April 2024 Edition of The Christian Recorder

Pan-Methodist Bishops From U.S. Visit Rome

Methodist Ecumenical Office in Rome

ROME (MEOR) – A group of 10 bishops from three different Methodist churches in the United States embarked on a study pilgrimage in Rome, Italy, from 5-8 March 2024. The bishops were drawn from the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and The United Methodist Church; all three churches are member churches of the World Methodist Council, the international Christian communion of Methodist, Wesleyan, and Uniting churches. The three churches underwent separation during the 19 th century due to the sin of slavery and racism. Since 2012, the churches, along with three other Methodist churches, are in a special full communion relationship.

The trip was organized by the Methodist Ecumenical Office Rome with the generous support of the Kentucky-based Magee Christian Education Foundation. The Rev. Dr. Jean Hawxhurst, ecumenical staff officer of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church, also provided leadership, collaboration, and program development for the study pilgrimage.

The bishops began their program on 5 March with a visit to the necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica, where the group prayed the Lord’s Prayer near the tomb of Peter the Apostle.

During their visit to Rome, the bishops met with leaders from various departments of the Vatican to learn about dialogue, theologies of Christian unity, and MethodistCatholic relations. The delegation first met with H.Em. Cardinal Kurt Koch of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity along with dicastery officials ...continued on p2

Seek the Lord

The Moral Responsibility of Leadership

Bro. Melvin Esau, Contributing Writer

This paper is to generate discussion on the healing process the church should embark on. This discussion will inevitably establish the TRUE state of the church.

I would like to introduce this paper by quoting two (2) portions of scripture.

James 5 verse 16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man\woman is powerful and effective.”

Psalm 34 verse 18 says,“For the Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in Spirit.”

Rev. Barry Settle, Contributing Writer

Isaiah 55:6-7

Seek the LORD while he may be found, call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake their way, and the unrighteous their thoughts; let them return to the LORD, that he may have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

During the 5 th District Midyear Convocation, the Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler preached from Ezekiel 10:18 and the title of his sermon was “When God Exits the Church.” During his sermon, Dr. Tyler made this statement,

Asbury Seminary Signs MOU With African Methodist Episcopal Church, 13th Episcopal District

WILMORE, KY, Mar. 14, 2024—Asbury Theological Seminary signed an MOU with the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on March 7, 2024. Their partnership offers ongoing training and support for African American women clergy and lay leaders within the district. Dr. Gregg A. Okesson, provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs at Asbury Seminary, signed the agreement

...continued on p24 ...continued on p2

to discuss current trends in the modern ecumenical movement and the need for greater consensus on the definition and goal of Christian unity. Additionally, the delegation learned about the Catholic Church’s synodal process at the Synod Office, where they were welcomed by Sr. Nathalie Becquart XMCJ, undersecretary of the Synod office, and taught by Synod official Sr. Marie Kolbe Zamona.

The bishops also visited the headquarters of the Methodist-Waldensian Church in Italy and the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy. At the Methodist-Waldensian headquarters, the delegation was received by Deacon Alessandra Trotta, a Methodist deacon serving as the moderator of the General Board

along with Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield, presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District of the AME Church.

The partnership is partially funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. It provides Asbury Seminary the privilege of learning from the AME 13th Episcopal District while co-teaching a certificate in church revitalization with African Methodist women. The first cohort of thirty students will begin Spring 2024. The MOU likewise offers opportunities for mentored ministry, book publishing, and collaboration around church planting and church multiplication. In communal preparation for this embarkment, thirty women with the staff of Asbury Seminary retreated in January 2024 in Charleston, South Carolina.

(Tavola Valdese), and Pastor Luca Anziani, president of the Methodist permanent committee. The Methodist Church in Italy and the Waldensian Church formed an union in 1975. Pastor Luca Baratto, executive secretary, welcomed the group to the Federation of Protestant Churches in Italy and overviewed the Federation’s ministries. Ms. Marta Bernardini and Ms. Fiona

Kendall of Mediterranean Hope presented on the Federation’s work with migrants and refugees. Additionally, the Rev. Sarah Mae Gabuyo, a United Methodist elder serving as the pastor of Ponte Sant’Angelo Methodist Church in Rome, led the group in a time of prayer during their visit to the church.

“We are deeply excited and honored to embark on this transformative agreement with the AME Church. This groundbreaking partnership reflects our steadfast dedication to support and learn from African American women in ministry. Beyond simply offering educational resources, our mission is to empower and uplift these remarkable leaders within the church,” says Dr. Timothy Tennent, president of Asbury Seminary.

Asbury Seminary and the AME Church share a heritage rooted in the Wesleyan holiness tradition. Both organizations are looking forward to advancing the kingdom together.

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Pan Methodist p1

...From Asbury p1

If your attention is fixed on the HURT, you will continue to suffer, but if you focus on the LESSON you will continue to GROW.

I see the role of the intellectuals (leadership) in our church is to articulate and defend the principals of liberation and democracy at all cost, and to do so by impressing the membership of the church with realities and values. Otherwise, our future (if we are to have one at all) is extremely grim, and in a sense not worth defending.

The fact that the weak (poor\working class) and the strong (rich\ruling class) go to the starting block endowed with very unequal skills, wealth, and social capital is not mentioned in this way of seeing the matter. This would entail recognising the right to freedom and equal opportunities to every single member of this church. We see, therefore, that this neoliberal idea of freedom represents a regression to the prevailing ethos before the era of the French Enlightenment where it was already clear that law establishes equality between the poor and the rich and that freedom without law is tentamount to oppression. Neoliberalism does not believe in strengthening the working class and promoting equal opportunities. Their wellbeing is, instead, supposed to depend on the “generosity” and the “uplifting” of the ruling class. The weak are social ballast, able to relate to rich only as dependents and beggars.

Historical Context

Mr. Mandela and other “moderates” in the ANC leadership believed that the apartheid government and the ANC would be equal partners in the voyage to the “New South Africa.” They also believed that as the natural majority party, they would glide into power and that the trust of the “white” South Africans were not misplaced. Mr. De Klerk knew from the day he came into power, that he should find a way to remove all apartheid laws from the statute books. The objective was to retain power, to perpetuate white privilege and the economic status quo after apartheid was gone. Let me say it very clearly, the “New South Africa” has

brought about fundamental changes in the form of rule and in the instructional furniture of the capitalist state.

Racism is real and it has real consequences which will not disappear overnight. Most South Africans will for a very long time see themselves, and one another, as “African,” “Indian,” “Coloured,” and “White,” simply because these identities were constructed in terms of ruling class agendas and interests over decades and centuries. These people have a right to see themselves as such, but given the history of racial conflict and inequalities, it is the duty of those in leadership (power) to create conditions in which the need to identify in this way becomes unnecessary and undesirable. There is a lot more that we can do in the short to medium term to create a more tolerant and tolerable social climate. It will take generations of consistent and patient work to alter the underlining structures that cause and entrench racial prejudice and all the awful expressions of hatred and ignorance that inevitably go with racial stereotyping.

I would like to conclude with following:

If we are serious about healing and the equality of all church members, we need to address these fundamentals (critical points) openly and honestly throughout the Connection. It might even help with our “CHURCH GROWTH” challenges

1. Is a race-less society possible, and should such a society be our desired destination?

2. We also need to confront the issue of human worth or dignity. We should stop seeing people as assets and in terms of their exchange value.

3. It is time that we admit publicly and without any qualification that we cannot fight racial inequality, racial prejudicel, and racial thinking by using racial categories as a “site of redress.”

In the words of Neville Alexander, “Race is skin deep, humanity is not.” ❏ ❏ ❏

The Need for a True Chief Financial Officer Role in the AME Church – Part I

Cynthia Gordon-Floyd, C.P.A., C.F.E., Contributing Writer

My heart aches for the loss of retirement funds that so many of our faithful pastors have suffered. In December 2021, at the General Board meeting held in Nashville, I listened in disbelief to the report of the forensic accountant documenting the massive loss, and wondered how something so devastating could occur in a body of believers. During this same meeting, the retiring chief financial officer (CFO) gave a glowing report of his twenty-five years of service to the church. Having served as a chief financial officer for several companies myself, I could not reconcile those two realities. Yet, there it was—a horrific example of the need for an independent chief financial officer handling a proper scope of responsibility within the church. The retiring chief financial officer had not been responsible for the department (Retirement Services) that had suffered the fraudulent act. In other words, the chief financial officer position had no responsibility (or control) over the majority of the money collected by the church. The General Budget Fund collected and managed by the AME Finance Department is reported to bring in approximately $14 million annually which is a shockingly small percentage of the total amount of money collected annually. This lack of proper and centralized financial oversight became the gaping hole that $91 million dollars fell through.

The 300-leaf Tree of Life pictured above is a classic design that allows for a wide range of presentation shapes and accommodates a large number of donor names. This carefully crafted Tree of Life can provide the perfect way to:

• Recognize contributors to a building fund or fund-raising campaign

• Honor contributors to an endowment fund

• Salute individuals or groups for outstanding service or achievements

• Create a tasteful memorial

How could this happen? First, the retirement funds were held by the AME Church, not by a third-party annuity administrator, as many believed. Therefore, it was the responsibility of the AME Church to safeguard those assets. Next, the director of Retirement Services (as described in Doctrine and Discipline, 2021), is an “Administrative Officer” who has the responsibility of issuing “correct accounting and report of all monies received” and is responsible for the “operation and retirement and hospitalization coverage for all salaried employees of the AME Church.”

Yet, this position has no qualifications listed—implying that any member in good standing could qualify to hold this position. In this case, a position with the responsibility of managing more than a hundred million dollars did not have any financial oversight from an independent chief financial officer to ensure transparency, accountability, and financial compliance. Clearly, a great vulnerability existed and was exploited.

The next installment of this article (Part II) will develop the need for a chief financial officer by discussing the current duties of the position and the specific duties that are not part of this critical position.

Cynthia Gordon-Floyd is a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner. She is the founder of Willing Steward Ministries, LLC. Willing Steward Ministries (www.willingsteward.com) is a financial consulting and accounting firm for churches and other faith-based nonprofits, specializing in Bible-focused financial practices, pastoral compensation issues, IRS compliance, and other financial needs specific to churches. Cynthia is a graduate of Lake Forest College and holds her MBA in Accounting from DePaul University. She teaches a certificate program in Church Financial Management at Turner Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.

• The Tree of Life is so successful because the donor’s personalized message will be on display forever

Its leaves are miniature brass plaques that we custom engrave for mounting on sculpted plexiglass backgrounds. The result is elegant and economical.

The Problem With Pronouns

Quardricos Driskell, Columnist

I am a cisgender, heteronormative man. However, I do understand being transgender in this life can be exhausting and scary. Politicians are trying to criminalize the existence of trans individuals by introducing over 496 anti-trans bills in 2024. Transgender people are under attack, both with legislation and physical violence.

Nex Benedict, a 16-year-old non-binary student in Oklahoma, died in February after they were assaulted in their school’s bathroom. Family members said Benedict had been bullied at school, and the teenager’s death drew concern from LGBTQ+ rights groups, as well as attention from Oklahoma’s governor and the White House. At the core of transphobic discrimination is a fundamental yet dangerous misunderstanding of who transgender people are, and there is a false and violent narrative that this 496 legislation introduces in general assemblies isn’t about the existence of the transgender community, but that is, these bills are intended to protect children – it doesn’t – in fact, it kills them. Because it unconsciously teaches our children to hate and fear the other.

Speaking trepidatiously, I would imagine that bathrooms are not the only space where transgender receive messages that they don’t exist. Gender dysphoria is different for everybody, and gender affirmation is essential to the trans experience. In 2022, 94 percent of transgender and nonbinary Americans reported being happier after they transitioned, and 30 of the leading medical associations in the

United States support gender-affirming care. Policies that ban gender-affirming care increase depression and suicidality among transgender and nonbinary youths. Rather than perpetuating the false narrative that transgender people are confused or coerced into irreversible body mutilations, denying transgender people genderaffirming care denies them the chance to live a healthy, authentic, and fulfilling life.

Gender-affirming care includes physical and mental resources that affirm one’s identity. Transgender people are not advocating for nor experiencing genital mutilation, but the binary construction of gender does lead to intersex genital mutilation. Experts estimate that 1.7 percent of the population is born intersex – a combination of male and female biological traits – yet they are often subjected to nonconsensual surgery that changes their external genitals to fit into either the category of male or female. An intersex person (sex characteristics) may identify as a man (gender identity) and as heterosexual (sexual orientation). In recent years, awareness of intersex people and recognition of the specific human rights abuses that they face has grown, thanks to the work of intersex human rights defenders.

Gender, as socially constructed and upheld by policymakers and church leaders, forces people into an oppressive hierarchy in which women fall below men, and gender-diverse individuals do not even exist. Transgender people always have and will exist, no matter how many politicians and faith leaders try to use binary to eradicate them.

Even if politicians do not acknowledge the

identity of transgenderall people, regardless of beliefs and the understanding of pronouns, should be given the dignity and respect of simply being a human and should feel safe existing as a transgender person. Some politicians and clergy continue to paint genderaffirming care and transpeople as dangerous, but they are simply asking for the right to live. Members of the trans community are dying while politicians claim they “care about the kids” – a trope the black community has heard before.

I will conclude with a true story.

I met a grandmother who calls her grandbaby by the pronouns “they and them” because their grandbaby identifies as transgender. This grandmother said to me, “I don’t know nothing about this trans stuff. I don’t know anything about these pronouns, none of it, but that’s my grandbaby, and what I do know is that this world is going to try to eat and destroy my baby because they are different,  so if ‘she’ (grandchild assigned female at birth) wants me to call ‘her’ them or they and not ‘her’ - that’s what I am going to do because I am a mother and that’s what mothers do.”

We cannot expect the world to operate as a protective mother, but we can hope policymakers, primarily clergy, make a space where everyone can know God’s love.

in Alexandria, VA. Follow him on Twitter @q_driskell4.

How to Talk to Your Children After the Pandemic

Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, Contributing Writer

Many adults don’t realize how much children are able to understand. Let me advise you that it’s often far more than you think. You see, children attach meanings to our facial expressions, increased voice volume, tears, or attempts to keep things from them when we whisper. Not only do they understand when there is anger, threat, fear, or sadness–they also respond to it.

Not only do adults grieve a loss or fear the future–our children do also. And they watch us in order to gauge how serious, situations are.

The behavior of some acting out, angry, defiant students follow their having been left out of events after the death and even the funeral of a mother or other family member living in the home. Thinking it best not to sadden or worry the child–adults may opt keep the death a

secret from the child until after the funeral is held. And because of this some adolescents are angry, aggressive and disrespectful to teachers and adult authority figures. For some, it may be because they were never told who their father was or taken seriously about the daily bullying or the loss of an important friendship. I fear that there are children who throughout these years of pandemic and racial violence–have never been given an opportunity to communicate what they were feeling as they watched the anger, sadness, and fear on the faces of those in their family, their community, or the newsperson on TV. What do black children think and feel when they learn of the black people killed in rapid succession and without cause; or when they notice their parents behaving more anxious whenever they leave the house?

Recently I joined a panel discussion on “Suicide and the Black Church,” sponsored by Mr. Jewel Woods, founder of Black Male Behavioral Health and Center for Boys and Men. The need for such a discussion arose from alarming new statistics. By 2020, suicide was the leading cause of death for black girls aged 12 to 14. Further information from writer Marc Ramirez notes that “Black suicide rates, once among the nation’s lowest, have risen dramatically among youths” (Marc Ramirez, 7/2023, USA Today ), and cites sobering information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate increase in suicide among those ages 10 ...continued on p6

Reverend Professor Quardricos Bernard Driskell is a federal lobbyist, an adjunct professor of religion and politics at The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management, and pastor of the historic Beulah Baptist Church

– 24 represented the largest percentage jump among any demographic I have spent many academic years in order to become a certified school psychologist and a licensed clinical psychologist. I did so with the understanding that there was a call on my life to minister using psychospiritual skills of science and the kingdom. So I share these suggestions with you in hopes that it will bring healing and save lives.

There are children in our churches and families who are now struggling with a sense of fear, anxiety, anger, and hopelessness–but no one is listening, or understanding the depth of their ability to feel. There is likely someone who is reading this article now who has had the thought of suicide during these last four years.

I offer to you, what I have learned : 1. If you or your child have been struggling with these feelings–see a therapist–it is good selfcare to give consideration to your thoughts and feelings! Go on Psychology Today , the Association of Black Psychologist or Christian

Counselors listings and find a therapist in your area. Promise yourself at least 6-10 sessions.

2. Pledge to set aside a space of at least half an hour to begin a wellness check discussion with your child. Perhaps start by saying, “Let’s meet for a few minutes on ____ at ___o’clock; I want to make time for us to talk.” (Have a list of questions that can start a conversation and not just be answered yes or no. Choose maybe two of these starters.):

A. So much has been going on in the world these past few years. How do you think any of these things have affected you?

B. What are a few of the things that you think black people are talking about these days? How do these things make you feel? What do you say to yourself when you hear about these things?

C. What do you think you’ll be doing 20 years from now? What would you like to be doing then? (Listen for any negativity or hopelessness.)

3. Encourage them to tell you about the best day they have had lately.

4. Ask what they do when they are frustrated, angry, depressed, or need a hug.

Explain faith to them. Tell stories about how it has helped you through rough times in your life. Let them see you pray. Tell them Bible verses about faith. Lay your hands on them and bless them. Thank God for them. Tell God how much you love them. Thank God for the positive things you see in them. Ask God’s help with any raised issues. Give them a hug when you finish, especially if hugging isn’t typical in your family.

The hard things you are going through are part of life. Many adults have been through these things as well. But there is a God who is on your side, and that God is determined to help you so you will be able to find the strength to make it through! ❏ ❏ ❏

Bridging Faith and Action: Insights From Greater Allen Chapel’s Men’s Prayer Breakfast

Daryl J. Minor, 8th Episcopal District

On Saturday, January 20, 2024, the Greater Allen Chapel AME Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, witnessed a powerful gathering at the Men’s Prayer Breakfast under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Alonzo L. Williams. The distinguished speaker for the occasion, the Rev. Carlton Galmon of Greater Historic Bethel AME Church in Ellisville, Mississippi, delivered an inspiring message rooted in the biblical verse Jeremiah 4:6, titled “A Mind to Work.”

To contextualize the significance of Jeremiah 4:6, the Rev. Galmon provided a brief background on the biblical figure Jeremiah, known as the “weeping prophet.” Jeremiah faced challenging circumstances but exemplified unshakeable faith and commitment to his divine purpose. His story is a testament to the challenges of delivering difficult messages, the resilience required in the face of adversity, and the enduring hope of God’s redemptive plan. This served as a backdrop to the prayer breakfast, framing the discussion within the context of overcoming challenges with a resilient spirit to work towards God’s purpose.

The Rev. Galmon captivated the audience by emphasizing three essential points:

1. We Must Have a Mind to Work:

The Rev. Galmon drew parallels between Jeremiah’s steadfastness and the call for attendees to cultivate a resilient mindset. Emphasizing the necessity of focusing on the work at hand, he highlighted how Jeremiah’s commitment to his divine calling mirrored the audience’s call to persevere in their pursuits. Encouraging a steadfast mindset, he urged everyone to persevere in their endeavors, grounded in the belief that divine strength accompanies dedicated effort. With unrelenting faith, he reminded attendees that there is nothing too difficult for God.

2. We Must Have the Means to Work:

Building on Jeremiah’s resourcefulness in his prophetic mission, the second point delved into the practical aspects of realizing one’s goals. The Rev. Galmon emphasized the necessity of having the means to work, encompassing time, talent, and resources. He urged the audience to recognize the power of community, highlighting the importance of

collaboration. Principles such as strategic planning and economic resources were explored, shedding light on the synergy between individual efforts and collective action. Galmon emphasized that just as Jeremiah navigated challenges strategically, the church and its members, too, can benefit from strategic planning and community collaboration.

3. We Must Have the Motivation to Work:

The Rev. Galmon concluded with a powerful reflection on the significance of motivation. He articulated the need for a deep, intrinsic drive that fuels our commitment to work. Whether it be personal aspirations, community betterment, or spiritual growth, the motivation to work becomes the driving force propelling individuals forward on their respective journeys. Echoing the prophet’s commitment to his calling, attendees were encouraged to find their personal motivations, whether in spiritual growth, community betterment, or personal aspirations.

In a poignant conclusion, the Rev. Galmon stressed the importance of self-encouragement and support for leaders. Reflecting on Jeremiah’s challenges, he reminded the audience that, like the prophet, they must uplift themselves and extend encouragement to those in leadership roles. This added layer of wisdom resonated deeply, inspiring a collective commitment to fostering a positive and supportive community.

In the spirit of Greater Allen’s leadership under the Rev. Alonzo L. Williams, the Men’s Prayer Breakfast was a transformative experience, uniting biblical teachings with practical guidance. The Rev. Carlton Galmon’s address not only illuminated the teachings of Jeremiah but also left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of those present, fortifying their faith and resolve in the journey ahead.

Report From the 2024 Session of the Global Development Council

This report is a collaborative effort between the Rev. Gaborone Lesito, TCR 19 th Episcopal District field representative; 17 th Episcopal District field representative; the Rev. Royd Mwandu; and TCR News editor, the Rev. Jazmine Brooks. Photos were provided by Mr. Walter Jones. Pre Global Development Council Activities – Arrival and Registration - 20 February 2024

The Global Development Council General Assembly and Executive Meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was held from 20 – 23 February 2024 at Hilton Hotel, 138 Rivonia Road, Sandton, South Africa. The 19 th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. were the honored hosts.

People traveled from across the globe to just be in attendance as delegates as well as observers. Some travelled by road while others by air. Some delegates from within the Southern Africa sub-region took two days to arrive and crossed several borders just to be present at the GDC 2024.

The flight by the field representative for the 17th Episcopal District, the Rev. Royd Mwandu, from Lusaka Zambia to Johannesburg lasted two hours only while those from outside the African continent lasted more than fifteen hours. The Oliver Tambo International Airport was a hive of activities for AME’s.

This is where the services of the transport team led by the Rev. Teboho Klaas were most appreciated. The other team members were Brother Medupe Motloung, sister Katlego Xaba, Sister Patricia Matokonyane, and the Rev. Bianca Canley. They did exceptionally well to ensure all arrivals were attended to timeously. Brother Motloung of the assistant transport team, made the writer know that their role was to make everybody happy including those who did not notify the team of their arrival. He stated, more than eighty (80) AME’s had checked in through the O. R. Tambo International Airport and more were being expected.

Among the dignitaries that they had attended to at the time of the arrival of the FR were chair, Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe, from the 14 th Episcopal District, GDC vice chair, Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., of the 17 th Episcopal District, Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II, of the 16 th Episcopal District, Bishop Francine A. Brookins of the 18 th Episcopal District and Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., from the 3 rd Episcopal District Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Bishop McAllister, Jr. several leaders of component organizations and Connectional officers had also passed through the capable hand of the transport team.

Herewith verbal expectations of delegates to the 2024 GDC:

17 th Episcopal District – Mildred Chipawa – From Chipata Nyimba district for the first time. Observing, learning. Step further to be at another level. Felt more of the Connectional church. Never go back the same

Martin Lombe – Expected radical changes in governance, geographical landscape of the AME Church. He was hopeful the 17 th Episcopal District will be Zambia as a stand alone. Brother Obbie Kasanda and the Rev. Cliff Silupya, PE concurred.

Dimpho Gaobepe – Election of candidates from Africa. Partnership in mission and objectives of the GDC. CIO needs a representative on the continent of Africa to synergize. Allen Christian Evangelical League (Amadodana) must find her way in The Book of Doctrine and Discipline

Dr. Maurice McCauley – Vision for the church still stands. Challenges are still there. Careful in defining the nomenclature of the GDC. Bring millennials on the table of decision making. Parity individual priority, not made maximum use of the over three hundred votes from districts 14 – 20.

Day One - Global Development Council in Worship 21 February 2024

Procession – Hymn was: “We Are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.” In the processions were the following bishops of the AME Church:

❖ GDC Chair, Bishop Paul J.M.Kawimbe, from the 14 th Episcopal District

❖ GDC Vice Chair, Bishop David R. Daniels Jr., of the 17 th Episcopal District

❖ Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II, of the 16th Episcopal District

❖ Bishop Francine A. Brookins of the 18 th Episcopal District

❖ Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., from the 3 rd Episcopal District

❖ Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah, Bishop McAllister, Jr.

❖ Connectional and General Officers

Worship leader was Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr.

Call to worship was done by Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe

Hymn of Praise: “And Are We Yet Alive”

The Invocation: Bishop Julius McAllister, Jr. from the 1st Episcopal District. Selection by combined choir of the 19 th Episcopal District. As they sang foot thumping made a huge difference as many joined in the dance.

Bishop Ronnie E. Brailsford read the abridged Decalogue

Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II of the 16 th Episcopal District presented the preacher.

Sermonic Hymn was: “Blessed Assurance”

RA Dream:

Don’t let your dream die

Activate the dormant dream in you

Bishop Francine A. Brookins was the preacher of the day

❖ Title – Follow Your Dream / Remember the Vision - Joel 2:28 – 29

❖ What is happening – are we going to survive?

❖ Trust God for the vision he has given you

❖ In a vision, God shows you doing things that look impossible

❖ Dreams and vision are needed

❖ What’s the vision and dream

❖ It’s coming in a song and whisper

❖ Begin to share the dream with people you ought to share it with

❖ God did not bring us this far to come and leave us

❖ God can still use each and every one of us

❖ Return to God

❖ Some candidates are running to run – others have a dream, sent by God

❖ Too many aborted dreams

❖ Unfulfilled visions

❖ We must believe in miracles signs and wonders

❖ Realize the dream of GDC

The service of Holy Communion marked the climax of the GDC key note worship experience.

Having adopted the agenda the following committees broke out into working:

Christian Education – Kwena Room one

Church Growth and Development - Kwena Room two

Legislative Committee – Pau room

Economic Development – Temba room

Leadership and Empowerment – Ezimba room

Special recognition was given to Bishop Silvester S. Beaman of the 15 th Episcopal District who was reportedly unwell. Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., senior bishop, could also not travel due to other commitments as well as Bishop Frederick A. Wright of the 20 th Episcopal District.

Day 2: Days two and three were mostly occupied with the breakaway sessions of various commissions led by bishops and general of ficers. Most of the commissions reported on Friday, 23 February 2024.

Bills brought to the floor and discussed

1. Management and record keeping of GDC records (this bill was supported)

2. Redistricting of the 17 th District (supported, with mission stations to be under Church Growth and Development)

3. Allen Christian Evangelical League (ACEL). This

...continued

is an evangelistic organisation that has existed for over 50 years in the 15 th, 18 th, and 19 th districts (to be placed in Church Growth and Development)

4. Charlotte Maxeke Ladies fellowship (CMLF) (did not get supported due to similarities with the Women’s Missionary Society -WMS; agreed that the bill needed to be worked on)

5. Sons of Allen (not supported, the bill was not properly drafted)

The matter of the covenant that the three African bishops signed to guarantee their election, accepting that they will not serve districts 1 through 13 was yet again under the spotlight. A few realities were noted.

• The document is not in The Book of Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church

• It has no legal standing, so none of the said bishops should be bound by it.

• It is discriminatory.

A consensus was reached that a balance on the election of bishops be sought at the ensuing 2024 General Conference.

The closing worship experience preaching was received from Bishop Paul Jones Mulenga Kawimbe, prelate of the 14 th District, chair of the Global Development Council, and president of the General Board.

What a GDC we had. What a way to lead and look forward to the 2024 General Conference. For some this GDC was a great success from the point of hosting, logistics, attendance, A Taste of Africa, fellowship, and robust deliberations. Yet, the question still remained, ‘Has this GDC delivered on its mandate, will the General Conference hear Africa?’

Deliberations on the Floor

Reporting back to the plenary.

Some of the delegates that were in attendance of the GDC.

Members of the Judicial Council were in attendance of the closing worship experience.

Educational institutions of our Zion had their staff present to display and share information on programmes offered.

Bishop P.J.M. Kawimbe

TCR Team on the grounds.

Bishop R.E. Brailsford

Global Development Council (GDC) 2024, Sandton, South Africa – 19 th Episcopal District

— Welcome

Event: A Taste of Africa

– Cultural Arts Night

The song by Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons – “ December 1963 (Oh! What a Night)” came to mind when this night opened up like a flower opening up in the morning to accept the fresh sun rays to beautify the earth.

Inspired by the many African-oriented productions she has presented in her past, Supervisor Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford saw “a dream come true” in Africa, as she and the phenomenal Team 19th Welcome Committee organised and executed an extraordinary event. This was a night where the 19 th Episcopal District pulled out all stops to ensure that the GDC and the AME Church globally gets a taste of Africa. This was exp erienced through music, dance, african cuisine, and a fashion show to showcase who Africa really is.

The evening commenced with African food enjoyed by the delegates and visitors. This ranged from ting, maotwana, morogo, bohobe, mala mogodu etc. This was indeed an experience more for the delegates from the 1 st through 13 th districts, some of whom were asking for more.

The evening was hosted (MCed) by the Rev. Tebogo Gordon Mabena and Sis. Poppy Kareli. There was no better way to commence this evening except by a procession led by the bishop and supervisor. Two groups entered from opposite sides of the conference room, reminiscent of many South African weddings, where the bride and groom groups sing their hearts out and meet each other at the centre. The bishops, general officers, Connectional officers, judicial council members would not be left out of the festivities as they joined in.

The performances included The Performing Arts and Culture Development Marimba Team and the Inkunzi Ezimdaka Mzantsi Dancers who started their performances outside while the African dinner was served. This cool South African evening was set up outside overlooking the swimming pool while people were mingling.

The Moses Reid Memorial AME Church Choir, House of Grace, and the19 th Episcopal District Youth Choir and supervisor went to the stage in turns

to render three different music genres.

House of Grace, a popular Gospel music group, was not to be outdone as they ascended the stage to wow the audience.

The supervisor assembled and trained a group of young people - from as young as seven years old - who sang like matured artists, singing “O Sé Baba,” meaning, “Thank you, Father.”

An evening of dance.

While most of the audience thought all was over, a fashion show of the South African tribal groupings included BaTswana, BaSotho, VhaTsonga BaPedi, AmaXhosa, VhaVenda AmaZulu, AmaNdebele, and AmaSwati. Each of these groups were represented by at least two women who showcased the tribe’s dance and attire while dancing to specific music of the tribe.

The Hosts - Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr., and Supervisor Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford.

Bishop and Supervisor Brailsford, bishops, general officers and connectional officers.

African cuisine at its best.

The night came to a glorious close with delegates, observers, guests, and participants celebrating this as one of the greatest welcome events in the history of the GDC. What an amazing night it was. To God be the glory. ❏ ❏ ❏

19 th Episcopal District Youth Choir + Supervisor

Moses Reid Memorial AME Church Choir

House of Grace

Violinist - Bro. Arthur Matlhatsi

Soloist - Sis. Bridgette Modise

20 th Anniversary Celebration and 9 th LOADI Meeting

The 9 th session of the LOADI convened in the 19 th Episcopal District at the Hilton Hotel, Sandton South Africa from Friday 23 rd to Saturday 24 th February 2024. The meeting commenced just after 4 p.m. South African time. Present were four general officers, six bishops, five connect ional officers and 205

LOADI chairperson, Sis. Nomthimba Khoza14,15,17,18, 19, & 20 Episcopal district presidents

registered delegates. This year’s event was packed with sharing the understanding of what the Lay Organisation Africa Development Initiative (LOADI) is and where it comes from, signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), awards for various categories, leadership training, overview of the Global Development Council (GDC), and worship experiences.

The precursor to the LOADI started as a collaborative MoU between the 15th and the 19 th Episcopal Districts in 2003, with the MoU being concluded in 2004. The LOADI naming was only adopted in 2011, concretising the following, summarised objectives, viz.; to unify the Lay Organisation in Africa, develop education programmes, learn and share from each other’s processes and systems, approach the biennial sessions cohesively, have a common voice at GDC, and prepare for the General Conference.

The LOADI logo was unveiled to great excitement. This will be visible in all LOADI correspondence, events, and paraphernalia.

Following the devotions led by the 19 th Episcopal District, the first business of the LOADI was a moment to sign the MoU. The Connectional Lay Organisation (CLO) president, Bro. Matikane Abe Makiti, presided over the event.

The MoU was signed by each of the Episcopal district presidents of the 14,15,17,18,19, & 20, and witnessed by bishops of the said districts.

This was a memorable experience as the 14th & 20 th Episcopal districts were signing for the first time. It was for the first time the MOU signing was

witnessed by the bishops and the 205 delegates in attendance.

Appreciation of the Founders, Pioneers, and Stalwarts: As 20 years of the LOADI was celebrated since its existence from 2004,

Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. (3 rd) opened with a word of prayer. The content of the MoU was explained by Bros. Kgosi Monaisa and Gopolang Khaile. This was followed by its adoption.

LOADI logo unveiled.

19 th Episcopal District

th Episcopal District 18 th Episcopal District

th Episcopal District

17 th Episcopal District 20 th Episcopal District

the Exco saw it befitting to award the four founders, one of whom was posthumous, to Bro. Manjinja, and Bro. Matikane Makiti (CLO president), Bro. Kgosi Monaisa, and Bro. Johann Claasen.

Will the LOADI District ever host the CLO Biennial Convention? The resolution for LOADI to host the CLO Biennial Convention was also discussed, and the resolution was captioned:

“Whereas the LOADI 9 th session entertained a discussion on the hosting of the Biennial Convention by one of the LOADI Episcopal districts’ Lay Organisation, be resolved that: The matter be submitted to the CLO Executive Board meeting scheduled for May 2024 for consideration.”

AWARDS

Various awards to recognise outstanding work and long service were also hosted.

Founders’ Awards

The 15 th Episcopal District was recognised as the district with the highest Lay Organisation members’ registrations.

Bro. Manjinja was awarded posthumously, his award was received by Bro. Sisilana

Pioneers’ Awards

Stalwarts’

Awards

Past presidents, Directors of Lay Activities (DOLA), and Young Adult Representatives (YAR) were also recognised for their outstanding work.

Candidates’ Forum

A total of 22 candidates for various offices in the Connectional church were called to the stage to present their visions and plans for the offices they seek. This took a panel kind of format with unique questions asked to each candidate.

Closing Worship

The evening of Saturday 24 February 2024 saw the closing of a marathon LOADI with a worship experience led by the Rev. Mmalorato Moikanyi Kgositlou, pastor of Bethel AME Church in Pretoria (19 th) and the preached word by the Rev. Dr. Julius H. McAllister, Jr., pastor of Bethel AME Church, Tallahassee, Florida.

LOADI founders following the jacketing

Founders’ award - Bro. Matikane A. Makiti

Three of the four founders, Bro. Matikane Makiti, Bro. K. Monaisa, and Bro. J. Klaasen. Jackets of honours with the new LOADI logo.

(15 th president)

Founders’ award - Bro. Kgosi Monaisa, 19 th ED

Founders’ award - Bro. Johann Claasen, 15 th ED

Bro. Herbert T. Mngadi, (19 th)

Bro. Bandile Deke (15 th)

Bro. Simon Letsoko (19 th)

Bro. Alfred Goliath (15 th)

Sis. Fezile Baduza (15 th), *Bro. Theodore Messiah (15 th), *Sis. Estelle Tasilla Katilungu (17 th), President Qedindaba Khumalo (15 th), *Posthumous

Sis. Hilda Mjuweni (20 th)

Bro. Augustine Chisale (17 th)

Bro. Prince Coker (14 th)

Bro. Simon Letsoko (19 th)

Induction

presided over the induction of the following officers for the 2024-2026 term.

Candidates forum team led by Judicial Council Judge Thabile Ngubeni and Bro. Lomex Sisilana, the 15 th ED president.

The candidates for various offices in the church.

The Delegates. Those standing were coming to LOADI for the first time.

Mot. Libertha Muthambo - chair (15 th), Bro. John Chilekwa - vice chair (17 th), Bro. Alfred Wolubeh – recording secretary (14 th), Sis. Florence Karakubis – assistant recording secretary (18 th).

Rev. Mmalorato M. KgositlouRev. Dr. Julius H. Mc Allister, Jr.

Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr.

How to Deal With Teenager Depression in a Biblical Way

Faith Mitchell, 1st Episcopal District Walk by Faith

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), studies have shown an estimated 5.0 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 20.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17. 1 A major depressive episode is a period of at least two weeks when a person experiences a depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities, and have a majority of specified symptoms, such as problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, or self-worth. 2 The teenagers affected by depression are in our community, church, and families. We must educate ourselves on how to help and identify the signs of depression. In Delaware organizations like the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), a pastor or licensed mental health therapist can help someone who is struggling.

Teenagers are exposed to social media, peer pressure, family drama, and traumatic experiences that may cause depression episodes. Many teenagers have shared with me their feelings about each of these areas of concern. Often when we talk, I encourage them not to hold in their feelings. I can do a better job by sharing scriptures and praying with them, even though class time and lunch are not always the best time to talk about deeply personal matters. From what my friends share with me, it appears that unhealthy parents contribute to unhealthy kids.

Reflectively, how should parents and other adult leaders guide youth in the Christian way

to eliminate and control issues that cause stress and depression?

In my humble opinion, parents should pay more attention to their children because depression is real and can start at any age. It’s crucial for parents to make a supportive and open environment available for their children where the child feels like they have someone who cares and talks to them. In addition, adults may need help with their own depression or troubles before he or she can truly help the child. In the Bible, John 16:33 states: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. 3

According to Dr. Gary Collins, Ph.D. in his book Christian Counseling , Christian parents should:

❖ hear God’s commandments and understand them

❖ obey God’s Word, because knowledge is not enough

❖ love their children and

❖ teach diligently, repeatedly, naturally, and personally. 4 I have struggled with depression. During these times, I find ways to cope by listening to music, laughing with friends, and loving my dog, “Miracle.” It’s not easy, but one thing you have to learn is to lean on your faith. God will always help during sad times. But you have to want to help yourself first. Then, he will lead you in the right direction. Remember to believe the words of Jesus found in Matthew 11:28 which states come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. 5 God will take care of our worries

and sadness.

As a young Christian, I have discovered having faith and trusting in God can provide comfort and hope during difficult times.

I am learning how to find solace in prayer, seek guidance from adults and the Bible, and derive strength from my faith. Additionally, being part of a supportive church community, like Bethel Wilmington gives me a sense of belonging and understanding. It’s important to remember that seeking professional help is also great, too.

In conclusion, we know teenagers may experience depression at some point. This is my call to action for all:

Teenagers that are listening, please speak up. Speaking up might feel uncomfortable and embarrassing, but remember, it’s okay to not be okay.

Parents, be ready to listen and show your children love and that you care.

Church family, create a safe space to talk about adolescent depression. My generation needs an open and understanding Christian community that is willing to hire a Christian counselor and provide a comfortable space to talk.

The Bible teaches us in John 4:16: And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.

1 National Institute of Mental Health, July 2023, National Institute of Mental Health Website, U.S. Government (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/majordepression#:~:text=Figure%202%20shows%20the%20 past,population%20aged%2012% 20to%2017).

2 Ibid.

3 The Holy Bible: New International Version.

4 Collins, Gary. Christian Counseling: A Comprehensive Guide (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1988), page 152.

5 The Holy Bible: New International Version

Journey

Along

the Camino de Santiago: Learning a New Way

Along “The Way”

Rev.

Candance L. Greene, Associate Pastor, Gethsemane AME, Baltimore

217,287. These are the number of steps that chronicle my eight-day journey walking the Camino de Santiago this past August. I had never heard of the Camino until it was presented to me by the chaplains at Fuller Theological Seminary where I am in my third year in the M.Div. program. In fact, the only pilgrimages of which I was aware were to Jerusalem and Mecca. The chaplains explained that the Camino is a holy pilgrimage that stretches across Europe to the tomb of St. James, the disciple, in Santiago de Compostela. Our goal was to walk the Portuguese branch of the Camino from Tui in Portugal into

Spain via Porrino, Arcade, Pontevedra, Caldas de Reis, Padron, and Santiago. Our purpose would be to take in the experience of walking this sacred path as pilgrims—the term used to describe those who walk the Camino—to deepen our faith through inner reflection, silence, holy listening, personal healing, prayerful contemplation, and communion with God. I knew immediately that the Holy Spirit had extended an invitation and that the Lord was calling me to the Camino.

In early August, armed with hiking poles, two pair of hiking boots, tons of compression socks, weather-appropriate clothing, a wide variety of

foot blister pads, and my Bible, I boarded a flight from JFK to Tui. ...continued on p24

Historic Bridge Street Celebrates 258 Years of Legends by Honoring Members who are 80 Years of Age and Older as Living Legends

Historic Bridge Street African Methodist Episcopal Church, documented as the oldest continuing black congregation in the Brooklyn-Long Island area, celebrated its 258 th anniversary on Sunday, February 25, 2024, under the pastoral leadership of the Reverend David B. Cousin, Sr. and Executive Minister, the Reverend Valerie E. Cousin.

Organized in 1766 and incorporated in 1818 this unique congregation traces its missionary origins back to Thomas Webb, a British captain and convert of John Wesley, the father of Methodism. Prior to its incorporation, the body of believers known as Bridge Street was part of Sands Street Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church (1794) and First Methodist Episcopal Church (1810). In 1818 a delegation was appointed to go to Philadelphia to see Bishop Richard Allen about sending a preacher for the newly incorporated church and to ordain several of the delegates as local preachers. Incorporated as The African Wesleyan Methodist Episcopal Church, Bridge Street is the only church in the AME denomination with an incorporated board of trustees.

Methodist Episcopal Church, current president and general secretary

This year’s theme was “Honoring Our Legends” and our theme scripture was Psalm 90:10 – “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty...” The guest preacher for this august occasion was the Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, retired bishop of the African

of the National Council of Churches of Christ of USA, and national chaplain of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, incorporated. Also present were the Honorable Hakim Jeffries, six-term United States congressman of New York and House minority leader, Councilwoman Stefani Zinnerman of the 56 th Assembly District, retired assemblyperson Honorable Annette Robinson, Judge Robin Shears of the Kings County Supreme Court, Gregory Anderson, current president and CEO of Bridge Street Development Corporation (www.bsdcorp.org), and five chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, incorporated.

The celebration of the church’s history is truly a Sankofa moment: a time to look back at the awesome achievements of the past while trusting God for the fulfillment of promises yet to be realized. Our ancestors played a pivotal role in bringing us to this point in our church’s history and they sacrificed so much of their time, talent, and financial resources to ensure the legacy of our church in the borough of Brooklyn. It is for this reason Pastor Cousin was led to pray for God to reveal a manner by which we, as a congregation, might honor our elders for their dedication and commitment to our church and community. The Legends celebration was borne from those prayers.

The inaugural class of Living Legends included sixty-three vibrant men and women who were eighty years of age or older. Members were asked to disclose their age by completing a Living Legend form. Once Legends were identified they were interviewed for their biographical sketch. Questions asked included: when and where they were born, when

they joined Bridge Street, their organizational affiliations, what in their opinion are the attributes of a Living Legend, the names of persons in Bridge Street they considered as Legends, their motto, and their favorite scripture. The resulting bios were printed in a 136-page souvenir journal which will serve as a keepsake for years to come. The interviewers (Annette I. Williams, Audrey Vaughan, Karen

Delta Sigma Theta

Congregation 2

Inspirational Voices

Hakim Jeffries, Hon. Annette Robinson, Rev. Valerie, Pastor Cousin

Alonzo Graves

Betty Sherrill

CEO Bridge Street Dev. Corp.

Deaconess Phyllis Johnson

Brown, and Celeste Douglas) were truly blessed and inspired by the personal stories of our Legends, and the wealth of church history they possessed.

After the sermon, a special ceremony was held where honorees were pinned with a lapel pin that was designed by the Rev. Virgil Woods of the Fourth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The lapel pin will serve as a keepsake for generations to come signifying the honorees’ membership at Bridge Street and God’s providential grace in bestowing life beyond fourscore years.

The Legends were seated in a specially designated section of the sanctuary throughout the service. During the pinning ceremony, the Rev. Valerie Cousin, and the members of the Interview Committee, read the names of the honorees, along with their place of birth and the year they joined Bridge Street, as they were escorted to the front of the church. Photos of each group of Legends were taken by photographer Alfred Donovan Burgess of Dtwographics. In addition, a retractable banner containing the names of the Legends was displayed in the vestibule of the church. The day culminated with a Dessert Reception and Legends Luncheon. A great time was had by all.

Photos for this article were taken by Alfred Burgess Donovan and paid for by Bridge Street AME Church. They are being used with permission by the photographer and the church.

Anonymous Donor Blesses Historic Brown Chapel

James Jones, SelmaTimes-Journal

Historic Brown Chapel AME Church recently received a $250,000 check from an anonymous donor on Feb. 29. “Hallelujah, that $250,000 is a recognition of the courageous and faithful service that was provided then and that continues to be provided by Brown Chapel AME Church in this community,” Pastor Strong said.

Brown Chapel member Bruce L. Holmes, Sr. said that he wrote 42 letters on Oct. 10 to famous celebrities seeking donations to improve conditions at the church. Holmes said his first response came on Nov. 17, followed by a check. “The donor asked to remain anonymous,” Holmes said. “We have a great leader in Pastor Leodis Strong.” Kristen Clarke, U.S. assistant attorney general, spoke at Brown Chapel on March 3, saying she respects the church’s history during the Civil Rights era.

Read more at: https://www.selmatimesjournal.com/2024/03/08/ anonymous-donor-blesses-historic-brown-chapel/.

Fellowship

Myra Sofier, a pioneering rabbi, faced disparagement from those who presumed to know better than God about her calling. I (and many women of God of all faiths) resonate with her experience of being dismissed due to ignorance of the creator. Contemplating Psalm 133:1, I am struck by the notion of discovering unity amidst discord. In the past, cultural divides prevented fellowship between

Reprinted with permission.

Jews and non-Jews, African Americans and whites, etc. Yet, there is something profound in setting aside theological and societal differences to recognize the shared humanity bestowed by God - the creator of all. Rather than sowing division, we enrich each other through mutual learning. Psalm 133:1 extols the beauty of unity among God’s people, fostering harmony, peace, and support. It calls us to cultivate unity within our faith communities, nurturing spiritual growth, solidarity, and collective wellbeing. ❏ ❏ ❏

Rev. Bruce Williams and Annette Williams

Living Legend Lapel Pin

Deloris Canty

Pastor Cousin and Hakim Jeffries

Rev. Debra Whitlock-Lax

Bethel AMEC, Florida (Ben Crump)

Florida State University black alumni.

Attorney Crump speaking with passion!

Pastor Eddy Moise, First Lady Roberta Moise, associate ministers, and Bethel’s leadership.

Al B. Sure, Pastor Moise, Anthony Crump, and Emmanuel Moise.

The men of Omega Psi Phi came to support their brothers, Pastor Eddy Moise and attorney Ben Crump.

The Rev. Dr. Eddy Moise, Jr. and Attorney Ben Crump.

“sometimes we become too familiar with God and we take God’s presence for granted.” As I have reflected on this for the last few days as we are pushing through the Lenten season, I was reminded of this invitation from God through the prophet Isaiah, “Seek the LORD while he may be found.” This invitation should be relevant not only during the Lenten season, but it should remain as a daily discipline for believers. However, let us not be too familiar with God and the presence of God, because familiarity births complacency

and we can possibly become overconfident in our position. I am not suggesting that we can or will lose our salvation, but I caution us to not overlook the condition of our hearts and minds.

This invitation in Isaiah provides within it a warning. In our duty of seeking God, there is a struggle implied that our desire should be to reach a place in our search where the presence of God moves us to reflect on ourselves and work on changing some of our ways. Seeking God is not a temporary summons, but it is a persistent call to intimacy and

communion for our daily life. When we authentically engage with a holy God, how can we remain to continue in the same manner of life? Even as believers, we are to continue to work out our soul salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12b). Do not allow being familiar with God to cause us to neglect our complete transformation into the image of Christ.

In the first part of verse 7, the text provides the focus of the warnings we should consider. The text says we should consider our ways, which refers to our

way of living and our behavior. The more we engage with God, the more aware we become of our ways in comparison to God’s ways. Because we are conditioned to how we live or how we behave, our behavior is more acceptable to us, therefore possibly prompting us to believe our ways are pleasing to God as well. The next warning is found on the next part of verse 7, focusing us our thought life.

Philippians 4:8 instructs us that we should think on things that are honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, and excellent.

Walking “The Way”

I began my daily treks with my Fuller cohort, but soon our individual paces resulted in the parting of ways. This made the Camino a solitary journey. The only guide I had was either a yellow and blue arrow or seashell imprinted on stone monuments or spraypainted on the ground every two to three miles that pointed “the way” I was to walk.

The Camino was not for the faint of heart. On average, we walked 1215 miles each day along highways, on wooded trails, in communities, past farmland, and through acres of vineyards. Sometimes I encountered pilgrims from other parts of the world; however, most of the time, I walked alone for hours. I traveled north, which meant the majority of the

pilgrimage was uphill, steep inclines that sometimes took my breath away.

The Holy Spirit established our mode of communication on the first day. God revealed his presence every time I heard or saw water. I am with you. You are not alone. Don’t be afraid. Breathe, Candance. In the rain, God was with me. During the heat of day, God was with me. When I felt lost, God was with me. All I had to do was be in the moment to hear God say, I am here. I am here. You are not alone.

I traveled to Spain wearing a cloak of grief. In the early part of the year, my father died and another friend was murdered in the school shooting in my hometown of Nashville. I wore the mask and told everyone I was well, when, in all actuality, I was falling apart on the

inside. That was until God called me to pilgrimage in Spain. I saw the Lord in everything—along cobblestone roads, walking past canopies of grapes, stopping to take pictures of lemon and lime trees, listening for the sounds of water. God’s presence was tangible. He revealed himself to me. He walked with me. He talked with me. He guided me. He admonished me. He encouraged me. He let me vent and cry out in rage. He poured into me. He made me stop by the still waters and replenished me. He took my cloak of grief and replaced it with joy.

On Sunday, August 6, 2023, after a 94-mile sojourn over eight days, I stood in front of the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela with tears streaming down my cheeks. I had blisters on every toe, braces wrapped

around both knees, was slightly sunburned and a little dehydrated, but none of that mattered. What I gained was a personal understanding of Isaiah 43:18, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

The Lord did a “new thing” within me when he unlocked joy that I had not experienced in years. For those eight days, the Camino was the real world. Everything I experienced—the exhaustion and the exhilaration, the arduous journey and the euphoria, the pain and the pleasure— happened. It was real and God was with me orchestrating the most beautiful experience of my life. ❏ ❏ ❏

Our New Season, 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

It’s amazing that, at least to me, that it feels like we are further along in 2024 than we actually are. But I’m happy that we are still in the first days of this brand new year. We are in great position to be different, be better, in fact to be great! And while s ome are comfortable being how they’ve been and think they have done everything that’s required of them and if that’s not good enough, too bad. But God did not create us to be of a mindset of “that’s good enough,” he made us to get better and better and better. And if we don’t at least attempt to get better every time we have the glorious opportunity, then we do ourselves a disservice a nd more than that we do God a disservice. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed (dead), because his compassions fail not. They (his mercies) are new every morning.” (Jeremiah declares) Great is thy (the Lord’s) faithfulness! Do we really believe God woke us this morning to be just like we were? Do we think the God let you have your right mind so that we can think the same old way – a way that got us in trouble over and over again? Do we think that God GAVE us his only Son so that we can be average or that we don’t push the boundaries of what we were yesterday? No, this morning I declare to you that God wants us to put him to the test. God wants us to approach his throne with expectation, approach him with wonder in our eyes and with the desire to see what he’s going to do for us next!!! He gave us new mercies, we owe it to him to give him a NEW creature – The old one is good for nothing but this new p erson that woke up this morning is just what God wanted you to be!!! Do we want to please God – even if we don’t know how – do you want to be good for God? Then let’s all forget the old and become new!!! Does anybody trust God enough to just do what he says! He’s asking us to move to higher heights in him.

A ministry of reconciliation. If we look at Paul’s writings in 2 Corinthians chapter 5 we’ll see that Paul started this chapter talking about death and dying “for we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” But amazingly, at least to me, Paul transitions to living!

Consider these propositions:

What Do You Have to Shout About?

Rev. Dr. Alice Hubbard Crenshaw, Reporter

Jeremiah 20:9;1 Thessalonians 5:19

After the closing of the 8 th Episcopal District AME Church’s post planning meeting and Christmas concert event, under the dynamic leadership of our illustrious Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, presiding prelate, Turner Chapel AME in Greenwood, MS was blessed unmeasurable with a sermon preached by our soul stirring powerful supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Constance Belin Wicker. Many of the presiding elders and their spouses were among the guests who attended the Sunday Morning Worship Service.

The Rev. Dr. Constance Wicker stirred up the minds and hearts of the congregation as she proclaimed a “Powerful Word From God.” She opened by asking us if we have a reason to be thankful? Has the Lord blessed you in a unique way? In any way at all? When we stop to think about it, we have many reasons to give thanks because God has poured out both his grace and mercy upon us. All of us have a lifetime of blessings, both seen and unseen, to testify about

1. Christ died for us! All of us, all of mankind and since he died for us we should live not for ourselves but we should live for Christ.

2. We are to look at others they way

the goodness of God. Having received God’s blessings, we should feel compelled to give thanks because it acknowledges our need for a higher power. It is good for us to have a spirit of gratitude every day.

As disciples of God, we should not be ashamed to tell those that we know about the goodness of the Lord. We see what he has done for us, and we know that he can do the same for others, so we should gladly tell of his good works everywhere we go.

Dr. Wicker told the congregation there is no certain way to praise the Lord. As a result, we should be careful not to impose our standard of praise upon each other. Some people praise God with silence, while others feel that the job isn’t complete unless they stand on their feet and “give it up for the Lord!”

There are many who want to fulfill their obligation to serve God, but they want to take a shortcut. They seem to be content with shortcuts, a one time “show your face” type act.

Christ looks at us. Christ didn’t and doesn’t, praise God, look at our sins but he looks at us as his creation and just like his death was to reconcile us to God, our lives, our

...continued on p29

It means that the gift I have that’s supposed to be used in kingdom building is being used elsewhere. As disciples of God, we have got to be willing to go outside of these four walls here, helping the poor, the needy, the old and feeble, the young and helpless and it requires time, energy, and money on a regular basis. There are no shortcuts, no quick ways about it.

When you are a disciple of God, it doesn’t matter how tough the enemy may seem, because being on the Lord’s side you are already a winner!!!!! When you are a disciple of God, you know that weeping might endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning, hallelujah! We must all be about our Father’s business at all times and in all places. Needless to say, Turner was grateful and blessed to have our bishop and presiding elders worshipping with us. Thanks be to God! ❏ ❏ ❏

ministry is to reconcile nonbelievers to Christ. What if someone had not told you about God? What if no one told you how great Christ is? What if nobody told you he’s a waymaker - a heart fixer? Christ has appointed each of us as his ambassadors! We are his representatives!!!

3. How do we perform as ambassadors? We are to encourage ourselves and others to reach out for:

NEW Hope - NEW Opportunities - NEW Grace

NEW Praise - NEW Life - NEW Joys - NEW ways to witness! NEW ways to shake off the old persons we once were and become the shining

example of What A Child Of God Should Look Like! A New Smile – A New Walk – A New Talk – A New Faith – Where We Really Walk By Faith And Not By Sight!!!

Rev. Gregory E. Singleton is the pastor of Pine Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Hodges, South Carolina, in the Seventh Episcopal District.

Christmas Concert – North Mississippi Conference, Greenwood, MS

Rev. Dr. Alice Hubbard Crenshaw, Reporter

Turner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in the Northwest Mississippi Conference Presiding Elder District, the Rev. Archie R. Smith host, led by Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker, and the exciting, energetic 8 th Episcopal District. The city of Greenwood opened its arms to receive the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.

The Rev. Dr. Alice Hubbard Crenshaw invited the renowned Bennie G. Thompson, U.S. congressman, State Senator David Jordan, State Highway Transportation Commissioner Willie L. Simmons, Carolyn McAdams, mayor, and the City Council of Greenwood, Mr. Reginald Moore, president, plus the Leflore County supervisors and the ministerial alliance organizations comprising all denominations within the city.

The afternoon began with dinner in the Fellowship Hall of Turner Chapel AME Church. Our meal consisted of an “all you can eat” fish and chicken buffet for seventy people. Bishop Wicker’s special guests to the district were the presiding prelate of the 17 th Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev. Bishop

David R. Daniels, Jr. and his lovely wife, Dr. Irene M. Daniels, and presiding elders and their spouses. Also in attendance were local pastors of various denominations within the city. It was stated by those in attendance, that this was the first time that a clergy event of this status had ever occurred in the city of Greenwood.

After dinner, we departed to the Leflore County Civic Center to join the awaiting crowd for the Christmas concert. A crowd of approximately one thousand people worshipped God with Christmas praises under the Rev. Dr. Allen Williams, director of the 8 th Episcopal District Choir, and NW Conference Director Andrew Smith. Guest choirs were the Leflore County Consolidated School, Mississippi Valley State University, the B.B. King AllStar Youth Choir, and others.

Bishop Wicker stated that he had envisioned this for more than 20 years prior to becoming a bishop. This vision was in his spirit. God spoke to Crenshaw, and Bishop Wickers’ vision became a reality. Bishop Wicker requested everyone across the district to bring a Christmas toy for the children of Greenwood. That night, every child up to age 14 left the concert with a gift of their choice. Five youths left with a bicycle and a helmet.

Nine Christmas trees with gifts underneath were throughout the arena. Gift fragments were collected. Twenty bags of toys were collected and given to Turner Chapel AME Church to ensure that children within the Greenwood Leflore County community received them.

The Rev. Dr. Crenshaw and Regina S. Burch opened the Fellowship Hall doors from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, 2024. Over fifty adults brought children to select their gifts. Approximately 175 toys, two toys per child, were given out. ...continued on p30

Several mothers had tears coming down their faces, embracing the Rev. Dr. Crenshaw for opening the doors of Turner Chapel in this manner. Mrs. Mary Calhoun, a New Green Grove Church of Faith member, said she had never seen anything like this, given with so much love. Again, when we gathered the fragments there were eight bags filled to the brim. It was as if God was multiplying toys. Dr. Crenshaw took two bags to the food kitchen a block away from the church that feeds homeless people daily. She saw children in the hungry line. She called Father Kim at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the Rev. Cora Lowe, pastor of Lee Chapel AME in Indianola, Mississippi, and Debra Adams, director of the Greenwood Community Center, giving each of them two bags for their communities in Greenwood.

God showed love in the Greenwood community. The Reverend Dr. Crenshaw praised God and thanked Bishop Stafford J. N. Wicker for the privilege of being a servant in the community in such a powerful and meaningful way. The community is still talking about the love shown by the 8 th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

There Is Good in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: Let’s Look for It and Cherish It

I have no authority to wish members of the AME Church a happy new year and compliments of the new year. However, it is rather a good etiquette at this time of the year to first pass compliments of the new year before we could carry on with our business.

I have been bothered about this question, “What do we gain from speaking bad about our church?”

This question is not married to silencing dissent nor does it promote dying in silence. Neither does this question seek to dim the critical voices about our business and our existentiality.

However, almost each Sunday I am blessed by four sermons from the AME Church. I attend my church, Masibambisane AME Church, visit Collins Tabernacle AME Church Swaziland to listen to the Rev. Zwelile Shivas Facafaca Thwala, listen to audio from the Rev. Teboho G. Klaas from Robinson Temple, and lastly I follow F.M. Gow in Daveyton.

One thing that I have learnt is that our church is blessed with great preachers of the Word, or perhaps I am used to the AME Church style of preachment. It is easy to identify a lay preacher from an ordained itinerant decon or elder in the AME Church, because the depth of the preachment is not the same

and the coherence of the message differs vastly.

One thing that I have noticed in all AME churches that I have attended except for one, itinerant elders of our church keep to time. I have never, except for once, seen a pastor arrive late in church. This

is regardless of the location of the parsonage or home of the pastor. Again, in all funerals, weddings, or any other functions administered by the AME Church, I have never witnessed a late pastor!

Here is the other thing I have noted about our denomination: our

members may not attend church as much as we may wish, but our church members never abandon their responsibility to lay with dignity a member of the church!

Here is the other thing that is rather so unique in our church: our internal business is run in an open, transparent, and open-democratic way; our problem is members who do not full appreciate the polity of the church.

I once conducted a survey on many of my friends and colleagues, and I found that in their churches, the concept of credential, good and regular standing, does not exist!

Our polity and organizational structure while it fails to consolidate ...continued

The Reverend Dr. Homer L. McCall Day Service

Several years ago, the St. John members in an official church conference chose to celebrate and honor the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Homer Littlefield McCall by officially designating the first Sunday of February as the Reverend Dr. Homer McCall Day. February was chosen because Dr. McCall’s birthday is in the month of February as is Bishop Richard Allen’s, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Since that time, the first Sunday of February has been reserved to honor and remember the accomplishments of Dr. McCall.

A photo of Dr. McCall appeared on the large screens in the sanctuary as the music ministry opened the service with “The Best Is Yet to Come.” This selection was a very fitting tribute to Dr. McCall, as he was remembered having spoken these very words on numerous occasions. Deaconess Charlsie Brooks led the Doxology and the call to worship followed by the occasion given by Dr. Monica Dillihut. One of the great hymns, “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” was the opening hymn of praise leading to the invocation by Brother Clifton Miller.

The moments of reflection was a litany led by Dr. Jeanette Jones, honoring the memory of Dr. McCall. Many of the words and attributes were echoed from the occasion: humble, committed, prayerful, faithful, devoted, intellectual, scholarly, humanitarian, and respected throughout the Huntsville community, the Episcopal districts, the state, and the nation.

The congregation was reminded of one of Dr. McCall’s favorite scriptures, Micah 6:8, which was read eloquently by the Honorable Judge M. Lynn Sherrod: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (NIV)

The McCall family, Dr. Sonya McCall Shepard and daughters, Mr. Homer McCall II, Mrs. Gale McCall Teague and daughters honored St. John with their attendance. The family came forward and expressed their appreciation to St. John for keeping the memory of their father and their mother, Mrs. Mable Jones McCall, alive for others to acknowledge. Mrs. Adrienne Pope Kelly-Washington, the event coordinator, came forward to make a special presentation. Mrs. Washington presented to the church a portrait of the Reverend Dr. Homer Littlefield McCall and Mrs. Mable Jones McCall which would be framed and prominently located in the vestibule.

Dr. Daniel K. Wims, president of Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical

University, and Steward Rufus Gilmore joined the family for another special presentation. A check for one thousand dollars was presented to Dr. Wims, on behalf of St. John AME Church for the Homer McCall Scholarship Fund at Alabama A&M University.

The black history moment for the month of February was presented by Dr. Tonya Perry. Dr. Perry expounded on the riveting history of the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by brothers James Weldon Johnson and James Rosamond Johnson. It was first written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and then set to music by James Rosamond Johnson.

The music ministry established the tone of worship for the proclamation of the Word by singing, “I Love the Lord,” with Sister Markayla Tanis as soloist. The scripture reference was Psalm 137:1-3: “1By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. 2We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. 3For there they that carried us away captive required of us a song; and they that wasted us required of us mirth, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion.”

The Reverend Maurice Wright II preached the sermon, “Singing in a Strange Land.” The question asked by the captives was, “How can we sing the Lord’s songs in a strange land?” Three points were revealed from the message;

1. There is a blessing in remembering. Believers are reminded 166 times in the Bible to remember. There is a blessing in remembering where we have come from. The Holy Spirit is an excellent reminder.

2. Even in a strange land God is with you! The same God who provided deliverance is still with each believer. We are never by ourselves. God is right beside each of us.

3. Know who you’re singing to. The tormentors told the captives to sing them a song. Those in captivity knew who to sing to.

Concluding point-Sing unto the Lord a new song!

The entire Homer McCall Day Worship Service can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/live/1qJrtdmXGw?si=2fTuPLhcyF96IXld. ❏ ❏ ❏

Dr. Wims, president of Alabama A&M University, receiving a check for the Homer McCall Scholarship Fund from Steward Rufus Gilmore and the St. John AME congregation.

McCall family holding the portrait of their mother and father, the Rev. Dr. Homer Littlefield McCall and first lady, Mrs. Mable Jones McCall.

national interest and continental aspirations, but it has one of the most grounded polity you may find in many denominations, ministries, and churches.

Our ACE League, YPD, and WMS uniforms remain our pride. No offense to the other uniforms, I once asked, why can’t the church adopt those uniforms for the church regardless of which organization one belongs to? I found that those three uniforms when I encounter them, there is something profound happening in my spirit. I feel a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, and a sense of uniqueness.

It is rare for an AME Church to close its doors, it’s doors are always opened. Even our members have matured to know that Sunday is for community worship and cannot be disturbed by Sunday funerals or other activities.

Our liturgy which is so dynamic is our core basis of worship. Have you noticed that AMEs are so inclined to their liturgy both for normal church liturgy and our liturgy for burial, and others? Our liturgy is so strong. Recently, I was explaining to a friend our Holy Communion liturgy, especially when making

the call to partake on Holy Communion. I was explaining with pride, that in our church not everyone qualifes to partake in Holy Communion but only those “... that truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandment of God, and walking from henceforth in his holy ways, draw near with faith and take this holy sacrament to your comfort and make your humble confession to almighty God, meekly kneeling.”

I remember the Rev. Thabang L. Mokoena teaching us about this peace in fact saying nowhere does it say “yizani nine nimboze izinwele” I remember his teaching around the liturgy for partaking in Holy Communion.

Not so long ago, I boasted to one of my friends about the special liturgy by Bishop Richardson after the June 9 tragedy titled, “The Doors of the Church Are Still Open.” I remember, when I was RAYAC president, I made sure that we have in one of the services this special liturgy, “The doors of the church are open.”

For those who have not come across the liturgy, here it is:

The Doors of the Church Are Still Open

A Litany by Bishop Adam J. Richardson

Leader: “The doors of the church are open” is an announcement made at nearly every service. It was regularly spoken at Emanuel Church of Charleston, known to us as the “Mother” of African Methodism in the deep south. As members of the AME family, we feel a connection with the Connection, even on Father’s Day, and today our proud connection is more keenly felt.

People: O God, “The doors of the church are still open.”

Leader: Hate and evil – armed and dangerous – came to an intergenerational Bible study and prayer meeting Wednesday night at Mother Emanuel, accompanied by unfathomable horror, leaving a trail of blood and hurt across the African Methodist Connection, Charleston, and the world.

People: O God, “the doors of the church are still open,” and still we believe that “We sorrow not as those who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Leader: The “Emanuel Nine” had names – and families, and lives, and careers, and places to go and things to do. They were colleagues, friends, and kin: the honorable Rev. Clementa Pinckney (41), the Rev. Daniel “Super” Simmons (74), the Rev. Sharonda Coleman-Singleton (45), Brother Tywanza Sanders (26), Sister DePayne Middleton Doctor (49), Sister Cynthia Hurd (54), Sister Myra Thompson (59), Sister Ethel Lance (70), and Sister Susie Jackson (87). Then pure evil showed up at Bible study and turned their lives to past tense, and our lives to turmoil, and made an infamous name for himself.

People: O God, “The doors of the church are still open,” and we affirm your Word that “Perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18).

Leader: Our faith will not be stolen, even by violence as heinous as the assassination of nine innocent people, and the terror that left bodies wounded and souls injured among those who survived the attack.

People: O God, “The doors of the church are still open,” and “our faith looks up to thee” and “will not shrink though pressed by every foe.”

Leader: The evil one wanted a race war; instead there came an outpouring of love, sympathy, and tears from white people; fervent prayers offered for him by black people. With shock and anger still wafting in the air, family members amazingly spoke words of forgiveness, and the community sang together and spoke of hope. We have learned at least this much in our walk with God in Christ: “Unmerited suffering is still redemptive.”

People: O God, “The doors of the church are still open,” and we affirm the Word of Christ, “Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid” (John 14:27b).

Leader: While we are called to a heightened sense of vigilance to protect the lives of those who walk through “open doors” to find an open altar, and to worship and study in peace, we will encourage ourselves in the Word of God, in fellowship, sharing our mutual woes and joys.

People: Holy God, amid so much sorrow and so many questions, we affirm your Word, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation, who consoles us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to console those who are in any affliction with the consolation with which we ourselves are consoled by God.”

One of the things I so love and value about our church is its Connectionality. It is not perfect, subject to be improved over time, but is our pride!

Last year, we were visited by members of the ANCYL; they were shocked to learn that in our disciplinary questions for the quarterly conference we have the question on “number of registered voters.”

Yes, I do appreciate the Wesley liturgy of “Okhahlakaleyo akakugucuke ekukhohlakaleni kwakhe akwenzike enter okulungileyo” but Ndavuya nabathi kum Masiye Endlini kaYehova remain my starter for the main cause. This signals the uniqueness of the order of service. We do sometimes become flexible and include things like “Bufakazi” which is unusual.

Here is the one thing I love the most about the AME Church, it is its building structures; in one church opening, the Presiding Elder Phafane J. Mengoai explained so satisfyingly why most AME buildings have the entrance facing the pu lpit directly, signifying Christ as our central point of congregation. All we do in the AME Church is done intentionally

with meaning and context to it.

The history of our church and its evolution remains unmatched! Our contribution to abolitionism, liberty, and freedom from slavery remains matchless across the globe. Our luminaries, Richard Allen, Daniel Payne, F.H. Gow, Sarah Allen, Jarena Lee, Vashti McKenzie, H.B. Senatle, Mokone Make Mangena, and others continue to be personified humanity and pioneering spirit.

Before I close off my appreciation, I think as a church we have not honored enough the WMS as the oldest auxiliary of the AME Church and one that was formed by circumstances and born out of activism in the early life of the church even before our formal establishment in 1816.

So if you felt this was too long and a rumble worth ignoring, please make sure, as a plea, to find something good about our church, write about it, talk about it. And make others know about it.

We have so many things to talk about and that must remind us that we are better still and could even be better. We boast the oldest Christian periodical, TheAME

Transition

DANIELLE JONENE JANTJIES

She fought hard but answered when her roll was called at the right time.

Born on 5/10/98 in Luderitz, Namibia. She passed on 4/3/2024 in Windhoek, Namibia.

She was the youngest daughter of the late Mervin Jantjies and Crystal Jantjies… The Episcopal WMS president of the 15 th Episcopal District.

School and Academic Background

She started at Nautilus P.S. - Gr 1-7 under class teacher Juf Renty De Wee in Grade 1. Luderitz SS Grades 8-9 and was a dux learner at Luderitz Secondary School. She completed Grade 12 at Angra Pequena with a group certificate award of excellence. She was a national debater, public speaker, and science fair regional participant. Danielle loved literature and poetry. She could enthusiastically recite from Things Fall Apart and King Lear . University

She started and completed B.Sc. Health Science degree at the North West University and started part time a second degree B.Ed. honours at the University of Namibia. She was currently in her 4 th and final year of studies.

Church History

YPD : Danielle was baptised and received full confirmation at Bethel Memorial AME Church. The local church provided the platform for her to practise her public speaking skills and leadership abilities. She was an active YPD member and served as area president of the Hulda Thomas area in the Namibia Annual Conference. The area brought back trophies for best banner and best area under her leadership. She served as assistant secretary on the Episcopal level and as 3 rd vice; she also took care of the Allen Stars at the Episcopal Leadership Training Institute in 2023. She loved to serve soup at the Bethel Memorial AME Church when it was her mother’s turn to prepare and serve soup on Saturdays. She attended the 2015 WMS and YPD Quadrennial Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana and was an active, vibrant participant in activities.

Lay : She was an active local lay member and formed part of the Namibia Annual Lay Executive in 2022.

BOCE

Danielle was elected as BOCE fellowship director.

Teaching Career

Diaz P.S. - Subjects, math and science

Keetmanshoop Primary School for 2 Yearsscience, math; rugby and soccer coach, science fair teacher.

Suiderlig SS - Afrikaans

Luderitz Blue School - Grades 6-7

She was flown out to Windhoek on Monday 19 February to the Lady Pohamba Hospital where she was taken in the high care unit for 4 days and ICU for 10 days.

Attributes : Highly intellectual, she was a nononsense, straight forward, extremely feisty debater and public speaker, loved poetry.

Rugby fanatic and staunch Springbok supporter. She lived life to her fullest and gave 100% to everything that she was tasked to do.

Lessons Learned From Her Life:

1. Serve God when you have the opportunity to do so as a young person.

2. The length of your age doesn’t matter- it’s how you live, the impact and footprints that you leave.

3. Education is important- It’s your tool to make a difference.

4. Serve God while you are still young.

5. Commit yourself 100% to whatever is assigned to you.

Thankful

As family we are grateful that the family could share Holy Communion with her on Sunday 3 March 2024.

❖ God prepared us for her higher calling.

❖ God used her so we could pray from near and far.

❖ 25 years that she was part of our lives.

Danielle answered her roll up yonder on Monday 4 March at 09h00. She is united with her dad Mervin, her bestie and 1 st love.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. Absent in body, but present with the Lord.

(KING LEAR, Act 5 Scene 3) ‘When thou dost ask me blessing, I’ll kneel down and ask of thee forgiveness.” ❏ ❏ ❏

A New Beginning: The Spiritual Signifi cance of Baptism

Rev. Jeremy D. Jones

Baptism, a sacred and transformative sacrament, has always held a central place in Christian tradition. On January 13, 2024, St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church in McGehee, AR within the Crossett District of the 12th Episcopal District, bore witness to an inspiring mass baptism ceremony that resonated deeply with those in attendance. Led by the Rev. Jeremy D. Jones, senior pastor of St. Peter AME Church, this event not only reaffirmed the power and significance of baptism but also served as a symbol of spiritual renewal and a fresh start.

The sermonic theme of the day, “A New Beginning,” drew its inspiration from Romans 6:4, a passage that encapsulates the profound spiritual truths that baptism represents. Romans 6:4 reads, “For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” This scripture underscores the transformative nature of baptism.

During the ceremony, the Rev. Jones delivered an uplifting and thought-provoking sermon that emphasized a crucial point: baptism is far more than a mere ritual—it is a sacred act that connects individuals with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through baptism, Christians publicly profess ...continued

© Carolyn Ellis

their faith, seek forgiveness of sins, and embrace a new life in Christ.

Following the sermon, the Rev. Jones led 11 candidates to the water, symbolizing the cleansing and renewal of their lives. This act of obedience to the great head of the church involved baptizing the candidates in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Rev. Jones was joined in this sacred task by esteemed clergy members, including the Rev. Dr. Tyrone A. Broomfield, pastor of Bethel AME Church in North Little Rock, AR, and presiding elder of the North Little Rock/Fort Smith District of the 12 th Episcopal District. The Reverend Ina K. Broomfield of Bethel AME Church and the Rev. Millie McNealey of St. Peter AME Church, McGehee, AR, along with other dignitaries, also graced the event with their spiritual presence.

Baptism, often referred to as “the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5), holds deep significance in Christian theology. Here are some key aspects of baptism that were eloquently highlighted during this mass baptism ceremony:

Baptism serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual

cleansing and rebirth. In the same way that water washes away physical impurities, baptism signifies the purification of the soul, removing the stain of sin and guilt. Baptism enables candidates to identify with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As candidates are submerged in the water, it symbolizes their identification with Christ’s crucifixion and burial. Rising from the water mirrors Christ’s resurrection to new life. Baptism is a public declaration of one’s unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. It provides a visible and symbolic means to announce to the community that the individual has chosen to follow Christ’s teachings and live in accordance with them.

Through baptism, individuals become an integral part of the larger Christian community—the body of Christ. They are warmly welcomed into a loving and supportive spiritual family that shares in their journey of faith. As aptly conveyed by the sermonic theme, baptism signifies a fresh start on the Christian journey. It represents leaving behind the old life of sin and

embracing a new life filled with hope, purpose, and the boundless grace of God.

The mass baptism ceremony at St. Peter AME Church was a powerful testament to the enduring significance of baptism. It celebrated not only the act itself but also the profound spiritual truths it represents. Baptism is a sacred and transformative experience that draws believers closer to God, marking the beginning of a new chapter in their spiritual journey. Through the waters of baptism, these candidates found a new beginning, a rebirth of their souls, and a deeper connection to the divine.

In conclusion, baptism is a powerful and timeless sacrament that continues to hold great meaning for Christians around the world. It is a public declaration of faith, a cleansing of sins, and a fresh start on the path of faith. The mass baptism at St. Peter AME Church serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of this age-old sacrament, a source of spiritual renewal, and a pathway to a new beginning.

Citadel Gospel Choir Visits Ward Memorial, Washington, D.C.

Sandra Bonner-Hadley, 2nd Episcopal District

and student director Kenya Boston, stood firmly on the foundation of its motto, “Make the Love of Jesus Famous,” as they led the music at Ward Memorial AME during the morning worship service on March 10, 2024.

Our pastor, the Rev. Dededrick O. Rivers, who is also known as “the make-it-happen pastor,” when he learned that the Citadel Choir was on tour in the nation’s capital, and two of their engagements didn’t work out, the Rev. Rivers invited them to Ward Memorial which was a blessing to the church and to the choir. The hospitality extended beyond the invitation. The Rev. Rivers sponsored a delicious lunch prepared by the Blessed to Serve Ministry at Ward Memorial for the entire group. ❏ ❏ ❏

A Joyous Celebration: Christmas Extravaganza

A Day Filled With Youthful Merriment, Festive Brunch, and Soul-Stirring Music

Charonda D. Huff, Publicity Commission Chair

Sunday, December 17, 2023, marked a day of festive cheer and spiritual celebration at St. James African Methodist Episcopal Chu rch in Columbus, Georgia, as the congregation gathered for their annual Christmas presentation. The highlight of the day was the heartwarming sh owcase by the children during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. The event unfolded seamlessly, thanks to the dedication of the youth leaders who played an integral role in ensuring a magical and memorable experience for everyone in attendance. ...continued on p35

The Citadel Gospel Choir from Charleston, South Carolina, under the direction of the Rev. Rodney Barrentine

Morning Festivities: With big smiles, the children took center stage during the worship service. The annual Christmas presentation, “Behold the Star,” was a testament to the talent and enthusiasm of the young members. From captivating performances to heartfelt recitations, the children left the congregation with the joyous spirit of the season. Special commendations were extended to the youth leaders who worked tirelessly to guide and support the children, ensuring a presentation that warmed the hearts of all present.

Christmas Social and Brunch: Following the worship service, the festivities continued with a Christmas social that brought the community together in the spirit of fellowship. The Sons of Allen showcased their culinary talents by preparing a delicious brunch that satisfied both the appetite and the soul. The fellowship hall, transformed into a winter wonderland, owed its enchanting atmosphere to a creative team of volunteers. The decorations added a touch of magic, creating a warm and inviting space for all to enjoy.

Angel Tree Christmas Ministry: Our Angel Tree Christmas Ministry, sponsored by the Sarah Allen Women’s Missionary Society and other members of our congregation, has allowed us to minister to many children in our community by delivering a gift, an encouraging word, and a personal message of love on behalf of their mom or dad who is incarcerated. Each year, we register with the Prison Fellowship, which gives us a list of children in our area. We then contact the caregivers for permission to participate and get each child’s clothing sizes and toy preferences. The congregation is then invited to gather the names of children to purchase gifts for, with each kid receiving a present of clothing and a toy. The gifts are then wrapped with a note from the parent and the families come to church to pick up the gifts. We were blessed this year to serve 21 families and 52 children.

Evening Concert:“Behold the Lamb of God”:

As the sun set, the St. James AME Church celebration entered its crescendo with the much-anticipated annual Spiritual Christmas Concert, titled “Behold the Lamb of God.” The church was filled with eager attendees ready to be transported by the soul-stirring melodies and timeless message of the Christmas season. The Mass Choir, under the direction of the talented Bro. Mark Newson, delivered a breathtaking performance that resonated with the true meaning of Christmas. Each song performed was a testament to the deep-rooted faith and commitment of the choir members.

Conclusion: The events at St. James AME Church on Sunday, December 17, 2023, were more than mere celebrations; they reflected the unity, faith, and joy that define the Christmas season. From the innocence of the children’s presentation to the festive brunch, the joy of giving through the Angel Tree Ministry, and the awe-inspiring evening concert, the day was

St. Paul AME Hosts CSU Super Sunday

Despite notions that a college degree no longer holds its value, Cal State, San Bernardino President Tomás D. Morales countered that it is “the very best gift that you can give yourself and your family.”

Speaking at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in San Bernardino as part of the California State University’s Super Sunday, Morales said that previous generations have been told “to find solid jobs, work hard, and build a life without college. But times in California have changed. Today, college is the ticket to lifelong growth, security, and opportunity.”

a tapestry of love, community, and spirituality. As the congregation left the church, hearts were aglow with the warmth of the season, and the echoes of “Behold the Lamb of God” lingered in the air, a beautiful reminder of the true reason for the season.

About St. James AME Church: Saint James AME Church, located at 1002 6th Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, was organized in 1863, and the property on which it currently stands was given to the AME Church by an act of the Georgia legislature in 1873. Saint James is the second oldest church of its denomination in Georgia. It continues to meet the needs of God’s people within the greater Columbus area and to serve the African American community as a center for educational, professional, and civic meetings. In June 2023, Pastor B. A. Hart was appointed the 49th pastor of Saint James AME Church. He hails from Athens, Georgia, through Chester, Pennsylvania, and has served God’s people for over forty years as a senior pastor.

He continued, “According to the latest estimates, a college degree has an average lifetime value of over $3 million. Even in tough economic times, degree holders have better access to health insurance and retirement plans, lower rates of unemployment – and they report higher levels of health and happiness. College graduates volunteer more, vote more, and are more likely to assume leadership roles in their communities.” ...continued on p36

St. James AME Church Choir singing at the Spiritual Christmas Concert 12/17/2023

©Charonda D. Huff

LA Sentinel Staff

L-R: CSUSB President Tomás D. Morales, the Rev. Steven Shepard, Sr., pastor of St. Paul AME Church, and Lynn Brown-Summers, CSUSB alumni ’23. (Courtesy photo)

Now in its 19 th year, the California State University Super Sunday initiative joined this past weekend with black and African American churches to talk about the transformational power of a college degree to an individual, their family, and society, and especially for the African American community. More than 100 congregations throughout California participated in Super Sunday, with more than one million black and African American families hearing the message that a CSU college degree is accessible, affordable, doable, and life changing.

After the church services, outreach directors and staff provided information on the CSU application and admission process, as well as scholarships and financial aid available to Cal State University students.

Other CSUSB leaders brought that message when they visited Immanuel Praise Fellowship and Life Church of God in Christ, also on Feb. 25. Additionally, CSUSB leaders will visit New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and Greater Victory Church of God in Christ on March 10.

Morales, addressing the St. Paul AME congregation, said, “This is a region which has so much potential. Know that we believe in our young people and their futures and are committed to their success, right here in your backyard, at California State University, San Bernardino.”

A college education can be for anyone, regardless of “age or stage,” Morales said. “Whether you’re the first in your family to attend, looking to transfer from a community college, or an adult

who wants more for yourself through a certificate or degree, the CSU offers the programs and support you need to reach your dreams.”

Achieving that dream is within reach financially, and students have support services available to them as they work their way toward completing their college degrees.

“I’m proud to report that a Cal State degree is the most affordable in the country,” Morales said. “The vast majority of our students receive financial aid, and nearly two-thirds have their full college tuition covered by non-loan aid. As a result, most CSU students graduate with zero debt.

“We make sure our students are connected with a range of support and experiences – from food and housing assistance, to tutoring, advising, internships, health and wellness services, and career centers – to help them thrive,” he said.

Morales encouraged the congregation to keep the idea of a college education within the vision of their families “by talking about college with your loved ones and assuring them – inspiring them – that they can earn a degree.”

Since its launch in 2005, more than a million people have participated in this signature awareness event for CSU’s African American communities. The CSU remains committed to closing equity gaps and ensuring all Californians have access to and support in achieving a highquality college degree as part of Graduation Initiative 2025. In 2022-23, more than 3,800 African American students earned CSU bachelor’s degrees and more than 750 earned CSU graduate degrees.

Tips for Love and Finance in 2024

Teri Williams, President of OneUnited Bank

The new year brings new beginnings, which is a great time to focus on love and finances. Whether it’s self-love, romantic love, or the love of our children, love has an impact on our money. Better to be intentional about the mixture of the two, rather than put our head in the sand and pretend as though they are completely separate. In fact, if our love and finances are not aligned, it could be disastrous! In 2024, here are some tips on how to have a more successful year:

Self-Love and Finances

There are many psychological studies about the importance of loving yourself. Self-love is needed to achieve true happiness. With all the divisiveness happening in 2024, self-love is even more important. However, self-love and particularly self-care can also impact your wallet. Some questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you pay yourself first? Whether you have a job or are self-employed, do you put aside money in an emergency savings account, retirement account, or even a vacation savings account before you spend money on your wants or even other people’s needs? Self-love requires you to put yourself first before you can help others.

2. Are you an emotional spender? As you go through the ups and downs of

The CSU’s black and African American community engagement extends beyond Super Sunday. The university plans to hold additional faith-based outreach events in the spring and fall to continue to build upon the message of Super Sunday.

The CSU is creating a systemwide steering committee with faith-based leaders to provide support and share best practices to promote black student success. It has made elevating black excellence in its universities an urgent priority, developing a 13-point action plan, “Advancing Black Student Success and Elevating Black Excellence,” as part of its effort to increase black student success. In addition, the university has committed $10 million over three years to advance these priorities.

With 23 universities across California, the CSU offers more access to diverse higher education pathways than any public university system in the United States. Nearly one-third of CSU students are the first in their family to earn a degree, more than half are from traditionally underrepresented communities, and nearly half of undergraduates receive the Pell Grant. Remarkably, more than half of CSU bachelor’s recipients in 2022-23 graduated with zero student debt.

https://lasentinel.net/st-paul-ame-hosts-csusuper-sunday.html

Reprinted with permission.

life, do you soothe your emotions by shopping?

Although many of us are familiar with “retail therapy” because we’re depressed, we can also “manic shop” when we experience success. Getting a new job or contract, experiencing a new romantic relationship, or celebrating the holidays, including Valentine’s Day, can send us into overdrive. Being able to control these moments of emotional spending can help us stay within our budget.

Romantic Love and Finances

Whether you are seeking a relationship or are currently in one, romance cannot exist without finance! The number one issue that impacts couple relationships in money. Many of us were raised on the fairy tale that we will meet our soul mate and live happily ever after. Well, the high cost of living today – whether its housing or transportation – can impact our happily ever after. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

1. What financial resources are you bringing to your relationship? The high cost of housing can require multiple sources of income and even multiple job earners. It’s possible that we will see a reduction in interest rates by the Federal Reserve in 2024, which could make home loans more affordable. However, housing costs – whether rent or mortgage – are still high! It has become increasingly difficult, if ...continued

not impossible, to find a partner to fill a hole in your finances, help pay your financial obligations, or help achieve a higher financial status if you’re not bringing resources to the table. To achieve a more simpatico relationship, get your personal financial house in order.

2. What’s the financial status or requirement of your potential or current partner? Sometimes love is blinding, and we forget to ask some basic questions, like what’s your employment status? What’s your credit score? How much debt do you have? How much savings? It’s important to have a clear understanding of the whole person, particularly their money, as you navigate romantic relationships. Money can no longer be a taboo subject.

Parental Love and Finances

Let’s face it, having children costs money…

lots of money! There’s housing, food, clothing, and then there’s college tuition and/or helping our children achieve financial independence. While being a parent is joyful, it can also be financially stressful. Here’s some questions to ask yourself in 2024:

1. What insurance do you need to protect your loved ones? We all expect to live a long and happy life. However, life can throw us a curve ball when we least expect it. We can experience health issues or unexpected financial issues such as litigation that can impact our livelihood. There are insurance policies that can protect us against life events including health insurance, life insurance, and even umbrella insurance in case we’re sued. Make sure you have the right insurance coverage to meet the needs of your loved ones.

2. Are you modeling good financial behavior? Our children are more likely to do what we

Stop Straddling, Stand Up, and Walk Straight

Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas, Columnist

*Reprint from December 2018*

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

Beloved, God is calling us to consecration— that is, to a place of abandonment of all things that would hinder us from drawing closer to him. The Bible says, I beseech you therefore, brethren (brothers and sisters), by the mercies of God. The writer of this biblical inscription is concerned about the well-being of his readers. And so, he makes a plea to them. I beseech you. He is imploring all who read this letter to consider their ways, to do what is necessary, and to give themselves wholly to God. Oftentimes, we consider others’ ways and forget that we are not there yet—that we are still in process. The Bible says, “Thou hypocrite, first cast the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7:5).

My brothers and sisters, are there areas in your life that you still have not submitted to the lordship of Christ? I know you can testify that God is not through with you yet, and that he’s still molding you and shaping you into that which he would have you to be. Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Beloved, aren’t you glad that God is merciful?

The definition of mercy is compassionate treatment… it is having a capacity to forgive or showing kindness. God the Father showed mercy on us when he sacrificed his Son Jesus Christ on the cross to pay the price for our sins. He bore our sins, sicknesses, and sufferings in his body. Our sins have been nailed to the cross.

The Bible says that we are to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. In the Old Testament, a sacrifice was given as a sin offering. The shedding of blood was necessary in order that sins may be forgiven and atonement made. The high priest was the one who could enter into the most sacred place to offer up the sacrifice. And so it is that Jesus became both the offering for sin and the high priest. He offered himself as the sacrificial lamb of God, slain before the foundation of the world. “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might become the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He bore all of our sins, sickness, and sorrows in order that we might have a right to the tree of life. Jesus presented himself… He gave himself… He submitted his will to the will of his Father. He committed his ways to the way of the cross. He died that I might live.

The Bible says, “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God” (Leviticus 20:7). It’s time for the people of God to stop walking, talking, dressing, and living like the world. If God has changed your name from sinner to saint, you ought to have a new walk and a new talk. “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Somebody said, I looked at my hands and my hands looked new. I looked at my feet and they did too. I’ve been changed. Oh yes, I’ve been changed. The places I used to go, I don’t go any more. The things I used to do, I don’t do any more. If God has saved your soul, somebody besides you ought to know that you’ve been born again.

Holiness is not just a denomination, or the way you dress. Holiness is living close to God. It’s living in the Word and allowing God’s Word to live in you. Holiness is not about speaking in tongues or rolling on the floor. It’s about treating people

do rather than what we say. How we spend, save, and share our money provides the best role model for them. In the old days, children would see their parents writing checks to pay bills at the kitchen table. They also taught home economics in school. In 2024, most of our financial activity happens online, which is less visible, and schools no longer teach financial literacy. So today, look around your house to assess the financial messages you’re sending to your children. As a simple approach, consider adding a financial goal as a note on the refrigerator. Remember, your children are watching.

We all wish for love, happiness, and prosperity in 2024. To achieve it, we need to embrace the relationship between love and finances. To be in love is a powerful thing. To be in love and simpatico with our finances is even more powerful. Happy New Year! ❏ ❏ ❏

right and being a person of integrity. Holiness is evidenced in something on the inside working on the outside. It’s not about how high you can jump or how loud you pray. It’s about having a heart that is turned toward God. Holiness is living in victory over the flesh, and not being tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine. Holiness is having a pure heart and pure motives. Holiness is saying no to bad habits and yes to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords . Present yourself as a holy woman or man of God!

And the Bible says, this is acceptable unto God. Your money won’t do it. Guess what—your good looks, that degree from Cornell University, and your loaded bank account will not get you into heaven. None but the righteous shall see God!

After all is said and done, it just stands to reason that giving yourself wholly to God is the very least that you could do; for when God gave Jesus, he gave us his very best. Give him your passions and desires… give him your disappointments, and despairs… give God your headaches and heartaches. Give God your shortcomings and shennanigans… Give God your triumphs and tragedies. A hymn writer said, “All to Jesus I surrender. All to him I freely give. Worldly pleasures all forsaken. Take me, Jesus, take me now.” During this season of Lent as we await to celebrate the resurrection, I dare you to give your life to Jesus.

Exhale

Breathing comes so naturally. Most of the time, we do it without even thinking. Still, I must engage in spiritual breathing–that is, confession. I purposely exhale sin and all its wickedness. I inhale the holiness of God. ❏ ❏ ❏

Have We Methodists Lost Our Method?

Rev. Dr. James A. Keeton, Jr., Contributing Writer

From the late 17 th century, “Methodist” was a derogatory term. Richard Heitzenrater, in his book entitled Wesley and the People Called Methodist , says, “As early as the 1670s, both in the Low Countries and in England, a few orthodox Calvinists began to write vigorously against the Armenians and their ‘new method’ of doing theology, especially relative to their views of justification and sanctification.” From the perspective of these Calvinists, the people they referred to as “New Methodists” were wrong and were moving in a much different theological direction.

This Calvinist critique would later resurface on the campus of Oxford University. It was used to describe the methodical actions of John Wesley and his colleagues, which they referred to as holy living. The first rule of holy living was to take care of your time. In other words, the tenet required them to be good stewards of their time. This led to Wesley and his companions keeping daily diaries to maintain a routine record and diligently measure their progress toward godly living.

This group of “Methodists” would meet and methodically study the Bible, pray corporately, and engage in religious conversation. They would also regularly attend the sacrament by receiving the Lord’s Supper. Moreover, the Methodists would incorporate reading the classics, reading works of theology, and doing

charitable works that included weekly spending time with the poor and needy. The wellbeing of children held an exceptional place in the ministry of the Methodists, and they would weekly visit those imprisoned at the North Gate Jail. Methodists had a profound spiritual devotion and ministered weekly to those on the margins of their community.

As we examine the methodical ministry of the early Methodists, I wonder if we, contemporary Methodists, have lost our method. Have we lost some distinctive characteristics that gave us a unique Christian identity? There are times when we have lost the methods of corporately praying for the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters and engaging in substantial religious conversation. Joining in praying for each other continues to offer benefits for our Christian journey together. It seems we participate in prayer as an agenda item instead of earnestly praying to God to express our gratitude and make our petitions known.

At other times, I wonder if we have lost our method of engaging in religious conversation. One of the most asked questions in early Methodism, especially in the class system, was, “How is it with your soul?” This question would lead to religious conversations centered on living holy lives pleasing to God. This question and consequential conversations would express the early Methodists’ desire that everyone reach their God-given potential.

God Cares: Lament of the Clergy After Loss

Rev. Dr. Wanda C. Henry-Jenkins, Contributing Writer

Lament is a biblical genre that can be found throughout the Bible indicating how God’s people handle loss including death. In the Old Testament, David and Job are examples of God’s leaders lamenting. In Second Samuel chapter one, verses eleven and twelve, David lamented the death of Saul and Jonathan. David and his men tore their clothes, mourned, and wept and fasted all day for Saul and his son Jonathan and for the Lord’s army and the nation Israel, “because they had died by the sword that day.”

Job was a righteous man who feared God and hated evil. Job’s desire to honor God consisted of praying and purifying his sons and daughters after birthday feasts. He was afraid that in some way they might have sinned and cursed God. Job’s children and his financial substance made him the greatest man of the east. And besides all of that God looked upon Job with favor. God bragged to Satan about how upright Job was and how Job feared God. So, Satan said to God, “if you take away all of his riches, he will curse you to your face.” God allowed Satan to have power

over everything that Job had except his life.

Satan destroyed everything Job owned including his children. When the last messenger came with the latest catastrophic loss, “Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.’ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:20-22).

So, what do Job and David have in common? They are men of faith, God’s people. They are suffering massive losses and are crying out in sorrow to God. David is lamenting. Job is lamenting. Lament was how ancient Israelites invited God into their mourning. However, lamenting has been a lost art in our churches. But it is time for us to rediscover lamenting. Ministers are hurting right in the church. How do we help our Christian leaders to unmask their hurt and lament the losses experienced?

Clergy need to receive assurance that lamenting

Too often in the contemporary church, we fail to engage in meaningful religious conversation. A primary reason is that we fail to have meaningful relationships. These conversations must be had by people who know each other well and have the best interest of others at heart. Otherwise, this question and religious conversations will come across as invasive and meddlesome.

Finally, too many times, we have lost our method regarding charitable works. Sometimes, we become so engrossed in what is happening inside the stained-glass windows and under the steeple that we do not actively engage in the opportunities that are present just outside of our doors. While some of our congregations continue to engage in charitable works, others miss regular opportunities to make a difference in the lives of those on the margins. We must regain our method by visiting the sick, making a difference in the lives of our young people, and participating in the lives of those imprisoned.

As we examine the contemporary Church, we must reengage with the method that faithfully enables us to reach our Christian potential and be Jesus Christ’s hands and feet in the world.

their losses is a journey in healthy spiritual formation and is beneficial. Recently, several ministers known to me have experienced major losses. Because of my bereavement work in ministry, the topic of healthy grieving or correct mourning arises. Some have a desire for openness and honesty to express their sorrow about losing their parents, a child, siblings, or a spouse. They tire of others expecting them to be strong and brave. Their grief is real. It should not be made more difficult by trying to meet the needs of others while they are still lamenting a loss.

It has been almost three decades since I established the first African Methodist Episcopal Church-based Grief Ministry. Shortly afterwards, a pastor invited me to share about the Grief Ministry at the Episcopal District Minister’s Retreat. For two days I trained the clergy and was the closing retreat preacher. The training was welcomed and successful.

...continued on

Among the clergy were some who had experienced diverse losses. Some had received new appointments and while adjusting to their new church were grieving the loss of the last pastoral appointment. Others had faced the death of a loved one including friends, church leaders, and members in the congregation. A few had been divorced and were grieving the death of a marriage. What I did not know was that God had placed me where I would learn to answer the question, ‘So, how do

you comfort clergy when they are going through a season of loss?’

The clergy’s response to the message during the altar call was amazing. When the offer for healing prayer was given, ministers lamenting their losses came forward. The healing work of the Holy Spirit was powerful. It was a divine appointment. God’s healing prevailed through their emotional expressions of lament and later came a sense of spiritual revival, renewal, and restoration.

This enabled me to develop a best ministry practice to address a clergy lament. The primary key to assist grieving clergy is to provide a safe and private environment. Second, only ministers should be invited. This helps to assure leaders it is okay to let go and just express their sorrow. A minister or grief counselor who understands biblical lament should be present to clarify healthy mourning. Third, the golden rule of the experience is total confidentiality-nothing said or done should ever be a source of

conversation outside the meeting. Finally, clergy should receive resource information for future grief support.

God really does care for the broken-hearted, especially those who serve God’s people. God is omnipresent. God always shows up for his people. The final passage of Job revealed that God blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. Job 42:12 — God cares and will show up for God’s people. ❏ ❏ ❏

“A Fool and Her Money” – A Journal Reflection From the Mind of Syphio

Syphio A. B. Whack

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” [Matthew 6:12]

Growing up, I often heard my mother say, “A fool and money are soon parted.” As a child, I didn’t fully understand who the fool was or why their money was being separated from them. As a young girl growing up with two older brothers, life was not easy; most of my clothes were either hand-me-downs or from the thrift store, except for one new outfit for back-to-school and a new dress for Easter.

For reasons unknown, I find myself this morning journeying down memory lane and remembering the hurt I felt early one Christmas morning when I witnessed the joy of my two brothers who received shiny new red bicycles from the Western Auto store. As I waited for my new bike to be rolled in from the porch, my momma said, “Baby our credit was not enough to get a new bike for you, but one of my friend’s daughters outgrew her bicycle and it’s outside on the porch. But don’t worry, baby, when we pay the account down some, we’ll get you a new bicycle.”

My momma’s eyes were filled with tears; not wanting to make her feel any worse, I rolled the green bicycle with the bent, rusted rear fender off the porch and down the steps without putting a coat on or getting dressed. I wanted my mama to think that I was happy, even though inside I was hurt that my bike was used and had a bent, rusting rear fender.

As I pushed the bicycle up and down the lane (that’s all I could do was push, because I had not yet learned how to ride a bicycle). I pushed with a broken heart and tear-filled eyes that my mother never saw. By God’s grace and mercy, there were no girls my age who lived down the lane where I lived, and since I didn’t know how to ride a bicycle, my used, rusting, bent fender bicycle never left the dirt lane to our house.

When we returned to school, we were required to stand and tell the class what we got for Christmas. I said, “I got a bike” and sat down. That day, I proposed in my heart and mind that if I ever had money, I would give it to everyone in need who asked. It did not take me long in my

adult life to realize the depth of the statement, “A fool and money are soon parted.”

It was a cold, windy, and rainy October day, when a church member called me, saying that she was in jail and needed eight hundred dollars to be released. I explained to her that I needed to call my husband at work and ask for his permission before making a transaction for that amount. The good church sister stated that my husband was her deacon, and she did not want anyone in the church to find out about her incarceration; because of her status as a minister in the church she asked that I be discreet, she had already spent a day and a half in jail before calling.

It never entered my mind to enquire as to why she had not called one of her family members. Suddenly I had an epiphany of my childhood promise to help anyone in need who asked for help. Realizing the situation, my husband consented to loaning her the money. I drove 14.5 miles to the next county; let us not forget that it was a cold, windy, rainy day.

On my way to the next county, I stopped at the bank to get the money from our account. During that time, you could only do a withdrawal transaction for a certain amount at the driveup window. I got out of the car, and walked in the windy, cold rain, into the bank. As I walked back to my car, a strong, whipping wind blew my umbrella upward, so by the time I reached my car, I was dripping wet from head to toe.

When I arrived back at the jail, I noticed the parking area was so flooded that the water rippled down from the parking lot to the street. Without

an umbrella, I made my way to pay the bond for a good church sister who was in need. However, at the bonding window, I was informed that additional charges had been added. Therefore, the bond amount had increased from eight hundred dollars to one thousand three hundred dollars.

Returning to my car, I returned to the bank, parked the car, and walked into the bank, dripping wet, teeth shuttering; the bank teller remarked, “What happened to you?” I immediately reminded myself of the need to “kill the flesh daily.” I smiled and replied, “My umbrella had a date with the wind.”

After the two-hour wait for the good sister to be released, we hugged and cried, she repeatedly thanked me and promised to repay the loan within three weeks. It has been twenty-four years since I loaned money to the church sister. Our paths have crossed many times over the years; she assures me she hasn’t forgotten about the loan. I always respond politely, trying to resist the urge to act out of anger. I will admit that during one of our brief encounters, I felt like giving in to my fleshly desires and retaliating as Celie Johnson suggested in the movie The Color Purple, 1 when she told Sophia to “beat him.” I am grateful that I did not yield to the temptation. I reminded myself that just as God forgave us of our debts, we too must forgive the debts of others.

I realize now that my decision to lend that amount of money without a written agreement was not wise. It is my prayer that someone reading this will learn from my mistake, as failure to do so could result in the “parting” of your money and their friendship.

Reverend Syphio A. B. Whack currently serves as an associate minister at the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Summerville, SC: the Reverend Lorraine Fields–Bradley, senior pastor.

1 The Color Purple – 1985 American epic directed by Steven Spielberg and written by Menno Meyjes.

Conservative Mark Robinson’s Novel Campaign for Governor of North Carolina

Roger House (3.22.24)

North Carolina voters are evaluating the historic candidacy of Mark Robinson, the Republican nominee for governor, going into the general election. Robinson, elected lieutenant governor in 2021, is the first black politician to hold the office and only the second elected statewide. His candidacy raises questions about a potential shift in political alignments in the Tar Heel State. His campaign paints a boot-strap image of his upbringing that could be appealing to the black faith community in the state. Consider his experience as youth, as described, “I grew up as the 9 th of 10 children in Greensboro. My father was an alcoholic who beat my mother. He died when I was in the fifth grade, and I was terrified. He had been the sole provider for our household. I remember sitting on the porch wondering where I’d be in five years.”

His mother supported the family on a janitor’s salary, he wrote, adding, “She chose to clean up for other kids to provide for her own. She didn’t just rise to the challenge, she excelled. She gave a sense of calm and purpose to us. From that point on, we always had what we needed - very little of what we wanted, but always what we needed.”

As well, he presents a profile of the working-class folk. He is married to a long-time sweetheart, raised children and grandchildren, and worked in a furniture factory. He criticized the effects of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) on the ordinary worker, writing, “My wife and I have endured a lot. I lost not one, but two jobs due to NAFTA. We lost homes, cars, and were even forced into bankruptcy. I remember lying awake at night wondering how I was going to pay the bills.”

Robinson is a former army reservist and popular for evangelical oratory with Bible thumping. He can be prone to insensitive statements on cultural issues like gay rights and anti-Semitism, and to knee-jerk support for Donald Trump’s false claims about the 2020 election. His governing positions remain a work in progress but largely the usual conservative stances on issues like reproductive health services and border security. His nomination has the Biden campaign hopeful about its chances to win the state. It considers him a risky choice for both moderate women and independent voters, and the NY Times has depicted him as something of a zealot. An unknown element, however, is the perspective of the black faith community. With Robinson now a viable candidate, will people consider the benefits of building relations with his campaign?

For example, he promotes funding for education

as an issue of priority, writing, “I have supported providing opportunities for all students to have an education that best suites them, whether that’s in a private school, charter school, home school, or public school. I have championed workforce development programs to give students more opportunities for success after high school.”

North Carolina’s Black Voting Bloc

The North Carolina black community has favorable preconditions for statewide political influence around issues for church mobilization. The assets include a 20 percent black population, a political powerbase in Charlotte, a cultural powerbase in the churches, and a steady inflow of talented young professionals. Black folk can play a leadership and a swing role in state elections to the benefit of group interests.

For many years, it has been in the interest to work in the receptive home base of the state Democratic Party. For example, church members participated in the grassroots work of the New North Carolina Project, and worked to register new voters and expand the franchise. It showed results in 2022, when Cheri Beasley put up a spirited fight for the Senate, narrowly losing to Republican Ted Budd.

By contrast, the state Republican Party has relied on methods to stifle the vote rather than build its base. It has done so through mass voter challenges, state legislative tinkering of rules, and racial gerrymandering to advantage. All in all, the party has been averse to fair dealing in state governance, except in miserly ways.

In recent history, black voters in the south have relied on white Democrats of center-right platforms for representation. It includes Jimmy Carter in Georgia and Bill Clinton in Arkansas; in North Carolina, its current Governor Roy Cooper, approaching the end of a two-term limit. In recent years, the pattern of black Democratic voting has led to historic elections of candidates with Jewish backgrounds like Georgia’s Senator Jon Ossoff.

In North Carolina, Democrats are relying on this game-plan for the current gubernatorial nominee, Josh Stein, the state attorney general. His campaign states that “as attorney general, I have fought for the people of North Carolina for safer communities, stronger schools, healthier families, and personal freedom.” Stein supports expanded access to abortion and seeks to appeal to moderate women as well as black men. And if elected, he would be the state’s first Jewish governor, a history worth noting.

However, this election cycle takes place in a climate of reactions and consequences over the Gaza War. It has pitted black and Jewish interests to stake out opposing positions of conviction. Most compelling was the call of 1,000 black ministers for a humanitarian ceasefire, hostage release, and negotiations, a position increasingly promoted by the Biden Administration.

Pro-Israel advocates, on the other hand, have criticized a sizable group of high-ranking black representatives on the issue of anti-Semitism. In one incident, the politics appeared to venture into the realm of humiliation; namely, billionaire Bill Ackman’s criticism of Harvard President Claudine Gay over campus responses to acts of anti-Semitism.

Meanwhile, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee supported political efforts to fund challengers against popular black congressional representatives. Among these, as reported in the press, are Cori Bush (D-MO), Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and Summer Lee (D-PA). Members of the AME Church have no doubt learned of such episodes in the press and social media.

The open question for black North Carolina voters is the symbolic value of Mark Robinson as the governor. In the end, they will no doubt endorse Biden over Trump like last time. But should they consider the potential of Robinson as a voice for their interests in the state Republican establishment? More importantly, is Robinson willing to develop a pragmatic approach for addressing good works of mutual interest?

In the end, much of the value of holding the governor’s office is representational. That’s because the North Carolina governor is among the weakest in the country, limited to two terms, and lacking convincing veto power like the line item veto. Many of the state’s executive and judicial seats are elected rather than appointed by the governor. And the state legislature has reduced the governor’s appointment powers in recent years.

Nonetheless, the governor retains authority over a wide range of agencies; additionally, it plays a role in bringing together legislators over the state priorities. The black faith community may want to consider the merits of finding ways to work with the Robinson campaign.

Roger House is professor emeritus of American Studies at Emerson College and the author of Blue Smoke: The Recorded Journey of Big Bill Broonzy and South End Shout: Boston’s Forgotten Music Scene in the Jazz Age. His forthcoming book is Five Hundred Years of Black Self Governance (Louisiana State University Press).

How Long Has It Been?

Dr. John Wm. Roberts, ED.D., Contributing Writer

Cedar Falls, Iowa

There are times, during daily activities, a person comes to mind. It makes us stop and think… “How long has it been since I’ve spoken to this person?” There have been many times this has happened to me, and, of course, others. We get so busy with responsibilities…professional and familial…we forget to stay in contact with those who may have had an important role in our lives. It is not out of callousness; however, it is because we let other things, such as jobs, professions, personal aspirations, and relationships take precedence in our lives.

There are many things which we don’t forget to do, i.e., going to our places of employment, paying bills, attending professional and social events. These things, we feel, are very important parts of our responsibilities to ourselves and others. Yet, there is one responsibility we seem to forget routinely…speaking to the author and finisher of our life…God!

The Rev. Thomas Mosie Lister [1921-2015], in 1956, wrote “How Long Has It Been?” Scholars have wondered if this was an introspective statement. Whether these scholars agree, it is worth noting it is something each of us should ask ourselves…just how long has it been since we’ve talked with the Lord? Just as we, often, take friends and family for granted, we, quite frequently, take God for granted…not taking the time to thank him for the many things… great and small…he does for us each minute of each day. The Rev. Lister asks… “How long has it been since you talked with the Lord and told him your heart’s hidden secrets? How long since you prayed? How long since you stayed on your knees till the light shone through? How long has it been since your mind felt at ease? How long since your heart knew no burden? How long has it been since you knelt by your bed and prayed to the Lord up in heaven? How long since you knew that he’d answer you, and would keep you the long night through? How long has it been since you woke with the dawn, and felt that the day’s worth the living? Can you call him your friend? How long has it been, since you knew

that he cared for you?”

I am guilty of not being in contact with God as often as I should. How about you? Prayer is an integral part of our spiritual connection and obligation to God. It should never be…how long has it been, but…how often it is we talk to and with God! Many Gospel artists have recorded the song, “Sending Up My Timber”; however, the version by Thomas Dorsey is a personal favorite. One phrase of the chorus reiterates our need to be in constant contact with God… “may be morn, night or noon, I don’t know just how soon, but I’m sending up my timber every day.”

No matter what time of the day, there is no right or wrong time to talk to God. I will not let the question be asked of me… “How Long Has It Been?” God is never too busy to hear our prayers – we should never be to busy to be in contact with him using the one method of contact uniquely individual…prayer!

The Music and Christian Arts Ministry — 2023 NEXT Conference

Dr. Thalia Love, MCAM Secretary, St. John AME Church, 9 th Episcopal District

The Connectional Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) held its 2023 conference December 27-30, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee. MCAM is under the leadership of the Right Reverend Frank Madison Reid III, chair of the Commission on Christian Education. The host presiding prelate for the conference was the Right Reverend E. Anne Henning Byfield of the 13th District. Dr. Jeffery W. Norfleet II served as the host MCAM director. The host church was St. Andrew AME Church, the Rev. Troy Thomas, pastor.

Under the leadership of the executive director of the Department of Christian Education, Dr. Garland Pierce, the Connectional MCAM officers, director, the Reverend Maurice Wright II; associate director, the Reverend Myron D. Hill; and the MCAM Executive Board, the MCAM Next Conference encouraged the use of various gifts of inspiration and creativity by infusing worship with the creative arts. The theme for the event was: “Honoring Our Nurturing, Celebrating Our Now, Expecting Our Next.” The MCAM director, associate director and component artists provided workshop sessions on the various tracts.

The conference began on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. The guest presenter, Dr. James Abbington, gave a wonderful presentation on hymns– their history and significance in the worship service. The chief celebrant for the Opening Worship and Holy Communion Service was the Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Jr. The Big Bethel AME Church Praise Team, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Saint Andrew AME Church Choir provided the music and dance. On Thursday, December 28, 2023, our very own 9 th District pastor of St. Paul AME

Church in Montgomery, Alabama, the Reverend Agnes M. Lover, led the plenary session. During the Scholarship Luncheon, chaired by Dr. Roberta Hill and sponsored by Trevecca Nazarene University, funds were secured to relaunch the MCAM scholarship program in the areas of instrumental music, vocal music, drama, dance, and visual arts. The Reverend Anthony B. Vinson, Sr., immediate past director of MCAM, was the speaker. Thursday evening’s worship music was provided by Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ and the Southern

Region Church of God in Christ

Mass Choir. Bishop Linwood Dillard from Citadel of Deliverance Church of God in Christ was the guest preacher.

On Friday, December 29, 2023, Dr. Vernon Byrd led an engaging and enlightening panel discussion on music ministry costs. The conference culminated with the MCAM NEXT Signature Event on Friday evening where the various tracts demonstrated what they had learned in the workshops. The clergy tract, led by Dr. Jason Thompson, presented a summary of its discussions to the MCAM

Executive Board. The drama tract, led by Mr. David Mitchell (6 th District); dance, led by the Reverend Sarita Anderson Wilson; MCAM NEXT Choir, led by the Reverend Anthony Radcliff and conference choir director, the Reverend Calvin Bernard Rhone; and visual arts, led by the Reverend Margaret Tyson showcased their creativity during the service. In addition, guest artists the Reverend Calvin Bernard Rhone, Brent Jones, Crystal Aikin, and Kathy Taylor performed. The conference left participants committed to ministry through the fine arts.

A Growing Church Does Not Signify Life

Rev. Tashara Void, Columnist

Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to sit in on a forum where panelists were asked how they would use their future work to promote church growth and development. The answers varied, but there was one in particular that caught my attention. The panelist responded that they would “tell our stories through documentaries, etc.” The panelist elaborated on how much the church has grown in the past 30-40 years and how it is important that we use this narrative to counter the messages that the church is dying.

I pondered these thoughts long after the forum concluded. I understood the message the panelist wanted to convey, but the message I was receiving was deeper than just telling the story of our growth, which is important, as we have much to learn from how the church has grown in the last 30-40 years. But the physical and numerical growth do not tell the whole story. And certainly growth cannot be used as a marker for health or increase as a sign of depth and spirituality. Church growth in people and/or money does not mean it is a healthy church, as all growth is not good. Just look at cancer or the growth of vines. They both have significant growth rates and are harmful, even deadly, when left untreated or become untreatable.

The parable of the sower (as found in the synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke) illustrates this beautifully. There were seeds that had fallen on four different types of ground. All but one experienced growth. In one instance, the growth was quick. In another, the growth happened despite challenging surroundings. And, in the other, the one we hyperfocus

on, growth and multiplication happenedinadvertently becoming our goal. So much so that we have assigned numerical value to the effectiveness of one’s ministry. More members, more money, more programs mean good soil But, as we see, growth can happen in unfavorable conditions and may not last.

Some of our churches are like the path, rocks, and thorns. Some of us are not growing, but we are providing sustenance and resources for others, and only on pastoral reports where ascension and conversions are zero is that a problem. Some of us have no depth. We are growing, but the people are perishing under the hardships of life, so the growth is not sustainable. Some of us experience growth in tough spaces, but it gets strangled. And, there are those who believe their growth goes without saying that they have developed the soil necessary to sustain and maintain it. (A deeper dive into the lives of the people will confirm or debunk.)

As we endeavor to move the church into the next couple of centuries and beyond, we must consider the conditions of our churches. We must assess the ground to ensure conditions are favorable and ask ourselves how to measure the health of the church while monitoring its wellbeing. What trackers, markers, and developmental milestones will we use to determine if we have good soil? A non-growing church does not signify death, and a growing church does not signify life. The lives of the people do.

Indians, Forty-Niners, and Super Bowl LVIII

SHOULD THOSE OF US WHO ARE NOT INDIGENOUS CARE ABOUT TEAM NAMES WITH

Robert P. Jones, White Too Long

GENOCIDAL ALLUSIONS?

On Sunday, over 100 million Americans will likely tune in to watch Super Bowl LVIII, a contest between the reigning champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the San Francisco Forty-Niners (last year’s contest between the Chiefs and the Eagles drew 113 million viewers according to Nielsen). This year, the juxtaposition of these two team names—one baldly appropriating Native American culture and the other celebrating the flood of illegal white settlers into California following the discovery of gold in 1848—has led some indigenous activists to dub the contest “the genocide bowl.”

For average white Christian Americans (like me)—who grew up identifying with the dominant culture’s fascination with Indian symbols as relics from an exotic past and who absorbed stories depicting the courage of pioneers, the grit of upstart miners, and the thrill of the Wells Fargo wagon that was a coming down the street—such rhetoric is likely to seem overblown and easy to brush aside.

In my recent book,  The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, I included a reflection about my experience playing “cowboys and

Indians” as a kid and the way it passively but powerfully shaped my understanding of the world and my place in it (see pp. 283-286).

“I don’t want to be the Indians again,” my younger brother complained. “I want to be the cowboys.”

It was a familiar argument between us, repeated nearly every time we reset the pieces of our “Big Western Town” play set. We had dog-eared the page on which it was featured in the much-anticipated Sears “Wish Book” Christmas catalog, and the large box appeared, to our

Native activists protest the Kansas City professional football team’s name outside State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona before Super Bowl 2023. (Photo by Rhonda LeValdo, founder of Not In Our Honor, an organization opposed to the Kansas City team’s name and associated imagery, via Indian Country Today).

delight, on Christmas morning in 1972. Santa had come through.

When our family relocated from Georgia for a brief stint in the Lone Star State as preschoolers, our grandparents had equipped us with complete outfits of boots, smart suede chaps (mine were red, my brother’s blue), matching fringed vests, hats, and holsters securing shiny chrome cap pistols with white plastic handles. We also, though less frequently, donned stereotypical Native American costumes, with faux eagle feather headdresses and rubber tomahawks we had picked

up at a “Cherokee Village” during a vacation drive through North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains.

The objection to “being the Indians” was not just rooted in a sense that the cowboys always won, although that lesson was driven home in TV series like  Bonanza  and  Gunsmoke  that were favorites of my grandfather and in the big Hollywood westerns that John Wayne was still cranking out late in his career. Rather, the biggest frustration, to our young minds, was how restrained the options were for playing with the Indian figures.

...continued on p47

The cowboys, as the name of the play set indicated, came with an entire town you could assemble. There was a green bank building, a brown general store, a two-story blue building that housed a saloon below and a hotel above, and a yellow building identified as “City Hall,” where the sheriff also hung out his shingle. The set contained remarkable attention to detail. The white block-letter signs, which declared the function of the buildings, also identified fictional proprietors with decidedly European names such as “Braun,” “Davis,” and “Miller.” Each building had a chimney, paned windows, articulating doors, and an attached front porch with its own distinctive pattern of white support posts and railings. The cowboys also possessed a covered wagon and a stagecoach, pulled by a team of four horses and topped by cargo boxes and steamer trunks belonging to new settlers presumably arriving from the East.

The Indians, by contrast, had no structures or shelters. They were, apparently, a homeless roving band. The image on the front of the box features the town, the stagecoach, and all the cowboys in the foreground. Behind that scene, there are a string of boulders spread across the horizon in front of a red setting sun. Four mounted Indians are perched, in silhouette, on the rocks, while a raiding party spills down toward the rear of the unsuspecting but heavily armed cowboy town.

There was only one logical script for any play episode: assemble the white cowboy men and then attack their little outpost of civilization with the Indian warriors who arrived with hostile intent from the hinterlands.

For me, as a member of the dominant ethnoreligious group, this play set, manufactured in West Germany for Sears’ America, reinforced my deep assumptions about our history and our standing in this land. It presented indigenous people as uncivilized others; and it produced a flattering image of me and the superiority of my people. The inanimate figures firmly locked Native Americans into a distant past, allowing us to admire and appropriate aspects of their culture while remaining oblivious to the conditions of, and calls for justice by, their living descendants.

In the same year my brother and I gleefully

unwrapped our Big Western Town, for example, the modern American Indian Movement organized the “Trail of Broken Treaties,” a march to demand the U.S. honor its treaty obligations to Native Americans, and forcibly occupied the Bureau of Indian Affairs headquarters building in Washington, D.C. A few years later, when I discovered a flint arrowhead on the playground at Oak Forest Elementary School in southwest Jackson, Mississippi, I added it to my rock collection, placing it beside my samples of petrified wood, as more evidence of living things that once occupied these lands but were long extinct. When I received the Cub Scouts’ highest rank, the Arrow of Light, symbolized by a Native American arrow, I felt proud to accept this award, and participated in what felt like an exotic substitute rite of passage that was absent from my own culture.

At my Southern Baptist alma mater, Mississippi College, the athletic teams’ name was taken from the original inhabitants of the land the campus now occupies, a thought that never troubled my mind during my four-year sojourn on campus. And when our football cheerleaders led the crowd in singing contrived Native American chants, while raising their arms at the elbow to mimic a tomahawk strike (as tens of thousands of Kansas City Chiefs fans recently did on national television at the 2023 Super Bowl)—or even in chants of “Scalp ’em, Choctaws, scalp ’em!”—I enthusiastically joined in.

Indigenous activists have waged a long legal and public opinion battle against the appropriation of Native American imagery by professional sports franchises, with mostly limited success— until the national reckoning on racial justice following the murder of George Floyd in March 2020. Since then, the NFL’s Washington Redskins have become the Commanders, and the MLB Cleveland Indians have become the Guardians. (The NHL’s Chicago’s Blackhawks and the MLB’s Atlanta Braves have resisted calls to rename their franchises.)

The Kansas City Chiefs, however, have responded with only minor changes. The Chiefs retired a horse named Warpaint that a cheerleader rode into the stadium at the beginning of games and

prohibited fans from wearing headdresses, face paint, or “red face.” They also officially renamed the “tomahawk chop” to the “chop,” although they made no attempt to prohibit the practice of that offensive gesture, which we undoubtedly will see performed with enthusiasm at tomorrow’s game.

The Chiefs have also instituted a practice of honoring Native dignitaries at games during Native American Heritage Month in November. Last fall, the team invited a drum group from the Omaha Nation to perform and honored representatives from the Kickapoo Nation of Kansas and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.

But Rhonda LeValdo, founder of Not In Our Honor, an organization opposed to the Kansas City team’s name and associated imagery, argues that the use of Native American names and mascots perpetuates harmful stereotypes that not only distort our past but also continue to harm Native Americans in the present. In a recent interview with Indian Country Today (ICT), she lamented that young indigenous athletes in her home town of Lawrence, Kansas—located about 50 miles from the Chief’s Arrowhead Stadium— often face taunts from opposing players who perform “the chop.”

The more obscure Forty-Niners name has allowed the San Francisco franchise to mostly escape the spotlight. But that moniker also celebrates acts of genocide, land theft, and enslavement of indigenous people at the hands of the more than 300,000 mostly white settlers who came to California to strike it rich. After California became a state in 1850, its first governor, Peter Hardenman Burnett, declared to the legislature “that a war of extermination will continue to be waged between the races until the Indian race becomes extinct.”

Over 100,000 of the estimated 150,000 indigenous people in California died in the first two years of the gold rush alone. The violence, depletion of resources, and disease the rapacious settlers brought reduced the numbers of indigenous people in California to about 30,000 by 1873.

As we look ahead to tomorrow’s game, why should those of us who are not indigenous care about team names with genocidal allusions?

Beyond the bigotry and discrimination the team names encourage, LeValdo also laments that they prevent many indigenous people f rom celebrating the success of their home team along with their neighbors. “Sports bring people together. It involves everybody, and we’re not part of that,” she told ICT. “I would like to be a part of that community that could celebrate.”

At a minimum, we should certainly want our Native American neighbors to feel respected and included in the fabric of our communities. Despite this history, California today has the United States’ largest Native American population and is home to 109 federally recognized tribes. Over 61,000 people identify as indigenous in Kansas, which is also home to four federally recognized tribes.

But those of us who are not indigenous also have, so to speak, skin in the game. We should deeply care about the ways in which the celebration of these symbolic allusions to genocide dull our empathetic powers, distort our moral vision, and thereby dampen our commitment to justice.

When Social Media Isn’t Sociable

Rev. Stephanie Atkins, 1st Episcopal District, 2 nd Vice President, WIM

We live in a world driven by social media impacting every generation. It has now become our largest form of communication. We can access it morning, noon, and night for everything from the latest in entertainment, business, and news, to what’s happening in our churches and in the lives of people we know and do not know. FaceBook, Snapchat, X formerly Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and others are featured apps on our mobile devices 24-7. We are inundated with intel around the clock, right at our fingertips-some good and some not so good.

It is hard to escape the 4-1-1 on information, reels, snippets, and clips. If you miss a headline, hot topic, or the daily trending rumors, there is sure to be a replay, commentary, or update on social media. It is our source for what’s going on and what people are talking about.

I am amazed at the number of times I see the question, “What did I miss?” on my feed. Funny how we feel left out or uninformed if we can’t follow the “post” or comments in a thread. A quick search in Google will surely clue you in so you can join the conversation.

But what happens when social media isn’t as sociable? For many members of the AME Church, it has been a link to connecting with other members across the Connection; while for others it maintains contact with colleagues in ministry, classmates, former co-workers, family, and friends whether near or far, and business acquaintances. The normal “follow,” “friend,” “connection,” or “like,” is about a direct/indirect interaction or an expressed similar interest (“people may know”). However, we have become surfers and viewers surveying content and conversations but are reluctant

to “like, love, care, or respond” for fear of being judged, ridiculed, and ostracized for relating to a post, status, video, page, or tweet.

Social media has created a spirit of separatism among us causing us to scroll in fear of scrutiny. We are not sociable or neighborly anymore. We are afraid of being theologically imbalanced if we support a post or double standard disciples if we laugh at a meme. If you comment on a controversial reel or topic of conversation you might be labeled as unapprised.

We have become antisocial, to say the least. We’re friends but not friends. We think we know people without getting to know people. It happens on social media and it’s happening in our churches. We see each other across the aisles, in the pews and the pu lpit but we do not stop to say “hello, how are you?” and stay long enough to wait for an answer or to offer someone prayer, because we don’t “do” people.

The next time you send or accept someone’s friend request, send a word, a greeting, or inspiration; that someone might know that they are more than just a click, “accept” them and respond. Take the time to get to know the person enough that when you meet in-person, you can approach them to at least speak to them. We are heading to the General Conference; I hope we make real connections. Can we speak and talk more instead of looking with faces of unfamiliarity? Let’s not allow our social media behaviors to govern our Christian characters. God Our Fath er, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Fam ily. #WeAreAME – this makes us family. Let’s connect, engage, and be sociable! Proverbs 17:17 ❏ ❏ ❏

March Is National Nutrition Month®: Beyond the Table

Bishop Francine Brookins, Commission Chair

Rev. Dr. Natalie Mitchem, Executive Director

Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, Medical Director

National Nutrition Month® was established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The 2024 theme “Beyond the Table” focuses on the importance of access to nutritious meals, establishing healthy food choices, and daily physical activity habits (eatright.org, 2024).

“Beyond the Table,” addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, from food production and distribution to navigating grocery stores and farmers markets. The theme describes the variety of ways people eat and sustainability; additional information is located at www.eatright.org.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy meals can help prevent malnutrition and non-communicable diseases.

Unfortunately, the increased consumption and production of processed foods and urbanization have resulted in many populations eating more foods high in unhealthy fats, sugar, salt, and less foods containing fiber such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruit (https://www.who. int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet, 2024). The fact is globally all populations benefit from an increased consumption of meals that are freshly prepared and follow a “farm-to-fork” approach to help fight and prevent disease.

During March read all food labels; select and prepare meals without added salt, sugar, and animal fat for flavoring; look for all-natural ingredients and avoid foods with artificial ingredients, colors, and additives. Healthy food and fitness habits include: purchasing food from local farmer markets;

purchasing food from the produce section of grocery stores and less pre-packaged processed food; offering healthy food choices at all faith-based events; starting a church, community, or home garden; preparing smaller portions of meat or fish and try meatless Monday; increase daily fiber with vegetables, fruit, and whole grains; skip the milkshake and make a healthy smoothie with fresh berries and green, leafy vegetables; and every day intentionally participate in activities that promote fitness (i.e., walking, bowling, swimming, dancing, jumping, stretching, Pilates).Visit www.AMEChealth. org for information regarding AME Farms/ Gardens and Culinary RX - AME.

Our Moral Imperative: Confronting A Decaying Human Contract

Jamar A. Boyd II, M. Div.

The America of my experience has worshiped and nourished violence for as long as I have been on earth. The violence was being perpetrated mainly against black men, though — the strangers: and so it didn’t count. But, if a society permits one portion of its citizenry to be menaced or destroyed, then, very soon, no one in that society is safe...in any case, wherever love is found, it unfailingly makes itself felt in the individual, the personal authority of the individual. Judged by this standard, we are a loveless nation. The best that can be said is that some of us are struggling. And what we are struggling against is the death in the heart which leads not only to shedding of blood, but which reduces human beings to corpses while they live.

The poignant words of James Baldwin within the short essay, “Nothing Personal,” engages – with precision – social isolation, race, and police brutality giving us the theological equivalent of the danger, influence, and presence of forces, entities, and powers that seek to harm rather than heal. Furthermore, communicated is an interrogation of American imperialism centered upon notions of prohibitive existence and a visceral attachment to illusionary exceptionalism that leads to an inevitable decay of the innate human contract eroding our ability to engage sensible humanism. Requiring necessary truth telling to confront a [the] decaying human contract.

From carefully crafted police states, dictatorial legislatures, and oppressive federal regimes we witness the sustained proliferation of

...From Seek the Lord p24

state sanctioned violence manifested through global genocide and the quarantined morality. Resulting in an embedded web of Afrophobia, generational desensitization to death and violence, and intercultural experiential trauma debilitating the spiritual, psychological, and emotional existence of elders and children alike. Consequently, the folk [disposable black and brown folks of the African diaspora] are left susceptible to the constructed illusionary mechanisms of power and the bare, lifeless annals of white supremacy. Such a reality relegates the flesh to a mere commodity unworthy of respect, honor, and dignity evidenced by America’s anarchy and death deals. Dealings producing no victors, but victims on all sides requiring an acknowledgment and confrontation of the lived realities by those impacted directly.

The undeniable angst of democratic uncertainty as observed by the prolonged allowance of white hegemonic fear and Christian nationalism remains a mechanism to dictate the existence of black and brown folks, children, differently abled persons, and the disinherited. We need look no further than Haiti, Palestine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Chicago as the construction of a presidential library ignites further fears of displacement and gentrification. Revealingly, every aspect of the human contract is eroded as the evils of capitalism, racism, poverty, and militarism are sustained, financed, and revered in the names of democracy and freedom, amplifying the secular, social, and theological connectivity of Baldwin’s words.

As we seek God through our prayer, study, and worship life, this will always challenge our ways and our thoughts. If we are too familiar with God, we endanger ourselves with the reality of spiritual drifting, therefore there needs to burn within us the desire for

...From There Is p32

Christian Recorder, first black established university by a black church, Wilberforce University, and so forth. Let’s walk 2024 with so much pride about our church. Problems and challenges will always be there, but when faced with them two questions must

Jimmy, within his essay, shares as Paul did in Ephesians 6:12 the reality that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” Pressing upon us the need to confront death deals that directly engage a decaying human contract through unabashed truth telling amid an insatiable hunger and collective need for a refined moral consciousness. This is the righteous and honest interrogation of methods, modes, and systems of existence which predetermine our sensibilities and inability to see Imago Dei in all people. It’s to seemingly take a page out of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights as it states,

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice, and peace in the world, Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people…,

There is no substitute or alternative reality that can absolve a church, people, or nation that ceases to reckon with the senseless murder and starvation of children. There is no rationale that can excuse an institution or a government’s racism and inequity that validates homophobia and gender-based

violence. There is not enough charity or kindness that can affirm greed and communal deprivation. There is no level of patriotism, which performs debilitating militarism that fails to confront genocide and enables supremacy, worthy of celebration and honor. Instead, these are the realities of a decaying human contract requiring moral consciousness, presence, and truth.

Our moral imperative is plainly before us, but will we act or remain passive? The words of Harry Belafonte ring true as he declared, “Morally you cannot defeat the enemy by becoming the enemy.” Therefore, we have a choice to make. Will we sustain and strengthen the death deals of empire prolonging restrained existence and imminent destruction or dismantle imperialistic piety through unparalleled righteous indignation and prophetic resistance?

The moral imperative of this hour must possess honest interrogation of the methods, modes, and systems of engagement which predetermine our sensibilities and inability to see the full divine humanity of all people. Otherwise, we will be seen as nonhuman not only by the state but to ourselves. ❏ ❏ ❏

constant renewal and commitment as we present ourselves to God and allow for God’s presence to engage every aspect of our lives.

Continue to seek the Lord, while the Lord may be found.

be addressed:

1.D o we solve them to save the church?

2. Do we exacerbate them to destroy the church?

We only have the AME Church as our church; let’s protect it, safeguard it, and advance it.

Let’s transform it to respond to the current generation’s aspirations but not compromising our fundamentals.

The AME Church is not a hobby club but Isonto labasindiswa nelabafuna insindiso. That’s what we are! Happy New Year. ❏ ❏ ❏

Jamar A. Boyd II, M. Div. Guest Editorial