THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (5/18/05)

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:

- Some Of You Are Still Getting Gibberish In The Christian Recorder Online. Here Is The Process For Getting Correcting That Problem. It Is Simple So Don’t Read Difficulty In The Directions Provided Below By the Reverend Al Paris:

“In order to display Apostrophes and Quotation Marks properly the Text Unicode Encoding must be set to UTF-8. (Western European may work also, but try UTF-8 first.
In Outlook Express, click on View -> Encoding and select Unicode (UTF-8),
If Unicode (UTF-8) is not visible, Click on View - > Encoding - More. . and you will have more options, including Unicode (UTF-9).”

- I shared with our readers that I was, and am, asking my family and friends to assist me with raising money to help with subscriptions for AME periodicals and books for overseas Districts 14 – 20. My wife, the Reverend Charlotte A. Sydnor and I donated $260.00 for 10 subscriptions for District 20.

Before I could get my letters out to our family and friends, I received the letter posted below from Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns, the author of "The Upward Journey…" the book about the late Bishop D. Ward Nichols that she sent to her family and friends.

“…I want so much to make a substantial contribution to this effort and I have conceived the idea of doing it as a memorial to ‘CB’ (Sister Johns’ late husband, the Reverend Clarence B. Johns, Jr), who believed strongly that whenever someone stands in the pulpit to bring the Word of God to the people, that person should be well prepared for this awesome task. That's why he spent so many years in formal study, plus his 5:00 a.m. studies and many hours during the day, as well as at night. That's why he read the Bible in its entirety each year of his life from college days on. So, I think this would be a fitting tribute to him.

I'm working on a basis of supplying subscriptions to the A.M.E. Christian Recorder at $26 per subscription. I choose this one because it gives important information about the A.M.E. church, in general, as well as information from individual churches all over the world. I believe it would be an important source to provide inspiration and motivation to these pastors in Africa who have so little information at their disposal.

I still have a few copies of my book, "The Upward Journey; personal stories of Bishop Decatur Ward Nichols, Revered Clergyman of the African Methodist Episcopal Church". Bishop Nichols gave nearly all of his 104 years to the A.M.E. Church, so that would be 100 years of history right there that these pastors could sink their teeth into. I plan to donate a few copies for that purpose.

Please, if you can share my excitement even a little bit, make a check to cover the cost of as many subscriptions as you possibly can. I’m hoping for the amount of $104 to cover the cost of 4 subscriptions, but you know that I'll smile and be extremely happy for whatever you can send in CB's memory.

Make your check payable to "The Christian Recorder” and mail it to me by May 10th. Dr. Sydnor has assured me that he will send each donor a letter acknowledging the donation for tax purposes. TAX DEDUCTIBLE, Folks!!!

This sure does bring back to me the "St. Paul Days" when you were all so strongly supportive! You KNOW that I'll never forget that.

Much love to each of you,
Jeanette”

Editor’s note: On last Saturday I received a letter from Mrs. Jeanette Johns with checks totaling $1248.00 to be used for subscriptions for periodicals for overseas Districts 14 – 20; I am still waiting for my family and friends. I know that they will respond and I will post a full accounting of this “grass-roots effort.” I want to thank the following family and friends of Sister Jeanette Johns for their generous gifts.

Mr. William E. Goldsborough - $104
Westbury, NY 11590

Mrs. Oneida S. Lee- $104
Amityville, NY 11701

Mrs. Charlye M. King - $104
Massapequa, NY 11758

Mrs. Sioux Nichols Taylor - $104
Mt. Vernon, NY 10552

Mr. Clarence B. Johns III - $104
Oak Park, Ml 48237

Mrs. Trulove M. Gilchrist - $104
Charlotte, NC 28277

Mrs. Fabienne J. Williams - $26
Columbus, OH 43224

Miss Janice D. Mason - $104
Baltimore, MD 21207

Mrs. Bessie J. Russell - $26
Chase, MD 21027

Mrs. Cynthia J. Marve - $52
Farmingdale, NY 11735

Mrs. Ruby T. Hale - $52
Hampton, VA 23664

Grace Community Church - $104
Rev. Robert L. Burgess, Pastor
Amityville, NY 11701

Mrs. Jeanette T. Johns - $260
Farmingdale, NY 11735

Editor’s Comment - Not only are we trying to get subscriptions, we are trying to raise funds from family and friends for a brick making machine. I am hoping to raise money from my family and friends, and anyone else who would like to contribute.


- Letter to the Editor

The department and I helped purchase a brick making machine for the 19th Episcopal during the tenure of Bishop Richardson for the purpose of building Bishops Chapel on the campus of R. R. Wright Seminary. The machine that produces bricks cost approximately R75, 000. The brick making machine will be an enormous help for the economy and will save dollars for the 20th district, because the people will not have to purchase bricks through a brick factory.

Please share with me the total amount you have to give toward this project after you will have collected from families and friends.

Let's keep in touch.

Dr. George Flowers


2. ANOTHER GENTLE REMINDER: THE GENERAL BOARD & BISHOPS COUNCIL WILL BE HELD JUNE 26 – 29 IN DALLAS TEXAS:

This link: http://www.ame-church.com/newsevents.html# will give you additional information and the option to make hotel reservations online.

Bishops’ Council / General Board Hotel will meet at:

Wyndham Anatole Hotel2201 Stemmons FreewayDallas, Texas 75207Phone: 214-748-1200Room Rates:

$ 119.95 Single/Double$ 139.95 Triple/Quad

Make your reservations NOW!

3. TURNER STUDENTS JOIN THE STRUGGLE:

As the academic year draws to a close, the Turner Student Fellowship of Turner Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia would like to take this opportunity to salute a few of our courageous students who have joined the movement for social justice. Reverends Tynisha Drennon (1st Episcopal District, Zion AMEC, Philadelphia, PA), Kecia Lewis (8th Episcopal District, Nelson Chapel AMEC, Napoleonville, LA) and Cory Watts (8th Episcopal District, St. Paul AMEC Gulfport, MS), worked actively as interns in the Region V Office of the NAACP, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The culmination of their efforts was evidenced in Orlando, Florida as the Southeast Region NAACP held its 53rd Annual Civil Rights Advocacy Training Institute, at the Rosen Centre Hotel. Reverends Drennon Lewis and Watts were a part of the planning and development team for the event.

Reverend Watts, a Julius C. Hope Religious Affairs Intern, was a great asset in production and media technology. As such, he designed logos, bulletins and name badges for the event. He worked diligently with the on-site computer registration and program development. He worked quietly behind the scenes to insure that every thing ran smoothly.

Reverend Lewis, an Interdenominational Theological Center Ministry in Context Intern, was instrumental in the planning and production of Religious Emphasis Day during the Institute. Religious Emphasis Day focuses the Institute on re-establishing the bridge between the Church and the Civil Rights Community. This year’s theme was “Speaking Out Against Injustice”. Reverend Lewis sought panelist and program participants to participate in discussions and worship services. Topics of discussion included: The Election Is Over Now What? Reverend Lewis had the opportunity to dialogue and network with religious and political leaders throughout Region V (Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee). Turner Alumni, the Reverend Terence Gray, and the St. Mark AME Church family, hosted the closing events of Religious Emphasis Day, which included a Gospel Music Extravaganza, Community Mass Meeting and Memorial Service and Soul Food Dinner. Reverend Gray served a dual role as host and emcee of the evening’s festivities, exhibiting grace, love and hospitality, while keeping things flowing in a spiritual and timely manner.

Reverend Drennon, the WIN (Women in the NAACP) Intern, coordinated the WIN Breakfast, featuring Mrs. Frances Hooks, the founder if WIN. During the event participants dined and were treated to a hat show, in which the ladies of WIN could "strut" their stuff. The thrust of this year’s banquet was to encourage the requirement and participation of young women in WIN.

Even after these things their work was not done. The Interns worked registration, coordinated venues and set-up for over twenty workshops and eighth meal functions. Reverends Drennon and Lewis also conducted the Morning Devotion and bible study and Reverend Watts served as liturgist for the closing worship service.

The event culminated with the Medgar W. Evers Freedom Fund Awards banquet, at which the Interns served as escorts for the honorees. Turner salutes Reverend Drennon, Lewis, and Watts for a job well done and for continuing in one of the founding principal of the African Methodist Episcopal Church- the social up-lift and empowerment of our people.

Reverend Kecia A. Lewis
President, Turner Student Fellowship
Eighth Episcopal District

4. EIGHTH DISTRICT CONTINUES TO SHINE:


The proud members of the Eighth Episcopal District are still working and showing the Connection and the world at-large that “we are the best of the best, still striving to be better yet…” As such, the Turner Student Fellowship (TSF) of Turner Theological Seminary is pleased to announce an administrative Eighth District Tag team, as not one, but two Eighth District preachers were installed as officers of the Fellowship for the 2005-2006 academic year.

The President, Reverend Kecia A. Lewis hails from the Central Louisiana Annual Conference and is a member of Nelson Chapel AME Church in Napoleonville, Louisiana where the Reverend Richard Starks, Sr. is the pastor.

Reverend Lewis is a senior at Turner working on a Master of Divinity with concentrations in Homiletics and New Testament with the goal of graduating in May 2006. While a student at Turner, Reverend Lewis became active in the movement for social justice and worked as a Religious Affairs Intern for the Region V Office of the NAACP and is a Silver Life Member of the organization. She has also served as speaker for many NAACP functions. She was also the recipient of the 2005 T. J. Davis Award for academic excellence and commitment to Turner Theological Seminary.

A mother of two, Joshua and Zacchea, Reverend Lewis holds a Bachelors Degree in Sociology with a concentration in Family/Youth Advocacy.

Reverend Lewis is an affiliate member of Turner Monumental AME Church in Atlanta, under the leadership of Reverend Hayward White, Jr.


The Reverend Cory Watts will serve as Vice President of the TSF. Reverend Watts is from Gulf Port, Ms and is a member of the Mississippi Conference and St. Paul AME Church in Gulfport, Mississippi where the Reverend Artimise Clemons is the pastor.

Reverend Watts is married to Mrs. Toy Coles Watts, an educator currently working in the Atlanta Public school system. Reverend Watts is a senior at Turner, having served the student body as Resource Center Director. The Right Reverend C. Garnett Henning, Sr., also appointed him as an Eighth District representative on the Strategic Planning Committee, the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District.

Reverend Watts was instrumental in the start-up and maintenance of the Turner Theological Seminary web page as well as the C. H. James Computer Lab and Resource Center housed in Talbot hall At Turner. He also worked as a Julius C. Hope Religious Affairs Intern for the Southeast Region V Office of the NAACP.

Reverend Watts is an affiliate member of Flipper Temple AME Church in Atlanta, where the Reverend Gregory V. Eason is the pastor.

Also serving the Turner Student Fellowship this academic year will be Sister Seena H. Washington of the Eleventh Episcopal District, who will serve as Treasurer for a second term. Sister Roteshia Hamilton of the Seventh Episcopal District will serve as Secretary. Brother Jarrett B. Washington, the YPD President of the Seventh Episcopal District will serve as Parliamentarian.

The new Executive Board of the Turner Student Fellowship have committed themselves not to politics but to service, in the hope that every man and woman who matriculates under the banner of Turner will emerge not only a well trained and prepared preacher, Christian Educator or musician, but also an individual who knows the value of prayer, unity and social up-lift.


Reverend Kecia A. Lewis
President, Turner Student Fellowship
Eighth Episcopal District

5. DR. CECIL MURRAY CHAIR OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS DEPARTMENT:

Reverend Cecil “Chip” Murray joined the USC (University of Southern California)
College faculty in January of this year, but that doesn’t stop him from claiming to be a student. “I think with a school like USC,” says the septuagenarian, “you come as a student. Whether you are in fact a student, faculty or staff member, if you come to USC as a student, you will benefit and be of benefit.”And Murray certainly knows how to be of benefit to his surroundings: as senior pastor at Los Angeles’ First African Methodist Episcopal Church (FAME) for the past 27 years, his leadership increased church membership from several hundred to more than 18,000. He also helped build FAME Renaissance, the church’s economic-development nonprofit arm, which brings corporate interests, jobs-training programs, affordable-housing development, homeowner loans and small-business incubation into the church’s low-income neighborhood.

Murray is commonly recognized in Los Angeles as a prominent figure in the city’s religious and civil landscape, remembered for his and his church’s efforts to end community violence during the 1992 Rodney King riots. While Murray was at the pulpit, FAME was regularly visited by a host of politicians and public figures, including President George W. Bush and Reverend Jesse Jackson. Murray officially retired from his post at FAME on Sept. 18, 2004.

At USC, Murray will hold the Tanzy Chair in Christian Ethics and lecture on a variety of spiritual and societal issues as well as serve as an unofficial ambassador, linking USC to its surrounding community. He has also been named a senior fellow at the College’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture. “Reverend Murray is a distinguished civic leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the USC campus and our surrounding community. The impressive nature of his leadership will be an inspiration to all of the students he encounters at USC and we are looking forward to working with him to build even stronger bridges with the community,” says Joseph Aoun, Dean of USC College. “Personally, I can think of few people better qualified to carry out the university's mission of developing human beings and society through the cultivation and enrichment of the human mind and spirit."Rabbi Susan Laemmle, dean of religious life at USC, agrees. “Reverend Murray has now formally assumed a role that, in a way, he has held for a long time—as USC’s senior statesman,” she says.

No Stranger to USC

In the past, Murray has been a frequent guest lecturer in an undergraduate course on leadership taught by USC President Steven Sample and University Professor Warren Bennis. He also served as a speaker at USC baccalaureate ceremonies, and received a USC honorary doctor of humane letters in 2002. He is eager to join what he describes as one of the most dynamic and inspiring environments in Los Angeles.“Starting modestly in 1880, USC has outgrown its garment—and to outgrow your corpus is an indication that you must be doing something right,” he observes.USC’s recent emphases on the study of globalization and on enhancing applied research also fall in line with Murray’s own hopes for the university.“USC has 117 nations represented on its grounds—and those are nations that bring so much to the table,” he says. “In addition to USC’s multiculturalism, it has a hunger for growth through research. The book seems to be constantly in writing.”

“Pass the Bread, Please”

Murray sees USC’s numerous outreach programs as the University’s most effective way of making academe—which is often seen as insular and distant—an active and engaged force in society.“USC is placed at this unique point in time and history, to serve as an exemplar of multiculturalism, of pluralism and of positivism,” says Murray. “The world is hungry and is reaching out saying, ‘pass the bread, please.’”Murray will be directly involved in facilitating this outreach at USC, serving as an interpreter to community groups of the University’s research and how it relates to them, says Grace Dyrness, associate director at the College’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture.The College’s Joint Educational Project (JEP), one of the oldest service-learning programs in the country, is one such outreach program that Murray says is an example of the greatness USC students; faculty and staff are capable of accomplishing. “Anybody who wants to be cynical has only to stand on the front porch of the JEP program and look at these volunteers come and sign up to help others who cannot help themselves,” he says. “It is a blessing to the leadership that gives a philosophy of service beyond self.”He continues: “The school and its numerous outreach programs seem to say, ‘my mind is my mind, but my mind extends beyond me and mine.’ It extends to the world and perhaps even beyond that world. And whenever you can find such a creative environment, you find an environment with a mission, on a mission that cannot fail.”

The article above was written by Kaitlin Solimne and used by permission as printed in the AME Herald (The Reverend Denise Rogers)

6. NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2005 - April 21-24, 2005:

The 154th Session of the New England Annual Conference

Bethel A.M.E. Church, New Haven, Connecticut, the Rev. Daylan Greer, Host Pastor

The 154th Session of the New England Annual Conference (NEAC) convened on April
21st at Bethel A.M.E. Church in New Haven, Connecticut under the leadership of our distinguished, illustrious 116th Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding
Prelate of the First Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mother
Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor.

First District Theme

Our dynamic Episcopal team of Bishop and Mother Norris led the NEAC to new spiritual heights as we embraced the First Episcopal District theme: "Walking worthy of the calling with which we are called" (Ephesians 4:1.)

The Best Way to Honor God's Word Is ...To Live It

Bishop Norris encouraged the NEAC to honor God's Word by living it, rather than focusing on whether we should stand or sit when the Scripture is read. He further stated that he has heard many reasons why we should stand, and the only acceptable one he heard is that "we should stand to honor God's word." Bishop's position is that the Conference will sit when the Scripture is read. However, local churches are free to have their congregations stand.

Pastors' Annual Report

The Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Eddy, our esteemed, efficient, and beloved Presiding Elder of the Boston-Hartford District gave an impressive summary of the Pastors' Annual Report.
This report indicated that our churches in New England are rapidly growing-spiritually, numerically and financially. Bishop Norris called upon the pastors to present their Annual Report at the evening business session on Opening day. He reminded pastors to "send him a telegram and not a letter"; in other words, only brief highlights of accomplishments were required.


The Rev. Jesse Jackson Greeted the NEAC

Conference participants were pleasantly surprised by the appearance of the Rev. Jesse
Jackson at the Lay Organization and Commitment Service on Thursday, April 21st.
The charismatic Rev. Jesse Jackson brought greetings to the NEAC, pumped up the crowd, and left the congregants energized.

Holy Spirit ...Have Your Way

"The Spirit of the Lord is here...I feel it in the atmosphere". Bishop Norris encouraged us to come into the Lord's house expecting a blessing; if you don't get a blessing it's because you have shut Him out. Although God is a God of divine time and order, when it came to the Holy Spirit, we observed that Bishop Norris allowed the Holy Spirit to have His way!

Certainly, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit was evident at every business meeting, worship service and workshop. Every preacher preached under the anointing of the Holy Spirit with power from on high.

On Friday morning, April 22, the Rev. James E. Deas, Sr., Executive Director, Christian
Education Board of the First Episcopal District, allowed the Holy Spirit to use him in a mighty way as he presented the workshop "Walking worthy of the calling with which you were called ". Rev. Deas stated that "a believer is considered "worthy," not on the basis of talent or position, but by how well his or her actions display Christian character."

When Will We Get The Chance To Do This Again?

Conference participants took notice of Bishop Norris' interest in young people. He reminded us that they are not the youth of the future but the present. This could be seen at Christian Education Youth Night Worship Service on Friday, April 22, as the young people were used of God in a powerful way. During this service, Bishop selected four young people to serve on the Finance Committee. After instructing them regarding how to separate the checks from the cash, they joined the Finance Committee, chaired by the Rev. Dr. LeRoy Attles, Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Cambridge, MA. These young people were elated as they assisted the Finance Committee in carrying out their duties and proudly signed their names as members of the Committee. Then, one person asked the question, "When will we get the chance to do this again?"

Certainly, Bishop Norris not only captured the attention and won the hearts of the not so young, but the young people as well. Bishop knows how to relate to young people and he expects his pastors to love and relate to the people in our congregations. His pastoral and teaching skills were evident and embraced by all.

Ordination Service

The Right Rev. Frank Curtis Cummings, 96th Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, who recently retired, gave an inspiring ordination message entitled, "A calling from the Son of God". Bishop Cummings challenged us to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His heart's desire is to see the church grow and be productive. In order for us to be productive, Bishop Cummings emphasized the need for us to abide in the word. He reminded us that Jesus chose us; we did not choose Him. Therefore, we should take the preaching ministry seriously as if our life depends on it. After all, this is a ... "special calling."

The Board of Examiners, chaired by the Rev. Dr. Gregory G. Groover, Pastor of the
Historic Charles Street AME. Church in Boston presented twenty-two candidates for ordination. Seven were presented for itinerant deacons' orders; seven were for local deacons' orders; two for itinerant elders' orders; and six for local elders' orders. These twenty-two persons were ordained on Saturday, April 23rd.

The Bar Was Set Very High

The Rev. Daylan Greer, Host Pastor, First Lady, Mrs. Jennifer Greer, and the Bethel
Church family, demonstrated a standard of hosting that set such "a very high bar" that few, if any, can exceed it, without the divine intervention of the Holy Spirit!

For persons who wanted shuttle service to and from the airport, church and hotel...the bar was set very high.

For persons who wanted to feast on great food... the bar was set very high. For persons who wanted fast food service and an opportunity to have a say in the selection from a broad menu...the bar was set very high.

For persons who wanted to hear anointed spirit-filled musicians playing the keyboard and various musical instruments and to hear great singing by anointed choirs...the bar was set very high.

For persons who wanted to stay in an exquisite hotel with a choice of valet or no valet service...the bar was set very high.

For persons who wanted hosts and hostesses who were kind and courteous...the bar was set very high.

For persons who entered their hotel room to find care packages wrapped fit for kings and queens...the bar was set very high.

Bishop Norris stated "the bar has been set so high by Bethel-New Haven that someone better have springs on his or her shoes to meet the challenge".

The 155th Session to Convene At Grant A.M.E. Church, Boston, Massachusetts 2006!

Although the bar was set very high, the Rev. Roland C. McCall has "Launched out into the deep" and declared that he and the Grant AME Church family will exceed the bar as they prepare to host the 155th Session of the New England Annual Conference. This Conference will convene at Grant AME Church in Boston, Massachusetts in 2006.

To Rev. McCall we say, God is still able to do exceeding, abundantly above all that we may ask or think, and, "There is nothing too hard for God."

Don't Let Your Fire Go Out

Bishop Norris set the Conference ablaze during the closing/commissioning service, as he preached a stirring-fiery message, entitled, "Don't' let the fire go out!" Bishop Norris stated that God is calling for a prophetic ministry and challenged us to "look at evil in the eye and let the world know that when something is wrong, it is wrong". Bishop reminded us of the courage of the Prophet Jeremiah who boldly declared the Word of God, despite the consequences. Yes, there is danger in being courageous, and even though being courageous is a thankless job, Bishop Norris challenged us to preach the unadulterated Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must also rebuke and correct – as commanded by God - even though this will not win us a popularity contest.

The NEAC accepts the challenge of our beloved Bishop. Like Jeremiah, we have fire shut up in our bones, and "we can't let the fire go out" because we have accepted the call of God to "Walk worthy of the calling with which we are called."

To God Be the Glory!!!

The Rt. Rev. Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate
Mother Mary Ann Norris, Episcopal Supervisor
The Rev. Dr. Herbert L. Eddy, Presiding Elder

The Rev. Betty J. Hamilton, Reporter to the Church Press
Bethel A.M.E. Church
6 Sever Street
Plymouth, MA 02360
Church (508) 746-4239

7. THE BALM IN GILEAD LAUNCHES HISTORICAL PARTNERSHIP WITH THREE BLACK CHURCH DENOMINATIONS TO ADDRESS HEALTH DISPARITIES:

The Balm in Gilead Culminates Women's History Month with Historical Partnership between the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

New York, NY - (BlackNews.com) - In an unprecedented moment in Black history, the national presidents of the women's missionary society of The African Methodist Episcopal Church, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church this week announced a partnership with The Balm In Gilead, a not-for-profit organization with an international mission to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS by building the capacity of faith communities to provide education, services and support for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. This partnership will build the capacity of these denominations to address cervical cancer, HIV/AIDS and other health disparities among Black people.

This partnership is also designed to build a sustainable health education and service delivery system within African American faith communities that will reach the masses. "This partnership serves as a historical marker in the Black community," said Pernessa Seele, Founder/CEO, The Balm in Gilead. "It is the first time in history that three denominations have banded together with a national technical assistance organization to address health disparities on a comprehensive scale."

Mrs. Jamesina Evans, national president of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, National Women Missionary Society; Mrs. Barbara Shaw, national president of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society; and Dr. Elnora Hamb, national president of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Women's Missionary Council stood tall with Pernessa Seele, Founder/CEO of the Balm In Gilead and Board Chair, Erline Belton to launch this partnership at a press conference held at the New York Academy of Sciences.

The Balm In Gilead has been working with these national organizations over the past year to launch this partnership. With on-going technical support and training from the Balm In Gilead, each national president has appointed a national health director who has begun to build an infrastructure to educate the approximately 7 million combined memberships of these national church denominations. Working together, this partnership will establish regional health offices within each Episcopal district of the AME, AMEZ and CME churches that will report to the national health office under the direction of the national presidents of the women's missionary society. The Balm In Gilead will convene a training program in late summer to begin the process of equipping these district health coordinators on building the capacity of local churches to address cervical cancer, HIV/AIDS and other health disparities among Black people.

Appointed National Health Directors are: Dr. B. J. Cotton, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, National Women Missionary Society; Mrs. Sandra Crowder, the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society; and Mrs. Rudine Phelps, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Women's Missionary Council.

Black Methodism in America is a direct result of slavery and the mistreatment of Black people within White religious institutions during the 18th and 19th centuries. The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) was founded in Philadelphia on April 12, 1787 as a result of discrimination against Black members of the St. George Methodist Episcopal Church and in protest of slavery. The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ) was founded in October 1796 in New York City after Black members were denied the sacraments and full participation in the John Street Methodist Church. The establishment of the AMEZ church was in protest of the conditions and treatment of Blacks living in New York City. The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) was founded on December 15, 1870 in response to slavery and treatment of Blacks in the South.

"The health of Black America is in a serious crisis," said Seele. "When we look at the statistics among HIV/AIDS among teenagers, obesity among our children, cervical cancer among Black women, prostate cancer among Black men-just to mention a few, we must begin to develop long-term, sustainable health structures within institutions that Black folks trust and support," she added. Press Contact: Teresa Lyles Holmes, 914-282-5317 or 212-730-7381

8. ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2005 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Eleventh District Lay Convention
June 21-24, 2005
The Double Tree Guest Suites
2670 East Sunrise Boulevard
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33304
Phone: (954) 565-3800
Reservations (800) 222-8733
Rate: $99.00
Cut off Date: May 15, 2005

Christian Education Congress (CEC)
July 18-21, 2005
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 996-9840
Rate: $110.00
Cut off Date: June 17, 2005

Presiding Elder’s Retreat
July 22-23, 2005
Rosen Centre Hotel
9840 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 996-9840

Annual Conference Schedules & Venues

Florida Conference (140th Session)
August 27 - September 2, 2005
Host Site: Bethel A.M.E.
501 West Orange Avenue
(850) 576-7501
Tallahassee, FL 32310
Host Pastor: The Rev. Semmeal Thomas
Host Church: Mt. Zion AME, Havana, FL
Host Pres. Elder: The Rev. Henry Griffin
August 27 - Young People’s Division
August 28 - Debutante Masters Commission (DMC)
August 29 - Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
August 30-September 2 - Annual Conference Convenes - Opening - Business - Closing

Central Conference (106th Session)
September 17-23, 2005
Host Site: Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
530 George W. Ingram Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
(386) 255-1195
Host Pastor: The Rev. Vincent Mitchell
Host Pres. Elder: The Rev. James O. Williams
September 17 - Young People’s Division (YPD)
September 18 - Debutante Masters Commission (DMC)
September 19 - Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
September 20-23 - Annual Conference Convenes - Opening - Business - Closing


South Conference (115th Session)
October 1-7, 2005
Host Site: St. Paul A.M.E. Church
1892 NW 51st Terrace
Miami, FL 33142
(305) 448-2742
Host Pastor: The Rev. Michael Bouie
Host Pres. Elder: The Rev. John Bodison
October 1 - Young People’s Division (YPD)
October 2 - Debutante Masters Commission (DMC)
October 3 - Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
October 4-7 - Annual Conference Convenes - Opening - Business - Closing


West Coast Conference (65th Session)
October 15-21, 2005
Host Site: St. Paul A.M.E. Church
506 E. Harrison Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 318-0816
Host Pastor: The Rev. Bryant Fayson
Host Pres. Elder: The Rev. Theodore Andrews
October 15 - Young People’s Division (YPD)
October 16 - Debutante Masters Commission (DMC)
October 17 - Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
October 18-21 - Annual Conference Convenes - Opening - Business - Closing

Alternate Host Site: New Bethel A.M.E. Church
2122 M. L. King Jr., Avenue
Lakeland, FL 33805
(863) 687-1994


Alt. Host Pastor: The Rev. Jimmy Thompson
Alt. Host P.E.: The Rev. F. B. Lemon

East Conference (130th Session)
October 29 - November 4, 2005
Host Site: St. Stephen A.M.E. Church
913 W. 5th Street
Jacksonville, FL 32209
(904) 354-5201
Host Pastor: The Rev. Michael Mitchell
Host Pres. Elder: The Rev. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell
October 29 - Young People’s Division (YPD)
October 30 - Debutante Masters Commission (DMC)
October 31 - Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
November 1-4 - Annual Conference Convenes - Opening - Business - Closing

Bahamas Conference (66th Session)
November 16-20, 2005
Host Site: Robinson- Morris A.M.E. Church
P.O. Box SS6973
Nassau, Bahamas
(242) 356-2347
Host Pastor: The Rev. Howard Williamson
Host Pres. Elder: The Rev. Dr. Ranford Patterson
Nov. 16 - Lay Organization
Nov. 17 - Women’s Missionary Society (WMS)
Nov. 18 - Annual Conference Convenes - Opening - Business - Closing
Nov. 19 - Young People’s Division (YPD) / Debutante Master’s Commission (DMC)

Eleventh Episcopal District Planning Meeting
December 1-3, 2005
Venue - TBD

9. THE THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION:

We pray that all is well! We know that this is a busy time in the life of our Church on all levels, and we pray for God's blessings and strength as we try to do our best for Him. The 8th Annual District Lay Convention will be held June 10-11, 2005 at the Sheraton Music City Hotel, Nashville. We are coming together to "Equip Local Churches for Effective Service". As you know, the success of the work of the Lay Organization requires understanding and cooperation between clergy and laity. In too many instances and for far too long, we have allowed the lack of understanding about the Lay Organization -- on the parts of laity AND clergy -- to either negate its existence or stifle its participation and growth in the local church. We want to remove those barriers and create greater opportunities for kingdom-building work! Four great workshops have been planned for this Convention that will provide inspiration AND workable plans that persons can take back to their Conferences and local churches for implementation:

1) "Everything You've Always Wanted to Know about the Lay Organization, But Were Afraid to Ask."

2) "Using Technology to Advance the Local Church",

3) "How to Develop A High Impact Lay Organization", and

4) "Discovering the Spiritual Gifts within Your Congregation and How to Put Them into Action". The Convention will feature three other highlights:

a) The Lay Convention Choir will sing at the Worship Service on Friday evening, June 10;

b) Outstanding Young Adults, Adults and Pastors from each Conference will be honored at an Awards Luncheon on Saturday, June 11 for their contributions to the AMEC and their communities; and

c) An Appreciation Service for all former District Presidents will be held during the Awards Luncheon. (The four Past District Presidents are Sis. Jamye Coleman Williams, Bro. Leroy Duff, Sis. Rutha Pegues, and Sis. Loretta Matthews. We pray that you will make every attempt to attend all or a part of this Convention. We ask that you will encourage laypersons within your Districts and congregations to attend as well. Please feel free to forward and/or duplicate the attached registration form. Also attached are a flyer with other pertinent information and a schedule of events.

Finally, we ask for your incessant prayers that God will bless us in a mighty way as we come together to learn, share, and grow. In His Service, Paula Y. Holmes, Director of Lay Activities

10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Regretfully we share news of the passing of Mr. Floyd Madison, the brother of Presiding Elder John E. Madison, Presiding Elder of the South Memphis District, West Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District.

Mr. Floyd Madison passed after being hospitalized several days following a job related accident.

The Funeral Service for Mr. Floyd Madison is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 2005, at 12:00 Noon. Services will be held at the:M. J. Edwards Funeral Home5494 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Memphis, Tennessee 38116

Condolences may be sent to:

Presiding Elder John E. Madison
2171 Colony Park Drive
Memphis, Tennessee 38118

901-794-7844 (Fax)
RevJohnCPA@aol.com (Email)

Please remember the Madison family in your prayersGod 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)

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (5/16/05)

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. REMINDER: THE GENERAL BOARD & BISHOPS COUNCIL WILL BE HELD JUNE 26 – 29 IN DALLAS TEXAS:

This link: http://www.ame-church.com/newsevents.html# will give you additional information and the option to make hotel reservations online.

Bishops’ Council / General Board Hotel will meet at:

Wyndham Anatole Hotel2201 Stemmons FreewayDallas, Texas 75207Phone: 214-748-1200Room Rates:

$ 119.95 Single/Double$ 139.95 Triple/Quad

Make your reservations NOW!

2. BISHOP GREGORY G. M. INGRAM TO BE ELEVATED TO PRESIDENT, COUNCIL OF BISHOPS: THE INVESTITURE BANQUET WILL BE HELD AT THE WYNDHAM ANATOLE HOTEL, DALLAS, TEXAS AT 7 P.M. ON MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2005:

The Investiture of the Right Reverend Gregory Gerald McKinley Ingram, presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District as President, Council of Bishops will be held on Monday June 27, 2005 at 7 p.m.

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, the man who many call a walking miracle after he survived a car crash in South Africa that nearly took his life, will be elevated to the position of president of the Bishop’s Council in a Texas-sized investiture banquet being planned in his honor.

Bishop Ingram, the presiding prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District, has come a long way since the 2003 accident.

So when Bishop Ingram assumes the position of president of the Bishop’s Council it will reflect the renewed strength that comes to those who wait upon the Lord as he did following the crash and his faith-driven determination to walk again.

His miraculous journey from death’s door to head the Council of Bishops symbolizes that Bishop Ingram has truly been ‘Called to Make a Difference,’ a motto that he adopted upon entering the ministry and is included in his Coat of Arms.

“Bishop Ingram’s life was miraculously spared and I believe it is because God had great work for him to do. We’ve already seen it at work in Texas,” said Bishop John R. Bryant. “His life has been spared in a miraculous way. His anointing has been increased and I believe his productivity will be a blessing to many, many others.”

The investiture banquet for Bishop Ingram will be held June 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the elegant Wyndham Anatole Hotel in Dallas. The Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake will be the featured speaker for the banquet and gospel recording artist Karen Clark-Sheard will perform for the guests. General banquet seating is $75. Inner Circle seating and VIP reception is $150. The deadline for purchasing tickets is May 13. To purchase tickets or get further information contact the Tenth Episcopal District Headquarters at 214-333-2632.

Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, the Tenth District Episcopal Supervisor, said the investiture banquet will be one that attendees will be an affair to remember. Bishop Ingram’s many sons and daughters in the ministry, his family from Detroit, and a host of friends will share this once-in-a lifetime moment with him.

“Bishop is proud to be an AME,” said Rev. Dr. Jessica. “We see this occasion as being ordained by God. It is an opportunity to celebrate. It’s going to be a great gathering.”

Bishop Ingram was elected the 118th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 2000. Prior to his election and consecration as a Bishop he served for 13 years as the senior pastor of Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Detroit. While there 2,400 members joined Oak Grove and more than 1,420 of them became tithers. Bishop Ingram has distinguished himself throughout African Methodism for his expertise on stewardship and tithing.

His recovery and continued passion for Episcopal service has been nothing short of astounding.

Long time friend the Rev. Dr. William D. Watley, who plans to attend the banquet, called Bishop Ingram’s appointment a well-deserved honor.

“Greg was always seen as a bright shining star in our Zion who offered leadership and service. I’ll feel pride to see my friend assume that honor,” said Watley. “To see him moving around as if he’d never been in an accident is just a testament of the miracle-working power of our God and his own faith. He’s a walking miracle. He truly is.”

Bryant, Salatheia

3. THE CELEBRATION OF THE OPENING OF KAIROS COMMUNITY AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON PENTECOST SUNDAY:

And, what a celebration! The energy, the efficiency, the joy, the flags, the dancing, the musical instruments, the human voices, the prayers, the praises, the singing, the poem, the choreographic movement of the choir, the preaching, the “Kairos – ‘the right time; your divine opportunity; the appointed hour’” was experienced at the celebration of the opening of the Kairos Community African Methodist Episcopal Church, Nashville, Tennessee. Even the announcements were celebratory event. The Reverend Roderick Belin, the assigned “gardener” of the “planted” congregation knows the “garden” and the “ground” that has to be “plowed, watered and nurtured.”

The event was a first-class event. Reverend Belin knows what needs to be done. He has a gift for putting an event together. The praise team led by Sister L’Tanya Moore was inspiring and set the tone for what was to follow. The entrance of the worship leaders followed by the Tennessee Annual Conference YPD processing in and bearing the flags of, what looked liked all of the nations of the world. It was a moving and symbolic event that embraced the Great Commission of Christian going to “all of the world” to carry the Gospel of Christ.

The participants represented all racial groups and the message of Reverend Belin was that Kairos Community is in the community and will attempt to reach out to all races and ethic groups.

The service was awesome, spiritual, contemporary, different, relevant, and dynamic. Folks from all walks of life were gathered in the spirit of Christ; young and old, black and white gathered in worship. A highlight of the worship service was a poem recited (note “recited,” not read), entitled “Whosoever Will, Let Him Come” by a young man, Eric Robertson, who is a member of Lee Chapel. The poem he recited was written by Iyanla Vanzant. That’s the way we used to do it; we used to recite poems in public venues, not read them. Young Eric is to be commended and he received a standing ovation.

Bishop Henry A. Belin, the father of the pastor Belin was joined in the pulpit by Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, who delivered the sermon, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram and their spouses, along with General Officers: Dennis Dickerson, Johnny Barbour who delivered the prayer, Daryl Ingram, retired General Officers, Robert Reid and Paulette Coleman; and yours truly. All of The married General Officers were accompanied by their spouses. Mother Belin was joined in the pew by the spouses of the bishops who were present. Brother Stan McKenzie who was the afternoon speaker in the near Paducah arrived later. The Reverend Dr. George Moore, pastor of Saint Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and who is Reverend Roderick Belin’s father in the ministry gave remarks and spoke about Reverend Belin’s competence and dedication as a young minister. Bishop Ingram, in his remarks said that the event was a celebration of a heavenly disturbance. He went on to say that he would be here next year because he prophesied that Kairos Community, under the leadership of Roderick Belin, would grow by leaps and bounds. Comments were also given by Congressman Cooper who presented Reverend Belin and Kairos with a proclamation in recognition of the Kairos ministry.

Reverend Belin took time to recognize all of the guests and modeled protocol as a master. He did protocol right!

The choir sang and remarks were given, but then the preacher of the hour, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, mounted the pulpit. She stood up proclaimed what “thus saith the Lord and left us panting. She took her text from Leviticus 6:8-13 and used as her subject, “Keep the Fire Burning.” She told us about the wood – cottonwood which is porous, green wood which won’t burn well, oak wood that is hard and turns to embers and will help to ignite another fire, and acacia wood that can be used when it couldn’t be used for anything else. Her hermeneutical application was superb. Kairos was set on “fire.” Later, I heard Bishop Belin say that his father used to say after hearing a preacher preach a sermon like Bishop McKenzie preached, “Call an ambulance, that kind of preaching will drive folks crazy!” Bishop McKenzie preached!

The Invitation was given, the offering lifted and the benediction pronounced. Refreshments were served and we all had been spiritually and physically fed. It was indeed a great Pentecost celebration!

4. EDITOR’S CORNER:

- Letters to the Editor:

- Dear Dr. Sydnor,

Greetings! Please note that AME University and her president were left out of the AME universities and colleges listed in the last publications of the Christian Recorder. AME University has over 1800 students. Here is the Information about AME University. Please include it in your list of AME Colleges and Universities:

Dr. Levi B. Zangai, Ph D., President
AME University (African Methodist Episcopal Church University)
34 Camp Johnson Road
Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa

God bless you now and always,

Bishop Daniels

- Dr. Sydnor,

Thank you for the additional copies of the Christian Recorder. Please thank those persons who so generously have made their contributions to the 20th. I just want to share something with you.

I attended a Bible Expo at the Sheraton, Zimbabwe, Harare over the weekend. I was surprised at the lack of materials they had. There was a beautiful advert (write-up) in the newspaper regarding the event, so I was looking forward to attending. What a let-down. I thought about the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Libraries that we, members, have, the amount of literature that we produce as AME's, the kind of resources that we have, and I thought if we AMEs only had a bookstore in Harare, we would have taken up all the space in the convention center and would have needed more space, in comparison to all the participants that were there.

I can see my minds-eye, the AME Church in Zimbabwe, in all its glory, being what Richard Allen meant it to be, a place where souls are saved, minds are liberated and deliverance takes place - a liberating and exalting church. This is the work that I look forward to doing in the 20th Episcopal District - expanding the Church, enabling God's people and exalting Christ.

Now, you asked me to tell something about the brick making machine. Because we do not have any Churches in Malawi that are fully completed, and because they have the natural resources (people and raw materials) there is a need for us to complete our places of worship as soon as possible. At the moment, the members mold the bricks themselves, wait for them to dry, burn them and then try to build, not knowing the proper mixture to use. Hence, when the rainy season comes, the church buildings are washed away. The brick making machine will help us with:-

1. Training and empowering persons with a needed skill and we can then use them to train others to build their own Church

2. We can use the machine as a continuous income generating project for the District because it can be moved from place to place for the purposes intended.

Additionally we have enough skilled persons in the 20th Episcopal District, that we can start our own AME Construction Company. Talk about empowerment - (GDC)!

There is enough work to repair the forty-two AME Schools we have in Malawi, the forty acres of land that we have in Zimbabwe that also has a Primary School, and on those grounds we intend to build a Clinic, pre-school, and do some farming so that we can feed the students that are at school along with the community. We want to send parents for training while the kids are taken care of at the pre-school. The closest clinic is 65 miles away from this village. The AME Church has the potential to become the “Church in the Heart of the Community, with the Community at Heart.”

We are in the process of providing electricity to our school so that we can introduce computers to the children and teachers. It will also become a means for me to communicate with that community and with the pastor, since the church is also on the grounds of the school.

Ah! I can go on with lots of information. If you want more, let me know.

HAVE A GREAT PENTECOST SUNDAY!!!! NOW YOU KNOW WHY I AM SO EXCITED!

Bishop Wilfred Messiah

Editor's Comment: I will publish the names of some folks who reponded to the call for help for our overseas Episcopal Districts 14-20. I will also publish the name of the person who led the drive in her community and in her family and folks responded. Praise God!

- Dr. Sydnor,

Thank you for your diligence in calling attention to the nation-wide scam through the AME Christian Recorder. Several well-meaning pastors and congregations have been victimized. However, I strongly believe we are coming to a positive and speedy resolution.

I have attached message of instruction from Tallahassee (Florida) Police Investigator, W. Stewart Clendinen. The emails were received today. He recommends that the victims, or persons who have been contacted by the perpetrators, should file a police report in their jurisdictions. He is serving as the clearing house for all reports. I have included his contact details on each of his email messages.

Again, thanks for your helpfulness. It also proves that our famous AMEC network actually works.

Sincerely,

A. J. Richardson, Bishop

* * *
Bishop Richardson,

Since a crime was committed or attempted in St. Charles, Illinois' jurisdiction, a law enforcement agency in that jurisdiction should take the report and follow-up on the crime including seeking out information about the telephone number. That should be the procedure for each such incident.

Let me know if I can assist further.

All police reports should be faxed or E-mailed to me to act as a clearinghouse.

Investigator Stewart Clendinen
Tallahassee Police Department
Financial Crimes Unit
234 East 7th Avenue
Tallahassee, Florida 32303
V- (850) 891-4509
clendins@talgov.com
FAX- (850) 891-4685

- Dear Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher, and the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

Let me take this opportunity to appreciate you all especially for making it possible for us to have access to the online edition of the Christian Recorder free of charge. The print edition of the Recorder is unaffordable to many prospective overseas subscribers like me. I count myself privileged to be among the less than 2% AME's both clergy and laity that have access to the internet this side of connection Allow me to thank Dr Sydnor for the excellent coverage made of the events that characterized the GDC hosted by the 20th District under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Messiah in Harare Zimbabwe. I salute you for your factual observations made of what is needed to be done to lift the bar of excellence in Districts 16 through 20.

I would like to agree more with the statement from our "ever green" Bishop Guidry who alluded to the fact that the definition for "missionary" and "mission" and the church need to change including the way that we are doing business in overseas Districts. I am glad that "All of the bishops and supervisors reiterated that their comments were not reflections of the great work done by all of our bishops who have served overseas, but they wanted to share the difficulties involved in ministry in some of the overseas districts."

From the above quotation, our Bishops I believe are stating the fact that there is work to be done based on the foundation left by previous Episcopal leaders. Indeed the way of doing business in the overseas districts of 16-20 requires a completely new approach if we are to close ranks with structures that exist in the USA. I am excited by the unity of command and purpose demonstrated by the Bishops that attended the GDC. The need for frank like the one the Editor Sydnor has made in the previous three editions about the GDC are required to sensitize the whole connectional church.

Lastly, let me thank Bishops Wilfred Messiah, James Davis, Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Samuel Green, and Sarah Davis and all Episcopal representatives for the tireless effort in adding value to the work of the GDC. To Dr Sydnor, I say keep up the good work and come again to mother Africa especially to the vast 17th Episcopal District. God bless all online subscribers Rev Royd Mwandu - Senior Pastor St Thomas AME Church 17th Episcopal District 82-14th Street, Nchanga South P O Box 11125 Chingola, ZAMBIA

5. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT - HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DISTRICT VISITATIONS:

The 2004-05 series of Annual Conferences in the Great Nation State of South Carolina is making history as the Bishop of the 7th Episcopal District,

The Right Reverend Preston Williams humbly promises to visit each of the 563 congregations of the six conferences that comprise the 7th Episcopal District. Bishop Williams passionately intimates that the South Carolina delegation of AME’s has a rich history not only in African Methodism, but in Christianity and in spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.

Over the course of the next year, Bishop Williams vows to personally visit each church in every corner of South Carolina. It does not matter whether it is the leading church in a district or the smallest mission church on a circuit and/or in the rural counties of the state, Bishop Williams will personally visit the church, meet and greet the men, women and children of the congregations.

The eloquent history of African Methodism stands proudly on the shoulders of the many churches in the 7th Episcopal District. The Bishop’s desire and commitment to visit each church gives these congregations a well deserved place in the annals of African Methodism.

As the Episcopal visits unfold, district personnel will document and record each visit for future generations to enjoy.

Many parishioners have been truly elated by the visits. Several AME’s indicated that the Bishop was warm and engaging as he expressed thanks to them for their contribution to African Methodism. Additionally, an elderly woman remarked that in over 60 years of membership in the A.M.E. Church, this was her first opportunity to meet and talk with the Episcopal Leader personally. She further stated that it was a memorable event that she will treasure always. Another gentleman was heard saying “When you made that promise, I didn’t think you would keep it, and here you are”. Again, another was quoted as saying “Bishop Williams has gone where no other Bishop has gone before in South Carolina”.

Bishop Williams, accompanied by our Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Wilma Webb Williams together with the Christian Education Administrator, Ms. Kabrina Bass, will spend three (3) days traveling in each of the seventeen (17) Presiding Elder Districts. One can find hundreds of historical churches throughout the lowland, from the coast to the foothills, in the rural communities and throughout the cities, both large and small. Some churches are just a few miles apart, while others expand across this great Palmetto State.

For centuries, hundreds of thousand souls have been fed in places like Wando, Trio, Nesmith, Dalzell, Sellers, Pamplico, Jenkinsville, Rembert, Carlisle, Edisto Island, Holly Hill, Burton, Roseville, Summerton, Ft. Motte, Mauldin and Bradley. Even in the most remote places, deep in rich rural soil, there are voices of praise ringing out from beautiful wooden framed buildings to brick cathedrals, from churches in the middle of corn fields to churches on the main highways of small towns. Many of these are members who would not have the opportunity to share some personal quality time with our Episcopal Leaders.

We salute Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II and Mother Wilma D. Webb Williams for their ministry of embracing and motivating all of the constituents of African Methodism in the State of South Carolina.

To God be the Glory!

Presented by:
Presiding Elder Rosalyn G. Coleman
Newberry-Spartanburg District

6. CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION LEADERSHIP WORKSHOP:

Health Directors on all levels, Health Coordinators Health Educators are invited to participate in a training session at 4:00 p.m. on June 26, 2005 at the site of the General Board/Bishop's Council, Wyndham Anatole Hotel, Dallas, Texas.

Updates on Connectional Projects, Policy and Procedure and other timely information will be shared with the participants.

Registration is free.

For more information contact: Gwen Williams, Executive Director at telephone 504. 482-3051 or gwen8614@bellsouth.net

7. THE REVEREND DR. MIRIAM BURNETTE IS THE MEDICAL DIRECTOR FOR THE CONNECTIONAL HEALTH COMMISSION:


8. SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION:

1. The United Negro College Fund/J. P. Morgan Chase Bank is offering a full scholarship known as the John F. McGillicuddy Scholarship. Deadline May 31, 2005.

This scholarship pays (FULL TUITION) & provides a (COMPUTER LOADED WITH THE LATEST SOFTWARE). This scholarship is open to graduating high School seniors entering as a college freshman full time at a UNCF college /university. Applicants must be residents of one of the below participating states.

Participating States: Missouri, California, Indiana, Arizona, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut,
Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Delaware, Michigan, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma, Colorado, Louisiana, Utah, and West Virginia.

All Scholarship Information Can Be Found By Clicking or Copy Paste The Link Below:

http://www.uncf.org/scholarships/scholardetail.asp?Sch_ID=173

2. INTERNSHIP "O" - The Oprah Magazine is looking to hire fall interns in the Fashion and Style Departments. Candidates must be highly organized, detail-oriented and be able to juggle multiple tasks at once. Prior internship experience preferred, but not required. This opportunity is available for college students in need of credit hours and recent graduates who are available to start immediately, full-time Send resumes with a cover letter to: Cindy M. del Rosario, Associate Editor O, The Oprah Magazine 1700 Broadway, 38th floor NY, or call 212-903-5149.

3. Verizon is looking for students who are 2004 graduates of Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). If you know of someone graduating from a HBCU this year with a degree in Engineering, 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.

4. Harvard is offering free tuition for students that have a family Income below $40,000. If you are a mentor or know any teenagers, please give them this information. 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.

5. Subject: Full Medical Scholarship Please pass this on to any African American who may be interested in a free medical degree. Washington University in St. Louis, the Medical School, now ranked number 2 (along with Baltimore's John's Hopkins University Medical School) has scholarships to award to bright black Americans. The students that are chosen will be awarded full tuition for 4 yrs, $30,000.00 per year plus $2,500.00 stipend. Check them out on the Web. Washington University Home page www.wustl.edu http://www.wustl.edu/ ('http://www.wustl.edu/'); for Complete instructions and deadlines for applying, call the office of undergraduate Admission at (800)638-0700 or (314)935-6087.

To view the application and to obtain more information, you can also visit their web site at http://admissions.wustl.edu

Marvin Mitchell, Associate Athletic Director
Academic Services for Athletics
Student Activities Center, 202E
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
Ph: (502)852-7940
Fax: (502)852-7924
Email: mmitchell@louisville.edu

9. THE ATLANTA NORTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

The Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference hosted by Rev. & Mrs. Gregory V. Eason, Sr., the Flipper Temple AME Church family, and Host Presiding Elder Walter Daniels, closed out in grand style on Friday night. The closing Commissioning services were held at Big Bethel AME Church, downtown Atlanta where the Rev. Dr. Mark Thompson serves as pastor.

Retired Bishop John Hurst Adams was the preacher of the hour and he used as his text Matthew 9, and Luke 4:20. Bishop Adams delivered a powerful message entitled "The Content of Our Faith."

Dr. Pam DeVeaux, Sixth District Episcopal Supervisor in her own inimitable style had the congregation on their feet as she led us in singing "What a mighty God we serve."

Along with several other visitors the following persons were in attendance for the closing services:

Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Ecumenical Officer of the AME Church, Dr. Dolly D. Adams, Retired Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Aurellis Davis, Nineteenth District Episcopal Supervisor, Bishop James Davis, Nineteenth Episcopal District, had attended services earlier in the week.

Bishop DeVeaux made the following moves at the conclusion of the Atlanta North Georgia Annual Conference:

Presiding Elder David L. Moore transferred from the South GA Conference to the Macon GA Conference, and assigned as Presiding Elder of the Griffin District.

Rev. Harvey Williams transferred from the Southwest GA Conference to the South GA Conference and assigned as the Presiding Elder of the Thomasville-Bainbridge District.

Rev. Kenneth C. Williams transferred from the South GA Conference to the Southwest Conference and assigned as pastor of Saint Mark AME Church, Columbus, GA.

Peace & Blessings,
Bruce Leon Francis

10. AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE REVEREND DR. CLYDE ODEN:

Dear Fellow Clergy:

Because African Americans and Latinos are among the highest AIDS case rates of any racial/ethnic group, it behooves communities of color, across the country, to come together as often as possible to hold special awareness and testing events. Members of the Statewide HIV/AIDS Church Outreach Advisory Board are committed to hosting prevention and awareness activities four times a year around the following observances:
- National HIV Testing Day, June 27

- World AIDS Day, December 1

- National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, February 7

- Black Church Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS, annually the first week in March (March 5 to 11, 2006)

In support of National HIV Testing Day (NHTD) on June 27th, we encourage churches to educate their congregations and communities about the impact that HIV/AIDS is having on the African American community.

For instance, share the facts. Because we have been silent about the disease, Blacks have been disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS since the epidemic began and the trend has grown worse over time. African Americans represent approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population, yet we account for 40 percent of current AIDS cases and more than half (54%) of the estimated 40,000 new HIV infections each year in the U.S. The number of women and youth with AIDS in this group has also been on the rise.

Included with this letter is a calendar of various HIV/AIDS activities that take place throughout the year. We recommend that churches visit www.healingbeginshere.org for additional announcements on the Healing Begins Here community calendar. These items are part of the National HIV Testing Day Church Information Kit that offers tips on how churches can enlighten their congregations during the observance of NHTD on June 27. What some churches have done is to open up their parking lots for confidential HIV testing; others host discussion groups about HIV/AIDS education and awareness or deliver compassionate sermons such as the ones found in the pages of the Healing Begins Here: a Pastor’s Guidebook for HIV/AIDS Ministry through the Church.

We respect that each church will approach the subject of HIV and AIDS from a direction that fits the comfort levels of their congregation. I preach to my congregation that AIDS is a disease, not a sin. As it says in Hosea 4:6, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge . . . ” We are seeking your assistance in helping to inform our people that knowing your HIV status can help prevent the spread of the disease.

Call us toll-free at 1-877-256-1997 or e-mail us at info@healingbeginshere.org with ways your church observed NHTD. Together we can demonstrate God’s powerful purpose of love and compassion through action.

Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr.
Working Committee Chair,
Statewide HIV/AIDS Church Outreach Advisory Board Member
Pastor, Bryant Temple A.M.E. Church – Los Angeles

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:

Regretfully we share the following two notices of bereavement.Mr. Modest White of Cleveland, Ohio, the brother of the Rev. Quentin White, Chaplain, Dept. of Veterans Affairs (Salem, Virginia) and Pastor, St. John AME, Roanoke, Virginia.

The funeral arrangements are being planned for this weekend.

Condolences may be sent to Rev. Quentin White.

Contact Information: Rev. Quentin WhiteChaplain, Dept. of Veterans Affairs (Salem, Virginia) Pastor, St. John AME3019 Rutrough RoadRoanoke, VA 24014

(540-982-2463, ext. 2890
(540)562-2325
qjwhite@roanokemail.com

The funeral arrangements for Mr. Modest White of Cleveland, Ohio, the brother of Rev. Quentin White, Chaplain, Dept. of Veterans Affairs (Salem, Virginia) and Pastor, St. John AME, Roanoke, Virginia.

12. DEATH NOTIFICATION:

Mr. Freddy Tyer, the brother of Mrs. Martha Huggins, wife of former Presiding Elder Harold Huggins, Michigan Conference, 4th Episcopal District passed this life on Saturday, May 7, 2005, in Dothan, AL. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Condolences may be sent to: Mrs. Martha Huggins3791 Fullerton Detroit, MI. 48238(313) 491-0445 – Phone

Funeral ArrangementsFuneral arrangements for Freddy Tyer, brother of Martha Huggins, wife of former Michigan Conference Presiding Elder Harold Huggins are as follows:

Wake Thursday, May 12, 2005
Levite Funeral Home
814 Headland Ave.
Dothan, AL.

Funeral Service May 13, 2005
North Highland Baptist Church
407 Houston Street
Dothan, AL.

Home address:
3791 Fullerton
Detroit, MI. 48238
Email Condolences: Elderrete2@aol.com
Fax number: (313) 491-446

13. ALL BEREAVEMENT NOTICES PROVIDED BY:

Please remember these families in your prayers.

God Bless!Ora L. Easley
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)