#49 A “DOCTORAL” ROBE BUT NO EARRING

#49 A “DOCTORAL” ROBE BUT NO EARRING

by

Vernon M. Herron

The Rev. Dr. Charles McNeil

Recently, I was unduly happy to have received an announcement/invitation to the Installation and Banquet for the Rev. Dr. Charles McNeil, Sr. as the new Senior Pastor of the Transfiguration Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. My “adopted” son has become a promising local pastor, community leader and a destined world citizen. Let me “back up” to give you the historic context of my relationship with seven boys being reared in Philadelphia by single parents.

When I served on the ministerial staff of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Philadelphia, I assumed a fatherly leadership role with approximately seven boys who were being reared in homes by single parents. Often, small meaningful jobs were provided and religious, racial and educational issues were raised and discussed within the context of the Christian faith. We constantly met at church where we often held our sessions before, during and after services.

One day an “outsider” who was a friend of “the boys” joined us in worship. He was immaculately dressed with an earring in his ear. His apparel was quite noticeable, which brought about a discussion once the guest had gone.

I distinctively remembered an inquiry as to whether the group should be influenced by the wearing of an “earring” in one ear as this “fade” was beginning its promotion. Noting that wearing such apparel has implication of an alternate life style, and that even though some successful black business men with wealth were doing so, the boys all looked to me for a response. I simply said, “if you as a male, wear an earring, Wall Street will not hire you.”  That seemed to have settled the question. I never heard it discussed any more nor did I ever see any one of the seven wearing an earring.

Of the seven boys, I lost contact with two; one became an electrician; one a family man, Reginald Russell; one, a manager of a school project for the University of Pennsylvania, Maurice Fluellen; one was featured in my blog #43 as a Government Analyst in the Corporate Department of Shire Pharmaceuticals, Donnell Sheppard and the seventh one is the Rev. Dr. Charles McNeil.

At an early age, Charles became a Christian, was baptized, licensed to preach and was ordained in and by the historic Shiloh Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. He serves on the board of directors for New Life Youth and Family Services in Harleysville, Pennsylvania; the Black American Legacy League in Philadelphia; and the Youth Leadership Development Programs, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois. He is also a founding member of NewCORE (A New Conversation on Race and Ethnicity), Black Clergy of Philadelphia and Vicinity, The Baptist Pastors and Ministers Conference of Philadelphia and Vicinity.

Currently, Dr. McNeil serves as the Executive Director for Church Partnerships and Director of the Doctor of Ministry Program at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University. He earned a Doctor of Ministry and Master of Divinity Degree from Palmer Theological Seminary; a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Organizational Leadership from Eastern University; and an Associates of Arts Degree in Specialized Technology from the Arts Institute of Philadelphia. In 1990, he founded Brothers United Basketball Fellowship, a sports ministry that ministers to hundreds of men through basketball, and is the founder/director of Inner-City Arts Program, Inc. He is currently developing a mentoring program for African-American boys, while collaborating on a book referencing the black church. His dissertation focused on the survival of black urban churches in a time of gentrification.

Dr. McNeil is married to Angela (Senior). They have three lovely children: 15 year-old Ayanna: 13 year-old Charles, Jr.: and 7 year-old Malaika.

I am proud of Charles. It was a long and hard struggle for him, his mother and his family yet he made it. Now he wears a “doctoral” robe (earned), and NO EARRING.

Congratulation and keep going!

#48 I Have Changed My Mind

#48 I CHANGED MY MIND

BY

Vernon M. Herron

Before I share a lighter side of my nature, let me set the record straight regarding my theological stance which guides me daily. I believe that God is:

Infinite

Omniscient

Omnipresent

Omnipotent

Immutable

and that I am a subject of HIS. (The meaning will be given later.)With that out of the way, let me tell you the lighter side of the story.

In recent years, my body has been racked with arthritic pain, so much so, I was beginning to lose the will to survive. All that I wanted was to be free of pain so that I could resume my former life’s style of preaching, traveling, dressing and engaging in other cultural and political activities. Since it seemed that those days were long gone, and that “I could not do like I used to do,” I was preparing for “heaven” by declaring no more preaching, expenditures on cars, travel, clothes and luxury for me.

But something happened for the better. Medically, a procedure allowed me to have an injection which removed all pain due to arthritis. Now, I feel much better. I have changed my mind about life and living. For example, initially I was invited to return to the St. Paul’s Baptist Church, West Chester, PA, where I once served as Interim Pastor to preach. Initially, there was a decline to return to fulfill that objective for health reasons but with a new lease on life, my beloved daughter, Leila and I returned to West Chester, only  to fellowship in worship and renewed memories. The following excerpt from a “thank you” note to the church captures  the spirit of the day.

“You demonstrated brotherly love in every way. You provided convenient transportation , comfortable lodging, delicious food, in-depth discussion, a meaningful worship experience and gracious social networking. I shall long remember your thoughtfulness and magnanimous spirit. We enjoyed a safe trip and a well planned and executed experience.”

The “provided convenient transportation” consisted of being chauffeured in a 2010 Mercedes Benz S-550 Sedan which was

fully loaded with dual climate control, heated seats, blue tooth hands free telephone, state of the art navigation system, rear window shade at a cost of “a pretty penny.” The ride was comfortable, smooth, awesome and technologically controlled. I had to say, “mama, look at your boy!”

I was driven by a “brother” who had just retired from the UPS. Deacon Marvin Stewart is his name. Needless, to say that I was impressed beyond measure.

Now, I have an 18 year old Buick automobile, free of debt, it rides good and is clean. I have no intention of another car note, but since the West Chester ride, I have changed my mind and am open to “new rides.”

Now, there is a second episode which has influenced my thinking.

A certified tailor came to my home/office and tailored for me three suits to be worn during the year. I was impressed with his marketing skills, presentation, his precise measurements, business experience, goals, proficiency and efficiency and he is Black college trained. Since my body pain has subsided, I am committed to live a little longer to wear these suits. In fact, at one point, I said, “no more travel for me, no more clothes, no more cars and no more preaching” but I’ve changed my mind. Let’s put “heaven” on a little hold, wear some of the new clothing, do a little more traveling and even preach one more time. I have been so busy: “Ain’t Got Time To Die.” Read Hall Johnson’s words in his spiritual.

Lord, I keep so busy praisin’n my Jesus

ain’t got time to die.

‘cause when I’m healing de sick,

it takes all of my time

to praise my Lord.

If I don’t praise Him, de rocks gon’ter cry out

glory and honor!

Lord, I keep so busy workin’ fer de kingdom,

ain’t got time to die.

‘cause when I’m feeding de po’

I’m working for de kingdom,

ain’t got time to die.

Lord, I keep so busy servin’ my master

ain’t got time to die.

‘cause when I’m giving my all,

ain’t got time to die.

Hear the conclusion of the whole matter: God has the last word!

I began this writing by listing the attributes of God. Now, I want to give definitions and a conclusion.

Infinite: subject to no limitation or external determination.

Omniscient: having infinite awareness, understanding and insights.

Omnipresent: present in all places at all times.

Omnipotent: unlimited power.

Immutable: not susceptible to change.

I may have changed my mind, but GOD is the final judge. My times are in His hands!

PEACE.

                    

# 47 Projects Which Motivate

# 47 Projects Which Motivate

by

Vernon M. Herron

Most public school systems are experiencing a life/death struggle for its daily existence. Never-before have challenges been so pronounced: budget cutting, teacher lay-off, curriculum curtailment, school mergers, transportation problems, poverty related districts and student motivation, etc. to name a few.

Private schools are growing by leaps and bounds mainly because of a focus on ‘student motivation.’ This blog posting is written to show how two independent educational projects are designed to motivate students within the public school systems. They are the Going FOURword: Using Four-Letter Words in a positive way, and Jonathan Stewart: Playing the Field or the Piano.

Going FOURword  is a  motivational strategy conceived and used by school teacher Thornton Howard, III which uses over 1600 Four-Letter Words in a positive way. This strategy seeks to help elementary and middle-scholars think positively and act responsibly to achieve academic success. Going FOURword is a phrase used to describe the attitude and actions of anyone using a four letter word in a positive way.

The going FOURword- workbook is designed to help engage students in dialogue and activities to increase their self-esteem, and to help develop plan for accomplishing their goals. This work book is divided into four sections called Success Routs: Self Esteem, Goal Achievement, Peer Power and Helping Others.

A simple way to engage youth or anyone is through the use of four letters-words (the good ones,) words like able, best, good, and team, etc. These words are to be used for class or family discussion and for individual student empowerment.

  Going FOURword is a project that motivates.

 

The second project worthy of our attention which motivates is:

Jonathan Stewart: Playing the Field…and the Piano. Jonathan Stewart has become the poster picture for the Carolina Panthers Football Team where he plays a running back position. He was a hero for the Panthers 2009 season. Jonathan ran more yards than any other player. He and DeAngelo are considered the most powerful running back duo in the NFL.

Last year, Jonathan injured his ankle, had surgery and was inactive for the season. Today, he has recovered and plays football better than ever.

Jonathan now encourages males students to play sports and the piano as he does. He was recruited by Mrs. Geraldine Daniel, owner and director of Genies Christian Academy of music. Her male students were losing interest in piano education. They just wanted to play sports. They conceived that playing the piano just was not “cool.” But Stewart encouraged the boys to play sports and the piano. As a model, Stewart plays the piano sometimes before a big game for relaxation; before excited groups of students and parents for motivation.

Mrs. Geraldine Daniel, a Charlotte musician graduated from West Charlotte High School, Howard University, Manhattan School of Music and Queen University.

The Gerrie Christian Academy of Music is growing with the help of Jonathan Stewart and that is MOTIVATION.

   

 JONATHAN STEWART PLAYING THE PIANO

AT THE GERRIE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY OF MUSIC

                         

  JONATHAN STEWART ENCOURAGING MALE STUDENTS

TO PLAY SPORTS AND THE PIANO

 

JONATHAN STEWART AND GERALDINE DANIEL,

ACADEMY OWNER AND DIRECTOR    

#46 DO WE STAND OR NOT STAND

#46 DO WE STAND OR NOT STAND

FOR THE “HALLELUJAH” CHORUS?

BY

Vernon M. Herron

Christmas has come and gone. Yet there lingers a haunting question which needs addressing. More than 250 years ago, George Frederick Handel developed an oratorio called the “Messiah” of which the “Hallelujah Chorus” was its ending and climax. When that chorus is sung, even today, generally the audience will stand. WHY? Let us explore this question to see if we can arrive at a historic truth.



For 82 years, I have heard the Hallelujah Chorus. When I was 12 years of age, I first heard this famous piece of work rendered by the community and combined choirs of the renowned Ebenezer Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC under the direction of the late Hazel L. Miller. The thing that startled me was that everybody stood when the first few measures of the chorus started. Now at 82, on Christmas Sunday, I heard this famous rendition again as sung by the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church choir of Charlotte. Again everybody stood. Having a “standing endurance” problem, I remained seated until I heard the last syllable of the last word “hal-le-lu-jah.”



From my youth , I wanted to know, why stand when George Fredrick Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus of the “Messiah” is rendered? Here are my conclusions:

Some stand out of ignorance; they don’t know why. Others are doing so, now one follows.



Some stand out of respect for its musical, biblical and theological significance. The music contains movements, crescendos, repeats and keys which intrigues musical knowledge and grips the soul. Theologically, the chorus is comforting, affirming and prophetic. One only has to read the text as to be caught up in a state of spiritual ecstasy: Note the text of the chorus and the theological implications.



Hallelujah!!!

For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. (Rev. 19:6)

The kingdoms of this world are become

The kingdoms of our Lord

And of his Christ.

And He shall reign forever and ever. (Rev. 11:15)

King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev. 14:16)

Hallelujah!!



Then some stand out of tradition. Since this is a custom, a habit is formed.

But standing out of tradition has a historic significance. Even though there is no certainty of reason surrounding the custom of standing for the Hallelujah Chorus, the following might be considered. Being the protocol that people stand when a monarch stands, the audience and orchestra stood, a custom that remains to this day. And why did King George II stand?



According to Monty Bennett:

• The reasons are not known but are thought to be one of the following:

o King George II stood thinking that the performance was over.

o He was so moved by the performance that he stood to his feet.

o He stood out of tribute to Handel, the composer.

o He stood out of respect, showing that he is a subject of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.



The next time George Fredrick Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus is sung, somebody give me a hand and help me to stand. Will you?

#45 - Still Watching...

This is a repost by popular demand.

T H E “W A T C H N I G H T” S E R V I C E

A PROGRESSION OF ITS
TRUE MEANING

by
Sheeiness Goss
and
Vernon M. Herron

Many of us who grew up in the Black community of a typical city have probably heard of a “Watch Night Service.” It was the gathering of the faithful in Church on New Year’s Eve to give thanks and praises to God for seeing us through another year. But is that the real historic meaning of “Watch Night” service?

I remember two distinct “Watch Night” services which left an indelible impression upon this writer. First, during my adolescent years, often I would attend Watch Night services at St. Paul Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC where one had to arrive before 10 p.m. to be assured of a seat for the midnight service. The worship service basically was “thanksgiving” in substance. It consisted of the singing of meter hymns, moaning prayers of thanksgiving, testimonies, and preaching which must be in progress at the strike of midnight, when all lights would be extinguished and when worshippers shouted and yelled, “thank you Jesus to see another year!” This was a dramatic moment of congregational achievement. The Church’s bell would sound for 3 to 5 minutes after which all lights would return. After the offering, everyone went home with a new year’s blessing for being alive at the beginning of a new year.

The second “Watch Night” experience which left an indelible impression was when I visited the mission field in San Andres Island, Columbia as the guest evangelist of the First Baptist Church. The annual revival was held during the last week of December including New Year Day. There was the popular notion that everybody on the Island must be in Church or on its grounds when the New Year arrives for “good luck” and to ensure blessings during the year. Consequently, the church was packed and its grounds filled as the Islanders had come, not to hear the proclaimed Word but to insure each individual of personal charm and prosperity.

The truth of the matter is that “Watch Night” service is an intrigue part of the African American cultural tradition yet lacking in full understanding of its historic significance. As stated earlier, the Watch Night service begins anywhere from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.

It is assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service---made a bit more Afro-centric because that’s what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the Black Church.

Still, it seemed that predominately White Christian churches did not include Watch Night services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs. In fact, there were instances where clergy in main denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year’s Eve services in African-American congregations.

The Watch Night Services in Black communities can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as “Freedom’s Eve.” On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation actually had become law.

On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln issued an Emancipation Proclamation declaring that the War between states had ended and that the enslaved were now freed. For two and a half years, this information was delayed in getting to Texas and when it did, it had little impact due to the minimal number of Union Troops to enforce the new Executive Order. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free.

It was not until December 18, 1865 that the 13th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified which ended slavery in all parts of the United States. When this news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God. Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year’s Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year.

It’s been over a century since that first Freedom’s Eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of Watch Night, but tradition still bring us together at this time every year to celebrate “how we got over.”

# 44 THECHRISTMAS STORY IN GOSPEL FORM

Note: This blog was first published as blog # 6 and is repeated by popular request.

# 44 THECHRISTMAS STORY IN GOSPEL FORM

BASED ON BOOK

A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE OF

HALLOWEEN, EASTER, and CHRISTMAS

BY

ALLEGRA McBIRNEY

Critiqued

by

VERNON M. HERRON, D. Min.

Christmas is coming! The toy market is appealing to children. Children are persuading adults regarding their choice of Christmas wares and desired gifts. During my early childhood, I was fascinated in a state of expectation because Santa Claus was coming to town. The song text goes like this:

You better watch out

You better not cry

Better not pout

I’m telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town.

He’s making a list

And checking it twice,

Gonna find out Who’s naughty and nice

Santa Claus is coming to town.

He sees you when you’re sleeping

He knows when you’re awake

He knows if you’ve been bad or good

So be good for goodness sake!

Oh! You better watch out!

You better not cry

Better not pout

I’m telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town

Santa Claus is coming to town

The above folk song comes in the form of a Santa Claus Gospel. This Christian idol not only pollutes a sacred story but also corrupts theological and spiritual truths. It has the form of omniscience but its appearance is without substance.

Christmas is that time of year when the focus should be upon that One for whom the day was named CHRIST-MASS- the Lord Jesus Christ. But every year that focus seems to shift more and more to another –and that is to Santa Claus. Is is not easy to speak out against Santa Claus, because to attack him is to attack the Christmas idol.

Santa Claus has taken on some of the characteristics of an idol. (Innocence)

God’s Word says:

          “Thou shalt have no other gods before me”

Certain powers are attributed to Santa Claus which belong to God alone,

           

Example:  

                            Santa 

                               sees all they do      

                               hears all they say.

          

                               In essence he is

                                    Omniscient

                                    Omnipresent

These are powers that are God’s alone. God’s word says, “I am God and there is none like me.” Yet children are taught that Santa Claus has God-characteristics

The role of Satan in this scenario

Satan is not presented as fiction--. He is presented as fact—real—living—and having involvement in their lives. Children are taught to believe in Santa Claus.

Satan is the Father of Lies

          The Santa Claus gospel strives to make him seem alive and real and

            strives to make the Very Real Saviour seem dead and fictitious.

Satan gets help from parents by:

          Perpetuation of myth

          Hanging of stocking at chimney vs parents’ love

          Claiming that Santa knows child’s behavior

          Claiming that Santa hears and answers specific petitions

          Claim of his coming in person to their home.

Actually, these are mocking imitations of the Lord Jesus Christ—of Christ’s genuine Reality—of his real knowledge of each person’s behavior;  his actual answer to specific prayer petitions and his authentic coming in person, not simply to the home but to the heart of each believer.

Even Santa’s elves seem strangely parallel to scripture’s account of ministering angels. Note the similarity between the words “Santa” and “Satan”.

The “Santa Claus Gospel” indoctrinates children with the idea that if they are “good”, they will get presents from Santa Claus. This doctrine compounds the true Gospel of Grace. God’s presence does not depend on our being “good”. The Bible says “There is none that doeth good, no not one.” Romans 3:12

It does not depend on our goodness; we have none!  But it depends on the perfect goodness, the sinlessness of the Son of God which qualified Him to pay for our badness, our sinfulness. On the cross Christ suffered for that sin as our substitute, died and rose again. By believing and trusting in Him, they will get eternal life as His present---earned by him, not by their own efforts.

Salvation comes by Faith, not by being “good.” Yet the “Santa Claus Gospel” of works has gotten to children and has left them resistant to the truth, that entrance into heaven is not determined by behavior but by trust in Christ and His sacrifice.

Another serious effect of the Santa Claus myth is that it can deter children from coming to Christ in faith. Once they discover that Santa Claus is a liar, they can be hesitant to put their trust in anyone further in whom they’ve tried to believe but cannot see.

         

# 43 Vocabulary Building

# 43 Vocabulary Building

By

Vernon M. Herron

Word power is indispensable. It helps one to articulate ideas, communicate concepts, it helps in mental gymnastics, social networking and in the increase of earning power. There are many sources for vocabulary building. Hearing and learning words from each other is a common source. I like words. It fascinates me to hear words used in unique expressions. Word power is star power, either written or spoken. Either way, always check the spelling, pronunciation and definition.



Last week, it was rather refreshing to hear and read about three words, “awesome,” “crestfallen,” and “gentrification,” and to note the users of those words. That is what this writing is all about. Meet three distinguished friends of mine and their use of a descriptive and sometimes an emotional word.

Simeon Ray


Simeon is my five year old friend. He and I were born on the same date. He is a bright kindergarten pupil at River Oaks Academy in Charlotte, NC. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Kwasi Ray and the grandson of Dr. and Mrs. Rudolph Hendricks.



Simeon’s distinguished grandmother, Mrs. Barbara Hendricks can best tell the story of his word use.



“Having spent last week-end in the NC mountains, the grandsons---enjoyed the 3-D pictures during the evening hours in the hotel. One night Simeon was viewing some of the pictures and exclaimed loudly, ‘this is AWESOME!’ We all chuckled at that, as we were not aware that ‘awesome’ was a part of his vocabulary.”



I remember the first time hearing the word ‘awesome.’ I had just finished preaching as a guest preacher in a stately Philadelphia church. When the pastor’s wife was approaching me, I wondered what she would say, and it was, “the sermon was awesome.” Checking the definition, I found it to mean ‘inspiring.’ I thank you madam and especially Simeon.

Steve Johnson


Referring to a previous published blog, Steve Johnson, Media Specialist for The Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum (Charlotte, NC) wrote, “my first reaction was to be crestfallen…but on reflection, I’m delighted…”



It is not strange to note Mr. Johnson’s use of the word “crestfallen” because he is a journalist by training and experience. But this is an opportunity for me to describe how this multi-talented person is so human and is a “servant for all.”



“Steve” as he is affectingly called, is a native of Delaware but has been a Charlottean since 1978. His noteworthy achievement was serving as Executive Director of the Swann Fellowship during the time that the Fellowship published EDUCATEL, a weekly journal on Charlotte-Mecklenburg public education.



But the real soul of Steve Johnson can be seen any Tuesday morning when he is in action. He:


- Serves as refreshment coordinator. (Prepares coffee and refreshments)
- Offers the morning prayer when asked.
- Computerizes and distributes the minutes.
- Provides visual aid on demand.
- Publishes community service announcements and much more.



We all love Steve Johnson and his ‘crestfallen’ word.

Donnell Sheppard


Donnell recently wrote the following, “I spoke to a friend about ‘gentrification’ taking place in south Philly…(I remembered you using that word when I was a teenager.)”



How gratifying it is to note that a thriving citizen still remembers a word he heard from me when he was a teen ager. “Gentrification” is the word; it is the process of a middle-class people migrating into a nearby center city, low income, deteriorating neighborhood and rehabilitating the same at a cost which prevents the original homeowners from reclaiming the said property for community living; and that is economic ostracizing.



Gentrification is taken place in most metropolitan area where low income people live. Generally, it is near the down town area with transportation and necessary city services. This is a ‘wake-up’ call word which should call the electorate to action.



Donnell Sheppard is a Government Analyst in the Corporate Accounts Department of Shire Pharmaceuticals. He earned his B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Temple University. He is married with a son and lives in Chesterbrook, PA. He is a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. where he is the Director of its Education Activities. (Right on, my man!)



Little Simeon, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Sheppard remind us of three good words to be used appropriately; AWESOME, CRESTFALLEN, AND GENTRIFICATION.


Thank you!