May 2022 Edition of The Christian Recorder

MAY 2022

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VOLUME 171, NO. 8

MAY 2022

FAITH IN ACTION RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS The call of mission, evangelism, and growth are intertwined with the work of the church. This call is particularly true in the 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield announced this initiative at the 13th District Planning Meeting in November 2021.

Faith in Action was implemented at the 2022 Mid-Year Convocation in multiple ways: Random Acts of Kindness; Targeted prayer for a community in transition; Support and care of a Specific Family in Need; and providing resources to the AME Church in the area to continue the work. The 13th Episcopal District Lay Organization and its president, led by Bro. Christopher Michael Wilson, coordinated the Random Acts of Kindness. The 13th District Evangelism Component, Presiding Elder Terence Mayes, chair, coordinated the Targeted Prayer. Sis. Latanya Germany, 13th and the Women’s Missionary Society coordinated Specific Family in Need, and the Rev. Errol Thomas, MD, host pastor of St. John AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee, provided various resources, training, and support. ...continued on p3

BISHOP BRAILSFORD, SR. HAS ARRIVED IN THE MOTHERLAND

By Rev. G.P. Lesito, 19th Episcopal District Field Reporter

The 19th Episcopal district has eagerly awaited the arrival of Bishop Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr. and supervisor, the Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford, si since his assignment to the district at th the previous General Conference.

His flight landed on schedule at 16 16h55; with all immigration and C COVID protocols done, he emerged at 17h46 boasting his tall yet humble st stature. The receiving team included p presiding elders M.A. Mexico and F.J. M Manganye, president and secretary re respectively of the Presiding Elders’ C Council. Also in attendance was the R Rev. M.F. Manganye, ...continued on p3

CHECK YOUR LIFE-BAG

CELEBRATING SALVATION

By Rev. Dr. Alfonso Wyatt, Contributing Writer

THE SEVEN LAST WORDS FOR HUMAN REDEMPTION

I remember when my wife, along with other sisters from church, went to South Africa for a denominational convocation for women. My spouse is super-organized (unlike me) and among her many gifts and talents, she has the ability to pack bags in a space saving way. When she returned home, she told me that several good sister f friends came to her room to “inspect” her bag. They c could not believe all of her different outfits she wore c came out of one small piece of luggage.

By Rev. Versey Williams, Contributing Writer

Salvation is without cost because God gave us all God had—God’s self. Twelve pastors and congregations combined their faith, celebrated salvation, and offered h hope to those needing a more excellent way. Their c combined effort became a Good Friday virtual service.

In life, it is possible to carry life-bags overstuffed w past hurts, slights, bitterness, hate, bad memories, with b broken promises, and unrealized dreams. The carrier of t heavy weight can build up strength (hear tolerance) this d dragging their life-bags everywhere he or she goes. Once l life-bags no longer seem burdensome, the carrier can b become comfortable with this uncomfortable situation. ...continued on p2

M Moments t iin Bl Blackk History Were in My House and in My Neighborhood… p4

Traveling Through Our Pain With Purpose … p7

Who Will Raise Your Children if You Die Without a Will?… p12

COVID-19 is evil, but what the devil is still killing p people with, God is using to unite people. One of t last words from Jesus’ cross was, “My God, my the G God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:454 Intellectually, Jesus knew, mentally, spiritually, 46) a emotionally, that the only existence he had ever and k known—perfection, was being ripped away from him.

I was necessary because an absolute, perfect, flawless It ...continued on p2

C Connecting ti Pastors, Lay Leaders, and Scientists… p18

AMEC Health Commission Statement on Reproductive Justice and Supreme Court Draft Leak… p23

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...From Check Your p1 I want to put heavy life-bags one may be carrying, dragging, or have in storage, on the scales of life and ask this question—is the price of guarding, toting, or worrying about life-bags worth all the pain and suffering? If you are looking at your life-bags in the same way, or perhaps in a different light, hang on, not to the handle mind you, but to the following life-bag insights that can be transforming.

Life-Bag # 1 The contents of this life-bag were packed, as all life-bags are, at birth. It contains the sum total of the owner’s interpretation of his or her lived experience.

The negative contents have a way of simultaneously shaping and misshaping how you deal with reality, as well as how others see you. Old hurts can cause new pains when you look in your life-bag and you grow angry or confused. This constant action and reaction can render the thought of unpacking pointless. ...From Celebrating p1 God could not emphasize God’s then and now broken imperfect creation. Jesus was already exhausted prior to being nailed to the cross.

The Roman soldiers had beaten him. He had stab wounds all over his body; they looked like strips. He had been ridiculed, humiliated, and shamed. He alone, a human yet divine, could not carry his cross alone.

God sent himself someone to help bear the cross. We often forget that Immanuel, God with us, was just as human as he was divine. Certainly, Jesus knows how evil influences life experiences. God’s providential and sovereign nature is apparent during God’s humanly divine experience. We can never claim that God does not know about our many sorrows and the injustices

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Life-Bag # 2 The contents of this life-bag are in total disarray, prompting the question, “Who packed this bag?”

The sad answer is that the owner has allowed people to drop inside their personal disparaging opinions, thoughts, or indictments. This extra weight is designed to minimize and hurt; thereby giving the “dumper” a false sense of “lighter” superiority over the one duped into carrying unwanted biased weight.

Life-Bag # 3 The contents of this life-bag are unrecognizable when the owner peeks inside. This “mystery bag” can lead the carrier to experience deep psychological issues that only a trained life-bag professional knows how to unpack and help to reorganize.

Beloved, it is time to Check Your Life-Bag. It is time to empty out old bits and pieces of what was you but is no longer you. Some of the items don’t fit because that plague the people of the African diaspora.

We may feel forsaken, but we are not. When Jesus cried out again, with a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

He gave up the human, finite part of his existence, but the good news is that at that very moment, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, and for the first time in eternity, God’s people – all humans – would not have to go through another human – the high priest – to get what they needed from God. God made you and me alive through Jesus, our risen Savior, our Christ.

He forgave our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that were at war against us and stood opposed to us. He took our sin away, nailing it to the cross. Having absolute power, he made a public

you have grown emotionally and spiritually. Get rid of “stuff” you no longer wish to wear, or are a mischaracterization of who you really are, or blatant lies intended to belittle and malign you.

I remember when I was forced to check my life-bag in my twenties. I had created a complicated, multilevel thought apparatus designed to protect me from probes from others that may or may not have meant me harm. In retrospect, this compartment of my life-bag became too hard to maintain. I had to discover the “room-making” truth my wife knew about packing: less can surely be more—as in more peace, more love, and more joy.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke on you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and my load is not hard to carry. Matthew 11:28-30. ❏ ❏ ❏ spectacle of those opposed to us. The vices of the devil, permanent physical death, and spiritual damnation were voided, triumphing over them at the cross.

Those written codes and regulations still exist, but when we renew our minds with the knowledge that God has freed us through God’s salvation, we experience life more abundant. What is sin? Sin is whatever causes us to think that God has abandoned us. The error of human supremacy’s intentional political systems – the written codes and regulations - were meant to destroy us. Like Immanuel, we must renew our minds, reframe behaviors, and embrace when we need someone to help him bear the cross. We need each other. ❏ ❏ ❏

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...From Faith p1

On the closing day of the 2022 Mid-Year Convocation, Bishop Henning Byfield and the members of the 13th Episcopal District took to the streets of the Whitehaven community of Memphis, Tennessee. The Whitehaven community is a staple but changing black community in Memphis. Members of the 13th Episcopal District and Bishop and Supervisor Byfield positioned themselves at local Kroger check-out lanes providing gift cards for patrons, employees, and staff. Other members of the 13th team were located at the Kroger gas station, greeting patrons with gift cards. Others were in prayer circles, praying for passersby and for the community. Several families expressed gratitude and asked for additional support and prayer, and looked to connect with a local church.

The 13th District was also notified of a family in crisis. Led by the Women’s Missionary Society and the YPD, clothes, toiletries, gifts, money, gift cards, and cards to various restaurants and grocery stores were presented to this wonderful family. Continual support, along with the purchase of a Play Station and other items for the family, will be delivered. This action-oriented ministry will be an ongoing ministry of the district.

We thank God for Faith In Action and the vision of our leaders, Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield and Supervisor Ainsley M. Byfield, and the dedicated and kindhearted people of the 13th Episcopal district.

Visit www.ame13.org to view a video documenting these efforts. ❏ ❏ ❏ ...From Bishop Brailsford, Sr. p1 the Rev. G.P. Lesito – 19th Episcopal District field reporter, Mother Z. Ntloko –

president of MSWAWO+PK’s, and Sis. J. Hlahasoane – president of CMLF. In her prayer, the Rev. F.J. Manganye thanked God for the bishop’s safe travels in spite of him arriving without the supervisor. She petitioned God for the blessings upon the bishop and the supervisor’s leadership of the 19th District and the coming mid-year session. To God be the glory.

The bishop was introduced to those present and continued to greet all. Albeit showing signs of flight fatigue, he exclaimed how excited he was to finally be in the Motherland since his first arrival in the country in 1996. ❏ ❏ ❏

THE TRUTH IS THE LIGHT

By Rev. Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., Columnist

Based on Biblical text: Numbers 21:8: And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.

John 3:14: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.

I guess the first thing we need to consider is what it is like to be bitten by a snake.

Many of us have not had that unfortunate experience. However, those that have tell us that it is a painful experience. I am told that even if the snake is not poisonous, his teeth are so full of bacteria that we are certain to get sick from the bite.

The truth of the matter is, many of us don’t even consider the dangers of snakebite until it happens. Think about it, we often work in dangerous territory without a weapon for defense. It is not until the snake bites that we are concerned about a cure. At that point we are frantic!

The text occurs during a time when Moses dealt with snakes while trying to find safe passage from the Red Sea to the Promised Land. The journey was so tough that folk started complaining. Mind you, these were the same people who a short time ago had witnessed God parting the Red Sea to save them from Pharaoh’s army. The

same people, I might add, who had been in bondage for over 400 years before being set free.

The people got tired and began complaining. The Lord, tired of their mumbling and complaining, sent fiery poisonous serpents into their camp to bite them.

They did not have an antidote or cure for snakebite so many died. Moses petitioned God for mercy and he gave him the cure. “And the Lord said unto Moses, ‘Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.’” It proved to be the ti k did nott die. di perfect cure as those who looked at the fiery serpent on a stick This writing speaks to those who have been so dissatisfied with their situation that they have become a complainer. Warning, complaining is, for the most part, futile. The truth of the matter is that eighty percent of the people we complain to don’t care about our situation anyway, and the other twenty percent feel that somehow, we deserve what is happening to us!

Complaining can be dangerous but complaining to God can be fatal. Do we dare complain to the one who provides the very air that we breathe, or the water that we drink? Imagine for a moment what would happen if God withdrew his divine protection from us and left us to the consequences of our own vices. Yes, we shudder to think of the consequences yet, we bite the hand that feeds us. ...continued on p5

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THE PIPE ORGAN

By Elnora Taylor, Dorsey P. Montgomery, Sr., Lavinia Grant, Kathleen Snype, Carolyn Doctor, Virginia Williams, Tiffany Williams, and Helen Richards, 7th Episcopal District

The dismantling and removal of the historic pipe organ - even after several of the lifetime members of Mother Emanuel AME Church vocally disapproved at a quarterly conference - has unfortunately become a success. Why would anyone want to bring detriment to the foundation of an organ with such a historical reputation and familiar city-wide resounding tones?

To add insult to injury, this disruption to the church’s legacy took place during Black History Month - a time when people all over the world celebrate painful and memorable events. The city of Charleston missed out on the soothing chimes of a pipe organ that might have rang in consolation of the memories of tumultuous times.

organist Lany Harris Lucas shared a well-known duet to the song ‘I Am a Child of the King.’ Other voices belonging to Jean Gillison and the late Marguerite Gregory could be heard amidst the choir as members processed down the aisle on Communion Sundays.

Those processionals painted a visual of a multitude of voices dressed in red and white robes, singing melodies of appropriate hymnals describing how ‘The Comforter Has Come.’ Said visuals were influenced by the leadership of the late Rev. Alonzo Holman.

The church has also had living legends in Mr. Louis Weathers and Mr. Alphonso Brown, both of whom have graced the congregation with their expertise.

I wonder what our ancestors would have done at the knowledge of such plans. They probably would have put a stop to it as they were committed and dedicated to doing what is right; more importantly, they had a fear of God. I also wonder what previous ministers and pastors, now in heaven, might think: the Rev. B.J. Glover (also a member of the NAACP); the Rev. H.B. Butler; the Rev. W.J. Jefferson Jr; the Rev. Alonzo Holman; the Rev. John H. Gillison; the Rev. William Smith, Jr.; Assistant Pastors the Rev. William Cohen; the Rev. Jessie Brown; the Rev. L. Alston; the Rev. L. William; the Rev. Gladys Washington (who sang from the pulpit on many Sundays); the Rev. Hilda B. Scott (Sunday School superintendent and Sunbeam Choir director). Additionally, there were many bishops and historical figures that sat in the pulpit of Mother Emanuel and watched the various organists strike the keys and ring the chimes with notes of “good old hymns and spirituals.” Songs such as ‘I Trust in God,’ ‘Precious Lord,’ ‘I Am a Child of The King,’ ‘Pass Me Not, Oh Gentle Savior,’ and the list goes on. We also remember the many Christmas and Easter cantatas, as well as the spiritual revivals and programs that sparked an assembly of so many bishops and pastors all over the world; so many congregations of members, Civil Rights leaders, and activists.

It was said that the organ was removed because of damages; what are the identifiable damages? The majority of the members of Mother Emanuel AME have not been privy to this information, nor have they observed any physical ailments in the pipe organ.

Curiosity exists around whether the damages are in the pipes, or in the console as confirmed and suggested by long-time repairman Mr. John Hyatt. Most experts suggest that repairs, unless extensive, are made with the unit still in place. Repairmen make ‘house calls’ in an analogous manner with how doctors make house calls to their patients. This church has been under a great ruin twice. On each occasion, the slaves and hard-working people walked with bricks in their pockets and sweat running down their faces and backs.

They were proud of what they were doing and proud of their history. In 1989 the rooftop was damaged, and I believe that the steeple was blown away as well.

Yet, there was the power of God!! How curious is it that none of the contractors, the pastors, officers, or any other stakeholders of that time found it necessary to remove the organ for repairs? It was learned and understood that a pastor worked under the members of the church; the pastor recognized that the church belonged to the members and that his time at that church was limited. The pastor knew down in his soul that he was a servant of God, and he feared God.

Thinking of the many musicians who played the organ with such pride - Isaac C. Aiken, Inez Temple, Frances T. Mack, Alberta Simmons, Helen Hazel, Mary Alice Mack, Felicia Breeland, Lany Harris Lucas - I feel it is such a shame and so disrespectful that their tenure of musicianship is dishonored. Renowned soloists like the late James Ficklin, Floyd Breeland, Frank H. Taylor I, Jestine Sanders, Mary Smith, and Angela Smith would depend on the accompaniment of those organists and the chimes that the organ rang.

The living legend Judge Daniel E. Martin, Sr. and

Ironically, we are now living in times of updated technology and contractors are more equipped with the tools necessary to revise a work of art such as the pipe organ. Were the current assessments of damages precise and accurate enough to warrant the organ’s removal, and/or what could have been done to make repairs with the organ still in place? Were the pipes wrapped up individually and stored in a cool place?

What is the price for the storage of 400 pipes for the estimated 18 months of repair time? If the church is in financial distress, how is it even possible to make any

of these arrangements? What is the real agenda here?

Piece by piece this great edifice is being unnecessarily destroyed. There have been leader-induced verbal and borderline physical fights in the building, and proper reconciliation measures were never taken. The banner posting The Lord’s Prayer was taken down. A historical window was removed. Two pews were dug up and then disrespectfully and neglectfully tossed in the choir loft, so to facilitate the implementation of an undesired instrument. There were several conversations had, surrounding the said instrument, yet the concerns that were presented have yet to be addressed. Additionally, the wooden cross that stood between the gates of the church facing Calhoun Street for so many years was broken apart and destroyed. This cross represented Jesus’ repentance of our sins and the New Birth. The late Mr. Clarence Chisolm and the living Mr. William P. Black were responsible for the installation of that cross. Jesus did not die on a faux-marble gold cross with painted white doves, he died on an old rugged cross. Why was this symbolic cross destroyed? What is to become of this historical building - Mother Emanuel AME Church? The Bible tells us that ‘what is done in the darkness will come to the light.’

History is so valuable. History can never be rewritten because that negates the pure definition of the word. As a people, we can, however, always do something to enhance history. As if the unforeseeable massacre that took place in 2015 was not enough, it appears as though Mother Emanuel has yet to secure a place of healing. I imagine that the Rev. Dr. Clementa C. Pinckney, the Rev. Daniel Simmons, Sr., the Rev. Sharonda Singleton, the Rev. Myra Thompson, the Rev. Depayne Middleton Doctor, Tywanza Sanders, Ethel Lance, and Suzy Jackson are all in heaven shaking their heads in shame. Some of the other late Godfearing members such as Mr. John Mack Sr., Mr. David Jones, Mr. Frank H. Taylor, I, Mr. Rufus Dilligard, Mr. Franklin Grant, Mrs. Dorothy Steward, and Alberta Sheares, all of whom carried very secure and outspoken voices, might very well be at a loss for words following the removal of the pipe organ. Truthfully, however, had these influential souls been present, the removal would have never taken place.

The chimes of that glorious pipe organ should have rung in memory and honor of the late Elizabeth Hunt Alston, Mother Emanuel AME Church historian... ...Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. Please help us to know right from wrong, and to choose the answers that are aligned with your scriptures. Amen. ❏ ❏ ❏

MOMENTS IN BLACK HISTORY WERE IN MY HOUSE AND IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD

By Dr. James L. Ewers, Columnist

Black history was in my neighborhood in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. Men and women who looked like me were successful and were role models for us.

However, I suspect that we may not have realized its importance because we saw it every day. Competent and compassionate people were on my block, and even with their success, they always had time for us. They inspired us so that we could have aspirations.

Being a certified senior citizen, I can recall my elementary school celebrating Black History Week.

Black History Week became Black History Month in

1970. The first celebration of Black History Month took place at Kent State University in Ohio. For the five days of Black History Week, we had guest speakers and read stories about famous black men and women.

Other celebratory events occurred in schools, places of worship, and community centers. We learned a lot and asked a lot of questions.

Upon reflection, there were a few firsts in WinstonSalem involving black people and black history. One of the firsts occurred in my house. My dad, Dr. James B. Ewers, was the first Jamaican dentist in the city and one of only a few in North Carolina. He was well respected in the community and always had a kind word for

people. His accent was rich, so strangers had to listen carefully. He was a graduate of Howard University’s School of Dentistry. He was a proud Howard alumnus and talked fondly about the relationships he formed at the school. Because of him, I took part in my graduate school classes there.

There was a black-owned bus ...continued on p5

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JUST FOR A MOMENT: LET IT OUT

By Lic. Tricia I. Thomas, Contributing Writer

Many of us have heard about the strong black woman (or strong black male) trope. It is this notion that we, as black people, have to be bigger, better, smarter, and stronger than our counterparts to get ahead in life. But, let us say, the weight of it all is that not all labor feels like a labor of love. Let us unpack the baggage that you have been carrying around. We all have a few bags, some heavier than others, some more than others, but in these bags that we carry around in our hearts and minds are things like pain, heartache, a wall that we have built to protect ourselves, guilt, shame, and disappointment. How can we as believers move forward by faith if we do not let go of the past?

How can we stretch our hands out and hold to God’s unchanging hand if we are full of the baggage from the past?

One of my favorite movie references is Disney’s Lion King. Rafiki is talking to Simba, and after Rafiki bopped Simba on the head, Simba asks, “What was that?” Rafiki responds, “It doesn’t matter; it’s in the past.” Simba, still holding on to the past, cried out, “But it still hurts,” to which Rafiki responded, “Oh yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.”

Beloved, the past is supposed to hurt. It teaches us a lesson we need to learn, shows us what not to

look for, helps us experience what it is like to be down so that when it is our time to shine, it feels that much better. So I challenge you right now to let go.

Here is the thing: this baggage, this heartache, this barrier that you are holding on to for dear life, may be blocking your blessing. Maybe because it feels good; maybe because it is comfortable or what you have been used to; maybe because you are scared of what might happen if you let go. Do not let your baggage block your blessing. Do not let the wall you built to keep out the pain, prohibit your praise. Do not let your fear overpower your faith. Let. It. Go. Now, I have never been in a hot air balloon, but I have an idea of the concept. A fire or a burner inside creates hot air inside the balloon because hot air rises.

Theoretically, uninhibited, the balloon will soar to unknown heights as long as the fire is still burning.

And the only thing stopping this balloon from rising are these sandbags. So, it is time to soar like a hot air balloon, my sisters and brothers. Let the Holy Ghost fire carry you to places you have never been before. But first, you have to let go of the sandbags.

And with each bag you release, you get a little higher.

Drop the bag of self-doubt. Let go of the bag of pain.

Untie the bag of heartache. Because here is what will happen if you do not: the enemy will keep trying to

hold you down. Once he knows which bag hurts you the most, he will continue thinking of ways to add more sand to it. However, if you get rid of that bag completely, he loses any control that he thought he had. Make that move. Make that change.

Little changes over time create lifelong habits, and habits over time become a lifestyle.

Isaiah 43 reminds us that, “At all times, we must learn to forget the past and forge ahead.” If we fail to let go of the past, it is very difficult to move forward. Let go of the bitterness and make room for the blessing.

Now just like Paul said, I am not perfect. I am still carrying around some extra baggage. In fact, I tend to roll it up nice and neat, stuff it in my pocketbook, and carry it everywhere I go. One thing I have tried to do is forget what is behind me. I am not there yet, but I am striving, letting a little bit go at a time so that I can heal. So that you can heal. What we carry inside manifests itself in our outward appearance and actions. Not only must we, then, forgive those who have hurt us, but we must forgive ourselves too. So, my sister, my brother, it is time to let it go and move forward by faith. Let it out! ❏ ❏ ❏

...From The Truth p3 We complain that we are not getting enough, and then we wonder why we suffer so many snake bites.

Please understand that Satan is a snake, and he bites. When God lifts his divine protection from us, Satan bites. Job is a great example. When God lifted the hedge of protection from around him Satan bit, but when God put the hedge back, God blessed. This lesson clearly warns that the snake, Satan, is a formidable enemy. His venom is powerful and poisonous. And if we are not careful, he will bite us when we are not paying attention.

Complaining to God is dangerous, because he has the power to lift his protection from us. Satan is a formidable enemy, and not to be played with. We should learn from this text that it is wise to carry our snakebite cure with us.

The truth of the matter is we fool around with Satan as if he has no teeth. Some of us seem to be daring Satan to bite us. Warning, Satan does have teeth! If Satan gets his teeth into us, it would behoove us to have our cure close at hand. Some may be asking, what is that cure? Well, for Moses and the Israelites, it was the image of a fiery serpent on a stick. However, for those of us who know the Lord in the pardon of our sins, we have Jesus and the cross, high and lifted up. We may have been bitten, but thank God we are still living, because Jesus is our cure for all of Satan’s snakebites.

The Word of God says, “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus Christ, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.” We do not have to fear because we have the cure for whatever Satan threatens to bring our way. And that cure is our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up.”

The Reverend Dr. Charles R. Watkins, Jr., is the pastor of James Chapel AME Church in Charleston, SC. ...From Moments p4 company in Winston-Salem. During my formative years, I saw

those buses with black people on them every day. We were bus passengers only on Safe Bus. The times required it. What I did not know was the history behind the Safe Bus Company.

The Safe Bus Company was the first black bus company in North Carolina. Others followed in nearby cities, but Safe Bus led the way. There was a period when Safe Bus was the largest black-owned transportation company globally. Thirteen black men put their life savings into forming the Safe Bus Company. Archival records show that the company carried 12,000 fares a day, grossed $10,000 a week, and had 75 employees at its peak. They operated in Winston-Salem from 1926 to 1972. They had 35 buses.

One of the employees was my uncle, Mr. Nathaniel Holland. I called him Uncle Pap. I can remember standing at the corner across from Atkins High School at the bus stop. He would motion to me and say, “Jimmy, get on.” Those were the days.

Safe Bus Company hired its first black woman driver in 1966. Her name was Priscilla Estelle Stephens. At the time of her hiring, she was only 20 years of age.

That was significant given this period in our history. To give a black woman that kind of opportunity and support said a lot about the Safe Bus Company.

Cassandra Greene Miller, daughter of Safe Bus president Buster Greene, was quoted in Our State Magazine as saying, “Many people say that segregation gave birth to Safe Bus and integration ended it.” Reports say that in 1972, the Winston-Salem Transit Authority purchased the assets of the Safe Bus Company, and it became a part of the city-run department.

There are historic stories about African Americans in our communities. Just do some research, and you will find them. Black history is being made each day in our nation and on our streets. Our moral obligation is to pass this history on to the next generation. ❏ ❏ ❏

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13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT ESTABLISHES CHAPLAIN SPIRITUAL CARE TEAM

By Rev. Dr. Benita Livingston

The 13th Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield and Supervisor Ainsley Byfield, held its Mid-Year Convocation on March 24-26, 2022, at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee. One of the highlights of this meeting was the presentation given by the Rev. Dr. G. Dianne Lewis, chief of chaplains at the Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, and the connectional president of the Henry McNeal Turner Chaplains Association. Dr. Lewis’ presentation entitled “Overcoming Stress, Depression, and Frustrations” was to clergy only. It was an opportunity for clergy selfexamination to identify signs of burnout, opportunities to practice better self-care, and engage in a lively question and answer session.

At the request of Bishop Byfield, the chaplains in the 13th Episcopal District met with Dr. Lewis to discuss organizing a spiritual care team for clergy, the endorsing process, and membership in the Henry McNeal Turner Chaplains Association. Clergy stress is enormous, and as Dr. Lewis stated in her presentation, pastors report significant stress-related crises. Therefore, there is a need

for clergy support and spiritual care, and the chaplains of the 13th Episcopal District will be providing spiritual care in grief and bereavement support, end-of-life care and planning, and trauma and crisis care for individuals in-person or through video meetings. District meetings will also provide on-site care, if needed, and offer various presentations in specialized areas. A pastoral care team will also compile a list of various professional counselors that clergy and lay may utilize and refer if needed. When clergy request spiritual care, a chaplain will respond to the request to assess the need, provide the assistance or work with clergy to connect them with a professional counselor in their area. The 13th Episcopal District has also agreed to pay for three professional counseling sessions for clergy.

Chaplaincy is a calling. The ministry of chaplains is diverse. Chaplains offer spiritual care, support, guidance, and the ministry of presence to individuals, family members, and institutions. Chaplains minister in government facilities, hospitals, hospice settings, workplaces, on college and university campuses, and on military bases. Chaplains are ordained ministers who take care of the spiritual needs of people from a variety of religious backgrounds. Chaplains must have a Master

GOD IS NOT THROUGH WITH ME YET

is time to move from complacency to commitment! It is time to move from mediocrity by striving to be all you can be! The Lord wants to take you from one level of glory to another.

By Rev. Dr. Maxine Thomas, Columnist

There shall be a manifestation of all that God has promised concerning your life. The Bible says, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5). God wants us to have the mind of Christ. God wants to perfect the love that he has already placed in you. God’s love is perfect love. It is not always easy for us to love. Like most of us, you have probably encountered some less than lovable people. You know, the sister who turned her back on you in your hour of need. The father who abused you.

The uncle who touched you in places where he should not have. Your mama’s boo, who gave you a quarter to sit on his lap every time he came over. The child who failed to put into practice that which you tried to instill in him from early childhood. The nosy neighbor. The church mother, who speaks in one language on Sunday morning and in another language as soon as the benediction has been said. It is not always easy to love!

“I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6 Beloved, God is not through with you yet. He is still molding you and shaping you into what he would have you to be. So do not think that you have already arrived.

Yes, you are saved. Yes, you are sanctified. Don’t walk that way no more! Don’t talk that way no more! A songwriter said, What a wonderful change has come over my life since Jesus came into my heart.

Still, there are some dry places in your life that need refreshing; there are still some broken places that still need healing; there are some gifts that are still lying dormant.

Some things you thought were gone but still remain. The Bible reminds us that God will perform those things that have already begun in you. Even as a seed blossoms into a flower, God will bring your ministry to full bloom! It

Thank God it is not my love that I am able to offer others! It would be a sometimey, temperamental, wishy-

of Divinity, complete a residency of Clinical Pastoral Education, be endorsed by the denomination through the process as outlined by The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and obtain Board Certification through the Association of Professional Chaplains or the Department of Veteran Affairs. Chaplains are clinically trained, educated, and well qualified to serve the present age. Chaplaincy is a vital ministry of our denomination. We praise God for the vision of Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield in establishing a Chaplain’s Spiritual Care Team to provide care to clergy.

The following are members of the 13th Episcopal District Chaplain’s Spiritual Care Team: the Reverends Dr. Benita Livingston (coordinator), Dr. Sarita Wilson, Dr. Dianna Watkins-Dickerson, Elizabeth Shell, Melissa Hale, Omaràn D. Lee, Linda Jackson, and Nachia Woods. ❏❏❏ washy love if it were my love. But, my friend, as you continue to avail yourself of the transforming love of God, he will teach you how to love the unloveable.

He will give you new eyes for seeing. You will see others through the eyes of Jesus and not through the eyes of guilt and mistrust!

Not through the eyes of anger and fear! When you see others through the eyes of Jesus, you will be able to bless those who despitefully use you, turn the other cheek, love your enemies, and treat everybody all right. Hallelujah! God wants to work perfect work in you!

Exhale It is my steadfast desire to walk in the perfect will of God. And so, I exhale complacency and defeat. I receive renewed faith to believe that God is able to bring to pass all that he said concerning my life. ❏ ❏ ❏

TISHAUNDA MCPHERSON JOINS NORC AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND FIRST-EVER CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago is pleased to announce that TiShaunda McPherson, JD, MDiv, MPP, is joining NORC as a senior vice president and the organization’s first-ever chief diversity officer (CDO). In this role, TiShaunda will lead NORC’s efforts to build a more diverse, racially equitable, and inclusive workplace and research portfolio, and she will serve on NORC’s Executive Council, the company’s senior-most decision-making body. NORC president and CEO Dan Gaylin said, “TiShaunda’s transformational leadership style and vast knowledge around anti-racism and prevention strategies are exactly what are needed to accelerate change and strengthen the impact of our DREI efforts.”

In her most recent role as senior associate vice president for Equity at Northwestern University, McPherson worked to foster a culture of access, belonging, and accountability, overseeing the development of the university’s diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and anti-racism education and training plans. TiShaunda brings a deep understanding of DEI practices and principles to NORC and 20-plus years of experience addressing institutional, regional, and systemic discrimination and equity issues. After early career experience in various legal roles, TiShaunda served as a senior civil rights attorney

with the United States Department of Education and then oversaw equity, access, and employment matters for Adtalem Global Education.

TiShaunda recalled that, “During the interview process, [she] was impressed by the company’s commitment to doing the deep and necessary work to embed diversity, racial equity, and inclusion throughout every function of the organization,” said McPherson, adding, “[She’s] excited to engage with staff across NORC and work together to continue the excellent work the organization has already begun.”

“Diversity, Racial Equity, and Inclusion (DREI) is one of NORC’s top strategic priorities and will flourish under TiShaunda’s vision, acumen, and leadership,” said Ellen Beatty, chief financial officer and executive vice president of Finance and Administration at NORC. “She and the new Office of DREI have the full support of NORC’s Board of Trustees, the Executive Council, and the entire leadership team. I am ...continued on p7

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THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF THE BOTSWANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE CELEBRATES WMS DAY OF SERVICE

By Potlako Molomo, Contributing Writer

It was all smiles behind the masks, well wishes, praising God, and catching up as the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the Botswana Annual Conference reminisced on the blessed hymn of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, “And Are We Yet Alive,” as they met to celebrate the 2022 WMS Day of Service.

This event is one of the highlights of the WMS calendar and is celebrated annually on the first Saturday of March on a rotational basis in our four areas of the conference. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WMS did a mini celebration in 2021 with very limited attendance, as opposed to the customary representation from the entire annual conference. Therefore, it was a breath of fresh air and reason to give thanks unto the Lord from whom all blessings flow when the mothers of the church converged again in person on 6th March 2022 to execute their mandate of the ministry in giving at Malokaganyane AME Church.

In attendance were the presiding elder of the Lobatse District, the Rev. Beauty Lekone, our pastors, the Rev. Goitsemodimo Sedietso (supernumerary), the Rev. Selebaleng Gaditshwane (H.B. Senatle AME Church), the Rev. Yola Mosata (Lucas Mhere Mosata AME Church,) the Rev. Ramotantile Nkgelepang (Collins Temple AME Church), Honourable Councillor Kopo Mononi (guest speaker), and mothers from the four areas which make up the annual conference. The WMS Conference president highlighted the reason for the occasion, underscoring scripture, “Blessed is the hand that giveth,” and thanked the mothers for traveling from all near and far to be part of and bear witness to the work of missions.

TRAVELING THROUGH OUR PAIN WITH PURPOSE

By Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Columnist

At some point in each of our lives, we experience pain through the loss of a loved one. We experience pain through the end of a friendship; we even experience pain through the mistakes we have made in life. However, the journey is not about the pain we experience but about the purpose it gives to us. Pain can debilitate us and make us helpless victims of its outcome. It is not so much the result we want but that we must travel through our individual pain with some purpose in mind. I have attempted to journey with a purpose in mind during my own seasons of pain.

First, as we travel through our pain, God gives us purpose. As I was swimming one day, God spoke to purpose within my pain, and the pain was not less severe, but now it had a purpose. In your pain, it is important to find purpose. The purpose will give direction to your pain. We all know pain is not easy, nor is it something we look forward to in our lives; however, pain is a reality of our existential experience.

Pain is a part of our journey.

Second, we travel through our pain with strength toward our purpose. Pain can make us weak at the knees. It can cause sleepless nights and long days, but pain can also cause us to gain strength we never knew existed. In my own pain, I have found strength and support from my faith. Faith is not faith when we see it. Faith is really faith when we do not see it. Second Corinthians 5:7 reminds us that, “We walk by faith and not by sight.”

The WMS donated duvet covers and toiletries to three elderly women in the church. In his address, Hon. Mononi highlighted and cited the wonderful deeds and sacrifices of women in the Bible, such as Esther, Mary Magdalene, Ruth, and others. He especially noted how, throughout history, women had dedicated their time, resources, and energy, experiencing pain, protecting, loving, and caring for their children, the community, and the nation at large. He commended the WMS for this act, which he said may seem small in their eyes, but was a confirmation of Jesus’ parable of feeding the poor and taking care of the needy as found in Matthew 25:35-40. He also cited Jeremiah 29:11 and told the WMS that God had a good plan to prosper them and make them flourish beyond this act of kindness and the challenges of COVID-19.

In response, Ms. Nnanantsi Lekgowe, one of the recipients, thanked the WMS for their love and gifts, which she said will go a long way to alleviating their daily needs, and prayed that God continues to bless them abundantly.

The 18th Episcopal WMS president gave a vote of thanks. She commended the WMS and encouraged them to continue with their good deeds, acts of love, and perseverance during COVID-19. ❏ ❏ ❏

— TRANSITION — CHIQUITA A. FYE, MD (1952-2022) On July 17, 1952 God sent Chiquita Agatha Fye to earth with the mission to serve him and others with her dynamic gifts. For sixty-nine years Chiquita worked tirelessly serving God and enriching the lives of others here on earth. On the evening of March 1, 2022, as she peacefully slept at home, she heard the words “well done, good and faithful servant...come and share your Master’s happiness.” Her mission of service had been fulfilled.

Chiquita was born in Dublin, Georgia to the late Rev. and Mrs. Marion Fye, Sr.; the baby sister to her three siblings, Jacintha, Edward and Marion, Jr. She went on to complete her bachelor’s degree and Doctorate of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. Her servant’s heart led her to open a private practice in Montezuma, Georgia as the first black physician in the area. Montezuma became her home and she served that community faithfully for ten years. Everyone in Macon County appreciated Dr. Fye’s dedicated service to their community. She also practiced in Columbus, Oglethorpe, and other areas of Georgia prior to her retirement from medical practice in 2017.

make our organization and our work more diverse, equitable, and accessible.”

Chiquita’s devotion to God through the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church was evident. Dr. Fye served the global AME Church as the fifth medical director of the Connectional (International) Health Commission. As an active member of Bethel AME Church (Montezuma) she served as a steward, former President and Youth Director for the Janie Jolly Missionary Society, church musician, and choir director. She previously served as the area director of the Eastern District Women’s Missionary Society and was also a member of the World Methodist Council; attending conferences all over the world. Her service did not end there.

Chiquita pledged her life in “Service to all Mankind” in 1973 by becoming a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was also a life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

McPherson earned her law degree from Northwestern, a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Minnesota, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. She is also an ordained minister with a master of divinity from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. ❏ ❏ ❏

Chiquita is survived by her brother Edward Fye, Sr. (Dorothy); niece Felicia Fye Perry (Lewis); nephews Edward Fye, Jr. (Litisha), James Holloway, and Justin Holloway; cousins James Dawson, Jr. (Arlene), Jasmine Ellis (Alfred), Aja Ellis, and Afton Cowen (Rahmel); a host of other relatives and friends. ❏ ❏ ❏

Third, we travel through our pain in the community. Only some will understand our pain. Everyone will not be cordial and supportive. In fact, some people may even attempt to take advantage of our pain. Nevertheless, we can find genuine community as we travel through pain with a purpose. We are not created to live alone, but we can decide with whom we want to take this journey. ❏ ❏ ❏ ...From TiShaunda McPherson p6 truly excited to partner with her to chart a bold course to

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REV. HENRY E. GREEN III: THE RIGHT PASTOR AT THE RIGHT TIME

By Sylvester “Nunnie” Robinson, Westside Gazette

On March 19, 2022, Bishop Frank Madison Reid, presiding prelate of the Eleventh Episcopal District, under the jurisdiction of the South Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, assigned pastoral charge of Mount Hermon AME Church Fort Lauderdale to the Rev. Henry E. Green III, making him the 33rd pastor in the church’s storied history.

Pastor Trae’s appointment to Mt. Hermon is both unique and timely as he follows his father, the Rev. Henry E. Green, Jr., the dynamic, visionary spiritual leader who pastored Mount Hermon for eight years, and timely because Pastor Trae brings a wealth of experience, a youthful exuberance, and an unquenchable desire to transform the church through Christian conversion.

Manifestations of his sincerity and devotion to Christ’s teachings were succinctly evident to Bible study participants recently when he taught Bible study via zoom in an airport terminal while waiting to board a flight to Atlanta. On a another occasion, having been called to an out of town meeting, he pulled over on the side of the road and conducted Bible study; fervent, passionate examples not lost on his members.

As a member I secretly harbored the thought that Pastor Trae would be chosen to succeed his father as I am certain others did as well. What an honor and privilege!

His father and current presiding elder of the Celebrated Central District stated thusly: “The appointment of pastor to a church with the rich history and legacy of Mount Hermon AME is a tremendous honor and responsibility. I feel very blessed to have the privilege of experiencing it for myself, but also to have my son, the Reverend Henry E. Green III, succeed me as pastor, doubling the honor for me. He is a dynamic, innovative, and intelligent leader who I believe will lead Mount Hermon to unprecedented growth and impact upon the city of Fort Lauderdale.

The best for Mount Hermon is not behind us but in front of us; with Jesus the best is yet to come.”

Steward Pro Tem Dr. Judy Johnson witnessed Pastor Trae’s appointments as executive and senior pastor of Mount Hermon Fort Lauderdale, stating with great pride, “I brought the Certificate of Appointment and presented it to the congregation on Sunday, March 22, 2022.”

Although Pastor Trae, as he is affectionately called, was born in Jacksonville, FL, his formative years were experienced in Miami where he attended and graduated from Carol City Senior High School, then matriculated to the University of Florida in Gainesville, earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. Additionally, Pastor Trae earned his Masters in Theology from ITC (Interdenominational Theology Seminary) in Atlanta and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Theology from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

However, don’t let his youthful persona deceive you as he has amassed invaluable experience leading several congregations: New Bethel AME in Clewiston, FL; Person Chapel AME in Midway, Alabama; Greater St. Mark AME in Columbus, Georgia; and most recently Payne Chapel AME in West Palm Beach, FL. With every appointment he has left an indelible impact on church, members, and community.

Pastor Trae is presently a board member of the Corey Jones Scholarship Committee, honored with induction in the University of Florida Black Student Alumni “Gator Greats,” inducted in the My Legacy Magazine’s 2021 class Top 40 Under 40 in South Florida, and co-authored a book titled Green Pastures along with three generations of Green clergy family members. He is married to the love of his life, Mrs. Heather Banks Green, and is the proud father of two sons, London and Henry IV. The investiture service in honor of the Rev. Henry E. Green III was held at Mount Hermon AME Church, 701 NW 7th Terrace, Fort Lauderdale, FL, on Sunday, March 27, 2022, at 3:30 p.m.

Reprinted with permission.

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NBA ALL-STAR STEPHEN CURRY PICKS AME AUTHOR’S MYSTERY NOVEL FOR HIS LITERATI BOOK CLUB

By Patricia Raybon, 5th Episcopal District

DENVER, CO – When the news came, AME author Patricia Raybon struggled to believe it. Her favorite NBA all-star player, Stephen Curry, picked her new historical mystery novel, All That Is Secret, as March 2022 pick for his Literati Book Club, Underrated.

Raybon, a longtime member of Shorter Community AME Church in Denver, was “over the moon” by Curry’s selection. One of Literati’s original Luminaries, Curry identifies stories that feature diverse protagonists around social justice issues, encouraging readers to push their boundaries.

All That Is Secret is the first novel in a new historical mystery series by Raybon, an award-winning Colorado author, journalist, and essayist. The novel centers around a young black theologian, Annalee Spain—a fan of Sherlock Holmes—trying to solve her father’s cold case murder in 1920s Denver, a hotbed of the KKK. The young theologian’s sidekicks include a young AME pastor, whose backstory includes World War I service in the famed 369th Infantry Regiment known as the Harlem Hell Fighters.

Thi changes h h Said Curry of All That Is Secret: “I’ve chosen to share this book for many reasons. Mysteries featuring and written by strong, black women are uncommon. This the game for good. As theology professor Annalee Spain tries to figure out who murdered her father, she’s honest about questioning her connection with God…but Annalee’s faith shines through, and we get to share not only an exciting mystery, but a vulnerable spiritual journey as well. It’s something special.”

The book was selected by Parade Magazine as a fall 2021 “Mysteries We Love” as well as PBS Masterpiece’s “Best Mystery Books of 2021: As Recommended by Bestselling Authors.” The CrimeReads website also included it as a “Best Debut Novels” pick for October 2021.

Upon receiving this honor, author Patricia Raybon shared: “I’m thrilled by NBA all-star Stephen C Curry’s selection of my novel. I admire his commitment to faith and family, community and social ju justice, and of course, his athletic prowess and achievements. Then there’s his love of books. He ca that both children and adults fall in love with reading to learn, grow, find themselves, and cares co connect with others. To know he’s sharing my story about a young black theologian–turned– a amateur detective with fellow booklovers is a highlight beyond measure.”

Raybon’s novel was released in October 2021 by Tyndale House Publishers. Senior Acquisitions e editor Stephanie Broene offered: “We’re so honored that Stephen Curry has chosen to feature P Patricia Raybon’s All That Is Secret as a book club pick. We believe Patricia has enormous talent and p potential, and we can’t wait for readers to be swept up into this compelling mystery!”

Raybon, a former Sunday contemporary magazine editor at The Denver Post who served on the jo journalism faculty at the University of Colorado at Boulder, is now a regular contributor at Our D Daily Bread Ministries. She won a Christopher Award for her racial forgiveness memoir, My First W White Friend, and her prayer memoir, I Told the Mountain to Move, was a Book of the Year Finalist in Christianity Today Magazine’s 2006 book awards.

For more information on Stephen Curry’s book club, visit https://literati.com/book-clubs/ st stephen-curry/.

For media information on All That Is Secret, visit https://mediacenter.tyndale. co com/p/all-that-is-secret/9781496458377.

For more information about Patricia Raybon, visit her website at patriciaraybon.com. ❏ ❏ ❏

MOUNT MORIAH AME CHURCH HOSTS FIRST MLK MARCH

By Janice Nichols

To commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church in Rocky Point, North Carolina, launched the first MLK March in Rocky Point. The event encompassed ecumenical togetherness, the march, health and wellness awareness, voter registration initiatives, and On Time Ministries.

These activities came to fruition under the leadership of the Rev. Dewey Farmer, pastor of Mount Moriah AME Church, and the Rev. Charles Davis, assistant pastor.

Part of the event emphasized ecumenical togetherness, which bridges communities as a union. Planners invited many denominations to participate, and they responded with interest and enthusiasm – a sign of hope for the Christian Church.

Realizing nothing can materialize successfully without seeking God’s guidance and intervention, the Rev. Charles Davis, founder and administrator of On Time Ministries, fervently prayed for a successful day. The Rev. Farmer and Evangelist Sherman Cooper also prayed, read scripture, and set the tone for a God-directed event.

The MLK March began and reflected the enormous strides and accomplishments of Dr. King. Joy and excitement were evident as the marchers trekked their journey and returned to the church. Participants listened intently as John Batts so eloquently dramatized “I Have a Dream,” one of Dr. King’s commemorative addresses. John’s voice, actions, and emotions kept the audience focused throughout his delivery. He reminded us that we are still seeking justice, equality, and freedom. So, it is time to get up, speak up, and get into some good trouble. What a magnificent performance!

The day continued with emphasis on our health. The Health and Wellness Committee distributed KN95 Protective Masks, Sanitect Hand Sanitizer, and sign-up information about the upcoming Blood Drive. In addition, some attendees signed up to give blood and serve as greeters. Nadine Jordan, chairperson, worked tirelessly throughout the event.

In addition, participants focused on voting rights and voter education. Constant headlines remind us of voter suppression throughout the United States. We made a concerted effort to register as many new voters as possible and distributed voter guides. Voter registration will continue to be a focused effort. Adding to the success of the day was the presence of On Time Ministries. Their informational brochures explained their goals and accomplishments to date. A major part of the brochure included “Steps to Christian Discipleship.” We are extremely grateful for their participation and the leadership of our technicians, John Stringfield and Janice Nichols, for posting the MLK events on Facebook and to reporters from Spectrum and WWAY TV-3, who televised the event.

The event culminated with prayer and a delicious fish dinner. We thank God for all that transpired. ❏ ❏ ❏

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THOUSANDS OF CHURCHES CLOSE EVERY YEAR. WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THEIR BUILDINGS?

By Bob Smietana

When he was named a district superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene, the Rev. Albert Hung found himself facing the same problem many denominational leaders face: Too many churches. Not enough people.

Of the 90 or so congregations in the Northern California district Hung leads, few have more than 100 people, with most drawing around 40 people to worship services in buildings designed to seat far more. Their long-term, viable future is questionable — as those congregations are aging, shrinking, and often disconnected from their neighbors.

A number of churches in the district have already decided to close, leaving empty pews in shuttered buildings.

“An empty church building is not just an asset to be liquidated,” said Hung, who insists these [buildings] are still sacred spaces that God can use even if the churches that once worshipped in them no longer exist. That belief led Hung to look for creative ways to use empty church buildings.

In Santa Cruz, the Nazarenes have teamed with a nondenominational congregation to turn a shuttered church building into a community center that will house a number of nonprofits. For years, the building was home to First Church of the Nazarene in Santa Cruz, a small congregation that shut down after its longtime pastor retired. The church also rented space to Faith Community Church of Santa Cruz, a nondenominational church that runs several community ministries.

The decision to close First Church of the Nazarene worried Andy Lewis, pastor of Faith Community. The church had struggled to find a place to worship before renting space from the Nazarenes — and Lewis feared the church would have to leave the space. However, in a new arrangement, Faith Community — which is nondenominational — gets to stay as one of several community partners sharing the space. The idea is to use the space for the benefit not just of the church but the entire neighborhood, he said. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Faith Community has used

h space to run a food f d ministry andd the to host mobile medical clinics and a vaccination site in the parking lot. “We have to rethink how we use physical spaces so we can be a presence of love in the community,” said Lewis.

Dominic Dutra, author of Closing Costs, a new book about how church property can be repurposed, says, “There are thousands of churches around the country that have closed or will likely close in the years to come. And too often,” he said, “leaders of those churches put off any discussion about what to do with their building until it’s too late.” As a result, Dutra says, “I’ve had situations where buildings are empty, and they have no plan at all.”

A 2021 study from Lifeway Research, based on data from three-dozen denominations, found that 4,500 churches closed in 2019, while only 3,000 started. The 2021 Faith Communities Today study found that the median

Dutra argues that billions of dollars in church property could be put to work for ministry – if church leaders become proactive about the future. He has worked with a number of religious groups to do just that. For example, in Oakland, Dutra helped the Nazarenes find a new buyer for a shuttered church building on the outskirts of town. A growing Korean congregation, which had a building close to downtown but with no parking, bought the building. As part of the deal, the

will develop what he called “kingdommindedness” — looking at the biggerpicture ministry of the Christian church rather than their own interests. “Now is the time for bold experimentation,” Hung said. “We have so little to lose at this point.” When he talks with a church about closing — and what will happen to their buildings — he begins with a “posture of success,” giving thanks for all the congregation has accomplished in its history. He also gives thanks to those who gave generously to support the church’s mission in the past and encourages the church to bless future generations in the

N h bbuilding, ld h h Nazarenes swappedd their which had a large parking lot, for the building owned by the Korean church.

ll H k “Wh same way. FFinally, Hung asks, “What is the most loving thing we can do for our kids and our neighbors?”

That downtown church is now home to EIKON — a nonprofit that is part Nazarene church plant, part community organization. EIKON also took over another shuttered Nazarene building, which it uses to store donated furniture and appliances for a program called “Infinite Christmas.” Those donated goods, which are brand new and come from major manufacturers, are distributed by other local churches and nonprofits.

“EIKON is the kind of experiment that denominations like the Church of the Nazarene need to try,” said Hung. “Many churches still cling to old ways of doing ministry, which often involves waiting for people to show up on Sunday.” Instead, he said, “in the future, churches will have to find ways to get out into the community and prove their worth.”

Not all churches are open to that kind of thinking. Pastor Albert Lee of Regeneration Church in Oakland recalls how his nondenominational congregation rented space from an older Baptist congregation. When that church closed, Regeneration bought the building at top dollar though Lee had hoped the denomination that owned the building would be willing to bless his church rather than seeing the sale as just another transaction — especially in the Bay Area, where property values are sky-high. “I felt they could have partnered with us to bless the community and do some good things together, but they just had money on their mind,” he said.

worship attendance for churches in the U.S. dropped from 137 people to 65 people over the past two decades.

Hung

also

hopes

congregations

“When a new church starts up,” Lee said, “they are keenly aware of God’s provision for their needs. However, when churches close, they often don’t think

about what God is doing and instead hold on tight to their material assets.”

Lee, whose congregation bought their building just before the pandemic, has mixed feelings about the whole process.

On one hand, owning the building has allowed them to run a homeless ministry and offer English as a Second Language and other programs for refugees. But, on the other hand, the church spent months unable to meet in the building due to COVID and, as of February, was still meeting on a limited basis.

For Sister Gladys Guenther, president of the Fremont, California-based Sisters of the Holy Family, planning for the future has been a blessing and a time of grief. Like many orders of Catholic nuns, the Holy Family sisters have been aging and declining in numbers. At their peak, there were about 250 sisters. Now there are just over 40. In recent years, the sisters worked with Dutra to sell their motherhouse, which was outdated. They used those funds to build senior housing.

Members of the order live there now, and when they are gone, the buildings will likely be sold to a nonprofit that works with seniors.

Sister Gladys, who at 76, indicates that she is “one of the younger sisters,” explains that in planning for the future, members of the order had two goals–to care for the sisters as they grew old and to ensure the legacy of the order would live on even after they were gone. Gladys said there has been grief in watching her order plan for shutting down. When she joined in the 1960s, the future looked bright. Now, she said, “There’s grief” in watching an organization she loved die.

“The hardest part,” she contends, “is saying goodbye to sisters” she has known for decades.

“One would presume that all of this change is part of God’s plan, too. It might not be my preferential plan if I were informing God of what I would like to see happen,” she said. “But you know what — life is filled with things you thought you could never do or even imagine.” ❏ ❏ ❏

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151ST CELEBRATION OF CHARLOTTE MAXEKE’S BIRTH H

By Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, 19th Episcopal District Field Representative

The year 2021 was a great year to celebrate 150 years of Charlotte Makgomo Mannya-Maxeke since her birth. rth.

NC The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) and the ANC Wom MI), Women’s League, the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke Institute (CMMI), rate and the community converged once again on 7 April to celebrate any this great stalwart, educator, liberator, political activist, and many othe titles she has been awarded due to her selfless work. The other activ wed activities went on from 8h30am to just after 3pm having allowed opal the clergy, members of the AME Church across the 19th Episcopal Dist District, representatives from the South African government, the pres MS) president, and members of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) th th 19 Episcopal District, president, and members of the ANC Women’s League, and the Charlotte Mannya Maxeke of the Insti Institute (CMMI) to relive the legacy of this great icon.

A As all roads led to a portion of SOWETO, Kliptown, the house where Charlotte Maxeke lived, guests and dignitaries inclu included the ANC Women’s League president, Bathabile Dlamini, president of the 19th Episcopal District WMS, Reshoketswe Mos Mosuwe, and the chairperson of the CMMI, Thulasizwe Makhanya. While everyone recognised the urgency to complete the prog programme at Charlotte Maxeke’s home and travelling across the province for over 45 minutes to Atteridgeville, this could pp not have happened without devotions led byy the Rev. Gaborone P. Lesito, pastor of Darie Mae Robinson AME Church and n of o the M.M. M.M. Mokone Memorial Board of Examiners. Olga Sema, granddaughter to Charlotte Maxeke welcomed all dean and introduced the three branches of the Mannya family who were in attendance. Thulasizwe Makhanya, the grea great-grandson to Charlotte Maxeke and nephew to Olga Sem outlined the programme for the day.

Sema, T The entourage then left for a short visit to a smallscale garden project run by CMMI and the Kliptown com community.

Next was a stopover at the grave of Charlotte Maxeke N for a wreath laying ceremony, and here too, in true AM AME tradition and conviction, the event was opened with a devotional exercise with the hymn “Lizalis’ idinga llakho” lakh kh ho” and a prayer offered by the ...continued on p12 ho

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...From 151ST Celebration p11 Rev. Motseko R. Potse, pastor of Bethel AME Church, rch,,

Munsieville. This was followed by a statement of encouragement by the Rev. Sol gue Maans, presiding elder of the Wilberforce District. The ANC Women’s League would not be left out as they intermittently kept shouting, “Long live the spiritt of Charlotte Maxeke, long live.”

The drive from SOWETO to Atteridgeville, the western township of Pretoria, ria, nce known to many as Pheli, started off to be ready for a 12h30 pm worship experience tter at Ebenezer AME Church, pastored by the Rev. Modikoe A. Mpye. No better ena church could have been chosen than that which was established by Mangena Maake Mokone in Marabastad of Pretoria in 1892 and being formally opened on heid 5 November 1893 before being forcefully moved to Atteridgeville by the apartheid rch government. Mokone’s Ethiopian Church formally united with the AME Church lled in 1896. This unification was brought by Charlotte Maxeke who had travelled udy to the USA for a music career, and then ended up with a scholarship to study ware at the Wilberforce University. Maxeke made her uncle Mangena Mokone aware of the AME Church which shared the same ideals as his Ethiopian Church. The mza, worship experience commenced just before 1 pm with the Rev. N.N.A. Matyumza, presiding elder of Mkhanyakude District, worship leader, and the Rev. M.A. kers Mexico, presiding elder of the Capital District preaching. The various speakers men, included, Mapula Nkomo president of the National Council of African Women, ella Reshoketswe Mosuwe, president of the 19th Episcopal District WMS, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, minister of Small Business Development – who handed out NC business certificates to 20 women, and Bathabile Dlamini, president of the ANC Women’s League as the guest speaker. ijah The presiding prelate of the 19th Episcopal District, Bishop Ronnie Elijah etse Brailsford, Sr., delivered his message through Presiding Elder Victor Malefetse nity. highlighting her many achievements and the challenge that awaits all of humanity.

This whole day experience could not have ended without sharing a meal preceded by cake cutting. The cake was captioned “Maxekism” to encourage all the ideals that Charlotte Makgomo Mannya Maxeke espoused. Blessed be the namee of the Lord. ❏ ❏ ❏

WHO WILL RAISE YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU DIE WITHOUT A WILL?

By Mr. Benjamin Edwards, 5th Episcopal District

If you are a parent of unmarried children under age 18 (minors), ask yourself, “Suppose tomorrow I die; who will raise them in my absence?” You may not want to think about that scenario, but it is real life.

While most parents live long enough to raise their children to adulthood, a few are not so fortunate due to a fatal illness or accident. But because no one knows what tomorrow holds, preparing for death could spare your family and loved ones undue emotional and financial hardship and conflicts as they strive to manage without you; and protect your children.

As a parent, you should want to know that your children will be cared for according to your wishes if you cannot be there for them. Typically, the other parent will get custody. But a complex problem arises if they are adjudicated unfit, are deceased, cannot be found, or do not want the responsibility. For those reasons, having a “Will” is essential. It is how you can protect them. In its absence, a court will determine who has custody.

Creating the legal document is not something on the forefront of most Americans’ minds, considering that seven (7) out of eight (8) die annually without one. Accordingly, many parents have died unexpectedly before making a legally binding plan for their children.

A will is critical if you have minor children. It can give you more control over who raises them if something happens to you by allowing you to nominate a guardian.

Typically, they are a family member. However, they do not necessarily need to be a blood relative. But regardless of the relationship, ask yourself: • Do they share my personal and religious beliefs and values?

• Do they have a relationship with my children?

• Are they able to provide a stable and safe

environment for my children?

• Are they physically and psychologically capable of parenting?

• Are they interested in being a guardian?

If the court approves, your nominee(s) will become substitute parent(s). They will have legal custody of your children and be responsible for their food, housing, health care, education, clothing, etc.

In addition to a physical guardian, you should also nominate a financial guardian (or conservator) since children under 18 cannot legally inherit money or property. They can be the same or a different person and will be in control of your children’s assets until they become adults.

Many parents fail to take advantage of these opportunities. They leave crucial decisions about their children’s future solely in the hands of judges, who may get it wrong if there is no “Will” (with a nomination) to refer to. In that event, their children may be placed with someone they would not have preferred or in foster care with approximately 400,000 other children and away from family and friends they know and love.

The above is not an indictment of foster homes. They have an essential function in our society. However, they may not be suitable for your children. By investing a little time (and money) in making a “Will,” you can help avoid the abovementioned problems.

It serves no purpose to spend countless hours wondering who will raise your children if you and the other parent pass away. That time can be best spent making a list of people (i.e., family, friends, church members) you would feel comfortable raising your children and managing their property. Then move forward with creating a “Will” nominating a guardian(s).

Doing such can give you peace of mind knowing that your “most precious asset(s),” who scripture refers to

as “a gift from the Lord” (Psalm 127:3 NLT) will be appropriately cared for no matter what the future holds.

However, most parents (and people in general) need more than a “Will” to secure the protection they h needd for f their h i minor i children, assets, other loved ones, and themselves. They need a “Will or Living Trust, General Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directive (Living Will), and HIPAA Waiver.”

Many online do-it-yourself (DIY) forms claim to help save time and money preparing the above-essential documents. However, because the welfare of your children, assets, other loved ones, and yourself are at risk, it is prudent to have them prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney who can personalize them to fit your specific needs. Moreover, there are many issues to consider, and the one size fits all DIY forms are suspect.

If the documents are not drafted correctly, they can cost a lot more in aggravation, suffering, and attorney fees later on.

Benjamin F. Edwards is the principal at The Edwards’ Law Offices, an Estate Planning firm in Illinois and Missouri. He is a former member of the Judicial Council, a steward at St. Paul AME Church in St. Louis, MO., where Dr. Spencer Lamar Booker is the pastor, and an active member of the lay organization. For more information about his practice visit www.bfedwardslaw.com.

Disclaimer. This article is for general information purposes only. Nothing should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. Reviewing or receiving this information does not create an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to.

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ECUMENICALNEWS

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF EVANGELICALS LAUNCHES RACIAL JUSTICE COLLABORATIVE

By Adelle Banks, Religion News Service

The National Association of Evangelicals (NAE) has hired a director for its new Racial Justice & Reconciliation Collaborative, an initiative aimed at providing resources and training for churches in its 40 member denominations.

Mekdes Haddis, the new initiative’s director, was hired for the full-time role a month ago after serving in church and nonprofit circles for more than a decade.

She is working remotely from South Carolina for the Washington-based evangelical organization. “I’ve talked with many NAE member organization leaders and have been excited to discover a great deal of self-awareness and earnest desire for reconciliation,” she told Religion News Service. “There is a lot of synergy and commitment to the task.”

In 2020, the NAE inaugurated Walter Kim, a Korean American theologian, as its new president. At the same Washington ceremony, John K. Jenkins, Sr., the African American senior pastor of Maryland’s First Baptist Church of Glenarden, was installed as chair of the NAE and former Wesleyan Church General Superintendent Jo Anne Lyon as vice-chair.

Kim has made recent appearances at the Ethics and Public Policy’s Faith Angle Forum and the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) International Forum, at which he has spoken about the racial diversity of evangelicals. In an interview after his remarks at the CCCU meeting, Kim said he hopes the collaborative will help religious institutions within and beyond the NAE “that want to take a next step from ‘I’ve read this book’ or ‘I’ve seen this webinar.’” Kim also said he hopes the collaborative will offer a place of respite for the “exhaustion” and “a spiritual oasis of encouragement for people of color working in predominantly white institutions.”

In an article for Faithfully magazine four years ago, Haddis, an Ethiopian

immigrant, addressed that exhausting experience, writing of her desire to “bring

healing” to evangelical Christianity as she sought to preserve her cultural identity. “For those interacting with me in the United States, especially those in the church, I represented a group of people from which they isolate themselves,” she wrote in the article titled “Embracing My Otherness in the U.S. Evangelical Church.” “I discovered that I was first black, second a female, third an immigrant, and lastly (if we got there) a Christian.”

Haddis is the author of the forthcoming book A Just Mission: Laying Down Power and Embracing Mutuality.

The Lilly Endowment is providing $1 million to support the NAE’s collaborative, which comes at a time when other evangelical organizations have also attempted to work on race relations in long-term initiatives. Last year, World Vision U.S., an evangelical Christian humanitarian organization, completed what an executive there called “a one-year mutual learning journey towards a biblical understanding of what it means to pursue racial justice.”

In November, hundreds of evangelical Christians gathered at the Museum of the Bible to kick off the “Let’s Talk” initiative to listen to stories of racism and make plans to build racial unity. It has continued through monthly Zoom meetings with leaders, including Jenkins, gathering in small group discussions.

“I do think that there is a constituency of people whose hearts are open to recognizing the need to address the tension and the division that’s greatly in our country,” said Jenkins, who credited Kim with creating the NAE’s collaborative. Kim, who also is a pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, said in a statement that he expects NAE’s new three-year commitment will last much longer. “Of course, the NAE’s commitment to racial justice and reconciliation expresses a belief that the church should be deeply engaged in this work as a reflection of our beliefs,” he said. “As such, it will be an ongoing aspect of our work.” ❏ ❏ ❏

GOOD FRIDAY, THE GREAT RESURRECTION, AND SURPRISING HOPE IN UKRAINE AND ETHIOPIA

By Angelique Walker-Smith, Bread For the World

They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in, they did not find the body. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. Luke 24.2-4 2

In 33 A.D., a group of women came to the tomb of Jesus to anoint his body. After being violently assaulted, tortured, and crucified on a cross, Jesus’ broken body was laid to rest in a tomb. Many of these same women—including Mary, the mother of Jesus—beheld the brutal ordeal and sought to honor the body of Jesus and his memory.

Imagine the horror of Mary and her community witnessing such a brutal and unjust death of her son. But also imagine the awful surprise of not finding Jesus upon arriving at the tomb where he had been laid to rest.

During this year’s transitional season of Lent to Good Friday and then to the Great Resurrection, we still witness the many vivid images of violent death and the awfulness of missing persons. The daily images of Ukrainian peoples affected by the conflict that breeds this continue to haunt us. Ethiopian people, especially in Tigray, and people in places like Yemen, Nigeria, and South Sudan also experience conflict, and hunger is a result.

Did you know that 98 percent of the population of Afghanistan, affected by years of conflict, do not have enough to eat? One million children under the age of five could die from malnutrition by the end of the year. In Yemen and other places around the world, food prices have doubled. Did you also know Russia and Ukraine are responsible for 29 percent of global wheat exports—19 percent from Russia and

10 percent from Ukraine; they also produce fertilizer and fuel? The result is that our global food system is and will continue to be affected.

We are called to be bearers of surprising hope that the women experienced when they realized that Jesus’ body was not taken away at the tomb but that Jesus had risen! We see, for example, surprising hope with the Ukrainian churches providing refuge and medical aid in 10th and 11thcentury churches. There is surprising hope in the 120 rock-hewn churches in Ethiopia providing sanctuary. There is surprising hope in the unified global outcry denouncing the violent assaults, especially on civilians, in places like these and providing support.

More is needed to move from seasons of Good Friday to Resurrection. Our devotional life matters. A sound

devotional life alongside the spiritual practice of being an advocate with and for those affected by conflict, war, hunger, and poverty is timely and quite important. Bread for the World has been advocating for emergency aid for Ukraine and emergency food aid to address hunger around the world due to chaos, climate change, and conflict.

Won’t you join us in advocating for surprising hope through prayer and advocacy engagement? At out website is a link to advocate with us and a global hunger map.

Angelique Walker-Smith is a senior associate for Pan African and Orthodox Church engagement at Bread for the World.

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AN AWAKENING IS COMING TO AMERICAN RELIGION. YOU WON’T HEAR ABOUT IT FROM THE PULPIT

By Joshua Stanton, Benjamin Spratt

Among clergy and sociologists, film directors, and songwriters, it has become practically a matter of cliché that Americans are searching for wholehearted belonging and not finding their needs met — the phenomenon, in short, behind the phrase “spiritual but not religious.”

These Americans are setting out on an open-ended quest, on their own or with trusted friends, to find meaning. More than a third have changed their religion of record in search of what they could not find in their faith of origin. Others are finding their way to humanist communities where they study, reflect, and find fellowship in modes not dissimilar to those of churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples.

However, the failure in American religion is not a failure of faith but of institutions. It results from a growing mismatch between the needs of modern Americans and the religious organizations intended to serve them. Now, even as those institutions falter, new centers of spirituality and community are attracting those

Meanwhile, Muslims feel M h l many American A M l f l deeply d l connected to faith but are “unmosqued” for lack of

who have fallen away from their houses of worship.

These movements are based not on established doctrines, clergy hierarchies, or grandiose buildings but on new formulations of belief, identity, belonging, and leadership. They are often organized by marginalized people who have been left out of old structures of faith and who dare to ask big questions and demand more from their spiritual communities. Having long been underserved, they choose not to hide in the shadows but instead create brilliant new forms of religious community.

access to communities that empower women as equals or embrace the LGBTQ community. Hindus search for American expressions of a faith that grew out of South Asia. Seekers who dabble in multiple traditions befuddle many clergy but coalesce in increasingly holistic practice communities.

A century ago, clergy like us — two rabbis serving Reform Jewish communities in the heart of a major urban center — were in many ways indispensable. The leaders of the American Jewish community led an effort to build synagogues, community centers, and day schools. We convened major organizations, centralizing information and power to help waves of mostly Eastern European immigrants acculturate to American life.

“Awakenings: American Jewish Transformations in Identity, Leadership, and Belonging”

Over the next few weeks on Religion News Service, we will explore some voices of those studying, seeding, and

leading

emergent

awakening, both from within aw mainstay organizations and some m of o the mission-driven startups that have appeared on the religious h landscape. la

Today, as we document in our forthcoming book, “Awakenings: American Jewish

the

While

affirming

that th the status quo of religious

Transformations in Identity, Leadership, and Belonging,” the roles we inhabit belong to that

institutions in

bygone era. Jews no longer need such spaces to mediate between the American and Jewish parts

we w will look at how these

of their identities. Rather than finding new purposes to unite American Jews, organizations

organizations o

like ours have become purposes unto themselves, draining resources and enthusiasm from

changes ch

individuals who remain remarkably proud of their identities.

mindset, technology, and social m

Our communities may buck the trends of decline because of our remarkable lay leaders,

is

unsustainable, are

in

overcoming demography,

organization. o

because of an enduring sense of purpose, and because of the very spiritual and social

The future resides with lay

infrastructure our forebears built. But our synagogues will not emerge from this awakening

leaders and houses of worship le

unchanged.

that th support innovation, focus on

The decline of these legacy institutions does not portend a death spiral of assimilation

empowerment rather than power, e

for American Judaism so much as an overdue reckoning with our community’s changing needs. No longer a

and seed (or become) their own successor organizations.

marginalized community of immigrants, we have not only acculturated ourselves but also are slowly coming to

It resides with people absent from our biggest pulpits

embrace a surprising number of converts and people inspired by Jewish ideas and rituals who have no intention to

because of gender, country of origin, mother tongue,

become permanent members of the community. After grieving the pain of change, we will come to see the bounty

or skin color. The future resides in clarity of purpose

of a Jewish awakening that reshapes our people’s largest diaspora community.

that can unite people and bring them together in

As we shared our book’s hypothesis with colleagues

growth can be attributed in many areas to immigration,

from other traditions, we realized that the awakening

are hoping to sustain homegrown flocks by seeking new

is not confined to the Jewish community. White evangelical Christian communities are (in the words of one pastor) “in free fall,” while many mainline Protestant churches are emptying. Catholics, whose

leadership roles for women. Black churches continue to thrive but search for avenues to share their wisdom and inspiration with people of other faiths and skin colors.

hope, not in fear of damnation, judgment, or social ostracism. It resides in organizations that bring people together for a reason but keeps them there by fostering a sense of communal belonging.

As we have witnessed before in American history, out of the remnants of religion, a bright awakening rises. We join you in learning about what comes next.

(Joshua Stanton is rabbi of East End Temple in Manhattan and a senior fellow at CLAL-The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership.

Benjamin Spratt is senior rabbi at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily represent those of Religion News Service.)

ECUMENICALNEWS

MAY 2022

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AMBASSADOR MICHAEL HAMMER’S VISIT TO THE WEAVER SCHOOL

By Pastor Seraphin Mutabazi & Olivier Pendo, 17th Episcopal District

On Sunday, February 27, 2022, the Weaver School was honored and valued by the visit of the U.S. ambassador in the Democratic Republic of Congo, His Excellency Ambassador Michael Hammer. Before his visit, he had promised to come to the school during a Zoom meeting with Senator Van Hollen, the Reverend Weaver, Ambassador Hammer, Pastor Seraphin, and Olivier on Thursday, February 24, 2022 at 8:40 am Eastern Time. Then on February 27, he arrived to the school though he did not meet students, only teachers were present along with a provincial deputy, the coordinator of schools, and some church leaders. In his speech, he thanked teachers for their courage and commitment throughout the miserable conditions in which they are teaching. He then encouraged them to be resilient because greater things are yet to come. He had time to visit the classrooms, and he was surprised by the status and bad conditions of the classrooms and the benches despite the efforts of repairing them. In a video call, he thanked the Reverend Doctor Jonathan Weaver for the incredible work he is doing in the Eastern Congo. Ambassador Hammer’s arrival to the Weaver School will forever be historical in the history of the school.

PREPARATIONS OF THE AMBASSADOR’S ARRIVAL On Friday, February 25, 2022 at 10:46 am local time, Mr. Olivier received a call from Mr. Patrick of U.S. Embassy Kinshasa (Eastern Congo Unit) announcing the sudden arrival of the ambassador to the Weaver School. In order to prepare for his arrival effectively, it was necessary to plan and suddenly do the best possible: a. Contacting Teachers It was a day-off; the teachers were not at school. So, Olivier sent phone messages to school principals as well as some of the teachers to come to school on Saturday urgently. On their turn, every teacher who received the message forwarded it to their colleagues. It made the announcement reach almost all the teachers immediately.

Everyone invited was mobilized to ensure there was a warm welcome to the visitors. All the On Saturday, one day before, a brief staff meeting was held to prepare for the arrival of the ambassador. participants wore their masks, applied hand sanitizers, and had their temperature measured.

During the meeting, teachers were instructed to appear smart, wear facemasks, and maintain physical distancing Thank God, the school has thermometers offered to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting, the Reverend Weaver had a video call with by the Pan African Collective – USA. the teachers to tell them about the significance of the visit of the ambassador to the school. All the teachers agreed to work together as one person to prepare for the event successfully. b. Brief Meeting with Teachers

AMBASSADOR HAMMER’S VISIT TO THE WEAVER SCHOOL – GOMA, D.R.C. The Ambassador Hammer arrived at the Weaver School on Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 1:45 pm local time.

He was accompanied by two more people and his driver.

UPON AMBASSADOR’S ARRIVAL The event started with a short prayer by Dieudonne Mugongo, the coordinator of schools in the Mudja locality.

INTRODUCTION OF KEY PARTICIPANTS Mr. Olivier proceeded with the introduction of Ambassador Hammer – congratulating and encouraging teachers for their tremendous job k people who were present at the event. key their doing at the Weaver School. A picture with Among the local key people who participated, teachers. th was the Reverend Dieudonne Mugongo who there is the Coordinator of schools in the Mudja Locality w where the Weaver School is located; the Reverend Pastor Seraphin Mutabazi w is the legal representative of the African Methodist Episcopal Church – who E Eastern Congo and co-founder of the Weaver School; Mr. Chadrack Basalela, th principal of the Weaver Secondary School; Mr. Buka Buingo Lavie, the the p principal of the Weaver Primary School; and the provincial deputy and other im important people were present.

Ambassador Hammer – visiting classrooms (inside the Weaver School).

Mr. Olivier Pendo (teacher): Introducing key people present at the event.

After introduction of key participants, the floor was given to the ambassador to talk to the teachers. In his speech, the ambassador congratulated the teachers fo the tremendous job they are doing, providing quality education to the most for v vulnerable students in spite of the miserable working conditions. He expressed Ambassador Hammer, Mr. h satisfaction with the courage and commitment of the teachers since the Olivier & Pastor Weaver his during a video call. b beginning of the school.

Ambassador Hammer promised to work hand in hand with Pastor Weaver to e ensure the Weaver School is among the most famous schools in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Ambassador Hammer – visiting classrooms (inside the Weaver School).

At the same time, Ambassador Hammer engaged in a phone conversation with the Reverend Weaver on W WhatsApp video call. Ambassador Hammer congratulated Pastor Weaver for his efforts he has made so far. “I a so proud of you, Pastor Weaver,” he said. He reiterated his full support to ensure the Weaver School students am study in the best conditions ever. ❏ ❏ ❏

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CONGRATULATORY LISTINGS

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APRIL 2022

*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers; and Blue font, Connectional Officers. *Bishop Frederick Calhoun James Celebrates His One Hundredth Birthday, April Seventh, Two Thousand Twenty-Two *Bishop Frederick Calhoun James the ninety-third elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; the oldest living bishop in Methodism in the USA, still lives holding “True to his Christian Social Action Legacy.”

Ecumenical theologian, advocate for fair and decent housing, proponent of civil rights, political leader, and public servant are only a few of the characteristics of Bishop Frederick Calhoun James, the ninety-third elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Bishop Frederick Calhoun James was born on April 7, 1922, in Prosperity, South Carolina, the son of Edward and Rosa Lee James. He graduated from Drayton Street High School, Newberry, South Carolina. He graduated from Bettis Junior College with an Associate of Arts Degree and earned his B.A. degree in History/English from Allen University (1943), and his Master of Divinity degree from the Howard University School of Religion (1947). He also studied at Union Theological Seminary in New York. He married Theressa Gregg on December 30, 1944.

As a champion for civil rights, the Rev. James became a community and state social and political action leader. In 1960, he was elected consultant/director of Social Action of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In this position, he formed a close relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1963, he became president of the Effective Sumter Movement of Sumter, South Carolina, a historic chapter in civil rights. In 1967, as pastor of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, the Rev. James led the sponsorship of the first 221(d) Rent Supplement Housing Project in South Carolina. In 1969, he initiated the first 221(h) Home Ownership Project in the state. He was South Carolina’s first African American Congressional District member of the Department of Alcohol and Drug Abuse and the Department of Social Services. He was the first African American to serve on the Board of Directors at NBSC (National Bank of South Carolina), now SYNOVUS, the first African American member of the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce, and the first AME bishop elected from a South Carolina AME Church pulpit. From 1987 to 1992 he was a member of the Columbia Housing Authority and served as vice chair. He also served as vice president of the S. C. Christian Action Council.

In 1972, he was elected to the AME bishopric and was assigned as the presiding bishop of the AME Church in South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Swaziland, Namibia, and Mozambique. Headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, he established schools, a publishing house, churches, and other institutions. Bishop James later was assigned bishop in Arkansas and Oklahoma (1976). He formed a lifelong friendship with then Attorney Bill Clinton. In 1984, he was assigned to the 7th Episcopal District, state of South Carolina. In each of these positions, he built housing projects, strengthened schools, and led two colleges to full accreditation: Shorter College, N. Little Rock, Arkansas in 1981 and Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina in 1992. In 1992, Bishop James was assigned ecumenical bishop and chaplaincy endorsement officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church International. In 1993, he was given major fiscal and reconciliation duties as bishop of the Second Episcopal District (Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and North Carolina) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the district was stabilized in many ways.

In 1994, he was selected by President Clinton as an official member of the delegation to attend the inauguration of South African President Nelson Mandela, and in 1998 he was again chosen to accompany President and Mrs. Clinton on an official visit to South Africa.

Bishop James is a former member of the White House Advisory Board on Historical Black Colleges and Universities, the U.S. State Department’s Advisory Board on Religious Freedom, and national vice president of the Interfaith Alliance.

A life member of the NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and a 33-degree Mason, he was inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame (1991) and the Columbia Housing Authority Wall of Fame (1994). In January of 2003, Bishop James was awarded the state’s highest honor, The Order of the Palmetto, for his significant contributions to South Carolina.

He retired from active duty in 1996 and he and Dr. Theressa Gregg James, Episcopal supervisor, returned to live at their home in Columbia, South Carolina.

Episcopal supervisor retired, Dr. Theressa Gregg James, transitioned Monday, January 25, 2021, in Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Theressa Gregg James and Bishop James had celebrated seventy-six years of wedded bliss on December 30, 2020.

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: BishopfredCJames@aol.com. *Marvin Frank Curtis Zanders, Juris Doctorate Candidate The Dean, Faculty, and Staff of the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Law announce the hooding of Marvin Frank Curtis Zanders, a Juris Doctorate Candidate, at the annual Hooding Ceremony on Saturday, May Seventh, Two Thousand and Twenty-Two at 10 o’clock in the morning; Hyatt Grand Cypress, One Grand Cypress Boulevard, Orlando, Florida.

The journey continues……..

Upon completion of the Florida Bar, Zanders will relocate to New York to acquire a Master of Law (LLM) degree in Taxation from the prestigious New York University.

Marvin Frank Curtis Zanders is the son of Bishop Marvin Clyde Zanders II, the 140th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mrs. Winifred Houston Zanders, presiding prelate and supervisor of the Sixteenth Episcopal District; Guyana/Suriname, Virgin Islands, European, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Windward Islands.

Ways to congratulate the graduate: Cash App – $SYSLFRANK Zelle – marvin.zanders@yahoo.com

By Mail: 4003 Eagle Landing Parkway Orange Park, Florida 32065 Thank you for your love and support!

Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: zpas@bellsouth.net (Bishop Marvin C. Zanders II and Supervisor Winifred H. Zanders).

On behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Dr. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder Mr. John Thomas III, we celebrate and applaud your achievements.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org • facebook.com/AMECFIC.

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CONNECTING PASTORS, LAY LEADERS, AND SCIENTISTS

By Dr. Betty Holley, Contributing Writer

Who would have ever surmised that the issue of climate justice would weave together science and theology—two unsuspecting disciplines? In the face of the looming climate challenges, many persons are at a loss as to how to grapple with this “now” crisis! If we are truthful, many people may feel anger, anxiety, or nothing at all about how to deal with this pressing matter. Due to our feeling of powerlessness, especially when it comes to climate issues, we are not sure how to engage around this threatening entity to earth, our only home. Climate change is a global societal crisis.

It is happening in everybody’s back and front yard.

So, how can church leaders, clergy, and laity help people engage the climate crisis?

How can Christians work side-by-side with scientists to address climate change? From June 13-15, 2022, Creation Justice Ministries (CJM) will host an exciting training opportunity in collaboration with Duke University Marine Lab and the Center for Sustainable Climate Solutions entitled “Pastoral Care for Climate: Weaving Science and Theology for Justice.” This in-person retreat is free for all pastors and ministry leaders. This transformational experience aims to weave together scientific, theological, and ministerial approaches to climate change with a major goal of connecting pastors, lay leaders, and climate scientists around climate change.

All Christian leaders (clergy and lay) are eligible to apply. However, priority will be given to those in the coastal areas of the Southeastern United States. The application deadline is April 31, 2022. Creation Justice Ministries (formerly the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Working Group Program) represents the creation care and environmental justice policies of major Christian denominations, which includes the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Also included are 38 national faith bodies, including Protestant denominations and Orthodox communions, regional faith groups, and individual congregants to protect and restore God’s creation.

“Creation justice” is such an appropriate name for Creation Justice Ministries.

Pope Francis’ views reflect a historic and evolving current among faith traditions. This current regards environmental consciousness and social justice as intimately intertwined. As part of this prophetic current, the language of “creation justice” has emerged.

The word “creation” inherently evokes meanings that transcend artificial divides between the “human” and “nature.” “Creation” signals the truth of our interconnected reality. Moreover, it evokes the sacred story of origin that speaks to our common connection to God and our common connection to each other. As Genesis 9:15 reminds us, God’s covenant is not only with humans but also with “every living creature.” Within this covenantal understanding of the web of life, the emphasis on justice arises as a central guiding impulse. If the word “creation” signals the totality of relationships with God, then creation justice signals the movement toward right relationships among all of God’s creation.

Building on the concept of eco-justice, creation justice entails an integrated, holistic ecology. It entails an understanding of the world which includes the built environment, culture, economic and political activity, and all of humanity as part of God’s creation. Because of the connotations and meanings of the phrase “creation justice,” Creation Justice Ministries adopted it as a part of its naming. More recently, the United Church of Christ has named their green church recognition program “Creation Justice Churches,” while the American Baptists have developed a “Creation Justice Network.” Advocates are waiting on what the African Methodist Episcopal Church will legislate to raise and sustain the consciousness of its congregants around environmental issues and problems. ❏ ❏ ❏

NECROLOGY LISTINGS

APRIL 2022

*Purple font connotes Episcopal Family; Red font, General Officers; and Blue font, Connectional Officers.

District Consultant Vivian Hilton, widow of Presiding Elder Jacob W. Hilton of the Eighth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church The father of Pastor Ilsido Perez’ of Cuba, Sixteenth Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church Deacon Clyde Denson, Jr., age 75 of Detroit, Michigan, the brother of the Reverend Willie J. Denson, a retired pastor of the Ninth Episcopal District, AME Church and the brother-in-law of Presiding Elder Jacquelyn L. Denson, Montgomery Selma District of the Ninth Episcopal District, AME Church Mr. James M. Gatson, Jr., the brother of superannuated Presiding Elder Alexander Gatson of the Tennessee

Annual Conference, Thirteenth Episcopal District The Reverend Willie Jerome Gee, the pastor of St. Michael (Wedgefield) African Methodist Episcopal Church, Sumter District, Northeast Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; to cherish his memory, a loving wife, Sabrina Gee, and many family members and friends remain The Reverend James H. Stowe, an ordained itinerant elder recently superannuated; having served as pastor of St. Paul AMEC, Nashville, TN; St. Luke AMEC, Gallatin, TN; St. Paul AMEC, Lexington, KY; Bethel AMEC, Shelbyville, KY; Wayman Chapel AMEC, Georgetown, KY; and Craig Chapel AMEC, Salvisa, KY; twice widowed, he leaves to

cherish his memory a loving daughter, Melanie Stowe Robbins, and other family members

in Birmingham, Alabama in the Northwest Alabama Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District

Brother Sammie Bean, the husband of the Reverend Doris Bean, pastor of Sheridan Chapel AME Church in Kentwood, Louisiana, Eighth Episcopal District

Mr. Adam Henry Bell, of Detroit, Michigan, the brotherin-law of the Reverend Jonas Williams of the Twelfth Episcopal District

The Reverend Dr. Brigitte Black, a servant of the Indiana Conference, Fourth Episcopal District, having served at Bethel-Lafayette, and Coppin Chapel-Indianapolis; she taught at Christian Theological Seminary and was a member of the Daughters of Zion (DOZ) Mrs. Jerry Hooks King, the widow of the Reverend Robert J. King; a graduate of Tuskegee Institute and a retired teacher; she was a member of St. Mark AME Church-West End

Bishop Joseph Williams, Sr., of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, brother of the Reverend Jonas Williams, and brother-in-law of Mrs. Mary Williams of the Twelfth Episcopal District Mr. Charles Williams of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, who succumbed to a fire; the brother of the Reverend Jonas Williams and brother-in-law of Mrs. Mary Williams of the Twelfth Episcopal District Pastor Frank Mae Dennis, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a close family member ...continued on p19

NEVER OVERLOOK ANYONE

By Dr. Michael C. Carson, Columnist

A common adage instructs us to, “Never count anyone out. It’s never too late for someone to change for the better.” For, each person who declared, “I am a lost cause,” God said, “Watch this!” Let us always view each other as valuable children of God. Has anyone ever judged you unfairly or declared you were “out for the count” but instead you overcame your challenge(s)? Since we should “never judge a book by its cover,” we must take care to never form an opinion of someone or something based purely on what is seen on the surface. Sometimes after taking a deeper look, a person or thing may be very different than expected.

Take the Apostle Paul, for example; he was a great champion for the cause of Christ. At one point in his life, as Saul, he was a fierce opponent of Christians, yet, eventually, he become a leader for the gospel. Paul was a persecutor who became a preacher. As Saul he sought to destroy; however, as Paul, he proclaimed, “Let mutual affection continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them, those who are being tortured, as though you yourselves were being tortured” (Hebrews 13:1-3).

The gospel of Jesus Christ has the power to forgive our past sins, impart new life to us in the present, and, in the future, even admit us into heaven. No other power can do this. The power of the gospel of Jesus Christ can change us for the better to the glory of God. Certainly, see a person’s “cover” but “read the book” of a person. Don’t merely judge someone by who they appear to be; there just might be more to them.

So, let us remember to love instead of judge. This will allow us to live out Christ’s model, “35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you or naked and gave you clothing?

39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’40 And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters, of mine, you did it to me’” (Matthew 25:35-40).

I’m just saying!

Manifest peace with justice. Be blessed real, real good. Attend worship (in whatever way possible for you). Families matter. Be safe!

Dr. Carson can be contacted at refreshingcoach@gmail.com.

of Mrs. Mary Williams, wife of the Reverend Jonas Williams, Twelfth Episcopal District

Mrs. Katherine Boyd, of Mt. Carroll, Illinois, the wife of Mr. David Boyd, the youngest son of Presiding Elder (retired) Clarence and Mrs. Birdie Boyd of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Twelfth Episcopal District Brother Bobby Dean Johnson, age of 67, the oldest brother of

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IMBALANCE

By Byron Washington, Columnist

Be cautious when interacting with others because we are not relieved of extending to another the “milk of human kindness.” We are not dismissed from extending grace to someone.

...From Necrology p18

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the Reverend Kent J. Broughton, presiding elder of the Camden - El Dorado District, West Arkansas Conference, Twelfth Episcopal District The Reverend Vernia McCoy, retired itinerant elder of Greater New OrleansGreensburg District of the Eighth Episcopal District Mr. Frank Grant, the brother of Drs. Jacquelyn Grant Collier, Debora Grant Scotland,

Most of life consists of balancing. We are constantly working to ensure that by focusing on one area, we do not neglect another area. The Work vs. Life balancing act is where many people struggle because both areas seem to demand 100% of our time and focus.

One writer said, “Step with care and great tact, and remember that Life is a Great Balancing Act.” Now as they went on their way, he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.– Luke 10:38-40 (ASV) And he healed many that were sick with divers diseases, and cast out many demons; and he suffered not the demons to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose up and went out, and departed into a desert place, and there prayed.– Mark 1:34-35 (ASV) The more difficult balancing act is balancing our time doing ministry vs. spending time with God. When we know what God has called us to, it is easy to become focused on ministry and forget to spend time with God. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, we see him consistently slipping away to a quiet place to pray. We cannot ignore the power and strength we receive when we actively spend time with the Father.

It is easy to look like we are spiritually in good shape in our walk with Christ. If we sing or preach well, people will say we are in good spiritual shape, but that may not be true.

Consider this, “You cannot outwork a poor diet.” If you go to the gym seven days a week, but you eat fast food, drink soda, and do not get proper rest, you will see limited results. If we do all the spiritual activities, but our diet (time with God, time in the Word) is lacking, we will also have poor results.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside still waters. He restoreth my soul– Psalm 23:2-3a (ASV) Let me be the first to say that life can become busy with work, family, and ministry.

If we want to be effective in ministry, we have to spend consistent time with God. Consider driving a car without changing the oil or getting a tune-up. There are too many Christians riding down the road of life with their spiritual “engine light” blinking red, thinking they can make another 20 miles. Until one day, their “life” breaks down. Let us all make spending time with God our priority. ❏ ❏ ❏

pastor of Spring Hill African Methodist Episcopal Church (Gilbert) and Presiding Elder Rosalyn Grant Coleman, Columbia District, Columbia Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church The Reverend Martha Jane White Mifflin, local elder at Bethel AME Church, Milton, Delaware; Dover District of the Delaware Annual Conference, First Episcopal District

Mr. Kenneth Clarke, the husband of the Reverend Betty Clarke, pastor of St. Mark AME Church, Lindenwold, New Jersey, Atlantic City DistrictJersey Annual Conference, First Episcopal District Sister Jacqueline “Jackie” Gay-Howard, the sister of the Reverend Sherry Gay Green, pastor of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Richmond, Kentucky, Thirteenth Episcopal District

Condolences to the bereaved are expressed on behalf of Publications Commission chair Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., president/publisher of the AMEC Publishing House (Sunday School Union) the Rev. Roderick D. Belin, and editor of The Christian Recorder, Mr. John Thomas III. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NRSV) To share or receive information about Connectional clergy family bereavements and congratulations, please contact the AME Church Clergy Family Information Center. Mrs. Ora L. Easley, administrator • 5981 Hitching Post Lane • Nashville, TN 37211 • 615.833.6936 (CFIC Office) • amecfic.org •facebook.com/ AMECFIC ❏ ❏ ❏

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CONNECTIONALNEWS

TCR BREAKING NEWS: CONNECTIONAL YPD ESTABLISHES PARTNERSHIP WITH SAMUEL DEWITT PROCTOR CONFERENCE The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, Inc. (SDPC), led by General Secretary Dr. Iva E. Carruthers, Board of Trustees co-chairs the Rev. Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, and Bishop Leah Daughtry and staff are pleased to partner with the African Methodist Episcopal Church Young People’s Division (AMEC YPD).

This partnership under the banner, “A Partnership for the Future of the Black Church, African Diaspora, and Intergenerational Leadership,” highlights the hope and objective of our relationship. Our objective is to provide AME youth and young adults opportunities to engage our ecumenical body in the work of social justice, diasporic engagement, intergenerational leadership exposure, and obtain competencies to engage the church and community in building solutions to our most critical issues.

Overseen by our senior manager of Organizational Impact, the Rev. Jamar A. Boyd II will work closely with Gabriel Cloud, Connectional YPD 1st vice president, and AME leadership to ensure beneficial experiences and programming is created and offered to foster interest and participation of youth and young leaders and other lay members; please see your Episcopal YPD director or contact Mr. Cloud at Gdcloud314@gmail. com. ❏ ❏ ❏

EDWARD WATERS UNIVERSITY AWARDED $500,000 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF STATE AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL & HISTORICAL GRANT Edward Waters University continues its mission to preserve the rich history of Florida’s “Destination Institution” and African American education after Emancipation.

The African American Cultural and Historical Grants Team, a division of the Florida Department of State, awarded Edward Waters University $500,000 to help preserve three historical buildings on campus: the Centennial Hall (library), the Lee Cousins Building, and the Susie E. Tolbert House.

The grant panel met and reviewed hundreds of applications in Tallahassee, Florida, between February 22-24, 2022.

The purpose of this grant program is to provide funding for construction projects at facilities in Florida that highlight the contributions, culture, or history of African Americans. The program also: • Encourages the design or construction of a new facility or the renovation of an existing facility in the area with great cultural significance in which no facility exists, • Enhances the beauty of aesthetic value of facilities named for significant African Americans, or • Restores facilities on the National Register of Historic Places “As Florida’s ‘Destination Institution’ of Emerging Eminence, we are honored to accept this gift from T African American Cultural and Historical Grants Team. This will support our transformative and The c continuous ascendancy as Jacksonville’s crown jewel of education,” said president and CEO of Edward W Waters University, Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr. The Centennial Hall functions as the university’s main library. Originally built in 1916 to house a gymnasium and classrooms, the Centennial Building, as it was first called, was renamed in 1966 to c commemorate the institution’s 100th anniversary and is the oldest building on campus. In 1976, it was re rehabilitated for use as the college library. Today, the library contains nearly 13,000 print volumes and p provides access to more than 250,000 electronic books. It is also home to the Obi-Scott-Umunna Collection o African Art. Centennial Hall is receiving upgrades to its exterior, which include but are not limited to of re repairing and repointing bricks and cleaning the building’s surface.

Constructed between 1925 and 1927, The B. F. Lee Theological Seminary Building housed the T Theological Department of what was then Edward Waters College. With similarities of styles that reflect e elements of the Gothic Revival and Jacobethan Revival, it was deemed the most “architecturally elaborate b building on campus.” Today, it serves as th nerve center for the university, home the to administrative and business offices, a the sanctuary (Milne Auditorium). and The Lee-Cousins Building is re receiving upgrades to its exterior, which in includes but is not limited to window re replacements, building foundation, and c ceiling reinforcement.

The Susie E. Tolbert House is a hub o historical and cultural knowledge. of M Mrs. Tolbert supported the faculty a students at what was then Edward and W Waters College by providing them with fr free room and ...continued on p24

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REPORT FROM THE MAY 2022 SESSION OF THE GENERAL BOARD TCR Staff Report

On Wednesday, May 4, 2022 the General Board reconvened virtually to receive the Department of Retirement Services recommendation for a new retirement plan.

After being called to order by Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe, president of the General Board, prayer was led by Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram. Following the devotions, the General Board received greetings from Bishop Anne Henning Byfield, president of the Council of Bishops, and Senior Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. Bishop Byfield acknowledged the spiritual and mental strain the issue of retirement funds has had on members throughout our Connection. She reiterated the desire to do everything in their power to hold those responsible accountable, while also honoring the Retirement Services Commission’s plan of action to address and prevent any further harm. Bishop Richardson stated that a great deal of work and resources have been invested in a process of integrity requiring patience and prayer. He encouraged the General Board to trust God in answering our collective appeals for justice.

Presiding Elder Troy Thomas (13th District) reported on behalf of the investment committee of Commission on the Department of Retirement Services. Their work has been done in concert with consultants and attorneys in order to facilitate a new retirement plan.

The request for plan proposals was issued on March 1, 2022 and received by March 25, 2022. Nine proposals were reviewed with two selected by the committee as finalists: Wespath and Voya Financial. The committee presented Wespath to the General Board as its recommendation. Mr. Martin Bauer of Wespath shared an overview of the proposed “New Life Plan.” Some of the features include: ❖ 403(b) Plan with investment management and retirement income options ❖ Access to online communication detailing all plan components, education and workshop opportunities, and correspondence with Wespath representatives for individual participant support ❖ Plan sponsors (AME Church) will be able to transition into this new plan with a quick turnaround time After the presentation, the committee also shared that legislation will need to be submitted to reflect the plan changes and that they are working with Wespath to create an electronic payment transfer system for retirement plan participants.

After some discussion, the General Board voted at 96% in favor of approving Wespath as the plan manager for the “New Life Plan.”

Bishop Byfield notified the General Board that the Council of Bishops met on Monday and had voted as well to approve Wespath complying with the procedures outlined in the Discipline with regards to actions of the General Board.

Dr. David Green led the benediction and the meeting was adjourned. The General Board will reconvene in Atlanta, Georgia in June 2022. ❏ ❏ ❏

GARDENING IS NOT THAT HARD A DIARY INTRO FROM GIRL SCOUT TROOP 5208 ON THEIR GARDENING ACTIVITIES Good afternoon, Mr. Chambliss, Our Girl Scout Troops seeded from our bank account the Jackson Twins $400.00 for the Eagle Project. They gave me receipts of $439.52 for the projects. I have not turned them into Dr. J. Williams, but I will attach them to this email.

The girls accented the project with flowers for the front beds of the Lake Elementary, then bought the vegetables (tomato and squash seedlings) for the raised box beds. We joined with the community and staff on their JPS Beautification Day, July 30, 2022.

In fall 2021, each Girl Scout had her own vegetables, such as greens, broccoli, cabbage, and bell peppers. They raised these veggies at home. They logged in their growth and shared pictures, as we discussed in our meetings, the things that worked and failed. We continued this fall with weeding and helping the Grade 3 students harvest and the Exceptional Education students plant greens for the winter. For the Grade 3 and Exceptional Education students, the girls discussed what they learned and made a coloring book of the vegetables grown. Troop #5208 had two Junior Girl Scouts, KeShawna Luckett and Mallary Shearrill, earn their Bronze Award for their project work.

Sis. Constance Stovall, Girl Scout Leader, Troop #5208 ❏ ❏ ❏

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AMEC HEALTH COMMISSION STATEMENT ON REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE AND SUPREME COURT DRAFT LEAK As the leak of a draft of a Supreme Court decision that would repeal Roe v. Wade sends shockwaves around the country, members of our Zion are still suffering from the aftershock of generations of reproductive injustice already predicated on this community. We are the descendants and the survivors of medical victimization, most prominently in the same states that this change will most negatively affect. From the abuse of our bodies as objects for medical experiments on the plantation to the same in the medical pavilions today, we bear the scars that have become keloids long before Roe v. Wade. However, as this threat awakens a sense of urgency for the country, we can no longer remain silent. We who have been founded and nurtured at the bosom of social justice cannot drop the ball in the fight for reproductive justice. Whether you agree or not, this fight demands our attention.

Historically, black women have silently borne the generations-long ripple effect of disproportionate adverse health outcomes and continued to find sanctuary, succor, and hope in the Black Church.

We show up in worship laden with the sequelae of health inequities, silently suffering in praise. When we pray, we lift up to our creator that even today, we are 3-4 times more likely to die in childbirth despite our age at pregnancy, socioeconomic status, or academic achievements. We are also more likely to suffer from “a Mississippi appendectomy” than our white counterparts. We are more likely to suffer the consequences into our senior years of those inequities predicated upon our bodies during our reproductive

years. When we pray, we surrender to our God that more than 40% of black women experience intimate partner violence compared to 31.5% of all women, according to the 2017 report “The Status of Black Women in the United States.” Before the pen makes a complete and final stroke to that document, black women are already in a reproductive health crisis.

Black women are forced to fight against numerous medical barriers stemming from racial bias that rarely affect their white counterparts; as such, we need to rise from our needs armed with the power of the Holy Spirit to make a change.

Every day we seek healthcare in a system that continues to see us as the least and the less. We entrust our care to a system in which we are underrepresented and implicit bias and “unsubstantiated truths” still exist. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, we receive care from an institution where 5.0 % of physicians identified themselves as African American in 2018. The African American female physician is an even rarer sight at less than three percent. Structural racism and implicit bias continue to appear in the exam room with great frequency.

Reproductive justice links reproductive rights with the social, political, and economic inequalities that affect a woman’s access to reproductive health care services.

Core components of reproductive justice include equal access to safe abortion, affordable contraceptives, comprehensive sex education, and freedom from sexual violence. The legacy of medical experimentation and inadequate healthcare coupled with social determinants

has exacerbated African American women’s complex relationship with healthcare systems. In addition, the social determinants of health associated with institutionalized and interpersonal racism, including poverty, unemployment, and residential segregation, may make African American women more vulnerable to disparate sexual and reproductive health outcomes. We cannot remain silent.

My fellow sisters and brothers of this great Zion, we are called to be the hands and feet of our God on the earth. We are called to exemplify faith and works.

To speak for the poor and the oppressed, even if that person is me. We can no longer remain silent when the “moneychangers are in our temple.” We must stand up and overthrow the powers of oppression. We must empower our membership through education about their health and healthcare issues. We must encourage healthcare advocacy from the sanctuary to the senate.

We must remove the shame surrounding reproductive issues by discussing them in the Bible studies and preaching about them in the pulpit. We must pray up, then stand up and speak up! The state of our Zion depends upon it.

Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Esq., Chair Rev. Natalie Mitchem, MDiv, RD, Executive Director Rev. Miriam Burnett, MD, Medical Director Rev. Ann Marie Bentsi-Addison Posey, DMin, MDiv, Certified Nurse Midwife, MSN Coordinator of Women’s Health ❏ ❏ ❏

A DIARY INTRO FROM BOY SCOUT TROOP 51 ON THEIR GARDENING ACTIVITIES The gardening project was really two projects.

The Boy Scout Troop 51 built garden platform boxes at the elementary school. I estimate that this involved approximately $200 in materials (lumber, nails, lining, etc.). The boxes were an Eagle Scout project. The concept here is that the school would have this as an asset to produce gardens from now on.

The Girl Scouts and Brownies planted, tended, and harvested the fall garden. The cost of planting soil was the major cost, approximately $100. Seeds and gardening tools were another $50.

With this front-end investment, the cost of future gardens will just involve an additional layer of planting soil and seeds or sprouts for whatever is being planted. These additional items should not cost over $50.

Last year, I used discarded five-gallon paint buckets and used a combination of backyard soil, Black Kow manure, and sprouts purchased from the local gardening store for about $25. The plants growing in the buckets did better than the vegetables I planted in the backyard!

Hope this helps.

Milton Chambliss, Scout Master Troop 51 To learn more about AAMES and how to start a garden, contact Vivianne Frye-Perry, connectional director of AME Girl Scouts, at vfryeperry@amescouts.org or Clarence Crayton, connectional director of AME Boy Scouts at ccrayton@amescouts.org. ❏ ❏ ❏ CONNECTIONALNEWS

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...From Edward Waters p20

board. She also taught music and social etiquette and lobbied for better facilities and equipment for African American children in the Jacksonville

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area. The house also served as a community resource center for veterans and the homeless. Today, the Susie E. Tolbert building is home to the Office of Institutional Advancement, Development, Marketing, and Communications for Edward Waters University. The Susie E. Tolbert House is receiving upgrades to its exterior, which includes but is not limited to landscape, repainting, and flooring.

The three buildings selected still have most of their original exterior fabric and appearance and are all at least 50 years -old with significant historical or an architectural identity with the university.

Edward Waters University relies on the historic buildings on campus for the core functions of the university.

Renovations are slated to begin summer of 2022. ❏ ❏ ❏

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Be a FAN for Your Church’s Health!

Now is the time to focus on your congregation’s health!

FAN supports churches to: • increase opportunities for physical activity and healthy eating, • create guidelines for physical activity and healthy eating, • engage church leaders in FAN goals and support their health, and • share health messages with members.

COVID-19 has underscored the importance of health, and churches are looking for ways to address members’ well-being and self-care.

Faith, Activity, and Nutrition (FAN) is an established, proven, and effective program developed at the University of South Carolina. Over 300 churches have been trained in FAN to help their congregations become stronger in health!

The FAN Online Training is FREE* and includes 8 engaging lessons and resources to support members in making healthy choices.

MAKE 2022 YOUR YEAR FOR HEALTH! “FAN is a beautiful gift that is being offered to faith communities.” – Reverend Kathy James Sign up for FAN Today!

Visit prevention.sph.sc.edu/projects/fantraining.htm to learn more.

CONTACT US FAN4Life@mailbox.sc.edu 877-971-5259

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

III John 1:2 (NKJV) *FAN is offered through a research study at the University of South Carolina Prevention Research Center.

Participation is open to churches in the U.S.

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EDITORIAL

LESSONS I LEARN FROM A GREEN THUMB

By Robbie Colson-Ramsey, Contributing Writer

If you have read any of my other articles, you might know that I started a new hobby during the pandemic, being a plant mom. When I was a child, my weekly task was to go to the front porch and water the plants. I vividly remember my mother shouting throughout the house, “Robbie, pay attention, don’t kill my plants by giving them too much water.”

This childhood habit was reintroduced into my life through a sympathy gesture of a houseplant during earth’s loss of my dear mother to heaven’s gain. Perhaps, right now, you are making an inquisitive face, but let me explain. After the funeral and the floral arrangements were left at the gravesite, the plants were brought back to the house. Most were given to lifelong friends and extended family, but my sisters and I kept a few for ourselves. When I returned home, I sat my plants where I would see them routinely, and as I passed by, I checked whether I needed to give them a little water. Although, as days passed, the plants began withering regardless of the moisture level, there still was no change in their poor condition. I thought to myself: I never saw my mother struggling to keep her plants alive. What could I be doing wrong? I would walk by the plants and say, “Don’t die; you are a lasting connection that I have to my mother’s life.”

Surely, by now, you are reading this and saying, what does this have to do with being a pastor’s spouse? The growth and condition of the plants are also a metaphor for being a pastor’s spouse. I recognize that the growth of the plants is based on time, relationships, and selfless service—the same characteristics we need when we are ministering to God’s people as ministers’ spouses.

1. When I brought the plants home from my mother’s funeral, I just sat them down and did not think about taking the time or making a space for their growth. As a pastor’s spouse, we must make time to first welcome the presence of the Holy Ghost into our lives, into our space. This welcoming and refreshing encounter truly makes a difference. These encounters will allow us to understand the weight placed on our spouses, regardless of the size of the congregation. It also will let us love church

members where they are and not expect them to be anything else but who they are. Also, as the spouse, it allows us to be committed to the call God has placed upon our marriage and our entire household. I cannot say that it is easy, but creating time and space in our lives will enable us to talk and listen to the Lord for direction.

Robbie Colson-Ramsey 2. I know it may sound crazy, but when Guest Editorial I developed a healthy relationship with my plants, it helped me develop a healthier relationship with humans. As relationships grow, they become lush and give life much like plants. So likewise, we want a healthy relationship with our church members that is growing and inviting. We have to be able to cultivate a relationship that is lush and overflowing with God’s mercy and grace.

3. I often talk about my plant that sat dormant, not growing, struggling to live for many years until I offered selfless love to it. I complained about it but did not put effort into making it grow. So many of our churches need people who will offer selfless devotion to members.

I know that there are thoughts that prevent us from giving our whole heart to a church: we remain mad at our spouses for answering the call to preach, furious that they have us at this little bitty church, angry that you must travel

every weekend just for church. It was not until I faced the fact that it would not grow (just like that plant) until I put time and effort into where God had planted my spouse—and me. It would always just look like a struggle until I did my part in helping the church to grow.

When I walk by the plants now, especially when they are in full bloom, I ask myself what more I have learned while waiting so long for me to grow and for God to bless me. ❏ ❏ ❏

MAYOR OF THE YEAR AWARD Fayetteville Mayor Edward Johnson received the Mayor of the Year Award during the Georgia Minority Business Awards dinner held recently at the Georgia International Convention Center.

The 24th annual event, hosted by Atlanta Business Journal, honors minority businesses and entrepreneurs from around Georgia who are making an impact within their respective business communities.

Mayor Johnson has been a Fayetteville elected official since January 2012, serving first as a city councilman. He has served as mayor since January 2016. He has lived in Fayetteville since 1994.

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Johnson is a retired United States Navy commander and educator who now serves as full-time pastor of Flat Rock African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Fayetteville area. He and his wife, Dr. Vanessa O. Johnson, have two sons and three granddaughters.

Johnson says he initially moved to Fayetteville to put his sons into an excellent school system. Then and now, as its mayor, Johnson is encouraged by the city’s growing sense of community as it encounters well-managed development and advancement. ❏ ❏ ❏

Greetings Brother Thomas, I know that a lot of information comes across your desk and you are an honest and insightful editor of our official publication. I thank you for that, it has been sorely needed for years and years.

I have a question and I’m wondering if this question has been posed or even suggested to the AME hierarchy.

Does the hierarchy understand that TRAVEL EXPENSES are real dollars that can be saved? In my experience as a corporate executive “freezing” unnecessary travel was a priority in challenging economic situations.

Our hierarchy is traveling, meeting, and performing ceremonial duties nationally and internationally as if there is no crisis within our denomination.

Blessings, Dr. James Anthony Morris, Pastor ❏ ❏ ❏