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 – “…LAYPERSONS VIEW OF PASTORS” – PART 2:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The fish motif used in last week’s editorial was appropriate for laypersons, but it is also applicable for the clergy. The fish theme is as applicable for the clergy as it is for the laity because the clergy possess the same traits as the laity.
For example, when individuals accept the call to the ministry, there is no instant transformation of character or any immunity against temptations. The clergy and laity are enticed by the same temptations.
Unfortunately, the same “demons” that individuals had to fight before entering the ministry are the same “demons” that they have to fight after receiving their license to preach and the same “demons” they fight after ordination.
The clergy, like the laity, have to fight many “demons” and many of the “demons” that clergy wrestle with are “demons” they had to deal with before entering the ministry.
There are a lot of “demons.” There are lack of integrity “demons”; lack of control “demons”; the need to control “demons”; laziness “demons”; abuse “demons”; anger “demons”; lack of trust “demons”; addiction “demons”; telling “white lie demons”; gossip “demons”; and many more “demons” that bedevil clergy and laity alike. And, for some, age is the only antidote because age will take care of some of the “demons.”
Right most of the time? – Maybe, maybe not
Preachers would like to think their thoughts, notions and opinions are right, most of the time when it concerns the church.
The thoughts and perceptions that the clergy and laity clergy have about the life of the church often present problems and cause conflict. The Apostle Paul had to deal with conflict in the churches in Corinth, Ephesus, and Galatia; and everywhere else he traveled. Paul was either dealing with issues of the past; dealt with current issues; or he was trying to head off issues; as he attempted to do in Philippi. Conflicts between clergy and laity are not new; they have been around a long time.
As noted in last week’s editorial, the church is full of imagery of the army, the navy and the sea. The sea image probably has something to do with the fact that Jesus told the disciples they would be fishers of humankind. The army image is appropriate because life is often seen as a battle and that makes all of us soldiers.
When people who are in the fishing business go out to sea to catch fish, their nets catch a lot of different fish. We have all been the recipient of those who were “fishers of people.” We have all been “fish’ at one time or another and the clergy, like the laity, have the same character traits.
How laity view themselves
Like most pastors, the laity view themselves as having accepted the challenge found in Isaiah that asks, “Whom shall I send and who will go for us?” And, like pastors, faithful laity view themselves as being obedient to “The Great Commission.”
There are a lot of clergy fish in the net
The big mouth bass. Fishermen explain that when you cut off the head of the big mouth bass, there is not much left. They are all head and little body. There are preachers like the big mouth bass; big-headed preachers who have a big talk but questionable pastoral substance. They “talk a big talk about tithing and love of the church but fail to “walk the talk” in helping the local church to develop programs that would better help them to survive repeated financial crises. They complain about the bishop, the budget and about the presiding elder, but when they get in presence of the bishop they act like a goldfish.
The flounder. The flounder has two sides; a dark side and light side. I am told that when the flounder is happy the light side is up and when the founder is agitated, the dark side is exposed. Flounder-clergy are like the flounder and have a light side and a dark side. Some flounder-clergy present themselves "one way today, and another way tomorrow.” When they are preaching or are in charge, they are engaged and upbeat. When they are not “up front” or preaching they are disengaged; they “shut down” when others are preaching. Sometimes they are happy and cooperative, and other times they have a sour demeanor; one never knows which side is up and which side is down.
There some preachers like the catfish. The catfish loves muddy water and stirs up the mud. The catfish is a bottom swimmer. It lives in the mud and it loves to stir up the mud. The catfish is more comfortable in the dark waters. Catfish-clergy are that way. They love the dark side of the denomination. 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 what the bishop said…?”; “I heard so-and-so was going to be moved”; “I heard that bishop was going to get the ‘so-and-so’s’ district”; and “I heard so and so was running for bishop.” Catfish-clergy love to talk on the telephone and converse by email; they have a “telephone ministry” and an active “email ministry.” They love to pull people off into the corner and they love to have whispered side conversations. At connectional meetings they hang out in the hallways and hang out in the vending area, but they don’t spend much money, because they are busy stirring up mud.
There are some clergy who are 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 eels are "electric" and put out an electrical charge. Some clergy are slippery and they put out an electrical charge. The eel-clergy keep things stirred up in the conference. They are slippery and they have a knack for breaking or tangling things up in a presiding elder district or in an annual conference. They are hard to pin down and it’s hard to find out what angers them. They move from one group to another tangling up the organization. They complain about the bishop, the budget, and the AME Church. They complain about the laity and other preachers. Eel-clergy are slippery.
Some preachers are like crabs. Crabs are always pulling each other down. If one crab seems to be getting to the top, those on the bottom will pull those on the top, down. More crabs would survive in the sea if they stopped clinging to each other and pulling each other down. If anything can hinder a denomination’s growth, it’s a denomination full of crab-clergy because preachers who are like crabs pull down the denomination and the denominational programs. There are crab-preachers 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. Crab-preachers don’t like to see one of their colleagues get a pastoral promotion. They examine every conference or connectional worship bulletin to see who is listed on the program.
The blowfish is an attractive fish, but rub the blow fish the wrong way and it can blow up to look like an ugly fish. Some clergy look good, look saintly, present a good image in every way, but let there be an issue that they don’t agree with, an appointment they think they should have received and they know how to get ugly; in fact, they love a good fight. They fight members, they fight bishops, they fight presiding elders, they fight other pastors, and they fight programs because a fight energizes them.
The snapper is an immature fish. Snapper-clergy can be found at all levels of the church. A snapper snaps at anything and everything. It will snap at its own kind. It's a carnivorous fish. It will eat anything, even when it’s not hungry. The snapper loves a fight. As a matter of fact, the snapper lives to fight and snapper-clergy will fight every program. It doesn't matter whether it’s the choir or the youth program; nothing satisfies them. Snapper-clergy loves an environment of dysfunction. Snapper-clergy fight preachers, 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, snapper clergy will fight episcopal supervisors; they fight everybody because they strive in hostile environments.
Some preachers 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. Piranha-clergy prey on weak clergy, weak members, especially other pastors’ church members. Piranha-preachers look out for themselves and do not mentor young preachers. They attack church members, fellow pastors; and anyone - clergy or laity - whoever gets in their way. Piranha-clergy, like the catfish- clergy, hang out in the hallways and the vending areas at connectional meetings. When they are not on the program at annual conferences and at connectional meetings, they sit in the back and whisper objections to every program and idea that’s offered. Piranha-clergy are also passive attackers. When it’s not their program or idea, piranha-clergy love to kill programs, especially if it is someone else’s idea or program. They love to kill one program after another and can often be heard saying, “The AME Church (or whatever denomination) is dying” and they say, “The largest denomination is ‘I used to be an AME’” and other negative comments. Piranha-clergy do not realize that they are a big part of why the AME Church might not be experiencing growth. Piranhas live to fight and fight to live.
Goldfish. Every denomination, every annual conference, every presiding elder district, and every local church has goldfish clergy and laity; people who love Christ, love the church and love the people of God. The goldfish is a beautiful fish. Goldfish adjust to its environment; in a small bowl, it is a goldfish; in a lake or a river the goldfish is a carp. A carp is a large goldfish. Goldfish live peaceably with each other; they live in harmony and they conform quite nicely to their environment.
Goldfish-clergy serve where they are assigned, mentor younger clergy, and serve harmoniously on the local and connectional level. Goldfish-clergy work with whoever is assigned as the bishop or presiding elder. They support the ministry on all levels, encourage their parishioners, cooperate with other clergy and respect authority. Goldfish-clergy are for Kingdom-building and take seriously the “Great Commission.” The love the AME Church and they support the AME Church. They are faithful 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 the laity wish preachers understood
The laity wish preachers would understand that the laity love the AME Church as much as the clergy; and they want the church to grow and flourish.
They wish that the clergy would take the time to find out why many of their parishioners joined and remain members of the AME. Pastors might be surprised to learn that many adult parishioners joined, and many remain a part of the AME Church because of the orderliness of the worship and AME structure. Still others like the mixture of structure and spontaneity of worship.
The laity wish that pastors would take seriously their pastoral roles of being the spiritual leader, worship leader, preacher, and teacher; and spend less time worrying about developing a “whoop.”
The laity wish that the clergy would engage themselves more actively as trainers of the laity.
The laity wish that pastors would understand the importance being an administrative leader with vision and would know how to inspire the congregation to be partners in ministry.
The laity wish that pastors would know how to make the “hard decisions” in ministry and not worry about pleasing everyone.
The laity wish that pastors would not “stack” the pastoral team with “yes men and yes women” and would understand that the principles of leadership require diverse opinions that might precipitate conflict.
The laity wish that pastors would learn how to manage conflict and grow the local church in spite of conflict.
The laity wish that pastors would understand that disagreement does not mean that the laity and the clergy are “at war with each other” and that the clergy would understand that where there are people, there will be conflict. Any wise laity would concede that the laity need to understand that disagreement and conflict is the “reality of human interaction.”
What clergy and laity need
Clergy and laity need to work with each other, have patience with each other and love each other.
The Good News
Most pastors and the laity are upstanding and committed Christians and do great work for the up-building of the Kingdom of God. Most pastors and laity are goldfish, most of the time.
But…
If we are honest, most of us have exhibited some, or maybe all of the characteristics of the fish at one time or another.
Yeah! There are times I have been a piranha, a big mouth bass, and a catfish, but I thank God for the times I have been a goldfish because when I have been a goldfish that’s when the organization functioned best and that’s when I functioned best.
2. “YOU ASK”:
Editor’s Note: “You Ask” is new column for The Christian Recorder.
Retired Bishop, the Right Rev. Richard Allen Chappelle will be the columnist for the column. The Christian Recorder receives a lot of questions and readers request answers. Bishop Chappelle is extremely knowledgeable and has a wealth of information about the AME Church and about The Discipline, having served our Zion as a General Officer in the position of General Secretary and as a bishop of the Church.
“You Ask” and Bishop Chappelle will answer your questions. Send questions for the “You Ask” column to the Editor of TCR at chsydnor@bellsouth.net.
Our first question.
I Ask:
“I’m now in my third year as an AME and loving it and have been appointed to the Junior Steward Board. At the official board they passed out financial statements to only the stewards. I ask why the others didn’t get a report and was told that only the stewards should know about the finances. Is this right? How would the local church congregation chairpersons know their balances? I couldn’t find this in The Discipline.
Please tell where to find this.
Name Withheld
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
First I wish to commend you on your appointment as a member of the Junior Steward Board at your location. Second, the answer you received, "that only the stewards should know about the finances" is not a correct interpretation of the duties of Stewards and, according to my understanding, this isn't a correct understanding of the duties of the Official Board. My understanding and rationale for my response given to you is The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008
Let me start with the Stewards.
According to our polity, under the "traditional structure" The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, Part IV Church Membership Section II. Local Church Organizations page 64-67, A. Constituent Boards, Workers, Organizations, Auxiliaries 1. Boards a. Stewards, 2. Duties items ((a), (d), (e), (f) and (i) address the responsibilities generally of stewards relative to the finances of the church. Items (a) "They shall make an exact account of ALL MONEY..." (f) specifically states "that they (stewards) shall let THEM KNOW the state of temporal concerns..."
The Stewards are not an independent body, but are accountable to the Quarterly Conference (page 66 (3) The accountability of Stewards (a) and (page 75) B. The Official Board 1 Composition a. "...shall be composed of...stewards..." 3. Business b. The Treasurer shall be responsible for ALL MONIES received under the auspices of the stewards and shall disburse on order of the board." c. "The board at its sessions, shall require...to give to the stewards the money they have collected for the church....and programs of the church."
Having lifted up all of this it is my understanding that
(1) That all local church boards and auxiliaries hold regular meetings in which they transact their business and make regular reports to the Official Board.
(2) The Steward Board is no exception holding its regular meeting which include the temporal and spiritual and prepare a report of information and pending action to be given and acted upon at each Official Board session. Stewards must/should be prepared to "share with the full board the temporal and spiritual condition" of the congregation with all legal Official Board members. It is my understanding that the intent of the Official Board is to serve as the local church's "Executive Board/Committee."
(3) It is at the Official Board that all departments are legally represented. It is here that cooperation, clarity, coordination and appeals of the department/church's affairs can be dealt with by the "Official family."
(4) It is from the directives of the Official Board that all departments get the official position and clarity to be shared with their memberships. Thus the Official Board is the official voice of the church subject to the Church and Quarterly Conference.
(5) In this instant it is almost impossible to do since information tends to be reserved for a few, which undermines the duties and responsibilities of the Official Board.
Lastly, unfortunately our polity calls for the right/authority of the interpretation of our law by a system which consist of System
1. (a) Pastoral interpretation (b) Presiding Elder interpretation (c) Bishop interpretation (d) Judicial Council System
2. The Appeal process (a) An appeal from the pastor/board/official Board interpretation to the Quarterly Conference (c) an appeal from the Quarterly Conference's interpretation to the Annual Conference (d) appeal of the Annual Conference's interpretation to the Judicial Council (e) an appeal of the Judicial Council's interpretation to the General Conference.
You have raised an interesting question and I have given you the long answer.
3. STATEMENT FROM THE COUNCIL OF BISHOPS OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
Bishop James Levert Davis, President, Council of Bishops
Bishop John Richard Bryant, Senior Bishop
Dear African Methodist Episcopal Church Clergy and Lay Leadership and Loyal Membership,
We are now only a few days away from the 2010 General Elections on November 2, 2010.
We are now only a few days away from the 2010 General Elections on November 2, 2010. Undoubtedly, you have heard the media projections, watched the candidates debate the issues and attack each other, as well as listen to the pollsters declare winners and losers. You are the key to the outcome of the election. Poll projections are just guesses. We still hold the power to shape our country through casting votes. This is so important that we ask you to put everything that is not essential on hold and focus on Operation EMR…. It is an emergency!
We must Educate, Mobilize and Register our community to VOTE. If anyone can make a difference it is us!! Our AME mission is clear! We must Vote!
Please see some simple suggested Action Steps below: Or, create your own Plan of Action; or request a copy of the E.M.R. Guide from the AME Church Social Action Commission. Whatever you do, share your outcome with us. Without use of our talents, resources and time, the AME Church will fail to be the voice of the voiceless and fulfill its legacy of taking action to insure justice while others ponder political correctness.
Your Council of Bishops speaks in a unified voice knowing that if you are not already engaged, you will catch the vision and move forward to help fulfill the dream of a better tomorrow.
Bishop James L. Davis, President
Council of Bishops
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Some Action Steps
Beginning today, less than two Weeks before Election Day, Every Faith Community could help voters…
- Develop worship tools (litanies, prayers, and meditations), pastors’ words, newsletter articles, web announcements and phone trees to remind voters that Nov 2nd is Election Day.
- Set up robo calling to operate on Election Eve reminding voters to cast their votes. Warn voters that the “political polling” process is NOT equal to votes.
- Make plans for radio call in, TV blogging and Facebook entries that will encourage voters to VOTE.
- Create an Election Day Countdown calendar at our church and/or on your church website. Of course, it should not promote a candidate or a ballot measure…simply urge voters to VOTE.
- Ask members to create networks of at least 5 registered voters who they will track until Election Day…encouraging them to vote.
- Stay engaged until Nov 2nd. On Election Day, Voters will need help…
- Create your own resources or join a Network in your community. Call in to your local radio and TV talk shows to make them aware of the ways you can help voters. Yes, use every means that God gives you!
- Plan to provide Rides to the Polls.
- Plan a Voting Celebration – Praise Service, Watching Party…of course all AFTER THE POLLS HAVE CLOSED.
- Remind those with NETWORKS to send a message to their networks – “Go Vote” or “Take someone to the polls today.”
- Prepare the voters to decipher the “negativism” of the media and act to share the truth in the midst of Election season. Remind voters that every vote counts and the polls only reflect what someone thinks not the ACTION that we must take.
- Stay engaged until Nov 2nd
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, Director/Consultant, Social Action Commission, AME Church me at 213-494-9493.
4. NEARLY 50 NEW YORK MINISTERS UNITE FOR JOINT PRE-ELECTION DAY PRESS CONFERENCE:
NEW YORK, NY OCTOBER 18, 2010:
The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity (www.ameminallianceny.org ), which represents nearly 50 congregations in the metropolitan New York City area, will host a pre-election day press conference urging voter participation in the November 2nd election. The press conference will take place on Monday November 1, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. at the 23,000 member Greater Allen Cathedral (www.allencathedral.org) located at 110 Merrick Boulevard Jamaica, NY 11433. The AME Church has been on the frontlines of social justice since the denomination was founded in 1787.
The AME Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity emphasizes that all persons of all political persuasions MUST participate in this midterm election both statewide and nationwide. “This is not the time for voter apathy or complacency,” says Rev. Melvin Wilson, President of the AME Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity and the pastor of St. Luke AME Church in Harlem. “This is not the time to be silent and allow the politics of fear and anger to rule. This is the time for people of good will in our churches and communities to speak louder with their vote. We must use this time and this opportunity to continue to rebuild our homes, families, and our city.”
The AME Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity represents 48 pastors and their congregations in the New York area including churches in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Jamaica Queens, Long Island and West Chester. Among the missions of the AME Church Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity is to provide a united voice to lift the community politically. While they are not advocating any particular candidate or political party, they recognize the importance of African American voters showing up at the polls as a matter of historical principle. “The only way to continue the forward progress with our schools, the economy, and health care is to get out the vote,” says the Rev. Floyd Flake, former US Congressman and Pastor of Greater Allen Cathedral in Jamaica-Queens. “Every pastor must take responsibility to get their congregants out to vote and take time to train them on the new voting ballot.”
For more information on the November 1, 2010 pre-election day press conference by the AME Church Ministerial Alliance of New York and Vicinity contact Leslie Patterson-Tyler, Tyler-Made Productions (www.tylermadepr.com) at (609) 247-2632.
5. AMES WORKING FOR A “NEW HAITI”:
21 October 2010
Haiti News Updates:
Bishop Sarah and Supervisor Claytie Davis, Jr., arrived in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Wednesday, October 20, 2010, and on Thursday, October 21st, they began working out of office space in the Services and Development Agency’s (SADA) building at Delmas 81, #5. Thanks to Mr. Robert Nicholas, Director of AME SADA, and his Haiti staff who made the office space available! The Episcopal team will be working from their office in Haiti through November 3rd, giving direction and assistance to the Haiti Conference Steering Committee headed by Co - Chairpersons Brother Ernst Dalus (Engineer) and Sister Elvire Douglas (World Vision International Counselor).
This is the fifth visit to Haiti for Bishop Davis, who is optimistic that the Education and Health action plans identified by the Strategic Planning Team in September, will be well into the execution phases in the next two weeks. The Strategic Planning Team comprised of three General Officers and representatives from each of the Episcopal Districts of the AME Church came to Haiti 30 August – 01 September, 2010, and identified specific action items in the areas of Spiritual/Mental Care, Health, Education, Agriculture and Long Range Housing. The team has monthly follow-up teleconferences. The first teleconference was hosted by Bishop Sarah on September 28th.
Friday, October 22nd, Bishop and Supervisor will visit several AME Schools which opened earlier this month. The Bishop will be offer prayers and giving encouragement and talking with the administrators. Of the six AME schools, only the School at St. Paul AME, Port-au-Prince was completely destroyed. The other five schools have been repaired and/or made ready for classes which opened on October 4th.
AME Church schools in Haiti:
- School at Canaan Christ Revient AMEC, Tombe-Gateau
- School at Rosetta-Lee AMEC, Petite-Place-Cazeau
- School at Bethel AMEC, Cabaret
- School at L. L. Berry AMEC, Marchant Dessaline
Non-AME Schools supported by our AME Churches include:
- School at Loula Brokentong, Mariani (supported by Mariani AME Church)
- School at Mary Becket AMEC, Croix-de-Bouquets (supported by Mary Becket AME Church)
During the last September and October the 16th District has been able to fund the following needs with donations received directly from the Connectional Church and from friends of the District.
Summer Camp
Since the January 12th earthquake, the children in the Port-au-Prince area have not had safe places to interact with other children. The camp provided for the children a safe environment to interact with other children, play, participate in arts and craft activities, sing or have Bible stories shared with them. The Summer Camp provided the children an opportunity to do all these things. They were very excited to get to our Churches for the few days of the Camp.
From September 6 to October 1st, 2010, Reverend Francois Murat organized a camp for children (between ages 5 and 12 years old) at two of our Churches: Saint Paul AME (Port-au-Prince) and Bethel AME (Cabaret). There were more than 100 children and 5 counselors at each site. The program was from 8:00 a.m. to noon daily. The Camp theme was: “The Love of God”. The children learned a Bible story daily and a memory verse per week.
The cost of the Summer Camp was $2,500.00. These funds were used to pay the counselors at both sites, purchase the materials needed for art & craft, and buy water for the children to drink during the 4 hours they were with us daily. World Vision provided the games, some of the materials, and one of their staff trained our staff on how to provide a safe environment for our children.
More Summer Camps are being planned for July and August 2011.
Scholarships for students going to universities and schools which are now opened in and around Port-Au-Prince are now at $11,702.50 US dollars. These tuitions were paid to 10 different institutions on behalf of 15 students.
Temporary Church repairs on 3 earth quake damaged Churches have been completed. This work was authorized so that congregations can worship and meet in the interim of the Churches being rebuilt. The amount of the repairs was $6,983.71.
Steering Committee Publications Team
Haiti Annual Conference AMEC
Mrs. C. Milbin, Secretary
6. BACK HOME FROM A MISSIONARY TRIP TO HAITI:
Ruth May Siegrist
The Haiti mission trip is over and I am home safely. I am ever so grateful to the Loving Father for a safe and successful trip without any problems that affected our mission which was sponsored by Promise Child Ministries based in Garden Grove, California. It took a few days to recover from the strenuous trip but I am back to normal now. My soul rejoices in what our team was able to accomplish in one week. Following are highlights of the trip.
It is extremely difficult to describe what I have seen and experienced. Haiti is an amazing country. My heart bleeds for the people who suffer abject poverty, hunger and suffering every day, as if they are a forgotten people. But God has not forgotten them! The Haitian people warmed up to us and were friendly after we said our “Bon Jours!” The children are friendly and subdued, but also share big smiles to show their appreciation for gifts and food and for friendship.
Port-au-Prince is crowded and traffic congested. We did not pass through the part of the city that suffered the worst damage from the earthquake, but many streets and sidewalks have huge piles of debris. People try to carry on some kind of commerce in the city but there are many who still look stunned and unproductive. We passed by several tent camps. The Haitian countryside, by contrast, is beautiful. As we drove from Port-au-Prince along mountainous dirt and paved roads, I was amazed to look down and see the beauty and lushness of the valleys.
Our destination was the village of Caneille, about a 4 ½ hr. drive from the capital. We stayed at the home of the pastor (and wife) of Calvary Chapel Caneille. We held an all-day women’s conference of Bible teaching, prayer, song, and luncheon, attended by 150 community women. The men on our team held a 2-day similar men’s conference attended by over 100. Many were brought to Christ. And our one day VBS for children was attended by 250. The children participated with enthusiasm in the VBS we brought them to share the love of Jesus Christ, and they ended with big, beautiful smiles wearing their “Jesus crowns” and salvation bracelets. For many men, women & children this week of events provided them the best meal they had in weeks.
Our days were long—starting at 4:30 am. The weather was hot and humid. When we were not participating in the Christian conferences we were busy helping set up the [outdoor] kitchen that serves the church and school – cleaning cabinets, utensils, dish towels; helped organize files of the medical clinic; prepared meals, cleaned up. I was asked to speak to the teachers of Calvary Chapel Caneille School, the elementary school for the Promise Children. I gave the school 30 copies of the lovely children’s story; “The Happy Sound” by Ruth Morris Graham (my mother) first published in 1970 and reprinted for this mission. The story tells about a little Haitian girl and her love for her donkey.
Thank you for your prayers, support and help in sending me on this Haiti mission trip. I pray that the seeds we planted in the hearts of the Haitian men, women and children will bring everlasting fruit for God’s kingdom.
7. BISHOP JEFFREY LEATH APPOINTS SECOND FEMALE PRESIDING ELDER IN THE 19TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
On Sunday, 17 October, the Reverend Dibetu Oniccah Leepo was appointed Presiding Elder of the North End District in the M.M. Mokone Annual Conference, 19th Episcopal District. Presiding Elder Leepo is the second female to have been appointed a presiding elder in the 19th District.
8. TAKING THE REINS IN BERMUDA - MAKING HISTORY AT THE AME DISTRICT CONFERENCE:
October 8-9th 2010
The Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the AME Church, the Right Reverend Richard F. Norris, appointed the Rev Furbert-Woolridge as the Presiding Elder of the AME Churches in Bermuda on April 30th 2010.
The Reverend Betty L Furbert-Woolridge made history this past weekend as she presided over the East-West District Conference of the Bermuda Conference of the A.M.E Church. The Rev Furbert-Woolridge is the denominations first female Presiding Elder in the history of Bermuda Conference.
The East-West District Conference marked an historic milestone for the AME
Church and shattered another “glass ceiling” for women in ministry in Bermuda.
The District Conference, which convened at Mt. Zion AME Church, consists of all ordained clergy, ministers, delegates and members as well as ministry and component heads within the AME Church in Bermuda. As Presiding Elder, Rev Furbert-Woolridge presides over the affairs of the Bermuda Conference in the absence of the Bishop.
The East-West District Conference began on Friday, October 8th with a dynamic worship experience, where Presiding Elder Furbert-Woolridge preached an empowering and encouraging message that challenged the conference to walk in compassion as Jesus did; And that by doing so, the AME Church’s message and example will continue to be a source of positive and powerful transformation in the lives of people and the larger community.
The Saturday business sessions were informative, innovative and engaging as members learned about different aspects of the church and its ongoing work throughout Bermuda.
The East-West District Conference ended in a crescendo of enthusiasm as the members of the Conference commended Presiding Elder Furbert-Woolridge for her leadership, grace and openness.
The East-West District Conference pledged their support in advancing the work of the Bermuda Annual Conference to the honor and glory of God!
Presiding Elder Furbert-Woolridge expressed her heartfelt thanks and was grateful for the opportunity to serve God and Hiss people from this new platform.
9. THE SIX EPISCOPAL DISTRICT’S EASTERN DISTRICT ASSISTS CHURCHES OF THE DISTRICT PAY ASSESSMENT SPRING GALA:
The Rev. Sherryl H. Sneed
The Eastern District (Southwest Georgia Conference) in the Sixth Episcopal District has been creative in helping the churches of the district pay some of their annual assessments.
In the spring of each year, the churches of the district come together for a night of superb entertainment, good food, and great fellowship. The Rev. Elijah Smith, Sr., Presiding Elder notes that the affair is designed as an evening to dress up and step out.
Each church is responsible to raise funds for the district. The funds raised are used to assist in paying district assessments. In addition to a musical group, youth from across the district provides entertainment, including praise dancing, singing, and dramatizations.
Each year a Pastor and Layperson of the Year are selected and honored. The last year’s Pastor of the Year was the Rev. Curtis Frazier, Pastor of Bethel AME Church in Montezuma, Georgia. The Layperson of the Year was Ms. Pansy McLendon of Mayfield Zion AME Church in Alamo, Georgia.
The first Spring Gala was held in 2005 when the District roasted and toasted its Presiding Elder, the Rev. Elijah Smith, Sr. The District is already making plans for Spring Gala 2011.
10. THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE GOES “GREEN”:
The Tennessee Annual conference goes “green.” There are no ushers handing out worship bulletins, no passing out reports, and no paper. The pertinent items of the pastoral reports are flashed on two large screens and pastors and delegates speak from the information and photos flashed on the screens. The Annual Conference registration bag has the program booklet that has copies all of the pastoral reports. If attendees want to take copies of any of the Annual Conference proceedings home, a CD is available. The acts of worship, i.e., Call to Worship, hymns, litanies, etc., are flashed on the two large screens. The “green” conference is more efficient and there is no time wasted passing out papers.
Lee Chapel AME Church in Nashville is the host church for the Tennessee Annual Conference (October 19 - 23, 2010); the host pastor is the Rev. Dr. Edward L. Thompson; the Reverend Robert E. Keesee, Host Presiding Elder; and the Reverend Troy Merritt, Jr. Co-Host Presiding Elder.
Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie is the Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District and Mr. Stan McKenzie is the Supervisor of Missions. The Annual Conference is being held at the Church of God Headquarters facility in Nashville.
11. FOUR PERSONS ORDAINED AT THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The Rev. Anica Howard was ordained an Itinerant Elder
The Rev. Reginald Farris was ordained an Itinerant Deacon
The Rev. Jesse Mathers was ordained a Local Deacon
The Rev. April Douglas was ordained a Local Deacon
12. REST IN PEACE, CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST AND SHORTER COMMUNITY AME CHURCH MEMBER, GLADYS NOEL BATES:
*Dr. Timothy Tyler
Gladys Noel Bates was selected as the plaintiff by the NAACP in a 1948 suit against the Mississippi State School Board for equal pay for black faculty. Shortly after the suit was filed, she and her husband, another teacher, were fired and blacklisted from teaching in the state. Shots were fired through the windows of their home, which was later burned down.
After three years and two appeals, the case reached the Supreme Court, which declined to rule on it. Despite the loss in the courts, there was a moral victory, as salaries slowly moved toward parity in the state.
A brother in Denver persuaded the couple to move here in 1960 and apply for work at Denver Public Schools, an integrated system; they were hired immediately. Gladys Bates began her new life as a science teacher at Baker Junior High and her husband, John, became a shop instructor at Manual High School.
The Colorado Education Association gave its first human relations award to the couple and named it after them. Greater Park Hill Community Inc. gave them the Babbs Award for 20 years of service to the North East Park Hill Community Association and the Greater Park Hill Community. This was also in recognition for their work to prevent riots in Park Hill after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
*Dr. Timothy Tyler is the pastor of Shorter Community AME Church in Denver
13. DR. VICTOR E. BIBBINS, SR., METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH OFFICER, EXPERIENCED EDUCATOR IN THE APPLIED BEHAVIOR SCIENCES PASSED:
Dr. Victor E. Bibbins, Sr. was an experienced educator with broad skills-sets in the applied behavior sciences. He received formative education in the city of his birth, Detroit, Michigan. His higher education was obtained from universities in Michigan, receiving a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degree in Secondary Education and Counseling from Western Michigan University. The Doctor of Philosophy degree was awarded in Educational Psychology from the University of Michigan.
He is a 4th generation AME. He gave himself to Christ as a teenager. After serving as a Steward at Bethel AME Church in Detroit, MI for three years as a young adult, he transferred his membership in 1978 to Metropolitan AME Church in Washington DC (the National Cathedral of African Methodism). In May 1980, the then pastor of Metropolitan AME, the late Right Reverend Robert L. Pruitt, facilitated Victor’s appointment to the Board of Stewards. Shortly thereafter, he was appointed as the Chair of the Class Leader System. Victor served in this position for 15 years under the Reverend Dr. Rodger Reed and the Right Reverend William P. DeVeaux. From 1994-2001, Victor lived in Elizabeth City, NC and then Chesapeake, VA, where he worshiped at Saint Johns AME in Norfolk, VA. Upon his return to the Washington DC area in 2003, Victor was re-nominated and appointed to the Steward Board by the Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Braxton, and was again tasked with strengthening Class-Leadership at Metropolitan AME. He was elevated to Steward Emeritus in March 2010, and at that time had served longer than any other steward on the existing board.
Dr. Bibbins has amassed 40 years of counseling, teaching, management and leadership experience, including a distinguished record of leadership in organizational development within government service. While there he was a significant contributor to the development of policy guidelines for the “Diversity Awareness Program”, which resulted in the training of over 3,000 government employees for developing skills of cultural competency.
His well defined expertise in multiculturalism, led to the honor of serving as the national president of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a division of the American Counseling Association. In 2003 this association published his edited book, Multicultural Competencies: A Guidebook of Practices. In addition, he was engaged actively in policy making for advancing theological education as member of the Board of Trustees of Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
He also provided substantial and progressive senior-level leadership and management within higher education. Dr. Bibbins served as an Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for Elizabeth City State University, Dean of Students for Northern Virginia Community College, and as Executive Assistant to the President of Edward Waters College. From 2001-2009, he was as the chief student services officer of the Manassas Campus of Northern Virginia Community College. In this capacity, he provided the leadership and management for delivering comprehensive student services to about 7,000 students. Modeling cutting-edge leadership, Dr. Bibbins developed and taught an innovative e-learning student success course for students pursuing careers in teacher education. His work at Northern Virginia Community College also took him to South Africa, where he led a study tour for students and faculty. He has also traveled to Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, Israel, Venezuela, Canada and the Bahamas.
Because of his love for learning and for the church, he asked to be remembered in the following manner; in lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to: Metropolitan AME Church Scholarship Endowment – Payne Tanner Memorial, P.O. Box 19322, Washington, DC 20036. An annual scholarship of $1500 will be awarded in memory of Dr. Victor E. Bibbins, Sr. to a student seeking admission to Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio.
Victor and his wife, Odessa, reside in the town of Cheverly in Prince Georges County Maryland. They delight in the fact they are the parents of four adult children; Victor Jr. (Kendra); Shamar; Issa (Khima) and Immanuel, and three grandchildren; Kason, Marcia and Christian.
14. PORTSMOUTH/RICHMOND/ROANOKE DISTRICT PRESENTS RESOLUTION COMMENDATION AND THANKS:
Resolution to the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District Conference
September 17, 2010.
The Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District of the Virginia Conference of the Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in recognition of the outstanding work of Presiding Elder William A. Dyson, Sr. and Dr. Marianne Dyson.
We, your committee on Resolutions, beg leave to submit the following accomplishments of the illustrious and dynamic duo of the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District, who have served us well for a term of three effective and proficient years of service. Elder Dyson has served the church for 50 years and has many sons in the ministry.
Presiding Elder William A. Dyson Sr. was appointed by Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District, Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., at the Omni Hotel under the pastoral charge of the Rev. Darryl Kearney;
Presiding Elder Dyson pastored in both districts of the Virginia Annual Conference of the Second Episcopal District. He served in the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District and the Norfolk/Eastern Shore District. God graced him with the opportunity to serve two historical churches-- St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Winchester, Va. And Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Portsmouth, Virginia.
At his first pastoral appointment, he and his helpmate, Dr. Marianne Dyson were instrumental in making the church a historical site in the city of Winchester. This church was where abolitionist Frederick Douglas held most of his debates.
Presiding Elder Dyson has pastored the following churches:
St. Paul A.M.E., Winchester, 3 years
Brown's A.M.E., Smithfield, 2 years
St. James A.M.E., Norfolk, 9 years
Mt. Zion A.M.E., Virginia Beach, 9 years
Emanuel A.M.E., Portsmouth, 1 year
Presiding Elder Dyson has also served the Virginia Annual Conference:
Served on the Board of Examiners, 11 years
Instructor on the Board of Examiners, 11 years
Trustee, 14 years
God not only graced the Presiding Elder with a helpmate, but one who is proficient, creative and skilled with wisdom and knowledge. Dr. Marianne Dyson holds the title District Director of Missions. Her love for missions extends beyond the walls of the AME Church. She was the initiator and organizer of the “Unsung Heroes” service.
Whereas, on Thursday, September 16, 2010 the Presiding Elder William A. Dyson, Sr. and Dr. Marianne Dyson, the dynamic duo of the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District, opened the District Conference with expressions of their memories of joy, love and prayers that God would continue to catapult the District to higher heights and deeper depths of service to the Almighty. The Rev. Kevin Wilson lifted our spirits from Romans 10:15 with his message, “Happy Feet.”
The Women's Missionary Society of the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District initiated workshops/institutes wherein everyone was present to hear the facilitators from various components of clergy, missionaries and laity.
The facilitators for the workshops were:
The - Rev. Carolyn Clark: Missionary Workshop
The Rev. Glenn Orr- Pastor, St. Paul A.M.E. Blacksburg, Virginia Clergy Workshop- “What is the Church Preaching about the Quality of Life on Earth”
Sister Denise Bennett, Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church, Richmond, Virginia
Lay Workshop: “How are We Spreading the Word about Supporting the Church?”
It was a fruitful experience for all in attendance. This was the first time that all of the conference attendees would receive the same information to take back to their various churches;
The highlight of the WMS worship service was honoring the unsung heroes with tokens of love and appreciation.
The following ladies were honored for their mission work beyond Zion's walls:
Sister Otelia Andrews, First Trinity AME, Norfolk;
Sister Mary Armstead, Bethel AME, Hampton;
Sister Trecinda (Trudy) Barnes, Third Street Bethel AME, Richmond;
Sister Florence Batten, Brown's AME, Smithfield;
Sister Evelyn Daughtry, Campbell's Chapel AME, Carrollton;
Sister Gertrude Harris, Bethel AME, Cave Springs;
Sister Margaret Mack, Rehoboth AME, Chesapeake;
Sister Norma Prattis, St. James AME, Norfolk;
Sister Mamie Wise, Brown's AME, Smithfield;
Sister Helen Whitaker, Bethel AME, Hampton
On Friday, September 17, 2010, the morning worship was held at 10 a.m. The devotions were led by the Reverend Gilbert Harper and the Rev. Derrell Wade, and at 10:30 a.m. the Rev. Willie White, Sr. brought an inspiring message entitled, “What is on Your Mind?”
At 12 noon the Rev. Dr. Franklin J. West brought the message entitled, “God's Hospital: Healing Must take Place in the Church,” from Mathew 9:11-13.
At 12:15 p.m. the Rev. Herbert Gibbs, the Rev. Norman Vick, the Rev. Collin Figueroa, and the Rev. Granger Flythe presented a workshop: “Working out Your Soul's Salvation.” The Rev. John Swann summarized this very informative workshop.
The final worship service of the Conference concluded with the Lay service Brother W. Germain Favor, a young adult lay member from St. Paul AME Church in Newport News, Virginia was the speaker.
The Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District extended to Presiding Elder William A. Dyson, Sr. his helpmate, Dr, Marianne Dyson and their daughter, Sister Holly Dyson, Administrative Assistant, their great appreciation for their love, commitment and wealth of the knowledge shared during their three years of service to the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District.
The Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District thank Almighty God for sending us this dynamic duo; they are “movers and shakers” for Christ.
The Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District extended its thanks and appreciation to St. Paul AME Church in Winchester, Virginia, for their love, impeccable service, hospitality, unity, faithfulness and devotion in executing a superb District Conference.
Resolution committee:
The Rev. Phyllis Whichard
The Rev. Isaac Jackson
Sister Constance I. Cooke
15. THE KENTUCKY CONFERENCE WOMEN IN MINISTRY WILL PRESENT "HOW SHALL THEY PREACH" SEMINAR:
The Kentucky Conference Women In Ministry will present "How Shall They Preach" seminar on Saturday, October 30th at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in 205-206 McPheeters Building at Asbury Theological Seminary.
It is a rare and wonderful opportunity to spend a day on campus in extraordinary sessions taught by the seminary professors, who are trained in academia and also endowed with the gifts and graces of the Spirit of God. We will have moments of worship and reflection, dynamic teaching in theological and biblical principles. We will also have a "Those Preaching Women Luncheon” where the women in ministry will be appreciated.
There will be a thought provoking panel discussion, and opportunity for fellowshipping and networking. We received a grant from the State Health Department and so we are able to offer the first 30 who sign up, a reduced registration of only $10.
Please RSVP with exhorter Doris Coffey! Her email is: dcoffey2204@windstream.net. Don't miss this opportunity.
Please feel free to share this information to other women in ministry regardless of denomination and let's pray, watch, and see the great things God will do!
The Rev. Maxine L. Thomas
Kentucky Annual Conference WIM Coordinator
16. “BUILDING BRIDGES OF HOPE” SPEECH TO THE U.S. EMBASSY TO THE HOLY SEE’S CONFERENCE ON INTERFAITH ACTION:
*Joshua DuBois
October 12, 2010
It is such a pleasure to be with you today. On behalf of President Obama and the entire Administration, I want to thank you for the warm invitation to address this distinguished body. The theme of this conference, “Building Bridges of Hope: Success Stories and Strategies for Interfaith Action” describes perhaps one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time – how men and women of diverse religious backgrounds might reach across lines of difference and advance our common goals as human beings. So it is an honor to speak with you, and I am truly delighted to be here.
I also bring warm greetings from President Obama. I have had the pleasure of knowing the President and working closely with him for a number of years, and I can say with great certainty that interreligious cooperation is both a passion and a vocation of his. We saw this in his address in Cairo, Egypt, and I see this through my regular work with the President through the White House Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, where advancing interfaith cooperation and service is one of our primary goals. Please know that the discussions and outcomes from this historic conference will be considered at the highest level of the United States Government.
I also want to express my deepest gratitude to the United States Ambassador to the Holy See, Dr. Miguel Diaz. Ambassador Diaz, you are not only the “brains” behind this Conference – you are also a scholar and diplomat of the first order, and in your relatively brief time in Rome you have represented the President with a depth of wisdom, kindness, values and uncommon skill. So thank you and Dr. Marian Diaz for bringing us all together today, and for your work yet to come.
I am also proud to have with us today the Senior Advisor to the White House faith-based office, Mara Vanderslice. Mara is one of the United States’ leading voices at the intersection of faith and public life, and has pioneered new paths towards interreligious engagement in her role as the head of our office’s international portfolio. I know she is very much looking forward to working with everyone in this room on our common tasks.
Finally, I wish to express my thanks to all of you. It is truly a humbling experience for me to present to such a distinguished body: Eminences, Excellencies, clergy, religious, scholars, activists, politicians, and friends. Every day, brick by brick, you continuously lay the moral and intellectual foundation of our public life and dialogue – and you are the “first responders” when, for various reasons, that foundation is shaken. I know that you will use the opportunity of this conference to identify areas of common purpose on a range of issues, from the philosophical to the pragmatic, from development to the environment. I appreciate your good work and wish you every blessing as that work proceeds.
As the individual in the White House with responsibility for partnering with religious organizations, it fills me with great joy – and quite frankly, no small measure of inadequacy – to deliver these remarks on interreligious cooperation here, in the Eternal City. To think that a young man from very humble beginnings in the American South would stand just a few minutes away from St. Peter’s Basilica and the Coliseum and seek to speak to our common values in a way that adds even a word or two of text to the collective histories of those who have offered remarks in this great city is an awe-inspiring task to say the least.
I lead the Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the White House. In that capacity, I am tasked with assisting religious and secular community organizations in their work of serving people in need. We help these organizations identify funding; we work to build their capacity; we bring them together across lines of division so that they can learn from one another’s good work.
My Office is also tasked with assessing, and improving, the United States Government’s engagement of religious issues and religious actors around the globe. President Obama believes that faith-based organizations can be powerful catalysts for development and social action: from rebuilding communities ravished by natural disasters to responding to outbreaks of deadly disease. The President also believes that while faith-based groups are powerful as singular actors, they can multiply their impact by joining across religious lines: Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Jews, retaining their individual beliefs but coming together to serve communities around the globe in times of dire need. My Office seeks to create opportunities for this sort of interfaith engagement, and for the first time develop mechanisms for the United States Government to systematically partner with religious organizations abroad. I will speak later about the specific ways we are doing this, and opportunities we have to partner with many of you.
But first, I would like to reflect just a bit on the imperative before us – the reasons why it is more important now than ever for religious and moral actors to collaborate on the great social challenges of our time.
And I actually do not wish to extol the positive virtues of interfaith cooperation. So many of us already know that when we embark upon an interfaith encounter – whether being invited to experience a Passover Seder that connects us with the stranger, the oppressed and with redemption; breaking bread with our Muslim brothers and sisters at an Iftar as we appreciate the strength of community and the holiness of the month of Ramadan; or sharing an Easter dinner between Christian friends as we reflect upon Christ’s sacrifice – in those moments we develop expanded compassion, deeper empathy, even a greater notion of the divine. There is little argument about this, this basic idea that, as Pope John Paul II so eloquently stated, “By dialogue, we let God be present in our midst, for as we open ourselves to one another, we open ourselves to God.”
So the positive benefits of interfaith cooperation are known, and they should motivate us to interfaith action.
But it is another motivation for interfaith service that I would like to focus on, another reason why we must join across religious lines to tackle our common challenges together. This motivation may be a bit darker, more difficult than the positive desire for compassion and understanding. But, when properly mined, this motivation might provide the energy we need to build the ‘bridges of hope’ upon which this conference is premised.
The motivation I would like to reflect upon is that of pain and suffering. And I would like to explore with you how the presence and memory of pain might spur us towards ever greater interfaith action.
Approximately 1200 years ago, Herakleion and East Canopus were bustling cities at the mouth of the mighty Nile River in Egypt. They were shipping and trading ports, a gateway through which goods traveled before being shipped upriver. These were busy towns, likely full of religious fervor as well – from newly converted Muslims, Coptic Christians, and Jews.
And then suddenly, at a date uncertain but likely around 741 A.D., it all just disappeared. Flooding from the Nile caused the ground beneath Herakleion and East Canopus to first become saturated and then literally collapse into the depths, liquefying into mud. According to National Geographic, scientists are still finding artifacts at the sea floor, reminders of the men and women, boys and girls, communities and religious societies suddenly swept up by a devastating flood.
A little over twelve hundred years later, there was another flood. In this instance, by the time the clock struck 10 a.m. on Sunday morning, August 25th, 2005, a storm that began over the southeastern Bahamas had reached the Gulf Coast of the United States and the city of New Orleans with mind-boggling intensity. Sustained winds of 280 kilometers per hour. Rain pounding the wards of New Orleans and gathering nearly an inch per hour. Frightened residents moved to the top floors of their houses, for those lucky enough to have top floors. Others climbed atop beds and dressers seeking to stay above the encroaching waters. 20,000 people sought refuge in the Superdome, a major if at the time unfit coliseum in the central city. And they prayed for the rain to stop. But it never stopped.
Before the water receded, Hurricane Katrina had destroyed thousands of homes, schools, and neighborhoods, and cost 1,836 citizens their lives. Many of them were among the poorest in society, those who did not have the means to escape.
Herakleion. New Orleans. Coptics, Muslims and Jews in 8th Century Egypt. Today’s Louisiana, with a significant Roman Catholic population. Worlds apart and yet when we look across history, we see they are tied together by shared memories of water, loss, and death.
There are other examples.
I shudder to think of Kristallnacht, that horrible night in November of 1938 foreshadowing even greater horrors to come, when Jewish homes, shops and villages across Germany and Austria were destroyed, and Torah scrolls and other sacred Judaica were thrown down in the streets by Nazis, as if they were mere debris.
And while there can be no equivalency to the terrors of the Holocaust and those dark days and nights that preceded it, I believe our Jewish brothers and sisters might share some common memories with Irish Catholics in Philadelphia in 1844, who saw their schools and churches burned to the ground as a result of the anti-Catholic sentiment stoked during the Philadelphia Nativist Riots.
Shared suffering. Shared memories.
And what of the shared pain of procession? It seems to me that before some of the darkest hours of all of our faiths, there is a queue, a march, a procession. The procession of the Native Americans down the trail of tears, where hundreds if not thousands of men, women and children died far from their ancestral homes. The procession of the trains to Treblinka, Belzec, Auschwitz, where cattle and freight cars were filled to capacity with so many human souls. The march of Black Christians like Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis and others across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, enduring the bites of vicious dogs and the blows of red bricks upon the sides of their heads. How many times, over the course of human history, have different peoples of different faiths prayed to their God for the ability to keep legs steady and backs upright in the midst of a grueling, deadly, march?
Across all religious traditions, we face tremendous challenges around the globe, some too daunting to fully comprehend. 33 million people wracked by HIV/AIDS. Over 140 million orphans worldwide. Religious tensions from the Middle East to Europe to the United States. A warming climate and frequent natural disasters, from Haiti to Pakistan and so many points in between.
If we are to tackle these challenges, we must somehow find a way to put aside religious difference and work together. In that process, perhaps it is a useful principle to consider not only the coming joys of our collaborations, but also our prior individual sufferings that tie us together as well. Perhaps in those sufferings we can see the face of someone who has similarly endured, and join with that person to ease the pain of others.
This is happening across the globe already, and governments have a role in bringing people of different faiths together to address common challenges. I am pleased that the United States Government is beginning an intentional effort to encourage faith-based partnerships for the common good. In fact, my office along with the National Security Council has recently begun a government working group called the Interagency Working Group on Religion and Global Affairs. In this effort, we are identifying ways in which government’s partnerships with faith-based actors successfully alleviate pain and suffering across the globe, so that we can build on these models in the future.
Out first task was to take a step back and survey what is already going on within the U.S. Government in terms of our interaction and engagement with religious leaders aboard.
We asked each government agency to do a thorough mapping of their religious and community engagement and received back hundreds of pages of reports from 138 Embassies around the world and 12 agencies across government. What we found is that a lot of engagement is already taking place:
For example:
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency of our Department of Homeland Security has met with international groups and other governments to share best practices on engaging faith-based organizations around disaster response.
- Our Office of Global Health Affairs at the US Department of Health and Human Services partners with the World Health Organization to provide reliable information about vaccine safety to religious leaders. Particularly in Indonesia and Nigeria, religious leaders have falsely claimed that vaccines were being used as biological weapons targeted at Muslims; U.S. Government officials worked with religious leaders to help dispel this dangerous myth.
- Our Department of Agriculture has consulted with religious authorities and others in a number of countries around issues of importing and exporting kosher and halal meats.
- Our USAID Mission in Madagascar works hand in hand with Christian, Muslim and traditional religious leaders in the dissemination of messages about maternal and child health, the fight against malaria and sexually transmitted diseases, AIDS, and improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene in churches, temples, and mosques in 422 communes across that country.
- Our USAID Mission in the Philippines supported a special initiative called Al-Khalifa (The Steward), an environmental sourcebook based on the Islamic perspective of managing the environment. The sourcebook was helpful in preventing and resolving conflicts in Western Mindanao that are related to the use of environmental and natural resources.
- Our Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh hosted a regional conference on “The Role of Religious and Community Leaders in Advancing Development in Asia.” Over 60 interfaith leaders, political actors, and development practitioners from fourteen Asian countries attended the conference, and it provided a platform for participants to share their experiences on issues related to promoting interfaith dialogue and service.
- In China, engagement with religious leaders has been particularly important given the difficulties with religious freedom in that country. Our U.S. Ambassador to China has a Fund for Cultural Preservation provides an important means to preserve Tibetan culture.
- And of course this conference here today, which we are so honored to be a part of, is an unprecedented example of our U.S. Embassy to the Holy See taking a lead in promoting best practices in inter-religious engagement and cooperation.
So across the United States Government, there is a growing trend of engaging religious and community-based actors to advance our common non-religious goals.
But although we uncovered some very good examples of engagement that are taking place, too often this work is sporadic and ad hoc. While some departments and Embassies incorporate religious and community leaders into much of their development and diplomatic work, the engagement in other areas does not extend beyond the occasional holiday reception.
In many circumstances staff reported that they did not understand the critical legal guidelines regarding the engagement of religious organizations, or they did not feel that they had adequate knowledge and training to effectively reach out to religious leaders to advance non-religious goals.
That is why we are working with the White House National Security Staff and the State Department to find ways to increase our government’s capacity and training to allow for ongoing relationship building with diverse religious and community leaders across the globe. The goal here is to partner with faith-based actors and non-governmental organizations on shared issues of interest such as conflict resolution, environmental protection, and health and development.
I know there is much we, the government of the United States, can learn in this process of engaging religious actors from so many in this room. I see today’s Conference as an opportunity to begin that conversation, and share best practices in tackling our global challenges together.
But when those challenges become almost too heavy to bear, as world events show that they often do; when the distance between us seems so far that no bridge of hope can span it; when the hurt inflicted by one of another faith threatens to overwhelm any sense of empathy or compassion that might bind us together; I wonder if in those times we might be motivated to extend a hand in peace, a morsel of food, or a tent of shelter, not only by our innate compassion, but also by our memory of those times when we were the stranger, the abandoned, the despairing.
Perhaps then, when Pakistan is wracked by floods and thousands are left despairing, we who also have high waters in our cultural memories – from Hurricane Katrina to Noah and his Ark – can find common cause with the drenched, the homeless, and the orphaned.
Perhaps when we see young people marching down the streets of Tehran, enduring taunts and blows, we, as people of faith, will remember the marches of our religious histories as well – Montgomery and Birmingham, the Salt March from Sabarmati to Dandi, even the procession of the children of Abraham from out of the Pharaoh’s bondage.
Perhaps when the earth shakes beneath the feet of a people as it did in Haiti, in those tremors Catholics and Jews will remember the deep rumble of tanks beneath their feet in Poland. And, awoken by that stir, we’ll join together across religious lines in rescue and relief, as so many in fact did in Haiti.
Faced with crisis and challenge, we will at times be motivated to build interreligious bridges of hope by the forces of love, of charity, of joy. But when that is not enough -- I pray that we might also join together because of the memory of our own pain, and the desire to prevent that pain from ever occurring again, for anyone, anywhere.
As I close, I would like to consider the beautiful words of His Holiness, Pope Benedict the XVI, delivered just a few months ago here in the Eternal City. The Pope was reflecting specifically upon the Iraqi context and the mutual experiences of Muslims and Christians there, but I believe his words apply to people of all faiths as well. He said:
"Recent years have seen many tragic acts of violence committed against innocent members of the population...This shared suffering can provide a deep bond, strengthening the determination...to work for peace and reconciliation. History has shown that some of the most powerful incentives to overcome division come from the example of those men and women who, having chosen the courageous path of non-violent witness to higher values, have lost their lives..."
In our work to foster development, protect our environment, and create peace out of strife across religious lines, I hope that we would remember those who came before us, the suffering of our own peoples, our own histories, our own beliefs. And I pray that those mournful memories would actually help us build a brighter and more hopeful future for one another, a future where the pain of our own pasts provokes us to heal others with the balm of mutual concern.
*Joshua DuBois is the head of the Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in the Executive Office of the President of the United States. He is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Antoni Sinkfield, Pastor and First Lady of St. John AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee.
17. THE SCHOTT 50 STATES' REPORT ON BLACK MALES AND EDUCATION:
Click here: http://www.blackboysreport.org/?page_id=483
Sad statistics in the Schott 50 States' Report on Black Males and Education.
Recommend pastors and local church leaders address the issues surrounding these statistics and explore ways the church take leadership in addressing what can be done to improve the graduation rates of black males.
**Received from the Rev. Melvin E. Wilson, pastor of St. Luke AME church in New York City.
18. FALSE WITNESSES AGAINST GOD:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
Many unspeakable and unimaginable things have been done in the name of God.
People from all walks and levels of life have committed atrocious acts claiming that God told them to do it.
They have tortured, murdered, maimed, burned, starved, dismembered, committed homicide killing their whole families, and sacrificed their children all in the name of God.
People have lied on God, lied about God and lied to God. Sometimes I wonder if we are serving the same God. Then upon reading the 10 Commandments God admonished Moses and the children not to have any other gods but Him, which indicated that there are other gods or shall I say there are other things or entities that claim to be, or want to be gods.
Upon receiving the assignment to go carry the children out of bondage, Moses asked God who God was. Which God are you? Moses wanted to be sure who was sending him on such a sensitive and dangerous mission. Moses needed clarification because he was living in a polytheistic society and he wanted to be sure who he was representing.
After receiving the answer, "I am that I am”, Moses knew that he was representing an Omnipotent, Omnipresence and Omniscient God.
Be watchful, let us not sleep. Polytheism is alive and thriving today.
Whenever I hear about people committing horrible acts against humanity and claiming that God told them to do them, I know that they are not talking about the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. They are not talking about the God who clothed the Children of Israel for forty years; and their shoes did not wear out.
People who commit horrific acts are not talking about the God who provided wells that the children did not dig; and gave them vineyards they did not plant. They are not talking about the God who is merciful and forgiving. They are not talking about the God that even the winds and waves obey.
If someone comes to you and tells you that God sent them to tell you to do something, just ask them which one. They will probably ask, what do you mean? Make them identify the “God” they are speaking of. There are other “gods” out there taking control of wavering weak minds and souls.
I call people with wavering weak minds, “borderline believers.”
God does not send mixed signals. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. I Corinthians 14:33
It takes a mighty brazen person to stand and lie on God Almighty.
There is a line in our Order of Burial that I would like for the Church to consider revisiting, “For as much it has pleased Almighty God to take out of this world..."
Whether a person dies in an auto accident: a house fire: an overdose of drugs: or by the hands of a “drive-by shooter: or by suicide: or killed in an auto accident by some drunken fool or kills one’s self while drunk and driving: No matter how a person dies, we stand at the grave site and read “For as much it has pleased Almighty God to take out of this world..."
I have often pondered that line, “For as much it has pleased Almighty God to take out of this world..." How do we defend such a statement that no matter how a person dies that God is pleased? How do you explain to a seven-year-old that God is pleased after losing her mother?
Maybe I missed something along the way, and if I did, I would be the first to acknowledge it. I have always been troubled by that statement. Although I am retired, I have always had that lingering question about that line especially when I eulogized those who died by their own foolish hands or by the hands of other fools.
You see, I never wanted to be and never tried to be, “a false witness.”
I am confident that with the great minds we have in our Zion, that line could be rephrased to reflect our theological views with a better understanding about death and dying.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, Ptaegar@AOL.Com, Pastor, Author, Counselor, Teacher, Humorist, is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida.
19. EPISCOPAL, GENERAL OFFICER AND CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Congratulations to the Reverend Samuel L. Green, Jr., the son of Bishop Samuel L. Green
Congratulations to the Reverend Samuel L. Green, Jr., son of the Right Reverend Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District.
Congratulations to the Reverend Samuel L. Green, Jr. on his Itinerant Deacon Ordination in the Chicago Annual Conference, 4th Episcopal District on October 2, 2010, where the Presiding Bishop is Senior Bishop John R. Bryant. Reverend Green is a graduate of the University of Florida and a first year student at Garrett Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois.
Congratulatory expressions can be sent to slgreenjr@gmail.com.
- Congratulations to Valerie Anne Dickerson, the Daughter of General Officer and Mrs. Dennis C. Dickerson
The Reverend Dennis C. Dickerson, Ph.D., Historiographer/Executive Director of the Department of Research & Scholarship of the AME Church and Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson, Subscriptions Manager of the A.M.E. CHURCH REVIEW proudly announces the marriage of their daughter, Valerie Anne Dickerson to Yosvany Cordero. The wedding ceremony took place on Sunday, the Seventeenth of October, Two Thousand and Ten at Four O'clock in the Afternoon at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.
Valerie recently earned the Ph.D. in ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Her research focused on the music of the evangelical church in Cuba. While conducting her field work in Cuba, she met her fiancé, Yosvany Cordero, a professional musician and music teacher in Havana. Since arriving in the United States, Mr. Cordero has been a guest artist/musician with two Dartmouth College performance ensembles. Valerie also taught at Dartmouth College in the Department of Latin American, Latino, and Caribbean Studies. Presently, she works at a nonprofit in Boston, Massachusetts. While in Cuba, she studied at the University of Havana to increase her fluency in Spanish. Valerie, a member of Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee, attends with Yosvany, St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Bishop Frederick H. Talbot, the 90th AMEC Bishop Retired, and the Reverend Michael D. Broadnax, Sr., Pastor of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Nashville officiated the wedding.
Congratulatory messages can be sent to Valerie at valerie.a.dickerson@gmail.com or coko9@aol.com
Congratulatory messages can also be sent to the proud parents:
(Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson) MaryDickerson@comcast.net
(Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson) whhbutler@cs.com
- Congratulations to the Rev T. L Mahasha - 19th Episcopal District
Congratulations to the Rev T. L. Mahasha, who has been elevated to Presiding Eldership of the Springs District, East Annual Conference, 19th Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop Nathaniel Jeffrey Leath. The Rev. Mahasha is currently working as a legal advisor and is on the verge of becoming a magistrate, within the courts of law in South Africa. He is married to a beautiful lady named Brenda and has two sons and one daughter.
Congratulatory messages may be sent to the following email addresses:
levaimahasha@nashuaisp.co.za
brendamahasha@yahoo.com
pmashasha@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Representative Georganna Sinkfield
Congratulations to Representative Georganna Sinkfield, as the Democratic Nominee for the Secretary of State of Georgia. She decisively won the nomination in a run-off election, beating four other Democratic candidates who sought the nomination. Rep. Sinkfield, a life-long AME and member of St. Paul AME in Atlanta, is the longest serving woman in the history of the Georgia General Assembly. She has a strong record of helping people and meeting the needs of Georgians through her leadership and support of legislation that improves their lives. On Tuesday, November 2, 2010, Sinkfield hopes to win, becoming Georgia's first African-American Secretary of State. She is the mother of Mrs. Rita Sinkfield Belin and mother in law of the Rev. Henry A Belin, III. The Rev. and Mrs. Belin serve as the pastor and First Lady of First AME Church Bethel in Harlem, New York.
Congratulatory expressions for the Democratic nomination and well wishes for the upcoming election can be sent to and Representative Sinkfield at www.sinkfield2010.com or to the Rev. or Mrs. Belin at hallenbiii@aol.com or ritasbelin@aol.com .
- Congratulations to Brandan Davis
Brandan Davis, son of the Rev. Bernard Davis and First Lady Barbara Davis, a student at University of South Carolina and a member of USC (Gamecock) football team was selected "Scholar of the Week" for Southeastern Conference Football. Brandan is a senior at USC.
Congratulatory responses may be forwarded to his parents: gbernarddavis@msn.com
- From Vision to Reality......Rosa Parks Villas
From Vision to Reality......Rosa Parks Villas (A project of Rosa Parks Villas Limited Partnership) 2507 S. Bronson Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90018
October 6, 2010 (Los Angeles, CA) - On Monday October 18, key elected officials, community and civic leaders, residents and friends will gather at Rosa Parks Villas for the Dedication and "Ribbon Cutting" ceremony introducing this 60 unit apartment complex for low and very low income seniors, age 62+ who can live independently. "What is historic about this blessing and celebration," explained Jacquelyn Dupont-Walker, President of the WEDC "is that Rosa Parks Villas' presence transforms the Gateway to Crenshaw while celebrating the life of Mother Rosa Parks who sparked a human rights movement in this country that still stimulates action among people who want to do the right thing, no matter what the cost may be."
Marked as the start of the civil rights movement, is the story of how on December 1, 1955 Rosa Parks was just too tired of the bigotry her people had endured to suffer to give up her seat on the crowded bus in Birmingham. On that historic day in 1955 a movement was created that forever changed history.
At 10:00 am on October 18th, the development team assembled by WEDC plans to make history, again, by continuing their legacy of being an answer to LA's solution for affordable housing. Rosa Parks Villas was envisioned by Leo Branton, Jr., who entrusted to WEDC for execution and completion this project, with confidence that they would fulfill the dream that he and Mother Parks had shared for this site. The idea is certainly not too soon in arriving. According to a March 2005 survey taken by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) transportation and housing were the top two issues of concern in Los Angeles, with 64 percent of respondents ranking housing affordability as a "big problem."
LA City Councilman Herb Wesson of the 10th District, in whose district the construction will begin, enthusiastically supports the Rosa Parks Villas project. Partial funding ($5,005,267) is provided by the LA Housing Trust Fund. In 2006, Mayor Villaraigosa put $100 million into the trust fund in response to LA's housing crisis. The $100 million is expected to provide 1,000 new affordable housing units, but officials say the city needs to build 50,000. Fed Low Income Tax Credits awarded the Rosa Parks Villas totaled $ 10,081,612. Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) participated with $1,500,000 as the acquisition lender. SunAmerica Housing Fund 1559 is the investor partner and California Bank and Trust is the construction lender. LA-CRA added much needed gap financing of $1,600,000.
Completed in June 2010, there are 51 one bedroom apartments (625 Sq ft) and nine- two bedroom/two bath apartments (1,047 Sq ft). Each apartment will have a fully equipped kitchen and easy access to all the amenities within the complex. (See attachment) Rosa Parks Villas was recently awarded the prestigious SCANPH Homes Within Reach Award's Senior Project of the Year for 2010.
The dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 10:00 am on Monday, October 18th; at 2507 South Bronson (just south of the I-10 Freeway -also known as the Rosa Parks Freeway - at the Crenshaw exit). The unveiling of a Rosa Parks Collage by Artis Lane will follow in the lobby area.
Invited speakers include Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Councilman Herb Wesson, Speaker Karen Bass, Congresswoman Diane Watson, Senator Curren Price, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, Leo Branton, Esq., Mike Fowler - SunAmerica, Steve Herman - Calif Bank & Trust, Douglas Guthrie - LA Housing Dept, Christine Essel - LA-CRA, & Miguel Garcia - LA-LISC.
For more information on the event contact Sharese Vanterpool at svanterpool1177@aol.com or (213) 747-1188 x 4.
Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Consultant/Director
AMEC Social Action Commission
jdupontw@aol.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Adolphus Favors, Sr.
The Reverend Adolphus Favors, Sr. was called to ministry in 1979 and ordained an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1984.
He pastored in the Midwest Conference of the 5th Episcopal District, serving at the Hiawatha Circuit for two years, Grant Chapel for five years, St. Luke one year and New Bethel, Kansas for eighteen years. Upon retiring, he joined Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church and served as Associate Minister until his death. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.
Viewing and Funeral: Friday, October 22, 2010
Viewing: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church
2201 N. 5th Street
Kansas City, Kansas 66101
Phone: 913-621-2306
Fax: 913-621-2307
The Rev. Fran T. Cary, Pastor
Professional Services Entrusted to:
Thatcher's Funeral Home
1520 North 5th Street
Kansas City, KS 66101
Phone: 913-321-1211
Fax: 913-321-1267
Expressions of Sympathy and condolences may be sent to: Thatcher's Funeral Home
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilson, ministerial associate at Christ Redeemer AME Church, Irvine, California; former pastor in the 2nd Episcopal District.
West Coast Services for the Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilson:
Saturday, October 23, 2010
4:00 p.m.
Christ Redeemer AME Church
46 Maxwell Street
Irvine, CA 92618
Telephone: (949) 955-0014
The Rev. Mark E. Whitlock, Pastor
There will be a forty-five minute prayer and meditation from 3 p.m. to 3:45 for those who would like to attend. A reception will follow the service.
Private Services will be held on the East Coast for Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilson at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of the Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilson to one of the following:
West Coast:
New Directions for Women (2607 Willow Lane, Costa Mesa CA 92627) or Christ Redeemer Church (46 Maxwell, Irvine CA 92618)
East Coast:
Seabrook House (133 Polk Lane, Seabrook NJ 08069) or St. Maryanne's Episcopal Church (315 S. Main Street, Northeast MD 21901)
Cards and other expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of the Rev. Dr. Maurice Wilson
C/o Christ Redeemer AME Church
46 Maxwell Street
Irvine, CA 92618
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of the Rev. Edward Lee, retired pastor and Founder of Crusade for Christ Missionary Church in Miami, Florida. He was the husband of Mrs. Beulah Lee, the father of Derrick Lee and the Rev. Tommie Lee; and the brother of the Rev. Hartford Lee, Presiding Elder of the North Orlando District, Central Conference, 11th Episcopal District.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Beulah Lee
13731 Madison Street
Miami, FL 3317
Phone (305) 238-6493
Or
Presiding Elder Hartford Lee
2450 King Richard Road
Melbourne, FL 32935
Phone (321) 254 -7647
Lhartford@cfl.rr.com
Services are scheduled as follows:
Wake: Friday 7-8 PM - October 22, 2010
New Life Chapel
The Rev. Tommie Lee, Pastor
11340 SW 216th Street
Miami, FL 33170
Phone: (305) 234-8907
Funeral Services: Saturday 11 a.m., October 23, 2010, also at New Life Chapel
Services Entrusted to:
Jay Funeral Home
17420 Homestead Avenue
Perrine, FL 33157
Phone: (305) 255-1193
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mother Martha Belle King Bankston, mother of the Reverend Florence A. Bankston, former pastor of Grant Chapel A.M.E Church, Moultrie, Georgia. Mother Bankston was the daughter of the late Rev. R. A. King and the sister of the late Rev. James King both of Jacksonville Florida.
Services are scheduled as follows:
Funeral Services: Saturday 12 Noon, October 23, 2010
St. Mark A.M.E. Church
The Rev. Larry Hudson, Sr. Pastor
3605 Campbellton Rd. SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
404-349-6800
404-344-7052(FAX)
Officiating, the Reverend Larry Hudson, Pastor
Eulogist, the Reverend B.A. Hart
Services Entrusted to:
Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
351 North Clarendon Avenue
Decatur, Georgia 30079
404-294-5500
404-294-5017(FAX)
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Florence A. Bankston
4138 Ravenwood Ct
Union City, GA 30291
(770) 774-1587
bank525@bellsouth.net
24. 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
25. 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
