Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL – ST. PHILIP AME CHURCH, ATLANTA – SPIRITUAL, RELEVANT, MODERN, TRADITIONAL, SPIRIT-FILLED:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
A worship experience at St. Philip AME Church is more than routine worship service; it’s an experience!
As I was arriving at St. Philip AME Church at 7:30 for the 7:45 a.m. worship service last Sunday, I saw people literally running from the parking to the church. Kids were hurrying up their parents so they could get into the sanctuary. When I got into the church, the place was abuzz with ushers and greeters, and I heard organ music being softly played. And as while we were in line getting ready for the processional, the people kept coming and coming and coming. The Reverend George Moore is the pastor of St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia. I knew that this worship experience was going to be memorable.
The processional raised goose bumps on the back of my neck and the drama and the environment for worship was awesome.
The processional included the Sanctuary Choir, the praise dancers and the worship participants.
The Doxology was sung, followed by the call to worship, the worship hymn, the Morning Prayer, and the choral response. Boom, boom, boom, everything moved with precision and order. The Sanctuary Choir was on-target as its music ministry lifted the spiritual tenor of the service. Boom, boom, boom; the scripture, the Summary of the Decalogue, the recognition of guests, the announcements, the benevolent offering, the preparation of the sermon, the sermon, the invitation, general offering, altar call, Affirmation of Faith, the Doxology, benediction, postlude and fellowship were executed with precision, decorum and liturgical freedom that allowed for the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Admittedly, St. Philip is a mega-church, but the size of the building and numbers of participants were not the things that made me stand in awe and they were not the things that made the hairs stand on the back of my neck. I have attended and preached at large churches, medium-sized and small churches where I experienced the same phenomenon. It is not the size of the church building or the number of members on the roll. I believe that it has something to do with pastoral leadership, committed stewards, trustees and the leaders of local church organizations, and also episcopal leadership and the effective leadership of presiding elders. Ministry is teamwork from the top to the bottom, but, having said that, in the local church, “the buck” stops with the pastor.
So, it was not St. Philip’s physical plant or the size of its congregation, because St. Philip AME Church, at one time, was a small church. I asked Pastor George Moore how many members the church had when he was assigned as the pastor. He told me that he was told that there were 200 on the roll, but about 100 persons attended the services each Sunday. Today the church has about 4000 families. St. Philip did not start out with a 22 acre campus, a contiguous structure of 186,000 square feet and a budget of $4.5 million dollars. That church, and others it, grew because of pastoral leadership, dedication, commitment, and discipline. Mark Twain wrote, "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
I had an opportunity to observe Dr. Moore and he has such a humble spirit and awesome presence; even when he is not speaking. It had to be his influence and how he let God use him to grow the church to where it is today. We didn’t get an opportunity to speak specifically about how he accomplished his level of ministry, but I suspect that he had a plan and St. Philip didn’t grow accidently. I am certain when the road got rough and there was opposition; and the financial challenges surfaced, his pastoral leadership stayed the course. And, other successful pastors around our Zion who have successful ministries had plans and formulae in creating successful ministries and they stayed the course too.
Conversely, there are ministries that are stagnant and contentious. And, as there are formulae for success there are formulae for ministry failure, but that’s another editorial.
I observed some things at St. Philip. The worship service was an experience. It was participatory worship. It was drama. It was relevant. It was modern. It was upbeat. It had a good flow. It had movement. It involved the worshippers.
The children were involved. At the 7:45 a.m. service, there was young girl in a pew toward the back of the sanctuary that followed every move of the praise dancers and did every move the praise dancers did; that young lady was engaged in worship.
The adults were engaged.
The pastor, Dr. George Moore and his assistant, the Rev. Larry D. Jones were appropriately engaged in the worship service. No speeches by the pastor, he trusted the worship participants and allowed them to function. Rev. Jones, the model assistant pastor, experienced; did his tasks succinctly and professionally.
The Sanctuary Choir and musicians were appropriate to the liturgical movement of the service. I was later told that the Sanctuary Choir, under the direction of L’Tanya Moore, practiced every week and it showed. There is a difference between choirs that practice regularly and choirs that do not practice.
At the 11 a.m. service there were at least 50 male ushers. It was not the numbers, though the number of male ushers was impressive; the fact that the worship service had such a high representation of men in attendance was impressive. Apparently the ministry at St. Philip makes black men feel welcome because the men made up a large percentage of the worshippers at both worship services. The usher in charge was giving silent signals like a Command Sergeant Major in an U.S. Army cavalry unit. The ushers functioned with precision and precision takes practice.
I had an opportunity to speak with Sister Gloria Byrd, the President of the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization, who is a member of St. Philip and she said, “I love this church and that’s the reason I am a member here. We have innovative worship, while at the same time maintaining the worship traditions of African Methodism.” She went to say that there was no reason for pastors to dismantle the traditions of the African Methodist Episcopal Church because we can have creative worship that maintains the traditions of the Church.
And, that’s what I enjoyed about the worship service; creativity while at the same time maintaining the worship tradition of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I remained a member of the AME Church through my teenage years because I enjoyed and felt spiritually inspired by the orderliness of AME Worship. Yes, I enjoyed visiting other more seemingly lively churches from time to time, but I always felt more spiritually-fed with the AME Call to Worship, prayer, scripture, the Decalogue, great well-delivered and well-researched sermons that often included quotes from famous people I hadn’t heard about, and the other acts of worship to include the Affirmation of Faith. And, yes, the Decalogue got long from time to time, but I discovered that it was not the length of the Ten Commandments, but the way the Decalogue was delivered; upbeat and with spirit, I can take the whole Decalogue every Sunday; delivered half-heatedly, the Summary of the Decalogue can be a bit much. I believe that there should be drama in worship.
We often see the listing of the postlude in many bulletins, but rarely do we hear postludes. Both worship services St. Philip had a postlude. The worshippers sat down after the benediction and the organist played a selection and it gave the worshippers time to reflect before going out into world and to the hustle and bustle of the coming week.
Many of the laity are calling for more engaged authentic AME worship and not worship that mimic other denominational traditions. St. Philip AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia exemplified AME worship at its best and I commend the pastor, officers and members for their commitment to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
I thank God for the many AME Churches that are vibrant and full of energy. We have small, medium, large, and mega AME Churches that are faithful to the traditions of the AME Church, and for all of them, I am thankful.
Authentic worship takes work, planning, practice and training; and more training. It takes commitment and courage for pastors to stay the course and to maintain the highest traditions of the worship experience. It might mean that pastors will have to set themselves on fire because if they do, the people will come and watch them burn up.
And, for those pastors who might be struggling in the area of worship and liturgy, I would suggest that they find mentors in AME Churches like St. Philip and other churches that have vibrant worship services. Those kinds of churches exist in every area where AME Churches are located. As a matter of fact every pastor should take a Sunday or two and visit, sit in the pew, and observe successful pastors.
Ministry is not about the size of sanctuary or the membership. We can grow where we are planted or we can “grow the plant” that we have been given - "It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
I applaud your editorial, "Ministry has to be more then raising money."
Often when I was pastoring, I faced embarrassing times when I didn't have what was asked of me, financially. Competition was as such, that other denominations in the community had more financially affluent members then me. Because African Methodist members did not speak kindly of our Churches (some are still doing so), rather then even pay Conference claims they rebel and go to other denominations and pay much, much more then conference claims.
I always had Stewards and Trustees to lift the offering; I do not believe that pastors should lift the offering. I've been to Annual Conferences where some pastors who were pastoring financially successful churches, would belittle the churches who had to put on chicken dinners and yard sales to raise their conference obligations. I preached tithing, but sometime we pastors had to be patient and allow people to grow into the tithing commitment.
I appreciate your editorial, if paid attention to, it would let the pastor do his or her job in ministering to the church; and let the stewards and trustees take care of the temporal duties.
Lastly, our membership must stop the destructive, false information that the finances in the AME Church are being taken and used by the bishops, presiding elders and pastors.
Some of our own members hurt our Church and stunt its growth.
Once again, thank you for a truth-filled article.
The Rev. Dr. Harry D. Pierson, a retired pastor
3. A THOUGHT FROM THE BISHOPS:
“Worry doesn't help tomorrow's troubles, but it does ruin today's happiness.” (C. Hayes)
We should all remember that, in this financial crisis, God is still in charge and members of the AME Church need to remember that God will take care of us, even in these times of difficulty. In spite of all that is going on, “God’s blessings are new, morning by morning; great is they faithfulness.” God's children can continue to enjoy life.
4. THE REVEREND MELVIN WILSON ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE AME MINISTERIAL ALLIANCE OF NEW YORK AND VICINITY:
The Reverend Melvin Wilson has been elected to serve as the President of the A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity. The Alliance represents 59 A.M.E. congregations in the State of New York and over 250 ordained and licensed AME pastors, ministers and evangelists. The Alliance has a long and illustrious history and Rev. Wilson looks forward to building on the foundation that has already been laid.
The Installation of Officers Service for the AME Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity to be held on Sunday, November 2, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Luke A.M.E. Church, 1872 Amsterdam Avenue (corner of 153rd and Amsterdam), New York, NY. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the preacher. Dinner will available from 3:00-5:30 p.m., and the service will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m.
The following persons will be installed as officers of the Alliance.: The Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, President - Elect; the Rev. Leonard Davis, First Vice President; the Rev. Jo-An Owings, Second Vice President; the Rev. Ozzie Edwards, Recording Secretary; the Rev. Mashona Davis, Asst. Recording Secretary; the Rev. Shirley Dowling, Corresponding Secretary; the Rev. Henry A. Belin III, Treasurer; the Rev. Grace Aytes, Chaplain; the Rev. James E. Booker, Jr., Reporter; and the Rev. Deborah Hicks, Parliamentarian.
5. PULASKY COUNTY, KENTUCKY LIBRARY HONORS DECEASE AME PASTOR WHO WAS A LONG-STANDING MEMBER OF THE KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Pulaski County Library Foundation and the Munday Family cordially invite you to celebrate the 102nd birthday of the late Rev. Walter R. (Preacher) Munday with a dedication to the Munday collection.
The event will be held at the Pulaski County Public Library, 304 South Main Street, Somerset, KY 42501 on November 9, 2008 at 3:00 p.m.
Preacher Munday, as most knew him, was born in Richmond, Kentucky in 1906. He was a minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church for over 50 years, having served at Davis Chapel AME Church of Somerset for 22 years. He attended Wilberforce University in Wilberforce, Ohio where he completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree. While at Wilberforce, Preacher was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He then crossed the street to earn his Bachelor of Divinity Degree from Payne Theological Seminary.
Preacher Munday was one of Somerset’s greatest ambassadors. He spent practically every day meeting and greeting new friends on the streets of downtown Somerset. He often said that he wanted to make a new acquaintance everyday. In the words of Preacher Munday, "Really, I have enjoyed all of my speaking acquaintance over the years, for after all, what is life, but to love, and to be loved; to know and to be known; to need and to be needed."
To continue with his high standard for education, we ask you to join us in contributing to the Pulaski County Library to help future generations. Donations may be made in the form of a check, cash or a money order. No amount is too small for a great cause. Please click on the attachment for the donation form.
A reception will be held at the conclusion of the celebration
6. 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S 2008 NORTHEAST ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
From Monday, August 25th to Friday, August 29th the 7th District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which encompasses the entire state of South Carolina, convened in Marion for the second of its 2008 annual conferences entitled the Northeast Annual Conference. This week long event was held at Saint John A.M.E. Church located at 702 Mill Street in Marion, SC, where Rev. Donnie McBride is pastor.
The Northeast Annual Conference is comprised of the Sumter, Marion, and Florence-Dillon Districts and contains approximately 25,000 local members. This was the 117th session of the Northeast Annual Conference and the following article is derived from the resolution which was submitted by Rev. Timothy A. Johnson Sr., Pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church in Woodrow, SC, and the Northeast Annual Conference Resolution Committee.
On the Friday and Saturday prior to the start of the Annual Conference, over 787 young persons, chaperones, and volunteers gathered at Marion High School for the Youth Summit which was conducted under the direction of Sis. Kabrina Bass, Episcopal Administrator/Director of Christian Education, Dr. Jon Black, Conference CED Director, Brother W.M. Jefferson, Sumter CED Director, Phyllis Reaves, Marion CED Director, Sis. Anne E. Cade, Florence-Dillon CED Director, the three Presiding Elders and many others who taught children ages six to fifteen about salvation, the scriptures, church etiquette, the parts of the church, A.M.E. history, manhood, womanhood, and the Bishops and Episcopal Districts of the church. The Youth Summit also worshipped God through praise teams, mime ministries and living history exercises. Bishop Williams made it a point to take time out of his busy schedule to meet with the youth; evidencing his strong commitment to the positive development of our young people.
Sunday evening began the pre-conference pomp and pageantry of the Debutantes and Masters (DMC) Ceremony; a celebration of Christian manhood and womanhood whereby elegantly attired young people from across the conference were honored for their many volunteer hours of community, church and school services. We take this opportunity to thank Ms. Suzette Robinson, DMC Conference Commissioner, and Rev. E. Robert Thomas, DMC Conference Associate Commissioner, and their dedicated committee members for a job well done! Thanks be to God for his wondrous love!
Monday, the Women’s Missionary Society, under the supervision of Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, and Sis. Henrietta Temoney, Northeast Conference WMS President, conducted a detailed business session. They also visited the Pines Nursing facility, Mullins Nursing Home, Bradford Nursing Home, and Marion Convalescent Home. The annual WMS luncheon was held at the Robinson Family Life Center and was blessed with many visiting missionary sisters.
Monday evening, the Sons of Allen provided a worship service full of spiritual entertainment, where Rev. Jonathan Greene, pastor of Salem A.M.E Church, Bucksport, SC, delivered a powerful sermon entitled, “Men Who Know Jesus.”
Tuesday morning, St. John A.M.E. Church hosted an overwhelming crowd at the opening session of the 117th Northeast Annual Conference, with Rev. Dr. William Smith Jr. serving as Worship Leader. The processional consisted of the St. John A.M.E Choir, licentiates, deacons, elders, newly appointed Bishop Julius H. McAllister, retired Bishop Zedekiah L. Grady, and our presiding Bishop, The Right Reverend Dr. Preston W. Williams II. Rev. Shenard Barnes, pastor of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Clausen, SC, delivered an electrifying annual sermon entitled, “Forgive and Forget.” The opening ceremony culminated with Holy Communion services, with Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr. as Chief Celebrant.
Tuesday afternoon, Rev. R. R. Hooper was selected as Conference Secretary and Rev. Berletha Taylor as Assistant Secretary. The Presiding Elders submitted names of individuals to serve as marshals, and presented their recommendations for various committees for the Annual Conference session, along with the boundaries of the conference for all ministers and lay delegates. The Marion District began their ministerial/delegates and annual reports. Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr., the 129th elected and consecrated Bishop of the A.M.E. Church and presiding prelate of the 20th Episcopal District, presented his final annual conference report for Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, Florence, SC, and thanked the conference for their prayers and support during his candidacy.
Tuesday evening, the WMS’s Night in Mission conference theme was, “A Critical Time for Courage and Conviction for Empowerment and Change,” and the awesome WMS Choir set the tone for an evening of profound worship. The evening’s message was entitled, “Don’t You Dare Come Out Empty Handed,” composed and delivered by Rev. Georgina Pringle, St. James A.M.E. Church.
Wednesday morning, the work of the conference continued as the Marion and Sumter Districts presented ministerial/delegates and annual reports. The mid-day sermon was delivered by Rev. M. Charmaine Ragin-Whittleton, pastor of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, Sumter, SC, and was entitled, “Break Through for an Impotent Church.” Wednesday evening, greetings were brought by the Episcopal and Conference WMS and YPD leadership. The Young People and Children’s Division, under the direction of Ms. Connie Ford and her cabinet, ministered through songs of praise, liturgical dance, mime ministry, and a skit entitled, “Just Me and My Jesus.” That night the conference’s youth demonstrated their love for Christ under the theme, “Jesus – Solid As A Rock – Hold Fast With Faith.”
Thursday morning, the work of the conference continued as the Florence-Dillon District presented ministerial/delegates and annual reports. Dr. Charles Young, President of Allen University in Columbia, SC, delivered a soul inspiring mid-day message entitled, “A Desire To Please The Lord.” The dynamic Allen University Choir rendered several soul inspiring selections. The Northeast Annual Conference collected $64,235 dollars for Allen University.
Later that afternoon, the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization held their annual luncheon at The Opera House in Marion, SC. Afterwards, the Unison Health Group, along with Drs. Benita Delane, Barnett Gallmon and Wallace Brown, presented the conference with important information on screening for colon and prostate cancer, as well as the silent killer – high blood pressure.
The Christian Education Department, under the direction of Sis. Kabrina Bass, handed out pertinent information regarding the General Conference highlights and a worksheet on church etiquette.
Thursday evening, the Lay Organization was filled with the Holy Spirit, praising God to the utmost as Mr. Ricky Washington spoke on the subject, “The Party Is Over.” The Board of Examiners recommended one Itinerant Elder for ordination. Bishop Williams also presented a new outreach ministry entitled, “REACH,” and asked for 1,800 volunteers to commit to assisting with this ministry.
Friday morning, Rev. Archie Temoney, pastor of New Zion A.M.E. Church, Wysacky, SC, delivered a dynamic ordination message entitled, “If You Stay In The Word.” The Conference resolved that all characters were passed, all Disciplinary questions were read and answered positively, the Rev. Franklin Richardson was memorialized, and Rev.’s Berletha Taylor, and Preston Robinson retired.
Visitors from across the connection and the state of South Carolina were presented at the conference on all levels of the clergy, laity, WMS, YPD, and Sons of Allen. Mr. L. Carlyle Dixon, Northeast Conference Superintendent, and the Church School Committee presented a workshop entitled, “Prayerful Community.”
The closing convocation ceremony message was delivered by Bishop Julius H. McAllister Sr., entitled, “The Church Stills Lives.” Bishop Williams and the Northeast Conference presented Bishop McAllister with a gift of $15,000 dollars for the 20th Episcopal District. The conference was blessed by the anointed musical talents of Eric Jordan, Clifton Bellamy, Carolyn Davis, and Howard and Phyllis Lawson. Rev. and Mrs. Donnie McBride, and the entire St. John A.M. E. Church, hosted the 117th session of the Northeast Annual Conference with dignity and style. The entire Northeast Conference takes this opportunity to salute and applaud you for a job well done! May God continue to shower his blessings upon you all!
Be it further resolved that the members of the 117th session of the Northeast Conference continue to strive for excellence under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Preston W. Williams II and Dr. Wilma D. Webb-Williams
7. DON’T BE FOOLED BY A SCAM THAT SEEMS TO BE HEADING SOUTH:
This message was sent to the Rev. Dr. Joseph Darby from someone claiming to be Rev. Betty Wannamaker:
Hello Rev. Joseph,
Thanks a lot for your response and concern, I am glad you can help me with the money, well I am not surprised at you asking me all that questions because of the rate of scam going on at the moment, well my name is Rev. Betty Wannamaker, I am the Executive Assistant of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, and Rev. Dr. Ronnie E. Brailsford, is our Pastor and I will not because of money then let go my Christian life, here is a number to call the church 803-779-0138, you can send the money to my details below through western union transfer, all you have to do is go to the closest western union location with the money in cash and instruct the agent to wire it to my personal details below.
Rev. Betty Wannamaker
215 To 223 Staines Rd,
Hounslow/Heathrow, TW3 3JJ
Country: United Kingdom
After you must have sent the money kindly let me have the 10 digits (Mtcn) Numbers and all the details used in sending the money to me, I am counting on you okay, I will pay you as soon as I am back next week, I look forward to read from you later today.
Regards
Rev. Betty Wannamaker
This is Dr. Darby’s Response to “Rev. Betty Wannamaker.”
Rev. Wannamaker,
Thank you for your note. Before I can help you, I need the name of your Bishop and Presiding Elder, as well as the name, address and phone number of your church, so that I can verify your identity. Please excuse me for doing so, but there have been more than a few "scam" e-mails and calls to my church from dishonest people pretending to be AME preachers. I assume that's not the case for you.
I'm also forwarding your note to the editor of the AME Christian Recorder so that he can forward your response to our churches nationwide on his e-mail list.
Blessings to you,
Another response by Dr. Darby’s Response to “Rev. Betty Wannamaker”
I just spoke with Reverend Brailsford, and he tells me that Rev. Wannamaker, his office manager, is in the office, working and doing quite well. He also told me that someone hacked his church's Hotmail account and is sending misleading financial appeals like yours. Needless to say, that means that you won't be getting $2,500 from Morris Brown AME Church. Rest assured, however, that you will have my prayers that you'll reform your life and no longer try to gain funds illegally by misrepresenting the church. As my mother used to say, "God don't like ugly!"
10/22/08 Update from Dr. Joseph Darby:
No more word from them.
Editor’s Note: Don’t be fooled by people trying to make a dishonest buck.
8. THE 2009 NATIONAL BLACK CHURCH STUDIES SUMMIT:
The 5th annual Black Church Studies Summit will take place on January 22 – 24, 2009 at the Emory University Conference Center Hotel.
More than fifty professors, researchers, ministers, scholars and students, including those most often associated with the growing discipline of Black Church Studies, will come to Atlanta for a series of plenary sessions, panel discussions, workshop presentations, and public events focusing on the theme: Where Do We Go From Here- Black Church Traditions, Textures and Transformations.
The conference will open with “The Lyrics of Black Church Sacred Rhetoric” musical under the direction of Dr. James Abbington, Associate Professor of Music and Worship at Candler School of Theology on Thursday January 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
“The Black Church as Social Political Change Agent” Luncheon at 11:30 on Friday January 23 will feature Dr. Walter Fluker, Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Executive Director, the Leadership Center Morehouse College.
The culminating event is the “Transformative Voices” Dinner in honor of Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon, the Annie Scales Rogers Professor of Christian Ethics at Union Theological Seminary & PSCE in Richmond, Va., a leading Christian ethicist and the first African American woman ordained in the United Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) at 6:00 p.m. Saturday January 24, 2009.
The registration is $100.00 for pastors (includes all sessions and meals); $25.00 for students ( with valid ID includes all session and meals); 10 CEUs from Emory University are available for and additional $15.00
Make check payable to Emory University (BCS Candler on the pay line)
For additional information please contact:
Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, Director,
Program of Black Church Studies
Candler School of Theology 1531 Dickey Drive 430
teresa.brown@emory.edu
Telephone: 404-727-4436
9. THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER 2009 PASTORAL PILGRIMAGE FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL: VISITING GOD'S CALL - MAY 3-19, 2009:
The Interdenominational Theological Center is inviting pastors to apply for participation in the Holy Land Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal.
The registration fee is $350.00. Air transportation, fine accommodations and three meals a day are all provided, thanks to a generous grant to the ITC by the CF Foundation. Naturally, there will be some personal expenses, including transportation to/from Atlanta if you live less than 250 MapQuest miles away, as well as any airport parking fees.
To apply, an applicant must be a mid-career pastor serving a church as either a senior or associate pastor; be in good health and physical condition, and must be between 35-55 years of age. Pastors may belong to any Christian tradition; however, they must meet the eligibility requirement, and have a desire to refresh and reaffirm their divine call and spiritual effectiveness in ministry.
The pilgrimage is limited to 20 successful applicants. Because this is an experience requiring a one-on-one with God, spouses are not eligible to be on this trip.
The deadline for the receipt of your application is December 19, 2008. If you are selected, you will receive notification by January 30, 2009. At that time, you will be required to send a registration fee of $350 (which is your only contribution toward the pilgrimage costs).
For more information, please call the office of Dr. Temba Mafico at 404-614-6367.
Editor’s Note: We have had a number of AME pastors who have been selected for past pilgrimages. If you are interested, please apply.
10. THE GOOSE CREEK NAACP:
The Goose Creek branch of the NAACP is located in Goose Creek, South Carolina. Goose Creek is located in southeastern South Carolina, just north of Charleston. This part of South Carolina is known as the Low Country.
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the oldest, largest and most prominent civil rights organization in America. The NAACP is a not-for-profit and non-partisan association. The National NAACP was established on February 12, 1909 by a diverse group of individuals who were concerned about racial equality and race relations in America. The local branch has been in operation since 2003.
The Goose Creek Branch of the NAACP plans to be active in the community, visible in the media, and a positive force for change and justice for the citizens we serve. We hope that both our members and the surrounding community benefit from the information, event listings, and local issues presented on this site.
The branch is a diverse group of individuals whose memberships represent the lifeblood of the branch. Membership is open to anyone who believes in the basic tenets of the Association.
The Goose Creek NAACP Branch is sponsoring NAACP VOTE HARD
Bus Tour - Part I
Saturday, October 25, 2008
South Carolina
The purpose of the bus tour is to raise awareness about the importance of voting amongst young adults. According to statistics, young adults are least participatory in the political system. However, if educated and mobilized, their vote could swing elections at the local and national levels.
The tour will begin with a morning rally in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Then each bus will make morning whistle stops and then meet in Columbia, South Carolina for a lunch VOTE HARD Prep Rally on the campus of Allen University. After lunch, each bus will continue making whistle stops and the meet in Goose Creek, South Carolina for a culminating evening event at Joshua United Methodist Church.
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:
- Herman O. Kelly, III, the son of the Rev. Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church-Baton Rouge, Louisiana and First Lady Mrs. Linda Kelly, a freshman at the University of Tampa was selected to play basketball for the 2008-2009 season after a tryout last spring in Tampa, Florida. He was also voted by his team, Catholic High School in Baton Rouge as the Most Improved Player, and he received the Robert Selleck Award. He is a Sports Management Major.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
- Wesley Alfred Stovall, the son of the Rev. V. Cora Stovall, Pastor of the Mulberry Circuit in the East Tennessee Conference accepted the call into the ministry while attending the West Tennessee Annual Conference Ordination service. Wesley Alfred Stovall is a freshman at the University of Memphis.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to: funnyeyez@hotmail.com
12. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Sister Mary L. Hayward Hatter, the wife of ehe Rev. Jerry Hatter, Pastor of Brown Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Ypsilanti, Michigan. Sister Mary Hatter passed on Wednesday, October 15, 2008.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Jerry Hatter and Family
7587 Greene Farm Drive
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: 734-485-3376
Email: j2hatter7@sbcglobal.net
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Brown Chapel AME Church Mary L. Hatter Scholarship Fund. Donations should be forwarded to the address listed below:
Brown Chapel AME Church
1043 W. Michigan Avenue
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Connectional Officer's Son –
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Vincent Romero Walker, the son of Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Consultant-Social Action Commission and Mr. Buford "Sonny" Walker.
From: Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker
The Walker Clan had nine years to come together in love and bonding as we faced the challenge of Vincent's diagnosis with Lou Gehrig's disease. God gave us five years beyond the doctor's most optimistic prescription and for that we are so grateful. Our time together at Christmas/Anniversary Celebration was so blessed and so as we say so long to Vince, there are few regrets. We will miss Vincent but he gave us so much as he showed us how to handle life's challenges with joy, faith, hope, expectation and love.
Two weeks ago, he asked the boys to have me send up special prayers for him and on Sunday he told his beloved wife, Sherrie that he thought he was dying. When she asked "why" he simply shrugged his shoulders; but on Monday late morning, he took flight. God and he had obviously been in communication and for that connection we rejoice.
Vincent Romero Walker - son (transitioned on Monday, October 20, 2008)
Sherrie Walker - wife/widow
4708 Pismo Beach Dr
Antelope, CA 95843
916-333-2096 - home
Service arrangements:
Services for Vincent will be held at graveside on Monday, October 27, 2008 at 12:30 PM at the Sacramento Veteran's National Cemetery - 5810 Midway Rd - Dixon, CA 95620 -707-693-2460 (voice)
Services handled by:
East Lawn Mortuary
5757 Greenback Land
Sacramento, CA 95841
916-732-9800 - voice
916-331-9830 - fax
Contact Information:
Buford "Sonny" Walker and Jacquelyn "Jackie" Dupont-Walker
1621Wellington Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323-734-7856 - home
213-494-9493 - cell
jdupontw@aol.com - email
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Mrs. Georgia Griffin on Tuesday, October 21, 2008. Mrs. Griffin is the widow of the late Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Sr., former pastor and presiding elder in the East Tennessee Annual Conference and mother of the late Rev. Phillip B. Griffin, Sr., former pastor in the East Tennessee and Tennessee Annual Conference. Survivors include children, the Rev. Etta Garth - retired AME minister, the Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Jr., pastor of Allen Temple AME Church, Chattanooga, TN, and the Rev. V. Cora Griffin Stovall - pastor of Mulberry Circuit, Lincoln County, Tennessee.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Georgia Griffin:
Funeral Service
Friday, October 24, 2008
11:00 a.m.
Warren Chapel AME Church
501 North Market Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Visitation will be one hour before the funeral.
Professional services are entrusted to:
John P. Franklin Funeral Home
1101 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37404
Phone: (423) 622-9995
Fax: (423) 622-9990
Family contact:
The Rev. Archie C. Griffin, Sr.
gsandrajc@aol.com
The Rev. V. Cora Griffin Stovall
funnyeyez@hotmail.com
The Rev. Etta Garth
4410 Delashmitt Road
Apartment 15
Hixson, TN 37343
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Ethelda Wise of Rock Island, Illinois, the sister of the late Rev. Dr. Edward Jackson, Retired Presiding Elder and pastor in the East Tennessee Conference, and the sister-in-law of his widow, Mrs. Carolyn Nance Jackson.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Ethelda Wise:
Family Visitation:
Sunday, October 26, 2008
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home
3030 7th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: (309) 786-5421
Fax: (309) 786-5423
Funeral:
Monday, October 27, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Trinity Episcopal Church
1818 6th Avenue
Rock Island, IL 61201
Phone: (309) 788-1641
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Carolyn Nance Jackson
6028 Arlena Circle
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone: (423) 892-0431
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Sister Mattie Kate Farrar on Sunday, October 19, 2008. Sister Farrar was the aunt of the Rev. DeLois Evans-Mitchell, who is the First Lady of the Greater Fort Worth District and wife of Presiding Elder Johnny Ray Mitchell (Northwest Texas Conference).
The following information has been provided:
Wake: Friday, October 24, 2007 - 6:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M.
Lighthouse Deliverance COGIC
Homegoing Celebration will be:
Saturday October 25, 2008 - 11 A.M.
Lighthouse Deliverance COGIC
Elder C. V. Simpkins, Pastor
1913 W. E. Roberts St.
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Sister Mattie Kate Farrar's final earthly care has been entrusted to:
Laurel Land Funeral Home
6000 South R. L. Thornton Freeway
Dallas, Texas 75232
Ph: (214) 371-1336
Condolences may be sent to:
P.E. Johnny Ray and the Rev. DeLois Mitchell
6702 Snapdragon Lane
Arlington, Texas 76002
Ph: (817) 467-5575
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with profound sadness that we report the death of Mr. DeWayne Russell on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 in Denver Colorado. Mr. Russell was the son of Mrs. Alice Byrd, who is the widow of the Reverend Curtis L. Byrd, West Tennessee Conference, 13th Episcopal District. Private services for Mr. DeWayne Russell will be held in Denver.
Messages of condolence may be sent to:
Mrs. Alice Byrd
2850 Whitney
Memphis, TN 38127
901-487-3361
cox3635@hotmail.com
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Mrs. Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Phone: (615) 837-9736
Voice Mail: (615) 833-6936
Fax: (615) 833-3781
Cell: (615) 403-7751
19. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
Archive of The Christian Recorder Online from 2004-2016; Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
