Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE MEMPHIS FUNERAL FOR HELAINE ALEECE HENNING WAS A CELEBRATION:
The loss of a child has to be one of the most difficult experiences in life. We tend to think that we will be faced with the task of burying our parents and might even be faced with the task of burying one of our siblings, but the unsettling task of burying one of our children is a thought that most of us do not want to think about or imagine.
And, that was the task that Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Mother Ernestine Henning were faced with – burying their oldest child, Helaine Aleece Henning. Death never comes at a convenient time and we are almost never prepared for it, and there is never a convenient time for the death of one’s child.
The mood was somber as the family filed into the St. Andrews AME Church located at 867 South Parkway in Memphis. The parents among the congregation had to feel a degree of painful empathy with the Henning family as they paid their last respects to their oldest child; and this was their second funeral for one of their children. They lost a son to an automobile accident, so this funeral for their oldest daughter, deeply affected all of us. The pain was evident in the silence, the tears, the painful expressions on the faces of the congregants, as the organist played the prelude as the family entered the sanctuary and took their seats.
The somberness ended quickly with the words of scripture lifted up by the liturgist, the Rt. Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District. The celebration of the life of Helaine Aleece Henning began. The Call to Worship and the congregational singing of the hymn, “Great is Thy Faithfulness” lifted the spirits of family and the congregation. The invocation by the Rt. Reverend William Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, was a prayer of empathy and comfort. The scripture lessons and the choral selections by the 8th Episcopal District Choir added significantly to the celebration. Presiding Elder Michelle Goodloe, the Reverend Douglas Taylor and the Reverend Catherine Amedee led in the reading of the scriptures. The Reverend Jacob Hilton extended the call to worship.
Words of comfort were extended to the family by Mrs. Jamesina Evans, on behalf of the Connectional Women’s missionary Society; the Reverend Thomas Brown on behalf of the pastors of the 8th Episcopal District, and Presiding Elder Otis Lewis on behalf of the 8th Episcopal District. Dr. Clement Fugh, General Secretary, AME Church and Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer of the AME Church extended words of comfort on behalf of the Council of General Officers. The Rt. Reverend Robert V. Webster, Presiding Prelate of the 3rd Episcopal District, the Rt. Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District, and the Rt. Rev. Preston W. Williams, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District gave words of comfort on behalf of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Council of Bishops. Their words and expression of faith and hope were comforting to the family. The presence of retired Bishop, the Rt. Reverend Frederick H. Talbot was comforting to the family.
The Henning and Lee families participated in worship and their participation would have been a great homegoing without anyone else’s participation. What a talented family! One of the cousins, Sister Pamela Bowman offered words of encouragement and sang a solo. Cousins Cassandra Denise Swift, Kristen Henning, gave words of comfort. A defining moment in the service was the words given by Mother Ernestine Lee Henning, a mother’s tribute to her daughter. Helaine’s uncles, Ekpe Abioto, flutist and Mark Lee, guitarist could have, by themselves, provided all of the music for the service. Both are accomplished musicians. Brother Abioto shared several African proverbs, one of which says, “The stronger we are, the stronger I am” in terms of working together and being faithful family members. He also shared the African proverb, “The ruin of a nation begins in the home.” The Holy Spirit-filled singing of Sister Ernestine Dillard lifted us off our seats! She sang, the musicians played and the congregation praised God.
The preacher, Presiding Elder Floyd (Preach) Alexander, took the congregation to an even higher level of worship with his wonderful sermon and words of comfort. His message was timely and relevant. The family appeared comforted and the burden of somberness felt at the beginning of the service was lifted. Helaine Aleece Henning had been eulogized and the homegoing was almost complete.
Bishop C. Garnett Henning, the Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District, the father, extended the expression of appreciation and he did so with dignity and strength. As the Reverend Thomas Brown said earlier in the service, “Bishop you have presided at many funerals and you have told the bereaved that God would comfort them, and now we come to tell you that God will comfort you and your family in your time of bereavement.” Bishop Henning’s comments were delivered as a father who had been comforted. He thanked those who had participated in the California service, especially Bishop John Bryant, the Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, the Reverend Sylvester Laudermill, pastor of Ward AME Church and the Ward AME Church family,
The recessional was spirited with congregants greeting the Henning and Lee families and each other as only AMEs can. The Homegoing was a “good old fashion” AME meeting. Except for the hearse in front of St. Andrews AME Church, anyone passing by after the funeral would have thought that we were attending an annual conference. That was the spirit of Helaine’s homegoing.
St. Andrews AME Church was the ultimate host for the “event.” The Reverend Dr. Kenneth Robinson is the pastor. His wife, the Reverend Marilynn Robinson is co-pastor.
2. CHURCH PLANTING IS A VIABLE WAY FOR THE AME CHURCH TO BE INVIGORATED:
Reverend Bobete Hampton
I am convinced that church 'plants' are the only way that our AMEC is going to grow. I thank God that Bishop Cousin gave me the opportunity to build God's church on His Word. In 2002, Bishop Cousin gave three appointments for 'New Work' in the Michigan Conference. Today, Fresh Fire AMEC is the only 'New Work' from the plants in 2002. In 2003, the other two plants were merged with smaller established churches.
Of course, Bishop gave out two additional appointments for New Work in 2003. I believe that if the Connectional Church would come up with a viable plan to encourage seminarians to 'plant churches' and the Connection and District, support the new work, the seminarians would not have to "wait for someone to die" or be transferred before stepping into a pulpit.
They would not have to wait for an appointment, and our church would begin to grow.
As large as our church is, (35 adults and 35 youth and children), FAITH has enabled us to adopt 8 displaced individuals from New Orleans, clothe them, feed them, secure transportation, housing and jobs by collaborating with agencies in the community. Fresh Fire is God working in His New Testament Church in Action!
Please read the attached article. Fresh Fire is a historical plant in the City of Kalamazoo, MI. It is the first AMEC plant since 1855. That was 147 years ago! The first church was Allen Chapel, which is the church in which I was raised. There had never been a female pastor pastoring in Kalamazoo, until I planted Fresh Fire 2002. I welcome the opportunity to share with you the growth and development of our Urban Ministry. I may be reached at 269-629-8087 (H), 269-381-8050 (C) or 269-352-5785 (Cell). Have a Blessed Holiday Season. The web site is www.robertmweir.com/encorepages/encorehampton.
Pastor Bobette Hampton
3. TYLER DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION NIGHT OF STAR POWER:
By: Delanda S. Johnson
Guest Writer
The Tenacious Tyler District Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church shined with the stars on Saturday, December 3, 2005, at their First Annual Lay Banquet. The banquet held at the Ramada Inn Conference Center in Tyler, Texas hosted approximately 200 people; who gathered to hear the speaker for the evening well known Actor, Singer, Composer, Producer, and Minister Rev. Dr. Clifton Davis.
You will probably best remember him as Rev. Rueben Gregory on the popular NBC television series, “AMEN.” His other television credits include starring in “The Melba Moore & Clifton Davis Show” and “That’s My Mama.”
Dr. Davis holds a BA in Theology, a Master of Divinity degree, a Doctor of Ministry degree, and a Doctor of Letters degree. He is listed in “Who’s Who In America” and has been recognized by such organizations as the SCLC, UNCF, World Vision, and the NAACP. He served as co-founder, co-Pastor of Welcome Christian Center of Huntington Beach, California, and licensed as an ordained minister by St. Luke Baptist Church, New York, New York.
On Christian television, Davis hosts C. A. T. S. (Christian Artist Talent Search) on INSP television; the host of “Backstage Pass” and ministers for “Praise the Lord” on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.
In an exclusive interview before the banquet, Davis expressed his delight in begin back in Texas where you have wide-open spaces and warm friendly face.
Davis noted five years ago, he was the keynote speaker for the Athens-Henderson County Branch NAACP, but this was his first time speaking for the Tyler District Lay Organization of the A. M. E. Church.
As a minister/speaker, Davis travels three weeks out of every month throughout the country. Davis stated that traveling throughout the country he does not have the time for a full-time congregation (church), but loves how the Lord uses him when speaking to different audiences around the world.
When asked about his calling to the ministry, Davis stated, “I’m amazed that the Lord called him at all. Each time that I go forth to speak, I’m humble at the responsibility that the Lord has placed on me and I do my best to meet that responsibility.”
Mrs. Gloria Glaspie, Allen Chapel AME Church, Athens; stated, “We are here to magnify and glorify the name of Jesus. We come together in this Christmas season to worship, love, and bring comforted to those effected by the hurricanes and peace to those who have love ones in Iraq. However, tonight we are here to help the Lay Organization that stands for helping, serving, giving, and education. Let us leave here tonight as AME’s with the goal of fulfilling our destiny and our mission, which is to serve.”
The evening moved with the spiritual and golden voices of Mrs. Linda Cook singing, “Heavenly Choir” and Ms. Leatrice Gray singing “Miracles and Blessings.”
With two emotional singers, the spirit of the Lord was ready to move as Rev. Dr. Clifton Davis began to speak on “Called to Make a Difference.”
Rev. Dr. Davis expressed to the congregation that the difference we make should make a difference in each other lives. “We see a world not as a glorious oyster, but we see a creation that is crying out for Christ return. Our eyes see things differently from the world, economically and spiritually. We are of God.”
Davis electrified the congregation by stating that GOD will make a way out of no way, that in times of trouble and peace, God is there.
“I have hope when hope is gone. I have hope when the world has lost all hope. I have hope in Jesus Christ,” said Davis.
Davis stated, “that if we are different, we should be able to make a difference in someone else lives. Others should see the difference that Jesus has make in you. Your power, your purpose, and your will is no longer your own. You will have a different walk, a different talk, your light will shine in Jesus Christ; you have made a difference.”
4. NCC CONDEMNS AHMADINEJAD'S HOLOCAUST STATEMENT:
December 16, 2005, New York -- In unusually strong language, the National Council of Churches USA has condemned Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's call for the obliteration of Israel and his claim that the Holocaust was "a myth."
"It is no accident that among the first protests of the Iranian president's statement were those of German leaders, whose parents were witnesses of the horrible reality of the Holocaust," said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary of the NCC. "Anti-Semitism's most vociferous manifestation is the 'Big Lie' now coming from Tehran."
Edgar also reaffirmed the NCC's support for the security of the State of Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian State.
Ahmadinejad's remarks were made during a convention entitled, "A World Without Zionists." He said the state of Israel should be wiped off the map. He went on to say, that Western leaders "have invented a myth that Jews were massacred and place this above God, religions and the prophets."
Ahmadinejad's statements were immediately condemned by the Vatican and world governments, including China.
Dr. Antonios Kireopoulos, Associate General Secretary of the NCC for International Affairs and Peace, recalled that an earlier president of Iran encouraged a "dialogue among civilizations."
"By spewing forth hatred for Israel, Judaism and the Jewish people," Kireopoulos said, "President Ahmadinejad is assuring that this dialogue will go on without Iran. How unfortunate this is for the Iranian people, many of whom do not share their president's views."
The National Council of Churches USA is composed of 35 Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, historic African American and peace communions representing 45 million Christians in 100,000 local congregations in the United States. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is a member of the NCC.
The full text of the NCC statement:
The National Council of Churches USA condemns the comments of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad calling for the obliteration or relocation of the State of Israel.
The State of Israel has embodied the hopes and dreams of Jews worldwide for decades, especially since the Holocaust that occurred during World War II. President Ahmadinejad's invective that the Holocaust never happened is a sobering reminder of the corrosive power of ignorance, desperation, and hatred.
It is no accident that among the first protests of the Iranian president's statement were those of German leaders, whose parents were witnesses of the horrible reality of the Holocaust. Anti-Semitism's most vociferous manifestation is the "Big Lie" now coming from Tehran.
In opposition to such incomprehensible hatred, all people of faith and good will must stand firm in their rejection of Mr. Ahmadinejad's views. We at the National Council of Churches USA deplore these views.
In the face of Mr. Ahmadinejad's call for the obliteration of Israel, the National Council of Churches USA reaffirms its support for the security of the State of Israel, alongside a viable Palestinian State. We also reaffirm our respect for Judaism and our friendship with the Jewish people.
Iran is a complex country, rich in history, much of its recent history marred by difficult relations with the international community. Most recently, these difficulties are over nuclear issues. The Iranian president's comments only serve to threaten Iran itself with further isolation from the world.
Just a few years ago, the former president of Iran encouraged the "Dialogue Among Civilizations." By spewing forth hatred for Israel, Judaism and the Jewish people, President Ahmadinejad is ensuring that this dialogue will go on without Iran. How unfortunate this is for the Iranian people, most of whom do not share their president's views.
Contact NCC News: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2252, pjenks@ncccusa.org; or Leslie Tune, 202-544-2350, ltune@ncccusa.org
5. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - FROM CRADLE TO CROSS, NEW AUTHORITY:
34Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35aso that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.
Simon saw in the Christ Child a new authority under which men and women (human kind) are to live. Christ (the Child) will cause the falling and rising of many (Luke 2: 34b).
There will be a reordering of positions in life through Christ.
Authority is the legitimate right to do something. There are all kinds of authorities working in our lives. The IRS has the authority to enforce the payment of federal income taxes. The judicial system has the right to enforce the laws governing our conduct as citizen in our society. How we fare in life is dependent on how we respond to those authorities operating in our lives. As God’s creations, how we fare, in this world and in the world to come, is dependent on how we respond to the Person of Jesus Christ.
Luke 20: 1-18 describes Jesus’ encounter with the chief priests, teachers of the law, and the elders, at the temple in Jerusalem, and illustrates the new authority God established through the Christ Child. The temple leaders asked, “Who gave you this authority?” – to do miracles, to teach and to preach. The conversation between Jesus and the temple leaders uncovers some of the authorities in our lives that replace the authority of Jesus Christ. By relying on any one of these sources of authority too heavily, we misunderstand the nature and will of God.
1. v.1-2 – The priest, teachers, and elders were the traditional holders of power and authority in Hebrew society. Tradition is valuable because it facilitates stability while lending identity to people and institutions. But, relying too heavily on tradition can subject us to backward thinking. We see life through a rear view mirror, losing our relevance to today, and unable to move forward. This can lead to the oppression of self or others. I remember hearing Governor George Wallace attempt to justify the oppression of Blacks in Alabama by saying, “This is our way of life which is governed by the traditions we hold sacred.” Where is Jesus in that worldview?
2. v. 5a – They discussed or reasoned out their response to Jesus’ inquiry about John’s baptism. Our God-given capacity to reason allows us to solve problems, imagine and create new things in life. Too heavy a reliance on our own reason can make human kind its own highest authority. We become our own gods – humanism. Whatever we reason to be true, appropriate, or acceptable wins. Life’s order is based on relative terms because, “What’s right for you is right for you. And what’s right for me is right for me!” Arrogant, unbridled self-interest in opposition to God’s desire that we love one another becomes the standard that governs our relationships.
3. v. 5b – Jesus asked them why they did not believe what they had experienced for themselves. It is through experience that we know we are alive. Our senses afford us the privilege of enjoying God, God’s wonderful creation, and each other. But, when experience becomes the source of authority in our lives, we seek what satisfies our senses. The material governs our thoughts and actions and sensory – what we see - touch, taste, smell, hear, or see. Only what tantalizes our senses is relevant to us. Shallow instability often results because we are looking for the next thrill. This is sometimes evidenced in the church. While worship should be joyous, energetic and entertaining, it is dangerous to seek only to be entertained, overlooking the sincere worship of an Almighty God.
4. v. 6 – John was recognized as the fulfillment of scripture regarding the second coming of the prophet Elijah (Matthew 11: 9 & 13-15). God instructs and guides us through Scripture. Our understanding of Scripture must be influenced by tradition, reason, and experience or what may result is legalism. Legalism is when we operate in the letter of the law losing the spirit of the law. Harsh, judgmental attitudes often exist when Scripture is not interpreted through God’s love for us.
The Need for Christ’s Authority:
To know and live lives of truth, all sources of authority – Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience – must be placed under Christ’s authority because Christ’s Spirit guides us into all truth (John 16: 13). He dwells in every believer and makes known to us the mind of Christ. There is a reordering of positions in life through Christ. Christ’s authority causes the falling and rising of many (Luke 2: 34b) because, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3: 28).” This is the will of God under Christ’s “New Authority.”
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel AME, Chicago
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
12/16/2005
Pastors Assigned to Big Bethel and Flipper Temple
Pastors Assigned to Big Bethel and Flipper Temple
The Reverend Dr. Gregory Eason is a graduate of Morris Brown College, Turner Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary has been appointed Bishop William DeVeaux as pastor of Big Bethel AME Church.
The Reverend Augustus Hall is the newly assigned pastor of Flipper Temple AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
The Reverend Dr. Gregory Eason is a graduate of Morris Brown College, Turner Theological Seminary and Columbia Theological Seminary has been appointed Bishop William DeVeaux as pastor of Big Bethel AME Church.
The Reverend Augustus Hall is the newly assigned pastor of Flipper Temple AME Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
12/15/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/15/05)
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:
"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change..."
(Author unknown)
2. REMINDER FROM THE EDITOR:
When submitting articles for The Christian Recorder, please keep it simple – straight text or HTML format, sentence case (no all upper case text), keep bold text to a minimum, left justified, single-spaced, 12 pt, no Clip Art, and please spell and grammar check articles. Make sure that names are spelled correctly.
3. A SEASON OF REFRESHING IN THE TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
By Vicki Houston, 10th Episcopal District
They came from various parts of the country, but mostly they came from Texas. Some 300 women attended “A Retreat for Women Who Need Something More”. This was a conference for women from all stations of life held in Austin, Texas on August 25-27, 2005 at “The Crossings”. The Crossings is a health conscious retreat and conference center with spectacular hill country views.
The conference was the culminating event for a series of Gathering of Women events held quarterly in the 10th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. There were workshops for Women In Ministry, Minister’s Spouses, Young Women and Women at Large.
The event was truly awesome … to the point that it is hard to describe … it was one of those “you really had to be there” type of events.
Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram (“Rev. Jessica”) has a calling on her life to minister to the needs of women. She has held convocations for women wherever she and her husband, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, have served (even before they entered Episcopal service). Rev. Jessica has brought this gift of hers to the 10th District and “we’re glad about it”! She carefully orchestrated a truly life changing and life-affirming weekend for those in attendance.
No stone was left unturned in her selection of the women she chose to minister to the conference. The retreat headliners were Rev. Drs. Elaine Flake, Claudette Copeland, Renita Weems and of course, herself (a headliner and notable preacher in her own right). Additionally, Rita Sinkfield Belin (first lady of First AME Bethel in New York) joined the headliners as a workshop presenter. Not to be left out, the Reverends, Pamela Rivera and Myra Billips (both from the 10th District) were part of the magnificent cadre of female preachers and workshop presenters for the retreat. A hallelujah and liberating spirit filled the facility.
We also took time to refresh our “physical” self, in addition to our spiritual selves. On Friday afternoon, the schedule was left open for the women to avail themselves of the spa offerings at the “Crossing;” which included massages, facials, saunas, whirlpools, and a swimming pool among other features.
While you may not have attended, you can probably obtain a DVD or CD for the major worship services, from which you can get a glimpse of how the Holy Spirit moved through the retreat.
If you missed it this time … keep your eyes and ears open for details as they emerge regarding the:
10th District Ministry to Women
International Women’s Convocation 2006
August 16-19, 2006
Wyndham Anatole Hotel
Dallas, Texas
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram can be contacted at journeyministry@aol.com or 214.333.2632.
4. GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH PLANS HOLIDAY EVENTS:
Grant A.M.E. Church, located at 10435 S. Central Avenue, will observe the celebration of the glorious birth of Jesus Christ our Lord beginning Sunday, December 18.
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, the Episcopal Supervisor of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the keynote speaker at 11 a.m.
“We are delighted that Rev. Dr. Bryant has accepted our invitation to share God’s Word during this Advent season,” said the Rev. Leslie R. White, Grant’s pastor. “Her work in the Women’s Missionary Society is extraordinary and her involvement with Women in Ministry is legendary throughout Christendom.”Bryant’s visit coincides with a Church-wide effort to remember the victims of Hurricane Katrina during the holiday season. Members were challenged to purchase gift cards of any denomination to support members of the clergy who were displaced as a result of the nation’s worst natural disaster.“Some 43 ministers and their families have not yet begun to recover from the devastation of the storm,” White said in an impassioned plea during both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. “By blessing them with a Wal-Mart, Target or VISA gift card, you let them know that they are not forgotten. No, they are loved at Christmastime and always.” Gift cards may be in any denomination, from any national business and are available at major retail outlets and on the Internet. Gift cards are also available at many banks, grocery and convenience stores. Cash may be contributed in lieu of gift cards and will be converted to gift cards prior to mailing to the victims on Monday, December 19. Checks should be made payable to Grant A.M.E. Church.
Though participation is voluntary, involvement is expected to be widespread. The church has worked with community groups and organizations to raise nearly $90,000 for victims since August.In the days after the disaster, for example, members’ Katrina-related contributions topped $16,000. Later, Grant partnered with Watts-area churches to raise in excess of $2,500 for Gulf-coast ministers and their families.Collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Rabbis of Southern California yielded a $40,000 donation and Grant’s petition of local radio station KJLH resulted in $30,000 in gift cards that were distributed during a trip to the hurricane-ravaged region in October.“What a blessing it would be to raise another $10,000 or more to bring hope to our brothers and sisters in Christ this Christmas,” White added.Bryant, too, is familiar with meeting the needs of suffering, disenfranchised persons. Two years ago, she initiated the Children of Promise Housing Mission for 30 children orphaned by AIDS in Cape Town, South Africa. She will lead a delegation of 150 women to Zambia next spring through the NaMayo Initiative to promote the health, economic development and healing of women in that country.Already she has established Women’s Resource and Development Centers in Baltimore, Houston, the African nation of Liberia, and Free Town, Sierra Leone. She has also founded schools for children in Cambridge, Mass., Dallas, and Grand Bassa, Liberia. In addition to the centers in Free Town and Grand Bassa, a newly constructed early childhood education center in Seattle also bears her name.The wife of Bishop John R. Bryant, one of the featured speakers during Grant’s Men’s Conference last March, “Dr. C” is the mother of Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant and Dr. Thema Simone Bryant-Davis.Services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Hour of Power begins at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday night Soul Food starts at 6 pm. All are welcome.
A Christmas Eve candlelight worship service is scheduled for Saturday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. To celebrate the Christmas Day worship service celebration will begin at 9:40 a.m. On Sunday, December 25. Pastor Leslie R. White will deliver a special Christmas message.
The Watts faith community consisting of ministers and members of grant A.M.E. Church, Hayes Tabernacle, Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist Church, and Beulah Baptist Church will gather in its watts ecumenical Watch Night - New Year’s Eve celebration & soul food fellowship at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31.
Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, January 1, 2006 as we begin the New Year in a special worship service scheduled for 9:40 a.m.
The public is invited to attend and rediscover the wonder of Christmas.For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
Submitted by Gwen Morris (562) 424-1500
5. CAMDEN CHURCH CELEBRATES PASTOR EARNING Ph.D.:
Camden, Nj, November 19, 2005: A major milestone for the pastor of Historic Macedonia AME church in Camden, New Jersey. The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler has successfully defended his dissertation and earned the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from the School of Education and Allied Professions at the University of Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Tyler’s dissertation, Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: The Life of a 19th Century Educational Leader, 1811-1865, is more than 150 pages in length and effectively argues and supports Bishop Daniel Payne’s role as an educational leader in the 1800’s.
Dr. Tyler is originally from Oakland, California. Prior to working on his Ph.D., Dr. Tyler earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University and his Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
Dr. Tyler serves as Senior Pastor of Historic Macedonia AME Church located at 261 Spruce Street in Camden, New Jersey. Worship services are held each Sunday at 11 a.m.
Rev. Tyler is available for immediate interviews and can be reached at (484) 319-6690 or by calling the church office at (856) 365-3840.
6. THE AMEC MANDATE: PLAN AND INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF THE
RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCH:
By George R. La Sure, D.Min.
Recently, I had an opportunity to visit with one of our rural churches in the South Georgia area, which has been in existence for more than 100 years. In addition to the building being in need of external and internal repairs, the sanctuary lacked a piano or any type of musical instrument to enhance the worship service activity. The bathrooms were clean and in working order and, there was evidence that the members were actively involved in keeping the church and its grounds clean.
As the service started, the pastor, who led every song, offered every prayer, read the scriptures and, did everything else that was required, in reality, directed the entire order of service. The doxology, sung without any musical accompaniment, was a tune foreign to anything that this writer had ever heard. But, through it all, the congregation of approximately twenty-five exhibited strong faith and a great sense of pride in their church.
For most of the lives of the congregants assembled, this church has been the place where they have worked out their faith with fear and trembling. This is the place where all of their babies have been baptized and all of their deceased have been funeralized. Marriages and other significant passages of life have provided continuing joy and purpose for their lives.
This church sits in the heart of what was once strictly an agricultural community that is now, increasingly, becoming a residential area. A sister church, with a membership of about fifty, lies some 3 - 5 miles away from this church. These two congregations have had a very close worship and working relationship for as long as they have existed. Many of their members are related to one another. Some even work with one another. Most of the congregants drive late model automobiles and trucks.
Time has brought on a great change in the lives of most. Generations of the worst conditions of poverty, segregation and racial hatred have given way, largely, to policies of inclusion. The segregated schools that most of the older parishioners remember have been integrated for many years. Blacks play a significant role in local government and many are no longer living in racially segregated areas. Though the local economy provides limited employment opportunities, Blacks are making strides to maintain some semblance of financial security. It is a delicate balance in a time when many employment opportunities are being outsourced to India, Pakistan and China and, health benefits and pensions have become the exception as opposed to the norm. But, we are still struggling to hold on. Agricultural workers’ wages and security are threatened by increasing investment in cotton and soybean production investment by Georgia agricultural magnates in Brazil. The land is more fertile and there is a greater opportunity to produce crops that have a higher yield at a much cheaper cost in wages. Time has brought on a great change.
If we, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, are to remain alive and vibrant in the face of inevitable change, we, too, must envision and embrace change. What we used to do 50 years ago, might no longer suit the need of our day. Just because we have been in the same location the last 50-100 years does not, at all, mean that it is the place where we need to be today. It might have been that 50-100 years ago we lived in the only areas we could live in because of economic and security issues.
Whatever the case, now is the time to re-assess our total position and begin the hard work of making the necessary decisions and doing what is necessary to implement plans and strategies that will ensure our future vitality as a denomination.
For too long we have been content to remain in the “woods”, far away from “Main Street”. For too many years, we have been content to keep doing what we have been doing even though we have known, and have documented, that we are not making any future progress. For too many years, we have been content to stay where we are, embracing complacency and mediocrity. Much of segregation is self-imposed because we have such a dim view of ourselves.
The AMEC must make some hard decisions, in the very near future, in order to be a viable denominational choice in the new millennium. We need to stop so much talk about our history and spend more time “making” history. Our church of tomorrow is dependent on what we decide to do today.
For too many years, we have been losing AMEC properties in Episcopal Districts across the connection due to our lack of diligence and planning for future growth and development. In some districts, we might have significant available financial resource in lands and buildings that have been abandoned, etc. over the years. Appropriate real estate management strategies can do much to reclaim this resource. We have long since passed the day when the denomination should close churches that are no longer viable and consolidate efforts in areas where extreme hardships have been evidenced by congregations that are literally too small to make ends meet. We have long since passed the time when the denomination should strategically plant, and subsidize, new congregations, which are located in paths of growth. We have long since passed the time when the denomination should assert its leadership.
The rural and small membership church is in need of a major investment of the AMEC denomination’s attention and investment (in time, talent and treasure). The rural and small membership church is the undeniable backbone of the denomination. It, right now, stands in need of denominational consideration and support if we are to be a viable denominational force in the foreseeable future.
7. THE GLOBAL CORNER - CONNECTIONAL APPEAL FOR ST. JAMES MISSION 2006:
The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my strength.
Herewith attached please find Mission 2006, a document spelling out the vision and operational framework of the St. James AME Church, Mariental of the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District. The Vision was put forward to the Official Board of the St. James AME Church last Sunday afternoon, and will be discussed in the Year End Church Conference this Sunday after the 4th Advent Worship Celebration.
This document does not contain any technical, statistical or financial data, but we are delighted to report that select project and program proposal documents are being designed, and should be ready for distribution upon request in from Sunday 8 January 2006.
We prayerfully launch this document today by email to our Connectional Family, hoping that you, your family or church may find interest how and what we are doing on this side of the Atlantic Ocean to extend and expand the kingdom of God. Please pray without ceasing for our ministry. Should you consider making a financial donation toward the equipment we intend on buying, please make out your cheques to the St. James AME Church and mail to:
Bro. Fritz Cloete, Treasurer
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78
MARIENTAL
Republic of Namibia
The email address for our church is stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
Finally, may the Christ of Christmas find room in our hearts, because the Scripture says that He did not find a room at the Inn. Look, I stand and knock... sayeth the Lord!
Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
Mission 2006: Taking the Church to the Next Level
Introduction
It is with immense pleasure that I greet you with my personal Christian Motto: the joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my strength! It is and should be a joy to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The inspirational Quadrennial Sermon by Bishop Henry A Belin JR, ignited my soul to shout, “It is not about us, but it is about Jesus! “ That message sets the tone of my ministry for the 2004-2008 quadrennial. In matching the method with the moment the 2004 Commissioning Sermon by Bishop Samuel L Green SR A Fresh Anointment was not only truly refreshing, but his masterly display of hurricane-like homily, “Restoring the Altar of God” at Midyear 2005 was a divine moment of reflection for pastoral ministry.
Pastoral Assignment
My pastoral transfer from the former Purity AME Church to the St. James AME Church, where I first saw the light, has seen me through Amazing Grace. In this historic pulpit, I found Gilead’s healing balm, which helped me recover from the physical and spiritual scars of 2003. In line with my pastoral style, I have also systematically developed annual themes for my ministry at St. James AME Church:
- 2004: A Past to Cherish and a Future to Fulfill:
> Acknowledged foundations laid by predecessors, but alerted members of evolving new challenges the church has to face.
- 2005: Behold I make all things new:
> Refocused the thrust of our mandate to that of the Healing Ministry of our Liberating and Reconciling Gospel.
- 2006: Here am I Lord, send me.
> Challenges members to respond positively and energetically to programs and projects outlined in Mission 2006.
Biblical Mandate
The prophet Nehemiah received his divine charge at a time the Israelites had lost all hopes, almost in the Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones! The walls of Jerusalem, the exalted City and Zion of God, were in ruins. They were just returning from exile and the people were without resources to rebuild and restore the altar of their fathers and mothers. It was in this time of hopelessness that Nehemiah was commissioned to proclaim a message of hope! It is my solid hope, that the reliable and faithful God of our fathers and mothers will always give an outcome, because Jesus is a bridge over troubled waters
– Hallelujah!
Our Zion faces many unfounded allegations, and without apology, I wish to state it for the record that our Zion has truthfully executed the Great Commission with military precision. We have gone about the business of preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ with great zeal and determination. In this regard, we have been proudly about the business of our Mission and Purpose as stated in the AME Book of Discipline and Doctrine.
Socio-Economic Realities
Mission 2006 is a multi-dimensional vision for the socio-economic reconstruction of the people and society covered by the St. James AME Church pastoral assignment. Mission 2006 attempts to uncover the collective needs of the majority of church members (micro), as a reflection of the community (macro) in which we operate in order to develop a strategic plan to harness resources to meet these needs. We want to encourage our members to give more resources to meet Conference Claims on all levels and still have resources left for local projects and programmes.
As a matter of fact, with Mission 2006 the pastor wants to inform and encourage his members that we can do more than paying conference claims for ourselves by raising more resources in historical tradition of self-help and self-reliance. Like any other Namibian society we also face the mammoth challenge of lifting members of our society out of the sinking sands of alcohol and drugs abuses, unacceptable immoral sexual conduct contributing to high levels of HIV/Aids and teenage pregnancies, improving of quality of life by help creating employment and entertainment opportunities and encouraging Christian role models in our church and society!
Core Targets
In order to achieve the objectives of Mission 2006, we set for ourselves the following core targets:
1. Deeper Spiritual Values
a. Introduction of Bible Study,
b. Re-introduce Holy Communion Preparatory Services and
c. Continuous Evangelical and Revival Crusades.
2. Establishment of the St. James Centre
a. Renovation of the hall for the St. James Youth Centre,
b. Purchase of new audio-video equipment,
c. Purchase of Public Address System,
d. Purchase of musical keyboard to supplement piano,
e. Purchase of DSTV,
f. Launch of the Liturgical Dancers, and
g. Launch of the Christian Café.
3. Capital Projects
a. Architectural drawing plans,
b. Transform of vestry into Office Wing,
c. Expand the church with a New Wing, and
d. Add new Reception Area with ablution facilities
Expectations
We are calling upon our members to, individually and collectively, pray for:
a. Personal commitment to change of lifestyles, attitudes and behaviour
b. Commitment to regular attendance of bible study and worship services
c. More personal prayers and bible reading at home
d. Junior officers to be properly guided in new positions
e. More closer touch between class leaders and their members
f. Every officer to become more effective in his/her position of trust
g. Promotion of regular tithing and expanding the pool of tithers
h. Regular check of auxiliary monthly fees
i. Improvement of the central administration of the Church
j. Inclusive ministry whereby each member shall feel included
Barometer 31 August 2006
We hereby proposed the following measurement tools:
Renovation of the building (church and hall)
- Architectural drawing plans
- Vestry floor ceramic tiles
- Painting of church and hall
- Renovations to the church ceiling
- Ceiling light-fans
Centre Office Equipment
- Public Address system
- Musical keyboard
- Wireless microphones
- Intel Pentium 4 Computer with stand
- HP Multi-Functional Printer
- 150 litres Chess Freezer
- Samsung Plain Paper Fax
- Habitat Computer Stand
Centre Recreational Equipment
- Audio sound system
- DVD/CD/V-CD/MP-3 player
- 74cm Television set
- DsTV (Multichoice)
- Finger Boards
- Dart Board
- Fold-up Table Tennis
- 6-Foot Pool Table
- Senior Soccer Table
- Pool Table
Job Creation Equipment
- 1200 W High Pressure Cleaners
- Watex Hosepipes
- 120 L Refuse Bins
- Consumables
May the God of Grace smile upon us.
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78, Mariental, Namibia, Tel/Fax 063-24 2754
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
P O Box 50278, Bachbrecht, Namibia, Tel. 061-22 9938
64 Schönlein Street, Windhoek West, Fax. 061- 23 1626
stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
Cell: +264 81 122 5048
Sunday 11 December 2005
8, NEW SPIRIT! AND FRIENDS INVITES YOU TO THE FINAL 2005 PERFORMANCE OF “FROM HEAVEN’S THRONE”:
“From Heaven’s Throne” is an angelic celebration of Christmas, arranged Clydesdale. The event will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at Greater Bethel AME Church, 1300 South Street, Nashville, Tennessee, telephone, 615.256.1509
9. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PRAYER REQUEST:
Prayer for the Reverend John Ruben Williams, known by many of his friends as, "J. R.", accomplished organist who played at many of our General Conferences.
This is to inform the AME community that the Reverend John Ruben (J. R.) Williams (pastor, presiding elder and noted organist) had another stroke and is presently in Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. His wife, Ms. Helen Williams is by his side and asking for our support and prayers of healing. May the Lord cover Reverend and Mrs. Williams in love and protection. Please keep the Williams family in your prayers.
Information provided by the Rev. Charmayne G. Davis West Kentucky Conference 13th Episcopal District
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Gladys Gibbs Moore (the 90-year-old mother of Norweda L. Carter, 8th District M-SWAWO+PK's President and mother-in-law of Pastor Stanley J. Carter of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Greensburg, LA) was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 9, 2005 in East Moline, Illinois. She was an associate member of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church where the Rev. Bobby Moore is pastor. This mother of 11 children will have:
Visitation on Friday, December 16, 2005 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and her life will be celebrated on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. will both take place at:
Weems Chapel United Methodist Church
The Rev. Gloria McKenney, Pastor
810 Third Street
Picayune, MS 39466
Phone: 601-798-5447
Memorials may be given to her church or to the American Diabetes Association. The Carter and Moore Families are grateful for your thoughts and prayers.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Norweda Carter and Family
P.O. Box 743
Greensburg, LA 70441
Email condolences: NORWEDAC@yahoo.com
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: VBROWN@Tnstate.edu
Sister Carol Corbin, the wife of Rev. Raymond Corbin, pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church Charlotte, Tennessee lost her mother Sis. Dorothy Faye McGhee on Thursday Dec. 8, 2005.
The arrangements are as follows:
Visitation: Thursday, December 15, 2005
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Trinity Funeral Home
808 Depot StreetParis, TN 38242
FUNERAL: Friday, December 16, 2005
Western Oak Grove Baptist Church
Highway 79Paris, TN.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Raymond Corbin
200 McGhee LaneS
pringville, TN 37256
(731) 644-2425 (Phone)
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please be informed of the passing of one of the 10th Episcopal District's retired pastors, the Rev. Joe Lee (J. L.) Grant, who went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2005.
Rev. Grant's pastoral tenure included:
Ball Chapel-Wichita Falls, Texas,
Bethel AME Church-Grandview, Texas,
St. James AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas,
Simms Chapel AME Church-Carrollton, Texas,
Wayman Chapel AME Church-Ennis, Texas, and several other churches throughout the 10th Episcopal District.
Homegoing service for the Rev. J. L. Grant will be Thursday, December 15, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Rev. Joe Lee Grant's remains have been entrusted to:
Brown, Owens & Brumley Funeral Directors
425 South Henderson St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Ph: (817) 335-4557
Visitation and the homegoing service will be held at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the Rev. J. L. Grant's daughters, Ms Joyce Lee Grant and/or Mrs. Mary lee Grant-Holmes.
Ms. Joyce Lee Grant
5210 Libbey Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Ph: (817) 377-7130
Mrs. Mary lee grant-Holmes
2019 paisley dr., #a
Arlington, Texas 76015
Please continue to lift Rev. Grant's family up in prayer.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: hilldrkenneth@comcast.net Mrs. Frankie Sebastian the mother of Reverend Dickey Sebastian pastor of Mulberry Circuit (St John AME Church, Mulberry and Lucy Memorial AME Church, Kelso) Chattanooga District East Tennessee Annual Conference passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2005.
Service arrangements
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Body to lie in state: 12:00 Noon
Funeral: 1: 00 PM
St. John AME Church
Mulberry, TN
931 438 0428 (church)
Services entrusted to:
Howard Funeral Home
501 West Maple Street
Fayetteville, TN 37334
931 433 1222 (Phone)
Condolences can be sent to:
The Reverend Dickey Sebastian
547 Howell Hill
Kelso, TN 37348
931 937 8594 (Phone)
Presiding Elder Kenneth Hill
Chattanooga District East Tennessee Annual Conference
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate13th Episcopal District
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Funeral services for the father of the Rev. Joan McGlockton: Dr. Joseph L. Belle, DVM
Thomas Funeral Home, Dayton, Ohio
Funeral Arrangements: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
1:00 PM at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church,Dayton, Ohio
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District
Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: trakeishaf@yahoo.com
Mrs. Elizabeth Morley the sister of Mrs. Gloria Morley-Franklin, President of the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference MSWAWO, 6th Episcopal District and spouse of Rev. Benjamin Franklin, Jr. pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church in Mansfield, GA passed on Friday evening, December 9, 2005.
Service Arrangements
Saturday, December 17, 2005
1:00 PM
Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church
401 N.W. 7th Terrace
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 463-6309
Interment:
Sunset Memorial Gardens
N.W. 19th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
Services entrusted to:
Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home
1305 N.W. 6th Street (Sistrunk Blvd.)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954) 467-3426
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin, Jr. and Family
Mt. Zion AME Church
119 East 5th Street / P. O. Box 72
Mansfield, GA 30055
770-787-0358 (Phone)
16. 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.
17. 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:
"Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change..."
(Author unknown)
2. REMINDER FROM THE EDITOR:
When submitting articles for The Christian Recorder, please keep it simple – straight text or HTML format, sentence case (no all upper case text), keep bold text to a minimum, left justified, single-spaced, 12 pt, no Clip Art, and please spell and grammar check articles. Make sure that names are spelled correctly.
3. A SEASON OF REFRESHING IN THE TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
By Vicki Houston, 10th Episcopal District
They came from various parts of the country, but mostly they came from Texas. Some 300 women attended “A Retreat for Women Who Need Something More”. This was a conference for women from all stations of life held in Austin, Texas on August 25-27, 2005 at “The Crossings”. The Crossings is a health conscious retreat and conference center with spectacular hill country views.
The conference was the culminating event for a series of Gathering of Women events held quarterly in the 10th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. There were workshops for Women In Ministry, Minister’s Spouses, Young Women and Women at Large.
The event was truly awesome … to the point that it is hard to describe … it was one of those “you really had to be there” type of events.
Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram (“Rev. Jessica”) has a calling on her life to minister to the needs of women. She has held convocations for women wherever she and her husband, Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, have served (even before they entered Episcopal service). Rev. Jessica has brought this gift of hers to the 10th District and “we’re glad about it”! She carefully orchestrated a truly life changing and life-affirming weekend for those in attendance.
No stone was left unturned in her selection of the women she chose to minister to the conference. The retreat headliners were Rev. Drs. Elaine Flake, Claudette Copeland, Renita Weems and of course, herself (a headliner and notable preacher in her own right). Additionally, Rita Sinkfield Belin (first lady of First AME Bethel in New York) joined the headliners as a workshop presenter. Not to be left out, the Reverends, Pamela Rivera and Myra Billips (both from the 10th District) were part of the magnificent cadre of female preachers and workshop presenters for the retreat. A hallelujah and liberating spirit filled the facility.
We also took time to refresh our “physical” self, in addition to our spiritual selves. On Friday afternoon, the schedule was left open for the women to avail themselves of the spa offerings at the “Crossing;” which included massages, facials, saunas, whirlpools, and a swimming pool among other features.
While you may not have attended, you can probably obtain a DVD or CD for the major worship services, from which you can get a glimpse of how the Holy Spirit moved through the retreat.
If you missed it this time … keep your eyes and ears open for details as they emerge regarding the:
10th District Ministry to Women
International Women’s Convocation 2006
August 16-19, 2006
Wyndham Anatole Hotel
Dallas, Texas
The Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram can be contacted at journeyministry@aol.com or 214.333.2632.
4. GRANT A.M.E. CHURCH PLANS HOLIDAY EVENTS:
Grant A.M.E. Church, located at 10435 S. Central Avenue, will observe the celebration of the glorious birth of Jesus Christ our Lord beginning Sunday, December 18.
The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, the Episcopal Supervisor of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the keynote speaker at 11 a.m.
“We are delighted that Rev. Dr. Bryant has accepted our invitation to share God’s Word during this Advent season,” said the Rev. Leslie R. White, Grant’s pastor. “Her work in the Women’s Missionary Society is extraordinary and her involvement with Women in Ministry is legendary throughout Christendom.”Bryant’s visit coincides with a Church-wide effort to remember the victims of Hurricane Katrina during the holiday season. Members were challenged to purchase gift cards of any denomination to support members of the clergy who were displaced as a result of the nation’s worst natural disaster.“Some 43 ministers and their families have not yet begun to recover from the devastation of the storm,” White said in an impassioned plea during both the 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. services. “By blessing them with a Wal-Mart, Target or VISA gift card, you let them know that they are not forgotten. No, they are loved at Christmastime and always.” Gift cards may be in any denomination, from any national business and are available at major retail outlets and on the Internet. Gift cards are also available at many banks, grocery and convenience stores. Cash may be contributed in lieu of gift cards and will be converted to gift cards prior to mailing to the victims on Monday, December 19. Checks should be made payable to Grant A.M.E. Church.
Though participation is voluntary, involvement is expected to be widespread. The church has worked with community groups and organizations to raise nearly $90,000 for victims since August.In the days after the disaster, for example, members’ Katrina-related contributions topped $16,000. Later, Grant partnered with Watts-area churches to raise in excess of $2,500 for Gulf-coast ministers and their families.Collaboration with the Jewish Federation of Rabbis of Southern California yielded a $40,000 donation and Grant’s petition of local radio station KJLH resulted in $30,000 in gift cards that were distributed during a trip to the hurricane-ravaged region in October.“What a blessing it would be to raise another $10,000 or more to bring hope to our brothers and sisters in Christ this Christmas,” White added.Bryant, too, is familiar with meeting the needs of suffering, disenfranchised persons. Two years ago, she initiated the Children of Promise Housing Mission for 30 children orphaned by AIDS in Cape Town, South Africa. She will lead a delegation of 150 women to Zambia next spring through the NaMayo Initiative to promote the health, economic development and healing of women in that country.Already she has established Women’s Resource and Development Centers in Baltimore, Houston, the African nation of Liberia, and Free Town, Sierra Leone. She has also founded schools for children in Cambridge, Mass., Dallas, and Grand Bassa, Liberia. In addition to the centers in Free Town and Grand Bassa, a newly constructed early childhood education center in Seattle also bears her name.The wife of Bishop John R. Bryant, one of the featured speakers during Grant’s Men’s Conference last March, “Dr. C” is the mother of Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant and Dr. Thema Simone Bryant-Davis.Services are heard on the radio each Sunday morning at 6 a.m. on KJLH 102.3 FM. Join us for worship on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday Hour of Power begins at 11:30 a.m. and Thursday night Soul Food starts at 6 pm. All are welcome.
A Christmas Eve candlelight worship service is scheduled for Saturday, December 24 at 7:00 p.m. To celebrate the Christmas Day worship service celebration will begin at 9:40 a.m. On Sunday, December 25. Pastor Leslie R. White will deliver a special Christmas message.
The Watts faith community consisting of ministers and members of grant A.M.E. Church, Hayes Tabernacle, Tabernacle of Faith Baptist Church, Macedonia Baptist Church, and Beulah Baptist Church will gather in its watts ecumenical Watch Night - New Year’s Eve celebration & soul food fellowship at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, December 31.
Holy Communion will be celebrated on Sunday, January 1, 2006 as we begin the New Year in a special worship service scheduled for 9:40 a.m.
The public is invited to attend and rediscover the wonder of Christmas.For driving directions or for more information visit www.GrantAMEChurch.org or contact the Church office at 323-564-1151.
Submitted by Gwen Morris (562) 424-1500
5. CAMDEN CHURCH CELEBRATES PASTOR EARNING Ph.D.:
Camden, Nj, November 19, 2005: A major milestone for the pastor of Historic Macedonia AME church in Camden, New Jersey. The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler has successfully defended his dissertation and earned the degree Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership from the School of Education and Allied Professions at the University of Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Tyler’s dissertation, Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne of the African Methodist Episcopal Church: The Life of a 19th Century Educational Leader, 1811-1865, is more than 150 pages in length and effectively argues and supports Bishop Daniel Payne’s role as an educational leader in the 1800’s.
Dr. Tyler is originally from Oakland, California. Prior to working on his Ph.D., Dr. Tyler earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Clark Atlanta University and his Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
Dr. Tyler serves as Senior Pastor of Historic Macedonia AME Church located at 261 Spruce Street in Camden, New Jersey. Worship services are held each Sunday at 11 a.m.
Rev. Tyler is available for immediate interviews and can be reached at (484) 319-6690 or by calling the church office at (856) 365-3840.
6. THE AMEC MANDATE: PLAN AND INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF THE
RURAL AND SMALL MEMBERSHIP CHURCH:
By George R. La Sure, D.Min.
Recently, I had an opportunity to visit with one of our rural churches in the South Georgia area, which has been in existence for more than 100 years. In addition to the building being in need of external and internal repairs, the sanctuary lacked a piano or any type of musical instrument to enhance the worship service activity. The bathrooms were clean and in working order and, there was evidence that the members were actively involved in keeping the church and its grounds clean.
As the service started, the pastor, who led every song, offered every prayer, read the scriptures and, did everything else that was required, in reality, directed the entire order of service. The doxology, sung without any musical accompaniment, was a tune foreign to anything that this writer had ever heard. But, through it all, the congregation of approximately twenty-five exhibited strong faith and a great sense of pride in their church.
For most of the lives of the congregants assembled, this church has been the place where they have worked out their faith with fear and trembling. This is the place where all of their babies have been baptized and all of their deceased have been funeralized. Marriages and other significant passages of life have provided continuing joy and purpose for their lives.
This church sits in the heart of what was once strictly an agricultural community that is now, increasingly, becoming a residential area. A sister church, with a membership of about fifty, lies some 3 - 5 miles away from this church. These two congregations have had a very close worship and working relationship for as long as they have existed. Many of their members are related to one another. Some even work with one another. Most of the congregants drive late model automobiles and trucks.
Time has brought on a great change in the lives of most. Generations of the worst conditions of poverty, segregation and racial hatred have given way, largely, to policies of inclusion. The segregated schools that most of the older parishioners remember have been integrated for many years. Blacks play a significant role in local government and many are no longer living in racially segregated areas. Though the local economy provides limited employment opportunities, Blacks are making strides to maintain some semblance of financial security. It is a delicate balance in a time when many employment opportunities are being outsourced to India, Pakistan and China and, health benefits and pensions have become the exception as opposed to the norm. But, we are still struggling to hold on. Agricultural workers’ wages and security are threatened by increasing investment in cotton and soybean production investment by Georgia agricultural magnates in Brazil. The land is more fertile and there is a greater opportunity to produce crops that have a higher yield at a much cheaper cost in wages. Time has brought on a great change.
If we, the African Methodist Episcopal Church, are to remain alive and vibrant in the face of inevitable change, we, too, must envision and embrace change. What we used to do 50 years ago, might no longer suit the need of our day. Just because we have been in the same location the last 50-100 years does not, at all, mean that it is the place where we need to be today. It might have been that 50-100 years ago we lived in the only areas we could live in because of economic and security issues.
Whatever the case, now is the time to re-assess our total position and begin the hard work of making the necessary decisions and doing what is necessary to implement plans and strategies that will ensure our future vitality as a denomination.
For too long we have been content to remain in the “woods”, far away from “Main Street”. For too many years, we have been content to keep doing what we have been doing even though we have known, and have documented, that we are not making any future progress. For too many years, we have been content to stay where we are, embracing complacency and mediocrity. Much of segregation is self-imposed because we have such a dim view of ourselves.
The AMEC must make some hard decisions, in the very near future, in order to be a viable denominational choice in the new millennium. We need to stop so much talk about our history and spend more time “making” history. Our church of tomorrow is dependent on what we decide to do today.
For too many years, we have been losing AMEC properties in Episcopal Districts across the connection due to our lack of diligence and planning for future growth and development. In some districts, we might have significant available financial resource in lands and buildings that have been abandoned, etc. over the years. Appropriate real estate management strategies can do much to reclaim this resource. We have long since passed the day when the denomination should close churches that are no longer viable and consolidate efforts in areas where extreme hardships have been evidenced by congregations that are literally too small to make ends meet. We have long since passed the time when the denomination should strategically plant, and subsidize, new congregations, which are located in paths of growth. We have long since passed the time when the denomination should assert its leadership.
The rural and small membership church is in need of a major investment of the AMEC denomination’s attention and investment (in time, talent and treasure). The rural and small membership church is the undeniable backbone of the denomination. It, right now, stands in need of denominational consideration and support if we are to be a viable denominational force in the foreseeable future.
7. THE GLOBAL CORNER - CONNECTIONAL APPEAL FOR ST. JAMES MISSION 2006:
The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my strength.
Herewith attached please find Mission 2006, a document spelling out the vision and operational framework of the St. James AME Church, Mariental of the Namibia Annual Conference in the 15th Episcopal District. The Vision was put forward to the Official Board of the St. James AME Church last Sunday afternoon, and will be discussed in the Year End Church Conference this Sunday after the 4th Advent Worship Celebration.
This document does not contain any technical, statistical or financial data, but we are delighted to report that select project and program proposal documents are being designed, and should be ready for distribution upon request in from Sunday 8 January 2006.
We prayerfully launch this document today by email to our Connectional Family, hoping that you, your family or church may find interest how and what we are doing on this side of the Atlantic Ocean to extend and expand the kingdom of God. Please pray without ceasing for our ministry. Should you consider making a financial donation toward the equipment we intend on buying, please make out your cheques to the St. James AME Church and mail to:
Bro. Fritz Cloete, Treasurer
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78
MARIENTAL
Republic of Namibia
The email address for our church is stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
Finally, may the Christ of Christmas find room in our hearts, because the Scripture says that He did not find a room at the Inn. Look, I stand and knock... sayeth the Lord!
Merry Christmas and Prosperous New Year
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
Mission 2006: Taking the Church to the Next Level
Introduction
It is with immense pleasure that I greet you with my personal Christian Motto: the joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my strength! It is and should be a joy to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. The inspirational Quadrennial Sermon by Bishop Henry A Belin JR, ignited my soul to shout, “It is not about us, but it is about Jesus! “ That message sets the tone of my ministry for the 2004-2008 quadrennial. In matching the method with the moment the 2004 Commissioning Sermon by Bishop Samuel L Green SR A Fresh Anointment was not only truly refreshing, but his masterly display of hurricane-like homily, “Restoring the Altar of God” at Midyear 2005 was a divine moment of reflection for pastoral ministry.
Pastoral Assignment
My pastoral transfer from the former Purity AME Church to the St. James AME Church, where I first saw the light, has seen me through Amazing Grace. In this historic pulpit, I found Gilead’s healing balm, which helped me recover from the physical and spiritual scars of 2003. In line with my pastoral style, I have also systematically developed annual themes for my ministry at St. James AME Church:
- 2004: A Past to Cherish and a Future to Fulfill:
> Acknowledged foundations laid by predecessors, but alerted members of evolving new challenges the church has to face.
- 2005: Behold I make all things new:
> Refocused the thrust of our mandate to that of the Healing Ministry of our Liberating and Reconciling Gospel.
- 2006: Here am I Lord, send me.
> Challenges members to respond positively and energetically to programs and projects outlined in Mission 2006.
Biblical Mandate
The prophet Nehemiah received his divine charge at a time the Israelites had lost all hopes, almost in the Ezekiel’s valley of dry bones! The walls of Jerusalem, the exalted City and Zion of God, were in ruins. They were just returning from exile and the people were without resources to rebuild and restore the altar of their fathers and mothers. It was in this time of hopelessness that Nehemiah was commissioned to proclaim a message of hope! It is my solid hope, that the reliable and faithful God of our fathers and mothers will always give an outcome, because Jesus is a bridge over troubled waters
– Hallelujah!
Our Zion faces many unfounded allegations, and without apology, I wish to state it for the record that our Zion has truthfully executed the Great Commission with military precision. We have gone about the business of preaching and teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ with great zeal and determination. In this regard, we have been proudly about the business of our Mission and Purpose as stated in the AME Book of Discipline and Doctrine.
Socio-Economic Realities
Mission 2006 is a multi-dimensional vision for the socio-economic reconstruction of the people and society covered by the St. James AME Church pastoral assignment. Mission 2006 attempts to uncover the collective needs of the majority of church members (micro), as a reflection of the community (macro) in which we operate in order to develop a strategic plan to harness resources to meet these needs. We want to encourage our members to give more resources to meet Conference Claims on all levels and still have resources left for local projects and programmes.
As a matter of fact, with Mission 2006 the pastor wants to inform and encourage his members that we can do more than paying conference claims for ourselves by raising more resources in historical tradition of self-help and self-reliance. Like any other Namibian society we also face the mammoth challenge of lifting members of our society out of the sinking sands of alcohol and drugs abuses, unacceptable immoral sexual conduct contributing to high levels of HIV/Aids and teenage pregnancies, improving of quality of life by help creating employment and entertainment opportunities and encouraging Christian role models in our church and society!
Core Targets
In order to achieve the objectives of Mission 2006, we set for ourselves the following core targets:
1. Deeper Spiritual Values
a. Introduction of Bible Study,
b. Re-introduce Holy Communion Preparatory Services and
c. Continuous Evangelical and Revival Crusades.
2. Establishment of the St. James Centre
a. Renovation of the hall for the St. James Youth Centre,
b. Purchase of new audio-video equipment,
c. Purchase of Public Address System,
d. Purchase of musical keyboard to supplement piano,
e. Purchase of DSTV,
f. Launch of the Liturgical Dancers, and
g. Launch of the Christian Café.
3. Capital Projects
a. Architectural drawing plans,
b. Transform of vestry into Office Wing,
c. Expand the church with a New Wing, and
d. Add new Reception Area with ablution facilities
Expectations
We are calling upon our members to, individually and collectively, pray for:
a. Personal commitment to change of lifestyles, attitudes and behaviour
b. Commitment to regular attendance of bible study and worship services
c. More personal prayers and bible reading at home
d. Junior officers to be properly guided in new positions
e. More closer touch between class leaders and their members
f. Every officer to become more effective in his/her position of trust
g. Promotion of regular tithing and expanding the pool of tithers
h. Regular check of auxiliary monthly fees
i. Improvement of the central administration of the Church
j. Inclusive ministry whereby each member shall feel included
Barometer 31 August 2006
We hereby proposed the following measurement tools:
Renovation of the building (church and hall)
- Architectural drawing plans
- Vestry floor ceramic tiles
- Painting of church and hall
- Renovations to the church ceiling
- Ceiling light-fans
Centre Office Equipment
- Public Address system
- Musical keyboard
- Wireless microphones
- Intel Pentium 4 Computer with stand
- HP Multi-Functional Printer
- 150 litres Chess Freezer
- Samsung Plain Paper Fax
- Habitat Computer Stand
Centre Recreational Equipment
- Audio sound system
- DVD/CD/V-CD/MP-3 player
- 74cm Television set
- DsTV (Multichoice)
- Finger Boards
- Dart Board
- Fold-up Table Tennis
- 6-Foot Pool Table
- Senior Soccer Table
- Pool Table
Job Creation Equipment
- 1200 W High Pressure Cleaners
- Watex Hosepipes
- 120 L Refuse Bins
- Consumables
May the God of Grace smile upon us.
St. James AME Church
P O Box 78, Mariental, Namibia, Tel/Fax 063-24 2754
The Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
P O Box 50278, Bachbrecht, Namibia, Tel. 061-22 9938
64 Schönlein Street, Windhoek West, Fax. 061- 23 1626
stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
Cell: +264 81 122 5048
Sunday 11 December 2005
8, NEW SPIRIT! AND FRIENDS INVITES YOU TO THE FINAL 2005 PERFORMANCE OF “FROM HEAVEN’S THRONE”:
“From Heaven’s Throne” is an angelic celebration of Christmas, arranged Clydesdale. The event will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at Greater Bethel AME Church, 1300 South Street, Nashville, Tennessee, telephone, 615.256.1509
9. THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT PRAYER REQUEST:
Prayer for the Reverend John Ruben Williams, known by many of his friends as, "J. R.", accomplished organist who played at many of our General Conferences.
This is to inform the AME community that the Reverend John Ruben (J. R.) Williams (pastor, presiding elder and noted organist) had another stroke and is presently in Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. His wife, Ms. Helen Williams is by his side and asking for our support and prayers of healing. May the Lord cover Reverend and Mrs. Williams in love and protection. Please keep the Williams family in your prayers.
Information provided by the Rev. Charmayne G. Davis West Kentucky Conference 13th Episcopal District
10. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Gladys Gibbs Moore (the 90-year-old mother of Norweda L. Carter, 8th District M-SWAWO+PK's President and mother-in-law of Pastor Stanley J. Carter of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Greensburg, LA) was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 9, 2005 in East Moline, Illinois. She was an associate member of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church where the Rev. Bobby Moore is pastor. This mother of 11 children will have:
Visitation on Friday, December 16, 2005 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and her life will be celebrated on Saturday, December 17, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. will both take place at:
Weems Chapel United Methodist Church
The Rev. Gloria McKenney, Pastor
810 Third Street
Picayune, MS 39466
Phone: 601-798-5447
Memorials may be given to her church or to the American Diabetes Association. The Carter and Moore Families are grateful for your thoughts and prayers.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Norweda Carter and Family
P.O. Box 743
Greensburg, LA 70441
Email condolences: NORWEDAC@yahoo.com
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: VBROWN@Tnstate.edu
Sister Carol Corbin, the wife of Rev. Raymond Corbin, pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church Charlotte, Tennessee lost her mother Sis. Dorothy Faye McGhee on Thursday Dec. 8, 2005.
The arrangements are as follows:
Visitation: Thursday, December 15, 2005
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Trinity Funeral Home
808 Depot StreetParis, TN 38242
FUNERAL: Friday, December 16, 2005
Western Oak Grove Baptist Church
Highway 79Paris, TN.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. and Mrs. Raymond Corbin
200 McGhee LaneS
pringville, TN 37256
(731) 644-2425 (Phone)
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Please be informed of the passing of one of the 10th Episcopal District's retired pastors, the Rev. Joe Lee (J. L.) Grant, who went home to be with the Lord on December 4, 2005.
Rev. Grant's pastoral tenure included:
Ball Chapel-Wichita Falls, Texas,
Bethel AME Church-Grandview, Texas,
St. James AME Church-Fort Worth, Texas,
Simms Chapel AME Church-Carrollton, Texas,
Wayman Chapel AME Church-Ennis, Texas, and several other churches throughout the 10th Episcopal District.
Homegoing service for the Rev. J. L. Grant will be Thursday, December 15, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 8:30 a.m.
Rev. Joe Lee Grant's remains have been entrusted to:
Brown, Owens & Brumley Funeral Directors
425 South Henderson St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76104
Ph: (817) 335-4557
Visitation and the homegoing service will be held at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to the Rev. J. L. Grant's daughters, Ms Joyce Lee Grant and/or Mrs. Mary lee Grant-Holmes.
Ms. Joyce Lee Grant
5210 Libbey Avenue
Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Ph: (817) 377-7130
Mrs. Mary lee grant-Holmes
2019 paisley dr., #a
Arlington, Texas 76015
Please continue to lift Rev. Grant's family up in prayer.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: hilldrkenneth@comcast.net Mrs. Frankie Sebastian the mother of Reverend Dickey Sebastian pastor of Mulberry Circuit (St John AME Church, Mulberry and Lucy Memorial AME Church, Kelso) Chattanooga District East Tennessee Annual Conference passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2005.
Service arrangements
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Body to lie in state: 12:00 Noon
Funeral: 1: 00 PM
St. John AME Church
Mulberry, TN
931 438 0428 (church)
Services entrusted to:
Howard Funeral Home
501 West Maple Street
Fayetteville, TN 37334
931 433 1222 (Phone)
Condolences can be sent to:
The Reverend Dickey Sebastian
547 Howell Hill
Kelso, TN 37348
931 937 8594 (Phone)
Presiding Elder Kenneth Hill
Chattanooga District East Tennessee Annual Conference
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate13th Episcopal District
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Funeral services for the father of the Rev. Joan McGlockton: Dr. Joseph L. Belle, DVM
Thomas Funeral Home, Dayton, Ohio
Funeral Arrangements: Wednesday, December 14, 2005
1:00 PM at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church,Dayton, Ohio
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District
Presiding Elder Linda Thomas-Martin
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: trakeishaf@yahoo.com
Mrs. Elizabeth Morley the sister of Mrs. Gloria Morley-Franklin, President of the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference MSWAWO, 6th Episcopal District and spouse of Rev. Benjamin Franklin, Jr. pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E Church in Mansfield, GA passed on Friday evening, December 9, 2005.
Service Arrangements
Saturday, December 17, 2005
1:00 PM
Mt. Hermon A.M.E. Church
401 N.W. 7th Terrace
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
(954) 463-6309
Interment:
Sunset Memorial Gardens
N.W. 19th Street
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
Services entrusted to:
Roy Mizell & Kurtz Funeral Home
1305 N.W. 6th Street (Sistrunk Blvd.)
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954) 467-3426
Condolences may be sent to:
Reverend and Mrs. Benjamin Franklin, Jr. and Family
Mt. Zion AME Church
119 East 5th Street / P. O. Box 72
Mansfield, GA 30055
770-787-0358 (Phone)
16. 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.
17. 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.
12/13/2005
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/13/05)
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
1. THE GLOBAL CORNER:
- MISSIVE TO THE CHURCH CONCERNING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE LATE MRS. CHARLOTTE MANNYA MAXEKE OF SOUTH AFRICA:
Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ
The State President of South Africa consistently honours and salutes the Late Mrs Charlotte Mannya Maxeke for what she has done among the people of South Africa. In 2004, President Mbeki gave the highest honour in the country for Mrs Maxeke. Now, in his weekly online column as the President of the ruling party, he writes a celebratory note on the role and contribution of the Late Mrs Charlotte Mannya Maxeke and makes inexhaustible references from eminent scholars, undoubted revolutionary scholars, and illustrious interpreters of the history of the African people both here at home and in Diaspora. He pays tribute to her and his complete text follows hereafter
As a delegate to the 46th Session of the General Conference, in Indianapolis, last year, glorious events of the church unfolded before me and I was the witness thereof (elections, passing of laws, preaching, eating and laughing). There is one thing I did which memory refuses to forget: “I cried.” I cried when I heard citations of the stalwarts of the history of the African-Americans’ struggles were made and those stalwarts were posthumously honoured by the A.M.E. Church. I was in a middle of a glorious event, I should have cried.
I cried, not only because glory was unfolding before me, but I also cried because among those who fought and gave up their lives for Black/African people, I missed one who laid her life for millions in South Africa – Charlotte Maxeke. I was saddened by the exclusion of heroes and heroines of the people on the continent of Africa not included among those who were to be honoured for their roles and contribution to Liberation and Reconciliation. In me, there was a DISCONNECTION in the CONNECTION.
I thank Bishop Cornal G. Henning, Sr., and Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., for their counsel and consolation that day and beyond. I had almost forgotten about the pain and lamentations of that Sunday until this morning when I was surfing on-line SA newspapers to find Donwald Pressly (Sunday Times online – www.sundaytimes.co.za) reporting about what President Mbeki had to say in his column last Friday in the ANC Today (www.anc.org.za). Reading the article entitled “Mbeki pays tribute to top women” could not satisfy my thirst to know what he had to say about those top women and switched on to ANC Today. I discovered that he went home to illustrate their lives, particularly that of my AME ancestor, Charlotte Maxeke.
My prayer is that the AME Church, at a Connectional level, will take time to acknowledge her, too. Had it not been her sacrifice, not just for the SA nation (i.e., for the general population thereof), but also in the AME Church, I wonder where I (and today’s AME generation) would be. She is no god, but a part of Sarah’s lineage (a woman of faith). She took the baton from Sarah of faith and spent herself so that out of her would be conceived today’s generation of South Africans and AMEs. She stood in the gap, stretched her hands between the US and Southern Africa to connect the AME Church in the US and Ethiopian Church in South Africa. Meanwhile, she also stood in the gap by mobilising and organising people to reject their oppression as black and women. Today, we have a democracy in South Africa, all just because she abhorred suppression and oppression of people-by-people and yearned for liberation and reconciliation of all people. What was a dream for her, for which she availed herself to be spent on, is a reality of my generation, my times and me.
I am messing up with protocols and procedures of the Church. I know that. The church does not decide by emails, faxes and telephones but conferences, meetings and seminars. I know that. My request to you who would be in these meetings, seminars and conferences, thinking about what the flow and content of the planned meetings would be, would you be kind enough to think that she deserves our acknowledgement, too, as the Church.
Kind regards.
Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
National Director: HIV/AIDS Programme
South African Council of Churches
9th Floor, Khotso House
62 Marshall House, Johannesburg 2001
Tel: +27 11 241 7811/2/6
Fax: +27 11 838 4818 or +27 11 492 4818
Mobile: +27 82 412 2960
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
- RESPONSE TO REVEREND KLASS’ MISSIVE BY THE REVEREND WILLEM SIMON HANSE:
Dear Brother Klaas
The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my source of strength. Before you and other readers continue reading my comments, please note that I may sound critical but I am not negative and I understood your writing in that spirit!
Thanks for sharing the information. Recognition of AME heroes from the African continent has been very slow in our denomination. During the past three or so quadrennials, I have been actively writing to the AME Church leadership and AME institutions to give recognition to deserving African AMEs. The late Bishop George K Ming was very helpful in 1990 in securing honorary doctorate for the sacrifices made by the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi in the liberation struggle of our country. After a long period of silence entered Bishop Gregory Ingram, and together with Bishop Harold B Senatle and Bishop Adam J Richardson played a significant part in securing honorary doctorates for the Rev. Dr. Nicholas C Christians, the late Rev. Dr. Willem Moses Jod (my paternal grandfather) and the Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa. We do not minimize the part played by Bishop Wilfredt Messiah when he was still the President of the R. R. Wright Theological Seminary.
Less I forget, the AME Church also gave the Richard Allen Award to the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi in 1992!
In the Namibian context, it is a slow process but it has happened and we believe that The AME Review is the appropriate platform to share the legacies of these heroes with the wider Connectional Church. And, I thank the Rev. Dr. Dickerson for affording me the opportunity to research and write on the Namibian AME heroes!
Finally, I thought the naming of Wilberforce institute building complex to this South African lady was an act of recognition, or am I missing the boat the somewhere? The Africa Summits, the AJC and the present GDC are platforms we must utilize to sensitize our African-American AME’s on these issues, and I think this could be one of the issues discussed at the GDC EXCO meeting in February 2006.
During March 2006 the St. James AME Church, Mariental is going to host the Joint Midyear for the Namibia and Angola Annual Conference. We are made to understand that a small group of overseas visitors, from the bigger Lay delegation sojourning in South Africa, may visit our country for that meeting. Bishop Samuel L Green SR has left no stone unturned to make a huge success of last year’s Midyear, and we believe that this year’s meeting will be a bigger one! When these visitors come, it will be another divine opportunity to interact, network and share with them our pains and joys. Let us work towards sharing the African sentiments in such a way that our overseas brothers and sisters will own it and help us achieve our goals.
Please stay bless
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
St. James AME Church
Namibia Annual Conference
stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
w.hanse@parliament.gov.na
+264 81 122 5048
2. SEVENTH DISTRICT 2005 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Sunday October 9th to Friday October 14th the Seventh District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Elloree for its 2005 Central Annual Conference. This weeklong event took place at Union AME Church located at 390 Old River Road in Elloree, and was the sixth and final regional annual conference held within the Seventh Episcopal District.Between 3000 to 4000 AME church clergy and delegates attended this conference, which is comprised of the Orangeburg, Manning and Wateree Districts. This 82nd session makes it the youngest of six annual conferences held within the Seventh Episcopal District. With 18 churches in Orangeburg, 23 in Manning and 22 in Wateree the Central Conference contains approximately 25,000 AME members and with 634 churches throughout South Carolina, the Seventh Episcopal District contains nearly 300,000 AME members statewide.
Under the leadership of the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh District, this was the first time in the more than two-century year old history of the AME Church that the Central Annual Conference was held in the town of Elloree. The Annual Conference is where the entire church body comes together to assess what has been accomplished during the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year.
2005 Central Conference Resolution
To the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, Mrs. Wilma D. Webb Williams, Supervisor of the WMS, MWWA, YPD and DMC, and members of the 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference, we greet you in the matchless name of the One who became poor that we might become rich.
And, are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and praise to Jesus give, for his redeeming grace. What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last? To God be the glory.
The nation state of South Carolina has been blessed with a dynamic team that has said, “Enough is enough” and has launched into the deep to take the 7th Episcopal district to another level, and they did it with the power of love. We are eternally grateful to God for allowing us another opportunity to come together to be about His business and for breathing on this conference to help it to be what He wanted it to be.
We express our gratitude to the host church, Union AME, its technological, energetic, assertive and focused leader, the Reverend Dr. John E. Washington, the officers and the wonderful members for hosting this 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference and for providing an environment that was structured, organized, supportive and hospitable.
The conference commenced with the Debs and Masters program at Union AME Church in Elloree, SC. This experience provided the Debs and Masters, Sub-Debs and Masters, and Allenites an opportunity to display their talents to the glory of God. The suave and debonair Mr. Peter L. Felder II and Mr. Curtis Randolph served as DMC honorees.
We are indeed grateful to Mrs. Cassandra Jamison, Central Conference Commissioner, Rev. Dr. Bennie Colough, Associate Commissioner, area directors, and local directors for their commitment, dedication and hard work. Mrs. Felita Grady Davis, Episcopal DMC Commissioner, and our Episcopal leaders, Bishop and Mrs. Williams, recognized and praised all participants for a job well done.
The Women’s Missionary Society convened at Union AME Church to conduct business, and officers were elected for the next conference year. Sister Kathleen Simmons was reflected as president. The missionaries held their annual luncheon at Felderville AME Church. The theme for the luncheon was “Fulfilling Our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way.” A Sarah Allen torch lighters ceremony was held at the luncheon to recognize the following torch lighters: Sister Okerita Watson, Orangeburg area, Sister Bertha J. Lawson, Manning area, and Sister Celia L. Haynes, Wateree area. Sister Ruth F. Solomon presided over the ceremony and Mother Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Mrs. Bernice Sanders, Episcopal President, presented awards to these charming ladies.
The Sons of Allen performed from the theme “Christian Men on the Move” as they honored God through song. Brother George Brown, State President, gave the state of the Episcopal district; Rev. Joseph Darby, Episcopal Coordinator, sanctioned the accomplishments, gave encouraging remarks, and thanked everyone for a job well done. The Conference President, Bro. James Howell gave the state of the conference address.
The open convocation took place on Tuesday morning, October 11, 2005 and was presided over by the Reverend Willie J. Baxter, Presiding Elder of the outstanding Orangeburg district. The Reverend Juennarrl Keith, pastor of Williams Chapel AME Church in the Orangeburg district, who set the tone for the conference as he preached from the title “Enough is Enough and that’s Enough,” which was taken from Mark 8, preached the annual conference sermon.
Bishop James presided over the Holy Communion service with assistance from the presiding elders and pastors. The conference was called to order and organized by the Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal district. The Conference Secretary, Reverend Rufus Gaymon, called the roll. Nominations of marshals and other officers were made by the presiding elders and elected by the conference.
The following persons were elected as marshals: Rev. Albert Jones, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Orangeburg district; Bro. Ogie Guess, Heyward AME Church, Wateree district; Rev. Andrew Jordon, pastor of Biggers AME Church, Manning district; Sister Rose Montgomery, Trinity AME Church, Manning district; Rev. Mary Washington, pastor of Zion and Bethel AME Churches, Orangeburg district; Sister Keisha Guess, Williams Chapel AME Church, Orangeburg district; Reverend John Davis, pastor of Providence AME Church, Wateree district.
The Finance Committee and the Judiciary Committees were formed. The Central Conference trustees were elected. The boundary of the conference was set, and the conference directory served as the agenda for the conference. The presiding elders gave their reports for the conference year, which were received by the conference. Bishop Williams thanked them for making excellent reports. The Board of Examiners presented candidates for ministry. The conference increased its members of the clergy with three persons having been elected for ordination as itinerant deacons: Valerie Bartly, Archie Romeo Fair and David Owens.
The Women’s Missionary Society performed to the glory of God. This was a night to remember as the missionaries glorified God through the theme “Fulfilling our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way”. This service was presided over by Sis. Mary B. Jackson. Mrs. Gwendolyn Snider, from the Northeast Conference WMS, was the speaker for the missionary service. She spoke with enthusiasm, confidence and conviction from the subject “Having a Mind to Work,” which was taken from Nehemiah 4:6. Mother Williams, Supervisor of the WMS, greeted the missionaries with words of encouragement and words of wisdom and the missionary service was graced with the presence of Mrs. Bernice Gore Sanders, Episcopal President of the WMS, who also thanked the missionaries for a job well done.
The Reverend Roslyn Coleman, Presiding Elder of the Newberry-Spartanburg district, preached the noonday service on Wednesday. Elder Coleman preached a powerful sermon entitled “Into the Deep,” which was taken from Luke 5:1-11. This service was presided over by Reverend Ralph Brown, pastor of St. James AME Church in the Manning district.
The 2005 Youth Witness Night, Wednesday, October 12, 2005 was an outstanding, magnificent and wonderful success as the young people used their mind, body, soul, and strength to witness to the Lord. This spirit-filled experience was presided over by Miss Jessica Cord. The theme for this year’s conference was “Spiriting toward Excellence”.
Our astute, intelligent, wise, focused, dedicated, committed, and compassionate Bishop, who believes in helping every person to become all that he or she can be, set aside space in the conference for workshops.
Christian Education Day was held, Thursday, October 13, 2005. This workshop featured Rev. Dr. Weems, Jr., a professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. who spoke on “Who are God’s Leaders and What do God’s Leaders Do?” Rev. Reginald Morton, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Plantersville, South Carolina, spoke on transformative bible study and transformative ministry with a youth focus. Chaplain Capt. Addison Burgess, Sr., spoke about the qualifications, benefits and opportunity in the U.S. chaplaincy. Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Director of the Christian Education Department, brought greetings. Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Seventh Episcopal District Dean of Christian Education, gave the purpose, and Sis. Keisha Guess introduced the presenters.
In keeping with Christian Education Day, Mr. James L. Lucas, Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice in Orangeburg, SC, presented pertinent statistical information and Mrs. Pamela Huff, Community Development Coordinator, presented information about the Auxiliary Probation Officer (APO) Program. This program recruits persons to work with at least one child to help him or her to move forward in his or her life with success.
The pastors of the outstanding Orangeburg district, the wonderful Wateree and the magnificent Manning districts gave an account of their work for the conference year as they reported their conversions, accessions and highlights of their work for the year. Each delegate was asked to give a Bible verse and to say a word about the vision and work for the year.
Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, Thursday, October 13, 2005 preached the noonday service. Rev. Young electrified the conference as he preached from the subject “A Power of Love” which was taken from 1 John 2:15-17. This service was presided over by Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Presiding Elder of the Kingstree district in the Palmetto Conference.
The Central Conference Lay Witness Night, Thursday, October 13, 2005 was presided over by Sis. Lula Debose. Senator John W. Matthews was the speaker. Senator Matthews’ emphasis was on economic development. The former pastor of Trinity AME Church in the Manning district, Reverend John Fredrick’s name was submitted for retirement.
The Ordination Service was held, Friday, October 14, 2005, to ordain those persons who have met the requirements for the ministry according to the Board of Examiners. Retired Bishop, Richard Allen Hildebrand, preached the ordination sermon. He set the conference on fire as he preached from the subject “Feed my Sheep”, taken from St. John 27:17. This service was presided over by Reverend Georgeann Pringle, pastor of Antioch AME Church in the Wateree district.
The faithful, energetic, spirit-filled and committed Superintendent of the Church School, the Reverend Helen Ziegler, and the church school participants have glorified God through the lesson entitled “The Ethiopian Official,” Acts 8:26-40.
A Memorial Service, presided over by Reverend Rufus Gaymon, was held to pay respect to Presiding Elder Alvin J. Blake of the Wateree district whom God called from labor to reward. Reverend James Stukes, pastor of Friendship AME Church in the Manning district, gave a tribute on behalf of Elder Blake.
The conference was graced with the presence of Bishops Frederick, Calhoun, James, Zedekiah, Grady, and Hildebrand; General Officer George F. Flowers, Executive Director of Global Witness and Ministries; and a host of presiding elders, visiting pastors and friends.
Bishop Zedekiah Grady took us to a spiritual plateau as he preached from the subject “I Believe in the Church,” which was taken from St. Matthew 16:13-20. This service was presided over by Reverend Malachi L. Duncan, Presiding Elder of the Manning district.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Central South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the dynamic leadership of the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, and Mother Wilma D. Webb Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, will no longer be the same, for they have cast the dye of commitment, dedication, and a deep love for humanity. Because of their superb leadership and spiritual guidance, we, the members of this 82nd session of the South Carolina Annual Conference, will leave better equipped, more renewed, revived, invigorated, and inspired to carry out the mission and challenges given to each of us.
Be it further resolved, that the presiding elders, pastors, conference officers and laity are to be commended for their commitment and dedication toward the work of the Zion.
Be it further resolved, that the Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the splendid, superb, and dynamic leadership of the Rev. Dr. John E. Washington, is to be commended again for the careful attention and courtesy shown to the members of the conference as they hosted the 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference. We are eternally grateful and appreciative for the warm hospitality, and we give them a standing ovation for a job well done!
Respectively submitted by the Committee on Resolution:
Rev. Dr. George E. Hicks, Rev. Leonard E. Simmons, Rev. Stanley Rivers, Rev. Ralph Brown, Rev. Patrick Mellerson, Rev. Georgeann Pringle, Sis. Josephine Mitchell
Submitted by:
Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500Cell 803.528.7104Fax 803.935.0830HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
3. ATTORNEY GLORIA LYNN SYDNOR SMITH, DAUGHTER OF DR. CALVIN AND THE REVEREND CHARLOTTE SWORN IN TO ARGUE CASES BEFORE THE U.S. SUPREME COURT:
The Editor and his grandson, Denzel Sydnor traveled to Washington, DC to attend the swearing-in ceremony for the editor’s, daughter, Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith to argue cases before the Supreme Court. Her associate Attorney Wendy Cross and other attorneys were sworn in at the ceremony that was conducted at the Supreme Court Building. Attorney Smith practices law in Cincinnati with Cross-Smith and Associates.
4. REQUEST THAT ALL EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AND FORWARD TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Great suggestion sent in by Brother Eric and Sister Stephanie Stradford
It might be extremely helpful if an updated website list is sent out in the online Christian Recorder as well as the printed version.
Although some districts have reserved a new website address, they are still developing the content. Others have not renewed their individual sites, and are listed at amec3000.org in a sub-directory. Here is our most recent list of "working websites."
"Boloka Tumelo" = Keep the Faith!
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
www.TheEnterpriZe.com
Communications, PR and Conference Management Consultants
Official Website
African Methodist Episcopal Church:
http://www.ame-church.com
Ecumenical Affairs:
www.ameecumenicalaffairs.org
Episcopal Districts: 1. http://www.amec3000.org/1st_District/
2. http://www.2ndamec.org/
3. http://www.amec3000.org/3rd_District/
4. http://www.fourthdistrictame.org/
5. http://www.ame-church.org/
6. http://www.sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
7. http://www.amec7thdist.org/
8. http://www.amec3000.org/8th_District/
9. http://www.amec3000.org/9th_District/
10. http://www.amec-10thdist.org/
11. http://www.11thdistrictamec.org
12. http://www.amec3000.org/12th_District/
13. http://www.13thame.com
14. http://www.amec3000.org/14th_District/
15. http://www.amec3000.org/15th_district/
16. http://www.ame16th.com/
17. http://www.amec3000.org/17th_District/
18. http://www.18thDistrictamec.org
19. http://www.amec3000.org/19th_District/
20. http://www.amec3000.org/20th_District/
5. THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 9TH ASSEMBLY IN A NUTSHELL:
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world." Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop E. McCloud and other AME Episcopal representatives, as well as a number of other clergy and lay members of the AME Church will represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history. Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality.
In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together.
This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region.
A number of pre-assembly events (organized by the WCC youth, women, indigenous peoples programmes and Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network - EDAN) will be held from 11-13 February.
Editor’s note: The Editor will be attending the World Council of Churches’ 9th Assembly in Port Alegre, Brazil as the official news representative for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
6. THE WATCH NIGHT SERVICE:
Watch Night is now a gathering of the faithful on New Year’s Eve at churches across the United States and overseas. Worship services may begin anywhere fro 7 pm to 10 pm and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.
Many of the Watch Night Services celebrated in the black community can be traced to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve." On that night, African Americans came together in various places awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law.
At the stroke of midnight, January 1, 1863, and according to Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People waited in churches and other gathering places until the actual news of freedom was received. There were prayers, songs and shouting as people fell on there knees and thanked God.
Before 1862, people gathered on the plantations across the south because many of the slave owners tallied their accounts and many of their human, property was sold along with land and furnishings to satisfy debts on the first day of the New Year. Families and friends were separated often never to see each other again. During that era, December 31 might be the last time that many of the slaves would see loved ones.
So, we continue to gather in this country, and overseas on New Year's Eve to praise God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for God’s grace and mercy for the New Year.
7. CLIMATE CHANGE A SPIRITUAL CRISIS SAYS WCC:
"We would like to light a candle" is how a World Council of Churches (WCC) statement to the UN climate change conference in Montreal, Canada, begins. The statement affirms that climate change is not only a technological, economic and ecological crisis but also a spiritual one.
The statement is to be delivered on 9 December at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the First Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol by WCC climate change programme coordinator Dr David G. Hallman.
The statement, and the [non-fossil-fuel!] candle, will celebrate the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol, and evoke "the pain and disaster already suffered in various regions due to climate change". It will signal that "time is running out" for negotiating equitable and sustainable targets for post-2012 when the present protocol expires.
The candle will also symbolize "that what we suffer from is not simply a technological, economic or ecological crisis, but a spiritual crisis".
It is for this reason that the statement includes a spiritual declaration on climate change drafted by faith community participants at the conference. The declaration was circulated at an inter-faith ceremony attended by up to 1000 people at St Joseph's Oratory in Montreal on 4 December. In an earlier statement in support of WCC work on this issue, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos I defined climate change as a "profoundly moral and spiritual problem".
The WCC has been working on climate change ever since 1990, when this was identified by the scientific community as one of the most threatening social and ecological issues of our times, affecting creation as a whole. Representatives from over 180 countries are meeting in Montreal to negotiate the future of action on climate change. The talks are primarily about next steps in implementing the Kyoto Protocol, including resources needed by developing nations for adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The parties are attempting to start a process of negotiation for a climate policy framework that will be needed once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Editor’s note: Global warming is something about which AMEs should be concerned.
8. HOW THE NINTH WORLD ASSEMBLY WILL WORK:
The WCC 9th Assembly will offer a diverse and innovative programme for the expected 3000 participants from virtually all Christian traditions and regions. The moderator of the international planning committee, which is preparing the event, Norman Shanks from Scotland, explains how the 14-23 February 2006 Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, will work.
The Assembly programme will be both creative and diverse, and participants will have countless opportunities to interact and share insights out of their own experience. Porto Alegre is an attractive and dynamic city and the Assembly venue, the Catholic Pontifical University, offers a modern campus and meeting centre. The University has impressive experience in hosting major international events, not least the World Social Forum, attended by around 30,000 people. By comparison, the WCC Assembly will be smaller: we expect up to 1200 "core participants", including church delegates and representatives of related organizations, and up to 1800 others - visitors, ecumenical partner agencies, student groups, and so on. The Assembly theme, "God, in your grace, transform the world", is cast in the form of a prayer, reflecting the world's - and our own - need for healing and change, recognizing our dependence on God, acknowledging that we all have a part to play in the process of transformation. It will "flow" through the Assembly as we devote specific days to exploring its various dimensions: "transform… the earth, our societies, our churches, our lives, our witness."
The worship at the gathering will nourish and guide the entire life of the community, and is certain to be a memorable feature of the Assembly experience at Porto Alegre. Each day will begin and end with prayer in the large worship tent, with liturgy and music drawing from a wide range of church traditions. Additional services will be offered at other moments during the day. After morning prayer, delegates will gather in small Bible study groups to reflect on Scripture and share insights and experiences. Other participants will be led in larger-scale Bible reflection. During three days of the Assembly, delegates and youth participants will engage in "ecumenical conversations", choosing from topics of relevance to the life and witness of the church in today's world, each reflecting an aspect of the changing religious, cultural, ecumenical, social and political landscape - from HIV/AIDS to the challenge of racism, from mission and evangelism to information technology and bioethics.
Plenary sessions devoted to specific themes: economic justice; Christian identity in a pluralistic world; church unity and the future of ecumenism; youth overcoming violence, will be at the centre of the programme. A series of business sessions, building on recommendations by committees of delegates that will meet throughout the Assembly, will reflect on the work of the WCC since the 8th Assembly in Harare in 1998, hearing reports from the moderator of the central committee and the general secretary, amending the WCC's constitution, adopting an Assembly "message" and statements on significant public issues, and formulating priorities for the Council in the coming years.
This being the first WCC Assembly in Latin America, the programme will engage with the regional context through the involvement of local churches, national and local ecumenical bodies, and through the expected participation of many visitors from the region. A special "Latin America day" will be a highlight of the week, and will combine prayer, presentations and a cultural evening devoted to the region.
The planners hope that the 9th Assembly will qualify as a youth assembly, with the active and visible contribution of the youth delegates and the many stewards, and through the life of a special Assembly youth camp that will host young people from Latin America. A pre-Assembly event will prepare the youth participants, and there will be similar gatherings for women and members of the Ecumenical Disabilities Advocacy Network.A Portuguese word, "mutirão" - that implies gathering, sharing, and acting together with a view to "making a difference" - has been chosen to describe the space for sharing and exchange provided for all members of the Assembly community. It will be a specific part of the programme: each day, participants will propose dozens of workshops, as well as displays and exhibitions, cultural and artistic offerings and opportunities for other forms of ecumenical learning. I have no doubt that the WCC's 9th Assembly will be a life-shaping and -transforming experience for all those involved as well as for those who will be accompanying the event. My prayer is that all may be open to the grace-filled, graceful possibilities that the Assembly offers, and that the experience and decisions will permeate, influence, enrich and transform our churches and our world. "God, in your grace, transform the world!"
The Rev. Dr Norman Shanks is minister of Govan Old Parish Church, Glasgow (Church of Scotland). He was a member of the central committee elected at the Harare Assembly and is moderator of the Assembly planning committee.
9. THE 9TH WCC ASSEMBLY: PRAYING FOR A TRANSFORMED WORLD:
The 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 14-23 February 2006. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world."
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind. WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history.
Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality. In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together. This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region. Pre-assembly events for youth and for women will be held from 11-13 February.
10. THE HENNING FAMILY PROVIDES UPDATE ON SISTER HELAINE HENNING FUNERAL SERVICES:
Helaine Aleece Henning, the daughter of Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District and Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning passed on Friday Morning, December 9, 2005.
Funeral Arrangements are:
1st Funeral Service
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
11:00 AM
Ward AME Church
1177 West 25th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-747-1367 (Phone)
213-748-6251
Reverend Sylvester Laudermill, Pastor
2nd Funeral Service
Friday, December 16, 2005
11:00 AMSt Andrew AME Church
867 S Parkway E
Memphis, TN
Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Pastor
901 948-3441 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to:
Bishop C. Garnett and Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning
PO BOX 10326
Jackson, MS 39289
601-949-2927 (FAX)
or
9301 South 11th Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90305
Email Condolences:
Lanroc@aol.com
Bishop Henning's telephone 601 949-2925
Los Angeles (Home) 310-677-4779 (Phone)
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the Helaine Aleece Henning Memorial Education Fund and mailed to 9301 11th Avenue South, Inglewood, CA. 90305
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The mother of Mrs. Norweda Carter, President of the 8th Episcopal District M-SWAWO passed on Saturday, December 10, 2005. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Norweda Carter and Family
P.O. Box 743
Greensburg, LA 70441
Email condolences: NORWEDAC@yahoo.com 1
2. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend William James Goodson, retired minister of the 9th Episcopal District passed on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 after a short illness.
Service Arrangements
Monday, December 12, 2005
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church
1833 Center Way South
Birmingham, AL 35205T
he Reverend Frederick J. McCullough, Pastor
Services entrusted to:
Davenport and Harris Funeral Home, Inc.
301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Birmingham, AL 35211
(205) 252-2103
Condolences May Be Sent To His Daughter:
Teresa Weems
6633 Cordrey Court
Midfield, AL 35228
(205) 923-5790
Please keep the family in your prayers.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: blountjb@bellsouth.net
The Central Conference of the 11th Episcopal District mourns the passing of Retired Presiding Elder Horace Hill.
Service Arrangements
Monday, December 12, 2005
12:00 Noon
Allen Chapel AME Church
580 George W. Engram Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
Phone: 386/255-1195
Eulogist: Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop, 11th Episcopal District
The Funeral Home is:
Herbert Thompson Funeral Home
901 Dr. Mary McCloud Bethune Blvd
Daytona, Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 386/253-1651
Phone number for Mrs. Evelyn Hill (his spouse) is 386/252-4006.
Submitted by June Blount
Central Conference President
14. 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.
15. 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. THE GLOBAL CORNER:
- MISSIVE TO THE CHURCH CONCERNING CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE LATE MRS. CHARLOTTE MANNYA MAXEKE OF SOUTH AFRICA:
Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ
The State President of South Africa consistently honours and salutes the Late Mrs Charlotte Mannya Maxeke for what she has done among the people of South Africa. In 2004, President Mbeki gave the highest honour in the country for Mrs Maxeke. Now, in his weekly online column as the President of the ruling party, he writes a celebratory note on the role and contribution of the Late Mrs Charlotte Mannya Maxeke and makes inexhaustible references from eminent scholars, undoubted revolutionary scholars, and illustrious interpreters of the history of the African people both here at home and in Diaspora. He pays tribute to her and his complete text follows hereafter
As a delegate to the 46th Session of the General Conference, in Indianapolis, last year, glorious events of the church unfolded before me and I was the witness thereof (elections, passing of laws, preaching, eating and laughing). There is one thing I did which memory refuses to forget: “I cried.” I cried when I heard citations of the stalwarts of the history of the African-Americans’ struggles were made and those stalwarts were posthumously honoured by the A.M.E. Church. I was in a middle of a glorious event, I should have cried.
I cried, not only because glory was unfolding before me, but I also cried because among those who fought and gave up their lives for Black/African people, I missed one who laid her life for millions in South Africa – Charlotte Maxeke. I was saddened by the exclusion of heroes and heroines of the people on the continent of Africa not included among those who were to be honoured for their roles and contribution to Liberation and Reconciliation. In me, there was a DISCONNECTION in the CONNECTION.
I thank Bishop Cornal G. Henning, Sr., and Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., for their counsel and consolation that day and beyond. I had almost forgotten about the pain and lamentations of that Sunday until this morning when I was surfing on-line SA newspapers to find Donwald Pressly (Sunday Times online – www.sundaytimes.co.za) reporting about what President Mbeki had to say in his column last Friday in the ANC Today (www.anc.org.za). Reading the article entitled “Mbeki pays tribute to top women” could not satisfy my thirst to know what he had to say about those top women and switched on to ANC Today. I discovered that he went home to illustrate their lives, particularly that of my AME ancestor, Charlotte Maxeke.
My prayer is that the AME Church, at a Connectional level, will take time to acknowledge her, too. Had it not been her sacrifice, not just for the SA nation (i.e., for the general population thereof), but also in the AME Church, I wonder where I (and today’s AME generation) would be. She is no god, but a part of Sarah’s lineage (a woman of faith). She took the baton from Sarah of faith and spent herself so that out of her would be conceived today’s generation of South Africans and AMEs. She stood in the gap, stretched her hands between the US and Southern Africa to connect the AME Church in the US and Ethiopian Church in South Africa. Meanwhile, she also stood in the gap by mobilising and organising people to reject their oppression as black and women. Today, we have a democracy in South Africa, all just because she abhorred suppression and oppression of people-by-people and yearned for liberation and reconciliation of all people. What was a dream for her, for which she availed herself to be spent on, is a reality of my generation, my times and me.
I am messing up with protocols and procedures of the Church. I know that. The church does not decide by emails, faxes and telephones but conferences, meetings and seminars. I know that. My request to you who would be in these meetings, seminars and conferences, thinking about what the flow and content of the planned meetings would be, would you be kind enough to think that she deserves our acknowledgement, too, as the Church.
Kind regards.
Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
National Director: HIV/AIDS Programme
South African Council of Churches
9th Floor, Khotso House
62 Marshall House, Johannesburg 2001
Tel: +27 11 241 7811/2/6
Fax: +27 11 838 4818 or +27 11 492 4818
Mobile: +27 82 412 2960
Email: tgk@sacc.org.za
- RESPONSE TO REVEREND KLASS’ MISSIVE BY THE REVEREND WILLEM SIMON HANSE:
Dear Brother Klaas
The joy of serving the Lord Jesus is always my source of strength. Before you and other readers continue reading my comments, please note that I may sound critical but I am not negative and I understood your writing in that spirit!
Thanks for sharing the information. Recognition of AME heroes from the African continent has been very slow in our denomination. During the past three or so quadrennials, I have been actively writing to the AME Church leadership and AME institutions to give recognition to deserving African AMEs. The late Bishop George K Ming was very helpful in 1990 in securing honorary doctorate for the sacrifices made by the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi in the liberation struggle of our country. After a long period of silence entered Bishop Gregory Ingram, and together with Bishop Harold B Senatle and Bishop Adam J Richardson played a significant part in securing honorary doctorates for the Rev. Dr. Nicholas C Christians, the late Rev. Dr. Willem Moses Jod (my paternal grandfather) and the Rev. Dr. Andreas Biwa. We do not minimize the part played by Bishop Wilfredt Messiah when he was still the President of the R. R. Wright Theological Seminary.
Less I forget, the AME Church also gave the Richard Allen Award to the Rev. Dr. Hendrik Witbooi in 1992!
In the Namibian context, it is a slow process but it has happened and we believe that The AME Review is the appropriate platform to share the legacies of these heroes with the wider Connectional Church. And, I thank the Rev. Dr. Dickerson for affording me the opportunity to research and write on the Namibian AME heroes!
Finally, I thought the naming of Wilberforce institute building complex to this South African lady was an act of recognition, or am I missing the boat the somewhere? The Africa Summits, the AJC and the present GDC are platforms we must utilize to sensitize our African-American AME’s on these issues, and I think this could be one of the issues discussed at the GDC EXCO meeting in February 2006.
During March 2006 the St. James AME Church, Mariental is going to host the Joint Midyear for the Namibia and Angola Annual Conference. We are made to understand that a small group of overseas visitors, from the bigger Lay delegation sojourning in South Africa, may visit our country for that meeting. Bishop Samuel L Green SR has left no stone unturned to make a huge success of last year’s Midyear, and we believe that this year’s meeting will be a bigger one! When these visitors come, it will be another divine opportunity to interact, network and share with them our pains and joys. Let us work towards sharing the African sentiments in such a way that our overseas brothers and sisters will own it and help us achieve our goals.
Please stay bless
Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
St. James AME Church
Namibia Annual Conference
stjamesmariental@yahoo.com
w.hanse@parliament.gov.na
+264 81 122 5048
2. SEVENTH DISTRICT 2005 CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Sunday October 9th to Friday October 14th the Seventh District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Elloree for its 2005 Central Annual Conference. This weeklong event took place at Union AME Church located at 390 Old River Road in Elloree, and was the sixth and final regional annual conference held within the Seventh Episcopal District.Between 3000 to 4000 AME church clergy and delegates attended this conference, which is comprised of the Orangeburg, Manning and Wateree Districts. This 82nd session makes it the youngest of six annual conferences held within the Seventh Episcopal District. With 18 churches in Orangeburg, 23 in Manning and 22 in Wateree the Central Conference contains approximately 25,000 AME members and with 634 churches throughout South Carolina, the Seventh Episcopal District contains nearly 300,000 AME members statewide.
Under the leadership of the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh District, this was the first time in the more than two-century year old history of the AME Church that the Central Annual Conference was held in the town of Elloree. The Annual Conference is where the entire church body comes together to assess what has been accomplished during the previous year and set goals for the upcoming year.
2005 Central Conference Resolution
To the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Bishop of the Seventh Episcopal District, Mrs. Wilma D. Webb Williams, Supervisor of the WMS, MWWA, YPD and DMC, and members of the 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference, we greet you in the matchless name of the One who became poor that we might become rich.
And, are we yet alive, and see each other’s face? Glory and praise to Jesus give, for his redeeming grace. What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last? To God be the glory.
The nation state of South Carolina has been blessed with a dynamic team that has said, “Enough is enough” and has launched into the deep to take the 7th Episcopal district to another level, and they did it with the power of love. We are eternally grateful to God for allowing us another opportunity to come together to be about His business and for breathing on this conference to help it to be what He wanted it to be.
We express our gratitude to the host church, Union AME, its technological, energetic, assertive and focused leader, the Reverend Dr. John E. Washington, the officers and the wonderful members for hosting this 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference and for providing an environment that was structured, organized, supportive and hospitable.
The conference commenced with the Debs and Masters program at Union AME Church in Elloree, SC. This experience provided the Debs and Masters, Sub-Debs and Masters, and Allenites an opportunity to display their talents to the glory of God. The suave and debonair Mr. Peter L. Felder II and Mr. Curtis Randolph served as DMC honorees.
We are indeed grateful to Mrs. Cassandra Jamison, Central Conference Commissioner, Rev. Dr. Bennie Colough, Associate Commissioner, area directors, and local directors for their commitment, dedication and hard work. Mrs. Felita Grady Davis, Episcopal DMC Commissioner, and our Episcopal leaders, Bishop and Mrs. Williams, recognized and praised all participants for a job well done.
The Women’s Missionary Society convened at Union AME Church to conduct business, and officers were elected for the next conference year. Sister Kathleen Simmons was reflected as president. The missionaries held their annual luncheon at Felderville AME Church. The theme for the luncheon was “Fulfilling Our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way.” A Sarah Allen torch lighters ceremony was held at the luncheon to recognize the following torch lighters: Sister Okerita Watson, Orangeburg area, Sister Bertha J. Lawson, Manning area, and Sister Celia L. Haynes, Wateree area. Sister Ruth F. Solomon presided over the ceremony and Mother Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Mrs. Bernice Sanders, Episcopal President, presented awards to these charming ladies.
The Sons of Allen performed from the theme “Christian Men on the Move” as they honored God through song. Brother George Brown, State President, gave the state of the Episcopal district; Rev. Joseph Darby, Episcopal Coordinator, sanctioned the accomplishments, gave encouraging remarks, and thanked everyone for a job well done. The Conference President, Bro. James Howell gave the state of the conference address.
The open convocation took place on Tuesday morning, October 11, 2005 and was presided over by the Reverend Willie J. Baxter, Presiding Elder of the outstanding Orangeburg district. The Reverend Juennarrl Keith, pastor of Williams Chapel AME Church in the Orangeburg district, who set the tone for the conference as he preached from the title “Enough is Enough and that’s Enough,” which was taken from Mark 8, preached the annual conference sermon.
Bishop James presided over the Holy Communion service with assistance from the presiding elders and pastors. The conference was called to order and organized by the Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal district. The Conference Secretary, Reverend Rufus Gaymon, called the roll. Nominations of marshals and other officers were made by the presiding elders and elected by the conference.
The following persons were elected as marshals: Rev. Albert Jones, pastor of Mt. Olive AME Church, Orangeburg district; Bro. Ogie Guess, Heyward AME Church, Wateree district; Rev. Andrew Jordon, pastor of Biggers AME Church, Manning district; Sister Rose Montgomery, Trinity AME Church, Manning district; Rev. Mary Washington, pastor of Zion and Bethel AME Churches, Orangeburg district; Sister Keisha Guess, Williams Chapel AME Church, Orangeburg district; Reverend John Davis, pastor of Providence AME Church, Wateree district.
The Finance Committee and the Judiciary Committees were formed. The Central Conference trustees were elected. The boundary of the conference was set, and the conference directory served as the agenda for the conference. The presiding elders gave their reports for the conference year, which were received by the conference. Bishop Williams thanked them for making excellent reports. The Board of Examiners presented candidates for ministry. The conference increased its members of the clergy with three persons having been elected for ordination as itinerant deacons: Valerie Bartly, Archie Romeo Fair and David Owens.
The Women’s Missionary Society performed to the glory of God. This was a night to remember as the missionaries glorified God through the theme “Fulfilling our Mission: God’s Word, God’s Will, God’s Way”. This service was presided over by Sis. Mary B. Jackson. Mrs. Gwendolyn Snider, from the Northeast Conference WMS, was the speaker for the missionary service. She spoke with enthusiasm, confidence and conviction from the subject “Having a Mind to Work,” which was taken from Nehemiah 4:6. Mother Williams, Supervisor of the WMS, greeted the missionaries with words of encouragement and words of wisdom and the missionary service was graced with the presence of Mrs. Bernice Gore Sanders, Episcopal President of the WMS, who also thanked the missionaries for a job well done.
The Reverend Roslyn Coleman, Presiding Elder of the Newberry-Spartanburg district, preached the noonday service on Wednesday. Elder Coleman preached a powerful sermon entitled “Into the Deep,” which was taken from Luke 5:1-11. This service was presided over by Reverend Ralph Brown, pastor of St. James AME Church in the Manning district.
The 2005 Youth Witness Night, Wednesday, October 12, 2005 was an outstanding, magnificent and wonderful success as the young people used their mind, body, soul, and strength to witness to the Lord. This spirit-filled experience was presided over by Miss Jessica Cord. The theme for this year’s conference was “Spiriting toward Excellence”.
Our astute, intelligent, wise, focused, dedicated, committed, and compassionate Bishop, who believes in helping every person to become all that he or she can be, set aside space in the conference for workshops.
Christian Education Day was held, Thursday, October 13, 2005. This workshop featured Rev. Dr. Weems, Jr., a professor at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. who spoke on “Who are God’s Leaders and What do God’s Leaders Do?” Rev. Reginald Morton, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Plantersville, South Carolina, spoke on transformative bible study and transformative ministry with a youth focus. Chaplain Capt. Addison Burgess, Sr., spoke about the qualifications, benefits and opportunity in the U.S. chaplaincy. Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Director of the Christian Education Department, brought greetings. Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Seventh Episcopal District Dean of Christian Education, gave the purpose, and Sis. Keisha Guess introduced the presenters.
In keeping with Christian Education Day, Mr. James L. Lucas, Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice in Orangeburg, SC, presented pertinent statistical information and Mrs. Pamela Huff, Community Development Coordinator, presented information about the Auxiliary Probation Officer (APO) Program. This program recruits persons to work with at least one child to help him or her to move forward in his or her life with success.
The pastors of the outstanding Orangeburg district, the wonderful Wateree and the magnificent Manning districts gave an account of their work for the conference year as they reported their conversions, accessions and highlights of their work for the year. Each delegate was asked to give a Bible verse and to say a word about the vision and work for the year.
Rev. Dr. Charles E. Young, President of Allen University, Thursday, October 13, 2005 preached the noonday service. Rev. Young electrified the conference as he preached from the subject “A Power of Love” which was taken from 1 John 2:15-17. This service was presided over by Rev. Dr. Allen Parrott, Presiding Elder of the Kingstree district in the Palmetto Conference.
The Central Conference Lay Witness Night, Thursday, October 13, 2005 was presided over by Sis. Lula Debose. Senator John W. Matthews was the speaker. Senator Matthews’ emphasis was on economic development. The former pastor of Trinity AME Church in the Manning district, Reverend John Fredrick’s name was submitted for retirement.
The Ordination Service was held, Friday, October 14, 2005, to ordain those persons who have met the requirements for the ministry according to the Board of Examiners. Retired Bishop, Richard Allen Hildebrand, preached the ordination sermon. He set the conference on fire as he preached from the subject “Feed my Sheep”, taken from St. John 27:17. This service was presided over by Reverend Georgeann Pringle, pastor of Antioch AME Church in the Wateree district.
The faithful, energetic, spirit-filled and committed Superintendent of the Church School, the Reverend Helen Ziegler, and the church school participants have glorified God through the lesson entitled “The Ethiopian Official,” Acts 8:26-40.
A Memorial Service, presided over by Reverend Rufus Gaymon, was held to pay respect to Presiding Elder Alvin J. Blake of the Wateree district whom God called from labor to reward. Reverend James Stukes, pastor of Friendship AME Church in the Manning district, gave a tribute on behalf of Elder Blake.
The conference was graced with the presence of Bishops Frederick, Calhoun, James, Zedekiah, Grady, and Hildebrand; General Officer George F. Flowers, Executive Director of Global Witness and Ministries; and a host of presiding elders, visiting pastors and friends.
Bishop Zedekiah Grady took us to a spiritual plateau as he preached from the subject “I Believe in the Church,” which was taken from St. Matthew 16:13-20. This service was presided over by Reverend Malachi L. Duncan, Presiding Elder of the Manning district.
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Central South Carolina Annual Conference of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the dynamic leadership of the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, and Mother Wilma D. Webb Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, will no longer be the same, for they have cast the dye of commitment, dedication, and a deep love for humanity. Because of their superb leadership and spiritual guidance, we, the members of this 82nd session of the South Carolina Annual Conference, will leave better equipped, more renewed, revived, invigorated, and inspired to carry out the mission and challenges given to each of us.
Be it further resolved, that the presiding elders, pastors, conference officers and laity are to be commended for their commitment and dedication toward the work of the Zion.
Be it further resolved, that the Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, under the splendid, superb, and dynamic leadership of the Rev. Dr. John E. Washington, is to be commended again for the careful attention and courtesy shown to the members of the conference as they hosted the 82nd session of the Central South Carolina Annual Conference. We are eternally grateful and appreciative for the warm hospitality, and we give them a standing ovation for a job well done!
Respectively submitted by the Committee on Resolution:
Rev. Dr. George E. Hicks, Rev. Leonard E. Simmons, Rev. Stanley Rivers, Rev. Ralph Brown, Rev. Patrick Mellerson, Rev. Georgeann Pringle, Sis. Josephine Mitchell
Submitted by:
Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500Cell 803.528.7104Fax 803.935.0830HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com
3. ATTORNEY GLORIA LYNN SYDNOR SMITH, DAUGHTER OF DR. CALVIN AND THE REVEREND CHARLOTTE SWORN IN TO ARGUE CASES BEFORE THE U.S. SUPREME COURT:
The Editor and his grandson, Denzel Sydnor traveled to Washington, DC to attend the swearing-in ceremony for the editor’s, daughter, Gloria Lynn Sydnor Smith to argue cases before the Supreme Court. Her associate Attorney Wendy Cross and other attorneys were sworn in at the ceremony that was conducted at the Supreme Court Building. Attorney Smith practices law in Cincinnati with Cross-Smith and Associates.
4. REQUEST THAT ALL EPISCOPAL DISTRICTS UPDATE OFFICIAL WEBSITE AND FORWARD TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
Great suggestion sent in by Brother Eric and Sister Stephanie Stradford
It might be extremely helpful if an updated website list is sent out in the online Christian Recorder as well as the printed version.
Although some districts have reserved a new website address, they are still developing the content. Others have not renewed their individual sites, and are listed at amec3000.org in a sub-directory. Here is our most recent list of "working websites."
"Boloka Tumelo" = Keep the Faith!
Stephanie and Eric Stradford
www.TheEnterpriZe.com
Communications, PR and Conference Management Consultants
Official Website
African Methodist Episcopal Church:
http://www.ame-church.com
Ecumenical Affairs:
www.ameecumenicalaffairs.org
Episcopal Districts: 1. http://www.amec3000.org/1st_District/
2. http://www.2ndamec.org/
3. http://www.amec3000.org/3rd_District/
4. http://www.fourthdistrictame.org/
5. http://www.ame-church.org/
6. http://www.sixthepiscopaldistrict.org
7. http://www.amec7thdist.org/
8. http://www.amec3000.org/8th_District/
9. http://www.amec3000.org/9th_District/
10. http://www.amec-10thdist.org/
11. http://www.11thdistrictamec.org
12. http://www.amec3000.org/12th_District/
13. http://www.13thame.com
14. http://www.amec3000.org/14th_District/
15. http://www.amec3000.org/15th_district/
16. http://www.ame16th.com/
17. http://www.amec3000.org/17th_District/
18. http://www.18thDistrictamec.org
19. http://www.amec3000.org/19th_District/
20. http://www.amec3000.org/20th_District/
5. THE WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES 9TH ASSEMBLY IN A NUTSHELL:
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world." Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop E. McCloud and other AME Episcopal representatives, as well as a number of other clergy and lay members of the AME Church will represent the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history. Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality.
In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together.
This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region.
A number of pre-assembly events (organized by the WCC youth, women, indigenous peoples programmes and Ecumenical Disability Advocates Network - EDAN) will be held from 11-13 February.
Editor’s note: The Editor will be attending the World Council of Churches’ 9th Assembly in Port Alegre, Brazil as the official news representative for the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
6. THE WATCH NIGHT SERVICE:
Watch Night is now a gathering of the faithful on New Year’s Eve at churches across the United States and overseas. Worship services may begin anywhere fro 7 pm to 10 pm and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.
Many of the Watch Night Services celebrated in the black community can be traced to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve." On that night, African Americans came together in various places awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law.
At the stroke of midnight, January 1, 1863, and according to Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People waited in churches and other gathering places until the actual news of freedom was received. There were prayers, songs and shouting as people fell on there knees and thanked God.
Before 1862, people gathered on the plantations across the south because many of the slave owners tallied their accounts and many of their human, property was sold along with land and furnishings to satisfy debts on the first day of the New Year. Families and friends were separated often never to see each other again. During that era, December 31 might be the last time that many of the slaves would see loved ones.
So, we continue to gather in this country, and overseas on New Year's Eve to praise God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for God’s grace and mercy for the New Year.
7. CLIMATE CHANGE A SPIRITUAL CRISIS SAYS WCC:
"We would like to light a candle" is how a World Council of Churches (WCC) statement to the UN climate change conference in Montreal, Canada, begins. The statement affirms that climate change is not only a technological, economic and ecological crisis but also a spiritual one.
The statement is to be delivered on 9 December at the eleventh meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, and the First Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol by WCC climate change programme coordinator Dr David G. Hallman.
The statement, and the [non-fossil-fuel!] candle, will celebrate the coming into force of the Kyoto Protocol, and evoke "the pain and disaster already suffered in various regions due to climate change". It will signal that "time is running out" for negotiating equitable and sustainable targets for post-2012 when the present protocol expires.
The candle will also symbolize "that what we suffer from is not simply a technological, economic or ecological crisis, but a spiritual crisis".
It is for this reason that the statement includes a spiritual declaration on climate change drafted by faith community participants at the conference. The declaration was circulated at an inter-faith ceremony attended by up to 1000 people at St Joseph's Oratory in Montreal on 4 December. In an earlier statement in support of WCC work on this issue, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos I defined climate change as a "profoundly moral and spiritual problem".
The WCC has been working on climate change ever since 1990, when this was identified by the scientific community as one of the most threatening social and ecological issues of our times, affecting creation as a whole. Representatives from over 180 countries are meeting in Montreal to negotiate the future of action on climate change. The talks are primarily about next steps in implementing the Kyoto Protocol, including resources needed by developing nations for adaptation to the impacts of climate change. The parties are attempting to start a process of negotiation for a climate policy framework that will be needed once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012.
Editor’s note: Global warming is something about which AMEs should be concerned.
8. HOW THE NINTH WORLD ASSEMBLY WILL WORK:
The WCC 9th Assembly will offer a diverse and innovative programme for the expected 3000 participants from virtually all Christian traditions and regions. The moderator of the international planning committee, which is preparing the event, Norman Shanks from Scotland, explains how the 14-23 February 2006 Assembly in Porto Alegre, Brazil, will work.
The Assembly programme will be both creative and diverse, and participants will have countless opportunities to interact and share insights out of their own experience. Porto Alegre is an attractive and dynamic city and the Assembly venue, the Catholic Pontifical University, offers a modern campus and meeting centre. The University has impressive experience in hosting major international events, not least the World Social Forum, attended by around 30,000 people. By comparison, the WCC Assembly will be smaller: we expect up to 1200 "core participants", including church delegates and representatives of related organizations, and up to 1800 others - visitors, ecumenical partner agencies, student groups, and so on. The Assembly theme, "God, in your grace, transform the world", is cast in the form of a prayer, reflecting the world's - and our own - need for healing and change, recognizing our dependence on God, acknowledging that we all have a part to play in the process of transformation. It will "flow" through the Assembly as we devote specific days to exploring its various dimensions: "transform… the earth, our societies, our churches, our lives, our witness."
The worship at the gathering will nourish and guide the entire life of the community, and is certain to be a memorable feature of the Assembly experience at Porto Alegre. Each day will begin and end with prayer in the large worship tent, with liturgy and music drawing from a wide range of church traditions. Additional services will be offered at other moments during the day. After morning prayer, delegates will gather in small Bible study groups to reflect on Scripture and share insights and experiences. Other participants will be led in larger-scale Bible reflection. During three days of the Assembly, delegates and youth participants will engage in "ecumenical conversations", choosing from topics of relevance to the life and witness of the church in today's world, each reflecting an aspect of the changing religious, cultural, ecumenical, social and political landscape - from HIV/AIDS to the challenge of racism, from mission and evangelism to information technology and bioethics.
Plenary sessions devoted to specific themes: economic justice; Christian identity in a pluralistic world; church unity and the future of ecumenism; youth overcoming violence, will be at the centre of the programme. A series of business sessions, building on recommendations by committees of delegates that will meet throughout the Assembly, will reflect on the work of the WCC since the 8th Assembly in Harare in 1998, hearing reports from the moderator of the central committee and the general secretary, amending the WCC's constitution, adopting an Assembly "message" and statements on significant public issues, and formulating priorities for the Council in the coming years.
This being the first WCC Assembly in Latin America, the programme will engage with the regional context through the involvement of local churches, national and local ecumenical bodies, and through the expected participation of many visitors from the region. A special "Latin America day" will be a highlight of the week, and will combine prayer, presentations and a cultural evening devoted to the region.
The planners hope that the 9th Assembly will qualify as a youth assembly, with the active and visible contribution of the youth delegates and the many stewards, and through the life of a special Assembly youth camp that will host young people from Latin America. A pre-Assembly event will prepare the youth participants, and there will be similar gatherings for women and members of the Ecumenical Disabilities Advocacy Network.A Portuguese word, "mutirão" - that implies gathering, sharing, and acting together with a view to "making a difference" - has been chosen to describe the space for sharing and exchange provided for all members of the Assembly community. It will be a specific part of the programme: each day, participants will propose dozens of workshops, as well as displays and exhibitions, cultural and artistic offerings and opportunities for other forms of ecumenical learning. I have no doubt that the WCC's 9th Assembly will be a life-shaping and -transforming experience for all those involved as well as for those who will be accompanying the event. My prayer is that all may be open to the grace-filled, graceful possibilities that the Assembly offers, and that the experience and decisions will permeate, influence, enrich and transform our churches and our world. "God, in your grace, transform the world!"
The Rev. Dr Norman Shanks is minister of Govan Old Parish Church, Glasgow (Church of Scotland). He was a member of the central committee elected at the Harare Assembly and is moderator of the Assembly planning committee.
9. THE 9TH WCC ASSEMBLY: PRAYING FOR A TRANSFORMED WORLD:
The 9th assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) will be held in Porto Alegre, Brazil, from 14-23 February 2006. Its theme is a prayer: "God, in your grace, transform the world."
The first WCC assembly of the 21st century, it will gather up to 3,000 church leaders and ecumenical representatives from nearly every Christian tradition around the world. As such, it will be one of the broadest global gatherings of its kind. WCC assemblies are often turning points in the life of the World Council, and this one is expected to leave its mark on ecumenical history.
Deliberations will focus on issues such as the future of the ecumenical movement, the churches' commitment to economic justice as well as their witness to overcoming violence, and the challenges faced in the midst of religious plurality. In Porto Alegre, members of the ecumenical family will be able to gather around the assembly at a Mutirão, a Portuguese word that means coming together for a common purpose. Made up of workshops, exhibitions and cultural celebrations, this part of the assembly programme will offer opportunities for members of the wider ecumenical movement to gather, reflect and celebrate together. This is the first WCC assembly to be held in Latin America, and it is being hosted by the National Council of Christian Churches in Brazil (CONIC) on behalf of churches throughout the region. Pre-assembly events for youth and for women will be held from 11-13 February.
10. THE HENNING FAMILY PROVIDES UPDATE ON SISTER HELAINE HENNING FUNERAL SERVICES:
Helaine Aleece Henning, the daughter of Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop of the Eighth Episcopal District and Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning passed on Friday Morning, December 9, 2005.
Funeral Arrangements are:
1st Funeral Service
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
11:00 AM
Ward AME Church
1177 West 25th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
213-747-1367 (Phone)
213-748-6251
Reverend Sylvester Laudermill, Pastor
2nd Funeral Service
Friday, December 16, 2005
11:00 AMSt Andrew AME Church
867 S Parkway E
Memphis, TN
Dr. Kenneth Robinson, Pastor
901 948-3441 (Phone)
Condolences may be sent to:
Bishop C. Garnett and Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning
PO BOX 10326
Jackson, MS 39289
601-949-2927 (FAX)
or
9301 South 11th Avenue
Inglewood, CA 90305
Email Condolences:
Lanroc@aol.com
Bishop Henning's telephone 601 949-2925
Los Angeles (Home) 310-677-4779 (Phone)
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the Helaine Aleece Henning Memorial Education Fund and mailed to 9301 11th Avenue South, Inglewood, CA. 90305
11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The mother of Mrs. Norweda Carter, President of the 8th Episcopal District M-SWAWO passed on Saturday, December 10, 2005. Funeral arrangements are pending.
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Norweda Carter and Family
P.O. Box 743
Greensburg, LA 70441
Email condolences: NORWEDAC@yahoo.com 1
2. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The Reverend William James Goodson, retired minister of the 9th Episcopal District passed on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 after a short illness.
Service Arrangements
Monday, December 12, 2005
Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church
1833 Center Way South
Birmingham, AL 35205T
he Reverend Frederick J. McCullough, Pastor
Services entrusted to:
Davenport and Harris Funeral Home, Inc.
301 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive
Birmingham, AL 35211
(205) 252-2103
Condolences May Be Sent To His Daughter:
Teresa Weems
6633 Cordrey Court
Midfield, AL 35228
(205) 923-5790
Please keep the family in your prayers.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: blountjb@bellsouth.net
The Central Conference of the 11th Episcopal District mourns the passing of Retired Presiding Elder Horace Hill.
Service Arrangements
Monday, December 12, 2005
12:00 Noon
Allen Chapel AME Church
580 George W. Engram Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32120
Phone: 386/255-1195
Eulogist: Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop, 11th Episcopal District
The Funeral Home is:
Herbert Thompson Funeral Home
901 Dr. Mary McCloud Bethune Blvd
Daytona, Beach, FL 32114
Phone: 386/253-1651
Phone number for Mrs. Evelyn Hill (his spouse) is 386/252-4006.
Submitted by June Blount
Central Conference President
14. 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.
15. 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.