by LottCarey | Apr 25, 2024 | News
At the recently concluded Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, Rev. Dr. Willie D. Francois III, the newly appointed senior pastor of the host church, Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ, addressed the critical role of public theology in safeguarding democracy and championing the cause of Black lives.
Dr. Francois underscored the unprecedented global scale of this year’s elections, with more than 60 countries casting their votes. He posited that the health of democracy is directly reflected in the vitality of public participation. Yet, he expressed deep concern for what he termed “democratic grief,” particularly among younger Black Americans – a profound disengagement stemming from disillusionment with a system that has historically failed them.
The church, according to Dr. Francois, has a pivotal role in mending the wounds of democratic grief. He called for a theological lexicon that identifies systemic injustices as sins, thus framing the struggle for racial justice as a moral imperative. He lamented that only two generations of Black Americans have been born with the unobstructed right to vote, a stark reminder of the persistence of anti-blackness.
He urged the church to transcend doctrinal rigidity and embrace theological imagination, drawing from ancestral wisdom and the interconnectedness of humanity. He emphasized the necessity of fostering hope and practicing “public love” – a proactive love that demands justice and combats oppression.
Echoing the teachings of Jesus, Dr. Francois advocated for a love that is inherently political, one that actively seeks to dismantle systems of domination. He challenged the church to align itself with this radical form of love, thereby redefining discipleship in terms of action rather than mere observance.
In a poignant reference to Melissa V. Harris-Perry’s book, Sister Citizen, he drew a parallel between the participants in a post-war experiment – who struggled to stand upright amidst crooked surroundings – and the contemporary challenge faced by the church to stand for justice in a society marred by systemic inequalities.
Dr. Francois’s message was a clarion call for a countercultural revolution, urging the church to lead in painting a new vision for America – one that is rooted in love, justice, and an unwavering commitment to democracy.
by LottCarey | Apr 24, 2024 | News
In a recent presentation at the Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, Rev. Dr. Christophe Ringer, an associate professor of Theological Ethics and Society at Chicago Theological Seminary, offered a profound exploration of the value of public theology in addressing societal issues.
Dr. Ringer began by discussing the concept of “social death” and the role of public theology in addressing it. He referenced the biblical story of Lazarus, using it as a metaphor for the role of public theology in unbinding people from social death caused by public policies and practices.
He emphasized that public theology involves critical reflection on society from a religious perspective. This reflection critiques injustices in culture and articulates the sacred aspects of public life necessary for fulfilling and meaningful lives. It also offers resources for a corrective vision where public life is governed by policies that violate democratic virtues and practices.
Dr. Ringer then discussed the current state of Christian nationalism and its impact on society, especially in the United States. He referenced Ta-Nehisi Coates’ work, discussing the concept of freedom and its misuse to justify domination over others, compromising the common good. He argued that this misuse of freedom is not divine but a profound ideology, akin to idolatry.
The speaker suggested that idolatry leads to a false sense of history, which is at the core of the need to prove that unarmed black people shot by the police were the cause of their own death. He argued that the COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled the idolatry of whiteness, which he believes is more accurately captured by the language of ideology than by terms like white privilege or white supremacy.
Dr. Ringer concluded by criticizing federal and local government policies during the pandemic that prioritized corporations over people and politicized mask-wearing and stay-at-home orders. He argued that these policies resulted in sickness and death in their own communities, demonstrating the destructive consequences of pursuing policies that prioritize supremacy and privilege.
The presentation also highlighted instances where individuals and groups are willing to sacrifice the weak, elderly, and homeless for the sake of economic benefits or political ideologies. Dr. Ringer argued that public theology can offer a counter-narrative to these harmful ideologies. Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, Rev. Dr. Prathia Hall’s concept of “freedom faith”, and Martin Luther King Jr.’s views on integration, he suggested that public theology can advocate for a society that values all people regardless of race, gender, or class, and seeks the equality and liberation of all people.
Dr. Ringer echoed Angela Davis’s call to reimagine freedom from the perspective of those who have been denied it, arguing that this vision of freedom calls for full economic, political, and social equality. He suggested that public theology can help society move toward a more just future by encouraging us to question our assumptions and confront our complicity in perpetuating social inequalities. By working toward the beloved community, we can help bring about a more inclusive and equitable society.
by LottCarey | Apr 23, 2024 | News
At the Lott Carey annual Spring Missions Conference, held on April 18-19 at the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, NJ, Executive Secretary-Treasurer Rev. Emmett Dunn underscored the mission organization’s steadfast commitment to service and community upliftment.
Rev. Dunn highlighted four pillars that guide Lott Carey’s mission: being intentional, inclusive, incarnational, and impactful. These principles are deeply ingrained in the organization’s actions and initiatives.
Lott Carey’s intentional approach is evident in capacity-building initiatives that empower member churches and global partners. Projects have a tangible impact, from constructing churches to ensuring access to safe drinking water. A notable achievement is support for the education of more than 12,000 students, a testament to the dedication to nurturing future generations.
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of Lott Carey’s philosophy. Rev. Dunn proudly mentioned the relaunch of the annual youth seminar, a platform that fosters young minds. Moreover, the organization has a rich history of recognizing and uplifting women’s roles in preaching, showcasing its commitment to gender equality.
Lott Carey strives to embody the spirit of Jesus in its work. It is an incarnational community that extends resources to heal and support, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, advocates for the voiceless, builds capacity for underserved communities, and proclaims the gospel. This approach reflects Lott Carey’s deep-rooted belief in serving humanity with compassion and empathy.
The conference was also a platform for sharing stories of Lott Carey’s impactful work. One such narrative involved providing meals to a malnourished child in Liberia, a poignant example of the organization’s life-saving interventions. Furthermore, the shipment of more than 1,000,000 meals in collaboration with Kids Against Hunger to several countries, showcases Lott Carey’s extensive reach and the profound difference it makes in the lives of many.
A touching moment in Rev. Dunn’s presentation was the mention of a personal commitment of $24,000 from Lott Carey’s accountant, who has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the organization’s work. This generous donation underscores the deep faith and belief in the mission that Lott Carey inspires.
Rev. Dunn concluded his presentation with a personal anecdote about a lighthouse in Monrovia, Liberia, a symbol of guidance and safety. This story served as a metaphor for Lott Carey’s role in the world, guiding those in need toward a brighter future.
by LottCarey | Apr 22, 2024 | News
Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart, the esteemed president of Lott Carey, delivered the sermon at the closing commissioning service of the 2024 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference at the Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey.
Dr. Stewart’s message was clear and profound: public theology is not only relevant but essential. Drawing from the scriptures of Matthew 5:13-15 and John 1:1-5, she painted a vivid picture of faith’s role in the public square. She used the insights of Rev. Dr. Christophe Ringer, who gave two presentations on public theology at the conference, as a backdrop, declaring that all life is sacred, and every act is an act of worship.
The sacred-secular divide, she argued, is a false dichotomy. Theology, in its truest form, spills out of sanctuaries and into the streets, influencing policy, shaping dialogues, and uplifting communities. Other presenters at the missions conference, Minister Brenda Troy and Rev. Dr. Willie Francois III, were heralded for their practical applications of this concept, demonstrating how public love can be a beacon of hope in a world riddled with despair.
For 127 years, Lott Carey has been a testament to this philosophy, actively engaging in the fight against hunger, championing women’s empowerment, advancing education, and providing disaster relief. These initiatives are not mere acts of charity but a divine mandate, a command to disrupt the status quo and sow seeds of justice and equity.
Dr. Stewart’s sermon culminated in a powerful call to action. She urged the gathering to embrace their unique gifts, to be the light in a world shrouded in darkness. The ministry of Jesus, she reminded them, was never meant to be confined to whispers behind closed doors. It is a dynamic force, capable of transforming societies and realigning them with God’s vision for human flourishing.
As the conference ended, the message was clear: despair is not an option. Instead, we are invited to join a lineage of change-makers who understood the public nature of Jesus’ ministry. Together, we can be divine disruptors, aligning our world with the divine intentions of love, justice, and flourishing for all.
by LottCarey | Apr 20, 2024 | News
At the Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference, Rev. Dr. DeForest B. Soares, Jr. delivered a sermon that resonated with the deep-seated pain and hope in a time when persons and communities are seeking solace and strength. His words, rooted in the biblical passage of Jeremiah 20:7-13, served as a reminder of the enduring power of faith to transform lives and overcome adversity.
The core of Dr. Soares’ message centered on the transformative power of God’s word. He depicted it as a fire, potent enough to consume fear and warm those burdened with weariness. In a world rife with challenges, from the generational pain of the Black community to the trials faced by clergy during the COVID-19 pandemic, he emphasized that God’s word provides the strength and courage to persevere.
Dr. Soares did not shy away from addressing the coldness of our world – a world where resources are abundant, yet basic needs remain unmet, where education is neglected, and women’s rights are curtailed by archaic laws. He spoke of a country that prioritizes foreign aid over domestic needs and churches led by preachers more focused on wealth than on societal issues like gentrification and oppression.
Despite the bleakness of these realities, Dr. Soares offered hope. He presented the word of God as a source of warmth, light, and guidance – an eternal flame that empowers us to help others and spread divine love. It is a beacon that illuminates our path amidst duplicity and lies, reassuring us of our divine heritage and the promise of salvation.
Dr. Soares likened the word of God to a generator during a power outage – not the power itself but a channel for the power of God. It is a word for the weary, a fire in our bones that gives us the strength to fight, work, and show up, even when the world turns cold.
by LottCarey | Apr 19, 2024 | News
In the first morning worship service at the 2024 Lott Carey Spring Missions Conference, which runs April 18-19, at Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey, Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, a venerated author, biblical scholar, and public intellectual, delivered a stirring sermon that delved into the open-ended narrative of the Book of Acts.
Dr. Weems opened her discourse with an exploration of Acts 28, where the Apostle Paul, under house arrest, continues his ministry for two years, unfettered by chains, proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. She voiced a sentiment familiar to many believers – the abrupt ending of Acts feels akin to the anti-climax of a film that rolls credits just as the plot thickens, leaving the audience yearning for resolution.
However, Dr. Weems proposed a thought-provoking perspective: what if the Holy Spirit intended for this lack of closure? She suggested that the story of Jesus’ life and ministry is an ongoing saga, with the “29th chapter” still being penned by the hands of those who follow in the footsteps of the early church.
Highlighting the significance of personal narratives in the tapestry of faith, Dr. Weems referenced the emergence of African denominations and congregations such as the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, the oldest Black Church in North America. These, she argued, are vibrant threads in the “29th chapter,” embodying the continuous work of the Holy Spirit in the world.
Dr. Weems urged the gathering to seize the quill of history and author their own chapters. She challenged listeners to contribute to the chronicles of faith, ensuring that the narrative of Christianity is not solely penned by the “winners” or prevailing powers but is a mosaic of diverse, individual testimonies.
by LottCarey | Apr 17, 2024 | News
Lott Carey, a global Christian missional community, stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Haiti during this time of unprecedented crisis. For more than a century, we have been committed to supporting the Haitian people through partnerships and aid, and today, our resolve is stronger than ever.
The current situation in Haiti is dire. Gang violence has escalated, leading to a humanitarian disaster that has left millions in need of urgent assistance. The political turmoil following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has only intensified the instability. The recent gang war has resulted in thousands of deaths and has displaced more than 362,000 people, creating a state of fear and uncertainty.
Violence has spilled from the capital, Port au Prince, into rural areas, disrupting national supply lines and causing prices to skyrocket. This has exacerbated the hunger crisis, with 4.4 million people facing crisis levels of food insecurity. As the 2024 hurricane season draws near, the country, already grappling with poverty, now faces the threat of tropical systems that could bring heavy rain, flooding, and further damage to weakened structures.
In response to these challenges, Lott Carey pledges to continue our support for the Strategic Union of Baptist Churches in Haiti, the Haiti Baptist Convention, Mission of Grace, and other partners in Haiti. We have provided emergency aid, supported education, and sent volunteers to assist in relief efforts. Our commitment to the Haitian people remains steadfast.
We call upon the international community to join us in prayer and support for Haiti. We urge for an end to the conflict and for peace to be restored. It is our fervent hope that through collective efforts, we can help alleviate the suffering and bring about a brighter future for Haiti.
For those who wish to contribute, donations can be made to support our ongoing mission in Haiti. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this crisis.
Lott Carey is more than an organization; we are a family united in faith and action. We stand with Haiti.
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“When you open schools, you close so many prisons.” – Linotte Joseph, Mission of Grace, Haiti
by LottCarey | Mar 31, 2024 | Lent 2024
In the quiet walk to Emmaus, two disciples pondered the events that had unfolded. Cleopas and another, whose name history did not record, engaged in a conversation that would change their lives forever. It is in this unnamed disciple that we find a reflection of ourselves – ordinary individuals seeking understanding and truth.
As they walked, a stranger joined them, igniting their hearts with words that burned like a beacon in the night. This stranger was none other than the Risen Christ, though they knew it not. He spoke to them, not as one seeking glory or recognition, but as one imparting wisdom and hope. The scriptures came alive, and their hearts were set ablaze with a passion that only the divine word can kindle.
This narrative reminds us that in our own journey of faith, we need not be renowned or distinguished to experience the transformative power of God’s word. Our names may never be etched in the annals of history, but our hearts can still resonate with the truth of the Resurrection. We, too, can bear witness to the life-changing presence of Jesus in our lives.
The disciples’ realization that Jesus was alive transformed their despair into joy, their fear into courage. They could not contain this revelation; they rushed back to share the Good News. In their testimony, we are reminded that the message of Jesus’ resurrection is not confined to the extraordinary but is entrusted to the ordinary – to each of us.
We are called to see Jesus in the everyday, to recognize Him in the mundane, and to proclaim His living presence in our lives. The greatest news ever received – that Jesus is alive – is ours to share. It is a gift of immeasurable value, a treasure that we, ordinary people, have the honor of declaring to the world.
Let us walk our paths with hearts open to the words of Christ, allowing them to burn within us and guide us. May we, like Cleopas and the unnamed disciple, be emboldened to share the joyous truth: Jesus is alive, and His love endures forever.
Prayer
Lord, we come before You today with hearts full of gratitude and awe, reflecting on the extraordinary news of the Resurrection that was shared with ordinary individuals. In the quiet walk to Emmaus, two disciples, Cleopas and an unnamed companion, were transformed by the presence of the Risen Christ. Their hearts were set ablaze with the wisdom and hope He imparted, igniting a passion that only the divine word can kindle.
We recognize in this narrative a call to our own lives: that we too, ordinary individuals, can bear witness to the life-changing presence of Jesus. We are called to see Him in the everyday, to recognize Him in the mundane, and to proclaim His living presence in our lives. The Good News of the Resurrection is not confined to the extraordinary; it is entrusted to the ordinary, to each of us.
Lord, we pray for the grace to walk our paths with hearts open to the words of Christ, allowing them to burn within us and guide us. May we, like Cleopas and the unnamed disciple, be emboldened to share the joyous truth: Jesus is alive, and His love endures forever. We ask for the strength to overcome our fears and to proclaim this Good News with love, respect, and without the desire for recognition or glory.
May we be instruments of Your love, sharing the transformative power of the Resurrection with others. Help us to encounter Jesus in our daily lives, to experience His love, and to share that love with the world. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
by LottCarey | Mar 30, 2024 | Lent 2024
As Easter eve approaches, the Christian world enters a period of deep reflection and somber remembrance. This is a time to mourn the death of Jesus Christ, a pivotal moment in Christian faith that signifies the ultimate sacrifice for humanity’s sins. The air is filled with solemn reverence, as believers contemplate the weight of this sacrifice.
Yet, even in mourning, there is a palpable sense of anticipation. Easter eve is not only about death but also about the promise of life. It is the precursor to the joyous celebration of resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian belief that proclaims victory over death and offers hope of eternal life.
In this sacred time, the faithful are called to introspection and prayer, to align their hearts with the profound mysteries of their faith. Some churches are draped in purple, the color of penitence and mourning, yet they stand ready to burst forth in the white and gold of resurrection joy.
We embrace the sorrow and the hope intertwined in this holy observance. As the sun sets on this solemn day, let us prepare our hearts for the dawn of Resurrection morning, when the cry resounds, “He is risen!” and the promise of new life is fulfilled.
We gather in the dimming light, our hearts heavy with the remembrance of the cross. The echoes of “It is finished” linger in the air, a solemn reminder of the price paid for redemption. We sit in the shadow of death, yet we know this is not the end.
As night falls, we enter into a vigil, a watchful waiting for the first light of Resurrection. It is a time to reflect on the darkness of the tomb and the light that is to come. In this sacred pause, we are reminded that life springs from death, and hope emerges from despair.
With the breaking of dawn, the mourning turns to joy. The stone is rolled away, and the grave is found empty. The resurrection is not just a past event but a present reality, offering us a glimpse of the divine and the assurance of life everlasting.
This Easter eve, let us walk the path of sorrow with the knowledge that it leads to the most glorious of mornings. Let us prepare our hearts for the resurrection, for the moment when love conquers death and life is reborn.
May the day of resurrection be filled with the profound peace and joy that comes from this assurance.
Prayer
As we approach the solemn vigil of Resurrection, we pause to reflect on the profound mysteries of faith that bind us together. In the quiet of this sacred time, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the ultimate act of love and redemption that offers us hope and the promise of eternal life. This Easter eve, we stand at the threshold of a new dawn, a time when death is conquered, and life is reborn.
Lord, we gather in the dimming light, our hearts heavy with the remembrance of the cross. We sit in the shadow of death, yet we know this is not the end. We enter into a vigil, a watchful waiting for the first light of Resurrection. In this sacred pause, we are reminded that life springs from death, and hope emerges from despair.
O God, enlighten this most holy night with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection. Preserve the spirit of adoption which You have given to all Your people, so that renewed in body and soul, we may serve You in all purity; through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Lord, show us that love is stronger than hatred, that love is stronger than death. Descend into the darkness and the abyss of our modern age, and take by the hand those who await You. Bring them to the light! In my own dark nights, be with me to bring me forth! Help me, help all of us, to descend with You into the darkness of all those people who are still waiting for You, who out of the depths cry unto You! Help us to bring them Your light! Help us to say the “yes” of love, the love that makes us descend with You and, in so doing, also to rise with You.
As the sun sets on this solemn day, let us prepare our hearts for the dawn of Resurrection morning, when the cry resounds, “He is risen!” and the promise of new life is fulfilled. May the day of resurrection be filled with the profound peace and joy that comes from this assurance. Amen.
by LottCarey | Mar 29, 2024 | Lent 2024
By six in the evening on the first Good Friday, the world was a different place. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, had died on the cross, suffering the most humiliating and agonizing death imaginable. He had been betrayed, arrested, falsely accused, mocked, whipped, and crucified by the very people He came to save. He had cried out in anguish, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” and breathed His last. His body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb, sealed by a large stone. His disciples were scattered, fearful, and hopeless.
The Jewish leaders were satisfied, thinking they had eliminated a threat to their authority and religion. The Roman soldiers were indifferent, having executed another criminal among many. The world seemed to have gone on as usual, oblivious to the cosmic significance of what had just happened.
But what had just happened was nothing less than the turning point of history, the climax of God’s plan of salvation, the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, and the demonstration of God’s love for humanity. Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, had offered Himself as a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. He had paid the price of our redemption, reconciling us to God and opening the way to eternal life. He had conquered sin and death, breaking their power and securing our victory. He had revealed the depth of God’s grace and mercy, inviting us to receive His forgiveness and friendship. He had accomplished His mission, saying, “It is finished.”
The world was a different place because of Good Friday, but not everyone recognized it. Only those who believed in Jesus as their Lord and Savior could understand the meaning and value of His death. Only those who trusted in His promises and followed His commands could experience the benefits and blessings of His sacrifice. Only those who were born again by His Spirit and united with His body could share in His resurrection and glory. Only those who loved Him and worshiped Him could appreciate His love and worship Him in spirit and truth.
Good Friday is not just a historical event or a religious observance. It is a personal encounter with the crucified and risen Lord, who invites us to join Him in His death and resurrection, and to follow Him in His mission and His glory. Let us respond to His call with faith, obedience, and love, and let us celebrate His victory with gratitude, praise, and worship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for Your amazing love and grace, that You gave Yourself for us on the cross, to save us from our sins and to bring us to God. We praise You for Your power and glory, that You rose from the dead, to defeat our enemies and to secure our future. We worship You for Your presence and promises, that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.
We confess that we have not always appreciated the revolutionary difference that Your death and resurrection have made in our lives and in our world. We have often ignored, neglected, or disobeyed Your call to follow You in Your mission and Your glory. We have sometimes been ashamed, afraid, or indifferent to Your gospel and Your kingdom. We have frequently failed to love You and our neighbor as You have loved us.
Forgive us, Lord, and renew us by Your Spirit. Help us to repent of our sins and to believe in Your good news. Help us to take up our cross and to follow You, no matter the cost or the challenge. Help us to love You with all our being and to love our neighbor as ourselves, reflecting Your image and Your character. Help us to proclaim Your death and resurrection to the world, testifying to Your saving power and Your coming kingdom. Help us to rejoice in Your presence and Your promises, living in hope and joy, knowing that You are with us always and that You will come again to take us to Yourself.
We ask this in Your name, and for Your sake. Amen.
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