Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Religious organizations still function with antiquated systems that stifle high-performing leadership.”
From pamphlet: Higher Education & Ministry
2. THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING, PART 2:
The Strategic Planning Meeting workgroups were poised to deal with the issue of redistricting. Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle is the elected chair of the Redistricting Committee.
At the Wednesday afternoon session, it was noted that the Episcopal Districts are not filling out the Pastors’ Reports in accordance with the directives of the General Conference. FAXed and handwritten Pastors’ reports continue to be received in the General Secretary’s Office. The Reverend Darnell Montgomery, Sr. remarked, "The Church is not doing what the General Conference mandated it to do.” Bishop Chappelle commented, “All Districts are not equal and some are short-handed as it relates to staff.” The question came up about which Districts had, and which Districts had not responded in submitting their reports. It appeared that most Districts had responded, but some of the reports were not in the proper format. The issues were discussed and it was agreed that the redistricting discussion would be continued at the next meeting.
Editor’s note: We are expecting more comments from persons who attended the Strategic Planning Committee Meeting.
3. CORRECTION AND CLARIFICATION ON THE ANSWER TO THE QUESTION RELATED TO THE TWO POSITIONS SERVED BY THE FOUR GENERAL OFFICERS.
The answer I gave:
1. Dr. Howard Gregg - Historiographer and Editor A.M.E. Church Review
2. Dr. John R. Hawkins - Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
3. Dr. E. A. Adams – Secretary of Christian Education and Historiographer
4. Dr. A. S. Jackson, Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
Clarification by Dr. Daryl Ingram Executive Director of the Christian Education Department:
Drs. Hawkins, Adams, and Jackson were Secretary-Treasurers of the Department of Education, not Christian Education. At that time, the Division of Christian Education was a part of the Department of Education. The Department of Education was abolished in 1976. The Division of Christian Education was not changed until 1988 to the Department of Christian. Thanks.
Daryl B. Ingram
Executive Director
Christian Education Department
"Teaching Christ Global
3. YOU ARE CORDIALLY ALL INVITED TO THE WEDDING OF DR. HERCULES MILES AND MS JOYCE MARIE JOHNSON:
The Wedding of the Reverend Dr. Hercules Miles to Ms. Joyce Marie Johnson of Gardena, California will be conducted at Smith Chapel AME Church, Dallas, Texas on December 27, 2005 at 3 p.m. A reception will be held immediately following the wedding. Smith Chapel AME Church is located at 2406 Childs Street, Dallas, Texas 75203. Reverend James W. Ford is the pastor of Smith Chapel AME Church. The Reverend Dr. Robert Reid will be the chief celebrant conducting the celebration of marriage.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to Dr. Miles at hercules521@aol.com or send him expressions of congratulations at 7431 Concordia Lane, Dallas, Texas 75241. You may call him at 314.374-4263.
4. SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FACTS ON HIV / AIDS:
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ;
As you know HIV / AIDS is on the rise in our communities statewide and is affecting all ages and families.
The AIDS epidemic is disproportionately striking blacks in South Carolina. Almost 70 percent of those with HIV / AIDS are black, although the state's population is only about 30 percent black. And almost 80 percent of new cases occur among blacks. As a relatively poor, rural state, South Carolina ranks eighth in the nation in the rate of AIDS cases.
Facts provided by:
Rosetta Swinton, FCN
Episcopal Director of Health
Submitted by:
Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500Fax 803.935.0830HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
5. CLERGY FAMILY PRAISE REPORT:
The Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Versailles, Kentucky has met all academic requirements to be awarded the Master to Divinity Degree from Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, Kentucky. He will graduate on Tuesday, December 6, 2005.
Congratulations to Reverend Gophin and Mrs. Golphin and family!
6. AME PRAISE REPORT:
We just learned that AME seminarians Willacin Gholson and Russell St. Bernard are Fund for Theological Education (FTE) Fellows.
7. BISHOP WILLIAMS BRINGS PAYNE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY TO SOUTH CAROLINA:
North Charleston, SC – In 1995 Bishop Preston Warren Williams II began envisioning ways to make traditionally expensive high-level theological education more accessible to common church-going folks. He noticed a high level of interest, a thirst for Biblical knowledge amongst the church laity, but often insufficient financial means with which to pursue a seminary degree. He also observed the need for the church’s clergy to be better formally educated in the foundational principles of Biblical knowledge and theology. After being consecrated in 2000 as the 119th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Williams now had sufficient power and resources to begin implementing his educational vision on a broad scale.
In the spring of 2005, during the first year of his appointment to the 7th Episcopal District, Bishop Williams commissioned various distinguished professors of Wesley Theological Seminary of Washington, DC to conduct an institute in Columbia, SC. Bishop Williams’ vision was to offer seminary level courses to both clergy and laity. According to Bishop Williams, “There is often the misconception that clergy are the only individuals in need of formal theological training. The larger goal is to have an educated pew as well as pulpit.”
Due to the overwhelmingly positive response to the Wesley Theological Seminary Institute, Bishop Williams has again brought academia directly to the people. This past Monday November 21st through Wednesday November 23rd the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, sponsored the Payne Theological Seminary Institute, which took place at the Embassy Suites Airport Convention Center in North Charleston, SC. The purpose of this seminar was to educate pastors, Christian educators and lay persons for Christian ministry as well as to promote critical reflection upon the sweep of Christian history.
Dr. Leah Gaskin Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary of Wilberforce, Ohio, served as dean of the three-day seminar. In its 160-year history, Dr. Fitchue has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as President of Payne Theological Seminary as well as the first woman to serve as President of any historically black theological seminary in the U.S. According to Dr. Fitchue, accessing the knowledge being taught by these seminary professors is profoundly important in that not only is one able to deepen one’s knowledge base of the Bible, but particularly black people whose images for centuries have been distorted by and omitted from Euro-centric Biblical interpretation, are now able to redefine their presence in and contributions to Biblical history.
During the three day Payne Institute five separate courses were offered to both clergy and laity. The instructors and courses were: Dr. Marsha Boyd - Church Administration and Leadership Development, Dr. Frederick Wright - Homiletics (The Art of Preaching), Dr. Louis Harvey - Theology in Context, Dr. William Augman - Sexual Ethics & the Ministerial Relationship, and Dr. Cain Felder - An Introduction to the Critical Study of the Bible. Nearly six hundred individuals from throughout the state of South Carolina attended.
According to the Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Episcopal Director of Christian Education, of the six hundred and thirty-four pastors in the 7th district approximately one hundred and twenty have theological seminary degrees. That leaves a need to formally educate the remaining 500 pastors. That is Bishop Williams’ goal. Bishop Williams states, “There are many of our pastors who have already obtained secular degrees in a variety of areas of expertise. However, that secular degree does not necessarily translate into knowledge of the Bible. It is of critical importance that pastors have at least one degree in theology. It is essential that all clergy complete a minimum of a Masters of Divinity degree. In addition to that goal the vision is to create seminary level educational opportunities for the laity as well. If people cannot go to seminary, let us bring the seminary to the people. These seminary institutes we offer are specifically designed to create a larger Biblical knowledge base for all.”
On the second day of the institute, Bishop Williams presented Dr. Fitchue with a check for fifty-thousand dollars as payment towards the annual tuition for the thirty-three South Carolinian students, which the 7th district is sponsoring to attend Payne Seminary. Bishop Williams also made a special presentation of ten thousand dollars, the second half of his annual tuition, to Rev. Broughton who was the first student to sign up under Bishop Williams’ new educational program.
There was a $25 dollar admission fee which allowed access to all three days of the institute and participants were allowed to attend up to four classes. Those participants who completed four classes received a certificate of participation.
For more information on how to register for the next Theological Institute, please contact Kabrina Bass, Christian Education Administrator, at the 7th District AME office at 803.935.0500 or online at KabrinaB@amec7thdist.org.
Submitted by:
Benjamin Harrison
Public Relations Director
7th District AME Church
Tel 803.935.0500
Fax 803.935.0830
HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
8. MORE EVIDENCE THAT THE AME CHURCH IS NOT DYING:
By Dr. Dawn Della DeVeaux
Much has been written about the rich history of the AME church in general and the strong leadership of the AME church on various global issues. Yet despite this vast body of writing, little has been written about the growth of the AME church. Continuing on a strong tradition of leadership and drive, one finds Greater Jordan Chapel AME Church located in Haddock, Georgia (fifteen minutes outside of Macon, Georgia) as an AME church with strong growth. Under the leadership of Bishop and Dr. William P. DeVeaux as well as Presiding Elder and Mrs. Ridley- one finds a church that is addressing the needs of rural African Americans. During the last five years, Pastor and Mrs. Ronald L. Slaughter have been serving the needs of this church family. The church has experienced great growth in the last six months--87 new members have joined the church.
Historically, Greater Jordan Chapel is a teaching church--every Wednesday night over 20 percent of the members attend the weekly Bible Study. Pastor Slaughter teaches the course. The members of the church have expressed great excitement about the benefits of Bible study--and the healthy discussion weekly about the power of Jesus Christ in one's daily walk on this earth. Bible study is not the only educational program housed at the church. Greater Jordan Chapel is also the site for a community GED program. The program allows members as well as community members to develop strong skills in the areas of math, writing and reading. Pastor Slaughter has a passion about feeding the whole person--one finds through Bible study, GED program and various other programs -- and feeding of the member's body, soul and mind.
The AME church was founded as a forum for allowing freedom for a race of people that needed great hope. The AME church is alive and well --and continues to give African Americans an opportunity to grow in mind, body and spirit. The year 2005 has been one of great pain with Katrina, the war and great concerns about economic issues. Yet, one stills finds the AME church meeting the needs of people throughout the world. If you visit a small rural area in Haddock, Georgia--you will find Pastor Ronald Slaughter as well as the church community of Greater Jordan Chapel AME church successfully growing the body of Christ. After great pray, the church will move into a new church building and worship center in the winter of 2007.
9. POET NIKKI GIOVANNI IS FEATURED SPEAKER FOR BLACK ELECTED OFFICIALS LUNCHEON:
Washington, DC – Poet and author Nikki Giovanni will be the keynote speaker for the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (NBC-LEO) 35th Anniversary Membership Luncheon, Thursday, December 8, 11:30 a.m., at the Westin Charlotte Hotel. The luncheon will be held during the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Congress of Cities in Charlotte, NC.
Giovanni is expected to speak at 12:30 p.m. and will be available for interviews between 10:00 and 10:45 a.m. (contact NLC’s Office of Media Relations to schedule). She is expected to discuss the role that local elected leaders can play in improving the quality of life in their communities. Giovanni, a University Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, is the winner of the NAACP Image Award Winner for Literature in 1998 and the Langston Hughes award for Distinguished Contributions to Arts and Letters in 1996. She has been named "Woman of the Year" by Essence, Mademoiselle and Ladies Home Journal magazines.
Among other events sponsored by NBC-LEO is an Awards Reception recognizing excellence among African-American leaders on Thursday, December 8, 7:30 p.m., at the Spirit Square, North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, 130 Tryon Street. A number of distinguished Charlotte residents will be honored, including Madine Falls, the Urban League of Central Carolina; Dr. Otis Speight, Piedmont Medical Center; Lewis McKinney, Anheuser Busch Companies; Mrs. Ray Glover, Bank of America; and Reggie Hubbard, Reggie Hubbard Automotive. NBC-LEO President Leo V. Chaney, Jr., Council Member, Dallas, Texas will preside at both events.
Other events of note include:
Thursday, December 8, 2005, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Workshop -- Leading the Way to Equity and Opportunity in America’s Cities
Workshop -- Preparing for Reentry into Society (Ex-Offenders)
Friday, December 9, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
City Futures Panel on Equity and Opportunity
Saturday, December 10, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Workshop -- Using Specialty Media to Communicate to Targeted Audiences Based on Language or Cultural Differences
NBC-LEO was founded in 1970 to represent African-American local elected officials and works to increase African-American participation on NLC's steering and policy committees. It also works to ensure that policy and program recommendations made by NLC reflect the interests of African-American communities. The organization also acts independently through legislation and direct action on issues affecting their constituencies.
For more information or to set up interviews with participants, contact Sherry Appel, 202-626-3003 (DC office), 202-441-3160 (cell) or appel@nlc.org or Latricia Good, 202-626-3051 (DC office), 301-751-7710 (cell) or good@nlc.org. For more conference details, go to www.nlc.org/Newsroom.
10. MY CHRISTMAS LIST:
By Bernice Powell Jackson
Every year for the past eleven years, I have shared my own Christmas list with you. Most years it has included a wish for even a day of peace in the world – when war ceases, when domestic violence pauses, when guns are laid down in homes, cities, and nations. It has not happened yet, despite the prayers and the hard work of so many of you. Nevertheless, I believe, that the Prince of Peace calls those of us who are Christian to work for peace. Those of other faiths are also called by our Creator to work for a world of peace not only at this time of year, but all year long. So, my first wish is for peace on earth.
As I write my last Witness for Justice column, I wish for young people who are ready and willing to take up the leadership in the struggle for a world of peace with justice. I am reminded that there has been no viable struggle for justice and peace, which did not include young people in the leadership in the last century, and I am sure that will be true for this century as well. Young people were a part of the leadership in the civil rights struggle in the U.S., in the anti-apartheid struggle in South Africa, in the people power struggle in the Philippines, even in Tiananmen Square in China. We need young people willing to say war is not the answer, poverty is not the solution and racism can be no more and to do the difficult work of making such a world a reality. That may mean using old tried and true methods of protest like marches and demonstrations and letter-writing, and it might include new 21st century high-tech methods of protest driven by the internet. We need the energy and enthusiasm of young people in the work for peace and justice and my Christmas wish is that each one of us who are elders will mentor a young person to take the lead in this millennia-old struggle.
My third wish is for health care for every American. If there is one issue which can impact every one of us and which can be won in the next two years, I believe it is national health care. Simply put, the health care system is imploding all around us. Corporations large and small know it, labor unions know it, non-profit organizations know it, retirees know it, those 45 million Americans with no health care insurance know it, the medical profession knows it, and hospital administrators know it. Even the politicians know that the health care system we now have is not working for any group in America except possibly the insurance industry, but unless we DEMAND an immediate change politicians will not do anything about it until it collapses around us. Maybe the total collapse of General Motors or maybe the influx of Asian bird flu into the U.S. with millions unable to afford treatment or maybe millions of retirees losing their promised health care benefits or millions of workers being required to pay higher and higher deductibles will be what propels the collapse of our present-day system, but my Christmas wish is that Americans demand that our nation come up with national health insurance before the system collapses not afterwards.
My wish is for a return of a value, which seems to be disappearing from our landscape – the value of integrity. Integrity is a value, which can only be earned through a life of honesty, fairness, forthrightness and a commitment to the common good of all humankind. It is a value, which seems to be sorely lacking in government, in politics, in media, in business, even in religion. Integrity means standing up for what is right and just and true, no matter which way the winds of the world blow. It means speaking truth, not words of political spin. It means looking out not just for oneself, but also for the whole community, especially those who are powerless and cannot stand up for themselves. It means being willing to admit mistakes and to ask for forgiveness, knowing that we are all human and fallible. It means matching your words with your life. My Christmas wish is for an increase in integrity in our world.
My Christmas wish list this year is for health and wellness for every reader, for laughter and joy, for strength and comfort in the days ahead. In the words of the great American writer, Maya Angelou, “I wouldn’t take nothing for the journey”.
The struggle continues!
11. A MESSAGE FROM THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY:
Test Your Cancer Knowledge
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
Did you resolve to take control of your health this year? Find out how much you know about cancer. Answer true or false to the following statements:
1. Anyone can get cancer, and my risk goes up, as I get older.
a. True
b. False
2. About 87% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking.
a. True
b. False
3. One in five cancer deaths are attributable to tobacco use.
c. True
d. False
4. What I eat and how much I exercise can affect my cancer risk.
e. True
f. False
5. Both men and women can get colon cancer.
g. True
h. False
6. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women.
i. True
j. False
7. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men, and 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
k. True
l. False
8. More than 1 million cases of skin cancer occur annually.
m. True
n. False
Answers:
All answers are true.
12. CHOOSE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
§ Have you made a New Year’s resolution to live a healthier life in 2006? The American Cancer Society has tips for healthy eating, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking and talking with your doctor about your cancer risk and testing for early cancer detection – all aspects of a healthy lifestyle. Call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/ .
§ Engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet of mostly plant-based foods can lower your risk for cancer. About one in three cancer deaths could be prevented with proper diet and exercise. To find out how to incorporate these things into your life, contact the American Cancer Society: 1-800-ACS-2345 or www.cancer.org.
§ It’s never too late to begin an exercise program. No matter when you start, physical activity improves your health. Check with your doctor about developing an exercise routine that fits your life. For helpful hints, call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/.
§ The beginning of the year is a great time to schedule your annual checkup. Don’t forget to ask your doctor about important cancer screenings and when you need them. For more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.
13. START THE YEAR OFF RIGHT SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL CHECKUP TODAY:
Source: American Cancer Society, 2005
As part of your New Year’s resolution you may have decided to start living a healthier lifestyle. One simple step you can take toward that goal is to regularly get screened for cancer. More than one million people are diagnosed with cancer each year. Staying on top of cancer prevention and detection can be as simple as seeing your doctor regularly. Depending on your age, here are some basic issues to discuss with your doctor:
Women 20 or older:
- Have regular clinical breast exams and talk to your doctor about any changes in your breast.
- Within three years of first having sexual intercourse and no later than age 21, have a standard Pap test every year or a liquid-based Pap test every two years.
Women 30 or older:
- Have a clinical breast exam every 3 years.
Women 40 or older:
- Have a mammogram every year.
Women at high risk for breast cancer should talk to their doctors about starting mammograms when they are younger and having additional tests done.
Women and men 50 or older:
- Begin having tests for colon cancer.
Men 50 or older:
- Talk with your doctor about being tested for prostate cancer.
If you are African-American or have a family member who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, you should consider beginning testing at age 45.
All adults:
- Get skin checks annually.
Arm yourself with the facts and discuss them with your doctor. It can save your life. Your doctor can help you decide on a specific testing schedule based on your own personal risk factors. Your doctor can also talk with you about reducing your risk by quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
For more detailed early detection guidelines and risk reduction strategies, contact the American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.cancer.org/ .
14. WCC GENERAL SECRETARY ASKS FOR GREATER EFFORTS TO MAKE HIV/AIDS MEDICINES AVAILABLE FOR AFRICA
"I have learned to see everyone infected as a brother, a sister, a niece, a nephew - a close relative," said Samuel Kobia this afternoon in Bern. The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary was speaking at an ecumenical event for World AIDS Day held outside the Swiss parliament.
Emphasizing, "Africa needs medicines, now!" Participants presented 27,000 petitions addressed to the Swiss government, pharmaceutical industry and churches, calling on them to make a greater effort to ensure access to anti-retroviral treatment to African populations.
In a public interview that was part of the programme, Kobia explained that having lost several of his close relatives to the disease, he has learned to relate "more personally" to people affected by the epidemic. "However, this epidemic goes way beyond any personal tragedy," he said.
While commending the Swiss government for its current commitments in this regard, Kobia also expressed his hope and prayer that it will "scale up its support for action against HIV ands AIDS worldwide."
Regarding the role of the pharmaceutical industry, Kobia recognized that "profits are a key component that brings more resources for more research," but nevertheless appealed to the industry: "when it comes to HIV and AIDS, don't put profit before life."
According to Kobia, the epidemic has revealed the "great resilience and tenacity" of suffering people. They, as well as vulnerable communities "should not be perceived as passive recipients of handouts and help," but as "co-workers" in the struggle to overcome the epidemic and "the fundamental flaws in our societies which make us all vulnerable."
Churches in particular need to "correct the flawed theology and practices that equate sin with disease" and that put "morality over compassion," Kobia said. Although recognizing that "distributing condoms in churches may not be the best approach," he fully supports "any preventive method which is scientifically proven to be effective" to avoid HIV transmission.
Kobia also advocates the promotion of dialogue on questions related to AIDS and sexuality. "One of the greatest difficulties for churches in dealing with the issue of HIV and AIDS has been our inability to address sexuality in a frank and forthright manner," he said.
The WCC general secretary expressed "appreciation and gratitude" to the churches in Switzerland for their support for Africa. "I believe your initiative today will bring the message - to make treatment more accessible for all - closer to everyone's heart and mind", he said.
Speaking on behalf of the Swiss Federation of Protestant Churches (FEPS), its president Rev. Thomas Wipf reported on a positive response to the campaign "Africa needs medicines. Now!" " We are pursuing our commitment via our programmes," he said.
For his part, Catholic Bishop Amédée Grab stated that Switzerland "must nevertheless do a great deal more in the prevention and treatment of pandemics."
The event, which included the lighting of 8000 candles laid out in the shape of Africa, and the petition campaign were jointly organized by the Bethlehem Mission Immensee and Swiss Interchurch Aid (EPER).
15. LABOURING FOR GOD'S TRANSFORMATION:
By Naim Ateek (*)
Reflections on the theme of the WCC 9th Assembly:
God, in your grace, transform the world
The theme of the 9th Assembly of the World Council of Churches - God, in your grace, transform the world - speaks to many people in different ways. What does it say to Christians living in a situation as difficult as that in Palestine? Naim Ateek, a leading Palestinian theologian, reflects on this question.
This theme is a prayer that speaks to many people in various ways. To Palestinian Christians, it communicates five important messages, each of them essential in the movement towards the transformation of our communities and the world.
It is a plea that is directed to God. We recognize the need for transformation, and we go in prayer straight to the one who is able to bring such transformation about. Ultimately, it is God, the fountain of life who renews and transforms us. In times of pain, distress and oppression the human spirit turns to God as the source of healing, comfort and liberation. Palestinian Christians and Muslims living under the Israeli occupation of their country constantly direct their supplications to God. Faith and trust are placed in the power of God and not in the power of human beings.
It recognizes God's way of transformation. God relates to us through grace, mercy and love. It is not through violence or war that God brings about the transformation of the world. God's grace encompasses all of God's wonderful attributes. To pray for God's grace is to reject the way of empire that brings about change through the destructive forces of violence and war. Equally, it is a rejection of the methods used by religious extremists who kill others in the name of God. To appeal to God's grace is to seek God's will in the world and to do that will. God's will is justice, peace, reconciliation, not domination, and oppression.
It is a prayer that demands the active participation of the supplicant. It does not look to God for help while sitting back passively and watching things deteriorate. As Paul says, we labour with God. Indeed, without God, we can do nothing, but we are partners in God's work of transformation. When God transforms people, they are transformed in the image of the transformer. We cannot be satisfied with mere change. We seek the total transformation of people from within so that, in turn, they can become instruments of change and transformation. We are children of God when we are involved in the work of peace-making. God has entrusted us with the work of reconciliation. We work together with God to make this world a better place for all.
Transformation implies a new creation based on the justice and mercy of God. It begins when justice is done so that peace can be established. In the Palestinian context, justice will be achieved when the Israeli illegal occupation of our country is terminated. Built on the firm foundation of justice, a peaceful coexistence of a Palestinian state and an Israeli state, one alongside the other, is the goal we work for. Transformation, however, goes beyond the attainment of justice and peace. It must open the way for the reconciliation and forgiveness that only God's mercy can make possible. Transformation is realized when Israelis and Palestinians - Jews, Muslims and Christians - recognize their common God-given humanity and live together in peace as good neighbours.
The prayer seeks a comprehensive transformation. Our world has become so small that what happens in one area affects other areas, sometimes very drastically. Injustice in one place has ramifications in other places. We cannot be selfish when we pray and work for transformation. It has to embrace all the people of the world. This is a prayer that transcends denominationalism, ethnicity and racism. It reaches out to all. Although as Palestinians we feel our pain and we work and pray for the end of the occupation of our country, we cannot be parochial. We must remember our brothers and sisters in other places who are also living under oppressive forces and seeking liberation. Transformation is never complete so long as there are oppressed people suffering under the yoke of domination. The challenge is always to work with God for the transformation of the world.
Let us pray God, in your grace, transform the world. And the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us always. Amen.
Rev. Dr Naim Ateek, an ordained minister in the Episcopal Church, is the founder and director of the Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Center in Jerusalem. A leading Palestinian Christian theologian, he has published, among other books, Justice and Only Justice, a Palestinian Theology of Liberation (Orbis, 1989). He lives and works in Palestine/Israel.
16. THE PASTOR’S CORNER: FROM CRADLE TO CROSS - FROM PAUPER TO PRINCE:
22When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord… 24and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2: 22 & 24)
Joseph and Mary took the baby, Jesus to Jerusalem “to be consecrated to the Lord” and made “a sacrifice in keeping with the Law of the Lord - a pair of doves or two young pigeons. Leviticus 12: 6-8 tells us, “If she cannot afford a lamb…she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons.” Jesus was born into a very humble an obedient family.
What applications can we make for our lives today? (a) We are to be humble and obedient agents of God in this world. As we see above, God used this humble, obedient family to bring His Son into the world. As we humble ourselves before God, God will bring His presence into the world through us. (b) Come as you are and go with what you’ve got! Where we start from is not as significant as where we go from there. (c) What we have or what we do for a living do not determine our value as human beings. We are all the same in the eyes of our Creator.
As we live humble obedient lives, God brings exaltation, salvation, and strength to our lives – we go from being “paupers to princes and princesses” in the Kingdom of God.
1. Exaltation - Philippians 2: 5-11 tell us that we are to have the same attitude as Christ (v. 5). Christ was humble and obedient to the Father (v. 6-8). God, the Father then exalted Christ (v. 9-11). What does God then expect of us today? That we would be humble and obedient to the Father just as His Son, Jesus was. And, that we are to allow God to exalt us and not ourselves, as we seek to please Him.
2. Salvation - Romans 3: 10-24 express some essential realities of the human condition. First, we are all unrighteousness (v. 10). Second, we are all sinners (v. 23). Third, we are justified freely by God’s grace (v. 24). Freely means there is no charge or costs, we cannot purchase our justification before God for ourselves. Grace describes God’s gift to us; unmerited favor toward us; we cannot deserve are earn it. This is a difficult proposition for many to accept. Why? Because, we are all now the same, sinners before a Holy God. The playing field is now level; no personal privileges or advantages belong to any individual. I cannot be “good enough” on my own to be justified before God; I cannot point to my own actions as a basis for being elevated above others. We must come humbly to God as paupers, with nothing to offer, simply receiving freely what God has given as a gift, salvation through Jesus Christ.
3. Strength - II Corinthians 12: 7-10 remind us of Paul’s confession of his dependence on God as Paul petitioned God to remove a chronic condition under which Paul suffered. Jesus responded, “My power is made perfect in weakness (v. 9).” Paul concluded, “For when I am weak, then I am strong (v. 10).” What are the implications for our lives today? I am to depend on Him; that is where the strength is! As I humble myself before God and do it God’s way, I have God’s power to live.
Ephesians 2: 8-10 summarizes all we have shared above. We receive Christ based on God’s grace. Our salvation comes to us only as a gift from God. We cannot earn it or deserve it. The coming of the Son of God in His humble state sets the path for those who would come to the Father. We are exalted when we are humble enough to receive Christ discarding any righteousness based on our own merit. We are given the strength to live out God’s plan and purpose for our lives as we humbly accept God’s grace and direction for our lives. This Christmas season let us remember Christ’s humble and obedient beginnings on this earth. As we humble ourselves as paupers, God saves, exalts, and strengthens us to be His princes and princesses. We go from being “paupers to princes.”
Pastor James M. Moody, Sr.
Quinn Chapel AME Church
2401 South Wabash Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60616
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
11/30/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/30/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Life is always best when you live each moment as the real person you are.”
Ralph Marston
2. NEWS BULLETIN FROM THE 20TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The 20th Episcopal District is sending out an SOS to the Connectional Church.
We have just finished holding the first Annual Conference ever held in Uganda. As we were preparing to go to the airport, we listened to a report on CNN regarding Malawi, one of the countries that make up the 20th Episcopal District. People have resorted to eating termites because there is no food because of the drought.
As a Church, we have assisted the hurricane victims in the United States. We need your help here in the 20th Episcopal District. Similar conditions exist in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda.
We are on high alert in the 20th Episcopal District.
We are appealing to you at this critical stage to help us begin the process of alleviating the pain of hunger and the unnecessary deaths of babies. Please email us so that we can begin this journey together.
Yours in His service,
Bishop Wilfred J. & Supervisor Carol I. Messiah
3. BISHOP MCKENZIE LEADS THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:
The Lay and Ministerial Strategic Planning Meeting Leaders are focused
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the ultimate host and convener for the Strategic Planning Meeting. She facilitates a climate of openness and the result is a group of people who are engaged and excited about what they are doing.
This is the last day of the Strategic Planning Meeting (SPM) that is meeting at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville Tennessee. The various workgroups are hard at work and struggling with the issues of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, the SPM will be dealing with the issue of restructure. Restructure is a volatile issue because many in the AME Church resist changing of the Episcopal District boundaries. Some believe that the prosperous districts are content to remain as they are; some of the smaller districts want to keep their historical boundaries, while others want to see radical district boundary changes because of the changing demographics. Change is often difficult and often resisted.
Yesterday the work groups addressed change and the facilitators facilitated sessions on change and the importance of the leadership and the constituency to be positive and open as they addressed changes on all levels of the Church. Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie noted that the United States has seen a geographical shift and that we have churches that are dying because the people have moved away. He said that AME Church strived along major water routes as blacks moved from the south to the northern industrial centers. Supervisor McKenzie said, “It is time to look at geographical shifts and it is a time for the Church to be proactive. Dr. Dennis Dickerson remarked, “People shouldn’t fear or resist restructure, the Church has always restructured. Restructure is nothing new for the AME Church. We restructured the Church in Africa at the last General Conference.” Dr. George Gee, President of Vanderbilt University in speaking about change, recently said, “The truth of the matter is that for an institution to survive, it has to grow, to look at the world as it is, rather than how they want it to be.”
Carlita and Charles Perkins of Success Result, Inc. are the facilitators of the Strategic Planning Meeting. They are doing a superb job of keeping the SPM workgroups on task. Carlita Perkins remarked that the workgroups have been diligent in staying on task.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the convener for the Strategic Planning Meeting.
Today, the workgroups will look at the issue of restructure. The group has looked at geographical changes that have taken place in the United States and around the world and at the geographical shifts currently taking place.
More about Strategic Planning meeting in the next issue …
4. PRAYER FOR SUPERVISOR DON GUIDRY:
Please pray for Supervisor Don Guidry. He is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, November 30, 2005.
5. THE MISINFORMATION ABOUT TAKING THE “X” OUT OF XMAS:
Some people have been offended when they saw “Christmas” written as; “Xmas” and now we do not see the word, “Christmas” written as, “Xmas” as much. The folks who advocated taking the so-called “X” out of “Christmas” obviously did not understand that the “X” was not an “X” as in our alphabet. The “X’ represented the Greek letter, Chi, which looks like an “X.” The Greek letter Chi (X) was an early symbol for "Christ." In seminary when taking notes, we wrote Christian as, ”Xtian” and Christ as XP (Chi Rho – our “P” looks like the Greek letter, Rho) and Christmas as “Xmas.” So, writing “Xmas” is not putting an “X,” as in our alphabet, in Christmas; it is keeping Christ represented by the Greek letter, Chi in Christmas. And, taking the “X”(Chi) out of Christmas in not taking the “X” out of Christmas it is taking the early Greek symbol, Chi, for Christ, out of Christmas.
So, “Merry Xmas!”
6. THE ANSWER TO QUESTION ABOUT, WHICH TWO GENERAL OFFICER POSITIONS WAS SERVED BY THE FOUR GENERAL OFFICERS WHO SERVED IN TWO GENERAL OFFICER POSITIONS:
1. Dr. Howard Gregg - Historiographer and Editor A.M.E. Church Review
2. Dr. John R. Hawkins - Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
3. Dr. E. A. Adams – Secretary of Christian Education and Historiographer
4. Dr. A. S. Jackson, Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
7. THE NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE EASTER LONG ISLAND AREA WOMEN’S MISSIONARY HIV / AIDS FORUM:
Sister Margaret N. Bell serves as the Conference President of the Eastern Long Island Area Women’s Missionary Society of the New York Conference.
Sister Carolyn Wiggins Jenkins, Area Chairperson, convened the first Area meeting for this Conference year on October 22, 2005. The Commission on Christian Social Action Sister Elfrieda Parrilla Coordinator presented a forum on HIV/AIDS Awareness. The Forum was hosted by Bethel, Bay Shore, The Reverend Charles Watkins, Pastor, Sister Jacqueline Watkins, WMS advisor and Sister Carolyn Wiggins Local President. The Reverend Ozzie Edwards, Director of HIV/AIDS Ministry for the New York Annual Conference, facilitated the lively and informative dialogue. Reverend Edwards led the participants, including local WMS Presidents Sister JoAnn McCaslin, Bethel Babylon, Sister Emma Watkins, Bethel Huntington, Sister Antoinette Miller, Bethel Setauket and other members from our local churches were present.
Through a statistical discussion about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our urban cities Reverend Edwards stated that the United States is in crisis. He stated that the United Nations reported that North America had the world’s largest increase in infections among women between 2001 and 2003. Reverend Edwards also stated the federal data shows that African American and Hispanic Women account for less than 25% of the Country’s female population, but they account for almost 80% of all female AIDS cases reported to date.
Reverend Edwards moved the discussion to the social ramifications of this epidemic by asking the question to us as Missionaries “What about the orphaned children?” We were informed that after 20 years of children losing their parents to AIDS that there is virtually no coherent support system in the nation. The Area missionaries were left with some hard data to deal with. To start we are establishing a HIV/AIDS resources center. We will begin to provide the necessary HIV/AIDS awareness materials to our local communities. These efforts will be under the Commission on Christian Social Action, which is chaired by Sister Elfrieda Parrilla, and the Reverend Sandra Leonard RN, Associate Pastor from Bethel Setauket agreed to facilitate this effort
We thank Reverend Edwards for coming out to Eastern Long Island and the Area Missionaries will certainly call on him for guidance as we disseminate information on HIV/AIDS Awareness and prevention.
By Sister Carolyn Wiggins Jenkins
8. THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE ASKS IF YOU HAVE PICTURES OF BISHOP HENRY WENDELL MURPH TO SHARE THEM/IT WITH GRANT AME CHURCH AS THEY CELEBRATE HIS 95TH BIRTHDAY:
The Grant Church Family is spearheading a birthday tribute to Bishop Henry Wendell Murph, on his 95th Birthday. One of the parts of this celebration is a pictorial tribute. We are putting together a CD of pictures that will be projected during the birthday celebration. The birthday celebration will take place on December 29, 2005.
If you have any pictures that you may be willing to submit please mail them to Grant A. M. E. Church, Bishop Murph Birthday Tribute, Attn.: Bro. Donald Scott, 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, "Watts" California 90002. We will return the pictures to you.
Please mail or deliver the pictures to the church ASAP.
You shall receive official notification by both Snail-Mail and E-mail, of this blessed celebration. However, the date is December 29, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. So mark your calendar and place this event on your calendar, and plan to attend!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 323-564-1151. Thanks so very much for your prayerful consideration.
Grace and Power;
Pastor Leslie R. White
9. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
We are proud to announce the birth of Miriam Joy Cousin, daughter of Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin and Mrs. C. Nicole Cousin. Miriam was born on November 20, 2005 at 6:41 pm, weighing in at seven pounds and three ounces. Bishop Philip R. Cousin and Dr. M. Joan Cousin were present at the hospital as well as members of the family and the Bethel-Ann Arbor Family. Truly, this is a time of "joy and thanksgiving." Pictures of Miriam are available via the website www.miriamcousin.myphotoalbum.com Michael A. Cousin
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Joyfully we share news of the birth of Little Ife Ingoma Davis. Grandparents, Bishop John R. Bryant and Episcopal Supervisor, Rev Dr. Cecelia W. Bryant and proud parents (daughter) Theme Bryant Davis and Kwesi Davis.Little Ife Ingoma Davis, arrived on Thursday morning at 8:23 AM, PST, weighing in at 8 pounds and 1 ounce and 20 inches. All are doing well. Both Bishop and Rev Cecilia Bryant were at the hospital when Ife arrived.
Note: IFE means Love, and INGOMA means Song. Thus, Love Song.
11. CHICAGO AREA "WORLD AIDS DAY GOSPEL SHOUT OUT":
The Greater Westside Development Corporation, Sankofa, and Beauty for Ashes Ministry will present the -
"WORLD AIDS DAY GOSPEL SHOUT OUT"
Thursday, December 1, 2005
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Marshall Metro High School Auditorium
3250 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL
Admission is free.
Special Guests: U.S. Senator Barack Obama, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Senator James T. Meeks, Rep. Constance Howard, and Robin Robinson (Fox TV).
Please come out and support this worthy cause.
Submitted by Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago
13. RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGE OF AIDS ON WORLD AIDS DAY TOWARD AN EPIDEMIC OF COMPASSION:
World AIDS Day is 1 December and the Global AIDS Prayer Partnership is launching two new initiatives to help mobilize an evangelical response to the AIDS pandemic.
Every hour 354 people die of AIDS. That’s about one person every ten seconds. That's like a Boeing 747 crashing every hour, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. More than three million people die annually from a largely preventable but incurable disease, and the pace of this global pandemic continues to accelerate. The AIDS pandemic is the greatest humanitarian challenge the world, and the Church, has ever faced. Every 1 December, on World AIDS Day, millions of people take note of these facts and remember those who are suffering.
The Church is Responding
Until recently however, the evangelical church has been largely unconcerned and even judgmental toward AIDS and those suffering under the burden of this global emergency. That is changing as more evangelical leaders speak out and call the Church to respond. Local church participation in World AIDS Day is still lacking, but a new strategic prayer ministry is helping change that.
The Global AIDS Prayer Partnership (GAPP), a growing coalition of evangelical Christian organizations, denominations and local churches, is at the forefront of this change. GAPP is co-chaired by Dr. Paul Cedar, chair of the Mission America Coalition, and Rev. Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Dr. Ted Yamamori, international director of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, serves as special advisor to Brian Considine, international coordinator and executive director for GAPP. GAPP will also serve as the official voice of Lausanne on HIV/AIDS.
Now entering the second year of operation, GAPP has been building a platform for united prayer to create awareness of AIDS, and has primarily targeted the United States evangelical community in their efforts.
“There are reported a one hundred million evangelicals in the United States,” reported Considine. “If we can get just a small fraction responding to this crisis, we can make a huge difference in our world. And, the easy ‘on-ramp’ to involving the local church is prayer.”
Global Aids Sunday
GAPP and its coalition partners are introducing two new initiatives this 1 December. The first, “Global AIDS Sunday,” is an annual call to prayer, remembrance and awareness “The evangelical community has largely been absent on World AIDS Day, due principally to the secular nature of the day, but we must change that,” stated Considine.
Global AIDS Sunday will be held annually on the two Sunday’s adjacent to World AIDS Day (this year 27 November and 4 December). Resources will be made available for participating churches. “We are encouraging local churches to set aside a few minutes, on the Sunday of their choice, to remember and pray for all those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS,” Considine said. “We are also encouraging Christians to learn what is happening in their communities on World AIDS Day, to get involved and to bear the light of Christ.”
Three Million Voices
The second initiative, “Three Million Voices,” is representative of the three million people who die annually due to AIDS and AIDS-related diseases. The purpose of this campaign is to mobilize intercession and compassionate action for those who die annually from AIDS. The hope is to help millions of children left orphaned or vulnerable, and assist devastated families and communities and potentially even entire nations.
A “Declaration of Commitment” to a lifestyle of prayer-care-share toward the end of AIDS is the centerpiece of this new initiative. Church leaders across America are signing the declaration and calling the Church to do likewise. Haggard, one of the original signers, stated “I have personally signed the declaration because it speaks to the heart of what I believe must be the Church’s response to the AIDS pandemic and I encourage all Christians in (the United States) to join with me in this commitment to a lifestyle of prayer-care-share to end AIDS." Organizers hope to have 100,000 signatures to present at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto next summer. Online signing will begin 1 December.
“The evangelical community must rise up to the challenge of AIDS, both locally and globally, if we are to be relevant in the twenty-first century,” emphasized Considine. “To that end, we seek to build a movement towards an epidemic of compassion and for Christians everywhere to pray to end AIDS.” Global AIDS Sunday and Three Million Voices are two ways to get involved this World AIDS Day.
For more information, visit www.praytoendAIDS.com and www.globalaidsprayer.org or email Info@GlobalAIDSPrayer.org.
HIV/AIDS and the Gospel will be the focus of the December issue of www.LausanneWorldPulse.com, available online 1 December.
14. CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2005 FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES GENERAL SECRETARY:
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12
It was in the midst of last year's Christmas season that the December 26th tsunami killed thousands of people on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Who can forget the images of the killer waves, the many victims and traumatized survivors on the shores of Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and even Somalia? All around the world, these images prompted an unprecedented response to appeals for emergency relief, an extraordinary expression of solidarity with the victims by people from all walks of life.
The year that followed has renewed our awe of nature's power, with an unusual frequency of violent storms, floods and hurricanes such as Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico, and the terrible earthquake that devastated whole villages and cities in Kashmir. In Brazil, where the World Council of Churches will hold its 9th Assembly in February 2006, the national weather service recently used the term "hurricane" for the first time following an unprecedented storm in 2004. Vast areas of the country suffer from a terrible drought, as if our physical environment will no longer tolerate the careless and merciless attack on its integrity, demonstrating its power to humanity and reminding us of our vulnerability. Repeatedly, it has been the poor and marginalized who were most vulnerable and, thus, the most severely hit. The gaps between rich and poor, the traces of racism and caste-ism, the ills dividing humanity were exposed in these crises.
As we prepare ourselves again to celebrate Christmas, the story of the birth of Christ speaks in new ways against the background of this experience. We see before us the image of a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger that was, according to the tradition of the early church, hewn into the rock of a cave in Bethlehem. Throughout history, this image has comforted victims of oppression and violence in many parts of the world. It has led humans to realize that Jesus was one of us, indeed: someone down-to-earth. It has encouraged some to believe that God's presence with us in Jesus is powerful enough to transform this earth. It has motivated others to accept their own responsibility and to stand in solidarity with all who work for change and alternatives to existing conditions. Through Jesus Christ, the incarnation of the divine, God has invested love in humanity. God became a human being, born of a woman, who suffered as we suffer and died as we shall die."
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And, being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11). Dare we invest less in humanity than God has done? Dare we invest less in ourselves than God has deemed appropriate?
When we pray in the words of the theme of the forthcoming WCC Assembly, God, in your grace, transform the world, we confess our readiness to proclaim the good news that the Triune God has acted to dignify humanity through God's incarnation in Jesus Christ and to begin the transformation of a world that knows little of grace and mercy. With the birth of the child in Bethlehem, God is at work within creation to bring about needed change through grace. Churches and their members worldwide stand on the side of the poor; this is especially true of Christians in Brazil who engage in struggles for the landless, the right to water for all, and the care of creation. Brazilian churches are working together, in the power of the Holy Spirit, with the hope of overcoming violence and helping to establish justice and accountability in politics.
When we ask you this Christmas to draw nearer to the suffering and marginalized in your thoughts, prayers and deeds, we ask you to pray especially for the people and churches in Brazil. Called to be co-workers with God, our participation in God's mission begins where we live, yet our common responsibility leads us to ecumenical co-operation for the sake of the whole world.
May the blessings of Christmas bring you peace and joy.
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
December 2005
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Zach Marvin Gunn, brother of Rev. Wallace l. Gunn, Sr., pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Shelbyville, Kentucky, West Kentucky Conference, 13th Episcopal District, died on Thursday, November 24, 2005.
Funeral arrangements:
Thursday, December 1, 1:00 p.m.
Broadway A.M.E.Z. Church
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
Condolences can be sent to:
Rev. Wallace l. Gunn, sr.
4114 Royal Oak Drive
New Albany, IN 47150
Please keep the family in prayer,
Submitted by:
Rev. Linda Thomas Martin, Presiding Elder
West Kentucky Conference
Thirteenth Episcopal District, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Capt. Sandor Lebron Gordon, on Sunday, November 27, 2005, as a result of an auto accident. He was the son of Rev. and Mrs. Sammie L. (Hester) Gordon, Pastor and First Lady of Mt. Moriah AME Church (Wateree District) of the Central Conference, 7th Episcopal District.
Mr. Sandor Lebron Gordon was a recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He served in Iraq from December 2003 to March 2005 as a Captain with the 3rd Battalion, 178th Field Artillery.
Funeral Services are scheduled for:
Friday, December 2, 2005
2:30 PM
Jonas T. Kennedy Gymnasium
Claflin UniversityOrangeburg, SC 29115
(No wake will be held.)
Services are entrusted to:
Glover Funeral Home
2562 Charleston Highway
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 536-3200
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. Sammie L. Gordon
1155 Glenwood Drive
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-5351
Please remember the family in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with the deepest regret that we inform you of the passing of the Reverend Matthew Trammel who retired as an Itinerant Elder in the Tenth Episcopal District after more than 40 years of service (27 years at Bethel A.M.E. in Belton, TX). His wife, Essie Trammel and their eight grown children survive Reverend Matthew Trammel.
ARRANGEMENTS:
Going-Home Service
Thursday, December 1, 2005
1:00 PM
Bethel A.M.E. Church
401 S. Davis Street
Belton, TX 76513
254- 939-6090 (Phone)
Rev. Dr. William Quickley, Pastor will officiate
Funeral services are entrusted to:
Bradford-Dawson Funeral Home
718 S. 7th Street
Temple, TX 76504
(254) 773-2053 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to the home address below:
Mrs. Essie Trammel and Family
220 W. Avenue H
Belton, TX 76513
254-939-5531 (Phone)
Prayerfully,
Adrienne Evans-Quickley
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Supervisor
Mrs. Verdene K. Austin, Clergy Spouses President
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
On November 26, 2005, Deacon George Mason III, the father of Reverend George Mason IV, Pastor of Brooks Chapel A.M.E. Church, Tulare, California went home to be with the Lord.
Funeral service for Deacon George Mason III will be held on:
Saturday, December 3, 2005 12:00 NOON
New Jones Baptist Church
Hwy 17
Emelle, Alabama
Mortuary:
McInnis Mortuary
110 Marshall Street
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-9138
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mary Mason & Family
530 Dan Mitchell Road
Emelle, Alabama 35459
(205) 652-7253 (Phone)
Or to:
The Reverend George Mason IV & Family
P.O. Box 81323
Bakersfield, CA 93380
(916) 416-9487 or (916) 416-9486
Please remember thefamiy in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Life is always best when you live each moment as the real person you are.”
Ralph Marston
2. NEWS BULLETIN FROM THE 20TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
The 20th Episcopal District is sending out an SOS to the Connectional Church.
We have just finished holding the first Annual Conference ever held in Uganda. As we were preparing to go to the airport, we listened to a report on CNN regarding Malawi, one of the countries that make up the 20th Episcopal District. People have resorted to eating termites because there is no food because of the drought.
As a Church, we have assisted the hurricane victims in the United States. We need your help here in the 20th Episcopal District. Similar conditions exist in Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Uganda.
We are on high alert in the 20th Episcopal District.
We are appealing to you at this critical stage to help us begin the process of alleviating the pain of hunger and the unnecessary deaths of babies. Please email us so that we can begin this journey together.
Yours in His service,
Bishop Wilfred J. & Supervisor Carol I. Messiah
3. BISHOP MCKENZIE LEADS THE STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING:
The Lay and Ministerial Strategic Planning Meeting Leaders are focused
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the ultimate host and convener for the Strategic Planning Meeting. She facilitates a climate of openness and the result is a group of people who are engaged and excited about what they are doing.
This is the last day of the Strategic Planning Meeting (SPM) that is meeting at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville Tennessee. The various workgroups are hard at work and struggling with the issues of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Today, the SPM will be dealing with the issue of restructure. Restructure is a volatile issue because many in the AME Church resist changing of the Episcopal District boundaries. Some believe that the prosperous districts are content to remain as they are; some of the smaller districts want to keep their historical boundaries, while others want to see radical district boundary changes because of the changing demographics. Change is often difficult and often resisted.
Yesterday the work groups addressed change and the facilitators facilitated sessions on change and the importance of the leadership and the constituency to be positive and open as they addressed changes on all levels of the Church. Episcopal Supervisor Stan McKenzie noted that the United States has seen a geographical shift and that we have churches that are dying because the people have moved away. He said that AME Church strived along major water routes as blacks moved from the south to the northern industrial centers. Supervisor McKenzie said, “It is time to look at geographical shifts and it is a time for the Church to be proactive. Dr. Dennis Dickerson remarked, “People shouldn’t fear or resist restructure, the Church has always restructured. Restructure is nothing new for the AME Church. We restructured the Church in Africa at the last General Conference.” Dr. George Gee, President of Vanderbilt University in speaking about change, recently said, “The truth of the matter is that for an institution to survive, it has to grow, to look at the world as it is, rather than how they want it to be.”
Carlita and Charles Perkins of Success Result, Inc. are the facilitators of the Strategic Planning Meeting. They are doing a superb job of keeping the SPM workgroups on task. Carlita Perkins remarked that the workgroups have been diligent in staying on task.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the convener for the Strategic Planning Meeting.
Today, the workgroups will look at the issue of restructure. The group has looked at geographical changes that have taken place in the United States and around the world and at the geographical shifts currently taking place.
More about Strategic Planning meeting in the next issue …
4. PRAYER FOR SUPERVISOR DON GUIDRY:
Please pray for Supervisor Don Guidry. He is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday, November 30, 2005.
5. THE MISINFORMATION ABOUT TAKING THE “X” OUT OF XMAS:
Some people have been offended when they saw “Christmas” written as; “Xmas” and now we do not see the word, “Christmas” written as, “Xmas” as much. The folks who advocated taking the so-called “X” out of “Christmas” obviously did not understand that the “X” was not an “X” as in our alphabet. The “X’ represented the Greek letter, Chi, which looks like an “X.” The Greek letter Chi (X) was an early symbol for "Christ." In seminary when taking notes, we wrote Christian as, ”Xtian” and Christ as XP (Chi Rho – our “P” looks like the Greek letter, Rho) and Christmas as “Xmas.” So, writing “Xmas” is not putting an “X,” as in our alphabet, in Christmas; it is keeping Christ represented by the Greek letter, Chi in Christmas. And, taking the “X”(Chi) out of Christmas in not taking the “X” out of Christmas it is taking the early Greek symbol, Chi, for Christ, out of Christmas.
So, “Merry Xmas!”
6. THE ANSWER TO QUESTION ABOUT, WHICH TWO GENERAL OFFICER POSITIONS WAS SERVED BY THE FOUR GENERAL OFFICERS WHO SERVED IN TWO GENERAL OFFICER POSITIONS:
1. Dr. Howard Gregg - Historiographer and Editor A.M.E. Church Review
2. Dr. John R. Hawkins - Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
3. Dr. E. A. Adams – Secretary of Christian Education and Historiographer
4. Dr. A. S. Jackson, Secretary of Christian Education and Treasurer
7. THE NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE EASTER LONG ISLAND AREA WOMEN’S MISSIONARY HIV / AIDS FORUM:
Sister Margaret N. Bell serves as the Conference President of the Eastern Long Island Area Women’s Missionary Society of the New York Conference.
Sister Carolyn Wiggins Jenkins, Area Chairperson, convened the first Area meeting for this Conference year on October 22, 2005. The Commission on Christian Social Action Sister Elfrieda Parrilla Coordinator presented a forum on HIV/AIDS Awareness. The Forum was hosted by Bethel, Bay Shore, The Reverend Charles Watkins, Pastor, Sister Jacqueline Watkins, WMS advisor and Sister Carolyn Wiggins Local President. The Reverend Ozzie Edwards, Director of HIV/AIDS Ministry for the New York Annual Conference, facilitated the lively and informative dialogue. Reverend Edwards led the participants, including local WMS Presidents Sister JoAnn McCaslin, Bethel Babylon, Sister Emma Watkins, Bethel Huntington, Sister Antoinette Miller, Bethel Setauket and other members from our local churches were present.
Through a statistical discussion about the HIV/AIDS epidemic in our urban cities Reverend Edwards stated that the United States is in crisis. He stated that the United Nations reported that North America had the world’s largest increase in infections among women between 2001 and 2003. Reverend Edwards also stated the federal data shows that African American and Hispanic Women account for less than 25% of the Country’s female population, but they account for almost 80% of all female AIDS cases reported to date.
Reverend Edwards moved the discussion to the social ramifications of this epidemic by asking the question to us as Missionaries “What about the orphaned children?” We were informed that after 20 years of children losing their parents to AIDS that there is virtually no coherent support system in the nation. The Area missionaries were left with some hard data to deal with. To start we are establishing a HIV/AIDS resources center. We will begin to provide the necessary HIV/AIDS awareness materials to our local communities. These efforts will be under the Commission on Christian Social Action, which is chaired by Sister Elfrieda Parrilla, and the Reverend Sandra Leonard RN, Associate Pastor from Bethel Setauket agreed to facilitate this effort
We thank Reverend Edwards for coming out to Eastern Long Island and the Area Missionaries will certainly call on him for guidance as we disseminate information on HIV/AIDS Awareness and prevention.
By Sister Carolyn Wiggins Jenkins
8. THE REVEREND DR. LESLIE WHITE ASKS IF YOU HAVE PICTURES OF BISHOP HENRY WENDELL MURPH TO SHARE THEM/IT WITH GRANT AME CHURCH AS THEY CELEBRATE HIS 95TH BIRTHDAY:
The Grant Church Family is spearheading a birthday tribute to Bishop Henry Wendell Murph, on his 95th Birthday. One of the parts of this celebration is a pictorial tribute. We are putting together a CD of pictures that will be projected during the birthday celebration. The birthday celebration will take place on December 29, 2005.
If you have any pictures that you may be willing to submit please mail them to Grant A. M. E. Church, Bishop Murph Birthday Tribute, Attn.: Bro. Donald Scott, 10435 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, "Watts" California 90002. We will return the pictures to you.
Please mail or deliver the pictures to the church ASAP.
You shall receive official notification by both Snail-Mail and E-mail, of this blessed celebration. However, the date is December 29, 2005 at 6:45 p.m. So mark your calendar and place this event on your calendar, and plan to attend!
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 323-564-1151. Thanks so very much for your prayerful consideration.
Grace and Power;
Pastor Leslie R. White
9. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
We are proud to announce the birth of Miriam Joy Cousin, daughter of Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin and Mrs. C. Nicole Cousin. Miriam was born on November 20, 2005 at 6:41 pm, weighing in at seven pounds and three ounces. Bishop Philip R. Cousin and Dr. M. Joan Cousin were present at the hospital as well as members of the family and the Bethel-Ann Arbor Family. Truly, this is a time of "joy and thanksgiving." Pictures of Miriam are available via the website www.miriamcousin.myphotoalbum.com Michael A. Cousin
10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Joyfully we share news of the birth of Little Ife Ingoma Davis. Grandparents, Bishop John R. Bryant and Episcopal Supervisor, Rev Dr. Cecelia W. Bryant and proud parents (daughter) Theme Bryant Davis and Kwesi Davis.Little Ife Ingoma Davis, arrived on Thursday morning at 8:23 AM, PST, weighing in at 8 pounds and 1 ounce and 20 inches. All are doing well. Both Bishop and Rev Cecilia Bryant were at the hospital when Ife arrived.
Note: IFE means Love, and INGOMA means Song. Thus, Love Song.
11. CHICAGO AREA "WORLD AIDS DAY GOSPEL SHOUT OUT":
The Greater Westside Development Corporation, Sankofa, and Beauty for Ashes Ministry will present the -
"WORLD AIDS DAY GOSPEL SHOUT OUT"
Thursday, December 1, 2005
6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Marshall Metro High School Auditorium
3250 West Adams Street
Chicago, IL
Admission is free.
Special Guests: U.S. Senator Barack Obama, Congressman Danny K. Davis, Senator James T. Meeks, Rep. Constance Howard, and Robin Robinson (Fox TV).
Please come out and support this worthy cause.
Submitted by Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago
13. RESPONDING TO THE CHALLENGE OF AIDS ON WORLD AIDS DAY TOWARD AN EPIDEMIC OF COMPASSION:
World AIDS Day is 1 December and the Global AIDS Prayer Partnership is launching two new initiatives to help mobilize an evangelical response to the AIDS pandemic.
Every hour 354 people die of AIDS. That’s about one person every ten seconds. That's like a Boeing 747 crashing every hour, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. More than three million people die annually from a largely preventable but incurable disease, and the pace of this global pandemic continues to accelerate. The AIDS pandemic is the greatest humanitarian challenge the world, and the Church, has ever faced. Every 1 December, on World AIDS Day, millions of people take note of these facts and remember those who are suffering.
The Church is Responding
Until recently however, the evangelical church has been largely unconcerned and even judgmental toward AIDS and those suffering under the burden of this global emergency. That is changing as more evangelical leaders speak out and call the Church to respond. Local church participation in World AIDS Day is still lacking, but a new strategic prayer ministry is helping change that.
The Global AIDS Prayer Partnership (GAPP), a growing coalition of evangelical Christian organizations, denominations and local churches, is at the forefront of this change. GAPP is co-chaired by Dr. Paul Cedar, chair of the Mission America Coalition, and Rev. Ted Haggard, president of the National Association of Evangelicals. Dr. Ted Yamamori, international director of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, serves as special advisor to Brian Considine, international coordinator and executive director for GAPP. GAPP will also serve as the official voice of Lausanne on HIV/AIDS.
Now entering the second year of operation, GAPP has been building a platform for united prayer to create awareness of AIDS, and has primarily targeted the United States evangelical community in their efforts.
“There are reported a one hundred million evangelicals in the United States,” reported Considine. “If we can get just a small fraction responding to this crisis, we can make a huge difference in our world. And, the easy ‘on-ramp’ to involving the local church is prayer.”
Global Aids Sunday
GAPP and its coalition partners are introducing two new initiatives this 1 December. The first, “Global AIDS Sunday,” is an annual call to prayer, remembrance and awareness “The evangelical community has largely been absent on World AIDS Day, due principally to the secular nature of the day, but we must change that,” stated Considine.
Global AIDS Sunday will be held annually on the two Sunday’s adjacent to World AIDS Day (this year 27 November and 4 December). Resources will be made available for participating churches. “We are encouraging local churches to set aside a few minutes, on the Sunday of their choice, to remember and pray for all those who are suffering from HIV/AIDS,” Considine said. “We are also encouraging Christians to learn what is happening in their communities on World AIDS Day, to get involved and to bear the light of Christ.”
Three Million Voices
The second initiative, “Three Million Voices,” is representative of the three million people who die annually due to AIDS and AIDS-related diseases. The purpose of this campaign is to mobilize intercession and compassionate action for those who die annually from AIDS. The hope is to help millions of children left orphaned or vulnerable, and assist devastated families and communities and potentially even entire nations.
A “Declaration of Commitment” to a lifestyle of prayer-care-share toward the end of AIDS is the centerpiece of this new initiative. Church leaders across America are signing the declaration and calling the Church to do likewise. Haggard, one of the original signers, stated “I have personally signed the declaration because it speaks to the heart of what I believe must be the Church’s response to the AIDS pandemic and I encourage all Christians in (the United States) to join with me in this commitment to a lifestyle of prayer-care-share to end AIDS." Organizers hope to have 100,000 signatures to present at the International AIDS Conference in Toronto next summer. Online signing will begin 1 December.
“The evangelical community must rise up to the challenge of AIDS, both locally and globally, if we are to be relevant in the twenty-first century,” emphasized Considine. “To that end, we seek to build a movement towards an epidemic of compassion and for Christians everywhere to pray to end AIDS.” Global AIDS Sunday and Three Million Voices are two ways to get involved this World AIDS Day.
For more information, visit www.praytoendAIDS.com and www.globalaidsprayer.org or email Info@GlobalAIDSPrayer.org.
HIV/AIDS and the Gospel will be the focus of the December issue of www.LausanneWorldPulse.com, available online 1 December.
14. CHRISTMAS MESSAGE 2005 FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES GENERAL SECRETARY:
"This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." Luke 2:12
It was in the midst of last year's Christmas season that the December 26th tsunami killed thousands of people on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Who can forget the images of the killer waves, the many victims and traumatized survivors on the shores of Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and even Somalia? All around the world, these images prompted an unprecedented response to appeals for emergency relief, an extraordinary expression of solidarity with the victims by people from all walks of life.
The year that followed has renewed our awe of nature's power, with an unusual frequency of violent storms, floods and hurricanes such as Katrina in the Gulf of Mexico, and the terrible earthquake that devastated whole villages and cities in Kashmir. In Brazil, where the World Council of Churches will hold its 9th Assembly in February 2006, the national weather service recently used the term "hurricane" for the first time following an unprecedented storm in 2004. Vast areas of the country suffer from a terrible drought, as if our physical environment will no longer tolerate the careless and merciless attack on its integrity, demonstrating its power to humanity and reminding us of our vulnerability. Repeatedly, it has been the poor and marginalized who were most vulnerable and, thus, the most severely hit. The gaps between rich and poor, the traces of racism and caste-ism, the ills dividing humanity were exposed in these crises.
As we prepare ourselves again to celebrate Christmas, the story of the birth of Christ speaks in new ways against the background of this experience. We see before us the image of a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger that was, according to the tradition of the early church, hewn into the rock of a cave in Bethlehem. Throughout history, this image has comforted victims of oppression and violence in many parts of the world. It has led humans to realize that Jesus was one of us, indeed: someone down-to-earth. It has encouraged some to believe that God's presence with us in Jesus is powerful enough to transform this earth. It has motivated others to accept their own responsibility and to stand in solidarity with all who work for change and alternatives to existing conditions. Through Jesus Christ, the incarnation of the divine, God has invested love in humanity. God became a human being, born of a woman, who suffered as we suffer and died as we shall die."
Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And, being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death - even death on a cross. Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:5-11). Dare we invest less in humanity than God has done? Dare we invest less in ourselves than God has deemed appropriate?
When we pray in the words of the theme of the forthcoming WCC Assembly, God, in your grace, transform the world, we confess our readiness to proclaim the good news that the Triune God has acted to dignify humanity through God's incarnation in Jesus Christ and to begin the transformation of a world that knows little of grace and mercy. With the birth of the child in Bethlehem, God is at work within creation to bring about needed change through grace. Churches and their members worldwide stand on the side of the poor; this is especially true of Christians in Brazil who engage in struggles for the landless, the right to water for all, and the care of creation. Brazilian churches are working together, in the power of the Holy Spirit, with the hope of overcoming violence and helping to establish justice and accountability in politics.
When we ask you this Christmas to draw nearer to the suffering and marginalized in your thoughts, prayers and deeds, we ask you to pray especially for the people and churches in Brazil. Called to be co-workers with God, our participation in God's mission begins where we live, yet our common responsibility leads us to ecumenical co-operation for the sake of the whole world.
May the blessings of Christmas bring you peace and joy.
Rev. Dr Samuel Kobia
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
December 2005
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Zach Marvin Gunn, brother of Rev. Wallace l. Gunn, Sr., pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Shelbyville, Kentucky, West Kentucky Conference, 13th Episcopal District, died on Thursday, November 24, 2005.
Funeral arrangements:
Thursday, December 1, 1:00 p.m.
Broadway A.M.E.Z. Church
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
Condolences can be sent to:
Rev. Wallace l. Gunn, sr.
4114 Royal Oak Drive
New Albany, IN 47150
Please keep the family in prayer,
Submitted by:
Rev. Linda Thomas Martin, Presiding Elder
West Kentucky Conference
Thirteenth Episcopal District, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Capt. Sandor Lebron Gordon, on Sunday, November 27, 2005, as a result of an auto accident. He was the son of Rev. and Mrs. Sammie L. (Hester) Gordon, Pastor and First Lady of Mt. Moriah AME Church (Wateree District) of the Central Conference, 7th Episcopal District.
Mr. Sandor Lebron Gordon was a recipient of the Bronze Star for his service in Iraq. He served in Iraq from December 2003 to March 2005 as a Captain with the 3rd Battalion, 178th Field Artillery.
Funeral Services are scheduled for:
Friday, December 2, 2005
2:30 PM
Jonas T. Kennedy Gymnasium
Claflin UniversityOrangeburg, SC 29115
(No wake will be held.)
Services are entrusted to:
Glover Funeral Home
2562 Charleston Highway
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 536-3200
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. & Mrs. Sammie L. Gordon
1155 Glenwood Drive
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-5351
Please remember the family in your prayers.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with the deepest regret that we inform you of the passing of the Reverend Matthew Trammel who retired as an Itinerant Elder in the Tenth Episcopal District after more than 40 years of service (27 years at Bethel A.M.E. in Belton, TX). His wife, Essie Trammel and their eight grown children survive Reverend Matthew Trammel.
ARRANGEMENTS:
Going-Home Service
Thursday, December 1, 2005
1:00 PM
Bethel A.M.E. Church
401 S. Davis Street
Belton, TX 76513
254- 939-6090 (Phone)
Rev. Dr. William Quickley, Pastor will officiate
Funeral services are entrusted to:
Bradford-Dawson Funeral Home
718 S. 7th Street
Temple, TX 76504
(254) 773-2053 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to the home address below:
Mrs. Essie Trammel and Family
220 W. Avenue H
Belton, TX 76513
254-939-5531 (Phone)
Prayerfully,
Adrienne Evans-Quickley
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Presiding Prelate
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Supervisor
Mrs. Verdene K. Austin, Clergy Spouses President
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
On November 26, 2005, Deacon George Mason III, the father of Reverend George Mason IV, Pastor of Brooks Chapel A.M.E. Church, Tulare, California went home to be with the Lord.
Funeral service for Deacon George Mason III will be held on:
Saturday, December 3, 2005 12:00 NOON
New Jones Baptist Church
Hwy 17
Emelle, Alabama
Mortuary:
McInnis Mortuary
110 Marshall Street
Livingston, AL 35470
(205) 652-9138
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Mary Mason & Family
530 Dan Mitchell Road
Emelle, Alabama 35459
(205) 652-7253 (Phone)
Or to:
The Reverend George Mason IV & Family
P.O. Box 81323
Bakersfield, CA 93380
(916) 416-9487 or (916) 416-9486
Please remember thefamiy in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
11/28/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (11/28/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Profanity is the linguistic crutch of the inarticulate.”
- “Thought for the Day” given by Sister Gabrielle Garner at Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee on Sunday, November 27, 2005. The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor is the pastor.
2. THE SPECIAL FREE KATRINA EDITIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS:
The Special “Free” Editions of The Christian Recorder have been delivered to all of the Episcopal Districts for distribution to every AME household. This is the first time that this has been done. The President of the Council of Bishops and Chair of Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram, with the Bishops of the Church wanted every member to know how the AME Church responded to the Katrina catastrophe and directed that the information be published in The Christian recorder and distributed to the membership free of charge. In response to the directive of the Episcopacy, the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour published 60,000 copies of The Christian Recorder.
Every AME family should receive a copy of the Special Edition of The Christian Recorder.
3. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ASKED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO:
Name four elected and consecrated AME Bishops who were medical doctors.
Bishop Evans Tyree,
Bishop Charles S. Smith
Bishop Cornelius Shaffer
Bishop John Albert Johnson
Four General Officers who served in two different General Officer positions:
Dr. Howard Gregg
Dr. John R. Hawkins
Dr. E. A. Adams
Dr. A. S. Jackson
4. NEW QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE POSTING OF THIS EDITION:
Name in which General Officer positions the four General Officers above served.
5. THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT “PREPARING YOUTH FOR THE NEXT STEP IN AFRICAN METHODISM”:
Under the leadership of our Episcopal Leaders Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Mrs. Yvonne Henning-Parks, Episcopal Supervisor and Mrs. Tanya G. Morris, Episcopal CDMC Commissioner, as the Christian Debutante-Master Commission, “Prepares their Youth for the Next Step in African Methodism.” During the Conference year 2005 the 8th District CDMC was fortunate to have seven Conference Commissioners are very enthusiastic, passionate, outgoing and energetic and willing to go the extra mile to see that the young people of the 8th District are equipped not only socially but have a deeper relationship with God and the church.
The North Louisiana Conference kicked off the first major event of the Conference year with their 2nd Annual Empowerment Retreat in February 2005. At this event over 80 young people gathered for a day filled with workshops on Self-Defense, Health & Hygiene, Study Skills, College Planning and a Town Hall Meeting (where they discussed Sex, Dating, Parents, Gangs, etc). Also, on February 20, 2005, the Connectional Julma B. Crawford Memorial Scholarship annual scholarship drive was held. During this time, each local church was asked to collect a special offering that was sent to the Connectional CDMC Scholarship Committee Chairperson. These funds will be presented to scholarship applicants who meet the criteria of the scholarship during the Connectional Dedication Ceremony that will be held during the General Conference in St. Louis, MO in 2008. The 8th District raised over $100 towards the scholarship. During the last General Conference in 2004, Alice Waters of the East Mississippi Conference and Demarcus Haywood of the Central North Mississippi Conference were recipients of the Connectional Scholarship.
On May 20-22, 2005, a few of the 8th District Commissioners and the Episcopal Supervisor traveled to the Connectional CDMC Executive Board Meeting/Retreat that was held in Memphis, Tennessee.
A welcome reception and orientation was held Friday evening. The Executive Board Meeting followed the reception. Attendees worked late into the night, brainstormed and discussed many issues regarding the DMC. Saturday began with prayer and praise walk in the park. A Prayer and Praise Breakfast followed. Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Supervisor Stan McKenzie, Rev. Daryl Ingram and Mrs. Gloria Ward, host Commissioner greeted everyone. Workshops included Focusing on the Vision, DMC History and Structure, and DMC Team Leadership. Afterwards, the group went on a riding tour, visited the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and donated over 100 teddy bears to the agency. On Saturday evening, there was a sea of red at the Ruby and Pearl Dinner Theater. It was a wonderful evening of singing, acting, praise dancing; all shared a touch of jazz, awards presentations, delicious food and oldies but goodies. We look forward to the 2006 Executive Board Meeting/Retreat to be held in the 12th Episcopal District.
The summer ended with Christian Education Congress that was held at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Under the direction of Rev. Douglas Taylor, Episcopal Christian Education Director Chair and Ms. Myrtis Johnson, Episcopal Christian Education Director, the congress was spirit filled from beginning to end. Opening night the CDMC Commissioners on all levels served as ushers. They were dressed in their red suits with white CDMC stoles, as they greeted guest and members into the worship service. During the rest of the Congress, the CDMC conducted workshops: Dance Workshops facilitated by Mrs. Rhalanda Jackson, (Shreveport District CDMC Commissioner) and CDMC Commissioners and works workshop by Mrs. Tanya G. Morris, (Episcopal CDMC Commissioner). On two nights of the Congress, a sea of red covered the auditorium as those young people in the DMC throughout the District served as ushers during the Congress.
During the series of Annual Conferences all of the Dedication Ceremonies were breath-taking, they started with the
Mississippi Conference – On Sunday, August 21, 2005 under the direction of Mrs. Audreye Hall, five young adults were presented. During this ceremony 15 Allenites, Sub-Debutantes and Sub-Masters also participated in the ceremony at they paid tribute to the honorees.
East Mississippi Conference – “In the Midst of it All,” it was truly for them, an appropriate ceremony, in light of the hurricane that hit the 8th District a week prior to the ceremony. Under the direction of the newly appointed Conference CDMC Commissioner, she was still determined to hold their Dedication Ceremony, Sunday, September 4, 2005, at New Bethel in Jackson, Mississippi. The ceremony was the highlight of the Conference as seven young adults dedicated their lives to serving others. Also, 11 Allenites and 10 Sub-Debutantes and Sub-Masters participated in the ceremony.
Northeast West Mississippi Conference – “It’s your Choice,” was the theme for the 2005 Class of Debutantes and Masters. This ceremony was held at Edwards Chapel in Coldwater, Mississippi, under the direction of Mrs. Ethel Tucker as they celebrated their 30th Annual Dedication Ceremony. Seven Debutantes and Masters dedicated their lives to a higher Christian service on Sunday, September 11, 2005.
Central North Mississippi Conference – On Sunday, October 2, 2005 under the direction of Mrs. Mamie Myers, one beautiful young Debutante dedicated her life to Christian service during their 13th Annual Dedication Ceremony. Also, 40 Allenites, Sub-Debutantes and sub-Masters participated in this glamorous event.
North Louisiana Conference - presented six dashing young Masters and a beautiful young Debutante. Following the theme “Stepping out on faith, guided by the light, ready to do God’s work.” (2 Thessalonians 1:2, 11), the Rev. Josephine Franklin, delivered a powerful message to the young people entitled, “Step in the Name of Love.” It was truly an elegant evening. The event was held at the Southern University –Shreveport ballroom under an arch of red and white balloons and strolled down a red-laced aisle as they were formally introduced into Christian society.
Central Louisiana Conference and Louisiana Conference - These dedication ceremonies were postponed until a later date because of the Hurricane Rita in the Central Louisiana Conference and Hurricane Katrina in the Louisiana Conference. Please keep these Conferences in your prayers.
The Commissioners would like to thank the parents and leaders of the district for their continued support, as the Eighth Episcopal District continues to “Prepare Young Adults for the Next Step in African Methodism.”
Article Submitted by Sister Tanya G. Morris
8th District CDMC Commissioner
P. O. Box 36362
Birmingham, AL 35236
6. U.S. CONGRESSIONAL TEAM VISITS AME UNIVERSITY:
“Purpose Driven” is how one could surmise the revitalization and construction of the once Hatcher Hall now renamed the "Hatcher-Henning-Norris Human Resource Center of the AME University in Monrovia, Liberia.
Under the visionary leadership of Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., a $1 million dollar grant was secured to fund the restoration of the university. The funds were donated by the Government of the United States through its Ambassador to Liberia in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The historic visitation brought together leaders from the United States to view the ongoing construction project. Included in the delegation were Senator Lincoln Chafee and Congressman Donald Payne among others. The Reverend Ronnie E. Brailsford, pastor of Bethel AME church of Columbia, South Carolina, scheduled dedication of the Rehabilitation project for February 20-27, 2006, which will be preceded by a week of revival. A delegation of the Council of Bishops will attend this historic event headed by the Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Phillip R. Cousin.
7. BISHOP DANIELS IS SOLICITING DONATIONS FOR FURNISHINGS FOR THE "HATCHER, HENNING, NORRIS HUMAN RESOURCE CENTER":
Greetings in Jesus' Precious Name.
I am in the United States trying to do several things for the 14th Episcopal District. I am in search for the furnishings of "Hatcher, Henning, Norris Human Resource Center" the new building under renovation/construction now fro AME University in Monrovia Liberia.
Any information on how to get the items below will be very helpful.
We need the following for the Fourteenth Episcopal District:
1. 1000 banquet chairs for the 1000 seat auditorium in the new building that is under construction.
2. 3000 arm chairs for classrooms in the new building.
3. New and used electric generators.
4. Office furniture for the new offices in the building.
5. New or used 15-passenger vans in good running condition and or new or used trucks, pick up trucks, or larger buses etc.
Again, I thank you for all you do for others.
God bless you.
Peace, Love, Power and Happiness,
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.
8. The 11th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT of the AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SERVING THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND THE BAHAMAS
CELEBRATES THEIR 130th SESSION OF THE EAST CONFERENCE
By Angela Surcey Garner
The South Jacksonville District at St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, The Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, Pastor and Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, First Lady graciously hosted the East Conference of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor. Parking is usually a challenge at all host sites, but there was ample parking with four lots available. The attendants were gracious, friendly and very helpful. They also showed care and concern as Security Guards by waiting for persons who exited the church at night, to get safely into their cars.
This session of the East Conference alluded to a new era in the A.M.E. Church; a “changing of the guards” as such, with preachers sending forth God’s Word in awesome and very powerful ways! The days of staunch, quiet and guarded praise and worship are over. It is a new day in the A.M.E. Church! This Conference was full of high-spirit as each worship service built upon the previous one. Sister Rose Anderson, First Lady of the Alachua-Suwannee District, where her husband, The Reverend Damone Anderson is the Presiding Elder, used these words: “It was a full week of high praise from the beginning until the end. The Spirit of the Lord was definitely present! If someone didn’t feel the Holy Spirit moving, something is wrong with that person, because He was there – all in our midst!”
On Saturday, October 29, the Young People’s Division (YPD) conducted their business and held elections under the leadership of Sister Khama Rogers, First Lady of Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church in Lake City, where Reverend Rashard Rogers is the Pastor. The East Conference continued on Sunday, October 30 with the Debutantes and Masters Ceremony (DMC) under the leadership of Sister Patricia Coppock Shehee, DMC Conference Director and member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, pastor. Those youth chosen to be Debutantes and Masters were introduced to the program attendants with style and grace as each demonstrated their abilities prescribed by the leaders and disciplines of the DMC Commission. It was, as always, a very beautiful ceremony.
The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the 11th Episcopal District, led by our Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, celebrated their annual “Night in White” through high-spirited worship and praise to God on Monday, October 31, 2005. The host First Lady, Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, made sure that all went well. The WMS held their Convention, comprised of business meetings, elections and a luncheon during the day. But Missionaries of all kinds, The WMS, Stewardesses, Deaconesses, and other women of God, wear all white on this night to celebrate God’s blessings. Many members of the WMS also included scarves and stoles in royal blue draped over their suits, as royal blue and white are their colors. The first level of St. Stephen contained pews full of people all over the Sanctuary, as we entered in – prepared for high-spirited praise and worship.
Our Worship Leader for the evening was The WMS’s Conference President, Dr. Cora H. Reed, member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville. Dr. Reed led the service with all of the electricity that is in the 11th Episcopal District. One of her tasks was to introduce the Episcopal President., Sister Melvin Morgan, who would in turn, introduce our Episcopal Supervisor, the very lovely, smart, hard-working and caring Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young.
During her report to the Conference, Dr. Young informed us that there are 1,123 members of the WMS on the Conference roll including 95 new members. Together, they gave over 15,000 hours of service and raised over $109,000 for missions and disaster relief. Of their many projects, the WMS participated in “Project Moses” – creating safe places for small babies against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), they worked with rape crisis centers, Church Women United Prison Ministries, elderly home care, as well as caring for our youth, were among the many ways the WMS made their presence known. Dr. Young also encouraged all to become Red Cross Volunteers as she recognized those who had already committed themselves to that work. Dr. Young’s report was informative as we learned how the WMS responds immediately when called upon to work – prepared and always ready.
The East Conference Choir was outstanding throughout the Conference! When they soulfully sang “The Lord Will Make a Way,” there were more people on their feet singing and praising God than there were sitting, but all felt the soul-stirring rendition of that song as many rose to applaud the power of God working through the choir. Before the Sermonic Hymn was sung, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez, Presiding Elder of the Central Jacksonville District, introduced our speaker.
Our preacher for the evening was The Reverend Glenn Dames, Pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church in Starke. His sermon was taken from Luke 5:1-11 and set the tone for the week. It was evident that God was totally in control of our Conference; Reverend Dames’ sermon title was most appropriate: “Simon says, Follow the Leader” – and lead he did! He urged us to “launch out into the deep, meet people where they are, forget what you think you know, trust in God, let Him use you, learn how to worship and praise Him, then follow the leader, let God be with you.” Reverend Dames was the lead engine that pulled the next engine out of the train station; the cargo was heavy this week. It took two engines just to move it! The train continues to Conference opening worship.
The East Conference officially opened for business on Tuesday, November 1st at 10 a.m. Our day began with devotion led by The Reverend Marcius O. King, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. Rev. King, Brother Jeffrey Dove and two other pulpit participants led “Nearer my God to Thee”, livened the congregants in the Sanctuary up with “No Doubt”, and before a soul-stirring prayer, we sang, “Father I Stretch my Hands to Thee.” Bishop McKinley Young, our leader, entered and greeted everyone. All rose to welcome Retired Bishop Richard Hildebrand to the East Conference. We are honored by his presence whenever he is able to attend. After the business meetings each day, we prepared for a blessed night of worship.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as many arrived early to have good seats. By 7 p.m., the Sanctuary was filled with Clergy and Lay, including the balcony. The Saint Paul A.M.E. Church Mass Choir gathered for prayer and fellowship before sharing the choir stand with The Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church Mass Choir. All of the members of St. Stephen were extremely gracious and helpful throughout the week. We felt at home in their midst as our Pastor would preach the Opening Worship sermon. St. Stephen’s Praise Team kept the train rolling through. Our Worship Leader for the evening was The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District. After St. Stephen’s Mass Choir led two powerful songs, they allowed St. Paul’s Mass Choir to take the seats behind their Pastor as we all prepared to receive God’s Word through His anointed one.
The St. Paul A.M.E. Church Mass Choir ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit with “Glorious is the Name of Jesus”, then livened things up with “One More Day”, led by Sister Bessie. As the congregants were into high praise and worship, Sister Alicia stepped to the microphone to lead “Safe in His Arms”, and the choir backed her up with powerful voices singing glorious praises to God. The band consisted of the leader, Brother Kirk Williams on the keyboards, Eugene, our soulful saxophonist, lead and bass guitarists, Cassius and Jimmy, Elijah, our drummer, and visiting trumpeter, Zsanelle Teamer; the choir was directed by Sister Deborah Limbric Rasheed. St. Paul’s Mass Choir definitely opened the door of praise and worship as their Pastor, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, walked right in as the engine who would lead the train through the Conference.
Pastor Zanders’ message was taken from Psalm 34:19 as he used for a title, “You Had to Go Through it.” He explained that “life is full of adversities. To understand them, one must know that trouble is inevitable, innumerable, indiscriminate, and may injure you but will not destroy you. Having salvation does not excuse you from trouble. You may be “hit but not halted!” Pastor Zanders concluded by telling everyone about “an available refuge” – Jesus the Christ. “As we remain faithful, God remains faithful and will deliver us from all unrighteousness, if we trust Him to do His part, in His time.” It was a most appropriate annual sermon in which the power of the Holy Spirit was manifested through Pastor Zanders’ message. Most of the congregation stood to their feet in support and praises to God for such an anointed and powerfully delivered sermon. The engine moved through the station and headed to the Sons of Allen’s Witness the following night.
The Sons of Allen lift the men of the A.M.E. Church. Our Worship Leader was Brother Nathaniel Glover who did an excellent job of presiding over the program. He took a moment to say to everyone, “It has been a pleasure and honor to have been your Worship Leader tonight.” We were also blessed by good singing from the East Conference Sons of Allen Choir who sang, “I’m Truly Blessed” and “Hold On, the Storm’s Passing Over.” They ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit before The Reverend Dr. George L. Champion began his powerful sermon entitled, “Connected”; taken from Luke 5:18-25. He spoke of our men being, “disconnected, detached from hope and saving grace, cursed by ‘driving while black’, black on black crime, drugs; some are playing ‘the blame game’, claiming to do things ‘after awhile’, saying they’re too old, or not in the in-crowd – all diseases that keep our men from becoming connected.” In the scripture, four men helped a man on a mat get to the feet of Jesus. Dr. Champion called them, “The Hook-up Team.” He also gave the four men names: “Brother Somehow, who won’t accept the status quo. Churches need these brothers. They are brothers of hope, but along the way they got tired, so Brother Jesus Can Do It, had to step in. For all the miracles Jesus performed, He is the one to bring you through. Then, there’s Brother Anyhow, who saw the crowds but was determined to get to Jesus, he sees the confusion but views the mission, doesn’t say I might, but I will – he has that anyhow faith; finally, Brother Let’s Do It, who doesn’t talk much, but gets busy doing.” Dr. Champion concluded this very powerful sermon by saying, “If you are connected, grab a corner, bring me in to Jesus!”
As Pastor Zanders led the worship in giving, he said there was a “Revival going on the East Annual Conference!” And, he was surely right! Each service was powerfully blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was evident by the many congregants praising God from hearing His word through His chosen vessels. Even the devotions each morning were highly spiritual. On this night also, The Reverend Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, President of Edward Waters College, who had been called out of retirement, was presented with a plaque honoring him for the many years he has dedicated to education. This grand night ended in fellowship before departure, as we did after each service.
Thursdays of the East Annual Conference are always special to me. The morning service is the Celebration of Word, Ordination and Sacrament and the evening service is the Lay Witness. One of the most beautiful ceremonies is the Ordination. The Bishops, Presiding Elders and Elders enter in their beautiful robes with all of the elegant pomp and circumstance that surrounds God’s men and women of His Word. The Deacons (ordained ministers) and Licentiates (licensed to preach, on trial, but not yet ordained as ministers) follow, eager to be where the Elders are in their walk with God. This was a record-breaking ceremony as 11 Deacons were ordained as Elders, 2 Licentiates were ordained as Deacons, and 6 persons were accepted on trial as Licentiates.
The East Conference Choir blessed us first with “Glory Glory, Hallelujah, Since I Laid My Burdens Down,” and after the presentation of and collect for the Deacons and Elders, the Choir ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit with “Order My Steps.” Sister Faye Diamond directed them and the soloist sang with the power of God as the singing of that song soulfully touched the congregants.
Our preacher for the Celebration was The Right Reverend Paul Kawimbe, from Zambia, who is the Presiding Prelate of the 17th District of the A.M.E. Church (Africa). Bishop Kawimbe’s sermon title was, “The Recipe to the Work of God,” taken from 1 Chronicles 15:11-19. He expounded upon four things to remember when doing God’s work: 1) Do the work of God Biblically; God has prescribed a certain way, do things His way; 2) Do God’s work and handle His ministry with joy! The joy of the Lord is your strength! 3) Do it sacrificially – if there is no pain, there is no sacrifice; 4) Do it fervently – use the zeal and fire God gives you to carry out His work. Bishop Kawimbe concluded his sermon by saying, “This is God’s ministry! God has given it to us to do things His way – surrender to the will of God.” The sermon was most appropriate for the service of Word, Ordination and Sacrament as the content spoke to all Elders, Deacons, Licentiates and Laypersons. We all have a charge to keep and Bishop Kawimbe’s “Recipe to the Work of God” was an outstanding set of rules to live by in ministry.
The Act of Ordination and Service of Communion followed. This record-breaking Ordination service was blessed by the presence of 3 Bishops: Bishop Hildebrand, Bishop Young, and Bishop Kawimbe and all of the Presiding Elders of the East Conference: The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez, The Reverend O. C. Williams, and The Reverend Damone Anderson. There were several Elders available as seven hands are placed on the newly ordained ministers’ heads to bless them in their new walk with God. It is always a beautiful and spirit-filled service. The Deacons ordained were Brother Linton Cason and Sister Lateria Watson who were presented to Bishop Young by The Rev. Dr. George Champion. The Elders ordained were: The Reverends Michael Baker, Emory Berry, Albert Bivins, Emmett Bright, James Graham, Gregory Jones, Martin Kohn, Nathaniel Robinson, Doris Sherman, Sandra Stevens, and Godfrey Taylor; they were presented to Bishop Young by The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II. The sharing of elements was orderly and beautiful as the Bishops, Presiding Elders, newly ordained Elders and their immediate families, the ministers of the Conference, then the congregation was served. We are truly “Living Well” in the electrifying Eleventh District! After lunch and a brief business meeting, we prepared our hearts for the Lay Witness Worship Service that evening.
The Lay Witness Worship Service was entitled, “A Service of Praise and Adoration.” It was surely that and more! Our Worship Leader for the evening was the President of the Alachua-Suwannee District, Sister Phillis Filer, who was high-spirited and led the worship service with much praise and adoration. The invocation, given by the Host Pastor, The Reverend Michael Mitchell, was extremely powerful, spirit-filled and brought the Holy Ghost FIRE down to envelop our souls. After such a powerful, sermonic prayer, the congregants were worshipping and praising God as if He were standing right in front of them! The choral response, “Because of Who You Are,” gave credence to Reverend Mitchell’s sermonic prayer and caused many to shout and praise God even more!
The East Conference Choir blessed us with an Anthem, “The Wonders of His Works”, which was exceptionally done, a Spiritual, “Guide my Feet”, was both spiritual and soulful; the harmony was well blended and beautiful – the choir sounded like angels; then the Gospel, “I’m Going With Jesus All the Way,” got everyone into the choral praise. They surely blessed our souls with well-chosen songs and excellent, beautifully sung music throughout the Conference.
Our preacher for the evening was The Reverend Hudson Williamson, Pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Gainesville, FL. His message was taken from Acts 2:41-47 and entitled, “What Does It Take?” Reverend Williamson’s message was powerful and one of instruction; something that ALL ministry leaders needed – Clergy and Lay. Because God called every one of His children to ministry, all in the Sanctuary could benefit from such an anointed message. He reminded us to, “talk up each other, have the Word of God in you, live according to His Will, impress God (not people) by what you do; leave things better than you found them when you go into the ministry God has chosen for you, put all selfishness behind you, do the work God called you to do. Remember that no church is perfect.” His main points were: 1) It takes the preaching and teaching of the proclaimed Word of God; 2) It takes people who are saved, changed and converted; 3) It takes people who have one common agenda; 4) It takes Evangelism; go from door to door to take God’s Word; “we need to go out and bring them in!” Rev. Williamson concluded his powerful, teaching sermon by saying that “we must commit ourselves to doing God’s Work.”
The service was wonderful from beginning to end! Before the Doxology and Lay Benediction, the final remarks and expressions were offered by Brother Joseph Coppock, East Conference Lay President; Sister Marian Bacon White, 11th Episcopal District Lay President; Brother Jesse L. Burns, Connectional Lay Organization President; and Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District. As Sister White gave her remarks, she mentioned that The East Conference had representation from all six of the Districts.
The night ended with a small reception upstairs in the dining room attended by the Presidents and their guests. The menu included Swedish meatballs, chicken drumettes, "angeled" eggs (I have a problem with the word "deviled" when it is something I like to eat; I also realize it’s just a mind thing), which the eggs were called after I “suggested” the name change to the gracious young lady who was serving us. Also, a gigantic fruit plate and cake were so good! The punch even had ice cream in it! Everything was delicious and though the night was late, our hosts were very kind, gracious, accommodating and pleasantly receptive of the excitement, laughter and high spirit in their dining room. The St. Stephen Family was the most wonderful host throughout the Conference – they made everyone feel comfortable and at home; the general feeling was, “mi casa es su casa.”
We made it to the last day. Having hosted the East Conference at our church a couple of years ago, I could relate to the excitement of the final day, especially when most things seemed to have gone right at least 90% of the time. The morning consisted of a final business session, which was short because Bishop Young completed most of the business daily, in a timely, but thorough manner. We have learned and shared much this Conference year. Our Bishop “makes it plain;” there is no guessing about what could or should be during the business meetings. But, at the same time, he is caring, gracious and very humorous at times – God chose the perfect Bishop to replace the now retired, but still loved and missed, Bishop John Hurst Adams.
The latter morning and afternoon consisted of the annual Memorial and Retirement Services. The former Presiding Elder of the Central Jacksonville District, my Elder, The Reverend Thomas B. DeSue, who was elevated to the position of Administrative Assistant to the Bishop under The Right Reverend John Hurst Adams, entered into retirement this year. Elder DeSue led the Central Jacksonville District with style, grace and class; those traits carried over to his new position in the Bishop’s office. He has taught us much about the workings of the A.M.E. Church, and though it is a “new day” in our church, with new forms of worship and praise, the values instilled in us by Elder DeSue will live on forever if we continue to project those values in our ministries and use them to teach and train our leaders, youth and new members.
The annual Model Church School began promptly at 6:00 p.m. It always precedes the closing service. The Reverend William Lamar IV, Conference Superintendent and Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Tyler St., Jacksonville, presided over this session of Church School. The lesson was taken from Acts 9:3-18 and entitled, “Paul Becomes a Follower.” The Reverend Ronald Rawls did an excellent job of explaining why we all should become good followers. The main point was, “There is no authority anywhere that God has not put in place, so when we fight against the plan or authority of God, we are actually fighting against God; don’t fight a losing battle, trust God’s plan.” Brother Samuel Hunter, Episcopal Superintendent, led the remarks about Church School and The Reverend Alicia Scott-Ford, Conference Assistant Superintendent and Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Orange Park, gave the closing remarks. She reminded us, “As we walk this Christian journey, trust God because He is leading so we don’t need our own eyes. God speaks and makes it clear who He is – trust God, follow Him.”
The Closing Convocation was upon us. The excitement was so thick; one could reach out and grab it! The sanctuary was prepared for the overflow of congregants as Rev. Mitchell made a final check on the additional chairs along the main aisle. As the Clergy and other Congregants entered, all of those seats were filled, as were most of the seats in the balcony. After the Processional to “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty,” we were blessed by the formal A.M.E. devotion concluded with a powerful and spiritual prayer by The Reverend Marcius O. King, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. After the Choral Response, The East Conference Choir sang one of my favorite Anthems, “Lift Up Your Heads O Ye Gates,” soprano solo led by Sister Wilson of Historic Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, and the entire Anthem was beautiful and flawless! The choir again received a standing ovation. After the scripture lesson, preface to and summary of the Decalogue, and The Gloria Patri, the choir again blessed us with, “I Will Sing Hallelujah, O Lord,” and it too, was sung melodiously! Throughout the Conference, this choir has been outstanding and awesome in God’s hands.
After the choir sang “I Am Yours,” The Reverend O. C. Williams, Presiding Elder of the North Jacksonville District, presented the Bishop’s Presenter, The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District, who would present our illustrious Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District, The Right Reverend McKinley Young, our preacher for the evening. The Sermonic Hymn was most appropriate and definitely bearing mention at this point; “How Great the Wisdom” – look at the words to this Hymn when you have time, sing it, feel the Holy Spirit working inside of you; it is a most majestic song, one of perfect choice to present our Bishop and his sermon.
After establishing Protocol, Bishop Young said “thank you” to many persons before he soulfully sang, “I’m Going to Trust in the Lord.” The choir and congregation joined him as he sang a couple of verses and the refrain with his very clear and beautiful voice; we were blessed by his singing. Bishop Young’s scripture was taken from the Gospel of John, who he referred to as “the mouthpiece of the Master,” 12:20-22. He entitled his sermon, “Sir, We Would See Jesus!” During Bishop’s sermon, he reminded us, “The people are coming to be pointed in the direction of Jesus, there is only one! It is bigger than we are! It is all about Jesus! We are entrusted to be the people who stand at the gap, receive the attention but deflect it from you to Jesus! Spend time in God’s word, for at the feet of Jesus, you learn how to praise Him!” Bishop Young concluded his sermon by telling us, “Our responsibility is a challenge: We must find ways to tell the story of Jesus, to keep people coming to us and engage those people in following Christ; our job is to tell people HOW to see Jesus! All is well, when I see Jesus!” Bishop Young preached a most powerful sermon-giving honor to God Who is the head of all of our lives.
After the Invitation and Worship through Giving, including the Offertory Response, we went directly into the Commissioning Service as we sang “A Charge to Keep I Have.” Before Bishop and Dr. Young made their presentations, Bishop Young gave a small summary of how much was collected from each Conference within the electrifying 11th Episcopal District for disaster relief. He reported a total of $213,652.12! What a blessing! The 11th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gave $100,000 to Florida and The Bahamas; the A.M.E. Church as a whole, collected over $1,762,000 for disaster relief alone! Bishop also informed us that the A.M.E. Church gives 1.3 million dollars a year to Edward Waters College and the 11th District gives EWC $1,000 a quarter. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to giving. The Women’s Missionary Society, led by our wonderful Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young presented Bishop Young with a check for $10,000 towards disaster relief. Then, Bishop Young distributed checks, with a little assistance from the Accountant of our district, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, to the various organizations that participated in the East Conference Witness Services, St. Stephen A.M.E. Church as our host, and gave $4,000 to the 17th District over which Bishop Paul Kawimbe presides. The A.M.E. Church is a loving, giving ministry and there is still room for more.
As the Conference came to a close, Bishop Young issued the appointments. Most of our churches were blessed to keep their current Pastors for another year. This is an “edge of the seat” experience every year as each congregation grows to love their pastor and his or her family. Because as an Itinerant Elder, he or she can be moved to another A.M.E. Church at any time – which is like taking a shepherd from his or her sheep, if the pastor has established a relationship of love with the people God entrusted to him or her. The A.M.E. Church teaches God’s Word, love, togetherness, family values, giving as worship and blessings, and so much more. This year’s Conference has been one of the most high-spirited, electrifying, powerful experiences ever. I believe my Pastor said it best, “We had a Revival going on in the East Conference this year!” I look forward to next year as we will remain prayerful this new conference year and strive to reach others for Christ. There is a place for you in the African Methodist Episcopal Church!
9. SISTER SAUNDRA LUCAS REMINDS US THAT DECEMBER FIRST IS WORLD AIDS DAY:
Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Please show your support to those infected and affected. This year's theme is "Keep the Promise". He cares for all of His children and we can do no less!Saundra
Saundra Lucas - slucas52@sirinet.net
10. AME PASTOR’S SON STARS IN BASKETBALL AT CONNECTICUT COLLEGE:
Christian Mosley, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Rufus Mosley, Bethel AME Church, Eastville, VA is a star player for Connecticut College. Anyone who has ever attended the closing session of the Virginia Annual Conference would remember Reverend Rufus Mosley and his creative reading of the Annual Conference Resolutions.
Sophomore Christian Mosley scored a game-high of 20 points, propelling Connecticut College (1-0) to a 78-53 victory over Eastern Nazarene College (0-2) Saturday night. Mosley shot a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range and was 7-for-8 from the floor.
Congratulations to the Mosley family.
11. MILES COLLEGE PRESIDENT DIED LAST WEEK:
The Reverend Dr. Albert Sloan, President of Miles College, died last Friday and will be funeralized in Birmingham, Alabama on this Thursday.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
We joyfully welcome Brianna Noel Reynolds to the world! Brianna is the daughter of Leon and Rokisha Reynolds, and the granddaughter of Reverend Ronald and Helen Boykin, Pastor and First Lady of First AME Church of Manassas, Virginia.
Pastor D. B. WilsonGreater Bethel AME Church"The church where God resides and love abides"
Submitted by the Clergy Family Information Center
13. NEWS FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
> World AIDS Day at the Ecumenical Centre, 1 December, Geneva, Switzerland"Don't turn your back on AIDS. Keep the promise" is the central slogan of this year's World AIDS Day events being organized at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva by UN organizations, Geneva-based ecumenical organizations - the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World YWCA and Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance - diplomatic missions, and the International School of Geneva. The events will include conferences, films, exhibits, information booths, an ecumenical worship service in the Ecumenical Centre chapel, a candlelight march and a torchlight parade.The slogan lifts up what is seen as today's major AIDS challenge: to "keep commitments to stop AIDS at all levels: personal, community, organization, governmental".
> Kobia speaks at AIDS event in Bern - Medicines for Africa, 1 December, Bern, Switzerland25,000 petitions calling on the Swiss government, pharmaceutical industry and churches to make a far greater effort to ensure African populations access to anti-retroviral treatments are to be presented to government, business and church representatives on 1 December in Bern at 18:00.With the slogan, "Africa needs medicines. Now!", events outside the Swiss parliament building will include the lighting of 8000 candles laid out in the shape of Africa, a public interview with World Council of Churches general secretary Samuel Kobia; and presentation of the petitions. Representing the Swiss Protestant and Catholic churches, Rev. Thomas Wipf and Bishop Amédé Grab will explain the positions of their respective churches on this issue. The petition campaign was jointly organized by the Bethlehem Mission Immensee and Swiss Interchurch Aid (EPER).
> WCC to host Indigenous caucus to UN, 3-4 December, Geneva, SwitzerlandThe WCC will host Indigenous leaders participating in a caucus at the 11th session of the working group on a draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Meeting at the WCC headquarters before the session, some 150 caucus participants from all parts of the world will review the progress of the draft declaration, and work towards a common strategy during the session, which takes place in Geneva from 5 - 16 December 2005.It is hoped that the draft declaration will be finalized at the session, and thus be ready for submission to the General Assembly for final approval.
> Latin American workshop on small arms and violence, 5-7 December, Buenos Aires, Argentina"For churches promoting peace: violence and peace in Latin America and the Caribbean" is the title of a regional church workshop to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 5-7 December 2005. It will consider case studies on small arms and urban violence in Brazil and Argentina, the militarization of Colombia's long-running civil conflict, and the impact of violence on women, youth and Indigenous communities. Participants will work on a peace curriculum for church and school use. The workshop, which comes on the eve of the 2006 Latin America focus of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence, is sponsored by the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) and the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs.
> Day of prayer on trade, 11 December (Sunday), worldwideChurches around the world are being asked to make Sunday 11 December a day of "prayerful support" to the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance's efforts to promote "trade for people" at the World Trade Organization's (WTO) upcoming (13-18 December) Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. EAA is offering worship materials on trade and human rights for incorporation into regular worship services on that day. The aim is to "raise awareness of the WTO negotiations and the impact global trade has on us all". The materials touch in particular on the right to health and the right to food.
> Ecumenical women's forum on life-promoting trade, 12-14 December, Hong KongAround 60 women working for economic justice in their communities and feminist economists from all regions will participate in an ecumenical forum on life-promoting trade scheduled to coincide with the WTO's upcoming Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. The forum will focus on "two critical WTO agreements where the stakes for women are particularly high: the Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)". It will draw up an action plan as well as an ecumenical women's letter to WTO director-general Pascal Lamy and the trade ministers of WTO member countries.
The forum is being organized by 12 international, Hong Kong and Swiss church-based organizations including the World Council of Churches.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Shaw was the brother of our Seventh Episcopal District MSWAWO President, Mrs. Lula Shaw Cleckley and Reverend Minnie Shaw Frierson of the 4th Episcopal District.The funeral is scheduled for: 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 29, 2005Rock Hill A.M.E. ChurchVance, South Carolina
803-496-7020 (Phone)
The funeral service is entrusted to:
Simmons Funeral Home907 Russell Street, NW
Orangeburg, South Carolina 29115
(803) 534-2646 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Lula Shaw Cleckley and Family
1746 Drexel Lake Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 787-5769 (Phone)
Email: Lulacleckley@aol.com
Or to:
Rev. Minnie Shaw Frierson and Family
1952 Hyde Park Drive
Detroit Michigan 48207
(313) 259-4403 (Phone)
Please remember the family in your prayers.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
Regretfully we share news of the following:
The passing of Mr. Arthur Knew, the youngest and final brother of Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss, President of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and spouse of Retired U.S. Navy Captain Carroll R. Chambliss.
Funeral Arrangements:
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Third Baptist Church
620 N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Viewing: 10:00 AM
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM
Rev. J. Hoffman, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to the family of Mr. Arthur Knew c/o of the church address above or to:
Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss and Family
200 N. Pickett Street # 708
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-2616 (Phone)
(703) 823-3441 (Fax)
Email: cchambliss1@comcast.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
The Reverend A. E. English, age 102, of the Macon Georgia Conference passed on Tuesday, November 22, 2005.
Funeral Services:
Monday, November 28, 2005
1:00 p.m.
Greater Turner Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church
1104 Third Street
Macon, GA 31201
912-743-4932 (Phone)
The funeral service is entrusted to:
Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel Inc.
607 Kaigler Street
Oglethorpe, Georgia 31068 (478) 472-6118 (Phone)
Interment:
Oglethorpe City Cemetery
Memorial Drive
Oglethorpe, GA
Condolences may be sent to the family of Rev. A. E. English c/o of the church address.
Submitted by,
Mary J. Marshall, President
Macon Conference MSWWA
Please remember these families in your prayers.
17. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Profanity is the linguistic crutch of the inarticulate.”
- “Thought for the Day” given by Sister Gabrielle Garner at Shorter Chapel AME Church, Franklin, Tennessee on Sunday, November 27, 2005. The Reverend Charlotte Ann Blake Sydnor is the pastor.
2. THE SPECIAL FREE KATRINA EDITIONS OF THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER HAVE BEEN DELIVERED TO THE EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS:
The Special “Free” Editions of The Christian Recorder have been delivered to all of the Episcopal Districts for distribution to every AME household. This is the first time that this has been done. The President of the Council of Bishops and Chair of Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram, with the Bishops of the Church wanted every member to know how the AME Church responded to the Katrina catastrophe and directed that the information be published in The Christian recorder and distributed to the membership free of charge. In response to the directive of the Episcopacy, the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour published 60,000 copies of The Christian Recorder.
Every AME family should receive a copy of the Special Edition of The Christian Recorder.
3. ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ASKED SEVERAL WEEKS AGO:
Name four elected and consecrated AME Bishops who were medical doctors.
Bishop Evans Tyree,
Bishop Charles S. Smith
Bishop Cornelius Shaffer
Bishop John Albert Johnson
Four General Officers who served in two different General Officer positions:
Dr. Howard Gregg
Dr. John R. Hawkins
Dr. E. A. Adams
Dr. A. S. Jackson
4. NEW QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE POSTING OF THIS EDITION:
Name in which General Officer positions the four General Officers above served.
5. THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT “PREPARING YOUTH FOR THE NEXT STEP IN AFRICAN METHODISM”:
Under the leadership of our Episcopal Leaders Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., Mrs. Yvonne Henning-Parks, Episcopal Supervisor and Mrs. Tanya G. Morris, Episcopal CDMC Commissioner, as the Christian Debutante-Master Commission, “Prepares their Youth for the Next Step in African Methodism.” During the Conference year 2005 the 8th District CDMC was fortunate to have seven Conference Commissioners are very enthusiastic, passionate, outgoing and energetic and willing to go the extra mile to see that the young people of the 8th District are equipped not only socially but have a deeper relationship with God and the church.
The North Louisiana Conference kicked off the first major event of the Conference year with their 2nd Annual Empowerment Retreat in February 2005. At this event over 80 young people gathered for a day filled with workshops on Self-Defense, Health & Hygiene, Study Skills, College Planning and a Town Hall Meeting (where they discussed Sex, Dating, Parents, Gangs, etc). Also, on February 20, 2005, the Connectional Julma B. Crawford Memorial Scholarship annual scholarship drive was held. During this time, each local church was asked to collect a special offering that was sent to the Connectional CDMC Scholarship Committee Chairperson. These funds will be presented to scholarship applicants who meet the criteria of the scholarship during the Connectional Dedication Ceremony that will be held during the General Conference in St. Louis, MO in 2008. The 8th District raised over $100 towards the scholarship. During the last General Conference in 2004, Alice Waters of the East Mississippi Conference and Demarcus Haywood of the Central North Mississippi Conference were recipients of the Connectional Scholarship.
On May 20-22, 2005, a few of the 8th District Commissioners and the Episcopal Supervisor traveled to the Connectional CDMC Executive Board Meeting/Retreat that was held in Memphis, Tennessee.
A welcome reception and orientation was held Friday evening. The Executive Board Meeting followed the reception. Attendees worked late into the night, brainstormed and discussed many issues regarding the DMC. Saturday began with prayer and praise walk in the park. A Prayer and Praise Breakfast followed. Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Supervisor Stan McKenzie, Rev. Daryl Ingram and Mrs. Gloria Ward, host Commissioner greeted everyone. Workshops included Focusing on the Vision, DMC History and Structure, and DMC Team Leadership. Afterwards, the group went on a riding tour, visited the Memphis Child Advocacy Center, and donated over 100 teddy bears to the agency. On Saturday evening, there was a sea of red at the Ruby and Pearl Dinner Theater. It was a wonderful evening of singing, acting, praise dancing; all shared a touch of jazz, awards presentations, delicious food and oldies but goodies. We look forward to the 2006 Executive Board Meeting/Retreat to be held in the 12th Episcopal District.
The summer ended with Christian Education Congress that was held at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Under the direction of Rev. Douglas Taylor, Episcopal Christian Education Director Chair and Ms. Myrtis Johnson, Episcopal Christian Education Director, the congress was spirit filled from beginning to end. Opening night the CDMC Commissioners on all levels served as ushers. They were dressed in their red suits with white CDMC stoles, as they greeted guest and members into the worship service. During the rest of the Congress, the CDMC conducted workshops: Dance Workshops facilitated by Mrs. Rhalanda Jackson, (Shreveport District CDMC Commissioner) and CDMC Commissioners and works workshop by Mrs. Tanya G. Morris, (Episcopal CDMC Commissioner). On two nights of the Congress, a sea of red covered the auditorium as those young people in the DMC throughout the District served as ushers during the Congress.
During the series of Annual Conferences all of the Dedication Ceremonies were breath-taking, they started with the
Mississippi Conference – On Sunday, August 21, 2005 under the direction of Mrs. Audreye Hall, five young adults were presented. During this ceremony 15 Allenites, Sub-Debutantes and Sub-Masters also participated in the ceremony at they paid tribute to the honorees.
East Mississippi Conference – “In the Midst of it All,” it was truly for them, an appropriate ceremony, in light of the hurricane that hit the 8th District a week prior to the ceremony. Under the direction of the newly appointed Conference CDMC Commissioner, she was still determined to hold their Dedication Ceremony, Sunday, September 4, 2005, at New Bethel in Jackson, Mississippi. The ceremony was the highlight of the Conference as seven young adults dedicated their lives to serving others. Also, 11 Allenites and 10 Sub-Debutantes and Sub-Masters participated in the ceremony.
Northeast West Mississippi Conference – “It’s your Choice,” was the theme for the 2005 Class of Debutantes and Masters. This ceremony was held at Edwards Chapel in Coldwater, Mississippi, under the direction of Mrs. Ethel Tucker as they celebrated their 30th Annual Dedication Ceremony. Seven Debutantes and Masters dedicated their lives to a higher Christian service on Sunday, September 11, 2005.
Central North Mississippi Conference – On Sunday, October 2, 2005 under the direction of Mrs. Mamie Myers, one beautiful young Debutante dedicated her life to Christian service during their 13th Annual Dedication Ceremony. Also, 40 Allenites, Sub-Debutantes and sub-Masters participated in this glamorous event.
North Louisiana Conference - presented six dashing young Masters and a beautiful young Debutante. Following the theme “Stepping out on faith, guided by the light, ready to do God’s work.” (2 Thessalonians 1:2, 11), the Rev. Josephine Franklin, delivered a powerful message to the young people entitled, “Step in the Name of Love.” It was truly an elegant evening. The event was held at the Southern University –Shreveport ballroom under an arch of red and white balloons and strolled down a red-laced aisle as they were formally introduced into Christian society.
Central Louisiana Conference and Louisiana Conference - These dedication ceremonies were postponed until a later date because of the Hurricane Rita in the Central Louisiana Conference and Hurricane Katrina in the Louisiana Conference. Please keep these Conferences in your prayers.
The Commissioners would like to thank the parents and leaders of the district for their continued support, as the Eighth Episcopal District continues to “Prepare Young Adults for the Next Step in African Methodism.”
Article Submitted by Sister Tanya G. Morris
8th District CDMC Commissioner
P. O. Box 36362
Birmingham, AL 35236
6. U.S. CONGRESSIONAL TEAM VISITS AME UNIVERSITY:
“Purpose Driven” is how one could surmise the revitalization and construction of the once Hatcher Hall now renamed the "Hatcher-Henning-Norris Human Resource Center of the AME University in Monrovia, Liberia.
Under the visionary leadership of Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr., a $1 million dollar grant was secured to fund the restoration of the university. The funds were donated by the Government of the United States through its Ambassador to Liberia in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
The historic visitation brought together leaders from the United States to view the ongoing construction project. Included in the delegation were Senator Lincoln Chafee and Congressman Donald Payne among others. The Reverend Ronnie E. Brailsford, pastor of Bethel AME church of Columbia, South Carolina, scheduled dedication of the Rehabilitation project for February 20-27, 2006, which will be preceded by a week of revival. A delegation of the Council of Bishops will attend this historic event headed by the Senior Bishop, the Right Reverend Phillip R. Cousin.
7. BISHOP DANIELS IS SOLICITING DONATIONS FOR FURNISHINGS FOR THE "HATCHER, HENNING, NORRIS HUMAN RESOURCE CENTER":
Greetings in Jesus' Precious Name.
I am in the United States trying to do several things for the 14th Episcopal District. I am in search for the furnishings of "Hatcher, Henning, Norris Human Resource Center" the new building under renovation/construction now fro AME University in Monrovia Liberia.
Any information on how to get the items below will be very helpful.
We need the following for the Fourteenth Episcopal District:
1. 1000 banquet chairs for the 1000 seat auditorium in the new building that is under construction.
2. 3000 arm chairs for classrooms in the new building.
3. New and used electric generators.
4. Office furniture for the new offices in the building.
5. New or used 15-passenger vans in good running condition and or new or used trucks, pick up trucks, or larger buses etc.
Again, I thank you for all you do for others.
God bless you.
Peace, Love, Power and Happiness,
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.
8. The 11th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT of the AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SERVING THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND THE BAHAMAS
CELEBRATES THEIR 130th SESSION OF THE EAST CONFERENCE
By Angela Surcey Garner
The South Jacksonville District at St. Stephen A.M.E. Church, The Reverend Michael L. Mitchell, Pastor and Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, First Lady graciously hosted the East Conference of the 11th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, Episcopal Supervisor. Parking is usually a challenge at all host sites, but there was ample parking with four lots available. The attendants were gracious, friendly and very helpful. They also showed care and concern as Security Guards by waiting for persons who exited the church at night, to get safely into their cars.
This session of the East Conference alluded to a new era in the A.M.E. Church; a “changing of the guards” as such, with preachers sending forth God’s Word in awesome and very powerful ways! The days of staunch, quiet and guarded praise and worship are over. It is a new day in the A.M.E. Church! This Conference was full of high-spirit as each worship service built upon the previous one. Sister Rose Anderson, First Lady of the Alachua-Suwannee District, where her husband, The Reverend Damone Anderson is the Presiding Elder, used these words: “It was a full week of high praise from the beginning until the end. The Spirit of the Lord was definitely present! If someone didn’t feel the Holy Spirit moving, something is wrong with that person, because He was there – all in our midst!”
On Saturday, October 29, the Young People’s Division (YPD) conducted their business and held elections under the leadership of Sister Khama Rogers, First Lady of Mt. Tabor A.M.E. Church in Lake City, where Reverend Rashard Rogers is the Pastor. The East Conference continued on Sunday, October 30 with the Debutantes and Masters Ceremony (DMC) under the leadership of Sister Patricia Coppock Shehee, DMC Conference Director and member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, pastor. Those youth chosen to be Debutantes and Masters were introduced to the program attendants with style and grace as each demonstrated their abilities prescribed by the leaders and disciplines of the DMC Commission. It was, as always, a very beautiful ceremony.
The Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) of the 11th Episcopal District, led by our Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, celebrated their annual “Night in White” through high-spirited worship and praise to God on Monday, October 31, 2005. The host First Lady, Mrs. Cordelia Mitchell, made sure that all went well. The WMS held their Convention, comprised of business meetings, elections and a luncheon during the day. But Missionaries of all kinds, The WMS, Stewardesses, Deaconesses, and other women of God, wear all white on this night to celebrate God’s blessings. Many members of the WMS also included scarves and stoles in royal blue draped over their suits, as royal blue and white are their colors. The first level of St. Stephen contained pews full of people all over the Sanctuary, as we entered in – prepared for high-spirited praise and worship.
Our Worship Leader for the evening was The WMS’s Conference President, Dr. Cora H. Reed, member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville. Dr. Reed led the service with all of the electricity that is in the 11th Episcopal District. One of her tasks was to introduce the Episcopal President., Sister Melvin Morgan, who would in turn, introduce our Episcopal Supervisor, the very lovely, smart, hard-working and caring Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young.
During her report to the Conference, Dr. Young informed us that there are 1,123 members of the WMS on the Conference roll including 95 new members. Together, they gave over 15,000 hours of service and raised over $109,000 for missions and disaster relief. Of their many projects, the WMS participated in “Project Moses” – creating safe places for small babies against SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), they worked with rape crisis centers, Church Women United Prison Ministries, elderly home care, as well as caring for our youth, were among the many ways the WMS made their presence known. Dr. Young also encouraged all to become Red Cross Volunteers as she recognized those who had already committed themselves to that work. Dr. Young’s report was informative as we learned how the WMS responds immediately when called upon to work – prepared and always ready.
The East Conference Choir was outstanding throughout the Conference! When they soulfully sang “The Lord Will Make a Way,” there were more people on their feet singing and praising God than there were sitting, but all felt the soul-stirring rendition of that song as many rose to applaud the power of God working through the choir. Before the Sermonic Hymn was sung, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez, Presiding Elder of the Central Jacksonville District, introduced our speaker.
Our preacher for the evening was The Reverend Glenn Dames, Pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church in Starke. His sermon was taken from Luke 5:1-11 and set the tone for the week. It was evident that God was totally in control of our Conference; Reverend Dames’ sermon title was most appropriate: “Simon says, Follow the Leader” – and lead he did! He urged us to “launch out into the deep, meet people where they are, forget what you think you know, trust in God, let Him use you, learn how to worship and praise Him, then follow the leader, let God be with you.” Reverend Dames was the lead engine that pulled the next engine out of the train station; the cargo was heavy this week. It took two engines just to move it! The train continues to Conference opening worship.
The East Conference officially opened for business on Tuesday, November 1st at 10 a.m. Our day began with devotion led by The Reverend Marcius O. King, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. Rev. King, Brother Jeffrey Dove and two other pulpit participants led “Nearer my God to Thee”, livened the congregants in the Sanctuary up with “No Doubt”, and before a soul-stirring prayer, we sang, “Father I Stretch my Hands to Thee.” Bishop McKinley Young, our leader, entered and greeted everyone. All rose to welcome Retired Bishop Richard Hildebrand to the East Conference. We are honored by his presence whenever he is able to attend. After the business meetings each day, we prepared for a blessed night of worship.
The atmosphere was filled with excitement as many arrived early to have good seats. By 7 p.m., the Sanctuary was filled with Clergy and Lay, including the balcony. The Saint Paul A.M.E. Church Mass Choir gathered for prayer and fellowship before sharing the choir stand with The Saint Stephen A.M.E. Church Mass Choir. All of the members of St. Stephen were extremely gracious and helpful throughout the week. We felt at home in their midst as our Pastor would preach the Opening Worship sermon. St. Stephen’s Praise Team kept the train rolling through. Our Worship Leader for the evening was The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District. After St. Stephen’s Mass Choir led two powerful songs, they allowed St. Paul’s Mass Choir to take the seats behind their Pastor as we all prepared to receive God’s Word through His anointed one.
The St. Paul A.M.E. Church Mass Choir ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit with “Glorious is the Name of Jesus”, then livened things up with “One More Day”, led by Sister Bessie. As the congregants were into high praise and worship, Sister Alicia stepped to the microphone to lead “Safe in His Arms”, and the choir backed her up with powerful voices singing glorious praises to God. The band consisted of the leader, Brother Kirk Williams on the keyboards, Eugene, our soulful saxophonist, lead and bass guitarists, Cassius and Jimmy, Elijah, our drummer, and visiting trumpeter, Zsanelle Teamer; the choir was directed by Sister Deborah Limbric Rasheed. St. Paul’s Mass Choir definitely opened the door of praise and worship as their Pastor, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, walked right in as the engine who would lead the train through the Conference.
Pastor Zanders’ message was taken from Psalm 34:19 as he used for a title, “You Had to Go Through it.” He explained that “life is full of adversities. To understand them, one must know that trouble is inevitable, innumerable, indiscriminate, and may injure you but will not destroy you. Having salvation does not excuse you from trouble. You may be “hit but not halted!” Pastor Zanders concluded by telling everyone about “an available refuge” – Jesus the Christ. “As we remain faithful, God remains faithful and will deliver us from all unrighteousness, if we trust Him to do His part, in His time.” It was a most appropriate annual sermon in which the power of the Holy Spirit was manifested through Pastor Zanders’ message. Most of the congregation stood to their feet in support and praises to God for such an anointed and powerfully delivered sermon. The engine moved through the station and headed to the Sons of Allen’s Witness the following night.
The Sons of Allen lift the men of the A.M.E. Church. Our Worship Leader was Brother Nathaniel Glover who did an excellent job of presiding over the program. He took a moment to say to everyone, “It has been a pleasure and honor to have been your Worship Leader tonight.” We were also blessed by good singing from the East Conference Sons of Allen Choir who sang, “I’m Truly Blessed” and “Hold On, the Storm’s Passing Over.” They ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit before The Reverend Dr. George L. Champion began his powerful sermon entitled, “Connected”; taken from Luke 5:18-25. He spoke of our men being, “disconnected, detached from hope and saving grace, cursed by ‘driving while black’, black on black crime, drugs; some are playing ‘the blame game’, claiming to do things ‘after awhile’, saying they’re too old, or not in the in-crowd – all diseases that keep our men from becoming connected.” In the scripture, four men helped a man on a mat get to the feet of Jesus. Dr. Champion called them, “The Hook-up Team.” He also gave the four men names: “Brother Somehow, who won’t accept the status quo. Churches need these brothers. They are brothers of hope, but along the way they got tired, so Brother Jesus Can Do It, had to step in. For all the miracles Jesus performed, He is the one to bring you through. Then, there’s Brother Anyhow, who saw the crowds but was determined to get to Jesus, he sees the confusion but views the mission, doesn’t say I might, but I will – he has that anyhow faith; finally, Brother Let’s Do It, who doesn’t talk much, but gets busy doing.” Dr. Champion concluded this very powerful sermon by saying, “If you are connected, grab a corner, bring me in to Jesus!”
As Pastor Zanders led the worship in giving, he said there was a “Revival going on the East Annual Conference!” And, he was surely right! Each service was powerfully blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit. It was evident by the many congregants praising God from hearing His word through His chosen vessels. Even the devotions each morning were highly spiritual. On this night also, The Reverend Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, President of Edward Waters College, who had been called out of retirement, was presented with a plaque honoring him for the many years he has dedicated to education. This grand night ended in fellowship before departure, as we did after each service.
Thursdays of the East Annual Conference are always special to me. The morning service is the Celebration of Word, Ordination and Sacrament and the evening service is the Lay Witness. One of the most beautiful ceremonies is the Ordination. The Bishops, Presiding Elders and Elders enter in their beautiful robes with all of the elegant pomp and circumstance that surrounds God’s men and women of His Word. The Deacons (ordained ministers) and Licentiates (licensed to preach, on trial, but not yet ordained as ministers) follow, eager to be where the Elders are in their walk with God. This was a record-breaking ceremony as 11 Deacons were ordained as Elders, 2 Licentiates were ordained as Deacons, and 6 persons were accepted on trial as Licentiates.
The East Conference Choir blessed us first with “Glory Glory, Hallelujah, Since I Laid My Burdens Down,” and after the presentation of and collect for the Deacons and Elders, the Choir ushered in the presence of the Holy Spirit with “Order My Steps.” Sister Faye Diamond directed them and the soloist sang with the power of God as the singing of that song soulfully touched the congregants.
Our preacher for the Celebration was The Right Reverend Paul Kawimbe, from Zambia, who is the Presiding Prelate of the 17th District of the A.M.E. Church (Africa). Bishop Kawimbe’s sermon title was, “The Recipe to the Work of God,” taken from 1 Chronicles 15:11-19. He expounded upon four things to remember when doing God’s work: 1) Do the work of God Biblically; God has prescribed a certain way, do things His way; 2) Do God’s work and handle His ministry with joy! The joy of the Lord is your strength! 3) Do it sacrificially – if there is no pain, there is no sacrifice; 4) Do it fervently – use the zeal and fire God gives you to carry out His work. Bishop Kawimbe concluded his sermon by saying, “This is God’s ministry! God has given it to us to do things His way – surrender to the will of God.” The sermon was most appropriate for the service of Word, Ordination and Sacrament as the content spoke to all Elders, Deacons, Licentiates and Laypersons. We all have a charge to keep and Bishop Kawimbe’s “Recipe to the Work of God” was an outstanding set of rules to live by in ministry.
The Act of Ordination and Service of Communion followed. This record-breaking Ordination service was blessed by the presence of 3 Bishops: Bishop Hildebrand, Bishop Young, and Bishop Kawimbe and all of the Presiding Elders of the East Conference: The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, The Reverend Joseph Sanchez, The Reverend O. C. Williams, and The Reverend Damone Anderson. There were several Elders available as seven hands are placed on the newly ordained ministers’ heads to bless them in their new walk with God. It is always a beautiful and spirit-filled service. The Deacons ordained were Brother Linton Cason and Sister Lateria Watson who were presented to Bishop Young by The Rev. Dr. George Champion. The Elders ordained were: The Reverends Michael Baker, Emory Berry, Albert Bivins, Emmett Bright, James Graham, Gregory Jones, Martin Kohn, Nathaniel Robinson, Doris Sherman, Sandra Stevens, and Godfrey Taylor; they were presented to Bishop Young by The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II. The sharing of elements was orderly and beautiful as the Bishops, Presiding Elders, newly ordained Elders and their immediate families, the ministers of the Conference, then the congregation was served. We are truly “Living Well” in the electrifying Eleventh District! After lunch and a brief business meeting, we prepared our hearts for the Lay Witness Worship Service that evening.
The Lay Witness Worship Service was entitled, “A Service of Praise and Adoration.” It was surely that and more! Our Worship Leader for the evening was the President of the Alachua-Suwannee District, Sister Phillis Filer, who was high-spirited and led the worship service with much praise and adoration. The invocation, given by the Host Pastor, The Reverend Michael Mitchell, was extremely powerful, spirit-filled and brought the Holy Ghost FIRE down to envelop our souls. After such a powerful, sermonic prayer, the congregants were worshipping and praising God as if He were standing right in front of them! The choral response, “Because of Who You Are,” gave credence to Reverend Mitchell’s sermonic prayer and caused many to shout and praise God even more!
The East Conference Choir blessed us with an Anthem, “The Wonders of His Works”, which was exceptionally done, a Spiritual, “Guide my Feet”, was both spiritual and soulful; the harmony was well blended and beautiful – the choir sounded like angels; then the Gospel, “I’m Going With Jesus All the Way,” got everyone into the choral praise. They surely blessed our souls with well-chosen songs and excellent, beautifully sung music throughout the Conference.
Our preacher for the evening was The Reverend Hudson Williamson, Pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Gainesville, FL. His message was taken from Acts 2:41-47 and entitled, “What Does It Take?” Reverend Williamson’s message was powerful and one of instruction; something that ALL ministry leaders needed – Clergy and Lay. Because God called every one of His children to ministry, all in the Sanctuary could benefit from such an anointed message. He reminded us to, “talk up each other, have the Word of God in you, live according to His Will, impress God (not people) by what you do; leave things better than you found them when you go into the ministry God has chosen for you, put all selfishness behind you, do the work God called you to do. Remember that no church is perfect.” His main points were: 1) It takes the preaching and teaching of the proclaimed Word of God; 2) It takes people who are saved, changed and converted; 3) It takes people who have one common agenda; 4) It takes Evangelism; go from door to door to take God’s Word; “we need to go out and bring them in!” Rev. Williamson concluded his powerful, teaching sermon by saying that “we must commit ourselves to doing God’s Work.”
The service was wonderful from beginning to end! Before the Doxology and Lay Benediction, the final remarks and expressions were offered by Brother Joseph Coppock, East Conference Lay President; Sister Marian Bacon White, 11th Episcopal District Lay President; Brother Jesse L. Burns, Connectional Lay Organization President; and Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District. As Sister White gave her remarks, she mentioned that The East Conference had representation from all six of the Districts.
The night ended with a small reception upstairs in the dining room attended by the Presidents and their guests. The menu included Swedish meatballs, chicken drumettes, "angeled" eggs (I have a problem with the word "deviled" when it is something I like to eat; I also realize it’s just a mind thing), which the eggs were called after I “suggested” the name change to the gracious young lady who was serving us. Also, a gigantic fruit plate and cake were so good! The punch even had ice cream in it! Everything was delicious and though the night was late, our hosts were very kind, gracious, accommodating and pleasantly receptive of the excitement, laughter and high spirit in their dining room. The St. Stephen Family was the most wonderful host throughout the Conference – they made everyone feel comfortable and at home; the general feeling was, “mi casa es su casa.”
We made it to the last day. Having hosted the East Conference at our church a couple of years ago, I could relate to the excitement of the final day, especially when most things seemed to have gone right at least 90% of the time. The morning consisted of a final business session, which was short because Bishop Young completed most of the business daily, in a timely, but thorough manner. We have learned and shared much this Conference year. Our Bishop “makes it plain;” there is no guessing about what could or should be during the business meetings. But, at the same time, he is caring, gracious and very humorous at times – God chose the perfect Bishop to replace the now retired, but still loved and missed, Bishop John Hurst Adams.
The latter morning and afternoon consisted of the annual Memorial and Retirement Services. The former Presiding Elder of the Central Jacksonville District, my Elder, The Reverend Thomas B. DeSue, who was elevated to the position of Administrative Assistant to the Bishop under The Right Reverend John Hurst Adams, entered into retirement this year. Elder DeSue led the Central Jacksonville District with style, grace and class; those traits carried over to his new position in the Bishop’s office. He has taught us much about the workings of the A.M.E. Church, and though it is a “new day” in our church, with new forms of worship and praise, the values instilled in us by Elder DeSue will live on forever if we continue to project those values in our ministries and use them to teach and train our leaders, youth and new members.
The annual Model Church School began promptly at 6:00 p.m. It always precedes the closing service. The Reverend William Lamar IV, Conference Superintendent and Pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Tyler St., Jacksonville, presided over this session of Church School. The lesson was taken from Acts 9:3-18 and entitled, “Paul Becomes a Follower.” The Reverend Ronald Rawls did an excellent job of explaining why we all should become good followers. The main point was, “There is no authority anywhere that God has not put in place, so when we fight against the plan or authority of God, we are actually fighting against God; don’t fight a losing battle, trust God’s plan.” Brother Samuel Hunter, Episcopal Superintendent, led the remarks about Church School and The Reverend Alicia Scott-Ford, Conference Assistant Superintendent and Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Orange Park, gave the closing remarks. She reminded us, “As we walk this Christian journey, trust God because He is leading so we don’t need our own eyes. God speaks and makes it clear who He is – trust God, follow Him.”
The Closing Convocation was upon us. The excitement was so thick; one could reach out and grab it! The sanctuary was prepared for the overflow of congregants as Rev. Mitchell made a final check on the additional chairs along the main aisle. As the Clergy and other Congregants entered, all of those seats were filled, as were most of the seats in the balcony. After the Processional to “Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty,” we were blessed by the formal A.M.E. devotion concluded with a powerful and spiritual prayer by The Reverend Marcius O. King, Pastor of St. Matthew A.M.E. Church. After the Choral Response, The East Conference Choir sang one of my favorite Anthems, “Lift Up Your Heads O Ye Gates,” soprano solo led by Sister Wilson of Historic Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, and the entire Anthem was beautiful and flawless! The choir again received a standing ovation. After the scripture lesson, preface to and summary of the Decalogue, and The Gloria Patri, the choir again blessed us with, “I Will Sing Hallelujah, O Lord,” and it too, was sung melodiously! Throughout the Conference, this choir has been outstanding and awesome in God’s hands.
After the choir sang “I Am Yours,” The Reverend O. C. Williams, Presiding Elder of the North Jacksonville District, presented the Bishop’s Presenter, The Reverend Dr. Robert L. Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District, who would present our illustrious Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District, The Right Reverend McKinley Young, our preacher for the evening. The Sermonic Hymn was most appropriate and definitely bearing mention at this point; “How Great the Wisdom” – look at the words to this Hymn when you have time, sing it, feel the Holy Spirit working inside of you; it is a most majestic song, one of perfect choice to present our Bishop and his sermon.
After establishing Protocol, Bishop Young said “thank you” to many persons before he soulfully sang, “I’m Going to Trust in the Lord.” The choir and congregation joined him as he sang a couple of verses and the refrain with his very clear and beautiful voice; we were blessed by his singing. Bishop Young’s scripture was taken from the Gospel of John, who he referred to as “the mouthpiece of the Master,” 12:20-22. He entitled his sermon, “Sir, We Would See Jesus!” During Bishop’s sermon, he reminded us, “The people are coming to be pointed in the direction of Jesus, there is only one! It is bigger than we are! It is all about Jesus! We are entrusted to be the people who stand at the gap, receive the attention but deflect it from you to Jesus! Spend time in God’s word, for at the feet of Jesus, you learn how to praise Him!” Bishop Young concluded his sermon by telling us, “Our responsibility is a challenge: We must find ways to tell the story of Jesus, to keep people coming to us and engage those people in following Christ; our job is to tell people HOW to see Jesus! All is well, when I see Jesus!” Bishop Young preached a most powerful sermon-giving honor to God Who is the head of all of our lives.
After the Invitation and Worship through Giving, including the Offertory Response, we went directly into the Commissioning Service as we sang “A Charge to Keep I Have.” Before Bishop and Dr. Young made their presentations, Bishop Young gave a small summary of how much was collected from each Conference within the electrifying 11th Episcopal District for disaster relief. He reported a total of $213,652.12! What a blessing! The 11th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church gave $100,000 to Florida and The Bahamas; the A.M.E. Church as a whole, collected over $1,762,000 for disaster relief alone! Bishop also informed us that the A.M.E. Church gives 1.3 million dollars a year to Edward Waters College and the 11th District gives EWC $1,000 a quarter. This is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to giving. The Women’s Missionary Society, led by our wonderful Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young presented Bishop Young with a check for $10,000 towards disaster relief. Then, Bishop Young distributed checks, with a little assistance from the Accountant of our district, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, to the various organizations that participated in the East Conference Witness Services, St. Stephen A.M.E. Church as our host, and gave $4,000 to the 17th District over which Bishop Paul Kawimbe presides. The A.M.E. Church is a loving, giving ministry and there is still room for more.
As the Conference came to a close, Bishop Young issued the appointments. Most of our churches were blessed to keep their current Pastors for another year. This is an “edge of the seat” experience every year as each congregation grows to love their pastor and his or her family. Because as an Itinerant Elder, he or she can be moved to another A.M.E. Church at any time – which is like taking a shepherd from his or her sheep, if the pastor has established a relationship of love with the people God entrusted to him or her. The A.M.E. Church teaches God’s Word, love, togetherness, family values, giving as worship and blessings, and so much more. This year’s Conference has been one of the most high-spirited, electrifying, powerful experiences ever. I believe my Pastor said it best, “We had a Revival going on in the East Conference this year!” I look forward to next year as we will remain prayerful this new conference year and strive to reach others for Christ. There is a place for you in the African Methodist Episcopal Church!
9. SISTER SAUNDRA LUCAS REMINDS US THAT DECEMBER FIRST IS WORLD AIDS DAY:
Dec 1 is World AIDS Day. Please show your support to those infected and affected. This year's theme is "Keep the Promise". He cares for all of His children and we can do no less!Saundra
Saundra Lucas - slucas52@sirinet.net
10. AME PASTOR’S SON STARS IN BASKETBALL AT CONNECTICUT COLLEGE:
Christian Mosley, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Rufus Mosley, Bethel AME Church, Eastville, VA is a star player for Connecticut College. Anyone who has ever attended the closing session of the Virginia Annual Conference would remember Reverend Rufus Mosley and his creative reading of the Annual Conference Resolutions.
Sophomore Christian Mosley scored a game-high of 20 points, propelling Connecticut College (1-0) to a 78-53 victory over Eastern Nazarene College (0-2) Saturday night. Mosley shot a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range and was 7-for-8 from the floor.
Congratulations to the Mosley family.
11. MILES COLLEGE PRESIDENT DIED LAST WEEK:
The Reverend Dr. Albert Sloan, President of Miles College, died last Friday and will be funeralized in Birmingham, Alabama on this Thursday.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
We joyfully welcome Brianna Noel Reynolds to the world! Brianna is the daughter of Leon and Rokisha Reynolds, and the granddaughter of Reverend Ronald and Helen Boykin, Pastor and First Lady of First AME Church of Manassas, Virginia.
Pastor D. B. WilsonGreater Bethel AME Church"The church where God resides and love abides"
Submitted by the Clergy Family Information Center
13. NEWS FROM THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:
> World AIDS Day at the Ecumenical Centre, 1 December, Geneva, Switzerland"Don't turn your back on AIDS. Keep the promise" is the central slogan of this year's World AIDS Day events being organized at the Ecumenical Centre in Geneva by UN organizations, Geneva-based ecumenical organizations - the World Council of Churches, Lutheran World Federation, World YWCA and Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance - diplomatic missions, and the International School of Geneva. The events will include conferences, films, exhibits, information booths, an ecumenical worship service in the Ecumenical Centre chapel, a candlelight march and a torchlight parade.The slogan lifts up what is seen as today's major AIDS challenge: to "keep commitments to stop AIDS at all levels: personal, community, organization, governmental".
> Kobia speaks at AIDS event in Bern - Medicines for Africa, 1 December, Bern, Switzerland25,000 petitions calling on the Swiss government, pharmaceutical industry and churches to make a far greater effort to ensure African populations access to anti-retroviral treatments are to be presented to government, business and church representatives on 1 December in Bern at 18:00.With the slogan, "Africa needs medicines. Now!", events outside the Swiss parliament building will include the lighting of 8000 candles laid out in the shape of Africa, a public interview with World Council of Churches general secretary Samuel Kobia; and presentation of the petitions. Representing the Swiss Protestant and Catholic churches, Rev. Thomas Wipf and Bishop Amédé Grab will explain the positions of their respective churches on this issue. The petition campaign was jointly organized by the Bethlehem Mission Immensee and Swiss Interchurch Aid (EPER).
> WCC to host Indigenous caucus to UN, 3-4 December, Geneva, SwitzerlandThe WCC will host Indigenous leaders participating in a caucus at the 11th session of the working group on a draft United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Meeting at the WCC headquarters before the session, some 150 caucus participants from all parts of the world will review the progress of the draft declaration, and work towards a common strategy during the session, which takes place in Geneva from 5 - 16 December 2005.It is hoped that the draft declaration will be finalized at the session, and thus be ready for submission to the General Assembly for final approval.
> Latin American workshop on small arms and violence, 5-7 December, Buenos Aires, Argentina"For churches promoting peace: violence and peace in Latin America and the Caribbean" is the title of a regional church workshop to take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 5-7 December 2005. It will consider case studies on small arms and urban violence in Brazil and Argentina, the militarization of Colombia's long-running civil conflict, and the impact of violence on women, youth and Indigenous communities. Participants will work on a peace curriculum for church and school use. The workshop, which comes on the eve of the 2006 Latin America focus of the WCC's Decade to Overcome Violence, is sponsored by the Latin American Council of Churches (CLAI) and the WCC Commission of the Churches on International Affairs.
> Day of prayer on trade, 11 December (Sunday), worldwideChurches around the world are being asked to make Sunday 11 December a day of "prayerful support" to the Geneva-based Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance's efforts to promote "trade for people" at the World Trade Organization's (WTO) upcoming (13-18 December) Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. EAA is offering worship materials on trade and human rights for incorporation into regular worship services on that day. The aim is to "raise awareness of the WTO negotiations and the impact global trade has on us all". The materials touch in particular on the right to health and the right to food.
> Ecumenical women's forum on life-promoting trade, 12-14 December, Hong KongAround 60 women working for economic justice in their communities and feminist economists from all regions will participate in an ecumenical forum on life-promoting trade scheduled to coincide with the WTO's upcoming Ministerial Conference in Hong Kong. The forum will focus on "two critical WTO agreements where the stakes for women are particularly high: the Agreement on Agriculture (AOA) and the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)". It will draw up an action plan as well as an ecumenical women's letter to WTO director-general Pascal Lamy and the trade ministers of WTO member countries.
The forum is being organized by 12 international, Hong Kong and Swiss church-based organizations including the World Council of Churches.
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Shaw was the brother of our Seventh Episcopal District MSWAWO President, Mrs. Lula Shaw Cleckley and Reverend Minnie Shaw Frierson of the 4th Episcopal District.The funeral is scheduled for: 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, November 29, 2005Rock Hill A.M.E. ChurchVance, South Carolina
803-496-7020 (Phone)
The funeral service is entrusted to:
Simmons Funeral Home907 Russell Street, NW
Orangeburg, South Carolina 29115
(803) 534-2646 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Lula Shaw Cleckley and Family
1746 Drexel Lake Drive
Columbia, SC 29223
(803) 787-5769 (Phone)
Email: Lulacleckley@aol.com
Or to:
Rev. Minnie Shaw Frierson and Family
1952 Hyde Park Drive
Detroit Michigan 48207
(313) 259-4403 (Phone)
Please remember the family in your prayers.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
Regretfully we share news of the following:
The passing of Mr. Arthur Knew, the youngest and final brother of Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss, President of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women and spouse of Retired U.S. Navy Captain Carroll R. Chambliss.
Funeral Arrangements:
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Third Baptist Church
620 N. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63103
Viewing: 10:00 AM
Funeral Service: 11:00 AM
Rev. J. Hoffman, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to the family of Mr. Arthur Knew c/o of the church address above or to:
Mrs. Christene H. Chambliss and Family
200 N. Pickett Street # 708
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 823-2616 (Phone)
(703) 823-3441 (Fax)
Email: cchambliss1@comcast.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES:
The Reverend A. E. English, age 102, of the Macon Georgia Conference passed on Tuesday, November 22, 2005.
Funeral Services:
Monday, November 28, 2005
1:00 p.m.
Greater Turner Tabernacle African Methodist Episcopal Church
1104 Third Street
Macon, GA 31201
912-743-4932 (Phone)
The funeral service is entrusted to:
Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel Inc.
607 Kaigler Street
Oglethorpe, Georgia 31068 (478) 472-6118 (Phone)
Interment:
Oglethorpe City Cemetery
Memorial Drive
Oglethorpe, GA
Condolences may be sent to the family of Rev. A. E. English c/o of the church address.
Submitted by,
Mary J. Marshall, President
Macon Conference MSWWA
Please remember these families in your prayers.
17. BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Mrs. Ora L. Easley - Administrator Email: Amespouses1@aol.com
(Nashville, Tennessee Contact) Phone: (615) 837-9736 Fax: (615) 833-3781
(Memphis, Tennessee Contact) (901) 578-4554 (Phone & Fax)
Please remember these families in your prayers.
18. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement