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New York Serves Community by Operating Farm
BETHEL AME CHURCH IN SETAUKET, NEW YORK SERVES COMMUNITY BY OPERATING FARM
By Cynthia Shepherd, 1st Episcopal District
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The Historical Bethel Hobbs Community Farm in Centereach, New York, owned by Bethel AME Church – Setauket, is the last African American-owned farm on Long Island. Now operating as a non-profit organization, it uses its 11-acres of farmland to feed Long Islanders and has been doing so for decades!
In 1906 James Hobbs, his wife, and eight children moved from Macon, Georgia, to a small Long Island community known as New Village. James began farming in the area and, in 1927, purchased land which became known as Hobbs Farm. Much of the produce harvested at that time was sold to New York City markets. After his death in 1929, the family continued to work the farm, with his son Alfred Hobbs taking ownership in 1955. Alfred Hobbs farmed his property for many years and rented farmland in the surrounding area to grow specific crops. He passed up many opportunities to sell the property, hoping it would always remain a farm.
When Alfred Hobbs died in 1996 at age 90, he bequeathed the farm property to the Bethel AME Church in Setauket, Long Island, where he was a member. His only stipulation was that the 11-acres of land had to remain farmland. The farm has now been renamed the Bethel Hobbs Community Farm. In 2007, Friends of Hobbs Farm was formed, which led to establishing a 501(c)(3).
Today the Bethel Hobbs Community Farm is operated entirely by volunteers. Through their hard work and assistance from donors, the farm grows and harvests an average of 30,000 pounds of fresh, organically grown produce annually. This produce is then donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens on Long Island. To support the work of the farm, it also offers Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) memberships which allow members to receive a weekly share of nutritionally dense organic produce grown on the farm, harvested, and packed the same day for delivery. In addition, the farm offers educational programs, community events, and a seasonal farm stand where the community can purchase organic produce at reasonable prices.
THE FARM HAS FIVE DISTINCT AREAS:
• THE MEMORIAL GARDEN: Is at the front or south end of the property. It is a quiet, shaded area with flowers, beautiful greenery, and a peaceful waterfall to aid in entering the presence of God while remembering those who have passed on. • THE REVEREND GREGORY LEONARD EDUCATION GARDEN: This area hosts educational events on farming and the nutritional value of organic produce for small groups. • THE GREENHOUSE: The Greenhouse allows the farm to begin and extend its growing season during colder months. • THE GARDEN OF EPHRAIM: This garden is wheelchair accessible with beautiful, paved areas with raised planting beds. There is also street access directly into the Garden of Ephraim and a shaded area to protect from sun sensitivity.
This area ensures that all who want to experience the blessings of farmland have an opportunity to do so safely. • THE FOOD PANTRY DONATION AREA: This area of the farm is the main growing area consisting of several acres of organic produce. The Bethel Hobbs Community Farm is successful because of the selfless efforts of all the volunteers who enable the farm to fulfill its mission. Their devotion to the farm contributes to its success. As a result, the farm shines as a symbol of hope and resilience. However, we always need more help in assisting the farm with its mission to restore the land to its original use, create a permanent retreat and education center on-site, and honor the Hobbs family legacy. Bethel Hobbs Community Farm welcomes your support as we continue to “plant seeds of hope.” If you are in the area or desire to visit and plan a volunteer day, please contact Brother Larry Corbett at larrycorbett7@ optonline.net or Brother Ron Manning at roncmanning17@gmail.com. Brother Corbett and Brother Manning are members of Bethel AME Church and on the Bethel Hobbs Community Farm Board of Directors. If you are interested in donating to assist with the work of ministry on the farm, please make your checks payable to Bethel AME Church, with Bethel Hobbs Farm in the memo. Checks can be sent to 33 Christian Avenue, Setauket, New York, or use our Cashapp $BethelSetauket, and place Bethel Hobbs Farm in the memo field. Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration and prayers for the farms’ continued success in feeding the hungry.
Mrs. Cynthia Shepherd is the Christian Education director of Bethel AME Church, Setauket, New York.
REV. DR. EMILYGAIL DILL APPOINTED TO THE SENATE OF BERMUDA AND JUNIOR MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY OF TRANSPORT
On February 16, 2022, the Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill was appointed to serve as a senator in Bermuda and as the junior minister of National Security and Transport. The Rev. Dr. Dill was educated at The Berkeley Institute and Sandys Secondary School. Her Bachelor of Arts was in English and Secondary Education from the esteemed Spelman College in Atlanta, with a minor in Music and Theater. She later obtained her Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theology Center in Atlanta with a concentration in Leadership Development and Pastoral Counseling. Senator Rev. Dr. Dill completed her doctorate in Leadership Development and Organization Dynamics from the UnitedTheological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, and her Human Resources Director Certification from Cornell University.
Bermuda’s Premier David Burt said, “I welcome the Rev. Dr. Emily Gail Dill to the Senate and congratulate her on her appointment as a junior minister. She has answered a call to serve at an important time in Bermuda, and I am grateful for her willingness to embark on this new facet of her already extensive public service.”
She brings to her appointments as senator and junior minister considerable strengths in the arts, education, and ministry and genuine empathy for the needs of others. Her record of work and success with Bermuda’s youth through the Alternative Education programme will add to the dedicated team at the Ministry of National Security who are focused on tackling the root causes of gang violence.
The Rev. Dr. Dill is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She is the recent former 1st Episcopal District Women in Ministry president, dean of the Ministerial Institute of the Bermuda Annual Conference, married to Presiding Elder Rev. Howard Dill, senior pastor of Allen Temple African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sandys, Bermuda, where she serves as assistant pastor.
...From Arrival p1 program were the salutations presented by the chaplain general. Chaplain General of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the Rev. Monwabisi Andrew Jamangile, the highest ranking chaplain of our church, represented the interest of the South African government. He conveyed formal greetings and a special welcome on behalf of the president of the Republic of South Africa, the Honourable Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa. He furthermore presented gifts to the bishop.
Bishop Beaman performed a profound act of humility by removing his blazer, rolling up his sleeves, and getting onto the ground to wash the feet of two people unbeknownst to them. The bishop requested the Rev. William Charles Legolie III (pastor of the first church), and Br. Henry van Rhyn (Boland Conference lay president) to remove their shoes and socks. Both men were seated at the front of the altar as bishop proceeded to wash their feet just as Jesus did, as per scripture. He stripped down, looked the part of a servant, took a basin of water to wash their feet and a towel to dry their feet. This act brought the entire service to a halt and evoked so many emotions by all present. No man of the cloth so highly ranked has ever performed such a duty of service to the people. Bishop made it vividly clear that he has come to serve and work with and for the people of the 15th and that he will do so as God ordains his steps.
Following the service, Bishop Beaman greeted and took photos with congregants before meeting with the clergy for dinner. Walking amongst the people after the service, the atmosphere was an expression of utter love and joy, and that had everything to do with Bishop Beaman’s powerful act. It reminded everyone that we are no greater than the next person and to love one another as the Bible teaches us.
We look forward to spending the next Quadrennium with Bishop Beaman as the presiding prelate of the 15th Episcopal District. ❏ ❏ ❏
CONGRATULATORY LISTINGS
MARCH 2022
Bishop Francine A. Brookins, 141st Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District, Is the Newly Elected Vice Chair of the Pan-Methodist Commission.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: bishopbrookins141@gmail.com.
The Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, Member of the Judicial Council of the African Methodist Episcopal Church - New Book Interview The Retirement Celebration for the Reverend Ernest L. Montague, Sr., Presiding Elder of the Baltimore District, Baltimore Conference, African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Baltimore District - Baltimore Conference
Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague, Sr. and First Lady Irene Montague
Virtual Retirement Celebration Event
Second Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Please visit the Baltimore District website for additional information, https://www. baltimoredistrictamec.org/.
Mailing address for sending congratulatory expressions: Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague • P.O. Box 1104 • Randallstown, MD 21133.
Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to Presiding Elder Ernest L. Montague @ emont. family.123@gmail.com.
An Interview with Jay Augustine, Author of Called to Reconciliation.
Called to Reconciliation: How the Church Can Cover Justice, Diversity and Inclusion, was released on February 8th by Baker Academic. It is available wherever books are sold. Go to https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=iz2B3qKb26k to listen to the interview.
Congratulatory expressions can be emailed to: jayaugustine9@gmail.com, the Reverend Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine. **CELEBRATING 44 YEARS OF MINISTRY**
To attend this virtual event, go to the link below and register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_-_06H4UFRSG_4_HAx3NHEA.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. PRESIDING ELDER RETIREMENT CELEBRATION Celebrating 46 Years of Ministry Please join us at Empowerment Temple AME Church on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. as we celebrate the retirement of Presiding Elder Cordell E. Hunter, Sr. and First Lady Joan Walker-Hunter. Please note that for those of you who cannot come in person, the celebration will be streamed online via our Eastern District Facebook page. https://www. facebook.com/EasternDistrictAME. Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: cordell944@aol.com.
On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder Mr. John Thomas III, we celebrate and applaud your achievements. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV)
To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC.
NECROLOGY LISTINGS
Mr. Carl B. Tucker,father of the Rev. Eric D. Tucker, pastor of St. Luke AMEC, Highland Park, MI, Fourth Episcopal District Dr. Chiquita Fye,medical director of the AMEC Connectional Health Commission (1988-2000)
TheReverend Mardell Ermaleen Stout-
Johnson,the mother of Dr. Jewell Stout, Jr., also the sister of Bishop Robert Vaughn Webster, Ret., 110th elected and consecrated bishop of the AMEC; Dr. Gladys D.W. Motley, and Mrs. Alma Jean Johnson
The Reverend Pleasant L. Hailey, Jr., a retired itinerant elder in the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a former president of the Connectional Council of the AMEC, the father of the Rev. Micah C. T. Sims, pastor, Greater Grant Memorial AMEC, Eleventh Episcopal District and Christopher Hailey
The Presiding Elder Alonzo Middleton,
retired. Presiding Elder Middleton retired from the Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AMEC
The Reverend Kenneth Lee Aiken
was the pastor of Greater Howard Chapel AMEC, Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Mr. Michael Vann Jones, brother of Sis. Sandra Smith, wife of the Rev. Quinten Smith, Sr., pastor of Greater Payne Chapel AMEC, Memphis, Tennessee and the fiancé of Mr. Jones, Ms. Jane Davenport
Mrs. Gwendolyn Denise Rakestraw
Owens, wife of the Rev. Dr. Ronald L. Owens, pastor of Mount Olive AMEC, Annapolis, Maryland, Washington Annual Conference of the Second Episcopal District Sister Winnie Ruth Davis Jennings, the wife of retired Presiding Elder Johnny E. Jennings of the North and South Houston District in the Texas Conférence of the Tenth Episcopal District; serving many years as first lady of the presiding elder district and was a life member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
MARCH 2022
The Reverend Marvin Transue Glenn Jr.,the loving husband of the Rev. Dr. Barbara Glenn (retired itinerant elder) former pastor of First AMEC, Gaithersburg, Maryland where the Rev. Marvin Transue Glenn, Jr. served as the associate pastor; Washington Annual Conference, Second Episcopal District, AME Church Mrs. Lillie Mae Franklin, mother of the Rev. Dorothy Hightower and mother-inlove of the Rev. Vincent Hightower, pastor of St. Mary-Bethlehem AMEC, Sweeny, TX in the Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District; she was an active member of Shiloh AMEC in Galveston, Texas and a life member of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AMEC The Reverend William H. Alston, a retired pastor of the AMEC, and also he had retired as a human resources/personnel officer at the Charleston Naval Shipyard and served as the 1st mayor of Awendaw from 1992-2009; he was a member of Union (Awendaw) AMEC, Mt. Pleasant District, Palmetto Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal ...continued on p13
Mr. Anthony Powe,the father of the Rev. Ronald Jackson, itinerant elder, and associate at New Greater Bethel AME Church, Jackson, TN, Thirteenth Episcopal District
Sis. Jerolene Brown Mosley, was the wife of the late Rev. Dr. Archibald Mosley who served as a presiding elder and as pastor of several churches in the Fourth Episcopal District District; she was an educator in the Detroit public schools for over 20 years and was accomplished pianist and organist
Mrs. Sharonda Nathan Miller,the daughter of the Rev. Priscilla Wilson, pastor of Pleasant Grove AMEC in Seale, Alabama in the Northeast Alabama Annual Conference, the Ninth Episcopal District
Mrs. Ira Lee Williams Vasser, mother of the Rev. Delphine L. Vasser, pastor of Lee Chapel AMEC, Dallas, TX in the North Texas Conference, Tenth Episcopal District
Mr. George F. Sydnor, father of consultant Wanda Smith and father-in-law of presiding elder Stanley G. Smith and cousin of the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, retired 20th editor of The Christian Recorder; Mr. George Sydnor was a member of Bethel AME Church, Bryn Mawr, PA, First Episcopal District
The Reverend Margaret McCready, local elder at Bethel AMEC Norwalk, Connecticut, the Rev. Dr. Richard Wesley Clarke, pastor, First Episcopal District
Brother “John” Samuel Holloway, Sr., the beloved father of the Rev. Calvin E. Holloway, pastor of Mt. Olive AMEC, Monticello, Florida, of the Eleventh Episcopal District, and the father-in-love of first lady, Sis. Patricia Holloway
Little Miss Ashanti Oshorn, the beloved first great granddaughter of the Rev. Willie J. Brown, pastor and first lady, the Rev. Susan J. Brown of Hopewell AME Church, Havana, Florida, Eleventh Episcopal District
Ms. Jacqueline L. (Smith) Robinson,daughter of the late presiding elder Richard D. Smith, Sr., Illinois Conference-North District and Mrs. Reatha L. Smith, Illinois Conference WMS life member and the sister of Ms. Ileta F. Smith, Illinois Conference WMS president, Fourth Episcopal District
Mrs. Clara Elizabeth Irvin, mother of the Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford, Episcopal supervisor of the Nineteenth District and mother-in-love of the Right Rev. Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., presiding prelate, Nineteenth Episcopal District; Mother Irvin, as she was affectionately called, was a beloved church mother, grandmother, and great grandmother as well as an incredible mother to seven children
Mrs. Dorothy H. Doctor,the mother of the Rev. Harvey Doctor, pastor of Pine Grove (Manning) AMEC, Santee District, Central Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church
Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder, Mr. John Thomas III.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV)
To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org •facebook.com/AMECFIC ❏ ❏ ❏
SEE ANSWERS ON PAGE 24
ACROSS
1. ___ was the son of Boaz by Ruth. 3. Jacob described ___ as being “unstable as water.” 5. _ _ is the subject of the greatest and most startling miracle of the gospel story. 8. _ __ went from pit to palace and from rags to riches. He was a youthful dreamer and his dreams came true. 9. ___ was born after the murder of Abel. 11. _ __was the second son of Moses and Zipporah to whom his father gave this name as a momento of his gratitude to God. 14. The disciple, __ was chosen by lot to succeed Judas Iscariot as an apostle. 17. ___ failed to exercise the proper authority of a parent over his children. 18. _ ____ , one time Galilean fisherman, an early disciple and apostle of
Jesus Christ. 20. _ __ would have taken Sarah, Abraham’s wife, into his harem, but learning that she was the wife of another, returned her uninjured. 21. _ __ was one of the best kings who ever sat upon the throne of Judah. He was the son and successor of Ahaz. 22. ___ was Ruth’s first husband who died inMoab. 23. Joshua is always spoken of as “the son of ___.”
DOWN
1. _ ___ ran away from his master and came into contact with Paul, who led him to
Christ. 2. _ __ was an able administrator. He conducted the Jewish exiles back to
Jerusalem in peace and safety. 4. _ __, the son of Abinoam, a Naphtalite, who with Deborah, defeated Sisera the leader of the Cannaanites. 6. _ __ was hesitant in accepting the disciples’ story of the Resurrection of Christ. 7. _ __ was courageous and persevered when the other spies became discouraged. 8. T he dreadful description of ___ tied to his name like a label, is that “he made
Israel to sin.” 10. _ __died thirty-one years short of a millennium. 12. _ __ was visited by the angel, Gabriel as he was ministering in his turn in the Temple. 13. _ __, the great spostle to the Gentiles, whose original name was Saul. 14. _ __ reported the plot on the king’s life. 15. _ __ narrowly escaped judgement. He lost everything, his wife was turned into a pillar of salt. 16. _ __ the first martyr of the Christian Church was stoned to death. 17. A pproaching Job in a courteous, yet cold manner, ___ sought to prove that all calamity is judgement upon sin. 19. _ __ was threashing wheat for his farmerfather when the call came to him to rise and become the deliverer of his nation.
