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Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
- I just read a document entitled “Church Plant Initiatives” that is the best document that I have seen on this subject. The “Church Plant Initiatives” document spells out everything that one would need in assisting them to plant an AME congregation and it is a superb document for established churches. It has not been released yet, but when it is, it will make a positive impact upon those who read it. I agree with Bishop Philip Cousin, “The AME Church is far from dead.”
- I am reading the current issue of the A.M.E. Church Review and, as usual, what a superb issue! The African Methodist Episcopal Church has the best historiographer in the person of Dr. Dennis Dickerson. No other denomination can match Dr. Dickerson. We simply have the best!
- The Christian Recorder Online will publish the various languages if there is a need, which means that we will need to hear from our foreign language readers. I have heard from the Portuguese readers and the Portuguese edition will be published regularly.
2. PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY NEEDS TO HIRE AN ACADEMIC DEAN:
The President of Payne Theological Seminary, the Reverend Dr. Leah Gaskins Fitchue announces the seminary’s search for an Academic Dean for the 2005 – 2006 academic year. The Payne Theological Seminary Website is www.payne.edu. Interested applicants should possess the Ph.D. and forward his or her vita to:
Academic Dean Search Committee,
Payne Theological Seminary,
P.O. Box 474,
1230 Wilberforce-Clifton Road,
Wilberforce, Ohio 45384
For more information, potential applicants may call Dr. President Fitchue at 937.376-2946, Extension 210.
3. NEWS FROM THE LAY BIENNIAL:
- The Lay Biennial ends this morning.
- Spirited discussion about money collected for Morris Brown College and a spirited discussion about the Issue of the Budget Committee’s decision to meet during the Youth Explosion.
- Brother Brent Shepard is the newly elected Connectional Young Adult Representative for 2005 – 2009. Brother James C. Brown is the immediate past (2001 – 2005) Young Adult Representative
4. THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS OF THE CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL WERE ELECTED AT THE 2005 GENERAL BOARD MEETING IN DALLAS TO SERVE THE NEXT QUADRENNIAL TERM:
The Reverend Pleasant L. Hailey, Jr, President
The Reverend Gregory V. Eason, Sr., 1st Vice-President
The Reverend Vincent Mitchell, 2nd Vice-President
The Reverend Ellis I. Washington, Recording Secretary
The Reverend James A. Rumph, Assistant Recording Secretary
The Reverend Floyd Alexander, Financial Secretary
The Reverend Samuel L. Sumner, Treasurer
The Reverend Pamela Rivera, Chaplain
The Reverend Caesar Richburg, Historiographer
The Reverend George Tyler, Parliamentarian
The Reverend John G. Ragin, Director of Public Relations
Submitted by the Reverend Pleasant L. Hailey, Jr.
5. THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 7-11, 2005
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
706 East Patton Ave.
Montgomery, AL 35111
Church Phone: (334) 286-8577
The Rev. Joseph Rembert, Host Pastor
The Rev. Leo Brock, Host P. E.
The Rev. G. L. Townsend, Assoc. P. E.
SOUTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 14-18, 2005
St. Luke A.M.E. Church
235 TV McCoo Blvd
Eufaula, AL 36027
Church Phone: (334) 687-9037
The Rev. Willie White, Jr. Host Pastor
The Rev. David Reddick, Host P. E.
The Rev. Willis N. Huggins, Assoc. P. E.
EAST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
September 21-25, 2005
Nichols Chapel A.M.E.
215 11th Avenue
Phenix City, AL 36869
Church Phone: (334) 298-2570
The Rev. Nathaniel Copeland, Host Pastor
The Rev. W. G. Treadwell, Host P. E.
The Rev. Ralph Neal, Assoc. P. E.
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 5-9, 2005
St. James A.M.E. Church
4200 5th Court, North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Church Phone: (205) 591-1238
The Rev. Bruce W. Hunter, Host Pastor
The Rev. Albert L. Hyche, Host P. E.
The Rev. Dwight E. Dillard, Assoc. P. E.
CENTRAL ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 12-16, 2005
Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church
410 Martin Luther King Street
Selma, AL 36702
Church Phone: (334) 874-7897
The Rev. James Jackson, Host Pastor
The Rev. W. T. Lesueur, Host P. E.
The Rev. Ernest A. Rouse, Assoc. P. E.
WEST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
October 19-23, 2005
Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church
431 24th Street, South
Bessemer, AL 35020
Church Phone: (205) 428-9921
The Rev. Truman A. Reynolds, Host Pastor
The Rev. Jesse Davis, Host P. E.
The Rev. Myers Hawkins, Jr., Assoc. P. E.
PLANNING MEETING
November 4-5, 2005
Saint John’s A.M.E. Church
807 Madison Avenue
Montgomery, AL 36104
Church Phone: (334) 265-4136
The Reverend James E. Arnell, Host Pastor
The Reverend Leo E. Brock, Host P. E.
The Reverend G. L. Townsend, Assoc. P. E.
6. THE TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2005 ANNUAL CONFERENCE DATES AND VENUE:
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate
NORTHWEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Ft. Worth, Texas
September 12 –September 17, 2005
September 10, 2005 – YPD Day
September 12, 2005 – Missionary Day
September 13, 2005 – The Gathering of Women
CONFERENCE VENUE
The Radisson Plaza Hotel
815 Main Street
Ft. Worth, Texas
Reservations – 817-870-2100
Cost per night – $109.00
Host Church – Wesley Chapel A. M. E. Church, Ft. Worth, Texas
Host Pastor – Rev. Cecil Youman
The Reverend Johnny Ray Mitchell, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Dr. Ida W. Keener, Associate Presiding Elder
NORTH TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Dallas, Texas
September 26 – October 1, 2005
September 24, 2005 – YPD Day
September 26, 2005 – Missionary Day
September 27, 2005 – The Gathering of Women
Conference Venue
Wyndham Anatole Hotel
2201 Stemmons Freeway
Dallas, Texas
Reservations – 214-748-1200
Cost per night – $119.00
Discounted Self parking rate of $6.95 per vehicle/per day
Host Church – St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Dallas, Texas
Host Pastor – Rev. Juan Tolliver
The Reverend Dr. E. L. Wright, II, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend W. C. Ervin, III, Associate Presiding Elder
SOUTHWEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Austin, Texas
October 10 – October 15, 2005
October 8, 2005 – YPD Day
October 10, 2005 – Missionary Day
October 11, 2005 – The Gathering of Women
CONFERENCE VENUE
Doubletree Hotel
6505 N IH 35
Austin, Texas
Reservations – 512-454-3737
Cost per night – $99.00
Discounted Self parking rate of $3.00 per vehicle/per day
Host Church – Grant A. M. E. Worship Center, Austin, Texas
Host Pastor – Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant
The Reverend Johnny H. Phillips, III, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Merrell Johnson, Associate Presiding Elder
TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE – Galveston, Texas
October 24 – October 29, 2005
October 22, 2005 – YPD Day
October 24, 2005 – Missionary Day
October 25, 2005 – The Gathering of Women
CONFERENCE VENUE
Hilton Galveston Island Resort
5400 Seawall Boulevard
Galveston, Texas
Reservations – 409-744-5000
Cost per night – $85.00
Host Church – Shiloh A.M. E. Church, Galveston, Texas
Host Pastor – Rev. W. L. Brown
The Reverend Johnny Jennings, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Dr. Alfred Baker, Associate Presiding Elder
TENTH DISTRICT PLANNING CONVOCATION
November 16 – November 19, 2005
Conference Venue & Hotel Accommodations
The Richardson Hotel
701 E. Campbell Road
Richardson, Texas
Reservations – 972-231-9600
Cost per night – $105.00
Host Church –St. Luke AME Church
Host Pastor – Rev. Charles Franklin
7. PHYTONUTRIENTS FIGHT FOR YOUR HEALTH:
Rev. Natalie Mitchem, Registered Dietitian, First District Health Coordinator and Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences
Several factors are essential to proper health and well-being. Nutrition is the number on factor. The next time you are visiting someone in the hospital you will find that along with the medication, medical procedures and nursing care, that nutrition or medical nutrition therapy is vital to recovery and restoration of health. In order for the patient’s body to heal, the patient must receive proper nutrition. Medication, medical procedures and nursing care alone, cannot provide the nutrients need for healing and repair of body cells.
Nutrients are carbohydrates, protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and water. Each nutrient is essential to life. God put nutrients in food to promote health and healing throughout our life. The cells in our bodies require nutrients to grow, repair, heal and maintain life and daily life activities. The cells in our bodies need a daily supply of nutrients to help fight disease, prevent disease and maintain life. Nutrients are a wonderful creation of God. Cells have a unique and miraculous way of responding to a daily. The cells of our body require proper nutrition to promote health.
I teach three (3) important principles that are easy to remember and will help you remember the importance of nutrition.
a. “Phytonutrients fight for your health.” In Genesis 1: 29 and 30 (the New King James Version) it states “ And God said, ‘see, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 Also, to every beast of the earth, to every bird of the air, and to every thing creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food”, and it was so “Phyto” means plant or plant nutrition. Phytonutrients are found in vegetables and fruits. While teaching nutrition classes at churches, God revealed to me that the book of Genesis is book that establishes principles and foundations. Within the first four chapters of the book of Genesis, we learn how the earth was created. Secondly, how man and woman were created. Third, we learned about sin and our enemy the devil. Finally, we learn the value of obedience to God. An important principle that God establishes in the book of Genesis (the book of Beginnings) is that vegetables, fruits, beans or plant life is an essential part our diet or meals. Genesis chapter 1 and verse 30 is not telling us we should be vegetarians, because God introduces meat to the diet in Genesis chapter nine. God wants us to understand a principle that was introduced “in the beginning” of life and is advertised on the television today in 2005, “plant- nutrients or PHYTONUTRIENTS are essential to human life and help prevent and fight disease and illness. The first food of humans was fruits, vegetables, beans and legumes. These foods not only support life, these foods contained phytonutrients to fight cancer and other degenerative diseases. Vegetables and fruits contain powerful phytonutrients that are not found in meat.
Research has found that phytonutrients help to prevent and fight illness and disease in our bodies. Lycopene is a phytonutrient found in tomatoes. Lycopene has been found to reduce the risk of prostrate cancer and recently has been link to reducing cystic fibroid tumors in women. (Channel 6 News Report). I attended a Phytonutrient Conference at Rutgers University in News Brunswick, New Jersey. Research on cranberries and grapes found that the phytonutrients and antioxidants in these fruits fight bladder infections because the phytonutrients prevent the disease cells from sticking to the bladder wall. Disease cells need a place to anchor on to our body and time to grow. In addition, antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging other healthy cells in our bodies.
b. A COLORFUL PLATE OR MEAL IS A NUTRITIOUS MEAL. – To ensure that you get a daily supply to phytonutrients and antioxidants, your meals should be full of color. Typically, the average meal is tan, beige, brown and white. The tan, brown and beige colors are good if they represent WHOLE grain breads, rice and pasta. However, if these colors represent white potatoes, white rice and brown gravy, it is time to add some Healthy Colors to your meals. Phytonutrients are found in the color of tomatoes. Lycopene gives tomatoes the red color, and Cartenoids give carrots the orange color. Therefore, every meal you eat should full of color.
The "Five a Day" program and the National Cancer Society recommend we eat 5- 9 servings of day of fruits and vegetables. The color green is mentioned in the Bible and both of these National organizations recommend that we eat green leafy vegetables. I recommend that out of the three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit as recommend by the Five Day Program, that two of your servings of vegetables include green vegetables (Collard Greens, Kale, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Spinach, Green Peppers and Broccoli).
Please Pass the Collard Greens – Bread of Life Nutrition & Health Ministry Recipe
2 pounds of Fresh Collard Greens washed.
½ cup to ¾ cup of Italian Dressing (try low sodium Italian dressing)
*for extra flavor use Zesty or Spicy Italian Dressing
Cook greens in water and Italian dressing under tender. Do not over cook greens in order to preserve the nutrients.
Make vegetables the Main item on your plate – vegetables are the most neglected food in our meals and diet. Meat is usually the main item on our plates. Meat/Chicken/Fish are an excellent source of protein and protein is essential to life. However, we should not miss out on the healthy benefits of vegetables and fruits, which include low in fat, low in sodium, no cholesterol and packed with phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Take you plate and divide it in half. One-half of the plate should contain cooked and fresh vegetables. Fruits can also be included on this side of the plate. On the other half of your plate should be divided in half – one-half for a palm size portion of meat/chicken/fish and one-half for healthy complex carbohydrates (brown rice or whole-wheat pasta).
God created food with all the nutrients needed for life and health. However, it is our responsibility to choose and eat nutritious foods/meals. Vitamin and minerals supplements/pills are “supplements” which can help provide the vitamins and minerals that your daily meals may be lacking. Vitamin and mineral supplements should be taken with food to promote synergistic action in the body. Vitamins and minerals are synergistic, which means they work together when properly balanced in the body with other nutrients. When selecting a vitamin and mineral supplement select a whole food based product that is all- natural, and does not contain preservatives, additives or artificial colors. Always seek the advice of your doctor before taking a vitamin and mineral supplement. Some vitamins (vitamin K) can interfere with blood thinning medication (Coumadin or Dicumarol). Read the label of all supplements.
Prayer for the month: God help me to remember that you created my body and the cells of my body to fight disease; prevent illness and to maintain life. Help me to make healthy food choices that promote health and healing.
Scripture: Genesis 1:29 –30
Nutrition & Health Goal for the month:
1. Eat 5- 9 servings of vegetables and fruits a day as recommend by the Five a Day Program and the National Cancer Society Institute.
2. Two (2) of the 3 vegetable servings per day should contain GREEN vegetables (Collard Greens, Kale, Turnip Greens, Mustard Greens, Dandelion Greens, Spinach, Green Peppers and Broccoli)
3. One (1) of the three vegetable servings per day should contain RED/PURPLE and ORANGE.
Submitted by Rev. Natalie Mitchem, Registered Dietitian, First District Health Coordinator July 28, 2005
8. SEEDS OF CHURCH AWARD PLANTED IN SEMINARY CLASS:
By Bob HolmesCIU Communications Coordinator
It all started in a class on church trends at Columbia Biblical Seminary & School of Missions. That is where The Rev. Tobie Pollock was challenged to go beyond just inviting the community to another church program and instead, encourage her congregation to get out from behind the church walls and meet the needs of society.
The result is that her church, Paradise A.M.E. near Union, SC has been named Volunteer Church of the Year by the Union office of Hospice Care of South Carolina. Union is in the north-central part of the state with a population of about 8,400.
Once a month, the 25 members of Paradise A.M.E. prepare about 30 small meals, such as lasagna and applesauce, which are delivered to hospice patients around Union County by hospice nurses. Paradise A.M.E is the first church in Union County to volunteer for hospice care. The church members are currently in training that will allow them to one day accompany the nurses so they can minister to the patients in person.
“We want to be servants that God can use in His kingdom building process,” Pollock said.
Pollock, who is studying for a Master of Divinity degree, says II Corinthians 5:7 is a verse that motivates her small flock in the task of caring for the terminally ill: “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
“A lot of people think little churches can’t do anything. We’re going to do things in faith knowing that we’re going to bless others…serving others as we imitate Him…we’re going to be givers and not takers.”
John Edwards, community relations director of Hospice Care of South Carolina says he spent 15 years in the ministry and understands that churches often want to do something in the community, but do not know how to focus their energy. He says the members of Paradise A.M.E. may not realize just how practical, yet meaningful their lasagna dishes are to the patients.
“(The patients) put them in the freezer…and at the end of the day, they’ll just pull those out, and that’s their supper,” Edwards said.
“They’re very appreciative just knowing that someone is there.”
And, the hospice meals ministry is only the beginning for the members of Paradise A.M.E. Their service to the community continued in June as they offered their services at The Relay for Life in Union. They served meals to cancer survivors who were celebrating with a walk-a-thon.
Pollock hopes her church’s example of hands-on ministry will attract young adults who she says no longer just want to be spectators at church.
“If we don’t provide (ministry) that will attract them to us, then they’ll go find it somewhere else,” Pollock said.
“People don’t want to hear you talk about the gospel, they want to see you doing the gospel.”
Rev. Tobie Pollock is pastor of Paradise A.M.E. Church in the Newberry-Spartanburg District.
Bishop Warren Williams, II is the Presiding Prelate and the Reverend Rosalyn Coleman is the Presiding Elder
Reprinted by permission
9. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you that Mr. Godfrey Gregg, Sr., brother of Dr. Theressa Gregg James and brother in law of Bishop Frederick James passed away on July 24, 2005 after a brief illness. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing -
Friday, July 29, 2005
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - Saturday, July 29, 2005
Service - 11:00 a.m.
Gilmore Funeral Home
Mr. Michael Norton, Director
190-02 Linden Blvd.
St. Albans, New York 11412
Phone: (718) 528-7765
Fax: (718) 712-2108
Condolences may be sent to the funeral home at the above address or to:
Bishop Frederick & Dr. Theressa Gregg James
2421 Lang Road
Columbia, South Carolina 29204
Phone: (803) 256-8756
Office: (803) 787-8201
Fax: (803) 787-8215
Please keep the James family in your prayers.
10. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
11. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
