THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/16/06)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher

The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER WISHES ALL OF OUR READERS
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR!

1. GUIDELINES FOR SUBMITTING ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

Submitted articles must be sent electronically via e-mail in either Plain Text, or Word format. Articles may also be submitted in the body of an email message; no diskettes or CDs. Submissions should be sent to chsydnor@bellsouth.net . Normally, articles should be less than 500 words.

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Articles should contain a strong lead, an article-body that develops and delivers on the lead, and a definitive conclusion with an international audience in mind. Writers are discouraged from using figures of speech that do not translate efficiently into foreign languages and other cultures. Examples are phrases like, “Bring home the bacon”,” …just pulling your leg” or “That’s mixing apples and oranges.”

All articles will be carefully evaluated for content, style and subject matter, and will be accepted or rejected based on that evaluation. An acceptance or rejection will be emailed to you as soon as possible after your submission has been received.

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2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor-

Good column on the terms "senior pastor" and "minister" - you were right on target - even though I play with the "senior pastor" label myself! While it sounds catchy, it gave me pause the other day when a Deacon on his first assignment to a very small congregation gave me a business card noting that he was the "senior pastor." It also gives me pause, because since I'm the only one who gets an appointment, I'm not really the senior pastor, I'm the only pastor.

That spills over into a companion discussion of the terms "associate pastor" and "assistant pastor," neither of which are defined in the Book of Discipline but are also widely used. My personal practice is to simply refer to the ordained local and unassigned itinerant clergy at Morris Brown as members of the clergy staff, and to ask that they do the same. I learned years ago that when people are labeled as "pastors" in any way, they sometimes choose to exercise unilateral pastoral authority and cause major church headaches in doing so.

The terminology is worthy of CONVO discussion, since one of our major problems in faith and order is what it means to be an AME. We need to go back to the days when we set the course, instead of letting other churches set the course and "borrowing" from them.

Be blessed,

Joe Darby

- To the Editor -

Re: Editorial - Two Words Going Around the Church

After reading your editorial on the two words going on around in the Church, one of my colleagues asked what about the term "co-pastor?" Neither of us has seen the term listed in The Discipline and it seemed to us that the term and usage of said term, opens up a “can of worms” when it comes to matters of succession in the local church. For example, if one of the spouses or the co-pastor dies before the next Annual Conference is it right to assume that the surviving spouse or co-pastor will now serve as the pastor of the charge until the Annual Conference convenes? Does the bishop then give the surviving spouse a new appointment naming him/her as the only pastor?

Look forward to hearing your response.

- To the Editor –

Re: Editorial - Two Words Going Around the Church

The topic of your and Dr. Barbour's discussion was also a part of the Ecclesiology and Liturgy Workgroup's findings and report presented at CONVO 8, Feb. 17, 2004.

The document the group submitted at CONVO 8 spoke to your discussion, in item 4 of its Recommendations, stating:

"4). Terminology: we must be more intentional in the use of the “correct (by A.M.E. standards and traditions)” terms when addressing our clergy (i.e., “senior pastor” is not an A.M.E. term/title; “Minister So-and-so” is not a legitimate title for our unordained clergy (it can be easily confused with terms used for “Minister of Music”, etc.). We’ve picked up these terms from other denominations; and, they are not A.M.E. terms."

Note: CONVOS 7, in Birmingham, AL, Dec. 2003 and CONVO 8 in Charleston, SC, Feb. 2004 were entitled "On Faith, Order and Ministry," with Ecclesiology and Liturgy as one of several workgroups under this heading at both CONVOS.

Sincerely,

Vicki Houston
10th District

- To the Editor

Re: Editorial - Two Words Going Around the Church

I want to take this opportunity thank you for the article dated 12/11/06. Reference TWO WORDS GOING AROUND THE CHURCH. A few months ago I emailed you on that very subject and you responded to me the same way you explained it in the article. I would that hope this issue get addressed when we get to St. Louis in 2008.

I would also like to see some clarity on how stewards are confirmed. I remember the article you wrote about the conversation you and Dr. Barbour had on that issue also. I just wanted to thank for all information that you give us through your editorials.

AIRBORNE!

Bro Jesse A. Hill
New Bethel A.M.E. Church
Orlando, Florida
jhill2013@cfl.rr.com

- To the Editor -

This letter comes to congratulate the Christian Recorder for the current and meaningful editorials now appearing in the Christian Recorder. As a long time subscriber you have brought the AME Church into the 21st. century. The article; NOW IS THE TIME FOR PRINCIPLES by CONGRESSMAN JAMES E. CLYBURN touched on the much needed concerns and issues the A M E Church was founded upon and must be passed on to future generations.

Again thank you and keep up the good works.

Evelyn Whittington
St. Mark AME Church
Virginia Beach VA

3. THE AME COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES AND SEMINARIES IN THE UNITED STATES, LIBERIA AND SOUTH AFRICA:

Accredited Four-year Colleges: Allen University, Columbia, S.C.Edward Waters College, Jacksonville, Fla.Morris Brown College, AtlantaPaul Quinn College, DallasWilberforce University, Wilberforce, OhioAME University, Monrovia, Liberia

Accredited Two-year Colleges:Shorter College, Little Rock, Ark.Wilberforce Community College, Evaton, South Africa

Accredited Graduate SeminariesPayne Theological Seminary, Wilberforce, OhioTurner Theological Seminary, Atlanta

4. CHANCELLOR AMMONS MAKES LIST FOR FINALIST FOR FAMU'S PRESIDENT - “CANDIDATE HAS A.M.E. ROOTS":

Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer

Chancellor, James H. Ammons, Ph.D. , a leading administrator and educator, is a native son of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, is listed among the top six finalist for the position for President of Florida A. and M. University in Tallahassee, Florida. He developed his roots in Florida's citrus county of Polk County, Winter Haven, Florida. Among the churches Dr. Ammons has been affiliated with are; Hurst Chapel A.M.E. Church, Winter Haven, Florida, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Tallahassee, Florida. Dr. Ammons graduated as cum laude in 1974, earning a bachelor's degree in political science from Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida. He was awarded, by the American Political Science Association, a Minority Graduate Fellowship. He later matriculated at Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida and graduated in earning the master's degree in public administration in 1975, and earned the Ph.D. in Government 1977.

Dr. Ammons began his professional teaching career in public policy and administration in 1977-1983, as an assistant professor at the University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida. He relocated to FAMU in 1983, as an associate professor of political science, and in 1984, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs. In 1989, he was promoted to Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and also served as Director of Title III Programs. Dr. Ammons, was promoted to a full professor in 1993, and appointed to the position of Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs on October 1, 1995.

Dr. Ammons was selected as an American Council on Education Fellow, and in 1987-88, he served as Political Science Faculty Program Consultant for the Florida Board of Regents.

He served as Chair of the evaluation and reaffirmation committees as a member of the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. A member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities Task Force on Professional Development Programs for Teachers. A member of the Joint Commission on Accountability Reporting of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities and the National Association of State and Universities and Land Grant Colleges.

Dr. Ammons has received many accolades and awards. A Recipient of the Booth Ferris Fellow, the University of Wisconsin Madison, 1993; a CIGNA Foundation Fellow, 1986-87; and Alpha Kappa Mu Scholar, 1970-1974. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the College of Social Sciences of Florida State University in 1995- 1999.

An outstanding leader and community activist, Dr. Ammons received the 2000 Distinguished Alumni Award and the recipient of the Millennium Award by Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida, Tallahassee, Florida.

The Search committee will meet this next week and the list will proceed to three candidates after the upcoming interview.

*Rev. Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E. is a staff writer for the Christian Recorder

5. NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE ST. JOHN A. M. E. CHURCH, HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA HOSTED A SPIRIT-FILLED ANNUAL CONFERENCE:

The members of the Exciting North Alabama Annual Conference heeded the call of the Right Reverend Theodore Larry Kirkland, the 114th elected and consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, assembled in reverent, bold, yet humble fashion to this 128th session, on October 5, 2006, at St. John A.M.E. Church, located in the Rocket City, Huntsville, Alabama, where the Rev. Dr. Homer L. McCall serves as the pastor, with his beautiful First Lady, Mabel, at his side.

AMEs from Birmingham to the Tennessee state line and from Florence to Scottsboro came proudly singing, “And Are We Yet Alive,” setting the tone for a magnificent week in which the sessions of the North Alabama Annual Conference have proven to be inspirational, informational, educational and rewarding.

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, a “down home preacher” with an “uptown message,” filled with power and might of Almighty God, led us through an orderly and peaceful Annual Conference, as he presided in an efficient, gentle, refreshing, and a sometimes, humorous manner.

The reports of the ministers of the conference were given and reflected their dedication, sacrifice, and spirit of commitment, while Bishop Kirkland listened intently to the sincerity of the reports.

The opening session was “on fire” with the Holy Ghost, as the Rev. Cornelius Curtis Cummings, pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, (Smithfield) in Birmingham, AL, set our hearts on Holy Ghost fire with, “It’s Time to Take a Stand!”

We were continually fed by the Spirit, through a message from the Rev. Taurus L. Myhand, pastor of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Scottsboro, AL, who electrified, stimulated, got the conference on their feet shouting, during the Sons of Allen Worship Service, exclaiming, “God Hath Spared Us Another Year,” explaining, “Worship must celebrate GOD, witness our experience with GOD, and proclaim the power of GOD.”

The Friday Noon day “Hour of Power” sermon was powerfully delivered by General Officer, Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Sunday School Union, who asked the conference, “What Kind of Servant Do You Want to Be?”, declaring unity and growth of the Church, depends on everyone assuming the roll of the servant.

The music was both traditional and contemporary as well as uplifting, delivered with enthusiasm and excitement, by the St. John AME Church Choir led by a most prestigious, energetic and animated director.

The Lay Organization, and the debonair, and most capable President Rodney Davidson, made a significant contribution to the Conference, on Lay Night when the Rev. Ronald Sterling, pastor of St. Stephens A. M. E. Church, (Airport), Birmingham, Alabama, pricked the spiritual conscience and intellect of the conference as he declared, “Praise - the Perfect Witness in the Midst of Adversity.”

The Conference was lifted to higher plains in the Ordination Service, when the Rev. Darryl Walker, pastor of Turner Memorial AME Church, Hyattsville, MD, ignited the conference as he challenged the candidates when he asked the question, “What are you going to do When Your Hedges Get Cut Down.”

The Young People’s Department of the North Alabama Conference, under the leadership of Director Lolita Seltzer, with the cooperation of the four Area Directors, and numerous local directors, continued to keep the Spirit high through song, dance, and drama, when they gave “The Invitation,” in A Youth Night Celebration on, “Living Life God’s Way.” Souls were rededicated, and revived.

The North Alabama Conference added to its roll as Bishop Kirkland issued the charge to Itinerant Deacons, the Reverend Malik Jo Sales, Xavier Carter, and Itinerant Elders, the Reverends Tameka Bruce, Willis N. Huggins, Jr., Raymond Nomel, Sandra E. Stanford, LaShondra Stanford.

The North Alabama Conference added transfers, the Reverends W. A. Butts, Frederick McCullough, Courtney R Mills-McCullough, Taurus L. Myhand, and F. D. Parker.

The Women’s Missionary Society recommitted themselves, during a candlelight vigil, to demonstrate the properties of the Fruit of the Spirit,

The Church School under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Susie Crenshaw, with the assistance of Rev. Sheryl Shipman, pastor of Hopewell AME Church, Florence, expounded on the qualities of availability, courage, and willingness, which made Deborah a most capable judge.

The Ministers’ Spouses, Widows, and PK’s Council melodious Choir, serenaded and inspired the conference with worship and praise during the Ordination Service as they magnified the LORD.

The Rev. T. Eric Nathan, pastor of Grant Chapel AME Church, Birmingham, educated the conference institute on “Witnessing in the Community, to be effective must encompass Unity, Caring, Sharing, Fruit bearing and fellowship.”

The closing session of the Conference witnessed once again the awesome power of GOD, as we closed out in the Marriott Hotel, Huntsville, AL, as retired bishop, the Right Reverend Vinton R. Anderson exhorted the Conference from Acts 4:18-20, on a “New Boldness in Ministry” in which he shared that we need a deep-felt compulsion, irrefutable evidence, and an inexhaustible power to carry the message of Jesus Christ..

The Fire of the Holy Ghost which began on the opening day continued all the way through the closing worship service.

The Conference is proud to have been graced by the presence of many guests and luminaries who visited the 128th Session of the North Alabama Conference, including but not limited to the Right Rev. Bishop Vinton R. Anderson (retired), General Officers, the Rev. Clement Fugh, Secretary of the AMEC, the Rev. Darrell Ingram, Director of Christian Education, Dr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer of AMEC, the Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Sunday School Union, and out of state pastors, the Rev. Phillip R. Cousin, Jr., pastor of St. Peter AMEC, Durham, NC, the Rev Darryl Walker, of Hyattsville, MD, and Dr. Thomas Best.

The hard working ever busy, always looking to make things right, the Rev. Homer L. McCall along with his lovely wife, Mabel, who sets the standard of a helpmate, standing by her man, their daughter, Gayle, the stewards, trustees, and members of St. John A. M. E. Church, entertained our bishop and his guests; left no stone unturned as they hosted this conference, going to great lengths, treating everyone like royalty, with grace and patience, to ensure that their guests enjoyed all the comforts of home.

The recommendations that came out of the North Alabama Annual Conference included, that the members of the Conference follow the lead of the Young Peoples Department and the Women’s Missionary Society, and accept the invitation to “Live Life God’s Way” and embody the fruit of the Spirit and that members of the North Alabama Conference heed the exhortation delivered by the Rev. T. Eric Nathan, to become a more effective witness in the community, and that churches in the Conference continue to support one another spiritually, physically, and financially, and that all the Churches of the Conference put forth an effort to adopt the “Seven Goals” set forth by our Bishop, the Right Reverend T. Larry Kirkland in The Episcopal Message of our Conference Booklet.

The members of the Exciting North Alabama Annual Conference, wish to thank the presiding elders and their spouses, the ministers of the Conference and their spouses, all delegates, missionary workers, lay persons, and members of the YPD, and the Church School, for their ceaseless effort to improve the growth of the “New Anointed Ninth” and that the members of the Conference thank Bishop Kirkland for the considerate manner in which he presided over the 128th Session of the Exciting North Alabama Annual Conference, and,

The Conference thanks the Rev. Homer McCall, Mabel McCall, and the officers, choirs, musicians, and members and friends of the St. John A. M. E. Church, Huntsville, for their hospitality, love, sacrifice, care, and concern that they have put forth in their hosting of this 128th Session of the North Alabama Annual Conference, and,

Submitted by the Committee on Resolutions: The Reverends Raymond B. Swafford, T. W. Parker, Roosevelt Williams, James Cornelius Smith, Charles Marie Davis, Eric Benison, Shelia Williams, Tony Latham, Eloise Williams, Sisters Joyce Ray, Mary Banks, Rosie Kelley, Shelia Roberts, Mildred Sanford, Sandra Griffin, Brothers William Smith and Lee Allen

6. CLERGY OF THE WEEK: FOURTH GENERATION OF PREACHERS, BRO. STEVEN COUSIN, JR., DELIVERS INNOVATED TRIAL SERMON:

Reverend Edrena Houston Brown, M.A.C.E.
Christian Recorder, Staff Writer

Bro. Steven Anthony Cousin, Jr., is the fourth generation of preachers who has recently accepted his calling to ministry and delivered his trial sermon recently at Bethel A.M.E. Church, Abhor, Michigan where his father in ministry is his uncle, The Reverend Dr. Joseph Cousin, serves as Senior Pastor.

Brother Cousin is a fourth generation of preachers and is the proud oldest son of Presiding Elder Steven A. Cousin, Sr., Presiding Elder of the Kansas City, Kansas District of the A.M.E. Church and Mrs. Sybil Henderson of Bristol, Pennsylvania. His stepparents are Mrs. Linda Cousin, Kansas City, Kansas and Mr. Lorenzo Henderson of Bristol, Pennsylvania. The wonderful grandson of Senior Bishop, The Right Reverend Philip Robert Cousin, Sr., and the lovely, Episcopal Supervisor Dr. M. Joan Cousin of the Fourth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.

Bro. Cousin, message was pertaining to “How God has called him to Ministry”. He expressed that; “There has been the desire in him, in always wanting to help people. But determining the career that would allow him to serve the maximum amount of people was the difficult part.” During his tenure at the University of Connecticut, he was accepted into the University of Connecticut Washington, D.C., Internship Honors Program. This program was designed for students to intern on Capitol Hill, for a semester. He interned with a member of Congress from the State of Connecticut, House Representative John B. Larson from the first district of Connecticut. Cousin related that: “Before I arrived I knew that this experience would determine if I was to go into the political arena or accept my call to the ministry. While working on the Hill, I realized that public policy was shaped or heavily influenced by “faith-based” communities. That was when I realized in order to best serve the masses; I needed to accept my call into ministry.” He acknowledges how amazing God works when you trust in him in all things and remain obedient to His will.

Bro. Steven A. Cousin, Jr., attended University of Connecticut on an academic scholarship and participated on the track team.

He is a 2006 graduate of the University of Connecticut where he graduated as an honor student in political science. He is enrolled at his father’s Alma Mater, Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Georgia where he is pursuing the Master of Divinity degree and completing his first semester of studies with a 3.8 grade point average.

Members of the cousin family and friends traveled near and far for this joyous occasion and shared in this blessed and spiritual moment for Bro. Steven Cousin, Jr.
Congratulations, Bro. Cousin for being nominated as “Clergy, and PK of the Week”. Best wishes in your aspirations and endeavors.

*If you interested in nominating your pastor, clergy staff person, PK, as “Clergy or laity of the week” please forward your letter of request to; ebrown49@hotmail.com

*Reverend Edrena Houston Brown is a staff writer for the Christian Recorder

7. ALLEN CHAPEL AMEC BUILDS NEW SANCTUARY! LESSONS LEARNED DURING THE PRE-CONSTRUCTION PHASE:

A Four Part Series of Articles on Building a New Church

Background
With the hundreds if not thousands of Allen Chapels across the AME connection, how familiar this article title must sound! Allen Chapel-Silver Spring, Maryland is my home Church. We are building because we have to! After going to two services in our 85 seat sanctuary, we determined that three services would NOT fix the problem. Landlocked on one acre of land (half of it a cemetery), the County informed us that we could NOT build vertically because the then 130 year-old Church had logs under the foundation stones. We could NOT build horizontally because of green space and storm-water management restrictions. How many 100+ year-old connectional churches are in this same predicament?

We had to build or buy. Buying a new building would have been faster but not cheaper, and we live in a very expensive county----perhaps the most expensive in the state of Maryland. So, the congregation (with permission from the conference) sold the 130 year-old Church, which had been twice damaged by fires, and moved to a public high school for worship services.

Now, five and half years later, the site work has begun and the pre-engineered steel building has been delivered to the Church’s new property. Sounds simple, but it was NOT. It’s been a journey full of surprises, obstacles, frustrations, prayers answered, and praises lifted. Murphy’s Law went into full effect, but God’s grace has been sufficient. What could go wrong went wrong, but God improved our plans, our teams, our resources, and our strategies with every setback. We fasted and prayed, and continue to pray for his “favor” every step of the process.

Why has it taken five years? The good news is that many churches spend 10 to 14 years renting a public school facility while fundraising and growing their congregations. God has miraculously blessed our congregation to “get it done in six years.”

The AME Connection Helped!
Believe it or not, the AME Connection helped our building process in “tangible” ways. The Washington Conference Board of Trustees (under the leadership of Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson and Presiding Elders Goodwin Douglas and Louis-Charles Harvey) guaranteed approximately 20% of our final loan package with a commercial bank. Several churches in the conference loaned us $5,000 to $10,000 each and Ebenezer AMEC-Fort Washington (Pastors Grainger & Joanne Browning) loaned $35,000, totaling $105,000 of our $1,600,000 construction budget. In addition, through the Nehemiah Program, the Second Episcopal District under the anointed leadership of Presiding Prelate Adam Jefferson Richardson loaned us $10,000. The Allen Chapel congregation raised more than $297,000 in three years. God answered our fasting and prayers for “favor.”


The 4 Parts of the Building Process
Building a Church is an arduous process and not for the faint at heart. No matter how many times one hears this, experiencing it is far more painful, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding, than any words can do justice. A Church building program can be compared to the legs of a sturdy chair. A sturdy chair has four (4) legs. Using this analogy, there are four (4) legs of the Building Program: 1) a Fasting & Prayer Program, 2) an Evangelism Growth Plan 3) a Stewardship and/or Capital Campaign, 4) the Construction Project. These are placed in order of relative importance to God. If you reverse the order, then you have an order of relative importance usually used by the people of God. That’s why “teaching” during the building process is vitally important. Teaching must be provided for all four aspects of the building program.

Who, What, When, Where, & Why?
The congregation must wrestle with and decide “whom” are we building for, “what’s” the purpose, “when” are we planning to be completed, “where” do we want to build, and “why” we are building. The congregation must answer the classic: who, what, when, where, and why. Finally, the congregation must ask and answer the all important “how” question.

First Leg of the Building Chair: Fasting & Prayer
The answer to the “who” question is Christ. We are building for Christ. Any other answer is too shallow, short-sighted, and spiritually immature. A church congregation must be spiritually ready to build for Christ. Only the spiritually under-girded can endure the sacrifices, challenges, and pressures that will be faced.

“What are you talking about preacher?” Try these obstacles, challenges, setbacks, and opportunities to excel, on for size.

i. The costs of petroleum based products, steel, and concrete kept rising faster than tithes and offerings. Three hurricanes and OPEC oil pricing were the culprits.

ii. After three years of work with an architect/general contractor, they wouldn’t (or couldn’t) get bonding three weeks before the construction start date.

iii. The bank would not approve the loan until we proved that the gasoline spill at the gas station “across the street” from the church land was cleaned up per state environmental standards.

After several barrages of obstacles like these, our congregation decided to engage the enemy in spiritual warfare. We used the “biblical” weapons of spiritual warfare----fasting and prayer. The Steward Board and Trustee Board members each took one day of the week to fast and pray. All days were covered in fasting and prayers. The rest of the congregation joined in, selected days, and signed up for fasting and prayer. Signup sheets were posted on tables outside Sunday services. The fasting and prayers went on for approximately ten months until we had several major breakthroughs: 1) a new architect was hired, 2) a new Christian-based general contractor was hired, 3) the general contractor agreement was negotiated and signed. 4) the bank loan was negotiated and signed. And oh yeah, the connectional commitments were also secured during this period of fasting and prayers. GOD ANSWERS PRAYER!!!

During these five and half years, our Pastor, Rev. Dr. Baron D. Young and Assistant Pastor, Rev. Karen L. Young, led the congregation through some inspired Biblical teachings and preaching, while using such books as The Dream Giver, The Purpose Driven Life, Secrets of the Vine, and Spiritual Warfare (a study guide).

Experience is second only to Christ as the best teacher on the planet. Sharing that experience is a blessing to all who will listen and heed. To that end, we share 30 Lessons Learned in the Pre-Construction Phase during our project. Ten lessons will be shared in this article and the remainder will be shared in subsequent articles. Use these lessons to avoid well traveled pitfalls to a successful building program.

Ten Lessons Learned In the Pre-Construction Phase

1. It will cost more than you initially planned or budgeted. The longer you wait, the more it costs.

2. Check thoroughly the references of your General Contractor (GC), Architect, and subcontractors. Obtain a Dun & Bradstreet report on your GC to check for liens, judgments, etc.

3. Make sure your GC has been and can get bonding (payment & performance)

4. Payment bonds ensure that the subcontractors get paid if the GC skips town or uses the funds for other projects. It happens!

5. Performance bonds ensure that the project is completed if the GC goes out of business.

6. Builder’s Risk Insurance covers the “materials” in transit and onsite before completion of the project, in case of theft. Banks require this insurance.

7. Capital Campaigns are just as important as the building project and must be done simultaneously with a special team of persons and a spokesperson is critical.

8. Evangelism to increase the number of members and the amount of giving is the third leg of the stool for building programs and is the Biblical reason for building and growing anyway.

9. A Fasting & Prayer Campaign should mirror your Capital Campaign—the 4th leg of the stool.

10. Get everything, all commitments, agreements, etc. in writing and READ for accuracy and compliance. Don’t just trust verbal agreements. Trust God, all others must put it in writing!!!

The second leg of the building chair, an Evangelism Growth Plan, will be discussed in the next article. Stay tuned.

The Rev. Will Kenlaw is the Director of Christian Education in the Potomac District of the Washington Conference in the Second Episcopal District. He is also an itinerant elder, a former steward, and former Sunday School Superintendent of 10 years service. Rev. Kenlaw served as pre-construction project manager for the Allen Chapel new sanctuary project. Through his company, Third Day Company, LLC, Rev. Kenlaw is also a broker for Church Financial Services, LLC which provides construction and acquisition financing for Christian Churches and Christian 501(C) (3) organizations. His company website: www.ThirdDayCo.com provides further details. Rev. Kenlaw is also the author of A Father’s Guide to Raising Daughters: Because I Need One!!! (www.Trafford.com/robots/03-0497.html) and A Father’s Guide to Raising Daughters: For Women (www.XulonPress.com/bookstore.php).

The Rev. Will Kenlaw
1608 Peacock Lane
Silver Spring, Maryland 20904
Phone: 240-350-4624
Rev. Kenlaw can be reached via email at: wkenlaws@aol.com

8. HURRY THERE IS NOT MUCH TIME:

The United Negro College Fund and the Bill and Melina Gates Foundation have partnered to provide the Gates Millennium Scholarship. One thousand scholarships will be issued to outstanding low income African Americans (350), American Indian/Alaska Natives (150), Asian Pacific Islander Americans*(150), and Hispanic Americans (350) throughout the nation.

The eligibility requirements are:

Eligibility:

Students are eligible to be considered for a GMS scholarship if they: Are African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American,
Is a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the United States,

Have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.00 scale (unweighted) at the time of nomination,
Will be entering a U.S. accredited college or university as full-time, degree seeking freshmen in the fall of 2007,

Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities, and

Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria.

Have all three required forms (Nominee Personal Information Form, Nominator Form, and Recommender Form) completed and submitted by the deadline.

The deadline to submit nomination material is January 12, 2007. For nomination material and more information go to https://www.gmsp.org/GMSP_app/default.aspx

9. LEXINGTON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY ACCREDITATION RE-AFFIRMED FOR TEN YEARS:

The Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools announced Monday, December 11 that accreditation for Lexington Theological Seminary was re-affirmed for ten years. The Association of Theological Schools announced its re-affirmation of the Seminary's accreditation for a ten year period in June 2006. The Seminary completed its Compliance Certification in October 2005 and the On-Site Re-affirmation Review in March 2006.

10. CLAREMONT SEMINARY LOSES, REGAINS, ACCREDITATION:

A UMNS Report
By Linda Green*

A United Methodist theological school that lost and regained its accreditation this year has until February 2008 to show that it can operate within its budget and a new business plan.

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges reversed its decision in November to terminate the accreditation of Claremont (Calif.) School of Theology and placed the seminary on "Show Cause" status. The association's accrediting commission for senior colleges and universities had decided at a June 22-23 meeting to terminate Claremont's accreditation effective Aug. 10.

Following a visit to the 50-year-old theological school last March, the commission had publicly sanctioned the school for not being in compliance with commission standards around financial planning and management, and said Claremont had not satisfactorily explained or corrected deficiencies.

The basic criteria for accreditation revolve around organization, curriculum and instruction, support for students' personal and academic growth, and resource management and development.

The association's Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities accredits 150 degree-granting institutions in California, Hawaii, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and East Asia.

Claremont School of Theology is one of 13 seminaries related to the United Methodist Church in the United States. The Rev. Jerry D. Campbell had been at the helm two weeks when the association acted to terminate the institution's accreditation. He is the school's sixth president and the current student enrollment is 289.

The school, he said, had failed to perform to its budget and had been in a deficit for three years. "That is not allowed by any accreditor," he said. "We didn't manage our budget."

Campbell, who formerly was dean of libraries and chief information officer at the University of Southern California, said the association's action to terminate accreditation does not happen with great frequency, but it is not rare for an accrediting body to point out an institution's deficiencies.

"One of the obligations of an accreditor is to help make certain that capacity to deliver on the educational mission is in place."

Campbell said "there were no surprises to me" in the association's decision. "I knew that this was going to be an opportunity worthy of some effort." He said he is a champion of hard work and likes to devote energy to "things worth doing, and returning this institution to fiscal and managerial health is something eminently worth doing."

'A public sanction'

During a Nov. 8-9 meeting, the commission for senior colleges and universities issued a Show Cause Order to Claremont, according to a Nov. 27 statement from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. "Show cause is a public sanction reflecting the judgment of the commission that an institution is not in compliance with one or more commission standards."
At that meeting, the commission, after considering a review of its decision filed by Claremont's leadership, withdrew its action to terminate the seminary's accreditation.

"While the school is out of compliance with Standards 1, 3 and 4, the commission extended accreditation for good cause. The commission has acted to allow the new leadership of the school the period until the Feb. 21-22, 2008, meeting of the commission to demonstrate that it has fully met the WASC Accreditation Standards," the association said.

Campbell, quoting the commission in a letter on the seminary's Web site, said that while the "significant uncertainties" around finances and management offset the positive steps taken by the school's administration, the commission found "sufficient basis to modify its previous decision to revoke accreditation to allow the new leadership team of the school to demonstrate that it can and will, act decisively and immediately to respond to the significant crisis before it."

In that same letter, Campbell said that although "this is still a serious situation," the school has an opportunity "to continue our financial progress and our vital education programs."
Claremont, he said, has overcome numerous obstacles to become "a premier theological school" and now has an "opportunity to take bold and innovative steps to improve on our strengths, overcome our deficiencies and meet the emerging needs of our communities."

The seminary's leadership appealed the association's action and presented a new budget and business plan, Campbell said.
"We developed a revised budget, and we shrunk the institution to fit inside it," he said. The staff was downsized, and "we trimmed everywhere in the operating budget that we could trim. We cut back on whatever we could cut back on," he said. The school, he said, made a "realistic budget" and is living within it, he said.

A vision for the future

What happens if Claremont does not meet the association's prescribed conditions in 15 months and loses its accreditation again?

Typically, an institution is required to plan a "teach out," using existing revenue to make arrangements with other institutions if necessary to provide a way for all students to finish their academic pursuit in an accredited environment, Campbell said.

Claremont, he said, "is not planning on that. We are putting our energy into getting things back in order."

He sees the seminary having a role to play in helping the United Methodist Church address its U.S. membership decline. If the seminary is recommitted to helping the denomination understand, come to grips with and reverse the decline, "it would be worth keeping this institution going," he said.

Claremont, he said, has decided that if it overcomes its current problems, "we are going to dedicate ourselves to the renewal of the church, the transformation of the church."

*Green is a United Methodist News Service news writer based in Nashville, Tenn.

News media contact: Linda Green, (615) 742-5470 or newsdesk@umcom.org.
Used with permission of the United Methodist News Service

11. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Marjorie Davis Brown, the mother of Mrs. Prudence Wade and mother-in-law of Rev. Robert Wade, Presiding Elder and consultant of the Camden/Trenton District (New Jersey Annual Conference) on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing

Friday, December 15, 2006 – 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 16, 2006 – 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Funeral – Saturday, December 16, 2006 at 10:00 a.m.

Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church
150 North Clinton Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey
Phone: 609-393-7042
609-934-9816

Interment:

Greenwood Cemetery
1800 Hamilton Avenue
Trenton, New Jersey 08619

Condolences may be sent to:
Presiding Elder & Mrs. Robert C. Wade and the Brown Family
3 Boyd Court
Florence, New Jersey 08518
Phone: 609-499-0473
Fax: 609-499-0573

12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Brother Barry Hill, son of Reverend Benjamin F. Hill, Jr., Pastor of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Smithtown, New York (Jamaica/Long Island District, New York Annual Conference). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Viewing and Funeral – Sunday, December 17, 2006
Viewing – 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Funeral – 5:00 p.m.

Bethel A.M.E. Church
420 North Main Street
Freeport, NY 11520
The Rev. Harry J. White, Pastor

Phone: 516-379-1513
Fax: 516-378-1572

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin F. Hill, Sr.
22 Cedar Street
Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: 631-234-6801
Fax: 631-265-6011

Please keep Rev. Hill and the family in your prayers.

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Homegoing Services for Mr. Calvin Weary

Mr. Calvin Weary, the Father of Rev. Willie Weary, Pastor of Conner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Sapulpa, OK and Father-in-law of Mrs. Jackie Weary, Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference Lay President departed this life on Thursday, December 7, 2006 in Memphis, TN.

Funeral Services:
Saturday, December 16, 2006
1:00 PM
Church Ministries
1219 Finley
Memphis, TN 38116
901-340-7658

Services Entrusted to:
Ford Funeral Home
3390 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
901345-9558 Phone
901-345-9578 Fax

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev Willie and Mrs. Jackie Weary
2519 North Garrison Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74106

918-583-2515 Home
918-269-0824 Cell
Email: JW1059@aol.com

Please remember the Weary family in your prayers.

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information CenterBishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Mrs. Ora L. Easley, AdministratorEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (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.

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (12/11/06)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

EDITORIAL - TWO WORDS GOING AROUND THE CHURCH:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III

Several months ago, Dr. Johnnie Barbour and I had a conversation about several terms that we have heard used around the church and in various church circles. He asked if I knew where they came from. I answered that I believed that some of our pastors borrowed them from other denominations or they found the term useful for their situations.

He asked me if the terms were in The Discipline. I responded that the terms were not in The Discipline. We talked about whether it was appropriate for pastors to initiate terms related to ministry that were not in The Book of Discipline.

Apparently the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church struggled with at least one of the terms because in their last General Conference that was held this past summer in Memphis, they addressed the issue forthrightly and made the CME Church’s position clear.

After I left Dr. Barbour’s office, and even though I knew the answer, I went to my office and searched The AME Discipline to see if maybe, at least, one of the terms was in The Discipline. It was an easy search and I did not find either term in The Discipline.

The terms that we had heard around the Church, and which I have not mentioned up to this point, are, in themselves, innocent terms. They are not hurting anyone; they are not bad words, but even the CME Church felt compelled, for some reason, to address the issue of the use of a term that is not in their Discipline and was not a part of their ecclesiastical legacy.

The question is: can we as a connectional body sanction and import terms and practices that are not included in The Discipline and are not a part of our traditions?

The first of the two terms is, “senior pastor,” a seemingly harmless term, but not a part of The Discipline of the AME Church. It was that term that the CME Church addressed at their 36th General Conference held June 24-29, 2006 in Memphis, Tennessee. They rejected a change in the term, “Preacher in Charge” to “Senior Pastor.”

The second term is the use of the title, “minister” for licentiates. The AME Church does not us the term, “minister” as a title for licentiates. The term, “minister’ as a designation, is not in The Discipline.

The term, “minister” was a term first used in some Pentecostal churches for licensed ministers who were not ordained, and now, even some Baptist churches are using the term, “minister” for unordained preachers.

It used to be in some Baptist Churches that the term, “Reverend” was used for licensed preachers; as soon as a preacher preached his (in those days almost all preachers were males) trial sermon, he was referred to as, “Reverend.” When I was a licentiate at Ebenezer AME Church, Rahway, New Jersey, I was called “Brother Sydnor” or just, “Calvin.” We AME licentiates loved to visit area Baptist Churches where they referred to us as, “Reverend.”

The point is that we have not designated the terms, “senior pastor” or “minister” as clergy designations. Clergy sitting in our pulpits are either, pastor in charge, local elder, itinerant or local deacon, or licensed preacher.

In the Discipline on page 105, it says, “The pastor shall take charge of all Local elders, deacons, preachers, and exhorters in a class for mutual improvement.” It goes on to say, “The pastor in charge shall, at the beginning of each conference year…” And on page 121 it speaks clearly about subordinate clergy in the local church being under the supervision of the, “pastor in charge.”

In the AME Church, the pastor holding the appointment is “the pastor in charge” and licentiates are, “brother” and “sister.”

As I was leaving Dr. Barbour’s office I opined that if licensed ministers needed a title, perhaps it would be acceptable to refer to him or her as, “Licentiate____,” and Dr. Barbour responded, “That’s not in the Disciple either.”

1. AROUND THE AME CHURCH:

- The Rev. James W. Ford was promoted to Presiding Elder at our Planning meeting. Rev. Ford was the pastor of Smith Chapel AME, the most successful church in the State of Texas. The Right Reverend Gregory G. M. Ingram is the presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District.

- Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District will be preaching for the United Black Clergy of Westchester on Monday, January 1, 2007 at 12 Noon at Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church, 100 W. 4th Street, Mount Vernon, NY.

- The Rev. Pollie W. Wagsdale had been appointed presiding elder and is the first female presiding elder in the 12th Episcopal District. The Right Reverend Richard Allen Chappelle is the presiding prelate of the 12th Episcopal District.

- The Right Reverend Preston W. Williams II, left, presiding prelate of the 7th Episcopal District, which encompasses the state of South Carolina and has more than 600 African Methodist Episcopal Churches, has pledged $100,000 to South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. The money will aid Friends of Juvenile Justice, a civilian component of the AME-DJJ partnership, and serve as foundational funds for the building of a special center at the DJJ complex in Columbia.

- AME soldier, Sgt. Marco L. Miller, 36, a combat cameraman sustained mortal wounds during a mortar attack last Sunday in Taji, Iraq. Sgt. Miller was assigned to the 3rd Battalion Support Company, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne) while in Iraq. His funeral will be held at Grace AME Church, 1137 Main Ave. S.W., Warren, Ohio.

Editor’s Note: The Department of Defense as identified 2915 American service members have died in the Iraq war.

2. MR. JOSIAH PHELPS, A LIVING LEGEND THROUGH ADVERSITY AND ADVENTURE:

Mr. Josiah Phelps, a native of Brooks County, Georgia and a long time resident of Fort Valley, Georgia; is a living legend for our youth to emulate and an excellent example for them in their pursuit of a successful life.

Mr. Phelps is a forerunner in the Middle Georgia community through his active participation in civic, social and religious organizations. He is known locally, statewide and nationally in the field of Agriculture.

A recent article about this outstanding person was written in the Georgia Forestry Today, by Stasia Kelly, Georgia Forestry Commission.
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor," so wrote Henry David Thoreau in the 1800's, long before Georgia native Josiah Phelps was around to inspire the sentiment. But that hasn't stopped the 86-year old Dodge County land owner from personifying Thoreau's verse.

Through adversity and adventure, Phelps has always strived for improvement.

"I've tried to be an example," said Phelps. "I've tried to help people get some good out of their land, rather than just look at it. So many black people didn't hold onto their land or just let their land grow up. They should have made a plan and it would've paid off, in time."

Phelps grew up in a period when keeping land and acquiring the education to understand what might be best for it was nearly impossible. As the son of a land owner raising cotton and peanuts, Phelps learned from an early age that hard work was just one component of success.

"We had two mules and a yoke of oxen," remembered Phelps. Josiah's father owned 131.9 acres of land in Brooks County, where the family lived and where Josiah was immersed in the rigors of farm life.

Benjamin Anderson, a Fort Valley State College Agriculture Teacher was one of Phelps' mentors, prompting the young student to pursue a formal education in agriculture. Following high school graduation, Phelps was the second person to enroll in Agriculture at Fort Valley State College. Anderson helped Phelps establish a lawn mowing business to pay the tuition.

After two and a half years of study at Fort Valley State College, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1941. His dad gave him some good advice. "My dad said, 'Be a man among men and do your best,' and that's what I tried to do." Phelps received an Honorable Discharge from the Service in l946, and returned to Fort Valley State College to earn his B.S. degree in Agriculture Education and a M.S. degree in Agriculture Education from Ohio State University.

Mr. Phelps credits Chuck Fore, Georgia Forestry Commission for consultation and guidance in becoming a designated Tree Farmer and Certified Forest Steward, which proved successful on his now 94 acre spread.

Mr. Phelps has an extraordinary record of achievements in agriculture throughout Georgia. Among his many achievements: Georgia Agricultural Education Hall of Fame as a Chartered Member; University of Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame; this elite honor distinguishes Phelps as the first African American to be inducted into this prestigious class; Fort Valley State University Hall of Fame; Fort Valley State University Distinguished Service Award; and the Fort Valley Alumni Chapter Distinguished Service Award.

Though Phelps is retired, he is active as a member of Middle Georgia Technical College's Board of Trustees, a Literacy Program Volunteer, a member of the University of Georgia Agriculture Hall of Fame, a member of the New Farmers of America, a former member of the Peach Regional Hospital Authority, a member of his beloved church, Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church as a trustee (40 years), past church treasurer (40 years), President of the Lay Organization, a member of the Macon District and Conference Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a member of the Peach County Retired Educators Association and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Mr. Phelps has been happily married to Mrs. Ethel Dillard Phelps for 55 years and they are the proud parents of one daughter, Dr. Rosemary Phelps.

The community of Fort Valley proudly salutes Mr. Josiah Phelps for his long list of outstanding achievements for exemplary service to humankind.

Mr. Phelps, an ageless and true living legend.

Submitted by Brother Alphonso Ben Varner, Reporter, telephone (478) 825-8009; cell (478) 731-3803

3. GLOBAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ANNOUNCING GDC 2ND BI-ANNUAL MEETING:

The full contingent of the Global Development Council will convene in Cape Town, South Africa (15th Episcopal District) on Tuesday, February 6th, to Wednesday, February 7th, 2007. The meeting will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 6th, 2007. The Conference will close with dinner at 18h00 on Wednesday, February 7th, 2007.

Please, see provisional schedule and agenda below.

A workbook containing all relevant materials will be made available to all in attendance. All committees with reports and persons with proposed legislation are asked to submit your documents via e-mail to w.hanse@parliament.gov.na by December 1st, 2006.

We are thankful to Bishop Samuel L Green Sr and the people of the 15th Episcopal District for inviting this meeting. Conference and Accommodation arrangements are placed on the website of the 15th Episcopal District: www.15thdistrict.co.za will be communicated to you soonest.

If you are flying to Cape Town and need transportation, please, notify the 15th Episcopal Head-office as soon as you know your arrival time, so that arrangements can be made to organise this special courtesy. The telephone number +27 21 951 4230 and fax number +27 21 951 4371; and from the U.S.A. 011 27 21 951 4230.

4. THE 11th DISTRICT’S POST- PLANNING CONFERENCE IN PARADISE!:

By Sister Angela Surcey Garner, 11th District’s Media Team

“There’s a Place for You in the African Methodist Episcopal Church!”

The Eleventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, where Bishop McKinley Young is the Presiding Prelate and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young is the Episcopal Supervisor, held their Post-Planning Conference, November 16-18, 2006, at the fabulous Sandestin Beach & Golf Resort in Destin, FL. Many members arrived on Wednesday to a major storm which limited plans of leisure and golfing scheduled that day. But everyone quickly adjusted to the spacious, elegant, exquisite living quarters provided by Sandestin. The trip was coordinated by the 11th District’s Treasurer who is also the Pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville, The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II. We lived in fabulous villas, condominiums, and studio apartments in various neighborhoods throughout the resort.

There were many living quarters on the Bayside, which is where our meetings were scheduled at Linkside and Bayside Conference Centers and Ball Rooms. Across Highway 98, there were living quarters at Beachside Villas and the Luau, near the beach, Westwinds and Beachside II on the Gulf. Everyone I spoke with was impressed with their living situation and continuously praised God for the blessings. We didn’t need to drive our cars around the resort either; we were provided “Tram” service from 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily, to anywhere on the resort; all we had to do was call from our quarters or just pick up the phone at a Tram stop. One of the drivers told me, “Sandestin is 2400 acres of natural beauty, has four major golf courses and is the largest resort in North America.” There was shopping and dining available in “The Village of Baytowne Wharf”, with “Market Shoppes at Sandestin” on Highway 98 at the entrance to the beachside. If you wanted to leave the resort, there was “The Silver Sands” Outlet Mall in the next block, with restaurants and other dining places nearby. What a fabulous place for an annual meeting!

We began Thursday morning with the Board of Christian Education breakfast followed by our General Assembly at The Linkside Center. Our new roll-out program for this Post-Planning Conference addresses obesity. Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young introduced “Losing to Win Healthy Lifestyles”, and told us that persons would come to each of the components to elaborate on the program. Bishop Young and his staff, Dr. Young and the WMS/YPD, had full schedules throughout the Post-Planning Conference, but the schedule was set so that the various Ministries would meet only once during the day, allowing time for intermittent relaxation, dining and shopping at the resort. The weather was cold after the storm, and it was very windy on Thursday. During the Lay Organization’s six hour break, the resort began to experience some power problems from the windy conditions. Two red flags flew on the beach warning people to stay out of the water, and many people chose to cook in their living quarters instead of going out. But we continued to enjoy what had become a beautiful, but very chilly day.

Our “Even Song and Meditation” Service began approximately 9:50 p.m. and was spiritual from beginning to end. Our Word of Meditation was delivered by Dr. Jerome Harris, who asked the question, “Who’s in Charge Here?” He used the 20th chapter of the Gospel of St. Luke and Philippians 4:19 to encourage us to have a personal relationship with God and recognize He will supply ALL of our needs. Dr. Harris reminded us to pray, ask, seek, then have faith and wait on God to act – for without Him, we can do nothing! He concluded by answering the question he asked in his title: “God is in charge.” During our prayer for the world, the resort suffered a fallen tree which blew one of the transformers, resulting in power outages in several neighborhoods including our immediate area. Persons were asked to stay in their living quarters until the problems were resolved. We had one casualty resulting in a hospital visit. Episcopal Lay President, Sister Marian Bacon White, fell outside and sprained her arm during the pitch-black ordeal. We thank God she is doing better as we continue to lift her in prayer. Unfortunately, weather-related situations are out of our hands, so we thank God it wasn’t worse.

Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young, the Women’s Missionary Society and Young People’s Division had a full day of meetings with little time scheduled for relaxation. Other ministries like the Lay Organization, Sons of Allen, and Women in Ministry didn’t meet until 2 p.m. This allowed many of us a morning of leisure to relax, shop and dine in “The Village,” or to take a long walk on the beach. The temperature rose to the 60s, the sun was shining, God blessed us with another beautiful day and a spectacular sunset!

The Tram picked up persons from our neighborhoods as many of us rode to the Linkside Center for Evening Worship. Our Worship Leader was The Reverend Ralph T. Wilson and after our formal A.M.E. Order of Service beginning, the Music Ministry ushered in the presence of God with “Total Praise.” We continued to follow the formal Order of Service including the reading of “A Litany for Serving Well” written by our own Bishop McKinley Young. It was led by Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District, The Reverend Robert L. Mitchell. The Music Ministry followed the Gifts for Mission as they graced us with an excellent, musical arrangement of “I’ll Open My Mouth”, preparing us for a powerful sermon from Ecumenical Officer, Bishop E. Earl McCloud. He led his opening comments with “He’s Sweet I Know” as all joined in with the Music Ministry to sing this beautiful hymn.

Bishop McCloud used Ezra 3:7-13 and Haggai 2:1-9 as his sermon scripture with the title, “When His Glory Comes.” He set the stage by telling us that if the foundation isn’t right, there will be problems. But if the foundation is laid correctly, everything else will fall into place. He also reminded us to give up something to get something back and that everyone wants some of the time God gives us when we should spend more of that time with God. Bishop McCloud said, “Our priorities are reflected in how we use our resources; if God is first in our lives, we must do all things as if He is truly first! Jesus is the foundation!” He continued by introducing us to the three groups represented in the text. The 1st group laid the foundation and worked on it for seven years; the 2nd group saw the Temple that Solomon built and the 3rd group was weeping, shouting and confused. He explained that sinners and unsaved people are often confused by saved, church people. We moan, groan and complain about problems and situations in our lives when we should be praising God for all He has done and will do! Sometimes God has to “shake things up” but we must continue to have faith and trust Him to do all He said He would do. Bishop McCloud concluded his high-spirited and informative sermon by reminding us, “The Earth is full of God’s glory, but His glory is coming again, and it will be greater than the first time. We must be ready to receive Him because He will send His glory to this house!” We were blessed by God’s Word through Bishop McCloud. Our Worship service concluded as we departed to enjoy our last night at the resort.

We were blessed with a beautiful new day as we packed our bags, cars and vans, said goodbye to our exquisite, classy, fabulous living quarters and neighborhoods, and headed to the Linkside Center for our closing meeting. The spirit was high during devotion and there was excitement in the air as Bishop Young’s words were spoken. President Oswald P. Bronson gave a positive report on Edward Waters College which continues to strive for excellence in all areas. Bishop McKinley Young, Dr. John Green, Rev. Waymon Dixon and Sister Marian Bacon White followed with the Continuing Education Update. Dr. Robert L. Mitchell spoke for the Commission on Colleges and Schools, then Rev. John White, II presented the Theological Scholarships. Bishop commented on each component as we began the organizational reports.

As we work throughout the year, we must give an account for the past Conference year and outline our plans for work in the new Conference year. We began with “Living Well – Life in Balance”, led by Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young and Dr. Cynthia Griffin, who gave a very informative and health conscious report. Ministries to Youth and Young Adults are compositions of denominational ministries with youth involvement, and is a ministry that our Bishop wants to build. He asked all persons between ages 21 and 40 to stand, then asked that they give their names and contact information to The Reverend Ronald Rawls. Bishop Young wants our youth and young adults to give good, complete reports at the Annual Conference. Their report was read by The Reverend William Lamar, IV, and centered around the ”Come to the Feast 2006” Conference held May 24-29 in Portland, Oregon. They also presented several applications for local ministry gleaned from a gathering in Orlando on July 8, 2006 entitled, “Young Adult Think Tank” – a group of young pastors and laity called by Bishop Young who would discuss recruitment, engagement and retention of young adults as concepts for growing young adult ministries in our local churches. Our youth are our future, so we must train them to take our places in leadership. We can also learn from our youth as we strive to reach the same goals.

When the Episcopal District Media Team’s report was given, our Chairman, The Reverend Kenneth Irby, reminded the congregation to continue to spread the word, “There’s a Place for You in the African Methodist Episcopal Church!” He encouraged Pastors and Ministries to use the logo, share the theme, and keep it all in the forefront as a tool to win others for Christ. The Bishop’s Media Team continues to work throughout the District in many capacities including photography, video, journalism, general technology, radio, television, street ministry, Website building and presentations through workshops. Our goal is to involve all of our A.M.E. Churches in some media related function as we use our theme and logo for outreach.

Bishop Young then recognized the Sons of Allen Men’s Ministry, thanked the Presiding Elders and their leadership for participation in uniform, commented on how nice they all looked, and thanked all men who attended their session on Friday afternoon. Bishop Young wants all men involved in the Sons of Allen and encouraged all Pastors to organize local groups in their churches.

The Post-Planning Conference was suspended as the Enterprise Center Meeting was called to order. At this time, all congregants are involved. The Enterprise Center Board met Friday morning and the report was given by the Board and Staff. As members of the A.M.E. Church, we are all members of the Enterprise Center and have a voice when it is time to vote. Plans for the upcoming year regarding signage and building use were outlined and Bishop Young concluded that much is in store for the future of the Enterprise Center. Reverend Terrance Gray motioned to obtain a “Phone Tree” for the Bishop’s use in reaching out to Pastors, Elders, or Congregants regarding Enterprise Center meetings and other information he wants to share. The motion carried and was voted upon; all were in favor, so there will be a “Phone Tree” installation allowing Bishop Young and Dr. Dorothy Young to reach more persons using their recorded voices. The Enterprise Center meeting ended as Bishop Young called the Post-Planning Conference back to order.

The 11th District Disaster Relief report was read by Dr. John F. White, Sr. as he was accompanied by Presiding Elder John Bodison. The 11th Episcopal District’s Fiscal (financial) report was read by the Treasurer, Reverend Marvin C. Zanders II, who gave a very clear, precise and complete report informing all of the financial status of our district. Bishop Young and his staff went over the Calendar for the upcoming year citing corrections and additions. Bishop Young ordered a forty-five minute recess while he met with the Presiding Elders. We used the time to fellowship and/or gather information, as some went to check out or left to travel home. Approximately 75-80 minutes passed before Bishop and the Presiding Elders returned. There was a noticeable “buzz” of chatter in The Linkside Center as Bishop Young approached the microphone.

With the assistance of his Executive Assistant, Sister Mavis “Bobbie” Bush, Bishop Young issued the Certificates, read and awarded Episcopal appointments, and made the appointments of Presiding Elders and Pastors. There was one Presiding Elder appointed to the Orlando District, Reverend Hartford Lee. Dr. Courtney Lamar was appointed the Episcopal YPD Director and also Vice President (Assistant Dean) of Academic Affairs. Rev. Marcia Owens was appointed the Co-chair for the Commission on Colleges and Schools. Bishop Young issued several transfers and made many pastoral appointments. Time nor space permits me to list them all, however, there was one “high-profile” appointment most congregants were waiting to hear; that of the Reverend George Champion, Retired General Officer of the A.M.E. Church. He was transferred from the East Conference to the Central Conference and is now the Pastor of St. James A.M.E. Church in Sanford. Longstanding Pastor of Jacksonville’s A.M.E. Church of the Master, Reverend Karl Smith, was appointed the new Pastor of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Gainesville. The Reverend Brenda Edge was transferred from the Central to the East Conference and is the new Pastor of A.M.E. Church of the Master in Jacksonville. There were many other appointments made that brought chatter, claps of gratitude, and gasps of dismay to the congregants, but Bishop Young takes appointments very seriously. He prays, fasts and depends on advice from his Presiding Elders, so no appointment is made lightly. We are blessed to have a Bishop like this.

Our Post-Planning Conference was wonderful! Sandestin Resort was an excellent choice for the Florida Conference site. We had everything we needed on the Resort, though some chose to visit other malls, restaurants and shopping areas nearby. There was time scheduled for all of our meetings, but there was down time too, allowing us to enjoy the Resort at leisure. This is one meeting we will never forget. We thank Bishop Young and Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young for our spiritual leadership and pray they will be with us for many years to come. There’s a place for YOU in the African Methodist Episcopal Church!

5. 11th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION’S EXECUTIVE BOARD CELEBRATES “A JOYOUS FALL FESTIVAL OF WORSHIP”:

By Sister Angela Surcey Garner, 11th District’s Media Team

The Selmo Bradley Scholarship Award Worship Service

The Eleventh Episcopal District’s Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church met September 8th and 9th at the beautiful and baroque Historic Mount Zion A.M.E. Church in downtown Jacksonville, FL where The Reverend Frederick Richardson is the Pastor. Each Lay Conference President is responsible for collecting money each year to build the Selmo Bradley Scholarship Award Fund. The total collected is divided and given annually to carefully selected students who’ve applied, that are enrolled in predominantly black colleges. Our goal this year is $20,000.

Our Worship Leader on Friday night was the host Pastor, Reverend F. D. Richardson, as the Presiding Elder of the South Jacksonville District, The Reverend Robert L. Mitchell, led the Call to Worship. Our standard Hymn of Praise, “The Lay Hymn”, was led by Historic Mt. Zion’s Lay President, Brother Reginald Robinson followed by a powerful prayer by Reverend Charletta Robinson, Pastor of Mother Midway A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville. The beautiful voices of Historic Mt. Zion’s Choir blessed us with “Holy is He” as the presence of the Holy Spirit was felt throughout the sanctuary. Following the scripture lessons, the Lay Litany was read by Sister Carol Goodwin. Our Worship service continued as we were blessed again by the harmonious voices of Mt. Zion’s Choir singing, “Jesus, You Brought Me All the Way.”

Congregational greetings were given by the East Conference President, Brother Joseph S. Coppock, Jr. Our messenger for the evening was eloquently presented by the Presiding Elder of the Alachua-Central District, Reverend Joseph E. Sanchez, as the New Bethel A.M.E. Church Choir of Jacksonville took the choir stand. They blessed us with two beautiful songs, “Lord You Are Good” and “I Want to Tell You How I Love Jesus,” as their Pastor, The Reverend William Lamar IV, prepared to deliver the message.

Reverend Lamar chose scripture from Luke 8:49-56 and used as his title, “The Last Laugh.” He urged us to “run to the Master” when our problems overwhelm us and “listen to Jesus’ voice – not the voice of another man.” Reverend Lamar reminded us to “always put things in Jesus’ hands.” In reference to the scripture, he said “Jesus didn’t just pray for the girl, he went to her house!” People are always saying that our youth are dead. Then we must “go to where the youth are dying!” We must give them encouragement, hope, build their self-esteem; they aren’t dying, they are only asleep, God’s Word will wake them up! What can Jesus do? He can feed them! Reverend Lamar concluded his message by reminding us that Jesus can do ALL things; we must have faith and believe. That way, “God always has the last laugh.” We were blessed by the message as Reverend T. DeMarco Hansberry, Pastor of Greater Grant Memorial A.M.E. Church, Jacksonville, led the invitation to Christian Discipleship singing, “He Touched Me.”

The time had come to report the scholarship donations. The Conference Presidents in attendance, Brother Rogers Humphries – West Coast, Brother Joseph Coppock – East, Sister Ella Wilson – Central, Sister Deborah Langston – South, and Brother James Robbins – Florida, met with the Finance Committee and prepared to put all of the donations together. Persons in the congregation, who still had donations to report, were instructed by our Episcopal President, Sister Marian Bacon White, to give them to the respective Conference Presidents. Though business was being conducted, this was a short time of fellowship for many congregants who hadn’t seen each other since our convention in June. As the totals were tallied, we were all excited to hear the initial amount, knowing there was still money to collect.

Our prayer of commitment and support was led by Brother James V. Honors as our service continued. Sister Beulah Gregory, Episcopal Scholarship Committee member, reported our current total was $10,866.36. We had collected over half of our goal! Brother James Robbins, Episcopal Director or Program Activities, thanked all who participated and reminded us of our goal. He introduced our Episcopal President, Sister Marian Bacon White, who expressed her deepest gratitude for each Conference’s efforts in collecting money to reach our scholarship goal. She also thanked everyone for coming and recognized those who traveled the farthest. Sister Shanell Jackson, Episcopal Youth/Young Adult Lay President, read our Lay Pledge as we prepared to dismiss.

After the benediction, many thanked Reverend Lamar for such a wonderful message and fellowshipped with the other congregants. Reverend Richardson and the very friendly and helpful staff of Historic Mount Zion, had chicken and fish dinners prepared for us to dine in or take out; beverages and dessert were also available. We thank Reverend Richardson, the parking attendants, the culinary staff and all of the members of Historic Mount Zion A.M.E. Church for their hospitality and for hosting our Fall Executive Board’s Scholarship Worship Service and annual meeting.

Our executive board meeting on Saturday, September 9th, was thorough, went smoothly and was very informative. Some members who were unable to attend the Scholarship Service reported their totals on Saturday, bringing our new balance to $13,927.36, which included a check from Bishop and Mrs. McKinley Young for $100. We continue to collect, attempting to reach our $20,000 goal by Spring. During our Post-planning Meeting, our President, Sister Marian Bacon White, reported a $1000 check from Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young and the Women’s Missionary Society, bringing our current total to $17,195.27! We are prayerfully confident we will collect the balance and thank all who have contributed. There’s a place for YOU in the Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church!

6. DR. ERIC L. BROWN ELECTED PRESIDENT OF BOARD OF
CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATES OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA:

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

On December 5, 2006, at the Executive Board meeting of Christian Associates of Southwestern Pennsylvania, The Reverend Dr. Eric L. Brown, the Presiding Elder of the Allegheny Scranton District of the Pittsburgh Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was elected to serve a three year term as President of the Board at Christian Associates of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

Christian Associates was founded in 1970, it is an ecumenical body composed of 24 faith traditions, 2000 congregations with 1,000,000 members. Brown will give leadership and oversight to the organization. He is the first African American to hold this prestigious position in the organization’s history.

Dr. Brown is no stranger to the ecumenical movement, having previously served as chair of the Board of the Hilltop Health Consortium. Currently, he represents the AME Church as a delegate (2004-2008) to the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches, where he was contributing author of a policy statement and study guide for the Bio-technology Committee that presents the National Council of Churches position on stem-cell research and cloning in practical language.

Brown is a former Facility Chaplaincy Program Director for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania where he supervised Catholic, Native American, Muslim, Jewish and Jehovah Witness Chaplains for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. In that capacity he led more than 1,000 men to accept Jesus Christ as their personal Savior; most notably the Lord used him to convert several Muslims to Christianity.

He is also past president of the Pennsylvania Prison Chaplains Association and recently served as a delegate to the 19th World Methodist Conference in Seoul, South Korea where he was elected as a member of the Executive Committee.

In 2004 and 2005 he was the guest lecturer and keynote speaker at the National Baptist Convention of Germany in Wiesbaden, Germany. Prior to his appointment as a presiding elder in 2004, Dr. Brown served with distinction as the pastor of St. James AME Church, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; St. Paul, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Greater St. Matthew, Lorain, Ohio; Mason Chapel, Findlay and St. Paul, London, Ohio.

Dr. Brown is a graduate of Wilberforce University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in psychology and a minor in religion; a Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary with a concentration in Homiletics and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Ashland Theological Seminary. His doctoral dissertation is entitled A Paradigm for Lay Ministry.

Submitted by Miss Shelly Brown, Allegheny Scranton District Secretary

7. MEADOWVIEW A.M.E. CHURCH OF MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA HELD FOUR EXCITING HEALTH SEMINARS:

Meadowview A.M.E. Church of Martinsville, Virginia held four health seminars in response to the AMEC Church Connectional Health Commission’s call for churches to be more proactive in health awareness.

The AMEC Church Connectional Health Commission was established to help the denomination to understand health as the integral part of the faith of the Church and to seek ways to make our denomination a healing community, promoting the health concerns of its members. The Health Commission also wants to inform the members of our local churches about the educational information available to them on the internet, and especially in the official AMEC website and in the AME Church periodicals.

The first seminar topic focused upon diabetes and its affect on the total body system. Dr James McKay of Martinsville, Virginia was our keynote presenter. He explained the signs and symptoms of diabetes; and “do's and don'ts” of diabetes.

The next three seminars were presented by the Rev. Donna Wright, a local deacon at Meadowview AME Church. She led the discussion about how exercise and even four short walks a day can ease high blood pressure. The participants learned about blood pressure, the causes of high blood pressure, the causes of secondary blood pressure, what lifestyle modifications are helpful in treatment of high blood pressure, treatment programs for high blood pressure, and the different types of hypertension.

Another seminar discussed how grapefruit juice interferes with medications. It was explained that when taking certain medications, grapefruit juice should be avoided. Handouts were distributed on low potassium blood levels and the participants discussed what should be known and what treatment plans are available for low potassium blood levels and what foods are high in potassium.

Another seminar dealt with bananas and their health benefits. It was shared that there were as many as 23-25 medical conditions for which bananas were beneficial; they ranged from depression, anxiety, low potassium, hypertension, anemia, weight control, heart burn, constipation, nausea, sleep disorders and many more.

The last seminar focused on diverticulitis and diverticulosis and the importance of regular medical examinations, especially after age 50.


The seminar participants also learned about foods with healing powers that included fish, tea, honey, onions, red peppers, apples, avocados, oranges, strawberries, papaya, guava, tomatoes, and watermelon.

Many helpful handouts were distributed to the participants and the participants’ response and feedback was excellent.

Submitted by the Rev. Donna Wright, local deacon, Meadowview AME Church, Martinsville, Virgina where the Rev. Isaac T. Jackson is the pastor

8. CONGRESSIONAL FOSTER YOUTH INTERNSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS:

The Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) wants to bring 16 college students formerly in foster care to Washington, DC, in summer 2007 to work in Congressional offices.CCAI started the Foster Youth Internship program in 2003 to raise awareness on Capitol Hill about the needs and unique perspectives of young adults in the United States aging out of foster care.

For eight weeks each summer, 16 academically successful college students participate in the program full-time. They work directly with legislative assistants, attend Congressional hearings, and work on small legislative projects.Eligible applicants were in foster care at age 18 or were adopted from the foster care system after age 14.

The CCAI internship program pays the interns a small stipend and covers other major expenses, such as housing and transportation to Washington, DC.

Applications are due January 5, 2007, and are available online: http://www.ccainstitute.org/youth_internship.php

9. AREA MINISTERS GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT TO OFFENDERS:

By Delanda S. Johnson

On Saturday, December 2, area ministers from Johnson Chapel AME Church, Church of Living God, Antioch Baptist Church, and New Hope Corinth CME Church carried words of encouragement to approximately 200 offenders at the Coffield Unit located in Tenn. Colony, Texas.

Assistant Warden Steven Swift stated, “This is the season for showing goodwill toward your fellow man and to let everyone know that Jesus is the “Reason for the Season.” He took time to thank the Ministers from the Henderson County area who took time out of their busy schedule to come to the Coffield Unit to minister to the offenders.”

Coffield Unit Chaplain Dan Rose welcomed the Minister to the Unit; while Rev. Haney, Rev. F. Thomas, Rev. Jackson, Rev. Pettiford, and Rev. Moore lead the Praise & Worship service. The Coffield Unit choir stirred the congregation with songs of Zion, to set the atmosphere so that the Spirit of the Lord could enter in. In short, the house was on FIRE.

With the theme “Saying YES to God,” Evangelist Alma Berry from Johnson Chapel AME Church preached on Jonah (Jonah 1:1-2). Berry stated that Jonah was a man who did not want to answer the call that was given to him by God.

“No matter where you are and whatever situation that you are in, God will find you. God knows all and sees all, HE will lift all of your burdens, you must be real with GOD,” stated Berry.

“By running from God, Jonah in other words spent three days in HELL, but knew that he had to say YES to God and do HIS will,” said Berry.

Berry encouraged all the offenders to look to God for the answers to all of their problems, but when GOD calls you, you must say YES and not run away.

The second speaker, Rev. Haywood Thomas from Antioch Baptist Church preached on Paul (Roman 2:15). Thomas stated that Paul was a man who persecuted the church.
Thomas stated, “That your mine may be telling you one thing, but your physical body is doing another. This is the way ii was with Paul, his mine was telling him NO, but his body was saying YES.”

Thomas wanted the offenders to know that the Devil will try to get at you anyway that he can. Therefore, you must always put on the full Armor of GOD.

“The Devil is a LIAR, he is a PLAYER-HATER, and he wants you his side. However, just like Paul, God will knock you down and you will surrender all to GOD. The power of the LORD will make everything all right. So just say YES to GOD,” said Thomas.
The final speaker, Bishop Annell Haney from the Church of the Living God, PGT summarized and preached on Mary and Joseph. (Luke 1:27-39)

Haney stated that like Jonah and Paul, Mary was a woman who said YES to GOD.
“Joseph was a man who had a hard time saying yes, but God showed him that HE was in control and to look to HIM for all answers,” said Haney.

Haney wanted the offenders to know that they’re confined, that GOD has ways of using them no matter where you are.

“GOD will make a way out of no way, so just say YES and answer the call when HE knocks on the door. GOD is your all and all, so surrender and “Say YES to GOD,” said Haney.

10. “THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE & AFTER BECOMING A MINISTER:

Alston Business Concepts & Development Systems was founded with the sole purpose of providing top quality information that is easy to read and understand. Our philosophy is simple, “What good is information if it can’t be understood?”

“Things You Should Know Before & After Becoming a Minister” has been structured and written exclusively for Ministers and Church Officials. Its purpose … to equip Ministers and Church Officials with the information they need to know to successfully operate and build their churches. Along with a spiritual responsibility, Ministers and Church Officials also have a business responsibility. That business responsibility incorporates being knowledgeable of the financial aspects of properly managing and operating the church.

“Things You Should Know Before & After Becoming a Minister” was structured and written in a manner to completely eliminate confusion and to give the full impact of the importance of the information. In addition to being extremely easy to read and understand, it comes complete with a sample Minister’s income tax return and sample blank forms for the reader’s added convenience.

For more information about our literature and church software applications, please visit our website at www.abcdsystems.com .

Our belief is simple, “Success isn’t luck, it is preparation!”™ K. Alston, Founder of ABCD Systems

11. THE RHODE ISLAND STATE COUNCIL OF CHURCHES:

The Rhode Island State Council of Churches is a statewide ecumenical presence committed to competency, vitality and faithfulness in Christian witness. Our mission is to enact a lively infusion of hope, joy, love, service and justice to the people of our State; and to be regarded as a Council of both national consequence and global concern. We wish to build on those strengths while reaching out in new ways to the community.

Position Description – Executive Minister

Title: Executive Minister

Reporting Function: The Executive Minister reports directly to its Governing Board which is composed of delegates from member denominations.

Responsibilities

A. Mission – to guide, facilitate and implement the Council’s mission, with special attention to urban issues.

B. Ecumenism – to build and support relationships across the broad ecumenical community.

C. Program – to work with denominations and local church leaders to develop programs of benefit to all.

D. Advocacy – to offer a prophetic voice in the public arena, with pastoral sensitivity in identifying community needs and mobilizing a response.

E. Resource Development – to seek funding to undergird the Council.

Qualifications: The Executive Minister serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Council, with oversight responsibility for administration, fiscal and program development. Our candidate should:

- be a moral leader of mature Christian faith and witness;
- be a visionary leader with administrative skill;
- be an inclusive and open person, able to carry out ecumenical relationships with respect and appreciation for diversity;
- have a strong, proven record in social justice ministries;
- have a strong, proven record in collaboration with churches;
- have a degree or equivalent in theological studies; and
- have personal and personnel skills that include communication, motivation, fund-raising, flexibility and experience in mobilizing staff and volunteers.

Benefits: A flexible package to be negotiated.

Application deadline is January 1, 2007.

To receive an application packet, contact the Search Committee, The Rhode Island State Council of Churches, 225 Chapman Street, Providence, RI 02905.

Phone: (401) 461-5558, Fax: (401) 461-5233, Email: ricouncil@aol.com.
Website: www.councilofchurchesri.org

Submitted by the Right Reverend E. Earl McCloud, Ecumenical Officer and Endorsing Agent, AME Church

12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICE:

The Rev. Willie V. Woods and Mrs. Mondella Woods, Pastor and First Lady of New Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church located at 1559 South Third Street in Memphis, Tennessee were blessed to celebrate 35 years of marriage on Monday, December 4, 2006, with family.

Congratulatory messages may be emailed to: Mbswoods@aol.com

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sister Ruby Mae Moore, sister of Betty Cardwell (the wife of Rev. Gerald Cardwell, Pastor of St. John AME Church of River Rouge, Michigan) passed away on Monday, December 4, 2006. She is also survived by her sisters Helen Bryant, Shirley Williams and brother, Calvin Moore, Sr.

Service Arrangements:
Friday, December 8, 2006
4:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Public Viewing
McFall Brothers Funeral Home
9419 Dexter Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48206
(313) 895-8900

Saturday, December 9, 2006
Family Hour: 10:30 am Funeral: 11:00 am
St. John AME Church
505 Beechwood
River Rouge, MI 48218-1041
313-386-2288 Phone
313-386-5986 Fax
Rev. Gerald Cardwell, Pastor

Professional Services entrusted to:
McFall Brothers Funeral Home
9419 Dexter Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48206
(313) 895-8900

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of Ruby M. Moore
C/o Betty Cardwell
24346 North Carolina
Southfield, MI 48075
Email condolences to: gcardw7307@msn.com

Submitted By:
Rev. Dr. Delano L. Bowman, Presiding Elder
Notable North District
Michigan Annual Conference
4th Episcopal District
PO Box 978
Southfield, Michigan 48037-0978
(248) 569-1043
notablenorth@comcast.net

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: PastorGolphin@aol.com

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Rosetta Mosley on Tuesday morning, December 5, 2006. She was the wife of Mr. Lowell Mosley, and the mother of the Reverend Tanya Lowe of the Second Episcopal District and the Reverend Fonseco Frazier of the Thirteenth Episcopal District. The Homegoing Celebration will be observed on Saturday, December 9, 2006 at Historic Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 251 North Upper Street, Lexington, KY, Rev. Kenneth J. Golphin, pastor. Visitation will be observed on Friday evening from 7-9 at the church.

Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Lowell Mosley
346 Corral Street
Lexington, KY 40508

The Rev. Tanya Lowe
12305 Prospect Landing
Bowie, MD 20721-2532
TCLowe@comcast.net

The Rev. Fonseco Frazier
2534 Trimble
Paducah, KY 42001
Fonseco.Frazier@gmail.com

Professional services entrusted to:
Smith & Smith Funeral Home
340 East Third Street
Lexington, KY 40508
859/255-6273

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the death of Lee Simpson on Sunday December 3, 2006. He was the uncle of Mrs. Shelby G. Strode, First Lady of Historic St. John A.M.E. Church, Frankfort, KY. The Homegoing Celebration will be observed on Thursday, December 7, 2006 at First Baptist Church, Boneyville, Ky. Visitation will be observed at the Church on Wednesday, December 6, 2006 from 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 PM.

Condolences may be sent to:
Shelby G. Strode
P.O. Box 5422Frankfort, Ky. 40602502 875-0288
ShelbyGStrode@aol.com

Professional services entrusted to:
Smith-Jackson Funeral Home
446 Bate Street
Danville, Ky. 40422
859 236-5261

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

From: pastorcory@rogers.com
Rev. Iris Williams an Itinerant Elder in the Canadian Annual Conference, 4th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church passed on Monday December 4th in Trinidad. She was 91 years old

Service Arrangements:
Funeral
Friday, December 8, 2006
10:00 a.m.
Fountain AME Church 136 Eastern Main Rd. Barataria, Trinidad Republic
(Pastor Carlyle Thorn, officiating)

Professional Services have been entrusted to:
Lee's Funeral Home50 Eastern Main Rd. St. Augustine, Trinidad

Ph: 868-663-1010Rev. Iris Williams had 7 children, 5 sons, and 2 daughters, 24 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She traveled widely and founded nursery schools, senior’s homes and churches in Venezuela, Haiti, and Trinidad. In Haiti she would give scholarships to young people enabling them to come into town to study. Just before she moved to Trinidad for good, she was living in a nursing home in Oakville Ontario, Canada where she would hold regular church services on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Messages of Condolence may be emailed to her son, Merv Williams.
Email: mervwilliams@cox.net

Submitted by:
Presiding Elder Cory A. Millben
4th Episcopal District
Canadian Annual Conference

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

News of the passing of Tony Jackson, who was involved in a fatal automobile accident on Monday, December 4, 2006. Tony was the son of the Rev. Ruby Sorey (Johnny), pastor of St. Peter AME Church, Midway, Florida, Florida Conference, 11th Episcopal District, Bishop McKinley Young, presiding prelate.

Home Going Celebration:

Saturday, December 9, 200612 noon

St. Mark AME Church (Church is located in the town of Noma)1012 St. Mark StreetBonifay, FL 32425(850) 263-9937Rev. Alice Clark, PastorService Arrangements are entrusted to:Christian Memorial Chapel5441 Cooper StreetGraceville, FL 32440(850) 263-6834Condolences may be sent to:Rev. Reba & Mr. Johnny Sorey1014 St. Mark Street - P. O. Box 43Bonifay, FL 32452(850) 263-1975Submitted by:Rev. Charletta C. Robinson11th Episcopal District President WIM

18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Albert Maurice Moody, Sr., 88, passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2006.

Celebration of Life Service held:
Friday, December 8, 2006
11:00 a.m.
Galilee Baptist Church
1500 Pierre Avenue
Shreveport, Louisiana,
Reverend Kenneth Fisher, pastor, St. Paul United Methodist Church, officiating

Family visitation held:
St. Paul United Methodist Church
Thursday, December 7, 2006
6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Moody was employed by the Caddo Parish School Board for forty years as a teacher of mathematics at Central Colored High School and Booker T. Washington High School, the principal of Hollywood Elementary School and Bethune Junior-Senior High School. The founder of the Caddo Parish Teachers Federal Credit Union, Mr. Moody retired after forty years as CEO/Treasurer on October 18, 2003. Prior to coming to Shreveport, he served as principal of Mulatto Bend Elementary School, West Baton Rouge Parish, in the United States Army for four years as a commissioned officer, and as Assistant Dean of Men at Southern University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He retired from the Army Reserve as a Lt. Colonel.

Mr. Moody, is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mrs. Estella Martin Moody; two children, Albert Maurice, Jr., Lanham, Maryland, and Tahira Abdul-Rahman Mustafa); six grandchildren, one who preceded him in death, (Ishmail Abdul-Rahman); Richard "Rickey" Eugene Coleman, Palm Dale, California; Khadija Jamilla Abdul-Rahman, Safiya Zainab Abdul-Rahman Smith (Kevin); Ibn Mustafa Abdul-Rahman, all of Shreveport, and Naeema Abdul-Rahman Booker, (Chester), Indianapolis, Indiana; seven great grandchildren; two brothers. Reverend James N. Moody, Jr., Henderson, Kentucky and Dr. Charles David Moody, Sr., (Christella) Las Vegas, Nevada; two sisters, Reverend Mary Edith Moody, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Mrs. Martha Moody Boone, (Morell), Keithville, Louisiana, and a host of other nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Services were entrusted to:
J. S Williams Funeral Home
1104 Pierre Avenue
Shreveport, Louisiana 7103
(318) 221-2365
(318) 221-6169

The Right Rev. Cornal Garnett Henning, Sr.
Presiding Bishop, 8th Episcopal District
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Office: 2138 Saint Bernard Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119(504) 948-4251

19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

I wish to inform you of the death of my step-mother, Mrs. Gladys P. Golphin on Thursday, December 7, 2006. She was the spouse of the Reverend W. Cortez Golphin, pastor of Wilson Chapel United Methodist Church of Stovall, Georgia, and the step-mother of the Reverend Kenneth J. Golphin, pastor of Historic Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church of Lexington, Kentucky. The Homegoing will be celebrated Tuesday, December 12 at 2:00 at Wilson Chapel UMC in Stovall.

Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. W. Cortez Golphin
419 Mays Avenue
Columbus, GA 31907
WGolphin@bellsouth.net

Rev. Kenneth J. Golphin
PO Box 746
Versailles, KY 40383-0746
PastorGolphin@aol.com

Professional Services entrusted to:
Progressive Funeral Home
4235 Saint Marys Road
Columbus, GA 31907
706/685-8023

20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mr. Calvin Weary, the father of the Rev. Willie Weary, pastor of Conner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and father-in-law of Mrs. Jackie Weary, Central Northeast Oklahoma Conference Lay President departed this life on Thursday, December 7, 2006 in Memphis, TN. Funeral Arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Services:
Saturday, December 16, 2006
1:00 PM
Church Ministries
1219 Finley
Memphis, TN 38116
901-340-7658

Body Entrusted to:

Ford Funeral Home
3390 Elvis Presley Blvd
Memphis, TN 38116
901345-9558
901-345-9578 Fax

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev Willie and Mrs. Jackie Weary
2519 North Garrison Avenue
Tulsa, OK 74106
918-583-2515 Home
918-269-0824 Cell
Email: JW1059@aol.com

21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:

The Clergy Family Information CenterBishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action

Mrs. Ora L. Easley, AdministratorEmail: Amespouses1@aol.com
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751

22. 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.