Bethesda Temple salutes Bishop James A. Johnson for faithful and worshipful service to the Lord for 63 years.
Bishop Johnson began his pastorate, May 9, 1950 along with Sister Josephine Solomon Johnson, who passed in January 1998. He is now married for nine years to Mrs. Juana J. Cox Johnson.
Bishop Johnson is the former Presiding Bishop of the Pentecostal Assemblies Of The World. He served in that capacity for six years. He is also the former Diocesan of the Midwestern District Council, serving Missouri and Illinois. Under his ministry thousands have repented of their sins and baptized in the precious name of Jesus.
He is best described by Pastor’ Aid President, Evangelist Barbara Cole as the bible character, David,” a man after God’s own heart” and one who preaches excellently Calvary and the love of God.
After 63 years of preaching God’s word, without hesitation, the Bethesda family continues to be richly fed on Sunday mornings!
Special recognition was given to him, May 19 during the morning service by the Bethesda Temple family.
Bethesda Temple spells its pastor’s name “J-just, O-original, H-humble, N-nice, S-saved, O-outstanding, N-noble.”
AME targets gun violence
The Missouri Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has adopted the PICO National Gun Violence Lifeline to Healings Campaign. The Lifelines to Healing Campaign is a national effort of the PICO National Network that aims to address the root causes of violence in cities.
Its recommendations include: universal Background Checks for all gun sales, ban on Assault Weapons and High Capacity Magazines, investments in Mental Health and Public Health Support, and targeted Investments and Approaches from Federal Government in Urban Cities most impacted by gun violence
In addition to the adopted platform the conference has specific goals that will speak to the local community. Local goals include circulating a petition for support of universal background checks to send to congressional representatives, training to provide workshops from area professionals for local leaders on gun violence prevention, AME congregations participating in Gun Violence Prevention Sabbath to raise awareness of the crisis of gun violence in our society.
“The issue of violence has become a drastic stain within our community,” conference organizers say. “It is during these impious times the church must come forward to make a stand and to say yes to life, for our Savior in the Gospel recorded by John states, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).
Black Jack passes funeral protest ordinance
The City of Black Jack City Council has joined several other local municipalities in passing an ordinance regulating funeral protests
Ordinance #1049 states, “No person shall picket or engage in other protest activities, nor shall any association or corporation cause picketing or other protest activities to occur within three hundred (300) feet of any residence, cemetery, funeral home, church, synagogue, or other establishment during or within one (1) hour before or one (1) hour after the conducting of any actual funeral or burial service at that place.”
“This ordinance will allow the families who have lost loved ones, time to provide the proper respect without unwanted interference from outsiders,” said Mayor Norm McCourt. “We felt it would be prudent to incorporate this restriction into our code since we have a cemetery and several churches within our city limits.”
