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