THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (03/11/16)

The Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland - Chair, Commission on Publications

The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20^th Editor, The Christian Recorder

-- Palm Sunday, March 20, 2016

-- Good Friday – March 25, 2016

-- Easter - Sunday, March 27, 2016

-- Pentecost - Sunday, May 15, 2016

-- Massacre of Emanuel 9, June 17

March is Women’s History Month

-- Daylight Saving Time (USA) 2016 begins at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016

1. TCR EDITORIAL – NO BRAINERS I SUSPECT MANY CHURCHES IGNORE:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The 20^th Editor of The Christian Recorder

We miss so many things and conveniences because we fail to take advantage of opportunities, especially technology, don’t read, or we just might be too ornery to accept change.

Some years ago, I attended the Global Development Council (GDC) in Capetown, South Africa. Capetown is one of the prettiest cities on the planet. We stayed at a gorgeous hotel. It was wonderful. The hotel had every amenity that you could think of and amenities most of us hadn’t imagined.

I love a great cup of coffee in the morning and early in my military career, I began to take a little coffee-maker with me so that I could have my morning cup of coffee. Another travel-trick I did was to get a doggie bag after dinner and save a couple of the dinner rolls to eat with the coffee I ate in my hotel room. I saved money because I ate breakfast in my hotel room made with my travel coffee maker and dinner rolls from the previous night. I had that system down pat.  You probably have figured out about now that I am a frugal person.

Let me get back to Capetown

As I mentioned, the hotel was “off the chart” beautiful!  I had a beautiful room with a wonderful view.  I took everything, including my coffee-maker out of my suitcase.  I was hoping that the dinner would provide good quality rolls that I could eat for breakfast the following morning. The dinner was wonderful and the rolls were of high quality.  I was all set for breakfast in my room the following morning.

The next morning I went for my morning walk and returned to my room for a great cup of coffee and the dinner rolls from the previous night’s dinner.

When I joined my fellow general officers, they commented how wonderful the hotel breakfast was and the abundance and variety of food.  I commented that I had eaten breakfast in my room.

I followed the same schedule the next morning and again my fellow general officers and several of the bishops shared positive comments about the hotel breakfast.  I thought to myself that I had saved money and had insured myself of a great cup of coffee.

On the third morning, the day of our departure, I decided to break down and have breakfast in the hotel dining room. I had saved money the two previous mornings by eating in my room and thought that I would treat myself to the hotel breakfast.

I could see that the hotel had a generous layout of food and the place was bustling with diners and servers.

When I entered the dining room, the maître d asked for my room number and invited me to sit wherever I wanted and informed me that the breakfast was free because it was a part of the hotel package. I tried not to act surprised, but inwardly I felt foolish for saving dinner rolls and making coffee in my hotel room.

And to add “insult to injury,” not only was the breakfast superb, the coffee was outstanding! They know how to make coffee in Capetown and the hotel coffee was better than the coffee I made in my hotel room.  

I missed a blessing that was available to me because I failed to read the hotel information packet.  I was busy saving dinner rolls and making coffee thinking that I was saving money when I was wasting money because there was a free breakfast in the hotel dining room that was included with the hotel accommodations.  My other problem was that I assumed that I would have had to pay for my breakfast as I had done so many times at other hotels.

If I had used my brain, I would have read the provisions of my hotel package and I would have enjoyed a delicious breakfast and an outstanding cup of coffee for the three mornings I was in Capetown.

I learned, because on the next leg of the journey when I got to the hotel in Johannesburg, I read the directions and left my coffee maker in my suitcase and enjoyed the breakfast served by the hotel.

I wonder if some of our churches are making the same kinds of mistakes I made of not reading information, noncompliance with the information, making faulty assumptions, or just too ornery to change and embrace convenience.

No brainers!  

We had several weather-related weekends this past winter and I noticed on Facebook and in casual conversations that some congregations were concerned about getting the word out to their parishioners that worship service, prayer meeting and choir practice were cancelled. Some churches decided to use Facebook as a means of getting the word out and that was fine for those who used Facebook. Other pastors sent eBlast email messages and that was fine for those connected to the Internet.  Either one of those methods would have worked for me because I am on Facebook and the internet.  And, somewhere “out in the future” the internet will be the preferred method of disseminating information, but that day is not here yet.  

The best way to get everybody today is the telephone; everybody has a telephone.

The “no brainer” way to get information to every parishioner is Calling Post or another similar internet platform.

Calling Post is a free telephone notification website; one telephone call and all of the parishioners can be notified. Using a telephone notification website is more efficient than having members call each other.

Calling Post http://www.callingpost.com/ is a great website and a wonderful resource.  A single telephone call provides everyone with the intended information. There is some work on the front-end of putting the names and telephone numbers into the system; but that’s a one-time function. After initially inputting the names, the list should be kept up-to-date.

Ten years ago, a person needed a computer to access the internet; that was then, this is now. A person does not need a computer to access the internet or to use email!

If you have a smartphone, you can access the internet and you can send and receive emails. If you don’t have a computer, and you don’t need one, you use Wi-Fi to connect to the Internet or you can pay for a data plan, but you don’t really need a data plan. No more excuses! And guess what? You can also download apps on your smartphone, which means that you can download the AMEC App and the electronic version of The Doctrine and Discipline, and receive The Christian Recorder on your smartphone.

I would recommend that a young person in the congregation be given the challenge of setting up a “how to use a smartphone” class for senior citizens and other interested persons.

When I hear a person say, “I only use my cellphone to make telephone calls,” I think, “Wow, how much they are missing.” A cellphone used to be for making telephone calls, especially in emergencies; that was then, this is now.  Cellphones can do everything a computer can do. Cellphones are used to view movies, receive breaking news alerts, read the Bible and for a myriad of other things.  

Teleconferencing is another no-brainer that many churches resist. I wish pastors and churches would stop expecting people to drive or walk to the church, especially in inclement weather or in dangerous neighborhoods to have meetings that could be conducted by teleconferencing.

Teleconferencing would be easier and more cost effective for everyone. Like Calling Post, teleconferencing is free.  It’s so easy; one option, simply go to:

http://www.freeconferencecall.com/fcc/index.asp?promocode=FCC_PPC_GS_US_EN_849&gclid=CKPona794LQCFQcHnQodgm4AKw  and with one-click the system is set up for a teleconference.

Persons who are scheduled to participate in the teleconference are provided with the “call-in” number and the “join-the-meeting” code. It’s free and it’s simple!

I would recommend that churches have a practice teleconference so everyone can see the ease and convenience of teleconferencing.

Another no-brainer is the expectation that a pastor is going to sit at a desk all day waiting for telephone calls.  The reality is that a lot of people do not use their landlines; they only use their mobile telephones. I am utterly surprised that some pastors do not use their mobile telephones as their “office number.”

If a pastor has a smartphone with the lowest data plan, he or she, in addition to making and receiving telephone calls can access the internet, send and receive emails, and use apps. If they cancelled their land-line telephone service, there would be no payment increase. 

Another “no-brainer” is the ability to pay bills and deposit checks via your smartphone. If you have a progressive bank, you can do all of your banking online with a smartphone!

A couple of weeks ago, I went to my internet provider to change some equipment. The waiting area was full of people and I asked, “What are all of these people doing here?”  I was thinking if all of these people are having problems, I probably should find another internet provider.” The receptionist replied to my question, “They are here to pay their bills.”  She saw my expression and said, “I know, they could pay their bills online, but they like to sit here for long periods of time so they pay their bills in person.”

I wouldn’t know where to go to pay a utility bill! And, I would not waste one of my Richard Allen postage stamps to mail a bill, when I can pay my bills online with my computer or smartphone.

I don’t go to the bank much anymore because I can deposit checks with my smartphone.

My point is that there are so many things available that can make life and ministry easier and more efficient, but we have to take the time to get information, be amenable to change, understand that things change, and “that was then, this is now” and not be ornery and resistant to change.

Yep, I learned a lesson at the hotel in Capetown, but I don’t plan to make that mistake again of not reading information, noncompliance of (with) the information, making faulty assumptions, or being too ornery in resisting change and embracing convenience.

2. ANNOUNCEMENT - COMPLETION OF PART II - SACRED POEMS AND TUNES:

Bishop Frederick H. Talbot, 90^th bishop, retired, is pleased to announce that Part II of the research of the Sacred Poems and Tunes composed by bishops of the AME Church has been completed.  It is being printed by the A.M.E. Sunday School Union and upon completion will be made available on order.  Part I was circulated in 2012.  This research concludes the collection of the known hymns and tunes composed by bishops of our denomination.

3. A LIST OF 2016 GENERAL CONFERENCE CANDIDATES AS CERTIFIED BY THE OFFICE OF THE GENERAL SECRETARY/CIO:

- 100 CHAIR OF EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE:

101 - Mayberry, Harold R. (Rev. Dr.)

102 - Thompson, Taylor T. (Rev. Dr.)

- 200 GENERAL OFFICERS:

- 210 Treasurer/CFO:

211 - Lewis, Richard Allen (Dr.)

- 220 General Secretary/CIO:

221- Cooper, Jeffery Bernard (Rev. Dr.)

- 230 AMEC Department of Retirement Services:

231 - Harris, Jerome V. (Rev. Dr.)

- 240 Global Witness and Ministry:

241 - Flowers, George F. (Rev. Dr.)

- 250 Historiographer/Director of Research & Scholarship,

Editor of AME Review:

251 - Fry Brown, Teresa L. (Rev. Dr.)

- 260 President/Publisher, Sunday School Union:

261 - Belin, Roderick Dwayne (Rev.)

262 - Green, Henry E. Jr. (Rev.)

263 - Parker, Joseph (Rev.)

- 270 Editor of The Christian Recorder:

271 - Glenn, V. Gordon III (Rev.)

272 - Grant, Velma E. (Rev.)

273 - Thomas, John III (Mr.)

- 280 Department of Christian Education:

281 - Bass, Kabrina W. (Ms.)

282 - Gallmon, Joy L. (Rev.)

283 - Green, Vivian (Rev.)

284 - Johnson, Amanda L. (Ms.)

285 - Jones, Roy P. Jr. (Rev. Dr.)

286 - Pierce, Garland F. (Rev. Dr.)

287 - Smith, Robin Porter (Mrs.)

- 290 Church Growth and Development:

291 - Hampton, Dennis J. (Rev.)

292 - Mclamore, Charles Carnell (Rev. Dr.)

293 - Mayes, Terence L. Sr. (Rev. Dr.)

294 - Wade, James C (Rev. Dr.)

- 300 JUDICIAL COUNCIL:

- 310 Clergy Member:

311 - Bess, Thomas Leon (Rev. Dr.)

312 - Curry, Eduardo K., Esq. (Rev.)

313 - Golden, James T., Esq. (Rev.)

314 - Green, O. Jerome, Esq. (Rev. Dr.)

315 - Howard, Delman (Rev.)

- 320 Clergy Alternate:

- 330 Lay Member:

331 - Anderson, Derek H.

332 - Dawson, Warren H., Esq.

333 - Mayberry, Patricia M., Esq.

334 - Wright, Tania E., Esq.

- 340 Lay Alternate:

341 - Battle, Starr L., Esq.

- 400 Bishop:

401 - Alexander, James A. Sr. (Rev.)

402 - Anthony, Wayne Johnathan (Rev.)

403 - Beamon, Silvester S. (Rev. Dr.)

404 - Brailsford, Ronnie E. Sr. (Rev. Dr.)

405 - Brookins, Francine A., (Rev. Dr.).

406 - Calloway, Kelvin T. Sr., (Rev. Dr.)

407 - Cooper, Katurah York (Rev. Dr.)

408 - Eason, Gregory Vaughn Sr. (Rev. Dr.)

409 - Goff, Norvel Sr. (Rev. Dr.)

410 - Gray I, Terence Renard (Rev.)

411 - Greenebarr, Cecelia (Rev. Dr.)

412 - Hendricks, Uklyn Augustus (Rev.)

413 - Henning-Byfield, E. Anne (Rev. Dr.)

414 - Ingram, Daryl B. (Rev. Dr.)

415 - Mitchell, Michael Leon (Rev. Dr.)

416 - Mugala, Paul M. Sr. (Rev.)

417 - Pierson, Mark S. (Rev.)

418 - Reid, Frank Madison Iii (Rev. Dr.)

419 - Richburg, Caesar R. (Rev. Dr.)

420 - Rumph, James Arthur (Rev.)

421 - Scott, Magnus W.T. Sr. (Rev.)

422 - Seawright, Harry Lee (Rev. Dr.)

423 - Seibo, Samuel D., (Rev.)

424 - Simms, Moses A. Jr. (Rev. Dr.)

425 - Tyler, Timothy E. (Rev. Dr.)

426 - Wicker, Stafford J. N. (Rev. Dr.)

427 - Williams, Allen L. Sr. (Rev.)

428 - Williams, Darryl R. (Rev.)

429 - Wright, Frederick A. (Dr.)

430 - Yates, Elizabeth E. (Rev.)

431 - Zanders, Marvin Clyde II (Rev.)

4. A VISION FULFILLED THROUGH PRAYER AND SACRIFICE:

*The Rev. Dr. Baron Young

- Praise the Lord! Another vision has been fulfilled through prayer and sacrifice

Approximately two years ago, members of the Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference began an ongoing discussion with Thrivent Financial and In Faith Community Foundation about the possibility of establishing an endowment fund. We, the pastor and members of St. James AME Church located on Green Street in Havre de Grace Maryland, are happy to report that we undertook the task and received the blessing of creating an endowment fund.

The endowment fund is an investment fund set up by In Faith Community Foundation (Cheryl Grasmoen) in cooperation with Thrivent Financial (Aaron and Barbara Shingler). The endowment fund allows invested capital to be used for future operations. This endowment fund provides an opportunity for continuation of that which is an important aspect of our lives….that of providing a means for the on-going creation, implementation and continuation of ministries here at St James AME Church. Interest from this type of fund helps ensure that money is available for utilization by present and future generations.

On Sunday, January 17, 2016, the Endowment Committee, consisting of Brother Ron Waters (President), Sisters JoAnn Spencer, Shirley Rumsey and Carolyn Wilkerson presented a check in the amount of $25,000 to the Reverend Dr. Baron Young and to Presiding Elder Cordell Hunter. The presentation of this check signified the official establishment of the St. James AME Church Endowment Fund as set forth in the Endowment Fund Plan.

We are excited about our endeavor because the endowment will leave a lasting legacy for future generations and provide assurance that the church will carry on in Jesus’ name and be able to advance His kingdom.

*The Rev. Dr. Baron Young is the pastor of St. James AME Church in Havre de Grace, Maryland

5. PEARL STREET CELEBRATES FOUNDER'S DAY AND 151^ST CHURCH ANNIVERSARY:

Theme: "Pressing Forward ... Leaving a Legacy of Spiritual and Economic Empowerment"

The Rt. Rev. Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr., Presiding Bishop, 8^th  Episcopal District; Mrs. Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor; the Rev. George Willis Tyler, Presiding Elder, M. Div, Jackson-Vicksburg District; the Rev. Samuel Henry Boyd Sr., D. Min., pastor; and Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis, Reporter.

On February 14, 2016, the Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Boyd, Sr. led the church in celebrating AME Church founder Richard Allen's birthday, his founding of the AME Church 229 years ago, the unveiling of the Richard Allen Forever Stamp, and the 151^st Anniversary of Pearl Street AME Church. The keynote preachers were Reverend George W. Tyler at the 8 a.m. Worship Service and Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr. at the 11 a.m. Worship Service.

Chair of the Founder's Day and Church Anniversary Celebration was Mrs. Brunetta Sat'pong; Co-chair was Attorney Mitzi Dease-Paige. They led humbly and successfully by involving the total membership in the plans for accomplishing the goal: "Pressing Forward ...Leaving a Legacy of Spiritual and Economic Empowerment"; scriptural reference-Philippians 3:12-16.

Through the prayers, collective energies, and financial resources of the whole church and community, Pearl Street experienced a great day of praise and worship to God for his awesomeness and magnificence!

Plans for a great day of celebrating-in worship services began to unfold beginning with the Sunday morning 8 o'clock Worship Service. Our Presiding Elder of the Jackson-Vicksburg District, South Mississippi Conference, the Reverend George W. Tyler, ignited a flame of hope for African Methodism with his sermon entitled, Moving Forward Leaving a Legacy of Spiritual and Economic Empowerment.

The Rev. Tyler made one thing clear as he set the tone for his message, which was primarily about Founder Richard Allen and his passion for developing an enterprise that would encourage Free African Americans spiritually, support the less fortunate, help the unemployed, foster self-help and advocate for education: "I have not yet reached my goal (of being raised from death to life). But Jesus Christ has taken control of me. So I keep on running and struggling to obtain the prize." His dynamic and engaging sermon set the stage for a day of high celebration at Pearl Street: "Pearl Street, at some point in every Christian's life; at some point in every church leader's life, the followers and the leaders should realize they have, "A Charge to Keep.'"

Worship Service opened at 11 o'clock with the processional to the music and song, “We've Come This Far by Faith.” The combined choirs of Pearl Street served to enrich the praise and thanksgiving that worshipers surely felt and expressed.

Following the Welcome/Occasion, The Richard Allen Forever Stamp Unveiling proved to be a high moment in the service. Following Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis' remarks on history and work leading to the official unveiling of the stamp by the USPS at Mother Bethel on February 2, 2016, committee members Brunetta Sarpong and Mitzi Dease Paige unveiled the Richard Allen Forever Stamp. The Church stood applauding and joined in singing, "Glory, Glory, Hallelujah!" (The Battle Hymn of the Republic). This was a spine tingling, blessed moment amidst the crowd of witnesses.

Like other Founder's Days at Pearl Street, on this day, members who had transitioned were memorialized. The Church praised God for all who had contributed to the up-building of God's kingdom through service in the church and community. Those memorialized included: Rosalee Livingston, Pearl B. Baker, Kathryn Vaughn Thames, James Thomas Holloway, Leontyne Dorsey Fizer, Mary Reed Moore Dallas, Dr. Mildred Jones Allen, Leo Hawkins, Jr., and Willie T. Allen.

The choir set the tone for the messenger with the song, This Place, led by Sister Loretta Washington. Bishop McAllister preached passionately from the subject, Rediscovering Our History; scriptural reference -Deuteronomy 6:20-23 ... What mean the testimonies?

Bishop McAllister piqued audience curiosity when he announced, "Mother and I did not come alone this morning. Others came with us. The Four Horsemen came: Richard Allen, Paul Quinn, Daniel Alexander Payne, and Henry McNeil Turner. After short descriptions of each, Bishop McAllister said, "Jarena Lee was the first female preacher... is here. And all the sainted mothers and fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers...! If you look with your spiritual eye, you might be able to see them all!"

His message challenged us to keep moving forward -remembering events of the past 200 years, remembering who brought us through, and teaching the children so they will know about our faith. Bishop McAllister injected into his message his inexpressible feelings of joy when he participated in the official unveiling of the Richard Allen Forever Stamp at Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, P A. Even more surreal for him, upon his return from Philadelphia to Jackson, MS, was the pressing of the stamp with Richard Allen's image onto his first piece of mail. He noted in finality, Proud to be AME!

The Pearl Street Founder's Day Committee, in celebration of the 151^st Church Anniversary, always remembers to lift members whose commitment and works have served to continue moving the church forward spiritually and economically. This year two members were honored with medallions: Mrs. Deloise Lowe Jones and Mr. Floyd Williams, Jr. We praise God for their service.

The Rev. Samuel Boyd, Sr. was full of joy that this historic occasion was successful. He praised the Founder's Day leadership and the membership for supporting the planning efforts and for being a meaningful part of the worship and celebration.

By the conclusion of the Founder's Day worship celebration, the 151^st year of old Pearl Street, Mississippi's Cathedral of African Methodism had reaffirmed allegiance to God and the Church of Allen, pledging to serve the glory of God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family!

6. BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION SERIES - AME CHURCH HONORS 200 YEARS OF SERVICE:

PHILADELPHIA – The First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) will host the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference July 6 – 13, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.  To set the stage for the 200th anniversary conference, AME First District has designed a series of Bicentennial Celebration events. The celebration theme, “An Extraordinary History, An Incredible Future,” encapsulates the remarkable journey of the denomination from past to present, and communicates hope for an even greater future based on a foundation constructed by leaders resolute in creating social change.  The AME Church was founded in Philadelphia by Richard Allen and incorporated in 1816.  Located at 6^th & Lombard Sts., Mother Bethel AME Church is the cornerstone of the nation’s oldest African American denomination. The Church has locations in 39 countries on five continents. Bicentennial Celebration events will be held April 7 – 10, and July 1 – 5, at locations throughout the city.  Please see calendar of events attached for more details.

“During the Bicentennial Celebration of the AME Church we will commemorate our founder Bishop Richard Allen, a great American prophet of freedom, justice and equality. We will also take time to reflect upon 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, Presiding Prelate, First Episcopal District of the AME Church.  “When Richard Allen and his associates withdrew from St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church, here in Philadelphia, they began a movement of religious freedom that initiated and accelerated many other movements for freedom in all categories.  The celebration of our past and our appreciation for the present   encourages us to embrace a new era of social action as the AME Church continues to impact the world through ministry, advocacy, education, activism, public service and outreach.”

April events include the Old School/New School Gospel Concert headlined by Kurt Carr and The Kurt Carr Singers with performances by traditional and contemporary artists; a provocative Social Justice Forum featuring a host of scholars, advocates, religious leaders, and civil rights activist Vernon Jordan; an inspiring Ecumenical Worship Service of diverse Methodists; and the Sarah Allen Award Luncheon showcasing an original play commissioned by Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram. Events will continue in early July, including the unveiling of the Allen Statue, dedication of the Allen mural, and more.

Bicentennial Celebration events are lead by Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate - First Episcopal District, AME Church and Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, executive director of planning, AME First District Host Committee. Celebration host church, Mother Bethel AME, is lead by senior pastor Rev. Mark K. Tyler, PhD. Several events were scheduled to coincide with the actual day and month of the denomination’s incorporation in April 1816, according to Bishop Ingram who researched historical data to verify the time frame.

Birth of a Denomination

The AME Church grew out of the Free African Society (FAS) which Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others established in Philadelphia in 1787. When officials at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church pulled blacks off their knees while praying, FAS members discovered just how far American Methodists would go to enforce racial discrimination against African Americans.

As a protest against racial discrimination and slavery, these courageous members of St. George’s devised plans to transform their mutual aid society into an African congregation. Although most wanted to affiliate with the Protestant Episcopal Church, Allen led a small group who resolved to remain Methodists. In 1794 Bethel AME was dedicated with Allen as pastor.

To establish Bethel’s independence from interfering white Methodists, Allen, formerly enslaved in Delaware, successfully sued in the Pennsylvania courts in 1807 and 1815 for the right of his congregation to exist as an independent institution. Because black Methodists in other middle Atlantic communities encountered racism and desired religious autonomy, Allen called them to meet in Philadelphia in April of 1816 for the First General Conference and incorporated a new Wesleyan denomination, the AME Church. A significant distinction in the formation of the Church is the basis of its creation born of sociological rather than theological differences.

 

For more information about AME Church Bicentennial Celebration events, please contact Yvonne Drayton at 215.882.3765 or Lisa Duhart-Collins at 215.280.2557.  Information may also be obtained at www.2016generalconference.org, and follow on Twitter at #IamAME, Instagram@1stDistrictAMEC, and Facebook at FirstDistrictAMEC.

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The mission of the AME Church is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.

-- AME Bicentennial Celebration Events

April 7, 7:30 p.m. - Old School New School Gospel Concert (Ticketed Event/ Open to the Public)

                       

Location: First District Plaza Headquarters, 3801 Market St., Phila., PA

The Old School New School Concert will present a stellar line up of some of gospel music’s finest traditional and contemporary talent headlined by inspirational powerhouse Kurt Carr and the Kurt Carr Singers.

Other featured performers include: BET Sunday Best Season-V Finalist Jamarien Moore; McDonalds’ Gospelfest 2015 Female Soloist of the Year Regina Jackson; and BET Sunday Best Season-VII Finalist Candace Benson. Tickets are $25 for general admission and $50 for limited VIP reserved seating.  Purchase online at www.2016generalconference.org. 

April 8, 9 a.m. - “AMEs Reworking Trails to Freedom”

Social Justice Forum and Reenactment of the AME Church First General Conference (Free/Open to the Public)

Location: Mother Bethel AME Church, 6^th & Lombard Sts., Phila., PA   

                                       

April 8, 2016, will mark exactly 200 years since the first General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was called into session. The AME Church, incorporated during this conference, became the world’s first African American denomination. In the spirit of that historic ecumenical struggle for justice, a reenactment of the First General Conference will be presented. A host of visionary thinkers have been invited to participate in a provocative social dialogue during this forum that will encompass the pressing matters of today while looking back at the juncture of the AME Church formation through historical perspective. Church founder Richard Allen knew two centuries ago that Black Lives Matter.

The keynote conversation features Vernon Jordan, civil rights activist, former Clinton political advisor, and senior counsel, Akin Gump, Washington, D.C.; Rev. Traci Blackmon, pastor, Christ the King United Church of Christ, Florissant, Mo and Rev. Dr. Jennifer Leath, assistant professor of religion and social justice, Iliff School of Theology, Denver, Colo. Panelists include Dr. M. Jocelyn Elders, former U.S. Surgeon General; Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, Harvard University Professor of History and African American Studies; Jamaal-Harrison Bryant, motivational speaker and founder/pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church; Albert J. Raboteau, Henry W. Putnam Professor of Religion (Emeritus), Princeton University and a host of  distinguished religious leaders, scholars and activists. 

April 9, 12 p.m.: A Tribute to Sarah Allen: Award Luncheon and Theatrical Performance (Ticketed Event/ Open to the Public)

                       

Commissioned play, “Sarah’s Song” written by Janice Ellis Scruggs, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts, Cheyney University 

Location: First District Plaza Headquarters, 3801 Market St., Phila., PA

The Sarah Bass Allen Award Luncheon and Theatrical Performance pay tribute to the mother of the AME Church. During this gathering, one woman from each First Episcopal District Annual Conference who exemplifies the spirit of Sarah Bass Allen will be honored. Guests will also experience the inaugural performance of the original play, “Sarah’s Song,” by Janice Ellis Scruggs.  Tickets are $100. Purchase online at www.2016generalconference.org. 

April 10, 4 p.m. Ecumenical Worship Service (Free/Open to the Public)

Preacher: Bishop John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop – AME Church, Presiding Prelate - 4^th Episcopal District

                       

Location: Mother Bethel AME Church, 6th & Lombard Sts., Phila., PA

In May 2012, the African Methodist Episcopal Church entered into full communion with the racially integrated United Methodist Church, and the predominately Black/African American members of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, African Union Methodist Protestant Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and Union American Methodist Episcopal Church. During this reverential gathering the denominations agreed to “recognize each other’s churches, share sacraments, and affirm their clergy and ministries,” bringing a semblance of unity and reconciliation to churches that follow in the footsteps of John and Charles Wesley. The community is invited to join this “inclusive coming together” of diverse Methodist denominations during the Bicentennial Celebration.

July 1 – 11 An Extraordinary History, An Incredible Future: 200 Years of Service (Visit www.pafa.org for Admission Fees and Hours)

Location: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad St., Phila., PA

AME First District, in partnership with the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, will present the art exhibition, “An Extraordinary History, An Incredible Future: 200 Years of Service,” celebrating the spirit of African Methodism. Sculptures, prints, artifacts, photography, and a multimedia video will chronicle the storied history of the denomination and evoke inspiration within a new generation of visionaries.

July 3, Time TBD - Bicentennial Torch Run - 80-mile relay from Dover, DE, to Mother Bethel AME Church, Phila., PA

In partnership with the American Cancer Society (ACS), the first faith-based collaboration of its kind for ACS, four runners from each of the 20 Episcopal Districts of the AME Church will run one mile over an 80-mile course from Dover, DE, where Richard Allen spent much of his childhood, to Philadelphia, PA, where he was born, and later established the first AME Church - Mother Bethel - in a converted blacksmith shop. The Richard Allen statue unveiling and dedication will follow upon completion of the Torch Run.

July 3, Time - Unveiling and Dedication: Bishop Richard Allen Statue at approximately 7 p.m. Memorial Courtyard (Open to the Public)

                       

Location: Mother Bethel AME Church, 6th & Lombard Sts., Phila., PA

When the Bicentennial Torch Run culminates at Mother Bethel AME Church, the wrapping will be removed from a six-foot, six-inch bronze statue of Richard Allen that will grace an intimate 20-foot by 30-foot courtyard along the Lombard St. side of the building. The unveiling and dedication of this cherished sacred space will bring to closure a seventy year journey that began in 1946 to erect a fitting monument to Bishop Allen.

The statue and courtyard were designed by David Allen Perrin III of Zendesign Group, Berkley, Michigan. The courtyard architect is Samuel E. Olshin, (AiA), a principal of Atkin Olshin Schade Architects of Philadelphia, PA. The statue sculptor, Fern Cunningham-Terry, is a distinguished African American artist who sculpts the story of her people and teaches history through her work. Cunningham-Terry is a member of Grant AME Church in Boston, MA.

July 4, 10 a.m. - Dedication: Bishop Richard Allen Mural (Open to the Public)

In conjunction with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program

Location: First District Plaza Headquarters, 3801 Market St., Phila., PA

A masterfully intricate, vividly colorful painting of Bishop Richard Allen will wrap around the world headquarters of the AME Church located at 3801 Market Street transforming the building into an exceptional work of contemporary art. Members of the AME Church have collaborated with Willis “Nomo” Humphrey, lead muralist for the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, to design the mural, which is intended to stimulate dialogue about, and expand understanding of, Richard and Sarah Allen’s importance in American history.

July 5, 5:30 p.m. - First District Bicentennial Celebration VIP Reception, Gold Sponsors, Invitation Only

Location: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, 128 N. Broad St., Phila., PA

July 5, 7:30 p.m. An Extraordinary History, an Incredible Future: First District Bicentennial Celebration Banquet - (Ticketed Event/ Open to the Public)

               

Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Terrace Ballroom

The First District will host a delightful evening of exceptional music, liturgical dance, and innovative cuisine as they kick off the 2016 General Conference of the AME Church. Journey along the extraordinary timeline as the denomination celebrates its rich legacy, and the evolutionary promise of an incredible future. Keynote speaker: Dr. Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., activist, Harvard law professor, and director of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice. Musical performances by gospel recording artists Kathy Taylor, Jonathan Nelson, and the First District Bicentennial Choir.

Tickets are $150. Purchase online at www.generalconference.org.  

7. A TRIBUTE TO SARAH ALLEN FOR ADULTS:

Sarah Allen Awards Luncheon and Theatre (An Original Play, Reception & Luncheon) will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. and at 5:30 p.m.

Awards Luncheon and Theatre Performance of “Sarah’s Song,” an original play by Jann Ellis-Scruggs and Set Decorations by William Scruggs.

When: Saturday, April 9, 2016, 12 Noon VIP Reception, 1:15 p.m. Luncheon Play and Awards

Where: First District Plaza - 3801 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Donation: $100.00

Awards will be given to one woman from each First Episcopal District Annual Conference who exemplifies the spirit of Sarah Bass Allen.

To purchase Tribute Luncheon for Sarah Bass Allen tickets, click:

http://2016generalconference.org/save-the-date/ 

Luncheon Tickets are available Online, Only!

For additional Information or Assistance, please contact:

First District Plaza

3801 Market Street

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Office: (215) 662-0506

8. UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY BLACK HISTORY FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST:

*The Rev. Ozetta Kirby

For the second year in a row Holy Trinity Community AME Church in -Mesa, Arizona has celebrated Black History Month with members of the Police Departments in Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Scottsdale, Arizona. The NAACP, AME pastors/ministers, and other denominational leaders were invited to fellowship with us for the purpose of bringing the community together to foster understanding between all of God’s children and specially the contributions made by black Americans, Which has left an indelible print on the history of America.  Many of the contributions of African Americans were shared during the program.

One of our members, Isabella Baumfree did a superb rendition of “Ain’t I a Woman?” a poem penned by Sojourner Truth and member shared the life story of architect Robert Robinson Taylor. Additionally 10 other famous Black Americans were highlighted in the program booklet.

The service opened with “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Other selections included, “Unity,” and “Every Praise is to Our God.”

The Police Chiefs from Chandler, Mesa,  Scottsdale, and the Commander from Gilbert shared some of the special programs that were going on in their respective communities The Arizona Deputy Director of Public Safety shared some of his insights at the state level.

In 2015 we have participated in the following activities to allow our members to understand how Law Enforcement works to protect our communities and the need for us to communicate our concerns to them. We program encouraged the community to be proactive, rather than reactive.

Some of the 2015 successful proactive activities include:

- The East Valley NAACP formed monthly/quarterly meetings with the Police Chiefs in Chandler, Gilbert and Mesa, Arizona and many of the citizens’ concerns were address.

-A “Use of Force” Training Seminar was explained to help the attendees to understand the options a law enforcement officer has when carrying out his or her duty when faced with volatile situations.

- Chiefs/Officers were invited to community monthly meetings/church events.

- Community leaders have met with the Chandler Youth Coalition to Help Prevent Drug Abuse.

-We have been invited to some of their special events.

- Law enforcement officers attended the East Valley NAACP Banquet.

 We believe the close relationship with civic and law enforcement leaders of Chandler and Gilbert, Arizona contributed to their named among the top ten safest cities in the USA.

Although there is always be room for improvement, our communities are blessed to begin the process for effective dialogue among our citizens.

*The Rev. Ozetta Kirby is the pastor of Holy Trinity Community AME Church in Mesa, Arizona and also serves as the 1^st Vice President of the East Valley (AZ) NAACP

9. NAACP ANNOUNCES 2016 CONVENTION THEME - “OUR LIVES MATTER, OUR VOTES COUNT”:

-- Recipient of 101st Spingarn Medal is Ohio Native

CINCINNATI – The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) today unveiled the theme for its 2016 National Convention to be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 16-20.  Thousands of NAACP members are expected to attend this year’s convention under the theme “Our Lives Matter, Our Votes Count.”  The NAACP’s 107th National Convention will feature workshops, discussions and speakers highlighting voter education, voter protection and voter mobilization.

“When the right of every citizen to vote is under threat in states across the nation, we must join together to respond and be heard,” said Roslyn M. Brock, chairman of the NAACP’s National Board of Directors.  “In towns and cities across this country, we are witnessing a new era of activism as a new generation rises to stand against police brutality and for the right to be heard in our democracy.  We must harness that desire to be heard and mobilize our members to protect the vote and to get out the vote.”

The convention theme was announced Tuesday in Cincinnati with city officials, and marks a return to the city by the NAACP in a presidential election year. The 2008 convention in Cincinnati drew thousands of visitors, as well as appearances by presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama.

“We are proud to once again have the opportunity to provide the backdrop for the NAACP’s National Convention, especially during such an important election year filled with impassioned political debates that strike at the core of civil rights issues in our country,” said Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley. “I look forward to being part of what promises to be a memorable convention and a thought-leading event for the country this year.”

In addition to appearances by presidential candidates and other top national leaders, delegates from the organization’s more than 2,000 branches and chapters will debate resolutions for national action and discuss ways the organization can continue to advocate for criminal justice and economic reforms, protecting the right to vote and other issues.

“The 2008 NAACP National Convention marked a critical turning point in our region’s history,” said Dan Lincoln, president and CEO, Cincinnati, USA.  “By working together, we were able to bring important conversations to the table and change our destination’s narrative. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to do that again this summer, especially during such a critical election year.”

The convention overlaps with the 2016 Republican National Convention scheduled July 18-21 in Cleveland.

The NAACP convention will also include celebrity appearances, community-based events and seminars with top activists, as well as the national competition of the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) program.

NAACP officials also announced Tuesday that Ohio native and retired Judge Nathaniel R. Jones will be the recipient of the 101st Annual Spingarn Medal, recognizing him for his commitment equality and civil rights.

Jones, a native of Youngstown, Ohio, served as general counsel for the NAACP from 1969 to 1979 and later worked with Nelson Mandela and the post-apartheid South African government as they drafted the nation’s new constitution in 1993.

“Judge Jones’ commitment to civil rights and social action embodies the spirit and mission of the NAACP,” said Leon W. Russell, vice chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors.  “His efforts to end school segregation defend affirmative action and his work as a federal judge deserves the NAACP’s highest honor.”

The Spingarn Medal is named for Joel Elias Spingarn, an early founder of the NAACP who served as the chairman, treasurer and president of the organization from 1913 until his death in 1939. The medal is awarded annually to a person of African descent for outstanding achievement. Past awardees have included Sidney Poitier, Colin Powell, Oprah Winfrey, Langston Hughes and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

More information on the NAACP’s 2016 National Convention can be found at www.naacpconvention.org.

###

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.

10. MIA WORTHAM SPELLS TAKES OFFICE:

As a child Judge Mia Wortham spells became infatuated with the legal process. She listened carefully when her father absorbed instruction on recorded tapes of legal courses he took by correspondence. The late Reverend William Hopson was a presiding Elder in the Pittsburgh District of the AME Church. He was blind, but was never handicapped in his faith or his knowledge of the Word and he instilled his passion for God and the AME Church in his daughter. She later commissioned those same values in her law practice and as a prosecutor. “Often because of life circumstances, people don't follow the Golden rule, ether because of drugs, alcohol, lack of family involvement, lack of love or self-love,” says they newly elected Dayton, Ohio Municipal Court Judge. Wortham Spells has had much practice advocating this biblical principle. She has 28 years of experience as a practicing attorney in Dayton and has set on the judicial bench as an acting judge before winning her six-year term on November 3, 2015.

The active community advocate first entertained becoming an administrator of justice 12 years ago. Her believe that a comprehensive drug program can be an instrument to reduce crime fuels her faith in servant-leadership. “I saw people who made huge mistakes and didn't have the ability to overcome those mistakes and will live the rest of their lives suffering as a result I have seen devastation to their families and to their communities,” she says. “I wanted to work in the legal field to do what I believe is necessary in terms of programs, probation, community service and anything else that can assist people to come through the legal system.”

Growing up as the daughter of an itinerant preacher, Dayton's newest judge calls Pennsylvania her home state. After high school she made her way to Ohio to attend Wilberforce University, her father’s alma mater. Graduating in 1977 she then pursued and received her law degree from the University of Dayton in 1986. Initially joining the Third Episcopal District’s Wayman Chapel AME Church, Mia became a member of Greater Allen AME Church. She found a strong advisor in the Reverend Dr. Floyd Alexander whom she knew as a friend of her father. Through his confirmation she became legal counsel for the churches Third Episcopal District and became a spiritual daughter of Bishop McKinley Young. Her support was further strengthened by another spiritual father, Presiding Elder, the Reverend Earl G. Harris, who pastored in Pittsburgh and also knew her father. All three, the Rev. Dr. Floyd Alexander, Bishop McKinley Young and the Presiding Elder Earl G. Harris  were in attendance when she took the oath of office on January 3, 2016 at the historic Old Courthouse in downtown Dayton.

Wortham Spells says she will combine her love for church and the law to create equal justice in her decision-making. “You take an oath to follow the law whether you agree or not, you have to follow the law; but even the law has its limits. Your conscience has to guide you. She acknowledges, for the most part, the Judeo-Christian ethics upon which laws are based are in step with the biblical precepts. So she will always be guided by her faith, her moral censor and her legal understanding, tenets that, at an early age she learned to develop as the building blocks of her life.

11. EVEN PREACHERS HAVE PARENTING CHALLENGES:

On this episode of a Pastor's Life...lol, most pastor's I know are parents, grandparents, employees, employers, some are even politicians...but parenting is most crucial, important and yet rewarding. Having benefit of God's spiritual insight and other gifts helps tremendously. My 15 year old son Braxton asked last week if he could be dropped off at the mall with his friend. If you know me, you know my children don't have a lot of freedom.

Something made me hesitate. I said let me pray about it. My 2 oldest daughters and older son were able to go places without me (at least visibly in their company) by age 15 certainly, but this time it didn't feel right. He was anxious to go and was pacing in front of my door. My answer? No. His face fell.

I quickly said, "Son, it's not that I don't trust you. You are very kind and mannerable. But, the reality is, you are a very large 15 year old, bigger than many grown men and, right now you are teetering on the line between maturity and childishness. You can be very gentle and focused, but when you are excitable, as you probably would be on your first independent outing, you can also be very animated, and loud, especially if something is funny. I told him the world simply can't handle the full gift from God that you are, and until you are experienced enough to discern potential situations when your childlike innocence may be confused with aggression, I would prefer that you wait until dad or I or an older sibling can escort you."

That he understood and was okay with my "No". To make it up to him, today I allowed him to meet up with his friends at the park near our home riding his mini motor bike. He's done this many times but never on Sunday. Sundays at the Sapp house are for fellowship and naps (Amen), no uninvited company and you don't become company for anybody. Well, he wasn't away from the house a whole 15 minutes before calling me to say the police had him detained!  I left, yes in a huff and puff with my mama bear fangs on the ready!

But as I walked my chunky butt across that baseball field, the Holy Ghost said, "Don't you show your butt out here....wait on me."

My son told me when I got to where they were and that the police said as he pulled up to his side in the marked car in front of all of his friends, "I got a lot of complaints about you, boy!"

I cleared that up quickly, "What complaints did you get about my son, officer?" "We'll ma’am, you wouldn't believe the amount of complaints we received about the kids and these mini bikes..." "So, there are no complaints specifically about this child.” "No." I made sure my son heard him say that.

I was happy to know that my son was respectful to the police while alone with him. That he would only say "my mom is on the way here". And I know that he did because I made him keep me on speaker.

He was able to "walk the bike back home." If I didn't have the presence of mind and guidance from the Spirit to have had that "talk" with him the week before, this could have turned out very differently today. 

I did not want him to fear anybody and, I wanted him to fully grasp that certain people will have a fear of him. But at the same time, I don't want him to muffle his playful animated self, so his independence will have to wait.

We walked back across the field together (at least until I collapsed into my car). As we parted ways I said, "I tried to tell you about being black in public!" We chuckled and as he turned to head home, he looked back at me and said, "Thanks mommy."....thank you Holy Ghost!

The Rev. Lee M. Sapp

Next Level Ministries

12. BETHEL AME CHURCH-BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA HOSTS THE 2^ND DAY OF ISSUE BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN STAMP CEREMONY:

*The Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Turner-Brown

Bethel AME Church-Baton Rouge, Louisiana was the site of the USPS sponsored 2^nd Day of Issue Stamp Dedication Ceremony for the Bishop Richard Allen Limited Edition Forever Stamp. Before the ceremony (and afterward), attendees were able to purchase commemorative plaques, 2^nd Day of Issue stamped envelops, lapel pins, and stamps.

Ten minutes before the ceremony began, the Mass Choir, directed by Freddie Williams and Larry Smith, rendered a Musical Tribute, which included “Glory” by John Legend, “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “Let the Church Say Amen.”

The Reverend Lloyd Washington, Presiding Elder of the Western New Orleans Baton Rouge District introduced the Master of Ceremonies Pamela Wilson, who serves as the Marketing Manager for the USPS Louisiana District. Rev. Washington lifted the fact that we are here from many different faiths and backgrounds to witness this great occasion.  The Central High School (Central, LA) JROTC Color Guard marched into the sanctuary to present the United States flag and the flag of Louisiana. As they stood at attention, Bethel youth Samaria Smith gave a very strong and moving a cappella rendition of the National Anthem. The Bethel Choir then led the audience in the singing all three verses of Lift Every Voice and Sing.

The spiritual tone of the occasion was set by the Reverend Gwendolyn E. Snearl, Presiding Elder of the Alexandria-Thibodaux District who gave the Invocation. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., host pastor extended a warm word of welcome to the audience. He stated that “one of the ways we celebrate the legacy of Richard Allen is by making a difference in our communities.”

Several city and state officials were in attendance. Introduced by Dr. Moses Simms, pastor of Turner Chapel AME Church (Greensburg, LA) were Baton Rouge City Council member Tara Wicker (District 10), and State Senators Patricia Smith (District 67) and Yvonne Dorsey (District 14).

Master of Ceremonies Pamela Wilson did her homework. She spoke of how Richard Allen delivered that “down home preaching” that rocked the very soul of his master Stokeley Sturgis which led to his conversion. He was convicted to the point where he loathed himself for owning slaves. He allowed Richard Allen to work both on and off the plantation to earn money to buy his freedom. Wilson stated that “the Word of God broke chains that hands could not.” She stated how the first Bethel in Philadelphia was a crucial stop on the Underground Railroad, and how the church was instrumental in economic boycotts organized by the Colored Free Produce Association.

       

The Bishop Richard Allen Stamp is the 39th stamp in the USPS Black Heritage Collection. The hope is that the 2.5 million members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will purchase and use the stamp. This sends the message that persons who use the stamps are persons of great faith. “When you know your history, you know your greatness!” Her presentation concluded with the introduction of Sarah Augustine, Postmaster of Baton Rouge.

In her statement, Postmaster of Baton Rouge Augustine stated that Richard Allen was an unsung hero, but he knew who he was. She and Bishop McAllister then performed the official unveiling of the Bishop Richard Allen Commemorative Stamp. As they removed the covering of the stamp portrait, the audience responded with a standing ovation, great cheers and great applause.

The Rev. Otto Duncan, the Louisiana Annual Conference Historian described Bishop Richard Allen as the “Apostle of Freedom.” Slavery was his reality but the sense of freedom was motivation to seek freedom in other ways! He shared that Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, located on 6^th and Lombard Streets in Philadelphia is the oldest piece of property in the United States continuously owned by blacks. The Rev. Duncan concluded with the Mahatma Gandhi quote, “A small body of determined spirits fired by an unquenchable faith in their mission can alter the course of history.”

Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 8^th Episcopal District and President of the AME Council of Bishops recalled how on February 2^nd the Council of Bishops and others joined 4000 or more AMEs at Mother Bethel for the 1^st Day Issue of the Bishop Richard Allen Commemorative Forever Stamp. “Today we come in celebration and observance of another historical occasion, but this time it’s in the 8^th Episcopal District.” This was met with thunderous applause. He thanked the USPS for recognizing and honoring our founder Bishop Richard Allen and the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “It’s been a long journey. Many worked extremely hard to make this happen.” His predecessor, retired former 8^th Episcopal District Bishop Carolyn Guidry is credited with sending out letters and petitions encouraging the USPS to issue the Bishop Richard Allen Stamp. “This moment is a testament to what hard work and perseverance will do. Richard Allen’s life and legacy of this determination of charity and faith remains an inspiration to all Americans.” He knows that “Richard Allen is looking down from the balcony of heaven, smiling, saying a job well done.”

Additional kudos were extended to the USPS, Dr. and Mrs. Herman and Linda Kelly and the members of Bethel, Presiding Elder Lloyd Washington, and others for having the heart, desire, and mind for putting together the 2^nd Day Issue Unveiling.

Bishop McAllister lifted that in 1987, the AME Church celebrated the bicentennial of walkout from St. George Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia by Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, and others. The theme for that celebration was, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church-A Liberating and Reconciling People.”   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     We recognize that we have a special burden to carry in light of the all that is happening in our communities…. “The church of Allen, as well as all churches must be the moral conscious of the communities in which the churches are located. Hatred, racism, and discrimination will not end with legislation alone, but there must be a change of heart.”

Bishop McAllister’s tone became somber when he began to speak of the real character of the heart and soul of the AME Church. Referring to the Charleston, South Carolina Emmanuel Nine, “the man said he did what he did to start a race war.” The family members of victims stood in the courtroom before the judge and said “We forgive him.” This is the character, the heart and soul of African Methodism.” One family member stated that “Our faith in God is stronger than anything that anyone can do to us.” Bishop asked the question “How can you forgive someone who shows no remorse? We’re AMEs, Christians. We’ve shown the world how we come together to work out things that need to be worked out. 229 years after the walkout and 200 years after the official organization, we still believe we’re a liberating and reconciling people. We believe that “God is our Father, Christ is our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit is our Comforter, and Humankind is our Family.” Bishop McAllister was given a standing ovation.

The celebration closed in prayer delivered by the Reverend Bland Washington, pastor of Allen Chapel-Baton Rouge and the singing of “The Church Is Moving On,” led by the Bethel Choir.

*The Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Turner-Brown is an associate minister at Bethel AME Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

13. ISRAEL’S RELIGIOUSLY DIVIDED SOCIETY:

Deep gulfs among Jews, as well as between Jews and Arabs, over political values and religion’s role in public life

Washington, D.C. / Tel Aviv (March 8, 2016) – Nearly 70 years after the establishment of the modern state of Israel, its Jewish population remains united behind the idea that Israel is a homeland for the Jewish people and a necessary refuge from rising anti-Semitism around the globe. But alongside these sources of unity, a major new Pew Research Center survey also finds deep divisions in Israeli society – not only between Israeli Jews and the country’s Arab minority, but also among the religious subgroups that make up Israeli Jewry.

Nearly all Israeli Jews identify with one of four categories: Haredi (commonly translated as “ultra-Orthodox”), Dati (“religious”), Masorti (“traditional”) or Hiloni (“secular”).

Although they live in the same small country and share many traditions, highly religious and secular Jews inhabit largely separate social worlds, with relatively few close friends outside their own groups and little intermarriage. In fact, the survey finds that secular Jews in Israel are more uncomfortable with the notion that a child of theirs might someday marry an ultra-Orthodox Jew than they are with the prospect of their child marrying a Christian.

Moreover, these divisions are reflected in starkly contrasting positions on many public policy questions covered in the survey, including marriage, divorce, religious conversion, military conscription, gender segregation and public transportation.

Most Jews across the religious spectrum agree in principle that Israel can be both a democracy and a Jewish state. But they are at odds about what should happen, in practice, if democratic decision-making collides with Jewish law (halakha). The vast majority of secular Jews (89%) say democratic principles should take precedence over religious law; just 1% of Hilonim would yield to halakha. By contrast, 89% of ultra-Orthodox Jews say religious law should take priority; just 3% of Haredim would defer to democratic principles.

Even more fundamentally, these groups disagree on what Jewish identity is mainly about: Most of the ultra-Orthodox say “being Jewish” is mainly a matter of religion, while secular Jews tend to say it is mainly a matter of ancestry and/or culture.

While most Israelis are Jewish, a growing share (currently about one-in-five adults) belongs to other religious groups. Most non-Jewish residents of Israel are ethnically Arab and identify, religiously, as Muslims, Christians or Druze. The Pew Research Center survey, unlike many previous surveys in Israel, interviewed sufficiently large numbers of respondents to be able to separately analyze the views of Muslims, Christians and Druze. 

The survey shows that many Muslims and Christians support the application of their own religious law to their communities. Fully 58% of Muslims favor enshrining sharia as official law for Muslims in Israel, and 55% of Christians favor making the Bible the law of the land for Christians. Overall, roughly eight-in-ten Israeli Arabs (79%) say there is a lot of discrimination in Israeli society against Muslims, who are by far the biggest of the religious minorities. On this issue, Jews take the opposite view; the vast majority (74%) says they do not see much discrimination against Muslims in Israel.

At the same time, Jewish public opinion is divided on whether Israel can serve as a homeland for Jews while also accommodating the country’s Arab minority. Nearly half of Israeli Jews say Arabs should be expelled or transferred from Israel, including roughly one-in-five Jewish adults who strongly agree with this position.

The divisions between Jews and Arabs also are reflected in their views on the peace process. In recent years, Arabs in Israel have become increasingly doubtful that a way can be found for Israel and an independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully. As recently as 2013, roughly three-quarters of Israeli Arabs (74%) said a peaceful two-state solution was possible. As of early 2015, 50% say such an outcome is possible.

Israeli Arabs are highly skeptical about the sincerity of the Israeli government’s seeking a peace agreement, while Israeli Jews are highly skeptical about the sincerity of Palestinian leaders. But there is plenty of distrust to go around: Fully 40% of Israeli Jews also say their own government is not making a sincere effort toward peace, and an equal share of Israeli Arabs say the same about Palestinian leaders.

These are some of the key findings of Pew Research Center’s comprehensive survey of religion in Israel, which was conducted through face-to-face interviews in Hebrew, Arabic and Russian among 5,601 Israeli adults (ages 18 and older) from October 2014 through May 2015. The survey uses the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics’ definition of the Israeli population, which includes Jews living in the West Bank as well as Arab residents of East Jerusalem.

The survey probes Israelis’ religious identification, beliefs and practices; views on democracy and religion’s role in public life; moral values and life goals; perceptions about discrimination; views on intermarriage; and attitudes toward politics and the peace process.

Using data from Pew Research Center’s 2013 study “A Portrait of Jewish Americans,” the report also makes comparisons between Jews in Israel and the United States. There are deep connections between the world’s two largest Jewish populations, but also some key differences. For instance, Israeli Jews overall are more religiously observant than U.S. Jews. Politically, American Jews are more optimistic about the possibility of a peaceful two-state solution and more negative about Jewish settlements in the West Bank than are Israeli Jews.

Together, the current study and the previously published survey of Jewish Americans provide an in-depth look at the religious beliefs, values and social and political views of an estimated 80% of the world’s Jewish population. These studies, funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Neubauer Family Foundation, are part of a larger effort by Pew Research Center to understand religious change and its impact on societies around the world.

The full report is for immediate release and available at:

http://www.pewforum.org/2016/03/08/israels-religiously-divided-society

For more information contact Anna Schiller at 202.419.4372 or aschiller@pewresearch.org.

14. WHY PASTORS SHOULDN’T WORK MORE THAN 40 HOURS A WEEK – AND WHY MOST DO:

-- “If you want to see me on my day off, you will have to die.”
A veteran pastor shared this line with me that he uses to protect his day off. He sets the boundary that the only work he is willing to make exceptions for, on his day off, is imminent death or funerals.
Managing work time and hours as a professional in ministry is a constant struggle. I don’t know many pastors who work less than a 45 hour a week, with many working 50 or 60 hours. Being “busy” and over-worked is the norm for most in ministry (as it is for many in our busy-ness focused society).
After 7 years of being in ordained ministry, I still have difficulty understanding just why so many pastors feel the need to work more than full time. While I have never heard anyone articulate it this way, I suspect many pastors have a sense that the first 40 hours are for the salary, and the rest are for Jesus. I am sure there are a few church folks who may agree, but I think this is a sentiment that originates with pastors themselves.
Many pastors are running around going to every church event, dropping everything for every hospital call or shut-in visit, answering every phone call, arriving before every church meeting and staying for the meeting after the meeting in the parking lot. It seems like many pastors and the churches they serve are completely content with the idea that the pastor is omni-present in body… while never being able to focus well – in mind and soul – on anything in particular.
I once attended a retirement party for a pastor leaving a long time call to institutional ministry. While it was a celebratory event, there was a certain awkwardness about the whole thing. The community he served thanked him for his tremendous service, while his family made jokes about their husband and father that was never home. And when he was home, he was bringing work with him. The community that this pastor served basically thanked this pastor’s family for sacrificing quality time with their husband and father… for Jesus?
I don’t think this is a healthy way to do ministry, nor do I think that Jesus calls pastors to be work-a-holics.
A few weeks ago, I came across an article by Eugene Peterson called, “The Un-busy Pastor.” It is an article that has resonated with me, even though it was written the year before I was born.
The idea of an “unbusy” pastor seems like a rarity: A pastor who takes the time to contemplatively read scripture so that she is drenched in the word. A pastor who prays often enough and in such a way that she exudes calmness and wisdom. A pastor who is isn’t so busy running around from function to function, that she has time to listen when real listening is needed.
I don’t know what the cultural value of being busy in 1981 was when Eugene Peterson wrote about the unbusy pastor, but certainly being busy in 2016 is sign of importance. Now pastors have no exclusive claim to being busy in today’s world, but like so many other professions and jobs out there, being busy seems to be the way pastors show we are doing our job and worth our keep.
I can’t help but think of the contrast between the omni-present, omni-doing pastor with the idea of the unbusy pastor who, according to Peterson, focuses on prayer, reading scripture, and unhurriedly listening.
Decades ago as the church in North America became heavily prescribed and institutionalized post-WWII, the role of pastor shifted from leader, expert and resident theologian of a community to the chief doer of ministry for a community. This means the culture now is one where instead of leading communities that do ministry, pastors do ministry on behalf of churches.
However, in the past 10 or years this has started shifting back. As churches contend with the big “change” happening around them (rapid technological advancement changing the way communities organize and interact coupled with decline of institutional Christianity), many are realizing that communities need to be a part of ministry again. It can’t all sit on the shoulders of the pastor. As that shift takes place and pastors start doing less so that they can provide leadership and expertise, pastors will have to better understand how to prioritize their time.
In Eugene Peterson’s article the Unbusy Pastor, he suggests that being a busy pastor (as many pastors are) is actually a sign of laziness:
“The other reason I become busy is that I am lazy. I indolently let other people decide what I will do instead of resolutely deciding myself. I let people who do not understand the work of the pastor write the agenda for my day’s work because I am too slipshod to write it myself. But these people don’t know what a pastor is supposed to do. The pastor is a shadow figure in their minds, a marginal person vaguely connected with matters of God and good will. Anything remotely religious or somehow well-intentioned can be properly assigned to the pastor.”
Taking control of our own schedules and prioritizing is essential as pastors shift from chief doers to expert leaders, but so is understanding how a pastor’s time is valuable to a faith community.
To that end, I think there are 3 competing ways in which a pastor’s time is valuable to congregations. Balancing these three will be essential for healthy ministry in the future.
1) Quantity
Society, at least legislatively speaking, thinks that about 40 hours of work a week is enough for most full time jobs. Yet, as pastors became the chief doers of ministry decades ago, added responsibilities meant more time. And as pastors worked to prove their value to their congregations, they worked more and more and more.
But when quantity of ministry is the highest value, it necessitates a decline of quality. You cannot write a good sermon if they are all Saturday night specials. You cannot plan for the future, if it takes all your energy to get through the day. You cannot attend to the needs of the community as a whole, if you are running from individual to individual like a nursemaid. You cannot take the time for prayer, reading scripture or to really listen, if your calendar is full of the appointments made by others.
2) Flexibility
Churches tend to hold their functions when most people are not working, which means pastors work when most people are off. Evening and weekends. Standard eight hour work days wouldn’t work for ministry. This means that usually a pastor’s day(s) off are a weekday, and that often pastors might find themselves without something scheduled on a weekday morning or afternoon. This flexibility works well for pastors and is a benefit to congregations, as churches wouldn’t be very good places for community if they operated on bank hours.
But when pastors start to work bank hours AND evenings and weekends, the boundaries around work-life balance disappear. Pastors set an expectation that they can be anywhere, anytime. Congregations then embrace that behaviour. Then when pastors do try to have boundaries, they have to say things like, “If you want to see me on my day off, you have to die.” Flexibility is important for ministry, but not a the cost of a balance of personal time and space. Nor at the cost of a healthy relationship between pastor and congregation, but that is for another blog post.
3) Expertise
Seminary training gives pastors tools and knowledge that simply cannot be found in other ways. The training and education shapes and forms a pastor into a person who should be a scholar of the bible, a competent provider of pastoral care, a theologian and liturgist, an administrator and leader of systems, and an educator and teacher among other things. Of course not all gifts and skills are equal among pastors, but there is a certain expertise that is brought to the table with a pastor. I know that I have studied the bible in ways that my parishioners have not. I know that I have been trained to care for emotional and spiritual needs in ways that most of my parishioners have not. I know that my understanding of theology and liturgy is resource that my congregation wouldn’t have access to without me.
But expertise takes time to keep up and maintain. It takes a sharp, well-rested mind to dig back to readings and lectures buried in the recesses of the brain. It takes time to keep up on current articles and books about ministry or theology or administration. It takes intentionality to leave the mind time to ponder and reflect on the bigger picture of ministry in the parish. The expertise a pastor provides is like a that of a doctor or lawyer or other professional. It should be seen as something that church people cannot receive elsewhere or on their own. Just like Dr. Google is not a substitute for a real doctor, nor is Pastor Google a substitute (says the pastor on his blog).
The balance between quantity, flexibility and expertise has long been weighted towards quantity. The sacrifice has been quality expertise. Too many pastors boast about not reading any books since seminary, nor having the time to do continuing education.
The church for the future needs less of a chief doer of ministry and more of an expert leader. Pastors need to re-balance. Lots of ministry can happen in 60 hours a week, but good ministry should only take 40. After that you are not likely helping your congregation in their ministry, nor providing the leadership and expertise that the church has been longing for, for some time now.
As congregations and the Church contend with a changing world, Christians need pastors who can help prioritize the mission of the gospel. A pastor cannot help people grow in relationship with Jesus if that pastor is too busy filling his or her days with un-prioritized busy work.
Ultimately, the proof will be in the pudding. Thriving, healthy, mission and Jesus minded congregations will be led and served by unbusy pastors.
Are you a pastor who works more than 40 hours a week? Why? How much do you think pastors should work and why? Share in the comments, or on the Facebook Page: The Millennial Pastor or on Twitter: @ParkerErik
Read more: http://millennialpastor.net/2016/03/03/why-pastors-shouldnt-work-more-than-40-hours-a-week-and-why-most-do/

15. THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT:

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

Based on Biblical Text: Matthew 28:6a: He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. KJV

Easter Sunday is not far away. We will celebrate the empty tomb signifying that Christ got up just like He said He would.

A question for us is: Do you believe in the Resurrection? Somebody may be thinking that is a silly question for a pastor to ask his congregation. Indulge me for just a few moments?

Truthfully, when you leave this earthly house of your tabernacle, when it is dissolved into ashes and dust, do you really believe that your soul will take up residence in the presence of God?

I contend that concept represents one of the foundational truths of our faith! Does it not? What purpose would there be to live a penitent life, serving a God we have not seen, if in the end we go nowhere? Our saintly journey here on earth is predicated on the belief that our Salvation, as witnessed by our obedience, will one day reunite us with God our Father. It is the reason we celebrate Jesus. We understand, by faith, without Jesus’ payment for our sins, we could never be enjoined to God.

The truth is the religious rulers in biblical times, secretly denied the resurrection altogether. They believed that the body and the soul perished at the same time. That is why they were only concerned, and seemingly obsessed, with the Mosaic Law. And they kept their disbelief in the resurrection to themselves. Only the highest-ranking religionists of that day shared this belief or should we say a lack of belief.

To be fair to the religious leaders then, and the scientists and philosophers of this present age for that matter we must admit that the concept of the resurrection is hard to comprehend. It is indeed a theological supposition that even the most noted scholars have debated throughout the ages. Ancient skeptics are no different from many modern-day skeptics. Their view of the resurrection life, which they rejected, was that it would be much like this present life. But Jesus says; the present age is very different from the age to come.

Jesus goes on to say, “Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.” 

The religious rulers in biblical times claimed that the teachings of Moses did not support the concept of a resurrection. But Jesus appeals directly to Moses. If the Lord is indeed the God of the patriarchs, the religious leaders should have known that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were still alive even though those words were spoken several hundred years after Jacob had died. So, Jesus says, "He is the God of the living, not of the dead, for to Him all are alive."

I have a feeling that heaven is going to be so much more exciting than anything we experience here. Here and now, our lives are in continuity with all those who have passed on before. I am talking about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Peter, James, John, Mary, Martha, Paul. God is the God of the living. To him all these are alive.

Please notice that Jesus speaks about "the men and women who are worthy to rise from death and live in the age to come" The Thessalonian Christians were concerned because believers had died and Jesus had not yet returned. So Paul wrote to them, "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thess. 4.16-17). Again we are reminded, "Those who died believing in Christ."

Paul is emphasizing that we who now believe in Christ are linked to believers who have died. We are alive, but, beyond the grave, they are alive too. They are, in fact, in the presence of God. He is the God of the living as well as the God of those who are alive in Christ!

We are challenged to hear the words of the patriarchs of the bible as they spring from the Holy Writ in confirmation to the instruction given by the Lord to the religious leaders. 

For example, we find Job confessing his belief in the resurrection when he said, “And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold” (Job 19:26-27). David said, “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me” (Psalm 49:15). Ezekiel prophesied to the dry bones in the desert (Ezekiel 37:7). The prophet Isaiah said, “[God] will swallow up death in victory” (Isaiah 25:8) Daniel said, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2). Each of these men of God confessed their belief in the resurrection.

John said in his revelation concerning the resurrection, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

We are not worthy to rise from death and live in the ages to come with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. But thanks be to God, it was the resurrection of Jesus Christ that proved the validity and infallibility of God’s holy promises confirming that through Christ, we shall inherit eternal life. 

It was Jesus’ resurrection that substantiated the fulfillment and the completion of God’s plan of salvation. It revealed the efficiency and the sufficiency of His blood to atone for sin. Jesus’ resurrection provided and implanted hope within our hearts in regards to death and the future. His resurrection was and is important simply because our resurrection is important! It is the hope of all the saints of God!

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

16. GETTING TO ZERO: THIS AND THAT IN THE WEEK OF PRAYER FOR HEALING OF HIV/AIDS:

*Dr. Oveta Fuller

Sabbatical or a sabbatical year is a time described in the Bible of rest for the land that was observed every seventh year for Judea. It is also used as a term for a leave given to college professors for rest, renewal and focused effort. I am grateful for a sabbatical time for writing and connecting in ways more difficult during regular time as a university professor. I am grateful to Editor Dr. Sydnor for his encouragement to honor the sabbatical even with the Getting to Zero column.

In this sabbatical time, there are important issues to bring to your attention.

Payne Theological Seminary required class

First, a salute to the Payne Theological Seminary (PTS) 2016 class of CM-243 “What Effective Clergy Should Know about HIV/AIDS: A Global Perspective.” This class was a bit unusual. All of its 16 members are from the AME Church compared to other classes that have several people from different denominations.

As with previous classes, they enter the intensive week with a range of ideas about HIV/AIDS and why such a fragile virus has caused a worldwide epidemic (pandemic). The discussions are robust, the learning curve is steep and the initial outcomes of the week are significant. The class members are open to discuss their thinking, to learn anew and then to act in their local communities. I am excited about what they, along with the over 120 previous PTS Masters of Divinity students in this required class can and are doing to eliminate HIV infection.

HIV/AIDS is still “our disease” that can be stopped

Second, in this Week of Prayer for the Healing of HIV/AIDS, we are reminded of the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS in the African American and African communities served by the AMEC. In the USA, African Americans are 13% of the population and still over 45% of people living with HIV/AIDS and new HIV infections.

Excitingly, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has predicted that over 185,000 new infections could be prevented in the USA through HIV testing (we support routine testing of persons age 16 years or older, as part of an annual physical) and widespread use of multi-drug therapies in forms of Treatment as Prevention (TAP). Obviously, HIV/AIDS affects the African Americans as the main demographic served by the AMEC.

Let’s collectively pray for healing of HIV/AIDS. Let’s also act as available vessels of God to “Act against AIDS.” We can use what is available to make healing, reduction of infection and illness and death from AIDS a reality.

Zika virus update- “worse than we thought”

Third, the spring and summer seasons in the northern hemisphere bring warmer temperatures to temperate, subtropical and tropical. Mosquitoes that can carry Zika virus will increase and Zika virus infections will increase. The director of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Dr. Anthony Fauci states in an article in The Washington Post, “As the weeks and months go by, we learn more and more about how much we don’t know, and the more we learn the worse things seem to get.” (1)

What does he mean? In the last weeks, studies in Brazil, one of the countries most affected have confirmed extensive neurological effects of Zika virus for birth defects in newborns, fetal anomalies with ‘grave outcomes’, miscarriages and a type of paralysis for some adults infected from virus deposited in mosquito bites.

Already, there is more widespread infection than previously realized. Further, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are directly in the zone where Zika virus is already prevalent. Conditions are ripe for mosquito breeding and widespread mosquito infection by Zika virus to transmit the virus to humans. Pregnant women at all stages are most at risk for impacts by birth defects in the unborn child.

Research and funding is needed to understand the biology of Zika virus replication in mosquitoes and humans. These results will determine how to attack virus replication using anti-viral drugs to be developed and determine how to stop transmission with a safe vaccine. Neither a vaccine nor effective approved anti-viral drug is likely to be available in the warmer seasons of 2016. Currently, such funds for Zika are not authorized and the ongoing research is pulling resources from other infectious disease priorities.

Dr. Tom Frieden, director of CDC states, “The U.S. territory (Puerto Rico) is on the front lines of the battle. At some point, Zika cases there will increase ‘not steadily, but dramatically.’”(1) More information about Zika virus is available at the link to The Washington Post article below.

What does this mean for you?  Be informed by staying tuned to multiple sources. Prepare to take steps to avoid mosquito bites (e.g. use of screens, clothing, insect repellent,). Be proactive to take steps to destroy or eliminate mosquito breeding sites (any standing water including in flower pots, gutters, etc.). Avoid travel to known endemic Zika virus sites.

Zika virus is the latest challenge added to those for which we pray for healing. “Dear Lord God, have mercy and guide us, each and all, to do what we can do and trust in you for all else. Amen.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/03/10/zika-outbreak-the-more-we-learn-the-worse-things-seem-to-get/

 *The Rev. Dr. Fuller is currently on Sabbatical leave from the University of Michigan and will submit her column as her schedule permits. 

17. iCHURCH SCHOOL LESSON BRIEF FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2016 - SIMPLE FAITH - ST. MARK 10:17-31:

*Brother Bill Dickens

Key Verse: Jesus looked at him with great love and replied; you lack one thing redistribute your wealth to the poor and you will have treasure in Heaven, Take up your cross and follow me and you will be complete. Mark 10:21

Introduction

March 13, 2016 is the Fifth Sunday of Lent. 

The conversation of “nonbelievers” is interesting. While rejecting faith in a particular deity their behavior demonstrates faith in other areas.

For example, when a nonbeliever begins his/her normal commute to work by driving his automobile the process of putting one's key in the ignition switch is a testament of “faith” that the car will start.

Or, when you sit down in your favorite chair you are exhibiting faith in mechanical design that the chair will support your body mass thus avoiding the likelihood that the chair will collapse.

The decision to have dinner at a local restaurant reflects faith in the chef that the meal will meet your culinary expectations.

The above simple acts are “acts of faith,” even though the person involved is unaware of the faith statement.

The Adult AME Church School lesson for March 13, 2016 is an investigation about the cost and consequences of simple faith. We are what we eat, what we read and who we believe. The young man in today’s lesson learned a lot about faith as we see below.

Bible Lesson - Two Important Questions

Our lesson provides a Jesus teaching moment about faith.

Jesus offers illuminating insight about faith by responding to two inter-related questions.  The first question was posed by an inquisitive young man seeking to know the path to eternal life.  The young man approaches Jesus with a perfunctory salutation by referring to him as "Good Master." 

Jesus politely rebukes the salutation by reminding listeners that only God is good.

Protocol established, Jesus responds to the young man's question concerning what he must do to obtain eternal life. (v 17-20).  Jesus offers an intriguing two-part response.  He cites the Decalogue as the source of eternal life.  The young man, perhaps thinking he hit "gold," responds by indicating his faithful observance of the Mosaic Law since his youth. 

Jesus' rejoinder is noteworthy.  Our Lord noticed that there was a deficiency in his faith-walk.  He raised the bar by telling the young man to go and divest of your net worth, redistribute your wealth portfolio to the poor and come join Him as a disciple.  Stunned and surprised at this stipulation for eternal life the young man recognizes his limits and walks away due to his refusal to meet the new expectation for eternal life.

The young man's decision to reject the invitation to discipleship provides Jesus another teaching moment about faith and responsibility. 

Jesus summarizes the young man's dilemma by drawing a comparison about a camel entering the port of entry to a city.  Jesus states emphatically that it is easier for a camel to go thru the eye of a entry post (or needle) than it is for a rich man to enter Heaven.  The young man's covetous attitude towards his wealth was a barrier of entry to eternal life. 

The disciples, upon hearing this great truth were stunned and amazed.  If the rich can't make it into Heaven they reasoned, who can be saved? This is the second great question in the dialogue on faith (v 26).  Jesus emphasizes that with God nothing is impossible.  All can be saved if they put their faith and trust in Jesus.  The disciples are reassured that the temporal sacrifices they have made today will be abundantly compensated in the future. 

Yes, there is risk in discipleship, but the heavenly reward is greater (v 27-31).

Bible Application

In scientific inquiry, the discovery of truth is typically found by using a set of procedures involving hypothesis construction, measurement and testing. 

The empirical data will either support or reject the prevailing hypothesis or conventional wisdom about what is fact or fiction.  While science and faith stress differences in the discovery of truth, there is a common denominator: both recognize the importance of belief.  The faith community recognizes the belief in the supernatural laws of nature while the scientific community limits their truth discovery to the natural laws.  Faith can be looked at as an acronym: Fearless Actions Inspired by Trust and Hope. 

The Nobel physicist "believes" in the laws of thermodynamics. The pastor of St. Paul AME Church "believes" in the laws of grace, love and mercy.  The young man in today's lesson believed in his personal wealth as a defining issue about his identity.  His refusal and reluctance to follow Jesus was a decision based on belief in the wrong things. 

If our actions are not guided and inspired by trust and hope we quickly become a faithless community. Just like faith without works is dead, faith without trust and hope is permanent separation from God.  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

18. MEDITATION BASED ON PHILIPPIANS 4:4-9:

*The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby

One simple reminder of how technology has changed life in this world is the simple act of making a phone call.  Fifty years ago, calls from home were made from a large, black telephone that was tethered to the wall by a cord and owned by the phone company, many calls away from home were made in “phone booths” that required the user to deposit the right amount of money into a “pay phone,” and if you needed to find a phone number, you looked it up in the phone book or called directory assistance.

Today, many people have given up their home phones and only own cell phones, “phone booths” and “pay phones” are all but nonexistent (making those of my generation wonder where Clark Kent now goes to change into his Superman outfit) and phone books - especially the residential “white” pages - are hard to find and have been replaced by cell phone applications like White Pages, Yellow Pages and Yelp.  Many of us today can no longer remember the phone numbers of friends and family because they’re stored in our smartphones under their names!

Making a phone call in this world is a vastly different endeavor than it was fifty years ago, but one method of communication is still, divine, reliable and consistent - the God who created us, knows us best and never fails to bless us is - as my ancestors in the faith used to say - “only a prayer away.”

Remember that in a world where human means of communication, in spite of technology, can be limited and unreliable and can often fall short.  Life throws things and situations at us that can’t be handled by our resources, limited wisdom or our technological wonders, but when we reach beyond life’s challenges and go to God in prayer, we can still find the answers, strength, encouragement and well-being that we need.

Take the time, especially in the midst of this Lenten season, to strengthen your prayer life and to stay in touch with the God of our salvation.  You’ll find new direction and new determination to fight life’s battles and face life’s difficult situations knowing why my ancestors in the faith said, in spite of the isolation of slavery and legal racial segregation, “When He calls me, I will answer; I’ll be somewhere listening for my name.”

*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

19. EPISCOPAL FAMILY PRAYER REQUEST:

Please be in prayer for Mother Beverly Thomas, former Episcopal Supervisor.  Mother Beverly Thomas has knee surgery scheduled for Tuesday, March 8, 2016.  She will undergo surgery on her knee at Providence Park Hospital, 47601 Grand River Avenue - Novi, Michigan, phone number (248) 465-4100.

Following a two-day hospital stay, Mother Beverly will go to a rehabilitation center.

Submitted by the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Senior Episcopal Supervisor, Fourth Episcopal District AME Church

20. CONNECTIONAL OFFICER AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-- The Rev. Dr. William W. Easley, Jr will have two of his sermons preached at the Duke University Chapel, Durham, NC placed into the Duke University archive

The Reverend Dr. William W. Easley, Jr., Presiding Elder of the Louisville-Paducah District, West Kentucky Conference, 13^th Episcopal District, received a letter of permission request for two of his sermons preached at the Duke University Chapel, Durham, NC to be placed into the Duke University archive.

The following is an excerpt from the letter received:

March 10, 2016

Dear Rev. Easley,

I am writing on behalf of a digitization project in the Duke University Libraries. The project, Duke Chapel Recordings, consists of digitized audio and video recordings of Chapel sermons from 1955 to the present. 168 recordings are currently online, and thanks to a generous grant from the Lilly Endowment Inc., we are able to add many more to the online collection over the next five years. This will serve as a unique and valuable resource to many students and scholars around the world.

As you are one of the preachers recorded, we write to you to request your permission to make the sermons listed below available online for non-commercial, educational purposes. In some cases, written versions of these sermons are also part of the University Archives and will be digitized along with the audio or video recordings.

William W. Easley, Jr. - "What Does It Mean To Be Saved?" Preached 6/27/1982.

William W. Easley, Jr. - "Practicing and Professing” – Preached 7/16/1978.

Kind regards,

Katie Murchison Ross

Duke Divinity School

Lilly Endowment for Preaching

The Reverend Dr. William, W. Easley, Jr., Presiding Elder, is married to Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator, The AME Church Clergy Family Information Center.

Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to:

Presiding Elder William W. Easley, Jr.: WEasleyJr@aol.com

-- The Rev. Larry Story and Loretta Story Celebrated Their 45th Wedding Anniversary

The Rev. Larry Story and Loretta Story celebrated their 45^th wedding anniversary on March 5, 2016.  The Rev Story is the current pastor of St Luke AMEC in New Orleans, Louisiana and has been traveling as a pastor in the 8^th Episcopal District for 29 years. 

The couple was married in the parsonage of his home church, New Bethel AMEC in Jacksonville, Florida 45 years ago. They met in high school. They credit their longevity to their love of the Lord and of each other, patience and forgiveness. They have one daughter and three grandsons.

Cell telephone: (504) 453-8066

Email: llandlstory@yahoo.com

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of retired educator and WMS Life Member, Mrs. Lois Patrick Clayborn, the daughter of the late Reverend Loyce and Edwina Patrick (13th Episcopal District); the wife of 45 plus years of Mr. John Clayborn, member of New Tyler African Methodist Episcopal Church – Memphis, Tennessee; the mother of the Reverend Dr. Patrick Clayborn (Sheri), pastor of St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Huntsville, Alabama (Ninth Episcopal District) and the grandmother of Patrick II and Joya Clayborn.  Mrs. Clayborn passed on Friday, March 4, 2016.

As an AME Church "PK" (pastor’s kid), Lois was an active youth in the churches her father pastored.  She joined New Tyler African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1961 under the pastorate of her father, and remained an active member until her death.  Lois was a proud, faithful member, serving as a Steward, Trustee, Sunday School teacher, musician, choir member, WMS member, and Women’s Day co-chairwoman.  She supported her pastors and always gave her all to God through the ministry of the church.

Serving God went beyond serving at New Tyler Church. She sang in the West Tennessee Conference Choir and the Thirteenth District Choir. She also assisted with editing publications from the office of Church Growth and Evangelism under the leadership of General Officer Rev. Dr. James Wade.

Lois was a classically trained musician who played the piano, keyboard, and organ, and sang beautifully.  Her musical gifting opened many doors for her. Her alto voice was heard in the Memphis Opera Company Chorus, Memphis Symphony Chorus, Shelby County Schools Chorus and other chorales. She sang in Porgy and Bess and many other musicals at Memphis State University. Lois and John sang with the Greater Memphis Chorale traveling to Europe on five different occasions- including trips to Germany, Austria, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Paris sharing their gift with the world.

Service Arrangements for Mrs. Lois Patrick Clayborn:

Wake:

Friday, March 11, 2016, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Serenity Funeral Home

1638 Sycamore View Road

Memphis TN 38134

Telephone: (901) 379-0861

Fax: (901) 379-0862

Online Guest Book: http://www.serenityfuneralandcremationmemphis.com/obituaries/obituary-listings?obId=812574#/celebrationWall

Celebration of Life:

Saturday, March 12, 1:00 pm

New Tyler AME Church

3300 Summer Avenue

Memphis, Tennessee 38122

Telephone: (901) 323-9371

The Rev. Darrell K. Scott, pastor

The Rt. Reverend James L. Davis, Presiding Bishop, 9^th Episcopal District, Eulogist

Condolences and messages of sympathy may be sent to:

Mr. John Clayborn (Husband)

164 Horn Lake Road

Memphis, Tennessee 38109

Email: Johnloisclayborn@aol.com

And to:

The Rev. Dr. Patrick Clayborn (Son)

St. John AME Church

229 Church St. NW

Huntsville, AL 3580

Email: patclayborn@gmail.com

Telephone: (256) 534-3265

Fax: (256) 534-6828

22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of the Rev. Walter E. Daniels, Pastor of St. Mark AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia and former Presiding Elder of the South Atlanta District, Atlanta North Georgia Conference. The Reverend Daniels passed away on March 4, 2016.

Services for Reverend Walter E. Daniels:

Friday, March 11, 2016

Viewing: 10:00 a.m. -12 Noon

Celebration of Life: Noon

St. Mark AME Church

3605 Campbellton Road, SW

Atlanta, GA 30331

Office Telephone: (404) 349-6800

Fax: (404) 344-7052

 

Thursday, March 10, 2016, 2:00 -9:00 p.m.

Viewing:

Murray Brothers Funeral Home

1199 Utoy Springs Road

Atlanta, GA 30331-2113

Telephone: (404) 349-3000

 

Online Guest Books: http://www.mbfh.com/sitemaker/sites/MURRAY1/obit.cgi?page=services&user_id=1756673

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/atlanta/obituary.aspx?pid=177954440

 

Or Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. Shirley Daniels & Family in care of Murray Brothers Funeral Home, address listed above.

23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Martha Links, daughter of the late Rev and Mrs. J.J Links; sister in law of Superannuate, the Rev. Richard Mothibi and Mrs. Elna Mothibi, and aunt to the Rev. Keith Links of Zion AME Church Worcester.

This Octogenarian Stalwart, 24 June 1935 - 6 March 2016, paid her dues in the vineyard God planted her in, here in our Zion, whose dedication, commitment and desires were much to be emulated.  "Rest from your labour."

Expressions of sympathy may be emailed via cjvpza@yahoo.com

24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Calvin McCoppin, the brother of the Reverend Sandra M. Smith, pastor of Little Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Greenwood, South Carolina of the Seventh Episcopal District.

Please note the following:

Celebration of Life:

Monday, March 14, 2016

2:00 p.m.

Rocky River AME Church

245 Rocky River Church Road

Iva, SC 29655

The Rev. Willie E. Rice, pastor

Condolences may be sent to:

The Reverend Sandra M. Smith

33 McCoppin Drive

Abbeville, SC 29620

Cell: (864) 940-8166

Email: geminigirldrea@aol.com

25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Soliciting your prayers for Mrs. Lillian Joubert, wife of the late Rev Henry A. Joubert, whose brother-in-law John Jacobs (1945 -9.3.2016) succumbed after suffering an ischemic attack more than 9 years ago.

We pray for the family wife Cynthia Jacobs, three sons and daughter and grandchildren. “Yes, there is a balm in Gilead that heals the broken and wounded heart.”

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Lillian Joubert: chj@taurenz.co.za

Mrs. Beryl Pillay: bgpillay@hotmail.com

26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Passing of former AME Church Pension Department Personnel

Regrettably, we share the news of the passing of Sister Sandra K. Wood on March 5, 2016.  Sister Wood served the AME Church for over 30 years working in the AME Church Pension Department. She was a loyal and faithful member of Kairos Community AME Church, Nashville.

Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Friday, March 11, 2016 – 2-6:00 PM

Viewing:

Lewis and Wright Funeral Home

2500 Clarksville Pike

Nashville, TN  37208

Telephone; (615) 255-2371

Fax: (615) 255-4926

Email: www.lewisandwright.com

Saturday, March 12, 2016

Celebration of Life Service:

Kairos Community AME Church

413 Veritas Street, Nashville

Visitation: Noon

Service: 1:00 p.m.

You may submit your expressions of sympathy and condolences to Lewis and Wright Funeral Home, address listed above.

27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We are saddened by the passing of Brother John Harvey, Jr., son of the Rev. H. Lorraine Harvey, who transitioned on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Please keep the Rev. Lorraine Harvey in your prayers.

The arrangements are as follows:

Public Viewing

Tuesday, March 15, 2015

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wylie Funeral Home

9200 Liberty Road

Randallstown, MD  21133

Celebration of Life

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Chapel of Wylie Funeral Home

9200 Liberty Road

Family Hour:  12:00 p.m.

Funeral Service:  12:30 p.m.

Cards can be sent to: 

The Rev. Lorraine Harvey

5506 Wilvan Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21207

28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

29. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

Ora L. Easley, Administrator

AMEC Clergy Family Information Center

Email: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net      

Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/   

Telephone: (615) 837-9736 (H)

Telephone: (615) 833-6936 (O)

Cell: (615) 403-7751

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC    

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

30. 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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