME Church in Hampton, Virginia
4. 2016 AME-SADA
SUNDAYS: MAY 15TH, 22ND, 29TH - “HELPING
PEOPLE – HELP THEMSELVES”:
AME-SADA
Sunday will be held on May 15th, which is Pentecost Sunday. You may
also contribute from funds collected on May 22nd and May 29th.
The Litany for
AME-SADA Sunday worship service can be found: http://3dame.org/ame-sada-sunday/
AME
SADA is the 501c3 non-profit corporation created by the AME Church 39 years ago
to help people help themselves. AME-SADA
provides essential assistance to those in need through health, micro credit,
agriculture and education programs as well as emergency humanitarian aid to
Africa, the Caribbean and other parts of the world. AME-SADA has accomplished much in its short
history and so much more needs to be done.
In order to help strengthen and expand its work and outreach AME-SADA is
requesting from the Connectional Church, assistance in building a funding base
of unrestricted not-governmental money, so that we can continue to deliver
support and clinical services.
We
praise God and thank you for your generosity in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Please assist us by sharing your prayers,
gifts, influence and encouragement for AME-SADA Sunday on May 15th,
which is Pentecost Sunday. Contributions will also be accepted for funds
collected May 22nd and May 29th.
Please
share a personal gift of love and support for the witness and work of AME-SADA.
All of the funds donated can be done directly through the AME-SADA website www.ame-sada.org where each donor can report
the total gift of love. All funds should
be reported to the AME-SADA office by Tuesday, June 21, 2016.
The
Order of Worship with a litany and information can be found on the AME-SADA
website www.ame-sada.org. Contributions can be made through the 3rd
Episcopal District Bishop’s Office or at www.ame-sada.org
--
Wilberforce Community College in South Africa has been one of the major
projects supported by AME-SADA
Wilberforce
Institute, founded by the AME Church, is one of the oldest institutions of
higher education for blacks in South Africa.
The AMEC chose to close the Institute during the time of enforcement of
the apartheid policies of Bantu Education rather than be forced to cooperate
with the laws of the regime at that time.
With the dismantling of the apartheid laws, the AMEC reopened
Wilberforce and AME-SADA was called upon to assist in this endeavor.
Wilberforce
reopened under the name, Wilberforce Community College (WCC), keeping the
original campus, renovating its buildings and undertaking a modernization
program to serve the people of South Africa.
The
United States Agency for International Development/ American Schools and
Hospitals Abroad awarded a total of five grants to AME-SADA for new
construction at WCC. These grants
included funding for the Multipurpose Educational Facility with classrooms,
library; administration and the Distance Learning Center, including an
electronic classroom, video conferencing and a resource center and faculty
housing was also funded by this grant; Dormitory Facilities for male and female
students; the Dining Hall and the Student Community Center.
In
addition to the grants provided by USAID/ASHA, counterpart funding was provided
primarily by the AME-Church and its supporters for several of the buildings.
Sizable contributions for the maintenance and repair at WCC have been provided
by President Shirley Cason-Reed and the Women’s Missionary Society; Bishop Adam
J. Richardson, Jr., Bishop McKinley Young and Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath.
Robert
Nicolas, Executive Director
Bishop
McKinley Young, Chair, Board of Directors
The Litany for
AME-SADA Sunday worship service can be found: http://3dame.org/ame-sada-sunday/
5. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT AME-SADA -
--
Web site: www.ame-sada.org
The
African Methodist Episcopal Church Service and Development Agency, Inc., (AME-SADA) is committed to its mission of
“Helping People Help Themselves.”
AME-SADA
is the international humanitarian relief and development agency of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and currently works in Africa and the Caribbean.
Founded
in 1977, AME-SADA grew out of the collective efforts of several primary
individuals including, Bishop John Hurst Adams, Bishop Frederick C. James,
Reverend Lonnie Johnson, Mrs. Wilburn Boddie, Dr. Joseph C. McKinney, with
critical support from Bishop Donald G. K. Ming, as they sought to strengthen
the mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the lives of people in
Africa and the Caribbean. Hence,
AME-SADA was created to coordinate and administer international development and
relief projects outside of the United States.
AME-SADA works in collaboration with grassroots communities to institute
programs in education, health care and economic development to encourage people
in Africa and the Caribbean to actively participate in the economic life and
development of their communities and nations.
AME-SADA’s Work
Responding
to local conditions and needs, AME-SADA seeks to enhance the activities of the
local population and provide appropriate additional assistance and resources in
the areas of health, education and agriculture.
AME-SADA works in partnership with individuals and communities to
identify and address basic needs in these sectors.
Programming in Haiti
Since
starting with a life-saving vaccination program in the Arcahaie and Cabaret
regions of Haiti in 1987, while under the leadership of Bishop Frederick H.
Talbot who served in Haiti from 1972-1980 and Supervisor Dr. Sylvia R. Talbot,
AME-SADA developed a comprehensive program of activities in Haiti that moves
beyond relief efforts to address the fundamental impediments to
self-improvement. The country program is
now focusing on repair and improvement of the various clinics serving more than
200,000 patients per year.
Child and Maternal
Health and School Health
AME-SADA
provides comprehensive pre/postnatal health care to women aged 15-49, newborn
care, vaccination of children under 5 years against infectious diseases,
comprehensive treatment of diarrheal diseases, nutritional recuperation for
malnourished children, family planning and counseling, TB treatment, HIV/AIDS
and STD education, counseling and treatment, home/community visits by health
workers and traditional birth attendants through its 8 fixed site outpatient
clinics. Currently, AME-SADA has over
112 staff members, 111 Health Agents and more than 388 Traditional Birth
Attendants providing health and other services to a population of over 400,000
individuals in the Western Department of Haiti. Child and maternal health care
services are funded and operate under two programs. Services de Santé’ de Qualite’ pour Haiti is
a subcontract funded by USAID and is part of long term programming funded by
the US government in maternal and child health in which AME-SADA has
participated for more than 14 years.
A
newer funding source, Child and Maternal Health from Birth to Elementary School
with a component of Health Care at School for 48 Elementary Schools in
Arcahaie-Haiti, is a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek
Michigan designed to improve child and maternal health in Arcahaie (Akayè),
Haiti, through increased access to clinical services, pre- and post-delivery
care to women and school health programs. Efforts focus on provision of
preventive and clinical services for early childhood including vaccination and
nutrition as a child survival program, providing access to health services for
children enrolled in primary school including: deworming, micronutrient
supplementation, control of malaria, as well as vision, dental and hearing
screening, while strengthening the link between schools, parents, communities
and local health services as a school based program. Maternal health is being
improved through provision of clinical services throughout pregnancy with
special attention to the prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV. Assistance to orphaned children affected by
HIV is also being addressed. The project
promotes lifelong health behaviors through skills-based community health
education. Improvements to the infrastructure
of schools and clinics will increase access to clean water and sanitation and
improve the child, and community environment.
This effort also includes the expansion of services with fully staffed
outpatient centers in Delice I and II and Leger. The continued generosity of the Connectional
WMS will allow for the construction of a new Delice I Health Center. These efforts go across the entire community
the help people know and participate in what it takes to have a healthy
environment for themselves and for the future of their children. The project relies on AME-SADA’s long and
positive relationship with the community and with local leadership and follows
our vision of integrated programs that tie health, education, agriculture and
economy.
Dr.
Dorothy Jackson Young, Supervisor of the 3rd Episcopal District, the WMS and
Lay Organization of the 3rd Episcopal District and the Connectional/
International WMS under the leadership
of President Shirley Cason-Reed have further supported AME-SADA with donations
of newborn packets and vitamins for mothers and toddlers. Further, the YPD
supported AME-SADA with funds for a pilot project for “Spring Capping” to help
provide clean water for isolated communities in the mountains above Arcahaie
Bercy Transitional and
Treatment Facility for At-Risk Pregnant Women
With
support from Bishop McKinley Young, Supervisor Dorothy Jackson Young when they
were in the 11th Episcopal District, (and continuing now that they
are in the 3rd Episcopal District) the Women’s Missionary Society’s
Dorothy Adams Peck Leadership Institute, other grants and donations as well as
the W. K. Kellogg Foundation Health project AME-SADA has strengthened its focus
on the needs of at-risk pregnant women residing in Arcahaie and Cabaret,
isolated mountainous regions of Haiti. Design work has started on a new
treatment facility for these patients with special needs. In the meantime they are being treated in the
Pont Matheux facility.
AME-SADA Orphans and
Vulnerable Children Support Project
Occasionally,
Haiti clinic staff identifies cases which require financial support. Haiti and Washington staffs have opened a
modest fund to address these cases and are now seeking outside resources to
help maintain it. Some of these cases
require specialized medical attention and other assistance not provided for by
other funded projects.
Agriculture Study
AME-SADA
has begun a study to Identify Approaches to Increase Family Economic Security
and Improve Agricultural Development in Haiti. The project is funded by a grant
from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan. Project efforts
focus on preparation of a diagnostic study leading to an assessment of the
feasibility of integrating moringa and congo pea cultivation and
the development of goat farming in the Arcahaie region. By integrating rural
planning compatible with the biodiversity of the region and the development of
sectors which increase the income of small farmers/producers in the region, we
will improve food security in the area and help the local population to afford
improved access to health care and the other basic needs of life. The study
will provide the data to develop a strategy for the environmental planning and
technical support for the producers and the creation of economic
infrastructures that will contribute to the improvement of the quality of life
of the population and especially that of the most vulnerable-- children.
AME-SADA
West Africa Office
Based
on the need, in parts of West Africa, for the types of services to that we can provide,
AME-SADA is opening a new Regional Office in Accra, Ghana to serve the
populations in Ghana and eventually Togo, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Sierra
Leone, while expanding to other areas as resources allow. Office construction is now underway due to the
generosity of Bishop Clement Fugh, of the 14th Episcopal District
and the Rev. Collier Coleman, Presiding Elder in Accra Ghana who has provided
support for the project and space for the new office.
Dr.
Robert Nicolas, Executive Director
The Litany for
AME-SADA Sunday worship service can be found: http://3dame.org/ame-sada-sunday/
6. AME CHURCH
CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION TO HOST BREAKFAST BENEFIT:
The
Connectional Lay Organization (CLO), under the leadership of Dr. Willie Clayton
Glover, President, will host a Breakfast Benefit at the site of the 50th
Quadrennial Session of the AME Church General Conference. The event will take place at the
Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at
7:00 A.M.
The
Breakfast Benefit is a fundraiser for the Connectional Lay Organization’s
Scholarship and Disaster Relief Funds.
The primary goal is to raise $60,000 to continue the Organization’s
support of its scholarship and disaster relief funds. Additionally, the CLO is planning have 100
youth/young adults in attendance to share in this major event.
The
CLO is excited to have the Honorable Mayor Dr. Karen W. Weaver-Flint, MI. as
the Mistress of Ceremony. We are honored
to have her join with us in support of our young students (scholarship
recipients) and those who are in need of disaster relief around the globe. Dr. Weaver is a member of Vernon Chapel AME
Church in Flint with strong family ties to the Lay Organization. Her father, the late Dr. T. Wendell Williams,
Sr., served as the 3rd President in the Michigan Conference Lay Organization.
This
extraordinary CLO event will be co-chaired by Mr. William “Bill” Ayers and Mrs.
Cheryl Hammond Hopewell. A dynamic program has been planned with outstanding
talent including recording artist Annette Hardeman, the dance ministry of
Ingrid Broadnax and live music by maestro Richard Norris and the Sounds of 57th
Street.
Tickets
are available for purchase immediately. Your $85 donation will help the CLO
realize our financial goal. Please
contact your Episcopal District Lay Organization President or his/her designee
for tickets to support this worthy cause.
Tickets may also be purchased online via Brown Paper Tickets for $88.97
(cost of the ticket plus $3.97 processing fee).
Use the following link http://clobreakfast.bpt.me
for online ticket purchase(s).
7. COMMUNITY HEALTH
FAIR FOR RESIDENTS AT EUREKA GARDENS:
-- Wayman Temple AME and
Community Partners Hosted Spring Festival
Jacksonville, Fla. May 3 – Empowerment was the
key for many Eureka Gardens residents on April 30. They were able to take
charge of their health and get information about financial literacy, insurance
and how to deal with mold in their homes. It was all part of the Spring
Festival hosted by Wayman Temple AME Church and various community partners.
The
family event also featured many activities for children. “I’m here to learn how
to have a healthy life,” said 11-year-old Jaelyn Davis. “There’s a station that
lets you know how to keep your house healthy. There’s a station to learn how to
keep you healthy. We’re learning how to take care of our health on our own.”
Wayman
Temple has been working with residents at the Westside apartment complex for
the past 10 years. According to Mark L. Griffin, senior pastor of Wayman Temple
AME Church, this community health fair was another way to let them know that
they have options. “We are working to build the people. We want them to know
that they don’t have to always live in Section 8 housing and that they have a
pathway to home ownership. Residents at Eureka Gardens have dealt with mold in
their apartments, plumbing issues, gas leaks, inadequate ventilation and more.
The community health fair gave us an opportunity to take a holistic approach to
focus on their health and financial needs.”
Residents,
like Loretta Brown, are happy that Wayman Temple and the community partners are
finding ways to assist them. “They are doing more in the community than many
others. I came to get information about mold and lead.”
“I
loved that they had health programs so I can get my pressure checked,” said
Teresa Jefferson, mother of three and a Eureka Gardens resident.
Wayman
Temple AME continues to stay involved at Eureka Gardens. It raised more than
$100,000 last year to build a playground for the children at the apartment
complex. The Spring Festival is another way Griffin and his ministry are
finding ways to give back to the community.
From
receiving free books to health information to job assistance, many residents
thought the health fair was a major success. “I think it’s a great idea (the
health fair). Kids are getting information too,” said Mona Bennet, Eureka
Gardens resident.
“It’s
important that the kids know someone cares for them. Crime is down. Residents
now have a sense of hope. If we can transform Eureka Gardens, then we can
transform any community in Jacksonville,” said Pastor Griffin.
Community
partners working with Wayman Temple AME Church to host the Spring Festival
included Baptist Health, Florida Department of Health in Duval County, and the
Players Center for Child Health at Wolfson Children’s Hospital, Vision Is
Priceless, Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center, the Jacksonville Children’s
Commission, the City of Jacksonville and Family Foundations.
8. THE CITY OF
PITTSBURGH IS CELEBRATING ITS BICENTENNIAL AND THE JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL:
Join
Us in Pittsburgh, Pa. on June 17-19, for Pittsburgh's Bicentennial Celebration
and JUNETEENTH Festival. The City of Pittsburgh is celebrating it's 200 year of
incorporation and will highlight this years celebration with a recognition of
African American freedom and liberty throughout the United States (JUNETEENTH
is the official holiday in the African Americans community celebrating the end
of Slavery, generally held on June 19th each year).
The
local organization, Stop the Violence-Pittsburgh, has organized the Juneteenth
Event from June 17-19 2016. Pittsburgh's JUNETEENTH Festival is named in honor
of one of the City's foremost and prominent African American political leader,
Martin R. Delany (1812-1885). Mr. Delany was an Abolitionist, Doctor, first
Black admitted to Harvard Med School, Editor, Inventor and the first line Major
of the U.S. Army, appointed by President Abraham Lincoln, who advocated African
American nationalism and self-reliance.
One
key event of the JUNETEENTH Festival will be a re-enactment of the 1870 Jubilee
of Freemen Parade. The original Jubilee Parade was based on the ratification of
the 15th Amendment granting African American males the Right to Vote. This
original Parade was a national event organized by Leaders of Bethel AME Church,
Rev. Lewis Woodson (abolitionist, organizer, nationalist, orator, mentor to
Martin Delany and trustee-founder of Wilberforce College) and Rev. Henry H.
Garnet (Civil Right Leader, Orator, Educator, first Black Pastor to conduct a
prayer/speech to the U.S. Congress and founder of Grace Memorial Presbyterian
Church).
The
re-enactment Parade will start on June 18 at 9 a.m. with a memorial service at
St. Benedict the Moor Church. The memorial service will be attended by Bishop
McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District of AME Church; Parade-President of the Day,
Bishop David Zubik of the Pittsburgh Catholic Diocese; Brigadier General Wilbur E. Wolf III; the
Honorable Joseph B. Jefferson; the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Prince
Hall Masonic Grand Lodge; retired-Air Force Colonel Paul G. Patton, Chairman
Emeritus of the POISE Foundation; Lenwood O. Sloan, Catalytic Agent;
Pennsylvania State Rep. Jake Wheatley; Samuel W. Black, President-Association
of African American Museums and Director of African American Programs for the
Heinz History Center; U. S. Congressman Mike Doyle, the Henry H. Garnet
Association; City Councilman R. Daniel LaVelle; the Rev. Dr. Steven Jackson,
pastor of Bethel AME Church; and Brandon Flood and the Pa. Legislative Black
Caucus. The Parade Procession will start at Freedom Corner and after the
parade, a commemorative and wreath laying ceremony in memory of U.S. Civil War
hero Alexander Kelly at the Martin R. Delany Historic Marker.
Current
Out-of-Town Participants in the re-enactment Parade are:
The
28th Infantry Division of U.S. Army (oldest serving Division in U.S.
Army); the 3rd & 6th Regiment Infantry Divisions of
USCT Re-enactors; the First Troop Philadelphia City Calvary Unit (oldest
Calvary Unit in U.S. Army); Brigadier
General Wilbur E. Wolf, Director Joint Staff, JFHQ PA National Guard/Deputy
Commanding General (ARNG) USAlCoE and Fort Huachuca; the Pa. Legislative Black
Caucus; Wilberforce University; Cheyney State University; the Pittsburgh
Chapter of the African American Alumni Association; Lincoln University; The American Legion; The National
Black MBA Association; Delta Sigma Theta; the National Association of Negro
Women; Cadre of Colonels lead by retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Paul G. Patton
(Va.) and retired U.S. Army Colonel Eugene F. Scott (Ill); The Links, Inc.;
Members of the National Black Mayors Association; the American Friends Society (Quakers);
National Federation of Black Vets; The Women's Missionary Society of the AME
Church; the National Presbyterian Black Caucus; the Tuskegee Airmen
Association; the AME Church's Third
Episcopal District (Ohio, WV and Pennsylvania); Pennsylvania Past Players and
the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
Special
programs for the Festival include: June 17th, Black Tie Honors Gala at the
Sheraton Hotel Ballroom in Station Square, with celebrity host actress Vivica
A. Fox; 1000 Ministers Strong Interfaith Program and the national Rock-the-Vote
non-partisan registration drive in Market Square with invited guest Bernie
Sanders, Hillary Clinton, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley; Ohio Gov. John
Kasich; U.S. Congressman Mike Doyle; Allegheny County Democratic Black Caucus
and others; Stop the Violence Program with Pa. State Rep. Ed Gainey, brother of
Janese Talton-Jackson, family members of victims at Mother Emanuel AME Church
(SC). Other special events have been
planned to include Kids-Fun-Zone, Live Bands, Drill Teams, Speakers, DJ's,
Vendors (Food & Specialty Items), Singers, Resource Tables, and Culture
Dance troupes.
*Submitted
by Mr. William Marshall
9. HOW CLERGY CAN
ACHIEVE POSITIVE MENTAL HEALTH:
A
new study of United Methodist clergy in North Carolina has found that certain
conditions correspond to both a lower likelihood of depression and anxiety and
to higher levels of positive mental health. By promoting these, churches can
help their clergy thrive.
10. STANDING ON
HOLY GROUND:
*The
Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE
"Take
off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground."
Exodus 3:5
For
a few months now, my wife has been blogging about our process of faith to
fertility on “The Other Side of the Blessing.”
She has been able to explain the very highs and the very lows, the
mountains and the valleys of our journey.
Just the other day, I utilized my church's bible study to discuss the
power of being on Holy Ground. We dealt
with a discussion of Moses' interaction with God (and the angel) in the burning
bush narrative of Exodus 3. Many of the
students/congregants felt the need to dwell on the idea of Moses' removal of
his sandals, yet and still, I challenged the class to look beyond what was
physical and see what God was saying in the spiritual.
What
in fact is holy ground? Could Holy
Ground possibly be the very place you experience God?
The
truth is my wife and I, decided long before our baby was conceived that her
bedroom was our place of Holy Ground.
Despite the other empty bedrooms in our home, God allowed us to choose
the baby's room as our prayer closet. I
contend, no matter the size of your dwelling, one ought to have a place where
they can just be with God. A place where
their spirit can commune with the Creator God in God's glory and listen to
God's direction. For us, this place was
(and still remains) our daughter Braylen's room.
Long
before her room became a nursery it was the place in our home we went to just
to pray. The six-walled room was painted
the same color as most rooms in our home, a color called Seattle oat. (Really it was just a light brown). The unfurnished room was ordained with an old
mirror about 5 feet x 4 feet in size.
The mirror was positioned behind the door and next to it were markers,
post it notes and tape. At various
moments in our days and nights, whenever time would permit, my wife and I would
go into this room, either together or separately, to sit on the floor, lay
prostrate, kneel or do whatever we needed to do, to just simply speak with
God. We wrote on the mirror what we
really needed from God and we celebrated every time those needs were met.
The
more we prayed in the room the more we knew God was going to do something
amazing in us. This was the very room we
went to every time our fertility treatments failed; it was the same room we
went to when we got good news about someone we knew; and yes, it was the same
room we cried until the very tears created puddles in the tightly coiled sand
grey carpet. Still, it was our Holy
Ground and God was yet speaking to us. I
am absolutely convinced that Braylen's room, our prayer closet, is the place
God met us and created a miracle.
The
bible is clear on the particular day Moses met God, Moses had other things of
which he felt were of greater importance.
In fact, Moses was tending to the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro on
the backside of the desert. The
flickering of the angel led Moses to the burning bush and there his life was
absolutely changed. He removed the very
sandals from his feet for God told him he was standing on Holy Ground.
My
prayer for you today is you would take seriously your place of Holy
Ground. Know that everything God speaks
in that place may be difficult to swallow, hard to fathom or even tough to
digest, but it is absolutely necessary to your life's fulfillment. Take off
your sandals, the very things that make you comfortable and get uncomfortable
for God. Don't stress the small things,
for God has already prepared you for greater.
Holy Ground is where you are today; just let God speak to you.
*The
Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, M.Div., MACE is the pastor of New Bethel
AME Church in Johns Island, South Carolina
11. THE TRUTH IS THE
LIGHT:
*The Reverend
Dr. Charles R. Watkins
Based on
Biblical Text: John 15: 13: “Greater love
hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” KJV
I submit that
the word friend is one of the most loosely interpreted and most frequently used
words in our vocabulary. Friend is used to describe so many kinds of
relationships that it makes it difficult to verify the true meaning of the
word. We find in the dictionary friend is one who is attached to another by
affection, regard, or esteem. Friend is also described as an intimate
acquaintance or an ally and a supporter of a cause.
We can agree
that these definitions may be scholarly and academically sound, but I think we
can also conclude they are somewhat limited. Many of us have to admit that we
have used the word friend in more situations than these definitions include.
We find even in
the Bible the word friend is used to describe various relationships. A good
example is when Brother Job was dealing with his trials. The Bible says some
brothers stopped by who were called friends. We find that these “friends” were
not as much help lifting Job’s spirits as they were a bother adding to his
burden. It is a little confusing characterizing these brothers as friends when
instead of lifting Job with encouragement, bringing light to the situation,
they crushed him with false accusations and sarcastic insinuations,
contributing to his darkness.
We can agree
that it is quite interesting how friendships are formed. Friends sometimes come
together in a common bond as a result of some sickness or tragedy. Friends grow
up in the same neighborhood and never lose contact. Some become friends meeting
at church finding that they enjoy working together. Folk may serve on the same
committee, or sit in the same pew, Sunday after Sunday eventually discovering
they have forged a friendly relationship.
Lamentably some
friendships are formed for evil reasons. Some folk with nothing in common at
all, bond together simply because they share the same enemy. We find an example
of that evil alliance in Pontius Pilate and King Herod. They were bitter
enemies until they were both confronted with the man called Jesus Christ. They
had absolutely nothing in common but their shared fear of Jesus. They
collaborated in order to execute their common enemy. These are the types of
friendships we need to be wary of!
There is a way
however we can determine who our real friends are! The truth of the matter is
the folk who are willing to tell us the truth about ourselves without fear of
reprisal are our true friends. These are the folk who display a genuine spirit
of love and concern when we are doing something wrong. These are our real
friends!
We can also
determine who our genuine friends are by recognizing how consistent they are.
Folks, who are only loyal as long as we are popular, are not our real friends.
Folk who hang around only when we have money in our pocket are not our real
friends.
Truth be told,
true friends are a rare commodity. We live in a world of cutthroat competition
where folk will drop us like a hot potato to gain an advantage over us. In
fact, the friend we may have counted on the most will disappoint us and not be
there when we need them.
The preacher in
me has to say right here, I know somebody who is a real friend by any standard.
His name is Jesus! He passed the supreme test of friendship when He gave His
life for you and me! In fact, Jesus discussed the subject of friendship on the
very night before He was crucified. He had just experienced a triumphant ride
into the City of Jerusalem, where throngs of people gathered to wave palms as
He passed by.
In the Upper
Room Jesus is giving His disciples a few parting instructions, before the
tragic event of Calvary is to take place. Jesus says, (paraphrasing), “Now that
I am about to make my departure, I want to call you, not my servants, but my
friends. And when I call you my friends, I want you to know exactly what I
mean. I want you to understand the depth of my love for you. We have an
unbreakable bond, you and I. Love and friendship are like Siamese twins;
inseparable. One cannot live without the other.” “I have been displaying my friendship ever
since I called you to be my disciples. And not only have I been a friend to
you, I have shown my friendship to all with whom I have come in contact. And
now I am about to demonstrate the ultimate act of friendship. In fact, greater
love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
*The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of Morris Brown
AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
12. GETTING TO
ZERO: VOICES FROM THE TRENCHES – AN HONEST NEED TO KNOW:
*Dr.
Oveta Fuller and Payne Seminary CM243 MDiv students
HIV/AIDS
has been a known virus and infectious disease for over 30 years. An estimated
70,000,000 people worldwide have been infected with HIV. That number does not
include those who are live with undiagnosed HIV infection. Thirty years later,
there still are misperceptions and lack of knowing about HIV/AIDS. This is
ironic since, globally, at least two thirds; some say closer to 75% of persons
living with HIV/AIDS, are people of color.
Here
is an anonymous excerpt from essays of Masters of Divinity (MDiv) students in
the CM243 intensive class at Payne Theological Seminary (PTS) - “What Effective
Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS: A Global Perspective”. The excerpt is used
with permission.
The
first assignment to the class is to write about the essay questions below
before class begins. Students send ahead or bring these essays to the first day
of class. The assignment provides a baseline perspective from those who will
share the intensive week. Since HIV/AIDS encompasses a wide range of issues
beyond the biology of the virus and disease (social, economic, behavioral), the
pre-class assignment helps to determine what will be covered in addition to the
solid biomedical science foundation on HIV as a virus and AIDS as a preventable
chronic disease.
In
the text below one brave, eager to learn AMEC clergyperson in the CM243 class
writes honestly and without pretense. You may hear some of your own thoughts or
those of others you know. This is where we must start—open honesty about what
one thinks, what one does and does not know.
a.
Describe through your lens, the impact(s) of HIV/AIDS as you see it in
communities today. I must admit that when it comes to HIV/AIDS, I don`t have
enough information to speak intelligently on the subject. I know people who
have died from complications involving the AIDS virus. Because of my ignorance,
I have been fearful to speak on the subject in a congregation. That being said,
I am becoming more conscious about the disease because I see more people being
impacted compared to what I was aware of in years past.
There
are impacts for my community and in the thirty-five mile distance from my home
where I serve. However, these communities knowingly have been affected by the
disease only sporadically. Since that is the case, I suppose we haven`t had to
deal with HIV/AIDS first hand.
I
am aware that more attention is being given to the disease due to various
outbreaks related to drugs and more at-risk situations. I see more federal
money going toward the education and research of the disease and state and
local health clinics have opened their doors to those infected like never
before. Even mobile units are visibly involved.
b.
Why do you think this impact occurs and why have the changes occurred that you
observed? I believe the increased
emphasis had to occur because the disease (HIV/AIDS) is affecting all of
society. If it were affecting minorities mostly, I`m not sure it would get the
attention it is now from mainstream society. The homosexual population and
intravenous drug users are not only blacks and Hispanics, but include the white
population to a high degree.
Unfortunately,
babies and children are being infected with the disease as well. Due I believe
to the fear of virus in the blood supply or infection from contact in other
medical care procedures, health organizations require that more attention be is
given to HIV.
c.
What do you think are the major obstacles to effectively addressing impacts of
HIV/AIDS? I have to say fear and
ignorance are two of the major obstacles confronting the HIV/AIDS situation.
Because of the uncertainty of the disease, I believe people are reluctant to
get involved. I see stereotypical behavior among the masses. Many people think
the virus comes only from risky sexual behavior, so some people who form
unmerited opinions and pass judgment won`t get involved, get tested or even
partake in dialogue.
d.
What prevents religious leaders from engaging in effectively addressing
HIV/AIDS? I find it ironic that the place where people need to go for help is
often the place where they are treated the worst. Too many times church people
judge people with HIV/AIDS and feel that it is a punishment from God for
homosexual behavior.
Religious
leaders often find themselves not educated enough about HIV/AIDS to talk
confidently and effectively about it. Without the first placing a Biblical spin
on the things that happen in real life, many religious leaders do not know how
to approach topics like HIV/AIDS even though we know it is present and
affecting communities we serve. Then there are those leaders who do not feel
this is something for the church to get involved in. Some think it is a social
issue or moral problem rather than a health issue.
e.
Choose 3 scriptures you feel are highly relevant to HIV/AIDS. Explain your
reasoning for each choice and how you see it as relevant. “So the Lord caused a deep sleep to fall upon
the man and while he slept the Creator took one of his ribs and closed up its
place with flesh. And the rib that the Lord had taken from the man He made into
a woman and brought her to the man.” (Gen. 2:21-22 ESV) My reasoning behind
this verse relating to HIV/AIDS is based on some ignorance and some scientific
conjecture. No doubt God made the woman for the man, and the intent was for the
opposite sexes to desire one another; this scripture provides that insight. On the
other hand, the first announcement of the HIV/AIDS virus contraction came from
homosexual men. Could there be a scientific aspect that involves men sharing
the same fluids that allows the virus to be transferred? (Please forgive my
ignorance).
“And
there was a woman who had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she
spent all her livings on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She
came up behind Jesus and touched His garment, and immediately her discharge of
blood ceased.” (Luke 8:43-44) For me, this is highly relevant to HIV/AIDS
because it tells of healing, regardless of how long it takes. I do believe God
is going to give man enough knowledge to overcome this dreaded disease. Great
strides are being made, and people are living longer. We are touching Jesus`
garment.
“He will wipe away every tear from their
eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying
nor pains anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev.
21:4) I can`t help but bring attention
to the blood of the innocent. Babies, children, and all those who are
physically or mentally weak will one day be free from this catastrophe that has
global impact. God is going to wipe away every tear and this disease will be no
more!
*The
Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of
Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule permits.
13. iCHURCH
SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MAY 8, 2016 - GRATEFUL
FAITH - DR. LUKE 17:11-19:
*Brother
Bill Dickens
Key
Verse: "And He said to him, arise go
your way, your faith has made you well" (Dr. Luke 17:19)
Introduction
What
comes to mind when you hear the word ‘grateful’? I think about the classic
gospel song by the Hawkins Family entitled - Be Grateful! The lyrics say it best. Be grateful for there is someone else worse
off than. Be grateful because there is
someone who wishes to be in your shoes.
A grateful person seems to be thankful or appreciative about some form
of act or deed that has made his/her life better. A grateful person also moves quickly to
express the thoughtful gesture sooner than later. Recently a motorist was stranded on the side
of the road due to a flat tire. She was
not enrolled in AAA, her cell phone had no battery charge and she did not possess
the skills and dexterity to change a tire.
On top of those issues the accident occurred at night and it was
raining. Car after car passed her by
with no one seemingly interested in providing assistance. Finally a young man pulled over offered assistance
and changed the tire. The stranded
driver thanked her “Good Samaritan” profusely for his kindness. She knew the alternative could have been much
worse but her guardian angel provided the help she desperately wanted and
needed. The Adult AME Church School
Lesson for May 8, 2016 provides a moving story about rejection, rescue and
thanks. The test of a person’s character
is measured by what he/she does when no one is looking. Let’s look below to see how this is applied.
Bible Lesson
(Rejection, Recovery & Redemption)
Our
story involves ten lepers and Jesus.
Leprosy is a contagious skin disorder thus requiring infected patients
to be separated from the community according to Levitical law. Lepers are by definition rejected from normal
society. The lepers are cast-off from
society and restricted to a quarantined living arrangement so that the disease
can be prevented from spreading. The ten
lepers see Jesus from a distance and request that they be healed of the disease
and reconnected with their families and communities. Their petition starts the recovery
process. It's interesting to note that
their recovery is not a function of their repentance or Jesus responding by
saying "OK, your request is approved". Instead, Jesus replies by insisting that they
"show themselves to the priests according to the stipulations of
ceremonial cleansing. This interesting
response by Jesus suggests He answered in the affirmative not by saying
"Yes" but by saying go and
show proof that you are healed. This
statement of recovery affirms that Jesus respected the Levitical law and he
wanted the lepers to do the same. The
third component in looking at this story of Grateful Faith involves redemption. At Jesus' command the ten proceed to show
themselves to the priests. However, one
healed leper realizes that he forgot to thank the Master for the miracle. He returns back and offers his thanks and
gratitude for the miracle healing. Jesus
is complimentary of the action and puzzled that the other nine did not show similar
gratitude. Furthermore, it is even more
ironic, that the lone leper to give thanks is a Samaritan. Just like a Samaritan, in a popular parable,
provided assistance to a wounded Jew when his fellow kinsmen passed him by,
this Samaritan like-wise is complimented for "doing the right thing."
His gratitude is acknowledged and his faith has made him whole.
Bible Application
Some
psychologists have suggested that the two most important words when joined
together as a compound statement is – ‘thank you’. To say thank you is a succinct expression of
our sincere appreciation for the time, effort and trouble someone has
voluntarily done to make your life experience that much more enjoyable. A recovering cancer patient upon hearing the
medical news that his/her cancer is in remission immediately yells – “Thank You
Jesus!”
One
of the must-do tasks for a newlywed couple is sending out thank you cards to
the many people who showered them with gifts to start their new life as husband
and wife. A bereaved family member will
also undertake sending thank you cards to those who expressed empathy in the
loss of a beloved spouse, parent, child or sibling. A newly minted university graduate expresses
thanks to all who showed their unwavering faith in his ability to maintain
matriculation and graduate on time, no less).
A simple thank you is a way of letting the generous person know that
his/her random act of kindness is not going by unnoticed. Bishop T. Larry
Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME
Church, often reminds the clergy and laity in his district that the greatest
sin to humanity is the act of ingratitude.
Ingratitude poisons human relationships because it promotes pride and
hubris over thankfulness and humility.
If we seek to cultivate healthy, happy and productive social relations
saying thank you should be a part of our daily conversation. Most of us choose not to live a hermetic
lifestyle. Instead, we seek social
relations in order to function in a normal manner. A simple expression of thank you can go a
long way in cultivating sustainable families and communities. Once you are the recipient of a good deed be
mindful that you are expected to reciprocate in like manner to someone else. 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
14. MEDITATION BASED ON I
CORINTHIANS 15:1-10:
*The
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby
I’m writing this
meditation on the night that Donald Trump became the “presumptive” Republican
nominee for President of the United States. I don’t publicly endorse
candidates, but I have to admit that the race for the GOP nomination has been -
to put it mildly - interesting.
A large field of candidates was winnowed down to a couple of
competitors - not by those competing outlining their policy positions or saying
exactly what they’d do if elected, but by a withering, mean-spirited, personal
and sometimes profane wave of insults, accusations and dubious statements
directed at each other.
Donald Trump became the “presumptive” nominee because he did the best
job of tearing down his opponents - not based on his plans or qualifications,
but by appealing to the fears and anger of those who are moved not by what’s
concrete or constructive but by what’s controversial and “sensational.”
Donald Trump’s unexpected success epitomizes an aspect of human
nature. We often focus on what’s controversial, sensational and “spicy” -
that shows in our affinity for “reality” TV and our interest in gossip and
innuendo - when it comes to entertainment, and even when it comes to our
interactions in the family of God. We sometimes become so focused on the
presumed faults and frailties of others that we overlook or carefully mask our
own faults and frailties.
We’d do well to remember, as those who raised me said, that “There’s
good in the worst of us and bad in the best of us.” When we realize that
and realize that we’re blessed to achieve and prosper not because of our
goodness but because of God’s grace, we’ll have a new perspective on life.
We’ll acknowledge our imperfections; thank the Lord for undeserved
blessings and tell those who think that they’re beyond help and redemption that
regardless of our faults and failings, God is still - as the writer of the 46th
Psalm says - “Our refuge and strength.”
Take the time each day to interact with others not with condemnation
and accusation, but with comfort and reassurance. You can then change
lives, experience new blessings, and be faithful to the memory of those who
were considered “nobodies” in the midst of American slavery and segregation but
still managed to sing, “Jesus made me what I am - nothing but a child of God.”
*The
Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the Beaufort District of the
South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church
15. CLERGY FAMILY
CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
-- Attorney. Yulise
Reaves Waters and the Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters Honored in Consecutive Years
among Dallas Business Journal’s “40 Under 40”
Dallas
Assistant City Attorney and Community Courts Prosecutor and First Lady of Joy
Tabernacle AME Church in Dallas, Texas, Mrs. Yulise Reaves Waters, Esq., has
been named a Dallas Business Journal (DBJ) 2016 “40 Under 40” honoree. She was
selected out of nearly 500 nominations for this year’s class. Atty. Waters’
husband, the Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters, founder and Senior Pastor of Joy
Tabernacle, was selected as a 2015 honoree. This is believed to be just the
second time in DBJ history that spouses have received this honor.
Atty.
Waters served as the primary grant writer towards securing a United States
Department of Justice 2016 Community Court Grant to fund the creation of the
first-ever felony community court in Dallas County history, the Second Chance
Community Improvement Court, which was co-founded by Atty. Waters.
Dr.
Michael W. Waters’ recent front page blog on The Huffington Post entitled “American Justice in Black and White
(and Green)” also features the newly grant funded S.C.C.I.P. Court.
Congratulatory
remarks may be sent to yulise.waters@dallascityhall.com.
Joy
Tabernacle A.M.E. Church
3203
Holmes Street
Dallas,
Texas 75215
The
Rev. Dr. Michael W. Waters
Founder
and Senior Pastor
-- The Reverend
Andre Washington to receive the Doctorate of Education Degree from Tennessee
State University
The
Reverend Andre Washington will receive the Doctorate of Education Degree in
Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University on Friday, May
6, 2016 at 5 o'clock p.m.
He
is the proud pastor of Canaan AME Church in Columbia, Tennessee, South
Nashville District of the Tennessee Annual Conference
The
Reverend Washington grew up at Bethel AME Church in Saginaw, Michigan and was
called into the ministry at Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee
under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Clement W. Fugh, now Presiding Bishop of
the Fourteenth Episcopal District, and was also pastored by the Rev. Dr.
William W. Easley, Jr., now Presiding Elder, Louisville-Paducah District, West
Kentucky Conference.
Congratulatory
expressions can be emailed to: alwash11@aol.com
16. EPISCOPAL
FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Sister Virginia Norris Scott, the sister
of Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, 116th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal
District, sister-in-law of Mother Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor, aunt
of Reverend Marcellus Norris, pastor, St. Luke AME Church in Harlem, NY; and
the Rev. Richard Norris II, Itinerant Deacon in the 1st Episcopal District,
Philadelphia, PA.
Sister
Virginia Norris Scott passed from labor to reward on Monday, May 2, 2016.
Please
note the following:
Viewing:
Friday,
May 6, 2016
6:00
p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Bethel
AME Church
32
Courtland St.
Woodbury,
New Jersey 08096
Telephone:
(856) 845-1965
The
Celebration of Life Services:
Viewing
Saturday,
May 7, 2016
8:00
a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Services:
10:00
a.m.
Fellowship
Bible Church
590
Jackson Rd.
Sewell,
New Jersey 08080
Telephone:
(856) 478-9559
Interment:
Gates
of Heaven Cemetery
165
Mantua Rd.
Mt.
Royal, New Jersey 08061
Condolences
may be sent to:
Bishop
and Mother Richard F. Norris
1626
N. 72nd Street
Philadelphia,
PA 19151
Home
Telephone: (215) 477-9247
17. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Michael L. McKeever, itinerant elder
of the Ohio Conference of the Third Episcopal District. The Rev. McKeever
served faithfully as a pastor until his health prevented him. Most recently he served as an associate
minister for St. Paul AME Church, Columbus, Ohio where he was responsible for
the development and maintenance of the church’s website.
Homegoing
Celebration will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Wake
at 10:00 a.m.
Funeral
Service at 11:00 a.m.
St.
Paul AME Church
639
East Long Street
Columbus,
Ohio 43215
Telephone:
(614) 228-4113
Fax:
(614) 228-4711
The
Reverend Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, pastor
Arrangements
entrusted to:
C.
D. White and Son Funeral Home
1217
Mount Vernon Avenue
Columbus,
OH 43203
Office
Telephone: (614) 258-1514
Fax:
(614) 258-2550 Fax
Condolences
may be sent to:
Sister
Georgia McKeever and Mother Nellie McKeever, Sister Mary Wilson
1656
Kenwick Rd.
Columbus,
OH 43209
Sister
Nell Curtis
5325
Great Oak Dr., Apt #E,
Columbus,
OH 43213
18. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
are saddened to share news of the passing of the Rev. Dr. Joan Wilkerson
Stewart on April 28, 2016. Dr. Stewart
served as the Sixth Episcopal District WIM, Executive Board Worship Leader. She
had been ill for a few months, but she is now at rest.
Please
take note of the following:
Viewing:
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Murray
Brothers Cascade Chapel from 1-9 pm
1199
Utoy Springs Rd SW
Atlanta,
GA 30331
Telephone:
(404) 349-3000
Thursday,
May 5, 2016
Viewing:
10:00 a.m.
Funeral:
11 a.m.
Allen
Temple AME Church
1625
Joseph E. Boone Blvd. NW
Atlanta,
GA 30314
The
Rev. Dr. Thomas Bess, pastor
Expressions
of sympathy may be sent to:
The
Rev. Margaret Giddings & Stewart Family
731
Aline Drive NW
Atlanta,
GA 30318
Telephone:
Phone: (494) 794-1294
Email:
Margaret_Giddings@yahoo.com
19. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Lawrence Forman, Sr., retired pastor
from the New Jersey Annual Conference. His last assignment was Bethel AMEC in
Pennsauken, New Jersey.
The
following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Saturday,
May 7, 2016
Viewing
– 9:00 a.m.
Funeral
– 11:00 a.m.
St.
Matthew’s United Methodist Church
1665
Derousse Ave.
Pennsauken,
NJ 08110
Telephone:
(856) 662-3610
Pastor:
The Rev. Shawn Forman
Condolences
may be sent to:
Mrs.
Sharon Forman
c/o
Burlington County Community Action Program
718
Route 130 South
Burlington,
New Jersey 08016
20. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to announce the death of the Reverend Ronald Freeman, a retired pastor
in the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Church where the Right
Reverend Preston Warren Williams II serves as Presiding Prelate. The Rev.
Freeman’s entire pastoral ministry was spent in the Augusta Georgia Annual
Conference.
The
Rev. Freeman died Saturday, April 16, 2016 and was funeralized on Saturday,
April 23, 2016 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where the Reverend
Mark S. Pierson serves as pastor. The
funeral was held at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Gordon Thomas preaching the eulogy.
Please
pray for the Bereaved Family: His wife, Sister Gloria Freeman; his mother,
Sister Annie D. Freeman; three sons, two daughters, one brother, two sisters,
several grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends.
21. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The
Fourth Episcopal District is saddened to share news of the passing of Dr.
Hallie B. Hendrieth-Smith. Dr.
Hendrieth-Smith, age 99, passed away, April 27, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, the
Reverend Noah Smith, former pastor of St. James AME Church in Minneapolis where
he retired and was superannuated in 1998.
Dr.
Hallie B. Hendrieth-Smith retired in 1986 after serving as the director of the
Talking Typewriter program, a teacher and an administrator in Minneapolis
Public Schools. She was a longtime member of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church, as well as a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society. She also
was a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She was a wonderful wife, mother,
grandmother and friend. She was known as
Grandmother Dear or B. She was always available to support those in need and to
tell stories about her life growing up in the segregated south and to encourage
youth to excel.
Dr.
Hallie B. Hendrieth-Smith is survived by grandchildren, Dr. Bernadeia Johnson,
Donna Gingery, and Gregg Clemons, and many other relatives and friends.
Funeral
services will be held:
Noon,
Thursday, May 5, 2016
St.
James AME Church
624
W Central Avenue
St.
Paul, MN 55406
Telephone:
(651) 227-4151
The
Rev. Stacey Smith, pastor
Visitation
will be one hour before at 11:00.
Visitation:
Will
also be Wednesday, May 4, 2016, 4-7 p.m.
Washburn
McReavy Funeral Chapels
Robbinsdale,
MN 55442
Telephone:
(763) 537-2333
Expressions
of sympathy may be placed in the Online Guest Book:
In
honor of Hallie's life, the family request that women wear hats to the service.
22. CLERGY FAMILY
BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We
regret to inform you of the passing of Ms. Annie Mae Sanders, grandmother of
The Reverend James Keeton, Jr., pastor of St. James African Methodist Episcopal
Church, Erie, Pennsylvania
Final
arrangements are as follows:
Saturday,
May 7, 2016 at 12 Noon:
Wilson
Chapel Missionary Baptist Church
Martin
Luther King Jr. Avenue SW
Cairo,
Georgia 39828
Telephone:
(229) 377-8309
The
Reverend Dr. Simon Simmons, Jr., pastor
The
Reverend Ananias Hopkins, III, eulogist
Expressions
of sympathy may be sent to:
The
Reverend James Keeton, Jr.
236
East 11th Street
Erie,
PA 16503
Email:
StJamespastor138@gmail.com
23. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED
BY:
Ora L. Easley,
Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family
Information Center
Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Telephone: (615)
837-9736 (H)
Telephone: (615)
833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
24.
CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE
CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the
Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland; the
Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The
Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our
condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the
peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
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