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JULY 2022
The Christian Recorder
THECHRISTIANRECORDER.COM
Good Times Sandra Bonner Hadley
The Holy Bible reminds us in Psalm 30:5 that, “For his anger is but for a moment; his favour is for a lifetime. Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” In times like these, it can be easy to get stuck in the weeping and neglect to embrace the joy to come. In efforts to cling to the joy and moments of celebration, it was a breath of fresh air to celebrate the 145th anniversary and renovations of Ward Memorial African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church on the good morning of May 8, 2022. During the fifth month of the year, which symbolizes the grace of God at Ward Memorial AME Church, we embraced our season of “good morning“ and praised our good God for all the great things he has done. During the morning worship experience, through the prevalence of success stories, the guest preacher, the Reverend Lee P. Washington’s comparison to a TV sitcom from the ’70s, “Good Times,” to commentate the 145th anniversary and the completion of a one million dollar renovation was intentional and skillful. As we embraced God’s grace, we celebrated God’s goodness by remembering the good times. Ward Memorial completed the building renovations at a time when many churches did not make it, but with the grace of God, Ward Memorial not only completed the project but did so while having a “good time.” Ward Memorial AME Church, under the leadership of a dynamic young pastor, the Reverend
Dededrick O. Rivers, completed a one million dollar renovation during the “good times!” As a result, in what may have been a season of weeping for others, we were able to be a living testimony that joy will always prevail. The Rev. Lee P., as he is affectionately called by many, described our struggles by reciting the lyrics from the 1970s sitcom “Good Times”: Anytime you meet a payment—Good Times, anytime you need a friend— Good Times, any time you’re out from under—Good Times, not getting hassled, not getting hustled, keeping your head above water, making a wave when you can, temporary layoffs, scratching and surviving, hanging in a chow line, ain’t we lucky we got ‘em—Good Times, just looking out the window, watching the asphalt grow, thinking how it all looks hand-me-downs—Good Times, yeah Good Times! (Lyrics: Dave Grusin and Andrew Bergman) And with the many kumbaya moments, Ward Memorial survived! We are aware that without God, we never would have made it. We are grateful that we have made it to experience good times so that we may be good stewards of our testimony to share with others that the same God who did it for us can bless you exceedingly, abundantly above all you could imagine. Society may say that it appears we are at risk of a recession, but at Ward Memorial AME Church, we are embracing the season of joy. We truly praise God from whom all blessings flow and invite others to hold tight to the “good times.” ❏ ❏ ❏
Dedication of Anvil Arms and Anvil House Dana Davis
With cheers and clapping hands in the background, Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, Supervisor Alexia Butler Fugh, Presiding Elder Harold Mayberry of the Oakland-San Joaquin District, Presiding Elder Vernon Burroughs of the San Francisco-Sacramento District, the Rev. Robert Shaw II, senior pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church-San Francisco, and the Rev. Boaston Woodson, Jr., pastor of Resurrection AME Church-Richmond, California, cut the ribbon to dedicate Anvil House in Richmond, California. “This is beautiful. God is great!” exclaims Lady Mary Mayberry as she toured the house, which has been five years in the making. Anvil House, in partnership with Bethel AME Church-San Francisco and Resurrection AME Church-Richmond, is a transitional home serving men reentering society from the penal system. Brother Bobby Sisk, Business Development manager, Bethel AME Church, San Francisco, manages this collaborative ministry. Echoing the sentiments of Lady Mayberry, the Rev. Ann Champion Shaw, executive pastor of Bethel San Francisco, proclaimed it to be a “Beautiful day, family. We’re on a mission [here at] Anvil House. To God be the glory, great things God has done!” The day began at Bethel San Francisco under sunny, blue skies. Bishop and Supervisor Fugh, along with AME dignitaries, Bethel members, and friends, traveled to Anvil Arms–a recently purchased 12-unit, market-rate apartment building located a little more than a mile from the church. “[Acquiring the apartment building] was our way of stepping out on faith,” says Pastor Shaw while addressing guests in front of the building. “We’re still for affordable housing, but this just diversifies our portfolio. And with the proceeds, we fund other ministries for Bethel AME Church.” Prior to the pandemic, church attendance was declining nationwide. According to an Institute for Family Studies analysis using the American Family Survey, in 2019, 45% of black Americans attended religious service regularly, and by 2021, the number dropped to 30%. Low attendance had a financial impact. “In the current climate, investing like this is a way for churches to keep their doors open,” says Nikki Steady-Taylor, Bethel San Francisco’s Church ...continued on p33
