Fall 2009 - Israel Metropolitan CME Church

Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Volume 7, Issue 1
Quarterly
Publication
Fall 2009
Israel Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington, D.C.
Harvest Time
Bishop
Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
It’s that time of year again.
When farmers plant their wheat and grain.
To have a bountiful crop, they must work.
They must never complain, give up, or shirk.
The same can be said about you and me.
As Christians, we have a job you see.
For Jesus, there are souls to win.
You’ve heard this said time and time again.
Somewhere there is a man, woman, girl, or boy
Who does not know Jesus can bring them joy.
To plant the seed of love for Jesus is up to us.
We should do it willingly and without a fuss.
If we plant the seed of patience and love,
God will be pleased and reward us from above.
Then we will heap the eternal seed
For leading others to Jesus in their time of need.
Presiding Elder
Rev. Dr. H. Patricia Jones
Senior Pastor
Rev. Dr. Ricky D. Helton
Board of Evangelism
Q. Wayne Robinson, Director
——
Newsletter
Janet Arnett Bryant
Copy Editor
Eola Price
Columnists
Gerri Barnes
Jim Bryant
Rev. Darryl A. Burton, Sr
Joseph Clark
Audrey Doman
Rev. Michael Gray
Carol Helton
Rev. Yvette Henderson
Charlotte McConnell
The greatest of these is
Love.
Maggie Allen
Sister to Sister Conference
Resident Artist
Emma L. Perry
Historian
Carole Richardson
Design & Layout
Jasmine Bryant
Photographer
Ruben Brown
Vicky Harrison
(See Page 8)
In This Issue:
Israel CME Church Invests in its Future
501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Status
By Rev. Michael Gray
By Joe Clark
Under Shepherds Ministry By Rev. Darryl A. Burton, Sr
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Running with the Vision
BY REVEREND DR. RICKY D. HELTON
What happens when an organization lacks vision? Simply put, it dies. Proverbs
29:18 states that without a
vision, the people perish.
Why is this true?
When we take a
closer look at the power of
vision, the answer becomes
obvious. Vision defines our
reason for existence. It helps us to stay focused on
who we are and where we are going. Someone
once asked Helen Keller what would be worse
than being born blind? She replied, “To have
sight without vision.”
Too many people today have sight but
possess no vision. They only see what is in front
of them and never beyond them. When we see
only what is in front of us, it is easy to become
discouraged and disillusioned. However, when we
possess vision, we see what is beyond us and become hopeful.
As we begin this new Conference year, it
is imperative that we understand the following
vision of our local church: A Beacon Of Light In
The Heart Of The City, Guiding Souls To Christ.
This vision is the rallying cry for our entire
church. It should be in the driver’s seat of all that
we do and say. Furthermore, it should be the tool
that keeps us all focused. If what we are doing is
contrary to this, we are not running with the correct vision. Therefore, I challenge all of us to take
a second look at who we are and what we are accomplishing in our daily administration as a congregation.
It is my goal as the pastor of Israel Metropolitan CME Church to serve as the primary servant/facilitator of our church vision. Everything
that I will do will have our vision at heart. As Habakkuk reminded us, I want us to run with the vision so that those who see it will respond by following us to Christ. When we run with our vision,
we all will realize and reach our destination together. With God’s help, I know that we can
achieve our goals because we are able to do all
things through Christ.
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Special Events, Conferences, Meetings...
2009
October
13
Young at Heart Trip to Pennsylvania
31
Harvest Festival
November
27
Thanksgiving
28
New Members Class
29
Trip to Hosley CME Church Philadelphia, PA
Church Conference
October 2009
Pastor Helton stated that he would like to
get the mortgage paid off in 3 years. Lillian Ruffin,
chair of the Capital Fund, asked that we continue to
pay on the assessment to liquidate the debt on the
parsonage. Rev. Michael Gray reported on the
multi-media update, which included the following
sum of $12,000 is requested immediately for Phase
I. Sum of $8,000 is requested for Phase II.
The sum of $20,000 for the implementation
of the proposed multi-media upgrade was voted on
at the September Church Conference. Attorney Joe
Clark explained in detail the 501 (C)(3) proposal. It
was voted that we launch an independent non-profit
501 (C) organization.
December
2
Bible Study 12 pm & 7 pm
4
NA Group Meeting 7 pm
9
Bible Study 12 pm & 7 pm
10
Strategic Planning 7pm
11
NA Group Meeting 7 pm
12
Step Christmas Party 1-3 pm
13
Bethel Dukes Program 1:30-3:30 pm
Ministerial Team Meeting
16
Bible Study 12 pm & 7 pm
18
NA Group Meeting 7 pm
19
Liturgy Review Meeting 1 pm
Christmas Gala 7-11 pm
20
Christmas Program 10 am
21
Christian ED Meeting 7 pm
23
Bible Study 12 pm & 7 pm
25
Christmas-Church Closed
30
Bible Study 12 pm & 7 pm
November 2009
Grace period for double parking on
Randolph Street is granted until January 2010 by
orders of the DC Transportation Manager.
Israel has been asked to host the Annual
Conference August 1-6, 2010 to be held at the
Sheraton Hotel in Tyson’s Corner, VA.
The Under Shepherd Ministry should be up
and running by Conference year 2010-2011. The
digital media website is:
http://4531.webmedley2.com
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Israel CME Church Invests in Its Future
BY REV. MICHAEL GRAY
The October 2009 Church conference
unanimously approved a $20, 000.00 dollar multimedia upgrade. The way that Israel Metropolitan
CME Church processes information is a direct
reflection of who we are and the way our church
ministries, boards, and auxiliaries serve our community and this city. Today’s world has moved
towards dealing with information digitally and
visually. The Internet has become the ultimate
place to accelerate
the flow of relevant
information and is
the fastest growing
form of media.
It is the sincere belief of the
Digital Media Ministry that our church
must embrace the
digital communication revolution to
reach people where
they are today. If
we are to be that
Beacon of Light to
our members and to
the community we
have to compete
with those worldly
institutions using
the same tools.
Israel Church will
position itself to spread the good news of the saving grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ
by improving our ability to communicate outside
of our church building.
The Digital Media Ministry will be taking
deliberate steps to improve our ability to communicate digitally in this conference year. Those
steps include a complete redesign of the church
website to reach a wider constituency to provide
a 24/7 presence, upgrade the computers and software to allow for effective management of church
business and information, and upgrade the audio
and visual capabilities. Like it or not, in order to
reach people effectively in these times we must
stimulate the senses. Lastly, by improving our
ability to capture worship service content will
allow us to share God’s word and our love for
the Lord with our community.
It is the Digital Media Ministry’s desire
to have our young people as the core participants.
We feel
strongly that we must
find ways to engage
our youth and young
adults. They are growing up with the new
technological advances, and their involvement will allow
them to take an increased role and ownership in the future and
growth of the church.
As we move forward,
I am reminded of the
story of Nehemiah
who was responsible
for motivating the people of Israel to rebuild
the walls of Jerusalem.
What a monumental
task that must have
been. Now I’m not
saying that the multimedia project is as big as
building the walls around Jerusalem, but it will
take all of the Israel family to make it successful.
So let us like Nehemiah and the children of Israel put our hands to the common good.
It is my prayer that God will continue to
bless Israel Metropolitan as we strive to be: A
Beacon of Light in the City Guiding Souls to
Christ.
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
501(C)(3)Tax Exempt Status
BY JOE CLARK
At the October 5, 2009, Church Conference, Attorney Clark made a presentation on obtaining 501(c)(3) status. Using “bits of wisdom”
from the lyrics of an old Billie Holiday song -“God bless the child that has his own” -- he posited that there are advantages to Israel Metropolitan CME Church in having its own exemption determination letter from the IRS. The Church Conference authorized the formation of a committee
to pursue 501(c)(3) status for a separate non profit
organization. What follows is a summary of that
presentation:
Israel will be listed under its own name in
IRS Publication 78, a cumulative listing of organizations that are determined by the IRS to be tax
exempt under section 501(c)(3). When an organization is associated with a group ruling letter,
Publication 78 will normally list only the name of
the central denomination. Even the determination
letter itself may only refer to subordinate entities
as “affiliates” or “local churches,” and not specifically identify them. Subordinate organizations that
are not listed in Publication 78 are more difficult to
identify and verify as officially exempt.
In order to expand and grow its ministries,
Israel will need to stake its claim to relevant grants
from philanthropic organizations. Having its own
separate tax exemption will place Israel in a better
position to solicit, qualify and receive grants from
private foundations and the government. In many
instances, federal, state and local governmental
agencies only make grants of public funds or enter
into contracts with nonprofit, tax exempt entities
which have their own identifiable exemption letter.
Invariably, grant programs require applicants to
furnish specific evidence of the applicant’s tax exemption and verification of such exemption can be
quickly done by the donor when the applicant’s
name is specifically referenced in IRS Publication
78.
Forming a separate nonprofit organization
(e.g. Community Development Corporation) will
make Israel’s community oriented activities (e.g.
food /clothing distribution; affordable housing;
daycare; youth programs; economic development)
more attractive to a broader base of potential contributors. Because corporations have a wide range
of stakeholders – shareholders, senior executives,
customers, and employees – they are often sensitive to making grants to programs with solely religious content for fear of alienating these key constituencies. Some funding groups are even prohibited by their bylaws from making grants to religious organizations. Foundations and corporate
funds typically want to support programs that
benefit the broader community.
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
The Under Shepherds Ministry
BY
REV. DARRYL BURTON
During the November 2009 Church Conference, I made a presentation concerning the development of the Under Shepherds Ministry. This ministry, also known as the Class Leader system, is designed to stimulate the vitality of the congregation
by watching over the members, assuring that their
spiritual needs are addressed, and work cooperatively with the pastor. This Class Leader system is
not new to the Methodist church, but was originally
implemented by the Father of Methodism, John
Wesley.
To help us understand the history of the
Class Leader system or what Wesley called, ”The
United Societies,” Wesley was met with a lot of opposition when he started out as a preacher, primarily
because he was preaching the gospel, but had not
been ordained by the Anglican Church. Wesley was
concerned for the welfare of the congregation and
believed that the office of clergy was corrupt and the
Anglican Church was uninterested in calling people
to repentance. Therefore, Wesley needed houses by
which he could preach the gospel and call people to
live worthy of being called children of God. Out of
this, became Wesley’s Class Leader System.
He thought it was important to stay connected to the community by establishing small
groups. Today, the Christian Methodist Episcopal
(CME) Church recognizes these standards through
what is known as the General Rules. The General
Rules can be found in our Book of Discipline.
Wesley was so concerned about the lifestyle of
God’s people that he established these requirements
and petitioned people to examine their lives prior to
joining the societies. For example, Wesley listed
three areas that a person must adhere to:
(1)By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of
every kind, especially that which is most generally
practiced; i.e. taking the name of God in vain,
drunkenness, fighting, quarrelling, speaking evil of
the ministers, etc.
(2)By being kind and merciful and by doing
good of every possible sort, and as far as possible to
all men;
(3)By attending the ordinances of God,
such as: public worship / The Supper of the
Lord / family and private prayer / searching the
scriptures, and fasting or abstinence.
So now we have a glimpse into the importance of the Class Leader system. As discussed during the November 2009 Church Conference, the Class Leader will act as an extension
to the pastor, show evidence of the Fruit of the
Spirit, and be held accountable for those under
his/her watch.
Currently, the Under Shepherds Ministry
is working hard and has established a subcommittee to review the required training needed
for class leaders, examine the current membership list, and prepare for full implementation of
the ministry by August 2010.
We are excited at the prospect of what
God will do through this ministry. Like Wesley,
every person is important to the body of Christ,
which is the church. This is only one of many
areas for which we can truly become a Beacon
of Light, in the Heart of the City, Guiding Souls
the Christ.
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Renewed Strength and a Sense of Unity
BY CAROL HELTON
The members of the Board of Stewards
met on Saturday, November 14, 2009 for a spirit
filled retreat. The day began with the Board having the opportunity to experience the culinary
skills of Steward Audrey Doman. Sister Audrey
surprised everyone by preparing a meal which
included grits, sausage egg casserole, fruit, rolls,
juice and coffee. The delicious meal got the retreat off to a great start and once the fellowship of
sharing a meal together was complete the session
for the day began.
Sister
Doman, under
the direction of
Chair Spooner
Underwood was
the facilitator for
the retreat and
opened the planning session with
a prayer and
song of
praise. Following the review of
the agenda,
Steward Carol Helton led the Board in an ice
breaker exercise to help members focus their
thoughts on the vision of the church. Members
were given the task to spend 100,000 dollars on
the church by identifying five things they would
address. Each item had to have a dollar amount
and at least one item had to address a ministry of
the church. The primary focus of the exercise
was to help Stewards build upon their individual
thoughts to become a unit of one.
Following the exercise, Pastor Helton
shared a presentation entitled "Christian Stewardship: Running With a Vision." Pastor challenged
Board members to be prepared for the journey
and not lose sight of the vision. He stated when
we lack true vision, we begin to lose sight of
where we are going and how we will get
there. The Pastor concluded by asking each
member to examine the four vision levels of spiritual stewardship. The levels included wanderers,
followers, achievers, and leaders. The Pastor
stated he believed as Stewards we should be
leaders and allow the vision of our church to become the energy behind our every effort.
As a result of the Pastor's challenge and
presentation, Steward Tyrone Cartwright led the
Board in a conversation on the topic of
"Improving the Spiritual and Financial Posture
of Our Church.” Stewards were given the task
to use the acronym SWOT to describe the
church. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses,
opportunity, and
threat. Strengths
dealt with Board
members identifying the attributes
of the church
which would help
us achieve the
vision. Weaknesses were centered around
things that were
harmful. Opportunity dealt with
conditions that were helpful, whereas threats focused on conditions that could do damage.
Following all presentations, the Board
focused their energies and engaged in stimulating fruitful conversations. Steward Alan Petty
challenges the 12 members present to become
passionate and study the book "The Ships that
Sail us From Good to Great" and provided each
member with a copy of the introduction. The
day ended with each member stating what they
were thankful for and making a commitment to
pray and fast for the success and support of the
vision of the church. Following the closing
prayer, led by Pastor Helton, Board members
rejoiced at the conclusion of the day and left the
retreat feeling revived with renewed faith and
sense of unity.
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Sister to Sister
BY AUDREY DOMAN
The Sister 2 Sister Conference has been
reborn! The event was held on a very rainy Saturday, October 17,2009, but it did not dampen
the spirits of the 170 registrants who braved the
elements.
The day opened with song, praise and
testimony. The Israel Praise Team set the tone
for the day with their melodious sounds. But the
testimony of Rev. Theresa Lee and Sister Michelle Clark brought tears to our eyes as they
both spoke of God’s power of deliverance and
sustainability.
Rev. Sharita Seawright led the workshop
Living with Purpose. The focus of the sessions
was to address the spiritual health of women as
we deal with the daily activities of stress, disappointment, sickness, and grief and how these issues can help or hinder our purpose.
Sister Joyce Brooks Kelly led the session,
Made for More, Body and Soul. She explained
the need for taking care of our body and our
spirit. She gave helpful healthy diet tips and
fabulous exercise routines to get the blood circulating at all ages.
Rev. Thomasine Portis talked of Walking
in Love. She let us know that despite our circumstances, God loves us and will sustain us.
Rev. Michelle Parker worked with our
youth. Her theme was: What Color Is Your
Bracelet? And since this writer didnot qualify as
a youth, I have no insight into this thought provoking topic, but if the enthusiastic reaction of
the young ladies was any indication, the workshop was a resounding success..
The conference came to a close with one
last session entitled, The Service of Joy. Rev.
Debyii Thomas’ topic, was Unsuspected Divas.
Divas are generally wellknown as opera and
classical singers, or prima donnas whose musical
range and abilities often leave us in awe of their
great talent. They are generally successful and
wealthy, and sometimes noted for their generosity and commitment to the needs of othes by
making great contributions to their favorite charities.
Singers such as Patti LaBelle, Dionne Warick, Aretha
Franklin, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey come to
mind.
However, sometimes God chooses unsuspecting divas to reach out to those in need. They are divas
who do the things of God. and inspire others to believe
that they too can achieve. Godly Divas see the good in
others and are ready to do whatever is needed. Godly
Divas have victory in their hearts.
Rev Thomas said “Somebody is watching you
while you are sacrificing, giving encouragement, exending a hand, or praying for your enemies.
Rev. Thomas said that you too can strut your
stuff and do your Diva Walk in Jesus’ Name.
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Sister to Sister
9
Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Happy 98th Birthday, Mr. Swann
BY JIM BRYANT
Mr. James Swann is a well
respected and loved member of Israel Metropolitan
C.M.E. Church. We probably know or know of Mr.
Swann because of his service as an usher over the
past 20 plus years standing
watch at the entrance to the
sanctuary.
Mr. Swann will tell you that he is a shy kind
of guy who has very little to say in unfamiliar social
circles. But I recall very animated friendly banter
over the years in the kitchen early Sunday mornings
before 8 am. Services and at other times among a
few seniors who included Mr. Swann, Mr. John
Faucett, Mr. John Gantt and Mr. Grover Dean.
These gatherings were at once hilarious and instructive as they embodied the warm brotherly bond
shared among these brothers.
I spent some time recently with Mr. Swann
for a deeper insight into his outward serene persona. I found him to be a very sharp and engaging
gentleman , able to recall incidents in his life as if
they happened yesterday, and mind you, he celebrated his 98th birthday on September 27, 2009!!
Mr. Swann was born in Evarra County,
Texas on September 27, 1911. His mother passed
when he was 3 years old. He lived with his grandparents until they died and he and his brother went
to live with his father. The grandparents of Mr.
Swann on both sides were farmers, the Swann’s and
the Carroll’s. There were chapels and schools on
both farms Swann Chapel and Carroll Chapel respectively. One of the properties even included a
Masonic hall.
Mr. Swann’s father was a minister and presiding Elder in the A.M.E. church and no doubt this
is where his spiritual connection was cultivated
early on as a youngster.
He attended elementary school on the farm,
graduated from I.M. Terrell High School in Fort
Worth. He joined the Army on December 7, 1942,
trained as a medic and served 3 years two months
and one day. After mustering out Mr. Swann
worked for the Veterans Administration in Ft.
Worth. He was always fascinated by the nation’s
Capitol and began to send out applications for jobs
here. Mr. Swann worked for 2 years for the Secret
Service before transferring to the Defense Department where he worked for 19 years and retired
from the CIA after working there for 5 years. Now
you didn’t hear that from me because officially he
didn’t work there. Just the kind of job to have for a
guy who doesn’t talk much.
Through the years Mr. Swann attended
several churches, but his first real affiliation was
with Turner Memorial AME Church where he was
a member for 35 years. However, on March 17,
1987, Mr. Swann decided to join his wife Gerri’s
church at Israel. He served on several boards including the ushers, stewards, trustee’s and participated with the Young at Heart Club. Mr. Swann
and his wife Geraldine traveled to Hawaii and
Paris laughingly telling me that he passed on less
interesting trips.
Time has given Mr. Swann a vantage point
over history that most of us shall never experience
observing many positive changes and advances
socially and technically. But,
Mr. Swann said the one that
stands out most is the gradual
break down of segregation and
other social ills. The capstone
of it all was the election of
President Barack Obama. The
one thought or legacy Mr.
Swann would leave is; “Do
unto others as you would have
them do unto you. Do good,
help others, treat people right.
Never live a selfish life.” I will
say amen to that. It is a pleasure and an honor to highlight a
very small area in the long and
illustrious life of one of our
elders.
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
A Tapestry of Devotion
BY GERRI BARNES
Mrs. Mildred
Palm is originally from Alabama, but most
people will say
she’s from Chicago. Actually,
when she was
very young, she
had to be raised
by an Aunt and
Uncle in Chicago following
the death of both her parents in Alabama. She often speaks of her brother; but actually, he was the
only son of her Aunt and Uncle. Her biological
brothers, who were several years older than she,
went their own way back in Alabama. Since her
upbringing in Chicago, her life has been a tapestry
of devotion, deep family ties, entrepreneurship,
long lasting friendships and a type of service
which is rarely matched by others. Yet Mildred
Palm stays quiet, observant and thoughtful. And
yes, she has a smile for everyone.
Mrs. Palm refers to her uncle as her
“father,” so for the purpose of this article, he will
remain her “father.” She gives him and his wife
complete credit for her protected and loving upbringing. He was a Pastor, so she is very familiar
with and understands the work of the church. She
also understands what it is like to follow righteousness, given her father’s rules of curfews; and his
consistent encouragement to follow after God.
However, as a young woman she did meet
and marry a man who caught her attention and she
had a son. But their marriage was brief. Later, she
met and married Mr. Lorenzo “Ren” Palm. Together, they had a son and a daughter. Several
years later, this union ended due to the disease of
alcoholism; so Mrs. Palm resolved to raise her
children alone. She believes that the religious upbringing provided by her father and mother gave
her the strength and wisdom to become successful,
in spite of disappointing marriages. So she moved
on to Washington, DC.
Her life in DC was exciting. She opened a
Restaurant, called Jimmy’s, with the help of her
brother. It was located near 11th and H Street, NW,
where the Washington Convention Center is now
built. But she knew she had to hold on to the guidance of her father, so she joined Lane Memorial
CME Church in NE Washington. She later transferred her membership to Israel Metropolitan CME
Church where she has been an active member for
over thirty years.
In the course of these years, Mrs. Palm has
not only raised her own children and helped with her
grandchildren; she has been a dedicated foster care
mother. She nurtured many children, all of whom
had suffered some sort of trauma. Although she remembers them all, there were two; one who still
stays in contact with her and considers herself a
member of the family and the other,
The other child was born with a drug addiction. Mrs. Palm not only raised the child, but was
involved with the rehabilitation of the child’s
mother. She still worries that the child may never
have a normal life, but she pledges to continue to
help. Now that she is a senior citizen and has health
problems of her own, Mrs. Palm works with the Juvenile Court system as related to services for babies,
rather than raising them in her home.
For many years, Mrs. Palm has been an active Stewardess assigned to Board #4 as well as head
of the Altar Guild, a position formerly held by her
friend, the late Rebecca U. Hoke. Mrs. Palm says
that she will always be thankful for her “father,
“Rev. George Spencer Croom, and said, “I’m surprised I didn’t go into the ministry too. But my
daddy, he could sing; he could preach; and he could
pray.”
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Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Dr. Jerry West, a Self Starter
By Charlotte McConnell
Seldom are the words
“renaissance man,”
strategic thinker, genius (perhaps) used in
describing an African
American male; and,
certainly not in relation to a humble, hard
working musician at
Israel Metropolitan
CME Church. These
certainly were not the
images I had in mind as I arrived for my interview
with Dr. Jerry West. However, as we talked, that is
what emerged.
Dr. West’s childhood, like many others
growing up in, as he described it, “a dysfunctional
and somewhat impoverished family, was difficult.
And, he explained that “those experiences shaped
and formed my world view and my passions,”
The father of four and grandfather of six, Dr.
West and his wife Vanessa have been married for
thirty-four years. Their family is a mini United Nations, his sons and daughter- in- law represent several races and nationalities; and, he proudly shares
pictures from his laptop. He was licensed to preach
in 1999 and served as part of the ministerial staff at
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church.
“Being a part of an inner-city church is important to me, he said, and “I commuted from Centreville to Baltimore for many years for that reason.”
He discerned early that being a professional theologian was not for him. He feels that this was confirmed during a year of studying theology at the Dallas Theological Seminary.” He is very clear that his
calling is for the healing and restoration of families.
“The wellbeing and stability of my family
and other families impacted by unresolved brokenness is my primary passion,” he says. He feels that
he was called upon by his own father to end the generational curse affecting his own family. He explained that he and his wife provide a family minis12
try, “counseling first our own children and then
helping others to resolve their issues,” he added.
Dr. West describes his wife as “the family ambassador.”
Far from the ongoing discussion of contemporary music vs. hymns, talking with Dr.
West leads to a discussion of “meta cognition”
and “situational or advanced distributive learning”. See him for details. However, in simple
terms it refers to “having the information that is
needed, wherever you are, in an easy to learn format determined by your learning style.”
He is currently the Chief of Strategic
Planning for the US Joint Forces Command. He
holds a masters degree in Math from the University of Michigan and a PhD. in Operational Research (math and statistics) from George Washington University.
Music is a part of Dr. West’s DNA. He
has a brother who is a master organist and other
family members with musical skills. However, he
explains, “that except for early stints on the clarinet and other instruments in my elementary and
high school bands, I did not receive formal training in music.” He recalled that as a young boy
he would sneak out of our house and into a
church in the middle of the night and practice the
piano in the dark. “My aunt who raised me would
not allow me to play the piano at home,” he said.
Later, he was blessed to be in graduate school at
the same time as his brother who assisted him in
enhancing his skills on the organ.
Dr. West is also passionate about
“effective change”. He feels that Israel CME, like
his previous church, is on the verge of a breakthrough; and, he is excited about being a part of
what the future holds. He stated that “V. and I
have committed to working diligently to become
an integral part of the Israel fellowship”. They
clearly add value and blessings to the “Israel
Family.
Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
What’s Up With Black History At
Israel???
BY BARBARA JOHNSON-JONES
A lot!! We are planning a February 2010
White House Tour!!!
The Board of Christian Education, Black
History Committee (BHC) of Israel Metropolitan
CME Church is proud to announce a partnership
with the Association for the Study of African
American Life and History (ASALH). Specifically, we have partnered with the Bethel-Dukes
Branch of ASALH which will hold meetings on
the fourth Sunday at Israel. We believe this alliance will enhance our programs – and it will give
Israel members and the community opportunities
to learn more about Black history.
ASALH (www.asalh.org) was established
by Carter G. Woodson. The people that keep
ASALH going are historians, educators, and advocates of Black history. There is so much that we,
as a people, have accomplished, but many of the
BHC members feel that the information is going
into a vacuum; that there is not enough excitement
about our accomplishments. Therefore, the BHC
intends to fill up that empty space with meaningful
activities and programs that will attract not only
Israel CME members, but external entities. We
want the Black youth to be excited about their history – be excited about the autistic young man who
can create a detailed image of landscapes after one
view; or the young lady who went from homelessness to Harvard; or the Israel member who was
one of the first women to be in a Federal executive
leadership program. We plan to have Black history
trivia and crossword puzzles with prizes for winners. We also plan to distribute Black history facts
throughout the year.
In August 2009, BHC had a Book Review
Brunch. The discussion focused on skin-color. We
learned that skin color remains an issue within
some Black families; that some former slaves were
encouraged by Whites to marry lightcomplexioned Blacks “to better the Race,” and that
DC practiced a “color code” within the Black community.
We plan to have a discussion next year
about Blacks in the Bible, led by Rev. Dr. Ricky
D. Helton!
The Black History Theme for 2010 is The
History of Black Economic Empowerment. The
word “empower” means (1) to give authority to
somebody or (2) to give somebody a greater sense
of confidence or self-esteem. So, if we have a history of economic empowerment, then we should
take pride in knowing that many of our ancestors
had a greater sense of confidence or self-esteem.
Maybe we forgot about the people in our families
who have made significant economic strides.
With the 2010 theme, ASALH is celebrating the National Urban League which was formed
in 1910. The Black History Committee expects to
share information – and programs – that will incite
both pride in, and remembrance of, a strong Black
people.
We are asking for your participation and
support along with your ideas.
13
Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Book Club Discussion
BY CHRISTOPHER MCKNIGHT
On Saturday August 15, 2009, "Having
Our Say" the popular book by the Delaney Sisters
was presented for discussion at Israel Metropolitan
CME Church. With about 25 participants in attendance, we all enjoyed a lively and informative discussion on issues about race that were addressed in
the book and that still plague our community today. The discussion focused on differing treatment
and attitudes towards blacks of fair-skinned complexions and blacks of darker-skinned complexions.
Those in attendance shared stories and life
experiences of times when they had to face issues
among blacks concerning skin color. Participants
expressed their attitudes and explored why the is-
sue is rarely addressed openly. The audience was
able to gain an appreciation of everyone's individual
struggle with their own skin color and the negativity
that may have been forced on them because of their
skin color.
The consensus of the group was that skin
color was often inflicted by family members. and
left emotional scars that rarely healed. And because
the home is the arena were much of the damage is
done, the negative impact of such treatment rarely if
ever is dealt with.
While the group agreed that the issue was
very complex, they felt that it should be left in the
past and that all complexions should be embraced
equally.
Sommerville Scholarship
Amongst the many
notable events occurring
at the Christian Methodist Episcopal Convocation was the presentation
of the Barbara Hoye
Sommerville
(BHS)
Scholarship to Rheana R.
Henderson of Israel Metropolitan CME Church.
Accepting
the
award, on behalf of
Rheana was her Pastor, Reverend Dr. Ricky D.
Helton, and Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt and First
Lady Mrs. Ocie Hoyt of the Seventh Episcopal
District.
Interested in learning more about the
scholarship? Read on...
Applicants for the BHS scholarship are
evaluated on two letters of . Students must show
participation in church and community activities,
as well as academic transcripts, acceptance and
proof of registration in an institution of higher
learning, and a personal essay.
In order to be a candidate for the BHS schol-
arship, a student must be a graduating high school
senior, who has a parent, grand-parent, or legal
guardian who is a ministers’ spouse of the Seventh
Episcopal District of the CME Church.
The BHS scholarship award alternates each
conference year between the New York-Washington
Region and the North Carolina Region. Funds for
the BHS scholarship are made annually with an offering, on the fourth Sunday in April, for Barbara
Hoye Sommerville Observance Day.
Overjoyed and filled with gratitude to be the recipient of the Barbara Hoye Sommerville Scholarship, Rheana has made good use of the award-payment toward tuition! As her parents, we are
grateful for the covenantal role Israel has played in
the spiritual growth of our daughter.
Mr. Kevin Henderson, Sr.
Rev. Yvette Henderson
14
Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Initial Sermon
BY YVETTE HENDERSON
On Sunday, September 13, 2009, at Israel Metropolitan CME Church, the relatives,
close friends, colleagues, and church members
of Kayeem Richard Thomas gathered for an
evening worship service.
For wife Monee and daughter Zion, after
preparing for weeks this was a day of excitement. For father and mother, Reverend Weldon
and Marilyn Thomas, after witnessing their five
year old preach a two-minute sermon, the day
of confirmation had finally arrived. For Pastor
Reverend Dr. Ricky Helton, the
day had arrived that he would
introduce not only an accomplished poet and writer, but also
a bourgeoning young scholar.
For on this day, Brother
Thomas would deliver the watermarks of a sermon that was
not only heard and received, but
would blow a certain sound, a
sermon spoken with authority.
(Proctor, The Certain Sound of
the Trumpet Crafting a Sermon
of Authority, 26-27)
Thomas blew the trumpet
gaining the attention of his listeners, by first highlighting the
reputation of two iconic figures
in the entertainment industry,
namely Michael Jackson and
Chris Brown. Thomas stated amongst controversy of Jackson’s death, the title “drug addict”
may be added to his reputation; and for Chris
Brown who was found guilty of beating girlfriend and songstress Rihanna, now has tarnished his reputation in just one night.
Thomas then transitioned from the reputation
of two public figures of our current day to the
reputation of Jesus, a very public figure in ministry during Biblical times.
Thomas blew the trumpet using the authority
of the Biblical text. Thomas explained how the
ministry concerns plagued by Jesus, in Mark
8:27-31, regarding his reputation were very
much captured in the question that Jesus himself posed to his disciples “Who do they say I
am?” Thomas answered the question, by informing his listeners that Jesus reputation was
discussed amongst the inhabitants in the town
of Caesarea, the crowds that gathered to hear
Jesus preach, amongst the demons, his disciples, and with regard to God the Father.
Thomas blew the trumpet to be heard. In the
reception hosted by the
Thomas’ family after the
service, brother Roy Hines
with cane in hand walked
past my table. I asked
brother Hines, “What were
your thoughts on the initial
sermon of Kayeem Thomas?” He responded, “I
enjoyed his first sermon,
and I was glad to be there
to hear his first sermon as I
was present to hear the first
sermon of his father.”
Brother Hines, ninety-three
years of age, was the trustee chair when Reverend
Raymond Williams was the
Pastor of Israel Metropolitan CME Church.
Thomas blew the trumpet so that the sermon was received. On September 28, 2009, at the Quarterly Conference,
presided by Reverend Dr. H. Patricia Jones.
Israel members voted to license brother Thomas
a local preacher within the Christian Methodist
Episcopal Church. Brother Kayeem Thomas
blew a resounding trumpet sound that was
heard, received, and spoken with authority!
15
Fall 2009
THE ISRAELIGHT
Israel Metropolitan
CME Church
557 Randolph Street NW
Washington, D.C.
Web Site:
http://www.israelcmd.org
The Hand of God
He knows whenever your heart aches,
And everything seems to go wrong;
He’s with you when the shadows
Need clearing away with a song;
He feels when you are lonely,
Tired, discouraged and blue;
The Hand of God is ever there
To guide and shelter you
God’s Song
There are times when we, too,
try to play the chords of our
lives and prevent Our creator
From making beautiful music
We reluctantly take our
hands off the keys.
He sees you when you are tempted,
And your mind grows dizzy and dim;
He cares when you are weakest
And furthest away from Him;
He grieves when you have fallen,
You are never lost from His Sight;
The Hand of God is ever there,
In the darkest hours of the night.
Our lives won’t produce
Beautiful music unless we
Let him work through us,
He supports you when you’re weary,
His love can keep you strong;
He’s always there to help you,
To watch over you, one of the throng;
When you need His friendship so holy,
And long for His presence so true,
The Hand of God is ever there
To shield and strengthen you!
Submitted by Minnie Buncombe
God has a symphony
Written for our lives,
Let us allow Him to
Have His way in us
Submitted by Marian Dade
16