THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/8/05)
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. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
A Blessing of the food:
“For these and all other blessings, the LORD’S Name be praised. Amen.
Bishop George Wilbur Baber
Editor’s Note: Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Jr. gave this blessing of the food at the dinner that was held for Bishops and General Officers at the Mid Winter Institute on Tuesday, December 6. Bishop Cousin attributed this blessing to the late Bishop George Wilbur Baber. The Mid Winter Institute is being held in St. Louis, Missouri and ends today.
2. THE “FOOD” IS CONSTANTLY BEING BROUGHT TO THE “TABLE”:
“If you don’t come to the table, you won’t be able to partake of the feast.”
The Mid Winter Institute was well attended and informative. The Editor does not understand why more pastors and local church leaders who were in a reasonable driving distance of St. Louis did not avail themselves of the opportunity to attend the Mid Winter Institute. The same holds true for the Strategic Planning Meetings held in Nashville. I am not speaking about pastors and laity who are long distances away; I am speaking about pastors and laity who live in the areas of Connectional Meetings. Attending Connectional meetings can be great learning experiences. I am not even speaking about spending the night, but just “dropping in on the meetings,” if for nothing else than to meet fellow AMEs from across the Connection.
Do you think that it might have been that some of our pastors may not have known about the Mid Winter Institute or the Strategic Planning Meetings? It has been on the Official AME Website. In fact, all of the future meetings of the AME Church are on the website: http://www.ame-church.com/ . We also announce meetings in The Christian Recorder print and online editions.
“If you put things in writing, some folks will never see it.”
Superb information was disseminated at the Mid Winter Institute. Information was given about LabOra, accessing and navigating the Official Website, managing pastors’ retirement and annuity account and other helpful information.
“If you don’t come to the table, you won’t be able to partake of the feast.”
I hope more pastors and laity will take advantage of the opportunities the Church shares. Sometimes it is inconvenient to attend meetings, but doing so, can be extremely helpful and encouraging to your ministry.
3. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, BERMUDA HOSTED AMERICAN SOCIETY ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DAY INTERFAITH SERVICE:
For the first time in its history, the American Society in Bermuda held its annual Thanksgiving Day service at a predominantly black church.
St. Paul AME Church hosted this event in grand style in its 350-seat sanctuary, which was nearly filled with worshipers from different denominations.
Our very own Presiding Elder of the East-West Districts of the Bermuda Annual Conference, the Rev. Malcolm Eve, led us in worship. The host pastor, the Rev. Lanel D. Guyton who stood tall and represented all of African Methodism with great distinction, gave the Thanksgiving meditation. His text was taken from Psalm 100:1-5. He reminded the congregation, “We have suffered recently, at the hands of terrorism, natural disasters and the loss of loved ones” and went on to say, “Because of the God we serve, we still had plenty for which to be thankful.”
He continued by saying, “The Christian faith does not take away pain nor sadness, but it does allow us to see beyond our difficult moments and to cope with them, because of Christ’s victory over sin and death, victory would be ours.”
We were also delighted and blessed by the singing of the St. Paul Senior Choir led by organist Cecil Smith. The choir truly lifted their voices and allowed God to use them to the approval of the congregation.
The Premier of Bermuda, the Honorable W. Alexander Scott and Mrs. Scott; the United States Consul General and Mrs. Gregory W. Slayton; President of the American Society, Mr. Brad Woodings; Administrative Bishop of the New Testament Church of God, the Rt. Rev. Goodwin Smith; Wife of the Presiding Elder, Mrs. Elvia Eve and a host of government officials as well as worshipers attended the service.
The United States Consul General at the conclusion of the service hosted a reception in Centennial Hall.
We thank God for blessing St. Paul in hosting this Interfaith Service, which touched the hearts of many on Thanksgiving Day 2005!
4. ST. PAUL AMEC BERMUDA CELEBRATES THEIR ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY!
It was a glorious day at St. Paul AME Church, in Hamilton, Bermuda that culminated a series of events leading up to Women’s Day 2005. The women of St. Paul dressed in their peach and white attire marched into the sanctuary with an air of pride with a blessing from their pastor, the Reverend Lanel D. Guyton.
After being serenaded by the coronet player, who sounded a triumphant entry, the fifty plus Women’s Day choir processed into the sanctuary to the tune, "We are marching into battle..." This undoubtedly set the tone for the remainder of the day. The theme was, "Faith is not believing that God can; it is knowing that He will," (Heb. 1:1-10). The women of St. Paul exemplified this in their belief that God can do anything possible if we would just believe.
The guest preacher hailed from the great state of Texas, the Reverend Dr. Jessica Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor of Missions from the Tenth Episcopal District. She preached, "It’s your Faith," which reminded us that it is our faith that sustains us, no matter what our circumstances or conditions. She proclaimed, under the anointing of God, “Your faith is what can make you whole again!”
In the afternoon, excitement filled the air in anticipation of another “fire and brimstone” worship experience. The sermon subject was, “Because of my faith, I can still see God.” After the anointed preaching of Rev. Dr. Ingram, a multitude of believers flocked to the altar for prayer. Lives were changed and hearts were uplifted after such an encouraging word from God.
We were blessed with the presence of the Presiding Elder of the East-West District of the Bermuda Annual Conference, the Rev. Malcolm Eve and his wife, Elvia Eve; the Minister of Finance for Bermuda, the Honorable Paula Cox; the Minister of the Environment for Bermuda, the Honorable Neletha Butterfield (Member of St. Paul); Shadow Minister for Works & Engineering, the Honorable Patricia J. Gordon-Pamplin(Member of St. Paul); Permanent Secretary, the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Marc Telemaque, and other government officials. Also, in attendance were the pastors and their spouses, and conference officers of the Bermuda Conference.
The Women’s Day worship service was preceded by our prayer breakfast featuring Mrs. Kalmar Richards, Principal of Cedar Bridge Academy in Bermuda. She brought forth a powerful message from God that provided the foundation needed for the Women’s Day season. One worshipper said, “Her message inspired us all.”
The Hour of Power bible study presented by the anointed pastor of St. John AME Bermuda, Rev. Ruth Van-Lowe Smith, drew a large crowed that attracted Christians from throughout the island of Bermuda. Rev. Van-Lowe Smith allowed God to use her in an extraordinary way. The Bible study ushered in a spirit that allowed God to transform every person present.
Our Pre-Women’s Day service in which the Rev. Joyce Hayward, associate minister of Richard Allen AME church in St. Georges, Bermuda, preached was awe- inspiring. She preached and ministered the word in liturgical dance to a capacity crowd in St. Paul’s sanctuary. Truly, God showed His Glory in the presence of every believer present on such a joyous occasion
5. SECOND A.M.E., LOS ANGELES OPENS ITS TRANSITION HOUSE:
By Xavier Higgs
Women’s issues in the church and the community it serves are becoming more of a focus to many churches. In an effort to address an important need to its congregation and surrounding community the Second A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles, open its Women’s Transitional Home. The Second to None Transition House for Women is a testimonial to a commitment of Pastor Dr. Kelvin Calloway and the Home’s Director Regina Fair to reach out to those women who are struggling to maintain sobriety form substance abuse.
“They need a power greater than themselves,” says Pastor Calloway. “They need that spiritual support in addition to food and shelter.” He adds that his church recognized the tremendous need for housing for persons who are in transition.
The program is component of the church’s Substance Abuse Ministry will house five women for up to two years. Participants in the program must adhere to rules and regulations of the program, which includes a zero drug policy with random drug testing. The Second to None Transition house is located next door to the church in South Los Angeles. This fully furnished house has three bedrooms two baths including a kitchen and living room.
“It’s a blessing to be an important part of this,” says Lyneill Hardin, 55. “It is a beautiful home.” Lyneill, who is the on site manager and the sixth occupant, believes the house is a gift from god. She cherishes her role with the program.
Regina Fair, who is the Director of Second A.M.E. Church’s Substance Abuse Ministry, is too excited about what this program will offer. As a certified life skills counselor she is not disillusioned by what awaits them all. Regina says this program has triggered church members to pay closer attention to the needs of a growing problem among African American and Latina women in Los Angeles, CA.
Pastor Calloway who is passionate about this particular program says it has the full commitment the church. “Our church is fully aware of its commitment to God, our members and this neighborhood. We don’t need a band aid; we need a program of substance.”
6. THE FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT INFORMATION UPDATE: 2006 FOUNDER'S DAY CELEBRATION & MID-YEAR CONVOCATION:
FOUNDER'S DAY CELEBRATION
February 10 & 11, 2006
Wyndham Lisle/Naperville (Chicago, IL)
Telephone: 630-05-1000 or 800-996-3426
Room Rate: $ 89.00 single/double
Reservation Deadline: January 27, 2006 at 5:00 pm
Schedule:
Friday, February 10th
2-5 p.m. - Opening General Session
7:30 p.m. - Worship Service
Saturday, February 11th
9 a.m.-12-noon - Closing General Session
MID-YEAR CONVOCATION
March 2-4, 2006
Hyatt Regency Dearborn (Detroit, Michigan)
Telephone: 313-593-1234 or 800-233-1234
Room Rate: $ 104.00 single/double/triple/quad
Reservation Deadline: February 14, 2006
Schedule:
Thursday, March 2nd
2-5 p.m. - Opening General Session
7:30 p.m. - Worship Service
Friday, March 3rd
9 a.m.-12 p.m. - Breakout Sessions
2-5 p.m. - Breakout Sessions
7:30 p.m. - Worship Service
Saturday, March 4th
9 a.m. -12-noon - Closing General Session
Rev. Barbara A. Wilson, Administrative Assistant
Fourth Episcopal District - African Methodist Episcopal Church
400 East 41st Street, Suite 114
Chicago, Illinois 60653
(773) 373-6587 Phone
(773) 373-8356 Fax
7. EDU, INC. COMMON BLACK COLLEGE APPLICATION:
College bound students can apply to 31 colleges with one application...for a single fee of $35 dollars at EDU Inc. (Common Black College Application)...See: www.eduinconline.com or 770-716-0616.
Stan McKenzie
8. CHURCH WORLD SERVICE FEATURED IN DEC. 11 CBS INTERFAITH RELIGION SPECIAL, "AFTER THE STORM: RELIGIONS RESPOND TO NATURE'S FURY"
NEW YORK, Dec. 7 --The disaster relief work of Church World Service will be featured in a CBS interfaith religion special, After The Storm: Religions Respond to Nature's Fury, scheduled for broadcast Sunday, December 11 on 83 CBS Television Network stations. (Broadcast dates and times for several cities listed below. Please check local broadcast listings for dates and times of the program in your area)
The special reviews the major natural disasters of the past year and focuses on the response of the interfaith community to the Gulf Coast hurricanes here in the USA. It travels to Baton Rouge, La., where a wide range of faith-communities are seen working cooperatively to relieve the suffering and dislocation of so many.
Woven throughout the piece is an interview with the Rev. Lura Cayton, one of the Church World Service (CWS) disaster response and recovery liaisons coordinating the agency's response to the Katrina disaster.
The victims, many of whom lost family, friends, homes, churches, and businesses in the storm, tell stories of their losses and their efforts to recover. There are stories of pain and heroic sacrifice. Some hurricane survivors also have family suffering in Pakistan because of the devastating earthquake there and must send money to help them.
With 60 years experience in domestic and international disaster response, Church World Service (CWS), the global humanitarian relief agency supported by Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations in the United States, was one of the first agencies to respond to the Gulf Coast disaster.
CWS is focusing on long-term recovery, particularly for under-served populations. To identify and serve people whose needs are not being fully met, CWS is working with existing community organizations and is helping to establish new, independent non-profit community organizations whose sole work-during this crisis and beyond-will be to fill the serious disaster related needs of these people in their local communities. The under-served populations identified in a particular community could include the elderly, the disabled, the uninsured, or others needing additional help with housing, medicine, transportation, clothing, rebuilding, or some other social service that has not been provided.
The special also profiles the Rev. Darryl Tate and the Rev. Connie Thomas -- who are suddenly churchless because of the hurricanes, and who have pitched in to work with the Methodist Disaster Recovery Center in Baton Rouge.
In addition, the interfaith special highlights the New Orleans suburb of Henner, where Abdul Rahman Bashir, the Imam of a local mosque, and other Muslims distribute supplies provided by the Islamic Circle of North America. At the same time, the program follows Father Ernest Saik, who has opened St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge to housemothers needing to be near their premature babies being cared for at the Women's Hospital next door.
John P. Blessington is the executive producer of the special. Ted Holmes is the producer. It is being produced with the cooperation of the National Council of Churches, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, The Jewish Theological Seminary and the Southern Baptist Broadcast Communication Group
Following is a list of some of the 83 stations airing the broadcast. Check your local listings for broadcast stations, dates and times in your area.
New York: WCBS-TV,
12/25 at 1:00 PM
South Bend, Indiana: WSBT-TV
12/25 at 1:00 PM
Chicago: WBBM-TV
12/24 at 3:05 AM
Boston: WBZ-TV
12/18 at 5:00 AM
Dallas: KTVT-TV
12/24 at 10:30 PM
New Orleans: WWL-TV
12/11 at 5:00 AM
Birmingham: WIAT-TV
12/11 at 11:30 AM
Lafayette, Louisiana: KLFY-TV
12/17 at 12:30 PM
San Diego: KFMB -TV
12/11 at 7:00 AM
Los Angeles: KCBS-TV
12/11 at 7:00 AM
San Francisco: KPIX-TV
12/11 at 7:00 AM
9. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the following:
The passing of Mrs. Emma Jean Whalen, the mother of Reverend Christilene Whalen Weaver, Pastor of Walker Chapel AME Church, Oceanside, California.
Service Arrangements
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Viewing: 8:30 AM
Funeral: 10:00 AM
St. Mark UAME Church
45685 Happy Land Road
Valley Lee, Maryland 20692
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend Christilene Whalen Weaver
Walker Chapel AME Church
1415 Laurel Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
760-757-6633 (Church)
760-295-1196 (Phone)
Reverend Christilene Whalen Weaver can be reached at 301-863-8255.
Reverend George Stuckey, the uncle of Reverend Dorisalene Hughes, CO-Director of the Fifth District Prayer Ministry. Funeral services were held on Saturday, November 26, 2005 in Texarkana, Arkansas.
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to report the passing of Mrs. Idella F. Cooper, mother of Rev. James S. Cooper (Pastor of High Hills AME Church, Dalzell, SC) and Rev. Jeffery B. Cooper (Pastor of Trinity AME Church, Atlanta, GA) on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2005.
The funeral will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2005, at 12:00 NOON. Bishop Frederick H. Talbot will be the eulogist.
Trinity AME Church
604 Lynhurst Dr., SW
Atlanta, GA 30311
404-696-5826 (Phone)
404-696-3392 (Fax)
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. James S. Cooper
P. O. Box 10309
Columbia, SC 29207
803-419-8285
Rev. Jeffery B. Cooper
6904 Rivertown Road
Fairburn, GA 30213
770-964-0473
Funeral Home:
Murray Brothers Funeral Home, Inc.
Cascade Chapel
1199 Utoy Springs Road, SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
404-349-3000
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Funeral Services for Brother Steven Cooper, 13 years of age the son of Rev. William E. Cooper, Jr., and the late Mrs. Yasmin Williams Cooper of Philadelphia, PA.
Rev. Cooper is the Pastor of Macedonia A.M.E. Church, Boca Raton, Florida, North District, South Florida Conference/11th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements:
Monday, December 12, 2005
Visitation: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Funeral 1:00 PM
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church
801 Ninth Street
West Palm Beach, Florida 33407
561-832-2035 (Phone)
561-832-7142 (Fax)
Condolences may be sent to Rev. William E. Cooper, Jr. and family c/o of Payne Chapel AME Church (address above).
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Jacqueline Barr, passed this week. Mrs. Barr, member of Ward AME Church, Los Angeles and former member of First AME Church By-The-Sea, Santa Monica, CA, was the mother of Mrs. Ollye M. Wright (wife of Reverend E. M. Wright, Sr. of Spokane, WA) and the grandmother of the Reverend Marian Wright Young (Los Angeles, CA), the Reverend Charles T. Wright (Salt Lake City, Utah) and the Reverend Joan Wright Richardson (Oakland, CA).
Funeral Arrangements
Home Going Service
Saturday, December 10, 2005
2:00 PM
Ward AME Church
1177 West 25th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-747-1367 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to
20019 Belshaw Avenue
Carson, CA 90746
Attention: Rev. Marian Wright Young
Please remember the family in your prayers.
13. CLERGY FAMILY 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.
14. 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
