Welcome Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church 10435 S

Welcome Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church 10435 S. Central Ave. , Los Angeles, CA 90002 Pastor – Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph The Church Mission - To minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people. The Purpose - (1. ) Make available God’s Biblical principles, (2. ) Spread Christ’s Liberating gospel, (3. ) Provide continuing programs which enhance the entire social development of all people. “So faith by itself, if it has no works is dead. ” James 2: 17 ” Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare. Proverbs 8: 10 – 11

SYLLABUS for New Members Class (The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC, page 61) Devotion – Song, Prayer, and Scripture Review of Previous Lesson 1. Introduction to the Bible - The Assurance of Salvation 2. The Article of Religion 3. A History of the AME Church - The Peaceful Protest RICHARD ALLEN The Four Horsemen Richard Allen, Daniel Alexander Payne, Henry Mc. Neal Turner, William Paul Quinn 4. Introduction to Christian Stewardship - Time, Talents, and Treasures Bible Study and Personal Prayer 5. Church Worship/Order of Service - Decalogue, and General Confession 6. Central Beliefs of the AME Church - Apostle’s Creed, Communion, Baptism 7. AMEC Rules and Regulation - Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church General Church Structure - Episcopal Districts, and Conferences 8. History and Ministries of the Local Church Now ready for Membership and Christian Service

A. M. E. Church Emblem The word African means that the church was organized by people of African descent and heritage. It does not mean that the church was for persons of African descent only. The church's roots are of the family of Methodist churches. Methodism provides an orderly system of rules and regulations and places emphasis on a plain and simple gospel, helping the poor, evangelistic preaching, devotion, and personal bible study. Episcopal refers to the form of government under which the church operates. The chief executive and administrative officers of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are the Bishops of the church. Church refers to the "Christian Church, " which is a community of people who believe in God and who have accepted Jesus Christ as Savior and Master of our lives which is symbolize by the Cross.

A. M. E. Church Emblem, cont The Anvil represents our beginning and the lasting Strength of our Lord and Savior that never ceases. Our beginnings in a blacksmith shop and our eternal ending in God's heavenly realm. The shape of the emblem is in the form of a three pointed shield; the three points being symbolic of the official motto of the A. M. E. Church. "God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Holy Spirit our Comforter, Humankind our Family. ” This change was made at the 2008 General Conference. The evolvement of our motto demonstrates our ongoing assessment of our theology and how God speaks to us in changing circumstances.

Introduction to the BIBLE Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth • Gen 1: 1, God created the entire universe, from the countless millions of galaxies down to the tiniest sub-atomic particles, and all life forms, including human life. God said “Let Us make man in Our image…” Genesis 1: 26 – 2: 28. • As the Creator of mankind, God clearly shows us the absolute necessity of drawing upon His Word for spiritual nourishment: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” Matt. 4: 4. Here, Christ was quoting what He had inspired Moses to record in Deuteronomy 8: 3. This is the core of why we should study the Bible—it provides essential food for a right way of life. • Christ was a Messenger sent directly from God. The gospel He brought was about how “Christ is love, ” or that “Christ is the answer. ” His message was a direct, powerful announcement of the kingdom of God. • John 1: 1 tell us about “the Word”, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John writes, “In the beginning was the Word. ” “In the beginning” is an reference to Genesis 1: 1 (“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ”) Thus, the Bible is telling us that when God brought the creation into existence, the Word was already existing. • We all are at different stages of growth with studying the Bible, one thing for sure. God loves each of us unconditionally.

Assurance of Salvation "Plan of Salvation“ - Salvation is the saving of soul from sin and its consequences. God has established a Plan of Salvation so that you can spend eternity in Heaven. Romans 10: 9 -10 (KJV) 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. When we believe in Jesus Christ we can receive what is called salvation and become a Child of God. His Holy Spirit will enter our lives to comfort, guide, help, and counsel us during our earthly life; when our earthly life is over we will spend eternity in Heaven with Him.

Assurance of Salvation, cont. The First Step to Membership Is Salvation: Admit that you are a sinner and in need of salvation. “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. ” (Romans 3: 23) Believe that Jesus Christ died for your sin and was raised from the dead. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ” (John 3: 16) Ask God to save you and make you a member of His family. “But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name. ” (John 1: 12) Salvation Prayer God, I am convinced that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus Christ died for my sins. Will you please save me and make me a member of your family? I received this free gift by faith. Thank you, God. Amen.

Assurance of Salvation, cont. What must one do to be saved? (Acts 16: 30 a). “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” Prayer of Salvation "Dear God, I am lost and have come short of your glory. Have mercy upon me. I hereby confess all my sins whether committed by thought, word or deed. I am heartily sorry for each and every sin I have committed, and I sincerely ask your forgiveness. I believe that your Son, Jesus Christ died on the Cross at Calvary for the sins of the world. I believe He died for my sins, and was Resurrected from the dead into Everlasting Life. I desire from this point forward to be Saved, to let You have control over my life, and to lead a New Life through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. " And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2: 21 Faith is the only conditions for Salvation

Article of Religion (The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC, page 14) 1. Of faith in the Holy Trinity 2. Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man 3. Of the Resurrection of Christ 4. Of the Holy Ghost 5. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation 6. Of the Old Testament 7. Of Original or Birth Sin 8. Of Free Will 9. Of the Justification of Man 10. Of Good Works 11. Of Works of Supererogation 12. Of Sin After Justification 13. Of the Church

Article of Religion, cont (The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC, page 14) 14. Of Purgatory 15. Of Speaking in the Congregation in Such a Tongue as the People Understand 16. Of the Sacraments 17. Of Baptism 18. Of the Lord’s Supper 19. Of Both Kinds 20. Of the one Oblation of Christ, finished upon the Cross 21. Of the Marriage of Ministers 22. Of the Rite and Ceremonies of the Church 23. Of the Rulers of the United States of America 24. Of Christian Man’s Good 25. Of a Christian Man’s Oath

Peaceful Protest Richard Allen was born on February 14, 1760 in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, a slave to a Quaker Lawyer, the Honorable Benjamin Chew, and Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania from 1774 - 1777.

Richard Allen, his parents and three other children were sold to a Mr. Stokeley Sturgis, in 1767 in Delaware, near Dover. Allen recorded that Mr. Sturgis was a very tender and humane man who was more like a father to his slaves than a master. As Richard and his brother grew older, they were permitted to attend meetings of the Methodist Society. In 1777, at the age of seventeen, Allen was converted by the preaching of free-born Garrettson and joined the Methodist Society. He later bought his freedom for two thousand dollars in Continental money. He commenced traveling in 1783 and later returned to Philadelphia and joined the white congregation at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church. He was licensed to preach in 1784 and was permitted to hold services in the morning at about 5 a. m.

As the attendance of colored people at St George's increased, the attitudes of the officers and members also increased and on a Sabbath morning in 1787, the sexton met them at the door of the church and sent them to the gallery. The Peaceful Protest ~ 1787 One morning, at St. George's Methodist Episcopal Church, while prayer was going on Allen heard considerable scuffling and low-talking. As he raised his head, he saw the trustees pulling Absalom Jones and William White off their knees telling them that they could not kneel there. When the prayer was over, the black people, led by Richard Allen and Absalom Jones, withdrew from the St. George's Church

The First AME Church Richard Allen, Absalom Jones, William Gray and William Wilcher were appointed to find a lot to build a church where the worship of God could be carried on without interference. A lot was selected on Sixth Street near Lombard, in Philadelphia, and Richard Allen was authorized to negotiate for its purchase. The lot belonged to Mark Wilcox. This lot, purchased by Richard Allen in 1787, is the oldest parcel of real estate owned continuously by black people in the United States. All church buildings of Mother Bethel have been erected on the same ground. In 1816 Richard Allen – Ordained Elder and consecrated First Bishop of the New Denominations – AME Church

Our First Church Nature of the Church Bethel AME Church Philadelphia, PA Established 1793 Not segregated because we were formed as a protest against Segregation Forced to concentrate on Black church members because of American racism Missionary efforts are largely for Blacks, also because of American racism “Upon this rock, I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ” Matthew 16: 18

Christian Stewardship What is Christian Stewardship? (S. A. T. Manual for African Methodism – G. Ingram) The practice of systematic and proportionate giving of time, abilities, and material possessions based on the conviction that these are a trust from God, to be used in His service for the benefit of all mankind in grateful acknowledgement of Christ’s redeeming love. ) AMEC mandate is to create, teach, encourage, and sustain a culture of stewardship in every aspect of worship. We encourage all members to support Grant church ministries by being a good Steward. All our thoughts, words, and deeds are to be used to honor God. We should support Vision 585 and special appeals from our Stewardship and Finance Commission. All members goal should be to maintain Good and Regular standing with your church by attendance, daily prayer, personal bible study, and regularly giving of tithes/offerings. ” For the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof. 1 st Corinthians 10: 26/Psalms 24: 1 “

Bible Study, Personal Prayer Bible study is the study of the Bible by ordinary people as a personal religious or spiritual practice. The search for a deeper spiritual growth, 2 nd Timothy 2: 15. Some of our designated times at Grant to study the Bible are in Church School, Wednesday Bible Study, Organizational Meeting, and Vacation Bible School. Basic Instruction Before Leaving Earth Personal Prayer is the means by which we develop a personal relationship with the Father. Through it, we worship Him, confess our sins, express thankfulness for blessings, and lay our requests before Him. Our prayer helps us understand God more; His wants, desires and mission for our lives and for His church. Prayer requires an attitude of humility and repentance. It also requires confidence. Hebrews 4: 16 says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ”

Personal Prayer, cont. The Bible is clear in its instruction to all believers to pray. When we pray, God often impresses on us ways that we can help answer prayers through serving others and sharing the Gospel. When this happens, it creates another opportunity for us to be obedient to God, and in so doing to know Him more. Focus on God. Always remember to keep your prayer Godcentered and not problem-centered. As you pray, think about what God may be seeking to teach you or have you do in the situation you are praying about. Be thankful. When we pray, we are being obedient to God’s command to pray. God promises that He hears us and that He will answer. This is cause for thanksgiving, regardless of the answer that God gives. .

Personal Prayer, cont. Our days and hours, our very lives, should be dependent on this intimate and constant contact with God. 1 Thess. 5: 17 puts its succinctly: “Prayer continually. ” Our prayers should occur anytime and anywhere. Pray alone, Pray continuously, Pray together, Pray as a church. Thanks and praises. Psalm 95: 2 says, “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with praise. ” How Do We Pray? One simple guide that you may use in your devotional time is ACTS: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Adoration - This means letting God know how much we love and adore Him. Praise Him. Confession - We must confess, repent and ask forgiveness of our sins. Thanksgiving God should be given thanks for all things. Supplication - This is basically intercession, the praying for others. Asking for God to meet needs.

Personal Prayer, cont. The Serenity Prayer God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change things I can, and Wisdom to know the difference. We are reminded that we should always pray. We should have a daily devotional time to have fellowship with Jesus and pray for our church, pastor, ministries, community, and all those in need. "Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when you pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Mark 11: 24 Remember to P. U. S. H. (Pray Until Something Happens) If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7: 14) NRSV Not only did Jesus pray alone, but he prayed all night long at times. (Luke 6: 12).

Apostle’s Creed (Affirmation of Faith) (The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC, page 497) NOTE: The people should stand if able. I believe in GOD THE FATHER ALMIGHTY, Maker of heaven and earth; and in JESUS CHRIST HIS ONLY SON, OUR LORD; who was conceived by the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the Virgin Mary, Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day HE ROSE from the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence HE SHALL COME to judge the quick and the dead. We believe in the HOLY SPIRIT; the CHURCH UNIVERSAL; the COMMUNION of saints; the FORGIVENESS on sins; the RESURRECTION of the body; and LIFE EVERLASTING.

The Decalogue Abridged The First Commandment “Nearer My God to Thee, ” The Summary of the Decalogue. (The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC, page 496) 1 And God spake all these words saying: 2 I am the Lord thy God, Minister who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the House of bondage. 3 Thou shalt have no other God before me. Exodus 20: 1 -3. People Lord have mercy upon us, incline our hearts to keep this law. Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! Minister: Hear what Christ thy Savior saith, Thy shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind. This is the first Commandment. And the second is like unto it: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Matthew 22: 37 -40. Glory be to the Father People Gloria Patri (Latin: “Glory be to the Father”) Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Prayer of Consecration (General Confession) The Doctrine and Discipline of the AMEC, page 505 Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all people, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we from time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word and deed against Your divine Majesty, provoking most justly Your wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous unto us. Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father for Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake; forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever hereafter serve and please You in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Your name, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Baptism and Lord Supper 2 Sacraments ordained of Christ in the Gospel Baptism – It is a sign of new life through Jesus Christ and unites the one baptized with Christ and his people as members of the church. Person have the choice of immersion, sprinkling, or pouring. No person shall be re-baptize. All persons are conceived and born in sin, and that our Savior Jesus Christ says none can enter the kingdom of God except they be regenerated and born anew of water and of the Holy Spirit. Lord’s Supper is not only a sign of the love that Christians ought to have among themselves one to another, But rather is a Sacrament of our redemption by Christ death; insomuch, that to such as rightly, worthily, and with faith receive the same, the bread which we break is a partaking of the body of Christ; and likewise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the blood of Christ.

The Bishop is the chief executive and administrative officer of an Episcopal District. The Presiding Prelate of the 5 th Episcopal District is Bishop T. Larry Kirkland the 114 th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The 5 th District is divided into 6 annual conferences. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a Connectional Church

Episcopal Districts and Assigned Bishop 1 st Episcopal District: 2 nd Episcopal District: 3 rd Episcopal District: 4 th Episcopal District: 5 th Episcopal District: 6 th Episcopal District: 7 th Episcopal District: 8 th Episcopal District: 9 th Episcopal District: 10 th Episcopal District: 11 th Episcopal District: 12 th Episcopal District: 13 th Episcopal District: 14 th Episcopal District: 15 th Episcopal District: Bishop Gregory Gerald Mc. Kinley Ingram Bishop William Phillip De. Veaux Sr. Bishop Mc. Kinley Young Bishop John Richard Bryant Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland Bishop Preston Warren Williams II Bishop Richard Franklin Norris Bishop Julius Harrison Mc. Allister Bishop James Levert Davis Bishop Vashti Murphy Mc. Kenzie Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green Sr. Bishop Jeffery Nathaniel Leath Bishop Clement W. Fugh Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels Jr.

Episcopal Districts and Assigned Bishop, Cont. 16 th Episcopal District: 17 th Episcopal District: 18 th Episcopal District: 19 th Episcopal District: 20 th Episcopal District: Ecumenical Officer: Located Bishop: Bishop Sarah Frances Davis *** Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah Bishop John Franklin White Bishop J. M. Kawimbe Bishop Reginald T. Jackson Bishop Earl Mc. Cloud Jr. *** Deceased Nov. 2013 Bishop Council Assigned Bishop White The Four Horsemen Pioneers who were instrumental in our church development. Richard Allen - Founder and First Bishop (1760– 1831), William Paul Quinn - Fourth Bishop (1788– 1873) Organized churches in Missouri & Kentucky. Delivered the first written Episcopal Address at the General Conference in 1848 Daniel Payne - Sixth Bishop (1811– 1893) First Bishop to have formal Theological seminary training. Responsible for our attention toward trained Ministry. Founded Wilberforce University in 1856 Henry Mc. Neal Turner - Twelfth Bishop (1834– 1915) Established churches in West and South Africa.

The 5 th Episcopal District consists of the following 6 Annual Conferences - Southern California, Desert Mountain, Midwest, Missouri, and the Pacific Northwest. There’s 12 Presiding Elder Districts within the 5 th Episcopal District. Our Conference is the Southern California Conference (SCC) which consists of two Presiding Elder Districts. 1. Los Angeles South / Las Vegas District Presiding Elder Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey 2. Los Angeles North District Presiding Elder Rev. Allen Williams Grant AME Church is in the Los Angeles North District RULES AND REGULATION � The Bible – Our highest authority � The Doctrine and Discipline – Our law � The Church Hymnal – Our book of worship

Conferences CONFERENCES – The five administrative conference bodies in the structure of the AME Church are General, Annual, District, Quarterly, and Church Conference. General Conference consists of the Bishops, General Officers, the President of all AMEC Universities and Colleges, the Dean of each Seminary, the President and Treasurer of the Connectional WMS, the Connectional Lay President, Chaplains, the Editor of the Women Missionary Society Magazine, all Connectional Presidents and/or Directors of each Ministry. The General Conference makes changes to the Book of Discipline of the AME Church which contains newly elected Bishops with all Bishops assignments. The Bishops are the Chief Officers of the Connectional Church they are elected for life by a majority vote of the General Conference. Bishops shall retire at the General Conference nearest their 75 th birthday.

Conferences, cont. The 49 th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference met June 27 – July 4, 2012 in Nashville, TN. AMEC Quadrennial Theme: 2013 - 2016 “Exalting Christ to Impact the World” “And I, when I am lifted from the earth, will draw all people to myself. ” (ESV) John 12: 32 Fulfilling the Great Commission 2013 “The Goal of Discipleship” (Mathew 28: 18 -20) 2014 “The Cost of Discipleship” (Mark 8: 34 -38) 2015 “The Evidence of Discipleship” (John 13: 34 -35) 2016 “The Fruit of Discipleship” (John 15: 1 -5) Plan to attend the Golden Anniversary of the 50 th General Conference in 2016, in Philadelphia PA. (Dates: July 5 th – July 13 th, 2016)

Conferences, cont. Annual Conference consists of every ministerial person of that conference, and all conference officers, an elected Lay person from each church, and a youth delegate from each church. The Bishop presides over each Annual Conference within their Episcopal District. An Electoral College is held each quadrennial to elect Delegates to the General Conference. District Conference consists of every ministerial person in that Presiding Elder District, one Steward from each Quarterly Conference, Presidents of the Lay Organization, and a Youth Representative from each local church. The District Conference meets annually at the time/place designated by the Presiding Elder. The Presiding Elder is the chairperson of the conference.

Conferences, cont. Quarterly Conference of the local church consists of all ministerial persons, Stewardess, Trustees, Class Leaders, General Officers, Superintendent of the Church School, President of the Women’s Missionary Society, and President of the Lay Organization. Quarterly Conference is held each quarter. The time/place shall be selected by the Presiding Elder after consultation with the pastor. The Presiding Elder is the presiding officer. In some areas the presiding elder may have a joint quarterly conference. Church Conference consists of all members and minister of the local church. It is the forum where church business is transacted and delegates are elected to represent the church. The Pastor is the presiding officer and the aim is to continue to promote the kingdom of God.

The Local Church Official Board is the Official Legislative body of the local church and shall be composed of all class leaders, exhorters, deaconesses, stewards, trustees, stewardesses, and all president of all organizations of the local church. All organization shall prepare their report to the Official Board. The Pastor shall preside over the Official Board meeting. The Official Board shall meet at least monthly. Stewards Board - Composition and Function. The Presiding Officer is the Pastor. Stewards are nominated by the Pastor and Confirmed by the Quarterly Conference. Responsible for keeping the membership on a high and sound spiritual level. Everything that is of priority to the pastor should be of priority to every steward. Trustees Board - Composition and Function. Presiding Officer is the Pastor. Trustees are elected by members of the church. Manage all temporal affairs of the church. Look after the building and other real estate which is own by the church.

Grant Church Ministries THE OFFICIAL BOARD STEWARD BOARD TRUSTEE BOARD CHURCH SCHOOL STEWARDESS BOARD DEACONESSES BOARD CLASS LEADER MISSIONARY SOCIETY LAY ORGANIZATION CHOIR(S)/MUSIC MINISTRY USHER BOARD MEN OF GRANT GREETER/ANNOUNCEMENT CLERK BIBLE STUDY MEN’S/WOMEN’S CONFERENCE MEDIA MINISTRY JOYFUL PRAISE DANCE FOOD MINISTRY CHILDREN/YOUTH CHURCH WHERE WILL YOU SERVE? 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3: 5 -6