The Epistle - Spring Edition 2024

Historic st. paul ame cHurcH

tHe epistle

spring 2024

Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield…….…………………..Presiding Prelate

Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin………………..…….…………Presiding Elder

Reverend Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin…………………………….………….Pastor

Ministerial Staff

Reverend Barry Frazier……………………….……..Retired Itinerant Elder Exhorter Doris J. Coffey…………………………………………………………Editor

let’s rebuild god’s House god’s way!

Spring is here! Warmer temperatures, longer light, new grass, budding trees, and rejuvenated flowers are just around the corner as spring rains begin in most places.

But there is something much better than the mere physical and mental benefits of the changing of the seasons. Often the Bible talks about the benefits of the spring rains, the timing of the spring rains, and new opportunities the spring rains bring. Let me point your attention to something even bigger.

I. GOD CONTROLS THE SEASONS

The changing of the season reminds us that God is in control and controls the seasons. As spring breaks, we can rejoice in God who controls the world around us. Consider, read the words from Solomon in Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:1-15.

II. OF WHAT DOES THE CHANGING OF THE SEASON REMIND US?

First, God is in control. The seasons change because of God’s design and control. He graciously provided four seasons on the Earth for a reason. Not every area of the country enjoys as major of a change as others, but the seasons still produce what God intends for them to produce.

Second, God intends for us take advantage of this season. God wants you and me both to rejoice, do good, eat, drink, and enjoy our work. Why? Because God has given us this season to do so. Everything we have in life – in this season – is a gift of God.

Consider your season in life – the changing of the physical season to your particular circumstances, situation, and life situation. God’s intention in this season of your life is for you to not just accept it but embrace it. This is what God has given to you. So do good, eat, drink, and work. See what you have in this season as God’s gift to you.

Third, God desires for you to respect and trust Him in this season. Solomon points out that God is absolutely sovereign, meaning He is in control. God’s design in bringing various seasons in life with both their opportunities and challenges teaches us to trust Him – His plan, His purposes, and His character. He brings these things in His timing or season in order to also produce respect. We are not in charge. We do not determine the season. God does. Therefore, as the seasons come and go, we are to increasingly trust God with them.

III. Q UESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

How do you receive the new season? Does the season change help you respect and trust God more? Do you embrace the opportunities and challenges ahead? Do you worship God as sovereign? Do you see this season as a gift?

The Lord has blessed us with eleven grandchildren whom we refer to as the Elite Eleven, and they are doing some awesome things and we are shonuff proud!

The oldest of the clan, Keiron has set the bar high. He is attending the University of Kentucky on an academic scholarship. He tracks and estimates expenses for different projects on campus, and assists the director with managing and monitoring projects. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and serves as vice president. Keiron is a peer mentor for underclassmen, and is also an Ambassador for Black Student Union and Underground Perspectives. In May of 2024, Keiron will have an opportunity of a lifetime to study abroad in Italy.

Aalaysha Robinson (number 2 of the Elite Eleven) for her sweet 16 she asked for a guitar, and she has taught herself how to play and has written several songs. She is attending BCTC on a Martin Luther King Jr. scholarship, and her first semester she got straight A’s.

Number 3 & 4 of the Elite Eleven, Dahvon and Jahvon Frazier signed their letter of intent on December 18, 2023 to play football in the fall for the Akron Zips. Jahvon, and Dahvon also wrestles, and are a part of the track team at Bryan Station High School. Jahvon is the most decorated wrestler Bryan Station has had. Jahvon is a 4 time City Champ, 3 times Regional Champ, 3 time State Qualifier, 2 time State Placer, and is 2024 runner up. They are also both track stars, and have represented the pride of the Northside well. After Graduation in May, they will be adding their name to the football books in Akron, Ohio.

Asiyah Robinson, the quiet one, who is number 6 of the Elite Eleven will be taking dual credit courses her Sophomore year at Henry Clay High School. She is also working on a book.

A’lijah Mason-Robinson, the one that keeps everyone on their toes, number 9 of the Elite Eleven has written a song that was released on Spotify, and Apple Music on February 29th. Within 12 days he had 3,258 streams, and he also designed the music cover. He has been accepted into Carter G. Woodson for the incoming school year.

To all of you, continue to let your light shine bright!

Submitted by Proud Grandmother, Reverend Fonseco M. Frazier.

The Robinson- Frazier Grandchildren

Pictures speak a thousand words!

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SPRINGTIME?

Spring is a time of year that often brings to mind renewal and fresh starts. During winter, we may hole up in our homes, away from the cold weather. But when spring comes, many people open their doors and windows, let in the outside air and engage in spring cleaning — a way of clearing out the winter doldrums and beginning again, even if it's only with a clean house.

Seniors may find that spring is an ideal time to de-clutter their assisted living apartments and rearrange items to suit their needs. It's also a great time to de-clutter yourself mentally and spiritually, and to help with that, here are three Bible verses dealing with spring.

DEUTERONOMY 32:2 - Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

The Word of the Lord can bring revival — a sort of spiritual spring — at any time. The teachings of God are like rain on seedlings, causing leaves to open and flowers to bud during a spring celebration or recommitment. And one of the best things about this spiritual spring born from God's Word is that it can come at any time during life — and even multiple times in a life — so seniors can look toward the Bible for this type of renewal.

JAMES 5:7 - Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.

This verse reminds us that God's timing, like the timing of seasons and storms, is not our own. Sometimes, we have to wait patiently for what we want or for circumstances to change. For those who patiently wait through the winter, spring always arrives. And those who patiently wait on the Lord in this life receive their reward — if not on this earth, then in Heaven.

HOSEA 6:3 - Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.

We can't stop the seasons from changing or life from marching forward, and that can be difficult to deal with. Perhaps you don't look forward to the hot days of summer or you're dealing with loss in your life and wish for the days of past years. No matter what changes you're struggling with, you can trust that God is ever present and never changing; as sure as the sun will rise, he is with you.

A Letter From Alzheimer

I stare at the face in the mirror

Not knowing that the person is me At least who I used to be

I am lost within a body that I no longer can control I feel lost and afraid as things unfold

So just take me by the hand And guide me safely back To a time and place

I can rest

Submitted by Sister Teresa Garner Health Ministry

Life Lessons We Learn from Spring

Ah, spring! It’s the season so many look forward to because it brings with it so much hope and joy. The transition from brutal snowstorms and gloomy days to sun-filled rain showers, and budding flowers. Spring is an indication that the dark, bone-chilling, winter days are behind us, and the long life-filled summer nights are within reach. But more than just a season of rain and colorful blooms, like all seasons, Spring has so many powerful life lessons to heed, if you’re willing to take the time to observe them.

Lesson #1 – The blooming flowers encourage us to open up: In Spring the flowers appear with such intensity. Like those flowers, show yourself boldly and authentically by believing that who you are, what you think, and what you feel matters and can be voiced. Be assertive. Practice communicating what you stand for, what you value, and what you want, firmly but with consideration. It’s only when we express ourselves that we come to understand who we are. And only when we understand who we are can we open up and connect with others.

Lesson #2 – The stretching leaves remind us to be productive: After the flowers have opened and released their seeds, leaves start to reach out. They sprout with energy turning to the sun as they prepare to grow. Like these leaves, we must become productive but a different kind of productive. Productivity is not strictly about more hours, results, and efficiency. If getting a result today will negatively affect our well-being tomorrow, then it is not productive. Often, we mistake productivity with overwork at the expense of our future-self’s health. The leaves enthusiastically reach out because they know their role is to remain all Summer long, providing nourishment for the tree, and they are excited to do so. Similarly, we need productivity of wellbeing to nurture our peace of mind.

Lesson #3 – The daffodils give us a lesson in humility: Daffodils are some of the first flowers we see in springtime. They represent joy, strength, and resilience. They’re a positive, lifeaffirming symbol as they flutter and dance in the breeze. But beautiful as they are they are never prideful. Their tilted heads remind us not to take a haughty stance. Always be joyful and dynamic and embrace the beauty you have to offer the world. But remain humble while your magic shines bright.

Lesson #4 – New life shows us that we can always start over: Every year, without fail, nature starts all over again each spring. New leaves, new flowers, new energy – in short, a new life. Let this remind us that we can always start over too, as many times as we need to. Let Spring guide your life and motivate you to let go of the things that no longer serve you. Start doing things you love. Shed any unhealthy relationships. Break those habits that hold you back from growing into your full bloom.

#Lesson 5 – The birds inspire us to sing: After winter and migration birds return and grace our days with their songs. As they go about their day, birds chirp and sing their songs like the happiest of animals; not yelling, barking, or honking. No matter their circumstance they always sing. We can learn from them. Our circumstances may not always be perfect. Maybe we are frustrated with a job, a relationship, or just life in general. Maybe we feel stuck or unappreciated. Life isn’t going to be perfect – for any one of us. But an imperfect life is easier to approach with a cheerful attitude. So sing the song of your soul, every day, and remember: A bird does not sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song (Maya Angelou).

Spring: A Season For New Growth

Janice LaVore-Fletcher, (Paraphrased)

“Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness” – 2 Corinthians 9:10

Spring signifies a season of new growth everywhere you look. Trees that have laid barren all winter start to sprout new blooms. Flowers open up and reach for the sun. And caterpillars come out of their cocoons and spread their wings as butterflies.

All around us, growth and transformation are happening. But these new blossoms and new creations did not just spring to life out of nowhere. The preparation was started long beforehand… the foundation was laid, the soil was tilled and the proper nutrients were provided.

In Matthew 13:1-9, Jesus tells the story of a farmer who planted his seeds in four different types of soil:

“He said, ‘A farmer went out to plant his seed. He scattered the seed on the ground. Some fell on a path. Birds came and ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky places, where there wasn’t much soil. The plants came up quickly, because the soil wasn’t deep. When the sun came up, it burned the plants. They dried up because they had no roots. Other seed fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and crowded out the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil. It produced a crop 100, 60 or 30 times more than what was planted. Those who have ears should listen and understand.’”

In this parable, Jesus explains how important it is to provide the right type of soil for a plentiful crop to grow. Likewise, it is just as important for us to provide a rich soil for our dreams to grow in.

Maybe God planted a seed in you a long time ago, but it wasn’t the right time yet for it to produce fruit.

What dreams are quietly hibernating inside of them until the time is right for them to spring forth? How have they been maintaining and caring for those seeds in the meantime?

We can tend to our “dreams” by doing things like reading the Bible, staying in communication with God and following His will for our lives. By doing these things, we continue to enrich the soil that they are planted in and allow them to grow slowly over time, until He is ready to bring them to fruition.

As preachers/teachers, we can help the Children of God to become more aware of God’s plans for their lives by asking meaningful and thought-provoking questions. Yet, we need to make sure we are still allowing time for them to be quiet and hear from the Holy Spirit.

For He is the true planter, giving each of us what we need to fulfill the purposes He has for us. But just as the seeds that fell on rocky or thorny ground were unable to grow, it is up to us to provide the right foundation for God’s fruit in us.

The Seasons of Life -

By Ron

God has seasons for our lives. So, as we close out one season and begin a new one afresh, it seems fitting to consider what God has in store for us in the seasons of our lives.

Winter: The Season of Storms - In every winter season there will be storms, regardless of the size of the storm, you can be sure in every winter season there will be storms. Storms tend to come upon you quickly without warning, and then just as quickly they fade away. In our lives, we will face many seasons of “storms.” When we are faced with storms in our life, we need to seek the shelter of God’s love. When we do, God promises to comfort us and to deliver us. Paul wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). So, the next time you find yourself in the middle of a storm call out to God in prayer and know that He has promised not only to comfort you but to deliver you.

Spring: The Season of Growth - For the farmer, spring is the time for planting and nurturing young seedlings. When you are in a spring season, you need to plant seeds. It’s a great time for making changes, building better relationships, focusing on new ministries, new businesses, or developing new habits. Spring is a time of great energy. It is the best time to renew our perspective on life, review God’s purpose for our life, and praise God for all He has done for us. Remember, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow” (I Corinthians 3:7).

Summer: The Season of Waiting - After the seeds are in the ground, there is little the farmer can do. He must wait for the crop to grow. Things like wind and rain are beyond the farmer’s control; he must wait until the crop is ready for harvest. We have similar times in our lives. We may have planted the seed of a new ministry or a new business, and now we must wait to see it grow. So many times, God tells us to wait for Him, but it is difficult because we are so impatient. The psalmist instructed us to “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). The greatest test of our faith is when God wants us to wait. Remember, God answers all our prayers. Sometimes the answer is “yes,” sometimes it is “no,” and sometimes it is “not yet.” It’s those “not yets” that challenge our faith.”

Fall: The Season of Success - The fall is the time for harvest; bringing in the crop that was so carefully planted and nurtured in the spring, and so fretfully worried over in the summer. It is in our seasons of success that we must be careful to stay close to God. It is the time when we think we can do anything, a time when we think we are solely responsible for the harvest. Jesus said,

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

February gives way to March, snow begins to melt. The ground thaws. March turns into April, and flowers start to bloom. Trees bud. A crisp freshness fills the air, a smell that makes it easy to walk to the store instead of driving. Birds chirp. You feel a sense of newness of life. Everything comes to life again.

There is seemingly no better time than the energizing season of spring. As the days become longer, any melancholic or lethargic feelings you felt during winter melt away with the snow, ice and slush. It is a time of transition, of looking forward to summer. And although this season of regeneration may be incredibly refreshing after a long winter, do you fully appreciate spring and use the time to recharge?

A Time of Renewal - As God’s creation roars back to life after dormancy, spring is a great opportunity to enjoy nature’s beauty. Reflect on God’s handiwork. Drink in the sunshine and breathe in the fresh air. Enjoy the flowers of all sizes, shapes, colors and fragrant scents. There is much about God’s creation that can be enjoyed during the spring.

But have you considered there is more to this time of year than the beautiful weather?

New Beginnings - It is no coincidence that we feel enlivened during this time of year. Remember, God created seasons; they were designed with a purpose in mind. In fact, God’s sacred calendar actually begins the new year in the spring, not in the middle of winter, like the common Gregorian calendar. There is a reason for this, and there is more to spring than budding flowers or taking on new goals.

Recommitting Oneself - Just as the earth comes alive again after a cold, winter hibernation, God gives Christians a chance to start anew. During the spring Holy Days, Christians recommit themselves to God’s way of life. God masterfully laid out the Spring Holy Day season to give His people a new start at building character and overcoming sin.

In addition to enjoying the outdoors, spring can be a time to prioritize. Spring is naturally when one should think about starting anew. This year, use the springtime wisely to reflect on God’s purpose for you. Let’s Rebuild God’s House God’s Way!

No matter what season of life you may find yourself in today, His answer is the same. Make sure you are “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Even if you’ve been tripped up by life’s circumstances, He will lift you up:

God is a faithful God in every season. His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:2123). He will never leave you, no matter how difficult the circumstances may seem (Hebrews 13:5).

God can turn your barren winters into fruitful springs … times of drought into abundant harvests (Genesis 26:1, 12). Those who trust in Him never need to worry about the changing seasons:

Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT).

What an encouraging picture of the kind of life we can have when our roots reach deeply into the soil of God’s love. Like the woman described in Proverbs 31, we will be able to “smile at the future,” confident God is preparing blessings and breakthroughs for us in the days ahead (Proverbs 31:25 NASB).

If you’re going through a winter season in your marriage, your job, your health, your finances, your emotions, or with your children, God wants to give you confident hope that a better season is ahead. However, you may find yourself doubting that you’ll ever see springtime again. And perhaps it’s hard even to picture what an abundant life could look like.

If so, take a look at this beautiful description of springtime through the eyes of King Solomon: Look around you: Winter is over; the winter rains are over, gone! Spring flowers are in blossom all over. The whole world’s a choir – and singing! Spring warblers are filling the forest with sweet arpeggios. Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed, and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms (Song of Solomon 2:11-13 MSG).

Winter can soon be over for you as well, my friend. The chilly atmosphere and barren trees around you can be replaced by blossoming flowers and nature’s majestic choir of praise. May the sunlight and the rain be reminders that You are at work renewing the earth. As a God of renewal, You are ever at work in our lives, too.

Open our eyes and lives to the needed changes in our lives this Spring. Awaken us to new life and perspective, for we pray in Jesus’ name. God’s foundation is a Rock, who will never leave us or forsake us. Who better to turn to during the storms of our life? Who better to look to for comfort and deliverance? Who better to build a solid foundation for our lives?

“Living A Global Witness Ministry That Transforms, Transcends, and Liberates”

Luke 4: 18-19

KNOW YOUR CHURCH

Presented by The Historic St. Paul AME Church (HSPAME) Lay Organization

PASTOR’S VISION:

“LET’S REBUILD GOD’S HOUSE GOD’S WAY”

EZRA 3:7-13

NEHEMIAH 2:11-20

“And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus and come with him into the presence of God the Father to give him your thanks.” Colossians 3:17 (TLB) .

HSPAME LAY ORGANIZATION THEME:

“LAITY WORKING TOGETHER FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS”

Six Covenants of a Church Member by Thom S. Rainer

(1) I am a church member: I like the metaphor of membership. It’s not membership as a civic organization or a country club. It’s the kind of membership given to us in 1 Corinthians 12: “Now we are the body of Christ, and individual members of it” (1 Cor. 12:27). Because I am a member of the body of Christ, I must be a functioning member, I will give. I will serve. I will minister. I will evangelize. I will study. I will seek to be a blessing to others. I will remember that “if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one

member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor. 12:26).!

(2) I am a church member: I will seek to be a source of unity in the church. I know there are no perfect pastors, staff, or other church members. But neither am I. I will not be a source of gossip or dissension. One of the greatest contributions I can make is to do all I can in God’s power to help keep the church in unity for the sake of the gospel.

(3) I am a church member: I will not let my church be about my preferences and desires. That is self-serving. I am in this church to serve others and to serve Christ. My Savior went to a cross for me. I can deal with any inconveniences and matters that are just not my preference or style.!

(4) I am a church member: I will pray for my pastor every day. His {Her} work is never ending. His {Her} days are filled with constant demands for his {her} time with the need to prepare sermons, with those who are rejoicing in births, with those who are traveling through the valley of the shadow of death, with critics, with the hurts and hopes of others, and with the need to be a husband{wife} and a father {mother}. My pastor cannot serve our church in his{her} own power. I will pray for God’s strength for him{her} and his {her} family every day.!

(5) I am a church member: I will lead my family to be a good member of this church as well. We will pray together for our church. We will worship together in our church. We will serve together in our church. And we will ask Christ to help us fall deeper in love with His church, because He gave His life for her.

(6) I am a church member: This membership is a gift. When I received the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, I became a part of the body of Christ. I soon thereafter identified with a local body and was baptized. And now I am humbled and honored to serve others in our church. I pray that I will never take my membership for granted, but see it as a gift and an opportunity to serve others and to be a part of something so much greater than any one person or member.! I am a church member, And I thank God that I am.

The church is a gift from God to humanity. Through local churches, God has brought people into a relationship with Jesus Christ; ministered to the poor; healed and strengthened marriages and families; cared for the sick; encouraged people in the faith; equipped young people; trained leaders; and advanced the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. The local church is one of the major ways that God brings His grace to mankind. Our God is not only a God of grace but also a God of commitment. His commitment to us was so great that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die for us on the cross that we might have our sins forgiven and receive eternal life (John 3:16).

*Adapted from pages 77-79 in Thom S. Rainer. I Am A Church Member

Quiz

I Am a Church Member

Record your answers on your paper to correspond with the question #. Give your best answer! You’re on the Honor System!

1. Are you late for Church?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always – 5 points

4. Do you pray for your Church?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always - 5 points

7. Are you apart of a ministry (other than your gender)?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes – 5 points

10. Do you do all you can to make your Church the GREATEST?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always – 5 points

13. Do you believe in the doctrine of the Holy Scriptures as set forth in the Articles of Religion of the AME Church?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes - 5 points

2. Do you attend Sunday school?

□ Not at all- 1 point

□ 2 out of 4 Sundays –3 points

□ Every Sunday – 5 points

5. Do you believe there is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom and goodness?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes – 5 points

8. Do you pray for your Church leaders?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always 5 points

11. Do you volunteer at your church whenever you’re needed?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always – 5 points

14. Do you study your Bible?

□ 1 – 3 day a week –1 point

□ 4 – 6 days a week –3 points

□ Everyday – 5 points

3. Do you entertain friendly feelings toward all the members of the church?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always - 5 points

6. Do you enjoy sharing the message of the Gospel as you understand it?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always - 5 points

9. Do you complain a lot about your Church?

□ Never – 1 point

□ Sometimes – 3 points

□ Always – 5 points

12. Are you a tither (anything 10% or above)?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes – 5 points

15. Do you have saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes - 5 points

16. Are you cheerfully governed by the Discipline of the AME Church?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes – 5 points

19. Do you seek to be a source of unity in your church?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes - 5 points

17. Do you hold sacred the ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as you can, to promote the welfare of your brethren, and the advancement of God’s Kingdom?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes - 5 points

20. Do you seek to serve Christ by serving others in the church?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes - 5 points

18. Do you pray for your pastor and the First Gentleman?

□ No – 1 point

□ Yes - 5 points

The final grade is determined by adding up all the points earned and then divide by 20.

AME Church supported HBCUs and Education Institutions Institutions of Higher Education

1. Abington School of Religion

1302 Herring Avenue Waco, TX 76706

2. Allen University

www.allenuniversity.edu

1530 Hardin Street Columbia, SC 29204

3. Bonner-Campbell School of Religion

436 Stomp Bridge Road

Canton, MS 39046 (601)506-8482 foursight@aol.com

4.Dickerson-Green Theological Seminary

1530 Harden Street Columbia, SC 29204 (803)376-5706

5. Edward Waters College

www.ewc.edu

Dr. A. Zachary Faison Jr., President

1658 Kings Road Jacksonville, FL 32203 (904)470-8000

6. Turner Theological Seminary- ITC

www.turnerseminary.com

700 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive

Atlanta, GA 30314-4143 (404)527-7700

7. Jackson Theological Seminary

208 North Tennessee

Crossett, AR 71635

8. Morris Brown College

www.morrisbrown.edu

643 Martin Luther King Jr., NW Atlanta, GA 30314

9. Paul Quinn College

www.pqc.edu

3837 Simpson Stuart Road

Dallas, TX 75241

10. Payne Theological Seminary

www.payne.edu

P.O. Box 474

Wilberforce, OH 45384 mbrown@payne.edu

11. Richard Allen Chapel

Paul Quinn College

Dallas, TX 75241

12. Shorter College

www.shortercollege.edut

604 Locust Street North Little Rock, AR 72114

info@shortercollege.edu

13. Wilberforce University

www.wilberforce.edu

1055 N. Bickett Road

Wilberforce, Ohio 45384

Institutions of Higher Education

1. AME University

34 Camp Johnson Road

Monrovia, Liberia

2.Bryant Theological Seminary

35 Camp Johnson Road

Monrovia, Liberia

3.Monrovia College

Clay Street, Off Camp Johnson Road

Monrovia, Liberia

West Africa

4. R.R. Wright Theological Seminary

11306 Bodea Road

Republic of South Africa

5. Sizane School

P. O. Box 55

Mpopoma, Bulaway Zimbabwe

6.Wilberforce Community College

Evaton, South Africa

M AKE Y OUR V OICE H EARD

Presented by The SPAME Commission on Christian Social Action in partnership with The Lay Organization

The Holy Bible

The AME HYMNAL

The Latest Edition of the AME Doctrine and Discipline

Our Three Books

KENTUCKY ELECTION DATES: 2024

 Primary Election – Tuesday, May 21, 2024

 Last day to register for Primary Election:

 By Mail: Monday, April 22, 2024 (postmarked)

 In Person: Monday, April 22, 2024, no later than 4:00 p.m. local time.

 Online: Monday, April 22, 2024, https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/

 Kentucky conducts closed primaries. Under Kentucky law, all persons who want to vote in the Democratic Party’s or Republican Party’s Primary Election must have changed their party affiliation by December 31 of the year prior to the next Primary Election.

 General Election – Tuesday, November 5, 2024

 Last day to register for General Election:

 By Mail: Monday, October 7, 2024 (postmarked)

 n Person: Monday, October 7, 2024, no later than 4:00 p.m. local time.

 Online: Monday, October 7, 2024, https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/

 Only 17?

 You may register to vote in Kentucky as a 17-year-old if you will be 18 years old by the next General Election, which will be November 5, 2024.

Mail-In Absentee Voting - May 21, 2024, Primary Election

April 6 - May 7: Absentee Ballot Request Portal Open for the May 21 Primary Election. All requests must be made by 11:59 p.m. on May 7, 2024.

You may return your ballot by mail or in the ballot drop box located in front of the Fayette County Clerk's Office at 162 E Main St. All ballots must reach the Fayette County Clerk's office by 6:00 p.m. on election day to be counted.

Request Absentee mail-in ballots through the KY State Board of Elections secure online at www.govoteky.com.

Questions/Assistance: Call Fayette County Clerk’s office for assistance at 859-2558683.

You qualify for an Absentee Ballot if you are:

1. A voter who due to age, disability, or illness will be unable to go to the polls on election day or during walk-in absentee voting.

2. A student who temporarily resides outside the county in which he/she is registered to vote.

3. A voter who temporarily resides outside the state but who is still eligible to vote in this state (this includes vacationers).

4. A voter who is incarcerated in jail who has been charged with a crime but has yet to be convicted of the crime.

5. A voter whose employment location requires him/her to be absent from the county on election day and all hours and days in-person absentee voting is conducted.

6. Covered Voters as defined in KRS 117A.010 - These voters are Members of the Uniformed Services and their dependents who will be out of the county on election day and voters residing overseas (temporarily or permanently).

7. A voter who is a participant in the Office of the Secretary of State's address confidentiality program.

8. A voter who moved, or is moving, to a different state while the new state's registration books are closed before a Presidential Election (Presidential only ballot).

May is National Stroke Awareness Month 2024

BE FAST — Knowing the Signs of Stroke Can Save Lives

A Vascular Neurologist and Hospital Stroke Medical Director says, “Time is brain.”

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Every 4 minutes, someone dies as a result.

During the past 20 years, new drugs and surgical procedures have dramatically improved stroke patients’ outcomes. The proper treatment administered within 3 to 4.5 hours of symptom onset may improve the chances of recovering from a stroke.

“You cannot reverse stroke symptoms after a certain amount of time, and that time is different for everybody,” A “BE FAST” response can mean the difference between life and death.

An easy way to remember the sudden signs of stroke: Two

small words — just six letters — and three numbers can be enough to save a life.

The two words are BE FAST – six letters that spell out the signs of stroke: The three numbers are 9-1-1.

What are the warning signs?

B – Balance. Sudden loss of balance or coordination, or a sense of vertigo, like the room is spinning

E – Eyes. Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes

F – Face: Sudden weakness on one side of face, or a facial and/or tongue droop

• Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Is the tongue 'crooked or droops to one side or the other

A – Arm: Sudden arm or leg weakness or numbness

• Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S – Speech: Sudden slurred speech or trouble speaking

T – Time to call 9-1-1.

F Facial drooping:

• Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?

A –– Arm weakness”

• Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?

S –– Speech difficulty:

• Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred?

T –– Time to call 9-1-1, even if you are uncertain.

Strokes usually happen suddenly – one of the BE FAST symptoms will pop up quickly, or someone will quickly develop the worst headache of their life.

Ignoring these symptoms can be a Bad, Bad, or even a Fatal Mistake! “Some folks start off with mild symptoms, then they get worse. They want to wait before seeing the doctor or going to the hospital.

That may be a stroke that can’t be reversed. The doctor can’t open the vessel in the brain and restore what brain that has been lost.” About 1.9 million brain cells are lost

every minute a stroke goes untreated. This can lead to impaired memory, speech, and even movement. That’s why even small stroke symptoms must be taken seriously.

Stroke Risk Factors:

• High blood pressure

• Smoking

• Obesity

• High cholesterol levels

• Narrowed arteries

• Diabetes

• AFIB or arrhythmia

• Previous stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)

• Family history of stroke

• Age 65 or older

• Smoking

• Lack of exercise

• Poor diet

• Consuming more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day

Stroke Facts:

• Strokes are the 5th leading killer and number one cause of disability in the U.S.

• 80% of strokes are preventable by managing risk factors

• 25% of all strokes occur under the age of 65.

• Ischemic strokes (blood clots or blockages) account for 85% of strokes.

• 32,000 brain cells die per second during a stroke.

• Each hour without treatment, the brain loses as many neurons as 3.6 years of normal aging.

• Think about it this way: If you have symptoms, but go to bed for 8 hours instead of seeking emergency help, it can be the equivalent of aging your brain 30 years overnight!

• Smoking quadruples your risk for stroke.

• 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year.

• There are 7 million stroke survivors in the U.S.

• 2/3 of survivors are disabled.

How to prevent stroke?

On the bright side, 80 percent of strokes can be prevented! Controlling modifiable risk factors is the key to avoiding a stroke. In general, this can be done by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your daily routine. Medication compliance for those individuals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation can also help to reduce the risk of stroke.

For those individuals who have had a stroke, medications can be used to prevent any recurrent strokes in the future.

We challenge each of you to take the opportunity to educate your friends, family, coworkers, and community about stroke and “BE FAST” to save a life.

 Support the Big Blue Barrel donations for God’s Pantry. Remember to bring cangoods and non -perishables to help fill up the BIG BLUE BARREL located in the Church Annex for Gods Pantry.

 Shop at Kroger! HELP SUPPORT OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPT. AND OUR YOUNG PEOPLE’S MINISTRY WHEN YOU SHOP AT KROGER. – AT NO COST TO YOU! It’s easy. Using your Kroger Plus Card, sign up for the Kroger Community Awards Program and select SPAME as the organization you wish to support. You can sign up online at www.Kroger.com or at the in-store Customer Service Center during your next visit to Kroger. Once you're enrolled, you'll earn rewards for our CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DEPT. AND OUR YOUNG PEOPLE’S MINISTRY every time you shop at Kroger and use your Plus Card! ORGANIZATION NAME: HISTORIC ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, ORGANIZATION NUMBER: FL233.

 CONTRIBUTE ONLINE: TITHES/OFFERINGS, HELP MINISTRY, GIFTS, ETC.: https://spame.org/index.php/donate

 Breeze: https://spame.breezechms.com/give/internal

 Breeze Recurring: https://spame.breezechms.com/give/recurring

 Cash app - $SPAMELex

 Using your mobile phone, you can Text by Giving ‐ (859) 209‐6003.

 Zelle – finance@spame.org

 Mail to the church at 251 N Upper St, Lexington, KY 40507.

 Do you have your AME Church Membership Card? Your AME Member card not only identifies you as a member of the AME Church, it also provides the church with valuable demographics information about our membership. In addition, your free AME Membership card provides you with access to discounts via the Abenity perks program at hotels, rental car companies, online shops, and physical retailers across the United States and Canada.

REGISTER FOR AME CHURCH MEMBERSHIP CARD: https://www.amechurchmembership.com/.

The HSPAME Lay Organization meets monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. We invite you to join us at Zoom access Code: ID: 881 4577 7365 passcode: 546477.

April 13, 2024: 10th Annual Antonio Franklin Violence Intervention Peace Walk

Duncan Park @ 1:30 p.m.

April 14, 2024: HSPAME Ross-Greenfield WMS Annual Mission Day

Historic St/ Paul AME Church - Lexington, KY @ 11:00 Worship Service

Guest Speaker: Mary C. Bowen

April 20, 2024: Kentucky Conference WMS Annual Seasonal Feast @ 12:00 Noon

First Christian Church, 160 Lexington Street, Versailles, KY – Ticket Donation $15

May 16-18, 2024: Connectional Lay Organization Spring Executive Board Meeting

Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, Birmingham, Alabama

May 19, 2024: HSPAME Women Day

Guest Minister: Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas

June 1, 2024: Kentucky Conference Lay Brunch and Awards Recognition Program

Midway Church of Christ – Louisville, KY @12:00 Noon

June 7-8, 2024:13th Episcopal District Lay Convention - Embassy Suites

Murfreesboro, TN.

June 30, 2024: Kentucky Conference 5th Sunday Lay Cluster

Historic St. Paul AME Church, Lexington, KY @ 4:00 p.m.

August 11, 2024: HSPAME Comedy Gospel Jazz Event

Lyric Theatre – 300 East Third Street, Lexington, KY

August 21–28, 2024: 52nd Quadrennial Session of the AME Church General Conference - Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio

Attendees to the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference are encouraged to obtain and use your AMEC Member Card Number for registration and other benefits. Your AME Member card will expedite your conference check-in process and you will receive a discount on General Conference registration. In addition, your AME Member Card offers discounts through our third-party partner, Abenity.

September 22, 2024: HSPAME 204th Anniversary Sunday

October 2-5: 2024: Kentucky Annual Conference

Quinn Chapel AME Church, 1901 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., Louisville, KY

September 28, 2024: YPD

October 1, 2024: WMS

Legislative Update:

Senator Reginald L. Thomas

March 18, 2024

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

March 18, 2024

Senator Reginald Thomas

As we enter the final moments of the Kentucky General Assembly's 60-day legislative session, a sense of urgency pervades the Capitol halls. The Senate's recent proposal, an amendment to House Bill (HB) 1, marks a significant turn in our state's journey. The bill, outlining General Fund allocations for fiscal years 2023-26, proposes a visionary $3.5 billion investment from the Budget Reserve Trust Fund in various projects, a bold leap from the House's suggestion of $1.8 billion. This ambition, focusing on infrastructure and singular expenditures, might overlook crucial, sustained investments in our most valuable asset: our educators.

The Senate's modifications to HB 1 reveal a commitment to transportation and economic development. Consider, for instance, the allocation of $890 million to transportation and $150 million to university facility relocations. These efforts aim to strengthen our infrastructure and our economic capabilities. Yet, they bring to light a concerning oversight: a shortfall in robust support for public education, especially leaving out direct funding to elevate teacher salaries.

Governor Andy Beshear advocated for a rise in teacher pay, a strategy to strengthen our educational system and retain top-notch educators. This plea finds limited resonance within the Senate's framework. A slight increase in per-student funding, from $6.4 billion to $6.5 billion over two years, does not meet the mark for transformative educational enhancement or fair compensation for our teachers.

Furthermore, HB 6, the appropriations measure addressing the state government's operating budget, maintains consistent funding yet lacks targeted actions for boosting teacher compensation. This approach prefers immediate infrastructure projects over addressing the core needs of our educational system, despite available funds in the Budget Reserve Trust Fund.

For a full, detailed report of the Senate Budget proposal, I urge you to review the information released by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy by CLICKING HERE.

Both bills, HB 1 and HB 6, advanced with near unanimous, bipartisan support. Despite reservations about these measures, my affirmative vote aimed to propel them to the conference committee. There members of Senate and House leadership will convene and hash out differences until a product is formulated that both chambers can agree upon. As we proceed, the task remains to bridge these divergent priorities. This moment is significant, as the choices and decisions made when crafting these financial measures will set the stage for future generations.

On Friday, the Kentucky General Assembly took a decisive step with the advancement of HB 5, known as the Safer Kentucky Act. This consequential piece of legislation seeks to transform our criminal justice landscape by enacting stricter penalties for a range of offenses and establishing a 'three strikes and you’re out' mechanism for victimless crimes such as homelessness. Amid rigorous debates and impactful orations, particularly from Senator Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, who ardently argued for milder penalties for lesser offenses and innovative approaches to address homelessness in committee, his proposed amendments ultimately fell by the wayside. The Senate, under Republican leadership, demonstrated a strong predilection for more severe punitive measures.

By prioritizing punitive actions over rehabilitation and support, HB 5 risks inflating the state's financial burden and missing essential opportunities to tackle mental health and homelessness issues with the necessary compassion and understanding. My opposition to HB 5 was rooted in a desire to champion a more balanced methodology, one that not only ensures community safety but also fosters chances for personal transformation and societal reintegration. However, with HB 5 passing the Senate with a vote of 27-9, the republican supermajorities in the legislature have shifted our laws on crime toward more inhumane enforcement and penalties.

In addition to these measures presented and passed by the Senate, we also delved into and acted on measures spanning a spectrum of policies.

Other bills gaining passage in the Senate last week include:

HB 2 is a proposed amendment to the State Constitution that aims to fundamentally change how education is funded in the state, by allowing public funds to be used outside of the traditional public school system. If approved by voters, this amendment would eliminate

current constitutional statutes that prevent state support for private or charter schools.

As a dedicated advocate for public education, I am deeply concerned about HB 2. I see it as a move towards the privatization of education and the redirection of vital taxpayer funds to private entities and corporations. This goes against my core belief that public funds should support public schools, which are essential to the fabric of our communities and democracy. Allocating resources to private and charter schools risks increasing educational disparities.

I argue that these funds would be better spent enhancing underfunded public schools, raising teacher salaries, and improving classroom conditions. The lack of clarity in HB 2 leaves too much to interpretation, which could lead to policies favoring selective admissions and lacking the accountability required of public schools. I am firmly against this measure, which was reflected in my dissenting vote. However, it unfortunately gained passage with a vote of 27-8.

Senate Bill (SB) 3 proposes to transfer the authority over the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources from the Governor to the Commissioner of Agriculture, fundamentally altering the appointment process for the board that oversees the department. I opposed this measure because it risks compromising wildlife conservation in favor of agricultural interests, undermining the balance necessary for effective stewardship of our natural resources and Executive authority. However, it was advanced by the Senate in a close vote of 20-16.

HB 236 outlines the appropriations for the operations, maintenance, and support of Kentucky's legislative branch. Much like with HB 1 and HB 6, I voted yes to move this along in the legislative process. It passed 37-1.

SB 349 introduces a new procedural layer before utilities can proceed with retiring fossil fuelfired power plants in Kentucky. This legislation raises significant concerns about the potential prolongation of aging and uneconomical coal-fired power plants' operational life. Such an outcome risks imposing undue financial burdens on Kentucky ratepayers and overlooks the pressing need for a transition towards more sustainable and economically viable energy sources. For these reasons, I voted no. However, the measure passed 28-9-1.

HB 446 empowers local boards of education to provide transportation to students who live beyond a reasonable walking distance from their nearest school, utilizing a variety of transportation methods. Additionally, it calls for the collaboration of various educational and civic bodies to develop discipline and transportation guidelines to support a safe environment. The measure sailed through the Senate with unanimous consent.

HB 447 aims to reinforce the safety and standards of student transportation by permitting school districts to utilize smaller vehicles for the transport of nine or fewer passengers, including the driver, for school and related activities, provided these vehicles conform to an approved alternative transportation plan and undergo the same stringent safety checks. The transportation proposal sailed through the Senate with unanimous consent.

SB 368 mandates that short-term rental platforms must inform users listing properties about residential occupancy rules, specifically those about R-1 residential zones. The purpose is to ensure that hosts are aware of and comply with the regulations regarding the type of properties they can list on these platforms. The measure passed 35-2.

SB 317 deals with the advancements in artificial intelligence (A.I.) voice capabilities and

establishes property rights for individuals concerning their name, voice, or likeness. It aims to protect individuals from unauthorized use of their attributes in A.I. applications or other contexts. The Senate advanced the measure 36-2.

SB 319 aims to improve support for crime victims by increasing the compensation cap for victims of crimes, broadening eligibility to include caregivers, and removing the five-year statute of limitations. It also addresses the backlog of rape kits by implementing an online, multilingual application process for victim support and a system to track application status. I am very proud of the work my colleague, Senator Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville, has done for crime victims in our state, and I was thrilled to see this bill pass the Senate unanimously.

HB 15 aims to protect consumer privacy and ensure transparency in handling personal data by entities operating within the state. It mandates businesses to adopt data processing practices, obtain consumer consent for data collection and usage, and provide mechanisms for consumers to access, amend, or delete their data. I cast a vote in support of the measure, which cleared the Senate 36-2.

Senate bills passed last week now go to the House for deliberation. House bills passing the Senate with no changes now go to the Governor for his consideration to pass into law or veto. House bills with Senate changes return to the House, where they can either agree or disagree with the alterations. For more information and updates on all legislation advancing in the legislative process, visit the Legislative Record online at www.legislature.ky.gov.

In closing our newsletter, there was a recent update for all closely following our legislative process. The Kentucky General Assembly made significant revisions to the session calendar last week, rescheduling session days 53 and 54 to March 21 and 22, while days 55 and 56 will now fall on March 25 and 26. The dates for bill concurrence (March 27 and 28) and the veto period (March 29 through April 9) remain unchanged, marking a critical window for finalizing legislation.

This update offers a roadmap of the legislative timeline as we tackle the state's budget and other key initiatives. It highlights the importance of these final days in the legislative calendar, where the decisions made will have lasting impacts on the direction of our commonwealth.

For those invested in the outcomes of this session, staying informed and sharing your input is essential for effective engagement and advocacy. My office remains open and ready to assist you with any questions, concerns, or thoughts you may wish to share. I am accessible by email at Reginald.Thomas@LRC.KY.GOV. You can also leave a message for me on the Legislative Message Line at 800-372-7181.

Citizens with hearing impairments can use the Kentucky Relay Service at 711. A Spanish language line for legislative information will be available by calling 1-866-840-6571.

Historic St. Paul AME Church Receives $140,000 From African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund

$4 Million Awarded to Help Protect 31 Historic Black Churches across the country.

Today, we are proud to announce that Historic St. Paul AME Church has received $140,000 in funding from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

This funding will support the restoration project to preserve a site that was established as a place of worship and refuge in 1820 in a blacksmith shop. The building was built in 1826 with hidden rooms and passages above the sanctuary. According to oral tradition, the hidden areas served as a sanctuary where enslaved people could hide while escaping from bondage. The site is a rare example of Underground Railroad history.

Since 2017, the Action Fund has raised more than $91 million in philanthropic funding, and serves as the largest U.S. resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places.

We created the Preserving Black Churches program to ensure the historic Black church’s legacy is told and secured. That these cultural assets can continue to foster community resilience and drive meaningful change in our society,” said Brent Leggs, Executive Director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund. “We couldn’t be more excited to honor our second round of grantees and ensure that African Americans – and our entire nation – can enjoy an empowered future built on the inspiring foundations of our past.”

“Black churches have been at the forefront of meaningful democratic reform since this nation’s founding. They are a living testament to the resilience of our ancestors in the face of unimaginably daunting challenges,” said Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., historian, and advisor to the Action Fund “The heart of our spiritual world is the Black church. These places of worship, these sacred cultural centers, must exist for future generations to understand who we were as a people.”

View the full list of this year’s grantees and site descriptions at: https://savingplaces.org/blackchurches. To learn more about the mission to tell the full American story, visit: https://savingplaces.org/african-american-cultural-heritage.

Support Historic St Paul AME Church Preservation Fund at https://tinyurl.com/spamepresevation.

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