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thechristianrecorder.com
VOLUME 173, NO. 2
NOVEMBER 2023
Historic Election of the Reverend Anthony S. Steele, Sr. Vice Chair of the City of Tacoma Planning Commission In a groundbreaking move, the Reverend Anthony S. Steele, Sr. was unanimously elected on August 2, 2023, as the vice chair of the city of Tacoma Planning Commission (established July 6, 1954), making history as the first African American to hold this position in the city’s esteemed history. The vice chair of the city of Tacoma Planning Commission, the Rev. Anthony S. Steele, Sr. is also the pastor of Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Fifth Episcopal District of the Pacific Northwest Conference Cascade District. His dual roles highlight his dedication to faith, community, and civic engagement. The Rev. Steele, a prominent local figure, has been actively involved in various community organizations,
including the Tacoma Ministerial Alliance, Tacoma Neighborhood Council, and Tacoma Urban League, and is a volunteer classroom teacher at Delong Elementary School. He is known for his tireless work advocating for affordable housing, economic development, and equitable access to resources in underserved neighborhoods. Steele’s election to this influential position marks a significant milestone in Tacoma’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in local government. With a long and distinguished history of community service and advocacy, he brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the Commission. His election to the vice chair position reflects our city’s dedication to fostering diversity and ensuring that all voices are heard in the planning and development of our city. ...continued on p2
AME Itinerant Deacon Appointed to Arizona State Legislature On June 5, 2023, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed the Reverend Quantá Crews to the Arizona State Legislature as the state representative for Legislative District 26. She is one of two African Americans and the only Black Democrat in the Arizona State House. The Rev. Quantá Crews was raised in Amity Baptist Church, Inkster, Michigan, and baptized at the tender age of six. By high school, she had drawn away from her first love. She knows firsthand of God’s grace and mercy, God’s ability to heal, and the importance of growing past one’s circumstances. God sent the Rev. Crews to Grand Canyon University, a private Christian University in Phoenix. After hearing God’s Word and experiencing God’s love through his people, the Rev. Crews rededicated her life to Christ via the S.A.L.T. Young Adult Ministry in 2005. She found her way to the Historic Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2007 and served faithfully both with her church family and community ever since.
Ordained as an itinerant deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she currently serves the Young Adult and No Limits Special Needs Ministries at Tanner Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Young Adult Ministry is a social action and mentoring ministry that seeks to enrich and empower young adults through the intimate study of God’s Word. No Limits takes the active role of ensuring that those with special needs and their families are provided adequate support and accommodation in all aspects of their spiritual lives. No Limits also trains the church family in special needs awareness and gives leaders and volunteers the tools necessary to successfully support all with special needs in the church. She previously served as chaplain of the Arizona State University Gospel Choir, giving back to college ministry, the ministry that saved her life. ...continued on p2
Examine Your Life and How You Fit Into Society Dr. Michael C. Carson, Columnist
Songstress Diana Ross asks in the “Theme From Mahogany,” “Do you know where you are going to? Do you like the things that life is showing you? Where are you going to? Do you know? Do you get what you’re hopin’ for, when you look behind you, there’s no open doors. What are you hoping for? Do you know?” I conduct “Holistic Transformational Coaching.” Researcher, writer, content manager Caroline Rou shares, “Transformational coaching is a powerful approach that focuses on facilitating deep personal growth and development. Through a collaborative partnership between the coach and the client, transformational coaching aims to create lasting change and transformation in various areas of life.”
Thirty Days That Changed the Ecumenical Movement… p3
Examining your perspectives, values, and beliefs will always help you understand how what you do in life is interconnected and interrelated to God, self, and others. This will help you to better experience balance and harmony in your life. The Psalmist encourages examination. King David “petitioned” God: “Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; crossexamine and test me, get a clear picture of what
Reid Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Partners With the U.S. Naval Academy.… p9
Global Witness Ministry Director Dr. John F. Green Visits 20th Episcopal District … p17
I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong— then guide me on the road to eternal life” (Psalm 139:23-24 MSG). Greek philosopher Socrates shared, “To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” Strive to know who you are. You are a ...continued on p2
St. John Celebrates Family and Friends Day in Community Service and Worship… p22
Denial’s Costly Benefit … p25