THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/29/05)
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. TO ALL OF OUR READERS, “A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR”:
The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher, and the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor of the Christian Recorder wishes for all of you a Happy and Blessed New Year!
2. THE EDITOR’S WISH LIST FOR THE NEW YEAR (CON’T):
- That people will stop sending out negative and hateful emails and letters, and learn how to address their issues in accordance with The Discipline and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The AME Discipline can be purchased from the AMEC Sunday School Union for $27.00 plus $3.00 for postage and handling. Simply email u_Sunday@bellsouth.net or call 615. 256-5882.
- That every pastor would visit the sick and shut-in members and regularly take Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend worship.
- That pastors will personally call or visit members who absent themselves from worship more than two consecutive Sundays. If a pastor cannot find time to visit, at least give the member a telephone call.
- That pastors and local church leaders will not abandon senior citizens when the seniors are no longer able to serve on boards or to give big offerings. Again, If a pastor cannot find time to visit, at least give the member a telephone call.
- That preachers (the editor is in that number) utilize creativity in the preaching of familiar texts. File or burn the old sermons and prepare sermons “from scratch.” Preach from some of the more difficult texts and preach less from “the same old familiar texts.”
- Preach shorter sermons. A Sydnorism: “There are no bad short sermons.”
- Church School Teachers prepare for Church School lessons rather than “shooting from the hip.”
- That memorization will return as the standard and that parents and guardians will make their children memorize their speeches instead of reading them.
3. THE SOUTH PHILADELPHIA DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
By Angelena Spears
The 2005 South Philadelphia District Conference held at New Bethel AME Church, Germantown, PA exceeded everyone’s expectations. The district’s Presiding Elder Dr. Charles H. Lett Sr. summed it up best when he said, “When people start shouting at workshops, when people start getting healed at workshops – we know it is the Holy Spirit.”
Indeed, you really did not know if you were at a workshop or a revival – was the sentiment expressed by many who attended the all-day affair on October 7. This was the 2nd annual district conference to be held under the leadership of Dr. Lett, who was named presiding elder in the summer of 2004.
The day began with registration, devotion and reports from the various organizations: the Lay Organization, YPD, Church School, Missionary Society, Christian Education, Economic Development Task Force and Evangelism Committee.
The “Hour of Power” service lived up to its name when the Rev. Dorrian H. Schenck, the pastor of Bethel AME Church, Reading, PA, delivered a stirring sermon titled “Hold On.” Prior to coming to the South Philadelphia District this spring, Rev. Schenck had most recently served as pastor of Trinity AME Church in Middletown, Delaware. Choir members from Bethel, Reading also accompanied Rev. Schenck and sang during the service.
Two exciting workshops followed the delicious lunch that was prepared by the host church.
Before the workshops began, Cherie Ryan, a member of Mothers in Charge – a violence prevention ministry for the faith-based community told a personal story of how her teenage son had been murdered several years ago in Philadelphia when he had offered a car-ride to someone he did not know. Ryan, a member of Mt. Pisgah AME Church in Philadelphia, thanked Elder Lett for the opportunity to share her story with attendees at the conference, with the hope that others would get involved to prevent youth crime. She said that more than 275 youth had been murdered in Philadelphia over the last 15 years.
The Rev. D. Albert Turk, pastor of Zion AME Church, Philadelphia, led the two workshops that were more revival than workshop and the Rev. Kanice Johns, pastor of Mount Zion AME Church, Norristown, PA.
Rev. Turk’s workshop was titled “Enhancing the Worship Experience,” and Rev. Johns’ workshop topic was “The Purpose of the Holy Spirit in the Life of the Believer.” Rev. Turk’s presentation was engaging and thorough, and seemed to cover everything imaginable from A – Z. He talked about the importance and role of worship leaders, and noted that they were not just to lead people in worship – they are to be worshippers themselves.
Rev. Turk said that it can be very healthy for a congregation to experience a variety of musical styles, yet he cautioned that music needs to be examined as to whether or not it fits our doctrine.
“You can not bring everything in your house [church] that you hear somewhere else,” Rev. Turk said.
Rev. Johns spoke more like a revivalist than a workshop leader when she proclaimed, “A lot of our services are dead because we haven’t laid the foundation of the Holy Spirit.”
Both presenters set the conference attendees on fire with their powerful messages. Before they were done, the Holy Spirit had moved throughout the workshops and many pastors, officers and members of the district were sleighed in the Spirit.
Also during the conference, Elder Lett and his wife, Mrs. Sylvia P. Lett, presented certificates to missionary presidents in the district.
A closing worship service began after dinner. The preacher was the Rev. Troy Thomas of Morris Brown AME Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Thomas was transferred to the district this spring after serving as pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, Dover, DE. His powerful message was based on 2nd Timothy 1:3-6 and Acts 1:8. His sermon title was, “Do You Have It?”
There was not a down time during this Spirit-filled conference. Elder Lett thanked the Rev. Maurice Hughes, the host pastor for the fine job New Bethel Germantown did in hosting the conference.
Elder Lett was congratulated for his leadership of the South Philadelphia District, and Rev. Thomas summarized Elder Lett’s leadership by saying, “When you have someone who strives for excellence, it pushes us all to strive for excellence.”
Sister Angelena Spears, member of Bethel AME Church, Reading, PA, wrote this article
South Philadelphia District Reporter
Contact info: 610-678-0108. Cell: 484-651-5968
4. SEVENTH DISTRICT’S 2005 POST ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Thursday November 17th to Saturday November 19th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Greenville for its 2005 Post Annual Conference. This event was held at the Allen Temple AME Church and Family Life Center located at 109 Green Avenue in Greenville, SC.
Approximately 7000 AME church clergy and delegates attended this Post Annual Conference, which serves as the culmination of the six regional annual conferences held throughout the summer and fall. At this year’s Post Conference, there were opportunities for both clergy and laity to participate in Christian education training classes and various committees made reports to as well as conducted discussions on how best to serve the 7th District of the AME Church.
Bright and early Thursday morning The Christian Education Department held a workshop where clergy and laity discussed techniques on becoming better Christian educators. The training session offered an overview of AME theology as well as the principles of preaching and teaching. The goal of the class was to enlighten and inspire Episcopal educators so that upon return to their local communities they will be better equipped to lead their congregations more effectively.
Thursday evening Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II, the Presiding Prelate of the 7th District of the AME Church, introduced The Reverend Dr. David F. McAllister-Wilson, President of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. In front of a packed sanctuary of 1500 worshippers, Bishop Williams addressed Rev. McAllister-Wilson as “my friend”.
The Reverend McAllister-Wilson began with an historical overview of the religious relationship between black and white Methodists here in America. He stated that in the 18th century many blacks and whites worshipped and were baptized together. He spoke of a “religious affection” that existed between the two races. However, The Reverend then clarified that as some whites no longer allowed blacks into the church as well as other areas of society, the historical disconnection of black and white Methodists was similar to a loving couple that had gotten a divorce from a loss of affection.
Reverend McAllister-Wilson then professed that God is talking to “us”; God is calling all Methodists to step forward and answer the call of the needs of the world. He called for “clarity of mission”, and reinforced that Methodists should understand their “divine purpose” and live with the conviction of being on a mission from God.
The Reverend stated it is time for a new party in America, a new political theology called “Progressive Evangelicals”. Out of the historical Methodist division must now come new visionary leadership, which offers an answer to spiritual death. The world needs leaders who can rise to the challenges of the day and inspire souls to salvation.
In conclusion, Reverend McAllister-Wilson offered John Wesley’s definition of salvation as “heaven open in the soul.” According to The Reverend, Wesley believed that “heaven is a place on earth,” in that salvation is not experienced from a distance, not after you die, but in the present tense, here and now. Reverend McAllister-Wilson further clarified that the foundational principal of Methodism is “one who does God’s work here on earth.” He called for all African Methodist Episcopal and United Methodist Episcopal members to unite, prophesying that in that union there would be more empty bedrooms in the homes of AME and UME members than homeless and more food in their pantries than hungry mouths to feed.
Throughout Friday and Saturday, various ministries presented their annual reports to a full house of 2500 congregants who packed the Family Life Center. The following are excerpts from those reports, which were humbly submitted, to Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II, the presiding prelate of the Seventh District of the AME Church:
Christian Education:
“Christian Education is that ministry which under girds all the other ministries of the church.
The Christian Education Task Force was developed to assist in the creation of the Christian education curriculum for the state of South Carolina. The Task Force met several times to compile, edit and revise a list of courses suitable for ministry in the Seventh Episcopal District. The Board of Christian Education was appointed by Bishop Williams in March 2005. The members of the Board represent both the laity and the clergy.
The appointments of the Reverend Joseph Jones as the Adult Coordinator and Sister Penelope Samuels as the Youth/Children Coordinator also support the ministry.
Bishop Williams has demonstrated his support in both word and action. In May, the ministry was blessed with fifty-six individuals with Master Degrees and higher levels of educational credentials who volunteered to serve the district as instructors.
The following activities have been completed by the ministry: creation of a seven year plan; creation of a standardized curriculum for the Debutantes and Masters Commission; training of 85 DMC representatives in the new curriculum; training of 23 instructors for certification training; certification of Certification Training Session - 390 individuals in the Introduction of Old Testament, 400 individuals in the African Methodist Polity, 225 individuals in the Introduction of the New Testament, and 275 individuals in the African Methodist Articles of Religion; establishment of guidelines by the Board of Christian Education - curriculum standardization, compensation plan, and registration process; and the establishment of a curriculum team.
The Christian Education Ministry is excited about God’s movement in the Seventh Episcopal District and is looking forward to a blessed, exciting and productive 2005-2006 Conference Year. We, the members of the Christian Education Ministry, would like to thank Bishop and Mother Williams for the opportunity to serve in the Seventh Episcopal District.”
- Dr. Allen Parrott, Director of Christian Education Ministry
Women’s Missionary Society:
“As we close the pages of our past year’s work, we look forward to another year of service and fellowship. Whatever you have commanded us to do, and wherever you send us we will go - Joshua 1:16.
Some of the accomplishments and projects completed in 2005 by the Seventh District’s Women’s Missionary Society are as follows: 32 churches celebrated Dental Health Sunday; $6,999.36 was raised for The March of Dimes; more than 1500 sisters wore red to celebrate Heart Sunday; 337 sisters participated in The March of Dimes walk-a-thons throughout the state; 10 sisters participated in Stand for Children Day at the SC State Museum in Columbia, SC (Several AME Church Child Care Centers participated); 268 sisters attended Training Sessions during The Christian Education Leadership Conference at The Embassy Suites in Charleston, SC; 115 sisters attended the More Smiling Faces in Beautiful Places Dental Health Summit; sisters clocked 511,256 Big MAK hours; sisters recruited 135 students for Allen University; there were 625 new sisters recruited into our society; sisters presented 12 scholarships of $1000 each to students at Allen University; sisters donated $100,000 to Allen University for scholarships and up-keep; there were 6 sisters honored for outstanding accomplishments in community service during March for Women’s History Month; sisters donated $30,000 to the Reid House of Christian Service; 17 Torch lighters were installed; and $4,350 was collected for the Lupus Foundation.”
- Mrs. Bernice Gore Sanders, WMS Episcopal President.
Allen University:
“This plan outlines the direction for Allen University for the next five years. This plan represents the desired outcome for the university, which will enable her to remain a viable educational institution contributing to the educational needs of our state and nation.
Allen University’s strategic goals for Academic Development are to maintain and improve academic integrity and course relevance via continuous curricula review and revision on an annual basis; implement writing, speaking, critical thinking, and technology learning experiences across the curricula; expand student exposure to cultural diversity via exchange programs, study abroad, and lectures series; and implement collaborative programs with other accredited institutions to enhance faculty members’ performance in teaching, research, and service.
Allen University’s strategic goals for Student Development are to recruit and retain a student enrollment of 1500; develop and implement a cultural arts series to ensure that students are exposed to national and international cultures and literature; use faculty and administrators as role models for students; broaden and strengthen the intercollegiate and intramural programs to reflect the mission, values, and goals of the University; and assist students with career placement and entrance into graduate programs.
Allen University’s strategic goals for Personnel Leadership Development are to recruit and retain experienced and effective administrators who can motivate and coach employees to reach established goals; recruit and retain cutting‑edge faculty who have proven records with student development, curriculum development and research; provide faculty with learning opportunities that result in the effective instruction and assessment of national standards for each academic major, the use of instructional techniques that reflect an application and analysis level of knowledge of student learning styles, and the presentation and or publication of scholarly articles and papers.
Allen University’s strategic goals for Technology Development are to install an integrated software system to manage every aspect of university life - data/voice, administration, and instructions; strengthen and expand the technological infrastructure of the University; and implement an effective library information system.
Allen University’s strategic goals for Facility Enhancement are to purchase property for dormitory, parking and future growth of the university; renovate Chappelle Administration Building to be used as classroom and office space; renovate and upgrade Gibbs Science and Math Building; construct a new Leadership Development Center which will house a Learning Resource Center, Reading and Writing Center, and a Research and Technology Center; construct a 700 bed student housing complex and cafeteria with a seating capacity of 300; construct a Student Life Center which will enable students to recreate and socialize in a safe and clean environment; redesign and landscape the entire historic district of the campus to make it a pedestrian campus; and conduct regular maintenance on all buildings and equipment to keep them functioning at optimal levels.
Allen University’s strategic goals for Finance/Resource Development are to increase the university endowment fund to $5 million; generate sufficient funds to adequately operate the university; access grant opportunities for student service programs, science and math programs, building improvement, faculty recruitment and development and research; launch a major Capital Campaign; conduct two major University wide fund raisers per year; plan and implement a program of major gifts and corporate foundation relations within the University Resource Development Division; strengthen alumni participation and giving; and secure funds to provide competitive faculty salaries.”
- Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University.
Sons of Allen:
“An old hymn says, ‘May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me.’ The work of the Sons of Allen has spoken for itself during the reports at each of the Annual Conference Men’s Nights and is a part of the record which was presented at each Annual Conference Men’s Night. Each Men’s Night was well attended and spiritually fulfilling, and recounted the fruitful work done to recover black manhood and inspire our youth. We thank and praise God for the blessing of renewed male leadership in the church that stands upon the foundation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Since the conclusion of the six Annual Conferences, the Sons of Allen of each Conference have met and organized, and are tailoring programs designed for the unique needs of each Conference. At the Episcopal District Sons of Allen Planning Meeting session on Thursday of this week, we discussed and distributed information for the 2005 election of Episcopal District Officers at the Mid-Year Conference. As a result, a motion was made, seconded and unanimously carried, to commend Brother George Brown, the Episcopal President and Connectional First Vice-President, for his energy, dedication and leadership as we prepare for the Mid-Year Conference elections.
The following recommendations were formulated and are presented for the advice and consent of the Planning meeting: 1. Each Presiding Elder District Chapter will focus on planting and nurturing Sons of Allen Units in the smaller churches of each District; 2. We will see that our outreach and evangelism efforts at every level embrace adult men as well as our youth; 3. We will support and attend all Episcopal District Christian Education initiatives; 4. We will partner with the South Carolina Departments of Juvenile Justice and Corrections to do new things in prison ministry and ministry to troubled youth; 5. We will continue to support and assist the Debutante and Masters Commission of each Annual Conference in supervising and working with Masters Candidates, and we look forward to being brought in early in the process to maximize our successful work.
We also commend our Presiding Bishop, The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, for his presence and support, and we pledge our support to him as he prepares to claim the Presidency of the Council of Bishops, and believe that under his leadership, the best is yet to come.”
- Submitted on behalf of Mr. George Brown, Episcopal District President, by Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Episcopal District Coordinator.
Health Ministry:
“Thank you to Bishop Preston W. Williams, II, and Mother Williams for their continued support of the Health Ministry of the 7th Episcopal District. The District and Local health commissions have continued to provide health education, screening, referral, and increased physical activity through walking clubs and more. From 2000 to 2005 we currently have 400 churches with a health ministry. The Health-e-AME model received national recognition from the National Governor’s Association. Two new additional key Episcopal appointments were made in Sheila Powell as Episcopal Diabetes Coordinator and Phyllis Allen as Episcopal Nutrition Coordinator. The Physical-e-Fit Program has provided training for all annual conferences, approximately 300 churches have been trained to have a physical activity program through chair exercise, praise aerobics, walking clubs, and our 8 steps to fitness program, which is a scripture, based program for healthy lifestyle changes. Congratulations to Mt. Carmel AME Church, Moncks Corner, SC who won the 2005 Team Up To Trim Down Weight Loss Contest by losing over 1200 pounds in an 8 week period.
The Health-e-AME website continues to be a valuable source of health information - http://health-e-ame.com/ . The statewide Blood Pressure Monitoring Program - Palmetto Project - Heart & Soul for hypertension control is a statewide partnership of the 7th Episcopal Health Commission ministry, where members have their blood pressure monitored regularly through the local health commission. The Diabetes Wellness Program under the leadership of Sheila Powell is being restructured to meet the needs of our members and communities. Diabetes continues to be a leading contributor of heart disease, blindness, and disability.”
- Ms. Rosetta Swinton, RN, Episcopal Director of Health.
Debutantes and Masters Commission:
“I am happy to report that the DMC is alive and well in the state of South Carolina. Throughout the state’s various conferences, we served 742 young people. The inclusion of a young woman who is visually impaired was compelling for us all.
The new curriculum, which enhanced the established DMC, was presented this year and includes AME church history, the four gospels, the parts of the sanctuary, the books of the bible, major and minor biblical characteristics, the ABC’s of Christianity and much more. Christian educators certified in the new curriculum who made the lessons fun and interactive presented the information to our young people.
In addition, at Saturday’s rehearsals each Debutante and Master was quizzed by me on a variety of material from the new curriculum. I am pleased to let you know that our young people know the church and our people. They are familiar with the divisions of the Bible; they know something about Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; they know that an epistle is a letter; they know the books of the bible; they are familiar with the names Richard Allen, Morris Brown, Daniel Payne, Paul Quinn, and Henry McNeil Turner; and they are studying and learning Bible verses that will be their guides throughout their lives.
Community service remains a hallmark of the DMC experience. Our young people rendered service at after school programs, nursing homes and children’s hospitals. In each conference, there were young people who exceeded the expectations of 100-500 hours of service. Scrapbooks and commendations documented the community service by the agencies that benefited.
Our scholarship program was announced at the Palmetto Conference. The criteria are being set and the awards will be announced at the Mid-Year Meeting.
The Sons of Allen were active in all conferences. They assisted commissioners with Christian education and served as greeters/hosts at several of the conferences.
It is our goal to ensure that each young person who participates in the DMC program understands that first they are children of the King and that they are "second to none." It is our responsibility as adults to ensure that they know that they have a Heavenly Father who loves them and will be there for them no matter what the circumstance.
Secondly, our young people must know that they are the children of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, always leaders in the fight against inequality, racism and segregation. They must understand that the founders of the AME church were men and women of bravery whose courage continues to inspire, and whose commitment must be emulated if we are going to survive in an increasingly competitive and difficult world.”
- Felita Grady Davis, Episcopal DMC Commissioner.
Young Peoples Department:
“During the weekend of April 8-10, 2005, YPD retreat participants were determined to take salvation seriously as over 900 young people and chaperones proclaimed, ‘Jesus or Die.’ Young people ages 13-26 experienced three days of worship, Bible Study, education, talent, business, and recreation. A tremendous harvest was wrought as over 300 young people committed their lives to Jesus Christ.”
- Mrs. Cheryl Swinton, Episcopal YPD Director.
Dept. of Global Witness & Ministry:
”The Seventh Episcopal District (SED) is one of the tallest and strongest districts in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and we should be very proud of our heritage and history in South Carolina. Therefore, I wish to share the following important information as it relates to Hurricane Katrina and the SED contributions: the SED housed a total of 4,365 displaced families in hotels, rental property, private homes and churches; 127 churches traveled or assisted other churches in sending non-perishable food items such as medical supplies, household goods, clothing, juice and water to the Gulf Region with 18 wheelers, box trucks, cargo vans and church vans with trailers; approximately 456 truckloads of food, water, furniture, household goods, medical supplies and other items were dispatched to AME sites throughout the region; these distributions equate to more than 20.4 million pounds of food and grocery products and nearly 3 million meals; Bishop Williams and the Seventh District sent one million bottles of water five days after the storm along with food care packages for 10, 0000 persons; we are partnering with Habitat for Humanity in Waveland, Mississippi (a city that was totally destroyed by the storm) in building 5 new houses (we need volunteers to help build).
Let me thank Bishop Williams, Presiding Elders, Pastors and components of the Lay Organization, WMS, YPD and Son of Allen for your generous gift of $174,000 toward the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.
Lastly, our prayers and hats are off to Bishops C. Garnet Henning and T. Larry Kirkland for being Generals in leading all of the relief efforts and facing the challenges and problems that came with the aftermath of the storms.”
- Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director, Global Witness & Ministry
Submitted by:
Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500
Fax 803.935.0830HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
5. FAITH AND COMMUNITY GROUPS JOINED BY SENATOR KENNEDY TO HONOR MLK'S BIRTHDAY WITH NATIONAL FOCUS ON 'LIVING WAGE DAYS' EVENTS:
Washington, D.C., December 28, 2005--Faith and community groups will be joined by Senator Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during "Let Justice Roll Living Wage Days" worship services, rallies and other events being planned for the weekend of his birthday, January 14-16, 2006. Sponsored by the Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign, "Living Wage Days" events are being organized to inspire, educate and mobilize congregations and community organizations to support and act for raising the minimum wage at the federal and state levels.
"Dr. King was fully committed to low wage working people and their families. There is no better way to celebrate his birthday than to advocate for a raise in the minimum wage so that, in the words of the prophet Amos, justice will roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream," said Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry, coordinator of the Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign.
Senator Kennedy, who will participate in a "Living Wage Days" event at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, January 16 at the historic United First Parish Church Unitarian in Quincy, Mass., has brought to a vote a measure to increase the current federal minimum wage twice this year. Although the Fair Minimum Wage Act was defeated, Senator Kennedy plans to continue pushing his colleagues in Congress to give American workers a raise.
Speaking at a press conference on this issue on Dec. 14, Senator Kennedy urged Congress to raise the minimum wage in the true spirit of Christmas. "In this the wealthiest nation on earth, no one who works for a living should have to live in poverty. How can any of us in good conscience enjoy our own high standard of living, when it is built on the backs of underpaid workers? Fair wages are not just good policy - they are a moral obligation," he said standing in the shadow of the Capitol Christmas tree.
In addition to the event in Quincy, Mass. on Jan. 16, numerous similar events are being planned around the country that focus on the plight of low-wage workers and the need to raise the minimum wage, something that was a real concern for Dr. King.
"There is nothing but a lack of social vision to prevent us from paying an adequate wage to every American [worker] whether he is a hospital worker, laundry worker, maid, or day laborer," King said more than 35 years ago in his book, "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community."
Recent data compiled by members of the Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign shows this lack of social vision continues and is even more tragic. Today the real value of the minimum wage is more than $3.50 below what it was in 1968. Since the last increase in the minimum wage in 1997, the value has eroded by more than 15 percent. To have the purchasing power it had in 1968, the year that King was assassinated, the minimum wage would have to be $9.09 an hour today, not $5.15.
According to Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA, one of the sponsors of the Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign, "A job should keep you out of poverty, not keep you in it. Full-time minimum wage workers earn $10,700 a year, which is about $5,000 below the poverty line for a family of three. This is a moral outrage," said Edgar, who will also participate in the Quincy, Mass. event on Jan. 16.
"In 1967, Dr. King called for 'the total, direct and immediate abolition of poverty.' This cannot be done without increasing the minimum wage. Unfortunately, the urgency of now was yesterday and we must make raising the minimum wage a priority," he said.
The Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign, which is comprised of more than 50 faith and community based organizations, is working on the national level as well as in a number of states including Ohio, Michigan, Arizona, West Virginia and Arkansas to support and advocate for minimum wage increases.
Additional information about the Let Justice Roll Living Wage Campaign can be found online at www.letjusticeroll.org, including the availability of multiple resources for “Living Wage Days” events.
6. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - CRADLE TO CROSS V, ONE FAMILY UNDER GOD:
47 Someone told Him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” 48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to His disciples, He said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Matthew 12: 47-50)
Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary defines family as “A people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock.” In the passage above, Jesus states the point of commonality for those He recognizes as His family. Jesus states that His family is made of those who do “…the will of my Father in heaven…” The baby Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born into a family with Joseph, Mary, and His brothers and sisters. Jesus places the family, its members, and their relationships to God and to each other under His authority.
In our relationships with God:
1. Deuteronomy 11: 18-21 – Christian families are called to a state of demonstrated commitment to God. God calls families to operate under the banner of God’s commands. And like the Hebrews who were entering the “Promised Land”, we are to pass on to future generations this same commitment to God.
2. Psalm 127: 1-2 – Christian families are to be dependent on God. We are to make every effort to accomplish what God has placed before us. We are to strive toward excellence in education, life preparation, and in our chosen fields of employment. And as we work, we are to be ever mindful that God makes our efforts fruitful. Presiding Elder Clarence Robinson of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of Chicago frequently reminds me and other pastors under his care, “You make the effort, and God will make the way.” As we believe, achieve and receive, we live lives in dependence on the Lord.
In our relationships with each other:
Ephesians 5: 21-29 – Husbands and wives are to submit to one another. This mutual submission is reflective of Christ’s presence in the home and implies “follower-ship” and “leadership” in the marriage relationship. Wives should be able to look to their husbands and depend on them to be head of household (v. 22-24). Unfortunately, too many of the initiatives taken in the home come about by the efforts of the women in our homes and not the men who are to be leaders. God places the burden and accountability for being leaders according to His design and commands on men (v. 25-29). A man must demonstrate servant leadership that connects with the three dimensions of his wife’s soul, the will, intellect, and emotions.
He is to connect with her will (v. 25) through unconditional sacrifice of his will to her needs. He is to connect to her intellect through (v. 26-27) stimulating exchanges of ideas, thoughts, and experiences so she shares in his life. He is to connect with her emotions (v. 28-29) through the nurture and support of the emotional well-being and development of his wife.
1. Ephesians 6: 1-4 – Parents and children respect one another. We are to teach our children to obey their parents and honor the authority God has given parents in children’s lives (v. 1-3). As children learn to obey and honor authority in the home, they learn to obey and honor authority in society. This is a critical step toward good, long living.
2. Parents are to value and respect (v. 4) their children and treat them like the wonderful works of God they truly are (Psalm 139: 13-16). We are to “bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” so the wisdom of God guides their lives as adults.
3. God, Almighty came into the world as a baby. The baby Jesus, conceived by the Holy Spirit, was born into a family with Joseph, Mary, and His brothers and sisters. It was at the cross that Jesus redefined family as those who do “the will of my Father in heaven.” Jesus makes us all “One Family under God.”
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr.
Quinn Chapel AME Church
2401 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60616
7. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: 1wim@htcomp.net
Rev. Johnnie Mae McClain went to be with the LORD on Dec. 26, 2005. Her Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. at Tolliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Waco, Texas.
Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church1402 Elm StreetWaco, Texas 76076Ph: (254) 799-6150
Rev. McClain was a member of St. Luke AME Church in Waco, Texas where the Rev. Pamela Rivera is pastor.Rev. McClain served faithfully in Prison Ministry and led many souls to Christ.
8. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: whowardsmith7@yahoo.com
Sister Ida Frances Phelps Tisdale, age 95, of Nashville, Tennessee, the grandmother of the Rev. Yvette Tisdale, pastor of Mt Olive AME Church, Lebanon, TN died on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2005.
Services are scheduled for Thursday, December 29, 2005, at Greater Bethel AME Church, 1300 South St. Nashville, TN. The Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. with the funeral following. The Rev. Michael Broadnax, pastor.
Grace Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Grace Funeral Home
1012 Buchanan Street
Nashville, TN 37208
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend A. Earl Jordan, Sr. passed on Wednesday, December 28, 2005, in Huntington, NY after a brief illness. He pastored several churches, including Trinity, Long Branch, NJ; Ebenezer, Rahway, NJ; Bethel, Huntington, NY; Greater Bethel, New York City, and served as Presiding Elder of the Buffalo-Westchester District, New York Conference. His last charge was Calvary, Glen Cove, NY. Reverend Jordan retired at the New York Annual Conference in 2005.
SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS:
Wake/Viewing: - Friday, December 30, 2005
5:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
291 Park Avenue
Huntington, NY
Phone: 631-549-5014
FUNERAL:
Saturday, December 31, 2005
10:00 A.M.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
291 Park Avenue
Huntington, NY
Phone: 631-549-5014
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO:
The Jordan Family
26 Lebkamp Avenue
Huntington, NY 11743
Please remember the Jordan family in your prayers.
10. CLERGY FAMILY 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.
11. 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.
