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:
Editor’s Note: The letter below was sent by the Reverend H. Daniel Edwards, Pastor Carter Chapel CME Church, Lubbock, Texas to “Bishop” Robert L. McKenzie, who pastors in Lubbock and who heads Grace Ministries and Grace Theological Seminary. “Bishop McKenzie extended a call for AME, AMEZ, and CME pastors to join his “fellowship.” A few AME pastors allegedly accepted his invitation and were designated as “bishops.” Reverend Edwards’ letter puts the Grace Ministries and Grace Seminary in perspective and it shows his respect for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and for legitimate education and ministry.
- Dear “Bishop, Dr.” McKenzie:
First of all, allow me to congratulate you and your congregation, Good Shepherd Baptist Church, on the purchase of your current church facilities and your relocation, although it has been nearly two years since you have occupied those facilities. I have been a Lubbock resident and pastor in the city for less than one year and have enjoyed the fellowship and camaraderie of the brethren and churches here in our fair West Texas city. However, over the past few days, some dark shadows have been cast over the city of Lubbock with your vile and insulting letters to the Editor of the AME Church Christian Recorder as well as to the Rev. Joe Darby of Charleston, SC, Senior Pastor of the largest African-American Church in South Carolina, Morris Brown AME Church; state NAACP official and pastor of one of our finest U. S. Congressmen, James Clyburn.
In your effort to solicit students for your “school” (wherever it is located), you sent an email to Rev. Joe Darby and to other AME ministers across the country stating the affordability and productivity of your “seminary.” When Rev. Darby informed other on-line readers that the school, faculty, course of study, your consecration of Bishops who are pastoring in other churches including the Methodist bodies (AME, AME Zion and CME Churches) was more like a hoax than anything else, you began attacking the credibility of these bodies and ministers.
The AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church is the oldest African-American denomination in the Western World and your attacks, insults and negative innuendoes have caused YOU, not the AME Church, much harm and widens a credibility gap in your ministry here in Lubbock. Here in our city, you have alienated some of the most affluent citizens who happen to be members of the United Methodist, AME, and CME Churches. Bethel AME Church, here in the city of Lubbock, has some of the finest, Christian men and women you would ever want to meet. The past city Councilman and current Newspaper Editor of the Southwest Digest, T. J. Patterson, is not only a Steward of Bethel but is also a Trustee of Paul Quinn College in Dallas (an AME Church owned and operated institution). Dr. Heenan Johnson, Sr. and Jr. are both officers of Bethel Church and are assets to the medical community as well as several educators, school principals and business men and women. There needs to be an apology to the Methodist community, black and white, in particular and to the Christian Churches of Lubbock in general for your recent un-Christian behavior.
From my understanding, Lubbock has been one of the most progressive cities in the nation when it comes to ecumenical relations and inter-racial cooperation among the churches. However, you are on the verge of alienating and interrupting that genuine Christian fellowship which has been preserved for many, many decades.
As a response to your accusations and claims, it would certainly clear the air of any mis-communication and understandings if you would respond to the following:
Where is the campus for the school since the church’s facilities here in Lubbock are quite small and inadequate for a seminary? Is there an office for the seminary that we can peruse your seminary material(s)? Who are the members of the Board of Trustees?
Who are the instructors in the program since it offers terminal degrees and states that it is accredited? There is only one Black minister (and he has 7 earned degrees from some of the best schools in Texas and the country) in Lubbock or between Ft. Worth and El Paso who could even teach at an accredited seminary with credentials leading to a Ph.D. or a terminal degree since all the analytical tools and research methodologies must be mastered and he is United Methodist D. S. and former A. M. E. and his degrees are from accredited schools. Do you know of any others? If so, please provide us with their names and the schools they have attended. Moreover, the United Methodist Church as well as other Methodist connections screen their ministers carefully for any serious violations that would affect their denominations adversely.
Aside from the one African American minister with earned doctorates, there are only 2 other African American ministers in Lubbock that we are aware of who have earned seminary degrees from accredited seminaries; Rev. Will Tanner, M. Div. from Virginia Union, pastor of Pilgrim Baptist Church and myself, Rev. H. Daniel Edwards (formerly an AME pastor in Oklahoma and Texas), M. Div. from Perkins and Phillips School of Theology, currently the pastor of Carter Chapel CME Church in Lubbock. If there are others among the more than one-hundred ministers here in Lubbock, please provide us with their names and the accredited seminaries from which they are graduates.
Since the program is so “affordable” and “accessible”, why has it not been advertised in the Lubbock and West Texas communities?
You have been in Lubbock approximately two years and are now “Bishop”; no other pastors in this area are aware of you possessing such title but you do refer to yourself as “Dr.” among the brethren. Are there congregations in Lubbock who are members of your “fellowship of Churches” and if so, can you please provide us with the names of these churches?
The only continuing education seminary in Lubbock that we are aware of and that is accredited is maintained by the United Methodist Church; do you know of others? Moreover, there is a difference in honorary degrees and the earned ones that you claim your school can bestow upon an individual after matriculation.
You started in your letter to the “AME Christian Recorder On-Line”: “As a 41-year-old black man with 7 earned degrees I have fully come to understand the term, ‘Crab Mentality.’” Will you please provide us with the names of the schools you graduated from, the dates and degrees you received and the academic area(s) of concentration?
You also stated, “After being a graduate of Criswell College for Biblical Studies in Dallas, Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, I clearly understood the high price of education.” We have several alumnae of Perkins School of Theology at SMU and Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary here in the Lubbock area and throughout Texas and the country; will you please inform us of the years you studied at these institutions and the dates of graduation?
According to the Association of Theological Seminaries located in Pittsburgh which accredits all seminaries in the U. S., Canada and the Caribbean, the Grace Valley Theological Seminary does not exist. The ONLY seminary with a name Grace is located in Winona Lake, MN and it is owned by the Church of the Brethren.
Will you please provide us with the names of the “State Bishops”, “Jurisdictional Bishops” and your “Executive Staff?”
We need to begin identifying pastors, ministers and others with instant ordinations as well as those who claims to have doctoral or master degrees but are in reality only from diploma mills, un-accredited schools, many of which are non-existent, Yet many of these pastors do not distinguish between HONORARY DEGREES and EARNED DEGREES.
W. A. Criswell Bible School of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas of which you, the Grace Valley Theological Seminary President are a graduate of, and received a “doctorate,” is neither an accredited seminary nor can any graduate of it teach at an accredited school. This school was organized by the late arch-conservative, Rev. W. A. Criswell, D. D. long time pastor of First Baptist Church, Dallas.
It is an insult to the Methodist Church and other denominations by advertising a “quick, diploma mill” education for their constituencies. The AME, AME Zion, CME and United Methodist Churches have been in the forefront of education for their ministers and lay persons for many generations. As a result, SMU, Claremont, Iliff, Boston University, Syracuse University, Duke University, Drew University, Vanderbilt University, Union Theological Seminary, Northwestern University, Emory University, Wilberforce University, Lane College, Paul Quinn, Livingstone College and many other universities and seminaries, owned and operated by these Methodist denominations have existed for years to educate not only their clergy and laity, but those from other denominations as well. As a matter of fact, more than half of all the accredited private universities and seminaries in the U. S. and Canada are owned by these Methodist connections.
The address for the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada is: Susan Beckerdite, Accrediting Coordinator; - 10 Summit Park Drive – Pittsburgh, PA 15275-1103 Telephone: (412) -788-6505, extension 222.
The only accredited Protestant seminaries in the state of Texas are: Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX; Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, TX; Austin Presbyterian School of Theology in Austin, TX; Houston Graduate School of Theology in Houston, TX; Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, TX; Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, TX; Abilene Christian Graduate School of Theology in Abilene, TX; and George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University. If you find this list lacking, please inform us and we will correct the list.
I await your answers, and in the meantime, we are studying the matter to see if it warrants an investigation by the Association of Theological Schools, the Southern Baptist Convention (of which you are member), the IRS, the FBI and the City Attorney’s office. Hopefully, it will not have to come to this.
Yours in Christian Service,
Rev. H. Daniel Edwards, Pastor
Carter Chapel CME Church
420 N. Martin Luther King Boulevard
Lubbock, TX 79403
Editor’s Note: The entire situation with Grace Ministries and Grace Theological Seminary should cause us, as a Church, to review our credentialing procedures. I shutter to think that we have pastors who may have use fraudulent credentials, such as Grace Theological Seminary to access our ministerial orders.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a respected and legitimate religious institution and one of the major Christian church bodies in the United States and in the world. Ministers credentialed by the AME church can transfer to any of the Methodist family of churches and to other denominations, i.e., Baptist, Church of God in Christ, Episcopal, etc. Our credentials are recognized and transferable to other Christian denominations, so it is imperative that we ordain only those persons who are spiritually and academically qualified and who possess the highest moral and ethical standards. The time is past for accepting what applicants tell us they have done. The Church, i.e., Boards of Examiners; bishops must take the hard stand and require applicants to submit documents that are verified.
Applicants for ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church should be required to submit letters of recommendation; sealed official transcripts sent directly to the Boards of Examiners by academic institutions; and if an applicant has served in the military, the applicant should be required to submit an original or certified copy of the DD Form 214. Boards of Examiners should no longer accept copies of transcripts and copies of the DD Form 214.
If applicants have attended unaccredited institutions, they should be encouraged to legitimize themselves by attending an accredited institution.
The Church needs to insure that it credentials only those who are qualified and who intend to serve God and God’s people in our Zion. We should not be preparing ministers to serve in other denominations.
2. FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing today, April 7, 2005, of Sister Pauline Williams, mother of Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and mother-in-law of Bishop John Richard Bryant, Presiding Bishop of the 5th Episcopal District.
Service arrangements for Sister Pauline Williams are pending and the information will be forthcoming.
Contact Information for the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and Bishop John R. Bryant:
Residence: 5420 Reynier Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90056-0539
310-568-9802 - Phone
Or
5th Episcopal District AME Church
1968 West Adams Blvd
Suite 401
Los Angeles, CA 90018
323-730-7706 - Phone
323-735-8042– FAX
Please remember the family in your prayers.
Blessings, Doris Denson-Belcher
President 5th District Clergy Family Org.
3. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share news of the passing of Retired Presiding Elder C. E. Shepherd, retired Presiding Elder of the Thomasville - Bainbridge District, South Georgia Conference, Sixth Episcopal District, and the spouse of Mrs. Lillard Shepherd, a founding member of CONN-M-SWAWO + PK’S.
Arrangements are pending.
Contact Information:
Mrs. Lillard Shepherd
P.O. Box 874
Moultrie, GA 31768
229-985-4595
Please remember Mrs. Shepherd and the family in your prayers.
4. ALL FUNERAL AND DEATH ANNOUNCEMENTS RECEIVED FROM:
Ora L. Easley
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact)
(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SWEB SITES
http://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S June 2005 Events
5. SUMMER ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM:
The Department of Industrial and Engineering Technology at Grambling State University is hosting a “Summer Engineering Technology Program for Women of Color” and would like assistance in advertising.
Attached are the document for this and the website is: http://www.geocities.com/shirleymflinders/setp.html
Thank you for your assistance. If you know of other sites that I can post for free please let me know. Shirley Flinders
Instructor of Electronic Engineering Technology
(318) 274-2898 SETP
Summer Engineering Technology Program for Women of ColorJune 26 – July 1, 2005
Grambling State University
6. JOBS / MASSIVE RECRUITING EFFORT:
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is undertaking a massive recruiting effort and is advertising nationwide to attract highly-qualifiedcandidates. The Bureau plans to hire several thousand new employees - both special agents and support staff - by September 30th.
Bureau officials saythey are looking for a wide variety of personnel, including information technology specialists, fingerprint examiners,lawyers, linguists and translators, electronic technicians, investigative specialists, and administrative assistants.
Those interested in applying can now use the Bureau’s new online automatedhiring management system. For details, go tohttp://www.fbi.gov/page2/jan05/hired012805.htm_ (http://www.fbi.gov/page2/jan05/hired012805.htm)
Good news for job hunters: the FBI is hiring-and not just Special Agents. We're looking for a few thousand good men and women with a wide range of technical, scientific, analytic, and other skills. We plan to hire over2,000 support professionals this year alone.The jobs? All over the map: Intelligence analysts. IT specialists.Fingerprint examiners. Lawyers. Linguists and translators. Electronictechnicians. Investigative specialists. Administrative assistants. Andmore.
7. SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE - RADIOCHEMISTRY SOCIETY:
The Radiochemistry Society is now providing graduate fellowships and undergraduate scholarships. This is an opportunity to indirectly fund your research and promote science. Please encourage your student to apply before the May 1, 2005 deadline.
Please follow this link for a complete description of the program & application process: http://www.radiochemistry.org/scholarship/index.shtml
We look forward to hearing from you.
Larry A. Burchfield, PhD
Radiochemistry Society
Web: www.Radiochemistry.org
Email: info@Radiochemistry.org
Editor's Note: Please check out the scholarship information for yourself.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
4/08/2005
4/06/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (4/6/05)
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:
The exegetical question was answered by Licentiate Va' Nechia Rayford, a candidate for the Master of Divinity, Candler School of Theology. Lic. Rayford is from the 5th Episcopal District. The Rt. Reverend John Bryant is her presiding bishop.
I have condensed her answer: “During the time of Jesus, Tuesday would have been a day wedding were held. Devout Jews have their weddings on Tuesdays because in the Creation account in Genesis, the only time God said Ki tou, “(and God said) it was good” two times was on the third day of Creation. Even today, many devout Jews have their weddings on Tuesdays.”
Editor’s note: Thank you, Lic. Va’Nechia Rayford!
It’s great to have our seminarians involved in the life of the Church.
2. THE GLOBAL CORNER: 2005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS OF THE NINETEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, THE RIGHT REVEREND JAMES L. DAVIS, PRESIDING BISHOP:
APRIL 2005
6 Presiding Elder’s Workshop
6 – 7 Ministers, Spouses & Laity Symposium
7 WMS One-Day Retreat
8 MID-YEAR CONVOCATION
9 SELF-HELP DISTRICT PARADE
26 – 28 Global Development Council, Harare, South Africa
MAY
6 – 8 Bishop’s Visitation of the Venda District
JUNE
12 Founder’s Day Celebration of the AME Church - South Africa
23 – 26 Connectional RAYAC Convention – Los Angeles, CA (USA)
26 – 30 General Board Meeting – Dallas, TX (USA)
JULY
25 – 29 Connectional Lay Biennial – Houston, TX (USA)
SEPTEMBER
28 – (Oct) 2 108th Session – ORANGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Mt. Zion AME Church
P O Box 16056
Mangaung 9307
Rev. TAM Mofokeng, Host Pastor
Rev. SS Maboe, Host Presiding Elder
OCTOBER
6 - 9 77th Session – NATAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Ebenezer AME Church
P/bag X2231
Jozini, 3968
Rev. O G Tlhomelang, Host Pastor
Rev. O L Molefi, Host Presiding Elder
12 - 16 21ST Session – MM MOKONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SPS Chesane AME Church
P O Box 2001
Chuenespoort 0745
Rev. A M Sebelebele, Host Pastor
Rev. A M Mexico, Host Presiding Elder
26 – 30 54th Session – EAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Trinity AME Church
P O Box 256
Evaton, 1980
Rev. Thabo Senatle, Host Pastor
Rev. S B Dire, Host Presiding Elder
NOVEMBER
2 - 6 108th Session – WEST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Ebenezer Temple AME Church
P O Box 274
Diepkloof, 1864
Rev. V J Malafetse, Host Pastor
Rev. A N Tsimane, Host Presiding Elder
10 – 12 WMS CONFERENCE
17 - 19 PLENARY MEETING – ORANGIA CONFERENCE
Mt. Horeb AME Church
P O Box 40024
Motse-Thabong 9463
Rev. M G Ramatong, Host Pastor
Rev. S R J Machesa, Host Presiding Elder
3. BISHOP E. EARL MCCLOUD, JR. TO SPEAK AT ST. MARK AME CHURCH-MILWAUKEE’S 136TH ANNIVERSARY:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Reverend Dr. E. Earl McCloud, Jr., the 127th elected Bishop who oversees Ecumenical and Urban Affairs of the AME Church, will be the keynote speaker at the 11:00 a.m. worship service celebrating the 136th anniversary of St. Mark AME Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, on Sunday, April 17, 2005.
Founded in 1869, St. Mark is the oldest established African American congregation in Wisconsin. McCloud received his masters of divinity degree with a concentration in the Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care from Turner Theological Seminary, 1988, and a doctor of ministry from United Theological Seminary. Bishop McCloud left the pastoral leadership of the First AME Church in Decatur, GA to assume his new leadership role of Episcopal liaison based in Atlanta, GA.
Bishop McCloud is married to Patricia Russell-McCloud, J.D., renown internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and author. During his thirty-year history in the AME Church, McCloud has been involved at all levels in the church and community. His leadership harvested more than 2,000 members during his eight years as pastor of First AME Church in Atlanta.
Bishop McCloud is a member of several service organizations: Atlanta’s Concerned Black Clergy, the Congress of National Black Churches, Tuskegee Institute National Alumni Association, The World Council of Churches, Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment (ABLE), NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. His achievements and honors equally rise: Ordained AME Elder, Outstanding Young Men of America, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters from U.S. Army.
Following the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, a banquet dinner, silent auction and musical performances will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., in the Ezekiel Gillespie Fellowship Hall. For banquet tickets, $25 for adults and $10 for youth up to 12 years of age, call (414) 562-8030. All events are open to the public. Rev. Darryl R. Williams, Pastor.
Source: Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
The Lantern 2004
Writer: Patricia Chisom
(414) 445-8757
Email: stmarkpr@yahoo.com
Fax: (414) 445-1900
Contact: Michelle Crockett (414) 342-8323
4. A LAYPERSON EXTOLS THE CARE AND CONCERN OF BISHOP VASHTI AND SUPERVISOR MCKENZIE HAVE FOR THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Hello! I can hardly contain myself - the 38 miles from Danville to Lexington, Kentucky seemed like 238....because I was so anxious to report on the Believe Tour of Churches (April 1-3) conducted by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie through the Kentucky Conference - Lexington, Kentucky. Bishop McKenzie visited 18 churches in the Kentucky Conference with promises to return and visit the remaining churches in the District. And what a tour it was - starting with a Friday Night Prayer and Praise Service at Historic St. Paul - Lexington. Due to unforeseen circumstances (inclement weather, canceled flights and more) the Bishop was unable to make the service at the appointed hour - nevertheless, the choirs sang, the Presiding Elder, the pastors, and the people prayed and testified until the Bishop arrived. From all appearances not one person considered leaving as we eagerly awaited the arrival of our Bishop. It was worth the wait as the Bishop shared her apologies for her late arrival and then told a story about a rescue station that held us all spellbound, along with other encouraging remarks. Following the Prayer and Praise Service - a repast was held for Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan.
Saturday dawned as a windy, cold, dreary and rainy day in Kentucky - but nothing could stop Bishop McKenzie from making her Believe Tour of Churches - she visited some 18 churches - what a Bishop - never in Kentucky have we seen anything like her. Some of the churches in the Kentucky Conference have never had a Bishop to visit their churches. I think I can speak for all the "Laity" in the Lexington District and say My Lord! My Lord! What a Bishop. Someone who cares about the people and the churches.
Sunday, God smiled on the Kentucky Conference and sent sunshine, Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan to visit Quinn Chapel, Lexington, Kentucky for the 11:00 a.m. worship service and Holy Communion and from all accounts, used by the Holy Spirit, "turned the house out" with a message entitled "Hoping for the Best in a Bad Situation."
Bishop McKenzie was rushed to St. James AME Church, Danville. Following a Praise Service featuring the Centennial Baptist Church choir from Harrodsburg - the Evening Worship service began. Bishop McKenzie's sermon was entitled "I Don't Believe He Brought Us This Far to Leave Us Now!" I believe that Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie can inspire or motivate anyone who wishes to be inspired or motivated - what a dynamic preacher she is! I can't recall when I have heard such a positive, more encouraging, and motivating message.
A plea to the Kentucky Conference of the Lexington District - let's not miss this opportunity - God has blessed us with a loving, caring and yes, honest, trustworthy, accountable bishop - let's join in and climb every mountain, cross every stream, and support our bishop. We have a lot of work to do; a lot of souls to save; a lot of changes that must be made; and a lot of rebuilding to be done. We have the Leadership - now let's follow and get the job done.
Submitted by Sister Doris Coffey
St. Paul AME, Lexington, Kentucky
5. THE REVEREND DENISE ROGERS, EDITOR OF THE AME HERALD SHARES GRANT INFORMATION:
You may read about grants at the website appended below.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm
You may read the article in the AME Herald: http://www.ameherald.com/page8.html
6. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REVEREND MANDRALL QUIMOY HARROW:
The Reverend Mandrall Quimoy Harrow was a good friend. He was a hardworking young man who loved the ministry. He leaves to mourn his death a devoted wife, Mrs. Gia Harrow and a loving mother Ms. Beverly Neal Mandrall. He was a student at the Turner Theological Seminary, ITC, Atlanta, Georgia. He will be missed.
Peace & Blessings,
Bruce L. Francis
Funeral Services for the Reverend Mandrall Quimoy Harrow is scheduled for:
Thursday, April 7, 2005
1:00 P. M.
St. John A.M.E. Church
3980 Steam Mill Road
Columbus, GA 31907
The Rev. Harrow was pastor of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Lumpkin, GA.
Hill-Watson Funeral Home, 2919 Hamilton Road, Columbus, GA 31904 Telephone: (706) 569-8339 is handling the arrangements.
The family can be reached at 768 Corley Drive, Columbus, GA Telephone (706) 561-1797
M Sven "Karl" ColquittPresiding ElderCentral DistrictSouthwest Georgia ConferenceSixth Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal ChurchOffice:(229)928-9559Fax: (229)924-8205Mobile:(229)942-7086
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITOR’S CORNER:
The exegetical question was answered by Licentiate Va' Nechia Rayford, a candidate for the Master of Divinity, Candler School of Theology. Lic. Rayford is from the 5th Episcopal District. The Rt. Reverend John Bryant is her presiding bishop.
I have condensed her answer: “During the time of Jesus, Tuesday would have been a day wedding were held. Devout Jews have their weddings on Tuesdays because in the Creation account in Genesis, the only time God said Ki tou, “(and God said) it was good” two times was on the third day of Creation. Even today, many devout Jews have their weddings on Tuesdays.”
Editor’s note: Thank you, Lic. Va’Nechia Rayford!
It’s great to have our seminarians involved in the life of the Church.
2. THE GLOBAL CORNER: 2005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS OF THE NINETEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT, THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, THE RIGHT REVEREND JAMES L. DAVIS, PRESIDING BISHOP:
APRIL 2005
6 Presiding Elder’s Workshop
6 – 7 Ministers, Spouses & Laity Symposium
7 WMS One-Day Retreat
8 MID-YEAR CONVOCATION
9 SELF-HELP DISTRICT PARADE
26 – 28 Global Development Council, Harare, South Africa
MAY
6 – 8 Bishop’s Visitation of the Venda District
JUNE
12 Founder’s Day Celebration of the AME Church - South Africa
23 – 26 Connectional RAYAC Convention – Los Angeles, CA (USA)
26 – 30 General Board Meeting – Dallas, TX (USA)
JULY
25 – 29 Connectional Lay Biennial – Houston, TX (USA)
SEPTEMBER
28 – (Oct) 2 108th Session – ORANGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Mt. Zion AME Church
P O Box 16056
Mangaung 9307
Rev. TAM Mofokeng, Host Pastor
Rev. SS Maboe, Host Presiding Elder
OCTOBER
6 - 9 77th Session – NATAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Ebenezer AME Church
P/bag X2231
Jozini, 3968
Rev. O G Tlhomelang, Host Pastor
Rev. O L Molefi, Host Presiding Elder
12 - 16 21ST Session – MM MOKONE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
SPS Chesane AME Church
P O Box 2001
Chuenespoort 0745
Rev. A M Sebelebele, Host Pastor
Rev. A M Mexico, Host Presiding Elder
26 – 30 54th Session – EAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Trinity AME Church
P O Box 256
Evaton, 1980
Rev. Thabo Senatle, Host Pastor
Rev. S B Dire, Host Presiding Elder
NOVEMBER
2 - 6 108th Session – WEST ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Ebenezer Temple AME Church
P O Box 274
Diepkloof, 1864
Rev. V J Malafetse, Host Pastor
Rev. A N Tsimane, Host Presiding Elder
10 – 12 WMS CONFERENCE
17 - 19 PLENARY MEETING – ORANGIA CONFERENCE
Mt. Horeb AME Church
P O Box 40024
Motse-Thabong 9463
Rev. M G Ramatong, Host Pastor
Rev. S R J Machesa, Host Presiding Elder
3. BISHOP E. EARL MCCLOUD, JR. TO SPEAK AT ST. MARK AME CHURCH-MILWAUKEE’S 136TH ANNIVERSARY:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Reverend Dr. E. Earl McCloud, Jr., the 127th elected Bishop who oversees Ecumenical and Urban Affairs of the AME Church, will be the keynote speaker at the 11:00 a.m. worship service celebrating the 136th anniversary of St. Mark AME Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 1616 W. Atkinson Avenue, on Sunday, April 17, 2005.
Founded in 1869, St. Mark is the oldest established African American congregation in Wisconsin. McCloud received his masters of divinity degree with a concentration in the Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care from Turner Theological Seminary, 1988, and a doctor of ministry from United Theological Seminary. Bishop McCloud left the pastoral leadership of the First AME Church in Decatur, GA to assume his new leadership role of Episcopal liaison based in Atlanta, GA.
Bishop McCloud is married to Patricia Russell-McCloud, J.D., renown internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and author. During his thirty-year history in the AME Church, McCloud has been involved at all levels in the church and community. His leadership harvested more than 2,000 members during his eight years as pastor of First AME Church in Atlanta.
Bishop McCloud is a member of several service organizations: Atlanta’s Concerned Black Clergy, the Congress of National Black Churches, Tuskegee Institute National Alumni Association, The World Council of Churches, Atlantans Building Leadership for Empowerment (ABLE), NAACP, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. His achievements and honors equally rise: Ordained AME Elder, Outstanding Young Men of America, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters from U.S. Army.
Following the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service, a banquet dinner, silent auction and musical performances will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., in the Ezekiel Gillespie Fellowship Hall. For banquet tickets, $25 for adults and $10 for youth up to 12 years of age, call (414) 562-8030. All events are open to the public. Rev. Darryl R. Williams, Pastor.
Source: Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
The Lantern 2004
Writer: Patricia Chisom
(414) 445-8757
Email: stmarkpr@yahoo.com
Fax: (414) 445-1900
Contact: Michelle Crockett (414) 342-8323
4. A LAYPERSON EXTOLS THE CARE AND CONCERN OF BISHOP VASHTI AND SUPERVISOR MCKENZIE HAVE FOR THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Hello! I can hardly contain myself - the 38 miles from Danville to Lexington, Kentucky seemed like 238....because I was so anxious to report on the Believe Tour of Churches (April 1-3) conducted by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie through the Kentucky Conference - Lexington, Kentucky. Bishop McKenzie visited 18 churches in the Kentucky Conference with promises to return and visit the remaining churches in the District. And what a tour it was - starting with a Friday Night Prayer and Praise Service at Historic St. Paul - Lexington. Due to unforeseen circumstances (inclement weather, canceled flights and more) the Bishop was unable to make the service at the appointed hour - nevertheless, the choirs sang, the Presiding Elder, the pastors, and the people prayed and testified until the Bishop arrived. From all appearances not one person considered leaving as we eagerly awaited the arrival of our Bishop. It was worth the wait as the Bishop shared her apologies for her late arrival and then told a story about a rescue station that held us all spellbound, along with other encouraging remarks. Following the Prayer and Praise Service - a repast was held for Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan.
Saturday dawned as a windy, cold, dreary and rainy day in Kentucky - but nothing could stop Bishop McKenzie from making her Believe Tour of Churches - she visited some 18 churches - what a Bishop - never in Kentucky have we seen anything like her. Some of the churches in the Kentucky Conference have never had a Bishop to visit their churches. I think I can speak for all the "Laity" in the Lexington District and say My Lord! My Lord! What a Bishop. Someone who cares about the people and the churches.
Sunday, God smiled on the Kentucky Conference and sent sunshine, Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan to visit Quinn Chapel, Lexington, Kentucky for the 11:00 a.m. worship service and Holy Communion and from all accounts, used by the Holy Spirit, "turned the house out" with a message entitled "Hoping for the Best in a Bad Situation."
Bishop McKenzie was rushed to St. James AME Church, Danville. Following a Praise Service featuring the Centennial Baptist Church choir from Harrodsburg - the Evening Worship service began. Bishop McKenzie's sermon was entitled "I Don't Believe He Brought Us This Far to Leave Us Now!" I believe that Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie can inspire or motivate anyone who wishes to be inspired or motivated - what a dynamic preacher she is! I can't recall when I have heard such a positive, more encouraging, and motivating message.
A plea to the Kentucky Conference of the Lexington District - let's not miss this opportunity - God has blessed us with a loving, caring and yes, honest, trustworthy, accountable bishop - let's join in and climb every mountain, cross every stream, and support our bishop. We have a lot of work to do; a lot of souls to save; a lot of changes that must be made; and a lot of rebuilding to be done. We have the Leadership - now let's follow and get the job done.
Submitted by Sister Doris Coffey
St. Paul AME, Lexington, Kentucky
5. THE REVEREND DENISE ROGERS, EDITOR OF THE AME HERALD SHARES GRANT INFORMATION:
You may read about grants at the website appended below.
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/fundsavail.cfm
You may read the article in the AME Herald: http://www.ameherald.com/page8.html
6. FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REVEREND MANDRALL QUIMOY HARROW:
The Reverend Mandrall Quimoy Harrow was a good friend. He was a hardworking young man who loved the ministry. He leaves to mourn his death a devoted wife, Mrs. Gia Harrow and a loving mother Ms. Beverly Neal Mandrall. He was a student at the Turner Theological Seminary, ITC, Atlanta, Georgia. He will be missed.
Peace & Blessings,
Bruce L. Francis
Funeral Services for the Reverend Mandrall Quimoy Harrow is scheduled for:
Thursday, April 7, 2005
1:00 P. M.
St. John A.M.E. Church
3980 Steam Mill Road
Columbus, GA 31907
The Rev. Harrow was pastor of St. Mark A.M.E. Church, Lumpkin, GA.
Hill-Watson Funeral Home, 2919 Hamilton Road, Columbus, GA 31904 Telephone: (706) 569-8339 is handling the arrangements.
The family can be reached at 768 Corley Drive, Columbus, GA Telephone (706) 561-1797
M Sven "Karl" ColquittPresiding ElderCentral DistrictSouthwest Georgia ConferenceSixth Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal ChurchOffice:(229)928-9559Fax: (229)924-8205Mobile:(229)942-7086
4/04/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (4/4/05)
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:
A preacher told me my questions were too hard. I guess that minister was right because no one answered the posted questions. I am going to answer the questions related to the AME Church, but I am going to run the exegetical question related to the wedding at Cana of Galilee for a few more days. I know that some preacher will answer that question correctly.
Answer to questions:
(1) Who was the first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church who was born overseas? Bishop Paul Quinn was born in India ““about the 1788.
(2) Who was the AME Bishop who established the Conference Course of Study? Bishop Daniel Payne. When he introduced the resolution at the General Conference in 1844, it was voted down unanimously. It passed the next day unanimously, upon a motion offered by the Reverend A.D. Lewis.
The answers can be found in Dr. George Singleton’s Book, The Romance of African Methodism. You can order that book from the AME Publishing House. Call 800-648-8724 and order the book using your credit card.
I know that some preacher can answer the exegetical question.
Exegetical Question: The Gospel of John gives the account of the Wedding in Cana of Galilee where Jesus turned the water into wine. The account clearly gives the day of the week when the wedding was held. On which day of the week was the Wedding in Cana of Galilee held? Why was the wedding held on that particular day of the week? Give a short hermeneutical explanation about the day the week on which the wedding was held and how it relates to Jews today.
Prize: Any one book, excluding Bibles and commentaries sold in the AME Publishing House Bookstore.
2. TRIBUTE TO THE LATE BISHOP DECATUR WARD NICHOLS:
A tribute to our beloved second father, Bishop D. Ward Nichols:
Your passing has left a deep and personal void in our heads because of the love you showered upon my sister and me. Before our father, the Rev. E. William Judge died, you promised him you would take over as our father, and you did just that. We cherish the nickname you gave us…we were your “Little Monkeys.”
Your favorite words to us were... “Little monkeys hurry up and find boyfriends so that your father can walk you down the aisle at your weddings, because your Dad’s getting older each year.” We cherish you also because your life was the epitome’ of love, courage, vision and deep faith. What you believed in you believed with heart and soul. It was not by chance that you were esteemed by all who knew you.
You prefaced all of your sermons when you preached at our district meetings by saying something about your “Little Monkeys.” Thank you, thank you for being there for us. We were able to cope with our father’s death because we knew you were there. Your calls, birthday cards and visits left everlasting footprints upon our hearts.
No one can, or will ever, embody your love, dedication, service to God, the AME church and all mankind as you did. We thank you for your love, sound counsel, wisdom and inspiration.
When Audrey died in a diabetic coma suddenly, you were there for my mother and me. To this day, I can still envisioned the visibly and profoundly shocked that etched your facial expression, and your entire being. You comforted us by saying, Audrey dealt with this disease since the age of eight and suffered in many comas so God knew that she was tired and took her home to rest.
O how God, Audrey and Reverend Judge welcomed you home. I can hear Audrey saying, “I love you Daddy Nichols” and my father saying, “Thank you for looking after my family.”
Words are futile at a time like this to assuage the grief of your immediate family, your two daughters, (my sisters) and friends, but may it help them to know that their father built a temple of honor and virtue and of unselfish devotion to all humankind.
Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols touched souls, lifted spirits and served his Church unswervingly in the fullness of his life’s service to God and all his fellow humankind. “May his soul rest in peace”
“His Little Monkey,” Attorney Connie M. Judge
And
Dr. Gladys H. Judge, Mother
3. THE WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL/WORLD EVANGELISM:
Do you know if there are other Episcopal districts sending representatives to the World Methodist Council/World Evangelism meeting at St. Simmons Isle, Georgia?
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle is sending 12 persons to represent the 12th Episcopal District. The meeting will be held April 11-15. If other Episcopal Districts are sending representatives, let’s connect with each other prior to attending the meeting. Please email me at gcnettles@yahoo.com with arrival information.
Thanks,
The Rev. Gregory C. Nettles
4. FUNERAL NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Isaiah Riley. He was the father of Mrs. Cassandra Points and the father in law of Rev. Bruce D. Points. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral was held on Monday, April 4, 2004; the viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m. at Gates of Heaven Pentecostal Church, 1755 N. 57th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Bruce D. and Mrs. Cassandra Points
22377 Pinehaven Road
Lincoln, DE 19960
Interment: Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran Cemetery
Wrightstown, NJ
Please remember the Points family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
5. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
It is with great sorrow that we report the home going of Mrs. Trudy Jackson Lewis, the wife of Presiding Elder Otis Lewis of the Central Louisiana District of the Louisiana Conference of the 8th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop C. Garrett Henning, Sr., Supervisor - Mrs. Yvonne H. Parks. Mrs. Lewis will be missed by the entire 8th. She is a native of Hattiesburg, Ms where Rev. Lewis pastored Zion Chapel AMEC, where they met and married. She is also the second cousin of Pastor Carter.
Rev. Otis Lewis' mailing address:
990 Hano Rd
Independence, LA 70443
Telephone: 985-748-7696
Her home going celebration was held at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, 874 Turner Chapel Road, Greensburg, MS 70441, where the Rev. Stanley J. Carter is pastor. Bishop Henning officiated. Interment was done at the Leonard Chapel AME Church Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.
We solicit your prayers for those who remain to endure the pain of her lose.
6. EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT REPORTS THE PASSING OF THE REVEREND HERCULES DAVIS:
We ask your prayers for the Widow Urthelyn Davis who laid to rest her husband Rev. Hercules Davis on March 12, 2005 at Salter Chapel, Bogalusa, LA. Rev. Davis pastored in the 8th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop C. Garrett Henning, Sr. and Supervisor Yvonne H. Parks. He was a loyal servant of God in the vineyard of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.
Your calls and/or condolences will bring her comfort. Her address is:
73149 Becky Lane
Covington, LA 70435
Phone- 985-892-5035
God Bless!Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com(Nashville, TN Contact)Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781(Memphis, TN Contact)(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax) CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SWEB SITEShttp://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S June 2005 Events
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. EDITOR’S CORNER:
A preacher told me my questions were too hard. I guess that minister was right because no one answered the posted questions. I am going to answer the questions related to the AME Church, but I am going to run the exegetical question related to the wedding at Cana of Galilee for a few more days. I know that some preacher will answer that question correctly.
Answer to questions:
(1) Who was the first bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church who was born overseas? Bishop Paul Quinn was born in India ““about the 1788.
(2) Who was the AME Bishop who established the Conference Course of Study? Bishop Daniel Payne. When he introduced the resolution at the General Conference in 1844, it was voted down unanimously. It passed the next day unanimously, upon a motion offered by the Reverend A.D. Lewis.
The answers can be found in Dr. George Singleton’s Book, The Romance of African Methodism. You can order that book from the AME Publishing House. Call 800-648-8724 and order the book using your credit card.
I know that some preacher can answer the exegetical question.
Exegetical Question: The Gospel of John gives the account of the Wedding in Cana of Galilee where Jesus turned the water into wine. The account clearly gives the day of the week when the wedding was held. On which day of the week was the Wedding in Cana of Galilee held? Why was the wedding held on that particular day of the week? Give a short hermeneutical explanation about the day the week on which the wedding was held and how it relates to Jews today.
Prize: Any one book, excluding Bibles and commentaries sold in the AME Publishing House Bookstore.
2. TRIBUTE TO THE LATE BISHOP DECATUR WARD NICHOLS:
A tribute to our beloved second father, Bishop D. Ward Nichols:
Your passing has left a deep and personal void in our heads because of the love you showered upon my sister and me. Before our father, the Rev. E. William Judge died, you promised him you would take over as our father, and you did just that. We cherish the nickname you gave us…we were your “Little Monkeys.”
Your favorite words to us were... “Little monkeys hurry up and find boyfriends so that your father can walk you down the aisle at your weddings, because your Dad’s getting older each year.” We cherish you also because your life was the epitome’ of love, courage, vision and deep faith. What you believed in you believed with heart and soul. It was not by chance that you were esteemed by all who knew you.
You prefaced all of your sermons when you preached at our district meetings by saying something about your “Little Monkeys.” Thank you, thank you for being there for us. We were able to cope with our father’s death because we knew you were there. Your calls, birthday cards and visits left everlasting footprints upon our hearts.
No one can, or will ever, embody your love, dedication, service to God, the AME church and all mankind as you did. We thank you for your love, sound counsel, wisdom and inspiration.
When Audrey died in a diabetic coma suddenly, you were there for my mother and me. To this day, I can still envisioned the visibly and profoundly shocked that etched your facial expression, and your entire being. You comforted us by saying, Audrey dealt with this disease since the age of eight and suffered in many comas so God knew that she was tired and took her home to rest.
O how God, Audrey and Reverend Judge welcomed you home. I can hear Audrey saying, “I love you Daddy Nichols” and my father saying, “Thank you for looking after my family.”
Words are futile at a time like this to assuage the grief of your immediate family, your two daughters, (my sisters) and friends, but may it help them to know that their father built a temple of honor and virtue and of unselfish devotion to all humankind.
Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols touched souls, lifted spirits and served his Church unswervingly in the fullness of his life’s service to God and all his fellow humankind. “May his soul rest in peace”
“His Little Monkey,” Attorney Connie M. Judge
And
Dr. Gladys H. Judge, Mother
3. THE WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL/WORLD EVANGELISM:
Do you know if there are other Episcopal districts sending representatives to the World Methodist Council/World Evangelism meeting at St. Simmons Isle, Georgia?
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle is sending 12 persons to represent the 12th Episcopal District. The meeting will be held April 11-15. If other Episcopal Districts are sending representatives, let’s connect with each other prior to attending the meeting. Please email me at gcnettles@yahoo.com with arrival information.
Thanks,
The Rev. Gregory C. Nettles
4. FUNERAL NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Isaiah Riley. He was the father of Mrs. Cassandra Points and the father in law of Rev. Bruce D. Points. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral was held on Monday, April 4, 2004; the viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. and the funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m. at Gates of Heaven Pentecostal Church, 1755 N. 57th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Bruce D. and Mrs. Cassandra Points
22377 Pinehaven Road
Lincoln, DE 19960
Interment: Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veteran Cemetery
Wrightstown, NJ
Please remember the Points family in your prayers during this time of their bereavement.
5. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
It is with great sorrow that we report the home going of Mrs. Trudy Jackson Lewis, the wife of Presiding Elder Otis Lewis of the Central Louisiana District of the Louisiana Conference of the 8th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop C. Garrett Henning, Sr., Supervisor - Mrs. Yvonne H. Parks. Mrs. Lewis will be missed by the entire 8th. She is a native of Hattiesburg, Ms where Rev. Lewis pastored Zion Chapel AMEC, where they met and married. She is also the second cousin of Pastor Carter.
Rev. Otis Lewis' mailing address:
990 Hano Rd
Independence, LA 70443
Telephone: 985-748-7696
Her home going celebration was held at Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, 874 Turner Chapel Road, Greensburg, MS 70441, where the Rev. Stanley J. Carter is pastor. Bishop Henning officiated. Interment was done at the Leonard Chapel AME Church Cemetery in Amite, Louisiana.
We solicit your prayers for those who remain to endure the pain of her lose.
6. EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT REPORTS THE PASSING OF THE REVEREND HERCULES DAVIS:
We ask your prayers for the Widow Urthelyn Davis who laid to rest her husband Rev. Hercules Davis on March 12, 2005 at Salter Chapel, Bogalusa, LA. Rev. Davis pastored in the 8th Episcopal District under the leadership of Bishop C. Garrett Henning, Sr. and Supervisor Yvonne H. Parks. He was a loyal servant of God in the vineyard of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for many years.
Your calls and/or condolences will bring her comfort. Her address is:
73149 Becky Lane
Covington, LA 70435
Phone- 985-892-5035
God Bless!Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com(Nashville, TN Contact)Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781(Memphis, TN Contact)(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax) CONN-M-SWAWO +PK'SWEB SITEShttp://www.amemswwpk.org/http://www.connmswawo3.com/
CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.'S June 2005 Events