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
TWO - TCR REMINDERS:
(1) Time Change from Daylight Time to Standard Time happens this weekend, November 7, 2010;
(2) The first Sunday of Advent: November 28, 2010
1. EDITORIAL – “TOO MANY SUPERNUMERARY PREACHERS”
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
At a recent annual conference roll call, I was disturbed by the number of supernumerary preachers. A few days later, I made a few telephone calls and, to my dismay, the great number of supernumerary preachers on annual conference rolls is not an isolated phenomenon; rather is seems to be a norm.
A significant number of supernumerary preachers in an annual conference might be an indication that the AME Church is ordaining too many itinerant preachers. It might also be an indication that the AME Church is doing a poor job of screening applicants for the ministry. A third reason for a high numbers of supernumerary preachers might be that preachers are giving up the pastoral ministry, which might be an indication that the AME Church is not doing a going a good job in helping clergy deal with the stresses of ministry. Another reason might be that bishops are summarily approving requests for supernumerary status without challenging and dealing with the reason for a preacher’s request to be superannuated.
Let’s take a look at the definition of “Supernumerary”
The term “supernumerary” can be used as an adjective or a noun. When I looked up the definition of “supernumerary” in The American Heritage College Dictionary, I understood more clearly the intent of why the Mothers and Fathers of our Zion used the term “supernumerary” rather than, say, “Extra Clergy.”
The term, “Extra Clergy” more clearly fits the definition that appears in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, which states, “An ordained preacher for whom there is no appointment available, or one who is allowed to be without appointment by request.” The current definition in The Discipline seems very casual, harmless, and certainly not negative.
On the other hand, The American Heritage College Dictionary and other dictionaries give a more definitive definition of “supernumerary” with a negative tinge. Synonyms of supernumerary include, “redundant, superfluous, unnecessary; uncalled for, and unneeded; and a person serving no apparent function.”
Too many supernumerary preachers
In the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a supernumerary preacher is an “ordained preacher without an appointment.”
“In the day,” an ordained preacher without an appointment was generally viewed as negatively because the assumption then was; a person without an appointment must have had a problem because most persons who were ordained wanted a pastoral appointment. The other assumption, in Methodism, was that individuals were ordained for the pastoral ministry, and when ordained could expect to be given a pastoral appointment each year. An ordained person left without a pastoral appointment, for whatever reason, was viewed with a “jaundiced eye.”
Somewhere along the way, the number of persons ordained exceeded the number of pastoral appointments; and the situation was exacerbated by continued ordinations; and supernumerary preachers became the norm and today, supernumerary preachers can comprise upwards of 80% of an annual conference. One bishop estimates that supernumerary preachers totaled 25% of the preachers in that particular Episcopal District.
Why so many supernumerary preachers?
There are too many supernumerary preachers because too many persons have been ordained without available pastoral appointments. Historically, the intent of ordination in Methodism was that ordination was confirmation and affirmation that a person was fully qualified and ready to “travel”; and that meant that the person was ready to receive a pastoral appointment. Even in Baptist and Pentecostal churches, the norm is that persons are ordained for a specific ministry that requires ordination.
There is an excess of supernumerary preachers because some clergy have found out that they are not suited for the pastoral ministry. Some have become burned out and have become disillusioned with pastoring; and still others have become disillusioned with ministry altogether.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because there are those who were ordained for the pastoral ministry who have simply quit, but haven’t found a way, without losing face, to formally quit the ministry.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because some persons allowed themselves to be ordained fully knowing that they were not going to engage themselves in the fulltime pastoral ministry.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because some preachers have secular jobs or are in a profession and that pays them a significant salary and they are not willing to quit their jobs and engage themselves in the pastoral ministry because they feel that the pay is too low.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because some have gone through the ordination process, but have not actively sought a pastoral appointment because they don’t want to start at the bottom with a small charge. I suspect that they might accept a pastoral appointment if they could start at the top.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because some individuals who allowed themselves to be ordained have not reckoned themselves with the question asked in the service for the Ordination of Elders, “Will you reverently obey your chief ministers to whom is committed the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, submitting yourselves to their godly judgments?” They answered in the affirmative at the ordination service, but apparently failed to reconcile within themselves, their affirmative response. Some people have issues with authority. There are lay persons who don’t like preachers and there are preachers who don’t like presiding elders or bishops.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because, for whatever reason, they have become discouraged. Some have become discouraged with the AME System, others have become discouraged because of their relationships with their fellow pastors and the denominational leadership; and still others have become discouraged because they have had negative or unhealthy relationships with the laity.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because some preachers violated ethical and moral norms and allowing them supernumerary status was a face-saving decision.
There are too many supernumerary preachers because Boards of Examiners recommended persons to be ordained who were not suited for the pastoral ministry.
Getting the supernumerary issue under control - the Church must relook its ordination protocol
Will the AME Church continue to have an “open ordination” system that ordains everyone; or will the Church return to its Methodist roots of selectively ordaining persons for active ministry? If the truth be told, the ministry is the easiest profession in which a person can be credentialed. The qualifications and the definition for a candidate’s explanation of his or her “call to ministry” are fluid.
Why ordain?
Why ordain a person as an Itinerant Elder to serve as an assistant to the pastor? Why have 5 or 6 Itinerant Elders sitting in the same pulpit Sunday after Sunday? What ministries do they serve that an ordained deacon can’t perform? I suspect, in most cases, a licentiate could serve the same function as most supernumerary Itinerant Elders.
Discouraged and Disillusioned
Why do clergy become discouraged and disillusioned? And, why do some clergy simply, throw up their hands and request “not to receive an appointment?”
Clergy become discouraged and disillusioned because their ministry has not become the reality they envisioned in their minds.
In some cases the negative outcomes ion ministry they experienced was of their own making, but in other cases their discouragement and disillusionment with the ministry happened because they were assigned to tough pastoral appointments and ran up against mean-spirited laity. Admittedly, there are challenges in every aspect of ministry, but some challenges are harder to overcome than others.
In the case of discouraged and disillusioned clergy, the competency of the presiding elder is critical. If the presiding elder is doing his or her job in accordance with The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, the presiding elder should provide effective intervention ministry to the preacher and to the local congregation that might include referral and professional assistance. I suspect that too often clergy, laity, and local church dysfunction is permitted to drag on ad infinitum; to the detriment of the local church religious program and the psyche of the religious leader.
Supernumerary status does not have to be automatic
Certainly, if a pastor seeks to be Supernumerated because of health consideration, family issues, or other valid reasons, the pastor’s request should be considered.
On the other hand, if a pastor just wants to quit, the presiding bishop, after prayerful consideration, and in accordance with AME Church law, should be able to say, “No; superannuation not approved; go back to ministry.”
Perhaps there should be an option for a preacher’s request to be superannuated; to accept an “appointment” for retraining as an assistant to a successful pastor.
If the person does not want to continue in ministry, that person should request to be superannuated or requested to surrender his or her credentials.
Addressing supernumerary status
Itinerant Elder ordinations should be limited to those who will function as itinerants, i.e., traveling preachers. Ordination should require a pastoral appointment or a ministry that needs an ordained preacher, e.g., chaplaincy, pastoral counselor, etc.
It might be time for the Church to put a time-restriction on those who are ordained as Itinerant Elders, but who fail, after a certain period, to function as Itinerant Elders and look at implementing a system where an Itinerant Elder ordination credentials could be surrendered and replaced with the credentials as a Deacon.
“Blanket ordinations” should be a thing of the past and the term, “supernumerary” should be redefined in the spirit of the Mothers and Fathers of our Zion who made provision for the supernumerary status in ministry.
It’s time to celebrate diaconal ministry
The Church needs to celebrate those persons who serve as deacons. Their ministry is valid and necessary. The diaconal ministry is not, “redundant, superfluous, unnecessary; uncalled for and unneeded.” The Diaconal ministry has an assigned function.
Currently, the prevailing perception is that we vociferously celebrate those persons who are ordained Itinerant Elder; and we offer a more subdued celebration for those who are ordained deacon.
Deacons should wear the diaconal stole with pride and the Church should honor their service to the ministry. And, certainly the diaconal preacher should be elevated above the supernumerary preacher.
Let’s look at the definition of “supernumerary” again
A supernumerary preacher is one who is “redundant, superfluous, often unnecessary; sometimes uncalled for, and unneeded; and often a person serving in the capacity of the clergy with no assigned function.”
Now this definition should not apply to a supernumerary preacher who wants an appointment, would accept an appointment, and is willing to serve as a traveling preacher of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
We have too many voluntary supernumerary preachers who are supernumerary by choice. They have the status, without the responsibility of shepherding the people of God.
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Letter to the Editor Reference glossary of terms on each AME website
I would just like to respond to the writer who remained anonymous in item 2 regarding The Discipline spelling out the requirements to be a Steward and the understanding of terms such as piety.
The real problem is not just in lack of understanding the requirements and terms used, the real issue is having leadership that knowingly disregards the requirements before appointing a person as a Steward. Then, when the leadership disregards the requirements and this is brought to the attention of the next level, the enforcement of the requirements becomes the issue as well. Because neither enforces the requirement even when notified of the infraction, your knowledge of requirements and whether the person meets the requirements means nothing.
Mrs. Billie Dixon Irving
- To the Editor:
RE: “You Ask” column – Retired Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle
I too would like to congratulate The Christian Recorder for the new "You Asked" section so that constructive exchanges can occur between members and the editor.
I recently watch an episode of Dr Phil entitled “When good people do bad things.” It primarily dealt with secular issues but also had a spiritual twist. It concluded that we blindly follow those that appear to be in positions of authority without question, i.e. government officials, military leaders, policeman, AME Church leaders, etc. Why? Because that is what the majority of us have been taught over many generations. "He's the preacher" or "She's the Bishop" as if we do not have a personal responsibility to God or the church. We should be able, with non-attribution, to question things that appear to be immoral, illegal, or simply unjust until a reasonable explanation is received. I suggest that this is the reason many of our churches are not progressing. We seem to be stuck, and in some cases, regressing. We are too passive concerning things that we should be more vocal about and quick to follow even when we know that something is wrong.
I encourage each of us to develop a personal relationship with God so that when we (speaking with a single voice) take a stand against established practices that need to be modified or discarded because they no longer apply/make sense; we are not standing along - Laity. Appropriate followship is a good thing. Good followers tend to make good leaders. But there are times when one should stop following and began to lead. Pray for the knowledge and wisdom to know when, and then, go to work.
Prayer alone is not the answer. “I did it because I was told” is just not good enough. God is seeking God-fearing people capable of leading, doing His will, and thus, advancing His Kingdom. It’s time to re-educate ourselves so that we are not easily misled or discouraged. “Lead, Follow, or Get Out of the Way!” should be the new motto for those that are committed and seeking to change the way the AME Church does things. Adopting this philosophy will ensure better transparency and accountability.
Lay people need to become more active in our local churches. We should start now developing a wish-list of things that you would like to see changed with respect to the AME Church. Along with each constructive criticism, please provide at least one suggestion to be presented at the next local or District Lay meeting.
The information can then be compiled and presented at the next General Conference via your Lay Delegate and/or any other constructive avenues. 2012 is not that far away. We love the Church.
Brother Eddie L Bell, Member
Historic Allen Chapel AME Church
Fort Worth, TX
3. “YOU ASK”:
I Ask:
Bishop Chappelle:
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with the denomination. I have two questions:
(1) The Discipline is clear about how new churches should be established. What is the correct way to establish new Annual Conferences--especially outside of the United States?
(2) What is the correct way to consolidate local churches?
John Thomas III, Connectional Lay Organization Young Adult Representative and General Board Member
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
It would appear you have placed me between a "rock and a Hard place." I must assume from your questions that you have not been able to find in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 a section/statement addressing these matters you have raised concerns about; then you further complicate matters by the interjection of the phrase, "The Correct Way."
My first response is as follows: There does not appear to be a written correct way to establish an Annual Conference or to consolidate local churches, in any of The Books of Discipline. Permit me to qualify this last statement by stating that our Judicial Council has ruled and our General Conference has affirmed that "The Law of the Church is that which is encased and encroached in the current Book of Discipline as revised “even if in error." That translates to "What is printed in previous Discipline is not the CURRENT LAW but " historic/useful information:" the ONLY LAW of the Church is in the latest edition printed after a General Conference.
There are some problems in addressing your question. The first being,
“What Constitutes an Annual Conference?”
In The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, Part XVI Glossary page 670 one can find, "Our definition" of an Annual Conference. "A geographical grouping of congregations in a specified geographical area to form the legal entity of Methodist polity. This is where...and property... But this definition does not address the number of churches/congregations to be considered as a minimum. The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 sets forth what or who constitutes this legal entity when it meets annually, page 226 Section II. The Annual Conference; A. Composition and Function 1. "The Annual Conference shall be composed of all....from each charge within its bounds. Legislation was passed in 2004 and 2008 which eliminated information, which guided what really constituted numerically an Annual Conference. This information had been our "standard measuring rod and had been included in The Book of Discipline from 1964 until 2004. (As I have before stated previous Disciplines are no longer the law but for our understanding, I cited previous editions) The 1964-2004 A.M.E. Discipline, Part VIII Conferences and Conventions; 1. General Conference a. General Conference Composition page 329 "...each annual conference shall be entitled to four ministerial and four lay delegates in the General Conference and one additional delegate and one additional lay delegate for each 4,000 members of the AME Church in the conference or for a fraction above 2,500." This numerical membership information has been removed, thus presently there are no numbers, which could determine what would "legally constitute" an Annual Conference at home or abroad. The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, Part VIII Conferences and Conventions Section I. The General Conference A. Composition page 209 "There shall be an Ad hoc Committee... to find and present a more efficient and fair way to determine the number of delegates to represent an annual conference. Page 210 (2 and 3) speaks of number of members of a… and amount of general budget paid.
Presently, especially overseas, the number of congregations, members, financial viability and real property are not the "key ingredients in determining the formulation" of new Annual Conferences. The establishment of new Annual Conference(s) appear to rest in the preview of the Bishop "who had a vision," or had been "approached/petitioned to formulate,” an Annual Conference. It is his or her godly judgment coupled with the "consent of the Council of Bishops," which brings such an entity into being pending the consent of the General Conference.
Yet, over the past three quadrennials in the continental USA Annual Conferences are being consolidated/merged and properties abandoned.
The Consolidation of Local Churches
While there is no set procedure that one can turn to in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, Methodist Polity dictates the procedure for the consolidation of churches.
1. A recommendation to consolidate two or more churches could be "lifted up" by the (a) Pastor (s) (b) Presiding Elder(s) (c) Annual Conference (Bishop) (d) Local Trustees (e) Local Stewards(f) Official Board
2. Regardless of who initiates the recommendation in the final analysis the congregation(s) must vote during a duly called church conference to take/consider such an action.
(a) The congregation must be made aware of the disposition its assets and liabilities (real property, funds, etc)
(b) What will the new status of those persons holding elected positions of trust, etc.
(c) The congregation(s) must agree to the conditions agreed upon in (a and b)
3. The agreed to matter about consolidation must be in the report of the Stewards and Trustees at a Quarterly Conference presided over by the Presiding Elder.
(a) The vote on the recommendation to consolidate based upon the recommendation(s) of the Trustees and Stewards which had the concurrence of the official board must be taken
(b) The results of the vote should be forwarded to the Annual Conference Trustees and the Committee on Missions, Circuits and Stations and the Presiding Elders apportionment Committee.
(c) These three entities would further "investigate the request" and come to the Annual Conference (after conferring with the Presiding Elder on whose district said action is to take place) prepared to make a recommendation to approve or disapprove said request/recommendation.
(d) The recommendation to consolidate comes to the Conference as "Requesting permissions to consolidate"
4. The ultimate request/decision to consolidate is vested solely with the congregation(s) in question. They cannot be forced to consolidate against "their will and best interest.” They can and should be advised and counseled about the pros and cons of consolidating and not consolidating. The assets and real property "has been entrusted to the individual congregation membership" of said church (es) and they and they alone must decide the issue. The dealing with abandoned property is a totally different legal process.
4. SENIOR BISHOP, THE RT. REV, JOHN BRYANT, ALONG WITH OTHER RELIGIOUS LEADERS MET WITH PRESIDENT BARAK OBAMA:
Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate for the 4th Episcopal District, the Rt. Rev, John Bryant, along with other National Council of Church leaders met with President Barack Obama this morning (11/1/10). About 20 Christian leaders had a discussion with President Obama on such issues that dealt with strategies for helping for the poor, healthcare, peace in the Middle East, support for Christian communities in the Middle East, support for public education, and a revised travel policy for Christian communions doing ministry in Cuba. Bishop Bryant led the religious leaders in prayer for the Haitians who are struggling with the Cholera outbreak.
5. AME PASTOR E. GAIL ANDERSON HOLNESS RE-ELECTED TO ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSION IN WASHINGTON, DC:
On Tuesday November 2, 2010, Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness, Pastor, Christ Our Redeemer AME Church (DC) was re-elected to Advisory Neighborhood Commission 1B11 in Washington, DC. Her single member district includes Howard University main campus, inclusive of historic Howard University Hospital, the medical and dental schools.
Holness stated, “While Democrats took a huge hit nationwide during Tuesday's election, I was re-elected to a two-year term receiving 98% of the vote. We are continuing to make a difference in our small quadrant of Washington, DC!”
Second Episcopal District Lay Organization Elects New Officers
Connectional Lay Organization president, Willie Glover conducted the election of officers of the Second Episcopal District during the recent one–day conference held at Historic St. John’s AME Church, Norfolk, Virginia on October, 28, 2010.
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson installed the following persons as the new executive board of the Second Episcopal District:
President, Valerie Gary Bell, President
First Vice President, Patricia Matthews
Second Vice President, Florence Warren
Third Vice President, Juanita Hartsfield-Hazel
Recording Secretary, Jacqueline Powell
Assistant Recording Secretary, Pauline Watson
Corresponding Secretary, Rose Brabble
Treasurer, Delaphine R. Green
Financial Secretary, Arlene R. Lawson
Chaplain, Pamela B. Watford
Historiographer, Bernetta Ghist
Parliamentarian, James Hill;
Director of Lay Activities, Sister Maria Wallace
Director of Public Relations, Clara B. Neal
Youth and Young Adults Representative, Felicia Commodore
**Submitted by Sister Clara B. Neal
6. PHILADELPHIANS CALLED TO 7TH ANNUAL COMMEMORATION OF THE HISTORICAL BLACK CHURCH MOVEMENT AND LIBERATION SUNDAY:
The oldest church in the Christian Methodist Episcopal denomination, in the city of Philadelphia, Holsey Temple, will host this year’s 7th commemoration of the Historical Black Church Movement on Saturday, November 20th at 5:00 pm. Reverend Raymond Williams is the pastor of Holsey Temple, located at 5305/15 Germantown Avenue.
The C.M.E denomination was established in 1870, five years following emancipation in Jackson Tennessee with William H. Miles as the founding Bishop. This year’s annual observance will focus on that history and the founding of Holsey Temple as the first congregation in Philadelphia. This historical pageantry will feature the renowned soprano Ernestine Buntyn Dillard, a member of the C.M.E Church, who has performed both nationally and internationally.
Past observances of founding churches have been; the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas (founder, Absalom Jones), pastor, the Rev. Martini Shaw; Mother Bethel A.M.E Church (founder, Richard Allen), pastor, the Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler; Wesley A.M.E Zion Church (denominational founder, James Varick), pastor, the Rev. Michael King. Each of these churches will participate in this year’s celebration.
The Saturday evening service at Holsey Temple C.M.E Church will precede the 14th annual celebration of Liberation Sunday, November 21st, observed in various churches nationwide on the third Sunday of November, recognizing the historic and liberating “walk out” of the White Methodist church, lead by Richard Allen, Absalom Jones and others in 1787.
On Sunday morning celebrants, from various cities, will attend the 10:45 service at Mother Bethel A.M.E Church, where Liberation Sunday was first held in 1997 by then pastor, Bishop Jeffery Leath. Noted historian and present pastor, Rev. Mark Tyler will officiate the service for this 14th annual observance. Celebrants will then worship at the 3:00 pm program at Phillips Temple C.M.E Church, located at 754 S. 3rd Street, where Dr. William C. Green is pastor. The public is invited and will be warmly welcomed to each service.
Contact: Mrs. Edith Moore Stephens, (215)-871-4352; Mrs. Ernestine Lee Henning, (310)-677-4779; Holsey Temple C.M.E Church, (215)-848-2210
7. BISHOP RICHARDSON SHARES ARTICLE FROM THE WORLD BAPTIST ALLIANCE:
I am attaching an article from the World Baptist Alliance that I received via the Internet about Christians being in mortal danger in Baghdad. I was particularly drawn to the paragraph addressing the reprisal of Muslim militants reacting against the proposed Qur'an burning in Orlando. What this seems to suggest is that Pastor Jones' "knee-jerk" and ill-conceived notion that he could defame Islam by burning its holy book without retaliation. He possibly never considered that he would not only endanger the lives of military personnel serving in the region (as our president had cautioned), but that it would also have a direct bearing on the lives of Christians who live and work in countries with majority Muslim populations. I suspect Pastor Jones never thought of such a possibility - that his Qur'an-burning stunt would actually get innocent Christians killed, not only innocent Christian soldiers, but Christians who were born with Arabic names. We seem to have forgotten that Arabic is a language, not a religion. It seems that Pastor Jones has given a gift of crazy that keeps on giving.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson
* * *
Article from the World Baptist Alliance
Washington (BWA) -- Baptists and other Christians in Baghdad say they are living in fear following an attack on a Roman Catholic Church in the Iraqi capital that left more than 50 Christians dead.
The massacre occurred on October 31 when al-Qaida-aligned gunmen attacked worshipers from Our Lady of Salvation Chaldean Catholic Church in central Baghdad leaving at least 58 dead, the majority of them worshippers, including two priests, and another 75 wounded.
Tony Peck, Baptist World Alliance (BWA) regional secretary for Europe and general secretary for the European Baptist Federation (EBF), reports the pastor of the Baptist Church in Baghdad informed him that the "Christian community is now very fearful for its safety" and that "some of the Baptist believers are talking about moving away from Baghdad to North Iraq, others to Jordan and Syria."
Baptist churches in the Middle East are affiliated with the EBF, one of six regional fellowships of the BWA.
Peck fears that "this very understandable response would leave the Christian church in Iraq even weaker than before." It has been estimated that since the invasion of Iraq by the United States and its allies in 2003, approximately half the Christian population have fled the Middle Eastern country, leaving an estimated 550,000 believers. Many of those who remain are increasingly harassed and often experience violence.
News reports suggest that part of the motivation for the attack was the plan by a pastor in Florida in the United States to burn the Quran, Islam's holy book, in September. The pastor abandoned his plans, under pressure. "It shows again how Christians in the West must be wise and considerate in the way they engage critically with Islam," Peck declared.
In the wake of the attack, Baptists in Baghdad are considering changing the day of worship from Sunday to Friday, the traditional day of worship for Muslims, and a practice already adopted by Christians in several Muslim-majority countries.
"We deeply regret the unjustifiable murder of Roman Catholic Christians during worship last Sunday in Baghdad," said BWA director of Freedom and Justice, Raimundo Barreto. "We affirm our profound solidarity with the Christian community in Iraq as they mourn those who lost their lives. We assure our brothers and sisters in Iraq of the prayerful support from the larger Christian family around the world," Barreto stated. "As followers of Jesus Christ we advocate for true and lasting peace in that region. We call on Christians all over the world to diligently work to prevent any escalation of violence, by not repaying evil with evil, but by overcoming evil with good" (Romans 12:17, 21).
Peck asked the Baptist pastor in Baghdad to assure believers in the city of the prayers of the worldwide Baptist family.
8. ANNUAL LAY EXTRAVAGANZA SLATED:
The Southern California Conference Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will host its 62nd Annual Lay Extravaganza, Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Proud Bird Restaurant, 11022 Aviation Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. The theme for the occasion is “An Afternoon of Music in the Key of Life.”
The event this year will feature two profound opera singers in the persons of Ms. Deidra Kirkland and Mr. Simeon Rhoden who will perform in song. The well planned afternoon program will lend to the kind of music capable of dramatic expression.
Ms. Kirkland is the daughter of Bishop T. Larry and Supervisor Mary L. Kirkland, leaders of the Fifth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Rhoden is a member of First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Seattle, Washington and First Vice President of the Fifth Episcopal District Lay Organization.
The President’s Award and others will be presented to outstanding Laypersons of this conference during this very auspicious occasion. Music for the affair will be provided by the Carl Johnson Ensemble. Willie T. Waddell is serving as chairperson; Tamika Jones is the president. For ticket information, call (310) 973-4473.
Contact Person: Laura Terry, Director of Public Relations, (626) 791-9618,
Lauraterry48@aol.com
9. BISHOP VASHTI MURPHY MCKENZIE ATTACKS OBESITY:
Bishop Vashti McKenzie and the 13th Episcopal District of the AME Church are tackling the obesity epidemic in a new and dramatic way. Enlisting the support of all of the Pastors and the Women’s Missionary Societies of the 13th District have partnered with the Cookie Congregation, LLC, a national weight management company to bring a new weight loss program to the Kentucky and Tennessee. Every Church and every WMS Society can now enroll in the program by the internet by logging on www.cookiecongregation.com or by calling toll free 877-355-3438 and by using the affiliate code: “District13.”
Pastors, Presiding Elders and other Church leaders in Tennessee, Kentucky have joined the “cookie diet revolution.” Their personal testimonies about weight loss, improved health and losing inches off their waist and losing dress sizes have been remarkable – and it started with Bishop McKenzie. Her testimony is that in less than two months she was able to lose weight and inches – while still maintaining a busy schedule of preaching and conducting the business of the Church. And others noticed and complimented her – and now want to achieve the same.
In the states of Tennessee and Kentucky, some churches have arranged to be local sites for the weekly weigh-ins, counseling and distribution of the nutritional cookies and other weight loss products, and in other instances churches will be regional hubs where clusters of churches are working together to have their members meet weekly to participate in the program. “Regardless of the arrangement every congregation and every church in Tennessee and Kentucky can participate” says Stan McKenzie, Episcopal Supervisor of the 13th District.
**For further information contact: The Rev. Dr. Clyde W. Oden, Jr. or Neil Friedman at 877-355-3438 or 203 – 984-8688, or Email at neil@cookiecongregation.com or log in at www.cookiecongregation.com
10. UNION BETHEL AME CHURCH TO HOLD GROUNDBREAKING FOR REBUILT CHURCH SANCTUARY:
NEW ORLEANS, LA. – Union Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (Union Bethel) will hold the groundbreaking for its renovated sanctuary Sunday, November 14, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at 2321 Thailia Street in New Orleans. The event is free and open to the public.
Five years post Katrina, the Pastor, Rev. Thomas B. Brown, Jr., officers and members of Union Bethel are restoring their historic sanctuary.
Union Bethel is one of the oldest African American churches in New Orleans and one of the largest AME churches in the region. This church is listed on the National Register of Historic Place. Prominent visitors such as Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. and Former President George H. W. Bush have delivered speeches in the sanctuary.
Press Release submitted by Thomas P. Tyler, Project Manager, (310) 908-3966; t.tyler@austonmanagement.com
11. SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SALUTES AND HONORS THE MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES:
On Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. at St. James AME Church in Columbus, Georgia the Sixth Episcopal District will honor veterans and those currently serving in our nation's Armed Forces.
Bishop William p. DeVeaux and Dr. PAM DeVeaux invite you to join them as they, along with the entire Sixth Episcopal District in, saluting and paying honor to those who are serving our great nation.
"Praising Our Warriors"
Sunday, November 7, 2010
5:00 p.m.
Saint James AME Church
1002 Sixth Avenue
Columbus, GA 31901
12. CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION FALL EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING:
November 12th - November 13th - Save the Date!
All members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are invited to attend the fall Executive Board Meeting of the Connectional Lay Organization.
The Executive Board Meeting for the Connectional Lay Organization is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, November 12 -13, 2010 at the Marriott Courtyard Downtown, 333 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, Michigan 48226; (313) 222-7700. The room rate is $109.00 plus 15% local taxes for single, double, triple and quad.
Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-321-1221. Executive Board members and invited chairpersons please be reminded of the policies on funding for Executive Board meetings.
Registration for the Fall Executive Board meeting is $100.00. The fee includes four meals, a reception, and materials. Please send registration fee to Richard Bowden, 1908 Vaughn Lane, Montgomery, AL 36106
The Host District will provide transportation from/to airport, bus and train stations. See Transportation Request Information Below.
Executive Board members and invited chairpersons are to send room request to Mrs. Anita Rankin, arankin@amecnational.org
Additionally, please be reminded of the following items:
• The Friday meeting, November 12th, will begin promptly at 11:00 a.m. with a closed meeting of the Executive Board.
• The opening session will begin at 2:30 p.m. following lunch.
• We will conclude on Saturday, November 13th around 4 p.m. All Board members are asked to be present until that time.
• Everyone is encouraged to attend Church together on Sunday at the pleasure of the 4th Episcopal District.
• CLEDC will meet Friday, November 12th at 9 a.m.
13. ELECTING LEADERS WHO LEAD: OVERCOMING THE FEAR FACTOR:
*Carol Bowie
The following remarks were delivered by Carol A. Bowie, Director of Lay Activities – Oak Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church, Detroit, Mich., during the Plenary Session of the 13th Annual Convention of the Second Episcopal District Lay Organization, held at St. John African Methodist Episcopal Church, Norfolk, Va., on Thursday, October 28, 2010.
I’ve been asked to share a few words on the subject, “Electing Leaders Who Lead.” I couldn’t have chosen a better topic if I’d tried, because, if we’re honest, we’d have to admit that we in the lay organization seem to have a problem of consistently electing leaders who have the capacity to take us where we need to go, whether at the connectional, district, conference or local level.
I believe the reason we often don’t elect who we need to elect is because we can’t overcome the fear factor. That’s my sub-topic—“Overcoming the Fear Factor.” If we can do that—overcome our fears—we will be able to elect leaders who lead.
Many of you may be asking yourselves what do I mean when I say that we who are members of the organized lay are scaredy-cats, when it comes to electing the right people to lead us, whether in the Church or in government.
I’ll be happy to explain. But before I set forth my personal hypothesis about why I believe there’s a dearth of leadership in the lay organization and in this land, I’d like to offer this disclaimer: I’m no expert on the art of voting. Or on the whys and wherefores of the election process.
I’m simply a citizen of these United States of America by birth, and a child of the most high God by adoption, who believes that it is my obligation to exercise my right to vote in every election for which I qualify to vote.
That means voting in general and primary elections in the secular realm. (Render unto Caesar the things that belong to Caesar.) And it means voting in elections for church officers and lay organization leaders in the religious realm. (Render unto God—and God’s people—the things that belong to God and God’s people.)
Not sometimes. All the time.
But all-the-time voting does not happen among the electorate in this nation or in the A.M.E. Church.
And so we wind up with people serving as leaders in units of government and churches, in block clubs and denominational auxiliaries, in fraternities and sororities, and, yes, even in lay organizations of our Zion, who have no more business holding an office than the proverbial man in the moon.
So what happens?
Our leaders fall down on the job. And we fall down with them. And our organizations fall apart in the process.
What needs to get done doesn’t get done. But not because of them—the elected. I don’t blame them. I blame us—the electors. I submit that they got in, because we got out of sync with common sense and God’s will.
From this day forward, however, that scenario doesn’t need to be our reality in the lay organization.
Pay close attention, as I tell you how we’re going to move beyond the dangerous and destructive practice of electing often well-meaning, yet undeniably unskilled, unqualified, uninspiring and visionless “leaders.”
There’s a popular phrase that was introduced into the universe a few years ago that many of us use from time to time. It goes something like this: “Don’t be skurd.”
Translation? Don’t be scared. Don’t be afraid or apprehensive. Don’t be frightened or intimidated—by anything. But we obviously are quivering in our boots about a lot of things—especially in the Church.
We must be “skurd” of something, because we do things that clearly indicate that we are afraid to exhibit the courage of our convictions.
For me, our convictions are the stuff we pontificate about with great passion in the parking lots of the world, rather than in the venues where our dogma can make a difference.
I told you a bit earlier that I’m still tired from attending two back-to-back Fourth District meetings. I’m often tired after attending A.M.E. meetings. But I’m never scared, when it comes to voicing my concerns or voting my conscience during those meetings.
But that’s not true for many members of the lay organizations around the globe—and, I would venture to say, it’s not true for some of you right here in this sanctuary.
Often, we're afraid to do what’s right. We are afraid to elect those who know best, can do best and can lead best. Instead, we find ourselves doing what’s convenient, which means we wind up electing those who know little, study even less and haven’t a clue how to be a Pied Piper for Jesus. That is, a charismatic leader who is called, equipped and worth following. But, again, we tend to do what’s convenient, not what’s right. And we do it because we’re “skurd.”
Well, you may be scared right now, but you don’t have to be from this point forward. I serve a God who, according to 2 Timothy 1:7, has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. A sound mind. That’s a vitally important capability that the Lord has favored us with.
A sound mind, for me, means having the mind of Christ and, therefore, having a mind that is willing and able to love like Christ, to empower like Christ and do the right thing consistently, like Christ.
Electing leaders who lead requires work on the part of the elector and the elected. But the problem in America is that we have become—maybe we’ve always been—a lazy electorate who elects lazy leaders.
“Who you voting for? Okay, me, too,” has often summed up our research before casting our ballot for a given candidate.
What an insult to our forbears, who suffered all manner of indecencies, and often bled and died, so that we might have the right to vote.
I think of Rosa Parks, a devoted A.M.E., who in 1943—12 years before she refused to give up her seat on that Montgomery, Ala., bus—refused to be denied the right to vote.
She went to register three times, was forced to take a literacy test each time and passed the test every time. She finally received her voter-registration card in 1945, after passing the exam for the third time. But she still wasn’t allowed to vote until she paid a poll tax.
Poll workers in Alabama couldn’t think of anything else to do to discourage her, so they told Mother Rosa she needed to fork over $1.50 for every year she would have been eligible to vote, if Jim Crowism hadn’t prevented her from voting at the age of 21. She was 32 years old in 1945, so Rosa Louise Parks had to pay 11 times a buck-fifty, or $16.50, before she was allowed to vote in the segregated South.
Sixteen-fifty was a lot of money for a young seamstress to pay. But undeterred, Mrs. Parks opened her pocketbook, paid the money and cast her vote. And please note: She voted in every subsequent election in her lifetime. Why? I believe it was because she recognized the power of the vote—and wasn’t scared to cast hers for the best possible leaders.
As many of you know, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was reauthorized by the U.S. Congress in 2006. The reauthorization of this landmark law was necessary because, believe it or not, the right to vote still isn’t a given throughout this land. That’s worth repeating: In the year of our Lord 2010, the right of every citizen of these United States to vote still is not guaranteed. That’s why the reauthorized law was absolutely essential.
The law bears the names of three women whose fight for human, civil and voting rights are legendary: Fannie Lou Hamer, Coretta Scott King and our believed Rosa Parks.
We should be proud that a deaconess—a consecrated mother—of our Church, and the mother of the Civil Rights Movement, holds a place of such historic significance. But we should be prouder still to know that her name is a part of the 2006 Voting Rights Act for a legitimate reason.
It’s not cited in Public Law 109-246 because Sister Rosa was sweet and kind. Although she was. And it’s not included in this proceeding of the 109th Congress because she was liked by members of the House and Senate. Although she was. The name “Rosa Parks” is there, recorded in history, because she was a leader who dared to lead.
Her courage in denouncing obstacles to voting that were imposed under Jim Crow some 65 years ago, cemented her selection as one of three women whose names would grace this law. It’s a law that reiterates, preserves, and protects the right of every citizen to register to vote, and to cast meaningful votes, as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
But if we’re not exercising that right, I repeat, what an insult to our forebears. And what an insult to God, who gave us a mind to think with, and a heart with which to uncover the truth.
Through his writings, the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:9, “Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Based on Paul’s instruction, the electors—those of us who vote folk into office—need to replicate the behavior of stellar leaders like Paul. And to take things a step further, we need to see to it that these proven achievers—along with those who demonstrate the potential to achieve—are the ones who get elected to lead us. We can accomplish this goal by being proactive in identifying the people who truly deserve our votes.
For starters, we need to know who we’re voting for. And why. That means conducting research that reveals essential truths about the candidates. And once we elect them, we need to keep track of their performance while in office, to make sure they’re doing what they said—and what they ought.
If they’re not honoring their commitment to God and office, or fulfilling their job description and promises to the people, we should let them know it. We should first commend them for their strengths, but then tell them the truth about their weaknesses. To be sure, our comments should be wrapped in love—but also delivered with unwavering conviction. Feedback is essential, if leaders are to take corrective steps and grow. But if elected leaders refuse to listen to legitimate concerns, and fail to refine their modus operandi, then we should use the remedies at our disposal to clean house. And we must not be afraid to unseat those who are not leading us to a better tomorrow.
Never forget: 2 Timothy 1:7 empowers us to elect leaders who lead, and to discontinue the service of those who don’t.
No office in the lay organization is an entitlement that carries with it an automatic eight-year term. Let me give you an example. At the local level, elections are held annually. That means local officers have 365 days to prove that they deserve to be re-elected, should they chose to run again.
If their performance was not up to par, they should not be voted back into office. Yet, it’s done all the time. For reasons I cannot fathom, the membership of local lay organizations seem inclined to automatically concede eight consecutive years of service to everyone who runs and wins that first, one-year term. Whether the officeholder provided quality service the first time out the blocks appears to be irrelevant. Shame on us! For when we re-elect the undeserving, we relinquish all the power God gave us in 2 Timothy 1:7.
The same thing happens at the conference level, where the term of office is two years, and at the district and connectional levels, were the term for each officer is four years.
I would advise you not to, but you can do as you please, my dear brothers and sisters. As for me, I have no intention of converting any office at any level in the lay organization into an eight-year entitlement by voting for someone—or failing to run against anyone—simply because he or she is already in place. My vote must be earned on the basis of stellar performance or stupendous potential. And my decision to run or not is determined by God and me, not by my fear of, or acquiescence to, another person’s incumbency.
Here’s a final admonition to the electorate: Don’t push the candidacy of someone else who is unqualified to run, simply because you’re too self-absorbed or lazy to throw your hat into the ring, as God has called, equipped and ordained you to do. God’s grace for superior performance comes with every calling. So, if you’ve been called, accept it and declare your candidacy to fill an office that most likely has been devoid of—and in desperate need of—your leadership.
As for those who are courting our votes—those who aspire to positions of leadership—I’d like to suggest the following:
- Prepare yourselves to serve. Study. Fast. Pray. Seek wise counsel. And ask God for guidance.
- Know your calling. If God hasn’t given you the grace to do the work, you need to rethink things.
- Don’t present yourselves as candidates, if you know you have nothing to offer—no vision, no plan, no commitment. It’s time to stop playing church—and playing with the lives of God’s people.
- Stay in your lane. If God has equipped you to lead in one area, don’t try to run the whole show.
- Don’t play politics with God’s work. By that I mean don’t try to achieve your aspirations by stepping on others. And please don’t claim that you’re doing so in the name of Jesus. Unscrupulous tactics are not of God, so don’t try to act like they are.
- Finally, be genuinely supportive of the victor, if you’re not victorious in a given election. Don’t waste your time envying the winner, or scheming to overthrow him or her. Instead, focus on this truth: What God has for you will be revealed in God’s own time. So be patient, be prayerful and be prepared, as you stand on the promises stated in Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
We in the Church and in the lay organization must always remember that it’s not about us, when it comes to any election. It’s about God’s will and God’s work being done through us, after the election.
So, again, if you’re not a winner this time, wait on the Lord, I say wait. If it’s in the script, the Author and Finisher of your faith will make it happen. If I’m not mistaken, David knew 40 years in advance that he would be king. But he had to wait four decades until the time was right for him to lead. So, I reiterate, be patient.
In closing, let me share seven qualities that an effective leader must have. This list was compiled by Perry Noble, a pastor in South Carolina who considers these seven traits to be essential for first-rate leadership in the Church. And I agree:
#1 – Passion
The raw, unfiltered fire inside that consumes, controls and configures us into who Jesus has called us to be, and what He has called us to do.
#2 - A Desire to Please God
A true church leader understands that God is our Leader. But be forewarned: In a passionate attempt to please God, we will often disappoint people. Never forget: We can’t please committees and Christ; a choice must be made.
#3 - Wisdom
James 1:5 is a verse that Noble says he has had to cling to as a leader. God has called us to wisdom so, as leaders, we need to be doing as much as possible to learn. That means going to conferences, reading books, and not being afraid to meet with and learn from people who “aren’t like us.”
Question: What are you personally doing to grow and develop yourself as a leader? To add to your wisdom? If all we can tell our people is what we know right now, and if we lead out of our limited knowledge, never seeking wisdom from others or from God, then we will raise up some very…shallow…people.
#4 - Courage
The tag “leader” should not be put on anyone who hasn’t had to make tough decisions on a consistent basis.
There are lots and lots of people who see what is wrong with the world, the Church, what have you. But very few are actually willing to do anything to right the wrong. Leaders step up and make the hard calls, even when it’s unpopular to do so.
You may have heard this before, but Noble reiterates the fact that courage is NOT the absence of fear. Courage is knowing what God has called you to do and then doing it, not knowing the outcome, but knowing who is in control of the outcome.
#5 - Humility
Noble says this is a tough one because we cannot actually brag that we’re humble. Using himself as an example, he said that too many times in the past he wanted the credit for all of his ideas. If something went right and he was involved, he wanted people to know about it.
And then one day he had a conversation with John Maxwell that rocked his world. As many of you know, Maxwell is an internationally respected leadership expert, speaker and author who has sold more than 19-million books. Here’s what he said to Pastor Noble: “Perry, you are where you are for two reasons. The first is the favor of God. The second is the giftedness of God. And, Perry, please understand that God didn’t owe you either of these. You are where you are because of Him.” What Maxwell was saying is that, regardless of how bright we think we are; we don’t have a single good idea; God gives them to us. And we don’t have the ability to think or act—or lead—unless He leads us.
So here’s the bottom-line: If a leader doesn’t care who gets the credit, but instead is obsessed with God getting the glory, then awesome things can happen!
#6 - Honesty
As leaders–we’ve got to be honest with ourselves, with others and with God.
Of yourself, you must ask, how am I doing? Really? Can I keep up the pace I’m operating at right now? What changes need to be made?
Of others, you must determine, is everyone around you doing a good job? Is there a tough conversation that needs to be had, but you won’t have it because you’re afraid of the outcome?
Of God, you must decide, are my life and ministry really “all about Him?”
#7 - Simplicity
Leaders who are worth their salt will admit that they are not good at everything and, as a result, will stop trying to be.
The reality is that every one of us only does a few things well. As a result, our leadership will be maximized when we focus on what God has gifted us and called us to be and do, rather than on what everyone else in the Church expects us to be or do. Our pledge should be, I can’t do everything, but I can do something. And the something that I can do, I will do!
What’s on your plate that you know you aren’t good at? What is it that you hate doing? Go ahead and admit it, because everyone around you already knows it, and is probably praying that you will stop it anyway!
Simplify things, for the good of your leadership—and for the sake of those you lead!
That’s it. I’m done.
If nothing else, I pray that you gleaned from my remarks this one inescapable truth: Electing leaders who lead begins and ends with you. The question is, are you up to the challenge?
Don’t be “skurd.” I encourage you to embrace your role in voting into office the people God has chosen to lead us to a better tomorrow.
*Carol Bowie delivered this address during the Annual Convention of the Second Episcopal District Lay Organization in Norfolk, Virginia.
14. WHAT’S NEW?
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
According to the Preacher in Ecclesiastes 1:9, ”There is nothing new under the sun,” which means that whatever is happening now has happened before. There is nothing person can do that has not been done before.
There will always be a “Sodom and Gomorrah.” There will always be wars and rumors of wars and earthquakes, pestilence and famine. The poor will be with us and poverty will always exist. There will always be murderers, thieves and robbers. There will always be imposters, pretenders, swindlers and rapists. There will always be jealousy and hate. There will always be marriages and divorces. There will always be betrayals, family feuds, false prophets, trucebreakers, suicides and racial prejudice.
Each day we pick up the newspaper or turn on our televisions and read and see the news of the day, which is most often, bad news.
To the Bible-reading church goers and scholars, we should never be surprised by what we read and hear.
There is no end to the unwanted and horrific acts of humankind. They will continue until the end of time. We should never be surprised about any of the events we read about or hear.
The surprise and shock should only come when we know or empathize with the victims, not what occurred. A horrific event could happen to a neighbor, the banker, the nice little lady down the street, a mother, a father, a husband, a wife, a preacher, a teacher, a coach, a teen, a Sunday school teacher, a politician or a law enforcement officer.
There is nothing new
We may boast about our hi-tech communication systems, but Adam, Moses and others heard the voice of God without the use of cell phones.
We may boast about our shuttle and space travel, but Elijah was taken up to heaven in a “chariot of fire,” without the use of a rocket booster. II Kings 2:11
After Jesus had completed his work here on earth he ascended to glory in a cloud without the use of a launch pad. Men gazed at that and now men and women are gazing each time a shuttle is launched.
We may boast of the achievements in the field of cosmetic surgery, but did not Jesus replace the ear of a high priest that was severed by one of the Apostles? And did he not cleanse the skin of lepers? What’s new?
The Ophthalmologist may boast of his or her hi-tech methods of dealing with blindness, but did not Jesus take spittle and apply it to the eyes of a blind man and his sight was restored.
What’s new? Nothing!
Did not Elisha administer CPR on the son of the Shunammite woman? II Kings the 4th chapter. Did not Paul also perform CPR on a young man named Eutychus who had fallen asleep while Paul was preaching and fell from a loft? Acts 20:9-10
What’s new? Nothing!
The only thing that could be new under the sun is you.
If any person be in Christ, he or she is a new creation. You are the only new thing under the sun that could be classified as new. When we are in Christ, we should have a new outlook on life; have a new concept of who you are. The old pastors used to talk about “a new walk, a new attitude, a new desire for living, a new conversation, a new song in your heart, and a new prospective of others.”
You are the only thing that could be considered new.
The troubles some are experiencing in their local churches are nothing new. The church has always had trouble from its inception. As long as there are those who have not become “new”; there will be divisions.
Well, back to the question: What’s new? You could be new! Haven’t you heard the expression “spanking brand new”? We could all be “Spanking brand new!”
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts Ptaegar@aol.com, Author, Teacher, Counselor, Humorist is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
15. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Congratulations to Reverend Adonis and Reverend Elsabe Booyse, Cape Annual Conference of the 15th Episcopal District
Sincerest congratulation to the Reverends Adonis and Elsabe Booyse, serving at Mount Olive AME Church, Piketberg in the Cape Annual Conference, 15th Episcopal District, who celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary on 25th October. We are proud to have such an exemplary pair and thank God for their input in the life of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. They have a proven track record of service and commitment and have provided guidance to many.
Belated congratulations may be sent to: (Rev. Adonis Booyse) mntoliveame@telkomsa.net
16. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Funeral Arrangements for the Reverend Luis A. C. Davis
The Reverend Luis A. C. Davis passed Wednesday morning at his home in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Reverend Davis faithfully served as Presiding Elder of the Virgin Islands District for twenty-five years until last April when his health challenges became worse. He was Pastor of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands for 28 years. A very active member of the international Church, Reverend Luis Davis could always be seen and heard at General Board meetings and at General Conferences. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends across the Connectional Church.
Viewings:
(1) Thursday, November 4, 2010
James Memorial Funeral Home
6AA La Grande Princesse
Christiansted St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Phone: 340-718-8663
(2) Friday, November 5, 2010, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
St. Luke AME Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Funeral:
November 5, 2010, 10:00 a.m.
St. Luke A.M.E. Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Lydia Davis
Post Office Box 1887 Kingshill
St. Croix, US, Virgin Islands
Or to email address: davislydia20@yahoo.com
And to his brother and sister-in-law:
The Rev. Kenneth E. Marcus and the Rev. Cassandra Marcus
Turner Chapel AME Church
492 North Marietta Parkway
Marietta, Georgia 30060
770-422-6791 (Office)
678-285-1630 (Fax)
17. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Ms. Tiffany Dickinson, the daughter of Mrs. Barbara Beachum, wife of Rev. George Beachum, a retired pastor from the Philadelphia Conference in the First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral Service, Saturday, November 6, 2010
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church
404 Zion Hill Rd.
Atglen, PA 19310
Phone: 610-593-2531
Fax: 610-593-8157
The Rev. Linwood Smith, Pastor
Professional Care has been entrusted to:
Wilde Funeral Home
434 Main Street
Parkesburg, PA 19365
Phone: 610-857-5551
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
Mrs. Barbara Beachum
532 W. First Avenue, Apt. B
Parkesburg, PA 19365
18. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 13th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie hereby announce the passing on to glory Sister Gwendolyn Yvonne Davenport, the sister of the Rev. Alicia Crooks, Pastor of St. Mary AME Church and St. Paul Morris Chapel AME Church. Sister Gwendolyn Yvonne Davenport was a member of St. Andrew AME Church.
Memorial Viewing:
Thursday, 4 November 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrew A.M.E. Church 867 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38106.
Immediately following - Funeral Service:
Thursday, 4 November 2010 at 12:00 (noon) at St. Andrew A.M.E. Church 867 South Parkway East, Memphis, TN 38106.
Arrangements - Handled by M. J. Edwards Funeral Home, 4445 Stage Rd., Bartlett, TN 38128
Please send condolences to:
St. Andrew AME Church
867 South Parkway East
Memphis, TN 38106
Fax: (901) 946-9216
The Rev. Alicia F. Crooks
9439 Misty Grove Cv.
Cordova, TN 38016
Home - (901) 381-1538
Email: afcrooks@comcast.net
19. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of Mr. John Calvin Magee on October 12, 2010. Mr. Magee was the father of the Reverend Cassandra Magee-Mkwanazi, staff minister at Shiloh AME Church-Galveston, Texas; Reverend Eric Billips & Reverend Myra Billips, co-pastors.
A Memorial Service for Mr. Magee was held at 1 P.M.
Saturday, October 30, 2010 at:
Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church
3826 Wheeler Avenue
Houston, Texas 77004
Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, Pastor
Condolences may be sent to:
Shiloh AME Church
C/o The Rev. Cassandra Magee-Mkwanazi
1310 29th Street
Galveston, Texas 77550
Or
cdmkwanazi@yahoo.com
20. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Announcing with regret the passing of Sister Jacqueline "Cookie" Wells-Davila on October 18, 2010. Sister Davila was the sister of the Rev. Isaac B. Wells, Jr., staff minister at Adams Chapel AME Church-Dallas, Texas, and the daughter of the late Rev. Isaac B. Wells, Sr.
Wake services were held for Sister Davila at 7 P.M. Friday, October 22nd, 2010 at:
Adams Chapel AME Church
7707 Santa Rosa Way
Dallas, Texas 75241
The Rev. Joan V. Walker-Nickerson, Pastor
Homegoing Celebration for Sister Davila was held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday,
October 23, 2010 at:
Greater St. James AME Church
The Rev. Michael King, Pastor
200 N. Jim Miller Road
Dallas, Texas
Her final earthly care was entrusted to:
Golden Gate Funeral Home
2349 Cedar Crest Blvd.
Dallas, Texas 75203
Condolences may be sent to Rev. Isaac B. Wells, Jr. at:
Adams Chapel AME Church
C/O The Rev. Isaac B. Wells, Jr.
7707 Santa Rosa Way
Dallas, Texas 75241
Or
Rlhump37@hotmail.com
21. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The 15th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the leadership of Bishop Wilfred Jacobus Messiah hereby announces the passing on to glory of Mrs. Lucia Jod (widow) at 81 years of age. She was a Life Member of the Women's Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church!
Mrs. Lucia Jod was the 2nd wife (widow) of the founder, the late Rev. Jacobus Jod, of the St. James AME Church, Mariental. She is great-grandmother of Presiding Elder Willem Simon Hanse (of the Cape Town District), the Reverend Willem Moses Hanse (pastor of St. James AME Church, Mariental) and Reverend Penias Eduardt Topnaar (pastor of H B Senatle Metropolitan AME Church, Windhoek). Grandma Lucia Jod is survived by 4 brothers, 3 sisters, 9 sisters-and daughters-in-law as well as host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the Isaack and JOD families. Grandma Lucia Jod was also the godmother of the Reverend Willem Simon Hanse, a candidate for Episcopal office in 2012.
The Memorial Services will be held in two parts:-
1. The Opening Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, 4 November 2010 at 20h00 (8 p.m.) at the Isaack residence,
2. The 2nd Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, 7 November 2010 at 17h00 (5 p.m.) also at the Isaack residence.
The Funeral Services will be held in two parts:
1. The remains of the late Reverend Jakobus Jod (born 11 June 1892 and died 24 May 1973) and the late Sara Jod (born 24 January 1898 and died 18 October 1942) will be exhumed and reburied on Thursday, 11 November 2010 at 18h00 (6 p.m.),
2. The funeral of grandma Lucia Jod will take place on Saturday, 13 November 2010 at 08h00 (8 a.m.) from the St. James AME Church, Mariental.
Enquiries:
Presiding Elder Willem Simon Hanse
081 1276389 revwshansepe@yahoo.com
The Reverend Willem Moses Hanse
081 640 4284
The Reverend Penias Eduardt Topnaar
081 149 7420
Sister Jenny Isaacks
081 259 9883
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mother Lethea Walker, the wife of former Presiding Elder John Walker. She was a faithful member of Bethany AME Church in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania where the Rev. Darnell Montgomery serves as the pastor.
The funeral has been held.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Central PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 201, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The family of Mother Lethea Walker
C/o Wallace Funeral Home
fax: 717-939-9952
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Gwendolyn Wright, the niece of Bishop Richard R. Wright, Jr. (57th Bishop of the AME Church), granddaughter of Major R. R. Wright and cousin of the Rev. Carolyn V. Jordan, pastor at Bethel AMEC, Coatesville, Pennsylvania.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to:
The family of Gwendolyn Wright
c/o St. Matthew AME Church
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the pasting of Rev. William Montgomery, a local elder at First A.M.E. Bethel Church, NYC, the Rev. Henry A. Belin, III, pastor.
The funeral service has been held. The Rev. Henry Belin was the Eulogist.
Expression of sympathy may be sent to the Rev. Montgomery's sister:
Ms. Inez Montgomery c/o First Bethel AME Church
60 West 132nd Street
New York, NY 10037.
25. 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
26. 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
