The Epistle - Winter Edition 2023

HISTORIC ST. PAUL AME CHURCH THE EPISTLE 2023 CHRISTMAS EDITION

BISHOP E. ANNE HENNING BYFIELD……………………………..PRESIDING PRELATE REVEREND KENNETH J. GOLPHIN…………………………………….PRESIDING ELDER REVEREND DR. STEPHANIE M. RAGLIN………..………………..………………..PASTOR MINISTERIAL STAFF REVEREND BARRY FRAZIER……………………………………RETIRED ITINERANT ELDER DORIS J. COFFEY……………………………………….………………….EXHORTER/EDITOR

Greetings in the Joy of Jesus!

This is the beginning of the Advent season designating a time of preparation and expectation and celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ's.

It's a time for reflection, a time to increase our spiritual growth, a time to hold on to the hope and promise of Christ's arrival, both in the historical event of his birth and in the future expectation of his return.

It is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Savior, the true reason for the Christmas season.

The four Sundays of Advent each have a specific theme or focus. The purpose of each theme is to spend time reflecting on the true meaning of the season - the life of Jesus Christ.

The soul purpose should be to come before God with a sincere heart and to worship Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the 1st Gentleman Mr. Mark A Raglin and the entire first family we wish you a season of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy, through Christ Jesus.

With Love, Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin “Enjoy the Journey”

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THE REVEREND DR. STEPHANIE M. RAGLIN

On behalf of the officers and members of Historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, I greet you and welcome you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

I also take this opportunity to thank our heavenly Father for Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield’s godly wisdom in assigning our new pastor to shepherd the flock at St. Paul AME Church. She is none other than the Reverend Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin. She is a wonder filled with the spirit of servitude, a passion for preaching God’s Word, and aiding His people.

She is first and foremost a daughter of the King, the beloved helpmeet of Mr. Mark Raglin, the mother of Melanie, Maya and Mykal, the first Female Pastor to be assigned to Historic St. Paul. All eyes are on her, no matter how qualified she may be. It is our delight, our joy, our intent to be the servants God has called us to be in spirit, worship, praise and service. We the members are well acquainted with Romans 8:28….We can all agree that our Lord is at work to fulfill His agenda and purpose for the church. Join me in welcoming our new pastor as she fulfills her calling to God and His People at St. Paul.

WELCOME PASTOR RAGLIN! 3

WARM HEARTS AND OPEN ARMS TO EACH OF YOU! 4

TO ATTEND BIBLE STUDY TUESDAYS @ NOON AND WEDNESDAYS @ 6PM ATTENDING BIBLE STUDY IS BIBICAL! II Peter 3:18 admonishes us to “Grow in the grace and Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! You can only do this thru Bible Study!

II Timothy 2:15…Study to show thyself a workman that need not be ashamed, who correctly handles the word of truth. The Bible is what we are studying!

II Timothy 3:16-17…The Scripture (Bible) is God-breathed and useful for Teaching, Rebuking, Correcting and Training in righteousness…Study the Bible so you will not be ignorant of what God commands of us!

DECEMBER TUESDAYS @ NOON

ID: 832 4172 0154

PC: 381000

THEME: JOY 12/05 The Joy of the Lord ……………………………………………………..Nehemiah 8:10 12/12 Joy in the Morning……………………….……………………………………..Psalm 30:5 12/19 Joy to the World…………………………………..…………………………..James 1:2-4 12/26 DECEMBER WEDNESDAYS @ 6:00PM

ID: 815 6047 0782

THE BOOK OF

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The vessel's name— The Gospel Ship.

Matt viii. 23.

Port from which it sails - The City of Destruction. Psalm. cxiii. 4; Isa. xix.18.

Destination - Emmanuel's Land. Isa. viii. ; Heb x.14.

Time of sailing - To-day.

Heb. iv. 7 ; 2 Cor. vi. 2.

Price of passage — Without money. Isa.lv. I; Rev. xxi. 17.

Captain's name - Jesus Christ. Matt. xiv. 25 ; Mark iv. 37.

Crew - Converts and Ministers. Matt xiv. 23; Eph. iv.

Passengers - Sinners saved by Grace. 1 Cor 1. 2; Acts 6.

Sea over which it passes - Time.

James iv. 14 ; Rev. x. 3.

Light-house—The Holy Scriptures. 2Cor. vi. 4 ; Isa. 58.

Compass—Truth.

Psalm xliii. :3.

Sails - Faith and Love.

1 Thess. i. 3.

Wind - The Holy Spirit. John iii. 8; Gal. v. 22, 23.

Helm - Grace.

Eph. iv. 5; 2 Thess. ii. 16.

Anchor—Hope.

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Heb. vi. 19.

THE “SHIPS” OF THE CHURCH There is FELLOW-SHIP! Our being together means more now than it ever did following our year of the pandemic. There is something very special about being together as a church family. The Greek word translated “fellowship” in the New Testament is koinonia, meaning “partnership, sharing in common, or communion,” and the essence of partnership is agreement or unity of purpose. Fellowship with God is, at its most basic, agreement with Him in all things.

The New Testament assures believers of this partnership. Not only do we have fellowship with God the Father, but we also have fellowship with His Son and the Holy Spirit. To have fellowship with others, there must be a oneness of the heart, something that links two people together: “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?”. At the very heart of fellowship, there must be like-mindedness.

There is DISCIPLE-SHIP! A disciple follows, learns, and imitates becoming more like Jesus.

Making disciples is at the heart of the mission we exist as a church. Jesus challenges us to go into the world and make disciples of all nations. This SHIP of the Church is our mission. DISCIPLESHIP By definition, a disciple is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A Christian disciple is a person who follows Jesus Christ and accepts and assists in the spreading of the good news of salvation through Him. Christian discipleship is the process by which disciples grow in the Lord Jesus Christ and are equipped by the indwelling Holy Spirit to overcome the pressures and trials of this present life and become more and more Christ-like. A Christian disciple is one who puts Jesus first, obeys the Lord, produces good fruit, loves others, and makes more disciples. Such a one is sure to make an impact in this fallen world for the glory of God. Discipleship is the process of learning to love and follow Jesus and becoming more like him in our attitudes and actions. It’s also seeking to make other disciples who want to do the same thing. It is the lifelong process of becoming that person who not only lives that way, but shows others how to do it also.

There is STEWARD-SHIP! To discover what the Bible says about stewardship, we start with the very first verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). As the Creator, God has absolute rights of ownership over all things, and to miss starting here is like misaligning the top button on our shirt or blouse—nothing else will ever line up. Nothing else in the Bible, including the doctrine of stewardship, will make any sense or have any true relevance if we miss the fact that God is the Creator and has full rights of ownership. It is through our ability to fully grasp this and imbed it in our hearts that the doctrine of stewardship is understood.

The biblical doctrine of stewardship defines a man’s relationship to God. It identifies God as owner and man as manager. God makes man His co-worker in administering all aspects of our life. In essence, stewardship defines our purpose in this world as assigned to us by God Himself.

It is our divinely given opportunity to join with God in His worldwide and eternal redemptive movement. Stewardship is not God taking something from us; it is His method of bestowing His richest gifts upon His people. God owns everything, we are simply managers or administrators acting on his behalf. This is the fundamental principle of biblical stewardship.

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More often than not, when we think of good stewardship, we think of how we manage our finances and our faithfulness in paying God’s tithes and offerings. But as we’re beginning to see, it’s much more than that. In fact, it’s more than just the management of our time, our possessions, our environment, or our health. Stewardship is our obedient witness to God’s sovereignty. It means as stewards of God we are managers of that which belongs to God, and we are under His constant authority as we administer His affairs. Faithful stewardship means that we fully acknowledge we are not our own but belong to Christ, the Lord, who gave Himself for us.

Everyone is invited to offer the Lord their tithe, gifts, and service for growing the Kingdom! We all participate in the greater mission of the Church through our stewardship!

There are RELATION-SHIPS! The Church is a people in which we make friends and form relationships. We make life-long friends! The Church provides the opportunity to form relationships!

RELATIONSHIP - A relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship a person can have. A relationship with Jesus results in new life; forgiveness; the indwelling of the Holy Spirit; and, in the future, bodily resurrection and a home in heaven. To establish a relationship with Jesus is not difficult. Jesus Himself came “to seek and to save the lost”; He has issued the invitation, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest”; He has called for our trust; and He has spoken to us as “friends”.

So, Jesus is certainly willing to have a relationship with us. Having a relationship with Jesus is based on God’s grace, through faith. Those who have a personal relationship with God include God in their daily lives. They pray to Him, read His word, and meditate on verses in an effort to get to know Him even better. Those who have a personal relationship with God include God in their daily lives. They pray to Him, read His word, and meditate on verses in an effort to get to know Him even better.

There is LEADER-SHIP! There is no finer example for Christian leadership than our Lord Jesus Christ. He declared, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep”. It is within this verse that we see the perfect description of a Christian leader. He is one who acts as a shepherd to those “sheep” in his care. The shepherd is one who has several roles in regard to his sheep. He leads, feeds, nurtures, comforts, corrects and protects. The shepherd of the Lord’s flock leads by modeling godliness and righteousness in his own life and encouraging others to follow his example. Of course, our ultimate example—and the One we should follow— is Christ Himself.

The Christian leader is also a feeder and a nourisher of the sheep, and the ultimate “sheep food” is the Word of God. Servant leadership is best defined by Jesus Himself: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”. In the Christian realm, all leadership should be servant leadership.

There is FRIEND-SHIP - Jesus is the pure example of a true friend, for He laid down His life for His "friends." What is more, anyone may become His friend by trusting in Him as his personal savior, being born again and receiving new life in Him. The principle of friendship is also found in Amos. "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Friends are of like mind. A friend is someone that you can confide in with complete trust. A friend is someone you respect and that respects you, not based upon worthiness but based upon a likeness of mind.

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Human beings were created to be relational, and friendships are an important part of our lives.

We need friends—people we bond with in mutual affection. The greatest friend anyone could possibly have is Jesus Christ.

There is LORD-SHIP: The doctrine of lordship salvation teaches that submitting to Christ as Lord goes hand-in-hand with trusting in Christ as Savior. Lordship salvation teaches that a true profession of faith will be backed up by evidence of faith. If a person is truly following the Lord, then he or she will obey the Lord’s instructions. A person who is living in willful, unrepentant sin has obviously not chosen to follow Christ, because Christ calls us out of sin and into righteousness. Indeed, the Bible clearly teaches that faith in Christ will result in a changed life We are many SHIPS, and we need to all paddle in the same direction. That leads to the most important SHIP of the Church. The LORDSHIP of Jesus! We seek to do everything under the LORD-SHIP of JESUS! We strive to all paddle in the same direction! We are on the GO to follow Jesus! Have your paddles ready. God is Faithful…Stay On the Ship. Don’t you dare jump off!

FRIENDSHIP ACCORDING THE BOOK OF PROVERBS “The righteous choose their friends carefully” (Proverbs 12:26).

In Scripture, we see what a true friend should be: A true friend shows love, no matter what (Proverbs 17:17).

A true friend gives heartfelt advice, bringing joy to the heart (Proverbs 27:9).

A true friend rebukes when necessary, but the correction is done in love (Proverbs 27:5–6).

A true friend influences, enlivens, and sharpens (Proverbs 27:17).

A true friend avoid gossip (Proverbs 16:28).

A true friend forgives and does not hold grudges (Proverbs 17:9).

A true friend is loyal (Proverbs 18:24).

A true friend helps in time of need (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12).

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STAY WITH THE SHIP Have You ever been tempted to jump ship? Like hurling yourself out of a boat and swimming away. Growing numbers of people are bailing out of the church. Whether it is because another member in the church hurt them, they became distracted by the world’s temptations, or they were simply bored, thousands slip overboard and many never return.

Though the church has its imperfections—members who don’t walk the talk and leaders who don’t hold to the highest standards—life in the vast worldly ocean can be dangerous. Many who become fed up with the church and slip over the edge find themselves swept away from God by the storms of life.

If you’re thinking about jumping ship today, know that there are good reasons to stay with the ship. Despite the many problems and the spiritual storms that threaten to capsize the vessel, we encourage you to stay with God’s church, because it is much safer than swimming with the sharks.

A Bible story about a sinking ship powerfully illustrates this point. Later in his life, the apostle Paul was arrested and imprisoned. Seeking a fair trial, he appealed to Caesar directly. As a result, he was loaded on a ship full of prisoners and guards and sent off to Rome. An entire chapter of Acts tells the harrowing story of their encounter with a fierce storm at sea.

During the journey, a ferocious tempest came upon them, and the crew began throwing everything overboard to lighten the ship and keep it from sinking. For several weeks they were violently tossed about, unable to determine their location because of cloudy skies. Paul interceded in prayer for everyone on the boat, and an angel responded, “Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you” (Acts 27:24). He shared this good news with the crew and concluded, “However, we must run aground on a certain island” (verse 26).

As they neared land, some of the sailors decided to jump ship in an attempt to save their lives.

They tried to lower the only lifeboat and sneak off by themselves. Paul saw them and said to the centurion, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved” (verse 31). So the soldiers quickly cut the ropes to the skiff and let it fall into the sea. Eventually, the ship struck shore and, incredibly, every passenger survived.

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Paul’s words echo to us living today as we near the shores of the Promised Land, especially during this stormy time before Christ returns: Unless we stay in the ship, we cannot be saved. The Lord wants us to stick together. The body of Christ is not a fragmented people each going his or her own way. God’s people are to be a unified body of believers who come together to encourage one another. Christians are not to be interested only in their own affairs but to show concern for the lives of others.

The Bible emphatically encourages Christians to gather together. “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together” (Hebrews 10:24, 25). Those who claim the name of Christ should not live separate lives from other followers. We come together for worship and mutual encouragement, especially as we see the nearness of the Second Coming. There is redemptive value in our gathering together.

One reason Christians attend church is to learn to love others. The apostle John wrote, “This commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also” (1 John 4:21). Some mistakenly believe that we go to church so that we can associate with good people.

They wrongly see church as a resort for saints. In reality, the church is more like a hospital for sinners. People aren’t always lovable, and the way you learn to love as Jesus loved is by loving the unlovely. If you have ever thought that you would stay away from church to be more holy, your very act shows how much you need the church!

You might be hanging over the edge of the ship. You may be discouraged, pondering the idea of taking off into the world. But the Holy Spirit is calling to your heart to stay in the body of Christ.

It is a delusion to think that an active, healthy Christian can be separated from other Christians.

Unless you have medical issues or are homebound for some good reason, you should make every effort to worship with others. This is why the Sabbath is called a holy convocation! (Leviticus 23:3).

Remember, the church is not the building; it is a gathering of God’s people who come to worship their Creator, fellowship with one another, and evangelize the world. The church is a body of people called out of the world and joined together through faith in Christ. Jesus said, “Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20).

Jesus never intended His followers to exist as hermits.

Staying away from church will not keep you spiritually alive! Friend, you cannot burn brightly for Christ when you stay away from His church. You cannot worship or grow in faith all alone.

God wants you connected to the body of Christ. Don’t try to go at it alone or you will die spiritually. Just as a child needs a family, just as a lamb needs a flock, a Christian needs a church. So stay with the Ship!

The Church is not perfect, however, Jesus dwells among His imperfect people. Don’t get discouraged and leave the ship—the storm outside is much worse. It’s a new day at Historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 251 North Upper Street in Lexington, Kentucky. We the Pastor, Reverend Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin, officers and members invite you to come on board. This ship is Glory bound.

GOD IS FAITHFUL…STAY WITH THE SHIP! 11

"A Charge to Keep I Have" Charles Wesley “A charge to keep I have” is grounded in Scripture. In this case, Leviticus 8:35 is the primary source: “Keep the charge of the Lord, that ye die not” (KJV).

“We have every one of us a charge to keep, an eternal God to glorify, an immortal soul to provide for, needful duty to be done, our generation to serve; and it must be our daily care to keep this charge, for it is the charge of the Lord our Master, who will shortly call us to an account about it, and it is our peril if we neglect it.

Keep it ‘that ye die not’; it is death, eternal death, to betray the truth we are charged with.”

This hymn is an unequivocal call to commitment to follow the Master and to fulfill our vocation through service. The language is unambiguous. Our calling is to save a “never dying soul” and “fit it for the sky”—that is for eternal life with Christ. This eschatological goal is central to Charles Wesley’s hymns: Our goal is heaven.

In the second stanza, we find that we fulfill this calling by our service to “the present age.” Fulfilling this calling requires us to engage “all [our] powers.” The third stanza is a petition that God should “arm [us] with jealous care” as we live in God’s sight. Wesley is not afraid to offer a stern admonition that we will one day be required to give “a strict account” of our activities in pursuit of our calling.

The final stanza is perhaps the most uncompromising. The singer begins with the imperative verb—a petition to the unnamed Holy Spirit—to “Help me to watch and pray . . . ” Rather than suggesting a positive reward for faithfulness, Wesley warns us of the outcome “if [we] our trust betray”: we “shall forever die.”

This hymn has traditionally been a favorite at annual conferences, or in AfricanAmerican congregations at the conclusion of Holy Communion.

The song presents a challenge to everyone who wants to please God. I. Stanza 1 tells us that we have a charge to keep "A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save And fit it for the sky."

A. A charge is a command to obey: 2 Tim. 4.1-2 B. Our charge involves two things–the first is to glorify God: 1 Cor. 6.20 C. The second is to save our never-dying souls: Matt. 10.28 II. Stanza 2 tells us that this charge requires us to serve the present age "To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill– O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will."

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A. We serve the present age by living as God prescribes: Tit. 2.11-12 B. This is the calling that we have to fulfil: Eph. 4.1 C. Therefore, we should devote all our powers to doing God’s will: Matt. 7.21 III. Stanza 3 tells us that we need to keep this charge with jealous care "Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live; And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare A strict account to give."

A. We need to have the same godly jealousy that Paul did: 2 Cor. 11.2 B. This will remind us that we are every in God’s sight: Heb. 4.13 C. It will also help us to be prepared to give a strict account: Rom. 14.12 IV. Stanza 4 tells us that in order to keep our charge we must watch and pray "Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely, Assured if I my trust betray, I shall forever die."

A. This is what Jesus told His disciples; Mk. 14.38 B. Watching and praying teaches us to rely on God, and this is a necessity for us to keep our trust: 1 Tim. 6.20 C. But if we betray that trust, we shall forever die–not just physical but spiritual death, meaning eternal separation from God: Rev. 20.14-15 This is a relatively short song, but it is particularly beneficial because it impresses us with the fact that true Christianity is more than just "going to church" on Sunday, or even profiting from the worship, as important as that may be. It is a total commitment demonstrated in complete obedience to God’s will.

Too many people want Christianity without real commitment. However, I must learn to do my Master’s will in all things and be careful not to betray that trust because "A Charge To Keep I Have."

In Mark 16:15 the Lord gives an important charge to his disciples. "And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

But that charge is

also given to all believers. We are called to share the Gospel with others. It is a charge for us to keep.

Respectfully Submitted Exhorter Doris Coffey-Proud Director of Christian Education 13

In Nehemiah 1, Nehemiah learned that God’s people in Jerusalem were sitting ducks because their city wall had been broken down, and they had lost their identity as the people of God because they weren’t even trying to rebuild. In chapter 2, Nehemiah travels to Jerusalem to help the God’s people rebuild together. At the heart of our passage is a speech that Nehemiah gives to God’s people in Jerusalem: Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned.

Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem…And they said, “Let us rise up and build” (Nehemiah 2:17-18). That brings us to the big idea of our passage this morning: Let us rise up and rebuild together.

Now, you may be thinking, “Ok, I see that they were rising up to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall together, but what exactly are we rebuilding together?”

Jerusalem is where God dwelt with his people, and Jerusalem was the center of Israel’s worship, community, and mission. Nehemiah wasn’t just rebuilding a wall; he was rebuilding the people of God. Now that Jesus has come, the church, everyone who truly confesses Christ as Lord, is the new people of God. Therefore, the way that we embrace the call to rise up and rebuild together is by rising up to build up the our local church together.

Let us rise up and give our lives to being so empowered by the grace of God in the gospel that we build up worship, community, and mission together.

Let us rise up and strengthen our gospel-culture together so that we can show the world what it’s really like to belong to Jesus.

Nehemiah 2-3 provide three reasons why it’s worth pouring our lives into building up the church and strengthening our gospel culture: 1. God’s good hand is on us.

2. God has put a good work in our hearts.

3. God rebuilds through each of our hands.

Series: Nehemiah: Rebuilding Together (City Light Church) 14

Ms Vada Shelton The Women’s Ministry under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin would like to recognize Sister Vada Shelton for the work, she does in Kingdom Building. Sister Vada is very dedicated and she works untiringly, serving as President of the Kentucky Conference Missionary Society. We your Pastor and St. Paul Church Family are extremely proud of you and thankful for the work you do. To God be the Glory.

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In particular Ms Maya Gudger, who was featured on Off the Bench (WKYTTV) We your Church Family are proud of the manner in which Maya spoke of her Faith, she was very articulate about her work in the Church along with her numerous sports activities. CONGRATULATIONS MAYA!

MEET MS MAYA GUDGER 16

The Daughters of Miriam, a senior liturgical dance ministry of Historic St. Paul AME Church is celebrating their 11th years in ministry. The ministry was

initially presented and approved in December 2013. The daughters of Miriam first ministered in dance on the 5th Sunday of January 2014 with Linda Miller, Jean Coleman, Sandra Hafiz, Diane Payne, Valeria Swope, Audrey Brooks, Lutisha Coleman, and Carolyn Jackson.

The Ministry was started under Lutisha Coleman as Director and we were fortunate enough to have Tess Morton, a certified trained Liturgical Dance Instructor, to come in to train us Spiritual and professional skills in Our Ministry. The group is spiritually based with prayer and the Bible. We were blessed to have had her to be a part of our ministry.

One can offer their entire body as a living sacrifice if the physical movements are appropriate and reverent.

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"Then Miriam the Prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took a tambourine in her hand and the women followed her with tambourine and dancing."

Exodus 15:20 The Dance Team members’ ages range from 63 to 90 years old. The ministry serves here at Historic St. Paul in Worship Services, on the Kentucky Conference of the AME Church as well as in the community.

The present members are: Jean Coleman Paulette Coleman Linda Miller Priscilla Sullivan Audrey Brooks Tamara Terry Rita Warner Lutisha Coleman Diane Payne In memory of our dear member Carolyn Jackson who we have lost had served as our secretary and was the Chairperson of our last Anniversary Morning Worship.

Our goal is to serve God through our dance ministry. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Lutisha Coleman, Director Jean Coleman Asst Director Rev. Dr. Stephanie Raglin - Pastor

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KNOW YOUR CHURCH

Presented by The Lay Organization

“Living A Global Witness Ministry That Transforms, Transcends, and Liberates” Scripture Reference: Luke 4: 18-19 Christmas 2023 is just a few weeks away and many of us are looking forward to the usual gathering of family and friends, enjoying a delicious Christmas dinner and buying gifts for family and friends. 1 Roughly nine-in-ten adults say these activities typically were part of their holiday celebrations when they were growing up.

Christmas is a fun holiday for many. However, the holiday season comes with its own set of stressors and expectations, both internally and externally. Being overwhelmed by these holiday-related stressors, for some people, can lead to symptoms of depression.

Despite all the stress, anxiety and hubbub this season brings, let our hearts and our voices be uplifted as we remember “the reason for the season”. About two thousand years ago, between 6 and 4 BC, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah whose coming the prophets had announced for thousands of years, was born in Bethlehem – not in majesty and power, as expected, but in poverty in a stable with a manger for his crib.

In spite of the challenges we now face in our fast-paced changing world today, we Christians lift our voices to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy To The World” to describe the good news and celebrate the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate, let us resolve that we will try with all our might to make Jesus, the Messiah, the absolute center of our lives. Let’s give God the highest place in our life this Christmas, and in the days and years to come.

1 Pew Research Center

” For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Whoever puts his trust in God’s Son will not be lost but will have life that lasts forever.” -- John 3:16 (NLV)

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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

Text: Charles Wesley, 1707–1788 Music: Felix Mendelssohn, 1809–1847 1. Hark! the herald angels sing

2. Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!

Glory to the newborn King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!

Joyful, all ye nations, rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings, Ris’n with healing in his wings.

Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die; Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth.

[Chorus] Hark! the herald angels sing Glory to the newborn King!

Joy To The World! The Lord Is Come Advent and Christmas Carol

(As of the late 20th century, "Joy to the World" was the most-published Christmas hymn in North America) Text: Isaac Watts: 1719 Psalm 98, 96:11–12 and Genesis 3:17–18

Melody: "Antioch" by George Frideric Handel: 1685-1759

1. Joy to the world! the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

3. No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

2. Joy to the world! the Saviour reigns; Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

4. He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

The word joy is connected to Christmas and to the biblical account of the birth of Jesus Christ in a significant way. The angel brought “good tidings of great Joy” to the shepherds (Luke 2:10).

The wise men, when they saw the star, “rejoiced with exceeding great joy” (Matthew 2:10).

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. -- Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)

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Annual Lay Witness Sunday October 22, 2023.

The Laity of HSPAME really showed up and showed out as we celebrated Annual Lay Witness Sunday on October 22, 2023. Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin made history with her appearance in the Pulpit as our newly appointed Pastor, HSPAME’s first woman pastor. Also in attendance was our new First Gentleman Bro Mark Raglin, and daughter and son Maya and Mykal. Lay President Paula Campbell-Rudd administered the Oath of Service to HSPAME Lay Members and presented each with a Lay Organization lapel pin.

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Bro. Darwin Eldridge, President of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization brought the message. The following are some key points Bro. Eldridge shared with us.

“We are and We do! But above that, we are derelict in our duties.”

1 Peter 3:15 “Laymen! The folks need a word and not a theme.”

We need to be aware of STICKERS. What stickers am I aware of that are contradictory to the message that one may read in my life? You are and you do! STICKER: Serve on Steward Board! Are you derelict in your duties? STICKERS: missionary work beyond the walls of our church, mentoring our youth, leadership, extending talents beyond church work, family responsibilities. As Christians, it is our duty to represent God in all our works.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” ---- Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Click on the link and replay Bro. Eldridge’s message. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3gIYdn1JOM&t=2729s We were blessed to have several Kentucky Lay Organization leaders visit with us: Sis. Layonna Germany, Louisville, Kentucky Conference Director of Lay Activities; Sis. Mary Raglin, Midway, Kentucky Conference Lay Organization Past President; Sis. Anna Johnson, Midway, Kentucky Conference Lay Organization Chaplin.

Our afternoon fellowship continued with a delicious brunch and motivating conversation at Spindletop Hall. What a wonderful and relaxing way to end the day’s celebration.

Along with our speaker, Bro. Eldridge, Pastor and First Gentleman Raglin, HSPAME Lay organization members were joined by our conference Lay Organization leaders Mary Raglin and Anna Johnson.

What a wonderful day of Praise and Fellowship!

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Keeping this legacy alive. GO BRONCOS! Thank you, Laity! For stepping up and reaching out beyond our walls at 251 North Upper Street! Through your love donations, HSPAME helped support the Martin Luther King (MLK) Broncos Football League kids travel to TN for their division playoff tournament. Our Lay Organization Outreach Ministry’s support of the Broncos that began many years ago continues, inviting them to attend worship services, recognizing their achievements and contributing funds in support of their various activities and causes. Keeping the legacy alive, this year our Lay Organization contributed $330 to the Football League and formed a partnership with the WMS, who contributed $100 to the Bronco Booster Club in honor of our beloved Sis. Ella Jean Smith (R.I.P.). Sis. Ella is survived by her husband, K.T. Smith.

Together, they shared an insurmountable dedication to the MLK Broncos youth league for over 40 years. Their love and hard work fueled so many positive experiences that will forever be in the memory of our SPAME sons and daughters, and the many other sons and daughters in our community. Thank you, Laity. The flame still burns with Bro. K. T. as he continues his hard work with the team.

Check out the news article below about the MLK Broncos aired on the morning of Oct. 27, 2023.

Football fueling mentorship and brotherhood https://www.lex18.com/community/positively-lex-18/football-fueling-mentorship-andbrotherhood A little league football team in Lexington is doing positive things for kids in the Martin Luther King neighborhood.

The HSPAME Lay Organization meets monthly on the 1st Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. We invite you to join us at Zoom access Code: ID: 881 4577 7365 passcode: 546477 AME Church KY Timeline & Underground Railroad (UGRR) Booklet Sale - $15 ea.

Proceeds will support HSPAME UGRR Program.

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

Gift Giving Link: spame.org/giving-opportunity.

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Save the Date The Impact of Incarceration on The Family Virtual Community Forum

We invite you to join us.

Date: Thursday, January 25, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m. on Zoom Far too many families in our community have one or more mates, spouses, parents, or other family members incarcerated, which creates challenges that impact every aspect of their well-being. As a result, these families are harmed in countless ways, by the psychological, physical and material suffering experienced by their mates, spouses, parents, children, and extended family members. Even a relatively brief period of incarceration can result in the loss of a job.

Sylvia-Hernandez Agitarte Prison-Industry-System

While fewer women are incarcerated than men, the number of women incarcerated has grown at an alarming pace causing even more negative impact on the family, especially the children. When mothers are incarcerated, children are more likely to experience instability and long-term harm if their needs are not appropriately addressed.

The forum is FREE! Prior Registration is required. Registration will be available on our church website: https://spame.org/

Do you have your AME Church Membership Card?

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

REGISTER FOR AME CHURCH MEMBERSHIP CARD:

https://www.ame-churchmembership.com/.

If you plan to attend the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, Columbus, OH, August 21 - 28, 2024, your AME Member card will be used to expedite your conference check-in process. Registrants for the 2024 General Conference will receive discounts when their Member Card number is used with registration. PLEASE NOTE: You have until December 31, 2024, to get the Early Bird Observer Registration (discounted) rate. ($165 with Membership Card, $175 without Membership Card).

Observer Registration: https://observer.amec-2024gc.org/ 24

Know Our African Methodist Episcopal Church “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”

---- attributed to Benjamin Franklin Our Name African Methodist Episcopal Church The word African means that the church was organized by people of African descent and heritage. It does not mean that the church was founded in Africa, or that it was for persons of African descent only.

The church’s roots are of the family of Methodist churches. Methodism provides an orderly system of rules and regulations and places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel.

Episcopal refers to the form of government under which the church operates. It means that the church is governed by bishops. The chief executive and administrative officers of the African Methodist Episcopal denomination are the Bishops of the church.

Our Mission The Mission of the AME Church is to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people.

Our Vision, Purposes and Objective The Vision At every level of the Connection and in every local church, the AME Church shall engage in carrying out the spirit of the original Free African Society, out of which the AME Church evolved: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and to serve the needy. It is also the duty of the Church to continue to encourage all members to become involved in all aspects of church training.

THE PURPOSES The ultimate purposes are: 1. make available God’s biblical principles, 2. spread Christ’s liberating gospel, and 3. provide continuing programs which will enhance the entire social development of all people.

THE OBJECTIVE In order to meet the needs of every level of the Connection and in every local church, the AME Church shall implement strategies to train all members in: (1) Christian discipleship, (2) Christian leadership, (3) current 25

teaching methods and materials, (4) the history and significance of the AME Church, (5) God’s biblical principles, and (6) social development to which all should be applied to daily living.

Our Motto “God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family.”

Bishop Daniel A. Payne proposed to the 1856 General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church convening in Cincinnati, Ohio that the episcopal seal should include the denominational creedal statement, God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, Man Our Brother. This declaration of A.M.E. faith identity became the denominational motto until 1908, when a surge of Pentecostalism in 1906 in Los Angeles at the Azusa Street mission, the former site of First A.M.E. Church, convinced African Methodists to alter the motto. Hence, the 1908 General Conference meeting in Norfolk, Virginia placed on the published minutes, God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Ghost Our Comforter, Man Our Brother.

The 1912 General Conference convening in Kansas City, Missouri retained the altered statement of A.M.E. belief. The centennial General Conference of 1916 meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, however, made no reference to new the A.M.E. motto, and since that time Bishop Payne’s original formulation of the motto appeared on all denominational documents and published materials.

At the 2008 General Conference in St. Louis, Missouri an inclusive motto was adopted and now declares God Our Father, Christ Our Redeemer, the Holy Spirit Our Comforter, Humankind Our Family. The evolution of our motto demonstrates that African Methodists engage in ongoing assessments of our theology and how God speaks to us in changing circumstances.

Dennis C. Dickerson Retired General Officer

HSPAME Leadership Live – Love - Learn Pastor’s Vision

Let’s Rebuild God’s House God’s Way Ezra 3:7-13 Nehemiah 2:11-20 Ministerial Staff

Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin, Pastor Rev. Barry Frazier, Retired Itinerant Elder Exhorter Doris Coffey 26

Pastor’s Aid Vada Shelton Maya Gudger

The Steward Board

Chair - Pastor Stephanie M. Raglin Paula Campbell-Rudd Lutisha Coleman Janice Floyd Betty Morton-Young

Pro-Tem - Myron Coleman Joseph Coleman Michial Dunn Lorna Laurie Jonathan Newton

The Trustee Board

Chair - Pastor Stephanie M. Raglin Urika Berry Timothy Coleman Richard Gooch Clarence Smith George Terry

Pro-Tem – Reginald Thomas Michele Coffey Vernon (Jean) Coleman Harold Jackson. Emeritus Priscilla Sullivan

The Class Leaders Council

Class #1 - Paulette Coleman Class #3 - Audrey Brooks Class #5 - Joyce Dunn Class #7 - Vernon Jean Coleman Class #9 - Dinah Johnson

Class #2 - Paula Campbell Class #4 - Betty Morton-Young Class #6 - Diane Payne Class #8 - Carrie Newton

Commissions

Membership, Evangelism and Discipleship Christian Education Mission and Welfare Christian Socia; Action Health and Wellness Public Relations Stewardship and Finance

Myron Coleman. Chair Johnathan Newton, Co-Chair Exhorter Doris Coffey, Chair Vada Shelton, Chair Bessie M. Jackson, Chair Open Urika Berry, Chair Rev. Dr. Stephanie M. Raglin, Chair

Other Committees/Ministries

Finance Committee Superintendent – Sunday School Director of Christian Education Hospitality Tech Team Culinary Ministry Sons of Allen Women’s Ministry Fellowship Choir

Diana Payne, Chair Dinah Johnson Exhorter Doris Coffey Urika Berry, Michele Coffey, Victoria Gary Clarence Smith George Terry Myron Coleman Exhorter Doris Coffey Vernon (Jean) Coleman Lutisha Coleman, Director Vernon (Jean) Coleman, Assist. Director Bessie M. Jackson

Daughters of Miriam Liturgical Church Historiographer 27

Organizations

John B. Fullwood, Sr. Usher Board Lay Organization Ross-Greenfield Missionary Society Stewardess Board

Joseph Coleman Paula Campbell-Rudd Carrie Newton Joyce Dunn

Church Secretary Church Treasurer

Lorna Laurie Urika Berry

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

HSPAME Lay Organization The purpose of the Lay Organization is to organize and train Lay Members of the AME Church, so that each member may utilize, to the maximum, the abilities and skills granted

by God in assisting with the improvement and extension of God's kingdom and creating happiness, peace and harmony among its members.

If you are not an ordained minister, you are a lay person. We encourage you to participate in the Lay Organization.

The Lay Organization is among the required organizations of the AME Church, and is formed for the following purposes, which constitute the basis for the organization’s programs and activities.

1. Instill in the membership of the church a love for and an appreciation of the history, tradition, and principles of African Methodism.

2. Keep the memory of our illustrious Founder Richard Allen alive.

3. Advocate respect for and loyalty to constituted authority.

4. Encourage the support of the total program of the Church.

5. Foster systematic and regular study of the Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church and parliamentary procedure, which will provide greater knowledge among the laity, and organizing and training lay members concerning the goals and objectives of the Connectional Lay Organization.

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Legislative Update: Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) Senator Reginald L. Thomas November 13, 2023

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE November 13, 2023 Senator Reginald Thomas

This week, I want to discuss a matter that recently came before the Interim Joint Committee on Tourism, Small Business, and Information Technology, a topic of pressing significance: Artificial Intelligence, or A.I. Now, I’ll admit – like many of you, I’m still on the learning curve when it comes to the intricacies of A.I. Yet, the one thing that has become abundantly clear is that we are standing at the precipice of a technological revolution, one that demands our attention and proactive engagement.

A.I. isn’t just a buzzword or something relegated to the realm of science fiction. It is very much a part of our present and, without doubt, our future. From simple voice assistants on our phones 1

to complex algorithms that might soon predict and diagnose diseases before we’re even aware of symptoms, the potential of A.I. is staggering.

Yet, as with any powerful tool, there are inherent risks involved. During the recent committee meeting, expert testimonies highlighted the rapid pace at which AI is evolving. Historically, our progress has been measured in centuries and decades. But now, we’re looking at monumental leaps within years, if not months. Some experts project that by 2045, A.I. capabilities might rival the combined intellectual prowess of every human being on this planet. That's a profound, if not slightly daunting, notion.

One particular term that caught my attention was "Singularity" – a theoretical point where technological growth could become so rapid that it spirals out of our control. It sounds far-fetched, but the reality is, that we are venturing into uncharted waters. How do we harness the potential of such a tool while ensuring it doesn’t overpower us?

Some are optimistic about A.I., believing that with the right precautions, the A.I. control problem is solvable. Others tread with caution, suggesting it may be only partially solvable, if at all. The spectrum of opinions is broad, but there’s a consensus on one thing: inaction is not an option.

Tools for A.I. controllability were presented, with an emphasis on explainability and comprehensibility. It is crucial that as we integrate A.I. into our daily lives, we understand how and why it makes the decisions it does. We cannot blindly trust; we must strive to comprehend. I was particularly struck by the call for unambiguous communication – ensuring that interactions between humans and AI are clear and transparent.

So, what does all this mean for us, especially here in our state? First, it reinforces the belief that while A.I. presents a world of opportunities, it also necessitates a comprehensive framework for oversight and accountability. Companies pushing the boundaries of A.I. technology should be held to stringent standards, ensuring that the algorithms they produce are ethical, transparent, and in the best interest of the public.

Furthermore, we must defend our national security. With the rise of AI, new vulnerabilities emerge. There's a need for security restrictions that prevent potential adversaries from gaining access to state-of-the-art A.I. technologies. We cannot underestimate the geopolitical implications of A.I. advancements.

Finally, we must prioritize transparency and protect our citizens, especially our younger generation. Companies deploying A.I. should provide clear notifications, especially when consequential decisions are being made. We have a right to know when and how personal data is being used. And our children, who are growing up in this digital age, need to be safeguarded from the potential misuse of AI. For now, I continue working with my colleagues in the Kentucky General Assembly on these pressing matters.

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For more information on the 2023 interim and the upcoming 2024 Regular Session, visit the Legislative Record online at www.legislature.ky.gov. There you can view the committee calendar, watch archived coverage of committee meetings, search legislator contact information, learn about the legislative process, and view informational materials.

To share feedback with me on this issue, or if you have any comments, questions, or concerns, I am accessible by email at Reginald.Thomas@LRC.KY.GOV. You can also leave a message for me on the Legislative Message Line at (800) 372-7181. Citizens with hearing impairments can use the Kentucky Relay Service at 711. A Spanish language line for legislative information will be available by calling 1-866-840-6571.

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