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Title
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February 15, 2016
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Description
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===== DSC04317.JPG =====
SRE CTR.
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ARUCAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
THE
mortgage
ij
way to realize this reduction in
the amount owed and of
course the savings on our
| monthly mortgage note,”
said Dr. Foster. The new
oS secrnicenaceqrautete De, of $4,800,000 to a new Big Bethel has reduced its loan
718 ae
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hie: Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, Atlanta, GA, EO 55 |
intnis eee F ; =Z42-5}
in tnise u receives $2,000,000 Discount on Mortgage Loan Fan. |
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Editorial: Richard Allen’s Legacy - Big Bethel African Methodist loan with a principal of principal through’ process of = © 2 = 8 ;
and Memory Should Be Episcopal Church - under the $8,800,000, realizing asavings “Discounting.” “These negotia- eS 3 UO
“Sacredly Cherished”......... pe leadership of Rev. John Foster, | of $2,000,000. Working with | tions have been ongoing with 26 m 4 E
. Ph.D., Senior Pastor - has suc- | Wells Fargo Bank as the former | Wells Fargo and Citizens Trust = ra o i #
The Leadership Lessons ofthe Right cessfully renegotiated its current | loan holder and Citizens Trust | for more than two years. God has =e . ce 8
Rev. Richard Allen Are Relevant mortgage loan with a principal | Bank as the current loan holder, | blessed Big Bethel in a mighty = He 8
== aN
Get the “Hook Up” in 2016 .... Dee,
Ad: Nurse Careers Coach, LLC .. pat
Ad: Robes of Faith... pak monthly mortgage savings
’ exceed ten thousand dollars.
Ad: Terence L. Mays, Sr:: “We are awed by the great-
Candidate for Executive Director oN = ‘ ness of our God and how he
of Church Growth and ’ J, >i | has blessed us through
Development 2016................ pee : ’ a / . 4 these negotiations,” said Dr.
el) Foster.
Ad: Rev. James Avery Alexander, Sr.: | , Py
Candidate for Episcopal | ‘efl| Mortgage Loan Reduction
2 Se ps oy | Celebration
Pi : es In recognition of the dis-
Meditation Based LR: S tion for Wells F
on Galatians 5:16-25............ Po i toF Fostaremasheen Lucas and Mary | | ee poe
The 2016 Candidates’ Guidelines $ 7. CROIX, VIRGIN ISLANDS CEREMON y RECOGNIZING "BISHOP MORRIS, STRONG LEADER.
frSubmiinatewsitans THE (SSUANCE OF STAMP HONORING RICHARD ALLEN| . AND PREACHER, DIES AT 78
0 po - By
And the excitement continues! A remarkable event unfolded.
The Truth Is the Light ............. xO after publication in The Christian Recorder af iN R Filia "
“You Ask” by Bishop Carolyn 7STER DELLA MOSES — retired Bishop Frederick | - Bill” Morris died Thursday m ring, Jan. 14,
Tyler Guidry... nner DG WALKER, a member of St. , Talbot's excitement on seeing the (ASSIS
James A.M.E. Church in Newark, | Richard Allen stamp. Sister Della | Tennessee Conference reported.
_ Morris, who was 78, led the Alabama-West Florida
Episcopal Area from 1992 to 2000. He was the first
‘African American to hold that post, and made news in
‘1998 when he was among the clergy officiating at the
‘funeral of George Wallace, who had by then often apolo-
gized for defending segregation as Alabama’s governor.
Reader RESPOMse......sssseeeeen [2
AD: Elect Green in 2016:
President/Publisher............. [Do
Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday,
Good Friday, Easter and
Benbecostetivsccicciesc-- Dod), _ Morris also oversaw the Nashville Episcopal Area,
gy comprising the Tennessee and Memphis conferences.
Wilberforce University Media ~ oh ‘He retired from the episcopacy in 2008.
RElLCASE ....escesenceessnsseeesrnee Das) t nis Ina 2007 television interview, Morris spoke about
‘the importance of Christians taking their vertical
‘relationship with God and “making it horizontal”
through evangelism and service to others.
| “In the missionary enterprise ... your objective is
Annual Conference Schedules..... [Dol 10)
12™ District - Bishop Green
Consecrated 97 Year Old
“lly /Dol i : : kn t God | them,” id.
a Ply New Jersey moved by the Spirit | Moses Walker immediately con- for_people to know that God loves thsi Buc
AD: Stafford Wicker to visit St. Croix for a short vaca-| tacted Presiding Elder Uklyn A ‘great gift’ to the church
ole 134 C1110 [0h eceeeperree ee. jpaZ tion, read in The Christian ' Hendricks and _, continued on p6 News of Morris’ death saddened continued on p7
LET'S “CUT TO THE CHASE”
ig a ee —|T'S TIME -
Th e end of every calendar year is a natural time of reflection. This year is no different. At the
end of 2014, African Americans responded to the rallying call from Bishop John R. Bryant id L i v S D O IT
that “Black Life Matters.” We started the year 2015 with continued discussions, activities and actions toward A
the treatment of African Americans in general and with specific concerns about police action shootings and By Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor II,
black on black urban violence. | The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Then the massacre of the nine people at Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church shook the very foundation of our : ear 3
souls. This violent, heinous act ee the A.M.E. Church, the Global Church and the world in general. We F% Let's as ee te ee ; 7 ee ight a
prayed, rallied, had services, wrote litanies and songs, and responded with generosity. : hee 13, 1985, Pape tol me wanete”
Bishop Adam J. Richardson penned a liturgical response, “The Doors of the Church Are Still Open,” that a oe ce AGES Pe eee
reflected our courage in the face of assault. Amani Henry of the 4th District wrote a moving song, “The Doors FF - hits Chase ee
of the Church Are Still Open.” Our themes of “no hate, no fear response and our determination ...continued on p9h
'
THE DUTY OF WATCHING
By the Rev. Anne Henning Byfield*
..continued on pF
Dit enn ee, ee UL eee
===== DSC04318.JPG =====
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
7
FEBRUARY 15, 2016
Z - <— SA; — C ' ae, y @
DR. CALVIN H. SYDNOR III
The 20th Editor of
The Christian Recorder
RICHARD ET ‘ ae AND | MERE
SHOULD BE “SACREDLY CHERISHED”
eo 14 IS FOUNDER’S DAY ACROSS THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL
CHURCH and | hope that all of our churches across our Zion will be faithful in
observing Founder’s Day. Richard Allen was born on February 14, 1760; that was 256
years ago. We should all be greeting each other this year with “Happy Founder’s Day”
not “Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Every church in the Connection should be celebrating Founder’s Day because of
the legacy of the Right Rev. Richard Allen, the first elected and consecrated bishop in
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Richard Allen was also the first black bishop
in the United States. He founded the first black religious denomination in the United States. He built the first
black house of worship in the United States. He was the forerunner of the Red Cross; since the Red Cross was
not organized until 1881. He and his companions were the “Red Cross” during the 1793 Yellow Fever Epidemic
in Philadelphia. When we think of the organization of black denominations, the Civil Rights’ Movement, all branches
of liberation theology, education in general, HBCUs, the Red Cross, racial and gender equality, we should remem-
ber Richard Allen. His legacy is one that we should never forget.
Something nags at me and my gut tells me that a
number of our churches will meet on Sunday and it
will be worship as usual with no mention of Richard
Allen. | have seen some churches observe Founder's
Day with the wearing of dashikis and cute poems, and
those things are fine, but Founder’s Day should be
more than a cursory observance; it should be an inten-
tional celebration with a focus on our founder, the
Right Rev. Richard Allen.
Richard Allen, born a slave, had a vision of being a
free man, worked on his own time cutting cord wood,
doing odd jobs and by the time he was 20 years old,
had bought his freedom. In his own words, in spite of
having a relatively good master, Allen said, “| had it
often impressed upon my mind that | should one day
enjoy my freedom; for slavery is a bitter pill...’
Not only did he endure slavery, but he also endured
racism and inequality. He endured rebuke and adver-
sity, not only from whites, but from blacks as well. He
was a man who had a vision, knew how to stay focused
and didn’t let adversity discourage him. And perhaps
most importantly, he did not let the circumstances of
his birth or the institutional racism that he endured,
define his reality.
Dr. Richard S. Newman, in his outstanding book,
Freedom’s Prophet, says that Richard Allen was “essen-
tially the forerunner of modern Civil Rights’ activists,
for his belief in nonviolent but confrontational reform
offered lessons for virtually every black leader who
followed in his wake.” It is important for African
Methodists to understand that Richard Allen was the
forerunner of the Civil Rights’ Movement. Each year,
we honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and it is
right that we do so, but we should never forget that
Richard Allen was the Father of the Civil Rights’
Movement. He influenced and had an impact upon
the thinking of Frederick Douglass, W.F.B. DuBois, the
early bishops of the A.M.E. Church and apparently
many white leaders such as Francis Asbury, Benjamin
Rush and others
Richard Allen’s influence goes beyond the African
Methodist Episcopal Church and his actions have
significantly impacted the religious and social landscape
of America, the Caribbean and the continent of Africa.
Not only is Richard Allen the Father of the Civil Rights’
Movement, he is the Father of liberationist theology.
Richard Allen “planted the seeds” for all branches of
liberation theology so that academicians and theolo-
gians could cultivate and nurture his revolutionary
thinking of equality for all. Richard Allen was a man
before his time.
Newman, in Freedom’s Prophet, reports that Frederick
Douglass paid tribute to Richard Allen at the Chicago
World’s Fair in September 1893. Frederick Douglass
said of Allen, “Among the remarkable men whose
names have found deserved place in American annals;
there is not one who will be longer remembered or
whose memory will be more sacredly cherished by
coming generations of colored Americans than will the
name and character of Richard Allen.” Douglass also
said that Richard Allen was the author of a “new
Declaration of Independence” and racial equality.
Yes, February 14 is Founder’s Day and our celebra-
tion of Founder’s Day should follow the model of Moses’
sermon to the Israelites recorded in Deuteronomy
11:19-21: “You shall teach them to your children,
speaking of them when you sit in your house, when
you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when
you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts
of your house and on your gates, that your days and
the days of your children may be multiplied in the land
of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them,
like the days of the heavens above the earth.”
For African Methodists around the world, Richard
Allen’s legacy must continue to live and his memory
should be “sacredly cherished” by albAmerteans.__
Happy Founder's Day!
if you failed to plan something appropriate for
Founder’s Day, plan something next Sunday or the
Sunday after next; but by all means do something.
THE LEADERSHIP LESSONS OF THE RIGHT REV. RICHARD ALLEN ARE RELEVANT TODAY
Bishop Richard Allen was born 256 years ago, came
into this world as a slave; he and his family were sold
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by one slave master to another, he did not have the
opportunity to attend public or private school, was
not a high school graduate, purchased his freedom by
the time he was 20 years old, never ...comtinued on p3
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===== DSC04319.JPG =====
..From Big Bethelp1 hosted a Mortgage Loan
Reduction Celebration ceremony on Sunday,
November 15, 8015. Attending the ceremony
were representatives from the following groups:
Wells Fargo Bank, Citizens Trust Bank, Bethel
Towers, the Commission on Stewardship and
Finance, the Big Bethel congregation and admin-
istrative staff, and City of Atlanta Organizations.
These seven entities all contributed to making
this loan reduction a reality. Mrs. Rasheen Lucas
- Wells Fargo’s loan officer for Big Bethel - stated:
“This loan reduction happened because of the
right people in the right organizations coming
together at the right time. I am delighted to play
a role in making this deal come to fruition.”
Those receiving awards at the ceremony were:
Mrs. Rasheen Lucas and Mr. Leonard Walker
(Wells Fargo Bank); Mr. James Dow and Mr.
..From The Leadership p2 attended college, did not have
an opportunity to attend seminary, had no Wall Street
investments, was considered a second-class citizen
because of his race, was rejected by his fellow church
members at St. George’s Methodist Episcopal Church,
pulled off of his knees while in prayer, and criticized,
even when he attempted to do the right thing.
Richard Allen’s life had the recipe for failure and
mediocrity, but he did not let the circumstances of his
birth, his station in life or what other persons thought
about him, define his reality. In spite of all of the nega-
tivity in his life, the economic constraints and the racial
and religious prejudice he experienced Richard Allen
excelled and proved himself to be a leader.
His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to be
emulated by clergy and laity, not only clergy and laity
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, but by
people of all denominations and faith groups. His
leadership lessons are universal and timeless.
~ {want to share several leadership lessons of Richard
Allen from my soon to be published book, The Leadership
Lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.
Richard Allen’s model of leadership is relevant and
effective today. Organizations will be more efficient if
persons in leadership positions would follow the lead-
ership lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.
- Richard Allen had vision and refused to accept the
status quo:
Richard Allen said, “| had it often impressed upon
my mind that | should one day enjoy my freedom; for
slavery is a bitter pill, notwithstanding we had a good
master.”
- Richard Allen did not let the circumstances of his
birth define his reality:
Richard Allen had a determination to be free. He
worked nights and at off-hours cutting cord wood and
doing odd jobs and by the time he was 20, bought his
freedom.
- Richard Allen was not deterred by setbacks and
rejection:
Richard Allen was “read out” of the Free African
Society because he was not in agreement with the
organization’s position of adopting the quiet Quaker
style of worship because he felt that blacks needed a
more spiritually spontaneous expressive style of wor-
ship that he experienced with the Methodists. When
Richard Allen experienced persecution from the
Methodist leadership and from some of the blacks who
remained at St. George’s, he remarked that he was ee
thankful to Almighty God, who was our deliverer.”
- Richard Allen understood the concept that the
church extended beyond the church building:
Richard Allen did as much, or more, work in the
community as he did within the environs of Mother
Bethel. He worked tirelessly during the 1793 Philadelphia
Yellow Fever Epidemic, was a community leader in
..continued on p9
Farrand Logan (Citizens Trust Bank); Bro. Charles
Moore and Bro, Timothy Crim (Bethel Towers
Board of Directors); Bro. Alvin Francis and Bro.
James Rudd (Big Bethel’s Commission on
Stewardship and Finance); Sis. Nannette McGee
and Sis. Geri Dodson (Big Bethel Church congre-
gation); Bro. Marvin Fleming and Bro, Ed Jones
(Big Bethel administrative staff); Ms. Jennifer
Ball (Central Atlanta Progress); and Mr. Ken
Bleakley and Mr. Gary Mongeon (The Bleakley
Group). “Big Bethel has been progressing with
their property development by leaps and bounds
over the past couple of years, They are moving
forward in a powerful way which will benefit the
entire community,” said Ms. Jennifer Ball.
Big Bethel Campus Development Plan
The two million dollar mortgage reduction
GET THE “HOOK UP” IN 2016
came at an opportune time in the life cycle of
Big Bethel’s strategic planning, Big Bethel
A.M.E, Church, in conjunction with the Benoit
Group/Herman Russell Construction, have
entered into a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) to develop a 120 million dollar four-
| phase development project. This project includes
| the following four phases: i) the renovation of
| a 160 unit, low-income apartment condomini-
ums, ii) the construction of a multi-level, 700
unit parking deck, iii) the construction of a
1,100 student commercial dormitory, with retail
space and iv) the development of new and
renovated 35,000 sq. ft. retail/office space on
the frontage of Auburn Avenue. “The $2,000,000
mortgage reduction allows us to leverage the
savings towards the project,” Pastor Foster
explained, “It puts the Church in cantinued on pd
By the Rev. JANICE CASEY*
If you Google the word fantasy, you'll end up with everything from football to amusement parks to fic-
tion writing and beyond. Psychologists will tell you how dangerous it is to live a life based on fantasy.
Unbelievably, though, that’s what we do when we live a life without God at the helm. It’s all a fantasy---an
illusion, because in him we live and breathe and have our being. (Acts 17:28)
You see, we have no power of our own. Can you start a stopped heart or breathe life into a dead soul?
You might answer that people have done it. No, God has done it through people. Is the creation better and
more powerful than the Creator---never! (Romans 1:25) So as you prepare for 2016, remember that your
worth is tied to the source of all life. We are conduits. God is the generator, the life source, the all and all.
Hook up!
ee — ————E—E———eE
*The Rev. Janice Casey is an itinerant deacon in the 6th Episcopal District, where she works with her husband, Pastor Darrell Casey,
at St. James A.M.E. Church, Nicholls, Georgia.
..From Let's p1_ slave trade.
The United Methodist Church and the Southern
Baptist Convention and other religious denomina-
tions in the United States have all issued statements
apologizing for the part they played in slavery,
which lasted for almost 250 years. The first slaves
arrived in what is now the United States in the
year 1619 and the legal institution of slavery lasted
until the 13th Amendment
was ratified on December 6,
1865.
The Southern Baptist
Convention apologized in
1995 for the part they played
in the slave trade and did so
by a resolution in which they
stated, “.. we lament and repu-
diate historic acts of evil such
as slavery from which we
continue to reap a bitter har-
vest, and we recognize that
the racism which yet plagues
our culture today is inextri-
cably tied to the past...” and
ignored.
ase denominations |
that apologized for
not having done the right
thing gained my respect ‘for rective actions earns the
they were willing to right
the wrongs they had done
and the injustices they had |
Convention in 2006 apologized for supporting the
institution of slavery. The denomination issued a
resolution declaring that the institution of slavery
was a sin and a betrayal of humanity and apologized
for the benefits it derived from the slave trade in
the Caribbean.
I felt great each time a religious group apologized
for their past injudiciousness and inhumane mis-
deeds. Those denominations
that apologized for not having
done the right thing gained
my respect for they were will-
ing to right the wrongs they
had done and the injustices
they had ignored.
An apology and taking cor-
respect and praise of individu-
als and groups.
On an individual level, we
admire and respect a person
who steps forward and says,
“Tam sorry” or “I was wrong,
please forgive me.” There is
went on to apologize to all
African Americans for con-
doning and/or perpetuating individual and systemic
racism that still exists. The resolution asked for
forgiveness from African Americans.
The United Methodist Church (UMC) at its 2000
General Conference apologized to the black churches
(A.M.E., AMEZ, CME, AUMP, UAME, etal) that
left the Methodist Episcopal Church because of
pervasive racial discrimination. In addition, UMC
apologized to black United Methodists who still
faced racial prejudice.
The churchwide mea culpa is the latest apology
in an unprecedented season of repentance that saw
Pope John Paul II apologize to Jews for the
Holocaust and Christians apologize to Muslims
and others for its involvement in the Crusades and
Pope John Paul II begged God's forgiveness.
The Episcopal Church at its 75th General
Philadelphia among blacks and whites
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
“just something noble about
.
"pee confession and acknowledge-
ment of intentional or unintentional wrongdoing
and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
The quickest way to lose respect is for a person
to do wrong and fail to acknowledge and
apologize.
I think most of us who were aware of the apolo-
gies of the United Methodists, Southern Baptists,
Episcopalians, Roman Catholics and other groups
who apologized for slavery felt good and gained
respect for the courage of those religious groups.
Well, it’s our time
The African Methodist Episcopal Church needs
to right a wrong that is long overdue.
The A.M.E. Church needs to make a posthumous
..continued on p11
===== DSC04320.JPG =====
FEBRUARY 15, 2016
concluded by late
cted to begin dur
scenario for the con
to begin the Bethel Towers and Parking Lot E, J. Bacon
to be followed by the Student Housing/Retail N | J RS E
COACH, tc
www.nursecareerscoach.com
ejbacon@nursecareerscoach.com
(404) 445-4205
— é Who will benefit?
L-R: Award recipients and Big Bethel members include Charles Moore, Pastor Foster, Rasheen Lucas, Gary Pro spective n ursin iS st u fe | Cr ts
Mongeon, Jamye Coleman Williams, Ken Bleakley, James Dow, Farrand Logan and Jennifer Ball. Cc i
Peed ending with the : urrent nursing students
Auburn Avenue Retail/ | =I New graduate nurses
Office Space. nae a Registered nurses
“I want to take this]
opportunity to thank} ! : LPN and LVN
Bishop Preston Williams Ta i Middle school students
for his visionary leader. [alge We | as Claes High school students
ship of the Sixth Episcopal Hy =
District. He has encour- |i < | Healthcare employers
aged us to move forward . ee Anyone interested in a career in nursing
with God’s vision at the » 00S :
local church level,” said ||__ vo s
Dr. Foster, “Bishop gig Bethel Campus Development Plan showing Bethel Towers, Student
Williams inspires us to Housing/Retail Space and Auburn Avenue Retail/Office Space.
strive to realize God’s plan
for our lives, both individually and collectively.”
God is doing great things at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, as we pro-
claim that “JESUS SAVES!” 400
as
ee
Mayes, Sr. —
Dr. Terence L.
Presiding Elder, East Tennessee
13th Episcopal District
DIRECTOR OF EVANGELISM
tmayes5116@aol.com
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF |
CHURCH GROWTH, 9s
AND DEVELOPMENT 201655
‘gyi
OFFICIAL DESIGNER FOR A.M.E. CLERGY ROBES, APPAREL AND PARAMENTS
Serving the Needs of the Church, Clergy and Laity.
Satisfied clients include WMS, YPD, LAY, SOA, DOS, DMC and more!
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Jf a man desires the office of a bishop,
he desireth a good work,
1 Timothy 3:1
A\/E CN /
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===== DSC04322.JPG =====
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
MEDITATION BASED ON GALATIANS 5:16-25
By the Rev. Dr. Joseph A. Darby *
WAS LATE POSTING FOR THE FIRST
TIME in four years of writing - due to
what can most kindly and least profanely be
called “technical difficulties.”
I decided, after waiting a few months for the
“bugs” to be worked out, to follow the inviting
prompts on my computer screen and upgrade
my operating system from Windows 8.1 to
Windows 10. The download and installation
went smoothly and Windows 10 seemed to be
all that it was promised to be - until it crashed
an hour or so later and left me with a “blue
screen” that wouldn’t go away and with no
access to my computer!
After a long and frustrating Tuesday night
and Wednesday morning and afternoon on the
phone with Microsoft technical support, I was
finally able to “roll back” my computer operat-
ing system to Windows 8.1. Icount that as a
blessing, because even though my computer
has plenty of useful and amazing software and
apps, it was little more than a large paperweight
without a functioning operating system that
makes everything works as it should.
Remember that in the time after we celebrate
the birth of Jesus - a birth that came about not
by human means, but by the power of the Holy
Spirit. Contrary to the belief of many that the
Holy Spirit only “hits” people in worship to
make them dance, shout and swoon, the authen-
tic Holy Spirit guides the thoughts, words and
deeds of those who love and trust in the Lord
each and every day and gives meaning, order,
function and direction to our lives.
The Holy Spirit is God’s “operating system.”
Without God’s presence in our lives, we’re
empty, inoperable and unable to reach our
potential and subject to all of the fears, doubts
and insecurities that this world throws at us.
With God’s presence, we find new strength,
at the 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. If
THE 2016 CANDIDATES’ GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING NEWS ITEMS TO TCR
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| Candidates’ news items should be submitted in accordance with “The Guidelines
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eel
FEBRUARY 15, 2016
new functionality and new
power to achieve peace of
mind and serve the Lord.
Let the Holy Spirit be the
“operating system” who
orders your steps and
guides your feet in the New Year to come and
every day of your life. You’ll find new hope,
realize new joy and know why one hymn of the
church says, “There’s something within me
that holdeth the rein, something within me
that banishes pain; something within me, I
cannot explain; all that I know, there is some-
thing within.”
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 Seventh Episcopal District of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church.
”
...From St. Croix p1 officials of the postal service in St.
Croix, who put in motion arrangements for a celebra-
tion on February 2, 2016 to recognize the issuance of
the Richard Allen stamp.
The Governor of the Virgin Islands is a member of
the Bethel A.M.E. Church. He was contacted and got
involved in helping to bring the Richard Allen Postage
Stamp Ceremony in St. Croix to fruition.
On Tuesday, February 2, some 40 members repre-
senting the three congregations on the island gathered
at the Richmond Post Office at 9:00 a.m. (EST) / 10:00
a.m. St. Croix time, to purchase stamps. The Postmaster,
Louis Jackson, the Governor’s representative, Ms.
Stephanie Williams, St. Croix Administrator was also
present as was the press.
By 11:00 a.m. the post office supply had been sold
out and by noon stamps in three other post offices on
the island had been sold out. At the post office, the
Postmaster, Louis Jackson, the Governor’s Representative,
Mrs. Walker and Bishop Talbot made remarks recorded
by the press, which later appeared on television.
The motorcade then proceeded to Bethel A.M.E.
Church nearby in Christiansted where Presiding Elder
Hendricks had planned an imaginative and moving
program which included a prayer by the Reverend
Carlos Perkins, Pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Church, and
remarks by Mrs Walker, Postmaster Jackson and Mrs.
Stephanie Williams. Bishop Talbot was invited to tell
THE TRUTH ISTHE LIGHT
BIBLICAL TEXT: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by
him.” — COLOSSIANS 3:17 KJV
By the Rev. Dr. CHARLES R. Watkins, Jr.*
us in a very real and close way with Jesus
Christ. In fact while we live in our bodies
on earth, we have in us another life,
derived from our Savior, Jesus Christ.
the story of Richard Allen, which he did enthusiasti-
cally using narratives from his book, God's Fearless
Prophet. Hymns were appropriately placed in the
program, beginning with “O for a Thousand Tongues
to Sing,” then Richard Allen’s hymn, “Ministers Who
Are Called to Preaching” to the tune of St. Clement,
AMEC #42 and closing with “Lift Every Voice and
Sing.”
Bethel A.M.E. Church served us refreshments fol-
lowing the program.
We are grateful to the Presiding Elder for his guid-
ance and leadership in producing a memorable event,
to Sister Della Moses Walker for her enthusiasm and
energy in promoting and helping to continued Ghat
his spirit of self-con-
trol and temperance.
Jesus alone can
remove the emotion of hatred and replace
Ta TES
Wi quickly come to the realization that time waits for no one. Time goes
es by whether we are paying attention or not. Believe it or not, another
year has come and gone. We can look back today and conclude that some of the issues
we resolved to change have been conquered. However, we can probably also conclude
that there are many other issues still looming. As we contemplate the New Year, as
usual we find it to be a time of reflection. We are forced to take an introspective
review of our life. We decide, once again, this new year, just as others in the past,
our common goal is to start over and begin anew.
We each have lists of baggage we would like to unload. Many of us admit there
are habits we would like to break. For some there are relationships we would like to
mend or end. We resolve to remold ourselves into a personality that is more to our
liking. So we vow to start over.
For us who profess to know the Lord
and maintain a loving, trusting relation-
ship with him, there is only one way to
begin anew. To begin anew, according to
the Word of God, commands that we walk
in the newness of life as mirror images
of a risen Savior. The Bible reminds us,
“Therefore we are buried with him by
baptism into death: that like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory
of the Father, even so we also should
walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
As we seek to emulate the only one
who is worthy of imitation, our flesh is
not crucified with him once, but daily.
The truth of the matter is, our faith joins
Quite frankly, until we grasp that truth
we have not yet risen to the height of
the New Testament teachings.
Unfortunately until we grasp that truth
we will never understand the meaning
of the “newness of life.” We are admon-
ished to “put off” our old nature, which
constitutes that life, which is ruled by
the world. We are then challenged to
solemnly lay hold of our union with Jesus.
This new life, part of our union with
Jesus, that we press to discover is wait-
ing for us each morning that we awaken
to see a new day. The spirit of Christ
pushes off the old much like the tree
does shedding its decaying leaves and
replacing them with a fresh unfurling
of his Spirit.
Jesus alone can push off the lust and
greed of yesterday, and replace it with
it with a spirit of brotherly love.
We witness Paul light up with excite-
ment as he thinks of that new nature which
our union with Christ has brought us. Paul
actually very cleverly condenses volumes
of theological truth into just a few verses
of scripture. Paul reminds us that who we
are, greatly motivates what we do. As the
elect of God we are holy and beloved!
We are a privileged assembly and a royal
priesthood. We must realize that to whom
much is given, much is required.
We should not count our blessings and
think of all the privileges and then neglect
our duty to share Christ’s spirit with the
world. Knowing “who we are” should
encourage us to walk as mirror images and
embodiments of God’s mercy toward us.
In fact we are charged to turn this
earthly hell into an Eden! We are charged
Continue
===== DSC04323.JPG =====
ASE Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
| ASK:
| inquired whether “EXTENDING THE
_ INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP IS AN
EXCLUSIVE FUNCTION OF CLERGY?”
BISHOP GUIDRY’S RESPONSE
TO THE QUESTION:
I am assuming you have in mind extending the
invitation at the end of a worship service which
is usually done by the “preacher.” Extending the
invitation to discipleship is NOT an exclusive
function of clergy. Anyone who is Christian and
knows how to invite others to salvation in Jesus
Christ may do so, i.e. During a lay service when
“RETIRED BISHOP
CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY
122” Elected and Consecrated
Bishop of the AMEC
the participants are lay persons. (The Order of Receiving Members
into the Church is done by clergy; see Page 518 in The Doctrine
and ei ceiae oh. the African Meraa, Episcaggs Church 2012.)
aaa READER RESPONSES
AO IS SE EE SEA LIE OPI LE. PRO TE EG
To the Editor
RE: TCR Editorial — Some Things I Want to Say
Again Before Getting Too Far Into 2016
We use TCR in many of our lay meetings. We will use
this one for sure. As our church grows we have many
members who are new to the A.M.E. Church or were not
brought up in a church as a child.
Thank you always,
Carolyn Chatman
Bethel - Perris, California
Lay President
eikdiciiainidaaianmmaimaaiael
To the Editor
RE: Richard Allen Postage Stamp
Elation was unsurpassed on a visit to the post of-
fice in Frederiksted, St. Croix, the town of seven
streets, as I caught a glimpse on the counter of the
Sarah Vaughn stamp. As I looked closer, what did I
see but the likeness of Richard Allen on the second
stamp!
Excitedly, I called attention of the attendant to
tell her that Allen was the founder of my Church,
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Knowing
OR TPT EN
me well, she smiled broadly and I am sure expects
me to buy out the supply. It has been a long time
waiting for this to happen. I could not wait to exit
the post office to share my excitement with Presid-
ing Elder Uklyn Hendricks, who was with me at the
time to let him know that after many years of trying
it really happened. I shouted to him, “I saw it, I saw
it! .... Right here in St. Croix, USVI.”
To all of us who have been envisioning the coming
of this day and those who have been working to make
it a reality, Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Bishop Frederick Talbot
..From Bishop Morris p1 many across The United Methodist Church, especially in
Tennessee, where he had continued to live in the Nashville area.
“Bishop Morris was a great gift to the church,” said Nashville Area Bishop William
McAlilly. “He was especially helpful and a great mentor to me as I entered the
episcopacy of the Tennessee and Memphis conferences.”
In Alabama, the Rev. John Ed Mathison recalled Morris as an effective leader
who could make hard decisions and who moved the Alabama- West Florida Conference
forward in race relations.
Mathison, Pastor Emeritus of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in
Montgomery, also praised Morris’s preaching.
“He was an excellent preacher. As a
lot of folks around here would say, he
could shuck the corn,” Mathison said.
“And one of the interesting things was
he incorporated a solo in most every
sermon. Rather than quote a song, he
would sing it, which was very, very
effective. He had a marvelous voice.”
Far into retirement, Morris taught
Sunday school at Clark Memorial
United Methodist Church in Nashville.
“The United Methodist Church has
lost a giant and Clark Memorial has
lost a giant,” said the Rev. Herbert L.
Lester Jr., the church’s Pastor.
Bishop Marcus Matthews of the
Baltimore-Washington Conference also
expressed sadness, and recalled Morris
fondly.
“He was a mentor, adviser and friend,”
Matthews said. “I will always remember
hearing the sound of his deep bass voice
at Council of Bishops meetings. He
..From The Truth p6
lived ‘the Methodist way.’”
He ‘knew his churches’
William Wesley Morris was born in
Baltimore on August 7, 1937, and
attended the Baltimore public schools.
He was a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan
University, Garrett Evangelical
Theological Seminary, Scarritt College
and Vanderbilt University, where he
earned a doctorate of ministry degree.
Morris was ordained a deacon in
1959 and an elder in 196]
Bethany Methodist Church and Union
Avenue Community Methodist Church
in Chicago; Stanley Methodist Church
in Chattanooga, Tennessee; John Wesley
United Methodist Church in Nashville;
and First United Methodist Church in
Gallatin, Tennessee.
. He served
As an African American pastor at the
predominantly white Gallatin church,
he also was crossing an important racial
to bear the sorrows of others. We are admonished to offer help
wherever needed, We are cautioned to bear no resentment toward those who would
persecute us. We are to offer the same forgiveness that Jesus offered us. We cannot
afford to wait a year to refresh our storehouse of his grace w ithin us.
If we live a risen life, having put on the “new man,” then the “peace of Christ”
is ours to renew us every day. Every day will be a day for resolution and starting
over, Every day we can hear the preached Word with new ears and look upon
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
boundary for the Tennessee Conference.
In that conference, he twice was a
district superintendent, leading the
Clarksville and Murfreesboro
(Tennessee) districts. The Rev. Skip
Armistead, a retired clergyman, recalled
Morris as a district superintendent who
“knew his churches.”
“He read every single church newslet-
ter. He’d ask you, ‘How did your revival
go?’” said Armistead, who also served
as Assistant Director of the old United
Methodist Council of Ministries when
Morris was the Director. He recalled
Morris standing up for a staff member
that some people wanted to see leave.
“He stood up for that person. He
wanted to give them a chance,”
Armistead said, adding that the staffer
turned out to be a real asset.
“He always saw potential,” Armistead
said.
On July 15, 1992, Morris was elected
a bishop at the Southeastern
Jurisdictional Conference in Lake
Junaluska, North Carolina.
As Bishop, Morris served as President
of the United Methodist Board of
Pension and Health Benefits from 2000
to 2004. He was a trustee of several
United Methodist institutions, including
Emory University in Atlanta.
One abiding interest of Morris’ was
men’s ministries, and as a retired bishop
he served as interim top executive of
the Commission on United Methodist
Men for more than a year and super-
vised the agency’s move into its current
Nashville headquarters. ~
“In retirement, he always spoke of his
love for The United Methodist Church,”
said Gil Hanke, United Methodist Men’s
current top executive.
The Rev. Ryan Bennett, Pastor of
Bethlehem United Methodist Church
in Franklin, Tennessee, spoke of Morris
as a mentor who cared deeply about
people and never really retired.
Bennett also recalled how Morris
would really pay attention and “be in
the moment” in relationships. Once
when Bennett had a chance meeting
with Morris and claimed to be doing
fine, Morris wasn’t convinced. “How
are you really doing?” he recalled the
Bishop asking.
Morris was married to the late Mary
Head Morris of McMinnville, Tenn.,
and they had four children. He married
Princilla Smart Evans in 2006.
Hodges, a United Methodist News
Service writer, lives in Dallas. Contact
him at (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@
umcom.org. Heather Hahn, Kathy L.
Gilbert and Vicki Brown contributed
to this article.
a
*Used with permission of the United Methad-
ist News Service.
God’s creation with new eyes. Every day we can fulfill our responsibilities with
new enthusiasm while confronting our difficulties with a new attitude. We can
offer a prayer to God on new knees and we can mi agnify him with new praise. We
can contemplate holy things with a new mind, worshipping the Lord with new
lips. Finally, we can labor in God’s v ineyard with new hands and we can reflect
the glory of God with new hearts. 444
Watkins. Jr is the Pastor of Morris Brown A.M.E Church in Charleston, SC.
*The Rev. Dr. Charles R.
===== DSC04324.JPG =====
~~
HENRY F GREEN
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MINISTISY
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 Ne
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
ELECPHENRY E. GREEN, JR.
PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER of the AMEC Sunday School Union
===== DSC04325.JPG =====
ASH WEDNESDAY, PALM SUNDAY, GOOD
FRIDAY, EASTER AND PENTECOST
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent in the Western Christian calen-
dar. It occurs exactly 46 days before Easter (40 fasting days not counting
Sundays). It is a moveable feast that can fall as early as February 4 and as
late as March 10.
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday. Christians
commemorate the passion, or suffering, and death on the cross of Jesus
Christ.
Easter is the oldest and most important festival of the Western Christian
year, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ (rising from the grave)
following his crucifixion on Good Friday. Easter marks the end of the 40
days of Lent.
Pentecost, meaning “fiftieth day,” is celebrated 50 days (seven weeks
plus one day so it always falls on a Sunday) after Easter Sunday.
-- Ash Wednesday - February 10, 2016
-- Palm Sunday - March 20, 2016
-- Good Friday - March 25, 2016
-- Easter Sunday - March 27, 2016
-- Pentecost Sunday - May 15, 2016
Read more: http://www. calendarpedia. com/.
..From The Leadership p3__ and was active in the abolitionist movement.
- Richard Allen recognized the importance of education:
Shortly after Bethel’s founding, Richard Allen established a children’s day school
and an adult night school.
- Richard Allen did not quit because of opposition:
The blacks who remained at St. George’s after the 1787 schism accused Richard
Allen of segregating the races and there was the continuous struggle with the trust-
ees at St. George's who fought to control Mother Bethel’s affairs.
Many of the challenges that Richard Allen faced still exist today and people who
do not tackle their challenges and demons are surrounded by unfulfilled lives and
even failure.
There are individuals today who are slaves to their own inability to conquer the
fears and demons in their lives. Some do not see the value of training and education;
others are trapped in an economic quagmire and haven’t developed a strategy to
overcome their predicament; still others are victims or perpetrators of crime; and
many individuals have accepted their “station in life” and have become satisfied,
and even comfortable with the status quo.
Some organizations, even some A.M.E. churches, have the same attributes as indi-
viduals in not rising above the slave state of mind, unable to conquer their fears and
demons, and see little value of even attempting to move from “poor to good” or from
“sood to great.” Some organizations and some churches refuse to see the value of
education and training or to see the importance of maintaining a high ethical environ-
ment and have become satisfied with their state of affairs that currently exists.
Those organizations and individuals need to examine and adopt the “The Leadership
Lessons of the Right Rev. Richard Allen.”
His legacy and leadership lessons are worthy to be emulated by clergy and laity
because his leadership lessons are universal and timeless.
a
TCR Editor's Comment: | will be celebrating Founder's Day as the preacher at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 6910 New
Kings Road (US 1 and Richardson) in Jacksonville, Florida where the Rev. Dr. Marvin Zanders Ill is the Pastor 40
WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELEASE
The fall 2015 inaugural edition of the Sable Health and Human Development
Journal dedicated to Dr. Algeania Marie Warren Freeman who the edito-
rial board cited as a Living Legend in Higher Education for her stellar
contributions to the academy.
Dr. Freeman was honored with a plaque from the journal’s editorial
board for her devotion and outstanding contributions in saving and mak-
ing a difference at HBCUs. The editorial board staff wrote: “...we decided
to dedicate this inaugural issue to the contemporary living legend Dr.
Algeania Marie Warren Freeman-Ph.D., President of Wilberforce University.
Dr. Freeman is a contemporary leader who has managed to accomplish
much against great odds.”
Her record of professional achievements is simply exceptional. Moreover,
Dr. Freeman’s higher education leadership accomplishments, in our time
are truly legendary. However, there are three professional achievements
n higher education that stand out among all of the rest. Those three
ae eee ee
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
«From The Duty p1 to not let these kinds of actions deter our worship, our love of God
and humanity” have been and are still appropriate.
Shortly after the Charleston massacre, several people criticized the wonderful
people of Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church because they did not have guns in the
church and no other means to adequately protect their members. But, nothing in the
article implied that the victims of a deranged man acted inappropriately,
I do not believe that the victims could have done anything to change the tragedy.
However, how can we, looking toward the future, reasonably protect our con-
gregations and buildings without limiting our doors and access to all who desire
to worship?
I found it stunning that on the Sunday immediately after the massacre, and the
days that followed, how people continued to enter our fully accessible buildings and
sanctuaries across the country with few, if any, barriers, limitations or filters by
anyone in the church. While I celebrate our freedom, | wonder if this is good stew-
ardship and if, as good Levites, our failure to plan is a proper Levitical response.
This discussion is not new for me. Like many, I have had numerous opportunities
to try to reconcile this dilemma.
In the mid 1990’s, during a Sunday morning service, a young white male burst
through the sanctuary door as I preached. As he marched toward the pulpit, one of
the young preachers stood and invited him to sit down on the front row.
After I preached, I told another minister to escort him out of the sanctuary.
As I started the invitation, the young preacher brought the “visitor” back in saying
“he had a testimony.”
I refused to let the “visitor” give his testimony because he had disrupted the
service and that this was not the time or place to address his concerns, but could
do so later.
At that point, the visitor grabbed me and started shouting, “Baby killers, you are
all abortionists.” As several men in the congregation approached him, he ran out of
the sanctuary.
During this time a member had slipped out to call the police, but the dispatcher
did not send anyone because, as we later found out, when she heard that a white
person has disrupted a black church service she said, that the report was simply a
case of prejudice against white people in a black church. At that time several mem-
bers, who were in law enforcement, carried weapons, but none of them had attended
church that Sunday. We had not developed a security policy because we had relied
on the fact that so many members in law enforcement attended the church.
___When I pastored in Detroit, the environment dictated some form of a plan since.
the mental health facilities located near the church had closed and a house across the
street housed people with “interesting behaviors” who would “escape” and “visit”
to our church. We often encountered people entering the church with extraordinary
mental issues.
Like many churches, people attended church simply because they needed food,
clothing and shelter. We provided for their needs.
On at least three different occasions people, even with church security, disrupted
the service; two actually entered the sanctuary. We praised God that church members
handled the incidents without violence.
These reported incidents began my requirement for every church that I pastored
to have a security, evacuation and/or emergency plans. This policy has continued
even after I became a presiding elder.
Over the years I, along with individuals in church leadership, have developed
foundational guideposts for creating a security plan.
I am sharing these security guideposts to assist local churches in security
planning.
The Church is a refuge and must be treated as such and people want a safe place
for their sacred time and fellowship.
Designing clear explanations and expectations for and with the congregation will
empower the congregation to expect a calm, protective and caring place to
worship. :
Biblical Mandate:
Every church must empower the Levites to operate in their biblical model.
A teview of the duties of the official board: stewards, trustees, choirs, ushers, class
leaders, etc., suggests that we already operate under a biblical model and that we
must continue to utilize it for each church.
The office of the Levite is more than a praise leader; it covers a spectrum of
handling the sacred things of God. The sacred things include more than managing
the vessels; they include the gate-keeping of the people and the | continued on p10
achievements are centered on her exceptional acumen and demonstrated
leadership skills as a president of three different institutions of higher
education. Those institutions are Martin University, Livingstone College
and Wilberforce University where she is the current President.
Her most recent accomplishment against great odds is her extremely suc-
cessful launch of a renaissance at Wilberforce University. ..continued on p11
===== DSC04326.JPG =====
FEBRUARY 15, 2016
SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
MAY 3-6, 2016
MARCH 11, 20
MACON GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE a
Bethesda A.M.E.
NIGERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE tn LIE Sather ine)
The Rev. Elton Bobb, Host Pastor
Se re ae i i Christ Love A.M.E. Church, Host Church Phone: (868) 680-9772
lle Ife, Nigeria The Rev. J
Greater Alan Uhsgel KLE. Chrch Rev. Jonathan Wayne Anthony, Host P.E.
289 Pusey Stem The Rev. Margaret Fadehan, Host Pastor Phone: (868) 750-8062
Macon, GA 31201
Church Phone: (478) 745-4646
The Rev. Johnnie Cook, Sr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Benjamin Ridley, Host P.E.
MARCH 15, 2016
TOGO/BENIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE
St. John A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Lome, Togo
The Rev. John Afawoubo, Host Pastor
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.
BISHOP PRESTON WARREN
WILLIAMS II
MARCH 1.4, 2016
BISHOP GREGORY G. M.
INGRAM
MARCH 1-6, 2016
MAY 17-20, 2016
ATLANTA NORTH GEORGIA MARCH 18-20, 2016
DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFER SOUTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERE ANNUAL CONFERENCE GHANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
ree rae eRENCE ae MAY 16, 2016 St. Paul A.M.E, Church, Host Church Phone: (340) ea
adhe eer euity coavENTiON ws ANNUAL CONVENTION Takoradi (Sekondil, Ghana wancne eae
Baas Ministerial Alliance, Host Saint Mark A.M.E. Church urner Chapel A.M.E. Church The Rev. Stephen Ainu, Host Pastor ie
Hanes Has 700 Lester Street 492 North Marietta Parkway NE JAMAICA ANAUAL COBFEREES
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
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
Marietta, GA 30060
Church Phone: (770) 422-6791
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Marcus, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dr. David Rhone, Host P.E.
MARCH 8-13, 2016
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MARCH 9, 2016
WMS DAY
Bermuda Ministerial Alliance, Host
Thomasville, GA 31792
Church Phone: (229) 226-4614
The Rev. Timothy Sands, Host Pastor
The Rev. Patrick Brinson, Host P.E.
JUNE 8-10, 2016
SPACES 2Me PLANNING MEETING
APRIL 28-MAY 1, 2016
MARCH 28-APRIL 3, 2016 SOUTHWEST GEORGIA
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Macon Marriott Centreplex IA ANNUAL CONFER har Alen AME. Church, Host Ch
ee neal CoM MUALCONEE REN AN Cobeoun-Ddve LIBERIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Richard Allen A.M.E. Church, Host Church
Deon " Mt. Ashton A.M.E. Church, Host Church London, England
oda WMS ANNUAL CONVENTION Macon, GA 31217 Cape Palmas, Liberia The Rev. Rudolph Aaron, Host Pastor
antic City District, Host Live Oak A.M.E. Church Site Phone: (478) 621-5300 The Rev. Tar-Kolo Miller, Host Pastor and Host P.E.
402 Baldwin Street
Phone: (442) 088905381
FOURTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
APRIL 12-17, 2016
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 13, 2016
WMS DAY
Bethel, Bloomfield, Host
Donaldsonville, GA 39845
Church Phone: (229) 524-2395
The Rev. Millie Rambeau, Host Pastor and
Host P.E.
SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
A.M.E. CHURCH
MAY 31-JUNE 3, 2016
PLANNING MEETING
The Rev. L. A. Dawkins, P.E.
The Rev. Clarence Turpin, P.E.
MARCH 29-APRIL 1, 2016 Kingston, Jamaica
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
APRIL 25-MAY 1, 2016
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APRIL 26, 2016
WMS DAY
Bridge Street, Host
..From St. Croix p6 plan the event
and to the Postmaster for pro-
viding assistance in this unprec-
edented and historic event. It
will long be remembered in
"A
BISHOP JOHN F. WHITE
FEBRUARY 17-21, 2016
BISHOP CLEMENT W. FUGH
FEBRUARY 27, 2016
MAY 10-14, 2016 COTE D'IVOIRE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WESTERN NEW YORK ANNUAL ,
CONFERENCE The Reverend J. C. Roberts, Host Pastor | St. Augustine's A.M.E. Church, Host Church GUY ABAISURINAE ANNUAL COMFEREREE hi Il isl
te ee St. Peter's A.M.E. Church, Host Church this small island where the
MAY 11, 2016 The Rev. Dr. Dan Stevenson, Host P.E. Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire Goaractunn ts Afri Macho A
WMS DAY The Rev. Desus S. Darkoh, Host Pastor cere a rican Methodist Episcopal
The Rev. Troy Parris, Host Pastor
Phone: (579) 601-0060
The Rev. Andrew C. Morris-Grant, Host P.E.
Phone: (592) 646-2726
Church was started in 1920. _
And the excitement
continues!
APRIL 26-29, 2016
AUGUSTA GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Stone Springfield A.M.E. Church
7476 Georgia Highway 296
St. John, Niagara Falls, Host
MARCH 4-6, 2016
SIERRA LEONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bishop Campbell A.M.E. Church, Host Church
ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULES
MAY 16-22, 2016
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 17, 2016 Stapleton, GA 30823 Freetown, Sierra Leone 2 5 ; ;
' ; : FEBRUARY 25-28, 2016 Submitted by retired Bishop Fred-
‘ ~ DAY The Rev. Forrest Dickey, Host Pastor The Rev. Joseph P. A. Wilhelm, Host Pastor WINDWARD ISLANDS ANNUAL erick and retired Eniseopal Supervi
other Bethel, Host The Rev. Bertram Smith, Host P.E. CONFERENCE sor, Dr Sylvia Talbot
..From The Duty p9 building.
First Chronicles 9:19-27 defines the
duties of the gatekeeper. They took charge
the work of the worship service, guarded
of the thresholds of the tents and the
entrance. Verse 27 states, “and they would
spend the night near the house of God,
for on them lay the duty of watching, and
they had charge of opening it every
morning.”
The duty of watching is a serious respon-
sibility, and if nothing else, watching has
to be a major part of providing protection
to the people and the building.
Educating the congregation
The church Levites must educate the
congregation, sometimes even against
their will. This education is more than
giving men and women something to do,
but it is an opportunity to represent true
biblical stewardship. We must answer
their questions that belie inaction. The
answers include, but are not limited to,
statements like: “It won’t happen here.”
Many members correctly feel that their
church is a close-knit family and their
church doesn’t get much traffic, therefore, |
it just won’t happen to them. They feel
that they do not have to do anything |
because the greater odds are that no one
will tar;
et their church. While that is most |
likely true, unfortunately, no one expects
trouble to target them and prayerful
preparation is critical.
We do not need to overreact: many
churches think that their quasi-plan will
suffice because they only have small
opportunities for disasters. However,
having a part-time security guard or people
getting up walking around checking for
possible trouble from time to time is not
a plan.
We do not have the money for security:
it is sad that many of our local institutions
make decisions solely based on income.
physical plant and church operation is
essential to a strong security plan.
Take a moment to review these addi-
tional questions:
4 Is their adequate lighting inside and
outside?
4 How many doors do you have?
# Where are the doors?
4 Do the doors have panic-bars so that
anyone can get out, but restricts who
enters?
“Are there adequate emergency
controls?
| # Are there exit signs, alarm systems, des-
It is a false belief that a solid, secure plan —
church does not have a large budget.
Many of the conditions that require plan-
| can’t be initiated simply because the |
ning only require thought and |
cooperation.
A plan is not an overreaction but an
action, and in every institution where |
violence has occurred, the congregation
| never thought that they would be victim-
ized. Talking about a security plan is not
an invitation for an attack; it is a plan
that if there is ever an attack, the church
is reasonably ready.
Evaluation of the physical plant and |
administrative process
Knowin f
ignated security code holders and persons
designated to make emergency calls?
# Who is (and when are they) designated
to call the police?
# Who is designated as the building
contact person and do they have all of
the keys needed in an emergency
situation?
# Is the parking lot protected?
| 4 Are there environmental blockages -
areas that are compromised such as
roof damage and broken windows?
# Who provides security during service,
meeting and rehearsal times?
# Is there a monitored alarm system and
how does it work in a case where there
is a need to call for assistance in an
You need to address these issues no matter
whether you have implemented a full
security plan or not.
Initiating the plan
The church must identify a team that
will represent the congregation in plan-
ning, preparing, responding and imple-
menting the security plan. The team must
carefully identify the required framework
of the plan, and all who will be involved
in its implementation, the person(s) who
will train the church membership to imple-
ment the plan should the need arise and
all of the additional needed resources.
The church leadership should complete
these initial steps before contacting a
professional to assist them in finalizing
the written security plan.
Follow these next steps to assist in
finalizing the security plan.
Have a conversation with profession-
als who can help you shape the final
the plan.
The suggested security professionals
include, but are not limited to, persons
in your congregation such as law enforce-
ment officers, TSA agents, security
personnel, health practitioners and emer-
gency services personnel.
These persons can help the church
complete a workable plan. ...continued on p11
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From The Duty p10
Have a conversation with the Board of
Trustees and the Board of Stewards to get their input and
concerns.
Develop a security team that represents the various stake-
holders in the church membership.
Teach all members to be alert and not judgmental. There is
a fine line between observation and a rush to call the police.
A decision must be made if this person needs immediate
ministerial help rather than removal. Have specific written
protocols for when someone should call the police.
Decide who will lock and unlock the doors, protect the
parking lot and other environmental property, and greet
worshippers.
Determine where the security team, both men and women,
will stand so that they will not disrupt the atmosphere or
diminish the spirit of worship, how to handle the stewardship
period, who will guard the process and where the counting of
offerings will occur, etc.
Determine who will protect the vulnerable population
including the children, youth, elderly and differently-abled
and who will protect the pastor and the pastor’s family.
Set an annual date for the implementation of the plan and
a review of the church building by the Board of Trustees.
Be sure to get the plan approved by the church and all of
its stakeholders.
It is my hope that we will be good stewards in all that we
do for our trust is in God.
We will not trust in chariots or horses, but we trust in the
name of the Lord our God (Psalm 20:7).
Teaching our members to be discerning, prayerful, loving
and spiritually responsible will greatly strengthen our “duty
to watch.”
*The Rev. Anne Henning Byfield is the Presiding Elder
of the North District Indiana Annual Conference.
12™ DISTRICT-BISHOP GREEN |
~ CONSECRATED 97 YEAR OLD
AS DEACONESS
By the Rev. Thurston B. Lamb*
The Annual Conference Ordination Service at Bethel
African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hope, Arkansas on
September 26, 2015 was no ordinary worship service. Not
only was Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr., the Pre-
siding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District, present, but
Bishop Green was given the distinguished honor of conse-
crating Sister Annie D. Johnson as a deaconess. Deaconess
Johnson, 97 years old, has been a devoted Christian and
member of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Hope, Arkansas for
over 80 years. She was selected by her Pastor, the Reverend
Thurston B. Lamb, and officers of the church.
Bishop Green is the 125th elected and consecrated
Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 12th
Episcopal District, which encompasses Arkansas and
Oklahoma. During Bishop Green’s leadership, he has
worked tirelessly to equip the saints to live a life pleasing
to God and has been inspired to take daring new approach-
es, including more open worship and a ministry special-
ized for individual needs.
*The Rev. Thurston B. Lamb is the former Pastor of Bethel
A.M.E. Church in Hope, Arkansas.
..From Wilberforce p9 Many in the higher education
community and many outside of that community | be and are not worth reviving.” Therefore, we were
had already begun writing the epitaph for | determined to provide recognition of Dr. Freeman's
most recent accomplishment “against great odds.”
“An eminent daughter of Benson, North Carolina, |
Wilberforce University.
Of course, after Dr. Freeman received the call |
she simply went to work doing what she has proven "Dr. Freeman, this one is for you!” Dr. Freeman
expertise in. That expertise is the leadership in | was featured in the December 4, 2015 and November
and movin
institutions that often “experts conclude cannot |
toward renaissance | 23 issues in BlackEnterprise.com for her
-From Let's p3_ ordination of Jarena Lee.
And the Church needs to go further and
issue an apology to women in ministry for
inequitable pastoral appointments, failure to
prepare congregations for women clergy,
failure across the board
is promoted posthumously because, if he or
she had lived, they would have been promoted
or awarded a special medal(s).
Women were not ordained during Jarena
Lee’s lifetime; had they, no doubt, she would
have been ordained.
to promote women in
ministry, but that’s
another editorial!
The posthumous ordi-
nation of Jarena Lee is a
no-brainer and does not
takemeane Act of
Congress” or a vote from
the General Conference.
Unless I have missed
something, there is noth-
ing in The AMEC
Doctrine and Discipline
- 2012 that would pro- . wey
hibit the posthumous WM IMINISLY, ge
ordination of JarenaLee. ~
I suspect a decision of
the Council of Bishops, the President of the
Council of Bishops or a “suggestion” of the
Senior Bishop could make it happen. It could
be done by something as simple as a resolu-
tion or a full-fledged ceremony could be held
for the posthumous ordination of Jarena Lee.
The process does not have to be
complicated.
There is no need for an annual conference
or laying on of hands, no need for an ordina-
tion sermon, unless someone would want to
give one. There would be no need for an ordi-
nation certificate, but it would be nice to have
something that
could be placed
with the other
historical docu-
ments at Mother
Bethel A.M.E.
Church. A post-
humous certifi-
cate of ordination
from the General
Conference
would be nice and a generous gesture. The
GC Ordination of the Rev. Jarena Lee could
be displayed at Mother Bethel and doing so
at the 200th anniversary of the denomination
might be the appropriate place to do it.
A posthumous action is a ceremony of
recognition (simply, it’s the fair thing to do,
makes people feel good because it’s the right
thing to do).
“Posthumous” does not require a ‘body /
corpse or anyone to stand in for her.
Posthumous promotions and awards hap-
pen regularly in the military, academia and ©
in other entities.
During combat or after combat, a soldier
AMECPUBLISHINGHOUSE.COM
And the Church needs
... lo go further and issue
an apology lo women i
ministy for inequitable pas-
loral appointments, failure
lo prepare congregations for
women clergy, failure ACVOSS
the board to promote women
Women are ordained
today and Jarena Lee
was a pioneer for women
in ministry. We can’t
bring her back in this
life, but we can “right
the wrong” that she
experienced. She lived
and preached in a time
when women were sec-
ond-class citizens and
could not vote. That was
then, this is now!
In a posthumous cer-
emony, no laying on of
hands is necessary. A
posthumous ordination
of Jarena Lee could be done anywhere and
actually, the General Conference would be
an appropriate place to conduct the ceremony.
The Women In Ministry would be an appro-
priate group to participate.
Does a posthumous ordination set
precedent?
Yes and no, but I don’t think so, because
Jarena Lee is so unusual and she stands in a
class by herself. There were other women who
desired to preach, but in her situation, Richard
Allen who at first denied permission for her.
Let’s not worry about why we can't
do it or who gets the credit, LET’S
PUT OUR ENERGY
INTO DOING [Tr
to preach, allowed her to preach and she was
a member of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Her position at Mother Bethel and her rela-
tionship with Richard Allen put her in a
unique position.
As it relates to precedent, posthumous awards
should not be given out frivolously! For exam-
ple, we wouldn’t want to posthumously con-
secrate bishops or give posthumous recognition
to general officers and other clergy.
The issue is the posthumous ordination of
ig fs
_ Jarena Lee - Let’s “cut to the chase” - it’s time
and let’s do it!
Let’s not worry about why we can’t do it
or who gets the credit, let’s put our energy
into doing it!
accomplishments in saving the accreditation of
Wilberforce University. She also received the
Citizen of the Year Award from Omega Psi Phi
Fraternity in Dayton. Dr. Freeman was one of
the first recipients of the Harlem Renaissance
Awards as an Outstanding HBCU President.
a
For additional information, please contact Dr. D.R. Buffinger,
Provost of Wilberforce University at drbuff@wilberforce.
edu.
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The Reverend Dr. Stafford J.N. Wicker believes the strength of the church can be found in it’s
economic development initiatives. The ministry of Antioch AME Church is a testament of
how the reach and scope of the church is further broadened by its ability to grow the
church outside of the four walls of the sanctuary to impact lives for positive change. In the
year 2000, Antioch purchased 32.5 acres on S. Hairston near Covington Highway, now
housing all phases of Antioch Manor Estates, a senior housing development for active seniors
consisting of Antioch Manor Estates, Antioch Gardens, and the planned Antioch Summits.
Antioch Manor Estates is 120 units completed in 2005 at a development cost of
$13,500,000. Presently 100 percent occupied. Phase 2, Antioch Gardens is 106 units of villas
and garden apartment s completed in 2005 at a development cost of $14,700,000. Presently
100 percent occupied. Phase 3 Antioch Summits is planned at 123 units at projection of
$15,000,000 with over 500 persons on the waiting list. A total economic development project
of $43,200,000.
765 SOUTH HAIRSTON ROAD 1790 2 apeeataet aie
STONE MOUNTAIN, GA
7:00AM, 8:30AM, & 11:00AM WORSHIP SERVICES, SUNDAYS 10:00AM WORSHIP SERVICE, SUNDAYS
404.299.3388 404-299-0398-FAX WWW.ANTIOCH—AME.ORG 770-761-0006
NTER ANTIOCH MANOR ESTATES
pelle abate rnin ia 4711 BISHOP MING BLVD; STONE MOUNTAIN, GA
—_ — ‘ NDAY—FRIDAY 770-322-8839 770-322-8234-FAX
404.299.5521 CENTER HOURS—6AM—6PM MOND De oRIvINGICOM
-
Date
-
2016-2-15
