The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852
--Reminders--
- Palm Sunday: April 17, 2011
- Easter Sunday: April 24, 2011
- Pentecost Sunday: June 12, 2011
- Palm Sunday: April 17, 2011
- Easter Sunday: April 24, 2011
- Pentecost Sunday: June 12, 2011
Editor Sydnor will be preaching at St. John AME Church in Huntsville, Alabama on Palm Sunday at 10 a.m. for the 126th Church Anniversary
1. EDITORIAL – THEY ARE IN THE ORDAINED MINISTRY, BUT THEY ARE NOT PASTORS AND THEY ARE NOT COUNSELORS:
Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder
Everybody in the ministry is not a pastor. Believe it or not, there are some people who are in the ministry who are not expected to do pastoral functions.
Having said that, bishops are pastors; pastors, of course are pastors; most chaplains are pastors. In our Zion we have Veteran Administration chaplains, military chaplains, prison chaplains and chaplains who serve in higher education. Some of the functions of the general officers are, in a sense, pastoral. Most connectional clergy are pastors and many of them lead congregations.
Local deacons and local elders are ordained to do pastoral functions. They are expected to assist the pastor-in-charge; to visit the sick and shut-in members and to be active in the areas of religious education, Bible study and church school, and if they are qualified to lead Bible study or to teach a class in church school. They are also expected to attend prayer meetings; and to participate in all pastoral related activities, as the pastor-in-charge directs.
Licentiates are expected to learn pastoral skills and some of them serve in an internship relationship at local churches. Licentiates are expected to be active in the areas of religious education, Bible study and church school, and if a licentiate is qualified, lead Bible study or to teach a class in church school. Licentiates are also expected to attend prayer meetings and become familiar with the functions of the local church ministry.
If bishops and pastors are expected to be pastoral and to serve as counselors and if local preachers and licentiates are expected to be proficient in the pastoral ministry, who in the ordained ministry is not a pastor or counselor?
I am glad you asked
There is one position in the ordained ministry where pastoral skills are not requisite in the fulfillment of their duties. They are in the ordained ministry, but they are not pastors and they are not counselors; nor should they serve as pastors or counselors.
Presiding elders are ordained clergy, but when they are appointed as presiding elders, they are not pastors and they are not counselors.
Presiding elders are the middle managers of the Church, and hopefully, while at the same time they are managers, will also be leaders. By definition, those who serve in management positions cannot be counselors. I am using the terms, “pastors and counselors” in the context of a priest-penitent relationship.
The presiding elder as a middle-manager, supervisor cannot do his or her job effectively if he or she fails to understand the difference between serving in the position as a supervisor versus serving in the position as a pastor-counselor. The two cannot be comingled; presiding elders, pastors and laity need to be clear in their minds that the presiding elder is not in a pastoral relationship with his or her pastors. The presiding elder needs to be clear in his or her mind that he or she is not the senior pastor of the presiding elder district; rather he or he is the manager or supervisor of the pastors in the district, at the pleasure of the presiding bishop.
So what’s the difference and does it make any difference?
The presiding elder who functions as a pastor-counselor cannot be an effective manager or supervisor if he or she functions within the ethical guidelines of a counselor who maintains confidentiality and who understands the ethical principles and protocols of privileged communications in a counseling relationship.
Let me use an extreme example. A pastor approaches the presiding elder, in confidence, for counseling and admits that he or she has, and continues to use illegal drugs and is involved in an extramarital affair. The presiding elder who sees his or her role as a pastor-counselor and allows him or herself to function in a priest-penitent relationship, ethically must handle that situation, not as an administrator or a manager, but as a counselor and in doing so would go against the definition of a presiding elder’s function. Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram in the Tenth Episcopal District’s Presiding Elder’s Manual says, “A Presiding Elder is an administrative and advisory position.” Bishop Ingram in the Foreword goes on to say, “[Presiding elders are] the principle persons in our Zion that serve in a position of the leadership and help superintend the work in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.” The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 is clear and forthright in describing the duties of presiding elders as administrators.
Presiding elders who continue to see themselves as pastor-counselors, to the neglect of their administrative duties do a disservice to the African Methodist Episcopal Church because they cannot fulfill their duties as outlined in The Discipline.
Let’s get back to my extreme example. The presiding elder who sees him or herself as a pastor-counselor, ethically cannot betray the pastor/counselee’s confidence. In the pastor-counselee relationship, it would be unethical for the presiding elder to go to the bishop and betray what was told to him or her in confidence and it would also be unethical for the presiding elder to try to intervene with the leadership of the local church. As a result of the presiding elder allowing him or herself to be caught in the priest-penitent relationship, the local church, the presiding elder district and the annual conference suffer because the presiding elder failed to execute his or her duties as an administrator or manager.
In the extreme example, what should the presiding have done?
The presiding elder should have referred the pastor a counselor, i.e., another pastor or professional counselor. And, if the pastor was insistent on speaking with the presiding elder, the presiding elder should make it clear that the conversation was not a pastoral counseling session; but rather professional counseling session. The presiding elder should also have made clear that the conversation was not privileged, but rather was a supervisor/subordinate conversation that could impact future professional decisions or actions.
The presiding elder is not a peer of the pastors on his or her district and should avoid the appearance of fraternization or any acts of favoritism of one pastor over another.
The presiding elder is a manager or a supervisor. The Tenth Episcopal District Presiding Elder’s Manual states, “Presiding Elders are responsible for the spiritual and administrative oversight of a respective district. They are persons who interface between congregations and pastors, and pastors and the Bishop.” The Presiding Elder’s Manual also states that presiding elders should “Encourage leadership and delegate responsibilities among pastors and laypersons in the district…” and that “Successful administration is required.”
Presiding elders who see themselves as senior pastors of their presiding elder districts are shortchanging the system and neglecting their duties. When presiding elders fail to see themselves as administrators, they abandon their duties. When presiding elders see themselves as pastoral counselors of the pastors and families in their districts, they neglect the work of the presiding elder districts.
Presiding elders who don’t know how, or who refuse to hold quarterly conferences should not be presiding elders. The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 says “The presiding elder holds a Quarterly Conference in every church and circuit every three months, four times a year to determine the efficiency of the pastor, the effectiveness of the ministry of the churches, and ‘give proper direction to all the affairs of the churches in the presiding elder’s district.’” The definition of the duties of presiding elders in The Discipline is administrative, not pastoral.
Quarterly conferences do not have to be held on Sundays and presiding elders are not required to preach; but he or she is required to hold Quarterly Conferences at each church four times a year. Cluster quarterly conferences are not authorized in The Discipline.
Then AME Church should have a vigorous training program for presiding elders and their spouses because some presiding elders are not clear about their roles.
Presiding elders should not interfere with the pastoral leadership teams in his or her district. Presiding elders should not interact with members in local churches, especially with members in the churches where the presiding elder had served as pastor. Presiding elders in their roles of presiding elders are supervisors and managers, not only of the pastors, but of the laity in the district.
Presiding elders who want to be pastors should be reappointed to a local church.
Presiding elders are in the ordained ministry, but when they serve as presiding elders; they are not pastors and they are not counselors, they are supervisors and managers.
2. TCR OP-ED: “THE SHAME IS IN THE UNINTENDED SHAM: ORGANIZED IN NAME ONLY”:
My travels around the Connectional Church have uncovered an unfortunate reality: Many local churches that answer “yes” to Quarterly Conference Disciplinary Question 24 are organized in name only.
For example, a local lay organization may have a president, but no other officers—in particular, no director of lay activities. So how is any training going on?
Or a local lay organization may have had the same five members for a decade or more. So why is there no effort to recruit new members?
Or a local lay organization may meet mid-week shortly after the noon hour. So how can anybody but retirees attend these meetings? How can young people and working people ever get involved?
Or an officer or member of a local lay organization may share a teaching moment with their congregation from the Bible, The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 or the 2010 Connectional Lay Organization Study Guide that is factually inaccurate. Who’s making certain that the trainers are being trained so that their teaching moments and workshops at monthly meetings are on point?
These scenarios are a shame. Even worse, while surely unintended, they are elements of a sham, a deception regarding the organization of our laity that, in many ways, is as bad as not having a lay organization at all. The condition must be corrected post haste.
The local president and local DOLA represent the first line of vision and training, respectively, for the members of each local lay organization. So there roles are vital. But if they are not properly rooted and grounded in their faith and aren’t fully aware of their responsibilities, if they are not accountable in presenting direction and workshops that matter, if they are not organized and purposeful in their leadership, then the members of the local lay organizations will never receive the direction and training they deserve.
This is why, in my judgment, the two most important positions in the hierarchy of the lay organization are those of Conference President and Conference Director of Lay Activities (DOLA). The individuals who hold these offices provides the vision, and set the tone and direction for everything being done by the local presidents and the local directors of lay activities. And, let’s face it; the primary work of the church gets done at the local level. It is there that the money flows in, the training takes place, the volunteers step forward, the evangelizing goes forth and God’s people get blessed at their point of need.
So when the individuals who serve as Conference President and Conference DOLA are on top of things, they assist the local presidents and local DOLAs in maximizing the teaching and training that are the lay organization’s raison d’être. When they are on top of things, conference presidents provide vision and hold local presidents accountable for doing the same within their respective societies. An effective conference president will not only learn who the new local officers are immediately following the annual elections but, in learning of deficiencies in local leadership (for example, no director of lay activities), will offer interim solutions until the local lay organization can right itself structurally. They also will offer suggestions on how to shore up membership—and then monitor the situation to determine if progress is being made, or additional nurture and support are required.
When they are on top of things, conference DOLAs will not only provide training that will equip the local DOLAs to teach others with enthusiasm and factual accuracy, but also engage the local DOLAs in conference-level events that allow the locals to showcase their gifts. This is an essential exercise whose primary purpose is not simply to allow local DOLAs to strut their stuff; it also represents a vitally important opportunity for them to hone their skills in real-world settings, putting into practice for later evaluation the things they’ve learned under the caring tutelage and discerning eye of the conference DOLA.
Admittedly, the specific, programmatic focus for the lay organization each conference year cascades down from the Connectional president and DOLA to the District president and DOLA, who then pass their understanding on to the Conference president and DOLA.
The problem arises when the Conference president and DOLA fail to understand or implement the vision that has flowed down from the connectional leaders. The problem is compounded when they understand the connectional vision, but don’t have a vision of their own to bring it to fruition.
Local presidents and local DOLAs need direction, training and nurture in the worse way. They have a right to expect it from their counterparts at the conference level, whose job entails far more than presiding at meetings or presenting workshops at conference gatherings.
Submitted by:
*Carol A. Bowie is Director of Lay Activities, Oak Grove AMEC in Detroit
3. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:
- To the Editor:
RE: Challenge VII Reading the Bible from Cover to Cover
Just some random thoughts from the Book of Numbers:
A tedious, detailed counting from the number 70 to the increase of 603, 550 battle-fit men soon gave way to many informative and significant passages.
Now Chapter 11 is real food for thought. When we attend our AME "greet and meet" sessions, we seem to take it for granted that we will also "eat" and eat good!
Have you observed how quickly after giving thanks for the food; some folks begin to bitterly complain about what the host organization served? On some occasions, an attempt is made to serve limited portions or only healthy food choices. Then someone at the table complains about salad and no meat. Soon others around begin to complain, "We want pig!" "We want barbecue"!
Is that much different than the Israelites? There they were, in the midst of the wilderness, eating sweet, Heavenly bread everyday. How quickly they started taking this miracle sustenance for granted. It only took one person to utter, "I sure wish I had some barbecue instead of this stuff." Murmuring folks around the table agreed. Soon, the entire assembly cried out in complaint. God gave them what they wanted...and then some!
God is not to be taken for granted. He wants thanksgiving and praise for His blessings. Be thankful for God's blessings and be careful what you pray for!
Mrs. Loretta Moore, Esq.
- To the Editor:
RE: Editorial, Standing, Learning and Kneeling:
Thank you for this most informative lesson on standing, learning and kneeling.
Lately, I have been puzzled about what the standard practice is for sitting/standing during reading of the Scripture. When I first joined the AME Church, the congregation did not stand nor was asked to stand for the reading of any Scripture. I did notice an exception at some AME Connectional services when Episcopal participants read, respectively, from Old Testament, the Epistles and the Gospels. In those instances, the Bishop reading from one of the Gospels would usually ask the congregation to stand, while we remained seated for the other readings. But lately, in some joint worship services involving several of our local churches, I have noticed a trend among lay worship leaders, and some clergy, to ask congregants to stand for the reading of any Scripture.
On a related note, I have observed that visitors from other denominations to our worship services will promptly stand for any reading of Scripture and turn around to look at us who remain seated as though we have committed the unpardonable sin. So thanks for clearing things up for me.
Now, regarding the Bible in church, I am guilty of bringing my Bible to facilitate my reading of Scripture during the worship service. Other than the pastor, so many of the people assigned to read the Scripture cannot read. Some can't see the small print to read. Some are young middle-school or high school students who are "immature" readers ("readers-in-training"). Unfortunately, others are challenged readers. Then there are those who first looked at the Scripture the moment they stood to read and stumble over difficult Biblical names or words. In these examples, the readings are so disjointed, cumbersome and incoherent that no learning can take place, especially for people who are "audible" learners. But not everyone learns by hearing. I am a visual learner.
If all churches were in a position to install projectors and large overhead screens, I suppose that problem could be alleviated. I often visit the church of my son and daughter-in-law and their church has made excellent use of technology to enhance the worship experience. Those who wish, can rely on the large, printed words of the hymn, prayer, the Scripture, etc. projected on the screens.
The Board of Examiners:
The experiences and concerns expressed by the ministers who engaged you in conversation about the education of pastors, sound very much like ones I have observed here in my Conference. Here, the Board of Examiners appears to exercise good oversight and do not seem to automatically pass on candidates who have not met their qualifications. I know of a couple of people who are currently attending a local seminary and they are also required to regularly attend their Board of Examiners classes. I also know of a few seminary graduates who struggle to repay their student debt and support their families even though they are assigned to "full time" AME Churches. Desirable changes may "start with one" but it has to be the "right one."
Name Withheld
4. DR. THEMA BRYANT-DAVIS RECEIVES TENURE AS AN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY AT PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY:
The Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, daughter of Senior Bishop John R. Bryant and Senior Supervisor, the Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, just received tenure as an Associate Professor of Psychology at Pepperdine University.
Dr. Bryant-Davis is also the Director of the Culture and Trauma Research Lab which is currently partnering with the NAACP and Gilead Sciences on an initiative to examine HIV/AIDS Prevention and the Black Church. Dr. Bryant-Davis is author of the book Thriving in the Wake of Trauma: A multicultural Guide and has been named by ESSENCE magazine among Women Who Are Shaping the World.
Dr. Bryant-Davis is minister to women at First AME Church in Los Angeles where the pastor is the Rev. Dr. John Hunter. She is also the Founding Director of the Living Word Liturgical Dance Ministry.
Dr. Bryant-Davis who has been a recurring expert on The Dr. Phil Show appeared with her brother the Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant on the TV-One docu-series K-Ci and JoJo Come Clean.
After serving as an American Psychological Association representative to the United Nations, Dr. Bryant-Davis is now the President of the Society for the Psychology of Women.
Dr. Bryant-Davis has a weekly internet radio show that promotes holistic health on www.drthema.com/radio and www.adviceradio.com. Her blog www.drthema.blogspot.com contains key strategies for healthy living physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Dr. Bryant-Davis is married to Kwesi Davis a production engineer at DREAMWORKS animation whose independent film about Hurricane Katrina has been touring film festivals in the United States and abroad. They are the proud parents of Ife Ingoma Davis who is a praise dancer and poet at the age of 5.
5. MESSAGES FROM CHALLENGE VII HONORARY CHAIRS BISHOP ADAM J. RICHARDSON AND BISHOP SARAH F. DAVIS; AND A CHALLENGE VII READER, JUDGE LORETTA MOORE:
Message from Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Honorary Chair for the 90-Reading of the Bible from Cover to Cover:
“Today, we should have completed Day-9 of our 90/180 day jaunt through the Word. I really hope and pray that you are keeping up, staying focused and disciplined (after all, Discipline is the Methodist Way).
The Bible is an amazing book, as relevant as the latest iPad technology. For instance, I recently sent my contribution in to the Anvil. It is entitled "Microbiology Comes to Church." Now reconsider the text that we should have finished today, Leviticus 13, 14 and 15. There are references to matters regarding mold and mildew (that may result in respiratory maladies), infectious skin diseases and methods of treating them. Here, theology trumps science. No wonder we call it ‘inspired.’"
Message from Bishop Sarah Frances Davis, Honorary Chair for the 180-Reading of the Bible from Cover to Cover:
“Our reading plan for 180-Days through the Bible has brought us to Day-9 and the completion of the 50 chapters of Genesis.
Have you found these nine days to be challenging? I know for me, getting up early in the morning and reading three to four chapters before the distractions begin has been quite a challenge. However, with God’s help, determination and intentionality, we have made it through and forge ahead now to the next 171 days.
The book of Genesis closes with the death of Jacob and subsequently, the death of his beloved son, Joseph. The last few verses (15-21) remind me how feelings of guilt and shame can remain with some of us, even after others have forgiven us and have shown great kindnesses towards us and agreed to let “bygones be bygones,” some of us are still plagued by the uncertainty that we have been forgiven. How tragic! How confining! Joseph had long forgiven his brothers for the evil they had done to him and had welcomed them and provided for them, yet they could not believe his words nor trust his heart.
Many of us are still walking around in the bondage of our past sins after the Lord so graciously promises that if we confess our sins, He will be faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Let us walk in the freedom of God’s faithfulness today and every day.”
Bishop Sarah
Testimony from Judge Loretta Moore:
I am caught up to date with my Bible reading.
Thoughts:
Exodus: Imagine Aaron! He caved without much fight to the complaining Israelites and made a golden calf for them. Then when he got "busted" by Moses, he sounded like too many criminal defendants I may have represented from time to time. "Well, uh...see, 'whuh happ'n'd wuz' these crazy people just gave me their gold but I threw it in the fire...then all of a sudden this golden calf just happ'n'd to come out!" It is any wonder his two eldest sons committed what my Bible notes call the first act of "priestly malfeasance"?
As for the Israelites, the more things change the more they seem to stay the same with the "people in the pews".
Leviticus: All praise and thanksgiving to Christ Jesus for His divine sacrifice and atoning blood!
Loretta Moore, Esq.
Editor’s Note: Thank you Bishop Richardson, Bishop Davis, and Judge Moore; and others for motivating us. The Bible is a living document and the Apostle Paul’s words are as true today as when he wrote them, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.” (2 Timothy 3:16).
If any if you have fallen behind, just keep reading. Discipline is the key! Let’s encourage each other!
6. NEWS FROM THE VIRGIN ISLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE - NEW PASTOR APPOINTED TO ST. LUKE A.M.E. CHURCH, ST. CROIX:
The Reverend Phillip Walcott has been transferred from the Guyana Annual Conference to the Virgin Island Annual Conference. On Sunday, April 13, 2011, during the closing of the 92nd Session of the Virgin Island Annual Conference, Reverend Walcott was appointed pastor of St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, where the Reverend Uklyn Hendricks is Presiding Elder.
The late Reverend Louis A. C. Davis was the previous pastor of St. Luke AMEC.
**Submitted by Bishop Sarah F. Davis, Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District
7. BIBLE ADVOCATE TRAINING OF YOUNG EMERGING LEADERS:
The American Bible Society and African Methodist Episcopal Church through the AMEC Department of Christian Education are jointly sponsoring Bible Advocate Training on June 30-July 5, 2011. The four-day session offers intensive training in Scripture advocacy to an emerging generation of leaders in the church.
Held near Washington, DC; the program offers a combination of visionary engagement and practical skills for mature believers age 17–25.
Persons interested in applying for the training should contact their Presiding Bishop immediately or the Department of Christian Education office at telephone, 615.242.1420 or email, cedoffice@ameced.com.
If you know a candidate, please have him or her contact the AMEC Department of Christian Education: telephone, 615.242.1420 or email, cedoffice@ameced.com.
.
One person will be selected from each Episcopal District by May 1, 2011.
**Submitted by Dr. Daryl Ingram, Executive Director, Department of Christian Education
8. BISHOP CAROLYN TYLER GUIDRY INDUCTED INTO THE MARTIN LUTHER KING BOARD OF PREACHERS:
*Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr.
It was spring day in the city of Atlanta, and all roads led to the Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel at Morehouse College.
The Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. Board of Preachers at The King Center. Dr. Robert Franklin, the 10th President of Morehouse College warmly extended well-wishes to the massive audience and college community. Dr. Franklin called for the students to be "Morehouse Men," and represent her well throughout the coming months.
Dean Lawrence E. Carter extended the charge to the newly inducted class of Board of Preachers. The charge called for them to be servant scholar leader s for the next generation of young person's in God’s World Community. The Board of Preachers for 2011 was presented with a special citation to commemorate this special event.
Mr. Anthony Jones of Princeton University called us to task regarding our environment. He challenged us to fight Eco-Apartheid, where certain communities are safe and other communities die from pollution.
Presiding elders, pastors, missionaries, laity, and staff from across the Eighth Episcopal District and Bishop Tyler Guidry's two sons and daughter were also present. The Connectional Church was represented by retired Bishop Frank C. Cummings, Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Sixth Episcopal District, Dr. Shirley H. Davis, Women' s Missionary Society's International President, and retired General Officer Dr. Jayme C. Williams.
During the Morehouse College Green Evolution Luncheon Panel Discussion, Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry presented a gift to Dean Carter of $2,000 for Morehouse College’s “Green Movement research.
Morehouse College is the campus where Dr. Martin L. King, Jr., was educated, mentored, and prepared to lead a generation of Civil Rights’ leaders and the Right Reverend Carolyn Tyler Guidry is part of the Morehouse history that continues to call us to higher service, higher living, and higher commitment to God.
The Rev. Maurice Wright served as the host for the event.
*Dr. Herman O. Kelly, Jr. is the pastor Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and a 1975 graduate of Morehouse College
9. RECAP OF 2011 GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SERVICES:
The Rev. Velma Grant
This year as I travel throughout the great state of Georgia to attend the Sixth Episcopal District Annual Conferences, I marvel at how God uses each individual preacher in their own distinct manner to teach and to preach to God’s congregation. Every Conference so far has been a tremendous blessing both temporally and spiritually. I am blessed not only because of the sermons that have encouraged me to bask in the glory of God but I am blessed because I have witnessed firsthand the love that my sisters and brothers have for God and for each other.
On Thursday, March 31, I, along with the Rev. Debora F. Grant (Former Sixth District WIM President) and the Rev. Gloria C. Bennett (Former ANGC WIM Coordinator) traveled to Savannah to share with the Georgia Annual Conference. Also at the WIM service were visiting clergy and friends including the Rev. Thomas and Sister Stegall along with the Rev. Orea Parker, the ANGC WIM Coordinator.
The Women in Ministry Annual Conference noonday preacher on that day was the Rev. Sharonde Walthour Brown, pastor of Bethel AME and Saint Luke AME Churches. The Rev. Brown proved that she is indeed a powerhouse, enthusiastic and energetic sister of the gospel because she preached with authority, eloquence and enough humor to take God seriously but not our own self. Please understand that oftentimes, my recaps do not do justice to the sermons because my hand cannot keep up with my brain (it is an age thing) but I want you my readers to feel a touch of the spirit of God that is present in these Annual Conference services. Hallelujah!!!
The Rev. Brown’s text was Mark 5: 25-34 and the title of the sermon was “How Bad Do You Want It?’ The “it” refers to the touch, blessing, healing power, redeeming quality of Jesus Christ. Let me pause here and confess that I want all of the aforementioned “really bad”; all that God has to offer I want because it can only be good and wonderful. The Rev. Brown said, “…in our text we have a woman with a hemorrhaging problem…whatever your issue is today, the question is ‘how bad do you want it?’…my assignment is not to talk about the woman’s blood issue but to deal with our issues...the issues that we do not discuss, the issues that cause jealousy...sometimes God will say to you ‘are you willing to allow me to process you?’… (1) This woman was desperate…she was broken, busted and disgusted…desperate measures call for desperate things…there is something about Jesus….with Jesus in our lives… (2) She was determined...God wants to shift us to another place…only those that are determined…God is saying that if you are determined…she wanted it so bad that she broke tradition…there are some things that God wants to grant you today but you have to be determined… (3) She got her deliverance…she pressed in the crowd…through the trials I want you to press, through your problems I want you to press…some of you really need a touch from Jesus...a touch of His power, a touch of His authority…you must be determined to get your deliverance….how bad do you want it?...are you willing to transform your mind, are you willing to walk by yourself for a while because I want to show you some things..How bad do you want it? the woman with the issue wanted deliverance so bad, she wanted it so bad that she broke the law…touch Him, touch Jesus…God wants our hearts not our status…come on and give Him our hearts…I may not be a part of the clique or a part of the who’s who but I love God with all my heart….how bad do you want it?
Presiding Elder Norman Osborne of the Michigan Annual Conference (Fourth Episcopal District) was the preacher for the Closing/Ordination Service. His text was Luke 4: 18-19 and the title “The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me!” Elder Osborne shared that he gets excited about every ordination service and that each offer reflection for him on his own ordination over 38 (?) years ago. In the sermon he said “…you don’t know what the Lord has in store for you…the greatest calling…the most awesome vocation in the world…the first line, the first sermon preached by Jesus in the synagogue, his was not to be a ministry of sitting in the synagogue…in that day he offered the gospel according to Jesus…quite a reaction to a first sermon…some characteristics… element of humility…ought to be a sense of humility in this calling…God the rock of Ages…chose you to speak for Him..He chose you to explain eternity…this is no place for arrogance…this ministry is a response to God’s will and not human prerogative...it’s not about you, its’ about service, it’s not about tiles but commitment…a good fisher puts themselves into a position where he fish won’t see you….put yourself where the folks won’t see you but see the God in you…must be humble enough to listen..The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...this anointing spirit speaks of trust…don’t preach that God is a heart fixer and a mind regulator...believe it and act on it…the Lord does prop us up on every leaning side..This ministry is a matter of belief and behavior, a matter of trust...if you trust and never doubt...He will surely bring you out...the spirit of the Lord is upon me to preach the gospel…the spirit grants us conviction…we are here because we are called..You did not choose God, God chose you…we must understand that God does not use the most talented folks, the most beautiful folks...God uses ordinary folks…God does not look at our resume…God looks at our devotion…go preach the gospel…the spirit of the Lord is upon you…”
My dear readers, the spirit of the Lord is upon us and so we must work for kingdom building whether we are ordained clergy or laity. God has given each of us a mandate to love, share, forgive and make the light of Jesus Christ visible in ourselves so that others might see and believe, that “Yes, Jesus loves me …for the Bible tells me so.”
Stay tuned in the future for a recap of the rest of the Annual Conferences. The Sixth Episcopal District truly rocks for Jesus.
10. THE 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT COMMEMORATES 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF BISHOP PAYNE’S BIRTH:
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison
Continuing the yearlong commemoration of the 200th anniversary of Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne’s birthday, Payne Theological Seminary is hosting a Five-City Tour throughout 2011. The tour will visit key cities within the United States that significantly impacted Bishop Payne’s life, including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Gettysburg, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; Baltimore, Maryland; and Wilberforce, Ohio.
On February 10, 2011, the tour began in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at Bishop Richard F. Norris’ 1st Episcopal District Founder’s Day program. On February 16, 2011, the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, honored their distinguished alumnus, Bishop Payne, with a bicentennial worship service of Holy Communion. On April 1, 2011, Bishop Preston W. Williams II and the 7th Episcopal District held a commemorative worship service in Charleston, South Carolina, the birthplace of Bishop Payne. On September 10, 2011, Bishop Adam J. Richardson and the 2nd Episcopal District will support the clean up of Bishop Payne’s gravesite and participate in a consecration ceremony that restores Bishop Payne’s headstone, which is located at Mt. Zion cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland. On November 16–18, 2011, the Five-City Tour will culminate with Bishop C. Garnett Henning and the 3rd Episcopal District during the Payne Seminary Founder’s Week festivities in Wilberforce, Ohio.
The 7th Episcopal District’s commemorative worship service was held Friday evening, April 1, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at Mother Emanuel AME Church, which is located at 110 Calhoun Street in Charleston, South Carolina, where Rev. Clementa Pinckney is pastor. Dr. Leah G. Fitchue, President of Payne Theological Seminary, offered an eloquent opening greeting. In its 117 year history, Dr. Fitchue has the distinction of being the first woman to serve as president of Payne Theological Seminary, and the first woman to serve as president of any historically black theological seminary. In reverential prose, she offered an overview of the life and times of Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, stating, “Payne Theological Seminary is honored to join with the 7th Episcopal District and the people of South Carolina to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of one of South Carolina’s native sons and one of America’s most prophetic and visionary theological educators of the 19th century, Daniel Alexander Payne. We are awed at God’s divine providence that would allow us to welcome home Daniel Alexander Payne on this day – April 1, 2011. History would have us believe that April 1, 1835, was a day that halted the progress of black education in South Carolina. One hundred seventy-six years later, on April 1, 2011, we remember and celebrate all of the great strides that have been made to further education in the black community, and the creation of an Afrocentric theological education ethos, due to the efforts of visionaries like Daniel Alexander Payne.”
Also in attendance, General Officer Dr. George F. Flowers, Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry, who offered remarks that shed light on the extraordinary life of Bishop Payne. Following Dr. Flowers was Dr. Bernard E. Powers, Jr., Professor of History and Associate Chairman of the College of Charleston. Professor Powers spoke of his great personal appreciation for Bishop Payne as a fellow historian and educator. He recounted the awe inspiring experience of having the opportunity to hold and read some of Bishop Payne’s authentic historical notebooks containing his original thoughts and writings. Professor Powers also shared that he is very close to pin-pointing the exact location of Bishop Payne’s birth, which is believed to be on or near Princess Street in Charleston, SC, and that the 7th Episcopal District has begun the formal process of establishing a historical marker at Bishop Payne’s birthplace, which should be completed 6–9 months from now.
Delivering the commemorative address was the Rt. Reverend Dr. Preston W. Williams II, Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District. Bishop Williams spoke on the subject, “God Moves in Mysterious Ways!” Bishop Williams artfully retraced Bishop Payne’s humble beginnings as a boy orphaned at nine years old in Charleston, South Carolina; his consecration on three separate occasions to the Lord’s service by his devoted parents before their passing; and his fortuitous attendance at a school which sponsored orphaned colored children, where he was instructed by the most popular schoolmaster in Charleston for three years.
At the age of 18, Bishop Payne was converted and after weeks of meditation he had a vision in which he heard a voice saying, “I have set thee apart to educate thyself in order that thou mayest be an educator to thy people.” Payne taught himself French, Latin and Greek and developed proficiencies in geography, English, chemistry, philosophy, anatomy and other branches of learning. Obedient to his heavenly vision, Payne passionately pursued enlightenment through both self-education and formal education, and shared that knowledge with his people through his love of teaching.
By 1830, at 19 years of age, Payne successfully opened a school for colored children, and by 1834, his school was recognized as one of the most popular in Charleston with sixty children from most of the leading families. But one year later, in 1835, Payne was forced to stop educating black children in Charleston when the South Carolina General Assembly passed Bill No. 2639, which made the teaching of colored people to read or write illegal. Yet, out of Payne’s deep despair and troubled mind came the solemn words, “Trust in Him, and He will bring slavery and all its outrages to an end.”
During his six years as principal of his school, Payne won the admiration and respect of many influential white Charlestonians, and was afforded the opportunity to study at Lutheran Theological Seminary in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Two years later, Payne damaged his left eye and was forced to discontinue his studies at Gettysburg. Payne then moved to Philadelphia and New York, where he held brief memberships in both the Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches. In 1841, at the urging of AME Bishop Morris Brown, Payne joined the quarterly conference of Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1848, the General Conference selected Payne as its first historiographer. At the General Conference of 1852, Payne was elected the sixth bishop of the AME Church, and for 40 of Payne’s 82 years, he served as a bishop in the AME denomination. In 1863, Bishop Payne became the first president of Wilberforce University, making him the first black president of a college in the history of the United States. In 1871, Bishop Payne founded Payne Theological Seminary.
During his remarks, Bishop Williams related Bishop Payne’s extraordinary life-journey to the notion that God moves in mysterious ways. He preached, “As a child, Bishop Payne could not have known the great things which he was destined to accomplish. He could not have foreseen the many groundbreaking achievements which he was predetermined to achieve in his lifetime. But what Bishop Payne did know, what he was certain of, is that God had a firm hand in ordering the steps of his life. God had a purpose for his life! And it was Bishop Payne’s faith that enabled him to survive the death of his parents. It was his faith that kept him sane when he was forced to close his beloved school in Charleston. It was his faith in God that led him to the Episcopacy of the AME Church and the founding of one of the oldest black seminaries in the nation, Payne Theological Seminary. Bishop Payne faced great adversity along his life’s journey. But he never quit! He never gave up! It was his faith in both God and his people that enabled him to transcend life’s obstacles such as illness, death and racism to become a teacher, preacher, scholar, hymnist, poet, historiographer, bishop with the longest tenure, college president, social engineer, world traveler, ecumenist and modest Christian man. Let us look back with gratitude to the life and legacy of Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, who helped shape the future of the AME Church and the nation as well. Bishop Payne’s memory should be kept alive as a source of continuing inspiration and encouragement for the leaders and people in our church, our young people in particular, and our entire nation.”
At the conclusion of the commemorative service, a United States Federal Proclamation honoring Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne was presented to Dr. Fitchue by Mr. Carl Middleton, a representative of U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (Sixth U.S. Congressional District). Similarly, South Carolina Senate and House of Representatives Resolutions were presented to Dr. Fitchue by Rev. Clementa Pinckney, pastor of Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, SC, who is also a member of the SC Senate, and Rev. Carl Anderson, pastor of Greater St. Stephen AME Church, Georgetown, SC, who is also a member of the SC House of Representatives. One hundred and seventy-six years after South Carolina’s General Assembly ratified Bill No. 2639 which prohibited the education of African Americans, both free and enslaved, on April 1, 2011, both South Carolina’s House and Senate unanimously ratified their respective resolutions, stating: “… Whereas, cognizant of his outstanding contributions to the education of African Americans, the [Senate and House of Representatives] take great pleasure in joining with Payne Theological Seminary to recognize and honor Bishop Daniel A. Payne and in proclaiming that the spirit of his commitment to the education of black Americans is alive and thriving in South Carolina. Now, therefore, be it resolved that the members of the South Carolina [Senate and House of Representatives], by this resolution, commemorate the two hundredth birthday of Charleston native, Daniel Alexander Payne, distinguished African Methodist Episcopal Church teacher, preacher, and bishop, and declare April 1, 2011, ‘Bishop Daniel A. Payne Homecoming Of An Extraordinary Educator Day.’”
For more information on the yearlong Five-City Tour commemorating the 200th anniversary of Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne’s birthday, contact Payne Theological Seminary at (937) 376-2946, Ext. 224.
*Mr. Benjamin Harrison is the Public Relations Director for the 7th Episcopal District
11. THE PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA, HER EXCELLENCY ELLEN JOHNSON SIRLEAF SPEAKER AT INVESTITURE OF BISHOP DAVID R. DANIELS:
The President of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will be the banquet speaker for the Investiture of Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District
The 2011 General Board and Council of Bishops will meet in Columbia, South Carolina June 26 - 29, 2011. The Investiture Celebration of Bishop David R. Daniels, as President of the Council of Bishops will be held on Monday evening, June 27, 2011. The President of Liberia, Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will be the banquet speaker for the Investiture of Bishop David R. Daniels, Presiding Prelate of the 14th Episcopal District.
Biographical Brief of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
http://www.emansion.gov.lr/content.php?sub=President%27s%20Biography&related=The%20President
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the 24th President of Liberia and the first elected female Head of State in Africa. Throughout her career she has demonstrated passionate commitment to hard work, integrity and good governance, advocating for the rights of women and the importance of education to provide a better future for her country and its people.
Born Ellen Euphemia Johnson in Monrovia on October 29, 1938, she is the granddaughter of a traditional chief of renown in western Liberia and a market woman from the southeast. She grew up in Liberia and attended high school at the College of West Africa in Monrovia, subsequently studying at Madison Business College, the University of Colorado and Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government where she obtained a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in 1971.
Her entry into politics came in 1972 when she delivered her now famous commencement address to her high school alma mater in which she sharply criticized the government, showing her determination to speak truth unto power. This was the start of a distinguished professional and political career spanning nearly four decades.
In 1965 she joined the then Treasury Department in Liberia and was appointed Minister of Finance in 1979 where she introduced measures to curb the mismanagement of government finances. After the military coup d’état of 1980, Johnson Sirleaf served as President of the Liberian Bank for Development and Investment (LBDI) but fled Liberia and the increasingly suppressive military government that same year. She traveled to Kenya and served as Vice President of CITICORP’s Africa Regional Office in Nairobi, and later moved to Washington, D.C. to assume the position of Senior Loan Officer at the World Bank, and Vice President for Equator Bank. In 1992 she joined the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as Assistant Administrator and Director of its Regional Bureau of Africa with the rank of Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations.
However, with her country still very much at heart, Johnson Sirleaf resigned in 1997 to return home and contest the Presidential elections and was ranked second in votes to warlord Charles Taylor. She was exiled again, this time to the Ivory Coast where she kept a close eye on Liberian politics. During that time she established, in Abidjan, Kormah Development and Investment Corporation, a venture capital vehicle for African entrepreneurs, and Measuagoon, a Liberian community development NGO.
In 2003 when Charles Taylor was exiled to Nigeria and the National Transitional Government of Liberia (NTGL) was formed, Johnson Sirleaf was selected to serve as Chairperson of the Governance Reform Commission where she led the country’s anti-corruption reform by changing the reporting mechanism of the General Auditing Commission from the Executive to the Legislature thereby strengthening and reinforcing its independence. She resigned this position to successfully contest the 2005 Presidential elections, resulting in her historic inauguration, on January 16, 2006, as President of Liberia.
After decades of fighting for freedom, justice and equality in Liberia, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has spent more than four years rebuilding post-conflict Liberia. She has revived national hope by strengthening the institutions of national security and good governance, leading the revitalization of the national economy and infrastructure, including the construction of more than 800 miles of roads, and restoring Liberia’s international reputation and credibility.
President Johnson Sirleaf has built strong relations with regional partners and the international community, attracting investment of over $16 billion in Liberia’s mining, agriculture and forestry sectors, and off-shore oil exploration to provide jobs for her people. Her leadership has led to more than $4 billion in debt relief in June 2010 and to the lifting of UN trade sanctions to allow Liberia access to the international market. She has increased the national budget from $80 million in 2006 to more than $350 million in 2010 and has driven annual GDP growth at between 5 and 9.5 percent over this period.
The Liberian leader has attracted more than $5 million of private resources from international contributions, which she has used to enhance Government’s ability to rebuild vital infrastructure – to build schools and clinics and markets, and to foster scholarships to further build the skills and capabilities of the Liberian people.
President Johnson Sirleaf currently serves as Chairperson of the Mano River Union where she leads the effort for political stability and economic cooperation among Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire. She was a founding member of the International Institute for Women in Political Leadership, was designated in 1999 by the OAU to serve on the committee to investigate the Rwanda genocide, was a Commission Chair for the Inter-Congolese Dialogue, and was selected by UNIFEM as one of two persons to investigate and report on the effect of conflict on women and women’s roles in peace building.
She has also received Honorary Doctorate degrees from fourteen universities in the United States and Africa.
In 2010, Newsweek magazine listed Johnson Sirleaf as one of the ten best leaders in the world, Time placed her among the top ten female leaders, and The Economist called her "the best President the country has ever had."
President Johnson Sirleaf has written widely on financial, development and human rights issues, and in 2008 she published her critically acclaimed memoir, “This Child Will Be Great”.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is the proud mother of four sons and grandmother of eleven.
12. THE 2011 GENERAL BOARD MEETING / COUNCIL OF BISHOPS:
2011 General Board & Council of Bishops will meet June 26 - 29, 2011 in Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Bishop T. Larry Kirkland President of the General Board
Bishop Preston Williams, Host Bishop
Bishop John R. Bryant, Senior Bishop
Location Information
Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
1101 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Agenda
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Council of Bishops Meeting, Hilton Hotel
Monday, June 27 - Tuesday June 28
General Board Sessions
Monday Evening, June 27 - The Convention Center
Investiture of Bishop David Daniels, President of the Council of Bishops
Tuesday Evening, June 28
Council Worship Service
Wednesday Morning, June 29
Council of Bishops' Public Statement
Detailed agenda available on the Official AME Website: http://www.ame-church.com/
Headquarter Hotel:
Hilton Columbia Center
924 Senate Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Group Rate: $134 per night
Reservations are only accepted by housing form. All housing forms must be received by Hilton no later than April 15, 2011. After that date, rooms held for the General Board members will be released for general resale.
Overflow Hotel:
Columbia Marriott
1200 Hampton Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Group Rate: $129 per night
To make your reservation, call 1-800-593-6465 and request the AME Church block of rooms. Transportation will be provided to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
13. PAUL QUINN COLLEGE GAINS ACCREDITATION FROM TRANSNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF CHRISTIAN COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS:
DALLAS — The only historically black college in Dallas has obtained accreditation from a national agency that certifies Christian schools.
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools says it granted Paul Quinn College full membership on Wednesday.
The college is affiliated with the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Colleges can't award degrees in Texas without accreditation and students at unaccredited schools can't receive federal or state financial aid.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, which accredits most Texas colleges, dropped Paul Quinn from membership in 2009 citing limited finances and other concerns. Paul Quinn filed suit to try to keep its accreditation, and the lawsuit is pending.
Although Transnational Association is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, it says it will seek recognition from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
**Information from: The Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com
14. THE MEETING PLACE: MINISTRY BEYOND THE WALLS:
*The Reverend Rosalyn G. Coleman
The focus of the Seventh Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, Presiding Prelate, and Dr. Wilma D. Webb Williams, Episcopal Supervisor, is spiritual growth through education and evangelism. In keeping with the concept of ministry of Bishop Williams, the Georgetown Outreach Ministries, Incorporated (GOMInc), under the umbrella of the Georgetown District, was established in June 2008 under the leadership of Presiding Elder Rosalyn Grant Coleman.
GOMInc was born out of assessed community needs and concerns. Presiding Elder Coleman was assigned to the Georgetown District in November 2007. She came with a vision for ministry that went far beyond the walls of the sanctuary – ministry that involves more than church attendance and worship – ministry that meets the needs of our times. In order to accomplish these goals, Presiding Elder Coleman identified, trained and utilized the Local Preachers, Evangelists, some lay and the Ministers of Music of the District. After Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training was provided, these individuals then set out in various communities of Georgetown and portions of Williamsburg Counties to assess individual and community needs and concerns. From the overwhelming responses, specific ministries were developed to help to meet those needs identified through community surveys. GOMInc identified ministry needs in the areas of Youth Services, Parenting Services, Addiction Services, Senior Services, Educational Services, Veteran Services, Entrepreneurial Young Adult Services, and Artistic Expressions.
In seeking to “make a difference - one community at a time”, GOMInc’s goal is to impact, engage, enhance and empower the community through leadership and personal development workshops, wellness clinics, skills assessments, training and educational alternatives. In order to provide all of the ministries established by GOMInc, the Georgetown District was successful in purchasing a building which serves as and is appropriately named “The Meeting Place”. District leadership meetings, some CPE classes, GOMInc outreach services, the Music and Arts Program and the newly established Low Country Veteran’s Group Ministry are housed at this prime location within the City of Georgetown. It is the shared vision of Presiding Elder Coleman, the Pastors, clergy and the lay of the Georgetown District to transform the site of “The Meeting Place” to a state of the art green building that will house the ministries of GOMInc, a Christian Book Store, a Health Food Restaurant, a Banquet facility and much more.
The Meeting Place is an ecumenical facility whose mission is to offer support to and to address the challenging and changing needs of the community, without regards to race, color, creed or national origin. GOMInc echoes and supports the vision of bishop Preston Warren Williams II, to equip the least of these for kingdom living in the 21st Century.
Therefore, after much prayer, planning and perseverance, The Meeting Place was officially dedicated on November 20, 2010. A special Worship Service was hosted by Reverend Carl Anderson and the members of St. Stephens African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Worship Service was followed by the official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, a formal luncheon and a picnic style meal which was held at The Meeting Place. Officiating at this special dedicatory service was Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Director, Annette Fisher. In attendance at this special day of celebration with Bishop and Dr. Williams and Presiding Elder Rosalyn Grant Coleman and her husband Reverend Melvin Coleman, were City and County Officials, GOMInc Board Members, Pastors, clergy and lay of the Georgetown District and other churches, and members and friends of the community at large.
Visit us at thegomi.org or Email info@thegomi.org for additional information.
*The Reverend Rosalyn G. Coleman, Board Chair & Presiding Elder
The Georgetown Outreach Ministries Inc.
15. THE 2011 WASHINGTON ANNUAL CONFERENCE AT-A-GLANCE:
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor
The 61st Session of the Washington Annual Conference of the 2nd Episcopal District
Tuesday April 26--Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Washington Annual Conference, of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church hosts its 61st Session under the dynamic leadership of the Presiding Prelate for the Second Episcopal District, The Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Jr. and the Episcopal Supervisor for the WMS, YPD, and Clergy Families Organization of the Second Episcopal District, Dr. Connie Speights Richardson. The 61st Session is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26 – Saturday, April 30, 2011, at Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church, 7707 Allentown Road, Fort Washington, Maryland 20744, where the Reverend Drs. Grainger and JoAnn Browning are the Pastors. This year’s theme: The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry Focus: AIR (Attention, Intention, and Retention) A Ministry of and for Young Adults.
The Reverend Dr. Louis-Charles Harvey (Potomac District) is the Host Presiding Elder and the Reverend Dr. Goodwin Douglas (Capital District) is the Associate Presiding Elder. The Conference Coordinator is the Reverend Dr. Ronald E. Braxton, Pastor of Metropolitan AME Church, in Washington, DC.
Join us as we come together to worship, educate, fellowship and celebrate the 61st Session of the Washington Annual Conference.
For more information, please log-on to:
http://washingtonannualconference.org.
The 61st Session of the Washington Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church “Conference-At-A-Glance”
Monday, April 25, 2011
Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) Convention
Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, Maryland
8:30 a.m. WMS Opening Session
12:00 p.m. Annual Luncheon, Martin’s Crosswinds, Greenbelt, MD
2:00 p.m. Business and Institutes
7:00 p.m. Missionary Witness and Night in White
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 Women in Ministry
8:30 a.m. Women in Ministry Prayer Breakfast
Women in Ministry Meeting and Elections
Pre‐conference Episcopal Meetings
1:00 p.m. Presiding Elders and Conference Finance Committees
2:30 p.m. Board of Examiners meets with Bishop
3:30 p.m. Bishop in private consultation with pastors and preachers by appointment
5:00 p.m. DINNER
7:00 p.m. Opening Worship Service (Black Vestments) – The Rev. Samuel E. Hayward, III, Keynote Preacher, Hemingway Memorial AME Church
9:30 p.m. Organization of Annual Conference
Roll Call, Transfers
Lay Delegates Seated/Credentials
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
8:30 a.m. Devotion and Meditation
9:00 Conference Institute
10:00 Conference Business
Organization of Annual Conference Continued:
Thursday, April 28, 2011
6:00 a.m. Early Morning Prayer Call
8:30 a.m. Devotion and Meditation
9:00 a.m. Conference Institute
10:00 a.m. Conference Business
Reading of Minutes
Pastors’ Reports
Ministerial Efficiency
Request(s) for Superannuation
12:00 noon Midday Refreshing
1:30 p.m. LUNCH
3:00 p.m. Devotion
Conference Business
Friday, April 29, 2011
8:30 a.m. Devotions and Meditation
9:00 a.m. Conference Business
Literary Reports
10:30 a.m. Memorial Service and Memoirs and Necrology Report
11:00 a.m. Service of Ordination and Holy Communion (White Vestments) – Bishop McKinley Young, Keynote Preacher, Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District
3:00 p.m. Conference Business
Devotion
Component Reports
Women’s Missionary Society
Debutantes and Masters Commission
Women in Ministry
RED, Inc. and Kittrell Development Initiative
Administrative Reports
Treasurer, Finance Committee, and all Financial Reports
Unfinished Business
Disciplinary Questions
5:00 p.m. DINNER
7:00 p.m. Youth Revival and YPD President’s Report – The Rev. Kenya Smith, Keynote Preacher, Ebenezer AME Church
Saturday, April 30, 2011
9:00 a.m. Church School
10:30 a.m. Closing Worship Service (Black Vestments) – Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Plate of the 2nd Episcopal District
Conference Business
Report of the Statistician
Resolutions
Commissioning Service
Presentation of Certificates
Reading of Appointments
Benediction
Contacts:
The Rev. Jonathan L. Weaver
2011 Washington Annual Conference (AME Church), Public Relations Chairperson
jonathanwea@gmail.com
301-249-7545
Sister Patricia Matthews
2011 Washington Annual Conference (AME Church), Public Relations Coordinator
padima@msn.com
301-568-9127
16. THE 99TH SESSION SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE CHURCH GROWTH AND EXPANSION REPORT:
The 21st Century has brought churches into a new way of approaching ministry. Technology was a key component in the 2008 election of our 44th President, Barack Obama. Social Networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, etc. have enhanced church ministries in a unique way. For example, Facebook has a place where a church can announce upcoming events and can confirm persons who choose to commit to attending. If the African Methodist Episcopal Church is going to expand and grow, the church must become technologically literate. Many people don’t receive paper mail as they once did. There are other alternatives that are much more time consuming and less expensive. There is email, text messaging, teleconferences, and web-ex trainings.
The committee recommends three suggestions to grow and expand the church. The first thing is a website. This should give an overview of the church including church leaders, staff, current ministries, and a brief history. This will give potential members the opportunity to explore the church and what it has to offer.
The second recommendation is for the church to offer continuing education in the areas of technological advancement. It is important to move with time because electronics become obsolete much quicker than in earlier years. Education is an important factor in advancing within the church.
The final recommendation is for the church to learn more about the social networks and utilize them to their fullest potential. The social networking can be used for announcements, confirmations, encouragement, basic communication and several other things. Such a network can prove to be beneficial in promoting ministry and growth.
In conclusion, growth and expansion of the church is significant for the future of the church. Taking the aforementioned recommendations and building upon them can not only enhance the future of the church, but can also enhance the current operations of the church. The world that we live in is constantly changing and we must remember that we have a charge to serve the present age.
Submitted by the Rev. Jermaine D. Harris, Chair; the Rev. Ronnie Averett, the Rev. Ernest Davis, Jr., the Rev. Elzie Staten, Sr., the Rev. George Vereen, the Rev. Walter Washington, the Rev. Alfreda Williams, the Rev. Joseph Hankins, the Rev. Sims Lewis, the Rev. Vera Caruthers, the Rev. James Austin, the Rev. Timothy White; Sister Alma Resse, Sister Janet Mitchell, Sister Claretha Vicks; Brother Herman Williams, and Brother Charles D. Smith
17. THE TWENTIETH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2011 SCHEDULE OF ANNUAL CONFERENCES:
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 20th Episcopal District
Mrs. Joan M. McAllister, Supervisor of Missions
The North Malawi Annual Conference
The Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
August 24, 2011
The North Malawi Annual Conference
August 25-28, 2011
McAllister Temple AME Church
Karonga, Malawi
The Rev. Aubrey Simtowe, Host Pastor
The Rev. Menard Kafwimbe, Host Presiding Elder
The Central Malawi Annual Conference
The Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
August 31, 2011
The Central Malawi Annual Conference
September 1 – 4, 2011
Ninive AME Church
Kasungu, Malawi
The Rev. Simion I. Mwase, Host Pastor & Host Presiding Elder
The South Malawi Annual Conference
The Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
September 7, 2011
The South Malawi Annual Conference
September 8-11, 2011
McAllister International AME Church
Blantyre, Malawi
The Rev. Rosetta Swinton, Host Pastor
The Rev. Daved Kanyoza, Host Presiding Elder
REST WEEK
September 12-18, 2011
The Southwest Zimbabwe Annual Conference
The Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
September 21, 2011
The Southwest Zimbabwe Annual Conference
September 22 – 25, 2011
Young’s Chapel AME Church
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Amon Mthombeni, Host Pastor
The Rev. Eustice B. Ginya, Host Presiding Elder
The Central Zimbabwe Annual Conference
The Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
September 28, 2011
The Central Zimbabwe Annual Conference
September 29 – October 2, 2011
Allen Chapel AME Church
Kadoma, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Peter Rugeda, Host Pastor & Host Presiding Elder
The Northeast Zimbabwe Annual Conference
The Women’s Missionary Society Annual Convention
October 5, 2011
The Northeast Zimbabwe Annual Conference
October 6 – 9, 2011
Bright Temple AME Church
Harare, Zimbabwe
The Rev. Daniel Chimuse, Host Pastor
The Rev. Francis Kataka, Host Presiding Elder
18. CHRISTIAN ACTIVISTS "CHANGING THE POLITICS OF HUNGER":
*By Bishop Don Williams
As Christians, many of us regularly help people in need by volunteering at food banks and donating to charities. While these efforts are important, we can do more to protect and support government programs that provide vital resources to people in need. But where do you begin?
Bread for the World will host its biennial National Gathering 2011 in Washington, DC, June 11-14, to engage Christians like you in advocacy. My friend and colleague Rev. Dr. Frank Thomas, of Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, TN, is one of this year’s featured speakers. I sat down with him a few weeks ago to talk about why this event is important.
Me: Why is Christian advocacy important—especially with regard to hungry and poor people?
The Rev. Dr. Thomas (RDT): The seemingly ever-expanding gap between the rich and the poor demands a response from Christians and all people of goodwill. Jesus said, “As you feed the poor and clothe the naked, as you have done it to the least of these, so have you done it unto me.” As we speak on behalf of the poor and hungry, we speak on behalf of Jesus, and everything that we do for the poor and hungry, we do it for Jesus.
Me: What compelled you to participate in Bread for the World’s National Gathering 2011?
RDT: [The Gathering] is a wonderful conference with like-minded people who have a passion to extend the grace of food to those who are underfed and hungry. It is the right cause and the right movement that makes the world a more humane place. I chose to participate because participation makes me more humane.
Me: How does this year’s theme, “Changing the Politics of Hunger,” relate to your teachings about hope and mission?
RDT: It is not that there is not enough in the world to feed the world. It is the politics of distribution that explains why some have and some have not. It is the responsibility of Christians who serve a God who made the world to speak and stand against the world’s politics of distribution and ensure that everyone has food to eat.
There will be no shortage of dialogue like this at National Gathering 2011. Other confirmed speakers include New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman, the Rev. Gabriel Salguero, president and founder of the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Ched Myers of Bartimaeus Cooperative Ministries, and 2010 World Food Prize laureate David Beckmann.
As Christians, we have the ability to put our faith into action and become advocates for people in need. You can start this June by attending the National Gathering, where you’ll join hundreds of Christian activists from around the world, meet prominent figures in the fight to end hunger and poverty, and leave prepared for advocacy. Visit www.bread.org/event/gathering-2011 for more information.
*Bishop Don DiXon Williams is 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, in Danville, Virginia.
19. BORN OF GOD - A VISITATION THAT BRINGS A HABITATION:
But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:12-13).
There’s not a man alive with an ounce of gumption who will say that salvation comes from self-determination. There is no man so holy as to declare himself, or another person, a child of God. The new birth is a spiritual activity that belongs only to a Sovereign God who is the source of all life. John, in these verses has us understand that he is not referring to the physical birth. He is referring to the new birth, being born of God, which has nothing to do with human achievement.
When I think of the new birth, my mind rushes to Nicodemus. This was a new thing for him, and though he didn’t understand the concept, he was certainly willing to listen and learn. What he did with the information given to him by the Lord Jesus Christ himself, we will not know until we arrive in heaven.
Like many folks with whom we come in contact, he was a gifted man, moral and quite refined according to John 3:1. He was a man of the Pharisees, a ruler of the Jews. What could Nicodemus possibly need from Jesus of Galilee that he would come to him in the dark of night? The same thing we need of the Giver of Life, the Man sent from God, the Miracle Worker. He needed to understand what it meant to be born again, for Jesus is telling him that without the new birth it will be impossible to see the kingdom of God.
“Well, Lord, how in the world can a grown man such as I—? I’m not a kid. In fact, I’m an older man— Explain to me how a man can enter the second time into his mother’s womb and be born.”
Jesus must have smiled, knowing that Nicodemus, an intelligent man, was not grasping the spiritual aspect of which he spoke. The omniscient God certainly had the answer. He told Nicodemus he must be born of water and the spirit, and Jesus continues his conversation by contrasting the physical birth and the spiritual birth (water and spirit) by telling him the flesh produces flesh while the Spirit produces that which is spiritual. This was not meant to shock Nicodemus. He was simply to believe that to become a part of God’s spiritual kingdom, he must experience a spiritual birth. It boiled down to this: “Marvel not (don’t be shocked) that I said unto thee, ye must be born again.”
“But Master, I’m still not clear on this,” Nicodemus must have said. “How does this all take place?”
“The wind blows,” Jesus told him, “and you hear the sound of the wind blowing, but you cannot tell where it originates. Neither do you know where it goes when it passes you by. But you do enjoy the luscious cooling of the breeze on a hot summer day, no questions asked.”
Nicodemus still didn’t understand. Jesus gently rebuked the ruler with some strong words, reminding him he was an intelligent man.
Human birth does not give you spiritual life; only God who is life can impart life. Spiritual life originates above in the loving heart of God. It cannot be inherited from parents even though they may have been holy parents; it doesn’t come about by self-effort or self-determination. It isn’t the will of man, human influence, good works, church membership, or baptism that brings a dead soul to life; the privilege of imparting life belongs to the giver of life. Salvation is supernatural and is fully a gift of God’s grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is only one way to become a child of God. “To be born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13).
Central to the theme of scripture is the doctrinal truth that God is the giver of physical life and he is the giver of new life in Christ (spiritual life). Humanity is impotent to become what it was destined to be without the transcendent power of God.
Are you born of God?
Victor W. Baugh, Sr., Th.D., Ph.D.
Pastor, St. Luke AME Church
Havana, Alabama
20. CLERGY FAMILY CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- Congratulations to retired Presiding Elder Jesse Floyd McCloud
Presiding Elder J. F. McCloud celebrated his 95th Birthday on February 17th. This giant of a man served the AME Church for over 50 years. Because of his love for God and the people, he was successful as a Pastor and Presiding Elder. At age 95, Reverend McCloud truly is a patriarch and a Father of African Methodism.
The Southeast Alabama Conference honored Reverend McCloud and celebrated his 95th Birthday on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Colby's Buffet in Ozark with an outstanding Birthday Celebration Luncheon. His many family members and friends joined us in this glorious celebration. Everyone was welcomed to the "Jesse Floyd McCloud Day." This event was hosted by the Southeast Alabama Conference Presiding Elders, their spouses, his daughter Ruby McCloud-Clark and her family.
The Southeast Alabama Conference is proud to have such an exemplary Man of God and we thank God for his input in the life of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. His proven track record of service and commitment has provided guidance to many pastors, ministers and lay persons.
The Reverend McCloud closed the luncheon by giving some "Words of Wisdom" for us to live by. His personal saying is "LOVE IS THE ANSWER"
The Reverend McCloud is the Uncle of Bishop E. Earl McCloud and Dr. Rosa McCloud-Baxter.
Belated congratulations may be sent to:
The Reverend J. F. McCloud
105 Sundale Drive
Dothan, Alabama 36303
Phone: (334) 983-1966
Submitted by,
Allie Bell-Reddick
Administrative Support, Dothan-Eufaula District
The Reverend David E. Reddick
Dothan-Eufaula District - Presiding Elder, Southeast Alabama Conference, 9th Episcopal District - AME Church
Servant Bishop James L. Davis, Presiding Prelate
9th Episcopal District - AME Church
- Congratulations to Presiding Elder Dr. & Mrs. Louis Toney!
It is with jubilation that we the members of the Chicago Annual Conference and the Fourth Episcopal District Family share in the Celebration Appreciation of the Rev. Dr. Louis and Mrs. Toney on April 29, 2011, at the Belverdere Chateau, 8055 W. 103rd Street, Palos Hills, IL, 60465.
Presiding Elder Louis and First Lady, Doris Toney have served in ministry for 51 years.
Dr. Toney served as student pastor in Columbia South Carolina while attending Allen University in the Seventh Episcopal District. He was later transferred to the Fourth Episcopal District where he served faithfully as pastor along with his wife Mrs. Doris Toney. His pastoral charges included the following churches: Bethel, Robbins, IL, (Suburbia) Wayman, Chicago, Carey Temple, Chicago, Woodlawn, Chicago and Coppin, Chicago, IL
After pastoring for many years, The Right Reverend Philip R. Cousin, retired Bishop of the AME Church appointed Dr. Toney Presiding Elder of the Milwaukee District. Following the retirement of Presiding Elder Clarence G. Robinson, he was appointed Presiding Elder for the North District of the Chicago Annual Conference by the Rt. Rev, John R. Bryant, Presiding Prelate of the Fourth Episcopal District and Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Expressions of Congratulations Can Be Sent to:
The Rev. Dr. Louis Toney and Mrs. Doris Toney
410 Highland Road
Matteson, IL 60443
Email: LouisToney@att.net
- Congratulations to the Rev. Alice Patterson
The Rev. Alice Patterson, Pastor of Trinity A.M.E. Church in Detroit Michigan is celebrating the birth of her first grandchild. Jordan Dyrel Johnson was born to Deanna and Dyrel Johnson on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 7:33 p.m., weighing 5 lbs, 1 oz. , 18 inches long. Other proud grandparents are Rev. Patterson’s husband Wray and Charles and Venita Johnson. All praised God for Jordan’s grand entrance into this world.
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to proud grandmother, the Rev. Alice Patterson: revalicep@sbcglobal.net
-Congratulations to Christina Marie Dickerson, the Daughter of General Officer and Mrs. Dennis C. Dickerson
Christina Marie Dickerson will receive a Ph.D. in History from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, during Commencement on May 13, 2011 at 9:00 A.M.
Christina received her undergraduate degree from Spelman College in 2004 (summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa). She is an active member of Greater Bethel A.M.E. Church in Nashville and is the daughter of Dr. Dennis C. Dickerson (Historiographer/Executive Director of the Department of Research & Scholarship) and Mrs. Mary A. E. Dickerson.
christina.m.dickerson@vanderbilt.edu
whhbutler@cs.com (Dr. Dickerson)
- NBC News Names Ken Strickland, son of the Rev. Lishers Mahone, Jr. and Mrs. Betty Mahone, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief
Kenneth Strickland has been named as the new Deputy Washington Bureau Chief for NBC News, effective Monday, March 21, 2011. Kenneth is a 1985 graduate of Joliet Central High School and a graduate of Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in Mass Communications. His proud parents are the Rev. Lishers Mahone, Jr. (Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church-Joliet, IL) and Mrs. Betty Mahone (Retired Teacher - Joliet Central High School).
Congratulatory responses can be emailed to: firstladymahone@hotmail.com
(See News Link Below).
NBC News Names Ken Strickland Deputy Washington Bureau Chief
Posted on 11. March, 2011
Below is the announcement that VP and Washington Bureau Chief Antoine Sanfuentes sent to all NBC News staff: It is my privilege to announce today that our own Ken Strickland will be stepping into the position of NBC News Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, effective Monday, March 21st. In this role, he will work with me to manage the day-to-day operation of the bureau and oversee and drive all aspects of our coverage. You all know Ken as the stately force on Capitol Hill, where he has been Senate Producer since 2003. In this role, he has reported on and off air on every major story that came through the United States Senate, including four Supreme Court confirmation battles, the bank bailouts, and health care reform. In 2008, he won an Emmy for breaking news coverage on the collapse of the bank bailout talks in Congress.
Some of us have had the pleasure of working with Ken since he became a member of the NBC News team in April 1995, when he joined as an Associate Producer for "Dateline NBC." On his third day on the job, the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City was bombed and Ken was immediately dispatched to the scene to coordinate NBC's coverage with the local affiliate.
In June 1997, he joined me as a White House Producer - a position he held for six years, spanning the last three years of the Clinton administration and the first three years of the Bush administration. During this time, he produced coverage of President George W. Bush's trip to Ground Zero in New York City in the days following the 9/11 attack. We traveled countless miles together witnessing Presidential history and I have always been grateful for that. I am really looking forward to our partnership.
Before joining NBC News, Ken worked for WKRN-TV in Nashville, WVTM-TV in Birmingham, and CNN in Atlanta. He received several distinguished honors through this time, including a Peabody Award, two regional Emmys, and an award from the National Association of Black Journalists.
In his new role, Ken will keep the trains running on time and oversee our network news coverage, as well as work in collaboration with regional news directors, MSNBC, CNBC, WRC and News Channel, and msnbc.com. Ken knows this town and he knows this business. I have great faith that his incomparable knowledge, sound editorial judgment, and keen creativity will keep NBC News at the forefront as we continue to evolve and better serve our viewers. Please join me in congratulating Ken Strickland on the latest of his long list of accomplishments at NBC News.
- Sister Bessie Wynn Celebrated 103rd Birthday
Sister Bessie Wynn of Blountstown, Florida celebrated her 103rd birthday on Tuesday, April 5, 2011. Sister Wynn is the widow of the late Rev. Samuel Wynn who passed several years ago and she has been an active member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Blountstown, Florida for much of her life. The current pastor at St. Paul is the Rev. Calvin Griffin.
Please send Birthday Greetings to:
Mrs. Bessie Wynn
P.O. Box 133
Blountstown, Florida 32424
Or via email, to her granddaughter Mrs. Stacy Spence at: stacyjspence@yahoo.com
- Congratulations to Lieutenant Mycel D. Scott
The Rev. Sherri Cowley Scott, Itinerant Elder in the West Tennessee Annual Conference of the 13th Episcopal District proudly announces the marriage of her oldest son, Lieutenant Mycel D. Scott to Ms. Heather Golson on Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Olivet Baptist Church in Pensacola, Florida. The reception was held at the Pensacola Yacht Club and the couple honeymooned in St. Lucia. Mycel is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, a Naval Aviator (flying F/18 Super Hornets) and a flight instructor at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. He is also the grandson of the late Rev. Donald L. Cowley, former pastor of White's Chapel AME Church, Memphis, Tennessee and Mrs. Imogene B. Cowley of Memphis, Tennessee.
Congratulatory messages may be emailed to SScott3488@aol.com (Rev. Sherri Cowley Scott) and icowley2008@live.com (Mrs. Imogene B. Cowley).
- Congratulations to the Rev. Dr. Betty W. Holley
The Rev. Dr. Betty W. Holley was recently appointed Presiding Elder of the Springfield/Xenia District, by Bishop C. Garnett Henning, during the Third Episcopal District Mid-Year Convocation. Dr. Holley also serves as a full time Associate Professor of Practical Theology for Payne Theological Seminary.
Congratulatory messages can be emailed to: BHolley@payne.edu
21. EPISCOPAL FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce the passing of the Brother of Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr.
We are saddened to announce news of the passing of Mr. Gary Cousin, the brother of Bishop Philip Robert Cousin, Sr. Mr. Gary Cousin passed after an extended illness.
Services for Mr. Gary Cousin are being held today, April 12, 2011
St. John AME Church
6461 SW 59th Street
South Miami, FL 33143
305-665-1191
The Reverend Philip Johns, Pastor
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to:
Bishop & Mrs. Philip Robert Cousin, Sr.
1322 Rosemary Drive
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Phone: (815) 577-9706
Please remember the Cousin family in your prayers.
22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We regret to announce the passing of Mrs. Willie Mae Davis, the mother of the Reverend Roger L. Armstead, pastor of Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church, Dunnellon, Florida. Mrs. Willie Mae Davis (95 year old) passed on April 6, 2011.
Home going Celebration for Mrs. Willie Mae Davis:
Visitation: Friday, April 15, 2011
5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Bethel AME Church
750 Avenue Y. N.E.
Winter Haven, FL
863-293-5538
Home Going Celebration: Saturday, April 16, 2011
12 noon
Hurst Chapel AME Church
875 Avenue O. N.E.
Winter Haven, FL 33885
863-293-6415
Services provided by:
Charles Lewis Funeral Home
1700 Second Street NW
Winter Haven, FL
863-293-9830
Messages of Condolences may be sent to:
The Reverend Roger L. Armstead
3813 Fieldstone Circle
Winter Haven, FL 33881
863-326-1415
Email: armsteadr@hotmail.com
Or to:
The Reverend Roger L. Armstead
Mt. Olive A.M.E. Church
11779 Summit Avenue/P.O. Box 638
Dunnellon, FL 34430
352-489-7722 (phone)/ 352-460-0426
mtoliveamedunnellon@yahoo.com
23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are saddened to announce news of the passing of Mrs. Isabelle Letbetter, the wife of Retired Elder Samuel Letbetter of the United House of Prayer for all People, the sister of Presiding Elder James E. Taylor of the West Savannah District/Georgia Annual Conference and the sister-in-law of Mrs. Shirley V. Taylor, Episcopal President of the Ministers' Spouses Widows/Widowers Org. Plus PK's of the Sixth Episcopal District.
Service arrangements for Mrs. Isabelle Letbetter:
Visitation: Saturday, April 16, 2011
6:00-8:00 p.m.
United House of Prayer for all People
1209 W Victory Drive
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: (912) 231-9800
Funeral:
Sunday, April 17, 2011
2:00 p.m.
United House of Prayer
1805 Ogeechee Road
Savannah, GA 31415
Phone: (912) 236-8877
Professional services are entrusted to:
Sidney A. Jones & Campbell Funeral Home
124 West Park Ave.
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Phone: (912) 234-7226
Expressions of sympathy may sent to:
Presiding Elder & Mrs. J.E. Taylor
7609 Ashford Court
Savannah, Georgia 31406
Phone: (912) 354-3532
Email: jet0912@att.net
24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:
We are deeply saddened to announce the homegoing of the beloved retired Presiding Elder Sims Lewis. The Reverend Sims Lewis, with over 60 years of service to the AME Church of Georgia, formally retired eight years ago at Saint Paul AME Church in Valdosta, Georgia. His final church home, Bethel/Acworth in the North Atlanta District of the Atlanta North Georgia Conference was where he served as an associate minister until his death. Also Bethel/Aworth was one of the many churches that he served as pastor over his long service career. Two additional charges where he served are Marietta Chapel and Saint James/Savannah. The Reverend Lewis is survived by his immediate family, his church family, and his Sixth Episcopal District family.
Please pray for the Lewis family and friends during this time of mourning and celebration.
Service Arrangements for Reverend Sims Lewis:
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Family Visitation: 12:00 noon - 12:45 p.m.
Funeral: 1:00 PM
Bethel A.M.E. Church
4683 Bell Street
Acworth, Georgia 30101
Church Phone: 404.983.3882
Eulogist, the Reverend H. E. Terrell, Retired SED Presiding Elder
Pastor, the Reverend Norma Tyson
Interment is immediately following.
Professional services are entrusted to:
Mack Eppinger & Sons Funeral Service
210 Bartow St
Cartersville, GA 30120
Ph: 770.386.1313
Fax: 678.721.9505
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to Mack Eppinger & Sons Funeral Service (address above) or to:
Natalie Lewis, Daughter
4270 Taylor St
Acworth, Georgia 30101
Home Phone: 770.972.2619
25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICES AND CONGRATULATORY ANNOUNCEMENTS PROVIDED BY:
The Clergy Family Information Center
Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Chair
Commission on Social Action
Ora L. Easley, Administrator
AMEC Clergy Family Information Center
E-mail: Amespouses1@bellsouth.net
Web page: http://www.amecfic.org/
Phone: (615) 837-9736 (H)
Phone: (615) 833-6936 (O)
Cell: (615) 403-7751
BLOG: http://ameccfic.blogspot.com /
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AMEC_CFIC
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-AME-Church-Clergy-Family-Information-Center/167202414220
26. CONDOLENCES TO THE BEREAVED FROM THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER:
The Chair of the Commission on Publications, the Right Reverend Richard Franklin Norris; the Publisher, the Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour and the Editor of The Christian Recorder, the Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III offer our condolences and prayers to those who have lost loved ones. We pray that the peace of Christ will be with you during this time of your bereavement.
