1. EDITOR’S CORNER
A letter from the Reverend Kenneth L. Johnson in response to the article in the Christian Recorder about liturgical colors:
I received a letter in the mail from the Reverend Kenneth L. Johnson, who lives in Detroit, Michigan. He wrote a response to my article in The Christian Recorder about Liturgical Colors. Reverend Johnson suggested that there is a need for “scholarly dialogue” and it appears to me that Reverend Johnson questioned the articles suggested use of liturgical colors as imitating other denominations. He used the phrase, “Too often we struggle to be ‘like mike.’” He went on to say that “Black theology has had no impact upon the church …” and that “We (the African Methodist Episcopal Church) still are not viewed as a part of the mainstream Christianity, but rather as a protest movement having come out of the mainstream.” Reverend Johnson was that, “We ought to be leaders in religious scholarship and praxis not copy cats” and went on to conclude, “Your article suggest (Sic) that we are more likely to engage in the latter rather than the former where our worship would reflect our historic development and meanings.”
My Response:
Reverend Johnson, thank you for taking to time to drop me a note concerning the article in The Christian Recorder concerning the liturgical colors. You asked the question, “Should we adopt this wearing of colors?” And then you go on to raise the issue about the AME Church following the same schedule of colors as the other denominations. It appears to me that you presuppose that we use liturgical colors because we are copying off of the larger denominations and that we are struggling to be, in your words, “like mike” and that is copying the other denominations’ rules and protocols. I was also somewhat puzzled that you feel that the AME Church is not “viewed as a part of mainstream Christianity.”
Let me address, first, your contention that the that African Methodist Episcopal Church as not being viewed as a mainstream denomination, and say that your conclusion about the African Methodist Episcopal Church not being viewed as mainstream denomination is “off target.” On the contrary, the African Methodist Episcopal Church is viewed as a credible and significant denomination, locally and globally. The AME Church is the oldest, and one of the largest historically Black denominations in the United States! The AME Church and our bishops are leaders in both the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. Additionally, the African Methodist Episcopal Church has significant real estate holdings and is a leader in the academic community because of our institutions of higher education and our commitment to social justice. The African Methodist Episcopal Church was, and continues to be a leader in the nation’s fight for equal rights. The Civil Rights’ movement was birthed in the African Methodist Episcopal Church with the significant work of Richard, his first wife, Flora, and later Sarah Allen. Brother Johnson, we are a mainstream Church! There has been some circles who have thought that we, as a church, may have been too mainstream and that we needed to “loosen up,” but that’s another discussion. The bottom-line for me on this subject is that we are significant and I would hope that our AME clergy and laity would recognize the AME Church’s significance in, not just the United State, but in the world!
Now, about the liturgical colors, we are not struggling to be “like mike.” AME Churches have used liturgical colors as long as any Protestant denomination in the United States with a similar historical timeline. My observation is that there have been those in the AME Church who have used the colors that they had available. Oftentimes that was red; and white was used on Communion Sunday. We couldn’t afford to purchase all of the liturgical colors. When I pastored in the sixties, my church had only the red altar hangings and the white alter hangings for Communion. We couldn’t afford to purchase the other colors. We struggled to pay the bills. Well, some of our churches are better off and can afford all the colors and the reason for putting the color scheme in The Christian Recorder was to inform those churches who had purchased all of the colors, and who wanted to follow the liturgical year to be able to do so. Denominations routinely publish the liturgical color schedule as a reminder.
The issue of liturgical colors is not a new concept. The colors mentioned in The Christian Recorder refer to the Old Testament with references in Exodus 28 (Read the entire chapter). Verse 5 mentions the colors that should be used for the priestly garments: “Have them use gold and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.”
The early church used liturgical colors as a means of helping the congregants to use the visual sense. Clement of Alexander recommended white as suitable to all Christians. The 13th Century prelate, Durandus in the Rationale Divinorum Officiorum explained the meaning of all of the liturgical colors. The early church worship excited all of the senses. Incense caused the sense of smell to be used; the proclamation of the Word and prayer excited the sense of hearing; the Sacraments excited the sense of taste; and the passing of the peace utilized the sense of feel. One might say that complete worship should find a way to excite the five senses. And I might add that the Holy Spirit excites the extrasensory sense.
And while I am on Clement of Alexander, he said, “It is possible for one who is unlearned to become a Christian believer, but it is impossible for one without learning to comprehend fully what has been made known in the Christian faith. He went on to say, “The Christian will gladly learn all that he (she) can from all branches of human knowledge, whether music, mathematics, astronomy, dialectics, or Greek philosophy.” (Kenneth Scoot Latourette: A History of Christianity). I mention Clement of Alexander’s comments because I believe that it speaks to need for an educated clergy and for us to be well-rounded as it relates to learning.
Correction
The Christian Recorder previously announced that the Reverend Lawrence O. Twiggs had been retired. Reverend Twiggs has not been retired. He is the assigned senior pastor of Allen Temple AME Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee
2. NEWS FROM JOHNSON CHAPEL AME CHURCH (JCAMEC), ORANGE COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. THE REVEREND MIKE BARTA IS THE PASTOR:
- Eighth Annual Leadership Retreat in session this weekend
As of this past Tuesday, a total of 45 ministry leaders and Church Officers had registered for Johnson Chapel’s 8th Annual Leadership Retreat which opens this evening (Friday) at the beautiful Doubletree Suites Hotel in Dana Point, The Retreat will open with registration and refreshments at 6:00 PM followed by a brief opening worship service at 7:00 p.m. Associate Pastor Javier Suarez will deliver the Message. Sister Nesha Encalade, Coordinator of our Health, Fitness and Dance Ministries will help ensure that our blood is circulating to our brains beginning at 7:40 PM. The first Workshop Session will begin at 8:00 p.m. A second and final workshop for the evening begins promptly at 9:00 p.m. Following a very brief preview of Saturday’s Agenda; retreat participants will adjourn to their rooms at 10:15 PM.
Saturday’s activities will begin with continental breakfast available from 7:45 – 8:30 a.m. Sister Encalade will once again be “front and center” from 8:30 to 9:00 a.m. with the first workshop of the day beginning promptly at 9:00 a.m.. The day’s agenda includes a working lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. and adjournment is scheduled foe 3:00 p.m. The theme for this year’s gathering is, “Turning the Church Inside Out So that the World May Know Jesus.” Pastor Mike Barta and the Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilson will serve as workshop presenters.
- The Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilson latest addition to (JCAMEC) Ministerial Staff
The Reverend Dr. Maurice Wilson, a veteran College educator and Pastor from the 2nd Episcopal District is the latest addition to the Johnson Chapel Ministerial Staff. Rev. Dr. Wilson was formally presented to the Congregation by Pastor Michael Barta on Sunday January 2nd. His first official act as the newest member of our Ministerial Staff was to lead the Church in the Invocation. Rev. Dr. Wilson was received by way of transfer from the 2nd Episcopal District by Bishop John Richard Bryant and his name added to the roll of the Southern California Annual Conference this past October.
Wilson and his then fiancée Becky first began attending Johnson Chapel this past summer and formally joined our Church Family in October of this year. The couple was joined together as Husband and Wife in their former home State of Maryland the day after Christmas. Rev. Wilson holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, a Master of Science degree in Psychology as well as a Master of Arts degree in Theology. His latest position in the world of Academia was as Assistant Professor (Tenured) of the Applied Psychology and Rehabilitation Counseling at Coppin State College in Baltimore, MD. He has served the AME Church faithfully as a Pastor for more than 20 years before voluntarily seeking supernumerary (without assignment) status in May of this past year.
Pastoral assignments have included St. John AMEC, Baltimore, MD; Bethel AMEC, Greensboro NC; and St. Stephens AMEC in Wilmington, NC.
Rev. Wilson will assist Pastor Barta with New Members Orientation, Staff Development as well as with Christian Education & Discipleship Ministries. Welcome Rev. Wilson!
- Johnson Chapel is designating this Sunday’s Benevolent Offering for Bishop Tyler-Guidry’s call for tsunami disaster assistance for Africa and Asia
As a part of our effort to assist victims of the tsunami tragedy, Our Benevolent Offering on 1/23 will be designated for SADA.
- The Articles from Johnson Chapel AME Church are extracted from the Johnson Chapel Weekly E-letter. The Reverend Mike Barta is the pastor.
Editor’s Comment: I share the news from Johnson Chapel because it is a great example of a church using technology to get information out to those who are connected to the Internet. E-Bible study and e-Sunday School Lessons are alternative methods of presenting the same materials.
3. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Subscribe to The Christian Recorder and receive your own hard-copy edition of The Christian Recorder mailed directly to your home!
Call 1-800-648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card.
Or. You may send $26.00 check or money order to:
The Christian Recorder.
500 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
1/21/2005
1/20/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (1/20/05)
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. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
Honey, Darling, and Sweetheart
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, in my mind, is the greatest denomination in the world. I love my Church. I am proud of the way that the Church has dealt with gender issues in electing not one, but three women bishops. Women are being appointed as presiding elders and given significant pastoral appointments. Women aspirants for the ministry are going to seminary and are taking seriously the Church’s call for trained ministry. All in all, the Church as a denomination is dealing forthrightly with women in ministry. Bishop John Adams stated at the 47th Quadrennial General Conference held in Indianapolis, “The Church has buried gender inequality.” I agree with Bishop Adams and with all of the delegates and visitors who affirmed his words with a rousing “Amen.” The Church has buried gender inequality, but there are pockets of resistance and individuals who are trying to hold on to the old order of things. They hold on by not accepting women as full participants in ministry and by use of condescending and insensitive language.
It is not uncommon to hear clergymen refer to women, and even to those in ministry as "honey, darling, or sweetheart" and other demeaning titles. The sad aspect is that some of our lay leaders follow the example of their clergy leaders and exhibit the same insensitive behavior. I am disturbed when I hear members of the clergy use “honey, darling or sweetheart when addressing women in the Church. It is time to treat our female clergy, and female laity as full professional partners in ministry and stop the nonsense of referring to them "out of their names or professional titles." If they are ordained clergy we should refer to them as, "Reverend, pastor, doctor, chaplain;" by their appropriate professional titles. Female laity should be referred to as, "Sister, Mrs., Ms., doctor, or miss; or by their Christian name.
“Honey, darling, or sweetheart” is not appropriate in professional relationships. “Honey, darling, sweetheart” or other intimate designations are only appropriate for intimate relationships. It is appropriate for men, even clergy, to refer to their wives or girlfriends as, "honey, darling, or sweetheart." That speaks to their intimate relationship.
I would hope that bishops, presiding elders and other denominational leaders would speak to the issue and to the importance of boundaries in professional relationships. I believe that our leaders should model and train our clergy and laity. And above all, clergy should exhibit mature behavior and model professionalism in all aspects of ministry and relationships.
Traveling and Want to Find an AME Church
Check out the official website of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. To find a church, simply go to: http://www.ame-church.com/directory/index.php and click on the map.
Dr. Clement Fugh and his staff have done a wonderful job in setting up the AME website.
AME Sunday School Literature
In case someone didn’t know, Sunday School literature and Bible Study materials are used by denominations, not only to help Sunday School students to understand the Bible, but also as effective tools for denominational evangelism. That’s one of the reasons it is important for AME Churches to use the Sunday School literature published by the AME Sunday School Union. Generally, it is inappropriate to use other denominational resources, e.g., Baptist, Pentecostal, and other non-Methodist materials, no matter how good the material looks or how easily teachable those materials appear to be. All of that is by design. Our AME materials require a little more work on the part of teachers. Our materials are not designed to just walk in on Sunday morning and pick up the book and start teaching. Our Sunday School literature requires teacher preparation.
Perhaps the best and most enjoyable Sunday School class that I have attended was at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. Brother Eley (not sure that I am spelling his name correctly) was the adult teacher and what a teacher he was! He was prepared and brought the Sunday School literature alive. Sunday School was exciting and I didn’t want to miss it. It was obvious that Brother Eley prepared his Sunday School Lessons.
Give the AME Sunday School literature a chance to bring your Sunday School alive. Remember, it takes preparation. In a seminary class, when a student remarked, that a person had only to “open his or her mouth and God would speak for him or her.” The wise professor answered, “I know when one opens his or her mouth that God speaks, but my experience has been that God favors the prepared person.
Support the AME Sunday School Union! It’s yours! It’s ours! And together we can make it work.
Reminder
March is Women's History Month and The Christian Recorder is attempting to publish an all women's articles edition of The Christian Recorder in March. You are invited to send your articles now.
2. THE REVEREND BRUCE FRANCIS SHARES THE MINISTRY OF GIVING AT ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, VALDOSTA, GEORGIA. THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE IN THE SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Saint Paul AME Church in Valdosta collected clothing and food items for Haiti. South Georgia Conference Missionary president, Mrs. Sandra Lewis, and the Missionary's have contributed over 100 blankets and other items.
The major obstacle is securing the means, both economic and otherwise to get them to Haiti. Red Cross does not accept clothes so we are looking at other alternatives. If anyone has any ideas, please advise.
The Reverend Bruce FrancisEmail: Pastorblf@aol.com
3. THE REVEREND WILLEM SIMON HANSE SHARES INFORMATION ABOUT THE YAMAHA CLP 120 CLAVINOVA PROJECT- $600 SHORTFALL - YOUR ASSISTANCE IS INVITED:
The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my strength. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward man” is a timeless announcement still valid in our hearts today.
This missive serves to introduce to you the St. James AME Church, Mariental – part of the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th District under the able leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green, Sr. The congregation was established in 1946, after our pioneers broke away from the colonial German-based Rhynish Missionary Society, and has 373 full members. The growth potential is very limited in the area, because we are based in a rural town and hence employment opportunities are also very limited. Yet our spirits are at all time high and we are thankful to God for many pastors and bishops who have passed this way before.
Our officers and members voted in the Church Conference held on 19th September 2004 to purchase a brand new Yamaha CLP 120 Clavino organ, in order to supplement the music provided on the old model manual piano which was purchased in 1979 and has served as faithfully.
It is no secret that Pentecostal churches lure away our youth and young adults with the contemporary music played on modern instruments. The quotation, to the sum of N$20 695-50 ($3 507-71 US) from TakeNoteMusic company is available by fax upon request.
We are writing this missive, with the hope and prayer, that you, your church officers and members will find a proper cause in our Church to work for and support this project still having a shortfall of US$600-00. By supporting this project (financially and with prayers) I believe we can start a new season of smart partnership between our two congregations. This will open up new understanding amongst our ordinary members on the local church levels, because I am convinced that our ministry and witness must be visible on the local Church if we want the Great Commission manifested in our Zion.
Please help us to help ourselves. Kindly assist us with a voluntary financial donation, any amount of contribution the Lord has laid on your heart, by sending your donation cheque made out to the St. James Special Projects.
We trust that our prayerful request will enjoy your benevolent response.
May God bless the AME Church.
Sincerely,
Rev. Willem Simon HansePastor + General Chairperson
Mailing Address:
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78
MarientalRepublic of Namibia
EDITORIAL COMMENT:
The AME Church is a global Church and several of us should be able to address this problem in "short order" and with a little left over.
4. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Lillie Goodman Wilkes (the mother of the Rev. Victor Wayne Goodman, our pastor at Allen Bethel AME Church, Lewisburg, TN., the South Nashville District of the Tennessee Conference of the 13th Episcopal District) died at Maury Regional Hospital, Columbia, TN on Monday, January 17, 2005.
Additional survivors are: her children Roy, James, Wanda (Kay-Kay) and Constance (Connie), a brother Oliver, and sisters, Gloria, May and Flora Goodman.
The arrangements are as follows: Visitation: Saturday, January 221:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Baxter Brothers Funeral Home
1105 E End StreetColumbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-1353
The Funeral will be held on Sunday, January 23. 2005 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 504 Church Street, Columbia, TN
The Rev. James Walker, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Victor Goodman
915 Hannaway Road
Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: (931) 381-8309
Services entrusted to:
Baxter Brothers Funeral Home
1105 E End StreetColumbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-1353
Please remember the family in your prayers.
God Bless!
5. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Mrs. Virginia Maddox, mother of Mrs. Nona Freeman. Mrs. Freeman is wife of Pastor Ronald Freeman of the Virginia Annual Conference, serving the congregation at St. Luke, Daughty, VA.
Homegoing services will be held at Charles Wesley UMC in Centerville, Maryland. Henry Funeral Home is serving the family. 228-8220
6. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dedicated Layman transfers!
Brother Lee Warfield, age 97 and a member of the former Henderson Chapel AMEC, at Godwin, that merged into Bethel AMEC, at the corner of E 11th & Glade Street, Columbia, TN, now Bethel-Chapel Church, died on Sunday, Jan 16, 2005.
The visitation will be Friday, January 21 at Baxter Brothers Funeral Home, 1105 East End Street Columbia, Tennessee, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The funeral will be held Saturday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Chapel AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee at 1:00 p.m., the Rev. Trent Ogilvie, pastor.
All bereavement Notices were received from:
Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Page: http://connmswawo3.com/index.html
AME Church Clergy Family Forum: http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
Please remember the families in your prayers.
7. SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE:
Iinternship Opportunity
O, The Oprah Magazine is looking to hire fall interns in the Fashion and Style Departments. Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented and beable to juggle multiple tasks at once. Prior internship experience preferred, but notrequired. This opportunity is available for college students in need of credit hours andrecent graduates who are available to start immediately, full-time from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 5 days a week.Send resumes with a cover letter to: Cindy M. del RosarioAssociate Editor OThe Oprah Magazine1700 Broadway, 38th floorNY, NYor call 212-903-5149.
Verizon is looking for students who are 2004 graduates of HistoricallyBlack Colleges and Universities (HBCU).If you know of someone graduating from a HBCU this year with a degree inEngineering, Computer Science and Technology, Information Technology, General Business,Finance or Marketing, please have them forward their resume to: melissa.w.langham@verizon.com to be considered for career opportunities within Verizon.
Women in Technology Program at MIT
The Women's Technology Program at MIT is a 4-week summer residence programto introduce high school girls to electrical engineering and computer science. If youknow a girl who is currently a high school junior with demonstrated math and scienceability and an interest in finding out about EECS, please encourage her to visit ourwebsite for more information and for an application form (applications are due February 3, 2004): http://wtp.mit.edu/ Our classes are taught in a supportive environment by a staff of women MITPhD candidates and undergraduates. The full-time academic program includeshands-on experiments and team-based projects in computer science, electricalengineering, and mathematics. Our goals are to: increase girls' interest and confidence inpursuing computer science and engineering and make them aware of their potential for success in these fields Participants are selected from a nationwide applicant pool ofgirls who attend the program in the summer between their junior and senior year inhigh school. No prior experience in computer programming, physics, or electricalengineering is expected, but applicants typically have strong academic records, especially in math and science. Thank you for your help in communicating information about this opportunity to girls across the country!Cynthia Skier, DirectorWomen's Technology Program (WTP) wtp.mit.edu MIT Department of ElectricalEngineering and Computer Science
Harvard's Tuition Announcement
Harvard is offering free tuition for students that have a family incomebelow $40,000. If you are a mentor or have nieces and nephews who might be interested, please give them this information. If you know anyone/family earning less than $40K with abrilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along. Harvard's Tuition Announcement Highlights Failure of Prestigious Universities to Enroll Low-Income Students March 1, 2004, Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition. In making the announcement, Harvard's president Lawrence H. Summers said, "When only 10 percent of the students in Elite higher education come from families in lower half the income distribution, we are not doing enough. We are not doing enough in bringing elite higher education to the lower half of the income distribution."If you know of a family earning less than $40,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. Theprestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students fromlow-income families can go to Harvard for free...no tuition and no student loans! To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $40,000 a year visit Harvard's financial aid web site at: http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495- 1581. This initiative puts severe pressure on other well-endowed colleges anduniversities to adopt similar measures. Some commentators believe that Harvard'sannouncement was made in response to Princeton University's decision six years ago to eliminate all tuition charges for families earning less than $40,000 (adjusted annually to take inflation into account) and its subsequent decision three years later to substitute all student loans with outright grants. The Harvard announcement indicates that the Princeton plan has had some success in drawing to Princeton some of the high-achieving, low-income students who typically went to Harvard each year. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education gathers figures from the U.S. Department of Education relating to the percentage of students at the nation's leading colleges and universities who receive federal financial assistance under the Pell Grant program for low-income students. These figures provide a good measure of the institution's Relative success in enrolling students from the bottom economic sector of the nation's families
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
Honey, Darling, and Sweetheart
The African Methodist Episcopal Church, in my mind, is the greatest denomination in the world. I love my Church. I am proud of the way that the Church has dealt with gender issues in electing not one, but three women bishops. Women are being appointed as presiding elders and given significant pastoral appointments. Women aspirants for the ministry are going to seminary and are taking seriously the Church’s call for trained ministry. All in all, the Church as a denomination is dealing forthrightly with women in ministry. Bishop John Adams stated at the 47th Quadrennial General Conference held in Indianapolis, “The Church has buried gender inequality.” I agree with Bishop Adams and with all of the delegates and visitors who affirmed his words with a rousing “Amen.” The Church has buried gender inequality, but there are pockets of resistance and individuals who are trying to hold on to the old order of things. They hold on by not accepting women as full participants in ministry and by use of condescending and insensitive language.
It is not uncommon to hear clergymen refer to women, and even to those in ministry as "honey, darling, or sweetheart" and other demeaning titles. The sad aspect is that some of our lay leaders follow the example of their clergy leaders and exhibit the same insensitive behavior. I am disturbed when I hear members of the clergy use “honey, darling or sweetheart when addressing women in the Church. It is time to treat our female clergy, and female laity as full professional partners in ministry and stop the nonsense of referring to them "out of their names or professional titles." If they are ordained clergy we should refer to them as, "Reverend, pastor, doctor, chaplain;" by their appropriate professional titles. Female laity should be referred to as, "Sister, Mrs., Ms., doctor, or miss; or by their Christian name.
“Honey, darling, or sweetheart” is not appropriate in professional relationships. “Honey, darling, sweetheart” or other intimate designations are only appropriate for intimate relationships. It is appropriate for men, even clergy, to refer to their wives or girlfriends as, "honey, darling, or sweetheart." That speaks to their intimate relationship.
I would hope that bishops, presiding elders and other denominational leaders would speak to the issue and to the importance of boundaries in professional relationships. I believe that our leaders should model and train our clergy and laity. And above all, clergy should exhibit mature behavior and model professionalism in all aspects of ministry and relationships.
Traveling and Want to Find an AME Church
Check out the official website of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. To find a church, simply go to: http://www.ame-church.com/directory/index.php and click on the map.
Dr. Clement Fugh and his staff have done a wonderful job in setting up the AME website.
AME Sunday School Literature
In case someone didn’t know, Sunday School literature and Bible Study materials are used by denominations, not only to help Sunday School students to understand the Bible, but also as effective tools for denominational evangelism. That’s one of the reasons it is important for AME Churches to use the Sunday School literature published by the AME Sunday School Union. Generally, it is inappropriate to use other denominational resources, e.g., Baptist, Pentecostal, and other non-Methodist materials, no matter how good the material looks or how easily teachable those materials appear to be. All of that is by design. Our AME materials require a little more work on the part of teachers. Our materials are not designed to just walk in on Sunday morning and pick up the book and start teaching. Our Sunday School literature requires teacher preparation.
Perhaps the best and most enjoyable Sunday School class that I have attended was at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington, DC. Brother Eley (not sure that I am spelling his name correctly) was the adult teacher and what a teacher he was! He was prepared and brought the Sunday School literature alive. Sunday School was exciting and I didn’t want to miss it. It was obvious that Brother Eley prepared his Sunday School Lessons.
Give the AME Sunday School literature a chance to bring your Sunday School alive. Remember, it takes preparation. In a seminary class, when a student remarked, that a person had only to “open his or her mouth and God would speak for him or her.” The wise professor answered, “I know when one opens his or her mouth that God speaks, but my experience has been that God favors the prepared person.
Support the AME Sunday School Union! It’s yours! It’s ours! And together we can make it work.
Reminder
March is Women's History Month and The Christian Recorder is attempting to publish an all women's articles edition of The Christian Recorder in March. You are invited to send your articles now.
2. THE REVEREND BRUCE FRANCIS SHARES THE MINISTRY OF GIVING AT ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, VALDOSTA, GEORGIA. THERE IS STILL WORK TO BE DONE IN THE SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Saint Paul AME Church in Valdosta collected clothing and food items for Haiti. South Georgia Conference Missionary president, Mrs. Sandra Lewis, and the Missionary's have contributed over 100 blankets and other items.
The major obstacle is securing the means, both economic and otherwise to get them to Haiti. Red Cross does not accept clothes so we are looking at other alternatives. If anyone has any ideas, please advise.
The Reverend Bruce FrancisEmail: Pastorblf@aol.com
3. THE REVEREND WILLEM SIMON HANSE SHARES INFORMATION ABOUT THE YAMAHA CLP 120 CLAVINOVA PROJECT- $600 SHORTFALL - YOUR ASSISTANCE IS INVITED:
The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my strength. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward man” is a timeless announcement still valid in our hearts today.
This missive serves to introduce to you the St. James AME Church, Mariental – part of the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th District under the able leadership of Bishop Samuel L Green, Sr. The congregation was established in 1946, after our pioneers broke away from the colonial German-based Rhynish Missionary Society, and has 373 full members. The growth potential is very limited in the area, because we are based in a rural town and hence employment opportunities are also very limited. Yet our spirits are at all time high and we are thankful to God for many pastors and bishops who have passed this way before.
Our officers and members voted in the Church Conference held on 19th September 2004 to purchase a brand new Yamaha CLP 120 Clavino organ, in order to supplement the music provided on the old model manual piano which was purchased in 1979 and has served as faithfully.
It is no secret that Pentecostal churches lure away our youth and young adults with the contemporary music played on modern instruments. The quotation, to the sum of N$20 695-50 ($3 507-71 US) from TakeNoteMusic company is available by fax upon request.
We are writing this missive, with the hope and prayer, that you, your church officers and members will find a proper cause in our Church to work for and support this project still having a shortfall of US$600-00. By supporting this project (financially and with prayers) I believe we can start a new season of smart partnership between our two congregations. This will open up new understanding amongst our ordinary members on the local church levels, because I am convinced that our ministry and witness must be visible on the local Church if we want the Great Commission manifested in our Zion.
Please help us to help ourselves. Kindly assist us with a voluntary financial donation, any amount of contribution the Lord has laid on your heart, by sending your donation cheque made out to the St. James Special Projects.
We trust that our prayerful request will enjoy your benevolent response.
May God bless the AME Church.
Sincerely,
Rev. Willem Simon HansePastor + General Chairperson
Mailing Address:
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78
MarientalRepublic of Namibia
EDITORIAL COMMENT:
The AME Church is a global Church and several of us should be able to address this problem in "short order" and with a little left over.
4. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Lillie Goodman Wilkes (the mother of the Rev. Victor Wayne Goodman, our pastor at Allen Bethel AME Church, Lewisburg, TN., the South Nashville District of the Tennessee Conference of the 13th Episcopal District) died at Maury Regional Hospital, Columbia, TN on Monday, January 17, 2005.
Additional survivors are: her children Roy, James, Wanda (Kay-Kay) and Constance (Connie), a brother Oliver, and sisters, Gloria, May and Flora Goodman.
The arrangements are as follows: Visitation: Saturday, January 221:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Baxter Brothers Funeral Home
1105 E End StreetColumbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-1353
The Funeral will be held on Sunday, January 23. 2005 at 2:00 p.m.
St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 504 Church Street, Columbia, TN
The Rev. James Walker, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Victor Goodman
915 Hannaway Road
Columbia, TN 38401
Phone: (931) 381-8309
Services entrusted to:
Baxter Brothers Funeral Home
1105 E End StreetColumbia, TN 38401
(931) 381-1353
Please remember the family in your prayers.
God Bless!
5. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Mrs. Virginia Maddox, mother of Mrs. Nona Freeman. Mrs. Freeman is wife of Pastor Ronald Freeman of the Virginia Annual Conference, serving the congregation at St. Luke, Daughty, VA.
Homegoing services will be held at Charles Wesley UMC in Centerville, Maryland. Henry Funeral Home is serving the family. 228-8220
6. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Dedicated Layman transfers!
Brother Lee Warfield, age 97 and a member of the former Henderson Chapel AMEC, at Godwin, that merged into Bethel AMEC, at the corner of E 11th & Glade Street, Columbia, TN, now Bethel-Chapel Church, died on Sunday, Jan 16, 2005.
The visitation will be Friday, January 21 at Baxter Brothers Funeral Home, 1105 East End Street Columbia, Tennessee, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
The funeral will be held Saturday, January 22, at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Chapel AME Church, Columbia, Tennessee at 1:00 p.m., the Rev. Trent Ogilvie, pastor.
All bereavement Notices were received from:
Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Page: http://connmswawo3.com/index.html
AME Church Clergy Family Forum: http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
Please remember the families in your prayers.
7. SCHOLARSHIP AND INTERNSHIP ANNOUNCMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE:
Iinternship Opportunity
O, The Oprah Magazine is looking to hire fall interns in the Fashion and Style Departments. Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented and beable to juggle multiple tasks at once. Prior internship experience preferred, but notrequired. This opportunity is available for college students in need of credit hours andrecent graduates who are available to start immediately, full-time from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 5 days a week.Send resumes with a cover letter to: Cindy M. del RosarioAssociate Editor OThe Oprah Magazine1700 Broadway, 38th floorNY, NYor call 212-903-5149.
Verizon is looking for students who are 2004 graduates of HistoricallyBlack Colleges and Universities (HBCU).If you know of someone graduating from a HBCU this year with a degree inEngineering, Computer Science and Technology, Information Technology, General Business,Finance or Marketing, please have them forward their resume to: melissa.w.langham@verizon.com to be considered for career opportunities within Verizon.
Women in Technology Program at MIT
The Women's Technology Program at MIT is a 4-week summer residence programto introduce high school girls to electrical engineering and computer science. If youknow a girl who is currently a high school junior with demonstrated math and scienceability and an interest in finding out about EECS, please encourage her to visit ourwebsite for more information and for an application form (applications are due February 3, 2004): http://wtp.mit.edu/ Our classes are taught in a supportive environment by a staff of women MITPhD candidates and undergraduates. The full-time academic program includeshands-on experiments and team-based projects in computer science, electricalengineering, and mathematics. Our goals are to: increase girls' interest and confidence inpursuing computer science and engineering and make them aware of their potential for success in these fields Participants are selected from a nationwide applicant pool ofgirls who attend the program in the summer between their junior and senior year inhigh school. No prior experience in computer programming, physics, or electricalengineering is expected, but applicants typically have strong academic records, especially in math and science. Thank you for your help in communicating information about this opportunity to girls across the country!Cynthia Skier, DirectorWomen's Technology Program (WTP) wtp.mit.edu MIT Department of ElectricalEngineering and Computer Science
Harvard's Tuition Announcement
Harvard is offering free tuition for students that have a family incomebelow $40,000. If you are a mentor or have nieces and nephews who might be interested, please give them this information. If you know anyone/family earning less than $40K with abrilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along. Harvard's Tuition Announcement Highlights Failure of Prestigious Universities to Enroll Low-Income Students March 1, 2004, Harvard University announced over the weekend that from now on undergraduate students from low-income families will pay no tuition. In making the announcement, Harvard's president Lawrence H. Summers said, "When only 10 percent of the students in Elite higher education come from families in lower half the income distribution, we are not doing enough. We are not doing enough in bringing elite higher education to the lower half of the income distribution."If you know of a family earning less than $40,000 a year with an honor student graduating from high school soon, Harvard University wants to pay the tuition. Theprestigious university recently announced that from now on undergraduate students fromlow-income families can go to Harvard for free...no tuition and no student loans! To find out more about Harvard offering free tuition for families making less than $40,000 a year visit Harvard's financial aid web site at: http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm or call the school's financial aid office at (617) 495- 1581. This initiative puts severe pressure on other well-endowed colleges anduniversities to adopt similar measures. Some commentators believe that Harvard'sannouncement was made in response to Princeton University's decision six years ago to eliminate all tuition charges for families earning less than $40,000 (adjusted annually to take inflation into account) and its subsequent decision three years later to substitute all student loans with outright grants. The Harvard announcement indicates that the Princeton plan has had some success in drawing to Princeton some of the high-achieving, low-income students who typically went to Harvard each year. The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education gathers figures from the U.S. Department of Education relating to the percentage of students at the nation's leading colleges and universities who receive federal financial assistance under the Pell Grant program for low-income students. These figures provide a good measure of the institution's Relative success in enrolling students from the bottom economic sector of the nation's families
1/19/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (1/19/05)
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. EDITOR’S CORNER:
Yesterday, I was speaking with Dr. Dennis Dickerson, the Historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, about the lack of subscribers for The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. Dr. Dickerson felt that every pastor should subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. I had a slight disagreement with him. My position is that every minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church should subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. I would even go further and say that every candidate for ministry should be required to subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. As a matter of fact, they shouldn’t have to be required to subscribe, they should want to subscribe to the Church periodicals. Our clergy and those who aspire to the ministry should want to be knowledgeable about the Church in which they aspire to do ministry. And from my observations, we ministers especially, and laity, need to learn more about and keep updated about our Church. The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder are outstanding denominational resources. The A.M.E. Church Review is a superb source for learning about the history, polity, and doctrine of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It’s the premier source for learning about the Church. It’s an outstanding tool for theological, historical, and doctrinal update. Every profession, i.e., medical, legal, dental, academia, etc., has its professional periodical that everyone in the profession is expected to read. Even mechanics have a professional journal. Beauticians and florists have professional journals. My point is that we, in the profession of ministry need to keep ourselves updated. The A.M.E. Church Review is an excellent way to keep updated. And the cost for a subscription is more than reasonable. Try subscribing to the medical or legal professional journals for what we are charged for our AME periodicals! We need to take advantage of what is available to us.
I know that we need theological and doctrinal update. I recently heard a minister who was teaching pastors about baptism say, “The AME Church baptizes, but we also sprinkle and pour.” He repeated himself and received more than one “amen.” And if you have to think about what is wrong about that sentence, then you would benefit from theological and doctrinal update that can be gleaned from The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing; we all need to keep ourselves updated. Now, what I hope that teacher meant to say was, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church has three modes of baptism: sprinkling, pouring and immersion.”
I heard a minister at an annual conference state that his church was planning on putting in a baptismal pool. He seemed excited about that and I got the impression that he was going to push immersion as the preferred mode of baptism. Now there is nothing wrong with a baptismal pool, but there is nothing wrong with a baptismal font. What we, as African Methodists, need to do is to be able to explain the biblical, theological, and doctrinal position of our Church concerning baptism.
I would advocate that ministers appearing before Boards of Examiners be required to have their Bible, Hymnal, required books and an issue of The A.M.E. Church Review with proof of subscription to that and the other periodicals of the Church.
And, speaking about the Board of Examiners, and what I call the Saturday morning madness, with all of the alternatives to acquiring an education today, Boards of Examiners should be the “exception rather than the rule.” Applicants for the ministry should be required to fulfill the academic requirement for ministry. Period! In extreme hardship cases, perhaps applicants could be allowed to go through the Course of Study, but that should be the exception. We still have ministers on Boards of Examiners who are not Seminary graduates. They are probably competent people, but they are not credentialed. Trainers should be credentialed. As a matter of fact, trainers should have the highest professional credentials.
Well, I’ll stop, because I did not mean to write this much. Just meant to share a little “food for thought” about the importance of subscribing to our AME periodicals.
2. SHAME, THE SILENT DEMON BY THE REVEREND VERSY A. WILLIAMS
There’s nothing more opposing to God’s love for us than thinking and feeling that we are worthless or inferior. There is no greater love than when a man would lay down his life for a sheep (John 10:11). The Good Shepherd is Jesus. We are his sheep. Jesus is speaking of his love for us. God absolutely loves us.
Shame makes us feel that we not acceptable. Shame doesn’t just pop up in our emotions and thoughts, it has to have help penetrating our esteem. I know; I suffered quietly. Abuse told me that I was no longer acceptable. I was never good enough. Of course I made excuses for the violence against me. Excuses for my abuser’s behavior towards me made my hell more palatable.
Drug addiction no only affects the user but unfortunately becomes the plight of their co-dependent victim(s). When I reflect on those years, I am amazed I kept my sanity. Actually for a short while, I lost my sanity. Rebuilding my life was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I tried to forget how bad things really were. I lied, I covered, and I swept the humiliation and degradation neatly away, deep in my heart never to surface again. I simply was not going to ever discuss it again.
Crack-cocaine is one of the most powerful mind altering drugs available to African Americans. It is cheap and deadly. Except the death lingers and destroys the blessings and promises that God intends for us. Crack-cocaine is Satan’s scheme to destroy our minds. Since it controls our mind, the user can’t renew their mind with God’s word. The co-dependent victim is in a continuous battle. You either fight back or become like one of them. I know the battle took place in my home.
I lived with crack-cocaine many years. It was mysterious but never distant. It ruled my house. When I finally discovered it, it was a relief. My abuser became even more cruel after I learned he was a drug addict. I couldn’t help him. So I began working with people in alcohol and drug recovery. It was the silent part of my work in God’s vineyard. My shame wouldn’t let me get too close to those recovering. It wasn’t their fault. They were very appreciative of my love and helping them. I was proud of each of them. How I wished it could have been a choice of my abuser. You see, if I let them get too close to me I would become vulnerable again. While I was loving and cherishing my husband he loved and cherished his lover. It wasn’t me. I wasn’t going to become vulnerable again. For years I cried, begged and hurt. Of course, it didn’t do any good. Crack had carefully disguised itself; each time I begged and cried, I actually worshipped the god of addiction. I remember our introduction. I stumbled upon its hiding place. I threw up. It took my breath away. Wow.
Of course I was too ashamed to tell how it had thrown me to my knees all those years. I was thankful that my God heard my cries. You know those silent cries that no one hears but God? Yes, those cries. God heard every one of them. Finally, crack left my house. Wow. I had my life back. I was too ashamed to tell. I decided to live with the battle scars. At least I could hold my head up again.
Did I tell you that I took my seat each Sunday…
(READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER)
3. TSUNAMI: SOMALIA, KENYA, TANZANIA
Black Church expands U.S./Caribbean relief efforts to African families hit by tsunami
TCR Staff Report
The Christian Recorder, Los Angeles, CA – Faith-based development agencies are rallying church members to a higher level of concern for victims of the devastating Tsunami. The Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has stretched limited resources to meet emergency needs in the Caribbean and southern US communities in Alabama and Florida. The leadership will expand its relief efforts to African nations recovering from the December 26 tsunami and years of economic despair.
Family members in Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya experienced massive tsunamis on December 26, 2004, triggered by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Aftershocks continue to occur in the region, affecting several countries throughout South and Southeast Asia.
The Service and Development Agency of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMESADA), a 501c3 public charity, coordinates relief efforts on behalf of some 3.5 million sons and daughters of Africa. AMESADA works hand in hand with the AME Church Social Action Commission and with other international relief agencies around the world.
Contributions via church offerings or directly to AMESADA will ensure that no nation is left behind in receiving much needed aid. AMESADA will coordinate mission support for cooperative strategies with its international partners.
The agency is uniquely structure to address the special needs of the historically underserved. According to January 14 U.N. reports, an estimated 4,000 people displaced by the tsunami in northeastern Somalia will need to rebuild their houses in a new location. Waves from the tsunami altered the geographical coastline and destroyed the sand dunes that protected communities from high tide and flooding.
Homes on the Hafun peninsula were the hardest hit and residents will need to rebuild at least one kilometer inland to avoid future flooding. In Somalia more than 200 persons lost their lives and another 50,000 had their homes destroyed (flattened). In Kenya, the loss of public roads, destruction of homes, and the difficulties of traveling have resulted in a major strain to an economy that could not support the basic needs of its people. Reconstruction needs will be far reaching, and costly.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chairperson of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) continues to connect needs to means. “Our church’s commitment to make a difference will include the collection of funds and other resources to be distributed via SADA, the international relief and development arm of the AME Church. Please remember the local residents and visitors in your prayers,” said Bishop Tyler Guidry.
Direct Contributions may be made toSADA (Service and Development Agency)
Dr. Robert Nicolas, Director
202/ 371-8722 – voice202/ 371-0981 – fax
1134 11th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITOR’S CORNER:
Yesterday, I was speaking with Dr. Dennis Dickerson, the Historiographer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, about the lack of subscribers for The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. Dr. Dickerson felt that every pastor should subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. I had a slight disagreement with him. My position is that every minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church should subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. I would even go further and say that every candidate for ministry should be required to subscribe to The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. As a matter of fact, they shouldn’t have to be required to subscribe, they should want to subscribe to the Church periodicals. Our clergy and those who aspire to the ministry should want to be knowledgeable about the Church in which they aspire to do ministry. And from my observations, we ministers especially, and laity, need to learn more about and keep updated about our Church. The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder are outstanding denominational resources. The A.M.E. Church Review is a superb source for learning about the history, polity, and doctrine of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It’s the premier source for learning about the Church. It’s an outstanding tool for theological, historical, and doctrinal update. Every profession, i.e., medical, legal, dental, academia, etc., has its professional periodical that everyone in the profession is expected to read. Even mechanics have a professional journal. Beauticians and florists have professional journals. My point is that we, in the profession of ministry need to keep ourselves updated. The A.M.E. Church Review is an excellent way to keep updated. And the cost for a subscription is more than reasonable. Try subscribing to the medical or legal professional journals for what we are charged for our AME periodicals! We need to take advantage of what is available to us.
I know that we need theological and doctrinal update. I recently heard a minister who was teaching pastors about baptism say, “The AME Church baptizes, but we also sprinkle and pour.” He repeated himself and received more than one “amen.” And if you have to think about what is wrong about that sentence, then you would benefit from theological and doctrinal update that can be gleaned from The A.M.E. Church Review and The Christian Recorder. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing; we all need to keep ourselves updated. Now, what I hope that teacher meant to say was, “The African Methodist Episcopal Church has three modes of baptism: sprinkling, pouring and immersion.”
I heard a minister at an annual conference state that his church was planning on putting in a baptismal pool. He seemed excited about that and I got the impression that he was going to push immersion as the preferred mode of baptism. Now there is nothing wrong with a baptismal pool, but there is nothing wrong with a baptismal font. What we, as African Methodists, need to do is to be able to explain the biblical, theological, and doctrinal position of our Church concerning baptism.
I would advocate that ministers appearing before Boards of Examiners be required to have their Bible, Hymnal, required books and an issue of The A.M.E. Church Review with proof of subscription to that and the other periodicals of the Church.
And, speaking about the Board of Examiners, and what I call the Saturday morning madness, with all of the alternatives to acquiring an education today, Boards of Examiners should be the “exception rather than the rule.” Applicants for the ministry should be required to fulfill the academic requirement for ministry. Period! In extreme hardship cases, perhaps applicants could be allowed to go through the Course of Study, but that should be the exception. We still have ministers on Boards of Examiners who are not Seminary graduates. They are probably competent people, but they are not credentialed. Trainers should be credentialed. As a matter of fact, trainers should have the highest professional credentials.
Well, I’ll stop, because I did not mean to write this much. Just meant to share a little “food for thought” about the importance of subscribing to our AME periodicals.
2. SHAME, THE SILENT DEMON BY THE REVEREND VERSY A. WILLIAMS
There’s nothing more opposing to God’s love for us than thinking and feeling that we are worthless or inferior. There is no greater love than when a man would lay down his life for a sheep (John 10:11). The Good Shepherd is Jesus. We are his sheep. Jesus is speaking of his love for us. God absolutely loves us.
Shame makes us feel that we not acceptable. Shame doesn’t just pop up in our emotions and thoughts, it has to have help penetrating our esteem. I know; I suffered quietly. Abuse told me that I was no longer acceptable. I was never good enough. Of course I made excuses for the violence against me. Excuses for my abuser’s behavior towards me made my hell more palatable.
Drug addiction no only affects the user but unfortunately becomes the plight of their co-dependent victim(s). When I reflect on those years, I am amazed I kept my sanity. Actually for a short while, I lost my sanity. Rebuilding my life was the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. I tried to forget how bad things really were. I lied, I covered, and I swept the humiliation and degradation neatly away, deep in my heart never to surface again. I simply was not going to ever discuss it again.
Crack-cocaine is one of the most powerful mind altering drugs available to African Americans. It is cheap and deadly. Except the death lingers and destroys the blessings and promises that God intends for us. Crack-cocaine is Satan’s scheme to destroy our minds. Since it controls our mind, the user can’t renew their mind with God’s word. The co-dependent victim is in a continuous battle. You either fight back or become like one of them. I know the battle took place in my home.
I lived with crack-cocaine many years. It was mysterious but never distant. It ruled my house. When I finally discovered it, it was a relief. My abuser became even more cruel after I learned he was a drug addict. I couldn’t help him. So I began working with people in alcohol and drug recovery. It was the silent part of my work in God’s vineyard. My shame wouldn’t let me get too close to those recovering. It wasn’t their fault. They were very appreciative of my love and helping them. I was proud of each of them. How I wished it could have been a choice of my abuser. You see, if I let them get too close to me I would become vulnerable again. While I was loving and cherishing my husband he loved and cherished his lover. It wasn’t me. I wasn’t going to become vulnerable again. For years I cried, begged and hurt. Of course, it didn’t do any good. Crack had carefully disguised itself; each time I begged and cried, I actually worshipped the god of addiction. I remember our introduction. I stumbled upon its hiding place. I threw up. It took my breath away. Wow.
Of course I was too ashamed to tell how it had thrown me to my knees all those years. I was thankful that my God heard my cries. You know those silent cries that no one hears but God? Yes, those cries. God heard every one of them. Finally, crack left my house. Wow. I had my life back. I was too ashamed to tell. I decided to live with the battle scars. At least I could hold my head up again.
Did I tell you that I took my seat each Sunday…
(READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER)
3. TSUNAMI: SOMALIA, KENYA, TANZANIA
Black Church expands U.S./Caribbean relief efforts to African families hit by tsunami
TCR Staff Report
The Christian Recorder, Los Angeles, CA – Faith-based development agencies are rallying church members to a higher level of concern for victims of the devastating Tsunami. The Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church has stretched limited resources to meet emergency needs in the Caribbean and southern US communities in Alabama and Florida. The leadership will expand its relief efforts to African nations recovering from the December 26 tsunami and years of economic despair.
Family members in Somalia, Tanzania and Kenya experienced massive tsunamis on December 26, 2004, triggered by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Aftershocks continue to occur in the region, affecting several countries throughout South and Southeast Asia.
The Service and Development Agency of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMESADA), a 501c3 public charity, coordinates relief efforts on behalf of some 3.5 million sons and daughters of Africa. AMESADA works hand in hand with the AME Church Social Action Commission and with other international relief agencies around the world.
Contributions via church offerings or directly to AMESADA will ensure that no nation is left behind in receiving much needed aid. AMESADA will coordinate mission support for cooperative strategies with its international partners.
The agency is uniquely structure to address the special needs of the historically underserved. According to January 14 U.N. reports, an estimated 4,000 people displaced by the tsunami in northeastern Somalia will need to rebuild their houses in a new location. Waves from the tsunami altered the geographical coastline and destroyed the sand dunes that protected communities from high tide and flooding.
Homes on the Hafun peninsula were the hardest hit and residents will need to rebuild at least one kilometer inland to avoid future flooding. In Somalia more than 200 persons lost their lives and another 50,000 had their homes destroyed (flattened). In Kenya, the loss of public roads, destruction of homes, and the difficulties of traveling have resulted in a major strain to an economy that could not support the basic needs of its people. Reconstruction needs will be far reaching, and costly.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chairperson of the Social Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) continues to connect needs to means. “Our church’s commitment to make a difference will include the collection of funds and other resources to be distributed via SADA, the international relief and development arm of the AME Church. Please remember the local residents and visitors in your prayers,” said Bishop Tyler Guidry.
Direct Contributions may be made toSADA (Service and Development Agency)
Dr. Robert Nicolas, Director
202/ 371-8722 – voice202/ 371-0981 – fax
1134 11th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20001
1/18/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (1/18/05)
1. EDITOR’S NOTES:
The Church is in the season of Epiphany. The liturgical color is green and should be the altar color displayed until Ash Wednesday, except on the first Sunday because African Methodist Episcopal Churches display white altar hangings on Communion Sundays.
Easter will be celebrated this year on March 27, 2005; Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season is February 9, 2005.
See: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/easter.html as a reminder as to how the dates for Easter are computed.
I attended the Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Development that was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina last week. My report is forthcoming. It was a great meeting and there was great preaching and great teaching. The Reverend Dr. James Wade, Executive Director and the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, Commission Chairman and their staff are to be commended for a superb seminar. If you were not there, you should have been there!
A comment by Bishop Norris cannot wait for my report and that was that the people of the world, the United States of America and the African Methodist Episcopal Church need to be aware that the tsunami disaster did not only strike South Asia, but also struck East Africa. I would add – that the destruction of AIDS/ HIV has killed and destroyed more lives in Africa than the tsunami disaster and our nation is not mounting the relief efforts in Africa that is being carried out in South Asia. I wonder why not?
The Editor’s office number for now is 615-665-4462; email: chsydnor@bellsouth.net
2. A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - DISASTER RELIEF IN SOUTH EAST ASIA: TSUNAMI RECOVERY:
Humanitarian access to the affected province of Aceh, Indonesia, remains extremely limited, a Church World Service assessment team working in the area reported just a few days ago.
In an initial report detailing the team’s findings, team members described a tense and dispiriting situation in which most of those displaced by the tsunami “have no shelter, experience shortage of food and water, no doctors, no hygiene materials, no blankets and the list goes on and on.” Those displaced by the disaster are likely “to be living in camps longer than expected” because of the scope of the disaster. The team was coordinated by CWS Indonesia Emergencies Program Manager Henry Pirade.
Among the problems hampering relief assistance are limited transportation and access; relief items clogged at major airports; a limited supply of fresh and clean water; and poor communication access. Nearly half of the province’s residents are reported to have lost at least one relative, and trauma from the disaster has taken a serious toll on residents as they cope with the disaster.
It is unnecessary for me to recount in detail what you saw on television less than twenty-four hours after we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s supreme gift to the world. The fifth most powerful earthquake in a century has claimed, at the time of writing, perhaps as many as 130,000 lives in a dozen countries and has victimized millions. Community by community, village by village, families and friends, church buildings, mosques and temples, hospitals and clinics, were swept into disappearance and instant annihilation. Others were buried alive by landslides moments later. The suffering and trauma are almost impossible for us from the outside to imagine or comprehend.
I have joined with the Executive Director of Church World Service, Dr. John L. McCullough in sending letters of condolences to our ecumenical partners to the region. We assured them that God has heard their cry and that they should look to the hills. We said further, “…that neither death, nor principalities, nor heights, nor depths, shall separate them from God’s love.” We offered to work with them closely in the coming days and months to meet the enormous challenges that we face.
According to the Executive Director, CWS immediately dispatched emergency assessment teams from the offices in Indonesia and Pakistan/Afghanistan. There is an urgent call for all African Methodists to not only pray, but respond in a tangible ways to dozen countries spanning the vast Indian Ocean from Southeast Asia to East Africa.
As Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, I am asking that contributions to support this work be sent to this office:
Department of Global Witness & Ministry
Charleston Executive Park
1587 Savannah Hwy, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407
Or to
Church World Service
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
I also urge you to open your hearts. Through the relief activities of CWS and GWM, you will help to spread Christian compassion and give to millions of desperate people a chance to rebuild their lives so that they may treasure the year 2005 as one that has given them hope and new life. Let us offer new life and hope for our brothers and sisters.
Submitted by the Reverend Dr. George F. Flowers,
Executive DirectorDepartment of Global Witness and Ministry
3. THE CALENDARS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ARE READY:
The calendars with the pictures of the Bishops and the General Officers are ready for distribution.
On a side note, my name is spelled incorrectly and that happens so often with the spelling of my name that I want to be sure that everyone knows how to spell my name: S-Y-D-N-O-R
4. WATTS CHURCH “KEEPS IT REAL” — JAN. 30 WORSHIP SERVICE FEATURES HIP-HOP AND JAZZ, TARGETS YOUTH:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — “Hip-Hop and Jazz Performances Featuring Prominent Artists. Free Admission.” It’s not the message on the marquee at the Staples Center — it’s the advertisement for the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
The congregation will exchange their traditional suits and dress shoes for more contemporary sweat suits and tennis shoes for Gospel Jazz Hip-Hop Sunday. The event promises to be an inspirational worship experience, themed “Joyful, Joyful.”
“We’re trying to reach a new generation of worshipers,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Watts’ largest congregation for more than 10 years. “We’re keeping it real.”
“It’s a generation that’s listening to the latest from Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Alicia Keys. We must be sensitive to their needs in order to interest them in the Church, so we’re introducing them to the latest from Kirk Franklin, Cross Movement and Yolanda Adams to show them that Christians can ‘Drop it Like It’s Hot’ for the Lord.”
The worship service will feature the musical styling of jazz artists Dell Adkins Band, as well as the Grant Men’s Chorus and New Spirit Nation youth choir, both under the direction of Theresa Jones. Holy hip-hop rapper, TripLL-H, will also rap with the New Sprit Nation and separately present a track from his latest CD, “Real Music – Vol. 1,” in stores this summer.
The musicians first performed together last month at the Church’s “Holy Hook-up Holiday Luncheon” at the Home Depot Center in Carson. That event, which was both well-attended and well-received, was just a “taste” of what’s in store on Jan. 30, said TripLL-H, a member of Grant who’s real name is Matthew Bolden.
White, who has two sons in college, considers himself on the pulse of popular culture. He is often seen donning Sean John clothing and heard using slang phrases when communicating with younger parishioners. And a recent sermon which encouraged congregants to spend time in prayer and dialogue with the Lord was entitled “Holla at Your God!”
“When talking with everyone from the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem to the woman at the well in Samaria, Jesus communicated in a manner that they could understand,” White said.
TripLL-H, who’s moniker is a reference to the three h’s in “holy hip-hop,” agreed calling hip-hop and jazz “our modern-day Aramaic” and a “tool that God has given us” to reach the masses.
“Aramaic was the language Jesus spoke to that generation. In order to speak to the hip-hop generation we have to speak hip-hop,” added TripLL-H, who worked with secular artists at Warner Music for many years before accepting Christ in 2001.
Six months later, he accepted and has passionately pursued his “calling to carry a holy hip hop music ministry to today’s youth.”
“I believe that hip-hop can be done in a holy way,” TripLL-H continued. “The only thing that the lyrics in my music glorify is God and nothing else.”
The need to balance tradition with 21st century challenges spans pulpits across African Methodism as the 218-year-old denomination seeks to shed its “conservative” image. The Rev. Joseph Rembert, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Montgomery, Ala., for example, is known to occasionally rap his sermons.
“Sometimes they would be drinking, cussing and doing drugs,” Rembert told a church publication about the youth he was targeting. “But they always had those boom boxes. So rap was a way of getting my foot in their door so that I could get their feet in my door.”
Grant’s members have greeted the hip-hop and jazz initiative warmly, said Kathy Drayton, one of the event organizers.
“Looking back at the history of our Church, there was a time when the organ and drums were frowned upon for being ‘too secular,’” Drayton continued.
“Now, the organ, drums, piano, keyboard, lead guitar and bass guitar — and in many congregations, the violin, trumpet and saxophone — have become staples of the music ministry each Sunday. As we remember and celebrate our rich traditions in African Methodism, I think people realize that we must keep up with the times to be effective in ministry.”
Similar services are planned in May, July and October 2005, in addition to spirit-filled praise and worship each Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
5. TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE SEEKS TO HEAL AND EMPOWER; THREE DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH HEADLINE JAN. 22-26 EVENT AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH IN WATTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Revs. Stacy Evans, Jacquelyn Donald-Mims and Damali “Najuma” Smith are the featured speakers for the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, themed “Healing for the Soul.”
The trio of spiritual triage specialists will offer healing for an array of ailments Saturday through Wednesday, Jan. 22 through 26. The event is hosted by Grant A.M.E. Church at 10435 South Central Avenue in the heart of Watts.
“In 2005, people are looking for healing from abuse, debt, depression, divorce, illness or even the grief associated with the death of a loved one or friend,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant.
“As we prayed through the direction of this year’s Conference — especially in light of the ongoing war in Iraq and most recently, the catastrophe in Asia — we knew through the anointed teaching and preaching of God’s Word that participants can and will be healed through this event.”
Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White agreed, lauding the effort and encouraging the participation of men, too.
“It is imperative that we realize that God is not a respecter of persons,” explained White, “neither is the tragedy, sorrow, sickness or loss that sometimes befalls us.”
“If as men and women we accept that each of us has been wounded,” he continu
ed, “we can take comfort in the message of the theme Scripture, Isaiah 53:5, that we are healed by His stripes.”
Evans, Donald-Mims and Smith join a distinguished list of dynamic women of Christendom who have headlined past Sisters’ Conferences at Grant, including the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, Fifth Episcopal District Supervisor; the Rt. Rev. Vashti McKenzie, the president of the A.M.E. Council of Bishops; the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, professor of humanities at Spelman College; and the Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller, pastor of Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church in Townsend, Md.
Smith is pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles and is founder of both ESHEY Ministries — a para-church ministry for youth and young adults — and Word of Encouragement, a ministry purposed to inspire humanity through spoken word, poetry and prose.
She will keynote the Prayer Breakfast and Sisters’ Achievement Award Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard, honoring four civic-minded women who epitomize “Women in the Faith.”
An accomplished author, academician, highly sought-after speaker and corporate business executive, Dr. Donald-Mims has served as founder and pastor of Imani Community Church of Austin, Texas, since 1995. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and periodicals, including both Essence and Executive Female magazines, the Minority Business News and the Austin American Statesman. Her latest book, the critically acclaimed Obsessive Sex: Resolving the Conflict of Loving Sex and Loving God, is entering its third printing.
Donald-Mims will lead an hour-long lecture and discussion Monday though Wednesday, Jan. 24 through 26 at 6:30 p.m. each night, which will be followed by revivalist Evans.
Evans, who will also deliver the sermon at both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services on Sunday, Jan. 23, is pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo.
Other Sisters’ Conference 2005 activities, accented by conference colors gold and ivory, include community walks on Saturday, Jan. 8 and 22, and spirited praise and worship, led by the dance ministry and the Melodious Sisters’ Choir directed by Theresa Jones.
To purchase Prayer Breakfast tickets or for more information about the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 17, 2005 (323) 564-1151
6. FOUR “WOMEN OF FAITH” TO BE HONORED WITH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS JAN. 22; CEREMONY ONE OF TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE EVENTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — A cancer survivor, a role model to youth, a community activist and a campaign manager for numerous politicians will be honored with Sisters’ Achievement Awards on Jan. 22.
Hundreds of people are expected to be on hand when Janice Stephens, Ebony Malbry, Beatrice Clemons and Myran Cotton are recognized during a Prayer Breakfast at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard.
The 9 a.m. gathering is one of several events associated with the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference of Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
“This year promises to be one of the best ever,” explained an exuberant Maxine Harrison who has helped plan the Prayer Breakfast since 1998. “We praise God that the event which was once held on the lower level of the Church has expanded to the ballroom of one of the city’s most beautiful hotels.”
The quad of quintessential “women of faith” met the strict criteria of the selection committee and uniquely epitomize the Conference theme, “Healing for the Soul,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant. Those standards included active participation in and positive contribution to their church and community; demonstration of courage, compassion and commitment; and being an ambassador of freedom, love, unity and great faith.
• Janice Stephens, a Church trustee, survived the physical, mental, emotional and financial anguish of breast cancer, before becoming a victim of corporate-downsizing. The eternal optimist, Stephens recently completed her master’s degree in business administration and awaits a lucrative offer from a potential employer.
• A life-long member of Grant, Ebony Malbry is a member of the Voices of Christ choir and the Bishop Vashti McKenzie unit of the Women’s Missionary Society. Faced with the death of her mother three years ago, Malbry strengthened her resolve to succeed, drawing from her faith in God and the support of her loving family.
• Affectionately known as “Mother Love,” Beatrice Clemons works to improve the lives of the residents of the Nickerson-Gardens community housing in South Los Angeles. This community activist has previously been recognized by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation for her outstanding leadership and service to her native Watts.
• Myran Cotton has held leadership positions and affiliations with various political organizations, including service as campaign coordinator for local, state and federal candidates. She celebrated 20 years of service to the City of Los Angeles last February, rising to the rank of Field Deputy for the late-Councilperson John Ferraro (CD-4) and most recently, Councilperson Janice Hahn (CD-15).
While the ladies will share their testimonies at a separate, more intimate setting at a future date, Harrison noted, they will be honored Saturday by family, friends and well-wishers at the Breakfast and through advertisements in the souvenir booklet.
The Rev. Damali “Najuma” Smith, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the keynote speaker for the affair. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth age 12 and younger. Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White, and a host of other dignitaries will be on hand as well.
The Sisters’ Conference continues at Grant Sunday through Wednesday, Jan. 23 through 26, with preaching from the Rev. Tracy Evans, pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo., and teaching from the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims, founding pastor of Imani Community A.M.E. Church of Austin, Texas. Sunday worship is at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; the week’s activities begin at 6:30 p.m. nightly.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org.
7. EIGHTIETH SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER CYBER-BROADCAST, RETIREMENT CEREMONIES FOR THREE “GIANTS OF AFRICAN METHODISM”
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The 80th session of the Southern California Annual Conference is etched in the pages of history for its unique use of technology and its tribute to three “giants of African Methodism.”
Convened under the dynamic leadership of the Fifth Episcopal District team, the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant and the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, and under the banner “That the World Might Know Jesus,” the convention was cyber-broadcast via the Internet for the first time in the history of African Methodism.
“As Bishop Bryant delivered his powerful closing message,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, host pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church in the heart of Watts, “we later learned that he was receiving calls on his cellular phone from parishioners on the East Coast letting him know that they were enchanted as they watched on their computer screens.”
Indeed for less than $5 per day, a Web surfer in West Africa or on the west side of Chicago, or an audio listener in Australia or in Atlantic City, could visit www.grantamechurch.org and download the Annual Conference experience from the start of the pre-Conference Musical to the benediction at the Cathedral of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.
In his comments at the Commissioning and Closing Services, Bryant commended White and the Grant family for an “excellent” job in hosting the 60+ churches of the SCC and for setting the “benchmark” in use of technology, efficiency and kindness. The host congregation was also complimented for transforming the host site, the Carson Community Center, from a “pubic place for gathering to a sacred place of worship.”
Resounding applause also marked the retirement of three “giants of African Methodism” — the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, the Rev. Dr. Warren Campbell, and the Rev. Thurman James “TJ” Baker. On more than one occasion, Bryant lauded them for their “ecclesiastical excellence” and reminded them that retirement from active ministry in the A.M.E. Church does not mean retirement from serving God nor from boldly proclaiming His Gospel.
Other highlights of the October 3-10, 2004 Conference:
• Anointed preaching from annual sermon presenter, the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Diego; Sons of Thunder speaker, the Rev. H.B. Charles, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles; Retirement Ceremony keynoter, the Rev. Dr. Johnie Carlisle Jr., pastor of First A.M.E. Church, Pasadena; and Ordination Service orator, the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District and former presiding elder of the Los Angeles-Pasadena District.
• Spirit-filled meetings, symposiums, luncheons, afternoon and evening worship services for the Women in Ministry, Women’s Missionary Society, Sons of Thunder, Lay Organization and Young People’s Department.
• Groundbreaking on Grant A.M.E. Church’s $30 million mixed-use development. The $12 million initial phase will create 65 multi-family, four-bedroom homes and is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2005. The remaining $18 million is proposed for senior living accommodations and enough commercial space for a family-style restaurant, a financial institution and offices for several small businesses.
• In excess of 1,300 conversions, 850 baptisms, 2,500 accessions, and nearly 50,000 members reported on the rolls of SCC Churches. A group photo was also taken of the SCC membership.
• Nineteen churches reporting in excess of $250,000 raised for all purposes, with six above the $1 million mark.
The 81st Session of the SCC will be hosted by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Calloway and Second A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles.
A complete list of the pastoral appointment is listed below and reflects changes made at the Fifth Episcopal District Planning Meeting, November 8, 2004.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
8. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MINISTERS AND SPOUSES ELECT THE REV. LESLIE R. WHITE AND JACQUELYN CALLOWAY TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Rev. Leslie R. White and Jacquelyn Calloway have been elected to leadership positions in the Southern California Conference of the A.M.E. Church.
White, the pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church — the largest congregation in Watts — is the new president of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Calloway, the first lady of Second A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the new president of SCC Clergy Family Alliance.
Nearly 200 persons braved the wintry rain to witness the pair, along with the members of their respective cabinets, be installed in grand fashion on Jan. 9 at Grant. The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, and the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, who was elected from the SCC and now serves as bishop of the 16th Episcopal District, led the ceremonies.
The pastor of Brown Memorial A.M.E. Church in Pasadena, the Rev. Carlton V. Rickman, continually brought the crowd to its feet with his sermonic explanation, explication and exclamation of Ezekiel 33:1-9.
Ministers, their families and Christians in general are called to be “sentinels against injustice” and “soldiers for justice,” Rickman said. “We must proclaim to the suppressed, oppressed and depressed that God is able to meet their needs and will deliver us.”
The officers pledged to do just that, “cheerfully” giving of their time, energy, talent.” By “example and precept” they will “nurture genuine Christian fellowship” among the SCC clergy and their families.
Officers of the Ministerial Alliance:
• The Rev. Leslie R. White — President
• The Rev. Sylvester Laudermill Jr. — First Vice President
• The Rev. Noella Austin Buchanan — Second Vice President
• The Rev. Caroline A. Taylor – Recording Secretary
• The Rev. Donna Davis — Assistant Secretary
• The Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway — Treasurer
• The Rev. Marian Wright Young — Financial Secretary
• The Rev. Reuben Ford — Chaplain and Worship Director
• The Rev. Joseph Oliver — Sergeant-at-Arms
• The Rev. Delman Howard — Parliamentarian
• The Rev. Lewis Logan II — Public Relations Coordinator
• The Rev. Ron Woods — Visitation and Special Concerns Coordinator
• The Rev. Mark Whitlock — Economic Development Officer
Officers of the SCC Clergy Family Alliance:
• Jacquelyn Calloway — President
• Y. Renee White — First Vice President
Michael Patchet — Second Vice President
• Kinette Cager — Recording Secretary
• Janet D. Gloyd — Corresponding Secretary
• Jackie Anthony-Oliver — Treasurer• Rita Howard — Parliamentarian
• Ruthie L. Carter — Worship Leader
• Quentine Brenson — Widows/Widowers Chair
The list of past leaders of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Clergy Family Alliance is a who’s who of ecclesiastical excellence in African Methodism. It’s a list that includes retired Bishop H. Wendell Murph and active Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.
White becomes the fourth pastor of Grant to serve in this capacity; Murph, the late-Rev. George Reid and the late-Rev. James H. Oxley, faithfully executed the duties of president as well.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” White said of his predecessors. “They are leaders of African Methodism in Southern California whose feet were firmly planted on Christ, the Solid Rock. And with Christ as our cornerstone, the 2004-05 conference year is certain to be blessed.”
The congregants were blessed and left spellbound by the melodic voices of the Grant Mass Choir, directed by Byron J. Smith. The audience also gave generously of their finances to aid the tsunami disaster relief and to support an upcoming missionary expedition to Jamaica for seven members of the SCC YPD.
Calloway used the occasion to announce an afternoon of “love and renewal” for the ministers and their spouses during the 5th District’s Mid-Year Convocation in March. A workshop entitled “What’s Love Got To Do With It? Strengthening The Ties That Bind” is being planned, along with a session from the Episcopal team on ways to keep the proverbial “fire” burning.
For more information about the SCC Ministerial Alliance and the Clergy Family Alliance, contact the Rev. Caroline A. Taylor at ReverendCat@aol.com. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org
9. THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE, PASTOR OF GRANT AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES SHARES THE FOLLOING WEBSITE:
Click here: AOL BlackVoices: America's Next Generation of Civil Rights Leaders features America’s next generation of leaders. The Reverend Jamal Bryant is listed as one of the next generation of Civil Rights leaders.
Dr. White also shares this website: Click here: AOL Black Voices
10. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The former Pastor and Presiding Elder of the South Ohio Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rev. Dr. James M. Reed, Sr., passed on Wednesday, January 12, 2005. His funeral was held on Monday, January 17, 2005 at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church 7030 Reading Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 where the Rev. Donald Jordan is the Pastor.
The Rt. Rev. Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District
Condolences may still be sent to the Rev. Reed’s wife and family:
Mrs. Constance Reed
6501 Pace Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
513-731-4927
Please keep the family in prayer.
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Secretary
Third District Brotherhood
216-214-6886
God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITEShttp://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
The Church is in the season of Epiphany. The liturgical color is green and should be the altar color displayed until Ash Wednesday, except on the first Sunday because African Methodist Episcopal Churches display white altar hangings on Communion Sundays.
Easter will be celebrated this year on March 27, 2005; Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Lenten Season is February 9, 2005.
See: http://aa.usno.navy.mil/faq/docs/easter.html as a reminder as to how the dates for Easter are computed.
I attended the Annual Seminar on Church Growth and Development that was held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina last week. My report is forthcoming. It was a great meeting and there was great preaching and great teaching. The Reverend Dr. James Wade, Executive Director and the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams, II, Commission Chairman and their staff are to be commended for a superb seminar. If you were not there, you should have been there!
A comment by Bishop Norris cannot wait for my report and that was that the people of the world, the United States of America and the African Methodist Episcopal Church need to be aware that the tsunami disaster did not only strike South Asia, but also struck East Africa. I would add – that the destruction of AIDS/ HIV has killed and destroyed more lives in Africa than the tsunami disaster and our nation is not mounting the relief efforts in Africa that is being carried out in South Asia. I wonder why not?
The Editor’s office number for now is 615-665-4462; email: chsydnor@bellsouth.net
2. A MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE GLOBAL WITNESS AND MINISTRY OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH - DISASTER RELIEF IN SOUTH EAST ASIA: TSUNAMI RECOVERY:
Humanitarian access to the affected province of Aceh, Indonesia, remains extremely limited, a Church World Service assessment team working in the area reported just a few days ago.
In an initial report detailing the team’s findings, team members described a tense and dispiriting situation in which most of those displaced by the tsunami “have no shelter, experience shortage of food and water, no doctors, no hygiene materials, no blankets and the list goes on and on.” Those displaced by the disaster are likely “to be living in camps longer than expected” because of the scope of the disaster. The team was coordinated by CWS Indonesia Emergencies Program Manager Henry Pirade.
Among the problems hampering relief assistance are limited transportation and access; relief items clogged at major airports; a limited supply of fresh and clean water; and poor communication access. Nearly half of the province’s residents are reported to have lost at least one relative, and trauma from the disaster has taken a serious toll on residents as they cope with the disaster.
It is unnecessary for me to recount in detail what you saw on television less than twenty-four hours after we celebrated the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s supreme gift to the world. The fifth most powerful earthquake in a century has claimed, at the time of writing, perhaps as many as 130,000 lives in a dozen countries and has victimized millions. Community by community, village by village, families and friends, church buildings, mosques and temples, hospitals and clinics, were swept into disappearance and instant annihilation. Others were buried alive by landslides moments later. The suffering and trauma are almost impossible for us from the outside to imagine or comprehend.
I have joined with the Executive Director of Church World Service, Dr. John L. McCullough in sending letters of condolences to our ecumenical partners to the region. We assured them that God has heard their cry and that they should look to the hills. We said further, “…that neither death, nor principalities, nor heights, nor depths, shall separate them from God’s love.” We offered to work with them closely in the coming days and months to meet the enormous challenges that we face.
According to the Executive Director, CWS immediately dispatched emergency assessment teams from the offices in Indonesia and Pakistan/Afghanistan. There is an urgent call for all African Methodists to not only pray, but respond in a tangible ways to dozen countries spanning the vast Indian Ocean from Southeast Asia to East Africa.
As Executive Director of the Department of Global Witness and Ministry, I am asking that contributions to support this work be sent to this office:
Department of Global Witness & Ministry
Charleston Executive Park
1587 Savannah Hwy, Suite A
Charleston, SC 29407
Or to
Church World Service
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
I also urge you to open your hearts. Through the relief activities of CWS and GWM, you will help to spread Christian compassion and give to millions of desperate people a chance to rebuild their lives so that they may treasure the year 2005 as one that has given them hope and new life. Let us offer new life and hope for our brothers and sisters.
Submitted by the Reverend Dr. George F. Flowers,
Executive DirectorDepartment of Global Witness and Ministry
3. THE CALENDARS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ARE READY:
The calendars with the pictures of the Bishops and the General Officers are ready for distribution.
On a side note, my name is spelled incorrectly and that happens so often with the spelling of my name that I want to be sure that everyone knows how to spell my name: S-Y-D-N-O-R
4. WATTS CHURCH “KEEPS IT REAL” — JAN. 30 WORSHIP SERVICE FEATURES HIP-HOP AND JAZZ, TARGETS YOUTH:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — “Hip-Hop and Jazz Performances Featuring Prominent Artists. Free Admission.” It’s not the message on the marquee at the Staples Center — it’s the advertisement for the 11 a.m. worship service on Sunday, Jan. 30 at Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
The congregation will exchange their traditional suits and dress shoes for more contemporary sweat suits and tennis shoes for Gospel Jazz Hip-Hop Sunday. The event promises to be an inspirational worship experience, themed “Joyful, Joyful.”
“We’re trying to reach a new generation of worshipers,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, pastor of Watts’ largest congregation for more than 10 years. “We’re keeping it real.”
“It’s a generation that’s listening to the latest from Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Alicia Keys. We must be sensitive to their needs in order to interest them in the Church, so we’re introducing them to the latest from Kirk Franklin, Cross Movement and Yolanda Adams to show them that Christians can ‘Drop it Like It’s Hot’ for the Lord.”
The worship service will feature the musical styling of jazz artists Dell Adkins Band, as well as the Grant Men’s Chorus and New Spirit Nation youth choir, both under the direction of Theresa Jones. Holy hip-hop rapper, TripLL-H, will also rap with the New Sprit Nation and separately present a track from his latest CD, “Real Music – Vol. 1,” in stores this summer.
The musicians first performed together last month at the Church’s “Holy Hook-up Holiday Luncheon” at the Home Depot Center in Carson. That event, which was both well-attended and well-received, was just a “taste” of what’s in store on Jan. 30, said TripLL-H, a member of Grant who’s real name is Matthew Bolden.
White, who has two sons in college, considers himself on the pulse of popular culture. He is often seen donning Sean John clothing and heard using slang phrases when communicating with younger parishioners. And a recent sermon which encouraged congregants to spend time in prayer and dialogue with the Lord was entitled “Holla at Your God!”
“When talking with everyone from the spiritual leaders of Jerusalem to the woman at the well in Samaria, Jesus communicated in a manner that they could understand,” White said.
TripLL-H, who’s moniker is a reference to the three h’s in “holy hip-hop,” agreed calling hip-hop and jazz “our modern-day Aramaic” and a “tool that God has given us” to reach the masses.
“Aramaic was the language Jesus spoke to that generation. In order to speak to the hip-hop generation we have to speak hip-hop,” added TripLL-H, who worked with secular artists at Warner Music for many years before accepting Christ in 2001.
Six months later, he accepted and has passionately pursued his “calling to carry a holy hip hop music ministry to today’s youth.”
“I believe that hip-hop can be done in a holy way,” TripLL-H continued. “The only thing that the lyrics in my music glorify is God and nothing else.”
The need to balance tradition with 21st century challenges spans pulpits across African Methodism as the 218-year-old denomination seeks to shed its “conservative” image. The Rev. Joseph Rembert, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Montgomery, Ala., for example, is known to occasionally rap his sermons.
“Sometimes they would be drinking, cussing and doing drugs,” Rembert told a church publication about the youth he was targeting. “But they always had those boom boxes. So rap was a way of getting my foot in their door so that I could get their feet in my door.”
Grant’s members have greeted the hip-hop and jazz initiative warmly, said Kathy Drayton, one of the event organizers.
“Looking back at the history of our Church, there was a time when the organ and drums were frowned upon for being ‘too secular,’” Drayton continued.
“Now, the organ, drums, piano, keyboard, lead guitar and bass guitar — and in many congregations, the violin, trumpet and saxophone — have become staples of the music ministry each Sunday. As we remember and celebrate our rich traditions in African Methodism, I think people realize that we must keep up with the times to be effective in ministry.”
Similar services are planned in May, July and October 2005, in addition to spirit-filled praise and worship each Sunday at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. For more information, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
5. TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE SEEKS TO HEAL AND EMPOWER; THREE DYNAMIC WOMEN OF FAITH HEADLINE JAN. 22-26 EVENT AT GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH IN WATTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Revs. Stacy Evans, Jacquelyn Donald-Mims and Damali “Najuma” Smith are the featured speakers for the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, themed “Healing for the Soul.”
The trio of spiritual triage specialists will offer healing for an array of ailments Saturday through Wednesday, Jan. 22 through 26. The event is hosted by Grant A.M.E. Church at 10435 South Central Avenue in the heart of Watts.
“In 2005, people are looking for healing from abuse, debt, depression, divorce, illness or even the grief associated with the death of a loved one or friend,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant.
“As we prayed through the direction of this year’s Conference — especially in light of the ongoing war in Iraq and most recently, the catastrophe in Asia — we knew through the anointed teaching and preaching of God’s Word that participants can and will be healed through this event.”
Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White agreed, lauding the effort and encouraging the participation of men, too.
“It is imperative that we realize that God is not a respecter of persons,” explained White, “neither is the tragedy, sorrow, sickness or loss that sometimes befalls us.”
“If as men and women we accept that each of us has been wounded,” he continu
ed, “we can take comfort in the message of the theme Scripture, Isaiah 53:5, that we are healed by His stripes.”
Evans, Donald-Mims and Smith join a distinguished list of dynamic women of Christendom who have headlined past Sisters’ Conferences at Grant, including the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, Fifth Episcopal District Supervisor; the Rt. Rev. Vashti McKenzie, the president of the A.M.E. Council of Bishops; the Rev. Dr. Renita Weems, professor of humanities at Spelman College; and the Rev. Dr. Ann Lightner Fuller, pastor of Mt. Calvary A.M.E. Church in Townsend, Md.
Smith is pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles and is founder of both ESHEY Ministries — a para-church ministry for youth and young adults — and Word of Encouragement, a ministry purposed to inspire humanity through spoken word, poetry and prose.
She will keynote the Prayer Breakfast and Sisters’ Achievement Award Ceremony at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 22 at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard, honoring four civic-minded women who epitomize “Women in the Faith.”
An accomplished author, academician, highly sought-after speaker and corporate business executive, Dr. Donald-Mims has served as founder and pastor of Imani Community Church of Austin, Texas, since 1995. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and periodicals, including both Essence and Executive Female magazines, the Minority Business News and the Austin American Statesman. Her latest book, the critically acclaimed Obsessive Sex: Resolving the Conflict of Loving Sex and Loving God, is entering its third printing.
Donald-Mims will lead an hour-long lecture and discussion Monday though Wednesday, Jan. 24 through 26 at 6:30 p.m. each night, which will be followed by revivalist Evans.
Evans, who will also deliver the sermon at both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services on Sunday, Jan. 23, is pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo.
Other Sisters’ Conference 2005 activities, accented by conference colors gold and ivory, include community walks on Saturday, Jan. 8 and 22, and spirited praise and worship, led by the dance ministry and the Melodious Sisters’ Choir directed by Theresa Jones.
To purchase Prayer Breakfast tickets or for more information about the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151 or visit www.grantamechurch.org.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 17, 2005 (323) 564-1151
6. FOUR “WOMEN OF FAITH” TO BE HONORED WITH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS JAN. 22; CEREMONY ONE OF TENTH ANNUAL SISTERS’ CONFERENCE EVENTS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 17, 2005) — A cancer survivor, a role model to youth, a community activist and a campaign manager for numerous politicians will be honored with Sisters’ Achievement Awards on Jan. 22.
Hundreds of people are expected to be on hand when Janice Stephens, Ebony Malbry, Beatrice Clemons and Myran Cotton are recognized during a Prayer Breakfast at the LAX Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5985 West Century Boulevard.
The 9 a.m. gathering is one of several events associated with the 10th Annual Women in the Faith Sisters’ Conference of Grant A.M.E. Church in Watts.
“This year promises to be one of the best ever,” explained an exuberant Maxine Harrison who has helped plan the Prayer Breakfast since 1998. “We praise God that the event which was once held on the lower level of the Church has expanded to the ballroom of one of the city’s most beautiful hotels.”
The quad of quintessential “women of faith” met the strict criteria of the selection committee and uniquely epitomize the Conference theme, “Healing for the Soul,” noted the Rev. Carolyn Baskin-Bell, conference coordinator and associate minister at Grant. Those standards included active participation in and positive contribution to their church and community; demonstration of courage, compassion and commitment; and being an ambassador of freedom, love, unity and great faith.
• Janice Stephens, a Church trustee, survived the physical, mental, emotional and financial anguish of breast cancer, before becoming a victim of corporate-downsizing. The eternal optimist, Stephens recently completed her master’s degree in business administration and awaits a lucrative offer from a potential employer.
• A life-long member of Grant, Ebony Malbry is a member of the Voices of Christ choir and the Bishop Vashti McKenzie unit of the Women’s Missionary Society. Faced with the death of her mother three years ago, Malbry strengthened her resolve to succeed, drawing from her faith in God and the support of her loving family.
• Affectionately known as “Mother Love,” Beatrice Clemons works to improve the lives of the residents of the Nickerson-Gardens community housing in South Los Angeles. This community activist has previously been recognized by the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation for her outstanding leadership and service to her native Watts.
• Myran Cotton has held leadership positions and affiliations with various political organizations, including service as campaign coordinator for local, state and federal candidates. She celebrated 20 years of service to the City of Los Angeles last February, rising to the rank of Field Deputy for the late-Councilperson John Ferraro (CD-4) and most recently, Councilperson Janice Hahn (CD-15).
While the ladies will share their testimonies at a separate, more intimate setting at a future date, Harrison noted, they will be honored Saturday by family, friends and well-wishers at the Breakfast and through advertisements in the souvenir booklet.
The Rev. Damali “Najuma” Smith, pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the keynote speaker for the affair. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for youth age 12 and younger. Grant’s renowned pastor, the Rev. Leslie R. White, and a host of other dignitaries will be on hand as well.
The Sisters’ Conference continues at Grant Sunday through Wednesday, Jan. 23 through 26, with preaching from the Rev. Tracy Evans, pastor of Gregg Tabernacle A.M.E. Church in Kansas City, Mo., and teaching from the Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims, founding pastor of Imani Community A.M.E. Church of Austin, Texas. Sunday worship is at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.; the week’s activities begin at 6:30 p.m. nightly.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Church Office at (323) 564-1151. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org.
7. EIGHTIETH SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE MAKES HISTORY WITH FIRST-EVER CYBER-BROADCAST, RETIREMENT CEREMONIES FOR THREE “GIANTS OF AFRICAN METHODISM”
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The 80th session of the Southern California Annual Conference is etched in the pages of history for its unique use of technology and its tribute to three “giants of African Methodism.”
Convened under the dynamic leadership of the Fifth Episcopal District team, the Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant and the Rev. Dr. Cecilia W. Bryant, and under the banner “That the World Might Know Jesus,” the convention was cyber-broadcast via the Internet for the first time in the history of African Methodism.
“As Bishop Bryant delivered his powerful closing message,” explained the Rev. Leslie R. White, host pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church in the heart of Watts, “we later learned that he was receiving calls on his cellular phone from parishioners on the East Coast letting him know that they were enchanted as they watched on their computer screens.”
Indeed for less than $5 per day, a Web surfer in West Africa or on the west side of Chicago, or an audio listener in Australia or in Atlantic City, could visit www.grantamechurch.org and download the Annual Conference experience from the start of the pre-Conference Musical to the benediction at the Cathedral of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ.
In his comments at the Commissioning and Closing Services, Bryant commended White and the Grant family for an “excellent” job in hosting the 60+ churches of the SCC and for setting the “benchmark” in use of technology, efficiency and kindness. The host congregation was also complimented for transforming the host site, the Carson Community Center, from a “pubic place for gathering to a sacred place of worship.”
Resounding applause also marked the retirement of three “giants of African Methodism” — the Rev. Dr. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, the Rev. Dr. Warren Campbell, and the Rev. Thurman James “TJ” Baker. On more than one occasion, Bryant lauded them for their “ecclesiastical excellence” and reminded them that retirement from active ministry in the A.M.E. Church does not mean retirement from serving God nor from boldly proclaiming His Gospel.
Other highlights of the October 3-10, 2004 Conference:
• Anointed preaching from annual sermon presenter, the Rev. Dr. C. Dennis Williams, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, San Diego; Sons of Thunder speaker, the Rev. H.B. Charles, pastor of Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Los Angeles; Retirement Ceremony keynoter, the Rev. Dr. Johnie Carlisle Jr., pastor of First A.M.E. Church, Pasadena; and Ordination Service orator, the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, presiding prelate of the 16th Episcopal District and former presiding elder of the Los Angeles-Pasadena District.
• Spirit-filled meetings, symposiums, luncheons, afternoon and evening worship services for the Women in Ministry, Women’s Missionary Society, Sons of Thunder, Lay Organization and Young People’s Department.
• Groundbreaking on Grant A.M.E. Church’s $30 million mixed-use development. The $12 million initial phase will create 65 multi-family, four-bedroom homes and is slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2005. The remaining $18 million is proposed for senior living accommodations and enough commercial space for a family-style restaurant, a financial institution and offices for several small businesses.
• In excess of 1,300 conversions, 850 baptisms, 2,500 accessions, and nearly 50,000 members reported on the rolls of SCC Churches. A group photo was also taken of the SCC membership.
• Nineteen churches reporting in excess of $250,000 raised for all purposes, with six above the $1 million mark.
The 81st Session of the SCC will be hosted by the Rev. Dr. Kevin Calloway and Second A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles.
A complete list of the pastoral appointment is listed below and reflects changes made at the Fifth Episcopal District Planning Meeting, November 8, 2004.
For Immediate Release Contact: Rev. Kevin T. TaylorJanuary 10, 2005 (323) 564-1151
8. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MINISTERS AND SPOUSES ELECT THE REV. LESLIE R. WHITE AND JACQUELYN CALLOWAY TO LEADERSHIP POSITIONS:
LOS ANGELES — (January 10, 2005) — The Rev. Leslie R. White and Jacquelyn Calloway have been elected to leadership positions in the Southern California Conference of the A.M.E. Church.
White, the pastor of Grant A.M.E. Church — the largest congregation in Watts — is the new president of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Calloway, the first lady of Second A.M.E. Church in Los Angeles, is the new president of SCC Clergy Family Alliance.
Nearly 200 persons braved the wintry rain to witness the pair, along with the members of their respective cabinets, be installed in grand fashion on Jan. 9 at Grant. The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, and the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, who was elected from the SCC and now serves as bishop of the 16th Episcopal District, led the ceremonies.
The pastor of Brown Memorial A.M.E. Church in Pasadena, the Rev. Carlton V. Rickman, continually brought the crowd to its feet with his sermonic explanation, explication and exclamation of Ezekiel 33:1-9.
Ministers, their families and Christians in general are called to be “sentinels against injustice” and “soldiers for justice,” Rickman said. “We must proclaim to the suppressed, oppressed and depressed that God is able to meet their needs and will deliver us.”
The officers pledged to do just that, “cheerfully” giving of their time, energy, talent.” By “example and precept” they will “nurture genuine Christian fellowship” among the SCC clergy and their families.
Officers of the Ministerial Alliance:
• The Rev. Leslie R. White — President
• The Rev. Sylvester Laudermill Jr. — First Vice President
• The Rev. Noella Austin Buchanan — Second Vice President
• The Rev. Caroline A. Taylor – Recording Secretary
• The Rev. Donna Davis — Assistant Secretary
• The Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway — Treasurer
• The Rev. Marian Wright Young — Financial Secretary
• The Rev. Reuben Ford — Chaplain and Worship Director
• The Rev. Joseph Oliver — Sergeant-at-Arms
• The Rev. Delman Howard — Parliamentarian
• The Rev. Lewis Logan II — Public Relations Coordinator
• The Rev. Ron Woods — Visitation and Special Concerns Coordinator
• The Rev. Mark Whitlock — Economic Development Officer
Officers of the SCC Clergy Family Alliance:
• Jacquelyn Calloway — President
• Y. Renee White — First Vice President
Michael Patchet — Second Vice President
• Kinette Cager — Recording Secretary
• Janet D. Gloyd — Corresponding Secretary
• Jackie Anthony-Oliver — Treasurer• Rita Howard — Parliamentarian
• Ruthie L. Carter — Worship Leader
• Quentine Brenson — Widows/Widowers Chair
The list of past leaders of the SCC Ministerial Alliance and Clergy Family Alliance is a who’s who of ecclesiastical excellence in African Methodism. It’s a list that includes retired Bishop H. Wendell Murph and active Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, presiding prelate of the 9th Episcopal District.
White becomes the fourth pastor of Grant to serve in this capacity; Murph, the late-Rev. George Reid and the late-Rev. James H. Oxley, faithfully executed the duties of president as well.
“I stand on the shoulders of giants,” White said of his predecessors. “They are leaders of African Methodism in Southern California whose feet were firmly planted on Christ, the Solid Rock. And with Christ as our cornerstone, the 2004-05 conference year is certain to be blessed.”
The congregants were blessed and left spellbound by the melodic voices of the Grant Mass Choir, directed by Byron J. Smith. The audience also gave generously of their finances to aid the tsunami disaster relief and to support an upcoming missionary expedition to Jamaica for seven members of the SCC YPD.
Calloway used the occasion to announce an afternoon of “love and renewal” for the ministers and their spouses during the 5th District’s Mid-Year Convocation in March. A workshop entitled “What’s Love Got To Do With It? Strengthening The Ties That Bind” is being planned, along with a session from the Episcopal team on ways to keep the proverbial “fire” burning.
For more information about the SCC Ministerial Alliance and the Clergy Family Alliance, contact the Rev. Caroline A. Taylor at ReverendCat@aol.com. Also visit www.grantamechurch.org
9. THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE, PASTOR OF GRANT AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES SHARES THE FOLLOING WEBSITE:
Click here: AOL BlackVoices: America's Next Generation of Civil Rights Leaders features America’s next generation of leaders. The Reverend Jamal Bryant is listed as one of the next generation of Civil Rights leaders.
Dr. White also shares this website: Click here: AOL Black Voices
10. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The former Pastor and Presiding Elder of the South Ohio Annual Conference, Third Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Rev. Dr. James M. Reed, Sr., passed on Wednesday, January 12, 2005. His funeral was held on Monday, January 17, 2005 at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church 7030 Reading Road Cincinnati, Ohio 45237 where the Rev. Donald Jordan is the Pastor.
The Rt. Rev. Robert Vaughn Webster, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District
Condolences may still be sent to the Rev. Reed’s wife and family:
Mrs. Constance Reed
6501 Pace Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
513-731-4927
Please keep the family in prayer.
The Rev. Dr. Taylor T. Thompson, Secretary
Third District Brotherhood
216-214-6886
God Bless!Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITEShttp://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
1/17/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (1/17/05)
1. AN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER THE AME FOUNDER’S DAY WAS THE MODEL FOR CARTER G. WOODSON TO ESTABLISH BLACK HISTORY WEEK IN FEBRUARY:
I read your email regarding our Founder's Day and the first Black History observance. What I have read is that Carter G. Woodson chose the February date because of Lincoln's birthday and Frederick Douglas' birthday (both on 12 Feb). Don't know if that is "accurate" but that's what I have read in my Black History studies. The AME Church and the NAACP have February birthdays (NAACP is 12 Feb). Isn't that interesting???
Ora Washington
AME Church, El Paso, Texas
10th Episcopal District
2. THE RIGHT REVEREND CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, PRESIDING BISHOP, SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES AME CHURCH SENDS AID TO TSUNAMI DAMAGED SOMOLIA, KENYA AND TANZANIA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(Los Angeles) Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chairperson of the Social Action Commission of theAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) announces the church’s campaign to provide relief to two of the tsunami-damaged countries on the Indian Ocean.
The low death toll in Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia is a poor indicator of the devastation brought by the tidal waves, which destroyed the infrastructures of local coastal communities, and the livelihoods of many who barely earned subsistence wages. Mandatory evacuation of beaches and coastal areas was possible because of the emergency plan of the US Embassy and the government of these countries.
The reporting outcome follows - In Somalia more than 200 persons lost their lives and another 50,000 had their homes destroyed (flattened). In Kenya, the loss of public roads, destruction of homes, and the difficulties of traveling have resulted in a major strain to an economy that could not support the basic needs of its people. Reconstruction needs will be far reaching, and costly.
Our church’s commitment to “make a difference” will include the collection of funds and other resources to be distributed via SADA, the international relief and development arm of the AME Church. Please remember the local residents and visitors in your prayers.
The public is invited to send its contributions and to:
Dr. Robert Nicolas, Director 202/ 371-8722 – voice SADA (Service and Development Agency) 202/ 371-0981 - fax 1134 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Checks may be made payable to: AME-SADA, or call Ms. Tina Newell (Director of Operations) 202 371-8722 to make a donation by credit card.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler-GuidryChair – Social Action CommissionPresiding Bishop,
Sixteenth Episcopal District – African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 W. Adams Blvd. Suite 314
Los Angeles, CA 90018
323/ 293-6555 – voice FAX: 323/ 293-6572; Email: Girlbishop122@aol.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker 213/ 494-9493 OR 202/ 371-8722
or log onto www.ame-church.com
3. THE AME COLLEGE CORNER: A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM BROTHER CRAIG ROBONSION, A TEENAGER AND A FRESHMAN AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE. THE FULL ARTICE ENTITLED, “A LESSON ABOUT GRACE” IS TAKEN FROM II CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 WILL BE PRINTED IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
When I look back over my life I am amazed by the way the Lord has decided to use me. I have been preaching now for almost two years now, and have seen God work through me in many wonderful ways. It is such a blessing to serve God and serve others and helping people understand the joy and delight of being in Christ Jesus. However, in the midst of all this spreading the good news and telling people about the joy that I have that the world didn’t give I was given a metaphorical thorn in my flesh. Unlike Paul I am fortunate enough to have been able to identify my thorn. My thorn is being a teenager.
This thorn was so annoying and it torments me at least once or twice in a day. The thorn is aggravated whenever my fleshly desires come into play. All teenagers go through this phase of life. We want to experiment. We want to discover ourselves. We want to do things our way and face the consequences when they come. As we advance in our teenage years we are compelled to withdraw further and further from our parents and make our own decisions. This new sense of independence leads us to sometimes do things that we ought not to do.
This is especially hard for me being a minister (AME) of the gospel. I often find myself in the most intriguing situations (some of which must remain secret or face the wrath of my mother). There are so many temptations that are always showing up in the worst time…
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
4. AME COLLEGE CORNER: THE ARTICLE APPENDED BELOW WAS WRITTEN BY MOREHOUSE COLLEGE STUDENT, BROTHER CRAIG ROBINSON. IT’S ENTITLED, BIBLE WALK: LOOK UP.” THE KEY CONCEPT: TRUST, THERE IS A BRIGHT SIDE; GOD IS IN CONTROL.”
Psalm 121: 1-8 (NIV): I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
College brings a lot of struggle in any student’s life. Deadlines for tests, term papers, and presentations make life very stressful. This is especially true for those who prepare for large assignments at the last minute. The rigors of college can bring down the most energetic person to a state of utter lethargy. A college student’s entire appearance can be distorted. His or her head droops down. His or her facial expression changes and his or her outlook become negative. Suddenly you hear words like: “Can’t do it,” “Impossible!” “I give up!”
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
5. THE REVEREND DR. GEORGE R. LA SURE SHARES HIS STUDY OF THE, RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCHES: “THE NEW MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE”:
The rural and small membership church represents at least 85% of all A.M.E. Churches throughout our connection. As such, the rural and small membership church has a tremendous input into the total spiritual and financial resource of the A.M.E. Denomination. But, even though these two entities comprise the majority of the A.M.E. denominational presence, there is very little focused programming and resource directed toward improving its’ overall condition. The rural and small membership church is essentially where it was fifty years ago, without a voice to impact denominational change to make its’ overall condition better.
If we were forced to offer a working definition as to what a rural church might be, we might say that it is a body of A.M.E. Christian believers knit together in a common faith and worship activity thriving in settings removed from large urban centers. Many times they are located in sparsely populated areas, much of which is agricultural in scope, with limited employment, industrial, and commercial resource. There are also a limited number of institutions of higher learning in many of our rural areas.
The membership of our typical rural church might range from less than 10 to 250 members. The rural church is a family church with 2-3 families often comprising 75% of the rural church membership. The rural church is also known for its’ rigid adherence to tradition (those elements of worship and church administration that have kept it strong down through the years). The rural church is, often times, very resistant to change. Most of the A.M.E. rural churches are either on the “other side of the tracks”, or in communities located far away from Main Street.
Small membership churches, embracing the same profile and membership numbers as the rural church, are located throughout the AMEC connection. Many of these small membership churches are located in large urban areas. Unlike the rural church, the small membership church is not confined to any geographical setting. It can be found anywhere. Like the rural church, it is a family-dominated church. It, too, is strong on tradition (doing things the same way they have done them for years) and, is resistant to change. “Outsiders” must be adopted by the membership before they are allowed to peaceably and productively co-exist.
Many small membership churches are located in communities that have experienced a significant decline in population over the past 25-50 years. Other small membership churches are hidden from view in dying and decaying neighborhoods and, are nowhere near Main Street.
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
6. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Get your very own subscription in to The Christian Recorder (Paper copy) mailed directly to your home mailbox! The Christian Recorder is the OFFICIAL organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You may: Call 800. 648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card. Or, send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:
The Christian Recorder
500 8th Avenue South,
Nashville, TN 37203.
7. AME CHAPLAINS CORNER: CHAPLAIN DAVID BROWN:
Retired WW II Chaplain Kenneth White celebrated his 99th birthday on New Year's Day. I spoke to him last night and his mind and speech are as clear as ever. I am making plans to pay him a visit next month to interview him in order to record his story. Please pray for an open door to do so.
I have been invited to preach a revival in Las Vegas, NV. The Reverend Emmanuel Wasson, III, the pastor of Holy Trinity AMEC, is a good brother of mine that I met while stationed in 29 Palms, California. This will be my very first revival that I have preached since going into the ministry 18 years ago. Needless to say I am excited about the opportunity to proclaim, "Thus sayeth the Lord..."
Finally, I am slated for a new set of orders that will put me back on ship but keep my family in the area. I am scheduled to rotate to the USS BATAAN in July of this year to serve as the head chaplain in charge of the Protestant Religious Program. The orders are two years long but, due to current events, the deployment schedule is uncertain.
Again, Happy New Year!
Blessings,Chaplain David Brown
8. THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY, SENIOR PASTOR OF MORRIS BROWN AME CHURCH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA GAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECENTLY AT THE INTERFAITH SERVICE HELD IN CHARLESTON, IN MEMORY AND HONOR OF THE TSUNAMI VICTIMS OF SOUTH ASIA AND EAST AFRICA:
We gather tonight in Charleston, but in doing so we stand together with people of faith across the globe to offer best wishes and support to those in south Asia and eastern Africa whose lives have been devastated by the force of nature.
Every world religion has two things in common - respect for the creator and respect and care for our neighbors in need. Our world really is a global village, so it’s fitting and proper that we do all that we can to restore our neighbors in need, even if they live far from our doorsteps.I hope that this night results in an outpouring of material assistance and moral support by those of who have gathered here tonight. Charleston has experienced the devastating power of nature in the past, it’s now our turn to help others to recover, and I thank and commend everyone who has come here tonight to do so.
I hope as well that this night is a beginning and not simply an end in itself. I firmly believe that adversity sometimes breeds opportunity, that the creator whose work includes tsunamis and hurricanes also affords us the opportunity to find new common ground in the midst of the rubble.
When natural disasters occur, we regularly assemble in events like tonight’s event and mobilize across cross lines of color and culture and religion and class and politics to care about and support each other and to reach out to our neighbors. Too often, however, when the crisis is past, we just go home. I do hope that when the current crisis is past, we’ll remember this night, remember the faces and the spirits of those we meet tonight, and continue to work to build bridges and to find common ground to meet the challenges that we all face from day do day.
When we do, then we can celebrate the unity of our diversity and the diversity of our unity, and we won’t have come together to help our neighbors in times of crisis, because we’ll already be together.
9. THE FOLLOWING IS AN OP-ED ARTICLE WRITTERN BY THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY THAT APPEARED IN THE CHARLESTON, SC NEWPAPER:
On Monday, January 17, our nation, state and community will remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through worship services, parades, breakfasts, memorials and "days of service." I celebrate any good activity to remember Dr. King, but I will remember Dr. King by joining the State NAACP in Columbia, South Carolina for the fifth annual "King Day at the Dome" march and rally. I’ll do so because direct action that presses for positive change in public policy is the most authentic witness to Dr. King’s life and work.
Dr. King was felled by an assassin’s bullet over thirty-six years ago. In those thirty-six years, he has come to be acknowledged as a man of peace who stood for equal justice and equal rights. The light of history has reflected that accurate picture of Dr. King, but the light of history sometimes has a way of shining on some things and leaving others obscured by shadow. What’s often lost in many of the innocuous, polite and pleasant activities now pursued to remember Dr. King is what he said and how he was viewed by many in his day.
Days of community service to help the needy are worthy pursuits at any time of the year. As a pastor, Dr. King led his congregations in the same kind of direct service to the needy - service that should be the work of all clergy, houses of faith, and people of good will. Dr. King is best remembered, however, as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the acknowledged leader of the modern civil rights movement. In those capacities, he aggressively and articulately challenged the divisive public policies that created many of the needy that he served as a pastor. Dr. King did so in a nonviolent manner, but the response of his opponents of the day was anything but non-violent.
In his day, Dr. King was labeled as a subversive, as a communist and as an agitator; was jailed and physically abused; was ridiculed as a radical and was soundly vilified as a dangerous man who was a threat to the public safety. He received that treatment because he challenged America to change unjust laws. Those who love to quote Dr. King’s saying that we should be judged by not by the color of skin but by the content of character often conveniently forget that one sentence is not the sum total of his words. Dr. King also said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Dr. King also said, "When you’re right, you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative." Dr. King also said, "Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men." Dr. King also said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."When viewed in the clear and comprehensive light of history, Dr. King was not a man who bowed his head in subservience and asked, "Can’t we all just get along?" Dr. King spoke out against the injustices of his day, putting his life on the line to do so. Because he did, then we need to do more than remember Dr. King through benign and universally acceptable means that allow participants to do "feel good" things, while blithely ignoring the still pervasive prejudice, inequity and division that make it harder for the needy to compete.
If we are to remember Dr. King by demanding equity as he did, then we need to ask why our state is still fighting against equitable funding of public schools while veiling support for private schools as "putting parents in charge. We need to ask why those who are indigent pay more at many hospitals than those who have health insurance. We need to ask why our legislature cannot respect the wishes of those who seek to honor the Confederate Battle flag in an unquestionably historical context. We need to ask why those admitted to institutions of higher education because of family connections have done a good thing, while those who are admitted through efforts to see that the racial playing field is level for those of equal ability is a bad thing. We need to ask why our state can grant huge economic incentives to businesses but can only make limited funds available for affordable housing loans.
Those questions and other questions of equity will be lifted up in Columbia at the King Day 2005 event. They may be uncomfortable and may rankle the spirits of those who create ideological litmus tests of patriotism and faith, but addressing them will do honor to Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. King, after all, described himself not as someone who would "go along to get along," but as a "drum major for justice." When we get in step with his authentic memory, then we can keep working to fulfill his dream for all Americans.
The Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor, Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, 13 Morris Street, Charleston, South Carolina
10. THE 13th EPISCOPAL 2005 DISTRICT-WIDE FOUNDER’S DAY WILL BE HELD AT ST. ANDREWS AME CHURCH, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE ON FEBRUARY 10-12 2005, THEME: CHANGING CHURCH CULTURE:
AGENDA:
Thursday, February 10, 2005
8:00 AM – 12 Noon - Presiding Elder’s Institute
12:30 – 3:00 PM – Believe Board Working Luncheon
3:30 – 6 PM – 13th District Agenda Organizational Meeting
• Nehemiah Nation
• School of the Prophets (Clergy Institutes, Cross to Pentecost)
• AME Pages• AME Works Day
• Believe, Inc.
7:30 PM Opening Worship
Dr. Floyd Flake, Allen Cathedral AME Church, Jamaica, New York
Friday, February 11, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM - Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9: 45AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – 12: 30 - Morning Plenary
12:45- 1: 45 – Hour of Power
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Lunch
3:30 – 5:30 PM – Afternoon Plenary
7:30 PM - Evening Worship
Rev. Jonathan Weaver, Mt. Nebo AME Church, Bowie Maryland
Saturday, February 12, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM- Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9:45 AM – Breakfast
8:30 – 12 Noon – Nehemiah Nation (departs for church visitation/render service)
9:00 – 12Noon – YPD (meeting and elections)
13th District Agenda Components Meet (If necessary, except Nehemiah Nation)
12 Noon – Reporting of Components; Closing Worship, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
Passing the P.E.A.C.E. – Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation!
*** Plenary Sessions ****Rev. Ronald L. Owens, Augusta, Georgia U.S. Army Chaplain, Major (Retired)Conflict ResolutionLeadership Problem SolvingSeparating Issues from EventsOvercoming Barriers
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mr. Arthur Robertson, Jr., the brother of Mrs. Carrie Robertson Grady (Episcopal Supervisor, Retired).
The Funeral was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005
St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church
500 Noble Street
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Condolences may still be sent to :
Bishop and Mrs. Zedekiah L. Grady
1 Wespanee Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 766-9569 - FAx: (843) 556-8659
Email: W1MG2CL@aol.com
12. FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MRS. PRISCILLA BOONES, THE MOTHER OF EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR MARY KIRKLAND, 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, JAUARY 15, 2005:
The Funeral was held on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 12:00 noon at the Waterloo Baptist Church, 807 Madison Avenue, Lorman, Mississippi.
Condolences may still be sent to the family:
Mrs. Mary Kirkland, 2120 Park Brook Lane, Birmingham, AL 35215 205-601-1748 (Mrs. Kirkland's cell phone)
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It's Chaplain David R. Brown from Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. I would like to inform you that my mother-in-law, Mrs. Joan G. Turner, died suddenly on the morning of 11 January. She was a life-long member of Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. The specifics pertaining to her homegoing service are as follows:
Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Joan G. Turner was held Saturday, January 15, 2005 12:00 p.m.
Eulogy: The Reverend Daryl K. Kearny, pastor of Third Street Bethel AME Church.
Expressions may be sent to the following addresses:
Mr. Raymond Turner
525 Montvale Avenue
Richmond, VA. 23222
OR
Chaplain and Mrs. David R. Brown
2316 Skipjack Lane
Chesapeake, VA 23323
Telephone: 757-558-4177
In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to the following:
ALS Association
615 South Frederick Avenue, Ste. 308
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
www.alsinfo.org
Thank you in advance for your prayers and support!
Blessings, Chaplain David R. Brown
14. ALL CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ABOVE WERE FORWARDED BY:
Sister Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Pagehttp://connmswawo3.com/index.html
AME Church Clergy Family Forum: http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
15. THE REVEREND WILLIAM HOWARD SMITH REPORTED THE DEATH OF BROTHER WILLIAM SAVANNAH FREY:
William Savannah (Daddy Frey) Frey, age 93, (The Father of the Rev. Nathan Frey, our pastor at Woodfork Chapel AME Church, Shelbyville, TN, Tennessee Conference, 13th Epics. District) died at his Nashville, TN residence on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 12:45 a.m.
Survived by 6 daughters; 3 sons; 28 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Family visitation was held on Sunday, January 16, 2005 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, 212 Neil Ave., Nashville, Tennessee, with Rev. Sidney Bryant officiating, and Rev. Nathan Frey, Eulogist.
The burial was conducted on Monday, January. 17, 2005 at 10 a.m. in Clarksville, Tennessee at Rest-Lawn Memorial Garden.
Rev. Nathan Frey 735 N 9th St Nashville, TN 37206-3956 (615) 227-4548
I read your email regarding our Founder's Day and the first Black History observance. What I have read is that Carter G. Woodson chose the February date because of Lincoln's birthday and Frederick Douglas' birthday (both on 12 Feb). Don't know if that is "accurate" but that's what I have read in my Black History studies. The AME Church and the NAACP have February birthdays (NAACP is 12 Feb). Isn't that interesting???
Ora Washington
AME Church, El Paso, Texas
10th Episcopal District
2. THE RIGHT REVEREND CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, PRESIDING BISHOP, SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES AME CHURCH SENDS AID TO TSUNAMI DAMAGED SOMOLIA, KENYA AND TANZANIA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(Los Angeles) Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chairperson of the Social Action Commission of theAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) announces the church’s campaign to provide relief to two of the tsunami-damaged countries on the Indian Ocean.
The low death toll in Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia is a poor indicator of the devastation brought by the tidal waves, which destroyed the infrastructures of local coastal communities, and the livelihoods of many who barely earned subsistence wages. Mandatory evacuation of beaches and coastal areas was possible because of the emergency plan of the US Embassy and the government of these countries.
The reporting outcome follows - In Somalia more than 200 persons lost their lives and another 50,000 had their homes destroyed (flattened). In Kenya, the loss of public roads, destruction of homes, and the difficulties of traveling have resulted in a major strain to an economy that could not support the basic needs of its people. Reconstruction needs will be far reaching, and costly.
Our church’s commitment to “make a difference” will include the collection of funds and other resources to be distributed via SADA, the international relief and development arm of the AME Church. Please remember the local residents and visitors in your prayers.
The public is invited to send its contributions and to:
Dr. Robert Nicolas, Director 202/ 371-8722 – voice SADA (Service and Development Agency) 202/ 371-0981 - fax 1134 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Checks may be made payable to: AME-SADA, or call Ms. Tina Newell (Director of Operations) 202 371-8722 to make a donation by credit card.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler-GuidryChair – Social Action CommissionPresiding Bishop,
Sixteenth Episcopal District – African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 W. Adams Blvd. Suite 314
Los Angeles, CA 90018
323/ 293-6555 – voice FAX: 323/ 293-6572; Email: Girlbishop122@aol.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker 213/ 494-9493 OR 202/ 371-8722
or log onto www.ame-church.com
3. THE AME COLLEGE CORNER: A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM BROTHER CRAIG ROBONSION, A TEENAGER AND A FRESHMAN AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE. THE FULL ARTICE ENTITLED, “A LESSON ABOUT GRACE” IS TAKEN FROM II CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 WILL BE PRINTED IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
When I look back over my life I am amazed by the way the Lord has decided to use me. I have been preaching now for almost two years now, and have seen God work through me in many wonderful ways. It is such a blessing to serve God and serve others and helping people understand the joy and delight of being in Christ Jesus. However, in the midst of all this spreading the good news and telling people about the joy that I have that the world didn’t give I was given a metaphorical thorn in my flesh. Unlike Paul I am fortunate enough to have been able to identify my thorn. My thorn is being a teenager.
This thorn was so annoying and it torments me at least once or twice in a day. The thorn is aggravated whenever my fleshly desires come into play. All teenagers go through this phase of life. We want to experiment. We want to discover ourselves. We want to do things our way and face the consequences when they come. As we advance in our teenage years we are compelled to withdraw further and further from our parents and make our own decisions. This new sense of independence leads us to sometimes do things that we ought not to do.
This is especially hard for me being a minister (AME) of the gospel. I often find myself in the most intriguing situations (some of which must remain secret or face the wrath of my mother). There are so many temptations that are always showing up in the worst time…
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
4. AME COLLEGE CORNER: THE ARTICLE APPENDED BELOW WAS WRITTEN BY MOREHOUSE COLLEGE STUDENT, BROTHER CRAIG ROBINSON. IT’S ENTITLED, BIBLE WALK: LOOK UP.” THE KEY CONCEPT: TRUST, THERE IS A BRIGHT SIDE; GOD IS IN CONTROL.”
Psalm 121: 1-8 (NIV): I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
College brings a lot of struggle in any student’s life. Deadlines for tests, term papers, and presentations make life very stressful. This is especially true for those who prepare for large assignments at the last minute. The rigors of college can bring down the most energetic person to a state of utter lethargy. A college student’s entire appearance can be distorted. His or her head droops down. His or her facial expression changes and his or her outlook become negative. Suddenly you hear words like: “Can’t do it,” “Impossible!” “I give up!”
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
5. THE REVEREND DR. GEORGE R. LA SURE SHARES HIS STUDY OF THE, RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCHES: “THE NEW MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE”:
The rural and small membership church represents at least 85% of all A.M.E. Churches throughout our connection. As such, the rural and small membership church has a tremendous input into the total spiritual and financial resource of the A.M.E. Denomination. But, even though these two entities comprise the majority of the A.M.E. denominational presence, there is very little focused programming and resource directed toward improving its’ overall condition. The rural and small membership church is essentially where it was fifty years ago, without a voice to impact denominational change to make its’ overall condition better.
If we were forced to offer a working definition as to what a rural church might be, we might say that it is a body of A.M.E. Christian believers knit together in a common faith and worship activity thriving in settings removed from large urban centers. Many times they are located in sparsely populated areas, much of which is agricultural in scope, with limited employment, industrial, and commercial resource. There are also a limited number of institutions of higher learning in many of our rural areas.
The membership of our typical rural church might range from less than 10 to 250 members. The rural church is a family church with 2-3 families often comprising 75% of the rural church membership. The rural church is also known for its’ rigid adherence to tradition (those elements of worship and church administration that have kept it strong down through the years). The rural church is, often times, very resistant to change. Most of the A.M.E. rural churches are either on the “other side of the tracks”, or in communities located far away from Main Street.
Small membership churches, embracing the same profile and membership numbers as the rural church, are located throughout the AMEC connection. Many of these small membership churches are located in large urban areas. Unlike the rural church, the small membership church is not confined to any geographical setting. It can be found anywhere. Like the rural church, it is a family-dominated church. It, too, is strong on tradition (doing things the same way they have done them for years) and, is resistant to change. “Outsiders” must be adopted by the membership before they are allowed to peaceably and productively co-exist.
Many small membership churches are located in communities that have experienced a significant decline in population over the past 25-50 years. Other small membership churches are hidden from view in dying and decaying neighborhoods and, are nowhere near Main Street.
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
6. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Get your very own subscription in to The Christian Recorder (Paper copy) mailed directly to your home mailbox! The Christian Recorder is the OFFICIAL organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You may: Call 800. 648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card. Or, send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:
The Christian Recorder
500 8th Avenue South,
Nashville, TN 37203.
7. AME CHAPLAINS CORNER: CHAPLAIN DAVID BROWN:
Retired WW II Chaplain Kenneth White celebrated his 99th birthday on New Year's Day. I spoke to him last night and his mind and speech are as clear as ever. I am making plans to pay him a visit next month to interview him in order to record his story. Please pray for an open door to do so.
I have been invited to preach a revival in Las Vegas, NV. The Reverend Emmanuel Wasson, III, the pastor of Holy Trinity AMEC, is a good brother of mine that I met while stationed in 29 Palms, California. This will be my very first revival that I have preached since going into the ministry 18 years ago. Needless to say I am excited about the opportunity to proclaim, "Thus sayeth the Lord..."
Finally, I am slated for a new set of orders that will put me back on ship but keep my family in the area. I am scheduled to rotate to the USS BATAAN in July of this year to serve as the head chaplain in charge of the Protestant Religious Program. The orders are two years long but, due to current events, the deployment schedule is uncertain.
Again, Happy New Year!
Blessings,Chaplain David Brown
8. THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY, SENIOR PASTOR OF MORRIS BROWN AME CHURCH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA GAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECENTLY AT THE INTERFAITH SERVICE HELD IN CHARLESTON, IN MEMORY AND HONOR OF THE TSUNAMI VICTIMS OF SOUTH ASIA AND EAST AFRICA:
We gather tonight in Charleston, but in doing so we stand together with people of faith across the globe to offer best wishes and support to those in south Asia and eastern Africa whose lives have been devastated by the force of nature.
Every world religion has two things in common - respect for the creator and respect and care for our neighbors in need. Our world really is a global village, so it’s fitting and proper that we do all that we can to restore our neighbors in need, even if they live far from our doorsteps.I hope that this night results in an outpouring of material assistance and moral support by those of who have gathered here tonight. Charleston has experienced the devastating power of nature in the past, it’s now our turn to help others to recover, and I thank and commend everyone who has come here tonight to do so.
I hope as well that this night is a beginning and not simply an end in itself. I firmly believe that adversity sometimes breeds opportunity, that the creator whose work includes tsunamis and hurricanes also affords us the opportunity to find new common ground in the midst of the rubble.
When natural disasters occur, we regularly assemble in events like tonight’s event and mobilize across cross lines of color and culture and religion and class and politics to care about and support each other and to reach out to our neighbors. Too often, however, when the crisis is past, we just go home. I do hope that when the current crisis is past, we’ll remember this night, remember the faces and the spirits of those we meet tonight, and continue to work to build bridges and to find common ground to meet the challenges that we all face from day do day.
When we do, then we can celebrate the unity of our diversity and the diversity of our unity, and we won’t have come together to help our neighbors in times of crisis, because we’ll already be together.
9. THE FOLLOWING IS AN OP-ED ARTICLE WRITTERN BY THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY THAT APPEARED IN THE CHARLESTON, SC NEWPAPER:
On Monday, January 17, our nation, state and community will remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through worship services, parades, breakfasts, memorials and "days of service." I celebrate any good activity to remember Dr. King, but I will remember Dr. King by joining the State NAACP in Columbia, South Carolina for the fifth annual "King Day at the Dome" march and rally. I’ll do so because direct action that presses for positive change in public policy is the most authentic witness to Dr. King’s life and work.
Dr. King was felled by an assassin’s bullet over thirty-six years ago. In those thirty-six years, he has come to be acknowledged as a man of peace who stood for equal justice and equal rights. The light of history has reflected that accurate picture of Dr. King, but the light of history sometimes has a way of shining on some things and leaving others obscured by shadow. What’s often lost in many of the innocuous, polite and pleasant activities now pursued to remember Dr. King is what he said and how he was viewed by many in his day.
Days of community service to help the needy are worthy pursuits at any time of the year. As a pastor, Dr. King led his congregations in the same kind of direct service to the needy - service that should be the work of all clergy, houses of faith, and people of good will. Dr. King is best remembered, however, as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the acknowledged leader of the modern civil rights movement. In those capacities, he aggressively and articulately challenged the divisive public policies that created many of the needy that he served as a pastor. Dr. King did so in a nonviolent manner, but the response of his opponents of the day was anything but non-violent.
In his day, Dr. King was labeled as a subversive, as a communist and as an agitator; was jailed and physically abused; was ridiculed as a radical and was soundly vilified as a dangerous man who was a threat to the public safety. He received that treatment because he challenged America to change unjust laws. Those who love to quote Dr. King’s saying that we should be judged by not by the color of skin but by the content of character often conveniently forget that one sentence is not the sum total of his words. Dr. King also said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Dr. King also said, "When you’re right, you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative." Dr. King also said, "Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men." Dr. King also said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."When viewed in the clear and comprehensive light of history, Dr. King was not a man who bowed his head in subservience and asked, "Can’t we all just get along?" Dr. King spoke out against the injustices of his day, putting his life on the line to do so. Because he did, then we need to do more than remember Dr. King through benign and universally acceptable means that allow participants to do "feel good" things, while blithely ignoring the still pervasive prejudice, inequity and division that make it harder for the needy to compete.
If we are to remember Dr. King by demanding equity as he did, then we need to ask why our state is still fighting against equitable funding of public schools while veiling support for private schools as "putting parents in charge. We need to ask why those who are indigent pay more at many hospitals than those who have health insurance. We need to ask why our legislature cannot respect the wishes of those who seek to honor the Confederate Battle flag in an unquestionably historical context. We need to ask why those admitted to institutions of higher education because of family connections have done a good thing, while those who are admitted through efforts to see that the racial playing field is level for those of equal ability is a bad thing. We need to ask why our state can grant huge economic incentives to businesses but can only make limited funds available for affordable housing loans.
Those questions and other questions of equity will be lifted up in Columbia at the King Day 2005 event. They may be uncomfortable and may rankle the spirits of those who create ideological litmus tests of patriotism and faith, but addressing them will do honor to Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. King, after all, described himself not as someone who would "go along to get along," but as a "drum major for justice." When we get in step with his authentic memory, then we can keep working to fulfill his dream for all Americans.
The Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor, Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, 13 Morris Street, Charleston, South Carolina
10. THE 13th EPISCOPAL 2005 DISTRICT-WIDE FOUNDER’S DAY WILL BE HELD AT ST. ANDREWS AME CHURCH, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE ON FEBRUARY 10-12 2005, THEME: CHANGING CHURCH CULTURE:
AGENDA:
Thursday, February 10, 2005
8:00 AM – 12 Noon - Presiding Elder’s Institute
12:30 – 3:00 PM – Believe Board Working Luncheon
3:30 – 6 PM – 13th District Agenda Organizational Meeting
• Nehemiah Nation
• School of the Prophets (Clergy Institutes, Cross to Pentecost)
• AME Pages• AME Works Day
• Believe, Inc.
7:30 PM Opening Worship
Dr. Floyd Flake, Allen Cathedral AME Church, Jamaica, New York
Friday, February 11, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM - Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9: 45AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – 12: 30 - Morning Plenary
12:45- 1: 45 – Hour of Power
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Lunch
3:30 – 5:30 PM – Afternoon Plenary
7:30 PM - Evening Worship
Rev. Jonathan Weaver, Mt. Nebo AME Church, Bowie Maryland
Saturday, February 12, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM- Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9:45 AM – Breakfast
8:30 – 12 Noon – Nehemiah Nation (departs for church visitation/render service)
9:00 – 12Noon – YPD (meeting and elections)
13th District Agenda Components Meet (If necessary, except Nehemiah Nation)
12 Noon – Reporting of Components; Closing Worship, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
Passing the P.E.A.C.E. – Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation!
*** Plenary Sessions ****Rev. Ronald L. Owens, Augusta, Georgia U.S. Army Chaplain, Major (Retired)Conflict ResolutionLeadership Problem SolvingSeparating Issues from EventsOvercoming Barriers
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mr. Arthur Robertson, Jr., the brother of Mrs. Carrie Robertson Grady (Episcopal Supervisor, Retired).
The Funeral was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005
St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church
500 Noble Street
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Condolences may still be sent to :
Bishop and Mrs. Zedekiah L. Grady
1 Wespanee Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 766-9569 - FAx: (843) 556-8659
Email: W1MG2CL@aol.com
12. FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MRS. PRISCILLA BOONES, THE MOTHER OF EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR MARY KIRKLAND, 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, JAUARY 15, 2005:
The Funeral was held on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 12:00 noon at the Waterloo Baptist Church, 807 Madison Avenue, Lorman, Mississippi.
Condolences may still be sent to the family:
Mrs. Mary Kirkland, 2120 Park Brook Lane, Birmingham, AL 35215 205-601-1748 (Mrs. Kirkland's cell phone)
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It's Chaplain David R. Brown from Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. I would like to inform you that my mother-in-law, Mrs. Joan G. Turner, died suddenly on the morning of 11 January. She was a life-long member of Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. The specifics pertaining to her homegoing service are as follows:
Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Joan G. Turner was held Saturday, January 15, 2005 12:00 p.m.
Eulogy: The Reverend Daryl K. Kearny, pastor of Third Street Bethel AME Church.
Expressions may be sent to the following addresses:
Mr. Raymond Turner
525 Montvale Avenue
Richmond, VA. 23222
OR
Chaplain and Mrs. David R. Brown
2316 Skipjack Lane
Chesapeake, VA 23323
Telephone: 757-558-4177
In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to the following:
ALS Association
615 South Frederick Avenue, Ste. 308
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
www.alsinfo.org
Thank you in advance for your prayers and support!
Blessings, Chaplain David R. Brown
14. ALL CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ABOVE WERE FORWARDED BY:
Sister Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Pagehttp://connmswawo3.com/index.html
AME Church Clergy Family Forum: http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
15. THE REVEREND WILLIAM HOWARD SMITH REPORTED THE DEATH OF BROTHER WILLIAM SAVANNAH FREY:
William Savannah (Daddy Frey) Frey, age 93, (The Father of the Rev. Nathan Frey, our pastor at Woodfork Chapel AME Church, Shelbyville, TN, Tennessee Conference, 13th Epics. District) died at his Nashville, TN residence on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 12:45 a.m.
Survived by 6 daughters; 3 sons; 28 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Family visitation was held on Sunday, January 16, 2005 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, 212 Neil Ave., Nashville, Tennessee, with Rev. Sidney Bryant officiating, and Rev. Nathan Frey, Eulogist.
The burial was conducted on Monday, January. 17, 2005 at 10 a.m. in Clarksville, Tennessee at Rest-Lawn Memorial Garden.
Rev. Nathan Frey 735 N 9th St Nashville, TN 37206-3956 (615) 227-4548
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (1/17/05)
1. AN ANSWER TO THE QUESTION ABOUT WHETHER THE AME FOUNDER’S DAY WAS THE MODEL FOR CARTER G. WOODSON TO ESTABLISH BLACK HISTORY WEEK IN FEBRUARY:
I read your email regarding our Founder's Day and the first Black History observance. What I have read is that Carter G. Woodson chose the February date because of Lincoln's birthday and Frederick Douglas' birthday (both on 12 Feb). Don't know if that is "accurate" but that's what I have read in my Black History studies. The AME Church and the NAACP have February birthdays (NAACP is 12 Feb). Isn't that interesting???
Ora Washington
AME Church, El Paso, Texas
10th Episcopal District
2. THE RIGHT REVEREND CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, PRESIDING BISHOP, SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES AME CHURCH SENDS AID TO TSUNAMI DAMAGED SOMOLIA, KENYA AND TANZANIA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(Los Angeles) Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chairperson of the Social Action Commission of theAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) announces the church’s campaign to provide relief to two of the tsunami-damaged countries on the Indian Ocean.
The low death toll in Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia is a poor indicator of the devastation brought by the tidal waves, which destroyed the infrastructures of local coastal communities, and the livelihoods of many who barely earned subsistence wages. Mandatory evacuation of beaches and coastal areas was possible because of the emergency plan of the US Embassy and the government of these countries.
The reporting outcome follows - In Somalia more than 200 persons lost their lives and another 50,000 had their homes destroyed (flattened). In Kenya, the loss of public roads, destruction of homes, and the difficulties of traveling have resulted in a major strain to an economy that could not support the basic needs of its people. Reconstruction needs will be far reaching, and costly.
Our church’s commitment to “make a difference” will include the collection of funds and other resources to be distributed via SADA, the international relief and development arm of the AME Church. Please remember the local residents and visitors in your prayers.
The public is invited to send its contributions and to:
Dr. Robert Nicolas, Director 202/ 371-8722 – voice SADA (Service and Development Agency) 202/ 371-0981 - fax 1134 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Checks may be made payable to: AME-SADA, or call Ms. Tina Newell (Director of Operations) 202 371-8722 to make a donation by credit card.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler-GuidryChair – Social Action CommissionPresiding Bishop,
Sixteenth Episcopal District – African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 W. Adams Blvd. Suite 314
Los Angeles, CA 90018
323/ 293-6555 – voice FAX: 323/ 293-6572; Email: Girlbishop122@aol.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker 213/ 494-9493 OR 202/ 371-8722
or log onto www.ame-church.com
3. THE AME COLLEGE CORNER: A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM BROTHER CRAIG ROBONSION, A TEENAGER AND A FRESHMAN AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE. THE FULL ARTICE ENTITLED, “A LESSON ABOUT GRACE” IS TAKEN FROM II CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 WILL BE PRINTED IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
When I look back over my life I am amazed by the way the Lord has decided to use me. I have been preaching now for almost two years now, and have seen God work through me in many wonderful ways. It is such a blessing to serve God and serve others and helping people understand the joy and delight of being in Christ Jesus. However, in the midst of all this spreading the good news and telling people about the joy that I have that the world didn’t give I was given a metaphorical thorn in my flesh. Unlike Paul I am fortunate enough to have been able to identify my thorn. My thorn is being a teenager.
This thorn was so annoying and it torments me at least once or twice in a day. The thorn is aggravated whenever my fleshly desires come into play. All teenagers go through this phase of life. We want to experiment. We want to discover ourselves. We want to do things our way and face the consequences when they come. As we advance in our teenage years we are compelled to withdraw further and further from our parents and make our own decisions. This new sense of independence leads us to sometimes do things that we ought not to do.
This is especially hard for me being a minister (AME) of the gospel. I often find myself in the most intriguing situations (some of which must remain secret or face the wrath of my mother). There are so many temptations that are always showing up in the worst time…
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
4. AME COLLEGE CORNER: THE ARTICLE APPENDED BELOW WAS WRITTEN BY MOREHOUSE COLLEGE STUDENT, BROTHER CRAIG ROBINSON. IT’S ENTITLED, BIBLE WALK: LOOK UP.” THE KEY CONCEPT: TRUST, THERE IS A BRIGHT SIDE; GOD IS IN CONTROL.”
Psalm 121: 1-8 (NIV): I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
College brings a lot of struggle in any student’s life. Deadlines for tests, term papers, and presentations make life very stressful. This is especially true for those who prepare for large assignments at the last minute. The rigors of college can bring down the most energetic person to a state of utter lethargy. A college student’s entire appearance can be distorted. His or her head droops down. His or her facial expression changes and his or her outlook become negative. Suddenly you hear words like: “Can’t do it,” “Impossible!” “I give up!”
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
5. THE REVEREND DR. GEORGE R. LA SURE SHARES HIS STUDY OF THE, RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCHES: “THE NEW MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE”:
The rural and small membership church represents at least 85% of all A.M.E. Churches throughout our connection. As such, the rural and small membership church has a tremendous input into the total spiritual and financial resource of the A.M.E. Denomination. But, even though these two entities comprise the majority of the A.M.E. denominational presence, there is very little focused programming and resource directed toward improving its’ overall condition. The rural and small membership church is essentially where it was fifty years ago, without a voice to impact denominational change to make its’ overall condition better.
If we were forced to offer a working definition as to what a rural church might be, we might say that it is a body of A.M.E. Christian believers knit together in a common faith and worship activity thriving in settings removed from large urban centers. Many times they are located in sparsely populated areas, much of which is agricultural in scope, with limited employment, industrial, and commercial resource. There are also a limited number of institutions of higher learning in many of our rural areas.
The membership of our typical rural church might range from less than 10 to 250 members. The rural church is a family church with 2-3 families often comprising 75% of the rural church membership. The rural church is also known for its’ rigid adherence to tradition (those elements of worship and church administration that have kept it strong down through the years). The rural church is, often times, very resistant to change. Most of the A.M.E. rural churches are either on the “other side of the tracks”, or in communities located far away from Main Street.
Small membership churches, embracing the same profile and membership numbers as the rural church, are located throughout the AMEC connection. Many of these small membership churches are located in large urban areas. Unlike the rural church, the small membership church is not confined to any geographical setting. It can be found anywhere. Like the rural church, it is a family-dominated church. It, too, is strong on tradition (doing things the same way they have done them for years) and, is resistant to change. “Outsiders” must be adopted by the membership before they are allowed to peaceably and productively co-exist.
Many small membership churches are located in communities that have experienced a significant decline in population over the past 25-50 years. Other small membership churches are hidden from view in dying and decaying neighborhoods and, are nowhere near Main Street.
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
6. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Get your very own subscription in to The Christian Recorder (Paper copy) mailed directly to your home mailbox! The Christian Recorder is the OFFICIAL organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You may: Call 800. 648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card. Or, send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:
The Christian Recorder
500 8th Avenue South,
Nashville, TN 37203.
7. AME CHAPLAINS CORNER: CHAPLAIN DAVID BROWN:
Retired WW II Chaplain Kenneth White celebrated his 99th birthday on New Year's Day. I spoke to him last night and his mind and speech are as clear as ever. I am making plans to pay him a visit next month to interview him in order to record his story. Please pray for an open door to do so.
I have been invited to preach a revival in Las Vegas, NV. The Reverend Emmanuel Wasson, III, the pastor of Holy Trinity AMEC, is a good brother of mine that I met while stationed in 29 Palms, California. This will be my very first revival that I have preached since going into the ministry 18 years ago. Needless to say I am excited about the opportunity to proclaim, "Thus sayeth the Lord..."
Finally, I am slated for a new set of orders that will put me back on ship but keep my family in the area. I am scheduled to rotate to the USS BATAAN in July of this year to serve as the head chaplain in charge of the Protestant Religious Program. The orders are two years long but, due to current events, the deployment schedule is uncertain.
Again, Happy New Year!
Blessings,Chaplain David Brown
8. THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY, SENIOR PASTOR OF MORRIS BROWN AME CHURCH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA GAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECENTLY AT THE INTERFAITH SERVICE HELD IN CHARLESTON, IN MEMORY AND HONOR OF THE TSUNAMI VICTIMS OF SOUTH ASIA AND EAST AFRICA:
We gather tonight in Charleston, but in doing so we stand together with people of faith across the globe to offer best wishes and support to those in south Asia and eastern Africa whose lives have been devastated by the force of nature.
Every world religion has two things in common - respect for the creator and respect and care for our neighbors in need. Our world really is a global village, so it’s fitting and proper that we do all that we can to restore our neighbors in need, even if they live far from our doorsteps.I hope that this night results in an outpouring of material assistance and moral support by those of who have gathered here tonight. Charleston has experienced the devastating power of nature in the past, it’s now our turn to help others to recover, and I thank and commend everyone who has come here tonight to do so.
I hope as well that this night is a beginning and not simply an end in itself. I firmly believe that adversity sometimes breeds opportunity, that the creator whose work includes tsunamis and hurricanes also affords us the opportunity to find new common ground in the midst of the rubble.
When natural disasters occur, we regularly assemble in events like tonight’s event and mobilize across cross lines of color and culture and religion and class and politics to care about and support each other and to reach out to our neighbors. Too often, however, when the crisis is past, we just go home. I do hope that when the current crisis is past, we’ll remember this night, remember the faces and the spirits of those we meet tonight, and continue to work to build bridges and to find common ground to meet the challenges that we all face from day do day.
When we do, then we can celebrate the unity of our diversity and the diversity of our unity, and we won’t have come together to help our neighbors in times of crisis, because we’ll already be together.
9. THE FOLLOWING IS AN OP-ED ARTICLE WRITTERN BY THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY THAT APPEARED IN THE CHARLESTON, SC NEWPAPER:
On Monday, January 17, our nation, state and community will remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through worship services, parades, breakfasts, memorials and "days of service." I celebrate any good activity to remember Dr. King, but I will remember Dr. King by joining the State NAACP in Columbia, South Carolina for the fifth annual "King Day at the Dome" march and rally. I’ll do so because direct action that presses for positive change in public policy is the most authentic witness to Dr. King’s life and work.
Dr. King was felled by an assassin’s bullet over thirty-six years ago. In those thirty-six years, he has come to be acknowledged as a man of peace who stood for equal justice and equal rights. The light of history has reflected that accurate picture of Dr. King, but the light of history sometimes has a way of shining on some things and leaving others obscured by shadow. What’s often lost in many of the innocuous, polite and pleasant activities now pursued to remember Dr. King is what he said and how he was viewed by many in his day.
Days of community service to help the needy are worthy pursuits at any time of the year. As a pastor, Dr. King led his congregations in the same kind of direct service to the needy - service that should be the work of all clergy, houses of faith, and people of good will. Dr. King is best remembered, however, as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the acknowledged leader of the modern civil rights movement. In those capacities, he aggressively and articulately challenged the divisive public policies that created many of the needy that he served as a pastor. Dr. King did so in a nonviolent manner, but the response of his opponents of the day was anything but non-violent.
In his day, Dr. King was labeled as a subversive, as a communist and as an agitator; was jailed and physically abused; was ridiculed as a radical and was soundly vilified as a dangerous man who was a threat to the public safety. He received that treatment because he challenged America to change unjust laws. Those who love to quote Dr. King’s saying that we should be judged by not by the color of skin but by the content of character often conveniently forget that one sentence is not the sum total of his words. Dr. King also said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Dr. King also said, "When you’re right, you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative." Dr. King also said, "Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men." Dr. King also said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."When viewed in the clear and comprehensive light of history, Dr. King was not a man who bowed his head in subservience and asked, "Can’t we all just get along?" Dr. King spoke out against the injustices of his day, putting his life on the line to do so. Because he did, then we need to do more than remember Dr. King through benign and universally acceptable means that allow participants to do "feel good" things, while blithely ignoring the still pervasive prejudice, inequity and division that make it harder for the needy to compete.
If we are to remember Dr. King by demanding equity as he did, then we need to ask why our state is still fighting against equitable funding of public schools while veiling support for private schools as "putting parents in charge. We need to ask why those who are indigent pay more at many hospitals than those who have health insurance. We need to ask why our legislature cannot respect the wishes of those who seek to honor the Confederate Battle flag in an unquestionably historical context. We need to ask why those admitted to institutions of higher education because of family connections have done a good thing, while those who are admitted through efforts to see that the racial playing field is level for those of equal ability is a bad thing. We need to ask why our state can grant huge economic incentives to businesses but can only make limited funds available for affordable housing loans.
Those questions and other questions of equity will be lifted up in Columbia at the King Day 2005 event. They may be uncomfortable and may rankle the spirits of those who create ideological litmus tests of patriotism and faith, but addressing them will do honor to Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. King, after all, described himself not as someone who would "go along to get along," but as a "drum major for justice." When we get in step with his authentic memory, then we can keep working to fulfill his dream for all Americans.
The Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor, Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, 13 Morris Street, Charleston, South Carolina
10. THE 13th EPISCOPAL 2005 DISTRICT-WIDE FOUNDER’S DAY WILL BE HELD AT ST. ANDREWS AME CHURCH, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE ON FEBRUARY 10-12 2005, THEME: CHANGING CHURCH CULTURE:
AGENDA:
Thursday, February 10, 2005
8:00 AM – 12 Noon - Presiding Elder’s Institute
12:30 – 3:00 PM – Believe Board Working Luncheon
3:30 – 6 PM – 13th District Agenda Organizational Meeting
• Nehemiah Nation
• School of the Prophets (Clergy Institutes, Cross to Pentecost)
• AME Pages• AME Works Day
• Believe, Inc.
7:30 PM Opening Worship
Dr. Floyd Flake, Allen Cathedral AME Church, Jamaica, New York
Friday, February 11, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM - Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9: 45AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – 12: 30 - Morning Plenary
12:45- 1: 45 – Hour of Power
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Lunch
3:30 – 5:30 PM – Afternoon Plenary
7:30 PM - Evening Worship
Rev. Jonathan Weaver, Mt. Nebo AME Church, Bowie Maryland
Saturday, February 12, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM- Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9:45 AM – Breakfast
8:30 – 12 Noon – Nehemiah Nation (departs for church visitation/render service)
9:00 – 12Noon – YPD (meeting and elections)
13th District Agenda Components Meet (If necessary, except Nehemiah Nation)
12 Noon – Reporting of Components; Closing Worship, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
Passing the P.E.A.C.E. – Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation!
*** Plenary Sessions ****Rev. Ronald L. Owens, Augusta, Georgia U.S. Army Chaplain, Major (Retired)Conflict ResolutionLeadership Problem SolvingSeparating Issues from EventsOvercoming Barriers
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mr. Arthur Robertson, Jr., the brother of Mrs. Carrie Robertson Grady (Episcopal Supervisor, Retired).
The Funeral was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005
St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church
500 Noble Street
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Condolences may still be sent to :
Bishop and Mrs. Zedekiah L. Grady
1 Wespanee Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 766-9569 - FAx: (843) 556-8659
Email: W1MG2CL@aol.com
12. FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MRS. PRISCILLA BOONES, THE MOTHER OF EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR MARY KIRKLAND, 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, JAUARY 15, 2005:
The Funeral was held on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 12:00 noon at the Waterloo Baptist Church, 807 Madison Avenue, Lorman, Mississippi.
Condolences may still be sent to the family:
Mrs. Mary Kirkland, 2120 Park Brook Lane, Birmingham, AL 35215 205-601-1748 (Mrs. Kirkland's cell phone)
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It's Chaplain David R. Brown from Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. I would like to inform you that my mother-in-law, Mrs. Joan G. Turner, died suddenly on the morning of 11 January. She was a life-long member of Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. The specifics pertaining to her homegoing service are as follows:
Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Joan G. Turner was held Saturday, January 15, 2005 12:00 p.m.
Eulogy: The Reverend Daryl K. Kearny, pastor of Third Street Bethel AME Church.
Expressions may be sent to the following addresses:
Mr. Raymond Turner
525 Montvale Avenue
Richmond, VA. 23222
OR
Chaplain and Mrs. David R. Brown
2316 Skipjack Lane
Chesapeake, VA 23323
Telephone: 757-558-4177
In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to the following:
ALS Association
615 South Frederick Avenue, Ste. 308
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
www.alsinfo.org
Thank you in advance for your prayers and support!
Blessings, Chaplain David R. Brown
14. ALL CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ABOVE WERE FORWARDED BY:
Sister Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Pagehttp://connmswawo3.com/index.html
AME Church Clergy Family Forum: http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
15. THE REVEREND WILLIAM HOWARD SMITH REPORTED THE DEATH OF BROTHER WILLIAM SAVANNAH FREY:
William Savannah (Daddy Frey) Frey, age 93, (The Father of the Rev. Nathan Frey, our pastor at Woodfork Chapel AME Church, Shelbyville, TN, Tennessee Conference, 13th Epics. District) died at his Nashville, TN residence on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 12:45 a.m.
Survived by 6 daughters; 3 sons; 28 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Family visitation was held on Sunday, January 16, 2005 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, 212 Neil Ave., Nashville, Tennessee, with Rev. Sidney Bryant officiating, and Rev. Nathan Frey, Eulogist.
The burial was conducted on Monday, January. 17, 2005 at 10 a.m. in Clarksville, Tennessee at Rest-Lawn Memorial Garden.
Rev. Nathan Frey 735 N 9th St Nashville, TN 37206-3956 (615) 227-4548
I read your email regarding our Founder's Day and the first Black History observance. What I have read is that Carter G. Woodson chose the February date because of Lincoln's birthday and Frederick Douglas' birthday (both on 12 Feb). Don't know if that is "accurate" but that's what I have read in my Black History studies. The AME Church and the NAACP have February birthdays (NAACP is 12 Feb). Isn't that interesting???
Ora Washington
AME Church, El Paso, Texas
10th Episcopal District
2. THE RIGHT REVEREND CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY, PRESIDING BISHOP, SIXTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNOUNCES AME CHURCH SENDS AID TO TSUNAMI DAMAGED SOMOLIA, KENYA AND TANZANIA:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
(Los Angeles) Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, chairperson of the Social Action Commission of theAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) announces the church’s campaign to provide relief to two of the tsunami-damaged countries on the Indian Ocean.
The low death toll in Kenya, Tanzania and Somalia is a poor indicator of the devastation brought by the tidal waves, which destroyed the infrastructures of local coastal communities, and the livelihoods of many who barely earned subsistence wages. Mandatory evacuation of beaches and coastal areas was possible because of the emergency plan of the US Embassy and the government of these countries.
The reporting outcome follows - In Somalia more than 200 persons lost their lives and another 50,000 had their homes destroyed (flattened). In Kenya, the loss of public roads, destruction of homes, and the difficulties of traveling have resulted in a major strain to an economy that could not support the basic needs of its people. Reconstruction needs will be far reaching, and costly.
Our church’s commitment to “make a difference” will include the collection of funds and other resources to be distributed via SADA, the international relief and development arm of the AME Church. Please remember the local residents and visitors in your prayers.
The public is invited to send its contributions and to:
Dr. Robert Nicolas, Director 202/ 371-8722 – voice SADA (Service and Development Agency) 202/ 371-0981 - fax 1134 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001
Checks may be made payable to: AME-SADA, or call Ms. Tina Newell (Director of Operations) 202 371-8722 to make a donation by credit card.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler-GuidryChair – Social Action CommissionPresiding Bishop,
Sixteenth Episcopal District – African Methodist Episcopal Church
1968 W. Adams Blvd. Suite 314
Los Angeles, CA 90018
323/ 293-6555 – voice FAX: 323/ 293-6572; Email: Girlbishop122@aol.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker 213/ 494-9493 OR 202/ 371-8722
or log onto www.ame-church.com
3. THE AME COLLEGE CORNER: A MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM BROTHER CRAIG ROBONSION, A TEENAGER AND A FRESHMAN AT MOREHOUSE COLLEGE. THE FULL ARTICE ENTITLED, “A LESSON ABOUT GRACE” IS TAKEN FROM II CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 WILL BE PRINTED IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
When I look back over my life I am amazed by the way the Lord has decided to use me. I have been preaching now for almost two years now, and have seen God work through me in many wonderful ways. It is such a blessing to serve God and serve others and helping people understand the joy and delight of being in Christ Jesus. However, in the midst of all this spreading the good news and telling people about the joy that I have that the world didn’t give I was given a metaphorical thorn in my flesh. Unlike Paul I am fortunate enough to have been able to identify my thorn. My thorn is being a teenager.
This thorn was so annoying and it torments me at least once or twice in a day. The thorn is aggravated whenever my fleshly desires come into play. All teenagers go through this phase of life. We want to experiment. We want to discover ourselves. We want to do things our way and face the consequences when they come. As we advance in our teenage years we are compelled to withdraw further and further from our parents and make our own decisions. This new sense of independence leads us to sometimes do things that we ought not to do.
This is especially hard for me being a minister (AME) of the gospel. I often find myself in the most intriguing situations (some of which must remain secret or face the wrath of my mother). There are so many temptations that are always showing up in the worst time…
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
4. AME COLLEGE CORNER: THE ARTICLE APPENDED BELOW WAS WRITTEN BY MOREHOUSE COLLEGE STUDENT, BROTHER CRAIG ROBINSON. IT’S ENTITLED, BIBLE WALK: LOOK UP.” THE KEY CONCEPT: TRUST, THERE IS A BRIGHT SIDE; GOD IS IN CONTROL.”
Psalm 121: 1-8 (NIV): I will lift up mine eyes to the hills, where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.
College brings a lot of struggle in any student’s life. Deadlines for tests, term papers, and presentations make life very stressful. This is especially true for those who prepare for large assignments at the last minute. The rigors of college can bring down the most energetic person to a state of utter lethargy. A college student’s entire appearance can be distorted. His or her head droops down. His or her facial expression changes and his or her outlook become negative. Suddenly you hear words like: “Can’t do it,” “Impossible!” “I give up!”
(Read the rest of the article in The Christian Recorder)
5. THE REVEREND DR. GEORGE R. LA SURE SHARES HIS STUDY OF THE, RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCHES: “THE NEW MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE”:
The rural and small membership church represents at least 85% of all A.M.E. Churches throughout our connection. As such, the rural and small membership church has a tremendous input into the total spiritual and financial resource of the A.M.E. Denomination. But, even though these two entities comprise the majority of the A.M.E. denominational presence, there is very little focused programming and resource directed toward improving its’ overall condition. The rural and small membership church is essentially where it was fifty years ago, without a voice to impact denominational change to make its’ overall condition better.
If we were forced to offer a working definition as to what a rural church might be, we might say that it is a body of A.M.E. Christian believers knit together in a common faith and worship activity thriving in settings removed from large urban centers. Many times they are located in sparsely populated areas, much of which is agricultural in scope, with limited employment, industrial, and commercial resource. There are also a limited number of institutions of higher learning in many of our rural areas.
The membership of our typical rural church might range from less than 10 to 250 members. The rural church is a family church with 2-3 families often comprising 75% of the rural church membership. The rural church is also known for its’ rigid adherence to tradition (those elements of worship and church administration that have kept it strong down through the years). The rural church is, often times, very resistant to change. Most of the A.M.E. rural churches are either on the “other side of the tracks”, or in communities located far away from Main Street.
Small membership churches, embracing the same profile and membership numbers as the rural church, are located throughout the AMEC connection. Many of these small membership churches are located in large urban areas. Unlike the rural church, the small membership church is not confined to any geographical setting. It can be found anywhere. Like the rural church, it is a family-dominated church. It, too, is strong on tradition (doing things the same way they have done them for years) and, is resistant to change. “Outsiders” must be adopted by the membership before they are allowed to peaceably and productively co-exist.
Many small membership churches are located in communities that have experienced a significant decline in population over the past 25-50 years. Other small membership churches are hidden from view in dying and decaying neighborhoods and, are nowhere near Main Street.
(Read the complete article in The Christian Recorder)
6. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Get your very own subscription in to The Christian Recorder (Paper copy) mailed directly to your home mailbox! The Christian Recorder is the OFFICIAL organ of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
You may: Call 800. 648-8724 and make your payment using your credit card. Or, send $26.00 check or money order for a one-year subscription to:
The Christian Recorder
500 8th Avenue South,
Nashville, TN 37203.
7. AME CHAPLAINS CORNER: CHAPLAIN DAVID BROWN:
Retired WW II Chaplain Kenneth White celebrated his 99th birthday on New Year's Day. I spoke to him last night and his mind and speech are as clear as ever. I am making plans to pay him a visit next month to interview him in order to record his story. Please pray for an open door to do so.
I have been invited to preach a revival in Las Vegas, NV. The Reverend Emmanuel Wasson, III, the pastor of Holy Trinity AMEC, is a good brother of mine that I met while stationed in 29 Palms, California. This will be my very first revival that I have preached since going into the ministry 18 years ago. Needless to say I am excited about the opportunity to proclaim, "Thus sayeth the Lord..."
Finally, I am slated for a new set of orders that will put me back on ship but keep my family in the area. I am scheduled to rotate to the USS BATAAN in July of this year to serve as the head chaplain in charge of the Protestant Religious Program. The orders are two years long but, due to current events, the deployment schedule is uncertain.
Again, Happy New Year!
Blessings,Chaplain David Brown
8. THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY, SENIOR PASTOR OF MORRIS BROWN AME CHURCH CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA GAVE THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE RECENTLY AT THE INTERFAITH SERVICE HELD IN CHARLESTON, IN MEMORY AND HONOR OF THE TSUNAMI VICTIMS OF SOUTH ASIA AND EAST AFRICA:
We gather tonight in Charleston, but in doing so we stand together with people of faith across the globe to offer best wishes and support to those in south Asia and eastern Africa whose lives have been devastated by the force of nature.
Every world religion has two things in common - respect for the creator and respect and care for our neighbors in need. Our world really is a global village, so it’s fitting and proper that we do all that we can to restore our neighbors in need, even if they live far from our doorsteps.I hope that this night results in an outpouring of material assistance and moral support by those of who have gathered here tonight. Charleston has experienced the devastating power of nature in the past, it’s now our turn to help others to recover, and I thank and commend everyone who has come here tonight to do so.
I hope as well that this night is a beginning and not simply an end in itself. I firmly believe that adversity sometimes breeds opportunity, that the creator whose work includes tsunamis and hurricanes also affords us the opportunity to find new common ground in the midst of the rubble.
When natural disasters occur, we regularly assemble in events like tonight’s event and mobilize across cross lines of color and culture and religion and class and politics to care about and support each other and to reach out to our neighbors. Too often, however, when the crisis is past, we just go home. I do hope that when the current crisis is past, we’ll remember this night, remember the faces and the spirits of those we meet tonight, and continue to work to build bridges and to find common ground to meet the challenges that we all face from day do day.
When we do, then we can celebrate the unity of our diversity and the diversity of our unity, and we won’t have come together to help our neighbors in times of crisis, because we’ll already be together.
9. THE FOLLOWING IS AN OP-ED ARTICLE WRITTERN BY THE REVEREND DR. JOE DARBY THAT APPEARED IN THE CHARLESTON, SC NEWPAPER:
On Monday, January 17, our nation, state and community will remember the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through worship services, parades, breakfasts, memorials and "days of service." I celebrate any good activity to remember Dr. King, but I will remember Dr. King by joining the State NAACP in Columbia, South Carolina for the fifth annual "King Day at the Dome" march and rally. I’ll do so because direct action that presses for positive change in public policy is the most authentic witness to Dr. King’s life and work.
Dr. King was felled by an assassin’s bullet over thirty-six years ago. In those thirty-six years, he has come to be acknowledged as a man of peace who stood for equal justice and equal rights. The light of history has reflected that accurate picture of Dr. King, but the light of history sometimes has a way of shining on some things and leaving others obscured by shadow. What’s often lost in many of the innocuous, polite and pleasant activities now pursued to remember Dr. King is what he said and how he was viewed by many in his day.
Days of community service to help the needy are worthy pursuits at any time of the year. As a pastor, Dr. King led his congregations in the same kind of direct service to the needy - service that should be the work of all clergy, houses of faith, and people of good will. Dr. King is best remembered, however, as head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and the acknowledged leader of the modern civil rights movement. In those capacities, he aggressively and articulately challenged the divisive public policies that created many of the needy that he served as a pastor. Dr. King did so in a nonviolent manner, but the response of his opponents of the day was anything but non-violent.
In his day, Dr. King was labeled as a subversive, as a communist and as an agitator; was jailed and physically abused; was ridiculed as a radical and was soundly vilified as a dangerous man who was a threat to the public safety. He received that treatment because he challenged America to change unjust laws. Those who love to quote Dr. King’s saying that we should be judged by not by the color of skin but by the content of character often conveniently forget that one sentence is not the sum total of his words. Dr. King also said, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Dr. King also said, "When you’re right, you cannot be too radical; when you are wrong, you cannot be too conservative." Dr. King also said, "Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men." Dr. King also said, "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."When viewed in the clear and comprehensive light of history, Dr. King was not a man who bowed his head in subservience and asked, "Can’t we all just get along?" Dr. King spoke out against the injustices of his day, putting his life on the line to do so. Because he did, then we need to do more than remember Dr. King through benign and universally acceptable means that allow participants to do "feel good" things, while blithely ignoring the still pervasive prejudice, inequity and division that make it harder for the needy to compete.
If we are to remember Dr. King by demanding equity as he did, then we need to ask why our state is still fighting against equitable funding of public schools while veiling support for private schools as "putting parents in charge. We need to ask why those who are indigent pay more at many hospitals than those who have health insurance. We need to ask why our legislature cannot respect the wishes of those who seek to honor the Confederate Battle flag in an unquestionably historical context. We need to ask why those admitted to institutions of higher education because of family connections have done a good thing, while those who are admitted through efforts to see that the racial playing field is level for those of equal ability is a bad thing. We need to ask why our state can grant huge economic incentives to businesses but can only make limited funds available for affordable housing loans.
Those questions and other questions of equity will be lifted up in Columbia at the King Day 2005 event. They may be uncomfortable and may rankle the spirits of those who create ideological litmus tests of patriotism and faith, but addressing them will do honor to Dr. King’s legacy. Dr. King, after all, described himself not as someone who would "go along to get along," but as a "drum major for justice." When we get in step with his authentic memory, then we can keep working to fulfill his dream for all Americans.
The Reverend Joseph A. Darby, Senior Pastor, Morris Brown African Methodist Episcopal Church, 13 Morris Street, Charleston, South Carolina
10. THE 13th EPISCOPAL 2005 DISTRICT-WIDE FOUNDER’S DAY WILL BE HELD AT ST. ANDREWS AME CHURCH, MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE ON FEBRUARY 10-12 2005, THEME: CHANGING CHURCH CULTURE:
AGENDA:
Thursday, February 10, 2005
8:00 AM – 12 Noon - Presiding Elder’s Institute
12:30 – 3:00 PM – Believe Board Working Luncheon
3:30 – 6 PM – 13th District Agenda Organizational Meeting
• Nehemiah Nation
• School of the Prophets (Clergy Institutes, Cross to Pentecost)
• AME Pages• AME Works Day
• Believe, Inc.
7:30 PM Opening Worship
Dr. Floyd Flake, Allen Cathedral AME Church, Jamaica, New York
Friday, February 11, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM - Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9: 45AM – Breakfast
10:00 AM – 12: 30 - Morning Plenary
12:45- 1: 45 – Hour of Power
2:00 – 3:30 PM – Lunch
3:30 – 5:30 PM – Afternoon Plenary
7:30 PM - Evening Worship
Rev. Jonathan Weaver, Mt. Nebo AME Church, Bowie Maryland
Saturday, February 12, 2005
6:00 – 7:00 AM- Morning Glory Prayer Ministry
7:00 – 8:00 AM – Living Well and Walking
7:30 – 9:45 AM – Breakfast
8:30 – 12 Noon – Nehemiah Nation (departs for church visitation/render service)
9:00 – 12Noon – YPD (meeting and elections)
13th District Agenda Components Meet (If necessary, except Nehemiah Nation)
12 Noon – Reporting of Components; Closing Worship, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
Passing the P.E.A.C.E. – Positive Energy Always Creates Elevation!
*** Plenary Sessions ****Rev. Ronald L. Owens, Augusta, Georgia U.S. Army Chaplain, Major (Retired)Conflict ResolutionLeadership Problem SolvingSeparating Issues from EventsOvercoming Barriers
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mr. Arthur Robertson, Jr., the brother of Mrs. Carrie Robertson Grady (Episcopal Supervisor, Retired).
The Funeral was held on Wednesday, January 12, 2005
St. Stephens Missionary Baptist Church
500 Noble Street
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Condolences may still be sent to :
Bishop and Mrs. Zedekiah L. Grady
1 Wespanee Drive
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 766-9569 - FAx: (843) 556-8659
Email: W1MG2CL@aol.com
12. FUNERAL SERVICE FOR MRS. PRISCILLA BOONES, THE MOTHER OF EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR MARY KIRKLAND, 9TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, JAUARY 15, 2005:
The Funeral was held on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 12:00 noon at the Waterloo Baptist Church, 807 Madison Avenue, Lorman, Mississippi.
Condolences may still be sent to the family:
Mrs. Mary Kirkland, 2120 Park Brook Lane, Birmingham, AL 35215 205-601-1748 (Mrs. Kirkland's cell phone)
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It's Chaplain David R. Brown from Naval Station, Norfolk, VA. I would like to inform you that my mother-in-law, Mrs. Joan G. Turner, died suddenly on the morning of 11 January. She was a life-long member of Third Street Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA. The specifics pertaining to her homegoing service are as follows:
Homegoing Celebration for Mrs. Joan G. Turner was held Saturday, January 15, 2005 12:00 p.m.
Eulogy: The Reverend Daryl K. Kearny, pastor of Third Street Bethel AME Church.
Expressions may be sent to the following addresses:
Mr. Raymond Turner
525 Montvale Avenue
Richmond, VA. 23222
OR
Chaplain and Mrs. David R. Brown
2316 Skipjack Lane
Chesapeake, VA 23323
Telephone: 757-558-4177
In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations be made to the following:
ALS Association
615 South Frederick Avenue, Ste. 308
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
www.alsinfo.org
Thank you in advance for your prayers and support!
Blessings, Chaplain David R. Brown
14. ALL CONDOLENCE MESSAGES ABOVE WERE FORWARDED BY:
Sister Ora L. Easley, President
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
WEB SITES: http://www.amemswwpk.org/CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Home Pagehttp://connmswawo3.com/index.html
AME Church Clergy Family Forum: http://connmswawo3.com/membership.html
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S Membership Listing
15. THE REVEREND WILLIAM HOWARD SMITH REPORTED THE DEATH OF BROTHER WILLIAM SAVANNAH FREY:
William Savannah (Daddy Frey) Frey, age 93, (The Father of the Rev. Nathan Frey, our pastor at Woodfork Chapel AME Church, Shelbyville, TN, Tennessee Conference, 13th Epics. District) died at his Nashville, TN residence on Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 12:45 a.m.
Survived by 6 daughters; 3 sons; 28 grandchildren; 64 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Family visitation was held on Sunday, January 16, 2005 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, 212 Neil Ave., Nashville, Tennessee, with Rev. Sidney Bryant officiating, and Rev. Nathan Frey, Eulogist.
The burial was conducted on Monday, January. 17, 2005 at 10 a.m. in Clarksville, Tennessee at Rest-Lawn Memorial Garden.
Rev. Nathan Frey 735 N 9th St Nashville, TN 37206-3956 (615) 227-4548