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January 18, 2016
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THE
THE-CHRISTIAN-RECORDER.ORG
VOLUME 165, NO. 8
wart
Editorial: | Am Confused, ls Anyone
Else Confused? «cen DZ
The AMEC Connectional Day of
Prayer Will Be Wednesday,
Pn 2018 ceca Deo)
Couples’ Ministry Established
at Jones Chapel AMEC ...... D5)
Pastor Who Wanted to Be a Nun
Elevated as A.M.E. Presiding
> Do)
Meditation Based on
lh = po
The 2016 Candidates’ Guidelines
for Submitting News Items
The Truth Is the Light .......... (D0)
Richard Allen, A.M.E. Church Founder,
on New Black Heritage Stamp and
This Year's Founder's Day...... px
Ninety-Six Year Old Life-Long A.M.E.
and Trainer of the Tuskegee Airmen
Presiding Elder James 0. Williams
A NEW COMMITMENT TO SERVE - A FRESH FIRE
oh ean
is a season of change. Change takes place
when something ends and something new
begins. In the fall, the leaves change and move to make way
for winter. Fall is a season of excitement as we take the les-
sons of the past and move to a future of greater service.
The Eleventh Episcopal District West Coast Conference
Women’s Missionary Society under a new administration
led by newly elected President, Laurastine Dunston Lemon,
atc 2AGites 2a are eeeen
Connectional Lay Organization
President's Message pe
AD: Elect Green in 2016:
President/Publisher........... DSO,
The 2° Episcopal District Invites
You to the Celebration... [Do2)
The Spirit of the Law Versus
Preachers encourage
church members to walk by
faith. Parishioners try to
the Letter of the Law......... [o) comply with the request until
Peaciial Conference ' the unsanctioned community
lt —— RIO) svoups make a request to use
Information About the GDC Executive the-facility ‘to furtier/thetr
Board Meeting on... palo) agendas. Members have
little faith that non-church
groups have respectable
goals. Not only are they
suspicious about the groups’
public mission, they just do
not want other people
destroying the building and
costing members’ unneces-
sary money to repair the dam-
age. Therefore, to discourage
outside groups from making
congregations
A.M.E. Church Connectional Lay
Organization to Host Benefit
oe palo
A.MLE. Presiding Elder Sworn in
Newest Member of Chicago Public
Building Commission Board of
COoMMISSIONETS. ........-.0000++
AD: Robes of Faith
AD: Dr. Terence L. Mayes, Sr.,
Candidate for Executive Director
of Church Growth and .
[DUZ
Development 2016.............
NEW EBOLA DEATH
SHOCKS SIERRA LEONE
| By Phileas Jusu Phileas Jusu
APPREHENSION AND
| SA OC. CONFUSION gripped
: lthe city of Aejeataea in northern Sierra Le-
lone when a 22-year-old resident’s positive
‘Ebola test result was made public nearly
‘three days after she died and was given nor-
‘mal burial, including washing of the corpse.
| The news came less than 24 hours after
ithe World Health Organization
requests,
continued on p12
WALKING BY FAITH
HAS LIMITS
By Dr. Wayman B. Shiver, Jr.
appoint building oversight
committees and devise strin-
gent guidelines governing
the use of the facility. In
many cases, the guidelines
are justified because of the
tendency for outsiders to be
unreliable and have insuf-
ficient funds.
Long-time members of
churches who can recall the
hardships and the trials they
had to endure for many years
have a vested interest in
preserving their cherished
place of worship. They
often do indeed understand
that the church belongs to
God; however, they also
remember how their facility
..continued on p.
THE A.M.E. CHURCH, CHICAGO
ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2015
THEME: “THE POWER OF
DISCIPLESHIP”
was held from Wednesday, October 14
to Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Pheasant Run Resort
in St. Charles, Illinois under the leadership of Bishop
John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal
District and Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, and
the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Bryant, WMS
..continued on p3
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ARMCAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
+ REGORDER
“GOD OUR FATHER = CHRIST OUR REDEEMER = THE HOLY SPIRIT OUR COMFORTER = HUMANKIND OUR FAMILY”
JANUARY 18, 2016
is energized and setting the bar hig
The Annual Commitment Service was just the beginning.
The Worship Leader, Presiding Elder Joyce Moore, “struck
the match” and lit the Holy Ghost fire-filled service. The
gathering was very reminiscent of the attendance at the Annual
Women’s Missionary Society Day at Annual Conference.
There was one very important difference - the composi-
tion of the participants. President Lemon sought to create
and cultivate a spirit of inclusive-
ness. She shared, “I invited all
the leaders and components of
our conference to worship with
us in our Annual Commitment
Service. I already know the “Best
is in the West,’ however; it is my
| prayer as we come together as a
| conference in true worship and
fellowship that our best will
become so much better. Therefore,
|I welcome with open-arms our
| presiding elders, pastors, Lay
| Organization members, Sons of
|Allen, Debutante Masters
|Commission, . continued on p
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Its Not Worth Thirty
Pieces of Silver
By the Rev. Darryl R. Williams*
l fr SILVER IS THE
| AMOUNT FOR CH CHRIST WAS
SOLD BY JUDAS ISCARIOT. It is
commonly symbolic for the shortsighted
things we will do to satisfy our cravings
for power and things, even at the
expense of something or someone far
more precious and noble.
: The African American prophetic
tradition was born out of the crucible of slavery and oppression,
Because of the inhumane treatment of slaves, brave and coura-
geous voices saw it necessary to speak truth to power, to rail
against the brutalities of a system that dehumanized an entire
race of people. So we would be correct to assert that there would
be no Black Church if it were not for the prophetic tradition.
This tradition stayed robust and strong during the Jim Crow
years, bolstered by a theology that said, “Any theology that is not
related to the liberation of the poor in a society is not Christ’s
message” — Dr. James Cone. veaetrual ered
GARRETT-EVANGELICAL
ANNOUNCES NEW CENTER
FOR MUSIC AND WORSHIP IN
THE BLACK CHURCH
ARRETT-EVANGELICAL THEOLOGICAL
TSEMINARY is pleased to announce the founding of
The Center for Music and Worship in the Black Church
Experience (CMWBCE), a one-of-a- -kind in North America.
The mission of the center is to provide training in the sacred
music of the Black Church and beyond to musicians and
worship leaders for the enrichment of
..continued on p9
“dWOD AG MANSY
ON! Far INNN7Z 1IODIO-C...O 1 Oo cc cv wenuuuw*o=*
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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
DR. CALVIN H. SYDNOR Ill
The 20th Editor of
The Christian Recorder
am confused about a lot of things, but of course | am not confused about
everything. For instance, | am not confused about my faith! | am a Christian
and | know why | ama Christian and | believe in Jesus Christ as my Savior!
| believe that he arose from the dead.
| am not confused about my being a member of the African Methodist Episcopal
Church. | love the A.M.E. Church and | love Methodism. | love and can biblically defend
infant baptism and the Open Table Communion, | also love that we have three modes
of baptism, sprinkling (aspersion), pouring (affusion) and immersion and | can biblically
defend the three modes of water baptism.
| love the episcopacy and | am not confused about our process of making pastoral appointments.
| love the organization of the A.M.E. Church and | love A.M.E. worship — | love the structure and the emotional-
ism of worship. In other words, | love structure, but | love the way many pastors can integrate free worship styles
of worship within the A.M.E. worship structure.
| love the connectionalism of the A.M.E. Church and the fellowship when A.M.E.s get together at connectional
meetings. A.M.E.s get work done, but A.M.E.s also know how to fellowship and enjoy each other.
| cannot see myself being anything other than being an A.M.E. because | love the A.M.E. Church and | am not
confused about the A.M.E. Church.
There are some things we, A.M.E.s need to work
on, to include - not being so critical of our Zion and
we probably need to cut down on gossip and rumors,
but often close friends and family systems seem to
be about rumors and gossip. And, we, the members
of the A.M.E. Church, are family, and, as | think about
it, | would not tolerate non-A.M.E.s criticizing the
A.M.E. Church, our bishops or our general officers.
Those are some of the things | am not confused
about, but for the life of me there are a lot of things
that just perplex me and sometimes | wonder if | am
the only one who is confused.
For instance...
How can the armed anti-government activists who
took over a federal wildlife refuge in Oregon be treated
with such respect and without hardly a word of con-
demnation and no retaliation by law enforcement
while unarmed young black men and women are
“taken to the ground,” shot and killed?
The armed militiamen who took over the federal
buildings inside a wildlife refuge in Oregon publically
stated that they were “willing to kill and be killed if
necessary.” | am confused!
Am | the only person who wonders what would
have happened if a group of African Americans or
Muslims had taken over the federal wildlife refuge
in Oregon? My gut tells me that there would have
been a significant law enforcement response that
would have resulted in significant deaths. Of course
| am confused by the disparity of treatment given
to minorities.
Am | the only one who has noticed that the “birthers”
are quiet about Canadian-born Ted Cruz, the Texas
senator who was born in Calgary, Alberta to an
American mother and a Cuban-born father but have
been “off the chart vocal” about President Barack
Obama, who was born in the United States in Hawaii
to an American mother and a Kenyan father?
And, am | the only person who is offended because
Ted Cruz, a “birther” himself, had the gall to report-
edly say several years ago, “Obama’s mother’s citizen-
ship is irrelevant since his father wasn’t American and
he wasn’t born in America. He can’t be President.”
| am confused by Cruz’s thinking and the fact that
Cruz was not even born in the United States. He should
The Christian Recorder was established in 1852.
THE CHRISTLAN RECORDER
The Christian Recorder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (USPS 016880) is
published bi-weekly by the AMEC Sunday School Union, 500 Eighth Avenue South,
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-4181. Periodicals postage paid at Nashville, Tennessee.
| AM CONFUSED, IS ANYONE ELSE CONFUSED?
JANUARY 18, 2016
»
4
have just kept his mouth shut!
Has anyone noticed his flip-flop logic? Cruz’s mother
was an American citizen living in Canada, but his
father wasn’t born in the United States. Not only
that, but has anyone noticed, if we follow Cruz’s
earlier logic, Cruz, himself, Marco Rubio, Bobby Jindal,
Rick Santorum would all be unqualified to run for
President of the United States. And even Mitt Romney
should not have been allowed to run for President
if Cruz’s logic was followed.
Has anyone else noticed that the only person whose
qualifications for President have been questioned
was Mr. Barack Obama? And those qualifications were
questioned even after his being elected President of
the United States and are still being questioned.
Whatever you might think about Donald Trump, at
least he is a “consistent birther” in that he exposed
Ted Cruz’s birth, which would have been “swept under
the rug,” and we would not be having a discussion
about Cruz’s birth. The issue of Rubio, Jindal, Santorum
and Romney never really surfaced.
| am confused as to why the “birthers” were and
still are so “hot to trot” on President Obama who was
born in the United States, but totally ignored or
downplayed the non-U.S. birthplaces of Marco Rubio,
Bobby Jindal, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney.
lam even more confused
| am confused because | hear Republican politicians
speaking negatively about President Barack Obama
and how incompetent he is and | hear GOP candidates
running on the platform of “getting America back.”
My question: Back to what? Is their statement a
euphemism for something to which | am not privy?
Unless the media is falsely reporting the various
economic statistics, it seems to me the United States
is in better economic shape under President Obama’s
presidency than it was under his predecessor.
Yes, | am confused that the Republican candidates
and a large segment of the U.S. population are not
aware of President Obama’s
..continued on p3
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THE AMEC CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER WILL BE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2016
By Dr. Val Eloby-Slade, Evangelist
EXTRA! EXTRA! EXTRA! Read All About It!
The time is quickly approaching when all of
God's children will be gathering for the 2016
AMEC Connectional Day of Prayer.
The glorious day of prayer and praise will
be taking place on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.
There are “Save the Date” flyers and note-cards
being distributed to all Episcopal districts.
Hopefully you have seen them.
This year’s Connectional Day of Prayer will be
a date that you will not want to miss, so mark
your calendars, update your note book, and
send out invites on FaceBook, Twitter and feel
..From / Am Confused p2. accomplishments. Anyone
who reads newspapers, looks at television news or
checks the Internet can see the accomplishments
of President Obama.
President Obama ended the war in Iraq and began
the drawdown of war in Afghanistan, killed Osama
bin Laden, turned around U.S. auto industry, repealed
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” which ended 1990s-era restric-
tion and allows gays and lesbians to serve openly in
the military, toppled Muammar Gaddafi, kicked banks
out of the federal student loan program and expanded
Pell Grant spending.
And if these few examples are not enough, gasoline
today is under $2 from a high of $4 and on top of that
boosted fuel efficiency standards.
The unemployment rate is the lowest since 2007
and is about 5 percent, which when | took Economics
101 in the early sixties was an ideal unemployment
rate and it never counted the people who had stopped
[a
The New York Times reports that “U.S. employers
added 292,000 workers in December, an impressive
sprint capping off a year of solid job growth” and went
on to add, “The nation’s labor market capped off a
year of steady growth with an impressive sprint as
employers added 292,000 workers to their payrolls
in December...The unemployment rate stayed at 5
percent last month.” (The New York Times Breaking
News Report, January 8, 2016)
President Obama has done so much for America
and yet he is being criticized more than any President
| can remember, and | am not a “spring chicken.”
And, added to all of the things President Obama
has done, The Washington Post reported that President
Obama has served longer than any President in decades
without a scandal, as measured by the appearance
of the word “scandal” (or lack thereof) on the front
page of The Washington Post. Now, that’s an
accomplishment!
lam not confused when someone tells me 2 plus
2 equals 4, but when someone tries to argue that 2
plus 2 equals 3, | immediately know that their thinking
is bogus.
The inequitable treatment of minorities by the legal
system and by law enforcement and the biased criti-
cism of our President, and the illogical and untruthful
statements of many of our politicians about the
economy and the state of-the nation tells me that we
have bogus politicians who are not open and honest
about the state of affairs of our nation; they are only
concerned about partisan politics. And, in their think-
ing 2 plus 2 never equals 4 because the correct answer
does not fit their agenda.
Yes, |am confused, but | know that 2 plus 2 equals
4. | also know when the answers do not fit their
agendas, they are never concerned about the correct
answers. 000
free to text the event and date now!
The Jubilee Prayer Team 2016 under the lead-
ership of Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop E. Earl
McCloud, Jr. and the Rev. Dorisalene Hughes
have been fasting and praying since last year
for the special anointing of the Holy Spirit to in-
fuse the 2016 Connectional Day of Prayer events
with a magnification of our Lord and Savior Je-
sus Christ throughout Episcopal districts 1 - 20.
Get ready! Get ready, and get ready! You will
surely be blessed by reserving the date -Wednes-
day, April 13, 2016, the African Methodist Episco-
pal Church Connectional Day of Prayer, which
has been endorsed by the Council of Bishops.
If you would like to be a part of the prayer warriors
and intercessors team, email your contact informa-
tion to Jubileeprayerteam2016@gmail.com.
In March, the Jubilee Prayer Team will distrib-
ute the “dial-in conference numbers” to all the
Episcopal districts.
Bishop McKinley Young, Chair
| The Rev. Dorisalene Hughes, Director
Submitted by Evg. Dr. Val Eloby-Slader
..From Walking p1 was acquired and paid for. Often members endured personal hardships. Some of them sold
fish and chicken sandwiches to support rallies for the building fund. In such instances, they refuse to allow
their facility to be destroyed by questionable individuals and groups who have limited fiscal resources and
often problematic visions for the improvement of the human condition. Older church leaders ask, “Why are
we responsible for groups with no tangible resources, including human resources?” They also emphasize the
fact that many multimillion dollar church facilities built 20 years ago were not consciously designed to accom-
modate community-based activities. Not only that, a high percentage of church congregations never had in
mind opening their doors to people outside of their social circles.
The church building often represents the core of religion rather than God. As such, it is a symbol of the
exclusive society that frowns on diversity in terms of social and economic status. Members choose to maintain
their identity even if they discourage those seeking to become saved. Apparently, members keep forgetting
that the church is more than the beautiful facility. God’s Church is an accepting spirit that embraces all
segments of the community regardless of social, economic and educational levels. Potential members may not
look and act like us.
Lately, the church hierarchy has been extremely vocal about the lack of growth in membership. However,
congregations continue to be resistant to the notion of opening their doors to the vast number of uncharted
people who might consider joining their churches if they were enticed by more welcoming attitudes. Snooty
attitudes deter growth in membership.
Thus.the decision to allow outside groups to conduct activities in church facilities must be-based on building
supervision, liability insurance coverage and available staff to oversee usage, not faith. OOO
..From The A.M.E.p1 Supervisor.
The Conference theme was “The
Power of Discipleship,” Luke 9:1-2.
The theme is a reminder of three
aspects of the Lord’s power: The
Lord is empowered to call the dis-
ciples together, empowered to give
the disciples power and to send the
disciples out to preach. These three
aspects of the Lord were on display
under the leadership of Bishop Bryant.
The Power to Call the Disciples
Together
Just as the Lord was empowered
to call the disciples together (Luke
9:1), Bishop Bryant called the
Chicago Annual Conference together
to do the Conference work of wor-
ship, assigning pastors, reporting on
ministry work, committees, etc.
As the Conference came together
Wednesday, October 14th, 1 was
mindful of the fact that we stand in
solidarity with the families of the
Mother Emanuel Nine shooting vic-
tims. The sinful act of killing nine
members of our sister Church will
not stop the success and advancement
of the Church. If anything it has
strengthened and made many more
determined to follow Jesus Christ.
The tragedy has united us more and
caused us to be more faithful.
The Reverend Thomas Hughes
was the Host Presiding Elder in this,
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
the last year as an active bishop of
the Right Reverend John R. Bryant.
The Conference organization
started with the pastors and delegates
answering the roll with a Bible verse.
Pastor Sylvester Beaman from
Bethel AMEC in Wilmington,
Delaware greeted the Conference as
a candidate for Episcopal service,
comparing himself with Richard Allen
who at age 56 addressed the yellow
fever epidemic. Pastor Beaman stated
that, he, at age 56 addressed the HIV
issue of his time.
Bishop Bryant called for General
Officer James Wade to greet the
Conference, as well as acknowledging
the Rey. Anthony Vinson - MCAM.
The Bishop called on Dr. Jimmie
Miller to highlight the 4th Episcopal
District “Generosity Generation
Summit” on Stewardship, which was
held on Dec. 7-9, 2015.
The Reverend J.C. Brown was the
Hour of Power preacher. His sermon
text was Romans 12:2; his subject:
“A Square Peg in a Round World”
and his sermon set the Conference
on fire. The Rey. Brown also sang,
“Thank You, Lord.”
Presiding elders reported on the
South, St. Paul-Minneapolis,
Milwaukee and North districts. The
Bishop called for Dr. James Arthur
Rumph from Grant AMEC-Los
Angeles, a candidate for Episcopal
service to address the Conference.
Pastoral reports were then given
for the St. Paul-Minneapolis District
under the leadership of Presiding
Elder Alphonse Reff.
The Wednesday Evening Worship
Service preacher was the Reverend
Sharon Staples. Her sermon text was
Acts 9:10-15, her subject; “Go When
the Lord Sends You.” The sermon
highlighted Ananias’ call to go and
put his hand on Saul, even though
Ananias was reluctant.
The Power to Give
As the Lord Jesus gave the dis-
ciples power over Satan and to heal
the sick, Bishop Bryant empowered
the Thursday, October 15 session to
start with 8 a.m. Christian Education
classes and Conference Institute fol-
lowed by the morning business ses-
sion that included pastoral reports.
The Hour of Power was conducted
by the Women In Ministry; the preach-
er was the Reverend Margaret Elaine
M. Flake. Her sermon text was Daniel
3:1-9. Her subject: “I’m Fireproof.”
Her dynamic sermon led the worship-
pers to fill the altar in response to her
sermon.
After lunch, the pastoral reports
continued during the afternoon busi-
ness session with the North District
reporting under the leadership of
Presiding Elder ...continued on p11
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ee
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER JANUARY 18, 2016
THE-CHRISTIAN-RECORDER.ORG
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COUPLES’ MINISTRY ESTABLISHED AT JONES CHAPEL AMEC
By Wayman B. Shiver, Jr., Ph.D.
A
new couples’ ministry was instituted by the Rev. Richard Carter who provided the
initial instruction on the sanctity of marriage during the month of January in 2016.
As the recently appointed Pastor of Jones Chapel A.M.E. Church, he discovered that the rela-
tionships within some marriages need rejuvenation and encouragement in order to remain
vibrant and loving.
Metaphorically, Pastor Carter likened love in marriage to God’s enduring love—limitless,
forgiving and expressed continually regardless of circumstances. From the Pastor’s point of
view, marriages frequently begin to fail when partners do not forgive and place blame and limits
on their expressions of love, especially when they refuse intimacy.
Rey. Carter stressed that for the most part, the art of personal communication needs to be
revitalized. At each session various aspects of marriage were examined- love, devotion, com-
a
Beginning with the book of Genesis, the
instruction dealt with the influence of com-
munication on couples’ ongoing loving relation-
ships. Often, over the years, couples sometime
fail to nurture love by consistent reminders
about their vows as they relate to their personal
expressions of devotion ordained by God and
consummated in their spoken vows made at
the beginning of their marriage.
Husbands, in particular, often, take for
granted the beauty of their brides and the
forgiving nature of true love without boundar-
ies. Thus, respect and openness suffers without
consistent confirmation of understanding and
devotion.
A central tenant of the instruction related
to the concept of forgiveness. Often
transgressions and misunderstandings occur
in a variety of ways. The resolution of these
PASTOR WHO WANTED TO BE A NUN ELEVATED AS A.M.E. PRESIDING
munication, trust, forgiveness and expression of intimacy.
issues results from forgiveness which is a divine
trait that couples need to practice as loving
human beings.
God is a loving and forgiving entity; therefore,
to be in harmony with God, couples need to
possess a forgiving spirit continually.
During the January 24, 2016 Sunday morn-
ing service, eight Jones Chapel couples chose
to publicly renew their vows. Years of marriage
ranged from one to forty-three. Most of these
couples attended Sunday school during the
month of January when various elements of
marriage were examined. Prominent among
these elements were love, communication,
trust, respect and commitment.
The title of Rev. Carter's recommitment
message was, “A Valley of Trouble for a Door
of Hope.” In this message, Rev. Carter refer-
enced the book of Hosea. The messenger
vividly pointed out a number of pitfalls, obsta-
cles, temptations, insolvencies and other chal-
lenges that cause marriages to go bad unless
addressed appropriately. He urged the couples
to put God first, to stay focused on their per-
sonal relationships and to be led by their belief
and faith in God. Additionally, the Pastor
emphasized communication with each other
and with God. Pastor underscored the fact that
Jesus is indeed the door to salvation.
After a lively presentation of the recommit-
ted couples to the congregation, the stewards
hosted a beautiful reception in the lower level
of the church replete with wedding cakes and
punch. Ina light moment a steward was over-
heard to comment that apparently the water
had been transformed into a tasty drink resem-
at the magnitude of the wedding decorations.
The lower level was transformed into a beauti-
ful reception hall that could have been used
for a couple’s first time wedding.
The Pastor was complimented for conducting
a fine ceremony.
The following couples renewed their vows
during this special service: The Rev. and Mrs.
Richard Carter, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Brewster,
the Rev. and Mrs. Steven Walker, Mr. and Mrs.
Mikal Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. Derrick Burney,
Mr. and Mrs. Johnathan Dickson, Mr. and Mr.
Larry Hampton and Mr. and Mrs. James Ray.
QoQ
ELDER
By the Rev. Salatheia BRYANT-HONORS
When
pastor John R. Bryant.
She traded life in a convent for pastoral ministry in the African Methodist
Episcopal Church and this past November at the Tenth District’s Planning
the Reverend Brenda Payne was a high school student fj
she announced to her parents that she was interested
in becoming a nun, but, the trajectory of her spiritual journey changed
drastically when this former Episcopalian girl eventually joined St. Paul }f
A.M.E. Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts under the leadership of then |f
again.”
up the stairs. I had to
kneel down again and sur- |}
render my life to God || 1%
With that appointment
from Bishop McKenzie,
Pastor Payne became
Presiding Elder Payne. The dis-
trict celebrated her appointment
has nearly 2,300 members and has
a combined yearly income of more
than $2.9 million.
“When people call me Elder I just
break out into a laugh. I’m like Sarai,”
she said.
Elder Payne’s pastoral experience
includes: Founding Clear Lake A.M.E.
Church, Reedy Chapel in Galveston, Payne
Meeting, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie named her the Presiding Elder of
the South Houston District. She follows former South Houston District Elder
Johnny E. Jennings who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.
“I loved church,” Elder Brenda Payne said recently, recalling her early interest in joining
a convent as a student in the eleventh grade. “I knew God wanted me to do something. I
had dedicated my life to God. I was very serious.”
“When Bishop (McKenzie) called my | will for my life. I had made myself available
name (for the appointment) and I started | to whatever God wanted me to do, even
up the steps, I really was seeking God’s | though I wanted to say no. | couldn't go
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
with thunderous applause. Elder
Payne was greeted by numerous well-
wishers following the service. Payne, 64,
became one of the eight presiding elders
in the Tenth District. The South Houston
District is made up of 24 churches — nine
in the Houston area, two in Galveston and
13 around greater Houston. The district
Chapel in Houston and most recently South
Wesley. She came to Houston in 1989 when
her husband’s job relocated him here. She
recalled arriving in Houston on a Monday
and the Texas Annual Conference started
that Wednesday at Payne, a church she would
later serve as pastor.
Payne answered her call sereanel ve
===== DSC04298.JPG =====
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
JANUARY 18, 2016
MEDITATION BASED ON PSALM 61
ey me Rov. Dr. Joseph A. Darby*
1 mM writing this meditation a few days
after a “residential nightmare.” Just
before bedtime recently, I heard the sound of the
master bathroom shower running - even though
no one was taking a shower. A minute or so later,
the wall behind the shower split in three places
and water came gushing through - mostly into
the bathtub, thankfully!
Our usual “handyman” was kind enough to get
out of bed, come over, turn off the water to the
house and install a temporary shut-off valve the
next morning when the hardware store opened
- leaving us without water for only one interest-
ing and innovative night. When he then inspected
the split in the water pipe behind the wall, he
called a contractor, who checked it out and then
called a master plumber, who did a fairly complex
job of replacing the entire pipe the next day before
the contractor repaired the wall.
wise enough to realize that the problem was
complex and both of them said essentially the
same thing - “Rather than mess with this, we
need to call someone with experience who knows
what he’s doing.”
Beyond the obvious reminder of how we take
little things - like running water - for granted,
the words of both our handyman and the con-
tractor spoke to a “life lesson” that goes beyond
a water leak.
The best of us sometimes run into situations
- great and small - that are beyond our ability
to handle them. When we do try to handle them
on our own, we sometimes make those situations
worse and end up frustrated, panicked and
confused about what to do or where to turn.
That’s why it’s good to have a relationship to
the God who created this world, created us, knows |
what we need and can handle life’s tough and |
or our power to fix. When we
know the Lord, we can, in the
words of our handyman and
contractor, “call on someone
who knows what he’s doing”
- someone who can fix our
broken and troubled situa-
tions and bless us beyond measure.
Don’t try to handle life’s complicated situations
on your own. Trust in and turn them over to the
God of our salvation - the God who has answers
and solutions where life only offers problems and
obstacles - the God who led my ancestors in the
faith to say, “Whenever you pray let him have
his way, Jesus will fix it for you.”
Get ready for Sunday, and have a great day
in your house of worship!
“The Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby is the Presiding Elder of the
Beaufort District of the South Carolina Annual Conference of the
Both our handyman and the contractor were challenging situations that are beyond our control
THE 2016 CANDIDATES’ GUIDELINES
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THE TRUTH ISTHE LIGHT
By the Rev. Dr. CHARLES R. Watkins, Jr.*
BIBLICAL TEXT: “But | would not have you to be ignorant, brethren,
concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others
which have no hope.” — 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13 KJV
-T : has gone by so
1 mM e rapidly this year
that we now find ourselves moving
quickly towards the month when
we as a people reflect upon our
accomplishments, celebrate our
successes, mourn our losses and
as a proud people render an
account for just how far we have
come recognizing just how far we
have yet to go. “Black History
Month” is a time when we are both
thankful for what God has allowed
us to accomplish and sorrowful for
the tragedies that have befallen
us.
Over the course of the month we
will celebrate the heroes of our
past. We will highlight the lives
and accomplishments of the greats
like Richard Allen, Harriett Tubman,
Booker T. Washington, Frederick
Douglass, Jackie Robinson, Satchel
Paige, Langston Hughes, Thurgood
Marshall, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcom X and
Congressman James Clyburn. All
listed are certainly the names of
men and women who have con-
tributed to shape our future.
There is no doubt that it is due
to the sacrifices these and many
other African American heroes
have made that we have witnessed
the advancements and lived the
improved life as citizens of this
great nation. Many will agree that
it was on the backs of many brave
African American freedom and
equality fighters that Barack
Hussein Obama was elected our
first African American President.
We are a proud people and we
are so very thankful for the heroes
whose work opened doors and cre-
ated opportunities many never
thought possible. We will celebrate
and reminisce; however, we are also
forced to include in our remem-
brance the tragedies that have also
shaped our lives. We must remem-
ber the heroes whose names won't
be called as readily but nevertheless
sacrificed to create a new aware-
ness and new opportunities.
The names of the Emanuel Nine
are indelibly etched on our mind
and in our hearts. We knew them
personally. The memories of times
spent together, of sharing in mis-
sion and ministry are as vivid as if
we spoke on yesterday. Yet the
thought of how they suffered and
the senseless and callous manner
in which their lives were taken is
a constant reminder for us that
there is much work left to do.
Clearly, until every heart is filled
with the love of God we must stay
on the battlefield preaching and
teaching, “Love God with all of your
heart, all of your mind and all of
your soul, and love your neighbor
as yourself” until every member
of God’s creation yields and is
brought into loving submission.
We will remember the many
others who unfortunately met with
an untimely demise at the hands
of a heartless perpetrator. We rec-
ognize those instances as a time
of great sorrow; a time of great
tragedy. However, we recognize
that we did not face those times as
though we had no hope! Rather we
exhibited an audacity to hope.
We hope for a kinder people, a
people with a more loving heart.
We hope that we would look
beyond the differences and divi-
sions and see more clearly what
we have in common. Through it all
we recognize that the audacity to
hope comes through our faith.
There are many hurtful occasions
in our history that have marked
turning points in our lives. From
September 11, 2001 until now we
have witnessed tragedy that has
changed the world as we knew it
forever. We have’ found that our
confidence has been shattered,
our trust has been compromised
and our security has been
breached. The tragedies that have
rocked our lives have rearranged
how we look at everything as well
as how we do everything.
Conversations I have had with
others who are working to process
our accomplishments in light of
our struggles uncover many new
realities. One glaring reality is how
we have come to react so differ-
ently to our emergency notification
systems. Think about it, there was
a time when the telephone num-
bers of “411” were synonymous
with gathering information and
at the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. If | Candidates’ news items should be submitted in accordance with “The Guidelines |
for Submitting Articles to The Christian Recorder.” All submissions will be in |
the numbers “911”
were what we
called when trou- 77a
ble cropped up. We knew to call
“911” in case of an emergency.
However, the emergencies we came
to expect were things like car
accidents, fires, break-ins, fights
and worst sometimes, a lost child.
Lamentably, we have more
recently come to know “911” as
marking some of the greatest emer-
gencies in the history of our nation.
“911” will forever be etched in our
minds as a day that America was
attacked on her own soil. On June
17, 2015 “911,” the call for emer-
gency will forever be etched in
our minds as a day when nine of
our friends and relatives lost their
lives at Bible study.
Interestingly, with each tragedy
we remember exactly where we
were. The fact of the matter is, we
remember the absolute terror as
well as the absolute fear. In each
tragedy we feared the worst and
it was indeed worse than we could
ever imagine.
This begs the question, what did
we think about our own immortal-
ity? What about our own eternity?
I wonder, did we think at that point
about our soul salvation?
What was on our minds as we
thought about the lives lost in each
senseless, unexpected tragedy?
As we looked around at our own
family and friends that had been
spared on the awful occasions of
national tragedies, I wonder if we
considered just how many of us
were really saved. ..continued on p11
===== DSC04299.JPG =====
RICHARD ALLEN, A.M.E CHURCH FOUNDER, ON NEW BLACK HERITAGE STAMP AND THIS YEAR'S FOUNDER'S DAY
_ Every A.M_E. should purchase a block of Richard
Allen postage stamps. Join Ms. Carol Croskey and St.
Paul A.M_E. — Ocala, Florida (the Rev. Patrick J. Sasnett,
Pastor) and organize a “Richard Allen Stamp WALK
IN.” Take a group to your local post office; buy stamps
(for the year, monthly supply to mail your bills, gifts
for special people in your life). If your group exhausts
the supply, ask your local postmaster to order more.
NINETY-SIX YEAR OLD LIFE-LONG A.M.E. AND TRAINER OF THE
TUSKEGEE AIRMEN SHARES HIS WORST TIME AS A PILOT
Roscoe Draper is a life-long A.M.E. who belongs to Bethel A.M.E.
Church in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He was educated and learned
to fly at Hampton Institute, now Hampton University. He was hired and trained the
Tuskegee Airmen. Mr. Roscoe Draper is a legend. Here is his story:
Thanks, Dave. I think the worst time | ever had in an airplane was blessed with
divine providence! I had five other people with me in a Cherokee Six, N 1283Z. I
was a part-owner of the airplane, but I have since sold my share of it, but I really
love it, even yet! I will tell you of an event that makes me feel this way.
| passing up the refueling stop. With
I can’t recall the date, but it was many
years ago. I was flying with one of my part-
ners, and we flew them to an event in Florida.
On the return trip, I considered the possibility
of saving time by skipping a refueling stop.
I calculated the fuel consumption, the _
distance, the groundspeed and the weath- _
er. Everything confirmed the wisdom
of saving approximately an hour by
Northeast Philadelphia Airport, PNE, our
final destination, and a recheck of distance
and groundspeed, I rechecked everything |
as we passed Wilmington, Delaware.
Voila, everything said “go for it!”
When we got to PNE there was weather
that required an instrument approach, and |
when I got down to minimums, I declared
a missed approach and “poured on the
coal!” Just then I saw the runway number,
but my discipline would not permit me to
change my mind. I went over to Trenton,
and found it below minimums also.
Approach Control told me that PHL was
| clear and I elected to land there, fuel per-
mitting! That was the most terrifying flight
of my whole flying career! I thought of
the irony of a crash caused by the stupidity
of a seasoned pilot who ran out of fuel! I
advised Approach of my fuel concerns,
and they cleared me to land on runway 17.
I landed and taxied in and parked the
airplane. The next morning I went back
to refuel the airplane, and the 94 gallon
tanks took 97 gallons of fuel! I will always
lhis year’s Founder’s Day should be one of signifi-
cance at every A.M.E. Church!
Richard Allen, A.M.E. church founder’s image, is on
new Black Heritage stamp.
love the airplane because it took me to
parking without dying for lack of fuel!
In my old age I have come to admit
that I have been lucky, not to have exceed-
ed the limitations of equipment or person!
Also, when I was assigned to the Philly
FSDO, I was given the package someone
had turned down, having changed his
mind as regarded his option. That pack-
age included multi-engine refresher flying,
| instrument flying refresher and a heli-
copter instructor rating, when I was 60
| years old! Some say there is no luck in
aviation, but I beg to differ!
I haven’t flown an airplane, or driven an
automobile, in a few years, but | think I
could get by in both areas if I had an oppor-
tunity to do so. I have no need to, so lam
happy to allow the younger pilots to
handle that responsibility for safety. 400
CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
To: The Bishops of the Church, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr.,
‘Lay Commissioner, General Officers, Connectional Officers, Executive
‘Board, Clergy and Fellow Laypersons:
Greetings in the precious and outstand-
ing name above all others, Jesus the
Christ!
' Momentum is building as eyes and
‘thoughts begin to focus on Philadelphia
and the Bicentennial of our denomination,
the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
It speaks of our sacred history and
heritage and how Richard Allen, Absalom
Jones and others walked out of St.
George’s Methodist Episcopal Church
into an unchartered future. They walked
by faith and not by sight into a day filled
with promises and opportunities.
Two hundred years later we look back
and according to that gospel song, “My
soul looks back and wonders how I got
over.” No one but Jesus could have
delivered those freed slaves to be pre-
cursors to one of the greatest movements
in the history of African Americans in
forging this great nation, a movement
which has spread to five continents and
several islands of the world.
Two hundred years of contributing to
progress in education, medicine, sports
and space exploration are among our
..From Its Not Worth p1
The voices of the prophetic
many contributions. We produced the
first African American newspaper and a
system of governance in the Black Church
which is often imitated by others. We
have and are making a significant impact
on the entertainment field with talent
such as Leontine Price, Halle Berry, Byron
Cage and the list goes on.
Why reflect on the past 200 years? It
tells of a journey of a people who have
withstood the challenges and atrocities
of overcoming and bringing us to this
day. At the turn of the century the num-
ber of A.M.E.s were over twenty-five
percent of the population of African
Americans. Today, we face perhaps one
of the greatest challenges, the eroding
of our excellence in membership, gov-
ernance, making judicious decisions and
the ‘am I my brothers and sisters keep-
ers?” This is being demonstrated in our
insensitivity to the cries of our brothers
and sisters at the grass roots (local
churches), hurting and struggling to be
heard as they fight to survive.
For many years we have implicitly
stated that in order to endure for the next
who was beaten at one of his events, “Deserved it.”
200 years more changes will be needed
to insure this survival. Like Job, who
became caught up in his own righteous-
ness and began to see himself equal to
God. God reminded Job; I made you and
all that is. I love you but I am your cre-
ator. Job had to repent and he saw who
he was. He sought forgiveness and God
forgave and restored to him even more
than what he had lost.
We must see ourselves as Job did and
seek God’s forgiveness. He wants our
latter days to be better than our
beginnings.
This address was written because I love
our Church, heritage, history and gover-
nance. Here are some recommendations
I would suggest in looking at ourselves
to return to the excellence we proudly
have demonstrated in our past.
A call for a connectional church wide
revival to increase dependence on God.
A heuristic evaluation of our structure
and governance, making both more rel-
evant for current times.
Connectional, Episcopal and Presiding
Elder District budgets being more accu-
rate and transparent in reflecting real
membership of the Church.
Equalize Episcopal districts. This may
mean as many Episcopal districts have
consolidated conferences (downsized),
that bishops of smaller districts preside
over two Episcopal districts. This would
reduce the need to elect so many Bishops.
Is it time to consolidate general church
officers?
A code of ethics (conduct) for all clergy
with consequences to be included in The_
Book of Doctrine and Discipline AMEC.
A Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
elected to oversee the administration of
the Church with all the rights associated
with a CEO including empowerment to
enforce the code of ethics (conduct).
Fostering globalization in the con-
nectional church. To accomplish this
thrust, a set aside program be established
so that 14 — 20 Episcopal districts can be
better represented on the bench of
bishops.
My hope is that when we leave
Philadelphia we will have set a strong,
viable, assured foundation for the next
200 years in fulfilling the Great
Commission. My prayer continues to be
that God continue to bless the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and the
Connectional Lay Organization.
Servant Leader,
Willie C. Glover, Ph.D., Global President,
the Connectional Lay Organization. 948
rise to some of Paul’s letters, a heresy also crept into the
tradition, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and others, put
pressure on the American way in the name of integrity,
decency, fairness and righteousness. One of the outcomes
of this was the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
We are proud inheritors of what the African American
prophetic tradition has wrought, and we ought to be proud
and active participants.
A few months ago, some African American pastors met
with presidential candidate Donald Trump, I believe for
the purpose of endorsing him, though later some denied it.
They met with Donald Trump- a man whose views and
actions are not unlike those who kept slaves and enforced
Jim Crow laws; who said that an African American protester
Lee
Mr. Trump said he would never meet with the leaders
of the “Black Lives Matter” movement and who irrespon-
sibly “retweeted” some inaccurate numbers that claimed
African Americans are the primary killers of whites and
that “‘a higher number of whites die at the hands of police
than blacks.” These pastors met with Mr. Trump (and by
the way, it wasn’t the first time!), and contrary to some of
their claims, left Mr. Trump’s presence with all of his
egregious behavior toward the African American com-
munity, Muslims and Hispanics unchallenged!
The prophetic tradition, and the Black Church, which is
its offspring, once were theologically aligned. But as her-
esies crept into the New Testament Church, which gave
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
African American Church- it’s called the Prosperity Gospel.
You know, “God wants everyone to be rich!”
The Prosperity Gospel co-opts the prophetic tradition
because you can’t preach against a system that mar-
ginalizes the poor and oppressed people of color and
at the same time play “footsie” with those who keep it
in place. The promise of power, the “sood life” and the
allure of having “bigger barns” is too intoxicating to
deny, so instead we deny our responsibility to be a
voice to the masses. But Malcolm X reminded us years
ago, it is the masses to whom we are called.
“As long as the masses are not respected, you can show
indivi ‘ want, ,
me all the individual respect you wa aatinedaon be
===== DSC04300.JPG =====
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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Led Mount Hermon AMEC, Miami Founder of the Richard Allen
Gardens, FL in completing a $6.2 Leadership Academy (First
million Worship Center and all-Boys Charter School in the
Community Center in 2007 State of Florida in 2007)
Purchased 4 acres of land for Grant Purchased 3 acres of land for New
Memorial AMEC, Jacksonville, FL - Bethel AMEC, Jacksonville, FL
Purchased 5 acres of land for Increased Membership and
Mount Hermon AMEC, Miami Stewardship at every
Gardens, FL congregation and District served
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER of the AMEC sunday School Union
===== DSC04301.JPG =====
From Pastor p5 into ministry at St. Paul
in Cambridge under the pastorate of the
Reverend LeRoy Attles.
Presiding Elder Brenda Payne follows
Elder Johnny Edison Jennings who
requested retirement at the 149th Session
of the Texas Annual Conference held in
October. Payne had served as a pastor
under Elder Jennings.
She applauded Jennings for his service
to the church.
“Those are big shoes to follow,” said
Payne of Reverend Jennings. “Everybody
loves Reverend Jennings. | will try to
extend his legacy.”
Jennings served 21 years as a pastor
and 24 years as a presiding elder. He was
known for his kind, gentle demeanor. He
was celebrated last year during a well-
attended retirement banquet attended by
his family, friends, pastors, lay and mem-
bers of the Presiding Elder Council.
Bishop McKenzie was the keynote
speaker.
Reedy Chapel member and Steward
Cornelia Harris Banks appreciated the
work that Payne did when she served as
the Pastor of the church. Banks high-
lighted Payne’s ecumenical spirit and
her efforts to promote the historical
relevance of Reedy. Banks said the con-
gregation felt especially proud when
Payne was named Elder.
“She made the larger community
throughout the state aware of the mother
church,” said Banks. “When she was
named Elder, everybody at Reedy was
ecstatic. We felt very proud since she
had been our pastor. We had always
prayed for her success in ministry. If we
had to say good-bye to Elder Jennings
then we couldn’t think of anybody better
to follow him than Reverend Payne. Both
of them are sincere in their mission to
serve others,”
Both Payne and Jennings became
presiding elders from South Wesley
A.M.E. Church. One of Reverend Payne’s
last official acts as pastor of South Wesley
was to oversee the naming of the fellow-
ship hall in honor of Jennings. It was
during the pastorate of Jennings that the
facility for South Wesley was built.
Jennings, who took his first charge at
the age of 30, said the thing he most liked
about his time in ministry was the people.
He was appointed a presiding elder under
Bishop John Bryant.
“T loved the people,” he said. “I enjoyed
sharing the plans for what God wanted
us to do. It’s a joy that’s sort of unspeak-
able. It humbles me when I think that
not everybody gets a chance to make it
to the end.”
Jennings believes that Elder Payne
will do well in her new position.
“] think very highly of her,” he said.
“J’m sure she is going to be successful.
I think the Bishop made a real good
choice.” 490
THE 2° EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
»From It's Not Worth p7 but | know that it is empty.”
Those who cross the line that separates the prophetic from the self-interest that’s
espoused in the Prosperity Gospel have traded their calling, credibility and respect for
fifteen minutes of fame and the promise of crumbs from the master’s table, As long as
there was something in it for them- the pastors who met with Trump- his disrespect for
them, their community and the people who sit in their pews didn’t matter,
Judas believed that one day Christ would be the political Messiah that would free him
and his people from Roman bondage. Judas fantasized that he would hold a prominent
place in Jesus’ new kingdom. Over time it became more and more apparent to Judas that
Jesus would not be inaugurating this new kingdom- at least not the kind he wanted. So
out of anger, he sold him out for thirty pieces of silver.
Matthew 27 tells us what became of Judas,
“When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized
with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders.
‘I have sinned,’ he said, ‘for I have betrayed innocent blood’” (Matthew 27:3, 4 NIV).
Then “he went away and hanged himself” (Matthew 27:5 NIV). Judas Iscariot lost all
his credibility, his call and his life because he failed to be faithful and true to the calling
given to him to be a disciple of Jesus. It wasn’t worth thirty pieces of silver!
Losing the call from God, our credibility in the eyes of the people we have been called
to serve, is not worth thirty pieces of silver!
*The Rev. Darryl R. Williams is the Pastor of St. Mark A.M.E. Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW VERSUS THE LETTER OF THE LAW
By the Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith*
I con eSs ONE OF MY FAVORITE TELEVISION SHOWS IS “THE
e ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW.” This may be because | was
raised in two smdfl Ohio towns and have spent considerable time in rural Alabama. It
may be because my faith tells me that | must always imagine more neighborhoods in
the U.S.A. that have caring police. The show’s charming stories of life lessons address-
ing parenting, community building, faith and friendship, sprinkled with laughter and
sentimental moments, remind me that this is possible. The show also provides relief
from graphic violence so often depicted in the media today and tragically normalized
in too many real experiences of people of African descent historically and today. In
the popular new film, “Chi-Raq,” for example, viewers learn that the death toll by
murder in Chicago over the past decade is higher than the number of American forces
who have died in Afghanistan since the beginning of “Operation Enduring Freedom,”
according to a police analysis. Many of these murder victims are of African descent.
INVITES YOU TO THE CELEBRATION
The seeking, serving, Spirit-filled Second Episcopal District will host
their annual Founder’s Day Celebration February 18-20, 2016 at Reid
Temple A.M.E. Church, 11400 Glenn Dale Blvd., Glenn Dale, MD 20769.
We are celebrating the retirement of our dynamic leadership of Bishop
William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. and Episcopal Supervisor Patricia Ann
Morris DeVeaux.
You are invited to join the Second Episcopal District in the festivities
and to offer your words of commendation and congratulations on our
online guestbook.
Visit: www.wac-guestbook.org for more information and/or to submit
your message.
For more information, please visit: www.2ndamec.org or contact the
Rev. Dr. Valdes Snipes-Bennett at (202) 842-3788.
Congratulatory correspondences may be sent to the Second Episcopal
District’s office at 1134 11th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, DC
20001.
Important Times & Dates:
Opening Worship Service - Thursday, February 18th at 7:30 p.m.
Plenary Session - Friday, February 19th at 10:30 a.m.
SED Lay Luncheon - Friday, February 19th at 128 noon
Retirement Celebration - Friday, February 19th at 7:30 p.m.
Closing Business Session - Saturday, February 20th at 9:00 a.m.
Retirement Celebration Coordinators:
The Rev. Evelyn G. Dunn, Presiding Elder - Southern District, North
Carolina Conference
The Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton, Presiding Elder - Potomac District,
Washington Conference. 444
..From Garrett p1 congregational worship
in diverse contexts. Courses will be specific
to the following objectives: the re-creation
and revitalization of the distinctive musical
and liturgical heritage found in Black
Church contexts; strengthening the spiritual
formation and leadership skills of full-time
and volunteer worship staff in black church-
es, as well as other faith communities; and
musical and liturgical heritage found in
Black Church worship contexts.
Many programs have closed that have
historically stood as the vanguard for the
training of musicians (vocal and instrumen-
tal), worship leaders, choral directors, pas-
tors, audio/visual personnel and others for
the Black Church. With these closures, black
churches have lost primary places of spiritual
formation and transformation for their
Arecently repeated “Andy Griffith Show”
episode illustrated the difference between
policing by “the book” and policing with
“the heart.” This approach was also com-
municated to Christians in Rome, who were
taught to embrace the spirit of the law
versus the letter of the law (Romans 2:29).
Another recent episode illustrated hospi-
tality to those in the Mayberry jail. The
sheriff and deputy sheriff were missing
two former inmates who were now serving
time in the state prison. They decided to
visit the former inmates in prison to see
how they were doing and let them know
they were missed in Mayberry.
Contrary to the caring setting of Andy
Griffith’s Mayberry in the 1960's, the viewer
does not see what was happening at that
time for many people of African descent
in the south and north of the U.S. Racial
hatred and violence often resulted in the
horrors of lynching and other types of
fatalities and miscarriages of justice by
police and others. For people of African
descent, the thought of hospitality and
friendly visits from those who were official
or unofficial authorities would have been
communities of faith, and the unique wor-
ship celebration in this context has begun
to lose its liberating, transformational edge.
Currently, there are no significant training
programs in the nation dedicated to the
particularities of this rich tradition. The
Center for Music and Worship in the Black
Church Experience seeks to fill that void.
Additionally, the center will partner
with organizations and individuals to
the recovery and preservation of the rich
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
unthinkable. Sadly, this painful period of
American history still haunts us. Today,
people of African descent make up the
highest percentage of those who are impris-
oned and many African Americans are still
convinced that racial hatred and violence
toward them is “still routine” in the U.S.
The juxtaposition of Mayberry and these
painful realities raises important questions
today. How shall we pray and hope for the
transformation of the hearts of those who
promote racial bias and violence? Can law-
ful reforms at both the local and federal
levels make a real and positive difference
in this historic American challenge?
Bread for the World works with people
of faith who see the connections between
hunger and these issues and who say yes
to legislative change. Please join this move-
ment to help end hunger by supporting
legislative changes that can help make
more of our neighborhoods hunger-free
and safe. Learn more at www.bread.org/
library/hunger-and-mass-incarceration.
————
*The Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker-Smith is the
National Senior Associate for Pan-African church
engagement at Bread for the World.
create an archive or repository of music
and scholarship that will preserve and
promote the rich history of Black Church
music. “I speak as a musician but also as
a historian who knows how the passage
of time often erases or permanently deletes
the familiar things of the present,” said
Garrett-Evangelical professor Dr. Charles
Cosgrove, who serves on the Advisory
Board for the center. ...continued on p11
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THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP GREGORY G. M.
INGRAM
MARCH 1-6, 2016
DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 2, 2016
WMS DAY
Delaware Ministerial Alliance, Host
MARCH 8-13, 2016
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 9, 2016
WMS DAY
Bermuda Ministerial Alliance, Host
MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2016
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 29, 2016
WMS DAY
Atlantic City District, Host
APRIL 12-17, 2016
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 13, 2016
WMS DAY
Bethel, Bloomfield, Host
APRIL 25-MAY 1, 2016
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 26, 2016
WMS DAY
Bridge Street, Host
MAY 10-14, 2016
WESTERN NEW YORK ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
MAY 11, 2016
WMS DAY
St. John, Niagara Falls, Host
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES
MAY 16-22, 2016
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 17, 2016
WMS DAY
Mother Bethel, Host
Accommodations:
A.M.E. CHURCH CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION TO HO
Scholarship and Disaster Relief Funds.
During the 2012 General Conference,
the CLO reached its goal of raising
$50,000 and was able to award three
$5,000 scholarships in lieu of the $1,000
previously awarded to individual schol-
arship recipients. The Connectional
| Lay Organization also was able to give
substantial contributions for disaster
relief in Haiti, the Dominican Republic
| and to several African countries thanks
The
the site of the 50th Quadrennial
of the A.M.E. Church General Conference |
on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 7:00 a.m. The |
event will take place at the Philadelphia |
Convention Center in Philadelphia, |
Pennsylvania. The breakfast is a fundraiser
for the Connectional Lay Organization’s
A.M.E. PRESIDING E
PUBLIC BUILDI
Rev. Albert D. Tyson |
III, the Chicago pastor, |
who is the Presiding Elder, North District,
Chicago Conference of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, brings years
The
re err: prs
GDC Executive Board Meeting
February 22-24, 2016
Hilton Hotel Trinidad
Port of Spain, Trinidad
TEL: +1-868-624-3211 FAX: +1-868-624-4485
Connectional
Organization (CLO), |
under the leadership of Dr. Willie C. Glover,
President, will host a benefit breakfast at
SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP PRESTON WARREN
WILLIAMS II
MARCH 1-4, 2016
SOUTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
FEBRUARY 29, 2016
WMS ANNUAL CONVENTION
Saint Mark A.M.E. Church
700 Lester Street
Thomasville, GA 31792
Church Phone: (229) 226-4614
The Rev. Timothy Sands, Host Pastor
The Rev. Patrick Brinson, Host P.E.
MARCH 8-11, 2016
SOUTHWEST GEORGIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 7, 2016
WMS ANNUAL CONVENTION
Live Oak A.M.E. Church
402 Baldwin Street
Donaldsonville, GA 39845
Church Phone: (229) 524-2395
The Rev. Millie Rambeau, Host Pastor and
Host P.E.
MARCH 29-APRIL 1, 2016
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 28, 2016
WMS ANNUAL CONVENTION
Saint James A.M.E. Church
632 E. Broad Street
Savannah, GA 31401
Church Phone: (912) 236-2051
The Reverend J. C. Roberts, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. Dan Stevenson, Host P.E.
APRIL 26-29, 2016
Stone Springfield A.M.E. Church
7476 Georgia Highway 296
Stapleton, GA 30823
The Rev. Forrest Dickey, Host Pastor
The Rev. Bertram Smith, Host P.E.
AUGUSTA GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 3-6, 2016
MACON GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 2, 2016
WMS ANNUAL CONVENTION
Greater Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
269 Pursley Street
Macon, GA 31201
Church Phone: (478) 745-4646
The Rev. Johnnie Cook, Sr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Benjamin Ridley, Host P.E.
MAY 17-20, 2016
ATLANTA NORTH GEORGIA
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 16, 2016
WMS ANNUAL CONVENTION
Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church
492 North Marietta Parkway NE
Marietta, GA 30060
Church Phone: (770) 422-6791
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. David Rhone, Host P.E.
JUNE 8-10, 2016
PLANNING MEETING
Macon Marriott Centreplex
240 Coliseum Drive
Macon, GA 31217
Site Phone: (478) 621-5300
FOURTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
BISHOP CLEMENT W. FUGH
FEBRUARY 27, 2016
COTE D'IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Augustine’s A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Abidjan, Cate d'Ivoire
The Rev. Desus S. Darkoh, Host Pastor
MARCH 4-6, 2016
SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bishop Campbell A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Freetown, Sierra Leone
The Rev. Joseph P. A. Wilhelm, Host Pastor
MARCH 11, 2016
NIGERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Christ Love A.M.E. Church, Host Church
lle Ife, Nigeria
The Rev. Margaret Fadehan, Host Pastor
MARCH 15, 2016
TOGO/BENIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. John A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Lome, Togo
The Rev. John Afawoubo, Host Pastor
MARCH 18-20, 2016
GHANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Takoradi (Sekondi), Ghana
The Rev. Stephen Ainu, Host Pastor
MARCH 23-25, 2016
CENTRAL LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church,
Host Church
Monrovia, Liberia
The Rev. Dr. Katurah Cooper, Host Pastor
MARCH 29-31, 2016
LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Mt. Ashton A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Cape Palmas, Liberia
The Rev. Tar-Kolo Miller, Host Pastor
SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
2
BISHOP JOHN F. WHITE
JANUARY 28-31, 2016
HAITI ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Saint-Paul A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
The Rev. Francois Albert Murat, Host Pastor
Phone: (509) 3750-3433
The Rev. Jean Joel Maurice, Host P.E.
Phone: (509) 3134-7124
FEBRUARY 10-14, 2016
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Standard king room single/double occupancy - USD129/139 plus taxes daily
Lay ,
Session
neighborhoods.
z
METHODIST
LDER SW'
NG COMMISSION B
of experience and involvement with civic
and community-based organizations that |
have played a significant role in shaping
issues of importance in Chicago’s
INFORMATION ABOUT THE GDC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING
Standard double rooms, double occupancy - USD $149 plus taxes daily - Includes
complimentary breakfast and guest room internet.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me, Bishop John F. White:
bishopwhite130@aol.com or the Rev. Wayne Anthony: elder.anthony@yahoo.com.
ST BENEFIT BREAKFAST
dynamic program has been planned
with outstanding talent from the Host
(1st) District and Connectional partici-
pation during the breakfast.
Tickets are available now. Your $85 dona-
tion will help us realize our financial goal.
Please contact your Episcopal District Lay
Organization President or his/her designee
for tickets to support this worthy cause.
—— ee
*Submitted by Brother William Ayers, Jr.
AES SORBED
THE-CHRISTIAN-RE
to a successful fundraiser and the guests
| who attended.
This major CLO event is co-chaired
by William “Bill” Ayers and Cheryl
Hammond Hopewell. A primary goal
is to raise $60,000 at this breakfast
fundraiser to continue the Organization’s
support of our scholarship and disaster
relief funds. Another goal is to have
100 youth/young adults in attendance |
| to share in this major occasion. A
ORN IN AS NEWEST MEM
OARD OF COMM
Appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel in
September and approved by the Chicago
City Council on October 28, the Rev. Tyson
| served as a former member of the Board |
istees of C
Bishop David R. Daniels, Chair
Bishop John F. White, Host
The Rev. Wayne Anthony, Host Presiding Elder (elder.anthony@yahoo.com)
JANUARY 18, 2016
A.M.E. Impacto de Vida Church, Host Church
La Romana, Dominican Republic
The Rev. Abraham Rodriquez Jones, Host Pastor
and Host P.E,
Phone: (089) 538-240-6619
FEBRUARY 17-21, 2016
GUYANA/SURINAME ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
St. Peter's A.M.E. Church
Georgetown, Guyana
The Rev. Troy Parris, Host Pastor
Phone: (579) 601-0060
The Rev. Andrew C. Morris-Grant, Host P.E.
Phone: (592) 646-2726
FEBRUARY 25-28, 2016
WINDWARD ISLANDS ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
Bethesda A.M.E. Church, Host Church
The Rev. Elton Bobb, Host Pastor
Phone: (868) 680-9772
The Rev. Jonathan Wayne Anthony, Host P.E.
Phone: (868) 750-8062
MARCH 2-6, 2016
VIRGIN ISLANDS ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
Bethel A.M.E. Church, Host Church
St. Croix, Virgin Islands
The Rev. Uklyn Hendricks, Host Pastor
and Host P.E.
Phone: (340) 718-0495
MARCH 8-13, 2016
JAMAICA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Greater Selby’s A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Jamaica
The Rev. Michael Blake, Host Pastor
The Rev. L. A. Dawkins, Host P.E.
Phone: (876) 462-5116
APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2016
EUROPEAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Richard Allen A.M.E. Church
London, England
The Rev. Rudolph Aaron, Host Pastor
and Host P.E.
Phone: (442) 088905381
MAY 31-JUNE 3, 2016
PLANNING MEETING
The Rev. L. A. Dawkins, P.E.
The Rev. Clarence Turpin, P.E.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colleges of Chicago |
a oe
BER OF CHICAGO
ISSIONERS
from 2000-2011 and remains active with
a number of community and faith-based
organizations and boards.
“T am honored to have the opportunity
to serve the city of ...continued on p11
===== DSC04303.JPG =====
«From The A.M.E. p3 Albert D, Tyson III.
The evening worship service was conducted
by the Lay Organization. Highlights included
the Brother Bryan Gray, the Lay speaker and a
member of Woodlawn-Chicago. Brother Bryan
Gray spoke a spirited and fiery word.
Pastoral and committee reports continued
Friday, October 16 during the morning and
afternoon sessions.
The Hour of Power speaker was the Rey. Dr.
James C. Wade. His sermon text was Phil. 4:6;
his subject: “More Souls Are Won in Our Prayer
Closet Than in Any Other Way.” The sermon
highlighted the power the Lord has given us
through prayer and the congregation was encour-
aged to think about those for whom we should
pray.
that next year the 134th session of the Annual
Conference will be hosted by the “Mighty
The Lord gave Bishop Bryant, clergy and laity
from northern Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin,
lowa, Dakota the power to assemble again and
put aside, forgive and be healed of whatever hurts
may have occurred during the Conference year,
The Power to Send Out to Preach
Finally, the Lord was empowered to “Send the
Disciples” out to preach.
The Bishop concluded the Conference on
Sunday, October 18 with the closing service that
was held at 10 a.m. in which he sent the preachers
to their various pastoral appointments.
The ministers were dressed in black robes.
Bishop John R. Bryant preached a dynamic,
| spirit-filled sermon as he prepared to send the
The afternoon session ended with agreement |
preachers out to do spiritual battle, reminding
the Conference of the importance of prayer in
their “war rooms.”
«From A.M.E. Presiding p10 Chicago in this capacity. | am grateful
to Mayor Emanuel and the City Council for the confidence
they have in me,” the Rey. Tyson said. “I will do my best to
represent the highest standards of civic service.” ;
In welcoming the Rey, Tyson, Felicia S. Davis, Executive
Director of the Public Building Commission, said, “I am grate-
ful that Rev. Tyson has agreed to serve on the PBC’s Board
of Commissioners and share his considerable experience and
knowledge with us, His commitment to community will help
us as we continue to build and strengthen relationships with
our clients and the communities we serve,” Davis said.
The Rey. Tyson’s term will run through September 2019.
Also, Commissioner Martin Cabrera, Jr. was sworn in for
another term that runs through September 2020.
Also, Commissioner Jose Maldonado, Jr. was appointed as
Chairman of the Board’s Administrative Operations Committee,
and Commissioner Tyson was appointed to serve as a member
of the Committee as well. Additionally, Commissioner Mariyana
T. Spyropoulos was appointed as Treasurer of the Board of
Milwaukee District” on Oct. 5-9, 2016. |
The scheduled preacher for the ordination |
service held Saturday morning, October 17 was |
Bishop David R. Daniels, Sr. |
The Lord had given us the power not only to
“give,” but also to “forgive.”
The families of the Mother Emanuel Nine
shooting victims were able to say to Dylann
Storm Roof, “You hurt me but I forgive you.”
Reviewer.
..From The Truth p6 How many of us really knew the Lord?
How many of us had a relationship with the Lord? How
many of us had really accepted Jesus and knew Jesus as
Lord and Savior? Did we consider at those moments of
great tragedy in our history whether or not we had con-
fessed Christ as our personal Savior?
Then, of course, there is the obvious question. If we had
confessed Christ as our Savior, “Why are we mourning
as though we have no hope?” My point is - the audacity
to hope comes through our faith. Faith in the word of God
that says, “God is with us, and in his promise to never
leave us nor forsake us.”
We learned, the hard way, how difficult it is to feel hope
in the presence of death. Death certainly brings with it a
weight that we find difficult to carry in our own strength.
We have found death to cause in us the involuntary release
of emotions moving us many times to the point of fainting,
forgetting and even forsaking.
We have fainted under the extreme pressure of unbear-
able grief, ofttimes forgetting to “look from whence cometh
our help” and even unwittingly forsaking the warning to
wait for the strength that will sustain us.
The Bible reminds us, “But those who wait on the Lord
shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings
like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall
walk and not faint.”
With each of the tragedies we have been faced with
we have come to realize how extremely difficult it is to
feel hope in the valley of the shadow of death. And yet
our faith helps us understand that hope is exactly what
we are offered as our supreme encouragement during
calamitous times. Faith offers hope that God is still with
us, still loving us, still protecting us, and still blessing us.
The truth of the matter is that God is still healing, still
reviving, still redeeming and still saving. Faith reminds
us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow
of death, I will fear no evil; for you, Lord, are with me” -
Lord, it is your rod, it is your staff that will comfort me.
Hope does not come from anything we can do on our
own. Hope does not come in our own might or in our own understand-
ing. The audacity to hope comes through our faith in God.
Hope is timeless, having no expiration date, in fact staying with us from
birth to death and beyond. We cannot afford to lose hope because when
we lose hope we lose everything. Hope is a way of life that ensures the
continuation of our forward movement and undergirds our quest for revival
and resolution. Hope embraces hard work, generosity, freedom and democ-
acy. Hope embraces freedom of worship and freedom of expression.
———
*The Reverend Robert Andrews, Conference Reporter
*The Reverend Karla Garcia, Conference Reporter and
Commissioners.
Most pastors returned to their churches and
| clergy and laity left the Conference inspired.
A few pastoral appointments will be given at
| the Fourth District Planning Meeting.
The Ministry of Discipleship was on display
during the Conference. QQ0
About the PBC: The Public Building Commission of
Chicago manages construction and renovation projects for
the city of Chicago and its sister agencies. Mayor Rahm
Emanuel serves as the PBC’s Chairman. Felicia S. Davis
serves as the Executive Director of the PBC. Additional
information about the PBC and its projects can be found at
www.pbcchicago.com. You can also follow the Public
Building Commission of Chicago on Twitter, Facebook,
Flickr, Pinterest and LinkedIn. G00
..From Garrett p9 “Here at Garrett-Evangelical, this
center is our devotion to preserving and keeping
vibrant the precious gifts and practices of music
and worship of the Black Church and beyond, as
a living legacy for future generations.”
The Rey. Dr. Cynthia A. Wilson, Assistant
‘Vice President of Student Life, Dean of Students
and Ph.D. alumna of Garrett-Evangelical, will
serve as Director of the center. “While the pri-
mary focal point will be music and worship
practices that reflect the ethos and pathos of
Africana church music and worship, the course
offerings and performance opportunities, the
center will stand as a place of preparation and
learning for all peoples,” said Wilson.
Wilson, an ordained deacon in The United
Methodist Church, brings a wealth of experience
and gifts in sacred music. She is a popular lec-
turer, preacher, teacher, conductor and concert
artist and has provided benefit concerts across
the United States, including Carnegie Hall (New
York) and abroad (Africa, Asia, South America
and Europe). Wilson served as Co-Director for
the 1996 General Conference of The United
Methodist Church and was selected as the first
female and first person of color to serve as
Director of Music for The United Methodist
Church’s 2000 General Conference. She was
also a member of the national task force that
produced the Songs of Zion, and in 2005 she
co-chaired with Dr. William McClain, Professor
Emeritus of Wesley Theological Seminary, the
task force that produced its sequel, Zion Still
Sings! For Every Generation.
summon.
sinking sand.” 000
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
McClain, who is serving as Board Chair for
the center, enthusiastically said, “The Center
for Music and Worship in the Black Church
Experience continues my effort of Songs of Zion
and the church’s commitment to the importance
of African American sacred music to the whole
tion to become worshippers again as church
musicians become theologically trained as wor-
ship partners and leaders, and pastors are a part
of the experience, too. This is a new and exciting
future for our church to gather in worship!”
The Center for Music and Worship in the
Black Church Experience will partner with The
Center for the Church and the Black Experience,
an academic initiative at Garrett-Evangelical
focusing on church life as experienced by black
people, as well as United Methodist Discipleship
Resources: Strengthening the Black Church for
the Twenty-First Century (SBC-21). More infor-
mation on the center and its programs will be
available in late spring 2016.
Garrett-Evangelical, a graduate school of
theology related to The United Methodist Church,
was founded in 1853. Located on the campus
of Northwestern University, the seminary serves
more than 500 students from various denomina-
tions and cultural backgrounds, fostering an
atmosphere of ecumenical interaction. Garrett-
Evangelical creates bold leaders through Master
of Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Theological
Studies, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of
Ministry degrees. Its 4,500 living alumni serve
church and society around the world. 999
Hope is fueled by, ignited by, held up by and strengthened by faith.
Hope is brought on by faith in a power far greater than we could ever
My hope! My hope! “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood
and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean
on Jesus’ name! On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is
NE eke eee ee es ae
*The Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr. is the Pastor of Morris Brown
A.ME. Church in Charleston, SC.
===== DSC04304.JPG =====
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER JANUARY 18, 2016
Dr. Terence L. Mayes, Sr.
Presiding Elder, East Tennessee
13th Episcopal District
DIRECTOR OF EVANGELISM
tmayes511é@aol.com
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Date
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