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 – Since 1852
1. EDITORIAL – WE CAN, AND SHOULD, DO SOME THINGS DIFFERENTLY:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
The snow and ice of this winter season has been devastating all over the country. During at least one period, the news media reported that snow was present in every state except Hawaii. Snow and ice conditions have wrecked havoc in many areas and have probably disrupted the financial stability of a number of churches, including AME Churches.
The winter season is not the only time that the weather can be disruptive. Floods can happen anytime of the year and the hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
Yesterday (February 3, 2011), a TCR News Break was sent about the Winter Storm Emergency Action Plan implemented by Bethel Temple AME Church in Fort Worth, Texas. The responses from across the Church were complimentary and the reason we shared the Winter Storm Emergency Plan was because it is an initiative that other churches in our Zion might want to implement.
Many of our congregations have senior and handicapped members and many of them are living alone. Sometimes their relatives live miles away from them.
It was refreshing to read that Bethel Temple AME Church pastor, the Rev. Dr. Cornelius Hudson was utilizing the class leaders and cell group leaders and, as a part of the plan, insured that the membership would be checked on, and that there would be an assessment of any storm-related needs the members might have.
It might be a good thing if local churches implemented programs that not only cared for the spiritual needs of the congregation, but also the physical needs and welfare of the membership, especially the elderly and those who are physically and mentally challenged.
Kudos to the Rev. Dr. Cornelius Hudson, the officers and members of Bethel Temple AME Church in Fort Worth, Texas and for sharing their much-needed initiative.
I would like to expand on the thought of creativity in ministry.
I believe too many of our churches have only a “Sunday morning-only ministry.”
Too many of our AME Church doors are closed more than they are opened; and AME Churches cannot fulfill the Mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church with a “closed door ministry.”
Any successful business or enterprise needs to function more than a couple of hours a week. It could be that some of the criticism expressed about the ministry is valid that pastors make a pretty good salary for a couple of hours’ work.
When I read the news release of the Bethel Temple AME Church Winter Storm Emergency Action Plan, I thought about other initiatives that might be helpful to some of our churches, especially for our older members.
We have older members who have given their lives to the church. They were at the church every time the church doors opened; sang in the choir, served as ushers, served on the steward and trustee boards, and in other auxiliaries of the church; and their financial support was unwavering. We all know members who were in that category.
But then, they got old and were unable to function at the same level as they had when they were younger. So often, older members are forgotten. Often, especially those who live alone are not visited and they drop “off the screen.” If they have a caring pastor, they will be visited once a month; if they do not have a caring pastor, they might not receive any visitors from the church.
There are many initiatives that churches could implement for older and handicapped members that do not require a lot of money.
For instance, churches could set aside a social activity each week or each month dedicated to senior, handicapped and mentally challenged members. Soup and sandwiches or crackers could be provided; doesn’t have to be extravagant. Transportation could be provided so the seniors could play board games; cards, not gambling of course; and other activities like arts and crafts. It would be a morale boost for the senior members; and for those persons who might volunteer to assist. If not once a week, once a month, which would be better than not doing anything with people who have dedicated their lives to the church.
The problem of dealing with older members, or more precisely, “not dealing with older members” is not confined to local churches, but to also to the ministry.
It seems to me that we “throw away” our retired pastors and presiding elders, some of whom are still mentally and physically alert and could be outstanding resources to any local church, district conference or annual conference. Retired clergy can preach, teach and do a number of things that could enhance ministry. So often, I see retired clergy sitting in the corner at social functions or alone.
Ministry in local churches might be enhanced if youth ministry initiatives were developed. Churches need to minister more effectively to young people. Young people need more than what churches can provide in the Sunday worship service. As Bishop Vashti McKenzie said, “Young people like to eat.” A very simple, inexpensive initiative would be to provide a fellowship hour following the worship service; cookies, donuts, pastries, or whatever young people eat. Intentional youth programs need to be developed and committed volunteers are needed when working with youth.
Babies and young children will not be quiet for two or three hours and they need far more attention than expecting or making them sit quietly in an adult worship service Sunday after Sunday. Small or large churches should work at developing a church nursery for those churches that want to attract young parents. Churches without young people do not grow. A few young people are better than no young people.
As in any business, it takes time to grow a clientele and, in some ways, the church is a business enterprise. A small church might have only one or two babies and it would be easy to think that it’s not worth the effort to have a nursery; but with patience, a nursery will grow.
Getting back to the ice and snow of winter or the spring rains, hurricanes or just bad weather in general, initiatives and creativity are needed and everything is in place to help churches to work smarter, if we get out of the mindset of, “This is the way we have always done it” or “This is the AME way…”
Let me give a few examples of working smarter so that ministry can be enhanced…
(To be continued in the next issue)
2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
The article below appeared in The Christian Recorder in 1865 in celebration of the 13th Amendment.
I had the pleasure of giving remarks today at the Liberty Bell in honor of Freedom Day. The day was established in 1941 by R.R. Wright and since that time they have laid a wreath at the Liberty Bell on this day. It was wonderful being that close to the bell.
I ran across this article from the TCR and shared it as the closing for my remarks.
Hope you enjoy. (I presume it was from the Editor)
The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D.
Senior Pastor
Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Christian Recorder
February 4, 1865
The Constitution - Glorious News - Slavery Abolished from the Constitution.
“We have the pleasure of chronicling in this issue of our paper, for the benefit of our readers, the thrilling and joyous intelligence that on the last day of January, 1865, the House of Representatives of the United States voted to amend the Constitution , so as to cause it to read as follows: "Article XIII, Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction. Sec. 2. Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation." This was carried by a vote of 119 for the amendment, to 56 in opposition to it. Thus is has passed by a two-third vote. The Constitution of the United States is now amended beyond doubt. The Lord be praised for his great work of reformation in the hearts of the American people. We know that this welcome news will gladden the hearts of all patriots and true lovers of God and humanity, freedom and liberty. We hope that our Legislatures will act wisely in the premises. Once more may the old State House Bell ring forth, as in days of yore, proclaiming Liberty throughout the land - proclaiming that the martyrs of to-day have not cast their lives away in vain. A wild hum of joy comes to our ears on the dancing breeze as the bondman's shackles fall, and we can almost hear the glad cry gushing like a fountain from his heart - "O God, we thank thee."”
3. TCR OP-ED: SUPERNUMERARY STATUS NEEDS A CLOSER LOOK:
*Dr. Jerome V. Harris
The concerns and issues surrounding supernumerary preachers are far-reaching and negatively impacts pastors in the active ministry.
I have raised some of these same concerns to our leadership many times over the past 10 years of my tenure as Executive Director / Plan Administrator of the Department of Annuity, Investments & Insurance. However, I have addressed the supernumerary issue primarily in regards to ministerial retirement and what is required in order qualify for the "full surrender" of retirement benefits under current Federal Regulations.
The status of Supernumerary places one in a virtual "no man's land" where they are not gainfully employed (not pastoring) nor are they officially retired. This creates a very unnecessary financial hardship on persons in this status. It is my understanding that only Superannuation equates to retirement. Supernumerary only means that one is not "in" the active pastoral service, nor are they are officially "out," which prohibits them from being eligible to receive their retirement benefits.
This is grossly unfair to our often very dedicated ministers who simply do not understand the actions that they take, either voluntarily or otherwise. A clarification of these two terms was included in my recommendations to the 2008 General Conference. However, it never made it out of committee. I would welcome the opportunity to "champion" this very important issue and bring it to the forefront so that we can finally remedy what I consider to be an unnecessary if not unjust burden on our pastors and their families.
The AME Church needs to relook the issue of Supernumerary status and its negative impact upon the connectional church.
*Dr. Jerome V. Harris is the Executive Director/Plan Administrator of the Department of Annuity, Investments & Insurance
4. TCR OP-ED: IT IS NOT THE FAULT OF THE BOARDS OF EXAMINERS THAT THE AME CHURCH HAS TOO MANY SUPERNUMERARY PREACHERS:
The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III
I couldn't agree with the editorial, "Too Many Supernumerary Preachers." There are way, waaaay, too many supernumerary preachers in our Zion; folk that never, ever, intended to function as itinerants, but went through the motions of saying what was expected of them when asked by their bishops or when examined by their Board of Examiners.
I have been on the Board of Examiners since I was ordained an Itinerant Elder and have seen it time and time again. It's gotten so bad that there are Admissions Students and Licentiates "supplying" churches where there are perfectly capable itinerants who are not pastoring anywhere.
I take issue with the statement, "There are too many supernumerary preachers because Boards of Examiners recommend persons to be ordained who were not suited for the pastoral ministry."
While this may be true, it doesn't tell the whole story.
Boards of Examiners report to the Bishop and Annual Conference as to whether the person has done his or her work; and if their local congregation/pastor recommends that they be passed on, elected, or ordained, they will receive favorable action.
Boards of Examiners cannot recommend a person to be ordained if his or her local church does not recommend him/her. Boards of Examiners only have limited contact with a candidate. The local church/pastor sees them regularly and interacts with them every week. When they recommend that a person be ordained, if they have done their work and their psychological evaluation does not come back with any red flags, where does the blame lie when that same person refuses to take an appointment? The Board of Examiners? The local church? The pastor?
There are too many supernumerary preachers in our Zion because too many persons who enter the ministry have not given enough thought as to what God has truly called them to. Once they have given that thought we ought to honor that choice and give them the support and means to work out that calling.
The Rev. V. Gordon Glenn III is the pastor of St. John AME Church, Topeka, Kansas and the lead Instructor - Class on Admissions, Midwest Conference Board of Examiners
5. TCR OP-ED: AME WORSHIP SHOULD BE DISTINGUISHABLE:
Dr. Joseph Darby
The Seventh Episcopal District was blessed to host the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society’s Executive Board meeting in Charleston, South Carolina January 26 through 29, 2011. As is often the case when Connectional events are held in Charleston, many members of Morris Brown AME Church attended the Connectional Worship event and some Connectional attendees stayed over through Sunday and worshiped at Morris Brown. As is also often the case, I heard two familiar comments following Sunday worship. Some members of Morris Brown said, “The connectional worship service was good, but it didn’t feel like AME worship” Some of our Connectional visitors said, “I enjoyed your worship service - this feels like an AME Church.” Those familiar comments led me to offer a few words for consideration by the church as a whole.
Our connectional worship services often include hymns, contemporary readings, practices and creeds that are not elements in the traditional AME Order for Worship. I appreciate that practice and its intent. It enables us to celebrate the ecumenical nature of the Church Universal and exposes worshipers to new possibilities for praise. I also believe, however, that our Connectional worship services should also offer the Order for Worship that is intentionally faithful to our tradition.
I offer that opinion with an awareness of the guiding principles of “postmodern church marketing” - that denominational loyalty is no longer a crucial factor for those seeking a church home and that generic, contemporary worship brings those who didn’t “grow up AME” into the fold. We embrace those principles at Morris Brown AME Church through the presence of acolytes, an “altar call,” a praise dance ministry, a mime ministry, a Young Adult Choir that specializes in contemporary praise music, and congregational hymns from the African-American Heritage Hymnal as well as the African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal. We also, however, follow the traditional AME Order for worship and include anthems, traditional worship music and spirituals.
The result is a worship experience that appeals to young adults who didn’t “grow up AME,” but also has meaning for those loyal members who did and find comfort in the Order for Worship and as much meaning in “Lift Up your Heads O Ye Gates” or “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” as in “Shake the Foundation with Praise.” The pleasant irony is that when our mobile and postmodern young adult members move elsewhere for new career opportunities, they often come back to Morris Brown and say, “I found an AME Church but it doesn’t feel like an AME Church!”
Their experience mirrors the experience of the generation that fled the American south in the face of early 20th century racial terrorism and literally took their churches with them. That’s why the family populations of churches like Saint Luke and Emanuel in New York City once mirrored those of Saint Luke and Emanuel in Charleston, South Carolina. Those migrants found comfort not only in welcoming and familiar transplanted extended families and communities, but also in welcoming and familiar transplanted church families and their cherished and meaningful traditions.
If we are to be faithful to their memory, then we should embrace their practice in the present age, just as our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters do. Their Masses include contemporary elements but are true to the essential elements of their faith tradition. Contemporary Connectional worship opens the windows of ecumenical enlightenment for those present and offers possibilities to enhance local church worship. Traditional Connectional worship, however, celebrates our heritage of faith and “models” authentic AME worship for those in small churches who can see AME worship in its most glorious and meaningful form. Rather than abandoning the “bridges” that brought us over for the tempting allure of generic worship, we’d do well to retain their foundations and repave them in a way that makes them relevant today, but eternally faithful and reliable. We’ll then see new people come to Christ - who just happen to be AME’s - with a new appreciation of who they are and whose they are.
*Dr. Joseph Darby is the Pastor of Morris Brown AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina
6. “YOU ASK”:
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle
I Ask:
Is it appropriate for a Deaconess to also be a Stewardess? Can a Deaconess function as a stewardess without being named a stewardess? I believe not because a Deaconess is a consecrated position, but I cannot find anything in writing that supports my position.
Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle’s Response to the Question:
In dealing with this discussion, the word "appropriate" is the determiner of "Right and Wrong." Then among other things the belief "That everything lawful is not expedient and everything expedient is not necessarily lawful."
Having said that, suffice it to be said:
1) It is possible for a person to be both a Deaconess and a Stewardess,
2) It is possible for a person to be a stewardess and not be a deaconess,
3) It is possible for one to be a deaconess and not be a stewardess.
The offices/positions are not interchangeable nor do they overlap.
Is it beyond the realm of reason to believe that a stewardess, whose responsibilities include washing, ironing dressing, the altar and chancel area, making and pouring the elements for Communion could not be assisted by someone, i.e., family member, choir member, deaconess, steward, whomever when there is a need for "help/shortage of stewardesses?
Is it beyond the realm of reason for the stewardess to be assisted by someone who is not a stewardess in making preparations for baptism, i.e., helping prepare the person(s) for baptism, preparing the baptismal fount?"
The duties and responsibilities of deaconess and stewardesses are different. Their uniforms are different. They receive their office differently. They are made differently.
It is my understanding that when one position attempts to step officially into the other's realm, there is a conflict.
Traditionally many churches have absolutely no deaconess(es). This is because becoming a deaconess is a local church matter which must be done at the seat of the annual conference by the bishop. Stewardesses are nominated by the local church's steward board and confirmed by the quarterly conference. The main role of a stewardess is to assist the stewards in preparing the church for its two sacraments: Communion and baptism.
Again assisting a stewardess in the preparation of the church for these two sacraments does not make the person assisting a stewardess, a stewardess, but simply a "helpmate" of a group that might be shorthanded at a given time.
But, to dress as, and sit among, and commune just because one assisted them in the performance of their duties is not appropriate.
Lastly there is a vast difference between "function as a stewardess" and "assisting the stewardesses."
7. YPD SEGMENT - AIM FOR A COLLEGIATE EXPERIENCE:
*Miacia F. Porter
As I sat and ate my Sunday’s dinner my mind quickly became preoccupied with my responsibilities and deadlines of this coming week. I have recommendation letters to pick up, personal statements to write, phone calls to make, and universities to give my hard earned money to.
The go getter spirit in me began to take mental notes on how to successfully complete this week’s tasks. And as I took my last bite of vanilla simmered sweet potatoes, I suddenly reckoned with the fact that a new chapter of life was dawning right before my eyes, and I was standing on my own horizon.
I could see this beautiful mosaic image manifesting itself and the lady bathing in success looked just like me.
I became excited about my future, but time itself quickly reminded me of how it moves. Preoccupied with the future, reality reminded me of how fast my undergraduate collegiate experience had flown by. It feels as if yesterday I was a 17 year old freshman dropped off into the land of freedom.
Now I stand as a 21 year old senior thankful that I am on the cusp of making it over. Eager to know that I making it, but sadden by the fact that most youth my age either have no aspiration, drive, or will to go to school.
People often say “college is not for everybody” but I say knowledge is. Knowledge is power. It is survival, and we all aim to survive.
Often time’s people get caught up in the theory that school is hard, challenging, and invincible. College however, is what you make of it. It is only undefeatable if you consistently remain defeated.
In other words you determine your success in school by the choices you make.
Now I’ll be the first to admit that college “isn’t a crystal stair”. As Langston Hughes would say it has thorns in it, but I’ll argue that these thorns are the most amazing things about college.
These thorns, these trial and tribulations are the very things that will teach you about you.
If I never had to face opposition and naysayers I would have never really known that I am indeed more than a conquer. If nobody ever doubted me I would have never known for sure what I am indeed capable of.
Oddly enough the classes, the homework, the research and the studying are the easiest things about college. You can handle that. If our ancestors can do it, we most certainly can.
It’s the experiences beyond academia that challenges you. It’s financial hardship, time management, friendships, family, and life itself that will present the most challenges, but these things will also be the very tools used to shape you.
These things will mode you into a better woman or men, and the quality education you receive will provide you with an aroma of success that will follow you throughout life.
Don’t trick yourself into believing that college isn’t for everybody because knowledge is. Adhere to the need to educate yourself.
Remember that knowledge is power, and if it isn’t then there would have been no need to prevent slaves from learning to read.
Don’t rob yourself from having a collegiate experience. I promise it will go by fast. Then one night you’ll be eating Sunday’s dinner preoccupied with the coming week’s tasks when suddenly your next chapter in life will greet you with such a promising future and eagerly inspire you to wave bye-bye to the past.
*Miacia F. Porter is a senior at Middle Tennessee State University and is doing an internship with The Christian Recorder. Miacia is a member of Greater Bethel AME Church in Nashville, Tennessee. She will be writing a YPD Segment
8. HUNDREDS WAIT IN LINE TO SEE A PHYSICIAN AT THE 2010 HEALTH MISSION:
Maseru, Lesotho, RSA
After a year of intensive and strategic planning, the lead organizers for the 2010 health mission, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Senior Supervisor, 4th Episcopal District and Supervisor Patricia Russell-McCloud, J.D., 18th Episcopal District, their efforts were blessed with 73 dedicated physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, administrators and prayer warriors who unselfishly gave their time, talent and resources to deliver health services to the people of Lesotho in Sub Sahara Africa. The 18th Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church embodies Botswana, Lesotho, Northeast Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland, Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., Resident Bishop.
This was the second mission trip organized to Lesotho by Supervisor Williams Bryant. The first mission trip was in 2007 during the administration of Bishop Sarah F. Davis. In view of the appreciable benefit to the residents, Bishop McCloud and the Lesotho people requested the second mission trip. Supervisor Williams Bryant, identified as a global missionary, indicated that this was one of the most wonderful challenges of her mission oriented career.
After a 16-hour plane ride and a five hour bus ride to reach Lesotho, attending church on Sunday September 29, 2010, the health mission team worked to have the Clinic, which was set up in the Bishop F.C. James Center ready to open on Monday morning. Supervisor the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant was the messenger at the first church of the 18th Episcopal District, Emmanuel AME Church, where the Rev. Sidney Bongani Ntshangase is the Senior Minister. She preached to a packed congregation who felt the power of her message on what we as Christians must do now, not later.
The lines wrapped around chairs inside the F. C. James Center through the exit doors, down the steps and sometimes around the building on each day of the 2010 Health Mission waiting to see a physician, a physicians’ assistant or a dentist. There were powerful prayer intercessors on site to pray with each individual following their treatment. It was an anointed experience.
Women, many of whom were over 50-years of age, waited for pap smears as they had never had one in their lifetime; and they secured other routine examinations; men waited for prostate examinations; grandmothers, mothers and care providers brought their babies for testing. The residents were intrigued to be seen by physicians from the United States. The residents sought their evaluation and a recommendation for treatment and free medicine, was available when prescribed by doctors. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that for every 80,000 people, that there be 80 physicians in the area. In Lesotho, there are six physicians, per 100,000 residents. Thus, the people are in dire need for medical care.
Significantly, leaders and lay persons of the AME church joined the 2010 Health Mission.
The “right hands” helping the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant were Marjorie Bias, and the Rev. Patricia Coleman Burns.
President of the WMS, 2nd Episcopal District, Shirley Cason Reed ensured that the connectional reality of our denomination was realized. The WMS of the 2nd Episcopal District donated over $1,000 worth of medical supplies for the mission. Indeed, she was a missionary on the move working at the Clinic every day, as well as being present every morning at the time of opening and closing.
The Basotho people heard of the health mission on radio and television; and they read in the newspaper that doctors and nurses from the United States and allied medical professionals would be at the F.C. James Center for medical services, providing free medical care for all of those who came.
The King of Lesotho invited a diverse and select group to the palace to express his sincere appreciation for this health mission. He acknowledged the substantive difference the trip would make for the people of Lesotho. This official visit was arranged by a former Ambassador of Lesotho who is a member of Emanuel AME Church in Lesotho, the Honorable L. B. Monyanke.
Then Women’s Missionary President, 18th Episcopal District, Potlako “P. J.” Molomo, from Botswana, worked side by side with the Health Team. She was joined by other members of the 18th Episcopal District’s WMS and Yoder’s to make a difference for those who were being served. Words are inadequate to explain how available, efficient and effective the Young People’s Department of the 18th Episcopal District was as they served as capable interpreters and runners.
The President of the Northeast delegation, WMS Lydia Mngomezula and her delegation presented a beautiful array of flowers to the health mission team for their generous sharing of their time and resources.
Dr. Mary Palmore, OB/GYN from Chicago, was the Medical Coordinator for mission trip. She joined with five OB/GYN’s who worked without pause to meet the medical needs of the female patients. Among the medical professionals providing care was Dr. James Mitchell, the pediatrician for President Barack Obama’s children. Untiringly, Dr. Mitchell treated Lesotho babies and provided them essential services that they would not otherwise receive.
Every day at 11:30 am a devotional worship period was observed with fervent prayers, praise and thanksgiving, accompanied by outstanding congregational singing by all. There were songs shared in English and in Basotho, as well. The 73 sojourners from America, including clergy and lay, prayer warriors and intercessors found this experience to be, unforgettable. Rev. Dr. Versey Williams, from Lansing Michigan, was so affected by the Health Mission and the needs of Lesotho began contributing $50 per month immediately upon her return to the United States to help sustain the work of missions in the 18th Episcopal District. Imagine having waited for hours for treatment, and yet, when the devotions started all hearts and minds were on one accord. The music, without instruments, was heavenly; it was sung interchangeably in English and African dialect and everyone knew and understood that our God is the God of all.
Many companies and organizations were contributors financially and in-kind towards the success of this mission to include but is not limited to the plethora of contacts throughout the 4th Episcopal District, 2nd Episcopal District and the National Association of Pharmacists, State of GA. There were six members of the Seventh Day Adventists denomination on the mission trip. They were dedicated in their outreach on and off site, as well. In particular, they wanted to visit orphans and brought gifts with them of new clothing and other essentials.
The 2010 mission trip went beyond the scope of the original mission. Specifically, participants operated the main health clinic while other teams journeyed to rural locations to provide medical assistance; they visited women’s prisons, homeless shelters, orphanages, and senior citizens facilities. Once the desired sites for visitation were identified, the daily visits were organized by the 18th Episcopal District. The health professionals not only left many gifts of food, clothing, staple products and in some cases monetary gifts at each location, where necessary, they visited the lonely and cleaned the accommodations for those who were physically impaired. These passionate visits resulted in one of the physicians indicating that during her next mission trip she would just want to dedicate her time to serving women who were imprisoned in Africa.
Interestingly, at first, due to prison restrictions, the missionaries were not going to be allowed to visit the women’s prison. However, God intervened. Once the warden saw the impact of the health mission team, they were asked to visit with all prisoners who would like to see the physicians. Moreover, Second Episcopal President Shirley Cason Reed was asked to speak. After delivering a powerful, soul-stirring message about the goodness of the Lord; and HIS presence in all places and at all times, 45 prisoners gave their life to God. This report was cause of great rejoicing for the entire delegation.
An additional component to the 2010 Health Mission was oral dental care. The Lesotho people referred to this as “teeth washing” and often wanted to know where is the “tooth washing” line. Significantly, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant also identified a donor who purchased, and had delivered a suite of dental office equipment that was donated to the Republic of Lesotho free of charge and is now housed in a Catholic hospital in Moraji. The estimated value of this donation is $175,000.00.
The culminating event of the 2010 Health Mission was providing healthcare services for employees of the Lesotho Sun Hotel where the delegation for the health mission were housed. This practice was begun by Supervisor Cecelia Williams Bryant during previous health missions around the world. Ending a health mission by providing medical care to persons who have served the professionals during the week is a particular highlight for hotels and their staff. The management of the hotel in appreciation for these services provides complimentary food for the closing banquet.
Bishop McCloud and Supervisor Russell-McCloud thanked Supervisor Williams Bryant and the dedicated health professionals for their service and sacrifice. Newly appointed President of the 18th Episcopal District WMS, Teboho Lekalakala, made remarks of thanksgiving to designated persons at the closing banquet for their extraordinary service and exceptional job well done.
Bishop McCloud called the 2010 Health Mission the most empowering time in the life and work of the 18th Episcopal District. Hundreds of persons were left un-served which highlighted the need for the continuation of this type of work. The team of physicians was very contemplative as to what they may be able to do collectively to provide affordable health services to the residents. As primary medical responders, they felt rewarded. Their concern for the future is, of course, what will happen once they return to the United States? They want to have available follow-up medical service for the residents.
Prayerfully, for all, this story shall be continued. Health may not be everything, but without it, not much else really matters.
*Bishop E. Earl McCloud is presently the Presiding Prelate of the 15th Episcopal district
9. BETHEL TEMPLE AME CHURCH, FORT WORTH, TEXAS; WINTER STORM EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN:
Good Morning to all our Bethel Temple Family. We have activated our Emergency Action Plan for the winter storm we are experiencing.
What this means to you:
- You will be receiving a call from your Class Leader or Cell Group Leader to check on you, especially our seniors and handicapped members.
- During this check we will assess any storm-related needs you may have. Those without heat or blankets will take priority and responded to immediately.
- Members of our congregation in need of storm-related services will receive services and attention to alleviate any challenges you may face during this storm.
What this means for our Church:
- During the Emergency Action Plan we have Leaders, Staff, and Volunteers here at the church to respond to the needs of our members.
- During this winter storm we have gathered blankets, heaters, and jackets to protect our congregation from the cold.
- We will also work with utility Companies to help prevent interruption of services during the winter storm.
- We will work with our Food Pantry, Hedges & Highways Ministry (Clothing Ministry) and other vendors and providers to ensure our congregation has food to last through the storm.
If you have any questions, please call one of the telephone numbers below:
Church Office: 817-496-9200
Pastor's Office: 817-886-7400
www.bethelnation.org
Blessings to all. Stay safe and stay warm.
"Your Place to Worship, Where It’s Easy to Find God, and Hard to Forget Him"
The Rev. Dr. Cornelius Hudson, Senior Pastor
Bethel Temple AME Church - Fort Worth, Texas
About Bethel Temple: Bethel Temple’s mission is to minister to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, emotional, and environmental needs of all people by spreading Christ's liberating gospel through word and deed. Bethel Temple, at every level, will strive carry out the spirit of The Great Commission: that is, to seek out and save the lost, and serve the needy.
10. AME CAPE TOWN DISTRICT (15TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT) DISTRIBUTES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS:
The Cape Town District Planning Meeting of the African Methodist Episcopal Church was held at Robinson Chapel AME Church, Bonteheuwel on Saturday, 29 January 2011.
The Cape Town District Planning Meeting gave financial assistance to 6 AME students at tertiary institutions; namely Jeandre Petersen, University of the Western Cape; Maxine Petersen, University of the Western Cape; Justin van Niekerk, Theology Seminary; N. Diedericks, University of the Western Cape; Sasha-Dee Abrahams, University of the Western Cape; and Rommy Williams, University of the Western Cape.
Bishop E Earl McCloud Jr. is the Presiding Prelate of the 15th Episcopal District; the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse is the Presiding Elder of the Cape Town District; and the Reverend Wesley A. D. Legolie is pastor of Robinson Chapel AME Church, Bonteheuwel.
Article submitted by the Rev. Willem Simon Hanse
11. BETHEL AME CHURCH, GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT DESIGNATED TO BE LISTED ON NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES:
*The Rev. Tynisha Camae Drennon
In the continued celebration of the 138th Anniversary of Bethel AME Church, Greenwich, Connecticut; Founder's Day at Bethel - Greenwich is proud to announce Bethel AME Church has been granted registry on the town, state and national Registry of Historic Places. Bethel AME Church is the only religious organization within the Town of Greenwich to receive such status and one of only two African American organizations within the town itself.
To commemorate this great achievement the Greenwich Preservation Trust has initiated a town-wide celebration which will include the presentation of our historical marker.
Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District has agreed to preach the celebratory sermon. While invitations are forthcoming, please mark the date on your calendars and begin making arrangements to attend.
February 20th, 2011
3:30 P.M.
Bethel AME Church – Greenwich
42 Lake Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
Telephone: 203-622-5864
*The Rev. Tynisha Camae Drennon is the pastor Bethel AME Church in Greenwich, Connecticut
12. HAITI: BISHOP SARAH DAVIS’ RESTORATION AND REBUILDING REPORT TO COUNCIL OF BISHOPS AND AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, JANUARY 12, 2011: – ONE YEAR LATER:
Sixteenth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
January 12th marks the one year anniversary of the most devastating natural disaster that the country of Haiti has seen in 200 years. The quake killed over 250,000 people, leaving a large portion of Haiti in ruins. The historic St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in downtown Port-au-Prince was totally destroyed. Today, only a stick and wire fence, surrounding the land on which the church use to stand, remain to remind one of the church that was before January 12, 2010.
Four of the nine AME Churches in Haiti were totally destroyed and the estimated rebuilding of these four basic structures is $ 1.497 million U.S. dollars. Three of the damaged churches can be repaired and renovated. Repair and renovation costs are yet determined.
More than a million displaced people still live under tents and tarpaulins. Reconstruction has barely begun. An outbreak of cholera in October and the political unrest over a disputed presidential election in November have added insult to injury in Haiti. Initially we were helping to sustain 398 homeless and/or displaced AME Church families. That number has grown to 521 + families as persons have joined our churches since the earthquake. Since February, the families have been the recipients of funds made possible from the donations received in the 16th Episcopal District. The funds have been used for purchasing food, water, and all the other necessities of the families.
While the initial focus (February thru June) was temporary shelter, food, water and medical needs. During this time (June-July), we also had to turn our attention to education and the upcoming school year which was only four months away. Funding was needed for children, youth and young adults, who could return to school/universities in October, 2010. Most (not all) schools in Haiti opened Friday, October 1, 2010.
One of the teams formed out of the AMEs for a “New Haiti” delegation which came to Haiti for a 3 day summit (August 30-September 1st) was the Education Team led by Reverend Jonathan Weaver (2). Our focus on Education afforded us the good success of being able to provide the back pay due teachers of four of our schools: Rosetta Lee AME SCHOOL, Mariani School Institution Mixte and Christ Revient AME School. Additionally, the monies due in arrears which would have kept students from being able to enroll were provided for many of our children. The Presiding Elders Mehu and Maurice are completing forms for each child who needs assistance in getting into school and/or in getting uniform and supplies for school.
After a year of almost unfathomable hardship in Haiti and while some would think there is little reason to be hopeful now, the 12 Haiti Annual Conference Churches have slapped “can’t do” and “give up” in their faces and are determined to move forward. At this year’s Annual Conference, February 3 – 7, 2011, at Mary Beckett AMEC, Croix-des-Bouquets, we are planning a 12 Noon Worship of Thanksgiving, Friday, February 4th at Noon. The Reverend Samuel Jenkins (4 EPD) will be visiting us and has been asked to bring the Word for this Service of Thanksgiving.
This year’s Conference will be different! We look forward with excitement to hear how our churches (without buildings and in renovated quarters) have in fact grown in membership since the Earthquake and how the people have grown spiritually over this last year as they have continued to pray, trust God and worship Him in spite of their circumstance. During the Women’s Missionary Society Convention, Dr. Carol T. Mitchell, President of New Era Baptist State Convention of Nebraska, Inc., will bring the key note message.
Despite the gloomy backdrops all around us in Haiti, we are finding some equilibrium as we innovatively explore ways and means to rebuild, renovate, repair and readjust our focus.
Our deeds to the St. Paul property have been properly filed with the Haitian Government and we wait in hopeful expectation that we might be reimbursed for our property which was part of the Government’s massive expropriation. We continue to lobby for the historic St. Paul AME Church, Port-au-Prince, to be allowed to be rebuilt in Port-au-Prince.
Temporary renovations for safety reasons have been made at the (a) Hildebrand Clinic/Education building of St. Paul AMEC; (b) Christ Revient AMEC and (c) Loula Brokenton AMEC. Worship and work are continuing to go on at these sites. While we will hear the official reports of church growth during the Annual Conference (February 3-6, 2011) our Pastors have been reporting of increased memberships at all our churches since the earthquake.
Our Schools at Rosetta Lee AMEC and Loula Brokenton AMEC and Christ Revient AMEC are opened again despite declined enrollment and all back pay for all the staff has been provided.
Students have received scholarships for tuitions and our university scholars who have applied for scholarships to enroll in the university have received their scholarships. Additional scholarships will be given during the Annual Conference.
As we Move Forward
The work before us is massive and much depends on our ability to do many things at the same time. Yet, we cannot lose focus of the overall work in each of the areas identified by the Strategic Planning Team in August. Thus, we are moving with the following priorities and focus:
• Health (with emphasis on supporting and strengthening AME SADA)
• Education
• Spiritual/Mental Care
• Agriculture
• Housing and Development
• Disaster Preparedness/Risk Reduction
• Social Action
Additionally, we are talking with Habitat for Humanity as we consider the housing needs of our families and the communities in general.
We are currently working with a group of Haitian Americans, Americans (so far 8 of the 9 black denominations and Lott Carey Baptist Foreign Mission Convention), and Haitians in planning for a Summit on Advocacy for Haiti that is scheduled for March 10-12, 2011, in Washington, D.C. We are seeking to craft a coherent and clear advocacy agenda to advance with the United States Government and the international community.
The Steering Committee formed early in 2010 is still in place and continues to oversee the work and activities which are going on for the Haiti Conference.
Income Received in 16th District (As of December 1, 2010) AME Church – (churches, conferences, districts) - $137,310.00
CFO Disbursement to 16th District /$15,119.00
Individuals / $13,402.00
Non AME Churches / $2,051.00
Businesses & Sororities / $5,041.00
Total Income / $172,923.00
Expenses (December 1, 2010)
Pastoral and Member Support / $63,750.00
Travel / $18,097.00
AME SADA Support / $17,800.00
Construction Projects / $16,368.00
Administration / $9,267.00
Total Expenses / $125,283.00
Distribution of Funds:
Projected Cost/Rebuilding & Repairing Damaged & Destroyed Churches: Total: $1,541,910.00
Monies received by Mr. Lewis, CFO, (i.e., donations from African Methodist Episcopal Churches (Districts 1-20) and others outside the AME Church), are restricted funds to be used in the restoration and rebuilding and repairing of our destroyed and/or damaged Churches. Rosette Lee AMEC and Bethel-Cabaret AMEC are not shown above since the estimates on the repairs needed at each of these Churches have not been completed.
Sarah F. Davis
Bishop – 16th Episcopal District AMEC
January 25, 2011
Full financial report eBlasted on Wednesday, February 1, 2011 and will appear in the print edition of The Christian Recorder
13. MARVELOUS THINGS IN THE FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:
By: The Reverend Ann Champion Shaw and Mrs. Lucille Merity
There is a gospel song entitled “He Has Done Marvelous Things.” This can certainly be said for the 156th Session of the Missouri Annual Conference and the Fifth Episcopal District Planning Meeting which was held at the Hilton St. Louis Airport from Oct. 25th-Nov. 2nd. The Conference was divinely directed by the 5th Episcopal District Dream Team, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland and Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Mary L. Kirkland and hosted by the Reverends Robert and Ann Shaw and the members of St. John AME Church, St. Louis Missouri.
The Conference kicked off on Sunday evening with a Pre-Musical by the phenomenal Missouri Conference Choir. The following week nightly services were held. The Women in Ministry focused on the historical presence of AME women in ministry. The Missionary Society amazed us and touched our hearts with the provocative Dramatic Production “Still Here”; which spoke of African American women’s struggles and victories.
The opening worship service was spirit-filled as the Reverend Alvin L. Smith preached a powerful word entitled “Short Circuit Theology.” The Reverend E.G. Shields, Sr., Senior Pastor of Mt. Beulah Baptist Church, St. Louis, MO was the preacher for Men’s Night. Bishop Kirkland led the conference in raising funds for Payne Theological Seminary. The Lay Service on Friday night was innovative and exciting as the Reverend Regina Lowe proclaimed God’s word with the thematic emphasis, Get Fit for Christ. The theme “Get Fit” was initiated by Bishop Kirkland who expressed the urgent importance of Christians maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
On Saturday morning, the Ordination Service was glorious. Bishop C. Garnett Henning, Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District, preached a mighty word from on high.
It was a historical moment in that four Bishops who were elected from the Fifth Episcopal District were assembled in one place. In addition to Bishop Kirkland and Bishop Henning, Retired Bishop Vinton Anderson and Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle were also present.
The AcadAME Awards Gala, an elegant, black-tie affair that honors Pastors, Missionaries, YPDers and Laypersons across the 5th Episcopal District who has excelled in various areas of service was held on Saturday evening. The AcadAME Awards is the brainchild of our gifted Episcopal Supervisor, Mrs. Mary L. Kirkland and was indeed a blessing as we were graced with entertainment from various artists including Comedian “Bone” Hamilton, and “The Voices of Glory”, the young singing group who received national recognition in their performance on America’s Got Talent.
While the prolific pontificator, Bishop T. Larry Kirkland closed the 156th Session of the Missouri Annual conference, the 5th District Planning Meeting got a jumpstart on Monday morning as the Grand Ballroom at the Hilton was filled to capacity for the Get Out and Vote Rally.
Major politicians present included U.S. Representative for Missouri’s 1st Congressional District William “Lacy” Clay, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill-D-MO and Missouri Secretary of State and U.S. Senatorial Candidate Robin Carnahan-D motivated the 800 plus crowd with their rousing speeches emphasizing the importance of voting.
Various television and radio media were also on hand to interview Bishop Kirkland and to witness such a great event.
On Monday night, the Reverend Dr. Al B. Sutton, Senior Pastor of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, Birmingham, Alabama blessed our souls with his heartfelt preaching.
On Tuesday around High Noon, the Reverend Dr. Frank Madison Reid, III Senior Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Baltimore, MD sent us away shouting as he powerfully proclaimed the word of God.
Truly, it was a memorable event for the Missouri Conference also known as the “Mo Betta” Conference.
The Fifth Episcopal District under the dynamic leadership of Bishop T. Larry and Episcopal Supervisor Mary Kirkland, the Reverend Robert R. Shaw, II, Host Pastor, Mrs. Sandra Beverly, Conference Chairperson, and the faithful members of St. John AME Church, St. Louis, Missouri; did an excellent job in hosting such a grand and glorious affair leaving no stone unturned.
Upon leaving, there were smiles and a renewed sense of energy to do the work of God and to follow the biblical mandate of the Fifth Episcopal District which is to “Rebuild the Walls.” (Nehemiah 2:17).
14. FEBRUARY 7TH - NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY:
February 7th is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a date on which to ponder a stark fact: As the nation approaches the 30th year of the epidemic, HIV prevalence in African Americans is almost eight times that of whites. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show while more people are living with HIV in the US than ever before, African Americans continue to be disproportionately affected.
“In their lifetime, one in 16 African American men and one in 32 African American women will be infected with HIV,” says Dr. Robert McNally, President and CEO of GeoVax Labs, an Atlanta-based biotechnology company that creates, develops and tests innovative HIV/AIDS vaccines. “These alarming statistics remind us that all communities—particularly communities of color—need new biomedical tools, including a vaccine to prevent further spread of the virus. The best hope in the fight against AIDS is to find preventive and therapeutic HIV vaccines, and ongoing work at GeoVax is bringing us ever closer to those discoveries. These would provide a welcome alternative to the substantial side effects and high cost of antiretroviral therapy drugs.”
GeoVax is currently testing its AIDS vaccine candidates for both preventative and therapeutic purposes. Its therapeutic vaccine is designed to treat individuals who are already infected with the HIV virus and is intended to prevent these cases of HIV from progressing to full-blown AIDS. The therapeutic vaccine was conceived with the intent of being able to wean these patients off their oral medication and allow their own immune system to fight the HIV virus. Currently, GeoVax is in a Phase I clinical trial for its therapeutic vaccine, which is being conducted by the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta.
Meanwhile, GeoVax’s preventative vaccine is for the vaccination of uninfected people in order to prevent infection by the HIV virus. Its use would also reduce the transmission of HIV, protecting the population at large. Currently, the company’s preventative vaccine is in Phase 2a human trials, for which it recently increased enrollment from 225 to 300 individuals. Additionally, early results from part A of an ongoing Phase 2a clinical trial indicated an excellent safety profile and highly reproducible immunogenicity.
I would be happy to arrange an interview with Dr. McNally to discuss the stark need for new solutions to the HIV/AIDS crisis within all groups in our society, as well as GeoVax’s progress in developing a vaccine. In the meantime, I encourage you to visit www.geovax.com to learn more.
Janet Vasquez
The Investor Relations Group
15. INVITATION TO BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN DOCUMENTARY:
It's not too late for you to become a sponsor of the February 13th, online premiere of the new Bishop Richard Allen Documentary, Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom. You can sponsor as a candidate, conference, congregation, company or family. Your name will appear each time the film is shown online or you can remain anonymous. You specify how you want your name to appear. Sponsorship levels are Diamond ($1,000), Platinum ($500), or Gold ($250) and can be obtained by clicking on the link below or by filling out the attached form and mailing in your check or money order. PayPal is also accepted. This is your opportunity to become a part of history.
Your contribution will make it possible for millions of people around the globe to view this film about our church founder, abolitionist, and entrepreneur Bishop Richard Allen
For more information about becoming a sponsor contact Dolores Lyons at Mother Bethel at (215) 925-0616.
Click here or download in your browser: http://www.motherbethel.org/allen/promo.html
16. ONE CHURCH:
*Dr. Clement W. Fugh
The Global Development Council (GDC) of the African Methodist Episcopal Church will meet February 22 – 25, 2011, in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a full contingent of bishops and representatives from Districts 14 - 20. The vision and the desire of President Sarah Frances Davis are that through these initiatives the AME Church will continue "Working towards the day when the only things that separate us are the oceans."
The Meeting, hosted by Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath and the Nineteenth Episcopal District could not come at a more critical time in the life of African Methodism. In 2004 the African Jurisdiction Council (AJC), the predecessor of the GDC, advocated the need for indigenous leadership in the episcopacy and in departments of the Church. That effort culminated in the "Covenant Agreement," and the election of three bishops from the continent of Africa. As we move toward the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference in 2012, clarification has to be made on the status of that "Agreement," and how it impacts us going forward.
Another issue is that of creating "jurisdictions." This discussion is fueled by the present worldwide economic climate, an eye toward development of "indigenous leadership," the high cost of providing administrative (Episcopal) oversight, and a need to determine when "mission work" becomes "self sustaining."
I solicit your prayers for traveling mercies upon those of us who are making the journey, for open minds and hearts, and for discerning spirits as the African Methodist Church worldwide gathers in Johannesburg to take on these tough issues, and to emerge with recommendations to the General Conference that will strengthen our mission and witness.
*Dr. Clement W. Fugh, AMEC General Secretary is a Candidate for Episcopal Service 2012
17. REMARKS BY PRESIDENT OBAMA AT THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST:
February 3, 2011
9:00 A.M. EST
Thank you so much. To the co-chairs, Jeff and Ann; to all the members of Congress who are here, the distinguished guests who’ve traveled so far to be here this morning; to Randall for your wonderful stories and powerful prayer; to all who are here providing testimony, thank you so much for having me and Michelle here. We are blessed to be here.
I want to begin by just saying a word to Mark Kelly, who’s here. We have been praying for Mark’s wife, Gabby Giffords, for many days now. But I want Gabby and Mark and their entire family to know that we are with them for the long haul, and God is with them for the long haul. (Applause.)
And even as we pray for Gabby in the aftermath of a tragedy here at home, we're also mindful of the violence that we're now seeing in the Middle East, and we pray that the violence in Egypt will end and that the rights and aspirations of the Egyptian people will be realized and that a better day will dawn over Egypt and throughout the world.
For almost 60 years, going back to President Eisenhower, this gathering has been attended by our President. It’s a tradition that I'm proud to uphold not only as a fellow believer but as an elected leader whose entry into public service was actually through the church. This may come as a surprise, for as some of you know, I did not come from a particularly religious family. My father, who I barely knew -- I only met once for a month in my entire life -- was said to be a non-believer throughout his life.
My mother, whose parents were Baptist and Methodist, grew up with a certain skepticism about organized religion, and she usually only took me to church on Easter and Christmas -- sometimes. And yet my mother was also one of the most spiritual people that I ever knew. She was somebody who was instinctively guided by the Golden Rule and who nagged me constantly about the homespun values of her Kansas upbringing, values like honesty and hard work and kindness and fair play.
And it’s because of her that I came to understand the equal worth of all men and all women, and the imperatives of an ethical life and the necessity to act on your beliefs. And it’s because of her example and guidance that despite the absence of a formal religious upbringing my earliest inspirations for a life of service ended up being the faith leaders of the civil rights movement.
There was, of course, Martin Luther King and the Baptist leaders, the ways in which they helped those who had been subjugated to make a way out of no way, and transform a nation through the force of love. But there were also Catholic leaders like Father Theodore Heshburg, and Jewish leaders like Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Muslim leaders and Hindu leaders. Their call to fix what was broken in our world, a call rooted in faith, is what led me just a few years out of college to sign up as a community organizer for a group of churches on the Southside of Chicago. And it was through that experience working with pastors and laypeople trying to heal the wounds of hurting neighborhoods that I came to know Jesus Christ for myself and embrace Him as my lord and savior. (Applause.)
Now, that was over 20 years ago. And like all of us, my faith journey has had its twists and turns. It hasn’t always been a straight line. I have thanked God for the joys of parenthood and Michelle’s willingness to put up with me. (Laughter.) In the wake of failures and disappointments I've questioned what God had in store for me and been reminded that God’s plans for us may not always match our own short-sighted desires.
And let me tell you, these past two years, they have deepened my faith. (Laughter and applause.) The presidency has a funny way of making a person feel the need to pray. (Laughter.) Abe Lincoln said, as many of you know, “I have been driven to my knees many times by the overwhelming conviction that I had no place else to go.” (Laughter.)
Fortunately, I'm not alone in my prayers. Pastor friends like Joel Hunter and T.D. Jakes come over to the Oval Office every once in a while to pray with me and pray for the nation. The chapel at Camp David has provided consistent respite and fellowship. The director of our Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnership’s office, Joshua DuBois -- young minister himself -- he starts my morning off with meditations from Scripture.
Most of all, I've got friends around the country -- some who I know, some who I don’t know, but I know their friends who are out there praying for me. One of them is an old friend named Kaye Wilson. In our family we call her Momma Kaye. And she happens to be Malia and Sasha’s godmother. And she has organized prayer circles for me all around the country. She started small with her own Bible study group, but once I started running for President and she heard what they were saying about me on cable, she felt the need to pray harder. (Laughter.) By the time I was elected President, she says, “I just couldn’t keep up on my own.” (Laughter.) “I was having to pray eight, nine times a day just for you.” (Laughter.) So she enlisted help from around the country.
It’s also comforting to know that people are praying for you who don’t always agree with you. Tom Coburn, for example, is here. He is not only a dear friend but also a brother in Christ. We came into the Senate at the same time. Even though we are on opposite sides of a whole bunch of issues, part of what has bound us together is a shared faith, a recognition that we pray to and serve the same God. And I keep praying that God will show him the light and he will vote with me once in a while. (Laughter.) It’s going to happen, Tom. (Laughter.) A ray of light is going to beam down. (Laughter.)
My Christian faith then has been a sustaining force for me over these last few years. All the more so, when Michelle and I hear our faith questioned from time to time, we are reminded that ultimately what matters is not what other people say about us but whether we're being true to our conscience and true to our God. “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.”
As I travel across the country folks often ask me what is it that I pray for. And like most of you, my prayers sometimes are general: Lord, give me the strength to meet the challenges of my office. Sometimes they’re specific: Lord, give me patience as I watch Malia go to her first dance -- (laughter) -- where there will be boys. (Laughter.) Lord, have that skirt get longer as she travels to that dance. (Laughter.)
But while I petition God for a whole range of things, there are a few common themes that do recur. The first category of prayer comes out of the urgency of the Old Testament prophets and the Gospel itself. I pray for my ability to help those who are struggling. Christian tradition teaches that one day the world will be turned right side up and everything will return as it should be. But until that day, we're called to work on behalf of a God that chose justice and mercy and compassion to the most vulnerable.
We've seen a lot of hardship these past two years. Not a day passes when I don't get a letter from somebody or meet someone who’s out of work or lost their home or without health care. The story Randall told about his father -- that's a story that a whole lot of Americans have gone through over these past couple of years.
Sometimes I can't help right away. Sometimes what I can do to try to improve the economy or to curb foreclosures or to help deal with the health care system -- sometimes it seems so distant and so remote, so profoundly inadequate to the enormity of the need. And it is my faith, then, that biblical injunction to serve the least of these, that keeps me going and that keeps me from being overwhelmed. It’s faith that reminds me that despite being just one very imperfect man, I can still help whoever I can, however I can, wherever I can, for as long as I can, and that somehow God will buttress these efforts.
It also helps to know that none of us are alone in answering this call. It’s being taken up each and every day by so many of you -- back home, your churches, your temples and synagogues, your fellow congregants -- so many faith groups across this great country of ours.
I came upon a group recently called “charity: water,” a group that supports clean water projects overseas. This is a project that was started by a former nightclub promoter named Scott Harrison who grew weary of living only for himself and feeling like he wasn’t following Christ as well as he should.
And because of Scott’s good work, “charity: water” has helped 1.7 million people get access to clean water. And in the next 10 years, he plans to make clean water accessible to a hundred million more. That’s the kind of promoting we need more of, and that’s the kind of faith that moves mountains. And there’s stories like that scattered across this room of people who’ve taken it upon themselves to make a difference.
Now, sometimes faith groups can do the work of caring for the least of these on their own; sometimes they need a partner, whether it’s in business or government. And that’s why my administration has taken a fresh look at the way we organize with faith groups, the way we work with faith groups through our Office of Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
And through that office, we’re expanding the way faith groups can partner with our government. We’re helping them feed more kids who otherwise would go hungry. We’re helping fatherhood groups get dads the support they need to be there for their children. We’re working with non-profits to improve the lives of people around the world. And we’re doing it in ways that are aligned with our constitutional principles. And in this work, we intend to expand it in the days ahead, rooted in the notions of partnership and justice and the imperatives to help the poor.
Of course there are some needs that require more resources than faith groups have at their disposal. There’s only so much a church can do to help all the families in need -- all those who need help making a mortgage payment, or avoiding foreclosure, or making sure their child can go to college. There’s only so much that a nonprofit can do to help a community rebuild in the wake of disaster. There’s only so much the private sector will do to help folks who are desperately sick get the care that they need.
And that's why I continue to believe that in a caring and in a just society, government must have a role to play; that our values, our love and our charity must find expression not just in our families, not just in our places of work and our places of worship, but also in our government and in our politics.
Over the past two years, the nature of these obligations, the proper role of government has obviously been the subject of enormous controversy. And the debates have been fierce as one side’s version of compassion and community may be interpreted by the other side as an oppressive and irresponsible expansion of the state or an unacceptable restriction on individual freedom.
That's why a second recurring theme in my prayers is a prayer for humility. Now, God answered this prayer for me early on by having me marry Michelle. (Laughter and applause.) Because whether it’s reminding me of a chore undone, or questioning the wisdom of watching my third football game in a row on Sunday, she keeps me humble. (Laughter.)
But in this life of politics when debates have become so bitterly polarized, and changes in the media lead so many of us just to listen to those who reinforce our existing biases, it’s useful to go back to Scripture to remind ourselves that none of has all the answers -- none of us, no matter what our political party or our station in life.
The full breadth of human knowledge is like a grain of sand in God’s hands. And there are some mysteries in this world we cannot fully comprehend. As it’s written in Job, “God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways. He does great things beyond our understandings.”
The challenge I find then is to balance this uncertainty, this humility, with the need to fight for deeply held convictions, to be open to other points of view but firm in our core principles. And I pray for this wisdom every day.
I pray that God will show me and all of us the limits of our understanding, and open our ears and our hearts to our brothers and sisters with different points of view; that such reminders of our shared hopes and our shared dreams and our shared limitations as children of God will reveal the way forward that we can travel together.
And the last recurring theme, one that binds all prayers together, is that I might walk closer with God and make that walk my first and most important task.
In our own lives it’s easy to be consumed by our daily worries and our daily concerns. And it is even easier at a time when everybody is busy, everybody is stressed, and everybody -- our culture is obsessed with wealth and power and celebrity. And often it takes a brush with hardship or tragedy to shake us out of that, to remind us of what matters most.
We see an aging parent wither under a long illness, or we lose a daughter or a husband in Afghanistan, we watch a gunman open fire in a supermarket -- and we remember how fleeting life can be. And we ask ourselves how have we treated others, whether we’ve told our family and friends how much we love them. And it’s in these moments, when we feel most intensely our mortality and our own flaws and the sins of the world, that we most desperately seek to touch the face of God.
So my prayer this morning is that we might seek His face not only in those moments, but each and every day; that every day as we go through the hustle and bustle of our lives, whether it’s in Washington or Hollywood or anywhere in between, that we might every so often rise above the here and now, and kneel before the Eternal; that we might remember, Kaye, the fact that those who wait on the Lord will soar on wings like eagles, and they will run and not be weary, and they will walk and not faint.
When I wake in the morning, I wait on the Lord, and I ask Him to give me the strength to do right by our country and its people. And when I go to bed at night I wait on the Lord, and I ask Him to forgive me my sins, and look after my family and the American people, and make me an instrument of His will.
I say these prayers hoping they will be answered, and I say these prayers knowing that I must work and must sacrifice and must serve to see them answered. But I also say these prayers knowing that the act of prayer itself is a source of strength. It’s a reminder that our time on Earth is not just about us; that when we open ourselves to the possibility that God might have a larger purpose for our lives, there’s a chance that somehow, in ways that we may never fully know, God will use us well.
May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may He bless this country that we love. (Applause.)
END: 9:23 A.M. EST
Submitted by Joshua P. DuBois, Special Assistant to the President and Executive Director of the White House
18. HISTORIOGRAPHER ATTENDS NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST IN WASHINGTON, D.C.:
*Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson
Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, the Historiographer/Executive Director of the Department of Research & Scholarship, in his capacity of Chairman of the Board of the Board of Trustees of the American Bible Society, was invited to the 59th National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton on February 3, 2011.
He and other members of the ABS trustee board heard President Barack Obama deliver a significant speech on his personal faith and how it was energized in Chicago through his work with local churches. He credited clergy in the Civil Rights Movement for their influence and challenge to him to actualize his religious commitment by improving the condition of the "least of these." Dr. Dickerson said it was touching to hear President Obama say, “My Christian faith … has been a sustaining force for me over these last few years. All the more so, when Michelle and I hear our faith questioned from time to time, we are reminded that ultimately what matters is not what other people say about us but whether we're being true to our conscience and true to our God… ‘Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.’” Dr. Dickerson said that he could sense the sincerity and the depth of the spiritual conviction of the President.
The 3,000 persons in the audience consisted of people across the spectrum of denomination and religion. Innumerable members of Congress, both House and senate, were present.
Dr. Dickerson sat at a table with Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) (Savannah/Augusta, Georgia District) and an African American state senator from Georgia.
*Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson is the AMEC Historiographer/ Director of research & Scholarship & Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review and is a candidate for the bishopric in 2012.
19. THE REVEREND DR. KYLE ‘K.C.” GIBSON TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR OF FLORIDA IN 2014:
“A Man in this state (Florida) cannot do his whole duty as a minister unless he looks out for the political interest of the people. We meet here today, not to abuse each other, or to stir up strife and dissention, but to form a platform upon which all loyal people can stand. What party shall we vote for? We are hunting for education that will give us a name and a position within the state. We have a right to aspire to and claim any position. We will elect men that are qualified to serve.”
These words were spoken by Florida’s 1st A.M.E. Presiding Elder and State Senator Charles H. Pearce in 1867 as he addressed his colleagues in the Florida Legislature during the height of Reconstruction. Some time back in 1978, Kyle along with his 3rd grade class toured the new capitol building and met then Governor Rubin Askew. Kyle told Governor Askew of his desire to one day become Governor of Florida. The advice given by the Governor was to always follow your dreams and stay in school. On January 4, 2011 some 33 years later, the Reverend Kyle “K.C.” Gibson acted upon a lifelong ambition, and filled to seek the office of Governor of Florida in 2014.
Kyle is a 3rd generation Pastor in the A.M.E. Church and lifelong Floridian. He is currently assigned to Metropolitan A.M.E. Church in the Liberty City section of Miami. For the past 11 years, Kyle has been married to Tamara Gibson who serves actively with the Women’s Missionary Society. The top two areas of concern in Kyle’s platform are reforms in Florida’s Public School and Dept. of Corrections. The two go hand in hand. When our youth fail to receive a quality education, too many of them end up in the criminal justice system in what Rev. Gibson calls the modern age plantation. In a recent interview, Kyle stated that “we spend more money housing prisoners than we do sending our youth to college.”
It is Kyle’s desire to see major improvements made in this area. In the same interview, Kyle stated that “all of us, must be willing to invest in our most precious and valuable resource, OUR YOUTH. When we invest in our youth today, tomorrow we reap the benefit of witnessing our investment become Teachers, Business Owners, Doctors, Lawyers, Bishops, Senators, Governors and even Presidents.”
Kyle is asking the family of Allen, to please keep him in their prayers over the next 4 years on his journey to serve. Reverend Gibson seeks to become the 4th African American to serve as Governor in the United States. The 1st being a member of the A.M.E. Church, P.B.S. Pinchbank of Louisiana, followed by L. Douglass Wilder of Virginia, Deval Patrick of Massachusetts and David Patterson of New York.
Kyle’s campaign web site will be up in a few weeks and you will be able to follow him at www.KCIN2014.com. You may also follow him on Facebook at Kyle “K.C.” Gibson for Governor. In addition to your prayers, Kyle is asking each of you to please make a contribution of $20.14 to the campaign. Please make your checks out to the Kyle “K.C.” Gibson Campaign. They can be mailed to P.O. Box 590581 Tamarac, Fl 33359-0581
The Rev. Kyle C. Gibson
850-322-8815
KC2020Vision@aol.com
20. FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH, A FOCUS ON HUNGRY PEOPLE:
By Bishop Don Williams
This African-American History Month, Bread for the World encourages us to use this time of celebration of our heritage to consider what we can do to help hungry and poor people.
African-Americans all over the country continue to suffer the effects of the economic recession. We have our hands full with the problems in our own neighborhoods and extended families. But both as Christians and as African-Americans, we also need to focus on the needs of hungry people everywhere – particularly in Africa and the Caribbean since many of us trace our roots to these regions. God’s grace in Jesus Christ moves us to help our neighbors, whether they live in the next house, the next state, or the next continent.
High rates of unemployment have led to dramatic increases in poverty and food insecurity in the African-American community over the past few years. Data released in November 2010 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) show that in 2009, 25 percent of black households struggled to put food on the table, compared with 11 percent of white households. Even worse, almost 35 percent of black children lived in households at risk of hunger – more than twice the percentage of white children.
These figures are alarming—so what can we do? Helping struggling friends and relatives and making charitable donations are important, but we cannot “food bank” our way out of hunger. We must remind our elected leaders not to forget people in need because, with the stroke of a pen, policies can be made that redirect millions of dollars and affect millions of lives. Congress must protect and strengthen safety-net programs like school lunch, school breakfast, WIC, and SNAP (formerly called food stamps), as well as policies such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, which put money back in the pockets of low-wage workers.
But these problems are not exclusive to this country. There are almost 1 billion chronically hungry people around the world. U.S. foreign assistance can do a great deal to give hungry people the tools and opportunity they need to improve the lives of their families. Bread for the World’s 2011 Offering of Letters campaign urges Congress and the administration to make our foreign assistance even more effective in reducing global poverty. We invite churches and community organizations to advocate for particular improvements with their individual members of Congress.
The start of the 112th Congress offers a fresh opportunity to pursue a bipartisan effort to end hunger at home and abroad. But it will take advocacy to make this happen. To find out more about how to get involved in Bread’s 2011 Offering of Letters campaign, and watch a short video about how U.S. assistance is helping people in Liberia and Haiti, visit www.bread.org/OL.
Bishop Don Dixon Williams is a racial/ethnic outreach associate at Bread for the World, and bishop of ecumenical and political affairs at United Way of the Cross Church of Christ, Danville, Virginia.
21. REPORT OF THE 143RD SESSION OF THE TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE:
The 143rd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference was held October 19-23, 2010 at the House of God, Keith Dominion, in Nashville, TN, under the vibrant leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate, 13th Episcopal District, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions and Youth Services; two Presiding Elders: the Rev. Robert E. Keesee, host Presiding Elder of the North Nashville District and the Rev. Troy Merritt, Jr. co-host Presiding Elder of the South Nashville District. The Rev. Edward L. Thompson, first lady Dr. Maxine Thompson and the membership of Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church entertained the Tennessee Annual Conference in grand style and precision leaving no stone unturned as we assembled together to worship our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ and to give account of our service to this great Zion over the past year. The theme for the 2010 Annual Conference was “An Incredible Call to Service: Integrity.” Under the direction of Bishop McKenzie, the Tennessee Conference went totally green (paperless) with their reports, presentations, and bulletins. All reports and presentations given at the Annual Conference were viewed by PowerPoint software on two large screens, which was very enlightening.
The Women’s Missionary Society began the week of services on Tuesday morning with their Annual Day. The 124th Session of the Women’s Missionary Society was called to order by the President Mrs. Faye Bentley. The theme for this festive occasion was “Soaring on a Legacy of Service: Our Global Imperative”. Mrs. Bentley along with the other Women’s Missionary Society leadership did a wonderful job planning the business session and services for the day. The session began with devotion, followed by an election of delegates to the Quadrennial Convention in Orlando, FL on July 23rd - 26th 2011. The following persons were elected to serve as delegates, Mrs. Norma McClellan, Mrs. Haticile Buchanan, Mrs. Marsha Miller, Mrs. Josephine Jackson, and Ms. Mildred Johnson. The alternate delegate elected was Mrs. Mattie Tisdale Dixon. Mrs. Edwina Chappell gave an inspiring report on mental health to conclude the morning session. At the noon day hour the Missionaries moved from their business session into a joyous worship experience. The Worship Leader for the noon day hour of power was Ms. Mildred Johnson and the music was provided by the Tennessee Conference Women’s Missionary Society Choir. The speaker for the service was Mrs. Brenda Merritt, the First Lady of the South Nashville District. Mrs. Merritt electrified her audience and gave words of encouragement that took the service to a spiritual high. While the Missionaries where conducting their business, the pastor and ministers attended the School of Prophets at Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church. A presentation was by the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, followed by a workshop conducted by Rev. Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director, Christian Education Department, AME Church entitled Integrity: A Foundation for Ethical Ministry. Dr. Ingram shared with his audience the importance Christian ethics, Ministerial ethics, and the commitment and pledge of those who serve the people of God. Dr. Ingram encouraged the servants of God to be all that they could be in their service of the Lord. The Missionaries reassembled on Tuesday evening for an “Evening in White Service”. Mrs. Haticile Buchanan, and Mrs. Marsha Miller served as Worship Leaders for this service. The theme for the evening service was “Answering the Call for Service Silver Torchbearers on the Journey”. Honorees were presented and commended for their years of service and dedication. The music for this service was provided by Mrs. Martha Young, Mrs. Loretta Brown, and the Greater Bethel Ladies Chorus. Presentations were given to the individuals that journeyed to Jamaica where they assisted in building a house in one day. Retired Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot and Dr. Silva Talbot were presented and closing remarks were given by Supervisor Stan McKenzie.
On Wednesday morning Bishop McKenzie opened the business session of the 143rd Session of the Annual Conference. The conference began with Roll Call of Pastors and delegates of the Tennessee Conference, and the organization of the conference, Presiding Elders summary of Finance Reports, and report of the Board of Examiners. The Nehemiah Nation/Sons of Allen led the Wednesday noonday worship service. The worship leader for this worship experience was the Rev. Jeffery Norfleet and the Male Chorus of Lee Chapel, sang songs of praises unto the Lord to set the stage for the preached word. The Rev. Harold Moses Love, Jr. was the preacher of the hour, and he lifted up Psalm 1:1-3, and used as a subject “Where will you be Planted”. Rev. Love challenged his listeners to bare good fruit during this season of the church, and stay planted and focused on the word of the Lord. In order for us to serve in this season we must flee from evil and walk closer to the Lord. As we journey through the storms of life the question to ponder is where will you be planted. As the conference reassembled for the afternoon session it was greeted by some very distinguish guest. The Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh, General Secretary / CFO and candidate for Episcopal service, the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Research and Scholarship, and a candidate for Episcopal service and Commissioner John Keys, Department of Veterans Affairs. The afternoon Conference Institute facilitator was the Rev. Edward L. Thompson, pastor Lee Chapel AME Church. Rev. Thompson instructed the conference members on Financial Integrity in the Local Church. Rev Thompson stressed to the conference the importance of financial accountability in the local church during these changing times.
Wednesday night was the Opening Service of the Tennessee Annual Conference, along with the Holy Communion Service. The worship Leader for this service was Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee; host Presiding Elder of the North Nashville District. The music for this service was rendered by the dynamic Tennessee Conference Choir, under the direction of Mr. Sam Robinson and Mrs. Michelle Gordon-Wyatt, and choir of St. Peter A.M.E. Church, Clarksville, TN. The Rev. Dennis Lawson I was the preacher of the hour and he set the house on fire. Rev. Lawson took his text from 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 and Hebrews 12:1. Rev. Lawson entreated us with the subject “Strongholds.” He explained to us that stronghold were things that has us bounded up, things that keep us from being what God would have us to be. He encouraged his listeners to just hold on a little while longer. If sin is taking you over, Jesus can and Jesus will see you through. We are blessed to have the weapons of prayer, hope, faith and love to see us through our difficult situations. God has the power to pull down our strongholds, so let us continue to press forward as we travel this Christian journey. Rev. Lawson reminded us that folk may see your glory, but they do not know your story, so stand steadfast and unmovable as the Lord deliver us from our strongholds. Bishop McKenzie welcomed the following guest to the Annual Conference General Officers the Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram Executive Director of the AMEC Department of Christian Education, the Rev. Dr. Calvin Sydnor Executive Director of Editor of the Christian Recorder and Mr. Richard Lewis, Treasurer / CFO.
On Thursday morning the Conference reconvened with the devotion led by the students in the Board of Examiners and the Conference Institute lead by the Rev. Dr. Stephanie B. Crowder of the Empowerment Church of Nashville, TN who discussed the topic “Spirits of Spiritual Leaders”. The business session followed under the direction of Bishop McKenzie with a report from the Tennessee Board of Examiners. Pastoral reports were given beginning with the Pastors and Delegates of the South Nashville District under the direction of Rev. Sidney Bryant in the absent of Presiding Elder Troy Merritt, Jr. who was hospitalize during the Annual Conference. At high noon the membership paused from the business of the Conference and turned their focus upon praising the Lord. The worship leader for this worship experience was the Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge, and music was rendered by a Combined Conference Choir. The Rev. Lisa Hammond was the preacher of the hour and she was wrapped in power from on high let all of us know what to do “When All Hell Breaks Loose” taken from Luke 8:22-25. With a high voltage, and electrifying tone, she challenged her listeners to go back to the rock in Jesus Christ. She informed us that we are in constant struggles in life, when things are going smooth, there is a storm brewing. When the storms began to rage in our lives we are to call on the matchless name of Jesus. Lathered by the Holy Spirit, she encouraged us to position ourselves for victory through Christ Jesus.
The Conference reassembled in the afternoon under the direction of Bishop McKenzie, to finish the reports from the Pastors and Delegates of the South Nashville District, and they were followed by the reports of the Pastors and Delegates of the North Nashville District under the direction of Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee. Thursday night was Lay Witness Night under the direction of the Tennessee Conference Lay President Mrs. Barbara Ivery. Various members of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization were participants throughout the worship experience. The Rev. Edward L. Thompson was the presenter at the worship service as he shared the exposition of the Liturgical Seasons. The Lay Choir sang anthems and hymns as God was given the highest praise. There was a Memorial Service to honor and remember those saints that has labored in this great Zion over the years that has gone from labor to rest. Mrs. Anna Johnson, President of the 13th Episcopal District Laity, installed new officers for the 2010-2011 conference year. Words of thanks and final remarks of the evening were given by Mrs. Barbara Ivery, President of the Tennessee Conference Laity.
The Conference continued of Friday morning with devotion lead by the students of the Board of Examiners. The Conference Institute was lead by the Rev. Dr. Stephanie B. Crowder who continued to discuss the topic “Spirits of Spiritual Leaders”. Under the direction of Bishop McKenzie, the Conference continued its business session with the reports from the Pastors and Delegates of the North Nashville District. The Memorial Committee gave special tribute to the late Reverends Leland Webster, William Scruggs and David Strong, Episcopal Supervisors Theodora Mayo and Yvonne Kawimbe, Former General Officer Sherman Green, along with other Laity members mentioned by members of the Conference. The Rev. Joe Southall served as Worship Leader for this service, as they memorialized those that had gone from labor to rest. They spoke of the gracious and loving memories of those warriors that have been taken from their physical race to take their place with Jesus Christ. Absent from the body – present with the Lord.
At the noonday hour the Conference prepared for the Ordination Service through the ceremonial laying on of hands and bible burial as they surrendered to the heart of God. The service of Word, Ordination, and Sacrament charged the Ordinates for achievable duty. The Rev. John White, II, pastor of Mt. Hermon AME Church, Miami Gardens, FL 11th Episcopal District delivered an awesome word “Why the Preacher Can‘t Quit”. Rev. White took his text from 2 Corinthians 4:5-9. Rev. White stated that when God really calls you it is like fire shut up in your bones and you just can’t quit. Those elected and ordained Deacons were for Local orders: April R. Douglas and Jesse L. Mathers. For Itinerant orders Reginald T. Farris. Elected and ordained Itinerant Elder: Anica L. Howard. The afternoon business session continued when Bishop McKenzie resumed as the chair and called the Conference to order. She called for the North Nashville District to continue with their reports, and reports from the Literary and Administrative Committees of the Annual Conference. At the conclusion of the reports, the Rev. Dennis Lawson moved that commendations be extended to Rev. Thompson and the Lee Chapel AME Church Family for the excellent way in which they hosted the Annual Conference. On Friday evening the Tennessee Conference Young People’s Department took center stage of the worship service as they lifted up praises to our Lord and Savior. An Incredible Call to Serve, Integrity was the focal point for the Young People’s Department, as the youth of the church displayed their love for the Lord through Step Teams, Praise Dancers, Gospel Rappers, and Angelic Choirs. The Holy Spirit filled the Sanctuary as the youth gave total praise unto the Lord by using their various talents to worship the goodness of the Lord. The Youth of the Tennessee Conference was wonderfully blessed as they obediently gave God the highest praise.
As the conference reassembled on Saturday morning it was opened with Church School taught by the Rev. Eddie L. Sneed. Bishop McKenzie called the business session to order as the final Literary and Administrative Committees reports were made. The Retirement service was an elegant and uplifting tribute as well as an appreciation for the work of Reverends Pamela Miller, Talvin Barner and George McMillian. Rev. Janie Dowdy-Dandridge served as Worship Leader for this service. The Rev. Pamela Miller moved the Conference as she shared her many years of experience as a Pastor and she encouraged her listeners to continue to trust God as they travel this Christian journey. There were also comments and words of appreciation given by Reverends Talvin Barner and George McMillian as they reflected back over their journey as servants of this great Zion. Several Pastors shared some of their memories of working with the retirees over the years and wished them well in the coming years. Mrs. Virginia Cooper of Greater Bethel AMEC Nashville, TN invited the 144th Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference to be held at Greater Bethel where the Rev. Michael Broadnax serves as pastor. Mrs. Faye Bentley moved that the invitation be accepted that was given by Mrs. Cooper. This ended the business session for the 143rd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference.
As we entered into the closing worship service, the presence of the Holy Spirit arose in the sanctuary. The Worship Leader for this closing service was the Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee. The jubilant joyous voices of the Tennessee Conference Choir as well as the energetic spiritual innocence of the Tennessee Conference Young Peoples Department lifted up our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ through song and praise. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie delivered the closing sermon as she preached God’s word in her own unique fashion. Bishop McKenzie rocked the house as she used for a subject “Just Do It.” Her text was taken from John 2:11 and she spoke clearly to us through the burning purging fire. Bishop McKenzie emphasized life sometimes makes you feel trapped, but we must continue to lift up the Mighty Name of Jesus. Every now and then we have to do something new on the inside in order to do the will of the Lord. The ability to do this will be given to us through the power of the Holy Spirit, so just do it. Bishop McKenzie left no stone unturned as she lifted up the mighty name of Jesus the Christ.
At the closing business session Mrs. Linda Faye Bentley, Women’s Missionary Society President, presented Mr. Stan McKenzie, Supervisor of Missions and Youth Services, which in turn presented the Women’s Missionary Society and Young People Department Officers with certificates for 2010-2011.
Mrs. Barbara Ivery, President of the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization followed them by presenting certificates to the 2010-2011 officers of the Lay Organization. Believe Inc. continued to bless the Conference by presenting eight $1000.00 grants to the following churches and individuals; Canaan, Mt. Juliet, St. Luke, Gallatin, St. Matthew, Rossview, Greater Bethel, and St. Paul AME Churches. Also grants were given to the Tennessee Conference Board of Examiners, c/o Rev. Reginald Farris, and Mr. Randell Webster. There was a standing ovation given to the Rev. Edward L. Thompson, first lady Dr. Maxine Thompson and the membership of Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church for entertaining 143rd Session of the Tennessee Annual Conference. Bishop McKenzie concluded the Conference by giving certificates to the various components of the Conference and pastoral appointments. Presiding Elder Robert E. Keesee moved the Conference close sine die. The motion was carried and the conference adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Submitted by the Rev. Jeffery Norfleet, Sr. the Tennessee Conference Reporter to the Church Paper
22. THE RELIGION OF INCHES:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts
I don’t know of any other word that has as many diverse meanings and interpretations than the word “Religion.”
The world is full of “religious people. We often hear people proclaim: “I am a religious person”; “I’ve got good religion”; “I try to live a religious life”; “He was a religion person.” Surely religion is not a “poverty stricken” word.
For the sake of this article, I am using a simple definition. I am defining “Religion” as a person who is dedicated, committed and has a belief in something that demands their time and sacrifice.
Whenever some of us hear the term “religion,” without thought, we relate that word to Christians and church folk. All religious people are not Christians; but all Christians should be religious.
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:26 (NIV)
The church today has a staunch competitor, football the game of inches.
I don’t know whether it was by chance or wise planning, but football on Sundays starts at 1 p.m. and that is about the time that an 11 a.m. worship services should finished.
Some of us come to church talking football. While we are sitting waiting for worship to begin we talk about who is going to beat whom and who will be in the super bowl. We rush out of service after the benediction to get home to turn on the TV and sit in our comfortable chair sip and munch on our favorite drink and food, ready to enjoy the game of inches.
The game of inches seems to generate more spirit and enthusiasm than some worship services. Our bodies are at church, but our minds are on the game of inches.
Some of us are looking forward and planning for a big Super Bowl party. We are making a list of people we are going to invite. Some of us exert more energy in preparation for the “religion of inches” than we do for activities that are beneficial to the church and community.
Even some pastors are careful not to plan anything that might conflict with the “game of inches.”
Oh, by the way, I remember some years ago, some choirs cancelled and cut short their rehearsals in order to get home to see who shot “JR.”
The church has strong competitors and some of the time the competitors win.
Official Boards used to meet on Mondays, but the Monday night “religion of inches” changed that.
There are numerous other distractions that become competitors just like the “religion of inches.”
Now don’t get me wrong, I love competitive sports, but we must keep this in mind, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God…” Matthew 6:33
Also keep in mind what the Preacher said; “To everything there is a season…” Ecclesiastes 3
A bit of humor: It seems that when it comes to naming mascots for our various teams and schools, we are not fair to all animals. We have the
Bears, Tigers, Lions, Panthers, Rattlers, Bobcats and etc.
If we were fair to all animals we would also have:
The Texas Tadpoles The Kentucky Skunks The Tennessee Termites The Pittsburgh Chinch bugs The Georgia Gophers
The Washington Weasels
The Louisiana Lizards
The Mississippi Woodpeckers
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, [Ptaegar@AOL.com], Author, Counselor, Teacher, Humorist is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
23. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Congratulations to the Reverend Cory Watts and First Lady Toy Watts
Congratulations to the Reverend Cory Watts and his wife, First Lady Toy Watts, Pastor and First Lady of St. Paul AME Church, New Orleans, Louisiana. They welcomed on Thursday, January 20, 2011, their daughter, Josie Monet Watts who weighed in at 7 lbs and who, according to her daddy, "is the cutest thang!"
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: revcorywatts@hotmail.com
- The Reverend Kyle C. Gibson of the Eleventh Episcopal District, serving as Senior Pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Miami, Florida, filed to run for the Office of Governor of Florida on January 4, 2011. The Reverend Gibson will be running as an Independent candidate.
Well wishes and words of encouragement can be emailed to: kc2020vision@aol.com
- Congratulations to Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr.
Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr., Pastor of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana was included in a select group of ecumenical clergy invited by Bishop Robert W. Muench, Baton Rouge Catholic Diocese to celebrate the Week of Christian Unity with a Prayer Service of Worship and Dialogue on Friday, January 14, 2011. Dr. Kelly represented the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: hokellyj@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels
Presiding Elder Ella Mae Samuels was sworn in, Tuesday, January 25th, as a Member of the McDuffie County Board of Education representing District Three. This will be Presiding Elder's second four-year term. Presiding Elder ran unopposed in the November election. Rev. Samuels is the Presiding Elder of the Augusta-Athens District - The Augusta Georgia Annual Conference in the Sixth Episcopal District where Bishop William P. DeVeaux presides.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: pesmiley@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Dr. Cynthia Roberts Griffin
Dr. Cynthia Roberts Griffin receives new appointment with Florida Board of Pharmacy
In 2009, Dr. Cynthia Roberts Griffin, senior director of pharmacy government programs for BCBSF, was appointed by then Gov. Charlie Crist to the State of Florida Board of Pharmacy. In this role, Dr. Griffin and other board members act as the governing body responsible for pharmacy practice, regulations, licensure and certifications of interns and pharmacists. The board also responds to disciplinary actions, analyze changes in the practice of pharmacy, examine changing trends in pharmacy services and continuing education monitoring.
Dr. Griffin is in the midst of serving a four-year term on the board that will run through 2012. At the group's December meeting, she was voted in as vice-chair of the board. And if tradition holds true to form, Dr. Griffin will most likely be elected to the overall chair of the Florida Board of Pharmacy starting in 2012 and serving another four years. "I look forward to serving the pharmacy industry throughout the state in this new capacity," Griffin said. "I also am honored to be representing BCBSF, our members and stakeholders on this important and influential organization."
Dr. Griffin has been in Pharmacy Management for more than 20 years. She has held numerous positions including assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy and associate professor of clinical pharmacy at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. While working at Shands Jacksonville she established a pharmacist-managed anticoagulation clinic. She also served as the director of the Primary Care Residency Program.
In addition to being an incredible wife, mother and first lady, she continues to excel in her secular career. She also serves as the MSA President for the 11th Episcopal District.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: cgriffin@wayman.org
- Congratulations to Jahara Sonja Quanetta Davis
Jahara Sonja Quanetta Davis, the daughter of the Reverend Sonja Quanetta Brown Deloatch, pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in the Tennessee Annual Conference of the 13th Episcopal District, received a Bachelor of Science Degree in English on December 11, 2011 from North Carolina Central University.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: jamaso0203@aol.com
24. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Ruth Ross Mullgrav, the aunt of Retired Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot. Mrs. Ruth Ross Mullgrav died in her home in Laurelton, New York at the age of 86.
A Service of Celebration and Mass will be held for Mrs. Ruth Ross Mullgrav on Thursday, February 3, 2011 at the Church of St. Alban the Martyr Anglican Church in Laurelton. Her body will be transported to St. Croix for the Funeral Mass and Burial at St. Paul Anglican Church, Frederiksted.
Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot extends gratitude to everyone who lifted her aunt in prayer during her illness and now at the time of her death.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Bishop Frederick H. and Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot
240 Ashington Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (615) 221-9673
Email: srtalbot@comcast.net
25. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This communication comes to inform you of the passing of Mr. Rubin James Huckaby. Mr. Huckaby is the father of Dr. Roberta H. Hill and father-in-law of Retired General Officer and Presiding Elder Kenneth H. Hill. Mr. Huckaby was a member of St. Luke AME Church Highland Park, MI for over 50 years. He served as Trustee and member of the local and Michigan Conference Lay organization.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Condolences may be sent to:
Annie M. Huckaby
17167 Woodingham Drive
Detroit, Michigan 48221-2532
Phone: 313-863-0425
And/or
Dr. Roberta H. Hill and Family
3141 Harborwood Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 615-316-9799
Email: drro@bellsouth.net
Expressions of Condolences may be sent to:
Annie M. Huckaby
17167 Woodingham Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 313-863-0425
and/or
Roberta H. Hill and Family
3141 Harborwood Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
Phone: 313-316-9799
Email: drro@bellsouth.net
26. CONNECTIONAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT:
We regret to announce the transition of Mrs. Janet Ruth Weddington, mother of the Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Sr., Connectional Director of Music and Christian Arts Ministry, and Director of Music, Fourth Episcopal District.
Services for Mrs. Weddington will be held on Monday, February 7, 2011, at:
St. John AME Church
1669 Columbia Ave.
Indianapolis, IN 46202.
The family hour will be held from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon and the service of celebration will start at 12:00 noon.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of condolence may be sent to the family in care of:
The Rev. Anthony B. Vinson, Sr.
1035 East 49th St.
Chicago, IL 60615
mcam.amec@gmail.com
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend James E. Jenerette, a retired pastor in the First Episcopal District. The Reverend Jenerette pastored in the Delaware, Philadelphia and New Jersey Annual Conferences. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Saturday, February 5, 2011
Viewing - 10:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Service of Celebration - 12 noon
Logan Chapel CME Church
9505 Parkton Road
Charlotte, NC 28215
Phone: 704-535-8106
The Rev. Drexel N. Mitchell, Pastor
The Rev. Bruce D. Points, Eulogist
Pastor at Bethel AME Church, Carlisle, PA
Professional Services are entrusted to:
Long and Son Mortuary
8525 Beatties Ford Rd.
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704-394-1111 or 1112
Fax: 704-394-1316
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Joyce W. Jenerette
1715 Hedgelawn Drive #328
Charlotte, NC 28262
Home: 704-817-7310
Cell: 609-410-2479
Hotel Information:
Sleep Inn University Place
8525 North Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28262
Phone: 704-549-4544
Fax: 704-549-4452
Room rate is $59.95 plus tax. Ask for the Jenerette Family to receive the discounted rate.
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Thomas White, father of Sister Tamara White Gibson, first lady of Metropolitan AME Church, Miami, Florida and father-in-law of the Reverend Dr. Kyle C. Gibson, pastor of Metropolitan AMEC. Mr. Thomas White passed on Tuesday, February 1, 2011.
Service arrangements:
Friday, February 4, 2011, 3:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Viewing:
Paradise Memorial Funeral Home
14545 Carver Drive
Miami, Florida
305-969-2588 (Phone)
305-969-2564 (Fax)
Saturday, February 5, 2011 - 10:00 a.m.
Home Going Celebration:
The Church of the Ascension
11201 Colonial Drive
Miami, Florida
Expressions of sympathy may be emailed to:
Tamara White Gibson: Prayerofjabez5@aol.com
Rev. Dr. Kyle C. Gibson: KC2020Vision@aol.com
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Mary Ross, the mother of the Reverend Barbara Ross, pastor of Philip R. Cousin AME Church located in Naperville, Illinois, Chicago Annual Conference, 4th Episcopal District (Bishop John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate). Mrs. Mary Ross made her transition from labor to rest on Wednesday, January 26th.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Mary Ross:
Saturday, February 5, 2011- 11:00 a.m.
Simmons High School
501 West Washington Street
Hollandale, MS 38748
Services have been entrusted to:
Redmon Funeral Home
446 North Broadway
Greenville, MS 38701
662-335-8116
662-335-8150 - Fax
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be sent to Redmon Funeral Home:
C/o The Reverend Barbara Ross
446 North Broadway
Greenville, MS 38701
662-335-8116
Email: revbrss@aol.com
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Retired Itinerant Elder, the Rev. George E. Young, Sr., passed on January 13, 2011. Rev. Young served and retired in the Eleventh Episcopal District, and upon retiring associated with Roberts Mt. Pisgah A.M.E. Church, Atlantic Beach Florida, where the Rev. Ruby N. Lowe is the pastor.
The Rev. George E. Young was the son of the late Rev. John W. Young, Sr. and Annie L. Young of Tallahassee, Florida. He received his B. S. Degree from Edward Waters College and a Masters of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary and Wilberforce University, Ohio.
He retired after serving his country as a Lieutenant Commander in the U. S. Navy where he served as a Chaplin. He also served as a former Educator for the Duval County School System. His survivors include his wife, Daisy M. Young; stepmother, Marian D. Young; daughter, Anquinnettee Lamb (Dr. William); sons Sgt. George Young, Jr., (Tracie), and Jeremiah Young, (Atty. Derri); grandchildren, step-children, sisters, brothers (two of whom are Itinerant Ministers in the Eleventh Episcopal District - Rev. Charles Young, and Rev. Leroy Young), and a host of other relatives.
The funeral has been held.
31. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Elder James H. Simmons, the son of Reverend Gwyndolyn Allen, the pastor of Mt. Sinai AME Church in Harrisburg, PA (Philadelphia Conference, Harrisburg District). Elder Simmons was the pastor of Faith Refuge Assembly - Open Door Messianic Ministries. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Gwyndolyn Allen
1033 South 17th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17104
32. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Odelia Duffie, the wife of the Reverend Braven O. Duffie, a retired pastor from the Delaware Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Winfred and Rena Duffie
262 Cantwell Drive
Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302-744-9394
Fax: 302-747-7768
Duffie1962@comcast.net
In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to:
Delaware Hospice
100 Patriots Way
Milford, DE 19963
33. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Calvin O. Price, a retired pastor from the Delaware Conference. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Delores Price
P. O. Box 277
Ellendale, DE 19941
Phone: 302-422-7388
Burial: Mt. Zion Cemetery
Please keep all families in your prayers.
Dolores M. Clinton
1st Episcopal District - AMEC
Phone: 215-662-0506
FAX: 215-662-0199
34. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
This comes to inform you that the Reverend Johnny Williams has passed. Reverend Williams was 95 years old at the time of his passing and was a retired minister in the Central Arkansas Annual Conference, having served with distinction for many years.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The family of the Reverend Johnny Williams
C/o Curry Chapel A.M.E. Church
300 "F" Street
Strong, Arkansas 71765
35. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
The following are the arrangements for Mrs. Judith Clisby, the spouse of the Rev. Donald Clisby, a retired (2005) pastor in the Pittsburgh Annual Conference. Mrs. Clisby served faithfully beside her husband at the following churches: Payne, Connellsville, PA; Bethel, Monongahela, PA; St. Mark, Wilkinsburg, PA and First Church, Clairton, PA.
The funeral has been held.
Messages of Sympathy and Condolence can be sent to:
The Rev. Donald Clisby
832 Delmont Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Telephone: 412-481-0838
36. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mr. Clio Smith, the brother of Dr. William Smith, Jr., the presiding elder of the Marion District (Northeast SC Conference, Seventh Episcopal District).
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of Sympathy and Condolences may be sent to:
Dr. William and Mrs. Angela Hawthorne Smith
P. O. Box 25098
Columbia, SC 29224
Phone: (803) 736-0855
Email: wsmith0618@aol.com
Ms. Candiesas Smith-Harris
2506 Southern Ave.
Baltimore, MD 21214
Phone: (410) 254-0942
Email: candiesash@gmail.com
The Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate
Seventh Episcopal District
Please remember the family in your prayers.
37. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Moses S. Walker, the uncle of Sister Nikki Walker Lyons, First Lady of St. James AME Church, Winston-Salem, NC; the Reverend Steven L. Lyons is Pastor. Dr. Walker was a retired professor having taught at Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University and Shaw University.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Steven and Mrs. Nikki Walker Lyons and Family
100 Bournemouth Lane
Garner, NC 27529
(919) 779-0602
nwlyons@hotmail.com
38. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Carrie Mae Redd, retired Itinerant Elder and pastor in the North Carolina Annual Conference, 2nd Episcopal District. Reverend Redd passed on Monday morning, January 24th, at age 85.
She was one of the first women to be ordained in the NC Conference in the early 70's by the late Bishop Henry W. Murph. All of her pastoral career was in the North Carolina Annual Conference. She retired as pastor of Telly's Chapel AME Church, Wilmington, NC in 2002, built under her administration. The Reverend Redd is the grandmother of the Reverend Thomas O. Nixon, pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Chapel Hill, NC, and member of the General Board representing the 2nd Episcopal District.
The funeral has been held.
Condolences may be forwarded to:
The Rev. Thomas O. Nixon
215 Chateau Place
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Phone: (919) 360-9041
Email: tonixon@bellsouth.net
39. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
With sadness we announce the passing of Mrs. Annie W. Johnson, the mother of the Rev. Dr. Lugenia Johnson, Director of Evangelism of the 9th Episcopal District and Pastor of Allen Temple AME Church - Bessemer, Alabama. Mrs. Annie Johnson transitioned sweetly into eternal rest on Monday morning, January 24, 2011 at the Gloden Living Center, Senior Retirement Center in Augusta, Georgia.
The funeral has been held.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Dr. Lugenia Johnson
955 Monterey Drive
Bessemer, Alabama 35022
Phone: 678.953.8014
Email: lugeniajohnson@gmail.com
40. 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
41. 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
