A New Year's Eve Prayer

Thus says the LORD, who makes a way in the sea And a path through the mighty waters, "Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert." 
~Isaiah 43:16, 18-19.

We thank You, Lord for the year that has passed-the difficult times that we did not thank you for and the wonderful times that we did think of you and gave thanks. We look forward to the future, asking Your blessing upon it. Be with us, Lord, and with our loved ones. Keep us in Your care. Shine your light upon our path, and make us acceptable in Your sight. AMEN.

Meet your WMS Officers Series

Church:   Turner Memorial AME Church
                Hyattsville, MD


Missionary Society:  Johanna Morris Missionary Society


Years- Missionary- 30


Current SED Office:  Second Vice President


Other Offices: SED  YPD Director; Washinton Conference YPD DIrector; Celeste Duckette Area PME Director; Johanna Morris WMS-current President, former 1st Vice President & YPD Director

Major Project:   As the SED YPD Director initiated annual SED YPD financial support to and/or cleaning got he SED AME Shelter; and initiated SED YPD outreach activities during SED Mid-Year Conferences and Founder's Day Celebration


Favorite Scripture:  And I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God in him will I trust.~ Psalm 91:2


Favorite Hymn:  "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

We would like to sincerely thank the members of the Spirit-filled Second District for all the love that was showered on us during this holiday season. We appreciate every gift, card, call and especially your prayers. We enjoyed  a blessed Christmas day with our children and grandchildren at the Episcopal residence. 

We pray that peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!!

Love, Bishop DeVeaux & Dr. Pam

Monday Morning Prayer

Christmas Eve Prayer

Loving God, Help us remember the birth of Jesus,

that we may share in the songs of the angels,

the gladness of the shepherds, 

and worship of the wise men.

Close the door of hate

and open the door of love all over the world.

Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting.

Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings,

and teach us to be merry with clear hearts.

May the Christmas morning make us happy to be thy children,

and Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts,

forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake.

 AMEN.

~Robert Louis Stevenson

                                                          

Finance Department Christmas Party

The Second District celebrated  a Christmas luncheon hosted by the Finance Department of the AME Church. The food was rich, the preaching by Reverend Robert was inspiring and the solo "O Holy Night" sung by Dr. Richard Lewis was melodiously beautiful.

SADA-WMS Christmas

A wonderful celebration full of LAUGHS, LOVE and LIGHT.......

May the JOY of this season fill your heart with goodwill and cheer.

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your Blessing all year through!

The warmth and joy of Christmas brings us closer to each other.

The beauty of Christmas isn't in the presents
but in HIS presence!

We regret to inform you of the death of Mrs. Wilhelmina McNeil, the sister of Presiding Elder Larry S. Hinton. Rev. Hinton is the Presiding Elder of the Northern District of the North Carolina Conference.

Funeral Arrangements are:

Friday, December 21, 2012

Wake:10:30am

Service: 11:00am

Calvary Baptist Church

3911 Garrison Blvd.

Baltimore, MD

The family will receive friends and visitors Thursday December 20th from 5:00pm to 7:00pm.

March Funeral Home

4300 Wabash Avenue

Baltimore, MD 21215

Condolences my be sent to:

Presiding Elder Larry S. Hinton

P.O. Box 335

Clayton, NC 27528

Email: landjhinton@embarqmail.com

(919)359-0575

Please remember the family in your prayers.

God Bless!
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
The AME Church, Clergy Family Information Center

Allen Chapel AME

On Sunday December 16, 2012 Bishop DeVeaux and Dr. Pam worshipped with Rev. Michael Bell, Sr. and his congregation at Allen Chapel AME Church in Washington, DC. The mission of Allen Temple AME is to be valuable servants of God by enhancing personal relationships in local communities and around the world. The service was spirit-filled and the fellowship was warm. 

Mrs. Lena Bell, local WMS president and Dr. Pam

Dynamic Dancers for the LORD!

Bishop DeVeaux, Dr. Pam, granddaughter Alexis,
Rev. and Mrs. Bell with  daughter and grandkids

Christmas with the Bishop- VA

On December 6, 2012 the Virginia Annual Conference gathered to celebrate our Savior's birth and fellowship with our Episcopal family. Under the dynamic leadership of Presiding Elder Chester Morris the event was held at Captain George's Seafood Restaurant in Williamsburg, VA. The food was delicious, the entertainment was delightful and the fellowship was warm. The Lord's name be PRAISED!

Christmas is not as much about opening presents as opening our hearts.

Monday Morning Prayer

Third Week of Advent (December 16-22)

We move through this week feeling a part of the waiting world that rejoices because our longing has prepared us to believe the reign of God is close at hand. We ask:

Prepare our hearts

and remove the sadness

that hinders us from feeling 

the JOY and HOPE

which his presence 

will bestow.

A Prayer for Sandy Hook

Loving God, when our heart breaks in grief, we know your heart is already broken. Hear our prayers for the community of Sandy Hook Elementary School. Please soothe the fearful and dry the tears of all who mourn. Bless all those who seek to calm a community in crisis, police, medical workers, government officials, counselors and pastors. Draw us closer to one another in community, and closer to you, Oh God. We lean on you Lord, for comfort and for hope in such terrible situations. We love and adore you. AMEN.

Flashback Friday

DeVeaux Family Christmas 2001

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.

Psalm 127:3

Western NC Christmas

On December 8, 2012 the Western North Carolina Conference held an Episcopal Family Christmas celebration at St. Paul AME Church in Raleigh, NC. Under the leadership of Reverends Cousin and Edmond the decorations were delightful, the food was fantastic and the praise was powerful! 

Bishop DeVeaux & Dr. Pam had a marvelous time!

 

It is Christmas in the heart that puts Christmas in the air!

Bishops Council 2012

The Council of Bishops and General Board Meeting was held December 9-12, 2012 at the Peabody Hotel and Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, AR. The Spirit-filled Second Episcopal District was well represented. Bishop DeVeaux and Dr. Pam and a large delegation of 2nd Episcopal District presiding elders, ministers and lay members enjoyed wonderful accommodations, inspiring worship services and effective business sessions.

 To God be the Glory!

Secretary Jeffrey Cooper, Dr. Shirley Reed and Supervisor DeVeaux

Dr. Pam with Reverends Constance Evans, Peggy Wall & Ruth Travis

Rev. Christoper, Rev. Hayward & brother Flamer



It is with sincere sympathy that I write to inform you of the passing and the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Ruby Fuller, the sister  Mrs. Shirley Sheares. Please keep the family lifted up in prayer in the days ahead as they prepare for the homegoing service.

The funeral arrangements are as follows:

Friday, December 14, 2012- 11AM

The Church of God

222 Lee Street

Darlington, SC

Notes, cards, and other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Shirley Sheares

5313 Brandy Bay Road

Raleigh, NC 27613-1434

NC Christmas With The Bishop

On December 7, 2012 the North Carolina Annual Christmas Fellowship: An Evening with our Episcopal Family was held at St. Luke AME Church in Fayettville, NC. Elder Larry Stanwyck Hinton was the host Presiding Elder  and Presiding  Elder Evelyn Gail Dunn was the Associate Host. Bishop DeVeaux and Dr. Pam were treated to an evening of warm fellowship, delicious cuisine, and a festive celebration of our blessed Savior's birth. Presentations from a gospel comedian, talented soloists and the always engaging WMS/ YPD highlighted the evening's celebration.

An evening of laughter, praise and LOVE!

 

Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree.

Monday Morning Prayer

Second Week of Advent (December 9-15)

We prepare this week by stepping up the longing. We move through this week by naming deeper and more specific desires. We light a second candle. We want to let it represent "a bit more hope." Perhaps we can pause briefly and say, "Lord I put my trust in you."

Dear Lord, 

We ask a special anointing on our Bishops and General Board members as they meet this week in Little Rock, AR. Lord, we trust you to give them wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that govern your church and your people. We ask for a double portion of health and strength for our leaders, their spouses, and their support staffs. We pray for traveling mercies for all attending this important meeting. We put our trust in you Lord. We count it already done.

AMEN and AMEN

A Christmas Celebration with Bishop and Supervisor DeVeaux was held on Tuesday December 4, 2012. The event was held at the LaFountaine Bleu  in Lanham, Maryland  and was hosted by the AME Ministerial Alliance of Washington, DC and vicinity. Under the dynamic leadership of Presiding Elders Louis-Charles Harvey and Goodwin Douglas an evening of poetry reading, liturgical dance and songs of praise was presented. The food was fantastic and the attendees were divinely dressed! What an awesome celebration!

Bishop DeVeaux & Dr. Pam enjoyed the celebration!

The beautiful Reed Family & sharply dressed Rev. Christopher  & Rev. White

Dr. Pam with Rev. Thann and Rev. Margaret Young

Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly 
Merry Christmas!

Christmas With The Bishop

On Monday December 3, 2012 members of the Baltimore Conference gathered  at Bethel AME Church, Chestertown, MD for their annual Christmas celebration.  Rev. Robert N. Brown was the host pastor. Under the capable leadership of Presiding Elder and Mrs. Ernest Montague and Presiding Elder and Mrs. Cordell Hunter, the event was well planned, spirit-filled, and soul satisfying! The music and liturgical dancing were awesome expressions of love to God during this celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ!

May Peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through!!

Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts

Missionaries working at the Church World Service warehouse
 New Windsor, MD

The International Women's Missionary Society of the AME  Church under the dynamic leadership of WMS Connectional President Dr. Shirley Cason-Reed  partnered with Church World Service to purchase key supplies for survivors of Hurricane Sandy.

Supply buckets, hygiene kits and blankets were purchased with monetary donations collected from all across the AME connection.

President Reed, Supervisor Dr. Pam DeVeaux and other area WMS gathered at Church World Services Center to help package the items for delivery. Over 10,000 kits were assembled for distribution. We continue to pray for healing and recovery for all the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Service with a SMILE!
Washington Conference WMS President Ms. Oveta Butler

Bishop DeVeaaux and missionaries pack boxes with LOVE

Meet Your WMS Officers Series

Church:  Turner's Chapel AME Church

                High Point, North Carolina

Missionary Society: Jackson Lindsey Missionary

Years- Missionary: 45

Current SED Office: First Vice President

Other Offices: SED Parliamentarian, Conference Branch President, Conference Branch PME Director, Area Chairperson for two areas, Local President, Local Vice President, Local Secretary, and Local YPD Director

Major Project: Initiated the first Red Cross Blood Drive in an African-American Church in the community of High Point, NC. It is still an annual event;

Favorite Scripture: Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For his mercy endures forever.

 ~Psalm 107:1

Favorite Hymn: "O Thou in Whose Presence" 

In mid November Bishop DeVeaux was pleased to travel to Durham, NC to preach for the 143rd Anniversary of St. Joseph AME Church, where Rev. Philip R. Cousin, Jr. is the senior pastor. Congratulations to Rev. and Mrs. Cousin and the entire St. Joseph AME Church congregation!!

St. Joseph AME Church Anniversary 

Bishop DeVeaux & Rev. & Mrs. Cousin

Bishop DeVeaux & NC Congressman David Price

The AME Church Incentive Shelter

While in North Carolina, Bishop DeVeaux also visited the AME Church Incentive Shelter in Raleigh. Recognizing the growing number of homeless persons living in Raleigh, NC., the Women's Missionary Society of the Western North Carolina Annual Conference, in 1987 pledged to carry out the goal of the Connectional WMS to help the plight of the homeless.

The WNC Conference Branch WMS opened the AME Shelter in Raleigh in April 1988, with the assistance of Mrs. Shirely Sheares, Founder and others. Seeking to provide more than just shelter, the AME Church Shelter attempts to make use of the daylight hours to coordinate vital city services (i.e. social, medical, employment) in ways that help homeless persons solve the problems that create and sustain their homeless condition.

Need More Information? Would you like to make a donation?

Please contact the Shelter. Call (919) 834-3724

Monday Morning Prayer

First Week of Advent (December 1-8)

As we begin Advent, we light one candle in the midst of all the darkness in our lives and in the world. It symbolizes our longing, our desire, our hope. We want to be renewed in a sense that Jesus came to save us from our sin and death. We want to experience his coming to us now, in our everyday lives, to help us live our lives with meaning and purpose.

Heavenly Father:

The light I choose to let into my life is based on my trust in you. It is a weak flame, but I so much desire that it dispel a bit more darkness today. Today, I just want to taste the longing I have for you as I go into the meeting this morning, carry out the responsibilities of my work, face the frustrations of some difficult relationships. Let this candle be a reminder of my hope in your coming. Amen.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT/WORLD AIDS DAY

Sunday, December 2, 2012 (World AIDS Day is December 1, 2012)

Advent, from the Latin word adventus ("coming"), is the liturgical season characterized by the expectant waiting and preparation. During this season, we celebrate Christ's coming into the world while expectantly waiting and preparing for his promised return. We are reminded that God is faithful, a fulfiller of promises made. We rejoice that God is Emmanuel, God with us, that God's presence among us brings light, joy, and hope even in our darkest situations. Perhaps this is why the consistent message given to humans during this season is "fear not" or "do not be afraid" (Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:12, 30) This is the message of the liturgical season and this the message to the Church as we observe World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day, established on December 1, 1988 by the World Health Organization, is an opportunity for the church to combat the fear, prejudice, and discrimination that affect those living with HIV/AIDS. This is particularly significant for African American churches since the CDC reports that African Americans comprise 44% of all new HIV infections. By raising awareness of the global fight against HIV/AIDS, supporting those living with the virus, and commemorating those who have died, we show Christ's redeeming love and demonstrate that God is with ALL of us, thereby giving hope to those infected with a disease that is often viewed as hopeless and outside the presence of God.

___________________________________________

         Personal Prayer in the Midst of a Church Living with AIDS

There are brothers and sisters in my community who are in desperate need of healing-healing from the ravages of HIV and AIDS. We don't even know who some of them are.

Some of them are us. Walls of silence keep us apart. Many are fearful to speak the words HIV and AIDS.

O God bring us all to a truly safe place filled with compassion and understanding. Bring us all to the is place of safety that the Church may embody your spirit of protection and healing.

What part do I play?

Show me the way to make a difference.

Guide my hands to hold  the first hand.

Open my heart to give and receive the first hug.

Remind me that you have chosen me. I can help.

God, awaken your spirit within me.

The Spirit refreshes the soul with serenity.

Your Spirit embodies the heart with courage.

Your Spirit charts our right course with wisdom.

Help me break down the walls of separation within our community. Help me build bridges of

love and understanding. Help me sweep away the debris of the isms, phobias, broken

connections, and shattered hopes.

Prepare my heart to prepare your way, Encourage me to think the first thought, to make the first sound, to speak the first words. Help me to break the silence.

* From the African American Lectionary

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

November is quickly coming to a close. What a blessed month it has been! We didn't want to close this month's blog postings without recognizing that November is Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. This month we want to recognize and honor those who are living with Alzheimer's disease, as well as their families, friends and caregivers.

Many Americans dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer's believing that these symptoms are a part of normal aging. They are diagnosed too late and miss the opportunity to get the best care possible. This is of even greater concern for African-Americans, who are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than whites.

It may be hard to know the difference between age-related changes and the first signs of Alzheimer's disease. To help, the Alzheimer's Association has created this list of warning signs:

• Memory loss that disrupts daily life
• Challenges in planning or solving problems
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or leisure
• Confusion with time or place
• Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
• New problems with words in speaking or writing
• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
• Decreased or poor judgement
• Withdrawal from work or social activities
• Change in mood of personality

If you or someone you care about it experiencing any of the 10 warning signs, please see a doctor to find the cause. Early diagnosis gives you a chance to seek treatment and plan for the future.

Source: www.alzheimers.gov

DeVeaux Thanksgiving

Bishop DeVeaux and Dr. Pam trust that you and your family had a wonderfully blessed Thanksgiving holiday.They were pleased to have their children and their spouses and 14 of their 15 grandchildren visit them at the Episcopal Residence in Mclean, VA. The children who live in MD, KY, GA and NC enjoyed "Pam Pam's" delicious food, playing football, and thanking God for ALL their glorious BLESSINGS!

 Bishop DeVeaux & grandsons

Dr. Pam & granddaughters

2 year old Joshua

who refused to be in any group photos

 To God Be the Glory!

Gaston Chapel AME

On Sunday November 18, 2012 Episcopal President D. Faye Conley "went home" to Gaston Chapel AME Church in Morganton, NC to speak for the Annual Day of the Fleming, Avery, Caldwell, Wilkins Women's Missionary Society.

Sister Gloria Chambers, President D. Faye Conley, Pastor Gwyndolyn Benjamin,
WNCC President Frances Hope, Local President Jacqueline Conley Kanipe

God's Name be Praised!!

Western North Carolina Conference Branch President Frances Hope was the speaker for the afternoon service. Congratulations to Gaston Chapel AME WMS on your Annual Day!