#International Chaplain Ministry

[lboogie1906]

Pastor Charles Decatur Brooks (July 24, 1930 - June 5, 2016) studied theology at Oakwood College. He edited Oakwood’s yearbook. He married Walterene Wagner (1952-2016). They had a daughter and a son.

He was a pastor of several churches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Ohio. He was the field secretary and ministerial secretary for the Columbia Union. He toured the eastern US preaching, training ministers, evangelizing, and notably, breaking down longstanding racial barriers that had persisted in the church.

He became one of seven general field secretaries for the Seventh-day Adventist World Church. He represented the church around the globe, preaching and conducting evangelistic campaigns on six continents. Listeners of all races, nationalities, ages, and backgrounds were captivated by his powerful, riveting, and eloquent sermons, and cassette tapes of his messages were reproduced by the thousands.

He became speaker-director of Breath of Life Ministries. Breath of Life Ministries conducted successful evangelistic campaigns in dozens of US and international cities. Breath of Life began airing on BET, reaching ninety million people per week.

He was speaker-director of Breath of Life Ministries (1974-97). He was a leading evangelist in the era when an unprecedented number of accessions contributed to the demographic shift of Protestant Christianity to the global South.

He spoke at President Ronald Reagan’s religious inaugural celebration, received an honorary doctorate from Andrews University, and was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. Board of Preachers and Collegium of Scholars at Morehouse College. He participated in Net ’95, the most extensive evangelistic program in Seventh-day Adventist.

The Bradford-Cleveland-Brooks Leadership Center was established on the campus of Oakwood University. He was appointed chaplain of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. His preaching gained new life on social media and video and audio-sharing sites on the Internet. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[thxnews]

King Approves New Bishop of Exeter

The King of England has given his approval for the nomination of The Right Reverend Mike Harrison as the new Bishop of Exeter. Currently serving as the Suffragan Bishop of Dunwich in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Bishop Harrison is set to succeed The Right Reverend Robert Atwell, who recently retired from the post. The momentous announcement coincided with the celebration of Devon Day on June 4, 2024.  

Introduction

The appointment of Bishop Harrison marks a new chapter in the rich history of the Diocese of Exeter. With a strong background in mission, evangelism, and engaging with youth, he brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the role. As the spiritual leader for the Anglican community in Devon, Bishop Harrison will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Church in the region.  

A Spiritual Journey

Mike Harrison's path to becoming the Bishop of Exeter has been marked by a diverse range of experiences and a deep commitment to his faith. After completing his undergraduate studies in Mathematics & Statistics at Selwyn College, Cambridge, he worked as both a Management Consultant and a Social Worker in London. This unique blend of analytical thinking and compassionate service laid the foundation for his future ministry. Answering the call to serve, Mike trained for ministry at Oxford and began his clerical journey as Assistant Curate at St Anne and All Saints, South Lambeth in the Southwark Diocese. During this time, he also pursued a PhD in Doctrine at King's College, London University, further deepening his theological understanding.  

A Heart for Mission and Ministry

Throughout his career, Bishop Harrison has demonstrated a keen focus on mission, evangelism, discipleship, and cultivating vocations. As Chaplain at Bradford University and Bradford and Ilkley Community College, he also served as Diocesan World Development Advisor and completed an MA in International Development Studies at Bradford University. This global perspective has undoubtedly shaped his approach to ministry and his understanding of the Church's role in the world. As Vicar of Holy Trinity, Eltham in the Diocese of Southwark, Bishop Harrison also served as Rural Dean of Eltham and Mottingham. In 2006, he moved to Leicester Diocese as Director of Mission and Ministry, further honing his skills in leadership and pastoral care.  

A New Chapter for Exeter

Bishop Harrison's nomination as the Bishop of Exeter comes at a significant time for the Diocese and the county as a whole. As Devon Day celebrations on June 4th highlight the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the region, the Church of England also recognizes the importance of spiritual leadership in fostering community and promoting the common good. With his wife Rachel, an Occupational Therapist, and their four adult children by his side, Bishop Harrison embarks on this new journey with a sense of purpose and a commitment to serving the people of Devon. As a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers, a beekeeper, and a baker of cakes, he brings a well-rounded perspective and a genuine love for life to his new role. As the 10 Downing Street announcement on Devon Day underscores, the appointment of Bishop Harrison represents a new era for the Diocese of Exeter. Building upon the legacy of his predecessors, including the recently retired Bishop Robert Atwell, he will undoubtedly leave his own mark on the spiritual landscape of Devon.  

A Legacy of Faith

The Diocese of Exeter has been blessed with a long line of distinguished spiritual leaders, each contributing to the rich tapestry of faith in the region. The last 10 Bishops of Exeter, spanning over a century of service, include: Bishop Years of Service Robert Atwell 2014-2023 Michael Langrish 1999-2013 Hewlett Thompson 1985-1999 Eric Mercer 1973-1985 Robert Mortimer 1949-1973 Charles Curzon 1936-1948 Lord William Cecil 1916-1936 Archibald Robertson 1903-1916 Herbert Edward Ryle 1901-1903 Edward Bickersteth 1885-1900   Final Thoughts As Bishop Harrison takes up the mantle, he stands on the shoulders of giants, ready to lead the Diocese of Exeter into a new era of faith, hope, and love. With his unique blend of experience, compassion, and vision, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the spiritual life of Devon and beyond. The King's approval of Bishop Harrison's nomination is a testament to his character, his dedication, and his potential to lead the Church of England in Exeter with grace and wisdom. As the diocese embarks on this new chapter, the people of Devon can look forward to a future filled with spiritual growth, community engagement, and the enduring message of the Gospel.   Sources: THX News, Wikipedia, Catholic Hierarchy, Visit Mid Devon, Devon City Council & Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street. Read the full article

[caleebw]

Interview with Bishop Aretha Morton

Bishop Morton is the Pastor Emeritus of the Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral in Wilmington, Delaware and serves on the College of Bishops as the Delaware State Bishop for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. She is regarded as a trailblazer for women in the ministry.

During the ceremony, Bishop Morton was honored by members of her church, as well as by dignitaries from across the state who took time to pay tribute to her service. Bishop Morton was honored with proclamations from the Mayor Mike Purzycki’s office as well as by the City of Wilmington. Also in attendance were Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Attorney General Matt Denn, and State Representative Helene Keeley.

In 1983, Bishop Morton made history as the first female to pastor a Baptist church in Delaware. She also became the first female and the first African-American to be appointed Chaplain of the Wilmington Fire Department in 1983. She has spent her life serving the community in Delaware. During the ceremony, she was described “not as a hidden figure, but as a rare gem” in the state of Delaware.

“I don’t know what I’ve done,” said Bishop Morton of receiving the honor. “I just do what I do.”

Since 1998, Delaware Technical Community College's Stanton and George Campuses have been celebrating Black History Month by honoring a member of the community for his/her outstanding personal and professional achievements. The College selects individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and have made an impact on improving the quality of life throughout the State.

Photo Caption: From L-R: Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, State Representative Helene Keeley, Bishop Aretha Morton, VP & Campus Director Dr. Kathy Janvier, Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark Brainard, Assistant Campus Director Dr. Lora Johnson

[edgarofmconv]

Reflection

During the summer of 2022, I had the opportunity to do the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) at Swedish Hospital in Chicago, IL with four other chaplain interns during the endtail of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was an exciting time of bringing God to the patients but also a time of uncertainty because of the still very present illness which we were trying to be careful with. After a few days of orientation and shadowing the hospital chaplains, my fellow chaplain interns and I were sent out into different parts of the hospital with our own roster to visit patients and offer spiritual assistance.

After our morning hudle in the Spiritual Care Department's Office and distributing the rosters to the chaplain interns, and preparing ourselves spiritually for the day, we all went our seperate ways to begin meeting with the patients. That day I had been assigned to visit the patients on the north building who were in the recovery stages and were preparing to receive, or were already receiving, physical and occupational therapy so that they could go home. I made my way over to visit the patients and offered to pray, talk, and listen, and, most importantly, just to be present for them.

I came across a patient who stood out to me for several reasons. As I looked at my roster, I noticed her name (for this purpose we will call her Joanne), she was in her sixties, and her religion was Lutheran. Okay, so now I knew a little bit of who she was, and so I was a little wearisome as to how I would pray with her because I had never really learned about the Lutheran tradition or spirituality. So I wanted to be cautious as to what I said and how I said it. I said a prayer before going into her room, took a deep breath, took the handsanitizer, and made sure my (surgical) mask was on correctly...and I knocked on the door and asked for Joanne.

I heard her Joanne's voice as I opened the door, "Come in!" "Good morning, Joanne! I am Edgar a chaplain intern" (We were trained to say that right away since we wore white lab coats and many times patients believed that we might be one of their doctors.) I asked her how she was doing and started with small talk. We shared a little bit about ourselves. She told me she was doing well although she had just had surgery and her children had not visited her since being in the hospital for the past week. Yet, in telling her story, she seemed to have a joy in her voice. It made me wonder how she could be joful in the midst of so pain and trials, but soon I heard it. She was grateful to God that she was alive and well after her surgery.

And so in the midst of the conversation I offered if she wanted to pray and so we did. I prayed with her, we gave thanks to God for the success of the surgery, asked for her continued recovery, and asked for blessings on her and her family. As I finished the prayer, she said to me, "okay, now it's my turn to pray for you." I was happily surprised that she offered, and quickly said, "please do." Joanne prayed for over me and blessed me, asking God to be with me in my ministry during that summer and as I continued my studies as a religious.

Our conversation lasted longer than I had originally expected. When I was going into the room I didn't think that I would have anything to say to Joanne, or that I would have an "agenda," yet God provided something different. God gave me the opportunity and the blessing to recognize that I, too, can learn from those I minister to, I can receive a blessing from those I minister to, and I am in no shape or form better or above them because I am minister of God, but rather I am to walk with and alongside of them. In this experience of humility, I was able to recognize, through Joanne, that each person is an image of God and together we are called to praise give glory to God.

[johnhardinsawyer]

Can these bones live. . . right now?

John Sawyer

Bedford Presbyterian Church

3 / 26 / 23 – Fifth Sunday in Lent

Ezekiel 37:1-14

John 11:1-45

“Can these bones live. . . right now?”

(Lord, You Know)

Even though he was not very tall, Zeke Palnick was a giant of a man when it came to his wisdom, intellect, example, experience, and love.  Born in Montreal, trained as a Rabbi, he moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in 1963, in the wake of the Little Rock Nine’s integration of the city schools and just in time for some of the most turbulent years of the civil rights movement.  As a leader in the community, Zeke helped integrate the city’s social clubs and welcomed black people into the Jewish synagogue.[1]  Zeke attended Ku Klux Klan rallies to write down the license plate numbers of attendees and he blasted white parents who sought to establish “Segregation Academies” – private schools where the student body would stay “lily-white.”  Zeke was always speaking up for the oppressed and the outsiders.  And the members of Zeke’s congregation understood that all of his actions in the community were based on the example of the biblical prophets.[2]  I guess it helped that Zeke’s full name was Elijah Ezekiel Palnick.

When I first met Zeke, in the summer of 2000, I just knew him as my neighbor.  We lived in a duplex, side by side, in northern New Mexico.  I was a green seminary intern Protestant Chaplain and he was a skilled veteran Jewish Chaplain with years of ministry experience under his belt.  In the evenings, we would sit on the front porch together – Zeke, his wife Irene, and I.  Zeke would pack his pipe full of tobacco and tell stories from the past – stories of standing up for what was right when it mattered.  We would laugh a lot, too, and talk about our work that summer, ministering to all of the participants at Philmont Scout Ranch, no matter what their religious affiliation was.  

I remember when Zeke and Irene celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary and I asked them what it was like to be married for forty-five years.  “Well,” Zeke said, with a loving glance over at Irene, “it just keeps getting better and better.”  And I remember the time that Zeke talked about today’s first reading from the Book of Ezekiel.  For the record, if your name is Ezekiel and you’re a Rabbi, then you might just know a few things about the Book of Ezekiel.  Anyway, I can remember Zeke looking out at a patch of dried-up prairie grass after a long and hot day, and saying something like, “Hmmmm. . . ‘Dry Bones’. . . That story will preach.”  

Both of today’s stories “will preach,” if we pay attention to them.  In today’s first story, the Prophet Ezekiel describes a particularly difficult time in the life of the people of Israel.  The city of Jerusalem has fallen to the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, and Ezekiel has been taken into captivity, along with some of the people of Judah.  Ezekiel and all of the surviving people of Judah have been brought low – experiencing great sadness, deprivation, and oppression.   As today’s first reading describes them, God’s chosen people – the whole house of Israel –  is no more than bones. . . dried bones lying in a valley.  “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely,” (Ezekiel 37:11) the people are saying.  God asks Ezekiel, “Mortal, can these bones live?”  And Ezekiel responds, “O Lord God, [only] you know.” (37:3)

In today’s second reading, a Rabbi named Jesus has a very similar interaction with a woman named Martha.  Martha – along with her sister Mary and brother Lazarus – are beloved friends of Jesus.  And when word comes to Jesus that Lazarus is sick, Jesus heads over to the town of Bethany (near Jerusalem) for a visit.  But, as the story goes, Jesus comes too late.  Lazarus has already died – laid “in the tomb [for] four days” (John 11:17) by the time Jesus arrives.  All of the friends and neighbors have gathered together to sit shiva with Mary and Martha – the traditional time of mourning in Jewish households.  But when Martha hears that Jesus is near, she gets up and goes out to meet him.    

I absolutely love the way Martha greets Jesus – not with a “Hello” or “So glad you could make it,” but with an almost accusatory, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”  (11:21)  This line perfectly encapsulates complete faith in Jesus and complete frustration with him.  “Jesus, I love you and believe you can do anything, but you really should have been here when we needed you!”  There are times in our own pilgrimage of faith when we might feel the same way about God – wishing, hoping, and praying that God would act in the particular way that we need God to act – but God doesn’t always work in this way.  This past week, I heard an old interview with Jimmy Carter, who said,

I think God always answers our prayers.  Quite often, God’s answer is “No.”  We don’t get what we ask for.  And then the obligation, if we have faith, is to find out – within ourselves – why.  Are we asking for selfish things or things that are unjustified?  Are our prayers in accordance with God’s will?[3]

In today’s story, Martha is trying to figure all of this stuff out – just like we will often do.  “Lord, if you had only been here. . .  Could these bones have lived – even just a little longer?  Can these bones ever live again?  O Lord, only you know.”  

One of the parts of today’s story that will often get quoted is when Jesus says, “Your brother will rise again.”  And then Martha says, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.”  And then Jesus says the famous line:  “I am the resurrection and the life.  Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.”  (11:24-26)

It is important to note, here, that when Jesus tells Martha that her brother, Lazarus, will rise again, she takes that to mean that someday – at the end of time as we know it – Lazarus will be resurrected.  The concept of bodily resurrection and/or life after death does not come up a lot in the Hebrew scriptures of the Old Testament.  But several hundred years before the time of Jesus – after the Babylonian exile (and the time of Ezekiel) – this begins to shift, and many – if not most – Jews (like Martha, and Mary, and Lazarus) came to believed in some kind of resurrection that would take place when God comes in glory.[4]  

In today’s text, though, instead of pointing to some day in the future, we find Jesus gently and lovingly correcting Martha, placing the resurrection, not in the future tense, but in the present.  “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Right now.  New Testament scholar, Karoline Lewis, writes:  

To anticipate and locate the promises of the resurrection only in a future life with God is counterintuitive to the Fourth Gospel [The Gospel of John]. . . This Gospel wants us to know that another way to imagine the resurrection is to make it synonymous with life here and now.  Jesus’ revelation that he is the resurrection and the life upends any and all expectations of our future lives as heaven or hell, some sort of get-out-of-jail-free card, or postponed grace.  Rather, the consequences of this final sign for the Fourth Gospel are that resurrection lay claim on our lives today. . . there is a palpable restlessness in the Fourth Gospel when it comes to making sure that abundant life with God is experienced now.[5]

In other words, when Jesus tells Martha, “I am the resurrection,” he is telling her that she doesn’t have to wait to experience God’s abundant life.  Of course, in today’s story, Martha doesn’t have to wait.  Jesus goes to the tomb, calls for Lazarus, and Lazarus comes out – alive. . . resurrected – an early sign of the resurrection that will take place with Jesus in just a short time on the first Easter.  But what the author of the Gospel of John is trying to get across to Martha and to us, is that there will be the literal bodily resurrection, someday, but there is also the new life – the resurrection life – that Jesus offers right now. . . not just to Lazarus. . . but to Martha, and to you and me.  

“Can these bones live?” God asks Ezekiel in today’s first reading.  Remember, God is asking Ezekiel about people who are very much alive.  Oh, the people might feel like they are dead.  You might remember that they feel like their bones are all dried up, and their hope is lost, and they feel that they have been cut off completely from God. . . not unlike Martha, and her sister Mary, and the people of the Village of Bethany who are all grieving the death of Lazarus.  Can these bones live – the bones of those who are all dried up with grief and a sense of great loss?  Feelings like this are not unlike feelings that you and I, and all people, share.  Can these bones live – the bones of those who are dried up with anxiety and depression, dried up with worry over an aging parent or a sick child?  Can these bones live – the bones of those who have lost hope in the face of a radically changing climate, or in the face of never-ending war, or in the face of injustice, or in the face of things never seeming to get better, or in the face of losing trust in the things that used to work but don’t anymore?  Can these bones live – the bones of those who feel cut off from God because they wonder and worry about their own worthiness, or they carry too much guilt, or are afraid of the doubts that keep them awake at night.  

Can these bones live?  Jesus is not just the resurrection and the life for Lazarus and all the saints who have died and have been laid in their graves.  But he is the resurrection and the life, right now, for Martha, and Mary, and the grieving people of Bethany, and the victims of violence in Ukraine, and those with terminal illnesses – all who are struggling, all who are having a hard time right now, even you. . . and me.  

You might be wondering what the resurrection and the life might look like right now.  Well, let us look back to Ezekiel in today’s first reading.  It is very interesting to me how God asks Ezekiel to prophesy – to say to the bones [say to my dried up people who have lost hope and feel cut off from me], “I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.  I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you. . . and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the Lord.”  (Ezekiel 37:4-6)

Hmmmm. . . Dry Bones. . . that’ll preach.  The resurrection and the life comes to the people in the form of hope, and encouragement, and the promise of new life, and the gift of faith.  The gift of the resurrection comes through the breath of the Holy Spirit – it is a divine thing, a holy thing – but Ezekiel (a mere human being) – is the one who speaks when all seems lost and God causes the bones to live.  

Yes. . . Dry Bones. . . That’ll preach. . . if you and I preach.  How will God give the gift of resurrection and life through you?  How will you speak – how will you prophesy to those whose hope has dried up?  How will you preach – perhaps not even using words – to offer the gift of encouragement?  How will you seek out ways to offer some other gift of grace, gift of life, gift of God’s presence with and for another person?  You might offer a word.  You might just offer a smile.  You might offer your tears – sitting with someone else and weeping, just as Jesus does – sharing God’s empathetic love.

Yes, we believe in a God who weeps with us – and with all who suffer – just as we believe that this same God, revealed in Jesus Christ, dies for us, rises again for us, and never stops offering resurrection and life in the present moment through the Holy Spirit who is always breathing new life, causing even our dried-up bones to live again, and again.  The life and love of God keeps getting better and better.

Can these bones live?  Yes. . . Dry Bones. . . Resurrection and Life. . .  That’ll preach.  May the good news our own resurrection and life – the resurrection and life that our ours, right now, through the gift of Jesus Christ – preach.  

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.  

-------

[1] https://www.lensingfuneral.com/obituaries/Rabbi-Elijah-Ezekiel-Zeke-Palnick?obId=43379.

[2] Mark Bauman and Berkley Kalin, ed., The Quiet Voices: Southern Rabbis and Black Civil Rights, 1880’s to 1990’s (Tuscaloosa: University of Alabama Press, 2007). 95 ff.

[3] https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/2023/03/07/1161622001/fresh-air-for-march-7-2023-jimmy-carter?showDate=2023-03-07. Scroll to 28 minutes and listen from there to find this quote.  

[4] Richard N. Longenecker, ed. Life in the Face of Death: The Resurrection Message of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1998) 94.  “Life, Death, and the Afterlife in Second Temple Judaism,” Richard Bauckham.  

[5] Karoline M. Lewis, Fortress Biblical Preaching Commentaries: John (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2014) 152.

[thewomenofwindsor]

Court Circular : 12.01.22

Windsor Castle The Duke of Cambridge, on behalf of The Queen, held an Investiture at Windsor Castle this morning.

The Queen was represented by the Very Reverend Professor David Fergusson (Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland) at the Funeral of the Reverend George Cowie (Chaplain to The Queen in Scotland) which was held in New Kilpatrick Church, Bearsden, Glasgow, today.

Kensington Palace The Duke of Cambridge, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, this afternoon held a Meeting of the Earthshot Prize.

St James’s Palace The Countess of Wessex today undertook engagements in Doha, Qatar.

Her Royal Highness, Global Ambassador, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, this morning visited Qatar Fund for Development, Laffan Tower.

The Countess of Wessex, Global Ambassador, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, afterwards called upon Dr Hanan Al Kuwari (Minister of Public Health).

Her Royal Highness, Global Ambassador, International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, later called upon Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani (Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Foundation).

The Countess of Wessex this afternoon called upon Lolwah Rashid Mohammed Al-Khater (Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at Park View Villas and met women who had recently left Afghanistan.

Her Royal Highness this evening attended a Women in Leadership Dinner at Qalamkarri, Banyan Tree Doha.

St James’s Palace The Princess Royal, President, RedR UK, this morning received Ms Joanne de Serrano (Chief Executive Officer).

[aiiaiiiyo]

Father Jerzy Aleksander Popiełuszko (09/14/1947 - 10/19/1984) - chaplain of the opposition Solidarity trade union in communist Poland. Killed on this very day by three agents of Security Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs [1230 x 1800] Check this blog!

[apenitentialprayer]

I’ve seen a couple of posts about Mychal Judge today; he was a Franciscan friar who worked as a chaplain for an NYC fire department, and is the first confirmed death of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He was known particularly, however, for his ministry to the homeless and for AIDS patients. He was admired for his personal warmth, love, and holiness. And with that in mind, I’d like to share how I know Mychal Judge best; a few years ago, I picked up a small booklet written by Salvatore Sapienza. It was an extended meditation based around a prayer that was very dear to Father Mychal, with a small chapter dedicated to each line and how Father Mychal tried to live out this prayer. I want to share that prayer now:                Lord, take me where you want me to go;                Let me meet who You want me to meet;                Tell me what You want me to say;                And keep me out of Your way. And I can’t help but wonder how much better the world will be, if we could all internalize this prayer.                On Father Mychal Judge, Lord have mercy.                Father Mychal Judge, pray for us.

[lboogie1906]

Suzan Denise Johnson Cook (born January 28, 1957) is a presidential advisor, pastor, theologian, author, activist, and academic who served as the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. She has served as a policy advisor to President Bill Clinton and the Secretary of HUD Henry Cisneros, a dean, and professor of communications at Harvard University, a professor of theology at New York Theological Seminary, a pastor at several churches, a television producer, and the author of nearly a dozen books. She was the first woman Senior Pastor in the 200-year history of the American Baptist Churches USA. She was raised in the Bronx, the younger of two children. Her father was one of the first African American trolley drivers in New York City before opening a security agency and her mother was a public school teacher in Harlem. She and her elder brother, who went on to attend Dartmouth College, skipped grades during their school years. She attended Fisk University before transferring to Emerson College, graduating with a BA in speech. She then earned a MA in educational technology from Columbia University. She received early experience in politics, helping her brother win a seat in the New York State Assembly. She earned another MA from Union Theological Seminary and a D.Min from United Theological Seminary. She is a graduate of the Minority Business Executive Program at the Tuck School of Business. She began a career in television, serving as a producer for several news affiliates in Boston, Washington, and Miami before entering the ministry. She earned her M.Div from Union Theological Seminary after being ordained. She then went on to become the senior pastor at the Mariners Temple Baptist Church. She became the first woman elected president of the Hampton University Ministers' Conference, a conference that represents all of the historically African-American denominations. She became the official chaplain of the NYC Police Department, a position which she held for twenty-one years, becoming the first and only woman to hold the position. She lives with her husband, Ronald, and their two sons. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence #deltasigmatheta https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn9X927La8a/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[lightseed-chaplain]

Hello, I was wondering what it looks like to pursue chaplaincy as a lay queer Catholic. What does getting an M.Div look like when you're not going to become a pastor? What did your route to becoming a chaplain look like? Sorry if this is a vague question, I'm just curious as a queer Catholic thinking about my options in ministry.

Hello dear one! I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to reply to this message - it’s been a full few days for me.

So, I firstly want to preface all of this by saying that hospital chaplaincy is, as a profession, a very unique space that requires a unique skillset. While there are some similarities, being a professional, board-certified hospital chaplain is a very unique process as compared to being a prison chaplain, college chaplain, police chaplain, etc. If you haven’t already, I STRONGLY encourage you to take some time looking through the websites for the Association of Professional Chaplains, the National Association of Catholic Chaplains, and the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. In sum, after your M. Div., you are then required to do a year-long Clinical Pastoral Education residency at a hospital, and after your residency you still need to work an additional 2,000 hours before applying for board certification (the process I’m in now, having finished my residency in August 2020) through either the Association of Professional Chaplains or National Association of Catholic Chaplains (or both, if you want to really go above and beyond). 

So, it’s a lengthy, challenging process - not gonna lie.

For me, getting an M. Div. was a fantastic experience. My divinity school had a diverse international body of lay students, religious sisters and brothers of many orders and congregations, and ordination-track students in the same cohort, so I studied, worked, and ministered alongside seminarians and priests throughout my M. Div. While there were no other openly-queer folx in my M.Div. cohort (besides my fiancé, lol, but that’s a different story...) there was a very solid community of us at the school in general (M.Div. students from other cohorts and folx in different graduate programs, such as MTS or PhD). We all met regularly for brunch, prayer, socializing, outings, educational presentations, and hosted a conference on queer theology once a year. (And, yes, this is a Catholic divinity school with an ecclesiastical faculty). 

During my M. Div., I did my first unit of Clinical Pastoral Education, which was an incredibly challenging but also fantastic experience. It felt like what I came to divinity school to do, the place where theology and spirituality could actually make a real, tangible difference in someone’s life at the darkest, hardest, most isolating moments. As scary and overwhelming as it was, it felt like my call to ministry - for now, and for this season in my life, at least.

At this point, the biggest potential hiccup in this process is getting endorsement from the Church, which is a necessary step in the board certification process. Since professional hospital chaplaincy in this country has historically been dominated by mainline Protestants (and still is, although this is changing slowly), most of the endorsement process is very much set up to privilege ordination as de facto endorsement, which makes getting certification as a layperson harder; even harder still makes trying to get endorsement as an openly gay, partnered Catholic. I am currently very much in the midst of navigating how I am going to go about seeking endorsement, as there are other routes for me to take if my bishop chooses not to endorse me. The Federation of Christian Ministries is an organization that folx have historically turned to for endorsement when they can’t get endorsement from their own institutions (for whatever reason, such as being a woman in a denomination that does not endorse women, queer in a denomination that does not endorse queer people, etc.). So, there are options for us lay queer Catholics to pursue ministry, even if, unfortunately, it means we have to do a lot more work than our cis-het peers.

As much work as all of this sounds, the biggest piece of advice I have to give you is this: just do it! I spent a lot of the first few months of my ministry terrified that the bishop was going to, I don’t know, find out that there was a lay ecclesial minister who was openly gay and partnered in his diocese, call the hospital, and... what? Get me fired? Tell me I couldn’t call myself Catholic anymore? Forbid me from taking patients Eucharist? Make my parish priest bar me from Mass?

The institutional and cultural homophobia in so many Catholic spaces can work into your psyche so deeply that it isn’t until you really stop an interrogate your own limitations that you realize that, actually, you can just do it. I applied to a Catholic divinity school with an ecclesiastical faculty and got in; I aced Canon Law; I spent two days writing and then orally defending my comprehensive synthesis exams; I wrote paper after paper on Christology, ecclesiology, Biblical studies, ethics, and Church histories... and no one stopped me. I ministered for a summer as a lay Catholic, and no one stopped me. I applied for a chaplain residency, got in, and spent a year ministering in the hospital as a lay Catholic, and no one stopped me. And I did all of this as an openly gay man.

The fact is, when I walk into a patient’s room, they rarely ask or even care what my sexual orientation is or what my religious identity is. They often ask something along the lines of “What church are you from,” but as chaplains we are trained to provide spiritual care to people of every spiritual tradition and people of no tradition at all. 

That being said, one of the most attractive things to me about hospital chaplaincy as a lay queer Catholic is that I do not work for the institutional Church. As I’ve said, being a professional board-certified chaplain requires seeking endorsement from one’s institutional church, and I certainly hope to receive such endorsement (even though I think it’s unlikely), but at the end of the day I am an employee of the hospital and skilled-nursing facility where I work, not an employee of the Church. Being a professional hospital chaplain is something that is open to everybody with the right training and qualifications, just like being a nurse, physician, or physical therapist. I know atheists and people who identify as spiritual-but-not-religious who are also professional chaplains. We are professionals with extensive training, education, and supervision, and while our personal religious and spiritual identifies are sometimes explicitly significant, the vast majority of the time they are not. 

Wow, that was a lot, but I hope I answered at least a few of your questions and gave you a few things to think about. I’ll be praying for you on your journey!

Blessings.

[caleebw]

Interview with Bishop Aretha Morton

ishop Morton is the Pastor Emeritus of the Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Cathedral in Wilmington, Delaware and serves on the College of Bishops as the Delaware State Bishop for the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International. She is regarded as a trailblazer for women in the ministry.

During the ceremony, Bishop Morton was honored by members of her church, as well as by dignitaries from across the state who took time to pay tribute to her service. Bishop Morton was honored with proclamations from the Mayor Mike Purzycki’s office as well as by the City of Wilmington. Also in attendance were Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, Attorney General Matt Denn, and State Representative Helene Keeley.

In 1983, Bishop Morton made history as the first female to pastor a Baptist church in Delaware. She also became the first female and the first African-American to be appointed Chaplain of the Wilmington Fire Department in 1983. She has spent her life serving the community in Delaware. During the ceremony, she was described “not as a hidden figure, but as a rare gem” in the state of Delaware.

“I don’t know what I’ve done,” said Bishop Morton of receiving the honor. “I just do what I do.”

Since 1998, Delaware Technical Community College's Stanton and George Campuses have been celebrating Black History Month by honoring a member of the community for his/her outstanding personal and professional achievements. The College selects individuals who have made significant contributions to the community and have made an impact on improving the quality of life throughout the State.

Photo Caption: From L-R: Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, State Representative Helene Keeley, Bishop Aretha Morton, VP & Campus Director Dr. Kathy Janvier, Delaware Tech President Dr. Mark Brainard, Assistant Campus Director Dr. Lora Johnson

[drdanielimperato]

Dr. Daniel Imperato - Dr. Daniel J.P. Imperato - Licensing and strategic partnering

Dr. Daniel J. P. Imperato brings over thirty years of experience in negotiating agreements for global distribution, joint venture manufacturing, retailing. He has a network of his worldwide relationships consisting of laymen, politicians and major financial players in local, effectuating national and global economies. 

Film & TV

Dr. Daniel Imperato has experience in film and entertainment both as executive director, as well as theme park devolvement and concept design. He also has written scripts and understands product placement and Hollywood to Bollywood as a whole. 

Speaker 

Dr. Imperato is a strategic thinker and expert global affairs strategists, as well as a professional and public speaker trained by a Zig Ziglar support team. 

Mr. Imperato ability to adapt to corporate speaker and increase shareholder and product awareness is a special talent he brings to the table and on the circuit for public relations. He has no fear of large audiences and direct questioning with no pre-form.

Humanities 

Dr. Imperato has tremendous hands on abilities and training with global business, religious and humanitarian matters.

As an honorary appointed doctorate in foreign affairs, inter religious dialog and humanities sets the stage. 

As well as a former Latin African Christian association chaplain, NYC regional police chaplain and an appointed friar. 

Dr. Daniel Imperato worked with the Japanese and their government identifying and building Japanese cross-cultural schools, as well as worked with the major players in china, Singapore and south east Asia.

Dr. Imperato was very involved with middle east business and politics, as well as E.U, Asia, S.A, central and LatinAmerica ., Africa , Russia, Japan, Singapore ,brazil Argentina and China. 

Dr. Imperato was responsible for developing business partners all over south central and Latin America.

As a responsible citizen and a Papal Knight with honors from the Vatican. 

Daniel J Imperato has done many things to help aid and better our country and the world.   

Being a strong activist for Africa, Daniel has selflessly dedicated his time to the African Center Foundation, a United Nations NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), where he served as a trustee. 

Daniel J continues to help others in need every chance he is required or appointed too. 

Political 

Dr. Daniel J. P. Imperato is was a Presidential Hopeful for the 2008 Presidential Election, as well as gubernatorial 2010 candidate of Florida. 

He has consider 2016 presidential race as well as senatorial run. 

Dr. Imperato political experience with running campaigns, strategies, compliances and ground work, as well as ballot access and strategic political thinking is far beyond most.

Political. 

Dr. Daniel Imperato was the grand prorate of the USA and Canada, as well as a Knight of the Order and Minister of Common Treasury and Foreign Affairs UN representative. 

Dr. Daniel Imperato has been awarded honorary doctorates for his self-taught schooling as Dr. of international affairs, inter religious dialog and humanities.

Daniel Imperato in 2004 was named Chairman of the NRCC (National Republican Congressional Committee) Honorary Business Council, composed of top business people from around the country.   

Dr. Imperato also received the NRCC Businessman of the Year Award, and was awarded a Ronald Reagan Gold Medal. 

Dr. Imperato has Politic lobbing experience local, national and foreign governments for policies, license requirements or political politicians support. 

Imperato is under consideration for 2020 presidential run. 

Regulatory & law 

Dr. Imperato’s knowledge of the judicial systems and the immigrations processes at Federal, State, Supreme and Foreign tribunals. His humanitarian aid procedures are commendable. 

His Advising and assisting with Children, families, visa’s, disaster relief, Mediator, 34 40 Acts, insurance law, Hoa rules and laws, contract law and Constitutional Law, as well as US Tax Laws. 

Dr. Imperato’s knowledge of US Laws, Cannon Laws and The Codices of The Order of Bonaria and Vatican City State are Relevant to the Code of Ethics in business matters understanding the customs and other aspects of doing business around the globe. 

He also has in-depth past experiences with the public markets and the mechanics of public companies having to deal with settlements with the SEC. legally unproven accusations against him and has gotten 80 percent of charges vacated to date.

He has never been in a court of law with a trail by hurry denied rights when claims were filed beyond and are barred by the statute s of limitations 

He has been a victim of a major loss and costly experience brings him first-hand experience that is priceless. 

As a responsible citizen and a Papal Knight with honors from the Vatican, Daniel Imperato has done many things to help aid and better our country and the world.   

Being a strong activist for Africa, Daniel has selflessly dedicated his time to the African Center Foundation, a United Nations NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), where he served as a trustee. 

Dr. Imperato was involved with world bank funding and proposing of building on line training schools in Africa, and understands the work with world banks and International monetary fund if required. 

Dr. Imperato is a leader for Judicial reform and fairness preserving and protecting The Constitution of the United States of America and other global democracies rules and regulations.

Insurance fidelity and D an O  

Dr. Daniel Imperato has acted a pro se litigator against the corruption of the courts and judicial tyranny when bias and prejudice appear as well as denial of constitutional right in order for the insurance companies n0t to pay ligament claims. 

Dr. Imperato brings an exceptional leadership visionary global hands on business religious and political experience with street smarts second to none with skill sets earned over many years of hard work in the global market place.

Invaluable for any corporation needing leadership experience and first education and knowledge of foreign affairs and working around the globe. 

Big or small both with benefit from his unique experience and ability to forecast and lead organizations into the 21st century. 

Awards 

Papal Knight Vatican City State, secretary of state 

Knight of Malta Coptic order, Grand Cross, Von Hapsburg, Austria and Alexandria Egypt 

Knight and Friar Orden Bonaria, Madrid Spain 

Grand prior, US Canada, Orden Bonaria, USA 

Minister common treasury, Orden Bonaria 

United nations representative, Orden Bonaria, NYC 

Latin American Christian association, NYC 

African center foundation Hiv/aids. Board member, NYC, Lagos NIGERIA 

New York State regional police chaplain NYC 

Licensed real estate sales person 

Former licensed mortgage banker 

Honorary 

Dean of Anointed by God Ministries University, NYC 

Doctor of Foreign Affair 

Doctor of Humanities 

Doctor of Inter-religious dialog  

Personal life 

Ex semi pro ice hockey player 

Martial arts competitor brown belt division 

Endurance fitness distance walking 

Natural healing 

Self-education& Righteousness

[a-queer-seminarian]

(not really a content warning but maybe content warning?) um head’s up, weird venting ahead! uhhh please do n’t rebl og this!

hey friends! ...can i call y’all friends? do i actually have any friends on this site??? .........anyone else wish they had more friends in this time of pandemic?

......i’m super sunburned from protesting for 5 hours and i think. it has made my brain woozy????

ANYway!! i’m really happy to say i’ve started my summer internship at my church in Alabama, from over here in Atlanta! since everything is online these days it’s possible for me to help virutally!!! it means a lot to me to get to connect to my home church, which i found while a lost little baby queer in undergrad. ....but i’m also scared that i’m going to fail them. gosh. i’m so nervous!!!

i believe i’m set to do about 20 hours of work per week and i’m just like. what if i don’t do enough??? and they’re counting on me!!!!!

i’m trying to remind myself that the stakes are not so high that if i fail the whole church will collapse or anything. it won’t even hurt me that much -- i am so. so privileged to have a wife with such a good job that she’s able to support the two of us on her paycheck.

,,,but i want to do good by this church. it’s such a lovely church.......even if part of me is like “gosh. y’all, get a dang twitter already so you know what the heck is going on in the world and don’t mix up ‘defunding the police’ with ‘abolishing the police’ already”

anyway. i could use some...prayers? advice? i don’t even know. just some love as i do my best to help this church.

because of the protests that are, thank God, exploding across the US, a large part of my job is helping facilitate some discussions on racism with this white-majority church. and i just want to do that well, because i do believe these folks will walk the walk if i can talk the talk with them, if that makes sense. it’s very much a church that shows up when called upon, which is more than some churches can say, so i am very proud of them.

but......gosh. what if i fail. what if i don’t do enough.

......meanwhile!! my fellow seminary grads have real jobs as actual pastors, and chaplains, and so on!!! and here i am freaking out over another low-stakes, low-income intern "job”. ........kinda pathetic.

again. gotta remind myself that ya know, “one spirit, many gifts” -- I’m autistic, and my progress in a world not made for me is not going to look like non-autistic, abled people’s progress. and that’s okay.

but i’m also like,. Damn! get a real job already!!

while also at the same time, the more session meetings and church groups i sit in on the more i’m like....i think i might actually lose all my very limited marbles if i were to be a full time head honcho pastor!! ....am i called to teaching/??? or.....nothing. oh jeeze the world won’t be very impressed by that no one takes my ~~~online ministry~~~ seriously

,....

me at everyone else: f!!k what the world says!!! your worth is NOT determined by what you contribute to capitalism!! you are worthy even if The World deems your societal input as “nothing”

me at myself: wow you suck for not being able to hold a job, i bet leah’s so sick of having to support you, i bet your parents think you’re a failure......

[caringheartccs]

From A Good Friend, to A Professional Pastoral Counselor, Hospice Chaplain &  Ph.D. Marriage Family Therapist Intern

Hindsight 2020: A reflective look at my journey to becoming a MFT Professional

I began my journey into the field of counseling very early in my life. As a pastor’s kid growing up was just different. My exposure to the Black church, Sunday School, and never-ending Bible Studies and church services that would never end, I learned so much about life and the world. I had neighborhood, church, and school friends that knew me by my nickname. Every Black kid in my town had one given to them by some family member(s). My friends were not many but what few friends I did have, would ask me advice about things they thought I knew something about. Sometimes, I knew and most times I did not. Honestly, I never thought much about it. But it kept happening beyond elementary and throughout my middle and high school experience. Listening to people’s problems when I had so many problems of my own became annoying by the time I reached college. Like in high school, I would often be shoulder girls I liked would cry on. One would think that would work to my advantage. It never did because I cared so much about helping them in their pain. I cared that they were wounded emotionally and wanted to help them through that moment. With no training but genuine interest and curiosity, I’d spend time with anyone in a crisis. Knowing that I would be perpetually placed into the friend zone with girls and used and forgotten by homies, I never felt unappreciated because these same individuals would come back to see me with new issues or problems consistently. I began to appreciate this gift when I was encouraged to take a job at a juvenile detention center in Smith County, Tyler Texas. One of my college professors at Texas College wrote a recommendation letter and encouraged me to interview for an intake officer job. My time there introduced me to professional counseling. After completing my bachelor’s in music liberal arts, I moved to Atlanta to go to Seminary. My first year back home, I was stopped in a Walmart by a young Latino man who had been watching me as if he knew me. He came up to me and introduced himself and informed me that he was considering suicide to escape the local gang he belonged to. He continues to explain that our conversation that night saved his life. He retold the encounter of that moment and I recalled every detail with pride for his development and ability to overcome that moment. I had wondered what happened to him after he left the detention center. His introduction of his wife and two children made me smile all the way back to Atlanta as I drove contemplating the impact I had on his life. I decided on the way home to pursue pastoral care & counseling. My professor recommended that I continue my training after graduating with a dual degree from the seminary. Eventually, I would realize that this was truly my calling. Twenty-one years later, I have been a professional pastoral counselor. I’ve worked in multiple hospitals, hospices and along the way, I was fortunate to find love with a beautiful woman who blessed me with three beautiful children. I also became a pastor have ministered and founded two ministries totaling 15 years of bi-vocational work. I became a community organizer and entrepreneur and today I continue to work on my professional development in the field of Marriage and Family Therapy as a Ph.D. candidate at North Central University. My concentration is general family therapy as I continue to work with individuals and couples struggling with Divorce, Breakups, and Family Separation. The purpose of this blog is to share my reflections about various relevant general family therapy and marriage and family resources, topics, and concepts that professionals are talking about and using to help our clients with their problems. I hope you enjoy this journey as I complete my MFT internship. I will also be journaling my reflections as I build my current practice Caring Heart Counseling & Consulting Services. I didn’t end up where I am by accident.  It has been a painful journey, but one, I wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world.  Simply put... I’ve come a long way and many of the stories I will share in future posts will allow my readers to share my current journey. Thank you for taking the time to share this experience with me.

Johnnie B. Porter M. Div., M.A.C.M., B.S., Ph.D. Chaplain

Caring Heart Counseling & Consulting Services LLC.

www.CaringHeartCCS.com 

[wutbju]

John Kenneth Gaydos, of Edmonds, WA, passed away at Swedish Edmonds Hospital on September 3, 2018, surrounded by his family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. 

Ken was born on January 13, 1939 in Chicago, IL to John and Eleanor (Hemings) Gaydos. Ken attended Chicago Public Elementary and Senn High School. He was recruited as a child actor for the KYB club on WMBI in Chicago when he was 8 years old and acted and sang for the next eight years. He went to basic training at Great Lakes Naval Station and then spent the next 2 1/2 years on the Destroyer USS Laws in the Pacific. After being discharged, he returned to Chicago and worked for ChicagoLand Youth for Christ and also became an apprentice undertaker. During this time, he met his future wife, Lois Conradt, at Edgewater Baptist Church, while she was a nursing student at the Swedish Covenant Hospital School of Nursing. They were married on August 10, 1963 at Kasbeer Community Church in Kasbeer, IL with Lois's father officiating. Ken enrolled and attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC through his Sophomore year in 1965, majoring in radio and TV communication. He worked as a news reporter for the NBC affiliate WFBC. Their daughter, Kristin, was born during this time in 1965. Ken was then hired to be director of the news department at KBBI, the radio station that Biola owned in LaMirada, CA. During this time, their infant daughter, Karen, was stillborn and Mark followed a year later. In December of 1969, Ken was hired to be director of the news department of the radio station that King's Garden operated, KGDN and KBIQ. Their daughter, Denise was born, followed by their son, Tim. Ken went on to become public relations director at SPU for four years. In 1981, Ken felt God calling him to start a missions organization and named it ICM, International Chaplain Ministry, with a chaplain branch called Support 7. Chaplins are sent out on 911 aide calls as first responders through fire and police departments to minister to victims and families going through a crisis. This program was a first of its kind, similar programs have been replicated throughout the country. 

Ken is survived by his wife, Lois, of 55 years; children, Kristin, Mark (Amy), Denise (Kreston), and Tim (Brittany) and 17 grandchildren; sister, Ann, many nieces and nephews and brother-in-law, David, sister-in-law and husband, Joyce and Ken. There will be a public viewing at Beck's Funeral Home in Edmonds, WA on Thursday, September 13, 2018 and Friday, September 14, 2018 3-7 p.m. A funeral will be held at Alderwood Community Church in Lynnwood, WA on September 15, 2018 at 2 p.m., with burial following at Edmonds Memorial Cemetary in Edmonds, WA. A reception will be held at the church following burial services. The public is invited. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the J. Kenneth Gaydos Irrevocable Trust, Bank of America, 306 Main Street Edmonds, WA 98020.

[authorayeni]

Pastor Taiye Ayeni as he is fondly called, met with the Lord in his final year at the University of Lagos, Akoka, where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science combined honors degree in Mass Communication, Sociology and Psychology. Since knowing the Lord in 1983, he has been privileged to serve Him in various capacities. He is the Minister in Charge of Rehoboth Bible Ministries Inc, based in Grand Prairie Texas, USA and a Senior Lecturer at the Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International' Prayer School, with its headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria. He serves as a Minister, at the Household of Faith, of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Arlington, Texas, USA where he and his family worship. He is in the United States of America on mission for Christ, a trained Chaplain and graduate of Advance Leadership and Pastoral School of Christ For The Nations Institute (CFNI) Dallas and Long Ridge Writers Group, in Connecticut. He is widely traveled on speaking engagements within and outside the country in the course of ministry work.

Follow his social media accounts: Facebook: https://bit.ly/2FXrfrs Twitter: https://bit.ly/2HsO7le Tumblr: https://bit.ly/2AXre3u