Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor
Editor’s Note: The Editor will be away form his desk next week attending the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference. The AME Luncheon will be held at on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Radisson Hotel. Please RSVP your attendance after you arrive in Hampton by coming to the Hampton University Religious Studies Program Vendor’s table and put your name on the list. The Reverend Andre Jefferson, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Hampton is the coordinator for this year’s luncheon. Luncheon cost: $20.00.
The Christian Recorder Online will be posted from Hampton, Virginia. Email the Editor at chsydnor@bellsouth.net
1. CORRECTION -A LETTER FROM SISTER CAROLYN WIGGINS JENKINS:
The historical information provided in the article entitled, “Highlights of the 184th Session of The A.M.E. Church New York Annual Conference” said that Richard Allen and others walked out of an Episcopal Church. My research confirms that they walked out of St. George Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia. This church still stands in the historical district of Philadelphia. Please correct me if I am wrong.Carolyn Wiggins Jenkins
Editor’s comment:
Thank you! I don’t know how that slipped past me. Richard Allen and the others walked out of St. George Methodist Church in Philadelphia. The church today is located under the Ben Franklin Bridge.
I am surprised that others had not caught the error.
2. GARLAND PIERCE, AN AME ITINERANT ELDER, ELECTED NCC ASSOCIATE GENERAL SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP MINISTRIES COMMISSION:
New Orleans, May 22, 2006 – The Rev. Garland F. Pierce, an African Methodist Episcopal clergyman with years of experience in the ecumenical movement, has been named Associate General Secretary of the National Council of Churches USA for the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission.
Pierce was elected during the meeting of the NCC Governing Board here on May 22. He succeeds the Rev. Patrice Rosner who is leaving the position to become director of Churches Uniting in Christ, headquartered in St. Louis.
Rosner and NCC General Secretary, the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, praised the selection of Pierce.
"I want to thank you for the gift of who you elected as my successor," Rosner told the Governing Board as she opened farewell presents during a luncheon in her honor.
"I know of few people who are more dedicated to the visible unity of the church or who have more gifts to bring to their ministry," Edgar said.
Garland F. Pierce has been active in the leadership of the World Council of Churches since 1995, when he joined the staff of the WCC U.S. Office in New York. His travels during his tenure as a member of the staff, and later as an AME delegate and member of the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, included meetings in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Tonga, Cuba, Greece and elsewhere.
Before he joined the WCC U.S. Office, Pierce was Youth Minister at Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville from 1994-1995. He was a curriculum Resource Specialist in the AME Department of Christian Education in Nashville from 1993-1995.
Pierce holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University, Greenville, S.C., and the Master of Divinity degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville. He is a Ph.D candidate at Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, Calif. He was interim director of the Claremont McNair Scholars Program in 2002.
Pierce joined the National Council of Churches staff in 2003 as associate director of the Education and Leadership Ministries Commission. His responsibilities have included program ministry administration and planning, program interpretation, advocacy for Christian education, staff support for the NCC Inclusiveness and Justice Standing Committee, and staff support to NCC General Assembly Caucuses, Young Adult, Racial/Ethnic, and Historic Black Church.
NCC News contact: Dan Webster, 212.870.2252
3. SHORTER CHAPEL AME, FRANKLIN, TENNESSEE LOCAL CHURCH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION DIRECTOR NAMED ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL:
Mrs. Tosha A. Hawkins is an active member of Shorter Chapel AME Church; Franklin, Tennessee has been named assistant principal of Johnson Elementary School in Franklin. She serves as the director of Shorter Chapel’s Christian Education program and sings with the “Voices of Shorter.” She has been a lifelong member of Shorter Chapel.
Sister Hawkins is a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, Tennessee with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies; Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville with a Masters in Educational Leadership; and Tennessee State University with a Masters in Elementary Education.
She has served as a third grade teacher at Johnson Elementary School since August 1997.
The Reverend Charlotte Blake Sydnor is the pastor of Shorter Chapel AME Church.
4. RESOLUTION HONORING THE REV. DR. SHERMAN L. GREENE, SR:
WHEREAS, God smiled and heaven rejoiced on Wednesday, May 30, 1906, when the Rev. Dr. Sherman Lawrence Greene, Jr., was born in Bourbon, Miss., to the Rev. Sherman L. Greene, Sr., and Mrs. Pinkie Spencer Greene; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Greene, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., with his eloquent and debonair demeanor, attracted the attention of the former Zadie Elizabeth Morgan, and from their 65-year marriage came two children, Velma Greene Clarke and Sherman III; one granddaughter, Gwendolyn C. Criglar; one great-granddaughter, Fikisha Taylor; and one great-great-granddaughter, Taylor Sills; and
WHEREAS, in 1932, following in the giant footsteps of his father, the 51st elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Dr. Greene began his ministry in our Zion; and
WHEREAS, in 1953, Dr. Greene’s impressive resume, including pastoral charges in New Orleans, Yellow Springs, Ohio, Meadville, Pa., Amityville, N.Y., Boston, and Wilmington, Del.; a presiding eldership in greater Macomb, Miss.; and the presidencies of Campbell College, Jackson, Miss., and Paul Quinn College, Dallas; prepared and propelled him to the position of Executive Secretary of the General Board of Education of the A.M.E. Church; and
WHEREAS, in 1976, after more than two decades of distinguished service as a General Officer, Dr. Greene retired, leaving in his wake a tradition of superb scholarship and ecumenical excellence; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Greene, now the oldest living member of the General Conference, has answered the roll at every General Conference from 1940 to 2000, thereby witnessing the election and consecration of some 61 Bishops, dozens of General Officers and the growth of the denomination to its present form; and
WHEREAS, even in his retirement, Dr. Greene continues to provide wise counsel to clergy and laity alike, most remarkably as a member of the ministerial staff of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Ann Arbor, Mich., since 1985; and
WHEREAS, Psalm 90:10 proclaims “the days of our years are threescore years and ten,” yet as a centenarian, Dr. Greene has lived three score and ten, and ten more, and ten more than that, and ten more than that and as many more as the Lord will allow.
Therefore, be it
RESOLVED, on the occasion of his 100th birthday, his 74th year of ministry to God’s people of the A.M.E. Church, and his 21st year of service here at Bethel, we salute him; and
Be it further
RESOLVED, we honor him with a standing ovation, recognizing that he is the epitome of Psalm 37:23: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way;” and
Be it finally
RESOLVED, that this resolution be presented to Dr. Greene and that a copy be kept in the permanent archives of Bethel A.M.E. Church.
Joyfully presented this twenty-eighth day of May, the year of our Lord, two-thousand six, on behalf of the thousands of people who have been eternally impacted by Dr. Greene’s ministry.
The Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Cousin, Pastor
Mrs. Barbara A. Robinson, Steward Board Member
*Written by Rev. Kevin T. Taylor
4. 2006 SCHEDULE ANNUAL CONFERENCES OF THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
The Right Reverend Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr., Presiding Bishop
Mississippi Conference
August 29, 2006 - WMS Convention
August 30- September 1, 2006
St Paul A.M.E. Church
60 Pine Mount Road - Natchez, MS 39120
Church Phone: (601) 446-6076
The Rev. John Quinn, Host Pastor
The Rev. George W. Tyler, Host Presiding Elder
Revivalist - TBA/Ordination Preacher - TBA
East Mississippi Conference
September 5, 2006 - WMS Convention
September 6-9, 2006
China Grove A.M.E. Church
1060 Mannsdale Road, Madison MS 39110
Church Phone: (601) 856-7348
The Rev. Deverio Manning, Host Pastor
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
Hwy 463 & Crawford Street - Madison MS 39110
Church Phone: (601) 982-9969
The Rev. Archie Smith, Host Pastor
The Rev. Michele Goodloe, Jr., Host Presiding Elder
Revivalist - TBA/Ordination Preacher - TBA
Northeast West Mississippi Conference
September 19, 2006 - WMS Convention
September 20-23, 2006
Faith Community A.M.E. Church
7340 Green Brook Parkway - Southaven, MS 38671
Church Phone: (662) 393-8991
The Rev. Roy Johnson, Host Pastor
The Rev. J. L. Moore, Host Presiding Elder
Revivalist - TBA/Ordination Preacher - TBA
Central North Mississippi Conference
September 19, 2006 - WMS Convention
September 20-23, 2006
Faith Community A.M.E. Church
7340 Green Brook Parkway - Southaven, MS 38671
Church Phone: (662) 393-8991
The Rev. Roy Johnson, Host Pastor
The Rev. J. L. Moore, Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. Lorenzo G. Clarke, Host Presiding Elder
Revivalist - TBA/Ordination Preacher - TBA
North Louisiana Conference
October 3, 2006 - WMS Convention
October 4-7, 2006
St. James A.M.E. Church
604 2nd Street - Lake Providence, LA 71254
(318) 559-0070
The Rev. James Coleman
The Rev. Earl A. James
Revivalist - TBA/Ordination Preacher - TBA
Central Louisiana Conference
October 10, 2006 - WMS Convention
October 11-14, 2006
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
104 Jackson Street - Lake Charles, LA 70601
Church Phone: (318) 433-2415
The Rev. Lionel C. Green, Host Pastor
The Rev. Otis Lewis, Host Presiding Elder
Revivalist - TBA/Ordination Preacher - TBA
Louisiana Conference
October 24, 2006 - WMS Convention
October 25-28, 2006
Bethel A.M.E. Church
1356 South Boulevard- Baton Rouge, LA 70802
Church Phone: (225) 344-6931
The Rev. Herman Kelly, Host Pastor
The Rev. Malvin J. Black, Jr., Host Presiding Elder
Revivalist - TBA/Ordination Preacher - TBA
Eighth District Planning Meeting
November 15, 2006 ~ WMS Meeting
November 16-18, 2006
Bonner Campbell
Edwards, MS
The Rev. William N. Love, Administrator (601)852-5401
5. THE NEW JERSEY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (NJHDC) OF THE AME CHURCH HOSTED FOURTH ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY:
New Jersey Human Development Corporation (NJHDC) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 131 Perry Street, 2nd Fl. Trenton, NJ, where the Rev. J. Stanley Justice is Chief Executive Officer hosted its fourth annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on Tuesday. February 7, 2006. Rev. Justice also presided over the forum.
February 7, marks a nationwide community mobilization effort designed to encourage African Americans to get educated, get tested, get treated and get involved with HIV/AIDS, as it continues to devastate Black communities. This is the sixth annual observance of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
Clara Gregory, M.P.A. NBHAAD National Steering Committee Member, Division of HIV/AIDS Services spoke on, “Why NBHAAD?”
Bishop Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, urged the audience to do whatever they can to inform and educate their communities about AIDS. He said a diagnosis of AIDS is not the “immediate death sentence” it once was, but people need to hear about it, even from the Pulpit.
New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine spoke and said, “Many of us believe that needle exchange is one of the things we should be working on.” His belief is that making needles available to intravenous drug users would cut down the spread of the disease.
New Jersey State Health Commissioner Fred M. Jacobs said the new rapid HIV tests bring results in as little as 20 minutes, compared with two weeks for the old tests. Commissioner Jacobs also said that his department is sending outreach workers with AIDS information to beauty parlors, malls and churches. That is where people are that’s where women are and that is where they are comfortable talking. Not in some clinic,” he said.
Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer urged people to find out whether they are infected with HIV in order to seek early treatment, live longer and have a better quality of life.
The Keynote Speaker of the NBHAAD forum was Jamie M. Bracey, President of True Image Communities, LLC, who said “I am no longer interested in talking about prevention. The African American community has to raise the bar and demand a cure,” she said. “I will no get a rapid HIV test if there is no cure.” She said black people face extermination from AIDS due the disproportionate rate of HIV/AIDS among African Americans and the devastation caused by the disease in Africa. “I am here to save our race,” said Bracey, seeing in mission something akin to Harriett Tubman’s efforts to liberate black slaves almost 200 years ago.
Aisha Gilliam, Ph.D. a representative from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Ga., spoke about the affects of HIV/AIDS in the world community, and the Black community specifically.
During the course of the observance, Rev. Archie Richmond former NJHDC Board of Director Chair was given a plaque of Recognition by the current NJHDC Chairperson, Mrs. Wimphrey Jenkins for his trailblazing work. Rev. Richmond came up with the concept of the partnership between Houses of Worship and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services. This teaming together gave birth to Project F.A.I.T.H. Rev. Richmond some time ago identified HIV as a major challenge for African Americans. Over the years, NJHDC has also reached into the community with Project Rebuild a family program geared toward educating families on HIV prevention and how to improve communication skills. The Project F.A.I.T.H. Director is Rev. Linda Ellerbe and the Project Rebuild Director is Rev. Lynda Rassmann.
Indeed, the NBHAAD forum did present some grim statistics, and enlightenment. According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, nationwide, more than 1 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and half of all AIDS cases occur among African Americans. In New Jersey, more than 33, 300 people are living with HIV/AIDS and 55 percent or 18,500 of them are African Americans. The NJHDC’s fourth annual NBHAAD forum was well attended with over 200 people from various local, state, and federal agencies, as well as clergy from across the state of New Jersey.
Submitted by:
Liska V. Shands-Linton
NJHDC Staff
6. "MEN OF GOD - CALLED TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE" AT SPRING CHAPEL AME CHURCH:
The Pastor, Officers, & members of Spring Chapel AME Church cordially invite you to help us celebrate the important role Men play in our diverse society. Our theme is: "Men of God - Called to Make a Difference," taken from Romans 8:28. The program will be held on Saturday June 17th, 10 a.m. - 12 noon.
The workshop will start at 10 am featuring:
1. "Are You Sure You're Covered?"
Brother Michael Miller
St Paul CME Church
Bolivar, TN.
2. "Do You Know Where Your Money Is?"
(Budget & Finance)
Brother Charles Morrow
ReMax Realtors
3. "Are You Living Well?"
Brother Samuel A. Herring, PA
Substance Abuse Practitioner - VAMC, Memphis TN.
Spring Chapel AME Church
*Workshop Facilitator - Brother William O. "Billy" Brooks, Mt. Herman AME Church, Dicksonville, Tennessee.
This workshop will be one you will not want to miss. The Hour of Power will start immediately following the workshop with Pastor Marty Franklin of Global Ministries in Jackson, TN as the preacher. The West Tennessee Sons of Allen Choir will be our featured choir. We look forward to you fellowshipping with us.
**Note: John Keys, Commissioner of Veterans Affairs for State of Tennessee has been invited to be our special guest.
7. THE UNITED NEGRO COLLEGE FUND, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DELTA AIR LINES, HAS LAUNCHED A STUDENT TRAVEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:
UNCF, in partnership with Delta Air Lines, has launched a student travel assistance program for rising high school juniors and seniors and their parents to visit the college or university of their choice.
Eligibility Criteria
(a) Students must be a rising high school junior or senior for the
2006-07 school year.
*
(b) Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5.
The "Sky is the Limit" Delta Air Lines/UNCF Student Travel Assistance Program is designed to help support the travel needs of deserving students have access to the UNCF member colleges and universities and other institutions. This unique program will allow selected students the opportunity to travel to any destination serviced by Delta Air Lines during the period of June 2006 through December 2006. Award winners can use their travel award for round-trip coach travel on any Delta Air Lines flight. The travel will be subject to availability; however, Delta Air Lines will not impose holiday travel restrictions, blackouts or specific travel destinations.
Attached you will find a brief application, which can also be retrieved from the UNCF website. Students must return completed applications to my attention by June 16, 2006 with their desired travel itinerary clearly specified to occur between June 16, 2006 and December 30, 2006.
Please share this opportunity with all high school students meeting the following eligibility criteria and encourage them to submit an application for this program by the designated deadline date. UNCF will issue 78 "Sky is the Limit" travel vouchers.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me.
Thanks.
Elvan Gur-Edeman
Senior Program Manager
Scholarships and Grants Administration
703-205-3483
elvan_gur-edemen@uncf.org
8. RENEWAL GRANTS FOR CLERGY:
Louisville Institute: Sabbatical Grants for Pastoral Leaders ProgramThe Sabbatical Grants for Pastoral Leaders Program, administered by the Louisville Institute, awards grants to pastors and other religious leaders in the U.S. and Canada seeking time for study, reflection, retreat, and rest for the renewal of their vocations. The program will award up to sixty grants for eight-week ($10,000) and twelve-week ($15,000) sabbaticals. Recipients must be released from all pastoral duties during the entire grant period. The program is open to Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy, church staff members, denominational and diocesan staff, and others employed full-time in recognized positions of pastoral leadership, ordained and lay. The application deadline is September 15, 2006.
Visit the website for more information:
http://www.louisville-institute.org/secondary/SGPLdetail.asp
Editor's note: I have known and written recommendations for recipients of this grant. This program is legitimate and worth a pastor's effort to apply.
9. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - THE ABUNDANT LIFE IS A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE:
Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5: 18-19)
What Do We Mean By “Spirit-Filled?” Ephesians 5: 18 is descriptive of the operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer. As we are born again, the Spirit dwells in us. This means every believer in Jesus Christ has the Holy Spirit within. The question of being filled with the Spirit is not whether you have the Holy Spirit but whether the Holy Spirit has you. Are we yielded to God so His Spirit freely operates in us? In contrast to wine’s influence on a person, Paul speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives. Instead of consuming mind-altering substances (wine, weed, whiskey, whatever…) we are commanded by God to be filled with the Spirit. In fact, Paul’s statement really means, “Be being filled with the Spirit always!” We therefore, are to be filled (yielded to) the presence of the Holy Spirit again and again (Acts 2: 4 & 4: 8 & 4: 31). In doing, so we experience joy, courage, spirituality, character, power, and the ability to witness.
Paul instructs us, in verses 19-20, on how to make room for the Holy Spirit. We are to prepare all week with praise, prayer, thanksgiving, and singing, not just Sunday morning. Then, every Sunday morning will be Pentecost Sunday. Our congregations will be the Church – the Church of Spirit-filled worshippers exhibiting the presence, power, and love of an Almighty God. Spirit-filled worship is part of God’s evangelism program for the Church (Acts 2: 1-47). It is how the Church was born.
God’s Evangelism Program for Worship Services – Acts 2: 1-4
1. v. 1 – The believers were all together in one place. There was unity among them. The King James Version of the Bible says, “They were all with one accord.” As seekers enter a Spirit-filled worship service, they will experience the unity of the believers and know God is present among His people.
2. v. 2 – “Violent wind…filled the whole house where they were sitting.” The Holy Spirit surrounded the believers. This means the Holy Spirit will also surround seekers attending a Spirit-filled worship service. Visitors to Spirit-filled churches often describe experiencing a feeling of warmth or peace when entering the sanctuary.
3. v. 3 – “Tongues of fire…separated and came to rest on each of them.” The Holy Spirit touched them. The believers were moved by God’s power. Believers and seekers alike are moved by the power of God when sincere, Spirit-filled worship is taking place. Beyond emotions, persons experience deliverance and transformation.
4. v. 4a – “All of them were filled with the Spirit…” Every believer has the Holy Spirit. Now the Holy Spirit has every believer present in the worship service. For the seeker, there is no denying the presence and operation of God made real through persons who have yielded themselves to His will. God is visible in His people.
5. v. 4b – “…and began to speak in other tongues…” The Spirit enabled them to speak other languages. He gives us this ability as we are filled and yielded to His will. We must choose to exercise this ability just as we do any other capacity God has granted us. The believers spoke languages they couldn’t understand themselves but the unbelievers present could understand. “And about three thousand were added to their number that day.”
Our sincere, yielded, Spirit-filled worship is a tool in God’s hands to communicate His love and compassion for the seeker. No special adjustments were made to their worship of God in an attempt to accommodate those seeking God for themselves. There was no altering or watering down of the gospel message (Acts 2: 14-41). Sin, repentance, and salvation – God’s redemptive plan was preached. “Those who accepted his message” – the gospel of Jesus Christ – “were baptized…” God was truly glorified. That’s why “The Abundant Life is a Spirit-Filled Life.”
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel AME, Chicago
10. CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- Jazmine L Jenkins graduated from Lincoln College, Lincoln, IL on May 13, 2006. Jazmine earned her Associate of Arts degree. She is the daughter of the Rev. Samuel & the Rev. Wanda Jenkins, who are the pastors of Turner Memorial AME Church, Chicago, Illinois. Jazmine is the granddaughter of Dr. Helen L. Jenkins-Earley, the 3rd Vice-President of the Philadelphia Annual Conference Lay Organization of the AME Church.
Congratulatory email can be sent to: sam-jenkins@sbcglobal.net
- The Rev. Peggie D. Senor, Pastor, Allen Chapel AME, Lincoln, Illinois is blessed to share that granddaughter Johanna F. Trees, graduated from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La. May 19, 2006; granddaughter Brittney F. Senor graduated from Joliet Central High School, Joliet, IL. May 26, 2006; granddaughter Alexandra Senor enrolled in the graduate school of Kinesiology, Baltimore, Maryland for the summer semester. Praise God!Congratulatory email can be sent to: abuela08@aol.com
- Alisha M. Lander-Rickman will graduate from Claremont High School in Claremont, California June 15, 2006. She is the daughter of the Rev. Carlton and Mrs. Donna Rickman of Brown Memorial AME Church in Pasadena, California.Congratulatory email can be sent to: Dlgr99@aol.com
11. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL:
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received are compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 75th)
12. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Christian Recorder staff wishes to extend our congratulatory message to all of those celebrating the blessings of God.
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE UPDATE – THE REVEREND WALTER D. PARKS:
Hotel/Travel Arrangements for the Funeral of the Reverend Walter D. Parks:
Service for the Rev. Walter D. Parks, Husband of Supervisor Yvonne Henning Parks HOTEL:
Holiday Inn Express
4716 New Bern Ave
Raleigh, North Carolina 27610
(919) 231-2727
Persons are asked to call the church for transportation from the airport.
St. Paul AME Church
402 Edenton Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 832-2709
The Rev. G. L. Edmond, Pastor Or call the Parks family: (919) 261-8733
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Regretfully we share the passing of the Rev. Rosa and Rev. José Chilaule's son last Sunday morning in South Africa.
The Burial Service will be in Chokwé, 200 km away from Maputo, on Saturday. The body will arrive in Maputo tomorrow and will leave for Chokwé on Saturday morning.
Please remember this family always as you pray. I've been with them. I see that they are trying to be strong but the pain is deeper than their strength. And it happened when they were trying to forget the death of Mama Valina, the mother of the Rev. José Chilaule who died 5 months ago.
The Rev. Rosa and Jose are of the Mozambique Annual Conference. They are serving in Maputo District at Vashti McKenzie AME Church, Philadelphia AME Church and Richard Allen AME Churche.
Submitted by the Rev. Dionisio Joao MazuzePlease remember the family in your prayers.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: clinton@1stdistrict-ame.com
We regret to inform you of the passing of the Reverend Hayward P. Henry. He was the pastor of Saint James Union A.M.E. Church in Frederica, Delaware (Delaware Conference, Dover District). Rev. Henry was also an appointed Marshall for the First Episcopal District and the Delaware Conference.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Memorial Service - Friday, June 2, 2006
Service - 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
101 North Queen Street
Dover, DE 19904
The Rev. Wayne A. Johnson, Pastor
Phone: 302-678-9478
Fax: 302-678-9192
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist
Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Jo Ann Henry
11034 Henry Drive
Seaford, Delaware 19973
302-629-6517or
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church at the above address.
Please remember the Henry family in your prayers.
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: clegolie@powergrp.co.za
We announce the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Legolie, wife of the late the Rev. Steven J Legolie. Ms Legolie was the aunt of the Rev. William Charles Legolie, II the senior pastor of The Cathedral of Vinton Anderson, Cape Town and the 'Great Aunt of the Rev. Wesley Andrew David Legolie III, Associate Pastor of St Joseph's in Paarl South Africa. Mrs. Legolie went home to be with the LORD at the beautiful age of 90 years.
Condolences may be sent to the Rev William C Legolie, II at: vaame@mweb.co.za,
Charlin Lesch Legolie
Tel: +27-21-907 1300
Fax: +27-21-905 1802
Cell: +27-83-261 9937
E-Mail: clegolie@powergrp.co.za
Please remember the family in prayer.
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Hazel H. White. She was the mother of the Rev. Dr. John F. White, the Pastor of Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church, Fort Lauderdale, FL and the grandmother of the Rev. John F. White, II, the Pastor of New Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, Tallahassee, FL.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Visitation - Sunday, June 4, 2006,
5 pm – 8 pm
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
315 Martin Luther King Blvd.
Boynton Beach, FL 33455
(561) 734-5723
The Rev. Anton Elwood, Pastor
Homegoing Service will be Monday, June 5, 2006,
1:00 pm
Mount Hermon A.M.E. Church
401 N.W. 7th Terrace
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
(954) 463-6309
Funeral Home:
Shuler’s Memorial Chapel
606 W. Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33444
(561) 369-4236
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Dr. John F. White, Sr.
139 N. W. 13th Avenue
Boynton Beach, FL 33435
The Rev. John F. White, Sr.
(954) 448-5169;
Email: ealie1@bellsouth.net
The Rev. John F. White, II
(850) 212-2573;
Email: RevJWhite2@aol.com
Please remember the family in your prayers.
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Cell: (615) 403-7751
19. 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
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
5/30/2006
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (5/30/06)
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 CARNAGE CONTINUES IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN:
Soldiers in Iraq (and Afghanistan) continue to die and be maimed and the President says, “We will stay the course until we have achieved victory.” There was a sign on the highway that the President passed on his way to Arlington Cemetery yesterday that read, “Thank God of Dead soldiers?” I do not know who put the sign there, but it was a strange sign and I do not agree with it. I thank God for the soldiers who are alive and come back without wounds. I mourn the dead solders and offer my condolences to their families. I feel horrible for those soldiers who were wounded in battle and shutter to think about the soldiers who have lost limbs and who suffer from the scars of war.
President Bush vowed yesterday to honor them by "completing the mission for which they gave their lives." Our President has never served in an active military unit and so he has probably never heard the statement. “When you find yourself digging yourself in a hole, stop digging.” We have “dug ourselves in a hole” in Iraq and we need to stop digging.
We have lost 2,465 U.S. soldiers (Army, Marines, Navy Coast Guard) since war began on March 3, 2003 and significant numbers of soldiers’ lives have been lost since the famous, “Mission Accomplished” proclamation. Thousands of service members have been severely wounded. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of 10 soldiers medically evacuated from the combat zone have been evacuated for mental reasons. The social impact, alone, upon life in America will be impacted for years to come, not to mention the economic impact.
It is also estimated that 38,000 – 42,000 Iraqis have been killed and there is no telling how many have been severely wounded and how many are mentally impaired. (Statistics extracted from http://www.iraqbodycount.net/
2. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 184TH SESSION OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Since 1781, the African Methodist Episcopal Church has followed the biblical passage Ephesians 4:1. Richard Allen, founder of the AME Church, walked away in protest from an Episcopal Church Service, when he and fellow African’s were not allowed to kneel and pray at the church alter. Thus, the African Methodist Episcopal Church was born and Richard Allen established The Free African Society, which became The African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Today, religious institutions are the very foundation upon which communities flourish. The A.M.E. Church has a membership of over three million members and 8,000 churches with a strong emphasis on spiritual tradition. The Annual Conference is one of the most important spiritual and community traditions, where one church is chosen to host the conference. This year it was St Luke A.M.E. Church in Harlem.
The conference was held April 24 – 30, and the theme was Ephesians 4:1: “Walking Worthy of the Calling with Which We are Called.” Bishop Richard Franklin Norris presided over the 184th Session of the New York Annual Conference. Bishop Norris wanted the 184th Session to be the most productive and most spiritually uplifting -- the very best ever.
And productive, it was. As many faiths and denominations have grappled with how to address or prevent misconduct by the clergy, church workers, employees, the A.M.E. Church is being pro-active and for this Session, a required workshop on “Sexual Harassment and Misconduct” was held the first day. All Pastors, Ministers, Sunday School Teachers, Musicians, etc. were required to attend. The well-received workshop’s presenter was Attorney, Mortimer Lawrence.
The worship services, during the conference, were truly spiritually uplifting. From the rousing sermon delivered at the opening session by the Rev. Dr. Eugene McAshan, Pastor of Bethel, Copiague, to the closing session’s inspirational message by Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop of the 11th A.M.E. Episcopal District in Florida, the word went forth and the Good News was preached with power.
Under the leadership of Pastor Melvin E. Wilson, the St. Luke A.M.E. Congregation tries in every way to be more community oriented, more culturally and racially diverse, and to embrace the concept of “the Kingdom,” which has no ethnic and cultural boundaries.
The Tuesday evening reception in honor of Bishop and Mother Norris, held at the Alhambra Banquet Hall, exemplified this concept. Bishop Norris was presented with his portrait, painted in his likeness by St. Luke A.M.E. member, Mary Syvanto.
Another special touch was added to the reception by the performance of singer, Vanessa Shaw, who appeared on Broadway in “Timbuktu,” “Raisin,” and “The Tap Dance Kid,” and is currently touring in “Welcome Home Marian Anderson.” Ms. Shaw’s superb performance enhanced the ambiance of an elegant and memorable evening.
On Friday night, a capacity crowd at St. Luke was filled with exuberance as the Youth worshiped in drama, dance, and music. Singing to the Glory of God, the New York Annual Conference Youth Choir’s rendition of “Let Everything That Has Breath” was riveting and electrifying. The Conference brought an abundance of youth to the church, but not a first for St. Luke.
In and around New York City, Rev. Melvin E. Wilson’s visionary efforts to support the youth of New York City has resulted in youth outreach programs that are penetrating Harlem’s neighborhoods. Congregants and neighbors alike are experiencing “a rainbow of encouragement” for the young people of Harlem. One of the many youth programs at St. Luke is the S.A.T. Tutoring Program, which is open to all high school students.
The 184th Session of the New York Annual Conference ended on Sunday, April 30. The St. Luke A.M.E. Church Family made every effort to answer the Bishop’s call to make the session the best ever.
3. THE AME CHURCH MUST REMAIN VIGILANT ON THE ISSUES OF HIV/AIDS:
The Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr. reminds us that it is important for our Zion to remain vigilant concerning AIDS/ HIV and that we should have our eyeballs glued to the Television watching a magnificent AIDS/ HIV presentation, The Age of AIDS, Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 9 p.m.
Click on frontline: coming soon: The Age of AIDS PBS
4. SOMETHING TO DO DURING SOJOURN AT THE GENERAL BOARD MEETING:
The Reverend Dr. Joe Darby shares that the Island Heritage Festival presents a 5-day celebration of 10 programs honoring the history and culture of African Americans "Gullah People" and the historic treasures of their Sea Island home. USA Today says, "James Island," called "one of the five remarkable cultural wonders of the world you should visit before it vanishes." This beautiful, Sea Island welcomes you to explore, experience and enjoy the wonders of Gullah Culture.
Those attending the General Board Meeting can get from Charleston to James Island via Spring Street crossing over the Ashley River Bridge. Travel to Folly Road, crossing over the Wappoo Bridge. McCleod Plantation is located behind the oaks on the left.
Dr. Darby has spoken with the festival organizers and is trying to arrange transportation, since James Island is a good half hour drive from the meeting site.
A Little History about the Gullah / Geechee
There really is not a single "Gullah island." Ron and Natalie Daise, two South Carolina storytellers who had a kid’s show on PBS, popularized that idea. When you get off the plane in Charleston for the General Board and Bishops Council, you will actually be in the heart of "Gullah country!" What is known as the "Gullah Geechee" culture actually covers the coastal regions and Sea Islands from Myrtle Beach, SC to Jacksonville, Florida. The islands are special, because West African slaves were concentrated there and were essentially set free when their "owners" fled their rice plantations during the Civil War. The language, customs and traditions that were preserved in the process are as close to West Africa as you can get in the continental United States, and have even spilled over to worship traditions, and especially in the AME Church in the low country of South Carolina in things like what's often called the "Charleston clap" to many of our familiar hymns.
What is sad and ironic is that "progress" is eroding the culture. For years, their habitat was undesirable because of concerns about diseases like malaria, but it has now become desirable waterfront property. As a result, many of the original residents are either being bought out by developers or forced out by rising property values and the resultant escalating property tax bills.
Many old black communities and cemeteries dating back to the 18th century are being obliterated in the process. One of America's best kept (and saddest) secrets is that Hilton Head Island in South Carolina - a word-class tourist destination, used to be an exclusively black owned and occupied island and is the site of Queen Chapel AME Church, the first AME church established in the south by Bishop Daniel Payne at the end of the Civil War. It is absolutely shameful that some black folks who have been on the island for years are now service workers for the new residents and for tourist hotels and resorts. The same thing may soon happen on other such islands and inland coastal areas, including Daufuskie Island - the real setting for Pat Conroy's writings "Conrack" and "The Water is Wide" that chronicled his time as a teacher on the island.
The James Island festival is special because James Island has an interesting history. The shots fired on Fort Sumter that began the Civil War were fired from James Island. The all black 54th Massachusetts regiment that was made famous by the movie "Glory" was posted there, fought there and left their base there for what came to be their best known and most calamitous attach on Battery Wagner. There a major battle now raging to see that the battle site on Morris Island, adjacent to James Island, does not become just another resort community instead of continuing to be "hallowed ground."
Sorry to rattle on, but I've become fascinated with the culture since coming to Charleston and discovering a solid and little known cultural link to West Africa. Dr. Alpha Bah, one of the African professors at the College of Charleston, ties the names "Gullah" and "gauche" to still existent West African tribal cultures. He also tells the compelling story of how our African ancestors were not just "caught and brought" to America, but were taken captive and made forcible immigrants because of their skills in doing things like growing rice. Since coming to the low country, I have also discovered how many elements of African language, tradition and culture that black Americans - many of whom are descended from those who came ashore in South Carolina - have integrated into our lives without knowing it. When I stood before the late Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Jr. in the Columbia Annual Conference as a member of the Class on Admissions, I either instinctually or nervously put my hands on my waist. My uncle, the late Rev. V. A. Janerette, came up behind me and quietly said, "Take your hands off your kimbo!" I did not know until I moved to the low country that "kimbo" is a West African word for the area above one's hips!
In addition to the site I sent you for the festival - http://www.islandheritagefestival.com/ - you can also find Gullah - Geechee cultural information online at http://www.penncenter.com/ and http://www.cofc.edu/avery/
Editor’s note: The American Bible Society has released the Gullah New Testament, De Nyew Testament in the Gullah language. I was surprised that I could understand so much of it. Here is John 3:16:
“Cause God lob all do people een de wol sommuch dat e gii we e onliest Son. God senwe um so dat ebrybody wa bleebe pon um ain gwine dead. Dey gwinelib faebamo.” (John 3:16, Gullah Sea Island Creole)
5. KENTUCKY CONFERENCE - LEXINGTON DISTRICT CONFERENCE CHURCH SCHOOL – CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONVENTION, THEME: “KICKIN’ AME LOGIC”:
The Lexington District Church School and Christian Education Convention is scheduled for Friday, June 23 through Saturday, June 24, 2006. The host is St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, 225 West Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330 (859) 734-9996. The Reverend Ralph Boyd Smith is the host pastor.
Friday evening worship service shall be at St. Peter, while Saturday classes will be held at the Harrodsburg High School, 441 East Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, Kentucky (859-734-8420). Classes will be available for clergy, laity and youth. Everyone is encouraged to attend and be a part of history as we share in God’s joy. In addition to receiving instruction and inspiration, this will be an opportunity for us to fellowship and worship our Lord. Let us come together and praise Him from whom all blessings flow. Attire for the convention will be casual. All youth are to dress in regular school apparel.
Accommodations have been made at the Country Hearth Inn, 105 Commercial Drive, Harrodsburg, Kentucky (859-734-2400). Single rate of $51.00 plus tax, and $59.00 plus tax for doubles. A Jacuzzi Suite for $85.00 plus tax (includes king size bed and sofa sleeper).
“The Annual Afternoon at the Apollo” will be held again this year where youths from each church can showcase their talents. Presentations by youth groups shall include one or each of the following; singing, playing of musical instruments, dramatic rendition, or a liturgical dance. Judges will be persons who have no connection with our denomination. There will be monetary prizes for the winners who will go on to represent the Lexington District at the Christian Education Leadership Congress in July.
Registration for this event is free and open to all. Lunch on Saturday will be provided for all at no cost. Each church in the district is to send or bring your assessment to the Presiding Elder to offset the cost of this meeting. Our special guest for this event is The Reverend C. Robert Finch, presiding elder in the West Tennessee Conference.
In Christian Fellowship,
Sister Susie Bates
Kentucky Conference Director of Christian Education
Reverend Ralph E. Johnson
Presiding Elder of the Kentucky Conference-Lexington District
Submitted by Exhorter Doris Coffey
6. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HEAD HOME FOR A WEEKLONG RECESS -- AND THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF RENEWING THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT!:
May 26, 2006 -- The movement to renew the Voting Rights Act -- and H.R.9 / S.2703, the bipartisan bill to ensure that this cornerstone civil rights law is renewed and restored -- has gained considerable momentum in recent weeks. The Senate and House adjourn today for Memorial Day recess, with many senators and representatives returning to their home states until June 5. It is critical that the House and Senate quickly enact H.R.9/S.2703 when they return to Washington in June -- and it is important that they hear this from you when they are home next week!
7. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER – YPD WEBSITE CREATED FOR CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE CHURCH BY A LICENTIATE:
I greet you in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. I am asking that you take the time to visit our Young People and Children’s Division (YPD) Website.
Creating a web site was one of the goals that we set for this Conference year. We were able to meet this, and other goals.
Please browse our Website and enjoy yourselves while you are there and please remember to sign the guest book before you leave.
Click on the link, http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=277240 and have a good time in the LORD as you visit our Website.
Please keep us in your prayers as we go forth taking the Word and Will of God.
Our Church is located at 131 Edmondson Ferry Road, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone: 931.648.0881
God Bless,
Licentiate Benessa K. Perkins-Sweat
Ebenezer A.M.E Church, Clarksville, Tennessee
YPD Advisor
8. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER - 2006 NBA SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:
Description: Interested in working for the NBA? The National Basketball Association is interesting in hiring students for their 2006 Summer Internship Program. Students must meet the following criteria:
Class - Junior or SeniorGPA - 3.0 or aboveMajors: Communications, Marketing, Advertising, or General Business.
The internship will be located in New York City for 10-weeks beginning June 5 and ending August 11.
End Date: 6/3/2006
Concentration/Major: Business Administration, Communication Arts, Communication, Marketing
Location: Northeast (MN, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA) Employer: National Basketball Association (NBA) Contact: Roger D. Lord, (212-573-8548) rlord@tmsf.org
Lester Jackson
Submitted by 13TH Episcopal District Supervisor Stan McKenzie
9. EVERY WOMAN MEDITATIONS FOR INSPIRING BEAUTY IN WOMEN:
*Rev. Maxine L. Thomas,
Independent Beauty Consultant
“Embrace Peace”
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
There is so much unrest within the world today. There is the threat of national and world terrorism… the war in Iraq continues… there are drug wars and wars against the fabric of human morality. There are wars on our city streets as drive by shootings continues to claim the lives of our children. Some woman lives through world war “I stopped counting” each time she is faced with a slap, kick or punch from the man who beats her and then treats her to cards, candy and flowers.
There is unrest in our churches as pastors vent from the pulpit and pew members persist in a diet of roasted pastor as a part of their Sunday afternoon meal.
Have you ever been through one trial after another? As soon as you thought you were beginning to see the dawn of day, here comes another wind of despair or wave of disappointment.
But, God says to us in our moments of hopelessly and moments of doubt, indeed, there is peace in the valley. Sis, we are not always going to be on the mountain top; for every now and then, we are going to have some valley experiences.
It is a valley experience when the friend you trusted with all of your secrets puts your stuff out in the street. It is a valley experience when you have spent your last dime and you do not know how you are going to pay your bills. It is a valley experience when the doctor tells you there is nothing else that he/she can do for you. It is a valley experience when you find out that the man who pledged his faithfulness to you is doing all of his plowing in somebody else’ field. It is a valley experience when you have to say good-bye to the dearest one on earth to you. It is a valley experience when the child you raised up in the church goes out into the world and decides he wants to do his own thing.
The Bible says, Man that is born of a woman is but of a few day, and those are full of trouble. In this life, ye will have tribulations, but the Lord delivers us out of them all. Aren’t you glad that "trouble don’t last always"?
In the midst of your disappointment and grief, I dare you to grab a hold of God’s Word. He wants to turn your sorrow to joy. He wants to turn your midnight into day. I want to let a sister know that God will give you beauty for your ashes. God will dry all of your tears away. I dare you to, "Just praise God right now." Right now!
And, the Bible says, "God will keep you in perfect peace." This promise, however, is not without a condition. Some folk want peace, yet they continue to pursue strife. How are you going to have peace in your marriage if you are always sowing seeds of discord? When is the last time you said, Holy Ghost… I know you gave me utterance to speak in tongues… I sure ‘nough felt your power when I got my praise on Sunday morning… but Lord, I need you to give me the power to keep my mouth shut! I dare you to pursue peace in your marriage and in your relationships by asking God to give you the power to shut up!
If you want to have peace, you must learn how to meditate upon peaceful thoughts. Girlfriend, embrace God’s peace. Meditate on the Word of God. Allow God’s Word to saturate your mind, your heart, and soak out the guilt, the shame, the fear and the mistrust. Sis, you cannot stop a bird from landing on your hair, but you don’t have to let it stay there and make a nest. The next time you get a thought that tells you that you are not going to make it… that it’s all over… that nobody loves you and nobody cares, I dare you to take authority over that thought, cast it down and out, and replace it with a God thought. Sis, embrace peace!
God thoughts come easily when you have regular personal devotions… times of reading and reflecting upon the Word of God and praying to Him in secret. God thoughts are thoughts that bring peace and not distress. In a world where there is constant unrest and turmoil, my sister, God thoughts will keep you in perfect peace. Take the pressure off and put the promise on! Embrace His peace.
*Rev. Maxine L. Thomas is the Connectional Director of Ministries for Women (Dept of Church Growth and Development for the AMEC), the First Lady/Asst. Pastor at Morris Brown AME in Philadelphia, PA, the Editor of the First District Flame Newspaper, the Executive Director/Founder of Sisters Keeping the Covenant, a former TV talk show host and radio personality, a Christian author, and an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay.
Remember, “With God, nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
10. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - THE ABUNDANT LIFE – A SANCTIFIED LIFE:
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. (Romans 1: 1)
Truly abundant living can be achieved only when one is set apart from anything that is contrary to the perfect (complete) will of God and set apart to God’s sacred purpose for one’s life.
Paul describes himself as being set apart for the gospel of God. To be set apart for God is what it means to be sanctified. To be sanctified or set apart has two dimensions. The first is descriptive of being set apart for a sacred purpose. One of the persons attending Quinn’s mid-day Bible study couldn’t make the study and called the church office to ask that a copy of the outline to be used be set apart for him to get later that afternoon. His copy was separated from the others slated for distribution that day. In the same way, God wants to separate us from all others for His special purposes.
The other dimension of being sanctified relates to being set free from sin and purified. At the same Bible study, I recognized that one of the copies of the lesson to be distributed was blurred and illegible. I separated that particular copy from the others because it was not useful in fulfilling the purpose we were attempting to achieve. In the same way, God cleanses us of sin, destructive habits and negative attitudes so we can be useful in the building of His kingdom here on earth.
We’ve often heard how Jesus prayed to the Father that we would be “in the world but not of the world.” This phrase is taken from John 17: 14-15. I often wondered what this meant and how it could be. The Holy Spirit reminded me of a trip Corlis (my wife of now nearly 33 years) and I took to Europe. While there, we traveled to Paris. Because of exposure to the French language in South Louisiana, I knew just enough French to embarrass myself and insult others. It was obvious to everyone I spoke to I wasn’t French. My dress, language, behaviors, and attitude clearly identified me as an American in France.
We are citizens of the kingdom of God “sent into the world (John 17: 18).” Jesus said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (John 17: 17). The language of our kingdom is the word of God. “God Himself…sanctifies us through and through” (I Thessalonians 5: 23) so that our behaviors and attitudes clearly identify us as citizens of the kingdom of God. God then calls us to service in His kingdom (II Thessalonians 2: 15-16) a citizens in a foreign land.
It was at the Cross of Calvary that Jesus sanctified Himself so that we “too may be truly sanctified (John 17: 19).” Let us live our lives as set apart recipients of God’s boundless grace. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 8-10)
Love,
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Morgan Kelley Thigpen, granddaughter of General Officer, the Reverend Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director of The Department of Christian Education, African Methodist Episcopal Church.Morgan Kelley Thigpen, born Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 7:15 AM, weighed in at 4 pounds 1 oz. and was 17 ¾ inches long. The proud parents are Dewayne and DeNee Thigpen.
The proud grandparents are Reverend Dr. Daryl and Mrs. Patricia Ingram.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Gilbert Harper, Jr. graduated from North Carolina A &T State University in Greensboro, NC on Sat., May 13, 2006. Gilbert, Jr. is the son of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
Quintessa Harper will be graduating from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, VA on June 15, 2006. Quintessa is also the daughter of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
Congratulatory messages can emailed to: Revgharp2@cs.com
13. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL:
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received are compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 75th)
14. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Christian Recorder staff wishes to extend our congratulatory message to all of those celebrating the blessings of God.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce the passing on Monday May 22, 2006 of Mrs. Mary Louise Stuart, sister of the Rev. H. Charles Farris, Presiding Elder of the Phoenix- Albuquerque District, Desert/Mountain Conference, 5th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Mary Louise Stuart:
Funeral
Friday, May 26, 2006
10:00 AM
First AME Church
1111 North 8th St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-371-2805 Phone
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Mrs. H. Charles Farris & Family
5742 S. Quemoy Circle
Centennial, CO 80015
720-841-3127 Phone
Email: crjfarris@yahoo.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Ellis Copeland, father of Mrs. Arleasia Redding (and father of Reverend Nathaniel Copeland, Pastor in the East Alabama Conference at Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, Phenix City, Alabama) went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2006. Mrs. Arleasia Redding is the spouse of the Reverend James Redding, Pastor of Hines Chapel A.M.E. Church, Dothan, Alabama.
Words of comfort may be sent to:
The Reverend and Mrs. James Redding
Post Office Box 151
Clio, Alabama 36017
(334) 397-4087
This notice is being sent on the behalf of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District.
Submitted By:
The Reverend David E. Reddick
Presiding Elder, Dothan-Eufaula District
South Alabama Conference
Email: Sam.Surfer@centurytel.net
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mr. Charles Bennet, brother of Reverend Deloris Prioleau, pastor of Cornerstone AME Church in Washington, DC / Treasurer of the Connectional Women in Ministry.
Funeral Arrangements for Mr. Charles Bennet: Friday May 26, 2006
Wake: 10:00 AM
Funeral 11:00 AM
Ward Memorial AME Church
241 42nd Street
N.E. Washington, DC 20019
202-398-3899 Phone
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Deloris Prioleau & Family
12125 Long Ridge Lane
Bowie, MD 20715
301-464-8084 Phone
Email condolences to:
RevDeeABP@msn.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mrs. Sally Bennett, grandmother of the Rev. Barbara Taylor, associate minister, Cornerstone AME Church, Washington, DC.
Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. Sally Bennett:
Friday, May 26, 2006
3:00 PM
Henry Grove Baptist Church
Wadesboro, NC
Professional services entrusted to:
Smith Funeral Home
604 Salisbury Rd
Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: (704) 694-4121
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Barbara Taylor
11714 Critton Circle
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703-492-1268 Phone
Please remember these families in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: The Right Reverend Cornal Garnett Henning, SrPresiding Bishop, 8th Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Walter D. Parks, Jr., spouse of Supervisor Yvonne Henning Parks passed on Thursday morning, May 25, 2006. He is the father of Walter D. Parks, III, the Rev. Kevin E. Parks (Armintry) and Pamela Parks Bowman (Anthony), Brother-in-law of Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Presiding Elder E. Anne Byfield.
Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Walter D. Parks
Homegoing Service will be:
Visitation - Sunday 5 pm - 7 pm
(Haywood Funeral Home)
Monday, JUNE 5, 2005 at 12:00 Noon (Visitation 11:00 AM)
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
402 Edenton Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 832-2709
The Rev. G. L. Edmond, Pastor.
Funeral Home:
Haywood Funeral Home
2414 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 832-2835
Contact:
Supervisor Yvonne Henning Parks
418 Aqua Marine Lane
Knightdale, North Carolina 27545
(919) 261-8733 (home)
Email- Mslady3x@aol.com
Walter Parks, III
(919) 961-7404
Email: WaltP3@aol.com
The Rev. Kevin Parks
(330) 394-5875 (h)
(330) 883-6193) cell
Email: rparks2@neo.rr.com
Pamela Bowman (919) 210-7756
e-mail: Gochibears1@aol.com
Contact Information
Yvonne Parks- (919) 261-8733;
e-mail: mslady3x@aol.com
Mr. Walter Parks, USA
(919)744-4079;
Email: WaltP3@aol.com
The Rev. Kevin E. Parks
(330) 883-6193 (mobile)
Email rparks2@neo.rr.com
Pamela Bowman (919)
210 7756 Mobile
Email: Gochibears1@aol.com
Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr.
Presiding Bishop, 8th Episcopal District
Office:
2138 Saint Bernard Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 948-4251
Email: lanroc@aol.co
Please remember the family in your prayers
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
21. 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 CARNAGE CONTINUES IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN:
Soldiers in Iraq (and Afghanistan) continue to die and be maimed and the President says, “We will stay the course until we have achieved victory.” There was a sign on the highway that the President passed on his way to Arlington Cemetery yesterday that read, “Thank God of Dead soldiers?” I do not know who put the sign there, but it was a strange sign and I do not agree with it. I thank God for the soldiers who are alive and come back without wounds. I mourn the dead solders and offer my condolences to their families. I feel horrible for those soldiers who were wounded in battle and shutter to think about the soldiers who have lost limbs and who suffer from the scars of war.
President Bush vowed yesterday to honor them by "completing the mission for which they gave their lives." Our President has never served in an active military unit and so he has probably never heard the statement. “When you find yourself digging yourself in a hole, stop digging.” We have “dug ourselves in a hole” in Iraq and we need to stop digging.
We have lost 2,465 U.S. soldiers (Army, Marines, Navy Coast Guard) since war began on March 3, 2003 and significant numbers of soldiers’ lives have been lost since the famous, “Mission Accomplished” proclamation. Thousands of service members have been severely wounded. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of 10 soldiers medically evacuated from the combat zone have been evacuated for mental reasons. The social impact, alone, upon life in America will be impacted for years to come, not to mention the economic impact.
It is also estimated that 38,000 – 42,000 Iraqis have been killed and there is no telling how many have been severely wounded and how many are mentally impaired. (Statistics extracted from http://www.iraqbodycount.net/
2. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 184TH SESSION OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
Since 1781, the African Methodist Episcopal Church has followed the biblical passage Ephesians 4:1. Richard Allen, founder of the AME Church, walked away in protest from an Episcopal Church Service, when he and fellow African’s were not allowed to kneel and pray at the church alter. Thus, the African Methodist Episcopal Church was born and Richard Allen established The Free African Society, which became The African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Today, religious institutions are the very foundation upon which communities flourish. The A.M.E. Church has a membership of over three million members and 8,000 churches with a strong emphasis on spiritual tradition. The Annual Conference is one of the most important spiritual and community traditions, where one church is chosen to host the conference. This year it was St Luke A.M.E. Church in Harlem.
The conference was held April 24 – 30, and the theme was Ephesians 4:1: “Walking Worthy of the Calling with Which We are Called.” Bishop Richard Franklin Norris presided over the 184th Session of the New York Annual Conference. Bishop Norris wanted the 184th Session to be the most productive and most spiritually uplifting -- the very best ever.
And productive, it was. As many faiths and denominations have grappled with how to address or prevent misconduct by the clergy, church workers, employees, the A.M.E. Church is being pro-active and for this Session, a required workshop on “Sexual Harassment and Misconduct” was held the first day. All Pastors, Ministers, Sunday School Teachers, Musicians, etc. were required to attend. The well-received workshop’s presenter was Attorney, Mortimer Lawrence.
The worship services, during the conference, were truly spiritually uplifting. From the rousing sermon delivered at the opening session by the Rev. Dr. Eugene McAshan, Pastor of Bethel, Copiague, to the closing session’s inspirational message by Bishop McKinley Young, Presiding Bishop of the 11th A.M.E. Episcopal District in Florida, the word went forth and the Good News was preached with power.
Under the leadership of Pastor Melvin E. Wilson, the St. Luke A.M.E. Congregation tries in every way to be more community oriented, more culturally and racially diverse, and to embrace the concept of “the Kingdom,” which has no ethnic and cultural boundaries.
The Tuesday evening reception in honor of Bishop and Mother Norris, held at the Alhambra Banquet Hall, exemplified this concept. Bishop Norris was presented with his portrait, painted in his likeness by St. Luke A.M.E. member, Mary Syvanto.
Another special touch was added to the reception by the performance of singer, Vanessa Shaw, who appeared on Broadway in “Timbuktu,” “Raisin,” and “The Tap Dance Kid,” and is currently touring in “Welcome Home Marian Anderson.” Ms. Shaw’s superb performance enhanced the ambiance of an elegant and memorable evening.
On Friday night, a capacity crowd at St. Luke was filled with exuberance as the Youth worshiped in drama, dance, and music. Singing to the Glory of God, the New York Annual Conference Youth Choir’s rendition of “Let Everything That Has Breath” was riveting and electrifying. The Conference brought an abundance of youth to the church, but not a first for St. Luke.
In and around New York City, Rev. Melvin E. Wilson’s visionary efforts to support the youth of New York City has resulted in youth outreach programs that are penetrating Harlem’s neighborhoods. Congregants and neighbors alike are experiencing “a rainbow of encouragement” for the young people of Harlem. One of the many youth programs at St. Luke is the S.A.T. Tutoring Program, which is open to all high school students.
The 184th Session of the New York Annual Conference ended on Sunday, April 30. The St. Luke A.M.E. Church Family made every effort to answer the Bishop’s call to make the session the best ever.
3. THE AME CHURCH MUST REMAIN VIGILANT ON THE ISSUES OF HIV/AIDS:
The Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr. reminds us that it is important for our Zion to remain vigilant concerning AIDS/ HIV and that we should have our eyeballs glued to the Television watching a magnificent AIDS/ HIV presentation, The Age of AIDS, Tuesday, May 30, 2006 at 9 p.m.
Click on frontline: coming soon: The Age of AIDS PBS
4. SOMETHING TO DO DURING SOJOURN AT THE GENERAL BOARD MEETING:
The Reverend Dr. Joe Darby shares that the Island Heritage Festival presents a 5-day celebration of 10 programs honoring the history and culture of African Americans "Gullah People" and the historic treasures of their Sea Island home. USA Today says, "James Island," called "one of the five remarkable cultural wonders of the world you should visit before it vanishes." This beautiful, Sea Island welcomes you to explore, experience and enjoy the wonders of Gullah Culture.
Those attending the General Board Meeting can get from Charleston to James Island via Spring Street crossing over the Ashley River Bridge. Travel to Folly Road, crossing over the Wappoo Bridge. McCleod Plantation is located behind the oaks on the left.
Dr. Darby has spoken with the festival organizers and is trying to arrange transportation, since James Island is a good half hour drive from the meeting site.
A Little History about the Gullah / Geechee
There really is not a single "Gullah island." Ron and Natalie Daise, two South Carolina storytellers who had a kid’s show on PBS, popularized that idea. When you get off the plane in Charleston for the General Board and Bishops Council, you will actually be in the heart of "Gullah country!" What is known as the "Gullah Geechee" culture actually covers the coastal regions and Sea Islands from Myrtle Beach, SC to Jacksonville, Florida. The islands are special, because West African slaves were concentrated there and were essentially set free when their "owners" fled their rice plantations during the Civil War. The language, customs and traditions that were preserved in the process are as close to West Africa as you can get in the continental United States, and have even spilled over to worship traditions, and especially in the AME Church in the low country of South Carolina in things like what's often called the "Charleston clap" to many of our familiar hymns.
What is sad and ironic is that "progress" is eroding the culture. For years, their habitat was undesirable because of concerns about diseases like malaria, but it has now become desirable waterfront property. As a result, many of the original residents are either being bought out by developers or forced out by rising property values and the resultant escalating property tax bills.
Many old black communities and cemeteries dating back to the 18th century are being obliterated in the process. One of America's best kept (and saddest) secrets is that Hilton Head Island in South Carolina - a word-class tourist destination, used to be an exclusively black owned and occupied island and is the site of Queen Chapel AME Church, the first AME church established in the south by Bishop Daniel Payne at the end of the Civil War. It is absolutely shameful that some black folks who have been on the island for years are now service workers for the new residents and for tourist hotels and resorts. The same thing may soon happen on other such islands and inland coastal areas, including Daufuskie Island - the real setting for Pat Conroy's writings "Conrack" and "The Water is Wide" that chronicled his time as a teacher on the island.
The James Island festival is special because James Island has an interesting history. The shots fired on Fort Sumter that began the Civil War were fired from James Island. The all black 54th Massachusetts regiment that was made famous by the movie "Glory" was posted there, fought there and left their base there for what came to be their best known and most calamitous attach on Battery Wagner. There a major battle now raging to see that the battle site on Morris Island, adjacent to James Island, does not become just another resort community instead of continuing to be "hallowed ground."
Sorry to rattle on, but I've become fascinated with the culture since coming to Charleston and discovering a solid and little known cultural link to West Africa. Dr. Alpha Bah, one of the African professors at the College of Charleston, ties the names "Gullah" and "gauche" to still existent West African tribal cultures. He also tells the compelling story of how our African ancestors were not just "caught and brought" to America, but were taken captive and made forcible immigrants because of their skills in doing things like growing rice. Since coming to the low country, I have also discovered how many elements of African language, tradition and culture that black Americans - many of whom are descended from those who came ashore in South Carolina - have integrated into our lives without knowing it. When I stood before the late Bishop Frank Madison Reid, Jr. in the Columbia Annual Conference as a member of the Class on Admissions, I either instinctually or nervously put my hands on my waist. My uncle, the late Rev. V. A. Janerette, came up behind me and quietly said, "Take your hands off your kimbo!" I did not know until I moved to the low country that "kimbo" is a West African word for the area above one's hips!
In addition to the site I sent you for the festival - http://www.islandheritagefestival.com/ - you can also find Gullah - Geechee cultural information online at http://www.penncenter.com/ and http://www.cofc.edu/avery/
Editor’s note: The American Bible Society has released the Gullah New Testament, De Nyew Testament in the Gullah language. I was surprised that I could understand so much of it. Here is John 3:16:
“Cause God lob all do people een de wol sommuch dat e gii we e onliest Son. God senwe um so dat ebrybody wa bleebe pon um ain gwine dead. Dey gwinelib faebamo.” (John 3:16, Gullah Sea Island Creole)
5. KENTUCKY CONFERENCE - LEXINGTON DISTRICT CONFERENCE CHURCH SCHOOL – CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONVENTION, THEME: “KICKIN’ AME LOGIC”:
The Lexington District Church School and Christian Education Convention is scheduled for Friday, June 23 through Saturday, June 24, 2006. The host is St. Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church, 225 West Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330 (859) 734-9996. The Reverend Ralph Boyd Smith is the host pastor.
Friday evening worship service shall be at St. Peter, while Saturday classes will be held at the Harrodsburg High School, 441 East Lexington Street, Harrodsburg, Kentucky (859-734-8420). Classes will be available for clergy, laity and youth. Everyone is encouraged to attend and be a part of history as we share in God’s joy. In addition to receiving instruction and inspiration, this will be an opportunity for us to fellowship and worship our Lord. Let us come together and praise Him from whom all blessings flow. Attire for the convention will be casual. All youth are to dress in regular school apparel.
Accommodations have been made at the Country Hearth Inn, 105 Commercial Drive, Harrodsburg, Kentucky (859-734-2400). Single rate of $51.00 plus tax, and $59.00 plus tax for doubles. A Jacuzzi Suite for $85.00 plus tax (includes king size bed and sofa sleeper).
“The Annual Afternoon at the Apollo” will be held again this year where youths from each church can showcase their talents. Presentations by youth groups shall include one or each of the following; singing, playing of musical instruments, dramatic rendition, or a liturgical dance. Judges will be persons who have no connection with our denomination. There will be monetary prizes for the winners who will go on to represent the Lexington District at the Christian Education Leadership Congress in July.
Registration for this event is free and open to all. Lunch on Saturday will be provided for all at no cost. Each church in the district is to send or bring your assessment to the Presiding Elder to offset the cost of this meeting. Our special guest for this event is The Reverend C. Robert Finch, presiding elder in the West Tennessee Conference.
In Christian Fellowship,
Sister Susie Bates
Kentucky Conference Director of Christian Education
Reverend Ralph E. Johnson
Presiding Elder of the Kentucky Conference-Lexington District
Submitted by Exhorter Doris Coffey
6. MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HEAD HOME FOR A WEEKLONG RECESS -- AND THEY NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF RENEWING THE VOTING RIGHTS ACT!:
May 26, 2006 -- The movement to renew the Voting Rights Act -- and H.R.9 / S.2703, the bipartisan bill to ensure that this cornerstone civil rights law is renewed and restored -- has gained considerable momentum in recent weeks. The Senate and House adjourn today for Memorial Day recess, with many senators and representatives returning to their home states until June 5. It is critical that the House and Senate quickly enact H.R.9/S.2703 when they return to Washington in June -- and it is important that they hear this from you when they are home next week!
7. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER – YPD WEBSITE CREATED FOR CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE CHURCH BY A LICENTIATE:
I greet you in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. I am asking that you take the time to visit our Young People and Children’s Division (YPD) Website.
Creating a web site was one of the goals that we set for this Conference year. We were able to meet this, and other goals.
Please browse our Website and enjoy yourselves while you are there and please remember to sign the guest book before you leave.
Click on the link, http://www.ourchurch.com/view/?pageID=277240 and have a good time in the LORD as you visit our Website.
Please keep us in your prayers as we go forth taking the Word and Will of God.
Our Church is located at 131 Edmondson Ferry Road, Clarksville, TN 37040, phone: 931.648.0881
God Bless,
Licentiate Benessa K. Perkins-Sweat
Ebenezer A.M.E Church, Clarksville, Tennessee
YPD Advisor
8. THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CORNER - 2006 NBA SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:
Description: Interested in working for the NBA? The National Basketball Association is interesting in hiring students for their 2006 Summer Internship Program. Students must meet the following criteria:
Class - Junior or SeniorGPA - 3.0 or aboveMajors: Communications, Marketing, Advertising, or General Business.
The internship will be located in New York City for 10-weeks beginning June 5 and ending August 11.
End Date: 6/3/2006
Concentration/Major: Business Administration, Communication Arts, Communication, Marketing
Location: Northeast (MN, NH, VT, MA, CT, RI, NY, NJ, PA) Employer: National Basketball Association (NBA) Contact: Roger D. Lord, (212-573-8548) rlord@tmsf.org
Lester Jackson
Submitted by 13TH Episcopal District Supervisor Stan McKenzie
9. EVERY WOMAN MEDITATIONS FOR INSPIRING BEAUTY IN WOMEN:
*Rev. Maxine L. Thomas,
Independent Beauty Consultant
“Embrace Peace”
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee.” (Isaiah 26:3)
There is so much unrest within the world today. There is the threat of national and world terrorism… the war in Iraq continues… there are drug wars and wars against the fabric of human morality. There are wars on our city streets as drive by shootings continues to claim the lives of our children. Some woman lives through world war “I stopped counting” each time she is faced with a slap, kick or punch from the man who beats her and then treats her to cards, candy and flowers.
There is unrest in our churches as pastors vent from the pulpit and pew members persist in a diet of roasted pastor as a part of their Sunday afternoon meal.
Have you ever been through one trial after another? As soon as you thought you were beginning to see the dawn of day, here comes another wind of despair or wave of disappointment.
But, God says to us in our moments of hopelessly and moments of doubt, indeed, there is peace in the valley. Sis, we are not always going to be on the mountain top; for every now and then, we are going to have some valley experiences.
It is a valley experience when the friend you trusted with all of your secrets puts your stuff out in the street. It is a valley experience when you have spent your last dime and you do not know how you are going to pay your bills. It is a valley experience when the doctor tells you there is nothing else that he/she can do for you. It is a valley experience when you find out that the man who pledged his faithfulness to you is doing all of his plowing in somebody else’ field. It is a valley experience when you have to say good-bye to the dearest one on earth to you. It is a valley experience when the child you raised up in the church goes out into the world and decides he wants to do his own thing.
The Bible says, Man that is born of a woman is but of a few day, and those are full of trouble. In this life, ye will have tribulations, but the Lord delivers us out of them all. Aren’t you glad that "trouble don’t last always"?
In the midst of your disappointment and grief, I dare you to grab a hold of God’s Word. He wants to turn your sorrow to joy. He wants to turn your midnight into day. I want to let a sister know that God will give you beauty for your ashes. God will dry all of your tears away. I dare you to, "Just praise God right now." Right now!
And, the Bible says, "God will keep you in perfect peace." This promise, however, is not without a condition. Some folk want peace, yet they continue to pursue strife. How are you going to have peace in your marriage if you are always sowing seeds of discord? When is the last time you said, Holy Ghost… I know you gave me utterance to speak in tongues… I sure ‘nough felt your power when I got my praise on Sunday morning… but Lord, I need you to give me the power to keep my mouth shut! I dare you to pursue peace in your marriage and in your relationships by asking God to give you the power to shut up!
If you want to have peace, you must learn how to meditate upon peaceful thoughts. Girlfriend, embrace God’s peace. Meditate on the Word of God. Allow God’s Word to saturate your mind, your heart, and soak out the guilt, the shame, the fear and the mistrust. Sis, you cannot stop a bird from landing on your hair, but you don’t have to let it stay there and make a nest. The next time you get a thought that tells you that you are not going to make it… that it’s all over… that nobody loves you and nobody cares, I dare you to take authority over that thought, cast it down and out, and replace it with a God thought. Sis, embrace peace!
God thoughts come easily when you have regular personal devotions… times of reading and reflecting upon the Word of God and praying to Him in secret. God thoughts are thoughts that bring peace and not distress. In a world where there is constant unrest and turmoil, my sister, God thoughts will keep you in perfect peace. Take the pressure off and put the promise on! Embrace His peace.
*Rev. Maxine L. Thomas is the Connectional Director of Ministries for Women (Dept of Church Growth and Development for the AMEC), the First Lady/Asst. Pastor at Morris Brown AME in Philadelphia, PA, the Editor of the First District Flame Newspaper, the Executive Director/Founder of Sisters Keeping the Covenant, a former TV talk show host and radio personality, a Christian author, and an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay.
Remember, “With God, nothing shall be impossible unto you.”
10. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - THE ABUNDANT LIFE – A SANCTIFIED LIFE:
Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. (Romans 1: 1)
Truly abundant living can be achieved only when one is set apart from anything that is contrary to the perfect (complete) will of God and set apart to God’s sacred purpose for one’s life.
Paul describes himself as being set apart for the gospel of God. To be set apart for God is what it means to be sanctified. To be sanctified or set apart has two dimensions. The first is descriptive of being set apart for a sacred purpose. One of the persons attending Quinn’s mid-day Bible study couldn’t make the study and called the church office to ask that a copy of the outline to be used be set apart for him to get later that afternoon. His copy was separated from the others slated for distribution that day. In the same way, God wants to separate us from all others for His special purposes.
The other dimension of being sanctified relates to being set free from sin and purified. At the same Bible study, I recognized that one of the copies of the lesson to be distributed was blurred and illegible. I separated that particular copy from the others because it was not useful in fulfilling the purpose we were attempting to achieve. In the same way, God cleanses us of sin, destructive habits and negative attitudes so we can be useful in the building of His kingdom here on earth.
We’ve often heard how Jesus prayed to the Father that we would be “in the world but not of the world.” This phrase is taken from John 17: 14-15. I often wondered what this meant and how it could be. The Holy Spirit reminded me of a trip Corlis (my wife of now nearly 33 years) and I took to Europe. While there, we traveled to Paris. Because of exposure to the French language in South Louisiana, I knew just enough French to embarrass myself and insult others. It was obvious to everyone I spoke to I wasn’t French. My dress, language, behaviors, and attitude clearly identified me as an American in France.
We are citizens of the kingdom of God “sent into the world (John 17: 18).” Jesus said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth (John 17: 17). The language of our kingdom is the word of God. “God Himself…sanctifies us through and through” (I Thessalonians 5: 23) so that our behaviors and attitudes clearly identify us as citizens of the kingdom of God. God then calls us to service in His kingdom (II Thessalonians 2: 15-16) a citizens in a foreign land.
It was at the Cross of Calvary that Jesus sanctified Himself so that we “too may be truly sanctified (John 17: 19).” Let us live our lives as set apart recipients of God’s boundless grace. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2: 8-10)
Love,
Pastor James Moody
Quinn Chapel, Chicago
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Morgan Kelley Thigpen, granddaughter of General Officer, the Reverend Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director of The Department of Christian Education, African Methodist Episcopal Church.Morgan Kelley Thigpen, born Saturday, May 13, 2006 at 7:15 AM, weighed in at 4 pounds 1 oz. and was 17 ¾ inches long. The proud parents are Dewayne and DeNee Thigpen.
The proud grandparents are Reverend Dr. Daryl and Mrs. Patricia Ingram.
12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:
Gilbert Harper, Jr. graduated from North Carolina A &T State University in Greensboro, NC on Sat., May 13, 2006. Gilbert, Jr. is the son of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
Quintessa Harper will be graduating from Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, VA on June 15, 2006. Quintessa is also the daughter of Rev. Gilbert Harper, Sr., pastor of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Roanoke, Virginia.
Congratulatory messages can emailed to: Revgharp2@cs.com
13. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL:
Congratulatory Messages/Praise Reports received are compiled and posted by the Clergy Family Information Center on Friday of each week. Clergy Family Births, Graduations, Weddings and Wedding Anniversaries (25th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 75th)
14. CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Christian Recorder staff wishes to extend our congratulatory message to all of those celebrating the blessings of God.
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We announce the passing on Monday May 22, 2006 of Mrs. Mary Louise Stuart, sister of the Rev. H. Charles Farris, Presiding Elder of the Phoenix- Albuquerque District, Desert/Mountain Conference, 5th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Mrs. Mary Louise Stuart:
Funeral
Friday, May 26, 2006
10:00 AM
First AME Church
1111 North 8th St.
Kansas City, KS 66101
913-371-2805 Phone
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Presiding Elder and Mrs. H. Charles Farris & Family
5742 S. Quemoy Circle
Centennial, CO 80015
720-841-3127 Phone
Email: crjfarris@yahoo.com
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mr. Ellis Copeland, father of Mrs. Arleasia Redding (and father of Reverend Nathaniel Copeland, Pastor in the East Alabama Conference at Nichols Chapel A.M.E. Church, Phenix City, Alabama) went to be with the Lord on May 18, 2006. Mrs. Arleasia Redding is the spouse of the Reverend James Redding, Pastor of Hines Chapel A.M.E. Church, Dothan, Alabama.
Words of comfort may be sent to:
The Reverend and Mrs. James Redding
Post Office Box 151
Clio, Alabama 36017
(334) 397-4087
This notice is being sent on the behalf of Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District.
Submitted By:
The Reverend David E. Reddick
Presiding Elder, Dothan-Eufaula District
South Alabama Conference
Email: Sam.Surfer@centurytel.net
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mr. Charles Bennet, brother of Reverend Deloris Prioleau, pastor of Cornerstone AME Church in Washington, DC / Treasurer of the Connectional Women in Ministry.
Funeral Arrangements for Mr. Charles Bennet: Friday May 26, 2006
Wake: 10:00 AM
Funeral 11:00 AM
Ward Memorial AME Church
241 42nd Street
N.E. Washington, DC 20019
202-398-3899 Phone
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Reverend Deloris Prioleau & Family
12125 Long Ridge Lane
Bowie, MD 20715
301-464-8084 Phone
Email condolences to:
RevDeeABP@msn.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The passing of Mrs. Sally Bennett, grandmother of the Rev. Barbara Taylor, associate minister, Cornerstone AME Church, Washington, DC.
Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. Sally Bennett:
Friday, May 26, 2006
3:00 PM
Henry Grove Baptist Church
Wadesboro, NC
Professional services entrusted to:
Smith Funeral Home
604 Salisbury Rd
Wadesboro, NC 28170
Phone: (704) 694-4121
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Barbara Taylor
11714 Critton Circle
Woodbridge, VA 22192
703-492-1268 Phone
Please remember these families in your prayers.
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
From: The Right Reverend Cornal Garnett Henning, SrPresiding Bishop, 8th Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Walter D. Parks, Jr., spouse of Supervisor Yvonne Henning Parks passed on Thursday morning, May 25, 2006. He is the father of Walter D. Parks, III, the Rev. Kevin E. Parks (Armintry) and Pamela Parks Bowman (Anthony), Brother-in-law of Bishop C. Garnett Henning and Presiding Elder E. Anne Byfield.
Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Walter D. Parks
Homegoing Service will be:
Visitation - Sunday 5 pm - 7 pm
(Haywood Funeral Home)
Monday, JUNE 5, 2005 at 12:00 Noon (Visitation 11:00 AM)
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
402 Edenton Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 832-2709
The Rev. G. L. Edmond, Pastor.
Funeral Home:
Haywood Funeral Home
2414 S. Wilmington Street
Raleigh, North Carolina 27603
(919) 832-2835
Contact:
Supervisor Yvonne Henning Parks
418 Aqua Marine Lane
Knightdale, North Carolina 27545
(919) 261-8733 (home)
Email- Mslady3x@aol.com
Walter Parks, III
(919) 961-7404
Email: WaltP3@aol.com
The Rev. Kevin Parks
(330) 394-5875 (h)
(330) 883-6193) cell
Email: rparks2@neo.rr.com
Pamela Bowman (919) 210-7756
e-mail: Gochibears1@aol.com
Contact Information
Yvonne Parks- (919) 261-8733;
e-mail: mslady3x@aol.com
Mr. Walter Parks, USA
(919)744-4079;
Email: WaltP3@aol.com
The Rev. Kevin E. Parks
(330) 883-6193 (mobile)
Email rparks2@neo.rr.com
Pamela Bowman (919)
210 7756 Mobile
Email: Gochibears1@aol.com
Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr.
Presiding Bishop, 8th Episcopal District
Office:
2138 Saint Bernard Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 948-4251
Email: lanroc@aol.co
Please remember the family in your prayers
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action Clergy Family Information Center
Ora L. EasleyEmail: Amespouses1@aol.comPhone: (615) 837-9736Fax: (615) 833-3781Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936Cell: (615) 403-7751
21. 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
