The love of the A.M.E church is boundless! I often think of Richard Allen and his ability to forgive those that harmed him and to focus on the love of Christ as his lifeblood to build our great denomination. These reflections were particularly poignant today as our church celebrated our move to our new worship location. Mountain View Care center. This facility is a long care and short term rehab. And the residence worship with us on Sunday. I am so grateful that our mission statement tells us to go to the nursing home for the people there are often forgotten. Today was a day of joy as residences said Amen, and were hugged. One lady who is 101 said she could not believe the young people wanted to talk to her. Many smiled when I told them our Bishop, Bishop Bryant sends his regards and is praying for them. And at that moment when I shared the story, one alheizmer patient, remembered he was Lutheran and he too had a Bishop (he is 90.) No other church has come to make a home there is the long history of this facility. Now the A.M.E is showing it's love by providing comfort to all regardless of color or life circumstance. It is the liberating message of hope, inclusivity, kingdom building, and love that can strengthen all of us to continue the work of Richard Allen. As we begin this new church year, please share some of the activities that your church is doing. May the love and protection of our lord and savior fall down upon all who read this board.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001

Answers

Praise God for the uplifting of his Kingdom on Earth

Dear Rev. Denise

Praises to God for this great news. May God Continue to Bless You, your congregation (both spiritually and physically)and your vision of Ministry.

Blessings

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments.

It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing -- Life forever more." Ps. 133

I am glad to learn that your ministry is a life-giving influence on the members of the residence home as you learn and share together.

Sincerely,

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

I want to thank all of you for your kind words! As you know I am new to this denomination. It is so wonderful to be in a denomination that expects clergy and laity to do outreach ministry. It is wonderful to have a Bishop who understands rural ministry and supports it. Often times in other denominations if one wanted to do nursing home ministry or even meet in a nursing home. A proposal would have to be written presented to a committee, voted on and another report would then be written. But the A.M.E church has an emphasis on a liberating theology, one that commands us to go to the poor, the nursing homes and prisons. Because of this I know we will have an impact of tremendous proportions in this world. I am so proud and happy to be in a denomination that gives us the freedom to present the gospel message of hope to all who need to hear it. Our AME mission statement is powerful! Does anyone know when it was written and do you know who wrote it?

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001

It's wonderful to see your excitement and enthusiasm in our great Zion. To answer your question start with A.M.E. publishing house and trace back to the first discipline. At every General Conference there are records of changes and additions to the Discipline. I pray you find your answer. God Bless

-- Anonymous, September 10, 2001