Blog 75 - Respect & Courtesy Shown to an Octogenarian

Blog 75

The Cult of Respect and Courtesy

Shown to an Octogenarian and

The Physically Challenged

By

Vernon M. Herron

Just a few days ago, I observed 83 years of God-given life on this earth. It was a day to be remembered. It was a time for reflection, recording and expression of gratitude. Reflection because of a recent popular circulating view that—“all old people should be killed and buried because of being a burden on society.” This shocking statement contended for a society of the young and restless; a point of view which contradicts the teaching of scripture “to honor” the aged and the African “griots” who taught reverence and respect for the same.

The word “cult” is a devotion to a person, idea or a thing. Add “respect” and “courtesy” to the definition and you will have a vivid picture of my daily experiences as both an octogenarian and as a physically challenged individual.

As I constantly strive to maintain personal independence in dress, driving and negotiation, I totally depend upon my two canes, chair lift and a push seat for walking, movements and achievements. The one thing which is always touchy and makes me want to cry, is the kindness and courtesy of the public in assistance even before being asked.

When the public sees me walking with “assistance,” they volunteer to share the walk way, open doors, offer to put packages and grocery in my car, teach their children the many acts of kindness, sharing concerns by e-mail while offering other acts of social and computer technology, always asking, “do you need help, sir? Or how may I help you?” One brother, John Frison and his sons, always meet me at the church’s entrance and accompany me to my seat while others form a line for greetings.

Still another group constantly engages me in conversation as if they are seeking words of wisdom from a sage or an octogenarian. I find myself constantly saying, “thank you.” But the most dramatic experience and fantastic story comes from and about a young man, named Lewis Brooks of Gaston County, NC, who was nurtured as a beloved male parishioner of mine, 59 years ago in my first pastoral charge. One birthday night, thinking that all of the celebration and telephone calls were done, I settled in my bed room chair for relaxation, prior to bedtime. (Here is where the unusual drama begins)

The phone rang and I answered. The caller identified himself as one who was blessed by my ministry years ago and he wanted to come and take me to a late night snack. I said, “oh no! I am relaxing and soon will be going to bed.” Just then, the door bell rang. I would not move, allowing a family member to answer the door while I continued the telephone conversation. The caller continued, “Well, since you won’t go for a night snack, I’ll come to you.” Not realizing that he was conversing with me on his cell phone, the next minute he entered my bedroom with a lighted candle and cake singing, “happy birthday” and wishing me a long life with happiness. What a surprise!!!!

But more than that, what an antithesis! Instead of hearing, “all old people should be killed and buried,” I experience respect and courtesy. May God continue to bless all who honor the aged with His “promise.” (Deut. 5:16 & Eph. 6:2)

Utilizing a Unique Strategy for Spiritual Growth and Development

Blog 74

Utilizing a Unique strategy

For

Spiritual Growth and Development

By

Vernon M. Herron & Patrena Rice

With Photography

By

William C. Youngblood

By now, I assume that you recognize my delight reflecting on the 100 plus ministries of my church, The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC. This time, let me reflect on its unique strategy of utilizing three popular engagements to advance spiritual growth and development.

Traditionally, the Homecoming Celebration was a gathering of members and friends, under a big tent to provide “a meal” and fellowship to “kick off” the annual revival. But recently, both the Homecoming and the Revival have been incorporated into a strategic planning process, resulting into spiritual growth and development. The process resulted in an understanding and expansion of knowing what it means to be a Christian.

The three major membership engagements prior to the Revival/Bible Study are the Jericho walk, the community Tailgate Party without alcohol and an Automobile and Truck Classic Show. Let me explain the “Christ-centered” engagements of a mega church toward its common objective.

The Jericho Walk:

The Jericho Walk is a 12 hours walk in prayer around the church’s premise, when meditation and petitions are offered to the Devine for the ministries of the church and community engagements. Based on the Biblical Jericho walk, (Joshua 6: 3,4,20, & Heb. 11:30), the local walk is conducted around the clock, resulting in fellowship, health benefits, morale and spiritual benefits to the walk’s goal.

The Tailgate Party:

Charlotte is a football town. Every game is preceded by a tailgate party i.e. the serving of food from a truck bed, a camper or a tent area. In like manner, one of FMBC’s Home Coming activities is its Tailgate Party for the community, held on its huge car parking lot.

Below is an array of circles of members engaging in "circle" prayers.

This is not a fund raising affair. The food is provided by each ministry and their respective families. Concessionary stands and open tent areas with grilled foods and drink (non-alcohol) for relaxation, fellowship and fun.

The festival is conducted on a Saturday preceding the revival from 12 noon-4 p.m. Other program activities include a musical, an art show and a provision of organic foods including fruits, vegetables and water melons. The Immobilized senior citizens are accommodated in the church’s Conference Center with the same program.

The Classic Automobile and Truck Show:

The Classic Automobile and Truck Show attracts men and women from far and near. This is a display of restored trucks and automobiles which were popular in former years.

If motor biking were to be added, I suppose there would not be room enough to accommodate the same!

Now here is the spiritual point. This celebration is in keeping with Homecoming which starts the Annual Revival the next day. People are now motivated toward spiritual oneness, which renews/revives the church. This is strategizing for spiritual growth and development. As a result, we noted:

Mass attendance in Bible Study

Souls added to the church family

Growth in church fellowship



Blog 73 - My Church Administers to the Physically Challenged

Blog 73

My Church Administers to the

Physically Challenged

By

Vernon M. Herron

The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church of Charlotte, NC in its diversity of ministries constantly administers to the physically challenged. This mega church has more than 7,000 members of which approximately 25% are senior citizens, including the handicap, with its own focused minister, under the leadership of a senior pastor.

Facility, worship and program wise, The Friendship Missionary Baptist Church is handicapped equipped. It should be noted that the ministry to the physically challenged is an integral part of the Senior Ministry yet addressing the needs of the handicaps has its own priority. In senior church ministry, the handicapped is encouraged to participate in the normal Senior Bible study, Care Team Ministry, Resource Fair, Monthly Health Emphasis, Valentine Fellowship/Fashion Show, Movie Day, Annual Picnic, Pre-Thanksgiving Service and Fellowship and Pre-Christmas Service and Fellowship. But the church also provides the following for the physically challenged, special handicap parking with ramps and automatic door openings, a handicapped auto entrance, wheel chair equipment, elevators and personal attendants, a Deaf Ministry with sign language classes and  services interpreted for the impaired hearing, a doctor, a nurse and security on duties at all times.

Donald Jones is one of the many physically challenged members of FMBC who writes on his experience, faith and resolve. He is a 67 year old Christian believer, born in rural Virginia, a graduate of Virginia State University, a Captain in U. S. Army, married to Diana P. Jones, experienced as a Civil Engineer, seven years membership in FMBC. and life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Here is Brother Jones’s testimony entitled:

Christian Faith Tested & Accepted

By

Donald Jones

When asked by Dr. Herron, to write an article on the difficulties I faced as a handicapped person coming to church, I reflected on my first conversation with him. I’d seen him walking, leaning into his walker, in front of the church toward his parked car. I often admired him for his tenacity. His first question was about my red scooter. I gave some of the features, and from there a friendship has occurred. In preparation for this article, a visual assessment was made.

The gamut of disable persons at 9:30 a.m. service, runs from those with a walking cane, to those with motorized wheelchairs and scooters. Each disabled person faces his/her own specific set of obstacles we encounter as we attend services. I am a Vietnam combat veteran. Until 2007, I was able to work with constant back pain, then in October, 2007 I became paralyzed from mid cheat down. Since then, after two spinal surgeries and a total knee replacement, I am able to drive and get about on my own with the help of my scooter. I have gone from using a manual wheelchair (pushed by my wife and others) to using hand crutches and the scooter. To God, be the glory. Each change has mirrored a change in my physical condition.

  There are six steps I encounter in attending service each Sunday: Each step has its own pros and cons.

 

Arrival:

We utilize the handicapped parking on the North side of the building (McAllister Dr.).There is a group of about eight vehicles queuing for the parking spaces. Usually the first in line arrives about 8:25 a.m. Those in line appear to be pre 70’s and 70’s to octogenarians. These people have ambulatory abnormalities, breathing problems requiring octagon tank, etc.

Parking:

As a space opens up from patrons exiting from the 7:30 a.m. service, those in line fill those spaces. Courtesy has always been shown.

 

Offloading the scooter:

Offloading takes several minutes. Maneuver from the driver’s seat to the lift is difficult on wobbly leg. Getting the basket (with my Bible) from the back seat along with my crutches is challenging. Lowering the lift and offloading the scooter must be done quickly in order to not block the walkway.

Entering the vestibule:

I am greeted with many warm and friendly smiles.

Elevator ride to the balcony:

The elevator does not allow turn around, therefore, only pull-in and back-out.

 

 

The walk to my seat:

My scooter is parked outside the balcony and I use my forearm crutches to walk to my seat. I sit on the end of the pew in order to facilitate placement of my crutches and to aid in standing.

  

Taking my seat for worship.

 

Approaching the FMBC edifice, brother Jones shares with brother Herron , three pet peeves, which he encounters weekly.

1.     People who use handicapped placards because it was easily obtainable.

2.     People who want to park close to the entrance.

3.     People who try to bypass the queue line

I thank God for all that He has brought me through...

Blog 72 - One Up on the Angles

       Blog 72

One Up on the Angles

By

Vernon M. Herron

Dedicated to

My friend

Dr. Gregory L. Wallace, Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church

New Brunswick, NJ

The study of angelology is interesting and fascinating. Early on, I learned that angels were simultaneously created as fiery ministering servants of God; in

existence since the foundation of the world was laid; that they do not marry nor live a family life with children; that they are innumerable, invisible, invincible, immortal, sexless, ageless and are intrigued by salvation.

Even though initially, I will briefly mention a bit about the nature, rank, attributes,  and appearances of angels, my focus is on the “upper hand” of the redeemed over angels. Scofield Reference Bible gives the following description on angels:

A Summary of Angels

Angel, “messenger” is used of God, of men and of an order of created spiritual beings whose chief attributes are strength and wisdom (2 Sam. 14:20). The word “angel” is used of men in Lk 7:24. Sometimes, angel is used of the spirit of man (Matt. 18:10). Though angels are spirits (Ps.104:4), they were not created as, nor made as sinners; power is given to them to become visible in the semblance of human form (Gen. 19:1). The word is always used in the masculine gender (Matt. 26:53); their power is inconceivable (2Ki. 35); their place is about the throne of God (Rev. 5:11); their relation to the believer is that of “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation,” and this ministry has reference to the physical safety and well-being of believers (I Ki. 19:5).

Angels observe us (I Corin.4:9) and they receive departing saints (Lk. 16: 22). Man is made a “little lower than angels,” and they are to accompany Christ in His second advent (Matt. 25:31).

An archangel Michael is mentioned as having a particular relation to Israel and to the resurrection (Dan. 10:13) The only other angel whose name is revealed is Gabriel who was employed as the most distinguished service (Dan. 8:16).

The Hymn

In 1924, Johnson  Ottman Jr. and John Sweeny produced a hymn entitled,” ‘Holy, Holy’ Is What the Angels Sing.” Read the four standards and chorus of this great declarative hymn and note, with explanation how the redeemed have the “upper hand” over angles. Shall I sing it for you? Oh, no!

‘Holy, Holy’ Is What the Angels Sing

Johnson Ottman, Jr.

John Sweeny

1924

There is singing up in heaven such as we have never known.

Where the angels sing the praises of the Lamb upon the throne.

Their sweet harps are ever tuneful, and their voices always clear,

Oh, that we might be like them while we serve the Master here!

Chorus:

Holy, Holy, is what the angels sing,

And I expect to help them make the courts of heaven ring.

But when I sing redemption’s story, they will fold their wings

For  angels never felt the joys that our salvation brings

But I hear another anthem, blending voices clear and strong,

“Unto Him who hath redeemed us and hath bought us” is the song;

We have come through tribulation to this land so fair and bright,

   In the fountain freely flowing He hath our garments white.

Then the angels stand and listen, for they cannot join the song.

Like the sounds of many waters,, by that happy, blood-washed throng.

For they sang about great trials, battles fought and vict’ries won

And they praise their great Redeemer, who hath said to them, “well done”

So, although I’m not an angel, yet I know that over there

I will join a blessed chorus that angels cannot share.

I will sing about my savior, who upon dark Calvary

Freely pardoned my transgression, died to set a sinner free.

Since man is made a “little lower than angels” (Ps. 8:5), it is ironic that the redeemed have an upper hand over angels. There are differences in status, experience and message.

The Differences According To Hymn

The Angels:

In heaven (over there), angels constantly sing the praises of The Lamb (Christ/God) sitting upon the throne. They sing songs of adoration like “Holy, Holy,  Holy” and hymns of victories fought and won.

The Redeemed:

Will sing about the joy of redemption, (which the angels cannot do), a savior who died at Calvary, pardoned sin and set men free with garments made white with blood.

The contrast:

When the redeemed sing the redemption story, angels will stand, listens and fold their wings, for they never felt the joy that salvation brings.

The Declaration:

The redeemed have one up on the angels.   

Blog 71 - Meet the New Organist: A. Nathaniel Gumbs

Blog 71

Meet the New Organist: A. Nathaniel Gumbs

(This is a modification of blog 28)

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Charlotte, NC has a Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ and a new organist. Unlike the sermon building process which generally has three points, this story has two: The Fratelli Ruffatti Pipe Organ and the new organist A. Nathaniel Gumbs. The organ is described very well in a document written by the previous organist, Monty Bennett and is used in its entirety.


Sadly, it is a rare occurrence in the life of many modern churches when they acquire a wonderful new pipe organ. Gone are the days when the pipe organ was the instrument by which a church was judged. However, we celebrate both the legacy and the vision of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church as this new Fratelli Ruffatti pipe organ is shared with the community. Part of the heritage of Friendship has always been a strong music program. From the days on Brevard Street, the Friendship family worshipped to the sounds of a Pilcher pipe organ. Moving to Beatties Ford Road, through the tireless efforts of Gerado Stroud, the church replaced the Rodgers electronic organ with a large four-manual pipe organ. Many famous organists have played that instrument as staff members, in recital and as guest musicians. The new pipe organ is not only “Friendship’s organ,” but it is for the community. The music it provides is for all. It is a unique arts presence in Charlotte, from its dulcet tones that comfort those as it plays hymns of promise to the grand blaze of sound that heralds wedding processions forward. It will ultimately bring worshippers closer to the presence of God. Mozart proclaimed the pipe organ the “King of Instruments” and it is only fitting that a house of God should have such a magnificent vehicle to worship the King of Kings.


With approximately 6,000 pipes ranging in size from ¼” to 32’, the organ is capable of a larger range of sound than any symphony orchestra. The organ is also capable of a wider range of dynamics than any other musical instrument, or group of instruments. Thanks to research and development by the Ruffatti Company on winding and expression, any musician who plays the organ installed at Friendship has a greater control over the range of dynamic expression than on any other pipe organ built in the world today, due in part to the Hyper-dynamic ™ expression shades—the first of which are installed here.

All the interior woodwork of the organ is handcrafted of Sipo Mahogany from central Africa and is finished both inside and out to furniture grade. This strong wood is selected for its straight grain, but the finishing process eliminates any warping or being affected by humidity or other climactic conditions. Wooden pipes are also made of the same wood and finished inside and out and are built with tongue and groove construction.

Metal pipes are made from either 95% pure Malaysian tin, or from tin/lead alloys of 70% tin or 50% tin. The Herald Trumpet, located on the rear wall of the church, is made of polished, spun brass. Each trumpet pipe is constructed like an orchestral trumpet with a flared bell which adds great visual beauty, but also helps with the tonal quality of the stop.

The solid cherry wood console is a marvel of modern technology. With over 225 stop knobs and over 150 pistons and toe studs to control all the pipes, it is run by several computers. A computer controlled record/playback system is built into the console and recordings may be saved via the USB port onto a flash memory stick and saved onto a computer for later editing and printing in music software.

Some stops that are on this organ that should be noted are:

SWELL 4’ Flauto Veneziano—this is a copy of an antique rank of pipes by the 18th century Venetian organbuilder Gaetano Callido and is characterized by a clean, clear sound.

CHOIR 4’ Flûte d’Amour—made of solid mahagony, this stop was common in organs in the early 20th century and features a unique design and the time taken to construct it truly was a labor of “love.”

CHOIR 8’ Dulciana/Unda Maris—these soft undulating stops are purposely tuned flat from each other in the Italian manner and the slight beat that results is said to resemble the “waves of the sea.”

CHOIR 8’ Tromba dell’Amicizia—the “Friendship Trumpet”, a hooded, high pressure reed, enclosed in the Choir

GREAT 8’ Harmonic Flute—this is a copy of the Harmonic Flute that Ruffatti built for their organ in the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, Fatima, Portugal.

SOLO 8’ Tuba Mirabilis—this is a replica of a 1926 WurliTzer tuba and is characterized by a rich, smooth reed tone.

USIGNOLO—the “nightingale”, five pipes submerged upside-down in oil that all play at once and replicate the sound of birds


In terms of size and cost, noted pride is evidenced that the FMBC pipe organ is the second largest in the city of Charlotte (following Calvary Church) but it is the largest musical instrument in an African American church in the nation. It is similar in size to Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church Naples, Florida and John’s Creek Baptist Church, Alpharetta, Georgia. Ruffatti’s largest organ is the instrument at Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Ca. where Robert Schuller was pastor.

According to brother Ed Holland, the Church Administrator at FMBC, the Ruffatti Pipe organ was installed at a cost of approximately 1.5 million dollars. Considering its value in glorifying God, the enhancement of worship and community, its value is more today.

Describing the organ is only a part of the story, now the second part. A church once found itself in a heated debate as to whether the church should purchase and install a “chandelier.” One ‘attempted peace-maker’ raised the question, if the church purchased a chandelier, who would play it? That settled the question. Friendship Missionary Baptist Church never had any difficulty locating an accomplished organist.

Today, our new organist is none other than A. Nathaniel Gumbs who is a native of the Bronx, NY. He currently serves as the Interim Associate Director of Music and Arts at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Charlotte, NC. Nat is a graduate of Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia where he received the Bachelor of Music Degree in Organ Performance, Excellence in Organ Award and was a student of Dr. Steven Cooksey. Recently, he earned the Master of Music degree in Organ Performance from Yale University, Institute of Sacred Music in New Haven, Connecticut, and was a student of Martin Jean. Nat has served as the conference organist of the Hampton Ministers’ Conference in Hampton, VA since 2009. He received both the Service Playing and Colleague Certifications from the American Guild of Organists.

We welcome and salute A. Nathaniel Gumbs, Interim Associate Director of Music and Arts of FMBC.

My Final Words With A Spiritual Flavor (by Alene Kate Stewart McCorkle)

Blog 70

My Final Words With A Spiritual Flavor

By

Alene Kate Stewart McCorkle

(This is the fourth in a series of articles written by Mrs. McCorkle

 as promised in blog 67 which you should read first for background.)

I’ve been thinking hard about my final words for the last edition of the Second Ward High School NEWSLETTER. First, I thought about telling you why it is so great to belong to the Black Race. This is the greatest race on earth with experiences and accomplishments. We are not surpassed by anyone. We have endured slavery, been to outer space and now can identify with the President of the United States of America who in my opinion, is the most important person in the world..

I am omitting sports, music, art, inventions, etc. It used to be, lets get a foot in the door first, now it is getting a toe in. You already know about these things. So, I have turned my thoughts to other things you may know about as Christians. I am giving you a list of spiritual telephone phone numbers which you can use at any time. These numbers may be dialed directly, no operator’s assistance is needed, the line is opened 24 hours- 7 days a week.

Special phone numbers:

1.      When in sorrow= John II

2.      When men fail you= Ps. 27

3.      When you have sinned= Ps. 51

4.      When you worry=Matt.6:19-34

5.      When you are in danger=Ps.91

6.      When God seems far away=Ps. 139

7.      When your faith needs stirring=Heb. 11

8.      When you are lonely and fearful=Ps.23

9.      When you grow bitter and critical= I Corin. 13

10.  When you feel down and out= Rom. 8:1-30

11.  When you want peace and rest= Matt. 11: 25-30

12.  When the world seems bigger than God= Ps.90

13.  When you want Christian assurance= Rom. 8:1-30

14.  When you leave home for labor or travel=Ps. 121

15.  When your prayers grow narrow and selfish= Ps. 67

16.  When you want courage for a task= Joshua I

17.  When you think of investment and returns= Mark 10

18.  When you are depressed Ps. 27

19.  When your pocket-book is empty Ps. 37

20.  When you loose confidence in people= I Corin. 13

21.  When people seem unkind= John 15

22.  When you are discouraged about your work= Ps. 126

23.  When your self-pride or greatness takes hold= Ps. 19

24.  When you need understanding of Christianity= II Corin. 5:15-19

25.  When you need to be fruitful= John 15

26.  When you need to know how to get along with fellow men=Romans 12

27.  When you want to know Paul’s secret to happiness=Col. 3:12-17

28.  When you are dealing with fear=Ps. 3:47

29.  When you need assurance= Mark 8:35

30.  When you need reassurance= Ps. 145:15

Feed your faith and doubt will starve to death. Norma Cornett Marek wrote a beautiful poem, “Tomorrow Never Comes” which can benefit us all. Maybe you would like to read and live by it.

Tomorrow Never Comes

by

Norma Cornett Marek

If I knew it would be the last time

That I’d see you fall asleep,

I would tuck you in tightly,

And pray the Lord your soul to keep.

If I knew it would be the last time

That I’d see you walk out the door,

I would give you a hug and a kiss

And call you back for just one more.

If I knew it would be the last time

I’d hear your voice lifted up in praise

I would tape each word and action

And play them back throughout my days.

If I knew it would be the last time

I would spend an extra minute or two,

to stop and say “I Love you.”

instead of assuming you know I do.

So just in case tomorrow never comes

And today is all I get

I’d like to say how much I love you

And hope we never forget.

Tomorrow is not promised to anyone

young or old alike,

And today may be the last chance

You get to hold your loved one tight.

So if you are waiting for tomorrow

Why not do it today?

For if tomorrow never comes

You’ll surely regret the day

That you didn’t take that extra time

For a smile, a hug or a kiss.

And you were too busy to grant someone

What turned out to be their one last wish

So hold your loved ones close today,

And whisper in their ear,

Tell them you love them very much, and

You’ll always hold them dear.

Take time to say, “I’m sorry,”

“please forgive me,” “thank you” or “it is O.K.”

and if tomorrow never comes,

you’ll have no regrets about today.

The following are scenes from the 96^th birthday luncheon

Pictures by William C. Youngblood