White House Black History Reception

On February 27, 2013 The First Family of the 2nd District attended the Black History Month celebration at the White House hosted by President Obama. Other attendees included: Phylicia Rashad, Hank Aaron, Magic Johnson and Rev. Al Sharpton. Guests dined on shrimp, salmon, veggies and an wonderful assortment of petite fours. President Obama delivered a rousing speech about Rosa Parks and our hope for the future!

Dr. Pam & Alexis enjoyed the day at the White House

Living Legacy Award Recipients

During our Founder's Day Weekend we awarded 20 individuals the 2nd Episcopal District "Living Legacy" award. These individuals, 10 lay and 10 clergy have all made an indelible impact upon the church and the larger community as well. We are extremely proud of all their accomplishments and we thank God for their presence in our lives!

 The definition for "living legacy" is your lasting contribution to the world or society, whether in your current lifetime or after. It may include money, heirlooms, but in many cases, it's more a result of an individuals life, their life’s work and values.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Adeline Williams

Col. Howard Williams

Br. Edward Colic, Sr.

Rev.Dr. Jamal H. Bryant

Dwight Elliot

Ernest Green

Jean Matthews

Johnny Harrison

Larnie Horton

Mack Simpson

Matilda Ann Barckley

Rev. Barbara Jean Barbour

Rev. Reuben Boyd, Jr.

Rev. Grainger Browning

Rev. Robert N. Brown, Jr.

Rev. Doris Lindsey

Rev. David L. Morrison, Sr.

Rev. Ronald Freeman 

William E. Davis

Meet Your WMS Officers Series

Church: Hunter Memorial AME Church, Suitland, MD

Missionary Society: Virginia Mae Manning Missionary Society

Years of Missionary Service: 33

Other Offices: WCB Worship Director, WCB Director of Christian Education, SED Director of Christian Education, Connectional Member- WMS Commission on Administration; Recording Secretary- TEACH, Inc. (501c arm of the Connectional AME Christian Education Department)

Major Projects: Mentor to Women, Intercessor, Angel Tree

Favorite Scripture: He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

                                 ~Psalm 22:3

Favorite Hymn:  "He Leadeth Me, Oh Blessed Thought!"

Founder's Day 2013

What a fabulous time we had in Raleigh, NC as we celebrated Founder's Day February 14-16, 2013. Thursday evening a crowd of 800 plus worshipers gathered for an evening of celebration and praise. Twenty individuals, 10 laypersons and 10 ministers from the 2nd District were recognized for their outstanding work and dedication to the church and community.  The Reverend Dr. Calvin Sydnor, Editor of the Christian Recorder, served as the keynote speaker for this marvelous event. Dr. Sydnor noted that honoring the 2nd District "Living Legacies" reminds us of the importance of "giving flowers to the living", by recognizing their importance to us now.

Friday evening was tremendous as well! Four young ministers, each whom grew up in the YPD mesmerized a crowd of almost a thousand.  The "Young Prophets"-Sequoia Boone (Spelman College), Stephen Green (Morehouse College), Khalis Lemons (Youth  Pastor, Empowerment Temple AME) and Eddie Scott (Wilberforce University) preached on the subjects of hope, peace, joy and love--in a collective voice so powerful the crowd remained on their feet most of the night! 

The music was soul stirring, the preaching was powerful and the business conducted was effective. Founder's Day 2013 was well attended and served as a wonderful weekend of remembrance and reflection! 

To God, Be the Glory!! Great things he has done!

Photo Credit: Daniel L. Henry

Frederick Douglass

Prominent abolitionist, author and orator Frederick Douglass died on this day, February 20th in 1895. His funeral was held at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC.

Click here to read an account of this historic event:

http://www.metropolitanamec.org/frederick_douglass_funeral_at_metropolitan_ame.asp

"Without a struggle,  there can be no progress."

~Frederick Douglass

Rosa Parks Statue

AME Church Salutes its Daughter

Rosa Parks Statue to be Added to the Capitol Statuary Hall 

~February 27, 2013~

The office of House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, announced Tuesday, February 12 that the statue of Rosa Parks will be dedicated in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol. According to Boehner's office, "This will be the first statue of an African-American woman to be placed in the Capitol as part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. I can't think of a greater honor for an American hero who still inspires us all," he concluded.

In an interview about the 2013 Inaugural celebration that was held during the official national celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Senator Charles E. Schumer (NY) said, "This will be the last time that we have the luncheon in  Statuary Hall where Rosa Parks will not be there."

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, chairperson of the Commission on Social Action of the AME Church says, "This is not only a tribute to Rosa Parks, but to African Methodism out of which she comes. It continues our legacy of liberation and empowerment of people to make a difference in the world."

The AME Church in 2008 began monitoring the effort to dispose of the archival pieces of Mrs. Parks' personal effects. "Through the hard work of the Commission on Social Action we hope to be a part of insuring that her legacy is preserved for future generations, says Commission on Social Action Director- Sistah "Jackie" Dupont-Walker. The determination of this Christian woman, whose quiet strength set off a movement for freedom, sets the bar high for those who follow in the freedom path.

A special act of Congress, Pub L 109-116, signed on December 1, 2005, directed the Joint Committee on the Library to obtain a statue of Rosa Parks and to place the statue in the United States Capitol in National Statuary Hall in a suitable location. The likeness of Mrs. Parks represents the first commission by Congress for a full-size statue since the 1870's, according to the National Empowerment for the Arts, which oversaw the design competition for the statue.

The legislation moved quickly through the US House of Representatives, the US Senate to be signed by the President on December 1, 2005.

Introduced by Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. October 26, 2005
Passed Senate: November 18, 2005
Passed House: November 18, 2005
Signed by the President (Bush): December 1, 2005

~Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker
AME Social Action Commission

Happy Birthday Bishop Richard Allen!

Richard Allen was born into slavery on February 14, 1760 in Philadelphia, PA. He converted to Methodism at the age of 17, and bought his freedom in 1783. In 1816, he founded the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the first black denomination in the United States. He became an activist whose writings inspired Frederick Douglas and Martin Luther King, Jr. He died in 1831.

February is more than Black History Month for the AME Church. It's an opportunity to praise the achievements and the vision of our founder Bishop Richard Allen. The African Methodist Episcopal Church has made marvelous contributions to our society including, promotion of social justice, education, self-help, and training dynamic leaders.

We honor our founder today--253 years after his birth. We are proud to be AME! We are grateful for the life and legacy of our beloved Bishop Richard Allen!

Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Lent season and starts today February 13, 2013. It is a time of repentance and fasting for 40 days in preparation for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The ashes represent the sin that we have and the death that we will face.

Ash Wednesday Scriptures for reflection:

And the Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan; and he was with the wild beasts; and the angels waited on him.  Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the Good news of God, saying. "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe in the Good News."
~Mark 1:12-15

"By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken, for you are dust, and to the dust you shall return."
~Genesis 3:19

"Yet even now, says the Lord, Return to me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; Rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing, Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain-offering and a drink-offering for the Lord, your God?"
~Joel 2:12-14

Founder's Day at Ebenezer AME

On Sunday February 10, 2013 Bishop DeVeaux was the guest preacher at Ebenezer AME Church in Ft. Washington, MD where the Reverend Dr. Grainger Browing is senior pastor and the Reverend Dr. Jo Ann Browning is co-pastor. Bishop DeVeaux challenged and blessed the congregation to be of service to the kingdom of God and to to be a witness about the salvation of God. At the 11:15 worship service approximately 15 young people dedicated their lives to Christ! What a tremendous celebration of Founder's Day and the awesome power of  Jesus Christ!

Happy Birthday Jarena Lee

Jarena Lee was born on this day February 11th in the year 1783 in Cape May, New Jersey. Lee was the first woman authorized to preach by Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She became a traveling minister, traveling thousands of miles on foot to spread the gospel.

Here are the words Jarena Lee wrote about her call to the ministry:

"But to my utter surprise there seemed to sound a voice which I thought I distinctly heard, and most certainly understand, which said to me, "Go preach the Gospel!" I immediately replied aloud, "No one will believe me." Again I listened and again the voice seemed to say, "Preach the Gospel; I will put words in your mouth and will turn your enemies to become your friends."

Bereavement Notice

It is with sadness that we share the transition of Life Member, SEDWMS Member-at-Large and former  Virginia Conference Branch President, Mrs. Constance Wyatt. Sister Wyatt was the mother of our Recording Secretary, Mrs. Melvine W. Norman. Please be in prayer for the family.

The service is scheduled for:

 Tuesday February 12, 2013 at 11:00 AM

St. John AME Church

545 East Bute Street

Norfolk, VA 23510

Contact information for Sister Melvine is:

Mrs. Melvine W. Norman

4135 Old Lyne Road

Virginia Beach, VA 23453

757-471-5643

757-635-0215 (cell)

alncmp@cox.net

You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

~Isaiah 26:3-4

DanielFast 2013

Season Women Ministries, Inc.

invites you to join our 

DanielFast Journey 2013

40 Days of Fervent Prayers

40 Warriors praying around the Nation

40 Morning prayers daily at 6:00 AM

40 Evening prayers daily at 8:00 PM

Conference Call Dial-in Number:

(605) 475-4810

Participant Code: 1068606#

Begin Fasting: Ash Wednesday, February 13, 2013

End Fasting: Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013

Dr. Joan L. Wharton

Founder/Ministry Leader

DanielFast 2013

Please visit our website for information about this awesome 40-day

journey with God-click right here!

Season Women Ministries, Inc.

Meet Your WMS Officers Series

Mrs. Geraline Hinton Cox

Assistant Recording Secretary

Church:  Rehoboth African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chesapeake, VA

Missionary Society:  Mason-Wright Women's Missionary Society 

Years- Missionary: 36 years

Other WMS Offices:

•  Local: YPD Director
• Area- Co-Chair, Clara L. K. Bailey YPD
• Conference: Assistant Recording Secretary, Recording Secretary, YPD Advisor

Major Project: Partnered with Residential Facilities within the community, YPD mission trip and travel to Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic

Favorite Scripture: So the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ~John 8:36

Favorite Hymn: "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine"

Missionaries on the Move

What an awesome time we had in Dallas at the WMS Executive Board Meeting January 30-February 2, 2013. There was great preaching, singing and effective business conducted. While in Dallas a group of missionaries participated in Missionaries on the Move.Our service project was to clean and decorate a housing facility used for  underprivileged women and children. We rolled up our sleeves and got to work! We enjoyed great fellowship and fun as we offered our service and our love. 

In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Acts 20:35

Bereavement Notice

The Springdale AME Church family regrets to notify all of the homegoing of the mother of our First Lady, Sister Vera Goode. Information and arrangements are as follows:

Mrs. Ella Martin (Mother of Sister Goode)

216 Lakewood Circle

South Hill, VA 23970

Funeral Arrangements:

Saturday February 9, 2013

Viewing- 11:00 am-12:00 noon. 

Homegoing Service- 12:00 noon

Free Union RZUA Church

7235 Goodes Ferry Road

Bracey, VA 23919

Feggins Funeral Home

409 South Hill Avenue

South Hill, VA 23970

Phone 434-447-4892

Condolences to Sister Goode may be sent to:

Mrs. Vera Goode

3950 Griffis Glen Drive

Raleigh, NC 27610

Please keep the family in prayer during this difficult time. Thanks.

The month of February is a time of reflection of our history; a tribute to those who have overcome suffering and injustice; and praise for a powerful and sustaining God!!

The African Methodist Episcopal Church honors this rich legacy all year long! 

Specifically, during the month of February, through worship, education and special events various churches in the Spirit-filled Second  Episcopal District will celebrate our empowering history that defines us not only as people of color but as

 people of faith.

Please share your events/pictures with us: drpamdeveaux6@aol.com

We would love to feature your church/organization on our blog!

Be Blessed, and Happy Black History Month!

Celebrating our Diversity!

Diversity

Curly, wispy, fried, dyed and pony tail tied

Jeri curled, Clairoled, braided, afroed, beaded and receded

Weaved, matted, straightened, nappy, lightened, brightened,

Corn rolled, permed, synthetic, bonded and blond,

Red, grey, kinky, tight and white

Flat ironed, silky wrapped, midnight black

Flowing from shoulders to mid back

Dreads, thin, thick, short, bobbed heads of hair

Different, yet united, as the bow together in prayer.

~Dr. Pam DeVeaux

Go Red for Women!!

National Wear Red Day is February 1, 2013. This day is dedicated to raising awareness that heart disease is the #1 killer of women and promoting heart health. Please join us in showing your support by wearing red on Friday, February 1st.


We've made significant progress, but we have far to go .Here's why:

• One woman in three dies of heart disease
• More women's lives are taken by heart disease than all cancers combined
• Heart disease kills more women than men

Ninety percent of women have one or more risk factors for developing heart disease. Heart disease risk factors for women are high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, stress, age, race, and family history of heart disease.

Source: American Heart Association