THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE ENGLISH EDITION (8/12/11)

Bishop Richard Franklin Norris - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, the 20th Editor, The Christian Recorder – Since 1852

--Where Bishops and General Officers will be preaching—

- Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 13th Episcopal District will be the guest preacher at Vernon Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 18500 Norwood in Detroit, Michigan on Sunday, August 14, 2011 – 10:00 a.m.

-- Connectional Lay Organization 32nd Biennial Convention--
August 12 - 18, 2011
Marriott-Renaissance Center
Detroit, MI
The date of the Candidates Forum will be held on Monday, August 15th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

1. EDITORIAL – “THE AME CHURCH HAS SUCH A BRILLIANT MODEL…”:


Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

Is there any such a thing as African Methodist Episcopal worship? Should there be? Should a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church expect to be able to identify African Methodist Episcopal worship anywhere in the world in a church that is listed and identified as an AME Church?

Since the African Methodist Episcopal Church is a connectional church shouldn’t we presuppose or take for granted that there is a connectedness or something universal about us as a denomination that makes us different from churches that function as independent entities?

If a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church visited an African Methodist Episcopal Church and could not identify any semblance African Methodist Episcopal worship, wouldn’t one expect that person to be perturbed? Do we, as members of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, have the right to expect some semblance or connectivity of AME worship? My answer to all of the questions is, “Yes!” African Methodist Episcopal worship all over the world should have connectivity. The Discipline on Page 483 says, “Our order of worship is intended to be flexible so as to provide for richness and variety of content. At the same time, it must have such unity as to insure that all members of our church will feel at home in any AME Church.”

I have observed and heard a lot of discussion about the worship services in many of our churches. People ask, “What is AME worship?” Even some preachers have asked that question, “What is AME worship?”

What is African Methodist Episcopal worship?

The question should never have to be asked by a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and it should never be asked by AME clergy.

Before I provide the answer about AME worship, let me say that our Zion, along with many other religious and secular organizations, is guilty of making at least two mistakes.

We don’t follow our own rules; we make rules, but so often we don’t follow them and we don’t always follow The Discipline, which reminds me of a statement made by Sister Orletta E. Caldwell of the 4th Episcopal District who said, “The AME Church has such a brilliant model and we just blow it.”

The second mistake we make is that we don’t utilize the notion or the rule of deterrence. Clergy and laity break the rules and they are not chastised or punished; and as a result others feel they can get away with breaking the rules; and they do. And, when people are not held accountable, they have no fear of breaking the rules.

But, for those who may be asking the question “Is there such a thing as African Methodist Episcopal worship?” The answer is a resounding, “Yes, there is worship defined as African Methodist Episcopal worship!”

The definition and rubric for the African Methodist Episcopal worship is found in The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 beginning on Page 483; which is why it is inappropriate for the question of “What is African Methodist Episcopal worship?” to be asked by AME clergy, because if a clergy person asks the question, it means that he or she has not read The Discipline. If a member of the AME laity asks the question, it means that they have not been taught about AME worship by the pastoral leadership and they have not read The Discipline.

The intent of The Discipline and the AMEC Book of Worship is clear

It is clear that the “mothers and fathers” of the African Methodist Episcopal Church wanted African Methodist Episcopal worship to consistent across the denomination and that’s the reason The Order of Morning Worship has been put in The Discipline, the A.M.E. Hymnal, and the AMEC Book of Worship. In the older Disciplines, the worship liturgy section was called “Worship and Ritual.”

The liturgical acts of worship that make a worship African Methodist Episcopal are: the Doxology; the “Call to Worship”; the Opening Hymn from the AME Hymnal; prayer before the scripture; the Preface Hymn to the Decalogue; the Decalogue; the Gloria Patri; the Offertory (Hymn numbers 644, 645, and 646 are listed); and the Doxology.

The Abridged Decalogue consists of the First Commandment, “Nearer My God to Thee,” and the Summary of the Decalogue). The Summary of the Decalogue is the words of Jesus found in Matthew 22: 37-40. In the case of both, the Abridged or the Summary of the Decalogue, the Preface Hymn and the Gloria Patri will be sung. These acts of worship make worship uniquely AME! If those liturgical movements are parts of the worship liturgy anywhere in the world, any AME would be able to recognize the worship as being African Methodist Episcopal worship.

The other liturgical acts of worship: the prayer, scripture lessons, anthem, choir selection, altar call, notices and announcements, hymn of preparation, the sermon, invitation to discipleship, the offering are acts of worship practiced by most churches and definitely Protestant churches; and we expect those to be a part of the AME worship experience.

Why does the question of “What is AME worship” surface?

The question surfaces because some local churches and pastors have eliminated or abridged the worship service to the point that the worship service is not an AME worship service.

Some pastors have eliminated the Decalogue because they think, especially the full Decalogue, makes the service too long. I suspect that some churches have no idea about the contents of the full Decalogue. I find it hard to understand why pastors are so quick to abbreviate the Word of God. The problem of the shortening the worship service might be solved by cutting back the length of some of the choir selections, the announcements and maybe even the sermon.

Other practices

Some pastors have “manufactured” other practices into the AME liturgy. For example, I have heard, but have not witnessed myself, that a pastor asked the parishioners to remain seated for the Doxology. Another pastor had all of the parishioners stand at the altar to receive Communion with the explanation “We are going to do it differently today.” I have also heard about a pastor who decided to read the scripture before the prayer with the same explanation, “We are going to do it differently today.” And, there are pastors who forego the sermon so that the choir can sing in place of the sermon. And, one of the most unbelievable things I heard several months ago was the report of a pastor who asked the people to remain seated for the Decalogue; I found that hard to believe.

Some pastors have parishioners to remain in their pews for the altar call. I am guessing that might be done in the interest of time. But, if the people are not going to the altar, it’s just a congregational prayer. If parishioners don’t go to the altar, it’s not an altar call. Talking about altar calls, there are pastors who talk and talk all through the altar call without giving the people an opportunity to talk with God one-on-one, which is so needed today in this world of hustle and bustle. Now, I have seen instances where a preacher gave another sermon during the altar call; and even gave another invitation to discipleship. And when I am invited to the altar; preacher, please stop talking and let me have a private conversation with God. Organist, please no “shout chords”; there’s a time to shout and there is a time to pray. Altar call is a time to pray.

I suspect that most of us have seen pastors, and some of us have done it ourselves; rush through the call to worship, the reading of the scriptures, and the Decalogue. Rushing through the liturgy is not worship. Worship is taking time to expose the goodness and power of God in the lives of those who attend worship and who need to hear a Word from the Lord. I read in the newspaper, a statement made by a minister who described growing congregations. He said, “People in a growing congregation leave the worship service, not thinking about how great the sermon was, but rather leave church thinking about the awesomeness and power of God.”

And, preacher be careful about using the sports event analogy. When I am in worship, I am not cheering for my football team to win, I am trying to get in touch with God; to ask God to forgive me for the evil thoughts that come to my mind. I want to ask God to help me to be a better person and help me to be more spiritual.

I reaffirmed my commitment as a Christian at a young age in the AME Church because I felt comfortable with the worship and Mission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; that has not changed. I want to worship as an AME with the AME worship experience.

My spiritual focus is holiness, not charisma; and there is a difference. My focus is upon Wesleyan Holiness. I believe holiness was the spiritual focus for Richard Allen, the early AMEs; and is today, for committed AMEs. The emphasis of the holiness movement was, and is, upon holy living.

John Wesley stressed both, faith and good works; personal devotions; partaking of the sacrament; personal piety, love and harmony with neighbors; social action; justification and sanctification; evangelism and spiritual growth; religious maturity; and spiritual commitment. Sounds like the emphasis we have in our Discipline.

In the context of the holiness movement, the first work of grace is salvation from sin, and without grace holiness cannot be achieved. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ who made atonement for human sins. By God’s grace, we can become more holy through the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. I want worship to focus on grace, salvation, sin, forgiveness, and holy living. I need to be reinforced, by Word and Sacrament, to be the best Christian that I can be; I don’t need to hear televangelists’ clichés. I need to hear the Word of God.

When was the last time you heard a sermon about the first work of grace and the second work of grace? When was the last sermon you heard about atonement, salvation, forgiveness, or sin? Authentic AME worship includes sermons that deal with the hard theological and biblical issues more than with helping parishioners “get their praises on.”

We have an excellent preaching resource, which I suspect is not being utilized; the Lectionary, No. 796 in the AME Hymnal. If preachers worked with the texts in the Lectionary reading, congregations would get wide range of sermons and it would force pastors to deal with issues other than their “pet” themes and would get parishioners through the Bible over a three-year period.

Authentic AME Worship centers on prayer. The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 on Page 483 says, “Let all those who come join in the service reverently and discreetly after having first knelt, if able, or bowed in silent prayer.”

If we are serious about our Mission as written in The Discipline, The African Methodist Episcopal Church should be seen as a thermostat instead of a thermometer; we should set the spiritual and moral “climate” instead of adjusting to whatever spiritual and moral climate is “out there.” Episcopal Supervisor Earnestine Henning appropriately said, “The AME Church can show the way, only as a model for the world; not as a mirror of the world.”

Other denominations copy, not only our worship, but they copy the model of our governance and episcopacy. Some of our churches and pastors are “throwing away” our biblical foundations, traditions, customs and history without understanding why they were implemented by the “mothers and fathers” of the Church; while others imitate, celebrate, and implement our traditions and customs. I saw a COGIC flyer this past week and the bishops, in their clerical collars looked like AME Bishops; that would not have been the case 20 years ago. The AME Church should be a “model and a thermostat” for the religious and moral climate of our communities and for the world.

The Discipline says, “Our order of worship is intended to be flexible so as to provide for richness and variety of content. At the same time, it must have such unity as to insure that all members of our church will feel at home in any AME Church. For this purpose, we present a basic form of worship within which our ministers may make such additions as needed for their own situation.” (The Discipline, Page 483) Additions may be made as appropriate, but nothing is mentioned about subtracting or taking things out of the worship experience.

Sister Orletta E. Caldwell makes a great point, “The AME Church has such a brilliant model, but so many of us just continue to blow it.”


2. READER RESPONSE TO EDITORIAL AND OTHER ISSUES:

- To the Editor:

RE: The Cliché-Driven Morning Worship Experience

Clichés delivered dramatically and forcefully are not God’s Word and should not be used as substitutes for theological discourse.

Hurray for Dr. Shiver, Jr. He is so correct because I have heard too many sermons that are filled with clichés as the crux or the majority of the sermon. Since our congregants are so educated that they can decipher the difference between fluff and theology, preachers really need to do a better job; after all we are representing the Master Teacher.

The Rev. Velma E Grant

- To the Editor:

RE: TCR News Break - In this economic climate, the African Methodist Episcopal Church needs a strategy; we are not in a “Business as usual” climate

We should not fear the economic climate, but we should develop and have 21st Century strategies. The AME Church is a global denomination, but sometimes we operate like a neighborhood garden club. We had better grow up and stop playing around. This recession has made every other organization and individual I know, change their modus operandi except for our Zion. I am appalled that we still have the same systems in place that we have had for decades. We are in an era where we have gone from CDs to MP3 in less than a decade. I can’t think of moment that we stopped and look at items such as do we need Official Boards; getting a website that is useable? And why do we even need a 10 day General Conference?

I feel that if the leadership doesn’t start making some tough decision; decisions will be made for us.

Orletta E. Caldwell
Detroit, Michigan

3. TCR ONLINE CAN BE READ MORE EFFICIENTLY ON MOBILE PHONES, IPADS AND OTHER MOBILE DEVICES:

Subscribers and readers of The Christian Recorder are now able to read The Christian Recorder Online more clearly on your mobile phones. Thanks to Dr. Mark Tyler, pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church, for sharing with us how to adjust the setting for TCR Online to be read more efficiently on mobile phones.

Enjoy reading The Christian Recorder Online on your mobile devices.


4. "THE JESSE L. BURNS BLACK TIE SOIREE" BENEFIT FOR PAUL QUINN COLLEGE:

"The Jesse L. Burns Black Tie Soiree" Benefit for Paul Quinn College, Dallas, Texas will be held at the 32nd Biennial CLO Meeting on Tuesday, August 16, 2011.

"The Jesse L. Burns Black Tie Soiree" Benefit for Paul Quinn College, Dallas, Texas will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 6 p.m. - 8:45 p.m. The event will be held at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. The $100.00 Ticket Donation includes a ticket to the Kurt Carr Concert.
Contact for Tickets or Donations:

Mrs. Valerie Gary Bell, Chairperson (vbell346@aol.com)
Mrs. Doris Bell, Co-Chairperson
Bishops, General Officers, and Connectional Officers can see their District Lay President for tickets.


** Submitted by Mrs. Valerie Gary Bell, Chairperson (vbell346@aol.com)


5. TWO AME CHAPLAINS PROVIDED GRIEF MINISTRY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE NAVY SEALS THAT WERE KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN:

Chaplain David Brown (2nd Episcopal District) and Chaplain Christilene Whalen (5th Episcopal District) provided grief ministry at Dover Air Force Base in support to the families of the Navy Seals that were killed in Afghanistan last week.

Chaplain Whalen and Chaplain Brown were part of a team of chaplains representing the Navy Chief of Chaplains office. Chaplain Brown said, “About 500 family members and military persons attended the solemn dignified transfer ceremony in a flight line hangar on the base. Distinguished guests included the President of the United States, Secretary of Defense, Secretary of the Navy and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.”

Bishop John White, Ecumenical & Urban Affairs Officer of the African Methodist Episcopal Church expressed his appreciation for Chaplain Brown and Chaplain Whalen’s ministry. He said, “Thank you both for providing grief ministry support to the families of the Navy Seals that were killed in Afghanistan last week. I want to commend both of you for being a part of the team of chaplains representing the Navy Chief of Chaplains Office. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is very proud of you and praise God for your ministry to the men and women and their families who serve our country.”

6. INFORMATION NEEDED FROM CANDIDATES FOR THE OFFICE OF BISHOP, GENERAL OFFICER, EPISCOPAL COMMITTEE CHAIR, OR THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL:

The General Conference will meet in Nashville, Tennessee June 27 – July 4, 2012


Candidate Information:

The deadline to complete the registration requirements as a candidate for election to the office of Bishop, General Officer, Episcopal Committee Chair, or the Judicial Council is December 27, 2011.

Please submit the following to the General Secretary and Chief Information Officer on or before that date:

- A letter declaring the office for which you are a candidate

- A letter from your Presiding Bishop, if you are a minister, stating that you are “in good and regular standing” with your Annual Conference, and indicating your present place of service.

- A letter from your Pastor, if are a lay person, stating that you are “in good standing in the congregation.”

- Have the Health Department or the Department of Vital Statistics of your birth county or state to send directly to the Office of the General Secretary and Chief Information Officer a certified copy of your birth certificate. XEROX copies that you have on-hand will not be accepted.

- A copy of your college and Seminary transcripts. Candidates for Episcopal Service must possess an earned seminary degree from an Association of Theological Schools (ATS) accredited seminary or, if outside the US, an accredited seminary as determined by the country in which he or she is educated.

- A copy of your Elder’s Ordination Certificate. The Presiding Bishop’s name, and the name and number of the Annual Conference must be legible.

- A recent black and white photograph (glossy).

**Submitted by the Office of the General Secretary


7. WELCOME TO THE WEBSITE FOR THE DEDICATION OF THE MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. NATIONAL MEMORIAL:

The Dedication of the Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, DC will take place at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 28, 2011, and this site is your official information resource:

http://www.dedicatethedream.org/site/c.4nJHJQPoEiKWE/b.6715605/k.BDE7/Home.htm?gclid=CM6Btc-PyqoCFYwR2godK2U91Q

The Dedication promises to be a historic event for the U.S. and nations around the world, as Dr. King’s vision and timeless beliefs continue to resonate with people of all lands. World leaders, civil rights pioneers, citizens who remember the hard days of segregation and those leading the next generation closer to Dr. King’s dream, will assemble together for the long-awaited celebration and remembrance.

This ceremony will be the culmination of a week of events, inspired by the establishment of a permanent honor to one of our nation’s greatest citizen leaders. Dr. King was a profound teacher, whose lessons were anchored in the primacy of human dignity. He enacted irreversible social change and led our country forward, relying exclusively on non-violent means. The Memorial will be a lasting tribute to Dr. King’s legacy and will forever serve as a monument to the freedom, opportunity and justice for which he stood.
Whether you live in the Washington, DC area, or are planning to visit for this momentous occasion, this website will offer the latest available information to help you plan. Please visit often, for it will be updated frequently as Dedication planning progresses.

We look forward to sharing with you a joyous and historic day for our nation.

Sincerely,

Harry E. Johnson, Sr.
President & CEO
Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc.

8. METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH MARTIN LUTHER KING MEMORIAL DEDICATION PROGRAM:

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Pre-Dedication worship service

Worship Service at Metropolitan AME Church, 8-9:15 a.m.; the Rev. Grainger Browning, Pastor of Ebenezer AME, Ft. Washington, Maryland, Preaching; and AME Bishops attending and presiding.

Location: 1518 M Street, NW, Washington, DC [Free parking across the street from the church];
Metro rail: Blue-Orange lines; Red line

Time: Sunday, August 28, 2011, 8 a.m.-9:15 a.m.

Attire: [Cool, loose fitting clothing, soft-soled comfortable shoes, sunscreen if you plan to attend follow-up events on Mall

Cost: Free and open to the public

Pre-Dedication Musical Tribute

Preceding the official Dedication of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, the concert will pay tribute to the life, the dream and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Location: West Potomac Park
Time: Sunday, August 28, 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Attire: Cool, loose fitting clothing, soft-soled comfortable shoes, sunscreen
Cost: Free and open to the public

Official Dedication Ceremony of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

Location: West Potomac Park
Time: Sunday, August 28, 11 a.m.
Attire: Cool, loose fitting clothing, soft-soled comfortable shoes, sunscreen
Cost: Free and open to the public

Concert on the Mall

Post-Dedication concert featuring noted artists.
Location: West Potomac Park
Time: Sunday, August 28, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Attire: Cool, loose fitting clothing, soft-soled comfortable shoes, sunscreen
Cost: Free and open to the public

9. TRIBUTE TO AN ANGEL - RECAP OF THE HOMEGOING OF DR. DAWN DELLA DEVEAUX:

The Rev. Velma E. Grant

Monday, the day after Sunday, an ordinary day when most people drag their feet to attend school or show up at the workplace dreading the onset of a long week of schoolwork or routine assignments. Monday, August 1, 2011 was not an ordinary Monday but it was a special day that family, friends, and supporters gathered to say farewell to an inspiring angel in the person of Dr. Dawn Della DeVeaux. Dr. Dawn DeVeaux, the mother of Ryanne Patricia Thomas, was the oldest child of Bishop William Phillips and Dr. Patricia Ann Morris DeVeaux. She was born on March 10, 1962 and died unexpectedly on July 24, 2011. Her home going celebration was a testament of the life that this angel truly lived, it was filled with tears, moments of reflection, and laughter coupled with the love of so many that will miss the encouragement of Dr. Dawn.

Turner Chapel AME Church in Marietta, Georgia was the location for the services and the very capable pastor, the Rev. Kenneth Marcus was the presiding preacher of the homegoing celebration. In his own unique style, the Rev. Marcus reminded those present that they were there to celebrate the life of Dr. Dawn and the tone was set for the celebration with the opening hymn Time Is Filled with Swift Transition. The Turner Chapel Choir as well as musicians did an outstanding job with all musical selections.

It was truly awesome to view the many Bishops (active and retired), General Officers and Connectional Officers (active and retired), Episcopal Supervisors (active and retired) Presiding Elders, pastors/preachers visitors and friends from across the Connection. Truly, the presence of so many on a Monday morning underscores the reason why the AME Church is a “Connectional Church.” People arrived from Florida, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee and other states to show love in the form of ministry of presence to the DeVeaux family. Our hands and hearts extend from state to state, city-to-city, town to region and from sea to shining sea.

Bishops present included Preston Williams, James Davis, Gregory Ingram, Henry Belin, Jr., T. Larry Kirkland, Frank Cummings, John Adams, Frederick Talbot, and Robert Webster. General Officers and Connectional Officers present included the Rev. Dr. Clement Fugh; the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, the Rev. Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor, III, the Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, the Rev. Lola Russell, and Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams. Spouses of the above included Dr. Dolly Adams; Mrs. Lucinda Belin; Mrs. Martha Cummings and the Rev. Dr. Charlotte B. Sydnor. It is truly a testament of love when so many individuals take the time out of their busy schedules to share in the sorrow and at the same time celebrate a life well lived.

Presiding Elder Benjamin Ridley led the congregation in prayer and the Old Testament Scripture of Psalm (46) was read by the Rev. Dr. W.J. McClain, pastor of Saint Paul AME Church, Macon, Georgia, (where Dawn was an active member). The Epistle of I Corinthians 15: 50-58 was read by the Rev. Dr. William Campbell, pastor of Anderson Chapel AME Church, Killeen, Texas. Dr. Campbell was also a close friend of Dr. DeVeaux since the days when they were children and their fathers served as pastors in Massachusetts. The Rev. Dr. Debora F. Grant, pastor of Saint John AME Church in Columbus, Georgia, read the Gospel of John 14: 1-6. Each preacher read with eloquence and with a style that befit the occasion.

The Scripture readings were followed by a Presidential Proclamation given by Dr. Larry E. Rivers, President of Fort Valley State University where Dr. Dawn was an Assistant Professor of Speech and Public Speaking. Love and respect for Dr. Dawn was evident from the members of the Fort Valley community who showed up in large numbers wearing yellow lapel ribbons.

The reflections were both humorous and touching and the personality of Dawn DeVeaux was consistent as each person offered insight into the relationship that they had with Dr. Dawn. Ms. Arletha Williams, Fort Valley State University said that Dr. Dawn was an advocate of women and people of color. Ms. Williams encouraged the hearers to “find multiple people to pour yourself into like Dawn did...tell people…show them that you love them…” The next person, Mr. Ashley Ballard, Lay Organization said that some of the favorite words of Dr. Dawn included “…fantastic, super, amazing...” He also told the hearers to remember the warm and personal spirit of his friend Dr. Dawn Della DeVeaux.

Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler identified as “sister-friend” to Dawn, said that Dawn was committed to nor only her family but her friends. The Rev. Dr. Haigler said “…Dawn chased the darkness of ignorance away with her staunch devotion to womanism and the life of the mind…also understanding that young black males were key to the betterment of the black community.”

Next, family friend Bishop Frank C. Cummings, offered heartfelt words when he told the hearers “…we have come to celebrate the life of someone special…if you want to know the mission of the AME Church, look at the life of Dr. Dawn, the body of Christ come today to share…by his stripes we are healed…she moved from a PK to a professor and moved to paradise…”

Sisters Dana DeVeaux Harris and Robin DeVeaux Morton also offered words of reflection recounting the love that they each had for their sister and the love that she shared with them as a big sister. Dana shared that Dawn was her first friend and her memory keeper, one who gave so much of herself to many. Robin shared that Dawn was not only the aunt of her children but that she was also the God-Mother of Robin’s children. Robin also shared one of Dawn’s many quotes “always be a little kinder than necessary.”

John 14; 1-4 was the text used by the eulogist, the Rev. Ronald L. Slaughter, pastor of Saint James AMEC, Newark, New Jersey. The title, “A Prescription for a Troubled Heart!” was meant for not only Dawn’s family and friends but also it was applicable even to the eulogist since he was the former pastor of Dr. Dawn as well as a surrogate brother. Pastor Slaughter preached and the love for his surrogate sister was evident as he recounted humorous incidents and conversations with Dr. Dawn.

He said “…a fruitful faithful family life relationship Dawn invested in my life… Dawn became my angel by day and by night…she would go out of her way for anyone that she came in contact with…Dawn loved to transform your psychology…she trained Ryanne to become a thinker…Dawn didn’t have a license to preach but you couldn’t tell…her ecclesiastic life matched her domestic life, she practiced what she preached…Jesus offers words of hope to the disciples who have become his family..I parallel Dawn’s life to Jesus with no apology (1) Believe in God because God is qualified and knows what it feels like to lose a child and love one...believe in God even when you do not understand what God is doing..God has the ability to get you through … who else to trust but God who knows what it feels like to lose a child…(2) Believe in Jesus because he’s right here, right now and will be here later to walk you through this moment…Jesus is saying I am literally sitting right here, Jesus is here as a comforter, here right now, when everyone else is gone, I’ll be right here…(3) Believe that Dawn is in a better place…there is no need to wonder where Dawn is…she’s in a place where Jesus was the architect and built a room specifically for her…”

Death is always not an easy thing to embrace especially when the deceased is loved and has such an impact on the lives of many individuals, but as Christians, it is during such times when we are reminded about the importance of community. Yes, we are indeed our brothers and sisters keeper and the koinonia (the Christian fellowship or body of believers) will be here to support the DeVeaux family and all other families that are experiencing the anguish of grief.


10. METROPOLITAN AME CHURCH SERVICE TO CELEBRATE “DREAM AND DREAMER”:

Dr. Grainger Browning and Bishop Adam Richardson at Metropolitan Service to Celebrate “Dream & Dreamer” on Aug. 28

Free Parking and Transportation will be provided to the MLK Memorial

When an expected 250,000 persons converge on the Nation’s Capitol on August 28 for the unveiling of the National Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, Metropolitan A.M.E. Church will host a special worship service to celebrate “The Dream and the Dreamer” prior to the official opening on the Mall. The Rev. Dr. Grainger Browning of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church will be guest preacher and Bishop Adam J. Richardson will give Episcopal remarks.

The worship service at Metropolitan, located at 1518 M St. NW., begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. The official unveiling ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. At the close of the worship service, Metropolitan will offer free shuttle buses from the church to the drop-off point that is closest to the memorial site on the National Mall.

“As the National Cathedral of African Methodism, Metropolitan invites African Methodists from across the Connection to join us for this special Sunday Worship,” said the Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Braxton, senior pastor. “Our sanctuary and church have been restored and modernized, and all the while we have honored the labor of those enslaved African Americans whose original handiwork and devotion made our church the great edifice that it is.”


11. THE REV. GLORIA SYDNOR SMITH PREACHER AT UNITED THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY:

The Rev. Gloria Sydnor Smith, Esq., pastor of Whitman Chapel AME Church in Belpre, Ohio will be the preacher for the Summer Intensive Week at United Theological Seminary. The worship service will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. The Summer Intensives are held at the Marriott Hotel on S. Patterson Blvd., in Dayton, Ohio.


12. THE ELECTED OFFICIALS OF THE WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY OF AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH FOR 2011-2015:

The Newly-Elected Connectional WMS Officers for 2011 – 2015:

Dr. Shirley Cason Reed, International President,
Ms. Deborah Taylor King, 1st Vice President
Ms. Lesa Halfacre, 2nd Vice President
Ms. Deborah. Taylor-King, 3rd Vice President
Ms. Annie Battle Bolden, Recording Secretary
Ms. Tanya T. Harper, Assistant Recording Secretary
Ms. Yvonne Stovall, Corresponding Secretary
Ms. Jeanette Harris, Treasurer
Attorney Ida Tyree Hyche, International Editor
Ms. Potlako "PJ" Molomo, Assistant Editor
Dr. Sherell Vicks Crawford Director, Young People’s Division
Ms. Frances H. Cofield, Historiographer
Ms. Marlyce A. Roberson-McCants, Worship Director
Ms. Corinne W. Thomas, Director, Promotion & Missionary Education
Miss Erica Austin, Member-At-Large

WMS Contact Information:

The Women’s Missionary Society
1134 Eleventh Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20001

Telephone: 202-371-8886
FAX: 202-371-8820
Email: wmsamec@aol.com

*Information provided by Attorney Ida Tyree Hyche, International Editor


13. WHAT SHALL I RENDER?:

Robert T. Matthews, III

When we turn to the Lectionary Readings for the Season of Easter, found in Selection No. 795 of the AMEC Hymnal or the more recently Revised Common Lectionary, we will find what, to many, will appear to be a most unusual and odd discovery. What we discover is that the Scriptural Readings for this seven-week period do not contain any readings from the Hebrew Bible--commonly known as the Old Testament.

In other words, with the exception of Easter Sunday and the Day of Pentecost, Old Testament Scriptures are usually not read during the seven week (fifty day) Season of Easter in the Christian Church. These Old Testament Readings during this Season are usually replaced by a reading from the book of Acts, followed by a reading from the Epistle or I Peter, I John or Revelation and a Gospel reading from John, Luke or Mark, depending upon which Year of the Lectionary Cycle in which they occur. This is verified by the Selection #795 of the AMEC Hymnal, The AMEC Book of Worship or the more recently Revised Common Lectionary of the entire Christian Church—both Catholic and Protestant, The reason for this is that when Jesus was crucified and rose again from the dead, the laws and precepts found in Old Testament Scripture were completely and unequivocally fulfilled.

There are only two exceptions to this rule of excluding the Old Testament Reading from the Season of Easter year after year. The first is a reading from the Book of Psalms, which does not contain laws and precepts but songs and poetics works of praise. The other exception is the Decalogue, which is a moral and eternal law that Jesus expounded upon and raised to a new level of understanding for his followers in His teaching like the Scriptural passage we hear read in the Summary of the Decalogue. Since these are morally eternal laws, not “Mosaic Law”, we still hear them read during the Season of Easter in our Church.

This then brings us the subject of Christian giving and what is inaccurately called “Tithing” in the Church. The fact is that Tithing is no where taught in the New Testament because it was permanently and forever nailed to the Cross. The following facts will bear this out.

1) The Old Testament concept of tithing was not basically monetary but one of giving of livestock and crops.

2) Tithes could only be made to the Levitical Priesthood for their own sustenance and support.

3) None of the 'tithing' that occurs now has any connection to the definition of tithing contained in the Bible other than to mention 10%. In a nutshell, there were three tithes from some of the Israelites and a 4th from the Levites to the Levitical priests.

4) The Levitical tithe required those who raised crops (not everyone and not all professions--just those who raised crops) to give 10% of that to the Levites. This tithe only occurred 6 years out of the 7-year-cycle. It also required those that raised 10 or more animals to give each tenth animal that passed under the rod to the Levites. If a person raised less than 10 animals, they were not required to tithe.

5) From what was given to them, the Levites in turn had to give a tenth of the very best to the priests.

6) The festival tithe required that those who raised crops or animals to set aside 10% for the annual festivals.

7) The poor tithe occurred only in the 3rd year of the seven year cycle. This was set aside for the poor.

8) All tithes were always food and NEVER money even though they did have money and silver back then; but everybody did not raise crops for a living so they did not tithe. (Should the Church Teach Tithing? - Kelley, Russell E., Ph.D.)

9) The Bible Law stipulated that if one wished to convert the tithe to money that a fifth part must be added to it. Thus rendering it to be 12-percent and not 10 percent because the Levites would have to use the money to purchase what would have been provided by livestock and crops and placed into storehouses for their use (Leviticus 27:3).

That having been said, I cannot ever remember the word tithing being mentioned with giving in my local church when I grew up. The term only seemed to have made it way into the Church with the creation of the “mega churches” and their “Prosperity Theology.”

Churches today generally teach their members to give a tenth, or a tithe of their income to the church and to give offerings above the tithe to special causes within the church or wherever or to whatever they want to give. This belief travels well in independent and charismatic churches and crosses denominational barriers; even in the AME Church. The one thing upon which they all can agree is that the tithe assists church boards in preparing balanced budgets in the same manner as profit-making corporations and businesses. But is it Scriptural? (Should the Church Teach Tithing/ Kelley, Russell E., Ph.D) Can it be “read in the (New Testament) Scriptures or proved thereby?” (See Article of Religion #5).

There are 16 verses from 11 chapters and 8 books from Leviticus 27 to Luke 11 that describe the contents of the holy tithe. However, those contents never included money, silver, gold or anything other than food from inside land of Israel! It came from the increase of what God produced in livestock and crops, and not from man’s craft or abilities (Should the Church Teach Tithing?).

Although Matthew bridges the gap between the Old and New Testaments the New Covenant did not begin when Jesus was born, but rather when Jesus died. The term tithe is never used in New Testament Scripture--even in the teaching of Jesus--except where it refers to the Old Testament Law, which both Jesus and all who heard Him were obligated to follow until He died on the Cross. You will find examples of this in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 or the Parable in Luke 18:12. However Tithing is never mentioned again after Jesus died on the Cross. Like blood offering and animal sacrifice and all other things pertaining to the “Law”, tithing was “nailed to His Cross and we bear it no more”

Today even Jews do not tithe and further state that they cannot tithe because they are no longer agricultural and they have no Levitical Priesthood to with they may tithe. This of course, as we Christians know, is because God also removed the Levitical priesthood with the death of Jesus on the Cross, making Jesus the One and Only High Priest and giving the authority of the priesthood to everyone who believe (I Peter 2:9). That is through the “Priesthood of All Believers,” as it is known in the Christian church.

So it is not in the least surprising that major theologians throughout the ages have been opposed to tithing or its perceived equivalent being used in reference to giving in the Christian church. The list of those theologians is quite extensive but it includes Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, Charles H. Spurgeon, John Wesley, Lewis Sperry Chafer, C. I. Scofield, Theodore Epp, Robert A. Baker, Russell Earl Kelly, Richard Lenski, Zola Levitt, J. Stephen Lang and Billy Graham to mention a few of them (Should the Church Teach Tithing?: Kelley, Russell E., Ph.D.).

The thinking of this group of theologians is perhaps best summed up by John MacArthur of the Moody Bible Institute in his Bible Commentary when he wrote: “Christians are not under obligation to give a specified amount to the work of their heavenly Father. In none of their forms do the tithes or other Old Testament levies apply to Christians."

With the upcoming General Conference, the AME Church, too, ought to use this opportunity to correct this error and delete any reference of percentage giving or tithing as form of Christian giving from our Doctrine and Discipline, just as we did when we broke through the almost universally guarded stain-glassed ceiling with the election of women to the bishopric.

Let us stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has set us free; and be no longer encumbered with the yoke of it (Galatians 5:1)--lest in our attempt to keep the (Mosaic) Law, we become accursed rather than being blessed by that law (Galatians 3:10).

The question might arise, “If that be done; what shall I render; what shall I give? The best answer, perhaps not only comes from the song to which the title of this article alludes; but it also comes from John Wesley, Jesus, and Saint Paul.

In 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, Paul gives the following instruction for giving in the Church, both for the support of the ministry and the missionary work. “Now about the collection for the Lord’s people: Do what I told the Galatian churches to do. On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made” (NIV).

In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Saint Paul give us the following standard of how Christians out to give. “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (NIV).

The ultimate plan for Christian giving come from Our Lord, Jesus in Luke 6:38. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (KJV).

And so from these passages we see that Christian giving is never mandatory, but always based on one’s abilities and free will. Christian giving should always be as one is led by the Spirit and as one desires in his or her own heart. Unlike the tithe of the Old Testament there is no percentage attached to what one gives. It is, rather, based on one’s ability to give and sometimes might be more or even less than ten percent. Also, unlike the Old Testament tithe, the above passages of Scripture promise a return benefit to the giver according to what he/she gives. “He who sows sparingly shall reap sparingly shall reap sparingly”; “the same measure that you mete shall be measured to you again.” The implication is also that this principal applies to the giving of the individual as well and the corporate giving of the congregation or even a larger division of the church.

And so the final answer to our question come from the Expository of the Scriptures by John Wesley and from a sermon he preached in 1744 when he said: “Earn all you can, save all you can and give all you can; or in other words, give all you have to God. Do not stint yourself, like a Jew rather than a Christian, to this or that proportion. Render unto God not a tenth, not a third, not half, but all that is God's (be it more or less) by employing all on yourself, your household, the household of faith and all mankind, in such a manner that you may give a good account of your stewardship when ye can be no longer stewards.”

“God has everything, everything belong to God. What shall I render? Tell me, what shall I give?”


14. FINDING FLORA ALLEN: MAY SHE FINALLY REST IN PEACE:

*Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D

I recall vividly one request Bishop Richard Franklin Norris made of me as he appointed me to Mother Bethel in 2008: “I want you to find out what happened to the remains of Flora Allen.” There has never been agreement on where Flora was buried after a 9 month illness took her life in March, 1801. Many believed that she was buried at the Potter’s Field in what is now the prestigious Washington Square just north of Mother Bethel.

Well, I was happy today to call Bishop Norris and share the good news that we now know what happened to the earthly remains of Bishop Richard Allen’s first wife. The Bible says that if you ask, you shall receive. That law of faith is certainly true in this instance.

On Monday, I was contacted by a local researcher by the name of Terry Buckalew. He is a layman who has done a considerable amount of genealogy work in and around Philadelphia. Terry reached out to me to talk about the old burial ground owned by Mother Bethel in the 1800s located at what is now Weccacoe Park (bounded by S. 4th and S. 5th Streets & Queen and Catherine Streets). This in and of itself was news to me and I was happy to find out about this part of our past (even though the story of the lack of upkeep of the cemetery was not so glorious—look forward to hearing about this with Terry’s help at a later date).

Since we were talking about gravesites, I took the opportunity to ask about Flora. Although he did not know right off hand, he agreed to go back over his notes for any clues. I was more than a little surprised to hear back from him before 24 hours had passed. Through accounts found in the Philadelphia Gazette (March 14, 1801) and the Philadelphia Inquirer (November 5, 1889), combined with a little sleuthing, here’s the story he put together.

In 1801, Mother Bethel still worshiped in the first building, the Blacksmith Shop. When Flora died, her body was buried in the basement of that building. Apparently, the church also buried others in that same location until securing the Bethel Burial Grounds referred to earlier. For reasons that are unexplained, people seem to have forgotten that Flora and the others were buried beneath the church. Although two more buildings were built in the same location (1805 and 1841), there is no mention of the small, silent graveyard beneath the worshipers. As generation after generation had come and gone, so did the story of the dead.

However, all of that changed in 1889 with the construction of the fourth and present edifice. While the ground was being excavated, the contractor discovered a mummified corpse and the skeletal remains of others who had been hidden out of view of the congregation. Even then, it is not clear that anyone made the connection that among the dead was Flora Allen. Those remains were exhumed and then re-interred at Lebanon Cemetery (also now a playground on the corner of South 9th and Passyunk Streets in South Philadelphia).

The move would prove only temporary. Less than 15 years later, Lebanon Cemetery was purchased by the new Eden Cemetery just outside the city limits of Philadelphia. All of the remains from Lebanon were kept in the same area at Eden, which suggests strong evidence that Flora (along with those other unnamed founders of our great Zion) is now buried at Eden Cemetery. How fitting that the first “1st Lady” of African Methodism is resting in Eden!

Eden Cemetery, a National Landmark, is “home” to some of Americas most famous Black citizens: Marian Anderson, William Still, Octavius Catto, Francis Ellen Watkins Harper, and a number of the direct descendants of Bishop Richard and Sarah Allen. In addition to the need to restore the monument of Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne in recognition of his 200th birthday this year (see my posting from last year here), we also need to commemorate the spot where Flora rests. She was a tireless co-laborer with our beloved founder and worked until her death in helping to secure a legacy to pass on to us.

Let us ensure that future generations will never again forget where this saint lies in quiet repose. We must put the funding together to place a proper monument at Eden Cemetery so that she will never be lost again. This is certainly something that our entire Connection should want to support.

"As you do for your ancestors, your children will do for you." –African Proverb

(Again, words cannot express our deep appreciation for Terry Buckalew for this incredible discovery. For those who wish to contact him directly, his email address is tebuckalew@gmail.com)

*Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D is the pastor of Mother Bethel AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.


15. HURRY UP AND WAIT:

*The Rev. Joseph A. Darby

Based on Isaiah 40:21-31

No one knows the exact origin of the phrase “hurry up and wait,” but we all know what it means – making careful preparations to get something done on time or to reach a goal and then running into unexpected and inexplicable delays. That can be an aggravation when waiting for a flight that’s delayed, waiting for your number to be called at the Department of Motor Vehicles, or waiting in a grocery store line behind someone who doesn’t understand the meaning of “twelve items or less.”

“Hurry up and wait” usually describes relatively trivial things, but it can also apply to critical things. All of us have at one time or another sought physical or emotional healing, badly needed financial relief, peace of mind in stressful and confusing times or simple relief from life’s demands but have instead found obstacles, barriers, circumstances and even people who seem to get in the way and block or delay our well being. Having to “hurry up and wait” when we don’t find what we need can leave us downcast, distressed, disconsolate and disappointed.

It’s never easy to “hurry up and wait,” but when we earnestly believe that God knows our needs and that God’s timing is better than our timing, then we can be encouraged in our most frustrating times. We can count our blessings, see what God has done and face life with faith that affirms the words of one modern Gospel song: “What God has for me, it is for me.”

We’ll all have to “hurry up and wait” on trivial and critical needs sooner or later, but when we take the time to look back at our lives and see what God has already done, we can patiently leave our needs in the hands of the God who knows what we need before we realize and pray for our needs to be met. Life might put us “on hold,” but we can maintain our hope, serve the Lord anyhow and rejoice that the words spoken by the prophet Isaiah to God’s discouraged and disconsolate people centuries ago are still true: “Energetic children will eventually get tired and young, strong people may stumble and fall, but those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.

If this has been a blessing to you, feel free to share it!

Get Ready for Sunday and if you are visiting Charleston, South Carolina, stop by Morris Brown and be our guests.

Join us for worship at 8 and 11 am on August 14 so that we can thank and praise God together for the blessings of another Conference Year and prepare to host the Palmetto Annual Conference. The Eight O’clock Choir will offer praise at the 8 am service and the Combined Choir, Sunbeam Choir and Young Adult Choir will offer praise at the 11 am service.

Sunday’s Scripture Lessons are:

Psalm 27:1-6
Romans 13:8-14
John 9:1-7

Sunday’s Sermons are:

“Let Christ Shine in Your Live” (8 a.m.)
“Live in the Light” (11 a.m.)

See you in church, and have a great week!

*The Rev. Joseph A. Darby is the pastor of Morris Brown AME Church


16. MARY ANN FOSTER CONNECTIONAL 1ST LADY OF THE AME CHURCH:

*The Rev. Dr. John Foster

Mrs. Mary Ann Foster – 1st Lady of St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church “on the Boulevard” in Savannah, Georgia - was crowned the 2011-2012 Connectional 1st Lady of the Connectional Ministers’ Spouses Widows and Widowers Organization Plus Preachers Kids (CONN-M-SWAWO Plus PKs) at the Clergy Family Awards Prayer Breakfast in Columbia, SC on June 27, 2011. “Mary Ann is our Queen and we are very proud of her” says Dr. PAM DeVeaux – 6th Episcopal District Supervisor. “Mary Ann did a great job. I am happy that she received this distinction.”

The CONN-M-SWAWO Plus PKs 1st Lady competition occurs annually and encompasses gathering sponsors, i.e. financial support from churches, pastors, ministers and lay persons from the Episcopal district. “This award represents a great honor for the entire AME church. We congratulate Sister Mary Ann Foster for working hard and receiving this prestigious award” acclaims Mrs. Shirley V. Taylor – President of the 6th Episcopal District MSWAWO Plus PKs.

The Connectional 1st Lady award is given to the candidate who receives the most support through patrons and sponsors. Sister Foster’s campaign had over 300 patrons from across the state of Georgia as the 6th Episcopal District candidate of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. “Over the past year, my husband the Rev. Dr. John Foster and I traveled throughout the state of Georgia – to all of the AME conferences – to ask for support of my candidacy. The responses were awesome; what a mighty God we serve!” said Sister Foster. “I want to give special recognition to the Presiding Elders of the Georgia Conference – Presiding Elders’ Rev. R. Nathaniel Neal (Savannah District), Rev. James E. Taylor (West Savannah District) and Rev. Dr. Dan Stevenson (Waycross District). Their support was instrumental in the success of my campaign.” Her travels included the cities of Albany, Columbus, Savannah, Augusta, Macon and Atlanta. The awarding ceremony was held at the Columbia Convention Center at the seat of the AMEC Bishop’s Council meeting in Columbia, South Carolina.

The AMEC 6th District – especially the Georgia Conference - had a great showing at the prayer breakfast. In addition to Sister Foster’s recognition, the 6th District received the Attendance award for the most attendees and the most scholarships awarded (3 received). St. Philip AME Church was also well represented. “We support our 1st family and were elated when Sister Mary Ann’s name was announced”, says Beverly Hall – steward and member of St. Philip AME Church.

1st Lady and 1st Gentleman candidates are eligible to run from each district. The funds received support scholarships for the preachers’ kids across the AME Church. The 2011 scholarship recipients are: Alexis Louise Washington (1st District-Bethel AMEC, Pennsauken, NJ), Christopher J. Alexander (6th District - St. Paul AMEC, Columbus, GA), Jordan Kevin Clarke (6th District - Greater Gaines AMEC, Savannah, GA), Gregory V. Eason, Jr. (6th District-Big Bethel AMEC, Atlanta, GA), and Courtney Sharisse Green (6th District – Turner Cathedral AMEC, Marietta, GA).


“We are proud of Sister Foster. It is a grand day for St. Philip AME Church, the Savannah District, the Georgia Conference and the 6th Episcopal District (State of Georgia).” says Presiding Elder Rev. James E. Taylor – Presiding Elder of the West Savannah District. “The support that she received from the Georgia Conference was vital to her receiving this award.” Sister Foster says “St. Philip was awesome; the Georgia Conference was awesome. Everyone was so supportive and encouraging.”

St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church of Savannah, Georgia was founded in 1865. St. Philip’s motto The Blessings are in the Ministries impacts the Savannah community and beyond with inspiring worship services, community outreach and youth ministries. Weekly activities include food ministry, economic development and bible teaching.

Sister Mary Ann Foster is the wife of 25 years of the Rev. Dr. John Foster – Pastor of St. Philip AME Church. Dr. and Sister Foster have served as 1st family of St. Philip AMEC since June 2004. They have three children – Kristina, John Jr. and Jessica. Sister Foster is a native of Ashburn, Georgia.

Congratulations to Sister Mary Ann Foster. “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow!”

*The Rev. Dr. John Foster is the pastor of St. Philip African Methodist Episcopal Church “on the Boulevard” in Savannah, Georgia


17. CHURCH MEMBER ALEX GARDENHIRE TURNS 98 YEARS OLD OF ST. MARK AME EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF TOPEKA KANSAS:

On August 3 2011 marked a great day in history at St. Mark’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, Topeka Kansas. Mr. Alex Gardenhire the oldest aged member of St. Mark’s turned 98 years young. He is married to Ethel Gardenhire. He attends Church School and Sunday Morning Worship Service regularly as well as other events. He is an active participant in Church School and often states that “we must stay prayerful because the devil is always busy.” In the past he served in many areas of the church and is an Army veteran. Also he frequently shares how life used to be when growing up on a 600-acre farm near Alma, Kansas. Another thing to note in the year of 1913 that Mr. Gardenhire was born is that sources state that there was “no federal income tax” and that Jesse Owens, the African American Olympic athletic was born.

Mr. Gardenhire was recently granted the Midwest Conference Lay Life Membership award at the Midwest Conference Lay Convention in Omaha Nebraska in June 2011 under the leadership of Conference President Donald P. Jones, Jr., and local Lay President Foster Chisholm of St. Mark’s.

The Rev. Eraina M. Ross-Aseme, Pastor of St. Mark’s African Methodist Episcopal Church in Topeka Kansas and is a candidate for Bishop 2012 of the African Methodist Episcopal Church


18. IN THIS ECONOMIC CLIMATE, THE AME CHURCH NEEDS A STRATEGY; WE ARE NOT IN A “BUSINESS AS USUAL” CLIMATE:

Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III
The 20th Editor of The Christian Recorder

The article below is a Levine Breaking News item. I am forwarding this because I believe that we may be in for another tumultuous economic “roller-coaster ride.” We don’t have to tremble in fear because we know, as Christians, that God is in control. But, having said that, AME leadership, clergy and leaders among the laity need to be sensitive to the economic climate and its impact upon our community. The stock market does affect us and will have an effect on us.

Unemployment in the African American Community is estimated to be upwards of 26%; and it’s probably higher than that. Pastors need to be in a posture preparation of counseling parishioners who might be on the frontlines of this economic precipice. We hope that we do not see, nor do we want to see, a return of the 2008 climate. If things get worse pastors might need to invite financial advisers who are part of our congregations to help our parishioners and our local churches “get smart” about what is taking place in the market and to share the best strategies for what might be “coming down the pike.”

Preaching is great, but in the words of Dr. Wayman B. Shiver, Jr., our parishioners “need more than clichés!”

-- Levine Breaking News item: Market Bodes Badly for U.S. Banks: Scary Times Are Here Again:

U.S. banks are once again living in fear, with Monday’s beating in the market—their shares plunged 11 percent—just the latest bad news. While few people expect a repeat of 2008’s Lehman debacle, banks are still sitting on huge portfolios of home loans, and a potential recession could lead to fresh losses on these assets. Bank of America, for example, controls one-fifth of the country’s home loan market, valued at $1 trillion. Its share value fell 20 percent Monday after the U.S. credit downgrade and AIG filed a $10 billion lawsuit against it alleging a “massive fraud.”


19. OUR AFRICA: THE U.S. MORAL OBLIGATION TO ADDRESS GLOBAL HUNGER:

By the Rev. Derrick Boykin and Bishop Charles E. Blake

August 12, 2011

Lawmakers have been locked in heated debates recently over how to balance the budget. Some have proposed cuts to safety net and foreign aid programs that would directly impact hungry and poor people abroad. But U.S. foreign aid accounts for less than 1 percent of the budget. Balancing the federal budget will take more than cuts to programs like these. And these cuts will cost us more in the long run, undermining the progress that’s been made in reducing HIV/AIDS-related deaths, maternal and child deaths, and severe malnutrition.

Nearly 12 million people in the Horn of Africa now face a humanitarian emergency stemming from the worst drought in 60 years—the most serious food insecurity crisis in the world today. High food prices and political instability have made it dangerous for aid workers to meet the needs of those who are suffering. Immediate needs include improving food access and addressing health and nutrition issues. Emergency aid is vital right now, but we must also think beyond the current crisis. It is much more cost-effective to invest in building agricultural and economic systems that prevent calamities and are sustainable than it is to respond to food-shortage crises.

What we share with our neighbors in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, parts of Uganda, and Djibouti is the impact of rising food prices and the global financial crisis. These factors have increased hunger and malnutrition around the world. But instead of losing homes and jobs and struggling to put food on the table, people in East Africa—mothers, children, uncles, grandfathers—are dying as they trek to safer areas.

As terrible as this crisis is, it could have been much worse without programs such as Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program. Country-led programs like this help small farmers and poor communities diversify their crops, broaden their income sources, create local markets, better manage their water resources, and increase the nutritional content of their families’ diets. These programs were models for Feed the Future, the U.S. government’s global program to promote sustainable agriculture, food security, and nutrition around the world. This approach to global hunger emphasizes the need to invest a few dollars per person each year to help people become more food secure and resilient to disasters, rather than investing hundreds per person to deliver emergency relief that only covers three to four months.

Unfortunately U.S. funding for such programs, including emergency food aid, is at risk. The Bible tells us to uplift—not demoralize—the “least of these.” The United States must continue its global leadership in ending hunger and poverty, paying greater attention to long-term investments in women and children and in country-led initiatives that lay foundations for sustainable agriculture and livelihood strategies. For more on the crisis, visit http://www.bread.org/hunger/global/eastern-africa-drought/ or http://www.saveafricaschildren.org

The Rev. Derrick Boykin serves as associate for African American leadership outreach at Bread for the World. Bishop Charles E. Blake, founder and CEO of Save Africa's Children, is the Presiding Bishop of the 6.5 million member Church of God in Christ.


20. PLAN NOW TO ATTEND THE THIRD REGIONAL SEMINAR/WORKSHOP MEETING OF THE CONNECTIONAL LAY ORGANIZATION – REGISTER NOW:

The Third Regional Seminar/Workshop meeting of the Connectional Lay Organization will be held on Friday October 7th, 2011 beginning at 12:00 PM and on Saturday October 8, 2011 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Members from the 1st and 2nd Episcopal Districts are invited to share and be a part of this wonderful training experience.

Hotel Accommodations are as follows:

Doubletree Hotel
700 North King Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801
Phone: 302-655-0430
Fax: 302-655-0430
Room Rate: $99.00 plus 10% tax - Please ask for the Connectional Lay AME Church Room Rate

Schedule of Activities:

Friday October 7, 2011 - 12:00 Noon
Registration & Workshop

Friday October 7, 2011 - 7:30 PM
Worship Service - Attire: Lay Colors (Navy Blue & White)
Bethel AME Church
604 North Walnut Street,
Wilmington, Delaware
The Reverend Dr. Sylvester Beaman - Pastor

Saturday, October 8, 2011 - 8:30 AM
Workshops
Doubletree Hotel
700 North King Street
Wilmington, Delaware 19801

Registration fee for this meeting is $40.00, which includes workshops & etc. Deadline for Registration: September 25, 2011
++++++++++++++++++

The African Methodist Episcopal Church Connectional Lay Organization

3rd Regional Seminar/Workshop

Registration Form
Date: ____________

Name: Last ______________________________First ____________________________
Episcopal District: _______
Address: __________________________________________
City/State: ___________________ Zip _____________ Phone: ____________________
Email: _____________________________
Number of Person: ____________
Amount $: __________

Make Checks Payable To: First Episcopal District Lay Organization

Mail To: Shirley Canty
783 Fall Avenue
Uniondale, New York 11553
Phone #: 516-481-7642
E-mail: shirle6c@aol.com

Registration Deadline Date: September 25, 2011

For more information, please contact Sister Edith Cartledge, Connectional Lay Director at (718)538-1341 or (347)385-3654


"This information is being submitted by Walter C. Jeffers - Editor, First District Flame & Co-Director of Public Relations - First Episcopal District Lay Organization"


21. THE NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND PLENARY SCHEDULE:

Bishop James Levert Davis, Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Arelis Beevers Davis, Episcopal Supervisor

THE ALABAMA RIVER REGION ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Second Session
Wednesday, September 7, 2011 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Wed – Sat, Sept. 7 - 10, 2011 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 7, 2011 at 7 p.m.)
St. John’s A.M.E Church
807 Madison Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36104
The Rev. James E. Arnell, Host Pastor
The Rev. Albert L. Hyche, Host Presiding Elder

THE SOUTHEAST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Second Session
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Wed – Sat, Sept. 14 - 17, 2011 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 14, 2011 at 7 p.m.)
Cherry Street A.M.E Church
308 North Cherry Street, Dothan, AL 36303
The Rev. Dr. Eric Little, Host Pastor
The Rev. David E. Reddick, Host Presiding Elder

THE NORTHEAST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Second Session
Wednesday, September 21, 2011 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Wed – Sat, Sept. 21 - 24, 2011 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – September 21, 2011 at 7 p.m.)
Nichols Chapel A.M.E Church
215 11th Street, Phenix City, AL 36801
The Rev. Dr. Isaac N. Hudson, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Joseph A. Hall, Jr., Host Presiding Elder

THE SOUTHWEST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Second Session
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Wed – Sat, Oct 5 - 8, 2011 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 5, 2011 at 7 p.m.)
Bethel A.M.E Church
714 Savannah Street, Mobile, AL 36603
The Rev. Bobby B. Cox, Jr., Host Pastor
The Rev. Ernest A. Rouse, Host Presiding Elder

THE NORTHWEST ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
The Second Session
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 -- WMS Conference (7 a.m. – 5 p.m.)

Wed – Sat, Oct 19 - 22, 2011 - ANNUAL CONFERENCE
(Opening Annual Service – October 19, 2011 at 7 p.m.)
St. John A.M.E Church
708 15th Street, North, Birmingham, AL 35203
The Rev. Mashod A. Evans, Host Pastor
The Rev. Dwight E. Dillard, Host Presiding Elder

THE PLENARY MEETING
Friday - Saturday, November 4 - 5, 2011

Place - TBA


22. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

Mrs. Dorothy Jean Avery Brown, the mother of Reverend Randy Brown, transitioned into eternity on Friday, July 29, 2011. She was a member of Greater Powell Chapel A.M.E. Church, Grenada, MS. Services were held on Saturday, August 6, 2011 with burial in the Haven Rest Cemetery.

Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to:

The Reverend Randy Brown
438 South Street
Grenada, MS 38901
(662) 688-3191


23. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the untimely death on Sunday August 7, 2011, of the Rev. Quincy C. Jones, pastor of Bethel AME Church, Vicksburg, Mississippi. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Monica Jones, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Jones, and two brothers.

Viewing: Friday, August 12, 2011
7:00-8:00 P.M.
Jefferson Funeral Home
800 Monroe Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
(601) 638-1641

Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 13, 2011
11:00 A.M.
The Vicksburg City Auditorium
901 Monroe Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180

Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Monica Jones
317 Lake Forest Drive
Vicksburg, MS 39180
(601) 636-8540
MNC_BOWMAN@YAHOO.COM

Or

Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Jones
722 Speed Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
(601) 638-4788


24. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the death of Karen A. Williams (45), niece of the Rev. Vetrel E. DeGraphenreed Smith, Pastor of Jones Chapel A.M.E. Church, Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee. After a long battle with breast cancer, Ms. Williams went home to be with the Lord Monday morning, August 8th at Alive Hospice of Nashville. Ms Williams is the daughter of Mrs. Judith A. Harrison (Louis) and former husband, Robert Williams (deceased). Ms Williams leaves behind two children, Kiara Williams (22) and Kolby Cannon (10) and a host of family and friends.

Services for Karen A. Williams:

Monday, August 15, 2011
Family Visitation: 12:00 Noon
Memorial Service: 1:00 P.M.
The Temple Church
3810 Kings Lane
Nashville, TN 37218
Pastor. Darrell A. Drumwright, Officiating

Handling of Remains and Cremation:

Lewis and Wright Funeral Directors
2500 Clarksville Pike
Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 255-2371

Condolences may be sent to:

The Rev. Vetrel E. DeGraphenreed-Smith
480 Fatherland Street
Nashville, TN 37206
615-579-5133
vetrel.smith@gmail.com

Or

In lieu of flowers, contributions for the support of the decease's minor son may be sent to:

Mrs. Judith A. Harrison
For: Kolby Cannon
3125 Hydes Ferry Road
Nashville, TN 37218


25. CLERGY FAMILY BEREAVEMENT NOTICE:

We regret to announce the passing of Dorothy E. Miller. She was the mother of the Rev. Yvonne Perry, associate minister at Greater Mt. Olive AME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the grandmother of the Rev. Jacqueline Capers, pastor of Ruffin Nichols AME Church in Philadelphia, PA (Philadelphia Conference) and the Rev. Vanessa Perry, pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Kenilworth, NJ (Newark District, New Jersey Conference).

The following information has been provided regarding funeral arrangements.

Friday, August 12, 2011
Viewing - 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Funeral - 11:00 a.m.

Zion AME Church
1600 S. 21st Street
Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone: 215-468-6489
Fax: 215-468-9102

The Rev. Simon P. Bouie, Pastor

The Rev. Jacqueline Capers, Officiating and Eulogist

Interment at the Mt. Lawn Cemetery
8400 Hook Road
Sharon Hill, PA 19079

Expressions of Sympathy can be sent to:

The Rev. Jacqueline Capers and family
1034 Linden Street
Sharon Hill, PA 19079
Fax: 610-534-3038


26. 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


27. 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.