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. ALERT!!! ALERT!!
Brothers and sisters we ask again that you pray for the people of Jamaica. Hurricane Dennis is heading for Kingston! The people of Jamaica have been on alert since yesterday!
Remember last September when we prayed and God diverted the storm, I believe that God will do it again, if we pray.
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
2. THE EDITOR’S CORNER:
- Information about the General Board and Bishops’ Council that was held in Dallas can be accessed on the official Website of the African Methodist Episcopal Church:
http://www.ame-church.com/
- Corrected Public Statement and General Board Address.
- I am posting the corrected Public Statement of the Bishops’ Council and the corrected General Board Address given by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle.
- If you are having problems with gibberish appearing in your Christian Recorder Online, that issue can be resolved by following the instructions below:
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).
If this does not fix the problem, call the Reverend Alton Paris, the Webmaster for The Christian Recorder at 1-817-202-8017
3. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PUBLIC STATEMENT OF COUNCIL OF BISHOPS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2005 ~ 2:15 P.M.:
The Council of Bishops, under the leadership of the newly invested President Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, met in its annual meeting here in Dallas, Texas. The Council addressed many issues that came before it and made the following resolutions and observations that face critical areas of interest for the denomination:
- The Bishops resolved, in connection with its Quadrennial “Living Well” theme, to develop a series of monthly Pastoral Letters inclusive of responses to matters of public concern that are of current political, economic and community interest.
The letters have begun in the current edition of the Christian Recorder written by the Rt. Reverend Phillip R. Cousin, Senior Bishop. This process will continue in perpetuity.
It is the desire of the Council that these letters are read in congregations all over the denomination so that rank and file members will know the mind of the Council of Bishops on the variety of issues that face our constituents.
- The Council of Bishops provided an audience to General Motors and General Motors Acceptance Corporation regarding the continued Economic Development Partnership with this major Corporation.
General Motors has provided support for the multiple connectional events in various districts and among connectional components.
The 2nd Episcopal District is a test area for products with General Motors and General Motors Acceptance Corporation for new and refinanced mortgages at better rates to the benefit of the individual, community, congregations and the Episcopal District.
Thus far, the result of this partnership includes $ 50,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college freshmen. Twenty $ 2500 scholarships were presented last week to young people in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington D. C. The partnership continues.
- The Bishops’ Council continues its study of the retirement program across the full spectrum of our denomination with special emphasis on pastors. The Council is encouraging the enrollment of members in the new “Retirement Program for Pastors and Presiding Elders” during this window of enrollment opportunity over the next few months.
The Council also considered the implication of General Officers who have served the church to the best of their ability without appropriate retirement compensation. This matter is still under review and recommendations are forthcoming.
Finally, on the matter of retirement, the Council is forthright in its commitment to the retirement law of our church. We will make it clear that retirement of preachers having reached their 75th birthday by their respective Annual Conference is now positive law, strengthened in language and intent by the 47th General Conference. Therefore, it is to be understood that the retirement of servants of the church is not left to the whims of the Episcopal District or the Annual conference as a matter of Episcopal discretion.
- The Council commended Bishop McKinley Young and the Board of Edward Waters College for their aggressive actions in addressing issues related to the accreditation of Edward Waters College by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their actions resulted in full restoration of accreditation of Edward Waters College by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Council voted to provide leadership in calling for a 2nd Annual Summit on Education. The summit will concern itself with developing a strategy that will benefit other historical black institutions as they face similar challenges with their respective accrediting agencies. Our goal is to make accrediting agencies more intentional in executing due process, and to hold the accrediting agencies to greater accountability and responsibility in providing appropriate assistance in facilitating the strength and vitality of the schools under their auspices.
The summit will also address strategies to close the achievement gap among African American students in K-12. Our goal is to holistically address the national policy “Leave no Child Behind,” as African American students are affected.
- The Council also addressed Strategic Planning and the matters pertaining to the General Conference legislation on studying redistricting. The president will appoint a committee to coordinate implementation of the legislation as presented.
- The Council received the Reverend Dr. Jonathan Weaver of the 2nd District who addressed matters regarding the Collective Banking Group. We salute Dr. Weaver for the important work being accomplished for empowering local congregations across denomination lines and individual members. We commend this concept to our constituents for implementation through chapters in local communities across the church.
- The Council provided an audience to the Reverend Cassandra Sparrow of the 2nd Episcopal District who proposed to the Council an international health initiative that would positively affect the quality of health for African people in Diaspora. Professionally produced videos and DVDs are being provided through Conrad Productions, featuring African American celebrities and made specifically for Episcopal Districts. The video and DVDs will be made available in Episcopal Districts. These tools will enhance the health ministries and initiatives of all Episcopal Districts as information and teaching instruments on the variety of health issues facing our constituents. The Council is committed to this initiative.
- The Council is steadfast in its support for the work of the Global Development Council and the ministries of Districts 14-20. We applaud the work being accomplished in Episcopal Districts 14-20 under the bishops who serve as the international agents of our denomination.
We especially salute Bishop David Daniels of the 14th District who reported on the AME University inclusive of a $ 1,000,000.00 acquisition for the construction of the Hatcher-Henning-Norris Human Resource building in Monrovia and the A. J. Richardson-Carlton Z. Adams Health Center.
- The Council concurred with the matters of the General Board on the variety of issues which came before it, particularly the matter concerning the signing of contracts that would encumber the denomination; and the consideration for increasing stipends for General Board members.
- The Council applauds the good work of Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, the Reverend Dr. Jessica Ingram and the 10th Episcopal District for the stellar way in which we were benefited in the state of Texas.
- The Council expressed deep appreciation for the challenging sermon of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and the comprehensive State of the Church address by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, President of the General Board. We commend the two presentations for further study to the benefit of our Zion.
- We celebrate Bishop John R. Bryant and his son, the Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant, in their appearance on the international network of TBN, giving positive attention to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The result of this exposure resulted in an invitation extended to US Senator Barak Obama of Chicago and the Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant of Empowerment Temple AME Church of Baltimore, to address the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
The Council of Bishops asks the prayers of the Church for the blessings of God upon our collective ministry and for peace and justice around the world.
Submitted on behalf of the Council of Bishops
The Public Statement Committee
Bishop A. J. Richardson, Jr.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah
Bishop Sarah F. Davis
4. 2005 GENERAL BOARD ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:
Several weeks prior to our last General Board session, I asked Senior Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr., to deliver our first “State of the Church address. I have always considered Bishop P. R. Cousin affectionately known and called by his parents, the late Dr. Sylvester Cousin and Mrs. Mamie Cousin, “Bobby” a friend and brother beloved of long standing. It was Bishop P. R. Cousin and the late Bishop Howard Thomas Primm who stood with me in Ft. Worth, TX in 1988 from beginning to end. Senior Bishop P. R. Cousin readily accepted the challenge and gave us a masterful synopsis of our condition entitled, “The Winds Which Blow across Our Bethel.” This timely message was well received by us and has been printed and reprinted. It should become required reading and study for those aspiring to ministry in this the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Special commendations are extended to our most efficient General Secretary, Dr. Clement Fugh and his staff for capturing this monumental proclamation. Accolades are also extended to the Connectional Lay News Magazine in its February 2005 spring edition of “We Speak” for its distribution of this timely and provocative message.
I attempted to prevail upon our next in seniority, my eminent classmate, Bishop John Richard Bryant, to bring the second State of the Church address. He suggested that I, as President of the Board, should speak. I personally hesitate to do so, inasmuch as I have historically and systematically been a “lightening rod” of African Methodism since becoming the General Secretary in 1976. I am painfully aware that over the past 30 years, I have been considered one of the most controversial figures in African Methodism. Ironically, here I stand, God being my helper, having been declared one of the one hundred most influential persons in 2005 by Ebony Magazine. My explanation for my being, found in the words of the prophet Ezekiel 37:1, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and sat me down in the midst of the valley…”
Our Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. in December 2004 was allegorical and specific in his analysis of “Our Bethel.” He spoke of “the winds,” “the roots and branches of the tree.” Permit me if you will, to go a step further in this analogy.
The poet Joyce Kilmer once wrote:
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree,
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree.
The African Methodist Episcopal church is traditionally rooted in the Wesleyan Methodist tradition. Our founder and illustrious leader, Bishop Richard All did not move one jot or tittle from the Doctrine and Discipline of Methodism upon leaving St. George. On the contrary, he took the whole of Wesleyan Methodism with him in the establishing of the African Methodism. Our present Doctrine and Discipline is more authentically Methodist than any other under the banner of Methodism in its episcopacy, organization, polity, concepts, etc. We continue to imitate and emulate the Methodist Church in its forward progress. In the time leading up to our “watershed” General Conference in 1956 at the Dinner Key Auditorium, Miami, Florida, we lifted from another Methodist body the General Board, the Board of Education and the General Budget concept and superimposed them onto our existing governmental structure. We introduced “additional departments and General Officers” into our structure. The basic change was to allow this newly created entity to coexist and shoulder some of the responsibilities of the “denominational tree.” The year 2006 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the General Board in African Methodism. Regrettably, a review of the 1956-1964 Disciplines indicate that we have not advanced from that initial concept in terms of productivity and getting the programs back to the basic roots of our Zion, i.e., the rank and file membership both lay and clergy.
Being a native Floridian, born in Miami, FL, Coconut Grove to be exact, I have always been an admirer of trees: trees of all shape, sizes and taste, mango, guava, grapefruit, orange, cherry. Nevertheless, I have a special fondness for palm trees: The Palmetto Palm, Coconut Palm, Date Palm, and the majestic Royal Palm. Having survived numerous storms and hurricanes in Florida and elsewhere, I realize that, of all the trees, the palm tree seems to be best suited to withstand the torrential winds that blow. Very seldom one would find a palm tree uprooted or its fronds/branches broken because of the raging tempestuous winds that blow. The fronds grow only out of the top and are firmly attached directly to the trunk, realizing that all of its sustenance comes from the roots via the capillary system within the trunk of the tree. What I notice and admire the most about the palm tree is, while it has been exposed to the elements of wind, rain, heat, it has been able to endure the harshness of the elements, yet bear the scars of such encounters. Often times the truck does not grow completely upright, but bent in some grotesque manner trying to compensate for the trade winds that blow. But a close observation reveals that its fronds always point upward toward the heavens, reminding us as in the words of the Psalmist, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”
Conversely, the root of Zion’s Tree is indeed anchored and presently all of our sustenance comes directly from the roots. However, there is a serious debate raging as to how long the roots will be able to sustain the tree with its semi independent, autonomous, unilateral branches. The A.M.E. Church is still the purest form of Methodism having a structure similar to corporate America’s legal system, i.e., incorporated, rules, regulations, judicial process, rights of members, clergy, etc. Our structure is sanctioned by our government and all the countries and governments where we have members. It is my contention that with the inception of the General Budget and General Board concept, we “allowed” ourselves the luxury of delegating much of our corporate responsibilities to an entity, which we deemed the General Board without providing quality time, personnel, resources, expertise for minimum oversight, and productivity. The legal entity of African Methodism according to our quadrennial charter/corporation filing is our Board of Incorporators/Board Trustees. This is “The Tree” but we have deluded ourselves, we have become derelict in our duty, by believing, acting and allowing certain branches/departments of our Zion/tree to become and act as if they are more important and significant than the body and roots from which all get our sustenance. Several of the branches/departments have strayed so far from the truck of the tree until they act and function as if they are indeed “The Tree”: Revising constitutions and by-laws which are in conflict with and a challenge to the Mother corporation; establishing corporations, foundations, writing and receiving grants, unilaterally signing contractual agreements on behalf of the “Mother Zion” which are all in the purview and prerogative of the “Mother Zion.”
The General board has been granted the responsibility of overseeing on behalf of the Corporate Trustees, certain aspects of its duties. The departments and agencies are under the umbrella of the General Board via the Commission system. At the General Conference, we elect five (5) persons from among the elected delegates from each Episcopal District. The basic qualifications for election for General Board are as follows: (1) to have been a delegate to the General Conference, (2) to be nominated/elected by the delegates from your Episcopal District. (It is not required that persons elected have a fair knowledge of the work of the various departments of our Zion. Nor is it required that the persons elected have a concern for the upward mobility of our Zion.) There are more than 14 Commissions and Agencies of the General Board. The five persons from each District must be assigned to these 15 commissions. Each commission has a minimum of twenty (20) persons assigned, (each district is “entitled” to representation on each commission. This translates to five persons being on at least four different commissions. The commissions meet during one of the two times on the opening day of the General Board for a period, which often does not exceed two hours for each. At this meeting, the General Officers and heads of the various agencies present their annual report of their stewardship. The reports include an annual audit, report on activities, travel, etc., etc., and recommendations for the coming fiscal year.
There are no stipulations that Board members visit the departments periodically during the year, aid in the generation of resources for the departments, report to their Annual Conferences the cares and concerns, activities, programs of the departments, nor is it required of members to convey to the departments the cares and concerns of the individuals who are collective membership of the church. Lastly, it is not required that members be in attendance at each commission meeting of which they are a part.
The poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox proclaims
One ship drives east and another drive west
With the selfsame winds that blow,
“Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales
Which tells us the way to go.
Tis’ true there are winds blowing across our Zion, challenging relevance, structure, and stability; challenging the very fabric of our being. While we are and need to be, rooted and grounded the truth of the situation is we are more like the ship of Zion out on the restless sea of our society. The winds and waves of congregationalism, ecclesiastical and homiletical uncertainty, neo-Pentecostalism, drastic personnel shifts, redistricting, "antagonization" and the appeal of mega churches, are pounding our ship of Zion. The winds and waves of discontent, discord, centralization, feudal fiefdoms, disenfranchisement, increase in budgetary allocations, smoke and mirrors rather than transparent financial accountability, decrease in quality and services are indeed threatening to overturn our vessel.
We must take some action. It is recommended that we lower our anchors so that we might inspect, assess, and reevaluate our mission and real purpose in light of where we find ourselves in world history. We must lower our anchors and reexamine our tenacity and stick-to-itiveness. First, we must lower the anchor of “faith” in the precepts and examples of our forefathers and mothers; faith in God who has watched over, nurtured our existence and very being. Second, the anchor of “hope” in the ability of the Church to adjust and adapt to life threatening winds and waves; hope coupled with a belief that our leadership continues to have an unyielding connection to our Maker. Third, the anchor of “love”; an abiding love and commitment to the mission and purpose of the church; a love of God’s universe and humanity that has been in trusted to us. Fourth, the anchor of “dedicated commitment”; a dedicated commitment to become flexible, not get discouraged, fight a good fight, finish the course which is laid before us.
In the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the lowering of important anchors will give us the time for insightful reflection, motivation also reexamine our condition and position in society, then muster the courage and intestinal fortitude to check, repair and if need be, acquire new sails and crew, then reset the sails of our Zion. This will insure that at least we would be traveling in the direction we have charted rather than being driven and responding to the unmerciful unpredictable winds and waves, which are but seasonal and are basically the results of high and low temperatures, high and low pressure areas, and gravitational pulls of the earth and celestial bodies. Our strict attention to the Biblical charts, Holy Scripture compass, weather reports the fitness of our vessel will insure that we can indeed set our own sails.
Therefore, we call upon the Board of Incorporators, Council of Bishops, General Board to allow the setting of these sails:
I. RESOURCES.
That the Constitution and Bylaws of the various departments of the church which call for the creation of Foundations that receive resources from outside of our Zion be declared null and void, and that we adhere to the denomination’s Articles of Incorporation which has such authority “reposed” with the Board of Trustees.
A. That all individuals or departments adhere to the Law of the Church related to who shall be responsible for the planning of ALL connectional meetings and what shall be done with the funds accumulated as a result of said meeting.
B. That all individuals or departments adhere to the original polity of the Church and work cooperatively with the host district in the planning and implementation of all connectional meetings.
C. That no individual or department be given authority to sign legal documents, which encumbers the denomination, except those already prescribed by the Doctrine and Discipline of the A.M.E. Church.
D. That those individuals or departments who will not or refuse to abide by this set of the sails shall immediately forfeit the allocations from the General Budget Fund until further notice and the individual or department be barred from functioning pending a comprehensive examination and recommendation by the General Board Commission to which it/they report (s).
II. THE GENERAL BOARD
That the Structure be revisited with legislation prepared to be approved by the forthcoming General Conference, i.e., increased number of days for sessions; setting minimum qualifications for General Board membership; staggered terms for Board members from each Episcopal District; time and place of election/nomination of General Board members in Episcopal Districts.
A. That in the meantime the sail be reset requiring quality time for General Board/Commission deliberations. The expansion to three days of General Board deliberation. Two days of Commission work. One day of the Commissions’ reporting to the FULL BOARD.
B. That funding for the additional day be a legitimate expense against the funds acquired from the Connectional meeting trust fund; the alternative: That Episcopal Districts be encouraged to help defray the expense of the additional day of meeting for its members.
C. That Departments be encouraged to develop their individual functioning Advisory Board consisting of persons with the essential skills, expertise, time, treasure.
D. That these Advisory Boards be empowered to aid in lifting the level of effectiveness, service, finding streams of resources, getting goods and services down to the grass root/local church.
E. That the Advisory Board be amenable to the Department, which reports directly to the General Board. That the Advisory Board be required to organize and develop an action plan, which the Commission of, must ratify, said department. It is further understood that the Chairperson of the Commission shall be a bona fide member of the Advisory Board.
F. That all entities within the denomination adhere to the formulation of the Connectional Churches calendar. This calendar will govern the holding of events, which shall not be in conflict with each other. Dates maybe “claimed” for the entire quadrennial, with places to be designated when venue is not finalized at the time of date allocations. Those departments/individuals that will not adhere to the connectional mandate shall be answerable to the Commission under which they serve.
III. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Some of the legislation, which was passed without “proper/adequate” deliberation, must be revisited, reconsidered, and interpreted in the light of current practicalities.
A. The reduction of delegations be set aside or modified pending validation of the “saving” which is alleged to accrue; Freeze the delegation at the last General Conference’s levels except for the newly created District Overseas. A reduction of a delegation of 100 to 75 will create more animosity and ill will in ZION / Episcopal Districts than the alleged benefits of manageability.
B. Revisiting the legislation calling for a youth being elected who has never attended a General Conference. This legislation while well-intended and noble fails to take into consideration the reality that we would indeed be electing someone who has never legally been considered a member of the Annual Conference. The law presently calls for one person as delegate to the Annual conference from each local charge. There is no requirement for each local charge to send a second person legally except at Electoral College time, and this is only to the Electoral College. The sail should be set to superimpose this legislation on the Annual Conferences, which would immediately begin electing two persons from each local church, one adult and one youth. Within the next three years, enough youth would have been exposed to the church process and procedure and be prepared to be elected and serve in a General Conference.
IV. FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
That the General Board prepare and present a comprehensive line item Budget to the General Conference so that specific items can be adjusted for the good of the order.
A. The call for uniformity or accounting practices via approved legislation be enacted with all deliberate speed with the necessary training and sage guards clearly delineated. This is also legislation which did not carry funding with it.
B. The Committee on Redistricting as approved by legislation should coexist with the Strategic Planning Committee, and that funding be made available for both.
C. The indigenous Bishops resources be supplemented during the remainder of this quadrennial using the funds which have accrued in the Episcopal Fund by the death of two of our members since the General Conference.
V. DENOMINATIONAL PRIDE AND RESPECT
The call is to plan and implement a denominational celebration, the 50th Birthday of our General Board and our transition.
A. This could take place during the week of our 2006 General Board in South Carolina or during the actual time of its creation in May/June, 1956.
B. That this celebration is a time of renewal, rededication and sail setting.
VI. QUADRENNIAL FOCUS
The Council of Bishops is providing additional leadership via declaring the focus for the Quadrennial 2004 – 2008. The yearly themes are as follows:
June 2005 – May 2006, “Living Well”
“I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” John 10:10
June 2006 – May 2007, “Serving Well”
“Equipping the saints for service…” “Faith without works is dead.”
June 2007- May 2008, “Managing Well”
“God has given us the ability to create wealth.”
June 2008 – May 2009, “Finishing Well”
“I have fought the good fight and kept the faith…”
The Christian Education Department, Dr. Daryl Ingram and the Writer’s Guild who prepare Sunday School lessons, will utilize the International Sunday School material and interpret the theme for Sunday School students and teachers. They chose the breakdown of the theme in to four quarter topics and the Scriptures. Vacation Bible School, beginning in 2006, will reflect the Quadrennial theme. All other AME Church publications will reflect at various times this four year focus. The Council of Bishops has made available at this session of the General Board a book reflecting this theme. The book consists of sermons, reflections, Bible study, devotions, worship and scholarship. You are invited to secure this thought provoking, well-written document.
Ella Wilcox further states:
Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life:
“Tis the set of a soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.
And so as we open this session of the General Board I’m reminded of that old corn field ditty which while we would admit isn’t theologically correct, but it sounds good:
Like a ship that’s tossed and driven,
Battered by an angry sea,
When the storms of life are raging
And their fury fall on me,
I wonder what have I done
That makes this race so hard to run,
Then I say to my soul, take courage,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Refrain
The Lord will make away some how,
When beneath the cross I bow;
He will take away each sorrow,
Let Him have your burdens now;
When the load bears down so heavy
The weight is shown upon my brow,
There’s a sweet relief in knowing,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Try to do my best in service,
Try to live the best I can,
When I choose to do the right thing,
Evil’s present on every hand,
I look up and wonder why
That good fortune pass me by,
Then I say to my soul be patient,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Often there’s misunderstanding
Out of all the good I do,
Go to friends for consolation
And I find them complaining too,
So many nights I toss in pain,
Wondering what the day will bring,
But I say to my heart, don’t worry,
The Lord will make a way some how.
5. ST. JOHN AME CHURCH, SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE, ALONG WITH GREATER WHITES CHAPEL CME CHURCH PRESENTS AN EDUCATION PROGRAM TO EDUCATE TEEN GIRLS AGES 11- 16:
WHAT: “All About Me”
WHO: Robertson County Health Department, St. John AME
Church, Greater Whites Chapel CME Church
WHEN: July 30, 2005, 10:00am-12:00pm
WHERE: St. John AME Church
Springfield
CONTACT: Erica Armstead
Public Health Educator
Robertson County Health Department
615-384-4504
The Robertson County Health Department has teamed up with St. John AME Church and Greater Whites Chapel CME Church to offer the community “All About Me”. This is a free program designed to educate teen girls, ages 11-16, about the risk and consequences of sexual activity and the significance of defining their own spirituality.
When teens give birth, their future aspirations decline. Teen mothers have a decreased chance to complete high school, are more probable to be single parents, and are twice as likely to live in poverty than other teens.
The program will be presented July 30, 2005, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at St. John AME Church located at 402 15th Ave W Springfield, TN. Participating pastors will teach the spiritual component and a health educator will teach the component on the risk and consequences of sexual activity. All participants will have to provide proof of parental consent in order to attend the presentation. No one will be admitted without a completed and signed parental consent form. These forms are available at participating churches or the Robertson County Health Department.
This event will support the LifeStyle/LifeStart component of the Tennessee Department of Health’s Better Health: It’s About Time! Initiative as well as “Living Well” our Denomination’s theme for 2005. For more information about the initiative, visit www.tennessee.gov/health. For more information about the “All About Me” program, contact Erica Armstead at the Robertson County Health Department at 384-4504 or Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, Pastor St. John AME Church, Springfield, TN. at 931 575-8945.
Submitted by the Reverend Janie Dowdy-Dandridge
St. John AME Church, Springfield, Tennessee
6. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share the following bereavement notices:
From: Ldmwashington@aol.com
Rev. Leroy Washington, Jr., pastor of Mt. Zion AME church in Daytona Beach, Florida, sister expired on Saturday, July 2, 2005.
Condolences can be sent to:
Rev. and Mrs. Leroy Washington, Jr.
449 S.M.L. King Jr. Blvd.
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
From: washingtor@sbcglobal.net
We solicit your prayers for Mrs. Gladys F. Nettles wife of Rev. Gregory Nettles, Pastor of Allen Temple A. M. E. Church Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Mrs. Gladys F. Nettles' sister passed and will be funeralized on Monday, July 11, 2005 at 11 a. m. at the Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church in Los Angeles, CA.
We ask traveling Grace as they travel to the service.
Condolences can be sent to:
Mrs. Gladys F. Nettles
317 Lakeside
Camden, AR 71701
Phone 879-836-8952
Please remember the Washington and Nettles families in your prayers.
7. BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Rev. Richard Walker, the pastor of Union Bethel AMEC in Smithfield, Va. expired on Tuesday, July 5, 2005.
Funeral Arrangements:
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
12:00 NOON
St. John AME Church
545 E. Bute StreetNorfolk, VA 23510757-625-2713 (Phone)
Condolences can be sent to his wife, Mrs. Margaret Walker.
Mrs. Margaret Walker
1004 Blywood Lane
Suffolk, Va. 23434
Sidney Williams
8. ALL BEREAVEMENT AND FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE CLERGY FAMILY INFORMATION CENTER:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Clergy Family Information Center
CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’S
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact)
(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com (Nashville, TN Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781(Memphis, TN Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
7/07/2005
7/05/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE (7/5//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. BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY THANKS THOSE WHO HAVE PRAYED FOR SUPERVISOR DON GUIDRY:
Our sincere thanks to all who prayed for Supervisor Don Guidry. The doctors discovered a problem with his heart. He is scheduled for a "Pacemaker" implant on Wednesday, July 6. 2005 at Veterans' Administration Hospital, West Los Angeles, California.
Please continue to pray for him. God is good!
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
GirlBishop122@aol.com
Editor’s note: The message appended above was received from Sister Ora L. Easley, The Clergy Family Information Center
2. THE GENERAL BOARD BISHOPS’ COUNCIL NOTES:
The editor will attempt to cover the General Board / Bishops’ Council in the next several issues of The Christian Recorder Online. I am posting the full texts of the address delivered by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and the Public Statement of Council of Bishops.
3. ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS
Several weeks prior to our last General Board session, I asked Senior Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr., to deliver our first “State of the Church address. I have always considered Bishop P. R. Cousin affectionately known and called by his parents, the late Dr. Sylvester Cousin and Mrs. Mamie Cousin, “Bobby” a friend and brother beloved of long standing. It was Bishop P.R. Cousin and the late Bishop Howard Thomas Primm who stood with me in Ft. Worth, TX in 1988 from beginning to end. Senior Bishop P. R. Cousin readily accepted the challenge and gave us a masterful synopsis of our condition entitled, “The Winds Which Blow across Our Bethel.” This timely message was well received by us and has been printed and reprinted. It should become required reading and study for those aspiring to ministry in this the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Special commendations are extended to our most efficient General Secretary, Dr. Clement Fugh and his staff for capturing this monumental proclamation. Accolades are also extended to the Connectional Lay News Magazine in its February 2005 spring edition of “We Speak” for its distribution of this timely and provocative message.
I attempted to prevail upon our next in seniority, my eminent classmate, the father of neo-Pentecostalism, Bishop John Richard Bryant, to bring the second State of the Church address. He suggested that I, as President of the Board, should speak. I personally hesitate to do so, inasmuch as I have historically and systematically been a “lightening rod” of African Methodism since becoming the General Secretary in 1976. I am painfully aware that over the past 30 years, I have been considered one of the most controversial figures in African Methodism. Ironically, here I stand, God being my helper, having been declared one of the one hundred most influential persons in 2005 by Ebony Magazine. My explanation for my being, found in the words of the prophet Ezekiel 37:1, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and sat me down in the midst of the valley…”
Our Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. in December 2004 was allegorical and specific in his analysis of “Our Bethel.” He spoke of “The winds,” “the roots and branches of the tree.” Permit me if you will, to go a step further in this allegory.
The poet Joyce Kilmer once wrote:
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree,
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree.
The African Methodist Episcopal church is traditionally rooted in the Wesleyan Methodist tradition. Our founder and illustrious leader, Bishop Richard All did not move one jot or tittle from the Doctrine and Discipline of Methodism upon leaving St. George. On the contrary, he took the whole of Wesleyan Methodism with him in the establishing of the African Methodism. Our present Doctrine and Discipline is more authentically Methodist, as it relates to the Episcopacy, than any other under the banner of Methodism. As it relates to organization and polity, the African Methodist Episcopal Church continues to imitate and emulate the Methodist Church. In the time leading up to our “watershed” General Conference in 1956 at the Dinner Key Auditorium, Miami, Florida, we lifted from another Methodist body, the General Board; Board of Education and General Budget concept and superimposed it onto our existing governmental structure. We introduced “additional department and General Officers” into our structure. The basic change was to allow this newly created entity to coexist and shoulder some of the responsibilities of the “denominational tree.” The year 2006 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the General Board in African Methodism. Regrettably, a review of the 1956-1964 Disciplines indicate that we have not advanced from that initial concept in terms of productivity and getting the programs back to the basic roots of our Zion, i.e., the rank and file membership both lay and clergy.
Being a native Floridian, born in Miami, FL, Coconut Grove to be exact, I have always been an admirer of trees: trees of all shape, sizes and taste, mango, guava, grapefruit, orange, cherry. Nevertheless, I have a special fondness for palm trees: The Palmetto Palm, Coconut Palm, Date Palm, and the majestic Royal Palm. Having survived numerous storms and hurricanes in Florida and elsewhere, I realize that, of all the trees, the palm tree seems to be best suited to withstand the torrential winds that blow. Very seldom one would find a palm tree uprooted or its fronds/branches broken because of the raging tempestuous winds that blow. The fronds grow only out of the top and are firmly attached directly to the trunk, realizing that all of its sustenance comes from the roots via the capillary system within the trunk of the tree.
Conversely, the root of Zion’s Tree is indeed anchored and presently all of our sustenance comes directly from the roots. However, there is a serious debate raging as to how long the roots will be able to sustain the tree with its semi independent, autonomous, unilateral branches. The A.M.E. Church is still the purest form of Methodism having a structure similar to corporate America’s legal system, i.e., incorporated, rules, regulations, judicial process, rights of members, clergy, etc. Our structure is sanctioned by our government and all the countries and governments where we have members. It is my contention that with the inception of the General Budget and General Board concept, we “allowed” ourselves the luxury of delegating much of our corporate responsibilities to an entity, which we deemed the General Board without providing quality time, personnel, resources, expertise for minimum oversight, and productivity. The legal entity of African Methodism according to our quadrennial charter/corporation filing is our Board of Incorporators/Board Trustees. This is “The Tree” but we have deluded ourselves, we have become derelict in our duty, by believing, acting and allowing certain branches/departments of our Zion/tree to become and act as if they are more important and significant than the body and roots from which all get our sustenance. Several of the branches/departments have strayed so far from the truck of the tree until they act and function as if they are indeed “The Tree”: Revising constitutions and by-laws which are in conflict with and a challenge to the Mother corporation; establishing corporations, foundations, writing and receiving grants, unilaterally signing contractual agreements on behalf of the “Mother Zion” which are all in the purview and prerogative of the “Mother Zion.”
The General board has been granted the responsibility of overseeing on behalf of the Corporate Trustees, certain aspects of its duties. The departments and agencies are under the umbrella of the General Board via the Commission system. At the General Conference, we elect five (5) persons from among the elected delegates from each Episcopal District. The basic qualifications for election for General Board are as follows: (1) to have been a delegate to the General Conference, (2) to be nominated/elected by the delegates from your Episcopal District. (It is not required that persons elected have a fair knowledge of the work of the various departments of our Zion. Nor is it required that the persons elected have a concern for the upward mobility of our Zion.) There are more than 14 Commissions and Agencies of the General Board. The five persons from each District must be assigned to these 15 commissions. Each commission has a minimum of twenty (20) persons assigned, (each district is “entitled” to representation on each commission. This translates to five persons being on at least four different commissions. The commissions meet during one of the two times on the opening day of the General Board for a period, which often does not exceed two hours for each. At meeting, the General Officers and heads of the various agencies present their annual report of their stewardship. The reports include an annual audit, report on activities, travel, etc., etc., and recommendations for the coming fiscal year.
There are not stipulations that Board members visit the departments periodically during the year, aid in the generation of resources for the departments, report to their Annual Conferences the cares and concerns, activities, programs of the departments, nor is it required of members to convey to the departments the cares and concerns of the individuals who are collective membership of the church. Lastly, it is not required that members be in attendance at each commission meeting of which they are a part.
The poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox proclaims
One ship drives east and another drive west
With the selfsame winds that blow,
“Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales
Which tells us the way to go.
Tis’ true there are winds blowing across our Zion, challenging relevance, structure, and stability; challenging the very fabric of our being. While we are and need to be, rooted and grounded the truth of the situation is we are more like the ship of Zion out on the restless sea of our society. The winds and waves of congregationalism, ecclesiastical and homiletical uncertainty, neo-Pentecostalism, drastic personnel shifts, redistricting, "antagonization" and the appeal of mega churches, are pounding our ship of Zion. The winds and waves of discontent, discord, centralization, feudal fiefdoms, disenfranchisement, increase in budgetary allocations, smoke and mirrors rather than transparent financial accountability, decrease in quality and services are indeed threatening to overturn our vessel.
We must take some action. It is recommended that we lower our anchors so that we might inspect, assess, and reevaluate our mission and real purpose in light of where we find ourselves in world history. We must lower our anchors and reexamine our tenacity and stick-to-itiveness. First, we must lower the anchor of faith in the precepts and examples of our forefathers and mothers; faith in God who has watched over, nurtured our existence and very being. Second, the anchor of Hope in the ability of the Church to adjust and adapt to life threatening winds and waves; hope coupled with a belief that our leadership continues to have an unyielding connection to our Maker. Third, the anchor of love; an abiding love and commitment to the mission and purpose of the church; a love of God’s universe and humanity that has been in trusted to us. Fourth, the anchor of dedicated commitment; a dedicated commitment to become flexible, not get discouraged, fight a good fight, finish the course which is laid before us.
In the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the lowering of important anchors will give us the time for insightful reflection, motivation also reexamine our condition and position in society. Then muster the courage and intestinal fortitude to check, repair and if need be, acquire new sails and crew then reset the sails of our Zion. This will insure that at least we would be traveling in the direction we have charted rather than being driven and responding to the unmerciful unpredictable winds and waves, which are but seasonal and are basically the results of high and low temperatures, high and low pressure areas, and gravitational pulls of the earth and celestial bodies. Our strict attention to the Biblical charts, Holy Scripture compass, weather reports the fitness of our vessel will insure that we can indeed set our own sails.
Therefore, we call upon the Board of Incorporators, Council of Bishops, General Board to allow the setting of these sails:
I. RESOURCES.
That the constitution and bylaws of the various departments of the church which call for the creation of Foundations that receive resources from outside of our Zion be declared null and void, and that we adhere to the denomination’s Articles of Incorporation which has such authority “reposes” with the Board of Trustees.
A. That all individuals or departments adhere to the Law of the Church related to who shall be responsible for the planning of ALL connectional meetings and what shall be done with the funds accumulated as a result of said meeting.
B. That all individuals or departments adhere to the original polity of the Church and work cooperatively with the host district in the planning and implementation of all connectional meetings.
C. That no individual or department be given authority to sign legal documents, which encumbers the denomination, except those already prescribed by the Doctrine and Discipline of the A.M.E. Church.
D. That those individuals or departments who will not or refuse to abide by this set of the sails shall immediately forfeit the allocations from the general Budget Fund until further notice and the individual or department be barred from functioning pending a comprehensive examination and recommendation by the General Board Commission to which it/they report (s).
II. THE GENERAL BOARD
That the Structure be revisited with legislation prepared to be approved by the forthcoming General Conference, i.e., Number of days for session; minimum qualifications for General Board membership; staggered terms for Board members from each Episcopal District; Time and place of election/nomination of General Board members in Episcopal District.
A. That in the meantime the sail be reset requiring quality time for General Board/Commission deliberations. The expansion to three days of General Board deliberation. Two days of Commission work. One day of the Commissions’ reporting to the FULL BOARD.
B. That funding for the additional day be a legitimate expense against the funds acquired from the Connectional meeting trust fund; The alternative: That Episcopal Districts be encouraged to help defray the expense of the additional day of meeting for its members.
C. That Departments be encouraged to develop its individual functioning Advisory Board consisting of persons with the essential Skills, Expertise, Time, Treasure.
D. That these advisory Boards be empowered to aid in lifting the level of effectiveness, service, finding streams of resources, getting goods and services down to the grass root/local church.
E. That the Advisory Board be amenable to the Department, which reports directly to the General Board. That the Advisory Board be required to organize and develop an action plan, which the Commission of, must ratify, said department. It is further understood that the Chairperson of the Commission shall be a bona fide member of the Advisory Board.
F. That all entities within the denomination adhere to the formulation of the Connectional Churches calendar. This calendar will govern the holding of events, which shall not be in conflict with each other. Dates maybe “claimed” for the entire quadrennial, with places to be designated when venue is not finalized at the time of date allocations. Those departments/individuals who will not adhere to the connectional mandate shall be answerable to the commission under which it serves.
III. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Some of the legislation, which was passed without “proper/adequate” deliberation, must be revisited, reconsidered, and interpreted in the light of current practicalities.
A. The reduction of delegations be set aside or modified pending validation of the “saving” which is alleged to accrue; Freeze the delegation at last General conference’s levels except for the newly created District Overseas. A reduction of a delegation of 100 to 75 will create more animosity and ill will in ZION / Episcopal Districts than the alleged benefits of manageability.
B. Revisiting the legislation calling for a youth being elected who has never attended a General Conference. This legislation while well-intended and noble fail to take into consideration the reality that we would indeed be electing someone who has never legally been considered a member of the Annual Conference. The law presently calls for one person as delegate to the Annual conference from each local charge. There is no requirement for each local charge to send a second person legally except at Electoral College time, and this is only to the Electoral College. The sail should be set to superimpose this legislation on the Annual Conferences, which would immediately begin electing two persons from each local church, one adult and one youth. Within the next three years, enough youth would have been exposed to the church process and procedure and be prepared to be elected and serve in a General Conference.
IV. FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
That the General Board prepare and present a comprehensive line item budget to the General Conference so that specific items can be adjusted for the good of the order.
A. The call for uniformity or accounting practices via approved legislation be enacted with all deliberate speed with the necessary training and sage guards clearly delineated. This is also legislation, which did not carry with it funding.
B. The Committee on Redistricting as approved by legislation should coexist with the Strategic Planning Committee, and that funding be made available for both.
V. DENOMINATIONAL PRIDE AND RESPECT
The call is to plan and implement a denominational celebration, the 50th Birthday of our General Board and our transition.
A. This could take place during the week of our 2006 General Board in South Carolina or during the actual time of its creation in May/June, 1956.
B. That this celebration is a time of renewal, rededication and sail setting.
Ella Wilcox further states:
Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life:
“Tis the set of a soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.
And so as we open this session of the General Board I’m reminded of that old corn field ditty which while we would admit isn’t theologically correct, but it sounds good:
Like a ship that’s tossed and driven,
Battered by an angry sea,
When the storms of life are raging
And their fury fall on me,
I wonder what have I done
That makes this race so hard to run,
Then I say to my soul, take courage,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Refrain
The Lord will make away some how,
When beneath the cross I bow;
He will take away each sorrow,
Let Him have your burdens now;
When the load bears down so heavy
The weight is shown upon my brow,
There’s a sweet relief in knowing,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Try to do my best in service,
Try to live the best I can,
When I choose to do the right thing,
Evil’s present on every hand,
I look up and wonder why
That good fortune pass me by,
Then I say to my soul be patient,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Often there’s misunderstanding
Out of all the good I do,
Go to friends for consolation
And I find them complaining too,
So many nights I toss in pain,
Wondering what the day will bring,
But I say to my heart, don’t worry,
The Lord will make a way some how.
4. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PUBLIC STATEMENT OF COUNCIL OF BISHOPS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2005 ~ 2:15 P.M.:
The Council of Bishops, under the leadership of the newly invested President Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, met in its annual meeting here in Dallas, Texas. The Council addressed many issues that came before it and made the following resolutions and observations that face critical areas of interest for the denomination:
- The Bishops resolved, in connection with its Quadrennial “Living Well” theme, to develop a series of monthly Pastoral Letters inclusive of responses to matters of public concern that are of current political, economic and community interest.
The letters have begun in the current edition of the Christian Recorder written by Senior Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Phillip R. Cousin. This process will continue in perpetuity.
It is the desire of the Council that these letters are read in congregations all over the denomination, so that rank and file members will know the mind of the Council of Bishops on the variety of issues that face our constituents at the local level.
- The Council of Bishops provided an audience to General Motors and General Motors Acceptance Corporation regarding the continued Economic Development Partnership with this major Corporation.
General Motors has provided support for the multiple connectional events in various districts and among connectional components.
The 2nd Episcopal District is a test area for products with General Motors and General Motors Acceptance Corporation for new and refinanced mortgages at better rates to the benefit of the individual, community, congregations and the Episcopal District.
Thus far, the result of this partnership includes $ 50,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college freshmen. Twenty $ 2500 scholarships were presented last week to young people in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington D. C. The partnership continues.
- The Bishops’ Council continues its study of the retirement program across the full spectrum of our denomination with special emphasis on pastors. The Council is encouraging the enrollment of members in the new retirement program during this window of enrollment opportunity over the next few months.
The Council also considered the implication of General Officers who have served the church to the best of their ability without appropriate retirement compensation. This matter is still under review and recommendations are forthcoming.
Finally, on the matter of retirement, the Council is forthright in its commitment to the retirement law of our church. We will make it clear that retirement of preachers, having reached their 75th birthday at Annual Conference is now positive law, strengthened in language and intent by the 47th General Conference. Therefore, it is to be understood that the retirement of servants of the church is not left to the whims of the Episcopal District or the Annual conference as a matter of Episcopal discretion.
- The Council commended Bishop McKinley Young and the Board of Edward Waters College for its aggressive actions in addressing accreditation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the results being full restoration of accreditation.
The Council voted to provide leadership in calling for a 2nd Annual Summit on Education. The summit will concern itself with developing a strategy that will benefit other historical black institutions as they face similar challenges with their respective accrediting agencies. We expect to achieve a result that the accrediting agencies would be more intentional in executing due process; and to hold the accrediting agencies to greater accountability and responsibility in providing appropriate assistance in facilitating the strength and vitality of the schools under their auspices.
The summit will also address strategies to close the achievement gap among African American students in K-12 as they are affected by the national policy “Leave no Child Behind.”
- The Council also addressed Strategic Planning and the matters
pertaining to the General Conference legislation on studying
redistricting. The president will appoint a committee to coordinate
implementation of the legislation as presented.
- The Council received the Reverend Dr. Jonathan Weaver of the 2nd District who addressed matters regarding the Collective Banking Group. We salute Dr. Weaver for the important work being accomplished for empowering local congregations across denomination lines and individual members. We commend this concept to our constituents for implementation through chapters in local communities across the church.
- The Council provided an audience to the Reverend Cassandra Sparrow of the 2nd Episcopal District who proposed to the Council an international health initiative that would positively affect the quality of health for African people in Diaspora. Professionally produced videos and DVDs are being provided through Conrad Productions, featuring African American celebrities and made specifically for Episcopal Districts. The video and DVDs will be made available in Episcopal Districts. These tools will enhance the health ministries and initiatives of all Episcopal Districts as information and teaching instruments on the variety of health issues facing our constituents. The Council is committed to this initiative.
- The Council is steadfast in its support for the work of the Global Development Council and the ministries of Districts 14-20. We applaud the work being accomplished in Episcopal Districts 14-20 under the bishops who serve as the international agents of our denomination.
We especially salute Bishop David Daniels of the 14th District who reported on the AME University inclusive of a $ 1,000,000.00 acquisition for the construction of the Hatcher-Henning-Norris Human Resource building in Monrovia and the A. J. Richardson-Carlton Z. Adams Health Center.
- The Council concurred with the matters of the General Board on the variety of issues which came before it, particularly the matter concerning the signing of contracts that would encumber the denomination; and the consideration for increasing stipends for General Board members.
- The Council applauds the good work of Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, the Reverend Dr. Jessica Ingram and the 10th Episcopal District for the stellar way in which we were benefited in the state of Texas.
- The Council expressed deep appreciation for the challenging sermon of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and the comprehensive State of the Church address by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, President of the General Board. We commend the two presentations for further study to the benefit of our Zion.
- We celebrate Bishop John R. Bryant and his son, the Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant, in their appearance on the international network of TBN, giving positive attention to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The result of this exposure resulted in an invitation extended to US Senator Barak Obama of Chicago and the Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant of Empowerment Temple AME Church of Baltimore, to address the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
The Council of Bishops asks the prayers of the Church for the blessings of God upon our collective ministry and for peace and justice around the world.
Submitted on behalf of the Council of Bishops
The Public Statement Committee
Bishop A. J. Richardson, Jr.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah
Bishop Sarah F. Davis
5. THE ELECTION OF THE CONNECTIONAL PRESIDING ELDERS’ COUNCIL WAS HELD IN DALLAS:
The Connectional Presiding Elders’ Council was held in Dallas, Texas. The Reverend W. Bartalette Finney, Sr. of the Fifth Episcopal Districts is the newly elected President. The elected officers of the Connectional Presiding Elder’s Council are as follows:
The Reverend W. Bartalette Finney, Jr., President, Fifth Episcopal District
The Reverend Earle Ifill, First Vice President, Sixth Episcopal District
The Reverend Robert Keesee, Second Vice President, Thirteenth Episcopal District
The Reverend Leo E. Brock, Sr., Recording Secretary, Ninth Episcopal District
The Reverend Eugene Brannon, Assistant Recording Secretary, Twelfth Episcopal District
The Reverend Thomas Hughes, Corresponding Secretary, Fourth Episcopal District
The Reverend Herbert Eddy, Treasurer, First Episcopal District
The Reverend David J. Campbell, Jr., Eighth Episcopal District
The Reverend Wayne Anthony, Sixteenth Episcopal District
The Reverend Ida Keener, Tenth Episcopal District
6. GROUNDBREAKING CONVENTION FOR A.M.E. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION: JULY 25 – 28, 2005 IN HOUSTON:
- Exciting Agenda, Major Speakers, Innovative New Programs
The 29th Biennial Convention of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), set for Monday, July 25 through Thursday, July 28, 2005 in Houston, Texas, is sure to make history with its groundbreaking combination of electrifying speakers and innovative new programs all wrapped within an exciting agenda that heralds a thrilling new day for the organization in tune with the 21st Century.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Republican National Committee Chairperson Ken Mehlman will speak at the convention indicative of the importance of the AME Lay Organization’s involvement in the political process particularly spearheaded by the AME V-Alert Team and the Voters Mobilization Project. Other speakers include Judge Mablean Ephriam of TV’s Divorce Court fame who has a strong testimony of faith, Alpha Phi Alpha President Harry Johnson, and award-winning gospel recording artist Vicky Winans is also scheduled to perform at the convention and in conjunction with the CLO President’s black-tie affair to benefit Morris Brown College. The Convention will take place at the Hilton Americas of Houston, Texas (1600 Lamar) the city’s largest convention hotel with state of the art facilities.
AME Lay Organization President Jesse L. Burns states, “This convention promises to be extremely exciting for our organization as we make a new millennium connection demonstrating that AME Lay are in touch and in tune with the issues that are important in today’s world. We are global in our thinking ministry, service and witness! We are here to help empower the spirits, hearts, minds and souls of our diverse constituents in a way that is deeply meaningful to them.” Other important programs to happen at the convention include: new interactive promotion keeping conference attendees uniquely plugged in to what is going on at the convention with updates, Q&A e-mails, and more; for the First Time In The History of the Connectional Lay Organization there will be a Self-study conducted to determine; who we are, what we wish to accomplish, and a plan of action for future accomplishments that impact the organization and society. Also, the Youth Explosion 2005 “Preparing for the Harvest” takes place July 23rd and July 24th as part of the Lay Organization’s commitment to young people. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest Black denomination in America founded by Richard Allen with a history of service and commitment.
Joy Communications, 47 W. Polk St. #100-236, Chicago, IL 60605
Media, Marketing, Advertising & Special Events
7. A.M.E. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT JESSE BURNS DECLARES: THIS WILL BE OUR GREATEST CONVENTION YET!
July 25 – 28th In Houston
A.M.E. Connectional Lay Organization President Jesse Burns is excited about the 29th Biennial Convention set for Monday, July 25 through Thursday, July 28, 2005 in Houston, Texas showing that the organization is in tune and in touch with the needs of the members it serves in the new millennium. President Burns says, “At this convention we will demonstrate that we are both contemporary and global in our thinking ministry, service and witness!”
President Burns states, “We have the heads of both National Political Parties coming to join us, TV Judge Mablean Ephriam, Alpha Phi Alpha President Harry Johnson, and the one-and-only Vicky Winans! In addition to our great guests we will have an electrifying agenda and innovative programs including the use of new interactive technology, conducting a first-time ever organization-wide self study, and lifting up our youth and education in special ways!”
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) Connectional Lay Organization Convention will take place at the Hilton Americas of Houston, Texas (1600 Lamar) Monday, July 25, 2005 through Thursday, July 28th 2005.
Joy Communications, 47 W. Polk St. #100-236, Chicago, IL 60605
Media, Marketing, Advertising & Special Events
8. THE AME CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION 29TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION – HOUSTON, TX JULY 25 – 28TH:
Fact Sheet
What: African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) Connectional Lay Organization 29th Annual Biennial Convention.
When: Main Convention: Monday, July 25 – Thursday, July 29, 2005.
Youth Explosion: Saturday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 24th,
Youth Explosion 2005; Preparing for the Harvest
Where: Houston, Texas Hilton Americas of Houston, Texas (1600 Lamar)
Speakers/ Performers: Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean
Republican National Committee Chairperson Ken Mehlman TV Judge Mablean Ephriam
Alpha Phi Alpha President Harry Johnson Award-winning Gospel Recording Artist Vicky Winans
President: Jesse L. Burns, Jr.
About the Organization: The organization is composed of men and women in every career field from business to medicine working through the A.M.E. church to make life better through their lay ministry for people in every area they touch. The A.M.E. Connectional Lay Organization has a membership that extends across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa. Some high-profile A.M.E. lay members include the Honorable Vernon Jordan and former Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater.
About the Denomination: The African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest Black denomination in America founded by Richard Allen with a history of service and commitment.
9. AME BISHOP TO SPEAK AT THE PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION:
The Right Reverend John Bryant, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District will be a keynote speaker at the Progressive National Baptist Convention that will meet in Detroit Michigan, August 8 - 12, 2005.
10. THE GLOBAL CORNER - CELEBRATIONS OF THE AME CHURCH’S 59TH ANNIVERSARY IN NAMIBIA
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
More than 400 worshippers cramped the St. James AME Church, Mariental as early as 08h00 on Sunday, 3 July 2005. The occasion was the 59th Anniversary celebrations of the Founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Namibia. At 09h00, St. James Choir led the 24-member procession of officers and clergy with the hymn, “We are marching to Zion!” And the place was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, with the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, the host pastor, serving as liturgist.
In attendance was also Bishop Zephania Kameeta, the guest preacher and prelate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia. He was accompanied by Rev. Gamgamub, the Vice Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia and Rev. Kamho, the General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia. The African Methodist Episcopal Church in Namibia was started on 3 July 1946, when a group of 5 000 broke-away from the Rhynish Missionary Society, which later became the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The Bishop’s Message, titled a “New Heaven and a New Earth”, was based on Revelations 21:1-4 and 22:1-5. When our pilgrim journey ends on this earth, we are destined for the New Heaven and a New Earth. In this envisioned dwellings, the good news is that there will be no artificial divisions of race, colour or creed, that denominations have no place and purpose there and that all shortcomings will be non-existent.
The Baptism ceremony was shared between Bishop Zephania Kameeta and the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse. And, the Bishop was the Chief Celebrant at the Communion Table, using the AME liturgy for both sacraments. We are also delighted to report that $4 500-00 was lifted as the thanksgiving offering. Refreshments were served at the end of the Service. Everybody went home with renewed and energized spirits.
11. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE FINAL BOARD OF EXAMINERS MEETING ANNUAL CONFERENCE BOCE CONVENTION 2005:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ
1. The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my source of strength.
2. This missive serves to relate information on the final Board of Examiners Meeting that will be held concurrent with the Annual Conference BoCE Convention during the weekend of 22-24 July 2005 at the St. James AME Church, Mariental.
3. Logistics:
- The contingent will be N$80-00 per person, to be paid in by the respective pastors to the BoCE Finance Committee.
- Churches in need of accommodation must kindly contact the following persons with their accommodation requests: Mr. Gert J Kooper (081 281 0100) and Mr. Morris Isaack (081 227 4510).
4. Examiners Meeting Schedule:
- The venue will be the Mariental Primary School.
- This meeting is compulsory for all candidates and members of the Board of Examiners, and no excuse whatsoever from the candidates, please.
- All outstanding tuition fees must be settled in full upon arrival.
The Activities Outline:
08h00 Breakfast
09h00 Devotion
- Lic. Anna Topnaar
09h10 Preaching Exercises
-Rev. H I Ludwicht:
Rev. N J Simon, PE
Rev. J Rooinasie
Rev. Sam S Herero:
Rev. A E Biwa
Rev. D Schmidt
10h00 How to organise your local church conference?
Rev. W S Hanse
11h00 Preaching Exercise
Rev. J A Gertze
Rev. W S Hanse
Rev. Dr. A Biwa, PE
Lic. P E Topnaar
Rev. J J Schmidt
Rev. D Schmidt
12h00 Review of Assignments of 4th and 3rd Years of Study
13h00 Lunch
14h00 Preaching Exercise
Lic. Salomon Jacobs
Rev. N J Simon, PE
Rev. A E Biwa
Lic. Johannes Isaack
Rev. D Schmidt
Rev. J Rooinasie
15h00 Review of Assignments of 2nd and 1st Years of Study
16h00 Closing Devotion- Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa, PE
Important:
1. candidates (new and old) should complete the attached Personal Information Form and bring it along.
2. Please bring also this Circular with you to the meeting since no documents will be distributed there.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
Box 50278, Bachbrecht, 081 122 5048
Dean of the Board of Examiners
St. James AME Church
12. THE GLOBAL CORNER: THE FOURTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Right Reverend David R. Daniels, Jr, Presiding Prelate
The Vision
“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain
upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and
not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not
tarry.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Evangelism---Committed to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in West Africa through revivals and outreach in:
- Churches
- Villages
- Communities
- Major cities
Education---
Committed to enhancing the lives of all Africans and giving us the opportunity to contribute to
humanity using the gifts and talents with which the Holy Spirit has blessed us:
- Encourage each church congregation to establish a
school. No church can afford NOT to.
- Establish boarding or mission schools for all our village
boys and girls.
- Develop national and international institutions of higher
education.
Economic Empowerment—
Committed to developing businesses in each community:
- Develop small businesses, which will contribute to the needs of the communities and churches.
- Encourage strong business development and international business relationships by leading the way with integrity.
- Encourage church communities as well as individual Christians to become business owners.
The Rt. Reverend David R. Daniels, Jr., Presiding Bishop
Mother Irene Moifoi Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor, Women’s Missionary Society
34 Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa, Cell: 011-231-656-5679, Email: rwysayma@aol.com
The Fourteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal District
"It Is No Secret What God Can Do"
The Fourteenth Episcopal 2006 Annual Conferences’ Schedule
Cote d’Ivoire Annual Conference
February 7, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
February 8-12, 2006 Annual Conference
Nigeria Annual Conference
March 7, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 8-12, 2006 Annual Conference
Sierra Leone Annual Conference
March 14, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 15-19, 2006 Annual Conference
Togo/Benin Annual Conference
March 22, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 23-26, 2006 Annual Conference
Grana Annual Conference
March 28, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 29-April 2, 2006 Annual Conference
Liberia Annual Conference
April 16-18, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 19-23, 2005 Annual Conference
Major Events to Remember in the Fourteenth Episcopal District
I. August 10-14, 2005 Grana W.M.S National Convention
II. August 23, 2005
A.M.E. University Commencement Exercises
III. February 20-26, 2006
Dedication of the following:
a. Hatcher, Henning & Norris Human Resource Center-AME University
b. Fourteenth Episcopal District Office
c. Richardson & Adams Health Center
III. City Wide Revival February 13-17, 2006
IV. Fourteenth Episcopal District
Woman Power Conference October 2006
June 14, 2005
13. THE GLOBAL CORNER - LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH
Dear Bishops of the Church,
We greet you with Jesus' joy.
Supervisor Irene M. Daniels, the girls and I joined the faithful folks of the Fourteenth EpiscopalDistrict to express our thanks and appreciation to the Almighty God and all of you for giving us this marvelous opportunity to serve the beautiful people of God in West Africa. Our special heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck and her brother Dr. Carlton V. Adams for spending over a month with us in West Africa during our first series of annual conferences. They were a tremendous blessing to the fourteenth. We are also indebted to Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr. who preached Sierra Leone Annual Conference Revival, Rev. Tar-u-way R. A. Bright who conducted the Liberia Annual Conference Revival and Rev. Orlando M. McCauley who preached the Ordination Sermon. Praise be to God for the many souls saved through the revival services.
We are blessed to be called at a critical time in the history of African Methodism to serve God's people especially in the Fourteenth Episcopal District. We are committed to the “Call of God” on our lives to be used by Him as His instrument to "Make a Positive Difference" in West Africa.
We have called upon the “people of the faithful” Fourteenth Episcopal District to take "the Vision" God has given us, for the district, to fulfillment. The Vision has been written and we pray that the people will embrace it.
We feel the African Methodist Episcopal Church has made a tremendous investment in us, our district, our people and in our churches. It is time for us to rise to the occasion and take charge of the harvest before us. We will "Plant the Seed" God and you have given us and watch it grow as God gives the increase. We will not "eat the seed," but sow the seed so we can get the harvest God has in store for us.
Supervisor Daniels and I have challenged our people through teaching during the annual conference series that we should resist the temptation of "eating the seed" because if we eat the seed, there will be "No Harvest."
So please join us as we continue to build the Kingdom of God through evangelism, education and economic empowerment."
Again, we thank you and please keep us in your prayers.
Yours in His Service,
Bishop D., Supervisor Irene and the Girls
Our special thanks and appreciation to the bishops of the Church, pastors and their churches and friends who have been very generous during our first year.
1. Bishop and Mrs. Philip L. Cousin, Sr
2. Bishop John R. & Dr. Cecelia Bryant
3. Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr.
4. Bishop and Mrs. Adam J. Richardson
5. Bishop & Mrs. McKinley Young
6. Bishop and Mrs. Richard F. Norris, Sr.
7. Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie & Supervisor Stan McKenzie
8. Bishop Gregory G. M. & Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram
9. Bishop William Philips & Dr. Pam DeVeaux
10. Bishop & Mrs. Theodore Larry Kirkland
11. Bishop and Mrs. Preston W. Williams, II
12. Bishop & Mrs. John Hurst Adams
13. Bishop & Mrs. Henry A. Belin, Jr.
14. Bishop & Mrs. Fred C. James
15. Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams-Bryant (Formula money-given for school and sponsorship)
16. Rev. Dr. Grainger & Dr. Joann Browning and the Ebenezer Family
17. Revs. & Drs. Floyd H. & Elaine Flake
18. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Frank M. Reid, III and Family
19. Mother Irene B. Reid
20. Rev. Jay & Mrs. Karla F. M.Young
21. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Johnny Barbour
22. Rev. & Mrs. William M. Campbell, Jr. and the Anderson Chapel Family
23. Rev. & Mrs. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. and the Bethel-Columbia, SC Family
24. Rev. Julius McAllister and the Mt. Zion-Florence, SC Family,
25. Revs. & Mrs. A. D. Tyson, III and the Saint Stephens Family
26. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Fred A. Lucas, Jr.
27. Rev. & Mrs. Willie J. Nelson and Family
28. Rev. & Mrs. James R Glover
29. Rev. & Mrs. Jonathan Weaver and the Mt. Nebo Family
30. Revs. Drs. Ray & Gloria Hammond and the Bethel Family
31. Rev. & Mrs. Arthur Glover
32. Rev. Dr. James & Rev. Lana Miller and the DuPage Family
33. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Ellis I Washington and the St. Matthew Family
34. Rev. & Mrs. Carl Moore and the Allen Chapel Family
35. Rev. & Mrs. Stanford Wicker and the Antioch Family
36. Rev. & Mrs. Joe Darby and Morris Brown Family
37. Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Lucas and the Agape Tabernacle International Family
38. Rev. & Mrs. Eddie Gaston and St. James Family
39. Rev. & Mrs. Philip Anderson and St. Paul-Irmo, SC Family
40. Rev. & Mrs. Harold H. Wilson and Allen Chapel-Sumter, SC Family
41. Rev. & Mrs. Bobby Sepeersaud and the Young Chapel Family
42. Dr. & Mrs. Richard Allen Lewis, CFO/Treasurer
43. Mr. & Mrs. Tony & Helen Grant
44. Rev. Gene Dennis, CEO & President Prestige Insurance
45. Rev. & Mrs. Darrell Jackson and the Atlas Bible Way Church Family
46. Mrs. Shirley Gremyachev and the Universal Aide Society of Canada
47. Mr. & Mrs. Norma Deas
48. Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck
49. Dr. & Mrs. Carlton V. Adams
50. Honorable Bob Coble, Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina
51. Honorable Bobby Horton, Mayor of West Columbia, South Carolina
52. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Smith and Family
53. Mr. & Mrs. James W. & Yvonne Means and Family
54. Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Laura Hudson and Family
"There are many friends across the church who have prayed, encouraged and supported us spiritually and financially whose names are not listed; to whom we are eternally grateful. Please forgive us if your name is not listed above. Do not credit it to the heart but to the head."
14. NEWS FROM GRANT AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:
Please consider adding the following information to your events calendar or community news segment as applicable.
Grant A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles presents a music and arts workshop July 26-31. The annual event themed, "The Real Ministry of Music and Arts," features guest clinicians Revs. Sylvester Laudermill and Lewis Logan II, Dr. Rodena Preston, Kenny Ford, Herman Jones, Chris Jordan, Ron Lowe, Steven Semien and Byron Smith. Registration is $25; discounts are available. For more information call (323) 564-1047.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Kevin T. Taylor
Associate Minister
Grant A.M.E. Church - Los Angeles (Watts)
(323) 564-1151
15. NEWS FROM JOHNSON CHAPEL, SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA:
Johnson Chapel AME Church, 1306 West Second Street (Corner of Second & Bristol)
Santa Ana, CA 92703, (714) 972-8983.
The JC Mass Choir Presents A Gospel Concert, “So I’ll Praise Him; I’ll Lift Him Up!” on Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. James Randolph Pruitt, Minister of Music; Valerie Brooks , Choir President; the Reverend Michael L. Barta, Senior Pastor
16. NEWS FROM THE TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT: AUSTIN CAPITAL DISTRICT IN CENTRAL TEXAS HOLDS MEDIA CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE PLANS TO EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY:
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District designated June 12 as Power Sunday throughout the District. The point was to focus on the Power of God to change lives. He encouraged the churches to find ways to let the community know about Power Sunday and what their churches were doing in ministry.
In Central Texas, the Austin Capital District held a news conference to announce program plans for its communities. The news conference was held against the backdrop of the district’s Church School Convention, hosted at Grant AME Worship Center in Austin. The Rev. James Henry Phillips, III, Presiding Elder of the Austin Capital District, spoke from the pulpit. District pastors and preachers lined across the platform behind him to show strength in unity.
The effort generated 28 minutes of television news coverage and 248 inches of newsprint at an ad equivalency value of $19,824.94 market rate. The equivalency report indicated that it would have cost almost $20,000 to buy that same visibility in advertising.
“We felt this was the right time and place to discuss empowering our communities because it’s our children’s futures that are at stake,” said Presiding Elder Phillips. “Historically, our churches have been leaders in facilitating change in our community. It’s time we were, again.”
“Churches in the Austin Capital District have hands-on programs designed to meet the needs of their communities,” he said. “We selected three representative pastors to share their plans in the media to demonstrate our diversity in leadership, programming and areas served.”
The Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant, pastor of Grant AME Worship Center, Austin, Texas announced a three-prong program. “We are called by God to make a difference in our communities through the Power of the Holy Spirit,” said Bryant.
“If we’re going to bring about a systemic change in our community, we need to empower our children through economics and education,” said Bryant. “They are not only our future generation, but are our future leaders who will guide the next successive generation.
“Our plan is to participate in the Tenth District’s YES (Young Educated Savers) savings bond program and to augment that with community investment in our children,” said Bryant. “We will continue our ongoing health series focused on diseases that most impact African Americans, but will add a special focus on men and prostate cancer. Through education, we want to empower men to overcome the fears and stigmas surrounding the disease.
“We also want to focus on self-care issues for women,” said Bryant. “Usually, women are so busy taking care of others, that they forget to take care of themselves. We hope to help empower them to change that.”
The Rev. Alma Phillips, pastor of Paul Quinn AME Church in Bastrop, announced a program underway in her church to empower men as priests of the home. “Traditionally, we have fewer men in the church and now, fewer men in the home,” said Phillips. “That must change if we are to rebuild our communities. We have a program to train our men, making Disciples of them to go out into the community in the Power of our Lord and minister to others, male to male.
“The goal, she said, “is for these men to lead others to come to the real Power Source. Once properly empowered through Biblical teachings, these men can change things one home at a time, one soul at a time, one child at a time.”
The Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi, pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Austin, announced his plans to focus on the family. “We want our families to understand the power of prayer to change their lives,” he said. “We have encouraged our members to bring their family and friends to church. To signify the seriousness of this commitment, on Power Sunday, we called forth each family and prayed for them for their specific needs. We will continue to teach them about the Power of God.”
Special to The Christian Recorder
Contact: Linda G. Connor 512-423-9975
17. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Hey dad,
I thought that I would write you to first thank you and mom for a wonderful birthday song. Second to write a brief response on the article in yesterdays online CR regarding, "Blacks who died in war."
The article was very interesting. I do, however, think that we have to be more balanced in the articles that we write regarding the war. This is not about Blacks or Whites, just about any negative comments on the war.
As a physician at the Veteran Affairs hospital, I have found it interesting that I have not met one veteran who was injured in the war in Iraq who has had anything negative to say about the war. It may be for a host of reasons. One may be simply be that "if I get shot at, I am going to shoot back." A “survival of the fittest” mentality which I think that we all could and would understand. Politics and personal agendas have no place for the ground troops and I am certain that all who are in the trenches would agree. How would an 18 or 21 year old respond if a parent sends them an article about how we should not be in Iraq or this war is just a personal vendetta by President Bush on Saddam Hussein? Something tells me they would not fight harder or be more diligent about their duties.
For police officers and others who find themselves in harms way on the streets of America there is a saying. "I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6." That is to say, you will do whatever to preserve your life, shoot, billy-club or stab first, and ask questions later. As a pilot, the same holds true when dealing with air traffic controllers (ATC). If a storm is at your 12:00 and has you surrounded on three sides, but there is restricted airspace free from the storm, you should forget what ATC has to say and navigate the plane to safety. Answer questions from the FAA and NASA later. Not all pilots do what is sensible and perish for lack self-preservation.
Our troops have seen too many articles, video news-clips and politicians talk on this war, which, I am sure, makes them feel displaced. I think the eyes and ears of the troops and their families ought to be protected from negativism of those who are able to project this image (primarily TV news). It raises too many doubts about the brave young men and women who are answering the call of duty to which they voluntarily joined. Hypothetical conclusions and speculation are never productive when you are in situations such as war.
Those of us who are in business know that a positive attitude and perseverance are the main ingredients for success. Jesse Jackson's, "Keep hope alive" is a powerful statement on life and living. If our troops, Black and White, are to truly fight with honor even if we disagree, we need to be cautious about how we portrait our non-positive views about the war. We do not want another Vietnam where are troops continue to suffer and Vietnam, although devastated, has moved on.
Dad, I love you. Hope my thoughts are succinct because the later half was written while on the phone.
Editor’s Comment: My son, Dr. Calvin Sydnor IV Kibwe, wrote the letter appended above. I support our troops and I am sensitive to them. I guess my son and I are not "eye to eye" on writing about the absurdity of this war but I certainly appreciate his compassion. I do support the troops, but I still do not support the war.
18. THE REPORT OF THE LEXINGTON DISTRICT 2005 CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION “4REAL FAITH: GENERATION JESUS 2K5” ROMANS 1:16-17:
Hot! Hot! Hot! The Lexington District of the Kentucky Conference 2005 Church School Convention was “hot” in more ways than one; as the temperature soared to the above 90 degrees on the beautiful campus of the Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. The members of the Lexington District had gathered for the Church School Convention; directed by Presiding Elder Ralph E. Johnson and hosted by the Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin and the Perkins Chapel AME Church Family.
The Church School Convention began with registration. The Kentucky Conference Web Master (aka) The Reverend William R. T. Hale had the latest technology on hand to register on site by clicking on the Kentucky Conference web page. Nametags and kits were distributed.
All gathered in the McKenna Chapel for the Opening Worship Service. The Reverend Troy Merritt, Jr. Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District was the preacher; the Youth Choir of St. Paul Versailles provided the music. He delivered a dynamic sermon entitled “O for a Faith” taking his text from II Corinthians Chapter Four, imploring the youth to follow Christ and reminding the Adults of days gone by. He held the attendants spellbound as he recalled his child hood days and how he was able to succeed in spite of, all the while giving God and his faith the credit for his success. Orientation followed; the Church School Conventioneers were instructed of the location of the classrooms, the rules of the campus and introduced to the teachers, and then dispersed for lunch.
The afternoon classes began at 1:00 p.m. The Reverend William R. T. Hale, Barnes Temple AME, Elsmere, taught the adult class on “John Wesley’s General Rules for Holy Living.” Sister Doris Coffey, St. Paul AME, Lexington class was entitled “Stewardship: It’s More Than Money!” Other instructors for the 2005 Church School Convention were: PE Merritt and Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode (Minister’s Class); Reverend Robert Taylor (adults); Reverend Antonio Stuckey (young adults); Reverend Linda Brown and Sister Carrie Newton (ages 12-15); Reverend Veda Stewart and Kendra Golphin (ages 16-18); Sister Ruth Ann Bryant and Sister Stella Beavers (ages 7-11); Sister Valeria Spears and Sister Carla Johnson (ages 3-6); and Brother Lawrence Johnson (Live Well class).
Sister Dianna Golphin, Kentucky Conference Commissioner of the Debutante’s Master’s Cotillion was host to the DMC Program. The ceremony was well executed with the Reverend Veda Stewart bringing the “Challenge” taken from II Peter 3:18.
The Evening Worship Service was held at Perkins Chapel. The Reverend Dana A. Dawkins, Bethel AME Church, Stanford, delivered a soul stirring and inspiring message entitled “Real Faith Doesn’t Come Easy” based on the sixth chapter of Judges. He was accompanied by the Youth Choir of Bethel.
End of the day activities – Live Well Classes were conducted in the campus Gymnasium by Lawrence Johnson (the handsome, suave and debonair son of the Presiding Elder and Mrs. Patricia Johnson) for all who wished to participate.
Saturday, June 25 dawned another hot, sultry day in the Bluegrass, with an 8:00 a.m. “tasty” continental breakfast in the campus cafeteria and devotions in the McKenna Chapel led by the Reverend MacArthur Pendleton, Pastor of Bethel Campbellsville. Following a brief business meeting with the Presiding Elder, the 9:00 a.m. classes began with the various ages groups.
At 10:30, Morning at the Apollo, under the direction of Sister Carrie Newton Kentucky Conference YPD Director, proved to be a delight for all with the youth of the Kentucky Conference – Lexington District sharing their God-given talents. It is the consensus of the Presiding Elder along with the all the members of the District that we are blessed with an abundance of talent in our youth. The winners of the Apollo were Ms. Taneisha Blackburn, St. Paul AME, Lexington, and Ms. Unique Stewart and Ms. Jessica Lucas, Quinn Chapel AME, Lexington, who will represent the Lexington District at the upcoming 13th Episcopal District Youth Leadership Congress.
12:00 noon and time for the Closing Worship Service – the preacher for this hour of worship was the Reverend Barry Frazier, Pastor of St. Paul AME, Manchester. The youth choir of St. Paul Versailles provided the music. Reverend Frazier’s subject was “If You Want To Walk on Water – You Have to Get Out Of the Boat,” his text was taken from Matthew 14:28-29.
Special Highlights: of the 2005 Lexington District Convention: There were 210 persons registered. Plaques were given for those with the highest number in attendance – 1st place St. John Frankfort (48), Pastor Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode. Certificates of appreciation were given to all in attendance.
The Convention culminated with a Cook-Out, hot dogs and hamburgers, potato salad and baked beans with all the trimmings, cold drinks and cake; all sponsored by Presiding Elder Johnson. As the church vans and automobiles were loading for departure to their respective locations, by all remarks it was a learning experience and fun time for all.
Thanks be to Almighty God and commendations to the Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, Kentucky Conference Director of Christian Education, the Reverend Robert Taylor, Conference Church School Superintendent, Sister Susie Bates, District Church School Superintendent and the Reverend Frederick Hale, Registrar, for the success of the Church School Convention. Their tireless efforts were not in vain.
A special thanks to our Presiding Elder the Reverend Ralph Johnson for his unshakable faith in God, his confidence in the members of the Lexington District, his commitment to excellence, his generosity, his kindness, his leadership, and for his exquisite taste in choosing First Lady Patricia Johnson as his helpmate. The Kentucky Conference Lexington District is immeasurably blessed to have them as our leaders of the district.
This account of the Lexington District 2005 Church School Convention is humbly submitted by the reporter of the Lexington District, Doris J. Coffey who could be heard humming and singing “The presence of the Lord is here – I feel it in the atmosphere” throughout the entire convention.
Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow,
Sister Doris J. Coffey, The Kentucky Conference – Lexington District
19. THE PASTOR’S CORNER: OPERATING IN AUTHORITY:
The centurion replied, ”Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Jesus…said, ”I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith...” (Matthew 8: 8-10)
The centurion in the passage above describes himself as “a man under authority, with soldiers under me.” A picture that came to my mind as I read this man’s words is that of a sandwich – bread above and bread below with the main item in the middle. So it is with the godly authority we are to exercise in our lives.
Authority is one’s legitimate right to exercise power. Power is one’s capacity to act. One may have the capacity to do something but lack the legitimate right to do it. Christ taught as one who possessed the legitimate right to stand before the people. He taught with authority. (Matthew 7: 29)
The source of godly authority is submission to God. (Matthew 8: 9-12) For one to possess or operate in authority, one must first submit to authority. The godly authority we exercise in our lives will increase to the extent of our submission to God’s authority over our lives. This principle applies in our homes, in the Church, in the organizations in which we participate, and on our jobs.
1. In our homes, the respect and cooperation we garner from our spouses and family members will increase with our level of submission to God’s direction for our lives. Family order, finances, and relationships all fall into alignment with God’s plan as we submit to His authority.
2. In the Church and in organizations our submission to God’s authority elevates us to roles of leadership as others look to us to be the moral and spiritual compass, setting the direction of the entity.
3. On our jobs, our submission to God’s authority leads us to be cooperative, appreciative, and considerate bosses, co-workers, and subordinates who set out to accomplish business objectives. We give full effort to the task accepting the directives of those placed in authority above us.
There is a direct connection between our faith in God and our submission to the authority of God in our lives. (Matthew 8: 8-12) The centurion recognized the true identity of Jesus – He is Lord! Faith is the active belief that God is who God says God is. (Hebrews 11: 6) Trust in the true identity of God is required for us to submit to His will and authority over our lives. Our actions must reflect our trust in God. Identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ must be more than a label we simply we attach to ourselves.
Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of the Father. He trusted His Heavenly Father. He humbled Himself before His Heavenly Father (Philippians 2: 8-11). He became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God the Father exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Let us live in and enjoy the authority God has granted us. Let us operate in authority.
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
20 BEREAVEMENT NOTIFICATION:
Sister Mamie Blanks (a faithful member of Saint James AMEC Church, Newark, New Jersey for 58 years), grandmother of the Reverend Deborah K. Blanks, Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel, Princeton University, passed away on June 26, 2005.
Arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Service: Friday, July 8, 2005, 10:00 AM
Saint James AME Church
588 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102
973/622-1344
Wake Service: Thursday, July 7, 2005, 4 -9 PM.
Saint James AME Church
588 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102
973/622-1344
Mailing address for Reverend Deborah Blanks
5 College Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
dkblanks@princeton.edu
Please remember the family in your prayers.
21. ALL BEREAVEMENT AND FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE CLERGY FAMILY INFORMATION CENTER:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Clergy Family Information Center
CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’S
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact)
(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY THANKS THOSE WHO HAVE PRAYED FOR SUPERVISOR DON GUIDRY:
Our sincere thanks to all who prayed for Supervisor Don Guidry. The doctors discovered a problem with his heart. He is scheduled for a "Pacemaker" implant on Wednesday, July 6. 2005 at Veterans' Administration Hospital, West Los Angeles, California.
Please continue to pray for him. God is good!
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
GirlBishop122@aol.com
Editor’s note: The message appended above was received from Sister Ora L. Easley, The Clergy Family Information Center
2. THE GENERAL BOARD BISHOPS’ COUNCIL NOTES:
The editor will attempt to cover the General Board / Bishops’ Council in the next several issues of The Christian Recorder Online. I am posting the full texts of the address delivered by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle and the Public Statement of Council of Bishops.
3. ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD ALLEN CHAPPELLE, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS
Several weeks prior to our last General Board session, I asked Senior Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr., to deliver our first “State of the Church address. I have always considered Bishop P. R. Cousin affectionately known and called by his parents, the late Dr. Sylvester Cousin and Mrs. Mamie Cousin, “Bobby” a friend and brother beloved of long standing. It was Bishop P.R. Cousin and the late Bishop Howard Thomas Primm who stood with me in Ft. Worth, TX in 1988 from beginning to end. Senior Bishop P. R. Cousin readily accepted the challenge and gave us a masterful synopsis of our condition entitled, “The Winds Which Blow across Our Bethel.” This timely message was well received by us and has been printed and reprinted. It should become required reading and study for those aspiring to ministry in this the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Special commendations are extended to our most efficient General Secretary, Dr. Clement Fugh and his staff for capturing this monumental proclamation. Accolades are also extended to the Connectional Lay News Magazine in its February 2005 spring edition of “We Speak” for its distribution of this timely and provocative message.
I attempted to prevail upon our next in seniority, my eminent classmate, the father of neo-Pentecostalism, Bishop John Richard Bryant, to bring the second State of the Church address. He suggested that I, as President of the Board, should speak. I personally hesitate to do so, inasmuch as I have historically and systematically been a “lightening rod” of African Methodism since becoming the General Secretary in 1976. I am painfully aware that over the past 30 years, I have been considered one of the most controversial figures in African Methodism. Ironically, here I stand, God being my helper, having been declared one of the one hundred most influential persons in 2005 by Ebony Magazine. My explanation for my being, found in the words of the prophet Ezekiel 37:1, “The hand of the Lord was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the Lord, and sat me down in the midst of the valley…”
Our Senior Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr. in December 2004 was allegorical and specific in his analysis of “Our Bethel.” He spoke of “The winds,” “the roots and branches of the tree.” Permit me if you will, to go a step further in this allegory.
The poet Joyce Kilmer once wrote:
I think that I shall never see
A poem as lovely as a tree,
A tree whose hungry mouth is pressed
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me
But only God can make a tree.
The African Methodist Episcopal church is traditionally rooted in the Wesleyan Methodist tradition. Our founder and illustrious leader, Bishop Richard All did not move one jot or tittle from the Doctrine and Discipline of Methodism upon leaving St. George. On the contrary, he took the whole of Wesleyan Methodism with him in the establishing of the African Methodism. Our present Doctrine and Discipline is more authentically Methodist, as it relates to the Episcopacy, than any other under the banner of Methodism. As it relates to organization and polity, the African Methodist Episcopal Church continues to imitate and emulate the Methodist Church. In the time leading up to our “watershed” General Conference in 1956 at the Dinner Key Auditorium, Miami, Florida, we lifted from another Methodist body, the General Board; Board of Education and General Budget concept and superimposed it onto our existing governmental structure. We introduced “additional department and General Officers” into our structure. The basic change was to allow this newly created entity to coexist and shoulder some of the responsibilities of the “denominational tree.” The year 2006 will mark the 50th Anniversary of the General Board in African Methodism. Regrettably, a review of the 1956-1964 Disciplines indicate that we have not advanced from that initial concept in terms of productivity and getting the programs back to the basic roots of our Zion, i.e., the rank and file membership both lay and clergy.
Being a native Floridian, born in Miami, FL, Coconut Grove to be exact, I have always been an admirer of trees: trees of all shape, sizes and taste, mango, guava, grapefruit, orange, cherry. Nevertheless, I have a special fondness for palm trees: The Palmetto Palm, Coconut Palm, Date Palm, and the majestic Royal Palm. Having survived numerous storms and hurricanes in Florida and elsewhere, I realize that, of all the trees, the palm tree seems to be best suited to withstand the torrential winds that blow. Very seldom one would find a palm tree uprooted or its fronds/branches broken because of the raging tempestuous winds that blow. The fronds grow only out of the top and are firmly attached directly to the trunk, realizing that all of its sustenance comes from the roots via the capillary system within the trunk of the tree.
Conversely, the root of Zion’s Tree is indeed anchored and presently all of our sustenance comes directly from the roots. However, there is a serious debate raging as to how long the roots will be able to sustain the tree with its semi independent, autonomous, unilateral branches. The A.M.E. Church is still the purest form of Methodism having a structure similar to corporate America’s legal system, i.e., incorporated, rules, regulations, judicial process, rights of members, clergy, etc. Our structure is sanctioned by our government and all the countries and governments where we have members. It is my contention that with the inception of the General Budget and General Board concept, we “allowed” ourselves the luxury of delegating much of our corporate responsibilities to an entity, which we deemed the General Board without providing quality time, personnel, resources, expertise for minimum oversight, and productivity. The legal entity of African Methodism according to our quadrennial charter/corporation filing is our Board of Incorporators/Board Trustees. This is “The Tree” but we have deluded ourselves, we have become derelict in our duty, by believing, acting and allowing certain branches/departments of our Zion/tree to become and act as if they are more important and significant than the body and roots from which all get our sustenance. Several of the branches/departments have strayed so far from the truck of the tree until they act and function as if they are indeed “The Tree”: Revising constitutions and by-laws which are in conflict with and a challenge to the Mother corporation; establishing corporations, foundations, writing and receiving grants, unilaterally signing contractual agreements on behalf of the “Mother Zion” which are all in the purview and prerogative of the “Mother Zion.”
The General board has been granted the responsibility of overseeing on behalf of the Corporate Trustees, certain aspects of its duties. The departments and agencies are under the umbrella of the General Board via the Commission system. At the General Conference, we elect five (5) persons from among the elected delegates from each Episcopal District. The basic qualifications for election for General Board are as follows: (1) to have been a delegate to the General Conference, (2) to be nominated/elected by the delegates from your Episcopal District. (It is not required that persons elected have a fair knowledge of the work of the various departments of our Zion. Nor is it required that the persons elected have a concern for the upward mobility of our Zion.) There are more than 14 Commissions and Agencies of the General Board. The five persons from each District must be assigned to these 15 commissions. Each commission has a minimum of twenty (20) persons assigned, (each district is “entitled” to representation on each commission. This translates to five persons being on at least four different commissions. The commissions meet during one of the two times on the opening day of the General Board for a period, which often does not exceed two hours for each. At meeting, the General Officers and heads of the various agencies present their annual report of their stewardship. The reports include an annual audit, report on activities, travel, etc., etc., and recommendations for the coming fiscal year.
There are not stipulations that Board members visit the departments periodically during the year, aid in the generation of resources for the departments, report to their Annual Conferences the cares and concerns, activities, programs of the departments, nor is it required of members to convey to the departments the cares and concerns of the individuals who are collective membership of the church. Lastly, it is not required that members be in attendance at each commission meeting of which they are a part.
The poet Ella Wheeler Wilcox proclaims
One ship drives east and another drive west
With the selfsame winds that blow,
“Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales
Which tells us the way to go.
Tis’ true there are winds blowing across our Zion, challenging relevance, structure, and stability; challenging the very fabric of our being. While we are and need to be, rooted and grounded the truth of the situation is we are more like the ship of Zion out on the restless sea of our society. The winds and waves of congregationalism, ecclesiastical and homiletical uncertainty, neo-Pentecostalism, drastic personnel shifts, redistricting, "antagonization" and the appeal of mega churches, are pounding our ship of Zion. The winds and waves of discontent, discord, centralization, feudal fiefdoms, disenfranchisement, increase in budgetary allocations, smoke and mirrors rather than transparent financial accountability, decrease in quality and services are indeed threatening to overturn our vessel.
We must take some action. It is recommended that we lower our anchors so that we might inspect, assess, and reevaluate our mission and real purpose in light of where we find ourselves in world history. We must lower our anchors and reexamine our tenacity and stick-to-itiveness. First, we must lower the anchor of faith in the precepts and examples of our forefathers and mothers; faith in God who has watched over, nurtured our existence and very being. Second, the anchor of Hope in the ability of the Church to adjust and adapt to life threatening winds and waves; hope coupled with a belief that our leadership continues to have an unyielding connection to our Maker. Third, the anchor of love; an abiding love and commitment to the mission and purpose of the church; a love of God’s universe and humanity that has been in trusted to us. Fourth, the anchor of dedicated commitment; a dedicated commitment to become flexible, not get discouraged, fight a good fight, finish the course which is laid before us.
In the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the lowering of important anchors will give us the time for insightful reflection, motivation also reexamine our condition and position in society. Then muster the courage and intestinal fortitude to check, repair and if need be, acquire new sails and crew then reset the sails of our Zion. This will insure that at least we would be traveling in the direction we have charted rather than being driven and responding to the unmerciful unpredictable winds and waves, which are but seasonal and are basically the results of high and low temperatures, high and low pressure areas, and gravitational pulls of the earth and celestial bodies. Our strict attention to the Biblical charts, Holy Scripture compass, weather reports the fitness of our vessel will insure that we can indeed set our own sails.
Therefore, we call upon the Board of Incorporators, Council of Bishops, General Board to allow the setting of these sails:
I. RESOURCES.
That the constitution and bylaws of the various departments of the church which call for the creation of Foundations that receive resources from outside of our Zion be declared null and void, and that we adhere to the denomination’s Articles of Incorporation which has such authority “reposes” with the Board of Trustees.
A. That all individuals or departments adhere to the Law of the Church related to who shall be responsible for the planning of ALL connectional meetings and what shall be done with the funds accumulated as a result of said meeting.
B. That all individuals or departments adhere to the original polity of the Church and work cooperatively with the host district in the planning and implementation of all connectional meetings.
C. That no individual or department be given authority to sign legal documents, which encumbers the denomination, except those already prescribed by the Doctrine and Discipline of the A.M.E. Church.
D. That those individuals or departments who will not or refuse to abide by this set of the sails shall immediately forfeit the allocations from the general Budget Fund until further notice and the individual or department be barred from functioning pending a comprehensive examination and recommendation by the General Board Commission to which it/they report (s).
II. THE GENERAL BOARD
That the Structure be revisited with legislation prepared to be approved by the forthcoming General Conference, i.e., Number of days for session; minimum qualifications for General Board membership; staggered terms for Board members from each Episcopal District; Time and place of election/nomination of General Board members in Episcopal District.
A. That in the meantime the sail be reset requiring quality time for General Board/Commission deliberations. The expansion to three days of General Board deliberation. Two days of Commission work. One day of the Commissions’ reporting to the FULL BOARD.
B. That funding for the additional day be a legitimate expense against the funds acquired from the Connectional meeting trust fund; The alternative: That Episcopal Districts be encouraged to help defray the expense of the additional day of meeting for its members.
C. That Departments be encouraged to develop its individual functioning Advisory Board consisting of persons with the essential Skills, Expertise, Time, Treasure.
D. That these advisory Boards be empowered to aid in lifting the level of effectiveness, service, finding streams of resources, getting goods and services down to the grass root/local church.
E. That the Advisory Board be amenable to the Department, which reports directly to the General Board. That the Advisory Board be required to organize and develop an action plan, which the Commission of, must ratify, said department. It is further understood that the Chairperson of the Commission shall be a bona fide member of the Advisory Board.
F. That all entities within the denomination adhere to the formulation of the Connectional Churches calendar. This calendar will govern the holding of events, which shall not be in conflict with each other. Dates maybe “claimed” for the entire quadrennial, with places to be designated when venue is not finalized at the time of date allocations. Those departments/individuals who will not adhere to the connectional mandate shall be answerable to the commission under which it serves.
III. THE GENERAL CONFERENCE
Some of the legislation, which was passed without “proper/adequate” deliberation, must be revisited, reconsidered, and interpreted in the light of current practicalities.
A. The reduction of delegations be set aside or modified pending validation of the “saving” which is alleged to accrue; Freeze the delegation at last General conference’s levels except for the newly created District Overseas. A reduction of a delegation of 100 to 75 will create more animosity and ill will in ZION / Episcopal Districts than the alleged benefits of manageability.
B. Revisiting the legislation calling for a youth being elected who has never attended a General Conference. This legislation while well-intended and noble fail to take into consideration the reality that we would indeed be electing someone who has never legally been considered a member of the Annual Conference. The law presently calls for one person as delegate to the Annual conference from each local charge. There is no requirement for each local charge to send a second person legally except at Electoral College time, and this is only to the Electoral College. The sail should be set to superimpose this legislation on the Annual Conferences, which would immediately begin electing two persons from each local church, one adult and one youth. Within the next three years, enough youth would have been exposed to the church process and procedure and be prepared to be elected and serve in a General Conference.
IV. FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY
That the General Board prepare and present a comprehensive line item budget to the General Conference so that specific items can be adjusted for the good of the order.
A. The call for uniformity or accounting practices via approved legislation be enacted with all deliberate speed with the necessary training and sage guards clearly delineated. This is also legislation, which did not carry with it funding.
B. The Committee on Redistricting as approved by legislation should coexist with the Strategic Planning Committee, and that funding be made available for both.
V. DENOMINATIONAL PRIDE AND RESPECT
The call is to plan and implement a denominational celebration, the 50th Birthday of our General Board and our transition.
A. This could take place during the week of our 2006 General Board in South Carolina or during the actual time of its creation in May/June, 1956.
B. That this celebration is a time of renewal, rededication and sail setting.
Ella Wilcox further states:
Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As we voyage along through life:
“Tis the set of a soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.
And so as we open this session of the General Board I’m reminded of that old corn field ditty which while we would admit isn’t theologically correct, but it sounds good:
Like a ship that’s tossed and driven,
Battered by an angry sea,
When the storms of life are raging
And their fury fall on me,
I wonder what have I done
That makes this race so hard to run,
Then I say to my soul, take courage,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Refrain
The Lord will make away some how,
When beneath the cross I bow;
He will take away each sorrow,
Let Him have your burdens now;
When the load bears down so heavy
The weight is shown upon my brow,
There’s a sweet relief in knowing,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Try to do my best in service,
Try to live the best I can,
When I choose to do the right thing,
Evil’s present on every hand,
I look up and wonder why
That good fortune pass me by,
Then I say to my soul be patient,
The Lord will make a way some how.
Often there’s misunderstanding
Out of all the good I do,
Go to friends for consolation
And I find them complaining too,
So many nights I toss in pain,
Wondering what the day will bring,
But I say to my heart, don’t worry,
The Lord will make a way some how.
4. AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH PUBLIC STATEMENT OF COUNCIL OF BISHOPS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2005 ~ 2:15 P.M.:
The Council of Bishops, under the leadership of the newly invested President Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, met in its annual meeting here in Dallas, Texas. The Council addressed many issues that came before it and made the following resolutions and observations that face critical areas of interest for the denomination:
- The Bishops resolved, in connection with its Quadrennial “Living Well” theme, to develop a series of monthly Pastoral Letters inclusive of responses to matters of public concern that are of current political, economic and community interest.
The letters have begun in the current edition of the Christian Recorder written by Senior Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Phillip R. Cousin. This process will continue in perpetuity.
It is the desire of the Council that these letters are read in congregations all over the denomination, so that rank and file members will know the mind of the Council of Bishops on the variety of issues that face our constituents at the local level.
- The Council of Bishops provided an audience to General Motors and General Motors Acceptance Corporation regarding the continued Economic Development Partnership with this major Corporation.
General Motors has provided support for the multiple connectional events in various districts and among connectional components.
The 2nd Episcopal District is a test area for products with General Motors and General Motors Acceptance Corporation for new and refinanced mortgages at better rates to the benefit of the individual, community, congregations and the Episcopal District.
Thus far, the result of this partnership includes $ 50,000 in scholarships to graduating high school seniors and college freshmen. Twenty $ 2500 scholarships were presented last week to young people in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and Washington D. C. The partnership continues.
- The Bishops’ Council continues its study of the retirement program across the full spectrum of our denomination with special emphasis on pastors. The Council is encouraging the enrollment of members in the new retirement program during this window of enrollment opportunity over the next few months.
The Council also considered the implication of General Officers who have served the church to the best of their ability without appropriate retirement compensation. This matter is still under review and recommendations are forthcoming.
Finally, on the matter of retirement, the Council is forthright in its commitment to the retirement law of our church. We will make it clear that retirement of preachers, having reached their 75th birthday at Annual Conference is now positive law, strengthened in language and intent by the 47th General Conference. Therefore, it is to be understood that the retirement of servants of the church is not left to the whims of the Episcopal District or the Annual conference as a matter of Episcopal discretion.
- The Council commended Bishop McKinley Young and the Board of Edward Waters College for its aggressive actions in addressing accreditation of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the results being full restoration of accreditation.
The Council voted to provide leadership in calling for a 2nd Annual Summit on Education. The summit will concern itself with developing a strategy that will benefit other historical black institutions as they face similar challenges with their respective accrediting agencies. We expect to achieve a result that the accrediting agencies would be more intentional in executing due process; and to hold the accrediting agencies to greater accountability and responsibility in providing appropriate assistance in facilitating the strength and vitality of the schools under their auspices.
The summit will also address strategies to close the achievement gap among African American students in K-12 as they are affected by the national policy “Leave no Child Behind.”
- The Council also addressed Strategic Planning and the matters
pertaining to the General Conference legislation on studying
redistricting. The president will appoint a committee to coordinate
implementation of the legislation as presented.
- The Council received the Reverend Dr. Jonathan Weaver of the 2nd District who addressed matters regarding the Collective Banking Group. We salute Dr. Weaver for the important work being accomplished for empowering local congregations across denomination lines and individual members. We commend this concept to our constituents for implementation through chapters in local communities across the church.
- The Council provided an audience to the Reverend Cassandra Sparrow of the 2nd Episcopal District who proposed to the Council an international health initiative that would positively affect the quality of health for African people in Diaspora. Professionally produced videos and DVDs are being provided through Conrad Productions, featuring African American celebrities and made specifically for Episcopal Districts. The video and DVDs will be made available in Episcopal Districts. These tools will enhance the health ministries and initiatives of all Episcopal Districts as information and teaching instruments on the variety of health issues facing our constituents. The Council is committed to this initiative.
- The Council is steadfast in its support for the work of the Global Development Council and the ministries of Districts 14-20. We applaud the work being accomplished in Episcopal Districts 14-20 under the bishops who serve as the international agents of our denomination.
We especially salute Bishop David Daniels of the 14th District who reported on the AME University inclusive of a $ 1,000,000.00 acquisition for the construction of the Hatcher-Henning-Norris Human Resource building in Monrovia and the A. J. Richardson-Carlton Z. Adams Health Center.
- The Council concurred with the matters of the General Board on the variety of issues which came before it, particularly the matter concerning the signing of contracts that would encumber the denomination; and the consideration for increasing stipends for General Board members.
- The Council applauds the good work of Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, the Reverend Dr. Jessica Ingram and the 10th Episcopal District for the stellar way in which we were benefited in the state of Texas.
- The Council expressed deep appreciation for the challenging sermon of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and the comprehensive State of the Church address by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, President of the General Board. We commend the two presentations for further study to the benefit of our Zion.
- We celebrate Bishop John R. Bryant and his son, the Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant, in their appearance on the international network of TBN, giving positive attention to the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The result of this exposure resulted in an invitation extended to US Senator Barak Obama of Chicago and the Reverend Dr. Jamal Bryant of Empowerment Temple AME Church of Baltimore, to address the Parliament of the United Kingdom.
The Council of Bishops asks the prayers of the Church for the blessings of God upon our collective ministry and for peace and justice around the world.
Submitted on behalf of the Council of Bishops
The Public Statement Committee
Bishop A. J. Richardson, Jr.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning
Bishop Wilfred J. Messiah
Bishop Sarah F. Davis
5. THE ELECTION OF THE CONNECTIONAL PRESIDING ELDERS’ COUNCIL WAS HELD IN DALLAS:
The Connectional Presiding Elders’ Council was held in Dallas, Texas. The Reverend W. Bartalette Finney, Sr. of the Fifth Episcopal Districts is the newly elected President. The elected officers of the Connectional Presiding Elder’s Council are as follows:
The Reverend W. Bartalette Finney, Jr., President, Fifth Episcopal District
The Reverend Earle Ifill, First Vice President, Sixth Episcopal District
The Reverend Robert Keesee, Second Vice President, Thirteenth Episcopal District
The Reverend Leo E. Brock, Sr., Recording Secretary, Ninth Episcopal District
The Reverend Eugene Brannon, Assistant Recording Secretary, Twelfth Episcopal District
The Reverend Thomas Hughes, Corresponding Secretary, Fourth Episcopal District
The Reverend Herbert Eddy, Treasurer, First Episcopal District
The Reverend David J. Campbell, Jr., Eighth Episcopal District
The Reverend Wayne Anthony, Sixteenth Episcopal District
The Reverend Ida Keener, Tenth Episcopal District
6. GROUNDBREAKING CONVENTION FOR A.M.E. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION: JULY 25 – 28, 2005 IN HOUSTON:
- Exciting Agenda, Major Speakers, Innovative New Programs
The 29th Biennial Convention of the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), set for Monday, July 25 through Thursday, July 28, 2005 in Houston, Texas, is sure to make history with its groundbreaking combination of electrifying speakers and innovative new programs all wrapped within an exciting agenda that heralds a thrilling new day for the organization in tune with the 21st Century.
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Republican National Committee Chairperson Ken Mehlman will speak at the convention indicative of the importance of the AME Lay Organization’s involvement in the political process particularly spearheaded by the AME V-Alert Team and the Voters Mobilization Project. Other speakers include Judge Mablean Ephriam of TV’s Divorce Court fame who has a strong testimony of faith, Alpha Phi Alpha President Harry Johnson, and award-winning gospel recording artist Vicky Winans is also scheduled to perform at the convention and in conjunction with the CLO President’s black-tie affair to benefit Morris Brown College. The Convention will take place at the Hilton Americas of Houston, Texas (1600 Lamar) the city’s largest convention hotel with state of the art facilities.
AME Lay Organization President Jesse L. Burns states, “This convention promises to be extremely exciting for our organization as we make a new millennium connection demonstrating that AME Lay are in touch and in tune with the issues that are important in today’s world. We are global in our thinking ministry, service and witness! We are here to help empower the spirits, hearts, minds and souls of our diverse constituents in a way that is deeply meaningful to them.” Other important programs to happen at the convention include: new interactive promotion keeping conference attendees uniquely plugged in to what is going on at the convention with updates, Q&A e-mails, and more; for the First Time In The History of the Connectional Lay Organization there will be a Self-study conducted to determine; who we are, what we wish to accomplish, and a plan of action for future accomplishments that impact the organization and society. Also, the Youth Explosion 2005 “Preparing for the Harvest” takes place July 23rd and July 24th as part of the Lay Organization’s commitment to young people. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest Black denomination in America founded by Richard Allen with a history of service and commitment.
Joy Communications, 47 W. Polk St. #100-236, Chicago, IL 60605
Media, Marketing, Advertising & Special Events
7. A.M.E. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION PRESIDENT JESSE BURNS DECLARES: THIS WILL BE OUR GREATEST CONVENTION YET!
July 25 – 28th In Houston
A.M.E. Connectional Lay Organization President Jesse Burns is excited about the 29th Biennial Convention set for Monday, July 25 through Thursday, July 28, 2005 in Houston, Texas showing that the organization is in tune and in touch with the needs of the members it serves in the new millennium. President Burns says, “At this convention we will demonstrate that we are both contemporary and global in our thinking ministry, service and witness!”
President Burns states, “We have the heads of both National Political Parties coming to join us, TV Judge Mablean Ephriam, Alpha Phi Alpha President Harry Johnson, and the one-and-only Vicky Winans! In addition to our great guests we will have an electrifying agenda and innovative programs including the use of new interactive technology, conducting a first-time ever organization-wide self study, and lifting up our youth and education in special ways!”
The African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) Connectional Lay Organization Convention will take place at the Hilton Americas of Houston, Texas (1600 Lamar) Monday, July 25, 2005 through Thursday, July 28th 2005.
Joy Communications, 47 W. Polk St. #100-236, Chicago, IL 60605
Media, Marketing, Advertising & Special Events
8. THE AME CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION 29TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION – HOUSTON, TX JULY 25 – 28TH:
Fact Sheet
What: African Methodist Episcopal Church (A.M.E.) Connectional Lay Organization 29th Annual Biennial Convention.
When: Main Convention: Monday, July 25 – Thursday, July 29, 2005.
Youth Explosion: Saturday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 24th,
Youth Explosion 2005; Preparing for the Harvest
Where: Houston, Texas Hilton Americas of Houston, Texas (1600 Lamar)
Speakers/ Performers: Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean
Republican National Committee Chairperson Ken Mehlman TV Judge Mablean Ephriam
Alpha Phi Alpha President Harry Johnson Award-winning Gospel Recording Artist Vicky Winans
President: Jesse L. Burns, Jr.
About the Organization: The organization is composed of men and women in every career field from business to medicine working through the A.M.E. church to make life better through their lay ministry for people in every area they touch. The A.M.E. Connectional Lay Organization has a membership that extends across the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and Africa. Some high-profile A.M.E. lay members include the Honorable Vernon Jordan and former Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater.
About the Denomination: The African Methodist Episcopal Church is the oldest Black denomination in America founded by Richard Allen with a history of service and commitment.
9. AME BISHOP TO SPEAK AT THE PROGRESSIVE NATIONAL BAPTIST CONVENTION:
The Right Reverend John Bryant, presiding prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District will be a keynote speaker at the Progressive National Baptist Convention that will meet in Detroit Michigan, August 8 - 12, 2005.
10. THE GLOBAL CORNER - CELEBRATIONS OF THE AME CHURCH’S 59TH ANNIVERSARY IN NAMIBIA
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
More than 400 worshippers cramped the St. James AME Church, Mariental as early as 08h00 on Sunday, 3 July 2005. The occasion was the 59th Anniversary celebrations of the Founding of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Namibia. At 09h00, St. James Choir led the 24-member procession of officers and clergy with the hymn, “We are marching to Zion!” And the place was filled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, with the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse, the host pastor, serving as liturgist.
In attendance was also Bishop Zephania Kameeta, the guest preacher and prelate of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia. He was accompanied by Rev. Gamgamub, the Vice Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia and Rev. Kamho, the General Secretary of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia. The African Methodist Episcopal Church in Namibia was started on 3 July 1946, when a group of 5 000 broke-away from the Rhynish Missionary Society, which later became the Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The Bishop’s Message, titled a “New Heaven and a New Earth”, was based on Revelations 21:1-4 and 22:1-5. When our pilgrim journey ends on this earth, we are destined for the New Heaven and a New Earth. In this envisioned dwellings, the good news is that there will be no artificial divisions of race, colour or creed, that denominations have no place and purpose there and that all shortcomings will be non-existent.
The Baptism ceremony was shared between Bishop Zephania Kameeta and the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse. And, the Bishop was the Chief Celebrant at the Communion Table, using the AME liturgy for both sacraments. We are also delighted to report that $4 500-00 was lifted as the thanksgiving offering. Refreshments were served at the end of the Service. Everybody went home with renewed and energized spirits.
11. THE GLOBAL CORNER - THE FINAL BOARD OF EXAMINERS MEETING ANNUAL CONFERENCE BOCE CONVENTION 2005:
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ
1. The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my source of strength.
2. This missive serves to relate information on the final Board of Examiners Meeting that will be held concurrent with the Annual Conference BoCE Convention during the weekend of 22-24 July 2005 at the St. James AME Church, Mariental.
3. Logistics:
- The contingent will be N$80-00 per person, to be paid in by the respective pastors to the BoCE Finance Committee.
- Churches in need of accommodation must kindly contact the following persons with their accommodation requests: Mr. Gert J Kooper (081 281 0100) and Mr. Morris Isaack (081 227 4510).
4. Examiners Meeting Schedule:
- The venue will be the Mariental Primary School.
- This meeting is compulsory for all candidates and members of the Board of Examiners, and no excuse whatsoever from the candidates, please.
- All outstanding tuition fees must be settled in full upon arrival.
The Activities Outline:
08h00 Breakfast
09h00 Devotion
- Lic. Anna Topnaar
09h10 Preaching Exercises
-Rev. H I Ludwicht:
Rev. N J Simon, PE
Rev. J Rooinasie
Rev. Sam S Herero:
Rev. A E Biwa
Rev. D Schmidt
10h00 How to organise your local church conference?
Rev. W S Hanse
11h00 Preaching Exercise
Rev. J A Gertze
Rev. W S Hanse
Rev. Dr. A Biwa, PE
Lic. P E Topnaar
Rev. J J Schmidt
Rev. D Schmidt
12h00 Review of Assignments of 4th and 3rd Years of Study
13h00 Lunch
14h00 Preaching Exercise
Lic. Salomon Jacobs
Rev. N J Simon, PE
Rev. A E Biwa
Lic. Johannes Isaack
Rev. D Schmidt
Rev. J Rooinasie
15h00 Review of Assignments of 2nd and 1st Years of Study
16h00 Closing Devotion- Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa, PE
Important:
1. candidates (new and old) should complete the attached Personal Information Form and bring it along.
2. Please bring also this Circular with you to the meeting since no documents will be distributed there.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
Box 50278, Bachbrecht, 081 122 5048
Dean of the Board of Examiners
St. James AME Church
12. THE GLOBAL CORNER: THE FOURTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The Right Reverend David R. Daniels, Jr, Presiding Prelate
The Vision
“And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain
upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and
not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not
tarry.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Evangelism---Committed to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ in West Africa through revivals and outreach in:
- Churches
- Villages
- Communities
- Major cities
Education---
Committed to enhancing the lives of all Africans and giving us the opportunity to contribute to
humanity using the gifts and talents with which the Holy Spirit has blessed us:
- Encourage each church congregation to establish a
school. No church can afford NOT to.
- Establish boarding or mission schools for all our village
boys and girls.
- Develop national and international institutions of higher
education.
Economic Empowerment—
Committed to developing businesses in each community:
- Develop small businesses, which will contribute to the needs of the communities and churches.
- Encourage strong business development and international business relationships by leading the way with integrity.
- Encourage church communities as well as individual Christians to become business owners.
The Rt. Reverend David R. Daniels, Jr., Presiding Bishop
Mother Irene Moifoi Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor, Women’s Missionary Society
34 Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa, Cell: 011-231-656-5679, Email: rwysayma@aol.com
The Fourteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal District
"It Is No Secret What God Can Do"
The Fourteenth Episcopal 2006 Annual Conferences’ Schedule
Cote d’Ivoire Annual Conference
February 7, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
February 8-12, 2006 Annual Conference
Nigeria Annual Conference
March 7, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 8-12, 2006 Annual Conference
Sierra Leone Annual Conference
March 14, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 15-19, 2006 Annual Conference
Togo/Benin Annual Conference
March 22, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 23-26, 2006 Annual Conference
Grana Annual Conference
March 28, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
March 29-April 2, 2006 Annual Conference
Liberia Annual Conference
April 16-18, 2006 W.M.S. Annual Convention
April 19-23, 2005 Annual Conference
Major Events to Remember in the Fourteenth Episcopal District
I. August 10-14, 2005 Grana W.M.S National Convention
II. August 23, 2005
A.M.E. University Commencement Exercises
III. February 20-26, 2006
Dedication of the following:
a. Hatcher, Henning & Norris Human Resource Center-AME University
b. Fourteenth Episcopal District Office
c. Richardson & Adams Health Center
III. City Wide Revival February 13-17, 2006
IV. Fourteenth Episcopal District
Woman Power Conference October 2006
June 14, 2005
13. THE GLOBAL CORNER - LETTER TO THE BISHOPS OF THE CHURCH
Dear Bishops of the Church,
We greet you with Jesus' joy.
Supervisor Irene M. Daniels, the girls and I joined the faithful folks of the Fourteenth EpiscopalDistrict to express our thanks and appreciation to the Almighty God and all of you for giving us this marvelous opportunity to serve the beautiful people of God in West Africa. Our special heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck and her brother Dr. Carlton V. Adams for spending over a month with us in West Africa during our first series of annual conferences. They were a tremendous blessing to the fourteenth. We are also indebted to Reverend William M. Campbell, Jr. who preached Sierra Leone Annual Conference Revival, Rev. Tar-u-way R. A. Bright who conducted the Liberia Annual Conference Revival and Rev. Orlando M. McCauley who preached the Ordination Sermon. Praise be to God for the many souls saved through the revival services.
We are blessed to be called at a critical time in the history of African Methodism to serve God's people especially in the Fourteenth Episcopal District. We are committed to the “Call of God” on our lives to be used by Him as His instrument to "Make a Positive Difference" in West Africa.
We have called upon the “people of the faithful” Fourteenth Episcopal District to take "the Vision" God has given us, for the district, to fulfillment. The Vision has been written and we pray that the people will embrace it.
We feel the African Methodist Episcopal Church has made a tremendous investment in us, our district, our people and in our churches. It is time for us to rise to the occasion and take charge of the harvest before us. We will "Plant the Seed" God and you have given us and watch it grow as God gives the increase. We will not "eat the seed," but sow the seed so we can get the harvest God has in store for us.
Supervisor Daniels and I have challenged our people through teaching during the annual conference series that we should resist the temptation of "eating the seed" because if we eat the seed, there will be "No Harvest."
So please join us as we continue to build the Kingdom of God through evangelism, education and economic empowerment."
Again, we thank you and please keep us in your prayers.
Yours in His Service,
Bishop D., Supervisor Irene and the Girls
Our special thanks and appreciation to the bishops of the Church, pastors and their churches and friends who have been very generous during our first year.
1. Bishop and Mrs. Philip L. Cousin, Sr
2. Bishop John R. & Dr. Cecelia Bryant
3. Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr.
4. Bishop and Mrs. Adam J. Richardson
5. Bishop & Mrs. McKinley Young
6. Bishop and Mrs. Richard F. Norris, Sr.
7. Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie & Supervisor Stan McKenzie
8. Bishop Gregory G. M. & Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram
9. Bishop William Philips & Dr. Pam DeVeaux
10. Bishop & Mrs. Theodore Larry Kirkland
11. Bishop and Mrs. Preston W. Williams, II
12. Bishop & Mrs. John Hurst Adams
13. Bishop & Mrs. Henry A. Belin, Jr.
14. Bishop & Mrs. Fred C. James
15. Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams-Bryant (Formula money-given for school and sponsorship)
16. Rev. Dr. Grainger & Dr. Joann Browning and the Ebenezer Family
17. Revs. & Drs. Floyd H. & Elaine Flake
18. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Frank M. Reid, III and Family
19. Mother Irene B. Reid
20. Rev. Jay & Mrs. Karla F. M.Young
21. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Johnny Barbour
22. Rev. & Mrs. William M. Campbell, Jr. and the Anderson Chapel Family
23. Rev. & Mrs. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr. and the Bethel-Columbia, SC Family
24. Rev. Julius McAllister and the Mt. Zion-Florence, SC Family,
25. Revs. & Mrs. A. D. Tyson, III and the Saint Stephens Family
26. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Fred A. Lucas, Jr.
27. Rev. & Mrs. Willie J. Nelson and Family
28. Rev. & Mrs. James R Glover
29. Rev. & Mrs. Jonathan Weaver and the Mt. Nebo Family
30. Revs. Drs. Ray & Gloria Hammond and the Bethel Family
31. Rev. & Mrs. Arthur Glover
32. Rev. Dr. James & Rev. Lana Miller and the DuPage Family
33. Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Ellis I Washington and the St. Matthew Family
34. Rev. & Mrs. Carl Moore and the Allen Chapel Family
35. Rev. & Mrs. Stanford Wicker and the Antioch Family
36. Rev. & Mrs. Joe Darby and Morris Brown Family
37. Rev. Dr. Barbara A. Lucas and the Agape Tabernacle International Family
38. Rev. & Mrs. Eddie Gaston and St. James Family
39. Rev. & Mrs. Philip Anderson and St. Paul-Irmo, SC Family
40. Rev. & Mrs. Harold H. Wilson and Allen Chapel-Sumter, SC Family
41. Rev. & Mrs. Bobby Sepeersaud and the Young Chapel Family
42. Dr. & Mrs. Richard Allen Lewis, CFO/Treasurer
43. Mr. & Mrs. Tony & Helen Grant
44. Rev. Gene Dennis, CEO & President Prestige Insurance
45. Rev. & Mrs. Darrell Jackson and the Atlas Bible Way Church Family
46. Mrs. Shirley Gremyachev and the Universal Aide Society of Canada
47. Mr. & Mrs. Norma Deas
48. Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck
49. Dr. & Mrs. Carlton V. Adams
50. Honorable Bob Coble, Mayor of Columbia, South Carolina
51. Honorable Bobby Horton, Mayor of West Columbia, South Carolina
52. Mr. and Mrs. Dick Smith and Family
53. Mr. & Mrs. James W. & Yvonne Means and Family
54. Mr. & Mrs. Bob & Laura Hudson and Family
"There are many friends across the church who have prayed, encouraged and supported us spiritually and financially whose names are not listed; to whom we are eternally grateful. Please forgive us if your name is not listed above. Do not credit it to the heart but to the head."
14. NEWS FROM GRANT AME CHURCH, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA:
Please consider adding the following information to your events calendar or community news segment as applicable.
Grant A.M.E. Church of Los Angeles presents a music and arts workshop July 26-31. The annual event themed, "The Real Ministry of Music and Arts," features guest clinicians Revs. Sylvester Laudermill and Lewis Logan II, Dr. Rodena Preston, Kenny Ford, Herman Jones, Chris Jordan, Ron Lowe, Steven Semien and Byron Smith. Registration is $25; discounts are available. For more information call (323) 564-1047.
Submitted by:
The Rev. Kevin T. Taylor
Associate Minister
Grant A.M.E. Church - Los Angeles (Watts)
(323) 564-1151
15. NEWS FROM JOHNSON CHAPEL, SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA:
Johnson Chapel AME Church, 1306 West Second Street (Corner of Second & Bristol)
Santa Ana, CA 92703, (714) 972-8983.
The JC Mass Choir Presents A Gospel Concert, “So I’ll Praise Him; I’ll Lift Him Up!” on Sunday, July 17, 2005 at 4:00 p.m. James Randolph Pruitt, Minister of Music; Valerie Brooks , Choir President; the Reverend Michael L. Barta, Senior Pastor
16. NEWS FROM THE TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT: AUSTIN CAPITAL DISTRICT IN CENTRAL TEXAS HOLDS MEDIA CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE PLANS TO EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY:
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate of the Tenth Episcopal District designated June 12 as Power Sunday throughout the District. The point was to focus on the Power of God to change lives. He encouraged the churches to find ways to let the community know about Power Sunday and what their churches were doing in ministry.
In Central Texas, the Austin Capital District held a news conference to announce program plans for its communities. The news conference was held against the backdrop of the district’s Church School Convention, hosted at Grant AME Worship Center in Austin. The Rev. James Henry Phillips, III, Presiding Elder of the Austin Capital District, spoke from the pulpit. District pastors and preachers lined across the platform behind him to show strength in unity.
The effort generated 28 minutes of television news coverage and 248 inches of newsprint at an ad equivalency value of $19,824.94 market rate. The equivalency report indicated that it would have cost almost $20,000 to buy that same visibility in advertising.
“We felt this was the right time and place to discuss empowering our communities because it’s our children’s futures that are at stake,” said Presiding Elder Phillips. “Historically, our churches have been leaders in facilitating change in our community. It’s time we were, again.”
“Churches in the Austin Capital District have hands-on programs designed to meet the needs of their communities,” he said. “We selected three representative pastors to share their plans in the media to demonstrate our diversity in leadership, programming and areas served.”
The Rev. Dr. W. Raymond Bryant, pastor of Grant AME Worship Center, Austin, Texas announced a three-prong program. “We are called by God to make a difference in our communities through the Power of the Holy Spirit,” said Bryant.
“If we’re going to bring about a systemic change in our community, we need to empower our children through economics and education,” said Bryant. “They are not only our future generation, but are our future leaders who will guide the next successive generation.
“Our plan is to participate in the Tenth District’s YES (Young Educated Savers) savings bond program and to augment that with community investment in our children,” said Bryant. “We will continue our ongoing health series focused on diseases that most impact African Americans, but will add a special focus on men and prostate cancer. Through education, we want to empower men to overcome the fears and stigmas surrounding the disease.
“We also want to focus on self-care issues for women,” said Bryant. “Usually, women are so busy taking care of others, that they forget to take care of themselves. We hope to help empower them to change that.”
The Rev. Alma Phillips, pastor of Paul Quinn AME Church in Bastrop, announced a program underway in her church to empower men as priests of the home. “Traditionally, we have fewer men in the church and now, fewer men in the home,” said Phillips. “That must change if we are to rebuild our communities. We have a program to train our men, making Disciples of them to go out into the community in the Power of our Lord and minister to others, male to male.
“The goal, she said, “is for these men to lead others to come to the real Power Source. Once properly empowered through Biblical teachings, these men can change things one home at a time, one soul at a time, one child at a time.”
The Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi, pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Austin, announced his plans to focus on the family. “We want our families to understand the power of prayer to change their lives,” he said. “We have encouraged our members to bring their family and friends to church. To signify the seriousness of this commitment, on Power Sunday, we called forth each family and prayed for them for their specific needs. We will continue to teach them about the Power of God.”
Special to The Christian Recorder
Contact: Linda G. Connor 512-423-9975
17. LETTER TO THE EDITOR:
Hey dad,
I thought that I would write you to first thank you and mom for a wonderful birthday song. Second to write a brief response on the article in yesterdays online CR regarding, "Blacks who died in war."
The article was very interesting. I do, however, think that we have to be more balanced in the articles that we write regarding the war. This is not about Blacks or Whites, just about any negative comments on the war.
As a physician at the Veteran Affairs hospital, I have found it interesting that I have not met one veteran who was injured in the war in Iraq who has had anything negative to say about the war. It may be for a host of reasons. One may be simply be that "if I get shot at, I am going to shoot back." A “survival of the fittest” mentality which I think that we all could and would understand. Politics and personal agendas have no place for the ground troops and I am certain that all who are in the trenches would agree. How would an 18 or 21 year old respond if a parent sends them an article about how we should not be in Iraq or this war is just a personal vendetta by President Bush on Saddam Hussein? Something tells me they would not fight harder or be more diligent about their duties.
For police officers and others who find themselves in harms way on the streets of America there is a saying. "I would rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6." That is to say, you will do whatever to preserve your life, shoot, billy-club or stab first, and ask questions later. As a pilot, the same holds true when dealing with air traffic controllers (ATC). If a storm is at your 12:00 and has you surrounded on three sides, but there is restricted airspace free from the storm, you should forget what ATC has to say and navigate the plane to safety. Answer questions from the FAA and NASA later. Not all pilots do what is sensible and perish for lack self-preservation.
Our troops have seen too many articles, video news-clips and politicians talk on this war, which, I am sure, makes them feel displaced. I think the eyes and ears of the troops and their families ought to be protected from negativism of those who are able to project this image (primarily TV news). It raises too many doubts about the brave young men and women who are answering the call of duty to which they voluntarily joined. Hypothetical conclusions and speculation are never productive when you are in situations such as war.
Those of us who are in business know that a positive attitude and perseverance are the main ingredients for success. Jesse Jackson's, "Keep hope alive" is a powerful statement on life and living. If our troops, Black and White, are to truly fight with honor even if we disagree, we need to be cautious about how we portrait our non-positive views about the war. We do not want another Vietnam where are troops continue to suffer and Vietnam, although devastated, has moved on.
Dad, I love you. Hope my thoughts are succinct because the later half was written while on the phone.
Editor’s Comment: My son, Dr. Calvin Sydnor IV Kibwe, wrote the letter appended above. I support our troops and I am sensitive to them. I guess my son and I are not "eye to eye" on writing about the absurdity of this war but I certainly appreciate his compassion. I do support the troops, but I still do not support the war.
18. THE REPORT OF THE LEXINGTON DISTRICT 2005 CHURCH SCHOOL CONVENTION “4REAL FAITH: GENERATION JESUS 2K5” ROMANS 1:16-17:
Hot! Hot! Hot! The Lexington District of the Kentucky Conference 2005 Church School Convention was “hot” in more ways than one; as the temperature soared to the above 90 degrees on the beautiful campus of the Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. The members of the Lexington District had gathered for the Church School Convention; directed by Presiding Elder Ralph E. Johnson and hosted by the Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin and the Perkins Chapel AME Church Family.
The Church School Convention began with registration. The Kentucky Conference Web Master (aka) The Reverend William R. T. Hale had the latest technology on hand to register on site by clicking on the Kentucky Conference web page. Nametags and kits were distributed.
All gathered in the McKenna Chapel for the Opening Worship Service. The Reverend Troy Merritt, Jr. Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District was the preacher; the Youth Choir of St. Paul Versailles provided the music. He delivered a dynamic sermon entitled “O for a Faith” taking his text from II Corinthians Chapter Four, imploring the youth to follow Christ and reminding the Adults of days gone by. He held the attendants spellbound as he recalled his child hood days and how he was able to succeed in spite of, all the while giving God and his faith the credit for his success. Orientation followed; the Church School Conventioneers were instructed of the location of the classrooms, the rules of the campus and introduced to the teachers, and then dispersed for lunch.
The afternoon classes began at 1:00 p.m. The Reverend William R. T. Hale, Barnes Temple AME, Elsmere, taught the adult class on “John Wesley’s General Rules for Holy Living.” Sister Doris Coffey, St. Paul AME, Lexington class was entitled “Stewardship: It’s More Than Money!” Other instructors for the 2005 Church School Convention were: PE Merritt and Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode (Minister’s Class); Reverend Robert Taylor (adults); Reverend Antonio Stuckey (young adults); Reverend Linda Brown and Sister Carrie Newton (ages 12-15); Reverend Veda Stewart and Kendra Golphin (ages 16-18); Sister Ruth Ann Bryant and Sister Stella Beavers (ages 7-11); Sister Valeria Spears and Sister Carla Johnson (ages 3-6); and Brother Lawrence Johnson (Live Well class).
Sister Dianna Golphin, Kentucky Conference Commissioner of the Debutante’s Master’s Cotillion was host to the DMC Program. The ceremony was well executed with the Reverend Veda Stewart bringing the “Challenge” taken from II Peter 3:18.
The Evening Worship Service was held at Perkins Chapel. The Reverend Dana A. Dawkins, Bethel AME Church, Stanford, delivered a soul stirring and inspiring message entitled “Real Faith Doesn’t Come Easy” based on the sixth chapter of Judges. He was accompanied by the Youth Choir of Bethel.
End of the day activities – Live Well Classes were conducted in the campus Gymnasium by Lawrence Johnson (the handsome, suave and debonair son of the Presiding Elder and Mrs. Patricia Johnson) for all who wished to participate.
Saturday, June 25 dawned another hot, sultry day in the Bluegrass, with an 8:00 a.m. “tasty” continental breakfast in the campus cafeteria and devotions in the McKenna Chapel led by the Reverend MacArthur Pendleton, Pastor of Bethel Campbellsville. Following a brief business meeting with the Presiding Elder, the 9:00 a.m. classes began with the various ages groups.
At 10:30, Morning at the Apollo, under the direction of Sister Carrie Newton Kentucky Conference YPD Director, proved to be a delight for all with the youth of the Kentucky Conference – Lexington District sharing their God-given talents. It is the consensus of the Presiding Elder along with the all the members of the District that we are blessed with an abundance of talent in our youth. The winners of the Apollo were Ms. Taneisha Blackburn, St. Paul AME, Lexington, and Ms. Unique Stewart and Ms. Jessica Lucas, Quinn Chapel AME, Lexington, who will represent the Lexington District at the upcoming 13th Episcopal District Youth Leadership Congress.
12:00 noon and time for the Closing Worship Service – the preacher for this hour of worship was the Reverend Barry Frazier, Pastor of St. Paul AME, Manchester. The youth choir of St. Paul Versailles provided the music. Reverend Frazier’s subject was “If You Want To Walk on Water – You Have to Get Out Of the Boat,” his text was taken from Matthew 14:28-29.
Special Highlights: of the 2005 Lexington District Convention: There were 210 persons registered. Plaques were given for those with the highest number in attendance – 1st place St. John Frankfort (48), Pastor Reverend Dr. Robert A. Strode. Certificates of appreciation were given to all in attendance.
The Convention culminated with a Cook-Out, hot dogs and hamburgers, potato salad and baked beans with all the trimmings, cold drinks and cake; all sponsored by Presiding Elder Johnson. As the church vans and automobiles were loading for departure to their respective locations, by all remarks it was a learning experience and fun time for all.
Thanks be to Almighty God and commendations to the Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, Kentucky Conference Director of Christian Education, the Reverend Robert Taylor, Conference Church School Superintendent, Sister Susie Bates, District Church School Superintendent and the Reverend Frederick Hale, Registrar, for the success of the Church School Convention. Their tireless efforts were not in vain.
A special thanks to our Presiding Elder the Reverend Ralph Johnson for his unshakable faith in God, his confidence in the members of the Lexington District, his commitment to excellence, his generosity, his kindness, his leadership, and for his exquisite taste in choosing First Lady Patricia Johnson as his helpmate. The Kentucky Conference Lexington District is immeasurably blessed to have them as our leaders of the district.
This account of the Lexington District 2005 Church School Convention is humbly submitted by the reporter of the Lexington District, Doris J. Coffey who could be heard humming and singing “The presence of the Lord is here – I feel it in the atmosphere” throughout the entire convention.
Praise God from Whom ALL Blessings Flow,
Sister Doris J. Coffey, The Kentucky Conference – Lexington District
19. THE PASTOR’S CORNER: OPERATING IN AUTHORITY:
The centurion replied, ”Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” Jesus…said, ”I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith...” (Matthew 8: 8-10)
The centurion in the passage above describes himself as “a man under authority, with soldiers under me.” A picture that came to my mind as I read this man’s words is that of a sandwich – bread above and bread below with the main item in the middle. So it is with the godly authority we are to exercise in our lives.
Authority is one’s legitimate right to exercise power. Power is one’s capacity to act. One may have the capacity to do something but lack the legitimate right to do it. Christ taught as one who possessed the legitimate right to stand before the people. He taught with authority. (Matthew 7: 29)
The source of godly authority is submission to God. (Matthew 8: 9-12) For one to possess or operate in authority, one must first submit to authority. The godly authority we exercise in our lives will increase to the extent of our submission to God’s authority over our lives. This principle applies in our homes, in the Church, in the organizations in which we participate, and on our jobs.
1. In our homes, the respect and cooperation we garner from our spouses and family members will increase with our level of submission to God’s direction for our lives. Family order, finances, and relationships all fall into alignment with God’s plan as we submit to His authority.
2. In the Church and in organizations our submission to God’s authority elevates us to roles of leadership as others look to us to be the moral and spiritual compass, setting the direction of the entity.
3. On our jobs, our submission to God’s authority leads us to be cooperative, appreciative, and considerate bosses, co-workers, and subordinates who set out to accomplish business objectives. We give full effort to the task accepting the directives of those placed in authority above us.
There is a direct connection between our faith in God and our submission to the authority of God in our lives. (Matthew 8: 8-12) The centurion recognized the true identity of Jesus – He is Lord! Faith is the active belief that God is who God says God is. (Hebrews 11: 6) Trust in the true identity of God is required for us to submit to His will and authority over our lives. Our actions must reflect our trust in God. Identifying ourselves with Jesus Christ must be more than a label we simply we attach to ourselves.
Jesus submitted Himself to the authority of the Father. He trusted His Heavenly Father. He humbled Himself before His Heavenly Father (Philippians 2: 8-11). He became obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God the Father exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Let us live in and enjoy the authority God has granted us. Let us operate in authority.
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
20 BEREAVEMENT NOTIFICATION:
Sister Mamie Blanks (a faithful member of Saint James AMEC Church, Newark, New Jersey for 58 years), grandmother of the Reverend Deborah K. Blanks, Associate Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel, Princeton University, passed away on June 26, 2005.
Arrangements are as follows:
Funeral Service: Friday, July 8, 2005, 10:00 AM
Saint James AME Church
588 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102
973/622-1344
Wake Service: Thursday, July 7, 2005, 4 -9 PM.
Saint James AME Church
588 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Newark, NJ 07102
973/622-1344
Mailing address for Reverend Deborah Blanks
5 College Road, Princeton, NJ 08540
dkblanks@princeton.edu
Please remember the family in your prayers.
21. ALL BEREAVEMENT AND FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS RECEIVED FROM THE CLERGY FAMILY INFORMATION CENTER:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Clergy Family Information Center
CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’S
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator
Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, TN Contact)
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, TN Contact)
(901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
