And Are We yet Alive…!!
By Rev. Dr. Melinda Contreras-Byrd, TCR Contributing Writer
And Are We Yet Alive
This well-known song has special meaning to us now, in the year 2021, as we gather for the 51st General Conference of the AME Church.
“What troubles we have seen.
What conflicts have we passed.
Fightings without and fears within
since we assembled last…”
(Sing the continuing lyrics on your own to realize their blessed appropriateness for this particular time.)
Today we assemble undeterred by the chaotic challenges of a worldwide pandemic.
Despite twinges of travelers apprehension, we have come through many airports to join with those we haven’t seen since 2016: handshakes, fist bumps, elbow bumps and tentative or warm hugs. While masks make recognition difficult, there is the freedom to greet the many people you pass by. We are emotionally safe, and among friends, we know and don’t know. We are united across districts. We are the AME Church!
And no matter what–it is as it will always be—a re-grouping of our every-four-years friends.
How a thing begins—can often predict how it will end. And today, July 6, 2021, we start as we have begun for many years—with an Opening Worship Service.
The longevity of our church is derived from the anointing that falls when our thousands gather united in praise.
Today we assemble into an auditorium surrounded by the flags of many nations. The long-awaited moment is finally here, and its pageantry does not disappoint!
We begin our praise, led by the extraordinary voices of the MCAM Ensemble with guest soloist Crystal Aikin, and a group of fine AME musicians.
The musical selections speak to our hearts.
We are tired and in need of revival. So we have come seeking.
Bishop Richardson stands, “This is the day that the Lord has made”, he proclaims. It is then that we feel the power of the presence of the Holy Spirit as he declares, “from 5 continents, socially distanced, vaccinated, hands washed and prayed up—let us worship!”
From the choir section comes a blast of horns. There is a flurry of colors–purple and gold. Then come jubilant dancers spreading large golden wings. Two march raising signs that say “Jesus”—“Adonai”. A lone marcher carries a purple cushion upon which sits a golden crown! And finally, a line of robed women and men begin the procession of the leadership of our “great Zion”. They march in military uniforms, or in the coordinated colors and robes of the AME Church. They are our Chaplains, Presidents of our Academy, Connectional Officers, our Judicial Council, our Bishops!
We come to this 51st Quadrennial Conference for the reasons that we come to church—to be revived and re-oriented for the work of the kingdom of God. We come with expectation, with questions to be answers. We recognize the blessing of having been given these last four years between conferences, and so with a vision—we come to build.
The word comes from Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, who offers a heartfelt, comprehensive sermon thoroughly and theologically crafted to meet our needs. Her sermon focuses on a text found in Mark 6:36-38.
It tells of the miracle of the loaves and fishes. One challenge is from Jesus’ words to the disciples, another in the words, “between what is and what could be.” In her wisdom-packed, multi-dimensional preaching, she moves us toward a vision, asking, “what could the AME Church look like if God had His way?” “Recognize and claim the new reality that lies between the what is, and what can be created by being in Christ. Her preaching touches our humanness, our suffering as Black people, the psychological struggle against the dark voices that whisper the taunt, “is that all you have?”
She ends by teaching the importance of a South African greeting—“Sawu Bona”—which means not just hello—but “I see You.”
We have seen each other, gathering the courage to say, “I am here to be seen”, knowing that we are speaking to someone who will respond, “I see you” We are unified in rejoicing as we join in the ceremony of passing on the medallion of President of the Bishops Council to the Bishop E. Anne Henning-Byfield, a poet and composer whose anthem, “O Come Give Thanks” plays in the background.
What an august body of believers.
Our South African half are here among us as we depart singing,” Siyahamba ekukhanyeni kwenkos”.
And This is tradition.
This is the AME church at its best.
