Psalm 133: 1 NIV

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"

2024: African Americans and the Arts

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) announced the Annual Black History theme of African Americans and the Arts for 2024. African American art is infused with African, Caribbean, and the Black American lived experiences. In the fields of visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary and other forms of cultural expression, the African American influence has been paramount. 

Source: https://asalh.org/were-back-asalh-celebrates-african-americans-and-the-arts/

Featured in this issue...

A. In Memoriam - Mr. Edwin Bethea

B. Mission Co-Worker - Jose J. Jones

C. President's Corner - On the Road to GA

D. Events - NBPC 48th Biennial Save the Date

E. Grants - Access to $10M

F. Announcements- Southeast Region NBPC Conference, Future of the Black Church

G. NBPC Social Media, Membership and Contact Information

A - IN MEMORIAM - MR. EDWIN BETHEA

In Memoriam: Edwin A. Bethea - A Beacon of Faith and Service

By Maureen Anderson

Today, we honor and remember the life and legacy of Edwin Ayres Bethea, a man whose profound faith and dedication to service have left a lasting impact on our community. In June 2023, Mr. Bethea met with NBPC’s Communications Team to share his remarkable story. A journey that began in the humble town of Millers Ferry, Wilcox County, Alabama. 

At age nine, Mr. Bethea lived with his grandmother and uncle. According to the 1940 Census records, his family worked as sharecroppers for property owners the Hendersons, a Presbyterian family. Mr. Bethea’s early education took place at Miller’s Ferry School, one of the six mission schools supported by the Freedman's Bureau and the United Presbyterian Church of North America. This environment, rich in faith and commitment to education, laid the foundation for Edwin's lifelong devotion to service and his deep connection to the Presbyterian Church.

He later joined his parents in D.C. where he attended Dunbar Senior High School. He continued on to graduate from Knoxville College, a historically Black institution supported by the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Bethea's life was a testament to his deep faith, his relentless pursuit of knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to service. His contributions to his community, academia, the military, and business development will continue to inspire future generations.

Rest in peace, Mr. Bethea. Your life's work has left an indelible mark on our society, and your faith and dedication to service will continue to inspire us all.

B - MISSION CO-WORKER JOSE L JONES

Building Bridges of Faith: An Update on Mission Co-Worker Jose L. Jones and the Power of Global Partnership

A Message from Charlotte White

Dear Christians of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery (CAP) who have heard from or met Mission Co-Worker Jose L. Jones.

You may remember that when Jose came to visit us in October, he met us at Sea Island Presbyterian, First Presbyterian of Hilton Head, and had breakfast with Rev. Charles Heyward on James Island. Here is an email from Jose, written on Monday. Please do two things:

• TAKE TIME to read his email, as we know that true global partnership is walking the path with our partners. In brackets, I added some info for you.
• THEN SIGN UP to get his periodic letters from PCUSA. First go to read about him at this site and apply to get his letters regularly. 

Note: PCUSA is redoing their web site right now, so there are glitches for awhile.



Jose has had a difficult year. We are amazed that he came to see us, when in great pain. While visiting us, he learned he had a serious infection of MRSA in his spine, which had been misdiagnosed for some long time. He is on the road to recover. PRAY for him and WRITE TO HIM to thank and encourage him! Over the internet, he works regularly, with Congo schools. Remember that in Congo, the Presbyterian Church is administering over 1,000 primary and secondary schools! Image if our churches in CAP administered that many schools. Our partnerships are often more about being inspired or taught than about helping them!

And may God bless us each, as we celebrate this season of the light of Jesus with us,

Charlotte White

The Countdown has begun!

With only six months until this summer’s assembly, years of GA planning are taking final shape. For example, a new format which will include online committee meetings and in person plenaries. Go to the GA website and sign up to receive the latest information on this upcoming General Assembly in Salt Lake City.

A milestone in the run-up to the 226th General Assembly was reached on December 28, 2023, with the 180-day deadlines passing for commissioner and advisory delegate names to be submitted and applications for Stated Clerk of the General Assembly to be received. Click here for more information.

The road to Salt Lake City is wide open! Don’t miss out on your ticket!

Rev. Dr. Charles C. Heyward, Sr.

President

D - EVENTS

Empowering the African American Church (Virtual) Series presented by The NBPC of Southern California

Empowering the African American Church (Virtual) Series is a weekly series presented by The NBPC of Southern California during Black History Month (February 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th, 2024) at 6:00 pm PT | 7:00 pm MT.

Download the flyer for more information

E - GRANTS

New Grant Opportunities Just Added! Purchase the ByBlack Grant List today!

Attention small business owners, seize the opportunity presented by the ByBlack Grant List—a treasure trove of funding options meticulously curated for Black entrepreneurs. Featuring a multitude of grants at your disposal, this resource simplifies your quest, reducing time spent while enhancing your likelihood of obtaining crucial financial backing. Consider it an investment in the future of your business, granting access to exclusive opportunities capable of propelling growth, fostering innovation, and amplifying your impact within the community. Don't let these opportunities slip away—explore the ByBlack Grant List and pave the way for your business's success.



F - ANNOUNCEMENTS

VITAL NBPC COMMITTEE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE

NBPC President Charles Heyward reminds us that we know that an organization is only as strong as its core leaders. Here are some opportunities that are open, that when filled, will take our Team to the Next Level of Success. Join Us!

A.     NBPC Presidential Appointments of Needed Leadership Still Open:

1. Financial Administrator
2. Development Committee Co-Chair
3. Development Committee Members (4)
4. Nominating Committee Members (1)
5. Bylaws Committee Members (2)
6. IT and Social Media Member (2)
7. Membership Committee Members (2)

B.    Other Leadership positions that are open (1 each):

1. Regional Representative: Upper Northeast (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Upper New York State, Massachusetts – 60 Congregations)

2. Regional Representative: Mid-America (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois – 18 Congregations)

3.   Regional Representative: Northwest (Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska – 6 Congregations)

4.  Regional Representative: Mountain (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona – 4 Congregations) 

Please call or email, me at: [email protected]. If you know someone who may be interested, I will be happy to hear from them. You just make the referral. Thanks!

Rev. Dr. Charles C. Heyward, Sr.    

Click on image for more information

G. NBPC MEMBERSHIP & CONTACT INFORMATION