NATIONAL BLACK PRESBYTERIAN CAUCUS Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

NATIONAL BLACK PRESBYTERIAN CAUCUS Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Spring 2008 Volume 1, Issue 2 Heritage …200 Years of rich history Recorded and Livi...
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NATIONAL BLACK PRESBYTERIAN CAUCUS Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Spring 2008

Volume 1, Issue 2

Heritage …200 Years of rich history Recorded and Living Lost, stolen, neglected, ignored Imbibed, reclaimed Corrected, Embellished, Cherished. Still our history.

Witness 200 years of struggle, affirmation and growth 200 years of building coalitions and defying the odds.

Hope A periscope to view another 200 years A panoramic view of God’s work that is yet to be done A paraclete to engage and comfort the spirit A paradigm of sustained hope A pilgrimage of faith An eclectic view of God’s transformation in our history An ecclesial view of God’s transforming grace in faith communities…

Excerpts from Heritage, Witness and Hope,” a choreopoem for three voices; written for the 200th Anniversary of Organized African American Congregations in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); written by Bettie J. Durrah

The Spiritual Refugee Ricky Porter The spiritual refugee in the African American community is “analogous to those who have been uprooted or have left their spiritual home in search of a new one, generally because they have been persecuted. They seek refuge from persecution in another place and are in need of security, safety and comfort.” This statement is from Archie Smith’s significant work, “Navigating the Deep River.” I acknowledge it as a sociological truth sorely and egregiously ignored by Black Presbyterians (BP’s). In my opinion, BP’s could be at the front of the line in addressing the needs and concerns of spiritual refugees in the African American community. Our so-called middle class status and allegiance to our quintessentially white upper middle class mainstream denomination should give us some advantageous possibilities for being in true partnership with our brothers and sisters who have been forsaken. Why? Because of the economic abundance, socio-political connections and theological/educational commitment to the sixth great end of the church “the demonstration of the kingdom of heaven on earth.” However, we seem to be closeted conservatives who, like traditional religious Americans, are beleaguered by phobias, which prevent us from being what Martin Luther King advocated “the minority of transformed nonconformist.” And this is a crying shame before God almighty. Let us not be ignorant about who the spiritual refugees are. They include, but are not limited to, gays and lesbians, pregnant teenagers, and those who have been pushed out of the Black Church because of patriarchal power conflicts and those who have been left out because of “sexual and/or spiritual abuse.” And dare we forget the largest population in the multi-billion dollar prison industry complex in America, African American men. Where do they go when they finally get released? How many Black churches do you know have a program for helping Black men coming out of prison to assist them with a semblance of normalcy? And do you know of any such program amongst BP’s? The answer to the latter question is almost assuredly a pitiful no or probably not so. As W. E. B. Dubois lamented in A Litany at Atlanta, “Doth not this justice of hell stink in Thy nostrils, O God?...” It seems to me that some of the most shunned spiritual refugees in our community are those who are ignored, neglected and maligned with HIV or AIDS. In the December 2007 issue of Essence we are reminded that African Americans represent an estimated 50% of people newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Where is the Black Church in America and where are Black Presbyterians? Perhaps they are worshiping in their hallowed sanctuaries? Perhaps they are gathered in their pretty Presbyterian Women circles or a laissez faire Presbyterian Men’s group? Perhaps they are active in session ministry committees planning the next building project? All in all, preservation of the status quo is the ubiquitous result while the spiritual refugee ask where is the ministry of Jesus. Lest we forget, “Jesus went all over Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the Good News about the Kingdom, and healing people who had all kinds of diseases and sickness.” (Matthew 4:23 GNB) If this is what we are about where we gather, then the spiritual refugees in our community will have a home. Ricky Porter, D.Min, is the pastor at Washington Street Presbyterian Church, Dublin, GA.

Editor’s Note: Readers are invited to submitted article, editorials of no more than 300 words on topics related to spirituality, evangelism, mission, leadership, ethics, theology, diversity and other general topics of interest to our readers.

“STAY THE COURSE” Otis Artis Smith, Chair, Membership Committee

“Stay the Course”, our 2008 Membership Campaign Theme, is inspired by three factors: One, Paul’s letter to the Church at Corinth (1Cor. 15:13-14) when he urged the people – “Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” Two, the perceived threat by any new methods and modalities; Three, previous caucuses that urged us to, Recruit, Respond, Revive and Rejoice! The Caucus in our heritage, but it is also our right and privilege. The Book of Order (Articles of Agreement 8.2) guarantees full participation and access to representation at every level of this great church. For many years God has been using the Caucus to right the wrongs in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). The work has been slow and tedious because some African-Americans thought we were trying to separate ourselves. No, that is not the case! Who spoke up for us when our black academies, schools and colleges were closed, and the money was used for other pet projects? Does your chapter have a voice, seat and vote on your presbytery’s general council? Does the regional chapter have a representative on Synod’s Council? Does the national chapter have a voice, vote and seat on the General Assembly Council? If not, these positions ought to be our 2008 objectives. Since NBPC is membership driven, we need your 2008 membership and the contributions of our Institutional Mission Partners immediately. I am convinced that in 2008 we shall be challenged as never before and God is calling on all of us to, “Stay the Course”. (I welcome your direct response or letters to the editor)

From the Desk of the Membership Administrator… Greetings to all, Our 2008 membership campaign has kicked off, and we’re off and running for the goal of 1,208 for 2008. I hope by now you have received your 2008 membership form. Here are a few tips about the forms: Tip #1 Please Print Clearly This suggestion very important so that all information is recorded in our database correctly. Tip #2 Fill in all the blanks. If you are unsure about what Chapter and or Region you’re in, send me an email, and I will provide that information for you. We want to also make sure the Chapters and Regions are getting the proper credit. Tip #3 Status Change. If your information from last year has changed ( i.e.: name, home address, email address, etc.) , please email your corrections and or changes to the national office to be updated. Please call the national office if you have any questions about your membership. Remember to visit our website at www.nationalnbpc.org Thanks for your continuing support. Beverly Reeder, NBPC Membership Administrator P.O. Box 37041 Charlotte, NC 28237-7041 Phone: 866 929-2333 Email: [email protected]

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE Check out our website which is in the process of being upgraded. Our website can be found at the following address: Website: www. nationalnbpc.org

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHAPTER HOLDS 40th ANNUAL MEETING: --Leon Fanniel

The NBPC-Southern California Chapter (formerly the Black Advisory Committee), comprised of 11 churches, 129 paid members, and 10 Institutional Mission Partners, initiated the joyous celebration of forty years of ministry (1967 – 2007) at its Annual Meeting on, Saturday, January 12, 2008 at the Bel-Vue Presbyterian Church, Los Angeles. Highlights of the meeting included the following: ƒ

An inspiring message by the Gregory Bentley, new President of NBPC.

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An update on the New Church Development started October 2007 in Orange County (Presbytery of Los Ranchos) by the Organizing Pastor,

Chineta

Goodjoin. This New Church Development is the first African-American NCD started in the Synod of Southern California and Hawaii in more than 30 years. This project is a joint effort of the So. California Chapter and the Presbytery which is also a NBPC Institutional Mission Partner. The following are 2007 ministry highlights presented in our Annual Report: ƒ

The Lydia McDonald Academy for Ministry Committee, the leadership development component of the Chapter, sponsored two (2) training events for Elders and Deacons; Clerks of Session Training (a joint project with the Presbytery of Pacific); worked with the So. California Campus of San Francisco Theological Seminary and the H. Eugene Farlough Institute in the area of congregational and leadership development; submitted a two year grant proposal ($75,000.00) to the General Assembly’s Restricted Funds Committee. to equip pastors of predominately African American churches in the five Western Area Synods in emerging new forms of biblical teaching and preaching in the African American context for a 21st century society.

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Provided specialized consultative services and workshops to presbyteries and NBPCSC churches including work with an Administrative Commission and an Administrative Task Force.

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Sponsored a “Katrina Mission Work Group” (9 participants) under the leadership of . Harold E. Kidd in partnership with the Presbytery of South Louisiana, February 4-10, 2007

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Black Presbyterian Women of So. Calif. shared its participation in a multicultural project with teen-age girls.

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Constituted the Pastors’ Council which meets throughout the year to share concerns, express resourcing needs which are usually implemented by the Academy for Ministry, and provide input to the Chapter.

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Held the Annual Service of Celebration with special recognition of Isaiah Jones’ Music and Ministry. More than 400 persons from across the Synod and other denominations gathered for this tremendous musical and fundraising event.

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Our leadership team includes:

Arthur C. Ross, President; N’Yiserla Watts-

Afriyie, Vice President; David M. Morris, Secretary; Leon E. Fanniel, Treasurer; Mark S. Jones, Sr., NBPC-SC Coordinator.

A copy of our 2007 Annual Report with greater details is available upon request ([email protected]). We are excited about what God is doing through our So. California Chapter. To God be the Glory. FACTOIDS • African Americans represent an estimated 50% of people newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. • African American males continue to bear the greatest burden (the rate of reported cases); black men were nearly 7 times higher than white men and more than twice that of black women. • African American women (were) 20 times that of white women. • Among youth aged 13 to 24, blacks accounted for 61% of all new HIV diagnoses. • African Americans represent approximately 13% of the U.S., population, but represent 40% of all deaths among people with AIDS in the U.S .to date. Reprinted from Essence, December 2007

Congratulations to: •

• • •

Diane Wright has recently joined the staff of the Presbytery of Salem as African American Advocate. Gregory Bentley recently traveled to Israel. Many African American Presbyterian pastors were part of the top leadership in the Obama Campaign in South Carolina. Elmwood Presbyterian Church, Newark, NJ, was featured in an article by the Presbyterian News Service, “One church, three locations.”

NORTHEAST REGION PLANS CELEBRATION Dorothy Washington, Moderator, Northeast Region, NBPC

The regular meeting of the Northeast Region that takes place in April will be a celebration of the phenomenal people and events that have taken place in the northeast over the years. This Region has much to be proud of through its witness and service. Regional leaders are also using this time as an opportunity to push for membership and more active participation in, not only the Region, but within the chapters. The Northeast Region is proud of its past and is looking forward to an exciting future. The meeting will begin April 11, 2008, with evening worship at the Capital Presbyterian Church, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where Michael Wilson is the pastor. Immediately following the service, there will be an exciting, informative, interactive session planned by .James F. Reese. Saturday morning, April 12th, the morning will begin with worship/Bible Study, followed by a brief business meeting. Workshops will then be the order of the day. At the inspiring and exciting luncheon, we will recognize some of the living giants in the Region as well as those that have gone on to a greater reward. We invite and encourage all to attend this wonderful event and learn more about the Northeast Region because you will be hearing more about it in the future. In an attempt to make the gathering affordable for many who will have to travel, we are keeping the registration fee at a minimum cost of $25.00. Affordable hotels are located in the area. To obtain further information, please feel free to email or call any of the following persons: Dorothy F. Washington, Moderator James Reese [email protected] 201-837-8015; [email protected] Michael Wilson [email protected]

Judith Jerry [email protected]

NEWS FROM THE SOUTHEAST REGION OF NBPC Richard Dozier/Robert Capers/Alonzo Washington

The region is having a great time experiencing reorganization, transformation and the joy of organizing new chapters. Since it last convocation in July of 2006, the Steering Committee has met quarterly with one spiritually-endowed vision: To build a set of connections that encourages and promotes strong, resilient, and effective Black Churches. The Steering Committee has vowed to do this through building trust, demonstrating integrity, having veracity, being trustworthy and making decisions with caucus members involved. The region has taken actions that are particularly significant in that they will make the Southeast Region stronger, more efficient, effective and financially more stable as they are implemented. In the first instance the Region is holding a gathering in conjunction with the Black Pastors Conference during uneven years when National is not meeting. The Steering Committee and the leadership of the Black Pastors Conference will meet and plan how to structure the joint gathering. Secondly, the Steering Committee adopted a line item budgeting process. This arrangement makes for more efficient management of financial resources. Thirdly, the committee approved an action to develop a manual of operations for the region. The manual sets forth procedures for all activities of the region. This resource will enable the region to maintain continuity as new leadership comes on board. This year’s Regional Convocation is planned for July 18-20, 2008, in Jacksonville, Florida. The theme for this year’s event is “Reclaiming Our Hope for the Future”. The Convention sites are the Holiday Inn Airport and Woodlawn Presbyterian Church. Planned workshops are: 1) Growing a Healthy Church, 2) An Overview of PCUSA’s Polity, 3) Conflicts We Face in our Churches, 4) Mission (With and emphasis on the Sudan) and 5) Youth and Their World. Other events include a worship and fellowship service on Friday evening at The Woodlawn Church and the Lawrence Bottoms Banquet on Saturday evening at the Convention Center. Several Awards will be given at the Banquet on Saturday evening. Registration information about the Regional Convocation may be obtained by calling 843.889.3290.

The Southeast Region seeks to make PCAAY a Synod-wide program One of the successful programs of African-Americans, post reunion, is PCAAY (Presbyterians Concerned about African-American Youth). It came into existence some thirteen years ago when African-American youth in South Carolina did not experience very rewarding retreats and events that the Presbyteries provided. In some instances they were not even considered as active participants. PCAAY started conversations with youth advisors and pastors of Black Churches and they planed retreats with emphasis on the particular needs and issues of African-American youth. It has worked well for well over a decade.

The Black Pastors’ Conference, that meets annually, has asked the Region’s Caucus to make one of its priorities, expanding this program in some form across the Synod in order that more of our youth can participate. Sessions looking for meaningful, participatory and spiritually enriching conferences for young people to be involved in should let their local Chapter know of their interest. Chapters will pass this information on to the region.

THE SOUTHEAST REGION’S ENDOWMENT FUND

Otis Turner and the late Cornelius Campbell shared their vision of how the Southeast Region could change its financial situation in the future by starting a permanent endowment fund. They involved Mary Porter and the late John Sharp in their vision of what an endowment fund could do for the region. Today that vision is a reality with a growing endowment for the region with the Presbyterian Foundation. Today the principal of the Southeast Region Endowment Fund has exceeded $30,000. Fund Raising for the endowment is serious and intentional everyday. That is precisely what the Southeast Region’s Steering Committee is seeking to do, grow that endowment. The endowment fund is a permanent fund. That means the principal can never be spent. The region will receive income from the endowment. But the Principal will always be there for the benefit of future generations. The endowment is managed by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation whose reputation is impeccable.

The regional newsletter, The Torch, is one project that will be underwritten by income from the endowment. The Board is making a concerted effort to increase the level of the endowment so that other programs can be underwritten by endowment’s income. As the lyrics of the NBPC theme song reminds us, “We are building up a new world.” As we face the future, we must stand tall and be strong We can do it; and we will do it.

PURPOSE OF THE SOUTHEAST REGION FROM ITS NEW BYLAWS

* To work to achieve the goals of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. * To work for full and equal participation of Black Presbyterians within the Southeast Region in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U..S..A.). and the society at large. * To promote the spiritual, cultural, social and economic growth and development of Black Presbyterians in the Southeast Region. * To recognize, speak and act on racial justice issues and other issues that impact Black people in the Southeast Region.

NBPC AFRICAN CONNECTION 134 OAK BEND DRIVE, STOCKBRIDGE, GA 30281

We are Otis and Earline Smith. We were Presbyterian Volunteer Missionaries to Malawi, Africa in 2003. We returned home in 2005 due to the illness of Earline’mother. We have been invited to return, but we do not have the funds for travel and support. WE NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Our first mission was sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), but this time, according to Jon Chapman, the Presbyterian Church does not have the funds to send any additional missionaries on the field. WILL YOU HELP US? Dr. Henry Kirk, (Vice Chancellor) has invited us to join the Faculty and Staff of the Livingstonia University. Yes, we accepted his invitation with the faith that God would make a way for us to return in August 2008. WILL YOU SUPPORT US? We represent the African Connection of the NBPC, the Malawi Mission Network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and Otis is a minister member of the Presbytery of Northeast Georgia. We would welcome an opportunity to share our ministry with you in person. WILL YOU SPONSOR US? Thanks for giving us your special consideration. Otis A. Smith

Earline F. Smith

------------------------------------------------------------(YES) WE, I WILL SUPPORT YOUR MINISTRY WITH $_________AND PRAYER (NO) NOT AT THIS TIME, BUT WILL ADD YOU TO (OUR) (MY) 2009 BUDGET PLEASE COME AND SHARE YOUR MINISTRY WITH US AT ___________________ DATE___________TIME________. For more information: 770-474-5626(O) or 706-288-6483© [email protected] Contributions to: NBPC AFRICAN CONNECTION-134 Oak Bend Drive, Stockbridge, GA. 30281

CELEBRATIONS •

Dorothy Seabrooks and James Shirley were honored February 16, 2008, at the Second Annual Pioneer Award Dinner Celebration held Detroit, Michigan . It was sponsored by the Michigan Chapter, National Black Presbyterian Caucus. James Foster Reese was the keynote speaker.



When the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta met recently at New Life Presbyterian Church, College Park, Georgia, some of the commissioners ate their lunch in the Henry Highland Garnett Room; James H. Robinson-Katie G. Cannon Room; E. Valeria Murphy Room. Orientation for new commissioners was held in the adjourning Calvin Houston/Ed Grider and Lucy Craft Laney Room. Toni Griffin-Fields, president of the Atlanta Chapter, NBPC, coordinated the presbytery meeting. Lonnie Oliver is the pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church.



Edler G. Hawkins, first African American moderator of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church, would have celebrated his 100th birthday, June 11, 2008. The New York City Chapter will is celebrating his witness and service at its April Recognition Day Program.

• •

The Pittsburgh Chapter, NBPC, has established the Coleman/Patrick Scholarship Fund, in honor of Robert Coleman and Leroy Patrick.



As an outgrowth of the Pittsburgh Chapter, NBPC, the Henry Highland Garnett Society was formed in 1999 to honor the first pastor of Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church. Henry Highland Garnett, born a slave, became an abolitionist and active member of the Underground Railroad in New York and Philadelphia. The Garnett Society recognizes outstanding citizens of Pittsburgh who exemplify the life and witness of Henry Highland Garnett.



The City of Pittsburgh and the State of Pennsylvania proclaimed Sunday, February 16, 2003, as Henry Highland Garnett Day. At that time, portions of Iowa Street and Ewart were renamed Henry Highland Garnett Boulevard. Grace Presbyterian Church, thus, is located on the street named for its first pastor.



The Southeast Region, NBPC published its first newspaper, The Torch, this fall. Alonza Washington is the Regional Coordinator.



Norm Hatter is an associate pastor for congregational care, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, Dunedin, Florida, and he is serving as the Stated Clerk, Presbytery of Tampa Bay.

BLACK PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WILL MEET IN BEAUTIFUL LAKE TAHOE, JUNE 27-29, 2008

Black Presbyterian Women of Northern California will feature Bettie J. Durrah, Moderator of National Black Presbyterian Women. She is an elder, Radcliffe Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia.. The retreat will be held at the Presbyterian Retreat in Zephyr Point, seated at the edge of the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe, Nevada, Friday June 27 – Sunday, June 29, 2008. The

theme is “God’s Grace is sufficient! The retreat will be spiritual rewarding, educational, informational and certainly, inspirational. It is open to all women and teens. Teens 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or adult. To secure space, contact one of the following: • Lorraine Provost, Moderator of BPW, Northern California at 510 569-9351 or [email protected] • Joan Alston, Retreat Chairperson at 916 689-0554 or [email protected]. The cost for the retreat including meals is $230.00. The $100 deposit needed to secure your space is due now..

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE • • •

Earl McClendon, Southern California Ann Henderson Thornton, Northeast Georgia J. Jerome Cooper, Pennsylvania

218TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY The 218th General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will meet in San Jose, California, June 21-28 , 2008. You may register online by clicking pcusa.org/GA218. Look for some of the following activities of interest to NBPC: • • • • •

Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary Luncheon, Wednesday, June 25, 2008, 12:00 noon – 2:00 p.m.($40.00) McCormick Seminary Luncheon, , Wednesday, June 25, 2008, Deborah F. Mullen, one of the presenters ( $21.00) Union Theological Seminary-PSCE Luncheon, Wednesday, June 25, 2008, Brian Blount, speaker Worship, Friday, June 27, 2008, Diane L. Givens-Moffett, preacher. She is the pastor, St. James Presbyterian Church, Greensboro, North Carolina, 1:30 –2:15 p.m.

CALLING FOR THE ORDER OF THE DAY An invitation has gone out for individuals to participate in the Calling for the Order of the Day: Pedagogies of African American Presbyterians –Implications for Theological Education, May 5-7, 2008, sponsored by Union Theological SeminaryPSCE, Richmond, Virginia. This inter-seminary gathering is being held in tandem with the inauguration of Brain K. Blount, the first African American to serve as president of Union Theological Seminary-PSCE. Conference coordinators are Marsha Snulligan Haney (Professor of Missiology and World Religions, ITC, Atlanta), and Katie G. Cannon, Annie Scales Rogers Professor of Christian Ethics, Union-PSCE. The conference marks the first time that African American Presbyterian faculty members and other interested persons will gather to discuss theological education. Participants will have the opportunity to think critically with African American theological educators about strategies for identifying, recruiting, and training the next generation of effective and informed ministers to serve the Black Church community. For additional information, contact Katie G. Cannon (804) 278-4331 or [email protected].

DATES TO REMEMBER • • • • • • •

Northeast Region, NBPC, Harrisburg, PA, April 11-12, 2008 African American Network Conference, Charleston, SC,, April 16-19, 2008 New York City Chapter, NBPC, New York City, April 27, 2008 Calling for the Order of the Day Conference, Richmond, VA, May 5-7, 2008 Black Presbyterian Women of Northern California, June 27-29, 2008 African American Youth Conference, Prairie View, Texas,, July 16-20, 2008 Southeast Region, NBPC, Jacksonville, Florida, July18-20, 2008

THANKS… NBPC offers its thanks to the Office of Black Congregational Enhancement, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for its valuable support of our mission and ministry.

YOUR NEWSPAPER This publication is your newspaper! Please share news about your caucus, region, congregation or individual members. Articles should be between a 250 and 300 word count. Send information to the following address: Bettie J. Durrah, editor ([email protected]) P.O. Box 92252, Atlanta, Georgia. 30314 The deadline for the July 2008 issue is May 30, 2008. Your will find copies of the newsletter on the website as well.

African Proverbs One who has family and friends is not caught in the darkness of the road. The teeth are smiling, but is the heart? Eyes which have met have established relationships. We know the face, but we don’t know the heart. Talking with one another is loving one another. Unless you call out, who will open the door? Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. When you pray, move your feet. When spider webs unite, they can tie up even an elephant. For the sake of the rose, the thorn is watered. Quarrels can end, but words spoken never die.

QUOTABLE QUOTES “Myth, history and faith agree; people can change.” --Mercy Amba Oduyoye, Beads and Strands

“Bring your thinking self to the church.” --Cheryl A. Kirk-Duggan Shaw Divinity School, Raleigh, North Carolina

“Every generation has its red carpet icons.” --Renita Weems

“One extra degree of effort can rejuvenate a church.” --Reginald Tuggle Memorial Presbyterian Church, Roosevelt, New York

NATIONAL BLACK PRESBYTERIAN CAUCUS P.O. Box 37041 Charlotte, North Carolina 28237-7041

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Dear Members of NBPC, Grace and peace to you in the strong name of Jesus Christ. During this Easter season we rejoice in the resurrection of our Lord even as we anticipate the pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Openness to and participation in these seminal events (and not just empty ritual) can be transformative in the life of our congregations and of the Caucus. It is my prayer that during this “between” time we become more open to being an embodiment of the risen Christ as we witness to the reign of God in the church, home, community and world. May the peace and wisdom of Christ be with you. In His Service, Gregory J. Bentley, President

NATIONAL BLACK PRESBYTERIAN CAUCUS P. O. Box 37041 Charlotte, North Carolina 28237-7041