News and Announcements

Universal Center for Development (UCD) will honor Donice Jeter and Kelyse little at its 2nd Church Girls Rock Celebration on April 27, 2013 at 5:00 pm at THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue, SE, Washington, DC. This program is to pay tribute to women and young ladies who have made significant contributions to their church and community. They would be delighted to have their church family join them in this celebration. For ticket information and/or to place a congratulatory AD in the souvenir booklet, contact Consentine Morgan at 301 449-9464. UCD provides computer certifications in MOS and IC3 for young adults 17 and older who are disabled, socially and economically disadvantaged, Homecomers and veterans.

Noted Musician Danny Hodge, Retiring Director of the Metro-Aires, to be Honored at Metropolitan on Saturday, Feb. 9

On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Metro-Aires Choir of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church will spearhead a retirement celebration recognizing Danny Hodge as its director for 42 years.

This will be city-wide, church-wide recognition of love and honor for a noted musician who has given his life towards the progression, education, and development of choral music.

The congregation is urged to support this event. Please RSVP no later than Saturday, January 26, 2013 to either the Facebook event under Geoffrey Tate, president of the Metro-Aires, or contact Mr. Tate via email at GROJEN@msn.com.

President Barack Obama and the first family worshipped at Metropolitan A.M.E. Church on Sunday shortly before he took the official oath of office for a second term at the White House.

Led by senior pastor Rev. Ronald E. Braxton and assistant pastor, Rev. Marie P. Braxton, nearly 2000 members and visitors welcomed the president for the dual celebration of his   second inauguration and the holiday honoring the birthday of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Pastor Braxton’s sermon, building on the president’s theme for his second term, was entitled, “When Forward is the Only Option,” and may be viewed on our YouTube channel.

The service received wide media attention and the church’s website broke previous records for the number of viewers. The Michigan Chronicle called the visit “significant” not only because it marked Metropolitan’s l75th anniversary year but also because “it underscores Obama’s faith posture, which came under fire during his first term in office with some of the religious right questioning his faith.”

Metropolitan’s leaders voiced regret that some of its congregants were unable to gain access to the church.  Despite waiting up to three hours for the service to begin, however, the congregation inside was in high spirits.  “The songs really highlighted the importance of the faith tradition to our country–especially the Battle Hymn of the Republic,” said Dakarai Aaron, a lifelong member of the church. “While there was certainly a lot of excitement and pride in having the Obama family join us in worship, our congregation did not turn the service into a political rally. We remained focused on celebrating God’s favor and asking God to bless our leaders as they begin a new chapter in their work to solve some of the nation’s biggest challenges.”

It was the first family’s second visit in two years.  However, President Obama’s choice of Metropolitan on such an historic occasion   turned another exciting page in the storied history of the church. [see “Metropolitan: A Brief History"].    The National Cathedral of African Methodism is not only a major center of worship but its strategic location reinforces the wisdom of the former enslaved persons who built and founded the church. They designated it to be of national character “in close proximity” to the nation’s points of power—the White House and the Capitol.  The church’s dedication to continuing to be in the forefront of the civic, cultural, and intellectual life of African Americans will be on display through 2013 as it celebrates its 175^th anniversary.

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On Saturday, Feb. 9, the Metro-Aires Choir of Metropolitan A.M.E. Church will spearhead a retirement celebration recognizing Danny Hodge as its director for 42 years.

This will be city-wide, church-wide recognition of love and honor for a noted musician who has given his life towards the progression, education, and development of choral music.

The congregation is urged to support this event. Please RSVP no later than Saturday, January 26, 2013 to either the Facebook event under Geoffrey Tate, president of the Metro-Aires, or contact Mr. Tate via email at GROJEN@msn.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2012 IS VETERANS’ DAY

Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux

I am the son of a World War II and Korean Conflict veteran. My father went away to serve his country and our family lived with my grandmother until he came home safely. In 1969, it was my turn to join the service men and women as a part of generation’s war. For me it was Vietnam. It was also  my brother John who also served a long and industrious career as an AME Army chaplain who also served in Viet Nam and retired as a colonel.

The reasons for each war may be different but the effects on families are the same. Separation, anxiety, loneliness and disruption are critical problems resulting from military service. As the season of Veterans Day approaches on November 11, 2012 we African Methodists surely mourn the loss of those brave fighters who have paid the ultimate sacrifice; and support families who are separated from loved ones.

Now, the country is again engaged in combat, this time in Iraq and Afghanistan. We are also obliged to seek out these contemporary warriors and invite them to our houses of worship where they can find fellowship, comfort and safe sanctuary. Many of today’s returning vets suffer with mental health illnesses, substance abuse, poverty and homelessness. Clearly these conditions are not easily or quickly addressed. Nevertheless, I pray that we find ways to provide those who have served abroad and those who protect us at home with an affirming place in which to rehabilitate their lives.

Finally, I would like to express proud gratitude to the men and women of the 2nd Episcopal District who have given the best of their service for us and future generations. Sir Winston Churchill’s tribute to the English soldiers of WWII: never have so many owed so much to so few, probably best pays homage to our military veterans. We should be grateful and join together in saying God Bless you and thank you again to these stalwart servants.

Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux is the Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District

Mrs. Eddye Williams, believed to be the oldest DC resident, passed on Sep 21. She was a long time member of Metropolitan AME. We send our condolences to her family. View this remembrance of her 110th birthday celebration. She will be funeralized at Metropolitan on Tues, Oct 2, 11 am.

Pastor Braxton reminded us on this past Sunday  to please don’t forget your church and remember to mail in your tithes and offerings even if you are away on vacation. This way we won’t fall behind in our operating obligations such as payroll, utilities, office supplies and etc.

You may also give online.

Mrs. Thelma Jacob, Ms. Maria Wallace and Mr. Darwin Curry received recognition at the Lay Organization Night of the Annual Conference.

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Member Edith Buffalow. Photo by the Washington Informer

Metropolitan A.M.E. member Edith Buffalow and her showroom, the Adobe Design Center & Showroom, were recently profiled in the Washington Informer.

African-American Merchant Thrives on H Street

The interior of the Adobe Design Center & Showroom. Owner Edith Buffalow is seen here.Some African-American merchants have disappeared from the H Street,NE corridor. Others such as Edith Buffalow forge on.

Here, at 654 H Street, NE in the showroom of her Adobe Design Center, Buffalow is surrounded by a collection of art and furniture she finds in far away corners of the globe. Her clientele has a taste for the unique which has led Buffalow to many exotic places, such as Indonesia, India, Taiwan, Mexico and South Africa. Read more. . .

On October 29, 2011, Rev. Aisha was honored with Whitman-Walker’s Partner for Life award at the 25th annual AIDS Walk Washington.

Rev. Aisha Karimah is a native Washingtonian, a graduate of Howard University and currently attends Wesley Theological Seminary. Currently, Rev. Aisha is Director of Community Affairs at NBC4, where she has worked since 1969. Over the years, she has championed community campaigns: Beautiful Babies Right from the Start, Drug Free Zones, It Takes a Whole Village, Make the Right Call, Camp 4 Kids, Get Healthy 4 Life and The NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo.

Official Press Release
AIDS WALK ANNOUNCES HONOREES
Awards, Recognitions for 28 People and Organizations Who Have Played  Prominent Role in Fighting Epidemic

WASHINGTON – The 25th annual AIDS Walk Washington will present its annual Courage Award along with Whitman-Walker’s Partner for Life and Community Service awards at the Walk on Oct. 29. In addition, the Walk will recognize “25 for 25,” 25 individuals who have played prominent roles in the fight against HIV/AIDS in DC. Bios of the honorees are attached.

“Each year, Whitman-Walker and AIDS Walk recognize individuals and organizations that are doing outstanding work in the fight against HIV/AIDS,” said Don Blanchon, executive director of Whitman-Walker Health, the producer and beneficiary of the Walk. “Since this is the 25th AIDS Walk, we also wanted to reflect on the history of the epidemic here in DC and recognize 25 people who played prominent roles in that history. We hope that, through these honors, we will inspire the community to continue this fight until it is won.”

This year’s Courage Award recipient is Justin Goforth, Director of Medical Adherence, Community Health, and the Gay Men’s Health and Wellness Clinic at Whitman-Walker. Whitman-Walker presents the Courage Award annually at AIDS Walk to a person living with HIV or AIDS who has shown remarkable courage and leadership in the fight against the disease.  Aisha Karimah, Director of Community Relations at NBC 4, will receive the Partner for Life award. NBC 4, a partner with AIDS Walk since 1987, will receive the Community Service award.  For more information visit www.aidswalkwashington.org.