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

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. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:

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Those who would like to subscribe to the foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online may do so by forwarding their names / email addresses and in which language they would like to receive The Christian Recorder Online the editor. The foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder will be forwarded to those who subscribe. The Christian Recorder, in addition to being published in English, is published in Portuguese, Spanish, French, and Dutch.

Subscribers may subscribe immediately by forwarding their names, email addresses and the language in which they would like to receive The Christian Recorder to chsydnor@bellsouth.net

Editor’s note: The foreign language editions of The Christian Recorder Online is a great tool for high school and college students who are taking one of the foreign languages that we publish in The Christian Recorder Online.

Also, since we publish in foreign languages, we ask that writers keep idiomatic or colloquial expressions to a minimum, or if possible, add an explanation to the colloquial expression so that when those statements are translated, a foreign reader could understand the idiom. We ask foreign writers to keep the same thought in mind when they submit articles to The Christian Recorder that have to be translated into English.

We are “plowing new ground” and we ask everyone’s patience.

3. A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF HENRI WHITE AND A THANK YOU FROM FAITH WHITE:

Today is August 1.2006, 6:17 am as I begin this thank-you message. Actually I did start at 6:16 without planning to do so. So many key numbers all with 17's and 1's and 6's have coincided with Henri's last day have helped me to accept the inevitable of a master plan in all of our lives. To answer the question many of you may have in you aching hearts, Henri was in very good health, and looked great. He exercised regularly, ate properly and made sure we took our vitamins and health tonics on a regular basis. We do not know what caused the accident.

On April 17, 2006, which proved to be Henri's last day, he was joyful and full of his get up and go. As he awoke, his first words were, I'm late. It was a little before 6 am. After a prolonged good-bye, I didn't want to let him go without another kiss; he left shortly before 8 am. We had had our usual prayer for his safety and success. I watched the new red van go down the street and drive out of sight as I always did when he went on a business trip.

I had a lot of work to do but I couldn't get started. I spoke to Henri that morning as he traveled. About 12:30 we had a lively conversation, he was already in the Decatur office. I said "how did you get there so fast." He asked me what I was doing; I couldn't tell him I was eating through the refrigerator! Our last conversation was 1:30 PM, He was "on the road again," He had just stopped in Villa Rica, Georgia filling the van and himself, he was eating an Italian subway sandwich, his favorite pit stop meal. He told me he had to watch traffic; I said if I remember, "Okay I'll talk to you later let me get off the phone so you can watch traffic, be careful."

I was resting when the call came. It is still to painful to recall those next hours, but I wanted to tell you who are reading this missive only one thing, God was in charge. In reflection I know now He was preparing me for the journey of life without Henri in the flesh. I was rested and fed to deal with the pain that was to enter my body for a very long sojourn.

Many of you who contacted me upon hearing of our loss have not visited us here on Daniel Island. It is a new community about 10 years old and Henri and I first came here in 2000 when we decided to come back to his home in South Carolina. Well, we could not have been in a better place to live, for as the tragic events unfolded the friends of Daniel Island and Charleston became our family and all possible needs were taken care of as they continue to be on a daily basis. I am ever so grateful to be here in South Carolina.

Henri's "Home Going," unbelievably beautiful and inspiring services, both the wake and funeral programs. On Monday evening, Henri was truly honored by so many of his friends and family members. The brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, many who had known Henri only a short time, played a magnificent tribute to him who had affected them greatly. At the service the following day, Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle, the worship leader and Bishop Philip Cousin, who gave the eulogy as well as Bishop Samuel Green who also came out of love gave their friend Henri a fitting sendoff. The Rev Dr. William Swinton, our pastor lead us with his quiet impressive way through the program of dignity and praise for the life of his late friend, Henri L. White.

The flowers you may have sent were beautiful and the many plants are still full of life. The meals that were planned for us and the hospitality offered were both exceptional and thoughtful. The cards and letters and e-mails were truly messages I will read over and over. I plan to put them into a memory book and the messages into a book about the life of Henri; so many were new insights of my husband. I did not know how many people he helped in his quiet way. One of my all time favorite movies is the Quiet Man. Henri was like that, going around quietly doing the work God had for him, but when he was riled, look out!

I appreciate the telephone calls, the care and prayers that continue to come my way. The visits, books, poems and personal tributes have helped me to cope.

These past months I sought for a way to live without Henri. I want especially thank those who have made me "do." They helped me, and are still here, I am able to function, enjoying my daily "Conversations with Henri."

We are taking care of Henri's business as best as we can. He was a giant of a man when it came to taking care of business. We still have not caught up to his level and speed. How he took to the road, packed and unpacked, set up and took down, smiled, measured, fitted, sold, conversed, invoiced, banked, shopped, “conventioned, familied, grandfathered,” loved, sang, befriended, worshipped, telephoned, exercised and took care of me, just to mention a few weekly tasks is beyond me. We were a team for twenty-one short years and even I am in awe of his accomplishments. I thank God I had the sense to let him know what he meant to me throughout those years, but I did not know how much he meant to others such as you. Between us, he was well-loved and appreciated. We shall continue to miss Henri physically in our lives, but we must rejoice in the lessons he taught us, the seeds of sense and wisdom he has sown and the memories he has left to each of us.

To God Be the Glory for the Things He Has Done.

The Henri L. White Memorial Fund will be used to help make a difference in someone's life just as Henri made a difference in our lives. An official board will be organized and a program of direction and application will be determined. Meanwhile we will celebrate and increase our resources in an annual tribute on or around his birthday of October 16th. Thank you for starting the fund Henri and I had planned to begin many years ago. Only this January we had begun to write down how we were to implement this very program. Thank you for your gift. Little did we know…

Faith White

4. LIVING WELL

The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie (117)
Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District

I know thy work: behold I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it. ―Revelation 3: 8

This year’s The Anvil is focused upon the second part of the quadrennial theme of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Serving Well. The four year focus, Living Well, was established last year by the Council of Bishops to provide denominational direction, dialogue, and dissertation on critical issues challenging preachers and people.

“Living Well” is segmented into four sections. “Living Well” was addressed last year; Serving Well is here introduced; and Managing Well and Ending Well will follow in the next years of this quadrennial.

The Anvil’s historic debut in 2005 marked the first time in 25 years that a new publication was added to the distinguished roster of church literature. This year’s edition is dedicated to the late Bishop Harold Benjamin Senatle, whose presence will be missed not only by his family, friends, and constituents but also by African Methodism on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The “In Memoriam” section includes his sermon written and submitted prior to his recent death. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Executive Director of Research and Scholarship and our historiographer, provided sermons by the late Bishops Decatur Ward Nichols and Cornelius Egbert Thomas.

The Anvil is an excellent resource containing sermons, reflections, and meditations written by the distinguished members of the Council of Bishops for the AME Church. They can be used as a teaching tool for new and old members. Likewise, they can be utilized for daily devotional, Bible Study, officer training, or Sunday School.

The worship resource section includes liturgy that can used throughout the year as well as prayers, litanies, and collects that can be used as bulletin inserts for regular or special services. There is a Serving Well curriculum to guide discipleship training in local congregations.
The Call to Action section reminds us that the church was at work during the devastation of the 2005 hurricane season and provided relief to survivors. The scholarship section contains the contributions from African Methodists in the academy. Payne Theological Seminary provides four excellent presentations on serving well that can be used for instruction and inspiration.

On behalf of the Quadrennial Theme Committee, thank you for the support of this historic publication. God has set before us an open door to serving well. Let us walk through it determined to serve and not just be served.

5. AS A GLOBAL CHURCH AN ILLUSTRATION OF WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO PUBLISH IN THE INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES OF OUR CONSTITUENCIES:

* By John Thomas III

In the Dominican Republic, the pastors do not understand AME Church doctrine because the last formally trained English speaking minister died nearly 25 years ago and we did not bother to translate material for them in Spanish.

Furthermore in the mid-1980s, Pentecostal denominations migrated to the Dominican Republic and began attacking pillars of our doctrine--most notably infant baptism. This provoked an exodus of members to different denominations because our pastors could not themselves explain the theological basis for the doctrine. Instead of giving Dominicans the tools with which to explain our faith, the sitting bishop at the time allegedly told the Dominicans, "My members do not leave. Do what you must to keep them." And the Dominicans eliminated infant baptism from the churches.

Later on, as the story goes, another bishop permitted Dominican pastors to override the Steward Boards of all the churches by automatically designating the tithes to go the pastors. Some of the Stewards were opposed, but because no one could read the law, what could people do? And the bishop failed to educate and enforce the system of government.

In 2002, the Dominican churches, tired of being neglected by AME leadership and broken promises of translating materials, decided to take matters into their own hands and translate The Discipline in Spanish. The resulting translation, however, was flawed and was not done by an AME, but by a Pentecostal who did not understand many of the beliefs of the AME Church. Additionally, the Dominicans created a Pastor's Manual in order to educate the clergy about the Church, but the contents of this manual was never proofed and the document even misspelled the presiding prelate's name.

Furthermore, the Dominicans used a Discipline which was poorly translated and in order to summarize the document, rewrote some of the 25 Articles of Religion. There was a section in the book entitled, "Ceremonies used by the AME Church." Unfortunately, the only ceremonies that many of the pastor's used were the Pentecostal ceremonies and that's what they put in the "AME" book.

I happened to pick up the book and read it on Bishop Tyler Guidry's first visit to the country and was shocked at what had been "approved." I have reedited the book with another pastor and it will be redistributed it to the pastors next week.

This disaster in the Dominican Republic is what happens when the Church becomes lackadaisical and does not pay attention to the importance on our Faith and Beliefs.

Bishop Guidry is coming to teach the Dominicans our doctrine, but, even now some of our pastors are resistant because, for years, they had to fend for themselves and had no clue about the Doctrine and Polity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

What happened in this country is what happens when we fail to translate and teach our materials.

What good is the AME Church if it does not know what it believes?

* John Thomas, III is a member of St. John AME Church, Nashville, Tennessee and is an MPA Candidate, 2007 at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public Policy and International Affairs, Princeton University. jothomas@princeton.edu

6. THE REVEREND TYNISHA CAMAE DRENNON AND LICENTIATE JAMES HOWARD STOWE JR SELECTED TO ATTEND WORLD ASSEMBLY MEETING IN KYOTO AND OSAKA, JAPAN:

The Rev. Tynisha Camae Drennon from the 1st Episcopal District and Connectional Program Assistant and Curriculum Developer for the Connectional Health Commission; and Licentiate James Howard Stowe Jr., from the 3rd Episcopal District and Connectional Chairman of Evangelism for RAYAC have been selected as a Young Adult and Business Delegates to the Religions for Peace Youth and World Assembly to be held in Kyoto and Osaka, Japan. The dates for the trip are August 20th-29th 2006. Reverend Drennon and Licentiate Stowe have been selected as two of three African Americans and the only AME's to attend the conference. The Religions for Peace is an interfaith organization made up of 33 different religions, inclusive of Protestant Christianity. The primary discussions at hand are sustainable development and conflict resolution from a religious perspective. Both participants will participate and have voting rights in both the youth and world assembly.

Dr. Dennis Dickerson, AME Church Historiographer and Editor of the A.M.E. Church Review has asked Reverend Drennon and Licentiate Stowe to submit a literary piece on their findings from this conference and to share how they identify how the AMEC can become an active agent in the achievement of global peace. The Reverend Tynisha Camae Drennon is a graduate of Turner Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts in Christian Education. James Howard Stowe Jr., is a third-year student at Payne Theological Seminary working towards a Master of Divinity. Both are planning to pursue Doctoral programs. Reverend Drennon and Licentiate Stowe are asking that you uplift the North American delegation in prayer collectively as they embark upon this journey hoping to make a substantial contribution in these efforts to obtain peace.

For additional information, please call Reverend Drennon at 404-558-8074. Submitted by the Rev. Tynisha Camae Drennon

7. THE COMING UP ROSES - THE 82ND SESSION OF THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

The 82nd session of the Southern California Annual Conference will convene in the city of Roses, Pasadena, California, September 25, 2006.

First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pasadena will host the 82nd Session of the Southern California Annual Conference, September 25 to October 1, 2006.

The Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant, Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District, and the Southern California Annual Conference will gavel the conference to order under the Theme: “Serving Well!”

This Session is Historic! It has been twenty-nine years since First A.M.E. Church; Pasadena has hosted an Annual Conference! Host Pastor, the Reverend Dr. Johnie Carlisle, Jr., and the FAME Family are pleased and excited to have been chosen for this event.

All sessions will be conducted at the Host Hotel, the Pasadena Hilton, located 168 Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena. The only exception: The Women In Ministry’s Monday, September 25 meeting and the Young Peoples Department Friday, September 29 meeting will be held at First A.M.E. Church, 1700 No. Raymond Avenue.

The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Episcopal Supervisor will convene the Women’s Missionary Society on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 and will conduct all sessions.

The Host Presiding Elder is the Reverend LaGrant Moore, Sr. Co-Host Presiding Elders, the Reverends Howard Gloyd and Norman D. Copeland. Members of the Fifth Episcopal District of the Connection are invited to this historic event.

Please consult our Website: http://www.famepasadena.org, for hotel reservation information and conference schedule. Or you may call the Church office at 626-798-0503 or FAX: 626-798-8784 or e-mail: fame_pas@sbcglobal.net .

8. THE INDIA MISSIONARY JOURNAL OF BISHOP JOHN R. BRYANT, PRESIDING PRELATE OF THE 5TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

*The Right Reverend John Bryant

Covered by the prayers of the Intercessor and the power of the Holy Spirit, my wife, the Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and I departed the United States on an Air France jet bound for Paris. The seven-hour flight was the shorter leg of the journey. The connecting flight from Paris to Chennai, a sprawling city on the Southern Coast of India, was the longer flight. With an approximate 12-hour time difference, our Monday departure gave us a midnight Wednesday arrival.

While we were in the air, terrorists on the ground set off six blasts on the train system of Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay), the capital city of finance and “Bollywood.” Some 200 persons were killed and thousands injured including two American missionaries.

We were greeted by Abraham and Sarah carrying a large AMEC sign as we exited the airport. Abraham is an evangelist and professor of World Religions; Sarah is a doctoral candidate in Missiology. In complexion and enthusiasm, they looked just like us! Our prayers together were prayers of thanksgiving.

The next morning, we were joined by the Reverend Dr. Brenda J. Hayes, Dean of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference and pastor of First AME Church in Kansas City, Kansas. Traveling with her was the Reverend Karla J. Cooper, pastor of Quinn Chapel AME in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was Reverend Karla who made the initial journey to India in 2003. In her time there, she established the ground work and relationships for our Episcopal visit.

As we traveled throughout the southern portion of India, in particular the state of Tamil Nadu in the cities of Chennai and Bangalore, we also visited the surrounding Dalit villages near Chennai. Dalit is the new term given to those who are known as the “untouchables.” In one of the villages, we stopped at a church called Maranatha, which means “Come, Lord Jesus,” that was burned just hours before our visit. We were able to have a word of prayer with the pastor and his wife as well as provide financial assistance towards their ministry.

Essays were written and photographs taken to document our travels and will be shared in The Christian Recorder and other periodicals that include our visits to the Dalit villages, the baptisms in Bangalore and the women’s gathering where my wife preached a powerful message challenging those in attendance to not allow the caste system to determine their destiny because we are all equal in the kingdom of God. As you read and share our experiences, please pray for the work that God has begun.

* Bishop John Bryant is the Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

9. THE WOMEN’S MEETING IN INDIA:

*The Reverend Karla J. Cooper

As the women gathered eager to be in fellowship with each other and the women from the USA of the AMEC, the enthusiasm was evident and their devotion was exemplified through fervent prayer and exuberant singing. Even the young women and girls were present to receive a blessing; and we were indeed blessed through the powerful preaching of Episcopal Supervisor, the Rev Cecelia W. Bryant. She reminded us of the faithful women of the Bible like Lydia who had been affirmed by Jesus and raised to prominence in the scriptures. She challenged the women to believe that as Jesus liberated the bent over woman to stand up straight, they too could stand up in the midst of a cast system that has weighed them down in spirit and cultural limitation.

Some of the women were sitting on the floor and others were sitting on plastic chairs. Some were able to understand English, while others listened intently to their interpreter, Sarah Peddiny as she energetically translated the word of hope.

The men asked if they could come and participate, and the inconvenience of a power outage was transformed into a rapturous candle light service of prayer and praise. The Rev. Brenda Hayes and the Rev. Karla Cooper brought greetings and remarks. Rev. Hayes offered prayer for the women as the service ended. Just as we stepped outside the city lights joined the light of God’s people in India.

* The Reverend Karla J. Cooper is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Karla J. Cooper, pastor Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

10. ABOUT OUR FRIENDS IN INDIA:

* The Reverend Karla J. Cooper

Both Sarah and Abraham had committed to the service of God since 1984. They worked with Operation Mobilization where they were trained in the ministry and that is where they began to develop their leadership qualities. Both of them have done their studies up to the post-graduate level from reputed seminaries in India. They are committed to the cause of God and to the cause of the African Methodist Episcopal Church ministry in India. Sarah and Abraham two beautiful children: a son named Isaac and a daughter named Beverly.

It’s a family affair. . .

The work in the Chennai suburbs actually began by the hard work of Sarah’s parents, Mr. VRT Arputharaj and Mrs. Lysa Vijayambal back in the 1970s. Both of them were servants of a Central Government Institution. In response to God’s call, they went around preaching the Gospel to the surrounding Dalit villages and the Lord used them to bring many people to Jesus. Mr. Arputharaj was endowed with the gifts of healing, prophesying and exorcising which were great assets to his ministry. Both of them are now old and retired. They are unable to sustain the good work they had begun, due to old age and sickness, as a result of which their sheep were dwindling away. They had been fasting and praying to God to sustain the work they had done. All four of their children along with their families are in the ministry of God, but they had been away in other distant places. At this juncture, Sarah felt God’s leading to sustain the work of her parents, who were wanting to handover their flock to some established church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church stepped in as a savior. Sarah’s brother, Pastor Joel, also took interest in this and moved to the place of his parents to give the required leadership.

Photos from the ministries at Chengalpet, located approximately 50 miles from Chennai. Both Sarah and Abraham travel to these villages on a “two-wheeler” or motorcycle with their children on a frequent basis. There were seven villages in Chengalpet that we visited and they included: Ammanambakkam, Melamayur, Dhimmavaram, Wallajabad, Thimmarajanpettai, Kancheepuram and Melacherry. Chengalpet is one of the five seats of Hinduism, where many of the pastors that we met had been outcaste from their communities including not having any access to running water or electricity for being Christian. And in the midst of this, one pastor who was mission minded, found the courage to collect and distribute bags of rice to the many in need.

After our 6 hour overnight train ride from Chennai to Bangalore, we were greeted warmly. Bangalore is one of the industrial technological areas in the world and has been featured most recently in the Time Magazine.

At worship in Bangalore where Bishop John proclaimed the word of the Lord. Some 20 new converts accepted Jesus as their personal savior during the Invitation to Discipleship.

After the baptism services, we visited six prayer cells located in Bangalore in the following areas: John Bull Street, Vannarpet, Rose Garden, E.G. Puram, Aadukodi and Neelasandra Main.

* The Reverend Karla J. Cooper is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Karla J. Cooper, pastor Quinn Chapel AME Church, Lincoln, Nebraska

11. AME-SADA – A BRIEF RECAP OF WHAT IT IS:

AME-SADA was established in 1977. AME-SADA is the humanitarian relief and development unit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest organized African American Methodist church in the United States. The AME church has been involved with health, education and community development issues nationally and internationally since its founding in 1787.

Introduction by Brother Bill Ayers

My Fellow AME's - I believe you will find the attached informative. I am working with SADA on this project and have found it rewarding just to be in the meetings to shape this major initiative and to make this a meaningful event. Please share this information and mark the date on your calendar to attend. Take care and enjoy your day.

A banquet to be held details will be shared as details evolve.

Bill Ayers bill_margie5@verizon.net

12. HEALTH SYMPOSIUM ON CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES AND
AFRICAN AMERICANS:

The overall life expectancy of African Americans continues to remain the lowest amongst the other sectors in the United States. With one third of annual deaths of African-Americans due to cardiovascular diseases, it can be concluded that the state of health for this specific group is particularly precarious. In a national effort to address health issues concerning the heart among African Americans, the African Methodist Episcopal Church Service and Development Agency (AME-SADA) has launched a domestic health initiative to help foster a better understanding of the serious issues involved with cardiovascular diseases among this group.

Starting with a Health Symposium at the Marriott Crystal City Hotel on Thursday, September 21, 2006, AME-SADA, in partnership with the AME Church (AMEC) Second District Religious Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc. (R.E.D.), and the Second Episcopal District Health Commission will initiate a national project targeted to help promote awareness of the disease and thus reduce the mortality rates among black communities across America. “Our Cardiovascular Diseases and African American health initiative is open to the general public and designed to help people at risk. Our objectives with this symposium is to encourage African Americans to better monitor and control their cholesterol levels; consume less saturated fats; reduce their sodium intake; control their weight and adopt exercise programs; monitor and control hypertension and diabetes; decrease alcohol consumption; and eliminate tobacco use,” says AME-SADA Health Program Officer, Dr. Mitsue Colin. “According to statistics compiled by the American Heart Association, the greatest killer today among African Americans is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since the impact of this disease is so vastly underestimated by the general public, we urge AME Church members and the public at large to participate at the launching of AME-SADA’s first domestic health initiative,” says Dr. Colin.

AME-SADA, the AMEC’s Second Episcopal District Health Commission and R.E.D.’s pilot programs addressing the issue of cardiovascular diseases start in the Washington, DC area September 21st. During the September 21st Health Symposium, there will be a panel of experts discussion from 9:00 AM to 12 noon with guest speakers and industry representatives discussing topics related to CVD. This will be followed by a session of non-evasive screenings (blood pressure, body fat analysis) from noon to 2:00 PM.

“Our mission is ‘Helping people to help themselves’ and we are proud of the impact we’ve had around the world over the past three decades,” says AME-SADA Executive Director Robert Nicolas, Esq., “We expect this domestic effort to affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans in positive and progressive ways.” “If people want to improve their lifestyle by addressing health issues like obesity, cigarette smoking, high salt intake, improper diets and stress levels, they should definitively participate in this valuable health session,” says Mr. Nicolas.

AME-SADA and R.E.D.’s Cardiovascular Diseases and African Americans Health Initiative are free and open to the public. To meet participants’ needs for individual services and counseling advance reservations are requested. Contact AME-SADA via 202.371.8722 or e-mail to mcolin@ame-sada.org.

Established in 1977, AME-SADA is the humanitarian relief and development unit of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, the oldest organized African American Methodist church in the United States. The AME church has been involved with health, education and community development issues nationally and internationally since its founding in 1787.

Media Advisory
Contact: Mitsue Colin

202.371.8722
202.547.4125

13. BLACK (UNITED) METHODIST CAUCUS CERTIFIES YOUNG LAY SPEAKERS:

*By Larry R. Hygh, Jr.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (UMNS) --Ninety youth, ages 12 to 18, recently left Philander Smith College as certified lay speakers in the United Methodist Church.

The youth, representing the five United Methodist jurisdictions in the United States, gathered for Black Methodists for Church Renewal's National Youth Harambee to focus on various areas of leadership. The theme for the July 12-16 event was "Wha' cha' gone' do…lead or follow?" based on Judges 4:8.

The word harambee is South African, meaning "let's come together." The event was intended to be a celebration of the gifts, talents, and willing hearts of ethnic United Methodist youth.

"It is historic in that it is the first such event focused on training young people to become lay speakers," said Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, executive director for Black Methodists for Church Renewal. "It is significant in that the end result will be completing the first steps in becoming effective and resourceful leaders in local congregations and in other places in the connection."

A certified lay speaker in the United Methodist Church conducts worship services, preaches and leads study sessions as requested by local church pastors or by the district superintendent.

During harambee, the youth developed their spiritual, leadership and interpersonal skills and participated in classroom instruction, a social justice outing, and worked in mission areas surrounding the historically-black Philander Smith College.

"God definitely had his way. It was not only a learning experience; it was also a spiritual experience," said Nicole Luebrun, a young adult college leader. "I have grown so much from the few days that I was there and I now realize that I do have a calling and purpose for my life."

Jamila McKenzie, a 14-year old youth from Jerusalem United Methodist Church in Laurinburg, N.C., added, "I learned that I have a voice and people won't know what I have to say until I say something, and they might be willing to help me get it done."

As well as taking lay speaking courses, the youth created their own worship experiences with music, drama, and prayer, and held a talent show and game night.

Bible studies for the event used spoken word, poetry and rap about black historical figures and collective art posters. The group also toured the President William J. Clinton Library and Museum.

*Hygh is director of communications for the denomination's California-Pacific Conference.

News media contact: Kathy L. Gilbert, Nashville, Tenn., (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.

Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: whowardsmith7@yahoo.com

Mr. Broderick Crawford, son of Mrs. Wilma P. Miller, Rev. Monjou Miller, Pastor of Sulphur Spring A.M.E. Church, Cunningham, TN and the late Bobby Joe Crawford, passed on Thursday, July 27, 2006.

Service arrangements:
Visitation:
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
St. Paul AME Church
405 Church Street
Columbia, TN 38401931-388-4069

Funeral:
2:00 PM
Tuesday, August 1, 2006
St. Paul AME Church
405 Church Street
Columbia, TN 38401
931-388-4069

Professional services entrusted to:
Baxter Brothers Funeral Home
1105 E End Street
Columbia, TN 38401-3825
931-381-1353 Phone & Fax

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Wilma Miller and Family
813 Oneida Avenue
Nashville, TN 37207
(615) 226-1248
Email: MenWilmil@cellsouth.net

Please remember the family in your prayers.

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

12th Episcopal District Administrative Office

Jesse James Johnson, 81, of Pine Bluff, the brother of Mrs. Jacqueline Roberts and the brother-in-law of Presiding Elder Curley Roberts (Camden-El Dorado District, Central Arkansas Annual Conference) died Tuesday, July 25th at Jefferson Regional Medical Center, Pine Bluff Arkansas.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 2, 2006 at Henson Funeral Home from 3:00-6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 3, 2006 at Eighth Avenue Baptist Church with the Reverend Arnold Robinson officiating and Reverend Dr. L. K. Solomon will eulogize. Burial will be in the Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock by Henson Funeral Home.

The family will be at 1402 Silver Fox Lane, the home of Ruby Jasper. Rev. and Mrs. Curley Roberts may be contacted at (870) 535-0771 or Post Office Box 2075, Pine Bluff Arkansas 71601.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Edmonia Stevens, mother of Dr. Dorothy Owens, Founding President of CONN-M-SWAWO + P.K.’S and the mother-in-law of Dr. John Q. Owens, Director of Social Action AME Church passed on Monday, July 31, 2006; 8:31 P.M.

Service arrangements:
Funeral:
Monday, August 7, 2006
12:00 P.M.
West End Baptist Church
1004 Maude Street
Sikeston, Missouri 63801

Funeral Services are being provided by
Officer Funeral Home
2114 Missouri Ave.
East St. Louis, IL. 62205
(Phone) 618-271-6055
(Fax) 618-271-6058

All condolences and expressions of sympathy should be sent to:
Dr. Dorothy Owens, Daughter,
2320 Holiday Lane
Maryville, IL. 62062
(Phone) 618-288-7928
E-mail: MrsDO7@aol.com

Please remember the family in your prayers.

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Reverend John Pater Ashworth, III, retired pastor and former Presiding Elder in the 13th Episcopal District passed on Tuesday, August 1, 2006.

Service arrangements
Saturday, August 5, 2006
Visitation:
10:00 AM-12:00 NOON

Funeral:
12:00 NOON
Greater Bethel AME Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, TN 37212
The Rev. Michael Broadnax, Pastor
615-256-1509 (Phone)
615-726-8534 (Fax)

Professional services are entrusted to:
Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN 37208
615-255-2371 (phone)
615-255-4926 (fax)

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Josephine Ashworth (his wife) and family
6961 Stone Run Drive
Nashville, TN 37211
615- 331-5227 (Phone)

Email condolences to: (son) Mr. J. Pater Ashworth, IV
Jashworth@sva.edu

Please remember the family in your prayers.

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

clinton@1stdistrict-ame.com

We regret to inform you of the passing of David D. Simms, Sr. He was the father of Rev. Vernal E. Simms, Sr., pastor of Monumental AME Church (Philadelphia Conference, Harrisburg District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Funeral Service - Friday, August 4, 2006
Viewing – 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Service – 11:00 a.m.
Grace Cathedral Church
9410 Mesa Drive
Houston, TX 77028

Telephone: 713-633-3371
Fax: 713-635-8009

Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Vernal E. Simms, Sr.
c/o Grace Cathedral Church
See above address

Please remember the Simms family in your prayers.

19. 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

20. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (7/31/06)

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. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:

Please click on the link below to subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online: Subscribe to The Christian Recorder Online

2. "THE CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE" FOR THE REVEREND DR. YALE BENJAMIN BRUCE:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

The folks in Florida know how to conduct a homegoing service! The funeral bulletin for the Reverend Dr. Y. B. Bruce listed the service as a “Celebration of Life Service for the Reverend Yale Benjamin Bruce, Sr” and what a celebration it was!

The celebration was held at St. Mark AME Church in Orlando and it was full and overflowing; and the sanctuary holds a lot of people. If funeral attendance is the mark of a deceased person’s respect, then the attendance at the Reverend Y. B. Bruce’s showed that he was highly respected and loved by people far and near. Folks came from the east coast, from the west coast and from places in between both coasts, and from the north and from the south.

Bishop McKinley Young, Bishop Robert Webster, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Bishop Samuel L. Green; and active, retired and former General Officers; Dr. Richard Lewis, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III and retired and former General Officers, Dr. Ricky Spain, Dr. George Champion and Dr, Carl Hunter were present to honor the memory of the Reverend Y. B. Bruce and to give support to the Bruce family. Missives were sent by Bishop Adam and Supervisor Connie Richardson whose plane had to return to Charlotte, North Carolina and thus were unable to arrive in time for the funeral.

The Reverend Terence Gray, Senior Pastor of St. Mark was attending the World Methodist Conference in Seoul, Korea and was unable to attend the funeral. He prayed with the family and sent condolences. First Lady Gray served as the host for the celebration in place of her husband.

Condolences were received from Bishop Richard Norris, Bishop Z. L. Grady, Bishop F. C. James, Bishop Vinton R. Anderson, Bishop Frederick Talbot, and Bishop Frank C. Cummings. Resolutions and condolences from the General Departments of the Church, the mayor’s office, government officials, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated, youth groups, church groups, presiding elder districts, episcopal districts in the continental United Sates and abroad. We would still be in Orlando if they had read them all. The man was loved for his ministry and for his preaching, which the laity and clergy in the 11th District called the “Y. B. Hoop.” Someone was heard to remark that the accolades for Y. B. Bruce were so warm and authentic that they felt like they wanted to get into the casket because they would like to be honored with such remarks.

The North Orland District Choir sang, the musicians lifted up their praise to God and the celebration began with the processional, “Amazing Grace…,” followed by the celebration of life hymn, “O Thou in Whose Presence…” One could feel the, “Sweet, Sweet Spirit moving in that place.”

It was noted more than once that Presiding Elders Y. B. Bruce, Leroy Kennon, and J. L. Denmark were inseparable friends. Presiding Elder Kennon was the worship leader and Presiding Elder Denmark gave the prayer. All of the presiding elders of the 11th Episcopal District processed into the sanctuary and robed in their presiding elder regalia. This writer didn’t know that an episcopal district in one state had that many presiding elders.

The episcopal remarks were warm and one could feel the warmth and deep relationship that each speaker had with Presiding Elder Y. B. Bruce.

Bishop Webster shared the story of a conversation he had with “Y. B.” when they were young pastors. He asked “Y. B.” if he (“Y. B.”) was saved. “Y. B.” responded that he was saved. Bishop Webster responded, “how do you know that you are saved?” whereupon, “Y. B.” responded, “I know that I am saved because I was there when it happened!”

Bishop Kirkland said, “Bruce loved his family” and went on to say, “the song is ended, but the melody of his life lives on.” He closed out his remarks by singing, what he later learned was one of Bruce’s favorite songs, “I’ve had some bad days and some good days, but my good days outweighed my bad days and I won’t complain…”

Bishop Green told the story of how Bruce was an inspiration to the young preachers and how the young preachers wanted to emulate the Y. B. Hoop.” He shared the story about when he asked Reverend Bruce how he was and Bruce responded, “They be whippin up on me, but I love it.”

The Right Reverend McKinley Young was the ultimate eulogist. He started out with the statement, “Bruce loves this. We are going to take our time. Bruce didn’t like mess, but he loved music and good singing. He loved his family. We are here because Bruce was out example.”

Bishop Young took his text from II Samuel 3:38. Bishop Young reiterated that Bruce loved the hymns that told the story of the faith and shared that Bruce could size up things real fast. He highlighted the friendship that Bruce had with Presiding Elders Kennon and Denmark and made an episcopal observation and used it as a teaching point. He went on to explain that too many preachers today don’t have friends because they are insecure. Preachers need to develop close friendships and to stop the fierce competitiveness that often takes place among clergy. “Y. B.” Bruce took his ministry seriously, according to Bishop Young. He loved holy drama, the candles, the liturgical seasons, colors, and the cross as an important symbol in worship. Bishop Young went on to say, “The cross is not something you wear, it’s something you bear” and closed out saying, “I never heard Bruce complain. He was excited about his presiding elder district to the very end.”

As it states in the text, “And the king said unto his servants. Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel,” a great man has fallen from the ranks of the Eleventh Episcopal District and from the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Reverend Yale Benjamin Bruce, Sr. entered this life on February 26, 1936 in Tallahassee, Florida and completed the final chapter of his live on Sunday, July 16, 2006. He was preceded in death by his brother, the Reverend Johnny Spencer Bruce; three sons, Kevin, Marc, Yale Benjamin II. He is survived by his loving wife, Gloria, three sons, Thaddeus, Clifton (Aileen), Derek; and daughter Yolanda; two sisters, Beulah, Colene (Ernest James); two brothers, Clifton, (Louise), Marvin; daughter-in-law Glenette Bruce; sister-in-law Gussie Bruce; seven grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

3. TITHING:

* Presiding Elder Ralph Johnson

The tithe is not some new marketing tool for churches to raise money. It is a biblical principle that has been recognized for thousand of years. I am a firm believer that the Lord blesses those that tithe. I have been tithing since my early years of marriage.

I was a member in my father’s congregation at St. Luke AME Church, Gallatin, Tennessee. At the end of the year the names and amounts of giving were posted in the church bulletin. I was employed as an electrical engineer at that time. When I was alone with my father, he told me that I should be ashamed of myself, with the salary I was making compared to what I was giving.

I talked to my wife about it and we had earlier thought that we could not afford to tithe because of all the bills we had. After talking with my father we both realized that we couldn’t afford not to tithe.

One Sunday after service while serving as pastor of Greater Ebenezer AME Church, Clarksville, Tennessee, vice-chairman of the finance committee, Brother Clinton Fletcher, Jr., approached me. He was concerned about my appearance as a leader and the amount of giving each Sunday.

Brother Fletcher said to me, “Reverend, you tell us to tithe almost every Sunday, why don’t you go to the tithing box?” I said, “You are on the finance committee, you know I tithe every Sunday, my wife walks it up to the box.”

Brother Fletcher said, “Yes reverend, I know you tithe but the rest of the people don’t.” That hit me like a ton of bricks. If we as leaders want our congregations to give, then we have to lead by precept and example.

Since that day Pastor Johnson would be the first to the tithing box each Sunday. If I was slow coming from the pulpit the members would stand in line and wait until their pastor put in first.

Through the words of my member Brother Fletcher, I practiced being a better leader to my congregation. Our offerings increase and I gained a higher respect of my congregation.

As a pastor and now as a presiding elder I preach and teach tithing. Tithing works, try it you will be blessed. A-men

* The Reverend Ralph E. Johnson is the Presiding Elder of the
Lexington District, Kentucky Conference

4. THE FIRST ANNUAL RETREAT THIRTEENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WOMEN IN MINISTRY (WIM):

The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District

The retreat will be held at the Scarritt Bennett Retreat Center in Nashville, Tennessee on August 11-12, 2006. The Theme for the retreat is “Empowered: Prayer, Praise, Preaching, Pampering, & Power.” The Rev. Charlene N. Boone is the 13th District WIM President.

The Reverend Charlene Boone said, “I am very excited about our first district-wide WIM Retreat. Much energy, effort, and prayers have gone into making this a spiritually awesome experience. All that is missing for its success is your presence. Don’t miss your blessing. Join us in touching and agreeing as we seek God’s power through prayer, praise, and preaching, while enjoying pampering and fellowship. See you there!”

The Right Reverend Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding prelate of the 13th Episcopal District is the convener for the Thirteenth Episcopal District WIM Retreat. After being elected and consecrated the 117th Bishop of the AME Church in 2000, she served as bishop to the 18th Episcopal District (Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana, and Mozambique). Her pastoral experience includes Payne Memorial, Oak Street, Bethel, and Ebenezer AME Churches in the 2nd Episcopal District. She has written Journey to the Well (2002), Strength in the Struggle (2001), and Not Without a Struggle (1996). She holds degrees from University of Maryland (BGS), Howard University (M.Div), and United Theological Seminary (D.Min).

The Conference Facilitators Include:

Gina Stewart
Pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, the first African American female to do so in Shelby County. A graduate of University of Memphis (BBA), Trevecca Nazarene College (M.Ed.), and Memphis Theological Seminary (M.Div.), she has also done study at Harvard Divinity School. She is a contributing writer and editor for several Biblical resources.

Renita Weems
A much sought after speaker, preacher, and workshop leader, she understands her work as that of a midwife of inner wisdom, helping women and men tap into the inner wisdom and spiritual intelligence they already possess. She writes a bi-monthly e-column for www.beliefnet.org and e-journal at www.somethingwithin.com, discussing matters of love, relationships, faith, values, and inner wisdom. She has published What Matters Most (2004), Showing Mary (2003), Listening for God (1999), I Asked for Intimacy (1993), and Just A Sister Away (1987). She has previously taught at Vanderbilt University and Spelman College. She holds degrees from Wellesley College (BBA) and Princeton Theological Seminary (M.Div and Ph.D). Ordained as an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church, she currently serves on staff with her pastor husband at Ray of Hope Community Church in Nashville, Tennessee.

Valerie Bridgeman Davis
An ordained minister in the Church of God (Anderson, IN) tradition, she is a member of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee. She serves as Assistant Professor of Old Testament, Homiletics, and Worship at Memphis Theological Seminary, where she also directs The Return Beat: Syncopating the Arts and Theology Institute for the seminary. A jazz dancer and accomplished and award-winning poet, her book is In Search of Warriors Dark and Strong and Other Poems (1995) and her work has been included in several anthologies. She is a graduate of Trinity University (BA), Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (M.Div), and Baylor University (Ph.D).

Workshop Descriptions

Friday, August 11, 2006
A Image is Everything

Remember the “woman” in your ministry. Wardrobe, makeup, and hair tips to enhance your ministerial image.

B Makes You Wanna Holla

Breathing techniques that enhance voice quality, tone, and reduces the tendency to holler.

C Me, Myself, and God

Enhancing your personal and private quiet time with God.

D Ministry & Lovers

Recalling your primary ministry—to your husband. How to find balance in marriage and ministry.

E Ministering Single

Challenges of being single, saved, and a minister.

F Preaching Practicum

A practicum to enhance preaching skills.

Schedule:

11:00 am Hotel Check-In/Retreat Registration

12:00 noon Lunch—on your own *

1:00 pm OPENING PLENARY
Bishop Vashti M. McKenzie

2:30 pm Workshops (A, B, or C)

4:00 pm Workshops (D, E, or F)

5:30-6:45 pm Dinner Buffet—provided

7:30 pm OPENING WORSHIP
Rev. Gina Stewart, Preacher

10:00p-12:00 am Pampering—by appointment

12:00 midnight Midnight Prayer

Saturday, August 12, 2006

6:00 am Morning Glory Prayer

7:00 am Gospel Aerobics

7:30-9:00 am Breakfast Buffet—provided

9:15-10:30 am MORNING PLENARY – The Rev. Dr. Renita Weems

10:45-11:30 am Season of Selah

11:45-1:15 pm Lunch— provided;
Hotel Check-Out

1:30-3:00 pm AFTERNOON PLENARY—Panel

3:30 pm CLOSING WORSHIP and
ANOINTING SERVICE
The Rev. Dr. Valerie Bridgeman Davis,
Preacher

*Lunch may be purchased in the Dining Room for $10.

To register for the WIM Retreat or to get more information, call 615.242-6814 (The Reverend Tyronda Burgess) or email 13thepiscopal@bellsouth.net

You still have time to mail registration form and payment to: 13th District WIM, 500 8th Ave S, Ste 201, Nashville, TN 37203. Email questions, concerns, or special diet or handicap requirements to: sistersdaretobe@aol.com

5. THE AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2006 CALENDAR FOR THE 18TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

The Right Reverend Sarah Davis, Presiding Prelate for the 18th Episcopal District

AUGUST

21 Bishop and Supervisor Visit Samaria, Mozambique Flood Victims
23 Mozambique WMS Convention – Manjacaze, Mozambique (Xai- Xai District)
24-27 MOZAMBIQUE Annual Conference, Manjacaze, Mozambique (Xai-Xai District) Betania A.M.E. Church, Reverend Atalia Machava, Host Pastor

30 Botswana WMS Convention - Lobatse, Botswana
31 BOTSWANA Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana

SEPTEMBER

01-03 BOTSWANA Annual Conference - Lobatse, Botswana
10-11 REVEREND DR. CLAUDETTE COPELAND AND DESTINY MINISTRIES, USA To Gaborone Botswana to Minister With 18TH District Youth and Young Women at Remote and Urban Sites (Lentswe-le-Tau / Ramankhung and Lobatse-M. Joan Cousin Centre)

OCTOBER

11 Swaziland WMS Convention
12-15 SWAZILAND Annual Conference, Lobamba Lomdzala, Swaziland Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E.C., Reverend Normsa Nxumalo, Host Pastor

17 AME Schools Annual Educators’ Conference - Swaziland

25 Northeast Lesotho WMS Convention
26-29 NORTHEAST LESOTHO Annual Conference, Mokhotlong, Lesotho, Allen Temple A.M.E.C., Rev. M. M. Thabane, Host Pastor

NOVEMBER

07 Lesotho Conference Lay Convention
08 Lesotho WMS Convention
09-12 LESOTHO Annual Conference
McKenzie A.M.E. Church, Mafeteng, Lesotho, Rev. L. Mohato, Host Pastor

28-Dec 1 Bishop and Mother Young and 11th District Sojourners and Bishop McCloud to Maseru
28 Presiding Elders’ Retreat - Maseru, Lesotho
30 2nd Annual Prayer Conclave - Emmanuel A.M.E.C., Maseru, Lesotho, Rev. F. D. Rafube, P.E., Host Pastor
30 Opening Worship of District Planning Meeting, F. C. James Center for Service

DECEMBER

01-02 18th District Planning Meeting
05-13 Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant and 5th District Missions-Medical Team to Lesotho
14-16 1st Math and Science Teachers’ Institute for Selected A.M.E. School Math and Science Teachers – Dr. Carol T. Mitchell,
University of Omaha, Nebraska

18-22 1st Summer Science Institute for Outstanding Math and Science Students in A.M.E. Schools in Swaziland and Lesotho – Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, University of Omaha, Institute Teacher
20-29 Dr. Don and Mrs. Jean Lawrence to Maseru to provide Medical Ministry
31 A.M.E. WATCH NIGHT SERVICE AT F. C. JAMES CENTER, Maseru, Lesotho

For additional information contact http://www.18thdistrictamec.org/

6. 2006 EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION CONGRESS:

We had a wonderful time at the 2006 Eighth Episcopal District Christian Education Congress that was held at Mississippi Valley in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

During the Congress the DMC sponsored a workshop for youth and adults on Organ and Tissue Donation. The presenters were Mr. Shawn Jackson and Mr. James Laird from (Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency) MORA in Jackson, MS.

We had a great Congress!

Sister Tanya Morris
8th District DMC Commissioner

7. SISTER JACKIE WEARY TO BE THE GUEST SPEAKER FOR THE EAST NORTHEAST ARKANSAS CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION:

The East Northeast Arkansas Conference Lay Organization invites you to the East Northeast Arkansas Annual Conference Lay Program, which will be held Friday, October 6, 2006 at 7 p.m. at St. Luke AME Church, 233 West Broadway, Forrest City, Arkansas. Mrs. Jackie Weary, 12th Episcopal District Lay Parliamentarian will be the guest speaker for this occasion. Mrs. Weary is an energetic and dynamic speaker.

Hotel accommodations for the East Northeast Arkansas Annual Conference are as follows:

Holiday Inn
200 Holiday Inn
Forrest City, AR 72335
Phone 870-633-6300
Ask for Carmona Richardson

There is a Hampton Inn down the street for those of you who may be looking for Hilton Properties.

Hampton Inn
300 Holiday Drive
Forrest City, AR 72335
870-630-9000


For additional information, please contact Ms. Laverne Nelson, (901)-292-3134 or Mrs. Jackie Weary (918)-269-0824. If you are flying, Memphis, Tennessee is the nearest airport.
Yours in Laity,

Mr. Samuel Williams, President
Mrs. Laverne Nelson, Director of Lay Activities

8. SERMON SUMMARY FOR WHAT ARE YOU GROUNDED WITH? PREACHED BY THE REVEREND GARRY MOSS, PASTOR OF FAITH COMMUNITY AME CHURCH:

Scripture
If ye continue in the faith grounded and settle and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven: whereof I Paul am made a minister:

Introduction
Provided that and assuming there was a way to gauge where your faith is, how we you/I measure up? Our life is our reality, therefore the true tests of our reality is generally based on things we can feel, touch and or grasp…things we own or that we have title, in other words things that are “rooted” or better yet, “grounded in our reality”. The reason our spiritual walk is so hard to gauge is because we think there is no barometer in place for us to gauge our faith.

Background

Paul wrote this epistle to express his personal interest in the Colossians and to warn them against reverting to their old vices. He refutes the doctrine of the day, which by the way refuted a risen Christ. Colossians chapter 1:20-23 is about the work of Christ. For this reason Paul, in verse 20 wrote, “Having made peace through the blood of his cross” which means that Christ is the chosen one for reconciliation to the Father. This atonement is continual and affects all who are even yet born who come to Christ by faith.

Summary
Part 1

In our scripture Paul wrote, “if you continue in faith” which means that your reality must extend beyond what you see to that which you believe. Your firm position in faith means that there is no doubt insinuated; in other words your faith is grounded in Jesus.

To be grounded doesn’t reflect what you might think. Paul wrote to be grounded meant that there is a firm foundation which in turn means that no matter what moves in your life, you have roots firmly planted in the Christ, first by grace, then through salvation and finally by faith. Paul uses the Church to explain what truly being grounded in Christ means.

He’s didn’t write about walls and mortar he wrote about the Church Jesus told Peter to build. WHY? Because the church is immovably fixed. It’s not shifting; it has a stable position and can’t be dislodged, in other words it is grounded.

Paul wrote hope is given in the gospel. So what is hope?

1. The hope of righteousness… Galatians 5:5
2. The hope of His calling… Eph 1:18
3. The living hope… Titus 3:7
4. And the hope that we have... 1 Peter 1:3-4

Part 2

Then Paul wrote, “Whereof I Paul am made a minister… which means simply I serve. As a Christian I serve, as one who believes in Christ I serve; as one who knows that ‘having been made peace through the blood…”I serve”; as one who wants to be grounded not in physical terms, but as the church is grounded, in spiritual terms.

CONCLUSION

When got to the store I told the clerk how impossible it was to secure the gazebo to the floor.

I wasted little time buying my first choice and left for home. It fit perfectly in the space, the bug screen was excellent and as soon as it was up I couldn’t get Dee out of it. The gazebo had screw holes in every leg and I thought a few ½ inch tap screws would suffice. So I only put 2-3 screws in thinking it was secure…it was grounded.

Then last Wednesday at around 9:30 the winds picked and the storm came. All of all of a sudden lightening was every where, there was a down pour and the trees in the front of the house, 100 year old Oaks trees were bending. I looked out the front window to see if any trees broke; then I walked to the family room to check on my prized possession. When I looked out the window the gazebo was gone. This 10’ by 14’ Gazebo, with the bug screen, the waterproof top and a few tap screws was gone. I couldn’t outside because of the storm. As the thunder kept coming I became concerned because I thought if “this large gazebo” was air borne enough to get over the deck it could be blowing down Red Gate.

I had to know what happened so I opened the garage door and there it set, broken, crumpled but resting behind the kid’s car. The gazebo blew over the car, and came to rest just behind it.

KEY REALITY: I thought that a few screws grounded the gazebo but when the storm came I realized what I thought I accomplished was lacking after all. it. And that’s what life is like. We think because we go to church, read the bible sometimes and pray every morning that our walk is truly grounded in Christ. But too often we use ½ inch tap screws when in reality Jesus gave you and I provisions to secure our faith so it would never move.


When our lives are grounded we are as Paul wrote in Ephesians 3: 17 - That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith: that you may be rooted and grounded in love.

Christ must be first in your heart and in your life because it is God’s purpose that He dwell in our hears personally, permanently and powerfully.

If we are grounded in our faith and unto Christ we won’t as Paul wrote:

1. Walk habitually in a wrong path of conduct;
2. Won’t be conformed and confirmed to the low standard of truth that is accepted by society
3. Won’t do what comes naturally and that is to live life that has no ROOTS in the spirit of obedience and truth

Christ is not a guest. When someone or something is grounded it means that it or he/she is there to stay. And for Christians it means HE is the rightful owner of our hearts and he lives there through our faith and it is faith which is the appropriation to lay our anchors firmly in the Spirit so when the storm are stagnant or rage with unceasing fervor, our hope, trust and faith in the Lord will not be dislodged!

9. FIRST PERSON - GOD'S WAY IS ALWAYS THE BEST WAY:

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral." (Hebrews 13:4)

* By Pastor Joseph Parker
(AgapePress) - Uh oh, not again. As the new pastor of Leonard Chapel, I had serious concerns over something I had seen in the church directory. The names of two members (let's call them Mr. Brown and Ms. Rice) were in different places in the directory, but under each was the same address. A mistake perhaps? Or, I thought hopefully, maybe a coincidence with some innocent explanation. But alas, this was not the case.

Soon I learned a truth I really did not want to hear. Mr. Brown and Ms. Rice were living together, functioning as husband and wife, but had never married. They had lived together for many years and had a number of children together. Still, for whatever reason, they had never chosen to marry.

I knew this was not a matter to rush into headlong. It needed to be addressed prayerfully and carefully, with the clear wisdom and counsel of the Holy Spirit. And quite honestly, I found myself dragging my feet about dealing with it. Ms. Rice was attending faithfully and was very attentive in church, and Mr. Brown came as well, though not as regularly as Ms. Rice. It appeared that, at least on some level, they were truly seeking God and His righteousness. Why shake things up?

Confrontation -- a Delicate AffairBut over time the Holy Spirit kept nudging me to speak to the couple about their cohabitation. My reluctance to act on that nudge stemmed in part from an incident a few years earlier, when I was serving a different congregation and a similar situation came to light. In that case, two people in key leadership positions in the church were living together, unmarried, and I felt led to confront them. So, carefully, biblically, and with love, I approached them and tried to communicate that, as believers, it is important for us to do things God's way.

Without going into great detail, let me say that my attempt at biblical diplomacy basically blew up in my face. The two individuals were highly offended and, with significant support from others in the church, they took action. In a very short time, I was no longer the pastor of that church, and that was that.

Now, facing a similar case, part of me felt I had good reason to decide not to touch it with a ten-foot pole. Still, the Holy Spirit was definitely directing me otherwise. Then one day, a few months later, the Lord arranged a chance for me to speak with Ms. Rice. I had hoped to meet with the couple together, but that scenario didn't work out that day. Instead, my wife and I had an opportunity to sit and talk quietly with Ms. Rice alone.

Now, allow me to be clear on this point. People are too precious to be handled roughly or abrasively even when we are giving them the truth. God's Word directs us to "speak the truth in love." So the three of us spoke together, calmly and earnestly. And when it came to confronting Ms. Rice, basically, what I said was, "Sister Rice, you come to church regularly and faithfully, you are very attentive, and you seem to have a genuine love for the Lord and the things of God. Yet, I want to graciously bring this issue before you to consider. Why not do things God's way and marry?"

To be honest I didn't know what reaction to expect, whether offense, anger or something else. Initially, Ms. Rice sat graciously and quietly, saying nothing. She seemed to be thinking deeply about my words, and it was as though I could see her heart in her eyes, which were shining with the tears forming there.

The first thing she said was, "How did you know?" After I explained briefly about the "coincidence" of their addresses in the directory, we began to talk further. Afterward, an ongoing, three-way conversation developed between Ms. Rice, my wife, and me, during which I learned that Ms. Rice and Mr. Brown had lived together for more than 20 years, raising their children together and functioning as a family. "I wanted to marry, but we just never did," Ms. Rice confessed one day. "But now," she added, "I really think I want to do this -- to make this step."

It was decided that my wife and I would talk with Mr. Brown about the matter soon -- first alone, then with him and Ms. Rice together. When the four of us met together, Mr. Brown too seemed open to getting married at last. I reminded the couple that it was their decision to make together, but I urged them that it would be wise to take this step and to take it fairly soon -- possibly within the next month or two. I felt certain that postponing the decision indefinitely or deciding but relegating the act itself to a vague "sometime" in the future would be neither helpful nor fruitful.

The two of them decided that, yes, they would marry, and they selected a date, opting for a relatively short "engagement." The two seemed surprisingly excited -- especially Ms. Rice. Her demeanor seemed to me more like that of a 20-year-old virgin bride-to-be than of an unmarried matron who has already shared a home with the father of her children for more than two decades.

Marriage as God IntendedThe date arrived and the wedding was beautiful. Their three daughters were in the wedding party, and as I watched their proud procession, I could not help thinking what a positive message and life lesson this was to the three children from their parents. A number of other relatives were either in the wedding or present to witness the momentous occasion. One of Ms. Rice's sisters said that she had been praying for that day for years.

Of course, I personally felt privileged, not only to witness the wedding but also to perform the ceremony. I remember distinctly during those precious moments of the solemnization, seeing the tears of joy streaming down Ms. Rice's face. I believe those were tears that flowed from a heart that was seeing a long-awaited dream fulfilled.

Praise God! Besides making a public affirmation of their lifelong commitment to one another, those unconventional newlyweds also sent a very powerful message out that day -- not only to their family but to the entire community:

That marriage, as God ordained it, is more than a domestic arrangement, more than a "civil union," and far more than something two people just decide to do, or not do, depending on their emotional attachment or personal convenience.

Marriage, done according to the Word and will of God, is a blessed and "honorable estate." It is an act of community and of communion, designed to reflect of the mystery of God's divine love for His people, even as it establishes a family within His kingdom. And although some might argue that the ceremony was superfluous, no one looking upon the radiant face of the bride that day would have needed to ask whether, even after more than 20 years, marriage really matters. It does, because God meant for it to matter.

As tough as that confrontation was, I will never regret having spoken to the couple now known as Mr. and Mrs. Brown. We in the Church must be not only willing but lovingly aggressive to share God's Word with others, and we must aggressively encourage others to live by its wisdom. The Word reveals to us the heart of a God who always wants the best for His children, which is why God's way is the always the best way to do anything.

* Joseph Parker is senior pastor of Mary's Chapel A.M.E. Church in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and also serves as administrative assistant at the African Methodist Episcopal Sunday School Union & Publishing House in Nashville.

- Used by the permission of Agape Press

Editor’s note: I am sure that many pastors are confronted with this situation and the question is, do we as pastors confront or ignore the issue. “Shacking up” has become a delicate issue, but it shouldn’t be because the Bible tells us how to deal with that issue.

10. THE PASTOR’S CORNER - WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE PRAY:

When I shut up the heavens…or command locust to devour…or send a plague…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. (II Chronicles 7: 13-15)

God reminded the Israelites and us of times when He will discipline us by allowing difficulties into our lives. It is at these times we are to rejoice in the love of God because the Lord disciplines those He loves, as a father the son he delights in (Proverbs 3: 12). God is calling His people to repent.

What Does It Mean to Repent?
To repent is to turn or change. Very often what we think of as repentance is something less than what God desires of His people. There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote repentance.

1. The verb – metamelomai is used of a change of mind, which may produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas (Matt. 27:3). After recognizing Jesus had been condemned and would not retaliate against his persecutors, Judas changed his mind and attempted to return the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. Judas experienced remorse but not a change of heart that led him to seek God’s face regarding his sin. So often, what we think is repentance is really our attempt to relieve ourselves of the remorse caused by the consequences of our actions. We may have changed our minds but we haven’t experienced a change of heart.

2. Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of after knowledge. The psalmist speaks of God, saying, “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind.” Unlike us, God has all knowledge and can see all things past, present, and future. There is no new knowledge that comes to God. He doesn’t change His mind. We, however, are subject to change our decisions or positions after receiving new information. This type of change represents a change of mind or purpose, but not necessarily a change of heart.

3. The Greek word, metanoia, is used of true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and heart, to which remission of sin is promised. It was used by John the Baptist and Jesus as they preached the kingdom of God – “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” (Matthew 3: 1 & 4: 17) A few weeks ago, I found myself wrestling with the need to apologize to a parishioner for a mistake I made. I experienced remorse for hurting the person’s feelings by my reprimand. But, I found it difficult to come to an attitude of sincere apology because her actions were inappropriate and in direct opposition to well established church policy. When I finally admitted to myself my own wrongdoing, my heart changed regarding the entire situation. I confessed and then repented of my sin, turning my eyes away from self and back toward God. My heart was immediately flooded with peace and serenity. It is only when we experience a change of heart, that God can forgive sin, hear our prayers, and restore us to righteousness.

What Happens When We Pray A Prayer of Repentance?

II Chronicles 7: 14-15 tells us when we approach God in prayer with an attitude of repentance we move into humility of heart. We humble ourselves before God recognizing His worthiness and our sins. Next, we turn away from our sin toward the face of Almighty God. We make a choice to hate sin and love God by obeying His commands for our lives. Third, God hears us. We eliminate the “prayer killer,” “unrepentant sin.” God could no more honor our prayer requests while we wallow in sin as could a father honor his son’s request while the child hides a smoldering cigar behind his back. Fourth, we receive forgiveness. God wipes the slate of our lives clean, removing the negative emotions caused by guilt and shame. Finally, we receive healing and restoration. God restores what was taken away from us; replacing it with the harvest He promised and always had waiting for His children. When Job sinned by attempting to question God about his tragedies, he repented saying, “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand…Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” It was after Job repented that “the Lord made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. (Job 42: 1-10)

Is peace a stranger in you life lately? Is it hard to pray these days? Is something blocking the blessings God has for you? Remember what God says, “When I shut up the heavens…or command locust to devour…or send a plague…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This is His call to repentance. Give it a shot.
Reverend James M. MoodyQuinn Chapel AMEC, Chicago

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

The Reverend Willie J. Baxter, the husband of Mrs. Sarah Baxter, died Thursday, July 27, 2006. Rev. Baxter was Connectional Chief Marshall, Episcopal Treasurer (7th) and Presiding Elder of the Orangeburg District, Central SC Conference, AMEC.

FINAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Thursday, August 3, 2006
Lay-In-State: 2:00 p. m. – 6:00 p. m.
Memorial Service: 6:00 p. m. – 7:00 p. m.
Williams Chapel AMEC
1198 Glover Street
Orangeburg, SC 29225

(803) 536-0600 – phone
(803) 536-0612 – fax
Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith, Pastor

Friday, August 4, 2006
Lay-In-State: 10:00 a. m. – 11:00 a. m.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a. m.
South Carolina State University
Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
300 College Street
Orangeburg, SC 29228

(803) 536-7188 – phone (Campus Security)
(803) 536-7000 - phone

Funeral Home:
Jenkins Funeral Home
2396 Russell Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-2522 – phone
(803) 534-9323 – fax

In lieu of florals, please make donations to:
W. J. Baxter Memorial Scholarship Fund
1058 Bramble Lane
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 536-0293 – phone

Condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Sarah Baxter and Family
1058 Bramble Lane
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 534-0293 – phone
(803) 536-9426 – fax

Hotel Accommodations:
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites
118 Sleep Inn Road ~ Hwy. 601 (I-26, Exit # 145-A)
Orangeburg, SC 29115
(803) 539-2900
Rate Code: Williams Chapel (Rate: $85.00 per night)

Please remember the family in your prayers.

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sheila Faye Boatley, the sister of Shelby G. Strode (Rev. Dr. Robert A. pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Frankfort, KY) passed on Thursday, July 27, 2006. Sheila Faye Boatley was a beloved, faithful member of Church of Jesus Christ Lancaster, KY.

Visitation is Monday 31, 2006
From 6-8 p.m. at the Church
Church of Jesus Christ
US 27
Lancaster, KY

Funeral is Tuesday August 1, 2006
1:00 p.m.
Church of Jesus Christ
US 27
Lancaster, KY
Services Entrusted to: Smith-Jackson Funeral Home446 Bate St. Danville, KY 40422(859) 236-5261(859) 236-5261 (fax)

Email condolences may be sent to: ShelbyGStrode@aol.com

Please remember the family in your prayers.

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: sixdistr@bellsouth.net

Brother Charles K. (C. K.) Hodges, the brother of Reverend Clayton Hodge, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Naples, Florida, passed on Monday, July 24, 2006. Brother C. K. Hodge was a beloved, faithful member of Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church of the South Atlanta District of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference.

Services Entrusted to:

Carl Williams Funeral Home
492 Larkin St SW
Atlanta, GA 30313

(404) 522-8454
(404) 522-5751(fax)

Wake:Friday, July 28, 2006 at 7 p.m.

Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church
580 Fair St SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

(404) 522-5020
(404)522-3819(fax)

Rev. A.H. Hall, Pastor

Homegoing Service:
Saturday, July 29, 2006 at 11 a.m.

Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church
580 Fair St SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

(404) 522-5020

Condolences May Be Forwarded to:

Mrs. Mamie Hodge, wife
2691 Peyton Wood Trail SW
Atlanta, GA 30311

(404) 691-4669

BBCallowaySixth Episcopal DistrictAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church

Please remember the family in your prayers.

14. 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

15. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of the Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement

16. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE:

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