Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITOR’S COMMENTS:
- The Christmas holiday season is one of great joy and happiness, but it also is a time of stress. Suicides peak during this season. Pastors and counselors should be sensitive to the stresses of the holiday season.
- This issue has several lengthy responses to editorial and other issues. Two of them take different views and do not agree with the editorial positions. The Editor believes that it is important for readers to hear all sides of issues, so we are publishing these items as written with little editorial changes.
- Advent is the beginning of the Christian Church year and begins on Sunday, December 2, 2007. For those following the Lectionary, The African Methodist Church follows the Revised Common Lectionary and will be following “Lectionary A” beginning on December 2, 2007. The Year “A” Readings appended below is taken from the online Revised Common Lectionary, a project of the Vanderbilt Divinity Library, a division of the Jean and Alexander Heard Library. Click on the links below to find the Lectionary “A” scriptures for the appropriate season.
Year “A” Readings may be viewed online:
[http://divinity.library.vanderbilt.edu/lectionary/AAdvent/index.htm]
2. THE LITURGICAL YEAR. THIS YEAR IS YEAR “A”:
a. ADVENT is celebrated the four Sundays before Christmas Day. Color: Purple (or Blue).
b. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON BEGINS ON CHRISTMAS DAY. There are twelve days of the Christmas Season, which begins on Christmas Eve and goes to Epiphany (January 6). Color: White
c. EPIPHANY Begins on January 6
The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6). Color: White. The second through the eighth Sundays after the Epiphany (Sundays always referred to as the Sundays AFTER the Epiphany - Color: Green. The last Sunday of the Epiphany (The Transfiguration of Our Lord) Color: White
d. THE LENTEN SEASON BEGINS ON ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday and the 5 Sundays OF Lent (Referred to as the Sundays OF Lent) - Color: Purple; Palm Sunday (Sunday of the Passion) and all of Holy Week (Monday - Maundy Thursday) - Red. Good Friday - Black (or wear no stole or coverings in the chancel area)
e. THE EASTER SEASON BEGINS ON EASTER SUNDAY
Beginning with Easter Eve and all of the Sundays of Easter - White (Gold may be used on Easter Day and Easter evening
f. PENTECOST SEASON BEGINS FIFTY DAYS AFTER EASTER DAY
The Day of Pentecost - Color: Red; The Sundays after the Pentecost (excluding the first Sunday AFTER the Pentecost - see # 7 below) Color: Red (or Green). Note: Methodist Churches historically have used red throughout the Pentecost season. Some are now using green throughout the Pentecost Season, which we used to refer to as Whitsuntide.
3. SOMETHING TO PONDER:
Rick Warren said that, if you want to build an equipping church, you have to tear down the idol of excellence. Why? Because most people are not excellent; most people are not extraordinary. Most people are ordinary. If your highest value is excellence, then you aren't going to entrust ministry to ordinary people.
Steve Sjogren argues that good enough is good enough. We don't have to wait until we can be excellent before we can do good stuff. Only a few—by definition—can be extraordinary. God calls us to do the best we can with what he has given us. (2007 ZONDERVAN)
4. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
Re: “Who is to Blame?”
There seems to be an oversimplification in answering the question, “Who is to blame?”
Therefore, first I submit that the standard, for the determination of the status of a Church, must be the Word of God, and not The Discipline.
One can be expert in the Law, but lacking in the spiritual matters of God, as we review the events of Nicodemus.
And the focus must not be a horizontal one, how man views man, but a vertical one, how God views man. Blame must be a matter of discernment according to the revelation by the Spirit of God, and not by the mind of man. (Remember Samuel in the selection of a king to succeed Saul; his assessment was greatly flawed.)
Then, once a “weakness” in the body is revealed, it is for the purpose of correction, that the whole body understands it must submit to the will of the Lord.
Rather than “blame,” I would use the word, “accountable”; “Who is accountable?” Then, to help us answer this question, let us look at the gifts Jesus gave when He ascended on high. “He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some pastors, and teachers, and evangelists, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the Body of Christ.”
These gifts are “given”; “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God.” (Heb. 5:4)
The gifting is the power imparted specifically for the work of the Church. And, some have called the imparting, to these five groups, the “administrative gifts”. Therefore, if these groups of people are not operating according to their gifts, as God has purposed, then the work of ministry for the building of the Body is lacking, and I submit that these groups are held more accountable than the individuals they are commissioned to equip.
Also, remember the Church was birthed by the power of the Spirit, and the early church advanced by the power of the Spirit. The Disciples were doing what Jesus had done, and had said they would do, when power had come upon them. They were instruments of salvation, healing, and deliverance.
Therefore, when one evaluates a local church, one must evaluate its relevancy to the first Church. Perhaps our contemporary churches have forgotten the mission of the first church. We must ask ourselves if this departure has resulted from favoring the Discipline over Doctrine, (there is no saving power in the Discipline), favoring Polity over power, favoring human fact over faith, and favoring discussions over prayer.
This quote may help to explain why our churches are not functioning, according to the will of the Lord, “We have gone from the Upper Room agonizing, to the lower room organizing”.
A church must operate under the authority of God, as Jesus Christ is the head of the Church. The pastor of a church, not the stewards, is to receive the revelation of God for the ministry of his or her church. Then, the pastor must be submissive to the will of God, and not to the will of the people. Peter and John said it best, “Is it better to obey man rather than God; you judge for yourselves”.
The pastor of a church must be the one God has selected and will anoint for that specific church, therefore when a bishop says he or she is using “Godly judgment” in assigning pastors, it must be true, and not words that are spoken out of habit. The pastors and the ministers must be “called of God” to be used as spokesmen and spokeswomen of God, as instruments of his will and power. The pastors must use discernment in appointing leaders in the church; if these people are appointed according to the will of God, then God will equip them for every good work.
I strongly submit, according to the history of leaders appointed throughout the Word of God that it is the spiritual leaders who are accountable when there is a failing in the church. And, God will judge according to what is foundational. Denominations, then, are defined by what is accretionary, therefore the AME Church has no special standing in the sight of God; He is looking not at denominations, but at a people who will be obedient to him.
And, let us remember that, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account”. (Heb. 4:13)
Therefore, let us use the strongest weapon we have for the spiritual advancement of a church; and that is prayer. When a church is in a covenant relationship with the Lord, is obedient in all that He has commanded, and prays in the will of the Lord, and waits upon the answer to the prayers, God cannot help but do what He has promised, and that is to impart power to the church and to bless his people in ways that the church should not be lacking anything.
Rev. Mary V. Turner
Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church
Forest Park, Ohio 45240
- To the Editor
RE: Degree Mills
I read your article on diploma mills. I agree that some people who receive them should not have them.
However I believe they are good for people who have a plethora of education, skills, and experience that would not fit under one degree plan. And they have the need to feel and see that they have accomplished something through their many years of work, training, knowledge, and experience, and there is no degree plan that would cover even a part of what they have accomplished. In some cases all the knowledge, skill, and experience they have is important for church administration, growth, management and operation.
I know that any school or program you attend or register to attend has its own requirements that you must complete in order to get a degree or certification. Just because a school does not get an accreditation from the association that some prefer, does not mean it is not accredited.
How many AME Colleges and Universities do we have that can not keep an accreditation from one period to the next? I graduated from an AME College and half the time I do not know when my school is accredited or when it is not. The school is currently up for accreditation review and the Board of Trustees has some doubts about some things at the school. Some degree programs have even been cancelled to help the school pass the review.
I know that most people who have Honorary Doctoral Degrees in Human Letters; who have them because they purchased them. They paid for something, donated large amounts of money, and maybe rendered some service to a school, they were a Bishop or the wife of a Bishop and they received an HDDHL degree, from a school that does not even have a Masters or a Doctors Degree Program. That equals bought not earned. Yet, they were the main people who were demeaning other people with degrees and now they strut them like they earned a doctorate.
Some people who have Diploma Mill Degrees as they are called have training, experience, skill, and education that they would never receive in a classroom, if they sit there and took classes until they were 72 years of age.
Most ministers come out of seminary with no business management knowledge, and no people meet and greet skills. They do not know how to prepare a business plan, how to prepare and execute a church program, or how to prepare a church operation budget. They do not have a clue about keeping books and records for the purpose of an IRS Audit, for themselves or for their churches. They do not know how to properly pay their income taxes or who at the church they should pay income taxes for, or what is taxable income and what is not. They do not know how much they can deduct for a housing allowance, or how to handle the reporting of Love Offerings, or how they can deduct the money they receive for what purposes.
They contract to build churches and education buildings and because they are clueless to the business and construction world, the buildings are falling down and caving in less than 10 years after construction because the contractors took them to the cleaners. The contractor knew how to get around city code inspections, and the preachers and trustees are left standing there scratching their heads and pondering what to do next, because they may have been there everyday of the construction and still did not know what to look for that was being done wrong. Some churches did not have a project manager that knew something about construction to be there and make sure every thing was done correctly and according to code. Also to make sure that what the church paid for was actually used at the church.
Yes, I am one of the people with a Degree from Suffield College and University, but I have work experience, management training, skills, and experience, construction negotiation skills and experience, meet and greet skills, a BS Degree in Accounting, business and bank account investigative skills, Federal Tax Audit training, certification, and skills, Federal Security certification, training, and skills, Federal Internal Audit training, certification, and skills, and Federal Problem Resolution certification, skills, experience, knowledge, and training.
I am an only child my father and former husband taught me how to repair a car, do electrical installations and repairs, do plumbing installation and repairs, do building construction and roof inspection and repairs, measure and verify carpet installation, check for faulty building foundations, and verify that the repairs are done correctly, and etc. In 1998 I was assigned to a church with a broken foundation and the choir stand was pulling apart from the pulpit and the rest of the church. With seven ladies over the age of 65 and help from members of my home church and some other churches we raised the some funds and secured a grant to repair the foundation and remodel the interior of the church. I had a retired man from another local AME Church to serve as our Project Manager. He did not know beans about what the contractor was doing, but because he was there everyday and he walked around and asked intelligent questions, and looked in the holes they drilled for the piers and watched everything they did, they thought he really knew what was going on. Therefore, whenever I arrived on the scene he had them on track. They explained to me in detail everything that they did and were going to do and they did an excellent job and the church looks great inside and out.
In 2005 I was assigned to another church with the same type of foundation problems plus some other problems, but these members have not rallied around the project the way they need to in order to get the job done. So even though we have a grant on hold with a foundation, they show no interest in raising the amount they need to get the grant. And the Holy Spirit has told me until they get on fire to get the job done; He is going to keep things on hold. I am not giving up. It is my goal to fix and remodel the church before I am moved to another church, which I will probably need to fix or build. However I do realize that my time with them maybe for me to get them ready and for someone else to actually get the building fixed. Whatever, the case I will do as God directs.
I have spend 40 years working for companies such as Southwestern Bell, Standard Oil of Indiana, Amoco Oil, Amoco Chemicals, Amoco Exploration, University Of Texas Medical Branch, Quality Motors GM, and American Motors in business clerical, management, operations, sales, Geophysical File room Technician and Supervisor,(where I needed to have the skill to read an oil and gas geophysical survey to file it correctly), Engineering Clerk and Lithograph Machine Operator (where I needed to be able to read chemical and oil plant unit blueprints) to file them and to copy them correctly for the plant engineers. My first 3 years of employment starting at age 16 I was a maid for the LaMarque ISD after school and a receptionist for a NASA contractor during the summers. The last 20 years before I retired from secular employment were spent with the Federal Government. As an IRS Federal Auditor of individuals, businesses, and charitable organizations income tax returns, as an Internal Auditor of the IRS to verify that the IRS departments were following their own procedures, operation manuals, and carried out Security Checks relating to confidential individual and tax office documents and other items that were to be kept secure at all times. As an IRS Technical Information Specialist I managed a $150,000 budget to make sure that all Tax Law Changes and Updates were readily available in the 5 Houston IRS Libraries, as an IRS Security Checks Investigator, and as an IRS Tax Audit Quality Improvement Team Member.
With every position I received training, certification, and training. I received "On the Job Training" before being sent out alone to do the job, and I received Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every year for every company and position for which I was employed. I have worked as a Home Health Aide (Health Provider), sold Cars, Trucks, Carpet, Furniture, House wares, and Upscale Clothing for Wards, J. C. Penney, and Foley's (Now known as Macy's). Managed a $200,000 Supply Budget to purchase office supplies for the computer programmers at the IBM NASA Office as well as supervised the Mailroom and worked and supervised the Switchboard Room for the same IBM Office.
My mother was a pastor so I started attending Church Administration Classes and Sermon Preparation Classes and other Ministerial Classes at Paul Quinn College and AME Ministers Alliance Workshops when I was a baby and continued until I was a teenager. I was learning about the A.M.E. Church, Preaching, and Pastor along with learning my ABCs, how to count, and how to read. Those were my learning and personality forming years and I absorbed knowledge like a sponge. I started as a church musician at the age of 12 and played for the churches my mother pastored and numerous other churches in the 10th District. I still play for some praise and worship services at Conference and Presiding Elder District Meetings, as well as organize and direct choirs including the choirs at the churches that I now pastor. If God had not given me the talent and training to play piano and organ at the churches where I am sent to pastor there would be no music. I served as the Secretary and Office Administrator for Bishop Henry W. Murph in the Paul Quinn College Campus Office, in Waco, TX. While attending PQC and working for the bishop I also had an evening job at Sears in the Mall, and worked as the assistant women's dorm director. I was 33 years of age when returned to Paul Quinn to complete my BS degree after having attended North Texas State University, College of the Mainland, and other business and computer classes, plus on the job training and certifications.
At age 17, I was Conference President of the YPD and Delegate to the Pittsburg, PA WMS/YPD Quadrennial around 1967. In 1972 I was an elected delegate to the General Conference in Dallas, TX.
I have served as an officer in the AME Church on Episcopal, Conference, Presiding Elder District and Local Lay Organization levels since my early 20s. I served as the President of my church Local Lay Organization. I held several offices in the WMS and YPD on the Episcopal, Conference, Area, and Local Church levels. I served as YPD Director for the Conference, Area, and Local levels. I served as the Local Church Clerk for several years. Taught Bible Study and AME Church Law from The AME Church Discipline, to the youth, lay, and new members’ classes. AS a result of my involvement and the move of God to this date 13 of the youth that I taught as YPD members are ministers and pastors. They all started their ministries in the AME Church but later some left the AME Church to continue their ministries in other Denomination and Non-Denomination Churches.
My ministry activities were done in the Texas Conference, Central Texas Conference, North Texas Conference, and in the Denver, CO conference.
How many people do you know come out of seminary with a M.Div. or D.Min, with the knowledge, training, skills, both secular and ministry that I mentioned in this communication. Most of the ministers come out of seminary and destroy several churches before they learn how to talk and relate to people and give clear common sense instructions that the people can understand and would even want to follow. Most of Seminary Grads are so high above the congregations and are such cabbage heads until you can not tell them any thing. They get moved from place to place having served only 1 -2 years at a church, and finally have to be demoted to Po-dunk, TX before they wake up and realize something they are doing is not working, and some never get the hint. The bad part is they are clueless as to why they are not successful since they are doing things as they were taught in seminary.
I was ordained an Itinerate Elder on October 25, 1998 when the requirement here in Texas was a 4 year college degree, which I received from Paul Quinn College in 1985 when it was in Waco, TX. However, I already had 35 years of experience of dealing with, managing, and pastoring AME Church Folks. And you can not get that with an M. Div. or a D. Min.
I attended Houston Graduate School of Theology and have 25 hours towards a 45 hour Master Art in Theology. But because my Life, Work, Management, Training and Experience along with my Bible Training, was so varied I chose to get a degrees from Suffield, because I felt I had accomplished a lot and had nothing visible to show for it. There is no degree plan that would encompass all the knowledge, training, certifications, and skills I have. So for my own benefit and satisfaction I got the Masters of Arts and PhD from Suffield.
I do not need the degrees to get a job, because at this point in my life I am over qualified for most entry level jobs and companies are not looking to start out paying high salaries, or hiring people at my age with my knowledge and experience. I do not need the degrees to get ordained because I was already ordained an Itinerant Elder when I got the degrees in 2003 and 2005.
There are very few AME Churches in the 10th District that can support a pastor financially who has taken out thousands of dollars in school loans to get the M. Div. to get an Itinerant Elders Ordination. In most cases the women are the ones in TX going to school to get the degrees and most of our churches are a through back to the pass and they do not want a female pastor. So they treat them worst and pay them less. I am at the largest church I have pastored out of 7 appointments (some were circuits) and it has 39 members including children on the roll and I see 22 people including children on a really good Sunday.
None of the members in my church has graduated from college and I only have one young adult attending part time now. Most women ministers and some of the men ministers are given churches with 2 -10 members, most of their members which attended did not attend nor graduate from college, and graduated from high school is another issue, since some had to drop out of high school to help support their families. Most male preachers do not have the money or the time to attend college to get a M.Div. because they have families to support and they see what kinds of churches are available to them even with the degree, and they decide it is not worth it. For me to attend a bunch of classes that I would not be using with the types of churches most women in Texas are assigned to pastor was a waste time and money. The members do not support pastors going to college because they do not care; some people do not even have the support of their families or male spouses in their ministry much less to go get an M.Div.
For me the money and time I was spending for classes that I will probably never use in my ministry, was money and time that my churches needed to survive, pay huge budgets, and be repaired.
How many preachers and pastors do you know that would have the knowledge, training, skill, ability, and experience that I have as the result of receiving a degree from a seminary.
I have attended seminary. I still go to school and take classes I know will help me pastor my churches, minister to, and help my members. I was at a Church Tax Law CPE last week. Because my years with the IRS says that some of the things these Bishops have people teaching in their meetings are things that would not have been approved at my desk when I worked as a tax auditor or agent, and if it got by me it would not get past a managerial review. These preachers would be in big trouble in an audit. For ministers pastoring small churches most of the things we need are not in an M. Div or D Min degree plan that was devised and being taught by someone who has never in some cases pastored a church, much less a small black membership church.
God allowed everything to be created, because there is a need for them in the order of His earthly kingdom and for his people. Everyone has an opinion, likes and dislikes. Every organization establishes rules to fit what they want in their church or organization. But that does not make everyone else wrong, because they do not follow those opinions, or have other desires. Forcing people to get a degree that most of them will never use and put them in debt the rest of their natural lives trying to pay for it, is harsh, cruel, and unfair. If the AME Church in Texas had a large number of churches that needed M.Div. pastors, I would be out there trying to complete mine. But the churches and the members are just not here. So every year we have people who complete the Board of Examiners but maybe only 1 -2 women in the class qualify for the Itinerant Elder Ordination due to the M. Div. requirement. People, male and female who were to be ordained with me in 1998 who only needed a 4 Year College Degree are still not ordained Elders because they do not even have the 4year degree, and the are being Grandfathered in for that. Now we have a bunch of people completing the BOE without an M. Div. and no desire to get one.
I have two Suffield Degrees, I did not need them to get a job nor did I need them to get ordained, I have retired from secular employment, I am disabled, and I have been an Itinerant Elder since 1998. But guess what, the degrees sure look good on my wall, and it boost my ego. The years I worked long and hard in the secular world says I earned them. What school can you attend for free? I do not know of any. Even when you complete ITC and other seminary degree plans and classes, if you have not paid all the fees that you owe you do not get a degree, you do not march! You have no paper to hang on the wall saying you completed their requirements, until you pay every penny that you owe.
Honorary Doctor Of Human Letters Degree says you gave the school money, purchased equipment, gave them a financial grant, rendered some other service or the person is a Bishop or the wife of a Bishop in a District that has a college that they supported and the school rewarded them with a HDHL Degree, they still have that paper to hang on their walls and they still have the right to wear and use the title of Doctor.
I love education, I believe in education, however, I do not believe in spending money to get a degree that I do not want, will not use, and will only satisfy the persons who made the rules. Everyone who gets a degree needs to get it in something that will help them, their families, and the A.M.E. Church to GROW and MOVE FOWARD and stop loosing members that are not going to be forced to get a degree they feel like they will never have the opportunity to use in Texas. Fact 98% of them will not leave Texas to go any place to pastor a church.
I Love the AME Church But This Is How I Feel.
Pastor Maggie J. Crawford, Ph.D
Life and Work Experience and Divinity
Stearne Chapel A.M.E. Church
P. O. Box 1415
Bryan, TX 77806-1415
- To the Editor:
RE: Christian Recorder dated Dec. 4, 2006.
Thanks for sending the Advent services information. You are always on top of things.
Also, I wanted you to know that on yesterday while waiting for my wife and children to get off of work and out of school I took the opportunity to read again the Christian Recorder dated Dec. 4, 2006.
I want you to know that this time I really took time to read, because I had plenty of down time, the entire paper, and we should do so, your editorial article regarding your time spent in Anchorage, Alaska and an experience you had while "sitting around lamenting about some problems..." with several pastor's from the area.
In this article you mentioned how they were complaining regarding their local church officers lack of faithfulness to their responsibilities, lack of attendance and participation by members, the lack of participation by members, and a failure to appreciate the ministry being provided by the pastors. Also mentioned was poor attendance at Bible Studies and Prayer Meetings, poor stewardship, etc.
It was interesting to me that all of this was being discussed in your group some 30 plus years ago, and sadly when I talk to some of my contemporary's today, the church in 2007 its pastor's and preacher's in many instances are still experiencing and verbalizing about the very same difficulties in ministry right now. These pastoral conditions and complaints begs of the Church of God and of Richard and Sarah Allen to ask what does the local congregation really want and need and is that congregation authentically willing and ready to make the changes necessary to move the church to the next level?
In recent editorial articles you listed some of the "sins" of the congregation, pastor, etc. and I have found myself looking forward to each one as they speak to some of if not all of the ills that affect us from pulpit to pew. The church is standing on the edge of greatness. It is ready to explode. First of all, we have required of our potential preacher's and pastor's that they be trained and prepared to lead the church. This comes not only through academic training but also through the experience that is gained by working under and with a pastor who is doing "good" work and also by getting out there and being willing to go where the Lord through the Bishop sends you to serve. Secondly, when the new pastor comes, fresh out of school or out of someone's pulpit, the "new" church body must be willing to accept this new man or woman of God and in the word's of retired Bishop Z. L. Grady "Give God a chance!" Many a preacher or pastor has been stymied and frustrated in ministry partly because they went to a church that did not receive them well and did not give them a chance to fully exercise their gifts in ministry. Many a church's growth has been hindered by members who fail to look to the future and see that growth and greatness lies within their grasp.
Speaking from personal experience, not every one of my appointments has been what one would consider the "best" but I can honestly say that none of them have been the "worst" either. When one goes to the church with the mind that you are going to give God and the church a good days work, God will make some great things happen! We may not get the "plum" appointment initially, but as one of my former member's always reminds me "You have to blossom where you are planted."
I could go on, but in the interest of not taking up too much of your time, I submit to you in closing that in your aforementioned article you stated that Bishop C. D. Williams of the COGIC stood up in that meeting of frustrated pastor's and said "I thank God for the good people who are sweet because they give me encouragement and they are a joy to serve. But, I also thank God for the contentious and complaining members; those who are fighters and who are uncooperative because they keep me on my knees in prayer and they keep me from being complacent in ministry; they keep me on my toes. So, I thank God for both groups. And I know that God's program will never fail if we are faithful and obedient to His will in ministry." You stated in your article that the key words for clergy were, "If we are faithful and obedient to God's Will in ministry." God is calling for all of us regardless of station in life or church to be faithful to His will!
Thank you, Dr. Sydnor for your genius in writing and encouragement to the church.
Bruce L. Francis, M. Div.
Macedonia AME Church
Rex, GA
- To the Editor:
RE: IRS and some legislators are scrutinizing church finances:
I have shared with many persons how necessary it is that income taxes be withheld from the salary of musicians (or ANY employee, for that matter) in our local churches. Even though this payment reality is very different from what most musicians are used to (usually a lump sum in cash), it actually is better for the musician, in the long run, since they will have to pay income taxes on the amount received anyway. The reason why this is the case, is listed below. This list is known as "The 20 Question Test."
According to the IRS, workers are generally considered employees if they:
1. Must comply with the employer's instructions about the work.
2. Receive training from or at the direction of the employer.
3. Provide services that are integrated into the business.
4. Provide services that must be rendered personally.
5. Are aided by assistants who are hired, supervised, and paid by the employer.
6. Have a continuing working relationship with the employer.
7. Must follow set hours of work.
8. Work full-time for the employer.
9. Do their work on the employer's premises.
10. Must do their work in a sequence set by the employer.
11. Must submit regular reports to the employer.
12. Receive payments of regular amounts at set intervals.
13. Receive payments for business travel expenses.
14. Rely on the employer to furnish tools and materials.
15. Lack a major investment in the facilities or equipment used to perform the services.
16. Cannot make a profit or suffer a loss from their services.
17. Work for one employer at a time.
18. Do not offer their services to the general public.
19. Can be fired by the employer.
20. May quit work at any time without incurring liability.
If the answer to the majority of these statements is in the affirmative, this would make the majority of our church musicians EMPLOYEES of the church and NOT SUBCONTRACTORS. Employment taxes, therefore, SHOULD BE WITHHELD and must be paid to the respective State and Federal authorities. THIS IS NOT AN OPTION. This is not intended to be or replace tax advice received from a certified tax preparer or professional.
If pastors and/or churches need help setting up a payroll system or have questions, please feel free to contact me.
Rev. Melvin E. Wilson
Pastor/Teacher
St. Luke A. M. E. Church
New York, NY 10031
5. THE RURAL CHURCH - TRUSTING ENOUGH TO CAST:
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee…” Psalm 55:22a KJV
By George R. La Sure, D.Min
As we go about our daily lives, we encounter trials and difficulties on every hand. Many times, in the midst of our peaceful being, forces of discomfort and tribulation attack our peaceful spirits and cause us immeasurable pain and suffering. Many times we are carrying as heavy a load as we can, and ought, and here comes somebody that we don’t even know who heaps their heavy load right on top…and they expect us to deal with it! Life is a struggle all by itself…it doesn’t need any help. But many times those who are about us, those who we have come to have the best relationships with, those who we feel that we can count on…cause the greatest pain. Pain is a burden that nobody wants or, needs.
The Psalmist suggests that we “cast our burdens on the Lord”. That’s easy to say, but hard to do. We are conditioned to try and do things for ourselves and, not let anybody know that we are troubled about anything. We do a good job of showing a good front. We don’t want others to know that we are human and have human needs. As a result, we suffer unnecessarily because we won’t turn our burden over to the Lord. Many of us haven’t gotten to that point in our faith walk, yet.
It takes a great deal of faith-fortitude to cast our burden on the Lord willingly and knowingly. Prayer is a conscious and focused activity and, it is through the act of praying that we cast our burden on the Lord. We tell the Lord that the burden is too heavy for us to bear and that the load is altogether unacceptable and, we ask the Lord to receive our burden so that we can rise up and walk into a new day. But, in order to cast our burden on the Lord, we have to be willing to release it…to get rid of the load and all memories connected to it…completely. That’s hard to do.
In order to cast one’s burden on the Lord one must first have developed an understanding of God and have established a one-on-one relationship with God. If one fully knows that God is much bigger than any problem or burden that he or she is bearing, then there is an increased capacity to understand that God truly is capable of bearing heavy loads. Then one must know that God is trustworthy and that God wants to act in our behalf. With this realization comes the resolve to turn it over to God because God is capable of handling the burden, no matter what it might be.
Turning one’s burden over to God is conditioned upon one’s trust in God. If we really trust God, then we give of our very best to God all the time, not just when we have a burden. If we establish a pattern and a track record of turning our best over to God, consistently and unhesitatingly and unselfishly, then, in that day when we are burdened down, we have an absolute right to cast our burden on the Lord. In fact, the Lord expects us to.
The Psalmist goes on to say that “the Lord will sustain you…” In other words, the Lord will keep us from falling, the Lord will hold us up and, plant our feet on solid ground. When we cast our burden on the Lord, we must know that the Lord has already made a new way for us. When we cast our burden on the Lord, we must expect to receive a blessing. Casting our burden on the Lord is a statement of our trust in the Lord.
“Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee…”
6. NEWS FROM THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr. will be preaching, Thursday, November 29, 2007 7:00 PM, at the 13th District Planning Meeting Communion Service in Nashville, TN at the Hotel Preston, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District.
Mother Barbara Jean Chappelle will be the speaker at the CONN SWAWO luncheon in Little Rock, Arkansas, Saturday, December 1, 2007 at 12 Noon the Wyndham Hotel. All ministers’ spouses’ widows, and widowers are asked to wear red to luncheon. Luncheon tickets are $35.00.
Just a note to inform you that the First A.M.E. Spanish Church in Harlem held its first worship service yesterday at 10 a.m. in the Administrative Building of St. Luke A.M.E. Church, located at 1854 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY.
There were approximately 40 people in attendance, including the support ministries of St. Luke (Stewards, Trustees, Ushers, and Stewardesses). Rev. Brenda Ford, Seminary Intern from Union Seminary was the Worship Leader, and Rev. Leo Lopez, Local Elder from the 16th Episcopal District, brought the Word. One of our Stewards, Sister Daniela Drew, served as interpreter (Spanish to English), and Sis. Adrienne Wilson gave the Welcome in Spanish.
We praise god the eight (8) persons, who are already saved, committed themselves to membership in the first AME Spanish Church! The total tithes and offerings for the day was $340.00.
Please keep this new mission church in prayer thanks to those who have prayed on our behalf.
Rev. Melvin E. Wilson
St. Luke AME Church
1872 Amsterdam Avenue at 153rd Street
New York, NY 10031
7. O GIVE THANKS; FOR I JUST WANT TO “THANK YOU SIR”:
By Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News
“O Give thanks unto the LORD, for HE is good; for HIS mercy endureth forever.” Psalm107: 1
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, this statement should be the basis of your lives year around.
At Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas on Sunday, November 18, this was the morning message extended to all by Rev. Mary Miller.
Rev. Miller was excited about being at Allen Chapel following a weeklong meeting held by the 10th Episcopal District presiding prelate, the Rt. Rev. Gregory Ingram in Dallas.
Bishop Ingram’s planning meeting was the final stage of appointments to all Pastors until next year 2008.
As the morning service opened with songs of praise and worship and the members of Allen Chapel was happy to have their pastor reappointed. Sister Marva Jo Barker stated, “It was a long road, for you see we could have been welcoming a new pastor, but I’m pleased to announce that we have our pastor, the Rev. Mary Miller back with us. You just don’t know all that she has been through, but I tell each of you, we are pleased that she is back with us. We love Rev. Miller.”
As the choir sang, you could feel the presence of the Lord throughout the sanctuary.
Rev. Miller stated to the congregation the GOD is faithful forever. Miller wanted to let each of her members know that no matter how long or what their problem, Jesus is faithful and will be with you at your time of need. “No matter what is going on in your life, if you are without a job, friends have turned their backs on you, you will live again,” said Miller.
If you look at the woman in the bible with the issue of blood, she was a woman with a problem for twelve long years. However, she never let that get to her, for she knew that if she could just touch the hem of His garment, she would be made whole. Miller wanted her congregation to know that this is the way it is today. No matter what your problem may be, Jesus is a problem solver. “We must turn our eyes to Jesus, from which our help cometh. We must be like that woman with the Issue of Blood, have that healing power experience. This in turn was a, “I Thank You Sir” experience,” said Miller.
Miller asked the question, “When was the last time you have had a, “I Thank You Sir” experience?” We may feel that all is lost, you have no where to turn, forgiveness is not at hand, but have an “I Thank You Sir” experience and know your trust and faith comes from the LORD.
“When you look back over your life and your good days outweigh your bad days, all you can do is just say, “I Thank You Sir,” said Miller.
This is the Thanksgiving, Advent and Christmas season, so we must count our blessings one by one and each of us should say, “I Thank You Sir.” This poses another question, “What should the redeemed do?”
Miller stated, “The redeemed need to sacrifice to the Lord.” We must be about God’s business; doing the things that God wants us to do. We should enter God’s gates with thanksgiving and know that this is the day that the Lord hath made and we should rejoice in it and have an attitude of, “I Thank You Sir.”
“Can’t nobody do you like Jesus, that’s why you need to have an “I Thank You Sir” experience,” said Miller.
Following Bishop Ingram’s planning meeting, Johnson Chapel AME Church in Malakoff was left in the care of Presiding Elder James Ford until they receive a new pastor. The Rev. Cynthia Cole, who had been the pastor, was moved to Metropolitan AME Church in Dallas. Cole was assigned to Johnson Chapel in 2005.
Rev. Will Kenlaw
Allen Chapel AMEC-Silver Spring
8. LILLY ENDOWMENT CONTINUES SUPPORT FOR NATIONAL CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAM:
Deadline: May 14, 2008
The Lilly Endowment (http://www.lillyendowment.org/ ) has announced that its National Clergy Renewal Program will continue for another year. The grant program is designed to strengthen Christian congregations by providing an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection.
The pastor and congregation work together to design the renewal program. Possible programs may include an uninterrupted period for reading and writing, directed research at a theological school, a study trip to religious sites or travel for other purposes in the United States or elsewhere in the world, quiet time for rest and prayer, and special visits with family and friends.
Renewal programs are typically uninterrupted periods of three to four months.
To be eligible, ministers must be ordained and have earned a master of divinity degree from a theological seminary or divinity school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The program is open to all Christian congregations in forty-nine states and the District of Columbia. (The endowment administers a separate, similar program for Indiana congregations. See: [http://www.indianaclergy.org/].)
The endowment annually provides as many as 120 grants of up to $45,000 each directly to Christian congregations for the support of a renewal program for their pastor. Up to $15,000 of the total award may be spent for congregational support during the absence of the pastor.
The program brochure/application form is available on the Lilly Endowment Web site.
RFP Link:
[http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/10009832/lillyendowment]
For additional RFPs in Religion, visit:
http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_religion.jhtml
Editor’s Note: If you do not apply, there is no way that you can be selected. I am sure that we have a number of pastors who could qualify for this program. Take a risk and apply.
9. A TESTIMONY OF THE MINISTRY OF THE REVEREND DOCTOR JULIUS H. MCALLISTER, SR.:
Reverend Saint Julian Snider, Sr., D. Min.
Pastor of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church
Cameron, South Carolina
I have known Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr., for more than 25 years. I had the privilege of serving with him in the Piedmont and the Northeast South Carolina Annual Conferences in the state of South Carolina. When I was in the Northeast Conference, I served with him on the Annual Conference Board of Examiners, the Board of Instructors, and the Annual Conference Institute while Reverend McAllister served as the Dean and has served as such for nearly 20 years.
Rev. McAllister is a leader who moves people to achieve their maximum potential. This was evident to me by the fervent growth of the ministerial staff development, the growth of the candidates for ministerial orders, and in the number of people who attended the workshops that he presented. Rev. McAllister is a visionary leader. He sees things that others do not see. He makes things happen rather than waiting what happens first. Rev. McAllister is a leader who is “sold out” for God. He has a compassionate heart with a prophetic spirit for people. Only a “sold out” for God leader can truly lead with compassion and truth, make godly decisions, be an organizer, a communicator, and a problem-solver. All of this is seen in his ministry and is felt by those whom he has helped over his many years of service to this great Zion of ours.
During Rev. McAllister’s ministry, there were many challenges for him as a leader; however, I have seen him face adversity with strength and determination that can come only from serving an awesome, mighty God. Phil Pringle, the author of the book, You, the Leader, said, “God, the ultimate Leader, entrusts leadership positions to those who have been tested by fire.” It is my belief that Rev. McAllister has been tested by the fire. God has shaped and molded him, and he is pressing toward the purposes that God has for him.
I believe that Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr., is motivated by the spiritual passion of Jesus the Christ. This spiritual passion has equipped him and will enable him to lead the African Methodist Episcopal Church as one of its bishops.
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
The Reverend Dr. Julius Harrison McAllister, Jr. and Deana Young McAllister proudly announce the birth of their son, Dylan David Jeremiah McAllister. Dylan David Jeremiah McAllister was born on November 8, 2007. Dylan David Jeremiah McAllister is brother of Julius Harrison McAllister, III and Colin McKinley Young McAllister.
Dr. McAllister is the pastor of Greater Institutional AME Church in Chicago, Illinois, of the Fourth Episcopal District. He has served in this capacity for the past seven years.
Dr. McAllister is the son of The Reverend Dr. Julius McAllister, Sr., a candidate for Bishop, and Mrs. Joan Marla McAllister of Florence, South Carolina. He is a son-in-law of Bishop McKinley and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Presiding Bishop and Supervisor of the Eleventh Episcopal District.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to juliusmcallister@aol.com
11. EPISCOPAL FAMILY SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS:
Funeral services for Frances L. Murphy II will be held:
Thursday, November 29, 2007
St. James Episcopal Church
1020 W. Lafayette Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
Family hour: 9 - 9:30 AM followed by fraternal service and the regular service of celebration.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will give the eulogy for the fraternal service.
Expressions may be sent to:
The Murphy Family
Rev. Dr. Frances L. Murphy Draper, Dr. James Murphy Wood and Mrs. Susan Murphy Barnes
2406 Overland Avenue
Baltimore, Maryland 21214
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
1012 Beech Tree Lane
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
(615) 242-6814
Or any member of the Carl Murphy Family.
www.afro.com for more information.
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Laura B. Stokes who died on Saturday, November 10, 2007. Mrs. Stokes was the wife of Rev. Richard Stokes, deceased pastor from the Philadelphia Annual Conference. She was a Life member of the Women's Missionary Society.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Ms. Octavia Green
207 Haverford Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With regret we share news of the passing of Mrs. Nadine E. Lowery, spouse of Reverend Marvin Lowery of the Eleventh Episcopal District and the West Coast Conference.
The funeral has been held.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This is to announce the passing of the Reverend Charles E. Wells, Jr. "Chuckie" of the Atlanta North Conference of the 6th Episcopal District. Rev. Wells passed unexpectedly on Friday, November 16, 2007.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Celeste Wells (spouse)
3113 Green Valley Drive
East Point, Georgia 30344
404-405-7768 (Phone)
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
16. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
11/15/2007
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/15/07)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL - THE WORSHIP AND CHALLENGES OF WORSHIP IN THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a spirit-filled Church. The African Methodist Episcopal Church welcomes all worshipers, regardless of race or ethnic background. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a liturgical Church. We have an order of worship that is found in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, The AME Hymnal and the AMEC Book of Worship.
During worship, AME congregations participate through verbal and non-verbal responses. Some worshippers are contemplative and others are more expressive. AME worship involves readings from the Holy Scripture, singing of hymns, offering of prayers and by receiving Holy Communion. Worship is corporate in nature, because the congregation shares in all aspects of the liturgy. AME worship is active and worshippers participate in the acts of worship, which is why we refer to the people sitting in the pews as, “the congregation” and not as, “the audience.” In worship there should be a time of silence because silence at various intervals provides time for worshippers to think and reflect on his or her personal experience with God.
I remember in my childhood, seeing AME worshipers, upon entering the Nave, would first sit and bow in meditation or prayer before participating in corporate worship. I was always taught to sit and bow in meditation before participating in worship. I do not see laity or clergy doing that as much today. It is interesting that the rubric for The Prelude in the Order for Morning Worship in the AMEC Book of Worship (page 9) instructs worshipers to be in reverent meditation. The Rubric for The Postlude (Page 15) says, “Our members are reminded that they should sit quietly for a moment and then depart to serve.”
Worship in AME Churches sometimes varies from church to church and from region to region. Some AME Churches are expressive in worship with shouts of, “Amen” or “Praise the Lord.” Other churches are more sedate and are not as expressive; and, in other churches, there is a mixture of expressive worship and contemplative worship. The AME Church has “high church” and “low church” worship; and in some instances, a combination of both. One is not better than the other; it is tradition and preference.
Today, some of our local churches are in worship transition and some AME pastors are revising or “borrowing” liturgical and non-liturgical worship forms from other religious traditions, and sometimes deleting traditional AME liturgy.
I am not sure that “liturgy” is the culprit in the, “used to be AME” phenomenon.” I, personally, have never met a former AME who said, they left because of the order of worship or the Decalogue; on the contrary, most expressed their love of the AME liturgy and their love for the AME Church. When pressed on why they changed denominations or why they attend non-denominational churches, the answers almost always involved pastoral leadership (or lack of pastoral leadership) or the local church’s lack of relevance to the parishioners’ daily lives or what was going on in the community. Others said that they were tired of hearing pastors beg for money and were tired of all of the bickering in the local church. And there were others who expressed dismay because they often felt worse at the end of worship because the worship experience lacked spiritual authenticity and meaning; and that is a leadership issue.
When Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose-Driven Church, was trying to grow his congregation and surveyed people in the community, he was told by them that “they yearned for a friendly welcome, quality child care, a sermon that had a pragmatic message for their weekday lives and an overreaching sense that the church cared more about each member as a person than as a revenue stream.”
I believe that our challenge for the African Methodist Episcopal Church is consistency, authenticity and a genuine love for Christ; and for our sacred Zion. We need an inner-revival, within ourselves. Pastors need an inner-revival to recapture the enthusiasm that they had when they were called to the ministry.
Too many of our pastors and laity have “become weary in well-doing.” We need to recapture our love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church or move on into the ranks of, “I used to be an AME pastor” or “I used to be an AME.”
Worship in an AME Church, wherever in the world a particular AME Church is located; AMEs should know that they are in an AME Church. In churches where there is “shouting and praise” and in churches where there is “no shouting and no outward expressions of praise,” we ought to know that we are in an AME Church.
We need to preach more of Jesus, the Christ, and “the Good News” instead of focusing only upon the Old Testament horror stories. And, even when we preach Old Testament messages, we need to incorporate the Good News of Jesus Christ. We need to preach relevant sermons that speak to the needs of our parishioners today.
And I know that this is heretical, but some of us need to throw away all of our old sermon manuscripts and sermon outlines and start over again. When it gets to the place where parishioners know what we are going to say next, it’s time to get some new material.
Our church members need to read the Bible more and to become biblically literate and more spiritual and have a genuine love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church; both for the Connectional and local church.
And, finally, we need to engage the unaffiliated, the disaffected, and the spiritual seekers and maintain a healthy relationship with the members we already have.
2. THANK YOU - TO THE FRIENDS OF QUINN CHAPEL, CHICAGO:
It is with overflowing gratitude that I am writing to announce that on Wednesday evening, November 13, 2007 Quinn Chapel was the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Partners in Preservation Program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Thank you!
The $100,000 grant was the second largest award presented to any of the twenty-five sites competing for funding through this venture.
Thanks to you, WE ALL WON! This effort galvanized persons from around the world as we joined together to vote for Quinn Chapel. Every person who voted and who sent emails encouraging others to vote is a winner. We all celebrate this blessing together.
We’re all aware of the legendary history and cultural significance of Quinn Chapel. By participating in this effort, you too are now a part of this legendary story. The walls and halls of this historic site reverberate with the promises, pains, and passions of the great men and women who came before us. Together, we’re making history again. We now stand along side such well known persons as Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, M. L. King, Sr., and M. L. King, Jr.
You now have the opportunity to extend this legendary legacy for generations to come by giving generously to the restoration of one of the worlds most significant historic and cultural sites. Your gift helps build a bridge that transcends time and links future generations to the solid foundation of our past.
Giving is made easy by simply clicking on the National Trust for Historic Preservation web page devoted to Quinn Chapel - http://member.nationaltrust.org/quinnchapel.
Or, you can send your check or money order payable to:
Quinn Community Services Alliance of Chicago
c/o Quinn Chapel AME Church
2401 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
Thank you again, for your tremendous support. The preservation of this American Treasure is being accomplished because of you.
Gratefully Yours,
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr.
Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago, IL
Editor’s Note: The Christian Recorder family extends its congratulations to Pastor Moody, the officers, and the members of Quinn Chapel, Chicago. Thanks to all of our subscribers and friends who signed up and participated in this initiative.
3. MORE MIRACLES IN THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT: NEW FAMILY LIFE CENTER FOLLOWS EARLY PAYOFF OF MILLION-DOLLAR SANCTUARY:
“It is so!” announced Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller, Senior Pastor at Mount Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church in Towson, MD (just north of Baltimore) earlier this year. Throwing a hand into the air, Rev. Ann, who is also a candidate for the Office of Bishop in 2008, declared, “The factory is coming down!”
“It is so!” came back the cry from hundreds of Mt. Calvary’s members at the 11 a.m. service. “The factory is coming down!”
It wasn’t the first time the congregation of nearly 2-thousand had stepped out in faith for a new building. A year earlier the members of Mt. Calvary had actually prepared the ground for a new Family Life Center even though the land hadn’t been cleared. Because they wanted to demonstrate that they knew how to be obedient to the visions of God, hundreds gathered in the spring of 2006 to celebrate what Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller called a faith groundbreaking.
First, the Mt. Calvary family hung a huge yellow sign announcing the new Family Life Center. Then, with big, bright yellow bows tied around their shovels, some of the younger members at Mt. Calvary began to symbolically prepare the earth.
Joining Rev. Ann and Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church at the faith groundbreaking were her husband, Reverend Stanley Fuller of Grace Baptist Church in Baltimore, the Chief Deputy Minority Whip, William J. Frank, and State Delegate Adrienne Jones.
The old factory that loomed behind them had been next to historic Mt. Calvary A.M.E. for 61 years. Originally, the factory known as the Maryland Etching Company made etched nameplates; it became Technigraphics of Maryland in 1983. The factory and the more than 100-year old A.M.E. church remained good neighbors as each expanded over the years. So much so that when Technigraphics decided to move out of Towson, the owner gave Rev. Lightner-Fuller and Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church the first opportunity to purchase its land and buildings.
That offer, however, came just as Pastor Ann and Mt. Calvary were completing another miracle: paying off a 15-year sanctuary mortgage, ten years ahead of schedule. But shortly after the mortgage burning ceremony in December 2002, John Richard Bryant, the 106th elected Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, arrived with a special message for the newly debt-free church on the last Sunday in the year.
“God told me to tell you what you just finished ain’t nothing but the foundation,” Bishop John Bryant declared in a loud, booming voice.
“People around the country and the world are going to notice that Mt. Calvary is building a miracle center here.”
“In fact,” Bishop John went on to say with one finger jabbing the air, “word is going to get out that if you want a blessing or need a healing, the place to go is Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church in East Towson.”
That’s when Mt. Calvary and its Senior Pastor, Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller knew they would be fulfilling God’s vision by expanding their territory. They purchased the property next door, without hesitation, a few months later in 2003. After obtaining many permits and attending several certificate hearings Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church held its faith groundbreaking last year to celebrate its progress with God’s vision.
Finally, at midnight on May 20, 2007, the old factory stood quietly waiting for the new life the bulldozers would bring as they cleared the land for a new three-story Family Life and Education Center.
Shortly after 10 a.m. on May 21, 2007, city workers began preparing the building for demolition. First, they carefully removed the Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church banner and the Technigraphics sign.
Then, the street began to fill with East Towson neighbors who joined the trustees, stewards, members, friends, and Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller to cheer the bulldozers and workers as they tore down the old factory.
Rev. Ann with more than 22 years of pastoral service… gave a big thumbs up!
Her daughter-in-law, Vickie, and her grandchildren, Aliyah and Lawren got ready with handkerchiefs to cover their mouths from the falling dusty bricks and boards.
And, many of the older members recalled how they had either attended school or lived at one time in the old factory.
When the old building was completely razed and the land cleared, Mt. Calvary’s huge yellow banner was placed on a fence at the empty site to mark yet another miracle: the coming of a new $3-million dollar state-of-the-art Family Life Center.
The three-story building is expected to be completed in eight months in 2008. When finished the new Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church Family Life Center will provide much needed space for the growing needs of an increasing number of ministries, church administration services, and community outreach programs. In addition to new classrooms and offices, the meeting rooms and fellowship space will make Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church an important Hub in the East Towson community. Everything is now ready for more celebration.
Just as victory was claimed on Christmas Eve 2002 when Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church sent its final mortgage payment to the bank, ten years early… the church and its pastor, Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller are expecting another miracle by Christmas eve of 2008. With the support of Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate, Second Episcopal District, the church and Rev. Ann acknowledge that God is pushing them forward to enlarge and stretch His vision.
Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller has told her beloved church family that the biblical promise of increase is a reality at Mt. Calvary because of the faith and faithfulness of God’s people who worship and work there. It is clear that as Mt. Calvary prepares to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its million-dollar sanctuary in December 2007, the members continue to demonstrate that they are positioned for the next level of Kingdom building. Visitors to Mt. Calvary these days are likely to hear in-between the frequent words of praise, a familiar joyful refrain: “It is so! The factory is down; the Family Life Center is on its way!”
Submitted by Gloria Gibson, Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church, Communications Committee
4. THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SOUTHWEST GEORGIA CONFERENCE W.M.S. & Y.PD. ANNUAL RETREAT:
*Ms Pansy McLendon
On Saturday, August 18, 2007 the Sweet Soul Saving Sixth Episcopal District of the Southwest Georgia Conference Women’s Missionary Society and the Children’s and Young Peoples’ Division met for a day of “Keeping it Real: Taking it to the Streets.” Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. as we gathered at the Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia. Attendees were greeted by Conference W.M.S. President, Sister Pansy McLendon, First Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Geraldine Duncan and Conference Y.P.D. Director, Sister Terri Wooden. Though it was early morning, excitement filled the air. The young people were uniformly dressed in their green and white; while the missionaries were dawned in their “Daughters of Destiny, Distinction and Decision” royalty T-shirts. Yes, they were “Keeping it Real.”
Our devotional services were conducted by Y.P.D. Director, Sister Wooden and the youth. Sister Wooden extended a hearty welcome and gave an overview of the day’s activities. At the presentation of Sister McLendon, the group rose to their feet to greet her. Sister McLendon welcomed the group with enthusiasm and high praise, and her “southern” welcome was well received. Sister McLendon offered a moment of silent prayer for the family of one of our Life Members, Sis. Juanita Tiller, whose daughter was killed in a car accident just hours prior to the convening of the Retreat.
First Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Geraldine Duncan took hold of the reign and had the Area W.M.S. Chairpersons introduce the representatives from various areas of the Conference who had come to share with us. Of course the first thing we had to do was to make sure we all were awake, so exercise, that’s right “Meditation ‘n’ Calisthenics”; no one can do it like Sister Frenchy Hodges. When she finished with us, we were well awake.
Sister Ruby Smith, Director of the Friend on a Mission Homeless Shelter located in Americus, GA. Sister Smith brought to our attention that homelessness is not just linked to any one gender, race, religious denomination, education level or occupational status. She stated that homelessness is present; but through prayer and the work of missionaries it can become someone’s past. And a question that many of us probably have asked ourselves, “What Do You Do, When You Don’t Know What To Do?” Rev. Veronica Lewis, Pastor of St. Phillips AMEC; gave us a number of scriptures we could read; but when the rubber met the road, it was simple: Prayer; it changes things! Third- Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Sabrina Pryor presented a skit on Membership and Recruitment. During the skit they challenged us to make our meeting more meaningful by being timely, positive, work with an attitude of interdependence, sharing and collaboration. Expect to get out of your meeting, just what you put into it, put your all and receive all.
Of course, no event is complete without FOOD, we enjoyed the “All American Meal” of hotdogs, fried chicken and southern grown watermelon; all missing was the good old fashion apple pie.
“Keeping it Real and Taking it to the Streets”, made many of us realize that there a number of ways we as missionaries can get involved. Sister McLendon thanked Sister Duncan, Sister Wooden and their committee for the planning and preparation of the Retreat as well as for their work of missions.
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th District
Dr. PAM DeVeaux, 6th District WMS Supervisor
Mrs. Shirley T. Washington, 6th District WMS President
Ms. Pansy McLendon, Southwest Georgia WMS President
*Ms Pansy McLendon is the Southwest Georgia Conference President
5. THE 7TH DISTRICT’S 2007 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Submitted by Brother Benjamin Harrison
Monday, September 17th to Friday, September 21st, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Charleston for the fourth of its 2007 annual conferences entitled the South Carolina Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church located at 110 Calhoun Street in Charleston, S.C., where Rev. Stephen Singleton is pastor. The South Carolina Conference is comprised of the Charleston, Edisto, and Beaufort Districts. This 144th session makes it the oldest of six annual conferences and with 28 churches in the Charleston District, 33 in the Edisto District, and 28 in the Beaufort District; the South Carolina Conference contains more than 25,000 A.M.E. members. Founded in 1818, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church is one of the oldest A.M.E. Churches south of Philadelphia, P.A. and is considered the A.M.E. ‘Mother Church’ of the American South.
The following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by The Rev. Randolph Miller, pastor of Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, and the South Carolina Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
The presence of the Lord is here as we make our report in Charleston, S.C., the ‘Holy City,’ at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church under the awesome leadership of our presiding prelate, Bishop Preston Warren William II, and our beloved Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. The conference continues to lift Mother Williams in prayer as God continues to heal her. We thank God for another year!
We were met on the grounds of the church by the host Presiding Elder John H. Gillison and Mrs. Gillison and associate Presiding Elders Samuel Myers and Mrs. Myers and John Randolph and Mrs. Randolph. The conference is also praying for Presiding Elder Randolph, and Rev. Christopher Smith was asked to stand in his place and bring the Charleston District to the annual conference.
Tuesday morning the protocol and boundaries were established and we prepared for the opening worship convocation and celebration of Holy Communion. The Rev. Albertha Cook delivered an inspired message entitled, “A Place Called Hope!” The business session began with the reading of reports from Elder Samuel Myers and the Beaufort District, and Bishop Williams presented Rev.’s I. Waddy and C. Wright as candidates for the Episcopacy.
Tuesday evening’s WMS program began at 7:00 p.m. under the theme, “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative,” with Ms. Gloria Robinson as worship leader. Mrs. Bernice Sanders, Episcopal WMS President, stated that she was proud of the work that has been accomplished by the WMS in 2007. The featured speaker was Mrs. Lizette Williams who spoke on, “Continuing the Legacy!” She professed that through all the changes we experience in life, we must keep our hands in God’s hand and know that everything will be alright!
During Wednesday morning’s business session Bishop Williams encouraged all delegates to pay the assessments of the church in that the connectional church must meet its general budget. Bishop Williams admonished pastors to take charge of their congregations, encouraged them to love their congregations, and taught that if problems arise, pastors must sit down and work them out with their congregations. The business session continued with the reading of reports from Rev. Christopher Smith and the Charleston District.
The afternoon meditation was led by Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Episcopal Dean of Christian Education, who read from 2 Corinthians 13:1-5, on the subject, “A Self-Examination.” Dr. Keith stated that some of us believe we have all the answers and have therefore created a false sense of self-righteousness. He continued by stating that God is watching us and so we must live our lives in line with the word of God; that we will know who we are when we spend time with God because God is in control; that when we go through tests and trials it is for us to see who we are in God and if we are walking in His favor; that we must trust and believe in God and keep our focus on Him so that we will not look for natural signs, but instead will have the power of God on the inside; that we must examine ourselves to determine where we are weak and lacking, as well as sufficient and strong; and that God is able to carry us through it all!
During the afternoon business session the Charleston, Edisto, and Beaufort Districts elected Presiding Elders Gillison, Myers and Randolph and Pastors Stephen Singleton, Eddie Gaston, Albertha Cook, Lawrence Gordon and Christopher Smith as delegates to the 2008 General Conference. Rev.’s Julius Steed, William Alston, Moses Miller, John Mack, Brenda Thornhill, Edward Alston, J.P. Brown and Robert Stokes were elected as alternates.
Wednesday evening’s program was led by our Young People’s Division, and the youth displayed their various talents and conducted another successful evening of youth witness.
Thursday was Christian Education Day. District reports were read and Sis. Kabrina Bass, Episcopal CED Administrator/Director, and Dr. Willie Heggins, Assistant CED Dean/Administrator, thanked the presiding elders, pastors and congregation for all of their help in promoting the various Christian education events throughout the year. Ms. Bass conducted a seminar entitled, “The Church Then – The Church Now,” and handed out a church readiness inventory for the congregation to fill out which came from the book, “Moving from Good to Great.” The purpose of the inventory was to provide a starting point from which churches could more clearly see where their ministries are heading. Ms. Bass clarified that, “We are here to fulfill the work of God and so we must ask Him what our gifts and purposes are. God has called us to meet the needs of people and so we must live by His standards and remain in His presence.”
Ms Bass discussed the seven passions of the early church: intimate worship, faith-based conversation, intentional spiritual growth, servant-hood, resource investment, spiritual friendships, and family faith, and how they should apply to the church of today. She stated, “We must learn to share God’s love with our family and community and we must desire to be more like Christ. We must seek the presence of God and make that our main focus like the church of Acts.”
Ms Bass offered an overview of the local church and informed us that many of today’s worshippers are leaving churches in that they often hold no loyalty to specific denominations. She argued that people are going where they can experience spiritual growth. She also discussed the generational gap in the church divided between four main groups: the ‘Builders’ born between 1927-1945, who are traditional and process oriented; the ‘Boomers’ born between 1946-1964, who desire quality preaching and a great worship experience; the ‘Busters’ born between 1965-1983, who need ministry in a warm atmosphere; and the ‘Mosaics’ born between 1984-2003, who have no boundaries and engage in several religions. Ms. Bass concluded by pointing out that a church made up of such diverse members must also have equally diverse ministries to meet each group’s needs.
Later, Danny Crooks, a local historian, relayed the story of Daniel Cornelius Duncan who was lynched for a crime he did not commit in 1910. Mr. Crooks wanted the conference to discuss establishing a D. Ward Nichols adult prison ministry, a L. Ruffin Nichols institute for juvenile offenders, and a Daniel Cornelius Duncan scholarship at the College of Charleston. Mr. Crooks has written a book about the event entitled, “Dead Weight.”
That afternoon, Bishop Williams presented to the conference the Mayor of Charleston, Mr. Joseph P. Riley Jr., who commended the Bishop for his excellent leadership and the A.M.E. Church for its commitment to the community. Mayor Riley spoke of the African American Museum to be built at the end of Calhoun Street.
Thursday’s ‘Hour of Power’ with Allen University revitalized the congregation. Rev. Deborah P. Carter served as worship leader and the congregation sang, “There is not a Friend!” After a spirit filled prayer by Rev. Sinclair Frasier, followed by Rev. Donna Green who read from Psalm 121, the congregation’s hearts were lifted higher by music from the Allen University Choir.
Rev. Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University, presented a dynamic message from Romans 1:14-17 entitled, “The Ingredients for a Powerful Ministry!” Rev. Young told us that we must be obligated to what God has called us to do and we must be committed to the ministry; we must be prepared for the particular course and purpose to which God has assigned us; and we must not be ashamed of the Gospel, for only God has the power to save, heal, deliver, and set free!
Thursday evening’s worship service was conducted by the Lay Organization under the theme, “Team Building, Mentoring, and Leadership Skills for Clergy and Lay.” The pastors ensemble provided the music and the Power Point presentation led by Rev. Dr. James Cooper was extremely informative on how the lay and pastors can work together to build a better church.
Friday morning’s business session began with the presentation of the class of admissions. The candidates for ordination were presented. Augustin Aman, Maxwell Samuel, Otis Smalls and Andre Thornhill were presented for itinerant deacons, and Crystal Thornhill was presented for ordination as itinerant elder. The recommendations from the committees were received and there were three requests for retirement: Rev.’s Thomas McClary, Terence Mackey, and Oscar Odom.
The Rev. Joseph A. Darby, pastor of historic Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, delivered the ordination message taken from Luke 5:8-11. In his message entitled, “It’s Fishing Time,” Rev. Darby told the candidates that their ordination is just the beginning, and that they must allow Jesus to lead if they are going to be a good fisherman of souls.
The afternoon session began with the Church School lesson taught by Rev.’s Sigmund, J.P. Harrison, and Barbara Fludd, about Hagar and Ishmael from the book of Exodus, followed by a memorial service for Rev.’s Carole Priester and Johnny Johnson.
The closing worship service was truly an experience to witness and remember! Bishop Williams delivered a dynamic sermon entitled, “Locked Behind Open Doors!” He preached that God will give us the power to do the work He has assigned to us, and that God has seen all of our scars and sins and still He forgives us. The names of the delegates to the General Conference, financial reports, and pastoral appointments were all read.
We profusely thank Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Mother Williams for leading us to a new and exciting level in service and education. We thank the host pastor, Rev. Stephen Singleton, Mrs. Singleton, and all the members of Mother Emanuel for their exceptional hospitality in hosting the annual conference. You left no stone unturned and we the members of the conference say thank you! We would also like to thank the members of Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church for graciously hosting Bishop Williams and his guests. Be it finally resolved that the 144th session of the South Carolina Annual Conference will go down in history as one of the most spiritual, educational, and uplifting conferences we have ever experienced!
*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th District, AME Church
6. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORTH CAROLINA INITIATIVE FORM PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN VANCE COUNTY:
Rev. Cassandra Sparrow
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Community Development Initiative (Initiative) and the Second District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church are joining hands in a historic partnership designed to bring much-needed economic development to a rural area in Vance County, just north of the Triangle.
The Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.) is a free-standing 501 (C) 3 organization that has full ownership of the Kittrell property, a historic site of the AME Church. R.E.D. is comprised of a membership of persons in North Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland.
The property, which is controlled by the R.E.D. Board, encompasses 238 acres near the community of Kittrell, just off U.S. Route 1 in Vance County, roughly eight miles south of Henderson.
Preliminary plans call for the development to include a variety of housing opportunities; a conference center; a youth development center; a training site for churches and corporations; a senior housing complex; and a counseling center for ministers and churches. Leaders of both the Initiative and R.E.D. are hopeful that a site plan can be approved next year, and within the next eighteen months they will be operating from a temporary facility. The first stages of construction will be completed within three to four years.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr., Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said the project will bring affordable housing, jobs and new energy to an area that badly needs it.
“This is a great day for the Second District AME Church and R.E.D., but also for Vance County and the people of Kittrell,” he said. “This development will be a shot in the arm for everyone involved. We can’t wait to get started.”
Abdul Rasheed, CEO of the Raleigh-based Initiative, agreed.
“We’re delighted to be a part of this partnership,” Rasheed said. “Anytime we can reach into a community and offer some help; it’s a great day. To be able to do it with a partner like the Second District AME Church and R.E.D. simply makes it all the sweeter.”
The agreement calls for the Initiative to provide technical assistance to R.E.D. for the project — and the expectation is that the Initiative will also be the co-developer.
The property is rich with history, having been the site of a well-known hotel and spa that boasted healing waters from a nearby mineral spring. During the Civil War, the hotel site was converted for use as a hospital. In the late 19th Century, the site was home to the AME Church’s Kittrell College. Plans call for the new development to be adjacent to the original campus.
The Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation that also serves constituents in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. R.E.D. serves over 360 churches and 114,000 members and community residents, with real estate valued at $170 million.
Community economic development, health, social services and education and youth development are among the organization’s priorities. Many beneficiaries of the organization’s efforts are those with an AME heritage and strong commitment to improving, equipping, and empowering people in the mid-Atlantic region. For more information, visit www.2NDAMEC.org.
The North Carolina Community Development Initiative is a statewide public-private partnership that provides leadership and capital investment to high performance community development corporations — as well as other community based economic development endeavors — to improve the quality of life for people in low resource communities all over North Carolina. Nationally recognized for its work, the Initiative and its grantees are involved in worthwhile projects and programs literally from the state’s mountains to the coast. For more information about the Initiative, visit www.ncinitiative.org
7. GROUND BREAKING FOR FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH INDIO, CALIFORNIA:
Rev. Timothy O. Costen, Jr.
On Sunday June 10, 2007 Rev. Timothy O. Coston Jr. and the members of First A.M.E. Church in Indio, California welcomed the long awaited event that signified an end to almost twenty years of struggle between the church and the City of Indio. Members of the church, the community, city officials, and other churches throughout the community were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new facility that will begin construction in July of this year.
The new church will be located at 44th Ave and Monroe St. and will once again be apart of a neighborhood community.
The neighborhood that once housed most of the First A.M.E. congregation was razed when the city used eminent domain in the 1980’s to pave the way for expansion of the Indio Fashion Mall by developer David Miller, owner of Miller’s Outpost clothing stores.
The mall expansion fell through due to lack of funding. Three churches and a couple of homes were all that remained standing in a four block vacant lot, in the heart of the city. This area, known as the John Nobles Ranch, was the first property owned by blacks in the City of Indio. First A.M.E. Church was incorporated in the same year that the City of Indio was established. Ironically, it was Rev. Coston’s father, Rev. Timothy O. Coston Sr., whose first pastoral assignment was First A.M.E. Indio, who initially led the marches against city hall in protest of the eminent domain proceedings.
Through much negotiation and prayer the church and city came to an agreement and the church property was purchased by the city for $1.5 million dollars. The city is now cooperating to assist the congregation in relocating to its new site.
Construction on the new church is estimated to take 7 to 9 months.
We thank God for using us and allowing us to be part of this historic event for both First A.M.E. and the City of Indio. We are honored to be part of the 5th Episcopal District’s Southern California Conference and would like to thank our bishop, the Right Reverend John R. Bryant and our presiding elder, Dr. Howard S. Gloyd for their prayers and support. We send a special thank you to Presiding Elder Norman D. Copeland for presiding over our groundbreaking services.
The new facility will be 6,600 square feet and have a worship capacity of 253.
8. ST. PETER AME CHURCH, FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA, CELEBRATES 124th ANNIVERSARY:
Brother Alphonso Ben Varner, Reporter
"Falling into the Spirit" was the theme of the 124th Anniversary of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Valley, Georgia. This glorious, historical event was held Sunday, November 11, 2007.
A season of new beginnings came to St. Peter AME Church on the fifth Sunday of May 2005 when the Reverend Bertram C. Smith was assigned by the Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux to serve as pastor.
St. Peter has made great strides of Christian commitment under the spiritual leadership team of Reverend Bertram and First Lady Wendolyn M. Smith.
Reverend Bertram C. Smith admirably served as worship leader. Brother Ruben Brown prayed a powerful anniversary prayer and he prayed for the veterans of the military forces, many of whom have given their lives that we may be free of tyranny, and free to pursue the good life.
The St. Peter Mass Choir rendered spiritual selections under the direction of Brother Gerald Lee, the minister of music. The sweet melodies also lifted the spirit of the congregation by singing, "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock."
Reverend Smith introduced the speaker of the hour, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, the 113th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church. The Hymn of Preparation was one of Bishop DeVeaux's favorite hymns, "When Peace Like a River…"
Bishop DeVeaux used as his text, Numbers 13: 26-30, and masterfully preached on the subject, “Are You Able?”
Some key points:
1. The Israelite, Caleb took a positive stand by bringing back a report to Moses and the congregation, saying, let us go up at once, and possess the land of milk and honey; for we are well able to overcome it.
2. African Americans have been through some tough times - Slavery, the Ku Klux Klan, oppression, racism and we must constantly remind ourselves that we are able to overcome adversity.
3. When you question your capacity, you question God. We cannot survive having a negative attitude; God will not send you where God will not be with you.
4. Finally, Bishop DeVeaux stated in the form of a question, "Are you able to move forward in the name of God?”
A scrumptious 124th Anniversary dinner was prepared and served to the gathering by Brother Willie K. Harris and his competent staff.
Honors were bestowed upon the Pastor Smith, the Anniversary Steering Committee and the Anniversary Ministry Committee for their untiring, dedicated labor for planning and implementing a successful day of religious experiences which was par excellence.
The family of St. Peter saluted Pastor Bertram Smith, Brother Ashley Ballard, Chairperson, Sisters Willie Mae Johnson and Milenda Kincy, Vice Chairs for their expertise and labor of love.
To God be the glory for the great things He is doing in the ministry of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.
9. SARAH ALLEN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY FULFILLING THE MISSION – GOD’S WORD, GOD’S WILL, GOD’S WAY:
*Ms Pansy McLendon
The Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society of historic St. James AME Church in Columbus, GA continues to hold the banner of Christ high as we spread the love and gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our community.
One of our very special projects is our monthly Bible study and fellowship with the women of “The Damascus Way Home for Women and Children”. We continue to be blessed by our fellowship with the women of Damascus Way as we experience a growth in numbers as we study God’s Word. We share in the ups and the downs of our friends and continue to encourage them and lift them up before God because we know there is nothing too hard for God. We have also been blessed to start a monthly Bible Study with a group of men at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital. It is our prayer that we can encourage these men and strengthen their hearts through the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our lesson this month dealt with the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob as outlined in Genesis 33. We saw in the Scriptures the real power of forgiveness and how God’s grace and mercy is able to change hearts and minds. These two brothers had struggled most of their lives. Jacob, the younger, had tricked his brother Esau and deceived him by receiving the birthright and blessings that rightfully belonged to Esau. As a result of his deception, Jacob had to flee his homeland because Esau had vowed to kill him. Much occurred in the lives of both men in the twenty years they are apart – Jacob encountered God and built an altar at Bethel, he wrestled with an angel, and his name was changed from Jacob to Israel. Jacob, having committed his case to God according to Genesis 31:3 begins his journey back to his homeland. No matter what happens, nothing can come amiss to the person whose heart is fixed, trusting in God. Jacob bowed to Esau seven times and his household also showing that a humble, submissive behavior goes far towards turning away wrath. Esau ran to his brother and embraced Jacob and the two men wept together.
God has the hearts of all people in his hands, and can turn them when and how He pleases. It is not in vain to trust in God, and to call upon His holy name in the day of trouble. And when our ways please the Lord, He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.
Esau received Jacob as a brother, and much tenderness passed between them. As missionaries, we believe our work is deeply rooted in the great commission which tells us, according to Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
There is work to be done in Columbus, GA and what God wants us to do is to have a heart for our local community and for the world that the whole world might come to know Jesus as their Savior. The key to being a missionary is simply being a witness for Jesus Christ, so we believe missionaries are not born but are made out of the ordinary run of individuals. The basic qualification is not intellectualism, but a yielded spirit, a devotion to the will of God, and a deep sense of a divine calling.
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th District
Dr. Patricia DeVeaux, 6th District WMS Supervisor
Mrs. Shirley T. Washington, 6th District WMS President
Ms. Pansy W. McLendon, Southwest Georgia WMS President
Submitted by: Johnnie Mae Conaway, Local PME Director
*Ms Pansy McLendon the Southwest Georgia Conference President
10. KITTRELL COLLEGE REUNION A RESOUNDING SUCCESS:
Rev. Jimmy Faison
In 1885 a resolution was passed by the North Carolina Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for the establishment of a Normal and Industrial School to educate high school students. The site chosen was in Kittrell, NC which is located about thirty-five miles north of Raleigh, the state's capital.
Kittrell began its first session in 1886 and was chartered by the North Carolina Legislature in 1887 and the name of the school became Kittrell Institute adding a component for training clergy for service in the Church. In 1889 the institution's charter was amended to accommodate a post-secondary program. At the General Conference in 1892, the Educational District was changed to add the state of Maryland and District of Columbia to support Kittrell College along with Virginia and North Carolina which would comprise the 2nd Episcopal District.
Kittrell College was home to many students across the United States with a number of them coming, also, from Bermuda. Though the conditions were not the best, anyone who attended high school and college there left having developed a sense of loyalty to one another and to the school itself.
On Saturday, August 18, 2007, over two hundred former students gathered beside the road on Highway US #1 to unveil a historical marker. Mr. Roger Young of Clayton, NJ called a meeting in January, 2007 to organize for a Kittrell College Reunion beginning August 17-19. The event was a sellout with more than eighty-three interested Kittrellites having to be turned away because of space and planning. Amongst the notables attending the unveiling were: Vance County Sheriff Peter White; Warren County Commissioner Clinton Austin; Vance County School Board member Emerson Cash; Vance-Granville Community College representative Leo Kelly; and alumnus James Nicholson from the Class of 1938 who had the honor of officially removing the covering from the marker.
Mr. Kennis Harris, Director of the Kittrell Job Corps Center which now occupies the former school site, and his staff worked with and welcomed the Alumni on campus. Mr. Harris has expressed and interest in the history of Kittrell College and will be provided with a pictorial display of the former buildings and a collage of student life reflecting campus life thru 1975 when the school was closed.
This Reunion was dedicated to the late Mrs. Zula M. Jones who was a dormitory matron who was highly respected by all students. Mrs. Jones attended the previous reunions and was a life member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church. Plaques of appreciation were given to Presiding Elder L. G. Horton who was present, Presiding Elder B. Foust and Bishop P. R. Cousin in absentia.
A very noted period in the history of Kittrell was when students from Farmville, Virginia were given full scholarships to attend the high school program when their school system closed its doors rather than desegregate in 1956. The Presiding Bishop was Bishop F. M. Reid. Many of those students completed high school and college at Kittrell. A number of them were present to participate in reunion activities.
11. THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF THE BALTIMORE CONFERENCE CONVENED A DYNAMIC DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. First Lady Irene P. Montague and the Eastern District of the African Methodist Episcopal, your Resolution Committee begs leave to read the following resolution:
The great Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference convened on Thursday, September 20, 2007 under the dynamic leadership of the charismatic, compassionate, capable Presiding Elder Ernest Lee Montague, Sr. at this land of pleasant living church on the eastern shore called Robinson African Methodist Episcopal in Grasonville, Maryland where the dapper, distinguished, daring Rev. Charles Matthew Robinson is the knowledgeable, charming and proud pastor; and
The worship service started promptly at 7:30 PM with the pastors of the Eastern District robed in black marching in to the hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.”
The Rev. Ricky Spain did call the Eastern District Conference to worship and praise the Lord through his prayer which was followed by the prayer response of “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” The Robinson A.M.E. Church Choir lifted us higher in worship with an anthem followed by a soul stirring selection which challenged us to go to the enemy’s camp and take back what the devil stole from us.
The Rev. Cynthia Harvin did step to the podium and graciously introduced Presiding Elder Montague and spoke to the day he received his appointment from Bishop Vinton Anderson to become the elder of the Eastern District. She remembered how many friends and family members were filled with tears and congratulatory words excited about a new elder coming on the scene. Presiding Elder Montague followed her and introduced the preacher of the hour who was none other than the Reverend Charles Tyrone Sembly who is the Pastor of Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Randallstown Maryland. Elder Montague said that Rev. Sembly, Rev. Smith, and himself are the three musketeers and have been friends for over thirty years and nobody will ever be able to come between their friendships.
The illustrious guest choir from Union Bethel arrayed in their black attire and accompanied by First Lady Pamela Sembly took the church to higher heights and deeper depths with their renditions of There’s No God Like Jehovah, The Spirit of the Lord is Here, and Just Stand!
The Rev. Charles Sembly did come forward giving praise to God and accolades to his wife, friends and church family for supporting him with their presence. Rev. Sembly then led the church in the singing of “We Need To Hear From You” followed by the sharing of three scriptures which were: John21:15-17, Nehemiah 4:6c, and Luke 12:48. Rev Sembly told the church that if the pastors and lay of the Eastern District are going to be able to exalt Christ, expand his church, and enable his people then “You Can’t Do it by Yourself.” He preached us silly and had the church standing to it’s feet begging for more only to hear him say, “That’s all God gave me”.
And the service ended in a high spirit of praise and worship.
The conference opened on Friday morning, September 21, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. with opening devotions led by the Eastern District Praise Team. The first workshop of the morning was led by the Mr. Al Roche who is a fund development specialist. He spoke to us in reference to health wellness and fund raising. He was followed by the Rev. Angelique Mason who is the proud new pastor of Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church who taught us about church administration and effective leadership.
At the noon day hour the members of the Eastern District gathered in the sanctuary for an hour of power. Delivering the message at this service was the eloquent Rev. Pearl Lea Geter the proud and capable pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. in Denton Maryland. Adorned in a beautiful robe of gold and black Rev. Geter mounted the pulpit and shared two passages of scripture which was: Jeremiah 3:15 and Ephesians 4:11-13. Rev Geter told us that God told Jeremiah that he had chosen pastors after his own heart therefore pastors are called, chosen and appointed by God. Rev. Geter proceeded to expound prolifically on the theme “To Be a Pastor” reminding pastors that they are to be kind compassion shepherds like Jesus because they are accountable to God for the soul of the people. Rev. Geter was so on fire that she exited the pulpit and came to the aisle while every believer in the house stood and proclaimed, “Preach Pearl”. At the end of the sermon everyone was praising and thanking the Lord.
After lunch the pastors and delegates reconvened in the sanctuary for a workshop taught by Bro. Paul Kearney of St. James A.M.E. Church in Harve de Grace. He taught on using computers effectively for the ministry. This workshop was followed by the last workshop of the day which was on Church Growth taught by none other than the Rev. Cordell Hunter, the committed and faithful pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church Green Street.
The following committees made their reports:
1. Christian Education
2. Evangelistic Team
3. Presiding Elder’s Upkeep
The reports were received and adopted.
The Rev. Brian Thomas who presided over the evening service of “Praise Is What We Do” did usher us into the holy of holies! The House was filled with melody as the choirs and congregation sung Revive Us Again. The singers took us down memory lane with praises to the Lord. The choirs sang until the power of the Lord filled the Church. After wonderful melodious music the pastors formed a line around the church to thank Presiding Elder and First Lady Montague with gifts of love for their love, support, encouragement, and compassion shown to them daily. This wonderful service of music, song and appreciation ended with the senior members of the churches on the Eastern District being awarded $10.00 gift certificates which was in direct response of the efforts of Mrs. Rebecca Turner. This entire service was a heartfelt labor of love by Mrs. Turner and as the music continued to play long after the service was over we watched everyone leave with some pep in their step and a song on their heart. The atmosphere appeared to parallel what the disciples must have felt like in the gospels where it is recorded, “They sung a hymn and went out!”
The Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference expressed its deep debt of gratitude and appreciation to the host church, Robinson’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as to the gifted and brilliant host pastor, the Rev. Charles M. Robinson for rolling out the red carpet and treating us as royalty. They left no stone unturned and we dined on the finest of foods the Eastern Shore has to offer. Kudos and accolades to the Robinson Church Family for a job par excellent!!!!
The host pastor and Robinson’s A.M.E. were courteous, hospitable, friendly, assessable, and gracious throughout the annual conference.
The 2007 District Conference of Eastern District celebrated the ministry of Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. and First Lady Irene P. Montague; the pastors and laity have been energize, motivated, and encouraged to realize that together we will actualize the theme of this year’s District Conference: Exalting Christ, Expanding His Church and Enabling His People.
Submitted by the Resolution Committee
Rev Pearl Geter, Chairman
Rev. Marietta Ramsey
Rev. Bedelia Commodore
12. BLACK PEOPLE, INDIANS AND SKIN COLOR:
-By Antonette Jefferson
I was part of a study project in India and was intrigued with the caste system and, as an African American, I was curious about our differences and our similarities. I had studied with East Indians and knew Indian professors at Hampton University and they were all very nice, but I wondered about the caste system, which had never come up as a topic of discussion. I was also curious about how I would be accepted as a black American.
I visited a beauty salon while in India where I was encouraged to lighten my skin by choosing from a wide array of bleaching selections. I respectfully declined. On another occasion, a young Indian man indicated that he had noticed many people staring at me and he conjectured that if I had been “fairer,” I would have received more favorable responses. These experiences point to the reality of the politics of color and the intersecting oppressions of gender and race that are often faced by black women. To put a slant on Du Bois’ prediction of the color-line being the issue of the twentieth century, in the twenty-first century there is an issue of the color-line, which differentiates between the different hues of brown.
I was told that many Indians consider themselves brown, which is better, in their minds, than being a person of African descent, or a black person. This is not to paint a grim picture. Many of the Indians I spoke with had a genuine interest in the experiences of the blacks in America. One college student wanted to understand the experience of the “common” person. Another Brahmin caste gentleman said that he rejoiced when African American athletes won sporting events in the Olympics.
Despite these generally innocent assertions, I could not pretend that I was content with such observations. I felt compelled to speak of black intellectuals and scholars, artists and entrepreneurs, businesspersons and politicians, intent on disproving the notion that blacks were only successful in athletics. I also wanted to explain that many black people would be offended by being referred to as “common.” At least I was tempted to offend, until I realized that this young student also considered herself a “common” person. Nevertheless, I found myself emotionally engaged as I was asked questions about single mothers, how I washed my locks, and the experience of racism in America.
I welcomed those questions. On first promptings, I was inclined to explain the intricacies and complexities of the black experience from Marcus Garvey to Condoleezza Rice to Amos Wilson, from the UNIA to the Black Panther Party to SNCC, from Afrocentricity to the black perspective to black feminist thought. Trying to avoid being perceived as an angry black woman, I attempted objectivity by pouring out information, facts and statistics. I soon realized that I could not feign dispassion for a topic and experience with which I am inextricably linked, in part a product of, and passionate about—especially speaking to individuals who would have a somewhat divergent perspective because of cultural and ethnic factors as well as the unique intricacies of globalization.
And yet, I realized that I could not do the black experience its proper justice. I thought to myself: to understand the black experience, it is most likely that one has to be black. I began to feel it would be a fool’s errand to try and explain centuries of the Maafa in a brief conversation with one individual. But, it was still a liberating experience. I felt that the discretion I utilized was appropriate, that the information I shared was useful, and that I helped complicate the global discourse on the African American experience.
I found that the consubstantiality of the Indian and African American experience can help bridge the gap between people of color in order to challenge the hegemony of Eurocentrism. I was able to see the sameness between the struggle of the Bengali in India and people of African descent in America regarding the issue of the politics of color.
I reviewed over 200 matrimonial ads which I statistically analyzed.
My research found that there are common elements in the values of Americans and Indians. Of the 144 ads of men seeking wives that were investigated, 57.6% of the ads requested beautiful, good looking, pretty or attractive women. Thirty percent (30%) requested fair women. Twenty-three percent (23%) requested slim women. Of those who requested fair women, 43.2% also requested that they be slim. Of those who requested slim women, 55.9% also requested that these women be fair. Statistics regarding women seeking husbands revealed the extent to which women imbibed ideas about fairness and beauty. Twenty percent advertised as slim, and 56.7% advertised themselves as fair. Of the women who considered themselves beautiful, 80% also advertised themselves as fair. Therefore, it can be assumed that fairness is often associated with beauty.
This infatuation with fairness is evident in the fairness cream market in India. In a New York Times article, Didier Villanueva—country manager for L’Oreal India—praises the fact that “Half of the skin care market in India is fairness creams… and 60 to 65 percent of Indian women use these products daily” and asserts that “the idea of ‘glowing fairness’ has nothing to do with colonialism, or idealization of European looks, but is …as old as India… deeply rooted in the culture” (Timmons, New York Times, 2007).
Nevertheless, critics such as Shankar and Palaian, who wrote Fairness Creams in South Asia—A Case of Disease Mongering?, assert that “fairness cream manufacturers have exploited the preference for fair skin, portrayed it as a necessary requisite for success, and promoted the use of their product to achieve the ideal.”
Skin lightening is more than simply playing into the ideal of Eurocentric standards of beauty. Goon and Craven, authors of the 2003 article Whose Debt? Globalisation and White-facing in Asia, offer that skin lightening or whitening is an active process whereby persons are performing whiteness. Because whiteness connotes purity, beauty, perfection, and blemish-free, men and women of color live vicariously through a performance of whiteness, or bleaching of the skin. Goon and Craven assert that this performance of whiteness can be seen as rebellion, where women and men resist strict and rigid identity categorization and “boxing.” This is a new and interesting perspective, although it may not be accurate.
Thus, it becomes evident that the same global forces that are impinging upon people of African descent, telling them that their brown skin is not appealing, is also affecting others across the globe. This is just one manifestation of the oppression people of color experience.
In sum, the presenting issues can be expressed as follows. First, African Americans have a unique experience of oppression, an experience to which some Indians feel superior. Second, Indians experience a level of oppression similar to that oppression experienced by African Americans and endemic to people of color as result of Eurocentric hegemony. Third, the current practice of capitalism and various aspects of Eurocentricism have resulted in divide and conquer between people of color. Lastly, people of color may recognize their common bond and begin to challenge Eurocentric hegemony.
While these premises in no way encapsulate the full gamut of understanding the nuances of people of color in globalized society, it is a starting point by which we can begin to understand the disparate and linked histories and realities. As a black woman, I give primacy to ameliorating the issues in the black community and shedding light on the ways intersecting oppressions have affected, affect and will continue to affect people of African descent across the globe. In correcting the historical and present wrongs, however, I also recognize that it is a struggle of all people of color.
Editor’s Note: Ms Antonette Jefferson is a Ph.D. student at Howard University and was on of my outstanding students as an undergraduate at Hampton University.
13. UNITED METHODIST BISHOPS URGE IMMEDIATE IRAQ WITHDRAWAL:
NOTE: The full resolution is available at http://umns.umc.org
By Linda Green
Lake Junaluska, N.C. (UMNS) - Declaring war "incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ," the bishops of The United Methodist Church called on leaders of all nations to begin an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
The bishops also urged against deploying additional troops to Iraq and against establishing permanent military bases in the Middle Eastern country.
"This resolution is long overdue," said retired Bishop Clifton Ives before the Council of Bishops voted its approval on Nov. 9.
The action came during the council's semi-annual meeting at a United Methodist retreat center in western North Carolina. The council represents 11.5 million United Methodists in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Philippines. About 125 active and retired bishops from across the globe attended the Nov. 4-9 gathering.
In addition to calling for the immediate safe and full withdrawal of troops, the bishops called on the United States and other Coalition Force nations to initiate and support a plan for the reconstruction of Iraq, giving strong priority to the humanitarian and social needs of the Iraqi people. They urged increased support for veterans of the Iraq war and all wars.
The bishops said their position is based on Jesus Christ's call for "his followers to be peacemakers."
The resolution is the council's latest action questioning the Iraq war. In November 2005, the bishops urged U.S. President George W. Bush, who is United Methodist, to create a timeline to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.
Casualties of war
Before the latest vote, the council wrestled with turning the resolution from having a U.S.-centric focus into one with global emphasis to care for all people impacted by the war.
The bishops cited the deaths of more than 3,843 U.S. soldiers, 171 members of the United Kingdom military, 132 members of other Coalition military, the wounding of 28,385 U.S. soldiers and the deaths of at least 76,241 Iraqi civilians. They noted the war has displaced 2 million people and made refugees of 1 million others.
"Every day that the war continues, more soldiers and innocent civilians are killed with no end in sight to the violence, bloodshed and carnage," the resolution says.
The bishops called on United Methodists throughout the world to pray for peace; hold regular prayer vigils for congregations and communities; and care for all impacted by the war, including honoring the dead, healing the wounded and calling for an end to the war.
'Moral issue'
The council discussed the resolution over the course of two days before approving a final version on Nov. 9.
Retired Bishop Jack Meadors, of Edisto Beach, S.C., noted that 2007 has been the deadliest year for the U.S. military since the Iraq war began in 2003. He predicted the 4,000th American combat death will occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"The Iraq war is not just a political issue or a military issue. It is a moral issue," Meadors said. "War is sin. It is evil. War is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus."
Calling the resolution "a faith-based statement," Meadors said Christians must be "peacemakers that we might be known as children of God."
Bishop James Swanson of the Holston (Tenn.-Va.-Ga.) Conference said President Bush's intentions for entering the war may have been noble but that the results have been deadly.
"We as bishops are concerned about the loss of lives and any resulting effect once the war ends and the troops are removed," Swanson said. He added that, once the troops leave, "the church needs to be about helping the Iraqi people rebuild their lives."
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Reverend Charles L. Mixon on November 4, 2007. Reverend Mixon is the father of Reverend Albert C. Mixon, pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church, Eufaula, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Messages may be sent to:
Reverend & Mrs. Albert C. Mixon
857 Hwy 131
Eufaula, AL 36027
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Jacqueline McDonald on November 3, 2007. Mrs. McDonald is the sister of Reverend Joseph A. Hall, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church (Homewood), Birmingham, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Messages may be sent to:
Reverend Joseph A. Hall & Family
2311 Cherry Avenue
Hueytown, AL 35023
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
17. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITORIAL - THE WORSHIP AND CHALLENGES OF WORSHIP IN THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a spirit-filled Church. The African Methodist Episcopal Church welcomes all worshipers, regardless of race or ethnic background. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a liturgical Church. We have an order of worship that is found in The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, The AME Hymnal and the AMEC Book of Worship.
During worship, AME congregations participate through verbal and non-verbal responses. Some worshippers are contemplative and others are more expressive. AME worship involves readings from the Holy Scripture, singing of hymns, offering of prayers and by receiving Holy Communion. Worship is corporate in nature, because the congregation shares in all aspects of the liturgy. AME worship is active and worshippers participate in the acts of worship, which is why we refer to the people sitting in the pews as, “the congregation” and not as, “the audience.” In worship there should be a time of silence because silence at various intervals provides time for worshippers to think and reflect on his or her personal experience with God.
I remember in my childhood, seeing AME worshipers, upon entering the Nave, would first sit and bow in meditation or prayer before participating in corporate worship. I was always taught to sit and bow in meditation before participating in worship. I do not see laity or clergy doing that as much today. It is interesting that the rubric for The Prelude in the Order for Morning Worship in the AMEC Book of Worship (page 9) instructs worshipers to be in reverent meditation. The Rubric for The Postlude (Page 15) says, “Our members are reminded that they should sit quietly for a moment and then depart to serve.”
Worship in AME Churches sometimes varies from church to church and from region to region. Some AME Churches are expressive in worship with shouts of, “Amen” or “Praise the Lord.” Other churches are more sedate and are not as expressive; and, in other churches, there is a mixture of expressive worship and contemplative worship. The AME Church has “high church” and “low church” worship; and in some instances, a combination of both. One is not better than the other; it is tradition and preference.
Today, some of our local churches are in worship transition and some AME pastors are revising or “borrowing” liturgical and non-liturgical worship forms from other religious traditions, and sometimes deleting traditional AME liturgy.
I am not sure that “liturgy” is the culprit in the, “used to be AME” phenomenon.” I, personally, have never met a former AME who said, they left because of the order of worship or the Decalogue; on the contrary, most expressed their love of the AME liturgy and their love for the AME Church. When pressed on why they changed denominations or why they attend non-denominational churches, the answers almost always involved pastoral leadership (or lack of pastoral leadership) or the local church’s lack of relevance to the parishioners’ daily lives or what was going on in the community. Others said that they were tired of hearing pastors beg for money and were tired of all of the bickering in the local church. And there were others who expressed dismay because they often felt worse at the end of worship because the worship experience lacked spiritual authenticity and meaning; and that is a leadership issue.
When Rick Warren, the author of The Purpose-Driven Church, was trying to grow his congregation and surveyed people in the community, he was told by them that “they yearned for a friendly welcome, quality child care, a sermon that had a pragmatic message for their weekday lives and an overreaching sense that the church cared more about each member as a person than as a revenue stream.”
I believe that our challenge for the African Methodist Episcopal Church is consistency, authenticity and a genuine love for Christ; and for our sacred Zion. We need an inner-revival, within ourselves. Pastors need an inner-revival to recapture the enthusiasm that they had when they were called to the ministry.
Too many of our pastors and laity have “become weary in well-doing.” We need to recapture our love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church or move on into the ranks of, “I used to be an AME pastor” or “I used to be an AME.”
Worship in an AME Church, wherever in the world a particular AME Church is located; AMEs should know that they are in an AME Church. In churches where there is “shouting and praise” and in churches where there is “no shouting and no outward expressions of praise,” we ought to know that we are in an AME Church.
We need to preach more of Jesus, the Christ, and “the Good News” instead of focusing only upon the Old Testament horror stories. And, even when we preach Old Testament messages, we need to incorporate the Good News of Jesus Christ. We need to preach relevant sermons that speak to the needs of our parishioners today.
And I know that this is heretical, but some of us need to throw away all of our old sermon manuscripts and sermon outlines and start over again. When it gets to the place where parishioners know what we are going to say next, it’s time to get some new material.
Our church members need to read the Bible more and to become biblically literate and more spiritual and have a genuine love for the African Methodist Episcopal Church; both for the Connectional and local church.
And, finally, we need to engage the unaffiliated, the disaffected, and the spiritual seekers and maintain a healthy relationship with the members we already have.
2. THANK YOU - TO THE FRIENDS OF QUINN CHAPEL, CHICAGO:
It is with overflowing gratitude that I am writing to announce that on Wednesday evening, November 13, 2007 Quinn Chapel was the recipient of a $100,000 grant from the Partners in Preservation Program sponsored by American Express and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Thank you!
The $100,000 grant was the second largest award presented to any of the twenty-five sites competing for funding through this venture.
Thanks to you, WE ALL WON! This effort galvanized persons from around the world as we joined together to vote for Quinn Chapel. Every person who voted and who sent emails encouraging others to vote is a winner. We all celebrate this blessing together.
We’re all aware of the legendary history and cultural significance of Quinn Chapel. By participating in this effort, you too are now a part of this legendary story. The walls and halls of this historic site reverberate with the promises, pains, and passions of the great men and women who came before us. Together, we’re making history again. We now stand along side such well known persons as Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, Ida B. Wells, Booker T. Washington, Susan B. Anthony, Paul Lawrence Dunbar, M. L. King, Sr., and M. L. King, Jr.
You now have the opportunity to extend this legendary legacy for generations to come by giving generously to the restoration of one of the worlds most significant historic and cultural sites. Your gift helps build a bridge that transcends time and links future generations to the solid foundation of our past.
Giving is made easy by simply clicking on the National Trust for Historic Preservation web page devoted to Quinn Chapel - http://member.nationaltrust.org/quinnchapel.
Or, you can send your check or money order payable to:
Quinn Community Services Alliance of Chicago
c/o Quinn Chapel AME Church
2401 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
Thank you again, for your tremendous support. The preservation of this American Treasure is being accomplished because of you.
Gratefully Yours,
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr.
Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago, IL
Editor’s Note: The Christian Recorder family extends its congratulations to Pastor Moody, the officers, and the members of Quinn Chapel, Chicago. Thanks to all of our subscribers and friends who signed up and participated in this initiative.
3. MORE MIRACLES IN THE SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT: NEW FAMILY LIFE CENTER FOLLOWS EARLY PAYOFF OF MILLION-DOLLAR SANCTUARY:
“It is so!” announced Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner-Fuller, Senior Pastor at Mount Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church in Towson, MD (just north of Baltimore) earlier this year. Throwing a hand into the air, Rev. Ann, who is also a candidate for the Office of Bishop in 2008, declared, “The factory is coming down!”
“It is so!” came back the cry from hundreds of Mt. Calvary’s members at the 11 a.m. service. “The factory is coming down!”
It wasn’t the first time the congregation of nearly 2-thousand had stepped out in faith for a new building. A year earlier the members of Mt. Calvary had actually prepared the ground for a new Family Life Center even though the land hadn’t been cleared. Because they wanted to demonstrate that they knew how to be obedient to the visions of God, hundreds gathered in the spring of 2006 to celebrate what Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller called a faith groundbreaking.
First, the Mt. Calvary family hung a huge yellow sign announcing the new Family Life Center. Then, with big, bright yellow bows tied around their shovels, some of the younger members at Mt. Calvary began to symbolically prepare the earth.
Joining Rev. Ann and Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church at the faith groundbreaking were her husband, Reverend Stanley Fuller of Grace Baptist Church in Baltimore, the Chief Deputy Minority Whip, William J. Frank, and State Delegate Adrienne Jones.
The old factory that loomed behind them had been next to historic Mt. Calvary A.M.E. for 61 years. Originally, the factory known as the Maryland Etching Company made etched nameplates; it became Technigraphics of Maryland in 1983. The factory and the more than 100-year old A.M.E. church remained good neighbors as each expanded over the years. So much so that when Technigraphics decided to move out of Towson, the owner gave Rev. Lightner-Fuller and Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church the first opportunity to purchase its land and buildings.
That offer, however, came just as Pastor Ann and Mt. Calvary were completing another miracle: paying off a 15-year sanctuary mortgage, ten years ahead of schedule. But shortly after the mortgage burning ceremony in December 2002, John Richard Bryant, the 106th elected Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, arrived with a special message for the newly debt-free church on the last Sunday in the year.
“God told me to tell you what you just finished ain’t nothing but the foundation,” Bishop John Bryant declared in a loud, booming voice.
“People around the country and the world are going to notice that Mt. Calvary is building a miracle center here.”
“In fact,” Bishop John went on to say with one finger jabbing the air, “word is going to get out that if you want a blessing or need a healing, the place to go is Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church in East Towson.”
That’s when Mt. Calvary and its Senior Pastor, Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller knew they would be fulfilling God’s vision by expanding their territory. They purchased the property next door, without hesitation, a few months later in 2003. After obtaining many permits and attending several certificate hearings Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church held its faith groundbreaking last year to celebrate its progress with God’s vision.
Finally, at midnight on May 20, 2007, the old factory stood quietly waiting for the new life the bulldozers would bring as they cleared the land for a new three-story Family Life and Education Center.
Shortly after 10 a.m. on May 21, 2007, city workers began preparing the building for demolition. First, they carefully removed the Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church banner and the Technigraphics sign.
Then, the street began to fill with East Towson neighbors who joined the trustees, stewards, members, friends, and Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller to cheer the bulldozers and workers as they tore down the old factory.
Rev. Ann with more than 22 years of pastoral service… gave a big thumbs up!
Her daughter-in-law, Vickie, and her grandchildren, Aliyah and Lawren got ready with handkerchiefs to cover their mouths from the falling dusty bricks and boards.
And, many of the older members recalled how they had either attended school or lived at one time in the old factory.
When the old building was completely razed and the land cleared, Mt. Calvary’s huge yellow banner was placed on a fence at the empty site to mark yet another miracle: the coming of a new $3-million dollar state-of-the-art Family Life Center.
The three-story building is expected to be completed in eight months in 2008. When finished the new Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church Family Life Center will provide much needed space for the growing needs of an increasing number of ministries, church administration services, and community outreach programs. In addition to new classrooms and offices, the meeting rooms and fellowship space will make Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church an important Hub in the East Towson community. Everything is now ready for more celebration.
Just as victory was claimed on Christmas Eve 2002 when Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church sent its final mortgage payment to the bank, ten years early… the church and its pastor, Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller are expecting another miracle by Christmas eve of 2008. With the support of Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate, Second Episcopal District, the church and Rev. Ann acknowledge that God is pushing them forward to enlarge and stretch His vision.
Rev. Ann Lightner-Fuller has told her beloved church family that the biblical promise of increase is a reality at Mt. Calvary because of the faith and faithfulness of God’s people who worship and work there. It is clear that as Mt. Calvary prepares to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of its million-dollar sanctuary in December 2007, the members continue to demonstrate that they are positioned for the next level of Kingdom building. Visitors to Mt. Calvary these days are likely to hear in-between the frequent words of praise, a familiar joyful refrain: “It is so! The factory is down; the Family Life Center is on its way!”
Submitted by Gloria Gibson, Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church, Communications Committee
4. THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SOUTHWEST GEORGIA CONFERENCE W.M.S. & Y.PD. ANNUAL RETREAT:
*Ms Pansy McLendon
On Saturday, August 18, 2007 the Sweet Soul Saving Sixth Episcopal District of the Southwest Georgia Conference Women’s Missionary Society and the Children’s and Young Peoples’ Division met for a day of “Keeping it Real: Taking it to the Streets.” Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. as we gathered at the Sumter County High School in Americus, Georgia. Attendees were greeted by Conference W.M.S. President, Sister Pansy McLendon, First Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Geraldine Duncan and Conference Y.P.D. Director, Sister Terri Wooden. Though it was early morning, excitement filled the air. The young people were uniformly dressed in their green and white; while the missionaries were dawned in their “Daughters of Destiny, Distinction and Decision” royalty T-shirts. Yes, they were “Keeping it Real.”
Our devotional services were conducted by Y.P.D. Director, Sister Wooden and the youth. Sister Wooden extended a hearty welcome and gave an overview of the day’s activities. At the presentation of Sister McLendon, the group rose to their feet to greet her. Sister McLendon welcomed the group with enthusiasm and high praise, and her “southern” welcome was well received. Sister McLendon offered a moment of silent prayer for the family of one of our Life Members, Sis. Juanita Tiller, whose daughter was killed in a car accident just hours prior to the convening of the Retreat.
First Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Geraldine Duncan took hold of the reign and had the Area W.M.S. Chairpersons introduce the representatives from various areas of the Conference who had come to share with us. Of course the first thing we had to do was to make sure we all were awake, so exercise, that’s right “Meditation ‘n’ Calisthenics”; no one can do it like Sister Frenchy Hodges. When she finished with us, we were well awake.
Sister Ruby Smith, Director of the Friend on a Mission Homeless Shelter located in Americus, GA. Sister Smith brought to our attention that homelessness is not just linked to any one gender, race, religious denomination, education level or occupational status. She stated that homelessness is present; but through prayer and the work of missionaries it can become someone’s past. And a question that many of us probably have asked ourselves, “What Do You Do, When You Don’t Know What To Do?” Rev. Veronica Lewis, Pastor of St. Phillips AMEC; gave us a number of scriptures we could read; but when the rubber met the road, it was simple: Prayer; it changes things! Third- Vice W.M.S. President, Sister Sabrina Pryor presented a skit on Membership and Recruitment. During the skit they challenged us to make our meeting more meaningful by being timely, positive, work with an attitude of interdependence, sharing and collaboration. Expect to get out of your meeting, just what you put into it, put your all and receive all.
Of course, no event is complete without FOOD, we enjoyed the “All American Meal” of hotdogs, fried chicken and southern grown watermelon; all missing was the good old fashion apple pie.
“Keeping it Real and Taking it to the Streets”, made many of us realize that there a number of ways we as missionaries can get involved. Sister McLendon thanked Sister Duncan, Sister Wooden and their committee for the planning and preparation of the Retreat as well as for their work of missions.
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th District
Dr. PAM DeVeaux, 6th District WMS Supervisor
Mrs. Shirley T. Washington, 6th District WMS President
Ms. Pansy McLendon, Southwest Georgia WMS President
*Ms Pansy McLendon is the Southwest Georgia Conference President
5. THE 7TH DISTRICT’S 2007 SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Submitted by Brother Benjamin Harrison
Monday, September 17th to Friday, September 21st, the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Charleston for the fourth of its 2007 annual conferences entitled the South Carolina Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church located at 110 Calhoun Street in Charleston, S.C., where Rev. Stephen Singleton is pastor. The South Carolina Conference is comprised of the Charleston, Edisto, and Beaufort Districts. This 144th session makes it the oldest of six annual conferences and with 28 churches in the Charleston District, 33 in the Edisto District, and 28 in the Beaufort District; the South Carolina Conference contains more than 25,000 A.M.E. members. Founded in 1818, Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church is one of the oldest A.M.E. Churches south of Philadelphia, P.A. and is considered the A.M.E. ‘Mother Church’ of the American South.
The following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by The Rev. Randolph Miller, pastor of Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, and the South Carolina Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
The presence of the Lord is here as we make our report in Charleston, S.C., the ‘Holy City,’ at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church under the awesome leadership of our presiding prelate, Bishop Preston Warren William II, and our beloved Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. The conference continues to lift Mother Williams in prayer as God continues to heal her. We thank God for another year!
We were met on the grounds of the church by the host Presiding Elder John H. Gillison and Mrs. Gillison and associate Presiding Elders Samuel Myers and Mrs. Myers and John Randolph and Mrs. Randolph. The conference is also praying for Presiding Elder Randolph, and Rev. Christopher Smith was asked to stand in his place and bring the Charleston District to the annual conference.
Tuesday morning the protocol and boundaries were established and we prepared for the opening worship convocation and celebration of Holy Communion. The Rev. Albertha Cook delivered an inspired message entitled, “A Place Called Hope!” The business session began with the reading of reports from Elder Samuel Myers and the Beaufort District, and Bishop Williams presented Rev.’s I. Waddy and C. Wright as candidates for the Episcopacy.
Tuesday evening’s WMS program began at 7:00 p.m. under the theme, “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative,” with Ms. Gloria Robinson as worship leader. Mrs. Bernice Sanders, Episcopal WMS President, stated that she was proud of the work that has been accomplished by the WMS in 2007. The featured speaker was Mrs. Lizette Williams who spoke on, “Continuing the Legacy!” She professed that through all the changes we experience in life, we must keep our hands in God’s hand and know that everything will be alright!
During Wednesday morning’s business session Bishop Williams encouraged all delegates to pay the assessments of the church in that the connectional church must meet its general budget. Bishop Williams admonished pastors to take charge of their congregations, encouraged them to love their congregations, and taught that if problems arise, pastors must sit down and work them out with their congregations. The business session continued with the reading of reports from Rev. Christopher Smith and the Charleston District.
The afternoon meditation was led by Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Episcopal Dean of Christian Education, who read from 2 Corinthians 13:1-5, on the subject, “A Self-Examination.” Dr. Keith stated that some of us believe we have all the answers and have therefore created a false sense of self-righteousness. He continued by stating that God is watching us and so we must live our lives in line with the word of God; that we will know who we are when we spend time with God because God is in control; that when we go through tests and trials it is for us to see who we are in God and if we are walking in His favor; that we must trust and believe in God and keep our focus on Him so that we will not look for natural signs, but instead will have the power of God on the inside; that we must examine ourselves to determine where we are weak and lacking, as well as sufficient and strong; and that God is able to carry us through it all!
During the afternoon business session the Charleston, Edisto, and Beaufort Districts elected Presiding Elders Gillison, Myers and Randolph and Pastors Stephen Singleton, Eddie Gaston, Albertha Cook, Lawrence Gordon and Christopher Smith as delegates to the 2008 General Conference. Rev.’s Julius Steed, William Alston, Moses Miller, John Mack, Brenda Thornhill, Edward Alston, J.P. Brown and Robert Stokes were elected as alternates.
Wednesday evening’s program was led by our Young People’s Division, and the youth displayed their various talents and conducted another successful evening of youth witness.
Thursday was Christian Education Day. District reports were read and Sis. Kabrina Bass, Episcopal CED Administrator/Director, and Dr. Willie Heggins, Assistant CED Dean/Administrator, thanked the presiding elders, pastors and congregation for all of their help in promoting the various Christian education events throughout the year. Ms. Bass conducted a seminar entitled, “The Church Then – The Church Now,” and handed out a church readiness inventory for the congregation to fill out which came from the book, “Moving from Good to Great.” The purpose of the inventory was to provide a starting point from which churches could more clearly see where their ministries are heading. Ms. Bass clarified that, “We are here to fulfill the work of God and so we must ask Him what our gifts and purposes are. God has called us to meet the needs of people and so we must live by His standards and remain in His presence.”
Ms Bass discussed the seven passions of the early church: intimate worship, faith-based conversation, intentional spiritual growth, servant-hood, resource investment, spiritual friendships, and family faith, and how they should apply to the church of today. She stated, “We must learn to share God’s love with our family and community and we must desire to be more like Christ. We must seek the presence of God and make that our main focus like the church of Acts.”
Ms Bass offered an overview of the local church and informed us that many of today’s worshippers are leaving churches in that they often hold no loyalty to specific denominations. She argued that people are going where they can experience spiritual growth. She also discussed the generational gap in the church divided between four main groups: the ‘Builders’ born between 1927-1945, who are traditional and process oriented; the ‘Boomers’ born between 1946-1964, who desire quality preaching and a great worship experience; the ‘Busters’ born between 1965-1983, who need ministry in a warm atmosphere; and the ‘Mosaics’ born between 1984-2003, who have no boundaries and engage in several religions. Ms. Bass concluded by pointing out that a church made up of such diverse members must also have equally diverse ministries to meet each group’s needs.
Later, Danny Crooks, a local historian, relayed the story of Daniel Cornelius Duncan who was lynched for a crime he did not commit in 1910. Mr. Crooks wanted the conference to discuss establishing a D. Ward Nichols adult prison ministry, a L. Ruffin Nichols institute for juvenile offenders, and a Daniel Cornelius Duncan scholarship at the College of Charleston. Mr. Crooks has written a book about the event entitled, “Dead Weight.”
That afternoon, Bishop Williams presented to the conference the Mayor of Charleston, Mr. Joseph P. Riley Jr., who commended the Bishop for his excellent leadership and the A.M.E. Church for its commitment to the community. Mayor Riley spoke of the African American Museum to be built at the end of Calhoun Street.
Thursday’s ‘Hour of Power’ with Allen University revitalized the congregation. Rev. Deborah P. Carter served as worship leader and the congregation sang, “There is not a Friend!” After a spirit filled prayer by Rev. Sinclair Frasier, followed by Rev. Donna Green who read from Psalm 121, the congregation’s hearts were lifted higher by music from the Allen University Choir.
Rev. Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University, presented a dynamic message from Romans 1:14-17 entitled, “The Ingredients for a Powerful Ministry!” Rev. Young told us that we must be obligated to what God has called us to do and we must be committed to the ministry; we must be prepared for the particular course and purpose to which God has assigned us; and we must not be ashamed of the Gospel, for only God has the power to save, heal, deliver, and set free!
Thursday evening’s worship service was conducted by the Lay Organization under the theme, “Team Building, Mentoring, and Leadership Skills for Clergy and Lay.” The pastors ensemble provided the music and the Power Point presentation led by Rev. Dr. James Cooper was extremely informative on how the lay and pastors can work together to build a better church.
Friday morning’s business session began with the presentation of the class of admissions. The candidates for ordination were presented. Augustin Aman, Maxwell Samuel, Otis Smalls and Andre Thornhill were presented for itinerant deacons, and Crystal Thornhill was presented for ordination as itinerant elder. The recommendations from the committees were received and there were three requests for retirement: Rev.’s Thomas McClary, Terence Mackey, and Oscar Odom.
The Rev. Joseph A. Darby, pastor of historic Morris Brown A.M.E. Church in Charleston, delivered the ordination message taken from Luke 5:8-11. In his message entitled, “It’s Fishing Time,” Rev. Darby told the candidates that their ordination is just the beginning, and that they must allow Jesus to lead if they are going to be a good fisherman of souls.
The afternoon session began with the Church School lesson taught by Rev.’s Sigmund, J.P. Harrison, and Barbara Fludd, about Hagar and Ishmael from the book of Exodus, followed by a memorial service for Rev.’s Carole Priester and Johnny Johnson.
The closing worship service was truly an experience to witness and remember! Bishop Williams delivered a dynamic sermon entitled, “Locked Behind Open Doors!” He preached that God will give us the power to do the work He has assigned to us, and that God has seen all of our scars and sins and still He forgives us. The names of the delegates to the General Conference, financial reports, and pastoral appointments were all read.
We profusely thank Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Mother Williams for leading us to a new and exciting level in service and education. We thank the host pastor, Rev. Stephen Singleton, Mrs. Singleton, and all the members of Mother Emanuel for their exceptional hospitality in hosting the annual conference. You left no stone unturned and we the members of the conference say thank you! We would also like to thank the members of Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church for graciously hosting Bishop Williams and his guests. Be it finally resolved that the 144th session of the South Carolina Annual Conference will go down in history as one of the most spiritual, educational, and uplifting conferences we have ever experienced!
*Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th District, AME Church
6. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, NORTH CAROLINA INITIATIVE FORM PARTNERSHIP FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN VANCE COUNTY:
Rev. Cassandra Sparrow
RALEIGH — The North Carolina Community Development Initiative (Initiative) and the Second District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church are joining hands in a historic partnership designed to bring much-needed economic development to a rural area in Vance County, just north of the Triangle.
The Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.) is a free-standing 501 (C) 3 organization that has full ownership of the Kittrell property, a historic site of the AME Church. R.E.D. is comprised of a membership of persons in North Carolina, Virginia, District of Columbia and Maryland.
The property, which is controlled by the R.E.D. Board, encompasses 238 acres near the community of Kittrell, just off U.S. Route 1 in Vance County, roughly eight miles south of Henderson.
Preliminary plans call for the development to include a variety of housing opportunities; a conference center; a youth development center; a training site for churches and corporations; a senior housing complex; and a counseling center for ministers and churches. Leaders of both the Initiative and R.E.D. are hopeful that a site plan can be approved next year, and within the next eighteen months they will be operating from a temporary facility. The first stages of construction will be completed within three to four years.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson Jr., Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, said the project will bring affordable housing, jobs and new energy to an area that badly needs it.
“This is a great day for the Second District AME Church and R.E.D., but also for Vance County and the people of Kittrell,” he said. “This development will be a shot in the arm for everyone involved. We can’t wait to get started.”
Abdul Rasheed, CEO of the Raleigh-based Initiative, agreed.
“We’re delighted to be a part of this partnership,” Rasheed said. “Anytime we can reach into a community and offer some help; it’s a great day. To be able to do it with a partner like the Second District AME Church and R.E.D. simply makes it all the sweeter.”
The agreement calls for the Initiative to provide technical assistance to R.E.D. for the project — and the expectation is that the Initiative will also be the co-developer.
The property is rich with history, having been the site of a well-known hotel and spa that boasted healing waters from a nearby mineral spring. During the Civil War, the hotel site was converted for use as a hospital. In the late 19th Century, the site was home to the AME Church’s Kittrell College. Plans call for the new development to be adjacent to the original campus.
The Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. is a North Carolina nonprofit corporation that also serves constituents in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. R.E.D. serves over 360 churches and 114,000 members and community residents, with real estate valued at $170 million.
Community economic development, health, social services and education and youth development are among the organization’s priorities. Many beneficiaries of the organization’s efforts are those with an AME heritage and strong commitment to improving, equipping, and empowering people in the mid-Atlantic region. For more information, visit www.2NDAMEC.org.
The North Carolina Community Development Initiative is a statewide public-private partnership that provides leadership and capital investment to high performance community development corporations — as well as other community based economic development endeavors — to improve the quality of life for people in low resource communities all over North Carolina. Nationally recognized for its work, the Initiative and its grantees are involved in worthwhile projects and programs literally from the state’s mountains to the coast. For more information about the Initiative, visit www.ncinitiative.org
7. GROUND BREAKING FOR FIRST A.M.E. CHURCH INDIO, CALIFORNIA:
Rev. Timothy O. Costen, Jr.
On Sunday June 10, 2007 Rev. Timothy O. Coston Jr. and the members of First A.M.E. Church in Indio, California welcomed the long awaited event that signified an end to almost twenty years of struggle between the church and the City of Indio. Members of the church, the community, city officials, and other churches throughout the community were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new facility that will begin construction in July of this year.
The new church will be located at 44th Ave and Monroe St. and will once again be apart of a neighborhood community.
The neighborhood that once housed most of the First A.M.E. congregation was razed when the city used eminent domain in the 1980’s to pave the way for expansion of the Indio Fashion Mall by developer David Miller, owner of Miller’s Outpost clothing stores.
The mall expansion fell through due to lack of funding. Three churches and a couple of homes were all that remained standing in a four block vacant lot, in the heart of the city. This area, known as the John Nobles Ranch, was the first property owned by blacks in the City of Indio. First A.M.E. Church was incorporated in the same year that the City of Indio was established. Ironically, it was Rev. Coston’s father, Rev. Timothy O. Coston Sr., whose first pastoral assignment was First A.M.E. Indio, who initially led the marches against city hall in protest of the eminent domain proceedings.
Through much negotiation and prayer the church and city came to an agreement and the church property was purchased by the city for $1.5 million dollars. The city is now cooperating to assist the congregation in relocating to its new site.
Construction on the new church is estimated to take 7 to 9 months.
We thank God for using us and allowing us to be part of this historic event for both First A.M.E. and the City of Indio. We are honored to be part of the 5th Episcopal District’s Southern California Conference and would like to thank our bishop, the Right Reverend John R. Bryant and our presiding elder, Dr. Howard S. Gloyd for their prayers and support. We send a special thank you to Presiding Elder Norman D. Copeland for presiding over our groundbreaking services.
The new facility will be 6,600 square feet and have a worship capacity of 253.
8. ST. PETER AME CHURCH, FORT VALLEY, GEORGIA, CELEBRATES 124th ANNIVERSARY:
Brother Alphonso Ben Varner, Reporter
"Falling into the Spirit" was the theme of the 124th Anniversary of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Valley, Georgia. This glorious, historical event was held Sunday, November 11, 2007.
A season of new beginnings came to St. Peter AME Church on the fifth Sunday of May 2005 when the Reverend Bertram C. Smith was assigned by the Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux to serve as pastor.
St. Peter has made great strides of Christian commitment under the spiritual leadership team of Reverend Bertram and First Lady Wendolyn M. Smith.
Reverend Bertram C. Smith admirably served as worship leader. Brother Ruben Brown prayed a powerful anniversary prayer and he prayed for the veterans of the military forces, many of whom have given their lives that we may be free of tyranny, and free to pursue the good life.
The St. Peter Mass Choir rendered spiritual selections under the direction of Brother Gerald Lee, the minister of music. The sweet melodies also lifted the spirit of the congregation by singing, "The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock."
Reverend Smith introduced the speaker of the hour, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, the 113th elected and consecrated bishop of the AME Church. The Hymn of Preparation was one of Bishop DeVeaux's favorite hymns, "When Peace Like a River…"
Bishop DeVeaux used as his text, Numbers 13: 26-30, and masterfully preached on the subject, “Are You Able?”
Some key points:
1. The Israelite, Caleb took a positive stand by bringing back a report to Moses and the congregation, saying, let us go up at once, and possess the land of milk and honey; for we are well able to overcome it.
2. African Americans have been through some tough times - Slavery, the Ku Klux Klan, oppression, racism and we must constantly remind ourselves that we are able to overcome adversity.
3. When you question your capacity, you question God. We cannot survive having a negative attitude; God will not send you where God will not be with you.
4. Finally, Bishop DeVeaux stated in the form of a question, "Are you able to move forward in the name of God?”
A scrumptious 124th Anniversary dinner was prepared and served to the gathering by Brother Willie K. Harris and his competent staff.
Honors were bestowed upon the Pastor Smith, the Anniversary Steering Committee and the Anniversary Ministry Committee for their untiring, dedicated labor for planning and implementing a successful day of religious experiences which was par excellence.
The family of St. Peter saluted Pastor Bertram Smith, Brother Ashley Ballard, Chairperson, Sisters Willie Mae Johnson and Milenda Kincy, Vice Chairs for their expertise and labor of love.
To God be the glory for the great things He is doing in the ministry of St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Valley, Georgia.
9. SARAH ALLEN WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY FULFILLING THE MISSION – GOD’S WORD, GOD’S WILL, GOD’S WAY:
*Ms Pansy McLendon
The Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society of historic St. James AME Church in Columbus, GA continues to hold the banner of Christ high as we spread the love and gospel of Jesus Christ throughout our community.
One of our very special projects is our monthly Bible study and fellowship with the women of “The Damascus Way Home for Women and Children”. We continue to be blessed by our fellowship with the women of Damascus Way as we experience a growth in numbers as we study God’s Word. We share in the ups and the downs of our friends and continue to encourage them and lift them up before God because we know there is nothing too hard for God. We have also been blessed to start a monthly Bible Study with a group of men at West Central Georgia Regional Hospital. It is our prayer that we can encourage these men and strengthen their hearts through the spreading of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Our lesson this month dealt with the reconciliation of Esau and Jacob as outlined in Genesis 33. We saw in the Scriptures the real power of forgiveness and how God’s grace and mercy is able to change hearts and minds. These two brothers had struggled most of their lives. Jacob, the younger, had tricked his brother Esau and deceived him by receiving the birthright and blessings that rightfully belonged to Esau. As a result of his deception, Jacob had to flee his homeland because Esau had vowed to kill him. Much occurred in the lives of both men in the twenty years they are apart – Jacob encountered God and built an altar at Bethel, he wrestled with an angel, and his name was changed from Jacob to Israel. Jacob, having committed his case to God according to Genesis 31:3 begins his journey back to his homeland. No matter what happens, nothing can come amiss to the person whose heart is fixed, trusting in God. Jacob bowed to Esau seven times and his household also showing that a humble, submissive behavior goes far towards turning away wrath. Esau ran to his brother and embraced Jacob and the two men wept together.
God has the hearts of all people in his hands, and can turn them when and how He pleases. It is not in vain to trust in God, and to call upon His holy name in the day of trouble. And when our ways please the Lord, He makes even our enemies to be at peace with us.
Esau received Jacob as a brother, and much tenderness passed between them. As missionaries, we believe our work is deeply rooted in the great commission which tells us, according to Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
There is work to be done in Columbus, GA and what God wants us to do is to have a heart for our local community and for the world that the whole world might come to know Jesus as their Savior. The key to being a missionary is simply being a witness for Jesus Christ, so we believe missionaries are not born but are made out of the ordinary run of individuals. The basic qualification is not intellectualism, but a yielded spirit, a devotion to the will of God, and a deep sense of a divine calling.
Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th District
Dr. Patricia DeVeaux, 6th District WMS Supervisor
Mrs. Shirley T. Washington, 6th District WMS President
Ms. Pansy W. McLendon, Southwest Georgia WMS President
Submitted by: Johnnie Mae Conaway, Local PME Director
*Ms Pansy McLendon the Southwest Georgia Conference President
10. KITTRELL COLLEGE REUNION A RESOUNDING SUCCESS:
Rev. Jimmy Faison
In 1885 a resolution was passed by the North Carolina Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for the establishment of a Normal and Industrial School to educate high school students. The site chosen was in Kittrell, NC which is located about thirty-five miles north of Raleigh, the state's capital.
Kittrell began its first session in 1886 and was chartered by the North Carolina Legislature in 1887 and the name of the school became Kittrell Institute adding a component for training clergy for service in the Church. In 1889 the institution's charter was amended to accommodate a post-secondary program. At the General Conference in 1892, the Educational District was changed to add the state of Maryland and District of Columbia to support Kittrell College along with Virginia and North Carolina which would comprise the 2nd Episcopal District.
Kittrell College was home to many students across the United States with a number of them coming, also, from Bermuda. Though the conditions were not the best, anyone who attended high school and college there left having developed a sense of loyalty to one another and to the school itself.
On Saturday, August 18, 2007, over two hundred former students gathered beside the road on Highway US #1 to unveil a historical marker. Mr. Roger Young of Clayton, NJ called a meeting in January, 2007 to organize for a Kittrell College Reunion beginning August 17-19. The event was a sellout with more than eighty-three interested Kittrellites having to be turned away because of space and planning. Amongst the notables attending the unveiling were: Vance County Sheriff Peter White; Warren County Commissioner Clinton Austin; Vance County School Board member Emerson Cash; Vance-Granville Community College representative Leo Kelly; and alumnus James Nicholson from the Class of 1938 who had the honor of officially removing the covering from the marker.
Mr. Kennis Harris, Director of the Kittrell Job Corps Center which now occupies the former school site, and his staff worked with and welcomed the Alumni on campus. Mr. Harris has expressed and interest in the history of Kittrell College and will be provided with a pictorial display of the former buildings and a collage of student life reflecting campus life thru 1975 when the school was closed.
This Reunion was dedicated to the late Mrs. Zula M. Jones who was a dormitory matron who was highly respected by all students. Mrs. Jones attended the previous reunions and was a life member of the Women's Missionary Society of the AME Church. Plaques of appreciation were given to Presiding Elder L. G. Horton who was present, Presiding Elder B. Foust and Bishop P. R. Cousin in absentia.
A very noted period in the history of Kittrell was when students from Farmville, Virginia were given full scholarships to attend the high school program when their school system closed its doors rather than desegregate in 1956. The Presiding Bishop was Bishop F. M. Reid. Many of those students completed high school and college at Kittrell. A number of them were present to participate in reunion activities.
11. THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF THE BALTIMORE CONFERENCE CONVENED A DYNAMIC DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. First Lady Irene P. Montague and the Eastern District of the African Methodist Episcopal, your Resolution Committee begs leave to read the following resolution:
The great Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference convened on Thursday, September 20, 2007 under the dynamic leadership of the charismatic, compassionate, capable Presiding Elder Ernest Lee Montague, Sr. at this land of pleasant living church on the eastern shore called Robinson African Methodist Episcopal in Grasonville, Maryland where the dapper, distinguished, daring Rev. Charles Matthew Robinson is the knowledgeable, charming and proud pastor; and
The worship service started promptly at 7:30 PM with the pastors of the Eastern District robed in black marching in to the hymn, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.”
The Rev. Ricky Spain did call the Eastern District Conference to worship and praise the Lord through his prayer which was followed by the prayer response of “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” The Robinson A.M.E. Church Choir lifted us higher in worship with an anthem followed by a soul stirring selection which challenged us to go to the enemy’s camp and take back what the devil stole from us.
The Rev. Cynthia Harvin did step to the podium and graciously introduced Presiding Elder Montague and spoke to the day he received his appointment from Bishop Vinton Anderson to become the elder of the Eastern District. She remembered how many friends and family members were filled with tears and congratulatory words excited about a new elder coming on the scene. Presiding Elder Montague followed her and introduced the preacher of the hour who was none other than the Reverend Charles Tyrone Sembly who is the Pastor of Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Randallstown Maryland. Elder Montague said that Rev. Sembly, Rev. Smith, and himself are the three musketeers and have been friends for over thirty years and nobody will ever be able to come between their friendships.
The illustrious guest choir from Union Bethel arrayed in their black attire and accompanied by First Lady Pamela Sembly took the church to higher heights and deeper depths with their renditions of There’s No God Like Jehovah, The Spirit of the Lord is Here, and Just Stand!
The Rev. Charles Sembly did come forward giving praise to God and accolades to his wife, friends and church family for supporting him with their presence. Rev. Sembly then led the church in the singing of “We Need To Hear From You” followed by the sharing of three scriptures which were: John21:15-17, Nehemiah 4:6c, and Luke 12:48. Rev Sembly told the church that if the pastors and lay of the Eastern District are going to be able to exalt Christ, expand his church, and enable his people then “You Can’t Do it by Yourself.” He preached us silly and had the church standing to it’s feet begging for more only to hear him say, “That’s all God gave me”.
And the service ended in a high spirit of praise and worship.
The conference opened on Friday morning, September 21, 2007 at 8:30 a.m. with opening devotions led by the Eastern District Praise Team. The first workshop of the morning was led by the Mr. Al Roche who is a fund development specialist. He spoke to us in reference to health wellness and fund raising. He was followed by the Rev. Angelique Mason who is the proud new pastor of Holy Trinity A.M.E. Church who taught us about church administration and effective leadership.
At the noon day hour the members of the Eastern District gathered in the sanctuary for an hour of power. Delivering the message at this service was the eloquent Rev. Pearl Lea Geter the proud and capable pastor of Union Bethel A.M.E. in Denton Maryland. Adorned in a beautiful robe of gold and black Rev. Geter mounted the pulpit and shared two passages of scripture which was: Jeremiah 3:15 and Ephesians 4:11-13. Rev Geter told us that God told Jeremiah that he had chosen pastors after his own heart therefore pastors are called, chosen and appointed by God. Rev. Geter proceeded to expound prolifically on the theme “To Be a Pastor” reminding pastors that they are to be kind compassion shepherds like Jesus because they are accountable to God for the soul of the people. Rev. Geter was so on fire that she exited the pulpit and came to the aisle while every believer in the house stood and proclaimed, “Preach Pearl”. At the end of the sermon everyone was praising and thanking the Lord.
After lunch the pastors and delegates reconvened in the sanctuary for a workshop taught by Bro. Paul Kearney of St. James A.M.E. Church in Harve de Grace. He taught on using computers effectively for the ministry. This workshop was followed by the last workshop of the day which was on Church Growth taught by none other than the Rev. Cordell Hunter, the committed and faithful pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church Green Street.
The following committees made their reports:
1. Christian Education
2. Evangelistic Team
3. Presiding Elder’s Upkeep
The reports were received and adopted.
The Rev. Brian Thomas who presided over the evening service of “Praise Is What We Do” did usher us into the holy of holies! The House was filled with melody as the choirs and congregation sung Revive Us Again. The singers took us down memory lane with praises to the Lord. The choirs sang until the power of the Lord filled the Church. After wonderful melodious music the pastors formed a line around the church to thank Presiding Elder and First Lady Montague with gifts of love for their love, support, encouragement, and compassion shown to them daily. This wonderful service of music, song and appreciation ended with the senior members of the churches on the Eastern District being awarded $10.00 gift certificates which was in direct response of the efforts of Mrs. Rebecca Turner. This entire service was a heartfelt labor of love by Mrs. Turner and as the music continued to play long after the service was over we watched everyone leave with some pep in their step and a song on their heart. The atmosphere appeared to parallel what the disciples must have felt like in the gospels where it is recorded, “They sung a hymn and went out!”
The Eastern District of the Baltimore Conference expressed its deep debt of gratitude and appreciation to the host church, Robinson’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, as well as to the gifted and brilliant host pastor, the Rev. Charles M. Robinson for rolling out the red carpet and treating us as royalty. They left no stone unturned and we dined on the finest of foods the Eastern Shore has to offer. Kudos and accolades to the Robinson Church Family for a job par excellent!!!!
The host pastor and Robinson’s A.M.E. were courteous, hospitable, friendly, assessable, and gracious throughout the annual conference.
The 2007 District Conference of Eastern District celebrated the ministry of Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. and First Lady Irene P. Montague; the pastors and laity have been energize, motivated, and encouraged to realize that together we will actualize the theme of this year’s District Conference: Exalting Christ, Expanding His Church and Enabling His People.
Submitted by the Resolution Committee
Rev Pearl Geter, Chairman
Rev. Marietta Ramsey
Rev. Bedelia Commodore
12. BLACK PEOPLE, INDIANS AND SKIN COLOR:
-By Antonette Jefferson
I was part of a study project in India and was intrigued with the caste system and, as an African American, I was curious about our differences and our similarities. I had studied with East Indians and knew Indian professors at Hampton University and they were all very nice, but I wondered about the caste system, which had never come up as a topic of discussion. I was also curious about how I would be accepted as a black American.
I visited a beauty salon while in India where I was encouraged to lighten my skin by choosing from a wide array of bleaching selections. I respectfully declined. On another occasion, a young Indian man indicated that he had noticed many people staring at me and he conjectured that if I had been “fairer,” I would have received more favorable responses. These experiences point to the reality of the politics of color and the intersecting oppressions of gender and race that are often faced by black women. To put a slant on Du Bois’ prediction of the color-line being the issue of the twentieth century, in the twenty-first century there is an issue of the color-line, which differentiates between the different hues of brown.
I was told that many Indians consider themselves brown, which is better, in their minds, than being a person of African descent, or a black person. This is not to paint a grim picture. Many of the Indians I spoke with had a genuine interest in the experiences of the blacks in America. One college student wanted to understand the experience of the “common” person. Another Brahmin caste gentleman said that he rejoiced when African American athletes won sporting events in the Olympics.
Despite these generally innocent assertions, I could not pretend that I was content with such observations. I felt compelled to speak of black intellectuals and scholars, artists and entrepreneurs, businesspersons and politicians, intent on disproving the notion that blacks were only successful in athletics. I also wanted to explain that many black people would be offended by being referred to as “common.” At least I was tempted to offend, until I realized that this young student also considered herself a “common” person. Nevertheless, I found myself emotionally engaged as I was asked questions about single mothers, how I washed my locks, and the experience of racism in America.
I welcomed those questions. On first promptings, I was inclined to explain the intricacies and complexities of the black experience from Marcus Garvey to Condoleezza Rice to Amos Wilson, from the UNIA to the Black Panther Party to SNCC, from Afrocentricity to the black perspective to black feminist thought. Trying to avoid being perceived as an angry black woman, I attempted objectivity by pouring out information, facts and statistics. I soon realized that I could not feign dispassion for a topic and experience with which I am inextricably linked, in part a product of, and passionate about—especially speaking to individuals who would have a somewhat divergent perspective because of cultural and ethnic factors as well as the unique intricacies of globalization.
And yet, I realized that I could not do the black experience its proper justice. I thought to myself: to understand the black experience, it is most likely that one has to be black. I began to feel it would be a fool’s errand to try and explain centuries of the Maafa in a brief conversation with one individual. But, it was still a liberating experience. I felt that the discretion I utilized was appropriate, that the information I shared was useful, and that I helped complicate the global discourse on the African American experience.
I found that the consubstantiality of the Indian and African American experience can help bridge the gap between people of color in order to challenge the hegemony of Eurocentrism. I was able to see the sameness between the struggle of the Bengali in India and people of African descent in America regarding the issue of the politics of color.
I reviewed over 200 matrimonial ads which I statistically analyzed.
My research found that there are common elements in the values of Americans and Indians. Of the 144 ads of men seeking wives that were investigated, 57.6% of the ads requested beautiful, good looking, pretty or attractive women. Thirty percent (30%) requested fair women. Twenty-three percent (23%) requested slim women. Of those who requested fair women, 43.2% also requested that they be slim. Of those who requested slim women, 55.9% also requested that these women be fair. Statistics regarding women seeking husbands revealed the extent to which women imbibed ideas about fairness and beauty. Twenty percent advertised as slim, and 56.7% advertised themselves as fair. Of the women who considered themselves beautiful, 80% also advertised themselves as fair. Therefore, it can be assumed that fairness is often associated with beauty.
This infatuation with fairness is evident in the fairness cream market in India. In a New York Times article, Didier Villanueva—country manager for L’Oreal India—praises the fact that “Half of the skin care market in India is fairness creams… and 60 to 65 percent of Indian women use these products daily” and asserts that “the idea of ‘glowing fairness’ has nothing to do with colonialism, or idealization of European looks, but is …as old as India… deeply rooted in the culture” (Timmons, New York Times, 2007).
Nevertheless, critics such as Shankar and Palaian, who wrote Fairness Creams in South Asia—A Case of Disease Mongering?, assert that “fairness cream manufacturers have exploited the preference for fair skin, portrayed it as a necessary requisite for success, and promoted the use of their product to achieve the ideal.”
Skin lightening is more than simply playing into the ideal of Eurocentric standards of beauty. Goon and Craven, authors of the 2003 article Whose Debt? Globalisation and White-facing in Asia, offer that skin lightening or whitening is an active process whereby persons are performing whiteness. Because whiteness connotes purity, beauty, perfection, and blemish-free, men and women of color live vicariously through a performance of whiteness, or bleaching of the skin. Goon and Craven assert that this performance of whiteness can be seen as rebellion, where women and men resist strict and rigid identity categorization and “boxing.” This is a new and interesting perspective, although it may not be accurate.
Thus, it becomes evident that the same global forces that are impinging upon people of African descent, telling them that their brown skin is not appealing, is also affecting others across the globe. This is just one manifestation of the oppression people of color experience.
In sum, the presenting issues can be expressed as follows. First, African Americans have a unique experience of oppression, an experience to which some Indians feel superior. Second, Indians experience a level of oppression similar to that oppression experienced by African Americans and endemic to people of color as result of Eurocentric hegemony. Third, the current practice of capitalism and various aspects of Eurocentricism have resulted in divide and conquer between people of color. Lastly, people of color may recognize their common bond and begin to challenge Eurocentric hegemony.
While these premises in no way encapsulate the full gamut of understanding the nuances of people of color in globalized society, it is a starting point by which we can begin to understand the disparate and linked histories and realities. As a black woman, I give primacy to ameliorating the issues in the black community and shedding light on the ways intersecting oppressions have affected, affect and will continue to affect people of African descent across the globe. In correcting the historical and present wrongs, however, I also recognize that it is a struggle of all people of color.
Editor’s Note: Ms Antonette Jefferson is a Ph.D. student at Howard University and was on of my outstanding students as an undergraduate at Hampton University.
13. UNITED METHODIST BISHOPS URGE IMMEDIATE IRAQ WITHDRAWAL:
NOTE: The full resolution is available at http://umns.umc.org
By Linda Green
Lake Junaluska, N.C. (UMNS) - Declaring war "incompatible with the teachings and example of Christ," the bishops of The United Methodist Church called on leaders of all nations to begin an immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq.
The bishops also urged against deploying additional troops to Iraq and against establishing permanent military bases in the Middle Eastern country.
"This resolution is long overdue," said retired Bishop Clifton Ives before the Council of Bishops voted its approval on Nov. 9.
The action came during the council's semi-annual meeting at a United Methodist retreat center in western North Carolina. The council represents 11.5 million United Methodists in the United States, Africa, Europe and the Philippines. About 125 active and retired bishops from across the globe attended the Nov. 4-9 gathering.
In addition to calling for the immediate safe and full withdrawal of troops, the bishops called on the United States and other Coalition Force nations to initiate and support a plan for the reconstruction of Iraq, giving strong priority to the humanitarian and social needs of the Iraqi people. They urged increased support for veterans of the Iraq war and all wars.
The bishops said their position is based on Jesus Christ's call for "his followers to be peacemakers."
The resolution is the council's latest action questioning the Iraq war. In November 2005, the bishops urged U.S. President George W. Bush, who is United Methodist, to create a timeline to withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq.
Casualties of war
Before the latest vote, the council wrestled with turning the resolution from having a U.S.-centric focus into one with global emphasis to care for all people impacted by the war.
The bishops cited the deaths of more than 3,843 U.S. soldiers, 171 members of the United Kingdom military, 132 members of other Coalition military, the wounding of 28,385 U.S. soldiers and the deaths of at least 76,241 Iraqi civilians. They noted the war has displaced 2 million people and made refugees of 1 million others.
"Every day that the war continues, more soldiers and innocent civilians are killed with no end in sight to the violence, bloodshed and carnage," the resolution says.
The bishops called on United Methodists throughout the world to pray for peace; hold regular prayer vigils for congregations and communities; and care for all impacted by the war, including honoring the dead, healing the wounded and calling for an end to the war.
'Moral issue'
The council discussed the resolution over the course of two days before approving a final version on Nov. 9.
Retired Bishop Jack Meadors, of Edisto Beach, S.C., noted that 2007 has been the deadliest year for the U.S. military since the Iraq war began in 2003. He predicted the 4,000th American combat death will occur between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
"The Iraq war is not just a political issue or a military issue. It is a moral issue," Meadors said. "War is sin. It is evil. War is incompatible with the teachings of Jesus."
Calling the resolution "a faith-based statement," Meadors said Christians must be "peacemakers that we might be known as children of God."
Bishop James Swanson of the Holston (Tenn.-Va.-Ga.) Conference said President Bush's intentions for entering the war may have been noble but that the results have been deadly.
"We as bishops are concerned about the loss of lives and any resulting effect once the war ends and the troops are removed," Swanson said. He added that, once the troops leave, "the church needs to be about helping the Iraqi people rebuild their lives."
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Reverend Charles L. Mixon on November 4, 2007. Reverend Mixon is the father of Reverend Albert C. Mixon, pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church, Eufaula, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Messages may be sent to:
Reverend & Mrs. Albert C. Mixon
857 Hwy 131
Eufaula, AL 36027
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Jacqueline McDonald on November 3, 2007. Mrs. McDonald is the sister of Reverend Joseph A. Hall, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church (Homewood), Birmingham, Alabama, Ninth Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Messages may be sent to:
Reverend Joseph A. Hall & Family
2311 Cherry Avenue
Hueytown, AL 35023
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
17. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; 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.
