8/01/2008

THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/1/08)

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 – THERE ARE SOME EVENTS THAT YOU CANNOT CELEBRATE – PART II:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Last week I mentioned that I had received two interesting messages.

The first was a graduation announcement that was not from an accredited institution; rather it was from, what some would consider, a degree mill. The second interesting email I received involved canned or mail order sermons.

Preparing sermons Sunday after Sunday is a rewarding, but at the same time, an enormous time-consuming chore. Preparing sermons Sunday after Sunday is hard work, if pastors take the time to prepare thought-provoking and theologically sound sermons.

Last week, I received a Website that offered to teach preachers how to preach and offered ministers “ready to preach” sermons and I wondered how many preachers succumbed to the temptations to order their sermons online. And, for those preachers who are not online, it’s just as easy and tempting to go to one of the religious book stores and purchase books of “ready to preach” prepared sermons; some of the sermons don’t have to be rewritten because a preacher can just print from a disc or cut them out of the book.

I recently saw that a preacher who had cut the pages out of a book and had even pasted parts of a newspaper article on a sheet of paper and preached his heart out. I thought to myself, “I know that he didn’t just cut a page out of a book!” I got distracted from the sermon and stood up to get a closer look and “sho’ nuf,” he had cut the pages out of a book.

I don’t think that it’s legitimate to steal sermons from the Internet or steal sermons from books. Teresa Fry Brown writes, “One lacks homiletical integrity, authority, creativity, character, calm, and spirituality if one's entire preaching life is stolen.” Dr. Brown is correct and preachers should resist the temptation to “steal” sermons.

Where does a preacher get ideas for sermons, week after week? Is it legitimate to preach canned sermons or to lift sermons off of the Internet? I don’t think so.

I do think that it’s legitimate for preachers to exchange ideas about how to handle biblical texts and to find out how other preachers have developed particular texts. I have been at annual conferences and other AME meetings and have listened to preachers talk about preaching and have gotten a lot of great sermon ideas. I have asked for and received sermons from preacher friends to see how they developed a text and have sent sermons to preacher friends so they could see how I handled a text. I have even been in a “pinch” and I know other pastors who have been in a “pinch” and have told, or been told, “Use it, refine it or whatever; just use it to the glory of God.” I have had telephone conversations with preachers who shared with me how they handled a text and I got excited and took notes like I was in a homiletics class.

I guess in a sense, “There is nothing new under the sun,” but sermon preparation, on a regular basis, should be a personal thing where the preacher allows the Holy Spirit to be a part of the message. There is no greater joy in ministry than homiletically preparing sermons, using biblical, secular, experiential, and shared sources and delivering the message to a congregation anxiously waiting to hear a Word from the LORD. And, when external sources are used it is appropriate to credit the source; as a matter of fact it reinforces the preacher’s integrity when he or she does so.

Not long ago, I heard a lay person, who said that she had written a poem that she wanted to recite. She recited one of the lesser known Maya Angelou poems. When she finished, she received a round of applause and I wanted to stand up and say, “You didn’t write that poem, Maya Angelou wrote that poem.”

I heard a preacher, in his sermon, relate about one of his experiences in China and we all knew that he probably had never been out of North Carolina. After the service, I asked him how did he like the food in China, and responded that he had never been to China. I guessed that he didn’t relate my question with his statement in “his sermon” about his experience in China.

Sermons off of the Internet and out of books stifle homiletical creativity; even though they make bold promises such as, how to put a sermon together; how to exegete a text; how to put together a sermon at the last minute; what to do when you don't have much time to prepare a sermon; and the promise, if you subscribe, to provide complete sermon manuscripts and related PowerPoint presentations. Preachers who succumb to the temptation will lose the ability to prepare sermons.

Watching too many televangelists can asphyxiate creativity; a preacher risks sounding like the televangelists that he or she most often listens to, instead of projecting their persona in the message.

Sermon titles can also be canned. I went on the Web to find some of the more exciting sermon titles: "The Hand That Rocks The Cradle" - Exodus 2:1-3; "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" - Exodus 25:10, 21-22; "What Goes Around, Comes Around" - Numbers 32:23; "Seven Days Without Jesus Makes One Weak" - Psalms 27:4; Good News from the Graveyard (Easter Sunday); "The Theology Of Kneeology" - Jeremiah 33:3; "Three Men on Fire For God" - Daniel 3:24-30; "Let Go and Let God" - Matthew 16:24; "When The Church is on Fire, You'll Smell the Smoke" - Philippians 3:13-14; and "Stop Whining and Start Shining" - Hebrews 12:12-17.

Preachers are not the only ones to get caught up in plagiarizing from the Internet; Bible study leaders, preachers and laity, are tempted to “lift” inappropriately from the Internet. I saw a wonderful Bible study guide with the preacher’s name as the author that was completely lifted from the Internet.

Some things cannot be celebrated and a canned Internet sermon is one of them; as are canned Internet Bible study guides and sermons from books.

If you choose to go there, cite the source and you will look like a scholar and we can celebrate that!

2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the excellent coverage that we received during the general conference in St. Louis. You will never know how much my family and friends appreciate the coverage and regular updates. It is my hope that god continues to bless you and the work you do on behalf of the church.

David Vaughn, Jr. and Family
St. John AME Church
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

3. 2008 GENERAL CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

General Conference Commission
Chair: Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram
Co-Chairs:

Bishop Samuel L. Green Sr., Co-Chair
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Co-Chair
Bishop Frederick H. Talbot, Co-Chair

Compilation Committee

Chairs:

Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning, Chair
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Co-Chair
Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram, Co-Chair
Bishop James L. Davis, Co-Chair
Bishop Philip R. Cousin Sr., Co-Chair
Bishop Robert V. Webster, Co-Chair

General Board

President: Bishop William Philips DeVeaux

Vice Presidents:

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, 1st
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson Jr., 2nd
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, 3rd

Commissions and Chairs:

Statistics and Finance – Bishop Preston Warren Williams II
Annuity Investments and Insurance – Bishop McKinley Young
Christian Education – Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie
Publications – Bishop Richard Franklin Norris
Global Witness and Ministry – Bishop James Levert Davis
Church Growth and Development – Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah
Ministry and Recruitment – Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
Health – Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson
Global Development – Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe
Economic Development – Bishop David R. Daniels
Retirement Board – Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister Sr.
Lay Organization – Bishop Cornal Garnett Henning
Social Action – Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry
Women In Ministry – Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath
Seminaries, Universities, Colleges & Schools – Bishop John Franklin
White

Women In Ministry President: The Reverend Kimberly L. Detherage, Esq.

Christian Debutante and Master Commission: Mrs. Gloria Massey Ward, Commissioner

*The information listed above was extracted from the Official AMEC Website: http://www.ame-church.com/

4. AME YOUNG ADULTS WORKED ACTIVELY AND PROACTIVELY AT THE 48TH QUADRENNIAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE:

One of the most notable aspects of the General Conference was the increased visibility of young adults. "The Daily Report," sold at the GC, which was started by the late Rev. A. Lewis Williams noted that young adults were present quietly observing the General Conference and running the booths with the youth active in Camp AME. But the Young Adults of the Church just didn't watch the General Conference; they were an integral part of it. From manning the registration desk to hosting revivals and managing several campaigns, Young Adults were an integral part of the 48th Quadrennial Session. An example of this involvement was the Bishop's Candidate Forum.

The Young Adults of the Connectional Lay Organization sponsored the Bishop's Candidate Forum on Tuesday evening for the Young Adult delegates and Alternates. For the first time in General Conference history, over 20 candidates were gathered in one place to entertain questions from the "Joshua Generation". When asked about the Forum, Connectional Young Adult Lay Organization Representative Brent Shepard commented: "We wanted to give the candidates an opportunity to tell us their stances on issues important to them and show that Young Adults are active participants in the life of the Church."

Moderating the panel were Connectional YPD President Reginald Cleaver and 2nd District Lay Organization Young Adult Representative Starr Battle.

The Candidates answered challenging questions from the audience on a wide-range of topics from the accountability of bishops to young adult retention programs. One young adult delegate from the 2nd Episcopal District commented, "I'm glad that I was able to come to the Forum. I came with one perception and left out with one totally different." Another Young Adult delegate commented, "The Forum challenged me to reevaluate certain candidates I had been considering and reevaluate some I hadn't."

The Forum ended with remarks from Connectional Lay Organization President Jesse Burns stating his pride in the young adults for making this effort and exhorting them to continue to pursue their role as the AME Church of tomorrow and today.

A "seasoned" Observer remarked, "I wonder why other organizations didn't think of this. I learned so much from the Young people. They really are taking charge." Forum coordinator John Thomas III from the 13th District stated, "We hope that candidates will realize that we not only care about free food and slogans, but about the substance of those offering themselves for the office of bishop." The young adults decided not to formally endorse a candidate.

The Young Adults of the Connectional Lay Organization are extremely grateful for the support and assistance of the AME Finance Department and their staff gave in helping to make the event possible. We are also appreciative of the assistance of the Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC).

The Young Adults of the Connectional Lay Organization thanks those candidates who took time out of their busy schedules to participate.

The following candidates participated:

Presiding Elder Wayne J. Anthony
The Rev. James E. Arnell
The Rev. Ronnie E. Brailsford, Sr.
The Rev. Ronald Eugene Braxton
The Rev. Diane L. Burl
The Rev. Kelvin T. Calloway
The Rev. Phillip R. Cousin, Jr.
The Rev. Ann Lightener-Fuller
The Rev. Debora Grant
The Rev. Reginald Jackson
The Rev. Jeffrey Leath
The Rev. Andrew B. G. Lewin
The Rev. Willie Ray Norful, Sr.
The Rev. Wesley I. Reid
The Rev. Daniel L. Simmons, Sr.
The Rev. George W. Tyler
The Rev. Albert D. Tyson, III
The Rev. Isaiah J. Waddy
The Rev. John F. White
The Rev. Stafford J. Wicker

Submitted by the CLO Young Adults:
John Thomas III (13th)
Brent Shepard (10th)
Starr Battle (2nd)

5. WHO SAID YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT ACHIEVING:

Something special happened at Bethel AME Church in Springfield MA on June 22, 2008. The New England Annual Conference of the 1st Episcopal District celebrated achievement in education. Host Pastor Terry Hassell and the Bethel AME Springfield Church family welcomed the 7th Annual Herbert L. Eddy (HLE) Scholarship program for the Boston-Hartford District’s graduating high school seniors.

Graduates were the center of attention during a special afternoon worship service. The Rev Ron McCune, pastor of Bethel AME Church Bloomfield Connecticut delivered the message, “A Word in Tough Times.” He challenged everyone to endure hardship like a good soldier in God’s army. The service also included several ministries from Bethel Bloomfield. The Bethel Choir, a youth JAM Liturgical Dance Ministry, MIME Ministry, and a solo liturgical dance from Bethel Stamford blessed those who attended the worship service. Graduates participated in almost every facet of the worship service.

Each year the Boston-Hartford District’s Herbert L. Eddy Scholarship program honors graduating high school seniors. This year’s applicants wrote essays on the subject, “What do I hope to accomplish by completing my education?” Awardees received partial scholarships to further their education. The Presiding Elder and his wife were excited by the graduates’ presentations.

The Rev Dani Mae James Green is the chairman of the HLE Scholarship Committee. Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy and his wife, the Rev Amelia Eddy, presented a certificate to the scholarship recipients.

Presiding Elder Eddy believes it is important to encourage the youth because the youth are the future of our church and our local, state and national leaders of tomorrow.

Nine recipients received scholarship awards. The Scholarship recipients are headed to various colleges and universities around the country: Onyx Olivia Anderson will be attending Spelman College; Erica Nicole Baganza will attend the University of New Haven; Takela Talicia Blackmon will attend Morgan State University; Joshua Matthew Carolina will attend Lincoln Technical Institute; Anthony Lawrence Durant will attend Northeastern University; Chelsea Little Hughes will attend Clark Atlanta University; Crystal Annakay Reid will attend the University of NH; Shantal Nyree Rhodes will attend Housatonic Community College; and Skylar Alana Webster will attend the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

7. BREAKING NEWS: THE 2009 ANNUAL CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA; NEW EVANGELIST CERTIFCATION PROGRAM:

The 2009 Annual Church Growth and Development Seminar will be held January 6-9, 2009, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The theme of the 2009 Annual Seminar Is "Returning to the Biblical Mandate to Witness and Evangelize Your Community" (The World). Dr. James Wade says, “Stabilizing and growing our local churches is dependent upon training and commitment to the biblical mandate of evangelism.” (Acts 1:8)

The Department of Church Growth and Development introduces the new Evangelist Certification Program which is designed to specifically train individuals to do 21st Century Evangelism.

- The Basic Evangelism Certification Program will equip individuals with the necessary foundational skills to evangelize in their local communities and give people the hope an eternal relationship with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. *The Evangelism Certification program for pastors will equip pastors with the skills to educate and prepare their congregations to do purposeful evangelism. Our congregants must learn the value of persuading others to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.

- The Evangelism Certification program for the laity will provide the skills to engage in 21st Century evangelistic activities. The laity of the AME Church will learn to share their faith.

- The Evangelism Certification program for church planters will equip individuals with specialized church planting strategies. The growth of our Zion is dependent upon new church plants.

*Evangelism Certification for Children and Youth workers is designed to equip individuals with strategies for Children and Youth evangelism. Our children and youth must learn to value the written word of God and how to share it with their friends.

8. MINISTRY LEADER’S WORKSHOP LED BY THE REV. DR. JAMES F. MILLER:

The Lay Organization of First AME Church, Oklahoma City, recently sponsored a Ministry Leader’s Workshop June 19-21, 2008. The workshop was held for active and prospective church officers.

The Rev. Larry Banks, Pastor of First AME started off as facilitator the first night, June 19th. He covered issues in the local church and the members were given an opportunity to express their thoughts on how to move the church forward. the Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, author of “Go Build a Church”, and pastor of DuPage AME church, Lyle. Il was the special guest facilitator. Rev. Miller focused his sessions of the workshop on Personal and Congregational Spiritual Growth and the Seven Paths to Your Best Ministry Now, which were Chapters 8 and 9 of his book.

Presiding Elder Lonnie Johnson of the Oklahoma City District and Presiding Elder Ed Davis of the Lawton Oklahoma district attended the workshop.

A worship service was held on Friday night with Rev. Miller as the guest speaker. A reception and book signing was held immediately following the worship service.

Each workshop participant received a Certificate of Completion, given out by the Rev. Larry Banks and Lay president, Crystle Gabriel.

Rev. James F. Miller is an inspiring and committed teacher and leader. The pastor and members of First AME expressed their delight in having him as a facilitator.

Ms. Crystle Gabriel, First AME Church, Oklahoma City

10. SO PROUD OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND THE 13TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Exhorter Doris Coffey

The 48th Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Louis, Missouri has come and gone; and we, the laity, are still basking in the glow and reverence of the performance of the Chair and Bishop of the tenacious Thirteenth Episcopal District, the Right Reverend Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.

Our hearts and souls were made glad and filled with pride at the magnificent manner in which Bishop Vashti presided as the chair of the entire General Conference. It was as though “E. F. Hutton” were in our very presence, for when Bishop Vashti McKenzie spoke, everybody listened.

So Proud - to be a part of the Lay Delegation of the 13th Episcopal District who wish to go on record saying this was one of the most spiritual and blessed General Conferences we have had the privilege of attending. For the most part we actually acted like Christians representing Christ - The spirit of the Lord was present, especially during the Worship Services as the preached Word went forth in such messages as:

“It’s Time to Sweep the House” – Bishop John H. Bryant – Luke 15:8;
“The Glory of the Cross” – Bishop Zedekiah LaZett Grady – Galatians 6:14; and “Now, Therefore, Arise” – Bishop Phillip R. Cousin, Sr.
So Proud - of the Episcopal Address, which was enlightening and encouraging concerning the future and the issues we face in today’s world.

The Quadrennial Theme for 2008-2012: ‘The African Methodist Episcopal Church’ Great Past - Great Future - An Incredible Call to Serve infers that there is hope and much work to be done. The wisdom that was passed on to the “Joshua Generation” from the Fathers and Mothers of African Methodism was well received and is the pattern for our future if taken to heart.

So Proud – To have Bishop McKenzie and Supervisor Stan returned to the 13th Episcopal District for four more years of labor in the Master’s vineyard; which has already begun with the Christian Education and Leadership Convocation, July 22 – 24, 2008, where Bishop Vashti preached her first sermon to the district since her return – “No Matter What” from the 55th Psalm – she asked the question “What would you do if you could not fail?”. This reporter admits that she is biased – she loves to hear Bishop Vashti preach – still it was heart rendering, soul stirring, thought provoking and spiritually awakening to hear Bishop preach with such zeal, zest, power and conviction, it was as though she couldn’t stop. “What would you do if you could not fail? What change would you make if you were to succeed?”

So Proud – While we the Laity of the 13th Episcopal District are cognizant that pride is sinful, and we ought not think more highly of ourselves than others – we are spiritually proud, abundantly grateful, eternally joyful, positively hopeful, consistently prayerful, eagerly anticipating and willingly ready to “work the works of him that sent us” under the prodigious and proficient leadership of the Right Reverend Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie and Supervisor Stan McKenzie. Welcome Back to the Thirteenth Episcopal District. May God Bless Us All!

Through the eyes and heart of a Lay Person and Licensed Exhorter –

Sister Doris J. Coffey
St. Paul AME Church - Lexington
Reporter for the Kentucky Conference- Lexington District

11. TV ONE BROADCASTS DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION:

Be a witness to history and join TV One for its unprecedented coverage of the 2008 Democratic National Convention (DNC). Live, primetime broadcasts will air on TV One on August 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th, from 8-11 p.m. (Eastern Time).

This year’s convention will be the first that features live coverage by a television network with a primarily black audience.

Veteran journalists Joe Madison and Arthur Fennell will co-anchor the gavel-to-gavel broadcast, live from the Pepsi Center, seasoning video from the pool feed with occasional interviews from newsmakers on the convention floor. Rotating talent from the late-night show will provide regular cut-ins on the gavel-to-gavel coverage.

Show regulars include political analyst Roland Martin, civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, celebrity chef G. Garvin, actor Hill Harper, comedian Sheryl Underwood, publisher Jamie Foster Brown and fashion expert Paul Wharton.

While other networks focus strictly on the hard news angle, TV One will capture this history-making event from multiple points of view. This is a format designed to turn heads, sway opinion and get viewers talking…and laughing. Each show will bring convention highlights to life – all through the eyes of an eclectic and sometimes controversial mix of guest panelists, pundits and field correspondents.

The lively cross talk highlights the funny and off-beat moments that occur on the convention floor, as well as the unique and compelling “people stories” that take place outside the confines of the convention hall. Our show regulars and invited guests eloquently capture the collective soul of the community and reflect the personality and politics of TV One’s audience and viewers.

12. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY NOTICES:

- Christian Emmanuel Mosley is a 2008 graduate of Connecticut College located in New London, CT. Connecticut College is among the most selective private liberal arts colleges in the nation. Christian received a BA in Psychology. While attending Connecticut College, Christian was a point guard for the Camels Basketball team.


- Charity Nicole Mosley Foreman successfully defended her dissertation on July 10, 2008. Charity will graduate from Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi with a PhD in Chemistry on August 2, 2008. While enrolled in the doctoral program, Charity attended Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church in Jackson, Mississippi. We are grateful to Dr. Samuel Boyd, Jr., Pastor and First Lady Gloria Boyd and the members of Pearl Street A.M.E. Church for their love and support these past four years.

Charity Nicole Mosley Foreman and her husband Lindley M. Foreman, III will reside in Texas.

Christian Emmanuel Mosley and Charity Nicole Mosley Foreman are the blessed children of the Reverend Rufus L. Mosley, Jr., Secretary of the Virginia Annual Conference, 2nd Episcopal District and Exhorter Danita Wood Mosley.

Congratulatory messages can be sent to: rufmosley@yahoo.com

- The African-American Pulpit selected the Rev. John F. White II, Pastor of New Mt. Zion AME Church, Tallahassee, Florida, as one of the Top 20 Under 40 to Watch Preachers. His Sermon “A Good Day to Cry” was published in the Summer 2008 Edition.

The Rev. Maria Mallory White, Associate Minister of New Mt. Zion AME Church is the new Co-Executive Editor for the African-American Pulpit. Her first issue will be the Winter 2009 Edition.

Congratulatory messages may be sent to Revjwhite2@aol.com and Revmaria@aol.com

13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sharing with regret news of the passing of Mr. Lawrence F. Robinson, the brother of the Reverend John Cager, III, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Fontana, CA. Lawrence F. Robinson passed on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the age of 58.

The funeral service has been held.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to NAMI Urban Los Angeles http://www.namiurbanla.org/ .

Other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The Rev. John Cager, III and family
Bethel AME Church
16262 Baseline Street
Fontana, CA 92335
Phone: 909-350-9401

Email expressions to: kinetteandjohn@sbcglobal.net

14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Sharing with regret news of the passing of Mr. James A. Branson, the uncle of Dr. Sheila E. Harris, pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee and the Rev. Fred Harris, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Stanford, Kentucky and the Rev. Sylvia A. Harris, pastor of Historic Allen Chapel AME Church, Kansas City, KS.

The funeral service has been held.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

The family of James A. Branson
4171 Webb Road
Chattanooga, TN 37146
Phone: 423-855-5835

Email expressions to: h4sheila@bellsouth.net

15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. Harold Grant, who was the brother of the Reverend Howard Grant, Presiding Elder of the Newark District, New Jersey Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

The funeral service has been held.

Condolences may be sent to:
Rev. Howard Grant
96 Harper Avenue
Irvington, NJ 07111

16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of the Reverend Claiborne Jones (Itinerant Elder, Retired) Jackson-Meridian District, East Mississippi Conference, Eighth Episcopal District, on Thursday, July 24, 2008.

Celebration of Life Service for the Rev. Claiborne Jones:
Friday, August 1, 2008
2:00 p.m.
New West Point Missionary Baptist Church
709 Wayne Street
Waynesboro, MS 39367

Funeral services provided by:
McDonald and Son Funeral Home
303 Spring Street
Waynesboro, MS 39367
Phone: 601-735-4337
Fax: 601-735-4758

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:

Mrs. Linda Williams (Daughter)
112 Claiborne Jones Road
Waynesboro, MS 39367-7754
Phone: (601) 671-3740
Cell: 601-381-4118

17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Caroline A. P. Wakia, the wife of Rev. G. K. Wakia of the Liberia Annual Conference, Fourteenth Episcopal District. Mrs. Caroline A. P. Wakia was a life member of the WMS and past President of the Liberia Annual Conference Minister Spouses, Widows and Widowers Association.

Funeral Services will be held on August 9, 2008 in Monrovia, Liberia, West Africa.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to: rwysayma@aol.com

Submitted by Bishop David R. Daniels, Jr.

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

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

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.