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 – PASTORS’ VIEW OF LAYPERSONS AND LAYPERSONS' VIEW OF PASTORS – PART 1:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
I think that most of us would like to think that our thoughts, notions and opinions are right most of the time. Most of us would like to think that we have a pretty good handle on things, especially things about religion and about the church.
Laypersons have thoughts about religion and about the church and the clergy also have thoughts about the life of the church.
It is those thoughts and perceptions that the laity and clergy have about the life of the church that present problems and cause conflict in churches. The conflicts between clergy and laity are not new; they have been around since the day of Pentecost. Over 3000 souls were saved, but that didn’t stop conflict.
It’s an interesting notion that the church, not only has an army theme running through it; but it also has a navy theme. For instance, the sanctuary, the main part of Christian churches, extending from the entrance, the narthex to the transept is called a nave. Nave is a Medieval Latin term, nāvis, which means, ship (from its shape) and from where we get the term, “navy.” The nave is that part of a church set apart for the laity, as distinguished from the chancel, choir, and pulpit, which are reserved for the choir; stewardesses, who assist in the preparation of the Sacraments; and the clergy.
Another seafaring symbol related to the church is the ichthus, the Greek word for fish. It’s represented pictorially in the shape of a fish <>x.
The English translation is IXOYE. The five Greek letters stand for the words: Iota, Chi, Theta, Upsilon, Sigma); an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior" - Iesous (Jesus) CHristos (Christ) THeou (God) Uiou (Son) Soter (Savior)]. Some people put an image of the ichthus on their vehicles to show that they are a Christian.
The seafaring motif might be related to the fact that most of the disciples were fishermen and Jesus told them that they would be fishers of humankind, "Come after me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Mark 1:17
When people who are in the fishing business go out to sea to catch fish, their nets catch a lot of different fish and I guess that when clergy become fishers of men and women, they should expect to bring in different kinds of “fish.”
The seafaring notion and fishing motif might be an appropriate departure of explaining the clergy’s thoughts about the laity.
How clergy view themselves
Most pastors view themselves of accepting the challenge found in Isaiah that asks, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” And probably all pastors view themselves as being obedient to the call of Christ to be “fishers of humankind.”
A lot of fish in the net
But, when those who go fishing, haul in the fishing net; there a lot of fish in the net. And, likewise, there are a lot of “fish” in the nets of those who “fish” to bring men, women, boys and girls to Christ.
How clergy might view laypersons
The first example to come to mind is the big mouth bass. Fishermen have explained to me that when you cut off the head, there is not much left. They are all head and little body. There are church folks like that; big-headed folks with very little spiritual substance. They “talk a big talk but fail to walk the talk.”
And, there is the flounder. If you look at a flounder, you will notice that there are two sides to the flounder; a dark side and light side. I don’t know if this is true or not, but am told that when the flounder is happy the light side is up and when the founder is agitated, the dark side is exposed. Some church members are like the flounder and have a light side and a dark side. Some flounder-type members come to church, "One way today, and another way tomorrow.” Sometimes they come to church happy and cooperative, and other times they come to church with a bad attitude; one never knows which side is up.
There some church folks like the cat fish. The cat fish loves muddy water and stirs up the water to make it muddy. The catfish is a bottom swimmer and swims in the bottom of the water. It lives in the mud and it apparently loves to stir up the mud. The catfish is more comfortable in the dark waters. Some folks are that way. They love the dark side of the life of the church. They love to stir up things in the church. They love to make any situation “muddy.” They often start out their conversations with, "Did you hear about…?” They love to talk on the telephone and pull people off into the corner and they love to have whispered side conversations.
There are other folks like the eel. The eel will tangle up a fish net or a fishing line and it will break the net or the fishing line. The eel looks slick and is slick. It's hard to hold an eel because it's slippery! Some church folks are slippery. They join many groups and keep things stirred up. They are slippery and they have a knack for breaking or tangling things up. They are hard to pin down and it’s hard to find out what angers them. They move from one organization to another and when they tangle up a church so much that the church can’t be tangled up any more; or when the pastor has their number, they often leave the church and join another church where they can stir up some more mess.
Some church members are like crabs. Crabs are always pulling each other down. If one seems to be getting to the top, those on the bottom will pull those on the top, down. I suspect that more crabs would survive in the sea if they stopped clinging to each other and pulling each other down. If anything can hinder a church’s growth, it’s a church full of members who are like “crabs” because members who are like crabs pull down the church and its programs. There are crab-like church members who have a predisposition to pull others down and love to pull every program down; they do not like to see others get ahead or to receive special honors and recognition.
There are church members like the blowfish. The blow fish is an attractive fish, but rub it the wrong way and it will blow up to look like an ugly creature. Some people come to church, look good, look saintly, present a good image in every way, but let there be an issue, statement or even a comment in the sermon that they don’t agree with and they know how to get ugly. Unfortunately, there are some church folks who look like Christians, speak "in tongues” and lie in English!
There are snapper-type members in every church and at all levels of the church. The snapper is an immature fish. It snaps at anything. It will snap at its own kind. It's a carnivorous fish. It will eat anything. The snapper loves a fight. As a matter of fact, the snapper lives to fight. Some folks will fight any program in the church. It doesn't matter whether it’s the choir or the youth program; nothing satisfies them. They fight the preacher, other church members, and if they are on the connectional level, they fight bishops, general officers, and connectional officers. And, not satisfied with any of those groups, will fight episcopal supervisors, and even first ladies and first gentlemen. They fight everybody.
Some church members are like piranhas. Piranhas are vicious predators and are known for their sharp teeth and voracious appetites. Piranhas eat their own babies and anything else that they happen upon. Piranhas venture out in groups and have strategies to kill and eat their prey. They don’t just kill their prey; they start eating their victims alive. There are people in the church who prey on weak members, even children and discourage them from participating in the life of the church. They attack the pastor, the officers of the church and anyone who gets in their way. Piranha-type members often hang out in the choir. Piranha-type members love to kill church programs. They love to kill one program after another and can often be heard saying, “This church is dying and this church is not like it used to be; we have never seen the church this way,” not realizing that they are a big part of the any shortcoming the church might be experiencing.
Thank God for gold fish. Every church has gold fish. The gold fish is a beautiful fish. People like to buy gold fish, take them home and put them in their fish tanks. Gold fish adjusts to its environment. In a small bowl, it's a gold fish. In a lake or a river it's a carp. A carp is a large gold fish. Gold fish can live peaceably with each other; they live in harmony. They confirm quite nicely to their environment. There are church members who serve harmoniously and dignity and they are a blessing to any ministry team. People who are like gold fish work with whoever is assigned as the pastor. They do not get into personality fights and into whether they like or dislike a pastor. They support the ministry and the various church programs. Gold fish-like members are for kingdom-building. The love their church and they support their church. They hold fast in good times and in bad times. They know, for the church to experience growth, that there must be rain as well as sunshine.
What preachers wished laity understand
Preachers wish that all laypersons would take the ministry and religious life of the church more seriously and to k now that the clergy and laity are partners in ministry.
The fish motif goes both ways and the next issue will explore “How Layperson view Clergy.”
Part 2 will be published next week.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Brother Anthony Franklin, Sr, AAMES, has Computers to Give Away to AME Churches
All of the computers accounted for and/or given away. I have no more computers to give away. Computers were given away on a first come first served basis.
Anthony Franklin Sr.
Public Safety Systems Manager
Kane County Government
- To the Editor:
RE: Question concerning the AME meaning of “Accessions”
I have been unable to find the definition for "Accessions" in any of the AME books I have read. Please define "Accessions" as used by AME's in The Christian Recorder.
Sister Josephine S. Giles
Editor’s Response: There is no explanation for the term, “Accessions” in The Discipline. Of course we all know that the definition for “accessions” is simply, “An increase by means of something added.” Perhaps the Mothers and Fathers of the Church thought the term so elementary that no definition had to be posted. I think it should be explained in terms of how we use term and arrive at “accession” on our annual pastoral reports. I have asked Bishop Adam J. Richardson to respond to your question.
Bishop Richardson’s Response: I think your definition is adequate. But to go a step further, I would also add the following with a proviso or two:
"Accession" is any person who unites with an AMEC congregation by means of conversion (inclusive of baptism as may be practical), that is, confessing the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord for the first time, or actually converting from another faith tradition outside of a theological tradition that honors Christ as Lord.
An "Accession" is also that person who formally unites with an AMEC congregation who may have been baptized in some other Christian fellowship, and who is not on the roll of any other congregation. In some other Christian traditions, this is known as "Christian Experience."
Technically, a person who is on the roll of another AMEC congregation may be counted as an "Affiliate" member but not an "Accession;" such a person is to be considered a "Transfer." To count them otherwise is to potentially count the same person several times in our extremely mobile society.
3. THE AME FINANCE BUILDING NO LONGER EXISTS: THE BUILDING IS NOW THE JOSEPH COLUMBUS MCKINNEY OFFICE BUILDING:
The beautiful Service of Rededication and Renaming of the AME Finance Building to The Joseph Columbus McKinney Office Building was held on Friday, October 8, 2010 in Washington, DC yesterday under clear skies and a beautiful fall day.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District served as the worship leader. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton was a guest speaker and Mrs. Mary McKinney, wife of the late Dr Joseph Columbus McKinney gave a moving tribute in memory and in honor of her husband. Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, who succeeded Dr. McKinney as AMEC Treasurer also gave remarks in honor and memory of Dr. McKinney.
Participants in the service (in order of their participation) included the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, the Rev. Conrad K. Pridgen, the Rev. Ronald Braxton, Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the Rev. Dr. Rodger Hall Reid, Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Dr. Clarence Brown, Dr. Cellestine Cheeks, Dr. Willie Glover, Mrs. Mary McKinney, Bishop John Richard Bryant, Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr., Bishop John Franklin White, Bishop John Hurst Adams, Dr. George F. Flowers, and the Rev. Goodwin Douglas. Dr. Dennis Dickerson was scheduled to participate in the service, but his flight from Nashville, Tennessee was cancelled and he was unable to attend. Bishop Richardson also mentioned that bishops who were holding annual conferences were unable to attend.
Special guests included Dr. Pamela DeVeaux, Mrs. Connie Richardson, Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams and her husband, Dr. MacDonald Williams, Dr. Rickey Spain, 19th Editor of The Christian Recorder, Dr. James Wade (Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development), Dr. Daryl Ingram (Executive Director of the Department of the Christian Education) and Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis, Interim President, WMS. Other special guests included presiding elders, pastors, other connectional officers, laity and visitors.
4. MEDITATION – DISCIPLINE HELPS US TO “DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS US”:
*Dr. Quincy Scott
The art of being a good runner or a disciplined walker has to do with one’s ability to establish the required discipline to run/walk when you least feel like doing so.
Such discipline does not always come easily; trust me, I know. Dare I count the cold or hot mornings when I peep out my window, searching for a hint of “too much rain”, “too much snow”, “too dark”, or my favorite: “the timing will be much better later in the day”
Discipline requires one to act in spite of…; it offers us rainwear, boots, a flashlight, and two aspirin; it also has a way of “pumping us up” for the larger challenges which are always just around the corner.
In addressing the church at Philippi, Paul, the Apostle, puts it succinctly. He writes, that whatever the circumstances, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)
*Dr. Quincy Scott is the Dean of the Chapel at Shaw University
5. A QUESTION ABOUT THE ITINERANCY:
Sister Jacqueline Dupont Walker
A parent at our church was asked by her teen and young adults about the biblical basis for the Itinerancy. As I began to research and codify my understanding, it became clear from conversations with theologians and biblical scholars that there is a significant difference in opinion about the biblical vs. historical basis for this practice that is a key part of Methodism.
In the face of AMEs comparing our system of pastoral appointment / assignment to other church bodies, I thought it might be helpful to explore this topic with both a historical perspective and contemporary application.
All too often we accept what has become the norm without dissecting its foundation and fully understanding from whence it has come...thus not really valuing its contribution to our "walk."
I did some research and accepted the challenge of responding to the young person’s inquiry. My response is not exhaustive and there are others in our Zion who can provide a more exhaustive response and I hope some of them will do so
The Itinerancy began with Jesus
The Biblical mandate for those called to abandon all and follow Christ surely set the standard. See Luke 10:1 and all of Paul's writings for early examples of the sacrifice expected as well as those made.
Within the realm of "humankind" to be totally obedient, the Methodist movement set out to serve the people with evolving attempts, history will tell us.
Initially those sent out to start fellowships were lay preachers. They traveled wherever the desire and need presented itself.
Until the 1830s the rule of thumb was that a preacher (lay and ordained) stayed at no one place more than 2 years and not in one city/town more than 4 years. In my lifetime, in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, there was an 8-year law where the pastor was required to move after 8 consecutive years in any station; and that law exists today for bishops.
The Itinerancy means that a clergyperson is willing to go where sent. Theoretically the itinerant system assures every pastor a church and every church a pastor; it also matches the gifts and graces of an individual with the needs of a particular church. John Wesley began the itinerant system in England and developed circuits for his preachers.
Some would say that there is not a theological but historical basis for the itinerancy; however, when one reads some accounts of John Wesley's thoughts that premise might be challenged. John Wesley describes the basic criteria of an Itinerant in Methodism: "They need only four characteristics - a back for any bed, a face for any weather, a stomach for any food, and strength for any work..."
I am thankful to the "kids" for asking the questions and motivating us to dig deeper.
SIStah "Jackie" Dupont Walker
6. WOMEN CELEBRATING SURVIVORS OF BREAST CANCER:
*The Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, M.Div.
Bethel AME Church of Pennsauken, NJ celebrated its annual Women’s Day on September 14, 2010 honoring women who have survived the trauma of breast cancer. They decorated the church with pink ribbons. The front door was adorned with a large pink apron. The colors for the day, which the women wore, were pink and white.
The Church was a sea of pink; it was sight to behold. The celebration commenced with a pre-women’s day pray breakfast and a sermon delivered by the Reverend Rosalyn Martin, Pastor of Shorter AME Church, Morton, Pennsylvania.
The preacher for the 11:00 a.m. service was Evangelist Lester, who challenged the church to live up to the principles of the Bible. She delivered a very powerful word.
During the service all survivors/conquers of breast cancer were asked to stand to show that people can survive the dreaded disease of breast cancer.
The Reverend Wassetta Moses, pastor of Allen AME Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the guest preacher for the afternoon service. She delivered a powerful word on the “afflicted” women who sought healing by Christ. It was a great day.
*The Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, M.Div., is the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pennsauken, New Jersey
7. FALL FAITH FESTIVAL:
*The Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, M.Div.,
Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Pennsauken, NJ had a wonderful Saturday, October 9, 2010 with its first annual Fall Faith Festival.
The idea for this festival was the idea of one of the young women of the church.
The day included a live Christian/jazz band featuring two members of the church, our musical protégé, “Kevin” on the keyboard, and “Brother Paul” on the clarinet. The festivities included Christian line-dancing instructions and a challenging quiz with prizes awarded for correct answers.
The young children had the opportunity to enjoy themselves with moon bouncing and face painting. Vendors were sold Afro-centric items, painting, clotting cosmetics, homemade cakes and pies and the church sold dinners, ribs, chicken, pig feet, baked macaroni, greens and string beans.
The Township Mayor, Rick Taylor, issued a proclamation, commending the church for its inclusive manner of reaching out to the entire community, especially the youth.
We thank God for such a glorious day as well as the vendors, the men of the church for cooking the township for supplying the stage and Sister Nicole Lackey for the inspiration for the day.
*The Reverend Lanxton L. Washington, M.Div., is the pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pennsauken, New Jersey
8. THE PASTOR’S CORNER – PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH:
*The Rev. James M. Moody
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as [those] who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (Hebrews 13: 17).
All around the celestial ball we call “Earth,” members of the body of Christ are expressing appreciation for the shepherds God has assigned to keep watch over their souls.
For many saints the practice of presenting monetary gifts to their shepherd has become a consistent practice not to be disrupted.
I would like to suggest five biblically-based expressions of appreciation every member of the body of Christ can add to the monetary gifts presented in appreciation of one’s shepherd.
The appreciation gift outlined below takes the form of a covenant to be entered into by those who wish to express their love for God and bring joy to the pastor beyond the weeks of the month of October.
- Corporate Worship – I will encourage others through my weekly attendance of church services arriving on time and bringing one or more guests with me every Sunday. (Hebrews 10: 19-25)
- Prayer – I will petition God’s provision by asking, seeking, and knocking as I wake and retire to sleep each day remembering to pray for my pastor’s health, family, marriage, purity, effectiveness, and wisdom. (Luke 11: 1-13)
- Bible Study - I will gain wisdom and understanding of God’s Word by participating weekly in one of the regular study groups taught at my church. (Romans 10: 8-17)
- Service – I will build up the body of Christ by participating in at least two ministries or auxiliaries here at my church fulfilling the kingdom building functions those ministries have been given by God. (Philippians 2: 1-18)
- Tithing – I will facilitate an overflow from God’s table for consumption in God’s temple by setting aside and presenting to God a gift of at least one-tenth of the increase God brings into my life (per Scripture and The Discipline). I will contribute weekly/bi-weekly/monthly
Any pastor leading a congregation that engages God through the elements of the covenant above would truly say, “The saints have acted so that [my] work will be a joy.”
*The Rev. James M. Moody is the pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Chicago.
9. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION SECOND REGIONAL SEMINAR/WORKSHOP (11TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT):
The Second Regional Seminar/Workshop meeting will be held on Friday, December 10, 2010 at 1:00 o’clock p.m. and on Saturday, December 11, 2010 beginning at 8:30 am. Included in this region are the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th Episcopal Districts.
Hotel accommodations are as follows:
The Crown Plaza Hotel
14670 Duval Road - Jacksonville, Florida 32218
Room Rate: $89.00 plus $13% tax
Executive Suite: $109.00 + 13% tax
Phone: 904-741-4404 Fax: 904-741-5045
*Please ask for the Connectional Lay AME Church*
The meeting will be held as follows:
Friday, December 10, 2010:
1:00 p.m. at the Crown Plaza Hotel
7:00 p.m. Worship Service St. Stephen AME Pastor Michael L. Mitchell 913 West Fifth Street Jacksonville, FL 32209
Saturday, December 11, 2010:
8:30 a.m. St. Paul AME Church Pastor Marvin C. Zanders 6910 New Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32219-3865
Registration fee for this meeting is $35.00, which includes workshops and etc. Deadline for Registration: November 12, 2010. See Registration form below.
For additional information contact:
Priscilla Salter
953 Crawfordville Trace
Tallahassee, FL 32305
Telephone: (718)538-1341
10. WHY DO YOU DO WHAT YOU DO?:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
I wonder if you ever thought about why you do the things you do. There are numerous things that we do in our daily lives that we do because we have always done it that way and others do it that way. We have often heard the expressions about “What they are wearing” this year, ”What they are buying this season,” and “What they are doing this year?”
Looking at life from a broad perspective, we all are “copy cats” or shall I say “imitators,” in some form or manner. We become “copy cats” by way of compliance to the laws of our society. We drive on the right side of the road and we observe and obey all signs and are governed by the symbols displayed. Looking at it in that prospective, we all are “copy cats” and rightly should be copycats. But, when it comes to our private lives there should be some signs of originality and purpose.
A young bride was preparing her first meal for her husband. She was getting ready to bake a ham. Before she put it in the pan she cut off both ends. The husband asked “why did you cut the ends off of the ham?”
She replied “I saw my mother do it.” The husband then asked why she did it. She replied, I don’t know, but I will call and ask her.
She called her mother and asked her why she cut off both ends of the ham. Her mother said, “I did that because I saw my mother do it; call and ask her.”
So the young bride called her grandmother and asked, “Why did you cut off both ends of your ham when you got ready to bake it?” The grandmother said “Ah child, I did that because my pan was too small.”
You see, many of us do things because we see others do them, not knowing why.
Now, that brings me to the point of worship.
Do you really know why you do what you do or do you just do what others are doing? I have often heard people say “I grew up in this church.” But, the point is, did the church grow up in them or did they just do what others were doing; not knowing why.
Prayers, testimonies, hymns and the praise all tell stories of personal experiences, trials, tribulations and triumphs.
If you do not have a testimony, it is because you have not been tested.
Many of our young people, even though they grow up in the church, do not have a conscious connection with the testimonies of their parents and other members.
How often have you heard young people say “We don’t want to sing those old songs.” They want to be contemporary. They want to bounce rather than bow. If they sing an old hymn they try to “jazz” it up so they can bounce.
The mission of the church is to change the world; not the world to change the church.
You cannot jazz up “Must Jesus Bare the Cross Alone” and feel what the hymnwriter, Thomas Shepherd felt. You cannot jazz up “Holy “Holy” Holy”, and get the feeling that Reginald Heber felt when he penned those words. You cannot jazz up “Amazing grace” and feel the same effect as John Newton.
The hymns of the church are the bridges that enabled the church to “weather the storms.” The hymns are the “glue” that kept the church “on track.” Satan does not like to hear us sing hymns because hymns strengthens and energizes us.
Many of our church members were baptized during their youth and as babies, but never were taught why. The parents/ guardians who have had their children baptized have neglected to fulfill the commitments that they made during the baptismal service.
We don’t have to wonder why we are losing members to other denominations. We are losing members because too many pastors are neglecting the teaching ministry. Some are never taught why they were baptized, and why so many things in the church are done the way that they are done.
Why do we partake of the Holy Communion and how? Why do we come and kneel at the Altar? What is the significance of the Chancel rail? Some pastors, through a lack of knowledge and understanding, have tried to remove the Chancel rail from their church because they see other denominations without one. Too many of us do things that we see others do and don’t know why we do them. We become “copy cats.”
There is an explanation for everything that we do in our Zion and that is why we have Christian Education. A lesson is a blessing.
So, why do things others are doing look better to some of us?
The blind cannot lead the blind. I could go on and on but I will pause here. I have always stated that you must “investigate and evaluate before you participate.”
Why do you do what you do?
Thought for Today: You never know what you don’t know until knowledge is needed.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Author, Counselor, Teacher, Humorist, is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
11. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
- Congratulations to Kirk Tyler the Grandson of the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry!
Kirk Tyler Receives National Urban Fellows Fellowship
The National Urban Fellows (NUF) announced that Kirk Tyler has been awarded a National Urban Fellows fellowship. The 14-month, full-time graduate degree program comprises two semesters of academic course work and a nine-month mentorship assignment. The program culminates with a Master of Public Administration Degree (MPA) from Bernard M. Baruch College, School of Public Affairs of the City University of New York. After graduation Alumni work in public service, government and non-profit leadership. A non-profit, 501(c) 3, National Urban Fellows is the only program in the country where individuals receive both an advanced degree and essential leadership experience.
Kirk P. Tyler serves as the Site Leader for the Visions Unlimited program for Washington High School's Ambassador Team. Visions Unlimited provides life skills, anger management and abstinence training to "At Promise" youth in the Atlanta Public School System. Since 2004 Visions Unlimited has offered a strong support system for Atlanta's public schools by offering counseling and mentorship support for youth with challenges, which in turn, better enable faculty and staff to focus on classroom instruction. Alongside the work done with Visions Unlimited, Mr. Tyler also serves as a consultant trainer for Emory University's Jane Fonda Center for Adolescent Reproduction, training teens and youth advocates on the Media Madness Curriculum. These trainings inform parents and teens about the dangerous lifestyle messages in television, radio and print media. They also equip families with tools to combat those messages and build a sound set of home values.
Before beginning his tenure with Visions Unlimited Mr. Tyler served as the Senior Branch Manager of the Joseph B. Whitehead Branch of the Butler Street YMCA in Atlanta, Georgia. The Butler Street YMCA has a strong history of social and civic leadership in the Atlanta community and has stepped to the forefront in addressing health and wellness disparities in African American, Hispanic and Latino Communities. During his tenure there Mr. Tyler secured over $1,000,000 in branch renovations, resources and services and 8,000 hours of volunteer services. He also established and left the branch with a teen college and career resource center, community garden, newly renovated gymnasium and community technology center. Along with the structural changes and additions Mr. Tyler ended his service with a number of sustainable programs and relationships. Mr. Tyler received his Bachelors of Science in Organizational Management and Leadership with a concentration in Religious Administration from Morris Brown College.
Reprinted with permission from the Morris Brown College Alumni E-Newsletter.
Congratulatory responses can be e-mailed to: eighthdistamec08@aol.com
12. PRAYER REQUEST FROM FORMER GENERAL OFFICER 1984 -1992:
The Harrison Family is requesting prayers for Daisy M. Scott, the sister of the Rev. Dr. Frederick C. Harrison (Former Secretary of Missions 1984 -1992).
Mrs. Daisy M. Scott is at the Tuomey Medical Center in Sumter, South Carolina. Phone number: (803) 774 9000 - Room 332.
The Family thanks all of you and appreciates your prayers on her behalf.
Sent by the Rev. Dr. Frederick C. Harrison
harrison@global.co.za
+27 12 343 4326
+27 82 256 1174
13. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened to share news of the untimely passing of the Reverend David Harrison Strong, pastor of Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 13th Episcopal District.
Thursday, October 14, 2010 - 6:00 p.m.
Musical Tribute:
St. Paul AME Church
2514 Williams Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37408
Phone: 423-267-6869
Friday, October 15, 2010 - 6:00 p.m.
Memorial Service:
St. Paul AME Church
2514 Williams Street
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37408
Phone: 423-267-6869
Dr. Kenneth H. Hill, Presiding Elder, Chattanooga District-East TN Conference
Words of Comfort, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate
Sunday, October 17, 2010 - 6:00 pm
Memorial Service:
Ward Chapel AME Church
1125 South Parkway East
Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Phone: 901-946-1945
Monday, October 18, 2010 - 11:00 am
Funeral:
Mt. Olive Cathedral CME Church,
538 Linden Avenue,
Memphis, Tennessee
The Rev. Linda Thomas-Martin, Presiding Elder, South Memphis District-West Tennessee Conference
Dr. Clement W. Fugh, General Secretary/Chief Information Officer AMEC, Eulogist
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, Words of Comfort
14. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Oscar Leon Bryant, the father of the Reverend Michael W. Sturdivant, pastor at Campbell AME Church, Woodbury, NEW JERSEY (New Jersey Conference, Camden-Trenton District) and the father in law of the Reverend Janet J. Sturdivant, pastor at Asbury AME Church, Chester, Pennsylvania. Mr. Bryant served his church, New Bethlehem Baptist, as a Deacon and Trustee. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.
Funeral - Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 12 noon
New Bethlehem Baptist Church
1730 Eleventh Avenue - North
Bessemer, AL 35020
Phone: 205-425-9556
Fax: 205-425-9591
The Rev. William H. Walker, Pastor
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The Rev. Michael and the Rev. Janet Sturdivant
155 Landing Drive
Deptford, NJ 08096
Phone: 856-384-0381
Fax: 856-384-0382
15. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sister Albertha Brown, the mother of the Reverend Joseph Brown, Sr., pastor of Pleasant Grove AME Church, Prosperity, South Carolina, 7th Episcopal District.
Service Arrangements for Sister Albertha Brown
Saturday, October 16, 2010 at 11:00 A.M.
Friendship Baptist Church
36 Friendship Lane
Coosaw Island (Beaufort), SC 29907
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals
808 Bladen Street
Beaufort, SC 29901
Phone: (843) 524-6634
Fax: (843) 525-0990
Please send cards and expressions of sympathy to:
The Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr.
3442 Bronte Road
Columbia, SC 29210
Or to:
The Rev. Tina Gogo
Attn: Rev. Joseph Brown, Sr.
2125 Glenn Road
Gaston, SC 29053
(803) 739-2912 fax
Or emailed to: newberrydistrict@att.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Sister Loutisha Marie Bell Washington, the sister of General Board member and pastor of Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church of Detroit, Michigan, 4th Episcopal District; the Reverend Larry James Bell. Sister Washington passed away on Saturday, October 9, 2010 in Springfield, MO. She was a member of Wesley Chapel AME Church, Edwardsville, IL where Rev. Larry Bell’s daughter; the Rev. Christal Bell Bryant is the pastor.
Service arrangements for Sister Loutisha Bell Washington:
Family Visitation: Friday, October 15, 2010 10:00 am
Funeral: 11:00 AM
St. James A.M.E. Church - 9256 Lafayette Ave. - Chicago, IL 60620
(773) 295-6152
The Rev. J. Leon Thorn, Pastor
Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
Elwood, Will County, Illinois
Immediately following the Service
Professional Services are entrusted to:
A. A. Rayner Funeral Home - 318 East 71st Street – Chicago, IL
Expressions of sympathy can be mailed to:
The Rev. Larry James Bell - 19020 Sunnybrook Ave.
Lathrup Village, MI 48076 - (248) 928-4910
Or emailed to: pastorlarryjbell53@yahoo.com
17. 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
18. 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
