THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER Online: 09/12/2004

9/17/2004

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE: AME NEWS AND EMAIL INFORMATION GROUP (9/17/04)

1. THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH: www.ame-church.com

2. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER

Send $26, payable to: "The Christian Recorder" for a one-year subscription. Send it to, The Christian Recorder, 1 Sarfan Drive, Hampton, VA 23664. Telephone: 757. 850-5554

3. MILITARY CHAPLAIN NAMED "MAN OF THE YEAR" AT THE KANSAS/NEBRASKA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND HIS WIFE ACCEPTED HER CALL INTO THE MINISTRY:

Bishop Bryant chose as this years theme for the Conference, "That the World might know Jesus," from the Great Commission text, Matthew 28:19-20.

This was the best annual conference I have attended in my 12 short years in the ministry. The Lord really moved from the organization of the conference on through the closing of the Conference. The opening worship service began with the dynamic preaching of the Rev. Brenda Hayes, pastor of historic First AME Church, Kansas City, Kansas. The preaching was power-packed on through the noon day hours of Thursday and during the Sons of Thunder Night in which I was named Man of the year for the Kansas/Nebraska Conference 2003-2004.

The Laymen presented "4 Mo' Tenors" featuring the host pastor, the Rev. Carey G Anderson. On Saturday morning, newly elected Bishop Sam Green preached a soul stirring sermon entitled, "Trouble Your Trouble" taken from, Acts 16:19-20. A number of persons responded during the call to discipleship and one of them was my wife, who accepted her call into the ministry. God is truly moving in ways we do not understand. Eyes have not seen, nor ears heard, neither has it entered into the heart of both men and women what God has in store for those who love him. Amen and Amen

God bless,

Chaplain Shawn Menchion

4. BROTHER BILL AYERS AFFIRMS BISHOP RICHARDSON'S SUGGESTION ABOUT THE FORMAT OF THE ONLINE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

I agree with Bishop Richardson that the on-line Recorder should be a
snap shot of the Official Recorder - something to pique the interest of
the reader - just as NewsWeek and Sports Illustrated have on their
website which is something I receive electronically a couple of days
before the next issue comes out - just a thought.

A question on the churches in Grenada - did they have insurance
coverage? I know we will be asked to give and will give generously when
asked - but I believe you get more dollars when everything is open and
above board. I am sure there will be more churches that will need our
support and prayers as these storms take their course.

Keep up the good work - and Rev. Pridgen sends his regards.

5. THE REVEREND WILLIAM SMITH GIVES HIS VIEW OF THE 114TH SESSION OF THE EAST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

The East Tennessee Annual Conference began at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Walker Avenue, Chattanooga, TN on Tuesday, September 14, 2004. The Rev. Pamela Miller, pastor of Campbell Chapel A.M.E Church, Pulaski, TN., being the selected messenger for the Missionary Sermon.

The official opening worship service featured Music from one of the choirs of Bethel AMEC, Knoxville, TN. The Rev. Johnny Watson spoke to GOD in behalf the people. The Rev. Michael Broadnax, pastor of Bethel Knoxville, TN., focused on the woman at the well and exhibited the Broadnax style of sermonizing.

ThereÂ’s a church on Williams Street in Chattanooga, TN., and a few blocks away from the house where Aunt Jessie and Uncle Elmer lived. St Paul AMEC, now pastored by a native Memphian, the Rev. David Harrison Strong. At Noon time on Thursday, September 16, 2004 (11:00 a.m. CST, during the quietness of an empty class room, I closed my eyes and heard what I thought was singing in the air. I was attempting to pray and my thoughts were on the church praying.) The choir of St Paul Church Chattanooga, TN sang to the glory of GOD. The scripture for the message was selected from Acts 12:12. The Rev. David H. Strong preached "What If I had a Praying Church".(The PA System had to be attended to.)

I am thankful to be a witness to God's work. Strong is just a few years younger than me. Both of us were active in the church through the YPD and the RAYC. GOD called us to the preaching/pastoral ministries. We play the piano. Strong sings and I hit at it whenever necessary. But IÂ’m thankful to see people surpass me in certain areas. With the preaching that IÂ’ve heard and heard about. Strong sang "My Soul Has Been Anchored in The Lord". IÂ’ll wait until Saturday to see where Strong will go. Will he remain in the East Tennessee Conference? Will he land in the Tennessee Conference? Will he become a Presiding Elder in the West Tennessee Conference?

The weather is threatening activities for the nights of September 16, 2004 were cancelled. The Chief Pastor, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie (117^th) will lead the sessions in a fashion to get all work-completed beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 17, 2004.

My friend the Rev. Lawrence W. Twigg, appeared to be fatigued on the opening day. I can recall when the late Rev. Charles A. Jones served as the Presiding Elder of the East Tennessee Conference. Jones became ill and it was difficult for him to attend to his duties. Jones was assigned back to the pastorate and enjoyed the remaining time that he had in ministry. Stress agitates other conditions.

If I live to see 62, I plan to retire from the pastoral ministry. ThatÂ’s 10 years from now. Frequently I remind people that we only have one day at a time. Today I had to respond to three inquiries. A man is dying and he wants to purchase a casket, does not want to be embalmed and plans to be buried on his farm. HeÂ’s to check on buying the casket on September 17, 2004. There is a 52-year-old man who has perhaps 5 weeks to live. Tentative arrangements for him were made. Lastly, there is a baby girl two weeks old, and plans are being made for her death at any time. I shared these three items with my wife, Willa. In the event that I go before any of these individuals who are expected to die, then she will know what to do.

The Rev. Roderick Belin, the son of Retired Bishop Henry Allen Belin, Jr., is scheduled to preach on Friday, September 17, 2004. Roderick, (I can remember when he was born in Columbia, TN, during the pastorate of his father at St Paul Church, Columbia, TN. IÂ’ve heard that he may land back in the 13^th. I heard good reports about him during his work under a preacher named Flake, I believe. Chattanooga, TN is not far from the 6^th District where, his parents reside close to where retired General Officer Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams and her spouse Dr. McDonald Williams reside.

Pray for Sister Willa Smith and her husband (WHS). She's been under the weather and I've been feeding her soup and pizza. Someone sent her turnip greens and the child got better! Pray for Mable Aide,age 92, blind, both legs have been amputated, and she suffered a stroke on Monday, Sept. 13, 2004. I visited her at Maury Regional early on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2004. Remember the Rev. Archie C Griffin, Sr., and his family in prayer.

Because of the water there may be no school in Giles County. It would be great if someone in the East e mailed me with the facts just the facts. I won't complain and it will aid me in not become bored!

Be Blessed!

WHS

6. INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT "YOUR GOAL":

Ships sail east and Ships sail West;

While the selfsame breezes blow;

It the set of the sails

And not the Gales

That determines the way they go,

Like the winds of the sea

Are the ways of fate

As we journey along through life:

It's the set of the soul

that determines the goal,

And not the calm nor the strife.

(Author unknown)

"Prayer Changes Things!"

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

EDITOR, THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER

Voice:Home, 757-850-5554; Work, 757-728-6677, FAX 757- 728-6515:
Email:Home, chsydnor@erols.com; Work, calvin.sydnor@hamptonu.edu

9/16/2004

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE: AME NEWS AND INFORMATION SHARING GROUP (9/16/04)

1. EDITOR'S NOTE:

We are "getting there" in setting up The Christian Recorder Online. Here is the web address for The Christian Recorder Online. If you don't wish to receive it as you do now, simply ask me unsubscribe to this list and go to:
http://www.the-christian-recorder.org/tcr-online/ to receive our postings.

I will continue to send it and sine this is still a progress in work, we will be tweaking this as we go along and hopefully we will get this to where we want it to be.

My thanks to the Reverend Al Paris < pastor101@direcway.com > for assisting me in setting up this site.

2. THE OFFICIAL A.M.E. CHURCH WEBSITE:

www.ame-church.com

3. THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY HAS "HIS SAY":

Much has been said about the National NAACP's alleged pressure on the Ohio NAACP to withdraw a speaking invitation made to U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige. Since a critical view of that action was expressed on the Recorder site, I wanted to "have my say" as an AME Pastor and as First Vice-President of the South Carolina NAACP. Let me first say that I do not agree with any effort on the part of the National NAACP to pressure a State Conference or Local Branch to do it's bidding. I've felt that pressure before with regard to an investigation by the Charleston, SC Branch, and it is far less than a pleasant experience. Let me also note, however, that the NAACP has been intentional about leaving the outdated cultural descriptive of "Colored" as a part of its name because white is a color too, and NAACP members and Americans come in all colors and from all cultures.

That being said, I do feel and appreciate the National NAACP's alleged concern about the Paige appearance. President Bush has made a troubling practice of snubbing African-American groups in the current political season. "Scheduling conflicts" prevented his appearing at the General Conference of the AME Church and at the National NAACP Convention, and he sent a "designated speaker" in the person of Housing Secretary Al Jackson to the National Baptist Convention. The National Urban League's convention is the only major African-American venue where the President made an appearance, and then only after considerable criticism about not appearing elsewhere. In that venue, he was obviously ill at ease when his usual speech wasn't warmly embraced, and he received a coolly polite reception at best.

The President's action gives the appearance that he only accepts invitations to speak to groups where he can be assured of at least a lukewarm reception. That probably makes good political sense, but it flies in the face of the GOP's alleged desire to have a "big tent." A political "big tent" must allow for diversity of opinion and a willingness to dialogue with those who may not share one's opinion. The prevailing GOP position seems to be "take it or leave it" when it comes to confronting those who may be spiritual conservatives but political moderates or liberals. That makes the GOP's "big tent" appear for many to be little more than a roomy but familiar "Klan hood."

I do commend George W. Bush for including the likes of Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Rod Paige and Al Jackson in his administration, for they are his ideological "soul mates." I also commend the Democrat Presidents who included the likes of Andrew Young, Rodney Slater, Alexis Herman and Togo West in their administrations, for they were their ideological "soul mates."

I consider it to be a good sign for people of color in America that we don't put all of our political "eggs" in one basket. I also, however, strongly believe that we must evaluate candidates not on style, but on substance. The real question for African-American voters in this political season is whether or not they feel that the public policies embraced by the current administration have been beneficial or detrimental. Those who do should support George W. Bush. Those who do not should support John Kerry. The question is not who has the most visible "colored folk," but who displays a willingness to be the President of all the people.

4. A QUESTION FOR ONE OF OUR THEOLOGIANS, ASKED BY SISTER ORA WASHINGTON:

My question....or my need for clarification: The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit cannot dwell in any unclean place. Yet I have been taught that ANYWHERE we encounter God's presence is considered "holy" and that when we encounter God, we encounter the Holy Spirit. I guess I need a clarification of what is "unclean" (Lord knows this could be some of our churches!!) and what and how something or some place is determined to be "holy." This stems from the Sunday School lesson regarding Moses standing on "holy ground" when he came before the Lord at the burning bush.4 10:37:00 AM Central Daylight Time
From: gmtatept@msn.com
To: Amespouses1@aol.com

7. INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT, "TIME TO BE" BY RALPH MARSTON:

On a regular basis, take time to be. Experience the very real experience of life and awareness.

Every moment does not have to be planned or precisely programmed. There is as much value to be found in being as in doing.

Take time to process and absorb the activities and sensations you've collected. Take time to consider the things you've learned.

If you hurry through one thing just to get to the next, what have you really gained from it all? Give quality and substance to the things you do by being fully present while you do them.

Fulfillment is more than just working through the items on your list of things to do. Fulfillment comes when you put your real self into each of those things.

Whatever you do, you'll do better when you're fully there, engaged and aware. Take time to be, and be amazed at what it will do.

(-- Ralph Marston)

9/15/2004

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER: AME NEWS AND INFORMATION EMAIL SHARING GROUP (9/15/04)

EDITOR'S NOTE:

I am moving on with the transition of the online Christian Recorder. Thank you for your input. The Reverend Al Paris in the 10th Episcopal District is a great help in helping us to set all of this up. Please be patient. Depending upon your email system or Internet Provider, the messages that I forward you from the web might show or indicate that the our posting is "potentially harmful" and block delivery. I believe that you can resolve that with your Internet Provider. Hopefully, in a few days, you will be able to "pull" our postings up on the Internet. Together, we will work the kinks out.

I also want to share with you that I flew to Boston last week with my wife, Charlotte and I purchased the tickets on Tuesday night for the Wednesday morning flight from Norfolk to Boston and return. My co-worker told me to try Independence Airline and what a great experience and what a great price. I hadn't heard of them, but their promise is great travel at a great price. Check them out. This is not an advertisement, just a testimony from a satisfied customer; less than $300 total for my wife and I to fly round-trip from Norfolk to Boston and return. It looked to me as if all of the jets were new. I understand that the cost of a ticket from Norfolk to Washington is $37.

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH: www.ame-church.com

3. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER

Send $26, payable to: "The Christian Recorder" for a one-year subscription. Send it to, The Christian Recorder, 1 Sarfan Drive, Hampton, VA 23664. Telephone: 757. 850-5554

4. FIFTH DISTRICT PRAYER WARRIORS' PRAYER REQUESTS:

It is with deep sorrow but with exceeding joy to announce the "Homegoing" of our dearly beloved Beverly Sampson who past from labor to reward this weekend. As many of us know she was one of the most outstanding Presidents of the Southern California Conference Lay Organization. Please keep the Sampson Family and Beverly's Lay Organization Family in your prayers.

Saints, when we heard of Beverly's physical death during our last Sunday's worship service, floodgates of emotions penetrated our hearts. But we must remain mindful of Matthew 5:4, "Happy the mourning -- because they shall be comforted." (YLT)

O God: Please whisper to us in these hours of loss, "My children of this Prayer Line, you are not acquainted with your own grief. Rest in Me, and let Me comfort you."

Lord JESUS, we cry out to You, please comfort us. We, the entire Southern California Conference, have a great big hole in our hearts. Father, Your son, JESUS the Christ, (Immanuel, God with us. We know JESUS that You are our Savior.

Furthermore, we know You are a man of sorrow acquainted with grief. Thus, we cry out for Your comforting touch to all of us who are feeling a great loss at this time. Help us! We cry out to You during this mourning season. Please speak to us words of comfort and healing!

We know to be absent from the body is to be present with You. Furthermore, we know that it is our ultimate goal to be present with You. But right now, Father, simply put, it hurts! In the healing Name of JESUS, we know You will remove all our hurt, pain and sorrow. You will dry all our tears for we walk by faith and not by sight.

Guide us and the Sampson Family, O Great Jehovah! Lead us through this mourning/barren season, we close in prayer with this scripture:

Psalm 116:12-15 "What shall I render to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? (13) I will take up the cup of salvation. And call upon the name of the Lord. (14) I will pay my vows to the Lord. Now in the presence of all His people. (15) Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."

Faithfully Yours, Prayer Warriors of all Episcopal Districts and Denominations humbly crying out to our "Healing and Comforting Savior,"
Dorisalene Hughes,Prayer Warrior

Prayer Request No. 1

Subject: SAMPSON FAMILY

Date: 9/13/2004 8:37:44 AM Pacific Standard Time

From: GirlBishop122
To: Fifth District Prayer Warriors

IT IS WITH SADNESS' WE REPORT THE PASSING OF SISTER BEVERLY SAMPSON, IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION. ARRANGEMENTS ARE PENDING. PLEASE PRAY FOR HER FAMILY.

BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY

5. INSPIRATIONAL MOMENT:

If You Wish

If you wish to be respected, then be ever respectful. If you wish to be understood, then make it your business to sincerely understand.
If you wish to be appreciated, then be ever grateful. If you wish to be loved, then give love in each moment.
If you wish to be wealthy, then act to create real value. If you wish to learn, then take time to teach.
If you wish to climb higher, then lift others up. If you wish to be wise, then share what you know.
Whatever you wish, life will surely give it. What you must do, though, is to truly live it.
There is so much to live for and so much to see. You will have whatever you are willing to be.
(Ralph Marston)

Official Web Site, African Methodist Episcopal Church

9/12/2004

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER: AME NEWS AND INFORMATION SHARING GROUP (9/13/04)

THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH: www.ame-church.com
MORE A.M.E. NEWS MAY BE READ ON: http://www.ameherald.com/

SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Send $26, payable to: "The Christian Recorder" for a one-year subscription. Send it to, The Christian Recorder, 1 Sarfan Drive, Hampton, VA 23664. Telephone: 757. 850-5554