Rev. A. I. Dunlop This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER Online: THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (10/20/06)

   www.the-christian-recorder.org - [Cached]

   Published on: 10/20/2006   Last Visited: 1/30/2007

   I am beating "a dead horse" but if anyone will listen and change than the "dead horse" just might not be dead after all.
   
   One of the articles in this issue addresses the United Methodist Church's program to launch online training to help local churches develop Web sites and Web ministries that help facilitate opportunities for spiritual growth. I applaud the United Methodist Church for their effort in assisting local churches to be more effective because we live in an age of technology and information.
   
   I want the AME Church leadership to reach out more intentionally to assist churches to become more technologically proficient and efficient and I want pastors and lay leaders to respond to the Church leadership's efforts to promote technology as a means to assist in the day-to-day efficiencies and as a tool for evangelism. I know that Dr. Clement Fugh, the General Secretary of the AME Church has been relentless in his effort to institute online reports and to do away with "stubby pencil" paper reports.
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   For instance, the winter months are fast approaching and for the life of me I cannot understand why pastors insist on having meetings at the church, forcing folks to drive, use gas, and risk accidents when they could have telephonic meetings.
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   "Rather than disengaging in the political process, I see this as the most important time for people of faith to stand up for their moral beliefs and values," Clyburn wrote.
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   As Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and leader of the House Democrats Faith Working Group, I have traveled this country and visited many congregations. No matter where I visit, I find myself confronted by the same question from people of faith: does any role remain for the faith community within our government? I would like to take this opportunity to respond to the growing sense of restlessness among the faith community.
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   But rather than disengaging in the political process, I see this as the most important time for people of faith to stand up for their moral beliefs and values.
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   I ask you to join with me in standing with my Democratic colleagues to actively work to help us serve the people we represent with humility and purpose.
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   Last night I was talking to my son, Johnnie, because I had not heard from him in a few days.
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   But you need to know that I am a child of God." Then he said that he smiled.
   
   The guy said, "Oh you think this is funny. You think I am playing with you. I will kill you."
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   I woke up, sat up in the bed and looked at the clock on the nightstand. The Lord told me to pray. I began praying for Johnnie that God would protect him, watch him, guide him, and comfort him.
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   From 3:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., I was praying for the church, my family and friends, and myself. God answers prayer.
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   I would like to thank everyone for keeping me in their prayers and to God be the glory. Sometimes we go through life and get so caught up in our own individual goals, problems, and accomplishments until we forget about the things that matter most. We tend to forget about other parts of the world and people who have helped us along the way to get to where we are today. We often see the big picture and forget about the tiny small pictures that make up the big picture. But then again...this is America---and we take so much for granted. Everyone knows that I am not a big fan of forwarding emails, but thanks so much for the prayers and all, but what would be even better is if everyone reading this email would actually take the time send an email, text message, or make a phone call to remind and show their family, friends, and others how much they appreciate them.
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   This was the first event I have attended at the Schermerhorn Center since its formal opening on September 9, 2006, but I would venture to say that it was also the first time an African-American has served as Director.
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   I may miss some names or church affiliations, but I'll be happy to be corrected:
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   While my work requires that I do a lot of reading, I also enjoy reading as a hobby.
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   Other books challenge me and gives imparts social messages, one such book that I read recently is, "The Covenant with Black America."
   
   I am not quite sure about the origins of the book entitled, "The Covenant With Black America" with the introduction by Tavis Smiley.
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   I grew up in Winston-Salem, NC, yet I always thought that I would be successful at something; I just didn't know what that would be. I firmly attribute to my mom and dad the attitude and belief of success that I had. I have no doubt in my mind that had it not been for God and for my parents, I would have been a bad statistic.
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   One of the most over-used expressions, at least since I have been around, is, "Your attitude determines your altitude."
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   "I am very excited, and feel blessed to finally have one of my works published.
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   "I know that God has smiled on me in a special way based on some of the well-known, influential pastors who took time to write the book."
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   Eulogist will be Rev. A. I. Dunlop, Pastor, Carey Temple AME Church