Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
1. EDITORIAL –: THE PASTOR IS NOT THE TEAM CAPTAIN:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III,
The 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder
I never mastered the rudiments of basketball because all of the running around confused me. The first high school I attended, Arts High in Newark, New Jersey did not have a football team so I tried out for the swimming team and the fencing team, but they were not a good fit for me; so I played basketball by default. Arts High had a so-so basketball team; we won some games, but we lost more than we won.
When my family moved to Rahway, New Jersey, Rahway High School had a championship football team and finally I had found my niche and football was a game that I understood. I played first-string offensive guard and defensive end. I was on my way to a college scholarship until I suffered a knee injury. As good as I was, I was never selected or appointed as the team captain. In the two sports that I played in high school, we always had a team captain; one of the super-star players was selected to be team captain. In Rahway, the team captain was the star player, fullback Joe Williams; he was the most athletic player on the team and went on to play at Iowa and played a short time with the New York Giants.
A team captain, with strong leadership skills can make a difference in any sport; a team captain with strong leadership skills can motivate and lead a team to success, and sometimes can lead an average team to success and can even motivate average players to excel.
The team captain has to be a member of the team. An All-American, blue chip basketball player, if he or she is not on the football team, cannot be the captain of the football team and an outstanding football star, who is not a member of the basketball team, cannot be the captain of the basketball team.
A strong team captain is an important part of any team or organization.
I think that we have confusion in many of our churches, and many of our churches see the pastor as a “team captain.”
Nope, the pastor is not the team captain
If the team captain has to be one of the team members, selected or appointed from among the team, the pastor cannot be the team captain because in the African Methodist Episcopal Church the pastor is a member of the annual conference, not the local church. The pastor cannot be the team captain in the local church.
The pastor is the coach
When I played sports, as important as the team captain was, the coach was the person who directed the team, developed strategies, formulated plays, directed the execution of all facets of the team and even selected or approved who was going to be the team captain. The coach trained and worked with the athletes to prepare them for competition, and helped athletes to play their best individually or as a team. The coach was in charge of the team and the “buck stopped with the coach.” In high school or college, if a coach does not meet the expectations of the athletic director or the school district, the coach has to bear the consequences.
The “pastor as coach” is the spiritual leader whose responsibilities includes preaching and teaching the Word of God, administer the Sacraments, officiate at weddings, funerals, and other worship events; and oversees the administration and management of all areas of the ministry of the local church in coordination with the Stewards, Trustees and presidents of organizations.
The “pastor as coach” is a trainer to other clergy on the ministerial staff who have primary responsibility in the various ministries of the church; those clergy persons on staff who have ministerial responsibilities may be designated as team captains. The “pastor as coach” has the responsibility to support, supervise, manage, evaluate, and oversee the various ministries of the church. The “pastor as coach” is expected to build a sense of teamwork among the leadership, coordinate the ministries of the church and facilitate open communication. The “pastor as coach” provides pastoral care, pastoral visitation, counseling, and prayer and to make appropriate referrals when necessary and quickly respond to crisis situations which arise in the congregation. The “pastor as coach” has the responsibility to build the team, that is, select stewards, nominate trustees, and to organize the ministry teams of the local church. The “pastor as coach” has the responsibility to instruct candidates for church membership and to prepare them for full membership and to seek out those persons who have not made a decision for Christ. (See The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, hereinafter The Discipline 2008)
The “pastor as coach” has a great responsibility and with all that’s required of the pastor, he or she cannot, at the same time be the team captain and the coach.
The leadership responsibilities of the two positions are inherently different. While leadership does come from coaches, the real leadership comes from within the team itself; so the team captain is critically important.
A weak captain with poor leadership skills can hinder a team’s chances of competing and bonding successfully.
I suspect that some of the officers of the local church have not understood the delineation of the “pastor as coach” versus the “pastor as team captain” and some pastors have not delineated the difference.
The problem
Too many pastors function as team captains. They lead Trustee and Steward Board meetings, take over the choir, take charge of the Church School, lead youth meetings, sign all of the checks and actively involve themselves in every activity of the church. Dr. Joel Gregory recently said, “What most pastors need to do is to get some rest.”
The Discipline 2008 might precipitate some of the ambivalence that blurs the line between the “pastor as coach” and the “pastor as team captain.” The Discipline 2008 says on Page 113, “The pastor shall call and preside over the Boards of Stewards and Trustees and all meetings for the transaction of spiritual and temporal business in the charge…” In some situations, such as in an aggressive building or stewardship program, a pastor could spend an inordinate amount of time in meetings to the neglect of his or her pastoral duties.
On the other hand, The Discipline 2008 on Page 65 gives the pastor permission to appoint a chairperson pro tem to act in his or her absence. In essence with the appointment of a pro tem, that person becomes the team captain. The next sentence in the same paragraph states, “All business conducted in his or her absence shall be subject to veto by the pastor,” which clearly characterizes the “pastor as coach.” In athletics, the coach can veto the actions of the team captain. The team captain might tell the members of the team that they can stay out until 3 a.m., but the coach can veto that decision and lay down the rule that the team curfew will be 11 p.m.
Many AME Churches utilize Steward pro tem and Trustee pro tem. Pro tem is a Latin term that means, “Temporarily” or “for or ‘instead of,’” which allows pastors to absent themselves from meetings and function as a coach. The AME Church also says that pastors are ex officio members of all organizations, which also follows the model of “pastor as coach.”
Ideally, a pastor should function as the coach and not as the team captain. The Steward pro tem and the Trustee pro tem are the team captains of those organizations. The presidents of the organizations are team captains. The pastor should designate either, the minister of music, the organist, the pianist, the director of the choir – one of those, depending upon the size of the congregation, to be the team captain; somebody has to be in-charge.
Let me say this; if the pastor is present at the Steward Board Meeting, the pro tem does not function “in place of” and the pastor functions as the team captain. I would go so far as to say if a pro tem is designated, then the pro tem should be allowed to function as the team captain and if the trust level is where it should be, there would be no need for the pastor to be present. As the “coach,” The Discipline 2008 states, “All business conducted in his or her (the pastor’s) absence shall be subject to veto by the pastor.” There is no need for the pastor to be present at every meeting, but the operative words are, “trust” and “competence in the ability” of the pro tem.
When the Steward or Trustee Boards meet, the pastor could be doing something else like making pastoral visits, working on a sermon or doing some other pastoral function, in other words, functioning as a coach and not as a team captain.
A successful team needs a coach and a team captain. Members of the team must be committed to the team, respect authority and follow the leadership of the team captain and the coach. When those three entities work together, the result is a winning team!
Next Week - Part 2: The Team
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
To the Editor:
RE: Editorial, “Meetings, Meetings, Meetings
While I agree that meetings are important and no organization can function without them, I am of the opinion that we do have more unnecessary meetings.
Economically, many organizations have had to make serious concessions everywhere; public institutions are experiencing significant cutbacks.
Now in our case, the AME Church, where do we draw the line? I agree that we need to conduct training, education/information sessions and yes, the business of the church in small, large and of course the en mass gatherings; biannually, quadrennially and annually.
We do however, need to look more at the feasibility for those most affected/effected now. I listen to many people who simply cannot send young people and delegates to functions without major fundraising efforts or choosing not to attend at all. Although the body of Christ should not be in such a state, it's a reality more now that ever.
I thought technology was the great solution to the "too many meetings" syndrome (thank you for the information on social networking and its evils). We do need to make better use of conference calls, teleconferencing and websites more now than before. I believe they are good interim tools. I have attended fewer meetings in the last 3-4 years than ever for personal reasons, but thanks to the TCR, video streaming and other "sources", I still feel connected. For the short term, we need to be more apt when it comes to consolidating as much as possible.
- To the Editor:
RE: News Break: Message from Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District
I am, through a witness of the fabulous work and ministry going on in the 18th Episcopal District. Spending a day with fellow brothers and sisters at the 18th Episcopal District Midyear Session last week in Maseru (Lesotho), I heard their enthusiasm and saw their excitement. They are excited about the ministry taking place in the district and the visible signs the ministry evidences through the leadership and encouragement of the episcopal team, Bishop and Supervisor McCloud.
Both the material and prayerful support Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr. and Supervisor Patricia McCloud are asking for is will produce both spiritual and physical results.
The FC James in Maseru is standing tall over the Basotho capital city. AMEs in that city must be proud about the development in that property from which ministry is prayerfully conceived.
Thank God for the Rev. Dr. Eric Brown and the Rev. Dr. George Flowers’ preaching! I didn’t hear Bishop Sarah Davis’ sermon the previous night because I had not arrived at the meeting venue, but I heard the reverberations of her proclamation. God deserves our praise for her ministry and delivery of the Word!
Because He Lives, I am
The Rev. Teboho G. Klaas
- To the Editor:
Re: Bible Reading Challenge IV: Update - 2010 - Reading the Bible from Cover to Cover
Reference your Bible Reading Challenge IV, I think you are probably beyond reading the Bible in one year simply because you have done it before. A beginner would likely find the one-year reading plan the easiest to do, whereas you struggle with "the slow pace" of reading 3 chapters a day, That would be a huge challenge for most people, trying to get 3 chapters into their busy day. The use of Miller's The Complete Guide to the Bible sounds like an effective biblical tool, as you use it.
God bless you as you “pick up the pace.
Name withheld
- To the Editor:
Re: Bible Reading Challenge IV: Update - 2010 - Reading the Bible from Cover to Cover
Thanks for these tips! I regret to say that I did not get started like I should have, and now I am going to have to make it a fiscal year or bump it up to the 90-Day plan starting April 1, 2010. I am leaning to this because the year plan tends to tempt me to miss a day.
Sister Billie Irvin
3. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH RAISES ALMOST $1.5 MILLION FOR DISASTER RELIEF:
All of the churches have not reported; we are not finished yet!
Dr. Richard A. Lewis, Sr. Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, AMEC Finance Office reported that $1,454,909.16 has been received for AMEC Haiti/Malawi Disaster Relief as of March 24, 2010.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church designated two Sundays, January 17 and January 24, 2010, for every AME Church in the twenty Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to collect funds for Haiti/Malawi Disaster Relief and to date, $1,454,909.16 has been collected.
Dr. Richard A. Lewis, Sr. Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer, AMEC Finance Office wishes to thank all of the Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church for their hard work, coordination and generosity in collecting the funds for this Herculean endeavor. Dr. Lewis and the Bishops of the Church also extend thanks to the presiding elders, pastors, and laity for their hard work and responsiveness to the call for stewardship above and beyond the normal stewardship required of the members of the AME Church. Special thanks to the AMEC General Officers, anonymous donors, AMEC endorsed Chaplains and the generous donation of $100,000 from the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
Updates from the 16th Episcopal District can be found on its website: http://ame16th.com/haiti and updates from the Department of Global Witness and Ministry can be found on its website: http://www.ameglobalmissions.org/.
Updates for the Haiti/Malawi Disaster Relief can also be found on the AMEC Official Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
4. THANK YOU FOR BEING AVAILABLE AND FAITHFUL TO THE WORK OF THE AME CHURCH:
Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director-Consultant
Dear Leadership, Members, and Friends of the AME Church,
Thanks for being available! Thanks for being faithful and committed to making a difference!
Since last year, we've been working together. From the THOUSANDS of people you helped turn out to listen to the faith community's health care call with President Obama, to the information sessions held to help provide correct information to the community, to the miles you walked as testimony to lives lost and sojourners you welcomed along the trek from Mother Bethel to the Nation's Capital, to the phone calls you made, to the family- neighbors- and friends that you convinced to get involved, to the tens of thousands of calls and emails you sent to Senators and Representatives -- the faith community has been recognized on Capitol Hill and in the media for playing an indispensable role in moving health care reform forward.
And in the last hours, in spite of continuing with the regular work of the Church, our Episcopal leadership responded over and over again to appeals for calls to legislators who needed to hear from their constituents. We know "up close and personally" what impact no medical coverage or costly medicines have had on us, our loved ones and those who need vital medical care.
While the work on health care is not quite done, what we have already achieved together is historic. Today, our work was recognized with an invitation to be a part of a private briefing with President Obama at the Dept of the Interior so that we can obtain information to help you understand the CHANGE that has been "hard won" over these last 14 months. While we were unable to attend, the mere invitation puts the AME Church on the cutting edge of helping to make a difference in the lives of so many and in the communities where we minister to all humankind.
We can't thank you enough for all your hard work. With God, and together, this is our victory!! Be well...
SIStah "Jackie"
Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director-Consultant
Social Action Commission - AME Church
JDUPONTW@aol.com
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Social Action Commission/
President Council of Bishops
eighthdistamec08@aol.com
Note: A Summary of the benefits of the Healthcare Reform will be forthcoming
Message from Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Presiding Prelate of the 18th Episcopal District
5. MESSAGE FOR SUPPORTERS OF THE 18TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus!
It has been a few months now since we have written to you.
Our second series of Annual Conferences ended prayerfully on October 10, 2009. Supervisor Pat and I continue to be excited about the work and we measure regularly what should and can be accomplished next.
Bishop Adam J. and Supervisor Connie Richardson are helping us to build our first church in Beira, Mozambique. The AME Church came to Mozambique in 1955 and we have one church building in this country to date.
In Swaziland, at the Selulasandla, Vashti AME Village we have completed the Bishop John H. and Dolly Adams Administration Building with compliments.
Because of the falling US dollar exchange rate Bishop McKinley and Supervisor Dorothy Young generously contributed so we could finish the building and purchase furniture for the administration building.
Unfortunately, we had to close Hillsdale Primary School in Manzini, Swaziland for seven days because twenty three (23) of our students became ill with the H1N1 virus. Gratefully the children are fine and the school has reopened. We are thankful to the medical personnel from the Swaziland government hospital in Mbabane, Swaziland for serving the citizens and the school. The Episcopal residence has been completely renovated and the F. C. James Center work continues.
We are thankful for your financial gifts, although some have stopped and others who have promised are having difficulties following through. We really need your continued support. The work we have started will falter without your financial support. Please, help us to keep the 18th Episcopal District Dream alive.
A report of the donations made to our $75K Appeal will be posted on our website (www.18thdistrictamec.org) in the near future.
As always, we invite you to become a part of the work of the 18th Episcopal District by becoming a “Covenant Partner.”
Please review the information in the 18th Episcopal District Website:
www.18thdistrictamec.org
We invite you to plan a trip to Southern Africa during our sojourn here and include the 18th Episcopal District in your itinerary. We are excited and hope that you are excited for us.
Please add us to your prayer list and keep us and the work lifted up to the LORD.
Warm regards,
E. Earl McCloud, Jr.
Resident Bishop, 18th Episcopal District, African Methodist Episcopal Church (Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland)
P. O. Box 310043
Atlanta, GA 31131-0043
011-266-2232-0869 Office
404-691-1091 Home
011-266-2231-1801 Episcopal Residence
6. NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE CONVENES IN GREENWOOD, MISSISSIPPI:
Mrs. Janet Brown
The convening of the 135th Session of the North Mississippi Annual Conference was historically significant. This 135th Session marked the first annual conference meeting of the merging of the former Central North and North-East-West Mississippi Annual Conferences into the North Mississippi Conference. Under the leadership of the spirit filled presiding Prelate of the Exciting Energetic Eighth Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, Supervisor Lola Nixon-Cheltenham, Host Presiding Elder, the Rev. James Holmes and Associate Presiding Elders, the Rev. William Hardiman and the Rev. J.L. Moore, members from across North Mississippi descended upon Greenwood, Mississippi.
The WMS conducted its annual meeting Tuesday. The morning session began with Sister Adrienne Marshall-McNeal, president, presiding. Following the greetings extended by Sister McNeal, Sister Ethel Morrison, Eighth Episcopal District WMS President; Dr. Shirley Hopkins-Davis, Connectional WMS 1st Vice President and Sister Lola Nixon Cheltenham, Episcopal Supervisor, the Tanner Turner Memorial Service was held. The business session featured highlights / reports from Area Chairpersons, Treasurers, Historiographer / Statisticians and YPD Directors from the two merging conferences. The morning session ended with exciting reports from Commissions in Flight.
Sister Beatrice Peace, outgoing president of the former North-East-West MS Conference, presided over the afternoon session. President’s reports were received from Sister Peace and Sister McNeal. A very informative health awareness workshop on HIV/AIDS was conducted by Mr. Mark Vortice, Director of the Ryan White Program, Marks, Mississippi. The remaining committee reports were received, and the installation of officers for 2009-20011 was held.
The Night-in-White experience featured a dynamic proclamation of the Word by the Rev. Nida Pittman, London Chapel AME Church. The service ended with the capping and pinning ceremony and remarks by the Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tyler-Guidry.
The North Mississippi Conference opened with worship service with Presiding Elder William Hardiman Jr. serving as worship leader. The conference choir provided music and the annual sermon, “Here Am I, Send Me”, was delivered by the Rev. Larry Story. Bishop Tyler-Guidry, presiding elders and pastors led the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Visitors included presiding elders and their spouses and pastors from the South Mississippi Conference, Central North Louisiana Conference and the Louisiana Conference of the Eighth Episcopal District.
The first day afternoon session began with devotion after which Bishop Tyler-Guidry called for roll call of the New, Noble and Naturally Beautiful North Mississippi Conference. Following roll call, the chair called for organization of the conference. Following the reports from presiding elders, the class on Admissions, First, Second, Third and Fourth year studies was called. Committees and trustees were appointed. Two deaconesses, Sister Berry Niece Stigler and Sister Hattie Watson, were confirmed.
The first day evening service was led by the Sons of Allen with the theme “Men Making a Difference” (Ezekiel 22:30). Words of inspiration, “Stand in the Gap” were given by Brother Melvin Pitts. Guests included representatives from the Grenada Police Department, Mayor of the City of Greenwood, Administrators from the Leflore County School District, Senator Willie Simmons and Senator Johnny Walls. Senators Simmons and Walls presented Bishop Tyler-Guidry with a Proclamation Plaque and host pastor the Rev. Ray Jackson with a plaque of recognition. Bishop Tyler-Guidry was presented a bust of Richard Allen from the Rev. Sutton, which she stated would be placed in the Episcopal Residence.
The second day began with devotion followed by conference institute sessions on Lay Leadership. Pastoral reports were called for and presented at both the morning and afternoon sessions. The Hour of Power sermon was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Jo Baldwin entitled “The Power of the Word”.
During pastoral reports, the delegate from London Chapel explained how St. John, London Chapel and Hunter Chapel had been working together on a trial basis and has the desire to merge into one congregation. The second day evening session was an ecumenical worship service. The message was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Calvin E. Collins “Try it Again”.
On the third day business session Sweet Home became a station church and the merged congregations of St. John, London Chapel and Hunter Chapel would be Trinity AME Church. Committee reports were presented. The Hour of Power sermon was delivered by the Rev. Herbert Spears “How to Lead from Behind”. Committee reports were continued in the afternoon session. The third day evening session was Lay Witness Night. Theme: Refocusing Our Ministry to Serve the Present Age. Presentations were made for Dedicated Services, Lay Person of the Year, Most Supportive Pastors and Educational Scholarship.
Disciplinary questions were called for during the fourth day morning session, followed by the Ordination-Memorial Services. The Word was proclaimed by Presiding Elder J.L. Moore. The YPD met during the same time to conduct their business session. The youth attended the Ordination-Memorial Service and provided the music. The afternoon workshops were Sexual Misconduct Workshop and Key Person Life Insurance. The Young People and Children’s Division presented the evening session. The messenger was Dr. LaShaunda Massey.
The Conference closed out on Sunday with Bishop Tyler-Guidry delivering the message, preaching on Inheritance-My Grand mommy’s Religion. Under the leadership of our determined Episcopal Leader, Bishop Carolyn Tyler-Guidry, our conference leadership and our membership, the North Mississippi Conference is committed to spreading the Word of God and facing and meeting the challenges that we face with faith, perseverance and love.
*Mrs. Janet Brown is the North Mississippi Conference Reporter; Email: alphanease@hotmail.com
7. BIBLE READING CHALLENGE IV - UPDATE 2010, READING THE BIBLE FROM COVER TO COVER:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
I started out 2010 with the One Year Reading Plan of reading the Bible from Cover to Cover. I actually started the journey on December 27, 2009 reading the New Revised Standard Version (The New Interpreter’s Study Bible – NRSV with the Apocrypha).
On January 1, 2010, I switched to the King James Version (The Scofield Study Bible), but I wasn’t happy with the King James Version, especially with the notes in the Scofield Study Bible, so on January 25, 2010, I switched back to the NRSV. I still had some discomfort. I have now decided that that the issue is my difficulty with the Year-Long Reading Plan. It was easy to miss a day because in the back of my mind I was thinking that I could easily catch up – what’s three chapters. My experience with the intense 90-Day Bible Reading Plan was that there was no way that I was going to miss a day because 12 pages is a lot more than three chapters.
So, I decided a couple of days ago that I am going to transition to the 90-Day Reading Plan because the Year-Long Reading Plan is not intense enough for me.
So, you can see that I have been struggling with the slow pace of reading about three chapters a day. I am going to “bump it up” and finish the reading of the Bible from Cover to Cover using the 90-Day Reading plan.
For some of you, the Year-Long Plan of Reading the Bible from Cover to Cover might be doable, but for me it is not comfortable. I hope to finish reading the by the middle of May, or sooner.
Helpful Hint: the most helpful resource for me in reading the Bible from cover to cover is the book, The Complete Guide to the Bible (ISBN 978-1-59789-374-9) by Stephen M. Miller. It gives a synopsis of each book of the Bible and each time I start a new book of the Bible I read the short chapter in Miller’s book, which has a book-by-book background and explanation of each book in the Bible. It has a lot of fascinating details about the Bible.
8. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER UPDATE - COMPUTER ISSUES RESOLVED:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Technology is wonderful and adds convenience, when it works properly, but when it does not work properly, technology can be frustrating.
As some of you know, The Christian Recorder experienced serious computer issues. The computer issues have been resolved and TCR is back up and running. The bottom-line is that we need to add more memory to the computer, which has been ordered; and TCR needs to think seriously about getting a new computer, which TCR plans to do in the near future.
Thank you for your patience. We will answer inquiries and acknowledge receipt of articles.
9. JUDGE PENNY DELIVERS A DYNAMIC BLACK HISTORY MESSAGE:
*Dr. Monica McIntyre
Knights Monumental AME Church in Stockbridge, Georgia where the pastor is the Rev. Philip A. Bannamon held its Annual Black History Program on February 28, 2010.
The theme was “African Americans Continuing to Run the Race of Faith," and the Honorable, Rev. Judge Penny Brown Reynolds, host of the Emmy-nominated show, Family Court with Judge Penny spoke about her personal struggles as well as the struggles of so many of African Americans past and present who have paved the way “for all of us.”
The Rev. Shirley Daniels, first lady of the South Atlanta District served as worship leader.
Judge Penny, Presiding Elder Walter Daniels, and The Gladys Adams Ensemble favored the congregation with soul-stirring songs and Yulani Johnson, age 10, the granddaughter of Clifford and Adoracion Ball performed a ministry in dance.
Afterwards, Judge Penny held a book signing for her new book, 7 Steps to Peace of Mind (Brentwood Christian Press).
It was a wonderful evening filled with poetry, dance, singing, reflecting, and celebrating the accomplishments and the rich heritage of African Americans.
For more information on Knights Monumental AME Church, visit their website at www.knightsmonumental.org.
*Dr. Monica McIntyre served as the Chairperson of the Knights Monumental AME Church Annual Black History celebration.
10. BENEDICT COLLEGE CONCERT AT BETHEL AME CHURCH,
Friday, March 5, 2010 Bethel AME Church in Pennsauken, New Jersey was blessed for two hours by the singing of 38 angelic voices of Benedict College, directed by Dr. Linda Kershaw. The Benedict College choir was their spring concert/recruiting tour.
They open this concert with “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and sang a full array of music from Negro Spirituals to contemporary gospel, most notably the gospel song, “Total Praise.” Songs sung included, “We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder”, “Who will be a Witness”, “Wade in the Water”, “A Balm in Gilead”, “Fairest Lord Jesus”, and “My Soul has been Anchored in the Lord.”
Benedict College choir ended the concert with a recessional and singing, “We are Marching.”
After the concert, the choir members were served a meal and they thanked the cook by singing, “Bless these Biscuits.”
A wonderful part of the evening was that two teenagers requested Benedict College admission applications.
Submitted by, Reverend Lanxton L. Washington
11. MANY MORE PERSONS ARE USING THE INTERNET AND IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE CONSTANTLY UPDATED:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
Many more persons are using the internet and it’s important to constantly be updated. Please remember that technology is great and technology is convenient and makes life simpler. But the internet can also cause problems and make life more complicated.
Many of you are still sending emails with exposed email addresses. Multiple addressed email messages should be sent Bcc (Blind Copy) so that email addresses are not able to be viewed.
All forwarded messages are not bad, but some are bad and we need to stay away from the bad ones. In many instance your gut can tell you when you have received a bad one.
Good Advice
1) Any time you see an email that tells you to forward the message to “10” (or however many) of your friends; to sign a petition, or you'll get bad luck, good luck; you may see something funny on your screen after you send it. Many of those types of messages almost always have tracker programs attached that tracks the “cookies” and emails of those folks you forward to. The host sender is getting a copy each time it gets forwarded and then is able to get lists of active email addresses from your email messages to use in SPAM emails, or sell to other spammers.
When you get emails that demand or encourages you forward an email “If you're not ashamed of God/Jesus…that message is most likely email tracking and the originator of the message is playing on your conscience. Unscrupulous persons don’t care how they get your email address - just as long as they get it.
Emails that talk about a missing child or a child with an incurable disease and, "How would you feel if that was your child" again, email tracking. Ignore those kinds of messages and don't participate!
2) Almost all emails that ask you to add your name and forward a message to others is a way to get names and “cookie” tracking information for telemarketers and spammers and to validate active email accounts for their own profitable and sometimes duplicitous purposes.
3) Do yourself a favor and STOP adding your name(s) to those types of listings regardless how inviting they might sound or how guilty they make you feel. You may think you are supporting a great cause, but you are NOT! Instead, you will be getting tons of junk mail later and very possibly a virus!
Those types of message of “Send this message to 10 (or however many friends)” messages is all about getting email addresses!
An Important Reminder: Email petitions are not acceptable to Congress or any other governmental organization. Petitions to be acceptable must have a signed signature and full mailing address of the persons signing petitions, so forwarding petitions is a waste of time and remember you are only helping email trackers who do not have your best interests in mind.
You can do your Friends and Family members a GREAT favor by sharing this information to them and you will be providing a service to your friends, and you may be rewarded by not getting thousands of spam email messages in the future!
And, one thing – Bill Gates is not giving away money nor is he, or anyone else, giving away free computers!
12. CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRESIDENT EDWARD L. WHEELER TO BE NAMED PRESIDENT EMERITUS:
Christian Theological Seminary to begin search for new president immediately
The desire for a smooth presidential transition has prompted the board of trustees of Christian Theological Seminary to accelerate the search for a candidate to succeed the institution’s current leader, President Edward L. Wheeler. Hoping that the new president can assume the office by July 1, 2011, Wheeler has been named president emeritus by the board effective July 1, 2011. Wheeler has agreed to serve until a new president assumes the position.
Wheeler will retire on June 12, 2012, the final day of his third five-year contract leading the school, as he and the board had previously announced. Wheeler has been the longest-serving president in CTS’s 50 year history.
“This plan provides for a smooth transition to new leadership that will hopefully allow CTS to continue to move forward without a break in its momentum,” Wheeler said in a statement he made to CTS faculty, students and staff at a meeting held on March 15. Both the board and Wheeler envision that the new president will be able to draw on Wheeler’s expertise and experience during the year of transition.
The process of searching for a new president has already begun. A transition committee formed by the board of trustees will be working with the CTS faculty; staff and students to determine what qualities are needed and desired in a new president. A search committee, yet to be appointed, will be made of up to seven trustees as well as representatives from the faculty, student body, business community and leaders of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the denomination most closely associated with governance of the ecumenical seminary.
No timetable has been identified for the search committee, except for Board President David Herzog’s stated desire for the new president to begin service in July, 2011.
“It has been a wonderful privilege to serve this community and I look forward to continuing my presidency through next year as well as serving in the role of President Emeritus,” said Wheeler. “ I want to thank the Board for the respect they have shown for my years of service by the way they have worked with me to develop a way to meet the institution’s needs. Most of all, I want to thank this community for the love, support and encouragement you have extended.”
CTS is a fully accredited ecumenical seminary and is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). It offers eight graduate-level degree programs, including theology, ministry and counseling, with specializations in ministries that emphasize the arts and programs for life-long learning. More than 25 denominations are represented among faculty and students.
13. SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES COCAINE SENTENCING LEGISLATION:
WASHINGTON - The Senate this evening voted by unanimous consent to pass a bill that would make crucial changes to current cocaine sentencing laws. The bill, the Fair Sentencing Act, was originally introduced by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) to eliminate the discriminatory 100-1 disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentencing under federal law. During the bill's markup last week, however, a compromise was reached with Republican Judiciary Committee members that reduce the disparity to an 18-1 ratio. A bill addressing the disparity in the House, the Fairness in Cocaine Sentencing Act, was passed by the House Judiciary Committee last year and currently awaits a vote by the full chamber.
More than two decades ago, based on assumptions about crack which are now known to be false, heightened penalties for crack cocaine offenses were adopted. Sentences for crack are currently equivalent to the sentences for 100 times the amount of powder cocaine, and the impact falls disproportionately on African Americans. In recent years, a consensus has formed across the political and ideological spectrum on the crack and powder cocaine sentencing disparity issue with both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama urging reform.
The American Civil Liberties Union believes the Fair Sentencing Act is a step toward a fairer system but falls short of adequately fixing the existing unjust sentencing gap.
The following can be attributed to Laura W. Murphy, Director of the ACLU Washington Legislative Office:
"The Fair Sentencing Act is an encouraging step toward eliminating the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine but still allows for a needlessly unfair sentencing framework. The unanimous passage of this bill speaks to the understanding across the political spectrum that this disparity is unjust and in need of reform. Years of research have yielded no evidence of any appreciable difference between crack and powder cocaine and yet we continue to inflict this disparity on Americans.
"For over two decades, this sentencing disparity has been a stain on our justice system. Though this bill's passage is long overdue, it does not go far enough. Without a simple and fair 1-1 sentencing ratio for crack and powder cocaine, we cannot say that these sentencing laws meet constitutional muster."
Contact: Mandy Simon, (202) 675-2312 or media@dcaclu.org
14. THE 20TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE:
The Right Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Joan McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor
MALAWI NORTH
July 27, 2010
Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
July 28 - 31, 2010
Ikama AMEC, Host Church
Buyonde
Kyera, Tanzania
The Rev. Dauden Mwaipinga, Host Pastor
The Rev. Wilson M. Ngulube, Host Presiding Elder
MALAWI CENTRAL
August 3, 2010
Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
August 4 – 8, 2010
Mdabwi AMEC, Host Church
Kasungu, Malawi
The Rev. Manuel M. Chamamba, Host Pastor & Presiding Elder
MALAWI SOUTH
August 10, 2010
Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
August 11 – 15, 2010
Thomas Chapel AMEC, Host Church
Salima, Malawi
The Rev. Davison Moyo, Host Pastor
The Rev. Vorster Nkhoma, Presiding Elder
Rest Week August 16 – 22, 2010
SOUTHWEST ZIMBABWE
August 24, 2010
Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
August 25 – 29, 2010
Ball Tabernacle AMEC, Host Church
Nketa Drive Mpopoma
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Phillip S. Gava, Host Pastor & Presiding Elder
CENTRAL ZIMBABWE
August 31, 2010
Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
September 1 – 5, 2010
Gow Temple AMEC, Host Church
Mucheke A Mabyira 5
Masvingo, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Piet Muparuri, Host Pastor & Presiding Elder
NORTHEAST ZIMBABWE
September 7, 2010
Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
September 8 – 12, 2010
Phillip Life Centre AMEC, Host Church
New Marlbrough
Harare, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Israel Chimuse, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dereck Mapanga, Host Presiding Elder
15. NEWS AROUND THE AME CHURCH:
- Bishop McKenzie is preaching at Young's Chapel in Louisville, Kentucky on Monday, March 29 at 7:00 p.m.
- New pastoral appointments in West Tennessee:
The Rev Darrell Scott appointed to Wilson Chapel AMEC, Memphis, Tennessee
The Rev. David Yancey appointed to New Lewis Chapel AMEC, Lexington, Tennessee
Submitted by the Rev. I. W. Booker
16. SIMPLE SERMONS SAVE SOULS:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
The acquisition of knowledge is a wonderful thing. It is good to acquire all the education and knowledge that is available, but it is not how much education and knowledge you acquire, but what you do with it, is essential.
It is good to know Latin and Greek and to know the derivatives of words and terms. It is a good thing to have exegetical and hermeneutical skills.
You may be capable of remembering and reciting scriptures and you may be historically astute when it comes to biblical history, but when it comes down to it; clear, simple and straightforward sermons save Souls.
We must keep in mind that the Bible cannot be improved upon and it needs no defending; the Bible does not contradict itself.
Of all of the names that have been attributed to God, God said, “I am,” and so, we must preach, “God is!” It is as simple as that!
We often proclaim that God is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient; all we are saying is that God is all-powerful, God is everywhere and God is all-knowing; it is as simple as that! That cannot be improved upon, no matter what language / tongue you may speak.
John 3:16 cannot be put any plainer, no matter how astute you may be; “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” It is as simple as that; that verse saves souls. Anyone could understand that regardless of his or her academic level.
Preachers must not squander their time trying to impress their listeners in an attempt to show they have acquired a little theological knowledge by using theological terms and big words. If your sermon is simple it will reach those from Kindergarten through Ph.D.
We must preach Jesus and Him crucified. The Bible does not mandate us to do anything that is impossible or impractical.
“Love your enemies; bless them that curse you, Do good to them that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you.”
The Ten Commandments that God gave to Moses are plain and simple and surely no interpreter is needed. You don’t have to be a Rhodes Scholar to understand that; it is the straightforward sermons that saves souls.
When Philip saw an Ethiopian sitting in his chariot reading the passage from Isaiah, the Spirit directed him to go closer to the chariot. Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you are reading?” The Ethiopian responded, “How can I except some man guide me?” Philip, keeping it simple, clearly explained the passage and. And the man did not hesitate but requested to be baptized right then and there all because Philip provided the Ethiopian with a straightforward message from God.
Jesus made it simple for the Disciples to remember Him and His sacrifice. He simply took bread and wine and gave to them and said, “Do this in remembrance of me”; it was as simple as that.
One of the most effective sermons I have ever heard was ‘God is.” When the preacher finished the sermon and with his style of celebrating - the message was clear and plain about the “Is-ness” of God.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, author, teacher, counselor, humorist, is a retired pastor who lives in Eatonville, Florida.
17. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Dr. Monica L. Dillihunt received Tenure with promotion on March 9, 2009, at The University of Alabama Huntsville. Dr. Monica is the daughter of Mrs. Gwen Dillihunt, member of the General Conference Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the cousin of Dr. Clement W. Fugh, Chief Information Officer, African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Monica L. Dillihunt is a graduate of Howard University, where she received her degree in Educational Psychology and a subspecialty in Educational Leadership and Administration in 2003. She also received her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a M. Ed in Education from Mercer University in Atlanta. Dr. Dillihunt has broad areas of research interests that include culture, multiple intelligences, differentiating instruction, learning and socialization processes, motivation and classroom management, and minority student achievement. Dr. Dillihunt's current work focuses on measuring the degree of alignment between home and school cultures of minority student populations and understanding its link to academic motivation and performance. Dr. Dillihunt's professional memberships include American Educational Research Association (AERA), National Staff Development Council (NSDC), American Psychological Association (APA), and National Association of Black School Educators (NABSE).
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to:
Dr. Monica Dillihunt: dillihm@uah.edu
Mrs. Gwen Dillihunt: Gdillihu@aol.com
- Piccola Ann Bright-Washington was recognized by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated at their twenty-second Annual Finer Womanhood Observance Banquet held on March 6, 2010 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. She was honored for Dedicated Service in Education. Piccola recently retired from teaching after 36 years in public education. She is a member of the Arkansas Education Association, the Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association and she has served as a Board member of the Arkansas Education Association.
Piccola Ann Bright-Washington is the spouse of the Rev. W. T. Washington, who retired after 53 years of ministerial service in the 12th Episcopal District. The Rev. and Mrs. Washington have been married for 45 years. They have two children and six grandchildren. Piccola has served as Conference Branch President of the Central Arkansas Conference and as the president of the 12th Episcopal District M-SWAWO. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the ENE Conference Lay Organization.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: washingtor@sbcglobal.net
- Brother Carl Jackson and the Reverend Karen Jackson, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Monticello, Arkansas, will celebrate their 25TH wedding anniversary on March 26, 2010. Brother Carl Jackson and the Reverend Karen Jackson are the proud parents of two children, Je'Taime and Jordan.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: revkarenjackson@yahoo.com
- Mary Watson Hawkins has been named the 2010 Special Area Teacher of the Year for her work as a speech and language pathologist in the Kenosha, Wisconsin Unified School District. This is the highest honor awarded to any staff member in the district. In 1991 Mary also received the Distinguished Service Award for her district. It is very unusual for any one person to receive both of these honors! The award was presented at the Recognition Banquet on Monday, March 15, 2010, at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside. Mary is the wife of the Rev. Jesse Hawkins, Jr., pastor of St. John A.M.E. Church in Aurora, Illinois, and they have one son, David.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: mhawkins@kusd.edu
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Sister Madeline Spann Freeman. Sister Freeman was the wife of the Rev. Ronald Freeman, the pastor of the New Zion Hill AME Church in Thomson, Georgia. New Zion Hill AME Church is situated in the Sixth Episcopal District, on the Augusta-Athens P. E. District.
Sister Freeman passed on Saturday, March 20, 2010, in the South Fulton Hospital in Atlanta Georgia, following an extended illness. She is survived by, her husband, the Rev. Ronald Freeman, Sr.; 4 children: Ronald Jr., Angelita, Chandra, and Demitrius Freeman; her mother, Sister Lillianan Spann, and four brothers. Her father, Mr. Charles Anthony Spann, Sr. and two (2) brothers preceded her in death.
Service Arrangements for Sister Madeline Spann Freeman:
Funeral Services:
Saturday, March 27, 2010
11:00 a.m.
St. Paul AME Church
1540 Pryor Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30315
Dr. Thomas Bess, Pastor
Phone: 404-622-9711
Condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Ronald Freeman
3557 Windemere Drive
Hephzibah, Georgia 30815
Phone: 706-267-3007
The funeral services are entrusted to:
Murray Brother Funeral Home
1199 Utoy Spring Road
Atlanta, Georgia 30331
Phone: 404-349-3000
Fax: 404-349-5001
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to share news of the passing of Sister Dorothy Haslerig on Saturday, March 20, 2010.
Sister Dorothy Haslerig is the mother of Sister Delores Hodges, First Lady of Allen AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland, and the mother-in-law of the Rev. Robert L. Hodges, Sr., Pastor, Allen AME Church, Baltimore, Maryland - 2nd Episcopal District.
Service arrangements for Dorothy Haslerig:
Wake:
Thursday, March 25, 2010
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
John P. Franklin Funeral Home
1101 Dodds Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37404
(423) 622-9995
Homegoing Service
Friday, March 26, 2010
11:00 a.m.
Bethel AME Church
2000 Walker Avenue
Chattanooga, Tennessee
(423) 622-1261
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Sister Delores Hodges & Family
1457 S HWY 341
Chickamauga, Tennessee 30707
(706) 375-6227
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Glenn D. Sampson, who was the son-in-law of Presiding Elder Herbert L. Eddy and the Rev. Amelia Eddy of the New England Conference.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Leslie Eddy-Sampson or Rev. & Mrs. Herbert L. Eddy
1587 Bay Street
Springfield, MA 01109
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Eunice Ford, the aunt of the Rev. Dietra C. Bell, pastor at Bethel Tabernacle A.M.E. Church (New York Conference, Brooklyn/West Chester District).
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Greenidge Funeral Home
301 Absecon Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401
The Rev. Dietra C. Bell
90 Schenectady Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11213
Email: REVDVB123@aol.com
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to inform you of the passing of Godfrey Story, the brother of the Rev. Larry L. Story, pastor of Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, Columbus, Mississippi. Godfrey Story, a life-long member of New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Jacksonville, Florida, passed on Monday, March 15, 2010.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Rev. Larry L. Story and family
827 6th St. South
Columbus, Mississippi 39701
Phone: (662) 327-8573
Condolences may also be emailed to: LLANDLSTORY@yahoo.com
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Celebration of a Leader, Laborer and Legend: Homegoing Services for Brother Thomas Edward "Peter" Greene, First Vice President, Connectional Lay Organization.
The funeral has been held.
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Charles Pringle, Jr., son of Mr. Charles and the Rev. Georgeann T. Pringle, pastor of Saint James AMEC in the Marion District of the Northeast South Carolina Conference. Mr. Pringle died Friday, March 12, 2010.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Mr. Charles and Rev. Georgeann T. Pringle
123 Violet Lane
Ridgeville, SC 29472
Phone: (843) 688-4072
Fax: (843) 688-4766
Email: gapringle@homesc.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Mrs. Dorothy Hicks, mother of the Reverend James (Naomi) Thomas, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Little Rock, Arkansas.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be sent to:
The Thomas Family
Post Office Box 911
Mabelvale, Arkansas 72013
26. 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
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
27. 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
