THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (4/26/06)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR:
- The printed edition of The Christian Recorder is behind schedule. As we reported earlier, the 66,000 Special Katrina Issue put us behind schedule. The Publisher is sending multiple issues in an effort to get back on schedule. Again, we apologize and when we get caught up we will keep the issues current.
- Wanted – Articles, stories and vignettes about retired bishop, the Right Reverend Harold Ben Senatle.
- Many thanks to our readership - To date we have over 109,000 hits on The Christian Recorder Online Website.
2. THOUGHT FOR TODAY – “SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT”:
Numerous studies suggest that couples who frequently pray together are twice as likely as those who pray less often to describe their marriages as being highly romantic. Also, those who practice their religion are less likely to divorce, have higher levels of marital satisfaction, and higher levels of commitment. Having a shared belief system binds you together in the midst of dealing with problems and day-in, day-out living and loving.
http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Home.htm
3. HEAVEN BOUND PRAYERS FOR MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE:
Despite overnight tornadoes in many parts of Georgia, the ever-faithful Morris Brown supporters came from near and far to Big Bethel A.M.E. Church (birthplace of Morris Brown) on Saturday, April 8, for an ecumenical prayer service for the survival of Morris Brown. Those who participated in the service were the Rev. Gregory V. Eason, Pastor of Big Bethel, who presided; the Rev. Dr. Dwight Andrews, pastor of First Congregational Church, and the Rev. David B. Rohn, Presiding Elder of the North Atlanta District of the A.M.E. Church, who brought prayers of Thanksgiving for the Past and Faith for the Future, respectively. The Rev. Dr. Juel Pate Borders, Associate Minister, Wheat Street Baptist Church read the scripture. Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church and Chairman of the Board of Morris Brown, brought the Occasion. Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Office of Ecumenical and Urban Affairs of the A.M.E. Church; Mrs. Stella H. Taylor, President of Morris Brown College National Alumni Association; the Honorable “Able” Mable Thomas representing the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus; the Honorable Emma Darnell, Commissioner, Fulton County extended greetings. The Honorable Nancy Boxill, Commissioner, Fulton County was represented by her brother-in-law, Mr. Raymond Thompson who is also a senior at Morris Brown.
Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook, President Emeritus, Dillard University, introduced the main speaker, the Rev. Dr. Joseph L. Roberts, Jr., Pastor Emeritus, Ebenezer Baptist Church, who preached a message of courage and hope to the congregation. Mr. Getchel L. Caldwell, II, Chair, Morris Brown Senior Management Team, spoke on behalf of the faculty and staff of Morris Brown and acknowledged specially invited guests; and the Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley, Sr. Pastor, Providence Missionary Baptist Church, closed with prayer. Mr. Henry Porter, a Morris Brown alumnus; Mr. Jadon Relaford, a Morris Brown student; the Babcock-Young Voices of Unity Choir of Big Bethel, and the Atlanta Masonic Choir provided the music for this service. Those who attended the occasion included Bishop Frank C. Cummings, retired Bishop of the A.M.E. Church; present students, faculty, staff, alumni of Morris Brown; and Women for Morris Brown who at Morris Brown’s Founders Day presented $100,000 to the College at its recent Founders Day celebration. The culminating event, coordinated by the Rev. Kenneth E. Marcus, Pastor, Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, was the congregation descending the front steps of Big Bethel with purple and white balloons to which prayers were attached. After final prayers, these prayer-laden balloons were released into the air.
4. MORRIS BROWN COLLEGE UPDATE:
The former president and financial aid director of Morris Brown College in Atlanta are facing trial for fraud. Dolores Cross, president from late 1998 to early 2002 along with Parvesh Singh, her former director of financial aid and enrollment services are currently being tried. Singh has pleaded guilty.
Morris Brown College was caught up in a set of unfortunate circumstances by the actions of some of the college administrators who apparently acted unscrupulously and as a result, MBC was put at risk.
The Right Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr., presiding bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District; the Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, President of the General Board of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; members of the General Board Executive Committee; and the bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are working diligently to resolve the crisis at Morris Brown College. It is a Herculean task and the AME Church leadership is tirelessly addressing this serious situation.
Fundraising strategies are being developed. It would be nice if we could find 10,000 AMEs who would be willing to donate $1000 for the next five years. I would hope that we could find 10,000 AMEs who believe in our Church and would be willing to sacrifice a $1000 pledge per year for the next five years in addition to their regular tithes and offering. Morris Brown College needs generous givers, without complaining about what the Church has done, or has not done in the past, just pure giving from the heart for saving MBC. Some denominations have members and friends who would retire a debt of this amount in a matter of days, but we have to use other strategies because we apparently do not have members and friends who are in a financial position to retire this debt quickly.
Are some of our Churches willing to go “above and beyond,” in love, without complaining?
All contributions would be sent to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer and designated for Morris Brown College. I would hope that the Church would give regular, i.e., monthly or quarterly accounting of income and expenditures that would be published in all of the denominational periodicals?
Will all of us show good faith and encourage students to attend Morris Brown College. Wilberforce University was not accredited when I enrolled there in January of 1960. With hard work, the financial backing of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and students who were committed to learning, accreditation was granted.
Colleges and universities regain accreditation every year and Morris Brown College can regain its accreditation. To do so, it will take the committed and hard work of all of us across the African Methodist Episcopal Church – in America, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa – all of us, as a global Church, working together.
The Associated Press reports (4/26/06) that the former director of financial aid and enrollment services for Morris Brown College pleaded guilty Monday afternoon to one count of theft of federal financial aid funds, admitting to stealing tens of thousands of dollars from unwitting students and the government.
He pleaded guilty in federal court to fraudulently obtaining more than $92,000 using the names of students who did not the meet the requirements for full-time enrollment or never attended classes.
As part of a plea agreement reached Monday, he is expected to testify against former Morris Brown president Delores Cross, whose trial is scheduled to begin May 1.
5. THE CONSECRATION OF THE DELAWARE CONFERENCE DEACONESS:
The Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop, presiding prelate of the First Episcopal District, consecrated six women to serve as deaconesses in their local churches at the Delaware Annual Conference. The Serviced of Consecration was held on Saturday, April 7, 2006. The Annual Conference was hosted by Mount Zion AME Church in Dover, Delaware.
Deaconess Gloria Rothwell to serve at Asbury AME, where the pastor is Rev. Janet Sturdivant. Consecrated to serve at Mount Zion AMEC, Dover were Deaconess Rachael Gibson, Deaconess Clemontine Keys, Deaconess Hattie Mishoe, Deaconess Lena Mae Drummond, Deaconess Charmaine Grice and Deaconess Clara Washington.
The duties of a deaconess shall be; to encourage, foster, and improve the general interests of the church; promote the comfort and solicit the friendship and sympathy of the general public, cheer the fallen; feed the hungry; clothe the naked; seek out the homeless; encourage thrift; visit mental health institutions and prisons, and save the lost.
The Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church states, “Regulation garb shall be worn by deaconesses to distinguish them. They shall wear a neat uniform of plain gray material, with a bonnet of the same color, and where possible, of the same material. All accessories shall be black.”
6. THE GLOBAL CORNER – THE FOURTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Editor’s note: Some in the continental United States have never seen a pastoral report from any of the 14 – 20 Episcopal Districts. The 2004 – 2005 Annual Report appended below comes from the Rev. Cassius Levan Barclay, B. Th. (Honors.), B.Sc., MBA (Candidate.), pastor of Faith African Methodist Episcopal Church, Logan Town, Bushrod Island, 1000 Monrovia 10, Liberia. The Right Reverend David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., is the presiding bishop of the Fourteenth Episcopal District.
- Words from Pastor Cassius Levan Barclay -
To God be the Glory for the Great things He has done since last Annual Conference until now. We at Faith A.M.E. Church have many reasons to celebrate the Goodness of our Lord for He has done great things for us and we are grateful. We thank God for allowing us to be a part of the miraculous blessings He is bestowing upon the people at Faith.
We can truly say that it has been a year in which we have seen the evidence of faith producing positive fruits for us. This faith has brought about transformation in the lives of the members of Faith A.M.E. Church.
The 2005-2006 Conference Year is a witness of our Sixth Annual Report at Faith A.M.E. Church. The report you see is a direct result of faith in a loving God who never forsakes His own. The fruits in this year ministry were produced as a direct result of the loving members of Faith confidence in God to “walk by Faith and not by sight.”
Every Sunday God blesses us with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. We saw many souls saved Sunday after Sunday. The Lord allowed our number to increase as His Word was sent forth by the Power of the Holy Spirit.
By faith we know beyond the shadow of a doubt that we can do all things through Christ who strengthen us. “For it is No Secret What God Can Do!”
Finally, we want to express our thanks and appreciation to God, Bishop & Supervisor David R. Daniels, Jr., Rev. Dr. E. Topo Johnson, Bro. Prince Coker of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, Sister Lois Gaye-Harding of the Sierra Leone Annual Conference, the Faith A.M.E. Church Family, Mother Cornelia L. Mayson, the Rev. & Mother Tar-U-way R. A. Bright, Father & the Rev. James S. P. Cooper and all our mothers, fathers, and very special friends that space and time will not permit us to mention for making this Conference Year a reality for us through your prayers and holistic support.
May the Lord continue to bless the Faith A.M.E. Church Family for the “Best is yet to come.”
Because of Calvary,
Caroline & Cassius
- Annual the Fourteenth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church
The Right Reverend David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Presiding Bishop
ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Liberia
PRESIDING ELDER DISTRICT: Monrovia
NAME OF CHARGE: Faith A.M.E. Church
ADDRESS: Vicky’s Spot, Logan Town, Bushrod Island
PASTOR: Rev. Cassius Levan Barclay
ADDRESS: Vicky’s Spot, Logan Town, Bushrod Island
1. CONVERSIONS - 37
2. ACCESSIONS- 37
3. FULL MEMBERSHIP - 258
4. NUMBER IN YOUR SCHOOL - 31
5. NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS- 128
6. CONNECTIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
- Women’s Missionary Society
- Young People’s Division
- Lay Organization
7. TOTAL FUNDS RAISED FOR LOCAL CHURCH: *LD $121,255.00 + US $1,830.00.
*LD- Liberian Dollars; Today’s (4/26/06) exchange rate: 1.00 Liberian Dollar (LD) = 0.01754 US Dollar (USD)
8. PRESIDING ELDER’S ANNUAL SALARY AND SUPPORT: LD$3,600.00
9. PASTOR’S ANNUAL SALARY LD $ 18,000.00 + ALLOWANCE LD $ 10,200.00; COMBINED SALARY & ALLOWANCE LD$28,200.00
9. CASH ON GENERAL BUDGET: US $ 40.00
10. CASH ON DISTRICT BUDGET: LD $ 2,600.00
11. PASTOR’S RETIREMENT: LD $1,100.00
12. PRESIDING ELDER’S RETIREMENT: LD$220.00
13. ANNUAL CONFERENCE SUSTENTATION: LD $ 3,950.00
14. CONNECTIONAL PERIODICALS:
- THE A.M.E. CHRISTIAN RECORDER: 1 Complimentary
- THE A.M.E. REVIEW: None
- THE VOICE OF MISSION: None
- THE JOURNAL OF RELIGIOUS EDU: None
- THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY MAGAZINE: None
- THE SECRET CHAMBER: None
- THE Y.P.D. NEWSLETTER: None
16. OFFERINGS: LD $550.00
17. TOTAL BROUGHT TO CONFERENCE: LD$7,870.00 + US$ 45.00
18. VALUE OF ALL CHURCH OWNED PROPERTY OR HOW MUCH ACREAGE?: US$40,000.00
20. AMOUNT OF MORTGAGE OR DEBT: None
21. DO YOU OWN YOUR PROPERTY? Yes
22. HIGHLIGHTS OF MISSION AND MINISTRY FOR THIS YEAR (See Below)
Highlights:
- Persons Joined our Church Family
- Persons were Baptized
- Donation of Communion Table
- Purchased 12 Pews for Edifices
- Acquired 3 Steel Doors for Edifices
- Started Ceiling Project in Edifices
- Electrification of Edifices
- Started a Scholarship Scheme
Share the Vision 2006-2007
Developing a Spirit-filled Church
- Class Leader System
- Get 100+ New Members
- A.M.E. Church
- Prison Ministry
- Children Ministry
Short Term Goals
- Acquiring of Musical Instruments
- Beautification of interior of edifice
- Construction of Offices & Porch
- Purchasing of additional Pews
Long Term Goals
- Starting of a Primary School (Kindergarten – Sixth Grade)
- Radio Broadcast
7. THE GLOBAL CORNER – NAMIBIA:
The Gibeon District in Namibia is going to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Founding of the AME Church in our country with a Lecture and a Banquet during this weekend’s District Conference. A special booklet (12 pages) with pictures (limited copies of only 50) will be on sale at N$20 per booklet. All proceeds will be donated to the St. James Building Fund, because we are raising funds to build a parsonage at Mariental.
Submitted by the Reverend W. Hanse
8. ST. PAUL BERMUDA CELEBRATES MEN’S DAY 2006 WITH FERVOR!
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust and the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breadth of life, and man became a living soul. Gen. 2.7
What a glorious season it was, as the men of St. Paul stood tall and ushered in a sense of pride as spirit-filled men of God. Under the watchful eye of our Pastor Rev. Lanel D. Guyton and First Lady Tanzania, the highly anticipated day unfolded. According to the Men’s Day Chairperson Stephen Trott the ‘impossible,’ was made ‘possible!’ As the Glory of God showed up souls were save and lives were changed!
On Sunday, February 19th, we concluded a season of festivities with an awe-inspiring worshipful day. Our keynote preacher hailed from the great state of California, the Rev. Dr. Harold Mayberry esteem pastor of First A.M.E. Church in Oakland filled the temple with an anointed message from God. In the words of several worshipers, “This was truly a word from the Lord.” The sermon titled, “Mission of Vision,” challenged our hearts, minds and souls to be a living sacrifice for the Lord.
We were privileged to have among our guests, Leader of the Opposition the Honorable Wayne Furbet, JP, MP and a host of other government dignitaries.
The Men’s Day worship services were preceded by the “Power Luncheon,” and the “Men’s Bible Study and Prayer Worship Service. Activities included, “Youth vs. Adults Soccer” and The Lionel Shirley Jackson Golf Tournament.
To God be the Glory!
9. STEVIE WONDER RECEIVES HUMAN CONCERNS AWARD FROM THE CME CHURCH:
Los Angeles, CA (Wednesday, April 5, 2006) - Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., chairman of the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns for the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, presented Stevie Wonder, the legendary Grammy and Oscar award-winning recording artist and producer, with the CME Human Concerns Award during the Ninth Episcopal District's Spring Convocation and Leadership Institute held April 5-7, 2006 at the luxurious Los Angeles LAX Marriott Hotel.
Once a year, the CME Church chooses a champion for justice and human concerns and one who is an advocate for racial harmony. Last year’s recipient of the Social Justice Prophetic Award was the civil rights leader Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. This year, Stevie Wonder was selected because of his legacy of humanitarian efforts and his outstanding service as a civil rights advocate, entrepreneur, and Christian leader.
Bishop Williamson applauded Stevie Wonder and other leaders for combining their efforts with Coretta Scott King which led to the national holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, and the hit recording, “Happy Birthday.” Additionally, Bishop Williamson noted the social activism efforts of Mr. Wonder when he won the Oscar award for Best Song in 1984 and dedicated it to then-imprisoned civil rights leader, Nelson Mandela; and when in 1985 he collaborated with others on the smash hit, “We Are the World.”
Through the Wonder Foundation, many of the funds from Stevie Wonder’s records are donated to HIV/AIDS research and Katrina survivors. Mr. Wonder has also helped thousands of needy children in Los Angeles during the Christmas season through his radio station KJLH. Bishop Williamson saluted Stevie Wonder for his latest recording, A Time to Love, which shines as a great message from God that addresses the needs of a hurting world.
Upon acceptance of the award, Mr. Wonder thanked God for the many blessings bestowed upon his life, and encouraged the churches to continue to be a beacon in the community by providing role models and mentors to our youth and after-school programs. Thereafter, he performed a moving rendition of “Falling in Love with Jesus” to a standing room only audience.
On hand for the special tribute held during the evening worship and anointing service were the special guests of Bishop Williamson, Bishop Vashti Murphy-McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the Thirteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Bishop Nathaniel Jarrett, Presiding Prelate of the Mid-Atlantic I Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
Bishop Williamson is the Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, which includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon and Washington. Dr. Thomas L. Brown, Sr., dean of the Phillips School of Theology in Atlanta, GA, delivered the sermon.
10. IRAQI AMERICAN DESCRIBES WORSENING CONDITIONS IN IRAQ:
By Kathy L. Gilbert*
WASHINGTON (UMNS) - Everyday life in Iraq is becoming increasingly dangerous, an Iraqi American told the United Methodist Board of Church and Society.
"Iraq is becoming unlivable," said Andy Shallal, who has many family members living in the country.
The Board of Church and Society passed a resolution in 2005 calling on the United States to withdraw troops from Iraq. Shallal spoke to the board's Peace with Justice/United Nations and International Affairs work area during the agency's April 20-23 meeting. He is with the Iraqi American Alliance, a Washington-based group working to strengthen relations between Iraqis and Americans.
"One hundred and ninety-two professors have been killed since the start of the war," he said. "Three more have been killed in the last three weeks." Those who can leave are leaving, he said.
The violence has touched Shallal's family. One of his nephews was abducted while going to school. The 15-year-old was held captive until his parents could pay $50,000 for his return. He came back "bruised, cut and emotionally scarred. These acts are so brazen, and it does no good to go to the police," Shallal said.
He described how general living conditions have deteriorated. The price of gas is astronomical in a country that only a few years ago paid 10 cents a gallon. "The country is one big gas station," he said. "No one understands why the prices are so high."
The lucky people get electricity for about six hours a day, and in a country that once had one of the best health care systems in the Middle East, getting medical care is almost impossible, he said.
"My uncle who has asthma went to the hospital during one of the bad sandstorms. There were 200 people waiting to use the one oxygen tank," he said.
A change in U.S. policy is needed, according to Shallal.
"Americans can play a role," he said. "Cities shouldn't be put under siege. Instead, air drop in supplies of food, water and generators. The United States has to change its policy toward Iraq."
Jim Winkler, top staff executive of the Board of Church and Society, told board members "it is a sad fact that the people of Iraq are now worse off today than they were prior to the U.S.-led invasion. Perhaps as many as 250,000 Iraqis have died from violence or the breakdown of basic health care and other infrastructures."
The Board of Church and Society is the social action and advocacy agency of the United Methodist Church.
*Gilbert is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.
News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470.
11. ST. JOHN AME CHURCH, FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY LAY SUNDAY, SERMON, “GROWING IN THE LORD,” COLOSSIANS 2: 7:
Sister Doris J. Coffey - Guest Speaker, April 23, 2006
The theme today “Growing in the Lord,” is based on Colossians Chapter 2 verse 7 – We find Paul using the illustration of Christians being rooted in Christ, as plants drawing nourishment from the soil through their roots. In the same manner we draw our life-giving strength from Christ and the more rooted we are in Him, the more strength we draw, and being built up in Him we will less likely be fooled by those who falsely claim to have life’s answers.
In other words, when we accept Christ as Lord and Savior of our life we must continue to follow his leadership by being rooted and grounded in Him, and He will build us up and strengthened our faith. Just as a tree firmly rooted cannot be easily swayed or a building that is built on a solid foundation cannot be easily toppled...neither can we if we are stay rooted in Christ. The roots provide growth and nourishment.
Being a baby is wonderful, but you cannot stay a baby forever!
Suppose you met a man who was 27 years old and he was still wearing diapers and drinking from a bottle. Is not something wrong with that picture? Suppose a 33-year-old woman came up to you and said “Da, Da, Ma, Ma, Goo, Goo, Gah, Gah!” Would not something be wrong with this picture also?
Newborn babies drink milk only because they are not ready for solid foods...but as they grow, they become ready to eat bread, meat and other kinds of solid food...just as God did not intend for babies to stay babies forever – He never intended for Christians to remain babies in Christ either. It is His will that both babies and Christians grow.
Whatever stage of life we find our selves in, it always seems tough, and we are anxious to get to the next stage. We seem to have a hard time appreciating where we are in life...we are always looking for the next milestone…and more times than not, as soon as we reach that longed for milestone we wish we could go back to where we were.
Can you remember when you were a child...and could not wait to grow up and leave Mama and Daddy’s house, get out on your own and do your own thing with no one to answer to? We just could not wait to Grow – Up or “be grown” as we put it. Funny how we had no clue whatsoever of how just good we had it at Mama and Daddy’s house.
In retrospect, thinking about those trying times of growing up – one thing we always took for granted is that “we were going to grow up! We never thought for one moment that we would not grow up – growing up is natural. Our life in Christ is very similar to that.
Accepting Christ into our lives... is only the beginning of a long growth process, a process where the more we learn about Christ...the more we grow in Him. And, whether we have known the Lord for a year, five, ten, twenty or fifty years, we are or we should be still growing.
Is there evidence that we are growing in the Lord? Growing means: We who are risen with Christ must now concern ourselves with higher things. We have set aside the desire for earthly things and now focus on things above, being made new in Christ we have put off the things of the old and taken on things of the new. We have put away such things as anger, malice, strife, and un-forgiveness.
Growing – is when, we behave in a Christ-like manner. We are kind, meek, humble, forgiving and loving. Everything we do is done in the name of the Lord, we give thanks to God and not unto men, for we know the very foundation of Christianity is Christ and it is the Lord we serve.
Growing in the Lord means that we have a relationship with Him as we continue to walk in Christ. We must let our roots grow deeper and deeper. Think about it. The tallest tree you have ever seen. Underneath all that is above the ground is a massive root system underground. The tree stands and continues to grow because the root system provides support and nourishment to the tree.
And so, our relationship with Christ must be rooted. We need to put down roots, and grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ. In the book of the Psalms, David talks about a man who is “Like a tree planted by the waters, whose leaves do not wither…because he does not walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners...he delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on it day and night.”
How much time do we spend in the Word? Just as his focus was on the Word of God, we need to have that same focus. We strengthen our relationship with the Lord by spending time with Him, getting to know Him. We all know about the Lord, but do we really know Him? What do we believe about the Lord?
So I ask the question, are you growing in the Lord? Are you further along in your walk with Christ today than you were when you first began your walk with Him? Are you further along this year than you were last year? Are you further along today than you were yesterday? Of course, we all have setbacks. But, over the course of time, our walk with the Lord ought to be getting better and growing stronger with each passing day.
Let your roots grow and draw nourishment from Him, build your lives on Him, become stronger in your faith and be filled with thanksgiving! See that you go on growing in the Lord and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all He has done.
Growing is when you know what you believe about the Lord. There is a lot going on in the world today. The new age stuff is everywhere. There are people who want to remove Christ and substitute the concept of “inner energy” or “inner self.” They are even trying to redefine “grace” by calling it, “inner energy.” That alone tells us that we have to know who we are in Christ and know what we really believe about Him.
I don’t know about you, but I do know: it was grace, God’s grace that found me when I was lost - It was His Grace that saved a wretch like me...and it is His grace that keeps me day by day and it is His grace that brought me this far. Trust me, I am a witness, I know His Grace is sufficient because it was His Grace and Mercy that brought me through.
Growing in the Lord – we can no longer be timid or fearful about speaking out. You see if God has done something for you, if he has changed your life...If He has brought you through something, if He has made a way for you out of no way that you saw possible – then you will not be able to keep your mouth shut. Whatever is on the inside –will come out. If you see an injustice, you are compelled to make right. You grow in Christ when you set about creating justice for all God’s people. When you can boldly tell somebody “thus saith the Lord,” then you are growing.
Knowing Christ makes a difference in our lives – the question is - Can the world see the difference that Christ has made in your life? There is no secret agent stuff in Christianity. There is no such thing as being a Christian incognito. We, the Ambassadors of Christ live in the midst of a cynical, selfish, dissatisfied society, where people are miserable, unhappy, depressed.
What does your growth say about you – Are you still complaining, moaning and groaning because things did not go your way? Are you sad and down in the dumps because someone did not speak to you this morning? Are you mad and staying at home because you got your feelings hurt in official board meeting last week?
While life has not been a bed of roses for most of us – "Growing in the Lord" is when we can say: “Thanks be to Almighty God for his unspeakable gift, for his love for mankind, for his many blessings, his compassion, his understanding, His mercy, His goodness in spite of.
Growing - We can no longer live in the past – Nor can we continue to do things in the same old way – Our God is a God of newness – and when we joined his team...we became new also...........”Therefore if any man (or woman) be in Christ, he (She) is a new creature...old things are passed away and behold all things are become new.
Isaiah wrote, "Remember not the former things nor consider the things of old for behold God is doing a new thing." Like Paul – we need to forget what is behind us and do our best to reach for what is ahead.
Jeremiah said, " It is because of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed...they are new every morning.” The Today’s English Version put it this way, “The Lord’s unfailing love and mercy still continue...Fresh as the morning, as sure as the sunrise.”
If God is all about newness – why do we find ourselves still stuck in the past? Is it because the past is a familiar frame of reference and what is familiar is comfortable? Or, is it because the unknown, the unseen can be frightening? Why are we so afraid of doing something new?
Often times we prefer to entertain memories of the good old days rather than stepping out in faith and creating something new. Living in the past can cause us to become dissatisfied - Instead of being thankful in all things; we fuss and fume, wishing for what we used to have. If you are always longing for something you do not have – you will never be satisfied with what you do have
Growing in the Lord - We must never let fear rule – Even though we know the Bible tells us to “fear not!” it is human nature to let our hearts become troubled, especially when our safety net is threatened with the loss of loved ones, financial challenges, marital discord, job insecurities, health issues, and changing living situations. We have a tendency to do what Peter did when he stepped out of the boat – and we start sinking when we focus on the deep waters beneath instead of the awesome security in Jesus Christ.
Growing is when we remember that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever, He is still in control, and He has the whole world in His hands.
Growing – Growing: We know the process - we see it everyday – growing older, our children growing up, our communities growing, trees, plants, flowers, nails, hair and even our bodies growing larger and larger.
- Growing in Grace and Knowledge
- Growing in Commitment
- Growing in Service
- Growing in Humility
- Growing In Patience, Wisdom and Understanding
- Growing in Faith, Love and Hope
Growing in the Lord – through Prayer: What are we praying for – what are we asking God for? Who are we praying for? When do we pray – how do we pray?
Growing through His Word – Is Sunday morning the only time we pick up a Bible? When was the last time you came to Bible Study? Are you "too grown" for Sunday School? Do you start each day with God?
Growing through Church Attendance – Why do we come to Church? What is in it for us? What is on our agenda when we attend the Worship Services?
Growing in the Lord through obedience – How long will we remain lukewarm and disobedient, trying to solve life’s problems on our own, consumed with worry and anxiety? How long will we remain silent – before we confess our failures and shortcomings?
In today’s world there are numerous methods used to promote growth –we are bombarded with products and ideas to grow our hair, our minds, our bank accounts and even our lives. What is your method for Growing in the Lord? What will it take for us to grow in the Lord?
Growing Spiritually – No longer can we continue to be spiritually lazy, choosing to follow the path of least resistance. We have to let go of getting discouraged and quitting because of church troubles and personal problems. Spiritual growth does not happen automatically and it does not happen quickly. That is why Peter told us to continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. Our spiritual growth will be hindered if we become so busy or so preoccupied that we have little or no time for God.
Either we are growing spiritually or we are stagnated. When you are stagnated – the power of the Spirit no longer flows. You can find time for everything except prayer and Bible Study. You do not feel comfortable talking about Jesus and you go to church out of habit.
Spiritual growth in the life of the believer is as important as the very air we breathe. Are you growing spiritually in the Lord? Have you developed a passion for Christ? Genuine Christians examine their lives to see if they are growing in the Lord.
Spiritual growth is accomplished by choosing to apply God’s word in everyday circumstances. As we walk step-by-step, applying God’s Word to our life – we grow spiritually through our commitment, priorities, peace, grace, our actions, our attitudes, our activities that is the criteria of every Christian.
Growing – We need to wake up and see the church for what it is – Not the building, not they – The Church is the Body of Christ – it consists of all of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and have a personal relationship with Him. So no longer can we use the same old tired excuses for not being an active part of the church and its programs.
Where did we get the idea that the Clergy is to do all the religious stuff – because we pay them? Growth is when we become participants – actively involved in ministry and Kingdom building, instead of being spectators and critics.
Growing in the Lord is more than religious activity – There are a lot of religious people going to hell. Ever notice how many people wear the cross and other religious symbols, yet their lives in no way reflect biblical Christianity. You can be religious and still have no evidence of the life-changing power of the gospel.
Growing is more than church involvement - You are not saved just because you work in the church – unless you invite the Lord Jesus Christ to come in to your life and accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior –it doesn’t matter how involved you are in the church or how many organizations you belong to. Remember the "BTK serial killer" in Kansas was involved in his church!
Develop a passion for the church – serve the church – use the gifts and abilities that God has given you. Do not wait to be asked to serve – step up to the plate and give God your best. Offer your time and energy and be eager to serve wherever you are asked to serve. Be aware of how much you need the church, not how much the Church needs you. Do not take the church for granted – Your local church is your lifeline – we would be in a sad state without it.
So Embrace your need for the church – Be eager to be a part of the church. Build your life around your church. Imitate Christ who loved the church and gave himself for it. Our relationship with God must be at the center of our lives and the church is at the heart of God’s plans for His people.
Growing – is when we are aware that God gives us tremendous responsibility and He expects us to obey His commands. It is when we let Christ lead us, when we live for him, commit our life to Him and submit to His will – Growing requires an Isaiah attitude, "Here am I ...Send me!"
Are You Growing In The Lord? The basic fundamentals for growing are prayer, studying God’s Word and applying it to your life as a part of your daily activity; attending church, Sunday school, Bible Study and fellowshipping with God’s people. Without this formula, you will never grow and experience Jesus Christ to the fullest.
Yes – it is true physically we are all grown up now – and spiritually the Bible says no longer are we to be children tossed to and fro, swayed by every wind that blows. The question before us is, "Are You Growing in the Lord?"
Today I can assure you that personally, I have grown, and I am still growing in the Lord. I have worked in the church most of my life starting at age 13 and I have been in church almost every Sunday, I have read the Bible, in fact as a child, I had to memorize Bible verses to attend Bible Camp and I could quote the scriptures with the best of them.
But, almost seven years ago, my life was turned upside down - when a drunk driver killed my youngest son – and I came to realize that there is a vast difference between quoting the Scriptures and applying the Scriptures.
Knowing and having worked with several pastors I thought they would have all the answers. I thought that they would be able to offer comfort, but what I got was – “I can’t stand to see you cry” “Tell me what you want me to do? I was told, “You have to let it go,” “You have other children”, and “I am praying for you.”
Well I am sorry my tears upset some, if I knew what to do I would have done it. Tell me how to let it go. I know how many children I have and I am grateful for the prayers.
What I am trying to say is – Growing in the Lord is a personal thing – I found comfort – but it was in the Word of God – When I was going just through the motions of living – somehow and for some reason I would read the Bible – for every emotion, action and thought there I found solace –
When I could not eat – I found David’s words in II Samuel chapter 12 - When I could not sleep, I came upon Psalm 127 verses 2 and 3. When I thought I would cry forever – I read Isaiah 25:8 and the greatest comfort was found in Psalm 116.
I love the Lord because He heard my cry; therefore, I will call upon the name of the Lord as long as I live. The sorrows of death surrounded me and then I called upon the name of the Lord. Lord, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. I can testify that, “Our God is merciful, He helped me .and now I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the presence of all His people.
On my son, Brad’s headstone, you will find these words, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord!” Growing in the Lord is to know that God is in control and He makes no mistakes.
I do not understand exactly how “All things work together for good for those who love God and who are called according to His purpose,” but I have my hand in God’s hand and I am holding on. I accept that God knows what is best for me. Although my grief-stricken, broken-heart and teary-eyes cannot see, I will not complain because all of my life God has been good to me.
So – Let us lay aside every thing that gets in the way and run with determination the race that is before us – Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and the prize that awaits us.
And finally, on this 23rd day of April in the year of 2006 – Lay Sunday here at St. John Frankfort - Growing in the Lord is when Laity and Clergy alike can work together in harmony, forming a partnership in kingdom building.
Growing is a Lay Ministry Explosion where we engage in ministry and service to the church, developing a hunger for God, no longer content to be shutout and unwanted. No longer can we continue to be satisfied being ignored, excluded or simply expected to support someone else’s program, which clearly we cannot afford.
Growing is the challenge to wake up - What issues are facing our church today? Where are we at this point in history? What are the major trends in our thinking and practice today? Have we forgotten the mission of the AME Church? Whose agenda are we on? Do we even entertain the idea of change? Rest assured that change would not come without the intervention of the Lay People.
Growing is when the Laity is no longer gauged by finance and attendance, or the concept that the Laity pray, pay and obey. Growing is when we no longer have autocratic pastors and contentious congregations.
We grow when we no longer waste our time and energy on endless discussions in fruitless board meetings, wishful thinking, lost opportunities and nothing accomplished.
Growing in the Lord is not having one agenda for clergy and a separate agenda for laity. It is teamwork with emphasis placed not on survival, but on revival.
Growing is listening to that Spirit inside that tells us to stand up – It is not hanging on to tradition and fears that tells us we cannot! We can no longer blame the pastors for our churches being empty on Sunday morning. We are laborers together with God. The pastors are in church – but where are we?
A Charge to Keep I have – a God to glorify, a never dying soul to save and fit it for the sky is not just something we sing at Annual Conference – it is a call to all believers who are growing in the Lord.
Growing In the Lord – is when we can stand and sing the hymns of Zion with great conviction {no matter what is going on around us}:
- I am Going to Trust in the Lord
- I Know the “Lord Will Make a Way Somehow”
- “I’m Standing on the Promises of God”
- “Where He leads Me I will Follow”
So Laity and Clergy - let’s stand together, reach out together, walk forward together, grow together, pray together, work together, build together and serve God together - For WE are THEY – Growing in the Lord!
Sister Doris Coffey is a member of St. Paul AME Church, Lexington, Kentucky
12. THE KENTUCKY CONFERENCE LAY WILL BE HAVING THEIR FIFTH SUNDAY FELLOWSHIP:
The Kentucky Conference Lay will be having their Fifth Sunday Fellowship Services at Barnes Temple AME Church, 437 Fox Street, Elsmere, KY 41018 this coming Sunday on April 30, 2006. The guest preacher for the hour is Reverend A. D. Reed the pastor of St. Paul, Richmond. The dinner will be served prior to the 4:00 p.m. service for those persons who are attending. If you are unable to arrive early, to go boxes will be available after the service.
Also Historic St. Paul, Lexington van has available seating at this time for those persons who would like to ride. Please notify me ASAP to reserve seating on the van by responding to this email or by calling (859) 509-6887.
Yours in Christian Service;
Kentucky Conference Lay Organization
Website: http://www.kylay.com/
Email: mailto:Priscilla@iglou.com
13. CLERGY / GENREAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Yale Benjamin Bruce, Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. Y. Benjamin Bruce, Sr. Dr. Y. Benjamin Bruce, Sr. is Presiding Elder of the North Orlando District, Central Conference, 11th Episcopal District and a former General Officer (Director of Worship & Evangelism for the A.M.E. Church).
Service arrangements for Yale Benjamin Bruce, Jr.
Visitation:
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Anytime after 10:00 AM
Funeral Service
Friday, April 28, 2006 at 11:00 a.m.
Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church
412 E. Kennedy Blvd.
Eatonville, Florida
Send condolences and expressions of sympathy to:
Dr. & Mrs. Y. Benjamin Bruce, Sr.
8128 Banyan Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-352-1431
Email: yalebrucesr@aol.com
Services entrusted to:
Postell's Mortuary 811 N Powers Drive
Orlando, Florida 32818 Phone: (407) 295-3857
Fax: (407) 295-0307
Please remember the Bruce family in your prayers.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With sorrow, we announce the death of our brother, Mr. Lorenzo Williams. Lorenzo was the last remaining brother of Presiding Elder Leonard N. Williams, Sr.
Funeral arrangements:
Homegoing Service will be held on Friday, April 28, at 10:00 A.M. at
A. A. Raynor Funeral Home
318 East 71st Street
Chicago, Illinois 60619
Burial will follow in the National Cemetery in Elmwood Illinois
Condolences may be sent to Presiding Elder and Mrs. Leonard N. Williams
419 W. 40th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46208
Email: pelderwms@aol.com
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of The Reverend Arthur L. Maura, Retired Presiding Elder, Allegheny-Scranton District, Pittsburgh Annual Conference, 3rd Episcopal District. Reverend Maura passed this morning, April 24, 2006.
Service Arrangements for Reverend Arthur L. Maura:
Visitation:
Sunday, April 30, 2006
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
St. John AME Church
715 Mulberry Street
Bridgewater, PA 15009
Funeral:
Monday, May 1, 2006
11:00 AM
St. John AME Church
715 Mulberry Street
Bridgewater, PA 15009
(724) 775-1141 Church Phone
The Rev. Wilma Jean Smith, Pastor
(724) 384-1384 Pastor's Phone
Professional services are entrusted to:
Calvin Sheffield Funeral Home
920 Franklin Avenue
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania 15001
(724) 375-8080 Phone & Fax
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Family of Reverend Arthur L. Maura
c/o St. John AME Church
715 Mulberry Street
Bridgewater, PA 15009
Email Condolences: revsmithame@adelphia.net
Or to:
Calvin Sheffield Funeral Home (address above)
Please remember the Maura family in your prayers.
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Lola Williams, mother of Rev. Richard A. Jones of the Southern California Conference, 5th Episcopal District passed on Wednesday, April 19, 2006.
The Homegoing (Memorial) Service for Mrs. Lola Williams will be on:
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
11:00 a.m.
First AME Church
1700 N. Raymond Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 798-0503 - Phone
Rev. Dr. Johnie Carlisle, Jr., Officiating
Email Condolences to Rev. Richard A. Jones: RAJ88Keys@integrity.com
Your Sister-in-Christ,
Rev. Dorisalene Hughes
C0-Director of the International (Fifth District) Prayer Line &
Director of Prayer
St. Paul AME Church
1355 W. 21st Street
San Bernardino, CA 92411
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement