I notice with dismay that the 15th Episcopal Planning is to be held on the 25th and the 26th. According my understanding this will be over the period of Pentecost. Does leadership not take this into cognisance ? Does these pastors not celebrate the important 10 days of prayer ? Will will be in charge of their pulpits while they attend to church matters ? Is the Spiritual being exchanged for matters temporal ?

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2001

Answers

Perhaps I do not understand your question. However, although these dates come after Ascension Thursday, they are still during the Season of Easter as Pentecost (the 50th Day) occurs on June 3. Secondly, as no Sunday is involved I don't understand what effect this will have on the pastors not being at their churches. While we recognize the Christian Calendar, the A.M.E. Church is not a strict Liturgically Bound Church and finally, I fail to see how a meeting which involves an entire Episcopal District--both clergy and Lay--would not enhance, rather then impede, the prayer life of that district.

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2001

Firstly, I would like to say that it is a MidYear conference not a Planning Meeting. It is unfortunate that the date is such because many people will have to leave home Ascention day to arrive timeously. This Conference is in my home town therefore I will not miss my Penticostal Services.Thank God. I do not think that the spirit of our leadership was to undermine the spiritual.

-- Anonymous, April 09, 2001

Most of this is not directly related to your question. Our congregation observes Pentecost by the wearing of red and the message is usually related to Acts 2 or the power of the Holy Spirit in some way.

However, some years ago, when Bishop Anderson was in the "terrific Third", he established an annual "Festival of the Holy Spirit". I don't recall that it was necessarily at or near Pentecost, but the meetings/serivces were tremendous - some of the best that I've attended. The emphasis was on the Holy Spirit as a Person and as a force in our lives.

-- Anonymous, April 10, 2001

My experience with Bishop Ingram at the last Annual Conference was that he depends very heavily on the Holy Spirit for direction. Maybe the question that ought to be asked is was the Bishop informed of the way that Pentecost is celebrated in South Africa with its ten days of prayers. I know that the Bishop tries very hard to impress on the people not to take any step without consulting the Holy Spirit for guidance. Coming from near and far will have an effect that ministers will be from their charge for at least three days.

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

This should be discussed in private with the Bishop. Remember that all of our rituals and even our prayers should not be perceived as a duty or task but a response to the moving of the Holy Spirit and true worship. First, see what God requires of us. Remember how many problems Jesus had with the Pharisees and Scribes who were so intent on keeping the traditions and letter of the law. Blessings

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, April 11, 2001

Surely, there must be a reason why the meeting of the 15th Episcopal District takes place then. With the kind of leadership of Bishop Ingram, who is known for his spirituality, that must be another moment of spiritual enrichment and empowerment of the district. Remember, also, that will around the time of celebrating the 7th anniversary of freedom day in South Africa.

The 19th District had its Mid-Year Session this past Monday, which was followed by the dedication of the Wilberforce Community College, on Tuesday. In these events - remember that they occured during this revered week - both Dr George Flowers and Bishop John Hurst Adams, the Director of Global Witness and Ministry and the Senior Bishop of the Church, respectively, were the notable speakers. There was spiritual upliftment taking place for those who cared to be there.

I can't agree more than you Pastor Paris.

-- Anonymous, April 12, 2001

The Joint Midyear Conferences of the Cape, Eastern Cape, Kalaharai and the Queenstown were indeed a blessing to attend. For the 1st time in history were we united at such an historic date. A full report of the Joint Midyear has been posted to REv. J Fisher for publication on the AME Today

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001