Saint Peter AMEC Church Anniversary: “The Rock” Church in the Valley Celebrates 139 Years

Desiree V. O’Bryant, 6th Episcopal District

Using scripture, the living word helps us work through life with guidance that comes with provision. We don’t want to go through the motions anymore. We are active and intentional about our worship. By being together, we realize that we aren’t alone, crazy, or struggling by ourselves. We can laugh and cry, agree and disagree, and challenge each other in the name of love and growing closer to God. We pray that this ministry will continue to grow and draw more people back into the house of God. We are the hands and feet of Christ. We want to serve in the choir, in the committees, be ushers, and in the various ministries within the church, and we want to do it in a way that feels good to us instead of trying to fit into molds that we have outgrown

Matthew 16:18 reads, “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Valley, Georgia, better known as “The Rock” Church in the Valley, enjoyed a day of celebration, worship, and thanksgiving for 139 glorious years.

The church anniversary program commenced on Sunday, November 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. The theme for this special occasion was “One Church, One Family.” The worship leader was the Reverend Anthony Angelo Dixon II, pastor of Saint Peter. The worship experience began with the Ringing of the Bell by the generational family members of Saint Peter. Saint Peter Anniversary Celebration Ensemble performed the morning praise and thanksgiving. The gifted musicians were Brother Jabarri Johnson, pianist; Brother Nicholas Ross, percussionist, and Brother Grant Alexander, saxophonist. Pastor Dixon II led the opening acclamation and the litany of empowerment. “How Great Is Our God” was the morning hymn of praise. After singing the hymn, Sister Frances O’Bryant delivered a spiritually moving prayer. The liturgy of the Word was read: The Old Testament, Sister Desiree O’Bryant; The Epistle, Sister Raven Johnson; and The Gospel; Brother Gerald Ellison, Sr. Finally, The Anniversary Ensemble blessed the congregants in song with “Thank You, Jesus.” It was a time of praising and thanking God.

Brother Ashley Ballard, anniversary general chairperson, gave a celebratory welcome and the occasion. He exclaimed that the church is very much alive and not dead. He talked about the vision and the mission of Saint Peter, which is “to minister to the needs of all people by creating a loving environment that will touch and transform lives.” He then paused for a special presentation that involved interactive participation. He presented each church member with a cup of colored sand representing each member’s generation (i.e., Millennial, Baby Boomers). The church members collectively poured their colored sand into a vial. The vial symbolized unity and signified that the church is a dwelling place for all generations. Sister Willie M. Johnson fervently prayed for unity in our churches, homes, and families.

Eagerly awaited was the presentation of “The M.E. Singleton Service Award.” This award is presented annually in memory of Brother Merchant E. Singleton, a faithful servant to St. Peter and the community. Brother Ballard presented the first award to Sister Yvonne H. Ellison. He stated she was most deserving of this award because of her loyal, faithful, and distinguished service to the church. The Anniversary Core Steering Team: Sister Raven Johnson, Sister Bianca Ballard, and Sister KenShayala Johnson presented the second award to Sister Cydne Gee, for her selfless acts, creativity, and for being an advocate for those who do not have a voice. Pastor Dixon also shared his remarks of gratefulness to Sister Gee, adding that she was a trailblazer.

The Reverend Dixon introduced the anniversary messenger, the Reverend Doctor Jeffery B. Cooper who serves the African Methodist Episcopal Church as general secretary/chief information officer. Doctor Cooper holds a Master of

Arts in Practical Theology from Regent University School of Divinity and a Doctor of Ministry from Graduate Theological Seminary. He is married to the Rev. Joanne E. Williams-Cooper, M.D.; they are the proud parents of four children and five adorable grandchildren. Doctor Cooper preached “Things to Come” from John 14:8-14. He reflected on Jesus telling the disciples that he must leave and go with his Father, and whoever believes in him will do even greater things.

The Reverend Dixon and Brother Ballard gave remarks. A delightful

Local WMS Missionary and God’s Directive

Rev. Debra A. Whitlock-Lax, 5th Episcopal District

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

It fills a pastor’s soul to witness a member stepping out on faith and fulfilling God’s divine directive with compassion and a get-it-done willingness to serve God.

January 1, 2023, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Sparks, Nevada, was blessed to worship the Lord using the Zoom online video platform; we were snowed in. Nevertheless, that did not stop dedicated members from attending church. God has a way when you are where you are supposed to be, of connecting God’s children for God’s divine purpose. Because we were online, Pastor Lerato Pisto of Ivory Park AME Church joined our service.

Following the service, Pastor Debra A. Whitlock-Lax asked Pastor Lerato to share about her ministry in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her testimony prompted Pastor Debra to ask if the Rev. Lerato’s children needed warm hats. There was no hesitation. Yes! Pastor Pisto asked to receive 50 hats. Bethel Sparks will provide her with 100 hats. We expect to finish all the hats by March 10.

Pastor Lerato Pisto is traveling to California at the end of March; Bethel hopes to deliver them personally to her.

Missionary Cynthia Hunter agreed to lead, strategize, and implement the effort while working closely with PDebz. Sandy Bovee, Bethel’s Food Pantry leader and stewardess, agreed to help. Brother Marcus

––Transitions ––

Montgomery and the Rev. Richard L. Lax also will be helping. In addition, Cynthia and PDebz met two individuals in the yarn store who, too, want to add their labor of love. Sunday, January 8, nine hats were completed – the first cycle done, and on to the next! So we are off to a great start. Missionary Hunter plans for her team to make nine hats every

REV. WILLE LEE LANGLEY (1936-2023)

The Rev. Willie L. Langley passed on January 15, 2023, at Emory Midtown Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, after a long illness. He was born on May 16, 1936, to the late Aggie Mae Langley and Fred Douglas Langley in Camden, Arkansas.

The Rev. Langley, affectionally called “Bill” while growing up, graduated from Lincoln High School. He then attended Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. Sensing the need for a different experience, he transferred to Morehouse College, where he studied chemistry. The Rev. Langley interrupted his college studies to enlist in the United States Air Force. Following his time in the Air Force, he returned to Atlanta and enrolled at Morris Brown College, earning a degree in religious studies. He did further study at the Interdenominational week for 11 weeks. March 19, 2023, is the target finish date.

Someone asked after church, why are we making hats for Africans? South Africa gets cold. Some cities get snow. What a blessing not to have to purchase a hat for your son or daughter. So, why not just buy some hats, box them up, and ship them to Pastor Pisto? There is dinner awaited congregants in the Ulric George Fellowship Hall. something about giving gifts that your hands have made and prayed over. Yes, it would be easier to purchase and ship. However, the fun, fabulous fellowship, and the faith witnessed by God’s people fulfilling his commission to go to the utter parts of the world with the gospel of compassion are invaluable. We would love your involvement. Would you like to get involved? Make sure that you include your email address and cell phone so that you are kept in the loop regarding our progress.

The Reverend Doctor Harvey R. Williamson is the presiding elder of the Macon Georgia South District, and the Right Reverend Reginald T. Jackson is the presiding prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District.

Purchase yarn from Amazon and deliver it to Pastor Debra A. Whitlock-Lax–3660 Shale Court, Reno, Nevada 89503.

Make a financial contribution to purchase yarn:

Givelify: Search for Bethel Sparks; check/cashier’s check payable to Bethel AME Church with Memo: Hats for Africa and mail to Bethel AME Church — Attention: Pastor Debra A. Whitlock-Lax, 2655 N. Rock Blvd., Sparks, Nevada 89431.

Theological Center.

On December 13, 1969, Willie and Jacquelyn Ashe were married. God blessed them with two beautiful daughters, Gwendolyn and Keshia.

The entire Langley family found much joy in being members of Big Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church. They were greatly inspired and devoted to making a difference in the church and community. The Rev. Langley became an associate minister. His ministry involved visiting the sick and shutin and giving Holy Communion. He and his wife, Jacquelyn, were a team, and they looked forward to carrying out this ministry. Additionally, the Rev. Langley was affiliated with many other organizations, including Hands on Atlanta, Men of Big Bethel, The Heaven Bound cast, Daughters and Sons of Bethel, Truth Seekers Sunday School Class, Willing Workers Pastor Aid

2023

Board, Schofield Johnson Gospel Choir, and vacation Bible school.

The Rev. Langley was employed for 38 years as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service. He was a gold member of the Carrier Union. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, fishing, traveling, taking pictures, and flying lessons.

The Rev. Langley was a member of the Morris Brown College Alumni Association and a patron of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

The Rev. Langley was predeceased by his wife, Jacquelyn Ashe Langley; his

PEOLA HIMES MCCASKILL (1926-2022)

Peola Himes McCaskill was born on November 21, 1926 and peacefully passed away on November 22, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd A. McCaskill, and is survived by her two sons Winston C. McCaskill (Cassandra) and John W. McCaskill, and granddaughters Lakeia Davis and Kristian Thomas, and a host of other family members and friends. She was a long-time member of Turner Memorial AME Church in Hyattsville, Maryland.

Mrs. McCaskill was a former elected Connectional officer of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, serving admirably as the parliamentarian. She had also served as a parliamentarian of the Second Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society.

sister, Eurene Hurd; and his brothers, Fred D. Langley and Jerry Langley. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters, Gwendolyn Langley and Keisha Langley; granddaughters, Jalyn Buster and Dominique Langley; grandsons, Jamal Buster (Kia) and David Langley; sisters, Mary L. Jackson of Chesapeake, Virginia, Gladys Nettles (the Rev. Gregory), and Amy Johnson of Camden, Arkansas; brothers Dr. Curtis Langley (Thalia) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Bobby Langley of Manhattan Beach, California; and Robert Langley (Cinnamon) of Lawrenceville, New Jersey; two sisters-in-law, Heloise Langley of Menifee, California and Gwendolyn Collins of Birmingham, Alabama; and godchild, Trent Langley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends. ❏ ❏ ❏

The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) also honors the life and contributions of esteemed member Peola Himes McCaskill. Mrs. McCaskill was a close and trusted ally of NCNW president emerita, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. She served the NCNW faithfully for decades as parliamentarian. In 2020, in recognition of her dedication, Mrs. McCaskill was honored with the title Parliamentarian Emerita by the NCNW Executive Committee.

Mrs. McCaskill served as liaison to Chi Eta Phi, Inc., an affiliate of NCNW. She was recently honored at the Chi Chi Chapter of Chi Eta Phi Sorority’s 44th anniversary celebration as a charter officer and Supreme Basileus. Chi Eta Phi is a professional organization for nurses and student nurses which seeks to elevate and increase interest in the field of nursing. Chapters are throughout the country, including the Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C.

A Time to Celebrate and a Time to Remember!

Happy New Year! As we just celebrated New Year’s Eve, also referred to as “Watch Night” in many African American churches, we enter a new year, a new beginning, a new tomorrow still remembering and honoring the days that have been ingrained in our hearts and minds about our past. Watch Night began as a celebration and remembrance of the Emancipation Proclamation, which freed slaves in the Confederate states during the American Civil War on January 1, 1863. President Abraham Lincoln declared more than three million slaves to be free; however, this news did not immediately make it to African Americans living in Texas. For two additional years, they remained enslaved until Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas on June 19, 1865, letting them know that slavery was abolished and they were free. The former slaves celebrated with prayer, feasting, song, and dance. Over 100 years later in 1980, the state of Texas declared Juneteenth a state holiday as a sign of restitution to those it had wronged.

In 2021, Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday by President Joe Biden for the United States of America to remember the sacrifices that our foremothers and forefathers made and honor the contributions of African Americans to this country.

This past year in June 2022, Juneteenth was celebrated for the first time by the first African American female vice president of the United States of America, Vice President Kamala Harris. The celebration was held at the vice president’s residence in Washington, D.C., and Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Troop 487, chartered by Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, Fort Washington, Maryland under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Grainger and CoPastor JoAnne Browning, Senior Patrol Leader Aaron Lundy and his family, were invited to represent the Boy Scouts of America and the National Capital Area Council at this inaugural celebration. The day included a family-style cookout, poetry, singing, and reflections from Annette Gordon-Reed’s book “On Juneteenth” to honor the “tradition of Juneteenth.” Vice President Harris shared what an honor it was for her to initially present the bill (along with other members of Congress) to make Juneteenth a holiday and that once the Senate approved the bill, she while acting as president of the Senate, was able to sign the Senate’s approval to make the day a national holiday. Vice President Harris told guests not only are they “free” physically, but they are “free” to be whomever they want to be and free to do whatever they desire in life…the limits are off.

The sun was bright and seemingly representative of the smiles of our ancestors smiling down on this day. Laughter, conversations, and joy covered the lawn of the residence. The crowd ...continued on p9 of distinguished guests included Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge and the first African Ameri can Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. It was truly a day of reflection and remembrance from whence we have come. Senior Patrol Leader Aaron Lundy was able to glean words of wisdom from the secretary of Defense. Secretary Austin encouraged him to keep achieving greatness and press on to obtain his Eagle award, knowing that it will be recognized and set him apart as he continues his journey through life. Senior Patrol Leader Lundy also met other former scouts and an Eagle award recipient from Nevada who also encouraged him to stay the course. Aaron shared that this experience showed him the expansive reach the scouting program has and affirmed his awareness that scouting brings about recognition and honor that he is proud to represent. Aaron says although it was very “organized and secure,” he felt “welcomed, relaxed, and calm” as he roamed the VP’s lawn. He enjoyed his lunch of pasta salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, corn on the cob, garden salad, peach cobbler, and Sprite. He says this experience is one he will never forget and although he was honored to be there, he expressed that he wished it “didn’t have to be celebrated,” and that the inhumane acts shown to our ancestors s hould have never happened. Aaron is grateful to his troop and leaders for the opportunity to represent them at such an illustrious event.

To learn more about AAMES and how to start a scout unit or the AAMES 2024 Camporee contact: Michele Neal, Connectional director of AME Girl Scouts, Email: michele@amescouts.org; the Rev. Dr. Missiouri McPhee, Connectional director of AME Boy Scouts, Email: info@amescouts.org.

And to see what AAMES is up to visit our AAMES WEBSITE: amescouts.org; or our Facebook Page “AAMES Scouting Connection.” ❏ ❏ ❏

“What Does This Mean?”

Rev. Gregory C. Nettles, 12th Episcopal District Coordinator, Sons of Allen

Acts 2:12- “All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, what does this mean?” (NRSV)

January 2, 2023, 5:58 on the game clock, the world came to its knees. Safety Damar Hamlin was making a routine tackle on wide receiver T. Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals. Hamlin completed the job of stopping the receiver. Then, he stood up, took two steps back, and collapsed. No one knew what was happening at the moment. It was later revealed he had a cardiac arrest, and CPR had to be administered. The game was suspended and eventually canceled. I ask: “What does this mean?” Later it was discovered the player had a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his Chasing M’s Foundation, which supports toy drives, back-to-school drives, and kid camps. Prior to Monday night, his total was slightly above $2,900. The love, prayers, and financial donations increased. Donations rose to over 8 million dollars. I ask: “What does this mean?”

January 8, 2023, the Buffalo Bills are playing in the first game since the incident on Monday night against the New England Patriots. The opening kick-off is returned 96 yards for a touchdown. The irony of this event; it has been three years and three months since that happened for the Bills. To seal the deal, it happened twice in this game; two kick-offs returned for touchdowns. Josh Allen, the quarterback and captain, when asked his thoughts: “Look at God.” Damar prior wore number 31. He changed his number to three.

No Youth, No Future

Miya Johnson, Connectional YPD Stewardship and Finance Committee Chairperson

The Season of Epiphany begins in January. The focus for the season is on the manifestation of Jesus to the world, the illumination, and revelation of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles. The magi, wise men, followed the star and brought three gifts to honor the Christ child. Very few people knew Damar Hamlin before January 2, 2023, but now he has been revealed to the whole world. The world has heard and seen signs asking people of all races, genders, and religious backgrounds to “Pray for Damar.”

I ask again: “What does this mean?”I wish I could give us a deeply spiritual, theological response. I can only tell you what I have heard from the saints of old, “Won’t He Do It!” Jesus has told us, “ask…receive; seek…find; knock…door opened.” As we march toward April 13, 2023, watch God move when we come together, pray,

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. Proverbs 22:6 (NRSV)

When young people graduate from the Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD), do you make space for them in your organization? Do you welcome them with open arms or tell them to sit in the back and be quiet? How you welcome people to your organization can determine how long they stay and how active they will be. For example, consider starting a new job; everyone greets you with big smiles, attempts to get to know you, and someone takes you under their wing to show you the ropes.

A person is more likely to be excited to come to work and willing to jump in and help wherever possible if they feel welcomed. This welcoming is the kind of experience we should have in the church. The and let our request be made known. The world was focused on praying for Damar. In contrast, during the same week, the Republican majority Congress of the United States focused on plans, power, and purposeful diabolic decisions to continue obstructiveness attacks. I ask again: “What does this mean?”

It was not a bomb threat or terroristic attack, but it was an athlete who died on the field, and God raised him through the care of dedicated medical staff. Our foreparents said, “He may not come when you want him, but he is always on time.”

In conclusion, Luke 19:41-48 gives us an account of Jesus looking at the city, and he wept because of the impending destruction. He goes into the temple and says the people have made “the house of prayer a den of thieves.” What does this mean? Let us return to a house of prayer on April 13, 2023. ❏ ❏ ❏ church cannot grow if we do not accept new people and invite them into our different organizations to serve.

We welcome young people by allowing them to use their skills to complement the work already being done. We can embrace young people by listening to their ideas and learning from their new perspectives. Being open to these new perspectives can help grow our organizations, the church, and, most importantly, the body of Christ. Remember, people want to join a church where they feel welcomed and not judged. Being open to new ways of thinking is the best way to keep and retain new and young members. Our Zion has the tools to be greater than it is; it is just a matter of looking to our youth. The youth are the key to keeping Bishop Richard Allen’s dream and legacy alive. ❏ ❏ ❏