FREE RESOURCES

Bring your Worship to Life

Downloadable Music Files of the AMEC Music for Worship: Organ and Piano Accompaniment

Some congregations need musical accompaniment as they continue worshipping and practicing social distancing during this period. MCAM has made it Music for AMEC Worship available as downloadable music files.

These files are presented in .mp3 format. Your download is a .zip file that will need to be opened. Some files are large so be prepared to wait after you hit the download button.

Music Download Buttons

Hammond Organ Worship Tracks
Pipe Organ Worship Tracks
Communion Hymns
Misc. Service Tracks
Other Service Music
Downloadable Annual Conference Music

Downloadable Annual Conference Music

The Music and Christian Arts Ministry has provided virtual choir renditions of several hymns and service music often used in our annual conferences and other gatherings. Lyrics are included to encourage “congregational” singing as we social distance.

Download here

Resources for Devotion and Study during the Coronavirus Pandemic

August 9, 2020 Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

August 9, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on one of the passages from the lection for Sunday, 1 Kings 19:9-18. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

August 9 When God Whispers Games

For all ages, this activity is a fun way to remind us that sometimes God speaks to us in quietness, even in silence like in 1 Kings 19:9-18. This is the old game, which some call Telephone. We can still play it with those with whom we are sheltering and those in our COVID-19 safe group or pod. To play a version with others, the game is changed so it can be played with others with video conferencing.
Activity

August 2, 2020 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

August 2, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on one of the passages from the lection for Sunday, Matthew 14:13-21. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

August 2 Loaves and Fish Puzzle

This puzzle activity for children and the young at heart reinforces the story in Matthew 14:13-21 when Jesus feeds the multitude using five loaves and two fish. This activity can be used by one or a group. Once the puzzle is prepared, the fun can continue for days after.
Activity

July 26, 2020 Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

July 26, Eighth Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on two of the passages from the lection for Sunday, Genesis 29:15-28 and 1 Kings 3:5-12. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

July 26 Godly and Wise Leadership Learning Activity

This learning activity for children, teens, and the young at heart reinforces the story in 1 Kings 3:5-12, which tells of King Solomon’s prayer for wisdom to lead. It also looks at the godly and wise leadership of two USA Civil Rights leaders, Rev. C.T. Vivian and US Representative John Lewis, both who recently passed away.
Activity

July 19, 2020 Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

July 19, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on one of the passages from the lection for Sunday, Genesis 28:10-19. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

July 19 The Size of the Promise Science Activity

This science activity reinforces the stories in Genesis 22 and 28, which tell of God’s promise first to Abraham and then to Jacob.
Activity

July 12, 2020 Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

July 12, Sixth Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on one of the passages from the lection for Sunday, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

July 12 The Sower and the Seed Word Search Activity

This word search activity reinforces Jesus’ parable of the sower and the seed as is found in Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23.
Activity

July 5, 2020 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

July 5, Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on one of the passages from the lection for Sunday, Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

July 5 Crossword Activity

This crossword activity reinforces Jesus’ invitation to come and let him share our burdens as is found in Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30.
Activity

June 28, 2020 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

June 28, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on one of the passages from the lection for Sunday, Genesis 22:1-14. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

June 28 Craft Activity

This craft activity creatively reinforces the Genesis account of Abraham and Isaac and the sacrifice.
Activity

June 21, Third Sunday after Pentecost

June 21, Third Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on two passages from the lection for Sunday, Genesis 21:8-21 and Matthew 10:24-39. It grounds the Black Lives Matter movement scripturally. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

June 21 Activity

This activity reinforces Matthew’s account of Jesus calling the disciples and is a reminder that Black Lives Matter. 
Activity
Activity Answer Key

Remembering The Emanuel 9

This short resource by Ms. Jacquelyn Dupont Walker, Consultant for the AMEC Social Action Commission, helps us remember our slain beloved and encourages us to recommit to the struggle for racial justice.
Resource

Link to Some Ideas for Children’s Hand-made Father’s Day Gifts

Link

June 14, 2020 Second Sunday after Pentecost

June 14, Second Sunday after Pentecost Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on two passages from the lection for Sunday, Genesis 18:1-15, (21:1-7) and Matthew 9:35-10:8, (9-23) It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

June 14 Activity

This word search activity reinforces Matthew’s account of Jesus calling the disciples.
Activity

June 7, 2020

June 7 Trinity Sunday Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation is based on Matthew 28:16-20.  It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

June 7 Craft Activity

This craft activity creatively reinforces the Christian understanding of the Triune God (the three in one) and helps us celebrate Trinity Sunday.
Activity

Pentecost, May 31, 2020

May 31 Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation is based on the 2020 Pentecost Message of the Presidents of the World Council of Churches. It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

MCAM

Music and Christian Arts Ministry (MCAM) Virtual Connectional Mass Choir Pentecost Offering

Seventh Sunday in Easter, May 24, 2020

May 24 Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on John 17:1-11, one of the readings of the lectionary for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (Year A). It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

May 17 Craft Activity

Since Thursday, May 21 was the Ascension of the Lord (40 days after Easter) and some churches will celebrate this on Sunday, April 24, this craft activity creatively reinforces the Ascension account, Acts 1:1-11. 
Activity

Sixth Sunday in Easter, May 17, 2020

May 17 Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on Acts 17:22-31, one of the readings of the lectionary for the Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year A).  It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

May 17 Word Search

This word search puzzle reinforces the message of Acts 17:22-31, God is near to each of us. 
Activity

Fifth Sunday in Easter, May 10, 2020

May 10 Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on John 14:1-14, the gospel reading of the lectionary for the Fifth Sunday of Easter (Year A). It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

May 10 Word Search

This word search puzzle reinforces the Eastertide message of John 14:1-14, Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Activity

Links to some Ideas for Children’s hand-made Mother’s Day gifts

https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/mothers-day/g32126629/mothers-day-crafts-for-kids/

https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/mothers-day-crafts-for-kids/

 

Fourth Sunday in Easter, May 3, 2020

May 3 Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on John 10:1-10, the gospel reading of the lectionary for the Fourth Sunday of Easter (Year A).  It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

May 3 Children/Youth Craft Activity

This craft activity reinforces the Eastertide message of John 10:1-10, Jesus as the Gate/Door and Good Shepherd.
Activity

May 3 Psalm 23 Challenge

Please see the resources for March 22.

Third Sunday in Easter, April 26, 2020

April 26 Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on Luke 24:13-35, the gospel reading of the lectionary for the Third Sunday of Easter (Year A). It can be used as a family or group devotional time or for an individual.
Devotion

April 26 Children/Youth/Family Bread Baking Activity

This activity reinforces the Eastertide message of Luke 24:13-35. Families and households may want to do this activity before sharing in the devotional meditation for this week.
Activity

Second Sunday in Easter, April 19, 2020

April 19 Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce is based on John 20:19-31, the gospel reading of the lectionary for the Second Sunday of Easter (Year A).
Devotion

April 19 Children/Youth/Family Activity—The Questions Game

This activity reinforces the Eastertide message of John 20:19-31,helping to explore the themes of questions, doubt, and belief in the risen Christ.
Activity

Resurrection Sunday, April 12, 2020

These resources can be used with the worship and study resources provided by the AMEC Publishing House (www.iamame.org).

Easter Devotional Meditation

This devotional meditation written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce based on Matthew 28:1-10 can be used corporately or for an individual’s devotional time.
Devotion

Easter Children/Youth Activity and Challenge

This activity reinforces the Easter message of Matthew 28:1-10, speaking to this fearful time of pandemic. It is an ongoing project that children and families can do together until this pandemic is over and even after.
Activity

Some Other Ideas for Children and Families for Easter

These are just a few ideas to reinforce the message and meaning of Easter even in the midst of pandemic.

Three ecumenical organizations (National Council of Churches, USA; Churches Uniting in Christ; and Christian Churches Together) have come together to share some ways we can celebrate Easter this year (old and young alike). Visit: http://nationalcouncilofchurches.us/three-ecumenical-organizations-release-unprecedented-letter/

Butterfly Craft: Easter is about new life; and, butterflies symbolize this. Here is the link to a simple butterfly craft activity: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/479844535301289369/

Ideas for a Christ-centered Easter egg hunt: http://www.messestomemories.com/2015/03/christ-centered-easter-egg-hunt.html

Tips for hosting a Virtual Egg Hunt: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/easter-ideas/a32080456/virtual-easter-egg-hunts/

A Virtual Egg Hunt Video (for less of the work and more of the fun): https://abc7news.com/kids-games-easter-2020-virtual-egg-hunt-activity-for/6089878/

Devotion for April 5, 2020 Palm Sunday

Here is a simple reflection on palms and Palm Sunday during this time of pandemic written by Rev. Garland F. Pierce. It offers some theological reflection and a couple of practical ideas for celebrating Palm Sunday as we follow the recommended actions of the health authorities. This resource can be used with the Palm Sunday resources provided by the AMEC Publishing House (www.iamame.org) as well as the litany coming from Bishop Adam J. Richardson, our Senior Bishop.
Devotion

Devotion for Sunday, March 29, 2020

This meditation prepared by Rev. Garland F. Pierce can be used corporately or for an individual’s devotional time. It is based on Ezekiel 37:1-14, one of the lectionary readings for Sunday, March 29, 2020.
Devotion

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Family and Children’s Game

This low-tech activity based on Ezekiel 37:1-14 is a fun and simple little game that children can play. Families also can play this game as a part of devotional time.
Game

Ezekiel 37:1-14 Children’s Activity (with instructions in multiple languages)

Here is a low-tech activity based on Ezekiel 37:1-14. This simple craft activity is a fun way to introduce the story of Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones.
Activity

Fitness Sunday at Home

First AME Church: BETHEL, led by Rev. Dr. Henry A. Belin III, pastor, for some time has made the fifth Sunday of the month FITNESS SUNDAY. The congregation dressed in casual and workout attire joins in worship and takes a moment in the service to engage in a bit of low impact fitness training, led by choir soloist and personal trainer, Kevin Watson. During the Coronavirus Pandemic as we all practice “physical” distancing, Mr. Watson prepared a short video of low impact exercises with a smile so that the congregation can continue to move and worship on Fitness Sunday and any other time while members shelter in place. We share it as a resource for others to use as they stay active during this time.

Devotion for Sunday, March 22, 2020

This meditation prepared by Rev. Garland F. Pierce can be used corporately or for an individual’s devotional time. It is based on Psalm 23, one of the lectionary readings for Sunday, March 22, 2020.
Devotion

Psalm 23 Challenge

Psalm 23 is probably the most beloved and well known passage of scripture, perhaps because of its power to bring comfort and assurance. The AMEC Department of Christian Education challenges us to flood emails and social media with this psalm in many languages and forms during this pandemic so that others might receive a message of comfort and assurance.
Psalm 23 Challenge

Devotion for Sunday, March 15, 2020

This meditation prepared by Rev. Garland F. Pierce can be used corporately or for an individual’s devotional time.  It is based on Romans 5:1-11, one of the lectionary readings for Sunday, March 15, 2020
Devotion

Devotional and Study Ideas during the Pandemic

At this time when many are practicing “social distancing”, families, households, and individuals still desire time to worship and reflect on and study the word of God.  This short list highlights some existing resources that might be used for this purpose.
Devotional Idea

Emanuel Movie Discussion Guide

This discussion guide is designed to provide tools and resources to help leaders facilitate a discussion about Emanuel—whether in a theater after the film is screened, in a church setting, or a small group setting. These questions are not meant to serve as a rigid template but, instead, provide a flexible framework to foster dialogue around the core themes of the film.

Discussion Guide

Exploring the 2018-2019 Connectional Theme: Environmental Justice

Greeting from the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Water Network to the 2019 UBUNTU Christian Education Summit, February 19, 2019; Cape Town, South Africa

No Good Comes From the Mine

Women Rise for Justice fundraising trailer as shared by Presiding Elder Betty Kauna Schroder, Namibia, during the CE Summit thematic plenary—Exploring our Connectional Theme: Environmental Justice

Hidden Figures Faith Discussion Guide

Discussion Guide

Seasonal Liturgical Colors

Helpful information outlining the liturgical calendar and its corresponding colors.

2019 Liturgical Colors Calendar
2020 Liturgical Colors Calendar

People of the Anvil

A small pamphlet introduction to the history and polity of the AME Church.

Portugese Download
Spanish Download
French Download
Haitian-Creole
Dutch Download

Worship Resources

The AME Church Publishing House (Sunday School Union) has produced some free resources to enhance worship and faith formation.

Visit AMEC Publishing

Offering a wide variety of resources, The African American Lectionary is a wonderful depository of assets and information.

Visit TAAL

In Times Like These … A Pan-African Christian Devotional for Public Policy Engagement.

Visit In Times Like These

Lament and Hope is a Pan-African Devotional Guide commemorating the 2019 Quad-Centennial of the forced transatlantic voyage of enslaved African peoples to Jamestown, Virginia USA.

Lament and Hope

Four Bible studies prepared for the Conference on World Mission and Evangelism are now available online at WCC website, www.oikoumene.org.

The conference committee responsible for worship, Bible study and spiritual exercise commissioned theologians from diverse theological and cultural backgrounds to write studies related to the conference theme Moving in the Spirit: Called to Transforming Discipleship.

More Information

Founder’s Day Resources

Celebrating the “A” in AME by Bishop Adam J. Richardson
This litany appears in The Anvil, Sankofa: Worshipping God Yesterday, Today, and Forever, Annual Resource Guide, 2019-2020, (pp 216-218) by the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. To access other litanies and worship resources, copies of The Anvil can be purchased through the AMEC Publishing House.

Litany

Founder’s Day Skit by Dr. Johnel Bryant Robinson
This skit appears in The Anvil, Sankofa: Worshipping God Yesterday, Today, and Forever, Annual Resource Guide, 2019-2020, (pp 288-290) by the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. To access other worship resources, copies of The Anvil can be purchased through the AMEC Publishing House.

Skit

Founder’s Day Exercise and Answer Key by Dr. Johnel Bryant Robinson
This exercise appears in The Anvil, Sankofa: Worshipping God Yesterday, Today, and Forever, Annual Resource Guide, 2019-2020, (pp 288-290) by the Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. To access other worship resources, copies of The Anvil can be purchased through the AMEC Publishing House.

Exercise
Answer Key

Founders Day Litany 2019
By Rev. Garland F. Pierce, Executive Director, AMEC Department of Christian Education Inspired by Psalm 138 (Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C)

Litany

Richard Allen Faux Stained Glass Activity
Materials Need:
– 8.5 x 11 reproducible image (Richard Allen)
– Wax paper
– Ruler
– Tape
– Paper frames and precut mat boards (14″ x 20″)
– Colored markers (Sharpies work well)

Activity Instructions

Litany
This piece was written by Bishop John Hurst Adams (1927-2018) and appeared in The Journal of Christian Education, Volume. 60 Fall 1999 Number 26.

Litany

Word Search
This activity is for youth and the young at heart.

Word Search Puzzle
Word Search Solution

Richard Allen Documentary
This short video tells the story of Richard Allen and the founding of the AME Church. There are also versions with Spanish, French, and Portuguese subtitles.

Documentary

Video Study Resources
Christian Educators from Mother Bethel, the South Philadelphia District, and the Philadelphia Conference produced study resources for various age levels to accompany the documentary.

Study Resources

September Christian Education Month Resources

Call to Worship

This Call to Worship is most fitting for Christian Education Sunday as it offers thanks and praise to God for learning and teaching.
Download
An Order of Installation of Church School and/or Christian Education Boards/Staff/Workers:
Christian Education Sunday is a wonderful time to install teachers and leaders in the Christian Education ministry into their positions or honor their service in the church. This suggested order beautifully does this.
Download
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Recruitment Ideas

Here are a few simple ideas as to how you can use the month to highlight the teaching ministry of the church and invite others to participate and offer leadership and service.

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Litany of Commitment

This litany is an easy and effective way to bring Christian Education into your worship experience.

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Prayer for Christian Education

You have called us to the teaching ministry of the church. We pray for that ministry and for the various ministries in the Department of Christian Education.

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Prayer for the New Learning Year

This prayer can be used in the context of worship on Christian Education Sunday or during the assembly during Church School.

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A Litany of Covenantal Learning

This litany recognizes the importance of the teaching ministry and those who serve and lead in it as well as those who are blessed by it. It is for worship on the Sunday when Christian Education is highlighted and lifted up.

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