THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (9/30/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. FORMER U.S. EDUCATION SECRETARY BELIEVES ABORTING BLACK CHILDREN WOULD REDUCE THE U.S. CRIME RATE:
The former U.S. Education Secretary, William J. Bennett said Wednesday "if you wanted to reduce crime, you could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down." He went on to say that, it would be a ridiculous thing to do, but that that the crime rate would go down.
Editor’s note: If former U.S. Education Secretary, William J. Bennett would ignore what is left of his brain and keep his mouth shut, ignorance would go way down. The writer of Proverbs was eminently correct when he penned the words, “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the trap of his soul. (Proverbs 18:7)
2. MESSAGE FROM SISTER GWENDOLYN WILLIAMS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION WHO HAS EVACUATED FROM HURRICANE KATRINA DEVASTATION:
Letter to the Editor
Just a brief note to let you know that I evacuated New Orleans and am living with my sister.
I have been unable to communicate with the Episcopal District Health Directors because in my haste to leave I left behind my computer and my address book.
I would appreciate if you could post my address so that persons can communicate with me.
I am attending Brookins Community AMEC in Los Angeles.
My sister's address is, 3500-369 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, California 90305. I can be reached at: freem801@aol.com
Be well,
Sister Gwendolyn B Williams,
Executive Director
Connectional Health Commission
- An update from Sister Gwendolyn Williams received September 30, 2005 at 11 a.m.
I am worshiping at Brookins Community AMEC, there are five of us here but I am the only AME; there may be others.
I hope to return to New Orleans by the end of the month to check and see what damages I have sustained.
Continue to pray for all of us, both Katrina and Rita victims and those persons who have opened their arms and hearts to us.
I have been blessed with a loving sister and a warm congregation and pastor.
Gwen Williams
Editor’s note: you may email Sister Gwendolyn Williams directly by emailing her at freem801@aol.com
3. BISHOP C. GARNETT HENNING IS ON-TARGET:
Bishop Henning is working day and night to provide comfort for those who have been displaced by Hurricane Katrina. The bishop is a bundle of energy and he is a motivator and encourager to all who are around him. Bishop Henning could be directing affairs of the Katrina operation from a comfortable office in Houston and no one would think anything about it. He is not in a comfortable office and he is not leading from the rear. Bishop Henning in the “thick” of the operation. I wonder how many bishops of the other denominations are working in the “thick” of the operation.
Let us keep Bishop Henning and the folks who are with him in our prayers.
4. DR. GEORGE FLOWERS IS "A MAN WITH A PLAN":
He could be in his office in South Carolina coordinating the efforts associated with Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Rita, but he is not in his comfortable office in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. George Flowers in the affected areas working to bring relief and comfort; and getting dirty. Kudos to the Executive Director of Global Witness and Ministry for doing the work of ministry. I wonder how many other denominational general officers are on the ground, working at the grass roots level of the Katrina operation.
5. PRESIDENT LEAH GASKINS FITCHUE AND PAYNE THEOLOGICAL STUDENTS ARE IN THE REGION AFFECTED BY HURRICANES KATRINA AND RITA:
Now, when have you heard of a seminary president or for that matter a college or university president going into a dangerous environment to provide comfort? Dr. Leah Gaskins Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary and a number of PTS students are actively involved in the practice of ministry in a “real live, up in your face” environment. She is in Louisiana working closely with Bishop Henning and Dr. George Flowers. Dr. Fitchue could have sent one of her employees and we would have been grateful. She did not send one of her employees; she went there herself. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is grateful and appreciative of her work and dedication.
6. THE JOB IS NOT FINISHED; WE ARE STILL COLLECTING MONEY, OR AT LEAST WE SHOULD BE:
What would happen if your paycheck suddenly stopped? Today is Friday and it is the end of the month. If, today you were told that you had a “no pay due,” what would you do. Or those of you who get a check on the first or third of the month suddenly found out that your paycheck was not going to be delivered and there was no indication about when you were going to be paid. I am sure that it would be disturbing, to say the least.
That is the problem many of our pastors and presiding elders are facing – no pay available because churches have been destroyed, closed and the members who support the churches have been relocated, and many of them have indicated in the news media that they don’t plan to return. Katrina happened one month ago and that means that we have presiding elders and pastors who have been without pay for a month or more. Many of our smaller churches operate on week-to-week offering, without a cushion that some of our larger churches have. The Church has a responsibility to take care of those pastors until they can get on their feet. I would hope that some of our larger churches might take it upon themselves to adopt a presiding elder or pastor and especially fulltime presiding elders and pastors who have no other sources of income. Those of us, who are able, must continue to give until it hurts. Katrina and Rita, and we hope no other hurricanes come along, will be a long-time commitment. If we are faithful, God is faithful and sometime in the future we will celebrate what we, with God’s help, did to provide comfort to those in need.
The job is not finished; we are still collecting money, or at least we should be!
7. AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM DR. JEROME HARRIS FOR PREACHERS AFFECTED BY HURRICANE KATRINA:
Dr. Jerome V. Harris, Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Annuity Investment and Insurance has arranged with the annuity investment vendors, Symetra Insurance Company and American Express, to process requests for "Hardship" annuity withdrawals on an EXPEDITED basis for those participants affected by Hurricane Katrina.
All participants assigned to the Eighth (Mississippi and Louisiana), Ninth (Alabama) and Eleventh (Florida) Episcopal Districts are eligible for expedited hardship annuity withdrawals. In an effort to provide more immediate financial assistance to persons in these devastated areas, expedited payments can now be made and received in as soon as 24 hours, depending on the mode of distribution, i.e. Direct Bank Transfer, US Mail, etc. The normal withdrawal process usually requires approximately 3 - 4 weeks, so our pastors and their families are blessed, in this time of difficulty, with the expedited arrangement.
Participants desiring to avail themselves to this process should contact the AMEC Department of Annuity Investment and Insurance directly at (901) 527-2006 or by Email at amec_des@bellsouth.com
8. ACTIVE, RETIRED AND FORMER GENERAL OFFICERS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CONTRIBUTED $10,000 THUS FAR FOR THE KATRINA RELIEF EFFORT:
Dr. Dennis Dickerson, President of the General Officers’ Council announced that the active, retired and former General Officers of the Church have contributed $10,000.00 this far for the Katrina relief effort.
9. ST. JUDE A.M.E. MISSION CHURCH A CHURCH ON A MISSION:
Children ran and played, ate cotton candy and hot dogs. They bounced on the moon bounce, slid down the inflatable slide and got dizzy on the merry-go- round. Faces were painted, three-on-three basketball was played and the adults ate, drank sodas, and relaxed in the mild weather of an Indian summer day in Germantown Maryland. What was happening? The St. Jude A.M.E. Mission Church; under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Byron J. Grayson, Sr. was hosting its First Community Day. The rides, the food and drink, the face painting, and welcome gift bags containing notes books, pens and pencils, candy and a toy all were provided to the community at no cost.
Over 200 persons, not including members of St. Jude, fellowshipped and had a wonderful time at the Fox Chapel Elementary School where St. Jude A.M.E. church will hold its worship services during the winter. Brother Byron Grayson, Jr., one of the chairpersons of the event, said, “it was amazing that there were so many people from so many different nationalities and ethnic groups who joined in the fun. This community is truly diversified and they all came out to be with us.”
It had been a good summer for the St. Jude A.M.E Church located in the Germantown community. For the first time since its inception in 1998, the church was able to have worship service as well as church school and all meetings on property it recently acquired. The house on the property was not large enough to hold the congregation, but with some “out-of-the-box thinking” by the trustees, the double-car garage was insulated, dry walled and painted white, carpet was laid and a twenty-foot tent that covered the entrance was set up to extend the usable space; thereby converting the garage into a sanctuary. St. Jude A.M.E. Church was on the move.
Back in the community where the church had been meeting, a sixteen-year-old child was shot by another child because of an argument that began two years ago in another part of the metropolitan area. The child who did the shooting waited two years until he could get a ride to Germantown to get revenge. It was then that the vision for a more aggressive outreach was given to Rev. Grayson. The men of St. Jude went into the community and held a prayer meeting with singing, testimonies and prayer. “We have to be intentional in winning souls and saving this community,” Rev. Grayson said. “Prayer followed by work” was the formula adopted by the Board of Stewards.
Sister Joyce Perry, one of the members of the church, suggested that we needed the young adults to take the leadership of an outreach effort in the community. Aided by Sister Perry, the young adults began to organize. Sister Linda Thompson, a new member to this congregation but not new to the A.M.E. Church, suggested that a Community Outreach Day be held and that the day be geared to younger children with a basketball tournament included to induce the young men in the community to participate. The Board of Stewards not only approved this concept, but also agreed that the event should be provided at no cost, even though the church would be coming off the summer schedule and St. Jude is a mission church. With much prayer and the knowledge of the presence of God, the Community Day was successful. To help finance the day, corporations were asked to be sponsors. Several 7-Eleven stores, Columbia Benefits Consultants and Wal-Mart responded with financial and other support. We thank them for their participation. .
As the cold weather sets in, St. Jude will once again meet in the Fox Chapel Elementary School. The lesson learned was, it is wonderful for a new church to have a place to worship, but that church must remain focused on community and transformation of that community. That is the mission; saving souls by transformation of the community. St. Jude is a Mission Church on a Mission.
St. Jude Mission Church ministers in the Second Episcopal District where the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson is Presiding Bishop. St. Jude AME Church is part of the Capitol District under the watchful and loving care of Presiding Elder Goodwin Douglas.
Submitted by the Reverend Byron J. Grayson
10. THE REPORT OF THE 138TH SESSION OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE, SEPTEMBER 12-17, 2005:
The Capitol City of Kentucky – Frankfort, host St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode and First Lady Shelby Strode.
It all started on Monday Night when the host church held a welcome program with the dignitaries of the Capitol city in attendance. Along with the First Family, the Reverend Robert and Shelby Strode and the members of the Kentucky Annual Conference gathered in worship to welcome the Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Supervisor Stan McKenzie, Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson and First Lady of the Kentucky Conference, Mrs. Patricia Bender Johnson and the members of the 138th Kentucky Annual Conference to Frankfort, Kentucky.
Tuesday, Missionary Day, dawned as a glorious morning with the Episcopal Supervisor smiling confidently knowing that the events of the day had a spiritual focus, would set the tone, and would “jump-start” the annual conference.
The day began with a Prayer Breakfast; the guest speaker was Dr. Mary Smith, President Emeritus of Kentucky State University and a member of St. John AME Church. She spoke from the subject of “Serving in a Godly Spirit.” Following the missionary business meeting, it was time for the noonday worship Service. The speaker for the “hour of power” worship service was Sister Doris J. Coffey, exhorter at St. Paul AME, Lexington, Kentucky. Her subject was, “Serving for the Purpose of Godliness,” which was the missionary theme for the annual conference.
Additional business was conducted, after which we went to dinner, which was followed by the evening service. The guest speaker was the First Lady of the Lexington District, Sister Patricia Bender Johnson whose subject was “You Can Still Have Joy.” The Missionaries of the Kentucky Annual Conference celebrated a very productive and spiritually uplifting day with numerous awards and accolades.
Tuesday was also the day for preachers to gather for theological education and reflection. The School of the Prophets met at the Holiday Inn. Dr. Jimmy Kirby, Professor of Ethics at Lexington Theological Seminary was the scholar in residence. He lectured and led an engaging discussion on ethics. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of The Christian Recorder led a discussion on what he would do differently if he could start his ministry over again. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie taught the class, AME 101 in which she shared the history, doctrine and polity of the AME Church as well as the traditions of the Church, often referred to as the “AME way.”
Wednesday was the official opening day of the 138th Kentucky Annual Conference. The Opening Service and Communion were graced by God’s presence as the Reverend William C. Jenkins, Pastor of St. James AME Church. Danville, Kentucky delivered a dynamic annual sermon entitled “Finish What You Start.” His text taken from Hebrews 12 verses 1-2.
Following the lunch hour, the Annual Conference stayed on course of the agenda with the Rt. Reverend Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie presiding in her elegant, dignified, no-nonsense manner over the business session, starting with the roll call, organization of the Conference, reports of the Finance Committee and the Board of Examiners. The evening service was under the auspices of the Nehemiah Nation with the preacher of the hour, the Reverend Ralph B. Smith, pastor of St. Peter AME Church in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. He spoke from the subject of “The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord” with his text taken from the first Psalm, leaving no stone unturned Reverend Smith delivered a soul-stirring message taken to heart by all in attendance.
Thursday began with Morning Glory, a time set aside for the conference prayer team to lead the conference in the devotionals. Thursday was a full day with pastoral reports. The Conference Institute topic focused on Living Well. The presenter for the Conference Institute was Mrs. Vivian Lasley Bibbs who works at Kentucky State University. The noon worship service followed the Conference Institute. The Reverend Wanda Ryan was the noonday speaker holding her own she delivered a powerful message entitled, “Wake Up, Grow Up, and Get Up!” Her text was taken from I Peter, chapter 4, verses 12-19. The evening service, Lay Witness Night, had as its speaker, the Honorable Derrick Graham, who used as his theme, the Lay theme, “Laity Sowing Seeds beyond the Wall.” He enlightened the conference with his sharing of the efforts of the Laity of the Kentucky Conference.
Friday, as Thursday began with Morning Glory was followed by an 8:00 a.m. business session, with pastoral and committee reports and the Conference Institute. The Conference Institute continued on the topic of “Living Well” with the presenter being Mrs. Sheila D. Pressley from Eastern Kentucky University. The Service of Ordination was at noon with the history-making Presiding Elder of the West Kentucky Conference in the person of the Reverend Linda Thomas Martin bringing the ordination message entitled, “Fresh Water from an Old Well.” The Reverend William Leach, St. John- Frankfort, was ordained itinerant elder and the Reverend Linda M. Brown (St. Paul, Lexington, was ordained a local elder. Thanks be to Almighty God for the new “soldiers” ordained for Kingdom building.
Lunch was followed by the business session of disciplinary questions and committee reports. The YPD’ers met and practiced for their big night. The Youth of the Kentucky Conference under the direction of Sister Carrie Newton Conference YPD Director had it “going it on.” They presented an excellent program with the guest speaker being the Reverend Donald Garner who preached from the subject “Just Shake, Shake, Shake,” an inspiring message for both the young and old. “Got Game Night” followed the worship service – the youth had a delightful time displaying their knowledge of the Bible, the AME Church, TV and other topics.
The closing of the annual conference on Saturday was a first for the Kentucky Annual Conference. The spirits were high as the members of the conference gathered for the Church School, the memorial service, and the retirement service for the Reverend Frederick E. Hale, pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church in Paris, Kentucky who retired due to health issues after dedicating 33 years of his life to African Methodism. A great warrior was honored by numerous accolades, gifts and high commendations.
The Closing Worship Service was highlighted with our own dynamic, magnificent, affable, approachable, stately Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie delivering a soul-stirring, eye-opening, heart-searching message entitled “What is the Motive of our Ministry?” She gave pause for all of us to examine ourselves and to determine the answer to the question she posed in her message.
After the resolution, the report of the Finance Committee, assignments and pastoral appointments the 138th Kentucky Annual Conference ended with both whispers and shouts of exclamations to, “What a glorious conference this has been!”
It is the humble opinion of this reporter that the 138th Kentucky Annual Conference was productive, inspiring, motivating and “second to none.” The host pastor, his spouse and church family met our every need of comfort and convenience; even with necessary construction in progress, it was evident that they were ready, willing and able to see that all who attended the conference lacked for nothing.
It was a great Conference. The Capitol City of Frankfort Kentucky welcomed us with open arms and warm hearts. The Missionaries made clear their mission through the events of their annual day under the very capable, cavalier and collaborative attitude of the Supervisor of Missions, Mr. Stan McKenzie.
The tone of the Conference was established with the opening of the worship service. There is something about gathering together, proclaiming “We have come to worship our Blessed Redeemer who calls us to live well an abundant life overflowing in faith, hope and service.”
The processional hymn “Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart” gave way to reflections about how much we have to rejoice, to give thanks for, and why we sing. The voices responding to the call to worship rang out loudly and clearly, and the members of the Annual Conference joined in with sweet accord, glad to be present to sing the words from the great hymn, “And Are We Yet Alive, And see each other’s face?”
As we invoked the Spirit of the Living God to fall fresh on us – God came through for us, melting our cold hearts, molding us into shape, filling us with God’s Spirit and using us to God’s glory. As we roll on like a river, it is apparent that we BELIEVE, that we have the necessary means for “Living Well,” that we can Serve in a Godly Spirit, that we are serving for the purpose of Godliness, and we are assured that, “You Can Still Have Joy, if you Finish What You Start.” Ever mindful that, “The Steps of a Good person are ordered by the Lord,” we just need to wake up, grow and get up.
Finally as “Laity Sowing Seeds beyond the Wall” thirsting for “Fresh Water from an Old Well” we will make it, if we “Just Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake the devil off.”
As our beloved Bishop, who has already shown that she is capable of the task at hand, she has proven that she is willing to bring our district up to par; who conducts the business of the 13th Episcopal District with love, concern, elegance and finesse - Ask yourself, “What is the Motive of our Ministry?” It is time for Er’body – clergy and laity alike to examine our motives – why are we serving? Whom are we serving? Where are we serving? And, how are we serving? What is the Motive of our Ministry?
Respectfully submitted,
Doris J. Coffey - Kentucky Conference
Reporter to the Christian Recorder
11. AME CHURCH HISTORIOGRAPHER, DR. DENNIS DICKERSON, PROVIDES SOME AME HISTORICAL “NUGGETS”:
Richard Allen, born a slave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1760 and manumitted from slavery near Dover, Delaware in 1783, holds the singular claim as the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Licensed as a Methodist preacher Allen in 1787 established the Free African Society and led a walkout from Old St. George Church because of racially discriminatory treatment. He founded Bethel A.M.E. Church, which was dedicated in 1794 and organized the A.M.E. denomination in 1816. Allen became the first elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and served until his death in 1831.
Numerous persons assisted Allen in laying the foundations of African Methodism. Among them were Flora Allen, Sarah Allen, and Jarena Lee. Flora Allen, Richard Allen’s first wife, born in slavery in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, came to Pennsylvania where an abolitionist society purchased her freedom. Although it is unclear when she married Richard Allen, they had become a couple by 1791 when the two bought a Philadelphia property that they later transferred to Bethel A.M.E. Church. So, Flora with her husband donated to the first and fledgling A.M.E. congregation the ground upon which an edifice would be built.
Her death in March 1801 left Allen a widower. One contemporary observed that Flora Allen possessed “piety, charity, and other Christian virtues” that Philadelphians both black and white readily acknowledged.
Sarah Bass became his wife on August 8, 1801. Like Flora, she was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. She was counselor to Richard Allen as he moved to establish African Methodism as an independent entity that was legally separate and distinct from the American Methodism that drove him from St. George Church. Born in 1764 and deceased on July 16, 1849 her obituary noted, “After the Bishop had sent out his first preachers, they returned in a ‘seedy’ condition.” With the help of other women, she repairs the clothes of the itinerant preachers “thereby making them presentable to go out and discharge their ministerial duties.” Richard and Sarah Allen had six children and some their descendants currently belong to Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and First A.M.E. Church in Athens, Georgia.
Jarena Lee, a woman who received from Bishop Allen a license to preach in 1817, was another pioneer of African Methodism. As the denomination’s first woman preacher, Allen initially rebuffed Lee, born in 1783 in Cape May, New Jersey. Later, when he saw the depth of her spirituality, authorized her to preach, to participate in A.M.E. annual conferences, and to travel as an evangelist throughout the Northeast. During some of their trips, Richard and Sarah Allen cared for Lee’s son. She was among the earliest of A.M.E. evangelists and her efforts helped in building the new A.M.E. denomination. Her death date is unclear, but she is buried in the cemetery of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church in Lawnside, New Jersey.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Dickerson, Dennis C
Vanderbilt University
Email: dennis.c.dickerson@Vanderbilt.Edu
12. INTERESTING WEBSITE PACKED WITH GREAT INFORMATION:
Dr. Paula Matabane, preacher, author, film producer, and academician has done extensive research on the many subjects, one of which is the presence of Blacks in the Bible. Dr. Matabane has produced a new film, Hair Like Wool, Feet Like Brass: The Power of the Image that can be ordered from her website. She is looking for screening and teaching opportunities with the film. She can be reached at: paula@i-onecreations.com.
So many of us have been brainwashed with the images of a European Jesus that when we think of Jesus, the disciples and the major characters in the Bible, we think of them as European looking. Some of our churches still use materials depicting the biblical characters as white Europeans, when if we use our intellect, we would know that most, if not all of the biblical characters are Afro-Asiatic. I still recall a young nephew of mine upon seeing a white minister, who had a beard visiting the worship service at an AME Church, remarking, “There’s Jesus.” I immediately thought that we have a lot of work to do. Dr. Matabane’s Website www.i-onecreations.com addresses many of the issues dealing with race in the Bible. Resources are available and you are encouraged to think about, and address the issue of Blacks in the Bible. It just might help some to re-image in their minds the biblical characters. Below are some questions and answers from the website under the heading, “Dr. Paula’s Classroom”:
Keep Learning!
Many people, including Christians, regardless of race, lack knowledge about the African presence in the Bible.
Geographically, the biblical story begins in Africa with the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:14). The Holy Land is located in Northeast Africa. The term "Middle East" is a recent political invention that has no application to biblical times or biblical people.
Lot of People Want to Know
Q....Isn't it negative to focus on race when studying the Bible?
A....We firmly believe that God made all of humanity from one blood (Acts 17:26) and that Jesus died for the world (John 3:16). But ever since the first slave ship hit American shores in 1619, Bible pictures, Sunday school lessons, and MOST biblical scholars have acted like there were no African people in the Bible. Our efforts are not to promote race or racism. We hope that by simply teaching the truth as found in the Bible and in the annals of history and geography that real racial and social unity especially among believers will emerge.
Q...Was Jesus Black?
A....All the biblical evidence describing Jesus indicates that he was black or most definitely a person of color. However, no one who saw Jesus in person ever painted him so all discussion of his exact appearance is speculation. It is pretty evident that Jesus would NOT have looked like any of the now famous paintings or movies depicting him as a white man. Briefly, we believe he was black or a person of color because:
- His parents hid him in Africa as a baby (Matthew 2:13-15)
- Ezekiel, Daniel, Revelation describe him in visions with nappy hair and dark brown skin
- He was a Semite and the ancient Semites were brown.
- His life is bracketed by Africa: a hiding place to save his life as a baby (Matthew 2:13-15) and helped him complete the last and most important task of his life (Mark 15:21; Luke 23:26)
- His genealogy lists five black women: Thamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, Mary
- (Matthew 1:3, 5, 6, 16)
Q....Is Race a Real Concept?
A....We currently live in a world defined and scarred by the notion of race and the practice of racism. Race was not an issue for biblical people in ancient times. Many scientists today now discount race biologically but truly science, not the Bible, made race the number one divisive factor in the world today. Whether it is real or imaginary, race still affects how and where most of us live and work.”
Read More on Blacks in the Bible
Randall C. Bailey and Jacquelyn Grant, eds. The Recovery of Black ...Presence: An Interdisciplinary Exploration. Nashville: ...Abington press, 1995.
Charles Copher. Black Biblical Studies: An Anthology of Charles ...Copher: Biblical and Theological Issues on the Black Presence ...in the Bible. Chicago: Black Light Fellowship, 1993.
Cain Hope Felder, ed. Stony the Road We Trod. Minneapolis, ...Fortress Press, 1991
Cain Hope Felder. Troubling Biblical Waters. New York: Orbis ...Books. 1989.
Rev. Walter Arthur McCray. The Black Presence in the Bible, vols. ...1, 2. Chicago: Black Light Fellowship. 1990.
Gene Rice. "Africans and the Origin of the Worship of Yahweh." ...Journal of Religious Thought. 50:27-44. 1995
Used with permission of the Reverend Dr. Paula Matabane
Email: paula@i-onecreations.com
Web address: www.i-onecreations.com
13. BISHOP THOMAS HOYT SADDENED BY WITHDRAWAL OF ORTHODOX GROUP FROM THE NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
NEW YORK (UMNS) - The president of the National Council of Churches has reassured United Methodists that the ecumenical organization is concerned about its Orthodox members.
Bishop Thomas Hoyt was responding to a letter from the United Methodist Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns, which expressed sadness about the recent withdrawal of the Self-Ruled Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America from the council. The letter also implored NCC leadership "to take immediate steps to understand this action and reach out to leadership" in the archdiocese.
Hoyt, a bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, said he also had been saddened by the unexpected decision of the archdiocese, which has only modestly participated in council activities over the years.
"Indeed, in June, when the general secretary (Bob Edgar) received from Metropolitan Philip a congratulatory letter about the NCC statement concerning the war in Iraq, we dared to hope a new level of participation might be forthcoming," Hoyt wrote in a Sept. 26 letter to United Methodist Bishop Ann Sherer, the commission's president. "We were dismayed, therefore, when, without consultation apparently, the Antiochians took the decision to withdraw their membership."
When the letter from Metropolitan Philip arrived, NCC officials sought a meeting with him, but no response has been received, according to Hoyt. After further discussion and with counsel from the Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, a former NCC president, it was decided to schedule meetings with several Orthodox church leaders and convene a meeting with the ecumenical officers and membership and ecclesial relations committee.
"We hope and trust that United Methodist participants will share suggestions of other responses we might make and join in implementing those efforts," he wrote.
Hoyt also mentioned a NCC fund-raising letter that the Commission on Christian Unity expressed concern over because of its "partisan political tone." He said Edgar "has acknowledged that the letter was sent from the development office without proper review." Procedures have been put in place to remedy that, he added.
"We are unaware how, if at all, this letter relates to the Antiochian withdrawal," Hoyt said.
The Rev. Larry Pickens, chief executive of the Commission on Christian Unity, said he believes the NCC is concerned about the loss of an Orthodox member. "I think it was a necessary step on the part of the president of the national council to respond to the Antiochian church," he added.
Current NCC Orthodox members include the Coptic Orthodox Church in North America, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, Orthodox Church in America, Orthodox Church in the U.S.A., Serbian Orthodox Church in the U.S.A. and Canada, Syrian Orthodox Church of Antioch, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of America and the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in America.
Pickens believes it is important to strengthen these relationships and recruit new Orthodox members. "There is a sense that without the Orthodox, the legitimacy of the council would be called into question," he noted.
*Bloom is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in New York.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
United Methodist News Service Photos and stories also available at: http://umns.umc.org
14. THE PASTOR’S CORNER: LIFE-GIVING LIVING III, EVANGELISM BEGINS AT HOME:
29The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house…33Immediately he and all his family were baptized. 34The jailer…was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God – he and his whole family. (Acts 16: 29-34)
Just as in the story of the jailer who included his family in what the Spirit of God was doing through Paul and Silas, we too are to seek the power of God’s redeeming grace for every member of our households. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” Evangelism begins at home.
The word of God describes His process for bringing family and close friends into salvation. I Peter 3: 1-7 describes the Spirit’s witness in our homes. Although the passage was written in very gender specific terms, the principles apply without regard to gender.
1. I Peter 3: 1 – We are directed by the Holy Spirit to be submissive. The word for submission is the same word used in I Peter 2: 13. We are to recognize the authority of others in our homes. Others have legitimate rights. We are guided by the Spirit to demonstrate respect for others (I Peter 2: 17). Whether male of female, child or parent, we are to be considerate of others (I Peter 3: 7). As we are, we open the door for the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. We win others over not by our words, but by our way of living – “Life-giving living.”
2. I Peter 3: 2 – Others see the purity and reverence of our lives. These are not the result of our trying to be like Jesus. The purity and reverence others see is the result of our relationship with Jesus (Mark 10: 18–21). Just as with the rich young man who questioned Jesus about eternal life, Christ never puts personal holiness as the top requirement for discipleship. He puts giving up my right to me and identification with Him as the top requirements. He calls for our relationship with him to be our highest relationship. He is first. As we take our eyes off others and place them on Jesus, the Holy Spirit then has his way in us and others are saved.
3. I Peter 6b – Finally, as the Holy Spirit uses us to bring salvation into our households, do not fear any opposition that may arise. Luke 13: 10-17 tells us the story of a woman bent over by an evil spirit for 18 years. When Jesus healed her, there was opposition. Why? The traditional way of doing things was changed and others were affected. As we change, be mindful that the changes in us affect the lives of others in our homes. This is why the Spirit directs us to be submissive in our homes, recognizing the legitimate rights of others, treating them with respect and consideration.
We do not need to respond to opposition to the flow of the Spirit through our lives. The Spirit of Christ responds by changing the hearts of family and friends. By letting the Spirit of God change hearts, we remain available to be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the world. Keep in mind evangelism begins at home.
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr. Quinn Chapel AME Church2401 South Wabash AvenueChicago, Illinois 60616
15. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
My brothers and sisters
Regretfully we share news of the passing this morning of my father Joao Mateus Mazuze. I am not having more details yet about it as it happened few time ago
I am leaving office now and I will accord my possibilities keep you posted about the funeral service.
Please pray for us.
The Reverend Dionisio Mazuze
Editor’s Note: This message was received Friday, September 30, 2005 2:20 AM. The Reverend Dionisio Mazuze pastors in Mozambique and assists the Editor in the translation of our English edition of The Christian Recorder into Portuguese.
16. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mrs. Rozell Willis Dugar, sister of Presiding Elder Ida W. Keener, Temple, Texas -10th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Rozell Willis Dugar:
Visitations:
Friday, September 30, 2005
4:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church
6333 State Highway 6
Hitchcock, TX
Funeral:
Saturday, October 1, 2005
1:00 PM
Greater St. Matthews Baptist Church
6333 State Highway 6
Hitchcock, TX
Services entrusted to:
Mainland Funeral Home
2711 Texas Ave.
P.O. 801
La Marque, TX 77568
409-938-8123 - Phone
409-938-0041 - Fax
Presiding Elder Ida Willis Keener can be contacted at:
P.E. Ida W. Keener
1213 Dairy Rd., #209
Temple, Texas 76502-3426
(254) 771-2071
Please remember the family in your prayers.
17. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.