Spring-Summer 2008 Newsletter

WEDDING - Had the delightful opportunity to briefly participate in the outdoor wedding of Dehren (from Ghana) and Heather (nee Webb, from Philadelphia) Henry on August 22, 2008 at the Pen Ryn Mansion (a picturesque 100+acre property on the western bank of the Delaware River in Bensalem, PA).  It was one of those "family reunion"-type affairs where you get to fellowship with people you haven't seen for a while — in this case, many of the saints from Third Eternal Baptist Church (located in the Germantown section of Philadelphia).  It was a truly memorable affair all the way around.  One thing that really tickled me was being able to sit behind the 1st and 2nd violins of the Shrewsbury String Quartet as they played the prelude and processionals for the occasion.  Thank you, Sis. Sandra Webb, for inviting me to accompany you on the keyboard, and to Pastors Michael Burton and Hal J. Hopkins, Sr. for your ministries that day.

O, YES! conference attendees taking in the goings-on during the afternoon plenary session

O, YES! CONFERENCE (Our Youth Enlightened about Sex) - Ben Franklin High School, Philadelphia, PA - August 16, 2008.  The Center for Urban Youth Development at Eastern University hosted a conference for the purpose of enlightening middle school and high school students from Philadelphia and vicinity about topics related to sex.  Urban youth, youth workers, and parents participate in O, YES! as planners, presenters and attendees.  The day included interactive seminars, games, prizes, entertainment, free HIV & STD testing, and lunch.  Brochure here.  Photos here.

Cosmopolitan Mission Service Baptist Church's Youth and Young Adults Retreat, Sandy Cove, MD, August 8-10, 2008 

COSMOPOLITAN MISSION SERVICE BAPTIST CHURCH YOUTH RETREAT - Sandy Cove, MD - August 8-10, 2008.  Honored to be invited back again this year to be with this fantastic crew and to take a look at the book of Jonah ("J. 'n' J. Go Back 'n' 4th on MySpace" was the eventual title, developed from the theme suggested by one of the group's members: "Jesus Died for MySpace in Heaven."  We kind of went overboard with some of the material (e.g., playing "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" with deep questions based on the book of Jonah), and managed to have a good amount of fun in the process.  It was one of those kind of presentations that keeps going on and on in its development (even though the retreat is over I'm still researching stuff on Nineveh, Israel, Jonah and mariner history.  Thanks again to Calvin (C.J.) and Dana Kelly, Jr., Bros. Ron, Anthony, William, the Soul Survivor Praise Dancers, et al — not to mention the incredibly receptive youth 'n' young adults of C.M.S.B.C. to God's Word, and for y'all's wonderful and warm witness for our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The C. M. S. B. C. band of brothers render a selection at
the retreat.  Anthony interprets and C.J. is at the piano.

SUMMER DAYS have been moving along at a somewhat relaxed pace.  It's been great to re-connect with Sam C. a couple of times, work on the advisory committee for the O, YES conference coming up in mid-August and do some in-depth community analysis of the West Oak Lane section of Philadelphia for Great Commission Church and Westminster Seminary (thanks, Pastor Anderson, for your encouragement).  Been able to get together with most of my family on a somewhat regular basis, and trying to enjoy the calm before the "academic storm" comes in.  J. Kelvin Jackson called from Grand Rapids, MI and we had a great opportunity to talk for a while on how things are going here 'n' there.   Sam Harris III called to talk 'bout what's been goin' on with him, as did Walter Holmes from Paterson, NJ.

ALAS, NO GAS . . .  With gas prices being what they are, it looks like vacation travel days are pretty much over.  Like many others, I've settled for a "staycation" instead of a vacation — and I can't say I'm not gonna miss camping out on Mount Desert Island and sailing off the Maine coast.  Nevertheless, there's plenty of delight and contentment to be found in my "wanna-be Maine-like" small backyard, which has become something of an urban oasis, especially in the quiet early morning hours.  Early birds announce the day in variegated ways, from subdued and doleful mourning doves to the sharp chirpings of a couple of cardinals to the occasional incredible improvisations of a starling.  On some days, when the wind is right, faint Ivesian church bells Westminster-chime away from some as-yet-unknown Olney area church, and an occasional  train horn's minor or diminished chord and rumble reminds from afar.  Tomato plants, a small stand of sunflowers, a fledgling blueberry bush, day lilies, hostas, an ivy-covered wall, a large bush and a good-sized oak tree fill the space.  The Maine Coon cat waiting on the back porch 'til I return from watering the garden completes the picture.  It's especially delightful when a summer thunderstorm comes through, watching it through the screen door on the back porch.  But alas, Hummer languishes in the basement, and I fear we might never sail the Maine coast again.  Hopefully I'll find someone who wants to go sailing on a lake a couple of counties over (many have been asked, but no takers as yet). 

"You hear the call of the sea?"
Indeed, it's hard to ignore.
Lord, teach me how to stay back
when pressed within to explore.

Video of Hummer's genesis and a few of its voyages

Nature photography from 2008 can be found here.

Last blueberry of the 2008 season.  The tomatoes are ripening and the sunflowers are rising up.

Whoops!  Accidentally watered the bug.  The upper half of its body looks very crustacean-like (click to enlarge) 

AWANA Camp 2008 worship and praise segment
Photo by Anthony Moore, Sr.

AWANA CAMP - Refreshing Mountain Camp - Stevens, PA - with First Baptist Church of Highland Park of Landover, MD - June 27-29, 2008.  Blessed again to do the praise and worship at this long-running children's camp.  Thank you, Bro. Anthony Moore, Sr. for putting me in the mix once again.  Also had the good opportunity to have some great convos with Rev. Joel Washington (F.B.C.H.P.'s Youth Pastor).

WTS Urban D. Min. 2008: Bill, Joshua, Jonathan, Hep, Manny, Elizabeth, Jason, Sue, Dan
Photo by Pastor Larry Anderson

Manny Ortiz, Pastor Larry Anderson, Sue Baker

WESTMINSTER THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY - finished up taking a 3 credit Masters level counseling course with Dr. David Powlison ("Theology and Secular Psychology") as well as the coursework for two D. Min. modules in early June (as a student): "Community Analysis and Demographics" with Drs. Manny Ortiz and Sue Baker (above) and a module on "Globalization" with Dr. Mark Gornik (click here for photos of our New York City trip).  Got lots and lots of writing to do now.  Also finished the Spring 2008 semester at The CENTER for URBAN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (CUTS), having taught "Foundations of Christian Thought" (BIB 300C) and "Introduction to Philosophy" (PHI 110).  Blessed to receive the award for "2008 Commencement Faculty Award of Excellence" at the graduation ceremony on May 31.  To contextualize Edna St. Vincent Millay:

My [academic] candle burns at both ends
It will not last the night;
But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends
It gives a lovely light.

JaMaine, the Maine Coon, is one cool cat

JAMAINE - After a year of doin' without a cat since the passing of a beautiful Bengal named Melanie, I began looking for one; specifically, a Maine Coon.  Visited the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society's North Philly location on Hunting Park Avenue and discovered they had recently rescued a scared, straggly, stray Maine Coon off the 2000 block of Mifflin Street in South Philadelphia.  After a tentative playful " bite" (lettin' the room know who's in charge), JaMaine, who looks about 1½ to 2 years old, slowly melted to the floor of the cage with contentment as I gave his left ear a good rub.  "Ah-right.  Won him over," thought he to himself (the notion shared by man 'n 'Maine alike).  Deal.  Said to have dog-like dispositions and originally considered "working" cats (Got...mice?), Maine Coons often have a distinctive "M" on the forehead, square muzzles, lion-like manes ("ruffs") around the head and upper chest, tufted paws and ears, and bushy tails.  "Whaddup, 'Maine?"  "Don't worry.  I got you."  You can read more about him on this page, where there are some more photos, along with some video.

Yo, B.  Get me outta here!

N.B.L.I. Retreat Mass Choir rehearsing at Word of Life in Schroon Lake, NY, March 29, 2008
Photo by Tito Vasquez

N.B.L.I. Retreat Mass Choir singing during the morning service, March 30, 2008
Photo by Tito Vasquez

NEW LIFE BIBLE INSTITUTE ANNUAL ALUMNI RETREAT - Word of Life Conference Center, Schroon Lake, NY - March 28-30, 2008.  Another grand time with the saints from this school based at 50th and Spruce Streets in West Philadelphia (they have 5 campuses altogether).  Thanks to Evangelist Cheryl A. Johnson for having me in once again to lead in worship and praise and to work with the choir (a rather large group this year — about 32 or so — hence the name "Mass Choir").  A really wonderful time of fellowship with the saints, catching up with old friends and meeting up with new.

Spencer and Joshua in West Philadelphia

TWO VISITORS from ALEXANDRIA - Virginia, that is.  Honored to host my 16-year-old nephew Spencer M. and his 18-year-old good friend Joshua H. here in Philly during part of their spring break from school (March 16-19, 2008).  Did the usual Philly sight-seeing thing (Center City, the Avenue of the Arts, cheese steaks from South Philly [and later on South Street], quick drive-bys of the Constitution Center, the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, a brief walk-through of the new Comcast Center lobby, etc.).  But the more important part of their trip was going through sections of Philly that most tourists (and the visitors' bureau) take great pains NOT to see: the forgotten communities that lie just beyond the brightly-lit, well-manicured campuses of N. Philadelphia's Temple University, W. Philly's University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University, the devastated community hidden beneath SEPTA's Market Street El (still under renovation: see "Anatomy of a Memorial" for background and location), and some "stuff" here in the Olney section.  Lots of interesting, thought-provoking convos, discussions and great questions (which tuckered us all out) — and yes, we did manage to have some impromptu fun as well.  Their visit closed with sitting in on part of a church meeting at Epiphany Fellowship just before catching Amtrak back to Washington DC and then home. [ Spence was also able to do a little bit of woodworking on Hummer, along with a l'il leaf-rakin' (with Josh) in the front yard.  Thanks!  :o) ]  Interesting bookends: our 1st Philly cheese steak right after S. & J.'s arrival on Sunday night was from an establishment near 9th and Passyunk where we duly noted the nearby basketball courts.  In the church meeting on Wednesday night (right before taking S. & J. back to the 30th Street train station), Pastor Eric Mason mentioned the same two cheese steak outlets and the adjacent b-ball courts.  Mere coincidence?  Hmmm...I doubt it.  Providential design and purpose?  That option seems a lot more likely...if you subscribe to the notion we live in a very Personal universe.  More related photos found here.

SPECIAL ALERT: Spencer (my nephew) plays for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) Power Baseball U15 team and participated in an international missions trip to the Dominican Republic from June 30 to July 9, 2008.  More information can be found here: http://fcapowerbaseball.blogspot.com.  

HAWTHORNE GOSPEL CHURCH - Serving Hands Ministry - Hawthorne, NJ - March 14, 2008.  Had the privilege and honor of speaking and presenting the ministry to this assembly of very active, missions-minded saints.  What a blessing!  Wonderful to re-connect with Linda Ibach, Dave Schuit (HGC's Missions Pastor), Marjorie Webster, Ruth Hennigh, Ermetta Olsen, Maggie Cooper and many other saints whom I haven't seen for a long time.  Thank you all for your love, hospitality and gracious support through the years.  While in the Paterson area, I went looking for Walter Stewart but wasn't able to locate him, although I was able to leave my contact info with someone who occasionally bumps into him.  Hope 'e doin' aight.

Street soldiers 'n bros. Tim 'n Sam H. at the corner of Upsal 'n Stenton in one of those late-into-the-night van convos

Pastor/Author Tim Keller fields questions at the University of Pennsylvania, March 11, 2008.
Westminster Seminary's Apologetics Department Coordinator William Edgar looks on.

TIM KELLER at U. of PENNSYLVANIA - had the good opportunity to hear NYC's Redeemer Presbyterian Church's Senior Pastor Tim Keller discuss his recent book, The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, at Westminster Seminary in the morning, then invited Tim H. (in the picture above this one) to join me for the U. of P. evening lecture.  It was a full house as some 780 people filled the University's Museum Auditorium to hear Dr. Keller, and although most of the questions during the Q&A were fairly "softball friendly" (Keller even said he was waiting for a difficult, thorny inquiry), the evening was nevertheless thought-provoking and engaging.  I kind of got the sense that more of a "Jerusalem" crowd showed up than that of an "Athens."  In the wake of a spate of recent books written from an atheist perspective, Keller's tome is worth investigating.  At the time of this writing (0315/06) it is # 7 on the New York Times hardcover non-fiction bestseller list and Publisher's Weekly says it's "[a] compelling overview of the current debate on faith for those who doubt and for those who want to reevaluate what they believe, and why."  Here's a video of Tim Keller talking about the missional church (courtesy of desiringGod.org):

Saturday night rally at the J.A.M. Teen Retreat at Skycroft

J.A.M. TEEN MINISTRY WINTER RETREAT 2008 - Skycroft Conference Center - Mitchellville, MD - with First Baptist Church of Highland Park of Landover, MD, Emmanuel Baptist Church of Washington, D.C. and Peoples Community Church - February 29 - March 1, 2008.  The theme was "Come As You Are: No Perfect People Allowed" (Matthew 11:28-29) and instead of doing the worship and praise this year, I was privileged to do presentations to the junior and senior high brothers.  Topic?  "Jesus and Me ... n 'Junior.'"  The reception was fantastic, praise the Lord!  Kudos to the young adults to whom the retreat leadership baton has been passed, and thank you, Rev. Joel Washington, for allowing me to jump in in a different capacity.

Lunar eclipse, February 20, 2008: planet Saturn to its lower left and a fainter Regulus (star) above it.
[ Kind of cool the way the moon interplays with the little basketball icon above the photograph. ]

That same moon the next morning, setting in the western sky, as seen through the oak tree's branches.

Gun on the wire at 2nd and Master Streets — apparently an art installation protesting gun violence here in Philly.

Urban Youth Culture class at Eastern University: Brent P., Joel R., Victor G., Alysia W. and Kristen D.

EASTERN UNIVERSITY - team teaching "Urban Youth Culture" with Dr. K-lee Johnson in the Master of Arts in Urban Studies Residency - February 15-16, 2008.  This week-ending whirlwind 2-day event (they don't call it an intensive for nothin'!) with students from Philadelphia, Upper Darby and Aliquippa, PA, Chicago, IL and San Jose, Costa Rica.  How do you get everything in?  You don't.  You can't.  The course started online before the residency and goes on for the rest of the semester online as well. 

THREE of HEP's URBAN MISSION JOURNAL ARTICLES NOW ONLINE - Although they may be a bit dated (they were written in 1989 and 1992) they still got 'feet' regarding the street — enough so that Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson saw fit to quote from them in their 2005 book, The Hip-Hop Church: Connecting with the Movement Shaping Our Culture (InterVarsity Press).

"Penetrating an Urban People Group."  Bob Hepburn, Urban Mission, Mar 01, 1989, Volume 6:04, pp. 33-42.  http://www.strategicnetwork.org/index.php?loc=kb&view=v&id=15652 

"Rap Music: A Window into a Culture."  Bob Hepburn, Urban Mission, May 01, 1992, Volume 9:05, pp. 6-19.  http://www.strategicnetwork.org/index.php?loc=kb&view=v&id=15780

"Rap Music: Give Me My Respect, Man!" Bob Hepburn, Urban Mission, Sep 01, 1992, Volume 10:01, pp. 16-28.  http://www.strategicnetwork.org/index.php?loc=kb&view=v&id=15789 

CHANGE in CHURCH INVOLVEMENT - Wrestled with relocating back to Great Commission Church after it moved into the city of Philadelphia back in January of this year.  G.C.C. began as a church plant in a living room, moved to sharing another church's building in Roslyn, PA, relocated to yet another church in Hatboro, PA and then moved to Philadelphia (something that you generally just don't hear abut that often).  I'd been fellowshipping at Epiphany Fellowship at 17th and Diamond Streets in North Philly, but couldn't quite get with the program there.  Don't get me wrong, they've got a great ministry there, doing a fascinating work near Temple University (Pastor Eric Mason and Pastor William "Duce" Branch lead the congregation), but while I was going through the new members class I began wondering if I had jumped too soon from G.C.C.  I think I did, so I've returned.

Thank you for your faithful love, prayers, patience and support,

His ‘n yours, with much love ‘n respect,

HEP

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