THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (3/8/06)

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. A MODEL FOR PUBLIC PRAYER:

This is one model for prayer. There are four key elements in prayer, which are easy to remember by the acronym, ACTS - C: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication, and Closing

But, first and foremost, corporate or public prayer in worship services should always be, “We,” and not, “I”, i.e., “LORD, WE ask Your blessings upon…” not, “LORD, I ask your blessings upon…”

“I” is certainly acceptable, and preferable in personal, private prayer.

Adoration:
This is a prayer in which you express awe and love for God and reflect on God’s attributes and works, i.e., “O Lord, our God, how excellent is your name in all of the earth…” Adoration involves praise and worship (the acknowledgment of God's power and goodness. In this form of prayer, we honor, exalt, esteem, bless, and magnify the Name of the God as we reflect upon God’s goodness, grace, holiness, mercy, love, might, power, and dominion. In praise, we rejoice in God, align ourselves in obedience to God, and express all that we have discovered God to be.

Confession:
We all have sinned and we ask God to forgive us. We acknowledge that our sins violate God’s holiness and hinder our relationship with God, and we repent of our sins. “LORD, forgive us of our sins that we have committed…” We acknowledge our sins and thank God for God’s forgiveness and cleansing.

Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is expressing gratitude to God for God’s abundant blessings, i.e., “Our God, we thank you for your many blessings.…" We gratefully acknowledge what God has done, is doing, and will continue to do in our lives on every level.

Supplication
Supplication is simply intercessory prayer in which we pray for others.

Closing
The closing can be a brief word of adoration or thanksgiving that affirms our love for the One who loved us first and we acknowledge that we want to be a part of the Kingdom even after death, i.e., “LORD, when this life is over, we want to hear Your welcome voice say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant…”

2. A WORD FROM THE EDITOR:

I am going to interrupt my coverage of my trip to Liberia to answer an important question that was raised to me about why some of our episcopal leadership has mandated pastors to work on growing their congregations and to also introduce Dr. Levi B. Zangai, President of African Methodist University, Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa, and share his inaugural address.

First, here is my response to the question about some of our bishops’ mandate to pastors to grow their congregations.

I believe that the intent of some of our episcopal leadership to mandate that pastors work intentionally to increase their memberships in their local churches does not have to do with raising more money, but to encourage pastors to grow their congregations. I cannot speak for the bishops, but I believe that many of them are disturbed about pastors staying at churches, collecting salaries and not being concerned about evangelism (church growth).

Pastors complain about decreasing memberships without a planned strategy for increasing membership. We all know pastors across the Connection who have been at their churches for a number of years without little evidence of church growth.

Many churches have stopped having Sunday afternoon programs, cut out youth programs, and now practice combining special programs into Sunday morning worship services.

I have heard several bishops lament that they could not understand how a pastor could be satisfied with, say, 10 members and not go out to “beat the bushes” and grow the congregation.

Many of our local churches needs growth and many, if not all, of the bishops are trying to "light a fire” under complacent pastors and laity. Pastors and laity need to work together to grow congregations, for, as the saying goes, “Alone, we can do little; together, we can do much.”

Using the analogy of the shepherd and the sheep, the pastor is the “shepherd” and the congregations are the sheep. Shepherds care for, and lead the sheep. It is not the shepherd that grows the flock; it is the mating of the sheep that grows and increase the flock. Shepherd leads and protects the flock.

If shepherds and the sheep do their jobs, the sheep are protected, the flock increases, and everyone benefits.

3. MEET THE PRESIDENT OF AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL UNIVERSITY IN MONROVIA, LIBERIA:

My name is Levi B. Zangai. I am currently the President of the African Methodist Episcopal University (AMEU) in Monrovia, Liberia. AMEU is a coeducational tertiary institution supported by the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

I have twenty years of experience in education and international development, including experience as a former Minister of Education, former Minister of State for Peacekeeping, and Associate Professor of Public Administration and Political Science at the University of Liberia.

Additionally, I served as the Minister of Education and Consultant with UNECA and as a consultant for UNICEF. I co-authored a report on the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Liberia’s Child Soldiers and Empowering Liberia’s Civil Society Organizations.
During my tenure as Minister of Education, I organized a 50-member team of education professionals from the public, private and civil society sectors, and with the support of donors such as UNICEF, UNESCO, UNDP, and NGO’s, I initiated and completed Liberia’s post-war “Basic Education and Training Sector Reconstruction Program”, 1995-2000 volumes I and II.

This rehabilitation and reconstruction program (project number LIT/95/002/A/01/13) was submitted to the United Nations agencies and other donors as the first comprehensive post-war assessment in the country.

As an integral part of the education reconstruction program, I also established a broad-based, Inter-Agency Consultative Group with a Task Force on Prioritizing Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment. As Minister of Education, not only did I provide leadership and oversight for all the school systems in the country, I also chaired the inter-agency UN/NGO Education Sub-Committee on Liberia and coordinated its activities. I represented Liberia at several UN conferences, e.g., in Copenhagen, Paris, Geneva, and Dakar.

I have an extensive network of African and international contacts which I am deploying to rebuild The AME–University; see my work at http://www.theperspective.org/prospectsforpeace.html.

I was a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Southern California (USC, 1979-82) and a faculty member in (a) USC’s School of Public Administration (1983), (b) California State University, Northridge (Pan-African Studies Department), (c) Vista University, Department of Public Administration and Political Science (Pretoria, South Africa), and (d) University of Liberia, College of Business and Public Administration.
I earned my Ph.D. and MPA degrees in Public Administration and International Development from the University of Southern California. I hold both BA and MA degrees in Political Science from Furman University and the University of San Francisco, respectively.

I taught at the University of Liberia for five years (1984-1989) in the College of Business and Public Administration as Associate Professor and Acting Chairman of the Department of Public Administration.

Sincerely,

President Levi B. Zangai, Ph.D.

4. INDUCTION REMARKS GIVEN BY THE THEN PRESIDENT-ELECT LEVI B. ZANGAI, PH.D., THE SECOND PRESIDENT OF AME UNIVERSITY:

The Induction Ceremony was held on February 24, 2006 at the Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church, Camp Johnson Road, Monrovia, Liberia

Order of Protocol:

Her Excellency, Dr. Ellen Johnson-Sheriff, President, Republic of Liberia;

Rt. Rev. Dr. David R. Daniels, Jr., Presiding Bishop of the 14th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church and Chairman of the Board of Trustees, African Methodist Episcopal University;

Supervisor Irene M. Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor, 14th Episcopal District;

Vice Chairman and Distinguished Members of the AMEU Board of Trustees;

The Rt. Rev. Dr. John Richard Bryant, Presiding Bishop of the 5th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church;

The Rt. Rev. Dr. C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Bishop of the 8th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church;

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of the 1st Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church;

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Zedekiah LaZett Grady, Retired Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church;

The Rev. Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Secretary, Global Witness & Ministry,
African Methodist Episcopal Church;

The Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, Editor, Christian Recorder, African Methodist Episcopal Church;

The Honorable Members of the National Legislature;

The Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia;

Members of the Cabinet and Government Officials;

Prelates and Members of the Clergy;

Presidents and Representatives of Universities, Colleges and other Institutions of Higher Education;

The International Community represented by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Diplomatic Missions, and Humanitarian Relief Organizations;

Honored Overseas Guests;

Distinguished Invitees,

Parents, Guardians, and Family Members of the Student Body;

Distinguished Faculty, Staff and Students;
All other Protocol observed.

Inaugural Speech

On behalf of my wife, Atim George, our family and me, I would like to, first of all, express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the Chairman, the Rt. Rev. Dr. David R. Daniels, Jr., and Members of the Board of Trustees of the African Methodist Episcopal University for appointing me as the Second President of the AME University.

God being our helper, we hope to make a positive contribution to the human resource development of the 14th Episcopal District, which includes Benin, Cote d’ Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Togo.

For the peace, human security, limited social services and employment opportunities that the Liberian people now enjoy, I must also register our deepest appreciation to the international community and humanitarian relief organizations, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), other UN Agencies, the United States of America, the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the European Union, among others. As a result of the international community’s proactive leadership in peace-keeping and peace-building in Liberia, we have gathered here in peace without fear of the plundering, looting, raping, killing and destruction perpetrated by all the former fighting forces during Liberia’s 14 years of war.

In this respect, may we stand for a moment of silence to honor the memories of all those 250,000 or more people who have lost their lives in Liberia’s wars and in its struggles for inclusion and good governance, since the founding of Liberia, more than 150 years ago.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees, Distinguished Guests, we are pleased to report that although many war-related challenges are still with us, the AME University remains undaunted in its pursuit of excellence.

We are presently engaging in national and international partnerships with donors’ support to rehabilitate the Jordan College of Agriculture in collaboration with Langston University.

The African Methodist Episcopal University was established to provide higher education for students from all member countries of the 14th Episcopal District. Over the years, however, the ever-increasing student enrollment has overwhelmed the university’s present facilities, faculty, staff and other resources. Additionally, during the course of Liberia’s 14-year civil war, the university’s infrastructure and facilities were severely damaged and looted repeatedly. Therefore, we currently need to rebuild our infrastructure and institutional capacity to accommodate the post-war influx of qualified young women and men who desire to enroll in the institution. Liberia’s illiteracy rate is of 80% places a huge responsibility on both public and private educational institutions to expand learning facilities and educational opportunities for all of Liberia’s youths, who now constitute 60-70% of the population. And yet, the AME University is being forced to turn away qualified students due to limited infrastructure and faculty. Moreover, there has been a massive brain drain in the country due to the civil crisis. This has further exacerbated the grave need for improved and effective learning facilities in the country. Hence, learning institutions in post-war Liberia, including the AME University, are opting for the expansion of their facilities, infrastructure, faculty and staff, to accommodate more qualified students. In turn, it has intensified the need for international partnerships and additional resources from the government and development partners for the universities.

During the 14-years of war, when the nation-wide fighting entered the city of Monrovia, the University was massively looted repeatedly. Amidst all of its trials and hardships, the AME University has remained the only institution of higher education in Liberia that has kept its doors opened continuously and consistently since 1997.

The AME University now has the second largest enrollment of any university in Liberia. The 2005-2006 first semester enrollment was 2,585. Seventy six percent of the University’s students are in the Business College, 21% in the Liberal Arts, and 3% in the Bryant Theological Seminary. Female students comprise only 36% of the student body; we are determined to increase female enrollment to at least 50%. We expect to enroll more than 2,500 students next academic year.

Special Programs

As a way of creating and sustaining a healthy environment for the University, the other AME institutions and the surrounding community, as well as sensitizing the students and the community on the importance of environmental well being, AMEU has established a monthly Environment Day Program. AMEU Environment Day is also meant to be an educational event, providing opportunities for lectures, seminars workshops, symposiums and community projects on preserving the environmental health of the 14th Episcopal District of the AME Church. The Environment Day activities involve the University itself, Monrovia College & Industrial Training School, F. M. Reid Elementary & Junior High School, Susan Brooks Elementary & Junior High School, the Eliza Turner AME Church and the surrounding community. Some of our Environment Day Keynote Speakers include Her Excellency Dr. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President, Republic of Liberia and former Assistant Administrator for UNDP/RBA; Ambassador Donald E. Booth, US Ambassador to Liberia; Mr. Jordan D. Ryan, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Wilbur Thomas, the USAID Director; Honorable Ophelia Hoff-Saytumah, Mayor of Monrovia; Mr. Ben Donnie of UNDP; Dr. Fodee Kromah, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency and Dr. Eugene A. Nyarko, WHO Resident Representative, among others.

AMEU’s Partnerships for Collaboration

AME University continues to pursue opportunities for partnerships with donor agencies and other educational institutions in providing, among other services, community outreach programs in tandem with its academic programs. We are grateful to the US Government for the partnership and support network that now exists between the AME University and the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) through implementing organizations such as Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI) and the Liberian Community Infrastructure Program (LCIP).

In this respect, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are pleased to report that through the initiatives of the Rt. Rev. Dr. David R. Daniels, Jr., Development Alternatives awarded a USAID-funded Grant to the African Methodist Episcopal University, in the total amount of US $992,269.00. The bulk of this grant is now being used as follows:

a. to reconstruct the Hatcher-Henning-Norris building, the AME University’s main academic building, including the construction of a new auditorium, offices and sanitary facilities; and
b. to reconstruct additional classrooms that will provide over 2,000 students’ access to higher education.

For this grant, the University has trained 750 demobilized former combatants in basic literacy and numeracy. Additionally, 64 former combatants of the Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program are currently enrolled at the AME University.

We are also developing institutional partnerships with US institutions, including:

- The AME Service and Development Agency (AME-SADA);
- The University of South Carolina;
- Langston University;
- Southern University and A&M College Systems;
- Florida Memorial University and Medgar Evers College of the City University of New York, among others.

In a similar vein, we hosted an American Fulbright Professor, Dr. Wenda Bauchspies, who conducted two workshops on “Qualitative Research” and “Women Studies Program” at the AME University in March 2005. The aim of the latter workshop is to establish a Women’s Studies Program at AME University. For these workshops, the US Embassy through its Office of Public Affairs awarded the University a grant of US $895.00 to provide meals and office supplies.

Looking Ahead

As already noted, the AME University opened with programs in three colleges initially. There are plans to rebuild and operate the University’s Jordan Agriculture College in partnership with Langston University and the AME Service and Development Agency (SADA).

The Teachers Training, Science, Law and Medical Colleges are in the Master Plan. There is also a project to establish this year an Information and Communication Technology Center at the University in partnership with the Universal Aide Society and the Shepherds of Good Hope of Ottawa, Canada.

Given Liberia’s unemployment rate of 85%, including a distressingly high rate of unemployment among recent university graduates, the AME University is developing a new approach in collaboration with Southern University on job placement for its graduates. We plan to enter into memoranda of understanding with various business institutions and other relevant organizations to offer internships, on the job training opportunities and job placement for our students and graduates.

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs chairs a joint AMEU and Liberia Opportunities Industrial Center (LOIC) Technical Committee on Agriculture & Information Technology. LOIC was founded by the late Rev. Leon Sullivan of the United States. This committee is establishing a joint Associate Degree Program by AMEU and LOIC in Agriculture and Information & Communication Technology.

To summarize and conclude, our vision and post-war development agenda for the AME University include:

- Establishing institutional partnerships for collaboration with other universities, foundations, corporations, donor agencies, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations:

- Establishing faculty and student exchanges; faculty, staff and infrastructure development, research development; community service learning programs, internships and job placement; and curriculum development leading to joint degree programs;

- Setting up Departments of the Sciences, Mathematics, Information & Communication Technology, and the Colleges of Medicine and Law;

- Creating scholarships earmarked for women students, and providing the means to enhance women’s opportunities and empowerment at AMEU;

- Developing the infrastructure and faculty of the Bryant Theological Seminary;

- Reconstructing and equipping AMEU’s Library with a V-SAT/Internet facility to enable students and faculty to participate in distance learning and to gain access to other institutions’ educational resources;

- Strengthening AMEU’s teaching, research and community service capacities, and widening access to higher education in post-war Liberia and in the 14th District;

- Constructing a University gym with faculty and student centers, and buying two buses for the Sports and Athletics Programs; and

- Establishing an AMEU Foundation/Endowment Fund through an Annual Fundraising Campaign to restore and expand the University’s institutional capacity.

Mr. Chairman and Members of the Board of Trustees, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, we realize that this is an ambitious development agenda, but we are persuaded that your prayers, partnerships and confidence in us with your continuous support are critical to our success.

As Liberia emerges from 14 years of civil war to peace-building, reconstruction and democracy, the rebuilding of its educational institutions is crucial. If the Universities are to play their vital role in educating and empowering the future leaders and workforce of a peaceful society, then, like Liberia itself, they too need partnerships and support for reconstruction.

I thank you for your attention.

President Levi B. Zangai

5. THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT MID YEAR CONVOCATION:

The Ninth Episcopal District Mid Year Convocation will be held March 17 & 18, 2006 at
Payne Chapel AME Church, Birmingham, Alabama.

The Reverend Dr. A. B. Sutton, Pastor of 6th Avenue Baptist Church, will be the preacher on Friday night (March 17th).

Submitted by K. S. Stew

6. ST. LUKE A.M.E. CHURCH TO HOST THE 184TH SESSION OF THE NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE APRIL 24-30, 2006:

St. Luke A.M.E. Church is honored to host the 184th Session of the New York Annual Conference April 24-30, 2006 under the leadership of our Presiding Prelate, Bishop Richard Franklin Norris and our Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Mary Ann Norris. We are especially excited about the Annual Conference coming to St. Luke Church because it has been TWENTY YEARS since St. Luke has served as hosts of the Annual Conference. We thank Bishop Norris and the Annual Conference for entrusting us with this awesome responsibility.

This missive is intended to give you all the information you need as you prepare for your attendance at the New York Annual Conference. If there is anything else you might want or need to know, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Daily Venues for the Annual Conference

Monday, April 24, 2006 - EVANGELIST’S DAY
St. Luke A.M.E. Church
1872 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 153rd Street)
New York, NY


Tuesday, April 25, 2006 - MISSIONARY ANNUAL DAY
Salem United Methodist Church
2290 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue, corner of 129th Street)
New York, NY

Welcome Reception for Bishop Richard and Mother Mary Ann Norris
6:30- 8:30 p.m.

The Alhambra Ballroom
2116 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (7th Avenue, corner of 126th Street)
New York, NY

All Pastors, Ministers and Delegates Invited
(Hors D’oeuvres Will Be Served)

Wednesday, April 26, 2006 - OPENING DAY
8:00 a.m. Roll Call and 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Only
Salem United Methodist Church
2290 Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard (7th Avenue, corner of 129th Street)
New York, NY

Lunch, Afternoon Business Session, Dinner and Holy Communion Service
St. Luke A.M.E. Church
1872 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 153rd Street)
New York, NY

Thursday, April 27 - Saturday, April 29, 2006

All business sessions and worship services of the conference will be held at St. Luke A.M.E. Church

Saturday, April 29, 2006 - Y.P.D. ANNUAL DAY
Hosted By Metropolitan A.M.E. Church
58 West 135th Street
New York, NY 10037
Rev. Darnell Montgomery, Pastor

Sunday, April 30, 2006 - 2:00 P.M. CHURCH SCHOOL & 3:00 P.M. CLOSING SESSION

Greater Allen Cathedral
110-31 Merrick Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11433
Rev. Dr. Floyd H. Flake, Pastor

HOTEL INFORMATION
Conference Hotel
New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott
102-05 Ditmars Boulevard
East Elmhurst, NY 11369

Rate - $135 per night plus taxes. Must present NYS Sales Tax Exemption Form at check-in.
Reservations must be made by April 3, 2006

(718) 565-8900

Rooms blocked in the name of “New York Annual Conference”

VENDORS
Vendor space will be available Monday at St. Luke, Tuesday at Salem and Wednesday - Saturday at St. Luke.

Please contact Sis. Clara Malone at 212-491-4301 or at ItsAWrap42@yahoo.com for prices and information.

20TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE PUBLICATION

You should have received under separate cover information on the Commemorative Publication and the Contract. Please respond by March 15, 2006. Contract attached.

Finally, all Pastors, Spouses and Ministers of the Conference can sign up to receive a “complimentary” facial provided by one of the members of St. Luke Church. Facials will be provided from Wednesday afternoon through Friday afternoon at our Administrative Building located at 1854 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 152nd Street). Reservations must be made. Please call the church office at 212-870-1349 by Friday, April 21 to schedule your appointment.

We are doing our best to prepare for your arrival. “You’ve been away far too long!” If you have any comments or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (212) 870-1349 or by email at stlukeamec@aol.com. May God bless you.

The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson
Pastor

7. THE 2006 GENERAL BOARD AND BISHOP’S COUNCIL, CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA:

The official dates for the 2006 General Board and Bishops’ Council are June 25-29, 2006. The Meetings will be held at the Charleston Area Convention Center.

General Board Hotels:
Embassy Suites Hotel Airport - Convention Center
5055 International Boulevard
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 747-1882
Group Rate: $129 Single/Double - $139 Triple - $149 Quad

Residence Inn Charleston Airport
5035 International Boulevard
North Charleston, SC 29414
(843) 266-3434
Group Rate: $129

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport
5265 International Boulevard
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 308-9330
Group Rate: $109

Holiday Inn Charleston Airport
& Convention Center
5264 International Boulevard
North Charleston, SC 29418
(843) 576-0300
Group Rate: $109

Be sure to mention AME to get the group rate

8. COLUMBIA CITY COUNCIL UNITED WITH THE SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S GOOD SHEPHERD MINISTRY:

Columbia, SC – Tuesday morning March 7th at 8:30 am the city of Columbia’s Mayor Bob Coble, along with City Council Members E.W. Cromartie II, Tameika Isaac Devine, Daniel J. Rickenmann and City Manager Charles Austin came together with the Right Reverend Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II and one hundred AME pastors of South Carolina’s Good Shepherd Ministry. Bishop Williams is the leader of the Good Shepherd Ministry, which represents a large constituency of African-Americans throughout the state of South Carolina. In an effort to keep the lines of communication open between the two entities, the Columbia City Council and Good Shepherd Ministry reaffirmed their commitments to each other as well as to Columbia’s civic communities, which they serve.

Reverend Norvel Goff of Reid Chapel AME Church opened the meeting, speaking of the importance for both city government and clergy alike to serve their respective communities with the highest level of honor and integrity. Councilman Cromartie added how pleased the City Council was to share positive dialogue with the Good Shepherd Ministry, which they regard as fellow stewards of Columbia and partners in keeping “unity in the communities”. Councilwoman Devine touched on the Renaissance Foundation and Bethel Restoration projects in Columbia, and thanked Bishop Williams for his diligent work with city government in seeing that these and other projects are developed from inception to fruition. Councilman Rickenmann echoed his colleagues, calling for progressive partnership, community unity, and adding that his office doors were always open.

Mayor Bob Coble addressed the Good Shepherd pastors, affirming the importance of “every person and every area of Columbia.” He stated, “Everyone deserves the same high level of respect and commitment from city government.” Mayor Coble spoke of Allen University as a “jewel to the city of Columbia”, and acknowledged the many benefits related to the development of the academic communities located in that area of downtown Columbia. The Mayor then noted that he has served as Columbia’s Chair of the annual UNCF education drive and further asserted that religious conventions are the number one draw for Columbia’s tourist economy. In closing, he offered his ongoing support of Bishop Williams, Dr. Charles Young, the President of Allen University, and the Good Shepherd Ministry as they continue to work hard for the future of Columbia.

The final speaker was The Right Reverend Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, who stated, “It is our responsibility to make sure all of these programs and partnerships work for the benefit of all persons of the city of Columbia, regardless of race, color and class.” Bishop Williams thanked everyone for attending this meeting and promised another to ensure continued open lines of communication.

Submitted by: Benjamin HarrisonPublic Relations Director7th District AME ChurchTel 803.935.0500
Fax 803.935.0830HarrisonAMEMedia@aol.com

9. BISHOP MCKENZIE TO SPEAK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA:

Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie will speak at 7 p.m. March 23 at the University of South Carolina. She will deliver the Ninth Annual Robert Smalls Lecture in African-American Studies in the Russell House ballroom. Her talk is open to the public.

Bishop McKenzie will discuss "Leadership and Values in Times of Crisis: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow." A book signing and reception are planned after her talk.

Bishop McKenzie was named bishop in 2000, and, in 2004, she again made history when she became the first woman to be named the titular head of the AME Church as the President of its Council of Bishops. From 2000 to 2004 she was chief pastor of the 18th Episcopal district in Southeast Africa, serving the people of Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Mozambique.

For more information, call USC's African American Studies Program at 803-777-7248. For information about USC's African American Studies Program, visit the Web site: www.cas.sc.edu/afra/.

10. REORGANIZATION OF THE WMS AT ALLEN CHAPEL, ATHENS, TEXAS:

By: Delanda S. Johnson
Special to the News

With the change from Northeast Texas Conference to now the North Texas Conference, Allen Chapel AME Church WMS in Athens are reconstructing their department.
As part of the new Tyler District, Allen Chapel AME WMS (Women’s Missionary Society) are focusing on a bigger and brighter future in their community and as a part of the Tyler District.

On Sunday, March 5, newly elected President Marva Jo Barker and members from Allen Chapel and one member from their sister church Johnson Chapel/Malakoff met with Conference and District WMS/YMI members from Dallas.

A member of Allen Chapel since 1957, Mrs. Barker stated that even though this was only their second meeting, Allen Chapel’s WMS goals are to enhance each woman’s spiritual growth. This means to share with themselves and others the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

“The responsibilities for the members of Allen Chapel and Johnson Chapel WMS are to witness, educate, stewardship, give support to our YPD (Young People Department), etc., to work toward peace and justice in the community, and to have a better relationship with Jesus Christ,” said Barker.

“One of Allen Chapel WMS project for this year is to adopt a senior person once a month whereas a basket of goodies will be given to them. This will let them know that they are not forgotten,” said Sis. Gina Hunter.

Speakers for the evening were Sister Jackie Ross-Roy, third Vice President for the Tyler District, Sister Lisa Dale, third Vice President for the North Texas Conference, Sister Romella Jones, Member-At-Large North Texas Conference all affiliated with the Women’s Missionary Society. Each lady spoke on the duties of the WMS, Official Officers of the North Texas Conference (WMS), duties of local WMS and their officers, Constitution/By-laws of the WMS, the relationship between the WMS and YWI, how to establish a YWI (Young Women’s Initiative), etc.

Sister Gloria Glaspie said, “I want to stand and thank all three of you for the beautiful way this meeting has been conducted. Things have changed so much and you’ve given us information that we need. Thank you again.”

The evening concluded with Allen Chapel WMS making plans for their fifth Sunday (April 30) Mission Program.

The speaker will be Episcopal Supervisor Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram.

For more information, call the Rev. Mark Jackson at 903-675-2425 or 972-576-3299.

11. ST. PAUL AME CHURCH, VERSAILLES, KENTUCKY OBSERVES ITS 158TH ANNIVERSARY:

158th Church Anniversary "Revive and Renew" Mini-Revival will be held at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, 215 Douglas Avenue, Versailles, Kentucky beginning Wednesday, March 8 through Friday, March 10, 2006 at 7:00 p.m. The evangelist will be the Rev. Donald Townsend, pastor of Polk Memorial Baptist Church, Mortonsville, KY.

Sunday, March 12, 2006, St. Paul will observe its 158th Church Anniversary during the morning worship service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Donald Townsend will be the guest preacher.

Please join us for these worship opportunities.

The Rev. James E. Smith, Pastor

12. MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE (CUNY) ANNOUNCES THE SHABAZZ CONVERSATIONS: A SOCIAL JUSTICE SERIES IN CELEBRATION OF WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH:

On Friday, March 24, 2006 Medgar Evers College, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and The International Cross-Cultural Black Women’s Studies Institute will celebrate Women’s History Month with The Shabazz Conversations: A Social Justice Series. This event will be held at 7:00 p.m. in the Schomburg Center located on 515 Malcolm X Boulevard, New York (Entrance at 135th Street).

Co-hosted by Dr. Andrée-Nicola McLaughlin, The Dr. Betty Shabazz Distinguished Chair in Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, CUNY and Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz and the author of the book “Growing Up X,” this forum and reception pays tribute to the legacies of Rosa Parks, Coretta Scott King, and Dr. Betty Shabazz. Special guests include poet Jayne Cortez, Transit Workers Union leader Roger Toussaint, and Dillard University scholar Jerry W. Ward, Jr.

Performances will feature The Imani Singers of Medgar Evers College, The Imani Dance & Drum Ensemble, The Medgar Evers College Drama Club, The Steppers, and a performance of J. E. Franklin's A Hip Hop Aesop.
For more information, visit www.schomburg.org or call (212) 491-2229 or (718) 270-5051.

Christopher Hundley
Public Affairs Writer
Division of Institutional Advancement
Medgar Evers College
1650 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11225
P: 718-270-6926
F: 718-270-6912
chundley@mec.cuny.edu

13. MEDGAR EVERS COLLEGE HOSTS THE THIRD ANNUAL NATIONAL SOCIAL WORK MONTH CONFERENCE, MARCH 17TH, 2006:

A Conference will be held Friday, March 17th, 8:00 a.m. at 1650 Bedford Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. Guest speakers will include The Honorable Dr. Guillermo Linares, Commissioner, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs; Dr. Paul Kurzman, Dean, Hunter College School of Social Work, CUNY; Michele Cahill, Senior Counselor, Education Policy, NYC Department of Education; and Mwatu Nubian, Director, Special Projects, Community Services, NYC Department of Aging.

Representatives from the arenas of social work, education, human services, and human rights will be on hand to celebrate the contributions of social workers, as well as to explore opportunities for collaboration to fulfill the College's mission to meet the educational and social needs of Central Brooklyn. Focusing on three of New York City’s most vulnerable populations-youth, immigrants and the senior citizens-this year’s program will bring together experts in the fields of youth services, substance abuse, gerontology and immigrant services in collaboration with representatives from NYC Department of Education, and will include participation of over 125 young people from High Schools in the Borough of Brooklyn. For further information on the conference, to pre-register or to become involved with recruitment activities or serve as a fieldwork education or service-learning site, please contact Dr. Eda F. Harris-Hastick at (718) 270-4853.

About The Annual National Social Work Month Conference

The Annual National Social Work Month Conference brings together representatives from Medgar Evers College administration, faculty, staff and students as well as guests from the social work profession, health, mental health, education, human services, human rights and political arenas, for a gathering of partners and supporters in celebration of National Social Work Month at Medgar Evers College, CUNY. Former special guest speakers included : United States Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns; NYC Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs Carol Robles-Roman; Kings County District Attorney Charles “Joe” Hynes; NYC Department of Aging Commissioner Ed Mendes-Santiago; NYC Department of Heath Promotion/Chemical Dependency Deputy Commissioner Martha Adams Sullivan; Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Yvonne Graham; NYC Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Jones Austin, Esq.; New York Congregational Services, President/CEO, Celia Zuckerman.

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Rev. James Arthur Pendleton, retired Itinerant elder of the Central Alabama Conference 9th Episcopal District, age 100 (Date of Birth 12/25/1905), passed on Wednesday, March 1, 2006.

Reverend Pendleton pastored several churches throughout the Central Conference for more than 50 years. He was a faithful member of Samuel Chapel A.M.E. Church, Prichard (Mobile) Alabama.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2006 - 12 Noon at Samuel Chapel A.M.E. Church, Prichard (Mobile) Alabama. The Rev. W. E. Marshall is the pastor.

Arrangements are being handled by

Christian Benevolent Funeral Home
201 N. Hamilton Street
Mobile, AL 36603

Telephone: 251-432-6528

Messages can be sent to his grandchildren at the address listed below. Messages may be sent to Darrell Pendleton, Karen Lomax, Kimberly Pendleton, Kevin Pendleton, and/or Michael Pendleton at, 326 Bella St., Prichard, AL 36610.

15. 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.

16. 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 CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (3/6/06)

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 TENTH ANNUAL JOINT INSTITUTE FOR MINISTERS (JIM) WILL CONVENE IN SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA APRIL 17 – 20, 2006:

The Tenth Annual Joint Institute for Ministers (JIM) comprised of the
Eight (Mississippi and Louisiana), Tenth (Texas), and Twelfth (Arkansas and Oklahoma) Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will be held this year in the Eighth Episcopal District, Clarion Hotel in Shreveport, Louisiana on April 17-20,2006.

Do you remember the Ninth Joint Institute for Ministers hosted by the Twelfth Episcopal District at the Holiday Inn Select in Little Rock, Arkansas on April 12 –14, 2005? The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle, Sr., served as Host and Institute Treasurer. The Right Reverend Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr., Chairperson- Institute Dean, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram- Co-Chairperson, Dr. Eugene Brannon, Host Presiding Elder and Reverend Ricky H. Hicks, Host Pastor.

The theme selected by the Bishops “Recommitting the Church to the Struggle for Justice” laid the framework for an empowering institute.

Bishop Chappelle and Dr. Barbara Jean Chappelle and the Tall, Talented, Tough, Terrific Twelfth Episcopal District rolled out the red carpet and hosted with charm and warmth.
The Institute opened with fire as Rev. Shirley Spencer, Pastor of Greater Shady Grove of Wilmar, Arkansas preached with conviction from Isaiah 6:1-8 and II Chronicles 7:14 with the subject “Now is the Time to Act.”

Dr. C. T. Vivian of Atlanta Georgia and Presiding Elder E. Anne Henning-Byfield of Indiana Conference of the 4th Episcopal District of the AME Church were the workshop presenters. Dr. C. T. Vivian, an empowering Institute presenter pricked the members’ consciousness by reminding them “Why the Church must be committed to the Struggle for Justice. Presiding Elder E. Anne Henning-Byfield challenged them to “Recognize, Repent, Recommit and Respond to the cause of Justice” and they were reminded of the importance of justice within and without this great AME Zion. A question and answer period followed each presentation. Exciting feedback was exchanged between all parties.

Dr. Cora McHenry, President of Shorter College, our AME College in North Little Rock, Arkansas brought greetings and great news of the wonderful things going on at Shorter College.

The Rt. Reverend Samuel L. Green, Presiding Prelate of the 15th Episcopal District took the Institute to another level of spiritual enlightenment as he informed of the “Danger of being Anointed” from I Samuel 16: 13-23 and Luke 4: 14-19.

The Institute was graced by the presence of General Officers-Drs. Johnny Barbour, Clement Fugh, Daryl Ingram, Calvin Sydnor and Connectional Officer-Dr. John Q. Owens.

The Reverends, Kurbe Newsome and Lanell Ross of the 12th Episcopal District led the institute on Wednesday morning as they offered up first fruits of prayer and meditation and the Reverends, Betty Claiborne and Kenneth Harrell of the 8th Episcopal District started the Thursday morning session with fresh manner of prayer and meditation.

The Reverend Martin Odom of the 8th District instructed the Institute on “Biblical School of Justice and the Reverend Kenneth Harrell of the 8th District exhorted everyone to “Keep on Rolling.”

Presiding Elder E. Anne Henning-Byfield blessed everyone’s spirit with a dynamic message “Injustice is not the end of the Story” taken from Job 42: 10-17.

Reverend Reginald Henderson, Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church of North Little Rock Arkansas reminded the group that the church was Christ agenda, should be our agenda as he preached the Ecumenical Worship Service with fervor and compassion from the subject, “An Unfinished Agenda”, text taken from Luke 4:14-19.

The Institute’s Freedom and Justice Tour began with a visit to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, the tour led us to historic Shorter College, Central High School and culminated at Rufus K. Young A.M.E. Church where the Rev. Kevin Washington of the 8th Episcopal District redirected us with his prolific message, “Focus on New Things,” taken from Mark 2:18-22.

Rufus K. Young A.M.E. Church prepared a soulful feast and blessed us in an extraordinary manner.

The music for praise and worship rendered by the institute musicians, especially Mr. Labaron Mizer, the Spirit of the Twelfth, R. K. Young, and Shiloh Baptist Church Choirs made hearts happy and souls rejoice because all of the participants enhanced the worship experiences with melodious songs of Zion and other offerings.

The message of “Re-committing the Church to the Struggle for Justice” by the Rt. Reverend C. Garnett Henning, Sr., the Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District and Dean of this historic 9th Joint Institute for Ministers was electrifying.

Mrs. Ann Gilkey, Public Relations Director for the Twelfth Episcopal District, presented Bishop Cornal Henning with a photo album of all the activities starting with day one of the institute.

The Ninth Annual Joint Institute for Ministers was a refreshing, renewing, empowering experience, and the Episcopal leaders, Presiding Prelates Henning and Chappelle were congratulated on their excellent leadership.

Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, Dr. Barbara Jean Chappelle and the 12th Episcopal District Family received kudos for the fine way in which they hosted this year’s Joint Institute for Ministers.

The preached Word, workshops, and presenters amplified the theme and focus of this year’s Joint Institute for Ministers, and this year’s 362 pre-registrants, 22 on-site registrants, and especially the 243 on-site participants were equipped with the tools to re-commit the church to the struggle for justice.

We are all looking forward to seeing all of you at the Tenth Joint Institute for Ministers in April.

Article submitted by: Mrs. Ann Gilkey, 12th District Public Relations Director
The Rev. Charles Frost, 12th District Secretaries Coordinator

2. LIBERIA (PART 2):

- Background

Liberia is a little larger than Tennessee and is located in West Africa. It is about six-thousand miles from the U.S. Mainland. Liberia is bordered on the southwest by the Atlantic Ocean, and surrounded by Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Côte d'Ivoire (pronounced, cwoatie-vua). The American Colonization Society (ACS), made up of Quakers, who opposed slavery and slaveholders, who opposed freedom for blacks and felt that freed blacks should be repatriated to Africa, formed Liberia. The first blacks were repatriated to Liberia in 1822 and we saw the place where those repatriated blacks arrived in what is now, Monrovia. The American repatriates were known as Americo-Liberians.

Liberia experienced challenges from its beginning. Malaria and yellow fever, attacks from their neighbors, and internal conflicts. In recent years, Liberia has been plagued with civil war and unrest since 1979.

Liberia’s current President is Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is the first elected female head of state on the continent of Africa. Many of us had the opportunity to meet President Johnson Sirleaf and she was a gracious lady.

Eliza Turner AME Church is a large structure and the largest AME Church in Liberia. The sanctuary holds about 600 - 800 worshippers. It is a large church. The Reverend G. Keah Wakia is the pastor. Other pastors include the Reverends William Henry Heard, T. Ebenezer Ward, Dunmore Clarke, Frank Madison Reid, Jr., Fred Lucas, Jr., Frank Madison Reid, III, Anna R. Walker, and David R. Daniels. Other pastors served with distinction.

Next to Eliza Turner is the African Methodist University (AMEU). Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Sr., the 112th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the 26th bishop of the 14th Episcopal District founded AMEU. It was Bishop Henning’s desire to transform Monrovia College and Industrial Training School into a four-year degree granting institution, which became a reality in 1995. Bishop Henning, who had asked the church to send him to the 14th Episcopal District, established AMEU, as he said, “As an act of faith.” AMEU is the second largest university in Liberia. Presently, the AME University offers undergraduate programs in three colleges, the Bryant Theological Seminary, the College of Business and Public Administration and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. With an enrollment of over 2600 students, AME University is the largest AME institution of higher learning.

The President of AME University is Dr. Levi B. Zangai. The first President of AME University was Dr. Louise York, who had also served as the President of Monrovia College.

The Bryant School of Ministries was founded and established on April 10, 1992 by the then Reverend David R. Daniels, Jr., pastor of Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church. The vision for the school was the result of the Right Reverend John R. Bryant and the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant’s desire to provide theological education for the pastors in the Liberia Annual Conference.

- The Celebration began

We arrived on Sunday evening and got settled late Sunday night and early, early Monday morning. It was after midnight before some of us went to our rooms. Monday was a rest day for the folks who traveled to Liberia from the United States.

The first worship service that we attended was held at Eliza Turner Memorial AME Church on Tuesday evening, February 21st. The Reverend (now Doctor, as he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree later in the week) Ronnie Brailsford was concluding a three-day revival. The church was full, the choir sang and the music sounded very American. The sermon was a fire-setter. It was a hot night. The fans in the ceiling of the sanctuary struggled to provide a breeze and the breeze the fans provided was welcome; for without the breeze provided by the fans, it would have been a long, hot night…

(TO BE CONTINUED)

3. TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE MINISTER PROMOTED:

Albert Strawther, a Lebanon native and an A.M.E. preacher, was promoted from captain to lieutenant colonel on Wednesday, March 1, 2006. He was head of the Tennessee State Highway Patrol’s driver education unit.

The second in command was labeled as being highly qualified for executive staff position by Kroll Government Services, a national consulting firm that performed his background check.

Additionally, he is a licensed Funeral Director and co-owner of Strawther and White Funeral Home in Gallatin, Tennessee

4. BRYANT TEMPLE A.M.E CHURCH WILL HOST NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY AND THE 3rd ANNUAL "WOMEN'S HEALTH AWARENESS FAIR":

Bryant Temple A.M.E Church, Los Angeles, along with the Youth and Young Adults from Audubon Middle School and Crenshaw High School will host National Women And Girls HIV/Aids Awareness Day and the 3rd Annual "Women's Health Awareness Fair"

Date/Time: FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2006, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.:
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Activities will include discussion panel, a concert, as well as a special presentation.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2006, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.:

The 3rd Annual Women's Health Awareness Fair will feature free health screenings, counseling, referrals and health awareness - rapid HIV testing, diabetes, hypertension, nutrition and more!

Where: 2525 W. Vernon Ave. [Los Angeles] corner of 4th Ave. and Vernon
(Bryant Temple AME Church lot)

Admission: FREE

Our Goal: To address significant health issues affecting women in our community by providing education and free screenings. Free screenings could save the life of women. Education and early detection are key factors to preventive health care. Our primary focus is HIV/AIDS education and testing.

Massages, beauty products, skin care and other fun activities are planned.

5. 20TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT - ZIMBABWE, MALAWI, TANZANIA & UGANDA:

The Rt. Rev. Wilfred Jacobus Messiah - Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Carol Isabella Messiah - Episcopal Supervisor

20th District Church Growth & Evangelism Easter Revival
Bulawayo City Hall - Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
April 9th - 16th, 2006
Host Pastor - The Rev. E. B. Ginya
Episcopal District Director - Church Growth & Evangelism
Host Church - Gumtree AME Church - Bulawayo

20th District Midyear & Board of Christian Education Congress
Agst Buildings - Lilongwe, Malawi
May 3rd - 7th, 2006
Host Pastor - The Rev. Norah Tchuwa
Host Church - Bethel AME Church

Third Session - Malawi North Annual Conference
August 2nd - 6th, 2006
Kavura AME Church - Ekwendeni
The Rev. Gift Chavula - Host Pastor
The Rev Laston Gumbo - Host Presiding Elder

Third Session - Malawi Central Annual Conference
August 9th - 13th, 2006
Mtendele AME Church - Mzimba
The Rev. Jonathon Theu - Host Pastor
The Rev. J. Theu - Host Presiding Elder

Second Session - Malawi South Annual Conference
August 16th - 20th, 2006
Matawale AME Church - Zomba
Pastor J. J. Joshua - Host Pastor
The Rev. Kitson Chiswe - Host Presiding Elder

Third Session - Southwest Zimbabwe Annual Conference
August 23rd - 27th, 2006
Victoria Falls AME Church - Victoria Falls
The Rev. Africa Jubane - Host Pastor
The Rev. Phillip Gava - Host Presiding Elder

Third Session - Northeast Zimbabwe Annual Conference
August 30th - September 3, 2006
Matema AME Church - Nyanga
The Rev. Frederick Matsaru - Host Pastor
The Rev. F. Matsaru - Host Presiding Elder

Second Session - Central Zimbabwe Annual Conference
September 6th - 10th, 2006
Allen Chapel AME Church - Kadoma
The Rev. William Kansapato - Host Pastor
The Rev. Isaac Manda - Host Presiding Elder

Second Session - Tanzania Annual Conference
September 13th - 17th, 2006
Mbeya AME Church - Kusango
The Rev. Wilson Ngulube - Host Pastor
The Rev. W. Ngulube - Host Presiding Elder

Second Session - Uganda Annual Conference
October 18th - 22nd, 2006
Kampala AME Church - Kampala
The Rev. Abert Mugyimba - Host Pastor
The Rev. Nicodemus Munyarugyendo - Host Presiding Elder

Mid-Quadrennium Convocation
December 1st - 3rd, 2006
Lilongwe, Malawi

All Are Welcomed To Attend. For Further Information You Can email THE Right Reverend Wilfred Messiah at wjmessiah2004@yahoo.com or Supervisor Carol Messiah at supervisormessiah@telkomsa.net

6. BE CAREFUL AND PROTECT YOUR HOTEL ROOM CARD KEYS:

The Washington Post reports that many hotel room cards have your personal information. Each card has your 16-digit credit number, a date, a person's name and the name of a bank. Your room card-key functions exactly like a credit card, allowing the carrier to pay for merchandise at any store or market where customers do their own swiping.

7. “DO YOU TALK TOO MUCH?”:

“Do you talk too much?” this was the question asked on Sunday, February 26 at Johnson Chapel AME Church/Malakoff for its Annual Lay Program.

The Reverend Mark Jackson graduated in 1997 with a Master of Divinity and was the former Dean of the Chapel at Paul Quinn College; former pastor of St. James in Terrell, Texas, and is presently the senior pastor of Allen Chapel AME Church in Athens, Texas.

Rev. Mark Jackson’s Black History presentation focused upon the notion that there is a time to speak and a time to listen. Rev. Jackson explored the theme and asked the question, “Do you talk too much?” He took his text from Proverbs 18:21; Matthew 12:36; and James 1:19. He said, “People pray, pray, and pray but oftentimes bring harm by what they say.”

“With this question, “Do you talk too much?” there are times when things should not be said and we should know when to be quiet,” said Jackson. Jackson stated that when we are talking there are times when we do not even know what we are saying. People do not realize that the words coming out of our mouths have a negative or positive reaction on others.

Words often have an impact on families, finances, even on us. Words have an effect on everything that we do.

Jackson said, “The tongue holds power - you have to build yourself, your church, your family up; you must know that wherever you are God is there also and can build up anything into greatness.”

“One thing that we as people must realize is that we should “Walk by faith and not by sight,” said Jackson.

People today must know that they live by the words, which are spoken. If the word is “possible,” then people should know by faith that anything is possible. If the word is “healing,” then people should know that God is a Healer. There is no need for us to have our heads hung low, but we should hold our heads high and know that God is an awesome God.

The congregation was moved by the strong message given by Rev. Jackson and expressed their thankfulness and praise for a favorable way in which he closed out Black History Month.

Now, ask yourself that question, “Do you talk too much?” What is your answer?

Submitted by Delanda S. Johnson

8. A MESSAGE FROM TAVIS SMILEY:

At the close of the 2005 State of the Black Union in Atlanta, we invited the public to weigh in on the most challenging issues facing Black America. I am happy to report that because of the huge response, we now have a document that outlines how individuals, groups, communities and the body politic can move forward to make this nation better. When we make Black America better, we make all of America better. We all want an America as good as its promise.The Covenant book is made up of 10 chapters on the issues identified by the public. They include economic disparity, health, education and environmental justice. While the completion of the book marks the end of one journey, it is in many ways the first step for those who want to move forward toward real progress in improving Black communities.

The Covenant

COVENANT I
Securing the Right to Healthcare and Well-Being

COVENANT II
Establishing a System of Public Education in which All Children Achieve at high levels and reach their full potential

COVENANT III
Correcting the System of Unequal Justice

COVENANT IV
Fostering Accountable Community-Centered Policing

COVENANT V
Ensuring Broad Access to Affordable Neighborhoods that Connect to Opportunity

COVENANT VI
Claiming Our Democracy

COVENANT VII
Strengthening Our Rural Roots

COVENANT VIII
Accessing Good Jobs, Wealth and Economic Prosperity

COVENANT IX
Assuring Environmental Justice for All

COVENANT X
Closing the Racial Digital Divide

www.covenantwithblackamerica.com

9. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

Hello AME Family!

Wanted to make you aware of a big decision I have made.

I am gong to Seminary in the fall in preparation of the full ordination process for ministry in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I will preach my Trial Sermon on Sunday, March 26 -- 4 p.m. at the church.

I solicit your continued prayers, and if you are able, I would love to have you come share in the day.

God bless,
Morgan

Morgan DixonDuPage AME Church4300 Yackley AvenueLisle, IL 60532630-969-9800630-969-9807 faxwww.DuPageAMEC.orgThe Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Pastor

Editor’s note: Great decision! Congratulations! Please keep The Christian Recorder updated as you progress in your theological studies.

10. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:

We are proud to announce the birth of Keith, Jr. son of Rev. Keith Links and Mrs. Karmen Links of Trinity AME Church, Touwsriver, Cape Town in the 15th Episcopal District, Cape Annual Conference, South Africa.

Keith, Jr. was born on March 1, 2006, at 00h40 am, weighing in at 2.8kg.
Rev Keith Links was present at the hospital.
Truly, this is a time of "joy and thanksgiving." Keith L. B. Links


19. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY 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)

20. CONGRATULATION FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The staff of The Christian Recorder congratulates and shares your joy.