QUEST 2012

Hello Wonderful People of God,

I want to use some of the precious moments remaining in 2010, to share why I have chosen to name my aspiration to the Connectional Office of Historiographer/Executive Director of Research and Scholarship a ‘QUEST’.   Quest can be simply defined as a journey filled with challenges with the object of attaining a particular goal.  For some, the word quest, conjures up medieval images of knights searching for treasure, romance and fame.  However for me, as an African American woman who is a scholar and an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the word quest reminds me of the importance of focused perseverance as one works toward the fulfillment of a God-given task.  The history of our Christian tradition as Methodists provides a framework for this topic:

·         The early Christians in the Roman Empire understood the importance of focused perseverance as they committed themselves to the cause of the coming of Christ’s kingdom even at the risk of losing their lives.  The kingdom of God was worth dying for because it was a realm where injustice and oppression did not exist, and suffering and death had been defeated.

·         The early Methodists in England’s industrial age during the mid 1700’s, understood the importance of focused perseverance as they committed themselves to lifestyles which reflected personal sanctification and social holiness.  The early Methodist members of Methodist societies committed themselves to perform works of piety and works of mercy in response to God’s grace at work in their lives.  The object of the quest was to transform their society through visible love in action toward God and neighbor.

·         The early African Methodists in North America during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s, understood the importance of focused perseverance as they committed themselves to the principles of the Free African Society, creating viable communities which ensured that enslaved and free Africans had access to material and spiritual resources that nourished their damaged souls and bodies.  Our fore parents search for the material necessities of life, dignity, and respect were rooted in spiritual principles of faith, integrity and charity.

In spite of the complex social and cultural challenges of our time, the quest remains the same for all Christians who anxiously await the kingdom of God.  We must identify our God-given task and do all that our hands find to do to accomplish it.  My prayer is that as the AME Church continues in its quest of liberation and reconciliation for all God’s people - that all of us vigorously do our part to manifest the righteousness, peace and joy of Christ’s kingdom within our midst.

I continue to solicit your prayers and your support.   May your New Year be filled with joy!

Rev. Sharon

2012 Candidate for Historiographer/Executive Director for Research and Scholarship

Reflections on Advent

If you are like me it is hard to believe that we are approaching the end of 2010. 

Yet, here we are in yet another season of Advent, anticipating the coming of the Christ Child.  I heard a wonderful sermon  a few days ago, the First Sunday of Advent, in which the pastor shared that there are times when the Lord allows us to rest, because of the hectic lifestyles that we have assumed.  Yet, during this time of Advent, God says to us “Awake!” be alert, be expectant, be vigilant, I am about to do a new thing!  Many of you have just completed the season of Annual Conferences and Planning Meetings, and are beginning to implement the vision that our Episcopal Leaders have put forth for us.  Others are  starting to prepare for Annual Conferences that will begin in the next two or three months. Whatever ecclesiastical calendar we operate on, it is clear that 2010 is quickly becoming the ‘old year’, and most of us have already planned for activities that are to begin in 2011. 

I can recall that it was last year, during Thanksgiving 2009 - after  18 months of seeking God to determine if I should offer my service to the AME Church, that I began to move out with conviction and take the first steps to announce my aspiration to the General Officer post of Historiographer and Executive Director of Research and Scholarship.  Much has happened in the last year to encourage and excite me about the current work of God in our Zion.  During Advent, as we prepare our hearts, minds and souls to receive the gift of God afresh and anew, I invite you to stay awake and prayerful with me, in anticipation of the new thing that God desires to do in our lives and in the life of the beloved Church of Allen during this most holy season throughout Christendom. 

In closing, I want to share with you that I have a new published article on the history of African Methodism and the use of vestments in the recent issue of the AME REVIEW. The initial essay was initiated by the request of the presiding prelate of the 10^th Episcopal District, The Rt. Rev. Gregory G.M. Ingram, as it related to the attire of clergy in the 10^th District.  I thought it might be wise to share it with the Church of Allen at large.  I urge you to read it, and let me know if you found it useful. 

In Christ’s grace,

Sharon Grant

“Today’s Historian for Tomorrow’s Church”

Candidate 2012

Historiographer/Executive Director of Research and Scholarship

Off to a Blessed Start!

The "Rev. Sharon for Historiographer" campaign official kick-off reception was held on Friday, November 12, 2010 during the 10th District Planning Meeting, which was held at the Hyatt North Dallas. The evening was filled with praise and worship, prayer and reflection on the rich history that will be placed in the hands of the next Historiographer of the AME Church. Rev. Sharon articulated her vision for the office in a passionate and inspiring way and Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram offered his full support for Rev. Sharon's candidacy. He encouraged everyone to remember that this effort is not a sprint, but a marathon, during which she will need continual help from her supporters.

Bishop Ingram, Rev. Sharon Grant, Rev. Juan Tolliver, Mr. Johnny Tellis

Rev. Sharon unveiled her campaign theme, "Today's Historiographer for Tomorrow's Church". Attendees were treated to a slideshow presentation that reflected some of her travels and experiences in her efforts to research AME History across the United States, in parts of Africa and in the Caribbean.

Rev. Sharon introduced her campaign team, pictured above, along with some campaign supporters (click to enlarge):

Sitting: L to R: Rev. Hector J. Grant, Sr. (Rev. Sharon's father), Candidate Rev. Sharon J. Grant, Hertha Black Grant (Rev. Sharon's mother)

Standing: L to R: William Earl (Co-chair), Barbara Siggers (Volunteer), Rev. Phea Kennedy (Assistant Secretary), Tenner Hysmith (Volunteer),  Romella Jones (Volunteer),  Lisa Grant Davis (Social Networking/ Events), Melvin Braziel (Chair), Dianne Fuller (Volunteer)



Rev. Sharon at the Schomburg!

In early November, Rev. Sharon was at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in NYC!
She had the chance to pore over documents related to the history of the church in Black America in general, and the history of our AME tradition in particular. Ask her about it the next time you see her!

Welcome to Rev. Sharon's Campaign Blog!

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ!

As an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, my ministry has always been rooted in love for God and my neighbor, and becoming adequately prepared for the tasks set before me. I am persuaded that now is the time for me to offer myself as a servant to the Church in its position of Historiographer and Director of Research & Scholarship. Much like the African griots in the villages of our ancestors, I view this office and the one responsible for maintaining the stories of the tribe so that its integrity and identity is never forgotten.

My AME roots are deep and rich. My father was licensed to preach in the Jamaica Annual Conference, and pastored in the 10th Episcopal District. My mother, a lifelong AME, continues to serve as a Minister of Music at Bethel AME Church in San Antonio, Texas. My heritage within the Jamaican AME Church provides me with a sensitivity that is important when one considers globalization and its impact on culture and religion.

I am committed to the work and the discipline of Church History.  I am in the last phase of completing my PhD. in Church History at SMU in Dallas, Texas. My research focus is African Methodism in the Caribbean. If elected to serve the great Church of Allen in this manner, I will serve her with my fullest power of mind, body and spirit. I have been intentional about preparing myself for this task, because history is not just my discipline, it is my ministry.

I am delighted to welcome you to our virtual "meeting place!" Here, you will learn more about who I am as a person, the experiences that have molded me and prepared me for such a challenging role and journey along with me as I move toward Election Day 2012.

In Your Service,

Rev. Sharon