The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr.
-- General Officers’ 2011 Founder’s Day Schedule ––
- Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson, Historiographer/Director of Research & Scholarship & Editor of The A.M.E. Church Review will deliver the Founder’s Day Sermon at St. Stephen AME Church in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at morning worship service. The Rev. Dr. Michael Cousin is the pastor.
- Dr. Clement W. Fugh, AMEC General Secretary and will deliver the Founder’s Day Sermon at First AME Church, Las Vegas, Nevada where the Rev., Dr. Ralph Williamson is the pastor.
- Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., President/Publisher AMEC Sunday School Union is scheduled to deliver the 12th Episcopal District Founder’s Day sermon in Little Rock, Arkansas. Bishop Samuel L. Green is the Presiding Prelate of the 12th Episcopal District.
- Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., President/Publisher AMEC Sunday School Union is also scheduled to deliver the South Mississippi Annual Conference Founder’s Day sermon at Pearl Street AME Church in Jackson, Mississippi. Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry is the Presiding Prelate of the 8th Episcopal District.
- Dr.
- Dr.
1. EDITORIAL – WE CAN, AND SHOULD, DO SOME THINGS DIFFERENTLY, PART 2:
Dr.
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Churches can cope with the bad weather and other adversities if the pastoral leadership and the local church congregation have a motivation to implement initiatives, an eagerness to be creative and a willingness to change. Everything is in place to help churches to work smarter, if people get out of the mindset of, “This is the way we have always done it” or “This is the AME way.”
A few examples
We all know that the weather can be disruptive anytime of the year; snow, rain, thunderstorms, hurricanes, sleet, ice, floods, heat, cold, wind, and the list can go on and on.
With all of the
For instance, why do so many of our churches still schedule meetings that require people to get dressed, drive their vehicles, often long distances, to church meetings that could be held telephonically?
Telephonic meetings can be just as efficient as face to face (F2F) meetings. It takes a mindset shift on the part of the pastor and the members to transition to telephonic meetings. Teleconferences are more cost effective, saves time and energy (less use of gasoline, time saved driving to church for a meeting, no dressing for the meeting; and especially for smaller churches, savings on gas and electric bills; and less excuses for people not to attend the meeting.
There are many teleconference websites that can host teleconferences. One such website is http://www.meetingwizard.com/. Most teleconference websites are easy to understand.
Also, a teleconference can be set up with a good cellphone without using a host, especially if the meeting is for a small number of participants.
Messages and announcements
How does your church notify its members if weather causes a cancellation of worship services? If you rely on word of mouth and an informal notification of members, somebody will most certainly not be notified. How does your church send reminders about church conferences and special worship services? Informal church messages work efficiently if “church mess” and rumors are being disseminated, but does not always work well with important church announcements.
There are many telephonic notification websites. One, which I am familiar with is, http://www.callingpost.com/voice-broadcasting-service-for-churches.asp.
After setting up all of the telephone numbers in the system, messages and announcements can be sent to every member with one telephone call. Setting up a telephonic notification system is more efficient and more cost efficient in the long-run.
Am I the only person who sees little value in church announcements? Have you ever noticed how the spirit of the worship changes when the announcements are read, especially if reading the announcements are done poorly? Some church announcements have no relevance to the worship experience and those types of announcements would be better disseminated with a telephonic notification system. With a telephonic notification system, important church announcements can be disseminated telephonically as often as needed.
Clergy initiatives
Not only should churches do things differently, but some pastors may need to do some things differently.
Every pastor should have some “’me’-time.” “’Me’-time” is time that clergy members do for themselves whatever they wish to do; that is, to take time for themselves. “’Me’-time” involves rest and recreation. “’Me’-time” involves time set-aside for study and leisure. “’Me’-time” should equal, at least, one day each week. “’Me’-time” should be a non-negotiable and everybody, including family should respect a pastor’s “’Me’-time.” And, “’Me’-time” can, and should involve family. “’Me’-time” will help clergy and clergy family members to balance stress. A less stressful pastor is a more productive pastor.
Pastors need to take the initiative and take responsibility for their financial and physical welfare.
Clergy can take care of their physical welfare by scheduling appointments for their physicals and dental care and by keeping their appointments. Every pastor should have his or her own physician and dentist. A healthy pastor is a more effective pastor.
Daily or regularly scheduled cardiovascular physical exercise should be a part of every healthy person’s regimen. Aerobic exercise involves the large muscles like the legs and helps to strengthen the heart and lungs. Cardiovascular exercise has significant health benefits like lowering blood pressure, and also it can burn calories. Regular physical exercise should be a “’me’-time” activity that should not be compromised.
Pastors should take responsibility for their financial welfare.
Dr. Jerome Harris, Executive Director, Annuity, Investments and Insurance told me that we have many pastors who do not participate in the Social Security program and do not participate in the AME Church’s Annuity program. He went on the say that some bi-vocational pastors did not participate in the annuity program because they had a secular job or didn’t participate in the annuity program because their spouses worked and thought they were covered, but when the economy “tanked,” many of them lost their jobs and their retirement plan, which they thought was sacred. And now, they are without their secular retirement plan and are without the AME Church retirement plan.
Every AME pastor should insist that his or her church pay into Social Security and participate in the AME Church’s Annuity Program. Any church officer “worth his or her salt” should insist and insure that the local church participates in the AME Church Annuity Program, even if the pastor doesn’t want to do so. I have heard of retired AME pastors who have had to go on welfare, receive food stamps, and live in the projects. Pastors, who have served long and honorably, whether in small churches or large churches, should enjoy the “fruits” of their labor; especially in the “twilight hours” of their lives.
A pastor needs time away from the “flock” and the “flock” needs time away from the pastor.
Vacations do not have to expensive, especially if pastors are creative and if pastors can work with each other.
For instance, a pastor in Washington, DC might want to vacation with his or her family in Florida, but the money is tight. An option would be for the Washington DC pastor to try to coordinate a schedule with a Florida pastor to exchange homes for the vacation period. The Washington DC pastor stays in the home of the Florida pastor and the Florida pastor stays in the home of the Washington, DC pastor. Coordinate, set the rules and guidelines and both families are winners. There might be pastors in the Bahamas who would like to spend some time in the States and pastors in the States who would love to spend some time in the Bahamas; exchanging homes might be an option. The same options are available to our pastors in Districts 14 – 20.
The clergy and laity of the AME Church can do things differently if we choose to do so and we can adjust to the changing needs of the 21st Century and the changing needs of our Zion.
When we, AMEs, make up our minds to do something, we can do whatever we set our minds to do and I hope we will embrace creativity and new initiatives that will help our churches to function more effectively and make life easier for the people who have accepted the leadership positions in our local churches.
2. TCR OP-ED - THE REALITY OF THE POSITIONS OF STEWARDS AND TRUSTEES:
*Dr. Wayman B. Shiver, Jr.
Based on Dr.
My assessment of stewards and trustees results from extensive conversations, spread over several years, with relatives and acquaintances in at least fifty churches located in four Episcopal Districts. These churches range in size and economic makeup. In the small churches pastors have limited options for selecting stewards and nominating trustees. In many instances almost all of the regular members are related to each other. In larger churches personal and political alliances forged over many years limit what pastors are able to accomplish successfully as selections are made.
Regardless of church size, church politics play a significant role in the selection of stewards and the nomination of trustees. As one astute and long time A.M.E. lay person put it, “A.M.E. Church members may not be entirely knowledgeable about Biblical concepts and Theology, but you can be sure they are proficient in managing church politics.” Local churches are a microcosm of connectional politics. Those who get in the way of the politics are often trampled.
Members who have been involved in church politics over a long period of time cannot be discounted because they have institutional history of the circumstances that led to the enactment of many of the current church laws. This knowledge gives them an edge over short term members who are unfamiliar with church history.
Additionally, my assessment is colored by my living in several church parsonages where pastors congregated and discussed the various strategies sometime used to appoint stewards. What is said and presented at the church conference may not be a true reflection of actions taken. Consequently, caution must be exercised as the proficiency of stewards and trustees is assessed.
In my judgment, the laws governing the selection of stewards and the nomination process of Trustees may be in need of revision. In any case, stewards and trustees need to stand and speak out in public where such action counts.
There is a general notion that appointed stewards and elected trustees are untrained and do not have adequate knowledge about their duties. Often this might be the case. More often than not the leadership style and security of pastors account for much of the difficulty. Some pastors appoint members to be stewards who are perceived to be in tune to the pastor’s thought pattern. Independent thinking and aggressive members are skipped over for appointment, while more agreeable people are favored. Often newer members who do not understand A.M.E. practices and politics are also favored. Long time members and “seasoned” people usually understand the inner workings of the system. Some pastors are afraid of knowledgeable members with skill and finesse. “The know and love” stipulation could be more powerful than we sometime recognize.
Surely the editor knows that trustees need to be literate and have some business sense. In many cases, persons nominated to run for a trustee position have little understanding of business practices and little capability to make decisions about contracts and other legal documents.
If the majority of A.M.E. churches had stewards and trustees performed who their duties strictly as outlined in the The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008, (2009, pp 64-69) the itinerant system would be under serious strain. Stewards and trustees ideally are responsible for taking care of the many details that allow churches to operate smoothly.
More often than not, strong stewards and trustees who exercise some authority forcefully and are clearly in leadership roles and question authority frequently find themselves on a collision course with their pastors. Knowledgeable and aggressive stewards and trustees appear to be rare generally because pastors appoint them on a yearly basis. Pastors who appoint them on yearly basis have the upper hand in trustee elections because only they can select the list of names of persons who can be voted on. In both instances, the caliber of people with skills and knowledge to step up to the plate probably is frequently unable to get on the
The phrase “know and love the A.M.E. Church” may be the root of the problem. Stewards who know and love the church customarily support the pastor and keep the peace. Trustees who love the church try to assist pastors in running the business affairs. Yet, when they analyze the programs and ministries, stewards and trustees frequently do not agree with the pastor’s recommendations. Generally the disagreement is about required fiscal and human resources. Often churches are in debt and in court simply because the Stewards and Trustees didn’t raise the appropriate questions or did not take the appropriate action.
Effective stewards oversee the overall operations of a church and set the religious tone of the congregation. They can line and sing common hymns and can pray at any occasion without prior notice. They encourage the preacher when he delivers the preached word. They study the Bible and should be able to teach Bible studies and Sunday School. Not only do they account for the finances, they also assist the pastor by encouraging tithing and lead the way in the giving program. So often the financial affairs cause much distrust and disagreement among church members. Thus, it is helpful if the stewards are in a position to provide the moral and ethical compass for the congregation. Indeed the emphasis on collecting money and the handling of money account for much of the conflict between pastors and their officers. Transparency and reporting techniques help to quell conflict. However, major problems stem from a lack of accounting and reporting truthfully to congregations. Quite often stewards and pastors are at odds about the use of money. Frequently, when stewards insist on accountability, they find themselves in disfavor and are often removed from the Stewards’ roster.
Lately, there has been a push to require pastors to complete training at recognized seminaries. However, the training beyond Biblical studies and theology does not appear to receive major attention. The most glaring deficiencies are training in business affairs, human relations, communications and ethics. In a great many instances, pastors just seem to ignore the operational procedures sanctioned by the denomination.
Moral and ethical behavior is essential to an efficiently run church. Thus, underhand and covert activities are unacceptable in churches. Frequently, when officers try to be forthright and refuse to be rubber stamps for pastors, they are demeaned for trying to be holy and walking around looking pious and above the rest of the congregation. Good stewards keep praying, singing, paying and raising pertinent questions. They refuse to compromise decent principles.
A trustee can be a bothersome problem. Often friends and relatives can be elected from the list of nominees made by the pastor. The number of nominees includes new members and long time members who lack natural ability or decent reputations. Yet, popularity propels members to win seats on the Trustee Board. As with Stewards those with goodwill and love the church often do not assert themselves if it means going against a popular pastor or one whose preaching style pleases the majority of the members. Often following the rules and procedures are overlooked simply because no one wants to offend the preacher especially if opposing ideas will put them out of favor with the preacher. The position is frequently more important than providing leadership. Taking their rightful places has a low priority.
Perhaps achieving a coveted place on the Steward Board and the Trustee Board and maintaining the seat is more important than running a well managed church. In private conversations, many church people hold the stewards and trustees responsible for the ills of the congregations. However, these same people do not support stewards and trustees when they attempt to take their “rightful” places by being aggressive and assertive in official board meetings and at annual conferences. Perhaps the risk of speaking up is too costly to church officers who want to stay in the good graces of members and pastors.
It is clear that a number of our churches seem to be having problems with the management of their affairs, especially the fiscal affairs. Much of difficulty would be averted if the established rules were followed. Instead of tackling a problem head on, we often find ways to justify inefficiency and wrong doing.
There are ample examples to explain why stewards and trustees do not perform their outlined duties. Most strict and assertive stewards and trustees are labeled as “preacher fighters” and as members with little religion. Often, they are regarded as people who do not know God and have not been born again. Serious church people are sensitive to these labels. In fact many of them feel that we may miss the kingdom if we engage in the “nasty” political maneuvers that seem to plague local churches. Thus, the better trained people with capabilities and resources take a back seat or just withdraw from the denomination altogether.
*Wayman B. Shiver, Jr., Ph.D. is the President, Northwest
Former Field Consultant, Desegregation Center, University of Oklahoma
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor
RE: Op-ed
Thank you so much for the opportunity to post the first op-ed for The Christian Recorder. I have received several positive responses. I am most pleased to see that TCR, dated 2/4/2011, contains three interesting op-eds. You have certainly sent out the welcoming call that the Church wishes to hear the varied voices from all segments of our Zion. I pray that the voices of laity in the pews will continue to feel encouraged to openly yet respectfully express their views through the op-ed as well.
On another issue, I sincerely thank you for disseminating that most informative, complete and encouraging report from Bishop Sarah Davis on the restoration and rebuilding efforts of the AME Church in Haiti. The fact that the church showed an increase in membership from 398 families to 521+ families, despite homelessness and displacement, is most heartening news. Bishop Davis and all of those persons who work with her have done a commendable work in Haiti and for that we are most grateful. May God continue to bless Bishop Sarah Davis' leadership and give all of us the ability to assist in the rebuilding and restoration efforts of the AME Church in Haiti through whatever resources we can offer.
Thank you for your continued great efforts through The Christian Recorder.
Loretta Moore, Esq.
4. THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND THE NAACP MOURNS THE LOSS OF MRS. A.M.E. LOGAN:
The African Methodist Episcopal Church mourns the loss of faithful AME member and Civil Rights’ icon. The Rev. Dr. Johnny Barbour, President/Publisher of the AMEC Sunday School Union said, “A.M.E. Logan’s given name was ‘African Methodist Episcopal Marshall Logan.’” Dr. Barbour went on to say, “Sister A.M.E. Logan was an icon of the Civil Rights’ Movement and her father, the Rev. J. C. Marshal was an AME pastor who loved the AME Church; and he loved the Church so much that he named his daughter after the AME Church and gave her the name, ‘African Methodist Episcopal.’ She worked hard in the Civil rights’ Movement.”
In 2002, Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis wrote in the 8th Word Newsletter (8th Episcopal District) that Mrs. Logan knew Dr.
The Homegoing services for Mrs. Logan will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 11:00 am CST, at Pearl Street A.M.E. Church, 2519 Robinson Street in Jackson Mississippi.
NAACP News Release
NAACP Mourns the Loss of A.M.E. Logan
Jackson, Mississippi NAACP icon remembered
(Jackson, MS) -- The NAACP mourns the passing of A.M.E. Logan, a pioneer of the NAACP’s work in Jackson, Mississippi during the civil rights era. She was 96.
Mrs. Logan was known as the “Mother of the Jackson Civil Rights Movement.” She moved to Jackson in the early 1940’s with her late husband, S. L. Logan. Since 1944 she lived in her home on Biloxi Street, which is currently in the process of being renamed by the Jackson City Council in honor of her memory.
“It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of A.M.E. Logan,” stated NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock. “When Mrs. Logan joined the NAACP Jackson branch she was the only woman in the room. Her tremendous work for the Jackson branch and NAACP Mississippi State Conference at a time of great danger and uncertainty should serve as an inspiration for all the men and women fighting for civil rights today.”
“A.M.E. Logan left a legacy that will not be forgotten,” stated NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous. “A great believer in progress and equality, she played an invaluable role in the civil rights movement in Mississippi. She will be remembered for her bravery and dedication to advancing human and civil rights for all.”
Mrs. Logan served as secretary of the NAACP’s Jackson branch as well as secretary of the NAACP Mississippi State Conference. She served in every capacity in the NAACP at least once, excluding treasurer. An accomplished saleswoman for Avon later in life, in the 1950s she succeeded in revitalizing the NAACP Jackson branch through heavy door-to-door recruitment.
"Mrs. Logan’s life epitomizes the dedication and sacrifices of many loyal activists during the height of the civil rights era,” stated NAACP Chairman Emeritus Myrlie Evers-
"Mrs. Logan was an activist and, despite her years, active until the very end,” stated Former Mississippi Supreme Court Justice and NAACP National Board Member Honorable Fred L. Banks Jr. “Over the past eight decades, one could hardly attend a meeting having to do with the struggle for equality and justice without noting her presence and hearing her voice. Her contributions are immeasurable and she will be missed."
Mrs. Logan remained deeply involved in the NAACP’s mission throughout the civil rights era. She worked closely with Medgar Evers and often hosted visiting civil rights leaders, including members of the Freedom Riders and Reverend Dr.
Homegoing services for Mrs. Logan will be held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 11:00 am CST, at Pearl Street A.M.E. Church, 2519 Robinson Street, Jackson, MS 39209.
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
Written and Submitted by: Licentiate Nikia Smith Robert
First AME Church: Bethel (Rev. Henry A. Belin, III – Pastor)
Nikia.robert@gmail.com
(646) 924-7447
5. JOINT INSTALLATION SERVICE: NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE WOMEN IN
November 7, 2010, New York -- Pleasant shades of purple and a presence of praise permeated the historical Harlem pillar at St. Luke A.M.E. Church. On this momentous occasion, the New York Annual Conference Women in
In his message, Bishop Norris illuminated the text by emphasizing three points that were intended to both encourage and challenge these two auxiliaries as they prepared to be installed for active service. First, he emphasized “the latter days,” in which by prophecy the outpouring of the spirit was expected to occur. He made this point to suggest that even in what may seemingly be the latter days of our ministries, all of our experiences work together to prepare us to do a new thing that will maximize our potential as a Church and optimize our opportunities for success. Second, our Bishop emphasized the “outpouring of the Spirit.” He made this point to punctuate the abundance of God’s Spirit that is neither parsimonious nor limited, but pours abundantly into our lives. Lastly, the Bishop emphasized that our “sons and daughters shall prophesy.” Bishop Norris admonished the officers of these two organizations stating that these positions of leadership are “more than holding a title; it’s making a difference,” and in doing so we must understand that prophecy is not speaking absentmindedly, but rather speaking “truth to power” with relevancy and purpose. While the other two points of illumination were perhaps intended to encourage the leaders of the Women in
For the moment of installation, Bishop Norris completed his appeal and charged the officers to make a difference in the lives of their respective communities while serving with fidelity and giving thanks to God for the privilege to serve. Moreover, he challenged them to, “Stay on top of what makes a difference in the lives of our people.” This means, the Bishop continued, “To lift up the name of Jesus, get excited about who you are and what God has called you to be.” At the concluding moment of the service, the installed officers of the Women in
The elected officers for the 2010 New York Conference year are as follows:
A.M.E. Ministerial Alliance of New York & Vicinity:
President – The Reverend Melvin E. Wilson
1st Vice President – The Reverend Deborah Hicks
2nd Vice President – The Reverend Jo-An Owings
Recording Secretary – The Reverend Ozzie Edwards
Assistant Recording Secretary – The Reverend Karen Horry
Corresponding Secretary – The Reverend Lisa
Treasurer – The Reverend Henry A. Belin, III
Reporter – The Reverend James Booker, Sr.
Chaplain – The Reverend Grace Ayets
Parliamentarian – Reverend Joseph Walston
New York Annual Conference AME Women In
Coordinator – The Reverend Erika D. Crawford
Assistant Coordinator – The Reverend Ella Brandon
Recording Secretary – Exhorter Audra Browne
Treasurer – The Reverend Linda Hill
Herstoriographer – The Reverend Deborah Finley Jackson
Worship Coordinator – The Reverend Eleanor Harris
Financial Secretary – The Reverend Paulette Adams
Jamaica-Long Island Coordinator – The Reverend Jacqueline Lynch
Manhattan District Coordinator – Reverend Lillian Allen
Brooklyn-Westchester Coordinator – The Reverend Virginia Sanders
6. THIS MESSAGE IS FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE A KINDLE (AND MAYBE OTHER EBOOKS):
I believe in sharing information and best practices because we learn best from each other.
The Rev. Gloria Smith, Esq., pastor of Whitman chapel in Belpre, Ohio called and shared information about how people could send any Word Document or sermon to the Kindle. She said that she was going to preach her sermon from her Kindle. Her excitement got me excited and I loaded a sermon on my Kindle was a “piece of cake.”
Sister Vickie Houston emailed, “Yes, your Word documents, as well as, PDF and other types of files can be utilized on the Kindle too.”
Here is how you do it.
Transferring sermons or any Word to the Kindle
1) On your Kindle. Go to and select, “Menu.” Scroll down to “Device E-Mail” (You might have to go to the next page on the Menu screen) to find out what your Kindle email address. Use that email address to send your sermon or Word document to your Kindle.
2) Go to your computer; create an email message and using your Kindle email address, email via an attachment, the document you want to send to your Kindle.
3) Voila! In a minute or two the document will be on your Kindle.
That’s all there is to it!
You can preach, teach or make a presentation from the Kindle; and no more paper!
And yes, I know that y’all can do the same thing from the
7. BLACK HISTORY MONTH POWERPOINT PRESENTATION:
This great Black History resource was prepared by Dutch Dilligard, Goldsboro, North Carolina.
Click here: http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/1037thebeat-164560-black-history-video-month-education-ppt-powerpoint/
8. LOVELACE LEE III AND
LOS ANGELES—“We’re very pleased to have saved a piece of history for Bethel AME Church, in Perris, California,” said Lovelace Lee III producer-director of the “Saraella Ursery: Pillar of Bethel AME Church, Perris” documentary. Perris is located about 80 miles southeast of Los Angeles in Riverside County. Last September, Lee and his
“It’s a good thing that Lovelace happened to be talking with Sister Ursery after church one Sunday or this history could have been lost,” said producer Kevin Norwood who’s also Lee’s business partner. The 96-year-old Ursery casually mentioned to Lee that she was the last founding member of the 63-year-old church. Lee heard this and thought, “There’s a story to be told here.” In the 32-minute documentary Ursery tells the story of her life and how she and a few women helped found Bethel, Perris in 1946.
Filmmakers Lee and Norwood make films under their banner Perseverance Pictures established in 2005. “What’s most important here is the business model we created,” said Lee. “Now, any small church can afford to create a documentary or hire us.” He wants to empower small churches to preserve their history for future generations. “Our history is our responsibility,” Lee said. After a presentation to the Official Board of Bethel, Lee’s proposal was accepted and the congregation funded the project. A camcorder, tripod video tapes and lights were purchased for this project. All of the materials leftover were turned over to the church for Bethel’s newly created Media
Wherever possible members of Bethel’s congregation were recruited to serve in key production roles: Shirley P. Green served as production accountant and Carolyn Chatman was the film’s researcher. Both were vital to the film effort. “Kevin and I believe in creating opportunities for others,” Lee said. The production also used two, teenage production assistants who were responsible for production stills and making-of footage. “We wanted them to know their contributions mattered,” Lee added. “Their work is featured in the film’s Gallery and Behind the Scenes sections.”
Lee is most grateful to Daniel McKinney, president of EMP Filmwerks located in Lynwood, California. EMP Filmwerks provided editing and graphic design services. “Our documentary couldn’t have been made without Danny’s many contributions. He took pieces and created a film,” said Lee. McKinney truly helped stretch a tiny budget handling multiple responsibilities for the project. “We look forward to working with Danny again,” said Norwood.
Contact: Bobby Hanks
Cell (310) 743-2855
robertlucycreative@
9. THE CONNECTIONAL DAY OF PRAYER - WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 2011 [MIDNIGHT APR 12TH TO MIDNIGHT APR 13TH]:
The Connectional Day of Prayer activities should be held in All AME Church communities worldwide.
Churches are encouraged to plan activities to include, but not be limited to: Season of Fasting – Early Morning, Mid-Day, and/or Evening Prayer Calls - Prayer Vigils – Prayer Walks - One Day Prayer Retreats; and much more!
Please Contact Episcopal District Offices beginning February 11, 2011 for information and suggestions that can assist in making the Connectional Day of Prayer impactful, powerful and meaningful in the life of African Methodism.
The Connectional Day of Prayer is endorsed by the Council of Bishops and the 48th Quadrennial General Conference Commission 2008. The Connectional Day of Prayer is an annual observance of the General Church. The Connectional Day of Prayer is under the auspices of the Prayer Committee of the 49th Session of the General Conference; Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Chair and the Reverend Dorisalene Hughes, Prayer Director.
Mark your
Submitted by Bishop Sarah Frances Davis
02/08/2011
10. RISING OPERA STAR LENDS VOICE TO DOCUMENTARY ON BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN - ORIGINAL MUSIC ENHANCES ALLEN'S COMPELLING LIFE STORY:
J’nai Bridges
Feb 07, 2011 – FRESH OFF OF BEING NAMED THIS YEAR’S METROPOLITAN OPERA MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPION, mezzo soprano J’nai Bridges (www.jnaibridges.com) takes time out of her busy schedule to sing a spiritual for the new film on Bishop Richard Allen. J’nai Bridges will be on hand for this Sunday’s Founder’s Day Celebration on February 13th at Mother Bethel and will sing during the 11 am worship service. In the film, Bridges sings “Steal Away” when the Bishop Allen character is seen ‘tilling the earth’ during slavery. J’nai Bridges is a lifelong member of the AME church, and is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young artists of her generation. She is currently enrolled at Philadelphia’s Curtis Institute of Music and recently held the lead role in the school’s rendition of the opera “Carmen.” Bridges also appeared this winter with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra and has performed at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. She has won countless awards including 1st Place in the Harlem Opera Theater Competition in 2009 and 1st place in the Leontyne Price Foundation Competition in 2008. Bridges grew up in Tacoma, Washington and attended Allen AME Church. While in Philadelphia she has joined Mother Bethel AME as an affiliate member.
Mother Bethel AME Church will celebrate Founder’s Day this coming Sunday February 13th at 11 am. Bishop Richard Franklin Norris will give the morning message and the church will honor Bishop Richard Allen by lighting a memorial candle and carrying it to the Richard Allen Museum, in the basement of the building, where Bishop Richard Allen’s remains are entombed. After the 11 am worship service at 1 pm, Mother Bethel’s Historical Society will present the film entitled Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom. Several of the films participants will be at Mother Bethel to discuss the film.
There are more than 3-million AME Church members on five continents, and all will be able to view the entire 23-minute film, for free, on demand, on the Mother Bethel AME Church website (www.MotherBethel.org). The film will remain online indefinitely. You will also be able to order your own, personal copy of the DVD starting February 13, 2011, also through the Mother Bethel website.
The Bishop Richard Allen film was produced by Mother Bethel AME Church and History Making Productions, thanks to a generous grant from The Lomax Family Foundation and Dr. Walter Lomax, owner of WURD-AM radio in Philadelphia. “This is the first high quality, PBS style documentary on the life of Bishop Allen, arguably one of America’s founding fathers,” says Mother Bethel’s pastor the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler,
Bishop Richard Allen Apostle of Freedom was shot in Philadelphia with Philadelphia area actors, and extras who are members of both Mother Bethel AME Church (the congregation Bishop Allen started in 1794) and Historic St. George’s UMC (the church that Allen walked out of because of racial segregation). The short film tells some stories from Bishop Allen’s life adapted from his autobiography. The Bishop Allen character narrates the film as the voice of Bishop Allen. He also re-enacts historic moments like the infamous ‘walk-out’ from St. George’s United Methodist Church due to racial segregation. The intense scene was actually filmed in the balcony of Historic St. George’s. The film also has expert analysis from AME scholars and leaders including Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, who oversees the First Episcopal District; Dr. Dennis Dickerson, Historiographer of the AME Church; Dr. Jacqueline Grant, and Professor Richard Newman author of the most recent Allen biography.
Mother Bethel is seeking sponsors for the February 13th online premiere. Potential sponsors can view a free clip of the film at:
http://www.motherbethel.org/allen/index.html . Sponsorship can be obtained through the following levels: Diamond ($1,000), Platinum ($500) and Gold ($250). Funds raised from sponsorship will go to help translate the film into different languages so that the film can be viewed in all AME churches around the globe. The money will also help fund future projects. “We are currently in the planning stages of more documentaries that will tell the story of our church’s fore-parents,” says the Rev. Dr. Mark Tyler. “Our history is an important American story rich with accomplishments, conflict and drama.” For more information call (215) 925-0616. Media inquiries call (609) 247-2632.
About Bishop Richard Allen
Born as a slave to Colonial Chief Justice Benjamin Chew, owner of the Cliveden Estate in Germantown, Allen later purchased his freedom from a Delaware slave owner who bought him as a child. He went on to distinguish himself as more than just a church leader. He hauled salt for the
Bishop Allen is most known for his bold act of independence against the racial and religious intolerance of his time when he walked out of the segregated pews at St. George's Methodist Church in the late 1700s. This act ultimately led to the establishment of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in 1816, which grew out of Mother Bethel and similar congregations in the northeast. This was America's first denomination established by African Americans and Allen became the first Bishop.
Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church was founded in 1794 by Bishop Richard Allen and is settled on the longest, continuously owned land by African Americans in the United States.
Sunday Worship: 8 am & 11 am
Church School : 9:30 am
Overflow parking on Sunday's and for most special events at McCall Elementary School located at 325 South 7th Street across the street from the church. Lot is accessible from 7th Street, one half block north of Pine St.
Bible Study: Tuesdays 7 pm, Wednesdays 11 am
Richard Allen Museum Hours: Sunday after Service, Monday by Appointment, Tuesdays - Saturdays from 10 am-3 pm or by appointment.
The Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler,
11. NEW ST. JOHN AME CHURCH HOSTS HISTORIC MLK CELEBRATION IN DEARBORN, MICHIGAN:
The Rev. Marcus A. Cylar
While Black History Month has always been a time to celebrate the tremendous accomplishments of the most prominent and influential people of African descent, the widespread proliferation of numerous information technologies and social media have afforded us, in recent years, opportunities to discover and educate others on those blacks who also made a great influence on our way of life but who did not become such household names as King, Woodson, Morgan, Tubman, Parks, and Chisholm. With all the information that will be researched, recalled, and reported throughout the month of February, we must also remember Black History Month encompasses an ever-evolving history of present-day trailblazers courageously innovating and making a difference without seeking the limelight. Black history is not only celebrated yearly, but it is made daily.
During Black History Month 2011, we celebrate the Rev. Deborah Smith-Satterwhite, through whom some very significant history has taken place in the Metro Detroit area. The Rev. Satterwhite, pastor and founder of the New St. John AME Church in Dearborn, Michigan, hosted the 4th annual Dr.
Anyone with even cursory understanding of Dearborn’s checkered past, as well as its current demographics, understands how miraculous these services have been, as the city was once led by a man, Orville L. Hubbard, mayor of the city from 1942-1978, who was overtly racist, evidenced by his infamous plea to “Keep Dearborn clean,” and worked tirelessly to keep blacks and other minorities out of the city. By the end of his tenure, less than 0.5 percent of the city’s population of over 90,000 was black. It was its notoriously racist roots that moved the city of Dearborn to be among the last in
Despite this tenuous history, God opened the door for the Rev. Satterwhite to begin New St. John AME in the city of Dearborn in 2003, and despite having plenty of opportunities to move elsewhere, she has remained in the city and has been at the forefront of continued community service efforts in the heart of the city. To date, she pastors the first AME church and the only predominantly black church currently located in the city. In addition to pastoring in Dearborn, he has been a force in the community, having adopted the Henry Ford Elementary School and participating as much as possible in official meetings and other business of the city’s government. The Rev. Satterwhite’s involvement with the city of Dearborn and the DAMA was instrumental in birthing the MLK worship celebration four years ago and bringing people of all races and faith traditions together. Her hosting the celebration this year was especially significant because it greatly opposes the city’s past in so many ways and represents a transition many in this area never believed they would see.
John B. O’Reilly, current mayor of the city of Dearborn, candidly and honestly addressed all of these aforementioned issues in his welcome to the worshippers, as he expressed the need for everyone to honor both the Spirit of God and the memory of Dr. King by divorcing themselves of Dearborn’s past and look toward a future where all of God’s people can live, work, and worship together as equals. The worship was also headlined by greetings from United States Representative John Dingell, the senior member of Congress and among the politicians most influential in making the dream of universal health care in America a reality.
This ecumenical worship also included praise and worship; congregational hymns; readings from the Gospels, the Hebrew Scriptures, and the Quran; reflections on Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service from a current student at the
This worship experience was one bringing great glory to God, as it received significant Metro-
12. CLASS DAY AT SAINT MARK’S AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH:
*Class Leader Ollie Craft
Class leaders perform a very important role in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. They are the liaison or lay ministers as well as officers in the A.M.E Church. Therefore a bond of friendship and trust must be developed between class leaders and members.
On Sunday, January 16, 2011, the Class Leaders’ Council of St. Mark AME church held its second annual Class Day Meet and Greet Reception. It provided an excellent opportunity for class leaders and members to come
The theme, “Yielding to a Fruitful Harvest” was chosen because, as class leaders, encouraging members to participate and be actively involved in the church and its activities is one of the class leaders’ primary goals.
The reception was held immediately following the morning worship service. Members gathered in the Adam Coleman Fellowship Hall and formed a large circle. Pastor Eraina M. Ross-Aseme prayed that the Lord would anoint, equip and bless the class leaders to serve effectively and that each member would be blessed to serve and to do God’s Will.
Following the blessing of the food, members were served various h’orderves, cookies and punch, and then gathered with their class leaders at different tables designated for each class. Class leaders greeted their members and briefly discussed their roles, entertained questions, listened to concerns and engaged in friendly dialogue. They also took the opportunity to update personal data (name, address, phone number and birth date).
In addition to the fellowship, food and fun, members also had the opportunity to win one of five door prizes which consisted of a
It was a day and event blessed by the Lord and enjoyed by everyone in attendance.
Class Leader Ollie Craft is the Class Leaders’ Council President at St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church in Topeka, Kansas. The Rev. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme is the pastor
13. BETHEL TEMPLE AME CHURCH, FORT WORTH CELEBRATES SUPER BOWL IN A SUPER WAY ON FEBRUARY 6, 2011:
Under the leadership of its pastor, the Bethel Temple AME Church hit the streets of Fort Worth, Dallas, and Arlington for
With teams of three and four (1 Clergy and laity) the plan was faithfully executed to share the "Experience" with fans from all walks of life. Dr. Hudson quoted the great Evangelist
This endeavor would not have been a success without planning and help from other local ministries that partnered with Bethel Temple AME Church in the hopes that Christ's liberating gospel would be felt even as Packers and Steelers fans would enjoy all that North Texas has to offer.
We are happy to report:
263 Decisions (new converts)
71 Affirmations (re-dedications)
3 persons who wanted to be baptized
Each person received the Bible on CD and information on the plan of salvation. We will be referring our new family members of the body of Christ to a local congregation near their place of residence, because we want them to connect with a local bible believing congregation to embrace their new walk in a "super" way.
Commission on Membership & Evangelism
Church Office: 817-496-9200
Pastor's Office: 817-886-7400
www.bethelnation.org
"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.
14. AME DR. MICHAEL J. BROWN AND AME DR. DARYL B. INGRAM AMONG THE LEADERS OF THE NCC BIBLE NRSV TRANSLATION:
Oviedo, Fla., February 9, 2011 -- The National Council of Churches, which developed one of the most respected and widely used English translations of the bible, is moving to encourage more people to read the bible in a variety of print and electronic formats.
The NCC's Bible Translation and Utilization Committee (BTU) met in the Canterbury Retreat Center here to make plans for expanding the readership of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Both the NRSV and the Revised Standard Version were translated and updated by scholars from member communions and partners of the NCC, which holds both copyrights.
The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Brown, Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, a New Testament Scholar and a professor at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University is a member of the Translation and Utilization Committee and Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director of the AME Church Department of Christian Education sits on the Bible Translation and Utilization steering committee.
"The NRSV and the RSV still remain the benchmark in scholarship for translations," said the Rev. Dr. A. Roy Medley, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA, who chairs the BTU committee. "I was extremely pleased to hear of the plans underway to provide electronic access to the NRSV with Bible Gateway and others. There is an amazing wealth of resources for both the NRSV and RSV versions for bible study and devotional use."
The NRSV first appeared in 1989 and has received the widest acclaim and broadest support from academics and church leaders of any modern English translation. It is the only Bible translation that is as widely ecumenical. The 30 men and women who served on the translation committee included representatives of Protestant denominations, the Roman Catholic Church, and the Greek Orthodox Church. The committee also included a Jewish scholar.
The Revised Standard Version of the Bible is an authorized revision of the American Standard Version, published in 1901, which was a revision of the King James Version, published in 1611. The RSV of the New Testament was published in 1946. The publication of the RSV bible, containing the Old and New Testaments, was authorized by vote of the NCC governing board in 1951.
The Rev. Dr. Richard L. Jeske, a New Testament scholar from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and a former member of the American Bible Society staff, chairs the Translation subcommittee. The Rev. Tom Albin, a United Methodist and dean of The Upper Room Ministries and Ecumenical Relations, chairs the Utilization subcommittee.
The following persons sit on the BTU steering committee: the Rev. Dr. Daryl Ingram, African Methodist Episcopal Church (Chair, Education and Leadership Ministries Commission); Dr. Anton Vrame, Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (Chair, Faith and Order Commission); Ellen Taggert, United Methodist Church; the Rev. Robina Winbush, Presbyterian Church USA; and the Rev. Dr. Marcia Allen Owens, African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The BTU committee is not yet complete as NCC member communions are still nominating representatives to serve on it. Current members are:
The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Brown (Translation), African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Testament Scholar, Candler School of Theology, Emory University;
Dr. David Bartlett (Translation), American Baptist Churches USA, New Testament Scholar;
Dr. William
The Rev. Dr. Darla D. Turlington (Utilization), American Baptist Churches USA, retired pastor;
Fr. Papken Anouchian (Translation), Armenian Church in America, New Testament Scholar;
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge (Translation), The Episcopal Church, New Testament Scholar, Seminary of the
Dr. Deirdre J. Good (Utilization), The Episcopal Church;
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Eung-Chun Park (Translation), Presbyterian Church USA, New Testament Scholar, San Francisco Theological Seminary;
The Rev. Dr. Gay Byron (Translation), Presbyterian Church USA, New Testament Scholar, Colgate Rochester Divinity School;
Mr. David Dobson (Utilization), Presbyterian Church USA, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation;
The Rev. Dr. J. Randall Bailey (Translation),
Theological Center;
Dr. Lee Butler (Translation), United Church of Christ, Professor of Theology and Psychology, Chicago Theological Seminary;
The Rev. Dr. Shannon Clarkson (Utilization), United Church of Christ;
Dr. Bill Arnold (Translation), United Methodist Church, Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Scholar, Asbury Theological Seminary.
The Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary of Christian Education, CME Church (Utilization)
The Rev. Dr. Billye P. Bridges, Director of Christian Education, Disciples Home Missions, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) (Utilization)
The BTU committee is not yet complete as NCC member communions are still nominating representatives to serve on it. Current members are:
The Rev. Dr. Michael J. Brown (Translation), African Methodist Episcopal Church, New Testament Scholar, Candler School of Theology, Emory University;
Dr. David Bartlett (Translation), American Baptist Churches USA, New Testament Scholar;
Dr. William Herzog (Translation), American Baptist Churches USA, New Testament Scholar, Dean, Andover Newton Theological School;
The Rev. Dr. Darla D. Turlington (Utilization), American Baptist Churches USA, retired pastor;
Fr. Papken Anouchian (Translation), Armenian Church in America, New Testament Scholar;
The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge (Translation), The Episcopal Church, New Testament Scholar, Seminary of the Southwest;
Dr. Deirdre J. Good (Utilization), The Episcopal Church;
The Rev. Dr. Eugene Eung-Chun Park (Translation), Presbyterian Church USA, New Testament Scholar, San Francisco Theological Seminary;
The Rev. Dr. Gay Byron (Translation), Presbyterian Church USA, New Testament Scholar, Colgate Rochester Divinity School;
Mr. David Dobson (Utilization), Presbyterian Church USA, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation;
The Rev. Dr. J. Randall Bailey (Translation), Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc., Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Scholar, Interdenominational Theological Center;
Dr. Lee Butler (Translation), United Church of Christ, Professor of Theology and Psychology, Chicago Theological Seminary;
The Rev. Dr. Shannon Clarkson (Utilization), United Church of Christ;
Dr. Bill Arnold (Translation), United Methodist Church, Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) Scholar, Asbury Theological Seminary.
Since its founding in 1950, the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA has been the leading force for shared ecumenical witness among Christians in the United States. The NCC's 37 member communions -- from a wide spectrum of Protestant, Anglican, Orthodox, Evangelical, historic African American and Living Peace churches -- include 45 million persons in more than 100,000 local congregations in communities across the nation.
NCC News contact: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2228 (office), 646-853-4212 (cell), pjenks@ncccusa.org
15. BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA RELIGIOUS RELATIONS TASK FORCE MEETING IN DALLAS, TEXAS (FEBRUARY 7, 2011):
Dr. Daryl B. Ingram, Executive Director of the Department of Christian Education for the African Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Anthony Franklin, Sr. represented the African Methodist Episcopal Church Scouting Ministries (AAMES) at the BSA Religious Relations Task Force and Community Alliances meeting in Dallas, Texas – February 7 – 9, 2011.
Dr. Ingram presided over the meeting.
Mr. Keith Walton AME Church National BSA Advisor gave an over view of future and present initiatives.
Mr. Mark Hazlewood, Chairman of Membership did a presentation on (“building Sustainable Units in the Religious communities through the duty to God”) Faith-Based Units Initiatives and the New BSA. Mark has agreed to be a presenter at the Ministries in Christian Education meeting.
Mr. Wray Johanning, Chairman of Awards and Emblems, of which Mr. Anthony Franklin is a member, presented a proposed Council Religious Relations Award Recognition that has been developed by the N.E. Region Religious Relationship committee that will be Bata tested. The award will be presented to one or more Local Councils per year for doing a particularly effective job in Religious Relationships, in promoting the youth Religious Emblems program.
Rabbi Peter Hyman, Chairman of Chaplaincy discussed the events and services from the Jamboree.
Dr. Ronald Adolphi, Chairman of Literature Development and Review discussed new material and reviewed current materials in development.
National training, Meetings and Events were reviewed.
All committees presented detailed reports.
The attached photos are photos taken at the meeting.
IMG 4086 - Rabbi Peter Hyman, Dr. Ingram our CED Executive Director
IMG 4089 - Mr. Wray Johanning - Chairman of Awards and Emblems, Anthony Franklin Sr, - Connectional Director of AME Boy Scouts, Mr. Keith Walton AME National BSA Advisor & Dr. Ingram our CED Executive Director
IMG 4089 - Dr. Ingram, AMEC CED Executive Director; and Syed Ehtesham H. Naqvi and leader of the Islamic Committee received awards.
The following are future dates of meetings.
Upcoming Meetings / Events
BSA - National Executive Board and Committee Meetings
February 7-9, 2011, Irving, TX
May 25-27, 2011, San Diego, CA
October 10-12, 2011, Irving, TX
February 6-8, 2012, Irving, TX
May 30- June 1, 2012, Orlando, FL
October 15-17, 2012, Irving, TX
Hopefully the AME Girl Scouts will list upcoming meetings and event dates in which the AME Girl Scout Leaders will be meeting with the National board.
The AME Girl Scouts list of Girl Scout leaders’ names and email address should be sent to the CED Department.
The goal is to have 100 AME Scout Leaders and 50 affiliate religions scout leaders in attendance at the ministries in CED Meeting.
Meeting Registration:
Early Registration - $130.00 (Early registration deadline
March 15, 2011)
Regular registration: $150.00
Hotel Information:
Hotel Preston
733 Briley Parkway
Nashville TN 37217
To make your reservations, call: 877-361-5500
Ask for “AME Education Block”
Room Rates: $102 Singles, Doubles
Group Rate Deadline: March 15, 2011
Ministries in Christian Education Meeting
April 14, 2011 - April 16, 2011
Register EARLY and SAVE:
Click for online Registration
Click here for copy of form for mailing
Click here for planning/Training Schedule
Phone: (800) 525-7282; (800) 525-7282
FAX: (615) 726-1866
Email: cedoffice@ameced.com
AMEC Christian Education Department
500 8th Avenue, South
Nashville, TN 37203-4181
Submitted by Mr. Anthony Franklin Sr.
16. GREETINGS AND AN INVITATION FROM MONROVIA, LIBERIA, WEST AFRICA:
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr., Presiding Bishop, 14th Episcopal District
Mrs. Irene M. Daniels, Episcopal Supervisor
The Fourteenth Episcopal District hereby invites all Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, Presiding Elders, Pastors and Laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Church to West Africa to the Dedication Celebration of fifteen new and renovated AME University buildings.
The Dedication Celebration will be held November 26 thru December 1, 2011.
We are excited to announce that we cannot wait for November 2011.
Please plan to come and celebrate with the brothers and sisters of West Africa:"The Goodness of the Lord is with us.
Bishop David Rwhynica Daniels, Jr.; Episcopal Supervisor Irene M. Daniels; and the People of the Faithful Fourteenth Episcopal District
17. BISHOP SAMUEL L. GREEN, SR. REVISES THE 12TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT FOUNDER'S DAY SCHEDULE DUE TO THE INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS:
Message from Bishop Samuel L. Green: “Due to the inclement weather conditions, I have revised the Founder's Day Schedule to start later on Friday, February 11, 2011. We will start at 10:00 AM instead of 9:00 AM. I look forward to celebrating the life of our great Zion with you. See you on tomorrow at 10:00 AM in the Shorter College Gym.”
Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., President/Publisher AMEC Sunday School Union is scheduled to deliver the 12th Episcopal District Founder’s Day sermon.
18. THE TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2011 MID-YEAR CONVOCATION:
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Joan McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor
April 12 - 14, 2011
Morgan Zintec College
Harare, Zimbabwe
The Reverend Francis Kataka, Host Presiding Elder
The Reverend Israel Chimuse, Host Pastor
The Reverend Dereck Mapanga, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Daniel Chimuse, Co-Host Pastor
The Reverend Joseph Sims, Co-Host Pastor
Annual Conferences:
Malawi: North, Central, South
Zimbabwe: Southwest, Central, Northeast
19. DON’T LET ANGER BECOME YOUR MANAGER:
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts,
Have you ever gotten up in the morning and felt that you were supposed to be angry about something but couldn’t remember what it was? If you didn’t remember you were blessed.
On the other hand, if you remembered what you were supposed be angry about, it was then, that you entered the danger zone because that’s when anger became your manager.
We must manage our days, or our days will manage us.
When anger becomes your manager, your whole day is controlled by your manager. Anger can be seen in our body language, our countenance, our attitude, and can be detected in the way we converse with other people.
Even pets can sense our anger.
Everything that has breath, at one time or another, gets angry about something; and that includes animals. The only difference between animals and people is they cannot rationalize or reason; and if we choose to, we can rationalize or reason.
It is the nature of animals to strike whenever someone or something disturbs their habitat, crosses their path or gets into their space.
The Bible says, "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry…” (Ephesians 4:26, NIV)
Anger has a positive side as long as the anger is not “in-charge.”
Anger must be prioritized. It’s a good idea for one to do when anger is present is to prioritize your anger. Ask yourself the question; is it worth getting all worked up about?
In others words you must manage your anger; if you don’t, your anger will manage you.
There are some things that shouldn’t make us angry because it is a waste of time and a waste of mental and physical energy.
Getting angry can be very costly when it becomes our manager.
Anger can destroy families, isolate family members, and cause wounds that will never heal.
Anger can cause us to lose friends, finances, and even our lives.
Children get angry at parents and parents get angry at their children and sometime family members kill one another.
Our streets are busy with angry young teens. They are angry with each other and are angry at the world.
If anger is your manager, it will not get you out of trouble as long as it is in charge.
Your Manager, anger, will keep you from attending church.
Your Manager, anger, will advise you to withhold your money.
Your Manager, anger, will prevent you from speaking to certain folks.
Your Manager, anger, will tell you to “bless somebody out.”
Your Manager, anger, will prod you to kill or hurt someone.
Your Manager, anger, will encourage you to do spiteful things.
Your Manager, anger, will put wrinkles in your face but can’t take them out.
Finally, your Manager, anger, will keep your mind occupied with negative thoughts.
Getting angry may be a good thing, if the end results are good.
Keep in mind that anger is not complacent and anger is not passive; it will make you do something.
Nehemiah got angry when he heard about the condition of the wall in Jerusalem and he did something positive. Nehemiah 4:5-6
Samson got angry after being betrayed by his wife, went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty men. Judges 14:19
Samson also got angry when his wife was given to another man. He went out and caught three-hundred foxes, tied firebrands to their tails and turned them loose in a corn field and destroyed the field (Judges 15:1-7). Anger was his manager.
Here we the example of two angry men. One responded positively and the other negatively.
We must keep in mind that anger never starts on the outside. Anger almost always starts on the inside.
Some of us do not know how to handle (manage) our anger.
What do you do when you get angry? Do you kick the dog or throw out the cat, and search around the house for a baseball bat?
Do you find the nearest bar to drown in your sorrow in hope that everything will be alright the next day?
Do you look for a place to sit, pout, and wait for a chance to curse somebody out?
Or do you pause to think what a terrible day and just fall on your knees and pray?
It might be a good thing to remember the passage in Isaiah 26:3, which declares, “Thou will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in thee.” If we can control our inward thoughts, we might just control our outward behavior and manage our anger and other negative behaviors.
*The Rev. N.T. Pitts, [Ptaegar@AOL.Com], Author, Counselor, Teacher, Humorist, is a retired Itinerant Elder who lives in Eatonville, Florida
20. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Frank Petersen the uncle of retired supervisor, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot. Frank Petersen died yesterday morning in Frederiksted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He was the youngest brother of the mother of Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot. He will be funeralized next week. Service arrangements will be forthcoming.
Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot will be leaving for St. Croix tomorrow morning, February 8th, to attend the funeral of her aunt, Ruth Ross Mullgrav on Thursday; the funeral of a dear family friend, "Grio" in the Virgin Islands on Friday, then the funeral of her uncle, Frank Petersen, next week.
Messages for Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot may be left at 340-772-2763 and 615-221-9673.
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
21. GENERAL OFFICER FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Hattie Lewis, the mother of Dr. Richard Allen Lewis, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Mrs. Hattie Lewis passed on Sunday, February 6, 2011.
Hotel Accommodations:
Millennium Maxwell House Hotel
2025 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard
Nashville, TN 37228
Group Rate: $79/night
To make a reservation, call (800) 457-4460 and mention the “AME Church Bereavement block”
Transportation:
Shuttle service is available from the Nashville International Airport to the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel.
Services:
Friday, February 11, 2011
Family Visitation: 12:00 noon
Funeral: 1:00 pm
Greater Bethel AME Church
1300 South Street
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
(615) 256-1509
Services entrusted to:
Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN 37208
Phone: (615) 255-2371
Fax: (615) 255-4926
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Albert C. Mixon, the pastor of Saint John AME Church in Eufaula, Alabama, Dothan-Eufaula District - South-East Alabama Conference of the Ninth Episcopal District; Bishop James Levert Davis, presiding prelate.
Pastor Albert C. Mixon had been the senior pastor of Saint John African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Eufaula, Alabama for over 20 years. During his pastorate, Pastor Mixon worked to develop diverse ministries that have made an astounding impact on the spiritual growth of both his congregation and the community. As a result of spiritual enlightenment and sound teaching, Pastor Mixon has fathered eight sons and five daughters in the ministry while at Saint John. Six of them are currently playing a vital role in the continuation of spiritual growth at St. John, while the others have been sent out and chosen to continue Kingdom building in different parts of the country and world. Through his multiple roles in the community and connectional church, Albert Mixon has holistically touched the lives of a multitude of people. His presence has been felt at all levels of life and God had truly blessed him to be a blessing to others.
The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements:
Viewing and Funeral
Viewing: Sunday, February 13, 2011- 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saint John AME Church, 901 Dale Road, Eufaula, AL 36027
Service of Celebration: Monday, February 14, 2011 - 12:00 p.m.
Eufaula Community Center • 530 Lake Drive, Eufaula, Al 36027
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Clovia H. Mixon
857 Highway 131
Eufaula, AL 36027
Home: 334-616-6777
Fax: 334-687-0705
Email: albertmixon@att.net
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of the Reverend Floyd N. Black, a former pastor in the New York Conference of the First Episcopal District. The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Sunday, February 20, 2011
Viewing - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Service of Celebration - 7:00 p.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
20 Simmons Street
Copiague, NY 11726
Phone: 631-8428463
Fax: 631-841-3408
The Reverend Stanley G. Smith, Pastor
Bishop Richard F. Norris, Eulogist
Professional Services entrusted to:
Joseph A. Slinger-Hasgill Funeral Service
155 Sunrise Highway
Amityville, NY 11701
Phone: 631-842-2788
Email: js@slingerhasgill.com
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mr. Morris Black, (son)
41 Simmons Street
Copiague, NY 11726
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Millicent Turner, mother of Mrs. Edna Sharp who is the president of the Delaware AME Conference Lay Organization and a member of the General Board. Mrs. Turner was a lifelong member of Bethel AME Church, Milford, Delaware. The following information is provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral - Saturday February 12, 2011
Viewing - 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Funeral - 1:00 p. m.
Mt Enon Baptist Church
518 N. Church Street
Milford, DE 19963
Phone: 302 424-1586
The Reverend Gregory P. Nelson, pastor & eulogist
Bethel AME Church, Milford, DE
Phone: 302 422-3074
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Edna Sharp
23 Dwayne Circle
Dover, DE 19901
Phone: 302 732-4673
Professional Services entrusted to:
Bennie Smith Funeral Home
274 Rehoboth Blvd
Milford, DE 199623
Phone: 302 422-5955
Fax: 302-744-9350
www.benniesmithfuneralhome.com
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Ms. Dornecil Dillard, the niece of the Reverend Clarence A. Martin, Sr., pastor of Metropolitan AME Church in Lansdowne, PA (Philadelphia Conference, South District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing, Friday, February 11, 2011, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Viewing, Saturday, February 12, 2011, 11:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Grays Funeral Home
625 Madison Avenue
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Phone: 757-331-3810
Funeral, Saturday, February 12, 2011, 1:00 p.m.
Mt. Sinai Gospel Tabernacle
23066 Banks Road
Cape Charles, VA 23310
Phone: 757-331-1014
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
Mrs. Delores Dillard
C/o The Rev. Clarence A. Martin, Sr.
3514 Smaw Drive
Cape Charles, VA 23310
26. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Harryette Yvonne Burriss, the mother of Reverend Teresa Lynn Rushdan, pastor of Bethel A.M.E. Church in Madison, New Jersey (New Jersey Annual Conference, Newark District). The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.
Viewing and Funeral, Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Service of Celebration - 10:00 a.m.
Bethel A.M.E. Church
241 Hilton Avenue
Vauxhall, New Jersey 07088
Phone: 908-964-1282
Fax: 908-964-8183
Rev. Rev. Dennis Hughes, Pastor
Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:
The Rev. Teresa L. Rushdan
3203 Plaza Drive
Woodbridge, NJ 07095
Home: 732-423-4215
Fax: 973-733-9885
Email: Bethelmadison@aol.com
27. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
Mrs. Amelia Saunders, the mother of Mrs. Sandra Moses and the mother-in-law of the Rev. David Moses, passed on to a higher service early Monday morning on the 7th of February. The Rev. David Moses and Mrs. Sandra Moses are the pastoral couple at Mount Olive AME Church, Piketberg, South Africa in the Cape Annual Conference of the 15th Episcopal District; Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Jr., presiding prelate.
The family is grateful to God for a God-fearing mother who lived for 83 years. Please remember the Moses family in your prayers.
Messages of condolence may be emailed to:
The Rev. David Moses: djmoses@telkomsa.net
28. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to share news of the passing of Claude E. M. Smith, father of the Reverend Sandra Smith Blair, a former connectional officer having served as president of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Women In Ministry.
Claude E. M. Smith passed away on Friday, February 4, 2011 in Nassau, Bahamas at the age of 87 after being bedridden for almost three years. His homegoing service will be on Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 p.m. at the Holy Cross Anglican Church at Highburg and Soldier Road in Nassau. Please pray for the family as they gather to celebrate his life.
Arrangements are being handled by:
Kemp's Funeral Home Limited
Palmdale, Nassau
(242-393-2022)
The contact information for his wife, Patricia Moutadier Smith, is P.O. Box N7318, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas.
Condolences can be sent to:
The Rev. Sandra E. H. Smith Blair
6028 Buena Ventura Avenue
Oakland, CA 94605-1842
Telephone: 510-569-5167
Fax: 510-569-5515
Email: ssblair47@comcast.net
29. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the death of Mr. Edward L. Clark, who is the father of Sister Mary Edmond, First Lady of St. Paul AME Church - Raleigh, North Carolina and the father-in-law of the Rev. Gregory L. Edmond, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church - Raleigh, North Carolina. Mr. Clark passed away February 5th at age 83.
Service Arrangements:
Funeral: Thursday, February 10, 2011, 1:00 p.m.
New Pike Creek AME Church
7178 Stag Park Road
Burgaw, NC 28425
The Rev. Michael Redd, pastor
Please send all cards and condolences to:
Mrs. Delilah Clark
50 Oliver Lane
Burgaw, NC 28425
Or to the
Edmond Family
7912 Country Club
Garner, NC 27529
Professional services are provided by:
Dunn Funeral Home
810 W. Wilmington Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
Phone: 910-259-9400
Please remember the Clark and Edmond family in your prayers.
30. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Gruebbs, the sister of Presiding Elder Dr. Delano L. Bowman, Sr., North District-Michigan Annual Conference (Retired) and the sister-in-law of the Rev. Juanita Bowman.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Elizabeth Gruebbs:
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Family Hour 10:00 AM
Funeral 11:00 AM
Ebenezer AME Church
5151 W. Chicago
Detroit, MI 48204
Church phone: 313-933-6943
FAX: 313-933-4532
The Rev. Byron C. Moore, Pastor
Professional services provided by:
Pye Funeral Home
17600 Plymouth Rd
Detroit, MI 48227
Church phone: 313-838-9770
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Dr. Delano L. and the Rev. Juanita Bowman
18971 Eldorado Place
Lathrup Village, MI 48076
248-569-1043 (Phone)
248-569-1063 (Fax)
Email: delanobowman@msn.com
Or to:
Mr. Gerald Young & Family
14179 Dale
Detroit MI 48223
31. 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
32. 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.
