Behold! How Good It Is! Unity Service celebration

BY VICKIE WASHINGTON-NANCE
Special Correspondent

When the North Texas Conference Caucus of Black Methodists for Church Renewal (BMCR) and the African American Clergy Fellowship (AACF) began planning their joint worship celebration they could not have known that it would be held in a time of much debate over the Black Church, Black Liberation Theology and the Black Prophetic Preaching Tradition.

On the fifth Sunday in March, Warren UMC in South Dallas was host to nearly forty African American clergy and seminary students of the North Texas Conference. They were joined by laity who all came together, filling the sanctuary to have church! Pastors came representing churches from all over the North Texas Conference. Rev. Sylvesta Shed, pastor of Mt. Calvary UMC in Wichita Falls, felt that it was important for him to make the long drive. He expressed his appreciation for the renewal of the North Texas Caucus of BMCR and noted the importance of the organization. When asked his thoughts on the necessity of BMCR, Rev. Shed replied "When the merger came we needed a voice, and BMCR is that voice to help us feel that we are a part of the UMC connection."

Founded 41 years ago BMCR exists as an advocate for African Methodists, to celebrate their many gifts and to empower them within the general church.

See link on BMCR history - http://www.umportal.org/article.asp?id=2010.

Rev. April Bristow, associate pastor, First UMC, Richardson, pastor, First UMC, Richardson, observed that the afternoon offered a "threefold focus -- to celebrate our leadership,
celebrate the re-organization of BMCR, and to celebrate the appointment of Dr. Clara Reed as NTC District Superintendent of the Sherman-McKinney District."

Dr. Reed was recognized as the first African American woman to be appointed as DS in the NTC. In recognition of all the women who had served before, Reed wore a clergy stole commemorating the anniversary of 50 years of ordination of women in the United Methodist Church. In accepting the honor, she cited the historic nature of the moment "This is a very
profound moment with two African American groups united over the around common purpose, indeed it is an historic moment. I feel as though I am being sent forth with blessings by my colleagues; and with BMCR, I feel as if it is my family supporting me."

The service was a real family affair with young and old leading in worship. The Steppers, Highland Hills UMC, Dallas, Step Team, punctuated the scriptures with their intricate and rhythmic steps, reminding all in attendance of the blessing of youth and with exuberant energy. Music ministry was provided by Warren UMC's Sanctuary Choir and the Male Chorus of St. Luke "Community" UMC.

The service was a real family affair with young and old leading in worship. The Steppers, Highland Hills UMC, Dallas, Step Team, punctuated the scriptures with their intricate and rhythmic steps, reminding all in attendance of the blessing of youth and with exuberant energy. Music ministry was provided by Warren UMC's Sanctuary Choir and the Male Chorus of St. Luke "Community" UMC.

In addition to Dr. Reed, outgoing Lay Leader Billy Ratcliff was recognized for his support of BMCR during his term of service. As this unity service was also an affi rmation of the rebirth
of the North Texas Caucus of BMCR; offi cers for both organizations were installed and lifted in prayer.

BMCR
Coordinator - Bea Nealy
Vice-Coordinator - Rev. Perry Crenshaw
Secretary - Annelda Crawford
Treasurer - Rev. Derek Jacobs
Parliamentarian - Billy Ratcliff
AACF
Chairman - Rev. Perry Crenshaw
Vice-Chair - Rev. Lucretia Cooksey
Secretary - Rev. Annelda Crawford
Treasurer - Rev. James Minor

Above all it was a time of praise and worship. All in attendance were truly blessed by the powerful sermon from Bishop Alfred L. Norris. After expressing appreciation for both the purpose and idea of the unity service, Bishop Norris reminded the congregation of the importance of balance. "When there is imbalance, things suffer. Nature tolerates no long term robbers... we can't keep receiving without giving. There can be no peace without justice, no ministry without service, and no church without Jesus." Stressing that we are called to be servants of all, the Bishop asked "What has happened to us? When did we get to the point where we don't have time to visit the sick? What's wrong with serving? You can't serve God if you don't serve people." Reminding the worshippers that "you are not to be too busy to be in ministry"; Bishop Norris proclaimed that "if you are too busy to be in ministry, get out of ministry!"

In her closing remarks, Bea Nealy, coordinator of the North Texas Caucus of BMCR, thanked all in attendance and urged everyone to continue to celebrate the wonderful gifts that God has given and to continue to pray for each other. Ms. Nealy mentioned the controversy in the news regarding the Black Church and acknowledged that in its 41st year, BMCR continues to be very necessary.

When asked why she thought BMCR was needed and why she came to be a part of the Unity Service, Rev. Annelda Crawford, pastor of Christian Education at Owenwood UMC, Dallas, perhaps spoke for many, "it keeps me in contact with my culture, serves as a bridge to and from the General Church, and empowers me to celebrate who and whose I am as a child of God!"